bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between colouration and body condition in a crab spider that lures pollinators
Authors: Gawryszewski Felipe M. , Llandres Ana L. , Herberstein Marie E. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYSit-and-wait predators have evolved several traits that increase the probability of encountering prey, including lures that attract prey. Although most crab spiders (Thomisidae) are known by their ability to change colour in order to match the background, a few use a different strategy. They are UV-reflective, creating a colour contrast against UV-absorbing flowers that is attractive for pollinators. The nature of the relationship between colour contrast and foraging success is unknown, as is how spiders trade off the potential costs and benefits of strong colour contrast. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between spider colouration, foraging success and background colouration in a crab spider species known to lure pollinators via UV reflectance (Thomisus spectabilis). Field data revealed that spider body condition – a proxy of past foraging success – is positively related to overall colour contrast. We experimentally tested the effect of satiation and background colour on spider colour change. Throughout the experiment, spiders changed their colour contrast regardless of their food intake, suggesting that colour contrast and the UV component contributing to overall contrast are not caused by spider condition. Although spiders responded to different backgrounds by subtly changing their body colour, this did not result in colour matching. We believe that the observed variation in colour contrast and hence conspicuousness in the field, coupled with the spiders’ reaction to our manipulation, could be the result of plasticity in response to prey.
Non-linear scaling of oxygen consumption and heart rate in a very large cockroach species (Gromphadorhina portentosa): correlated changes with body size and temperature
Authors: Streicher Jeffrey W. , Cox Christian L. , Birchard Geoffrey F. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYAlthough well documented in vertebrates, correlated changes between metabolic rate and cardiovascular function of insects have rarely been described. Using the very large cockroach species Gromphadorhina portentosa, we examined oxygen consumption and heart rate across a range of body sizes and temperatures. Metabolic rate scaled positively and heart rate negatively with body size, but neither scaled linearly. The response of these two variables to temperature was similar. This correlated response to endogenous (body mass) and exogenous (temperature) variables is likely explained by a mutual dependence on similar metabolic substrate use and/or coupled regulatory pathways. The intraspecific scaling for oxygen consumption rate showed an apparent plateauing at body masses greater than about 3 g. An examination of cuticle mass across all instars revealed isometric scaling with no evidence of an ontogenetic shift towards proportionally larger cuticles. Published oxygen consumption rates of other Blattodea species were also examined and, as in our intraspecific examination of G. portentosa, the scaling relationship was found to be non-linear with a decreasing slope at larger body masses. The decreasing slope at very large body masses in both intraspecific and interspecific comparisons may have important implications for future investigations of the relationship between oxygen transport and maximum body size in insects.
Gearing for speed slows the predatory strike of a mantis shrimp
Authors: McHenry Matthew J. , Claverie Thomas , Rosario Michael V. , Patek S. N. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARY
The geometry of an animal’s skeleton governs the transmission of force to its appendages. Joints and rigid elements that create a relatively large output displacement per unit input displacement have been considered to be geared for speed, but the relationship between skeletal geometry and speed is largely untested. The present study explored this subject with experiments and mathematical modeling to evaluate how morphological differences in the raptorial appendage of a mantis shrimp (Gonodactylus smithii) affect the speed of its predatory strike. Based on morphological measurements and material testing, we computationally simulated the transmission of the stored elastic energy that powers a strike and the drag that resists this motion. After verifying the model’s predictions against measurements of strike impulse, we conducted a series of simulations that varied the linkage geometry, but were provided with a fixed amount of stored elastic energy. We found that a skeletal geometry that creates a large output displacement achieves a slower maximum speed of rotation than a low-displacement system. This is because a large displacement by the appendage causes a relatively large proportion of its elastic energy to be lost to the generation of drag. Therefore, the efficiency of transmission from elastic to kinetic energy mediates the relationship between the geometry and the speed of a skeleton. We propose that transmission efficiency plays a similar role in form–function relationships for skeletal systems in a diversity of animals.
Octopamine improves learning in newly emerged bees but not in old foragers
Authors: Behrends Andreas , Scheiner Ricarda 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYHoney bees (Apis mellifera) are well known for their excellent learning abilities. Although most age groups learn quickly to associate an odor with a sucrose reward, newly emerged bees and old foragers often perform poorly. For a long time, the reason for the poor learning performance of these age groups was unclear. We show that reduced sensitivity for sucrose is the cause for poor associative learning in newly emerged bees but not in old foragers. By increasing the sensitivity for sucrose through octopamine, we selectively improved the learning performance of insensitive newly emerged bees. Interestingly, the learning performance of foragers experiencing the same treatment remained low, despite the observed increase in sensitivity for the reward. We thus demonstrate that increasing sensitivity for the reward can improve the associative learning performance of bees when they are young but not when they had foraged for a long time. Importantly, octopamine can have very different effects on bees, depending on their initial sensory sensitivity. These differential effects of octopamine have important consequences for interpreting the action of biogenic amines on insect behavior.
