bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drift and settlement of stream insects in a complex hydraulic environment
Authors: OLDMEADOW DAVID F. , LANCASTER JILL , RICE STEPHEN P.
Published: December 2009

1. The hydraulic and geomorphic characteristics of stream patches are often associated with distinctive assemblages or densities of stream invertebrates, and it is routinely presumed that these patterns reflect primarily species‐specific habitat requirements. An alternative hypothesis is that such patterns may be influenced by constraints on movement, such as the results of departure and settlement processes. We describe a manipulative experiment that examined how the hydraulic environments created by topographic bedforms influenced the drift behaviour and potential settlement sites for two species of mayfly (Baetis rhodani and Ecdyonurus torrentis). These species are common in the drift and often co‐occur in streams, but differ in their small‐scale distribution patterns, body shape and movement behaviour.

2. Flume experiments were carried out to determine how the hydraulic environments conditioned by a step bedform influence the behaviour of mayflies in the drift (swimming, posturing, tumbling), and the consequences of those behaviours (drift distance and time), compared to drift over a plane bed. The ramped step in the flume mimicked step bedforms that are common in coarse‐grained, high‐gradient streams. In contrast to the plane bed, a zone of recirculating flow was created downstream of the step, above which flow was faster and more turbulent. Uniform flows are used in most flume studies of drift; our approach is novel in recreating a complex hydraulic environment characteristic of stream channels.

3. Both species had some behavioural control over drift, and drift distances and times were shorter for live larvae than for dead larvae over the plane bed. The step had no impact on drift time or distance for live Baetis, but dead larvae were trapped in the flow separation eddy and drift time increased accordingly. Some Ecdyonurus also became trapped in the eddy, but live larvae drifted farther than dead larvae, and farther over the step than the plane bed.

4. Whilst in the drift, larvae altered their behaviour according to the ambient hydraulic environment, but in a species‐specific manner. Over the plane bed, Baetis had occasional swimming bursts, but primarily postured (maintained a stable body orientation), whereas Ecdyonurus spent roughly equal time posturing and swimming. In the more turbulent flows generated by the step, Baetis spent proportionately more time swimming, whereas Ecdyonurus spent more time posturing and often tumbling as body orientation became unstable.

5. In a high‐gradient stream, Baetis was more abundant close to steps than in plane bed patches with less complex flow, whereas the opposite pattern held for Ecdyonurus. Thus, the small‐scale distribution patterns of these species within streams correspond to their drift behaviours and ability to access various hydraulic patch types in our flume. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that constraints on movement and settlement may be important driver of distribution patterns within streams.
A cathepsin L‐like proteinase is involved in moulting and metamorphosis in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Wang L.‐F. , Chai L.‐Q. , He H.‐J. , Wang Q. , Wang J.‐X. , Zhao X.‐F.
Published: December 2009

Holometabolous insects undergo larval moulting and metamorphosis within their life cycle. A cDNA encoding the cathepsin L‐like proteinase Ha‐cathL has been cloned from Helicoverpa armigera. It has a sequence of 1826 bp and encodes a 550‐residue protein with a molecular mass of 63 kDa. Northern blot analysis indicated that Ha‐cathL is specifically expressed in haemocytes, with increased expression during larval moulting and metamorphosis. In vivo experimentation revealed that Ha‐cathL is up‐regulated by 20‐hydroxyecdysone. Meanwhile, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry revealed that Ha‐cathL mRNA is mainly expressed in granulocytes and plasmatocytes. Knock down of cathepsin L by RNA interference results in larvae death before pupation or the formation of a chimeric pupa containing a larval head and thorax, abnormal wings and the pupal abdomen. The reason for this is that the affected haemocytes cannot become granulated, and therefore cannot participate in fat body remodelling and wing development. These facts suggest that Ha‐cathL is involved in larval moulting and metamorphosis by participating in the functioning of haemocytes.
Non‐resolving periapical inflammation: a malignant deception
Authors: Saund D. , Kotecha S. , Rout J. , Dietrich T.
Published: December 2009

Aim  To report a case of oral non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma with a delayed diagnosis.

