bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation intervals and inbreeding coefficients in the Finnish Hound and the Finnish Spitz
Authors: Karjalainen L. , Ojala M.
Published: March 2011

The population structure of two Finnish hunting dog breeds was examined, by calculating generation intervals and inbreeding coefficients. Data sets consisted of registers, including 84338 Finnish Hounds and 28370 Finnish Spitzes. The mean values for paternal generation intervals were 5.8 years in the Hound and 5.7 years in the Spitz. The mean values for maternal generation intervals were 5.0 and 4.5 years in the two breeds, respectively. The average inbreeding coefficient was 3.12% in the Finnish Hound and 7.16% in the Finnish Spitz. The use of intense inbreeding had decreased during the last few years, especially in the Spitz. The expected average inbreeding coefficients, calculated on the basis of random mating simulations, were usually somewhat lower than the observed in both breeds. This implies that linebreeding or mild inbreeding has been used as a breeding method.

Generationsintervall und Inzuschtkoeffizienten in Finnischen Spitz und Bracken Hunden

Die Populationsstruktur der beiden Finnischen Jagdhunderassen wurde in Hinblick auf Generationsintervall und Inzucht untersucht. Die Daten umfaßten Registration von 84338 Bracken und 28370 Spitz. Das väterliche Generationsintervall war 5, 8 Jahre bei Bracken und 5, 7 bei Spitz, das mütterliche 5, 0 und 4, 7 Jahre. Der durchschnittliche Inzuchtkoeffizient war 3, 12% beim Finnischen Bracken und 7, 16% beim Finnischen Spitz. Enge Inzucht hat in den letzten Jahren abgenommen, besonders beim Spitz. Die erwartete Inzucht wurde anhand von Simulation zufälliger Paarung geschätzt und ergab etwas geringere Werte als die tatsächliche in beiden Rassen. Das deutet auf praktizierte Linienzucht und geringe Inzucht in der Zuchtarbeit.
Association of the transferrin locus on chromosome 13 with early body weights in pigs
Authors: Nyström P.‐E. , Juneja R. K. , Johansson K. , Andersson‐Eklund L. , Andersson K.
Published: March 2011

The effect of the genotypes of five different blood protein loci (α1B‐glycoprotein, A1BG; glucose phosphate isomerase, GPI; phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, PGD; postalbumin 1A, PO1A; transferrin, TF) on early body‐weight traits was studied in one large population of Swedish Yorkshire breed pigs. A highly significant association was observed, between the transferrin genotypes and the piglet body weights, at 6 and 9 weeks of age. The TF BB type pigs were heavier than those of TF AB types at 3, 6, and 9 weeks of age, by 130, 340, and 370 g, respectively. In the light of previously published data, it was discussed that TF is an additional chromosome 13 marker that may affect early body weights in pigs. The other four loci studied, located on chromosomes 6 and 7, did not show any significant effect.

Zusammenhänge zwischen Transferrinlocus an Chromosom 13 und Ferkelgewichten

Die Wirkung von fünf verschiedenen Blutproteinloci (αB‐Glykoprotein, A1BG; Glukose Phosphat Isomerase, GPI; Phosphoglukonat Dehydrogenase, PGD; Postalbumin 1A, PO1A; Transferrin, TF) auf Ferkelwichte wurde bei Schwedischen Yorkshire Schweinen untersucht. Der Zusammenhang zwischen Transferrin Genotypen und 6 und 9 Wochen Gewichten war hochsignifikant, TF BB Ferkel waren bei 3, 6 und 9 Wochen Alter um 130, 340 und 370 g schwerer als TF AB Ferkel. In zusammenhang mit früheren Studien wird TF als ein weiterer Chromosom 13 Marker für Ferkelgewicht erörtert. Die anderen vier Loci an Chromosomen 6 bzw. 7 zeigten keine signifikante Wirkung.
Two cases of reciprocal translocations in domestic pigs producing small litters
Authors: Mäkinen A. , Pitkänen T. , Andersson M.
Published: March 2011

Two boars of Finnish Yorkshire breed were selected for chromosomal analysis because of their small litters. One had a complex three breakpoint reciprocal translocation where the small distal chromosome segments were fused in new combinations between autosomes 2,9 and 14. This boar with a 2n = 38,XY,t(2;9;14)(q23;q22;q25) karyotype had produced approximately 3.3 piglets per litter and its fertility was reduced by 70% compared to average of litter size in Finnish Yorkshire breed pigs. In another Finnish Yorkshire breed boar, the long arm of autosome 7 had broken and attached to the terminal end of autosome 15. The boar had a 2n = 38,XY, rcp(7q‐;15q+)(q24;q26) karyotype. The average of piglets per litter sired by this boar was 5.2 and the litter size was reduced by approximately 50%. The chromosomal rearrangements t(2;9;14) was inherited by four of the boar's offspring studied from two whole litters having seven piglets altogether. Meiotic chromosomes were analysed conventionally from one male translocation carrier offspring of the t(2;9;14) boar. Total sperm count and progressive motility of spermatozoa were within normal limits in one male translocation carrier offspring of the t(2;9;14) boar and in the rcp(7q‐;15q+) boar. The two reciprocal translocations seem to have arisen spontaneously in these two boars.

