bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal study of resolution of allergy to well‐cooked and uncooked egg
Authors: Clark A. , Islam S. , King Y. , Deighton J. , Szun S. , Anagnostou K. , Ewan P.
Published: April 2011

Background
Egg allergy is common and although resolution to uncooked egg has been demonstrated, there is lack of evidence to guide reintroduction of well‐cooked egg.

Objectives
To examine the rate of resolution to well‐cooked, compared with uncooked egg in children, and safety of egg challenges.

Method
A longitudinal study of egg‐allergic children from 2004 to 2010, who underwent challenge with well‐cooked and if negative, uncooked egg. Participants underwent repeat annual challenges and egg‐specific IgE measurement.

Results
One hundred and eighty‐one open egg challenges were performed in 95 children whose median age of allergy onset was 12 months. Fifty‐three of 95 (56%) had at least one annual repeat challenge. Pre‐study historical reactions occurred to baked egg in five (5%), lightly cooked in 58 (61%) and uncooked in nine (9%); respiratory reactions occurred in 11 (12%) and seven (7%) had anaphylaxis; adrenaline was used during five reactions. There were 77 well‐cooked and 104 uncooked egg challenges. Tolerance was gained twice as rapidly to well‐cooked than uncooked egg (median 5.6 vs. 10.3 years; P<0.0001) and continued to 13 years; hazard ratio 2.23 (95% confidence interval 1.6–3.9). Nearly 1/3 had resolved allergy to well‐cooked egg at 3 years and 2/3 at 6 years. Of 28/77 (37%) positive well‐cooked egg challenges, 65% had cutaneous symptoms, 68% gastrointestinal and 39% rhinitis, with no other respiratory reactions. Adrenaline was not required.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Resolution of egg allergy takes place over many years, with children outgrowing allergy to well‐cooked egg approximately twice as quickly as they outgrow allergy to uncooked egg. There were no severe reactions to well‐cooked egg challenge, and adrenaline was not required. Our data support initiation of home reintroduction of well‐cooked egg from 2 to 3 years of age in children with previous mild reactions and no asthma. Resolution continues to occur in older children, so that despite an earlier positive challenge, attempts at reintroduction should be continued.

Cite this as: A. Clark, S. Islam, Y. King, J. Deighton, S. Szun, K. Anagnostou and P. Ewan, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 706–712.
Transaldolases are novel and immunoglobulin E cross‐reacting fungal allergens
Authors: Chou H. , Tam M. F. , Chiang C.‐H. , Chou C.‐T. , Tai H.‐Y. , Shen H.‐D.
Published: April 2011

Background
Mould‐induced atopic respiratory diseases are a worldwide problem. Characterization of fungal allergens is of major clinical importance.

Objective
We identified a novel transaldolase family allergen of Cladosporium and Penicillium species.

Methods
Fungal allergens were identified by immunoblotting, peptide mass mapping and partial sequencing, cDNA cloning and IgE epitope mapping.

Results
A 36.5 kDa IgE‐binding component in a partially purified C. cladosporioides preparation was identified. Mass spectrometric analyses suggest that this novel IgE‐reacting allergen is a transaldolase. A corresponding full‐length 1246 bp cDNA encoding a polypeptide of 325 residues was isolated. The newly identified transaldolase allergen has been designated as Cla c 14.0101. The cDNA encoding the Pencillium chrysogenum transaldolase was isolated by RT‐PCR according to the cDNA sequence encoding a P. chrysogenum Wisconsin 54‐1255 hypothetical protein. The purified rCla c 14.0101 protein reacted with IgE antibodies in 10 (38%) of 26 Cladosporium cladosporioides‐sensitized asthmatic patients. Nine of the 10 rCla c 14.0101‐positive sera have IgE binding against the recombinant Penicillium transaldolase (rPen ch 35.0101). Among the eight fungal transaldolase‐positive sera tested, three showed IgE binding against the recombinant human transaldolase. To determine cross‐reactivity between the Cladosporium and Penicillium fungi, IgE cross‐reactivity was detected between these two fungal transaldolase allergens by inhibition assays. Both the N‐ and the C‐terminal fragments of Cla c 14.0101 were recognized by IgE antibodies. The C‐terminal IgE‐reacting determinant was narrowed down to a region encompassing Thr257 to Ser278 of Cla c 14.0101. It was mapped onto a loop‐like structure of a 3D model constructed for Cla c 14.0101.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
We identified transaldolase as a novel and IgE cross‐reactive allergen family of C. cladosporioides and P. chrysogenum. In addition, an IgE‐reacting fragment (Thr257 to Ser278) was pinpointed to a loop‐like structure on Cla c 14.0101. Results obtained provide important information in clinical mould allergy.

Cite this as: H. Chou, M. F. Tam, C.‐H. Chiang, C.‐T. Chou, H.‐Y. Tai and H.‐D. Shen, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 739–749.
Clonorchis sinensis infection is positively associated with atopy in endemic area
Authors: Choi M‐H , Chang Y‐S , Lim M. K. , Bae Y. M. , Hong S‐T , Oh J‐K , Yun E. H. , Bae M‐J , Kwon H‐S , Lee S‐M , Park H‐W , Min K‐U , Kim Y‐Y , Cho S‐H
Published: April 2011

Background
Epidemiologic studies have suggested that helminth infections play a protective role against allergy; this inverse association, however, has not been consistent. Clonorchis sinensis, the liver fluke of human, is prevalent in the Far East. The association between C. sinensis infection and allergy has not yet been reported.

