bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Serotonin Transporter Genotype Predict Craving in Alcoholism?
Authors: Ait‐Daoud Nassima , Roache John D. , Dawes Michael A. , Liu Lei , Wang Xin‐Qun , Javors Martin A. , Seneviratne Chamindi , Johnson Bankole A. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  We hypothesize that functional control of the serotonergic system is regulated in part by differential expression of the serotonin (5‐HT) transporter (5‐HTT). Alcohol‐dependent individuals with the LL/LS genotype (L‐carriers), compared with those with the SS genotype, have a lower 5‐HT neurotransmission, which we hypothesize would be associated with higher craving for alcohol among L‐carriers. We hypothesize further that acute peripheral depletion of tryptophan (5‐HT’s precursor), while further reducing 5‐HT function, might decrease auto‐inhibition of 5‐HT neuronal firing, thereby increasing 5‐HT neurotransmission transiently and lowering alcohol craving.Methods:  We tested these hypotheses by examining whether in 34 Hispanic alcohol‐dependent individuals subjective and physiological cue craving for alcohol differed by genotype, age of onset of problem drinking, and tryptophan availability.Results:  On subjective “urge to drink” and “crave for a drink,” we found a significant (p < 0.05) main effect of genotype and cue, as well as an interaction among genotype, age of onset of problem drinking, and tryptophan depletion. For the physiological measure of pulse, there was a main effect of genotype. L‐carriers had higher craving than their SS counterparts, an effect that decreased under tryptophan depletion. While craving in L‐carriers increased with an earlier age of onset of problem drinking, the opposite effect was seen in those with the SS genotype.Conclusion:  These results not only provide support for the hypothesis that alcoholics who are L‐carriers have greater alcohol craving and possibly greater propensity for drinking but also propose that there is an important 5‐HTT gene‐by‐environment interaction that alters cue craving response for alcohol.
Associations Among GABRG1, Level of Response to Alcohol, and Drinking Behaviors
Authors: Ray Lara A. , Hutchison Kent E. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Recent studies of the genetics of alcoholism have focused on a cluster of genes encoding for γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor subunits, which is thought to play a role in the expression of addiction phenotypes. This study examined allelic associations between 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GABRG1 gene (rs1391166 and rs1497571) and alcohol phenotypes, namely level of response to alcohol, alcohol use patterns, and alcohol‐related problems.Method:  Participants were non‐treatment‐seeking seeking hazardous drinkers (n = 124) who provided DNA samples, participated in a face‐to‐face interview for level of response to alcohol, and completed a series of drinking and individual differences measures.Results:  Analyses revealed that a SNP of the GABRG1 gene (rs1497571) was associated with level of response to alcohol and drinking patterns in this subclinical sample. Follow‐up mediational analyses were also conducted to examine putative mechanisms underlying these associations.Discussion:  These findings replicate and extend recent research suggesting that genetic variation at the GABRG1 locus may underlie the expression of alcohol phenotypes, including level of response to alcohol.
