bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of General Anesthetics on Substance P Release and c-Fos Expression in the Spinal Dorsal Horn
Authors: Takasusuki Toshifumi , Yamaguchi Shigeki , Hamaguchi Shinsuke , Yaksh Tony L. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background:
The authors examined in vivo the effects of general anesthetics on evoked substance P release (primary afferent excitability) and c-Fos expression (neuronal activation) in superficial dorsal horn.

Methods:
Rats received saline, propofol (100 mg/kg), pentobarbital (50 mg/kg), isoflurane (2 minimum alveolar concentration), nitrous oxide (66%), or fentanyl (30 μg/kg). During anesthesia, rats received intraplantar 5% formalin (50 μl) to left hind paw. Ten minutes later, rats underwent transcardial perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde. Substance P release from small primary afferents was assessed by incidence of neurokinin 1 receptor internalization in the superficial dorsal horn. In separate studies, rats were sacrificed after 2 h and c-Fos expression measured.

Results:
Intraplantar formalin-induced robust neurokinin 1 receptor internalization in ipsilateral dorsal horn (ipsilateral: 54 ± 6% [mean ± SEM], contralateral: 12 ± 2%; P < 0.05; n = 4). Fentanyl, but not propofol, pentobarbital, isoflurane, nor nitrous oxide alone inhibited neurokinin 1 receptor internalization. However, 2 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane + nitrous oxide reduced neurokinin 1 receptor internalization (27 ± 3%; P < 0.05; n = 5). All agents reduced c-Fos expression (control: 34 ± 4, fentanyl: 8 ± 2, isoflurane: 12 ± 3, nitrous oxide: 11 ± 2, isoflurane + nitrous oxide: 12 ± 1, pentobarbital: 11 ± 2, propofol: 13 ± 3; P < 0.05; n = 3).

Conclusion:
General anesthetics at anesthetic concentrations block spinal neuron activation through a mechanism that is independent of an effect on small primary afferent peptide release. The effect of fentanyl alone and the synergistic effect of isoflurane and nitrous oxide on substance P release suggest a correlative rationale for the therapeutic use of these anesthetic protocols by blocking nociceptive afferent transmitter release and preventing the initiation of cascade, which is immediately postsynaptic to the primary afferent.
PYR/RCAR Receptors Contribute to Ozone-, Reduced Air Humidity-, Darkness-, and CO2-Induced Stomatal Regulation
Authors: Merilo Ebe , Laanemets Kristiina , Hu Honghong , Xue Shaowu , Jakobson Liina , Tulva Ingmar , Gonzalez-Guzman Miguel , Rodriguez Pedro L. , Schroeder Julian I. , Broschè Mikael , Kollist Hannes 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRapid stomatal closure induced by changes in the environment, such as elevation of CO2, reduction of air humidity, darkness, and pulses of the air pollutant ozone (O3), involves the SLOW ANION CHANNEL1 (SLAC1). SLAC1 is activated by OPEN STOMATA1 (OST1) and Ca2+-dependent protein kinases. OST1 activation is controlled through abscisic acid (ABA)-induced inhibition of type 2 protein phosphatases (PP2C) by PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE/REGULATORY COMPONENTS OF ABA RECEPTOR (PYR/RCAR) receptor proteins. To address the role of signaling through PYR/RCARs for whole-plant steady-state stomatal conductance and stomatal closure induced by environmental factors, we used a set of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants defective in ABA metabolism/signaling. The stomatal conductance values varied severalfold among the studied mutants, indicating that basal ABA signaling through PYR/RCAR receptors plays a fundamental role in controlling whole-plant water loss through stomata. PYR/RCAR-dependent inhibition of PP2Cs was clearly required for rapid stomatal regulation in response to darkness, reduced air humidity, and O3. Furthermore, PYR/RCAR proteins seem to function in a dose-dependent manner, and there is a functional diversity among them. Although a rapid stomatal response to elevated CO2 was evident in all but slac1 and ost1 mutants, the bicarbonate-induced activation of S-type anion channels was reduced in the dominant active PP2C mutants abi1-1 and abi2-1. Further experiments with a wider range of CO2 concentrations and analyses of stomatal response kinetics suggested that the ABA signalosome partially affects the CO2-induced stomatal response. Thus, we show that PYR/RCAR receptors play an important role for the whole-plant stomatal adjustments and responses to low humidity, darkness, and O3 and are involved in responses to elevated CO2.
