bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Nonlinear Income Taxation with Habit Formation
Authors: GUO JANG‐TING , KRAUSE ALAN 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIt has recently been shown that incorporating “keeping up with the Joneses” preferences into a prototypical two‐ability‐type optimal nonlinear income tax model leads to higher marginal tax rates for both types of agents. In particular, the high‐skill type faces a positive marginal tax rate, rather than zero as in the conventional case. In this paper, agents’ utility functions are postulated to exhibit “habit formation in consumption” such that the prototypical two‐ability‐type optimal nonlinear income tax model becomes a dynamic analytical framework. We show that if the government can commit to its future fiscal policy, the presence of consumption habits does not affect the standard results on optimal marginal tax rates. By contrast, if the government cannot precommit, the high‐skill type will face a negative marginal tax rate, while the low‐skill type’s marginal tax rate remains positive.
Catching Growth Determinants with the Adaptive Lasso
Authors: Schneider Ulrike , Wagner Martin 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
This paper uses the adaptive Lasso estimator to determine variables important for economic growth. The adaptive Lasso estimator is a computationally very efficient procedure that simultaneously performs model selection and parameter estimation. The computational cost of this method is negligibly small compared with standard approaches in the growth regressions literature. We apply this method for a regional dataset for the European Union covering the 255 NUTS2 regions in the 27 member states over the period 1995-2005. The results suggest that initial GDP per capita (with an implied convergence speed of about 1.5% per annum), human capital ( proxied by the shares of highly and medium educated in the working age population), structural labor market characteristics (the initial unemployment rate and the initial activity rate of the low educated) as well as being a capital region are important for economic growth.
Pain evaluation and control during and following the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids by contact and intralesional cryosurgery – a preliminary study
Authors: Mirmovich O. , Gil T. , Goldin I. , Lavi I. , Mettanes I. , Har‐Shai Y. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  Intralesional cryosurgery effectively treats hypertrophic scars and keloids (HSK), but pain experienced by the patient during treatment can limit the application of cryosurgery.Objectives To characterize the pain response during cryosurgical treatment of HSK, and to evaluate the pain experienced during contact and intralesional cryosurgery that employs a pain‐control protocol.Methods Twenty‐nine patients (17 women, 12 men) aged 17 years and older (mean ages 31.9 ± 12.5 and 38.9 ± 18.6 years, respectively, P = 0.24), who were treated for a total of 36 HSKs by intralesional (n = 20; 22 cryotreatments) or contact (n = 9; 14 cryotreatments) cryosurgery were evaluated. The pain‐control protocol involved oral pain‐relief tablets (Dipyrone) and translesional local anaesthesia with Bupivacaine hydrochloride 0.5%. Pain evaluation according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (0–10 cm) was compared between the two groups at three time points: during cryosurgery, immediately after it, and 4 h later. Scores ≤3 cm were considered to define the ‘zone of analgesic success’. These results were compared with control data (contact cryosurgery without a pain‐control protocol; n = 56).Results Pain in the intralesional group was significantly lower than that in the contact group during and immediately after cryotreatment. During: mean VAS = 1.68 ± 2.21 vs. 5.07 ± 4.01 cm; median VAS = 0.5 vs. 5.5 cm, respectively; P < 0.0001. Immediately after: mean VAS = 1.22 ± 1.77 vs. 5.38 ± 3.81 cm; median VAS = 0 vs. 6.0 cm, respectively; P = 0.001. The control group had more pain during treatment (mean VAS = 5.34 ± 2.31, median = 6.0) and 4 h later (mean = 3.79 ± 2.35, median = 4.0) than the intralesional group (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.988, respectively). The pain level in the control group during the cryotreatment did not differ from that in the contact group (P = 0.988). In the intralesional, contact and control groups analgesic success (VAS ≤3 cm) was achieved in 77.3%, 35.7% and 33.9%, respectively, of cases (P = 0.002) during cryotreatment, and in 54.5%, 42.9% and 33.9%, respectively, of cases 4 h after treatment (P = 0.24).Conclusions The pain‐control protocol significantly reduced pain severity to tolerable levels (VAS ≤3 cm) during and following intralesional and contact cryosurgery. Intralesional cryosurgery caused the least pain during and immediately after treatment.
Patient satisfaction with injection devices: a randomized controlled study comparing two different etanercept delivery systems in moderate to severe psoriasis