Influence of Alcohol Use Experience and Motivational Drive on College Students’ Alcohol‐Related Cognition
Authors: O’Connor Roisin M. , Colder Craig R. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Cognitive processes are thought to be pivotal to risk for heavy drinking. However, few studies have examined the alcohol cue‐activated positive and negative semantic memory networks that may be pivotal to drinking behavior. Moreover, much is to be understood about the influences of cognitive processes, particularly in high‐risk drinking samples such as college students. The current study examines the sequential process of alcohol cues activating valenced semantic memory networks, and the influences of prior drinking experience and individual differences in motivational drive on this automatic (implicit) cognitive process.Methods:  Participants (N = 138, 52% women) were college freshmen prescreened to represent the full range of drinking experience (i.e., current abstainers, light and heavy drinkers). Participants completed self‐reports of past month alcohol use, and individual differences in behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral approach/activation system (BAS). Alcohol cue‐elicited positive and negative semantic memory networks were assessed using a priming task.Results:  Results from the priming task revealed that for light drinkers alcohol cues were equally as likely to activate positive and negative semantic memory networks, suggesting relatively neutral cue‐elicited alcohol attitudes. Conversely, for heavy drinkers, alcohol cues more readily activated positive relative to negative semantic memory networks, suggesting relatively positive cue‐elicited alcohol attitudes. Furthermore, positive alcohol cue‐elicited semantic memory networks (positive attitudes) were evident for individuals characterized by a strong BAS and weak BIS (as hypothesized) and those characterized by a weak BAS and weak BIS.Conclusions:  The findings suggest that alcohol‐cue elicited positive semantic memory networks may be pivotal to risk for heavy drinking. Specifically, it is via the influence on this cognitive process that prior drinking experience and individual differences in motivational drive, respectively, may maintain and predispose individuals to risk for heavy alcohol use.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Screening for Unhealthy Alcohol Use with %Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin: Results From a Literature‐Based Decision Analytic Computer Model
Authors: Kapoor Alok , Kraemer Kevin L. , Smith Kenneth J. , Roberts Mark S. , Saitz Richard 
Published: May 2009

Background:  The %carbohydrate deficient transferrin (%CDT) test offers objective evidence of unhealthy alcohol use but its cost‐effectiveness in primary care conditions is unknown.Methods:  Using a decision tree and Markov model, we performed a literature‐based cost‐effectiveness analysis of 4 strategies for detecting unhealthy alcohol use in adult primary care patients: (i) Questionnaire Only, using a validated 3‐item alcohol questionnaire; (ii) %CDT Only; (iii) Questionnaire followed by %CDT (Questionnaire‐%CDT) if the questionnaire is negative; and (iv) No Screening. For those patients screening positive, clinicians performed more detailed assessment to characterize unhealthy use and determine therapy. We estimated costs using Medicare reimbursement and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We determined sensitivity, specificity, prevalence of disease, and mortality from the medical literature. In the base case, we calculated the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) in 2006 dollars per quality‐adjusted life year ($/QALY) for a 50‐year‐old cohort.Results:  In the base case, the ICER for the Questionnaire‐%CDT strategy was $15,500/QALY compared with the Questionnaire Only strategy. Other strategies were dominated. When the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use exceeded 15% and screening age was <60 years, the Questionnaire‐%CDT strategy costs less than $50,000/QALY compared to the Questionnaire Only strategy.Conclusions:  Adding %CDT to questionnaire‐based screening for unhealthy alcohol use was cost‐effective in our literature‐based decision analytic model set in typical primary care conditions. Screening with %CDT should be considered for adults up to the age of 60 when the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use is 15% or more and screening questionnaires are negative.
Mood‐Related Drinking Motives Mediate the Familial Association Between Major Depression and Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Young‐Wolff Kelly C. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Sintov Nicole D. , Prescott Carol A. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Major depression and alcohol dependence co‐occur within individuals and families to a higher than expected degree. This study investigated whether mood‐related drinking motives mediate the association between major depression and alcohol dependence, and what the genetic and environmental bases are for this relationship.Methods:  The sample included 5,181 individuals from the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders, aged 30 and older. Participants completed a clinical interview which assessed lifetime major depression, alcohol dependence, and mood‐related drinking motives.Results:  Mood‐related drinking motives significantly explained the depression‐alcohol dependence relationship at both the phenotypic and familial levels. Results from twin analyses indicated that for both males and females, the familial factors underlying mood‐related drinking motives accounted for virtually all of the familial variance that overlaps between depression and alcohol dependence.Conclusions:  The results are consistent with an indirect role for mood‐related drinking motives in the etiology of depression and alcohol dependence, and suggest that mood‐related drinking motives may be a useful index of vulnerability for these conditions.
