bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor‐forming plasmacytoid dendritic cells associated with myeloid neoplasms. Report of a peculiar case with histopathologic features masquerading as lupus erythematosus
Authors: Dargent Jean‐Louis , Henne Stéphanie , Pranger Delphine , Balzarini Piera , Sartenaer Daniel , Bulliard Geneviève , Rack Katrina , Facchetti Fabio
Published: October 2015

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) belong to a subtype of dendritic cells that are normally absent in healthy skin. In some inflammatory diseases of the skin, especially lupus erythematosus (LE), these cells are occasionally recruited in great amounts, which can be used as a helpful clue for diagnosis. Rarely, PDC may also accumulate in the skin of patients with myeloid leukemia, a yet poorly known condition currently called ‘tumor‐forming PDC associated with myeloid neoplasms’. In this study, we describe a patient with unsuspected chronic myelomonocytic leukemia who developed cutaneous lesions characterized by a dermal infiltrate rich in PDC. Similarly to LE, such neoplastic PDC were accompanied by interface dermatitis‐like changes, but displayed an aberrant phenotype and shared the same chromosomal abnormality with the leukemic cells identified in the bone marrow, thus revealing the neoplastic nature of the process. This observation illustrates that tumor‐forming PDC associated with myeloid neoplasms may microscopically mimic LE in some patients. Accordingly, a hematologic workup is recommended in any skin lesion featuring excessive numbers of PDC, even if morphological alterations suggestive of interface dermatitis are found.
Diversion and injection of buprenorphine–naloxone film two years post‐introduction in Australia
Authors: Larance Briony , Mattick Richard , Ali Robert , Lintzeris Nicholas , Jenkinson Rebecca , White Nancy , Kihas Ivana , Cassidy Rosemary , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: October 2015

Introduction and Aims

We report 2 years of post‐marketing surveillance of the diversion and injection of buprenorphine–naloxone (BNX) film following its introduction in 2011.

Design and Methods

Interviews were conducted with people who inject drugs regularly (PWID) (2004–2013), opioid substitution therapy clients (2013, n = 492) and key experts (n = 44). Key outcomes were unsanctioned removal of supervised doses, diversion, injection and street price. Prevalence of past 6‐month injection among PWID was adjusted for background availability of opioid substitution therapy medications using sales data.

Results

Among out‐of‐treatment PWID, the levels of regular (weekly+) BNX film injection were comparable to methadone and BNX tablets, and lower than mono‐buprenorphine, adjusting for background availability. Fewer BNX film clients [3%; 95% (CI) 1–5] regularly injected their medication than mono‐buprenorphine clients (25%; 95% CI 11–39), but at levels equivalent to those among methadone (3%; 95% CI 1–6) and BNX tablet clients (2%; 95% CI 0–6). Key experts perceived BNX film needed less supervised dosing time as it dissolved rapidly and was harder to remove from the mouth than sublingual tablets; however, removal of supervised doses was higher among BNX film clients (15%; 95% CI: 10–20) than methadone clients (3%; 95% CI 1–6), and not significantly different from BNX tablet (11%; 95% CI 2–21) and mono‐buprenorphine clients (31%; 95% CI 16–46).

Discussion and Conclusions

Two years post‐introduction, levels of BNX film diversion and injection remained comparable with those for methadone and BNX tablets, and lower than mono‐buprenorphine. We found no evidence that BNX film has lower non‐adherence and diversion than the tablet formulation. [Larance B, Mattick R, Ali R, Lintzeris N, Jenkinson R, White N, Kihas I, Cassidy R, Degenhardt L. Diversion and injection of buprenorphine–naloxone film two years post‐introduction in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015]
Acute TrkB inhibition rescues phenobarbital‐resistant seizures in a mouse model of neonatal ischemia
Authors: Kang S. K. , Johnston M. V. , Kadam S. D.
Published: October 2015

Neonatal seizures are commonly associated with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. Phenobarbital (PB) resistance is common and poses a serious challenge in clinical management. Using a newly characterized neonatal mouse model of ischemic seizures, this study investigated a novel strategy for rescuing PB resistance. A small‐molecule TrkB antagonist, ANA12, used to selectively and transiently block post‐ischemic BDNF‐TrkB signaling in vivo, determined whether rescuing TrkB‐mediated post‐ischemic degradation of the K+–Cl− co‐transporter (KCC2) rescued PB‐resistant seizures. The anti‐seizure efficacy of ANA12 + PB was quantified by (i) electrographic seizure burden using acute continuous video‐electroencephalograms and (ii) post‐treatment expression levels of KCC2 and NKCC1 using Western blot analysis in postnatal day (P)7 and P10 CD1 pups with unilateral carotid ligation. ANA12 significantly rescued PB‐resistant seizures at P7 and improved PB efficacy at P10. A single dose of ANA12 + PB prevented the post‐ischemic degradation of KCC2 for up to 24 h. As anticipated, ANA12 by itself had no anti‐seizure properties and was unable to prevent KCC2 degradation at 24 h without follow‐on PB. This indicates that unsubdued seizures can independently lead to KCC2 degradation via non‐TrkB‐dependent pathways. This study, for the first time as a proof‐of‐concept, reports the potential therapeutic value of KCC2 modulation for the management of PB‐resistant seizures in neonates. Future investigations are required to establish the mechanistic link between ANA12 and the prevention of KCC2 degradation.
Big data and data science: what should we teach?
Authors: Song Il‐Yeol , Zhu Yongjun
Published: October 2015

