bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Connecting proximate mechanisms and evolutionary patterns: pituitary gland size and mammalian life history
Authors: Kamilar J. M. , Tecot S. R. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAt the proximate level, hormones are known to play a critical role in influencing the life history of mammals, including humans. The pituitary gland is directly responsible for producing several hormones, including those related to growth and reproduction. Although we have a basic understanding of how hormones affect life history characteristics, we still have little knowledge of this relationship in an evolutionary context. We used data from 129 mammal species representing 14 orders to investigate the relationship between pituitary gland size and life history variation. Because pituitary gland size should be related to hormone production and action, we predicted that species with relatively large pituitaries should be associated with fast life histories, especially increased foetal and post‐natal growth rates. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that total pituitary size and the size of the anterior lobe of the pituitary significantly predicted a life history axis that was correlated with several traits including body mass, and foetal and post‐natal growth rates. Additional models directly examining the association between relative pituitary size and growth rates produced concordant results. We also found that relative pituitary size variation across mammals was best explained by an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model of evolution, suggesting an important role of stabilizing selection. Our results support the idea that the size of the pituitary is linked to life history variation through evolutionary time. This pattern is likely due to mediating hormone levels but additional work is needed. We suggest that future investigations incorporating endocrine gland size may be critical for understanding life history evolution.
Colour pattern homology and evolution inVanessabutterflies (Nymphalidae:Nymphalini): eyespot characters
Authors: Abbasi R. , Marcus J. M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractOcelli are serially repeated colour patterns on the wings of many butterflies. Eyespots are elaborate ocelli that function in predator avoidance and deterrence as well as in mate choice. A phylogenetic approach was used to study ocelli and eyespot evolution inVanessabutterflies, a genus exhibiting diverse phenotypes among these serial homologs. Forty‐four morphological characters based on eyespot number, arrangement, shape and the number of elements in each eyespot were defined and scored. Ocelli from eight wing cells on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the forewing and hindwing were evaluated. The evolution of these characters was traced over a phylogeny ofVanessabased on 7750DNAbase pairs from 10 genes. Our reconstruction predicts that the ancestralVanessahad 5 serially arranged ocelli on all four wing surfaces. The ancestral state on the dorsal forewing and ventral hindwing was ocelli arranged in two heterogeneous groups. On the dorsal hindwing, the ancestral state was either homogenous or ocelli arranged in two heterogeneous groups. On the ventral forewing, we determined that the ancestral state was organized into three heterogeneous groups. InVanessa,almost all ocelli are individuated and capable of independent evolution relative to other colour patterns except for the ocelli in cells −1 and 0 on the dorsal and ventral forewings, which appear to be constrained to evolve in parallel. The genusVanessais a good model system for the study of serial homology and the interaction of selective forces with developmental architecture to produce diversity in butterfly colour patterns.
Housing bubbles and the increase of flood exposure. Failures in flood risk management on the Spanish south‐eastern coast (1975–2013)
Authors: Pérez‐Morales A. , Gil‐Guirado S. , Olcina‐Cantos J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn recent decades, there has been a significant increase in economic losses caused by flood events on the coastal region of south‐eastern Spain. The increase of extreme rainfall events forecast by the climate change models is currently not reflected in the statistics which suggests that the principal cause is due to the exposure experienced within the past 40 years. Consequently, it is interesting to evaluate the effect of urban growth in flood‐prone areas and the role played by government institutions in mitigating the increase in exposure. For this study, the cadastral information and the hydrological modelling data for the return periods of 10, 50, 100 and 500 years were used. This allows high‐resolution spatial–temporal results to be obtained that show one of the most significant growths in exposure in Spain and Europe, as well as the low efficiency that risk mitigation measures have had.
