bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Housing and the Tax System: How Large Are the Distortions in the Euro Area?*
Authors: Fatica Serena , Prammer Doris 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper presents new evidence on the impact of the preferential treatment of owner‐occupied housing in the euro area. We find that tax benefits to homeowners reduce the user cost of housing capital by almost 40 per cent compared with the efficient level under neutral taxation. On average, the tax subsidy translates into an excess consumption of housing services equivalent to 7.8 per cent of the value of owner‐occupied housing, or about 30 per cent of financial asset holdings in household portfolios. The bulk of the subsidy stems from undertaxation of the return to home equity, while the average contribution of the tax rebate for mortgage interest payments is driven down by relatively low loan‐to‐value ratios in the data. However, at the margin, the tax‐induced incentive to use mortgage debt to finance the purchase of the main residence is sizeable.
Household Determinants of the Adoption of Improved Cassava Varieties using DNA Fingerprinting to Identify Varieties in Farmer Fields: A Case Study in Colombia
Authors: Floro Victorino O. , Labarta Ricardo A. , Becerra López‐Lavalle Luis A. , Martinez Jose M. , Ovalle Tatiana M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe examine factors affecting the adoption of improved cassava varieties of 217 households in the Cauca Department in southwest Colombia. Using DNA fingerprinting through Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), we identified different cultivars in farmers fields. We also used this information to remove possible bias in the adoption model that could have resulted from a misclassification of improved varieties (IVs). As a result, we found that farmers substantially overestimate their use of IVs and there are important differences in the determinants of adoption between farmer self‐identification and DNA fingerprinting. This finding implies that the incorporation of DNA fingerprinting in IV adoption studies is important to ensure the accuracy of future agricultural economic research and the relevance of subsequent policy recommendations.
Authentication of Surveillance Videos: Detecting Frame Duplication Based on Residual Frame
Authors: Fadl Sondos M. , Han Qi , Li Qiong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNowadays, surveillance systems are used to control crimes. Therefore, the authenticity of digital video increases the accuracy of deciding to admit the digital video as legal evidence or not. Inter‐frame duplication forgery is the most common type of video forgery methods. However, many existing methods have been proposed for detecting this type of forgery and these methods require high computational time and impractical. In this study, we propose an efficient inter‐frame duplication detection algorithm based on standard deviation of residual frames. Standard deviation of residual frame is applied to select some frames and ignore others, which represent a static scene. Then, the entropy of discrete cosine transform coefficients is calculated for each selected residual frame to represent its discriminating feature. Duplicated frames are then detected exactly using subsequence feature analysis. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method is effective to identify inter‐frame duplication forgery with localization and acceptable running time.
Myocardial Bridging: A Meta‐Analysis of Prevalence
Authors: Hostiuc Sorin , Negoi Ionuț , Rusu Mugurel C. , Hostiuc Mihaela 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe main objective of this article was to analyze prevalence data about myocardial bridging (MB) in published studies. To this purpose, we performed a meta‐analysis of studies published in English literature that contained data about the prevalence of MB and its anatomical characteristics. The overall prevalence was 19% (CI: 17–21%); autopsy studies revealed an overall prevalence of 42% (CI: 30–55%), CT studies 22% (CI: 18–25%), and coronary angiography 6% (CI: 5–8%). Most bridges were located on the left anterior descending artery (82% overall, 63% on autopsy studies), had a mean thickness of 2.47 mm and a mean length of 19.3 mm. In conclusion, autopsy studies should be the gold standard in evaluating the actual prevalence of myocardial bridges, while in vivo high‐resolution CT scanning should be preferred to coronary angiography studies.
