bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Institutional Challenge of the ACP/EU Economic Partnership Agreements
Authors: Borrmann Axel , Busse Matthias
Published: June 2007

The Economic Partnership Agreements between the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and the European Union should serve as an opportunity to accelerate ACP global and regional trade integration and as an important tool for development and the eradication of poverty. There are, however, a number of preconditions. This article argues that institutional quality plays a key role in successful trade liberalisation. In fact, only countries with high‐quality institutions, partly in the form of good government regulation, are likely to benefit from trade. Unfortunately, the vast majority of African countries have excessive regulation that hinders them from taking advantage of trade. The necessary reforms to resolve this problem pose significant challenges, implying major risks for these countries in the EPA process.
Reducing Complexity in the Industrial Policy Debate
Authors: Schmitz Hubert
Published: June 2007

A central concern of industrial policy is how to configure the relationship with the global economy. The manifold choices and pressures make this a difficult task for policy‐makers. This article suggests a way of framing discussions between policy‐makers, advisers and researchers, to help reduce complexity and find common ground. It demonstrates how different constellations of low/high challenge and support bring out the essence of different policy regimes, and how different constellations of narrow/wide technology and marketing gaps help identify the most plausible way forward.
Modeling Farm Households' Price Responses in the Presence of Transaction Costs and Heterogeneity in Labor Markets
Authors: Henning Christian H.C.A. , Henningsen Arne
Published: June 2007

We develop a farm household model to analyze price responses of farm households. This model incorporates various types of transaction costs as well as labor heterogeneity. Nonproportional variable transaction costs or labor heterogeneity imply that production and consumption decisions become nonseparable, even when the household buys or sells labor. An empirical model is estimated using data from Midwest Poland. The results show that nonproportional variable transaction costs and labor heterogeneity significantly influence household behavior. Not all price elasticities, however, change significantly if these are neglected.
Cash Marketing Styles and Performance Persistence
Authors: Cunningham Lewis T. , Wade Brorsen B. , Anderson Kim B.
Published: June 2007

Much agricultural economics research has been dedicated to determining the best time for producers to sell their commodities. Unlike this past research, we look at how producers actually sell commodities. The extent to which producers display an active or mechanical marketing style is measured using individual farmer sales. The activeness of a producer's marketing strategy is measured by how much the timing of their strategy varies from year to year. Results show no relationship between activeness and net prices received. Furthermore, the results show no evidence of performance persistence by individual producers.
Deregulation as (Welfare Reducing) Trade Reform: the Case of the Australian Wheat Board
Authors: McCorriston Steve , MacLaren Donald
Published: June 2007

State trading enterprises are distinguishable from private, commercial firms by the nature of their exclusive rights and objectives. Deregulation of the Australian Wheat Board is used to illustrate the effects of these rights and objectives on trade and welfare. Theoretical models are specified and the effects measured through calibrated, partial equilibrium models. It was found that the successive deregulations of the Australian Wheat Board caused it to switch from being equivalent to an export subsidy to, today, being equivalent to an export tax. At the same time, deregulation has not necessarily been welfare enhancing.
‘An Internal Housekeeping Matter’:1 Whitehall and the BBC Monitoring Service
Authors: WEBB ALBAN , HADDON CATHERINE
Published: June 2007

For over 65 years the BBC Monitoring Service has been providing Whitehall and its diplomatic, intelligence and security communities with a rich seam of ‘open‐source’ information mined from the word's media. However, while the continued importance of this work remains undisputed, in 2003 the future of the Monitoring Service was brought into serious doubt as a result of a proposed major reduction in its government funding. The source of this problem was a decade old dispute between sponsoring government departments over where the burden of responsibility lay for the costs of the service. The ensuing deadlock led the Intelligence and Security Co‐ordinator, Sir David Omand, to commission a Review of BBC Monitoring by Sir Quentin Thomas whose recommendations formed the basis of a new funding and governance regime for the Monitoring Service. This is the story of that dispute and the means used to achieve its eventual resolution.
The Trouble with David Goodhart's Britain
Authors: PATHAK PATHIK
Published: June 2007

This article argues that David Goodhart's manifesto for ‘progressive nationalism’ is gravely misconceived, indicative of the entire cohesion and integration agenda. What he talks about as the making of a common culture involves dusting off tired traditions, scaling back individual rights to protect the ‘common good’, and ultimately retreating onto safe ground for Middle England. Since such measures to strengthen national solidarity are responsive only to the anxieties of the demographic majority, those who are deemed to be most prone to social marginalisation continue to be so. Goodhart, like many in New Labour's orbit, chooses to ignore that belonging is reciprocal.

