bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evolution of endothermy in Cenozoic mammals: a plesiomorphic‐apomorphic continuum
Authors: Lovegrove Barry Gordon 
Published: June 2011

The evolution of endothermy in birds and mammals was one of the most important events in the evolution of the vertebrates. Past tests of hypotheses on the evolution of endothermy in mammals have relied largely on analyses of the relationship between basal and maximum metabolic rate, and artificial selection experiments. I argue that components of existing hypotheses, as well as new hypotheses, can be tested using an alternative macrophysiological modeling approach by examining the development of endothermy during the Cenozoic. Recent mammals display a 10°C range in body temperature which is sufficiently large to identify the selective forces that have driven the development of endothermy from a plesiomorphic (ancestral) Cretaceous or Jurassic condition. A model is presented (the Plesiomorphic‐Apomorphic Endothermy Model, PAE Model) which proposes that heterothermy, i.e. bouts of normothermy (constant body temperature) interspersed with adaptive heterothermy (e.g. daily torpor and/or hibernation), was the ancestral condition from which apomorphic (derived), rigid homeothermy evolved. All terrestrial mammal lineages are examined for existing data to test the model, as well as for missing data that could be used to test the model.With the exception of Scandentia and Dermoptera, about which little is known, all mammalian orders that include small‐sized mammals (<500 g), have species which are heterothermic and display characteristics of endothermy which fall somewhere along a plesiomorphic‐apomorphic continuum. Orders which do not have heterothermic representatives (Cetartiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Pholidota, and Lagomorpha) are comprised of medium‐ to large‐sized mammals that have either lost the capacity for heterothermy, or in which heterothermy has yet to be measured. Mammalian heterothermy seems to be plesiomorphic and probably evolved once in the mammalian lineage. Several categories of endothermy are identified (protoendothermy, plesioendothermy, apoendothermy, basoendothermy, mesoendothermy, supraendothermy, and reversed mesoendothermy) to describe the evolution of endothermy during the Cenozoic. The PAE Model should facilitate the testing of hypotheses using a range of macrophysiological methods (e.g. the comparative method and the reconstruction of ancestral states).
Enhancing survival of photoreceptor cells in vivo using the synthetic progestin Norgestrel
Authors: Doonan Francesca , O’Driscoll Carolyn , Kenna Paul , Cotter Thomas G. 
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 915–927.AbstractRetinal degenerations such as Retinitis Pigmentosa remain difficult to treat given the diverse array of genes responsible for their aetiology. Rather than concentrate on specific genes, our focus is on identifying therapeutic avenues for the treatment of retinal disease that target general survival mechanisms or pathways. Norgestrel is a synthetic progestin commonly used in hormonal contraception. Here, we report a novel anti‐apoptotic role for Norgestrel in diseased mouse retinas in vivo. Dosing with Norgestrel protects photoreceptor cells from undergoing apoptosis in two distinct models of retinal degeneration; the light damage model and the Pde6brd10 model. Photoreceptor rescue was assessed by analysis of cell number, structural integrity and function. Improvements in cell survival of up to 70% were achieved in both disease models, indicating that apoptosis had been halted or at least delayed. A speculative mechanism of action for Norgestrel involves activation of survival pathways in the retina. Indeed, Norgestrel increases the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor which is known to both promote cell survival and inhibit apoptosis. In summary, our results demonstrate significant protection of photoreceptor cells which may be attributed to Norgestrel mediated activation of endogenous survival pathways within the retina.
Subsecond regulation of striatal dopamine release by pre‐synaptic KATP channels
Authors: Patel Jyoti C. , Witkovsky Paul , Coetzee William A. , Rice Margaret E. 
