bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political Contexts Surrounding Title X, the National Family Planning Program, Over the Past Four Decades: Oral Histories with Key Stakeholders in Florida
Authors: Vamos Cheryl A. , Daley Ellen M. , Perrin Kay M. , Buhi Eric R. , Mahan Charles R.
Published: December 2012

Introduction: Title X, enacted in 1970, remains the only policy devoted solely to providing voluntary and confidential family planning and related preventative services to all those in need. Despite Title X's significant public health achievements, this policy continues to receive scrutiny and faces political, financial, and social challenges. This study explores key stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the political contexts that have surrounded Title X over its historical maturation.

Methods: Six oral histories were conducted with key stakeholders in Florida using a semi structured interview guide developed from Title X's legislative history, McPhail's Feminist Policy Analysis Framework, and the literature. Oral histories were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding in NVivo 8.

Results: Participants identified and discussed the following political topics and controversies that they perceived have directly or indirectly affected Title X: abortion, adolescents, parental notification, school‐based clinics, abstinence‐only education, political administrations, and family planning methods.

Discussion: Participants’ recollections regarding the political contexts that have surrounded Title X over the past 4 decades provided a broad yet rich description of the barriers that exist with fulfilling this policy. Such opposition hinders Title X's ability to support women's right to reproductive health. Practitioners play a key role in advocating for family planning services and should understand the political issues hindering reproductive health policies and the need to translate family planning services as a basic human right.
Diffusion Anisotropy Color‐Coded Map of Cerebral White Matter: Quantitative Comparison between Orthogonal Anisotropic Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Uwano Ikuko , Sasaki Makoto , Kudo Kohsuke , Fujiwara Shunrou , Yamaguchi Mao , Saito Ayumi , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Ogawa Akira
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diffusion anisotropy color‐coded maps of cerebral white matter can be generated from orthogonal anisotropic diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) using the three‐dimensional anisotropy contrast (3DAC) technique, but its precision has not been fully validated. Hence, we attempted to determine whether 3DAC is comparable to a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) color map.

METHODS

We examined 15 healthy individuals and generated color‐coded maps using 3DAC as well as using primary eigenvector (e1) and fractional anisotropy (FA) from identical DTI datasets. The difference in the direction of the 3DAC vector from e1 (θ) in cerebral white matter was evaluated. Correlations between θ and FA or obliqueness of e1 were also examined.

RESULTS

In cerebral white matter, θ had significantly negative and positive correlations with FA values and e1 obliqueness, respectively. Among white matter tracts, the pyramidal tract, cingulum, and corpus callosum, which had significantly high FA and/or low obliqueness, exhibited similar coloration and significantly smaller θ (4.4°± 1.6°, 9.3°± 2.8°, and 11.2°± 1.1°, respectively) than the entire white matter (13.9°± 1.1°).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3DAC could visualize directional information of white matter tracts as precisely DTI‐based color maps did, particularly when FA was large and/or e1 directions were orthogonal.
“Ears of the Lynx” Sign in a Marchiafava–Bignami patient: Structural Basis and Fiber‐Tracking DTI Contribution to the Understanding of this Imaging Abnormality
Authors: Pacheco Felipe Torres , Rego Milena Morais , do Rego Jose Iram Mendonça , da Rocha Antonio J.
Published: December 2012

The “ears of the lynx” sign was previously reported as a neuroimaging finding observed in patients with autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia in association with a thin corpus callosum (ARHSP–TCC). We report a patient with a chronic form of Marchiafava–Bignami disease (MBD) that presented with this imaging feature. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fiber‐tracking data support that this finding is a consequence of the structural derangement, which enlarges a preexisting border zone of the bundles of fibers from the corpus callosum (CC) genu to the forceps minor and anterior corona radiata. Therefore, we assume that despite their pathological differences, damage to the anterior portion of the CC is responsible for the imaging similarities between MBD and ARHSP–TCC.
Determinants of herbicide use in rice production in the Philippines
Authors: Beltran Jesusa C. , White Benedict , Burton Michael , Doole Graeme J. , Pannell David J.
Published: December 2012

This study identifies farm‐specific and market factors affecting the adoption of herbicides and the level of herbicide use by rice farmers in the Philippines. This requires the application of a modified version of Heckman's two‐step method to estimate a random‐effects double‐hurdle model for unbalanced panel data. The age of the farmer, household size, and irrigation use are significant determinants of the decision of farmers to adopt herbicides as an alternative to manual weeding, while economic variables such as the price of herbicides, total income, and access to credit determine the level of herbicide use. Determinants of both adoption and level are land ownership, farm area, and the method of crop establishment. These results are potentially relevant when designing policies to reduce excessive herbicide use or to encourage the adoption of alternative weed control methods such as integrated weed management.
How would Capital Account Liberalization Affect China's Capital Flows and the Renminbi Real Exchange Rates?
Authors: He Dong , Cheung Lillian , Zhang Wenlang , Wu Tommy
Published: December 2012