Zwei Fälle reziproker Translokationen bei Ebern mit kleinen Nachkommen Würfen

Von zwei Finnischen Yorkshire Ebern hatte einer drei komplexe reziproke Translokationen, wo kurze distale Chromosomensegmente zu neuen Kombinatioenen zwischen Autosomen 2, 9 und 14 fusioniert waren. Der Eber mit 2n = 38,XY,t(2;9;14)(q23;q22;q25) Karyotyp hatte Nachkommenwürfe mit etwa 3.3 Ferkel weniger und 70% Fruchtbarkeit der bei dieser Rasse normalen. In einem anderen Eber war der lange Arm von Chromosom 7 gebrochen und am Ende von Chromosom 15: 2n = 38,XY, rcp(7q‐; 15q+)(q24;q26) Karyotyp. Nachkommenwurfgröße war 5.2. Das chromosomale Rearrangement t(2;9;14) wurde an 4 Nachkommen in zwei Würfen mit zusammen 7 Ferkel vererbt. Meiotische Chromosomen wurden bei einem männlichen Translokationsträger dieser Nachkommen analysiert. Gesamtspermienenzahl und ihre Vorwärtsbewegung waren in normalen Grenzen bei diesem Nahkommen ebenso wie beim rcp(7q‐;15q+) Eber. Die zwei reciproken Translokationen scheinen spontan entstanden zu sein.
Genetic architecture of antibody responses of chickens to sheep red blood cells
Authors: Boa‐Amponsem K. , Dunnington E. A. , Siegel P. B.
Published: March 2011

Two lines of White Leghorn chickens selected divergently for high (HH) or low (LL) antibody response 5 days after an injection with 0.1 ml of 0.25% suspension of sheep red blood cell (SRBC) antigen were used to produce parental, reciprocal F1, F2 and backcross progeny. At 36 days of age males and females of the various progeny types were injected with SRBC suspension and antibody titres measured at 5 and 12 days later.

Progeny of the high antibody line had higher titres at both 5 and 12 days after inoculation with SRBC than those of the low line. Reciprocal effects for SRBC titres were important only for female progeny suggesting sex‐linked effects of the Z chromosome. Titres for F1 progeny were intermediate and different from the parental lines at both 5 and 12 days after inoculation. Antibody titres 5 days after inoculation exhibited heterosis which emanated from the homogametic sex. Although maternal effects generally had no influence on antibody titres, maternal heterosis in the selected trait was due to sex‐linkage. Recombination effects were negligible for both traits.

Genetische Architekture der Antikörperreaktion von Hühnern auf Schaferythrozyten

Zwei Weiße Leghorn‐Linien, gegensätzlich selektiert auf starke (HH) oder niedrige (LL) Antikörperreaktion 5 Tage nach Injektion von 0,1 ml einer 0,25% Schaferythrozytensuspension (SRBC), wurden zur Erzeugung von parentalen, reziproken F1, F2 und Rückkreuzungsnachkommen herangezogen. In Alter von 36 Tagen wurde den Tieren eine SRBC Suspension injiziert und Antikörpertiter 5 und 12 Tage später bestimmt.

Nachkommen der HH Linie hatten an beiden Tagen höhere Titer als LL Nachkommen. Reziproke Effekte für SRBC Titer waren nur bei weiblichen Nachkommen wichtig, bedingt wohl durch geschlechtsgekoppelte Z‐Chromosom Einflüsse. Die Titer der F1 Nachkommen waren zwischen denen der Elternlinien. Antikörpertiter 5 Tage nach Injektion zeigten Heterosis, die im homogametischen Geschlecht auftrat. Obwohl im allgemeinen maternale Wirkungen keinen Einfluß zeigten, war maternale Heterosis beim selektierten Merkmal auf Geschlechtskopplung zurückzuführen. Rekombinations‐wirkungen waren vernachlässigbar.
Why pragmatic impairment? A case study in the comprehension of inferential meaning
Authors: LEINONEN EEVA , LETTS CAROLYN
Published: March 2011

