bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality Functioning in Adolescent Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Collier Julie A. , Nathanson Jeffrey W. , Anderson Carolyn A.
Published: November 2003

Despite the obvious psychosocial stress associated with pediatric heart transplantation, there has been little research conducted on the psychological impact of this highly invasive treatment. In this article we report on the personality functioning of 15 adolescent heart transplant recipients who completed the Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory. Psychological distress was common in the sample, and behavioral tendencies were more consistent with internalizing types of behavior. Different personality patterns emerged when patients who had received their transplant because of congenital disease were compared with those who had acquired cardiac conditions. Patients with a history of congenital disease endorsed more passive and dependent characteristics, which is consistent with both previous research and clinical practice. The findings are discussed within a developmental model of maladjustment.
Psychiatric Assessment of Victims of Adolescent Dating Violence in a Primary Care Clinic
Authors: Williams Sharon E. , Martinez Elena
Published: November 2003

Dating violence in the adolescent population is a significant problem, which warrants concern and focus. As many as one-third of adolescents have experienced dating violence in their relationships. This article outlines many of the developmental and experiential factors that influence the likelihood that adolescents will encounter violence in their relationships. Mental health clinicians, physicians, nurses, social workers, and others who work with adolescents in the health field have a unique opportunity to identify and respond to this type of violence involving their patients. This article outlines the ways in which health care professionals can assess patients for this type of violence and when and how to offer assistance and referrals.
The Cost of Antisocial Behaviour in Younger Children
Authors: Knapp Martin , Scott Stephen , Davies Julia
Published: November 2003

Antisocial behaviour (conduct disorder) is the commonest psychiatric problem in childhood. An interview was developed to measure the direct and indirect costs arising from antisocial behaviour over a range of domains, including behaviours inside and outside the home. Data were collected for a pilot sample of 10 children aged 4–10 years who had been referred to child and adolescent mental health services. The average cost across the 10 families was £15,382 a year, ranging from £5411 to £40,896 per family. The greatest cost fell on the families themselves (average nearly £5000 per year) and the education authority (average nearly £5000 per year); and there were significant costs for the health service, social services and the Benefits Agency.
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Adolescent Depression Complicated by Childhood Trauma: A Case Illustration
Authors: Runyon Melissa K. , Orvaschel Helen
Published: November 2003

This article presents diagnostic, conceptualization and treatment issues in a case of adolescent depression. The case illustrates three points: (i) the complexity of adolescent psychopathology, particularly problem areas that commonly occur with depression during this specific period of development; (ii) the conceptualization process of an intricate adolescent case; and (iii) the implementation of a cognitive- behavioral strategy that the patient uses to manage depressive symptoms.
The Emerging Gay Adolescent
Authors: Wilson Ian
Published: November 2003

This article seeks to give an overview of the often contentious issue of homosexuality. Homosexuality is initially set in its context of the DSM and ICD classifications, and the definitions of sexual orientation and identity are considered. The fluidity of sexuality and homophobia are discussed, along with how they may affect any clinical intervention. Aetiologies of a homosexual orientation are then considered, along with whether such research has any clinical relevance. Finally, the ‘coming out’ process is considered, with developmental models acting to provide a framework for assessment and intervention.
Factor Structure, Validity and Reliability of the Cambridge Worry Scale in a Pregnant Population
Authors: Green Josephine M. , Kafetsios Konstantinos , Statham Helen E. , Snowdon Claire M.
Published: November 2003

This article presents the Cambridge Worry Scale (CWS), a content-based measure for assessing worries, and discusses its psychometric properties based on a longitudinal study of 1207 pregnant women. Principal components analysis revealed a four-factor structure of women’s concerns during pregnancy: socio-medical, own health, socio-economic and relational. The measure demonstrated good reliability and validity. Total CWS scores were strongly associated with state and trait anxiety (convergent validity) but also had significant and unique predictive value for mood outcomes (discriminant validity). The CWS discriminated better between women with different reproductive histories than measures of state and trait anxiety. We conclude that the CWS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the extent and content of worries in specific situations.
Differences and similarities between mothers’ and fathers’ experiences of parenting a child with a disability
Authors: Pelchat Diane , Lefebvre Hélène , Perreault Michel
Published: November 2003

This qualitative study used focus groups to identify the differences and similarities in the experiences of parents of children with a disability. Two main themes emerged, showing the ways in which the mothers and fathers are alike or different. One concerns roles, actual and expected, in the various subsystems of family life. The other concerns the normalization and stigmatization that arise because of the child’s problem. Mothers tend to score better interms of interpersonal and group communications. It would seem that the fathers’ expectations are harder to fulfil than the mothers’. The fathers’ expectations are attuned to the outer world; the actual day-to-day tasks related to the child’s care are not their priority. The mothers are less demanding and their expectations are more self-focused. Interestingly, these families are similar to families of children without a disability; however,the difficulties they experience are accentuated by the presence of a child with a problem.
No Way Out or Swallow the Bait of Two-Sided Exit Options in Negotiation: The Influence of Social Motives and Interpersonal Trust
Authors: Giebels Ellen , de Dreu Carsten K. W. , van de Vliert Evert
Published: November 2003

