bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in skin‐test reactivity do not correlate with clinical efficacy of H1‐blockers in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Bousquet J. , Czarlewski W. , Cougnard J. , Danzig M. , Micher F.‐B.
Published: May 2007

New‐generation H‐blockers may possess antiallergic properties, and their effect may differ, depending on the target organ. A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study was carried out during the pollen season to compare the clinical effect on nasal and conjunctival symptoms of astemizole (10 mg o.d.) and loratadine (10 mg o.d.) with their effect on skin‐test reactivity to allergen and histamine. Thirty‐eight patients (12–56 years of age) were studied. Nasal and ocular symptoms were recorded daily from days 4 to 7. Skin prick tests with serial concentrations of allergens and one concentration of histamine were carried out before and at the end of the 7‐day treatment period. Parallel‐line bioassay, analysis of variance, and covariance were used to analyze skin test data. Loratadine and astemizole significantly decreased symptoms from baseline (P<0.004 and P<0.006), Skin‐test reactivity to allergen and histamine was more profoundly decreased by astemizole than loratadine. The histamine covariant was more important in the allergen effect of astemizole than in that of loratadine. Two Hblockers having the same clinical effect on nasal and ocular symptoms during the pollen season have totally different effects on skin‐test reactivity. Skin‐test reactivity to allergen or histamine is not predictive of the clinical efficacy of H1‐blockers during seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Current allergic asthma and rhinitis: diagnostic efficiency of three commonly used atopic markers (IgE, skin prick tests, and Phadiatop®)
Authors: Tschopp J. M. , Sistek D. , Schindler C. , Leuenberger P. , Perruchoud A. P. , Wüthrich B. , Brutsche M. , Zellweger J. P. , Karrer W. , Brändli O. ,   SAPALDIA team
Published: May 2007

Total serum IgE, Phadiatop®, and the skin prick test (SPT) are commonly used to diagnose atopic diseases. However, no large study has ever been done to test their diagnostic efficiency. We studied the diagnostic value of these three atopic markers in 8329 well‐randomized adults from the Swiss Population Registry. The prevalence of current allergic asthma (CAA) was 1.8% and of current allergic rhinitis (CAR) 16.3%. The prevalences of positive Phadiatop, positive SPT (at least, one out of eight SPT to common aeroallergens with a wheal of >3 mm), and positive total IgE (IgE >100 kU/1) were 29, 23, and 23%, respectively. To diagnose CAA and CAR. the sensitivity of Phadiatop was significantly higher than that of SPT (72.5% vs 65.4%, 77.1% vs 68.4% respectively; P<0.01 and <0.001) and IgE (72.5% VA‐ 56.9%, 77.1% vs 43.9%, respectively; both p<0.001). The sensitivity of SPT was significantly higher (68.4% vs 43.9% P<0.001) than that of IgE to diagnose CAR. When CAA and CAR were excluded, the SPT specificity was significantly higher than that of Phadiatop (77.8% vs 71.9% and 85.9% vs 80.5%, respectively; both P<0.001): when CAR was excluded, SPT was significantly higher than IgE (85.9 vs 81.4%; P<0.001). SPT had significantly the best positive predictive value for CAA (5.2% for SPT vs 4.6% for both IgE and Phadiatop; both P<0.001) and CAR (48.7% for SPT vs 43.5% for Phadiatop and 31.6% for IgE; both P<0.001). The three markers of atopy had roughly the same negative predictive value (NPV) for CAA, but IgE had a significantly lower NPV for CAR than SPT and Phadiatop (88.1% vs 93.3% and 94.7%, respectively; both P<0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of SPT was significantly higher than that of Phadiatop (83.1% vs 79.9% and 77.6 vs 71.9%, respectively; both F<0.001) to diagnose CAR and CAA. IgE and SPT had equal efficiency (77.6%), which was significantly higher than that of Phadiatop, to diagnose CAA (71.9%; both P<0.001). In conclusion, SPT have the best positive predictive value and the best efficiency to diagnose respiratory atopic diseases. Furthermore, SPT give information on sensitivity to individual allergens and should therefore be used primarily by clinicians to assess respiratory allergic diseases. Moreover, they are cheaper and provide immediate, educational information for both patient and physician.
Specific IgE to recombinant vegetal panallergen (rBet v 2) and fruit allergy in pollinic patients
Authors: Daschner A. , Crespo J. F. , Pascual C. Y.
Published: May 2007

The presence of IgE antibodies to the allergens rBet v 1 and rBet v 2 was investigated in patients with known sensitization to ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and/or olive (Olea europaea) pollen, by comparing a group of 10 patients who had allergic symptoms after ingestion of fruits (A) with a group of 17 patients who had only seasonal respiratory symptoms (B). There was no significant difference between the two groups for total IgE. All patients showed specific IgE to both L. perenne and O. europaea. No specific IgE binding to rBet v 1 was detected in any patient. The incidence of the presence of IgE antibodies to rBet v 2 was 90% in the group with fruit allergy (A) and 35% in group B. We found a significant association between presence of IgE antibodies to rBet v 2 and fruit allergy (P=0.007). Specific IgE values to O. europaea pollen were higher in the fruit‐allergy group than the group without fruit allergy (P=<.032), In conclusion, pollen‐allergic patients with specific IgE to birch pollen profilin show a significantly elevated frequency of fruit allergy.
Identification of a basophil leukocyte interleukin‐3‐regulated protein that is identical to IgE‐dependent histamine‐releasing factor
Authors: Nielsen H. V. , Johnsen A. H. , Sanchez J.‐C. , Hochstrasser D. F. , Schiøtz P. O.
Published: May 2007

