bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk‐sensitive allocation in seasonal dynamics of fat and protein reserves in a long‐lived mammal
Authors: Monteith Kevin L. , Stephenson Thomas R. , Bleich Vernon C. , Conner Mary M. , Pierce Becky M. , Bowyer R. Terry 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Body reserves of numerous taxa follow seasonal rhythms that are a function of temporal patterns in food availability and life‐history events; however, tests of the theory underlying the allocation of somatic reserves for long‐lived organisms are rare, especially for free‐ranging mammals. We evaluated the hypothesis that allocation of somatic reserves to survival (i.e., metabolic processes) and reproduction should be sensitive to current nutritional state relative to seasonal thresholds in those reserves.

Our goal was to reveal the linkages between nutrition and life‐history traits to understand how long‐lived, iteroparous organisms balance the allocation of somatic reserves to reproduction, while retaining reserves as insurance for survival in unpredictable environments. Our evaluation was based on seasonal dynamics in fat (measured as ingesta‐free body fat; IFBFat) and protein reserves (measured as ingesta‐free, fat‐free body mass; IFFFBMass) of 136 female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) over 8 years.

Although mean changes in fat and protein reserves were positive over summer and negative over winter, accretion and catabolism of those reserves was not consistent among individuals. Over winter, both lipid and protein stores available in autumn were catabolized in proportion to their availability above a post‐winter threshold (5·8% IFBFat, 33 kg IFFFBMass); however, lean body tissue was spared at the expense of lipid reserves.

Female deer mostly synthesized lean body tissue over summer and committed post‐winter fat reserves to reproduction relative to their availability above an autumn threshold (>8·6% IFBFat), which was lowered by 2·8 percentage points (pp) for each additional young recruited. Mothers reduced their autumn fat threshold to secure current reproductive investment and, thereby, endured a cost of reproduction at the expense of fat accumulation.

Allocation of somatic reserves occurred in a risk‐sensitive framework; females allocated reserves relative to their availability above seasonal thresholds. In contrast to current notions of summer accretion and winter catabolism of body reserves, some individuals deposited reserves over winter and catabolized reserves over summer, mainly because regulation of individual condition was state‐dependent. Consequently, behaviour and life‐history strategies may be as much a function of nutritional contributions of the previous season as of the current one.
Matching observations and reality: using simulation models to improve monitoring under uncertainty in theSerengeti
Authors: Nuno Ana , Bunnefeld Nils , Milner‐Gulland E. J. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryPlanning for conservation success requires identifying effective and efficient monitoring strategies but multiple types of uncertainty affect the accuracy and precision of wildlife abundance estimates. Observation uncertainty, a consequence of sampling effort and design as well as the process of observation, is still understudied, with little attention given to the multiple potential sources of error involved. To establish error minimization priorities and maximize monitoring efficiency, the direction and magnitude of multiple sources of uncertainty must be considered.Using monitoring of two contrasting ungulate species in theSerengeti ecosystem as a case study, we developed a ‘virtual ecologist’ framework within which we carried out simulated tests of different monitoring strategies for different types of species. We investigated which components of monitoring should be prioritized to increase survey accuracy and precision and explored the robustness of population estimates under different budgetary scenarios.The relative importance of each process affecting precision and accuracy varied according to the survey technique and biological characteristics of the species. While survey precision was mainly affected by population characteristics and sampling effort, the accuracy of the survey was greatly affected by observer effects, such as juvenile and herd detectability.Synthesis and applications. Monitoring efficiency is of the utmost importance for conservation, especially in the context of limited budgets and other priorities. We provide insights into the likely effect of different types of observation and process error on population estimates for savanna ungulates, and more generally present a framework for evaluating monitoring programmes in a virtual environment. In highly aggregated species, the main focus should be on survey precision; sampling effort should be defined according to wildlife spatial distribution. For random or slightly aggregated species, accuracy is the key factor; this is most sensitive to observer effects which should be minimized by training and calibration by observer.
