bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

SummaryThe 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

AbstractThe 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.
Narrowing of Public Responsibility in Finland, 1990–2010
Authors: Jutila Merja 
Published: March 2011

AbstractPublic 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.
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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractMuscle 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

AbstractStroke 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractObjective: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.