bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macro‐Fiscal Volatility and the Composition of Public Spending*
Authors: Riscado Sara Maria , Stančík Juraj , Välilä Timo 
Published: December 2011

AbstractEarlier empirical literature has examined some long‐ and medium‐term aspects of macro‐fiscal volatility while leaving its short‐term fiscal impact unexplored. To help fill that gap, we examine the impact of macro‐fiscal volatility on the composition of public spending. To that end, we analyse a panel of 10 EU countries during 1991–2007. Our results suggest that increases in the volatility of regularly‐collected and cyclical revenues such as the VAT and income taxes tend to tilt the expenditure composition in favour of public investment. In contrast, increases in the volatility of ad hoc taxes such as capital taxes tend to favour public consumption spending, albeit only a little. We interpret such volatility innovations as conveying news to the fiscal policymaker about the underlying economic conditions, with especially regularly‐collected and cyclical taxes prompting short‐term cyclical fine‐tuning.
The Distributional Implications of Income Under‐Reporting in Hungary*
Authors: Benedek Dóra , Lelkes Orsolya 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe ability and inclination of specific social groups to evade tax vary widely, and this leads to considerable variation in the actual tax burden on individuals with similar levels of income. Thus, ignoring tax evasion can be seriously misleading in terms of the distributive and fiscal effects of the tax system.This paper estimates the distributional implications of income tax evasion in Hungary, based on a random sample of the administrative tax records of nearly 230,000 individuals. Gross incomes declared in the administrative tax returns are compared with incomes stated in a nationally representative household budget survey. Our estimates show that the average rate of underreporting is 9–13 per cent, though this conceals a big difference between the self‐employed (who hide the greater part of their income) and employees. The estimates are likely to be lower bounds. These rates are used in a tax– benefit microsimulation model to calculate the fiscal and distributional implications of under‐reporting. Tax evasion reduces households' personal income tax payments by about 16–20 per cent. While the poverty rate increases only slightly, income inequality rises significantly, suggesting that high‐income households tend to evade tax proportionately more. Finally, we find that tax evasion largely reduces the progressivity of the tax system.
Gamma Radiation Effects on Physical, Optical, and Structural Properties of Binary As–S Glasses
Authors: Sundaram Shanmugavelayutham K. , McCloy John S. , Riley Brian J. , Murphy Mark K. , Qiao Hong A. , Windisch Charles F. , Walter Eric D. , Crum Jarrod V. , Golovchak Roman , Shpotyuk Oleh 
Published: December 2011

Gamma radiation is known to induce changes in physical, optical, and structural properties in chalcogenide glasses, but previous research has focused on As2S3 and families of glasses containing Ge. For the first time, we present composition and dose dependent data on the As–S binary glass series. Binary AsxS100−x (x = 30, 33, 36, 40, and 42) glasses were irradiated with gamma radiation using a 60Co source at 2.8 Gy/s to accumulated doses of 1, 2, 3, and 4 MGy. The irradiated samples were characterized at each dose level for density, refractive index, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectrum. We report an initial increase in density followed by a decrease as a function of dose that contradicts the expected compositional dependence of molar volume of these glasses. This unusual behavior is explained based on microvoid formation and nanoscale phase‐separation induced by the irradiation. XRD, Raman, and electron spin resonance data provide supporting evidence, underscoring the importance of optimally‐ or overly constrained structures for stability under irradiation.
Biotic interactions betweenEriopis connexaandHippodamia variegata, a native and an exotic coccinellid species associated with alfalfa fields in Chile
Authors: Grez A. A. , Viera B. , Soares A. O. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHuman‐assisted introductions, including those in the context of biological control, are considered to be one of the most important factors of global environmental change. However, the mechanisms underlying environmental changes, such as a decrease in the relative abundance of native species, are poorly understood. Since the introduction of the ladybird beetle,Hippodamia variegata(Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in Chile in the 1970s for biological control of aphids, a reduction in the relative abundance of the native ladybird beetleEriopis connexa(Germar) has been noticed. To explore the role of cannibalism, intraguild predation (IGP) or competition as possible mechanisms that might increase dominance ofH. variegataoverE. connexa, several laboratory experiments were carried out. The native and the exotic species were very similar in their voracity and biotic interactions. AlthoughH. variegatawas able to maintain constant reproductive performance,E. connexareproduction decreased at lower densities of aphids,Acyrthosiphon pisum(Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The impacts of cannibalism, IGP, and competition exerted by these species were very symmetrical in both larvae and adults. We conclude that these biotic factors may not fully explain the increase in relative abundance ofH. variegata.The higher sensitivity ofE. connexato prey patch size, along with other factors such as chemical‐mediated negative interspecific interactions may be operating in alfalfa fields, changing the composition of associated coccinellid assemblages.
Generation of skeletal muscle cells from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells as an in vitro model and for therapy of muscular dystrophies
Authors: Salani Sabrina , Donadoni Chiara , Rizzo Federica , Bresolin Nereo , Comi Giacomo P. , Corti Stefania 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Introduction