In two negotiation experiments with business students we examined effects of the two-sided availability of alternative negotiators in combination with the parties’ social motive. Contrary to our expectation, prosocial negotiators rather than egoistic negotiators were sensitive to the presence of alternative partners. While egoistic negotiators were relatively unaffected by mutual exit options, prosocials engaged in less problem solving and reached lower joint outcomes when having two-sided instead of no exit options. Low interpersonal trust was identified as being responsible for these effects. These findings add to theory and practice on alternatives and social motives in negotiation.
Off the Map
Authors: Neocleous Mark
Published: November 2003

This article explores the link between the territorial imperative of the modern state, the exercise of violence and the practice of cartography. After first tracing the ways in which the exercise of ‘non-state’ coercion has been either eliminated historically or isolated ideologically, the question of the map is brought to bear on the issue of violence and territoriality. The article thus illustrates the importance of cartographic violence: the way the state and its violent constitution of territory have been sanctified through the project of the map.
Involvement Vs Detachment: Gender Differences in the Use of Personal Pronouns in Televised Sports in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Sai-Hua
Published: November 2003

Based on 24 hours of videotaped data, this study investigates, both qualitatively and quantitatively, gender differences in the use of person pronouns in televised sports in Taiwan. This analysis has found that, regardless of their speaker role, male sports reporters use the second-person singular pronoun nimuch more frequently than their female counterparts. In addition, there is a significant difference in the distribution ofpragmatic functions of nibetween men’s and women’s reporting. While male sports reporters use niin a more varied way, i.e. to refer to the TV audience, a specific athlete or team, an indefinite or non-specific athlete, or to include this pronoun in direct speech to dramatize their reporting, female reporters use this pronoun predominately to referto a non-specific athlete. In other words, male sports reporters tend to employ impersonal niand dramatic nito signal their strong self-involvement, their interpersonal involvement with the athlete and the TV audience, and their involvement with the reported sports event. Finally, malesports reporters’ more frequent use of the second-person pronoun niin the data also marks their informal and conversational speech style.This result contradicts those previous studies which claim that formality and detachment characterize men’s information-oriented public discourse.
What Really Matters?
Authors: Rahman Momin , Witz Anne
Published: November 2003

The concept of the ‘material’ was the focus of much feminist work in the 1970s. It has always been a deeply contested one, even for feminists working within a broadly materialist paradigm of the social. Materialist feminists stretched the concept of the material beyond the narrowly economic in their attempts to develop a social ontology of gender and sexuality.Nonetheless, the quality of the social asserted by an expanded sense of thematerial – its ‘materiality’ – remains ambiguous. New terminologies of materiality and materialization have been developed within post-structuralist feminist thought and the literature on embodiment. The quality of ‘materiality’ is no longer asserted – as inmaterialist feminisms – but is problematized through an implicit deferral of ontology in these more contemporary usages, forcing us to interrogate the limits of both materialist and post-structuralist forms of constructionism. What really matters is how these newer terminologies of ‘materiality’ and ‘materialization’ induce us to develop a fuller social ontology of gender and sexuality; one that weaves together social, cultural, experiential and embodied practices.
A Feminist Search for Love
Authors: Marso Lori Jo
Published: November 2003

This article explores the life and work of Emma Goldman to formulate a radical critique of intimacy. Goldman’s theory of sexual freedom and revolutionary love offers a feminist vision that challenges contemporary debates concerning uses of the language of feminine desire. Goldman appealed to ideals of feminine instinct and feminine desire in order to challenge the conventional meanings attached to femininity in her day. Her views on marriage, love, sexuality and the feminine are analysed alongside her writings on her own personal experience, in order to illuminate the continuing paradoxes feminists face in regard to definitions and experiencesof femininity.
First Impressions Last
Authors: Edward Norrie S.
Published: November 2003

Low progression rates and voluntary student withdrawal are increasingly a concern as participation rates in the tertiary sector rise. Models of departure stress the importance of transition mechanisms in obtainingthe commitment which ensures persistence. This article describes an innovative induction programme which was devised by applying student persistence research findings. Sufficient details of the activity’s structure are provided to allow it to be adapted by others. The evaluation reported is based mainly on data collected after the first time the programme was run. The programme has now operated for several years and evaluations and modifications are described. The primary aim of this article is to provide guidanceon optimizing the effectiveness of the approach.
The Development of Early Numeracy in Europe
Authors: van de Rijt Bernadette , Godfrey Ray , Aubrey Carol , van Luit Johannes E. H. , GhesquiËre Pol , Torbeyns Joke , Hasemann Klaus , Tancig Simona , Kavkler Marija , Magajna Lidija , Tzouriadou Maria
Published: November 2003

