bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the minimum anesthetic concentration of sevoflurane in thick-billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha)
Authors: Phair Kristen A. , Larsen R. Scott , Wack Raymund F. , Shilo-Benjamini Yael , Pypendop Bruno H.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To determine the minimum anesthetic concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane in thick-billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) and compare MAC obtained via mechanical and electrical stimulation.

Animals—15 healthy thick-billed parrots.

Procedures—Anesthesia was induced in each parrot by administration of sevoflurane in oxygen. An end-tidal sevoflurane concentration of 2.5% was established in the first bird. Fifteen minutes was allowed for equilibration. Then, 2 types of noxious stimulation (mechanical and electrical) were applied; stimuli were separated by 15 minutes. Responses to stimuli were graded as positive or negative. For a positive or negative response to a stimulus, the target end-tidal sevoflurane concentration of the subsequent bird was increased or decreased by 10%, respectively. The MAC was calculated as the mean end-tidal sevoflurane concentration during crossover events, defined as instances in which independent pairs of birds evaluated in succession had opposite responses. A quantal method was used to determine sevoflurane MAC. Physiologic variables and arterial blood gas values were also measured.

Results—Via quantal analysis, mean sevoflurane MAC in thick-billed parrots determined with mechanical stimulation was 2.35% (90% fiducial interval, 1.32% to 2.66%), which differed significantly from the mean sevoflurane MAC determined with electrical stimulation, which was 4.24% (90% fiducial interval, 3.61% to 8.71%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Sevoflurane MAC in thick-billed parrots determined by mechanical stimulation was similar to values determined in chickens and mammals. Sevoflurane MAC determined by electrical stimulation was significantly higher, which suggested that the 2 types of stimulation did not induce similar results in thick-billed parrots.
Efficacy of concurrent epidural administration of neostigmine and lidocaine for perineal analgesia in geldings
Authors: DeRossi Rafael , Maciel Felipe B. , Módolo Tiago J. C. , Pagliosa Ronaldo C.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To evaluate perineal analgesic effects of 3 doses of neostigmine coadministered epidurally with lidocaine to geldings.

Animals—6 healthy geldings.

Procedures—A few days before each treatment, a catheter was inserted between the first and second coccygeal vertebrae via the caudal approach in each gelding; the catheter tip was threaded approximately 10 cm cranial into the midsacral region. Each horse received 4 epidural treatments: 2% lidocaine (0.2 mg/kg) alone and 3 doses of neostigmine (0.5, 1, or 2 μg/kg) coadministered with that same dose of lidocaine. Horses were restrained in stocks in a standing position. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, intestinal motility, analgesia, behavior, and ataxia were determined before treatment (time 0; baseline); at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes; and every 30 minutes thereafter until the cessation of analgesia.

Results—All doses of neostigmine coadministered with lidocaine improved and extended the duration of analgesia in the perineal region of the geldings. Total duration of analgesia was not a dose-dependent effect (120, 150, and 150 minutes for 0.5, 1, and 2 μg/kg, respectively). All treatments induced mild or moderate ataxia. Cardiovascular changes were within acceptable limits.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of neostigmine (1 μg/kg) combined with lidocaine (0.2 mg/kg) in the caudal epidural space induced analgesia for 2.5 hours with a low prevalence of adverse effects in standing conscious geldings. Epidural doses of neostigmine greater than these should be avoided because they may cause undesirable effects in geldings.
Hemodynamic effects in dogs after intramuscular administration of a combination of dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-tiletamine-zolazepam or dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-ketamine
Authors: Krimins Rebecca A. , Ko Jeff C. , Weil Ann B. , Payton Mark E. , Constable Peter D.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To evaluate hemodynamic effects in dogs after IM administration of dexmedetomidine (7.5 μg/kg, butorphanol (0.15 mg/kg), and tiletamine-zolazepam (3 mg/kg [DBTZ]) or dexmedetomidine (15 μg/kg), butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg), and ketamine (3 mg/kg [DBK]).

Animals—5 healthy adult mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—Each dog received DBTZ and DBK in a randomized crossover study with a 48-hour interval between treatments. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen while instrumentation with Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters was performed. Following instrumentation, hemodynamic measurements were recorded at 3.54% (1.5 times the minimum alveolar concentration) sevoflurane; then sevoflurane administration was discontinued, and dogs were allowed to recover. Six hours after cessation of sevoflurane administration, baseline hemodynamic measurements were recorded, each dog was given an IM injection of DBTZ or DBK, and hemodynamic measurements were obtained at predetermined intervals for 70 minutes.

