bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integron‐associated gene cassettes in Halifax Harbour: assessment of a mobile gene pool in marine sediments
Authors: Koenig J. E. , Boucher Yan , Charlebois Robert L. , Nesbø Camilla , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Bapteste Eric , Spencer Matthew , Joss Michael J. , Stokes H. W. , Doolittle W. F.
Published: March 2008

The integron/gene cassette systems identified in bacteria comprise a class of genetic elements that allow adaptation by acquisition of gene cassettes. Integron gene cassettes have been shown to facilitate the spread of drug resistance in human pathogens but their role outside a clinical setting has not been explored extensively. We sequenced 2145 integron gene cassettes from four marine sediment samples taken from the vicinity of Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada, increasing the number of gene cassettes obtained from environmental microbial communities by 10‐fold. Sequence analyses reveals that the majority of these cassettes encode novel proteins and that this study is consistent with previous claims of high cassette diversity as we estimate a Chao1 diversity index of ∼3000 cassettes from these samples. The functional distribution of environmental cassettes recovered in this study, when compared with that of cassettes from the only other source with significant sampling (Vibrio genomes) suggests that alternate selection regimes might be acting on these two gene pools. The majority of cassettes recovered in this study encode novel, unknown proteins. In instances where we obtained multiple alleles of a novel protein we demonstrate that non‐synonymous versus synonymous substitution rates ratios suggest relaxed selection. Cassette‐encoded proteins with known homologues represent a variety of functions and prevalent among these are isochorismatases; proteins involved in iron scavenging. Phylogenetic analysis of these isochorismatases as well as of cassette‐encoded acetyltransferases reveals a patchy distribution, suggesting multiple sources for the origin of these cassettes. Finally, the two most environmentally similar sample sites considered in this study display the greatest overlap of cassette types, consistent with the hypothesis that cassette genes encode adaptive proteins.
The NprA nitroreductase required for 2,4‐dinitrophenol reduction in Rhodobacter capsulatus is a dihydropteridine reductase
Authors: Pérez‐Reinado Eva , Roldán María Dolores , Castillo Francisco , Moreno‐Vivián Conrado
Published: March 2008

The Rhodobacter capsulatus nprA gene codes for a putative nitroreductase. A recombinant His6‐NprA protein was overproduced in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography. This protein contained FMN and showed nitroreductase activity with a wide range of nitroaromatic compounds, such as 2‐nitrophenol, 2,4‐dinitrophenol, 2,6‐dinitrophenol, 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (picric acid), 2,4‐dinitrobenzoate and 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, and with the nitrofuran derivatives nitrofurazone and furazolidone. NADPH was the main electron donor and the ortho nitro group was preferably reduced to the corresponding amino derivative. The apparent Km values of NprA for NADPH, 2,4‐dinitrophenol, picric acid and furazolidone were 40 μM, 78 μM, 72 μM and 83 μM, respectively, at pH and temperature optima (pH 6.5, 30°C). Escherichia coli cells overproducing the NprA protein were much more sensitive to the prodrug 5‐(aziridin‐1‐yl)‐2,4‐dinitrobenzamide (CB1954) used in cancer therapy than non‐transformed cells. NprA showed the highest activity with the quinonoid form of 6,7‐dimethyl‐7,8‐dihydropterine as substrate, so that NprA may be involved in the synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin in R. capsulatus. Expression of a transcriptional nprA–lacZ gene fusion was induced by phenylalanine or tyrosine, but not by other amino acids like glutamate or alanine. Furthermore, both nitroreductase activity and phenylalanine assimilation were inhibited in vivo by ammonium. A mutant defective in the nprA gene showed better growth rate with Phe or Tyr as nitrogen source than the wild‐type strain, although both strains showed similar growth in media with Glu or without added nitrogen. These results suggest that the NprA nitroreductase may act in vivo as a dihydropteridine reductase involved in aromatic amino acids metabolism.
Large bowel obstruction and perforation secondary to endometriosis complicated by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Authors: Shaw A. , Lund J. N. , Semeraro D. , Cartmill M. , Reynolds J. R. , Tierney G. M.
Published: March 2008

A 36‐year‐old lady, with a past medical history of hydrocephalus requiring a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, was admitted with symptoms and signs of large bowel obstruction. Her condition worsened and she underwent laparotomy, where she had faecal peritonitis secondary to a perforated sigmoid colon. The shunt was contaminated with faeces leading to postoperative shunt infection and meningitis. Histology of the resected sigmoid colon revealed endometriosis at the site of perforation. Endometriosis is a rare cause of large bowel obstruction and literature review has found only two other cases of perforation because of endometriosis not associated with pregnancy. No case has been reported involving the concurrent surgical management of a contaminated VP shunt. We discuss the rarity of large bowel perforation and obstruction because of endometriosis, and the complications and management of VP shunts.
A selective approach to restorative proctocolectomy without ileostomy: a single centre experience
Authors: Lovegrove R. E. , Symeonides P. , Tekkis P. P. , Goodfellow P. B. , Shorthouse A. J.
Published: March 2008

Objective  A single surgeon series on complications and functional outcomes following restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is presented.

