bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditions for Conventional and Unconventional Political Participation: An Empirical Test of Economic and Sociological Hypotheses
Authors: OPP KARL‐DIETER , BUROW‐AUFFARTH KÄTE , HEINRICHS UWE
Published: May 2006

For almost any social phenomenon there exist a great many different theories seeking to explain the respective social facts. This holds also for the field of political participation which is the subject of this paper. In order to explain why people participate more or less in a conventional or unconventional way, not only hypotheses of sociology and political science might be applied. Economics, too, claims to offer valid explanations. In this situation there arises the problem of which theories are superior. In order to contribute to answering this question, some hypotheses on political participation are stated, based upon utility theory. This ‘economic model’ of (conventional and unconventional) political participation is empirically confronted with two sociological theories of political participation. A theoretical analysis indicates that the economic model implies conditions for the validity of the two sociological theories. Furthermore, a secondary analysis with data from Western Germany showed that the economic model was, in spite of measurement problems, superior to the sociological theories.
The Influence of the Socio‐Political Context on Political Socialization
Authors: PERCHERON ANNICK
Published: May 2006

The influence of the context on the development of political attitudes among adolescents is frequently forgotten. This paper is an attempt to evaluate the influence of the place where adolescents live on their perception of politics, and the relation between ideological preferences and political attitudes towards nationalism expressed by adolescents and the political context of the commune where they live. The results show that adolescents do not form the same system of values in different social or political contexts. But the influence of context varies with the intensity of the ideological choices of adolescents. It is when adolescents have loose ideological preferences that the dependency relationships between the nature of the context and the attitudes developed are strongest.
Some Problems of Method and Operational Techniques in the Study of Corporatism*
Authors: POOLE MICHAEL
Published: May 2006

This contribution is concerned with examining the appropriate methods for measuring corporatism in actual research designs. After a review of the main theoretical approaches to this question. a series of measures are derived from the paradigm of Winkler (1977) encompassing unity. order, nationalism and success and, more specifically the operating principles of co‐operation. discipline. collectivity and mobilization. Research data from a study of managers in the United Kingdom are then presented and, on the basis of factor analysis, the original categories are reformulated in terms of control over markets. labour. international economic relationships and capital. and the operating principles of prices and incomes control. discipline, neo‐mercantilism and control of investment strategy and economic resource location. More generally, too, in this area of study. a very close relationship between theoretical perspective and the selection of particular research methods is identified.
The Politics of the Public Service: Some Implications of Recent Theories of the State for the Analysis of Administrative Systems
Authors: TODD JENNIFER
Published: May 2006

Many theorists agree that there has been a shift in the locus of power from the legislature to the executive in modern Western democracies. The political importance of the administrative system has therefore increased dramatically. In this review of the literature it is argued that this has not led to greater efficiency, nor can it promise greater stability. The neo‐Marxist analyses of the crisis tendencies of advanced capitalism offer more promising hypotheses. They claim that administrative and public sector institutions cannot meet the goals set for them in a capitalist society and that they tend to generate radical dissent among sections of their own workers. Yet these state institutions also lay the foundations for a socialist society in which institutions are guided by social values other than short‐term profitability. While this paper supports the neo‐Marxist arguments, it argues that they stand in need of empirical testing, both by comparative historical study and by research into the changes in popular political culture.
The Death of the Elector: Should Differential Mortality and Fertility Be Taken into Account in Electoral Study?*
Authors: FAVRE PIERRE
Published: May 2006

Is electoral sociology wrong to ignore, as it almost always does, the inequalities which find their way into the electorate from one election to another solely because of the differences in mortality and fertility between social classes? In order to answer this question, it is first necessary to clarify the phenomenon to be investigated. The construction of a theoretical diagram gives form, on the basis of fictitious data, to the way in which demographic factors affect electoral results, and makes it possible to determine what method of investigation to use (cohort analysis) and the nature of the demographic impact looked for. When an attempt is then made, using French data, to evaluate the effects of demographic inequalities on election results, it has to be concluded that neither differential mortality according to socio‐occupational category, nor differential mortality according to sex, nor differential fertility have had significant effects in France. While electoral sociology would thus appear at present to be right, the fact remains that any research concerned with a population investigation over time could likewise give some thought to demographic changes which alter its subject and, in so doing, make use of cohort analysis.
Institutional Obstacles to Partisan Mobilization? Another Look at the ‘Franchise Factor’ in British Party Development*
Authors: WALD KENNETH D.
Published: May 2006

