bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Early Retirement Incentives on the Training Participation of Older Workers
Authors: Fouarge Didier , Schils Trudie 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHuman capital theory predicts that older workers are less likely to participate in on‐the‐job training than younger workers, due to lower net returns on such investments. Early retirement institutions are likely to affect these returns. Using the European Community Household Panel we show that older workers participate less in training, and that early retirement institutions do indeed matter. Generous early retirement schemes discourage older workers from taking part in training, whereas flexible early retirement schemes encourage this. Finally, the results suggest that in most European countries training can keep older workers longer in the labour market.
The Transition to Work for Italian University Graduates
Authors: Pozzoli Dario 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study is focused on the transition from university to first job, taking into account the graduates’ characteristics and the effects relating to degree subject. A large data set from a survey on job opportunities for the 1998 Italian graduates is used. The paper uses a non‐parametric discrete‐time single‐risk model to study employment hazard. Alternative mixing distributions have also been used to account for unobserved heterogeneity. The results obtained indicate that there is evidence of positive duration dependence after a short initial period of negative duration dependence. In addition, a competing‐risk model has been estimated to characterize transitions out of unemployment.
Sibling Sex Composition and Educational Outcomes: A Review of Theory and Evidence for the UK
Authors: Amin Vikesh 
Published: February 2009

AbstractStudies from US data have found mixed results regarding sibling sex composition effects and educational outcomes. Some researchers have found that sisters hurt women's education, others have found the opposite, and some have found no effects. This paper reviews the theoretical foundations for sibling sex composition effects and tests the theories using British data, on a sample of children born between 3 and 9 March 1958, from the National Child Development Survey. Methods from previous studies are replicated and extensions considered for ability, credit constraints, and family size. No sibling sex composition effects are found, but estimation results support the quantity–quality model.
Tax Structure and Female Labour Supply: Evidence from Ireland
Authors: Callan Tim , Van Soest Arthur , Walsh John R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHow great an effect does the structure of income taxes have on female labour supply? This issue is investigated using a discrete‐choice static labour supply model for married couples in Ireland. The model incorporates fixed costs of working and simultaneously explains participation decisions and preferred hours of work. The model is estimated using data from the 1994 wave of the Living in Ireland Survey. Simulations examine the labour supply effects of introducing greater independence in the tax treatment of married couples, compared with an income‐splitting system, and alternative forms of tax cuts.
Work Absence — A Signalling Factor for Temporary Workers?
Authors: Amilon Anna , Wallette Mårten 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates whether low levels of absence increase the probability of permanent employment and reduce that of unemployment for Swedish temporary workers. We investigate two reasons for absence: worker sickness and sickness of a dependent child. Using a competing risk estimation model, we find that sick leave reduces the probability of permanent employment for women and increases the probability of unemployment for men. Absence due to child sickness increases the risk of unemployment for women. Although the influence of sick leave varies substantially among different temporary jobs, replacement and probation workers are generally the most affected.
The Effect of a Longer Eligibility to a Labour Market Programme for Dismissed Workers
Authors: Paggiaro Adriano , Rettore Enrico , Trivellato Ugo 
Published: February 2009

Abstract Liste di Mobilità is an Italian programme targeted to dismissed workers. It combines a ‘passive’ and an ‘active’ component. Eligibility duration varies with the worker's age at dismissal. Using a new panel data set, we identify the impact of extending the duration of eligibility on re‐employment probabilities and wages, via Regression Discontinuity Design. We validate the design by a set of overidentification tests. For most subgroups we find no significant impact, with a peculiar pattern for women entitled to monetary benefits. A major negative impact emerges for workers aged 50 or more granted monetary benefits, likely due to the fact that they can use the programme as a bridge to retirement.
