Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SIRE-DP-2013-80 The Optimal Distribution of the Tax Burden over the Business Cycle

This paper analyses optimal income taxes over the business cycle under a balanced-budget restriction, for low, middle and high income households. A model incorporating capital-skill complementarity in production and di¤erential access to capital and labour markets is developed to capture the cyclical characteristics of the US economy, as well as the empirical observations on wage (skill premium) and wealth inequality. We nd that the tax rate for high income agents is optimally the least volatile and the tax rate for low income agents the least countercyclical. In contrast, the path of optimal taxes for the middle income group is found to be very volatile and counter-cyclical. We further nd that the optimal response to output-enhancing capital equipment technology and spending cuts is to increase the progressivity of income taxes. Finally, in response to positive TFP shocks, taxation becomes more progressive after about two years. Keywords: optimal taxation, business cycle, skill premium, income distribution JEL Classi cation: E24, E32, E62 We would like to thank Andrew Clausen, Michael Hatcher, Wei Jiang, Ioana Moldovan, Apostolis Philippopoulos for helpful comments and suggestions. We are also grateful for nancial support from the ESRC, Grant No. RES-062-23-2292, but the views expressed here are entirely our own.
Observation of highly disparate K-shell x-ray spectra produced by charge exchange with bare mid-Z ions

We performed charge-exchange experiments with the electron-beam ion trap and an x-ray calorimeter spectrometer at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. We compare the relative strength of the high-n Lyman series emission for different combinations of ions and neutral gases. Theoretical predictions show good agreement with experimental data on the relative capture cross section as a function of principal quantum number n; however, the few published predictions of the distribution of captures as a function of orbital angular momentum l do not agree with experiments. Our experimental results show that the relative strength of high-n Lyman series emission varies more widely than previous experiments have found and models predict. We find that hardness ratios from charge exchange with helium and molecular hydrogen are more disparate than charge exchange with many-electron neutral species, which is likely due to differences in the relative importance of multielectron capture. We also find that there is no clear scaling of the hardness ratio with the ionization potential of the neutral species, the number of valence electrons in the neutral species, or the atomic number of the ion.
Centaurus A: morphology and kinematics of the atomic hydrogen

We present new ATCA 21-cm line observations of the neutral hydrogen in the nearby radio galaxy Centaurus A. We image in detail (with a resolution down to 7 '', similar to 100 pc) the distribution of HI along the dust lane. Our data have better velocity resolution and better sensitivity than previous observations. The HI extends for a total of similar to 15 kpc. The data, combined with a titled-ring model of the disk, allow to conclude that the kinematics of the HI is that of a regularly rotating, highly warped structure down to the nuclear scale. The parameters (in particular the inclination) of our model are somewhat different from some of the previously proposed models but consistent with what was recently derived from stellar light in a central ring. The model nicely describes also the morphology of the dust lane as observed with Spitzer. There are no indications that large-scale anomalies in the kinematics exist that could be related to supplying material for the AGN. Large-scale radial motions do exist, but these are only present at larger radii (r > 6 kpc). This unsettled gas is mainly part of a tail/arm like structure. The relatively regular kinematics of the gas in this structure suggests that it is in the process of settling down into the main disk. The presence of this structure further supports the merger/interaction origin of the HI in Cen A. From the structure and kinematics we estimate a timescale of 1.6-3.2 x 10(8) yr since the merging event. No bar structure is needed to describe the kinematics of the HI. The comparison of the timescale derived from the large-scale HI structure and those of the radio structure together with the relative regularity of the HI down to the sub-kpc regions does not suggest a one-to-one correspondence between the merger and the phase of radio activity. Interestingly, the radial motions of the outer regions are such that the projected velocities are redshifted compared to the regular orbits. This means that the blueshifted absorption discovered earlier and discussed in our previous paper cannot be caused by out-moving gas at large radius projected onto the centre. Therefore, the interpretation of the blueshifted absorption, together with at least a fraction of the redshifted nuclear absorption, as evidence for a regular inner disk, still holds. Finally, we also report the discovery of two unresolved clouds detected at 5.2 and 11 kpc away (in projection) from the HI disk. They are likely an other example of a left-over of the merger that brought the HI gas.
Raman and IR spectroscopic investigation of zinc(II)-carnosine complexes.

