bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chief Executive Pay and Remuneration Committee Independence*
Authors: Gregory‐Smith Ian 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis article tests the impact of remuneration committee independence on Chief Executive (CEO) pay. FTSE350 companies between 1996 and 2008 are used to assess whether remuneration committees facilitate optimal contracting or whether CEOs capture the pay‐setting process and inflate their own remuneration. This panel has a number of advantages over prior samples and, in particular, contains a more comprehensive assessment of non‐executive directors’ independence. No evidence of a relationship between CEO pay and director independence is found, challenging the theory of managerial power and the received wisdom of institutional guidance.
A Unit Root Test Using a Fourier Series to Approximate Smooth Breaks*
Authors: Enders Walter , Lee Junsoo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe develop a unit‐root test based on a simple variant of Gallant's (1981) flexible Fourier form. The test relies on the fact that a series with several smooth structural breaks can often be approximated using the low frequency components of a Fourier expansion. Hence, it is possible to test for a unit root without having to model the precise form of the break. Our unit‐root test employing Fourier approximation has good size and power for the types of breaks often used in economic analysis. The appropriate use of the test is illustrated using several interest rate spreads.
Evidence for a curvilinear relationship between sympathetic nervous system activation and women's physiological sexual arousal
Authors: Lorenz Tierney Ahrold , Harte Christopher B. , Hamilton Lisa Dawn , Meston Cindy M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that women's physiological sexual arousal is facilitated by moderate sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation. Literature also suggests that the level of SNS activation may play a role in the degree to which SNS activity affects sexual arousal. We provide the first empirical examination of a possible curvilinear relationship between SNS activity and women's genital arousal using a direct measure of SNS activation in 52 sexually functional women. The relationship between heart rate variability (HRV), a specific and sensitive marker of SNS activation, and vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA), a measure of genital arousal, was analyzed. Moderate increases in SNS activity were associated with higher genital arousal, while very low or very high SNS activation was associated with lower genital arousal. These findings imply that there is an optimal level of SNS activation for women's physiological sexual arousal.
Blocking epidermal growth factor receptor attenuates reactive astrogliosis through inhibiting cell cycle progression and protects against ischemic brain injury in rats
Authors: Yang Qin , Wang En‐Yin , Huang Xiao‐Jiang , Qu Wen‐Sheng , Zhang Lin , Xu Jin‐Zhi , Wang Wei , Tian Dai‐Shi 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 644–653.AbstractExcessive astrogliosis is a major impediment to axonal regeneration in CNS disorders. Overcoming this inhibitory barrier of reactive astrocytes might be crucial for CNS repair. Up‐regulation and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been shown to trigger quiescent astrocytes into reactive astrocytes in response to several neural injuries. In this study, we investigated the effects of EGFR blockade in cultured astrocytes exposure to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Astrocytes in primary culture were used for OGD/R model and adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were used for MCAO model. Cell cycle progression of astrocytes in vitro was studied by flow cytometric analysis. Expression of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (p‐EGFR), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and cell proliferation‐related molecules in vitro and in vivo were evaluated by immunostaining and western blot analysis. Neuronal apoptosis after MCAO was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Neurologic scores and infarct volumes post‐ischemia were assessed in the rat MCAO model. Astrocytes became activated in the cultured astrocytes exposure to OGD/R and in the rat brain after MCAO, accompanied with phosphorylation of EGFR. EGFR blockade significantly decreased expression of p‐EGFR, inhibited cell cycle progression of astrocytes, and reduced reactive astrogliosis in vitro and in vivo. EGFR inhibition also reduced infarct volumes and improved neurologic scores of rats after MCAO. Our findings indicated that blocking EGFR pathway might attenuate reactive astrogliosis through inhibiting cell cycle progression and protect against ischemic brain injury in rats.
Reduced levels of the tyrosine phosphatase STEP block beta amyloid‐mediated GluA1/GluA2 receptor internalization
Authors: Zhang Yongfang , Kurup Pradeep , Xu Jian , Anderson George M. , Greengard Paul , Nairn Angus C. , Lombroso Paul J. 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 664–672.AbstractStriatal‐Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase of MW 61 kDa (STEP61) is a protein tyrosine phosphatase recently implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). STEP61 is elevated in human AD prefrontal cortex and in the cortex of several AD mouse models. The elevated levels of active STEP61 down‐regulate surface expression of GluN1/GluN2B (formerly NR1/NR2B) receptor complexes, while genetically reducing STEP levels rescues both the biochemical and cognitive deficits in a triple transgenic AD mouse model (3xTg‐AD). Here, we show that increased STEP61 also plays a role in beta amyloid (Aβ)‐mediated internalization of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐(AMPA) receptor (AMPAR) subunits GluA1/GluA2 (formerly GluR1/GluR2). We purified Aβ oligomers and determined that oligomers, but not monomers, lead to endocytosis of GluA1/GluA2 receptors in cortical cultures. The decrease in GluA1/GluA2 receptors is reversed in the progeny of STEP knock‐out (KO) mice crossed with Tg2576 mice, despite elevated levels of Aβ. These results provide strong support for the hypothesis that STEP61 is required for Aβ‐mediated internalization of GluA1/GluA2 receptors.