Objective
We evaluated the association between clonorchiasis and atopy or allergic diseases in adults in endemic areas of clonorchiasis.

Methods
A total of 1116 subjects (males 419, females 697; age range, 30–86; mean age=61 years) were recruited from two endemic areas of C. sinensis in Korea. Clonorchiasis was confirmed by stool examination. Allergic symptoms were evaluated with a modified ISAAC questionnaire, and atopy was defined by skin prick test for common inhalant allergens. Total serum IgE and C. sinensis‐specific IgE level was measured by ELISA and methacholine bronchial provocation test was performed to evaluate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).

Results
Clonorchiasis was positively associated with atopy [odds ratio (OR), 1.856; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.199–2.873] and high levels of total serum IgE (OR, 1.455; 95% CI, 1.050–2.016). Higher association with clonorchiasis was shown in subjects who showed both atopy and high total serum IgE levels (OR, 2.540; 95% CI, 1.448–4.455). Clonorchiasis had no association with wheezing, AHR, asthma or allergic rhinitis.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
Clonorchiasis was positively associated with atopy in adults in endemic area.

Cite this as: M‐H Choi, Y‐S Chang, M. K. Lim, Y. M. Bae, S‐T Hong, J‐K Oh, E. H. Yun, M‐J Bae, H‐S Kwon, S‐M Lee, H‐W Park, K‐U Min, Y‐Y Kim and S‐H Cho, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 697–705.
Development of a scale to measure parental self‐efficacy in the care of pre‐school children during periods of health and minor illness: integrating health and social policy methods
Authors: Purssell Edward , While Alison
Published: April 2011

Aims and objectives.  To develop a scale to measure parental self‐efficacy in the care of pre‐school children during periods of health and minor illness.

Background.  Children account for many health service consultations at all levels, but particularly in primary care. There are logistical, financial and social reasons for encouraging self‐care by parents and other family members during periods of health and minor illness. In the absence of valid parental self‐efficacy measurement tool, this paper describes the development of such a tool.

Design.  A psychometric approach combining elements of social policy and health scale development is outlined.

Method.  UK health and social policies were searched and from this a systematised concept was developed. This was assessed for international durability by checking the concept against other policies, including those from major international organisations. Statements were developed from this and sent to a panel representing a wide range of stakeholders who were asked to rate the proposed items of the scale and changes were made accordingly.

Results.  Widespread agreement among panel members supported the systematised concept. Some alterations to the proposed items, particularly increasing the range of health service providers, were made.

Conclusions.  The study suggests a new method for clinical health policy research, including elements of social policy and health services research. The resulting scale can be contextualised for different circumstances and now needs extensive field testing and refinement.

Relevance to clinical practice.  There is increasing diversity in the provision of healthcare; however parents remain the primary carers of young children in both health and illness. This tool can be used to measure the impact of health and social policy upon their confidence and knowledge, and to evaluate new initiatives. The emphasis upon health and social policy ensures that those using the tool have a holistic approach to evaluation.
Enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli: even more subversive elements
Authors: Wong Alexander R. C. , Pearson Jaclyn S. , Bright Michael D. , Munera Diana , Robinson Keith S. , Lee Sau Fung , Frankel Gad , Hartland Elizabeth L.
Published: April 2011

The human pathogens enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EPEC and EHEC) share a unique mechanism of colonization that results from the concerted action of effector proteins translocated into the host cell by a type III secretion system (T3SS). EPEC and EHEC not only induce characteristic attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions, but also subvert multiple host cell signalling pathways during infection. Our understanding of the mechanisms by which A/E pathogens hijack host cell signalling has advanced dramatically in recent months with the identification of novel activities for many effectors. In addition to further characterization of established effectors (Tir, EspH and Map), new effectors have emerged as important mediators of virulence through activities such as mimicry of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Map and EspM), inhibition of apoptosis (NleH and NleD), interference with inflammatory signalling pathways (NleB, NleC, NleE and NleH) and phagocytosis (EspF, EspH and EspJ). The findings have highlighted the multifunctional nature of the effectors and their ability to participate in redundant, synergistic or antagonistic relationships, acting in a co‐ordinated spatial and temporal manner on different host organelles and cellular pathways during infection.
TP0326, a Treponema pallidum	β‐barrel assembly machinery A (BamA) orthologue and rare outer membrane protein
Authors: Desrosiers Daniel C. , Anand Arvind , Luthra Amit , Dunham‐Ems Star M. , LeDoyt Morgan , Cummings Michael A. D. , Eshghi Azad , Cameron Caroline E. , Cruz Adriana R. , Salazar Juan C. , Caimano Melissa J. , Radolf Justin D.
Published: April 2011