Three‐dimensional electron microscopic reconstruction of intracellular organellar arrangements in vascular smooth muscle – further evidence of nanospaces and contacts
Authors: Tong Wing Chiu , Sweeney Michele , Jones Carolyn J. P. , Zhang Henggui , O’Neill Stephen C. , Prior Ian , Taggart Michael J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of smooth muscle is crucial for appropriate regulation of Ca2+ signalling. In visceral and vascular smooth muscles the SR is known to periodically lie in close register, within a few nanometres, to the plasma membrane. Recent work has focussed on reconstructions of the ultrastructural arrangement of this so‐called peripheral SR that may be important for the genesis of phenomena such as Ca2+ sparks. Here, we turn our attention to vascular smooth muscle and explore the 3‐dimensional (3D) ultrastructural positioning of SR found deeper in the cell that is involved in the propagation of Ca2+ waves. We use digital reconstruction and volume rendering of serial electron microscopic sections from isolated resistance arteries, pressurized in vitro to mimic cellular geometric conformations anticipated in vivo, to map SR positioning. We confirm that these central portions of SR are in close register with mitochondria and the nucleus with all three organelles tightly enveloped by a myofilament/cytoskeletal lattice. Nanospacings between the SR and individual mitochondria are visible and in three dimensions as the SR contorts to accommodate these organelles. Direct connection of the SR and nuclear membranes is confirmed. Such 3D positioning of centrally located SR further informs us of its likely role in the manifestation of spatiotemporal Ca2+ dynamics: signal encoding may be facilitated by spatially directed release of Ca2+ to influence several processes crucial to vascular smooth muscle and resistance artery function including myofilament activation by Ca2+ waves, mitochondrial respiration and gene transcription.
Identification of three in‐frame deletion mutations in MYH9 disorders suggesting an important hot spot for small rearrangements in MYH9 exon 24
Authors: Miyazaki Koji , Kunishima Shinji , Fujii Wataru , Higashihara Masaaki 
Published: May 2009

Abstract MYH9 disorders include hereditary macrothrombocytopenias with leukocyte inclusion bodies. Among more than 200 genetically confirmed families, the vast majority of cases exhibit single point mutations including substitutions and deletions of the COOH‐terminus in the protein‐coding sequence of MYH9. Only four in‐frame deletions have been reported to date. In the current study, we describe three in‐frame deletions including p.E1084del, p.E1066_A1072del and p.G1055_Q1068del, all of which are localized to exon 24. Interestingly, these three deletions were found to induce the diverse clinical manifestations on the non‐hematological symptoms, while they equally demonstrated type I staining of inclusion bodies. As a result of these findings, we suggest that exon 24 represents a potential ‘hot spot’ for unequal homologous recombination, which may generate in‐frame deletions in the coiled‐coil rod of non‐muscle myosin heavy chain‐IIA. The exact length and position of these deletions may also determine the severity of the non‐hematological manifestations, however does not appear to affect the morphology of the leukocyte inclusion bodies. These findings further our current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis underlying MYH9 disorders.
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia in a child with the MLL‐AF4 fusion gene
Authors: Takita Junko , Motomura Ai , Koh Katsuyoshi , Ida Kohmei , Taki Tomohiko , Hayashi Yasuhide , Igarashi Takashi 
Published: May 2009

AbstractMixed‐lineage leukemia (MLL) rearrangements are commonly observed in childhood acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia, as well as therapy‐related leukemia. However, the occurrence of MLL rearrangements in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is very rare. We report a pediatric case of AMKL with the MLL‐AF4 fusion transcript. MLL‐AF4 is derived from t(4;11)(q21:q23) and occurs exclusively in B‐cell lineage leukemia. To our knowledge, MLL‐AF4 as well as t(4;11)(q21:q23) has not been reported in adult and childhood AMKL. Thus, our case provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms of MLL‐AF4‐associated leukemia.
