bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of intraurethral captopril gel on the recurrence of urethral stricture after direct vision internal urethrotomy: Phase II clinical trial
Authors: Shirazi Mehdi , Khezri Abdolaziz , Samani Soleiman Mohammadi , Monabbati Ahmad , Kojoori Javad , Hassanpour Abbas
Published: April 2007

Objective:  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of intraurethral captopril gel as an antifibrotic agent on patients with urethral stricture.

Materials and Methods:  In the first phase of clinical trial, 13 rabbits were included and local side‐effects of captopril gel were evaluated. In the second phase, 56 patients were enrolled from April 2004 to January 2006. After internal urethrotomy the patients were classified into three patient groups: (i) received placebo gel (group I); (ii) received 0.1% captopril gel (group II); and (iii) instilled 0.5% captopril gel intraurethrally (group III).

Results:  In phase I, no significant local side‐effects were seen in the urethra of rabbits. In phase II, the mean age of the patients was 39.5 and the mean follow‐up duration was 16 months. The most common etiology of the urethral stricture in the patients was iatrogenic (35.7%), most of their strictures had a depth of 0.5 cm or less (67.8%), and the length of most strictures was between 1 and 2 cm (41.1%). The patients' maximum urine flow increased more in groups II and III, than in group I (P < 0.04, P < 0.05, respectively). The recurrence rate was less in groups II and III than in group I (P < 0.05). In terms of the maximal urine flow and recurrence rate, no significant difference was seen between group II and group III (P = 0.13, P = 0.21, respectively).

Conclusion:  Captopril gel is a safe, effective and non‐toxic agent for decreasing the recurrence rate of the urethral stricture after internal urethrotomy. However, more studies, including more cases and a longer follow up, are needed to prove the effect of captopril gel on patients' urethra.
Effects of opioid subtypes on detrusor overactivity in rats with cerebral infarction
Authors: Nagasaka Yasuhiro , Yokoyama Osamu , Komatsu Kazuto , Ishiura Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yasuo , Namiki Mikio
Published: April 2007

Aim:  In order to determine the influence of different opioid receptor subtypes on detrusor overactivity after left middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, cystometric recordings were obtained in conscious rats.

Methods:  Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were used in this study. Control cystometrography was followed by left MCA occlusion. The sham‐operated (SO) rats underwent the same procedures except for MCA occlusion. [D‐Ala2, Phe4, Gly5]‐enkephalin (DAGO; μ‐opioid agonist), [D‐Pen2,5]‐enkephalin (DPDPE; δ1‐opioid agonist), deltorpin II (δ2‐opioid agonist), and U‐50488 (κ‐opioid agonist) were administered intracerebroventricularly at graded doses. The bladder capacity, residual volume, micturition threshold pressure, and bladder contraction pressure were determined. Finally, the volume of the infarction was measured.

Results:  The intracerebroventricular administration of DAGO and DPDPE significantly increased the bladder capacity in the cerebrally infarcted (CI) and SO rats, but differences in the changes in bladder capacity between the CI and SO rats were not significant. Deltorpin II did not produce any changes in the bladder capacity in the CI or SO rats at any dose examined. However, the intracerebroventricular administration of U‐50488 significantly increased the bladder capacity in the CI rats but not in the SO rats. None of the drugs affected the residual volume, micturition threshold pressure or bladder contraction pressure at any dosage examined. The mean infarcted volumes were not significantly different from those in the vehicle‐treated rats.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that the opioid receptor subtypes, μ and δ1 in the brain, are related to the micturition reflex. Furthermore, the κ opioid agonist might be useful for the suppression of detrusor overactivity caused by cerebral infarction.
Search for fMRI BOLD signals in networks of spiking neurons
Authors: Amit Daniel J. , Romani Sandro
Published: April 2007

In a recent experiment, functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygen level‐dependent (fMRI BOLD) signals were compared in different cortical areas (primary‐visual and associative), when subjects were required covertly to name images in two protocols: sequences of images, with and without intervening delays. The amplitude of the BOLD signal in protocols with delay was found to be closer to that without delays in associative areas than in primary areas. The present study provides an exploratory proposal for the identification of the neural activity substrate of the BOLD signal in quasi‐realistic networks of spiking neurons, in networks sustaining selective delay activity (associative) and in networks responsive to stimuli, but whose unique stationary state is one of spontaneous activity (primary). A variety of observables are ‘recorded’ in the network simulations, applying the experimental stimulation protocol. The ratios of the candidate BOLD signals, in the two protocols, are compared in networks with and without delay activity. There are several options for recovering the experimental result in the model networks. One common conclusion is that the distinguishing factor is the presence of delay activity. The effect of NMDAr is marginal. The ultimate quantitative agreement with the experiment results depends on a distinction of the baseline signal level from its value in delay‐period spontaneous activity. This may be attributable to the subjects' attention. Modifying the baseline results in a quantitative agreement for the ratios, and provided a definite choice of the candidate signals. The proposed framework produces predictions for the BOLD signal in fMRI experiments, upon modification of the protocol presentation rate and the form of the response function.
Metabolic progression markers of neurodegeneration in the transgenic G93A‐SOD1 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Niessen Heiko G. , Debska‐Vielhaber Grazyna , Sander Kerstin , Angenstein Frank , Ludolph Albert C. , Hilfert Liane , Willker Wieland , Leibfritz Dieter , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Kunz Wolfram S. , Vielhaber Stefan
Published: April 2007

