bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tax reform in Georgia and the size of the shadow economy
Authors: Torosyan Karine , Filer Randall K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis study applies three different methods widely used in the literature to track changes in shadow economic activity in Georgia following a drastic tax reform in 2005. The first method is a currency demand approach based on macrolevel data. The second and third methods rely on micro level data from household surveys. Overall, we find evidence that the amount of income underreporting decreased in the years following the reform. The biggest change is observed for households headed by a farmer, followed by ‘other’ types of households where the head does not report any working status. Employed and self‐employed households appear very similar before the tax reform and show minimal adjustment in income reporting in the post‐reform period. Results, however, suggest that much of any difference may have come from increased enforcement efforts rather than rate changes.
Ethnic patterns of returns to education in Bulgaria
Authors: Trentini Claudia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIt is widely accepted that disparities in education contribute to the poor labour market outcomes experienced by ethnic minority groups and consequently to their poverty. In this article, I analyse differential educational benefits in Bulgaria and compare returns to education for the Roma minority with the majority population and the Turkish minority. I show that both ethnic minority groups have lower education levels and employment rates than the majority population and that they also have lower returns to education. This result could be related to minorities' lower education quality as well as to discrimination in the labour market. Integration policies should thus aim to improve employability and labour market competence of vulnerable groups starting from school.
A global assessment of knowledge of dental students about nicotine replacement therapy: findings from 43 countries
Authors: Agaku I. T. , Ayo‐Yusuf O. A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesKnowledge of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a competency that is expected from receiving training in the treatment for tobacco dependence. This study therefore assessed the knowledge of dental students in 43 countries about NRT.MethodsThe 2005–2011 dental Global Health Professions Student Survey data were analysed for 13,040 third‐year dental students from 43 countries. Knowledge about NRT was self‐reported and country‐specific prevalence estimates were calculated. To assess for correlates of knowledge about NRT amongst dental students, a multivariate logistic regression model was fitted (P < 0.05), with pooled data from all 43 countries. The model assessed for geographical location, gross national income, tobacco cessation training in school, sex, current tobacco use and survey year.ResultsAmongst all dental students, the proportion that knew about NRT ranged from 37.0% (Mongolia) to 97.6% (Slovakia). The odds of knowing about NRT were lower amongst dental students in the Eastern Mediterranean region (aOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34–0.79) compared to those in the European region. Dental students in upper‐middle‐income (aOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.57–3.85) and high‐income countries (aOR=4.55; 95% CI: 2.28–9.09) both had higher odds of knowing about NRT compared to dental students in low‐income countries. Also, current use of any tobacco product and receipt of tobacco cessation training in school were both associated with higher likelihood of knowing about NRT. No significant gender differences in knowledge of NRT were observed.ConclusionsA large proportion of dental students in several countries knew about NRT. However, disparities in knowledge existed across regions. Enhanced efforts are needed to formally train dental students on tobacco cessation techniques.
Developmental tumors and adjacent cortical dysplasia: Single or dual pathology?
Authors: Palmini André , Paglioli Eliseu , Silva Vinicius Duval 
Published: December 2013

SummaryDevelopmental tumors often lead to refractory partial seizures and constitute a well‐defined, surgically remediable epilepsy syndrome. Dysplastic features are often associated with these tumors, and their significance carries both practical and conceptual relevance. If associated focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) relates to the extent of the epileptogenic tissue, then presurgical evaluation and surgical strategies should target both the tumor and the surrounding dyslaminated cortex. Furthermore, the association has been included in the recently revised classification of FCD and the epileptogenicity of this associated dysplastic tissue is crucial to validate such revision. In addition to the possibility of representing dual pathology, the association of developmental tumors and adjacent dysplasia may instead represent a single developmental lesion with distinct parts distributed along a histopathologic continuum. Moreover, the possibility that this adjacent dyslamination is of minor epileptogenic relevance should also be entertained. Surgical data show that complete resection of the solid tumors and immediately adjacent tissue harboring satellites may disrupt epileptogenic networks and lead to high rates of seizure freedom, challenging the epileptogenic relevance of more extensive adjacent dyslaminated cortex. Whether the latter is a primary or secondary abnormality and whether dyslaminated cortex in the context of a second lesion may produce seizures after complete resection of the main lesion is still to be proven.