Definitive identification of Treponema pallidum rare outer membrane proteins (OMPs) has long eluded researchers. TP0326, the sole protein in T. pallidum with sequence homology to a Gram‐negative OMP, belongs to the BamA family of proteins essential for OM biogenesis. Structural modelling predicted that five polypeptide transport‐associated (POTRA) domains comprise the N‐terminus of TP0326, while the C‐terminus forms an 18‐stranded amphipathic β‐barrel. Circular dichroism, heat modifiability by SDS‐PAGE, Triton X‐114 phase partitioning and liposome incorporation supported these topological predictions and confirmed that the β‐barrel is responsible for the native protein's amphiphilicity. Expression analyses revealed that native TP0326 is expressed at low abundance, while a protease‐surface accessibility assay confirmed surface exposure. Size‐exclusion chromatography and blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a modular Bam complex in T. pallidum larger than that of Escherichia coli. Non‐orthologous ancillary factors and self‐association of TP0326 via its β‐barrel may both contribute to the Bam complex. T. pallidum‐infected rabbits mount a vigorous antibody response to both POTRA and β‐barrel portions of TP0326, whereas humans with secondary syphilis respond predominantly to POTRA. The syphilis spirochaete appears to have devised a stratagem for harnessing the Bam pathway while satisfying its need to limit surface antigenicity.
Immunogenicity of a combined schedule of 7‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by a 23‐valent polysaccharide vaccine in adult recipients of heart or lung transplants
Authors: Gattringer R. , Winkler H. , Roedler S. , Jaksch P. , Herkner H. , Burgmann H.
Published: April 2011

R. Gattringer, H. Winkler, S. Roedler, P. Jaksch, H. Herkner, H. Burgmann. Immunogenicity of a combined schedule of 7‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by a 23‐valent polysaccharide vaccine in adult recipients of heart or lung transplants. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 540–544. All rights reserved

Abstract:
A combined schedule of 7‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) followed by 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) was evaluated retrospectively in 26 adult recipients of heart or lung transplants. PCV7 was immunogenic in these patients but there appeared to be no benefit from the additional PPV23 dose.
Molekularbiologische Identifizierung von Cunninghamella spec.
Authors: Lemmer Karin , Losert Heidemarie , Rickerts V. , Just‐Nübling Gudrun , Sander Anna , Kerkmann Marie‐Louise , Tintelnot Kathrin
Published: April 2011

Zusammenfassung. Mit den klassischen mikrobiologischen Verfahren ist eine eindeutige Identifizierung der bislang einzigen klinisch relevanten Cunninghamella‐Art, C. bertholletiae, nicht möglich. Mittels PCR und Sequenzierung der Internal‐transcribed‐spacer‐(ITS)‐DNA‐Region konnten von neun klinischen Isolaten der Gattung Cunninghamella sieben als C. bertholletiae und zwei als C. echinulata identifiziert werden. Ein Umgebungsisolat eines mit C. echinulata infizierten Patienten konnte ebenfalls als C. echinulata identifiziert werden. Alle Isolate der Spezies C. bertholletiae zeigten eine hohe Sequenzhomologie der ITS‐Region. Innerhalb der Spezies C. echinulata und C. elegans konnte aufgrund unterschiedlicher Restriktionsfragmentlängen‐Profile nach Inkubation der ITS‐Amplifikate mit TaqI und HinfI eine Subspeziesdifferenzierung erreicht werden. Ähnliche Ergebnisse wurden auch mittels PCR fingerprinting der Gesamt‐DNA mit den Microsatellit‐DNA‐Primern (GTG)5 and (GAC)5 erhalten. Erstmalig konnte C. echinulata als Erreger einer Zygomykose beim Menschen identifiziert werden.

Summary. Among the genus Cunninghamella, so far C. bertholletiae is known to be the only clinically relevant species. Correct identification of C. bertholletiae is not possible with classical methods. PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was used to identify seven of nine clinical isolates as C. bertholletiae and two as C. echinulata. Also an isolate of the surrounding area of one patient infected with C. echinulata could be identified as C. echinulata. High homology in the ITS region was found within the isolates of C. bertholletiae. Within the species C. echinulata and C. elegans a differentiation on subspecies level was achieved by an analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism of the ITS amplicons after incubation with TaqI and HinfI. Similar results were obtained by PCR fingerprinting of the complete DNA with the single microsatellite DNA primers (GTG)5 and (GAC)5. For the first time C. echinulata could be identified as agent of zygomycosis in humans.
Metabolismus von Dehydroepiandrosteron durch Epidermophyton floccosum
Authors: Brasch J. , Flader S. , Roggentin P. , Wudy S. , Homoki J. , Shackleton C. H. L. , Sipell W.
Published: April 2011

Zusammenfassung. Steroidhormone könnten für die Erreger‐Wirts‐Beziehung bei Dermatophytosen eine Rolle spielen. Der Mensch unterscheidet sich von den meisten anderen Wirtsorganismen von Dermatophyten durch eine hohe kutane Konzentration des adrenalen Androgens Dehydroepiandrosteron (DHEA) bzw. seines Sulfats (DHEAS). Um festzustellen, ob der strikt anthropophile Dermatophyt Epidermophyton floccosum dieses Steroidhormon metabolisiert, wurde Kulturen von E. floccosum DHEA zugesetzt. Nach 5tägiger Inkubation wurden die Steroide im Überstand extrahiert und mittels Gaschromatographie und Massenspektrometrie (GC‐MS) differenziert. Das Ergebnis zeigt, daß DHEA durch E. floccosum weitgehend verstoffwechselt wird, wobei diverse neue, z.T bislang noch nicht beschriebene, Steroidhormone/Metabolite entstehen. Es ist daher denkbar, daß dieser Pilz durch eine intraepidermale Verstoffwechselung von DHEA hormonell steuerbare kutane Abwehrmechanismen des Wirtes beeinflussen könnte.

