bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE VARIABLE SHAPE OF THE FREE SPATIAL DEMAND FUNCTION*
Authors: Batten David
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT Analytical evidence is presented confirming variations in the shape of the free spatial demand function under different market conditions. For some simple spatial configurations of consumers, the transformation from convexity to concavity may be conveniently observed using graphical methods. The key criteria for concavity of the free spatial demand function are certain combinations of concave consumer demand, nonuniform consumer density, and/or nonlinear transportation costs. Although findings are confined to free spatial demand, similar variations may be expected to hold for the competitive case.
TRANSPORTATION RATES AND LOCATION OF THE FIRM: A COMPARATIVE STATIC ANALYSIS*
Authors: Gilley Otis W. , Shieh Yeung‐Nan , Williams Nancy A.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT This paper examines the role of the structure of transportation rates in the Weber‐Moses triangle model. It shows that, in Zeigler's analysis, the appearance of the price elasticities of demand for inputs actually vanish by a simple application of the envelope theorem. Applying comparative statics analysis, we show when transportation rates are a function of quantity and distance, the assumptions that the production function is homogeneous of degree one and the transportation rates elasticities with respect to quantity and distance are constant are not sufficient to insure that the optimum location is independent of the level of output. This result is significantly different from that obtained by either Miller and Jensen or Zeigler.
INCORPORATING THE EFFECTS OF SPATIAL STRUCTURE IN DISCRETE CHOICE MODELS OF MIGRATION*
Authors: Boots Barry N. , Kanaroglou Pavlos S.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. Discrete‐choice theory models, and more specifically the logit model, have been applied widely recently in analyzing migration patterns in a zonal system. We argue that spatial effects and more specifically the relative location of zones are not taken into account in such analyses. We, therefore, introduce a measure of spatial structure and advocate its usage as a predictor of migration in such models. In an example of intrametropolitan migration in Toronto, we demonstrate that this variable is not only significant but also it improves the performance of all the other variables with the greatest impact on the distance between zones. In addition, inclusion of this variable improves the overall performance of the model in terms of residuals.
SPATIAL COMPETITION WITH CONSISTENT CONJECTURES*
Authors: Capozza Dennis R. , Van Order Robert
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT Equilibrium in spatial models invariably depends on firms' conjectures about how competitors will react to their price changes. This paper analyzes spatial price and location equilibrium when firms hold consistent (i.e. correct) conjectures. Most spatial models assume an exogenous conjecture. Consistent conjectures are one method, albeit a controversial one, for endogenizing the conjecture.

We show that the consistent conjecture about a competitor's reaction to a price change in the simplest case is 1/3. When demand is elastic the consistent conjecture is a decreasing function of the radius. It is always below 1/3 and can be negative. In the third model, we show that the consistent conjecture declines as the number of dimensions and the number of competitors increases.
GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM OF SPATIAL PRODUCT AND LABOR MARKETS*
Authors: Kohlhase Janet E. , Ohta Hiroshi
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT A simple general equilibrium model relates spatial product markets and spatial labor markets. The firm is treated as being a spatial monopolist or as a Löschian competitor in the output market and as a spatial monopsonist in the labor market. Derived free spatial demand and free regional labor supply are defined, and their properties examined. The model provides the framework for analyzing the impact of a technological improvement in labor productivity on the structure of the spatial markets. The impact of entry on spatial labor supply is an important determinant of whether or not entry lowers wages and raises output prices. Unlike the spaceless competitive paradigm, zero‐profit long‐run equilibrium can occur in a space economy under conditions of increasing returns to scale.
SMALL BUSINESS VIABILITY IN THE URBAN GHETTO*
Authors: Bates Timothy
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT Within the minority communities of large SMSAs, neither the black‐owned business nor the small nonminority enterprises are flourishing. Facing limited access to financial capital as well as constrained markets, the ghetto firms that do persist are typically quite small in terms of sales and employment. Among black establishments, the least educated entrepreneurs are the ones who are most likely to remain in business. Unless greater financial capital is forthcoming and better educated owners are induced to remain in business, the business community that is located in minority neighborhoods of large urban areas may be destined to stagnate.
HETEROGENEOUS TASTES AND RESIDENTIAL LOCATION*
Authors: Beckmann Martin J. , Papageorgiou Yorgos Y.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. In a simple urban model, where the only spatial distinction made is between center and suburb, we introduce a uniform distribution of preferences for land. Under a logarithmic utility function, we examine how the location and consumption decisions of individuals differ in consequence of their different preferences for land. Comparative statics indicate that the qualitative response of the city at equilibrium to changes in per capita income and transportation cost is not affected by the introduction of such heterogeneity. Possible extensions are also briefly discussed.
EMPIRICAL TESTS OF SOME SEMI‐SURVEY UPDATE PROCEDURES APPLIED TO RECTANGULAR INPUT‐OUTPUT TABLES*
Authors: Louis Larry V. St.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. This paper examines the RAS, McMenamin and Haring, and Lagrange‐multiplier update methods in the context of the dual accounting system of the rectangular input‐output model. The motivation was to determine if the additional information contained in the dual system is exploitable, while maintaining the integrity of the rectangular structure with all its advantages. Tests were conducted on the performance of the various algorithms for a derivative Leontief model relative to their performance on the rectangular structure. The results obtained for rectangular tables were generally better than those obtained for the more conventional Leontief ones.
THE OPTIMAL PROVISION OF A CENTRAL PARK IN A CITY*
Authors: Yang Chung‐hsin
Published: July 2006