Summary  Non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the oral cavity is an uncommon but important condition. Early diagnosis is complicated when the presenting signs and symptoms are similar to those of odontogenic infections. This report describes the case of a 38‐year‐old female patient who presented to her dentist complaining of pain in her upper jaw. Subsequent dental treatment, including extraction, root canal treatment and apicectomy including biopsy were carried out by the patient’s dentist and local dental hospital. Nine months elapsed before a more extensive surgical exploration established a diagnosis of lymphoma.

Key learning points 

To appreciate the importance of recognizing discrepancies between the clinical scenario and histopathological findings.

To appreciate subtle radiographic changes that may accompany malignant disease of the jaw bones.

To appreciate the need for early referral when a patient’s symptoms do not satisfactorily respond to conventional dental therapies.

To appreciate lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non‐healing periapical inflammation and non‐healing socket.
How do landscape composition and configuration, organic farming and fallow strips affect the diversity of bees, wasps and their parasitoids?
Authors: Holzschuh Andrea , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Tscharntke Teja
Published: December 2009

1. Habitat destruction and increasing land use intensity result in habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, and subsequently in the loss of species diversity. The fact that these factors are often highly confounded makes disentangling their effects extremely difficult, if not impossible, and their relative impact on species loss is mostly speculative.

2. In a two‐year study, we analysed the relative importance of changed landscape composition (increased areas of cropped habitats), reduced habitat connectivity and reduced habitat quality on nest colonization of cavity‐nesting bees, wasps and their parasitoids. We selected 23 pairs of conventional and organic wheat fields in the centre of landscape circles (500 m radius) differing in edge densities (landscape configuration) and % non‐crop habitats (landscape composition). Standardized trap nests were established in the field centres and in neighbouring permanent fallow strips (making a total of 92 nesting sites).

3. Factors at all three scales affected nest colonization. While bees were enhanced by high proportions of non‐crop habitat in the landscape, wasps profited from high edge densities, supporting our hypothesis that wasps are enhanced by connecting corridors. Colonization of herbivore‐predating wasps was lower in field centres than in fallow strips for conventional sites, but not for organic sites, indicating a fallow‐like connectivity value of organic fields. The relative importance of habitat type and farming system varied among functional groups suggesting that their perception of crop–non‐crop boundaries or the availability of their food resources differed.

4. Local and landscape effects on parasitoids were mainly mediated by their hosts. Parasitism rates were marginally affected by local factors. A specialist parasitoid was more sensitive to high land use intensity than its host, whereas generalist parasitoids were less sensitive.

5. We conclude that the conversion of cropland into non‐crop habitat may not be a sufficiently successful strategy to enhance wasps or other species that suffer more from isolation than from habitat loss. Interestingly, habitat connectivity appeared to be enhanced by both higher edge densities and by organic field management. Thus, we conclude that high proportions of conventionally managed and large crop fields threaten pollination and biological control services at a landscape scale.
The effect of seasonality, density and climate on the population dynamics of Montana deer mice, important reservoir hosts for Sin Nombre hantavirus
Authors: Luis Angela D. , Douglass Richard J. , Mills James N. , Bjørnstad Ottar N.
Published: December 2009

1. Since Sin Nombre virus was discovered in the U.S. in 1993, longitudinal studies of the rodent reservoir host, the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) have demonstrated a qualitative correlation among mouse population dynamics and risk of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in humans, indicating the importance of understanding deer mouse population dynamics for evaluating risk of HPS.

2. Using capture–mark–recapture statistical methods on a 15‐year data set from Montana, we estimated deer mouse survival, maturation and recruitment rates and tested the relative importance of seasonality, population density and local climate in explaining temporal variation in deer mouse demography.

3. From these estimates, we designed a population model to simulate deer mouse population dynamics given climatic variables and compared the model to observed patterns.

4. Month, precipitation 5 months previously, temperature 5 months previously and to a lesser extent precipitation and temperature in the current month, were important in determining deer mouse survival. Month, the sum of precipitation over the last 4 months, and the sum of the temperature over the last 4 months were important in determining recruitment rates. Survival was more important in determining the growth rate of the population than recruitment.