An Automated Two‐Dimensional Form Registration Method for Osteological Pair‐Matching
Authors: Lynch Jeffrey James 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis study introduces an automated method for osteological pair‐matching using two‐dimensional outline form data extracted from photographs. A procedure for acquiring photographs that improve the differentiation of specimens from the background is presented along with an extraction procedure that allows the capture of form data from photographs. The raw form data are used in a two‐dimensional registration procedure, which combines iterative closest point, K‐nearest neighbor search, and iterations around an estimated mean. Form data are used in optimized distance calculations that minimize true‐pair difference and maximize false‐pair difference. The sample consists of 122 calcanei and 110 tali from the UI‐Stanford collection. Performance statistics are provided for the maximum and average Segmented‐Hausdorff, Hausdorff, and Procrustes distances to show the comparative statistical results for matching. Results indicate 98.36% and 98.2% accuracy in pinpointing true‐pairs for the calcanei and tali, respectively, using a shortlist of one‐lowest‐distance.
Flexible work arrangements, national culture, organisational characteristics, and organisational outcomes: A study across 21 countries
Authors: Peretz Hilla , Fried Yitzhak , Levi Ariel 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUsing a contingency perspective, we investigated two complementary topics: (a) the influence of the GLOBE national cultural values and key organisational variables on employee use of flexible work arrangements (FWAs), and (b) the contribution of the level of congruence between cultural values and FWA use on absenteeism and turnover. The results, based on Cranfield Network on Comparative Human Resource Management—a large data set across multiple countries—supported the hypothesised effects of the cultural values on employee use of FWAs and the moderating effects of these cultural values on FWA use and organisational outcomes. Specifically, we found that national cultural values and organisational characteristics were related to outcomes via FWA use; and employees' use of FWAs had the overall effect of reducing absenteeism and turnover, but this effect was weakened when the FWAs were not consistent with cultural values. Theoretically, our results add to our knowledge and understanding of the effects of FWA use on absenteeism and turnover under different degrees of “fit” with cultural context. From a practical perspective, our results suggest that organisations should consider national cultural characteristics before implementing FWAs. A misfit between national culture and FWAs would potentially reduce employee use of FWAs and increase the likelihood of absenteeism and turnover.
Anti‐inflammaging effects of human alpha‐1 antitrypsin
Authors: Yuan Ye , DiCiaccio Benedetto , Li Ying , Elshikha Ahmed S. , Titov Denis , Brenner Brian , Seifer Lee , Pan Hope , Karic Nurdina , Akbar Mohammad A. , Lu Yuanqing , Song Sihong , Zhou Lei 
Published: October 2017

SummaryInflammaging plays an important role in most age‐related diseases. However, the mechanism of inflammaging is largely unknown, and therapeutic control of inflammaging is challenging. Human alpha‐1 antitrypsin (hAAT) has immune‐regulatory, anti‐inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties as demonstrated in several disease models including type 1 diabetes, arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, and stroke. To test the potential anti‐inflammaging effect of hAAT, we generated transgenic Drosophila lines expressing hAAT. Surprisingly, the lifespan of hAAT‐expressing lines was significantly longer than that of genetically matched controls. To understand the mechanism underlying the anti‐aging effect of hAAT, we monitored the expression of aging‐associated genes and found that aging‐induced expressions of Relish (NF‐ĸB orthologue) and Diptericin were significantly lower in hAAT lines than in control lines. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that innate immunity genes regulated by NF‐kB were significantly and specifically inhibited in hAAT transgenic Drosophila lines. To confirm this anti‐inflammaging effect in human cells, we treated X‐ray‐induced senescence cells with hAAT and showed that hAAT treatment significantly decreased the expression and maturation of IL‐6 and IL‐8, two major factors of senescence‐associated secretory phenotype. Consistent with results from Drosophila,RNA‐seq analysis also showed that hAAT treatment significantly inhibited inflammation related genes and pathways. Together, our results demonstrated that hAAT significantly inhibited inflammaging in both Drosophila and human cell models. As hAAT is a FDA‐approved drug with a confirmed safety profile, this novel therapeutic potential may make hAAT a promising candidate to combat aging and aging‐related diseases.