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 721–736.AbstractATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are composed of pore‐forming subunits, typically Kir6.2 in neurons, and regulatory sulfonylurea receptor subunits. In dorsal striatum, activity‐dependent H2O2 produced from glutamate receptor activation inhibits dopamine release via KATP channels. Sources of modulatory H2O2 include striatal medium spiny neurons, but not dopaminergic axons. Using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry in guinea‐pig striatal slices and immunohistochemistry, we determined the time window for H2O2/KATP‐channel‐mediated inhibition and assessed whether modulatory KATP channels are on dopaminergic axons. Comparison of paired‐pulse suppression of dopamine release in the absence and presence of glibenclamide, a KATP‐channel blocker, or mercaptosuccinate, a glutathione peroxidase inhibitor that enhances endogenous H2O2 levels, revealed a time window for inhibition of 500–1000 ms after stimulation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated localization of Kir6.2 KATP‐channel subunits on dopaminergic axons. Consistent with the presence of functional KATP channels on dopaminergic axons, KATP‐channel openers, diazoxide and cromakalim, suppressed single‐pulse evoked dopamine release. Although cholinergic interneurons that tonically regulate dopamine release also express KATP channels, diazoxide did not induce the enhanced frequency responsiveness of dopamine release seen with nicotinic‐receptor blockade. Together, these studies reveal subsecond regulation of striatal dopamine release by endogenous H2O2 acting at KATP channels on dopaminergic axons, including a role in paired‐pulse suppression.
“All the Money in the World …” Patient Perspectives Regarding the Influence of Financial Incentives
Authors: Reisinger Heather Schacht , Brackett Rachel Horner , Buzza Colin D. , Páez Monica B. Williams , Gourley Ryan , Vander Weg Mark W. , Christensen Alan J. , Kaboli Peter J. 
Published: June 2011

Objective. To analyze patient perspectives of the use of financial incentives in a hypertension intervention.Study Setting. Twelve Veterans Affairs primary care clinics over a 9‐month period.Study Design. Qualitative semistructured interviews conducted with 54 hypertensive veterans participating in an intervention to promote guideline‐consistent therapy. Intervention components included an intervention letter requesting patients talk with their providers, an offer of U.S.$20 to bring in the letter to their provider, and a health educator phone call.Data Collection Methods. Semistructured interviews were conducted. Transcripts were coded for thematic content. The financial incentive theme was then subcoded for more detailed analysis.Principle Findings. Most participants (n=48; 88.9 percent) stated the incentive had (or would have) no effect on their decision to initiate a discussion with their provider. Some participants articulated reservations about the effectiveness and/or appropriateness of financial incentives in health care decisions; however, a few expressed the opinion that there may be some potential benefits to the use of financial incentives if they encourage patients to be active in their health care.Conclusion. The findings of this study raise questions about the appropriateness and unintended consequences of employing patient‐directed financial incentives in health care settings.
Limiting Iron Supplementation for Anemia in Dialysis Patients—The Basis for Japan’s Conservative Guidelines
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBoth the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Guidelines and the European Best Practice Guidelines (EBPG) support the use of substantial doses of iron supplementation when iron overload cannot be confirmed. However, excessive iron reduces iron utilization and is involved in the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, which induce cell injury; the risk of subtle toxicity from iron excess exists. Unnecessary iron supplementation also accelerates hepcidin (HP) production. HP, via its effect on ferroportin 1 (FP‐1), keeps intracellular iron from being carried even if the iron storage is adequate; it also decreases iron absorption from the intestine. The Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Guidelines propose that a minimal amount of iron should be given to chronic kidney disease patients with anemia and only in cases of evident iron deficiency. Japanese clinicians believe that the risk/benefit ratio for iron supplementation is higher than that accepted in Western countries. When erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent hyporesponsiveness exists, we should consider conditions other than iron deficiency and treat these conditions to improve iron utilization.
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Mu‐ and Delta‐Opioid Receptor Binding in Alcohol‐Dependent and Healthy Control Subjects
Authors: Weerts Elise M. , Wand Gary S. , Kuwabara Hiroto , Munro Cynthia A. , Dannals Robert F. , Hilton John , Frost J. James , McCaul Mary E. 