The article advocates an alternative culture of citizenship ‐ one that widens democratisation, brings individuals them into the political process and thereby engages the ‘reciprocity of belonging’ that the post‐7/7 consensus neglects. To build a cohesive Britain, the first step ‐ but not necessarily the last ‐ is to conceive sustainable routes towards social and political inclusion for all.
The Ségolène Royal Phenomenon: Political Renewal in France?
Authors: CLIFT BEN
Published: June 2007

This article analyses Ségolène Royal's rise during 2006 to become the first ever female mainstream French presidential candidate in the context of ongoing presidentialising tendencies within the French Fifth Republic. It considers the extent to which Royal's candidacy represented a turning point for the French Left, not only because of her gender, but also because of her challenge to the Left's traditional organisational and ideological norms of presidential electoral politics. Her participatory democratic campaign organisation, Désirs d'Avenir by‐passed traditional party authority structures throughout 2006. However, in the face of declining poll ratings, Royal's candidacy reverted to a more orthodox relationship to the PS as ‘presidential party’. Ideologically, her novel political language and down‐to‐earth style combine with a complex blend of egalitarianism and authoritarianism which treads novel ground. Yet the intriguing elements of her political vision have struggled to coalesce into a coherent and credible presidential programme.
Teenagers and their Parents: Parental Time and Parenting Style—What are the Issues?
Authors: LEWIS JANE
Published: June 2007

Two recent reports, from the ippr and UNICEF have provided disturbing evidence on the behaviour and well‐being of young people in the UK. The ippr's Report suggests that a significant explanatory factor is the lack of time children spend with parents and other adults. But is mere ‘presence’ the key? The paper briefly reviews the possibilities parents in the UK have to spend time with their children by exploring how much and when they work in relation to parents in other European countries, and goes on to report on evidence from interviews with parents and children, which signal the importance of parenting style. I suggest that time with children is not unimportant, which has implications for Government's decision not to extend the right to request flexible working patterns to parents with older children, but that it is far from being the only factor at stake. The increasing difficulties parents face in negotiating the transition to independence with their teenage children indicate a need for parenting to be on the policy agenda.
‘The Settled Will of the Scottish People’: What is Next for Scotland's Parliaments?
Authors: BONNEY NORMAN
Published: June 2007

Following a likely relative shift from Labour to SNP in the Scottish Parliament elections of 3 May 2007 the eight year Labour/Liberal Democratic Party coalition will come under great pressure and may be replaced by a minority administration or a Liberal Democrat/SNP coalition. While the independence issue may be sidelined, key constitutional issues will arise as a result of the Liberal Democrats' proposals featuring in Moving Towards Federalism which envisage greater legislative and taxation powers for the Scottish Parliament and a reconsideration of the devolution settlement. A number of weaknesses in the documents' proposals are identified. If it is acted upon there is the possibility of considerable resulting constitutional conflict arising which could pose considerable challenges for the future of the UK. The UK government which has actual competence on these issues has largely stayed silent on them during the campaign but may have to respond sensitively in its aftermath.
A Pragmatic Approach to Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient
Authors: GRIFFITHS D.
Published: June 2007

A full understanding of correlation requires an appreciation of bivariate distributions, but increasingly rank correlation coefficients are Being used as a measure of agreement with pupils for whom such appreciation is not possible. How can we justify the formula used?
Maximum Likelihood Estimation: for the Multinomial Distribution
Authors: Davis Charles S , Jones Michael P
Published: June 2007

In a first course in mathematical statistics or categorical data analysis, the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters of the multinomial distribution are often “derived” using calculus. However, the important step of verifying that the resulting estimators indeed maximize the likelihood is omitted or done incorrectly. In this paper, two simple methods of obtaining the maximum likelihood estimates are presented.
Model Comparison in Regression
Authors: Tamura Hirokuni
Published: June 2007

The instructor can help begining students master the numerous results of regression analysis by using helpful notation and by providing a framework for organising regression outputs. For the latter, model comparison is a useful operating notion.
Cooperative Learning in Statistics
Authors: Keeler Carolyn M. , Steinhorst R. Kirk
Published: June 2007

The formal use of cooperative learning techniques developed originally in primary and secondary education proved effective in improving student performance and retention in a college freshman level statistics course. Lectures interspersed with group activities proved effective in increasing conceptual understanding and overall class performance.
Rendezvous of the Poisson and Exponential Distributions at the World Cup of Soccer
Authors: Chu‐Chun‐Lin Singfat
Published: June 2007

Data from the World Cup provide excellent illustrations of Poisson and exponential distributions.
Explicit versus Implicit Profit Sharing and the Determination of Wages:
Authors: Bhargava— Sandeep , Jenkinson Tim
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: This paper considers the claim that explicit profit sharing reduces the marginal cost of labour This is contrasted with the view that implicit profit sharing occurs through wage bargaining Using a microeconomic data set from the UK we find no evidence that the introduction of profit sharing reduces base wages and hence the marginal cost of labour However firm profitability is found to have a positive effect on wages which supports the hypothesis of implicit profit sharing through wage bargaining These findings suggest that it is hard to justify the favourable tax treatment of profit related pay found in the UK
Pension Fund Manager Tournaments and Attitudes Towards Corporate Characteristics
Authors: Cox Paul , Brammer Stephen , Millington Andrew
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  This paper explores the relationship between the tournament incentives of pension fund managers and the characteristics of equities they choose to hold. Using a comprehensive data set on pension fund portfolio holdings, we determine the intensity of fund manager tournaments by sorting pension funds into portfolios based on the number of concurrent managers each pension fund employs. We then investigate which corporate characteristics are preferred by each of these portfolios by estimating share selection models that include a range of corporate characteristics that are expected to shape the returns to investment in stocks over the short and long run. We find that the intensity of the tournament faced by fund managers plays a significant role in shaping preferences over corporate characteristics. Managers facing more intense tournaments exhibit significantly weaker preferences for attributes associated with long run payoffs, such as social performance and growth potential, and significantly stronger preferences for short term attributes, such as operational efficiency, when compared to managers that face weak or no tournament incentives.
Leukocyte cDNA Analysis of NSD1 Derived from Confirmed Sotos Syndrome Patients
Authors: Duno M. , Skovby F. , Schwartz M.
Published: June 2007