5. While climatic drivers appear to have a complex influence on dynamics, our forecasts were good. Our quantitative model may allow public health officials to better predict increased human risk from basic climatic data.
Evolution of monogamous marriage by maximization of inclusive fitness
Authors: FORTUNATO L. , ARCHETTI M.
Published: December 2009

The majority of human societies allow polygynous marriage, and the prevalence of this practice is readily understood in evolutionary terms. Why some societies prescribe monogamous marriage is however not clear: current evolutionary explanations—that social monogamy increases within‐group co‐operation, giving societies an advantage in competition with other groups—conflict with the historical and ethnographic evidence. We show that, within the framework of inclusive fitness theory, monogamous marriage can be viewed as the outcome of the strategic behaviour of males and females in the allocation of resources to the next generation. Where resources are transferred across generations, social monogamy can be advantageous if partitioning of resources among the offspring of multiple wives causes a depletion of their fitness value, and/or if females grant husbands higher fidelity in exchange for exclusive investment of resources in their offspring. This may explain why monogamous marriage prevailed among the historical societies of Eurasia: here, intensive agriculture led to scarcity of land, with depletion in the value of estates through partitioning among multiple heirs. Norms promoting high paternity were common among ancient societies in the region, and may have further facilitated the establishment of social monogamy. In line with the historical and ethnographic evidence, this suggests that monogamous marriage emerged in Eurasia following the adoption of intensive agriculture, as ownership of land became critical to productive and reproductive success.
Detection of Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus in Cucurbit Leaves Using Sap Extracts and Real‐time TaqMan® Reverse Transcription (RT) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Authors: Papayiannis Lambros C. , Hunter Sarah C. , Iacovides Tefkros , Brown Judith K.
Published: December 2009

Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) (genus, Crinivirus: family, Closteroviridae) is an emerging plant pathogen, transmitted by the sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), which infects cucurbit crops causing significant economic losses. A TaqMan® real‐time fluorescent, one‐step reverse transcription (RT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of the virus has been developed and optimized. The assay is over 100‐fold more sensitive than conventional RT‐PCR and involves template preparation that does not require RNA purification. The assay can be accomplished either by first spotting the sap extract on a positively charged nylon membrane and elution, or by the direct addition of crude plant extract into the real‐time reaction cocktail. Several factors affecting the efficiency of the tests were studied, such as the type and amount of reverse transcription (RT) enzymes and the use of different additives on the elution extract. The addition of 5 units of RT enzymes in the real‐time PCR cocktail and the use of Tween 20, Triton X and Betaine in the virus release buffer resulted in improved detection efficiency. The applicability of the real‐time RT‐PCR assay was validated with CYSDV isolates from the USA, Mexico, the Mediterranean Basin, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates and provides a simple, efficient and accurate detection technique, whereas the membrane preparation techniques can be used for long‐term storage of samples allowing the shipment of samples from the field to remote laboratories for testing without compromising the reliability of the test.
Hepatitis C virus core protein induces malignant transformation of biliary epithelial cells by activating nuclear factor‐κB pathway
Authors: Li Zhi‐Hua , Tang Qi‐Bin , Wang Jie , Zhou Ling , Huang Wen‐lin , Liu Ran‐Yi , Chen Ru‐Fu
Published: December 2009

Background and Aim:  In an earlier study, we found that hepatitis C virus core protein, HCV‐C, participated in the malignant transformation of HCV‐C transfected normal human biliary epithelial (hBE) cells by activating telomerase. Here we further investigated the signaling of the malignant transformation.

Methods:  Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), western blotting and immunoprecipitation were used to analyze the expression of HCV‐C, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and NF‐κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) genes and the phosphorylation level of IκBα protein. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and NF‐κB‐linked luciferase reporter assays were carried out to measure NF‐κB activity.

Results:  The expression of HCV‐C and hTERT was detected only in HCV‐C‐transfected hBE (hBE‐HCV‐C) cells but not in vector‐transfected or parental hBE cells. More NF‐κB protein accumulated in nuclear extracts of hBE‐HCV‐C cells rather than in those of control cells, though total NF‐κB protein level showed no difference among these cells. DNA binding activity of NF‐κB and the NF‐κB‐linked luciferase activity were much higher in HCV‐C‐transfected hBE cells than those in vector‐ or non‐transfected hBE cells. In addition, the IκBα phosphorylation level, but not the IκBα mRNA or protein levels, was increased after HCV‐C transfection.

