bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protecting Minorities through the Average Voting Rule
Authors: RENAULT RÉGIS , TRANNOY ALAIN 
Published: April 2005

AbstractIn the average voting rule, the outcome is some weighted average of votes. The unique average voting outcome is characterized by a median formula, which depends on voters' preferred allocations and some parameters constructed from voters' weights. A minority is said to be protected by a switch in voting rule if the outcome becomes closer to the median bliss point of the minority. Sufficient conditions for minority protection are that, either the minority's weight is sufficiently large or the majority outcome is too unfavorable to the minority. Applications to the composition of public goods and to public expenditures level are considered. We explore the combined use of average and majority voting in a two‐stage procedure for determining the level and the composition of public expenditures.
Incentives and Standards in Agency Contracts
Authors: CHAMBERS ROBERT G. , QUIGGIN JOHN 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis paper studies the structure of state‐contingent contracts in the presence of moral hazard and multitasking. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the presence of multitasking to lead to fixed payments instead of incentive schemes are identified. It is shown that the primary determinant of whether multitasking leads to higher or lower powered incentives is the role that noncontractible outputs play in helping the agent deal with the production risk associated with the observable and contractible outputs. When the noncontractible outputs are risk substitutes and are socially undesirable, standards are never optimal. If the noncontractible outputs are socially desirable, standards are never optimal if the noncontractible outputs play a risk‐complementary role.
An Example of Nonexistence of Three‐Community Equilibrium
Authors: GOMBERG ANDREI M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractIn this paper I provide an example of sorting equilibrium nonexistence in a three‐community model of the type introduced in Caplin and Nalebuff (1997; Journal of Economic Theory 72, 306–342). With two communities, such an example has been shown to exist only when the dimension of the policy space is even. It turns out, however, that with three communities existence may fail regardless of whether the policy space dimension is odd or even. This suggests that the original odd/even dichotomy can, at least in part, be explained by the evenness of the number of communities.
Optimal Income Taxation with Endogenous Human Capital
Authors: JACOBS BAS 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis paper augments the theory of optimal linear income taxation by taking into account human capital accumulation as a dimension of labor supply. The distribution of earning potentials is endogenous because agents differ in the ability to learn. Taxation affects utilization rates of human capital through labor supply responses. The costs of education that are not deductible from the income tax distort the learning decision as well. We show theoretically that the trade‐off between efficiency and equity is worsened. Quantitative analysis shows that the distortionary costs of taxation increase substantially when human capital formation is endogenous.
Multistage Contracting with Applications to R&D and Insurance Policies
Authors: BROCAS ISABELLE 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAn agent undertakes a nonobservable first‐stage effort. The principal observes whether the effort results in a successful project or not. If the project succeeds, only the firm observes its interim quality, and can further improve it with a nonobservable second‐stage effort. If the agent accepts penalties when the first‐stage fails, moral hazard and asymmetric information do not prevent the principal from implementing her first‐best outcome. However, if the agent is bounded by the maximum loss he can bear when the first‐stage fails (limited liability), the principal induces the agent to exert a first‐stage effort below the first‐best level and a second‐stage effort above the first‐best level when the interim quality of his project is low. This distortion in efforts implies that the ex post rent left to the agent with a project of high interim quality is above the first‐best level. This provides a rationale for the optimality of expanding the use of the “carrot” (second‐stage rent) when the use of the “stick” (first‐stage penalty) is restricted. Implications of the theory for R&D, bank, job, and insurance contracts are discussed.
Tax Liability and Tax Evasion in a Competitive Labor Market
Authors: GOERKE LASZLO 
Published: April 2005