MIXTA-Like Transcription Factors and WAX INDUCER1/SHINE1 Coordinately Regulate Cuticle Development inArabidopsisandTorenia fournieri
Authors: Oshima Yoshimi , Shikata Masahito , Koyama Tomotsugu , Ohtsubo Norihiro , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ohme-Takagi Masaru 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe waxy plant cuticle protects cells from dehydration, repels pathogen attack, and prevents organ fusion during development. The transcription factor WAX INDUCER1/SHINE1 (WIN1/SHN1) regulates the biosynthesis of waxy substances in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we show that the MIXTA-like MYB transcription factors MYB106 and MYB16, which regulate epidermal cell morphology, also regulate cuticle development coordinately with WIN1/SHN1 in Arabidopsis and Torenia fournieri. Expression of a MYB106 chimeric repressor fusion (35S:MYB106-SRDX) and knockout/down of MYB106 and MYB16 induced cuticle deficiencies characterized by organ adhesion and reduction of epicuticular wax crystals and cutin nanoridges. A similar organ fusion phenotype was produced by expression of a WIN1/SHN1 chimeric repressor. Conversely, the dominant active form of MYB106 (35S:MYB106-VP16) induced ectopic production of cutin nanoridges and increased expression of WIN1/SHN1 and wax biosynthetic genes. Microarray experiments revealed that MYB106 and WIN1/SHN1 regulate similar sets of genes, predominantly those involved in wax and cutin biosynthesis. Furthermore, WIN1/SHN1 expression was induced by MYB106-VP16 and repressed by MYB106-SRDX. These results indicate that the regulatory cascade of MIXTA-like proteins and WIN1/SHN1 coordinately regulate cutin biosynthesis and wax accumulation. This study reveals an additional key aspect of MIXTA-like protein function and suggests a unique relationship between cuticle development and epidermal cell differentiation.
Adaptive Enumeration of Implicit Surfaces with Affine Arithmetic
Authors: de Figueiredo Luiz Henrique , Stolfi Jorge 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe discuss adaptive enumeration and rendering methods for implicit surfaces, using octrees computed with affine arithmetic, a new tool for range analysis. Affine arithmetic is similar to standard interval arithmetic, but takes into account correlations between operands and sub‐formulas, generally providing much tighter bounds for the computed quantities. The resulting octrees are accordingly much smaller, and the rendering faster.
Efficient Hierarchical Refinement and Clustering for Radiosity in Complex Environments
Authors: Gibson S. , Hubbold R.J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractGenerating accurate radiosity solutions of very complex environments is a time‐consuming problem. We present a rapid hierarchical algorithm that enables such solutions to be computed quickly and efficiently. Firstly, a new technique for bounding the error in the transfer of radiosity between surfaces is discussed, incorporating bounds on form factors, visibility, irradiance, and reflectance over textured surfaces. This technique is then applied to the problem of bounding radiosity transfer between clusters of surfaces, leading to a fast, practical clustering algorithm that builds on the previous work of Sillion1. Volumes are used to represent clusters of small surfaces, but unlike previous algorithms, the orientations of surfaces inside each cluster are accounted for in both the error bound and radiosity transfer. This enables an accurate solution to be generated very efficiently, and results are presented demonstrating the performance of the algorithm on a variety of complex models, one containing almost a quarter of a million initial surfaces.
The Production of Volume Data from Triangular Meshes Using Voxelisation
Authors: Jones Mark W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractVoxelisation is the term given to the process of converting data from one source type into a three dimensional volume of data values. The techniques known collectively as volume visualisation can then be applied to the data in order to produce a graphical representation of the object. This paper gives a practical approach to the voxelisation of data in the form of triangular meshes, and demonstrates the use of the method on various datasets. Visualisation is achieved by a method also described in the paper.
