bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low RBM3 protein expression correlates with tumour progression and poor prognosis in malignant melanoma: An analysis of 215 cases from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study
Authors: Jonsson Liv , Bergman Julia , Nodin Björn , Manjer Jonas , Pontén Fredrik , Uhlén Mathias , Jirström Karin 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
We have previously reported that expression of the RNA- and DNA-binding protein RBM3 is associated with a good prognosis in breast cancer and ovarian cancer. In this study, the prognostic value of immunohistochemical RBM3 expression was assessed in incident cases of malignant melanoma from a prospective population-based cohort study.

Methods
Until Dec 31st 2008, 264 incident cases of primary invasive melanoma had been registered in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Histopathological and clinical information was obtained for available cases and tissue microarrays (TMAs) constructed from 226 (85.6%) suitable paraffin-embedded tumours and 31 metastases. RBM3 expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry on the TMAs and a subset of full-face sections. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparison of RBM3 expression and relevant clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards modelling were used to assess the relationship between RBM3 and recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results
RBM3 could be assessed in 215/226 (95.1%) of primary tumours and all metastases. Longitudinal analysis revealed that 16/31 (51.6%) of metastases lacked RBM3 expression, in contrast to the primary tumours in which RBM3 was absent in 3/215 (1.4%) cases and strongly expressed in 120/215 (55.8%) cases. Strong nuclear RBM3 expression in the primary tumour was significantly associated with favourable clinicopathological parameters; i.e. non-ulcerated tumours, lower depth of invasion, lower Clark level, less advanced clinical stage, low mitotic activity and non-nodular histological type, and a prolonged RFS (RR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.27-0.91) and OS (RR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.20-0.64). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the beneficial prognostic value of RBM3 remained significant for OS (RR = 0.33; 95%CI = 0.18-0.61).

Conclusions
In line with previous in vitro data, we here show that RBM3 is down-regulated in metastatic melanoma and high nuclear RBM3 expression in the primary tumour is an independent marker of a prolonged OS. The potential utility of RBM3 in treatment stratification of patients with melanoma should be pursued in future studies.
Upregulation of cathepsin D in the caudate nucleus of primates with experimental parkinsonism
Authors: Yelamanchili Sowmya V , Chaudhuri Amrita Datta , Flynn Claudia T , Fox Howard S 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
In Parkinson's disease there is progressive loss of dopamine containing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The neuronal damage is not limited to the substantia nigra but progresses to other regions of brain, leading to loss of motor control as well as cognitive abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to examine causes of progressive damage in the caudate nucleus, which plays a major role in motor coordination and cognition, in experimental Parkinson's disease.

Results
Using chronic 1-methyl-4phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine treatment of rhesus monkeys to model Parkinson's disease, we found a upregulation of Cathepsin D, a lysosomal aspartic protease, in the caudate nucleus of treated monkeys. Immunofluorescence analysis of caudate nucleus brain tissue showed that the number of lysosomes increased concurrently with the increase in Cathepsin D in neurons. In vitro overexpression of Cathepsin D in a human neuroblastoma cell line led to a significant increase in the number of the lysosomes. Such expression also resulted in extralysosomal Cathepsin D and was accompanied by significant neuronal death associated with caspase activation. We examined apoptotic markers and found a strong correlation of Cathepsin D overexpression to apoptosis.

Conclusions
Following damage to the substantia nigra resulting in experimental Parkinson's disease, we have identified pathological changes in the caudate nucleus, a likely site of changes leading to the progression of disease. Cathepsin D, implicated in pathogenic mechanisms in other disorders, was increased, and our in vitro studies revealed its overexpression leads to cellular damage and death. This work provides important clues to the progression of Parkinson's, and provides a new target for strategies to ameliorate the progression of this disease.
Word selection affects perceptions of synthetic biology
Authors: Pearson Brianna , Snell Sam , Bye-Nagel Kyri , Tonidandel Scott , Heyer Laurie J , Campbell A Malcolm 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Members of the synthetic biology community have discussed the significance of word selection when describing synthetic biology to the general public. In particular, many leaders proposed the word "create" was laden with negative connotations. We found that word choice and framing does affect public perception of synthetic biology. In a controlled experiment, participants perceived synthetic biology more negatively when "create" was used to describe the field compared to "construct" (p = 0.008). Contrary to popular opinion among synthetic biologists, however, low religiosity individuals were more influenced negatively by the framing manipulation than high religiosity people. Our results suggest that synthetic biologists directly influence public perception of their field through avoidance of the word "create".