Method  An ethically‐approved database was used to collect data on all patients undergoing RPC at a single institution. Patient demographics, operative details, complications and functional outcomes were assessed. The impact of ileostomy omission on outcomes was also assessed.

Results  Two hundred patients undergoing RPC between 1987 and 2006 were included. There were 122 (61.0%) males and the mean age at surgery was 37.6 years. A J pouch was constructed in 199 (99.5%) patients and an ileostomy omitted in 160 (80.0%). Since adopting a selective policy after the 36th consecutive patient in the series, only 9 (5.5%) patients have had an ileostomy constructed at the time of pouch construction. Complications occurred in 112 (56.3%) patients, with anastomotic stricture (20.6%) and pouchitis (28.6%) being the most common. Anastomotic stricture was more common in those patients receiving an ileostomy (43.6%vs 15.0%, P < 0.001), as were pouch‐cutaneous fistulae (5.1%vs 0.6%, P = 0.039) and pelvic sepsis (15.4%vs 5.0%, P = 0.023). Functional outcomes were good, with median 24‐h stool frequency of five motions at 1 year. There was increased urgency to defaecate which in part may be due to a significant decline in the use of antidiarrhoeal medication during follow up.

Conclusions  Selective omission of a covering ileostomy in most cases can produce good results following RPC with no increase in the risk of septic complications or pouch failure, and a decreased risk of anastomotic stricture, with maintenance of good function in the majority.
Effect of raisin consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity
Authors: Rankin J. W. , Andreae M. C. , Oliver Chen C.‐Y. , O’Keefe S. F.
Published: March 2008

Aim: Oxidative stress can initiate increased inflammation that elevates risk for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of daily consumption of raisins on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial activation in response to an acute high‐fat meal in overweight individuals.

Methods: Seventeen overweight men and women consumed 90 g raisins or isocaloric placebo (264 kcal/day) for 14 days in a randomized, crossover design while following a low‐flavonoid diet. The oxidative [urinary 8‐iso‐prostaglandin‐F2α(8‐epi PGF2α) and serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)], inflammatory (serum C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6), endothelial (serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, sVCAM‐1) and metabolic [free fatty acids (FFAs), triacylglycerol, glucose and insulin] response to four high‐fat (53%) meals was tested pre‐ and postintervention.

Results: Urinary 8‐epi PGF2αdecreased (−22%) and fasting ORAC increased (+3%) after both interventions combined. Fasting protein‐free ORAC was modestly (+3.5%) higher during the raisin than the placebo intervention. Neither the meals nor the raisins consistently induced fasted markers of inflammation or endothelial dysfunction. Gender influenced postprandial metabolic responses in that males responded with higher serum FFAs, sVCAM‐1 and glucose compared with females.

Conclusions: Serum antioxidant capacity was modestly increased by daily raisin consumption, but this did not alter fasted or postprandial inflammatory response in these relatively healthy but overweight individuals. Providing all food in regular pattern reduced measures of oxidative stress.
Initiation of insulin glargine therapy in type 2 diabetes subjects suboptimally controlled on oral antidiabetic agents: results from the AT.LANTUS trial*
Authors: Davies M. , Lavalle‐González F. , Storms F. , Gomis R. ,   AT.LANTUS Study Group
Published: March 2008

Objective:  For many patients with type 2 diabetes, oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) do not provide optimal glycaemic control, necessitating insulin therapy. Fear of hypoglycaemia is a major barrier to initiating insulin therapy. The AT.LANTUS study investigated optimal methods to initiate and maintain insulin glargine (LANTUS®, glargine, Sanofi‐aventis, Paris, France) therapy using two treatment algorithms. This subgroup analysis investigated the initiation of once‐daily glargine therapy in patients suboptimally controlled on multiple OADs.

Research Design and Methods:  This study was a 24‐week, multinational (59 countries), multicenter (611), randomized study. Algorithm 1 was a clinic‐driven titration and algorithm 2 was a patient‐driven titration. Titration was based on target fasting blood glucose ≤100 mg/dl (≤5.5 mmol/l). Algorithms were compared for incidence of severe hypoglycaemia [requiring assistance and blood glucose <50 mg/dl (<2.8 mmol/l)] and baseline to end‐point change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

Results:  Of the 4961 patients enrolled in the study, 865 were included in this subgroup analysis: 340 received glargine plus 1 OAD and 525 received glargine plus >1 OAD. Incidence of severe hypoglycaemia was <1%. HbA1c decreased significantly between baseline and end‐point for patients receiving glargine plus 1 OAD (−1.4%, p < 0.001; algorithm 1 −1.3% vs. algorithm 2 −1.5%; p = 0.03) and glargine plus >1 OAD (−1.7%, p < 0.001; algorithm 1 −1.5% vs. algorithm 2 −1.8%; p = 0.001).

