bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The rise, decline and rise of incomes policies in the US during the post-war era: an institutional-analytical explanation of inflation and the functional distribution of income
Authors: SETTERFIELD MARK 
Published: June 2007

Abstract:This paper is based on the premise that at any point in time, macroeconomic performance is best understood in terms of certain ‘fundamental’ features of the income-generating process that are embedded in a relatively enduring institutional framework, that both affects and is affected by macroeconomic outcomes themselves. This results in the evolution of capitalist economies through a succession of discrete, medium-term episodes of macroeconomic performance. The purpose of the paper is to apply this vision to the explanation of inflation and the functional distribution of income in the post-war US economy. A conflicting claims model of inflation is developed, in which inflation is the result of conflict over the functional distribution of income. It is then shown how an account of the different, relatively enduring institutions within which this ‘fundamental’ macroeconomic process has been embedded over the past 50 years can be used to calibrate the analytical model, giving rise to an explanation of inflation and the functional distribution of income in the US as having evolved through three discrete episodes. Moreover, once the institutional context of macroeconomic performance is properly recognized in this manner, inflation and the functional distribution of income in the US over the past 50 years are seen to be explained by the rise, decline, and rise of successive incomes policies.
Phylogenetic relationships of Pseudis and Lysapsus (Anura, Hylidae, Hylinae) inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences
Authors: Aguiar O. , Bacci M. , Lima A. P. , Rossa‐Feres D. C. , Haddad C. F. B. , Recco‐Pimentel S. M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe previous uncertain placement of Lysapsus and Pseudis within the neobatrachians was recently resolved by molecular and morphological studies, which supported them as members of the Hylinae subfamily. Their inter‐ and intrageneric relationships, however, have long been under debate and no studies shed light on these questions. Aiming to elucidate such questions, this paper used 3.2 kb comprising the mitochondrial genes 12S, tRNA valine, 16S and cytochrome b, and the nuclear exon 1 coding for rhodopsin, to all representatives of both genera (except to two subspecies of Pseudis paradoxa). The results identified three major clades: the clade 1 was composed by Lysapsus species and subspecies; clade 2 included the subspecies of the Pseudis paradoxa (Pseudis paradoxa paradoxa, P. paradoxa platensis and P. paradoxa occidentalis), P. fusca, P. bolbodactyla and P. tocantins, and clade 3 was composed by Pseudis southern Brazil species (Pseudis cardosoi and P. minuta). As closely related taxa we found Pseudis minuta + P. cardosoi; P. tocantins + P. fusca, and the subspecies within each genus. Evidence that Pseudis is not monophyletic with respect to Lysapsus was found and we suggest Lysapsus to be a junior synonym of Pseudis. Based on pair‐wise comparison among gene sequences, we also suggest that the subspecies of Pseudis paradoxa and Lysapsus limellum must be considered as full species.© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Parallel evolution of lichen growth forms in the family Roccellaceae (Arthoniales, Ascomycota)
Authors: Tehler Anders , Irestedt Martin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe phylogenetic relationships within the family Roccellaceae (lichen fungi) were investigated. Seventy‐two nucleotide sequences of the nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU) and the second largest RNA polymerase subunit (RPB2) were newly obtained from 48 taxa. The family Roccellaceae was highly supported as monophyletic. The fruticose growth habit has evolved or been lost multiple times in the family and several times even within genera. In Roccellina with 31 species it has evolved three times and in Pentagenella with three species it has been lost once. The genera Roccella and Roccellina were found paraphyletic as two Roccella species nested with Roccellina. The non‐fruticose genus Roccellina was emended to include these two fruticose species as well as the monotypic, fruticose genus Roccellaria. As a result of the phylogenetic analyses six new nomenclatural combinations were made: Pentagenella corallina (Follm. and Peine) Tehler, Pentagenella