Results—DBTZ and DBK induced hypoventilation (Paco2, approx 60 to 70 mm Hg), respiratory acidosis (pH, approx 7.2), hypertension (mean arterial blood pressure, approx 115 to 174 mm Hg), increases in systemic vascular resistance, and reflex bradycardia. Cardiac output, oxygen delivery, and oxygen consumption following DBTZ or DBK administration were similar to those following sevoflurane administration to achieve a surgical plane of anesthesia. Blood l-lactate concentrations remained within the reference range at all times for all protocols.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In healthy dogs, both DBTZ and DBK maintained oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption to tissues and blood lactate concentrations within the reference range. However, ventilation should be carefully monitored and assisted when necessary to prevent hypoventilation.
Effects of intensified training and subsequent reduced training on glucose metabolism rate and peripheral insulin sensitivity in Standardbreds
Authors: de Graaf-Roelfsema Ellen , Keizer Hans A. , van Breda Eric , Wijnberg Inge D. , van der Kolk Johannes H.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To determine the influence of intensified training and subsequent reduced training on glucose metabolism rate and peripheral insulin sensitivity in horses and identify potential markers indicative of early overtraining.

Animals—12 Standardbred geldings.

Procedures—Horses underwent 4 phases of treadmill-based training. In phase 1, horses were habituated to the treadmill. In phase 2, endurance training was alternated with high-intensity exercise training. In phase 3, horses were divided into control and intensified training groups. In the intensified training group, training intensity, duration, and frequency were further increased via a protocol to induce overtraining; in the control group, these factors remained unaltered. In phase 4, training intensity was reduced. Standardized exercise tests were performed after each phase and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (HEC) tests were performed after phases 2, 3, and 4.

Results—10 of 12 horses completed the study. Dissociation between mean glucose metabolism rate and mean glucose metabolism rate-to-plasma insulin concentration ratio (M:I) was evident in the intensified training group during steady state of HEC testing after phases 3 and 4. After phase 4, mean glucose metabolism rate was significantly decreased (from 31.1 ± 6.8 μmol/kg/min to 18.1 ± 3.4 μmol/kg/min), as was M:I (from 1.05 ± 0.31 to 0.62 ± 0.17) during steady state in the intensified training group, compared with phase 3 values for the same horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dissociation between the glucose metabolism rate and M:I in horses that underwent intensified training may reflect non-insulin–dependent increases in glucose metabolism.
Effect of parenteral l-alanyl-l-glutamine administration on phagocytic responses of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes in dogs undergoing high-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate treatment
Authors: Kang Ji-Houn , Kim Sung-Soo , Yang Mhan-Pyo
Published: August 2012

Objective—To determine whether parenteral l-alanyl-l-glutamine (Ala-Gln) administration modulated phagocytic responses of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes (PMNs) from dogs undergoing high-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) treatment.

Animals—15 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—Dogs were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups (n = 5/group): 38-hour IV infusion of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control group), saline solution with 8.5% amino acids (2.3 g/kg/d), or saline solution with 8.5% amino acids (1.8 g/kg/d) and 20% l-alanyl-l-glutamine (Ala-Gln; 0.5 g/kg/d). High-dose MPSS treatment was initiated at the same time that IV infusions began, such that a total dose of 85 mg of MPSS/kg was administered through multiple IV injections over a 26-hour period. The infusions were maintained until 12 hours after the last MPSS injection. Blood samples collected before MPSS injections began and 2, 12, and 24 hours after injections ceased were used to evaluate PMN function.

Results—MPSS injections resulted in an increase in the total number of circulating leukocytes and increases in neutrophil and monocyte counts but did not affect lymphocyte, eosinophil, or basophil counts. Lymphocyte counts in the Ala-Gln group were higher than in the control group 12 hours after MPSS injections finished. Relative to preinfusion values, phagocytic capacity, oxidative burst activity, and filamentous actin polymerization of PMNs were suppressed in all dogs except those that received Ala-Gln.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Parenteral Ala-Gln administration in dogs resulted in an increase in PMN phagocytic responses that were suppressed by high-dose MPSS treatment.
Evaluation of a diode laser for use in induction of tendinopathy in the superficial digital flexor tendon of horses
Authors: Vallance Stuart A. , Vidal Martin A. , Whitcomb Mary Beth , Murphy Brian G. , Spriet Mathieu , Galuppo Larry D.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To evaluate use of a diode laser to induce tendinopathy in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of horses.

Animals—4 equine cadavers and 5 adult horses.

Procedures—Cadaveric SDFT samples were exposed to a diode laser at various energy settings to determine an appropriate energy for use in in vivo experiments; lesion size was assessed histologically. In vivo experiments involved laser energy induction of lesions in the SDFT (2 preliminary horses [0, 25, 75, and 87.5 J] and 3 study horses [0 and 125 J]) and assessment of lesions. Study duration was 21 days, and lesions were assessed clinically and via ultrasonography, MRI, and histologic evaluation.

Results—Lesion induction in cadaveric tissues resulted in a spherical cavitated core with surrounding tissue coagulation. Lesion size had a linear relationship (R2 = 0.9) with the energy administered. Size of in vivo lesions in preliminary horses indicated that larger lesions were required. In study horses, lesions induced with 125 J were ultrasonographically and histologically larger than were control lesions. At proximal and distal locations, pooled (preliminary and study horses) ultrasonographically assessed lesions were discrete and variable in size (mean ± SEM lesion percentage for control lesions, 8.5 ± 3%; for laser lesions, 12.2 ± 1.7%). Ultrasonography and MRI measurements were associated (R2 > 0.84) with cross-sectional area measurements.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In vivo diode laser–induced lesions did not reflect cadaveric lesions in repeatable size. Further research is required before diode lasers can reliably be used for inducing tendinopathy.
Evaluation of diode endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in bovine cadaver eyes
Authors: Harrington Jay T. , McMullen Richard J. , Cullen John M. , Gilger Brian C.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To evaluate the anterior chamber approach and energy levels for endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECPC) and assess ECPC-induced tissue damage in phakic eyes of bovine cadavers.