Transdifferentiation of somatic cells in skeletal myoblasts

Myogenic cell induction from ESCs

Protocols for myogenic cell induction from iPSCs

Mouse and human‐pluripotent derived myocytes as an in vitro model of MDs

Therapeutic development based on ESC‐ or iPSC‐derived cells

Conclusion

Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness likely associated with exhaustion of muscle regeneration potential. At present, no cures or efficacious treatments are available for these diseases, but cell transplantation could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Transplantation of myoblasts using satellite cells or other myogenic cell populations has been attempted to promote muscle regeneration, based on the hypothesis that the donor cells repopulate the muscle and contribute to its regeneration. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and more recently induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) could generate an unlimited source of differentiated cell types, including myogenic cells. Here we review the literature regarding the generation of myogenic cells considering the main techniques employed to date to elicit efficient differentiation of human and murine ESCs or iPSCs into skeletal muscle. We also critically analyse the possibility of using these cellular populations as an alternative source of myogenic cells for cell therapy of MDs.
Utility and adoption of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotyping and its translation into psychiatric clinical practice
Authors: Jürgens G. , Jacobsen C. B. , Rasmussen H. B. , Werge T. , Nordentoft M. , Andersen S. E. 
Published: December 2011

Jürgens G, Jacobsen CB, Rasmussen HB, Werge T, Nordentoft M, Andersen SE. Utility and adoption of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotyping and its translation into psychiatric clinical practice.Objective:  To describe clinical utility and adoption of routinely offered CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotyping (CYP test) in daily clinical practice of a psychiatric centre.Method:  We described psychiatrists translations of CYP test results in patients with genotypes indicating poor or ultrarapid metabolizer status and treated with at least one CYP‐dependent drug based on a retrospective review of medical records. Complementary, we used ethnographic participant observation and qualitative interviews to identify the barriers and incentives for the use of CYP test results.Results:  The cohort study included 101 of 1932 cases genotyped between 2003 and 2009. In 53 of 101 cases, test results were addressed in medical records. The most frequent response was to monitor drug concentrations (23 cases), observe for adverse events (18 cases) and adjust dosage (13 cases). In 33 of 101 cases, results were mentioned in the discharge letter. The ethnographic study indicated a poor adoption of the CYP test in clinical praxis. Test results were lost in workflows and knowledge transfer between laboratory and clinician and were absent from clinical routines, treatment conferences and educational fora.Conclusion:  The CYP test has not gained foothold in clinical practice, and its potential clinical benefits are not utilized.
Evidence that interactive effects of COMT and MTHFR moderate psychotic response to environmental stress
Authors: Peerbooms O. , Rutten B. P. F. , Collip D. , Lardinois M. , Lataster T. , Thewissen V. , Mafi Rad S. , Drukker M. , Kenis G. , van Os J. , Myin‐Germeys I. , van Winkel R. 
Published: December 2011