Differences in Well‐being between GPs, Medical Specialists, and Private Physicians: The Role of Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Kuusio Hannamaria , Heponiemi Tarja , Aalto Anna‐Mari , Sinervo Timo , Elovainio Marko 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo examine the well‐being differences among physicians working in different health care sectors and to test whether psychosocial stressors account for these differences. The well‐being indicators used were psychological distress, self‐rated health, and work ability.Data Sources/Study SettingA total of 2,841 randomly selected Finnish physicians (response rate 57 percent) returned the postal questionnaire, of which 2,047 (1,241 women) fulfilled all the participant criteria.Study DesignThis is a cross‐sectional questionnaire study.Principal FindingsGeneral practitioners and medical specialists experienced lower well‐being than private physicians and this difference was partly explained by differences in psychosocial stressors.ConclusionsGeneral practitioners and medical specialists report more problems in well‐being than private physicians. It is of particular importance to be aware of the sector‐specific difficulties in work environments.
Interaction Terms in Nonlinear Models
Authors: Karaca‐Mandic Pinar , Norton Edward C. , Dowd Bryan 
Published: September 2011

ObjectivesTo explain the use of interaction terms in nonlinear models.Study DesignWe discuss the motivation for including interaction terms in multivariate analyses. We then explain how the straightforward interpretation of interaction terms in linear models changes in nonlinear models, using graphs and equations. We extend the basic results from logit and probit to difference‐in‐differences models, models with higher powers of explanatory variables, other nonlinear models (including log transformation and ordered models), and panel data models.Empirical ApplicationWe show how to calculate and interpret interaction effects using a publicly available Stata data set with a binary outcome. Stata 11 has added several features which make those calculations easier.LIMDEPcode also is provided.ConclusionsIt is important to understand why interaction terms are included in nonlinear models in order to be clear about their substantive interpretation.
Can Claims‐Based Data Be Used to Recruit Black and Hispanic Subjects into Clinical Trials?
Authors: Palacio Ana M. , Tamariz Leonardo J. , Uribe Claudia , Li Hua , Salkeld Ellen J. , Hazel‐Fernandez Leslie , Carrasquillo Olveen 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveEvaluate the accuracy of an algorithm at identifying ethnic minorities from administrative claims for enrollment into a clinical trial.Data Sources/Study SettingClaims data from a health benefits company.Study DesignWe compared results of a three‐step algorithm to self‐reported race/ethnicity.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsUsing the algorithm, we identified subjects with high probability of being minority and ascertained self‐reported race/ethnicity.Principal FindingsWe identified 164 subjects as likely minority based on our algorithm. Of these, 94 completed the survey and 87 identified themselves as black or Hispanic. The positive predictive value of the algorithm was 93 percent (CI: 85–97).ConclusionsClaims data can be used to efficiently identify minorities for participation in clinical trials.
Cholinergic crisis after neostigmine administration in a dog with acquired focal myasthenia gravis
Authors: Foy Daniel S. , Trepanier Lauren A. , Shelton G. D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the presentation and successful management of a dog experiencing a cholinergic crisis after neostigmine administration.Case SummaryAn 18‐month‐old neutered male Maltese‐crossbred dog was diagnosed with acquired focal myasthenia gravis based on history and clinical signs of dysphagia and regurgitation, multiple series of thoracic radiographs showing focal to generalized megaesophagus, and an increased acetylcholine receptor antibody titer. After this diagnosis, the dog was initially treated with a single oral dose of pyridostigmine and later injectable neostigmine due to difficulty swallowing. Within 15 minutes of receiving a single dose (0.05 mg/kg) of subcutaneous neostigmine, the dog began showing muscarinic cholinergic signs of salivation and defecation, which progressed to nicotinic cholinergic signs of weakness and tachypnea. Within 30 minutes the dog experienced respiratory arrest and required ventilation. After 16 hours of ventilation, the dog recovered uneventfully and subsequently achieved a clinical and serologic remission from myasthenia gravis without further treatment.New or Unique Information ProvidedCholinergic crisis and differentiation from a myasthenic crisis is described in the human literature. This case represents the first report in the veterinary literature of a cholinergic crisis in a dog treated with neostigmine.