Conclusions:  Hepatitis C virus core protein activates NF‐κB pathway in hBE cells by increasing the phosphorylation of IκBα. The pathway may be responsible for HCV‐C‐induced malignant transformation of hBE cells.
Evaluation of serum clusterin as a surveillance tool for human hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatitis B virus related cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Yi , Liu Yan‐Hui , Mai Shi‐Juan , He Long‐Jun , Liao Yi‐Ji , Deng Hai‐Xia , Guan Xin‐Yuan , Zeng Yi‐Xin , Kung Hsiang‐Fu , Xie Dan
Published: December 2009

Background and Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common human cancer worldwide. The levels of serum clusterin in HCC patients and its potential diagnostic significance is not clear. We aimed to evaluate the clinical use of serum clusterin levels as a surveillance tool for HCC with hepatitis B virus (HBV) related cirrhosis.

Methods:  Twenty‐two cases of healthy subjects, 31 cases of HBV carriers, 26 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 29 patients with cirrhosis, and 76 patients with HCC were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of clusterin were measured by a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  The serum clusterin levels in HCC patients were significantly lower than that in healthy, HBV carriers and chronic hepatitis B, but statistically higher than in cirrhosis patients. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that a serum clusterin value of 50 µg/mL yielded the best sensitivity (91%) and specificity (83%) for differentiating HCC patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis from those with HBV‐related cirrhosis. The optimal alpha fetoprotein (AFP) cutoff value was 15 ng/mL and was inferior to the clusterin value of 50 µg/mL, the area under the ROC curves being 0.937 versus 0.781, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Serum clusterin was more sensitive and specific than serum AFP for differentiating HCC patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis from those with HBV‐related liver cirrhosis, and may be a useful surveillance tool of HCC based on HBV‐related cirrhosis.
Characterization of a green alga isolated from infected human external tissue
Authors: Yu Jingie , Li Zhongkui , Brand Jerry J.
Published: December 2009

A green alga was isolated from infected external human tissue. The alga consisted of spherical non‐flagellate unicells, 3–13 µm in diameter, surrounded by a thick outer wall of variable thickness and containing a single bowl‐shaped chloroplast without a pyrenoid. Asexual reproduction occurred through multiple autospores produced within the parental cell wall. 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene‐sequence analyses indicated that the alga was closely related to ‘Chlorella’saccharophila. d‐glucose considerably enhanced both phototrophic and heterotrophic growth. Compared with two other strains of ‘C.’saccharophila, the organism in the present study grew more rapidly at temperatures greater than 30°C in darkness, but it could not grow at 37°C in light or darkness. The results suggest that this strain may not normally invade tissues, but becomes established and grows on previously infected tissues of external body extremities where the temperature is somewhat lower than normal body temperature.
Attitude to extended use and long‐term storage of newborn screening blood spots in Japan
Authors: Fujii Chieko , Sato Yuki , Harada Shohei , Kakee Naoko , Gu Yan‐Hong , Kato Tadaaki , Shintaku Haruo , Owada Misao , Hirahara Fumiki , Umehashi Hozo , Yoshino Makoto
Published: December 2009

Background:  Residual dried blood spots (DBS) remaining after routine newborn screening (NBS) tests are candidate specimens for extended uses such as quality assurance and the development of new technology. A trial of NBS using tandem mass‐spectrometry was launched in 2004 in Japan. The aim of the present study was to analyze the attitudes of the public, patient families, and medical professionals toward the extended use and long‐term storage of residual DBS, and to construct a standardized informational brochure.

Methods:  A questionnaire was sent to randomly selected members of the public, members of the Japanese Phenylketonuria (PKU) Association, medical staff of a general hospital, staff of a children's hospital, obstetricians and gynecologists, pediatricians and NBS personnel. Associated responses, which were given in a free comment format, were analyzed by text mining.

Results:  The awareness ratio of NBS was low in the public (26.6%), but despite this, when a brief explanatory note on NBS was provided, 71.7% of them recognized the necessity of NBS. They were less positive than medical professionals and PKU patient families regarding the extended use of DBS for forensic investigation, for the study of health problems, or long‐term storage of residual DBS, regardless of whether these factors affected them personally or not. Among the medical professionals, obstetricians and pediatricians exhibited a higher ratio of negative responses toward the extended use and long‐term storage of DBS than others.