Sample—12 bovine cadaver eyes.

Procedures—Angle of reach was measured in 6 eyes following placement of a curved endoscopic probe through multiple corneal incisions. In another 6 eyes, each ocular quadrant underwent ECPC at 1 of 3 energy levels (0.75, 0.90, and 1.05 J) or remained untreated. Visible effects on tissues (whitening and contraction of ciliary processes) were scored (scale of 0 [no effects] to 6 [severe effects]), and severity and extent of histologic damage to the pigmented and nonpigmented ciliary epithelium and fibromuscular stroma were each scored (scale of 0 [no effect] to 3 [severe effect]) and summed for each quadrant. Overall mean scores for 6 quadrants/treatment were calculated.

Results—Mean ± SD combined angle of reach was 148 ± 24° (range, 123 ± 23° [ventromedial] to 174 ± 11° [dorsolateral]). At the 0.75-, 0.90-, and 1.05-J levels, mean visible tissue effect scores were 3.12 ± 0.47, 3.86 ± 0.35, and 4.68 ± 0.58, respectively; mean histologic damage scores were 4.79 ± 1.38 (mild damage), 6.82 ± 1.47 (moderate damage), and 9.37 ± 1.42 (severe damage), respectively. Occasional popping noises (venting of vaporized interstitial water) were heard at the 1.05-J level.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Multiple incisions were necessary to facilitate 360° ECPC treatment in bovine eyes. For ECPC in vivo, the 0.75- and 0.90-J energy levels had the potential to effectively treat the ciliary epithelium.
Pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone acetate after intra-articular administration and subsequent suppression of endogenous hydrocortisone secretion in exercising horses
Authors: Menéndez Maria I. , Phelps Mitch A. , Hothem Elijah A. , Bertone Alicia L.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone (MP) and the relationship between MP and hydrocortisone (HYD) concentrations in plasma and urine after intra-articular (IA) administration of 100 or 200 mg of MP acetate (MPA) to horses.

Animals—Five 3-year-old Thoroughbred mares.

Procedures—Horses exercised on a treadmill 3 times/wk during the study. Horses received 100 mg of MPA IA, then 8 weeks later received 200 mg of MPA IA. Plasma and urine samples were obtained at various times for 8 weeks after horses received each dose of MPA; concentrations of MP and HYD were determined. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic estimates for noncompartmental and compartmental parameters were determined.

Results—Maximum concentration of MP in plasma was similar for each MPA dose; concentrations remained greater than the lower limit of quantitation for 18 and 7 days after IA administration of 200 and 100 mg of MPA, respectively. Maximum concentration and area under the observed concentration-time curve for MP in urine were significantly higher (approximately 10-and 17-fold, respectively) after administration of 200 versus 100 mg of MPA. Hydrocortisone concentration was below quantifiable limits for ≥ 48 hours in plasma and urine of all horses after administration of each MPA dose.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Pharmacokinetics of MP may differ among IA MPA dosing protocols, and MP may be detected in plasma and urine for a longer time than previously reported. This information may aid veterinarians treating sport horses. Further research is warranted to determine whether plasma HYD concentration can aid identification of horses that received exogenous glucocorticoids.
Effects of the addition of endotoxin during perfusion of isolated forelimbs of equine cadavers
Authors: Patan-Zugaj Bianca , Gauff Felicia C. , Licka Theresia F.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To examine the effect of endotoxins on metabolism and histopathologic changes of isolated perfused equine forelimbs.

Sample—Forelimbs (comprising the metacarpus and digit) were collected from cadavers of 12 healthy adult horses after slaughter at an abattoir (14 limbs; 1 forelimb of 10 horses and both forelimbs of 2 horses).

Procedures—Forelimbs were perfused for 10 hours with autologous blood, with and without the addition of endotoxin (80 ng of lipopolysaccharide [LPS]/L). Two limbs of the endotoxin exposure group and 2 nonperfused limbs were loaded to failure of the suspensory apparatus of the pedal bone to evaluate the effect of body weight. Metabolic and histologic variables were evaluated.

Results—Blood pressure increased during the first hour and did not differ between groups. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was similar in both groups and increased significantly during the 10-hour period; glucose consumption at 5 hours and lactate concentration at 8 hours were significantly higher in limbs exposed to endotoxin. The width of secondary epidermal lamellae was greater in LPS limbs. In the primary dermal lamellae of LPS limbs, there were significantly more vessels with an open lumen and aggregates of intravascular neutrophils.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In the blood-perfused isolated forelimbs of equine cadavers, exposure to LPS led to significant changes in the laminar tissue as well as to metabolic changes. Therefore, endotoxin should be considered as a causative factor for laminitis and not merely as a risk factor.
Hemostatic response to surgical neutering via ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy in dogs
Authors: Moldal Elena R. , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Peeters Marijke E. , Nødtvedt Ane , Kirpensteijn Jolle
Published: August 2012

Objective—To investigate the hemostatic response to surgery and compare the response for ovariohysterectomy with that for ovariectomy and to evaluate the usefulness of thromboelastography on plasma samples.

