bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal analysis of cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor frequencies to the hepatitis B virus in chronically infected patients
Authors: Sing G. K. , Ladhams A. , Arnold S. , Parmar H. , Chen X. , Cooper J. , Butterworth L. , Stuart K. , D’Arcy D. , Cooksley W. G. E.
Published: August 2010

Individuals with acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection characteristically mount a strong, multispecific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response that is effective in eradicating virus. In contrast, this response in chronic carriers is usually weak or undetectable. Since it is generally acknowledged that HBV pathogenesis is immune‐mediated, the occurrence of episodes of active liver disease in many carriers suggests that these individuals can mount active CTL responses to HBV. To see whether the detection of circulating CTLs is related to these flare episodes, we have determined the CTL precursor (CTLp) frequencies to HLA‐A2‐restricted viral peptides in seven patients over a 12–24‐month period of their disease. Limiting dilution analyses (LDA) were performed longitudinally to five epitopes comprising the viral capsid (HBc), envelope (HBs) and polymerase (pol) proteins. Assays were performed against a mixture of peptides, or against each individual peptide, to measure overall CTL activity and the multispecificity of the responses, respectively. Since two of the patients were treated with recombinant human interleukin‐12 (rHuIL‐12) at the time, with one individual achieving complete disease remission a year later after being treated with interferon‐α, we were also able to examine the effects of these cytokines on HBV cytotoxicity. Our results indicate that weak but detectable CTL responses do occur in chronic carriers which are generally associated with disease flares, although CTLps were also seen occasionally during minimal disease activity. The range of specificities varied between individuals and within each individual during the course of the disease. Finally, we also provide evidence that CTL reactivity is stimulated following treatment with certain cytokines, but is dependent on the time of administration.
Transient hepatopulmonary syndrome in a patient with acute hepatitis A
Authors: Regev A. , Yeshurun M. , Rodriguez M. , Sagie A. , Neff G. W. , Molina E. G. , Schiff E. R.
Published: August 2010

The hepatopulmonary syndrome is defined as the triad of liver disease, hypoxaemia and intrapulmonary vascular dilatation. This syndrome has been described in patients with liver cirrhosis, noncirrhotic portal hypertension, and fulminant hepatic failure, however, there are no previous descriptions of hepatopulmonary syndrome in patients with acute nonfulminant viral hepatitis. We report a 47‐year‐old, previously healthy man that presented with acute hepatitis A, and developed progressive dyspnoea, platypnoea and orthodeoxia with no evidence of parenchymal or thromboembolic lung disease. PaO2 on room air was 58 mmHg, O2 saturation was 88% and alveolar‐arterial O2 gradient was 62%. During his hospitalization serum albumin level decreased to 3.1 g/dl and prothrombin time was prolonged to 16.8 s, however, he remained alert with no signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Contrast echocardiography revealed left heart chamber opacification 3–4 cardiac cycles after the opacification of the right heart chamber, consistent with hepatopulmonary syndrome. During the following days there was a gradual improvement in the patient’s condition, with resolution of his dyspnoea and gradual increase of PaO2. Repeat contrast echocardiography and PaO2 determinations, 3 weeks later, were normal. On long‐term follow‐up the patient remained asymptomatic with normal liver function tests and normal O2 saturation. This report indicates that hepatopulmonary syndrome may be a transient manifestation of acute hepatitis A in the absence of fulminant liver failure.
Residual transfusion risk for hepatitis B and C in southern Brazil, 1991–99
Authors: Kupek E. J.
Published: August 2010

A retrospective study of 139 188 blood donor records for the period 1991–99 was conducted in the largest blood bank in the federal state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. The incidence/window method, based on 11 286 repeat donors with 8917 person‐years of follow‐up, was used to estimate the residual risk for transfusing hepatitis B and C due to infectious window periods for early, mid and late years of the decade. The residual risk for transfusing HBsAg contaminated blood decreased almost three times over the 1990 decade but still remains very high at 1 : 2077 (95% confidence limits 1 : 1075–1 : 4624), with a corresponding incidence of 3.00 (1.35–5.77) per 1000 person‐years. Similarly, although residual risk for hepatitis C was reduced more than 30 times in late 1990s, compared with the earlier period, the risk of 1 : 13721 (1 : 7102–1 : 30820) and corresponding incidence of 0.51 (0.23–0.99) per 1000 person‐years are still very high compared to developed countries. In addition to vaccination against hepatitis B and health promotion efforts aimed at reduction of hepatitis transmission, special measures such as PCR screening of pooled blood donations might be needed to rapidly achieve a further residual risk reduction in high prevalence areas.
Hepatitis B virus infection and immunization status in a new generation of injection drug users in San Francisco
Authors: Lum P. J. , Hahn J. A. , Shafer K. P. , Evans J. L. , Davidson P. J. , Stein E. , Moss A. R.
Published: August 2010