The zinc(II)-L-carnosine system was investigated at different pH and metal/ligand ratios by Raman and IR spectroscopy. The Raman and IR spectra present some marker bands useful to identify the sites involved in metal chelation at a specific pH value. In particular, the neutral imidazole group gives rise to some Raman bands, such as the nu C(4)===C(5) band, that change in wave number, depending on whether the imidazole ring takes the tautomeric form I or II. Even if tautomer I is predominant in the free ligand, metal coordination can upset tautomeric preference and N(tau)- and N(pi)-ligated complexes can be identified. Although weak compared to those of aromatic residues, these Raman marker bands may be useful in analyzing metal-histidine interaction in peptides and proteins. On the basis of the vibrational results, conclusions can be drawn on the species existing in the system. Depending on the available nitrogen atoms, various complexes can be formed and the prevalent form of the species depends mainly on the pH. At basic pH carnosine gives rise to two different neutral complexes: a water-insoluble polymeric species, [ZnH(-1)L](0)(n), and a dimer, [Zn(2)H(-2)L(2)](0). The first is predominant and involves the tautomeric I form of the imidazole ring in metal chelation; the second contains tautomer II and increases its percentage by going from a 2 to 0.25 metal/ligand ratio. Conversely, the dimeric species dominates at pH 7, whereas two charged species, [ZnHL](2+) and [ZnL](+), are formed under slightly acidic conditions. In the [ZnHL](2+) complex the imidazole ring takes part in the Zn(II) coordination in the tautomeric I form, whereas in [ZnL](+) the ring is protonated and not bound to the Zn(II) ion. In addition, the curve fitting analysis of the 1700-1530 cm(-1) Raman region was helpful in indicating the predominant species at each pH.
Regulation of leukotoxin in leukotoxic and nonleukotoxic strains of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a gram-negative bacterium that has been implicated in the etiology of several forms of periodontitis, especially localized juvenile periodontitis. A potent leukotoxin (Lkt) is produced by most A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates from patients with periodontal disease, but some isolates are leukotoxin nonproducing (Lkt-). The molecular bases for the differences in leukotoxin expression are being explored to clarify the role of leukotoxin in pathogenesis. We have previously cloned the leukotoxin structural gene, lktA, from the leukotoxin-producing (Lkt+) strain JP2 and have shown that it is linked to three other genes, lktB, lktC, and lktD, whose gene products are thought to be required for activation and localization of the leukotoxin. These genes have now been used in Southern blot analysis to demonstrate that Lkt- strains, like Lkt+ strains, contain all four genes of the lkt gene cluster. While restriction fragment length polymorphisms were detected, they did not correlate with toxin phenotype. RNA blot analysis demonstrated that Lkt+ strains produced two transcripts, one 9.3 kb in length and the other 4.3 kb. They encode lktCABD and lktCA. respectively. Lkt- strains contained significantly lower levels of the 4.3-kb transcript with no discernible 9.3-kb message. The leukotoxic activity of the A. actinomycetemcomitans strains, measured by chromium release assays, correlated with the lkt RNA content. Therefore, a major component of leukotoxin regulation is at the level of RNA transcription or stability. Interestingly, the lkt RNAs in JP2 are regulated during growth phase, being greatly reduced in cells approaching stationary phase. Thus, the regulation of lkt RNA can be affected by both genotype and environment.
Long‐term results of bilateral pallidal stimulation in Parkinson's disease