The medical and surgical treatment of tumoral seizures: Current and future perspectives
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Rosati Anna , Giordano Flavio , Genitori Lorenzo , Barba Carmen 
Published: December 2013

SummaryEpilepsy surgery represents the main treatment option for epileptogenic brain tumors. Scalp video–electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may suffice for defining lesional area and seizure‐onset zone in discrete, surgically resectable lesions. The choice of timing for surgery requires a multidisciplinary evaluation, especially in children, when a “wait and see” approach is chosen. Discordant electroclinical and neuroimaging data and an ill‐defined epileptogenic lesion require invasive investigations. A multimodal integrated approach may maximize the extent of resection while preserving cerebral function in the eloquent cortex. Radical removal of the tumor is the most important predictor of seizure freedom. Additional predictors include histopathology, age at surgery, duration of epilepsy, and seizure type. Patients with brain tumors are highly vulnerable in relation to the frequent drug‐resistance of seizures, the potential interactions between antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and chemotherapeutic agents (CMTs), and the risk of AED‐related cognitive adverse events (24% higher than in the rest of the epilepsy population), in addition to brain damage resulting from tumor itself, surgery, and radiotherapy. No robust, randomized, controlled evidence supports the choice of AEDs for the treatment of seizures in patients with brain tumors. Newer AEDs have limited or no enzyme‐inducing profile, prevalent renal excretion, lower plasma protein binding and, consequently, fewer interactions with CMTs. Enzyme‐inducing AEDs can lower serum levels of concomitantly administered CMTs. Class I evidence suggests that in patients with brain tumors who do not have a history of seizures, prophylactic use of AEDs is neutral or ineffective.
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy of brain tumors: What the epileptologist must know
Authors: Rogers Lisa R. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryI present an overview of therapy for the most common brain tumors encountered in clinical practice if adult patients. Current therapy paradigms and evolving therapies are reviewed. The introduction of non–enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (NEIADs) has simplified the approach to combined medical treatment of epilepsy and brain tumors, but the major interactions between enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) are included, to serve as guidance in selecting these medications if they are required.
Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors: Where are we now?
Authors: Chassoux Francine , Daumas‐Duport Catherine 
Published: December 2013

SummaryDysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) belong to the surgically treatable long‐term epilepsy–associated group of tumors. Based on cortical specimens provided through epilepsy surgery at Sainte‐Anne hospital, three histologic subtypes (simple, complex, and nonspecific) have been described. Electroclinical data, imaging, intralesional recordings (stereo–electroencephalography [EEG]) and histologic correlations have been recently reviewed in order to assess the relationship between the epileptogenic zone (EZ), the tumor, and associated focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), and to determine optimal strategy for curing epilepsy. Based on a large series (78 patients, 50 male, aged 3–54 years, temporal location 73%, nonspecific forms 68%), we found similar electroclinical data in all DNT subtypes, and demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features allow differentiation of histologic subtypes. Type 1 (cystic/polycystic‐like) always corresponded to complex or simple forms, whereas type 2 (nodular‐like) and type 3 (dysplastic‐like) corresponded to nonspecific forms. It is notable that we demonstrated intrinsic epileptogenicity in all cases, but found that the EZ differed significantly according to MRI subtype, colocalizing with the tumor in type 1 MRI, including perilesional cortex in type 2 MRI, and involving extensive areas in type 3 MRI. The main prognostic factors for favorable outcome (83% of seizure‐free patients) were complete tumor and EZ removal, short epilepsy duration, and lack of cortico‐subcortical damage. According to these findings, surgical resection may be restricted to the tumor in type 1 MRI but should be more extensive in other MRI subtypes, especially in type 3 MRI. This MRI‐based scheme may be helpful for optimal resection in epilepsy due to DNTs. In addition, we emphasize that early surgery is crucial in curing epilepsy.
