bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Patterns of Sexual Risk Behavior and Rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Female Young Adults
Authors: Pflieger Jacqueline C. , Cook Emily C. , Niccolai Linda M. , Connell Christian M. 
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We examined patterns of sexual behavior and risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young adulthood for Black, Hispanic, and White females. Methods. We used a nationally representative sample of 7015 female young adults from wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Sexual risk items assessed behaviors occurring in the previous 6 years and past year to determine classes of sexual risk and links to STIs in young adulthood. Results. Latent class analysis revealed 3 sexual risk classes for Black and Hispanic youths and 4 sexual risk classes for White youths. The moderate and high risk classes had the highest probabilities of risky sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, and early age of sexual initiation, which significantly increased odds for STIs compared with recent abstainers. Conclusions. We found different classes of sexual behavior by race/ethnicity, with Black and Hispanic young women most at risk for STIs in young adulthood. Preventive efforts should target younger adolescents and focus on sexual partner behavior.
The Association Between Racial Disparity in Income and Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Owusu-Edusei Kwame , Chesson Harrell W. , Leichliter Jami S. , Kent Charlotte K. , Aral Sevgi O. 
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We examined the association between racial disparity in income and reported race-specific county-level bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States focusing on disparities between Blacks and Whites. Methods. Data are from the US 2000 decennial census. We defined 2 race–income county groups (high and low race–income disparity) on the basis of the difference between Black and White median household incomes. We used 2 approaches to examine disparities in STI rates across the groups. In the first approach, we computed and compared race-specific STI rates for the groups. In the second approach, we used spatial regression analyses to control for potential confounders. Results. Consistent with the STI literature, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis rates for Blacks were substantially higher than were those for Whites. We also found that racial disparities in income were associated with racial disparities in chlamydia and gonorrhea rates and, to a lesser degree, syphilis rates. Conclusions. Racial disparities in household income may be a more important determinant of racial disparities in reported STI morbidity than are absolute levels of household income.
Sexual Minority Status and Self-Rated Health: The Importance of Socioeconomic Status, Age, and Sex
Authors: Thomeer Mieke Beth 
Published: March 2013

Objectives. I examined how sexual minority status, as indicated by sex of sexual partners, is associated with self-rated health and how socioeconomic status suppresses and age and sex moderate this association. Methods. I used multinomial logistic regression to analyze aggregated data from the 1991 to 2010 General Social Survey, a population-based data set (n = 13 480). Results. Respondents with only different-sex partners or with any same-sex partners reported similar levels of health. With socioeconomic status added to the model, respondents with any same-sex partners reported worse health than those with only different-sex partners, but only if sexual intercourse with same-sex partners occurred in the previous 5 years. Age and sex moderated this relationship: having any same-sex partners was associated with worse health for women but not men and among younger adults only. Conclusions. The relationship between sexual minority status and self-rated health varies across sociodemographic groups. Future research should use population-level data to examine other health outcomes and continue to explore how the intersection of sexual minority status and other sociodemographic indicators shapes health.
Strong Smoke-Free Law Coverage in the United States by Race/Ethnicity: 2000–2009
Authors: Gonzalez Mariaelena , Sanders-Jackson Ashley , Song Anna V. , Cheng Kai-wen , Glantz Stanton A. 
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We determined whether racial/ethnic disparities existed in coverage by type of 100% smoke-free private workplace, restaurant, and bar laws from 2000 to 2009. Methods. We combined US census population data and the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation US Tobacco Control Database to calculate the percentage of individuals in counties covered by each type of law by race/ethnicity from 2000 to 2009. Results. More of the US Hispanic and Asian populations were covered by 100% smoke-free restaurant and bar laws than non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black populations. Asian coverage by smoke-free bars laws increased from 36% to 75%, and Hispanic coverage increased from 31% to 62%, compared with 6% to 41% for non-Hispanic Blacks and 8% to 49% for non-Hispanic Whites. Conclusions. Hispanics and Asians benefited more from the rapid spread of smoke-free law coverage, whereas non-Hispanic Blacks benefited less. These ethnic disparities suggest a likely effect of geographic region and may provide a basis for more effective, community-based, and tailored policy-related interventions, particularly regarding areas with high concentrations of non-Hispanic Blacks.