Feasibility of laparoscopic surgery after stent insertion for obstructive colorectal cancer
Authors: Shimizu Hideharu , Yamazaki Ryoto , Ohtsuka Hideo , Osaka Itaru , Takuma Kunio , Morita Yasuhiro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionA growing number of patients with obstructive colorectal cancer are being treated with self‐expanding metallic stents (SEMS) followed by laparoscopic resection. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of stent insertion and laparoscopic surgery for obstructive colorectal cancer and to compare these outcomes to regular laparoscopic surgery for non‐obstructive colorectal cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients with a malignant colonic obstruction who underwent SEMS placement followed by elective laparoscopic resection. The comparison was made between stent‐laparoscopy and laparoscopy alone for non‐obstructive colorectal cancer.ResultsColonic stenting as a bridge to surgery was successful in 97.1% of all cases. Fifteen patients underwent an elective laparoscopic surgery for left‐sided colon and rectal cancer after SEMS. The mean interval from SEMS insertion to laparoscopic surgery was 21.5 days. There was no conversion to open surgery and no need for a diverting stoma. One patient (6.7%) experienced paralytic ileus. Our comparison of stent‐laparoscopy to regular laparoscopy for non‐obstructive colorectal cancer treatment showed comparable short‐term postoperative outcomes with the exception of blood loss, which was greater in the stent‐laparoscopy group.ConclusionElective laparoscopic surgery after colonic stenting is a safe and feasible strategy for the treatment of an acute malignant colonic obstruction.
Anticancer activity of VmCT1 analogs against MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Pedron Cibele Nicolaski , Andrade Gislaine Patricia , Sato Roseli Hiromi , Torres Marcelo Der Torossian , Cerchiaro Giselle , Ribeiro Anderson Orzari , Oliveira Vani Xavier 
Published: October 2017

Antimicrobial peptides are considered promising drug candidates due to their broad range of activity. VmCT1 (Phe–Leu–Gly–Ala–Leu–Trp–Asn–Val–Ala–Lys–Ser–Val–Phe–NH2) is an α‐helical antimicrobial peptide that was obtained from the Vaejovis mexicanus smithi scorpion venom. Some of its analogs showed to be as antimicrobial as the wild type, and they were designed for understanding the influence of physiochemical parameters on antimicrobial and hemolytic activity. Some cationic antimicrobial peptides exhibit anticancer activity so VmCT1 analogs were tested to verify the anticancer activity of this family of peptides. The analogs were synthesized, purified, characterized, and the conformational studies were performed. The anticancer activity was assessed against MCF‐7 mammary cancer cells. The results indicated that [Glu]7‐VmCT1‐NH2, [Lys]3‐VmCT1‐NH2, and [Lys]7‐VmCT1‐NH2 analogs presented moderated helical tendency (0.23–0.61) and tendency of anticancer activity at 25 μmol/L in 24 hr of experiment; and [Trp]9‐VmCT1‐NH2 analog that presented low helical tendency and moderated anticancer activity at 50 μmol/L. These results demonstrated that single substitutions on VmCT1 led to different physicochemical features and could assist on the understanding of anticancer activity of this peptide family.
Ensemble‐based ADME–Tox profiling and virtual screening for the discovery of new inhibitors of the Leishmania mexicana cysteine protease CPB2.8ΔCTE
Authors: Scala Angela , Rescifina Antonio , Micale Nicola , Piperno Anna , Schirmeister Tanja , Maes Louis , Grassi Giovanni 
Published: October 2017

In an effort to identify novel molecular warheads able to inhibit Leishmania mexicana cysteine protease CPB2.8ΔCTE, fused benzo[b]thiophenes and β,βʹ‐triketones emerged as covalent inhibitors binding the active site cysteine residue. Enzymatic screening showed a moderate‐to‐excellent activity (12%–90% inhibition of the target enzyme at 20 μm). The most promising compounds were selected for further profiling including in vitro cell‐based assays and docking studies. Computational data suggest that benzo[b]thiophenes act immediately as non‐covalent inhibitors and then as irreversible covalent inhibitors, whereas a reversible covalent mechanism emerged for the 1,3,3ʹ‐triketones with a Y‐topology. Based on the predicted physicochemical and ADME–Tox properties, compound 2b has been identified as a new drug‐like, non‐mutagen, non‐carcinogen, and non‐neurotoxic lead candidate.