Assessing Credit Risk in an Agricultural Loan Portfolio
Authors: Pederson Glenn D. , Zech Lyubov 
Published: May 2009

We show that agricultural lenders can implement a credit risk model that uses their loan portfolio data and complies with the new Basel Capital Accord without requiring Merton‐type model assumptions about underlying asset price volatility. A credit risk model is described and calibrated to the loan portfolio of a farm lender. The model is used to produce plausible estimates of expected loss, unexpected loss, and credit value‐at‐risk (VaR) at the portfolio and subportfolio (sector) levels. The lender could use these kinds of estimates to meet regulatory requirements or to adjust the level of capital in response to changing economic conditions. Nous montrons que les prêteurs agricoles peuvent appliquer un modèle de risque de crédit qui permet d'utiliser des données tirées de leur portefeuille de prêts et qui respecte le nouvel accord de Bâle sur les fonds propres, sans qu'il soit nécessaire d'utiliser les hypothèses du modèle de Merton sur la volatilité des prix des actifs. Nous avons décrit un modèle de risque de crédit et l'avons calibré en fonction du portefeuille de prêts d'un prêteur agricole. Le modèle est utilisé pour effectuer des estimations plausibles quant aux pertes prévues, aux pertes imprévues et à la valeur à risque au niveau du portefeuille et du sous‐portefeuille. Le prêteur pourrait utiliser ce genre d'estimations pour respecter les exigences réglementaires ou pour rajuster le niveau de fonds propres en fonction de l'évolution de la conjoncture économique.
Risk and Nitrogen Application Levels
Authors: Rajsic Predrag , Weersink Alfons , Gandorfer Markus 
Published: May 2009

Stochastic weather and soil conditions are the suggested reasons why farmers tend to apply more than the recommended levels of nitrogen. This study found that uncertainty plays a role in the application decision of farmers but not in the manner typically assumed. Using a time series of field trials of corn yield to nitrogen for the same site, nitrogen was found to be a risk‐increasing input suggesting that uncertainty should decrease, rather than increase, a risk‐averse farmer's rate of nitrogen application. Similarly, viewing risk as a profit shortfall, in which fertilizer acts in the role of insurance, was also not supported with the empirical results. Instead, the key role of uncertainty is its impact on expected profits. Increasing application rates leads to lower returns in most years but the increase in profits generated under favorable growing conditions results in greater expected profits with a high application strategy. Les conditions météorologiques et pédologiques aléatoires seraient les raisons pour lesquelles les agriculteurs tendent à appliquer des doses d'azote supérieures aux doses recommandées. Selon la présente étude, l'incertitude joue un rôle dans les décisions d'application des agriculteurs, mais d'une façon différente de celle généralement supposée. À l'aide d'une série chronologique d'essais en champ mesurant le rendement du maïs en fonction de l'azote dans le même site, nous avons trouvé que l'azote était un intrant qui augmentait les risques, ce qui laisse supposer que l'incertitude devrait faire diminuer, plutôt que de faire augmenter, la dose d'application d'azote dans le cas d'un producteur qui craint les risques. De même, considérer le risque de baisse des profits où l'engrais assume le rôle d'assurance n'a pas été appuyé par les résultats empiriques. Le rôle clé de l'incertitude est son impact sur les profits prévus. L'augmentation des doses d'application entraîne une diminution des rendements la plupart des années, mais l'augmentation des profits générés dans des conditions de croissance favorables entraîne des profits prévus plus élevés grâce à une meilleure stratégie d'application.
Threshold Effects and Asymmetric Price Adjustments in U.S. Dairy Markets
Authors: Awokuse Titus O. , Wang Xiaohong 
Published: May 2009

Recent volatility in food prices and the growing disparity between prices at various stages of the marketing channel has generated much interest among agricultural producers, consumers, and policy makers. This study examines the effect of nonlinear threshold dynamics on asymmetric price transmission for three U.S. dairy products (butter, cheese, and fluid milk) using threshold error correction models. The empirical result suggests that price transmission of changes between producer and retail stages of the marketing chain is asymmetric for butter and fluid milk, but not for cheese prices. Also, this paper's findings indicate that conclusions about price asymmetries depend on the model specification assumptions made about symmetry and threshold effects. Thus, previous studies that assumed symmetric behavior and ignored threshold effects may be misleading. La récente volatilité des prix des produits alimentaires et la disparité croissante entre les prix observés aux divers échelons du réseau de distribution ont suscité l'attention des producteurs agricoles, des consommateurs et des décideurs. La présente étude examine l'effet d'une dynamique non linéaire avec seuil sur la transmission asymétrique des prix dans le cas de trois produits laitiers aux États‐Unis (le beurre, le fromage et le lait de consommation), à l'aide de modèles à correction d'erreur avec seuil. Les résultats empiriques montrent que la transmission des variations de prix entre les producteurs agricoles et les détaillants est asymétrique dans le cas du beurre et du lait de consommation, mais ne l'est pas dans le cas du fromage. D'après les résultats de la présente étude, les conclusions concernant l'asymétrie des prix dépendent des hypothèses posées sur la symétrie et les effets de seuil. Par conséquent, les études antérieures dans lesquelles on a supposé un comportement symétrique et ignoré les effets de seuil pourraient induire en erreur.