AbstractIn a competitive labor market, a change in the legal incidence of a tax on labor will not alter employment if tax obligations are fulfilled. However, this irrelevance result may no longer apply if taxes can be evaded. In particular, a shift from payroll to income taxes will lower employment. This will be the case if workers exhibit constant absolute risk aversion, have a utility function, which is strongly separable in income and the disutility from working, and the penalty for evasion is not proportional to the amount of taxes evaded. Accordingly, tax evasion opportunities can make the legal incidence of a tax on labor an important determinant of its economic incidence.
Early behavioral symptoms and course of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Weiner M. F. , Hynan L. S. , Bret M. E. , White C. 
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To determine if behavioral symptoms detected at initial evaluation relate to cognitive or functional status or survival time in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.Method:  Review, in 100 cases of autopsy‐proven AD, of the relationship of behavioral symptoms detected at initial evaluation to cognitive and global function measures and survival time.Results:  Behavioral symptoms had occurred in 74% of patients, including apathy (51%), hallucinations (25%), delusions (20%) and depressed mood (6.6%). Verbal aggression was common (36.8%); physical aggression less so (17%). The symptomatic group was more functionally (but not cognitively) impaired and had shorter median survival time (8 years: 95% CI: 7–9 years vs. 10 years: 95% CI: 8–12 years; P = 0.002) than the asymptomatic group. The presence of any one symptom at initial evaluation accounted for 6.1% of the variance in duration of illness.Conclusion:  Presence of behavioral symptoms at initial evaluation of AD patients is associated with greater functional impairment and shorter survival time.
Are immigrants at a disadvantage in psychiatric in‐patient care?
Authors: Lay B. , Lauber C. , Rössler W. 
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To assess the utilization of psychiatric in‐patient care among immigrants, and to compare immigrants and natives with respect to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.Method:  Analysing a sample of 23 377 consecutive referrals to psychiatric hospitals of a catchment area in 1995–2001.Results:  Within this sample, 20% were foreign nationals. Rates of psychotic disorders were similar in immigrants and natives. Regarding other diagnoses, sociodemographic and clinical measures, there were significant differences. Most immigrant groups had higher rates of compulsory admission, were more likely to be admitted with lower illness severity and not to be readmitted, and spent significantly shorter time in hospital, compared with Swiss in‐patients. Some of these differences were clearly gender‐specific.Conclusion:  Service utilization and psychiatric treatment decisions are not explained merely by illness‐related aspects in immigrants. Social and cultural factors have to be recognized in order to prevent disadvantages in psychiatric care.
Lithium – a continuing story in the treatment of bipolar disorder
Authors: Carney S. M. , Goodwin G. M. 
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To review the literature on the use of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder and highlight the evidence base supporting its efficacy and safety.Method:  A selective literature review.Results:  Lithium is widely believed to be effective against acute mania, acute bipolar depression and in relapse prevention to either mania or depression. In fact, the data supporting efficacy in acute treatment are less impressive than is often claimed, whereas for relapse prevention and suicide prevention no other agent has comparable depth of support. Lithium is best described as the bench mark treatment for bipolar disorder, rather than the gold standard, because only a minority of patients show major clinical benefit. There is a developing need for further trials against new alternatives and in combination studies.Conclusion:  Lithium has a continuing important role in the clinical management of bipolar disorder. Its under‐utilization in North America reflects opinion rather than evidence and the demonstrated anti‐suicide effects should help to reignite interest in its use.
Valproate in bipolar disorder: 2000 onwards
Authors: Bowden C. L. , Singh V. 
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To describe the evidence for the efficacy and tolerability of valproate in treatment of bipolar disorders, as well as factors associated with favorable or unfavorable outcomes.Method:  Studies published from 2000 onwards were reviewed, as well as published abstracts. For clinical trials, randomized, prospective studies were emphasized.Results:  Several mechanisms of action of valproate on central nervous system neurons that may be relevant to its actions in bipolar disorders have been recently reported. These include inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase and activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase. Several of the actions overlap those observed from lithium. Valproate is effective in treatment of mania, and somewhat more effective in certain patient subgroups than other treatments, e.g. mixed mania, and mania with prominent irritability. Valproate is comparable with olanzapine in maintenance treatment, and somewhat better tolerated. Higher serum levels, particularly above 110 μg/ml, are associated with more reports of weight gain, sedation, and reductions in platelet count. Valproate may be associated with an increased rate of polycystic ovarian syndrome, with increased weight contributing to the risk. Valproate reduces total cholesterol levels, particularly among patients with baseline elevations of cholesterol. Several studies indicate that valproate can be beneficially combined with antipsychotic drugs and other treatments for bipolar disorder.Conclusion:  Valproate continues to be studied in further clarification of its mechanisms, efficacy, risks, and spectrum of benefits in bipolar disorder. It is a major treatment for bipolar disorder, both in monotherapy and combination therapy regimens.
Assessment and Management of Women's Sexual Dysfunctions: Problematic Desire and Arousal
Authors: Basson Rosemary , Brotto Lori A. , Laan Ellen , Redmond Geoffrey , Utian Wulf H. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTIntroductionWomen frequently report low sexual desire or interest. An associated lack of subjective arousal during sexual activity is clinically highly apparent but has not been the focus of traditional sexual inquiry, definitions of dysfunction, or management. The frequent poor correlation of women's subjective sexual arousal and observable increases in genital congestion in response to sexual stimulation has not been reflected in assessment, diagnosis, or management.AimTo provide recommendations/guidelines for the assessment and management of women's sexual dysfunctions focusing on low desire, low interest, and lack of arousal.MethodsAn international consultation, in collaboration with major sexual medicine associations, assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. One subcommittee of five members focused on women's sexual desire and arousal, developing over a 2-year period various recommendations.Main Outcome MeasureExpert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based scientific literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.ResultsWomen's sexual response in health can be reconceptualized as a circular model of overlapping phases of variable order influenced by psychological, societal, and biological factors. Subsequent revisions to definitions of arousal and desire disorder are given. Recommendations regarding assessment and management focus on factors reducing arousability and satisfaction. These include women's mental health and feelings for their partner, generally and at the time of sexual activity. Recommendations reflect the poor correlation of subjective arousal and increases in genital vasocongestion.ConclusionFurther outcome research of management based on new conceptualization of sexual response and revised definitions of dysfunction is needed. The basis of the variable correlation between genital vasocongestion and subjective arousal needs clarification as do the biological underpinnings of sexual response and their changes with age and life cycle.
Women's Sexual Pain and its Management
Authors: Weijmar Schultz Willibrord , Basson Rosemary , Binik Yitzchak , Eschenbach David , Wesselmann Ursula , Van Lankveld Jacques 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTIntroductionApproximately 15% of women have chronic dyspareunia that is poorly understood, infrequently cured, often highly problematic, and distressing. Chronic dyspareunia is an urgent health issue.AimTo provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the assessment and management of women's sexual pain disorders.MethodsAn international consultation, in collaboration with the major sexual medicine associations, assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. One six-member committee focused on women's sexual pain disorders, developing recommendations over a 2-year period.Main Outcome MeasureExpert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.ResultsThere is increasing evidence for the role of neuropathic pain mechanisms in the pathophysiology of sexual pain disorders. Empirical literature has demonstrated the comorbid presence of clinical psychopathology. With regard to the pathophysiologic role of the pelvic floor and sexual pain disorders, studies reveal that (i) differentiation between vaginismus and dyspareunia using clinical tools is difficult; (ii) vaginal spasms have not been identified; (iii) physical therapists can differentiate vaginismic women from matched controls based on muscle tone/strength differences; (iv) the traditional treatment of vaginismus with vaginal “dilatation” plus psycho-education, desensitization, and so forth is not evidence-based; (v) pelvic floor muscle tone/strength measures for women suffering from vulvar vestibulitis syndrome are intermediate between those of women with vaginismus and no-pain controls; and (vi) the pelvic floor musculature is indirectly innervated by the limbic system and highly reactive to emotional stimuli and states. Pelvic floor therapies for dyspareunia may be effective.ConclusionRecommendations include (i) revising the definitions of vaginismus and dyspareunia; (ii) integration of treatment approaches; (iii) validation of nonspecific treatment effects; (iv) controlled studies to test interventions; and (v) sexuality education to help prevent sexual pain.
Efficacy of Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra) in Men with Premature Ejaculation
Authors: McMahon Chris G. , Stuckey Bronwyn G.A. , Andersen Morten , Purvis Kenneth , Koppiker Nandan , Haughie Scott , Boolell Mitra 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Objectives
Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common ejaculatory dysfunction. We assessed the efficacy of sildenafil to increase the time to ejaculation, improve ejaculatory control, and decrease the postejaculatory erectile refractory time in men with PE.