Spectrum of chronic kidney disease in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Campbell LJ , Ibrahim F , Fisher M , Holt SG , Hendry BM , Post FA 
Published: February 2009

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and aetiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and trends in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in HIV‐infected patients.MethodsAscertainment and review of CKD cases among patients attending King's College and Brighton Hospitals, UK were carried out. CKD was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min for ≥3 months. Longitudinal eGFR slopes were produced to examine trends in renal function before, during and after exposure to indinavir (IDV) or tenofovir (TFV).ResultsCKD prevalence was 2.4%. While HIV‐associated nephropathy accounted for 62% of CKD in black patients, 95% of CKD in white/other patients was associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis and/or drug toxicity. Exposure to IDV or TFV was associated with an accelerated decline in renal function (4.6‐fold and 3.7‐fold, respectively) in patients with CKD. In patients initiating IDV, age ≥50 years increased the odds of CKD [odds ratio (OR) 4.9], while in patients initiating TFV, age ≥50 years (OR 5.4) and eGFR 60–75 mL/min (OR 17.2) were associated with developing CKD.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of metabolic and vascular disease to the burden of CKD in an ageing HIV‐infected cohort. In patients who developed CKD, treatment with IDV or TFV was associated with an accelerated decline in renal function.
Age and factors influencing consumer behaviour
Authors: Hervé Catherine , Mullet Etienne 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWhen evaluating a product or service, consumers seek out information to judge whether that specific product will meet certain criteria. The main concern of sales providers is how to increase their purchasers' willingness to buy a product. The authors studied the impact of age on the perceived importance and interaction of three factors known to influence people when buying clothes: price, durability and suitability. A sample of 160 French adults aged 18–90 rated their likelihood of buying an item of clothing in 27 scenarios, in which three levels (low, moderate and high) of each of the above three factors were combined in an orthogonal factorial design. For younger participants, a low price was considered a sufficient reason to buy the item of clothing. For older participants, suitability was a more important factor, while for the eldest people, durability was the most important.
Historical presence of home economics in IJCS
Authors: McGregor Sue L.T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper explored the Journal for evidence of articles focused on home economics. A content analysis of 17 articles revealed three dominant themes: (a) changing definitions of home economics; (b) preferred core and focus of the profession; and (c) evolving conceptualizations and dimensions of home economics. Most of these articles appeared during the first 3 years of the Journal's existence (late 70s). The focus on home economics declined markedly during the 80s and 90s. When the Journal removed the words home economics from its title in 2001, these articles virtually disappeared. The study did validate the rigour of earlier thinking about home economics as profiled in the Journal, and made this repository of intellectual contributions more visible and accessible to the field.
Conflict resolution strategies in joint purchase decisions for major household consumer durables: a cross‐cultural investigation
Authors: Makgosa Rina , Kang Jikyeong 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPrevious studies on joint purchase decisions have investigated the types of conflict resolution strategies used by spouses, the usage frequency of different conflict resolution strategies, and the effects of demographics and various other variables, on the uses of conflict resolution strategies. Despite efforts to address this largely unexplored area, the role that culture plays in the use of conflict resolution strategies has been significantly ignored. Using a cross‐cultural perspective, this study addresses the gap in our understanding of the joint purchase decisions in the family by examining how husbands and wives of three ethnic groups in Britain – British Whites, Indians and African Blacks – use different conflict resolution strategies while jointly purchasing major household consumer products. The total sample comprised 583 husbands and wives of British White, Indian and African Black origin residing in London and Manchester in Britain. Our results showed that three conflict resolution strategies are used by both husbands and wives: bargaining, assertiveness and playing on an emotion. In addition, disengagement emerged as a strategy for husbands, whereas supplication emerged for wives. The study presented in this paper also provides substantial evidence of differences in the use of conflict resolution strategies by husbands and wives from the three ethnic groups, which greatly improves our knowledge on a cross‐cultural perspective of joint purchase decisions.