In this paper we study the determinants of gross capital flows, project the size of China's international investment position in 2020, and analyze the implications for the renminbi real exchange rate if China liberalizes the capital account. We assume in this exercise that the renminbi will have largely achieved capital account convertibility by the end of the current decade, a timetable consistent with recent proposals by the People's Bank of China. Our analysis shows that if the capital account were liberalized, China's gross international investment position would grow significantly, and inflows and outflows would become much more balanced. The private sector would turn its net liability position into a balanced position, and the official sector would reduce its net asset position significantly, relative to the country's GDP. Because of the increasing importance of private sector foreign claims and the decreasing importance of official foreign reserves, China would be able to earn higher net investment income from abroad. Overall, China would continue to be a net creditor, with the net foreign asset position as a share of GDP remaining largely stable through this decade. These findings suggest that the renminbi real exchange rate would not be particularly sensitive to capital account liberalization as capital flows are expected to be two‐sided. The renminbi real exchange rate would likely be on a path of moderate appreciation as China is expected to maintain a sizeable growth differential with its trading partners.
PROP test: prediction of caries risk by genetic taste perception among the visually impaired children
Authors: Shetty Vabitha , B.L. Pooja , Hegde Amitha M.
Published: December 2012

The study sample consisted of 100 children with visual impairment aged 6–14 years. 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity test was carried out. The Caries experience was recorded, estimation of Streptococcus mutans done and their taste likes and dislikes assessed through a food preference questionnaire. The Caries experience and S. mutans levels were highest in the non‐tasters, comparatively low in medium tasters and the least in the supertasters. Dietary preferences indicated tasters were sweet dislikers and non‐tasters, sweet likers. PROP test can be a useful tool in determining genetic taste sensitivity levels amongst the visually impaired children and thus used as a screening tool in those children who are at a high risk of developing dental caries.
Transparency and accountability in infrastructure stimulus spending: A comparison of Canadian, Australian and U.S. programs
Authors: Stoney Christopher , Krawchenko Tamara
Published: December 2012

In response to the global financial crisis that began in late 2007, many countries took on significant levels of deficit financing in order to increase spending on public works and infrastructure. This rapid infusion of public funding has raised concerns about the accountability and transparency of stimulus measures, including how best to monitor and evaluate the allocation and impact of the funds and report back to citizens. While there is growing research on the macro‐economic impacts of stimulus spending, very little comparative work has been done on the approaches of different countries to the governance of infrastructure stimulus spending programs. This article focuses on the latter by identifying and explaining the different practices in Canada, Australia and the United States in order to highlight implications for future stimulus‐led investment.
Sustainable development in Quebec and Flanders: Institutionalizing symbolic politics?
Authors: Happaerts Sander
Published: December 2012

Since the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987, governments at all levels have been struggling with the concept of sustainable development and its translation into public policy. In some federal countries, subnational governments have presented themselves as pioneers in sustainable development governance. This article critically analyses and compares the sustainable development policies in Quebec and Flanders – self‐declared leaders in the field – and seeks to identify lessons for the broader area of sustainable development governance. The analysis reveals some similarities in the policies and several problems. While certain investments are made at the administrative level, the policies are characterized by symbolic politics, devoid of political significance and not moving beyond cosmetic, rhetorical engagement. A renewed political commitment for sustainable development, as set out by the recent Rio+20 Summit, is urgently needed.
Invisible Anxiety: Would the Rise of China Really Be a Security Threat to the United States?
Authors: Kwon Edward
Published: December 2012

This paper investigates diverse public opinion on the rise of the People's Republic of China through a survey conducted in the tri‐state region of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. In the midst of a global financial crisis, China's financial support to the US economy, as well as its recent modernization of the People's Liberation Army, echoed a serious public anxiety over a potential military and economic security threat to the United States. Will the rise of China create a military as well as an economic security threat to the United States? Is there anticipation that the continuing rapid economic growth in China will overtake the US economy within three decades? Will its successful economic growth lead China to democratization? Introducing scholarly debates on these research questions, the research in this paper examines important empirical research results on the issue.
Targeting adenosine receptors with coumarins: synthesis and binding activities of amide and carbamate derivatives
Authors: Matos Maria João , Gaspar Alexandra , Kachler Sonja , Klotz Karl-Norbert , Borges Fernanda , Santana Lourdes , Uriarte Eugenio
Published: December 2012

Objectives

With the aim of finding the structural features governing binding activity and selectivity against adenosine receptors (ARs), several 3-subtituted coumarins with amide (compounds 3–6) and carbamate (7–9) functions were synthesized. To study its possible influence on the binding activity and selectivity, a hydroxyl substituent was also introduced at position 4 of the coumarin moiety.

Methods

A new series of coumarins (3–9) were synthesized and evaluated by radioligand binding studies towards ARs.

Key findings

None of the 4-hydroxy derivatives (4, 8 and 9) showed binding affinity for any of the ARs. None of the compounds interacted with the hA2B AR (Ki > 100 000 nm). Compounds 3, 5, 6 and 7 had different activity profiles with dissimilar binding affinity and selectivity towards human A1, A2A and A3 ARs.