Climate change and mammals: evolutionary versus plastic responses
Authors: Boutin Stan , Lane Jeffrey E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPhenotypic plasticity and microevolution are the two primary means by which organisms respond adaptively to local conditions. While these mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, their relative magnitudes will influence both the rate of, and ability to sustain, phenotypic responses to climate change. We review accounts of recent phenotypic changes in wild mammal populations with the purpose of critically evaluating the following: (i) whether climate change has been identified as the causal mechanism producing the observed change; (ii) whether the change is adaptive; and (iii) the relative influences of evolution and/or phenotypic plasticity underlying the change. The available data for mammals are scant. We found twelve studies that report changes in phenology, body weight or litter size. In all cases, the observed response was primarily due to plasticity. Only one study (of advancing parturition dates in American red squirrels) provided convincing evidence of contemporary evolution. Subsequently, however, climate change has been shown to not be the causal mechanism underlying this shift. We also summarize studies that have shown evolutionary potential (i.e. the trait is heritable and/or under selection) in traits with putative associations with climate change and discuss future directions that need to be undertaken before a conclusive demonstration of plastic or evolutionary responses to climate change in wild mammals can be made.
Cumulative geoecological effects of 62 years of infrastructure and climate change in ice‐rich permafrost landscapes, Prudhoe Bay Oilfield, Alaska
Authors: Raynolds Martha K. , Walker Donald A. , Ambrosius Kenneth J. , Brown Jerry , Everett Kaye R. , Kanevskiy Mikhail , Kofinas Gary P. , Romanovsky Vladimir E. , Shur Yuri , Webber Patrick J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMany areas of the Arctic are simultaneously affected by rapid climate change and rapid industrial development. These areas are likely to increase in number and size as sea ice melts and abundant Arctic natural resources become more accessible. Documenting the changes that have already occurred is essential to inform management approaches to minimize the impacts of future activities. Here, we determine the cumulative geoecological effects of 62 years (1949–2011) of infrastructure‐ and climate‐related changes in the Prudhoe Bay Oilfield, the oldest and most extensive industrial complex in the Arctic, and an area with extensive ice‐rich permafrost that is extraordinarily sensitive to climate change. We demonstrate that thermokarst has recently affected broad areas of the entire region, and that a sudden increase in the area affected began shortly after 1990 corresponding to a rapid rise in regional summer air temperatures and related permafrost temperatures. We also present a conceptual model that describes how infrastructure‐related factors, including road dust and roadside flooding are contributing to more extensive thermokarst in areas adjacent to roads and gravel pads. We mapped the historical infrastructure changes for the Alaska North Slope oilfields for 10 dates from the initial oil discovery in 1968–2011. By 2010, over 34% of the intensively mapped area was affected by oil development. In addition, between 1990 and 2001, coincident with strong atmospheric warming during the 1990s, 19% of the remaining natural landscapes (excluding areas covered by infrastructure, lakes and river floodplains) exhibited expansion of thermokarst features resulting in more abundant small ponds, greater microrelief, more active lakeshore erosion and increased landscape and habitat heterogeneity. This transition to a new geoecological regime will have impacts to wildlife habitat, local residents and industry.