Authors: Paul C. , Stalder J.F. , Thaçi D. , Vincendon P. , Brault Y. , Kielar D. , Tebbs V. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  There is limited information regarding the acceptability of injection devices for biological agents.Objectives  The primary objective of the study was to investigate patients’ perceptions on the acceptability of two devices delivering etanercept. The secondary objectives of the study were to explore whether patients’ attributes are associated with preferences.Methods  This was a multicentre, open‐label, randomized, parallel‐design study. Adult patients with psoriasis were randomized to receive etanercept 50 mg twice‐weekly subcutaneously for 12 weeks, either as a pre‐filled syringe or as a pre‐filled pen. The primary outcome was the patient satisfaction at week 12 with the injection device, as measured on a 0–10‐point Likert scale. The study was powered to demonstrate non‐inferiority of a pen over a syringe for the primary endpoint.Results  A total of 421 patients were randomized. Mean patient satisfaction at week 12 was 8.9 (±1.9) points in the pen group and 7.6 (±2.6) points in the syringe group. There was a statistically significant advantage for the pen compared with the syringe. Multiple correspondence analysis showed that very satisfied patients were the oldest and had had psoriasis for a longer duration, while less satisfied patients were the most anxious and depressed. PASI 75 response was achieved by 61% of patients in the pen group and 57% in the syringe group at week 12.Conclusions  This study showed higher patient satisfaction when injecting etanercept with a pen compared with a syringe. Factors associated with lower satisfaction are younger age, anxiety and depression.
The relationship between perceived loneliness and cortisol awakening responses on work days and weekends1
Authors: OKAMURA HISAYOSHI , TSUDA AKIRA , MATSUISHI TOYOJIRO 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and perceived loneliness on work days and weekends. Ninety female full‐time workers (20–50 years old) were recruited for this study. Loneliness was evaluated using the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and participants were classified into high (average + 1 SD; n = 20) or low loneliness groups (average – 1 SD; n = 20). The saliva samples were collected on work days and weekends. Participants were instructed to collect saliva on two occasions each day: immediately on awakening and 30 minutes after awakening. The CAR was higher on weekends in the high loneliness group than in the low loneliness group. There were significant differences in the CAR in the low loneliness group between work days and weekends, but not in the high loneliness group. These results indicated that the CAR in high loneliness people was not significantly different between work days and weekends due to a hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal system that is always activated.
Do we need a stressor to be stressed? Insights from cardiac regulation1
Authors: OTTAVIANI CRISTINA , SHAPIRO DAVID 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn consideration of existing contradictory findings, the aim of the present study was to overcome the limitations of traditional cardiac reactivity studies. First, we examined the cardiac activation that takes place in response to ruminating about stress, independently of the presence of a real stressor, and second, we focused on the underlying physiological components of cardiac regulation during rumination, that is, the sympathetic and parasympathetic components. In 60 participants (27 men and 33 women; mean age = 33.4 ± 9.5 years), we recorded cardiac impedance and heart rate during baseline, an Anger Recall Interview, a reading task, and two recovery periods. Rumination was experimentally manipulated by the use of a distracter. Nondistracted participants showed higher sympathetic activity as suggested by shorter pre‐ejection period, higher low‐frequency heart rate variability (LF‐HRV), higher ratio of LF to high frequency HRV (HF‐HRV), and diminished parasympathetic activity (lower HF‐HRV). The results underscore the association of rumination with a series of well‐known risk factors for health.
The evolution of RNA editing and pentatricopeptide repeat genes
Authors: Fujii Sota , Small Ian 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) is a degenerate 35‐amino‐acid structural motif identified from analysis of the sequenced genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. From the wealth of sequence information now available from plant genomes, the PPR protein family is now known to be one of the largest families in angiosperm species, as most genomes encode 400–600 members. As the number of PPR genes is generally only c. 10–20 in other eukaryotic organisms, including green algae, the family has obviously greatly expanded during land plant evolution. This provides a rare opportunity to study selection pressures driving a 50‐fold expansion of a single gene family. PPR proteins are sequence‐specific RNA‐binding proteins involved in many aspects of RNA processing in organelles. In this review, we will summarize our current knowledge about the evolution of PPR genes, and will discuss the relevance of the dramatic expansion in the family to the functional diversification of plant organelles, focusing primarily on RNA editing.

