bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The possible role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the aetiology of cryptorchidism and hypospadias: a population‐based case–control study in rural Sicily
Authors: Carbone P. , Giordano F. , Nori F. , Mantovani A. , Taruscio D. , Lauria L. , Figà‐Talamanca I.
Published: July 2006

This was an open case–control study of the possible association between parental occupational and domestic exposures to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) assessed by questionnaire and cryptorchidism and hypospadias in their offspring in the agricultural area of Ragusa. Cases of infants born between 1998 and 2002 with either of these two malformations (n = 90), and controls (n = 203), were recruited through the paediatric services (for cases) and a random sample of healthy infants attending the same services born in the same period of time (for controls). Data on occupational and environmental exposures of parents prior to and during the index case (or control), were collected through interviews with both parents. Concerning occupational exposures, we did not find a statistically significant increase in risk among parents directly involved in agricultural work. We did find a non‐statistically significant increase in risk for cryptorchidism in mothers employed in agriculture [adjusted odds ratios (OR) 2.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–11.47] and with probable exposure to pesticides (adjusted OR 2.74; 95% CI 0.72–10.42). Fathers who had indirect contact with agricultural products (transport and retail) had an increased risk (not statistically significant) for cryptorchidism (adjusted OR 2.45; 95% CI 0.63–9.59) and hypospadias and cryptorchidism combined (adjusted OR 2.24; 95% CI 0.67–7.48). Increases in risk of the two malformations pooled were also observed in relation to the mother's age below 25 (adjusted OR 1.99; 95% CI 0.97–4.09), to the presence of genital disease of the father (adjusted OR 2.41; 95%C I0.94–6.17), and the mother (adjusted OR 3.47;95% CI1.34–8.99), to low birth weight of the infant (adjusted OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.23–16.31). Increased risk was also observed for mothers consuming alcohol during pregnancy (adjusted OR 3.09; 95% CI 0.98–9.66), and for couples who conceived while using condoms (adjusted OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.02–4.41). The study therefore provides only limited support to the hypothesis of a possible association between the risk of cryptorchidism and hypospadias and the occupational exposure to EDC and agricultural work.
siRNA‐resistance in treated HCV replicon cells is correlated with the development of specific HCV mutations
Authors: Konishi Masayoshi , Wu Catherine H. , Kaito Masahiko , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Watanabe Shozo , Adachi Yukihiko , Wu George Y.
Published: July 2006

Summary.  RNA interference (RNAi) has been extremely effective against hepatitis C viral (HCV) gene expression in short‐term cell culture. Our aim was to determine whether long‐term RNAi might result in HCV‐resistant mutants. Huh7 HCV subgenomic replicon cells were transfected with short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). HCV‐RNA was quantified by real‐time RT‐PCR, and HCV NS5A levels were assayed by Western blots using specific antibody. Treatment with HCV‐siRNA resulted in a 50% inhibition of HCV‐RNA levels compared with pretreatment levels after 4 weeks (P < 0.05). HCV‐RNA returned to 85% of pretreatment levels after cessation of HCV‐siRNA treatment. Sequencing of the HCV‐siRNA target and upstream region was performed on 10 colonies from subcloning using PCR products, each before, during and after siRNA treatment. All colonies except one from HCV‐siRNA‐treated cells during and after treatment had mutations. There were no mutations in the HCV‐siRNA target region following control HBV‐siRNA treatment. Subcloned replicon cells containing the point mutations in the target region were found to be resistant to HCV‐siRNA inhibitory effects. In conclusion, even after 4 weeks of treatment of replicon cells with HCV‐siRNA, HCV‐RNA and HCV‐NS5A protein expression could not be completely eliminated. HCV replicons isolated during or after treatment were associated with mutations in the siRNA target region, while controls were not.
Elucidating genomic regions determining enhanced leaf growth and delayed senescence in elevated CO2
Authors: RAE A. M. , FERRIS RACHEL , TALLIS M. J. , TAYLOR GAIL
Published: July 2006

Limited information is available on the genetic variation and control for plant growth response to elevated CO2 (e[CO2]). Such information is necessary to understand plant adaptation and evolution in future rising CO2. Here, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for leaf growth, development, quality and leaf senescence were determined in a tree pedigree – an F2 hybrid of Populus trichocarpa T. & G and Populus deltoides Marsh, following season‐long exposure to either current day ambient carbon dioxide (a[CO2]) or e[CO2] at 600 µL L−1. Leaf growth and development differed between the grandparents such that P. trichocarpa showed greater response to e[CO2]. In the F2 generation, leaf development and quality traits including leaf area, leaf shape, epidermal cell area, and stomatal number, specific leaf area (SLA), and the phenology trait, canopy senescence index, were sensitive to e[CO2]. Sixty‐nine QTL were mapped for the 19 traits of plants in a[CO2] while 60 QTL were mapped for plants in e[CO2]. The results suggest that although many QTL mapped to common positions in a[CO2] and e[CO2], confirming their importance in determining growth, there was also differential genetic control for a number of traits including leaf senescence. Candidate genes were shown to collocate to regions where response QTL mapped. This study is the first to identify candidate genes that may be important in determining plant adaptation to future high‐CO2 world.
Insecticide‐treated bednets for the prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Cambodia: a cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Sochantha T. , Hewitt S. , Nguon C. , Okell L. , Alexander N. , Yeung S. , Vannara H. , Rowland M. , Socheat D.
Published: July 2006

