bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New morganucodontans from an Early Jurassic fissure filling in Wales (United Kingdom)
Authors: CLEMENS WILLIAM A. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract: Two new genera and species of morganucodontans,Bridetherium dorisaeandPaceyodon davidi, are recognized as members of theMorganucodon‐sphenodont fauna preserved in a fissure filling (Pant 4) exposed in Pant Quarry, Vale of Glamorgan, southern Wales. Both taxa are based on isolated molariforms. Mode of occlusion of upper and lower molariforms inB. dorisaediffers from the embrasure shearing pattern ofMegazostrodonand the offset pattern characteristic ofMorganucodon. Lack of a clear correlation between different patterns of occlusion and morphologies of their molariforms supports the working hypothesis that a close correlation between function and morphology of the molars characteristic of therian mammals, for example, was not present in morganucodontans.P. davidiis based on an isolated morganucodontan molariform that is significantly larger than any yet discovered. Several isolated morganucodontan‐like molariforms cannot be referred to these taxa. The new Welsh morganucodontans added to records from other sites indicate the group achieved considerable taxonomic diversity and a near global distribution by the Early Jurassic.
Reflections on the Mirrlees Review: An Australasian Perspective*
Authors: Evans Chris 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis paper compares and contrasts the UK's Mirrlees Review with major tax reviews that have taken place at about the same time in Australia (the Henry Review) and New Zealand (the Tax Working Group Review). It suggests that the three countries share many cultural, social, economic and political traditions and institutions, but that this shared heritage does not necessarily extend to the realms of tax reviews and the possible roads to tax reform that the countries may tread. There are some similarities in aspects of the processes of tax review that have taken place in the three countries (though rather more differences), and all three countries also share a commitment to broadly similar principles underlying the recommendations made by each of the three reviews. But the specific proposals made by each of the reviews do not share much common ground. The differences are more apparent than any similarities that may occur, an outcome (in part at least) predicated upon the very different political, economic and fiscal imperatives prevailing in each of the three countries.The paper also suggests that it is unlikely that the three reviews will have the same long‐term impact or effects upon their respective national tax systems. It may be the case, the paper contends, that there is a form of tradeoff between political independence (as in the Mirrlees Review) and the direct policy impact that is more apparent in countries whose reviews had strong government backing (as was the case in New Zealand) – at least in the short term. Moreover, independent reviews (such as the Mirrlees Review) may also lead to more radical proposals, which will require a longer time maturing ‘on the shelf’ before they may be ripe for implementation.
Commentary on Tax by Design: The Mirrlees Review*
Authors: Gordon Roger 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe objective of this commentary is to explore the relationship between the reforms proposed in Tax by Design and the recent academic literature. This literature provides solid support for the Mirrlees Review's dramatic proposals to eliminate any personal taxes on the normal rate of return to savings and to eliminate any net tax on new business investment. There is also solid support for the full taxation of any excess returns on financial investments, including income from capital gains.The commentary does raise questions, though, about the specific methods proposed to achieve these reforms. The proposal advocates adoption of rate‐of‐return allowances for individual savings under the personal tax and for business investment under the corporate tax. A commonly proposed alternative is to redefine the personal tax base to equal annual consumption and to allow expensing of new investment under the corporate tax. With such reforms to the personal tax, there is no longer even a clear reason to retain a corporate tax. The commentary also emphasises the pressures arising from cross‐border investments and cross‐border migration of individuals, issues given little attention in the review.These questions regard details of implementation. The overall proposals receive strong support in the academic literature.
An Optimal Tax System*
Authors: Kaplow Louis 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA notable feature and principal virtue of Tax by Design is its system‐wide perspective on different elements of the tax system. This review essay builds on this trait and offers a more explicit foundation for the report's general approach, drawing on a distribution‐neutral methodology that is developed in other work. This technique is then employed to illuminate and extend Tax by Design's analysis regarding the VAT, environmental taxation, wealth transfer taxation and income transfers.
