Local Polynomial Fitting and Spatial Price Relationships: Price Transmission in the EU Markets for Pigmeat

We apply nonparametric methods to assess price transmission processes within the EU pig markets. We compare results derived from nonparametric regressions with those obtained using alternative nonlinear threshold models. Results show that nonparametric regressions support the parametric results. However, parametric techniques often suggest a higher degree of price transmission than that implied by threshold models.Livestock Production/Industries, Marketing,

Local polynomial fitting and spatial price relationships: price transmission in the EU pork markets

Postprint (published version

Force-free magnetosphere of an aligned rotator with differential rotation of open magnetic field lines

Here we briefly report on results of self-consistent numerical modeling of a differentially rotating force-free magnetosphere of an aligned rotator. We show that differential rotation of the open field line zone is significant for adjusting of the global structure of the magnetosphere to the current density flowing through the polar cap cascades. We argue that for most pulsars stationary cascades in the polar cap can not support stationary force-free configurations of the magnetosphere.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. Presented at the conference "Isolated Neutron Stars: from the Interior to the Surface", London, April 24-28, 2006; to appear in Astrophysics and Space Science. Significantly revised version, a mistake found by ourselfs in the numerical code was corrected, all presented results are obtained with the correct version of the cod

Implementation of slow magnetic relaxation in a SIM-MOF through a structural rearrangement

Here we report the structural flexibility of a Dy-based Single-Ion Magnet MOF in which its magnetic properties can be modified through a ligand substitution process involving an increase of the charge density of the coordination environment

Can We Really Prevent Suicide?

Every year, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for all ages. Unfortunately, suicide is difficult to prevent, in large part because the prevalence of risk factors is high among the general population. In this review, clinical and psychological risk factors are examined and methods for suicide prevention are discussed. Prevention strategies found to be effective in suicide prevention include means restriction, responsible media coverage, and general public education, as well identification methods such as screening, gatekeeper training, and primary care physician education. Although the treatment for preventing suicide is difficult, follow-up that includes pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, or both may be useful. However, prevention methods cannot be restricted to the individual. Community, social, and policy interventions will also be essentia

3′-5′ Phosphoadenosine phosphate is an inhibitor of PARP-1 and a potential mediator of the lithium-dependent inhibition of PARP-1 in vivo

pAp (3′-5′ phosphoadenosine phosphate) is a by-product of sulfur and lipid metabolism and has been shown to have strong inhibitory properties on RNA catabolism. In the present paper we report a new target of pAp, PARP-1 [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1], a key enzyme in the detection of DNA single-strand breaks. We show that pAp can interact with PARP-1 and inhibit its poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation activity. In vitro, inhibition of PARP-1 was detectable at micromolar concentrations of pAp and altered both PARP-1 automodification and heteromodification of histones. Analysis of the kinetic parameters revealed that pAp acted as a mixed inhibitor that modulated both the Km and the Vmax of PARP-1. In addition, we showed that upon treatment with lithium, a very potent inhibitor of the enzyme responsible for pAp recycling, HeLa cells exhibited a reduced level of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in response to oxidative stress. From these results, we propose that pAp might be a physiological regulator of PARP-1 activity

Central bank policy rates: are they cointegrated?

This paper analyses the stochastic properties of and the bilateral linkages between the central bank policy rates of the US, the Eurozone, Australia, Canada, Japan and the UK using fractional integration and cointegration techniques respectively. The univariate analysis suggests a high degree of persistence in all cases: the fractional integration parameter d is estimated to be above 1, ranging from 1.26 (US) to 1.48 (UK), with the single exception of Japan, for which the unit root null cannot be rejected. Concerning the bivariate results, Australian interest rates are found to be cointegrated with the Eurozone and UK ones, Canadian rates with the UK and US ones, and Japanese rates with the UK ones. The increasing degree of integration of international financial markets and the coordinated monetary policy responses following the global financial crisis might both account for such linkages