Approximate Conversion of Parametric to Implicit Surfaces
Authors: Velho Luiz , Gomes Jonas 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this paper we present a framework for the approximate conversion of parametric to implicit surfaces. It takes as input a parametric description and generates a piecewise analytic implicit representation. The conversion process consists of three steps: 1) the parametric surface is rasterized into a volumetric characteristic function. 2) this binary function is converted into a volume array corresponding to samples of a smooth implicit function. 3) this volumetric representation is converted into a multiscale B‐spline model. This method is based on wavelet analysis and synthesis techniques and is very general. It can convert to implicit form any geometric object that is suitable for discretization into a characteristic function.
The ‘Graying’ of ‘Green’ Zones: Spatial Governance and Irregular Settlement in Xochimilco, Mexico City
Authors: Wigle Jill 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article details the evolving social and spatial dynamics of a planning approach that is now being used to regulate irregular or informal settlements in the conservation zone of Xochimilco in the Federal District of Mexico City. As part of the elaboration of ‘normative’ planning policies and practices, this approach counts, maps and then classifies irregular settlements into different categories with distinct land‐use regularization possibilities. These spatial calculations establish a continuum of ‘gray’ spaces, placing many settlements in a kind of planning limbo on so‐called ‘green’ conservation land. The research suggests that these spatial calculations are now an important part of enacting land‐use planning and presenting a useful ‘technical’ veneer through which the state negotiates competing claims to space. Based on a case study of an irregular settlement, the article examines how the state is implicated in the production and regulation of irregularity as part of a larger strategy of spatial governance. The research explores how planning ‘knowledges’ and ‘techniques’ help to create fragmented but ‘governable’ spaces that force communities to compete for land‐use regularization. The analysis raises questions about the conception of informality as something that, among other things, simply takes place outside of the formal planning system.
Urbanizing Refuge: Interrogating Spaces of Displacement
Authors: Sanyal Romola 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRefugee spaces are emerging as quintessential geographies of the modern, yet their intimate and everyday spatialities remain under‐explored. Rendered largely through geopolitical discourses, they are seen as biopolitical spaces where the sovereign can reduce the subject to bare life. In conceptualizing refugee spaces some scholars have argued that, although many camps grow and develop over time, they evolve their own unique form of urbanism that is still un‐urban. This article challenges this idea of the camp as space of pure biopolitics and explores the politics of space in the refugee camp using urban debates. Using case studies from the Middle East and South Asia, it looks at how the refugee spaces developed and became informalized, and how people recovered their agency through ‘producing spaces’ both physically and politically. In doing so, it draws connections between refugee camps and other spaces of urban marginality, and suggests that refugee spaces can be seen as important sites for articulating new politics.
Wing geometric morphometrics and molecular assessment of members in the Albitarsis Complex from Colombia
Authors: Gómez G. , Jaramillo L. , Correa M. M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMalaria parasites are transmitted to humans by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. The Albitarsis Complex harbours at least eight species not readily differentiable by morphology. This complicates the determination of those species involved in malaria transmission and the implementation of targeted and effective vector control strategies. In Colombia, there is little information about the identity and distribution of the Albitarsis Complex members. In this work, COI DNA barcoding was used to assign specimens Anopheles albitarsis s.l. to any of the previously designated species of the Albitarsis Complex. Two molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), differentially distributed in Colombia, were detected, A. albitarsis I in the NW and NE, and A. albitarsis F, E and NE Colombia. In contrast, nuclear white gene and ITS2 sequence analyses did not allow differentiating between the MOTUs. Wing landmark‐based geometric morphometrics applied to explore intertaxa phenotypic heterogeneity showed a subtle but significant difference in size, while shape did not allow the separation of the MOTUs. In general, the multiple marker analysis was not supportive of the existence in Colombia of more than one species of the Albitarsis Complex.