Objectives  To validate and quantify the impact of insecticide‐treated bednets (ITN) on malaria morbidity and mortality in Cambodia.

Methods  A paired, cluster‐randomized trial of ITN was conducted in Rattanakiri, North East Cambodia. Thirty‐four villages with a total population of 10 726 were randomized to receive deltamethrin‐impregnated bednets or to control (no net provision). Cross‐sectional surveys measured Plasmodium falciparum prevalence at baseline and 10 months after ITN distribution. Village malaria volunteers in control and intervention villages treated dipstick‐positive P. falciparum cases with artesunate and mefloquine. The resulting passive surveillance data were used as an estimate of the incidence of clinical P. falciparum infections.

Results  There was a protective efficacy of 28% in P. falciparum incidence (adjusted rate ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.47–1.08) and 9% in P. falciparum prevalence (adjusted prevalence ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.65–1.28) in ITN relative to control villages; however, neither of these estimates reached statistical significance. Individual‐level analysis indicated a greater reduction in P. falciparum prevalence among under 5‐year‐olds (adjusted OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.26–1.53) compared to older individuals (interaction P = 0.042). The protective efficacy of 35% (95% CI –28, 67%) with respect to clinical P. falciparum incidence in under 5‐year‐olds was more pronounced than the corresponding estimates for prevalence but was again not significant.

Conclusions  Lack of statistical significance in the results is likely to be due to a lack of power. The analysis provides further evidence for ITN effectiveness in South East Asia, particularly among individuals under 5 years of age.
Burning and logging differentially affect endemic vs. widely distributed butterfly species in Borneo
Authors: Cleary Daniel F. R. , Mooers Arne Ø.
Published: July 2006

We assess the differential impact of logging and ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation)‐induced disturbance on the relative butterfly abundance and species richness of range‐restricted and widespread species within the island of Borneo. Relative abundance and species richness were assessed using rarefaction and species accumulation curves in unburned isolates surrounded by burned forest, the burned forest itself, and continuous forest unaffected by ENSO‐induced disturbance in addition to logged and unlogged landscapes in unburned forest. The relative abundance of endemics was significantly higher in unlogged forest than logged forest and significantly higher in unburned forest than burned forest. Rarefied species richness of range categories was similar (Bornean endemics) or higher (other categories) in selectively logged than unlogged forest. In contrast, rarefied species richness of range‐restricted species was highest in continuous forest, intermediate in unburned isolates, and lowest in burned forest. Only two individuals of a single Bornean endemic species were found in all the burned forest. Although species richness was higher in all range categories in continuous forest than in unburned isolates and in burned forest, the difference was most pronounced for range‐restricted species. Logging and ENSO‐induced fires thus have contrasting effects on range‐restricted species. While both increase the relative abundance of widely distributed species at the expense of range‐restricted species, only ENSO‐induced disturbance lowers the rarefied number of restricted range species. Our research highlights the threat that severe ENSO events pose to geographically restricted classes of biodiversity.
Atopy patch test for the diagnosis of food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome
Authors: Fogg Matthew I. , Brown‐Whitehorn Terri A. , Pawlowski Nicholas A. , Spergel Jonathan M.
Published: July 2006

Food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is thought to be a non‐IgE mediated food allergy syndrome. Affected infants typically demonstrate gastrointestinal symptoms after hours after ingestion of the offending food. Traditional allergy testing is not useful for this disorder because tests for food specific IgE are routinely negative. A diagnostic oral food challenge (OFC) is the only method to confirm the diagnosis of FPIES. This prospective study was undertaken to determine whether the atopy patch test (APT) is able to predict the results of the OFC. Nineteen infants with suspected FPIES by clinical history underwent APT to the suspected foods. After APT was performed, subjects underwent OFC to determine whether FPIES was present. The results of APT and OFC were compared and used to calculate sensitivity and specificity of the APT. APT predicted the results of oral food challenges in 28/33 instances. There were 16 cases of FPIES confirmed by oral food challenges. In all 16 cases of FPIES, the APT was positive to the suspected food. However, the APT was positive in five instances where the oral food challenge was negative. All 12 patients with a negative APT had a negative oral food challenge to the suspected food. APT appears to be a promising diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of FPIES.
Noninvasive ventilation in a child affected by achondroplasia respiratory difficulty syndrome
Authors: OTTONELLO GIANCARLO , VILLA GIOVANNA , MOSCATELLI ANDREA , DIANA MARIA CRISTINA , PAVANELLO MARCO
Published: July 2006