In this paper, I examine the conditions and decision rules pertaining to the efficient provision of a central park in a city (provision that must satisfy the Samuelson condition). An interesting finding is that an additional opportunity cost that results from competition with residential use must be included to determine the efficient size of a central park. An efficient central park is larger in a city with public landownership than in a city with absentee landownership. Profit maximization and population maximization can be used as decision rules to determine the efficient provision of a central park in both an open city with absentee landownership and one with public landownership. The net benefit of a central park in a closed city with absentee landownership is reflected not only in the land rent or profit, but also in the utility level, while that of a closed city with public landownership is fully reflected in the utility level. It is not feasible to determine the efficient size of a central park for a closed city with either absentee or public landownership solely based on observable market information.
GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM ANALYSIS OF URBAN SPATIAL STRUCTURE. THE PORT‐CITY MODEL RECONSIDERED*
Authors: Koide Hiroyuki
Published: July 2006

In this paper, I consider a general equilibrium urban spatial structure in the setting of a port city by adopting Cobb‐Douglas type functional forms for production and utility functions. Unlike previous port‐city models, this one can generate four land‐use patterns, that is, (1) monocentric, (2) completely integrated, (3) partially integrated (with integration at the center), and (4) partially integrated (with integration at the urban fringe) land‐use patterns, and the last pattern suggests a new explanation of suburbanization of employment. The existence and uniqueness of each land‐use pattern is proven in a simple constructive way.
DO METROPOLITAN AREAS MEAN ANYTHING? A RESEARCH NOTE*
Authors: Mills Edwin S.
Published: July 2006

This note analyzes whether central cities and suburbs of a metropolitan area relate to each other in a meaningful way. Specifically, it analyzes whether there is a factor specific to the metropolitan area in central‐city and suburban growth once national and regional factors have been taken into account. Data are analyzed for growth of metropolitan areas from 1960 to 1980.
A SIMPLIFICATION AND GENERALIZATION OF THE EXCLUSION THEOREM: A TECHNICAL NOTE
Authors: Martinich Joseph S. , Hurter Arthur P.
Published: July 2006