Inferring dispersal dynamics from local population demographic modelling: the case of the slender‐billed gull inFrance
Authors: Doxa A. , Besnard A. , Bechet A. , Pin C. , Lebreton J.‐D. , Sadoul N. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAlthough it is today accepted that population viability analyses are needed at a meta‐population level for most species, usually only single populations are monitored in the context of management and conservation programmes. This paper outlines a fairly general and easy‐to‐implement approach based on counts and capture–recapture data that allow the dynamics of single populations to be assessed even when they are highly connected to other populations. This approach was motivated by a study of the French population of the slender‐billed gullLarus genei, which experienced a sharp population increase in the 1980s and 1990s, suggesting that the species was not at risk of extinction. However, several recently raised concerns indicate that the observed population increase is unlikely to have been achieved uniquely by an intrinsic growth rate. We estimated local adult survival probability at 0.81 (0.79–0.83), which is considerably lower than that of other gull species of comparable size. Moreover, local fecundity observed in slender‐billed gulls [0.66 (0.47–0.85)] is lower than that observed in similar species. Massive reproduction failures and the low demographic parameters observed could be caused by chick exposure to aerial and terrestrial predation, leading to permanent emigration. Unrealistically high demographic parameter values would be needed to generate the observed local population increase. The results of our study indicate that connections with other neighbouring populations are responsible for the local population dynamics, and that about 10% of the individuals may be immigrants into this local population annually. However, our results suggest that the population of the slender‐billed gull may be stable at the west Mediterranean scale. The high annual fluctuations of population size observed at a larger scale also highlight the necessity for coordinated international action to protect a maximum of potential breeding sites in order to protect the species.
Injectable extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX) for opioid dependence: long‐term safety and effectiveness
Authors: Krupitsky Evgeny , Nunes Edward V. , Ling Walter , Gastfriend David R. , Memisoglu Asli , Silverman Bernard L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsTo describe drug use and safety with intramuscular injectable extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX) in opioid dependence during a 1‐year open‐label extension phase.DesignFollowing 6 months of randomized, double‐blind, placebo (PBO)‐controlled injections given every 28 days, patients receiving XR‐NTX 380 mg continued and PBO patients were switched to open‐label XR‐NTX, with monthly individual drug counseling, for a further year.SettingThirteen clinical sites in Russia.ParticipantsAdult opioid‐dependent outpatients.MeasurementsMonthly urine samples; reports of craving and functioning; adverse events.FindingsFor the open‐label extension (n = 114), 67 continued on XR‐NTX and 47 switched from PBO during the double‐blind phase to XR‐NTX during the open‐label phase. Overall, 62.3% (95% CI: 52.7%, 71.2%) completed the extension. Discontinuation occurred most commonly because of withdrawal of consent (18.4%) and loss to follow‐up (11.4%); two patients discontinued as a result of lack of efficacy and one because of adverse events. Urine testing revealed that 50.9% (41.5%, 60.4%) were abstinent from opioids at all assessments during the 1‐year open‐label phase. Adverse events reported by 21.1% of patients were judged to be study drug‐related. Injection site reactions were infrequent (6.1%) and the majority were mild. Elevations in liver function tests occurred for 16.7% of patients, but none of these elevations was judged to be clinically significant. No patients died, overdosed or discontinued as a result of severe adverse events.ConclusionsDuring a 1‐year open‐label extension phase of injectable XR‐NTX for the prevention of relapse in opioid dependence, 62.3% of patients completed the phase and 50.9% were abstinent from opioids. No new safety concerns were evident.
Effect of epidural analgesia on change in Mallampati class during labour
Authors: Guru R. , Carere M. D. , Diwan S. , Morau E. L. , Saunders J. , Shorten G. D. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryMallampati class has been shown to increase during labour. Epidural analgesia might influence this change. The aim of our study was to compare the change in Mallampati class during labour in parturients who did and did not receive epidural analgesia and study the association of these changes with pre‐defined clinical characteristics. We performed a prospective observational study of 190 parturients. Using standard methodology, photographs of the upper airway were taken with a digital camera during early labour and within 90 min of delivery. Two to three consultant anaesthetists, blinded to the origin of the photographs, evaluated the images obtained and assigned a Mallampati class to each. Overall, Mallampati class increased in 61 (32.1%), decreased in 18 (9.5%) and did not change in 111 (58.4%) parturients (p < 0.001). The proportions of parturients in the epidural and non‐epidural groups who demonstrated an increase, decrease and no change in Mallampati class were similar. Of the relationships between change in Mallampati class and the other factors studied, only the total dose of epidural levobupivacaine during labour demonstrated a weak positive correlation 0.17 (p = 0.039) with Mallampati class. This study confirms that labour is associated with an increase in the Mallampati class in approximately one third of parturients. Our findings indicate that having an epidural does not influence the likelihood of a change in Mallampati class during labour.
