Economic structure and key sectors analysis of greenhouse gas emissions in Uruguay

This paper identifies the key sectors in greenhouse gas emissions of the Uruguayan economy through input-output analysis. This allows to precisely determine the role played by the different productive sectors and their relationship with other sectors in the relation between the Uruguayan productive structure and atmospheric pollution. In order to guide policy design for GHG reduction, we decompose sectors liability between the pollution generated through their own production processes and the pollution indirectly generated in the production processes of other sectors. The results show that all the key polluting sectors for the different contaminants considered are relevant because of their own emissions, except for the sector Motor vehicles and oil retail trade, which is relevant in CO2 emissions because of its pure, both backward and forward, linkages. Finally, the best policy channels for controlling and reducing GHGs emissions are identified, and compared with the National Climate Change Response Plan (NCCRP) lines of action.

Edge vascular response after polymer-free vs. polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation.

BACKGROUND It is unknown if lack of polymer can provoke a different edge response in drug-eluting stents. The aim of this study was to compare edge vascular response between polymer-free paclitaxel-eluting stent (PF-PES) and polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stents (PB-PES). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 165 eligible patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively randomized 1:1 to receive either PF-PES or PB-PES. Those patients with paired intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) after procedure and at 9-month follow-up were included in this analysis.Seventy-six patients with 84 lesions, divided into PB-PES (38 patients, 41 lesions) and PF-PES groups (38 patients, 43 lesions) had paired post-procedure and 9-month follow-up IVUS and were therefore included in this substudy. There was a significant lumen decrease at the proximal edge of PF-PES (from 9.02±3.06 mm(2)to 8.47±3.05 mm(2); P=0.040), and a significant plaque increase at the distal edges of PF-PES (from 4.39±2.73 mm(2)to 4.78±2.63 mm(2); P=0.004). At the distal edge there was a significant plaque increase in the PF-PES compared to PB-PES (+8.0% vs. -0.6%, respectively; P=0.015) with subsequent lumen reduction (-5.2% vs. +6.0%, respectively; P=0.024). CONCLUSIONS PF-PES had significant plaque increase and lumen reduction at the distal edge as compared to PB-PES, probably due to difference in polymer-based drug-release kinetics between the 2 platforms.

Predicting response and survival in chemotherapy-treated triple-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND In this study, we evaluated the ability of gene expression profiles to predict chemotherapy response and survival in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS Gene expression and clinical-pathological data were evaluated in five independent cohorts, including three randomised clinical trials for a total of 1055 patients with TNBC, basal-like disease (BLBC) or both. Previously defined intrinsic molecular subtype and a proliferation signature were determined and tested. Each signature was tested using multivariable logistic regression models (for pCR (pathological complete response)) and Cox models (for survival). Within TNBC, interactions between each signature and the basal-like subtype (vs other subtypes) for predicting either pCR or survival were investigated. RESULTS Within TNBC, all intrinsic subtypes were identified but BLBC predominated (55-81%). Significant associations between genomic signatures and response and survival after chemotherapy were only identified within BLBC and not within TNBC as a whole. In particular, high expression of a previously identified proliferation signature, or low expression of the luminal A signature, was found independently associated with pCR and improved survival following chemotherapy across different cohorts. Significant interaction tests were only obtained between each signature and the BLBC subtype for prediction of chemotherapy response or survival. CONCLUSIONS The proliferation signature predicts response and improved survival after chemotherapy, but only within BLBC. This highlights the clinical implications of TNBC heterogeneity, and suggests that future clinical trials focused on this phenotypic subtype should consider stratifying patients as having BLBC or not.