Background: Haploinsufficiency of the NSD1 gene leads to Sotos syndrome (Sos), which is characterised by excessive growth, especially during childhood, distinct craniofacial features and variable degree of mental impairment. A wide spectrum of NSD1 mutations have been described in Sos patients, ranging from more than 100 different single nucleotide changes, to partial gene deletions, and to microdeletions of various sizes comprising the entire NSD1 locus.

Objective: To investigate the NSD1 cDNA sequence in genetically confirmed Sos patients harbouring truncating and missense mutations.

Method: Total RNA was isolated from a 250 μl standard EDTA blood sample from nine genetically verified Sos patients, and subsequent reverse‐transcribed into cDNA followed by PCR and direct sequencing of specific NSD1 cDNA sequences.

Results: All nine mutations, including missense, nonsense and whole exon deletions, previously identified in genomic DNA, could confidently be detected in cDNA. Several NSD1 transcript splice variants were detected.

Conclusion: Despite the fact that Sos is caused by haploinsufficiency, NSD1 transcripts containing nonsense and frame shift mutations can be detected in leukocyte‐derived cDNA. The possibility therefore exists that certain NSD1 mutations are expressed and contribute to the phenotypic variability of Sos. NSD1 cDNA analysis is likely to enhance mutation detection in Sos patients.
Evolutionary implications of bite mechanics and feeding ecology in bears
Authors: Christiansen P.
Published: June 2007

Bite forces (BFs) based on a dry skull static model were computed for 122 specimens of all eight species of extant ursids. It was found that the giant panda has high BFs for its body size, and large moment arms about the temporomandibular joint, both muscle inlever moment arms and outlever moment arms to the carnassial and canine. The insectivorous sloth bear and to some extent the omnivorous black bears were the opposite. The small sun bear has very large canines and high BFs, which are not well understood, but could potentially be related to its frequent opening of tropical hardwood trees in pursuit of insects. Force profiles along the lower jaw revealed significant differences among the various species, both related to diet and inferred applied BFs. The panda is the only specialized ursid with respect to craniodental morphology and BFs, but is still unspecialized for herbivory compared with other large, herbivorous mammals, probably owing to a rather short evolutionary history, but possibly its morphology is constrained by genealogy. The low BFs in the sloth bear and its mandibular force profiles are derived for a diet of insects and fruit, requiring only low BFs and largely dorsoventral bite moments. In contrast, the unspecialized morphology and moderate BFs relative to body size of the polar bear and spectacled bear are probably also a result of a short evolutionary history.
Diet of free‐ranging cats and dogs in a suburban and rural environment, south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Campos C. B. , Esteves C. F. , Ferraz K. M. P. M. B. , Crawshaw P. G. , Verdade L. M.
Published: June 2007

In spite of the worldwide occurrence of domestic cats and dogs, and their close relationship with humans, the number of published papers on free‐ranging cats Felis catus and dogs Canis familiaris, is small. The diet of both species was estimated in a suburban and rural environment in July 2002 and January 2003. Visual observations and scat collection of both species were accomplished along a 10 km transect line in the Campus ‘Luiz de Queiroz’, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, south‐eastern Brazil. The diet of both species was determined by analysis of sterilized, washed, dried and sorted scats. Estimated abundances of free‐ranging cats and dogs in the sampled area were 81 (±4.32) and 42 (±2.96), respectively. Cats and dogs were more abundant in the suburban than in the rural environment (t=3.78, P<0.001, N=55; t=8.38, P<0.001, N=55, respectively) and cats were more abundant than dogs in the suburban environment (t=6.76, P<0.001, N=55), even though there was no significant difference between the abundance of both species in the rural environment (t=0.82, P=0.46, N=55). Invertebrates were the most commonly consumed item by both species, followed by mammals (cats: 63.24 and 20.51%; dogs: 57.05 and 25.15%, respectively). Niche breadth was 0.4892 for cats and 0.4463 for dogs. Niche overlap was almost complete (0.97108). The consumption of mammals was estimated to be between 16.76 and 25.42 kg  individual−1year−1 for dogs and between 2.01 and 2.9 kg individual−1year−1 for cats. These data might be useful to establish a management program to minimize the predation pressure of free‐ranging cats and dogs on wildlife.
Phosphodiesterase type 2 and the homeostasis of cyclic GMP in living thalamic neurons
Authors: Hepp R. , Tricoire L. , Hu E. , Gervasi N. , Paupardin‐Tritsch D. , Lambolez B. , Vincent P.
Published: June 2007

