bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restructuring of the Labour Market and the Role of Third World Migrations in Europe
Authors: Pugliese E 
Published: October 2006

This paper is an analysis of the way in which the changes in the labour market and in the occupational structure in Europe affect the situation and the role of Third World migrants, The author singles out, first, the main differences between the present migratory waves and the intra-European migrations of the 1960s and 1970s. Not only are the numbers of nationalities and ethnic groups who participate in the new migratory experience greater now than before, but also the destinations are different. At the time of the great intra-European migrations the receiving areas were the most developed European industrial countries: now Spain, Italy, and Greece also attract a large number of migrants from the Third World. Intra-European migrations were industrial migrations because manufacturing and building industries were the most important and growing economic activities. While industrial employment increased, the working class and the industrial conflict were the basic factors of those societies. Present-day migrations are postindustrial migrations. Immigrants work mostly in service activities and not infrequently in the informal economy. In any case migrant workers are located in the secondary labour market. The picture is made more complex by the fact that many immigrants are alegal or illegal because of the restrictive immigration policies in European countries. The casual character of the migrants' occupations, coupled with the fact that some of them are not settled, but keep migrating within the hosting countries, makes more difficult their union organization. Besides that, the forms of solidarity which are developing now are less and less class based, but are based on ethnic and religious bonds.
From Centralised State to Local Government the Case of Poland in the Light of Western European Experience
Authors: Jensen H T , Plum V 
Published: October 2006

Several countries in Western Europe have experienced a restructuring of local and regional government. In Scandinavia local government has been a cornerstone in the building of the welfare society. In the last couple of years Poland (and other Eastern European countries) has been restructured to reduce the central state and to give more power to the private sector and the local government. It is argued that coordination at the local-government level is important for a relevant economic and political response to local problems. A framework is provided for an understanding of the development of the central and local states at the cost of activities performed earlier by the family and the local community, but also as a support (in service and regulation) to activities of the private sector. Second, it is argued that the new EC slogan, ‘a Europe of regions’, has the purpose of strengthening the regional level economically and politically and thereby of dismantling and weakening the national state in order to strengthen the EC. Third, the problems and scope of the Polish local-government reform are illustrated, from vertical control to horizontal coordination. There are difficulties in building powerful local governments at a time when they have nearly no money and are unable to provide the social services which used to be provided through the state firms. There is now a political vacuum for which the upcoming new private sector and the new local governments fight.
Rediscovering Spatial Inequality in Europe: Building Blocks for an Appropriate ‘Regulationist’ Analytical Framework
Authors: Moulaert Frank 
Published: October 2006

Regulation theory is of Marxian inspiration, has been strongly influenced by historical analysis and institutionalism, and can be applied to the study of accumulation in and regulation of societies in all eras, of capitalism. But these features of the theory have not prevented many geographers from applying it primarily to the study of the transition from Fordism to post-Fordism. Moreover, many of them have narrowed the research agenda even more by focusing on the feasibility of fashionable but economistic ‘flex spec prof high-tech’ production models for the development strategies of privileged areas. Research efforts have drifted away from the study of ‘undefended cities and regions’. This evolution is, I believe, all the more deplorable given the creation of the Single European Market, with its permissive social charter and the spatially biased reorganization of the structural funds of the Commission of the European Communities. In this paper a methodological viewpoint is defended which contends that progress in the social sciences can be accomplished only through the confrontation of experience and action-orientated research needs with existing theoretical frameworks capable of leading the research in the right direction. Then, an examination is made of the research needs of agents (policymakers, planners, academics, and so on) involved in action which is orientated towards achieving greater intraspatial and interspatial equality in Europe. The extent to which regulation theory is capable of guiding such research, given the ideological influences as well as theoretical refinements it has undergone, is discussed, and it is concluded that further improvements to regulation theory could make it more appropriate for action-orientated research in socioeconomic geography. This conclusion is illustrated for the application of the analysis of socioeconomic development in depressed areas.