This paper discusses a case study of Sarah (aged 9;8–10;3) who is reported to have pragmatic difficulties. The focus is on her comprehension of questions, which are asked on the basis of pictures and heard stories. Particular focus is on the pragmatic (or inferential) demands of the input questions and their relationship to the (in)appropriacy of the answer. Data from 16 normally functioning 6‐ and 8‐year‐old children are also presented for comparative purposes. The study shows that Sarah has difficulty with questions which require her to go beyond visually presented or verbally stated information. On one set of tasks she was to answer questions on the basis of composite pictures: for some of the questions, the answer was obvious from the picture (descriptive questions) and for others information needed to be inferred beyond the picture (for example, by imagining what had happened before and what is likely to happen next). Sarah's performance was poorer on the inferential questions than the descriptive questions and poorer than the performance of 6‐ and 8‐year‐old normally functioning control children. Although the control children also found the inferential questions more difficult than the descriptive questions, this difficulty was not as pronounced as Sarah's. This trend was also apparent in a set of tasks which required the children to answer questions on the basis of verbally told stories. This study suggests that pragmatically impaired children may have difficulty going beyond explicitly presented information and this would manifest as pragmatic production and comprehension problems. In cognitive terms, this may indicate difficulty with the process of inferencing.
Phonological processing skills in speech and language impaired children
Authors: LEITÃTO SUZE , HOGBEN JOHN , FLETCHER JANET
Published: March 2011

Phonological processing has been shown by many researchers to be strongly related to the acquisition of reading and spelling skills. Children with speech and language impairment appear to be at increased risk for phonological processing problems and hence literary difficulties. However, not all children with speech and language impairment experience difficulties: the literature is not clear as to which groups of speech and language impaired children are most severely affected nor which aspects of phonological processing are most likely to be impaired. Rigorous subject selection was employed to compare the performance of four groups of 20 children, aged approximately 6 years: speech‐impaired (Speech); language‐impaired (Language); speech and language impaired (Mixed); and children with normally developing language (Normal), by use of a battery of phonological processing tasks. The results supported the research that has shown speech and language impaired children to have weaker phonological processing skills than the general population. All the subjects in this sample appeared to be at risk: the Mixed children demonstrated the most difficulty, followed by the Language group, with the Normal group performing the best. Whilst the Speech group as a whole performed significantly more poorly than the Normal group, it consisted of two levels of performance which, on post hoc analysis were shown to relate to the pattern of speech impairment exhibited by the child.
Graph‐based deconvolution analysis of multiplex sandwich microarray immunoassays: applications for environmental monitoring
Authors: Rivas Luis A. , Aguirre Jacobo , Blanco Yolanda , González‐Toril Elena , Parro Víctor
Published: March 2011

The sandwich microarray immunoassay (SMI) is a powerful technique for the analysis and characterization of environmental samples, from the identification of microorganisms to specific bioanalytes. As the number of antibodies increases, however, unspecific binding and cross‐reactivity can become a problem. To cope with such difficulties, we present here the concept of antibody graph associated to a sandwich antibody microarray. Antibody graphs give valuable information about the antibody cross‐reactivity network and all the players involved in the sandwich format: capturing and tracer antibodies, the antigenic sample and the degree of cross‐reactivity between antibodies. Making use of the information contained in the antibody graph, we have developed a deconvolution method that disentangles the antibody cross‐reactivity events and gives qualitative information about the composition of the experimental sample under study. We have validated the method by using a 66 antibody‐containing microarray to describe known antigenic mixtures as well as natural environmental samples characterized by 16S‐RNA gene phylogenetic analysis. The application of our antibody graph and deconvolution method allowed us to discriminate between true specific antigen–antibody reactions and spurious signals on a microarray designed for environmental monitoring.
Robust anomalies? A close look at accrual‐based trading strategy returns
Authors: Taylor Stephen , Wong Leon
Published: March 2011

The last 40 years have seen an extensive literature documenting so‐called anomalies in major capital markets. Evidence of ‘abnormal’ returns associated with trading strategies based on readily observable phenomena such as accounting‐based data involves experimental design choices that can be expected to influence the results. We show how evidence of an accrual anomaly in Australia is sensitive to research design specifications such as the choice of proxy for total accruals; the definition of abnormal returns (i.e. the return generating model); the impact of data trimming as a response to exceptionally large returns; and the choice between value and equal weighting of returns. We show that research design choices do matter and help reconcile conflicting prior evidence of any accrual anomaly in Australia. More broadly, our results suggest the need for caution in drawing inferences from trading strategy tests which claim to identify anomalies.
LEARNING WITH FIXED RULES: THE MINORITY GAME
Authors: Kets Willemien
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis paper gives a critical account of the literature on adaptive behaviour in the minority game, a simple congestion game. The literature has proposed a model which differs markedly from many standard learning models in that players are endowed with a fixed subset of behavioural rules or response modes which map the observed history to actions. These rules need not have a behavioural interpretation or be derived from some form of optimizing behaviour. Nonetheless, this model gives rise to behaviour that is close to equilibrium behaviour at the aggregate level. The individual‐level behaviour predicted by the model seems to capture some aspects of observed experimental behaviour that are difficult to explain using standard models.
Knowledge Acquisition Strategies and Company Performance in Young High Technology Companies
Authors: Friesl Martin
Published: March 2011