Differential sensitivity of oligodendrocytes and motor neurons to reactive nitrogen species: implications for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bishop Amy , Hobbs Kimberly Green , Eguchi Asuka , Jeffrey Stephanie , Smallwood Lorraine , Pennie Cedona , Anderson James , Estévez Alvaro G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDepending on its concentration, nitric oxide (NO) has beneficial or toxic effects. In pathological conditions, NO reacts with superoxide to form peroxynitrite, which nitrates proteins forming nitrotyrosine residues (3NY), leading to loss of protein function, perturbation of signal transduction, and cell death. 3NY immunoreactivity is present in many CNS diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis. Here, using the high flux NO donor, spermine‐NONOate, we report that oligodendrocytes are resistant to NO, while motor neurons are NO sensitive. Motor neuron sensitivity correlates with the NO‐dependent formation of 3NY, which is significantly more pronounced in motor neurons when compared with oligodendrocytes, suggesting peroxynitrite as the toxic molecule. The heme‐metabolizing enzyme, heme‐oxygenase‐1 (HO1), is necessary for oligodendrocyte NO resistance, as demonstrated by loss of resistance after HO1 inhibition. Resistance is reinstated by peroxynitrite scavenging with uric acid further implicating peroxynitrite as responsible for NO sensitivity. Most importantly, differential sensitivity to NO is also present in cultures of primary oligodendrocytes and motor neurons. Finally, motor neurons cocultured with oligodendrocytes, or oligodendrocyte‐conditioned media, become resistant to NO toxicity. Preliminary studies suggest oligodendrocytes release a soluble factor that protects motor neurons. Our findings challenge the current paradigm that oligodendrocytes are the exclusive target of multiple sclerosis pathology.
Psychometric testing of the brief screening version of Multidimensional Pain Inventory (Swedish version)
Authors: Jakobsson Ulf 
Published: February 2009

Background:  The brief screening version of the Multidimensional Pain inventory (MPI) is a shorter version of the West Haven‐Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory that measures pain in a multidimensional way and is theoretically linked to a cognitive‐behavioural perspective on chronic pain.Objectives:  The aim of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the ‘brief screening version’ of the Multidimensional Pain inventory Swedish version (MPI‐S).Methods:  An age‐stratified cross‐sectional study, comprising 384 people aged 18–102 years, was carried out in southern Sweden in 2005. Factor analyses were performed to investigate the factor structure of the instrument and inter‐correlation between the sub‐scales as well as external measures were used to assess convergent and discriminant validity. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha).Results:  Mean scores and standard deviations are presented for the total sample as well as for each stratum. The inter‐correlations revealed that discriminant validity was not satisfactory in the total sample, although the correlation analysis in each stratum showed acceptable discriminant validity in most age groups. The factor structure was the same as in the MPI‐S in all age groups, except for those aged ≥90 years. Reliability tests (Cronbach’s alpha) showed alpha values ranging between 0.68 and 0.93.Conclusion:  The result showed that the instrument had acceptable validity and reliability in all age groups except for those aged ≥90 years. Thus, the instrument can be seen as a useful (multidimensional) form of screening for chronic pain.
An approximate dynamic programming approach to solving a dynamic, stochastic multiple knapsack problem
Authors: Perry Thomas C. , Hartman Joseph C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe model a multiperiod, single resource capacity reservation problem as a dynamic, stochastic, multiple knapsack problem with stochastic dynamic programming. As the state space grows exponentially in the number of knapsacks and the decision set grows exponentially in the number of order arrivals per period, the recursion is computationally intractable for large‐scale problems, including those with long horizons. Our goal is to ensure optimal, or near optimal, decisions at time zero when maximizing the net present value of returns from accepted orders, but solving problems with short horizons introduces end‐of‐study effects which may prohibit finding good solutions at time zero. Thus, we propose an approximation approach which utilizes simulation and deterministic dynamic programming in order to allow for the solution of longer horizon problems and ensure good time zero decisions. Our computational results illustrate the effectiveness of the approximation scheme.
