bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linguistic ethnography in realist perspective1
Authors: Sealey Alison
Published: October 2007

This article engages with linguistic ethnography from the perspective of sociological realism. It begins by reviewing some of the positions expressed in the linguistic ethnography (LE) literature about the extent to which LE is defined by theoretical orientation as well as by method. The article is then framed around a kind of ‘generic’ sociolinguistic research question –‘Which people use which kinds of language in what circumstances and with what outcome(s)?’. Taking each element in turn, it explores the ways in which an ethnographic approach contributes to the processes of: classifying speakers as members of various kinds of social groups; identifying language varieties; accounting for the influence of ‘context’; and identifying ‘outcomes’. I suggest that each of these aspects of social linguistic research stands to benefit from the methods developed in ethnography, and from the theories and principles underlying the approaches it uses. However, drawing on the work of contemporary realist social theorists, the article concludes that ethnography is a method suited to illuminating certain aspects of such questions better than others.
Elicitation and Reformulation and Their Relationship With Learner Repair in Dyadic Interaction
Authors: Nassaji Hossein
Published: October 2007

This research investigates the usefulness of two major types of interactional feedback (elicitation and reformulation) in dyadic interaction. The focus is on the different ways in which each feedback type is provided and their relationship with learner repair. The participants were 42 adult intermediate English as a second language learners and two native English teachers performing dyadic task‐based interactions. Six different reformulation subtypes and five different elicitation subtypes were identified, differing from one another in feedback salience, and the degree to which they pushed the learner to respond to feedback. Analysis of data on output accuracy following feedback showed that both reformulation and elicitation resulted in higher rates of accurate repair when they were combined with explicit intonational or verbal prompts compared with less explicit prompts or no prompts. These findings confirm the role of salience and opportunities for pushed output as important characteristics of effective feedback.
DOES PART‐TIME EMPLOYMENT PROVIDE A WAY OF ACCOMMODATING A DISABILITY?*
Authors: JONES MELANIE K.
Published: October 2007

In this paper, I examine the reasons for high rates of part‐time employment among disabled workers in the UK. Evidence from the Labour Force Survey suggests that part‐time employment provides an important way of accommodating a work‐limiting disability rather than reflecting marginalization of the disabled by employers. Differences in part‐time employment within the disabled group are also examined.
AN INVESTIGATION OF HOUSEHOLD REMITTANCE BEHAVIOUR: EVIDENCE FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM*
Authors: CLARK KEN , DRINKWATER STEPHEN
Published: October 2007

Overseas remittances are a vital source of income for many developing economies. In this paper we empirically model the remittance behaviour of a diverse set of ethnic minority households in England and Wales using survey data. Our results indicate that the probability of remitting is higher for richer households and for those containing more immigrants. Measures of social distance also appear to influence the sending of remittances. Significant ethnic differences in the incidence of remitting and the timing of payments remain after controlling for these and other factors.
INTERNATIONAL R&D COLLABORATION NETWORKS*
Authors: SONG HUASHENG , VANNETELBOSCH VINCENT
Published: October 2007

We reconsider the Goyal and Moraga‐González (Rand Journal of Economics, Vol. 32 (2001), pp. 686–707) model of strategic networks in order to analyse how government policies (e.g. subsidies) will affect the stability and efficiency of networks of R&D collaboration among three firms located in different countries. A conflict between stability and efficiency is likely to occur. When governments cannot subsidize R&D, this conflict will occur if public spillovers are not very small. However, when governments can subsidize R&D, the likelihood of a conflict is considerably reduced. Indeed, a conflict will arise only if public spillovers are very small or quite large.
DETERMINANTS OF A FIRM'S ISO 14001 CERTIFICATION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF TAIWAN
Authors: Wu Shih‐Ying , Chu Po‐Young , Liu Tzu‐Yar
Published: October 2007

Abstract.  Only rarely have empirical studies analysed the responses of Taiwanese manufacturing firms to ISO 14001, despite firm responses to environmental issues being an important aspect of environmental management. This study empirically examines the determinants of firms’ environmental self‐governance. Export oriented Taiwanese firms, which face environmental concerns from foreign consumers, are found to be more likely than domestic focused firms to adopt ISO 14001. This study also finds that several firm attributes are decisive for firm adoption of ISO 14001. However, this study does not find any significant impact of local governors’ political party affiliation on firms’ ISO 14001 certifications.
GROWTH OF INTERMEDIATE GOODS TRADE IN EAST ASIA
Authors: Hayakawa Kazunobu
Published: October 2007

Abstract.  This paper examines what contributes to the trade growth of intermediate machinery goods in East Asia in the 1990s. To this end, this paper regresses the input allocation equation to obtain the estimator of border barriers in each country, and then, by using the estimators, the first difference logarithmic form of the gravity equation is regressed. Our empirical results suggest that reduction in border barriers and the production and expenditure growth of intermediate goods are important factors which contribute to the rapid growth of trade in machinery parts in East Asia.
IMMIGRATION POLICY, CULTURAL PLURALISM AND TRADE: EVIDENCE FROM THE WHITE AUSTRALIA POLICY
Authors: White Roger , Tadesse Bedassa
Published: October 2007