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of motor neurons. Visualizing corresponding metabolic changes in the brain of patients with ALS with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) may provide surrogate markers for an early disease detection, for monitoring the progression and for evaluating a treatment response. The primary objective of our study was to evaluate whether modifications in MR metabolite levels occur before clinical disease onset, and whether these changes are directly linked to a distinct spatial progression pattern in the CNS. Therefore, age‐dependent alterations in the cerebral and spinal metabolic profile in the mouse model of ALS overexpressing the mutated human G93A‐superoxide dismutase 1 (G93A‐SOD1) were determined by high‐resolution MRS of tissue extracts at 14.1 Tesla. Both non‐transgenic mice (control mice) and transgenic mice overexpressing the non‐mutated human SOD1 (tg‐SOD1) served as controls. In the spinal cord of G93A‐SOD1 mice significantly decreased levels of N‐acetyl aspartate were already detected 34 days postpartum, i.e. about 60 days before the average disease onset caused by motor neuron decline. In addition, glutamine and γ‐aminobutyric acid concentrations were significantly diminished at Day 75, which is still in the presymptomatic phase of the disease. These metabolic changes were further progressive in the course of the disease and started to involve the brainstem at Day 75. Overall, high‐resolution 1H‐MRS allows a sensitive spatial and temporal metabolite profiling in the presymptomatic phase of ALS even before significant neuronal cell loss occurs.
Maintenance of superior learning and memory function in NR2B transgenic mice during ageing
Authors: Cao Xiaohua , Cui Zhenzhong , Feng Ruiben , Tang Ya‐Ping , Qin Zhenxia , Mei Bing , Tsien Joe Z.
Published: April 2007

Brain ageing represents a general and evolutionarily conserved phenomenon and is marked by gradual declines in cognitive functions such as learning and memory. As a synaptic coincidence detector, the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor is known to be essential for the induction of synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Here, we test the hypothesis that up‐regulation of NR2B expression is beneficial for learning and memory in the aged animals. Our in vitro recordings show that the aged transgenic mice with the forebrain‐specific overexpression of the NR2B subunit indeed exhibit more robust hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) induced by either high‐frequency stimulation or theta‐stimulation protocol. Furthermore, those aged NR2B transgenic mice consistently outperform their wild‐type littermates in five different learning and memory tests, namely, novel object recognition, contextual and cued fear conditioning, spatial reference memory, and spatial working memory T‐maze task. Thus, we conclude that increased expression of NR2B in the forebrain improves learning and memory function in the aged brain.
Cholinergic modulation incorporated with a tone presentation induces frequency‐specific threshold decreases in the auditory cortex of the mouse
Authors: Chen Ganling , Yan Jun
Published: April 2007

Learning‐induced or experience‐dependent auditory cortical plasticity has often been characterized by frequency‐specificity. Studies have revealed the critical role of the cholinergic basal forebrain and acoustic guidance. Cholinergic facilitation of specific thalamocortical inputs potentially determines such frequency‐specificity but this issue requires further clarification. To examine the cholinergic effects on thalamocortical circuitry of specific frequency channels, we recorded the responses of cortical neurons while pairing basal forebrain activation or acetylcholine (ACh) microiontophoresis with tone presentations at 10 dB below the neuronal response threshold. We found that both basal forebrain activation and acetylcholine microiontophoresis paired with a tone induced a significant decrease in response threshold of the recorded cortical neurons to the frequency of the paired tone, and that this threshold decrease could be eliminated by atropine microiontophoresis. Our data suggest that cortical acetylcholine specifically facilitates thalamocortical circuitry tuned to the frequency of a presented tone; it is the first, fundamental step towards frequency‐specific cortical plasticity evoked by auditory learning and experience.
Evidence from gene knockout studies implicates Asc‐1 as the primary transporter mediating d‐serine reuptake in the mouse CNS
Authors: Rutter A. Richard , Fradley Rosa L. , Garrett Elizabeth M. , Chapman Kerry L. , Lawrence Jason M. , Rosahl Thomas W. , Patel Smita
Published: April 2007