Conclusions

The most remarkable derivative is compound 7, which presents the best affinity and selectivity for the A3 adenosine receptor (Ki = 5500 nm).
Enhanced Up‐Conversion Luminescence in Er3+‐Doped 25GeS2·35Ga2S3·40CsCl Chalcogenide Glass–Ceramics
Authors: Lin Changgui , Calvez Laurent , Li Zhuobin , Dai Shixun , Tao Haizheng , Ma Hongli , Zhang Xianghua , Moine Bernard , Zhao Xiujian
Published: December 2012

Enhanced luminescence in rare‐earth‐doped chalcogenide glass–ceramics is of great interest for the potential integrated optoelectronic devices. However, fundamental mechanism on the enhancement of luminescence upon crystallization remains largely unknown. We report the fabrication and characterization of wide transmission chalcogenide glass and glass–ceramics based on the 25GeS2·35Ga2S3·40CsCl:0.3Er glass composition, and discuss the mechanism of enhanced luminescence. By monitoring the 4I9/2–4I15/2 of Er3+ transition, up‐conversion luminescence of 12 times higher was observed in glass–ceramics compared with that in base glass. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Raman scattering spectroscopies were employed to obtain the information of selective environment of Er3+ ions and microstructural evolution with the crystallization progress. Both of them evidenced that the enhanced up‐conversion luminescence was mainly related to the local environmental evolution from a mixed chlorine‐sulfur coordination to a low phonon energy chlorine coordination in the residual glassy matrix of glass–ceramics.
Phase Equilibria of the Zinc Oxide–Cobalt Oxide System in Air
Authors: Perry Nicola H. , Mason Thomas O.
Published: December 2012

Phase equilibria of the zinc oxide–cobalt oxide system were studied by a combination of X‐ray diffraction and in situ electrical conductivity and thermopower measurements of bulk ceramic specimens up to 1000°C in air. Rietveld refinement of X‐ray diffraction patterns demonstrated increasing solubility of Co in ZnO with increasing temperature, which is supported by the slight increase in wurtzite (Zn1−xCoxO) cell volume and lattice parameter a versus temperature determined for the phase boundary compositions. Similarly, the solubility of Zn in CoO increased with increasing temperature. In contrast, the spinel phase (ZnzCo3−zO4) exhibited retrograde solubility for Zn. Electrical measurements showed that the eutectoid temperature for transformation of rocksalt Co1−yZnyO into wurtzite and spinel is 894 ± 3°C, and the upper temperature limit of the stability of the spinel phase is 894°C–898°C for the compositions Co/(Zn+Co) = 0.82–1. The resulting composition‐temperature phase diagram is presented and compared to the earlier (1955) diagram by Robin.
Oxidation Transitions for SiC Part II. Passive‐to‐Active Transitions
Authors: Harder Bryan , Jacobson Nathan , Myers Dwight
Published: December 2012

Oxidation of SiC can occur in a passive mode, where a protective film is generated, or in an active mode, where a volatile suboxide is generated. The transitions from active‐to‐passive and passive‐to‐active are particularly important to understand as they occur via different mechanisms. In Part II of this article, the passive‐to‐active transition is explored. Three different types of SiC are examined—Si‐rich SiC, stoichiometric SiC, and C‐rich SiC. In addition to an in situ transition from passive‐to‐active, the effect of a preformed film on all three types of SiC is explored. It appears that the passive‐to‐active transition occurs when the SiO2 scale begins to react with the SiC substrate. This reaction generates SiO(g) and CO(g), which build pressure beneath the SiO2 scale, eventually causing the oxide to rupture. In addition, the SiO(g) can oxidize a distance away from the surface leading to the formation of SiO2 needles and further promoting this SiO2/SiC reaction. Thermodynamic and kinetic data are used to predict transition pressures of oxygen, which show reasonable agreement with those measured.
The effects of dog breed development on genetic diversity and the relative influences of performance and conformation breeding
Authors: Pedersen N. , Liu H. , Theilen G. , Sacks B.
Published: December 2012

Genetic diversity was compared among eight dog breeds selected primarily for conformation (Standard Poodle, Italian Greyhound and show English Setter), conformation and performance (Brittany), predominantly performance (German Shorthaired and Wirehaired Pointers) or solely performance (field English Setter and Red Setter). Modern village dogs, which better reflect ancestral genetic diversity, were used as the standard. Four to seven maternal and one to two Y haplotypes were found per breed, with one usually dominant. Diversity of maternal haplotypes was greatest in village dogs, intermediate in performance breeds and lowest in conformation breeds. Maternal haplotype sharing occurred across all breeds, while Y haplotypes were more breed specific. Almost all paternal haplotypes were identified among village dogs, with the exception of the dominant Y haplotype in Brittanys, which has not been identified heretofore. The highest heterozygosity based on 24 autosomal microsatellites was found in village dogs and the lowest in conformation (show) breeds. Principal coordinate analysis indicated that conformation‐type breeds were distinct from breeds heavily used for performance, the latter clustering more closely with village dogs. The Brittany, a well‐established dual show and field breed, was also genetically intermediate between the conformation and performance breeds. The number of DLA‐DRB1 alleles varied from 3 to 10 per breed with extensive sharing. SNPs across the wider DLA region were more frequently homozygous in all pure breeds than in village dogs. Compared with their village dog relatives, all modern breed dogs exhibit reduced genetic diversity. Genetic diversity was even more reduced among breeds under selection for show/conformation.
Maxillary overdentures supported by four or six implants in the anterior region; 1‐year results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Slot Wim , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Vissink Arjan , Meijer Henny J.A.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Comparing treatment outcome of four and six bar‐connected implants in the anterior maxillary region to support an overdenture during a 1‐year follow‐up period.