Magnesium sulfate as an adjunct therapy in the management of severe generalized tetanus in a dog
Authors: Simmonds Erin E. , Alwood Amy J. , Costello Merilee F. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the use of magnesium sulfate in a case of generalized tetanus in a dog.Case SummaryA 1.5‐year‐old golden retriever was presented for a digital wound on the right thoracic limb and clinical signs associated with generalized tetanus. Initial case management consisted of wound debridement, treatment with metronidazole, tetanus immunoglobulin, methocarbamol, airway management via tracheostomy, and nursing care. Sedation to control severe muscle spasms became insufficient despite increasing doses of benzodiazepine, methocarbamol, and barbiturate continuous rate infusions. A magnesium sulfate continuous rate infusion was instituted on day 7 and muscle rigidity improved within 16 hours allowing discontinuation of sedative infusions over the subsequent 2 days. Clinical improvement continued and the dog was discharged on day 14.New or Unique Information ProvidedThis case demonstrates the use of supraphysiologic magnesium in the treatment of severe generalized tetanus with a positive outcome. No clinical signs associated with magnesium toxicity were noted during the course of therapy. Magnesium sulfate should be considered as a potential adjunct therapy in the management of spastic paralysis caused by severe tetanus in dogs.
Somatostatin stimulates the migration of hepatic oval cells in the injured rat liver
Authors: Jung Youngmi , Oh Seh‐Hoon , Witek Rafal P. , Petersen Bryon E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundSomatostatin is a pleiotropic peptide, exerting a variety of effects through its receptor subtypes. Recently, somatostatin has been shown to act as a chemoattractant for haematopoietic progenitor cells and hepatic oval cells (HOC) via receptor subtype 2 and subtype 4 (SSTR4) respectively.AimsWe investigated the in vivo effect of somatostatin/SSTR4 on HOC migration in the injured liver model of rats and the type of signalling molecules associated with the chemotactic function.MethodsMigration assay, HOC transplantation and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) signalling were assessed with or without somatostatin and an analogue of somatostatin (TT232) that specifically binds to SSTR4.ResultsTT232 was shown to have an antimigratory action on HOC induced by somatostatin in vitro. In HOC transplantation experiments, a lower number of donor‐derived cells were detected in TT232‐treated animals, as compared with control animals. Activation of PI3K was observed in HOC exposed to somatostatin, and this activation was suppressed by either SSTR4 antibody or TT232‐pretreatment. In addition, a PI3K inhibitor abrogated the motility of HOC.ConclusionTogether, these data suggest that somatostatin stimulates the migration of HOC within injured liver through SSTR4, and this action appears to be mediated by the PI3K pathway.
The influence of YMDD mutation patterns on clinical outcomes in patients with adefovir add‐on lamivudine combination treatment
Authors: Kim Hong J. , Park Jung H. , Park Dong I. , Cho Yong K. , Sohn Chong I. , Jeon Woo K. , Kim Byung I. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground/AimThe aim of this study was to assess the patterns of lamivudine (LAM)‐resistant mutations and the influence on biochemical and virological responses to adefovir (ADV) add‐on LAM combination therapy in patients with LAM‐resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB).MethodsSeventy‐eight CHB patients with confirmed genotypic resistance to LAM, who initiated ADV add‐on LAM combination treatment, were enrolled at our institution between April 2007 and April 2009.ResultsThe baseline tyrosine‐methionine‐aspartate‐aspartate (YMDD) mutation patterns were as follows: rtM204I 45 (57.7%); and rtM204V + rtM204I/V 33 (42.3%). The decrease in the mean ± standard deviation (SD) serum log10HBV‐DNA level did not differ between the patients carrying the rtM204I vs. rtM204IV +rtM204I/V mutations at 3, 6 and 12 months after the initiation of ADV add‐on LAM combination treatment. The proportion of patients who achieved ALT normalization (<40 IU/L) 12 months after the initiation of ADV add‐on LAM combination treatment were significantly higher in patients with a rtM204I mutation than rtM204V+ rtM204I/V mutations (39 [86.7%] vs. 22 [66.7%], P = 0.05). The proportion of patients in whom the log10HBV‐DNA decreased <2 log10 copies/ml, 6 months after the initiation of ADV add‐on LAM combination treatment (non‐responders), was significantly higher in patients with a rtM204V + rtM204I/V mutations than rtM204I mutation (7 [21.2%] vs. 2 [4.4%], P = 0.032).ConclusionBiochemical response at 12 months from baseline was better in patients with a rtM204I mutation than rtM204V+ rtM204I/V mutations. In addition, early treatment failure was more common in patients with rtM204V+ rtM204I/V mutations than a rtM204I mutation.