Research on knowledge strategies argues that the configuration of activities used by companies to acquire new and leverage existing knowledge is an important influencing factor of company performance. However, we do not know very much about how companies actually structure knowledge acquisition. In addition, we do not know which configurations of knowledge acquisition are conducive to company performance. Furthermore, knowledge strategies have largely been neglected in the context of young and entrepreneurial companies. Drawing on an explorative analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, we investigate strategies and activities for knowledge acquisition in the context of young biotechnology companies in Germany. The study reveals four distinct knowledge acquisition strategies (low key, mid range, focus and explorer) and shows that these strategies differ in their relation to company performance as a result of their configuration of knowledge acquisition activities and the type of knowledge acquired.
Narrowing of Public Responsibility in Finland, 1990–2010
Authors: Jutila Merja
Published: March 2011

Public responsibility in Finland has narrowed in the last 20 years while the sphere of the private sector has been increased. The economic crisis of the early 1990s was not the cause, but an accelerator of public sector/welfare state retrenchment in Finland. Based on which, it was easy for the advocates of neo‐liberal reforms to argue that the changes were a must. The welfare state programmes however, are popular among the Finnish population and therefore large one‐time cutbacks have not been possible beyond the immediate aftermath of the economic crisis. This article looks into three different methods through which the Finnish welfare state has been gradually cut since then: (1) by not raising income transfers along with the rising cost of living and wages; (2) by reducing funding of public services; and, on the other side of the coin (3) through regular tax cuts contracting the revenue side. Welfare state retrenchment in Finland has therefore been achieved in a subtle fashion through slow gradual weakening of social programmes on one hand, and through cuts in revenue on the other that have left proportionally more in the hands of the wealthier. These combined movements have resulted in a drastic reversal in the trend in income inequality in Finland.
A Jungian approach to dreams reported by soldiers in a modern combat zone
Authors: Wyatt Rob , Goodwyn Erik , Ignatowski Michael
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Treating combat deployed soldiers is becoming more prevalent and needed in psychiatry. Modern combat produces unique psychological challenges, including those without criteria for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This article will attempt to share the primary author's experience with psychotherapy in a combat zone, along with understanding the general themes of dreams the author encountered while being deployed. Toward that end, the primary author [RW] discusses his personal experiences in Iraq working with soldiers whom he saw and treated while in theatre, with a particular focus on the dreams they reported. The co‐authors [EG and MI] afterward collaborated with the primary author to formulate and provide insight into the dreams from a Jungian perspective.
Aspects of crinoid palaeontology of the North Esk Inlier, Scotland (Silurian, Llandovery, Telychian)
Authors: DONOVAN STEPHEN K. , FEARNHEAD FIONA E. , CLARKSON EUAN N. K. , DONOVAN MARK
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  The described fauna of well‐preserved Llandovery (Telychian) echinoderms from the North Esk Inlier, including six crinoids, one echinoid and seven starfish species, is mainly allochthonous. Most of these taxa are known only from starfish beds, channel fill deposits probably representing submarine mass flows and preserving a biota probably derived from elsewhere, presumably shallower water. Only one crinoid species, Pisocrinus cf. campana Miller, is recognized as a common fossil away from the starfish beds and is a biostratigraphic marker for the base of the Wether Law Linn Formation, forming part of the Skenidioides‐Cyrtia Association. Crinoid columnals preserved perpendicular to bedding (that is, in putative life position) in Lamont’s bivalve bed, Deerhope Formation, are tentatively interpreted as being in situ by comparison with a similar occurrence in the Silurian of Arisaig, Nova Scotia. Two new species of crinoid are described, the cladid Dendrocrinus? sp. and the columnal morphospecies Pentagonocyclicus (col.) lamonti sp. nov.
Taphonomy and systematics of a new Late Cretaceous verrucid barnacle (Cirripedia, Thoracica) from Canterbury, New Zealand
Authors: BUCKERIDGE JOHN S.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Cirripede remains (Thoracica, Verrucomorpha), found associated with the mosasaur Prognathodon waiparaensis Welles and Gregg, 1971 in glauconitic sands of the Late Cretaceous Conway Formation exposed along the Waipara River bank (mid‐Canterbury, New Zealand), are identified as a new species, Verruca sauria sp. nov. On the basis of taphonomy, it is deduced that these verrucids grew on a postmortem accumulation of mosasaur bones under very quiescent conditions. The current amphitropical distribution of the earliest known verrucids, i.e. V. sauria sp. nov., V. prisca Bosquet, 1854, V. pusilla Bosquet, 1857 and V. tasmanica Buckeridge, 1983, is rationalized in the light of Tethyan palaeogeography.
Public Investment under Fiscal Constraints*
Authors: Bacchiocchi Emanuele , Borghi Elisa , Missale Alessandro
Published: March 2011