Naive T‐cell receptor transgenic T cells help memory B cells produce antibody
Authors: Duffy Darragh , Yang Chun‐Ping , Heath Andrew , Garside Paul , Bell Eric B. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryInjection of the same antigen following primary immunization induces a classic secondary response characterized by a large quantity of high‐affinity antibody of an immunoglobulin G class produced more rapidly than in the initial response – the products of memory B cells are qualitatively distinct from that of the original naive B lymphocytes. Very little is known of the help provided by the CD4 T cells that stimulate memory B cells. Using antigen‐specific T‐cell receptor transgenic CD4 T cells (DO11.10) as a source of help, we found that naive transgenic T cells stimulated memory B cells almost as well (in terms of quantity and speed) as transgenic T cells that had been recently primed. There was a direct correlation between serum antibody levels and the number of naive transgenic T cells transferred. Using T cells from transgenic interleukin‐2‐deficient mice we showed that interleukin‐2 was not required for a secondary response, although it was necessary for a primary response. The results suggested that the signals delivered by CD4 T cells and required by memory B cells for their activation were common to both antigen‐primed and naive CD4 T cells.
The fundamental contribution of Robert A. Good to the discovery of the crucial role of thymus in mammalian immunity
Authors: Ribatti Domenico 
Published: October 2006

SummaryRobert Alan Good was a pioneer in the field of immunodeficiency diseases. He and his colleagues defined the cellular basis and functional consequences of many of the inherited immunodeficiency diseases. His was one of the groups that discovered the pivotal role of the thymus in the immune system development and defined the separate development of the thymus‐dependent and bursa‐dependent lymphoid cell lineages and their responsibilities in cell‐mediated and humoral immunity.
Prognostic significance of common preoperative laboratory variables in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee Sang Eun , Byun Seok‐Soo , Han June Hyun , Han Byung Kyu , Hong Sung Kyu 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prognostic significance of common preoperative laboratory variables evaluated before surgery for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively analysed the records of 355 patients who had surgery for clear cell RCC, assessing: clinical factors, including preoperative laboratory measurements, i.e. haemoglobin level, leukocyte count, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and red blood cells in urine; and pathological factors, with the survival rates after surgery.RESULTSThe presence of metastasis, tumour stage and tumour size, with the ESR and ALP before surgery, were identified as significant prognostic factors for progression‐free survival in a multivariate analysis. The same factors were significant independent factors for disease‐specific survival, except for ESR and ALP, which were nearly statistically significant. When limited to non‐metastatic tumours only, the multivariate analysis showed that ESR and ALP, with tumour stage, grade, size and necrosis, were independent prognostic factors for disease‐specific survival.CONCLUSIONSAlong with traditionally accepted prognostic factors, these results suggest that common laboratory variables assessed before surgery, e.g. ESR and ALP, might also be useful in assessing the prognosis for patients with non‐metastatic clear cell RCC. Including various laboratory variables in prognostic algorithms for RCC should be considered after further validation in RCCs of various histological subtypes and stages.
The use of prostate‐specific antigen testing in men presenting with haematuria
Authors: Bromage Stephen J. , Napier‐Hemy Richard D. , Payne Stephen R. , Pearce Ian , McIntyre Iain G. 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVESTo analyse prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and clinical outcome in men presenting with haematuria, to develop an evidence‐base for the use of PSA testing in this setting, as haematuria is a known complication of locally invasive prostate cancer, and so PSA levels are often measured in patients presenting with haematuria.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe reviewed the records of 637 men presenting with haematuria to our urology department between April 2002 and June 2005.RESULTSOf 373 men aged 50–79 years, 278 (75%) had their PSA level measured, and 50 were abnormal. Prostate biopsies were taken in 27 men with an abnormal PSA level (54%) and one man with a normal PSA level but an abnormal digital rectal examination. Prostate cancer was detected in 22 patients (8% of those tested, and 71% of those biopsied); 4.7% of all men presenting with macroscopic haematuria and aged 50–79 years were found to have prostate cancer, vs 8.5% of those with microscopic haematuria.CONCLUSIONSWe report a higher proportion of prostate cancers in men presenting with haematuria and aged 50–79 years than reported in previous screening studies, and a cancer detection rate of 71% of those biopsied, which is at least double the detection rates seen in screening studies. In the absence of a prospective controlled trial, PSA testing will remain part of our protocol for both macroscopic and microscopic haematuria.