The ubiquitous second messenger cyclic GMP (cGMP) is synthesized by soluble guanylate cyclases in response to nitric oxide (NO) and degraded by phosphodiesterases (PDE). We studied the homeostasis of cGMP in living thalamic neurons by using the genetically encoded fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensor Cygnet, expressed in brain slices through viral gene transfer. Natriuretic peptides had no effect on cGMP. Basal cGMP levels decreased upon inhibition of NO synthases or soluble guanylate cyclases and increased when PDEs were inhibited. Single cell RT‐PCR analysis showed that thalamic neurons express PDE1, PDE2, PDE9, and PDE10. Basal cGMP levels were increased by the PDE2 inhibitors erythro‐9‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐nonyl) adenine (EHNA) and BAY60‐7550 but were unaffected by PDE1 or PDE10 inhibitors. We conclude that PDE2 regulates the basal cGMP concentration in thalamic neurons. In addition, in the presence of 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX), cGMP still decreased after application of a NO donor. Probenecid, a blocker of cGMP transporters, had no effect on this decrease, leaving PDE9 as a possible candidate for decreasing cGMP concentration. Basal cGMP level is poised at an intermediate level from which it can be up or down‐regulated according to the cyclase and PDE activities.
Electroconvulsive shock treatment differentially modulates cortical and subcortical endocannabinoid activity
Authors: Hill Matthew N. , Barr Alasdair M. , Ho W.‐S. Vanessa , Carrier Erica J. , Gorzalka Boris B. , Hillard Cecilia J.
Published: June 2007

Previous studies indicate that the endocannabinoid system is a potential target for the treatment of depression. To further examine this question we assessed the effects of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) treatment, both a single session and 10 daily sessions, on endocannabinoid content, CB1 receptor binding parameters and CB1 receptor‐mediated [35S]GTPγS binding in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and amygdala. A single ECS session resulted in a general reduction in the binding affinity of the CB1 receptor in all brain regions examined, as well as reductions in N‐arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide) content in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, reduced hydrolysis of anandamide by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the prefrontal cortex and an increase in the binding site density of the CB1 receptor in the amygdala. Following 10 ECS sessions, all these effects subsided except for the reductions in anandamide content in the prefrontal cortex, which increased in magnitude, as well as the reductions in FAAH activity in the prefrontal cortex. Additionally, repeated ECS treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the binding site density of the CB1 receptor in the prefrontal cortex, but did not alter CB1 receptor‐mediated [35S]GTPγS binding. Repeated ECS treatment also significantly enhanced the sensitivity of CB1 receptor‐mediated [35S]GTPγS binding in the amygdala. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ECS treatment results in a down‐regulation of cortical and an up‐regulation of subcortical endocannabinoid activity, illustrating the possibility that the role of the endocannabinoid system in affective illness may be both complex and regionally specific.
The impact of metabolic state on Cd adsorption onto bacterial cells
Authors: JOHNSON K. J. , AMS D. A. , WEDEL A. N. , SZYMANOWSKI J. E. S. , WEBER D. L. , SCHNEEGURT M. A. , FEIN J. B.
Published: June 2007

This study examines the effect of bacterial metabolism on the adsorption of Cd onto Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial cells. Metabolically active Gram‐positive cells adsorbed significantly less Cd than non‐metabolizing cells. Gram‐negative cells, however, showed no systematic difference in Cd adsorption between metabolizing and non‐metabolizing cells. The effect of metabolism on Cd adsorption to Gram‐positive cells was likely due to an influx of protons in and around the cell wall from the metabolic proton motive force, promoting competition between Cd and protons for adsorption sites on the cell wall. The relative lack of a metabolic effect on Cd adsorption onto Gram‐negative compared to Gram‐positive cells suggests that Cd binding in Gram‐negative cells is focused in a region of the cell wall that is not reached, or is unaffected by this proton flux. Thermodynamic modeling was used to estimate that proton pumping causes the pH in the cell wall of metabolizing Gram‐positive bacteria to decrease from the bulk solution value of 7.0 to approximately 5.7.
Physiological determinants of the variation in left ventricular mass from early adolescence to late adulthood in healthy subjects
Authors: Cain Peter A. , Ahl Ragnhild , Hedstrom Erik , Ugander Martin , Allansdotter‐Johnsson Ase , Friberg Peter , Marild Staffan , Arheden Hakan
Published: June 2007

Background:  The physiological determinants of left ventricular mass (LVM) measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging are not well defined as prior investigators have studied either adults or adolescents in isolation or have not strictly excluded hypertension or accounted for the effects of exercise habits, haemodynamic, demographic, or body shape characteristics.