Summary.  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common among injection drug users (IDU). Younger IDU, however, may be less susceptible to infection due to the implementation of public health interventions, such as universal immunization programs and syringe exchange programs. To investigate the current epidemiology of HBV infection and control among a new generation of drug users in the United States, we conducted interviews and examined HBV serologic markers in a cross‐section of street‐recruited IDU under age 30 in San Francisco, CA. Of the 831 persons studied, 21% showed serologic evidence of current or past infection; 22% had isolated antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen consistent with vaccine‐mediated immunity; and 56% had no HBV markers. In multivariate analyses, HBV infection was associated with drug use behaviour in heterosexual males; sexual behaviour in males who have sex with males; and both drug use and sexual behaviour in females. Vaccine‐mediated immunity was independently associated with female sex and younger age. In conclusion, HBV transmission persists among young IDU in San Francisco. Few young injectors show evidence of successful immunization and the majority remains susceptible to disease. Until the broad effects of universal vaccination are seen, targeted and innovative approaches to immunizing young IDU in the US are needed to prevent a substantial number of new HBV infections.
Monocyte derived dendritic cells retain their functional capacity in patients following infection with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Barnes E. , Salio M. , Cerundolo V. , Francesco L. , Pardoll D. , Klenerman P. , Cox A.
Published: August 2010

Summary.  Studies assessing the function of monocyte derived dendritic cells (MD‐DC) in individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have shown conflicting results. Impaired MD‐DC function in chronic HCV infection would have important implications both for understanding the pathogenesis of HCV infection and in the use of autologous MD‐DC in vaccination strategies. We determined the allostimulatory capacity of MD‐DC in the same patient before and after HCV infection. Next, the phenotype, cytokine production and allostimulatory function of immature and mature MD‐DC in individuals with persistent HCV infection were compared directly with MD‐DC from healthy individuals. Finally, we assessed the ability of MD‐DC to prime autologous naïve peptide specific CD8+ T cells using HLA‐A2 class‐I tetramers. DCs retained the same allostimulatory capacity before and following the establishment of persistent HCV infection. The surface phenotype and the amount of interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐12(p70) produced during DC maturation did not differ between HCV‐infected individuals and healthy controls. Mature DCs from HCV‐infected individuals performed comparably in an allogeneic MLR compared with healthy individuals. Mature MD‐DC from HCV‐infected individuals stimulated the expansion of peptide specific naïve CD8+ T cells. MD‐DC from HCV‐infected and healthy individuals are phenotypically indistinguishable and perform comparably in functional assays.
Surgical blood order equation in femoral fracture surgery
Authors: Kajja I. , Bimenya G. S. , Eindhoven G. B. , Jan ten Duis H. , Sibinga C. T. S.
Published: August 2010

Aim: This study aimed at establishing the clinical utility of the surgical blood order equation (SBOE) in patients undergoing femoral fracture surgery.

Background: A blood ordering schedule defines the perioperative blood use in elective surgery. It lists the number of units of blood required for each procedure preoperatively.

Materials and methods: A case–control study was performed among homogeneous groups of patients (n = 62 each) undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of femoral fractures. Correct prediction of blood use in the group of patients using the SBOE was compared to the group whose blood orders were made without any guideline.

Results: The surgical blood ordering equation was exactly correct in ordering blood for 46 (74·2%) of 62 patients (cases). The current unaided blood ordering method was exactly correct in ordering blood for 27 (43·5%) of 62 patients (controls). Use of the SBOE resulted in a significantly lower crossmatch‐to‐transfusion ratio compared to that of the current ordering system (1·5 vs 2·3) and saved the hospital transfusion laboratory 465 US$ of crossmatch and inventory management costs in this cohort of patients.

Conclusion: The SBOE is a more accurate and cost‐saving tool in predicting blood use. It should replace the current unaided method of ordering for perioperative blood in femoral fracture surgery at Mulago Hospital. However, its introduction to other hospitals should be preceded by more rigorous research to strengthen its external validity.
Copyright versus Database Right of Protection in the UK: The Bioinformatics Bone of Contention
Authors: Madhavan Mahesh
Published: August 2010

Bioinformatics is the development and use of databases for storing and interpreting genomic information. The information explosion in these databases has raised a plethora of intellectual property issues for the scientists who depend on them. Copyright and database protection are two notable and significant methods of exploiting innovations in bioinformatics. This article makes an in‐depth analysis of the scope and utility of copyright and database protection laws in bioinformatics. This article focuses initially on the working of bioinformatics databases, and then delves into the issues and implications of copyright and database protection in bioinformatics. The article concludes that copyright in comparison to database laws serves as a better platform in keeping the balance between the interests of bioinformatics database makers and its users.
Expression and Immunohistochemical Localization of Aquaporin‐1 in Male Reproductive Organs of the Mouse
Authors: Lu D. Y. , Li Y. , Bi Z. W. , Yu H. M. , Li X. J.
Published: August 2010