Better 6 months outcome for steroid refractory ulcerative colitis with infliximab rescue therapy compared to tacrolimus or cyclosporine: a Swiss IBD cohort retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: C iclosporine ( CsA), Tacrolimus (Tcl) and Infliximab (IFX) are effective rescue therapies in steroidrefractory ulcerative colitis (UC). Comparative studies are however m issing. M ETHOD: T his i s the retrospective analysis of treatment outcome for oral Tcl (n=27, initially 0.05mg/Kg twice daily, aiming for serum trough levels of 5-10 n g/mL), i ntravenous C sA ( n=23, 2 mg/kg/daily a nd then o ral CsA 5mg/kg/daily) and IFX ( n=43, 5 mg/kg intravenously at week 0, 2, 6 and then every 8 weeks) in patients with s teroid r efractory moderate to s evere UC enrolled i n the SWISS IBD cohort s tudy. After successful rescue therapy with Tcl o r C sA, t hiopurine m aintenance therapy or maintenance therapy with Tcl (in Tcl pretreated patients) was introduced. The endpoints analyzed steroid free r emission r ate (on the basis of m odified Truelove- Witts severity index (MTWSI)) and number of colectomies after 6 m onths. R ESULTS: A t 6 months, 26% ( 7/27) o f patients treated with T cl r emained i n steroid free remission (MTWSI score ≤4) compared to 30 % (7/23) on 18 droplets to the same extend under the linoleic acid treat, whereas lipid hydrolysis or loss was significantly increased in Huh-7 WT cells after 24h. Conclusions: Chronic alcohol feeding in obese, insulin-resistant rats exerts significant and synergistic effects on PNPLA3 mRNA expression, which correlated with triglyceride content. In v itro experiments suggest that PNPLA3 expression depends on the t ypes of d ietary f atty acids with polyunsaturated fatty a cids i nducing a nd monounsaturated fatty a cids inhibiting PNPLA3 mRNA. I148M polymorphism of PNPLA3 l eads to attenuation o f lipolytic processes resulting in fat accumulation in the cell. 20 CsA and 58% ( 27/41) o f patients t reated w ith IFX ( Tcl & CsA vs I FX p = 0 .018). S ignificant m ore patients had primary non response, loss of response or severe adverse events i n the CsA cohort ( 61%, 1 4/23) c ompared to Tcl cohort (33.3 % , 9/27), and IFX cohort (30%, 1 3/43) (p= 0.037). Colectomy rate was significantly higher after CsA (17.4 %, 4/23) compared to Tcl (3.7 %, 1/27) or IFX (2.3 %, 1/43) (p= 0.047).CONCLUSION: After s ix m onth, rescue therapy with I FX h ad t he l owest c olectomy r ate, significantly h igher steroid free r emission rate, a nd t he lowest rate of non-response, loss of response and severe adverse events compared to CsA or Tcl rescue treatment.