Achondroplasia can result in respiratory difficulty in early infancy, from anatomical abnormalities such as mid‐facial hypoplasia and/or adenotonsillar hypertrophy, leading to obstructive apnea, or to pathophysiological changes occurring in nasopharyngeal or glossal muscle tone, related to neurological abnormalities (foramen magnum and/or hypoglossal canal problems, hydrocephalus), leading to central apnea. More often, the two respiratory components (central and obstructive) are both evident in mixed apnea. Polysomnographic recording should be used during preoperative and postoperative assessment of achondroplastic children and in the subsequent follow‐up to assess the adequacy of continuing home respiratory support, including supplemental oxygen, bilevel positive airway pressure, or assisted ventilation.
Aerobic and anaerobic methanotrophs in the Black Sea water column
Authors: Schubert Carsten J. , Coolen Marco J. L. , Neretin Lev N. , Schippers Axel , Abbas Ben , Durisch‐Kaiser Edith , Wehrli Bernhard , Hopmans Ellen C. , Damsté Jaap S. Sinninghe , Wakeham Stuart , Kuypers Marcel M. M.
Published: July 2006

Inputs of CH4 from sediments, including methane seeps on the continental margin and methane‐rich mud volcanoes on the abyssal plain, make the Black Sea the world’s largest surface water reservoir of dissolved methane and drive a high rate of aerobic and anaerobic oxidation of methane in the water column. Here we present the first combined organic geochemical and molecular ecology data on a water column profile of the western Black Sea. We show that aerobic methanotrophs type I are responsible for methane oxidation in the oxic water column and ANME‐1‐ and ANME‐2‐related organisms for anaerobic methane oxidation. The occurrence of methanotrophs type I cells in the anoxic zone suggests that inactive cells settle to deeper waters. Molecular and biomarker results suggest that a clear distinction between the occurrence of ANME‐1‐ and ANME‐2‐related lineages exists, i.e. ANME‐1‐related organisms are responsible for anaerobic methane oxidation below 600 m water depth, whereas ANME‐2‐related organisms are responsible for this process in the anoxic water column above approximately 600 m water depth.
Skeletal muscle uncoupling protein‐3 restores upon intervention in the prediabetic and diabetic state: implications for diabetes pathogenesis?
Authors: Mensink M. , Hesselink M. K. C. , Borghouts L. B. , Keizer H. , Moonen‐Kornips E. , Schaart G. , Blaak E. E. , Schrauwen P.
Published: July 2006

Aim:  Skeletal muscle uncoupling protein‐3 (UCP3) is reduced in type 2 diabetes, and in the pre‐diabetic condition of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Here we examined whether intervention programs known to improve insulin sensitivity are paralleled by an increase in skeletal muscle UCP3 protein levels.

Methods:  Skeletal muscle UCP3 protein content was measured before and after one year of an exercise intervention in muscle biopsies of eight diabetic subjects. In addition, UCP3 was measured in IGT subjects before and after 1 year of following a lifestyle‐intervention program or serving as control.

Results:  In the diabetic patients a significant increase of ∼75% in UCP3 protein was found after 1 year of exercise training (P < 0.05). In IGT subjects UCP3 protein increased in the intervention group (P = 0.02), while UCP3 remained unaltered in the control group (P = 0.64).

Conclusion:  Both, exercise training and a lifestyle‐intervention program increase UCP3 protein content in skeletal muscle of subjects with reduced glycaemic control, indicating a restoration towards normal UCP3 levels. These data support the idea that UCP3 has a role in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Apofrontonia dohrni sp. n. and the phylogenetic relationships within Peniculia (Protista, Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea)
Authors: Fokin Sergei , Andreoli Ilaria , Verni Franco , Petroni Giulio
Published: July 2006

Apofrontonia dohrni, a new peniculine ciliate, was discovered in a slightly brackish water sample from Mediterranean coastline puddle in Naples, Italy. Its morphology was studied in vivo, in silver‐ and Feulgen‐stained preparations, as well as at the scanning electron microscope; 18S rRNA gene sequence was also determined. The species is characterized by a medium cell size (118 × 61 µm — fixed cell) and an oval‐extended body, flattened dorsoventrally; a very long sausage‐like macronucleus rolled up into almost a ring; a comparatively large compact micronucleus; relatively small number of vestibular kineties (4) and a peculiar structure of 3 peniculi, consisting of 5‐6, 4‐5 and 3 ciliary rows, respectively. The ciliate always has about 20 contractile vacuoles distributed beneath its entire body surface. Using these features, A. dohrni, definitely, can be easily discriminated from the two other species of the genus: Apofrontonia lametschwandtneri and Apofrontonia obtusa. The general re‐analysis of morphological characters of Apofrontonia spp. allowed us to remove this genus from family Frontoniidae, where it was put in the first description (Foissner & Song 2002). We provisionally consider genus Apofrontonia as incertae sedis within the order Peniculida due to (i) the limited number of morphological characters joining Apofrontonia to already described Peniculida families and (ii) the absence of molecular data for most representatives of Peniculida families. Frontonia leucas 18S rRNA gene was also characterized to increase the balance among represented taxa. According to the present analysis, Apofrontonia so far appears more closely related to Paramecium than to Frontonia.
Phylogenetic relationships of the Banded Hare wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus) and a map of the kangaroo mitochondrial control region
Authors: Nilsson Maria A.
Published: July 2006