Fatigue in Chronic Dialysis Patients
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Vulpio Carlo , Tazza Luigi 
Published: September 2011

AbstractFatigue is common in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients and impacts on daily living, impairs significantly the quality of life, increases the risk of cardiovascular events and negatively influences survival. Although numerous social, demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables have been associated with fatigue, the causes of this symptom are often unclear. In the absence of an underlying, treatable disorder, the results of therapeutic intervention are typically frustrating. So far, none of the drugs tested can be recommended for preventing and treating fatigue in chronic HD patients. There is some evidence that exercise may significantly improve fatigue in dialysis patients; however, this requires confirmation through large, prospective, randomized studies.
Comprehensive Renal Artery Stenosis Management by Nephrology: A More Selective Approach
Authors: Yevzlin Alexander S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe impact of renal artery stenosis (RAS) and resulting ischemic nephropathy on kidney function has been well described. Based on several recent randomized, multicenter trials that revealed limitations to the utility of nonselective renal artery intervention, the general nephrology community has recently taken a conservative stance on this disease state. The purpose of this report is to summarize some recent contributions to our understanding of renal artery stenosis, which may cast RAS intervention in a new light.
Persistent but Less Severe Ataxia in Long‐Term Versus Short‐Term Abstinent Alcoholic Men and Women: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis
Authors: Smith Stan , Fein George 
Published: September 2011

Background:  Disturbed gait and balance are among the most consistent and salient sequelae of chronic alcoholism. Results of small sample longitudinal investigations have provided evidence that partial recovery of gait and balance functions in alcoholics may be achieved with abstinence. However, abstinence durations reported have been limited, and their power and generalizability have suffered from small sample sizes.Methods:  In this study, we employed a cross‐sectional approach to assess gait and balance functions in short‐term (6 to 15 weeks) abstinent alcoholics (STAA; n = 70) and long‐term (minimum 18 months, mean = 7.38 years) abstinent alcoholics (LTAA; n = 82). STAA and LTAA did not differ with respect to lifetime alcohol consumption, family drinking density, or years of education. In addition, we examined the effects of gender and alcohol use variables.Results:  Our main findings were: (i) persistent disturbed gait and balance in STAA and disturbed standing balance in LTAA; (ii) overall less impaired performance of LTAA compared with STAA on gait and balance measures; and (iii) worse performance of STAA (but not LTAA) women, compared with men, on standing balance without visual control.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that alcoholics’ gait and balance can continue to recover with long abstinence from alcohol, but that deficits persist, especially in eyes‐closed standing balance. In addition, our results are consistent with more severe alcohol‐induced ataxia in women than in men but suggest that with extended abstinence, women recover gait and balance function to a level comparable with men.
GABRG1 and GABRA2 Variation Associated with Alcohol Dependence in African Americans
Authors: Ittiwut Chupong , Yang Bao‐Zhu , Kranzler Henry R. , Anton Raymond F. , Hirunsatit Rungnapa , Weiss Roger D. , Covault Jonathan , Farrer Lindsay A. , Gelernter Joel 
Published: September 2011

Background: GABRG1 and GABRA2, genes that encode the γ1 and α2 subunits, respectively, of the GABA‐A receptor, are located in a cluster on chromosome 4p. Association of alcohol dependence (AD) with markers located at the 3′ region of GABRA2 has been replicated in several studies, but recent studies suggested the possibility that the signal may be attributable to the adjacent gene, GABRG1, located 90 kb distant in the 3′ direction. Owing to strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) in European Americans (EAs), the origin, or origins, of the association signal is very difficult to discern, but our previous population‐based study suggested that decreased LD across the GABRG1–GABRA2 region in African Americans (AAs) may be useful for fine mapping and resolution of the association signal in that population.Methods:  To examine these associations in greater detail, we genotyped 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning GABRG1 and GABRA2 in 380 AAs with AD and in 253 AA controls.Results:  Although there was no association between any individual SNP and AD, a highly significant difference was shown between AD subjects and controls in the frequency of a 3‐SNP GABRA2 haplotype (global p = 0.00029). A similar level of significance was obtained in 6‐SNP haplotypes that combined tagging SNPs from both genes (global p = 0.00994). High statistical significance was also shown with a 6‐SNP haplotype (T‐G‐C‐G‐T‐A), p = 0.0033. The T‐G‐C‐G‐T‐A haplotype contains the most significant GABRA2 3‐SNP haplotype (p = 0.00019), G‐T‐A.Conclusions:  These findings reflect the interrelationship between these 2 genes and the likelihood that risk loci exist in each of them. Study of an AA population allowed evaluation of these associations at higher genomic resolution than is possible in a EA population, owing to the much lower LD across these loci in AAs.
