bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Floors and Phase-Outs on Taxpayers' Decisions and Understanding of Marginal Tax Rates
Authors: Rupert Timothy J. , Single Louise E. , Wright Arnold M. 
Published: December 2011

Tax provisions that reduce deductions and credits by imposing floors and phase-outs have become an increasingly popular tool used by Congress. However, these provisions also obscure the marginal tax rate, thereby potentially impairing the ability of taxpayers to make optimal decisions.
We investigate the effects of floors and phase-outs on taxpayers' ability to determine their correct marginal tax rates and how this may affect tax-rate-dependent investment decisions. To investigate these potential effects we created an experimental setting in which taxpayers (89 M.B.A. students) were asked to maximize their after-tax income by choosing between a taxable and nontaxable bond. Each participant was assigned to one of three experimental tax systems: low complexity with no floors or phase-outs, medium complexity with one floor, and high complexity with both a floor and phase-out. The effective marginal tax rate was the same in each condition. The results indicate that decision performance was significantly better for participants facing the low complexity system than those in the medium or high complexity systems.
Effects of Mutual Coupling of Radiating Antennas on an Adaptive Radar Detector
Authors: De Nicola Silvio , De Maio Antonio , Farina Alfonso , Fiorini Michele , Infante Leopoldo , Piezzo Marco 
Published: December 2011

Effects of Mutual Coupling of Radiating Antennas on an Adaptive Radar Detector
In this paper, we address the adaptive detection/classification of signals in a homogenous interference environment. We refer to a radar system equipped with a phased array antenna and account for both the presence of mutual coupling between radiating antennas and a possible coherent interferer impinging on the array mainbeam. To deal with this scenario, we adopt a two-stage detection/classification scheme, enjoying the Costant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) property, to discriminate between target detection and coherent interferer rejection. Finally, we evaluate the system performance via Monte Carlo simulations. The results show that our system has interesting rejection capabilities and satisfactory detection levels. As a consequence, it could be successfully applied in real scenarios where mutual coupling is present.
Modulation-Mode Assignment in SVD-Aided Downlink Multiuser MIMO-OFDM Systems
Authors: Aust Sebastian , Ahrens Andreas , Benavente-Peces César 
Published: December 2011