Animals—42 female dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were assigned to undergo ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy. Blood samples were collected immediately before and 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery and stored at −80°C for subsequent analysis. Plasma samples were subjected to thromboelastography after thawing. In addition, coagulation variables were measured, including concentrations of von Willebrand factor antigen, fibrinogen, antithrombin, and protein C; activity of factor VIII; activated partial thromboplastin time; prothrombin time; and thrombin time. The fibrinolytic response was assessed via concentrations of D-dimer, plasminogen, and α-2-antiplasmin (plasmin inhibitor).

Results—Substantial hemostatic and fibrinolytic activation was evident after surgery in both groups, as characterized by significantly increased global clot strength and an overall hypercoagulable state at 4 hours after surgery in addition to decreases in von Willebrand factor antigen and factor VIII concentrations and shortened prothrombin and thrombin times. The dogs also typically had activation of the fibrinolytic system, as evidenced by increased postoperative concentrations of D-dimer, plasminogen, and plasmin inhibitor. Differences between the 2 groups could not be detected for any variables.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Elective surgery with limited tissue trauma induced hemostatic activation in dogs, which led to hypercoagulability after surgery. A difference between the ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy groups was not detected. Thromboelastography can be used on plasma samples and may be useful for evaluating patterns over time.
Ammonia: The neglected risk factor
Authors: Amodio Piero , Montagnese Sara , Schiff Sami
Published: August 2012

The letter deals with the article published in Translational Neuroscience 2011, 2 (4), 360–362. It emphasizes the importance of the authors’ findings in relation to the role of ammonaemia in diagnosing hepatic encephalopathy.
Osteopontin: A key link between immunity, inflammation and the central nervous system
Authors: Brown Amanda
Published: August 2012

Osteopontin (OPN) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that can be secreted from many cells including activated macrophages and T-lymphocytes. Elevated levels of osteopontin in the plasma, cerebrospinal fluid or brain of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and more recently in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder has been reported. However, except for the case of MS, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms by which OPN may exacerbate disease. Alternatively, OPN through its ability to promote cell survival may in some contexts function in the brain in a protective capacity. OPN has several protein motifs that allow it to engage with several different signaling pathways involved in immunity and inflammation. A better understanding of the cellular pathways that are regulated by OPN in cells of the central nervous system is required to uncover its putative role in neuronal homeostasis.
Pattern classification predicts individuals’ responses to affective stimuli
Authors: Yuen Kenneth , Johnston Stephen , Martino Federico , Sorger Bettina , Formisano Elia , Linden David , Goebel Rainer
Published: August 2012

Since the successful demonstration of “brain reading” of fMRI BOLD signals using multivoxel pattern classification (MVPA) techniques, the neuroimaging community has made vigorous attempts to exploit the technique in order to identify the signature patterns of brain activities associated with different cognitive processes or mental states. In the current study, we tested whether the valence and arousal dimensions of the affective information could be used to successfully predict individual’s active affective states. Using a whole-brain MVPA approach, together with feature elimination procedures, we are able to discriminate between brain activation patterns associated with the processing of positive or negative valence and cross validate the discriminant function with an independent data set. Arousal information, on the other hand, failed to provide such discriminating power. With an independent sample, we test further whether the MVPA identified brain network could be used for inter-individual classification. Although the inter-subject classification success was only marginal, we found correlations with individual differences in affective processing. We discuss the implications of our findings for future attempts to classify patients based on their responses to affective stimuli.
Roles of σ1 receptors in the mechanisms of action of CNS drugs
Authors: Toyohara Jun , Sakata Muneyuki , Ishiwata Kiichi
Published: August 2012

Accumulating evidence suggests that σ1 receptors play a role in the mechanisms of action of some therapeutic drugs, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), donepezil, and ifenprodil. Among the SSRIs, fluvoxamine, a potent σ1 receptor agonist, has the highest affinity for σ1 receptors, while donepezil and ifenprodil also show high affinity for σ1 receptors. These drugs affect neuronal plasticity indicated by potentiation of nerve-growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Furthermore, phencyclidine (PCP)-induced cognitive impairment, associated with animal models of schizophrenia, is significantly improved by sub-chronic administration of fluvoxamine and donepezil. These pharmacological actions are antagonised by treatment with the selective σ1 receptor antagonist NE-100. Positron emission tomography (PET) with the σ1 specific ligand carbon-11-labelled 1-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine ([11C]SA4503) indicated that fluvoxamine and donepezil can bind to σ1 receptors in the healthy human brain in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that σ1 receptors may be involved in the mechanisms of action of some therapeutic drugs.
Translational strategies to schizophrenia from a proteomic perspective
Authors: Martins-de-Souza Daniel
Published: August 2012