Aquaporin‐1 (AQP‐1), a six‐transmembrane domain protein, is found to be responsible for water transport. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of AQP‐1 mRNA and protein in the testis, epididymis, vas deferens, ventral prostate, and seminal vesicle from mature mice by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting, and the cellular localization of AQP‐1 by immunohistochemistry. RT‐PCR revealed that AQP‐1 mRNA was expressed in all organs we examined. Western blotting displayed a 29‐kDa band and a 35‐ to 45‐kDa band corresponding to non‐glycosylated and/or glycosylated AQP‐1 in those organs. The immunohistochemical evidence showed that AQP‐1 was mainly located on the plasma membrane of epithelial cells of the rete testis, vas deferens, ventral prostate, seminal vesicle and the non‐ciliated cells of the proximal and distal efferent ducts. However, AQP‐1 was absent from spermatogenic cells lining the seminiferous epithelium and from the spermatozoa in the lumen of the distal efferent duct. These findings provide valuable information on the expression of AQP‐1 in male reproductive organs and suggest that AQP‐1 is involved in water transport to regulate water homeostasis in male reproductive physiology.
Effects of selective water withdrawal schemes on thermal stratification in Kouris Dam in Cyprus
Authors: Ma Shengwei , Kassinos Stavros C. , Fatta Kassinos Despo , Akylas Evaggelos
Published: August 2010

Thermal stratification and its seasonal variations in Kouris Dam in Cyprus were simulated, and the impact of five different water withdrawal schemes was studied, using the 2‐D, laterally averaged CE‐QUAL‐W2 reservoir model. Based on the model simulations, it was found that the thermal stratification of the reservoir is significant for most of the year. Most importantly, a complete mixing of the water column, triggered by seasonal variations in meteorological conditions, occurs in late‐January. Predicted thermal stratification and water temperature profiles in the reservoir are noticeably affected by water withdrawal schemes. It was found that deep‐water withdrawals tend to facilitate heat transfer in the water column and deepen the water mixing layer (epilimnion), especially from September to the following January. These study results suggest that it is prudent for Kouris Dam to integrate selective water withdrawal schemes into reservoir management by using the water withdrawal effects on thermal stratification for different water quality management strategies.
Anthropogenic and seasonal influences on the dynamics of selected heavy metals in Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Authors: Kamau Joseph Nyingi , Gachanja Anthony , Ngila Catherine , Kazungu Johnson Michael , Zhai Mingzhe
Published: August 2010

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Eastern Rift Valley of Kenya (0°45′S and 36°20′E). It has no surface outlet and is perceived to be under anthropogenic stress. Being situated at the basin of the rift valley, the lake acts as a sink for wastes from the town of Naivasha and the surrounding horticultural industry.

Flux experiments were conducted to investigate the dynamics of heavy metals between the sediment–water interface in Lake Naivasha. In situ benthic flux experiments were conducted at two sites, one near the municipal wastewater inflow to the lake (site SS), and one at the papyrus field near the horticultural farms (site SH). Sediment samples from the exposed riparian land were collected during the dry season after the lake has receded, and the fluxes of selected metals were determined in the laboratory under simulated conditions. Aluminium in situ benthic flux at site SS averaged 7 mmol m−2 h−1, and was correlated positively with pH (Pearson correlation coefficient (r) = 0.89). While the in situ benthic flux of aluminium at site SH averaged 1 mmol m−2 h−1. In situ benthic fluxes of copper and manganese were predominantly positive at site SS, but not at site SH. The papyrus field at site SH played an important role in buffering of the lake in regard to the selected metals investigated in this study. Redox‐sensitive metals were precipitated in the benthic flux experiment for this site.
Management of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus (L.)) fishery in the Kenyan portion of Lake Victoria, in light of changes in its life history and ecology
Authors: Njiru M. , Getabu A. , Jembe T. , Ngugi C. , Owili M. , Van Der Knaap M.
Published: August 2010

