bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammation alters the expression of DMT1, FPN1 and hepcidin, and it causes iron accumulation in central nervous system cells
Authors: Urrutia Pamela , Aguirre Pabla , Esparza Andrés , Tapia Victoria , Mena Natalia P. , Arredondo Miguel , González‐Billault Christian , Núñez Marco T. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractInflammation and iron accumulation are present in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases that include Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The study of the putative association between inflammation and iron accumulation in central nervous system cells is relevant to understand the contribution of these processes to the progression of neuronal death. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and of lipopolysaccharide on total cell iron content and on the expression and abundance of the iron transporters divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and Ferroportin 1 (FPN1) in neurons, astrocytes and microglia obtained from rat brain. Considering previous reports indicating that inflammatory stimuli induce the systemic synthesis of the master iron regulator hepcidin, we identified brain cells that produce hepcidin in response to inflammatory stimuli, as well as hepcidin‐target cells. We found that inflammatory stimuli increased the expression of DMT1 in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Inflammatory stimuli also induced the expression of hepcidin in astrocytes and microglia, but not in neurons. Incubation with hepcidin decreased the expression of FPN1 in the three cell types. The net result of these changes was increased iron accumulation in neurons and microglia but not in astrocytes. The data presented here establish for the first time a causal association between inflammation and iron accumulation in brain cells, probably promoted by changes in DMT1 and FPN1 expression and mediated in part by hepcidin. This connection may potentially contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing iron‐induced oxidative damage.
The Real Effects of Financial Shocks: Evidence from Exogenous Changes in Analyst Coverage
Authors: DERRIEN FRANÇOIS , KECSKÉS AMBRUS 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe study the causal effects of analyst coverage on corporate investment and financing policies. We hypothesize that a decrease in analyst coverage increases information asymmetry and thus increases the cost of capital; as a result, firms decrease their investment and financing. We use broker closures and broker mergers to identify changes in analyst coverage that are exogenous to corporate policies. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, we find that firms that lose an analyst decrease their investment and financing by 1.9% and 2.0% of total assets, respectively, compared to similar firms that do not lose an analyst.
Cheap Credit, Lending Operations, and International Politics: The Case of Global Microfinance
Authors: GARMAISE MARK J. , NATIVIDAD GABRIEL 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe provision of subsidized credit to financial institutions is an important and frequently used policy tool of governments and central banks. To assess its effectiveness, we exploit changes in international bilateral political relationships that generate shocks to the cost of financing for microfinance institutions (MFIs). MFIs that experience politically driven reductions in total borrowing costs hire more staff and increase administrative expenses. Cheap credit leads to greater profitability for MFIs and promotes a shift toward noncommercial loans but has no effect on total overall lending. Instead, the additional resources are either directed to promoting future growth or dissipated.
Evaluating Canadian children: WHO, NHANES or what?
Authors: Yasin Abeer , Filler Guido 
Published: March 2013

AimThe 2006 World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts have been widely adopted by Canadian dieticians for growth monitoring of Canadian children rather than the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) reference data. It has been unclear as to which is the most appropriate.MethodsWe calculated height and weight z‐scores of 3086 consecutive patients (1530 female, 49.6%) aged 0–5 years, attending outpatient clinics at a single tertiary care centre using reference data of the latest NHANES survey and the 2006 WHO growth charts. To address age dependency, data were stratified into age groups. Gender dependency was also investigated.ResultsUsing NHANES III reference intervals, medians of both height z‐score (+0.24) and weight z‐score (+0.32) were significantly non‐zero. The WHO growth charts yielded medians of height z‐score (−0.15) and weight z‐score (+0.36) respectively, also significantly non‐zero. When comparing both reference populations for the entire cohort, Canadian children had significantly different height z‐scores whereas weight z‐scores did not differ. Age classification revealed a significant age dependency with NHANES III charts yielding higher weight z‐scores for up to 8 months and lower z‐scores from 8 to 26 months. No significant differences were observed for older than 26 months. Throughout, height z‐scores were significantly higher with NHANES III charts across all age groups, with a degree of overestimation higher in younger boys than older ones.ConclusionOur results reveal substantial differences between both reference populations and thus interpretation needs to be done with caution, especially when labelling results as abnormal.