Effect of ginkgo extract on eye microcirculation in patients with diabetes
Authors: Spadiene Asta , Savickiene Nijole , Jurgeviciene Nijole , Zalinkevicius Rimantas , Norkus Antanas , Ostrauskas Rytas , Skesters Andrejs , Silova Alisa , Rodovicius Hiliaras , Francaite-Daugeliene Miglė 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The prevalence of Diabetes mellitus has increased around the world in the last decade. Anyone with diabetes is at risk of diabetic eye complications. The aim of the study was to compare effects of standardized Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba L.) dry extract (Ex.Gb) with the placebo on the microcirculation lesions of the eye in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. 44 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to Ex.Gb 160 mg per day or placebo, and were followed up for nine months. Dose of Ex.Gb was increased to 240 mg in next nine months. Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) of plasma was measured using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay. Ophthalmologic examination was performed by the biomicroscopic method. Vascular, intravascular and perivascular alterations were evaluated, and total conjunctival index was calculated. Though the values of the total conjunctival index and its constituent decreased (P<0.05) during the study in Ex.Gb group, there were no significant differences between these parameters as compared with placebo group. Evaluation of plasma TAS showed gradually increment, although insignificant and very small, in Ex.Gb group. The significance of Ex.Gb on development of the alterations of eye microcirculation, especially in elder patients needs to be explored further.
Do the needle type and the operator experience influence liver biopsy specimen quality?
Authors: Sporea Ioan , Popescu Alina , Focşa Mircea , Becheanu Gabriel , Şirli Roxana , Cornianu Maria , Gheorghe Liana , Prelipcean Cristina , Mihai Cătălina , Rogoveanu Ion , Săndulescu Larisa 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Threshold voltages and optical retardation of deformed flexoelectric nematic layers with asymmetric surface anchoring
Authors: Derfel G. , Buczkowska M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDeformations of homeotropically aligned flexoelectric nematic layers induced by dc electric fields were simulated numerically. Two different anchoring strengths on the limiting surfaces were assumed. Nematic material was characterised by negative dielectric anisotropy. Both signs of the sum of flexoelectric coefficients were taken into account. The electric properties of the layer were described in terms of a weak electrolyte model. Mobility of cations was assumed to be one order of magnitude lower than that of anions. Quasi-blocking electrode contacts were assumed. The threshold voltages for deformations were determined by means of calculations of the phase difference Φ between ordinary and extraordinary light rays passing through a layer placed between crossed polarisers. The threshold values depended on the polarity of the bias voltage U. When the threshold value was exceeded, the phase difference increased with the voltage. Two different Φ(U/Uthreshold) dependencies for the two polarities of the voltage were found for each layer if the nematic possessed the flexoelectric properties. The possibility of using this effect to detect the flexoelectricity in the nematic was explored by simulated experiments. The effectiveness of the proposed method is discussed.
Luminescence and structural properties of thermally evaporated benzanthrone dyes thin films
Authors: Bulanovs A. , Kirilov G. , Fleisher M. , Kirilova E. , Mihailova I. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe report optical and luminescence properties of 3-N, N-diacetylaminobenzanthrone thin films deposited on glass substrate by thermal evaporation. The structural and optical properties of organic thin films were studied by means of the confocal microscope with an input of femtosecond laser radiation, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Intense luminescence with the maximum at 530 nm was observed when excited by laser radiation with the wavelengths 458, 476, 488, 496, 514 nm. In addition, the luminescence caused by two-photon absorption of femtosecond (fs) laser radiation has been investigated. Semi empirical calculations by AM1 and ZINDO/S methods and ab initio calculations using Gaussian software were carried out to estimate the electron system of structure. The calculations show planar configurations for the aromatic core and diacetylamino fragment of this compound. The study of the structure of benzanthrone derivative thin films with X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods, indicates the distance between molecular layers and ordered molecular fragments.