The complete mitochondrial genome of the endangered Banded Hare wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus) was sequenced and used for phylogenetic analysis. The data set consisted of 10 377 nucleotides (3459 amino acids) from three kangaroo species. The phylogenetic analyses strongly supported the hypothesis that the Banded Hare wallaby is the sister‐group of the wallaroo (subfamily Macropodidae). In addition to the phylogenetic reconstruction, the mt control region, or d‐loop, from Australian marsupials has been mapped for the first time. The results show that the organization of the kangaroo control region is similar to that of placental mammals. The presence of a duplicated CSB‐1 block found in all three kangaroo species is an uncommon feature of mammalian mt DNA. The CSB domain was found to be the most variable region in the control region, followed by a less variable ETAS domain.
Conditional Functional Principal Components Analysis
Authors: CARDOT HERVÉ
Published: July 2006

Abstract. This work proposes an extension of the functional principal components analysis (FPCA) or Karhunen–Loève expansion, which can take into account non‐parametrically the effects of an additional covariate. Such models can also be interpreted as non‐parametric mixed effect models for functional data. We propose estimators based on kernel smoothers and a data‐driven selection procedure of the smoothing parameters based on a two‐step cross‐validation criterion. The conditional FPCA is illustrated with the analysis of a data set consisting of egg laying curves for female fruit flies. Convergence rates are given for estimators of the conditional mean function and the conditional covariance operator when the entire curves are collected. Almost sure convergence is also proven when one observes discretized noisy sample paths only. A simulation study allows us to check the good behaviour of the estimators.
Urban Water Demand Estimates Under Increasing Block Rates
Authors: NIESWIADOMY MICHAEL L. , MOLINA DAVID J.
Published: July 2006

A residential water demand equation is estimated using the only data set on water consumption that contains time series (monthly) observations on individual customers facing an increasing block rate schedule. Because the price of water both determines, and is determined by, usage, ordinary least squares estimation will yield biased estimates. Thus, two‐stage least squares and instrumental variables techniques are used. The estimated coefficients on lawn size, weather, house size, and income have the expected signs and are statistically significant. However, there is not any significant response to changes in water price, perhaps due to the relatively low cost of water.
The Decentralization of High‐Technology Manufacturing to Nonmetropolitan Areas
Authors: BARKLEY DAVID L.
Published: July 2006

Historically, employment in high‐technology manufacturing industries has been concentrated in metropolitan areas. The product life cycle theory of industrial location suggests, however, that employment in this sector will decentralize as these industries mature and production processes are standardized. This study utilized shift‐share analysis and Enhanced County Business Pattern data to determine the extent to which a metropolitan‐to‐nonmetroplitan employment shift occurred from 1975 to 1982. Employment shifts for nonmetropolitan counties of different sizes, adjacency status, and cenus regions were estimated. Also, the specific high‐technology manufacturers (four‐digit SIC) participating in the decentralization process were identified. The findings of this study indicate that nonmetropolitan employment in the high‐tech sector increased by more than 13,000 as a result of decentralization. Small‐ and medium‐sized nonmetropolitan counties and nonmetropolitan areas in New England, the South, and the West experienced the greatest gains in high‐technology employment. Urban‐to‐rural employment shifts in innovative high‐technology industries was restricted to primarily counties adjacent to metropolitan areas and nonmetropolitan counties in the New England and Pacific regions.
Economic Heterogeneity Within Large Metropolitan Areas
Authors: GETIS ARTHUR
Published: July 2006

Recent research has indicated that individual income distribution in the United States has tended toward greater inequality in recent years. Hypotheses are presented on the expected effect of that trend on suburban municipalities within large metropolitan areas. One major expectation is that the distribution of per capita incomes among the municipalities will be found to bifurcate. A methodology that rests on a graphical depiction of income and a revision of the famous Pearson plane is used to identify trends. Results indicate that the long term trend (at least since 1960) toward income homogeneity came to a halt by 1979 and began to reverse itself in the early 1980s, although bimodal distributions of income are not yet (1983) in evidence. Rapidly growing and rich communities are tending toward greater internal income homogeneity.
Human Capital Stock and Flow and Economic Growth Analysis: Note
Authors: MCNAMARA KEVIN T. , KRIESEL WARREN P. , DEATON BRADY J.
Published: July 2006