Transcriptional suppression of tryptamine 5‐hydroxylase, a terminal serotonin biosynthetic gene, induces melatonin biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Park Sangkyu , Byeon Yeong , Back Kyoungwhan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRice tryptamine 5‐hydroxylase (T5H) is the second enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis, catalyzing tryptamine into serotonin. Transgenic rice plants, in which the expression of endogenous T5H was either overexpressed or repressed, were examined for alteration in melatonin biosynthesis. Unexpectedly, the overexpression genotypes showed reduced levels of melatonin, while the repression genotypes had elevated levels with an average increase of fourfold. With regard to melatonin intermediates, tryptamine and serotonin levels decreased, but tryptophan and N‐acetylserotonin were unaltered in the overexpression genotypes compared with the wild type. In contrast, the repression genotypes had sevenfold higher tryptamine levels than the wild type. In addition, tryptophan and 5‐hydroxytryptophan were present at higher levels in the repression genotypes than in both the wild‐type and the overexpression genotypes. The enhanced melatonin synthesis in the repression genotypes was closely associated with a transcriptional increase in TDC1. When these rice plants were challenged by oxidative stressors such as herbicides, much higher melatonin synthesis was also observed in the repression genotypes than in either the wild‐type or overexpression genotypes. These results suggest that the tryptamine increase through the suppression of T5H plays an important signaling role in triggering melatonin biosynthesis in rice, although the exact role of tryptamine remains to be uncovered.
Evaluation of a fast, objective tool for assessing body condition of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Authors: Burton E. J. , Newnham R. , Bailey S. J. , Alexander L. G. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThere is currently no suitable system available for the assessment of budgerigar body condition. A tool has been developed that uses an algorithmic decision tree of yes‐no answers based on physical examination to objectively guide the assessor to a body condition score. The aim of this work was to evaluate the guide. Repeatability and reproducibility were measured by four assessors on three sequential days, using 38 budgerigars of mixed sex, age and weight. Data were analysed using a 3‐factor anova, with Person and Bird as variable factors and occasion as a fixed factor. The association between body condition score and body fat was measured using three assessors and 63 dead budgerigars, which were chemically analysed for fat content after assessment. Data were statistically analysed to determine correlation using Spearman's Rank Coefficient. Occasion and person had no significant effect on body condition score (p = 0.988 and 0.347 respectively). Body condition score and percentage body fat were highly significantly correlated (R2 = 0.768): percentage fat increased with increasing body condition score. The guide would appear to be a repeatable measure of body condition in budgerigars, suitable for use during physical examinations.
Effect of dietary canola oil on long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid content in broiler hearts
Authors: Gregory M. K. , Geier M. S. , Gibson R. A. , James M. J. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryYoung and healthy broilers are susceptible to sudden death syndrome (SDS), which is caused by cardiac arrhythmia. The long‐chain ‘fish‐type’ omega‐3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have cardioprotective anti‐arrhythmic effects in animals and humans. Raising the cardiac level of EPA and DHA in chickens may protect against SDS. However, fish oil as a source of EPA and DHA in poultry feed is costly and introduces undesirable properties to the meat. Whilst omega‐3 vegetable oils, such as canola oil, are cheaper and do not have a strong odour, they contain the short‐chain fatty acid α‐linolenic acid, which requires conversion to EPA and DHA after ingestion. We investigated the capacity for dietary canola oil to elevate cardiac EPA and DHA in broilers. Broilers were fed with diets containing either 3% canola oil or tallow, which is currently used in some commercial feeds. Upon completion of a 42 day feeding trial, canola oil significantly increased EPA and EPA + DHA in heart phospholipids relative to tallow. The elevation in cardiac EPA and EPA + DHA may provide anti‐arrhythmic effects and protect against SDS in poultry. This proof‐of‐concept biochemical study suggests that a larger study to assess the clinical outcome of SDS may be warranted.