A block-based watermarking scheme for image tamper detection and self-recovery
Authors: Chang Y. , Tai W. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we present an effective block-based digital fragile watermarking scheme for image tamper detection and recovery. The proposed scheme embeds watermarks consisting of the authentication data and the recovery data into image blocks. It adopts parity check and the intensity-relation check to thwart various malicious attacks. In the tamper detection process, instead of independently testing the embedded authentication data of each block, we take the block-neighbourhood into account and utilize a hierarchical structure to determine the legitimacy of image blocks. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can effectively resist collage attack, vector quantization (VQ) attack and constant-average attack, while sustaining superior accuracy of tamper localization. Furthermore, the results reveal that the tampered images can be successfully self-recovered with acceptable visual quality.
Geschichtliche Grundbegriffe Reloaded?
Authors: Hoffmann Stefan-Ludwig , Kollmeier Kathrin , Steinmetz Willibald , Sarasin Philipp , Lüdtke Alf , Geulen Christian 
Published: March 2013

Geschichtliche Grundbegriffe Reloaded? Writing the Conceptual History of the Twentieth Century
Guest editors: Stefan-Ludwig Hoffmann and Kathrin KollmeierIntroduction
Stefan-Ludwig Hoffmann and Kathrin KollmeierSome Thoughts on the History of Twentieth-Century German Basic Concepts
Willibald SteinmetzIs a “History of Basic Concepts of the Twentieth Century“ Possible? A Polemic
Philipp SarasinHistory of Concepts, New Edition: Suitable for a Better Understanding of Modern Times?
Alf LüdtkeReply
Christian Geulen
A novel method of genomic DNA extraction for Cactaceae
Authors: Fehlberg Shannon D. , Allen Jessica M. , Church Kathleen 
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Genetic studies of Cactaceae can at times be impeded by difficult sampling logistics and/or high mucilage content in tissues. Simplifying sampling and DNA isolation through the use of cactus spines has not previously been investigated.• Methods and Results: Several protocols for extracting DNA from spines were tested and modified to maximize yield, amplification, and sequencing. Sampling of and extraction from spines resulted in a simplified protocol overall and complete avoidance of mucilage as compared to typical tissue extractions. Sequences from one nuclear and three plastid regions were obtained across eight genera and 20 species of cacti using DNA extracted from spines.• Conclusions: Genomic DNA useful for amplification and sequencing can be obtained from cactus spines. The protocols described here are valuable for any cactus species, but are particularly useful for investigators interested in sampling living collections, extensive field sampling, and/or conservation genetic studies.
Development of microsatellite markers for Lagerstroemia indica (Lythraceae) and related species
Authors: Liu Yang , He Dan , Cai Ming , Tang Wan , Li Xiao‐Yuan , Pan Hui‐Tang , Zhang Qi‐Xiang 
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized to analyze genetic diversity within Lagerstroemia cultivars and related species.• Methods and Results: Using simple sequence repeat (SSR)–enriched libraries, 11 species‐specific polymorphic genomic SSRs were developed from L. indica ‘Hong Die Fei Wu’. All primers were tested on 48 L. indica individuals from China, the United States, and France. The primers amplified four to 12 alleles per locus, including di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide repeats. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.1875 to 0.7609 and 0.2836 to 0.8385, respectively. The primers were also highly cross‐transferrable to L. subcostata, L. limii, L. fauriei, L. caudata, and L. speciosa.• Conclusions: The new primers will enlarge the bank of SSRs available to genetic research of Lagerstroemia. These SSR markers will facilitate population genetics and molecular marker–assisted selection of L. indica.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci for smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora (Poaceae)
Authors: Guo Wuxia , Huang Yelin , He Ziwen , Yan Yubin , Zhou Renchao , Shi Suhua 
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Spartina alterniflora is one of the nine most notoriously invasive plants in China. Microsatellite markers were developed for this species to investigate its invasiveness and genetic diversity.• Methods and Results: Fifteen polymorphic and seven monomorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers derived from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified and screened in 60 samples of S. alterniflora. The number of alleles per polymorphic locus ranged from two to eight, with an average of 3.8 alleles per polymorphic locus. The expected heterozygosity and observed heterozygosity based on seven disomic loci ranged from 0.27 to 0.46 and 0.21 to 0.51, respectively. The average Shannon index ranged from 0.26 to 0.94 in eight nondisomic loci.• Conclusions: The SSR markers described here may be useful for further investigation of population genetics and invasion dynamics of S. alterniflora.