Contents

Summary
37

I.
Introduction
37

II.
Expansion of the PPR family
38

III.
RNA editing and the evolution of PPR genes
40

IV.
Sequence drift in the organelle genomes of early land plants
41

V.
Loss of RNA editing in angiosperms
43

VI.
Other functions besides editing
44

VII.
Conclusion
44

References
44
Forced‐exercise delays neuropathic pain in experimental diabetes: effects on voltage‐activated calcium channels
Authors: Shankarappa Sahadev A. , Piedras‐Rentería Erika S. , Stubbs Evan B. 
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 224–236.AbstractPhysical exercise produces a variety of psychophysical effects, including altered pain perception. Elevated levels of centrally produced endorphins or endocannabinoids are implicated as mediators of exercise‐induced analgesia. The effect of exercise on the development and persistence of disease‐associated acute/chronic pain remains unclear. In this study, we quantified the physiological consequence of forced‐exercise on the development of diabetes‐associated neuropathic pain. Euglycemic control or streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic adult male rats were subdivided into sedentary or forced‐exercised (2–10 weeks, treadmill) subgroups and assessed for changes in tactile responsiveness. Two weeks following STZ‐treatment, sedentary rats developed a marked and sustained hypersensitivity to von Frey tactile stimulation. By comparison, STZ‐treated diabetic rats undergoing forced‐exercise exhibited a 4‐week delay in the onset of tactile hypersensitivity that was independent of glucose control. Exercise‐facilitated analgesia in diabetic rats was reversed, in a dose‐dependent manner, by naloxone. Small‐diameter (< 30 μm) DRG neurons harvested from STZ‐treated tactile hypersensitive diabetic rats exhibited an enhanced (2.5‐fold) rightward (depolarizing) shift in peak high‐voltage activated (HVA) Ca2+ current density with a concomitant appearance of a low‐voltage activated (LVA) Ca2+ current component. LVA Ca2+ currents present in DRG neurons from hypersensitive diabetic rats exhibited a marked depolarizing shift in steady‐state inactivation. Forced‐exercise attenuated diabetes‐associated changes in HVA Ca2+ current density while preventing the depolarizing shift in steady‐state inactivation of LVA Ca2+ currents. Forced‐exercise markedly delays the onset of diabetes‐associated neuropathic pain, in part, by attenuating associated changes in HVA and LVA Ca2+ channel function within small‐diameter DRG neurons possibly by altering opioidergic tone.
It is still not for the old iron: adjuvant effects of carbonyl iron in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction
Authors: Miljković Djordje , Momčilović Miljana , Stanojević Željka , Rašić Dejan , Mostarica‐Stojković Marija 
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 205–214.AbstractExperimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a model of multiple sclerosis. Dark Agouti rats immunized with spinal cord homogenate (SCH) and carbonyl iron (CI), as an adjuvant, develop severe hyperacute form of EAE. They succumb to EAE earlier and have higher clinical scores and lethality rate in comparison to counterparts immunized with SCH + complete Freund’s adjuvant. There is no difference in the number of cells or in histological presentation of the CNS infiltrates of rats immunized with the two adjuvants. However, there are more granulocytes, NK and NKT cells, and less CD4+ T cells in the spinal cord infiltrates of SCH + CI‐immunized animals. Nitric oxide (NO)‐generating enzyme inducible NO synthase have higher expression in spinal cord of SCH + CI‐immunized rats, and this corresponds to more intensive nitrotyrosine formation in the CNS tissue of these rats. Abundant infiltration of granulocytes and NK cells into the CNS and excessive generation of peroxynitrite within the CNS of SCH + CI‐immunized rats might account for the severe neurological deficits induced by immunization with CI. These factors should be closely examined in the fulminant forms of multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, as they could represent a promising targets for therapy.
Presumed immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia in two foals withRhodococcus equiinfection
Authors: Johns Imogen C. , Desrochers Anne , Wotman Kathryn L. , Sweeney Raymond W. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective –To describe the clinical presentation, case management, and outcome in 2 foals withRhodococcus equiinfection associated with presumptive severe immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia.Series Summary –Two foals diagnosed withR. equipneumonia on the basis of tracheal wash cultures, thoracic radiographs, and thoracic ultrasonography were concurrently diagnosed with hemolytic anemia. Both foals required whole blood transfusions, and were treated with the antimicrobial combination of rifampin and a macrolide (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin, or azithromycin). Dexamethasone was used to prevent further hemolysis in both foals, and to treat acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome in 1 of the foals. Both foals survived, and required prolonged antimicrobial therapy.New or Unique Information Provided –Although extra‐pulmonary disorders are commonly diagnosed in foals infected withR. equi, hemolytic anemia is rarely described. Dexamethasone is considered the treatment of choice for immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia, but may be contra‐indicated in foals with severe bacterial infections. In these foals, a relatively low dose and short duration of dexamethasone was utilized in an attempt to minimize immune suppression, although early discontinuation in 1 foal precipitated a second hemolytic crisis.
Influence of transfusion technique on survival of autologous red blood cells in the dog