Rural and Remote Area Service Provision for People Aging With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Wark Stuart , Hussain Rafat , Edwards Helen 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn recent years, a combination of factors has seen life expectancies for people with intellectual disabilities increase dramatically. The majority of research so far has focused upon metropolitan areas, but little information is available regarding the impact of this relatively new phenomenon within rural localities. The authors examine the issues surrounding aging with an intellectual disability within rural areas and identify possible areas of change to policy and practice that may better support the individual living in nonmetropolitan locations. A three‐round Delphi research model was utilized over a period of 12 months to examine the views of disability support workers from rural organizations regarding issues associated with aging. This study detailed a large number of items rated as important by direct care staff. A thematic analysis identified specific areas of concern including funding, training challenges and options, and access to relevant generic and specialist services. The findings of this study have implications for the delivery of rural services and training of staff. The results point to the need for changes to initial training and professional development options to support staff to work successfully with people with intellectual disabilities who are aging in rural areas.
Predation by grey wolf on wild ungulates and livestock in centralIran
Authors: Hosseini‐Zavarei F. , Farhadinia M. S. , Beheshti‐Zavareh M. , Abdoli A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe grey wolfCanis lupushas the largest geographical range of large mammalian carnivores in westAsia. However, it is one of the least studied species, particularly inIran. Feeding ecology is a critical aspect of predator ecology and has important implications when formulating species and ecosystem management strategies. Also, predation on livestock is a crucial cause of wolf–human conflicts throughout the wolf's global range. Accordingly, we investigated the diet of the grey wolf inGhamishlou, an area with high population densities of wild and domestic ungulates in centralIran, betweenJuly 2007 andApril 2009. Scat analysis indicated that livestock was the single most important prey species for wolves with 47.1% of total biomass consumed, whereas Persian gazelle comprised 27.0% and wild sheep 15.9%. Wild kills were significantly skewed towards males relative to their proportion in the population, and were mainly preyed on during post‐rutting months. Based on interview surveys, less than 1% of mean herd size was lost to wolf depredation; however, almost six times more died from non‐depredation causes during each winter. We concluded that the high occurrence of livestock in the wolves' diet is mainly because of scavenging rather than depredation; however, owing to high pressure of wolves on local herds during non‐winter seasons in other areas with depleted prey populations, local people dislike wolves and try to eradicate them. Finally, management implications are discussed and solutions are recommended.
Optimization of transit strategies while diving in foraging king penguins
Authors: Hanuise N. , Bost C.‐A. , Handrich Y. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractOptimal foraging theories predict that air‐breathing, diving foragers should maximize time spent at feeding depths, and minimize time spent travelling between surface and depth (transits). The second part of this hypothesis was tested in free‐ranging king penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus using measurements of vertical speed, swimming speed, body angle and flipper stroke frequency during transits in relation to an index of foraging success (number of wiggles), during the bottom and the ascent phases of the dive. We found that, except for flipper stroke frequency, all measured variables increased with diving depth and foraging activity. The change in vertical speed was driven mainly by a change in body angle and a slight change in swimming speed. These results suggest a shortening of transit duration in response to increased foraging activity. Whereas the time spent commuting between the surface and foraging depths was reduced when foraging activity was high, vertical speed was only at its maximum over a small part of both ascent and descent phases of the dive. Within the first 10 m of descent, vertical speed increased with maximum dive depth and an index of foraging activity, suggesting that penguins anticipated their diving depth and foraging activity. Our results show that foraging king penguins adjust their diving behaviour in response to both diving depth and foraging activity. Further studies should consider ecological, physiological or mechanical constraints as factors that may limit foraging optimization.