Summary. Steroid hormones may be relevant for the fungus‐host relation in dermatophytoses. In contrast to most other hosts of dermatophytes, humans are characterized by a high cutaneous concentration of the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEAS). To investigate whether the strictly anthropophilic dermatophyte Epidermophyton floccosum can metabolize this steroid hormone, cultures of E. floccosum were supplemented with DHEA. After 5 days of incubation the steroids in the culture supernatants were extracted and differentiated by gaschromatography and massspectrometry (GC‐MS). The results show that a nearly complete metabolization of DHEA by E. floccosum leads to the formation of multiple new steroids/metabolites some of which have not been reported before. Therefore, this fungus could possibly mediate the hormone regulated cutaneous defense mechanisms of the host by an intraepidermal metabolization of DHEA.
Candida‐Pneumonien ohne offenbare Immunsuppression
Authors: Blaschke Sabine , Don M. , Schillinger W. , Rüchel R.
Published: April 2011

Zusammenfassung. Das Vorkommen ambulant erworbener Pneumonien durch hefeähnliche Pilze der Gattung Candida bei Patienten, die nicht definitiv immunkompromittiert sind, wird überwiegend bezweifelt. Offenbar ist aber mit solchen Pneumonien zu rechnen, wenn die Lunge des Patienten bereits chronisch, z. B. durch Nikotin‐Abusus, geschädigt worden ist und dem Geschehen triviale, z. B. virale Infekte vorausgehen. Drei entsprechende Fälle werden vorgestellt.

Summary. The occurrence of community‐acquired pneumonia due to yeast‐like fungi of the genus Candida in patients without manifest immunodeficiency has previously been discounted. However, such pneumonias may indeed occur in patients with chronic parenchymal lung damage, e.g. from nicotine. Candida pneumonia can be triggered in these patients for example by trivial viral infections. Three corresponding cases are discussed.
Statistical power and effect sizes of depression research in Japan
Authors: Okumura Yasuyuki , Sakamoto Shinji
Published: April 2011

Aims:  Few studies have been conducted on the rationales for using interpretive guidelines for effect size, and most of the previous statistical power surveys have covered broad research domains. The present study aimed to estimate the statistical power and to obtain realistic target effect sizes of depression research in Japan.

Methods:  We systematically reviewed 18 leading journals of psychiatry and psychology in Japan and identified 974 depression studies that were mentioned in 935 articles published between 1990 and 2006.

Results:  In 392 studies, logistic regression analyses revealed that using clinical populations was independently associated with being a statistical power of <0.80 (odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval 2.9–12.0) and of <0.50 (odds ratio 4.9, 95% confidence interval 2.3–10.5). Of the studies using clinical populations, 80% did not achieve a power of 0.80 or more, and 44% did not achieve a power of 0.50 or more to detect the medium population effect sizes. A predictive model for the proportion of variance explained was developed using a linear mixed‐effects model. The model was then used to obtain realistic target effect sizes in defined study characteristics.

Conclusion:  In the face of a real difference or correlation in population, many depression researchers are less likely to give a valid result than simply tossing a coin. It is important to educate depression researchers in order to enable them to conduct an a priori power analysis.
Hallucination induced by paroxetine discontinuation in patients with major depressive disorders
Authors: Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Kaneko Sunao
Published: April 2011

Discontinuation symptoms can follow the stoppage of almost all classes of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. We report two cases suffering from visual and auditory hallucinations: Case 1 abruptly stopped taking paroxetine (20 mg/day), and Case 2 discontinued paroxetine after reducing the dose from 20 mg/day to 10 mg/day for 5 months. Both cases experienced visual and auditory hallucinations in addition to dizziness, headache, insomnia, and nausea a couple of days after paroxetine discontinuation. These observations suggest that hallucinations are a part of the discontinuation syndrome that results from paroxetine discontinuation. Physicians should be aware of this symptom.
Detection and isolation of nanobacteria‐like particles from urinary stones: Long‐withheld data
Authors: Kumon Hiromi , Matsumoto Akira , Uehara Shinya , Abarzua Fernando , Araki Motoo , Tsutsui Ken , Tomochika Ken‐ichi
Published: April 2011

Objectives:  To report our experimental results on detection and isolation of nanobacteria‐like particles (NLP) from urinary stone samples.

Methods:  From March 2001 to August 2003, 47 urinary stone samples from Japanese patients and 18 from Paraguayan patients were collected and used for compositional analysis, direct survey of NLP by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their cultural isolation. For the isolation, culturing was carried out using strict aseptic techniques. Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium with 10% gamma‐irradiated fetal bovine serum was used based on the original method described by Kajander and Ciftçioglu.