Abstract.  Examining data for Australia and 101 trading partners that span the years 1989–2000, we find immigrants from nations afforded preference under the White Australia policy exert greater proportional influences on Australian imports from their home countries compared to immigrants from nations not privy to such preference. Immigrants from this latter group of countries influence Australian exports to their home countries proportionally more than do immigrants from the former group. We also find immigrant‐trade links vary across disaggregated measures of trade. The results suggest that cultural diversity, affected here by immigration policy, is relevant to a nation's trade patterns.
PRICE‐BASED MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL GLOBALIZATION: A CROSS‐COUNTRY STUDY OF INTEREST RATE PARITY
Authors: Ito Hiro , Chinn Menzie
Published: October 2007

Abstract.  We characterize the relationship between ex post exchange rate depreciation and the interest differential for both developed and emerging market economies. The measured ex post uncovered interest differentials in terms of both levels and absolute values are then related to a set of variables that capture macroeconomic and policy conditions. We find that a wide diversity in the coefficient relating depreciations and interest differentials can be attributed to differences in inflation volatility, financial development, capital account openness, legal development and the nature of the exchange rate regimes. The robust results are mainly found in the emerging market country grouping.
CO‐EVOLUTION OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY: POLICY INTERACTIONS ACROSS THE PACIFIC
Authors: Tung An‐Chi , Wan Henry
Published: October 2007

Abstract.  This study highlights the cross‐border co‐evolution of the global electronics industry, under international policy interactions. From the world distribution of the major IT producing and using firms, and the fabrication and trading network, the prominence of the Pacific Rim nexus stands out. The comparative advantages and trade gains of individual economies are decided by the impact of the institutional and policy matrix. In turn, their competing yet complementary relations give policy analysis a historical perspective. The policy performance interplay yields new insight into both how the world stands, and what the national policy should be, other things being given.
Evidence on the Functional Relationship between Relative Price Variability and Inflation with Implications for Monetary Policy
Authors: FIELDING DAVID , MIZEN PAUL
Published: October 2007

This paper considers the functional relationship between relative price variability (RPV) and inflation using quarterly personal consumer expenditure data in the US over 1967(I)–2003(I), deriving some implications for monetary policy. Non‐parametric regression techniques are used to explore the shape of the RPV function, and this shape is related to the theory outlined by J. J. Rotemberg. The empirical RPV function yields a plausible ‘optimal’ value of inflation in the region of five percentage points, which is consistent with this theory and lies within the range of values cited by recent evaluations of ‘sand’ and ‘grease’ effects.
Required Rates of Return for Corporate Investment Appraisal in the Presence of Growth Opportunities
Authors: Hirst Ian R. C. , Danbolt Jo , Jones Eddie
Published: October 2007

Traditional methods of estimating required rates of return overstate hurdle rates in the presence of growth opportunities. We attempt to quantify this effect by developing a simple model which: (i) identifies those companies that have valuable growth opportunities; (ii) splits the value of shares into ‘assets‐in‐place’ and ‘growth opportunities’; and (iii) splits the equity β into β for ‘assets‐in‐place’ and ‘growth opportunities’. We find growth opportunities for UK companies over the 1990–2004 period to average 33% of equity value. Incorporating the effect of growth opportunities, the average cost of capital for investment purposes falls by 1.1 percentage points.
Understanding intention of movement from electroencephalograms
Authors: Lakany Heba , Conway B.A.
Published: October 2007

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a new framework for understanding intention of movement that can be used in developing non‐invasive brain–computer interfaces. The proposed method is based on extracting salient features from brain signals recorded whilst the subject is actually (or imagining) performing a wrist movement in different directions. Our method focuses on analysing the brain signals at the time preceding wrist movement, i.e. while the subject is preparing (or intending) to perform the movement. Feature selection and classification of the direction is done using a wrapper method based on support vector machines (SVMs). The classification results show that we are able to discriminate the directions using features extracted from brain signals prior to movement. We then extract rules from the SVM classifiers to compare the features extracted for real and imaginary movements in an attempt to understand the mechanisms of intention of movement. Our new approach could be potentially useful in building brain–computer interfaces where a paralysed person could communicate with a wheelchair and steer it to the desired direction using a rule‐based knowledge system based on understanding of the subject's intention to move through his/her brain signals.
Knowledge representation for ambient security
Authors: Snidaro Lauro , Foresti Gian Luca
Published: October 2007

Abstract: Ambient intelligence envisages an articulated, though transparent, interaction between the user and the environment. According to this grand vision, appliances and systems embedded in the environment have to react to the user's presence and provide services in a customized fashion. Therefore, ambient intelligence systems should be endowed with context awareness capabilities in order to provide the proper responses for each user. This paper specifically shows how the system can be instructed to recognize events occurring in the observed environment for security purposes.
A multi‐camera vision system for fall detection and alarm generation
Authors: Cucchiara Rita , Prati Andrea , Vezzani Roberto
Published: October 2007