Modulation-Mode Assignment in SVD-Aided Downlink Multiuser MIMO-OFDM SystemsMulticarrier transmission such as OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) is an established technique for radio transmission systems and it can be considered as a promising approach for next generation wireless systems. However, in order to comply with the demand on increasing available data rates in particular in wireless technologies, systems with multiple transmit and receive antennas, also called MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) systems, have become indispensable for future generations of wireless systems. Due to the strongly increasing demand in high-data rate transmission systems, frequency non-selective MIMO links have reached a state of maturity and frequency selective MIMO links are in the focus of interest. In this field, the combination of MIMO transmission and OFDM can be considered as an essential part of fulfilling the requirements of future generations of wireless systems. However, single-user scenarios have reached a state of maturity. By contrast multiple users' scenarios require substantial further research, where in comparison to ZF (zero-forcing) multiuser transmission techniques, the individual user's channel characteristics are taken into consideration in this contribution. The performed joint optimization of the number of activated MIMO layers and the number of transmitted bits per subcarrier shows that not necessarily all user-specific MIMO layers per subcarrier have to be activated in order to minimize the overall BER under the constraint of a given fixed data throughput.
Microsatellite markers derived from Calophyllum inophyllum (Clusiaceae) expressed sequence tags
Authors: Setsuko Suzuki , Uchiyama Kentaro , Sugai Kyoko , Hanaoka So , Yoshimaru Hiroshi 
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the study: Robust markers are required (inter alia) for assessing origins of Calophyllum inophyllum populations on the Bonin Islands, Japan. Therefore, informative expressed sequence tag (EST)–based microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSRs) markers in the species were sought.• Methods and Results: Using 135378 ESTs derived from de novo pyrosequencing, primers for 475 EST‐SSRs were developed, 48 of which were tested for PCR amplification. Thirty‐six of the 48 primers showed clear amplification, with 23 displaying polymorphism in sampled populations. Expected heterozygosity in the samples from the Bonin Islands and Ryukyu Islands populations ranged from 0.041 to 0.697 and from 0.041 to 0.773, respectively.• Conclusions: As EST‐SSRs are potentially tightly linked with functional genes, and reportedly more transferable to related species than anonymous genomic SSRs, the developed primers have utility for future studies of the origins, genetic structure, and conservation of C. inophyllum and related species.
Concise Synthesis of Highly Substituted Benzo[a]quinolizines by a Multicomponent Reaction/Allylation/Heck Reaction Sequence (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2/2012)
Authors: den Heeten René , van der Boon Léon J. P. , Broere Daniël L. J. , Janssen Elwin , de Kanter Frans J. J. , Ruijter Eelco , Orru Romano V. A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe cover picture shows a tree during sunset in Woerden (the Netherlands) with vibrant colors caused by the ash cloud resulting from the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull in April 2010. An array of chemically diverse, fluorescent polycyclic compounds is generated by a multicomponent reaction/allylation/cross‐coupling sequence. This sequence allows systematic variation of substituents and ring systems in the polycyclic compounds, much like branches of a tree. These compounds not only bear resemblance to naturally occurring alkaloids, but also display bright blue fluorescence upon irradiation. Details are discussed in the article by E. Ruijter, R. V. A. Orru et al. on p. 275 ff. magnified image
Numerical simulation of snow melting using geothermal energy assisted by heat storage during seasons
Authors: Nagai Niro , Miyamoto Shigenobu , Osawa Yoshikazu , Igarashi Syunsuke , Shibata Kazuo , Takeuchi Masanori 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNumerical simulation programs were developed for estimating temperature field and snow depth on a snow‐melting system using geothermal energy assisted by heat storage during seasons. The system utilized a group of piles underground as a heat exchanger and heat dissipation pipes near the pavement surface, realizing underground solar heat storage from the surface through the seasons. Verification experiments for this system were conducted not only in a relatively mild snowy region, Fukui, but also in a frigid region, Sapporo. Numerical simulation results demonstrated the existence of an optimum space of a group of piles, where snow melting power becomes maximal. The obtained simulation results showed good agreement with the experimental data of both regions, demonstrating the utility and validity of the programs. Also shown was that the proposed system can melt snow well in a frigid region, Sapporo, without the help of a heat pump. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 42(8): 724–744, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20393
Streptococcus mutans GS‐5 antigen I/II stimulates cell survival in serum deprived‐cultures through PI3K/Akt Pathways
Authors: Son Young‐Ok , Jeon Young‐Mi , Kim Yu‐Shin , Park Soon‐Sun , Park Seung‐Moon , Kim Ji‐Hae , Lee Jeong‐Chae 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe antigen I/II (AgI/II) protein is a major surface protein that mediates the attachment of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to the saliva‐coated pellicle. Numerous studies have investigated not only the mechanisms by which AgI/II signaling is transduced within cells, but have also attempted to use AgI/II‐specific antibodies to treat dental caries and host immune responses. However, little information is available about the effects of AgI/II on basic cellular events in bone cells. In this study, we examined the effects of the His‐tagged recombinant N‐terminal half of the AgI/II protein (rAgI/II‐N) generated from S. mutans GS‐5 on the viability, proliferation, and cell cycle progression of primary calvarial osteoblasts. We also investigated the mechanisms involved in the rAgI/II‐N‐mediated survival of serum‐starved osteoblasts. We found that rAgI/II treatment attenuated the serum deprivation‐induced decrease in cell viability and proliferation of osteoblasts. rAgI/II‐N also prevented the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), alterations in levels of two key mitochondrial Bcl‐2 family proteins, and the accumulation of numerous cells into the sub‐G1 phase that were observed in serum‐starved osteoblasts. Pharmacological inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), but not of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase or Ras, blocked the rAgI/II‐N‐mediated protection against serum deprivation‐induced cell death. Additional experiments revealed that the integrin α5β1‐mediated PI3K pathway is required for rAgI/II‐N‐mediated Akt phosphorylation in osteoblasts. Collectively, these results suggest that rAgI/II‐N induces survival signals in serum‐starved osteoblasts through integrin‐induced PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1724–1732, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rat forebrain that bind 18F‐nifene: Relating PET imaging, autoradiography, and behavior
Authors: Bieszczad Kasia M. , Kant Ritu , Constantinescu Cristian C. , Pandey Suresh K. , Kawai Hideki D. , Metherate Raju , Weinberger Norman M. , Mukherjee Jogeshwar 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain are important for cognitive function; however, their specific role in relevant brain regions remains unclear. In this study, we used the novel compound 18F‐nifene to examine the distribution of nAChRs in the rat forebrain, and for individual animals related the results to behavioral performance on an auditory‐cognitive task. We first show negligible binding of 18F‐nifene in mice lacking the β2 nAChR subunit, consistent with previous findings that 18F‐nifene binds to α4β2* nAChRs. We then examined the distribution of 18F‐nifene in rat using three methods: in vivo PET, ex vivo PET and autoradiography. Generally, 18F‐nifene labeled forebrain regions known to contain nAChRs, and the three methods produced similar relative binding among regions. Importantly, 18F‐nifene also labeled some white matter (myelinated axon) tracts, most prominently in the temporal subcortical region that contains the auditory thalamocortical pathway. Finally, we related 18F‐nifene binding in several forebrain regions to each animal's performance on an auditory‐cued, active avoidance task. The strongest correlations with performance after 14 days training were found for 18F‐nifene binding in the temporal subcortical white matter, subiculum, and medial frontal cortex (correlation coefficients, r > 0.8); there was no correlation with binding in the auditory thalamus or auditory cortex. These findings suggest that individual performance is linked to nicotinic functions in specific brain regions, and further support a role for nAChRs in sensory‐cognitive function. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of the triple reuptake inhibitor amitifadine on extracellular levels of monoamines in rat brain regions and on locomotor activity
Authors: Golembiowska Krystyna , Kowalska Magdalena , Bymaster Frank P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMajor depressive disorder is a prevalent disease, and current pharmacotherapy is considered to be inadequate. It has been hypothesized that a triple reuptake inhibitor (TRI) that activates dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in addition to serotonin and norepinephrine (NE) circuitries may result in enhanced antidepressant effects. Here, we investigated the pharmacological effects of a serotonin‐preferring TRI‐amitifadine (EB‐1010, formerly DOV 21947). The effects of amitifadine (10 mg/kg ip.) on extracellular concentrations of monoamines and their metabolites in rat brain regions were investigated using the in vivo microdialysis technique. The effects of amitifadine on locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were also evaluated. A major metabolite of amitifadine, the 2‐lactam compound, was investigated for inhibition of monoamine uptake processes. Amitifadine markedly and persistently increased extracellular concentrations of serotonin, NE, and DA in prefrontal cortex. The extracellular concentrations of DA were also increased in the DA‐rich areas striatum and nucleus accumbens. The extracellular concentrations of the metabolites of serotonin, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and DA, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic and homovanillic acid, were also markedly decreased in brain regions. Amitifadine did not increase locomotor activity or stereotypical behaviors over a broad dose range. The lactam metabolite of amitifadine weakly inhibited monoamine uptake. Thus, amitifadine increased extracellular concentrations of serotonin, NE, and DA, consistent with TRI. Although amitifadine significantly increased DA in the nucleus accumbens, it did not induce locomotor hyperactivity or stereotypical behaviors. The enhancement of serotonin, NE, and DA in rat brain regions associated with depression suggest that amitifadine may have novel antidepressant activity. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perspectives on peritoneal dialysis at home: implications for the management of a chronic condition. A study protocol
Authors: Baillie Jessica , Lankshear Annette , Featherstone Katie 
Published: December 2011

