Knowledge that Transforms

The categories listed below are used to classify books, book reviews, journal articles, and dissertations indexed in JEL, JEL on CD, EconLit, and www.e-JEL.org . New changes to the classification system appear as soon as possible on www.econlit.org . The JEL classification system may be used freely for scholarly purposes. We suggest the following format: “JEL: A10, B10, etc.”

Editor's Note Our policy is to annotate all English-language books on economics and related subjects that are sent to us. A very small number of foreign-language books are called to our attention and annotated by our consulting editors or others. Our staff does not monitor and order books published; therefore, if an annotation of a book does not appear six months after the publication date, please write to us or the publisher concerning the book.

The categories listed below are used to classify books, book reviews, journal articles, and dissertations indexed in JEL, JEL on CD, EconLit, and www.e-JEL.org . New changes to the classification system appear as soon as possible on www.econlit.org . The JEL classification system may be used freely for scholarly purposes. We suggest the following format: “JEL: A10, B10, etc.”

Previously, it was demonstrated that the novel proteasome inhibitor N,N'-di-(m-methylphenyi)-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-1,4-dicarboamide (ZGDHu‑1) possesses activity against chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In the present study, we attempted to assess whether this drug has a synergistic effect with fludarabine on the apoptosis of CLL cells. Annexin V/PI staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined by flow cytometry in short-term cell culture of blood cells from untreated newly diagnosed patients ex vivo. Expression of active caspase-3 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio for determination of apoptosis were also investigated by flow cytometry and western blot analysis. Our results revealed that the ZGDHu-1 may induce the apoptosis of CLL cells through the mitochondrial pathway and its pro-apoptotic effect is CLL-specific, not affecting normal lymphocytes. Most importantly, a combination of ZGDHu-1 and a non-cytotoxic dose of fludarabine had a synergistic apoptotic effect. To some extent, caspase-3 activation may be involved in the mechanism of the ZGDHu-1 synergistic cytotoxic effect with fludarabine, as well as the cleavage of PARP, consequently leading to apoptosis. Notably, the rate of apoptosis caused by ZGDHu-1 alone or in combination with fludarabine was independent of prognostic markers of CLL disease such as ZAP-70 and CD38 expression or clinical Rai classification stage. In conclusion, ZGDHu-1 exhibited a significant synergistic effect with fludarabine to induce the apoptosis of CLL cells, which implies a possible clinical application.

The standard economic approach to designing institutions for collective decision making recognizes individuals' strategically rational motivations for misrepresentation and asks how best, given an objective function, to design a set of incentives and constraints to internalize or negate such motivations. Securities Against Misrule offers, in the author's phrase, an “essay in persuasion” to the effect that such an approach is fundamentally misguided. Instead, Elster argues for a behavioral approach centered on designing institutions for good decision making, rather than good outcomes, by individuals whose actions are chronically subject to emotional, self-interested, and prejudicial distortions. (JEL D02, D71, D72, D82)

Editor's Note Our policy is to annotate all English-language books on economics and related subjects that are sent to us. A very small number of foreign-language books are called to our attention and annotated by our consulting editors or others. Our staff does not monitor and order books published; therefore, if an annotation of a book does not appear six months after the publication date, please write to us or the publisher concerning the book.

The list below specifies doctoral degrees conferred by U.S. and Canadian universities during academic year July 2014 to June 2015. Lists of degree recipients and subject classifications are provided by the university. Note: Dissertations without classifications may be found under “Y Miscellaneous Categories.”

William Easterly marshals yet another brilliant critique of established development policies, with a focus on the experts' excessive focus on state-led policies and goals (à la Myrdal) and ignorance of bottom-up solutions, including technology and individual rights (à la Hayek). It suggests a world where success occurs in spite of nation-states. Yet not all bottom-up leads to success, and the worst disasters, as in civil violence, occur where states fail. Easterly highlights the important links between success and individual freedom and opportunity. He fails to note that myriad impoverished individuals cannot exercise these freedoms due to low expectations or compromised rights. (JEL A11, D82, E61, I23, O10, O40)