Abstract:In‐house video surveillance can represent an excellent support for people with some difficulties (e.g. elderly or disabled people) living alone and with a limited autonomy. New hardware technologies and in particular digital cameras are now affordable and they have recently gained credit as tools for (semi‐)automatically assuring people's safety. In this paper a multi‐camera vision system for detecting and tracking people and recognizing dangerous behaviours and events such as a fall is presented. In such a situation a suitable alarm can be sent, e.g. by means of an SMS. A novel technique of warping people's silhouette is proposed to exchange visual information between partially overlapped cameras whenever a camera handover occurs. Finally, a multi‐client and multi‐threaded transcoding video server delivers live video streams to operators/remote users in order to check the validity of a received alarm. Semantic and event‐based transcoding algorithms are used to optimize the bandwidth usage. A two‐room setup has been created in our laboratory to test the performance of the overall system and some of the results obtained are reported.
GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING REFORM: EVOLUTION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION IN FLEMISH MUNICIPALITIES
Authors: Christiaens Johan , Van Peteghem Vincent
Published: October 2007

Some studies measured the success of adopting governmental accounting reforms revealing conceptual and practical problems. However, these empirical studies only consider the starting point assuming that implementation difficulties are just transition problems that will disappear automatically in time. This study concentrates on how implementing a governmental reform evolves after a number of years. Looking at 1995, 1997 and 1999, it reveals that the level of compliance in Flemish municipalities increased only slightly in 1997 and remained unchanged in 1999. It evidences that there is no self‐regulating effect of implementing governmental reforms, even after a period of almost 5 years of experience.
ALIGNING INCENTIVES AND MOTIVATIONS IN HEALTH CARE: THE CASE OF EARNED AUTONOMY
Authors: Mannion Russell , Goddard Maria , Bate Angela
Published: October 2007

Delegating greater authority and decision making power to front line organisations, including devolution of control through the system of ‘Earned Autonomy’ is a key component of the UK Government's modernisation agenda for the public services. The principle of Earned Autonomy is that the highest performing organisations are subject to less central control and allowed increased operating freedoms. This paper explores the implementation of Earned Autonomy in the English NHS and addresses the question of whether the incentives implicit within Earned Autonomy are both sufficiently powered and aligned to the motivations of senior hospital managers to secure the desired improvements in organisational performance.
AN INVESTIGATION OF DISCRETIONARY ACCRUALS AND SURPLUS‐DEFICIT MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM SWEDISH MUNICIPALITIES
Authors: Stalebrink Odd J.
Published: October 2007

This article presents evidence suggesting that Swedish municipalities use discretion associated with the accounting for depreciation and asset write‐offs to manage externally reported financial performance. The general hypothesis that is proposed and tested is that they use this discretion for purposes of reporting small surpluses across accounting periods (i.e., smoothing). The article identifies two strategies for achieving this reporting objective, including the use of the discretion to (1) systematically increase expenses during reporting years when these can be absorbed by surpluses; and (2) to systematically increase them during periods when large deficits are reported. The latter strategy is referred to as the ‘big‐bath strategy’ and involves systematic ‘dumping’ of expenses on already poor results. Both strategies support the above reporting objective, by setting the stage for the reporting entity to more effectively reach the reporting objective in future accounting periods. Given the findings that are presented, it is recommended that accounting standard setters ought to consider a review of standards guiding the level of discretion and accompanying disclosure requirements.
Evaluating the Cost- Effectiveness of In-Work Benefits: A Simulation Study for Switzerland
Authors: Gerfin Michael , Leu Robert E.
Published: October 2007

Income support for working low-income families (the ‘working poor’) is on top of the political agenda in Switzerland. The current social assistance system is considered inadequate to support working poor households. Several European countries have introduced in-work benefits in order to make work pay. Based on a structural labour supply model, this paper provides microsimulation results of the effects of introducing different schemes of in-work benefits. It turns out that adding a minimum hours requirement to the current social assistance system is the most cost-effective reform. Onethird of expected costs can be attributed to behavioural changes in labour supply.
The Curse and Blessing of Training the Unemployed in a Changing Economy: The Case of East Germany After Unification
Authors: Lechner Michael , Miquel Ruth , Wunsch Conny
Published: October 2007

We analyse the effects of government-sponsored training for the unemployed conducted during East German transition. For the microeconometric analysis, we use a new, large and informative administrative database that allows us to use matching methods to address potential selection bias, to study different types of programmes and to observe labour market outcomes over eight years. We find strong evidence that, on average, the training programmes under investigation increase long-term employment prospects and earnings. However, as an important exception, the longer training programmes are not helpful for their male participants. At least part of the explanation for this negative result is that caseworkers severely misjudged the structure of the future demand for skills.
The Relationship between Output and Unemployment with Efficiency Wages
Authors: Malley Jim , Molana Hassan
Published: October 2007

We construct a stylised model of the supply side with goods and labour market imperfections to show that an economy can rationally operate at a low-effort state in which the relationship between output and unemployment is positive. We examine data from the G7 countries over 1960-2001 and find that only German data strongly favour a persistent negative relationship between the level of output and rate of unemployment. The consequence of this is that circumstances exist in which market imperfections could pose serious obstacles to the smooth working of expansionary and/or stabilisation policies and a positive demand shock might have adverse effects on employment.
Hyaluronic acid treatment of facial fat atrophy in HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Bugge H , Negaard A , Skeie L , Bergersen B
Published: October 2007

Objectives

Facial lipoatrophy can be devastating for HIV‐infected patients, with negative effects on self‐esteem. In this study, we treated facial fat atrophy in the nasogenian area with hyaluronic acid (Restylane SubQ; Q‐Med AB, Uppsala, Sweden).