baillie j., lankshear a. & featherstone k. (2011) Perspectives on peritoneal dialysis at home: implications for the management of a chronic condition. A study protocol. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1847–1857.AbstractAim.  This article is a report of a study protocol designed to explore the experience of home peritoneal dialysis from the perspectives of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom.Background.  Peritoneal dialysis is an established life‐saving treatment for end‐stage renal disease. This daily treatment is undertaken at home, and nurses play a key role in supporting people with their dialysis and monitoring their condition. Although peritoneal dialysis is known to have an impact on peoples’ quality of life, few studies have explored peoples’ experiences of undertaking this treatment at home, nor investigated their families’ and health professionals’ perspectives.Design.  An ethnographic study is proposed, which will use in‐depth interviews and non‐participant observations with people who are undertaking peritoneal dialysis at home in the United Kingdom. Family members and healthcare professionals closely involved with these individuals will also be interviewed. The local ethics and governance committees approved this study in November 2010.Discussion.  It is anticipated that the study’s findings will provide a detailed insight into the impact of peritoneal dialysis on individuals and their families. The findings will inform local strategies and/or interventions that could improve peoples’ experiences of undertaking this treatment. Furthermore, the appropriateness of ethnographic methodology to examine individuals’ and families’ experiences of home treatments will be considered.
Deaths and complications associated with respiratory endoscopy: A survey by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy in 2010
Authors: ASANO FUMIHIRO , AOE MOTOI , OHSAKI YOSHINOBU , OKADA YOSHINORI , SASADA SHINJI , SATO SHIGEKI , SUZUKI EIICHI , SENBA HIROSHI , FUJINO SHOZO , OHMORI KAZUMITSU 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  In order to survey the current status of the use and complications associated with respiratory endoscopy, the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy conducted a nationwide postal questionnaire survey.Methods:  The survey was mailed to all 538 facilities certified by the society. The subjects were patients who underwent respiratory endoscopy in 2010. The numbers of procedures, and associated complications and deaths were investigated according to lesion and procedure using a specific inventory.Results:  The inventory was completed by 483 facilities (89.8%). The total number of diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy procedures performed was 103 978, and four patients died (0.004%). The complication rate according to lesion ranged from 0.51% to 2.06%, with the highest rate being observed in patients with diffuse lesions. The complication rate according to procedure ranged from 0.17% to 1.93%, with the highest rate being observed in patients who underwent forceps biopsy. The complication rate after forceps biopsy of solitary peripheral pulmonary lesions was 1.79% (haemorrhage: 0.73%, pneumothorax: 0.63%), and that after endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration of hilar and/or mediastinal lymph node lesions was 0.46%. Therapeutic bronchoscopy was performed in 3020 patients; one patient (0.03%) died due to haemorrhage induced by insertion of an expandable metallic stent. The complication rate according to procedure was highest for foreign body removal (2.2%). Medical pleuroscopy was performed in 1563 patients. The highest complication rate was for biopsy without electrocautery (1.86%). A total of 228 facilities (47.2%) experienced breakage of bronchoscopes and/or devices.Conclusions:  Respiratory endoscopy was performed safely, but education regarding complications caused by new techniques is necessary.
He Didn't Want Me to Feel Sad: Children's Reactions to Disappointment and Apology
Authors: Smith Craig E. , Harris Paul L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractExperimental studies of children's responses to apologies often present participants with hypothetical scenarios. This article reports on an experimental study of children's reactions to experiencing an actual disappointment and subsequent apology. Participants (ages four to seven) were told that another child was supposed to share some attractive stickers with them. In the two primary conditions, the other child kept the stickers for himself or herself. Some participants received an apology from the other child, whereas others did not. Compared with children who did not receive the apology, the apology recipients: (1) reported feeling better; (2) viewed the other child as more remorseful; and (3) rated the other child as nicer. Support was found for a mediation model of apology: the positive effects of the apology on children's emotions were accounted for by the effective signaling of remorse by the wrongdoer.
Exploring the Initial Steps of the Testing Process: Frequency and Nature of Pre-Preanalytic Errors
Authors: Carraro Paolo , Zago Tatiana , Plebani Mario 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Few data are available on the nature of errors in the so-called pre-preanalytic phase, the initial steps of the testing process. We therefore sought to evaluate pre-preanalytic errors using a study design that enabled us to observe the initial procedures performed in the ward, from the physician's test request to the delivery of specimens in the clinical laboratory.