Material and methods

Fifty edentulous patients with lack of retention and stability of the upper denture, but with sufficient bone volume to place implants in the anterior maxillary region, were selected. Randomization assigned patients to either four or six implants. Implant survival, overdenture survival, clinical scores, radiographic bone height changes, and patients' satisfaction were assessed.

Results

Forty‐nine patients (one drop out) completed the 1‐year follow‐up. After 1 year, implant survival was 100% in the four implants group and 99.3% in the six implants group (one implant lost). Overdenture survival was 100% in both groups. Mean clinical scores were low and did not differ between groups (independent Student's t‐test). Mean marginal bone resorption was 0.24 ± 0.32 mm in the four implants group and 0.25 ± 0.29 mm in the six implants group. Patients' satisfaction had improved in both groups (paired Student's t‐test).

Conclusion

Bar‐supported overdentures on four implants in the anterior maxillary region are not inferior to overdentures supported by six bar‐connected implants. Implant survival was high, peri‐implant conditions were healthy and patients' satisfaction had increased significantly in both groups.
Application of IFN‐γ releasing assay for the diagnosis of erythema induratum of Bazin
Authors: Na S.Y. , Park S.Y. , Cho H.H. , Choi J.W. , Choi M. , Park H.S. , Cho K.H.
Published: December 2012

Background  Erythema induratum of Bazin (EIB) is regarded to be a hypersensitive reaction to the concomitant tuberculosis. Recently, interferon‐γ releasing assay (IGRA) has been focused as a promising tool in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis. However, there has been no large scale study to investigate the usefulness of IGRA in the diagnosis of EIB.

Objectives  To evaluate the diagnostic performance for the detection of EIB.

Methods  We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with EIB, in the Department of Dermatology, at the Seoul National University Hospital, between April 2009 and September 2011. We analysed clinicopathological features, responses to IGRA and the treatment courses. In addition, we compared positive rate of IGRA in patients with other diseases during the same period.

Results  All of the 22 patients demonstrated a positive response to IGRA (100%) and showed a good response to anti‐tuberculosis treatment. In contrast, positive rate was 63.64% and 66.67% in patients with psoriasis and other vasculitis respectively. We observed complete resolution of skin lesions in 14 patients. Partial resolution was attained in one patient and the other seven patients are currently on the medication and are showing good responses.

Conclusion  We verified that IGRA has an excellent diagnostic performance in EIB, through this observational study. It is strongly suggested that if EIB is clinicopathologically suspected, IGRA should be performed.
Histopathological characteristics of subsequent melanomas in patients with multiple primary melanomas
Authors: Vecchiato A. , Pasquali S. , Menin C. , Montesco M.C. , Alaibac M. , Mocellin S. , Campana L.G. , Nitti D. , Rossi C.R.
Published: December 2012

Background  Multiple primary melanomas (MPM) occur in up to 20% of melanoma patients, and subsequent tumours seem to have a favourable histopathological pattern.

Objective  A prospectively collected cohort of 194 patients with MPM was retrospectively reviewed to investigate clinical and histopathological features of first and subsequent melanomas.

Methods  Patients with MPM who were diagnosed at our Department (1985–2011) and who attended at least a follow‐up control yearly were identified.

Results  The number of nevi was <10, 10–50 and >50 in 8.7%, 41% and 50.3% of patients respectively. Histopathological dysplastic nevi have been diagnosed in 105 patients. During a median follow‐up of 58 months, 159 (81.9%), 24 (12.3%), 7 (3.6%) and 4 (2%) patients developed 2, 3, 4 and ≥5 melanomas, respectively. The median time to second primary melanoma was 45 months. The second primary melanoma was diagnosed within 1‐year and after 5‐year from the first melanoma in 36.6% and 17.3% of patients respectively. First and second primary melanomas were in situ in 41 (21%) and 104 (54%) patients respectively (P < 0.001). Among patients with ≥2 invasive melanomas (N = 80), median tumour thickness and ulceration of first and second primaries were 0.91 and 0.44 mm (P < 0.001), and 32% and 7.7% (P = 0.001) respectively.

Conclusions  Subsequent melanomas occurred within 1‐year from the appearance of the first melanoma in 36% of patients with MPM, while a late melanoma diagnosis was detected in 17% of cases. Second primary melanoma had favourable histopathological features. Our findings support long‐term skin surveillance to detect subsequent melanomas at an early stage.
Long‐term administration of rifaximin improves the prognosis of patients with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis
Authors: Vlachogiannakos Jiannis , Viazis Nikos , Vasianopoulou Panagiota , Vafiadis Irene , Karamanolis Dimitrios G , Ladas Spiros D
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

Cirrhotic patients are predisposed to intestinal bacterial overgrowth with translocation of bacterial products which may deteriorate liver hemodynamics. Having shown that short‐term administration of rifaximin improves liver hemodynamics in decompensated cirrhosis, we conducted this study to investigate the effect of intestinal decontamination with rifaximin on the long‐term prognosis of patients with alcohol‐related decompensated cirrhosis (Child‐Pugh > 7) and ascites.