ligulata (Peine and Follm.) Tehler, Roccellina cumingiana (Gay) Tehler, Roccellina hypomecha (Ach.) Tehler, Roccellina mollis (Hampe) Tehler, Roccellina portentosa (Mont. ex Gay) Tehler. Roccella is mainly distributed on the northern hemisphere while Roccellina is mainly distributed on the southern hemisphere. The Roccella species present on the Galapagos Islands are related to those in California and the northern hemisphere not, as was generally believed, to those in Chile and the southern hemisphere. The present data set may indicate that Bayesian analysis can give misleading topologies and overestimated posterior support values when insufficiently sampled taxa are included in an otherwise well sampled data set.© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
One‐carbon metabolism‐related gene polymorphisms and risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Case–control study
Authors: Suzuki Takeshi , Matsuo Keitaro , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Hiraki Akio , Wakai Kenji , Hirose Kaoru , Saito Toshiko , Sato Shigeki , Ueda Ryuzo , Tajima Kazuo 
Published: June 2007

Low consumption of vegetables and fruits, which leads to insufficient folate intake, is associated with increased risk of several types of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Functional polymorphisms in genes encoding one‐carbon metabolism enzymes, such as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T and A1298C), methionine synthase (MTR A2756G), methionine synthase reductase (MTRR A66G) and thymidylate synthase (TS), influence folate metabolism and thus might impact on HNSCC risk. We conducted a case‐control study with 237 HNSCC cases newly and histologically diagnosed and 711 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐cancer controls to clarify associations with these five polymorphisms. Gene–environment interactions between polymorphisms and smoking and drinking habit and folate consumption were also evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Dietary folate intake was inversely associated with HNSCC risk. None of the polymorphisms showed any significant impact on HNSCC risk by genotype alone, but we found interactions between drinking habit and MTHFR C667T (P = 0.04), MTR A2756G (P = 0.04) and MTRR A66G (P = 0.03) polymorphisms. The results suggest that there may be interactions between one‐carbon metabolism‐related polymorphisms and alcohol drinking for HNSCC risk. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1439–1446)
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN E AND/OR QUERCETIN IN ATTENUATING CHRONIC CYCLOSPORINE A‐INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN MALE RATS
Authors: Zal Fatemeh , Mostafavi‐Pour Zohreh , Vessal Mahmood 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARY

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of vitamin E and/or quercetin (Q) on renal function, oxygen radical concentrations in the kidney and some anti‐oxidant enzyme activities in rats treated with cyclosporine A (CsA).
Groups of rats (270 ± 15 g), on standard rat chow and water, received all their treatments by gavage for either 4 or 8 weeks. Control groups received either olive oil (0.5 mL) or 25% ethanol (0.5 mL) + olive oil (0.5 mL) per day as vehicle. All experimental groups received 25 mg CsA/kg per day in 0.5 mL olive oil. The vitamin E group received 100 mg vitamin E/kg per day in olive oil in addition to CsA treatment. The quercetin group received 15 mg of Q/kg per day in 0.5 mL of 25% ethanol in addition to CsA treatment. The vitamin E + quercetin group received the two anti‐oxidants at the concentrations given in addition to CsA treatment.
Quercetin, at a concentration less than one‐quarter of vitamin E, was more efficient in lowering blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and kidney malondialdehyde in CsA‐treated rats. However, neither of the two anti‐oxidants was able to normalize these analytes to control values after either 4 or 8 weeks treatment.
Quercetin (50 µmol/kg per day) elevated all renal anti‐oxidant enzyme activities to values observed in the negative controls. However, vitamin E (232 µmol/kg per day) only normalized glutathione peroxidase activity at the end of either 4 or 8 weeks treatment. Combination treatment with the two anti‐oxidants abolished all the ill‐effects of CsA.
Combination treatment with the two anti‐oxidants of renal transplant patients receiving CsA may be beneficial in ameliorating the chronic nephrotoxic effects of the important immunosuppressive drug CsA.