METHODS
After a 1-week direct observational phase designed to identify the operating procedures followed in 3 clinical wards, we recorded all nonconformities and errors occurring over a 6-month period. Overall, the study considered 8547 test requests, for which 15 917 blood sample tubes were collected and 52 982 tests undertaken.

RESULTS
No significant differences in error rates were found between the observational phase and the overall study period, but underfilling of coagulation tubes was found to occur more frequently in the direct observational phase (P = 0.043). In the overall study period, the frequency of errors was found to be particularly high regarding order transmission [29 916 parts per million (ppm)] and hemolysed samples (2537 ppm). The frequency of patient misidentification was 352 ppm, and the most frequent nonconformities were test requests recorded in the diary without the patient's name and failure to check the patient's identity at the time of blood draw.

CONCLUSION
The data collected in our study confirm the relative frequency of pre-preanalytic errors and underline the need to consensually prepare and adopt effective standard operating procedures in the initial steps of laboratory testing and to monitor compliance with these procedures over time.
Surfactant Systems for EOR in High-Temperature, High-Salinity Environments
Authors: Puerto Maura , Hirasaki George J. , Miller Clarence A. , Barnes Julian R. 
Published: December 2011

Summary
A systematic study was made of phase behavior of alkoxyglycidylether sulfonates (AGESs). These surfactants were screened with either NaCl-only brines or NaCl-only brines and n-octane at water/ oil ratio (WOR) ~1 for temperatures between approximately 85 and 120°C. All test cases were free of alcohols and other cosolvents. Classical Winsor phase behavior was observed in most scans, with optimal salinities ranging from less than 1% NaCl to more than 20% NaCl for AGESs with suitable combinations of hydrophobe and alkoxy chain type [ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO)] and chain length. Oil solubilization was high, indicating that ultralow interfacial tensions existed near optimal conditions. The test results for 120°C at WOR~1 have been summarized in a map, which might provide a useful guide for initial selection of such surfactants for EOR processes. Saline solutions of AGESs separate at elevated temperatures into two liquid phases (the cloud-point phenomenon), which may be problematic when they are injected into high-temperature reservoirs. An example is provided that indicates that this situation can be alleviated by blending suitable AGES and internal olefin sulfonate (IOS) surfactants. Synergy between the two types of surfactant resulted in transparent, single-phase aqueous solutions for some blends, but not for the individual surfactants, over a range of conditions including in synthetic seawater. Such blends are promising because both AGES and IOS surfactants have structural features that can be adjusted during manufacture to give a range of properties to suit reservoir conditions (temperature, salinity, and crude-oil type).