Methods

Twenty patients were included in the study. Treatment effects were evaluated at baseline, and at weeks 6, 24 and 52 using ultrasound, the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale.

Results

Mean (±standard deviation) total cutaneous thickness increased from 6±1 mm at baseline to 15±3 mm at week 6 (P<0.001), and declined to 10±2 mm at week 52 (P<0.001 vs baseline). The response rate (total cutaneous thickness >10 mm) was 100% at week 6, 85% at week 24 and 60% at week 52. At week 6, all of the patients classified their facial appearance as very much improved or moderately improved. They also reported increased satisfaction with their facial appearance and had higher self‐esteem scores. At week 52, 15 of 19 patients still classified their facial appearance as very much improved or moderately improved, although the mean total cutaneous thickness had gradually declined.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that Restylane SubQ is a useful and well‐tolerated dermal filler for treating HIV‐positive patients with facial lipoatrophy.
Hepatitis C is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in HIV‐infected persons without traditional risk factors
Authors: Jain MK , Aragaki C , Fischbach L , Gibson S , Arora R , May L , Vardhineni K , Lee WM
Published: October 2007

Objectives

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfection has been linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We evaluated the effect of HCV on risk of DM in relation to traditional risk factors such as age, body mass index (BMI) and family history of DM in an HIV‐infected population.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of 1529 HIV‐infected out‐patients. An adjusted multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of HCV seropositivity on DM stratified by low and high propensity for DM based on age, BMI and family history.

Results

Race, age, BMI, family history and HCV were associated with DM. Use of protease inhibitors (PIs) was not associated with DM, but HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients were less likely to be on PIs than those with HIV infection alone. In a multivariate analysis controlled for race, the association between HCV and DM was stronger in lean, young patients without a family history of DM; the low‐risk group. No association between HCV and type 2 DM was seen in patients who were older or overweight or had a family history of DM; the high‐risk group. PI use did not affect the association between HCV and DM.

Conclusions

Hepatitis C is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes in young, lean, HIV‐infected patients. HIV‐infected patients with HCV infection, regardless of whether they are on PIs, should be carefully screened for DM even if traditional risk factors for DM are not present.
Incidence of anaemia among HIV‐infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy*
Authors: Curkendall SM , Richardson JT , Emons MF , Fisher AE , Everhard F
Published: October 2007

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of anaemia in patients treated with zidovudine (ZDV) with that in patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) not including ZDV.

Methods

Using HIV Insight, a database of abstracted US HIV care centre medical charts, ZDV‐naïve patients starting ZDV‐containing HAART were compared with those starting non‐ZDV, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor‐containing HAART. Cohorts were divided as follows: group 1: without baseline anaemia [haemoglobin (Hb) ≥11 g/dL]; group 2: with baseline anaemia (Hb <11 g/dL). The incidence of anaemia (anaemia diagnosis, Hb <11 g/dL, erythropoietic therapy or blood transfusion) was computed for group 1. The anaemia hazard ratio (HR) was adjusted using Cox regression. The rate of worsening anaemia (Hb decrease ≥1.0 g/dL) was computed for group 2.

Results

In group 1, the incidence of anaemia was 24.3 and 8.1 per 100 person‐years in the ZDV and non‐ZDV cohorts, respectively, after 6 months of follow‐up, and 12.5 and 5.3 per 100 person‐years after 24 months. Significant predictors of anaemia were ZDV, low initial Hb, injecting drug use, CD4 count <200 cells/μL and AIDS. The adjusted HR for ZDV was 1.6 (P=0.005). In group 2, the ZDV/non‐ZDV risk ratio for worsening anaemia was 2.2 (95% confidence interval 1.1–4.3).

Conclusions

Patients initiating ZDV‐containing HAART are at greater risk of developing new anaemia or worsening anaemia than patients initiating non‐ZDV‐containing HAART.
Validation of three‐dimensional laser scanning for the assessment of facial fat changes
Authors: Paton NI , Yang Y , Sitoh Y‐Y , Oo Tha Naing
Published: October 2007

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of three‐dimensional laser scanning as an objective method for detecting facial changes.

Methods

Facial laser scanning was performed at baseline and repeated after a median of 10 months in 24 HIV‐infected patients, 12 with ongoing lipodystrophy, five with >10% weight loss and seven with >10% weight gain. Surface volume change was estimated using a standardized technique, and compared with change in cheek fat measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

The median laser scanning surface volume changes were −2.1 (range −4.6 to −0.8) mL in the lipoatrophy group, −1.5 (range −6.8 to −1.3) mL in the weight loss group and +3.1 (range −0.2 to +5.4) mL in the weight gain group (the median MRI cheek fat changes were −4.6, −3.7 and +7.0 mL in the three groups, respectively). Laser scanning and MRI measurements were not significantly associated in lipoatrophy patients (r=0.34, P=0.28), but there was a good association in patients who changed weight (r=0.71, P=0.01).