In attempting to account for the relatively late emergence of a powerful workers’ party, students of British political development have advanced two competing explanations. A cultural approach, based on a conversion model of electoral change, argues that Labour's emergence was hindered by the low level of political consciousness among the British working class prior to World War I. According to the contrasting structural approach, which follows a mobilization model of electoral transformation, Labour's slow progress before the war can be attributed to various restrictive features of the electoral system that excluded the party's natural constituency. Through ecological analysis of a set of 'surrogate’ constituencies in the pre‐war electoral system, this paper examines the social contours of political incorporation, and analyses the probable partisan impact of restricted participation. The results reveal deficiencies in the structural approach that can be remedied by reconciling the insights from conversion and mobilization theory.
The Ideological Mediation of Party‐political Responses to Social Change*
Authors: SILVERMAN LAWRENCE
Published: May 2006

This article argues that the responses of political parties to social change are mediated by ideology, which offers only a limited range of options. What these are, how and why they are limited, and in what ways they may account for recent political developments are the main themes of the article. They are treated in the context of a general review of the relations between ideologies, parties and change, using a modified model of the traditional Left–Right spectrum based on the concept of a ‘relative and dynamic Centre’. The resulting mode of analysis, here called ‘idealectics’, is illustrated with reference to Western and especially British experience over the last two decades.
A Simultaneous Model of Politico‐economic Interaction in Sweden, 1970–82*
Authors: LYBECK JOHAN A.
Published: May 2006

This paper contains a critique of much Of the work on politico‐economic models. These models are criticized on four grounds: that they should have a more explicit economic structure, that they should be estimated by systems estimators to prevent simultaneity bias, that they should be subjected more to full‐model simulations, and that the estimations should be carried out over each election period separately better to reveal parameter instability. The hypotheses are tested on a monthly model of Sweden for the period 1970–82. It turns out that the interaction between the economy and the polity in this period is so small that the first three points of criticism are irrelevant. Estimated parameters in the evaluation function and in the policy function(s) are, however, so unstable as to cast doubt on the relevance of politico‐economic models. This does not deny that there may be an interaction on specific instances, but there does not appear to be a systematic relationship.
On Voting Procedures for Decision‐making on Public Goods
Authors: DE BRUIN GERT P.
Published: May 2006

If one accepts Samuelson's verdict that no decentralized pricing system can serve to determine optimally the levels of collective consumption, and that some other type of procedure or mechanism would have to be tried, two problems immediately arise. First, representation, i.e. the phenomenon that in all other existing mechanisms only a small fraction of the individuals involved can participate directly. The second problem is co‐ordination, due to the fact that parallel mechanisms have to be used for the allocation of private and public goods. Furthermore, if one would opt for some sort of voting procedure in order to determine the levels of public goods, the additional problem of incentive compatibility has to be coped with. The article aims to clarify the political relevance of these issues.
Industrial and economic democracy in Sweden: from consensus to confrontation
Authors: ÅSARD Erik
Published: May 2006

Abstract. At the beginning of the 1970s, there was a wide‐spread political consensus in Sweden that something had to be done in order to increase employee influence in companies and counteract the concentration of private capital. A series of laws on industrial democracy were passed by Parliament, virtually without opposition. The reforms were followed in 1975–1976 by a push towards economic democracy in the form of so‐called wage earners’ funds. The trade union movement was the leading actor behind these proposals. This broader issue was much more controversial and soon became the focus of sharp disagreement between the parties and the dominant interest organizations. The article analyses the development from consensus to confrontation in industrial and economic democracy in Sweden. Special attention is given to the Public Commission on Wage Earners’ Funds, which sat between 1975–1981 without being able to produce any constructive or concrete results.
The privatisation of British Telecom: a case study of the extended process of legislation
Authors: MOON Jeremy , RICHARDSON J.J. , SMART Paul
Published: May 2006

Abstract. One of the main ingredients in discourse about British politics concerns the extent to which, and under what conditions, central government can get its own way. Since 1979, the country has been ruled by a prime minister and a government placing at least rhetorical emphasis on the ‘politics of conviction’. At the same time we have a well established academic literature giving emphasis to the various hurdles in the policy‐making process which face even a government with a working parliamentary majority. The purpose of this paper is to trace the steps in the process towards the government achieving one of its manifesto commitments; the sale of 51 per cent of British Telecom shares to the private sector. In so doing, it is intended to analyse this example of the policy process in terms of the predominant British policy style.
Theories of legislation: some Austrian evidence and general conclusions
Authors: GERLICH Peter
Published: May 2006

Abstract. After defining legislation as an extended process which includes initiation, preparation, legislation proper as well as implementation, an empirically derived threefold typology of laws differentiating them according to the groups most active in the initiation phase is proposed. Taking into consideration the official and unofficial policy theories of these groups, predictions can be made about the degree of effectiveness of laws. Some empirical evidence supports these assumptions. In this way a better understanding of the extended lawmaking process and the conditions for the successful implementation of laws may be achieved.
Class, territory and party: political change in Britain, 1945–1974
Authors: WELLHOFER E. Spencer
Published: May 2006

