bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Similar Ethanol Drinking in Adolescent and Adult C57BL/6J Mice After Chronic Ethanol Exposure and Withdrawal
Authors: Carrara‐Nascimento Priscila F. , Lopez Marcelo F. , Becker Howard C. , Olive M. Foster , Camarini Rosana 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundIncreasing evidence shows that excessive alcohol consumption during adolescence increases vulnerability to alcohol use disorders in adulthood. The aim of this study was to examine differences between adolescent and adult C57BL/6J mice in drinking behavior and blood ethanol (EtOH) concentrations (BECs) after chronic EtOH exposure and withdrawal.MethodsMale adolescent (PND = 28 to 30) and adult (PND = 70) C57BL/6J mice were allowed to consume EtOH in a 2‐bottle choice paradigm (15% EtOH vs. water) for 3 weeks (Baseline drinking, Test 1, and Test 2), which were interspersed with 2 cycles (Cycles I and II) of chronic EtOH vapor or air inhalation (16 hours) and withdrawal (8 hours). BECs were determined during both cycles.ResultsChronic EtOH exposure led to increased EtOH intake during Test 1 and Test 2 in both adolescent and adult mice compared with air‐exposed controls, and no differences between age groups were observed. During Cycle I adult mice showed higher BECs compared with adolescents. During Cycle II, BECs were lower in adult mice as compared to Cycle I, and BECs in adolescent mice did not change between the 2 cycles.ConclusionsChronic EtOH exposure followed by withdrawal periods increases EtOH consumption similarly in both adolescent and adult mice, despite differences in BECs.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on the Relationship Between Mastery and Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Kiecolt K. Jill , Aggen Steven H. , Kendler Kenneth S. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundSense of mastery, a personal resource, is likely to have an inverse association with alcohol dependence. Previous evidence, however, is sparse. In addition, the extent to which an association is due to genetic or environmental factors is unknown.MethodsData were from 3,983 male twins and 2,630 female twins who had ever used alcohol, interviewed in the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders. Mastery was measured by a 6‐item scale. Lifetime diagnosis of alcohol dependence was based on DSM‐IV criteria assessed in a structured diagnostic interview. Univariate analyses modeled the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to mastery and alcohol dependence using Mx software. Bivariate Cholesky models were fit to the mastery and alcohol dependence raw data.ResultsIn the best‐fitting model of mastery, genetic factors accounted for about 33% of the observed variance. Nonshared environmental factors, including random measurement error, accounted for the remaining 67%. Fifty‐six percent of the variance in liability to alcohol dependence was genetic, and the other 44% was explained by the nonshared environment. The phenotypic polychoric correlation between mastery and alcohol dependence of −0.18 was primarily (67% in the best‐fitting model) explained by genes common to both low mastery and alcohol dependence; the rest was explained by nonshared environmental factors.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that genetic risk for alcohol dependence overlaps with genetic factors that influence sense of mastery. Key challenges for future research are to identify the genes that influence mastery and alcohol dependence, as well as the environmental pathways by which they come to be linked.
Water and growth in an agricultural economy
Authors: Chaudhry Anita M. , Barbier Edward B. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe present a model of economic growth of an agricultural household that is faced with an exogenous water availability constraint. We examine the long‐run investment and consumption choices under two scenarios: (i) when the water availability constraint is binding and (ii) when it is not binding. We then compare the two scenarios to derive conditional convergence hypotheses regarding the impact of water availability on long‐run agricultural growth. Panel data from Wyoming are used to test these conditional convergence hypotheses. We find that Wyoming counties exhibit strong conditional convergence in agricultural growth. Our theoretical and empirical results demonstrate that water availability is not a determinant but can be a constraint on long‐run agricultural growth. Higher water use leads to higher growth in agricultural yield per capita but when water rights constrain water use in a county, as we found in southeastern Wyoming, there are significant losses in agricultural growth.
