bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide gene-set analysis for identification of pathways associated with alcohol dependence
Authors: Biernacka Joanna M. , Geske Jennifer , Jenkins Gregory D. , Colby Colin , Rider David N. , Karpyak Victor M. , Choi Doo-Sup , Fridley Brooke L. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
It is believed that multiple genetic variants with small individual effects contribute to the risk of alcohol dependence. Such polygenic effects are difficult to detect in genome-wide association studies that test for association of the phenotype with each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) individually. To overcome this challenge, gene-set analysis (GSA) methods that jointly test for the effects of pre-defined groups of genes have been proposed. Rather than testing for association between the phenotype and individual SNPs, these analyses evaluate the global evidence of association with a set of related genes enabling the identification of cellular or molecular pathways or biological processes that play a role in development of the disease. It is hoped that by aggregating the evidence of association for all available SNPs in a group of related genes, these approaches will have enhanced power to detect genetic associations with complex traits. We performed GSA using data from a genome-wide study of 1165 alcohol-dependent cases and 1379 controls from the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE), for all 200 pathways listed in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Results demonstrated a potential role of the ‘synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies’ pathway. Our results also support the potential involvement of the ‘neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction’ pathway, which has previously been implicated in addictive disorders. These findings demonstrate the utility of GSA in the study of complex disease, and suggest specific directions for further research into the genetic architecture of alcohol dependence.
A limited area model (LAM) intercomparison study of a TWP‐ICE active monsoon mesoscale convective event
Authors: Zhu Ping , Dudhia Jim , Field Paul R. , Wapler Kathrin , Fridlind Ann , Varble Adam , Zipser Ed , Petch Jon , Chen Ming , Zhu Zhenduo 
Published: May 2012

A limited area model (LAM) intercomparison study is conducted based on a tropical monsoonal deep convection case observed during the Tropical Warm Pool ‐ International Cloud Experiment (TWP‐ICE). The LAM simulations are compared with the variational analyses (VA) based on the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) observations and the cloud resolving model (CRM) simulations forced by the VA. Driven by the ECMWF analyses or global model forecasts, LAMs are able to produce the large‐scale thermodynamic field reasonably well compared with the VA. However, the LAM simulated dynamic fields, such as the large‐scale horizontal divergence, vertical velocity, and cyclogenesis in the monsoonal trough, have a large inter‐model spread and deviate substantially from observations. Despite the differences in large‐scale forcing, there is certain consistency between the CRM and LAM simulations: stratiform (w ≤ 1 m s−1) ice clouds dominate the cloud fraction and convective (w > 3 m s−1) clouds occupy less than 3 percent of the total cloudy area. But the hydrometeor content of stratiform ice clouds is only one tenth of that of convective and transitional (1 m s−1 < w ≤ 3 m s−1) ice clouds. However, there is a large inter‐LAM spread in the simulated cloud fraction and hydrometeor mixing ratios. The inter‐LAM difference in solid phase hydrometeors (cloud ice, snow, and graupel) can be up to nearly a factor of 10. Among all the hydrometeor types, the stratiform ice clouds are simulated least consistently by the LAMs. The large inter‐LAM spread suggests that obtaining consistent and reliable dynamic and cloud fields remains a challenge for the LAM approach.
Mechanisms and modifiers of methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Fretham Stephanie J. B. , Caito Samuel , Martinez-Finley Ebany J. , Aschner Michael 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe neurotoxic consequences of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure have long been known, however a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying this toxicity is elusive. Recent epidemiological and experimental studies have provided mechanistic insights into the contribution of genetic and environmental factors that interact with MeHg to modify toxicity. This review will outline cellular processes directly and indirectly affected by MeHg, including oxidative stress, cellular signaling and gene expression, and discuss epigenetic modifications, genetic polymorphisms and gene–environment interactions capable of modifying MeHg neurotoxicity.
Hypoglykämie –
Häufigkeit, Ursachen, induzierte Kosten
Authors: Breuer H.-W. , Ptak P. 
Published: May 2012

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund und Fragestellung: Hypoglykämien gehören zu den negativen Begleiterscheinungen einer inadäquaten Diabetestherapie und führen in vielen Fällen zur stationären Einweisung.