Abstract. Two theoretical traditions in the study of European voter alignments emphasize alternatively class and territorial structuring of mass politics. Until the 1970′s the developmental paradigm resting on the class‐based, stable polity model of the 1945–1970 period ruled the research agenda. The weakening of party alignments in the 1970′s and the introduction of the competing territorial paradigm challenged the dominant model. This research tests both models in Britain against the supposed stability of the 1945–1970 period. The results demonstrate that while the developmental model fits Britain as a whole quite well, the introduction of regional polity analysis exposes considerable instability of voter and party alignments, uneven class development and the mobilization of cultural cleavages, dynamics which undergird the politics of cultural defence and find expression in the nationalist parties in the 1970′s. In questioning the assumed stability of the 1945–1970 period the findings challenge the foundations of the current debates on realignment in Britain.
Notes on the empirical analysis of cyclical processes
Authors: VAN DER EIJK Cees , WEBER Robert Philip
Published: May 2006

Abstract. This short note discusses a few general data‐related problems which occur in analyses of cyclical processes, and offers a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the various approaches and techniques that can be employed. The conclusion is that one should be flexible in approach; it is always possible to model data in more than one way. A prudent strategy will always include the specification and testing of various models.
RPR officials: a report on an inquiry into the Neo‐Gaullist Party elite
Authors: BRÉCHON PIERRE , DERVILLE JACQUES , LECOMTE PATRICK
Published: May 2006

Abstract. Based upon a questionnaire survey of delegates to the RPR National Congress held in Grenoble in November 1984, this paper summarizes a three‐dimensional analysis of RPR officials (demographic and sociological identification; political mobilization, party functions and activism; ideological trends and political attitudes) which seeks to appraise how the evolution of the Gaullist movement correlates with changes in French politics between 1976 and 1986.
The centre of government in West Germany: changing patterns under 14 legislatures (1949–1987)*
Authors: MÜLLER‐ROMMEL FERDINAND
Published: May 2006

Abstract. The institutional changes, working mode and the composition of cabinets in West Germany are analysed over time. From the findings a classification is developed which identifies the broader parameters of cabinet decision‐making in the Federal Republic. The evidence suggests that the important factors are the formal structure of cabinet and the behaviour of actors in cabinet, most particularly the leadership style of the Chancellor.
Will I like it the first time?
Authors: RASMUSSEN JORGEN
Published: May 2006

Abstract. The initial speeches of MPs entering the British House of Commons from 1966 to 1970 were analyzed to ascertain the extent to which they complied with the prevailing myth of behaviour appropriate for maiden speeches. Rituals of style ‐ hesitancy, brevity, and humility ‐were challenged more sharply than were those of substance ‐ references to one's predecessor and one's constituency and being non‐contentious. Despite widespread violation of the various norms, few new MPs defied the folkways across the board. Although a new breed of MP ‐ young, well‐educated, and professionally oriented ‐ was entering the Commons at this time, such MPs did not prove to be the principal source of challenges to the folkways. Iconoclastic MPs tended to have less durable careers than did those MPs more acceptant of tradition. But neither Labour nor Conservatives penalized deviants by denying them positions in the Government. In the absence of sanctions, new Members complied with the myth only when the code of acceptable behaviour appeared to help the Commons function effectively and when new Members were not being singled out for discriminatory treatment.
The redistribution of regulatory powers between governments and international organisations: the case of European airline deregulation
Authors: CULLEN PETER , YANNOPOULOS GEORGE N.
Published: May 2006

Abstract. This paper looks at the issues raised when deregulation is also accompanied with redistribution of the residual regulatory powers between governments and international organisations by focusing on the experience of deregulation of the airline industry in the European Community. The paper starts by applying a model of the political market for protection to the specific circumstances of the European airline industry in an effort to clarify the difficulties raised when redistribution of regulatory powers between different levels of government takes place. The findings of this analysis are then used to elucidate the European experience and in particular to explain the gap between the original proposals of the Commission and the final compromises worked out in the Council of Ministers.
Ideology, strategy and party competition in postwar Norway
Authors: STRØM KAARE , LEIPART JØRN Y.
Published: May 2006