There is an urgent necessity of designing translational strategies to schizophrenia, a mental disorder that affects 30 million people worldwide. Proteomic studies have been providing data enough to pave the way for that, but these need to be connected in a concise manner in order to translate laboratorial findings to real improvements in the lives of the patients.
Expression analysis of pluripotency-associated genes in human fetal cortical and striatal neural stem cells during differentiation
Authors: Massa Denise , Pillai Rita , Monni Emanuela , Kokaia Zaal , Diana Andrea
Published: August 2012

In the field of developmental biology, there is compelling evidence for a network of activity of pluripotency and stem-associated genes comprising of Oct4, Nanog and nestin. During neurogenesis, the choice between enhancement versus suppression of transcriptional modulation of these identified genes determines the balance between self-renewal neural stem cells (NSC) and immature neuronal phenotypes. By using immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR techniques, our study aims to address the question whether and to what extent mRNA and protein profiles are expressed in human fetal neurospheres obtained from cortical and striatal brain regions, both in expansion (undifferentiated cells) and differentiation conditions monitored after 1 and 4 weeks in vitro culturing. Our results clearly demonstrate the sustained presence of opposite signals: strong downregulation of Oct4 and Nanog genes in cortical differentiating cells and significant up-regulation for nestin gene both in cortical and striatal differentiating cells. Notably, by immunostaining techniques, Oct4 and Nanog protein expression have indicated the presence of both nuclear and cytoplasmic content followed by their rapid turnover (immediately after 1 week). Moreover, during the differentiation process, dissociated neurospheres displayed unexpected number of nestin positive cells accompanied by a constant level of staining intensity. In conclusion, the present study provides new insights into brain region related features in terms of Oct4, Nanog and nestin expression both at cellular and molecular level.
Rodent models of early environment effects on offspring development and susceptibility to neurological diseases in adulthood
Authors: Coutellier Laurence
Published: August 2012

Events early in life can program brain for a pattern of neuroendocrine and behavioral responses in later life. This mechanism is named “developmental phenotypic plasticity”. Experimental evidences from rodents show that early experiences influence long-term development of behavioral, neuroendocrine and cognitive functions. While some neonatal conditions lead to positive outcomes, offspring might also display neurological dysfunctions in adulthood in case of adverse conditions during the early development. Different factors have been suggested to mediate the effects of neonatal conditions on offspring development but their exact contribution as well as their interaction still needs to be clarified. Studies based on rodents have been developed to model the long-term effects of early environmental conditions on the developing brain. These studies highlight importance of maternal behavior in mediating the effects of early environmental conditions on the offspring. However, other studies suggest that aside from the level of maternal care, other factors (gender, neonatal glucocorticoid levels) contribute to the adjustment of offspring phenotype to early environmental cues. Altogether, rodents-based evidence suggests that developmental plasticity is a very complex phenomenon mediated by multiple factors that interact one to each other. Ultimately, the goal is to understand how early life events can lead to advantageous phenotype in adult life, or, on the contrary, can predispose individuals to psychopathologies such as depression or anxiety.
α-synuclein regulation of dopamine transporter
Authors: Butler Brittany , Saha Kaustuv , Khoshbouei Habibeh
Published: August 2012

The development of effective therapeutic interventions for neurodegeneration requires a better understanding of the early events that precede neuronal loss. Recent work in various disease models has begun to emphasize the significance of presynaptic dysfunction as an early event that occurs before manifestation of neurological disorders. Dysregulation of dopamine (DA) homeostasis is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, drug addiction, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The neuronal plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) is essential for the maintenance of DA homeostasis in the brain. α-synuclein is a 140-amino acid protein that forms a stable complex with DAT and is linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. In this review we will examine the prevailing hypotheses for α-synuclein-regulation of DAT biology.
Translating Autoethnography Across the AERA Standards
Authors: Hughes Sherick , Pennington Julie L. , Makris Sara
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this article is to move readers toward a deeper understanding of and widened respect for autoethnography’s capacity as an empirical endeavor. An argument is presented in favor of autoethnography as empirical by translating information from its epistemological and methodological history across the AERA standards for reporting empirical social science research. Supporting evidence is drawn from samples of autoethnographic scholarship that emerged from an extensive literature review of first-tier, blind peer-reviewed journals with relatively low acceptance rates (i.e., 17% or less accepted for publication) that cater to an international audience of educational researchers. The journals include Harvard Educational Review, Anthropology and Education Quarterly, Teaching and Teacher Education, Qualitative Inquiry, Urban Review, Educational Studies, Journal of Latinos and Education, and Race, Ethnicity, and Education. The article concludes by imagining a rubric that may assist researchers, editors, and reviewers in translating autoethnographic scholarship as credible and defensible empirical research. To date, no such article has worked to demonstrate this important connection to open the potential empirical publication venues for autoethnography in our real world of promotion and tenure decision making in the academy that hinges increasingly on the integrity of the blind peer-review process.
Breaking Down the Forgotten Half
Authors: Marcotte Julie
Published: August 2012