This study aimed to identify basophil leukocyte proteins associated with interleukin (IL)‐3 and/or anti‐IgE activation by two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis. We noticed one particular protein showing increased synthesis after recombinant human (rh)IL‐3 and. to a lesser extent, anti‐IgE stimulation. The protein was also present in the culture medium in increased amounts after rhIL‐3 stimulation. On the basis of comigration with proteins in published 2‐D gel electrophoresis databases and immunoblotting with a specific monoclonal antibody, we identified this protein as translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), also known as p23 or IgE‐dependent histamine‐releasing factor. The antibody was shown to be specific for TCTP/IgE‐dependent histamine‐releasing factor by blotfing on 2‐D gels of proteins from human lymphocytes and the human basophilic cell line KU812, followed by N‐terminal amino‐acid sequencing of the bound protein. Densitometric analysis of the gels showed that the synthesis of IgE‐dependent histamine‐releasing factor in human basophil leukocytes was dose dependent upon rhIL‐3 stimulation with an optimum of 100 ng/ml. The level of the protein in the medium was also highest at an optimal rhIL‐3 concentration of 100 ng/ml. Supernatants from cultured basophils were able to stimulate histamine release from other basophils. This histamine release was decreased by precipitation of TCTP/IgE‐dependent histamine‐releasing factor from these supernatants.
Effects of fluticasone propionate and beclomethasone dipropionate on parameters of inflammation in peripheral blood of patients with asthma
Authors: Bootsma G. P. , Koenderman L. , Dekhuijzen P. N. R. , Festen J. , Lammers J.‐W. J. , van Herwaarden C. L A.
Published: May 2007

Bronchial inflammation plays a central role in asthma. We investigated whether parameters of inflammation were increased in peripheral blood. Furthermore, we tested whether fluticasone propionate (FP), a new inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) affected these parameters. FP 750 μg/day and BDP 1500 μg/day were compared in a randomized, crossover study consisting of two 6‐week treatment periods, each preceded by a 3‐week placebo period. Twenty‐one patients with symptomatic asthma completed the study. The results were compared with those of six normal subjects (controls). Immunophenotyping of inflammatory cells was performed in whole blood, and serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was measured. With regard to clinical efficacy, ICS increased PCjo histamine by more than 1.9 doubling doses and FEV, by more than 0.34 1. The number of CD3/HLA‐DR+ lymphocytes was significantly increased in asthmatics compared to the normal subjects, both after placebo (P<0.01) and after therapy (P<0.05). The CD3/HLA‐DR‐H lymphocytes decreased significantly after treatment with FP (P<0.05). Serum ECP was elevated in patients without ICS and decreased after treatment with BDP (P<0.001). In conclusion, the number of CD3/HLA‐DR‐I‐ lymphocytes and serum ECP levels were raised in the peripheral blood of symptomatic asthmatics, and decreased by clinically effective doses of ICS. In this respect, FP 750 ng/day was at least as effective as BDP 1500 μg/day.
Longitudinal evaluation of bone mass in asthmatic children treated with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate or cromolyn sodium
Authors: Martinati L. C. , Bertoldo F. , Gasperi E. , Fortunati P. , Lo Cascio V. , Boner A. L.
Published: May 2007

Inhaled corticosteroids are recommended as first‐line therapy in patients with moderate to severe asthma. The use of these agents in the milder form of asthma is controversial because of their potential adverse effects, especially in growing children. We investigated 49 asthmatic children (38 treated with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) at a daily dose of 276 ±125 ng/day and 11 treated with cromolyn sodium (CS) at a daily dose of 30 ±10 mg/day) for 7.4 months, with bone‐mass measurements at baseline and after the treatment period. Evaluation of changes in cortical and trabecular bone mass (bone mineral density [BMD]; m/cm2) was performed by absorptiometry at the proximal forearm and at the lumbar spine, respectively. Furthermore, to correct for bone size changes due to growth, we calculated volumetric BMD (VOL‐BMD; mglcm3). At the end of the treatment period, the children who had received regular inhaled BDP had grown as well as children treated with CS, from 120±1.4 to 123±1.3 cm and from 118±3,2 to 120,3±2.8 cm, respectively. No children showed deviation from their percentile level of growth. Trabecular and cortical BMD increased after 7 months of follow‐up in both groups to the same extent. When BMD was adjusted for body size (VOL‐BMD; mg/cm2), bone mass was found not to have changed after BDP or CS treatment course within and between the two groups.
Atopy and intolerance of antimicrobial drugs increase the risk of reactions to acetaminophen and nimesulide in patients allergic to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: Pastorello E. A. , Zara C. , Riario‐Sforza G. G. , Pravettoni V. , Incorvaia C.
Published: May 2007