An inverse association between serum resistin levels and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake was strongest in the SNP‐420 G/G genotype in the Japanese cohort: The Toon Genome Study
Authors: Noumi Yukinobu , Kawamura Ryoichi , Tabara Yasuharu , Maruyama Koutatsu , Takata Yasunori , Nishida Wataru , Okamoto Ai , Nishimiya Tatsuya , Onuma Hiroshi , Saito Isao , Tanigawa Takeshi , Osawa Haruhiko 
Published: October 2017

SummaryObjectiveResistin is secreted by monocytes/macrophages and is associated with insulin resistance, inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. In the Japanese cohort, serum resistin is tightly associated with a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at ‐420 (rs1862513) in the promoter region of the human resistin gene. However, interactions betweenSNP‐420 and environmental factors remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum resistin levels and nutrient intake, and the effect ofSNP‐420 on this association.Design, Participants and MeasurementsThe Toon Genome Study is a cohort study of Japanese community‐dwelling subjects. A total of 1981 participants were cross‐sectionally analysed. Each nutrient intake was assessed using the semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and categorized into the quartiles (Q1‐Q4). Serum resistin was measured byELISA.ResultsSerum resistin tended to be inversely associated with fish intake and positively associated with meat intake after adjustment for age, sex,BMIand energy intake. Serum resistin was inversely associated with n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake after adjustment for age, sex,BMIand energy intake (Q1 12.5, Q2 12.5, Q3 12.2, Q4 11.5 ng/mL;Pfor trend = .007). This inverse association was strongest in the G/G genotype ofSNP‐420, followed by C/G and C/C (G/G, Q1 18.9, Q2 19.5, Q3 18.4, Q4 14.5 ng/mL,P = .001; C/G, 14.4, 13.3, 13.1, 12.9,P = .015; C/C, 9.5, 9.5, 9.2, 8.8,P = .020;Pfor interaction = .004).ConclusionsThe inverse association between serum resistin and n‐3PUFAintake was strongest inSNP‐420 G/G genotype in the Japanese cohort.
Real‐world visual outcomes in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration receiving aflibercept at fixed intervals as per UK licence
Authors: Ozturk Mehmet , Harris Martin L , Nguyen Vuong , Barthelmes Daniel , Gillies Mark C , Mehta Hemal 
Published: October 2017

AbstractImportanceTo assess the impact of injection frequency on visual outcomes in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with intravitreal aflibercept.BackgroundThe UK licence for treatment of nAMD with aflibercept is based on the VIEW protocol. We tested the hypothesis that patients receiving fewer than the eight recommended injections in the first year would experience worse visual outcomes.DesignRetrospective, single‐centre observational study.ParticipantsThere were 42 eyes from 42 patients included.MethodsFight Retinal Blindness! software was used to record real‐world outcomes of all treatment‐naïve eyes receiving aflibercept for at least 1 year.Main Outcome MeasuresVisual acuity (VA) at 1 year in eyes which received the recommended eight injections versus those receiving seven or fewer injections.ResultsThere were 21 eyes (50%) that received the recommended eight aflibercept injections in the first year of treatment, whilst 14 eyes received seven injections, five received six injections and two received only five injections, with median VA change +7.0, +5.0, −4.0 and −6.5 LogMAR letters, respectively. Those eyes receiving seven or fewer injections had worse baseline vision. The main reasons for patients being undertreated were insufficient clinic capacity and non‐attendance due to illness.Conclusions and RelevancePatients in the real‐world receiving aflibercept for nAMD at fixed intervals as per UK licence could achieve similar visual improvement at 1 year compared with phase III clinical trials. Undertreated patients had worse visual outcomes. Measures need to be introduced to increase clinic capacity and closely follow non‐attenders to improve future outcomes.