Several researchers have proven that for the integrated production‐location problem on the Weberian triangle, intermediate points on the edge of the triangle can never be optimal locations. Authors of previous proofs of this result have used cumbersome trigonometric arguments. We present a much simpler algebraic proof of the result, and present it in terms of the more general n‐input model, where the feasible location space is a convex polygon rather than a triangle. In addition, the result generalizes immediately to other cases, such as (1) multifacility production‐location problems, (2) stochastic versions of one‐facility and multifacility production‐location problems, and (3) comparable pure location problems (e.g., the Weber problem).
CAPITALIZATION OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL ATTRIBUTES INTO WAGES AND RENTS: DIFFERENCES ACROSS RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND MIXED‐USE COMMUNITIES*
Authors: Voith Richard
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. The extent to which the value of locational attributes is capitalized into wages rather than rents is analyzed in a general equilibrium framework. This paper differs from earlier work by taking into account local and regional attributes and makes distinctions among residential, commercial, and mixed‐use communities. The theory implies that in localities with both individuals and firms, wages and rents are simultaneously determined, while in exclusively residential localities the model is recursive. The major theoretical insights are consistent with estimations of the model using data from the University of Michigan's Panel Study of Income Dynamics.
PRODUCT‐MIX AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE WITHIN THE LEONTIEF INVERSE
Authors: Afrasiabi Ahmad , Casler Stephen D.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. Intertemporal differences in input‐output coefficients can be attributed to technological change and to changes in the mix of products composing the aggregate sectors of input‐output models. In this work, we develop the theoretical foundation necessary to separate these changes for both the structural and Leontief inverse matrices. Using this foundation, we examine the relative empirical importance of technological and product‐mix change. The product‐mix effect is then combined with RAS estimates of the technological effect to form updated estimates of the inverse. Results show that the accuracy of updated input‐output coefficients can be improved in this manner.
COMPETITIVE AND IMPERFECTLY COMPETITIVE LABOR MARKETS IN URBAN AREAS*
Authors: Nakagome Masaki
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. In this paper, I present a model incorporating two kinds of spatial labor markets: a centralized competitive market at the central business district (CBD) and dispersed local markets across economic space under imperfect competition. Wage differentials and the size of the two types of markets are endogenously determined by rational choices of workers as well as profit maximization of firms. Workers can exercise rational choices with respect to market places where they commute and supply their labor. In this model, I attempt, in effect, to integrate the Hotelling‐type paradigm and the Samuelson‐type paradigm in a consistent spatial setting.
RISK AND INCOME TRADEOFFS IN REGIONAL POLICY: A PORTFOLIO THEORETIC APPROACH*
Authors: Board John , Sutcliffe Charles
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. Policy makers often try to raise a region's income by altering its industrial mix. However, such attempts to increase local income may have an adverse effect on the stability of the region's economy. In this paper, we develop single‐, aggregate‐, and multiregional portfolio models that can be used by policy makers to generate frontiers of risk/income‐efficient industrial mixtures for a regional economy. These portfolio models are modified for application to the tourist industry in six regions of Spain. In practice, we find that the introduction of bounds on the magnitude of sector rebalancing has a major effect on the model solutions.
AMENITIES VERSUS LABOR MARKET OPPORTUNITIES: CHOOSING THE OPTIMAL DISTANCE TO MOVE*
Authors: Clark David E. , Cosgrove James C.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. A recent debate in the regional economics literature has focused attention on the motivation behind an individual's decision to migrate. Human‐capital migration models emphasize labor market disequilibria whereas alternative (hedonic) migration models stress households’altered demand for nontraded goods. In this paper, we test the relative importance of these two possible motivations for moving between metropolitan areas. We use an intercity hedonic model to decompose wages into equilibrium and disequilibrium components. We then compare the separate influences of amenities and the disequilibrium component of wages on the distance moved between two metropolitan areas. Our findings indicate that both economic factors and amenity differentials are significant factors in explaining regional migration.
MUNICIPAL AMALGAMATION AND THE GROWTH OF THE LOCAL PUBLIC SECTOR IN SWEDEN*
Authors: Nelson Michael A.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. The proposition that a decentralized structure of local governments can effectively constrain public sector growth is empirically investigated. Data on Swedish municipal sector size for the 1942–87 period are analyzed within the context of a median voter model. The results indicate that decentralization, measured by the number of units of local government serving a given population, constrains the influence of institutional factors (e.g., rent seeking, bureaucracy) on local budgets as long as these units exceed some minimal threshold size. The findings support the view that communities should be given the flexibility to determine their own ideal pattern of local governments.
REGIONAL FINANCIAL SEGMENTATION IN THE UNITED STATES*
Authors: Bias Peter V.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. Responding to continuing discussions in this Journal regarding the importance of regional money supply and credit, a simple reduced‐form regional money supply model is posited and an investigation of real regional money supplies is performed for several states around the country. Hypothesis tests are performed regarding the question of regional financial market segmentation, concluding that segmentation still exists in the United States. The empirical results also imply that interregional trade, presumably via the consequent constraint on regional banks, has at least as much effect on regional money supplies as Federal Reserve policies. These results lend further support for the assertion that regionally available money matters at the local level, and that regional analysis should continue to include regional money and credit as explanatory variables. The implications for policy makers are that: 1) national monetary policy cannot cure regional ills if the problems are manifested in regional industry mixes; and 2) some proposed banking reforms now being debated in Congress, i.e, nationwide branch banking and, particularly, industrial ownership of banks, are suspect. A healthy caution is warranted without more tests of these reforms.
COINTEGRATION BETWEEN U.S. WHEAT MARKETS
Authors: Bessler David A. , Fuller Stephen W.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. Average monthly price data from twelve hinterland markets and the Houston port price for wheat are studied in a cointegration framework using the Engle‐Granger “two‐step” procedure and Johansen's maximum likelihood procedure. Out‐of‐sample forecasts from an error correction model are compared to those from a vector autoregression fit to levels and a univariate autoregression fit to first differences. This comparison suggests that modeling these (cointegrated) data as a levels vector autoregression, rather than as an error‐correction process, results in significantly higher error bias, but lower error variance, at long horizons.
DIAGNOSTICS FOR REGRESSION MODELING IN SPATIAL ECONOMETRICS*
Authors: Haining Robert
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. This paper describes statistics for model criticism in spatial econometrics. The purpose of these statistics is to evaluate how well a chosen model fits the data and to identify influential cases and how they affect the aggregate picture. The paper reviews results in Martin (1992) for the regression model with correlated errors where the coefficients of the variance matrix are assumed either known or fixed. The problems of applying the statistics in spatial econometric modeling are discussed. An application is reported which considers diagnostics for the mean function and highlights cases that might influence estimates of the parameter of the error model. Different ways of assessing the influence of cases are also described.
THE DETERMINANTS OF DISTANCE TO SHOPPING CENTERS IN AN URBAN MODEL CONTEXT
Authors: Kristensen Gustav , Tkocz Zygmunt
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. We discuss the distance to shopping in the context of three fundamental theories: The Optimal City Theory, the Central Business District Theory and a Cost‐Benefit Theory. Each is described and estimated separately by econometric models. The three theories are combined in a final model using the expansion method. The final model, including all three theories, is based on enquiry data from 15 Danish towns.
WORKER DISPLACEMENT AND JOB‐SEARCH: A REGIONAL ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL IMPEDIMENTS TO REEMPLOYMENT*
Authors: Herzog Henry W. , Schlottmann Alan M.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT.This study investigates the human, and in turn the regional, consequences of industrial restructuring in the United States. Our methodology presumes that labor market outcomes of displaced workers can provide considerable information on the structural properties of local labor markets, and subsequently upon the capacity of such areas/regions to reemploy additional workers. The examination follows two steps. In the first, a multivariate model of reemployment likelihood is developed and subsequently estimated. Separate equations are obtained for various resons of the country, a disaggregation that permits one to identify how postdisplacement reemployment, and its determinants, vary systematically across space. In the second step, the above estimates are decomposed into two elements, one of which is reflective of regional structural conditions. Based upon this methodology and estimates obtained in the first step, regions of the country are compared as to magnitude of their structural economic problems, and thus as to their capacity to gainfully reemploy additional workers displaced by plant closure or relocation.
A CONTEXTUAL THEORY OF RETAIL CENTRAL PLACES ON A LINEAR MARKET*
Authors: Harwitz Mitchell , Lentnek Barry
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. This paper presents an initial version of a new theory of central places for retailing activities. Confined to a linear market and using the Contextual Theory of Demand to model consumer behavior, the model extends the economic theory of central places (Eaton and Lipsey, 1982). In its present form, the model specifies four parameters that control the spatial relationship between the locations of households and the equilibrium locations of central places: expenditure shares in consumption, transportation cost functions, storage costs by commodity, and capital costs of retailers. The locational equilibria of the model are optima when all costs are considered.
A STRUCTURAL DECOMPOSITION OF REGIONAL ECONOMIC INSTABILITY: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK*
Authors: Siegel Paul B. , Alwang Jeffrey , Johnson Thomas G.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. Many rural regions are characterized by unstable economies. Studies that investigate economic instability in these regions, however, tend to examine the effects rather than causes of its occurrence. Efforts to diminish instability can only be successful if they address its sources. Using an input‐output model, a conceptual decomposition of the variance of gross output is used as a means of identifying supply and demand sources of instability. This framework can be used for empirical investigations into the causes of economic instability, and for the design of stabilization policies. Data limitations, however, may preclude some applications of the technique.
THE ROLE OF DEFENSE CUTS IN THE CALIFORNIA RECESSION COMPUTABLE GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM MODELS AND INTERSTATE FACTOR MOBILITY*
Authors: Hoffmann Sandra , Robinson Sherman , Subramanian Shankar
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT.This study develops a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of California to examine the impact of recent defense cuts on the state's economy. The study demonstrates use of a CGE model to examine the sensitivity of regional economy models to assumptions about factor migration. Model variants include input‐output and closed economy models as limiting cases. The results show that the California economy is sensitive to defense cuts. The multiplier relating the impact of defense cuts to state product ranges from one to almost five, depending on the degree of interstate factor mobility.
NEGATIVE FEEDBACKS IN THE ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIAL LOCATION*
Authors: Brakman Steven , Garretsen Harry , Gigengack Richard , van Marrewijk Charles , Wagenvoort Rien
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT. Incorporating regional asymmetry and negative feedbacks (congestion) in a model of economic geography and international trade shows that complete specialization of production at one location is unlikely. We identify an agglomerating force: the home market effect, and two spreading forces, competition for demand from immobile sectors of production and congestion. We demonstrate that negative feedbacks can explain the economic viability of small industrial regions observed in the real world. Simulations clarify the basic structure of the model.
The quality of systematic reviews of effectiveness in literacy learning in English: a ‘tertiary’ review
Authors: Torgerson Carole J.
Published: July 2006