Alcohol Use Disorders, Nicotine Dependence, and Co‐Occurring Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the United States and South Korea—A Cross‐National Comparison
Authors: Chou S. Patricia , Lee Hae K. , Cho Maeng J. , Park Jong‐Ik , Dawson Deborah A. , Grant Bridget F. 
Published: September 2011

Background:  The strong comorbidity between substance use disorders (SUDs) and mood and anxiety disorders has been well documented. In view of lack of research findings addressing the co‐occurrence of SUDs and mood and anxiety disorders, this study examined the pattern of comorbidity of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and nicotine dependence (ND) between 2 culturally diverse countries, the United States and South Korea.Methods:  Using the nationally representative samples of the U.S. and Korean general populations, we directly compared rates and comorbidity patterns of AUDs, ND, and mood and anxiety disorders between the 2 countries. We further examined the rates and the comorbidity pattern among individuals with AUDs who sought treatment in the last 12 months. Twelve‐month prevalence rates were derived to estimate country differentials, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated to measure the strength of comorbid associations while adjusting for all sociodemographic characteristics in multivariate logistic models specific to each country.Results:  The 12‐month prevalence rates of AUDs, ND, and any mood disorder and any anxiety disorder were 9.7, 14.4, 9.5, and 11.9% among Americans, whereas the corresponding rates were 7.1, 6.6, 2.0, and 5.2% among Koreans. These rates were significantly greater (except for any AUD) among Americans than among their Korean counterparts. With respect to comorbidity, both countries showed comparable patterns that the prevalence rates of mood and anxiety disorders were consistently the highest among persons with alcohol dependence (AD). Also, a disparate pattern was observed in Korea that the prevalence rates of mood and anxiety disorders were generally lower among individuals with ND than among those with alcohol abuse and AD. Furthermore, despite significantly greater prevalence of AD in Korea (5.1%) than in the United States (4.4%), alcohol‐dependent Americans were 4 times (OR = 3.93) more likely to seek treatment compared to their Korean counterparts.Conclusions:  Our results indicated that the prevalence of AD in Korea was substantially greater than that in both Western and other Asian countries, suggesting a maladaptive pattern of alcohol use in Korea, which is different from the general use pattern of other East Asian countries. The low rate of treatment utilization among Koreans might be attributable to perceived social stigma toward SUDs or mental health problems despite the fact that the Korean government offers national health insurance.
Single Paracostal Approach to Thoracic Duct and Cisterna Chyli: Experimental Study and Case Series
Authors: Staiger Benjamin A. , Stanley Bryden J. , McAnulty Jonathan F. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo‐determine the feasibility of a single paracostal abdominal approach for thoracic duct ligation (TDL) and cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) in dogs with chylothorax.Study DesignObservational study and prospective case series.AnimalsNormal dogs (n = 5) and dogs with chylothorax (n = 8).MethodsA single paracostal approach with transdiaphragmatic extension for TDL and CCA was developed experimentally (n = 5) and used in 8 clinical cases with subtotal pericardectomy (SPE) performed in 4 dogs. Surgery time, complications, hospitalization time, outcome, and follow‐up of clinical cases were recorded.ResultsExposure of relevant anatomy was excellent; vital lymphatic staining facilitated identification of lymphatic structures. In clinical cases, mean surgery time for TDL + CCA was 136 minutes. Mean hospitalization time was 3.1 days. Seven of 8 cases survived, with 1 dog dying of heart failure shortly after discharge. One dog required a second (left) paracostal approach to ligate 2 more lymphatic vessels. On follow‐up (median, 7 months; range, 2–20 months), there was complete resolution of chylothorax in 6 dogs.ConclusionsA single paracostal approach provides excellent exposure of cisterna chyli, caudal thoracic duct, and intestinal lymphatics. This approach eliminates the need for repositioning during combined TDL + CCA procedures and avoids an intercostal thoracotomy.