In the mammalian central nervous system, transporter‐mediated reuptake may be critical for terminating the neurotransmitter action of d‐serine at the strychnine insensitive glycine site of the NMDA receptor. The Na+ independent amino acid transporter alanine–serine–cysteine transporter 1 (Asc‐1) has been proposed to account for synaptosomal d‐serine uptake by virtue of its high affinity for d‐serine and widespread neuronal expression throughout the brain. Here, we sought to validate the contribution of Asc‐1 to d‐serine uptake in mouse brain synaptosomes using Asc‐1 gene knockout (KO) mice. Total [3H]d‐serine uptake in forebrain and cerebellar synaptosomes from Asc‐1 knockout mice was reduced to 34 ± 5% and 22 ± 3% of that observed in wildtype (WT) mice, respectively. When the Na+ dependent transport components were removed by omission of Na+ ions in the assay buffer, d‐serine uptake in knockout mice was reduced to 8 ± 1% and 3 ± 1% of that measured in wildtype mice in forebrain and cerebellum, respectively, suggesting Asc‐1 plays a major role in the Na+ independent transport of d‐serine. Potency determination of d‐serine uptake showed that Asc‐1 mediated rapid high affinity Na+ independent uptake with an IC50 of 19 ± 1 µm. The remaining uptake was mediated predominantly via a low affinity Na+ dependent transporter with an IC50 of 670 ± 300 µm that we propose is the glial alanine–serine–cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) transporter. The results presented reveal that Asc‐1 is the only high affinity d‐serine transporter in the mouse CNS and is the predominant mechanism for d‐serine reuptake.
Interactions of cannabidiol with endocannabinoid signalling in hippocampal tissue
Authors: Ryan Duncan , Drysdale Alison J. , Pertwee Roger G. , Platt Bettina
Published: April 2007

The phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) possesses no psychotropic activity amid potentially beneficial therapeutic applications. We here characterized interactions between CBD (1 µm) and the endocannabinoid system in cultured rat hippocampal cells. The CBD‐induced Ca2+ rise observed in neurons and glia was markedly reduced in the presence of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide in neurons, with no alteration seen in glia. Neuronal CBD responses were even more reduced in the presence of the more abundant endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonyl glycerol, this action was maintained in the presence of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM281 (100 nm). Neuronal CBD responses were also reduced by pre‐exposure to glutamate, expected to increase endocannabinoid levels by increasing in [Ca2+]i. Application of AM281 at 1 µm elevated CBD‐induced Ca2+ responses in both cell types, further confirming our finding that endocannabinoid‐mediated signalling is negatively coupled to the action of CBD. However, upregulation of endogenous levels of endocannabinoids via inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis (with URB597 and MAFP) could not be achieved under resting conditions. Because Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol did not mimic the endocannabinoid actions, and pertussis toxin treatment had no effect on CBD responses, we propose that the effects of AM281 were mediated via a constitutively active signalling pathway independent of CB1 signalling. Instead, signalling via Gq/11 and phospholipase C appears to be negatively coupled to CBD‐induced Ca2+ responses, as the inhibitor U73122 enhanced CBD responses. Our data highlight the interaction between exogenous and endogenous cannabinoid signalling, and provide evidence for the presence of an additional pharmacological target, sensitive to endocannabinoids and to AM281.
Functional presynaptic HCN channels in the rat globus pallidus
Authors: Boyes Justin , Bolam J. Paul , Shigemoto Ryuichi , Stanford Ian M.
Published: April 2007

Hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation (HCN) channels are expressed postsynaptically in the rodent globus pallidus (GP), where they play several important roles in controlling GP neuronal activity. To further elucidate the role of HCN channels in the GP, immunocytochemical and electrophysiological approaches were used to test the hypothesis that HCN channels are also expressed presynaptically on the local axon collaterals of GP neurons. At the electron microscopic level, immunoperoxidase labelling for HCN1 and HCN2 was localized in GP somata and dendritic processes, myelinated and unmyelinated axons, and axon terminals. One population of labelled terminals formed symmetric synapses with somata and proximal dendrites and were immunoreactive for parvalbumin, consistent with the axon collaterals of GABAergic GP projection neurons. In addition, labelling for HCN2 and, to a lesser degree, HCN1 was observed in axon terminals that formed asymmetric synapses and were immunoreactive for the vesicular glutamate transporter 2. Immunogold labelling demonstrated that HCN1 and HCN2 were located predominantly at extrasynaptic sites along the plasma membrane of both types of terminal. To determine the function of presynaptic HCN channels in the GP, we performed whole‐cell recordings from GP neurons in vitro. Bath application of the HCN channel blocker ZD7288 resulted in an increase in the frequency of mIPSCs but had no effect on their amplitude, implying that HCN channels tonically regulate the release of GABA. Their presence, and predicted role in modulating transmitter release, represents a hitherto unidentified mechanism whereby HCN channels influence the activity of GP neurons.
Segregated pathways to the vomeronasal amygdala: differential projections from the anterior and posterior divisions of the accessory olfactory bulb
Authors: Mohedano‐Moriano Alicia , Pro‐Sistiaga Palma , Úbeda‐Bañón Isabel , Crespo Carlos , Insausti Ricardo , Martinez‐Marcos Alino
Published: April 2007