This study reports on the population parameters, catch distribution and feeding ecology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from bottom trawls and commercial catches obtained in the Kenyan portion of Lake Victoria during 1997–2006. The population parameters were analysed using the FAO‐ICLARM stock assessment tool (FISAT). The fish biomass and the food ingested by the fish were estimated using the swept area and point methods, respectively. Immature fish comprised ≈70% of the total fish population. The asymptotic length, maximum weight, maximum age, exploitation rate (E) and length at 50% maturity of Nile tilapia have decreased, whereas the growth curvature and fishing mortality have increased. The commercial catches increased from 13.93 t in 1997, to 23.70 t in 1999, decreasing thereafter to 18.73 t in 2005. The bottom trawl catches increased from 46.90 kg ha−1 in 1997, to 401.48 kg ha−1 in 2000, decreasing thereafter to 15.57 kg ha−1 in 2006. The major food items ingested by the fish were algae, insects and other fish. Population parameters, and the catch and diet of O. niloticus, have changed over the years in Lake Victoria. The population characteristics suggest a population under stress, attributable to intense catch exploitation. Even under intense exploitation (E = 0.68), however, the mature fish constituted ≈30% of the population. The commercial catches are still high, indicating a very resilient fishery. Nevertheless, despite this resilience, the future of Oreochromis fishery is threatened by increased fishing capacity in the lake, and there is need to re‐evaluate the effectiveness of current fishery management measures, with the goal of possibly adopting new measures. Enactment of new fishery policies also should provide for co‐management to enhance the management process. Furthermore, there is a need to reduce fishing capacity and illegal fishing methods, and to seek alternative livelihoods for lake fishers and other stakeholders.
One‐step vs two‐step procedure in dynamic graciloplasty
Authors: Rongen M. J. G. M. , Adang E. M. M. , Van Der Hoop A. Gerritsen , Baeten C. G. M. I.
Published: August 2010

Objective

Dynamic graciloplasty, a proven treatment for end‐stage faecal incontinence, requires transposition of the gracilis muscle around the anal canal and implantation of a pulse generator and intramuscular electrodes. In view of the risk of infection around the implanted material the implantation was initially not performed in combination with the perineal procedure but 6 weeks later. Sparing the patients an extra operation, however, might be justified if morbidity is not increased. This study aimed to compare the combined single‐stage with the two‐stage procedures.

Patients and methods

Two groups of 13 patients were admitted to this prospective, matched control study according to waiting list ranking. They were matched for age, gender and aetiology. Group I had transposition and transplantation combined, group II underwent these procedures separately with a 6‐week interval. Continence, manometry, stimulation parameters, quality of life results and adverse events were recorded.

Results

After a mean 521‐day follow up infection rates were comparable in both groups, as were continence rates, morbidity, anal manometry, stimulation parameters and quality of life.

Conclusion

Outcome, morbidity and quality of life seem to be comparable. A single procedure avoids the need for an extra admission and operation, so the one‐stage approach should be the standard procedure in dynamic graciloplasty.
Histological and macroscopic changes in the pelvic pouch: long‐term follow up after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC)
Authors: Tiainen J. , Matikainen M. , Aitola P. , Hiltunen K‐M. , Mattila J.
Published: August 2010

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate macroscopic and histological (inflammatory) changes in ileal pouch mucosa after restorative proctocolectomy with J‐pouch–ileoanal anastomosis for UC during long‐term follow up.

Patients and methods

Thirty‐six (56%) out of 64 consecutive patients operated at our Institute during 1985–90 underwent endoscopy of the reservoir in the years 1994 and 1998. Functional outcome and macroscopic changes were recorded and histological samples taken from the three levels of the pelvic pouch. Acute and chronic inflammation were graded in accordance with a well‐established histopathologic scoring system.

Results

The functional outcome was unchanged in 26 (72%), became worse in eight (22%) and better in two (6%) cases during follow up. The number of macroscopic changes increased during follow up and there was a tendency for them to become more common in the distal pouch. Microscopic acute and chronic inflammation decreased during follow up. There were more severe inflammatory changes in the distal pouch. Both acute and chronic inflammatory scores were higher through the reservoir in the cases of chronic pouchitis. Chronic pouchitis occurred more often in males.

Conclusion

Macroscopic and inflammatory changes in the pelvic pouch seem to have separate progress during long‐term follow up. In chronic pouchitis both acute and chronic inflammation are pronounced and spread over the entire pelvic pouch mucosa.
One‐stage procedure in non‐elective surgery for diverticular disease complications
Authors: Biondo S. , Perea M. T. , Ragué J. M. , Parés D. , Jaurrieta E.
Published: August 2010

Objective

Admission of patients with acute complications of diverticular disease is frequent and operative management remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of resection, intra‐operative colonic lavage and primary anastomosis in patients who require urgent laparotomy to treat complications of diverticular disease.

Patients and methods

From January 1992 to December 1999, 124 surgical patients underwent emergency operation for complicated diverticular disease. Resection, intra‐operative colonic lavage and primary anastomosis were carried out in 55 patients: four with obstruction, two with massive bleeding and 49 with diverticulitis. In the diverticulitis group, 33 (67.3%) patients presented with localized peritonitis and 16 (32.7%) with generalized purulent peritonitis. No patient with faecal peritonitis was treated by a one‐stage procedure.

Results

One or more complications were detected in 25 patients (45.4%). Four patients (7.2%) required reintervention. Mortality occurred in four patients (7.2%). Two patients (3.6%) presented with anastomotic leakage. Wound infection was detected in 16 cases (29%). The overall mean (s.d.) Hospital stay was 18.5 (12.1) days.