Finding a routine that works: A mixed methods study of foster parents
Authors: Helton Jesse J. , Schreiber Jill C. , Wiley Janet , Schweitzer Rachel 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAlthough it is well established that daily routines are important for family well‐being, very little research has been done on how foster parents establish and integrate new foster children into family routines. We used a mixed‐methods, cross‐sectional design, focused on qualitative results to explore how foster parents utilize routines. Twenty‐three foster parents were recruited from a private child welfare agency in a large city in the United States. Surveys were administered to obtain demographic information, overall home atmosphere, and the importance and prevalence of different routines, including mealtimes and sleep schedules. Nine foster parents received a semistructured interview with open‐ended questions. Foster parents reported that routines such as bedtimes, mealtimes, chores, and homework were essential to family well‐being. Because both parents and children had to adjust to living together in an intimate family environment, it was important to establish routines quickly. Foster parents modified routines depending on their child's needs. Along with typical family routines, foster parents reported additional tasks, such as visits with biological parents, meetings with caseworkers, and trainings that affected their family schedule. Results imply that training foster care workers and foster parents about routines can engender stability and emotional belonging for children.
Improvements in health‐related quality of life over 3 years with liraglutide 3.0 mg compared with placebo in participants with overweight or obesity
Authors: Kolotkin R. L. , Smolarz B. G. , Meincke H. H. , Fujioka K. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryPreviously in the SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes trial, at 1 year, participants with obesity (or overweight with comorbidities) and prediabetes receiving liraglutide 3.0 mg experienced greater improvements in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) than those receiving placebo. The current study extends these findings by examining 3‐year changes in HRQoL. HRQoL was assessed using the obesity‐specific Impact of Weight on Quality of Life‐Lite (IWQOL‐Lite) questionnaire, as well as the Short‐Form 36 v2 (SF‐36) health survey. At 3 years, mean change (±standard deviation) in IWQOL‐Lite total score from baseline for liraglutide (n = 1472) was 11.0 ± 14.2, vs. 8.1 ± 14.7 for placebo (n = 738) (estimated treatment difference [ETD] 3.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0, 4.7], P < 0.0001). Mean change in SF‐36 physical component summary (PCS) score from baseline for liraglutide was 3.1 ± 7.3, vs. 2.6 ± 7.6 for placebo (ETD 0.87 [95% CI: 0.17, 1.6], P = 0.0156). Mean change in SF‐36 mental component summary score did not significantly differ between groups. Both IWQOL‐Lite total score and PCS score demonstrated an association between greater HRQoL improvement with higher weight loss. Liraglutide 3.0 mg was also associated with improved health utility (Short‐Form‐6D and EuroQol‐5D, mapped from IWQOL‐Lite and/or SF‐36) vs. placebo. Liraglutide 3.0 mg, plus diet and exercise, is associated with long‐term improvements in HRQoL with obesity or overweight with comorbidity vs. placebo.
Contact dermatitis caused by a new rubber compound detected in canvas shoes
Authors: Hulstaert Eva , Bergendorff Ola , Persson Christina , Goossens An , Gilissen Liesbeth , Engfeldt Malin , Bruze Magnus , Schuttelaar Marie L. , Meijer Joost M. , Lapeere Hilde 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBackgroundIn 2015 and 2016, female patients in Flanders consulted a dermatologist because they developed skin lesions after wearing a specific brand of canvas shoes.ObjectivesTo identify the culprit allergen in the shoes.MethodsEighteen young females aged 14–22 years presented with itching and erythematous to purple‐coloured eczematous lesions on both feet. They were patch tested by 10 dermatologists with the European baseline series. Some patients underwent testing with additional series. Pieces of the shoe fabrics were tested in 11 of 18 patients. Chemical analysis of the shoe materials was performed. Finally, patients were tested with a thin‐layer chromatogram of the shoe extracts and dilutions of the suspected rubber compound.ResultsAll 18 patients showed positive reactions to thiuram mix. Ten of 11 patients reacted to a piece of shoe fabric. Chemical analysis showed the presence of dimethylthiocarbamylbenzothiazole sulfide (DMTBS). No thiurams were detected. Four patients tested with the chromatogram developed positive reactions to DMTBS. Positive reactions to low concentrations were observed in the 4 patients tested with a DMTBS dilution series; one patient reacted to 0.00001% in acetone.ConclusionsDMTBS, the culprit allergen, is a component formed during rubber vulcanization that probably cross‐reacts with the thiuram mix.