We followed up 11 patients for up to 5 years after bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation for advanced Parkinson's disease. Dyskinesias remained significantly reduced until the last assessment. The initial improvement of off‐period motor symptoms and fluctuations, however, was not sustained and gradually declined. Beneficial effects of pallidal deep brain stimulation on activities of daily living in the on‐ and off‐period were lost after the first year. Replacement of pallidal electrodes into the subthalamic nucleus in four patients could restore the initial benefit of deep brain stimulation and allowed a significant reduction of dopaminergic drug therapy.
Knowledge Worker Communications and Recipient Availability: Toward a Task Closure Explanation of Media Choice

Recent innovations in organizational forms, such as delayered management, empowered workers, telework, and ad hoc work groups, have created a need to ensure that communication between dispersed knowledge workers can be supported. The movement toward a less cohesive workplace suggests a need to deploy computer-based media, but it is not clear which media should be deployed and under what circumstances. Addressing such significant issues must begin with insights into why knowledge workers choose particular media for particular tasks in the first place. Prior research theorizing about media choice has focused on: (1) task, (2) medium, (3) the fit between task and medium, and (4) social environment. It has not sufficiently considered the role of the availability of the intended recipient or the interaction between recipient availability and task social presence variables which could have a significant impact on media choice. To examine the effects of these two factors, the authors conducted an initial exploratory study and a subsequent controlled factor study. In the initial study, an analysis of 1,669 hypothetical scenarios from 100 knowledge workers at a worldwide transportation company indicated that social presence (SP) theory proves to be a good predictor of media choice, as does the recipient availability construct. The analysis also suggested that the interaction between recipient availability and task social presence might be a good predictor. With a partial replication, randomized treatment design, including 1,883 scenarios from 257 workers, the controlled factor study at a large financial institution generally confirmed the study hypotheses. The authors examine rival explanations simultaneously along the dimensions of task, medium, fit between task and medium, and social environment. They propose and test a new model of media choice and suggest directions for future testing of a new "task closure" model of media choice. They conclude by offering guidelines for managers deploying electronic communications in the workplace.
On the Competitive Effects of Bidding Syndicates

Abstract Firms commonly form syndicates to bid jointly for financial assets. Recently, this practice has come under legal scrutiny motivated by models which suggest syndicates are anti-competitive. These models do not account for two important features of financial markets: bidders' value estimates are likely to be correlated, and complicated mechanisms known to be optimal in such settings are usually eschewed in favor of simpler auction formats. We show that these features make it possible for syndicate bidding to generate higher revenues for the auctioneer than bidding among independent firms, even when syndicates are asymmetric or lead to a highly concentrated market. This occurs because syndication can make the industry more suitable to the simple auction format in use. We identify conditions under which syndicates are pro-competitive and discuss the implications for antitrust.
A mind to blame: new views on involuntary acts.