Conclusion

Resection, intra‐operative colonic lavage and primary anastomosis provide an alternative procedure for achieving one‐stage resection in selected patients who require emergency operation for complication of diverticular disease.
Amphiascus discrepans sp.n., a new benthic copepod (Crustacea) from lquique (Chile)
Authors: MIELKE WOLFGANG
Published: August 2010

A new diosaccid copepod, Amphiascus discrepans sp.n., is described from the eulittoral zone of Playa Blanca, near Iquique (Chile). It differs from all presently known Amphiascus species in the characteristic structure of the female furca.
Stephonyx, a new, widespread genus of lysianassoid Amphipoda
Authors: LOWRY J. K. , STODDART H. E.
Published: August 2010

A new genus, Stephonyx, is established for six species of scavenging lysianassoid amphipods currently included in the genus Euonyx. Stephonyx is distinguished from other lysianassoid genera by a combination of characters which include the structure of the mandibular molar, the structure of the spine‐teeth on maxilla 1, and a chelate gnathopod 1. Species of Euonyx are considered to be commensals of echinoderms with modified mouthparts in which the mandibular molar is lost, the lacinia mobilis is vestigial and the spine‐teeth of maxilla 1 are simple and reduced in size.
Chief executive officer remuneration disclosure quality: corporate responses to an evolving disclosure environment
Authors: Clarkson Peter , Van Bueren Ami Lammerts , Walker Julie
Published: August 2010

We examine chief executive officer remuneration disclosure in Australia from 1998 to 2004. Disclosure was first required by the Company Law Review Act 1998 (CLRA98). Despite CLRA98's clear intentions, firms generally failed to comply until the requirements were formalized by Director and Executive Disclosures by Disclosing Entities (AASB1046), issued in 2004. For a sample of 124 firms, we find significant improvements in disclosure concurrent both with CLRA98 and AASB1046. We also find firm size, corporate governance, auditor quality, cross‐listing status and public scrutiny to be significant explanations of disclosure. Our results indicate that high quality disclosures will only come about through detailed, black letter requirements and that principle‐based legislation involving interpretative discretion is unlikely to produce the desired level of disclosure.
Terror and Territory
Authors: Elden Stuart
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  While geographical aspects of the “war on terror” have received extensive discussion, the specifically territorial aspects have been less well explored. This article engages with the relation between territory and terror through three main angles. First, the relation between terrorist training camps and the absence of sovereign power over territory in particular places is examined through a broadening of Agamben's notion of a “space of exception”. Second, the portrayal of al‐Qaeda and militant Islam more generally as a deterritorialised organisation is interrogated, noting the territorial aspects of its operations. Third, the territorial responses are studied, particularly looking at the way the international legal term of territorial integrity, with its dual meanings of territorial preservation and territorial sovereignty is under increased threat. This is illustrated with a study of Afghanistan and Iraq and particularly through an analysis of the 2006 war in Lebanon.
Which should you use, intuition or logic? Cultural differences in injunctive norms about reasoning
Authors: Buchtel Emma E. , Norenzayan Ara
Published: August 2010

Past research has shown that tendencies to engage in holistic and analytical reasoning are differentially encouraged by East Asian and Western cultures. But little is known about cultural differences in the perceived value of analytic versus intuitive reasoning. In Study 1, Koreans and Americans ranked the importance of traits including ‘intuitive’ and ‘logical’ in work and family contexts. In Study 2, Euro‐Canadians and East‐Asian‐Canadians read scenarios of intuitive versus rule‐following business decisions. Relative to Western participants, East Asians rated intuitive reasoning as more important and reasonable than analytic reasoning. Implications for the epistemic status of reasoning modes, culture's effect on values about reasoning, and multiculturalism are discussed.
RE‐EXAMINING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STABILISATION POLICY
Authors: MAKIN ANTHONY J.
Published: August 2010

This paper develops an alternative international macroeconomic model for evaluating the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policy in stabilising national income under fixed and floating exchange rates. It encompasses national output and income, saving, investment, money and capital flows and linkages between the exchange rate, price levels and real interest rates consistent with international parity conditions. It demonstrates that the nature of government spending is pivotal to the effectiveness of fiscal policy, revealing that, ceteris paribus, higher public consumption expenditure contracts national income and depreciates the exchange rate, whereas higher productive public investment spending has opposite effects. The framework also shows that the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policy as macroeconomic policy instruments is not ultimately dependent on the exchange rate regime.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN POWER DILEMMA*
Authors: SIMSHAUSER PAUL , WILD PHILLIP
Published: August 2010