Methods

Patients who had received rifaximin and showed improved liver hemodynamics were enrolled in the current study and continued to receive rifaximin (1200 mg/day). Each patient was matched by age, sex, and Child‐Pugh grade to two controls and followed up for up to 5 years, death or liver transplantation. Survival and risk of developing portal hypertension‐related complications were compared between rifaximin group and controls.

Results

Twenty three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and matched with 46 controls. Patients who received rifaximin had a significant lower risk of developing variceal bleeding (35% vs 59.5%, P = 0.011), hepatic encephalopathy (31.5% vs 47%, P = 0.034), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (4.5% vs 46%, P = 0.027), and hepatorenal syndrome (4.5% vs 51%, P = 0.037) than controls. Five‐year cumulative probability of survival was significantly higher in patients receiving rifaximin than in controls (61% vs 13.5%, P = 0.012). In the multivariate analysis, rifaximin administration was independently associated with lower risk of developing variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and higher survival.

Conclusions

In patients with alcohol‐related decompensated cirrhosis, long‐term rifaximin administration is associated with reduced risk of developing complications of portal hypertension and improved survival.
Characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease with an onset before eight years of age: A multicenter epidemiological survey in Japan
Authors: Maisawa Shun‐ichi , Sasaki Mika , Ida Shinobu , Uchida Keiichi , Kagimoto Seiichi , Shimizu Toshiaki , Yoden Atsushi
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been rare in Japan since the 1990s. The present study attempted to define the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of early‐childhood IBD in Japan in comparison with results from Western countries.

Methods

Among children diagnosed as having IBD between January 1998 and December 2008, those showing onset before 8 years of age were investigated retrospectively. A questionnaire survey was carried out at 45 facilities throughout Japan, and 80 cases were reported from 27 facilities. On the basis of the final diagnosis, 24 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 47 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were analyzed.

Results

Among the patients with CD, the age at onset was less than 1 year in 62.5%. On the basis of the Montreal classification, 87.5% of CD cases involved the colon, and 63.8% of UC cases were pancolitis. Coexisting conditions such as congenital diseases (five cases) and cerebral palsy (four cases) were present before the onset of IBD. Growth failure was more severe (P < 0.05) at diagnosis in CD patients than in UC patients. Familial occurrence within first‐degree relatives was observed in eight families among 45 patients with UC, compared with none among the CD patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that, in Japan, the pathogenesis of IBD in infants and children may differ from that in Western countries, and that the characteristics of early childhood‐onset IBD are distinct from those of school age‐onset IBD.
Apolipoprotein B/AI ratio is independently associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in nondiabetic subjects
Authors: Choe Young Gil , Jin Wook , Cho Yong Kyun , Chung Won Gil , Kim Hong Joo , Jeon Woo Kyu , Kim Byung Ik
Published: December 2012

Background and Aims

The apolipoprotein B/AI (ApoB/AI) ratio is a strong new risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Although recent reports have shown the effects of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on CV disease, NAFLD is under‐recognized as a predictable risk factor for CV disease. This study was performed to assess the independent association between ApoB/AI ratio and NAFLD.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed in 9162 subjects who participated in a health checkup program in South Korea in 2009. The presence of NAFLD was defined by ultrasonographic examination. Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the association between ApoB/AI ratio and NAFLD. The odds ratio (OR) and P were estimated according to the categorized level of the ApoB/AI ratio.

Results

The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 27.9% (n = 2554, 41.7% of the men, 10.8% of the women). Men had a 5.91‐fold (95% CI 5.28–6.62) greater risk for NAFLD than women. After adjusting for confounding factors, the ApoB/AI ratio was more closely associated with the prevalence of NAFLD than with any other lipid profiles (OR 8.537 in men, 16.6 in women). NAFLD risk increased as the quartiles of the ApoB/AI ratio increased from the first to the fourth quartile (OR 1.359, 2.173 and 3.124, P for trend < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ApoB/AI ratio was associated with the prevalence of NAFLD in nondiabetic subjects and was independent of obesity and other metabolic components. This result suggests that NAFLD may provide additional information for atherosclerosis progression and CV risks.
Frequent concomitant epigenetic silencing of SOX1 and secreted frizzled‐related proteins (SFRPs) in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shih Yu‐Lueng , Hsieh Chung‐Bao , Yan Ming‐De , Tsao Chun‐Ming , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Liu Chang‐Hsin , Lin Ya‐Wen
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

Except for genetic mutations, epigenetic changes are also involved in the development of human cancers. Recently, we have identified SOX1, SRY (sex determining region Y)‐box 1, is hypermethylated in cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. Therefore, we investigated whether promoter hypermethylation of SOX1 is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We used methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MS‐PCR) and bisulfite sequencing to analyze the methyaltion level of the SOX1 promoter in seven HCC cell lines, 54 clinical HCCs, 42 cirrhotic livers, 21 livers with chronic hepatitis, and 15 control livers. Then, we employed quantitative MS‐PCR (QMSP) to validate in an independent set of samples (60 paired HCCs and 30 control livers). Finally, we used luciferase reporter and colony formation assay to check the effect of SOX1 in HCC.