The era of big data has arrived. Big data bring us the data‐driven paradigm and enlighten us to challenge new classes of problems we were not able to solve in the past. We are beginning to see the impacts of big data in every aspect of our lives and society. We need a science that can address these big data problems. Data science is a new emerging discipline that was termed to address challenges that we are facing and going to face in the big data era. Thus, education in data science is the key to success, and we need concrete strategies and approaches to better educate future data scientists. In this paper, we discuss general concepts on big data, data science, and data scientists and show the results of an extensive survey on current data science education in United States. Finally, we propose various approaches that data science education should aim to accomplish.
Gradient‐based back‐propagation dynamical iterative learning scheme for the neuro‐fuzzy inference system
Authors: Nejad Hadi Chahkandi , Farshad Mohsen , Rahatabad Fereidoun Nowshiravan , Khayat Omid
Published: October 2015

In this paper, a gradient‐based back propagation dynamical iterative learning algorithm is proposed for structure optimization and parameter tuning of the neuro‐fuzzy system. Premise and consequent parameters of the neuro‐fuzzy model are initialized randomly and then tuned by the proposed iterative algorithm. The learning algorithm is based on the first order partial derivative of the output with respect to the structure parameters. The first order derivative of the model output with respect to the structure parameters determines the sensitivity of the model to structure parameters. The sensitivity values are then used to set the tuning factors and parameters updating step sizes. Therefore, an adaptive dynamical iterative scheme is achieved which adapts the learning procedure to the current state of the performance during the optimization process. Larger tuning step sizes make the convergence speed higher and vice versa. In this regard, this parameter is treated according to the calculated sensitivity of the model to the parameter. The proposed learning algorithm is compared with the least square back propagation method, genetic algorithm and chaotic genetic algorithm in the neuro‐fuzzy model structure optimization. Smaller mean square error and shorter learning time are sought in this paper, and the performance of the proposed learning algorithm is versified regarding these criteria.
A mood‐ and situation‐based model for developing intuitive Pop music recommendation systems
Authors: Chen You‐Shyang , Cheng Ching‐Hsue , Chen Da‐Ren , Lai Cheng‐Huan
Published: October 2015

Traditionally, a per‐song‐purchased base recommendation system is used on most music websites, but this method produces unsatisfactory results under various situational practices. This study proposes a hybrid procedure that includes both an expert‐attributes selection capability and a mood/situation‐attributes categorization functionality. This procedure fosters the development of a so‐called MoMusic model as an unlimited online streaming service to replace current systems and artfully provide music to interested parties. This study employs a dataset consisting of 821 songs from the 2005–2010 annual music rankings as well as songs from the top artists from 2009 to 2010 from Taiwan's popular KKBOX music streaming service. The experimental dataset was assessed and coded by domain experts, and the expert‐attributes selections and mood/situation‐attributes categorizations were used to produce recommendation lists. These recommendation lists were then paired with questionnaire‐derived music preferences from experienced users. The experimental results conclusively show that the MoMusic model is approximately twice as accurate as the random selection‐based lists and the KKBOX‐like recommendation lists and performs better than the two listed recommendation systems. The MoMusic model scores 0.889 on the usefulness evaluation, whereas the system satisfaction is 0.96. The MoMusic model has the advantages of intuitive use and high performance.
Monoamine oxidase A polymorphism moderates stability of attention problems and susceptibility to life stress during adolescence
Authors: Zohsel K. , Bianchi V. , Mascheretti S. , Hohm E. , Schmidt M. H. , Esser G. , Brandeis D. , Banaschewski T. , Nobile M. , Laucht M.
Published: October 2015

Attention problems affect a substantial number of children and adolescents and are predictive of academic underachievement and lower global adaptive functioning. Considerable variability has been observed with regard to the individual development of attention problems over time. In particular, the period of adolescence is characterized by substantial maturation of executive functioning including attentional processing, with the influence of genetic and environmental factors on individual trajectories not yet well understood. In the present investigation, we evaluated whether the monoamine oxidase A functional promoter polymorphism, MAOA‐LPR, plays a role in determining continuity of parent‐rated attention problems during adolescence. At the same time, a potential effect of severe life events (SLEs) was taken into account. A multi‐group path analysis was used in a sample of 234 adolescents (149 males, 85 females) who took part in an epidemiological cohort study at the ages of 11 and 15 years. Attention problems during early adolescence were found to be a strong predictor of attention problems in middle adolescence. However, in carriers of the MAOA‐LPR low‐activity variant (MAOA‐L), stability was found to be significantly higher than in carriers of the high‐activity variant (MAOA‐H). Additionally, only in MAOA‐L carriers did SLEs during adolescence significantly impact on attention problems at the age of 15 years, implying a possible gene × environment interaction. To conclude, we found evidence that attention problems during adolescence in carriers of the MAOA‐L allele are particularly stable and malleable to life stressors. The present results underline the usefulness of applying a more dynamic GxE perspective.
Optimal method for measuring tumor extent in needle biopsy specimens to identify small‐volume prostate cancer
Authors: Kajikawa Keishi , Kanao Kent , Kobayashi Ikuo , Nishikawa Genya , Yoshizawa Takahiko , Kato Yoshiharu , Watanabe Masahito , Zennami Kenji , Nakamura Kogenta , Sumitomo Makoto
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To compare various methods for measuring tumor extent in prostate biopsy specimens to identify small‐volume prostate cancer.