This article describes a limited longitudinal European study of young children’s early numeracy development within three testing cycles, onaverage, at the mid-point and towards the end of their fifth to sixth year and again at the mid-point of their sixth to seventh year. Assessment was carried out using the Utrecht Early Numeracy Test (ENT) (Van Luit, Van de Rijt and Pennings, 1994). The multilevel modelling method of analysis used for the study provided an extension of multiple regression to incorporate the hierarchical structure of the data collected, with boys and girls of different social-economic status, nested within different institutions within different countries. The results showed that the ENT was a useful tool for international comparison. The finding that differences between countrieswere negligible was surprising bearing in mind that the English pupils werein formal schooling throughout the testing cycle, the Belgian, German, Greek and Dutch children from the mid-point, and the Slovene children, not at all.
New Forms of Knowledge Production and the Role of Action Research
Authors: Gustavsen Bjørn
Published: November 2003

In efforts to combine theory and practice, action research confronts a challenge that pertains to all kinds of research. It is, consequently, a challenge that is subject to much discussion, not least in fields like epistemology. These discussions provide valuable points and insights but they cannot be converted directly into research positions, which also demand consideration of practical issues. When research sets out to learn from practices a new challenge emerges: how is this learning to take place? Can the single researcher understand the world or is there a need for social relationships between (many) actors to develop this learning? This contribution discusses the theory-practice challenge and the need for new forms of social relationships within the research community itself.
Prajateerpu, Power and Knowledge
Authors: Pimbert Michel , Wakeford Tom
Published: November 2003

Prajateerpu(translation: ‘people’s verdict’) has been devised as an exercise for allowing those people most affected by the ‘Vision 2020’ for food and farming in Andhra Pradesh (AP, India) to shape a vision of their own. We explore Prajateerpuas a case study in participatory action research that took place against a background of social, political and scientific controversy in which we were active participants. Having examined different methods in combination, including the citizens’ jury, scenario workshop and public hearings involved in the Prajateerpuprocess, we assess the safeguards that were put in place to ensure a balanced and credible deliberative process. We suggest that the exchanges between the five organizations that formed the core team, the facilitators, oversight panel, witnesses, and jurors in Prajateerpu, along with the use of a set of carefully designed safeguards, may contain valuable lessons for those who wish to engage in collaborative inquiries where the political stakes in the outcome of this way of knowing are high.
The Effect of Race/Ethnicity and Desirable Social Characteristics on Physicians' Decisions to Prescribe Opioid Analgesics
Authors: Tamayo‐Sarver Joshua H. , Dawson Neal V. , Hinze Susan W. , Cydulka Rita K. , Wigton Robert S. , Albert Jeffrey M. , Ibrahim Said A. , Baker David W.
Published: November 2003

Objective: Racial/ethnic disparities in physician treatment have been documented in multiple areas, including emergency department (ED) analgesia. The purpose of this study was to determine if physicians were predisposed to different treatment decisions based on patient race/ethnicity and if physicians' treatment predispositions changed when socially desirable information about the patient (occupation, socioeconomic status, and relationship with a primary care physician) was made explicit. Methods: The authors developed three clinical vignettes designed to engage physicians' decision‐making processes. The patient's race/ethnicity was included. Each vignette randomly included or omitted explicit socially desirable information. The authors mailed 5,750 practicing emergency physicians three clinical vignettes and a one‐page questionnaire about demographic and practice characteristics. Chi‐square tests of significance for bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were used for multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 2,872 (53%) of the 5,398 potential physician subjects participated. Patient race/ethnicity had no effect on physician prescription of opioids at discharge for African Americans, Hispanics, and whites: absolute differences in rates of prescribing opioids at discharge were less than 2% for all three conditions presented. Making socially desirable information explicit increased the prescribing rates by 4% (95% CI = 0.1% to 8%) for the migraine vignette and 6% (95% CI = 3% to 8%) for the back pain vignette. Conclusions: Patient race/ethnicity did not influence physicians' predispositions to treatment plans in clinical vignettes. Even knowing that the patient had a high‐prestige occupation and a primary care provider only minimally increased prescribing of opioid analgesics for conditions with few objective findings.
Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities among Hispanics in Rural North Carolina
Authors: March Juan A. , Evans Michael A. , Ward Brad , Brewer Kori L.
Published: November 2003