A strong flow‐based formulation for the shortest path problem in digraphs with negative cycles
Authors: Ibrahim M.S. , Maculan N. , Minoux M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we are interested in the shortest path problem between two specified vertices in digraphs containing negative cycles. We study two integer linear formulations and their linear relaxations. A first formulation, close in spirit to a classical formulation of the traveling salesman problem, requires an exponential number of constraints. We study a second formulation that requires a polynomial number of constraints and, as confirmed by computational experiments, its linear relaxation is significantly sharper. From the second formulation we propose a family of linear relaxations with fewer variables than the classical linear one.
Block‐iterative algorithms
Authors: Byrne Charles 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe recently presented sequential unconstrained minimization algorithm, SUMMA, is extended to provide a framework for the derivation of block‐iterative, or partial‐gradient, optimization methods. This block‐iterative SUMMA (BI‐SUMMA) includes, and is motivated by, block‐iterative versions of the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) and its multiplicative variant, the MART. The BI‐SUMMA approach is designed to provide computationally tractable and quickly convergent algorithms. The rescaled block‐iterative expectation maximization maximum likelihood method (RBI‐EMML) is closely related to the RBI‐MART, but is not a particular case of BI‐SUMMA.
Forecasting demand for educational material for adult learners in Mexico
Authors: Muñoz David Fernando , Romero‐Hernández Omar , Detta‐Silveira José Emiliano , Muñoz David Gonzalo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper is about the development of a forecasting model that has been used in the Mexican Institute for Adult Education. This institute is in charge of an adult education program that is based on 42 modules, each of which requires books and materials each year. Accurate forecasts are needed to reduce the costs of wastage and shortages. Using data from previous years, the structure of the program, and interviews with officials in the Institute, we have developed a forecasting model based on Bayesian estimation. We further developed an approach that combines simulation with forecasting techniques, which may be appropriate when using a complex forecasting model. The initial results are encouraging, and we believe that the approach can be used in other situations, especially those concerned with service encounters. Our model also helps officials to understand several aspects of the education program.
Endothelin‐converting enzyme 1 promotes re‐sensitization of neurokinin 1 receptor‐dependent neurogenic inflammation
Authors: Cattaruzza F , Cottrell GS , Vaksman N , Bunnett NW 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  The metalloendopeptidase endothelin‐converting enzyme 1 (ECE‐1) is prominently expressed in the endothelium where it converts big endothelin to endothelin‐1, a vasoconstrictor peptide. Although ECE‐1 is found in endosomes in endothelial cells, the role of endosomal ECE‐1 is unclear. ECE‐1 degrades the pro‐inflammatory neuropeptide substance P (SP) in endosomes to promote recycling and re‐sensitization of its neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor. We investigated whether ECE‐1 regulates NK1 receptor re‐sensitization and the pro‐inflammatory effects of SP in the endothelium.Experimental approach:  We examined ECE‐1 expression, SP trafficking and NK1 receptor re‐sensitization in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC‐1), and investigated re‐sensitization of SP‐induced plasma extravasation in rats.Key results:  HMEC‐1 expressed all four ECE‐1 isoforms (a‐d), and fluorescent SP trafficked to early endosomes containing ECE‐1b/d. The ECE‐1 inhibitor SM‐19712 prevented re‐sensitization of SP‐induced Ca2+ signals in HMEC‐1 cells. Immunoreactive ECE‐1 and NK1 receptors co‐localized in microvascular endothelial cells in the rat. SP‐induced extravasation of Evans blue in the urinary bladder, skin and ears of the rat desensitized when the interval between two SP injections was 10 min, and re‐sensitized after 480 min. SM‐19712 inhibited this re‐sensitization.Conclusions and implications:  By degrading endocytosed SP, ECE‐1 promotes the recycling and re‐sensitization of NK1 receptors in endothelial cells, and thereby induces re‐sensitization of the pro‐inflammatory effects of SP. Thus, ECE‐1 inhibitors may ameliorate the pro‐inflammatory actions of SP.