In the Shadow of the United States: The International Transmission Effect of Asset Returns
Authors: Chang Kuang‐Liang , Chen Nan‐Kuang , Leung Charles Ka Yui 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe examine how fluctuations in financial and housing markets in the United States affect asset returns and GDP in Hong Kong. In contrast to studies using linear specifications, which find that the United States and Hong Kong are virtually delinked in terms of the asset markets, our regime‐switching models indicate that an unexpected change in US stock returns, followed by the TED spread, has the most significant effect on Hong Kong asset returns and GDP, typically in a regime of high return and low volatility. For in‐sample one‐step‐ahead forecasting, the US term spread is the best predictor.
Price Scissors and Economic Growth: The Role of Openness
Authors: He Qichun 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe present paper examines how the reduction in the price scissors impacted economic development during the early stage of China's reform period (i.e. 1981–1998). It is found that an increase in agriculture's terms of trade had a significant complementary effect with exportation on China's economic growth. Moreover, our data supports the results of Sah and Stiglitz (1987), who suggest that a reduction in the price scissors is associated with a decrease in physical capital accumulation in an open economy.
Evidence on the Convergence of Per Capita Income: A Comparison of Founder Members of the Association of South East Asian Nations and the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation
Authors: Jayanthakumaran Kankesu , Lee Shao‐Wei 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper investigates the per capita income convergence patterns of a set of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries. We obtained a time‐series analysis for stochastic convergence by applying unit‐root tests in the presence of two endogenously‐determined structural breaks. We then supplemented the results by tests that produced evidence for β convergence. The evidence shows that the relative per capita income series of ASEAN‐5 countries were consistent with stochastic convergence and β convergence, but this was not found for SAARC‐5 countries. For the ASEAN‐5 countries, the structural breaks associated with the world oil crisis and the Asian crisis impacted heavily on the convergence/divergence process.
Characterization of comparative genome‐derived simple sequence repeats for acanthopterygian fishes
Authors: Gotoh Ryo O. , Tamate Satoshi , Yokoyama Jun , Tamate Hidetoshi B. , Hanzawa Naoto 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSimple sequence repeats (SSRs) have become one of the most popular molecular markers for population genetic studies. The application ofSSRmarkers has often been limited to source species becauseSSRloci are too labile to be maintained in even closely related species. However, a few extremely conservedSSRloci have been reported. Here, we tested for the presence of conservedSSRloci in acanthopterygian fishes, which include over 14 000 species, by comparing the genome sequences of four acanthopterygian fishes. We also examined the comparative genome‐derivedSSRs (CG‐SSRs) for their transferability across acanthopterygian fishes and their applicability to population genetic analysis. Forty‐sixSSRloci with conserved flanking regions were detected and examined for their transferability among seven nonacanthopterygian and 27 acanthopterygian fishes. ThePCRamplification success rate in nonacanthopterygian fishes was low, ranging from 2.2% to 21.7%, except forLophius litulon(Lophiiformes; 80.4%). Conversely, the rate in most acanthopterygian fishes exceeded 70.0%. Sequencing of these 46 loci revealed the presence ofSSRs suitable for scoring while fragment analysis of 20 loci revealed polymorphisms in most of the acanthopterygian fishes. Population genetic analysis ofCottus pollux(Scorpaeniformes) andSphaeramia orbicularis(Perciformes) usingCG‐SSRs showed that these populations did not deviate from linkage equilibrium or Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Furthermore, almost no loci showed evidence of null alleles, suggesting thatCG‐SSRs have strong resolving power for population genetic analysis. Our findings will facilitate the use of these markers in species in which markers remain to be identified.
