bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case–control association analysis of Dopamine receptor polymorphisms in alcohol dependence: a pilot study in Indian males
Authors: Prasad Pushplata , Ambekar Atul , Vaswani Meera 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Brain imaging studies and knock-out animal models have derived substantial abetment for dopamine receptor (DR) subtypes as potential candidates in susceptibility to addictive disorders, including alcohol dependence (AD). Various association studies that compared the frequencies of alleles of the dopamine D1, D2, D3 and D4 receptor genes between alcohol dependent and control subjects have produced suggestive results, though some of them are discordant in nature. In the absence of genetic data from Indian population, we evaluated genetic association of three polymorphisms namely rs4532 in DRD1, rs6280 in DRD3 and 120 bp duplication in 1.2 kb upstream region of DRD4 with AD.

Methods
A total of 90 cases (alcohol dependent males) and 122 age and ethnicity matched healthy male controls were recruited in the study by following DSM-IV criteria. Three polymorphisms, namely rs4532 in DRD1, rs6280 in DRD3 and 120 bp duplication in 1.2 kb upstream region of DRD4 were selected (based on minor allele frequency and available literature) for genotyping by PCR-RFLP/LP method. Allele and genotype frequencies of these genetic markers were compared using Pearson’s χ
2 test followed by risk assessment using odds ratio. Statistical analysis of clinical parameters such as AUDIT scores of case subjects was also performed.

Results
Statistically significant associations of polymorphisms in DRD1 and DRD4 with alcoholism were found.

Conclusions
Our results underscore that genetic variations in dopamine receptors D1 and D4 may influence genetic predisposition to alcoholism. Unavailability of comparative data from Indian population and small sample size necessitate replication of results in an independent cohort.
Hierarchical fixed points of strictly pseudo contractive mappings for variational inequality problems
Authors: Chamnarnpan Tanom , Wairojjana Nopparat , Kumam Poom 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce a new iterative scheme that converges strongly to a common fixed point of a countable family of strictly pseudo-contractive mappings in a real Hilbert space which is also a solution of variational inequality problem related to quadratic minimization problems. Our results extend ones of Yao et al. [Math. and Comput. Modell. 52(9-10):1697–1705, 2010], Gu et al. [J. Appl. Math. 2011:17 p., 2011] and some authors.
Distress and disability in young adults presenting to clinical services with mood disorders
Authors: Scott Elizabeth M , Hermens Daniel F , Naismith Sharon L , Guastella Adam J , White Django , Whitwell Bradley G , Lagopoulos Jim , Scott Jan , Hickie Ian B 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Distress and/or dysfunction are well established as key reasons for help-seeking. We explore the characteristics of groups defined by high or low distress or disability in young people with unipolar depression (UP) or bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods
Individuals aged 12 to 25 years presenting to youth mental health services for the first time with a primary diagnosis of UP or BD were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler-10) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Four groups with high or low distress or impairment were defined (according to scores above or below the group medians for the Kessler-10 and WSAS). Multinomial logistic regression (MNLR) was used to examine how cases with high levels of distress and disability (reference group) differed from the other three groups.

Results and discussion
The sample comprised 1,746 cases (90% UP, 56% female) with a median age of 17.5 years. Median scores on the Kessler-10 and WSAS were both high (30 and 20, respectively) and were significantly inter-correlated (r = 0.62); the high impairment/distress group was the largest sub-group (39% of cases). The MNLR analysis demonstrated that younger age was associated with lower impairment groups (irrespective of distress level), whilst male gender was associated with lower distress (irrespective of impairment). Compared to the low impairment/distress cases, the high impairment/distress group was significantly more likely to use cannabis and/or alcohol. Age, substance use and possibly gender are probably better predictors of distress/impairment sub-group than mood disorder sub-type in youth.
The mTOR effectors 4EBP1 and S6K2 are frequently coexpressed, and associated with a poor prognosis and endocrine resistance in breast cancer: a retrospective study including patients from the randomised Stockholm tamoxifen trials
Authors: Karlsson Elin , Pérez-Tenorio Gizeh , Amin Risul , Bostner Josefine , Skoog Lambert , Fornander Tommy , Sgroi Dennis C , Nordenskjöld Bo , Hallbeck Anna-Lotta , Stål Olle 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
mTOR and its downstream effectors the 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) and the p70 ribosomal S6 kinases (S6K1 and S6K2) are frequently upregulated in breast cancer, and assumed to be driving forces in tumourigenesis, in close connection with oestrogen receptor (ER) networks. Here, we investigated these factors as clinical markers in five different cohorts of breast cancer patients.