Apically and basally located receptor neurons in the vomeronasal sensory epithelium express Gi2α‐ and Goα‐proteins, V1R and V2R vomeronasal receptors, project to the anterior and posterior accessory olfactory bulb and respond to different stimuli, respectively. The extent to which secondary projections from the two portions of the accessory olfactory bulb are convergent in the vomeronasal amygdala is controversial. This issue is addressed by using anterograde and retrograde tract‐tracing methods in rats including electron microscopy. Injections of dextran‐amines, Fluoro Gold, cholera toxin‐B subunit and Fast Blue were delivered to the anterior and posterior accessory olfactory bulb, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, dorsal anterior amygdala and bed nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract/anteroventral medial amygdaloid nucleus. We have demonstrated that, apart from common vomeronasal‐recipient areas, only the anterior accessory olfactory bulb projects to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial division, posteromedial part, and only the posterior accessory olfactory bulb projects to the dorsal anterior amygdala and deep cell layers of the bed nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract and the anteroventral medial amygdaloid nucleus. These results provide evidence that, excluding areas of convergence, the V1R and V2R vomeronasal pathways project to specific areas of the amygdala. These two vomeronasal subsystems are therefore anatomically and functionally separated in the telencephalon.
Region‐specific tolerance to cocaine‐regulated cAMP‐dependent protein phosphorylation following chronic self‐administration
Authors: Edwards Scott , Graham Danielle L. , Bachtell Ryan K. , Self David W.
Published: April 2007

Chronic cocaine self‐administration can produce either tolerance or sensitization to certain cocaine‐regulated behaviours, but whether differential alterations develop in the biochemical response to cocaine is less clear. We measured cocaine‐induced phosphorylation of multiple cAMP‐dependent and ‐independent protein substrates in mesolimbic dopamine terminal regions following chronic self‐administration. Changes in self‐administering rats were compared to changes produced by passive yoked injection to identify reinforcement‐related regulation, whereas acute and chronic yoked groups were compared to identify the development tolerance or sensitization in the biochemical response to cocaine. Microwave‐fixed brain tissue was collected immediately following 4 h of intravenous cocaine administration, and subjected to Western blot analysis of phosphorylated and total protein substrates. Chronic cocaine produced region‐ and substrate‐specific tolerance to cAMP‐dependent protein phosphorylation, including phosphorylation in striatal and amygdala subregions and phosphorylation in the CA1 subregion of the hippocampus. Tolerance also developed to cAMP‐independent phosphorylation in the prefrontal cortex. In contrast, sensitization to presynaptic regulation of synapsinS9 phosphorylation developed in the hippocampal CA3 subregion while cAMP‐dependent tyrosine hydroxylaseS40 phosphorylation decreased in striatal dopamine terminals. Cocaine‐induced ERK and CREBS133 phosphorylation were dissociated in many brain regions and failed to develop either tolerance or sensitization with chronic administration. Positive reinforcement‐related correlations between cocaine intake and protein phosphorylation were found only in self‐administering animals, while negative dose‐related correlations were found primarily with yoked administration. These regional‐ and substrate‐specific adaptations in cocaine‐induced protein phosphorylation are discussed in view of their potential impact on the development of cocaine addiction.
Perioperative management for surgical correction of frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocele in children: a review of 102 cases
Authors: LEELANUKROM RUENREONG , WACHARASINT PETCH , KAEWANUCHIT AREERAT
Published: April 2007

Background:  Frontoethmoidal encephalomeningocele (FEEM) is a congenital neural tube defect characterized by herniation of brain and meninges through an anterior skull defect. The extruding mass results in a cutaneous expanding lesion and facial deformity. The objective of this study was to review perioperative management for surgical correction of this condition.

Methods:  We reviewed the charts of FEEM children who were treated by surgical correction in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital during 1995–2005. The collected data were categorized into preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data. In addition, average blood loss was calculated.

Results:  A total of 102 charts were reviewed.

Preoperative data: The mean age of the patients was 4.62 years. Forty‐six patients (45%) were smaller than average weight or height. Preoperative‐associated abnormal conditions were found in 69 cases (68%).

Intraoperative data: The mean duration of the anesthesia and surgery were 6.35 h and 5.51 h, respectively. The estimated mean red cell mass loss was 13.04 ml·kg−1. There is one case of difficult intubation. No major anesthetic complication was found.

Postoperative data:  The average intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were 1.55 days and 11.51 days, respectively. The main postoperative complications were tonic–clonic seizure and serious infection including septic shock from wound infection and meningitis.

Conclusions:  We reported perioperative management in 102 FEEM children. Comprehensive care during preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative period is essential for successful outcome.
Infraclavicular coracoid approach brachial plexus block for radial club hand repair
Authors: PONDE VRUSHALI , ATHANI B. , THRUPPAL SHREEDHAR
Published: April 2007

Background:  Radial club hand is a congenital deformity in which the radius is absent, the metacarpophylangeal and interphalayngeal joints are fused and muscles arising from the radius are absent. This can alter the motor response to peripheral nerve stimulation. The classical motor response to median nerve stimulation (contractions of the fingers) cannot be elicited, hence fine twitches in the hand, at the wrist or in the surgical area or pronation–supination at a current of 0.5 mA were taken as endpoints.

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of achieving successful infraclavicular coracoid approach block in the intra‐ and postoperative periods when ideal responses to electrical nerve stimulation are absent because of congenital anomalies.