The management of benign salivary disease: a case series
Authors: Jones RHB , Findlay GJ 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThere are many causes for benign salivary gland disease but the most common relate to inflammation and infection. This usually revolves around duct obstruction and a reduction in the normal salivary flow from the gland into the mouth. This leads to retention of saliva, proximal to the obstruction and ascending infection from the mouth, usually because of the decrease in salivary flow. The increase in tension behind the obstruction causes significant pain and swelling, along with the inevitable infection if the obstruction is not relieved. This paper discusses the various treatments available for benign salivary gland disease, the traditional methods of treatment through to the use of endoscopic techniques which are currently available, including a discussion about the use of sialoendoscopy.
Diagnostic value of serum brain natriuretic peptide in syncope in children and adolescents
Authors: Zhang Qingyou , Jin Hongfang , Qi Jianguang , Yan Hui , Du Junbao 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimThis study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in syncope in children and adolescents.MethodsSerum BNP concentration was measured by electrochemiluminescence assay in 62 consecutive children and adolescents hospitalized for syncope.ResultsOf the 62 children and adolescents hospitalized for syncope, 39 had noncardiac syncope, of whom 37 (59.7%) had autonomic‐mediated reflex syncope and two (3.2%) had syncope of unknown cause. Twenty‐three patients (37.1%) had cardiac syncope: 11 of these had cardiac arrhythmias and 12 had structural cardiac/cardiopulmonary disease. Patients with cardiac syncope had significantly higher serum BNP than those with non‐cardiac syncope (958.78 ± 2443.41 pg/mL vs 31.05 ± 22.64 pg/mL, p < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis revealed that urinary incontinence during syncopal episodes, ECG abnormalities and increased serum BNP levels were independent predictors of cardiac syncope. At a cut‐off value of 40.65 pg/mL, serum BNP was associated with significant risk of a cardiac cause of syncope, with sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 70.0% for distinguishing cardiac syncope from noncardiac syncope.ConclusionSerum BNP was helpful in differentiating cardiac syncope from noncardiac syncope in children and adolescents.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin: pathophysiology and clinical applications
Authors: Singer E. , Markó L. , Paragas N. , Barasch J. , Dragun D. , Müller D. N. , Budde K. , Schmidt‐Ott K. M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractNeutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), a 25 kDa protein produced by injured nephron epithelia, is one of the most promising new markers of renal epithelial injury. In contrast to serum creatinine and urinary output, which are the measures of kidney function, NGAL is specifically induced in the damaged nephron and then released into blood and urine, where it can be readily measured. Careful proof‐of‐concept studies using defined animal models have uncovered the sources and trafficking of NGAL in acute kidney injury (AKI) and have addressed the contributions of renal and non‐renal sources. Clinical studies indicate that NGAL, unlike creatinine, is a marker responsive to tissue stress and nephron injury, but less so to adaptive hemodynamic responses. In certain clinical settings, NGAL is an earlier marker compared with serum creatinine. In addition, clinical studies have shown that NGAL is a powerful predictor of poor clinical outcomes, which can be used to risk stratify patients when combined with serum creatinine. NGAL has important limitations, including its responsiveness in systemic inflammation, which is partially uncoupled from its response to kidney injury and which needs to be considered when interpreting NGAL results clinically. This review covers the biology and pathophysiology of NGAL and summarizes the results of the growing body of clinical studies that have addressed the utility of NGAL in the early diagnosis of AKI, in the distinction of intrinsic AKI and in the prognostic assessment of broad patient populations.
How I manage patients with acquired haemophilia A
Authors: Sborov Douglas W. , Rodgers George M. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAcquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a potentially life‐threatening bleeding disorder occurring in patients without a previous personal or family history of bleeding. Development of immune‐mediated autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII is associated with a wide range of clinical disorders including pregnancy, autoimmune disorders, malignancy, or with no apparent disease. There exists great potential for morbidity and mortality related to acute and recurrent bleeding episodes, making prompt diagnosis and treatment necessary. The two primary goals of treatment focus on cessation of bleeding and eradication of the acquired factor VIII inhibitor. No randomized clinical trials have been conducted regarding treatment, so expert clinical opinion guides therapeutic intervention. This current report provides a profile of patient characteristics, an algorithm for diagnosis, and outlines treatment recommendations based upon current guidelines and clinical experience. As first‐line interventions for acute bleeding and inhibitor eradication are generally accepted, we will emphasize discussion of second‐line therapeutic options.
