bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Kinked Demand Curve and Price Rigidity: Evidence from Scanner Data*
Authors: Dossche Maarten , Heylen Freddy , Van den Poel Dirk 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe estimate the curvature of the demand curve for a wide range of products. We use an extension of Deaton and Muellbauer’s Almost Ideal Demand System and scanner data from a large euro area retailer. We find evidence that the overall price elasticity of demand is higher for price increases than for price decreases. However, the overall degree of curvature is one to two orders of magnitude smaller than the value economists usually impose. This suggests that the shape of the demand curve is unlikely to be the only source of real price rigidity.
New Evidence on Implicit Contracts from Linked Employer–Employee Data*
Authors: Kilponen Juha , Santavirta Torsten 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe improve the precision of the implicit contract model test proposed by Beaudry and DiNardo (1991). Our dataset allows us to define the exact industry and plant of a particular employment relationship, link local labor market characteristics to individual‐level wages, and control for composition effects. We find evidence in favor of the spot‐market model of wage setting in the whole sample, but there is significant variation across industries and education levels. In particular, the spot market matters most for low‐skill workers, while the implicit contract model with one‐sided limited commitment applies better to high‐skill workers.
Downward Nominal and Real Wage Rigidity: Survey Evidence from European Firms*
Authors: Babecký Jan , Du Caju Philip , Kosma Theodora , Lawless Martina , Messina Julián , Rõõm Tairi 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe present new evidence from a unique survey of firms across Europe on downward wage rigidity in both real and nominal terms. Our results indicate that wage rigidities are related to workforce composition in a manner that is consistent with related theoretical models. We also find that wage rigidity depends on the labour market institutional environment. Collective bargaining coverage is positively related with downward real wage rigidity, measured on the basis of wage indexation. Downward nominal wage rigidity is positively associated with the extent of permanent contracts and this effect is stronger in countries with stricter employment protection regulations.
Closely Competing Firms and Price Adjustment: Some Findings from an Online Marketplace*
Authors: Mizuno Takayuki , Nirei Makoto , Watanabe Tsutomu 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe investigate retailers' price‐setting behavior using a unique dataset containing by‐the‐second records of prices offered by closely competing retailers on a major Japanese price‐comparison website. First, we find that, when the average price of a product across retailers falls rapidly, the frequency of price adjustments increases, and the size of price adjustments becomes larger. Second, we find positive autocorrelation in the frequency of price adjustments, implying that there tends to be clustering where price adjustments occur in succession. In contrast, there is no such autocorrelation in the size of price adjustments. These two findings indicate that the behavior of competing retailers is characterized by state‐dependent pricing rather than time‐dependent pricing.
Downward Wage Rigidity in a Model of Equal Treatment Contracting*
Authors: Martins Pedro , Snell Andy , Thomas Jonathan P. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractFollowing insights by Bewley (1999a), this paper analyses a model with downward rigidities in which firms cannot pay discriminately based on year of entry to the firm, and develops an equilibrium model of wages and unemployment. We solve for the dynamics of wages and unemployment under conditions of downward wage rigidity, where forward‐looking firms take into account these constraints. We show that there is a frontloading incentive that leads to a simple solution in the case of certainty. Using productivity data from the postwar US economy, we analyse the ability of the model to match certain stylised labour market facts.
RELIGIOUS LITERALISM AND SCIENCE‐RELATED ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY ISLAM
Authors: Guessoum Nidhal 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe complex relations between Islam and modern science have so far mostly been examined by thinkers at the conceptual level. The wider interaction of religious scholars and preachers with the general public on science issues is an unexplored area that is worthy of examination, for it often is characterized by a literalistic approach. I first briefly review literalism in its various forms. The classical Islamic jurisprudential school of Zahirism, widely regarded as bearing the flag of juristic literalism, is also briefly presented. I then address specific science‐related issues currently being discussed in literalistic ways by many religious scholars and preachers in their general‐public discourse. I focus on the practical case of the determination of crescent‐based Islamic months and holy occasions, the conceptual issue of evolution (biological and human), and the rule for the consumption of meat by slaughter of animals. In the last part of the essay I propose a constructive alternative to the literalistic mode: the Maqasidi (objectives‐based) approach. This rather old method has seen some revival lately, mainly among Islamic jurists concerned with solving the new issues of modern times, especially for Muslims living in the West, but this approach has not yet been applied to science‐related issues. I present the main ideas of this method and show their relevance and usefulness to science‐related topics.