Human capital is becoming recognized as an increasingly important factor in rural economic development. Economic research, however, has not provided clear empirical support of the relationship between human capital investment and economic growth. This paper applies stock and flow concepts to human capital and suggests an operational approach for applying stock and flow concepts to the analysis of the impact of human capital investments through education on economic growth.
The Effects of Environmental Regulation on Business Location in the United States
Authors: BARTIK TIMOTHY J.
Published: July 2006

This article empirically examines whether variations in state environmental regulations have affected the location of manufacturing branch plants by the Fortune 500 companies. Using several measures of environmental regulation, no statistically significant effects of environmental regulation on business location are found. For most manufacturing industries, the estimates are precise enough to rule out the possibility of large effects of environmental regulation on business location. For highly polluting industries, however, the variance in the estimates is quite large. We cannot rule out the possibility of effects of environmental regulation on the location of highly polluting industries that are large enough to be important to policymakers.
Real Wages and Unemployment in Local Labor Markets: Pennsylvania MSAs, 1975‐86
Authors: HYCLAK THOMAS
Published: July 2006

This paper specifies an unemployment rate model with relatively long lags on the manufacturing real wage and the level of real GNP as the independent variables. Estimates of the model for 12 MSAs in Pennsylvania over the period from 1975:2 to 1986:4 generally indicate a fairly strong positive unemployment response to lagged real wages. This is consistent with theoretical models of the labor market that hypothesize strong real wage effects during periods of aggregate supply shocks. The unique characteristics of the time period under study and the disaggregation to local labor markets might account for the fact that, in contrast to many previous empirical studies, we are able to uncover evidence of a positive real wage‐unemployment relationship in U.S. time series data.
Agglomeration of Services in American Metropolitan Areas
Authors: HUALLCHÁIN BREANDÁN Ó
Published: July 2006

The growth of many service industries among American metropolitan areas stem from an eclectic set of forces. These include market penetration effects of increasing importance of services throughout the economy, agglomeration effects in immature and deregulated industries, and institutional and infrastructure constraints. These diverse forces are interpreted as urbanization and localization economies. A cycle of centralization of 27 fast growing service industries is documented for MS As in the period 1977‐84. The two agglomeration effects are tested directly, using a power function model that relates employment and establishment growth to MSA size and initial level of employment in a local industry. Localization economies rather than the general advantages of metropolitan size best explain the growth patterns. This result implies that service industrial complexes are rapidly emerging in American metropolitan areas.
The Spatial Distribution of Military Spending in the United States 1941‐1985
Authors: CRUMP JEFFREY R.
Published: July 2006

The spatial distribution of military expenditures in the United States is a major influence on the regional shifts of economic activity that are occurring in the US. The purpose of this study is to trace the changing spatial distribution of military prime contract awards (MPCAs) from 1941 to 1985. Using T‐mode and S‐mode factor analysis, the results indicate that since 1941 there have been four distinct eras in the spatial distribution of MPCAs. During each era the spatial pattern of military spending remained stable. The shift from one era to another appears to be linked to changes in the type of weapons purchased by the Department of Defense. The most recent era, the High‐Technology Weapons era, has lasted for twenty years. The long‐term stability evident in the spatial distribution of MPCAs supports the argument that military expenditures have played an important role in regional economic development and change. The findings also indicate that, while many states tend to follow the national trend in military spending, there are also four distinct groups of states which have gained and then lost their positions as military production centers. The main reason behind the rapid growth and decline of MPCAs going to these states was their dependence on a single weapons system.
Shift‐Share Analysis: The International Dimension
Authors: SIHAG BALBIR S. , MCDONOUGH CAROL C.
Published: July 2006

This paper extends the traditional shift‐share model to incorporate international effects. While some industries compete nationally for markets, other compete internationally. For industries competing nationally, regional growth derives from regional superiority relative to the national economy. For those competing internationally, regional growth is tied to regional advantages from specialization and competitive advantage relative to the international economy. Building on the Esteban ‐ Marquillas concept of homothetic employment, the international shift‐share model identifies regional growth due to regional and national competitive advantage and regional and national specialization. We demonstrate that the international model retains the property of region to region additivity.
Pricing Implications of Development Exactions on Existing Housing Stock
Authors: DELANEY CHARLES J. , SMITH MARC T.
Published: July 2006