Methodik: Zwischen 8/2003 und 9/2007 wurden 110 konsekutiv in einem Krankenhaus der Regelversorgung wegen Hypoglykämie aufgenommene Patienten erfasst. Die mit der Aufnahme verbundenen Ursachen und individuelle psychosozialen Faktoren wurden analysiert. Eine Hypoglykämie wurde dann diagnostiziert, wenn die Blutglukose bei Aufnahme < 2,8 mmol/l (50 mg/dl) mit oder < 2,2 mmol/l (40 mg/dl) ohne Symptome war.
Ergebnisse: 76 Patienten waren Frauen. 99 Patienten waren Typ-2-Diabetiker im Alter von 77,8 ± 9,4 Jahre. Der HbA1c der Typ-2-Diabetiker bei Aufnahme betrug 6,5 ± 1,5 %. Die zur stationären Aufnahme führenden Hypoglykämien waren bei 25 Patienten auf Sulfonylharnstoffe und Analoga, bei 67 auf Insulin und bei 17 auf die Kombination Insulin und Sulfonylharnstoffe zurückzuführen. Bei den Sulfonylharnstoffen handelte es sich um Glibenclamid (38 %), Glimepirid (55 %) und Repaglinid (7 %). Die durchschnittliche stationäre Verweildauer nach erlittener Hypoglykämie betrug 10,4 Tage, die der übrigen internistischen Patienten 8,4 Tage. Bezüglich des Kreatinins fand sich eine normale Nierenfunktion bei 37,6 % der Patienten; die errechnete Kreatininclearance war nur bei ca. 15 % der Patienten normal. Bei 13 Patienten (12 %) mit bei Aufnahme bestehender antidiabetischer Medikation war diese zum Entlassungszeitpunkt vollständig abgesetzt worden. Bei einer per Zufallsstichprobe ausgewählten Subgruppe von 20 Patienten erfolgte eine Kostenanalyse. Das mittlere Alter dieser Patienten betrug 76,8 Jahre. Ihre durchschnittliche Verweilzeit war 10,2 Tage und die pro Fall angefallenen Kosten 3158 €. Die durchschnittlichen Kosten der übrigen internistischen Patienten waren 2716 €.
Folgerung: Eine adäquate Therapie ist gerade bei älteren Patienten zur Vermeidung von Hypoglykämien von Bedeutung. Die mit der stationären Aufnahme wegen Hypoglykämie verbundenen Kosten und Komplikationen sind zum großen Teil vermeidbar.
Fortschreibung der KoDiM-Studie: Kosten des Diabetes mellitus
2000–2009
Authors: Köster I. , Schubert I. , Huppertz E. 
Published: May 2012

ZusammenfassungKrankheitskostenstudien bringen Transparenz in die ökonomische Dimension von
Krankheiten. Die KoDiM-Studie, basierend auf administrativen Daten der AOK
Hessen und der KV Hessen, ermittelt Diabetiker- und Diabetes-Exzess-Kosten in
Deutschland inzwischen für einen Zeitraum von 10 Jahren. Jetzt liegen zudem
bereinigte Ergebnisse vor, aus denen Effekte, die durch Inflation und
Bevölkerungsalterung entstehen, näherungsweise herausgerechnet sind. Die Zahl
der behandelten Diabetiker stieg von 2000 bis 2009 um 49 %, altersbereinigt um
31 %. Die mittleren Diabetiker- und Diabetes-Exzess-Kosten pro Kopf waren im
betrachteten Zeitraum relativ stabil. Das Verhältnis der Kosten der Diabetiker
zu den Kosten der Nicht-Diabetiker hat sich nicht verändert. Durch die Zunahme
der Anzahl behandelter Diabetiker in den letzten 10 Jahren stiegen jedoch die
direkten Gesamtkosten der Diabetiker je nach Berechnungsansatz (d. h. mit oder
ohne Inflationierung und Altersbereinigung) um 28 % bis 70 %, die darin
enthaltenen Exzess-Kosten um 24 % bis 61 %.
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Have Increased Plasma Chitotriosidase Activity: A Pathophysiological Link Between Inflammation and Impaired Insulin Sensitivity?