Methods
The prognostic significance of 4EBP1, S6K1 and S6K2 mRNA expression was assessed with real-time PCR in 93 tumours from the treatment randomised Stockholm trials, encompassing postmenopausal patients enrolled between 1976 and 1990. Three publicly available breast cancer cohorts were used to confirm the results. Furthermore, the predictive values of 4EBP1 and p4EBP1_S65 protein expression for both prognosis and endocrine treatment benefit were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of 912 node-negative breast cancers from the Stockholm trials.

Results
S6K2 and 4EBP1 mRNA expression levels showed significant correlation and were associated with a poor outcome in all cohorts investigated. 4EBP1 protein was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor, especially in progesterone receptor (PgR)-expressing cancers. 4EBP1 protein expression was also associated with a poor response to endocrine treatment in the ER/PgR positive group. Cross-talk to genomic as well as non-genomic ER/PgR signalling may be involved and the results further support a combination of ER and mTOR signalling targeted therapies.

Conclusion
This study suggests S6K2 and 4EBP1 as important factors for breast tumourigenesis, interplaying with hormone receptor signalling. We propose S6K2 and 4EBP1 as new potential clinical markers for prognosis and endocrine therapy response in breast cancer.
Whole body tracking of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-labelled cells – a rheumatoid arthritis mouse model
Authors: Markides Hareklea , Kehoe Oksana , Morris Robert H , El Haj Alicia J 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been made possible by the immunosuppressive and differentiation abilities of these cells. A non-invasive means of assessing cell integration and bio-distribution is fundamental in evaluating the risks and success of this therapy, thereby enabling clinical translation. This paper defines the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to image and track MSCs in vivo within a murine model of RA.

Methods
Murine MSCs (mMSCs) were isolated, expanded and labelled with SiMAG, a commercially available particle. In vitro MRI visibility thresholds were investigated by labelling mMSCs with SiMAG with concentrations ranging from 0 to 10 μg/ml and resuspending varying cell doses (103 to 5 × 105 cells) in 2 mg/ml collagen prior to MR-imaging. Similarly, in vivo detection thresholds were identified by implanting 3 × 105 mMSCs labelled with 0 to 10 μg/ml SiMAG within the synovial cavity of a mouse and MR-imaging. Upon RA induction, 300,000 mMSCs labelled with SiMAG (10 μg/ml) were implanted via intra-articular injection and joint swelling monitored as an indication of RA development over seven days. Furthermore, the effect of SiMAG on cell viability, proliferation and differentiation was investigated.

Results
A minimum particle concentration of 1 μg/ml (300,000 cells) and cell dose of 100,000 cells (5 and 10 μg/ml) were identified as the in vitro MRI detection threshold. Cell viability, proliferation and differentiation capabilities were not affected, with labelled populations undergoing successful differentiation down osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. A significant decrease (P < 0.01) in joint swelling was measured in groups containing SiMAG-labelled and unlabelled mMSCs implying that the presence of SPIONs does not affect the immunomodulating properties of the cells. In vivo MRI scans demonstrated good contrast and the identification of SiMAG-labelled populations within the synovial joint up to 7 days post implantation. This was further confirmed using histological analysis.