This study evaluated the risk factors for developing allergic reactions to alternative drugs such as acetaminophen and nimesulide in 367 patients intolerant of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) compared to 243 healthy controls. All subjects were given test doses (TD) of acetaminophen and nimesulide, and age, sex, atopy, and history of reactions also to unrelated drugs were compared in those who reacted and those who were tolerant of the challenge. TD was positive in 49 of 367 (t4%) NSAID‐allergic patients and in one (0.4%) ofthe controls (f <0.001). No difference was found in age and sex between the TD‐positive and TD‐negative subjects, although a significantly larger number of females were NSAID allergic (P<0.01). Of the 367 patients, 208 had a historj of reactions only to NSAID, and 148 to NSAID and antimicrobial drugs (AMD). TD with acetaminophen or nimesulide was positive in 6% of patients intolerant only of NSAID and i n 24% of those intolerant of both NSAID and AMD, with an odds ratio of 4.82. Atopy was more frequent among patients (36%) than controls (23%) (P=0.004). among TD‐positive (51%) than TD‐negative patients (33.5%) (P<0.02), and among patients intolerant of NSAID and AMD (48%) than those intolerant only of NSAID (F=0.006). The odds ratios were, respectively, 1.87, 2.57, and 3.16. This study provides evidence that atopy and history of allergic reactions to AMD increase the likelihood of intolerance of usually well‐tolerated alternative drugs such as acetaminophen and nimesulide in subjects allergic to NSAID.
Unstimulated basophils in atopic and nonatopic subjects express intracellular interleukin‐4: detection by flow cytometry
Authors: Kon O. M. , Sihra B. S. , Till S. J. , Corrigan C. J. , Kay A. B. , Grant J. A.
Published: May 2007

Background IgE‐stimulated cultured basophils from atopic subjects are capable of secreting interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). We describe a flow‐cytometric technique which identified intracellular IL‐4 in unstimulated basophils unseparated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in both atopic (AT) and nonatopic (NC) volunteers.

Methods Freshly isolated PBMC were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA). Surface staining with 22E7, a noncompetitive anti‐Fc‐a antibody, allowed identification of basophils. Permeabilization by 0.1 % saponin allowed staining of intracellular cytokines with specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Two series of experiments utilizing different protocols and anticytokine mAbs were performed. The first protocol required a two‐stage fluorochrome staining technique. The availability of fluorochrome‐conjugated mAbs allowed a simpler, one‐stage labelling procedure for the second protocol.

Results With the first protocol, IL‐4 (but not IFN‐y), immunoreactivity was detectable in a majority (median 77%) of peripheral blood basophils from both AT and NC subjects (N = 8). Basophil IL‐4 immunoreactivity was again evident in experiment 2 but did not differ significantly between AT and NC subjects ‐ either evaluated as percentage of IL‐4+ basophils (AT median=66%, NC median=38.4%, P=0.41) or lL‐4‐specific mean fluorescence (AT median=0.85, NC median=0.3, P=0.07).

Conclusions This simple technique allowed the study of intracellular cytokine expression in unstimulated blood basophils. It demonstrated constitutive basophil expression of lL‐4 (but not IFN‐y) in all subjects, with no significant increases in atopies.
Risk and safety of immunotherapy
Authors: Rogala B.
Published: May 2007

The risk and safety of specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been the subject of many well‐designed studies since it was introduced. Most authors consider SIT an efficient and safe mode of treatment despite the occurrence of life‐threatening anaphylactic reactions. They emphasize the importance of a proper selection of patients as well as the requirement for highly qualified physicians to provide the treatment. Another problem associated with the safety of SIT is the potential enhancement of the synthesis of immune complexes after the treatment. SIT causes a decrease in allergen‐specific IgE which is slower in circulating immune complexes than in the serum. No data are available to show that SIT induces immune‐complex diseases, in either the immunologic or the clinical sense. As far as anaphylactic reactions are concerned, new alternative methods different from the conventional parenteral mode of delivery seem to be safe. Our increased understanding of the altered functions of the immune system justifies the assumption that the more specific the method of SIT administration, the more effective and safe it is.
CD86 (B7–2) antigen on B cells from atopic patients shows selective, antigen‐specific upregulation
Authors: Nakada M. , Nishizaki K. , Yoshino T. , Okano M. , Masuda Y. , Ohta N. , Akagi T.
Published: May 2007

To determine whether B7 signals are associated with atopic responses in man, we assayed CD80 and CD86 expression on B cells and monocytes from atopic patients and controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and from 10 normal subjects were cultured in the presence or absence of house‐dust‐mite antigen, and B cells and monocytes were assayed for expression of CD80 and CD86 by flow cytometry. CD86 on B cells was significantly and selectively upregulated in all atopic subjects, but not in normal subjects, whereas CD80 expression was not altered in B cells from the atopic subjects or controls. In contrast, both CD80 and CD86 were upregulated in monocytes from the atopic subjects as well as the controls. However, CD86 upregulation was significantly higher in the atopic subjects than in controls. Our results seem to suggest that selective upregulation of CD86 on B cells by a challenging antigen may play a critical role in the development of Th2 cells in patients with atopic disease.
Unmet needs in asthma: Global Asthma Physician and Patient (GAPP) Survey: global adult findings
Authors: Canonica G. W. , Baena‐Cagnani C. E. , Blaiss M. S. , Dahl R. , Kaliner M. A. , Valovirta E. J. ,   (The GAPP Survey Working Group)
Published: May 2007

Background:  The Global Asthma Physician and Patient (GAPP) Survey is the first global quantitative survey designed to uncover asthma attitudes and treatment practices among separate groups of physicians and patients, with the goal of identifying barriers to optimal management.