Published: June 2011

Background: The endogenous opioid system plays a significant role in alcohol dependence. The goal of the current study was to investigate regional brain mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) and delta‐opioid receptor (DOR) availability in recently abstinent alcohol‐dependent and age‐matched healthy control men and women with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.Methods: Alcohol‐dependent subjects completed an inpatient protocol, which included medically supervised withdrawal and PET imaging on day 5 of abstinence. Control subjects completed PET imaging following an overnight stay. PET scans with the MOR‐selective ligand [11C]carfentanil (CFN) were completed in 25 alcohol‐dependent and 30 control subjects. Most of these same subjects (20 alcohol‐dependent subjects and 18 controls) also completed PET scans with the DOR‐selective ligand [11C]methylnaltrindole (MeNTL).Results: Volumes of interest and statistical parametric mapping analyses indicated that alcohol‐dependent subjects had significantly higher [11C]CFN binding potential (BPND) than healthy controls in multiple brain regions including the ventral striatum when adjusting for age, gender, and smoking status. There was an inverse relationship between [11C]CFN BPNDand craving in several brain regions in alcohol‐dependent subjects. Groups did not differ in [11C]MeNTL BPND; however, [11C]MeNTL BPNDin caudate was positively correlated with recent alcohol drinking in alcohol‐dependent subjects.Conclusions: Our observation of higher [11C]CFN BPNDin alcohol‐dependent subjects can result from up‐regulation of MOR and/or reduction in endogenous opioid peptides following long‐term alcohol consumption, dependence, and/or withdrawal. Alternatively, the higher [11C]CFN BPNDin alcohol‐dependent subjects may be an etiological difference that predisposed these individuals to alcohol dependence or may have developed as a result of increased exposure to childhood adversity, stress, and other environmental factors known to increase MOR. Although the direction of group differences in [11C]MeNTL BPNDwas similar in many brain regions, differences did not achieve statistical significance, perhaps as a result of our limited sample size. Additional research is needed to further clarify these relationships. The finding that alcohol‐dependent subjects had higher [11C]CFN BPNDis consistent with a prominent role of the MOR in alcohol dependence.
Enhanced Densification and Thermoelectric Performance of In4Sn3O12 by Reactive Sintering in the In‐Sn‐Ga‐O System
Authors: Zhou T. , Bhame S. D. , Guilmeau E. , Marinel S. , Raveau B. 
Published: June 2011

The thermoelectric properties of the fluorite‐related oxide, In4Sn3O12, have been investigated by studying the system In4−xGaxSn3O12, with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15. It has been shown that Ga does not enter the In4Sn3O12 matrix, and two secondary phases form via the Ga introduction: SnO2 and Ga2In6Sn2O16. By reactive sintering between In2O3, SnO2, and Ga2O3 precursors, the density of the samples is considerably increased from 66% (actual density/theoretical density) for x = 0 up to 90% for x = 0.15, which significantly decreases the electrical resistivity. This is attributed to the large number of grain boundaries localized among the secondary phases, which inhibit the grain growth and hence favor the densification. The phase In4Sn3O12 is for the first time reported to exhibit a semi‐metallic behavior. The Seebeck coefficient does not change significantly with respect to the pristine matrix in accordance with the fact that Ga does not play any role as a doping agent. The thermal conductivity increases with the Ga content. The maximum figure of merit, ZT = 0.23, at 1000 K obtained at a very low Ga content (x = 0.05), is comparable to the value obtained for Ge doped In2O3 (ZT ~ 0.3). This study suggests that In4Sn3O12 can be a potential material for thermoelectric applications.
The Effects of Residual Stress Distributions on Indentation‐induced Microcracking in B4C–TiB2 Eutectic Ceramic Composites
Authors: White Ryan M. , Dickey Elizabeth C. 