Methods:  Ninety‐seven healthy volunteers (11–81 years, 51 males) underwent CMR. All parameters [unstandardized and adjusted for body surface area (BSA)] were analysed according to gender and by adolescence versus adulthood (adolescents <20 years, adults ≥20 years). The influence of haemodynamic factors, exercise and demographic factors on LVM were determined with multivariate linear regression.

Results:  Left ventricular mass rose during adolescence and declined in adulthood. LVM and LVMBSA were higher in males both in adults (LVM: 188 ± 22 versus 140 ± 21 g, P<0·001; LVMBSA: 94 ± 11 versus 80 ± 11 g m−2, P<0·001) and in adolescents when adjusted for BSA (LVM: 128 ± 29 versus 107 ± 20 g, P = 0·063; LVMBSA: 82 ± 8 versus 71 ± 10 g m−2, P = 0·025). In adults, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and self‐reported physical activity increased while meridional and circumferential wall stress were constant with age. Multivariate regression analysis revealed age, gender and BSA as the major determinants of LVM (global R2 = 0·68).

Conclusions:  Normal LVM shows variation over a broad age range in both genders with a rise in adolescence and subsequent decline with increasing age in adulthood despite an increase in SBP and physical activity. BSA, age and gender were found to be major contributors to the variation in LVM in healthy adults, while haemodynamic factors, exercise and wall stress were not.
An International Multicenter Randomized Double‐Blind Controlled Trial of Lamotrigine and Sustained‐Release Carbamazepine in the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy in the Elderly
Authors: Saetre Erik , Perucca Emilio , Isojärvi Jouko , Gjerstad Leif ,   on behalf of the LAM 40089 Study Group
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Purpose: To assess the comparative effectiveness, efficacy, and tolerability of lamotrigine (LTG) and sustained‐release carbamazepine (CBZ) in the treatment of newly diagnosed epilepsy in the elderly.

Methods: Patients aged 65 years or older, who had experienced at least two unprovoked partial and/or generalized tonic–clonic seizures, were randomized to receive LTG (n = 93) or CBZ (n = 92) according to a multicenter double‐blind, parallel‐group design. Trial duration was 40 weeks and included a 4‐week dose escalation followed by a maintenance phase during which dosages could be adjusted according to response. Initial, maintenance and maximum dosages were 25 mg, 100 mg, and 500 mg per day for LTG, and 100 mg, 400 mg, and 2,000 mg per day for CBZ, respectively. The primary end point was retention in the trial.

Results: In the LTG group, 68 patients (73%) completed the 40‐week study period compared with 61 (67%) in the CBZ group, a nonsignificant difference. Time to withdrawal from any cause did not differ between groups (p = 0.34). The number of subjects who completed the 40‐week period and were seizure free in the last 20 weeks was 48 (52%) in the LTG group and 52 (57%) in the CBZ group. Adverse events leading to withdrawal occurred in 13 (14%) subjects in the LTG group and 23 (25%) subjects in the CBZ group.

Conclusion: LTG and CBZ showed comparable effectiveness, with a trend for higher seizure‐free rates for CBZ and better tolerability for LTG. Differences in outcome compared with previous trials may be related to different dosing rates and use of a sustained‐release formulation for CBZ.
Jackson, Todd, and the Concept of “Discharge” in Epilepsy
Authors: Reynolds Edward H.
Published: June 2007

Summary: Purpose:To explore the historical origins of the modern concept of electrical discharges in the brain in epilepsy.

Methods:I have examined the writings of Hughlings Jackson (1835–1911) and Robert Bentley Todd (1809–1860), especially their Lumleian Lectures on convulsive disorders to the Royal College of Physicians of 1890 and 1849, respectively; and also the influence of Herbert Spencer (1820–1903) on the former and Michael Faraday (1791–1867) on the latter.

Results/Conclusions:Contrary to the widely taught view that Jackson was the first to propose electrical discharges in epilepsy it is clear that the discharges suggested by Jackson, influenced by the evolutionary philosopher, Herbert Spencer, were chemical, based on katabolism and anabolism. Jackson had no understanding or proposal based on physics or electricity. On the other hand, Todd had earlier proposed and described electrical concepts of discharges in epilepsy, influenced by his contemporary and colleague in London, Michael Faraday, who at the time was laying the foundations of our modern understanding of electricity and magnetism. Todd and Faraday saw “nervous polarity” as another polar force interchangeable with the polar forces of electricity and magnetism.
Predictors of response to rituximab in patients with neuropathy and anti–myelin associated glycoprotein immunoglobulin M
Authors: Benedetti Luana , Briani Chiara , Grandis Marina , Vigo Tiziana , Gobbi Marco , Ghiglione Elisabetta , Carpo Marinella , Cocito Dario , Caporale Christina M. , Sormani Maria P. , Mancardi Giovanni L. , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo , Schenone Angelo
Published: June 2007