Shotgun sequencing for microsatellite identification in Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae)
Authors: Pereira Marlei F. , Ciampi Ana Y. , Inglis Peter W. , Souza Valderês A. , Azevedo Vânia C. R. 
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Ilex paraguariensis is a native tree species from Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay that is used in the production of beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. Primers flanking microsatellites were developed to investigate genetic parameters in the species.• Methods and Results: Using microsatellites cloned from an I. paraguariensis shotgun genomic library, 25 pairs of primers were designed and synthesized. Levels of polymorphism were evaluated in 24 individuals from two populations. Twenty loci were polymorphic, and an average of 4.8 and 4.5 alleles per locus were detected in the two populations, respectively. The mean observed heterozygosity was lower than the expected heterozygosity (0.54 vs. 0.60), indicating a departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and suggesting endogamy in both populations.• Conclusions: The reported set of markers is highly informative and constitutes a powerful tool for the development of genetic characterization studies in I. paraguariensis.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered species Taxus wallichiana (Taxaceae)
Authors: Gajurel Jyoti Prasad , Cornejo Carolina , Werth Silke , Shrestha Krishna Kumar , Scheidegger Christoph 
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in the endangered tree species Taxus wallichiana from Nepal to investigate regional genetic differentiation, local genetic diversity, and gene flow for the conservation of this species under climate‐ and land‐use change scenarios in mountain regions of Nepal.• Methods and Results: We developed 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers from 454 DNA sequencing. Characterization of the new microsatellite loci was done in 99 individuals collected from three valleys with different climatic regimes. The number of alleles per locus varied from four to 12. Observed heterozygosity of populations, averaged across loci, ranged from 0.30 to 0.59.• Conclusions: The new markers provided by this study will substantially increase the resolution for detailed studies in phylogeography, population genetics, and parentage analysis.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Melastoma dodecandrum (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Liu Ting , Dai Seping , Wu Wei , Zhang Rongshu , Fan Qiang , Shi Suhua , Zhou Renchao 
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Melastoma dodecandrum to investigate the genetic diversity of this species and to detect hybridization and introgression in Melastoma.• Methods and Results: Fourteen microsatellite loci were characterized by screening primers developed using two simple sequence repeat (SSR)–enriched libraries. Based on the genotyping of two natural populations, 13 loci were polymorphic and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 15. The observed and expected heterozygosities for the 13 loci ranged from 0.235 to 0.941 and 0.219 to 0.922, respectively. Cross‐species amplification was successful for all 14 loci in each of two congeneric species, M. candidum and M. sanguineum.• Conclusions: These polymorphic SSR markers could be used as multilocus molecular makers to study the population genetics of M. dodecandrum, as well as hybridization and introgression among Melastoma species.