Results

Promoter methylation of SOX1 was significantly frequent in HCC cell lines and clinical HCCs, cirrhotic livers, but not in control livers (P < 0.0001). There is a significant correlation between downregulation of SOX1 expression and promoter methylation. QMSP results confirmed that promoter hypermethylation of SOX1 is significantly more frequent in HCCs than control livers (P < 0.0001). The frequency of SOX1 methylation in patients with secreted frizzled‐related proteins (SFRPs) methylation is significantly higher than in patients without SFRPs methylation (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, ectopic expression of SOX1 could suppress T‐cell factor‐dependent transcriptional activity and colony formation number in HCCs.

Conclusions

Concomitant epigenetic silencing of SOX1 and SFRPs through promoter hypermethylation is frequent in HCCs, and this might contribute to abnormal activation of canonical Wnt signal pathway.
AGC1‐malate aspartate shuttle activity is critical for dopamine handling in the nigrostriatal pathway
Authors: Llorente‐Folch Irene , Sahún Ignasi , Contreras Laura , Casarejos María José , Grau Josep María , Saheki Takeyori , Mena María Angeles , Satrústegui Jorgina , Dierssen Mara , Pardo Beatriz
Published: December 2012

The mitochondrial transporter of aspartate‐glutamate Aralar/AGC1 is a regulatory component of the malate‐aspartate shuttle. Aralar deficiency in mouse and human causes a shutdown of brain shuttle activity and global cerebral hypomyelination. A lack of neurofilament‐labeled processes is detected in the cerebral cortex, but whether different types of neurons are differentially affected by Aralar deficiency is still unknown. We have now found that Aralar‐knockout (Aralar‐KO) post‐natal mice show hyperactivity, anxiety‐like behavior, and hyperreactivity with a decrease of dopamine (DA) in terminal‐rich regions. The striatum is the brain region most affected in terms of size, amino acid and monoamine content. We find a decline in vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 (VMAT2) levels associated with increased DA metabolism through MAO activity (DOPAC/DA ratio) in Aralar‐KO striatum. However, no decrease in DA or in the number of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive cells was detected in Aralar‐KO brainstem. Adult Aralar‐hemizygous mice presented also increased DOPAC/DA ratio in striatum and enhanced sensitivity to amphetamine. Our results suggest that Aralar deficiency causes a fall in GSH/GSSG ratio and VMAT2 in striatum that might be related to a failure to produce mitochondrial NADH and to an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cytosol. The results indicate that the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system is a target of Aralar deficiency.
Effect of dentofacial deformity on maximum isometric tongue strength
Authors: da Silva J. B. , Giglio L. D. , Regalo S. H. , de Mello‐Filho F. V. , Trawitzki L. V. V.
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to determine whether dentofacial deformities (class II and class III) influence maximum isometric tongue strength compared with a group without deformities. A total of 126 adult patients participated in the study. Of these, 45 had a class II diagnosis (14 men and 31 women) and 81 a class III diagnosis (35 men and 46 women), all of them with indication of orthognathic surgery. Fifty adult volunteers (17 men and 33 women) with no changes in dental occlusion (class I) and with no clinical signs of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint represented the control group. Tongue strength (in N) was measured with a dynamometer. The maximum strength of the anterior portion was determined with the instrument positioned on the retroincisor region and the maximum strength of the dorsum with the instrument positioned in the region of the hard palate. Data were analysed statistically by analysis of variance (anova) and by the Pearson correlation test. No significant difference (P > 0·05) in tongue strength in the anterior or dorsal region was observed between the groups with dentofacial deformities or between these groups and the control. The tongue strength of the anterior and dorsal regions was not influenced by the dentofacial deformity.
Morphological and Pathogenic Characterization of Genetically Diverse Sclerotinia Isolates from European Red Clover Crops (Trifolium Pratense L.)
Authors: Vleugels Tim , Baert Joost , van Bockstaele Erik
Published: December 2012

Clover rot, an important disease in European red clover crops, is caused by Sclerotinia trifoliorum or Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Until today, little is known about the variation in aggressiveness among Sclerotinia isolates from red clover. Aggressiveness has never been correlated with morphological characteristics. Rapidly growing isolates may be more aggressive, but this was never investigated in S. trifoliorum before. Also nothing is known about the link between sclerotia production and aggressiveness. Oxalic acid is an important pathogenicity factor in Sclerotinia species, but its effect on aggressiveness is unknown in S. trifoliorum isolates. For this study, we selected 30 Sclerotinia isolates from 25 locations Europe: 26 S. trifoliorum isolates and 4 S. sclerotiorum isolates from two locations in France (Fr.A and Fr.B). For each isolate, the in vitro growth speed, sclerotia production, oxalate production and aggressiveness were analysed and correlations were estimated between aggressiveness and the other characteristics. Aggressiveness was assessed in vitro on detached leaves and in a greenhouse on young plants. Our isolates differed significantly in growth speed, sclerotia production, oxalate production and aggressiveness. The infections on detached leaves and young plants revealed interaction between isolates and plant genotypes and between isolates and cultivars, but there was no indication that pathotypes exist. In vitro growth speed and in vitro aggressiveness on detached leaves were positively correlated with aggressiveness on young plants, while sclerotia production was negatively correlated with aggressiveness on young plants. These factors can be used as predictors of aggressiveness of Sclerotinia isolates from red clover crops.
Detection and Identification of a 16SrII Group Phytoplasma Causing Clover Little Leaf Disease in Iran
Authors: Hosseini Somayeh , Bahar Masoud , Zirak Leila
Published: December 2012