Conclusions:  This study shows that initiation of once‐daily glargine with OADs results in significant reduction of HbA1c with a low risk of hypoglycaemia. The greater reduction in HbA1c was seen in patients randomized to the patient‐driven algorithm (algorithm 2) on 1 or >1 OAD.
Transperitoneal left laparoscopic pyeloplasty with transmesocolic access to the pelvi‐ureteric junction: technique description and results with a minimum follow‐up of 1 year
Authors: Porpiglia Francesco , Billia Michele , Volpe Alessandro , Morra Ivano , Scarpa Roberto M.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES

To describe and evaluate the safety and outcome of transperitoneal left laparoscopic pyeloplasty (TLLP) with a direct approach to the pelvi‐ureteric junction (PUJ) through the mesentero‐colic space, which avoids mobilization of the descending colon.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 2005 to June 2006, 18 consecutive patients underwent TLLP with direct access. For each patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), hospital stay, skin‐to‐skin operative time, time from incision of the posterior peritoneum to dissection of the PUJ, blood loss, time to resumption of oral intake and complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was used to assess whether the body habitus (BMI <25 kg/m2 or >25 kg/m2) affected the outcomes.

RESULTS

There were no complications during or after surgery and no conversions to open surgery were needed. The mean (sd) time to resumption of oral intake was 1.36 (0.5) days. The mean hospital stay was 3.3 (0.67) days and the mean follow‐up was 17.4 (4.7) months. There was no statistical difference between patients with BMI higher or lower than 25 kg/m2 (P = 0.42). The success rate at 1 year after surgery was 100%.

CONCLUSION

TLLP with direct access to the PUJ through the mesentero‐colic space is a safe and effective technique. This approach should be considered for all patients with left primary PUJ obstruction who are eligible for a LP and especially for slim patients or patients with a large renal pelvis.
Visualization of the neurovascular bundles and major pelvic ganglion with fluorescent tracers after penile injection in the rat
Authors: Davila Hugo H. , Mamcarz Maggie , Nadelhaft Irving , Salup Raoul , Lockhart Jorge , Carrion Rafael E.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether fluorescent tracers can consistently label the neurovascular bundles (NVBs) and major pelvic ganglion (MPG) after an intracavernosal penile injection, as the reported incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men after radical prostatectomy (RP) is 55–65% and thus preservation of erectile function, sparing one or both of the NVBs remains one of the most vital factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (3 months old) received penile injections (20 µL; seven rats/group) of either deionized water (DW), Fluoro‐Gold (FG), Fast‐Blue (FB), Fluoro‐Ruby (FR) or green fluorescent pseudorabies virus (GF‐PRv). The rats were killed at 2, 3 and 14 days after injection and the NVBs and MPG were harvested and placed directly under fluorescence light. Image analysis was done by computer, coupled to a microscope equipped with a digital camera. Each NVB and MPG were analysed for its staining pattern and consistency.

RESULTS

When compared with the FB, FR and GF‐PRv rats, the FG‐injected rats had better staining of the NVB at 2, 3 and 14 days after injection. Under ×200, FG highlighted the axons of the cavernous nerve (CN) and cell bodies (MPG). This indicates that FG injection into the penis induced the strongest CN labelling (positive staining) at 2 and 3 days after injection as compared with FB‐, FR‐ and GF‐PRv‐injected rats.

CONCLUSION

FG injection into the penis has consistent retrograde staining of the NVBs and MPG after 3 days. Therefore, we predict that FG could potentially be used to improve the identification of the NVB in other models. However, further studies need to be carried out before these tracers can be used in humans.
How quality influences the clinical outcome of external beam radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Van Vulpen Marco , Van Der Heide Uulke A. , Van Moorselaar Jeroen R.J.A.
Published: March 2008

For the delivery of good‐quality external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in localized prostate cancer, under‐dosage to the peripheral zone (tumour) is one likely cause of poor results. The quality is improved by daily verification of the position of the prostate, and the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in delineation. Currently these are demands on quality that should be incorporated in each radiotherapy department. The use of MRI in staging is also expected to improve patient selection for EBRT. Furthermore, an adequate radiation dose should be delivered. In this overview we describe what the urologist should expect from radiation oncologists to obtain the optimum results for the patients.
Single‐institution experience with primary tumours of the male urethra
Authors: Gillitzer Rolf , Hampel Christian , Wiesner Christoph , Hadaschik Boris , Thüroff Joachim
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To assess primary tumours of the urethra in males.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our database from 1986 to 2006 for primary tumours of the male urethra; nine patients with primary tumours of the urethra were analysed and follow‐up information was obtained.

RESULTS

Three patients had tumours of the prostatic urethra, two of which had proliferating focal inflammation and one a low‐grade, superficial urothelial cancer. All patients were treated successfully with transurethral resection. Six patients had carcinoma of the bulbar or penile urethra, including two with previous local percutaneous radiotherapy for prostate cancer. All had primary surgical excision that was adapted to tumour location and extension. One patient had adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. All but one patient remain recurrence‐free after a median follow‐up of 20 months.