Methods

A total of 100 radical prostatectomy specimens were retrospectively analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare the abilities of prostate‐specific antigen density, and four measures of tumor extent in prostate biopsy specimens – positive core number, greatest percentage of cancer in a single core, greatest length of cancer in cores and total length of cancer in cores – to identify small volume prostate cancer. Four definitions of insignificant cancer volume were used in this analysis: index and total tumor volume <0.5 mL, index tumor volume <1.3 mL and total tumor volume <2.5 mL. Multivariate analysis was also used to evaluate variables for predicting small‐volume prostate cancer.

Results

Total length of cancer in cores had the highest areas under the curve of all the measures defining small‐volume prostate cancer: index tumor volume <0.5 mL (0.855), total tumor volume <0.5 mL (0.877), index tumor volume <1.3 mL (0.784) and total tumor volume <2.5 mL (0.818). On multivariate analysis total length of cancer in cores was an independent predictive factor for prostate cancers with index tumor volume <0.5 mL (P < 0.001), <1.3 mL (P < 0.001) and total tumor volume <0.5 mL (P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that total length of cancer in cores is the optimal measure of tumor extent in prostate biopsy specimens for identifying small‐volume prostate cancer.
Pattern Bargaining and Wage Leadership in a Small Open Economy*
Authors: Calmfors Lars , Seim Anna Larsson
Published: October 2015

Pattern bargaining with the tradables (manufacturing) sector as the wage leader is common in Europe. We question the conventional wisdom that such bargaining produces wage restraint. In our model, all forms of pattern bargaining give the same outcomes as uncoordinated bargaining under inflation targeting. Under a monetary union, wage leadership for the non‐tradables sector is conducive to wage restraint, whereas wage leadership for the tradables sector is not. Comparison thinking might lead the follower to set the same wage as the leader. Such equilibria can arise when the leader sector is the smaller sector, and these can promote high employment.
Network Effects in International Migration: Education versus Gender*
Authors: Beine Michel , Salomone Sara
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we analyze the impact that networks have on the structure of international migration flows. In particular, we investigate whether diaspora externalities are different across education levels and gender. Using new data that include both dimensions, we analyze the respective impact that networks have on the proportion of each category of migrant. Therefore, in contrast to the preceding body of literature on the macro determinants of international migration, we can identify the factors that influence the selection in terms of skills and in terms of gender. We find that network effects vary by education level, but not by gender.
Conspicuous Leisure: Optimal Income Taxation When Both Relative Consumption and Relative Leisure Matter*
Authors: Aronsson Thomas , Johansson‐Stenman Olof
Published: October 2015

In previous studies on public policy under relative‐consumption concerns, leisure comparisons have been ignored. In this paper, we consider a two‐type optimal non‐linear income tax model, in which people care about both their relative consumption and their relative leisure. Increased consumption positionality typically implies higher marginal income tax rates for both ability types, whereas leisure positionality has an offsetting role. However, this offsetting role is not symmetric; concern about relative leisure implies a progressive income tax component (i.e., a component that is larger for the high‐ability type than for the low‐ability type). Leisure positionality does not modify the policy rule for public‐good provision.
The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis
Authors: Engebretsen K.A. , Johansen J.D. , Kezic S. , Linneberg A. , Thyssen J.P.
Published: October 2015

Physicians are aware that climatic conditions negatively affect the skin. In particular, people living in equator far countries such as the Northern parts of Europe and North America are exposed to harsh weather during the winter and may experience dry and itchy skin, or deterioration of already existing dermatoses. We searched the literature for studies that evaluated the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Commonly used meteorological terms such as absolute humidity, relative humidity and dew point are explained. Furthermore, we review the negative effect of low humidity, low temperatures and different seasons on the skin barrier and on the risk of dermatitis. We conclude that low humidity and low temperatures lead to a general decrease in skin barrier function and increased susceptible towards mechanical stress. Since pro‐inflammatory cytokines and cortisol are released by keratinocytes, and the number of dermal mast cells increases, the skin also becomes more reactive towards skin irritants and allergens. Collectively, published data show that cold and dry weather increase the prevalence and risk of flares in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Development of Consumer Acceptable Products using CUB Analysis: An Example with burgers from Dairy Cattle
Authors: Cafarelli B. , Pilone V. , Conte A. , Gammariello D. , Del Nobile M. A.
Published: October 2015