Parents' experiences of information and communication in the neonatal unit about brain imaging and neurological prognosis: a qualitative study
Authors: Harvey Merryl E , Nongena Phumza , Gonzalez‐Cinca Nuria , Edwards A David , Redshaw Maggie E. ,   ePRIME Research Team
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo explore parental information and communication needs during their baby's care in the neonatal unit with a focus on brain imaging and neurological prognosis.MethodsEighteen parents recruited from one neonatal unit in the United Kingdom participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews using a grounded theory approach. The topic guide focused on information received about neonatal brain imaging, diagnosis and prognosis, emotional impact and support.ResultsParents expressed different information needs influenced by their history, expectations, coping strategies and experiences. Most felt they initially were passive recipients of information and attempted to gain control of the information flow. Nurses were the main providers of information; doctors and other parents were also valuable. Attending ward rounds was important. Some parents felt accessing specific information such as the results of brain imaging could be difficult. Concerns about long‐term developmental outcomes and the need for information did not diminish over time. The emotional impact of having a preterm baby had a negative effect on parents' ability to retain information, and all had an ongoing need for reassurance.ConclusionThe findings provide insights about the needs and experiences of parents who have a continuing requirement for information about their infant's care, development and prognosis.
Effects of hydrogen sulphide on motility patterns in the rat colon
Authors: Gil V , Parsons SP , Gallego D , Huizinga JD , Jimenez M 
Published: January 2013

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous signalling molecule with putative functions in gastrointestinal motility regulation. Characterization of H2S effects on colonic motility is crucial to establish its potential use as therapeutic agent in the treatment of colonic disorders.Experimental ApproachH2S effects on colonic motility were characterized using video recordings and construction of spatio‐temporal maps. Microelectrode and muscle bath studies were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying H2S effects. NaHS was used as the source of H2S.Key ResultsRhythmic propulsive motor complexes (RPMCs) and ripples were observed in colonic spatio‐temporal maps. Serosal addition of NaHS concentration‐dependently inhibited RPMCs. In contrast, NaHS increased amplitude of the ripples without changing their frequency. Therefore, ripples became the predominant motor pattern. Neuronal blockade with lidocaine inhibited RPMCs, which were restored after administration of carbachol. Subsequent addition of NaHS inhibited RPMCs. Luminal addition of NaHS did not modify motility patterns. NaHS inhibited cholinergic excitatory junction potentials, carbachol‐induced contractions and hyperpolarized smooth muscle cells, but did not modify slow wave activity.Conclusions and ImplicationsH2S modulated colonic motility inhibiting propulsive contractile activity and enhancing the amplitude of ripples, promoting mixing. Muscle hyperpolarization and inhibition of neurally mediated cholinergic responses contributed to the inhibitory effect on propulsive activity. H2S effects were not related to changes in the frequency of slow wave activity originating in the network of interstitial cells of Cajal located near the submuscular plexus. Luminal H2S did not modify colonic motility probably because of epithelial detoxification.
Second‐line cetuximab/irinotecan versus oxaliplatin/fluoropyrimidines for metastatic colorectal cancer with wild‐type KRAS
Authors: Hong Yong Sang , Kim Hwa Jung , Park Seong Joon , Kim Kyu‐Pyo , Lee Jae‐Lyun , Park Jin Hong , Kim Jong Hoon , Lim Seok‐Byung , Yu Chang Sik , Kim Jin Cheon , Baek Ji Yeon , Kim Sun Young , Kim Tae Won 
Published: January 2013

The goal of the present study was to compare the efficacy of the combination of cetuximab and irinotecan to the combination of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidines as second‐line chemotherapy in patients with irinotecan‐refractory and oxaliplatin‐naïve metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) harboring wild‐type KRAS. The study included 120 patients with mCRC who had progressed after irinotecan‐containing first‐line chemotherapy and were never treated with oxaliplatin; 40 patients with wild‐type KRAS were accrued prospectively in the experimental arm (arm A), and 80 patients accrued retrospectively were divided into control arms B (n = 46) and C (n = 34) according to KRAS genotype. Second‐line treatments consisted of cetuximab plus irinotecan for arm A, and oxaliplatin plus either 5‐fluorouracil (FOLFOX) or capecitabine (CapeOX) for the control arms. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 8.3, 5.8 and 3.9 months, for arms A, B and C, respectively, with statistical significance favoring arm A (P = 0.007). Differences in overall survival did not reach statistical significance (18.3 vs 12.6 vs 12.9, P = 0.138), although there was a trend toward longer overall survival in arm A. In terms of benefit from oxaliplatin‐containing regimens either as second‐line or third‐line therapy, the median PFS was 5.0 months in arms B and C as second‐line therapy, and 4.0 months in arm A as third‐line therapy, with no statistical significance (P = 0.385). Second‐line cetuximab plus irinotecan is a valid treatment strategy for mCRC patients with irinotecan‐refractory and oxaliplatin‐naïve tumors harboring wild‐type KRAS. Oxaliplatin‐containing chemotherapy resulted in equivalent PFS both as a second‐line and a third‐line therapy, enabling delay of the administration of FOLFOX and CapeOX until subsequent treatment cycles.