Timberline meadows along a 1000‐km transect in NW North America: species diversity and community patterns
Authors: Wagner Viktoria , Spribille Toby , Abrahamczyk Stefan , Bergmeier Erwin 
Published: May 2013

AbstractQuestionThe mountains of NW North America are home to natural meadows that cover large areas at the timberline. The vegetation of these meadows has been the topic of few local studies, and little is known of species composition turnover across mountain ranges and along the latitudinal gradient. We sampled and analyzed community composition along a 1000‐km gradient to answer the following questions: (1) what are the main community types in timberline meadows; (2) what are the most important abiotic gradients underlying their composition; and (3) how is species diversity related to environmental factors and how does it change along the latitudinal gradient?LocationSE and central British Columbia (Canada), NW Montana (USA).MethodsWe recorded data on cover and presence/absence of vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen species, as well as structure and environmental properties in 4 m × 4 m plots (n = 112). Using the OptimClass approach, we classified plots into distinct community types. We used NMDS and multiple regressions to analyse the relationship between composition, species richness and environmental and geographic gradients.ResultsDespite drawing from a large geographic area, our classification revealed only four meadow communities. Mesic meadows were the most frequent and had a pronounced species turnover along latitude, resulting in two distinct community types. In addition, a three‐dimensional ordination showed that vegetation structural properties, macroclimate and geographic predictors were important underlying gradients for species composition. Vascular species richness increased with soil pH, and exhibited a quadratic relationship with litter cover and latitude. Furthermore, in the latter case, it increased towards the southern and northern ends of our gradient.ConclusionsDetection of only four meadow communities along the 1000‐km sampling gradient suggests a relatively recently established flora and a lack of regional differentiation consistent with the low level of endemism in the region. Higher vascular species diversity at the northern and southern edges of our gradient may reflect the geographic proximity to areas unglaciated during the Pleistocene, and suggests that areas farthest from the unglaciated edge may be experiencing colonization debt.
Update on Hypophysitis and TTF‐1 Expressing Sellar Region Masses
Authors: Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters Bette K. , Lopes M. Beatriz S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article reviews recent literature on sellar region masses that most closely mimic nonsecretory pituitary adenomas: hypophysitis, pituicytoma, spindle cell oncocytoma, and granular cell tumor of neurohypophysis. Even today, these four entities often cannot be confidently distinguished from each other clinically or by preoperative neuroimaging features. Thus, they often come to biopsy/surgical resection and require tissue confirmation of diagnosis. Causes of secondary and primary hypophysitis will be discussed, including two newly described types, IgG4 plasma cell hypophysitis and hypophysitis caused by anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 antibody therapy for cancer. For the neoplastic conditions, emphasis will be placed on literature that has emerged since these entities were first codified in the 2007 World Health Organization fascicle. The finding that immunohistochemical staining for thyroid transcription factor‐1 is shared by pituicytoma, spindle cell oncocytoma, and granular cell tumor of neurohypophysis suggests common lineage and explains why histological overlap can be encountered. We incorporate our own experiences over the last 30 years from two referral institutions with specialty practices in pituitary region masses.
Estimating the benefit of high school for university‐bound students: evidence of subject‐specific human capital accumulation
Authors: Morin Louis‐Philippe 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNumerous studies suggest that the value of high school education is large for potential dropouts, yet we know much less about the benefits for students who will go on to post‐secondary education. To help fill this gap I measure, using a recent Ontario high school reform, the value‐added (in terms of university grades) of an extra year of high‐school mathematics for university‐bound students. The estimated benefit is small for these students: 2.3 points on a 100‐point scale. This evidence helps to explain why the literature has found only modest effects of taking more mathematics in high school on wages.