Isolation and characterization of macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) microsatellite loci and their utility in other penguin species (Spheniscidae, AVES)
Authors: AHMED SOPHIA , HART TOM , DAWSON DEBORAH A. , HORSBURGH GAVIN J. , TRATHAN PHILIP N. , ROGERS ALEX D. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe report the characterization of 25 microsatellite loci isolated from the macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus). Thirteen loci were arranged into four multiplex sets for future genetic studies of macaroni penguin populations. All 25 loci were tested separately in each of four other penguin species [Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae), chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica), gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) and king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)]. Between eight and 12 loci were polymorphic per species. These loci are expected to be useful for studies of population genetic structure in a range of penguin species.
Some Common Fixed Point Results in Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Azam Akbar , Vetro Pasquale 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe prove a result on points of coincidence and common fixed points for three self-mappings satisfying generalized contractive type conditions in cone metric spaces. We deduce some results on common fixed points for two self-mappings satisfying contractive type conditions in cone metric spaces. These results generalize some well-known recent results.
Two Phases of V1 Activity for Visual Recognition of Natural Images
Authors: Camprodon Joan A. , Zohary Ehud , Brodbeck Verena , Pascual-Leone Alvaro 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Present theories of visual recognition emphasize the role of interactive processing across populations of neurons within a given network, but the nature of these interactions remains unresolved. In particular, data describing the sufficiency of feedforward algorithms for conscious vision and studies revealing the functional relevance of feedback connections to the striate cortex seem to offer contradictory accounts of visual information processing. TMS is a good method to experimentally address this issue, given its excellent temporal resolution and its capacity to establish causal relations between brain function and behavior. We studied 20 healthy volunteers in a visual recognition task. Subjects were briefly presented with images of animals (birds or mammals) in natural scenes and were asked to indicate the animal category. MRI-guided stereotaxic single TMS pulses were used to transiently disrupt striate cortex function at different times after image onset (SOA). Visual recognition was significantly impaired when TMS was applied over the occipital pole at SOAs of 100 and 220 msec. The first interval has consistently been described in previous TMS studies and is explained as the interruption of the feedforward volley of activity. Given the late latency and discrete nature of the second peak, we hypothesize that it represents the disruption of a feedback projection to V1, probably from other areas in the visual network. These results provide causal evidence for the necessity of recurrent interactive processing, through feedforward and feedback connections, in visual recognition of natural complex images.
Integrating Speech and Iconic Gestures in a Stroop-like Task: Evidence for Automatic Processing
Authors: Kelly Spencer D. , Creigh Peter , Bartolotti James 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated a link between language and action in the brain. The present study investigates the strength of this neural relationship by focusing on a potential interface between the two systems: cospeech iconic gesture. Participants performed a Stroop-like task in which they watched videos of a man and a woman speaking and gesturing about common actions. The videos differed as to whether the gender of the speaker and gesturer was the same or different and whether the content of the speech and gesture was congruent or incongruent. The task was to identify whether a man or a woman produced the spoken portion of the videos while accuracy rates, RTs, and ERPs were recorded to the words. Although not relevant to the task, participants paid attention to the semantic relationship between the speech and the gesture, producing a larger N400 to words accompanied by incongruent versus congruent gestures. In addition, RTs were slower to incongruent versus congruent gesture–speech stimuli, but this effect was greater when the gender of the gesturer and speaker was the same versus different. These results suggest that the integration of gesture and speech during language comprehension is automatic but also under some degree of neurocognitive control.