bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cocaine self-administration differentially modulates the expression of endogenous cannabinoid system-related proteins in the hippocampus of Lewis vs. Fischer 344 rats
Authors: Rivera Patricia , Miguéns Miguel , Coria Santiago M. , Rubio Leticia , Higuera-Matas Alejandro , Bermúdez-Silva Francisco J. , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Suárez Juan , Ambrosio Emilio 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) are modulators of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), two transmitters involved in cocaine addiction. However, little is known on the effects of cocaine on the enzymes that produce and degrade endocannabinoids. The present work addresses the effects of cocaine self-administration on the immunohistochemical expression of endocannabinoid signalling (ECS)-related proteins in the hippocampus. The study has been performed on two different strains of rats, Lewis (Lew) and Fischer 344 (F344), which are characterized for displaying a differential sensitivity to cocaine, thus making them suitable in the study of vulnerability to drug addiction. Both strains showed differences in the expression of ECS-related proteins in the hippocampus, i.e. Lew rats exhibited lower CB1 expression but higher CB2 expression than F344 rats. After setting similar cocaine self-administration, both strains showed clear differences in the expression of ECS-related proteins, which were differentially restricted to either the 2-AG or anandamide signalling pathways in a self-administration training/drug-dependent manner. The decreases observed in CB1 expression and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D:fatty acid amino hydrolase ratio after saline self-administration were enhanced only in cocaine self-administered Lew rats. CB2 expression increase and diacylglycerol lipase α:monoacylglycerol lipase ratio decrease detected after saline self-administration were blocked only in cocaine self-administered F344 rats. These findings indicate that cocaine may regulate hippocampal GABA/glutamate synapses by directly modulating endocannabinoid production/degradation enzymes and that these actions are strain-dependent. This differential response suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system might contribute to genotype/strain differences on the sensitivity to self-administration training and cocaine addiction.
Relationships between pharmacotherapy-induced metabolic changes and improved psychopathology in schizophrenia: data from a mirtazapine and first-generation antipsychotics combination trial
Authors: Terevnikov Viacheslav , Stenberg Jan-Henry , Tiihonen Jari , Chukhin Evgeni , Joffe Marina , Burkin Mark , Joffe Grigori 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Clinical efficacy and metabolic side-effects of antipsychotics seem to correlate with each other. In this study, interrelationship of similar metabolic effects of mirtazapine and its earlier reported desirable effects on psychopathology in first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs)-treated schizophrenia were explored. Symptomatic FGAs-treated patients with schizophrenia received a 6-wk double-blind treatment with add-on mirtazapine (n = 20) or placebo (n = 16), followed by a 6-wk open-label mirtazapine treatment. Mirtazapine (but not placebo) induced an increase in body weight and cholesterol levels. The latter was associated with a clinical improvement in all (sub)scales of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS; an increase of cholesterol by 1 mmol/l predicted 7 points reduction on the PANSS total score (r = 0.85, p = 0.001)]. In schizophrenia, mirtazapine-induced weight gain and increase of total cholesterol are associated with the improved efficacy of mirtazapine-FGAs combination – a novel observation with possible clinical and theoretical implications.
Fine root dynamics along an elevational gradient in tropical Amazonian and Andean forests
Authors: Girardin C. A. J. , Aragão L. E. O. C. , Malhi Y. , Huaraca Huasco W. , Metcalfe D. B. , Durand L. , Mamani M. , Silva‐Espejo J. E. , Whittaker R. J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe key role of tropical forest belowground carbon stocks and fluxes is well recognised as one of the main components of the terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle. This study presents the first detailed investigation of spatial and temporal patterns of fine root stocks and fluxes in tropical forests along an elevational gradient, ranging from the Peruvian Andes (3020 m) to lowland Amazonia (194 m), with mean annual temperatures of 11.8°C to 26.4 °C and annual rainfall values of 1900 to 1560 mm yr‐1, respectively. Specifically, we analyse abiotic parameters controlling fine root dynamics, fine root growth characteristics, and seasonality of net primary productivity along the elevation gradient. Root and soil carbon stocks were measured by means of soil cores, and fine root productivity was recorded using rhizotron chambers and ingrowth cores. We find that mean annual fine root below ground net primary productivity in the montane forests (0–30 cm depth) ranged between 4.27±0.56 Mg C ha‐1 yr‐1 (1855 m) and 1.72±0.87 Mg C ha‐1 yr‐1 (3020 m). These values include a correction for finest roots (<0.6 mm diameter), which we suspect are under sampled, resulting in an underestimation of fine roots by up to 31% in current ingrowth core counting methods. We investigate the spatial and seasonal variation of fine root dynamics using soil depth profiles and an analysis of seasonal amplitude along the elevation gradient. We report a stronger seasonality of NPPFineRoot within the cloud immersion zone, most likely synchronised to seasonality of solar radiation. Finally, we provide the first insights into root growth characteristics along a tropical elevation transect: fine root area and fine root length increase significantly in the montane cloud forest. These insights into belowground carbon dynamics of tropical lowland and montane forests have significant implications for our understanding of the global tropical forest carbon cycle.
Metabolic activity of subterranean microbial communities in deep granitic groundwater supplemented with methane and H2
Authors: Pedersen Karsten 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
It was previously concluded that opposing gradients of sulphate and methane, observations of 16S ribosomal DNA sequences displaying great similarity to those of anaerobic methane-oxidizing Archaea and a peak in sulphide concentration in groundwater from a depth of 250–350 m in Olkiluoto, Finland, indicated proper conditions for methane oxidation with sulphate. In the present research, pressure-resistant, gas-tight circulating systems were constructed to enable the investigation of attached and unattached anaerobic microbial populations from a depth of 327 m in Olkiluoto under in situ pressure (2.4 MPa), diversity, dissolved gas and chemistry conditions. Three parallel flow cell cabinets were configured to allow observation of the influence on microbial metabolic activity of 11 mm methane, 11 mm methane plus 10 mm H2 or 2.1 mm O2 plus 7.9 mm N2 (that is, air). The concentrations of these gases and of organic acids and carbon, sulphur chemistry, pH and Eh, ATP, numbers of cultivable micro-organisms, and total numbers of cells and bacteriophages were subsequently recorded under batch conditions for 105 days. The system containing H2 and methane displayed microbial reduction of 0.7 mm sulphate to sulphide, whereas the system containing only methane resulted in 0.2 mm reduced sulphate. The system containing added air became inhibited and displayed no signs of microbial activity. Added H2 and methane induced increasing numbers of lysogenic bacteriophages per cell. It appears likely that a microbial anaerobic methane-oxidizing process coupled to acetate formation and sulphate reduction may be ongoing in aquifers at a depth of 250–350 m in Olkiluoto.
Can Reduced Provision of Manufactured Feed Improve Fish Production Efficiency in Ponds?
Authors: Filbrun Jesse E , Culver David A 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Fish culturists strive to efficiently transfer energy from manufactured feed to the fish crop while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment and water quality. In this study, we sought to improve production of age-1 Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus by testing the effects of full (3% of body weight [BW]/d) and reduced (1% BW/d) feeding rates on fish diets, growth, and survival; lower-trophic-level dynamics; and water quality in earthen ponds. Fish survival was similar between feeding treatments, although length, weight, and yield at harvest were lower for 1% BW/d ponds. Using stable N and C isotopes, we found that the percent contribution of natural prey to Channel Catfish tissue growth was higher for 1% BW/d ponds (median = 74%) than for 3% BW/d ponds (55%). In both feeding treatments, small fish (those with initial BWs &lt; 15 g) had variable diets that included both natural prey and feed, whereas all of the larger fish (&gt;15 g) depended mainly on feed for growth. Reducing the feeding rate decreased neither plankton abundances nor nutrient concentrations in ponds, but it did increase dissolved oxygen levels. We recommend that managers carefully consider the ecological role of feed in ponds and the usage of feed by fish to implement context-dependent sustainable feeding methods. For example, implementing the reduced feeding rate of 1% BW/d may increase the efficiency of producing Channel Catfish at sufficient sizes for stocking into natural waters without reducing survival in the hatchery.
Michelangelo’sSlavesand the Gift of Liberty*
Authors: Ruvoldt Maria 
Published: December 2012