EFFECT OF ANGIOTENSIN AT1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST ON d‐GALACTOSAMINE‐INDUCED ACUTE LIVER INJURY
Authors: Chan Herman , Leung Po‐Sing , Tam Michael S‐C 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARY

Acute liver injury is a severe disease in which metabolic homeostasis is affected. The presence of liver cell death triggers a cascade of inflammatory responses leading to various degrees of liver damage. The pathophysiology of liver injury is complex, involving an interplay between parenchymal and non‐parenchymal cells.
There is increasing evidence for a role of the local renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in liver cell death, inflammatory response and liver regeneration. It has been shown that the local RAS plays an important regulatory role in a variety of tissues. In experimental hepatic fibrogenesis, the angiotensin AT1 receptor (AT1R) blocker losartan has been shown to be able to attenuate transforming growth factor‐b1 activity and collagen gene expression.
In the present study, using a d‐galactosamine (GalN)‐induced liver failure rat, AT1R were localized around the centrilobular region, which was not evident in normal liver. Blood tests showed an elevation of total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase. Furthermore, there was an increase in tissue‐specific inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 protein in the liver. Losartan treatment was able to reduce all these parameters. Levels of TIMP‐1 protein were reduced by 1.5‐ and 1.56‐fold on Days 1 and 3, respectively (both P < 0.05), in the losartan‐treated group relative to the GalN‐treated group. The survival rate of the losartan‐treated group was significantly higher than that of the GalN‐treated group (5 day survival 85 vs 42.5%, respectively; P < 0.05).
In conclusion, the AT1R blocker losartan suppresses GalN‐induced liver injury. This may indicate that AT1R blockers may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of acute liver injury.
REGULATION OF NOGO‐B EXPRESSION IN THE LESION OF AORTIC ANEURYSMS
Authors: Pan Jing‐Wei , Wei Meng , Yang Peng‐Yuan , Zheng Xing , Li Jing‐bo , Lu Zhi‐gang , Zhao Xian‐Xian , Wu Hong , Kang Hui , Rui Yao‐cheng 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARY

Our previous study showed that Nogo‐B was highly expressed in endothelial cells and downregulated in endothelial cells following induction by lysophatidycholine, which contirubted to atherosclerotic lesions. However, the role of Nogo‐B in the development of aortic aneurysms remains unclear.
In the present study, segments of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and adjacent normal thoracic aortic tissues (NTA) without aneurysmal changes were obtained from 31 patients undergoing graft surgery. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nogo‐B were measured with semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
The results demonstrate that Nogo‐B mRNA expression levels in TAA lesions decreased to 45% compared with levels in NTA lesions and that protein levels in TAA decreased to 35%. Tissue Nogo immunohistochemical staining in aortic specimens suggested the involvement of Nogo in neovascularization and smooth muscle cell proliferation. The weaker brown staining of endothelial cells in TAA lesions suggested the lower expression of Nogo‐B in TAA lesions.
These results demonstrate that Nogo‐B mRNA and protein expression are downregulated in TAA lesions. It is concluded that the reduction of Nogo‐B protein expression in TAA lesions is closely correlated to the formation of aneurysm and that Nogo‐B may play a protective role in the pathological process of aneurysms.
RALOXIFENE, TAMOXIFEN AND VASCULAR TONE
Authors: Leung Fung Ping , Tsang Suk Ying , Wong Chi Ming , Yung Lai Ming , Chan Yau Chi , Leung Hok Sum , Yao Xiaoqiang , Huang Yu 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARY

Oestrogen deficiency causes progressive reduction in endothelial function. Despite the benefits of hormone‐replacement therapy (HRT) evident in earlier epidemiological studies, recent randomized trials of HRT for the prevention of heart disease found no overall benefit. Instead, HRT users had higher incidences of stroke and heart attack. Most women discontinue HRT because of its many side‐effects and/or the increased risk of breast and uterine cancer. This has contributed to the development of selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, as alternative oestrogenic agents.
