bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synaptic Transmission: Inhibition of Neurotransmitter Release by Botulinum Toxins
Authors: Dolly Oliver 
Published: July 2003

Botulinum toxin type A, a protein long used in the successful treatment of various dystonias, has a complex mechanism of action that results in muscle relaxation. At the neuromuscular junction, the presynaptic nerve ending is packed with synaptic vesicles filled with acetylcholine, and clustered at the tip of the folds of the postsynaptic muscle membrane are the acetylcholine receptors. Synaptic vesicles fuse with the membrane in response to an elevation of intraneuronal calcium concentration and undergo release of their transmitter by exocytosis. Intracellular proteins that contribute to the fusion of the vesicles with the plasma membrane during exocytosis include synaptosomal protein with a molecular weight of 25 kDa (SNAP‐25); vesicle‐associated membrane protein (VAMP), also known as synaptobrevin; and syntaxin.Through their proteolytic action on these proteins, botulinum toxins prevent exocytosis, thereby inhibiting the release of acetylcholine. There are 7 serotypes of this toxin—A, B, C1, D, E, F, and G—and each cleaves a different intracellular protein or the same target at distinct bonds. The separate cleavage sites in SNAP‐25 for botulinum toxin types A and E contribute to their dissimilar durations of muscle relaxation.This report describes the molecular basis for the inhibition by botulinum toxins of neuroexocytosis and subsequent functional recovery at the neuromuscular junction.
Botulinum Neurotoxin for the Treatment of Migraine and Other Primary Headache Disorders: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Dodick David W. 
Published: July 2003

Botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin, is effective for treating a variety of disorders of involuntary muscle contraction including cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm. It inhibits neuromuscular signaling by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. The biological effects of the toxin are transient, with normal neuronal signaling returning within approximately 3 to 6 months postinjection.Recent clinical findings suggest that botulinum toxin type A may inhibit pain associated with migraine and other types of headache. However, the mechanism by which this toxin inhibits pain is not fully understood and is under investigation. Research findings suggest that botulinum toxin type A inhibits the release of neurotransmitters from nociceptive nerve terminals and, in this way, may possess an analgesic effect. A number of retrospective open‐label chart reviews and 3 double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials have demonstrated that localized injections of botulinum toxin type A significantly reduce the frequency, severity, and disability associated with migraine headaches. Although the majority of patients in these studies experienced no botulinum toxin type A‐mediated side effects, a small percentage of patients did report transient minor side effects including blepharoptosis, diplopia, and injection‐site weakness. Currently, 4 randomized, placebo‐controlled, clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the efficacy, optimal dosing, and side‐effect profile of botulinum toxin type A as a novel treatment for migraine and other types of headache. These studies may provide further evidence that botulinum toxin type A is an effective option for the preventive treatment of migraine.
Setting organ allocation priorities: Should we care what the public cares about?
Authors: Johri Mira , Ubel Peter A. 
Published: July 2003

Abstract

Objective:
To investigate the nature of public preferences in the allocation of donor liver grafts for transplantation.

Design:
A qualitative study based upon the transcripts of four focus groups.

Setting:
Derby, Derbyshire, UK.

Participants:
Twenty-two members of the public in the Derby locality, recruited to one of four focus groups through local community groups.

Main Outcome Measures:
The views of focus group members as to the importance (or otherwise) of several potential discriminating factors which could be used in the prioritization of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation were ascertained. The factors included were expected posttransplantation prognosis, the age of the patient, whether the patient was personally responsible for their illness, the time spent on the waiting list, re-transplantation or primary transplant and the social background of the patient.