Expression of SERCA and phospholamban in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) heart: comparison of atrial and ventricular tissue and effects of thermal acclimation
Authors: Korajoki Hanna , Vornanen Matti 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARY
In the heart of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), the rate of contraction and Ca2+ uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are faster in atrial than ventricular muscle, and contraction force relies more on SR Ca2+ stores after acclimation to cold. This study tested the hypothesis that differences in contractile properties and Ca2+ regulation between atrial and ventricular muscle, and between warm-(WA) and cold-acclimated (CA) trout hearts, are associated with differences in expression of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) and/or phospholamban (PLN), an inhibitor of the cardiac SERCA. Quantitative PCR (SERCA only) and antibodies raised against SERCA and PLN were used to determine abundances of SERCA2 transcripts and SERCA and PLN proteins, respectively, in atrium and ventricle of trout acclimated to cold (+4°C, CA) and warm (+18°C, WA) temperatures. Expression of SERCA2 transcripts was 1.6 and 2.1 times higher in atrium than ventricle of WA and CA trout, respectively (P&lt;0.05). At the protein level, differences in SERCA expression between atrium and ventricle were 6.1- and 23-fold for WA and CA trout, respectively (P&lt;0.001). Acclimation to cold increased SERCA2 transcripts 2.6- and 2.0-fold in atrial and ventricular muscle, respectively (P&lt;0.05). At the protein level, cold-induced elevation of SERCA (4.6-fold) was noted only in atrial (P&lt;0.05) but not in ventricular tissue (P&gt;0.05). The expression pattern of PLN was similar to that of the SERCA protein, but chamber-specific and temperature-induced differences were much smaller than in the case of SERCA. In the ventricle, PLN/SERCA ratio was 2.1 and 7.0 times higher than in the atrium for WA and CA fish, respectively. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that low PLN/SERCA ratio in atrial tissue enables faster SR Ca2+ reuptake and thus contributes to faster kinetics of contraction in comparison with ventricular muscle. Similarly, cold-induced decrease in PLN/SERCA ratio may be associated with faster contraction kinetics of the CA trout heart, in particular in the atrial muscle.
Development of agonistic encounters in dominance hierarchy formation in juvenile crayfish
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Nagayama Toshiki 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYWe have characterized the behavioural patterns of crayfish during agonistic bouts between groups of crayfish of four different body lengths (9–19, 20–32, 41–48 and 69–75 mm) to characterize changes in the patterns of agonistic encounter during development. The behaviour of both dominant and subordinate animals was analysed by single frame measurement of video recordings. Behavioural acts that occurred during agonistic bouts were categorized as one of seven types: capture, fight, contact, approach, retreat, tailflip and neutral. Dominant–subordinate relationships were formed between juvenile crayfish as early as the third stage of development. Patterns of agonistic bouts to determine social hierarchy became more aggressive during development. The dominant–subordinate relationship was usually determined after contact in crayfish of less than 20 mm and 20–32 mm in length, while several bouts of fights were necessary for crayfish of 41–48 and 69–75 mm in length. Furthermore, social hierarchy was formed more rapidly in small crayfish. In larger animals, the number of approaches by dominant animals that promoted retreat in subordinate animals increased after the establishment of the winner–loser relationship. In smaller crayfish, in contrast, no measurable changes in these behaviour patterns were observed before and after the establishment of the winner–loser relationship. With increasing body size, the probability of tailflips decreased while that of retreats increased as the submissive behavioural act of subordinate animals.