Conclusions

Laser scanning detects changes in the appropriate direction, although it underestimates MRI‐measured cheek fat changes. Laser scanning may be useful as an objective measure of cheek surface volume changes, but needs further validation in larger clinical cohorts.
Presence of M184I/V in minor HIV‐1 populations of patients with lamivudine and/or didanosine treatment failure
Authors: Svedhem V , Bergroth T , Lidman K , Sönnerborg A
Published: October 2007

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of M184I/V in minor HIV‐1 populations of patients who failed lamivudine (3TC) and/or didanosine (ddI) treatment.

Materials and methods

Fourteen 3TC‐experienced patients who, after switching therapy to a ddI regimen, had a new failure without M184I/V in the major viral population were included in the study. Ninety plasma samples were analysed by direct sequencing and selective real‐time polymerase chain reaction (SPCR), which detects GTG/GTA and ATA mutants down to 1 and 0.2% of the population, respectively.

Results

In five samples, SPCR detected resistant virus when direct sequencing detected wild‐type M184. In patients with mixed viral populations at sequencing, the median proportion of mutants detected by SPCR was 30%. SPCRGTG reactivity dominated, while SPCRATA reactivity only was uncommon. M184I/V disappeared in patients in whom 3TC was stopped but ddI continued. Ten patients with ddI failure had no M184I/V.

Conclusions

Minor HIV‐1 strains may harbour M184I/V in patients failing ddI therapy, despite direct sequencing showing wild‐type virus. Although M184I/V may reduce the genetic barrier of ddI for mutations such as K65R and L74V, the lack of re‐emergence of M184I/V in the minor quasispecies of most patients who failed ddI suggests that M184I/V was not a preferred route to ddI resistance in our patient population.
Impact of transmission of drug‐resistant HIV on the course of infection and the treatment success. Data from the German HIV‐1 Seroconverter Study
Authors: Poggensee G , Kücherer C , Werning J , Somogyi S , Bieniek B , Dupke S , Jessen H , Hamouda O ,   for the HIV‐1 Seroconverter Study Group
Published: October 2007

Background

Data on the clinical course of infection in patients with transmitted drug‐resistant HIV before and after initiation of treatment are scarce.

Patients and methods

Genotypic resistance was analysed in 504 therapy‐naïve individuals with a known date of infection. Resistance was predicted using the Stanford algorithm. Clinical parameters for 80 individuals with transmitted drug‐resistant HIV and for 424 patients with susceptible virus were analysed.

Results

In 16% of the individuals transmitted drug‐resistant HIV was found. Detection of drug‐resistant HIV was more likely in individuals with acute primary HIV infection [odds ratio (OR)=1.529; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.001; 2.236]. At the time of infection patients with an acute infection with resistant HIV had lower viral loads. CD4 cell counts tended to be higher and the CD4 cell loss more pronounced in the group with resistant HIV. Suppression of the viral load below the detection limit was achieved in 64% of the group with resistant HIV and in 85% of the group with susceptible HIV 6 months after initiation of therapy (P=0.199). The majority of the group with resistant HIV (74%) received at least one compromised drug.

Conclusion

First‐line treatment including drugs with predicted resistance can impair virological success in some patients. Factors influencing the decision to include compromised drugs need to be investigated.
Efficacy and tolerability of a double boosted protease inhibitor (lopinavir + saquinavir/ritonavir) regimen in HIV‐infected patients who failed treatment with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Authors: Chetchotisakd P , Anunnatsiri S , Mootsikapun P , Kiertiburanakul S , Anekthananon T , Bowonwatanuwong C , Kowadisaiburana B , Supparatpinyo K , Ruxrungtham K ,   the study team
Published: October 2007

Objectives

Long‐term nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based antiretroviral treatment failure in most developing countries has led to broad cross‐resistance within NNRTI and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) classes. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and tolerability of a double boosted protease inhibitor (PI) regimen in this setting.

Methods

A total of 64 HIV‐infected patients who had failed NNRTI‐based regimens were randomized to receive either lopinavir/saquinavir/ritonavir [LPV/SQV/r; 400/1000/100 mg twice a day (bid)] alone or indinavir/ritonavir (IDV/r; 800/100 mg bid) plus two NRTIs optimized with genotypic drug resistance guidance. Patients who had no available optimized NRTI backbone were allocated to the LPV/SQV/r arm.

Results

At 48 weeks, the percentages of patients with plasma viral load<50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL were 60% (31 of 52 patients) in the LPV/SQV/r arm vs 50% (six of 12) in the IDV/r/2NRTIs arm in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, and 61% (31 of 51) vs 71% (five of seven), respectively, in the as‐treated analysis. The median (interquartile range) increases in absolute CD4 cell count from baseline were 177 (91–269) and 100 (52–225) cells/μL in the LPV/SQV/r and IDV/r/2NRTIs groups, respectively (P=0.32). Four of 12 patients (33%) in the IDV/r/2NRTIs group experienced severe nausea and vomiting and four patients (8%) in the LPV/SQV/r group had significant hepatitis.