Context‐dependent social behaviour: testing the interplay between season and kinship with raccoons
Authors: Robert K. , Garant D. , Vander Wal E. , Pelletier F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAnimals are organized in a wide range of social structures. Variability in sociality is found both within and among species and is influenced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Here we examine the interplay between social behaviour, social thermoregulation and kinship in shaping sociality. We do so for raccoonProcyon lotor, a species suggested to exhibit flexible sociality – from solitary to highly gregarious. We hypothesize that this variation in sociality is driven by environmental conditions, relatedness and their interaction. We used proximity‐logging telemetry collars to quantify intraspecific encounters and infer social behaviour among female raccoons. We tested the effect of extrinsic (season and temperature) and intrinsic (pairwise relatedness) variables on proximity. We monitored 15 female raccoons fromApril 2010 toAugust 2011, which composed 120 dyads. Daily proximal encounter rate was eight times higher in winter (mean ± standard error: 24.1 ± 4.2) than in summer (3.0 ± 2.6) and daily encounter duration was 12 times longer in winter (558.8 ± 130.3 s) than in summer (43.4 ± 33.1 s). We also found a negative relationship between ambient temperature and proximal encounter rate, which suggested that female raccoons use social thermoregulation as a mechanism to reduce energetic costs in cold environments. Finally, we found that relatedness was positively correlated with encounter rate during summer and winter. Our results suggest that ecological factors, such as seasonality, may affect the evolution of sociality in temperate species, and that the evolution of social thermoregulation in raccoons is likely driven by kin selection.
Predictors of Advanced Lead Extraction Based on a Systematic Stepwise Approach: Results from a High Volume Center
Authors: MAZZONE PATRIZIO , TSIACHRIS DIMITRIS , MARZI ALESSANDRA , CICONTE GIUSEPPE , PAGLINO GABRIELE , SORA NICOLETA , SALA SIMONE , VERGARA PASQUALE , GULLETTA SIMONE , BELLA PAOLO DELLA 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundLead extraction (LE) techniques have evolved from simple traction to extraction with dilators and powered sheaths with very high success rates. On the basis of the systematic implementation of a stepwise approach, we aimed to identify those characteristics that can predict the need for advanced LE techniques.MethodsBetween April 2005 and March 2012, 208 consecutive LE procedures were performed and 456 leads were extracted using an initial superior approach. Advanced techniques for LE (step 4 according to our stepwise approach) were used in 122 patients (58.7%).ResultsYounger patient age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.963, P = 0.002), longer duration of the initial implantation (OR = 1.013, P = 0.002), the number of extracted leads (OR = 2.184, P < 0.001), and the presence of right ventricular defibrillator leads (OR = 2.144, P = 0.049) independently predicted the necessity of using step 4 in multivariate analysis. A prediction tool was created taking into account four categorical variables derived even from Receiver Operating Curve analysis of quantitative characteristics (age < 70.7 years, implant duration > 37 months, extraction of at least two leads, one of them being a defibrillator lead). The absence of all the four characteristics was accompanied by 0% positive predictive value for the requirement of step 4 for LE, whereas the coexistence of all four risk factors is characterized by 87% requirement of advanced LE.ConclusionIn most of the patients with indication for LE, use of a powered sheath extraction is necessary in order to obtain clinical success. We have identified four patient and lead characteristics that may help the operator plan the means of extraction.
