bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher Education: Subsidizing Tuition versus Subsidizing Student Loans
Authors: ECKWERT BERNHARD , ZILCHA ITZHAK 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe use a simple two‐period equilibrium framework to explore the effects of two different subsidization regimes for higher education on the formation of human capital and on the distribution of incomes. Individuals finance their investments in higher education through income‐contingent education loans as well as subsidies from the government. The subsidy is tax‐financed. We compare an egalitarian subsidy scheme, which reduces by a uniform amount the tuition charged to students, with a student loan subsidy which is proportional to the student's debt service obligation. We show that both types of subsidies reduce the economy‐wide underinvestment in higher education and lead to a more equal income distribution. Furthermore, according to some social welfare criterion, the student loan subsidy regime dominates the tuition subsidy regime if the subsidy level is predetermined, while the converse is true if the subsidy level constitutes a choice variable of the government.
Tax Rate Harmonization, Renegotiation, and Asymmetric Tax Competition for Profits with Repeated Interaction
Authors: EGGERT WOLFGANG , ITAYA JUN‐ICHI 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper analyzes a model of corporate tax competition with repeated interaction and with strategic use of profit shifting within multinationals. We show that international tax coordination is more likely to prevail if the degree of asymmetry in terms of productivity differences between countries is smaller, or if concealment costs of profit shifting are larger when the tax authorities adopt grim‐trigger strategies. Allowing for renegotiation in the tax harmonization process requires more patient tax authorities to implement tax harmonization as a weakly renegotiation‐proof equilibrium. In this case, we find somewhat paradoxical situations where higher costs of profit shifting make tax harmonization less sustainable.
Non‐Governmental Public Norm Enforcement in Large Societies as a Two‐Stage Game of Voluntary Public Good Provision
Authors: BUCHHOLZ WOLFGANG , FALKINGER JOSEF , RÜBBELKE DIRK 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn small groups, norm enforcement is achieved through mutual punishment and reward. In large societies, norms are enforced by specialists such as government officials. However, not every public cause is overseen by states, for instance those organized at the international level. This paper shows how nongovernmental norm enforcement can emerge as a decentralized equilibrium. As a first stage, individuals voluntarily contribute to a nongovernmental agency that produces an incentive system. The second stage is the provision of a public good on the basis of private contributions. The incentive system increases contributions by means of public approval or disapproval of behavior. It is shown that, even in large populations, nongovernmental norm enforcement can be supported in a noncooperative equilibrium of utility‐maximizing individuals. This result is in sharp contrast to those obtained in the standard situation of voluntary provision of an intrinsic public good which—without altruism or related motives—is eroded by free‐riding. Reliance on altruistic behavior is not required in supplying the second‐order public good “norm enforcement” in large societies.
Allocation of Resources in Educational Production: The Budget Puzzle
Authors: HATSOR LIMOR 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study examines why educational expenditures seem to be unrelated to educational achievements according to empirical evidence. An overlapping generations model of budgetary and allocation decisions is presented in a political dynamic equilibrium framework. The model's key feature is that the size of the budget is predetermined according to majority voting, taking into account the subsequent allocation decisions. Then, funds are allocated either efficiently or inefficiently on a quality–quantity frontier in hiring teachers. Under these assumptions, this study highlights the implications of existing inefficiencies and demonstrates how they might explain stylized facts. First, the majority of voters may channel more funds to an inefficient education system, in case its return to the marginal units of funding is higher, which helps explain the difficulty in finding budget effects in the data. Second, in certain circumstances, the majority of voters may actually prefer an inefficient education system. Finally, other disadvantages of inefficient education systems, in addition to low educational achievements, include high income inequality and low teacher quality in the long run.
Super‐Majorites, One‐Dimensional Policies, and Social Surplus
Authors: CARDONA DANIEL , PONSATÍ CLARA 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn the setting of a one‐dimensional legislative bargaining game, we characterize qualified majority rules maximizing social surplus, that is, the sum of individual benefits. The simple majority rule maximizes social surplus when individual utilities are tent‐shaped. When the utilities are strictly concave, the surplus maximizing rule is a strict supermajority.
Vildagliptin: an anti-diabetes agent ameliorates cognitive deficits and pathology observed in streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kosaraju Jayasankar , Murthy Vishakantha , Khatwal Rizwan Basha , Dubala Anil , Chinni Santhivardhan , Muthureddy Nataraj Satish Kumar , Basavan Duraiswamy 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Adults who develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) at later stages are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pharmacological agents such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors that increase the levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and ameliorate T2D have also become promising candidates as disease-modifying agents in the treatment of AD. The present study investigates the efficacy of vildagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of AD.