In vivoandin vitropharmacological characterization of SVT‐40776, a novel M3muscarinic receptor antagonist, for the treatment of overactive bladder
Authors: Salcedo C , Davalillo S , Cabellos J , Lagunas C , Balsa D , Pérez‐del‐Pulgar S , Ballarín M , Fernández AG 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose: Highly selective M3muscarinic receptor antagonists may represent a better treatment for overactive bladder syndrome, diminishing side effects. Cardiac side effects of non‐selective antimuscarinics have been associated with activity at M2receptors as these receptors are mainly responsible for muscarinic receptor‐dependent bradycardia. We have investigated a novel antimuscarinic, SVT‐40776, highly selective for M3over M2receptors (Ki = 0.19 nmol·L−1for M3receptor affinity). This study reports the functional activity of SVT‐40776 in the bladder, relative to its activity in atria.Experimental approach: In vitroandex vivo(oral dosing) inhibition of mouse detrusor and atrial contractile responses to carbachol were used to study the functional activity of SVT‐40776. Thein vivoefficacy of SVT‐40776 was characterized by suppression of isovolumetric spontaneous bladder contractions in anaesthetized guinea pigs after intravenous administration.Key results: SVT‐40776 was the most potent in inhibiting carbachol‐induced bladder contractions of the anti‐cholinergic agents tested, without affecting atrial contractions over the same range of concentrations. SVT‐40776 exhibited the highest urinary versus cardiac selectivity (199‐fold). In the guinea pigin vivomodel, SVT‐40776 inhibited 25% of spontaneous bladder contractions at a very low dose (6.97 µg·kg−1i.v), without affecting arterial blood pressure.Conclusions and implications: SVT‐40776 is a potent inhibitor of M3receptor‐related detrusor contractile activity. The absence of effects on isolated atria preparations represents an interesting characteristic and suggests that SVT‐40776 may lack unwanted cardiac effects; a feature especially relevant in a compound intended to treat mainly elderly patients.British Journal of Pharmacology(2009) doi:10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2008.00082.x
Ezetimibe reduces plaque inflammation in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis and inhibits monocyte migration in addition to its lipid‐lowering effect
Authors: Gómez‐Garre D , Muñoz‐Pacheco P , González‐Rubio ML , Aragoncillo P , Granados R , Fernández‐Cruz A 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose: Ezetimibe, a selective inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption, might also suppress inflammatory components of atherogenesis. We have studied the effects of ezetimibe on two characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques (infiltrate and fibrosis) and on expression of inflammatory genes in a rabbit model of accelerated atherosclerosis.Experimental approach: Femoral atherosclerosis was induced by a combination of endothelial desiccation and atherogenic diet. Animals were randomized to ezetimibe (0.6 mg·kg−1·day−1), simvastatin (5 mg·kg−1·day−1), ezetimibe plus simvastatin or no treatment, still on atherogenic diet. A control group of rabbits received normolipidemic diet.Key results: Rabbits fed the normolipidemic diet showed normal plasma lipid levels. Either the normolipidemic diet or drug treatment reduced the intima/media ratio (normolipidemic diet: 22%, ezetimibe: 13%, simvastatin: 27%, ezetimibe + simvastatin: 28%), compared with rabbits with atherosclerosis. Ezetimibe also decreased macrophage content and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 expression in atherosclerotic lesions. Furthermore, ezetimibe reduced the increased activity of nuclear factor κB in peripheral blood leucocytes and plasma C‐reactive protein levels in rabbits with atherosclerosis. In THP‐1 cells, ezetimibe decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1‐induced monocyte migration. Importantly, the combination of ezetimibe with simvastatin was associated with a more significant reduction in plaque monocyte/macrophage content and some proinflammatory markers than observed with each drug alone.Conclusions and implications: Ezetimibe had beneficial effects both on atherosclerosis progression and plaque stabilization and showed additional anti‐atherogenic benefits when combined with simvastatin. Its effect on monocyte migration provides a potentially beneficial action, in addition to its effects on lipids.