Reducing Patient Radiation Dosage during Pediatric SVT Ablations Using an “ALARA” Radiation Reduction Protocol in the Modern Fluoroscopic Era
Authors: GELLIS LAURA A. , CERESNAK SCOTT R. , GATES GREGORY J. , NAPPO LYNN , PASS ROBERT H. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundAblation for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) relies upon fluoroscopy (fluoro), which exposes the patient and staff to ionizing radiation. The objective of this work was to present a new “ALARA—As Low As Reasonably Achievable” protocol with alterations to fluoroscopic x‐ray parameters to reduce dose without an electroanatomical (EAM) approach.MethodsAll patients <21 years of age undergoing ablation of SVT at our institution from June 2011 to April 2012 were included. EAM was not utilized in any case. An ALARA protocol of low frame rates (2 or 3 fps), low fluoro dose/frame (10–18 nGy/frame), and other techniques aimed at reducing use of fluoroscopy were employed. Demographics, procedural, and radiation data were analyzed.ResultsForty‐two patients underwent ablation and were studied. Median age was 14.1 years (range 4.8–21.1 years), weight was 51 kg (range 18.2–75 kg), and body surface area was 1.51 m2 (range 0.72– 1.94 m2). Seventeen (41%) had Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome, 14 (33%) atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, and 11 (26%) concealed pathways. Median procedural time was 114 minutes (57–246 minutes). Median dose area product (DAP) for posterioanterior and lateral fluoroscopy was 343.2 uGym2 (range 38.2–3,172 uGym2); the median air Kerma product (K) was 45.4 mGy (range 6.7–567.5 mGy). DAP and K are lower than prior data from EAM and fluoroscopy techniques. The acute success rate was 95%; no procedural complications.ConclusionsAn ALARA protocol for ablation of SVT reduced radiation to below levels previously reported for combined EAM/fluoro approaches. Success rates were excellent with no complications and without the costs of EAM.
The South American ancestry of the North Patagonian Massif: geochronological evidence for an autochthonous origin?
Authors: Rapalini Augusto E. , de Luchi Mónica López , Tohver Eric , Cawood Peter A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNew U‐Pb and 40Ar/39Ar age data from deformed and undeformed granitoids of the North Patagonian Massif establish the presence of Early Cambrian and widespread Ordovician magmatism in northern Patagonia. These data suggest that the Pampean (Cambrian) and Famatinian (Ordovician) magmatic belts of the Sierras Pampeanas are continuous into Patagonia. SHRIMP U‐Pb age spectra from detrital zircons of Cambro‐Ordovician metasedimentary rocks show patterns very similar to those from equivalent units of the Pampia block, over 500 km farther north. These results suggest that the North Patagonian Massif was likely part of the South American margin of Gondwana in the early Palaeozoic and strongly argue in favour of an authochtonous or para‐autochthonous origin for this block.
Spatial Effects in Industrial Location Choices: Industry Characteristics and Urban Accessibility
Authors: Artal‐Tur Andrés , Navarro-Azorín José Miguel , Alamá‐Sabater María Luisa , Briones‐Peñalver Antonio Juan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this paper we study how neighbourhood‐related spillovers affect location choices of manufacturing firms at a local level. A spatial Dirichlet‐multinomial regression model is applied to 90,000 new establishments of the Spanish Mediterranean Axis. Empirical findings show that spatial spillovers play an important role, together with traditional explanatory factors, in driving decisions of companies. Their size and scope depends on two main issues, the specific characteristics of the manufacturing industry the firm belongs to, and the accessibility of the urban environment where the firm is located.
Mixed Neighbourhoods: Effects of Urban Restructuring and New Housing Development
Authors: Boschman Sanne , Bolt Gideon , Van Kempen Ronald , Van Dam Frank 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMany European countries use mixed housing policies to decrease the spatial concentration of low‐income households. Also in the Netherlands, social housing in deprived neighbourhoods is demolished and replaced by more expensive dwellings. The idea is that these new dwellings attract higher‐income groups to urban restructuring neighbourhoods. At the same time, however large numbers of relatively expensive dwellings have been built on greenfield locations. This leads to a dilemma: will higher‐income households choose housing in deprived neighbourhoods, while attractive new housing on greenfield locations is available? This study shows that urban restructuring attracts higher‐income households to mixed tenure developments in deprived neighbourhoods, even when competing with greenfield development. Nevertheless, another process is also taking place: especially in urban regions with extensive greenfield development; there is a significant outflow of higher‐income households from deprived neighbourhoods. The net result is an increasing concentration of low‐income households in deprived neighbourhoods.