Abstract. Electoral manifestos are a key instrument of democratic political parties in their quest for popular support. This article investigates the contents of postwar Norwegian party manifestos. The analysis builds on the saliency theory of party competition. Methodologically, it replicates the factor analysis of Budge, Robertson, and Hearl (1987). Four factors are uncovered. Two of these can be identified with the left‐right dimension, one with the moral‐religious axis, and one with material centre‐periphery conflicts. A high degree of interparty consensus and convergence is evident, particularly prior to 1970. The results are generally consistent with previous research on Norwegian mass and party politics.
Election promises and government performance in Greece: PASOK's fulfilment of its 1981 election pledges
Authors: KALOGEROPOULOU EFTHALIA
Published: May 2006

Abstract. The ‘mandate theory’ of democracy rests on the idea that electors choose political parties on the basis of the alternative government programmes they offer during an election campaign. Thus, the question of whether or not programmes are fulfilled in government is central in assessing the effectiveness of democratic processes. In its election manifesto for the 1981 general election the then opposition socialist party, PASOK, proposed a radical reform of Greek society. The degree to which its proposals were actually implemented in its first period of office (1981–85) points up the constraints facing any reformist party trying to fulfil its promises. Following recently published research on pledge fulfilment in Britain and Canada, this study identifies the definite pledges made by PASOK in its 1981 electoral manifesto and checks how far they actually found their way into government outputs up to 1985.

The main findings are that PASOK clearly promised important reforms in 1981 and to a considerable extent implemented them.
Selecting women candidates: obstacles to the feminisation of the House of Commons
Authors: LOVENDUSKI JONI , NORRIS PIPPA
Published: May 2006

Abstract. Despite concern by the major British political parties to increase the number of women at Westminster, progress has been slow, yielding only just over 5 per cent of women MPs. This article presents the results of an investigation of party selection procedures designed to determine whether selection practices were themselves the explanation for the poor showing of women. The study consisted of interviews with party officials and a survey of the candidates in the 1987 General Election. It was found that selection procedures were in a process of change which included efforts by central leaderships to promote women's candidacies. But local selectorates were not always cooperative. Although women did not appear to be selected in the proportions in which they were coming forward, no evidence of direct discrimination against aspirant women candidates was found. But indirect discrimination may have taken place. Both the way in which the role of a candidate is defined and the qualities selectorates seek produce ideal candidate profiles which may penalise many women. The article concludes that if women are to be better represented at Westminster, parties must go beyond procedural change and the introduction of positive action to a reconsideration of the criteria for choosing candidates.
Changes in the PSI leadership: the national executive committee and its membership (1976–1987)
Authors: MASSARI ORESTE
Published: May 2006

Abstract. This paper deals with the role and composition of the Italian Socialist Party's National Executive Committee during the 1976–1987 period. These years saw the advent, the strengthening and the unchallenged supremacy of Craxi's leadership first within the PSI and then within the Italian political system. While in other political parties the role of the National Executive Committee as a decision‐making body has remained crucial, in the PSI this role seems to have been impaired both by Craxi's extremely personal and strong leadership and by the weakness of the party organization. However, the loss of decision‐making power by the collective leadership was accompanied by an increase in membership, which favoured the rise of new members to leading positions. The social and political characteristics of this new political class are analysed and evaluated through a number of empirical indicators. The results allow a better understanding of the actual changes that occurred in the party as a consequence of the innovations brought about by Craxi's leadership. This, in turn, sheds light on an important section of the Italian ruling class.
Contradictions in market models of politics: the case of party strategies and voter linkages
Authors: WELLHOFER E. SPENCER
Published: May 2006

Market models of politics are derived from economic theory where they were advanced in an age of political corruption to achieve four objectives: discipline, universality, liberty and unity in society; only later were such models imported into political discourse. The most pure form of the market model of politics is found in the vote maximization model; yet as a model for political parties and elections, the realism of its assumptions often is held inadequate. While more realistic assumptions generate the vote production model of party strategy, this model rapidly degenerates into the lazy monopolist model which contradicts the role of parties in democracy. The origins of these problems lie in the contradictions within the market ordering principle. Despite these underlying contradictions, market models of politics and parties have gained increasing acceptance both among intellectuals and the general public with numerous implications for the politics of liberal democracies.
Electoral competition in a segmented society: campaign strategies and the importance of elite perceptions
Authors: KOOLE RUUD , VAN PRAAG PHILIP
Published: May 2006

Abstract. This paper deals with the question of how political parties define their electoral strategies in a multiparty system within a segmented society. In trying to answer this question various concepts as developed by Sani and Sartori are discussed, especially the distinction they make between ‘expansive’and ‘defensive’strategies and the exclusion from their analysis of so‐called ‘non‐relevant’parties. A brief study of electoral strategies of the Dutch political parties during the heyday of pillarization in the 1940s and 1950s supports this criticism. It also stresses the fact that party strategies are defined by the perceptions of partisan elites at a given moment and cannot be explained by post hoc constructs like the stability of the party system or the closedness of the segments in society.
Central state, local government, and the market: Industrial policy and structural change in Japan and Sweden
Authors: PIERRE JON
Published: May 2006