AbstractSometime between 1544 and 1550, Michelangelo gave two sculptures, theRebellious Slaveand theDying Slave, to Roberto Strozzi, a fellow Florentine resident in Rome. Although the gift ostensibly signified gratitude for Strozzi’s hospitality during the artist’s convalescence from a grave illness, it had strong political undertones. Shortly after receiving this extraordinary present, Strozzi, most likely with Michelangelo’s consent, gave the sculptures away, presenting them to the King of France as part of an effort to persuade him to intervene on behalf of the Florentine Republic in its final struggle against Medici rule. Michelangelo’s loyalties, both personal and political, were simultaneously revealed and concealed in this act of calculated generosity. This article situates the gift within the context of Michelangelo’s habits of gift-giving, his networks of kinship, and the complicated politics of the 1530s and ’40s.
Fast-ion energy loss during TAE avalanches in the National Spherical Torus Experiment
Authors: Fredrickson E.D. , Crocker N.A. , Darrow D.S. , Gorelenkov N.N. , Kramer G.J. , Kubota S. , Podesta M. , White R.B. , Bortolon A. , Gerhardt S.P. , Bell R.E. , Diallo A. , LeBlanc B. , Levinton F.M. , Yuh H. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Strong toroidal Alfvén eigenmode (TAE) avalanches on NSTX, the National Spherical Torus Experiment (Ono et al 2000 Nucl. Fusion