From 1984 gas‐fired power generation had been gradually increasing its share of the electricity market in Western Australia (WA) starting at 1 per cent and rising to about 50 per cent by 2008. Had it continued on this trajectory, the WA power system would have made great advances in terms of cost and environmental efficiencies given the looming commencement of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in Australia from 2011. However, more recently the cost of natural gas has increased from $3/GJ to $7/GJ following the sudden collapse of the East Spar gas field in the North West Shelf. In this article, we analyse the impact of the gas price increase and demonstrate that despite being the most environmentally efficient conventional technology, natural gas combined cycle plant has been squeezed out of the market which in turn will increase forward electricity price risks to WA consumers through greater exposure to CO2 pricing in the long run.
Bringing Economic Interests Back into the Study of EU Trade Policy-Making
Authors: Dür Andreas
Published: August 2010

Studies of EU trade policy-making often suggest that delegation of trade authority from the national to the European level strengthened the autonomy of public actors in formulating trade policies. Little empirical research, however, has been undertaken to corroborate this contention. To improve on this situation, I carry out two case studies of the EU's participation in the multilateral trade negotiations known as the Kennedy Round (1964–67) and the Doha Development Agenda (2001 onwards). The analysis reveals that in both cases the EU's negotiating position was largely in line with the demands voiced by economic interests. Although this finding is no proof of economic interests actually determining EU trade policies, it casts some doubt on the autonomy thesis. I also discuss some factors that indicate that interest group influence may be the most plausible explanation for the finding.
Setting the Pace? Private Financial Interests and European Financial Market Integration
Authors: Quaglia Lucia
Published: August 2010

The regulation and supervision of financial services in the EU has undergone significant change between 2000 and 2005, when the so-called Lamfalussy framework, the Basel 2 agreement and its transposition into the Capital Requirements Directive were agreed. This research examines the preferences of national financial interest groups in Germany and the UK (the independent variable) in shaping national input and, more precisely, the contributions given by the relevant public authorities to EU and international policy-making processes (the dependent variable). The impact, if any, on the final outputs (the relevant international and EU agreements) is also discussed. It is argued that the level of involvement of each interest group depends on the policy content, namely, whether the policy concerns a broad institutional issue or specific rules, while the degree of interest group influence in policy-making processes depends on domestic institutions, namely state structure, interest representation and political economy institutions.
Economic Interests and the Construction of a European Single Pension Market
Authors: Hennessy Alexandra
Published: August 2010

This article asks why the EU member states were able to agree on an EU pension fund directive in 2003 whereas they had failed to do so in a previous attempt (1991). The main argument is that a single pension market was a desirable project before 2003, but bargaining inefficiencies prevented its realisation. This is because bargaining over integration in this sector requires credible signalling between Bismarckian and Beveridgean pension regimes. The co-ordination of divergent welfare and financial regimes depends on the ability of governments to send costly signals that only a limited range of outcomes are considered legitimate in their home state. In turn, the capacity to signal and the costs of bluffing hinge on international pressure for pension reform (Economic and Monetary Union) and the magnitude of changes governments have to make to their respective welfare finance arrangements.
Attachment, Parent–Child Discourse and Theory‐of‐Mind Development
Authors: Ontai Lenna L. , Thompson Ross A.
Published: August 2010

This study investigated the relations among attachment, mother–child discourse, and theory of mind in a sample of 76 four‐year‐old children (mean age = 4.48 years; 36 boys). Mother–child conversations about a past event were coded for maternal use of elaborative discourse and mothers' references to mental states. Mothers completed the attachment q‐sort and children completed four false‐belief tasks. Results revealed that maternal conversational elaboration was a significant predictor of children's theory‐of‐mind performance, whereas maternal mental state references and attachment security were not. The findings provide further evidence for the importance of discourse in children's theory‐of‐mind development.
Variance Estimation in Complex Survey Sampling for Generalized Linear Models
Authors: Natarajan Sundar , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett , Moore Charity G. , Gonin Rene
Published: August 2010

Complex survey sampling is often used to sample a fraction of a large finite population. In general, the survey is conducted so that each unit (e.g. subject) in the sample has a different probability of being selected into the sample. For generalizability of the sample to the population, both the design and the probability of being selected into the sample must be incorporated in the analysis. In this paper we focus on non-standard regression models for complex survey data. In our motivating example, which is based on data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the outcome variable is the subject's ‘total health care expenditures in the year 2002’. Previous analyses of medical cost data suggest that the variance is approximately equal to the mean raised to the power of 1.5, which is a non-standard variance function. Currently, the regression parameters for this model cannot be easily estimated in standard statistical software packages. We propose a simple two-step method to obtain consistent regression parameter and variance estimates; the method proposed can be implemented within any standard sample survey package. The approach is applicable to complex sample surveys with any number of stages.
Social Concertation and Political System in Italy
Authors: Giugni Gino
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the social pact in Italy and its prospects for the future.

In order to do this, it first gives an overview of the general political organization in Europe, and looks at neo corporatism and bargaining structures. It then deals with the social pact in Italy and follows its evolvement under non hostile or‘friendly’governments, and examines the objectives of this social pact.