Authors: Aydogdu A. , Tasci I. , Tapan S. , Sonmez A. , Aydogan U. , Akbulut H. , Uckaya G. , Aydogdu S. , Basaran Y. , Meric C. , Taslipinar A. , Kurt I. , Azal O. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by insulin resistance. Chronic low grade inflammation has been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Chitotriosidase (ChT), a protein secreted by activated macrophages, has been shown to be involved in chronic inflammatory responses. In the present study, serum chitotriosidase activity and its relationship with insulin resistance were determined in patients with PCOS.34 patients with PCOS and 44 age and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. ChT activity was measured by the fluorescence method. High sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula.Plasma ChT activity, hs-CRP level and HOMA-IR score were significantly higher (p=0.024, p=0.002, p=0.001, respectively) while plasma adiponectin concentration was significantly lower (p=0.018) in women with PCOS compared to healthy controls. Blood ChT activity correlated positively with age, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), BMI, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR and negatively with blood adiponectin level. After adjustment for age and BMI, ChT activity, total testosterone level and WHR remained as the independent predictors of HOMA-IR score in logistic regression analysis.ChT activity is increased in patients with PCOS in concordance with insulin resistance. These findings may reflect the pronounced risk for metabolic syndrome and atherosclerotic diseases in this particular patient group.
Patterns in Catch Per Unit Effort of Native Prey Fish and Alien Piscivorous Fish in 7 Pacific Northwest USA Rivers
Authors: Hughes Robert M , Herlihy Alan T 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
Nonnative or alien invasive species are commonly accorded threats to native biological assemblages; however, it is difficult to separate the effects of aliens from other covarying disturbances. We evaluated the effect of alien piscivorous fish on native prey species in seven Pacific Northwest rivers through the use of a spatially balanced random sample of 20 sites on each river. The rivers lacked large main-stem dams, and point sources, if any, met state and federal water quality standards. Individual sample sites were electrofished a distance equal to 50 times their mean wetted channel widths, and all fish were identified to species, measured, and returned to the rivers alive (except for museum voucher specimens). At nearly all sites in all seven rivers, we found that the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of native prey species varied inversely with the CPUE of alien piscivores. In the two rivers most dominated by alien piscivores, we collected native prey at only 20%–25% of the sites. We conclude that piscivorous alien fish are associated with reduced population sizes of native prey species, at least during the summer low-flow period, and are potential threats to prey species persistence.
RESUMEN
es comúnmente aceptado que las especies no nativas o foráneas constituyen una amenaza para las comunidades biológicas locales; no obstante, resulta complicado separar el efecto que tienen estas especies invasoras frente a otras perturbaciones co-variantes. Se evaluó el efecto de los peces piscívoros foráneos sobre especies nativas en siete ríos del Pacífico Noroeste de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, mediante un muestreo al azar espacialmente balanceado en 20 localidades dentro de cada río. Los ríos carecían de drenajes importantes y los existentes, de haber alguno, cumplían con los estándares federales en cuanto a calidad del agua. En cada localidad de muestreo se llevó a cabo una colecta por medios eléctricos (electro-pesca) a una distancia equivalente a 50 veces el ancho del canal de inundación; todos los peces fueron identificados a nivel especie, medidos y devueltos vivos a los ríos (excepto aquellos especímenes destinados a museos). En casi todas las localidades de los siete ríos, se encontró que la captura por unidad de esfuerzo (CPUE) de las especies nativas de peces, varió de manera inversa con respecto a la CPUE de los peces piscívoros foráneos. En los dos ríos que estaban dominados mayormente por especies piscívoras, se colectaron especies nativas sólo en el 20–25% de las localidades. Se concluye que, al menos durante los periodos de flujo reducido en el verano, los peces piscívoros foráneos se relacionan con reducciones poblacionales de las especies nativas y constituyen una amenaza potencial a la persistencia de las especies locales.mentos relacionados a la liberación y los derechos de los animales, pueden tener consecuencias muy importantes para las pesquerías recreativas.