White clover plants showing little leaf and leaf reddening symptoms were observed in Isfahan Province in central Iran. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of nested PCR‐amplified fragments from Iranian clover little leaf phytoplasma isolates and representative phytoplasmas from other phytoplasma groups using AluI, CfoI, KpnI and RsaI restriction enzymes indicated that the clover phytoplasma isolates are related to the peanut WB group. Sequence analyses of partial 16S rRNA fragments showed that Iranian clover little leaf phytoplasma has 99% similarity with soybean witches'‐broom phytoplasma, a member of the peanut WB (16SrII) phytoplasma group. This is the first report of clover infection with a phytoplasma related to the 16SrII group.
Circadian period and the timing of melatonin onset in men and women: predictors of sleep during the weekend and in the laboratory
Authors: Lazar Alpar S. , Santhi Nayantara , Hasan Sibah , Lo June C.‐Y. , Johnston Jonathan D. , Von Schantz Malcolm , Archer Simon N. , Dijk Derk‐Jan
Published: December 2012

Sleep complaints and irregular sleep patterns, such as curtailed sleep during workdays and longer and later sleep during weekends, are common. It is often implied that differences in circadian period and in entrained phase contribute to these patterns, but few data are available. We assessed parameters of the circadian rhythm of melatonin at baseline and in a forced desynchrony protocol in 35 participants (18 women) with no sleep disorders. Circadian period varied between 23 h 50 min and 24 h 31 min, and correlated positively (n = 31, rs = 0.43, P = 0.017) with the timing of the melatonin rhythm relative to habitual bedtime. The phase of the melatonin rhythm correlated with the Insomnia Severity Index (n = 35, rs = 0.47, P = 0.004). Self‐reported time in bed during free days also correlated with the timing of the melatonin rhythm (n = 35, rs = 0.43, P = 0.01) as well as with the circadian period (n = 31, rs = 0.47, P = 0.007), such that individuals with a more delayed melatonin rhythm or a longer circadian period reported longer sleep during the weekend. The increase in time in bed during the free days correlated positively with circadian period (n = 31, rs = 0.54, P = 0.002). Polysomnographically assessed latency to persistent sleep (n = 34, rs = 0.48, P = 0.004) correlated with the timing of the melatonin rhythm when participants were sleeping at their habitual bedtimes in the laboratory. This correlation was significantly stronger in women than in men (Z = 2.38, P = 0.017). The findings show that individual differences in circadian period and phase of the melatonin rhythm associate with differences in sleep, and suggest that individuals with a long circadian period may be at risk of developing sleep problems.
Parasympathetic nervous system activity and children's sleep
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Erath Stephen A. , Bagley Erika J.
Published: December 2012

We examined indices of children's parasympathetic nervous system activity (PNS), including respiratory sinus arrhythmia during baseline (RSAB) and RSA reactivity (RSAR), to a laboratory challenge, and importantly the interaction between RSAB and RSAR as predictors of multiple parameters of children's sleep. Lower RSAR denotes increased vagal withdrawal (reductions in RSA between baseline and task) and higher RSAR represents decreased vagal withdrawal or augmentation (increases in RSA between baseline and task). A community sample of school‐attending children (121 boys and 103 girls) participated [mean age = 10.41 years; standard deviation (SD) = 0.67]. Children's sleep parameters were examined through actigraphy for 7 consecutive nights. Findings demonstrate that RSAB and RSAR interact to predict multiple sleep quality parameters (activity, minutes awake after sleep onset and long wake episodes). The overall pattern of effects illustrates that children who exhibit more disrupted sleep (increased activity, more minutes awake after sleep onset and more frequent long wake episodes) are those with lower RSAB in conjunction with lower RSAR. This combination of low RSAB and low RSAR probably reflects increased autonomic nervous system arousal, which interferes with sleep. Results illustrate the importance of individual differences in physiological regulation indexed by interactions between PNS baseline activity and PNS reactivity for a better understanding of children's sleep quality.
Modelling long‐run trends and cycles in financial time series data
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Cuñado Juncal , Gil‐Alana Luis A.
Published: December 2012