CONCLUSION

Primary carcinoma of the male urethra is a rare entity. Previous radiotherapy might be a predisposing factor. Local surgical tumour control is essential for long‐term survival, but the extent of surgery depends on tumour location and stage. Multimodal therapy might be required to obtain an optimum oncological outcome.
Prospective study of the relationship between the systemic inflammatory response, prognostic scoring systems and relapse‐free and cancer‐specific survival in patients undergoing potentially curative resection for renal cancer
Authors: Ramsey Sara , Lamb Gavin W.A. , Aitchison Michael , McMillan Donald C.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prognostic value of markers of systemic inflammatory response, together with established scoring systems, in predicting relapse‐free and cancer‐specific survival in patients with primary operable renal cancer, as there is increasing evidence that such markers provide prognostic information, in addition to scoring systems, in patients with metastatic renal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 83 patients undergoing potentially curative nephrectomy for localized renal cancer were recruited. The University of California Los Angeles Integrated Staging System (UISS), ‘Stage Size Grade Necrosis’ (SSIGN) and Kattan scores were constructed. The systemic inflammatory response was assessed by counting white cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets, and measuring albumin and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis of the significant individual covariates, T stage (hazard ratio 2.38, 95% confidence interval 1.06– 5.36, P = 0.037), necrosis (3.73, 1.26–11.05, P = 0.018) and CRP (4.31, 1.20–15.49, P = 0.025) were significant independent predictors of relapse‐free survival. On multivariate analysis of significant scoring systems and CRP, only UISS (3.50, 1.66–7.40, P = 0.001), SSIGN (2.83, 1.19–6.72, P = 0.018) and CRP (4.14, 1.16–14.73, P = 0.028) were significant independent predictors of relapse‐free survival.

CONCLUSION

Elevated circulating CRP levels appear to be better than other markers of the systemic inflammatory response, and independent of established scoring systems, in predicting relapse‐free and cancer‐specific survival in patients undergoing potentially curative nephrectomy for renal cancer.
Bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy for significantly enlarged polycystic kidneys: a technique to optimize outcome in the largest of specimens
Authors: Desai Premal J. , Castle Erik P. , Daley Shane M. , Swanson Scott K. , Ferrigni Robert G. , Humphreys Mitchell R. , Andrews Paul E.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience with bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy (BLN) for symptomatic autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), as surgical management of massively enlarged polycystic kidneys can be a daunting task.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing BLN for ADPKD. Patient demographics, indications for the procedure, perioperative data, and pathological data were analysed.

RESULTS

In all, 12 patients underwent BLN at our institution; eight were performed before transplant, three after transplant, and one with a concomitant kidney transplant. Indications for surgery included abdominal pain, fullness and early satiety, recurrent urinary tract infections, and need for space for future transplant. The mean patient age was 49.6 years, with a body mass index of 27.0 kg/m2. The mean operative duration was 214 min, estimated blood loss was 169 mL, and the hospital stay was 4 days. There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean (range) pathological kidney mass was 2243 (656–4200) g on the left and 2379 (789–5042) g on the right. No patients with a previous renal transplant had deterioration in postoperative renal function. There was one minor intraoperative complication, one postoperative complication, and one patient with preoperative anaemia required a blood transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic patients with ADPKD due to massively enlarged kidneys should be considered for BLN when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. This includes patients with an existing renal allograft and candidates for concomitant transplantation. The approach should be tailored to avoid injury to adjacent structures secondary to displacement from the mass effect of these kidneys.
A FINE‐TUNED ESTIMATOR OF A GENERAL CONVERGENCE RATE
Authors: Mcelroy Tucker , Politis Dimitris N.
Published: March 2008

A general rate estimation method based on the in‐sample evolution of appropriately chosen diverging/converging statistics has recently been proposed by D.N. Politis [C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I, vol. 335, pp. 279–282, 2002] and T. McElroy & D.N. Politis [Ann. Statist., vol. 35, pp. 1827–1848, 2007]. In this paper, we show how a modification of the original estimators achieves a competitive rate of convergence. The modified estimators require the choice of a tuning parameter; an optimal such choice is generally a non‐trivial problem in practice. Some discussion to that effect is given, as well as a small simulation study in a heavy‐tailed setting.
EMPIRE MIGRATION TO CANADA, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, 1910–1929*
Authors: POPE DAVID
Published: March 2008

The fact remains that while our expenditure is upon an unprecedented colossal scale, the result judging by the results achieved before the war when economic conditions within the United Kingdom did not furnish the urgent incentive to emigration which prevails at the moment, is utterly inadequate.
CHOOSING ROLES IN A DUOPOLY FOR ENDOGENOUSLY DIFFERENTIATED PRODUCTS*
Authors: LAMBERTINI LUCA
Published: March 2008

The choice of the roles by firms in a vertically differenitated duopoly is analysed introducing a preplay stage where firms set the timing of moves, under the alternative assumptions of full or non full market coverage. Under the first, it turns out that the unique subgame perfect equilibrium entails simultaneous play in the quality stage, followed by sequential play in the price stage, where both firms would prefer to be price leader, contrarily to the results obtained by previous literature. Under partial market coverage, it is possible to analyse both price and quantity competition. In such a case, simultaneous play in both stages emerges as the optimal behaviour. Overall, contrarily to the conclusions reached by the previous literature, it is not possible to claim that the choice of the strategy space dominates the distribution of roles.
ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY WITH TWO REGIONS: CAPITAL ACCUMULATION AND ECONOMIC STRUCTURE*
Authors: ZHANG WEI‐BIN
Published: March 2008