Conclusions

LPV/SQV/r and high‐dose boosted IDV were not well tolerated and led to <65% ITT virological efficacy outcomes. A randomized larger scale study with new formulations and/or more tolerable boosted PIs in NNRTI‐based failure is warranted.
Impact of GB virus type C infection on mother‐to‐child HIV transmission in the Women and Infants Transmission Study Cohort
Authors: Handelsman E , Cheng I , Thompson B , Hershow R , Mofenson LM , Hollinger FB , Chen KT , Burchett SK , Klinzman D , Stapleton JT ,   the Women and Infants Transmission Study Group (WITS)
Published: October 2007

Background

GB virus type C (GBV‐C) viraemia is associated with a beneficial outcome in HIV‐infected individuals in several though not all studies. GBV‐C viraemia was examined in a matched case–control study of 133 HIV‐infected pregnant women who transmitted HIV to their infants (‘cases’) and 266 non‐transmitting controls.

Methods

HIV‐infected children and controls were pair‐matched for high‐risk delivery, race and year of delivery. GBV‐C status was determined in maternal plasma samples obtained at or within 3 months of delivery.

Results

Pregnant women with GBV‐C viraemia (11% of those studied) had lower HIV RNA levels (P=0.01) and higher CD4 percentages (P=0.006) than women without GBV‐C. A trend towards decreased mother‐to‐child transmission in the multivariate analysis was observed among GBV‐C viraemic women delivering after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) became available [odds ratio (OR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08–1.05; P=0.06], but not in women delivering prior to the widespread use of HAART.

Conclusions

GBV‐C viraemia was associated with a beneficial effect on CD4 percentage and HIV RNA level in these pregnant women, and was also associated with a trend towards reduced risk of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission among women after HAART became available. Further studies with larger or multiple cohorts are necessary to assess possible benefits in this population.
Chronic high dose transdermal nicotine in Parkinson's disease: an open trial
Authors: Villafane G. , Cesaro P. , Rialland A. , Baloul S. , Azimi S. , Bourdet C. , Le Houezec J. , Macquin‐Mavier I. , Maison P.
Published: October 2007

Whether nicotine has therapeutic effects on Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms is controversial, but high doses and chronic treatment have never been tested. We report the results of a pilot, open‐label trial to assess the safety and possible efficacy of chronic high doses of nicotine. Six patients with advanced idiopathic PD received increasing daily doses of transdermal nicotine up to 105 mg/day over 17 weeks. All patients but one accepted the target dose. Nausea and vomiting were frequent but moderate, and occurred in most of the patients (four of six) who received over 90 mg/day and 14 weeks of nicotine treatment. During the plateau phase, patients improved their motor scores and dopaminergic treatment was reduced. These results confirm the feasibility of chronic high dose nicotinic treatment in PD but warrant validation of the beneficial effects by a randomized controlled trial.
Mitoxantrone treatment in multiple sclerosis: a 5‐year clinical and MRI follow‐up
Authors: Buttinelli C. , Clemenzi A. , Borriello G. , Denaro F. , Pozzilli C. , Fieschi C.
Published: October 2007

Mitoxantrone (MTX) is an antineoplastic agent approved for treatment of secondary progressive and rapidly worsening relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). We designed a longitudinal open‐label prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of MTX over a 2‐year treatment period with a further 3‐year follow‐up. Fifty consecutive MS patients were included and received MTX intravenously (8 mg/m2 every 2 months for a total of 12 infusions). Efficacy was assessed clinically and by brain MRI performed before MTX therapy, at the end of treatment and at the end of each year of follow‐up. Forty‐nine patients completed the 5‐year study, 44 (89.8%) completed the MTX course, five (10.2%) interrupted the treatment because of side effects. Fifteen (30.6%) patients showed Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression on treatment and nine (18.4%) during follow‐up. Seventeen (34.7%) patients had enhancing lesions at baseline, nine (18.4%) at the end of treatment, but none at the end of follow‐up. In conclusion, we observed EDSS progression in about 1/3 of the patients during the treatment period and in 1/5 during the further 3‐year follow‐up period. This evidence suggests a delayed beneficial effect after MTX treatment is completed with only a minority of patients showing disability progression once the drug was suspended.
Ischaemic stroke – impact of renal dysfunction on in‐hospital mortality
Authors: Fabjan T. Hojs , Hojs R. , Tetičkovič E. , Balon B. Pečovnik
Published: October 2007

Renal dysfunction predicts mortality in patients with myocardial infarction but less is known about the impact of renal dysfunction on in‐hospital mortality after ischaemic stroke. All 361 patients (185 men, 176 women; mean age 72.1 years) with ischaemic stroke and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <90 ml/min/1.73 m2 were followed‐up. GFR was calculated according to abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula. Stroke severity was determined by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