Impact of health‐care accessibility and social deprivation on diabetes related foot disease
Authors: Leese G. P. , Feng Z. , Leese R. M. , Dibben C. , Emslie‐Smith A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimsTo determine whether geography and/or social deprivation influences the occurrence of foot ulcers or amputations in patients with diabetes.MethodsA population‐based cohort of people with diabetes (n = 15 983) were identified between 2004 and 2006. Community and hospital data on diabetes care, podiatry care and onset of ulceration and amputation was linked using a unique patient identifier, which is used for all patient contacts with health‐care professionals. Postcode was used to calculate social deprivation and distances to general practice and hospital care.ResultsOver 3 years' follow‐up 670 patients with diabetes developed new foot ulcers (42 per 1000) and 99 proceeded to amputation (6 per 1000). The most deprived quintile had a 1.7‐fold (95% CI 1.2–2.3) increased risk of developing a foot ulcer. Distance from general practitioner or hospital clinic and lack of attendance at community retinal screening did not predict foot ulceration or amputation. Previous ulcer (OR 15.1, 95% CI 11.6–19.6), insulin use (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.1–3.5), absent foot pulses (5.9: 4.7–7.5) and impaired monofilament sensation (OR 6.5, 95% CI 5.0–8.4) all predicted foot ulceration. Previous foot ulcer, absent pulses and impaired monofilaments also predicted amputation.ConclusionSocial deprivation is an important factor, especially for the development of foot ulcers. Geographical aspects such as accessibility to the general practitioner or hospital clinic are not associated with foot ulceration or amputation in this large UK cohort study.
Terrestrial prey inputs to streams bordered by deciduous broadleaved forests, conifer plantations and clear‐cut sites in southwestern Japan: effects on the abundance of red‐spotted masu salmon
Authors: Inoue Mikio , Sakamoto Shogo , Kikuchi Shugo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTerrestrial invertebrates falling from the riparian canopy are a major energy source for fishes in headwater streams. Because quantity and quality of such allochthonous resources can vary depending on riparian conditions, conversion of riparian forests to conifer plantations may affect stream productivity. We compared falling and drifting invertebrate abundances and the diet of masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) among stream reaches bordered by deciduous broadleaved forests, conifer plantations (Cryptomeria japonica), and clear‐cut sites in southwestern Japan. We also examined whether among‐reach variation in salmon abundance was related to the riparian vegetation types. The results indicated that, on an annual basis, falling inputs of terrestrial invertebrates at the broadleaved reaches were 2–4 times higher than those at the plantation and clear‐cut reaches. In nonwinter seasons, terrestrial invertebrates made up 40–60% and 30–90% of drift and masu salmon diets, respectively, and drifting invertebrate abundance was higher in the broadleaved reaches than in the plantation reaches. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis of salmon abundance showed that variation in salmon biomass was explained primarily by riparian vegetation type, with broadleaved and clear‐cut reaches having higher biomass than the plantation reaches. These results indicate that terrestrial invertebrates are an important resource for masu salmon, and suggest that streams bordered by conifer plantations receive lower terrestrial prey inputs, which results in lower salmon abundance. In regions where natural forests have been extensively converted to conifer plantations, forest management that allows and facilitates recovery of natural riparian stands is important.