Biochemical (prostate‐specific antigen) relapse‐free survival and toxicity after 125I low‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Khaksar Sara Jane , Laing Robert W. , Henderson Alastair , Sooriakumaran Prasanna , Lovell David , Langley Stephen E.M. 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVETo report our clinical experience and 5‐year prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) relapse‐free survival rate for early‐stage prostate cancer after 125I low‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 300 patients were treated between March 1999 and April 2003, and followed prospectively. Patients were stratified into low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups, and those receiving neoadjuvant androgen deprivation (NAAD) or not. Kaplan–Meier estimates of PSA relapse‐free survival and PSA nadirs were obtained for all patients and for the risk groups. Toxicity, as urinary and erectile dysfunction (ED), were reported from a prospective database.RESULTSThe median (range) follow‐up was 45  (33–82) months. The actuarial PSA relapse‐free survival was 93% at 5 years; 21 (7%) of patients had evidence of biochemical failure as defined by the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology criteria. There was no significant difference in actuarial survival for patients in the different risk groups, or between those receiving NAAD or not (low‐risk 96%, intermediate 89%, high 93%, P = 0.12; NAAD 92%, no NAAD 95%, P = 0.30). Overall the 3‐year median PSA level was 0.3 ng/mL (192 men). There was no significant difference in median 3‐year PSA levels for different risk groups, or for those treated with or with no NAAD. The 3‐ and 4‐year PSA nadir of <0.5 ng/mL was achieved by 71% and 86% of men, respectively. The acute urinary retention rate was 7%; 5.6% of men developed urethral strictures requiring dilatation, while 2.7% required a transurethral resection of the prostate after implantation, for obstructive symptoms. Of patients with no ED before treatment, 62% had no ED at 2 years, and of these 60% used a phosphodiesterase inhibitor.CONCLUSIONThis prospective series confirms the excellent overall biochemical survival after 125I brachytherapy; the treatment was tolerated well, with early and late urinary toxicity and ED similar to other published results.
Melatonin rhythm in children with enuresis
Authors: Ardura‐Fernandez Julio , Andres De Llano Jesus M. , Garmendia‐Leiza Jose R. , Agapito Teresa 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVETo study the circadian rhythm of melatonin in children with enuresis.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwenty‐five children, divided into two groups (enuretic patients and controls) were assessed; salivary samples were collected to measure melatonin by radioimmunoassay using commercial kits. Friedman two‐way anova and Wilcoxon tests were used to assess the circadian rhythm of melatonin, and anova with between‐patient factors and Mann‐Whitney tests to compare melatonin values and groups.RESULTSBoth groups had statistically significant differences in melatonin concentration during the 24‐h period (both P < 0.001), with a circadian rhythm; the highest values were always at ≈ 04.00 hours. There were no significant differences overall in melatonin values between cases and controls, but patients had lower peak values than controls at 04.00 hours, and higher melatonin levels at 24.00 hours, but with no significant differences.CONCLUSIONThere was some evidence for minor disturbances in the circadian rhythm of melatonin as a cause of enuresis, but the rhythm was not grossly disrupted.
Three‐dimensional ultrasonography of the urinary bladder: preliminary experience of assessment in patients with haematuria
Authors: Mitterberger Michael , Pinggera Germar M. , Neuwirt Hannes , Maier Elisabeth , Akkad Thomas , Strasser Hannes , Gradl Johann , Pallwein Leo , Bartsch Georg , Frauscher Ferdinand 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of three‐dimensional (3D) vs two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasonography (US) in the diagnostic evaluation of the urinary bladder in patients with haematuria.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 42 patients with painless haematuria and/or irritative voiding symptoms were examined with 2D‐ and 3D‐US. US was done with an Acuson Sequoia unit (Siemens Medical Sol. Mountain View, CA, USA) and the Perspective® 3D technique, to assess the presence of bladder lesions, including bladder cancer, bladder wall hypertrophy with trabeculation and diverticula, mucosal bladder folds or re‐growth of the prostate mimicking a bladder tumour. The imaging findings were compared with cystoscopy and/or bladder biopsy.RESULTSIn 21 of the 42 patients (50%) cystoscopy with bladder biopsy revealed bladder cancer. Overall, 3D‐US gave a correct diagnosis for 36 of 42 patients (86%). All 21 bladder cancers were correctly diagnosed, and 15 (71%) of the 21 benign bladder lesions were correctly identified. By contrast, 2D‐US findings gave suspected bladder cancer in all patients.CONCLUSIONS3D‐US is significantly more accurate than standard 2D‐US in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with haematuria. Thus, this diagnostic technique might be useful for routine evaluation of the urinary bladder.
Is older goodwill value relevant?
Authors: Bugeja Martin , Gallery Natalie 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAlthough previous research has generally found that goodwill reported in firms’ financial reports is relevant to equity valuation, no known studies have directly examined whether the value‐relevance of purchased goodwill holds as it ages. We examine this issue in the Australian context to determine whether the market attaches different values to the components of Australian firms’ goodwill when it is disaggregated into different ‘ages’. Our results suggest that recently acquired goodwill has information content whereas ‘older’ goodwill does not. Our findings have implications for goodwill accounting practice and recent changes to goodwill accounting standards.