Methods:  Thirty‐five patients aged 8 months to 2 years, weighing 7–12 kg were selected and the blocks were performed under light general anesthesia. Fentanyl 2 μg·kg−1was used as rescue analgesic in case of block failure. Postoperatively CHEOPS pain score was recorded at h1, h4 h6, h8, and h10 postoperatively. Tramadol 2 mg·kg−1 was given in case of inadequate pain relief (CHEOPS >4).

Results:  In no patient could we elicit the finger flexion response which is typical of median nerve stimulation. Intraoperatively, one out of 35 children (3.3%) showed reaction to pain. In the postoperative period two out of 35 (6%) children had high pain scores and were given tramadol. Analgesia lasted for 6.5 ± 1.50 h.

Conclusions:  Despite the limitation of absence of an ideal response to nerve stimulation in radial club hand, endpoints such as fine twitches in the hand, at the wrist or in the surgical area or pronation–supination were sufficient to achieve a successful block. This block gives satisfactory intra‐ and postoperative analgesia.
Steinernema kraussei, an indigenous nematode found in coniferous forests: efficacy and field persistence against Hylobius abietis
Authors: Torr Peter , Heritage Stuart , Wilson Michael J.
Published: April 2007

1 More than 100 ha of forest restocking sites in Northern Britain are treated annually with the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae to control larvae of the large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis. However, data on geographical distribution, thermal niche breadth and foraging strategy suggest that S. carpocapsae may be a poor choice for this application.

2 We undertook laboratory and field experiments that compared S. carpocapsae with Steinernema kraussei for efficacy towards H. abietis. Steinernema kraussei is indigenous to Northern Britain, active at low temperatures and is thought to adopt a ‘cruise’ foraging strategy particularly suitable for finding subterranean sedentary insects such as H. abietis. Conversely, S. carpocapsae has not been recorded in Northern Britain, prefers warmer temperatures and is thought to remain at the soil surface adopting an ambush foraging strategy.

3 There were no differences in the ability of the two nematodes to infect and kill larvae of H. abietis in laboratory experiments and, in two field experiments, both species were equally effective both in terms of parasitizing larvae within the stumps and reducing emergence of adult H. abietis. In one experiment, we monitored persistence of nematodes for 1 year after application and found S. kraussei persistence was much greater than that of S. carpocapsae.

4 The greater persistence of S. kraussei suggests that this nematode is better adapted to conditions in Northern Britain, but this may potentially represent a greater threat to nontarget insects.

5 Our data suggest that there would be little benefit associated with substituting S. kraussei for S. carpocapsae in integrated pest management systems for H. abietis.
EDGEWORTH PRICE CYCLES: EVIDENCE FROM THE TORONTO RETAIL GASOLINE MARKET*
Authors: NOEL MICHAEL D.
Published: April 2007

I exploit a new station‐level, twelve‐hourly price dataset to examine the strong retail price cycles in the Toronto gasoline market. The cycles appear similar to theoretical Edgeworth Cycles: strongly asymmetric, tall, rapid, and highly synchronous across stations. I test a series of predictions made by the theory about how firm behaviors would differentially evolve over the path of a cycle. The evidence is consistent with the existence of Edgeworth Cycles and inconsistent with competing hypotheses. While the cycles are an interesting phenomenon for study in their own right, the evidence has important policy and welfare implications.
WHO COMPETES WITH WHOM? THE CASE OF DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS*
Authors: ADAMS ROBERT M. , BREVOORT KENNETH P. , KISER ELIZABETH K.
Published: April 2007

The willingness of consumers to substitute between banks and thrifts and between multimarket and single‐market institutions is of strong interest to policymakers, yet little empirical work exists in this area. We estimate a structural model of consumer choice of depository institutions using a broadly representative panel data set covering the U.S. from 1990–2001. Using a flexible framework, we uncover utility parameters that affect a consumer's institution choice and measure the degree of market segmentation for two institutional subgroups. Our estimated parameters, elasticities and policy experiments suggest limited substitutability between banks and thrifts and between multimarket and single‐market institutions, especially in urban markets.
AUTHORITY, RISK, AND PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES: EVIDENCE FROM DIVISION MANAGER POSITIONS INSIDE FIRMS*
Authors: WULF JULIE
Published: April 2007

I show that performance incentives vary by decision‐making authority of division managers. For division managers with broader authority, i.e., those designated as corporate officers, both the sensitivity of pay to global performance measures and the relative importance of global to local measures are larger, relative to non‐officers. There is no difference in sensitivity of pay to local measures by officer status. These results support theories suggesting that authority over project selection combined with incentives designed to maximize firm performance, as well as induce effort for the division, are important in incentive design for division managers. Consistent with earlier findings, the evidence strongly supports one of the main predictions of the principal‐agent model, that is, a negative tradeoff between risk and incentives.
Voter Turnout in British South Asian Communities at the 2001 General Election
Authors: Cutts David , Fieldhouse Edward , Purdam Kingsley , Steel David , Tranmer Mark
Published: April 2007