Hide and seek: hematological aspects of malaria – a developing country perspective
Authors: Haroon Hussain , Fazel Pyar Ali , Naeem Muhammad , Mobin Ahsan , Naqvi Ali Haider , Makki Karimullah 
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Malaria, a major problem in tropical climates, presents with various hematological aberrations. We aimed to assess whether complete blood indices would increase the probability of malaria in patients with acute febrile illness. Methodology: Between February 2009 and December 2010, we conducted a study involving 824 consenting consecutive patients older than 12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of malaria based on thick and thin blood films. A detailed history and physical examination were completed on all patients before inclusion. Complete blood counts and detection of Plasmodium species were also performed as well as liver function tests, prothrombin time, reticulocyte counts, and parasite load. All data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 and percentages were calculated. Results: Out of 824 patients, 616 (75%) were male and 208 (25%) were female with an age range of 18 to 55 years (33.2 ± 8.3). Out of 87% thrombocytopenic patients, 66% were affected with Plasmodium falciparum and 21% with Plasmodium vivax. In patients with P. falciparum, thrombocytopenia was mild (16%), moderate (43%) and severe (7%), while in P. vivax patients thrombocytopenia was mild (10%) and moderate (9%). Thrombocytopenia was moderate in the mixed cases (2%). Anemia was seen in 71% and normal leucocyte counts were observed in 79% of the cases. Normal differential leucocytes counts were seen as follows: eosinophils in 80%, neutrophils in 93%, lymphocytes in 85%, monocytes in 97%, and basophils in 100%. Conclusion: Blood indices should be included in patient evaluations as various hematological aberrances can lead to the diagnosis of malaria.
Association of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and SLC11A1 polymorphisms in Sardinian multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Cossu Davide , Masala Speranza , Cocco Eleonora , Paccagnini Daniela , Tranquilli Stefania , Frau Jessica , Marrosu Maria Giovanna , Sechi Leonardo Antonio 
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Recent findings propose that Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection could act as risk factor in favoring multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. SLC11A1 is a gene associated with mycobacterial survival in the host and it may be involved in the induction and maintenance of autoimmune disease. Methodology: In this preliminary study, 100 MS patients and 100 healthy controls (HCs) from Sardinia were enrolled. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLC11A gene were searched by PCR RFLP-genotyping. IS900 specie specific PCR was undertaken to search for MAP presence. Indirect ELISA was performed to asses if MS patients displayed a stronger humoral response against MAP2694 protein compared to the HCs. Results: Only rs2276631 SNP was associated with MS. MAP DNA was detected in 23 out of 100 MS patients (23%) and in 7 out of 100 HCs (7%). A strong humoral response against MAP2694 protein was detected in 36% of MS patients and only in 3% of HCs. A correlation between ELISA sero-positivity and the rs2276631 SNP was also found. Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest that the Sardinian population might be prone to develop autoimmune disease due to polymorphisms in immunomodulating the SLC11A1 gene, which is important in the immune response against intracellular bacteria such as MAP.
UE-US : la nouvelle donne
Authors: Chédeville Pierre 
Published: March 2013

La véritable épreuve de force n’est pas entre l’Occident et l’Islam (ou la Chine), mais entre l’Europe et l’Amérique, dont les faiblesses sont plus graves que les nôtres. L’Europe aurait-elle plus d’avenir qu’elle ne le pense ? Un contrepoint optimiste.
La loi d'airain de la monnaie
Authors: Werrebrouck Jean-Claude 
Published: March 2013

Au cœur de la fable économique règne la prétendue loi d’airain de la monnaie, via la dette. Mais ce récit-là comporte des variantes historiques qui dévoilent les degrés de liberté du politique par rapport à la contrainte économique. Au passage, les mésaventures de l’euro en disent long sur les illusions d’une vision technocratique de la « construction » européenne.
La tapisserie de Bayeux dans la culture populaire
Authors: Peccatte Patrick 
Published: March 2013

La tapisserie de Bayeux relate un moment majeur de l’histoire européenne évoqué tout au long de cette période par la culture populaire : de la broderie aux « médiéval macros » sur Internet, en passant par le cinéma et la presse illustrée, la lecture politique de l’événement est parfois surprenante.
Soldat augmenté, victoire fragilisée
Authors: Galactéros Caroline 
Published: March 2013

La guerre a-t-elle changé de nature ou de visage avec la révolution numérique ? Quoi qu’il en soit, la surpuissance technologique des armées occidentales n’est nullement synonyme de suprématie sur le terrain. Elle peut accroître leur vulnérabilité, déshumaniser l’adversaire, interdire la victoire, tout en posant de redoutables questions éthiques.