The mean GFR was 61.5 ± 16.6 ml/min/1.73 m2. There were 49 (13.6%) in‐hospital deaths. Patients who died had higher NIHSS (P = 0.0001), were older (P = 0.024), had lower GFR (P = 0.028), higher hs‐C‐reactive protein (P = 0.001) and lower albumin (P = 0.048). No differences in presence of diabetes and hypertension, cholesterol (total, HDL and LDL), triglycerides and BMI between patients who died or survived were found. With univariate analysis association between in‐hospital mortality and NIHSS (P = 0.0001), GFR (P = 0.041), total cholesterol (P = 0.021) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.034) was found. With Cox multivariable regression analysis of risk factors, NIHSS (P = 0.0001), GFR (P = 0.018), total cholesterol (P = 0.008) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.011) were only predictors of in‐hospital mortality. In patients with ischaemic stroke, decreased GFR was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality.
Clinical features of patients with myasthenia gravis associated with autoimmune diseases
Authors: Kanazawa M. , Shimohata T. , Tanaka K. , Nishizawa M.
Published: October 2007

We investigated the incidence and clinical features of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) associated with autoimmune diseases. Associated autoimmune diseases were found in 28 of 142 consecutive Japanese MG patients (19.7%), amongst which Graves’ disease (7.7%) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (4.2%) were predominant. The clinical features of MG patients with Graves’ disease were different from those of MG patients without autoimmune diseases in terms of age at onset of MG symptoms (35.5 ± 4.0 years and 49.0 ± 1.7 years; P < 0.05), positivity for the anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody (44.4% and 89.8%; P < 0.05), and association with thymic hyperplasia (72.7 and 17.9%; P < 0.05). The therapeutic outcome of MG patients with Graves’ disease and that of those without autoimmune diseases were not significantly different. Further studies should be performed to investigate whether MG associated with Graves’ disease is a distinct subtype of MG.
Labour market developments in the new EU Member States
Authors: Morley John
Published: October 2007

The impact of the latest EU enlargements—with the arrival of 10 new Member States in May 2004 and the addition of Romania and Bulgaria in 2007—had been a subject of concern given their low initial living standards (around half the EU average). In practice, the experience has been largely positive, with strong inward investment and significant improvements in economic growth, employment and incomes, especially in the last two years. However, regional imbalances have worsened—notably between city regions and others—and job prospects for the unskilled have declined dramatically. Moreover, because industrial relations systems in the new Member States remain seriously underdeveloped, progress in embracing the EU social model (in all its diversity) is slow and uneven.
More voice after more exit? Unstable industrial relations in Central Eastern Europe
Authors: Meardi Guglielmo
Published: October 2007

The article examines the industrial relations developments in the post‐communist countries that entered the EU in 2004. Rather than introducing the ‘European Social Model’, EU accession has led to some social tensions, in spite of relatively strong economic growth, because of deregulation, European Monetary Union conditions and the enduring need to compete for foreign investment. EU institutional promotion of social dialogue through the Directive on Information and Consultation of Workers, sector social dialogue committees and the European Employment Strategy has only had limited effects in increasing the ‘voice’ of employees in employment relations. National‐level social dialogue has produced poor results and has even been weakened in Slovenia (where it was originally strong) and, initially, in Slovakia. The lack of ‘voice’ for employees has led to increased ‘exit’ through political populism/abstention and migration. A double paradox emerges. Pro‐labour policies are being developed not by the EU, but rather by its opposite, Euro‐sceptical governments (in Poland and Slovakia), while in the workplaces, employers are forced to concessions not by their employees, but by those who leave and cause labour shortages. However, there is also some evidence of a resurgent ‘voice’ from below, through strikes, organising campaigns, informal collective protests and collective bargaining innovations. Drawing on both theory and history of industrial relations, it is concluded that some preconditions for more stable social compromises including more ‘voice’ are emerging.
The role of the state in Central and Eastern European industrial relations: the case of minimum wages
Authors: Kohl Heribert , Platzer Hans‐Wolfgang
Published: October 2007

Governments in Central and Eastern Europe are dominant players in the field of industrial relations, acting in a ‘liberalisation dilemma’ between the needs of further state regulation to compensate the shortcomings of autonomous self‐regulation by social actors and the demands of liberalised markets in the enlarged EU. Compared with the different types of industrial relation systems in Western Europe, a transitional model with specific etatist features has emerged. This becomes particularly evident when analysing the decision‐making process in Tripartite Councils and its function in determining national minimum wages. The article underlines the recent trends of differentiation and convergence of such pay principles as well as urgent tasks of the state to regulate the unsolved problems of poverty, labour markets and labour standards.
The Conservation of Industrial Remains as a Source of Individuation and Socialization
Authors: SEVERCAN YUCEL CAN , BARLAS ADNAN
Published: October 2007

The disappearance of public spaces from the urban realm is a sign of the de‐individuation and asocialization of the modern individual. However, cities still provide important tools for reclaiming our lost public life. The aim of this essay is to approach industrial heritage, usually considered a conservation issue, from a different perspective, as a tool for individuation and socialization. In order to do this, we start by describing the effects of capitalism and globalization on public open spaces, and then link this to governments’ privatization policies for industrial heritage. We show how industrial landscapes could function as public spaces. Finally, we explain how, in the absence of other public open spaces, industrial landscapes could be used for public purposes to meet the social needs of humans, and could thus be instrumental in the proliferation of our rituals.