Results and Conclusions:
Group members explored the criteria from a number of perspectives, and made some unexpected linkages between the criteria and wider moral principles. They did not come to firm conclusions about the relative desirability of the criteria, but their approach was notably flexible and thoughtful, with the exception of a few instances where they appeared to resort to arguments based on what is ‘obvious’ and ‘natural’. The results of these discussions suggest that members of the public would be able and willing to respond positively to a more open and consultative system of donor liver prioritization than exists presently within the UK.
Efficacy and Safety of Oral Pleconaril for Treatment of Colds Due to Picornaviruses in Adults: Results of 2 Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Hayden Frederick G. , Herrington Darrell T. , Coats Teresa L. , Kim Kenneth , Cooper Ellen C. , Villano Stephen A. , Liu Siyu , Hudson Spencer , Pevear Daniel C. , Collett Marc , McKinlay Mark ,   Pleconaril Respiratory Infection Study Group
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe novel capsid-binding antiviral pleconaril inhibits in vitro replication of most rhinoviruses and enteroviruses. Oral pleconaril treatment was studied in 2 parallel randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Among 1363 picornavirus-infected participants (65%) in the studies combined, the median time to alleviation of illness was 1 day shorter for pleconaril recipients than for placebo recipients (P &gt; .001). Cold symptom scores and frequency of picornavirus cultured from nasal mucus specimens were lower among pleconaril recipients by day 2 of treatment. No treatment effects were seen in those without picornavirus infection. Pleconaril was associated with a higher incidence of nausea (6% vs. 4%) and diarrhea (9% vs. 7%) and with small increases in mean serum cholesterol levels and platelet counts, compared with baseline measurements. A subsequent 6-week prophylaxis study found that pleconaril induces cytochrome P-450 3A enzymes, which metabolize a variety of drugs, including ethinyl estradiol. Early pleconaril treatment was well tolerated and significantly reduced the duration and severity of colds due to picornaviruses in adults.
Constructing rational maps from subdivision rules
Authors: Cannon J. , Floyd W. , Kenyon R. , Parry W. 
Published: July 2003

Suppose

R

\mathcal {R}

is an orientation-preserving finite subdivision rule with an edge pairing. Then the subdivision map

σ

R

\sigma _{\mathcal {R}}

is either a homeomorphism, a covering of a torus, or a critically finite branched covering of a 2-sphere. If

R

\mathcal {R}

has mesh approaching

0
0

and

S

R

S_{\mathcal {R}}

is a 2-sphere, it is proved in Theorem 3.1 that if

R

\mathcal {R}

is conformal, then

σ

R

\sigma _{\mathcal {R}}

is realizable by a rational map. Furthermore, a general construction is given which, starting with a one-tile rotationally invariant finite subdivision rule, produces a finite subdivision rule

Q

\mathcal {Q}

with an edge pairing such that

σ

Q

\sigma _{\mathcal {Q}}

is realizable by a rational map.
Magma Emplacement and Remobilization Timescales Beneath Montserrat: Insights from Sr and Ba Zonation in Plagioclase Phenocrysts
Authors: ZELLMER G. F. , SPARKS R. S. J. , HAWKESWORTH C. J. , WIEDENBECK M. 
Published: July 2003