Recent governments in the United Kingdom have introduced a number of initiatives aimed at improving the literacy levels of children. Policy and practice should be informed by rigorous evidence, and this evidence should be subjected to critical scrutiny. In the present paper the results of a ‘tertiary’ review of systematic reviews in literacy learning are presented. The methods, results and conclusions of 14 systematic reviews, containing meta‐analyses and meeting all the inclusion criteria for the tertiary review, are presented. The quality of the reviews, appraised using an adaptation of the Quality of Reporting of Meta‐analyses statement, is discussed. Overall the quality of the meta‐analyses included in this tertiary review was good; all reviews clearly stated their research question, and their methods of searching for and selecting included studies; most described their data extraction and used some form of quality assessment of included studies. However, six reviews did not make an assessment of publication bias, which is potentially a major threat to the validity of any systematic review. A number of reviews in this tertiary review are judged to be of sufficiently high quality in order to provide reliable evidence for the effectiveness of literacy interventions.
DUALITY THEOREM FOR CONVEX HOMOGENEOUS PROGRAMMING *
Authors: van Moescke Paul
Published: July 2006

Summary:It is well‐known that the general nonlinear program does not allow the formulation of a dual extremand that solely contains the dual variables. It is shown that a primal program that is homogeneous (of any degree) in both extremand and side conditions has, like a linear program, alineardual extrcmand that contains only the dual variables. The economic import of this result, namely the ecpialization of primal optimand and factor rewards, is pointed out for both allocation under constant returns and allocation under risk. We illustrate the duality theorem with a small‐scale program for cashcrop farming under risk.
AGGREGATION THEORY AND THE IDEAL PRICE DEFLATOR: A NOTE
Authors: Betancourt Roger R.
Published: July 2006