Abstract. During the late 1970s and 1980s, Sweden and Japan both experienced a decentralization of industrial policy decision‐making and implementation. This article analyses the theoretical and empirical relationships between state and local industrial policies during processes of structural change and also how structural change affects regionally targeted policies. It is argued that although increasing emphasis on local mobilization and autonomy on industrial policy matters may enhance local efficiency, it may at the same time confront state policy‐makers with increasing problems of maintaining co‐ordination and the resolution of industrial problems at a sectoral level. Also, at the same time as structural change solves industrial policy problems, it generates other problems associated with regional imbalances. Finally, structural change exacerbates competition for businesses among different locales. In some cases, and most prominently in Japan, the nation‐state government encourages this competition, since it increases planning accuracy and local mobilization of resources.
Corporatism and gender equality
Authors: BERGQVIST CHRISTINA
Published: May 2006

Abstract. This article is part of a broader study of women's representation and influence in the corporatist sector of public decision‐making in Sweden. In an international perspective, Sweden has a remarkably high proportion of women politicians on all levels (between 30–45%), and women constitute about half of the participants in the labour market and of union members. However, in the decision‐making processes of the unions and in corporatist arrangements, women are highly under‐represented. And, as this study shows, in some cases women are more under‐represented today than they were 30 or 40 years ago. One of the results of the high degree of corporatism in Sweden has thus been that women and women's interests have been more marginalised in corporatist arrangements than in traditional politics.
Social class, authoritarianism and directiveness
Authors: MIDDENDORP C. P. , MELOEN J. D.
Published: May 2006

Abstract. In his comment on our work, Ray misinterprets our conclusions and contradicts himself on the issue of working class authoritarianism. His suggestion that the directiveness scale measures authoritarianism must be seriously questioned. His methods of validation of this concept are insufficient. The Adorno et al. F‐scale has been shown to be a potential fascism scale (Meloen et al., 1988), whereas there is no such evidence for Ray's directiveness scale. Suggestions are offered that may clarify the controversy around Lipset's thesis on working class authoritarianism.
The effects of individual and contextual variables on partisanship in Canada
Authors: PAMMETT JON H.
Published: May 2006

Abstract. Merged survey and aggregate data sets allow examination of the inter‐relationship between individual characteristics and contextual variables. The addition of constituency context variables to the Canadian National Election study of 1979 enhances our ability to explain variations in partisanship. Party weakness in a constituency, female NDP candidates, and the lack of an incumbent seeking re‐election all render partisanship more flexible. Concentrations of Roman Catholics and the university educated in a constituency solidify Liberal and NDP strength respectively. Problems of study design and data interpretation presently limit our ability to utilize combined micro‐macro analysis.
Taking networks seriously: Education policy in Britain
Authors: RAAB CHARLES D.
Published: May 2006

Abstract. This paper argues against the merely metaphorical use of concepts such as ‘network’in the analysis of policy processes that involve relationships between government and interests. It juxtaposes some contributions from anthropology and sociology with the more familiar literature of political science and policy studies. It considers the question of norms, upon which an analysis of networks has some bearing. Next, it focuses upon the understanding of human agency and trust as a micro‐analytic strategy for research on meso‐level interactions, or ‘networking’. In the light of this, it then looks at the education policy process in Britain, with particular reference to Scotland, as seen in recent literature. It ends by discussing the changing education ‘partnership’in Britain, construing this concept as one that serves both actors as well as observers, and which has affinities with other analyses of policy networks.
New social movements and political opportunities in Western Europe
Authors: KRIESI HANSPETER , KOOPMANS RUUD , DUYVENDAK JAN WILLEM , GIUGNI MARCO G.
Published: May 2006

Abstract. We present a number of concepts and hypotheses concerning the impact of the political opportunity structure on the mobilisation pattern of new social movements in Western Europe. The hypotheses refer to the general level of mobilisation in a given country, the general forms and strategies of action employed, the system level at which mobilisation is typically oriented and the development of the level of mobilisation across time. The hypotheses are tested in a comparative analysis of France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The analysis reveals country‐specific variations in the mobilisation patterns of new social movements, which are largely in line with the theoretical expectations and serve to confirm the relevance of the political process approach for the study of social movements.
Democratic theory and individual autonomy
Authors: SANTORO EMILIO
Published: May 2006