A SCIENTIFIC BUDDHISM?
Authors: Harrison Peter 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis essay endorses the argument of Donald Lopez's Buddhism and Science and shows how the general thesis of the book is consonant with other historical work on the “discovery” of Buddhism and on the emergence of Western conceptions of religion. It asks whether one of the key claims of Buddhism and Science—that Buddhism pays a price for its flirtation with the modern sciences—might be applicable to science‐and‐religion discussions more generally.
BUDDHISM AND SCIENCE: HOW FAR CAN THE DIALOGUE PROCEED?
Authors: Jinpa Thupten 
Published: November 2010

AbstractOn the stage of the religion‐and‐science dialogue, Buddhism, especially Tibetan Buddhism, is a late arrival. However, thanks primarily to the long‐standing personal interest of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan tradition he represents has come to engage deeply with various disciplines of modern science. This essay follows the active engagement that has occurred particularly in the form of the biannual Mind and Life dialogues between the Dalai Lama and scientists. From the perspective of an active participant, I present the careful deliberations that ensure constructive parameters for these dialogues so that no one side can exert a hegemonic voice. I explore the challenges that are likely to confront the Buddhist side from its encounter with science, particularly with respect to its worldview. I identify specific areas where the two sides can and do engage in concrete collaboration, especially with respect to investigating healthy qualities of the mind and the effects of conscious mental training for attention and emotion regulation. Finally, I explore the question of the possible impact of this dialogue on modern science.
CONSTRUCTING A THEOLOGY OF EVOLUTION: BUILDING ON JOHN HAUGHT
Authors: Peters Ted 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe construction of a distinctively Christian “theology of evolution” or “theistic evolution” requires the incorporation of the science of evolutionary biology while building a more comprehensive worldview within which all things are understood in relation to our creating and redeeming God. In the form of theses, this article brings four support pillars to the constructive work: (1) orienting evolutionary history to the God of grace; (2) affirming purpose for nature even if we cannot see purpose in nature; (3) employing the theology of the cross to discern divine compassion in the natural world; and (4) relying on the divine promise of new creation. Among other things, John Haught's blueprint has located the pedestals on which these pillars will stand. For this groundwork, Haught deserves thanks.
FROM PESSIMISM TO HOPE: A NATURAL PROGRESSION
Authors: Ulanowicz Robert E. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMutual critique by scientists and religious believers mostly entails the pruning of untenable religious beliefs by scientists and warnings against scientific minimalism on the part of believers. John F. Haught has been prominent in formulating religious apologetics in response to the challenges posed by evolutionary theory. Haught's work also resonates with a parallel criticism of the conventional scientific metaphysics undergirding neo‐Darwinian theory. Contemporary systems ecology seems to indicate that nothing short of a complete reversal of the Enlightenment assumptions about nature is capable of repositioning science to deal adequately with the origin and dynamics of living systems. A process‐based alternative metaphysics substantially mitigates several ostensible conflicts between science and religion.