Results:  Positive NLP detection rates for Japanese and Paraguayan patient samples were 61.7% (29/47) and 66.7% (12/18), respectively. Positive NLP isolation rates for Japanese patient samples were 20.6% (7/34) and 20.0% (2/10) for Paraguayan patient samples. In the initial isolation, markedly different periods of incubation time were needed for each of the nine cases (6–220 days; median 36 days). Positive detection and isolation were obtained in stone samples with or without calcium phosphate. Growth modes and morphogenesis of NLP were divided into two phases; rod‐shaped NLP was detected mainly as a floating form growing in culture medium and spherical NLP with a characteristic apatite shell was detected as an attached form growing on the surface of culture dishes.

Conclusions:  Lifeless calcifying nanoparticles can be isolated from various human urinary stones, cultured in cell culture mediums and show two characteristic growth phases.
Temperature and biotic factors influence bacterial communities associated with the cyanobacterium Microcystis sp.
Authors: Dziallas Claudia , Grossart Hans‐Peter
Published: April 2011

Cyanobacterial blooms represent a nutritious niche for associated bacteria including potential pathogens for humans as well as livestock. We investigated bacterial community composition associated with Microcystis sp. using different approaches: batch experiments on Microcystis sp. or its enriched exudates, field enclosures (dialysis bags) and field sampling during natural blooms in freshwaters. Bacterial community composition associated with Microcystis sp. differed significantly with temperature, bacterial source community and number of incubated cyanobacterial strains. Interestingly, Actinobacteria of the AcI cluster were only present in the 20°C treatments and disappeared at higher incubation temperatures. Moreover, Archaea were present in all field samples but did not show any regional patterns, which is consistent with bacteria. Absence of Archaea in the experimental treatments indicates reduced growth under experimental conditions. In contrast, members of the genus Sphingomonas (Alphaproteobacteria), which includes species known as human pathogens, occurred in almost all samples. Thus Sphingomonadales seem to be an integral element of Microcystis sp. blooms – even affecting concentrations of microcystins as a result of their breakdown of the toxins. Depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, light, currents and nutrients, the role of heterotrophic Bacteria associated with Cyanobacteria can greatly vary by either increasing (pathogens) or decreasing (breakdown of toxins) health risks caused by mass developments of potentially toxic Cyanobacteria.
Two‐ and three‐/four dimensional perineal ultrasonography in men with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth , Najjari Laila , Brehmer Bernhard , Blum Regina , Zeuch Vikram , Maass Nicolai , Heidenreich Axel
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (case control)

Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and what does the study add?

We know that perineal ultrasound is a well accepted method for women with stress incontinence. We evaluated feasibility of this method for men with stress incontinence after radical prostatectomy. We find differences between continent and incontinent men in amount of fibrosis, mobility of the proximal urethra, bladder neck opening and ability to contract pelvic floor muscles in a sufficient and correct way.

OBJECTIVE

• To investigate the feasibility and inter‐investigator reproducibility of perineal ultrasonography in men with and without post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• This clinical pilot study involved 33 male patients, with a mean (range) age of 67.8 (51–76) years, who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) ≥1 year ago.

• We investigated 21 men with clinically and urodynamically proven grade ≥2 PPI and compared them with 12 men without PPI in objective testing as well as in validated questionnaires.

• We used an abdominal 3.5–5 MHz ultrasound probe, which was placed at the perineum between scrotum and anus. With the help of three‐/four‐dimensional (3D/4D) multislice imaging we obtained good visualization of the bladder neck, the urethra and pelvic floor muscle contraction.

• The data from all 33 men was evaluated by two investigators and archived images and videos were also analysed by two independent investigators not present at the actual investigation.

RESULTS

• Using perineal ultrasonography we were able to visualize hypermobility of the proximal urethra, funnelling of the bladder neck, voluntary pelvic floor contraction, urethral and paraurethral fibrosis, and suture or sling material.

• Men with and without PPI differed mainly in the degree of hypermobility of the proximal urethra and opening of the bladder neck.

• Inter‐investigator agreement was 100% in assessing paraurethral tissue and voluntary muscle contraction and 94% in quantifying mobility of the proximal urethra.

• We were able to evaluate the bladder neck opening in 85% of the men. There was 82% agreement between the initial investigators in evaluation of the bladder neck and 76% in quantifying mobility of the proximal urethra using retrospective analysis of stored images.

CONCLUSIONS

• Two‐dimensional and 3D/4D perineal ultrasonography provides more insight into the diagnosis of men with PPI

• Perineal ultrasonography can be used further as a visual aid for biofeedback to teach correct muscle contraction of men with stress incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
THE COST OF LAND USE REGULATION VERSUS THE VALUE OF INDIVIDUAL EXEMPTION: OREGON BALLOT MEASURES 37 AND 49
Authors: HASCIC IVAN , WU JUNJIE
Published: April 2011