In this work, Combination of Uniform and shifted Binomial random variables (CUB) models were used to understand the role played by liking/disliking toward the sensory meat characteristics and the uncertainty of the respondents. The detection of significant similarities and differences among sensory evaluations was proposed by comparing the parameters estimated by CUB models with the aid of multidimensional scaling (MDS). The MDS approach was also proposed to confirm the presence of the two latent variables – feeling and uncertainty – estimated by CUB models. In particular, the sensory characteristics of a conventional hamburger and a new one produced from dairy cattle at the end of their milk production, properly mixed with chicken and turkey meat were evaluated and compared. This approach resulted useful to understand which hamburger was preferred and why. In particular, the results showed a good level of acceptance for both hamburgers, with a slight preference toward the new product in terms of feeling and uncertainty. The outcomes of the analysis also provided indications to meat producers oriented to exploiting dairy cattle for slaughter and could give suggestions for bottom‐up sustainable food policy implications.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In this study, an integrated approach based on CUB models is proposed to evaluate and compare the sensory characteristics of a conventional hamburger and a new one produced from dairy cattle. The conclusions achieved suggested that this approach can be seen as a successful attempt to evaluate consumer acceptability toward a new food product. The results also confirm the importance of consumer‐insight in the innovation process. In particular, the proposed approach allowed integrating the sensory evaluation with marketing processes and efficiently targeting product development activities. Finally, the experimental findings of the current study can be considered an opportunity to valorize livestock production and reduce the environmental impact.
The burden of fungal disease in Denmark
Authors: Mortensen Klaus L. , Denning David W. , Arendrup Maiken C.
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study is to calculate the burden of fungal disease in Denmark. We identified all published epidemiology papers reporting fungal infection rates in Denmark. Where no data existed, we used numbers of specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies in those populations to estimate national incidence or prevalence. Approximately, one in six Danes will suffer from a fungal infection each year, most of which are skin or mucosal diseases causing disability but no deaths. Good data exist on candidaemia where a national voluntary reporting system is in place and have shown a high rate (9.6 per 100 000 inhabitants) compared other European countries. We present estimates of invasive aspergillosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis with rates of 4.4 per 100 000 and 3.1 per 100 000 inhabitants, respectively. Further studies are needed in order to better ascertain high‐burden fungal infections such as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (~1350 cases in 100 000 women) as well as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (~131 cases in 100 000 inhabitants) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (cases in 100 000 inhabitants). In conclusion, more than 93 000 Danes or about 2% of Denmark's population will have a non‐trivial fungal infection during 1 year, which underscores the magnitude of the fungal burden.
Burden of serious fungal infections in Ukraine
Authors: Osmanov Ali , Denning David W.
Published: October 2015

Ukraine has high rates of TB, AIDS and cancer. We estimated the burden of fungal disease from epidemiology papers and specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies. HIV/AIDS cases and deaths (2012) and tuberculosis statistics were obtained from the State Service of Ukraine, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases were from M. Miravitlles et al., Thorax 64, 863–868 (2009). Annual estimates are 893 579 Ukrainian women get recurrent vaginal thrush (≥4× per year), 50 847 cases of oral candidiasis and 13 727 cases of oesophageal candidiasis in HIV, and 101 (1%) of 10 085 new AIDS cases develop cryptococcal meningitis, 6152 cases of Pneumocystis pneumonia (13.5 cases per 100 000). Of the 29 265 cases of active respiratory TB in 2012, it is estimated that 2881 new cases of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) occurred and that the 5‐year period prevalence is 7724 cases with a total CPA burden of 10 054 cases. Assuming adult asthma prevalence is ~2.9%, 28 447 patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) are likely and 37 491 with severe asthma with fungal sensitisation. We estimate 2278 cases and 376 postsurgical intra‐abdominal Candida infections. Invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients is estimated at 303 patients annually; 930 cases in COPD patients. Ninety cases of mucormycosis (2 per 1 000 000) are estimated. In total, ~1 000 000 (2.2%) people in Ukraine develop serious fungal infections annually.
Effect of the implosion and demolition of a hospital building on the concentration of fungi in the air
Authors: Barreiros Gloria , Akiti Tiyomi , Magalhães Ana Cristina Gouveia , Nouér Simone A. , Nucci Marcio
Published: October 2015