Risk factors for small‐for‐gestational‐age infants by customised birthweight centiles: data from an international prospective cohort study
Authors: McCowan LME , Roberts CT , Dekker GA , Taylor RS , Chan EHY , Kenny LC , Baker PN , Moss‐Morris R , Chappell LC , North RA ,   on behalf of the SCOPE consortium
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: McCowan L, Roberts C, Dekker G, Taylor R, Chan E, Kenny L, Baker P, Moss‐Morris R, Chappell L, North R on behalf of the SCOPE consortium. Risk factors for small‐for‐gestational‐age infants by customised birthweight centiles: data from an international prospective cohort study. BJOG 2010;117:1599–1607.Objective  To identify clinical and ultrasound variables associated with the birth of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants by customised centiles, subclassified according to whether their mothers were normotensive or developed hypertensive complications.Design  Prospective, multicentre cohort study.Setting  Participating centres of the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study in Auckland, New Zealand, Adelaide, Australia, Manchester and London, UK, and Cork, Ireland.Population  The 3513 nulliparous participants of the SCOPE study.Methods  Women were interviewed at 15 ± 1 weeks, and had ultrasound growth measurements and umbilical and uterine Doppler studies at 20 ± 1 weeks. Variables associated with SGA infants were identifed using logistic regression.Main outcome measures  Small for gestational age (i.e. a birthweight of less than the tenth customised centile), normotensive‐SGA and hypertensive‐SGA. Comparison groups for statistical analyses were non‐SGA, normotensive non‐SGA and hypertensive non‐SGA.Results  Among 376 (10.7%) SGA infants, 281 (74.7%) were normotensive‐SGA and 95 (25.3%) were hypertensive‐SGA. Independent risk factors for normotensive‐SGA were low maternal birthweight, low fruit intake pre‐pregnancy, cigarette smoking, increasing maternal age, daily vigorous exercise, being a tertiary student, head and abdominal circumference of less than the tenth centile and increasing uterine artery Doppler indices at the 20‐week scan. Protective factors were: high green leafy vegetable intake pre‐pregnancy, and rhesus‐negative blood group. Risk factors for hypertensive‐SGA were conception by in vitro fertilisation, previous early pregnancy loss and femur length of less than tenth centile at the 20‐week scan.Conclusions  Risk factors for infants who are SGA by customised centiles have been identified in a cohort of healthy nulliparous women. A number of these factors are modifiable; however, further studies are needed to replicate these findings.
Cost‐effectiveness of rapid tests and other existing strategies for screening and management of early‐onset group B streptococcus during labour
Authors: Kaambwa B , Bryan S , Gray J , Milner P , Daniels J , Khan KS , Roberts TE 
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as:Kaambwa B, Bryan S, Gray J, Milner P, Daniels J, Khan K, Roberts T. Cost‐effectiveness of rapid tests and other existing strategies for screening and management of early‐onset group B streptococcus during labour. BJOG 2010;117:1616–1627.Objective To determine the cost‐effectiveness of alternative screening and prevention strategies, including rapid intrapartum testing, for prevention of early‐onset neonatal group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in the UK.Design A decision model was developed to investigate the cost‐effectiveness of screening and prevention strategies for GBS. A strategy of doing nothing was also considered. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were carried out.Setting Two large UK based obstetric units.Participants Test accuracy data were obtained from a primary study of rapid tests at the onset of labour and risk factors from 1400 women.Main outcome measures Incremental health sector costs per case of early‐onset GBS death avoided.Results Compared with a strategy of do nothing, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was £32,000 per Early‐Onset GBS Disease avoided and £427,000 per Early‐Onset GBS Death avoided for the strategy of providing routine intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to all women without prior screening; Based on their current sensitivity, specificity and cost, screening using rapid tests was dominated by other more cost‐effective strategies.Conclusions The most cost‐effective strategy was shown to be the provision of routine intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to all women without prior screening but, given broader concerns relating to antibiotic use, this is unlikely to be acceptable. In its absence, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis directed by screening with enriched culture becomes cost‐effective. The current strategy of risk‐factor‐based screening is not cost‐effective compared with screening based on culture.