This paper proposes a compact two‐region economic model with endogenous capital accumulation. The system produces one industrial commodity and service. Each region consists of one industrial sector and one service sector. The model describes the interaction between capital accumulation, the regional distribution of capital and labour, the division of labour, the capital distribution within each region, land rents, regional service prices and commodity prices over time and space. Accepting some simplifying assumptions, we show a way to integrate economic geography. equilibrium theory and neo‐classical growth theory. We analyse how differences in regional resources such as land and amenities and the preference structure of the population may affect the equilibrium structure of economic geography.
STUBBORNLY PERSISTENT FACTOR MIGRATIONS WITH RAPID INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC CONVERGENCE*
Authors: CLARKE HARRY
Published: March 2008

A model of persisting labour and capital migrations is proposed which relies on capital installation adjustment costs. Labour and capital markets are supposed internationally integrated with free factor movements imposing a ‘law of one price’ on the gross return to each factor. The development of infrastructure and other capital projects however is accompanied by adjustment costs that create a divergence between the gross and net returns to capital. This makes it optimal to accumulate capital only gradually. Thus, although there is rapid international economic convergence because returns on traded assets and labour are internationally determined, labour and capital immigrations persist. The consistency of this model with some stylised facts of experience is examined using data for four high factor immigration economies from 1870–1991.
OLD WINE FOR NEW BOTTLES: PUTTING OLD GROWTH THEORY BACK IN THE NEW
Authors: PALLEY THOMAS I.
Published: March 2008

This paper shows how the mechanisms of endogenous growth can readily be incorporated within old growth theory, thereby resolving the principal impasse that stymied old growth theory. The key mechanism is the technological progress function which was originally developed by Kaldor (1957). The growth effects of monetary and fiscal policy operate through three channels. The first is the ‘portfolio composition’ channel, with policy serving to alter the money‐capital mix of portfolios; the second is the money in the production function channel, with policy serving to alter the relative use of money and capital as inputs; the third is the money in the technological progress function channel, with policy affecting the dynamic allocative efficiency of investment via its impact on the level of financial intermediation. Since money and capital both enter the technological progress function. policies that affect the demands for money and capital affect the steady state rate of growth.
AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS CYCLE FACTS*
Authors: FISHER LANCE A. , OTTO GLENN , VOSS GRAHAM M.
Published: March 2008

This paper documents the post‐war business cycle facts for Australia. The Hodrick‐Prescott filter is used to remove the trend component from quarterly macroeconomic series. The business cycle facts we report are the volatilities of the cyclical (detrended) series and their cross correlations with cyclical real output. These facts are consistent with the business cycle facts reported for the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand with one exception. For most of the period since 1974, the real wage in Australia is strongly counter‐cyclical whereas for these countries it is procyclical.
GROWTH AND FAILURE OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN AUSTRALIA*
Authors: BORLAND JEFF , HOME RICHARD
Published: March 2008

This study examines the determinants of failure and employment growth for manufacturing establishments in Australia between 1984 and 1985. For the sample of all establishments which operated in 1984, initial size of establishment is found to be inversely related to the probability of establishment failure and positively related to the establishment‐level rate of employment growth. However, excluding establishments which ceased operation between 1984 and 1985, no relation exists between size of establishment and employment growth. These findings indicate the importance of sample selection for studies of the determinants of establishment‐level employment growth. Industry sector does not appear to have a strong effect on failure or on employment growth of establishments.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TARIFFS IN THE 1930s IN AUSTRALIA: THE BRIGDEN REPORT RE‐EXAMINED*
Authors: SIRIWARDANA MAHINDA
Published: March 2008

In 1927, the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr S.M. Bruce, appointed a committee of economists to undertake an inquiry into the economic impact of the Australian tariffs. The Report of this committee, known as the Brigden Report, was published in July 1929. In assessing the impact of tariffs on the Australian economy, the committee concluded that the protective tariff has been an effective means of securing a higher standard of living for a larger population. The purpose of this paper is to examine this conclusion quantitatively by simulating a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of the 1930s in Australia. The results support the above conclusion of the Brigden Committee if the demand for Australian primary exports were price inelastic.
HOW MANY FIRMS BECOME LEADERS?*
Authors: MATSUMURA TOSHIHIRO
Published: March 2008

This paper investigates a quantity‐setting oligopoly model with endogenous timing. We formulate an n‐firm two‐period model. Each firm chooses whether to take its action in period 1 or take its action in period 2 after observing the first‐period actions of other firms. We call firms taking their actions in period 1 ‘leaders’ and those taking action in period 2 ‘following’. We find that the number of followers is at most one regardless of whether leaders have first mover advantage.
QUANTITY PRECOMMITMENT AND BERTRAND COMPETITION YIELD COURNOT OUTCOMES: A CASE WITH PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION*
Authors: YIN XIANGKANG , YEW‐KWANG NG
Published: March 2008