Building renovations increase the concentration of Aspergillus conidia in the air. In 2010, one wing of the hospital building was imploded due to structural problems. To evaluate the impact of building implosion on the concentration of fungi in the air, the demolition was performed in two phases: mechanical demolition of 30 m of the building, followed by implosion of the wing. Patients at high risk for aspergillosis were placed in protected wards. Air sampling was performed during mechanical demolition, on the day of implosion and after implosion. Total and specific fungal concentrations were compared in the different areas and periods of sampling, using the anova test. The incidence of IA in the year before and after implosion was calculated. The mean concentration of Aspergillus increased during mechanical demolition and on the day of implosion. However, in the most protected areas, there was no significant difference in the concentration of fungi. The incidence of invasive aspergillosis (cases per 1000 admissions) was 0.9 in the 12 months before, 0.4 during, and 0.5 in the 12 months after mechanical demolition (P > 0.05). Continuous monitoring of the quality of air and effective infection control measures are important to minimize the impact of building demolition.
Fluorinated Photodynamic Therapy Device Tips and their Resistance to Fouling for In Vivo Sensitizer Release
Authors: Ghogare Ashwini A. , Miller Joann M. , Mondal Bikash , Lyons Alan M. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M. , Greer Alexander
Published: October 2015

We describe progress on a one‐step photodynamic therapy (PDT) technique that is simple: device tip delivery of sensitizer, oxygen and light simultaneously. Control is essential for their delivery to target sites to generate singlet oxygen. One potential problem is the silica device tip may suffer from biomaterial fouling and the pace of sensitizer photorelease is slowed. Here, we have used biomaterial (e.g. proteins, cells, etc.) from SQ20B head and neck tumors and whole blood for an assessment of fouling of the silica tips by adsorption. It was shown that by exchanging the native silica tip for a fluorinated tip, a better nonstick property led to an increased sensitizer output by ~10%. The fluorinated tip gave a sigmoidal photorelease where singlet oxygen is stabilized to physical quenching, whereas the native silica tip with unprotected SiO–H groups gave a slower (pseudolinear) photorelease. A further benefit from fluorinated silica is that 15% less biomaterial adheres to its surface compared to native silica based on a bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. We discuss how the fluorination of the device tip increases biofouling resistance and can contribute to a new pointsource PDT tool.
A small RNA targets pokeweed antiviral protein transcript
Authors: Klenov Alexander , Neller Kira C. M. , Burns Lydia A. , Krivdova Gabriela , Hudak Katalin A.
Published: October 2015

Ribosome‐inactivating proteins (RIPs) are a class of plant defense proteins with N‐glycosidase activity (EC 3.2.2.22). Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) is a Type I RIP isolated from the pokeweed plant, Phytolacca americana, thought to confer broad‐spectrum virus resistance in this plant. Through a combination of standard molecular techniques and RNA sequencing analysis, we report here that a small RNA binds and cleaves the open reading frame of PAP mRNA. Additionally, sRNA targeting of PAP is dependent on jasmonic acid (JA), a plant hormone important for defense against pathogen infection and herbivory. Levels of small RNA increased with JA treatment, as did levels of PAP mRNA and protein, suggesting that the small RNA functions to moderate the expression of PAP in response to this hormone. The association between JA and PAP expression, mediated by sRNA299, situates PAP within a signaling pathway initiated by biotic stress. The consensus sequence of sRNA299 was obtained through bioinformatic analysis of pokeweed small RNA sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first account of a sRNA targeting a RIP gene.
Symptom‐based management of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Garibaldi Brian T. , Danoff Sonye K.
Published: October 2015

The term ‘idiopathic interstitial pneumonia’ (IIP) encompasses a wide variety of diseases with different and often unexplained pathophysiology as well as diverse natural histories. Unfortunately, many of these diseases are progressive and some are poorly responsive to available therapies. Despite the varied nature of IIPs, patients experience common symptoms related to their chronic lung disease. Dyspnoea, cough, fatigue and depression contribute substantially to morbidity and are often difficult to manage. The psychological stress of having a chronic and often life‐limiting disease further complicates symptom control. Effective symptom‐management requires a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates patient education and self‐management to formulate goals of care and treatment plans. In this context, palliative care is incorporated from the time of diagnosis of an IIP and is not restricted to the end stages of the disease. Pulmonary rehabilitation plays a central role in symptom‐management and has beneficial effects across multiple domains. In patients who do not respond to disease‐specific treatments and are not candidates for lung transplant, early referral to hospice may improve quality of life for both patients and their families near the end of life.
Foreign Firms, Domestic Wages*
Authors: Malchow‐Møller Nikolaj , Markusen James R. , Schjerning Bertel
Published: October 2015

Three types of theories have been used to explain the wage premium in foreign firms: the theories of heterogeneous workers, heterogeneous learning, and heterogeneous firms. We set up a model that explicitly encompasses two of these theories, and that can illustrate the third. This unifying framework allows us to rigorously compare the predictions of the different theories. Thus, it is a useful tool for interpreting new and existing empirical evidence. We illustrate the usefulness of the model on matched employer−employee data, and we find considerable support for all three theories. In particular, the theory of heterogeneous workers can explain up to 75 percent of the premium.
Sushi or Fish Fingers? Seafood Diversity, Collapsing Fish Stocks, and Multispecies Fishery Management*
Authors: Quaas Martin F. , Requate Till
Published: October 2015