Impact of coercive measures on life stories: qualitative
study
Authors: Sibitz Ingrid , Scheutz Alexandra , Lakeman Richard , Schrank Beate , Schaffer Markus , Amering Michaela 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundHow people integrate the experience of involuntary hospital admission and
treatment into their life narrative has not been explored
systematically.AimsTo establish a typology of coercion perspectives and styles of
integration into life stories.MethodTranscripts of recorded interviews with 15 persons who had previously
been involuntarily admitted to hospital were coded and analysed
thematically using a modified grounded theory approach.ResultsWith hindsight, people viewed the experience of involuntary hospital
admission as a ‘necessary emergency brake’, an ‘unnecessary overreaction’
or a ‘practice in need of improvement’. With respect to how they
integrated the experience into their life narratives, participants viewed
it as ‘over and not to be recalled’, a ‘life-changing experience’ or a
‘motivation for political engagement’.ConclusionsThe participants' diverse and differentiated perspectives on coercive
measures and their different styles of integration suggest that people
may come to accept coercive measures as necessary when confronted with
danger to self or others. However, the implementation of coercion needs
to be improved substantially to counteract possible long-term adverse
effects.
Total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status after surfactant treatment in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Dizdar Evrim Alyamac , Uras Nurdan , Oguz Suna , Erdeve Omer , Sari Fatma Nur , Aydemir Cumhur , Dilmen Ugur 
Published: July 2011

Background Oxidative damage is important in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). However, data on the effect of surfactant therapy on oxidative stress in vivo are limited. We aimed to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant status in preterm infants with RDS via measurement of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS), to determine the effect of surfactant on oxidant/antioxidant balance and to assess the association between TAC, TOS and clinical outcomes of the patients. Methods Sixty-nine infants with RDS were included. Blood samples for determining TAC and TOS were collected before and 48 h after surfactant treatment. TAC and TOS levels were analysed in serum. Patients were followed up until discharge or death. Results Post-surfactant TAC levels were significantly higher than pre-surfactant TAC levels ( P = 0.029). TAC/TOS ratio significantly increased after surfactant treatment ( P = 0.018). Infants <28 weeks of gestational age had lower levels of baseline TAC than those ≥28 weeks of gestational age ( P = 0.020), whereas TOS levels were similar. Baseline TAC/TOS ratio was lower in infants who died in the study period than those who survived ( P = 0.023). After controlling gestational age, baseline TAC levels were significantly and inversely correlated with the duration of total respiratory support ( r = −0.343; P = 0.009) and hospitalization ( r = −0.341; P = 0.009). TAC or TOS levels were not associated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or other complications as determined during the investigation period. Conclusions Oxidant–antioxidant balance shifts in favour of the antioxidant system after surfactant treatment. Lower TAC/TOS ratio in preterm infants may be associated with increased mortality.
The Comparison of Combination SSRI and PDE-5 Inhibitor Therapy to SSRI Monotherapy in Men with Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Burton Travis D , Liday Cara 
Published: July 2011

Objective: To evaluate whether combination therapy with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor is superior to SSRI monotherapy in the treatment of premature ejaculation, Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE (January 1980-April 2011) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (January 1970-April 2011) was conducted using the search terms premature ejaculation, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language human studies assessing the use of a PDE-5 inhibitor and SSRI in the treatment of premature ejaculation were evaluated. Additional references were retrieved from reference citations. Data Synthesis: Premature ejaculation is a multi-component disorder with several treatment options. Studies have demonstrated that both SSRIs and PDE-5 inhibitors used as monotherapy can delay time to ejaculation. Four clinical trials have been conducted to compare the efficacy of SSRI monotherapy versus combination SSRI–PDE-5 inhibitor therapy for the treatment of premature ejaculation. All studies focused on the treatments' ability to delay time to ejaculation. A statistically significant delay in time to ejaculation was found in patients using both an SSRI and PDE-5 inhibitor when compared to those on an SSRI alone. Average time to ejaculation was increased by approximately 50-78 seconds in patients using combination therapy when compared to monotherapy. The data also show greater delay in ejaculation with combination therapy in patients previously using SSRI monotherapy but dissatisfied with its effects. Adverse drug reactions including headache and flushing were higher in the combination group. Conclusions: Although a modest delay in ejaculation is seen when using an SSRI and PDE-5 inhibitor together, the combination also comes with increased risks for adverse drug reactions and is more expensive. SSRI monotherapy should continue to be first-line treatment for premature ejaculation due to a better adverse drug reaction profile, lower cost, and high efficacy. Combination therapy may be prescribed for those who fail SSRI monotherapy or have concomitant erectile dysfunction.