Methods
Three months following the induction of AD by intracerebral injection of STZ, animals were orally administered with vildagliptin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) for 30 days. Dose-dependent and time-course effects of vildagliptin on memory retention were investigated during the course of treatment. Following treatment, the animals were sacrificed, and brain tissues were used to evaluate the effects of vildagliptin on hippocampal and cortical GLP-1 levels, amyloid beta (Aβ) burden, tau phosphorylation and inflammatory markers.

Key findings
The results reveal a time-dependent improvement in memory retention and a dose-dependent attenuation of Aβ, tau phosphorylation and inflammatory markers and increased GLP-1 levels.

Conclusions
These robust therapeutic effects of vildagliptin demonstrate a unique mechanism for Aβ and tau clearance and reverse the cognitive deficits and pathology observed in AD.
Quality of life, social support, and severity of psychiatric symptoms in Jordanian patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Hamaideh S. , Al‐Magaireh D. , Abu‐Farsakh B. , Al‐Omari H. 
Published: October 2013

Accessible summary
The domain of social relationship was the highest domain of quality of life for patients with schizophrenia.
Patients with schizophrenia received their highest social support from significant others and friends.
Anxiety, guilt feeling, tension and depression were the most severe symptoms of schizophrenia among patients.
AbstractThe major purposes of this study were to examine levels and correlations of quality of life (QOL), social support, and severity of psychiatric symptoms as well as to identify the variables that best predict QOL among Jordanian patients with schizophrenia. Descriptive cross‐sectional design was used to collect data from 160 patients selected through systematic random sampling from two psychiatric outpatient clinics. Results showed that the highest domain of QOL was the social relationship domain, and the highest source of social support was perceived from significant others. Severity of affective symptoms was the highest, and severity of positive symptoms was the lowest. QOL correlated positively with social support, patients' educational and income level, and employment; and negatively with severity of psychiatric symptoms, duration of untreated illness, and duration of treatment. Support from friends, duration of untreated illness, income level, and severity of affective symptoms predicted QOL and accounting for 47.3% of the variance.
Nutritional interventions to prevent and rear low‐birthweight piglets
Authors: De Vos M. , Che L. , Huygelen V. , Willemen S. , Michiels J. , Van Cruchten S. , Van Ginneken C. 
Published: October 2013

SummarySelection for hyperprolific sows, as a means of increasing litter size and profit, has resulted in an increased number of low‐birthweight (LBW) piglets. TheseLBWpiglets might suffer from increased morbidity and mortality during the early neonatal period. In addition, they show reduced growth performance, meat and carcass quality, which leads to an important economic loss for the farmer in the post‐natal period. Therefore, nutritional interventions can be undertaken to prevent and rearLBWpiglets. In the first part of this review, the preventive strategies at the sow level will be discussed. Approaches in preventingLBWpiglets are to optimize the intrauterine environment via supplementing the sow during gestation. In the second part of this review, the interventions at the piglet level will be described. To increase the survival and growth rates ofLBWpiglets, one must focus on ensuring adequate colostrum and milk intake. Interventions include supplementing piglets, split nursing, split weaning and cross‐fostering. Additional interventions increasing the probability of optimal post‐natal food intake will be discussed.
Molecular and morphological criteria for revision of the genus Microcoleus (Oscillatoriales, Cyanobacteria)
Authors: Strunecký Otakar , Komárek Jiří , Johansen Jeffrey , Lukešová Alena , Elster Josef 
Published: October 2013