We present a model of a multispecies fishery, and we show the following. (i) Consumer preferences for seafood diversity can trigger a sequential collapse of fish stocks under open‐access fishery. (ii) The stronger the preferences are for diversity, the higher is the need for coordinated multispecies regulation. (iii) Second‐best optimal management of only one (or a few) species is less strict than socially optimal management of the same species. (iv) Myopic regulation of one species, ignoring spillovers to other species, can cause depletion of other stocks that would not be depleted under open access.
How do Multiproduct Exporters React to a Change in Trade Costs?*
Authors: Berthou Antoine , Fontagné Lionel
Published: October 2015

We use data on individual French exporters to document how a change in trade costs, following the introduction of the euro, affected the export margins of firms in relation to export decisions, the number of products exported, and the average sales per product. Our results confirm two effects predicted by the theory: firms increase the range of products they export as well as their intensive margin. This effect is most evident in markets with moderate monetary policy coordination before 1999. General equilibrium competition effects reduce the initial positive impact on each of these margins. We find no evidence that firms increase their participation in the export market.
Strategic Responses: A Survey Experiment on Opposition to Pension Reforms*
Authors: Scheubel Beatrice , Schunk Daniel , Winter Joachim
Published: October 2015

The responses given in opinion polls on future policy reforms reflect both subjective expectations and preferences. We disentangle these factors using data from a controlled survey experiment conducted in Germany. At the time of the experiment, an increased retirement age had been proposed as part of a pension reform. Thus, the survey respondents faced an incentive to give biased responses. By understating their expected work ability at the age of retirement, they could make the increase of the retirement age a less attractive policy option. We find evidence for such strategic response behavior, and this strategic bias appears to be stronger in former communist East Germany.
Lloyd Shapley's Matching and Game Theory
Authors: Serrano Roberto
Published: October 2015

This is a survey of Lloyd Shapley's contributions to matching theory and game theory in general, starting with the work that inspired the Swedish Academy to award the 2012 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences to Lloyd Shapley and Alvin Roth.
Using a Microeconometric Model of Household Labour Supply to Design Optimal Income Taxes*
Authors: Aaberge Rolf , Colombino Ugo
Published: October 2015

With regards to empirical applications of optimal taxation theory, analytical expressions are typically adopted for optimal taxes, and then numerical values are imputed to their parameters by calibration or by using previous estimates. We aim to avoid the restrictive assumptions and possible inconsistencies of this approach. In contrast, we identify optimal taxes by iteratively running a microeconometric model, based on 1994 Norwegian data, until a given social welfare function is maximized, given the public budget constraint. The optimal rules envisage monotonically increasing marginal rates (negative on very low incomes) and – compared to the current rule – a lower average rate, lower marginal rates on low incomes, and higher marginal rates on very high incomes.
Why Are Rich Countries More Politically Cohesive?*
Authors: Dalgaard Carl‐Johan , Olsson Ola
Published: October 2015

We document empirically that rich countries are more politically cohesive than poorer countries. In order to explain this regularity, we provide a model where political cohesion is linked to the emergence of a fully functioning market economy. Without market exchange, the welfare of inherently selfish individuals will be mutually independent. Whoever has greater bargaining power will be willing to make decisions that enhance the productivity of their supporters at the expense of other groups in society. If the gains from specialization are sufficiently large, however, a market economy will emerge. From being essentially non‐cohesive under self‐sufficiency, the political decision‐making process becomes cohesive in the market economy, because the welfare of individuals will be mutually interdependent as a result of the exchange of goods.
Is Transparency To No Avail?*
Authors: Swank Otto H. , Visser Bauke
Published: October 2015

Transparent decision‐making processes are widely regarded as a prerequisite for the working of a representative democracy. It facilitates accountability, and citizens might suspect that decisions, if taken behind closed doors, do not promote their interests. Why else would there be the secrecy? We provide a model of committee decision‐making that explains the public's demand for transparency, and committee members' aversion to it. In line with case study evidence, we show how pressures to become transparent induce committee members to organize pre‐meetings away from the public eye. Transparency does not improve accountability, but it might improve the decision.
House Prices and Stock Prices: Different Roles in the US Monetary Transmission Mechanism*
Authors: Bjørnland Hilde C. , Jacobsen Dag Henning
Published: October 2015

We analyze the role of house prices and stock prices in the monetary‐policy transmission mechanism in the US, using a structural vector autoregressive model. If we allow the interest rate and asset prices to react simultaneously to news, we find different roles for house prices and stock prices in the monetary transmission mechanism. Following a contractionary monetary‐policy shock, stock prices fall immediately, while the response in house prices is more gradual. Regarding the systematic response in monetary policy, stock prices play a more important role than house prices. As a consequence, house prices contribute more than stock prices to fluctuations in gross domestic product and inflation.
Buying a Home with a Resale Value: Location, Location, Location*
Authors: Haavio Markus , Kauppi Heikki
Published: October 2015