40 557) are typically correlated with drops in the neutron rate in the range 5–15%. In previous studies of avalanches in L-mode plasmas, these neutron drops were found to be consistent with modelled losses of fast ions. Here we expand the study to TAE avalanches in NSTX H-mode plasmas with improved analysis techniques. At the measured TAE mode amplitudes, simulations with the ORBIT code predict that fast ion losses are negligible. However, the simulations predict that the TAE scatter the fast ions in energy, resulting in a small (≈5–6%) drop in fast ion β. The net decrease in energy of the fast ions is sufficient to account for about 50% of the drop in neutron rate, redistribution for ≈40%, and fast ion losses account for only ≈10%. This loss of energy from the fast ion population is comparable to the estimated energy lost by damping from the Alfvén wave during the burst. The previously studied TAE avalanches in L-mode are re-evaluated using an improved calculation of the potential fluctuations in the ORBIT code near the separatrix.
Predation drives interpopulation differences in parental care expression
Authors: Huang Wen‐San , Lin Si‐Min , Dubey Sylvain , Pike David A. 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Expressing parental care after oviposition or parturition is usually an obligate (evolved) trait within a species, despite evolutionary theory predicting that widespread species should vary in whether or not they express parental care according to local selection pressures. The lizard Eutropis longicaudata expresses maternal care only in a single population throughout its large geographical range, but why this pattern occurs is unknown.

We used reciprocal translocation and predator exclusion experiments to test whether this intraspecific variation is a fixed trait within populations and whether predator abundance explains this perplexing pattern.

Wild‐caught female lizards that were reciprocally translocated consistently guarded or abandoned eggs in line with their population of origin. By contrast, most lizards raised in a common garden environment and subsequently released as adults adopted the maternal care strategy of the recipient population, even when the parents originated from a population lacking maternal care.

Egg predation represents a significant fitness cost in the populations where females display egg‐guarding behaviour, but guarding eggs outweighs this potential cost by increasing hatching success.