Evaluation of sodium hypochlorite as a denture cleanser: a clinical study
Authors: de Sousa Porta Sheila Rodrigues , de Lucena‐Ferreira Sílvia Carneiro , da Silva Wander José , Del Bel Cury Altair Antoninha 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on biofilms, colour stability (ΔE) and surface roughness (Ra) of complete dentures and patient acceptability.BackgroundDenture cleansers should be able to reduce the accumulation of biofilms without affecting the acrylic resin properties. Patient satisfaction is important to maintaining their daily use.Materials and methodsFifteen participants were instructed to keep their dentures immersed daily in a 0.5% NaOCl solution for 3 min over 90 days. Swabs were taken from dentures and inoculated on CHROMagar and blood agar. The number of colony‐forming units (cfu) was counted after a 48‐h incubation period. ΔE was assessed using the CIE L*a*b* system. Ra was measured using a profilometer. Patient acceptability was checked based on their degree of satisfaction. Cell counts, ΔE and Ra were analysed using anova, Friedman's and Kruskal–Wallis tests, respectively (α = 0.05).ResultsA significant reduction in the total number of microorganisms (p = 0.001) and Candida spp. was noticed. No significant differences were found for ΔE (p = 0.68) and for Ra (p = 0.47). The level of the patient satisfaction increased throughout the follow‐up period.ConclusionThe 0.5% NaOCl solution was effective in reducing microorganisms without significant changes in colour or roughness of denture resin. The participants reported satisfaction with the cleaning results.
Valuing Casinos as a Local Amenity
Authors: Wenz Michael 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper employs a Rosen–Roback model to evaluate the bottom line impact of casinos on quality of life and on business productivity in their local area. This approach provides a large practical improvement over the cost–benefit accounting style approach that dominates previous research on casino impacts. Additionally, this study extends the literature by distinguishing among casino types and finds different effects associated with Native American gaming, isolated non‐Native American gaming, and competitive gaming towns. Two‐stage least squares estimation suggests that casinos of all types do very little to affect household quality of life in either direction, although Native American casinos and gaming towns have generated positive business productivity effects. Isolated non‐Native American casinos have not generated productivity effects, but the analysis shows that they could generate positive productivity effects if they located in less densely populated areas and if they are of sufficient size.
Significance of healthy viscous dietary fibres on the performance of gluten‐free rice‐based formulated breads
Authors: Pérez‐Quirce Sandra , Collar Concha , Ronda Felicidad 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe impact of associated viscous dietary fibres (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose semi‐firm – SFE‐ and weak – NE‐gel forming, and barley ß‐glucan, BBG) incorporated at different amounts (1.6–7.5%, flour basis) into gluten‐free rice‐based dough formulations on the breadmaking performance and staling behaviour of hydrated (70–110%, flour basis) fibre‐flour composite blends has been investigated. Single BBG addition fails to mimic gluten visco‐elasticity properly, but simultaneous incorporation of either SFE or NE contributes to bread improvement in terms of bigger volume and smoother crumb. 3.3 g of BBG (70% purity) and 104 mL of water addition to 100 g rice flour provided sensorially accepted breads (7.6/10) with a theoretical ß‐glucan content of 1.24 g per 100 g GF bread that would allow a daily ß‐glucan intake of 3 g provided a bread consumption of 240 g day−1. Complementary tests should be carried out to know the amount and molecular weight of ß‐glucan in the final bread before assuring the nutritional benefit of this addition.
Rheological properties and gel strength of Phaseolus lunatus protein/carboxymethylated flamboyant gum systems
Authors: Corzo‐Rios Luis Jorge , Solorza‐Feria Javier , Betancur‐Ancona David , Chel‐Guerrero Luis 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe rheological behaviour and gel strength of hydrocolloid mixture systems (HMSs) of carboxymethylated flamboyant gum (CFG) with protein hydrolysates (PHs) of Phaseolus lunatus were examined to evaluate the influence of the protein/polysaccharide ratio (2:1 and 3:1), pH (3 and 9) and concentration of solids, according to a 23 factorial design. The protein concentrate of P. lunatus was hydrolysed with pepsin–pancreatin enzymes. The flow curve results were fitted to the Ostwald–de Waele model. The flow behaviour index (0.66–0.78) for all conditions studied was indicative of the shear‐thinning behaviour. For the HMS, the consistency index (k) values ranged from 0.4 Pa sn to 1.2 Pa sn. The analyses of variance showed that the ratio of PH/CFG and pH were the main variables that had significant effect on k values (P < 0.05). Only PH system presented a weak gel‐like viscoelastic behaviour. Both functional properties were affected by the protein degree of hydrolysis (DH).