Abstract  We evaluated the efficacy and safety of rituximab in an open‐label, uncontrolled study of 13 patients with polyneuropathy associated with antibodies to myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG) and correlated the response to therapy with clinical and laboratory features. One year after rituximab therapy, anti‐MAG immunoglobulin M (IgM) titers were significantly reduced. At that time, eight patients (62%) had improved in both the inflammatory neuropathy cause and treatment (INCAT) sensory sumscore and the Medical Research Council sumscore for muscle strength and seven of them also in the INCAT disability score. The improvement in the mean INCAT sensory sumscore was significant at 12 months and correlated with lower anti‐MAG antibody at entry and at follow‐up. This study suggests that rituximab may be efficacious in patients with anti–MAG associated neuropathy and particularly on sensory impairment and in those with moderately elevated antibody titers. These findings suggest that antibody reduction below a critical level may be necessary to achieve clinical improvement.
Evaluation of the long‐term regenerative potential in an experimental nerve amputee model
Authors: Lago Natalia , Navarro Xavier
Published: June 2007

Abstract  In this study, we evaluated the long‐term maintenance of regenerated axons in an experimental nerve amputee model. The sciatic nerve of adult rats was transected and repaired with a silicone tube leaving a short gap; the distal nerve segment was again transected 10 mm distally and the distal stump either introduced in a capped silicone chamber (amputee group) or connected to denervated targets (tibial branch into the gastrocnemius muscle and peroneal nerve apposed to skin) (reinnervation group). Morphological studies were performed at 2.5, 6, and 9 months after surgery. In all cases, axons regenerated across the silicone tube and grew in the distal nerve segment. In the amputee group, the morphological results show the expected features of a neuroma that is formed when regenerating axons are prevented from reaching the end organs, with a large number of axonal profiles indicative of regenerative sprouting. The number of myelinated axons counted at the distal nerve was sustained over 9 months follow‐up, indicating that regenerated axons are maintained chronically. Immunohistochemical labeling showed maintained expression of choline acetyltransferase, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, and growth‐related peptides 43 in the distal neuroma at 6 and 9 months. Reconnection of the distal nerve to foreign targets mildly improved the pattern of nerve regeneration, decreasing the number of excessive sprouts. These results indicate that axons regenerated may be eventually interfaced with external input‐output systems over long time, even if ending in the absence of distal targets as will occur in amputee limbs.
Large‐scale generation of autologous dendritic cells for immunotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Schmitt Anita , Reinhardt Peter , Hus Iwona , Tabarkiewicz Jacek , Roliñski Jacek , Barth Thomas , Giannopoulos Krzysztof , Dmoszyñska Anna , Wiesneth Markus , Schmitt Michael
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Mononuclear cells (MNCs) of severely impaired acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients may be collected by leukapheresis for large‐scale generation of dendritic cells (AML‐DCs) under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions for adoptive immunotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In five end‐stage AML patients, a leukapheresis procedure was performed with a cell separator (either COBE Spectra [Gambro BCT] or Amicus [Baxter]). For large‐scale AML‐DC generation, the MNCs of a single leukapheresis concentrate were isolated by density gradient and plated into a cell factory under GMP conditions. The AML‐DCs were harvested on Day 8 of culture, and their viability, the mature morphology, and the phenotype were evaluated. The AML‐DCs were injected subcutaneously into five AML patients up to four times at a biweekly interval.

RESULTS: All AML patients entered the leukapheresis procedure with a highly pathologic blood count. In a mean separation time of 198 ± 33 minutes, a mean of 1.3 ± 0.2‐fold the total blood volume was processed with a white blood cell (WBC) yield of 9 × 109 to 70 × 109 per collection dependent on the precollection WBC count. After density gradient a mean of 2.2 × 109 ± 0.3 × 109 MNCs were plated into a cell factory. This resulted in a mean viable and mature DC yield of 0.01 × 109 of MNCs.

CONCLUSION: The leukapheresis procedure is a feasible and safe procedure even in patients with hematologic malignancies and highly pathologic blood counts. Sufficient amounts of MNCs can be collected in leukopenic patients and the large‐scale generation of AML‐DCs in cell factories under GMP conditions yields in an adequate quantity of viable and mature AML‐DCs.
AIDING DECISION MAKERS WITH A GENERALIZED DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: AN APPLICATION TO INVENTORY MANAGEMENT *
Authors: Bonczek Robert H. , Holsapple Clyde W. , Whinston Andrew B.
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the attributes of a generalized data base management system with respect to its impact on managerial decision making. The discussion focuses upon two primary considerations: 1) the organization of data within a data base such that all intricate relationships are represented; and 2) the utilization of a facile method for non‐programming users to interrogate the data base. Examples drawn from the field of material requirements planning are used to illustrate the concepts and potential of the generalized data base management system.
Design of Product Grading Procedures*
Authors: Tang Kwei
Published: June 2007