In this paper, a proof is provided for the proposition that collapsing a three period model into a two period model with the use of aggregation theory does not permit the analysis of price changes in the two periods that are aggregated. An unknown implication of this proposition is also brought forth by our analysis. The main instrument in the proof is the differentiation of a little known result from aggregation theory. Since the analysis is equally applicable to three commodities and easily extended to n periods or commodities, it casts doubt on the usefulness of aggregation theory in a variety of economic contexts.
FOREIGN DEBT AND RENEWABLE RESOURCES1
Authors: Rauscher Michael
Published: July 2006

The paper investigates the relationship between the indebtedness situation of a (developing) country and its production of renewable resources. It is shown that such a relationship exists if the capital market on which the country borrows and lends is imperfect. Additionally, it can be seen that under realistic assumptions about the type of the market imperfection a debt relief has a resource‐conserving effect.
MONETARY PRICE RULES FOR ALTERNATIVE STEADY‐STATE REGIMES
Authors: Obst Norman P.
Published: July 2006

In the context of elementary models, this study presents an analysis of how disequilibrium can persist.

The central result involves a decentralized economy in which agents respond to local excess demand. Attempting to determine the equilibrium inflation rate or its rate of change as well as the equilibrium price level (rather than the latter only) on the basis of excess demand levels alone, is a time consuming process which can lead to cycles. The inflation rate will lag behind its steady‐state value resulting in market disequilibrium when the two coincide. Activist policy is required if equilibrium is to be restored without severe unemployment during the transition.
TRADE, DEBT, AND UNEVEN DEVELOPMENT IN A NORTH‐SOUTH MODEL
Authors: Dutt Amitava Krishna
Published: July 2006

This paper examines a simple model of North‐South trade and capital flows along structuralist lines. The South can choose its growth rate, but must finance its growth in excess of its savings by borrowing from the North. The long‐run consequences of this process for the process of uneven development and for Southern debt‐dependence are explored. The appropriate responses to a debt crisis are considered.
QUASI‐LINEAR UTILITY FUNCTIONS AND THE DYNAMICS OF PURE EXCHANGE OVERLAPPING GENERATIONS MODELS
Authors: Denicolò V.
Published: July 2006

This paper considers the dynamics of pure exchange OLG models with stationary population (each agent living for two periods), tastes and endowments, homogeneous agents and well behaved preferences. It is shown that any kind of dynamics that can emerge from this class of models can be generated by a subclass of models where preferences are described by quasi‐linear utility functions.
PRICE EFFECTS OF INDIRECT AND CORPORATE INCOME TAXES: AN INPUT‐OUTPUT ANALYSIS*
Authors: Tsoulfidis Lefteris
Published: July 2006

This article investigates the price effects of indirect and corporate income taxes in the U.S. economy. It uses data from an input‐output table from 1977. The lack of substantial agreement in the literature concerning the incidence of these taxes, the classical, market power and industry specific models are used in an effort to identify the plausible range of price variations caused by taxation. This investigation is enlarged with the incorporation of the differential tax incidence analysis. The usefulness of this analysis is that it can shed new light on tax reform proposals and their concomitant effects on prices, workers' purchasing power, and international trade patterns.
CHAOTIC PATTERNS IN COURNOT COMPETITION
Authors: van Witteloostuijn A. , van Lier A.
Published: July 2006

Chaos theory offers a new mode of analyzing the complexity of nonlinear (economic) dynamics. A growing list of applications is mainly focused on modeling macroeconomic (growth and business) cycles and dynamic (consumer's and firms') choice. This paper provides a nonlinear dynamic model of Cournot competition. The model improves upon Rand (1978) and Dana and Montrucchio (1986) by permitting monopoly output to be positive. The existence of chaotic regimes is proven and simulation experiments illustrate the implications.
ENDOGENOUS FLUCTUATIONS OF ACTUAL PRICES NEAR NATURAL ONES IN A CLASSICAL GROWTH MODEL
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Bin
Published: July 2006

This paper re‐examines dynamics of the Hosoda classical growth model. We identify the existence of endogenous fluctuations, applying the celebrated Hopf bifurcation theorem. It is shown that the proposition of divergence of actual prices from natural ones of classical economists is valid, even if there are no exogenous forces upon the economic system.
HARROD'S GROWTH MODEL AND THE MULTIPLIER‐ACCELERATOR MODEL: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?
Authors: Coleman W.
Published: July 2006

It is shown that Multiplier‐Accelerator models under plausible parameter assumptions do not cycle, but manifest the two Harrod Propositions; a Unique Warranted Rate of Growth and a Knife Edge.
INSTITUTIONAL ECONOMICS: SURVEYING THE ‘OLD’ AND THE ‘NEW’
Authors: Hodgson Geoffrey M.
Published: July 2006