Objectives: Deaths from motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) have decreased significantly over the past three decades. Unfortunately, few data have been collected regarding death rates for MVCs in minority populations. The purpose of this study was to compare the death rate of whites versus Hispanics for MVCs in a rural environment. Methods: This study examined one rural county in North Carolina from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 1999. A retrospective cohort study was performed using the North Carolina State Highway Patrol computerized database of MVCs. Data regarding the total number of MVCs, fatalities, alcohol‐related deaths, seatbelt usage, and cause of the collision were analyzed for both whites and Hispanics. Census information regarding population in this region also was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Census. Data were analyzed using a chi‐square test, with an alpha value of 0.05 used to establish statistical significance. Results: During the study period, whites were involved in 2,689 MVCs, compared with 158 MVCs for Hispanics. Whites were involved in ten fatal MVCs, compared with seven fatal MVCs involving Hispanics. The percent of fatal MVCs for whites was 0.3%, or 10 deaths per 2,689 MVCs. In contrast, the percent of fatal MVCs for Hispanics was 4.4%, or 7 deaths per 158 MVCs; odds ratio (OR) = 12.4, 95% CI = 4.7 to 33.1. The 2000 Census Report for Pitt County noted a white population of 81,613 and a Hispanic population of 4,216. Based on these population data, the death rate for MVCs per 100,000 population was 12.3 for whites versus 166.0 for Hispanics, OR = 13.6, 95% CI = 5.2 to 35.6. Although the cause for this disparity was not determined, previous studies suggest that alcohol and decreased seatbelt usage are contributing factors. Conclusions: In this study, the death rates among Hispanics for rural MVCs were significantly higher than for whites. The causes of this disparity are not clear but are important to define. Only by understanding this disparity can we begin to develop appropriate interventions that may prevent these deaths.
The Influence of Insurance, Race, and Gender on Emergency Department Disposition
Authors: Selassie Anbesaw Wolde , McCarthy Melissa Lee , Pickelsimer Emily Elisabeth
Published: November 2003

Objectives: To examine the influence of insurance, race, and gender on the likelihood of hospitalization among trauma patients. Methods: Statewide hospital discharge and emergency department (ED) visit data collected between 1996 and 2000 were merged to examine factors that influence hospitalization among patients who sustained an injury. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the likelihood of hospitalization as a function of patient, injury, and hospital characteristics. Results: Of 1,512,611 patients who presented to an ED in South Carolina for treatment of a traumatic injury during the five‐year study period, 8% were hospitalized and 92% were treated and released. One fourth (26%) of the study population was uninsured. Insurance, race, and gender were significant predictors of hospitalization despite controlling for injury severity, comorbidities, age, trauma center level, place of residence, and year of injury. Regardless of injury severity, uninsured patients were significantly less likely to be hospitalized compared with privately insured patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 99% CI = 0.62 to 0.65). Among those mildly to moderately injured, patients covered by Medicare or other government insurance policies were significantly more likely to be admitted compared with those with private coverage (OR 1.46, 99% CI = 1.41 to 1.52; OR 1.56, 99% CI = 1.36 to 1.78). Finally, among those mildly injured, African American females were significantly less likely to be admitted compared with white females (OR 0.63, 99% CI = 0.61 to 0.65). Conclusions: These results suggest that the disposition of trauma patients from the ED may be influenced by insurance and demographic characteristics in addition to the patient's clinical condition.
Socioeconomic Disparities Are Negatively Associated with Pediatric Emergency Department Aftercare Compliance
Authors: Wang N. Ewen , Gisondi Michael A. , Golzari Mana , Van Der Vlugt Theresa M. , Tuuli Methodius
Published: November 2003

Objectives: This study sought to identify demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical predictors of aftercare noncompliance by pediatric emergency department (ED) patients. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective, observational study of pediatric patients presenting to a university teaching hospital ED from July 1, 2002, through August 31, 2002. Demographic and clinical information was obtained from guardians during the ED visit. Guardians were contacted after discharge to determine compliance with ED aftercare instructions. Subjects were excluded if they were admitted or if guardians were unavailable or unwilling to consent. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of noncompliance from a list of predetermined variables. Results: Of the 409 patients enrolled in the study, 111 were prescribed medications and 364 were given specific follow‐up instructions. Subtypes of the variable “insurance status” were significantly associated with medication noncompliance in multivariable regression analysis. “Insurance status” and “low‐acuity discharge diagnoses” were significantly associated with follow‐up noncompliance. Conclusions: Disparity in health insurance has been shown to be a predictor of poor aftercare compliance for pediatric ED patients within the patient population.
A Clinical Trial of 7α-Methyl-19-Nortestosterone Implants for Possible Use as a Long-Acting Contraceptive for Men
Authors: von Eckardstein Sigrid , Noe Gabriela , Brache Vivian , Nieschlag Eberhard , Croxatto Horacio , Alvarez Francisco , Moo-Young Alfred , Sivin Irving , Kumar Narender , Small Margaret , Sundaram Kalyan
Published: November 2003