Ninety‐two strains of Microcoleus vaginatus (=nomenclatural‐type species of the genus Microcoleus Desmazières ex Gomont) and Phormidium autumnale Trevisan ex Gomont from a wide diversity of regions and biotopes were examined using a combination of morphological and molecular methods. Phylogenies based on the 16S rDNA and 16S‐23S ITS (partial) demonstrated that the 92 strains, together with a number of strains in GenBank, were members of a highly supported monophyletic clade of strains (Bayesian posterior probability = 1.0) distant from the species‐cluster containing the generitype of Phormidium. Similarity of the 16S rRNA gene exceeded 95.5% among all members of the Microcoleus clade, but was less than 95% between any Microcoleus strains and species outside of the clade (e.g., Phormidium sensu stricto). These findings, which are in agreement with earlier studies on these taxa, necessitate the revision of Microcoleus to include P. autumnale. Furthermore, the cluster of Phormidium species in the P. autumnale group (known as Group VII) must be moved into Microcoleus as well, and these nomenclatural transfers are included in this study. The main diacritical characters defining Microcoleus are related to the cytomorphology of trichomes, including: narrowed trichome ends, calyptra, cells shorter than wide up to more or less isodiametric, and facultative presence of sheaths. The majority of species are 4–10 μm in diameter. The possession of multiple trichomes in a common sheath is present facultatively in many but not all species.
Polyamine effects on protein disulfide isomerase expression and implications for hypersalinity stress in the marine algaUlva lactucaLinnaeus1
Authors: Li Lu‐Chuan , Hsu Yuan‐Ting , Chang Hsueh‐Ling , Wu Tzure‐Meng , Sung Ming‐Shiuan , Cho Chung‐Lung , Lee Tse‐Min 
Published: October 2013

Full‐length protein disulfide isomerase (UfPDI) cDNAwas cloned from the intertidal macroalgaUlva lactucaLinnaeus. Modulation ofUfPDIexpression by stresses and polyamines (PA) was studied.UfPDItranscription and enzyme activity were increased by hypersalinity (90) or high light illumination (1,200 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1), decreased by the addition of 100 μMCuSO4. An exposure to a salinity of 90 decreasedPAcontents. Treating withPAbiosynthetic inhibitors, D‐arginine (D‐Arg) or α‐methyl ornithine (α‐MO), led to a further decrease and also inhibitedUfPDIexpression and recovery of the growth rate. These results suggest thatPAs are required to activateUfPDIexpression with hypersalinity, evenPAcontents are decreased at a salinity of 90. The induction ofUfPDIexpression by hypersalinity of 90 and tolerance to hypersalinity could be enhanced if internalPAcontents rise. Sung et al. (2011b) showed thatPAcontents could be increased by pretreating with putrescine (Put, 1 mM), spermidine (Spd, 1 mM), or spermine (Spm, 1 mM) at a salinity of 30. Therefore,PApretreatment effect onUfPDIexpression was examined. Pretreatment with Spd and Spm, but not with Put, enhancedUfPDIexpression after transferred to a salinity of 90 and restored the growth rate. In conclusion, induction ofUfPDIexpression by Spd or Spm before exposure to hypersaline conditions and continuous up‐regulation after hypersalinity exposure are required for the acquisition of hypersalinity tolerance in the intertidal green macroalgaU. lactuca.
The genus Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in a temperate estuary with description of two new species: Pseudo-nitzschia plurisecta sp. nov. and Pseudo-nitzschia abrensis sp. nov.
Authors: Orive Emma , Pérez‐Aicua Lara , David Helena , García‐Etxebarria Koldo , Laza‐Martínez Aitor , Seoane Sergio , Miguel Irati 
Published: October 2013