This paper surveys and compares the literature on the ‘new’ institutionalism (North, Williamson, etc.) with that of the ‘old’(Veblen, Commons, Mitchell). A criterion for distinguishing these two schools is suggested, along with criticisms of the limitations of each. The ‘new’ institutionalism is associated with methodological individualism and the idea that the individual should be taken as given. Particular attention is paid to ‘new’ institutionalist treatments of markets and firms. The paper moves on to examine some ‘old’ institutionalist criticisms of ‘economic man’ as well as some negative features of the ‘old’ institutionalism. On the positive side, the latter is seen to have an ‘evolutionary’ dimension, related to modern work in the area of technological change.
A STOCHASTIC MODEL OF TECHNICAL CHANGE: AN APPLICATION TO THE US ECONOMY (1869–1989)
Authors: Duménil Gérard , Lévy Dominique
Published: July 2006

A stochastic model of technical change is presented that accounts for the profiles of important macroeconomic variables observed in the US economy since the Civil War: labor productivity, the productivity of capital, and the profit rate. No production function exists, and the viewpoint is that of evolutionary economics. Innovation is described as a random, non‐biased process, controlled by two parameters. The techniques of production used are selected according to their profitability. Under the assumptions of a rising labor cost and a temporary variation in the profile of innovation, it is possible to reproduce the historical trends of each variable over the three subperiods, 1869‐1920, 1920‐1960, and 1960‐1989. For example, the model explains why the productivity of capital and the profit rate displayed first a downward, then an upward, and again a downward trend. The treatment of a deterministic approximation of the model permits a thoroughly analytical discussion of the various configurations of the variables depending on the values of the parameters.
‘Part of Who we are as a School Should Include Responsibility for Well‐Being’: Links between the School Environment, Mental Health and Behaviour
Authors: SPRATT JENNIFER , SHUCKSMITH JANET , PHILIP KATE , WATSON CATE
Published: July 2006

Drawing from a Scottish study, this article examines ways in which the school environment can impact upon the well‐being of pupils and their associated behaviour. It identifies tensions between existing school structures and cultures and the promotion of positive mental health, particularly in relation to the curriculum, pastoral care, discipline and teacher/pupil relationships. In many cases, schools attempt to address mental well‐being by bolting fragmented initiatives onto existing systems, and we argue that a more fundamental review of values, policies and practices throughout the school is needed. This paper also looks at the roles of interagency workers in schools, and reports that, in most cases, these workers are seen as offering a parallel service to the mainstream school, targeted at the most troubled or troublesome pupils. We suggest that schools should draw on the skills and understandings of these workers to help build new cultures throughout the school for the benefit of all children and young people.
BILATERALISM AND FREE TRADE*
Authors: Goyal Sanjeev , Joshi Sumit
Published: July 2006

We study a setting with many countries; in each country there are firms that can sell in the domestic as well as foreign markets. Countries can sign bilateral free‐trade agreements that lower import tariffs and thereby facilitate trade. We allow a country to sign any number of bilateral free‐trade agreements. A profile of free‐trade agreements defines the trading regime. Our principal finding is that, in symmetric settings, bilateralism is consistent with global free trade. We also explore the effects of asymmetries across countries and political economy considerations on the incentives to form trade agreements.
GLOBALIZATION AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN: WHO GAINS AND WHO LOSES?*
Authors: Fujita Masahisa , Thisse Jacques‐François
Published: July 2006

This article focuses on two distinct facets of globalization: decrease in the trade costs of goods and the decline of communication costs between headquarters and production facilities. When the unskilled have about the same wage in two regions, decrease of these costs fosters the agglomeration of plants in the core accommodating headquarters. When the wage gap is significant, process of integration eventually triggers the relocation of plants into the periphery. When this process of relocation is driven by falling communication costs, the welfare of all workers in the core falls whereas that in the periphery rises.
RESIDUAL WAGE DISPARITY AND COORDINATION UNEMPLOYMENT*
Authors: Julien Benoit , Kennes John , King Ian
Published: July 2006

How much of residual wage dispersion can be explained by an absence of coordination among firms? To answer, we construct a dynamic directed search model with identical workers where firms can create high‐ or low‐productivity jobs and are uncoordinated in their offers to workers, calibrated to the U.S. economy. Workers can exploit ex post opportunities once approached by firms, and can conduct on‐the‐job search. The stationary equilibrium wage distribution is hump‐shaped, skewed significantly to the right, and, with baseline parameters, generates residual dispersion statistics 75–90% of those found empirically. However, the model underestimates the average duration of unemployment.
The spectrum of Dowling‐Degos disease revisited
Authors: Rebora Alfredo , Crovato Franco
Published: July 2006

Reticulate pigmented anomaly of the flexures or Dowling‐Degos disease is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis that has been associated with other uncommon genodermatosis in a spectrum of disorders. The spectrum included Kitamura's acropigmentatio reticularis, pigmentatio reticularis faciei et colli with multiple epithelial cysts and familial multiple follicular hamartoma. Recent reports have confirmed that Dowling‐Degos disease and Kitamura's acropigmentation are the same disease and have enlarged the spectrum to include other minor variants that are reviewed and discussed.
Immunological parameters in patients with frequently recurring genital herpes and response to treatment with a combination of acyclovir and interferon‐β
Authors: Castello G. , Ruocco V. , Geretti A.M. , Celentano E. , Napolitano M. , Rossano F. , Satriano R.A.
Published: July 2006