Lymph node stromal cells in homeostasis and immune response

Summary : Antigen-specific T lymphocytes constantly patrol the body to search for invading pathogens. Given the large external and internal body surfaces that need to be surveyed, a sophisticated strategy is necessary to facilitate encounters between T cells and pathogens. Dendritic cells present at all body surfaces are specialized in capturing pathogens and bringing them to T zones of secondary lymphoid organs, such as the lymph nodes and the spleen. Here, dendritic cells present antigenic fragments and activate the rare antigen-specific T lymphocytes. This induction of an immune response is facilitated in multiple ways by a dense network of poorly characterized stromal cells, termed fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). They constitutively produce the chemokines CCL21 and CCL19, which attract naïve T cells and dendritic cells into the T zone. Further, they provide an adhesion scaffold for dendritic cells and a migration scaffold for naïve T cells, allowing efficient screening of dendritic cell by thousands of T cells. FRCs also form a system of microchannels (conduits) that allows rapid transport of antigen or cytokines from the subcapsular sinus to the T zone. We characterized lymph node FRCS by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, real time PCR and functional assays and could show that FRCs are a unique type of myofibroblasts which produce the T cell survival factor IL-7. This function was shown to be critically involved in regulating the size of the peripheral T cell pool and further demonstrates the importance of FRCs in maintaining immunocompetence. As we observed that some dendritic cells also express the receptor for IL-7, we expected a similar function of IL-7 in their survival. Surprisingly, we found no role for IL-7 in their survival but in their development. Analysis of hematopoietic precursors suggested that part of the dendritic cell pool develops out of an IL-7 dependent precursor, which maybe shared with lymphocytes. During the induction of an immune response, lymph node homeostasis is drastically altered when the lymph node expands several-fold in size to accommodate many more lymphocytes. Here, we describe that this expansion of the T zone is accompanied by the activation and proliferation of FRCs thereby preserving T zone architecture and function. This expansion of the FRC network is regulated by antigen-independent and -dependent events. It demonstrates the incredible plasticity of this organ allowing clonal expansion of antigen-specific lymphocytes. Résumé : Les lymphocytes T, spécifiques pour un antigène particulier, patrouillent constamment le corps à la recherche de l'invasion de pathogène. A cause des grandes surfaces externes et internes du corps, une stratégie sophistiquée est nécessaire afin de faciliter les rencontres entre les cellules T et les agents pathogènes. Les cellules dendritiques présentes dans toutes les surfaces du corps sont spécialisées dans la capture des agents pathogènes et dans le transport vers les zones T des organes lymphoïdes secondaires, comme les ganglions lymphatiques et la rate. Dans ces organes, les cellules dendritiques présentent les fragments antigéniques et activent les lymphocytes T rares. L'induction de cette réponse immunitaire est facilitée de différentes manières par un réseau dense de cellules strornales mal caractérisé, appelées 'fibroblastic reticular tells' (FRCs). FRCs produisent constitutivement les chimiokines CCL21 et CCL19, qui attirent les lymphocytes T naïfs et les cellules dendritiques vers la zone T. En outre, elles donnent une base d'adhérence pour les cellules dendritiques et elles attirent les cellules T naïves vers les cellules dendritiques. Les FRCs forment des petits canaux (ou conduits) qui permettent le transport rapide d'antigènes solubles ou de cytokines vers la zone T. Nous avons caractérisé les FRCs par cytométrie en flux, immunofluorescence et par PCR en temps réel et nous avons démontré que les FRCs sont un type unique de rnyofibroblastes qui produisent un facteur de survie des cellules T, l'Interleukine-7. Il a été démontré que cette fonction est cruciale afin d'augmenter la taille et la diversité du répertoire de cellules T, et ainsi, maintenir l'immunocompétence. Comme nous avons observé que certaines cellules dendritiques expriment également le récepteur de l'IL-7, nous avons testé une fonction similaire dans leur survie. Étonnamment, nous n'avons pas trouvé de rôle pour l'IL-7 dans leur survie, mais dans leur développement. L'analyse des précurseurs hématopoïétiques a suggéré qu'une fraction des cellules dendritiques se développe à partir des précurseurs dépendants de l'IL-7, qui sont probablement partagés avec les lymphocytes. Au cours de l'induction d'une réponse immunitaire, l'homéostasie du ganglion lymphatique est considérablement modifiée. En effet, sa taille augmente considérablement afin d'accueillir un plus grand nombre de lymphocytes. Nous décrivons ici que cet élargissement de la zone T est accompagné par l'activation et 1a prolifération des FRCs, préservant l'architecture et la fonction de la zone T. Cette expansion du réseau des FRCs est régie par des évènements à la fois dépendants et indépendants de l'antigène. Cela montre l'incroyable plasticité de cet organe qui permet l'expansion clonale des lymphocytes T spécifiques.

The "Squeeze and Wheeze" Sign: A Useful Clinical Sign in Lung Sounds Analysis of Children With Acute Cough.

Cough is a very frequent symptom in children. Different reviews have tried to delineate the best approach to pediatric cough.1 Clinical evaluation remains the most important diagnostic initial step. Although the relations between cough and asthma are not straightforward,2 wheeze should be considered as a physical sign of increased resistance to air flow. Lung function testing is the gold standard for analyzing pulmonary resistance to air flow but has a limited practical value in young children. The clinical evaluation of the presence or absence of wheeze thus remains a primary clinical step in coughing children. Young children do not necessarily breathe deeply in and out when asked to. For years, the author has used a so-called "squeeze and wheeze" maneuver (SWM, see Methods section for definition) to elicit chest signs in young children. The basic idea is to increase expiratory flows in children who do not cooperate adequately during their lung sounds analysis. This study was realized to communicate the author's experience of a yet unreported physical sign and to study its prevalence in young children cared for in a general pediatrics practice.

Functional analysis of Ectodysplasin-A mutations causing selective tooth agenesis.

Mutations of the Ectodysplasin-A (EDA) gene are generally associated with the syndrome hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (MIM 305100), but they can also manifest as selective, non-syndromic tooth agenesis (MIM300606). We have performed an in vitro functional analysis of six selective tooth agenesis-causing EDA mutations (one novel and five known) that are located in the C-terminal tumor necrosis factor homology domain of the protein. Our study reveals that expression, receptor binding or signaling capability of the mutant EDA1 proteins is only impaired in contrast to syndrome-causing mutations, which we have previously shown to abolish EDA1 expression, receptor binding or signaling. Our results support a model in which the development of the human dentition, especially of anterior teeth, requires the highest level of EDA-receptor signaling, whereas other ectodermal appendages, including posterior teeth, have less stringent requirements and form normally in response to EDA mutations with reduced activity.