Using a simple model of two‐stage duopoly game, this paper shows that Bertrand‐like price competition on a differentiated goods market, following a simultaneous endogenous choice of production capacity, yields the Cournot‐like outcomes.
THE OUTPUT EFFECT UNDER OLIGOPOLISTIC THIRD DEGREE PRICE DISCRIMINATION*
Authors: CHEUNG FRANCIS K. , WANG XINGHE
Published: March 2008

This paper analyses the output effect of price discrimination in a Cournot oligopoly where firms have different costs. Criteria which are based on the demand curves but not on the industry cost structure are developed to determine the direction of output change. Such criteria may provide an analytical basis for assessing regulatory cases and developing empirical propositions in testing the social impact of oligopolistic price discrimination.
REGULATION OF BANK INTEREST RATE RISK
Authors: VALENTINE TOM
Published: March 2008

This paper argues that the direct control approach to regulating bank interest rate risk is not the most effective one. First, a bank's interest rate exposure cannot be summarised in a single measure. Rather there are a number of such measures, depending on the target adopted, and it is not possible to determine all of them simultaneously. Basing a capital requirement on any one of these measures can have ‘unintended consequences' for the others. Secondly, changes in interest rates have a range of complex effects on banks and these effects cannot be incorporated in any single numerical measure of interest rate exposure. The paper also raises doubts about the usefulness of disclosure requirements as a tool of prudential regulation of bank interest rate risk management. The preferred approach is a supervisory regime which ensures that banks have in place an effective system for managing their own interest rate exposures. One aspect of this supervision must be to ensure that banks are using simulation analysis to measure the effect on them of changes in interest rates.
KEYNES ON WAGE FLEXIBILITY AND THE AUSTRALIAN WAGES SYSTEM*
Authors: ASPROMOURGOS TONY
Published: March 2008

Keynes' General Theory briefly discusses the Australian wages system, as an example of a system in which an attempt was made to fix real wages by law. Keynes argues that such a system, strictly enforced, generates an unstable unemployment equilibrium or highly volatile money wages and prices. This paper clarifies Keynes' views on the Australian system, with a view to their wider relevance for the significance of real and money wage flexibility and inflexibility in Keynes' economics. The most striking finding is that money wage stickiness is a conclusion, not an assumption, of Keynes' theory of employment.
ALTRUISM AND BENEFIT‐COST ANALYSIS*
Authors: QUIGGIN JOHN
Published: March 2008

The central theoretical achievement of classical and neoclassical economics is the demonstration, summed up by Adam Smiths metaphor of the invisible hand, that the interaction of selfish economic agents may produce a mutually beneficial, and Pareto‐optimal outcome. The assumption that economic agents are selfish has been criticised both as empirically inaccurate (Margolis, 1982; Quiggin, 1987) and as likely to generate anti‐social attitudes in those who hold it (Marwell and Ames, 1981). There has, therefore, been considerable interest in economic behaviour and policy analysis when agents are altruistic.
THE GENDER WAGE GAP: WHAT HAS HAPPENED BETWEEN 1973 AND 1990 IN AUSTRALIA?*
Authors: SPILSBURY STEPHANIE , KIDD MICHAEL P.
Published: March 2008

The current study examines the change in the gender wage gap in Australia over the period 1973 to 1990. The Juhn, Murphy and Pierce (1991) decomposition is used in order to evaluate the role and relative contribution of changes in observed and unobserved skills and their prices. The sensitivity of conclusions to the measure of labour market experience and industry and occupation structure are also examined. The analysis concludes that gender‐specific effects are dominant in male‐female wage convergence although wage‐structure effects also play a minor role.
THE INFLATION AND SUPPLY SIDE CONSEQUENCES OF DEMAND SIDE SHOCKS*
Authors: MADSEN JAKOB B.
Published: March 2008

This paper outlines a small general equilibrium model derived under the assumptions of imperfect competition and non‐constant returns to scale Cobb‐Douglas technology. The model is used to simulate the short‐run supply side effects of a demand shock. The simulation results reveal that demand shocks lower prices and result in positive supply side effects, which in turn strengthen the positive demand side effects on unemployment.
A DISEQUILIBRIUM ECONOMETRIC MODEL OF THE AUSTRALIAN RAW WOOL MARKET*
Authors: OCZKOWSKI EDWARD
Published: March 2008

This paper develops a quarterly disequilibrium model of the Australian wool market. It is postulated that because of inherent market imperfections the market does not clear. The model consists of demand and supply equations for both private and government traders, a minimum condition to determine quantity transacted and a price adjustment equation based on excess demand/supply. Effective demand/supply concepts which recognise the expectation of rationing are employed to model private demand/supply. Supplier price expectations explicitly account for the lower bound imposed by the minimum reserve price scheme (RPS). The estimates suggest that the disequilibrium hypothesis cannot be rejected, as a consequence measures of market imbalance are provided. The model is also used to simulate the effects of the removal of the RPS.
THE SOLOW CONDITION IN AN EFFICIENCY WAGE MODEL WITH OVERTIME WORK*
Authors: LIN CHUNG‐CHENG , LAI CHING‐CHONG
Published: March 2008