This article proposes a general time series framework to capture the long‐run behaviour of financial series. The suggested approach includes linear and segmented time trends, and stationary and non‐stationary processes based on integer and/or fractional degrees of differentiation. Moreover, the spectrum is allowed to contain more than a single pole or singularity, occurring at both zero but non‐zero (cyclical) frequencies. This framework is used to analyse five annual time series with a long span, namely dividends, earnings, interest rates, stock prices and long‐term government bond yields. The results based on several likelihood criteria indicate that the five series exhibit fractional integration with one or two poles in the spectrum, and are quite stable over the sample period examined.
Robust estimation for copula Parameter in SCOMDY models
Authors: Kim Byungsoo , Lee Sangyeol
Published: December 2012

In this study, we study the robust estimation for the copula parameter in semiparametric copula‐based multivariate dynamic (SCOMDY) models proposed by Chen and Fan (2006). To this end, instead of the pseudo maximum likelihood estimator in Chen and Fan (2006), we use a minimum density power divergence estimator (MDPDE) proposed by Basu et al. (1998). It is shown that the MDPDE is consistent and asymptotically normal under regularity conditions. We compare the performance between the two estimators when outliers exist through a simulation study.
Risk factors of HBV intrauterine transmission among HBsAg‐positive pregnant women
Authors: Guo Z. , Shi X. H. , Feng Y. L. , Wang B. , Feng L .P. , Wang S. P. , Zhang Y. W.
Published: December 2012

Little is known about the risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) intrauterine transmission among HBsAg‐positive mothers. We conducted a study in Taiyuan, China, including 1133 HBsAg‐positive mothers and their babies. A total of 101 neonates had HBsAg and/or HBV DNA positive with an intrauterine transmission rate of 8.9%. Maternal menstrual irregularity (OR = 4.95, 95% CI: 1.71, 14.33) and severe nausea during the first trimester (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.09) were associated with an increased risk of intrauterine transmission, while caesarean delivery (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.51) was associated with a decreased risk after adjusting for potential confounders. Maternal HBeAg positive was a strong independent predictor for intrauterine transmission (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.54, 4.27). A positive association between maternal HBV DNA levels and intrauterine transmission was suggested. Maternal HBIG administration during pregnancy, family history of HBV infection and premature rupture of membranes was not associated with the risk of intrauterine transmission. The study confirmed that maternal HBeAg positive was a risk factor and caesarean delivery was a protective factor for intrauterine transmission. The new findings associated with menstrual irregularity and severe nausea during the first trimester warrant further investigation.
A Monte Carlo Simulation Approach to Forecasting Multi‐period Value‐at‐Risk and Expected Shortfall Using the FIGARCH‐skT Specification
Authors: Degiannakis Stavros , Dent Pamela , Floros Christos
Published: December 2012

The paper provides a methodological contribution to the multi‐step Value‐at‐Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfall (ES) forecasting through a new adaptation of the Monte Carlo simulation approach for forecasting multi‐period volatility to a Fractionally Integrated Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (FIGARCH) framework for leptokurtic and asymmetrically distributed portfolio returns. Accounting for long memory within the conditional variance process with skewed Student‐t (skT) conditionally distributed innovations, accurate 95 per cent and 99 per cent VaR and ES forecasts are calculated for multi‐period time horizons. The results show that the FIGARCH‐skT model has a superior multi‐period VaR and ES forecasting performance.
Astronomical evidence for the rapid growth of millimeter‐sized particles in protoplanetary disks
Authors: WILLIAMS Jonathan P.
Published: December 2012

Abstract– I summarize recent surveys of protoplanetary disks at millimeter wavelengths and show that the distribution of luminosity, equivalent to the mass in small dust grains, declines rapidly. This contrasts with statistics on the lifetime of disks from infrared observations and the high occurrence of planets from radial velocity and transit surveys. I suggest that these disparate results can be reconciled if most of the dust in a disk is locked up in millimeter and larger‐sized particles within about 2 Myr. This statistical result on disk evolution agrees with detailed modeling of a small number of individual disks and with cosmochemical measurements of rapid planetesimal formation.
Next‐generation sequencing sheds light on intricate regulation of insect gut microbiota
Authors: Fukatsu Takema
Published: December 2012

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are getting cheaper and easier and hence becoming readily accessible for many researchers in biological disciplines including ecology. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Sudakaran et al. (2012) show how the NGS revolution contributes to our better and more comprehensive understanding of ecological interactions between gut symbiotic microbiota and the host organism. Using the European red firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus as a model system, they demonstrated that the gut microbiota consists of a small number of major bacterial phylotypes plus other minor bacterial associates. The major bacteria are localized in a specific anoxic section of the midgut and quantitatively account for most of the gut microbiota irrespective of host's geographic populations. The specific gut microbiota is established through early nymphal development of the host insect. Interestingly, the host feeding on different food, namely linden seeds, sunflower seeds or wasp larvae, scarcely affected the symbiont composition, suggesting homoeostatic control over the major symbiotic microbiota in the anoxic section of the midgut. Some of the minor components of the gut microbiota, which conventional PCR/cloning/sequencing approaches would have failed to detect, were convincingly shown to be food‐derived. These findings rest on the robust basis of high‐throughput sequencing data, and some of them could not be practically obtained by conventional molecular techniques, highlighting the significant impact of NGS approaches on ecological aspects of host–symbiont interactions in a nonmodel organism.