A SERM is a molecule that binds with high affinity to oestrogen receptors but has tissue‐specific effects distinct from oestrogen, acting as an oestrogen agonist in some tissues and as an antagonist in others. Clinical and animal studies suggest multiple cardiovascular effects of SERMs. For example, raloxifene lowers serum levels of cholesterol and homocysteine, attenuates oxidation of low‐density lipoprotein, inhibits endothelial–leucocyte interaction, improves endothelial function and reduces vascular smooth muscle tone.
Available evidence suggests that raloxifene and tamoxifen are capable of acting directly on both endothelial cells and the underlying vascular smooth muscle cells and cause a multitude of favourable modifications of the vascular wall, which jointly contribute to improved local blood flow. The outcome of the Raloxifene Use for the Heart (RUTH) trial will determine whether raloxifene, currently approved for the treatment of post‐menopausal osteoporosis, could substitute for HRT in alleviating cardiovascular symptoms in post‐menopausal women.
Ammonia‐oxidizing bacterial community composition in estuarine and oceanic environments assessed using a functional gene microarray
Authors: Ward Bess B. , Eveillard Damien , Kirshtein Julie D. , Nelson Joshua D. , Voytek Mary A. , Jackson George A. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe relationship between environmental factors and functional gene diversity of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was investigated across a transect from the freshwater portions of the Chesapeake Bay and Choptank River out into the Sargasso Sea. Oligonucleotide probes (70‐bp) designed to represent the diversity of ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) genes from Chesapeake Bay clone libraries and cultivated AOB were used to construct a glass slide microarray. Hybridization patterns among the probes in 14 samples along the transect showed clear variations in amoA community composition. Probes representing uncultivated members of the Nitrosospira‐like AOB dominated the probe signal, especially in the more marine samples. Of the cultivated species, only Nitrosospira briensis was detected at appreciable levels. Discrimination analysis of hybridization signals detected two guilds. Guild 1 was dominated by the marine Nitrosospira‐like probe signal, and Guild 2′s largest contribution was from upper bay (freshwater) sediment probes. Principal components analysis showed that Guild 1 was positively correlated with salinity, temperature and chlorophyll a concentration, while Guild 2 was positively correlated with concentrations of oxygen, dissolved organic carbon, and particulate nitrogen and carbon, suggesting that different amoA sequences represent organisms that occupy different ecological niches within the estuarine/marine environment. The trend from most diversity of AOB in the upper estuary towards dominance of a single type in the polyhaline region of the Bay is consistent with the declining importance of AOB with increasing salinity, and with the idea that AO‐Archaea are the more important ammonia oxidizers in the ocean.
Dynamics of the hydrocarbon‐degrading Cycloclasticus bacteria during mesocosm‐simulated oil spills
Authors: Teira Eva , Lekunberri Itziar , Gasol Josep M. , Nieto‐Cid Mar , Álvarez‐Salgado Xosé Antón , Figueiras Francisco G. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryWe used catalysed reported deposition – fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD‐FISH) to analyse changes in the abundance of the bacterial groups Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, and of hydrocarbon‐degrading Cycloclasticus bacteria in mesocosms that had received polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) additions. The effects of PAHs were assessed under four contrasting hydrographic conditions in the coastal upwelling system of the Rías Baixas: winter mixing, spring bloom, summer stratification and autumn upwelling. We used realistic additions of water soluble PAHs (approximately 20–30 μg l−1 equivalent of chrysene), but during the winter period we also investigated the effect of higher PAHs concentrations (10–80 μg l−1 chrysene) on the bacterial community using microcosms. The most significant change observed was a significant reduction (68 ± 5%) in the relative abundance of Alphaproteobacteria. The magnitude of the response of Cycloclasticus bacteria (positive with probe CYPU829) to PAHs additions varied depending on the initial environmental conditions, and on the initial concentration of added PAHs. Our results clearly show that bacteria of the Cycloclasticus group play a major role in low molecular weight PAHs biodegradation in this planktonic ecosystem. Their response was stronger in colder waters, when their background abundance was also higher. During the warm periods, the response of Cycloclasticus was limited, possibly due to both, a lower bioavailability of PAHs caused by abiotic factors (solar radiation, temperature), and by inorganic nutrient limitation of bacterial growth.