A simple synthesis of an efficiency wage model and a conventional labour supply model is used to investigate the validity of the Solow condition which holds that the effort‐wage elasticity is unity. The key feature of the model is its consideration of the possibility that workers may work in excess of standard working hours. It is found that when employees are free to choose the number of working hours and actually work more than the standard hours, the effort‐wage elasticity is less than unity. This result proposes a possible explanation to support Akerlof and Yellen's criticism that the unitary effort‐wage elasticity is too high.
KINKED DEMAND CURVE THEORY AND THE MICRO FOUNDATIONS OF KEYNESIAN INVOLUNTARY UNEMPLOYMENT
Authors: PALLEY THOMAS I.
Published: March 2008

This paper presents a macroeconomic model in which firms have kinked demand schedules owing to asymmetries in the dissemination of price information amongst consumers. It is then shown that nominal wage reductions may be unable to increase employment, let along secure full employment. The necessary condition is that the lower branch of the kinked marginal revenue schedule be negative. In this case, prices are unresponsive to nominal wage declines, and there is no Pigou effect from lower nominal wages.
They Know it When They See it: The UK Gender Recognition Act 2004
Authors: Jeffreys Sheila
Published: March 2008

This article is a critical feminist analysis of the UK Gender Recognition Act of 2004. This Act is radical in enabling transgenders to gain certificates recognising their new ‘acquired gender’ without undergoing hormonal or surgical treatment. The Act has considerable implications for marriage, for motherhood and fatherhood, for women who are the partners of men or women who ‘transition’ and for ‘women-only’ spaces. It is based on confusing and contradictory notions of the difference between sex and gender. As such it should be of great interest to feminists but there has been a dearth of feminist commentary. The understandings of sex and gender and of the importance of the Act will be explored here through analysis of the parliamentary debates and public responses.
Estimation of Frequency‐Dependent Strong Motion Duration Via Wavelets and Its Influence on Nonlinear Seismic Response
Authors: Montejo Luis A. , Kowalsky Mervyn J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  A procedure for estimation of frequency‐dependent strong motion duration (FDSMD) is developed. The proposed procedure utilizes the continuous wavelet transform and is based on the decomposition of the earthquake record into a number of component time histories (named “pseudo‐details”) with frequency content in a selected range. The “significant” strong motion duration of each pseudo‐detail is calculated based on the accumulation of the Arias intensity (AI). Finally, the FDSMD of the earthquake record in different frequency ranges is defined as the strong motion duration of the corresponding pseudo‐detail scaled by a weight factor that depends on the AI of each pseudo‐detail. The efficiency of this new strong motion definition as an intensity measure is evaluated using incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). The results obtained show that the proposed FDSMD influence the peak response of short‐period structures with stiffness and strength degradation.
A State‐Space Approach for Deriving Bridge Displacement from Acceleration
Authors: Gindy Mayrai , Vaccaro Richard , Nassif Hani , Velde Jana
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  The dynamic response (i.e., acceleration and displacement) of a bridge under vehicular load is an important component of design and evaluation. Field measurement of girder displacement, however, is generally nontrivial. Traditional sensors often require a stationary reference such as temporary scaffolds or a suspended cable. In either form, there are added costs, restrictions, and labor. As a result, there are both economic and practical incentives for developing methods that can use an accelerometer to measure both acceleration and displacement. One difficulty of this, however, is the presence of small low‐frequency errors in the measured signal, which become sufficiently large through successive integrations and lead to a significantly distorted displacement profile. The objective of this article is to examine an analytical model based on the state‐space approach for minimizing such errors and to compare results with two time domain correction methods. Field measurements from a three‐span continuous bridge are used to assess the accuracy of each routine.
Response and Modeling of Cantilever Retaining Walls Subjected to Seismic Motions
Authors: Green Russell A. , Olgun C. Guney , Cameron Wanda I.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  A series of nonlinear, explicit finite difference analyses were performed to determine the dynamic response of a cantilever retaining wall subjected to earthquake motions. This article outlines the calibration and validation of the numerical model used in the analyses and comparisons are presented between the results from the finite difference analyses and results from simplified techniques for computing dynamic earth pressures and permanent wall displacement (i.e., Mononobe‐Okabe and Newmark sliding block methods). It was found that at very low levels of acceleration, the induced pressures were in general agreement with those predicted by the Mononobe‐Okabe method. However, as the accelerations increased to those expected in regions of moderate seismicity, the induced pressures are larger than those predicted by the Mononobe‐Okabe method. This deviation is attributed to the flexibility of the retaining wall system and to the observation that the driving soil wedge does not respond monolithically, but rather responds as several wedges. Additionally, it was found that the critical load case for the structural design of the wall differed from that for the global stability of the wall, contrary to the common assumption made in practice that the two load cases are the same.
An Adaptive Strategy for the Local Discontinuous Galerkin Method Applied to Porous Media Problems
Authors: Velázquez Esov S. , Castillo Paul E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  We present a numerical study of an adaptive technique for solving steady fluid flow problems through porous media in 2D using a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method, the so‐called Local Discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method. DG methods may be viewed as high‐order extensions of the classical finite volume method and, since no interelement continuity is imposed, they can be defined on very general meshes, including nonconforming meshes, making these methods suitable for h‐adaptivity. The technique starts with an initial conformal spatial discretization of the domain and, in each step, the error of the solution is estimated. The mesh is locally modified according to the error estimate by performing two local operations: refinement and agglomeration. This procedure is repeated until the solution reaches a desired accuracy. The performance of this technique is examined through several numerical experiments and results are compared with globally refined meshes in examples with known analytic solutions.
Forgiveness: A perception and motivation study among married adults
Authors: ORATHINKAL JOSE , VANSTEENWEGEN ALFONS , BURGGRAEVE ROGER
Published: March 2008