Authors: McDevitt Ruth I. , Ruaux Craig G. , Baltzer Wendy I. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective –To determine the effect of 3 differing transfusion techniques on survival of autologous canine RBCs.Design –Prospective, blinded study.Setting –University Teaching Hospital.Animals –Nine healthy dogs.Interventions –Three distinct preparations of RBCs, each representing ∼1% of red cell mass, were generated for each dog by biotinylation of RBCs at varying biotin densities. Labeled cells were transfused using 3 techniques (gravity, volumetric pump, syringe pump). Serial determinations of red cell survival were carried out by flow‐cytometric analysis of RBCs collected at 7‐day intervals for 49 days. In vitro analysis of the effect of transfusion methods on RBC integrity and osmotic fragility were carried out in 7/9 dogs.Measurements and Main Results –RBCs administered via volumetric and syringe pumps exhibited a marked decrease in short‐term probability of survival compared with RBCs delivered by gravity flow. At 24 hours, only 4/8 and 1/7 dogs had surviving cell populations delivered by volumetric and syringe pump, respectively, compared with 8/8 dogs which had surviving cell populations delivered by gravity flow. Circulating half‐life of cells surviving at 24 hours after delivery by volumetric pump was not significantly different to that delivered by gravity flow. No significant effect on in vitro RBC integrity or osmotic fragility was detected in relation to transfusion technique.Conclusions –Delivery of autologous canine RBCs via mechanical delivery systems was associated with a high risk for early loss of transfused cells.
The anandamide transport inhibitor AM404 reduces the rewarding effects of nicotine and nicotine‐induced dopamine elevations in the nucleus accumbens shell in rats
Authors: Scherma Maria , Justinová Zuzana , Zanettini Claudio , Panlilio Leigh V , Mascia Paola , Fadda Paola , Fratta Walter , Makriyannis Alexandros , Vadivel Subramanian K , Gamaleddin Islam , Le Foll Bernard , Goldberg Steven R 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 can reverse the abuse‐related behavioural and neurochemical effects of nicotine in rats. Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors block the degradation (and thereby magnify and prolong the actions) of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), and also the non‐cannabinoid fatty acid ethanolamides oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). OEA and PEA are endogenous ligands for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors alpha (PPAR‐α). Since recent evidence indicates that PPAR‐α can modulate nicotine reward, it is unclear whether AEA plays a role in the effects of URB597 on nicotine reward.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A way to selectively increase endogenous levels of AEA without altering OEA or PEA levels is to inhibit AEA uptake into cells by administering the AEA transport inhibitor N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐arachidonamide (AM404). To clarify AEA's role in nicotine reward, we investigated the effect of AM404 on conditioned place preference (CPP), reinstatement of abolished CPP, locomotor suppression and anxiolysis in an open field, and dopamine elevations in the nucleus accumbens shell induced by nicotine in Sprague‐Dawley rats.KEY RESULTS AM404 prevented the development of nicotine‐induced CPP and impeded nicotine‐induced reinstatement of the abolished CPP. Furthermore, AM404 reduced nicotine‐induced increases in dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens shell, the terminal area of the brain's mesolimbic reward system. AM404 did not alter the locomotor suppressive or anxiolytic effect of nicotine.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that AEA transport inhibition can counteract the addictive effects of nicotine and that AEA transport may serve as a new target for development of medications for treatment of tobacco dependence.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
Tadalafil analgesia in experimental arthritis involves suppression of intra‐articular TNF release
Authors: Rocha FAC , Silva Jr FS , Leite ACRM , Leite AKRM , Girão VCC , Castro RR , Cunha FQ 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We investigated the effect of the phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor, tadalafil, on the acute hypernociception in rat models of arthritis.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rats were treated with either an intra‐articular injection of zymosan (1 mg) or surgical transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (as an osteoarthritis model). Controls received saline intra‐articular or sham operation respectively. Joint pain was evaluated using the articular incapacitation test measured over 6 h following zymosan or between 4 and 7 days after anterior cruciate ligament transection. Cell counts, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), and the chemokine, cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1 (CINC‐1) were measured in joint exudates 6 h after zymosan. Groups received tadalafil (0.02–0.5 mg·kg−1per os) or saline 2 h after intra‐articular zymosan. Other groups received the µ‐opioid receptor antagonist naloxone or the cGMP inhibitor 1H‐[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3‐a] quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) before tadalafil.KEY RESULTS Tadalafil dose‐dependently inhibited hypernociception in zymosan and osteoarthritis models. In zymosan‐induced arthritis, tadalafil significantly decreased cell influx and TNF‐α release but did not alter IL‐1 or CINC‐1 levels. Pretreatment with ODQ but not with naloxone prevented the anti‐inflammatory effects of tadalafil.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Therapeutic oral administration of tadalafil provided analgesia mediated by guanylyl cyclase and was independent of the release of endogenous opioids. This effect of tadalafil was associated with a decrease in neutrophil influx and TNF‐α release in inflamed joints.
Constitutive formation of an RXFP1‐signalosome: a novel paradigm in GPCR function and regulation
Authors: Halls Michelle L 
Published: May 2011

