bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Premovement activities in the subthalamic area of patients with Parkinson's disease and their dependence on task
Authors: Kempf Florian , Kühn Andrea A. , Kupsch Andreas , Brücke Christof , Weise Lutz , Schneider Gerd‐Helge , Brown Peter 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMovement preparation and execution are associated with a reduction in oscillatory synchrony over 6–35 Hz (event‐related desynchronization; ERD) and increases in oscillatory synchrony at higher frequencies (event‐related synchronization; ERS) in the human parkinsonian subthalamic nucleus (STN). The timing of the ERD < 35 Hz in STN correlates with, but precedes, the timing of voluntary movement, in line with a role in motor processing. Here, we explore how directly the synchrony manifest in local field potential (LFP) activities depends on the details of motor processing. To this end, we recorded local field potentials from the STN area of parkinsonian subjects while they performed internally paced single movements or double movements with one hand. Analysis was limited to time periods that were unequivocally premovement, so as to avoid the confounding effects of sensory afferance during movement. LFP power differed from baseline activity as early as 2.1–1.1 s prior to movement over 6–18 Hz and 56–70 Hz. However, only the early changes in LFP power in the 56–70 Hz band depended on task type. Later on, within 0.5 s of the forthcoming movement, the behaviour of both the 6–18 and 56–70 Hz bands differed according to movement type. In addition, a change was seen in LFP activity over 23–35 Hz, although the ERD in this band remained similar across movement types. The findings further implicate the human STN in the feedforward organization of movement in premotor circuits. Different aspects of this organization may be preferentially reflected in changes in synchrony at different frequencies.
Chronic bupropion attenuated the anhedonic component of nicotine withdrawal in rats via inhibition of dopamine reuptake in the nucleus accumbens shell
Authors: Paterson Neil E. , Balfour David J. , Markou Athina 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBupropion, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, is an effective therapy for smoking cessation, but the behavioral and neurochemical mechanisms mediating its antismoking properties are relatively unknown. To explore the hypothesis that bupropion ameliorates nicotine withdrawal partly by a dopamine‐dependent mechanism, we investigated the effects of chronic bupropion on potassium‐stimulated dopamine overflow in the nucleus accumbens shell in nicotine‐withdrawing rats. We also assessed the effects of chronic bupropion on behavioral aspects of nicotine withdrawal measured by elevations in brain reward thresholds and somatic signs of withdrawal. Rats were treated with nicotine or saline for 7 days and then coadministration of bupropion or saline was initiated. After 14 days of coadministration of bupropion/saline and nicotine/saline, nicotine/saline administration was terminated, whereas bupropion/saline administration continued. These conditions mimic bupropion administration in human smokers. Cessation of nicotine administration in non‐bupropion‐treated rats elevated reward thresholds reflecting a reward deficit, increased somatic signs and diminished potassium‐evoked dopamine overflow in the nucleus accumbens shell. Chronic bupropion lowered reward thresholds and increased potassium‐evoked dopamine release regardless of previous nicotine exposure, possibly by inhibition of dopamine reuptake, and thus attenuated the anhedonic and neurochemical effects of nicotine withdrawal. Chronic bupropion blocked withdrawal‐associated increased somatic signs. Finally, acute experimenter‐administered nicotine enhanced brain reward function equally in all groups, indicating that bupropion does not alter the reward‐facilitating effects of experimenter‐administered nicotine. In conclusion, the bupropion‐induced increase in extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens shell may ameliorate the anhedonia associated with nicotine withdrawal, which in turn may facilitate smoking cessation.