Abstract
Since 1995, the Soufrière Hills volcano on Montserrat, Lesser Antilles island arc, has erupted crystal-rich andesite magma that is geochemically very similar to the volcanic products of at least the last 174 ± 3 kyr (1σ). Nomarski images of plagioclase phenocrysts from six andesites erupted between 151 ± 4 ka (1σ) and AD 1999 reveal multiple crystal resorption events, and major shifts in anorthite content suggest that these are due to temperature variations. A model is developed that uses partitioning data for Ba and Sr to quantify the degree of intracrystalline disequilibrium of these elements with respect to anorthite content in 12 selected plagioclase phenocrysts. Intracrystalline diffusive equilibration of both Ba and Sr profiles is incomplete. However, local disequilibria do not consistently decrease towards crystal cores, i.e. potential differences between core and rim ages cannot be resolved, and so the timescale for crystal growth is considerably shorter than their residence time at magmatic temperatures. Using two-dimensional finite difference modelling of intracrystalline Sr diffusion as a first-order approximation of diffusion in three dimensions, it is possible to calculate bulk crystal residence times at the estimated Soufrière Hills magmatic temperature of 850°C. These range from ∼10 to ∼1200 years, independent of eruption age. Crystal residence times in the currently erupting andesite range from ∼15 to ∼320 years. Diffusion in three dimensions would result in shorter residence times. Such results can be explained by repeated intrusion of small volumes of andesitic material to upper-crustal levels, followed by rapid crystallization during degassing and rapid cooling. Remobilization of the intruded andesites by influx of hotter, more mafic magma, and amalgamation of andesites of different crystallization ages by associated convective processes, produced the currently erupting andesite that contains abundant inclusions of mafic magma. The short residence times of andesite magma in the upper crust, and the episodic character of volcanism at the Soufrière Hills with short periods of intense volcanism alternating with much longer periods of dormancy, are consistent with deep magma generation and storage and with episodic ascent to form ephemeral shallow chambers.
Entrepreneurship and Unemployment in the UK
Authors: Thurik Roy 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe influence of industrial structure, more specifically of entrepreneurship, is investigated on the level of unemployment in the UK. The question is to what extent entrepreneurship, i.e., business ownership can reduce the level of unemployment. The alleged differences between the managed and the entrepreneurial economy will be discussed as well as the links between entrepreneurship and unemployment. It will be concluded that the UK is a relative outlier when using a simple model of the relationship between unemployment and the rate of business ownership. The model is calibrated using recent data of some 23 OECD countries. It underestimates the decrease in unemployment in the UK in the period 1982–1990. Some arguments are brought forward why this might be the case.
Ricardo on Agricultural Improvements: a Note
Authors: Gehrke Christian , Kurz Heinz D. , Salvadori Neri 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis note discusses the numerical examples of land saving and capital saving agricultural improvements Ricardo provided in the chapter on the rent of land in the Principles. Especially his illustration of the second kind of improvements met with fierce criticism. It is argued that Ricardo was not wrong in any substantive sense and that he could only be criticized for having changed the definition of rent as regards the timing of its payment from post to ante factum.
‘Independence’ and the founding of the Federal Reserve
Authors: Forder James 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe Federal Reserve is ‘independent’, but contrary to opinions often expressed, it was not intended by its creators to be free from political control, although others involved in the debate over its establishment hoped that it would be. ‘Independence’ was independence from banking interests, not government. A gradual development of independence preceded a much greater acquisition of power during the Reagan Presidency. The lessons of history include the fact that with few changes in the Federal Reserve Act, its position in the American government has been dramatically transformed. Consequently, contrary to common practice in the economics literature, the ‘independence’ (from government) of a central bank evidently cannot be measured by tabulating characteristics of its statutes.
The Influence of Economists On the Federal Reserve Act
Authors: Caporale Barbara 
Published: July 2003

AbstractMany economists helped to lay the groundwork for the Federal Reserve. Some did important work analyzing the problems of the National Bank System and arguing for formation of a central bank in economics journals. At least as importantly, if not more so, some economists took an active role in the reform movement and provided help and advice with the actual Congressional bill. Among these are J. Lawrence Laughlin, who chaired a group that actively raised support for the Federal Reserve Act in Congressional districts, and H. Parker Willis, who served as an expert for the subcommittee which wrote the original draft of what became the Federal Reserve Act. More broadly, this episode illustrates the impact that intellectuals and ideas can have on actual events; the analysis contemporary economists did in academic journals and in more political activities before and after the panic of 1907 guided the actual formation of a working central bank (JEL B10, N21).
Measuring central bank independence: a latent variables approach
Authors: De Haan Jakob , Leertouwer Erik , Meijer Erik , Wansbeek Tom 
Published: July 2003

