bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diet and risk of oral potentially malignant disorders in rural Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasinghe Hemantha K. , Usgodaarachchi Udaya , Kumaraarachchi Menaka , Johnson Newell W. , Warnakulasuriya Saman 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundWhile the protective role of antioxidant nutrients against cancer is well established, data on Asian diets in patients with oral cancer are meagre.MethodsA total of 1029 subjects over 30 years of age were investigated on their dietary practices in the Sabaragamuwa province (Sri Lanka) in 2006–07. Data collection tools were an interviewer‐administered questionnaire, a three‐day food diary and an examination of the oral cavity. Subjects identified with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMD) and disease‐free controls were analysed in a case–control fashion. Among the OPMDs, those with leukoplakia were separately considered. A further subgroup analysis was undertaken for β‐carotene‐rich foods. The analysis was stratified by portions of fruit/vegetables consumed as five or more portions and two or more portions daily.ResultsA low BMI (<18.5) was a significant independent risk factor for the development of OPMD. More than half of both cases and controls consumed less than two portions of fruit/vegetables per day and only 20 subjects consumed more than five portions per day. Intake of more than two portions per day of β‐carotene‐containing fruits/vegetables significantly reduced the risk of having an OPMD and leukoplakia (OR = 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3–0.9). The significant differences observed with BMI and fruits/vegetables were attenuated when adjusted for betel quid chewing, smoking and alcohol use.ConclusionsThis study discloses prevailing under‐nutrition in this rural population with very low daily consumption of fruit/vegetables. Cancer preventive properties in their diets are limited and are swamped by the known carcinogenic agents associated with use of betel quid, tobacco and alcohol.
Immunohistochemical expression of oestrogen receptor‐α and progesterone receptor in salivary gland tumours
Authors: Kolude Bamidele , Adisa Akinyele , Adeyemi Bukola , Lawal Ahmed 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe mammary and salivary glands are tubulo‐acinar exocrine glands, sharing similar morphological characteristics and tumour histology. It is logical to postulate that they may have similar tumour biology. This study was carried out to define the expression of oestrogen‐α (ER‐α) and progesterone (PR) in salivary gland tumours (SGTs) presenting at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.MethodsFormalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue samples of different salivary gland neoplasms were processed for antibodies to ER‐α and PR using the specifications of the manufacturer. Two independent investigators reviewed the slides scoring the pattern and intensity of staining as follows: negative (0), weakly positive (+1), moderately positive (+2) and strongly positive (+3). Data were analysed using version 16 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS16). The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsA total of 40 SGTs from 19 males (47.5%) and 21 females (52.5%) were utilised. There were 15 benign and 25 malignant SGTs. ER expression in benign SGTs was 6.7%, while in malignant SGTs, it was 28.0%. There was no statistically significant difference in the gender and mean age distribution between patients with or without positive ER‐α expression (χ2 = 0.37, P = 0.59 Fisher's exact test; t = 0.054, P = 0.96, respectively). About 66.7% of high‐grade SGTs was positive for ER while only 20% of the low‐grade lesions were positive.ConclusionThis study showed that ER‐α was expressed more in the high‐grade malignant SGTs compared with the low‐grade malignant SGTs and the benign SGTs.
BORDERS AS BOUNDARIES TO FISCAL POLICY INTERACTIONS? AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF POLITICIANS’ OPINIONS ON RIVALS IN THE COMPETITION FOR FIRMS
Authors: Geys Benny , Osterloh Steffen 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTStudies of spatial policy interdependence in (local) public policies usually concentrate on the relations between jurisdictions within a single analyzed region, and disregard possible extraregional effects. However, the theoretical spatial statistics literature shows that biased estimates might emerge if spatial interactions extend beyond the boundaries of the available data (i.e., the boundary value problem). This paper empirically assesses the practical relevance of this concern by studying German local politicians’ assessments of their jurisdictions’ main competitors in the struggle to attract firms. We find that location near a border significantly undermines politicians’ perception that the fiercest competitive pressure derives from jurisdictions within their own state. This effect sets in about 20 km (10.2 km) from a national (international) border. These results indicate that nearest municipalities perceive each other as competitors regardless of the state or country where they are located, which has important implications for estimating spatial dependence models.