What is behind fleet evolution: a framework for flow analysis and application to the French Atlantic fleet
Authors: Quillérou Emmanuelle , Guyader Olivier 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Quillérou, E. and Guyader, O. 2012. What is behind fleet evolution: a framework for flow analysis and application to the French Atlantic fleet – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1069–1077. The study of fishery dynamics considers national-level fleet evolution. It has, however, failed to consider the flows behind fleet evolution as well as the impact of the dynamics of owners of invested capital on fleet evolution. This paper establishes a general conceptual framework which identifies different vessel and owner flows behind fleet evolution and some relationships between these flows. This descriptive conceptual framework aims to change the current focus on drivers of fleet evolution to drivers of the flows behind fleet evolution. We identify a direct impact of vessel flows on the fleet size and nature, and an indirect impact of the movements of capital owners on the fleet evolution (size and nature). This conceptual framework is illustrated using French Atlantic fleet data over a 15-year period (1994–2008). It is shown that the identified flows vary in size and nature and therefore impact differently on the fleet evolution. This description also shows some dependence of vessel flows on owner dynamics. This relationship should be better taken into account for more effective capacity management.
Assessing the impact of marine wind farms on birds through movement modelling
Authors: Masden Elizabeth A. , Reeve Richard , Desholm Mark , Fox Anthony D. , Furness Robert W. , Haydon Daniel T. 
Published: May 2012

Advances in technology and engineering, along with European Union renewable energy targets, have stimulated a rapid growth of the wind power sector. Wind farms contribute to carbon emission reductions, but there is a need to ensure that these structures do not adversely impact the populations that interact with them, particularly birds. We developed movement models based on observed avoidance responses of common eider
Somateria mollissima
to wind farms to predict, and identify potential measures to reduce, impacts. Flight trajectory data that were collected post-construction of the Danish Nysted offshore wind farm were used to parameterize competing models of bird movements around turbines. The model most closely fitting the observed data incorporated individual variation in the minimum distance at which birds responded to the turbines. We show how such models can contribute to the spatial planning of wind farms by assessing their extent, turbine spacing and configurations on the probability of birds passing between the turbines. Avian movement models can make new contributions to environmental assessments of wind farm developments, and provide insights into how to reduce impacts that can be identified at the planning stage.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition and mesenchymal–epithelial transition are essential for the acquisition of stem cell properties in hTERT‐immortalised oral epithelial cells
Authors: Qiao Bin , Gopalan Vinod , Chen Zhifeng , Smith Robert Anthony , Tao Qian , Lam Alfred King‐yin 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground informationEvidence has shown that mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) are linked to stem cell properties. We currently lack a model showing how the occurrence of MET and EMT in immortalised cells influences the maintenance of stem cell properties. Thus, we established a project aiming to investigate the roles of EMT and MET in the acquisition of stem cell properties in immortalised oral epithelial cells.ResultsIn this study, a retroviral transfection vector (pLXSN–hTERT) was used to immortalise oral epithelial cells by insertion of the hTERT gene (hTERT+–oral mucosal epithelial cell line [OME]). The protein and RNA expression of EMT transcriptional factors (Snail, Slug and Twist), their downstream markers (E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin) and embryonic stem cell markers (OCT4, Nanog and Sox2) were studied by reverse transcription PCR and Western blots in these cells. Some EMT markers were detected at both mRNA and protein levels. Adipocytes and bone cells were noted in the multi‐differentiation assay, showing that the immortal cells underwent EMT. The differentiation assay for hTERT+–OME cells revealed the recovery of epithelial phenotypes, implicating the presence of MET. The stem cell properties were confirmed by the detection of appropriate markers. Altered expression of α‐tubulin and γ‐tubulin in both two‐dimensional‐cultured (without serum) and three‐dimensional‐cultured hTERT+–OME spheroids indicated the re‐programming of cytoskeleton proteins which is attributed to MET processes in hTERT+–OME cells.ConclusionsEMT and MET are essential for hTERT‐immortalised cells to maintain their epithelial stem cell properties.