AbstractWe argue that central bank independence (CBI) is a latent variable of which the various existing quantifications are imperfect indicators. We show how factor analysis techniques can be employed to assess the quality of the various indicators, and how an optimal weighting of the indicators can be obtained that gives the best approximation of CBI. We also show how these results can be utilized in models in which CBI is an explanatory variable. In contrast to the well‐known study ofCampillo and Miron (1997), we find that our CBI indicator is significantly related to inflation, also when various control variables are included.
China: Further Evidence on the Evolution of Stock Markets in Transition Economies
Authors: Li Xiao‐Ming 
Published: July 2003

AbstractWe revisit the weak‐form efficiency of China's stock markets by examining its changing behaviour over the entire history of the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. The Kalman Filter technique is applied to the system consisting of a time‐varying AR model and an asymmetric TGARCH equation. The estimates of predictability combined with other non‐quantifiable, evolutionary characteristics of the markets are used to infer on their efficiency. It is shown that, at their initial development stages, both the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets were inefficient. However, the past decade saw a steady convergence of the two markets towards efficiency. An abnormal leverage effect is detected for Shanghai, but no strong evidence is found that there exists the information transmission between the two markets.
Dollar‐Deutschemark Polarisation: Comparing The Pound And Franc
Authors: Forder James , Hurn Stan 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe extent to which movements in the sterling and franc bilateral exchange rates are associated with changes in the dollar‐deutschemark exchange rate is measured. In the case of the pound we find, in contrast to the impression that might be gained from previous studies, that its linkage to the dollar has been, since the late 1990s, as high as it was in the late 1970s. In the case of the franc, we find that it has for some time been a powerfully deutschemark‐linked currency. This calls into question the view that there has been significant ‘dollar‐deutschemark polarity’ with respect to the franc in the recent past. We suggest that policymaker guidance and market rules of thumb may partially explain the developments we observe.
Have output growth rates stabilised? evidence from the g‐7 economies
Authors: Mills Terence C. , Wang Ping 
Published: July 2003

AbstractIn this paper we consider an extension of Hamilton's Markov chain model of output growth that allows for a one‐time structural break in the hyperparameters. We fit this model to post‐war quarterly output growth data from the G‐7 economies and find evidence for such a structural break in each of them, although the break occurs at different times. The break is always associated with a decline in volatility and often with a narrowing of the mean growth differential between the expansionary and recessionary regimes. The results show that stabilisation has typically been achieved at the expense of a reduction in growth rates.
Why exporting countries agree to voluntary export restraints: the oligopolistic power of the foreign supplier
Authors: De Santis Roberto A. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis paper studies the impact of VER on an exporting country. It shows that a VER at the free‐trade level favours the concentration of industry, allows firms with an export licence to expand, causes the contraction of the size of the firms producing for the domestic market only, and raises the price mark‐up in the domestic market. The impact on welfare is indeterminate depending upon the effect on global efficiency. If a VER is binding, also the price mark‐up in the foreign market rises and this effect on terms of trade, ceteris paribus, is welfare improving. An applied general equilibrium model for Turkey supports the conjecture that with a VER the increased oligopolistic power of incumbent firms with an export licence, the higher price mark‐up in the domestic market and a possible social welfare gain, are the key elements in understanding the rationale behind VERs. However, if authorities induce firms to engage in unproductive profit‐seeking activities, rent dissipation occurs and the impact on social welfare becomes negative.
Equity Market Liberalization in Emerging Markets
Authors: Bekaert Geert , Harvey Campbell R. , Lundblad Christian T. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractEquity market liberalizations, if effective, lead to important changes in both the financial and real sectors as the economy becomes integrated into world capital markets. The study of market integration is complicated because one can liberalize in many ways and many countries have taken different routes. To study the effectiveness of particular liberalization policies, the sequencing of liberalizations, and the impact on the real economy, systematic methods must be developed to date the liberalization of emerging equity markets. We provide a synthesis of the current methods and show the impact of liberalization on the real sector.
Competition For Order Flow, Market Quality, And Price Discovery In The Nasdaq 100 Index Tracking Stock
Authors: Tse Yiuman , Erenburg Grigori 
Published: July 2003