Diversity of the bacterial community in the surface soil of a pear orchard based on 16S rRNA gene analysis

A cultivation-independent approach based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified partial small subunit rRNA genes was used to characterize bacterial populations in the surface soil of a commercial pear orchard consisting of different pear cultivars during two consecutive growing seasons. Pyrus communis L. cvs Blanquilla, Conference, and Williams are among the most widely cultivated cultivars in Europe and account for the majority of pear production in Northeastern Spain. To assess the heterogeneity of the community structure in response to environmental variables and tree phenology, bacterial populations were examined using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) followed by cluster analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA profiles by means of the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic means. Similarity analysis of the band patterns failed to identify characteristic fingerprints associated with the pear cultivars. Both environmentally and biologically based principal-component analyses showed that the microbial communities changed significantly throughout the year depending on temperature and, to a lesser extent, on tree phenology and rainfall. Prominent DGGE bands were excised and sequenced to gain insight into the identities of the predominant bacterial populations. Most DGGE band sequences were related to bacterial phyla, such as Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Gemmatimonadetes, previously associated with typical agronomic crop environments

Interferon-Induced Gene Expression Is a Stronger Predictor of Treatment Response Than IL28B Genotype in Patients With Hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The host immune response during the chronic phase of hepatitis C virus infection varies among individuals; some patients have a no interferon (IFN) response in the liver, whereas others have full activation IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Preactivation of this endogenous IFN system is associated with nonresponse to pegylated IFN-α (pegIFN-α) and ribavirin. Genome-wide association studies have associated allelic variants near the IL28B (IFNλ3) gene with treatment response. We investigated whether IL28B genotype determines the constitutive expression of ISGs in the liver and compared the abilities of ISG levels and IL28B genotype to predict treatment outcome. METHODS: We genotyped 109 patients with chronic hepatitis C for IL28B allelic variants and quantified the hepatic expression of ISGs and of IL28B. Decision tree ensembles, in the form of a random forest classifier, were used to calculate the relative predictive power of these different variables in a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The minor IL28B allele was significantly associated with increased expression of ISG. However, stratification of the patients according to treatment response revealed increased ISG expression in nonresponders, irrespective of IL28B genotype. Multivariate analysis of ISG expression, IL28B genotype, and several other factors associated with response to therapy identified ISG expression as the best predictor of treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: IL28B genotype and hepatic expression of ISGs are independent predictors of response to treatment with pegIFN-α and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The most accurate prediction of response was obtained with a 4-gene classifier comprising IFI27, ISG15, RSAD2, and HTATIP2.

Linear response functions for a vibrational configuration interaction state

Linear response functions are implemented for a vibrational configuration interaction state allowing accurate analytical calculations of pure vibrational contributions to dynamical polarizabilities. Sample calculations are presented for the pure vibrational contributions to the polarizabilities of water and formaldehyde. We discuss the convergence of the results with respect to various details of the vibrational wave function description as well as the potential and property surfaces. We also analyze the frequency dependence of the linear response function and the effect of accounting phenomenologically for the finite lifetime of the excited vibrational states. Finally, we compare the analytical response approach to a sum-over-states approach

Monitoring compliance in resistant hypertension: an important step in patient management.

Poor compliance with antihypertensive drug regimens is one recognized cause of inadequate blood pressure control. Compliance is difficult to measure, so poor adherence to treatment remains largely undiagnosed in clinical practice. When the therapeutic response to a drug is not the one expected, it is a major challenge for many physicians to decide whether the patient is a non-responder or a non-complier. Poor compliance is therefore often incorrectly interpreted as a lack of response to treatment. Not detecting non-compliance can lead to the wrong measures being taken. Electronic monitoring of compliance provides important longitudinal information about drug-intake behaviour that cannot be obtained in the clinic. Such monitoring can improve both compliance and blood pressure control, and help physicians to make more rational therapeutic decisions. A reliable assessment of compliance could have a great impact on medical costs by preventing unnecessary investigations or dose adaptations in patients who are not taking their drugs adequately, or potentially reducing the number of hospitalizations. Side-effects and lack of effectiveness are two frequent causes of poor compliance. The right choice of antihypertensive drug can therefore contribute to compliance. In this respect, it is important to find a drug regimen that is effective, long-acting and well tolerated. Long-acting antihypertensive drugs that provide good blood pressure control beyond the 24-h dosing period should perhaps be considered as drugs of choice in non-compliant patients with hypertension because they help to prevent the consequences of occasional drug omissions.