Consider a situation in which the items produced by a production process are sorted into two grades according to predetermined specifications and sold at two different prices. A loss is incurred by the producer when an item is classified into a grade and its quality does not meet the consumer's requirement of that grade. A loss in selling price is also incurred when an item is classified into a lower quality grade when it can meet the consumer's requirement of a higher grade. Consequently, the producer's profit is determined by sale prices and losses due to consumer dissatisfaction. The optimal grading specifications are determined to maximize the expected profit. Design of product grading procedures can be based on the performance variable of interest or a surrogate variable correlated with the performance variable. The practice of using correlated variables in product grading is common in industry. We develop product grading models for both the performance variable and a correlated variable.
Increasing the Effectiveness of Student Evaluation of Instructor Data through a Factor Score Comparative Report
Authors: Brightman Harvey J. , Elliott Merwyn L. , Bhada Yezdi
Published: June 2007

Effective student evaluation of instructor instruments must provide norm, or comparative, data to aid interpretation. This note highlights an innovative factor score comparative report. Rather than merely reporting comparative data on individual questions items, the innovative report provides comparative percentile data on the six factors underlying our thirty‐three item questionnaire. The faculty indicated overwhelming support for the new report. The note also briefly mentions three other activities that are essential for student evaluation of instructor data to improve teacher effectiveness. Our goal is to stimulate other colleges to adopt the innovative norming practice once they have validated their local evaluation instruments. College‐wide improvement of teaching will occur through such do‐it‐yourself efforts and only decision science faculty are technically qualified to lead such efforts.
Public Service Reform in Russia, 1991–2006
Authors: Barabashev Alexei , Straussman Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2007

This article assesses Russia’s post‐Soviet efforts to reform its public service in order to meet the challenges of social and economic transition and describes both obstacles to the creation of a modern public service and efforts to overcome them. First, the authors provide a snapshot of the public service in Russia since 1991. Second, they describe aspects of the Soviet legacy that have impeded efforts to modernize the public service. Third, they identify some of the traumas of transition experienced in the 1990s that have circumscribed efforts at reform. Finally, the authors identify gaps between the legislation enacted by the Duma and the limited implementation of that legislation to date. The article concludes with an assessment of the current status of public service reform in Russia.
When Government Becomes the Principal Philanthropist: The Effects of Public Funding on Patterns of Nonprofit Governance
Authors: Guo Chao
Published: June 2007

This study uses board governance as an analytical lens for exploring the effects of government funding on the representational capacities of nonprofit organizations. A typology of governance patterns is first developed that captures the board’s strength relative to the chief executive and its representation of community interests. Using this typology and employing multinomial logit analyses of survey data from a sample of urban charitable organizations, the study tests how nonprofit governance is mediated by levels of government funding. Controlling for other relevant environmental and institutional factors, reliance on government funding decreases the likelihood that nonprofit organizations will develop strong, representative boards.

In recent years, government has emerged in the United States as a major “philanthropist,” the major philanthropist in a number of the principal, traditional areas of philanthropy.
 
  —Filer Commission (Commission on Private Philanthropy and Public Needs 1975, 89)
The Changing Nature of Public Entrepreneurship
Authors: Bernier Luc , Hafsi Taïeb
Published: June 2007

This article proposes a cyclical theory of public entrepreneurship that is rooted in contextual conditions. The authors use material presented to the Institute of Public Administration of Canada for the annual innovation award, as well as an extensive literature review, to illustrate a new model for public entrepreneurship, arguing that today’s public entrepreneurs are teams and their actions are systemic. Public entrepreneurs do not create new artifacts, nor do they design grandiose projects, but they slowly reinvent their organizations and, in so doing, transform the systems that control government effectiveness and efficiency. The authors generalize and contextualize the idea of public entrepreneurship and structure the emergence of entrepreneurs into a cycle theory. The individual entrepreneur dominates when the organization is new or there is a need for novel activities. As the organization matures and the need for efficiency takes over, dominant individual entrepreneurship disappears, and with time, a new systemic entrepreneurship arises to tackle them.
Qualified to Learn the Job: Donna Shalala
Authors: Radin Beryl A.
Published: June 2007

This profile of Donna Shalala illustrates how it is possible to craft a career that moves along quite untraditional paths. Shalala was a political appointee who adopted characteristics that are usually associated with career public servants. Shalala’s approach to career development can be useful to others who are thinking about a career development strategy. She did not ask whether she was qualified for a job but whether she was qualified to learn the job. At the same time, it is clear that she was able to apply experiences and lessons from diverse settings to new positions. Her career has been characterized not only by an in‐and‐out pattern but also by diversity within each of those settings. Her career pattern shows how Shalala was able to reinforce her personal strengths of being a problem solver and respond to unpredictable opportunities.
The Role of Procedural Controls in OSHA’s Ergonomics Rulemaking
Authors: Shapiro Stuart
Published: June 2007