Method:  A total of 5582 physician and patient interviews were conducted globally online, by telephone and face‐to‐face. This paper highlights key global findings from the adult arm (3559 interviews) conducted in 16 countries.

Results:  Physician and patient responses were found to differ when respondents were asked the same set of questions. Perceptions of time spent on asthma education, the quality of physician–patient communications, awareness and experience of side effects and understanding and knowledge of treatment noncompliance were found to differ between these two sets of respondents.

Conclusions:  The GAPP Survey not only defines an unmet need in asthma treatment, but also reveals that there is a direct relationship between the quality of physician–patient communication, the level of treatment side effects and the extent of patient compliance. These survey findings highlight a clear need for improved patient‐focused care in asthma.
Respiratory effects of exposure to methacrylates among dental assistants
Authors: Jaakkola M. S. , Leino T. , Tammilehto L. , Ylöstalo P. , Kuosma E. , Alanko K.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Case reports of occupational asthma in dental personnel have been published, but there is little data on the risk of respiratory disorders related to occupational exposure to methacrylates in dental assistants. The objective of this study was to investigate the relation of exposure to methacrylates to occurrence of respiratory symptoms and diseases among dental assistants.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study of female dental assistants from the membership register of the Finnish Association of Dental Hygienists and Assistants was conducted in the Helsinki metropolitan area. A CATI was carried out to collect information on health and exposures. A total of 799 dental assistants participated (response rate 87%).

Results:  Daily use of methacrylates was related to a significantly increased risk of adult‐onset asthma (adjusted OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.14–7.24), nasal symptoms (1.37, 1.02–1.84), and work‐related cough or phlegm (1.69, 1.08–2.71). Nasal symptoms showed a dose–response relation with increasing years of exposure to methacrylates, and those with >10 years of exposure had also increased risk of hoarseness, dyspnoea, and wheezing with dyspnoea. Dental assistants with a history of atopic diseases were particularly susceptible to exposure to methacrylates, the adjusted OR for adult asthma being in this group 4.18 (95% CI 1.02–28.55) and for nasal symptoms 2.11 (1.08–4.19).

Conclusions:  This study provides new evidence that the risk of adult‐onset asthma, nasal symptoms and other respiratory symptoms increase significantly with daily use of methacrylates in dental assistants’ work. The results suggest that exposure to methacrylates poses an important occupational hazard for dental assistants.
Nonspecific provocation of target organs in allergic diseases: EAACI‐GA2LEN consensus report
Authors: Bonini S. , Rasi G. , Brusasco V. , Carlsen K.‐H. , Crimi E. , Popov T. , Schultze‐Werninghaus G. , Gramiccioni C. , Bonini M. , Passali D. , Bachert C. , Van Cauwenberge P. B. , Bresciani M. , Bonini S. , Calonge M. , Montan P. G. , Serapiao Dos Santos M. , Belfort R. , Lambiase A. , Sacchetti M.
Published: May 2007

It is widely accepted that nonspecific tissue reactivity is a distinct pathophysiological hallmark of allergic diseases, influenced by genetic and environmental factors different from those involved in causing sensitization and allergen response of target organs. This consensus document aims at reviewing procedures currently used for nonspecific provocation of the bronchi, nose and eye and for measuring their responsiveness to nonspecific stimuli.
Association of control and risk of severe asthma‐related events in severe or difficult‐to‐treat asthma patients
Authors: Sullivan S. D. , Wenzel S. E. , Bresnahan B. W. , Zheng B. , Lee J. H. , Pritchard M. , Kamath T. V. , Weiss S. T. ,   for the TENOR Study Group
Published: May 2007

Background:  Clinical tools for predicting poor outcomes in asthma patients are lacking. This study investigated the association of asthma control and subsequent severe asthma‐related healthcare events in The Epidemiology and Natural History of Asthma: Outcomes and Treatment Regimens (TENOR) study.

Methods:  The extent of asthma control problems was determined from baseline values of the Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire (ATAQ). Patients self‐reported the presence of severe asthma‐related events at 6‐ and 12‐month follow up. Poisson regression models determined the adjusted association between baseline control and the likelihood of severe asthma‐related events.

Results:  At baseline, 2942 patients (mean age, 49.6 years; female, 71.9%) had an ATAQ score (no control problems, 17.0%; 1 control problem, 20.0%; 2 control problems, 30.8%; 3 or 4 control problems, 32.2%) and at least one severe asthma‐related event. After adjustment, subjects with three or four control problems were at greater risk for unscheduled office visits [relative risk (RR) = 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4–3.2], course of oral steroids (RR = 2.9; 95% CI: 2.5–3.3), emergency room visits (RR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.7–6.2) or hospitalization (RR = 13.6; 95% CI: 7.4–24.9), vs no control problems. Progressively poorer levels of asthma control are associated with increasing risk of severe asthma‐related events.