Genotype of UGT1A1 and phenotype correlation between Crigler–Najjar syndrome type II and Gilbert syndrome
Authors: Maruo Yoshihiro , Nakahara Sayuri , Yanagi Takahide , Nomura Akitaka , Mimura Yu , Matsui Katsuyuki , Sato Hiroshi , Takeuchi Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground and Aims:Hereditary unconjugated hyperbilirubinemias, Crigler–Najjar syndrome type I, Crigler–Najjar syndrome type II (CN‐2), and Gilbert syndrome (GS) all result from mutations of the bilirubin uridine 5'‐diphosphate (UDP)‐glucuronosyltransferase gene (UGT1A1). Often, to distinguish between CN‐2 and GS is difficult because the borderline of the two syndromes is unclear. We analyzed the genotypes and phenotypes of 163 Japanese patients with CN‐2 or GS.Methods:Japanese patients (99 males and 64 females) with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia were analyzed. Their serum bilirubin concentrations varied from 1.2 to 22.2 mg/dL (20 to 379 μM). Genetic analysis of UGT1A1 was performed by PCR‐amplified direct sequencing. Association between serum bilirubin concentrations and genotypes group (typical CN‐2, intermediate group, and typical GS) was studied.Results:Most patients had biallelic mutations of UGT1A1. Moreover, many of them (78.5%) had multiple mutations. The mutation in typical CN‐2 was a homozygous double missense mutation of p.[G71R:Y486D]. In typical GS group, four prevalent genotypes were detected: homozygous UGT1A1*28, UGT1A1*6/UGT1A1*28, and homozygous UGT1A1*6, and UGT1A1*27/UGT1A1*28. In the intermediate group, three genotypes, p.[G71R:Y486D]/UGT1A1*7, p.[G71R:Y486D]/UGT1A1*6, and homozygous UGT1A1*7, were detected. Serum bilirubin concentrations of typical CN‐2, intermediate group, and typical GS are respectively 12.9 ± 5.1, 5.2 ± 2.2, and 2.8 ± 1.1 mg/dL. Serum bilirubin concentration among the three groups is statistically different (P < 0.0001).Conclusions:The serum bilirubin concentration varied continuously from GS to CN‐2 depending on genotypes. Because of the combination of the mutations and polymorphisms, many patients showed intermediate serum bilirubin concentration between two syndromes. Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish clearly between the two syndromes.
Effects of esophageal capsaicin instillation on acid induced excitation of secondary peristalsis in humans
Authors: Liu Tso‐Tsai , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Lei Wei‐Yi , Hung Jui‐Sheng , Chen Chien‐Lin , Orr William C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground/AimEsophageal instillation of capsaicin or hydrochloric acid enhances secondary peristalsis. Our aim was to investigate whether intra‐esophageal capsaicin infusion can influence symptom perception and physiological alteration of secondary peristalsis subsequent to acid infusion.MethodsSecondary peristalsis was induced by mid‐esophagus injections of air in 18 healthy subjects. Two different sessions including esophageal infusion of hydrochloric acid (0.1 N) following pretreatment with saline or capsaicin‐containing red pepper sauce were randomly performed at least one week apart. Symptoms of heartburn and secondary peristalsis were determined and compared between each study session.ResultsThe intensity of heartburn symptom subsequent to acid infusion was significantly reduced after capsaicin infusion as compared with saline infusion (54 ± 3 vs 61 ± 3; P = 0.03). Capsaicin infusion significantly increased the threshold volume of secondary peristalsis to rapid air injections subsequent to esophageal acid infusion (8.0 ± 0.5 mL vs 4.4 ± 0.3 mL; P < 0.0001). The frequency of secondary peristalsis subsequent to acid infusion was significantly decreased after capsaicin infusion as compared to saline infusion (70% [60−82.5%] vs 80% [70−90%]; P = 0.03). Capsaicin infusion significantly decreased the pressure wave amplitude of secondary peristalsis subsequent to acid infusion during rapid air injections (90.6 ± 8.7 mmHg vs 111.1 ± 11.1 mmHg; P = 0.03).ConclusionsCapsaicin appears to desensitize the esophagus to acid induced excitation of secondary peristalsis in humans, which is probably mediated by rapidly adapting mucosal mechanoreceptors. High capsaicin‐containing diet might attenuate normal physiological response to abrupt acid reflux by inhibiting secondary peristalsis.