This article presents an exploratory analysis of the effects of land use regulations on land values and land use patterns in a landscape near Eugene, Oregon. All land use regulations considered in this study, including exclusive farm use zoning, forest zoning, urban growth boundary designation, residential density zoning, commercial zoning, and industrial zoning, are found to affect land values and land use patterns both inside and outside of the designated zones. The framework is applied to measure the costs of the regulations versus the value of individual exemptions at the parcel level to illuminate the controversy surrounding Oregon Measures 37 and 49, which were passed to provide “just compensation” for “unfair regulatory burdens.” The cost of regulation is found to be lower than the value of an individual exemption for most regulations contested in the Measure 37 claims. However, governments tend to overregulate from the perspective of landowners. Although some land gained value under the six regulations and some lost value, the aggregate loss of land value was estimated to be several times larger than the gain. This does not necessarily mean that the governments overregulate from the perspective of society because land use regulations also generate public goods such as wildlife habitat and water quality protection. (JEL K11, R15, R52)
DOES APPRECIATION OF THE RENMINBI DECREASE IMPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES FROM CHINA?
Authors: YU MIAOJIE
Published: April 2011

In 2005, China abated its fixed exchange rate against the U.S. dollar and began to appreciate the Renminbi (RMB). In this paper, I explore the effect of the appreciation of the RMB on imports to the United States from China by augmenting the gravity model with the exchange rate. Using an industrial panel data set during the period 2002–2008 and controlling for the endogeneity of the bilateral exchange rate, this extensive empirical analysis suggests that the appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar significantly reduced imports to the United States from China. This finding is robust to a variety of econometric methods and to coverage in different periods.(JELF1, F2)
From Marx to Morgan Stanley: Inequality and Financial Crisis
Authors: Mah‐Hui Michael Lim , Ee Khor Hoe
Published: April 2011

Despite robust growth, rising inequality is widespread in many countries. At the same time, financial instability and crises are occurring with greater frequency and severity. These two phenomena are related to the contest between labour and capital for a greater share of economic output, with capital gaining a greater share over the past few decades. As a result, there is a tendency towards a decline in consumption by the average household and a rise in savings by a rich minority which could cause stagnation in the economy. This tension between declining consumption and rising savings is ‘resolved’ by the financial system through the recycling of funds from the rich minority to the average household in the form of credit. Financial engineering in the USA exacerbated this process which led to excessive lending and borrowing, and the creation of an unsustainable debt and asset bubble that eventually imploded. There is a similar tendency towards greater inequality, a falling share of consumption and a rising share of savings and investment in China. In the context of a globalized economy, the tension is ‘resolved’ through recycling ‘excess savings’ from China to the US, adding to the debt and asset bubble in the US.
Homogeneous Middles vs. Heterogeneous Tails, and the End of the ‘Inverted‐U’: It's All About the Share of the Rich
Authors: Palma José Gabriel
Published: April 2011

This article examines distributional disparities within nations. There are six main conclusions. First, about 80 per cent of the world's population now lives in regions whose median country has a Gini close to 40. Second, as outliers are now only located among middle‐income and rich countries, the ‘upwards’ side of the ‘Inverted‐U’ between inequality and income per capita has evaporated (and with it the hypothesis that posits that ‘things have to get worse before they can get better’). Third, among middle‐income countries, Latin America and mineral‐rich Southern Africa are uniquely unequal, while Eastern Europe follows a distributional path similar to the Nordic countries. Fourth, among rich countries there is a large (and growing) distributional diversity. Fifth, within a global trend of rising inequality, there are two opposite forces at work. One is ‘centrifugal’ and leads to an increased diversity in the shares of the top 10 per cent and bottom 40 per cent. The other is ‘centripetal’ and leads to a growing uniformity in the income‐share appropriated by deciles 5 to 9. Therefore, half of the world's population (the middle and upper‐middle classes) have acquired strong ‘property rights’ over half of their respective national incomes; the other half of this income, however, is increasingly up for grabs between the very rich and the poor. And sixth, globalization is thus creating a distributional scenario in which what really matters is the income‐share of the rich (because the rest ‘follows’).
Toddlers use speech disfluencies to predict speakers’ referential intentions
Authors: Kidd Celeste , White Katherine S. , Aslin Richard N.
Published: April 2011

The ability to infer the referential intentions of speakers is a crucial part of learning a language. Previous research has uncovered various contextual and social cues that children may use to do this. Here we provide the first evidence that children also use speech disfluencies to infer speaker intention. Disfluencies (e.g. filled pauses ‘uh’ and ‘um’) occur in predictable locations, such as before infrequent or discourse‐new words. We conducted an eye‐tracking study to investigate whether young children can make use of this distributional information in order to predict a speaker’s intended referent. Our results reveal that young children (ages 2;4 to 2;8) reliably attend to speech disfluencies early in lexical development and are able to use disfluencies in online comprehension to infer speaker intention in advance of object labeling. Our results from two groups of younger children (ages 1;8 to 2;2 and 1;4 to 1;8) suggest that this ability emerges around age 2.
Partisan Ambivalence, Split‐Ticket Voting, and Divided Government
Authors: Mulligan Kenneth
Published: April 2011