The cannabinoid TRPA1 agonist cannabichromene inhibits nitric oxide production in macrophages and ameliorates murine colitis
Authors: Romano B , Borrelli F , Fasolino I , Capasso R , Piscitelli F , Cascio MG , Pertwee RG , Coppola D , Vassallo L , Orlando P , Di Marzo V , Izzo AA 
Published: February 2013

Background and PurposeThe non‐psychotropic cannabinoid cannabichromene is known to activate the transient receptor potential ankyrin‐type1 (TRPA1) and to inhibit endocannabinoid inactivation, both of which are involved in inflammatory processes. We examined here the effects of this phytocannabinoid on peritoneal macrophages and its efficacy in an experimental model of colitis.Experimental ApproachMurine peritoneal macrophages were activated in vitro by LPS. Nitrite levels were measured using a fluorescent assay; inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors were analysed by RT‐PCR (and/or Western blot analysis); colitis was induced by dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS). Endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol), palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide levels were measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Colonic inflammation was assessed by evaluating the myeloperoxidase activity as well as by histology and immunohistochemistry.Key ResultsLPS caused a significant production of nitrites, associated to up‐regulation of anandamide, iNOS, COX‐2, CB1 receptors and down‐regulation of CB2 receptors mRNA expression. Cannabichromene significantly reduced LPS‐stimulated nitrite levels, and its effect was mimicked by cannabinoid receptor and TRPA1 agonists (carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde) and enhanced by CB1 receptor antagonists. LPS‐induced anandamide, iNOS, COX‐2 and cannabinoid receptor changes were not significantly modified by cannabichromene, which, however, increased oleoylethanolamide levels. In vivo, cannabichromene ameliorated DNBS‐induced colonic inflammation, as revealed by histology, immunohistochemistry and myeloperoxidase activity.Conclusion and ImplicationsCannabichromene exerts anti‐inflammatory actions in activated macrophages – with tonic CB1 cannabinoid signalling being negatively coupled to this effect – and ameliorates experimental murine colitis.
Different β‐adrenoceptor subtypes coupling to cAMP or NO/cGMP pathways: implications in the relaxant response of rat conductance and resistance vessels
Authors: Flacco N , Segura V , Perez‐Aso M , Estrada S , Seller JF , Jiménez‐Altayó F , Noguera MA , D'Ocon P , Vila E , Ivorra MD 
Published: February 2013

Background and PurposeTo analyse the relative contribution of β1‐, β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors (Adrb) to vasodilatation in conductance and resistance vessels, assessing the role of cAMP and/or NO/cGMP signalling pathways.Experimental ApproachRat mesenteric resistance artery (MRA) and aorta were used to analyse the Adrb expression by real‐time‐PCR and immunohistochemistry, and for the pharmacological characterization of Adrb‐mediated activity by wire myography and tissue nucleotide accumulation.Key ResultsThe mRNAs and protein for all Adrb were identified in endothelium and/or smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in both vessels. In MRA, Adrb1 signalled through cAMP, Adrb3 through both cAMP and cGMP, but Adrb2, did not activate nucleotide formation; isoprenaline relaxation was inhibited by propranolol (β1, β2), CGP20712A (β1), and SQ22536 (adenylyl cyclase inhibitor), but not by ICI118,551 (β2), SR59230A (β3), ODQ (soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), L‐NAME or endothelium removal. In aorta, Adrb1 signalled through cAMP, while β2‐ and β3‐subtypes through cGMP; isoprenaline relaxation was inhibited by propranolol, ICI118,551, ODQ, L‐NAME, and to a lesser extent, by endothelium removal. CL316243 (β3‐agonist) relaxed aorta, but not MRA.Conclusion and ImplicationDespite all three Adrb subtypes being found in both vessels, Adrb1, located in SMCs and acting through the adenylyl cyclase/cAMP pathway, are primarily responsible for vasodilatation in MRA. However, Adrb‐mediated vasodilatation in aorta is driven by endothelial Adrb2 and Adrb3, but also by the Adrb2 present in SMCs, and is coupled to the NO/cGMP pathway. These results could help to understand the different physiological roles played by Adrb signalling in regulating conductance and resistance vessels.