Analysis of mitochondrial mechanical dynamics using a confocal fluorescence microscope with a bent optical fibre
Authors: LI YONGBO , HONDA SATOSHI , IWAMI KENTARO , OHTA YOSHIHIRO , UMEDA NORIHIRO 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe cells in the cardiovascular system are constantly subjected to mechanical forces created by blood flow and the beating heart. The effect of forces on cells has been extensively investigated, but their effect on cellular organelles such as mitochondria remains unclear. We examined the impact of nano‐Newton forces on mitochondria using a bent optical fibre (BOF) with a flat‐ended tip (diameter exceeding 2 μm) and a confocal fluorescence microscope. By indenting a single mitochondrion with the BOF tip, we found that the mitochondrial elastic modulus was proportional to the (−1/2) power of the mitochondrial radius in the 9.6–115 kPa range. We stained the mitochondria with a potential‐metric dye (TMRE) and measured the changes in TMRE fluorescence intensity. We confirmed that more active mitochondria exhibit a higher frequency of repetitive transient depolarization. The same trend was observed at forces lower than 50 nN. We further showed that the depolarization frequency of mitochondria decreases under an extremely large force (nearly 100 nN). We conclude that mitochondrial function is affected by physical environmental factors, such as external forces at the nano‐Newton level.
A general model for resolution of digital holographic microscopy
Authors: WU XIUPIN , GAO WANRONG 
Published: August 2015

SummaryFor digital holographic microscopic imaging, the resolution in the reconstructed image is one of the most important parameters. To optimize the lateral resolution, a general model for the resolution of digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is proposed in this work, in which the effects of the sizes of each pixel, total area of the charge coupled device (CCD) and the microscopic objective lens are taken into account. Comparison between our model and others was carried out by calculating the point spread function (PSF) of DHM at different reconstruction distances and with different fill factors. It is shown that the effect of fill factors on the resolution of DHM becomes significant when the reconstruction distance is long. For high resolution DHM imaging the influence of fill factors must be taken into account when estimating the resolution of the reconstructed image. Furthermore, It is also demonstrated that the sidelobe of PSF can be cut effectively choosing appropriate values of the fill factors. Finally, the reconstructions of polyethylene microspheres have been implemented to demonstrate the theoretical analysis. These results obtained are helpful for estimation of the resolution and design of the DHM systems.
The tumor suppressor p53 guides GluA1 homeostasis through Nedd4‐2 during chronic elevation of neuronal activity
Authors: Jewett Kathryn A. , Zhu Jiuhe , Tsai Nien‐Pei 
Published: August 2015

AbstractChronic activity perturbation in neurons can trigger homeostatic mechanisms to restore the baseline function. Although the importance and dysregulation of neuronal activity homeostasis has been implicated in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, the complete signaling by which chronic changes in neuronal activity initiate the homeostatic mechanisms is unclear. We report here that the tumor suppressor p53 and its signaling are involved in neuronal activity homeostasis. Upon chronic elevation of neuronal activity in primary cortical neuron cultures, the ubiquitin E3 ligase, murine double minute‐ 2 (Mdm2), is phosphorylated by the kinase Akt. Phosphorylated Mdm2 triggers the degradation of p53 and subsequent induction of a p53 target gene, neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down‐regulated gene 4‐like (Nedd4‐2). Nedd4‐2 encodes another ubiquitin E3 ligase. We identified glutamate receptor subunit 1 (GluA1), subunit of alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors as a novel substrate of Nedd4‐2. The regulation of GluA1 level is known to be crucial for neuronal activity homeostasis. We confirmed that, by pharmacologically inhibiting Mdm2‐mediated p53 degradation or genetically reducing Nedd4‐2 in a mouse model, the GluA1 ubiquitination and down‐regulation induced by chronically elevated neuronal activity are both attenuated. Our findings demonstrate the first direct function of p53 in neuronal homeostasis and elucidate a new mechanism by which cortical neurons respond to chronic activity perturbation.image
Chronic neuronal activity perturbation triggers homeostatic mechanisms at the synapses. We reported that the tumor suppressor p53 and its modulator Mdm2 guide the ubiquitination and down‐regulation of the GluA1 subunit of AMPA receptor during activity stimulation. Nedd4‐2, a direct target of p53, is identified as a new ubiquitin E3 ligase for GluA1, providing a novel mechanism to fine‐tune post‐synaptic homeostasis.