The new member states (NMS) of the European Union must comply with the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) and the investment goals implied by the Lisbon Agenda. However, the SGP rules may result in underinvestment or distortions in the allocation of public expenditure. This paper provides new evidence on the effects of debt sustainability and the SGP fiscal constraints on government expenditure on fixed capital, education and health in OECD countries by estimating government expenditure reaction functions to public debt and cyclical conditions. We find that, at high levels of debt, government capital expenditure and education expenditure are significantly reduced as the debt ratio increases in all OECD countries independently of EMU (or EU) membership. By contrast, neither capital expenditure nor education expenditure is affected by the debt ratio in low‐debt countries. These findings are robust to the inclusion of the government deficit in the estimated reaction functions. Hence, it appears that EU countries have been constrained in their investment decisions more by the need to ensure debt sustainability than by the rules of the SGP. In low‐debt NMS countries, public investment even increases with the debt ratio, a finding that is reassuring for their growth prospects. However, a less optimistic picture emerges when we focus on expenditures on public health and education, as it appears that NMS governments cut such expenditures – even at low levels of debt – as the deficit increases. Problems in controlling total expenditure together with the preventive arm of the SGP may have penalised investment in human capital in the NMS while leaving fixed capital investment unaffected.
The utility of rat models of impulsivity in developing pharmacotherapies for impulse control disorders
Authors: Winstanley Catharine A
Published: March 2011

High levels of impulsive behaviours are a clinically significant symptom in a range of psychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, pathological gambling and substance abuse. Although often measured using questionnaire assessments, levels of different types of impulsivity can also be determined using behavioural tests. Rodent analogues of these paradigms have been developed, and similar neural circuitry has been implicated in their performance in both humans and rats. In the current review, the methodology underlying the measurement of different aspects of impulsive action and choice are considered from the viewpoint of drug development, with a focus on the continuous performance task (CPT), stop‐signal task (SST), go/no‐go and delay‐discounting paradigms. Current issues impeding translation between animal and human studies are identified, and comparisons drawn between the acute effects of dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic compounds across species. Although the field could benefit from a more systematic determination of different pharmacological agents across paradigms, there are signs of strong concordance between the animal and human data. However, the type of impulsivity measured appears to play a significant role, with the SST and delay discounting providing more consistent effects for dopaminergic drugs, while the CPT and SST show better predictive validity so far for serotonergic and noradrenergic compounds. Based on the available data, it would appear that these impulsivity models could be used more widely to identify potential pharmacotherapies for impulse control disorders. Novel targets within the glutamatergic and serotonergic system are also suggested.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐4
Early potassium channel blockade improves sepsis‐induced organ damage and cardiovascular dysfunction
Authors: Sordi R , Fernandes D , Heckert BT , Assreuy J
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is increasing evidence that potassium channels are involved in the cardiovascular dysfunction of sepsis. This evidence was obtained after the systemic inflammation, cardiovascular dysfunction and organ damage had developed. Here we have studied the consequences of early interference with potassium channels on development of sepsis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Sepsis was induced by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham surgery in Wistar rats. Four hours after surgery, animals received tetraethylammonium (TEA; a non‐selective potassium channel blocker) or glibenclamide (a selective ATP‐sensitive potassium channel blocker). Twenty‐four hours after surgery, inflammatory, biochemical, haemodynamic parameters and survival were evaluated.

KEY RESULTS Sepsis significantly increased plasma NOx levels, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS‐2) protein in lung and thigh skeletal muscle, lung myeloperoxidase, urea, creatinine and lactate levels, TNF‐α and IL‐1β, hypotension and hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine and hyperglycemia followed by hypoglycemia. TEA injected 4 h after surgery attenuated the increased NOS‐2 expression, reduced plasma NOx, lung myeloperoxidase activity, levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β, urea, creatinine and lactate levels, prevented development of hypotension and hyporesponsiveness to phenylephrine, the alterations in plasma glucose and reduced late mortality by 50%. Glibenclamide did not improve any of the measured parameters and increased mortality rate, probably due to worsening the hypoglycemic phase of sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Early blockade of TEA‐sensitive (but not the ATP‐sensitive subtype) potassium channels reduced organ damage and mortality in experimental sepsis. This beneficial effect seems to be, at least in part, due to reduction in NOS‐2 expression.
Many ways to dilate the P2X7 receptor pore
Authors: Pelegrín Pablo
Published: March 2011

The P2X7 receptor is associated with two different membrane permeabilities: a small cation conductance which opens within milliseconds, followed by the appearance of a second channel carrying higher molecular weight compounds (including organic dyes) after prolonged agonist stimulation. This activation profile has also been found in cells expressing P2X2 and P2X4 receptors; however, the P2X7 receptor‐dependent pathway has the unique ability to activate pro‐inflammatory signalling in macrophages. In this issue of the BJP, Marques‐da‐Silva et al. demonstrate that colchicine is a potent inhibitor of both P2X7 and P2X2 receptor‐dependent dye uptake, without affecting the ion channels. Colchicine also blocked the pro‐inflammatory signalling downstream of P2X7 receptor activation, both in vitro and in vivo. This report suggests that the dye uptake associated with activation of P2X7 receptors is distinct from the P2X7 receptor ion channel and could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic inflammation.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on Marques‐da‐Silva et al., pp. 912–926 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01254.x
Signalling pathways underlying structural plasticity of dendritic spines
Authors: Patterson Michael , Yasuda Ryohei
Published: March 2011