Abstract. Schumpeter argued that the norms of what he called the ‘classical’ theory were unrealisable within modern societies and offered what he believed to be a more realistic alternative. However, his critics accuse him of confusing ‘is’ with ‘ought’. This paper seeks to save him from this criticism. It shows that Schumpeter's attack on the classical model rested on a correct appraisal of the constraints on individual autonomous action within modern societies. Unlike the ‘competitive theory’ of Downs and others, Schumpeter's own alternative cannot be treated as a naive apologia for contemporary parliametary party democracy. He was well aware that such systems easily degenerate into oligopolies. Indeed he welcomed this development, viewing the party elections as means for moulding rather than responding to the people's will. Nevertheless, a series of procedural norms underlay his theory which are elucidated with reference to Wittgenstein's account of language.
Capitalism and democracy
Authors: BEALEY FRANK
Published: May 2006

Abstract. This article attempts to examine the supposed causal connection between capitalism and democracy as assumed by Schumpeter, among others. An intellectual link might be traceable to the Utilitarians; but no causal connection between corporate capitalism and democracy emerges. In general they are separate concepts. Any indirect association arises from their ‘liberal’ roots.
The demand for local government goods
Authors: SØRENSEN RUNE J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract. This paper analyses the spending preferences of local government elected politicians. It is argued that the median voter model is inappropriate in multi‐party systems that provide multiple government services, and that the preferences of the representatives are consequential to local resource allocation. We develop a micromodel in which service demand is conditioned by exogenous public revenue, prices, and demographic factors. We hypothesise that politicians demands are affected by party affiliation, public sector occupation and committee assignment. The estimates of the micro demand functions are based on data pertaining to Norwegian local governments. It is found that the estimated income elasticities correspond approximately with elasticities of output studies. Party affiliation has an impact on demand patterns, while government occupation and committee appointment are major determinants of politicians desired allocation of public services. Further analyses reveal that the numerical strength of parties impacts weakly on the actual service allocation, whereas the representation of government employees has occasional effect. The budgetary allocations are imperfect expressions of the elected council's underlying preferences.
Comparing local electoral turnout in Great Britain and France: More similarities than differences?
Authors: HOFFMANN‐MARTINOT VINCENT , RALLINGS COLIN , THRASHER MICHAEL
Published: May 2006

Electoral and census data from Great Britain and France are used in a comparative analysis of the levels and determinants of local election turnout in the two countries. First, nine simple propositions about variations in turnout are tested using as similar as possible variables for each country. These variables are then used as the bases for multi‐variate regression analyses. The residual cases in each country are compared in order to explore the more qualitative factors which may explain why some localities have a level of participation so much above or below that expected statistically. The paper ends with an attempt to specify an explanatory model of local electoral turnout applicable to both countries.
Contrasting Effects of Urethane, Ketamine, and Thiopental Anesthesia on Ethanol‐Clonidine Hemodynamic Interaction
Authors: El‐Mas Mahmoud M. , Abdel‐Rahman Abdel A.
Published: May 2006

In previous studies, we have shown that ethanol counteracts the hypotensive and sympathoinhibitory effects of clonidine in conscious rats but enhances these responses in α‐chloralose anesthetized rats. This study investigated whether the latter finding pertains to other anesthetics that act by different mechanisms. The hemodynamic interaction between clonidine and ethanol was evaluated in conscious aortic barodenewated rats and in rats anesthetized with urethane, ketamine, or thiopental. The conscious aortic barodenervated rat was used because it exhibits a greater hypotensive response to clonidine compared with intact (sham‐operated) rats. Starting from similar baseline values of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate, clonidine (30 μglkg, iv) elicited similar decreases in BP in all groups of rats (conscious aortic barodenewated or anesthetized). Subsequent administration of ethanol (1 g/kg, iv) counteracted the hypotensive effect of clonidine in conscious aortic barodenewated rats and raised the BP to levels higher than the baseline (preclonidine) values. The pressor effect of ethanol persisted for at least 30 min. In contrast, preadministration of ethanol had no effect on the hypotensive effect of the subsequently administered clonidine. The antagonistic clonidine‐ethanol hemodynamic interaction in conscious rats was not altered in urethane‐anesthetized rats, both in terms of magnitude and duration. In ketamine‐anesthetized rats, a short lasting (<10 min) pressor effect of ethanol was observed. In contrast, ethanol augmented the hypotensive effect of clonidine in thiopental‐anesthetized rats, the hypotensive effect of clonidine became slightly but significantly (p < 0.05) greater alter ethanol compared with respective time control values. These findings suggest that the adverse hemodynamic effect of ethanol on centrally mediated hypotensive response is modified by different anesthetics. The antagonistic hemodynamic interaction, demonstrated in conscious rats, is replicated in urethane‐anesthetized rats but weakened and reversed in ketamine‐ and thiopental‐anesthetized rats, respectively. Therefore, urethane‐anesthetized rats may be used in mechanistic studies on the antagonistic ethanol‐clonidine hemodynamic interaction that cannot be undertaken, for technical reasons, in conscious rats.
Stable Acetaldehyde Adducts: Structural Characterization of Acetaldehyde Adducts of Human Hemoglobin N‐Terminal β‐Globin Chain Peptides
Authors: Braun Karen P. , Pavlovich James G. , Jones Dane R. , Peterson Charles M.
Published: May 2006