We develop a dynamic multiregion model, where a household's choice of housing location depends on its current wealth and its current type, and involves both consumption and investment considerations. The relative strength of the consumption motive and the investment motive determines the equilibrium pattern of residential sorting. A strong investment (consumption) motive implies sorting according to household type (wealth). The model predicts that large house‐price fluctuations are associated with a low degree of sorting by type. This prediction is consistent with evidence from US metropolitan areas when income, education, and age are used as proxies for household type.
Financial Globalization, Financial Crises, and the External Portfolio Structure of Emerging Markets*
Authors: Mendoza Enrique G. , Smith Katherine A.
Published: October 2015

We study the transitional dynamics of financial integration in emerging economies using a two‐sector model with a collateral constraint on external debt and trading costs incurred by foreign investors. The probability of a financial crisis displays overshooting; it rises sharply initially and then falls sharply, but remains non‐zero in the long run. While equity holdings fall permanently, bond holdings initially fall, but rise after the probability of a crisis peaks. Conversely, asset returns and asset prices first rise and then fall. These results are in line with the post‐globalization dynamics observed in emerging markets, and the higher frequency of crises that they display.
Subjective Performance Evaluations and Reciprocity in Principal–Agent Relations
Authors: Sebald Alexander , Walzl Markus
Published: October 2015

We conduct a laboratory experiment with agents working on, and principals benefiting from, a real effort task in which the agents' performance can only be evaluated subjectively. Principals give subjective performance feedback to agents, and agents have an opportunity to sanction principals. In contrast to existing models of reciprocity, we find that agents tend to sanction whenever the feedback of principals is below their subjective self‐evaluations even if agents' pay‐offs are independent of it. In turn, principals provide more positive feedback (relative to their actual performance assessment of the agent) if this does not affect their pay‐off.
Wage Rigidity, Inflation, and Institutions
Authors: Holden Steinar , Wulfsberg Fredrik
Published: October 2015

We study the possible existence of downward nominal wage rigidity (DNWR) at wage growth rates different from zero in aggregate data. Even if DNWR prevails at zero for individual workers, compositional effects might lead to falling aggregate wages, while changes in relative wages combined with DNWR might lead to positive aggregate wage growth. We explore industry data for 19 OECD countries, over the 1971–2006 period. We find evidence for a floor on nominal wage growth at 6 percent in the 1970s and 1980s, at 1 percent in the 1990s, and at 0.5 percent in the 2000s. Furthermore, we find that DNWR is stronger in country‐years with strict employment protection legislation, high union density, centralized wage setting, and high inflation.
Immigration Wage Effects by Origin
Authors: Bratsberg Bernt , Raaum Oddbjørn , Røed Marianne , Schøne Pål
Published: October 2015

We estimate the direct partial wage effects of immigrant‐induced increases in labor supply, using the national skill cell approach with longitudinal records drawn from Norwegian administrative registers. The results show overall negative but heterogeneous wage effects, with larger effects on immigrant wages than on native wages and with native wages more responsive to inflows from Nordic countries than from developing countries. These patterns are consistent with natives and Nordic citizens being close substitutes, while natives and immigrants from developing countries are imperfect substitutes. Estimates are sensitive to accounting for effective immigrant experience, selective native participation, and variation in demand conditions and native labor supply.
Intergenerational Transmission of Education and Mediating Channels: Evidence from a Compulsory Schooling Reform in Germany
Authors: Piopiunik Marc
Published: October 2015

In this paper, I estimate the causal effect that an additional year of schooling for parents has on their children's education, by exploiting a compulsory schooling reform that was implemented in all West German states between 1946 and 1969. Although previous research indicates that the reform had no effect on earnings, I find that an additional year of schooling for women strongly affects the education of their sons. There is no effect for the other parent–child gender pairs. I investigate numerous channels that might mediate the positive effect of the education of mothers. Most importantly, I find that individuals with more schooling value their children's educational success as more important.
Anger and Regulation
Authors: Di Tella Rafael , Dubra Juan
Published: October 2015

We study a model in which agents experience anger when they see a firm that has displayed insufficient concern for the welfare of its clients (i.e., altruism) making high profits. Regulation can increase welfare, for example, through fines (even with no changes in prices). Besides the standard channel (i.e., efficiency), regulation affects welfare through two other channels. (i) Regulation calms down existing consumers, because a reduction in the profits of an unkind firm increases total welfare by reducing consumer anger. (ii) Individuals who were out of the market when they were angry in the unregulated market decide to purchase once the firm is regulated.
Empirical Asset Pricing: Eugene Fama, Lars Peter Hansen, and Robert Shiller
Authors: Campbell John Y.
Published: October 2015

The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for 2013 was awarded to Eugene Fama, Lars Peter Hansen, and Robert Shiller for their contributions to the empirical study of asset pricing. Some observers have found it hard to understand the common elements of the laureates' research, preferring to highlight areas of disagreement among them. In this paper, I argue that empirical asset pricing is a coherent enterprise, which owes much to the laureates' influential contributions, and that important themes in the literature can best be understood by considering the laureates in pairs. Specifically, after summarizing modern asset‐pricing theory using the stochastic discount factor as an organizing framework, I discuss the following: the joint hypothesis problem in tests of market efficiency, which is as much an opportunity as a problem (Fama and Hansen); patterns of short‐ and long‐term predictability in asset returns (Fama and Shiller); and models of deviations from rational expectations (Hansen and Shiller). I conclude by reviewing the ways in which the laureates have already influenced the practice of finance, and how they might influence future innovations.
Do Surveillance Cameras Affect Unruly Behavior? A Close Look at Grandstands
Authors: Priks Mikael
Published: October 2015