A quantum molecular similarity analysis of changes in molecular electron density caused by basis set flotation and electric field application

Quantum molecular similarity (QMS) techniques are used to assess the response of the electron density of various small molecules to application of a static, uniform electric field. Likewise, QMS is used to analyze the changes in electron density generated by the process of floating a basis set. The results obtained show an interrelation between the floating process, the optimum geometry, and the presence of an external field. Cases involving the Le Chatelier principle are discussed, and an insight on the changes of bond critical point properties, self-similarity values and density differences is performed

HLA Class I alleles associated with HCV polymorphisms and response to antiviral therapy in HCV genotype 1-infected patients

Aims: The adaptive immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) is significantly shaped by the host's composition of HLA alleles. Thus, the HLA phenotype is a critical determinant of viral evolution during adaptive immune pressure. Potential associations of HLA class I alleles with polymorphisms of HCV immune escape variants are largely unknown. Methods: Direct sequence analysis of the genes encoding the HCV proteins E2, NS3 and NS5B in a cohort of 159 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection who were treated with pegylated interferon-alfa 2b and ribavirin in a prospective controlled trial for 48 weeks was exhibited. HLA class I genotyping was performed by strand-specific reverse hybridization with the INNO-LiPA line probe assays for HLA-A and HLA-B and by strand-specific PCR-SSP. We analyzed each amino acid position of HCV proteins using an extension of Fisher's exact test for associations with HLA alleles. In addition, associations of specific HLA alleles with inflammatory activity, liver fibrosis, HCV RNA viral load and virologic treatment outcome were investigated. Results: Separate analyses of HCV subtype 1a and 1b isolates revealed substantially different patterns of HLA-restricted polymorphisms between subtypes. Only one polymorphism within NS5B (V2758x) was significantly associated with HLA B*15 in HCV genotype 1b infected patients (adjusted p=0,048). However, a number of HLA class I-restricted polymorphisms within novel putative HCV CD8+ T cell epitopes (genotype 1a: HLA-A*11 GTRTIASPK1086-1094 [NS3], HLA-B*07 WPAPQGARSL1111-1120 [NS3]; genotype 1b: HLA-A*24 HYAPRPCGI488-496 [E2], HLA-B*44 GENETDVLL530-538 [E2], HLA-B*15 RVFTEAMTRY2757-2766 [NS5B]) were observed with high predicted epitope binding scores assessed by the web-based software SYFPEITHI (>21). Most of the identified putative epitopes were overlapping with already otherwise published epitopes, indicating a high immunogenicity of the accordant HCV protein region. In addition, certain HLA class I alleles were associated with inflammatory activity, stage of liver fibrosis, and sustained virologic response to antiviral therapy. Conclusions: HLA class I restricted HCV sequence polymorphisms are rare. HCV polymorphisms identified within putative HCV CD8+ T cell epitopes in the present study differ in their genomic distribution between genotype 1a and 1b isolates, implying divergent adaptation to the host's immune pressure on the HCV subtype level.

Improved earthquake response via simulation and integrated space- and ground-based technologies: the TREMOR proposal

Earthquakes occurring around the world each year cause thousands ofdeaths, millions of dollars in damage to infrastructure, and incalculablehuman suffering. In recent years, satellite technology has been asignificant boon to response efforts following an earthquake and itsafter-effects by providing mobile communications between response teamsand remote sensing of damaged areas to disaster management organizations.In 2007, an international team of students and professionals assembledduring theInternational Space University’s Summer Session Program in Beijing, Chinato examine how satellite and ground-based technology could be betterintegrated to provide an optimised response in the event of an earthquake.The resulting Technology Resources for Earthquake MOnitoring and Response(TREMOR) proposal describes an integrative prototype response system thatwill implement mobile satellite communication hubs providing telephone anddata links between response teams, onsite telemedicine consultation foremergency first-responders, and satellite navigation systems that willlocate and track emergency vehicles and guide search-and-rescue crews. Aprototype earthquake simulation system is also proposed, integratinghistorical data, earthquake precursor data, and local geomatics andinfrastructure information to predict the damage that could occur in theevent of an earthquake. The backbone of these proposals is a comprehensiveeducation and training program to help individuals, communities andgovernments prepare in advance. The TREMOR team recommends thecoordination of these efforts through a centralised, non-governmentalorganization.