Research has found that development exactions are capitalized into the price of new housing. As the price of new housing increases, one would expect to see a price rise in existing housing as well, albeit lagged to some extent. This paper presents the results of an empirical study designed to measure how much impact fees affect the price of existing, single‐family dwellings. Data for this study were obtained from county property appraiser files provided by the Florida Department of Revenue. The data represent 1,055 new and 3,135 existing home sales, respectively, in Dunedin, Florida, and 7,292 existing home sales in Clearwater, Florida, from 1971‐1982. On June 3, 1974, the city of Dunedin began assessing impact fees of $1,150 against all new, single‐family construction. The methodology used in this paper examines the price differential of new relative to existing housing and finds that the difference disappeared after six years.
Nuclear Protective Action Advisories: A Policy Analysis and Evaluation
Authors: JOHNSON, JR. JAMES H. , ZEIGLER DONALD J.
Published: July 2006

Widespread spontaneous evacuation, the tendency for people to evacuate even when not advised to do so, has been highlighted as one of the likely behavioral responses to a nuclear power plant emergency. Utility company representatives contend that protective action advisories can be structured so as to stifle the magnitude and geographic extent of spontaneous evacuation. Data from a utility‐company‐sponsored telephone survey of households on Long Island, New York, where the Shoreham Nuclear Power Station is located, are used in this paper to test this proposition. Analyses of responses given to three sets of increasingly serious reactor accident scenarios, with and without information instructing people what protective actions to take, raise serious questions about the ability of emergency notification messages to affect human behavior in a radiological emergency. The results suggest firstly, that even if people me specifically advised not to evacuate, most would be inclined to do so; and secondly, that attempts to stifle the propensity to evacuate among those who are not at risk are likely to increase the propensity to stay behind among those who are at risk and should evacuate.
Transitions of Poverty Amidst Employment Growth: Two Nonmetro case studies
Authors: LARSON DONALD K.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT
The theory behind employment growth as a strategy for lessening the poverty problem is based on a premise that job opportunities are inadequate. But during rapid employment growth in some nonmetropolitan areas of Kentucky and Georgia the effect on poverty has been limited. A large majority of poor households have no potential to leave poverty via employment since age, health, and other limiting factors among household members restrict entry into the work force. Also, for some the condition of being poor resulted not because they had never worked, but because they tended to have worked at marginal, low‐wage jobs. Meanwhile, some jobs went unfilled because employers could not find persons who could meet the right requirements. This study shows that in these two areas, expanding employment opportunities did not significantly reduce the poverty problem. As the literature addressing the issue of the effects of employment growth on poverty is inconclusive and sometimes contradictory, clarification of how employment gains are distributed among local residents is essential.
Changes in U.S. and Southern Economics Department Rankings over Time
Authors: BERGER MARK C. , SCOTT FRANK A.
Published: July 2006

Rankings of economics departments nationwide and in the South are calculated using numbers of pages published in three of the most highly ranked journals for the periods 1978–83, 1983–88, and 1978–88. Changes in the rankings between the 1978–83 and 1983–88 time periods are examined, and the results are compared to those obtained in previous studies. While the Spearman rank correlation coefficient between our nationwide 1978–83 and 1983–88 rankings is .80, there are a number of cases of substantial movements by individual schools either up or down in the rankings.
The Export Decision of Selected Services‐Producing and Manufacturing Industries
Authors: PORTERFIELD SHIRLEY L. , COX THOMAS L.
Published: July 2006

This article provides a comparative analysis of factors influencing the out‐of‐state export decisions of establishments within selected groups of services‐producing and manufacturing industries. Data were gathered through a mail survey of establishments located in both rural and urban areas of five Midwestern states. The proportion of sales exported was specified as a function of establishment and location characteristics and estimated using Tobit analysis. Results of the study indicate that both establishment and location characteristics are important predictors of the export decision and confirm that establishments in some services‐producing industries are able to enter and compete in out‐of‐state export markets. Similar factors were found to influence the export decisions of services‐producing and manufacturing establishments. Results suggest that services‐producing establishments in the group of industries may not be footloose with respect to locational choices.
Changing Employment Profiles and Growth: An Economic Base Study of Florida Counties (1982–1987)
Authors: FIK TIMOTHY J. , AMEY ROBERT G. , MALECKI EDWARD J.
Published: July 2006

Location Quotients are used to estimate economic base multipliers for two‐digit Standard Industrial Classification employment data at the county level for the state of Florida. Changes in multipliers are contrasted to changes in county employment profiles and demographic trends for the period 1982 to 1987. Counties are then classified by employment and growth characteristics. A cross‐sectional econometric model is constructed to explain regional shifts in total employment. It is demonstrated that although the Florida economy is supported by a low level of employment activity in primary and secondary sectors (relative to the tertiary sector), these sectors tend to be very important in explaining variations in regional economic growth. The empirical findings suggest that the alleged service‐oriented economy of Florida is still reliant upon export‐oriented activity as the catalyst for employment expansion.
The Planning Response to Urban Service Sector Growth: an International Comparison
Authors: DANIELS P. W. , O'CONNOR K. , HUTTON T. A.
Published: July 2006