Conclusions
We have been able to monitor and track the migration of stem cell populations within the rheumatic joint in a non-invasive manner. This manuscript goes further to highlight the key characteristics (biocompatible and the ability to create significant contrast at realistic doses within a clinical relevant system) demonstrated by SiMAG that should be incorporated into the design of a new clinically approved tracking agent.
Launches, squiggles and pounces, oh my! The water–land transition in mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus)
Authors: Pronko Alexander J. , Perlman Benjamin M. , Ashley-Ross Miriam A. 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARY
Mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus) are small fusiform teleosts (Cyprinodontiformes) with the ability to locomote on land, despite lacking apparent morphological adaptations for terrestrial movement. Rivulus will leave their aquatic habitat for moist, terrestrial environments when water conditions are poor, or, as we show here, to capture terrestrial insects. Specimens were conditioned to eat pinhead crickets on one side of their aquaria. After 2 weeks of conditioning, a barrier with a slope of 15 deg was partially submerged in the middle of the tank, forcing the fish to transition from water to land and back into water in order to feed. Kinematics during the transition were recorded using Fastec high-speed video cameras (125–250 frames s−1). Videos were analyzed using Didge and ImageJ software programs. Transition behaviors were characterized and analyzed according to their specific type. Body oscillation amplitude and wave duration were quantified for movements along the substrate, along with initial velocity for launching behaviors. Kryptolebias marmoratus used a diverse suite of behaviors to transition from water to land. These behaviors can be categorized as launches, squiggles and pounces. Prey were captured terrestrially and brought underwater for consumption. Kryptolebias marmoratus's suite of behaviors represents a novel solution to non-tetrapodal terrestrial transition, which suggests that fishes may have been able to exploit land habitats transiently, without leaving any apparent evidence in the fossil record.
Complex vibratory patterns in an elephant larynx
Authors: Herbst Christian T. , Švec Jan G. , Lohscheller Jörg , Frey Roland , Gumpenberger Michaela , Stoeger Angela S. , Fitch W. Tecumseh 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYElephants' low-frequency vocalizations are produced by flow-induced self-sustaining oscillations of laryngeal tissue. To date, little is known in detail about the vibratory phenomena in the elephant larynx. Here, we provide a first descriptive report of the complex oscillatory features found in the excised larynx of a 25 year old female African elephant (Loxodonta africana), the largest animal sound generator ever studied experimentally. Sound production was documented with high-speed video, acoustic measurements, air flow and sound pressure level recordings. The anatomy of the larynx was studied with computed tomography (CT) and dissections. Elephant CT vocal anatomy data were further compared with the anatomy of an adult human male. We observed numerous unusual phenomena, not typically reported in human vocal fold vibrations. Phase delays along both the inferior–superior and anterior–posterior (A–P) dimension were commonly observed, as well as transverse travelling wave patterns along the A–P dimension, previously not documented in the literature. Acoustic energy was mainly created during the instant of glottal opening. The vestibular folds, when adducted, participated in tissue vibration, effectively increasing the generated sound pressure level by 12 dB. The complexity of the observed phenomena is partly attributed to the distinct laryngeal anatomy of the elephant larynx, which is not simply a large-scale version of its human counterpart. Travelling waves may be facilitated by low fundamental frequencies and increased vocal fold tension. A travelling wave model is proposed, to account for three types of phenomena: A–P travelling waves, ‘conventional’ standing wave patterns, and irregular vocal fold vibration.
Effect of home background on advanced heritage language learning
Authors: Xiao Yun 
Published: October 2013