The turnout of 59.4 per cent at the 2001 general election was the lowest since 1918. It has been widely assumed that ethnic or religious minority electors are less likely to vote in general elections than white electors. Furthermore, electoral participation is regarded as both an indicator of the integration of minority communities and the quality of the democratic system. However, existing research that attempts to provide ethnic or religious specific estimates relies heavily on survey data or aggregate data. Most surveys do not overcome the problems of misreporting, non-response bias and a small sample size. Ecological estimates for minority groups are based on potentially spurious inferences from aggregate to individual data. In short, evidence of lower turnout among ethnic and religious minority electors remains inconclusive. Here we use an alternative method to gauge the level of participation among South Asian electors at the 2001 general election. This article uses evidence from complete sets of marked electoral registers from a random sample of 97 wards at the 2001 general election, analysed using names recognition software. This allows a unique analysis of electoral turnout among Britain's South Asian communities. Using religious origin to aid comparisons with other data sources, the results show turnout is as high or higher for South Asian electors than the rest of the population, but this varies by religious groups. For Hindus, turnout was significantly higher than the overall rate. Also using a multi-level logistic regression model, we find that South Asian turnout is statistically significantly higher in areas where there are more South Asians in the electorate, which is where overall turnout rates are much lower.
Gender, Candidate Image and Electoral Preference
Authors: Johns Robert , Shephard Mark
Published: April 2007

Studies show that voters make judgements about politicians—their competence, honesty, warmth and so on—on the basis of physical appearance, and that these judgements can influence voting behaviour. This raises the possibility of two different gender gaps: (i) female and male candidates may be evaluated differently, ultimately affecting their relative electoral performance; and (ii) female and male voters may react differently to candidate images. We explore this using a stacked data set of evaluations of 36 UK MPs by 368 undergraduate students, and find evidence of both gender gaps. First, we confirm the persistent finding that voters assign ‘warmth’ traits to female and ‘strength’ traits to male candidates. Such stereotyping has an interesting impact on electoral preference: male candidates were judged more by warmth, female candidates more by strength, suggesting that stereotypical traits were taken for granted. Second, we find male voters more likely than female voters to see male candidates as stronger, and to prioritise strength in voting. Our results also support the view that gender and appearance heuristics are relied on most by those with little other basis for judgement, such as non-partisans. Hence, while gender effects on voting are weak when averaged across the whole electorate, they could be much stronger for (expanding) sub-groups of voters.
The Norwegian Barents Sea Management Plan and the EC Marine Strategy Directive: Some Political and Legal Challenges with an Ecosystem‐Based Approach to the Protection of the European Marine Environment
Authors: Kroepelien Knut F.
Published: April 2007

This article addresses some of the implications of the EU's proposed Marine Strategy Directive for ongoing work in the regional seas conventions and for national work on regional marine strategies. The starting point is the proposed directive's focus on the ecosystem approach to the protection of the marine environment. Key elements within this approach are analysed, such as integration of environmental considerations into other policy areas; introduction of ecological quality objectives; and establishment of holistic monitoring and assessment programmes. Is it possible to transform these concepts into legally binding obligations? What will the implications of the proposed directive be for the rights and obligations of EU Member States under international law? A Management Plan for the Norwegian Part of the Barents Sea (‘Barents Plan’) was adopted by the Norwegian Government in March 2006 and approved by the Norwegian Storting (Parliament) in June 2006. It provides an example of a concrete application of the concepts in the proposed directive. Based on an analysis of the proposed Marine Strategy Directive and the Barents Plan, some key political and legal challenges are discussed in this article.
The Vuosaari Harbour Case: Implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives in the Vuosaari Harbour Project
Authors: Nordberg Lauri
Published: April 2007

An extensive new port is being constructed at Vuosaari, on the outskirts of Helsinki. A Natura 2000 site important for wild birds is situated just outside the harbour. As a result, nature conservation and economic interests have come into conflict, which has resulted in long and cumbersome decision‐making processes both at the national and the EU level. The case highlights many principles and key provisions in the Habitats and Birds Directives, such as the precautionary principle, the role of assessment and decision making, the delimitation of sites and the cumulative effects of projects. The duty of the Supreme Administrative Court to request an opinion from the European Court of Justice is also one of the key issues. This article examines the implementation of the Habitats and Birds Directives and the interpretation of some key provisions in light of EU case law.
Whales, Sustainability and International Environmental Governance
Authors: Currie Duncan
Published: April 2007

The international governance structures in place with respect to whales are dominated by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). However, the IWC's constitutive document, the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW), lacks many critical elements of good governance which have evolved since the conclusion of the convention. Since the signing of the ICRW, there have been significant and far‐reaching developments in the ways and means by which sustainable development and environmental policy is formulated and implemented.

Sustainability principles have expanded well beyond limited conservation objectives to include, in particular, the precautionary and ecosystem approaches. International governance has also evolved to require efficient and participation‐based decision‐making processes, including integrated management and sustainability, efficient and participation‐based decision‐making processes, international cooperation between States and coordination between international agencies, transparency, and dispute‐resolution and compliance mechanisms. These are all elemental aspects of modern environmental governance.