Organic solar cells using a multilayer structure MoO3/Ag/MoO3 as anode
Authors: Cattin Linda , Nguyen Duc Tuong , Morsli Mustapha , Bernède Jean Christian 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
MoO3/Ag/MoO3 structures have been grown and characterized. It is shown that the transmittance of the films increases when the silver thickness increase from 8 to 10 nm, whereas further increase induces transmittance decrease. The study of the variation of the conductivity vs. Ag thickness shows that the MoO3/Ag/MoO3 structures become highly conductive when the Ag thickness reaches 10 nm. Therefore, the optimum structure is obtained when the silver thickness is 10 nm. These MoO3/Ag/MoO3 structures have been used as anode in glass/anode/CuPc (35 nm)/C60(40 nm)/Alq3 (9 nm)/Al (120 nm) organic solar cells. These anodes permit achievable promising results, even if their efficiencies stay slightly smaller than that achieved with ITO based devices.
A Laboratory Procedure for Measuring High Soil Suction
Authors: Malaya C. , Sreedeep S. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMeasurement of soil suction is important for geotechnical and geoenvironmental projects involving unsaturated soils. Most of the methodologies developed for measuring soil suction are limited to low range of suction (&lt;1500 kPa). Those methodologies that can measure high suction (&gt;1500 kPa) are costly, time intensive and require skilled person for suction measurement. Therefore, a simple, cost-effective and relatively less time consuming measurement methodology has been proposed in this study for easy and quick measurement of high range of soil suction. The instrument essentially consists of a commercially available relative humidity sensor secured in a fabricated relative humidity box. The total suction for three soils measured using the proposed methodology has been compared with the conventional filter paper method. The study demonstrates the usefulness and advantage of the proposed cost-effective methodology for measuring high range of soil suction, in a relatively less time.
Effects of Testing Procedures on the Laboratory Determination of Swell Pressure of Expansive Soils
Authors: Singhal Sonal , Houston Sandra L. , Houston William N. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
There is lack of agreement on laboratory procedures that should be used to measure swell pressure. In this study, effects of apparatus compressibility and applied initial net normal stress on measured swell pressure were revisited, with emphasis on undisturbed specimens. Samples covering a wide range of properties were collected from Texas and Arizona, and effects were explored by examination for consistency of trends in behavior for several “companion” sets of undisturbed specimens. Failure to account for apparatus compressibility results in unintended swell of the specimen, reducing the constant volume swell pressure by as much as half for specimens of this study. Applied initial net normal stress level also affects measured swell pressure. For specimens of this study, swell pressures measured at low initial net normal stress (token load) were found to be about 40%, on average, of swell pressures measured for specimens loaded initially equivalent to field overburden stress. This difference is believed to be primarily due to initial specimen compression. Commonly adopted sampling disturbance corrections to constant volume tests conducted at initial light confining stress (∼ 1–7 kPa) were investigated, and found to give inconsistent values of swell pressure. Comparisons of constant volume to load-back swell pressure are also presented. Findings suggest that application of an initial confining stress level corresponding to field conditions and application of apparatus compressibility corrections as the swell pressure develops are key to the consistent measurement of constant volume swell pressure, and that measured swell pressures from constant volume tests, when carefully performed, are more consistent than swell pressures estimated using methods to account for sampling disturbance.
The mathematical modelling of corrosion in hot dip galvanized steel reinforced concrete
Authors: Hegyi A. , Vermeşan H. , Rus V. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
In this paper we wish to present the numerical model elaborated in order to simulate some physical phenomena that influence the general deterioration of steel, whether hot dip galvanized or not, in reinforced concrete. We describe the physical and mathematical models, establishing the corresponding equation system, the initial and boundary conditions. We have also presented the numeric model associated to the mathematical model and the numeric methods of discretization and solution of the differential equations system that describes the mathematical model.
Strengthening strategies using FRP composites for precast RC wall panels with cut-out openings
Authors: Demeter I. , Nagy-Gyögy T. , Stoian V. , Dăescu C. , Dan D. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Building structures using Precast Reinforced Concrete Wall Panels (PRCWP) are widely used in Romania. An important disadvantage of these buildings is the functional rigidity of the interior space due to the dense distribution of the load bearing walls. Cut-out openings are often required to facilitate direct access from outside or between adjacent apartments. This paper presents a part of research program regarding the effectiveness of using the Externally Bonded Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP-EBR) composites as seismic retrofitting solution for PRCWPs weakened by cut-out openings. The discussion was focused on the strengthening strategies adopted for both narrow and wide door openings.