These results imply that predators can be a driving force in the expression of parental care in instances where it is normally absent and that local selection pressure is sufficient to cause behavioural divergence in whether or not parental care is expressed.
Low effect‐site concentration of propofol target‐controlled infusion reduces the risk of hypotension during endoscopy in a Taiwanese population
Authors: Hsu Wen‐Hung , Wang Sophie SW , Shih Hsiang‐Yao , Wu Meng‐Chieh , Chen Yi‐Yu , Kuo Fu‐Chen , Yang Hui‐Ying , Chiu Shun‐Li , Chu Koung‐Shing , Cheng Kuang‐I , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Lu I‐Cheng 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTarget‐controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol is an effective way of delivering propofol during endoscopy. However, the ideal effect‐site concentration (Ce) of propofol has not yet been defined in an Asian population. This study aimed to determine the ideal Ce of propofol in painless gastrointestinal endoscopy in a Taiwanese population.MethodsA total of 121 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic endoscopy were recruited for this study. The endoscopic procedure was carried out within 1 h. TCI of propofol was utilized during the procedure. All patients received the same regimen to induce conscious sedation, including a bolus of midazolam (0.04 mg/kg) and fentanyl (0.5 μg/kg). The Ce of propofol was calculated using the Schneider model. Patients were randomly assigned to either the low Ce group (1.5–2.5 μg/mL) or high Ce group (3.0–4.0 μg/mL). Their cardiovascular and respiratory events were monitored during the procedure and the patients' post‐procedure satisfaction was evaluated.ResultsThe mean requirement for propofol was 232.02 mg in the low Ce group and 329.56 mg in the high Ce group, respectively (P < 0.0001). No unexpected event was observed in either group. However, more episodes of hypotension were observed in the high Ce group (P = 0.026). The post‐procedure satisfaction rate between the two groups was comparable.ConclusionA low Ce of propofol TCI (1.5–2.5 μg/mL) achieved adequate anesthesia, reduced the risk of hypotension, and attained a high satisfaction rate in a Taiwanese population undergoing diagnostic painless endoscopy.
Analysis of photo‐id data allowing for missed matches and individuals identified from opposite sides
Authors: Hiby Lex , Paterson William D. , Redman Paula , Watkins John , Twiss Sean D. , Pomeroy Patrick 
Published: December 2012

Summary

In many species, photo‐identification could be used as an alternative to artificial marking to provide data on demographic parameters. However, unless the population is very small or fragmented, software may be required to pre‐screen and reject most image pairs as potential matches.

Depending on the species and method used to obtain images, currently available software may falsely reject some matches. We estimate the false rejection rate (FRR) of the ExtractCompare (EC) program when used to pre‐screen images of female grey seals. Filtering images manually to reduce the FRR involves subjective assessment of image quality, reduces the amount of data available and may bias the results in favour of relatively well‐marked individuals.

The data may contain individuals identified only from the left side or the right side, as well as individuals identified from both sides.

Missed matches resulting from false rejections by pre‐screening software and/or inclusion of individuals identified only from opposite sides cause some individuals to generate multiple encounter histories.

We describe an open population model for data of this type which, given a measured risk of missing a match between a randomly selected pair of images of the same individual, provides maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of initial population size, survival/emigration and immigration/recruitment by calculating the expected frequency of any encounter history that could be generated.

As a case study for the method, we used EC to pre‐screen photographs of female grey seals on a breeding colony and generate encounter histories over five successive seasons. Allowing for the measured FRR, we calculated ML estimates for comparison with estimates from previous studies.

We also used the model with encounter histories simulated using the same FRR to give the same mixture of left side, right side and both sides histories and derived ML estimates for comparison with the values used to drive the simulation.