Immunologic status of 33 patients with frequently recurring genital herpes (FRGH) and the effect of two different antiviral regimens have been studied. Patients were treated with oral acyclovir capsules, 200 mg 4 times per day for 6 months (group A), or with a combination of oral acyclovir, 200 mg twice per day for 6 months, and intramuscular interferon‐β (IFN‐β), 3 MU daily for 10 days at every disease recurrence (group B). Before treatment, several immunologic abnormalities involving T and B lymphocytes, as well as cytotoxic (NK/K) cells, were observed in all patients. Clinical results confirmed the previously reported efficacy and safety of acyclovir for suppression of episodes of genital herpes. The acyclovir efficacy was enhanced by combination with IFN‐β, which has antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. In our patients with FRGH and cell‐mediated immunity impairment, IFN‐β was able to restore, in part, the host immune deficit with a significant reduction in the number of recurrence of genital herpes episodes (recurrence rate of 19% in group B vs 47% in group A). No significant toxic effects were detected in either therapeutic regimes.
Raised serum levels of β‐endorphin in chronic urticaria
Authors: Georgala Sophia , Schulpis K.H. , Papaconstantinou E. , Varelzidis A.
Published: July 2006

Background Attempts to elucidate the pathophysiology of chronic urticaria and its relation with stress have implicated many factors among which the increased activity of the opioid system seems to be particularly interesting.

Material and Methods We determined the β‐endorphin serum levels in 14 patients with chronic urticaria and 15 healthy members of the medical staff of comparable age.

Results The mean β‐endorphin levels of our patients (15.95 ± 2.75 pmol/l) were statistically elevated (P < 0.001) compared to those of controls (8.53 ± 2.53 pmol/l).

Conclusions It is suggested that the opioid system of patients with chronic urticaria is strongly activated in the chronic stage of the disease.
Antiviral therapy of herpes simplex virus infection: recent developments 1
Authors: Weber Bernard , Cinatl Jindrich
Published: July 2006

Since 1981, the standard therapy of herpes simplex virus infections has been based on acyclovir. Valaciclovir, the l‐valine ester of acyclovir and famciclovir, a pro‐drug of penciclovir with an improved oral bioavailability have been recently licensed. HPMPC, an acyclic nucleoside phosponate, is highly active and shows a broad range of activity against all the herpes viruses, and it is far more efficient than ganciclovir against cytomegalovirus. Ribonucleotidase inhibitors have so far been unsuccessful in the treatment of acyclovir‐resistant HSV infections. In the future, anti‐sense oligonucleotides may play a role in the therapy of herpes virus infections and many efforts continue to be made to develop vaccines which may prevent recurrences in already infected individuals. Resistance to anti‐HSV agents is almost exclusively encountered in immunocompromised patients. Failure of acyclovir therapy is mostly due to viral thymidine kinase (TK) deficiency as a result of mutation in the TK gene. Until now, the only alternatives for the treatment of acyclovir‐resistant infections have been the intravenous administration of foscarnet, frequently associated with relatively severe side effects, or the topical application of trifluridine either as single agent or in combination with interferon alpha. In vitro observations suggest that the failure of antiviral therapy is not directly due to the emergence of resistant virus isolates. Reduced uptake or activation of acyclovir may represent a selective pressure for resistant isolates in immunocompromised patients. New prodrugs with increased bioavailability, such as valaciclovir and famciclovir will perhaps prevent or delay the emergence of drug resistant isolates in immunocompromised patients since higher intracellular levels of the active compound can be achieved.
Amoxicillin‐induced bullous pemphigoid in a child
Authors: Conti Giovanni , Paradisi Mauro , Angelo Corrado , Atzori Francesco , Puddu Pietro
Published: July 2006

The Authors describe the case of a 6‐year old female child who presented a bullous dermatitis following the administration of amoxicillin, with clinical, histopathological and immunological features typical of childhood bullous pemphigoid. The peculiar aspects of drug‐induced bullous pemphigoid are therefore reviewed, with particular reference to the hypotheses behind the relative induction mechanism.
Solitary circumscribed neuroma of the skin (so‐called palisaded, encapsulated neuroma). Clinicopathological analysis of three cases with emphasis on differential diagnosis
Authors: Mentzel T. , Bocker T. , Wollina U.
Published: July 2006