Sleep patterns and insomnia among adolescents: a population‐based study
Authors: Hysing Mari , Pallesen Ståle , Stormark Kjell M. , Lundervold Astri J. , Sivertsen Børge 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe aim of the current study was to examine sleep patterns and rates of insomnia in a population‐based study of adolescents aged 16–19 years. Gender differences in sleep patterns and insomnia, as well as a comparison of insomnia rates according to DSM‐IV, DSM‐V and quantitative criteria for insomnia (Behav. Res. Ther., 41, 2003, 427), were explored. We used a large population‐based study in Hordaland county in Norway, conducted in 2012. The sample included 10 220 adolescents aged 16–18 years (54% girls). Self‐reported sleep measurements included bedtime, rise time, time in bed, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, rate and frequency and duration of difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep and rate and frequency of tiredness and sleepiness. The adolescents reported short sleep duration on weekdays (mean 6:25 hours), resulting in a sleep deficiency of about 2 h. A majority of the adolescents (65%) reported sleep onset latency exceeding 30 min. Girls reported longer sleep onset latency and a higher rate of insomnia than boys, while boys reported later bedtimes and a larger weekday–weekend discrepancy on several sleep parameters. Insomnia prevalence rates ranged from a total prevalence of 23.8 (DSM‐IV criteria), 18.5 (DSM‐V criteria) and 13.6% (quantitative criteria for insomnia). We conclude that short sleep duration, long sleep onset latency and insomnia were prevalent in adolescents. This warrants attention as a public health concern in this age group.
Helping to sort the liars from the truth‐tellers: The gradual revelation of information during investigative interviews
Authors: Dando Coral J. , Bull Ray , Ormerod Thomas C. , Sandham Alexandra L. 
Published: April 2013

Research examining detection of verbal deception reveals that lay observers generally perform at chance. Yet, in the criminal justice system, laypersons that have not undergone specialist investigative training are frequently called upon to make veracity judgements (e.g., solicitors; magistrates; juries). We sought to improve performance by manipulating the timing of information revelation during investigative interviews. A total of 151 participants played an interactive computer game as either a truth‐teller or a deceiver, and were interviewed afterwards. Game information known to the interviewer was revealed either early, at the end of the interview, or gradually throughout. Subsequently, 30 laypersons individually viewed a random selection of interviews (five deceivers and five truth‐tellers from each condition), and made veracity and confidence judgements. Veracity judgements were most accurate in the gradual condition, p < .001, η2 = .97 (above chance), and observers were more confident in those judgements, p < .001, η2 = .99. Deceptive interviewees reported the gradual interviews to be the most cognitively demanding, p < .001; η2 = .24. Our findings suggest that the detection of verbal deception by non‐expert observers can be enhanced by employing interview techniques that maximize deceivers' cognitive load, while allowing truth‐tellers the opportunity to respond to evidence incrementally.
Vasovagal Syncope Related to Emotional Stress Predicts Coronary Events in Later Life
Authors: ZYSKO DOROTA , MELANDER OLLE , FEDOROWSKI ARTUR 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess whether history of vasovagal syncope (VVS) mediated by emotional (emotional VVS) or orthostatic stress (orthostatic VVS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events in later life.MethodsRetrospective analysis based on medical records of the consecutive 3,288 cardiologic outpatients (mean age, 61 ± 12 years; 43% men).ResultsA total of 254 patients (7.7%) reported emotional VVS, whereas 294 (9.0%) had history of orthostatic VVS. First‐ever syncopal episode was reported at a median age of 16 years (interquartile range [IQR], 12 years to 28 years), and the median total number of episodes was two (IQR, 1 to 5). There were 779 patients (23.7%) with at least one CV event, and the median age for the first CV event was 59 years (IQR, 52 years to 67 years). In the fully adjusted model, history of emotional VVS was predictive of CV event (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.63, [1.27–2.09]; P < 0.001), myocardial infarction (1.99, [1.49–2.66]; P < 0.001), and percutaneous coronary intervention (1.84, [1.31–2.60]; P = 0.001). There was one significant interaction (P = 0.07) between history of emotional VVS and gender. Emotional VVS was predictive of CV event in men (1.89 [1.41–2.53]; P < 0.001) but not in women (1.24 [0.79–1.94]; P = 0.35).ConclusionsHistory of emotional but not orthostatic VVS is independently associated with increased risk of coronary events in later life. The relationship between predisposition to emotional VVS in adolescence and development of cardiovascular disease requires further studies.