Design and Methods
The main study was an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study in men between 18 and 65 years of age with diagnosed PE. A substudy was also conducted using a subset of patients (two-way crossover, one center) before entry to the main study. The primary study measured intravaginal ejaculatory latency (IELT) and responses to the Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE) questionnaire. The substudy measured vibrotactile stimulation ejaculatory latency time (VTS-ELT) and postejaculatory erectile refractory time. Differences between treatment groups were determined by ancova at the 5% level of significance.

Results
The change in IELT (1.6 ± 6.08 vs. 0.6 ± 2.07 minutes) and VTS-ELT (2.9 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.4 minutes) were higher after taking sildenafil, compared with placebo, but did not reach statistical significance. However, patients who took sildenafil (vs. placebo) reported significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased ejaculatory control (1.8 ± 0.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3), increased ejaculatory confidence (2.2 ± 0.2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.2), and improved overall sexual satisfaction scores (3.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.8 ± 02) on the IPE, and had a decreased postejaculatory erectile refractory time (3.2 ± 0.7 vs. 6.4 ± 0.7 minutes). The most common adverse events for sildenafil (vs. placebo) were headache (15% vs. 1%), flushing (15% vs. 0%), dyspepsia (5% vs. 1%), abnormal vision (5% vs. 0%), and rhinitis (5% vs. 0%).