Three cases of solitary circumscribed neuroma (so‐called palisaded, encapsulated neuroma) arising in the dermis have been studied. Two patients were male and one was female, with ages ranging from 27 to 59 years. All lesions arose on the forehead. Histologically, the neoplasms were partly encapsulated and were composed of broad fascicles, nests, and whorl‐like structures of bland appearing spindle cells often separated by artefactual clefts. Immunohistochemically. most of the tumour cells stained positive for S‐100 protein, and a considerable number also for CD 34, but failed to stain for epithelial membrane antigen and melanoma associated antigens. Solitary circumscribed neuroma has to be distinguished from long‐standing dermal melanocytic nevus, mucosal neuromas seen in type lib multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome, classical and cellular schwannoma, neurofibroma. perineurioma, traumatic neuroma, and angioleiomyoma.
Vulval lichen sclerosus: lack of correlation between duration of clinical symptoms and histological appearances
Authors: Marren P. , Millard P.R. , Wojnarowska F.
Published: July 2006

Background Histological criteria in lichen sclerosus have been correlated with disease duration. A progressive tendency for the inflammatory infiltrate to become more deeply placed and more sparse with long‐standing disease has been described together with a tendency for collagen homogenisation in the upper dermis to become more prominent with time.

Materials and methods We performed a retrospective Wind clinico‐pathological study on 20 untreated patients with lichen sclerosus. We looked at sections from five additional patients with lichen sclerosus who required serial biopsies in the course of their disease. The purpose was to observe the histological patterns at different stages of the clinical course.

Results We found a poor correlation between estimated disease duration and histological criteria for early and long‐standing disease.

Conclusion We conclude that the pathological process in lichen sclerosus is a continuing process and the inflammatory component can be a persistent or recurring phenomenon which may be site‐determined. The estimation of disease duration in vulval lichen sclerosus using histological criteria is unsatisfactory.
The Talking Platypus Phenomenon: Competency Ratings as a Function of Sex and Professional Status
Authors: Abramson Paul R. , Goldberg Philip A. , Greenberg Judith H. , Abramson Linda M.
Published: July 2006

Ratings of vocational competence, marriageability, and interpersonal success were made by male and female subjects of a stimulus person described in a one-page, single-spaced biography. The sex and status of the stimulus person in the biography were manipulated such that for each biography half the subjects were led to believe it was about a male, half were led to believe it was about a female, half were led to believe that the individual was an attorney, and half were led to believe that the individual was a paralegal worker. The results indicated that both men and women perceived the female attorney as being the most vocationally competent. It was proposed that the increased ratings of vocational competency for the female attorney were a function of her performance being perceived as having occurred within a context replete with the types of constraints that usually obviate the degree of success she achieved. It was also suggested that the finding concerning vocational competence exemplifies the talking platypus phenomenon; that is, when an individual achieves a level of success not anticipated, his/her achievement tends to be magnified rather than diminished. After all, it matters little what the platypus says, the wonder is that it can say anything at all.
Parental Warmth and Hostility as Related to Sex Differences in Children's Achievement Orientation
Authors: Manley Rebecca Oxford
Published: July 2006

This article is a critical review of studies concerning the relationship of parental warmth and hostility to sex-related differences in children's achievement orientation. Parental warmth seemed to operate differently upon girls' and boys' achievement orientation in most of the studies cited. Moderate but not high maternal warmth and even slight hostility were related to strong achievement∗ orientation in girls, while high maternal nurturance and affection were associated with strong achievement orientation in boys. However, the article warns against assuming a simple causal relationship between parental warmth and sex-related differences in children's achievement orientation. Achievement theories, two main parental dimensions, and future research directions are also discussed.
Grade Expectations as a Function of Sex, Academic Discipline, and Sex of Instructor
Authors: Cole David , King Kraig , Newcomb Andrew
Published: July 2006

Twelve hundred and fifty college students starting introductory courses in thirteen academic disciplines were asked to predict their grade in the course. Results showed that overall, males predicted higher grades for themselves than did females ( p < .001). This held true for entering freshmen as well as for those with previous college experience. The phenomena was noted in 26 of 37 classes tested, including 7 of 9 in the natural sciences, 11 of 13 in the social sciences, but only 8 of 15 in the humanities. Sex of the instructor was irrelevant, raising the question of whether female instructors as role models have the positive effect upon women students that has been claimed. The differences found were slight, but persistent. Both sexes predicted very high grades. The data suggest that sex differences in prediction were not based on a female sense of incompetence, but upon a greater willingness among males to make highly positive predictions.
Desired Family-Size Correlates for Single Undergraduates
Authors: Haskell Samuel D.
Published: July 2006

Some single Caucasian undergraduates of Protestant religious preference, 115 men and 105 women, were tested to find correlates of, and to compare social-psychological to demographic variables in predicting, subjects' desired family sizes. Men had a mean desired family size of 2.04 children and women, 1.91 children. Women seem more accepting of childless families than men, perhaps perceiving new attractiveness in careers. Men and women wanting small families are less religious and are from smaller families. These men are more anxious and lower in need achievement, and the women have a less traditional sex-role self-concept. Women may see larger families as confirming a traditional sex-role, while men may see them confirming an achievement-oriented, possibly traditional, male role. Demographic variables, which best predict desired family size, may represent the continued influence of subjects' family backgrounds. However, social-psychological variables may also become important desired family-size influences as women enter their early twenties.