This article examines the legal implications linked to recent scientific research on human consciousness. The article contends that groundbreaking revelations about consciousness expose the frailties of the criminal law's traditional dual dichotomies of conscious versus unconscious thought processes and voluntary versus involuntary acts. These binary doctrines have no valid scientific foundation and clash with other key criminal law defenses, primarily insanity. As a result, courts may adjudicate like individuals very differently based upon their (often unclear) understanding of these doctrines and the science that underlies them. This article proposes a compromise approach by recommending that the criminal law's concept of voluntariness consist of three parts: (i) voluntary acts, (ii) involuntary acts, and (iii) semi-voluntary acts. The semi-voluntary acts category, which is new, incorporates modern ideas of consciousness and also advances the law. Using some actual criminal cases, this article applies this new three-part grouping and demonstrates how it enhances a more just outcome for defendants, victims, and society.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Messenger RNA Expression, Gene Dosage, and Gefitinib Sensitivity in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA expression and EGFR gene dosage by quantitative PCR in tumor samples obtained from patients with gefitinib-treated non–small cell lung cancer were analyzed in order to determine the association with treatment outcome, clinical, and biological features [EGFR copy number by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), EGFR tyrosine kinase mutations, and EGFR protein expression]. Experimental Design: EGFR mRNA expression was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR in 64 patients, and EGFR gene dosage was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR in 82 patients from paraffin-embedded specimens. Results: EGFR mRNA expression was higher in responders to gefitinib as compared with nonresponders (P = 0.012). Patients with high EGFR mRNA expression (>5.01) had 43% response probability, whereas patients with low EGFR mRNA expression had 8% response probability (P = 0.006). Patients with high EGFR mRNA expression had longer median progression-free (5.3 versus 2.8 months, P = 0.028) but not overall survival (13.8 versus 10.9 months, P = 0.87). EGFR mRNA expression was higher in FISH-positive patients (P = 0.001) and in patients with positive EGFR immunostaining (P < 0.001) but not in patients with EGFR mutations (P = 0.19). EGFR gene dosage did not predict response (P = 0.54), progression-free (P = 0.73), or overall survival (P = 0.89). EGFR gene dosage was not associated with FISH positivity (P = 0.15), relative mRNA expression (P = 0.27), EGFR mutation status (P = 0.39), and EGFR protein expression (P = 0.35). Conclusion: EGFR mRNA expression is a predictive biomarker for response to gefitinib and to progression-free survival after gefitinib treatment. EGFR gene dosage is neither predictive for response nor progression-free nor overall survival.
Cigarette smoking and autoimmune disease: what can we learn from epidemiology?

Cigarette smoking has been causally linked to the development of multiple autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Graves' hyperthyroidism, and primary biliary cirrhosis, among others. We review the known biologic effects of cigarette smoke, in particular its actions on the immune system, and the epidemiologic evidence associating smoking with increased risk of each of these autoimmune diseases. Interactions between cigarette smoking and genetic and immunologic factors, such as the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)shared epitope, rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, and anti-double stranded DNA antibodies, may point to mechanisms in disease pathogenesis.
Aspergillus fumigatus: a rare cause of vertebral osteomyelitis.

Patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have an increased risk of infection which is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Multiple factors seem to be involved: a cellular and humoral immune dysfunction related to the disease itself and the immunosuppression related to treatments employed, particularly in advanced stages. The new purine analogues have been associated with opportunistic infections caused by uncommon agents such as Pneumocystis carinii, Listeria monocytogenes and fungi. We present the case of a patient diagnosed of CLL who developed a vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.
Need for Speed: An Empirical Analysis of Hard and Soft Information in a High Frequency World

We study the role of high frequency traders (HFTs) and non-HFTs in processing hard index price information and soft news information. On one side, we show that HFTs dominate non-HFTs in processing hard information by exhibiting a stronger reaction after the hard information shocks. Thereby, they function as 'messengers' between the futures and stock markets and create a stronger linkage between both markets. We demonstrate that speed matters for hard information processing and realizing trading gains because of high short-run trading pro fits. On the other side, soft news information is primarily processed by non-HFTs and is incorporated into stock prices for a longer amount of time.
Nerve Injection Injury with Botulinum Toxin

&NA; The therapeutic use of botulinum toxin (Botox) is increasing in popularity. Previous studies have shown that various drugs, especially when injected intrafascicularly, can cause major nerve damage. This study evaluates the potential for neurotoxicity of botulinum toxin in a rat sciatic nerve model. Lewis rats were randomly assigned to one of six groups (n = 10/group). Group 1, 2, and 3 rats received, respectively, an intrafascicular, extrafascicular, and extraneural injection of 50 &mgr;l of botulinum toxin (50 UI/ml). Group 4, 5, and 6 rats received 50 &mgr;l of 10% phenol as a positive control. Five animals received saline as a negative control. Animals were sacrificed at 2 and 7 weeks. Nerves were harvested and processed for histology and morphometry. Nerves in all botulinum toxin groups retained a normal architecture without cellular infiltration or demyelination. The number and diameter of fibers, the thickness of myelin, and the percentage of neural tissue were comparable with normal controls. Nerves injected intraneurally with phenol presented with severe damage, demyelination, and inflammation at 2 weeks and showed signs of early regeneration at 7 weeks. This study demonstrates that in a rat model, even direct intraneural injection of botulinum toxin caused no damage. This information should encourage the reconstructive surgeon to consider broader applications of this drug. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 101: 1875, 1998.)
RANKing bone resorption versus inflammation: Infection makes the decision