Several preparations of testosterone and its esters are being investigated alone or in combination with other gonadotropin-suppressing agents as possible antifertility agents for men. We studied the effectiveness of 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT) as an antispermatogenic agent in men. MENT has been shown to be more potent than testosterone and to be resistant to 5α-reduction. For sustained delivery of MENT, we used a system consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate implants containing MENT acetate (Ac), administered subdermally. Thirty-five normal volunteers were recruited in 3 clinics and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 doses: 1 (12 men), 2 (11 men), or 4 (12 men) MENT Ac implants. The initial average in vitro release rate of MENT Ac from each implant was approximately 400 μg/day. Implants were inserted subdermally in the medial aspect of the upper arm under local anesthesia. The duration of treatment was initially designed to be 6 months. However, in 2 clinics the duration of treatment was extended to 9 months for the 2-implant group and to 12 months for the 4-implant group. Dose-related increases in serum MENT levels and decreases in testosterone, LH, and FSH levels were observed. Effects on sperm counts were also dose related. None of the subjects in the 1-implant group exhibited oligozoospermia (sperm count, <3 million/ml). Four subjects in the 2-implant group became oligozoospermic, 2 of whom reached azoospermia. Eight subjects in the 4-implant group reached azoospermia, with 1 exhibiting oligozoospermia, whereas 2 were nonresponders. Side effects generally seen with androgen administration, such as increases in erythrocyte count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin and a decrease in SHBG, were also seen in this study and were reversible. Changes in lipid parameters were moderate and transient. Liver enzymes showed small changes. This study demonstrates that MENT Ac, when administered in a sustained release fashion via subdermal implants, can inhibit spermatogenesis over a prolonged period after a single administration and has the potential to be used as a male contraceptive.
Reduced Ovarian Function in Long-Term Survivors of Radiation- and Chemotherapy-Treated Childhood Cancer
Authors: Larsen Elisabeth C. , Müller Jørn , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Rechnitzer Catherine , Andersen Anders Nyboe
Published: November 2003

Seventy percent of children with cancer survive. Radiation and chemotherapy may, however, impair ovarian function. The aim of this population-based study was to achieve a comprehensive knowledge of the degree of ovarian damage.

Ovarian function was evaluated in 100 childhood cancer survivors and 21 controls of similar age. Menstrual cycle pattern was recorded, and strictly timed ovarian sonography and hormonal assessment were performed.

The median age of the survivors was 5.4 yr (range, 0.1–15.3) at the time of diagnosis and 25.7 yr (18.5–44.4) at study entry. Seventeen survivors with premature ovarian failure had follicle-depleted or nondetectable ovaries, elevated FSH and LH, and immeasurable inhibin B. Thirteen survivors used oral contraception. Survivors with spontaneous menstrual cycles (n = 70) had smaller ovarian volume per ovary than controls (median, 4.8 vs. 6.8 cm3; P < 0.001) and a lower number of antral follicles per ovary (median, 7.5 vs. 11; P < 0.001). Further, they had lower inhibin B levels than controls (median, 94 vs. 111 pg/ml; P = 0.03) and higher estradiol levels (median, 0.12 vs. 0.08 pm; P = 0.04). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to predict the total antral follicle number per ovary, and it showed a reduced number with ovarian irradiation (β = −0.40, P < 0.001), alkylating chemotherapy (β = −0.25, P = 0.01), older age at diagnosis (β = −0.25, P = 0.01), and longer time period off treatment (β = −0.19, P = 0.044).

One in every six female survivors may develop premature ovarian failure. In survivors with spontaneous menstrual cycles, the results indicate a diminished ovarian reserve. Consequently, cessation of fertility may occur much earlier than anticipated. Adult survivors with spontaneous cycles should be informed hereof to plan childbearing.
Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression by Insulin-Like Growth Factor I in Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Poulaki Vassiliki , Mitsiades Constantine S. , McMullan Ciaran , Sykoutri Despoina , Fanourakis Galinos , Kotoula Vassiliki , Tseleni-Balafouta Sophia , Koutras Demetrios A. , Mitsiades Nicholas
Published: November 2003

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) produced by tumor cells potently stimulates endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis and plays a key role in the pathophysiology of several neoplasias. Hypoxia activates the VEGF promoter via response elements that bind the transcription factors hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and activator protein-1 (AP-1). Yet, the paracrine signaling pathways regulating VEGF production and angiogenesis in thyroid cancer have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we, therefore, investigated the regulation of VEGF production by the thyroid carcinoma cell line SW579. We found that IGF-I up-regulated VEGF mRNA expression and protein secretion. Furthermore, transfection of SW579 cells with vector expressing a constitutively active form of Akt, a major mediator of IGF-I signaling, also stimulated VEGF expression. The IGF-I-induced up-regulation of VEGF production was associated with activation of AP-1 and HIF-1α and was abrogated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors (wortmannin and LY294002); Jun kinase inhibitor (SP600125); HIF-1α antisense oligonucleotide; or geldanamycin, an inhibitor of the heat shock protein 90 molecular chaperone, which regulates the three-dimensional conformation and function of IGF-I-receptor and Akt. These data indicate that IGF-I stimulates VEGF synthesis in thyroid carcinomas in an Akt-dependent pathway via AP-1 and HIF-1α and provide the framework for clinical use of small-molecule inhibitors, including geldanamycin analogs, to abrogate proangiogenic cascades in thyroid cancer.
Overexpression of the Soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor in Preeclamptic Patients: Pathophysiological Consequences
Authors: Tsatsaris Vassilis , Goffin Frederic , Munaut Carine , Brichant Jean-François , Pignon Marie-Rose , Noel Agnes , Schaaps Jean-Pierre , Cabrol Dominique , Frankenne Francis , Foidart Jean-Michel
Published: November 2003