It continues by considering the problematics of governing the complex present day society and traces the various phases of the social pact in Italy, and in particular, the 'St. Valentine's Day’crisis and the subsequent continuity of the pact. Finally, it talks about some of the problems the social pact creates for the institutions.
Centralization and Decentralization in Collective Bargaining
Authors: Treu Tiziano
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: In this paper, the author traces the course of the collective bargaining process in Italy and Europe, and looks in particular at the aspect of its centralisation and decentralisation.

It begins with a historical background of this process and examines organizational and institutional alternatives which may limit or redimension this bargaining system in the face of more or less centralisation. It continues by outlining the institutionalisation of this system in Europe, and then by examining the effects which technological innovation and economic recession have had on it.

Several hypotheses as to possible alternatives with regard to centralisation/decentralisation, convergence or divergence of the bargaining system are formulated on the basis of the preceding data, and looks at the difficulties now facing this system.

Finally, the role of the state and the law with regard to collective bargaining is discussed and some general observations are made.
Partnership, high performance work systems and quality of working life
Authors: Danford Andy , Richardson Mike , Stewart Paul , Tailby Stephanie , Upchurch Martin
Published: August 2010

The paper measures the effects of workplace partnership and selected high performance work practices on four different dimensions of employee experience. Whilst the partnership– high performance work systems nexus seems to have little impact on employees’ job satisfaction or sense of attachment, it does, however, have a negative impact on both workplace stress and employee evaluations of union performance. The analysis thus questions common assumptions about the inevitability of ‘mutual gain’ and the necessity of employer/union partnership.
What Do Data Say About Monetary Policy, Bank Liquidity and Bank Risk Taking?
Authors: Lucchetta Marcella
Published: August 2010

This paper tests empirically the linkage between banks' investment and interbank lending decisions in response to interest rate changes. We draw conclusions for the monetary policy, which uses the interest rate as its main tool. Across European countries we find that the risk‐free (i.e. monetary policy) interest rate negatively affects the liquidity retained by banks and the decision of a bank to be a lender in the interbank market. Instead, the interbank interest rate has a positive impact on these decisions. We also find that banks who lend show less risk‐taking behaviour and tend to be smaller than those who are borrowers. Most importantly, the risk‐free interest rate is positively correlated with loans investment and bank risk‐taking behaviour.
China's regional income disparity An alternative way to think of the sources and causes1
Authors: Lu Ding
Published: August 2010

Using data on China's provincial economies for the period 1978–2005, we decomposed the causes and factors that have contributed to inter‐regional per capita income disparity. Variance in capital per employee and variance in capital elasticity are found to be the two main sources of income disparity while the employment–labour force ratio is shown to be an important factor in containing the rise of income disparity. An analysis on inter‐regional factor reallocation effects reveals their relatively small and insignificant contributions to overall growth performance. It is also discovered that capital has in most years flowed in the right direction to pursue higher marginal productivity across provincial economies. Inter‐provincial labour movement, on the other hand, had not displayed significant equilibrating effects until institutional reforms started to allow freer inter‐regional labour mobility in later years. Generally, we conclude that market‐oriented factor mobility has played a crucial role in equalizing factor returns as well as enhancing growth efficiency across regions.
Symposium on Market development and inequality in China1
Authors: Kanbur Ravi , Qian Yingyi , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: August 2010

After three decades of market development, the problem in China is no longer how to achieve growth but how to manage its consequences and how to sustain it. One of the most important consequences is the growing inequality – between skilled and unskilled workers, between the genders, between rural and urban areas, and between inland and coastal regions. The papers in this symposium shed light on the important issue of inequality during rapid market development in China. Analysis based on ground level empirical studies can help us to understand better the sources of the rising inequality and to illuminate the nature of the future challenges.
DIFFERENTIATING FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND MANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENTS, PUBLIC SERVICES AND CHARITIES
Authors: Perrin John R.
Published: August 2010

This paper illustrates many types of not‐for‐profit organisations (NFPOs) whose characteristics of financial accountability and management differentiate them as suitable for study in this journal. It also more briefly introduces some of the distinctive characteristics of the environment of financial accountability and management in NFPOs. Its purpose is to give readers the flavour of the intended future coverage of FAM, which should include a wider range of disciplinary insights than appear in this first paper. The editor hopes that academics, practitioners and others will be stimulated to submit authoritative papers relating to any of the relevant organisations, characteristics or problems.
A PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGNING MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS IN NOT‐FOR‐PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Ramanathan Kavasseri V.
Published: August 2010

A major deficiency of traditional expenditure control systems based on fund accounting is the failure to link expenditures with results. Consequently, periodic evaluation of performance in nonprofit organizations suffer from lack of result‐orientation. A fundamental step in strengthening periodic evaluation is to use an integrated control framework based on benefit‐cost criteria which are used in ex ante evaluation of program proposals and ex post evaluation of program performance at strategic intervals. This paper presents such an integrated benefit‐cost based control framework and shows how a consistent set of performance criteria could be derived for managerial control purposes.
JAPANESE URBAN MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
Authors: Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: August 2010