An Analysis of Contingent Commission Use by Property–Liability Insurers
Authors: Colquitt L. Lee , McCullough Kathleen A. , Sommer David W. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe payment of contingent commissions in the property–liability insurance industry has long been commonplace, but recent events have made the practice highly controversial. Even prior to these events, wide variation existed among insurers in their use of contingent commissions. In this article, we examine the determinants of whether or not an insurer chooses to pay contingent commissions at all, as well as the determinants of the extent of their use for those insurers that pay them. We find a number of variables that have a significant relation to the use and extent of use of contingent commissions.
The Use of Postloss Financing of Catastrophic Risk
Authors: Cole Cassandra R. , Macpherson David A. , Maroney Patrick F. , McCullough Kathleen A. , Newman, Jr James W. (Jay) , Nyce Charles 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCatastrophic risk financing is a critical issue for many states. At the epicenter of the debate is the role of the state government in helping homeowners finance catastrophic storm risk. In general, states have used a variety of pre‐ and postloss strategies, including rate regulation, residual markets, guaranty funds, and postloss assessment structures. However, several states, including Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas have used strategies that involve potentially large postloss funding of hurricane risk. In some cases, the structure of the postloss financing mechanism is likely to create significant assessments and subsidies. This article examines the role of state government in catastrophe financing, focusing primarily on postloss financing methods. Specifically, the article provides a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the postloss catastrophe financing as well as the political forces that motivate the use of this approach. Further, given the potential magnitude of postloss assessments and related subsidies, we use the Florida homeowners market to illustrate the implications of the state's decisions. This allows for a concrete discussion of the impact and viability of postloss financing mechanisms.
The Policy Dynamics of the Trans‐Alaska Pipeline System
Authors: Busenberg George J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSince 1977, oil produced in northern Alaska has posed a major environmental threat across large areas of Alaska while simultaneously playing a dominant role in the economy of Alaska. This enduring dilemma was created by the building of the Trans‐Alaska Pipeline System to transport oil produced on the North Slope of Alaska, a region containing the largest oil field ever developed in North America. The Trans‐Alaska Pipeline System transports oil through an 800‐mile pipeline and ocean‐going oil tankers. This complex technological system poses an enduring risk of environmentally damaging oil spills in Alaska. This study applies the punctuated equilibrium theory of policy change to examine the processes and enduring consequences of the national policy reforms that allowed the building of the Trans‐Alaska Pipeline System.
High Energy Density Piezoelectric Ceramics for Energy Harvesting Devices
Authors: Seo In‐Tae , Cha Yu‐Joung , Kang In‐Young , Choi Jae‐Hong , Nahm Sahn , Seung Tae‐Hyun , Paik Jong‐Hoo 
Published: September 2011

The ceramics, (0.65 + y)Pb(Zr0.47Ti0.53)–(0.35 − y)Pb[(Ni1−xZnx)1/3Nb2/3]O3 have a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) of pseudo‐cubic and tetragonal structures. Their ε33T/ε0 value considerably decreased on the pseudo‐cubic side of the MPB composition, but the d33 and kp slowly decreased on both sides of the MPB. Therefore, the maximum transduction coefficient (d33 * g33) was obtained from the composition on the pseudo‐cubic side of the MPB, because g33 is given by d33/ε33T. This result could be applied to other systems containing an MPB of pseudo‐cubic and tetragonal structures. Furthermore, a d33 * g33 value of 20 056 × 10−15 m2/N, which is the highest value reported so far for polycrystalline ceramics, was obtained from the 0.68Pb(Zr0.47Ti0.53)O3–0.32Pb(Ni0.6Zn0.4)1/3Nb2/3O3 ceramic.