Synaptic plasticity, or changes in synaptic strength, is thought to underlie learning and memory. Imaging studies, mainly in brain slices, have revealed that long‐term synaptic plasticity of excitatory synapses in hippocampal neurons is coupled with structural plasticity of dendritic spines, which is thought to be essential for inducing and regulating functional plasticity. Using pharmacological and genetic manipulation, the signalling network underlying structural plasticity has been extensively studied. Furthermore, the recent advent of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging techniques has provided a readout of the dynamics of signal transduction in dendritic spines undergoing structural plasticity. These studies reveal the signalling pathways relaying Ca2+ to the functional and structural plasticity of dendritic spines.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Imaging. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐8BJP has previously published an Imaging in Pharmacology themed section, edited by A Davenport and C Daly. To view this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2010.159.issue‐4
On the Stability of Poly‐Ethylenedioxythiopene as Coating Material for Active Neural Implants
Authors: Boretius Tim , Schuettler Martin , Stieglitz Thomas
Published: March 2011

This article deals with the stability of poly‐ethylenedioxythiopene (PEDOT) coatings under high loads of current pulses. Test parameters were chosen to match many peripheral nervous system applications in regard of charge injection, pulse width, and repetition frequency. PEDOT coatings were characterized with electrochemical impedance spectroscopes and pulse tests. After 60–100 million pulses, impedance increased and a more capacitive behavior was observed. A mean‐time‐to‐failure of 127 million pulses could be calculated, suggesting a stable coating for at least this time frame with superior properties in regard of conventional platinum electrodes.
Monitoring of Muscle and Bone Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury Patients Treated With Electrical Stimulation Using Three‐Dimensional Imaging and Segmentation Techniques: Methodological Assessment
Authors: Gargiulo Paolo , Helgason Thordur , Reynisson Páll Jens , Helgason Benedikt , Kern Helmut , Mayr Winfried , Ingvarsson Páll , Carraro Ugo
Published: March 2011

Muscle tissue composition accounting for the relative content of muscle fibers and intramuscular adipose and loose fibrous tissues can be efficiently analyzed and quantified using images from spiral computed tomography (S‐CT) technology and the associated distribution of Hounsfield unit (HU) values. Muscle density distribution, especially when including the whole muscle volume, provides remarkable information on the muscle condition. Different physiological and pathological scenarios can be depicted using the muscle characterization technique based on the HU values and the definition of appropriate intervals and the association of such intervals to different colors. Using this method atrophy, degeneration, and restoration in denervated muscle undergoing electrical stimulation treatments can be clearly displayed and monitored. Moreover, finite element methods are employed to calculate Young's modulus on the patella bone and to analyze correlation between muscle contraction and bone strength changes. The reliability of this tool though depends on S‐CT assessment and calibration. To assess imaging quality and the use of HU values to display muscle composition, different S‐CT devices are compared using a Quasar body scanner. Density distributions and volumes of various calibration elements such as lung, polyethylene, water equivalent, and trabecular and dense bone are measured with different scanning protocols and at different points of time. The results show that every scanned element undergoes HU variations, which are greater for materials at the extremes of the HU scale, such as dense bone and lung inhale. Moreover, S‐CT scanning with low tube voltages (80 KV) produces inaccurate HU values especially in bones. In conclusion, 3‐D modeling techniques based on S‐CT scanning is a powerful follow‐up tool that may provide structural information at the millimeter scale, and thus may drive choice and timing to validate rehabilitation protocols.
Effects of Fast Functional Electrical Stimulation Gait Training on Mechanical Recovery in Poststroke Gait
Authors: Hakansson Nils A. , Kesar Trisia , Reisman Darcy , Binder‐Macleod Stuart , Higginson Jill S.
Published: March 2011

Stroke leads to gait impairments that can negatively influence quality of life. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied during fast walking (FastFES) is an effective gait rehabilitation strategy that can lead to improvements in gait performance, walking speed and endurance, balance, activity, and participation poststroke. The effect of FastFES gait training on mechanical energy utilization is not well understood. The objective of this study was to test the effects of 12 weeks of FastFES gait training on mechanical recovery indices of poststroke gait. Kinematic data were collected from 11 stroke survivors before and after 12 weeks of FastFES training. Mechanical recovery was calculated from the positive changes in vertical, anterior–posterior, and medial–lateral components of center of mass energy. The average mechanical recovery increased from 34.5% before training to 40.0% after training. The increase was statistically significant (P = 0.014). The average self‐selected walking speed increased from 0.4 m/s to 0.7 m/s after the 12‐week FastFES training. The results indicate that the subjects were better able to generate and utilize the external mechanical energy of walking after FastFES gait training. FastFES gait training has the capacity to increase the gait speed, improve the mechanical recovery, and reduce the mechanical energy expenditure of stroke survivors when they walk.
The Role of Materials Biocompatibility for Functional Electrical Stimulation Applications
Authors: Plenk Jr Hanns
Published: March 2011