Necessary reforms to the ICRW are substantial, and in light of the unanimity required, it is likely that only a new convention will achieve the necessary changes. A governance framework for whales must enable and encourage participants and stakeholders to cooperate in a spirit of global partnership. The goal should be to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the global whale populations as part of the overall goal of the sustainability of the oceans and seas implementing the ecosystem and precautionary approaches. It must integrate with other elements of international governance to that wider goal.
Stress sensitivity and reading performance in Spanish: A study with children
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Palma Nicolás , Palma Reyes Alfonso
Published: April 2007

This paper investigates the relationship between ability to detect changes in prosody and reading performance in Spanish. Participants were children aged 7–8 years. Their tasks consisted of reading words, reading non‐words, stressing non‐words and reproducing sequences of two, three or four non‐words by pressing the corresponding keys on the computer keyboard. Non‐word sequences were constructed with minimal non‐word pairs differing in a single phoneme (/kúpi/ ‐ /kúti/) or in the stress pattern (/mípa/ ‐ /mipá/). Results showed that performance on phoneme contrast sequences (e.g. /kúpi/ ‐ /kúti/) predicted word reading. In contrast, performance on stress contrast sequences (e.g. /mípa/ ‐ /mipá/) predicted non‐word reading, but only when two‐non‐word sequences were analysed. This suggests that stress sensitivity may be one of the factors related to reading fluency as most errors at reading non‐words consisted of false starts and pauses between syllables. Results also showed that stress sensitivity (scored in two non‐word sequences) predicted stress assignment, and that knowledge of stress rules predicted both word and non‐word reading. This suggests that stress sensitivity may help in learning stress rules, and that knowledge of stress rules is relevant for reading.
Prosodic reading, reading comprehension and morphological skills in Hebrew‐speaking fourth graders
Authors: Ravid Dorit , Mashraki Yael Epel
Published: April 2007

Employing prosody skilfully, one of the cornerstones of fluent reading, is an indicator of text comprehension. Morphological knowledge has been shown to underlie lexical acquisition and to be related to reading development. The relationship between reading comprehension, prosodic reading and morphological knowledge was investigated in 51 Hebrew‐speaking fourth‐grade students aged 9–10. Participants were tested on comprehension of two stories and on appropriate prosodic reading of one of them. Their prosodic reading was compared with an agreed prosodic map compiled from experts' reading. Participants were also administered a battery of morphological tasks. All three domains, including almost all of their component parts, were strongly correlated. The multiple regression in steps showed that morphology and reading comprehension each contribute to prosodic reading, while morphology and prosody each contribute to reading comprehension. The connection between reading comprehension and prosodic reading is however moderated by good morphological skills.
What do Thirteen Million Price Records have to Say about Consumer Price Rigidity?*
Authors: Baudry Laurent , Le Bihan Hervé , Sevestre Patrick , Tarrieu Sylvie
Published: April 2007

Based on the analysis of 13 million price records underlying the computation of the French consumer price index, we provide a detailed assessment of consumer price rigidity. Our main results are as follows. The average duration of prices is around 8 months. Price durations and the patterns of price‐setting strongly differ across sectors. Price cuts are almost as frequent as increases, suggesting no specific downward nominal rigidity. Price changes typically have large absolute sizes. Time variation in the frequency of price changes and in their size both contribute to inflation fluctuations. Overall there is evidence of both time‐ and state‐dependent price‐setting.
A Breakdown of the Valuation Effects of International Cross‐listing*
Authors: Bris Arturo , Cantale Salvatore , Nishiotis George P.
Published: April 2007

It is well known that cross‐listing domestic stocks in foreign exchanges has significant valuation effects on the listed company's shares. Using a sample of firms with dual shares, we explore the differential effects of cross‐listing on prices and we are able to separate the different sources of the benefits of cross‐listing. These sources include market segmentation, liquidity, and the bonding of controlling shareholders to lower expropriation of firm resources. Our results show that even though the market segmentation and bonding effects are both statistically significant, the economic significance of segmentation is more than double that of bonding. Furthermore, we document an economically and statistically significant increase in the liquidity of both share classes after the listing. Overall, our results explain why less and less firms are willing to list in the USA: Sarbanes Oxley has increased the cost of adopting better governance while its benefits are not substantial; and market segmentation has decreased significantly in the last years.
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: The Active Investment Strategies behind Index Performance
Authors: Ranaldo Angelo , Häberle Rainer
Published: April 2007

This paper argues that the commonly used market indices imply forms of active investment management in disguise. The selection and rebalancing rules make these indices highly exclusive and dynamic regarding their underlying components and significantly bias their performance. Any passive investment tracking these indices turns into an active strategy characterised by market timing and state‐dependent performance. Evidence is provided that exclusive indices outperform (underperform) more inclusive peer indices in upward (downward) markets. The constitution and maintenance rules of exclusive indices correspond to a set of active trading and investment rules similar to momentum strategies.
Valuation in US Commercial Real Estate
Authors: Ghysels Eric , Plazzi Alberto , Valkanov Rossen
Published: April 2007