Contemporary University Strategising: The Financial Imperative
Authors: Parker Lee D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the financially focused strategies now evident amongst institutions competing for space in the global higher education system. In their search for increasing financial self‐sufficiency, universities and other higher education providers are examined for their primary competitive strategies. The study provides comprehensive evidence of their cost and operating efficiency strategies, facilitated by increasingly pervasive financial performance accountability systems. The primary operational strategies of teaching and research are found to have been transmogrified into strategies of customised education and research that is primarily focused upon and measured in terms of its funds generation. These trends contribute to complex performance management and accountability challenges as universities’ senior managers balance their internal financial ambitions with the expectations of external stakeholders, while simultaneously projecting sanitised imagery through corporate public relations strategies.
Drivers of Autonomy of Public Agencies in Italy
Authors: Barbieri Dario , Galli Davide , Fedele Paolo , Ongaro Edoardo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe creation of agencies has been and still is a widespread trend in the public sector: governments in many countries often establish semi‐autonomous single‐purpose organizations to carry out a wide range of functions and tasks. The trend to autonomization is problematic as it affects public sector's governance: several bodies operate partly autonomously from the core elective government, and are sometimes loosely coupled with their ‘parent’ administration. Consequently, analysing the drivers of agencies’ autonomy is a crucial issue for public management. This paper, in the light of some major contributions in organizational science, assumes that agencies’ autonomy is influenced by factors that affect post‐delegation relationships: agencies’ structure, culture and nature of the tasks executed. The study was aimed at testing a range of hypotheses about the autonomy of public agencies, using for this purpose the so‐far not investigated case of Italy–much in the spirit of the accumulation of knowledge in an area of public management. Results do not provide any strikingly counter‐intuitive finding, but a mix of confirmations and disconfirmations of previous findings that allow a finer‐grained analysis on the determinants of agency autonomy.
Modifying Modifications: The Future of Child Support is Electronic
Authors: Larson Ryan 
Published: January 2013

Child support arrears are growing across the country. The recent economic recession has only exacerbated the problem. One way of combating arrears is to ensure that child support orders are based upon accurate financial information. Parents and the state can do more to make this happen. This Note proposes that states implement, through administrative regulation, electronic modification systems that review support orders annually. Specifically, electronic systems would utilize automated noncustodial parent income data. Proposed models currently exist in states throughout the country and are consistent with due process afforded by the U.S. Constitution.

Reforms to the child support modification process are needed.
Suggestions are provided for keeping child support orders accurate and fair.
Solutions are offered to help alleviate growing child support arrears.
The intersection of technology and law is discussed.
Ubiquitin‐like protein MNSFβ covalently binds to Bcl–G and enhances lipopolysaccharide/interferon γ‐induced apoptosis in macrophages
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Nakagawa Mai , Watanabe Natsuko , Nakamura Morihiko 
Published: January 2013

Monoclonal non‐specific suppressor factor β (MNSFβ) is a ubiquitously expressed member of the ubiquitin‐like family that is involved in various biological functions. Previous studies have demonstrated that MNSFβ covalently binds to intracellular pro‐apoptotic protein Bcl–G and regulates the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade in the mouse macrophage cell line Raw264.7. In this study, we demonstrate that MNSFβ promotes lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon γ (IFNγ)‐induced apoptosis of Raw264.7 macrophages. In Raw264.7 cells treated with MNSFβ small interfering RNA (siRNA), LPS/IFNγ‐ or NO donor S–nitrosoglutathione‐induced apoptosis was inhibited. siRNA‐mediated knockdown of MNSFβ did not affect inducible nitric‐oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS/IFNγ‐stimulated Raw264.7 cells. Conversely, co‐transfection with MNSFβ and Bcl–G greatly enhanced LPS/IFNγ‐ induced apoptosis in Raw264.7 cells, accompanied by increased expression of p53 and decreased Cox–2 activity. Unlike co‐transfection with wild‐type MNSFβ, co‐transfection of a mutant MNSFβ (G74A) and Bcl–G did not result in enhancement of LPS/IFNγ‐induced apoptosis. Co‐over‐expression of MNSFβ and Bcl–G reduced S–nitrosoglutathione‐induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assay experiments revealed that MNSFβ down‐regulates the ERK/activator protein 1 (AP–1) signaling cascade which leads to Cox–2 activation. We also observed that MNSFβ–Bcl–G promotes LPS/IFNγ‐induced apoptosis of mouse peritoneal macrophages, together with a decrease in Cox–2 expression. Taken together, our data indicate an apoptosis‐enhancing effect of MNSFβ–Bcl–G is due in part to down‐regulation of Cox–2 activation in macrophages.Structured digital abstract