The biocompatibility of all metallic, polymeric, or ceramic materials used for functional electrical stimulation is governed by the inevitable inflammatory tissue response, but possibly also by immunological reactions to the bulk material or released constituents. Besides chemical, physical, and corrosion properties of the conductive electrode materials, increased surface area and roughness of the electrode can influence tissue contact and signal delivery, and can also affect electrode‐tissue impedance due to increased connective tissue encapsulation. The polymeric materials used for electrode insulation and those for leads and stimulator packaging seem more or less compatible in an aggressive biological environment. For the long‐term performance of electrodes and leads, the relative motion in the various implant bed situations also has to be considered.
Epidemiology of Restricting Back Pain in Community‐Living Older Persons
Authors: Makris Una E. , Fraenkel Liana , Han Ling , Leo‐Summers Linda , Gill Thomas M.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of back pain leading to restricted activity (restricting back pain) in community‐living older persons and to characterize its descriptive epidemiology.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Greater New Haven, Connecticut.

PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred fifty nondisabled, community‐living men and women aged 70 and older who did not report restricting back pain at baseline.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants were interviewed monthly for over 10 years to ascertain the cumulative incidence, time to first episode, incidence rates (first and repeat episodes), and duration of restricting back pain. Cumulative incidence (proportions) was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method, and incidence rates (per 1,000 person‐months) were estimated using a Poisson regression model.

RESULTS: During the more than 10 years of follow‐up (median 107 months), the cumulative incidence of restricting back pain was 77.3% for men and 81.7% for women. The median time to the first episode was significantly shorter in women (25 months) than men (49 months) (P=.01). The incidence rates of restricting back pain per 1,000 person‐months were 32.9 overall—24.4 for men and 37.5 for women (P<.001). There were no differences according to baseline age group. Of the 1,528 total episodes of restricting back pain, the median duration was 1.0 month, and only 6.4% lasted for 3 or more consecutive months.

CONCLUSION: Restricting back pain in older persons is common, short‐lived, and frequently episodic. The burden of restricting back pain is greater in older women than older men.
Evaluation of a Minimally Invasive Arthrodesis Technique for the Carpometacarpal Joint in Horses
Authors: Panizzi Luca , Barber Spencer M. , Lang Hayley M. , Allen Andrew L. , Woodbury Murray R.
Published: March 2011

Objective:To evaluate a minimally invasive technique for arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint in horses.

Study Design:Experimental study.

Animals:Healthy horses (n=6).

Methods:A 5.5 mm, 3‐drill tract arthrodesis technique was evaluated in 1 randomly selected CMC joint in each of 6 normal horses. Peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF) values were recorded before surgery and at 6, 8, and 12 months thereafter. Radiographic and clinical lameness scores were assigned at regular intervals until 12 months after surgery when the horses were euthanatized. Gross and histologic examinations were performed on the treated CMC joints.

Results:After surgery, all horses were lame. Clinical resolution of lameness occurred in 2 by 12 months. Mean peak vertical GRF values significantly differed between treated and nontreated limbs at all recorded time points after surgery. Radiographic scores significantly differed from day 0 at all times after surgery, but did not change significantly after 4 months. Intraarticular bony ankylosis only occurred in 2 horses, based on gross, histologic, and microradiographic examination of sagittal sections of the operated CMC joints.

Conclusion:The 5.5 mm, 3‐drill tract arthrodesis technique was considered successful in only 2 of 6 normal CMC joints treated. Greater articular damage may be necessary to achieve arthrodesis in normal horses. Better results may be achieved by technique modification or in horses affected by CMC osteoarthritis.
Determinants of mortality across a tropical lowland rainforest community
Authors: Rüger Nadja , Huth Andreas , Hubbell Stephen P. , Condit Richard
Published: March 2011

Tree mortality is an important process determining forest dynamics. However, in species‐rich tropical forests it is largely unknown, how species differ in their response of mortality to resource availability and individual condition. We use a hierarchical Bayesian approach to quantify the impact of light availability, tree size and past growth on mortality of 284 woody species in a 50‐ha long‐term forest census plot in Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Light reaching each individual tree was estimated from yearly vertical censuses of vegetation density. Across the community, 78% of the species showed increasing mortality with increasing light. Considering species individually, just 29 species showed a significant response to light, all with increasing mortality at high light. Past growth had a significant impact on all but three species, with higher growth leading to lower mortality. For the majority of species, mortality decreased sharply with diameter in saplings, then levelled off or increased slightly towards the maximum diameter of the species. Diameter had the biggest impact on mortality, followed by past growth and finally light availability. Our results challenge many previous reports of higher mortality in shade, and we suggest that it is crucial to control for size effects when assessing the impact of environmental conditions on mortality.
Randomized trial of the impact of a sun safety program on volunteers in outdoor venues
Authors: Cheng Shaowei , Guan Xin , Cao Mei , Liu Yalan , Zhai Siwen
Published: March 2011

Background: A suitable sun safety educational program could help the public avoid sun exposure‐induced skin damage. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a sun safety program on volunteers in outdoor venues and explore the most effective sun safety education method in China.