AbstractUsing a detection test and an essay writing task, this study investigates the effect of home background on Chinese heritage language (CHL) learning and attainment at the advanced level. By examining the participants' use of target morphological marker le and discourse features, the study shows that, compared with their non-HL counterparts, advanced college CHL learners used the morphological marker le more frequently and more appropriately, and older CHL arrivals performed better than younger arrivals. Results of the essay writing task show that, compared with their non-HL counterparts, the older CHL arrivals did significantly better, while the younger arrivals did marginally better. The data support previous findings that early exposure to a language has undeniable positive effect on subsequent learning and that immigrant HL learners' age of arrival is an important indicator of attainment of competence at the advanced level.
Metal chloride passivation treatments for CdTe solar cells
Authors: Drayton Jennifer , Geisthardt Russell , Raguse John , Sites James R. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe traditional CdCl2 passivation of CdTe is expanded by adding other chlorides such as MgCl2, NaCl, and MnCl2 into the process through a two-step passivation procedure that combines closed space sublimation step with a vapor process. This allows the possibility of forming a highly doped field at the back of the device that could act as an electron reflector that could boost device performance by directing electrons back into the absorber layer and increasing the voltage while limiting recombination at the back of the device. The effects the two-step passivation process on device performance are characterized by current-voltage measurements, and by electroluminescence and laser-beam induced current images to show the degree of device uniformity. Additionally, capacitance voltage measurements are used to study doping density, depletion width, and possible formation of a field at the back of the device.
Impact of the deposition conditions of window layers on lowering the metastability effects in Cu(In,Ga)Se2/CBD ZnS-based solar cell
Authors: Naghavi N. , Hildebrandt T. , Renou G. , Temgoua S. , Guillemoles JF. , Lincot D. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the present paper is to focus on the impact of oxygen gas partial pressure during the sputtering of i-ZnO and ZnMgO on the transient behavior of solar cells parameters when a CBD-ZnS buffer layer is used. Based on electrical characterization of cells, we have observed that the effect of light-soaking is different on J-V characteristics depending on the quantity of oxygen present during the first deposition time of the i-ZnO or ZnMgO layers. In fact, we have noticed that, when cells are prepared with standard i-ZnO, the efficiencies are very low and a pronounced transient behavior is observed. However, when the i-ZnO or ZnMgO is first formed by a few nanometers sputtered layer without any additive oxygen, depending on the thickness of this layer, the transient effects strongly decrease. It is then possible to reach efficiencies quite similar to the CdS reference cells, especially with ZnMgO, without any post-treatments.
The effect of a high temperature reaction of Cu-In-Ga metallic precursors on the formation of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2
Authors: Berg Dominik M. , Thompson Christopher P. , Shafarman William N. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe influence of higher processing temperatures on the formation reaction of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 thin films using a three step reactive annealing process and on the device performance has been investigated. High process temperatures generally lead to the formation of larger grains, decrease the amount of void formation and their distribution at the back Mo/Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 interface, and lead to a much faster formation reaction that shortens the overall reaction process. However, high temperature processing also leads to a decrease in device performance. A loss in open circuit voltage and fill factor could be attributed to enhanced interface recombination processes for the samples fabricated at higher process temperatures, which itself may be caused by a lack of Na and subsequent poor passivation of interface defect states. The lack of Na resulted in a decrease in free charge carrier concentration by two orders of magnitude.
Effects of Early Dental Office Visits on Dental Caries Experience
Authors: Beil Heather , Rozier R. Gary , Preisser John S. , Stearns Sally C. , Lee Jessica Y. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We determined the association between timing of a first dentist office visit before age 5 years and dental disease in kindergarten. Methods. We used North Carolina Medicaid claims (1999–2006) linked to state oral health surveillance data to compare caries experience for kindergarten students (2005–2006) who had a visit before age 60 months (n = 11 394) to derive overall exposure effects from a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. We repeated the analysis separately for children who had preventive and tertiary visits. Results. Children who had a visit at age 37 to 48 and 49 to 60 months had significantly less disease than children with a visit by age 24 months (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81, 0.95; IRR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.69, 0.82, respectively). Disease status did not differ between children who had a tertiary visit by age 24 months and other children. Conclusions. Medicaid-enrolled children in our study followed an urgent care type of utilization, and access to dental care was limited. Children at high risk for dental disease should be given priority for a preventive dental visit before age 3 years.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Antiretroviral Treatment Among HIV-Infected Pregnant Medicaid Enrollees, 2005–2007