miR‐144‐3p exerts anti‐tumor effects in glioblastoma by targeting c‐Met
Authors: Lan Fengming , Yu Huiming , Hu Man , Xia Tingyi , Yue Xiao 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe study aimed to explore the specific function and mechanism of miR‐144‐3p in glioblastoma (GBM) cells with different phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) phenotypes. We demonstrated that the miR‐144‐3p level was significantly down‐regulated in glioma compared with the non‐neoplastic brain tissues, and decreased with ascending grades. The loss of miR‐144‐3p effectively predicted the decreased overall survival in glioma patients. Interestingly, the expression of MET was up‐regulated and inversely associated with miR‐144‐3p level in glioma tissues. Next, we certified that miR‐144‐3p specifically bound to MET 3′‐untranslated region (3′ UTR) and inhibited its expression. miR‐144‐3p potently repressed GBM cell proliferation and invasion via suppressing MET in vitro and in vivo. In addition, our results showed no difference in malignancy inhibition induced by miR‐144‐3p in GBM cells with different PTEN phenotypes. miR‐144‐3p inhibited several survival signaling pathways by targeting MET independent of PTEN status in GBM cells. Over‐expression of miR‐144‐3p inhibited survival capability and increased apoptosis, resulting in enhancement of radiation and temozolomide sensitivity. Our data provide new insights into the potential application of miR‐144‐3p in GBM therapy by targeting MET and then inhibiting the downstream signaling.
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We propose that the microRNA miR‐144‐3p plays an essential anti‐tumor role in glioblastoma. A newly identified miR‐144‐3p/MET signaling axis could represent a novel target for cellular resistance to cancer therapeutic drugs and radiation in glioblastoma patients. Jak, janus kinase; Grb2, Growth factor receptor‐bound protein 2; HGF; miR, microRNA; PI3K, phosphoinositol‐3‐kinase; Raf, rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma; STAT, Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription.
Reduction in NPY‐positive neurons and dysregulation of excitability in young senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) hippocampus precede the onset of cognitive impairment
Authors: Sawano Erika , Iwatani Kanako , Tominaga‐Yoshino Keiko , Ogura Akihiko , Tashiro Tomoko 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) strain is considered a neurodegeneration model showing age‐related cognitive deficits with little physical impairment. Young SAMP8 mice, however, exhibit signs of disturbances in development such as marked hyperactivity and reduced anxiety well before the onset of cognitive impairment. As the key enzyme in local regulation of thyroid hormone (TH) signaling, type 2 deiodinase, was significantly reduced in the SAMP8 hippocampus relative to that of the normally aging SAM‐resistant 1 (SAMR1), we used these two strains to compare the development of the hippocampal GABAergic system, which is known to be strongly affected by hypothyroidism. Among GABAergic components, neuronal K+/Cl− co‐transporter 2 was down‐regulated in SAMP8 transiently at 2 weeks. Although distribution of total GABAergic neurons was similar in both strains, 22–30% reduction was observed in the neuropeptide Y (NPY)‐positive subpopulation of GABAergic neurons in SAMP8. Electrophysiological studies on hippocampal slices obtained at 4 weeks revealed that epileptiform activity, induced by high‐frequency stimulation, lasted four times longer in SAMP8 compared with SAMR1, indicating a dysregulation of excitability that may be linked to the behavioral abnormalities of young SAMP8 and to neurodegeneration later on in life. Local attenuation of TH signaling may thus impact the normal development of the GABAergic system.
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Senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) shows marked hyperactivity and reduced anxiety before the onset of cognitive impairment. Compared with the normally aging SAM‐resistant 1 (SAMR1), NPY‐positive subpopulation of GABAergic neurons was reduced by 22–30% in the young SAMP8 hippocampus, leading to longer lasting epileptiform activity after high frequency stimulation. Reduction in the TH‐activating type 2 deiodinase is suggested as a cause of this GABAergic impairment.