Despite recent periods of unified party control of government in Washington, DC, divided government has been the norm in recent decades. Scholars agree that when both presidential and congressional candidates are on the ballot the driving force behind divided government at the national level is split‐ticket voting. In this study, I present a new psychological model of split‐ticket voting. I posit that ticket splitting is motivated by ambivalence over the two major political parties. I test this partisan ambivalence explanation on split‐ticket votes between president and Congress nationally between 1988 and 2004 and voting for state executive offices in Ohio in 1998. I find that partisan ambivalence predicts ticket splitting at both the national and state levels and does so about as well as some other explanations. The results of this study suggest that divided government occurs, in part, because voters are divided within themselves.
Good Farmers, Good Neighbours? The Role of Cultural Capital in Social Capital Development in a Scottish Farming Community
Authors: Sutherland Lee‐Ann , Burton Rob J.F.
Published: April 2011

Recent decades have seen a gradual erosion of farming incomes across the UK due to falling commodity prices and changes to the subsidy regime. This study examines what resources farmers are able to access informally and how this ‘social capital’ is generated and maintained in farming communities. Using a conceptual framework based on Bourdieu's conceptualisations of social and cultural capital, this study explores the evolving informal exchange relationships between farmers in a case study of Upper Deeside, Scotland. We find that although cultural capital is important for accessing social capital, the technological treadmill characteristic of ‘good farming’ creates a disincentive for informally sharing machinery amongst large‐scale farmers. However, social capital remains an important resource for smaller scale farmers, particularly in terms of their access to labour. We conclude by suggesting that, far from being a low‐cost means of facilitating community economic development, increasing the level of social capital will be difficult in communities where labour is a scarce or expensive resource.
GLOBAL PRESSURES, LOCAL MEASURES: THE RE‐REGULATION OF SEX WORK IN THE ANTWERP SCHIPPERSKWARTIER
Authors: LOOPMANS MAARTEN , VAN DEN BROECK PIETER
Published: April 2011

This paper analyses the changes in the Antwerp Schipperskwartier, one of the oldest and largest red light districts on the European continent. While the geography of sex work has received considerable scholarly attention since the 1970s, such analyses have focused upon the interplay between market pressures and sexual values in the production of sexual spaces. This paper takes a different stance, as it analyses the Schipperskwartier's restructuring in the light of the globalisation of the sex industry. This analysis reveals how more attention should be paid to globalisation's local mediation (glocalisation) in the analysis of the changing urban geographies of sex work. Such an approach not only supports the interpretation of local diversity in the urban geographies of sex work. It also conveys a more politicised understanding as it zooms in on the political struggles in which new urban geographies of sex work unfold.
Trade Liberalisation, Market Structure and the Incentive to Merge
Authors: Chalkley Martin , Stewart Geoff
Published: April 2011

In this article, we consider whether a movement towards freer international trade generates incentives for firms to merge and if so what forms of merger are most profitable. In a linear Cournot framework, we show that a reduction in trade costs may, but will not necessarily, encourage mergers. Both market structure and the level to which trade costs fall are shown to play a decisive role. Domestic mergers will be encouraged only if the product market is not highly concentrated and trade costs fall below a threshold level. International mergers can be encouraged in any market structure, and are generally more profitable than domestic mergers.
Service Offshoring and the Skill Composition of Labour Demand*
Authors: Crinò Rosario
Published: April 2011

This article studies the effects of service offshoring on the skill composition of labour demand, using novel comparable data for nine Western European countries between 1990 and 2004. The results show that service offshoring raises the relative demand for high‐ and medium‐skilled workers. Its effects are qualitatively identical, and quantitatively similar, to those of material offshoring. Additional evidence suggests, however, that the two types of offshoring may work through different channels: complementarity between imported services and domestic skills in the case of service offshoring, substitution of low‐skilled labour in the case of material offshoring. Overall, the effects are not large in economic terms.
THESE ROCKS WERE MADE FOR WALKING: ROCK ART AT LEIRFALL, TRØNDELAG, NORWAY
Authors: SOGNNES K.J.
Published: April 2011

One of the largest sites with Bronze Age type rock art in Norway is found at Leirfall in Stjørdal, Nord‐Trøndelag. The site, which consists of five panels, is dominated by footprints but at the same time a great variety of motifs is present. The footprints seem to lure visitors to walk from panel to panel, even across the panels, which are located at three different levels. The main focus is on the middle level, where the main panel (Leirfall III) contains more than 700 rock carvings. The walks between and around the panels are described; at the same time the Leirfall rock carvings are seen in a wider context. Most footprints are likely to represent children and it is argued that the site was used for the performance of public rites during initiations. However, symbols normally found only on decorated grave cists are present, too, particularly on the upper panel, which cannot be seen from below. Death rituals may also have been performed.
The Interaction of Financial Fragility and the Business Cycle in Determining Banks’ Loan Losses: An Investigation of the Italian Case
Authors: Pederzoli Chiara , Torricelli Costanza , Castellani Simona
Published: April 2011

The Basel II capital accord and the recent crises have fostered the debate over the financial stability of the aggregate banking sector. Because loan losses are an important factor for banking stability, this paper aims to gauge the impact of real and financial fragility on default losses of Italian banks. To this end the ratio of non‐performing loans to total loans is regressed on the business cycle and indebtedness. In addition, to capture the joint effect of real and financial fragility, the analysis considers an interaction term, which to our knowledge has never been applied before to Italian default data. Based on the interaction model, results show that the actual impact of financial fragility on default losses depends not only on the business cycle phase but also on the firm's size, whereby in adverse economic conditions, small firms are more significantly affected by financial fragility.
On the Effect of Skewness and Kurtosis Misspecification on the Hedging Error
Authors: Angelini Flavio , Nicolosi Marco
Published: April 2011