Acetaldehyde is the first oxidation product of ethanol in vivo. Our earlier work showed that with sufficient acetaldehyde, five of the six possible sites of the peptide pentalysine were moddied as a Schiff base (Braun KP, et al: J Biol Chem 270:11263–11266, 1995). However, we were unable to deduce unequivocally which site was unmodified. Lysine residues, as well as the amine terminal valine residues, in hemoglobin have been implicated as target structures for acetaldehyde adducts resulting from ethanol consumption. Hemoglobin adducts of acetaldehyde have been used clinically as a marker of ethanol consumption, but the chemical nature of these adducts remains undefined. As part of our continuing structural characterization of acetaldehyde‐protein adduct formation, we studied the peptides Val‐His‐Leu‐Thr‐Pro and Val‐His‐Leu‐Thr‐Pro‐Val‐Glu‐Lys, from the amine terminus of the β‐globin chain of hemoglobin, in vitro. Both peptides have at least one potential site for adduct formation. In the octapeptide, the N‐terminal amine group of Val as well as the e‐amine group of the lysine sidechain can potentially be modified by acetaldehyde. We used mass spectrometry, carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance, and Raman spectroscopy and characterized stable Schiff base acetaldehyde adducts of these two peptides at both reactive sites. The identification of stable Schiff base adducts with the N‐terminal peptides of the β‐chain of hemoglobin as well as with β‐amino groups of lysine provides another possible means of monitoring ethanol consumption. The functional implications of these stable Schfl bases remains undefined.
Testicular Function in Asymptomatic Chronic Alcoholics: Relation to Ethanol Intake
Authors: Villalta J. , Ballescà J. L. , Nicolás J. M. , Martínez de Osaba M. J. , Antúnez E. , Pimentel C.
Published: May 2006

To evaluate the effect of ethanol on testicular function in chronic alcoholics without chronic liver disease, we studied 38 asymptomatic chronic alcoholics and 19 age‐matched controls. Detailed clinical history, nutritional status, hormonal analysis, and seminal studies were conducted in each case and control. Alcoholic patients had an average of 39 2 2 years old (range: 26 to 60) and reported a daily ethanol consumption from 100 to 350 g (mean: 198 ± 15) over a period of 18.0 ± 1.2 years. Alcoholics exhibited a significant increase of the luteinizing hormone (p < 0.001) and a decrease of the Free Androgen Index, compared with controls (p < 0.05) that related significantly with the total lifetime dose of ethanol (p < 0.01, both). Seminal studies indicate that 39.4% of alcoholics had significantly reduced their spermatozoa count (p < 0.01), whereas significant morphological abnormalities were observed in 44.7% of the alcoholics (p < 0.01). Spermatozoa motility from alcoholics was also found to be altered in half of the patients (p < 0.01). A significant increase of serum luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and sex hormone binding globulin levels, and a decrease of Free Androgen Index were observed in alcoholics with morphology and motility abnormalities (p < 0.05, all). In multivariate analysis, the only independent factor that determined the alterations in sperm (count, morphology abnormalities, and motility alterations) was the total lifetime of ethanol intake (p < 0.001, all). We conclude that alcoholics frequently develop a situation of primary hypogonadism related to a lifetime of ethanol consumption.
Fine Motor Speed Deficits in Alcoholic Korsakoff's Syndrome
Authors: Welch Larry W. , Cunningham Amy T. , Eckardt Michael J. , Martin Peter R.
Published: May 2006

Forty‐two alcoholic Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) patients (12 in study I, 30 in study II) averaged slower tapping speeds than 35 alcoholic controls on the Halstead‐Reitan manual finger tapping task. KS subjects also tapped slower than 26 normal volunteers in study II. Inverse relationships were found between finger‐tapping speed dominant hand and verbal word fluency in one sample, and tapping speed and time to completion on Trail Making Part B and Tactual Performance Test in the other. The most powerful demographic predictors of tapping speed among age, education, length of abstinence, and affective state were age and education. Tapping speed was associated with cognitive tasks measuring frontal systems function (i.e., verbal fluency and Trail Making Part B) in KS subjects. There was no relationship between fine motor performance and general memory scores in the KS subjects. Decreased tapping speed for KS patients was postulated to result from compromised fine motor task initiation and persistence rather than mere slowing, as in Parkinson's disease. These findings suggest disruption of frontocerebellar systems that influence motor generation and set maintenance not previously explored in KS.
Effects of Lifelong Ethanol Consumption on Cerebellar Layer Volumes in AA and ANA Rats
Authors: Rintala Jyrki , Jaatinen Pia , Lu Wei , Sarviharju Maija , Eriksson C. J. Peter , Laippala Pekka , Kiianmaa Kalervo , Hervonen Antti
Published: May 2006