Several growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and placental growth factor (PlGF) are involved in the placental vascular development. We investigated whether dysregulation in the VEGF family may explain the defective uteroplacental vascularization characterizing preeclampsia. We compared pregnancies complicated by early onset severe preeclampsia or intrauterine growth retardation to normal pregnancies. Maternal plasma, placentas, and placental bed biopsies were collected. The mRNA levels of VEGF-A, PlGF, and their receptors were quantified in placentas and placental beds. Levels of VEGF-A, PlGF, and soluble VEGF receptor (VEGFR) were assessed in maternal plasma. In compromised pregnancies, elevated levels of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 mRNAs may reflect the hypoxic status of the placenta. On contrast, the membrane-bound VEGFR-1 was decreased in the placental bed of preeclamptic patients. Preeclampsia was associated with low levels of circulating PlGF and increased levels of total VEGF-A and soluble VEGFR-1. Free VEGF-A was undetectable in maternal blood. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that VEGF-A and PlGF were localized in trophoblastic cells. Altogether, our results suggest two different pathophysiological mechanisms associated with preeclampsia. The first one is related to an overproduction of competitive soluble VEGFR-1 that may lead to suppression of VEGF-A and PlGF effects. The second one is the down-regulation of its membrane bound form (VEGFR-1) in the placental bed, which may result in the defective uteroplacental development.
Neuroendocrine and Metabolic Effects of Acute Ghrelin Administration in Human Obesity
Authors: Tassone F. , Broglio F. , Destefanis S. , Rovere S. , Benso A. , Gottero C. , Prodam F. , Rossetto R. , Gauna C. , van der Lely A. J. , Ghigo E. , Maccario M.
Published: November 2003

Ghrelin stimulates appetite and plays a role in the neuroendocrine response to energy balance variations. Ghrelin levels are inversely associated with body mass index (BMI), increased by fasting and decreased by food intake, glucose load, insulin, and somatostatin. Ghrelin levels are reduced in obesity, a condition of hyperinsulinism, reduced GH secretion, and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity. We studied the endocrine and metabolic response to acute ghrelin administration (1.0 μg/kg iv) in nine obese women [OB; BMI (mean ± sd) 36.3 ± 2.3 kg/m2] and seven normal women (NW; BMI 20.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2). Basal ghrelin levels in NW were higher than in OB (P < 0.05). In NW, ghrelin increased (P < 0.05) GH, prolactin (PRL), ACTH, cortisol, and glucose levels but did not modify insulin. In OB, ghrelin increased (P < 0.01) GH, PRL, ACTH, and cortisol levels. The GH response to ghrelin in OB was 55% lower (P < 0.02) than in NW, whereas the PRL, ACTH, and cortisol responses were similar. In OB, ghrelin increased glucose and reduced insulin (P < 0.05). Thus, obesity shows remarkable reduction of the somatotroph responsiveness to ghrelin, suggesting that ghrelin hyposecretion unlikely explains the impairment of somatotroph function in obesity. On the other hand, in obesity ghrelin shows preserved influence on PRL, ACTH, and insulin secretion as well as in glucose levels.
The effect of affective characterizations on the size of children's drawings
Authors: Burkitt Esther , Barrett Martyn , Davis Alyson
Published: November 2003

Previous research has yielded conflicting findings about the existence and the direction of the size changes which occur in children's drawings when they are asked to draw topics which have been given an affective characterization. The present study was designed to investigate whether children scale up the size of drawings of topics which have been given a positive characterization, and scale down the size of drawings of topics which have been given a negative characterization. The participants were 258 children aged between 4 and 11 years who completed three drawings of either a man, a dog or a tree. Each child drew a baseline drawing of a neutrally characterized figure, and two further drawings of a positively and a negatively characterized version of the same figure. It was found that the children drew the positively characterized topics larger than the neutrally characterized topics, and reduced the size of the negatively characterized topics relative to the baseline drawings. These patterns occurred at all ages and with all three drawing topics. Two possible explanations of the findings are discussed: the operation of an appetitive‐defensive mechanism in children, and the acquisition of pictorial conventions.
Potential Errors in Detecting Earnings Management: Reexamining Studies Investigating the AMT of 1986*
Authors: Choi Won W. , Gramlich Jeffrey D. , Thomas Jacob K.
Published: November 2003