Published: June 2011

The boron carbide (B4C) titanium diboride (TiB2) ceramic eutectic is being investigated for armor and tribological applications. Electron diffraction shows [110] TiB2//[211] B4C//growth direction, (0001) TiB2//(20) B4C is parallel to the interface plane, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging reveals no interface phase. Thermal residual stress distributions are calculated via finite element modeling of an experimental eutectic microstructure. The B4C matrix is found to be about 400 MPa in compression, and the TiB2 lamellae approximately 1.3 GPa in tension. Stress and strain energy concentrations are found at the tips of TiB2 lamellae. TEM of deformed materials correlates well with the finite element calculations, showing preferential fracture in areas of stress concentration. Interfacial delamination and crack deflection are also observed in deformed materials.
Human asthma phenotypes: from the clinic, to cytokines, and back again
Authors: Bhakta Nirav R. , Woodruff Prescott G. 
Published: June 2011

Summary:A large body of experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that T‐helper 2 (Th2) cytokines orchestrate allergic airway inflammation in animal models. However, human asthma is heterogeneous with respect to clinical features, cellular sources of inflammation, and response to common therapies. This disease heterogeneity has been investigated using sputum cytology as well as unbiased clustering approaches using cellular and clinical data. Important differences in cytokine‐driven inflammation may underlie this heterogeneity, and studies in human subjects with asthma have begun to elucidate these molecular differences. This molecular heterogeneity may be assessed by existing biomarkers (induced sputum evaluation or exhaled nitric oxide testing) or may require novel biomarkers. Effective testing and application of emerging therapies that target Th2 cytokines will depend on accurate and easily obtained biomarkers of this molecular heterogeneity in asthma. Furthermore, whether other non‐Th2 cytokine pathways underlie airway inflammation in specific subsets of patients with asthma is an unresolved question and an important goal of future research using both mouse models and human studies.
Adolescent risk factors for poisonings – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kivistö Juho E , Rimpelä Arja , Mattila Ville M 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAim:  This study assessed whether adolescents’ socioeconomic background, health and health behaviours are associated with later risk of poisoning hospitalization.Methods:  A prospective cohort of 54 169 Finns aged 14–18 years was followed for an average of 10.6 years. The end‐point of the study was poisoning hospitalization, death or termination of follow‐up in 2001. The relationships of socioeconomic background, health and health behaviour characteristics with poisoning hospitalization were studied with adjusted Cox’s proportional hazard model.Results:  We identified 443 persons (0.8%) with a diagnosed poisoning leading to hospital admission. The mean age at the time of the poisoning hospitalization was 22.7 years. The strongest risk factors for poisoning hospitalization in males were more than three stress symptoms weekly (HR 1.9), poor school success (HR 1.9) and not living with both of the parents in adolescence (HR 1.8). In females, the strongest risk factors were more than three stress symptoms weekly (HR 2.1), poor school success (HR 2.2) and recurring drunkenness as drinking style (HR 1.7).Conclusion:  Poor school performance, health and health‐compromising behaviour adopted in adolescence are associated with a poisoning hospitalization risk in adulthood. Daily smoking and recurring drunkenness were strongly associated with a later poisoning hospitalization.
Are migratory monarchs really declining in eastern North America? Examining evidence from two fall census programs
Authors: DAVIS ANDREW K. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract.  1. The status of the eastern North American monarch butterfly population is a highly sensitive issue, given that winter and breeding habitats are being lost at an alarming rate each year, and because of this, most believe the population to be declining, although there has been little empirical data to support this idea. In a recent forum article of this journal, Brower et al. (2011) report a statistically significant decline in winter colony size over a 17‐year period and suggest that this is the first sign of impending collapse.2. I conducted an analysis of numbers of migrating monarchs from two fall monitoring stations in the United States (Cape May, NJ and Peninsula Point, MI), which span 15 and 19 years, respectively, and at both locations there was no significant linear trend in average monarch numbers counted over time, which is in marked contrast to the conclusion drawn by Brower et al. (2011).3. Although I identify several possible reasons for the discrepancy between the fall census counts and size of the overwintering areas, these differing patterns argue for a more balanced perspective regarding the status of this population, and certainly for considering more than one phase of the life cycle. Even though it is difficult to imagine how monarchs will fare in the future with so many threats to their population, the data presented here suggest that the population remains stable for now, probably because of the high fecundity of the species and its ability to rebound from small winter numbers.