The genus Pseudo‐nitzschia contains potentially toxic species of problematic taxonomy, making it one of the most intensively studied diatom genera. The study of 35 clonal strains isolated from the Bilbao estuary, an area that experiences recurrent blooms of Pseudo‐nitzschia, revealed the presence of two new species, P. abrensis and P. plurisecta, differing from their congeners in both morphology and gene sequence. The morphological features were analyzed by LM and EM, whereas molecular analyses were based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of the rDNA. P. plurisecta appears closely related to P. cuspidata/P. pseudodelicatissima in the phylogenetic tree, whereas P. abrensis forms a moderately supported clade with P. heimii/P. subpacifica and P. caciantha/P. circumpora. Comparison of the secondary structure of ITS2 regions reveals marked differences in the most highly conserved regions among related taxa. Morphologically, the new species differ from their closest congeners in the arrangement of the poroid sectors and the density of valve striae and fibulae. The two species share similar pigment composition, and belong to the group of Pseudo‐nitzschia species containing only chlorophyll c2 and c3.
cPPB‐aE is discovered from photosynthetic benthic dinoflagellates
Authors: Yamada Norico , Tanaka Ayumi , Horiguchi Takeo 
Published: October 2013

Although chlorophyll degradation pathways in higher plants have been well studied, little is known about the mechanisms of chlorophyll degradation in microalgae. In this article, we report the occurrence of a chlorophyll a derivative that has never been discovered in photosynthetic organisms. This chlorophyll derivative emits no fluorescence and has a peculiar absorbance peak at 425, 451, 625, and 685 nm. From these features, it was identified as 132,173‐cyclopheophorbide a enol (cPPB‐aE), reported as a degradation product of chlorophyll a derived from prey algal cells in heterotrophic protists. We discovered cPPB‐aE in six benthic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that are phylogenetically separated into four clades based on SSU rDNA molecular phylogeny. This is the first report of this chlorophyll derivative in photosynthetic organisms and we suggest that the derivative is used to quench excess light energy.
Deferoxamine promotes osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells via the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor‐mediated antioxidant signaling pathway
Authors: Chung J‐H. , Kim Y‐S. , Noh K. , Lee Y‐M. , Chang S‐W. , Kim E‐C. 
Published: October 2013

Background and ObjectiveRecently it was reported that deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, stimulates bone formation from MG63 and mesenchymal stem cells, but inhibits differentiation in rat calvarial cells; however, the effect of DFO on osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and the possible underlying mechanism of DFO on osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs.Material and MethodsThe effect of DFO on osteoblast differentiation was determined by the staining intensity of calcium deposits with Alizarin red and by RT‐PCR analysis of the expression of osteoblastic markers. Signal transduction pathways were analyzed by western blotting.ResultsDFO increased osteogenic differentiation in a concentration‐dependent manner by expression of the mRNA for differentiation markers and calcium nodule formation. Exposure of hPDLCs to DFO resulted in increases in the production of reactive oxygen species and in the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) protein in nuclear extractions, as well as a dose‐dependent increase in the expression of Nrf2 target genes, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione S‐transferase, γ‐glutamylcysteine lygase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. Pretreatment with Nrf2 small interfering RNA, GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine and diethyl maleate, and with antioxidants by N‐acetylcysteine and vitamin E, blocked DFO‐stimulated osteoblastic differentiation. Furthermore, pretreatment with GSH depletion and antioxidants blocked DFO‐induced p38 MAPK, ERK, JNK and nuclear factor‐kappaB pathways.ConclusionThese data indicate, for the first time, that nontoxic DFO promotes osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs via modulation of the Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant pathway.
A Creative Therapy in Treating Cavernous Hemangioma of Penis with Copper Wire
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhang Haiyang , Sun Peng , Li Peng , Xue Aibing , Jin Xunbo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Cavernous hemangiomas of penis are rare benign lesions infrequently described in the literature. No completely satisfactory treatment has been found to correct the cosmetic deformities especially the extensive hemangiomas of corpus penis.