Conclusions:  This study provides evidence of an association between poor asthma control and future severe asthma‐related healthcare events. A validated questionnaire may help clinicians identify patients requiring intervention to prevent future severe asthma‐related events.
Detection of a Specific Transposon in Erysiphe necator from Grapevines in France
Authors: Bouscaut J. , Corio‐Costet M.‐F.
Published: May 2007

The biotrophic fungus, Erysiphe necator the causal agent of the grape powdery mildew, has two genetic groups A and B in European and Australian vineyards. A strain of group A was used to isolate a DNA sequence that exhibits high sequence homology to RNaseH of a non‐LTR (long tandem repeat) retrotransposon of Glomerella cingulata. PCR primers were designed and tested for their specificity to genetic group A of E. necator. This molecular tool is more efficient and sensitive than nested PCR based on polymorphism in the CYP51 and β‐tubulin genes.
Escherichia coli has multiple enzymes that attack TNT and release nitrogen for growth
Authors: González‐Pérez M. Mar , Van Dillewijn Pieter , Wittich Rolf‐M. , Ramos Juan L.
Published: May 2007

There has been a growing interest in the degradation of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) over the last decade, ever since its removal from polluted sites was declared an international environmental priority. Certain aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms are capable of using TNT as an N source, although very few studies have proven the mineralization of this compound. An unexpected observation in our laboratory led us to discover that certain Escherichia coli bench laboratory strains have multiple enzymes that attack TNT. One of the NemA products is responsible for the release of nitrite from the nitroaromatic ring: among the metabolites observed in vitro include Meisenheimer dihydride complexes of TNT from which 2‐hydroxylamino‐6‐nitrotoluene is slowly formed during their rearomatization under concomitant release of nitrite. Furthermore, NemA, together with NfsA and NfsB reduce the nitro groups on the aromatic ring to the corresponding hydroxylamino derivatives, which probably results in the release of ammonium ions which can, in turn be used as a nitrogen source by E. coli for growth.
Evolution of γ‐butyrolactone synthases and receptors in Streptomyces
Authors: Nishida Hiromi , Ohnishi Yasuo , Beppu Teruhiko , Horinouchi Sueharu
Published: May 2007

The γ‐butyrolactone regulatory system triggers secondary metabolism and/or morphological development in the Gram‐positive, soil‐dwelling, filamentous bacterial genus Streptomyces. The representative of the γ‐butyrolactones is A‐factor in Streptomyces griseus. AfsA is an enzyme for A‐factor biosynthesis and ArpA is the A‐factor receptor protein that serves as a transcriptional factor by using A‐factor as the ligand. Analysis of evolutional relations between AfsA including its homologues and ArpA including its homologues, all of which are widely distributed in Streptomyces, revealed great differences in the topologies of their phylogenetic trees. Therefore, the combinations of AfsA homologues and ArpA homologues in a given Streptomyces strain appear to have changed during the evolution. Even if an afsA homologue and an arpA homologue locate adjacently on the chromosome, the evolutional history of the individuals was found to be different in some Streptomyces strains. In addition, the phylogenetic analyses suggested that the ancestral ArpA protein had existed and functioned as a DNA‐binding protein, not as a γ‐butyrolactone receptor, before the appearance of a γ‐butyrolactone receptor protein in the course of the bacterial evolution. Some Streptomyces strains have plasmids encoding AfsA/ArpA homologues, which suggests that plasmids have played an important role in the distribution of afsA/arpA homologues. During the evolution, once a Streptomyces strain acquired different afsA/arpA homologues, it may have developed a new γ‐butyrolactone regulatory system reconstructing the regulatory systems for secondary metabolism and/or morphogenesis. This idea is consistent with the diverged combination of AfsA homologues and ArpA homologues in a Streptomyces strain.
Contribution of Chloroflexus respiration to oxygen cycling in a hypersaline microbial mat from Lake Chiprana, Spain
Authors: Polerecky Lubos , Bachar Ami , Schoon Raphaela , Grinstein Mor , Jørgensen Bo Barker , De Beer Dirk , Jonkers Henk M.
Published: May 2007

In dense stratified systems such as microbial mats, photosynthesis and respiration are coupled due to a tight spatial overlap between oxygen‐producing and ‐consuming microorganisms. We combined microsensors and a membrane inlet mass spectrometer with two independent light sources emitting in the visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) regions to study this coupling in more detail. Using this novel approach, we separately quantified the activity of the major players in the oxygen cycle in a hypersaline microbial mat: gross photosynthesis of cyanobacteria, NIR light‐dependent respiration of Chloroflexus‐like bacteria (CLB) and respiration of aerobic heterotrophs. Illumination by VIS light induced oxygen production in the top ∼1 mm of the mat. In this zone CLB were found responsible for all respiration, while the contribution of the aerobic heterotrophs was negligible. Additional illumination of the mat with saturating NIR light completely switched off CLB respiration, resulting in zero respiration in the photosynthetically active zone. We demonstrate that microsensor‐based quantification of gross and net photosyntheses in dense stratified systems should carefully consider the NIR light‐dependent behaviour of CLB and other anoxygenic phototrophic groups.
Bacterioplankton assemblages transforming dissolved organic compounds in coastal seawater
Authors: Mou Xiaozhen , Hodson Robert E. , Moran Mary Ann
Published: May 2007