In this paper we seek to document errors that could affect studies of earnings management. The book income adjustment (BIA) of the alternative minimum tax (AMT) created apparently strong incentives to manage book income downward in 1987. Five earlier papers using different methodologies and samples all conclude that earnings were reduced in response to the BIA. This consensus of findings offers an opportunity to investigate our speculation that methodological biases are more likely when there appear to be clear incentives for earnings management. A reexamination of these studies uncovers potential biases related to a variety of factors, including choices of scaling variables, selection of affected and control samples, and measurement error in estimated discretionary accruals. A reexamination of the argument underlying these studies also suggests that the incentives to manage earnings are less powerful than initially predicted, and are partially mitigated by tax and non‐tax factors. As a result, we believe that the extent of earnings management that occurred in 1987 in response to the BIA remains an unresolved issue.
On Constructing an EPS Measure: An Assessment of the Properties of Dilution*
Authors: SCOTT THOMAS W. , WIER HEATHER A.
Published: November 2003

This paper evaluates the information content of the treasury stock method for computing diluted earnings per share (EPS). We demonstrate that the treasury stock method decreases the annual association between earnings changes and stock returns and explain why this is the case. Further, we show that the treasury stock method leads to a dilutive adjustment that biases the random walk model of annual earnings in a predictable direction. Finally, we demonstrate that using the treasury stock method appears to confuse both analysts and investors: analysts' forecast errors increase with the size of the dilutive adjustment, and the association between unexpected earnings and stock returns at the earnings announcement date weakens as the dilutive adjustment increases.
Improved Accountability Disclosures by Canadian Universities*
Authors: NELSON MORTON , BANKS WILLIAM , FISHER JAMES
Published: November 2003

Canadian university disclosures have been tracked from 1988 to 2000 using the modified accountability disclosure (MAD) index developed by Coy, Dixon, and Tower (1993) and Coy, Tower, and Dixon (1993) in their study of New Zealand universities. During the first eight years of the period under investigation, there was very little change in accountability disclosures. However, for the periods ending in 1997 through 2000, there has been a statistically significant annual improvement. This paper examines the reasons for these changes as indicated in the interviews with the presidents, or their designates, of Canadian universities. Factors include increased fund raising by the universities and pressures by the public and governments for universities to become more accountable, while a change in accounting pronouncements appears to have had little effect.
Shareholder‐ Versus Stakeholder‐Focused Japanese Companies: Firm Characteristics and Accounting Valuation*
Authors: Ely Kirsten M. , Pownall Grace
Published: November 2003

Recent research has found that the value‐relevance of accounting variables depends not only on whether a country's accounting rules are code‐law oriented or common‐law oriented, but also on the reporting incentives created by the legal and business environment in which a firm operates. Therefore, for example, the earnings of firms in some countries with common‐law oriented rules but with code‐law incentives have more code‐law‐type characteristics. We further this research by examining whether this is true for firms facing the same accounting regime and institutional environment but different stakeholder‐related incentives. We find significant stakeholder‐related incentives across 23 Japanese firms listed in the United States and 23 Japanese firms not listed in the United States that are matched by industry and size. Although these firms face the same institutional environment and the same accounting regime, consistent with the differences in stakeholder‐related incentives, the earnings and book values of the firms listed in the more shareholder‐oriented U.S. markets have significantly more explanatory power for market value than those for firms not cross‐listed in the United States. These findings are unaffected by whether the reports are based on consolidated or parent‐only accounting or whether they are based on U.S. or Japanese GAAP, emphasizing the potential influence of reporting incentives at all levels on the effect of standardization, conversion, or harmonization of accounting methods globally.
Synergy among Seemingly Independent Activities*
Authors: Arya Anil
Published: November 2003

“Synergy” implies that the value of activities undertaken jointly is greater than the sum of the values of the individual activities. Reasons cited for synergy include economies of scale, benefits due to vertical integration, and efficiency gains from shared inputs and skills. This paper shows that incentive (control) reasons alone can make activities synergistic. The result is derived in a model of adverse selection with risk‐neutral participants and linear technology. The linearity in the setting removes any obvious benefits to undertaking activities in tandem. Synergy gains are attributed to a convexity in the principal's payoff introduced by the activities' impact on the production versus rents trade‐off.
Discussion of “Accounting Recognition, Moral Hazard, and Communication”
Authors: YOUNG RICHARD A.
Published: November 2003

This paper addresses two issues within an agency setting. First, it identifies conditions under which late recognition of an event is preferred to early recognition in the absence of communication of other private information. Second, it demonstrates that the agent's ability to voluntarily disclose his or her private information interacts with the preference for early versus late recognition. Of special interest is the case where early recognition is preferred to late when there is no other source of information, but late recognition is preferred in the presence of a secondary source.