The restructuring of urban economies from manufacturing to service industries has been a major feature of the last twenty‐five years. Large cities with a population of at least one million have been at the forefront of this change with the primate cities of the newly industrialized countries increasingly affected. The growth characteristics, planning experiences, and policy implications of the expansion of service industries in large and medium‐size metropolitan areas around the world are examined. This has illuminated issues connected with the interurban competition for services. The service sector has shaped new urban planning and public policy agendas and the way in which metropolitan areas in this study have started to reshape their policies provides a good lead for others to follow. It is likely that new pressures will strengthen the need to look beyond their established urban planning policies to broader, integrated urban management policies.
Rolling Back the Frontiers of the State: Civil Service Reorganization and Relocation in Britain
Authors: MARSHALL J. NEILL , ALDERMAN NEIL
Published: July 2006

Urban and regional studies of service location concentrate on private business and financial services. In contrast, this paper uses the example of the central government civil service in Britain to develop understanding of the spatial dynamics of public services. The paper shows how the location of civil service employment has been influenced by changes in government policy over the last thirty years. It also indicates the way in which the over‐concentration of the private sector in London and the South East, throughout the period, has encouraged the decentralization of the civil service from the capital to a variety of provincial locations.
The Growth of Producer Services Industries: Sorting Through the Externalization Debate
Authors: GOE W. RICHARD
Published: July 2006

The development of a theory for explaining why firms externalize producer services functions is critical to gaining a better understanding of why the producer services industries have enjoyed robust growth within the United States, Canada and the European Community. Scholars of the service economy have attempted to develop explanations for the externalization of producer services functions. These explanations constitute “the externalization debate” since there has been a lack of consistency and agreement as to how and why externalization is taking place. None of the explanations for externalization approach what could be termed a theory of producer services externalization, since they consist of empirical generalizations that are not deductively connected. This paper attempts to move one step toward the development of such a theory by constructing a more comprehensive and systematic conceptual approach to analyzing the extemalization of producer services functions. The motivating factors for externalization that are proposed in the externalization debate are systematically examined. The insights of the transaction cost and production subcontracting literatures are then discussed and the implications of these literatures for producer services externalization are examined. A synthesis of the insights provided by these research literatures is then used to develop a more comprehensive analytical framework for examining producer services extemalization.
Estimating the Economic Impacts of Elderly Migration: An Input‐Output Analysis
Authors: SASTRY M. LAKSHMINARAYAN
Published: July 2006

This paper quantifies for the first time the economic impacts of elderly in‐migration on the output, earnings, and employment of a receiving state's economy. Data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey and estimates of the total redistribution of income to Florida resulting from elderly in‐migration are used to calculate the direct effects by industry. A model for the state of Florida based on the Regional Input‐Output Modeling System (RIMS II) is used to estimate the total impacts. The large migration flows and the considerable economic resources of the elderly lead to large, positive total impacts on the Florida economy.
The Spatial Organization of a Local Labor Market: Employment and Residential Patterns in a Cohort of Engineering and Scientific Workers
Authors: SCOTT ALLEN J.
Published: July 2006

A case study of the local labor market for engineers and scientists at three Lockheed plants in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is presented. The specifications of a questionnaire survey are described and a detailed statistical profile of questionnaire respondents is laid out. It is shown that the local labor market is highly concentrated in geographical space and that both job shifts and residence shifts of sampled workers tend to be extremely localized within the urban area. It is suggested that local labor markets with features like these are a source of significant agglomeration economies for employers.
Labor Market of a U.S.‐Japanese Automobile Joint Venture
Authors: ELHANCE ARUN P. , CHAPMAN MARGARET
Published: July 2006

Starting with a brief location analysis of the plant site, in this paper we analyze the characteristics and geography of the labor market for a U.S.‐ Japanese automobile joint venture. Based on a survey of the firm's employees, we show that the labor market is two‐tiered and stretches over many states in the United States. There are clear differences in skills, gender and socio‐demographic characteristics between short and long distance movers, and American workers are willing and able to adapt to technology and work practices originating in a different culture. Most employees hold positive opinions of the work environment and practices at the plant, Japanese influence in the U.S. economy and U.S.‐Japanese economic relations, despite perceiving Japan as an economic threat to the United States. We conclude with some policy implications of our findings and an agenda for future research.
An Analysis of Household Valuations and Preference Structures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: ARYEETEY‐ATTOH SAMUEL
Published: July 2006

This paper applies a semi‐logarithmic hedonic model to a sample of 1,115 households drawn from low‐, moderate‐, and upper‐income regions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in order to measure household valuations of a variety of dwelling attributes. The results: 1) allow an assessment of the predictive power of the hedonic function; 2) enable a determination of whether the data provide sufficient information on housing conditions in Rio to make hedonic estimations worthwhile; and 3) provide an important spatial dimension which is useful in evaluating the relative importance of a variety of housing attributes to households located across income sub‐regions in Rio.