Spatial Variation of Soil Lead in an Urban Community Garden: Implications for Risk‐Based Sampling
Authors: Bugdalski Lauren , Lemke Lawrence D. , McElmurry Shawn P. 
Published: April 2013

Soil lead pollution is a recalcitrant problem in urban areas resulting from a combination of historical residential, industrial, and transportation practices. The emergence of urban gardening movements in postindustrial cities necessitates accurate assessment of soil lead levels to ensure safe gardening. In this study, we examined small‐scale spatial variability of soil lead within a 15 × 30 m urban garden plot established on two adjacent residential lots located in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Eighty samples collected using a variably spaced sampling grid were analyzed for total, fine fraction (less than 250 μm), and bioaccessible soil lead. Measured concentrations varied at sampling scales of 1–10 m and a hot spot exceeding 400 ppm total soil lead was identified in the northwest portion of the site. An interpolated map of total lead was treated as an exhaustive data set, and random sampling was simulated to generate Monte Carlo distributions and evaluate alternative sampling strategies intended to estimate the average soil lead concentration or detect hot spots. Increasing the number of individual samples decreases the probability of overlooking the hot spot (type II error). However, the practice of compositing and averaging samples decreased the probability of overestimating the mean concentration (type I error) at the expense of increasing the chance for type II error. The results reported here suggest a need to reconsider U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sampling objectives and consequent guidelines for reclaimed city lots where soil lead distributions are expected to be nonuniform.
Inhibitory effect of zinc on glucose‐stimulated zinc/insulin secretion in an insulin‐secreting β‐cell line
Authors: Slepchenko Kira G. , James Calvin B. L. , Li Yang V. 
Published: April 2013

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?The main aim of the present study was to determine glucose‐stimulated zinc secretion and the effect of zinc on glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β‐cells.
What is the main finding and its importance?Using a newly developed approach, we demonstrated a robust glucose‐stimulated zinc secretion. Importantly, the application of zinc inhibited glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Our findings provide evidence that zinc, after being secreted, can regulate the insulin secretion of β‐cells by a negative feedback mechanism.
Diminished or inappropriate secretion of insulin is associated with type II diabetes. The cellular/molecular mechanism coupled with the regulation of insulin secretion is still under intense investigation. Divalent ion zinc (Zn2+) is co‐packaged and co‐secreted with insulin and is intimately involved in the process of insulin biosynthesis and the maturation of insulin secretory granules. The study reported here investigated glucose‐stimulated zinc secretion (GSZS) and the effect of zinc on glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in the HIT‐T15 pancreatic β‐cell line. Zinc secretion was measured using a newly developed fluorescent zinc imaging approach, and the insulin secretion was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. There was apparent granular‐like zinc staining in β‐cells. The application of glucose induced detectable zinc secretion or GSZS. Like GSIS, GSZS was dependent on the glucose concentration (5–20 mm) and the presence of extracellular calcium. The application of a zinc chelator enhanced GSZS. When brief paired‐pulse glucose stimulations, which involve the initial glucose stimulation followed by a second round of glucose stimulation, were applied, zinc secretion or GSZS that followed the first pulse was inhibited. This inhibition was reversed by zinc chelation, suggesting a feedback mechanism on GSZS by zinc secreted from β‐cells. Finally, the application of zinc (50 μm) strongly inhibited GSIS as measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The present study suggests that insulin secretion is regulated by co‐secreted zinc that may act as an autocrine inhibitory modulator.