Eyebrow restoration: the approach, considerations, and technique in follicular unit transplantation
Authors: Tomc Christa M , Malouf Peter J 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBackgroundEyebrows serve a key role in eye protection, communication, and self‐expression. Trends in eyebrow grooming are constantly evolving, often requiring plucking, waxing, or laser hair removal to style. When combined with the natural thinning of the brow with aging, the result can be a sparse or even absent eyebrow hair over time. Follicular unit transplantation provides a means of restoring eyebrow fullness and architecture. With careful attention and augmentation of follicle transfer techniques, a natural end result is possible.
Looking for Someone to Blame: Delegation, Cognitive Dissonance, and the Disposition Effect
Authors: CHANG TOM Y. , SOLOMON DAVID H. , WESTERFIELD MARK M. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTWe analyze brokerage data and an experiment to test a cognitive dissonance based theory of trading: investors avoid realizing losses because they dislike admitting that past purchases were mistakes, but delegation reverses this effect by allowing the investor to blame the manager instead. Using individual trading data, we show that the disposition effect—the propensity to realize past gains more than past losses—applies only to nondelegated assets like individual stocks; delegated assets, like mutual funds, exhibit a robust reverse‐disposition effect. In an experiment, we show that increasing investors' cognitive dissonance results in both a larger disposition effect in stocks and a larger reverse‐disposition effect in funds. Additionally, increasing the salience of delegation increases the reverse‐disposition effect in funds. Cognitive dissonance provides a unified explanation for apparently contradictory investor behavior across asset classes and has implications for personal investment decisions, mutual fund management, and intermediation.
Incidence of temporomandibular joint clicking in adolescents with and without unilateral posterior cross‐bite: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Michelotti A. , Iodice G. , Piergentili M. , Farella M. , Martina R. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryAmong different malocclusions, posterior cross‐bite is thought to have a strong impact on the correct functioning of the masticatory system. The association between unilateral posterior cross‐bite (UPCB) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking, however, remains still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of UCPB during early adolescence increases the risk of reporting TMJ clicking after a long‐term follow‐up. A longitudinal survey design was carried out in a group of 12‐year‐old young adolescents, who were examined at baseline for TMJ clicking sounds and unilateral posterior cross‐bite. After 10 years, 519 subjects could be reached by a telephone survey. Standardised questions were used to collect self‐reported TMJ sounds and to determine whether participants had received an orthodontic treatment. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between unilateral posterior cross‐bite and subjectively reported TMJ clicking (odds ratio = 6·0; 95% confidence limits = 3·4–10·8; P < 0·0001). The incidence of TMJ clicking was 12%. At a ten‐year follow‐up, self‐reports of TMJ clicking were significantly associated with the presence of UPCB at baseline, but not with the report of having received an orthodontic treatment. Within the limitation of this study, the presence of unilateral posterior cross‐bite in young adolescents may increase the risk of reporting TMJ sounds at a 10‐year follow‐up. The provision of an orthodontic treatment, however, does not appear to reduce the risk of reporting TMJ sounds.
What Triggers Anger in Everyday Life? Links to the Intensity, Control, and Regulation of These Emotions, and Personality Traits
Authors: Kashdan Todd B. , Goodman Fallon R. , Mallard Travis T. , DeWall C. Nathan 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWhy do people experience anger? Most of our knowledge on anger‐triggering events is based on the study of reactions at a single time point in a person's life. Little research has examined how people experience anger in their daily life over time. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the situational determinants of anger over the course of 3 weeks. Using daily diary methodology, people (N = 173; 2,342 anger episodes) reported their most intense daily anger and, with an open‐ended format, described the trigger. Participants also answered questions on anger intensity, control, and regulatory strategies, along with baseline personality trait measures. Using an iterative coding system, five anger trigger categories emerged: other people, psychological and physical distress, intrapersonal demands, environment, and diffuse/undifferentiated/unknown. Compared with other triggers, when anger was provoked by other people or when the source was unknown, there was a stronger positive association with anger intensity and lack of control. Personality traits (i.e., anger, mindfulness, psychological need satisfaction, the Big Five) showed few links to the experience and regulation of daily anger. Although aversive events often spur anger, the correlates and consequences of anger differ depending on the source of aversion; personality traits offer minimal value in predicting anger in daily life.