Peerbooms O, Rutten BPF, Collip D, Lardinois M, Lataster T, Thewissen V, Mafi Rad S, Drukker M, Kenis G, van Os J, Myin‐Germeys I, van Winkel R. Evidence that interactive effects of COMT and MTHFR moderate psychotic response to environmental stress.Objective:  A functional interaction between Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T has been shown to differentially affect cognition in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls; the effect of COMT Val158Met × MTHFR interaction on resilience to stress in patients and controls remains to be examined.Method:  A total of 98 patients with non‐affective psychotic disorder and 118 controls were genotyped for MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, and COMTVal158Met. Daily life reactivity to stress, modelled as the effect of daily life stress on psychotic experiences, was measured using the experience sampling method (ESM).Results:  The MTHFR C677T genotype moderated the interaction between COMT Val158Met genotype and stress in patients (P < 0.0001), but not in controls (P = 0.68). Further examination of this interaction revealed that in patients with the MTHFR 677 T‐allele, COMT Met/Met individuals displayed the largest increases in psychotic symptoms in reaction to ESM stress [χ2(2) = 29.51; P < 0.0001], whereas in patients with the MTHFR 677 C/C genotype no significant COMT Val158Met × ESM stress interaction was apparent [χ2(2) = 3.65; P = 0.16]. No moderating effect of MTHFR A1298C was found.Conclusion:  Stress reactivity associated with COMT Val158Met in patients with psychosis may crucially depend on MTHFR C677T genotype.
Socioeconomic position indicators and periodontitis: examining the evidence
Authors: Borrell Luisa N. , Crawford Natalie D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSocioeconomic factors, such as education and income, are associated with disparities in the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, and this has been recognized since the 1960s. Epidemiological reports have consistently shown that periodontal disease is inversely related to education and income after controlling for age and gender, and that differences in education and income explain most if not all of the observed disparities in periodontal disease between blacks and whites. Although race/ethnicity has been the main focus of studies on differences in periodontal diseases in the USA, periodontal disease disparities according to socioeconomic position (SEP) indicators (i.e. education, income, poverty–income ratio) remain pervasive in the USA. SEP indicators, as used in the epidemiological literature, involve use of socioeconomic measures as a proxy measure for an individual’s place, position and power in society. Thus, understanding disparities according to SEP indicators in periodontal health status may provide insight into why racial/ethnic disparities in periodontal health status persist. Here we review recent prevalence estimates of periodontitis according to SEP indicators, and critically assess the importance of SEP factors in periodontal epidemiolgy. The majority of the data available for review come from the USA. However, data from other countries are included where available. Specifically, we identify the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used SEP indicators in studying periodontal disease, summarize existing evidence on the association between SEP indicators and periodontitis, discuss the analytical issues associated with SEP indicators, and suggest future and alternative research directions for examining the association between SEP indicators and periodontitis.
Development of prognostic indicators using classification and regression trees for survival
Authors: Nunn Martha E. , Fan Juanjuan , Su Xiaogang , Levine Richard A. , Lee Hyo‐Jung , McGuire Michael K. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDevelopment of an accurate prognosis is an integral component of treatment planning in the practice of periodontics. Prior work has evaluated the validity of using various clinical measured parameters for assigning periodontal prognosis as well as for predicting tooth survival and change in clinical conditions over time. We critically review the use of multivariate classification and regression trees (CART) for survival in developing evidence‐based periodontal prognostic indicators. We focus attention on two distinct methods for multivariate CART for survival: the marginal goodness‐of‐fit approach and the multivariate exponential approach. A number of common clinical measures have been found to be significantly associated with tooth loss from periodontal disease, including furcation involvement, probing depth, mobility, crown/root ratio and oral hygiene. However, the inter‐relationships among these measures, as well as the relevance of other clinical measures to tooth loss from periodontal disease (such as bruxism, family history of periodontal disease and overall bone loss), remain less clear. Although the inferences that can be drawn from any single study are necessarily limited, application of new approaches in epidemiological analyses to periodontal prognosis, such as CART for survival, should yield important insights into our understanding and treatment of periodontal diseases.
Evidence of aeolian sediment transport across an Ammophila arenaria‐dominated foredune, Mason Bay, Stewart Island
Authors: Petersen Philip S. , Hilton Michael J. , Wakes Sarah J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAeolian sedimentation across an Ammophila arenaria‐dominated foredune was assessed for eight months using sand traps. This research aimed to ascertain if such foredunes act as a barrier to transport between beaches and hinterland dune systems. At Mason Bay, sand was transported across the foredune at rates of up to 10 kg.hour−1per 100 m length of coast at wind velocities of 31 m.s−1. Results were compared with computational fluid dynamics modelled airflows and foredune volume changes. Saltation was important for up to 17 m past the stoss face. Rates of transport were well short of rates of volume gain. Approximately 2% or less of stoss face suspended sediment transport reached the hinterland. The foredune is primarily a sand sink.
Hemoglobin A1c for the diagnosis of diabetes: To replace or to guide oral glucose tolerance tests?