Squeaky Wheel Gets the Oil: Incentives, Information and Drought Policy
Authors: Ha Arthur , Stoneham Gary , Harris Jane , Fisher Bill , Strappazzon Loris 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMost economic assessments conclude there is no economic efficiency case for governments to provide drought assistance. However, significant public funds are allocated to farmers during droughts and there is a second‐best case to improve drought policy design. In this article we show that the National Drought Policy suffers from adverse selection, moral hazard, incentive compatibility and government commitment problems. We use ABARE farm‐level data that suggest that at least adverse selection was a problem in Victoria during the 2002‐03 drought. These results are replicated at the national level. The current approach of the Commonwealth and state governments is ineffective because it is very difficult to design an efficient and fair drought policy that relies on ex post revelation of information. An alternative approach is investigated where incentives are designed so that farmers self‐select into one of a number of drought policy agreements consistent with their capacity to prepare for drought.
Can OECD Countries Afford Demographic Change?
Authors: Guest Ross 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article provides new calculations on the effects of demographic change on living standards in all 30 OECD countries using the latest demographic projections up to 2050 from the United Nations, World Population Prospects, 2004 Revision. The calculations include several potential dividends that could offset, at least in part, the costs of a lower working age population share. The effects of demographic change calculated here are mechanical in that there is no explicit optimising behaviour. In the worst case scenario, which assumes zero potential dividends and no increase in labour force participation rates, the negative effect of demographic change on living standards among OECD countries over the whole period from 2006 to 2050 ranges from zero to 28 per cent, with an average over all countries of 15.5 per cent. In the best case scenario the average effect is zero. About half of the difference between the best and worst case scenarios is accounted for by higher labour force participation and about half by the potential dividends from demographic change.
The Relationship between Personal Income and Net Worth in Australia
Authors: Creedy John , Tan Li 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article uses data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to examine the changing distribution of net worth with age. Even after controlling for age, the relationship between income and net worth is positive, except for the older age groups. Inequality falls as age increases. The income poor save in different forms compared with high income individuals of the same age cohort. Holdings of financial assets, especially equity investments and superannuation, are heavily concentrated in the hands of high income earners, while fixed income investments are favoured by the elderly for all income groups.
LEGAL SERVICES IN THE REGIONAL ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM WALES
Authors: DAVIES IWAN , MAINWARING LYNN 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTUsing data provided by The Law Society of England and Wales, the paper attempts to evaluate the quantity and quality of legal services provided by private solicitors in Wales. Both are found wanting compared to England as a whole and to an appropriate comparator region (South West England). Moreover, the distribution of services within Wales is extremely uneven with remoter rural areas and areas of recent industrial decline showing the acutest difficulties. The results raise questions about whether Wales can confront the challenges posed by devolution and the emergence of a distinct jurisdiction and by the Welsh Assembly's strategy for economic regeneration. New technology and impending policy reforms give grounds for cautious optimism.
A Case for Bundling Public Goods Contributions
Authors: GHOSH SUMAN , KARAIVANOV ALEXANDER , OAK MANDAR 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe extend the model of voluntary contributions to multiple public goods by allowing for bundling of the public goods. Specifically, we study the case where agents contribute into a common pool which is then allocated toward the financing of two pure public goods. We explore the welfare implications of allowing for such bundling vis‐à‐vis a separate contributions scheme. We show that for high income inequality or for identical preferences among agents bundling leads to higher joint welfare. Interestingly, a welfare improvement can in some cases occur despite a decrease in total contributions. On the contrary, when agents are heterogenous, for low income inequality bundling can lead to lower total contributions and may decrease welfare compared to a separate contribution scheme. Our findings have implications for the design of charitable institutions and international aid agencies.
Racial Profiling, Statistical Discrimination, and the Effect of a Colorblind Policy on the Crime Rate
Authors: BJERK DAVID 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper develops a model of racial profiling by law enforcement officers when officers observe both an individual's race as well as a noisy signal of his or her guilt that depends on whether or not a crime has been committed. The model shows that given officers observe such a guilt signal, data regarding the guilt rate among those investigated from each race will not be sufficient for determining whether racially unequal investigation rates are due to statistical discrimination or racial bias on the part of officers. The model also reveals that when racially unequal investigation rates are due to statistical discrimination, imposing a colorblind policy on officers can increase, decrease, or have little effect on the crime rate, depending on specific characteristics of the jurisdiction and the crime in question.