We consider a log‐linearized version of a discounted rents model to price commercial real estate as an alternative to traditional hedonic models. First, we verify a key implication of the model, namely, that cap rates forecast commercial real estate returns. We do this using two different methodologies: time series regressions of 21 US metropolitan areas and mixed data sampling (MIDAS) regressions with aggregate REIT returns. Both approaches confirm that the cap rate is related to fluctuations in future returns. We also investigate the provenance of the predictability. Based on the model, we decompose fluctuations in the cap rate into three parts: (i) local state variables (demographic and local economic variables); (ii) growth in rents; and (iii) an orthogonal part. About 30% of the fluctuation in the cap rate is explained by the local state variables and the growth in rents. We use the cap rate decomposition into our predictive regression and find a positive relation between fluctuations in economic conditions and future returns. However, a larger and significant part of the cap rate predictability is due to the orthogonal part, which is unrelated to fundamentals. This implies that economic conditions, which are also used in hedonic pricing of real estate, cannot fully account for future movements in returns. We conclude that commercial real estate prices are better modelled as financial assets and that the discounted rent model might be more suitable than traditional hedonic models, at least at an aggregate level.
Bank Mergers and Diversification: Implications for Competition Policy
Authors: Banal‐Estañol Albert , Ottaviani Marco
Published: April 2007

This paper analyses competition and mergers among risk averse banks. We show that the correlation between the shocks to the demand for loans and the shocks to the supply of deposits induces a strategic interdependence between the two sides of the market. We characterise the role of diversification as a motive for bank mergers and analyse the consequences of mergers on loan and deposit rates. When the value of diversification is sufficiently strong, bank mergers generate an increase in the welfare of borrowers and depositors. If depositors have more correlated shocks than borrowers, bank mergers are relatively worse for depositors than for borrowers.
Why the Open Method of Coordination Is Bad For You: A Letter to the EU
Authors: Hatzopoulos Vassilis
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  During the last years, and especially since the launch of the Lisbon agenda in 2000, the literature on the open method of coordination (OMC) has grown exponentially. Most writers explore the tentative outcomes of the method, since they lack a solid experimental background, against which to assess its actual effectiveness. Lately, however, some empirical studies have come to light. Among them, some fully discredit the OMC as a means of pursuing common policies at the EU level; while others recognise indirect effects, essentially at the national level of policy setting. On the basis of this assumption, i.e. that the OMC has only restricted direct effects in the short term and indirect effects in the medium to long term, the present article first puts forward a series of arguments against the current ‘spread’ of the OMC, and then offers some proposals on how to neutralise some of the identified shortfalls of the OMC. Despite the title of the article, the final conclusion is not for the demise of the OMC, but rather for its ‘communautarisation’. It is put forward that both the application and the effects of the OMC should be more clearly defined and better integrated with the other pre‐existing forms of cooperation, in accordance with basic requirements stemming from the Community legal order.
The Trade Union Movement and the European Union: Judgment Day
Authors: Bercusson Brian
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The trade union movement faces a challenge to the legality of transnational collective action as violating economic freedoms in the EC Treaty. How are disparities in wages and working conditions among the Member States to be accommodated? Are national social models protected? Does the internal market allow for trade union collective action? How does EU law affect the balance of economic power in a transnational economy? What is the role of courts in resolving economic conflicts? This article analyses the responses to these questions as referred to the European Court of Justice by the English Court of Appeal and offers some conclusions. The purpose is to highlight the different positions adopted by the old Member States and the new accession Member States as regards the underlying substantive issues, and the options available to the Court of Justice in answering the questions posed.
High serum levels of antibodies against the recombinant 70 kDa ribonucleoprotein are useful for diagnosing mixed connective tissue disease
Authors: Salmhofer W , Hermann J , Joch M , Kerl H , Graninger W
Published: April 2007

Background  Anti‐Sm antibodies and anti‐RNP antibodies are considered to be diagnostic markers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). However, cross‐reactivity between the antibodies diminishes their discriminating specificity between these diagnoses.

Objective  We examined whether we could achieve better differentiation between these two disease entities using recombinant antigens to RNP70 and SmD and quantitative immunoassays.

Patients/methods  Sera from 51 patients with SLE and 10 patients with MCTD and from a control group of 59 patients were used in a cross‐sectional setting. Semiquantitative ELISAs for the detection of antibodies to RNP‐70, RNP‐A, RNP‐C, SmBB′ and SmD were used and the results were compared to conventional ELISA tests using U1‐snRNP and a mixture of SmBB′ and SmD as antigenic substrates.

Results  Sera from MCTD patients showed higher levels of anti‐RNP‐70 antibodies than sera from SLE patients. Levels of anti‐SmBB′ or anti‐SmD antibodies were not significantly different between SLE and MCTD sera. However, the presence of antibodies directed against SmD was more frequent in SLE.

Conclusions  Our results suggest that the use of RNP‐70 and SmD antigens may increase the practical value of immunoassays used to confirm a diagnosis of SLE or MCTD in patients with connective tissue disease.