How do surveillance cameras affect unruly spectator behavior? I examine this question using a natural experiment from the Swedish soccer league. Stadiums in Sweden introduced surveillance cameras at different points in time during the years 2000 and 2001. I exploit the exogenous variation that occurred because of differences across stadiums in the processing time taken to obtain permits for cameras as well as delays in the supply of equipment. Conditioning on stadium fixed effects, unruly behavior was found to be approximately 65 percent lower in stadiums with cameras compared to stadiums without cameras. The identification strategy provides a unique possibility to address problems regarding endogeneity, simultaneous policy interventions, and displacement effects.
Accomplice Witnesses and Organized Crime: Theory and Evidence from Italy
Authors: Acconcia Antonio , Immordino Giovanni , Piccolo Salvatore , Rey Patrick
Published: October 2015

We develop an agency model of organized crime accounting for the main trade‐offs involved in the introduction of an accomplice‐witness program. We characterize the optimal policy and identify its main determinants in a framework where public officials can be dishonest. Our predictions are tested by using data for Italy before and after the introduction of the 1991 accomplice‐witness program. As predicted by the model and the earlier antitrust literature, the program appears to have strengthened deterrence and enhanced prosecution. Moreover, consistent with a novel prediction of our theory, the evidence suggests that the program efficacy is affected by the judicial system efficiency.
Local Labor Supply Responses to Immigration
Authors: Del Carpio Ximena , Özden Çağlar , Testaverde Mauro , Wagner Mathis
Published: October 2015

How natives adjust is central to an understanding of the impact of immigration in destination countries. Using detailed labor force data for Malaysia for 1990–2010, we provide estimates of native responses to immigration on multiple extensive margins and rare evidence for a developing country. Instrumental variable estimates show that increased immigration to a state causes substantial internal inward migration, consistent with the fact that immigration increases the demand for native workers. Relocating Malaysian workers are accompanied by their spouses (three‐quarters of whom are housewives) and children who attend school. We find that these effects are concentrated among middle‐ and lower‐skilled Malaysians.
The World Is Not Enough! Small Open Economies and Regional Dependence
Authors: Aastveit Knut Are , Bjørnland Hilde C. , Thorsrud Leif Anders
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we explicitly introduce regional factors into a global dynamic factor model. We combine new open economy factor models (emphasizing global shocks) with the recent findings of regional importance in the business cycle synchronization literature. The analysis is applied to a large panel of domestic data for four small open economies. We find that global and regional shocks explain roughly 30 and 20 percent, respectively, of the business cycle variation in all countries. While global shocks have most impact on trade variables, regional shocks explain a relatively large share of the variation in cost variables.
Trade Liberalization and Environmental Taxation in Federal Systems
Authors: Fredriksson Per G. , Matschke Xenia
Published: October 2015

The literature on trade liberalization and environment has not yet considered federal structures. In this paper, we show how the design of environmental policy in a federal system has implications for the effects of trade reform. Trade liberalization leads to a decline in pollution taxes, regardless of whether pollution taxes are set at the federal (centralized) or local (decentralized) level, and it increases social welfare. The effect under a decentralized system is smaller than if these taxes are set by the federal government, and pollution emissions therefore decline in this case. Moreover, majority bias interacts with trade liberalization if federal taxes are used.
Do Firms Provide Wage Insurance against Shocks?
Authors: Kátay Gábor
Published: October 2015

Implicit contract models imply that it is Pareto optimal for risk‐neutral firms to provide insurance to risk‐averse workers against shocks. Using a matched employer–employee dataset, I evaluate wage responses to both permanent and transitory shocks in Hungary, and compare my results to similar studies on Italian, Portuguese, German, and French datasets. I find that the magnitude of the wage response differs depending on the nature of the shock. Broadly speaking, the wage response to permanent shocks is twice the size of the response to transitory shocks. Unlike previous findings, my results show that full insurance against transitory shocks is rejected.
Do Education and Income Really Explain Inequalities in Health? Applying a Twin Design
Authors: Gerdtham U.‐G. , Lundborg P. , Lyttkens C. H. , Nystedt P.
Published: October 2015

We apply a twin design to examine the relationship between health and education and income. The estimated associations between health and education and income, controlling for unobserved endowments, at the twin‐pair level, are lower than estimates obtained via ordinary least‐squares (OLS) on the same sample. Thus, OLS‐based effects of education and income are biased, exaggerating the contribution of education and income to health inequality. The main part of health inequality is explained by within‐twin‐pair fixed effects, incorporating family background and genetic inheritance. It appears that education and income policies have less to offer for reducing health inequality than is usually assumed.