Novel role for thioredoxin reductase‐2 in mitochondrial redox adaptations to obesogenic diet and exercise in heart and skeletal muscle
Authors: Fisher‐Wellman Kelsey H. , Mattox Taylor A. , Thayne Kathleen , Katunga Lalage A. , La Favor Justin D. , Neufer P. Darrell , Hickner Robert C. , Wingard Christopher J. , Anderson Ethan J. 
Published: April 2013

Key points
For reasons not completely understood, obesogenic high‐fat, high‐sucrose (HFHS) diets and exercise training both increase free fatty acid utilization and chronic oxidative stress, yet the former is deleterious to cardiovascular/metabolic health, whereas the latter is beneficial.
Here, we report that the heart shows decreased mitochondrial H2O2 (mH2O2) generation following HFHS diet, while skeletal muscle shows increased mH2O2, and uncover a novel role for thioredoxin reductase‐2 (TxnRd2) underlying these differences.
We also show that TxnRd2 is critical to controlling mH2O2 levels during mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, especially following exercise training in skeletal muscle.
These findings are important in that they illustrate how the heart and skeletal muscle have contrasting adaptations in antioxidant capacity in response to HFHS diet, and uncover a new role for TxnRd2 in the overall control of mH2O2 in these organs with HFHS diet and exercise training.
Abstract  Increased fatty acid availability and oxidative stress are physiological consequences of exercise (Ex) and a high‐fat, high‐sugar (HFHS) diet. Despite these similarities, the global effects of Ex are beneficial, whereas HFHS diets are largely deleterious to the cardiovascular system. The reasons for this disparity are multifactorial and incompletely understood. We hypothesized that differences in redox adaptations following HFHS diet in comparison to exercise may underlie this disparity, particularly in mitochondria. Our objective in this study was to determine mechanisms by which heart and skeletal muscle (red gastrocnemius, RG) mitochondria experience differential redox adaptations to 12 weeks of HFHS diet and/or exercise training (Ex) in rats. Surprisingly, both HFHS feeding and Ex led to contrasting effects in heart and RG, in that mitochondrial H2O2 decreased in heart but increased in RG following both HFHS diet and Ex, in comparison to sedentary animals fed a control diet. These differences were determined to be due largely to increased antioxidant/anti‐inflammatory enzymes in the heart following the HFHS diet, which did not occur in RG. Specifically, upregulation of mitochondrial thioredoxin reductase‐2 occurred with both HFHS and Ex in the heart, but only with Ex in RG, and systematic evaluation of this enzyme revealed that it is critical for suppressing mitochondrial H2O2 during fatty acid oxidation. These findings are novel and important in that they illustrate the unique ability of the heart to adapt to oxidative stress imposed by HFHS diet, in part through upregulation of thioredoxin reductase‐2. Furthermore, upregulation of thioredoxin reductase‐2 plays a critical role in preserving the mitochondrial redox status in the heart and skeletal muscle with exercise.
Handy-Potter: Rapid Exploration of Rotationally Symmetric Shapes
Through Natural Hand Motions
Authors: Vinayak  , Murugappan Sundar , Piya Cecil , Ramani Karthik 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
We present a paradigm for natural and exploratory shape modeling by introducing novel 3D interactions for creating, modifying, and manipulating 3D shapes using arms and hands. Though current design tools provide complex modeling functionalities, they remain nonintuitive for novice users. Significant training is required to use these tools since they segregate 3D shapes into hierarchical 2D inputs, binding the user to stringent procedural steps and making modifications cumbersome. On the other hand, the use of computer-aided design (CAD) systems is typically involved during the final phases of design. This leaves a void in the early design phase wherein the creative exploration is critical. We present a shape creation paradigm as an exploration of creative imagination and externalization of shapes, particularly in the early phases of design. We integrate the capability of humans to express 3D shapes via hand-arm motions with traditional sweep surface representation to demonstrate rapid exploration of a rich variety of 3D shapes. We track the skeleton of users using the depth data provided by low-cost depth sensing camera (Kinect). Our modeling tool is configurable to provide a variety of implicit constraints for shape symmetry and resolution based on the position, orientation, and speed of the arms. An intuitive strategy for shape modifications is also proposed. Our main goal is to help the user to communicate the design intent to the computer with minimal effort. To this end, we conclusively demonstrate the creation of a wide variety of product concepts and show an average modeling time of a only few seconds while retaining the intuitiveness of the design process.