Methods: An intervention program was implemented to raise knowledge and behavior regarding sun exposure among volunteers in the outdoor competition venues in Beijing, China. Five intervention methods were used, including class education, free sunscreen samples, pamphlets, posters, and newsletters. The self‐administered multiple‐choice questionnaires were administered before and after the intervention.

Results: Two hundred and eighty‐five subjects were enrolled, including 107 males (37.5%) and 178 females (62.5%). The intervention group showed improvement in sun safety knowledge and behavior. Other improvements were achieved in the field of sun safety awareness and intended behavior, with most of the items achieving no statistically significant differences. Subgroup A (multi‐component interventions, including class education, free sunscreen samples, and written materials) achieved better results than subgroup B (written materials only) to improve sun safety knowledge and awareness.

Conclusion: Sun safety education could improve volunteer 's sun safety knowledge and behavior in the outdoor venues in China. Multi‐component interventions proved to be the most effective sun safety education method.
Capsular lesions with glenohumeral ligament injuries in patients with primary shoulder dislocation: magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arthrography evaluation
Authors: Liavaag S. , Stiris M. G. , Svenningsen S. , Enger M. , Pripp A. H. , Brox J. I.
Published: March 2011

The glenohumeral ligaments are important structures for the stability of the shoulder. They are integrated parts of the capsule and are at risk to be injured in a traumatic shoulder dislocation. The aim was to examine the prevalence of capsular ligament lesions in the acute phase and at minimum 3 weeks' follow‐up after first‐time traumatic shoulder dislocation. Forty‐two patients aged 16–40 years were included. All patients underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans shortly after the injury and MR‐arthrography (MRA) at follow‐up. The median time from dislocation to MRI was 7 (range 2–14) days and to MRA 30 (range 21–54) days. We found capsular ligament lesions in 22 patients (52.4%) in the acute stage and in five patients (11.9%) at follow up. Nine patients (21.4%) had a humeral avulsion of the anterior glenohumeral ligament (HAGL lesion) on MRI. Three patients (7.1%) had this lesion at follow‐up. The rate of HAGL lesions in the acute stage was higher than reported previously, but the prevalence at follow‐up was in keeping with earlier published studies.
PCR detection of nearly any dengue virus strain using a highly sensitive primer ‘cocktail’
Authors: Gijavanekar Charul , Añez‐Lingerfelt Maria , Feng Chen , Putonti Catherine , Fox George E. , Sabo Aniko , Fofanov Yuriy , Willson Richard C.
Published: March 2011

PCR detection of viral pathogens is extremely useful, but suffers from the challenge of detecting the many variant strains of a given virus that arise over time. Here, we report the computational derivation and initial experimental testing of a combination of 10 PCR primers to be used in a single high‐sensitivity mixed PCR reaction for the detection of dengue virus. Primer sequences were computed such that their probability of mispriming with human DNA is extremely low. A ‘cocktail’ of 10 primers was shown experimentally to be able to detect cDNA clones representing the four serotypes and dengue virus RNA spiked into total human whole blood RNA. Computationally, the primers are predicted to detect 95% of the 1688 dengue strains analyzed (with perfect primer match). Allowing up to one mismatch and one insertion per primer, the primer set detects 99% of strains. Primer sets from three previous studies have been compared with the present set of primers and their relative sensitivity for dengue virus is discussed. These results provide the formulation and demonstration of a mixed primer PCR reagent that may enable the detection of nearly any dengue strain irrespective of serotype, in a single PCR reaction, and illustrate an approach to the broad problem of detecting highly mutable RNA viruses.
Transient RNA–protein interactions in RNA folding
Authors: Doetsch Martina , Schroeder Renée , Fürtig Boris
Published: March 2011

The RNA folding trajectory features numerous off‐pathway folding traps, which represent conformations that are often equally as stable as the native functional ones. Therefore, the conversion between these off‐pathway structures and the native correctly folded ones is the critical step in RNA folding. This process, referred to as RNA refolding, is slow, and is represented by a transition state that has a characteristic high free energy. Because this kinetically limiting process occurs in vivo, proteins (called RNA chaperones) have evolved that facilitate the (re)folding of RNA molecules. Here, we present an overview of how proteins interact with RNA molecules in order to achieve properly folded states. In this respect, the discrimination between static and transient interactions is crucial, as different proteins have evolved a multitude of mechanisms for RNA remodeling. For RNA chaperones that act in a sequence‐unspecific manner and without the use of external sources of energy, such as ATP, transient RNA–protein interactions represent the basis of the mode of action. By presenting stretches of positively charged amino acids that are positioned in defined spatial configurations, RNA chaperones enable the RNA backbone, via transient electrostatic interactions, to sample a wider conformational space that opens the route for efficient refolding reactions.