University of Cyprus

About: University of Cyprus is a education organization based out in Nicosia, Cyprus. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Large Hadron Collider & Standard Model. The organization has 3624 authors who have published 15157 publications receiving 412135 citations.

Cosmological Solutions of $f(T)$ Gravity

Abstract: In the cosmological scenario in $f(T)$ gravity, we find analytical solutions for an isotropic and homogeneous universe containing a dust fluid and radiation and for an empty anisotropic Bianchi I universe. The method that we apply is that of movable singularities of differential equations. For the isotropic universe, the solutions are expressed in terms of a Laurent expansion, while for the anisotropic universe we find a family of exact Kasner-like solutions in vacuum. Finally, we discuss when a nonlinear $f(T)$-gravity theory provides solutions for the teleparallel equivalence of general relativity and derive conditions for exact solutions of general relativity to solve the field equations of an $f(T)$ theory.

Losartan treatment enhances chemotherapy efficacy and reduces ascites in ovarian cancer models by normalizing the tumor stroma

Abstract: In ovarian cancer patients, tumor fibrosis and angiotensin-driven fibrogenic signaling have been shown to inversely correlate with survival. We sought to enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy by remodeling the dense extracellular matrix in two orthotopic human ovarian carcinoma xenograft models. We hypothesized that targeting the angiotensin signaling axis with losartan, an approved angiotensin system inhibitor, could reduce extracellular matrix content and the associated "solid stress," leading to better anticancer therapeutic effect. We report here four translatable findings: (i) losartan treatment enhances the efficacy of paclitaxel-a drug used for ovarian cancer treatment-via normalizing the tumor microenvironment, resulting in improved vessel perfusion and drug delivery; (ii) losartan depletes matrix via inducing antifibrotic miRNAs that should be tested as candidate biomarkers of response or resistance to chemotherapy; (iii) although losartan therapy alone does not reduce tumor burden, it reduces both the incidence and the amount of ascites formed; and (iv) our retrospective analysis revealed that patients receiving angiotensin system inhibitors concurrently with standard treatment for ovarian cancer exhibited 30 mo longer overall survival compared with patients on other antihypertensives. Our findings provide the rationale and supporting data for a clinical trial on combined losartan and chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients.

Performance of τ-lepton reconstruction and identification in CMS

Abstract: The performance of tau-lepton reconstruction and identification algorithms is studied using a data sample of proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s)=7 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36 inverse picobarns collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The tau leptons that decay into one or three charged hadrons, zero or more short-lived neutral hadrons, and a neutrino are identified using final-state particles reconstructed in the CMS tracker and electromagnetic calorimeter. The reconstruction efficiency of the algorithms is measured using tau leptons produced in Z-boson decays. The tau-lepton misidentification rates for jets and electrons are determined.

Estimates of the black economy based on consumer demand approaches

Abstract: We propose a consumer demand system approach to estimating the size of the black economy where alternative hypotheses affecting the empirical results can be tested in a nested framework. This approach allows for the estimation of the under-reporting of household income from various sources, dispensing with the need to use arbitrary criteria to classify households by their main source of income. It also avoids potential bias in black economy estimates arising from mistaking preference heterogeneity (substitution) as income effects. We illustrate these arguments by estimating the extent to which self-employment income in the UK is underreported using parametric and nonparametric techniques. The black economy, broadly defined as the economic activities that are hidden from public authorities to avoid taxation, has recently received increased attention in the literature due to arguments that the rising tax burden and state regulation is driving economic activity underground (Tanzi and Schuknecht, 1997; Enste and Schneider, 1998). The usefulness of attempts to estimate the size of the black economy, however, is a controversial issue. The sceptics emphasise the difficulties associated with the precise definition of black economy activities and point to the widely different estimates of the size of these activities resulting from alternative methods (Dixon, 1999; Tanzi, 1999; Thomas, 1999). Authors approaching the subject in an optimistic frame of mind emphasise positive aspects of estimating the size of the black economy such as the correct measurement of GDP and other macroeconomic variables (e.g. employment) and the design of policy and econometric models (Bhattacharyya, 1999; Giles, 1999). The controversy on estimation issues, however, does not subtract from the widespread concern about the undesired consequences of the black economy. Undeclared economic activities reduce the tax base, thereby undermining the financing of public goods and social protection. A country trying to curtail the loss of tax revenue by raising tax rates can create a vicious cycle, as this reinforces the incentive not to declare economic activities to the public authorities. High tax rates have a distorting effect resulting in inefficient allocation of resources due to unequal opportunities and willingness to evade in different sectors of the economy and can undermine the ability of the country to compete internationally. Distortions in the labour market can also arise because individuals working in the black economy may have difficulty in moving from one job to another. Furthermore, in countries where health, pension and other social security payments are not universal, individuals working in the black economy and their families are outside the