In America's thrall: the effects of the US market and US security characteristics on Australian stock returns
Authors: Durand Robert B. , Limkriangkrai Manapon , Smith Gary 
Published: October 2006

AbstractCan Australian equity returns be modelled by ‘home‐grown’ factors? We examine the indigenous capital asset pricing model, the indigenous Fama–French three‐factor model, and extensions to the latter, and find them all wanting. We find evidence of domestic market segmentation in Australia. For the smallest firms, all the models we study fail. For the largest Australian firms, we find that the US Fama–French three factors (downloaded from French's website: http://mba.tuck.dartmouth.edu/pages/faculty/ken.french/) provide a successful model of Australian returns. It is as if the largest firms in the Australian market are simply part of the larger US market.
Identifiable intangible asset disclosures, stock prices and future earnings
Authors: Ritter Adam , Wells Peter 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAs a consequence of regulatory reforms currently being initiated as part of international convergence, it is likely that the recognition and disclosure of identifiable intangible assets by Australian firms will cease. This study provides empirical evidence on how this will impact financial reports. First, evidence is provided of a positive association between stock prices and voluntarily recognized and disclosed identifiable intangible assets. Second, evidence is provided of a positive association between identifiable intangible assets and realized future period income. This provides insights into the nature of the information provided by intangible assets, and identifies a basis for the association between stock prices and identifiable intangible assets. This leads to the conclusion that identifiable intangible assets disclosures are value relevant, and that with the application of the restrictive recognition rules in AASB138 these disclosures in financial reports will be greatly diminished.
PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION OF EDUCATION IN A R&D‐BASED GROWTH MODEL
Authors: Boonprakaikawe Juntip , Tournemaine Frédéric 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTWe develop a R&D‐based growth model with endogenous accumulation of human capital. We investigate the idea that education is a good entering in the preferences of individuals. We seek to analyse how the decisions of individuals to invest in human capital can be altered by changes in economic policies and how they can be reflected on the level of growth in the long run. We show that policy changes affect growth through their effect on the decision of individuals to invest in human capital. The effects obtained depend whether individuals enjoy to acquire education or if they consider it as a ‘bad’. In the absence of any policy intervention, the level of growth can be excessive or insufficient compared with the optimum.
THE DETERMINANTS OF EXPORT PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FOR MANUFACTURING PLANTS IN IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Authors: Roper Stephen , Love James H. , Hígon Dolores Añon 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTThe dramatic GDP and export growth of Ireland over the last decade forms a marked contrast with that of its nearest neighbour Northern Ireland. In Ireland, export volume growth averaged 15.5% p.a. from 1991 to 1999 compared with 6.3% from Northern Ireland. Using data on individual manufacturing plants this paper considers the determinants of export performance in the two areas. Larger, externally owned plants with higher skill levels are found to have the highest export propensities in both areas. Other influences (plant age, R&D, etc.) prove more strongly conditional on location, plant size, and ownership. Structural factors (e.g. ownership, industry) explain almost all of the difference in export propensity between larger plants in Northern Ireland and Ireland but only around one‐third of that between smaller plants. Significant differences are also evident between plants in terms of their sources of new technology. For indigenously owned plants, in‐house R&D is important. For externally owned plants, R&D conducted elsewhere in the group – typically outside Ireland and Northern Ireland – proves more significant. This external dependency and lower than expected export propensity on the part of small plants in Northern Ireland represent significant policy challenges for the future.
EQUITY‐SENSITIVE INDICATORS OF LIVING STANDARDS WITH AN APPLICATION TO NORTHERN IRELAND
Authors: Borooah Vani K. , Hillyard Paddy , Tomlinson Mike 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTThe level of a region's achievement with respect to a particular outcome is usually measured by the mean value of that outcome. This, however, ignores the fact that the distribution of that outcome, between population or geographical subgroups in that region, may be unequal: in order to reflect this inequality, ‘equity‐sensitive’ indicators make a downward adjustment to the mean value of the outcome. This paper extends the notion of ‘equity‐sensitive’ indicators which take cognisance ofinter‐groupinequality, to ‘equity‐sensitive’ indicators which paid heed tointra‐groupinequality. It constructs – using data from a Northern Ireland survey into poverty and social exclusion conducted in 2002/2003 –‘equity‐sensitive indicators’ of living standards in Northern Ireland. These take account of both the average level of the standard of living and also inequality in these levels between groups, and between persons in these groups.