Intraaortic Balloon Pump Timing Discrepancies in Adult Patients
Authors: Pantalos George M. , Koenig Steven C. , Gillars Kevin J. , Haugh Gilbert S. , Dowling Robert D. , Gray Jr Laman A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe objective of this clinical study was to quantify the incidence and magnitude of intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) inflation and deflation landmark discrepancies associated with the IABP catheter arterial pressure waveform. Cardiac surgery patients with an IABP inserted prior to surgery were recruited. Following cardiac exposure, a high‐fidelity pressure catheter was inserted into the aortic root for digital recording. The radial artery pressure signal was simultaneously recorded from the patient monitor along with the arterial pressure and electrocardiogram waveforms from the IABP console while operating at 1:1 and 1:2 synchronization. In selected patients, recordings were obtained with the IABP timed to the high‐fidelity aortic root waveform. In all 11 patients, inflation and deflation landmark delays were observed when comparing the aortic root waveforms to the IABP arterial pressure waveforms (inflation delay = 74 ± 29 [23–117] ms; deflation delay = 71 ± 37 [24–141] ms, mean ± standard deviation [min–max]). Delays were greater when compared to the radial artery waveform (inflation delay = 175 ± 50 [100–233] ms; deflation delay = 168 ± 52 [100–274] ms). In all cases, the landmark delays were statistically different from zero (P < 0.001). Diastolic augmentation and afterload reduction varied with waveform source. Conflicting indications of afterload reduction occurred in four patients. Timing to the aortic root waveform resulted in greater diastolic pressure augmentation and afterload reduction but mixed changes in stroke volume. Delay and distortion of the arterial waveform was consistently found when measured through the IABP catheter lumen. These delays can alter IABP efficacy and may be eliminated by using high‐fidelity sensing of aortic pressure.
Measurement of Organ Structure and Function Enhances Understanding of the Physiological Basis of Frailty: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Sanders Jason L. , Boudreau Robert M. , Fried Linda P. , Walston Jeremy D. , Harris Tamara B. , Newman Anne B. 
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether disease burden is associated with frailty independent of diagnosed chronic disease and whether physiological measurements provide greater understanding of the etiology of frailty.
DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.
SETTING: Community.
PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand four hundred thirty‐seven participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study, 1992/93 examination (mean age 74.8±4.8, 43.4% male, 95.8% white).
MEASUREMENTS: Disease burden and frailty were tabulated using 10‐point scales (0=healthy, 10=unhealthy). Disease burden was the sum of measurements characterizing the vasculature, brain, kidneys, lungs, and glucose metabolism. Frailty was assessed using the frailty index reported by Fried. Multivariate linear models were used to determine the association between disease burden (predictor) and frailty (outcome).
RESULTS: Unadjusted, 1‐point‐higher disease burden was associated with a 0.28‐point‐higher frailty score (P<.001). White matter grade, forced vital capacity, and cystatin‐C were particularly strongly and significantly associated with frailty. Disease burden attenuated the association between frailty and age by 29%, and disease burden and age had similar associations with frailty. Disease burden attenuated the association between frailty and fibrinogen, Factor VIII, and C‐reactive protein by 32%, 56%, and 83%, respectively. Frailty was associated with diagnosed depression, stroke, cognitive impairment, arthritis, and pulmonary disease but not coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or kidney disease in the presence of a summary of disease burden. In the adjusted model, disease burden remained significantly associated with frailty (β=0.11, P<.001).
CONCLUSION: Disease burden was independently and significantly associated with frailty. These results emphasize that typically unrecognized physiological changes may contribute significantly to frailty.
Trypanosoma cruzi: seroprevalence detected in the blood bank of the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, in the period 2004 through 2009
Authors: Escamilla‐Guerrero Guillermo , Martínez‐Gordillo Mario Noé , Riverón‐Negrete Leticia , Aguilar‐Escobar Dinora Virginia , Bravo‐Lindoro Amalia , Cob‐Sosa Carlos , Ponce‐Macotela Martha 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: The second most common mode of Trypanosoma cruzi or Chagas disease transmission is via therapeutic blood transfusion. In Mexico, control of T. cruzi is still in its initial phase; in fact, there are only 14 studies published covering 10 states on T. cruzi seroprevalence in donated blood in Mexico. Here we present the results of 5 years of trypanosomiasis screening in the blood bank of the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples from all blood donated in the period from 2004 to 2009 were analyzed. We screened for T. cruzi using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique. Seropositive samples were then processed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect a nuclear gene segment.RESULTS: A total of 37,333 samples were analyzed and a 0.17% (64 samples) T. cruzi seroprevalence was found. Donors were mostly from Mexico State and Mexico City, which is considered nonendemic for T. cruzi area. Of 64 seropositive samples, only two tested positive by PCR (3.12%), which amplified a 189‐bp product from nuclear gene from the parasite.CONCLUSION: Although the seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection was low, this surveillance program prevented the infection of more than 100 children because each unit of blood provides 2.6 to 3.5 blood products. The majority of the donors were from Mexico State and Mexico City, which is a nonendemic area. The serodetection of T. cruzi in this region is evidence that is necessary to increase our understanding of its distribution in the Mexico City and surrounding places.