To characterize bacterioplankton functional assemblages that transform specific components of the coastal seawater dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to label the bacterioplankton cells that were active following addition of single‐DOC model compounds: two organic osmolytes [dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and glycine betaine (GlyB)] and two aromatic monomers [para‐hydroxybenzoic acid (pHBA) and vanillic acid (VanA)]. Bacterial populations were analysed based on in situ fluorescent immunodetection of BrdU incorporation followed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). Sorted cells were then characterized by 16S rDNA‐based analysis. Populations with high BrdU incorporation level (HI) developed within 8 h of introduction of 100 nM model compound. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms (T‐RFLP) analysis indicated that the HI populations in all four amendments were composed of bacteria from the same major taxa (phylum and subphylum levels), but the relative abundance of each differed. High‐resolution clone libraries (each containing ∼200 clones) showed that the HI populations in the GlyB and VanA amendments consisted of both metabolic generalists and specialists within the α‐Proteobacteria (mainly members of the Roseobacter clade), β‐Proteobacteria and γ‐Proteobacteria (mainly members of Altermonadaceae, Chromatiaceae, Oceanospirillaceae and Pseudomonadaceae). The presence of members of OM60/241, OM185, SAR11, SAR86 and SAR116 in the HI populations indicated that members of these groups can assimilate the model DOC compounds, providing some of the first glimpses into heterotrophy by members of these poorly understood environmental clusters.
THE TERMS‐OF‐TRADE EFFECTS OF DEVALUATION UPON REAL INCOME AND THE BALANCE OF TRADE
Authors: Machlup Fritz
Published: May 2007

The question how currency devaluation would affect the net terms of trade has been debated for many years, chiefly because one wanted to know what this change in the terms of trade would do to real national income, and also how this income change in turn would alter the trade balance. Yet, changes in the net terms of trade can have determinate effects on real income only if the productivity of resources is unchanged, and devaluation usually affects productivity through the resource reallocation which it induces; indeed, where there is no such reallocation the net terms cannot be affected by devaluation. Hence, even if the net terms should be adversely affected by devaluation, this may be associated with an improved use of resources which raises productivity enough to cause real national income to be increased rather than reduced. A deterioration of the net terms of trade may sometimes be a pre‐condition for an increase in real national income as well as for an improvement in the balance of trade. The presumption is strong that the devaluation of an overvalued currency will lead to a more efficient allocation of resources. The contention that a deterioration of the net terms of trade will normally cause a reduction of the real national income and a worsening of the balance of trade by equal amounts must surely be rejected.

The conceptual identity between real output and real income cannot be maintained when the terms of trade change. Clear analysis of the problems under discussion requires distinctions between “real output”, “real intake”, and “real income”. If the idea of a “change in the real balance of trade” is to make sense, it must relate to the difference between changes in real domestic output and real domestic intake. The socalled “primary burden” of devaluation may be interpreted as the fall in real intake when real output and terms of trade are unchanged; if there is any “secondary burden”, it need not be another reduction in real intake, but rather a reduction in real income. Since real output and real income may move simultaneously in different directions, it becomes necessary to ask on which of them the spending propensities—investment, consumption, imports, hoarding—are based. Depending on the incidence of changes in “income”, it will sometimes be real output, sometimes real income that will determine expenditures. Yet in most algebraic models there is just a simple Y for both.
NOUVEAUX ASPECTS DE LA THÉORIE DES PRIX ET DE LA PRODUCTION*
Authors: Capet M. F.
Published: May 2007

New Aspects of Price and Production Theory. Despite recent progress, price and production theory is still inadequate, because it is not applicable to the management of business enterprises and it cannot be used in macro‐economic models. What is needed is not the refinement of a few special points in the theory, which suffers from the defect of narrowness, but rather an effort to extend its scope, particularly in the following respects:

(a) Investigation of such relations as may exist between markets or between industries;

(b) Specification of the production functions;

(c) The working‐out of a theory of organisations, which would make it possible to grasp and express, in simple terms, the differences that are to be expected in the behaviour of a co‐operative society and a share company, a trust and a cartel a free and a dependent enterprise, etc.;

(d) Investigation of cases falling somewhere between a duopoly and a polypoly— the only forms which really exist—detailed treatment being given to the possible reactions of enterprisers (price changes, advertisements, participations etc.), and the result being systematised on the basis of a new logical principle, which, to all appearance, can only be the one underlying the theory of games.

It looks as if we are now upon the brink of such an extension of the theory. This would constitute the second “revolution” of the price and production theory. The book Business Concentration and Price Policy reviews the stage now reached by research with regard to a large number of important points, such as:

‐ the concept of industry,

‐ investigation of yields,

‐ the extent of concentration and degree of integration of business firms,

‐ the incidence of taxes,

‐ the tactics of imperfect competition,

‐ the relations between markets.

Although it suffers from want of systematic arrangement, the book nevertheless supplies a great many data necessary for the elaboration of a general theory.
TOWARDS A THEORY OF IMPLANTED DEVELOPMENT IN UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Authors: BonnÉ Alfred
Published: May 2007

The vigorous movement towards raising the levels of economic performance and consumption in the underdeveloped areas has become one of the central economic issues of our time. But so far no satisfactory theory has been constructed to explain this movement, its implications and effects.