Authors: Li Hung‐Yuan , Ma Wen‐Ya , Wei Jung‐Nan , Lin Mao‐Shin , Shih Shyang‐Rong , Hung Chi Sheng , Hua Cyue‐Huei , Chuang Lee‐Ming 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAims/Introduction:  To evaluate if hemoglobin A1c (A1C) can replace the use of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to diagnose diabetes in Chinese patients.Materials and Methods:  Subjects without pre‐existing diabetes were included in this community‐based study. Each participant received a 75‐g OGTT and A1C tests.Results:  A total of 1362 subjects, 512 men and 850 women, aged 18–88 years, were enrolled. The prevalence of diabetes was 7.4 and 7.3% by OGTT and by A1C ≥ 6.5% criteria, respectively. The optimal A1C cut‐off for diabetes defined by OGTT was 6.1%. The performance of A1C ≥ 6.1% to find diabetes by OGTT was poor, with a kappa 0.50, sensitivity 80% and specificity 91%. Using current criteria of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 5.56 mmol/L to exclude and ≥7 mmol/L to diagnose diabetes (FPG criterion), the sensitivity, specificity and OGTT required were 77.2, 100 and 13.5%, respectively. Using A1C < 5.9% to exclude and ≥7.0% to diagnose diabetes (A1C criterion), the sensitivity, specificity and OGTT required were 89.1, 99.8 and 26.5%, respectively. However, using FPG < 5.56 mmol/L and A1C < 6.1% to exclude, and A1C ≥ 7.0% to diagnose diabetes (A1C plus FPG criterion), the sensitivity, specificity and OGTT required were 85.2, 100 and 18.9%, respectively.Conclusions:  To screen for diabetes, the A1C criterion is more sensitive than the FPG criterion, with more OGTT needed. The A1C plus FPG criterion reduced the number of OGTT needed with acceptable sensitivity. A1C can guide, but cannot replace, OGTT to diagnose diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00181.x, 2011)
Thiazolidinedione‐independent activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ is a potential target for diabetic macrovascular complications
Authors: Matsumura Takeshi , Taketa Kayo , Shimoda Seiya , Araki Eiichi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMacrovascular complications are responsible for the high morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) plays a central role in the process of adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitization, and also possesses anti‐atherogenic effects. Recently, some statins, angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers and calcium channel blockers have been reported to activate PPARγ. However, the impact of PPARγ activation on diabetic macrovascular complications is not fully understood. It has been reported that the activation of PPARγ by thiazolidinediones induces anti‐atherogenic effects in vascular cells, including monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, in atherosclerotic animal models and in clinical studies. We have reported that hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), which are used for treatment of hypercholesterolemia, activate PPARγ and mediate anti‐atherogenic effects through PPARγ activation in macrophages. Also, telmisartan, an angiotensin type I receptor blocker, has been reported to have anti‐atherogenic effects through PPARγ activation. Furthermore, we have reported that nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, can activate PPARγ, thereby mediating anti‐atherogenic effects in macrophages. Therefore, statin therapy and part of anti‐hypertensive therapy might produce beneficial effects through PPARγ activation in hypercholesterolemic and/or hypertensive patients with diabetes, and PPARγ might be a therapeutic target for diabetic macrovascular complications. In the present review, we focus on the anti‐atherogenic effects of PPARγ and suggest potential therapeutic approaches to prevent diabetic macrovascular complications. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00182.x, 2012)
RECONSTRUCTING WHAT ROMAN REPUBLIC?
Authors: CRAWFORD MICHAEL 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The article, in discussing Karl Hoelkeskamp's Reconstructing the Roman Republic, argues that the relationship(s) between the role of theory and an analysis of the last generation of the Roman Republic is much more complex that H. allows, and that concentration on the elite, deriving ultimately from the approach of Christian Meier, is misguided; it also deals with other recent approaches to the functioning of Roman politics in the period in question, notably those of Millar and Mouritsen; and offers reflections on the role(s) of language and identity in modern historical writing.
ASSYRIA AT UCL: A RESEARCH PROJECT ON THE CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE ASSYRIAN KING AND HIS MAGNATES IN THE 8TH CENTURY BC
Authors: RADNER KAREN 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
An introduction to the research project ‘Mechanisms of communication in an ancient empire: the correspondence between the king of Assyria and his magnates in the 8th century BC’ which, on the basis of a text corpus of 1,200 letters preserved in the original from the correspondence of king Sargon II of Assyria (r. 721–705 BC) with the highest state officials, investigates the administrative and practical setup of ancient empires.
Recombination adenovirus-mediated human lactoferrin cDNA inhibits the growth of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Wang Jianjie , Li Qingwang , Ou Yetao , Li Kun , Han Zengsheng , Wang Peijun , Zhou Shaobo 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Human lactoferrin, an 80 kDa iron-binding glycoprotein, has antitumour effects. We have explored the potential therapeutic role of re-expressing human lactoferrin gene product in human breast cancer.

Methods
A recombinant adenovirus expressing the human lactoferrin cDNA (ad-hLTF) was constructed and used to infect breast cancer cells.

Key findings
Seventy-two hours after infection, ad-hLTF had considerable cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells. A time-course study showed that ad-hLTF infection of MCF-7 cells at 100 plaque-forming units per cell increased the number of cells in G0/G1 phase and appeared markedly at Sub-G1 apoptotic peak. The presence of apoptotic cells was confirmed using Annexin V-fluoresecein isothiocyanate apoptosis detection by flow cytometry. Ad-hLTF also resulted in a decrease of Bcl-2 protein and an increase in Bax protein.

Conclusions
Ad-hLTF plays an important role in the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The results demonstrated that ad-hLTF could have potential benefits in the treatment of breast cancer.