The classical second messenger cAMP is important in diverse physiological processes, where its spatial and temporal compartmentalization allows precise control over multiple cellular events. Within this context, G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) govern specialized pools of cAMP, which are functionally specific for the unique cellular effects attributed to a particular system. The relaxin receptor, RXFP1, is a GPCR that exerts pleiotropic physiological effects including a potent anti‐fibrotic response, increased cancer metastases, and has efficacy as a vasodilator in heart failure. On a cellular level, relaxin stimulation of RXFP1 results in the activation of multiple G‐protein pathways affecting cAMP accumulation. Specificity and diversity in the cAMP signal generated by RXFP1 is controlled by differential G‐protein coupling dependent upon the background of cellular expression, and cAMP compartmentalization. Further complexity in cAMP signalling results from the constitutive assembly of an RXFP1–signalosome, which specifically responds to low concentrations of relaxin, and activates a distinct cAMP pathway. The RXFP1–signalosome is a higher‐order protein complex that facilitates receptor sensitivity to attomolar concentration of peptide, exhibits constitutive activity and dual coupling to G‐proteins and β‐arrestins and reveals a concentration‐biased agonism mediated by relaxin. The specific and directed formation of GPCR‐centered signalosomes allows an even greater spatial and temporal control of cAMP, thus rationalizing the considerable physiological scope of this ubiquitous second messenger.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on the Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐6. To view the 2010 themed section on the same topic visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.2010.159.issue‐5/issuetoc