Virulence Profiling of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O111:NM Isolates from Cattle
Authors: Karama Musafiri , Gyles Carlton L. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) O111:NM is an important serotype that has been incriminated in disease outbreaks in the United States. This study characterized cattle STEC O111:NM for virulence factors and markers by PCR. Major conclusions are that STEC O111:NM characterized in this study lacks
stx
2
and the full spectrum of
nle
gene markers, and it has an incomplete OI-122.
Dynamics of Cathode-Associated Microbial Communities and Metabolite Profiles in a Glycerol-Fed Bioelectrochemical System
Authors: Dennis Paul G. , Harnisch Falk , Yeoh Yun Kit , Tyson Gene W. , Rabaey Korneel 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Electrical current can be used to supply reducing power to microbial metabolism. This phenomenon is typically studied in pure cultures with added redox mediators to transfer charge. Here, we investigate the development of a current-fed mixed microbial community fermenting glycerol at the cathode of a bioelectrochemical system in the absence of added mediators and identify correlations between microbial diversity and the respective product outcomes. Within 1 week of inoculation, a
Citrobacter
population represented 95 to 99% of the community and the metabolite profiles were dominated by 1,3-propanediol and ethanol. Over time, the
Citrobacter
population decreased in abundance while that of a
Pectinatus
population and the formation of propionate increased. After 6 weeks, several
Clostridium
populations and the production of valerate increased, which suggests that chain elongation was being performed. Current supply was stopped after 9 weeks and was associated with a decrease in glycerol degradation and alcohol formation. This decrease was reversed by resuming current supply; however, when hydrogen gas was bubbled through the reactor during open-circuit operation (open-circuit potential) as an alternative source of reducing power, glycerol degradation and metabolite production were unaffected. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the community appeared to catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction, leading to a +400-mV shift in its onset potential. Our results clearly demonstrate that current supply can alter fermentation profiles; however, further work is needed to determine the mechanisms behind this effect. In addition, operational conditions must be refined to gain greater control over community composition and metabolic outcomes.
Close Genetic Relationship between Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 Isolates from Sputum Specimens and Puddles on Roads, as Determined by Sequence-Based Typing
Authors: Kanatani Jun-ichi , Isobe Junko , Kimata Keiko , Shima Tomoko , Shimizu Miwako , Kura Fumiaki , Sata Tetsutaro , Watahiki Masanori 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTWe investigated the prevalence ofLegionellaspecies isolated from puddles on asphalt roads. In addition, we carried out sequence-based typing (SBT) analysis on the genetic relationship betweenL. pneumophilaserogroup 1 (SG 1) isolates from puddles and from stock strains previously obtained from sputum specimens and public baths. Sixty-nine water samples were collected from puddles on roads at 6 fixed locations.Legionellaspecies were detected in 33 samples (47.8%) regardless of season. Among the 325 isolates from puddles, strains ofL. pneumophilaSG 1, a major causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, were the most frequently isolated (n= 62, 19.1%). Sixty-two isolates ofL. pneumophilaSG 1 from puddles were classified into 36 sequence types (STs) by SBT. ST120 and ST48 were identified as major STs. Environmental ST120 strains from puddles were found for the first time in this study. Among the 14 STs of the clinical isolates (n= 19), 4 STs (n= 6, 31.6%), including ST120, were also detected in isolates from puddles on roads, and the sources of infection in these cases remained unclear. Thelag-1gene, a tentative marker for clinical isolates, was prevalent in puddle isolates (61.3%). Our findings suggest that puddles on asphalt roads serve as potential reservoirs forL. pneumophilain the environment.