Do Consumers Purchase Too Much Health Insurance? The Role of Market Power in Health‐Care Markets
Authors: WIGGER BERTHOLD U. , ANLAUF MARKUS 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSeveral authors have suggested that consumers purchase too much health insurance in private markets. We readdress this issue within a model that combines excess health‐care demand due to health insurance with market power due to monopolistic production of health‐care services. We evaluate the market equilibrium in terms of consumer welfare and social welfare. The consumer welfare criterion suggests that in the market equilibrium consumers in fact purchase too much health insurance coverage. The social welfare criterion, in contrast, suggests that because profits of the health‐care industry are properly accounted for, consumers should purchase more insurance coverage than they choose to do in the market equilibrium.
Performance of a World Health Organization first‐line regimen (stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine) in antiretroviral‐naïve individuals in a Western setting
Authors: Tam LWY , Hogg RS , Yip B , Montaner JSG , Harrigan PR , Brumme CJ 
Published: June 2007

ObjectivesIn 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) introduced the ‘3 by 5 Initiative’ to treat 3 million individuals by the end of 2005. This study evaluates the time to treatment termination, viral load suppression, and detection of drug resistance among antiretroviral‐naïve individuals initiating stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine (d4T/3TC/NVP) in British Columbia, Canada, to provide a context for future programme planning.MethodsPrimary outcome was time to treatment termination. Secondary outcome was time to viral suppression. Accumulation of drug resistance mutations was followed systematically in the first 145 individuals over 30 months. Cox proportional hazard regression identified factors associated with termination and suppression.Results312 antiretroviral‐naïve individuals initiated d4T/3TC/NVP between August 1996 and September 2003. Median follow‐up time was 26.5 months (interquartile range [IQR] 6.8–46.5). At a median of 12.4 months (IQR 4.3–33.3), 132 (42.3%) patients switched treatment, 53 (17.0%) stopped therapy and 26 (8.3%) died. Of 308 subjects with baseline viral load >500 copies/mL, 223 (72.4%) suppressed to ≤500 copies/mL at a median of 2.0 months. Among 145 (46.5%) individuals followed longitudinally, resistance mutations to NNRTI, 3TC, or other NRTI were detected in 11 (7.6%), six (4.1%) and four (2.8%) individuals after 12 months of therapy; and in 23 (15.9%), 17 (12.0%), and six (4.1%) individuals after 30 months.ConclusionsThe population requiring second‐line treatment was 30% at 12 months and 40% at 24 months; 20% had detectable drug resistance mutations by 30 months. While these results are from a Western setting, they illustrate the need to consider second‐ and third‐line approaches as antiretroviral treatment scale‐up continues in the developing world.
Hepatitis B virus and HIV coinfection: relationship of different serological patterns to survival and liver disease
Authors: Osborn MK , Guest JL , Rimland D 
Published: June 2007

ObjectivesEighty per cent of HIV‐positive patients show evidence of past or current infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The impact of chronic HBV infection or the presence of isolated HBV core antibody on survival in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has not been well studied.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included patients from the HIV Atlanta Veterans Affairs Cohort Study (HAVACS). This cohort comprises 2818 HIV‐positive patients followed since 1982. For this analysis, 1685 patients with available HBV serologies were included, based on laboratory records available since 1992. Adjusted survival analyses were performed for patients showing any of four serological patterns for HBV: (1) surface antigen positive (chronic HBV infection), (2) isolated core antibody, (3) surface antibody with or without core antibody (resolved/vaccinated) and (4) no HBV markers (negative group). Risk factors for liver disease were identified.ResultsA trend was seen for a lower survival rate from AIDS to death in the chronic HBV infection group compared with the negative group [hazard ratio (HR) 1.43; P=0.118]. The only independent predictor of lower survival rate was hepatitis C virus positivity (HR 1.62; P=0.008). Protective factors were use of HAART (HR 0.40; P=0.0003), use of lamivudine (HR 0.36; P<0.0001) and use of tenofovir (HR 0.23; P<0.0001). Survival from HIV diagnosis to death was not different among the HBV groups. Isolated core antibody patients did not have a lower survival rate compared with those with resolved HBV infection. Patients with chronic HBV infection were 3.5 times more likely to have liver disease than those with no HBV infection (P<0.02).ConclusionsThere is a trend towards a lower survival rate in patients with HIV and chronic HBV infection, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The presence of isolated core antibody was not associated with a lower survival rate.