Critical book reviews in German
Authors: Vassileva Irena 
Published: November 2010

This pilot study is based on a sample corpus of 10 book reviews in the field of German applied linguistics, which have a definitely negative character. It attempts to elucidate the argumentation strategies used by review writers within the classical Aristotelian framework. The analysis leads to conclusions concerning the surface expression of the argumentation strategies used by writers, the degree to which criticism is based on objective logic and on subjective personal evaluation, and the preference for certain topoi, as well as some general concerns in relation to confrontation in academia.Die Pilotuntersuchung basiert auf einer Stichprobe bestehend aus 10 Buchrezensionen auf dem Gebiet der deutschen angewandten Sprachwissenschaft, welche einen ausgesprochen negativen Charakter haben. Ausgehend von der klassischen Aristotelischen Rhetorik versucht die Analyse die Argumentationsstrategien zu erläutern, welche die Verfasser der Rezensionen verwenden. Die Ergebnisse führen zu Schlussfolgerungen hinsichtlich des sprachlichen Ausdrucks der Argumentationsstrategien; Der Korrelation zwischen Kritik, welche auf objektiver Logik basiert und solcher, die sich auf subjektiver persönlicher Bewertung stützt; Der Bevorzugung bestimmter Topoi, so wie einiger allgemeinen Diskussionspunkten im Zusammenhang mit der Konfrontation in der wissenschaftlichen Kommunikation.
The indigenous, national, and international language in higher education: students' academic trajectories in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: O'Donnell Jennifer Lee 
Published: November 2010

Studies regarding multilingualism have shown that literacy in two languages facilitates the acquisition of a third. This paper compares the progress of Mexican bilingual indigenous language/Spanish‐proficient students to Mexican monolingual Spanish‐proficient students in their university level English classes. Two major research strategies are presented: (1) qualitative analysis based on a student questionnaire, and (2) inferential quantitative analysis of bilingual and monolingual students' grade averages in academic and language classes. Results show that bilingualism in an indigenous language positively affects the acquisition of English language skills. These results suggest that through language maintenance and development, indigenous communities in Mexico may be able to benefit from globalization, or at least withstand its negative effects.Los estudios con respecto al multilingüismo han demostrado que el conocimiento en dos idiomas facilita la adquisición de un tercero. Este artículo compara el progreso de estudiantes cuya lengua origen es la indígena mexicana y quienes además hablan español, con el desempeño de los estudiantes españoles monolingües mexicanos, en sus clases de inglés a nivel universitario. Se presentan dos estrategias de investigación importantes: (1) Un análisis cualitativo basado en un cuestionario aplicado a los estudiantes, y (2) Un análisis cuantitativo inferencial de las calificaciones obtenidas por los estudiantes monolingües y bilingües en sus clases de inglés. Los resultados demuestran que el bilingüismo en una lengua indígena afecta positivamente a la adquisición de conocimientos lingüísticos en la lengua inglesa. Estos resultados sugieren que con mantenimiento y el apropiado desarrollo de la lengua, las comunidades indígenas en México podrían beneficiarse de la globalización, o por lo menos soportar sus efectos negativos.
Tetramethylphenylenediamine protects the isolated heart against ischaemia‐induced apoptosis and reperfusion‐induced necrosis
Authors: Barauskaite Jurgita , Grybauskiene Regina , Morkuniene Ramune , Borutaite Vilmante , Brown Guy C 
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cytochrome c when released from mitochondria into cytosol triggers assembly of the apoptosome resulting in caspase activation. Recent evidence suggests that reduced cytochrome c is unable to activate the caspase cascade. In this study, we investigated whether a chemical reductant of cytochrome c, N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylphenylene‐1,4‐diamine (TMPD), which we have previously shown to block cytochrome c‐induced caspase activation, could prevent ischaemia‐induced apoptosis in the rat perfused heart.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts were pretreated with TMPD and subjected to stop‐flow ischaemia or ischaemia/reperfusion. The activation of caspases (measured as DEVD‐p‐nitroanilide‐cleaving activity), nuclear apoptosis of cardiomyocytes (measured by dUTP nick end labelling assay), mitochondrial and cytosolic levels of cytochrome c (measured spectrophotometrically and by elisa), and reperfusion‐induced necrosis (measured as the activity of creatine kinase released into perfusate) were assessed.KEY RESULTS We found that perfusion of the hearts with TMPD strongly inhibited ischaemia‐ or ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced activation of caspases and partially prevented nuclear apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. TMPD did not prevent ischaemia‐ or ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol. TMPD also inhibited ischaemia/reperfusion‐induced necrosis.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that TMPD or related molecules might be used to protect the heart against damage induced by ischaemia/reperfusion. The mechanism of this protective effect of TMPD probably involves electron reduction of cytochrome c (without decreasing its release) which then inhibits the activation of caspases.