La disparition des espaces publics de la sphère urbaine reflète la désindividuation et l'associalisation de l'individu moderne. Pourtant, les villes procurent encore d'importants outils de revendication de notre vie publique perdue. Ce travail envisage le patrimoine industriel, non pas dans la perspective conservatrice habituelle, mais comme un outil en faveur de l'individuation et de la socialisation. Pour ce faire, nous décrivons d'abord les effets du capitalisme et de la mondialisation sur les espaces ouverts publics, puis les associons aux politiques de privatisation des gouvernements en faveur du patrimoine industriel. Nous montrons comment les paysages industriels pourraient opérer en tant qu'espaces publics. Enfin, nous expliquons comment, en l'absence d'autres espaces ouverts publics, les paysages industriels pourraient servir à des fins publiques pour répondre aux besoins sociaux des hommes et contribuer ainsi à la propagation de nos rituels.
There's More Than One Way to be ‘Serious’ about City‐Regions
Authors: JONAS ANDREW E.G. , WARD KEVIN
Published: October 2007

This short essay responds to Harding's own response to our recent debate on city regions in this journal. While we welcome Harding's contribution, we also take issue with aspects of his critique. First, we reiterate our claims that the emergence in recent years of a variety of city‐region models cannot be traced back to neoliberalism alone. Second, we suggest that the introduction of more economics into the political economic study of city‐regions is not as straightforward as Harding implies. We highlight the different ways in which economics and the economy are understood. Third, we consider what we see as a problematic distinction between ‘abstract’ theory and ‘applied’ policy work, and argue instead that a more fruitful way forward is to ensure all academics reflect on the variety of ways in which they may represent their research according to the intended publics. In light of this we make no apologies for adopting the approach we did in our debates forum.

Ce court article répond à la réaction de Harding à notre récent débat sur les régions métropolitaines paru dans cette revue. Si nous saluons sa contribution, nous sommes néanmoins en désaccord avec plusieurs aspects de sa critique. Premièrement, nous réaffirmons que l'apparition récente de plusieurs modèles de région métropolitaine ne peut être imputée au seul néolibéralisme. Deuxièmement, nous pensons qu'intégrer davantage d'Economie dans l'économie politique des régions métropolitaines n'est pas aussi facile que le sous‐entend Harding; à cet égard, nous soulignons les différentes façons dont on peut comprendre Economie et économie. Troisièmement, à notre avis, il s'agit d'un problème de distinction entre théorie ‘abstraite’ et travaux de politique ‘appliquée’; il nous paraît donc plus constructif de s'assurer que tous les chercheurs réfléchissent aux multiples manières de représenter leurs travaux en fonction des publics visés. C'est pourquoi nous assumons pleinement l'approche que nous avons adoptée dans notre forum de débat.
Making a Niche: North American Voice Actors and Korean Labor Intermediaries in Seoul, Korea
Authors: GRESS DOUGLAS R. , BAGCHI‐SEN SHARMISTHA
Published: October 2007

This article analyzes the role of intermediaries in the newly forming and demand‐driven niche market of English voice dubbing in Seoul, Korea. Standardized surveys and structured interviews of North American voice actors and South Korean agents are used to gather data. The findings suggest that cultural and structural embeddedness as well as ‘power’ be integrated into studies of intermediary‐facilitated networks, particularly when foreign workers are adjusting to a local work environment. Research results reveal six network configurations that represent the structural embeddedness of networks deployed by agents, voice actors, client firms and studios active in this niche market. The power and trust associated with these relationships is studied vis‐à‐vis the culturally embedded environment of the local market in Seoul. Agents conform to Benner's typologies in that they are highly specialized in their market segments, reduce transaction costs and help manage risk, and act as ‘market makers’.

Cet article analyse le rôle des intermédiaires sur la toute nouvelle niche commerciale que génère la demande de doublage en anglais à Séoul, en Corée. Enquêtes standardisées et entretiens structurés auprès de comédiens spécialisés originaires d'Amérique du Nord et d'agents sud‐coréens fournissent les données. D'après les résultats, il faudrait intégrer l'encastrement culturel et structurel ainsi que la dimension de ‘pouvoir’ dans les études des réseaux facilités par des intermédiaires, notamment lorsque des étrangers s'adaptent à un environnement de travail local. Les recherches révèlent six configurations représentant l'encastrement structurel des réseaux qu'implantent les agents, comédiens spécialisés, entreprises clientes et studios actifs sur cette niche. Le pouvoir et la confiance associés à ces relations sont étudiés par rapport au marché de Séoul et à son encastrement culturel. Les agents correspondent aux typologies de Benner, puisqu'ils sont très spécialisés sur leur segment de marché, réduisent les frais de transaction et facilitent la gestion du risque, agissant en ‘faiseurs de marché’.