I have three types of comments on the paper. The first summarizes the important aspects of the model. The second involves the interpretation of the control problem as accounting recognition. The third contains suggestions regarding how one might bring a valuation perspective into the control setting.
Executive Cash Compensation and Corporate Performance During Different Economic Cycles*
Authors: MATOLCSY ZOLTAN P.
Published: November 2003

Current practice of management cash compensation is based on financial targets. The financial targets for a year may be above, equal to, or below the previous year's publicly available performance measures based in part on the prevailing economic conditions. Accordingly, during economic downturn, a flat relation between changes in management cash compensation and simple changes in corporate performance, like annual profits or return on equity, is predicted, while during economic growth, a positive relation is predicted between changes of management cash compensation and corporate performance measures.

The evidence in this study is based on the period 1987‐95. Pooled, cross‐sectional results are consistent with the propositions of no relation between changes in management cash compensation and changes in measures of corporate performance during periods of economic downturn and significant positive relation during economic growth. Further sensitivity analysis of these results with respect to market‐based performance measures, size, and industry classifications confirm the main results.
Discretionary Accounting Accruals, Managers' Incentives, and Audit Fees*
Authors: Gul Ferdinand A. , Chen Charles J. P. , Tsui Judy S. L.
Published: November 2003

This paper examines the linkages between discretionary accruals (DAs), managerial share ownership, management compensation, and audit fees. It draws on the theory that managers of firms with high management ownership are likely to use DAs to communicate value‐relevant information, while managers of firms with high accounting‐based compensation are likely to use DAs opportunistically to manage earnings to improve their compensation. OLS regression results of 648 Australian firms show that (1) there is a positive association between DAs and audit fees; (2) managerial ownership negatively affects the positive relationship between DAs and audit fees; and (3) this negative impact is further found to be weaker for firms with high accounting‐based management compensation.
The Impact of Internal Auditor Compensation and Role on External Auditors' Planning Judgments and Decisions*
Authors: Dezoort F. Todd , Houston Richard W. , Peters Michael F.
Published: November 2003

This paper reports the results of an experiment that investigates how external audit planning is affected when internal auditors have incentives and the opportunity to bias their evaluations. Specifically, we draw on attribution theory to examine how internal auditor eligibility for incentive compensation and participation in consulting (i.e., two factors that provide incentives to bias audit evaluations) affect external audit planning. In addition, we examine the effects of incentive compensation and a consulting role across two routine internal audit tasks — an objective tests of controls task and a subjective inventory valuation task — to evaluate whether their effects are contingent upon task subjectivity (i.e., opportunity to bias audit evaluations).

Seventy‐six external auditors from four Big 5 public accounting firms participated in an experiment that manipulated internal auditor compensation (fixed salary versus incentive compensation), the type of work that the internal auditors routinely perform (primarily auditing versus primarily consulting), and audit task subjectivity (objective tests of controls versus subjective inventory valuation). Our results suggest that the nature of internal auditors' compensation and work affect audit planning recommendations differently. The opportunity to receive incentive compensation results in less reliance on internal auditors' work and greater budgeted audit hours, but only for the subjective task. Although a consulting role decreases perceived internal auditor objectivity, it has a limited effect on planning recommendations. Specifically, consulting has no effect on reliance, and leads to greater budgeted audit hours only when incentive compensation is available. We discuss potential explanations for the results as well as implications for audit research, practice, and regulation.
A Note on the Interdependence between Hypothesis Generation and Information Search in Conducting Analytical Procedures*
Authors: Asare Stephen K. , Wright Arnold M.
Published: November 2003

This study examines the linkage among the initial hypothesis set, the information search, and decision performance in performing analytical procedures. We manipulated the quality of the initial hypothesis set and the quality of the information search to investigate the extent to which deficiencies (or benefits) in either process can be remedied (or negated) by the other phase. The hypothesis set manipulation entailed inheriting a correct hypothesis set, inheriting an incorrect hypothesis set, or generating a hypothesis set. The information search was manipulated by providing a balanced evidence set to auditors (i.e., evidence on a range of likely causes including the actual cause ‐ analogous to a standard audit program) or asking them to conduct their own search. One hundred and two auditors participated in the study. The results show that auditors who inherit a correct hypothesis set and receive balanced evidence performed better than those who inherit a correct hypothesis set and did their own search, as well as those who inherited an incorrect hypothesis set and were provided a balanced evidence set. The former performance difference arose because auditors who conducted their own search were found to do repeated testing of non‐errors and truncated their search. This suggests that having a correct hypothesis set does not ensure that a balanced testing strategy is employed, which, in turn, diminishes part of the presumed benefits of a correct hypothesis set. The latter performance difference was attributable to auditors' failure to generate new hypotheses when they received evidence about a hypothesis that was not in the current hypothesis set. This demonstrates that balanced evidence does not fully compensate for having an initial incorrect hypothesis set. These findings suggest the need for firm training and/or decision aids to facilitate both a balanced information search and an iterative hypothesis generation process.