Poor efficacy of intradermal administration of recombinant hepatitis B virus immunization in HIV‐infected individuals who fail to respond to intramuscular administration of hepatitis B virus vaccine
Authors: Shafran SD , Mashinter LD , Lindemulder A , Taylor GD , Chiu I 
Published: June 2007

ObjectiveIt is recommended that hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐susceptible, HIV‐infected persons be immunized for HBV. However, 44–76% of HIV‐infected persons fail to respond to a standard series of recombinant HBV vaccine. Intradermal (i.d.) administration of HBV vaccine has been effective in nonresponders to intramuscularly administered vaccine among healthcare workers, haemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients. We evaluated the immunogenicity of HBV vaccine given by the intradermal route in HIV‐infected individuals who failed to respond to two series of HBV vaccine given intramuscularly.MethodsRecombinant HBV vaccine [10 μg HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)/mL] was administered as 0.25 mL i.d. every 2 weeks for four doses in 12 HIV‐infected adults who failed to respond to six doses of HBV vaccine administered by the intramuscular route. Anti‐HBs was tested at least 2 weeks following the fourth dose of i.d. administered vaccine, and if the anti‐HBs titre was negative or <30 IU/L, a second series of four i.d. doses were administered every 2 weeks. Anti‐HBs was measured at least 2 weeks following the second series of i.d. administered HBV vaccine and 6 and 12 months after the last dose.ResultsProtective levels of anti‐HBs (>10 IU/L) were achieved in six subjects (50%) after four doses. Administration of four additional i.d. doses to the six nonresponders did not result in any additional seroconverters. Five of the six responders had no detectable anti‐HBs at 12 months after the last dose of i.d. administered vaccine.ConclusionsThe i.d. route of administration of recombinant HBV vaccine does not appear to be immunogenic in HIV‐infected adults who fail to respond to six doses of intramuscularly administered vaccine.
The treatment of chronic hepatitis C in HIV‐infected patients: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim AI , Dorn A , Bouajram R , Saab S 
Published: June 2007

ObjectiveHepatitis C virus (HCV) disease progression appears to be accelerated in patients coinfected with HIV. The impact of HCV on coinfected patients is being realized as patients are now living longer. The objective of our study was to further elucidate incremental improvement and safety concerns with combinations of pegylated interferon (peginterferon), interferon and ribavirin based on data obtained from prospective randomized controlled trials.MethodsA search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane database for material published between 1966 and 29 August 2005 and a hand search of abstracts from national meetings held between 2001 and August 2005 were performed. Trials comparing the use of peginterferon plus ribavirin vs peginterferon or interferon plus ribavirin were assessed.ResultsIn six randomized controlled trials, 1756 patients were randomized. Sustained virological response was greater for patients treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin compared with patients treated with interferon plus ribavirin [odds ratio (OR) 3.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.27–3.96]. This increased sustained virological response with peginterferon and ribavirin was found for patients with HCV genotype 1 or 4 (OR 4.40; 95% CI 2.75–7.03) and genotype 2 or 3 (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.71–3.85). Sustained virological responses were also higher with peginterferon and ribavirin as compared with peginterferon monotherapy (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.84–3.67). Severe adverse effects (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.74–1.4) and withdrawal rates (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.75–1.25) were similar between patients treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin and patients treated with interferon plus ribavirin.ConclusionsPatients with chronic HCV/HIV coinfection have a greater likelihood of achieving a sustained virological response with peginterferon plus ribavirin. The likelihoods of serious adverse effects and study withdrawal were similar.