The starting‐point for any attempt to construct a theory of development in underdeveloped countries must be an analysis of the major factors and conditions responsible for economic growth in Western countries. These are: (1) capital formation of an impressive magnitude, as a continuous process increasing in breadth and intensity and including the formation of intellectual capital. The introduction of mechanical means of production was of paramount importance in this process, because it radically changed the rate of progress; (2) operation of effective incentives either in the form of material rewards (profits) or spiritual inducements or both; (3) availability of an expanding market to absorb the rising flow of goods; (4) tendency for a balanced ratio to be maintained between population growth and economic growth; (5) a succession of scientific discoveries and a readiness on the part of entrepreneurs and technicians to utilise them for the continual improvement of techniques of production; (6) apolitical regime and a social order conducive to economic development. Since several of these factors either do not obtain at all in underdeveloped countries, or obtain only partially, a theory of economic development built on the cornerstones of economic growth in the West would not fit conditions in underdeveloped countries.

The gradual change to an independent existence with higher standards of living and higher levels of economic performance is being brought about by a transfer of means and techniques of economic development from outside through a process of implantation. In place of the incentives which served in the Western world and which are not reproduced to the extent required to stimulate a comprehensive process of development in the immediate future, substitutes are in operation. Modern nationalism is one of the motive forces of economic development in underdeveloped countries. On the same plane is the acceptance of entrepreneurial functions by governmental agencies.

The progress in transferability of modern techniques of production has immensely facilitated the promotion of up‐to‐date processes of production and distribution in underdeveloped countries also. Finally, a difference is to be noted in the economic mechanism by which the various elements of the socio‐economic process are geared together and kept in motion.
MONOPOLISTIC RENT DETERMINATION IN UNDERDEVELOPED RURAL AREAS*
Authors: Bottomley Anthony
Published: May 2007

Economists are often puzzled by the fact that impoverished tenants in poor countries are frequently crowded on to inadequate holdings, while much immediately available land remains unused. This paper sets out to explain this phenomenon in terms of the monopoly or oligopoly power of the landlord class. Individual landowners with this power will find it in their interest to rent out land only up to the point at which its annual marginal value product equals the annual outlay involved in bringing it into use. The latter can be expressed as the yearly interest payments on the original investment (clearing, levelling, and draining charges etc.) plus some annual maintenance costs.

More terrain may be cultivated if the monopoly power of landlord can be broken. This would mean that land would be employed up to a level at which the value of its marginal product, as opposed to its marginal value product, equalled the annual cost of bringing it into use. In addition, the VMP and MVP curves on a particular landlord's holdings would be rendered more rent‐elastic if their produce could be sold in wider national and international markets. This too would bring more land under the plough. Sharp price declines associated with increased production in isolated areas may be an important reason why monopolistic landowners keep much of their land unused. The author admits that this is but one among a number of alternative explanations, but he asks that it be given equal consideration with the others. Statistical data pertaining to the South American republic of Ecuador are used in support of the argument.
VALUES IN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS: A METHODOLOGICAL ISSUE*
Authors: Jr. Charles Schotta,
Published: May 2007

This paper examines the problem of selection of variables which are to be considered important when theories or hypotheses concerning social and economic behavior are formulated. It is argued that while considerable precision is utilized in deriving conclusions from economic models, the degree of precision used in selecting the variables included in the model is very much less.

The problems involved in constructing a theory of hypothesis building are discussed. The meaning of analyses where ‘casual empiricism’ has been used to select decision variables is examined and criticized. Possible approaches to the problem of interpretation of analytical results in such cases are outlined.

The paper does not contain a proposal for a theory of theory construction, but merely calls attention to some of the problems involved in formulation of hypotheses in positive social sciences such as economics.
THE PATINKIN CONTROVERSY: A REVIEW
Authors: Mauer Laurence Jay
Published: May 2007

The article reviews the first two stages of the Patinkin Controversy; these stages deal with the question of whether the Classical system is logically sound. Two distinct meanings of the term inconsistency are established: inconsistency in the sense that, for a given system of equations, all equations cannot be simultaneously satisfied by at least one set of values of the variables; and inconsistency in the sense that, for a given set of assumptions, a contradiction is present. It is shown that much of the controversy's confusion has arisen from a failure to distinguish between these two meanings.

The conclusion reached is that despite the attacks on Patinkin's position, the logical problem which he descovered still remains.
DESCRIPTIVE, PREDICTIVE AND NORMATIVE THEORY
Authors: Morgenstern Oskar
Published: May 2007

The higher degree of description is reached when a field becomes amenable to the use of the axiomatic method. In economics this state has been reached only recently in the establishment of a numerical utility. In general, it is difficult to know what to describe and how to measure; both require precise concepts. Current economic descriptions lack both very often, in particular the whole area of psychological factors, decisions, etc., escape the essentially physical descriptions of economic phenomena.

Good predictions are the ultimate test of theory but also false theories often have a surprising power to predict. Thus, this matter is much more complicated than normally assumed.