Physical and chemical properties of encapsulated rosemary essential oil by spray drying using whey protein–inulin blends as carriers
Authors: Fernandes Regiane Victória de Barros , Borges Soraia Vilela , Botrel Diego Alvarenga , Oliveira Cassiano Rodrigues de 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of whey protein isolate (WPI) and inulin blends on the properties of rosemary essential oil microencapsulated by spray drying. The following ratios (w/w) of WPI to inulin were evaluated: 1:1, 1:3 and 3:1. Increasing the WPI concentration increased the particle instantanisation times and decreased the moisture content. The samples did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in hygroscopicity and porosity. The microcapsules produced at higher inulin concentration showed the highest bulk density and tapped density and were significantly different from other treatments. WPI/inulin blends of 1:1 and 3:1 proved to be effective carriers to entrap rosemary essential oil. The encapsulated oil composition in particles proved to be quite similar to pure oil, and no interaction between wall matrix and encapsulated oil was demonstrated. The analysis of particle size distribution revealed that the particle size varied from 11.5 to 11.9 μm and that all samples had an amorphous structure.
Mycobacterium mimicking metastatic melanoma
Authors: Teh R.‐W. , Feeney K. , Francis R. J. , Phillips M. , Millward M. J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe present three patients with lung nodules with an antecedent history of primary cutaneous melanoma or metastasis of melanoma to extrathoracic lymph nodes. Based on radiological findings, it was suspected that these patients had metastatic disease. Subsequent investigations confirmed the cause of the nodules was non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infection. We discuss the similarities in symptoms and radiological features between atypical mycobacterial infections and metastatic disease and why a biopsy is important prior to planning a patient's treatment.
Adoptive immunotherapy with genetically modified lymphocytes in allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cieri Nicoletta , Mastaglio Sara , Oliveira Giacomo , Casucci Monica , Bondanza Attilio , Bonini Chiara 
Published: December 2013

SummaryHematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a healthy donor (allo‐HSCT) represents the most potent form of cellular adoptive immunotherapy to treat malignancies. In allo‐HSCT, donor T cells are double edge‐swords: highly potent against residual tumor cells, but potentially highly toxic, and responsible for graft versus host disease (GVHD), a major clinical complication of transplantation. Gene transfer technologies coupled with current knowledge on cancer immunology have generated a wide range of approaches aimed at fostering the immunological response to cancer cells, while avoiding or controlling GVHD. In this review, we discuss cell and gene therapy approaches currently tested in preclinical models and in clinical trials.
The use of endogenous T cells for adoptive transfer
Authors: Yee Cassian 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAdoptive T‐cell therapy involves the ex vivo enrichment and expansion of tumor‐reactive T cells for infusion. As an immune‐based approach, adoptive therapy has become an increasingly attractive modality for the treatment of patients with cancer due to its potential for high specificity, non‐cross resistance with conventional therapies, and promise of long‐term immunoprotection. In recent years, a resurgence in discoveries underlying T‐cell recognition, tumor immune evasion, and T‐cell memory and differentiation coupled with the development of several enabling technologies have facilitated a renewed focus in the field of adoptive therapy and its transition to the clinical arena as a treatment modality for patients with cancer. In this review, endogenous T cells derived from peripheral blood or tumor sites will be presented as a source of effector cells for adoptive therapy and strategies to isolate, manipulate, and enhance the function of antigen‐specific T cells in vitro and to augment their in vivo efficacy and persistence by host immunomodulation are presented in the context of an ever‐increasing inventory of preclinical and clinically available reagents. Optimizing the combination of adoptive cellular therapy and other immune‐based and conventional approaches will herald a new generation of research and clinical opportunities for cancer immunotherapy.