Association of ADAM33 gene polymorphisms with asthma in a Chinese population
Authors: Chi Xiangyu , Wang Laicheng , Wang Jing , Li Qing , Wang Xuequn , Wang Jianping , Xiao Wei 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Asthma is a very common disease involving genetic and environmental factors. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33 (ADAM33) has been one of the most exciting candidate genes for asthma since its first association with the disease in the white population. Recently, studies on the association of ADAM33 gene polymorphisms with the risk of asthma have been controversial. We therefore focused on testing the hypothesis that either single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ADAM33 gene may be associated with asthma risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between polymorphisms of ADAM33 and asthma in a Han population in China.Methods:  A case control study was conducted in a Han population of eastern Chinese population. A total of 329 asthma patients and a control group of 316 healthy volunteers were recruited for this study. Four polymorphic sites (F+1, S2, T2 and V4) were selected for genotyping. Genotypes were determined by the allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction with fluorescence melting curves and DNA sequencing method. Data were analysed using the chi‐squared test software.Results:  Statistically significant differences in the distributions of the S2 site between patients and controls were observed (χ2 = 7.140, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  These preliminary results suggest an association between ADAM33 polymorphisms S2 C/G and asthma in a Chinese Han population. The SNPs (F+1 C/T, T2 G/A and V4 C/G) of the ADAM33 gene may be the causal variants in asthma disease, but the strength of this evidence is limited by our small sample size.Please cite this paper as: Chi X, Wang L, Wang J, Li Q, Wang X, Wang J and Xiao W. Association of ADAM33 gene polymorphisms with asthma in a Chinese population. Clin Respir J 2013; 7: 16–20.
Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Denamarin for Prevention of CCNU‐Induced Hepatopathy in Tumor‐Bearing Dogs
Authors: Skorupski K.A. , Hammond G.M. , Irish A.M. , Kent M.S. , Guerrero T.A. , Rodriguez C.O. , Griffin D.W. 
Published: June 2011

Background: Increases in liver enzymes occur in up to 86% of dogs receiving CCNU and can result in treatment delay or early discontinuation of treatment. Denamarin contains S‐adenosylmethionine and silybin, both of which have been investigated as treatments for various liver diseases.Hypothesis: Dogs on CCNU receiving Denamarin have lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity than dogs not receiving Denamarin. Dogs on Denamarin are less likely to require treatment delay because of hepatopathy and are more likely to complete their prescribed course of CCNU.Animals: Dogs with lymphoma, mast cell tumor, or histiocytic sarcoma that were prescribed CCNU with or without corticosteroids and with normal ALT activity were eligible for enrollment.Methods: Dogs were prospectively randomized to receive either concurrent Denamarin during CCNU chemotherapy or to receive CCNU alone. Liver‐specific laboratory tests were run before each dose of CCNU.Results: Increased liver enzyme activity occurred in 84% of dogs receiving CCNU alone and in 68% of dogs on concurrent Denamarin. Dogs receiving CCNU alone had significantly greater increases in ALT, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin and a significantly greater decrease in serum cholesterol concentrations than dogs receiving concurrent Denamarin. Dogs receiving CCNU alone were significantly more likely to have treatment delayed or discontinued because of increased ALT activity.Conclusions: Increased liver enzyme activity occurs commonly in dogs receiving CCNU chemotherapy. These results support the use of concurrent Denamarin to minimize increased liver enzyme activity in dogs receiving CCNU chemotherapy. Denamarin treatment also increases the likelihood of dogs completing a prescribed CCNU course.