Authors: Zhang Shun , Senteio Charles , Felizzola Jesus , Rust George 
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We examined racial/ethnic differences in prenatal antiretroviral (ARV) treatment among 3259 HIV-infected pregnant Medicaid enrollees. Methods. We analyzed 2005–2007 Medicaid claims data from 14 southern states, comparing rates of not receiving ARVs and suboptimal versus optimal ARV therapy. Results. More than one third (37.3%) had zero claims for ARV drugs. Three quarters (73.4%) of 346 Hispanic women received no prenatal ARVs. After we adjusted for covariates, Hispanic women had 3.89 (95% confidence interval = 2.58, 5.87) times the risk of not receiving ARVs compared with Whites. Hispanic women often had only 1 or 2 months of Medicaid eligibility, perhaps associated with barriers for immigrants. Less than 3 months of eligibility was strongly associated with nontreatment (adjusted odds ratio = 29.0; 95% confidence interval = 13.4, 62.7). Conclusions. Optimal HIV treatment rates in pregnancy are a public health priority, especially for preventing transmission to infants. Medicaid has the surveillance and drug coverage to ensure that all HIV-infected pregnant women are offered treatment. States that offer emergency Medicaid coverage for only delivery services to pregnant immigrants are missing an opportunity to screen, diagnose, and treat pregnant women with HIV, and to prevent HIV in children.
The Unique Impact of Abolition of Jim Crow Laws on Reducing Inequities in Infant Death Rates and Implications for Choice of Comparison Groups in Analyzing Societal Determinants of Health
Authors: Krieger Nancy , Chen Jarvis T. , Coull Brent , Waterman Pamela D. , Beckfield Jason 
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We explored associations between the abolition of Jim Crow laws (i.e., state laws legalizing racial discrimination overturned by the 1964 US Civil Rights Act) and birth cohort trends in infant death rates.Methods. We analyzed 1959 to 2006 US Black and White infant death rates within and across sets of states (polities) with and without Jim Crow laws.Results. Between 1965 and 1969, a unique convergence of Black infant death rates occurred across polities; in 1960 to 1964, the Black infant death rate was 1.19 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18, 1.20) in the Jim Crow polity than in the non–Jim Crow polity, whereas in 1970 to 1974 the rate ratio shrank to and remained at approximately 1 (with the 95% CI including 1) until 2000, when it rose to 1.10 (95% CI = 1.08, 1.12). No such convergence occurred for Black–White differences in infant death rates or for White infants.Conclusions. Our results suggest that abolition of Jim Crow laws affected US Black infant death rates and that valid analysis of societal determinants of health requires appropriate comparison groups.
Seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B Virus, and HCV Among Injection Drug Users in Connecticut: Understanding Infection and Coinfection Risks in a Nonurban Population
Authors: Akselrod Hana , Grau Lauretta E. , Barbour Russell , Heimer Robert 
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We examined HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and HCV seroprevalence in an interim analysis and the potential risk factors associated with these infections among injection drug users (IDUs) residing in nonurban communities of southwestern Connecticut. Methods. We recruited and interviewed active adult IDUs about their injection-associated risk and conducted serological tests for HIV, HBV, and HCV. Regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for infection and coinfection. Results. Among 446 participants, 51.6% carried at least 1 infection, and 16.3% were coinfected. Infection risk was associated with longer duration of injection use, overdose, substance abuse treatment, depression, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Coinfection was associated with longer injection drug use, lower education, overdose, and criminal justice involvement. Multivariate models identified injection drug use duration, substance abuse treatment, and criminal justice involvement as the most significant predictors of infection; injection drug use duration and education were the most significant predictors of coinfection. Conclusions. Suburban IDUs are at significant risk for acquiring single and multiple viral infections. Effective harm reduction strategies are needed to reach users early. There might be roles for interventions in the treatment and justice systems in which IDUs interact.