THE GERMAN SERVICE GAP OR: RE‐ORGANISING THE MANUFACTURING––SERVICES PUZZLE
Authors: Preissl Brigitte 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTTwo phenomena make the distinction between services and manufacturing obsolete: the tertiarization of manufacturing and the introduction of information technologies in service industries. Competitiveness of manufacturing firms increasingly depends on the quality of service inputs and on packages of goods and services. Information and communication technologies introduce ‘industrial’ processes of production in service industries. Hence, it does not make sense any more to use categories such as ‘services’ or ‘manufacturing’. Instead, it would be more meaningful to group economic activities according to input configurations. This paper will discuss these issues in the context of the supposed German ‘service gap’.
THE STATISTICAL MEASUREMENT OF SERVICES: RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND REMAINING CHALLENGES
Authors: Cave William , Giovannini Enrico 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTServices are increasingly important in the output of modern economies and are increasingly traded internationally. These patterns are observed in the generality of both ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ economies. This paper discusses the policy needs to understand the impact of services on the performance of modern economies, some measurement problems, and actions undertaken by international organisations to address these issues. It concludes that development work on services prices and volumes is fundamental to measurement of growth, and there is a need to engage more countries in the development of their service statistics with improved co‐ordination of technical assistance.
Urea Breath Tests for the Detection of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Bazzoli Franco , Zagari Maurizio , Fossi Stefania , Pozzato Paolo , Ricciardiello Luigi , Mwangemi Constance , Roda Aldo , Roda Enrico 
Published: June 2007

Background. Helicobacter pylori is recognized as an important human pathogen. The urea breath test, using either 13C or 14C, provides a noninvasive diagnostic method for the detection of active H. pylori infection.Methods.We review the data regarding the utility of the urea breath test in the diagnosis and follow‐up of patients with suspected H. pylori infection.Results.Following its ingestion, labeled urea is hydrolyzed by H. pylori urease, producing ammonia and labeled CO2, which is absorbed and can be detected in expired breath. The urea breath test provides a semiquantitative assessment of the load of H. pylori and overcomes the problem of the sampling error due to the patchy distribution of the infection. 13C‐urea breath test has an advantage over the 14C version, because the 13C isotope is a nonradioactive natural isotope; therefore, a user’s license is unnecessary, making simple the handling and mailing of samples. The 13C‐urea breath test is preferred in children and expectant mothers.Conclusion.The high sensitivity, and specificity of the 13C‐urea breath test are such that it can be considered a clinical gold standard against which other diagnostic methods can be validated. This test can be used as the sole method for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment of H. pylori infection.
Widespread Eradication of Helicobacter pylori: A Debate
Authors: Stanghellini Vincenzo , Cogliandro Laura , Cogliandro Rosanna , Giorgio Roberto De , Corinaldesi Roberto 
Published: June 2007

Background. Helicobacter pylori eradication is recommended currently only in peptic ulcer patients. The accumulating evidence of a possible pathogenetic role of the germ in other pathological conditions, such as mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas and (possibly) also functional dyspepsia and gastric cancer, creates increasing pressure in favor of an expansion of such indication. However, at present, cultural and practical considerations should discourage widespread screening and eradication programs.Methods.The basis for our study is a critical review of the literature.Results.The lack of a sound pathophysiological basis linking H. pylori infection to both dyspeptic symptom perception and gastric cancer risk sharply contrasts with the numerical and clinical relevance of these pathological conditions. Screening tests are not sufficiently cheap, easy, and reliable to be applicable on a large scale. Also, eradication therapies may provide suboptimal therapeutic effects and excessive side effects if applied by physicians who are not prepared culturally.Conclusions.Improvement of pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic knowledge must be achieved before eradication programs can be proposed on a large scale.