Inhibitory cross‐talk between the AMPK and ERK pathways mediates endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle
Authors: Hwang Seung‐Lark , Jeong Yong‐Tae , Li Xian , Kim Yong Deuk , Lu Yue , Chang Young‐Chae , Lee In‐Kyu , Chang Hyeun Wook 
Published: February 2013

Background and PurposeEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in the pathogeneses of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) antagonist is an insulin sensitizer that can restore muscle insulin responsiveness in both tunicamycin‐treated muscle cells and type 2 diabetic mice. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the chemical or genetic inhibition ER stress pathway targeting by ERK results in metabolic benefits in muscle cells.Experimental ApproachER stress was induced in L6 myotubes using tunicamycin (5 μg·mL−1) or thapsigargin (300 nM) and cells were transfected with siRNA ERK or AMPKα2. Changes in ER stress and in the ERK and AMPK signalling pathways were explored by Western blotting. The phosphorylation levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 were analysed by immunoprecipitation and using glucose uptake assay.Key ResultsER stress dampened insulin‐stimulated signals and glucose uptake, whereas treatment with the specific ERK inhibitor U0126 (25 μM) rescued impaired insulin signalling via AMPK activation. In db/db mice, U0126 administration decreased markers of insulin resistance and increased the phosphorylations of Akt and AMPK in muscle tissues.Conclusions and ImplicationsInhibition of ERK signalling pathways by a chemical inhibitor and knockdown of ERK improved AMPK and Akt signallings and reversed ER stress‐induced insulin resistance in L6 myotubes. These findings suggest that ERK signalling plays an important role in the regulation of insulin signals in muscle cells under ER stress.
Regulation of carboxylesterase‐2 expression by p53 family proteins and enhanced anti‐cancer activities among 5‐fluorouracil, irinotecan and doxazolidine prodrug
Authors: Xiao Da , Yang Dongfang , Guo Liangran , Lu Wei , Charpentier Margaret , Yan Bingfang 
Published: February 2013

Background and PurposeFor four decades, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) has been a major anti‐cancer medicine. This drug is increasingly used with other anti‐cancer agents such as irinotecan. Irinotecan and many others such as PPD (pentyl carbamate of p‐aminobenzyl carbamate of doxazolidine) require activation by carboxylesterase‐2 (CES2). 5‐FU, on the other hand, reportedly induces CES2 in colorectal tumour lines. The aims of this study were to determine the molecular basis for the induction and to ascertain interactive cell‐killing activity between 5‐FU and ester prodrugs.Experimental ApproachColorectal and non‐colorectal lines and xenografts were treated with 5‐FU and the expression of CES2 was determined. Cell‐killing activity of irinotecan and PPD were determined in the presence or absence of CES2 inhibitor. Several molecular experiments were used to determine the molecular basis for the induction.Key ResultsWithout exceptions, robust induction was detected in cell lines expressing functional p53. High‐level induction was also detected in xenografts. 5‐FU pretreatment significantly increased cell‐killing activity of irinotecan and PPD. Molecular experiments established that the induction was achieved by both transactivation and increased mRNA stability through p53. Either p63 or p73, functionally related to p53, did not support the transactivation.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results in this study suggest that FOLFIRI, a common regimen combining irinotecan and 5‐FU, should switch the dosing sequence, namely from 5‐FU to irinotecan, to enhance hydrolytic activation of irinotecan. This modified order likely reduces the dose of anti‐cancer agents, thus minimizing overall toxicity. The results also conclude that p53 family members act differently in regulating gene expression.