Development of microsatellite markers in the common fig, Ficus carica L.
Authors: BANDELJ D. , JAVORNIK B. , JAKSE J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe present a new set of 15 polymorphic microsatellite primer sequences developed from Ficus carica L. The variability of specific microsatellite regions was assessed in wild population of figs from the northern Adriatic coast and all 15 primer pairs showed single‐locus amplification with a total of 65 alleles and an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.285 to 0.863. The 15 new microsatellite loci represent a significant tool for population genetic structure studies and will be further used to investigate the origin and maintenance of genetic variation within and between populations of figs along the Adriatic coastal region.
Managing Bone Parameters in Dialysis Patients: International Guideline Conflicts
Authors: Faull Randall J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe linkage between bone parameters (calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone) and cardiovascular death in dialysis patients has led to a major resurgence in interest in this area of nephrological practice. Two major groups have recently published extensive guidelines for clinical practice in this area—the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes and Quality Initiative from the United States, and the Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment group from Australia and New Zealand. There are some important differences in their recommendations, which reflect variations in local clinical practice, reimbursement systems, and interpretation of the medical literature. Two areas of divergence are highlighted in this editorial—use of vitamin D and its analogs, and use of phosphate binders. Readers of guidelines such as these need to be careful to interpret such recommendations in the context of the realities of their local clinical practice and availability of therapies.
Withholding and Withdrawal from Dialysis: What We Know About How Our Patients Die
Authors: Germain Michael J. , Cohen Lewis M. , Davison Sara N. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWithholding and withdrawal of dialysis has been a reality since dialysis was invented. Only in the past 20 years has it been formally studied, and we still have a great deal to learn. The nephrology community has slowly come to accept that, for some of our patients, not having dialysis is a better option than continuing or initiating therapy. The principles of palliative care throughout the disease trajectory and hospice care at end of life are germane to this population due to its high symptom burden and mortality rate. We review what is currently known concerning patients who choose to withhold or withdraw from dialysis, and the current barriers (and solutions) to providing them with optimal palliative care.
Intrauterine use of hyperconcentrated platelet concentrates collected with Trima Accel in a case of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ringwald Juergen , Schroth Michael , Faschingbauer Florian , Strobel Julian , Strasser Erwin , Schild Ralf L. , Goecke Tamme W. 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Due to the threat of serious or fatal bleedings, fetuses with neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) may need intrauterine platelet (PLT) transfusions. To prevent a volume overload or an ABO minor mismatch, standard PLT concentrates need to be washed to increase the PLT concentration and to reduce the plasma content. Hyperconcentrated single‐donor PLT concentrates (HCPs) are a therapeutic alternative. The first case of NAIT successfully treated with HCPs collected with the Trima Accel (TA; Gambro BCT) is reported.CASE REPORT: A 31‐year‐old woman with a history of NAIT in the preceding pregnancy underwent cordocentesis three times during her third pregnancy (30th, 31st, and 32nd weeks of gestation). NAIT was confirmed by marked fetal thrombocytopenia, a maternal anti‐human PLT antigen (HPA)‐1a–immunoglobulin G (titer 1:128), and the appropriate HPA genotype of the fetus and the parents. On each cordocentesis procedure, a distinct volume of a HPA‐1a‐negative HCP with a PLT concentration of 3 × 106 PLTs per µL was transfused resulting in high corrected count increments after 2 hours. The HCPs were transfused within 10 hours after collection. One day after the last cordocentesis procedure, a cesarean section was performed. The newborn did not show any bleeding signs, and the PLT count remained on normal levels and no further PLT transfusions were needed.CONCLUSION: HCPs collected with TA are a useful alternative to washed standard PLT concentrates without the need for further manipulation of the product after collection. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed, however, to make definite recommendations for the shelf life of these HCP.