Problematic points of Japanese Urban Management Accounting have been reviewed on budgetary control, cost behavior analysis, program accountability, and social significance of administrative services. Policy‐making and organizational behavior of municipal offices are the second targets of this analytical work which deals with: management/accountability structure, policy settlement and policy evaluation. Finally, accountability of municipal offices for citizens is analysed for the preparation of governmental social accountability reports.
NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT'S CURRENT ISSUES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Authors: Groot Tom , Budding Tjerk
Published: August 2010

In this paper we describe the main characteristics of NPM and illustrate the current state of affairs in three main areas: (a) the effectiveness of NPM reforms, (b) NPM's impact on planning and control in government entities, and (c) the implementation and use of accrual accounting methods in government. We use the responses of 105 (mostly Dutch) practitioners in government and non‐profit organizations. Most respondents recognize performance improvements, but only a minority attribute these improvements directly to NPM reforms. Improved planning and control systems are seen to have only a limited impact on the work of professionals, while accrual accounting is considered to have only limited potential to support political decision making.
THE OTHER CONFESSIONAL HISTORY: ON SECULAR BIAS IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION
Authors: GREGORY BRAD S.
Published: August 2010

The rejection of confessional commitments in the study of religion in favor of social‐scientific or humanistic theories of religion has produced not unbiased accounts, but reductionist explanations of religious belief and practice with embedded secular biases that preclude the understanding of religious believer‐practitioners. These biases derive from assumptions of undemonstrable, dogmatic, metaphysical naturalism or its functional equivalent, an epistemological skepticism about all truth claims of revealed religions. Because such assumptions are so widespread among scholars today, they are not often explicitly articulated. They were overtly asserted by Emile Durkheim in his Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1912), however, and are implicit in the claims of two other thinkers influential in the study of early modern Christianity in recent years, namely Clifford Geertz and Michel Foucault. The use of such theories in the history of religion yields secular confessional history, parallel to traditional religious confessional history only with different embedded metaphysical beliefs. If scholars want to understand religious persons such that the latter would recognize themselves in what is said about them, rather than impose their own metaphysical convictions on them, then they should reject metaphysically biased reductionist theories of religion no less than confessional religious assumptions in the practice of their scholarship. Instead, a study of religion guided not by theories but by the question, “What did it mean to them?” and which is particularized in metaphysically neutral ways offers a third alternative that avoids confessional history, whether religious or secular. When carried out consistently for multiple traditions, such an approach can reconstruct disagreements that point beyond description to historical explanation of change over time.
Inflation Dynamics*
Authors: Mishkin Frederic S.
Published: August 2010

This paper first outlines the key stylized facts about changes in inflation dynamics in recent years: (1) inflation persistence has declined, (2) the Phillips‐curve has flattened and (3) inflation has become less responsive to other shocks. These changes in inflation dynamics are interpreted as resulting from an anchoring of inflation expectations as a result of better monetary policy. The paper then goes on to draw implications for monetary policy from this interpretation, as well as implications for inflation forecasts.
Transfer of learning from management development programmes: testing the Holton model
Authors: Kirwan Cyril , Birchall David
Published: August 2010

Transfer of learning from management development programmes has been described as the effective and continuing application back at work of the knowledge and skills gained on those programmes. It is a very important issue for organizations today, given the large amounts of investment in these programmes and the small amounts of that investment that actually translates into an improved individual and organizational performance. This paper describes the testing of the Holton model of learning transfer and suggests amendments to the model where appropriate. A sample of participants on a management development programme within the Irish health service completed the Learning Transfer System Inventory based on the Holton model. The data obtained were analysed using multiple regression and partial correlation techniques. Results indicate that the model does adequately represent the effects of its factors, although a slightly revised model is presented. Important relationships between factors are identified, and the central role of the learners’ personal capacity for transfer (hitherto unreported in the literature) and their motivation to transfer in facilitating transfer is highlighted. In practical terms, the tested model can be used as a diagnostic tool by identifying individual, training design and work environment transfer issues in need of attention and by developing strategies to deal with them. It can also be used as a framework for the evaluation of training and development interventions, examining factors outside the traditional range of most training evaluation efforts and providing a more complete picture of the success or otherwise of that intervention.
Seeing differently: putting MBA learning into practice
Authors: Hay Amanda
Published: August 2010

MBA programmes frequently form part of managers’ training and development activities. However, such programmes have been subject to intensifying criticism, with critics arguing that MBAs do little to enhance management practice. Against this background, the paper presents an exploratory study of UK MBA graduates, which sought to identify the ways in which their MBA programme was seen to contribute to management practice. The findings suggest that the MBA is seen to add value to management practice in terms of seeing differently, in respect of self, others and organization.