Betulinic acid inhibits endotoxin‐stimulated phosphorylation cascade and pro‐inflammatory prostaglandin E2 production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Viji Vijayan , Helen Antony , Luxmi Varma R 
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. We previously reported that BA inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced interleukin‐6 production through modulation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). This study attempted to identify other mechanisms through which BA modulates LPS signalling in mononuclear cells. The effects of BA on signalling pathways downstream were focused on in this study.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We determined the ability of BA to interfere with p38 and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation as well as Akt phosphorylation and nuclear factor‐κB activation using LPS‐activated hPBMCs as an in vitro model. LPS‐induced endotoxin shock in mice was the in vivo model employed.KEY RESULTS BA inhibited LPS‐induced COX‐2 protein expression and prostaglandin E2 production and also attenuated LPS‐induced ERK and Akt phosphorylation, but not p38 in hPBMCs. BA abolished LPS‐induced IκBα phosphorylation and thus normalized the levels of IκBα in cytosol. BA also inhibited LPS‐induced reactive oxygen species formation and lactate dehydrogenase release. Interestingly, BA improved the life span of mice in endotoxin shock and also inhibited PGE2 production and myeloperoxidase activity in vivo.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS BA modulates LPS‐induced COX‐2 expression in hPBMCs by inhibiting ERK and Akt pathways as well as by modulating IκBα phosphorylation. At the same time, no cell toxicity was observed. The effect of the drug was confirmed through in vivo experiments. The study gives an insight into the molecular mechanisms of BA.
The ω‐3 epoxide of eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits endothelial cell proliferation by p38 MAP kinase activation and cyclin D1/CDK4 down‐regulation
Authors: Cui Pei H , Petrovic Nenad , Murray Michael 
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Dietary intake of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω‐3 PUFAs) like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) decreases cancer risk, while arachidonic acid and other ω‐6 PUFAs increase risk, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Cytochrome P450 (CYP)‐derived epoxides contribute to enhanced tumourigenesis due to ω‐6 PUFA intake. Thus, ω‐6 arachidonic acid epoxides (EETs) inhibit apoptosis and stimulate proliferation by up‐regulating cyclin D1 expression in cells. The present study evaluated the corresponding ω‐3 PUFA epoxides and assessed their role in the regulation of cell proliferation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Four chemically stable EPA epoxides (formed at the 8,9‐, 11,12‐, 14,15‐ and 17,18‐olefinic bonds) were synthesized and tested against growth‐related signalling pathways in brain microvascular endothelial bEND.3 cells. Cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry and cyclin gene expression by immunoblotting and real‐time PCR. The role of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase in cyclin D1 dysregulation was assessed using specific inhibitors and dominant‐negative expression plasmids.KEY RESULTS The ω‐3 17,18‐epoxide of EPA decreased cell proliferation, interrupted the cell cycle in S‐phase and down‐regulated the cyclin D1/cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK)‐4 complex, whereas the 8,9‐, 11,12‐ and 14,15‐epoxides were either inactive or enhanced proliferation. Cyclin D1 down‐regulation by 17,18‐epoxy‐EPA was mediated by activation of the growth‐suppressing p38 MAP kinase, but the alternate EPA‐epoxides were inactive.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The present findings suggest that the epoxide formed by CYP enzymes at the ω‐3 olefinic bond may contribute to the beneficial effects of ω‐3 PUFA by down‐regulating cyclin D1 and suppressing cell proliferation.