Evidence-based Economic Policy - Three Essays in Applied Microeconometrics

Over thirty years ago, Leamer (1983) - among many others - expressed doubts about the quality and usefulness of empirical analyses for the economic profession by stating that "hardly anyone takes data analyses seriously. Or perhaps more accurately, hardly anyone takes anyone else's data analyses seriously" (p.37). Improvements in data quality, more robust estimation methods and the evolution of better research designs seem to make that assertion no longer justifiable (see Angrist and Pischke (2010) for a recent response to Leamer's essay). The economic profes- sion and policy makers alike often rely on empirical evidence as a means to investigate policy relevant questions. The approach of using scientifically rigorous and systematic evidence to identify policies and programs that are capable of improving policy-relevant outcomes is known under the increasingly popular notion of evidence-based policy. Evidence-based economic policy often relies on randomized or quasi-natural experiments in order to identify causal effects of policies. These can require relatively strong assumptions or raise concerns of external validity. In the context of this thesis, potential concerns are for example endogeneity of policy reforms with respect to the business cycle in the first chapter, the trade-off between precision and bias in the regression-discontinuity setting in chapter 2 or non-representativeness of the sample due to self-selection in chapter 3. While the identification strategies are very useful to gain insights into the causal effects of specific policy questions, transforming the evidence into concrete policy conclusions can be challenging. Policy develop- ment should therefore rely on the systematic evidence of a whole body of research on a specific policy question rather than on a single analysis. In this sense, this thesis cannot and should not be viewed as a comprehensive analysis of specific policy issues but rather as a first step towards a better understanding of certain aspects of a policy question. The thesis applies new and innovative identification strategies to policy-relevant and topical questions in the fields of labor economics and behavioral environmental economics. Each chapter relies on a different identification strategy. In the first chapter, we employ a difference- in-differences approach to exploit the quasi-experimental change in the entitlement of the max- imum unemployment benefit duration to identify the medium-run effects of reduced benefit durations on post-unemployment outcomes. Shortening benefit duration carries a double- dividend: It generates fiscal benefits without deteriorating the quality of job-matches. On the contrary, shortened benefit durations improve medium-run earnings and employment possibly through containing the negative effects of skill depreciation or stigmatization. While the first chapter provides only indirect evidence on the underlying behavioral channels, in the second chapter I develop a novel approach that allows to learn about the relative impor- tance of the two key margins of job search - reservation wage choice and search effort. In the framework of a standard non-stationary job search model, I show how the exit rate from un- employment can be decomposed in a way that is informative on reservation wage movements over the unemployment spell. The empirical analysis relies on a sharp discontinuity in unem- ployment benefit entitlement, which can be exploited in a regression-discontinuity approach to identify the effects of extended benefit durations on unemployment and survivor functions. I find evidence that calls for an important role of reservation wage choices for job search be- havior. This can have direct implications for the optimal design of unemployment insurance policies. The third chapter - while thematically detached from the other chapters - addresses one of the major policy challenges of the 21st century: climate change and resource consumption. Many governments have recently put energy efficiency on top of their agendas. While pricing instru- ments aimed at regulating the energy demand have often been found to be short-lived and difficult to enforce politically, the focus of energy conservation programs has shifted towards behavioral approaches - such as provision of information or social norm feedback. The third chapter describes a randomized controlled field experiment in which we discuss the effective- ness of different types of feedback on residential electricity consumption. We find that detailed and real-time feedback caused persistent electricity reductions on the order of 3 to 5 % of daily electricity consumption. Also social norm information can generate substantial electricity sav- ings when designed appropriately. The findings suggest that behavioral approaches constitute effective and relatively cheap way of improving residential energy-efficiency.