Aim
In light of the promising application of copper wire/needle in vascular malformations, we began a clinical study to investigate the safety, feasibility, and cosmetic effect of copper wire therapy in treating cavernous hemangioma of penis.

Methods
Seven patients ranging in age from 12 to 32 years with penile cavernous hemangiomas entered our study from 2005 to 2011. All patients received treatments with percutaneous copper wires.

Main Outcome Measures
Perioperative data including mean operation time, estimated blood loss, length of copper wire retention, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. All possible complications were noted, and cosmetic result was evaluated. Patients were followed up after discharge from the hospital.

Results
All operations were successful, and no obvious complications were observed. The patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. Follow-up time ranged from 1 to 5 years. Recurrence was discovered in a patient with the largest lesion of corpus penis 2 months after the treatment. Secondary procedure was carried out with the same technique, and no lesions were found later.

Conclusions
The shortage of studies on this topic prevented us from defining a therapeutic reference standard. The results of our study confirmed that copper wire therapy was a simple, safe, and useful option for penile cavernous hemangioma.
Concordance Between Patient and Physician Assessment of the Magnitude of Peyronie's Disease Curvature
Authors: Matsushita Kazuhito , Stember Doron S. , Nelson Christian J. , Mulhall John P. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
The magnitude of penile deformity is a critically important factor in Peyronie's disease, as it is associated with increased difficulty in penetrative sexual intercourse and in turn with negative psychosocial consequences. Deformity magnitude also influences treatment choice when surgical correction is indicated.

Aim
To determine the concordance between patient and physician assessment of magnitude of penile curvature in men with Peyronie's disease.

Methods
Patient assessment of curvature was obtained at initial interview. Physician assessment was performed using intracavernosal injection-assisted erection using a goniometer applied during excellent penile rigidity.

Main Outcome Measures
Patient and physician assessments of penile curvature.

Results
The sample consisted of 192 men with a mean age of 54 ± 12 years old. Mean curvature on patient and physician assessment was 33 ± 17 and 36 ± 18 degrees, respectively. Only 49% of patients (94) correctly assessed their curvature, whereas 35% underestimated and 16% overestimated it.

Conclusions
Only half of PD patients accurately assess their penile curvature, with more than twice as many patients underestimating it than overestimating it. These data suggest that patient self-reporting of penile curvature should not be used as a clinical marker or end point in Peyronie's disease trials.
Upper Airway Obstruction in Norwich Terriers: 16 Cases
Authors: Johnson L.R. , Mayhew P.D. , Steffey M.A. , Hunt G.B. , Carr A.H. , McKiernan B.C. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundNorwich Terriers have grown increasingly popular as show animals and pets, and awareness of respiratory problems within the breed is growing.ObjectiveTo describe components of obstructive upper airway syndrome in a nonbrachycephalic terrier breed.AnimalsSixteen Norwich Terriers; 12 with and 4 without clinical signs of respiratory disease.MethodsProspective case series. Physical and laryngoscopic examinations were performed by 1 investigator in all dogs. Medical and surgical interventions were summarized and results of follow‐up examination or owner reports were recorded.ResultsThe study population was comprised of 9 females (6 intact) and 7 males (5 intact). Median age was 3.0 years (range, 0.5–11 years). Of 12 dogs presented for a respiratory complaint, physical examination was normal in 4 dogs. Laryngoscopic examination was abnormal in 11/12 dogs with redundant supra‐arytenoid folds, laryngeal collapse, everted laryngeal saccules, and a narrowed laryngeal opening in most. Of 4 dogs lacking clinical signs, all had normal physical examination; however, 3/4 dogs had similar appearance of the larynx to dogs with clinical signs. Response to surgical intervention was minimal to moderate in all dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceNorwich Terriers suffer from an upper airway obstructive syndrome that differs from that encountered in brachycephalic breeds. Affected dogs are difficult to identify without laryngoscopic examination because of the lack of clinical signs and abnormalities in physical examination findings, despite severe airway obstruction. Care is warranted when anesthetizing Norwich Terriers because of the small size of the laryngeal opening.