AbstractWe investigate competition for order flow, market quality, and price discovery in the Nasdaq 100 Index Tracking Stock (QQQ). The QQQ, an AMEX‐listed, exchange‐traded fund, is the most actively traded security in the U.S. equities market. On July 31, 2001, the NYSE began trading the QQQ, marking the first time it traded securities of companies it does not list. The greatest volume of trading takes place on electronic communication networks (ECNs), following by trading on the AMEX and the NYSE. Most of the block trades are executed on the AMEX, where the bid‐ask spreads are narrower. We find that ECNs contribute the most to the price‐discovery process. The spreads on all trading platforms have decreased and market quality and price discovery have improved since QQQ shares have traded on the NYSE.
The Effects of Unanticipated Macroeconomic News on Debt Markets
Authors: Christie‐David Rohan , Chaudhry Mukesh , Lindley James T. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractWe examine the effects of unanticipated macroeconomic news on two interest rate futures using intraday data. The surprises are identified on the basis of their potential effects on debt markets (positive or negative) and by their size (large, medium, or small). The results show distinct ex‐post return patterns associated with different categories of news surprises. For example, large surprises have the strongest immediate effects whereas negative surprises have the longest persisting effects. Tests that examine the separate effects of each announcement suggest that debt responses vary with the size and potential effect of the news surprise in each announcement.
Ceo Compensation And The Transformation Of Banking
Authors: Harjoto Maretno A. , Mullineaux Donald J. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractWe examine the compensation strategies of commercial bank holding companies (BHCs) during 1992–2000. In particular, we analyze whether CEO compensation is more closely tied to the presence of growth options and to risk than is revealed in earlier research. We also examine whether BHC entry into investment banking has influenced compensation policies. Our evidence shows a stronger link between growth options and CEO compensation in the 1990s than observed in earlier studies and that pay‐for‐performance sensitivities are substantially larger for BHCs that have entered the underwriting business. We also find that BHC leverage and variability in returns have positive effects on CEO incentive pay. Finally, we find some evidence supporting the hypothesis that pay‐for‐performance sensitivities decline generally at BHCs as return variability increases, as agency theory predicts.
Do Emerging Market Firms Follow Different Dividend Policies From U.S. Firms?
Authors: Aivazian Varouj , Booth Laurence , Cleary Sean 
Published: July 2003

AbstractWe find that emerging market firms exhibit dividend behavior similar to U.S. firms, in the sense that dividends are explained by profitability, debt, and the market‐to‐book ratio. However, empirical dividend policy equations are structurally different, indicating different sensitivities to these variables. Additionally, emerging market firms seem to be more affected by asset mix, which seems to be due to their greater reliance on bank debt. Overall, country factors are as important in dividend policies as previous studies find them to be in capital structure decisions.
Nonlinear Drift And Stochastic Volatility: An Empirical Investigation Of Short‐Term Interest Rate Models
Authors: Sun Licheng 
Published: July 2003

AbstractIn this article I provide new evidence on the role of nonlinear drift and stochastic volatility in interest rate modeling. I compare various model specifications for the short‐term interest rate using the data from five countries. I find that modeling the stochastic volatility in the short rate is far more important than specifying the shape of the drift function. The empirical support for nonlinear drift is weak with or without the stochastic volatility factor. Although a linear drift stochastic volatility model fits the international data well, I find that the level effect differs across countries.
Membership On Editorial Boards And Finance Department Rankings
Authors: Chan Kam C. , Fok Robert C. W. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractWe examine membership on editorial boards of sixteen leading finance journals in 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000. Membership on a board of a high‐quality journal is highly selective. Editors and members of editorial boards of quality journals are trusted by their peers who submit their research for publication consideration. Thus, the number of faculty represented on editorial boards of quality journals should provide a quality indication of the finance department. We use membership representation to provide a ranking of finance departments adjusted for department size and journal quality.