Aging and chronic alcohol consumption can cause degenerative changes in the cerebellar cortex. In this study, the effects of aging and lifelong alcohol consumption on cerebellar cortical layer volumes (molecular and granular) and also white matter layer volumes were studied in alcohol‐preferring (AA) and nonpreferring (ANA) rats of both sexes. The ethanol‐consuming animals (EtOH) had 12% (w/v) ethanol as the only available fluid from 4 to 22 months of age, whereas the young (3 month) and old controls (24 months) had only water to drink. The volumes of molecular, granular, and white matter layers of the cerebellar vermis in folia II, IV, VII, and X were measured by using systematic sampling and a point‐counting method. The volumes of the granular and white matter layers showed consistent increase between 3 and 24 months of age, whereas the volume of the molecular layer remained unchanged with increasing age. Individual ethanol intake was measured over a 1‐week period at the beginning and at the end of chronic ethanol exposure. Significant (ANOVA, P= 0.000) sex difference was found in the drinking behavior in both lines, with females consuming more alcohol than males (daily ethanol consumption at 22 months of age 3.2 ± 0.3 vs. 7.1 ± 0.3 g/kg for AA males and females; 3.2 ± 0.3 vs. 5.4 ± 0.4 g/kg for ANA males and females, respectively). The only ethanol‐induced effect on the cerebellum was observed in ANA‐EtOH females with a 15% reduction in the volumes of the molecular and granular layer in folium II compared with age‐matched controls and a significant (P < 0.05, analysis of covariance with ethanol intake as a covariate) line difference in folium II (molecular and granular layers) was observed between ANA‐EtOH females and AA‐EtOH females. Furthermore, the volume of the molecular layer in folium II was significantly (P < 0.05, analysis of covariance with ethanol intake and body weights as covariates) reduced for ANA‐EtOH females, compared with ANA‐EtOH males indicating a sex difference in the cerebellar degeneration due to chronic alcohol consumption. Of the three layers studied, the white matter layer was the most resistant layer to the effects caused by chronic alcohol consumption. In view of the fact that AA and ANA rats of both sexes differ regarding the drinking behavior and ethanol metabolism, they provide an important model for further research on ethanol‐induced pathological changes in the central nervous system.
Alcohol, Osteoporosis, and Bone Regulating Hormones
Authors: Sampson H. Wayne
Published: May 2006

The mechanism of the production of ethanol‐associated osteopenia seems to be a direct effect of alcohol on bone cells and an indirect or modulating effect through mineral regulating hormones such as vitamin D metabolites, parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin. The modulating effects of these hormones on bone and mineral metabolism in acute and chronic alcohol consumption is discussed herein. Key Words: Alcohol, PTH, Calcitonin, Vitamin D, Bone.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Results in Hyperactivity of the Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis of the Offspring: Modulation by Fostering at Birth and Postnatal Handling
Authors: Ogilvie Kathleen M. , Rivier Catherine
Published: May 2006

Exposure of fetal rats to alcohol results in permanent hyperactivity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. In contrast, postnatal handling or fostering have been reported to restrain HPA activity. Because of the deleterious consequences of a hyperresponsive HPA axis, we thought that the possibility that postnatal manipulations might be able to reverse the influence of prenatal alcohol treatment deserved investigation. To test this hypothesis, we exposed rat dams to alcohol by inhalation during the second week of gestation. At birth, pups were either fostered or remained with their dam. For the first 3 weeks, litters were handled daily for 15 min or left undisturbed. At 22 days of age, male and female pups were decapitated under basal conditions, after 10 min of mild electro‐footshock, or 10 min after footshock had been terminated. As expected, prenatal exposure to alcohol induced increased adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion in response to footshock, and postnatal handling of control pups resulted in a suppression of corticosterone and ACTH release, although changes in this latter hormone did not reach statistical significance. Surprisingly, however, pups exposed to alcohol that were also fostered and handled after birth, showed an ACTH response to footshock stress that was significantly larger than all other groups. This unexpected response may be due to alterations in maternal‐pup behaviors and may indicate that these manipulations act on different neuronal substrates within the central HPA of young rats. Further studies are needed to determine whether adrenal regulation is also altered in animals exposed to alcohol prenatally and reared in a similar manner.