Nb‐Doped 0.9BaTiO3–0.1(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 Ceramics with Stable Dielectric Properties at High Temperature
Authors: Yao Guofeng , Wang Xiaohui , Wu Yunyi , Li Longtu 
Published: September 2011

Nb‐doped 0.9BaTiO3–0.1Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (0.9BT–0.1BNT) ceramics were prepared by conventional solid‐state method. The dielectric and the structural properties were investigated. It was found that the temperature–capacitance characteristics greatly depended on Nb2O5 content. With the addition of 2.0 mol% Nb2O5, 0.9BT–0.1BNT ceramic sample could satisfy the EIA X9R specification. This material was promising for high‐temperature MLCC application. Microstructure element distribution was studied using TEM and EDS. The Bi and Na were almost homogeneously distributed except grain‐boundary segregation of Bi. The Nb exhibited a nonuniform distribution from the grain boundary to the interior, showing the simultaneous presence of Nb‐rich and Nb‐poor regions. Such microheterogeneity gave rise to the temperature stability of permittivity. The solution‐precipitation mechanism was introduced to elucidate the evolution of microstructures. Degradation and recovery of insulation resistance were observed under a dc bias at 200°C, which was attributed to the electromigration and diffusion of Na+.
Preliminary MRI Quality Assessment and Device Acceptance Guidelines for a Multicenter Bioclinical Study: The GO Glioblastoma Project
Authors: Ollivro Sylvain , Eliat Pierre‐Antoine , Hitti Eric , Tran Loan , de Certaines Jacques D. , Saint‐Jalmes Hervé 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTIt is a major challenge to guarantee homogeneous acquisition during a prospective multicenter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study that makes use of different devices. The goal of the multicenter Grand Ouest Glioblastoma Project (GOGP) was to correlate MRI quantitative parameters with biological markers extracted from image‐guided biopsies. Therefore, it was essential to ensure spatial coherence of the parameters as well as the signal intensity and homogeneity. The project included the same MRI protocol implemented on six devices from different manufacturers. The key point was the initial acceptance of the imaging devices and protocol sequences. For this purpose, and to allow comparison of quantitative patient data, we propose a specific method for quality assessment. A common quality control based on 10 parameters was established. Three pulse sequences of the clinical project protocol were applied using three test‐objects. A fourth test‐object was used to assess T1 accuracy. Although geometry‐related parameters, signal‐to‐noise ratio, uniformity, and T1 measurements varied slightly depending on the different devices, they nevertheless remained within the recommendations and expectations of the multicenter project. This kind of quality control procedure should be undertaken as a prerequisite to any multicenter clinical project involving quantitative MRI and comparison of data acquisitions with quantitative biological image‐guided biopsies.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate and assume corneal keratocyte phenotype
Authors: Liu Hongshan , Zhang Jianhua , Liu Chia‐Yang , Hayashi Yasuhito , Kao Winston W.‐Y. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIt remains elusive as to what bone marrow (BM) cell types infiltrate into injured and/or diseased tissues and subsequently differentiate to assume the phenotype of residential cells, for example, neurons, cardiac myocytes, keratocytes, etc., to repair damaged tissue. Here, we examined the possibility of whether BM cell invasion via circulation into uninjured and injured corneas could assume a keratocyte phenotype, using chimeric mice generated by transplantation of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)+ BM cells into keratocan null (Kera−/−) and lumican null (Lum−/−) mice. EGFP+ BM cells assumed dendritic cell morphology, but failed to synthesize corneal‐specific keratan sulfate proteoglycans, that is KS‐lumican and KS‐keratocan. In contrast, some EGFP+ BM cells introduced by intrastromal transplantation assumed keratocyte phenotypes. Furthermore, BM cells were isolated from Kera‐Cre/ZEG mice, a double transgenic mouse line in which cells expressing keratocan become EGFP+ due to the synthesis of Cre driven by keratocan promoter. Three days after corneal and conjunctival transplantations of such BM cells into Kera−/− mice, green keratocan positive cells were found in the cornea, but not in conjunctiva. It is worthy to note that transplanted BM cells were rejected in 4 weeks. MSC isolated from BM were used to examine if BM mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSC) could assume keratocyte phenotype. When BM‐MSC were intrastromal‐transplanted into Kera−/− mice, they survived in the cornea without any immune and inflammatory responses and expressed keratocan in Kera−/− mice. These observations suggest that corneal intrastromal transplantation of BM‐MSC may be an effective treatment regimen for corneal diseases involving dysfunction of keratocytes.