Bcl-G physically interacts with MNSFβ by anti-bait co-immunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3, 4)
Neurological and psychiatric tolerability of rilpivirine (TMC278) vs. efavirenz in treatment‐naïve, HIV‐1‐infected patients at 48 weeks
Authors: Mills AM , Antinori A , Clotet B , Fourie J , Herrera G , Hicks C , Madruga JV , Vanveggel S , Stevens M , Boven K ,   ECHO and THRIVE study groups
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare the neuropsychiatric safety and tolerability of rilpivirine (TMC278) vs. efavirenz in a preplanned pooled analysis of data from the ECHO and THRIVE studies which compared the safety and efficacy of the two drugs in HIV‐1 infected treatment naïve adults.MethodsECHO and THRIVE were randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, 96‐week, international, phase 3 trials comparing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of rilpivirine 25 mg vs. efavirenz 600 mg once daily in combination with two background nucleoside/tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Safety and tolerability analyses were conducted when all patients had received at least 48 weeks of treatment or discontinued earlier. Differences between treatments in the incidence of neurological and psychiatric adverse events (AEs) of interest were assessed in preplanned statistical analyses using Fisher's exact test.ResultsAt the time of the week 48 analysis, the cumulative incidences in the rilpivirine vs. efavirenz groups of any grade 2–4 treatment‐related AEs and of discontinuation because of AEs were 16% vs. 31% (P < 0.0001) and 3% vs. 8% (P = 0.0005), respectively. The incidence of treatment‐related neuropsychiatric AEs was 27% vs. 48%, respectively (P < 0.0001). The incidence of treatment‐related neurological AEs of interest was 17% vs. 38% (P < 0.0001), and that of treatment‐related psychiatric AEs of interest was 15% vs. 23% (P = 0.0002). Dizziness and abnormal dreams/nightmares occurred significantly less frequently with rilpivirine vs. efavirenz (P < 0.01). In both groups, patients with prior neuropsychiatric history tended to report more neuropsychiatric AEs but rates remained lower for rilpivirine than for efavirenz.ConclusionsRilpivirine was associated with fewer neurological and psychiatric AEs of interest than efavirenz over 48 weeks in treatment‐naïve, HIV‐1‐infected adults.
Evaluation Antibacterial Activity of Quaternary‐Based Chitin/Chitosan Derivatives In Vitro
Authors: Geng Xiaodong , Yang Ronghua , Huang Jianying , Zhang Xiao , Wang Xiangyang 
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  Total of 3 water‐soluble quaternary‐based chitin/chitosan derivatives, which have an identical molecular weight and anion, were synthesized and characterized. Their antibacterial activities against Salmonella cholerae‐suis and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated in vitro. The polysaccharides exhibited the antibacterial efficiency. Their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values vary from 0.02 to 20.48 mg/mL, and their minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values vary from 0.08 to 40.96 mg/mL against S. cholerae‐suis and B. subtilis, respectively. Futhermore, the extent of Bacillus subtilis cells damage was examined via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to show how N,N,N‐trimethylchitosan (TMC) gradually destroyed and killed B. subtilis cells when they were treated with TMC. One of those quaternary polymers, O‐([2‐hydroxy‐3‐trimethylammonium])propyl chitin (OHT‐chitin), which can be directly and easily synthesized from chitin in bulk quantities, also was demonstrated its antibacterial activity. These water soluble quaternary‐based chitin/chitosan derivatives that have antibacterial effect should be potentially used as antimicrobial agents in many fields.Practical Application:  The main practical application behind the investigation and evaluation antibacterial activity of 3 water‐soluble quaternary‐based chitin/chitosan derivatives could be potentially used as antimicrobial agents in many fields. These polysaccharides represent a renewable source of natural biodegradable polymers and meet with the emergence of more and more food safe problems.