Persistent Exposure to Arsenic via Drinking Water in Rural Bangladesh Despite Major Mitigation Efforts
Authors: Gardner Renee , Hamadani Jena , Grandér Margaretha , Tofail Fahmida , Nermell Barbro , Palm Brita , Kippler Maria , Vahter Marie 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. Elevated arsenic levels in tube-well water in Bangladesh have prompted extensive mitigation projects. We evaluated the effectiveness of long-term mitigation efforts by longitudinally measuring arsenic exposure in pregnant women and their children, the most susceptible population groups. Methods. The study was nested in a population-based nutrition intervention in Matlab, Bangladesh. Mother–child pairs (n = 1951) were followed from 2001 to 2003, beginning in early gestation and continuing to 5 years postpartum. We measured arsenic concentrations in urine (U-As) of the 5-year-old children by using high-performance liquid chromatography online with hydride generation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and compared them with earlier childhood U-As and maternal U-As during pregnancy. Results. Children had elevated U-As at 5 years old (median = 51 μg/L, 5th–95th percentiles = 16–355 μg/L), and U-As distribution was similar to that observed in the mothers during gestation. Children's U-As at 5 years old significantly correlated with their U-As at 1.5 years old and to maternal U-As during early and late gestation. Conclusions. Despite major mitigation efforts, arsenic exposure remains highly elevated in rural Bangladesh. Further mitigation strategies are required and must be rigorously evaluated for long-term efficacy.
Gender Disparities in Injury Mortality: Consistent, Persistent, and Larger Than You'd Think
Authors: Sorenson Susan B. 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to update knowledge about gender differences in injury mortality. Methods. Data were drawn from the Web-based Injury Query System, which contains US injury mortality data from 1981 to 2007. Male-to-female rate ratios in injury mortality are calculated for key variables, and age and ethnic group comparisons are made. Results. Boys and men were more likely than girls and women to die of injury. From 1981 to 2007, the male-to-female age-adjusted rate ratio decreased by 20% to 2.15 for unintentional injury and increased by 11% to 3.91 for violence-related injury. Excess male mortality existed in manner of death, cause of death, and within ethnic and age groups. Additionally, with rare exception, the gender disparity was greater than ethnic and age disparities in unintentional and violence-related injury mortality. Conclusions. Gender disparities in injury mortality are consistent and persistent. Gender patterns in injury mortality do not follow typical social justice analyses of health, in that men are at greater risk. Lifestyle and behavioral risks as well as masculine socialization merit consideration.
Effect of Worldwide Oil Price Fluctuations on Biomass Fuel Use and Child Respiratory Health: Evidence from Guatemala
Authors: Venkataramani Atheendar S. , Fried Brian J. 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. We examined the effect of worldwide oil price fluctuations on household fuel use and child respiratory health in Guatemala. Methods. We regressed measures of household fuel use and child respiratory health on the average worldwide oil price and a rich set of covariates. We leveraged variation in oil prices over the 6-month period of the survey to identify associations between fuel prices, fuel choice, and child respiratory outcomes. Results. A $1 (3.4% point) increase in worldwide fuel prices was associated with a 2.8% point decrease in liquid propane gasoline use (P < .05), a 0.75% point increase in wood use (P < .05), and a 1.5% point increase in the likelihood of the child reporting a respiratory symptom (P < .1). The association between oil prices and the fuel choice indicators was largest for households in the middle of the income distribution. Conclusions. Fluctuations in worldwide fuel prices affected household fuel use and, consequently, child health. Policies to help households tide over fuel price shocks or reduce pollution from biomass sources would confer positive health benefits. Such policies would be most effective if they targeted both poor and middle-income households.
Racial Residential Segregation and Low Birth Weight in Michigan's Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Debbink Michelle Precourt , Bader Michael D. M. 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. We examined the influence of racial residential segregation, independent of neighborhood economic factors, on the overall and specific etiological risks of low birth weight. Methods. We geocoded all singleton births in Michigan metropolitan areas during 2000 to census tracts. We used hierarchical generalized linear models to investigate the association between low birth weight (< 2500 g) and neighborhood-level economic and racial segregation, controlling for individual and neighborhood characteristics. We analyzed competing risks of the 2 etiologies of low birth weight: intrauterine growth restriction and preterm birth. Results. Living in a Black segregated area was associated with increased odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03, 1.29; P < .05) of low birth weight after adjusting for individual- and tract-level measures. The analysis suggested that the association between low birth weight and racial segregation was attributable primarily to increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.37; P < .05). Conclusions. Odds of low birth weight are higher in racially segregated Black neighborhoods in Michigan's metropolitan areas, independent of economic factors. The association appears to operate through intrauterine growth restriction rather than preterm birth.