Using a result in Angelini and Herzel (2009a), we measure, in terms of variance, the cost of hedging a contingent claim when the hedging portfolio is re‐balanced at a discrete set of dates. We analyse the dependence of the variance of the hedging error on the skewness and kurtosis as modeled by a Normal Inverse Gaussian model. We consider two types of strategies, the standard Black–Scholes Delta strategy and the locally variance‐optimal strategy, and we perform some robustness tests. In particular, we investigate the effect of different types of model misspecification on the performance of the hedging, like that of hedging without taking skewness into account. Computations are performed using a Fast Fourier Transform approach.
Testing the ‘Quiet Life’ Hypothesis in the Italian Banking Industry
Authors: Coccorese Paolo , Pellecchia Alfonso
Published: April 2011

In this paper we test the so‐called ‘quiet life’ hypothesis (QLH), according to which firms with market power are less efficient. Using data on the Italian banking industry for the period 1992–2007, we apply a two‐step procedure. First we estimate bank‐level cost efficiency scores and Lerner indices. Then we use the estimated market power measures, as well as a vector of control variables, to explain cost efficiency. Our empirical evidence supports the QLH, although the impact of market power on efficiency is not particularly remarkable in magnitude.
After‐tax Valuation of Convertible Bonds and Participation Exemption
Authors: Realdon Marco
Published: April 2011

This paper studies the after‐tax valuation of convertible bonds in the light of Europe's participation exemption (PEX) rules and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The focus is on Italy's representative case. PEX rules exempt from company taxation capital gains realized by companies selling stocks. PEX rules raise the value of convertibles as investor companies can strategically convert the bond into stock to enjoy PEX. Historical cost‐based national accounting standards imply taxation upon realization and valuable tax timing options (TTOs). ‘Fair value’ based IFRS entail mark‐to‐market taxation, which ‘kills’ TTOs, but investor companies can convert the bond early in order to enjoy PEX. Early conversion can be valuable.
Re‐conceptualising the Clan Structure and Migration Pattern of the Tarok People
Authors: Lamle Elias Nankap
Published: April 2011

This study analyses the migration pattern of the Tarok people to their contemporary homeland, Langtang, in the Middle Belt of Nigeria. The framework is that the Tarok people are part of the Benue‐Congo ethno‐linguistic phylum. This conclusion is based on the assertion that the contemporary language that the Tarok people speak is of the Benue‐Congo phylum. However, others of the Chadic ethno‐linguistic phyla such as the Ngas, Boghom, Tel (Montol) and Yiwom joined the Benue‐Congo Phylum and are given the full status of Tarokness. Also, Jukun, which are of the Benue Congo group, joined the Tarok and are given the same status as that of the Chadic. The study concludes that what is called the Tarok people are actually a consortium of many ethno‐linguistic groups that mongrelized and gave birth to the Tarok people. This is because even though the cognate of the Tarok language is of the Benue‐Congo phylum, their morphemes are a combination of the Benue Congo and Chadic ethno linguistic phylum.
The usefulness of distinguishing types of aggression by function*
Authors: Ramírez J. Martín
Published: April 2011

Far from being a universally defined notion, aggression is a changing and multifaceted phenomenon encompassing various concepts. There is no consensus as to how different types of aggression should be classified: multiple ways of doing so using a variety of criteria exist in the scientific literature. Some scientists categorise aggressive acts according to how they are expressed, while others prefer to look at motive, function, purpose and objective. Despite the claim of some authors that distinguishing between different types of aggressive acts is not always productive, categorising these according to different purposes and objectives can be very useful, both for developing theory and because such an approach serves forensic practice as well as preventive and therapeutic interventions, as these focus on the propensities and personality of the individual. Furthermore, given that the main functional classifications analysed show a common tendency to dichotomise, it would seem appropriate for their terminology and some of their measurement instruments to be standardised.
The involvement of Polish trade unions in social dialogue and workplace governance: implications for reform
Authors: Zientara Piotr
Published: April 2011

This article explores the involvement of Polish trade unions in social dialogue and workplace governance with a view to economic reform. Set against the background of modern theories of conflict and cooperation, and of social and political capital, it takes as its premise that Poland needs comprehensive structural change. For this to happen, however, an Irish‐style social pact is called for. Hence the study shows among other things the impact of trade union politicisation and the climate of confrontation and polarisation, and why Polish social partners have difficulty building a consensus and cooperating to produce benefits for the entire society. It argues that, on the one hand, trade unions – being able to accelerate or frustrate reform – have a big role to play and, on the other, that it is critical to improve the quality of social dialogue and workplace governance. Drawing on a short study from the mining industry, the article demonstrates that consensus and cooperation, rather than confrontation and intransigence, produce win–win outcomes. Building on these arguments, the article concludes by making some recommendations on how to enhance social dialogue and ameliorate workplace governance.