Conclusions
Although IELT and VTS-ELT were not significantly improved, sildenafil increased confidence, the perception of ejaculatory control, and overall sexual satisfaction, and decreased the refractory time to achieve a second erection after ejaculation in men with PE.
Psychosexual Factors That Differentiate Men with Inhibited Ejaculation from Men with No Dysfunction or Another Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Rowland David , Van Diest Selma , Incrocci Luca , Slob A. Koos 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Aim
Inhibited or retarded ejaculation (IE) is an uncommon male sexual dysfunction that may result in a lack of sexual fulfillment for both the man and his partner. In this study, we attempted to identify factors that differentiate men with IE from sexually functional controls or from men with other sexual dysfunctions and to specify whether such factors predict self-reported sexual arousal during psychophysiological assessment.

Methods
Each patient underwent psychophysiological assessment and a structured clinical interview based on a standardized questionnaire that included demographic information, psychosexual and medical history, and assessment of current sexual, erectile, and ejaculatory function, including relationship quality and characteristics.

Results
Men with IE resemble men with other dysfunctions but are differentiated from controls, in their lower level of relationship satisfaction, greater level of distress, and higher level of health-related problems. Men with IE were further characterized by lower levels of self-reported subjective sexual arousal, despite exhibiting strong penile response during psychophysiological testing and reporting high quality erections across a variety of situations. Also notable, however, were the many factors on which men with IE did not differ from controls.

Conclusions
Taken together, this research helps specify directions for future investigations of men with IE.
Attitudes of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-National Survey
Authors: Perelman Michael , Shabsigh Ridwan , Seftel Allen , Althof Stanley , Lockhart Dan 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance, is a complex disorder involving multiple biopsychosocial factors.

Aim
To better understand the psychological and behavioral aspects of ED and compare the attitudes of ED patients in different countries.

Methods
The Cross-National Survey on Male Health Issues surveyed men aged 20–75 years in six countries. Participants completed questionnaires on attitudes, behavior, doctor-related issues, and comorbidities.

Main Outcome Measures
Men rated their attitudes using a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Responses of “somewhat agree” and “strongly agree” were combined and the percentage calculated for each country and overall. A mean score for all responses (1–5) was calculated for each country.

Results
Attitudes held by men with ED overlap significantly when compared between countries. Men in all countries agreed that ED was a source of great sadness for themselves and their partners, and nearly all disagreed with the idea that they were too old for sex. Men in all countries agreed that it was important to know they had the capacity to perform sexually, and half of all men reported they would do “nearly anything” to cure their ED. Men in all countries also agreed that their doctor was the best source of information on sexual issues. Men in the United States and the United Kingdom were less willing to accept ED, more motivated to find a cure, and less likely to consider ED a result of psychological problems.

Conclusions
Attitudes of men with ED overlap significantly when compared between countries, but interesting differences were seen. Additional research is needed to understand how attitudes and behaviors reported reflect actual experiences. This study highlights some of the barriers that exist between physician–patient communication surrounding identification and treatment of ED.
The Impact of Aging on Sexual Function and Sexual Dysfunction in Women: A Review of Population-Based Studies
Authors: Hayes Richard , Dennerstein Lorraine 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Scientific interest in the impact of aging on women's sexual function and dysfunction has increased in the half century since Kinsey described age-related changes in women's sexual activities. However, a range of methodological issues limit the conclusions that can be drawn from many published studies in this area.

Aim
To review community-based studies investigating changes in women's sexual function and sexual dysfunction with age, taking into account confounders to aging and methodological limitations.

Methods
Electronic databases were searched for published studies investigating changes in sexual function and dysfunction with age. A critical review was carried out.

Main Outcome Measures
Age-related changes in sexual function and dysfunction.

Results
There are inconsistencies in the way sexual function and sexual dysfunction are measured. Validated scales are infrequently used. Low response rates, limited age ranges, and restrictive inclusion criteria limit the generalizability of many studies. Confounders are often either not measured or not analyzed. Longitudinal studies are rare, making it difficult to separate the effects of birth cohort and aging. The evidence indicates that a woman's sexual function declines with age. This decline begins in a woman's late 20s to late 30s. Specifically, desire, frequency of orgasm, and frequency of sexual intercourse decrease with age. However, it is not clear whether arousal decreases or remains relatively constant. In longitudinal studies, decline in women's sexual function has also been detected, but patterns of stability and improved sexual function have also been observed for short periods of time. The prevalence of most sexual difficulties or dysfunctions changes little with age, with the exception of sexual pain, which may decrease.

Conclusions
Age-related changes in sexually related personal distress may help explain why the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions remains constant with age while sexual function declines. More research is needed to demonstrate this.