Even descriptive theories can be interpreted as ‘normative’ provided they are convincing to the user. The implied norm is often a prohibition, as for example, in the statement that one should not try to build a perpetuum mobile. If a state of society is commonly accepted which sanctions private property, then the norm follows that one ought not to steal. This is different from normative value statements that derive solely from other norms.
ON SOME ISSUES IN THE THEORY OF THE ‘SOCIALIST ECONOMY'*
Authors: Spulber Nicolas
Published: May 2007

A number of debates have taken place among Western economists about efficient allocation under ‘socialism’, interplay of objectives and controls under alternative modes of socialist organization’, and about ways of classifying ‘socialist’ changes and transitions. The paper presents the main thrusts of these debates and examines various interpretations of the concept of a ‘socialist economy’ including those originating in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The study is comprised of three parts. The first considers the attempts to define polar types of ‘socialist organization’. The second discusses efforts to ascertain the rationale of socialist changes and to determine the direction of such changes. The third examines the key problems involved in the transition from one system to another.
FISCAL FEDERALISM, SPILLOVERS AND THE EXPORT OF TAXES
Authors: Sandler Todd M. , Shelton Robert B.
Published: May 2007

This paper ties together two recent important contributions to the analysis of fiscal federalism, namely when public goods spillovers and tax exportation exist simultaneously. In a two‐region analysis, with resources immobile, the analysis demonstrates that it may be to the advantage of a net tax ‘importing’ region to remain in a federation whenever the net tax ‘exporting’ region increases its production of a mutually beneficial good or service. Relaxing the assumption of resource immobility, the paper investigates the conditions in which a tax ‘importing’ region may find itself ‘better off’ than in the no tax ‘importation’ case.

This paper also investigates standard notions of tax efficiency and illustrates that with tax exportation, previous notions of tax efficiency must be qualified. Furthermore, it is shown that due to tax distortions, it is possible for all parties to be made ‘better off’ through some form of tax harmonization, but it is to the advantage of no single region to correct its tax distortions.
EINE VERALLGEMEINERUNG DES WACHSTUMSMODELLS VON SOLOW UND IHRE ANWENDUNG AUF DAS NEOKLASSISCHE THEOREM
Authors: MÜckl Wolfgang J.
Published: May 2007

Solow's famous contribution to the theory of economic growth is based on the assumption that the savings proportions are the same for all income earners. In this study this restrictive premise is replaced by the assumption that the savings proportions vary according to the different groups of income earners.

This paper sets out to analyse the resultant consequences for the long‐run equilibrium growth. One essential result is that both the overall savings proportion and the capital‐output‐ratio are flexible. Their steady‐state solutions are, in contrast to the respective solutions in Solow’s original paper, dependent on the form of the production function.

Moreover, there can be derived certain conditions for the special long‐run equilibrium of the Neo‐Classical Theorem, which are implying no specific restrictions on the savings proportions of the various groups. Besides, there is shown that on these conditions not only a maximum of total consumption per man is achieved but also an equal distribution of consumption among all groups.
THE STANDARDIZED WORK WEEK AND THE ALLOCATION OF TIME*
Authors: Sherman Roger , Willett Thomas D.
Published: May 2007

Minimum‐wage, maximum hours legislation constrains employers in the hours of work they offer weekly to employees. Implications of this standardized work week are discussed here in the context of theories of the allocation of time. Some confounding of the effects due to income differences in such theories is shown to be possible because the value of consumers’ time is no longer indicated by their wage rates. Retail organization and service industries also can be expected to adjust to the differences in time value. Possible welfare bases for the standardized work week are noted.
ON THE THEORY OF THE DEVALUATION BIAS*
Authors: Roper Don E.
Published: May 2007

Government authorities outside the U. S. have two important incentives to hold the values of their currencies in terms to dollars below the equilibrium rate. First, their export and import competing industries are able to place considerable political pressure on the authorities to keep an undervalued rate whereas consumer interests are so diffuse that they exert little pressure for an overvalued rate. Secondly, the authorities themselves would rather have too many reserves than too few.

This paper demonstrates that these two forces do not produce a devaluation bias against the dollar except over a transitional period.
LONG‐RUN PROFIT MAXIMIZATION: AN EMPIRICAL TEST
Authors: Hiller* John R.
Published: May 2007

The present paper attempts a more direct test of the growth and profit maximizing theories of the firm, than previously presented. The approach is to estimate directly the marginal rates of return on investment for individual firms and individual years, over time, for a sample of large U.S. industrial corporations. The marginal rate of return estimates are then statistically compared to several cost of capital series, on a year‐by‐year basis. Substantial, prolonged, and statistically significant overinvestment is discovered, casting doubt on the profit maximizing conditions but supporting the growth theory of the firm.
A Simultaneous Equations Model of Trade and Development with Dynamic Policy Simulations
Authors: Dominick Salvatore
Published: May 2007

This article seeks to help resolve the serious theoretical controversy about the contribution of international trade to economic development by constructing a simultaneous‐equations model that captures the most important quantitative aspects of the relationship between trade and development, and testing it by pooling data for 52 nations (representing all of the developing nations for which the required data are available) from 1961 to the present. The model is estimated by Full Information Maximum Likelihood, validated by dynamic simulation and utilized for policy and other counterfactual simulations. By the use of dummy variables and Chow tests, shifts of the structural relationships and slope coefficients over time are also tested for. The study finds strong empirical support for trade being very important for development, but to be more in the nature of a handmaiden than of an engine of growth.