This article presents a research study in Quebec’s adult education centers (AECs), which are now an alternative to general education that allow youths ages 16 to 24 to make up for academic delays or to return to school after dropping out. Data from 386 such students were collected on various personal, psychosocial, and school indicators. Using a latent class analyses, the author identified four different profiles with unique needs. The first two profiles were highly representative of emerging adults who were typical except for their academic delays. Youths in the last two profiles were characterized by victimization and problem behavior, respectively; they demonstrated the need for support that goes beyond the academic and school services usually offered in AECs. The results of this study are discussed in light of new parameters of emerging adulthood and discontinued educational pathways.
The Minimum Grading Controversy
Authors: Carey Theodore , Carifio James
Published: August 2012

In an effort to reduce failure and drop-out rates, schools have been implementing minimum grading. One form involves raising catastrophically low student quarter grades to a predetermined minimum—typically a 50. Proponents argue it gives struggling students a reasonable chance to recover from failure. Critics contend the practice induces grade inflation and social promotion. The authors performed a quantitative study of seven years of grading data from one school where minimum grading had been implemented to better evaluate these competing claims. Statistical analyses revealed no evidence that minimum grading was inducing either grade inflation or social promotion. These and other related findings have implications for educators looking to institute reforms that lead to fairer and more accurate student assessment.
On the Use of Commercial Quails as Study Organisms: Lessons about Food Intake from Individual Variation in Body Mass
Authors: Duval C. , Cassey P. , Desaivre S. , Reynolds S. J. , Spencer K. A.
Published: August 2012

We analysed inter-individual body mass variation of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in an examination of the effectiveness of regulations governing daily food requirements. We measured the daily food intake of 26 adult female quail during a feeding trial over four consecutive days. Non-ingested food was weighed every morning and 70 g of food was provided to each bird for every day of the trial. This represented more than three times the theoretical recommended daily amount of food required by Japanese quail, as described in the literature. We then calculated a female-specific mean daily food requirement and found highly significant variation among individuals. Daily food intake was significantly repeatable within-female over the trial and mean food intake was highly correlated with female body mass. We suggest that using daily requirements for individuals based upon ‘population’ means, whilst ignoring differences in body mass among individuals might have severe consequences for the welfare of birds. Furthermore, these results have significant implications for studies where the aim is to perform identical experimental manipulations (as some studies intend and suggest), resulting in the drawing of unsubstantiated conclusions.
Scaling of Ventricular Excitation of Birds
Authors: Kharin S.
Published: August 2012

Many biological variables, including electrophysiological processes in the heart, scale with body mass. Cardiac electrophysiological parameters have been scaled only for mammals. Because avian and mammalian hearts differ in several structural and functional facets, the purpose of this study was to estimate how the duration of ventricular excitation scales with body mass, heart rate, and heart mass in birds. Values of the QRS complex duration, body mass, and heart rate for non-passerine species representing 13 families and 10 orders were obtained from published data, covering three orders of magnitude in body mass. The findings of the study were as follows: the QRS complex duration scaled with body mass to the power of 0.18, with heart rate to the power of −0.45, and with heart mass to a power close to 0.195. The duration of ventricular excitation in birds is related not only to morphologic (body mass, heart mass) but also hemodynamic (heart rate) parameters by the power law. Further investigations of scaling relations between QRS and cardio- and hemodynamic parameters is useful to find out an evolutionary importance and causes of peculiarities of cardiac electrophysiology in birds and some mammalian species.
Nest-Site Selection and Hatching Success at a Mixed-Species Colony of Black-Winged Stilts Himantopus Himantopus and Gull-Billed Tern Gelochelidon Nilotica
Authors: Barati Ahmad , Etezadifar Farzaneh , Esfandabad Bahman Shams
Published: August 2012

Nest-site characteristics and hatching success were studied at a mixed-species colony of Black-winged Stilts Himantopus himantopus and Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica in AghGol wetland, Hamedan Province, Iran during the 2008 breeding season. Species-specific preferences and a possible correlation between hatching success and nest location were analysed. Black-winged stilts select significantly closer points to the water edge than random points while the distance to the water edge did not vary between preferred and non-preferred locations for Gull-billed Terns. Plant density was significantly higher in Gull-billed Terns than Black-winged Stilt nest-sites, which also preferred areas of lower plant density. Hatched Gull-billed Tern nests had significantly higher plant density around the nest than failed nests. Overall, hatching success of Gull-billed Tern was higher than that of Black-winged Stilt; mainly because of disturbances resulting from a decrease in the water level.
Long-Term Effects of Physical Exercise on Verbal Learning and Memory in Middle-Aged Adults: Results of a One-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Hötting Kirsten , Schauenburg Gesche , Röder Brigitte
Published: August 2012