With FRR set at up to 33%, the method gave estimates of the abundance and survival parameters used in the simulation model that were biased by at most 4·7% up and 3% down, respectively. The results of the grey seal case study were consistent with previous estimates of apparent survival and trends in abundance.
Creating Educational Leaders: Experiences with Two Education Fellowships in Emergency Medicine
Authors: Yarris Lalena M. , Coates Wendy C. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAcademic physicians aiming to build careers on the scholarship of teaching require specific career development opportunities designed to provide the skills necessary for successful advancement and promotion as clinician‐educators and scholars. Completing this training prior to embarking on an academic career may facilitate a smooth transition to a faculty position and establish mentoring networks and research collaboratives. This article describes two pilot medical education fellowships that have been successfully implemented in separate and unique departments of emergency medicine (EM). By comparing and contrasting the curricula and incorporating the experiences of graduating 10 EM education fellows over the past decade, the authors propose a fellowship structure that may be adapted to meet the needs of medical educators in a broad variety of fields and disciplines.
Outcomes of revision laparoscopic gastric banding: a retrospective study
Authors: Ee Eric , Nottle Peter D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundObesity is a health problem approaching pandemic proportions. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is the bariatric procedure of choice in Australia for effective surgical treatment of severe obesity. Complications of LAGB lead to a high proportion of patients requiring revision surgery. However, literature regarding outcomes and failure rates of revision bariatric surgery is scarce, such that the choice of procedure at reoperation remains controversial. This paper aims to present outcomes of revision laparoscopic gastric banding.MethodsOne hundred eighty‐three consecutive revision LAGB procedures were performed in 163 patients between March 1998 and July 2009. Patients were followed up for a median period of 36 months. Weight change in terms of body mass index (BMI) and percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), morbidity and patient tolerance were examined.ResultsThe average reduction in BMI from the primary LAGB procedure was 8.45 kg/m2, equivalent to a %EWL of 50.55. BMI of patients who underwent revision LAGB appears to remain stable, with mean change of +0.25 kg/m2 (%EWL 45.76, P = 0.5) at 3 years and −1.59 (%EWL 51.52, P = 0.12) at 5 years. The overall complication rate of revision LAGB was 13.7%, most commonly recurrent gastric pouch dilatation.ConclusionsRevision LAGB is reasonably well tolerated by most patients. Preliminary outcome data indicate that revision gastric banding does not result in further weight loss in patients who have lost weight from primary banding, but does maintain the weight loss achieved.
Follow‐up of the tension‐free vaginal tape operation in everyday practice
Authors: Glavind Karin , Bjørk Jonna 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA retrospective study was performed on clinical follow‐up after tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) operations for urinary stress incontinence in our department. Uncomplicated cases of TVT were followed with a telephone interview performed by a specialized nurse three months postoperatively and complex cases with a clinical examination after three months. During one year, 85/117 (73%) were followed by telephone interview and 32/117 (27%) clinically. Of those with a scheduled telephone interview, 73 (86%) were satisfied and without complications, while 12 had a clinical consultation either before or after the interview. Two patients with a scheduled telephone interview developed voiding dysfunction and contacted the operating department. Selecting uncomplicated cases for telephone interview after TVT operation is feasible for the majority of cases.
Comparison of gastroduodenal ulcer incidence in healthy Japanese subjects taking celecoxib or loxoprofen evaluated by endoscopy: a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind 2‐week study
Authors: Sakamoto C. , Kawai T. , Nakamura S. , Sugioka T. , Tabira J. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackgroundAlthough nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed globally, their chronic use increases the risk of upper gastrointestinal (GI) damage. Cyclooxygenase‐2–selective NSAIDs are considered to reduce this risk. Current guidelines in Japan recommend loxoprofen sodium (loxoprofen), a pro‐drug in the propionic acid class of nonselective NSAIDs, as first‐line therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.AimTo confirm the superiority of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase‐2‐selective NSAID, to loxoprofen in the incidence of gastroduodenal (GD) endoscopic ulcers.MethodsA randomised, multicentre, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, phase IV clinical trial in healthy Japanese volunteers [mean age 57.5 (range: 40–74) years; >70% female], stratified by Helicobacter pylori status at screening (∼40% positive) and randomised 2:2:1 to receive celecoxib 100 mg b.d., loxoprofen 60 mg t.d.s. or placebo. Primary end point was incidence of any GD endoscopic ulcers after 2 weeks of treatment.ResultsOf 190 randomised subjects, 189 received at least one dose of celecoxib (n = 76), loxoprofen (n = 76), or placebo (n = 37). Incidence of GD ulcers was 1.4%, 27.6% and 2.7% in the celecoxib, loxoprofen and placebo groups respectively (P < 0.0001 in favour of the celecoxib group); incidence of adverse events (AEs) was 34.2%, 51.3% and 21.6% in the celecoxib, loxoprofen and placebo groups respectively. No serious or severe AEs were reported.ConclusionsCelecoxib 100 mg b.d. was superior to loxoprofen 60 mg t.d.s. regarding the incidence of gastro‐duodenal endoscopic ulcers over 2 weeks. Celecoxib was well tolerated and no major safety concerns were observed. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00994461.