Few, if any, regulations over the past decade have received as much publicity or engendered such controversy as the ergonomics regulation of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Some may see the ergonomics rule as the paradigmatic instance of procedural hurdles holding up and eventually destroying a regulation. This article examines the role that procedure played in the ergonomics rulemaking. Lessons are drawn from an analysis of the four publicly available versions of the regulation and interviews with seven high‐ranking officials at OSHA and the Small Business Administration. Of the procedural hurdles faced by OSHA, the notice‐and‐comment requirement had the largest impact on the final rule. OMB review and requirements to conduct a cost‐benefit analysis served largely as a fire alarm to political overseers, and the required small business panel had largely symbolic effects. The more traditional control of congressional budgetary oversight had the greatest effect by delaying the rule for three years, and thus eventually doomed OSHA’s attempts to regulate.
A New, Safer Lasing Technique for Laser‐Facilitated Coronary Angioplasty
Authors: TOPAZ ON
Published: June 2007

In vitro studies during cold pulsed‐wave laser angioplasty have demonstrated production of gas bubbles within the target tissue, creation of shock wave and formation of multi‐layer dissections accompanied by an increase in the plaque and vessel wall temperature. These processes account for certain complications of coronary lasing, including acute vessel closure, dissections, spasm, and even perforation. The traditional lasing technique in which a large number of pulses is continually emitted across the lesion, may in fact contribute to the development and acceleration of the above mentioned processes. To overcome the shortcomings we have developed a new, safe lasing technique that consists of multiple trains of a small number of pulses each. Between laser sessions the laser catheter is retracted into the guiding catheter and nitroglycerin is injected intracoronary, thus providing time for dispersion of produced gas bubbles, cooling of the target artery, and adequate coronary vasodilatation. This new technique results in a significant reduction of laser associated complications. (J Interven Cardiol 1993; 6:297–306)
Clinical and Angiographic Outcome Following Implantation of the New Less Shortening Wallstent in Aortocoronary Vein Grafts: Introduction of a Second Generation Stent in the Clinical Arena
Authors: KEANE D. , BUIS B. , REIFART N. , PLOKKER T. H. , ERNST J. M. , MAST E. G. , RENKIN J. , HEYNDRICKX G. , MOREL M. , De JAEGERE P. , SERRUYS P. W.
Published: June 2007

One of the factors felt to have contributed to the high rate of stent occlusion in the European registry of the coronary Wallstent in the 1980s was the frequent deployment of more than one stent to cover the target lesion. This resulted from a high degree of shortening of the Wallstent upon expansion. To overcome this limitation the design of the Wallstent was modified to reduce the degree of shortening. We report the results of a study of the first patients to undergo implantation of the new Less Shortening Wallstent. Thirty‐five Wallstents were electively deployed in aortocoronary vein grafts in 29 patients. Stent deployment was successful in 35 of 36 attempts in 30 lesions. In five of the 30 lesions, a second scent was required to cover the proximal portion of the lesion. Angiographic success (< 50% residual diameter stenosis as determined by off‐line quantitative coronary angiography) was achieved in all 29 patients. During the in‐hospital phase, no tnajor adverse cardiac event occurred (reintervention, re‐CABG, myocardial infarction, or death) and five patients had hemorrhagic complications. Following hospital discharge, one patient had a subacute stent occlusion associated with symptoms and elevated cardiac enzymes at 11 days, another patient had symptoms and elevated cardiac enzymes (CK 300 U/I) at 22 days with a patent stem, five patients required balloon angioplasty within the 6 month follow‐up period (four for restenosis and one for stent occlusion), one patient underwent re‐CABG for a native artery stenosis distal to the anastomosis of the patent stented vein graft. The results of this introductory study suggest that the new Less Shortening Wallstent may be associated with a reduction in the requirement for multiple stern deployment and a lower rate of thrombotic occlusion in comparison to its pioneering prototype. On the basis of these results, a number of larger multicenter clinical trials have been initiated to, further evaluate the new coronary Wallstent. (J Interven Cardiol 1994:7:557–564)
Cardiopulmonary Bypass Support of High Risk Coronary Angioplasty Patients: Registry Results
Authors: VOGEL ROBERT A.
Published: June 2007

Coronary angioplasty has been increasingly utilized in patients with extensive coronary disease, severe and acute chest pain syndromes, and poor ventricular function. This process has been facilitated in part by use of circulatory support, including perfusion balloons, intraaortic balloon pumps and cardiopulmonary bypass support systems. Percutaneous cannulation has facilitated elective and emergency application of cardiopulmonary bypass support in patients undergoing high risk coronary angioplasty. A National Registry of 25 centers has accumulated data on 801 elective and 210 emergency support angioplasty patients. Standby cardiopulmonary bypass support of elective high risk patients was associated with fewer complications and less in‐hospital mortality in patients other than those with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 20% and possibly older high risk patients. In elective cases, circulatory support was required in only approximately 7% of high risk patients, although need appeared to be unpredictable. Emergency use of cardiopulmonary bypass support, initiated < 20 minutes from the time of circulatory collapse, was associated with improved patient prognosis. Overall, patients undergoing circulatory cardiopulmonary bypass supported angioplasty had a marked reduction in anginal status, improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and good (80%) 2‐year survival. Although used only occasionally, circulatory support remains an important prophylactic interventional tool for the extremely high risk patient (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 20%) and a lifesaving emergency technique for the occasional patient with circulatory collapse. (J Interven Cardiol 1995;8:193–197)