Assessment of vegetation structure and human impacts in the protected area ofAlédjo (Togo)
Authors: Wala Kperkouma , Woegan Agbélessessi Y. , Borozi Wiyao , Dourma Marra , Atato Abalo , Batawila Komlan , Akpagana Koffi 
Published: May 2012

AbstractProtected areas constitute strategy for biodiversity conservation. Unfortunately, these sanctuaries of biodiversity are submitted to a high human pressure inTogo. This study carried out in theAlédjo protected area, aimed to make an analysis of various forms of human footprints and their impact on its plant resources. Methodological approach was based on forest inventory completed by inquiries. Ninety‐four wooded species belonging to 35 families were counted. Floristic data analysis showed that seven species:Isoberlinia dokaCraib &Stapf,Daniellia oliveri(Rolfe)Hutch. &Dalz.,Berlinia grandiflora(Vahl)Hutch. &Dalz.,Pterocarpus erinaceusPoir.,Zanha golungensisHiern,Khaya senegalensis(Desv.)A.Juss.,Pentadesma butyraceaSabine was prominent. Five vegetation types were identified: riparian forests, dry forests, open forests, savanna woodlands, tree/shrub savannas with variable structural characteristics. The diversity indices in these plant communities are well significant and indicate a good distribution of species in the area. Several human activities such as fuel wood, fruits and medicinal plants gathering, carbonization, pasture were found within the protected area. Local authorities and associations are involved in the management of the protected area, but the participation of local populations needs to be improved.
Historical range and movements of the Elephants in Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Ethiopia
Authors: Demeke Yirmed , Renfree Marilyn B. , Short Roger V. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA study on historical range and movement patterns of the African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana africana) in Ethiopia was made from December 2004 to November 2008. Babile Elephant Sanctuary is one of the strongholds of elephants in the country, where it now supports approximately 27% of the elephant population in Ethiopia. Elephant movement routes and ranges were identified based on interviews of local people and by tracking the animals in the field. Elephants of the Sanctuary were categorized into two distinctive groups or clans based on their movement patterns and their associations to each other. Three major valleys, namely Gobele, Erer and Dakata, were crossed by elephants. Elephants in the population had an estimated annual range of 3014 km2. Of this, 85.7% (2583 km2) was inside the Sanctuary and 14.3% (430 km2) outside but adjacent to the Sanctuary. Elephant use outside of the Sanctuary included three different areas: Upper Erer Valley (8 km2), Upper Gobele Valley (48 km2) and west of Gobele Valley (374 km2). The extent of range varied seasonally. During the wet season, elephant range was restricted to Erer Valley and its tributaries (1266 km2 and a density of approximately 0.25 animal km−2), or 42% smaller than the dry season range (1417 km2, 0.23 elephant km−2). Range use was smallest (332 km2) in October to November and from April to May. During the dry season, elephants were found in two distinctive groups, one using Gobele Valley and the other Erer Valley.
First‐degree relatives of patients with early‐onset gastric carcinoma show even at young ages a high prevalence of advanced OLGA/OLGIM stages and dysplasia
Authors: Marcos‐Pinto R. , Carneiro F. , Dinis‐Ribeiro M. , Wen X. , Lopes C. , Figueiredo C. , Machado J. C. , Ferreira R. M. , Reis C. A. , Ferreira J. , Pedroto I. , Areias J. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundFirst‐degree relatives (FDRs) of early‐onset gastric carcinoma (EOGC) patients are at increased risk of cancer development. OLGA/OLGIM (Operative Link on Gastritis/Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment) classifications have been proposed for the identification of individuals at high risk of gastric cancer development.AimTo estimate the prevalence and severity of premalignant conditions and lesions in FDRs of EOGC patients.MethodsA case–control study was conducted encompassing 103 FDRs of EOGC patients (cases) and 101 age‐ and gender‐matched controls, all submitted to upper GI endoscopy and OLGA and OLGIM used for staging as well as modified versions with exclusion of the biopsies from incisura angularis in the analysis.ResultsHelicobacter pylori infection was present in 82% of cases (P = 0.001). Atrophy was present in 70% of cases (OLGA stages I–IV). High‐risk stages (III–IV) were identified only in cases (19%) (P < 0.001). Dysplasia was diagnosed only in cases (n = 7, P = 0.007). The application of OLGIM, modified OLGA and modified OLGIM classifications led to downgrade of stages in comparison with the original OLGA classification (27%, 15% and 30% respectively). In all classification systems, dysplastic lesions clustered (86%) in high‐risk stages.ConclusionsFDRs of EOGC patients have, even at young ages, a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, high‐risk OLGA and OLGIM stages and dysplasia. These patients should undergo accurate endoscopic observation with at least four biopsies in antrum and corpus to allow adequate staging and follow‐up of premalignant conditions and lesions scored in high‐risk stages, in accordance with international guidelines recently proposed.