This cross‐sectional study investigated the perception and motivation of forgiveness among 785 heterosexually married adults from the Flanders region in Belgium. A descriptive analysis showed that, in general, the respondents have a rather positive perception of forgiveness. In the second phase of the study, a t‐test showed evidence of a significant difference between the positive perception of forgiveness of the first‐married and remarried adults. But on a gender level, there was no difference either in the positive or in the negative scales. This study has shown that the general forgiveness has significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation with the perception of forgiveness.
Gender differences in facial imitation and verbally reported emotional contagion from spontaneous to emotionally regulated processing levels
Authors: SONNBY‐BORGSTRÖM MARIANNE , JÖNSSON PETER , SVENSSON OWE
Published: March 2008

Previous studies on gender differences in facial imitation and verbally reported emotional contagion have investigated emotional responses to pictures of facial expressions at supraliminal exposure times. The aim of the present study was to investigate how gender differences are related to different exposure times, representing information processing levels from subliminal (spontaneous) to supraliminal (emotionally regulated). Further, the study aimed at exploring correlations between verbally reported emotional contagion and facial responses for men and women. Masked pictures of angry, happy and sad facial expressions were presented to 102 participants (51 men) at exposure times from subliminal (23 ms) to clearly supraliminal (2500 ms). Myoelectric activity (EMG) from the corrugator and the zygomaticus was measured and the participants reported their hedonic tone (verbally reported emotional contagion) after stimulus exposures. The results showed an effect of exposure time on gender differences in facial responses as well as in verbally reported emotional contagion. Women amplified imitative responses towards happy vs. angry faces and verbally reported emotional contagion with prolonged exposure times, whereas men did not. No gender differences were detected at the subliminal or borderliminal exposure times, but at the supraliminal exposure gender differences were found in imitation as well as in verbally reported emotional contagion. Women showed correspondence between their facial responses and their verbally reported emotional contagion to a greater extent than men. The results were interpreted in terms of gender differences in emotion regulation, rather than as differences in biologically prepared emotional reactivity.
The effect of comparative context upon stereotype content: Children's judgments of ingroup behavior
Authors: BENNETT MARK , SANI FABIO
Published: March 2008

This study addresses self‐categorization theory's contention that stereotype content varies as a function of the comparative context within which a given group is considered. A sample of 5‐, 7‐ and 10‐year‐old children (n = 192) made judgments about gender ingroup behavior in one of two comparative contexts: either adults of the same sex as self or children of the opposite sex. Specifically, judgments were either of the perceived stereotypicality or central tendency of 12 types of behavior. Both types of judgment were found to differ as a function of comparative context in ways predicted by self‐categorization theory. However, contrary to prediction, there was no effect of age on the extent of stereotype variability.
Change in interpersonal problems after cognitive agoraphobia and schema‐focused therapy versus psychodynamic treatment as usual of inpatients with agoraphobia and Cluster C personality disorders
Authors: GUDE TORE , HOFFART ASLE
Published: March 2008

The aim was to study whether patients with panic disorder with agoraphobia and co‐occurring Cluster C traits would respond differently regarding change in interpersonal problems as part of their personality functioning when receiving two different treatment modalities. Two cohorts of patients were followed through three months’ in‐patient treatment programs and assessed at follow‐up one year after end of treatment. The one cohort comprised 18 patients treated with “treatment as usual” according to psychodynamic principles, the second comprised 24 patients treated in a cognitive agoraphobia and schema‐focused therapy program. Patients in the cognitive condition showed greater improvement in interpersonal problems than patients in the treatment as usual condition. Although this quasi‐experimental study has serious limitations, the results may indicate that agoraphobic patients with Cluster C traits should be treated in cognitive agoraphobia and schema‐focused programs rather than in psychodynamic treatment as usual programs in order to reduce their level of interpersonal problems.
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia in response to fear‐relevant and fear‐irrelevant stimuli
Authors: JÖNSSON PETER , HANSSON‐SANDSTEN MARIA
Published: March 2008

Heart period variability and heart rate were studied in 15 women and 15 men while they were viewing negatively (snakes/spiders), neutrally (scenic views), and positively (cats and kittens/puppies and dogs) valenced films. Time‐frequency analyses of the heart period variability power spectrum in the high frequency region (0.12–0.4 Hz), reflecting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), were carried out during 5 minutes in each condition. The main finding showed that RSA‐magnitude (high frequency power) was inversely related to emotional valence: lowest magnitudes were found in response to positive films, and highest magnitude to negative films. The findings were interpreted as reflecting motor or behavioral inhibition, and increased attention to negatively valenced, stimuli.