Sylvie Ferrari-Lacraz and Danielle Burger Division of Immunology and Allergy, Transplantation Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland Division of Immunology and Allergy, Inflammation and Allergy Research Group, Hans Wilsdorf Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
In vitro biomechanical properties of 2 compression fixation methods for midbody proximal sesamoid bone fractures in horses.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate 2 methods of midbody proximal sesamoid bone repair--fixation by a screw placed in lag fashion and circumferential wire fixation--by comparing yield load and the adjacent soft-tissue strain during monotonic loading. STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION 10 paired equine cadaver forelimbs from race-trained horses. METHODS A transverse midbody osteotomy of the medial proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) was created. The osteotomy was repaired with a 4.5-mm cortex bone screw placed in lag fashion or a 1.25-mm circumferential wire. The limbs were instrumented with differential variable reluctance transducers placed in the suspensory apparatus and distal sesamoidean ligaments. The limbs were tested in axial compression in a single cycle until failure. RESULTS The cortex bone screw repairs had a mean yield load of 2,908.2 N; 1 limb did not fail when tested to 5,000 N. All circumferential wire repairs failed with a mean yield load of 3,406.3 N. There was no statistical difference in mean yield load between the 2 repair methods. The maximum strain generated in the soft tissues attached to the proximal sesamoid bones was not significantly different between repair groups. CONCLUSIONS All repaired limbs were able to withstand loads equal to those reportedly applied to the suspensory apparatus in vivo during walking. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Each repair technique should have adequate yield strength for repair of midbody fractures of the PSB immediately after surgery.
An overview of lactic acid bacteria.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are renowned for the potential of producing antimicrobial compound and other value added products. Undeniable to concern these probiotic has contributed to the importance of human life. Deserving an attention for its capabilities, this paper will discuss on the general description of lactic acid bacteria, genetics, metabolism and its application to the industries.
Barriers to training access

Gordon B. Cooke is with Memorial University of Newfoundland; he can be reached at 709-737-6204. Isik U. Zeytinoglu is with McMaster University; she can be reached at 905-525-9140 (ext. 23957). James Chowan is with McMaster University; he can be reached at 905-525-9140 (ext. 27967). They can also be contacted at perspectives@statcan.gc. ca. Many researchers contend that a well-trained labour force is a way to achieve and maintain a competitive advantage in today’s global business market (Aragon-Sanchez et al. 2003, Industry Canada 2002, and Turcotte and Rennison 2004). Thus, providing training has been advocated as sound social policy for competitiveness (Conference Board of Canada 2008 and OECD 2006). Recently, the Conference Board of Canada (2008) reported that Canada does not have a focused strategy to ensure that work-based skills training and lifelong education are prioritized. Furthermore, Canadian employers are low investors in workplace training programs on an absolute basis (Betcherman et al. 1998) and relative to their European counterparts (Goldenberg 2006).
Fly away with me

Authors from the Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital review 221 children who were retrieved by the hospital's specialist transport team to the paediatric intensive care unit in this issue of Acta Paediatrica1. These transports were deemed non-elective and they are compared to a control group comprised of 3 444 children admitted to the same department over the same six year period, but by other pathways. The authors report non-elective transported patients were sicker, younger, stayed longer in the intensive care unit (ICU), and required more Paediatric ICU (PICU) specific therapies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.