A few months of physical exercise have been shown to increase cognition and to modulate brain functions in previously sedentary, mainly older adults. However, whether the preservation of newly gained cognitive capacities requires an active maintenance of the achieved fitness level during the intervention is not yet known. The aim of the present study was to test whether cardiovascular fitness one year after an exercise intervention was linked to cognitive variables. Twenty-five healthy participants (42–57 years of age) took part in a follow-up assessment one year after the end of a supervised exercise intervention. Measurements included a cardiovascular fitness test, psychometric tests of verbal learning and memory and selective attention as well as questionnaires assessing physical activity and self-efficacy beliefs. Recognition scores of participants with higher cardiovascular fitness at follow-up did not change significantly during the follow-up period; however, the scores of participants with lower cardiovascular fitness decreased. One year after the end of the physical training intervention, previously sedentary participants spent more hours exercising than prior to the intervention. The time participants spent exercising correlated with their self-efficacy beliefs. These results demonstrate a direct link between verbal learning and cardiovascular fitness and show that positive effects of physical interventions on learning and memory do need an active maintenance of cardiovascular fitness.
Crystal and Molecular Structure Studies of Ethyl 4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-2-oxocyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylate and Ethyl 4-(3-Bromophenyl)-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-2-oxocyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylate
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Butcher Ray J. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Mayekar Anil N. , Narayana Badiadka
Published: August 2012

The crystal and molecular structures of the title compounds, ethyl 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-2-oxocyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylate (I) and ethyl 4-(3-bromophenyl)-6-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-2-oxocyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylate (II), are reported and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction data. Compound (I), C26H24O5, crystallizes from a methanol solution in the monoclinic C2/c space group with eight molecules in the unit cell. The unit cell parameters are: a = 25.4114(5) Å, b = 8.47440(10) Å, c = 20.6921(4) Å, β = 108.328(2)° and V = 4229.92(13) Å3. Disorder is observed throughout the entire molecule with an occupancy ratio 0.690(2):0.310(2). Compound (II), C26H23O4Br, crystallizes from an ethyl acetate solution in the monoclinic P21/c spacegroup with four molecules in the unit cell. The unit cell parameters are a = 17.8991(9) Å, b = 11.4369(6) Å, c = 10.8507(5) Å, β = 92.428(4)° and V = 2219.25(19) Å3. Disorder is observed in the cyclohexenone ring and the carboxylate group with an occupancy ratio 0.830(6):0.170(6). Weak O–H...O (I) or C–H...O (II) intermolecular interactions are observed which influence crystal packing stability. These chalcone derivative types of molecules are important in their ability to act as activated unsaturated systems in conjugated addition reactions of carbanions in the presence of basic catalysts which exhibit a multitude of biological activities.
[Pr2(pdc)3(Hpdc)(H2O)4]n·n(H3hp)·8n(H2O), a One-Dimensional Coordination Polymer Containing PrO6N3 Tri-Capped Trigonal Prisms and PrO8N Mono-Capped Square Anti-Prisms (H2pdc = Pyridine 2,6-Dicarboxylic Acid, C7H5NO4; 3hp = 3-Hydroxy Pyridine, C5H5NO)
Authors: Sharif Shahzad , Sahin Onur , Khan Islam Ullah , Büyükgüngör Orhan , Harrison William T. A.
Published: August 2012

The synthesis, structure and some properties of the one-dimensional coordination polymer, [Pr2(pdc)3(Hpdc)]n·n(H3hp)·8n(H2O), (H2pdc = pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylic acid, C7H5NO4; 3hp = 3-hydroxypyridine, C5H5NO) are described. One of the Pr3+ ions is coordinated by two O,N,O-tridentate pdc2− ligands and one tridentate Hpdc− anion to generate a fairly regular PrO6N3 tri-capped trigonal prism, with the N atoms acting as the caps. The second Pr3+ ion is coordinated by one tridentate pdc2− dianion, four water molecules and two monodentate bridging pdc2− ligands to result in a PrO8N coordination polyhedron that approximates to a mono-capped square-anti-prism. The ligands bridge the metal-atom nodes into a chain, which extends in the [100] direction. The H3hp+ cation and uncoordinated water molecules occupy the inter-chain regions and an N–HLO and numerous O–HLO hydrogen bonds consolidate the structure. The H3hp+ species appears to intercalate between pendant pdc rings to consolidate the polymeric structure. Crystal data: 1 (C33H43N5O29Pr2), Mr = 1255.54, triclinic, (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 13.2567(1) Å, b = 13.6304(2) Å, c = 13.6409(2) Å, α = 89.695(1)°, β = 63.049(1)°, γ = 86.105(1)°, V = 2191.16(5) Å3, R(F) = 0.033, wR(F2) = 0.084.
Teaching Sustainable Design Using BIM and Project-Based Energy Simulations
Authors: Shen Zhigang , Jensen Wayne , Wentz Timothy , Fischer Bruce
Published: August 2012