Effects of night-time warming on temperate ectotherm reproduction: potential fitness benefits of climate change for side-blotched lizards
Authors: Clarke Donald N. , Zani Peter A. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYTemperate ectotherms, especially those at higher latitudes, are expected to benefit from climate warming, but few data yet exist to verify this prediction. Furthermore, most previous studies on the effects of climate change utilized a model of uniform annual change, which assumes that temperature increases are symmetric on diurnal or seasonal time scales. In this study, we simulated observed trends in the asymmetric alteration of diurnal temperature range by increasing night-time temperatures experienced by female lizards during their ovarian cycle as well as by the resulting eggs during their incubation. We found that higher night-time temperatures during the ovarian cycle increased the probability of reproductive success and decreased the duration of the reproductive cycle, but did not affect embryo stage or size at oviposition, clutch size, egg mass or relative clutch mass. Furthermore, higher incubation temperatures increased hatchling size and decreased incubation period but had no effect on incubation success. Subsequent hatchlings were more likely to survive winter if they hatched earlier, though our sample size of hatchlings was relatively small. These findings indicate that higher night-time temperatures mainly affect rate processes and that certain aspects of life history are less directly temperature dependent. As our findings confirm that climate warming is likely to increase the rate of development as well as advance reproductive phenology, we predict that warmer nights during the breeding season will increase reproductive output as well as subsequent survival in many temperate ectotherms, both of which should have positive fitness effects.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Chronic Inflammation: Pharmacotherapeutic Implications
Authors: Sirmans Susan Maureen , Weidman-Evans Emily , Everton Victoria , Thompson Daniel 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To examine the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic inflammation and analyze data regarding pharmacologic therapies that are recommended to reduce CVD risk in PCOS and the impact of those therapies on chronic inflammation. Data Sources: A search of MEDLINE (1950-October 2011) was conducted to identify clinical studies pertaining to the identification and treatment of CVD and chronic low-grade inflammation in PCOS, Search terms included polycystic ovary syndrome, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, metformin, thiazolidinedione, and statin. Bibliographies of these studies and review articles were also examined. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language clinical studies evaluating the effect of metformin, thiazolidinediones, and statins on inflammatory markers, endothelial function, adhesion molecules, fibrinolysis, cytokines, and adipokines in PCOS were included. Data Synthesis: Women with PCOS have an increased prevalence of many cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, android fat distribution, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Markers of chronic low-grade inflammation, which are associated with an increased risk of CVD, are also elevated in PCOS. Clinical guidelines recommend the use of insulin sensitizers and statins to prevent CVD in some patients with PCOS. Current literature indicates that each of these medication classes has beneficial effects on inflammation, as well. Although there are currently no studies to determine whether these treatments decrease CVD in PCOS, it can be hypothesized that drugs impacting chronic inflammation may reduce cardiovascular risk. Some studies show that metformin, thiazolidinediones, and statins have beneficial effects on inflammatory markers in PCOS; however, the data are inconsistent. Conclusions: There is insufficient information to recommend any pharmacologic therapies for their antiinflammatory effects in PCOS in the absence of other indications such as diabetes and dyslipidemia.
Intravenous Neostigmine for Postoperative Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction
Authors: Elsner Jamie L , Smith Janessa M , Ensor Christopher R 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To review the literature on the safety and effectiveness of neostigmine for the treatment of postoperative acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Data Sources: The MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from November 1969 to November 2011 were queried for articles published in English, using the search terms neostigmine, acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, postoperative, surgery, and Ogilvie syndrome. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All relevant original studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, and review articles were assessed for inclusion. References from pertinent articles were examined for additional content not found during the initial search. Data Synthesis: Neostigmine may provide an effective treatment option for postoperative acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) after conservative treatment measures have failed. One randomized controlled trial, 8 prospective and 3 retrospective observational studies, and 9 case reports evaluated neostigmine for ACPO. Included studies were limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneous populations not focused on postoperative patients, use of adjuvant agents, and lack of a consistent neostigmine regimen. Conclusions: Neostigmine may be a safe and effective treatment option for postoperative ACPO; however, current data do not support its use as a first-line intervention. Prospective and retrospective studies have demonstrated improvement in clinical symptoms, reduction in time to resolution, and reduction of recurrence for patients who failed conservative management. Prospective clinical trial data that evaluate early neostigmine versus conservative management are critically needed to determine neostigmine's role as a first-line therapy for ACPO.
Effect of Medication Reconciliation on Medication Costs After Hospital Discharge in Relation to Hospital Pharmacy Labor Costs
Authors: Karapinar-Çarkit Fatma , Borgsteede Sander D , Zoer Jan , Egberts Toine CG , van den Bemt Patricia MLA , Tulder Maurits van 
Published: March 2012

Background: Medication reconciliation aims to correct discrepancies in medication use between health care settings and to check the quality of pharmacotherapy to improve effectiveness and safety. In addition, medication reconciliation might also reduce costs. Objective: To evaluate the effect of medication reconciliation on medication costs after hospital discharge in relation to hospital pharmacy labor costs. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed. Patients discharged from the pulmonology department were included. A pharmacy team assessed medication errors prevented by medication reconciliation. Interventions were classified into 3 categories: correcting hospital formulary-induced medication changes (eg, reinstating less costly generic drugs used before admission), optimizing pharmacotherapy (eg. discontinuing unnecessary laxative), and eliminating discrepancies (eg, restarting omitted preadmission medication). Because eliminating discrepancies does not represent real costs to society (before hospitalization, the patient was also using the medication), these medication costs were not included in the cost calculation. Medication costs at 1 month and 6 months after hospital discharge and the associated tabor costs were assessed using descriptive statistics and scenario analyses. For the 6-month extrapolation, only medication intended for chronic use was included. Results: Two hundred sixty-two patients were included. Correcting hospital formulary changes saved €1 63/patient (exchange rate: EUR 1 = USD 1.3443) in medication costs at 1 month after discharge and €9.79 at 6 months. Optimizing pharmacotherapy saved €20.13/patient in medication costs at 1 month and €86.86 at 6 months. The associated labor costs for performing medication reconciliation were €41.04/patient. Medication cost savings from correcting hospital formulary-induced changes and optimizing of pharmacotherapy (€96.65/patient) outweighed the labor costs at 6 months extrapolation by €55.62/patient (sensitivity analysis €37.25–71.10). Conclusions: Preventing medication errors through medication reconciliation results in higher benefits than the costs related to the net time investment.
Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts): Legal Status and Patterns of Abuse
Authors: Fass Jennifer A , Fass Andrea D , Garcia Angela S 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To review the current legal status and patterns of abuse of bath salts. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE (1950-December 2011), PubMed (1966–December 2011), EMBASE (1966-December 2011), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-December 2011) using the search terms bath salts, mephedrone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone to identify articles on the legal status of bath salts and on studies focusing on patterns of abuse of bath salts. The GovTrack.us Web site was searched to determine the status of federal bills regarding bath salts. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and Drug Enforcement Administration Web sites and the Federal Registerwere also examined to identify legislation on bath salts. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Case reports and studies regarding bath salts were examined. Federal laws involving bath salts were also evaluated. Data Synthesis: The Department of Justice issued a final order in the Federal Register, temporarily placing the 3 synthetic stimulants, mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone, and methylone, under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Literature evaluated included case reports, retrospective studies, surveys, toxicology data, and chemical analyses studies. Information in the literature demonstrated that bath salts are highly abused, and common adverse effects include hypertension, tachycardia, and psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions: Psychoactive substances recently sold as bath salts have been placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Pharmacists can play an important role in raising awareness on the dangers of bath salts abuse through patient counseling and community outreach programs. The evidence on legal status and patterns of abuse clearly demonstrates that bath salts contain dangerous substances that should be permanently controlled.
Fluorescence Sensor for the Quantification of Unbound Bilirubin Concentrations
Authors: Huber Andrew H , Zhu Baolong , Kwan Thomas , Kampf J Patrick , Hegyi Thomas , Kleinfeld Alan M 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDHyperbilirubinemia in jaundiced neonates is routinely assessed by use of total serum bilirubin. However, the unbound or free form (Bf), not total bilirubin, crosses the blood–brain barrier and can be neurotoxic. Although the peroxidase-mediated oxidation of bilirubin can be used to measure plasma concentrations of Bf, this measurement is relatively complex and the assay is not routinely used. We describe a fluorescence sensor for quantifying Bf in plasma.METHODSOur method uses a mutated fatty acid binding protein labeled with the fluorescent molecule acrylodan (BL22P1B11), whose fluorescence is quenched upon binding bilirubin. Another configuration (BL22P1B11-Rh) was developed that uses BL22P1B11 together with the fluorophore rhodamine B, which responds by a change in the ratio of its fluorescence.RESULTSThe “Bf probes” were calibrated with aqueous solutions of bilirubin and yielded similar bilirubin dissociation constants [Kd = 16 (1.5) nmol/L]. We used the probes to determine Bf concentrations in equilibrium with human serum albumin (HSA) and in human plasma samples supplemented with bilirubin. We obtained equivalent Bf values in both systems, and the Bf probe results were in agreement with the peroxidase assay. Bf measurements revealed that bilirubin–HSA binding was well described by 2 sites with Kd values of 15.4 (1) nmol/L and 748 (14) nmol/L. We measured Bf concentrations in the range expected in jaundiced neonates with a mean CV of approximately 3%.CONCLUSIONSThe BL22P1B11-Rh probe provides accurate plasma sample Bf concentrations with a single measurement, in 1 min with either a handheld Bf meter or a laboratory fluorometer.
Influence of post-deposition annealing on structural, optical and electrical characteristics of NiO/ZnO thin film hetero-junction
Authors: Tyagi Manisha , Tomar Monika , Gupta Vinay 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTTransparent p-n hetero-junction diodes are fabricated using, p-type NiO and n-type ZnO thin films deposited onto a Pt/Ti/glass substrate utilizing RF sputtering technique. The prepared hetero-junctions are studied for the structural, electrical and optical properties and the effect of post-deposition annealing is investigated through I-V measurements and XRD analysis. The as deposited hetero-junction is found to be giving ohmic behaviour while with post-annealing treatment it result in rectification with a ratio of forward-to-reverse current as high as 15 in the range -1.0 to 1.0 V. Forward threshold and the reverse breakdown voltages are found to be about 0.5 and -2.7 V, respectively. The forward-bias I-V characteristics are dominated by the flow of space-charge-limited current with an optical transmission of above 50 % in the visible region important for the transparent electronic device fabrication.