The study demonstrates the need to strategically design housing projects that are consistent with the preference structures of intended beneficiaries. This, in turn, should facilitate the design of more efficient and equitable cost recovery affordable housing programs in developing countries.
Is Alternative Agriculture a Viable Rural Development Strategy?
Authors: BARKLEY DAVID L. , WILSON PAUL N.
Published: July 2006

Alternative agriculture is promoted as a means of enhancing rural area jobs and income. This nontraditional agricultural activity is defined as: new crops or products to an area, industrial uses of agricultural products, value‐enhancement activities, and urban agricultural activities. The potential for new agriculturally‐related activities is summarized. The long‐term rural economic and development potential, through new income and jobs, is assessed. Next, five case studies are provided to illustrate alternative agriculture successes, limited successes, and failures (Guayule, Jojoba, Muscadine grapes, market windows for fresh fruit and vegetables, and aquaculture). We conclude that alternative agriculture may be viable in select rural areas. However, total employment generation potential is too small and diffused to provide significant rural development impacts.
A Linkage Approach to Industrial Location
Authors: ANDERSON DONALD , JOHNSTON STEPHEN A.
Published: July 2006

Access to markets and raw materials is nearly always mentioned in industrial location studies as an important locational factor. This article demonstrates a methodological approach based on inter‐industry linkages and using secondary data to identify target industries for economic development initiatives. In this application we characterize Alabama's industrial base, identify industries with strong forward and backward linkages to base Alabama industries, and highlight a subset of especially good prospects.
The U.S.‐Canada Free Trade Agreement and Commodity Transportation Services among U.S. States
Authors: WARF BARNEY , COX JOSEPH
Published: July 2006

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) implemented beginning in 1989 by the United States aid Canada will have significant impacts on bilateral trading patterns. In addition to its long‐term, investment‐related repercussions, the FTA will affect the volume, commodity composition, and spatial distribution of trade and, consequently, the transportation services required to move commodities between the two nations. This paper examines the changing spatial structure of U.S.‐Canadian trade under the FTA. It employs commodity‐specific analyses of tariffs and non‐tariff barriers, as well as price and income elasticities of demand, to estimate sectoral and special changes among U.S. states in total, land, water, and airborne commodity flows since 1988 attributable to the FTA. The analysis details the assumptions and methodology used, elaborates upon the likely consequences for me nation's ten largest customs districts, particularly New York, and concludes with some comments on other forces that may alter the expected results.
Private Government Formation in the DC Metropolitan Area
Authors: MALLETT WILLIAM J.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper examines a variety of quasi‐governmental organizations, mandatory homeowners' associations, special service districts, and transportation management associations, recently established in the urban region. Using the Washington, DC metropolitan area as a case study, this paper explores reasons for their development and implications of them for urban governance. It is argued that these organizations marry the concepts of public special districts and public‐private partnerships in a process of private government formation. Private governments, it is suggested, are not wholly a private response to the shedding of services by the public sector, the dominant notion of privatization and local state restructuring, but the result of demands emerging in the private sector stimulated by social and spatial change. This signals the need to add to the concept of public‐driven privatization the process of private initiated change where the resulting goods and services are more fully shaped by the needs of private interests. The evidence suggests these institutions do not represent a scaling back of the local state as privatization implies, but an extension of state structures in a fundamentally new direction, an extension which could be labeled the parallel state.
The Influence of Location on Productivity: Manufacturing Technology in Rural and Urban Areas
Authors: MARTIN S.A. , MCHUGH RICHARD , JOHNSON S.R.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT Policies to counter the growing discrepancy between economic opportunities in rural and urban areas have focused predominantly on expanding manufacturing in rural areas. Fundamental to the design of these strategies are the relative costs of production and productivity of manufacturing in rural compared to urban areas. This study develops information that can be used to assess the productivity of manufacturing in rural and urban areas. Production functions are estimated for the meat‐products and household‐furniture industries to investigate selected aspects of location and productivity. The results show that the effect of location on productivity varies with industry, size, and the timing of entry. Although the analysis is specific to two industries, it suggests that development policies targeting manufacturing can be more effective if they focus on industries and plants with characteristics that predispose them to the locations they support.
The Peace Dividend and Defense Conversion in the Context of Corporate Restructuring
Authors: ETTLINGER NANCY
Published: July 2006

The peace dividend typically is conceptualized as the transfer of dollars from defense to domestic, social needs. ThisPerspectiveredefines the peace dividend in terms of the conversion of talent, expertise, and technologies from the production of weaponry to commercial products and processes, which will have positive effects overall on the American economy. The dynamic of this conversion is specified in terms of corporate reorganization among American military industrial firms (MIFs) in existing and strategic industries such as electronics, as well as new growth sectors such as environmentally conscious industries.