The cross-disciplinary nature of energy-efficient building design has created many challenges for architecture, engineering and construction instructors. One of the technical challenges in teaching sustainable building design is enabling students to quantitatively understand how different building designs affect a building’s energy performance. Concept based instructional methods fall short in evaluating the impact of different design choices on a buildings’ energy consumption. Building Information Modeling (BIM) with energy performance software provides a feasible tool to evaluate building design parameters. One notable advantage of this tool is its ability to couple 3D visualization of the structure with energy performance analysis without requiring detailed mathematical and thermodynamic calculations. Project-based Learning (PBL) utilizing BIM tools coupled with energy analysis software was incorporated into a senior level undergraduate class. Student perceptions and feedback were analyzed to gauge the effectiveness of these techniques as instructional tools. The findings indicated that BIM-PBL can be used to effectively teach energy-efficient building design and construction.
Spatial Analysis of Conservation Priorities Based on Ecosystem Services in the Atlantic Forest Region of Misiones, Argentina
Authors: Izquierdo Andrea E. , Clark Matthew L.
Published: August 2012

Understanding the spatial pattern of ecosystem services is important for effective environmental policy and decision-making. In this study, we use a geospatial decision-support tool (Marxan) to identify conservation priorities for habitat and a suite of ecosystem services (storage carbon, soil retention and water yield) in the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest from Misiones, Argentina—an area of global conservation priority. Using these results, we then evaluate the efficiency of existing protected areas in conserving both habitat and ecosystem services. Selected areas for conserving habitat had an overlap of carbon and soil ecosystem services. Yet, selected areas for water yield did not have this overlap. Furthermore, selected areas with relatively high overlap of ecosystem services tended to be inside protected areas; however, other important areas for ecosystem services (i.e., central highlands) do not have legal protection, revealing the importance of enforcing existing environmental regulations in these areas.
Radiobiology and Reproduction—What Can We Learn from Mammalian Females?
Authors: Ruiz-Herrera Aurora , Garcia Francisca , Garcia-Caldés Montserrat
Published: August 2012

Ionizing radiation damages DNA and induces mutations as well as chromosomal reorganizations. Although radiotherapy increases survival among cancer patients, this treatment does not come without secondary effects, among which the most problematic is gonadal dysfunction, especially in women. Even more, if radio-induced DNA damage occurs in germ cells during spermatogenesis and/or oogenesis, they can produce chromosomal reorganizations associated with meiosis malfunction, abortions, as well as hereditary effects. However, most of our current knowledge of ionizing radiation genotoxic effects is derived from in vitro studies performed in somatic cells and there are only some experimental data that shed light on how germ cells work when affected by DNA alterations produced by ionizing radiation. In addition, these few data are often related to mammalian males, making it difficult to extrapolate the results to females. Here, we review the current knowledge of radiobiology and reproduction, paying attention to mammalian females. In order to do that, we will navigate across the female meiotic/reproductive cycle/life taking into account the radiation-induced genotoxic effects analysis and animal models used, published in recent decades.
Combined Treatment with an Oncolytic Adenovirus and Antitumor Activity of Vincristine against Retinoblastoma Cells
Authors: Song Xin , Wang Haibo , Jia Renbing , Cun Biyun , Zhao Xiaoping , Zhou Yixiong , Xu Xiaofang , Qian Guanxiang , Ge Shengfang , Fan Xianqun
Published: August 2012

Treatment trends of retinoblastoma (RB) have gradually evolved from eye enucleation and external radiation to local treatment. Combined treatment with an oncolytic virus and chemotherapy is currently a new method in RB treatment. To investigate the therapeutic effect of oncolytic adenovirus SG600 in combination with vincristine (VCR) on retinoblastoma in vitro, the cell viability, cell cycle effects and apoptotic activity of HXO-RB44 cells treated with SG600, VCR or SG600 plus VCR were measured using a cell counting kit-8-based procedure and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis for Akt, p-Akt, p-p53 and p-Rb protein was performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of combined therapy. The combination therapy exerted a synergistic antitumor effect via a type of G2/M and S phase arrest rather than the induction of apoptosis. The combination of VCR and SG600 further reduced Akt phosphorylation compared with cells treated with VCR alone, suggesting that SG600 could overcome chemoresistance, perhaps by down-regulating Akt in RB cells. An increase in the expression of p-p53 and decrease in p-Rb expression in HXO-RB44 after co-treatment might be associated with cell cycle block. Western blot examination revealed that VCR might enhance SG600 replication. These results suggest that viro-chemo combination therapy is a feasible and potentially promising approach for the treatment of retinoblastoma.
Terms for Talking about Information and Communication
Authors: Anton Corey
Published: August 2012

This paper offers terms for talking about information and how it relates to both matter-energy and communication, by: (1) Identifying three different levels of signs: Index, based in contiguity, icon, based in similarity, and symbol, based in convention; (2) examining three kinds of coding: Analogic differences, which deal with positive quantities having contiguous and continuous values, and digital distinctions, which include “either/or functions”, discrete values, and capacities for negation, decontextualization, and abstract concept-transfer, and finally, iconic coding, which incorporates both analogic differences and digital distinctions; and (3) differentiating between “information theoretic” orientations (which deal with data, what is “given as meaningful” according to selections and combinations within “contexts of choice”) and “communication theoretic” ones (which deal with capta, what is “taken as meaningful” according to various “choices of context”). Finally, a brief envoi reflects on how information broadly construed relates to probability and entropy.