Conclusion:  The general public is more conservative than PKU patients and their families or medical professionals about the extended use or long‐term storage of residual DBS. Presentation to the public, particularly to couples of childbearing age, of appropriate explanatory information on NBS itself, or the extended use or long‐term storage of residual DBS, is recommended.
HIERARCHY OF PROGNOSTIC FACTORS FOR CORNEAL ALLOGRAFT SURVIVAL
Authors: VÖLKER‐DIEBEN H. J. , D'AMARO J. , ALPHEN C. C. KOK‐VAN
Published: December 2009

The results of analyses of 7278 consecutive corneal translants performed in a single centre reveal that the most important prognostic factors for corneal allograft survival are recipient corneal vascularisation, graft diameter, HLA‐A and 8 matching especially for high risk patients, organ culture storage of donor corneas prior to transplantation and donor age.
Serum sex hormones and the 20‐year risk of lower urinary tract symptoms in community‐dwelling older men
Authors: Trifiro Michael D. , Parsons J. Kellogg , Palazzi‐Churas Kerrin , Bergstrom Jaclyn , Lakin Charles , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth
Published: December 2009

Study Type – Prognosis (inception cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate serum sex steroid hormone concentrations and long‐term risk of subsequent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a cohort of community‐dwelling older men.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Between 1984 and 1987, serum sex hormone concentrations were measured in participants in the Rancho Bernardo Study, a prospective, community‐based study. In 2006, the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA‐SI) was mailed to surviving male participants. Logistic regression was used to examine associations of baseline hormone concentrations with AUA‐SI.

RESULTS

Among 158 surviving men with complete data and no history of prostate cancer, the mean (sd) age at serum sex steroid assessment was 58 (6.6) years with a mean (sd) follow‐up of 20.3 (0.6) years. In age‐adjusted logistic regression, there was a significant inverse association of testosterone : dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with LUTS (P = 0.05). Also, men with higher concentrations of bioavailable testosterone had a 56% decreased risk of LUTS compared with those with hypogonadal concentrations, although the association was not statistically significant (odds ratios 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.14–1.40) or distributed evenly among quartiles. There were no significant associations of total testosterone, oestradiol (E2), testosterone : E2, DHT, or dehydroepiandrosterone with LUTS or with any measured hormones and urinary bother.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, men with higher mid‐life levels of testosterone : DHT and bioavailable testosterone had a decreased 20‐year risk of LUTS. These data support other studies reporting inverse associations of serum testosterone with LUTS. Clinical trials of testosterone therapy should include LUTS and clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia as outcomes.
Early development of spatial‐numeric associations: evidence from spatial and quantitative performance of preschoolers
Authors: Opfer John E. , Thompson Clarissa A. , Furlong Ellen E.
Published: December 2009

Numeric magnitudes often bias adults’ spatial performance. Partly because the direction of this bias (left‐to‐right versus right‐to‐left) is culture‐specific, it has been assumed that the orientation of spatial‐numeric associations is a late development, tied to reading practice or schooling. Challenging this assumption, we found that preschoolers expected numbers to be ordered from left‐to‐right when they searched for objects in numbered containers, when they counted, and (to a lesser extent) when they added and subtracted. Further, preschoolers who lacked these biases demonstrated more immature, logarithmic representations of numeric value than preschoolers who exhibited the directional bias, suggesting that spatial‐numeric associations aid magnitude representations for symbols denoting increasingly large numbers.
Medial temporal lobe memory in childhood: developmental transitions
Authors: Townsend Elise L. , Richmond Jenny L. , Vogel‐Farley Vanessa K. , Thomas Kathleen
Published: December 2009

The medial temporal lobes (MTL) support declarative memory and mature structurally and functionally during the postnatal years in humans. Although recent work has addressed the development of declarative memory in early childhood, less is known about continued development beyond this period of time. The purpose of this investigation was to explore MTL‐dependent memory across middle childhood. Children (6 –10 years old) and adults completed two computerized tasks, place learning (PL) and transitive inference (TI), that each examined relational memory, as well as the flexible use of relational learning. Findings suggest that the development of relational memory precedes the development of the ability to use relational knowledge flexibly in novel situations. Implications for the development of underlying brain areas and ideas for future neuroimaging investigations are discussed.
The Michelangelo Phenomenon
Authors: Rusbult Caryl E. , Finkel Eli J. , Kumashiro Madoka
Published: December 2009

This paper reviews theory and research regarding the “Michelangelo phenomenon.” The Michelangelo model suggests that close partners sculpt one another's selves, shaping one another's skills and traits and promoting versus inhibiting one another's goal pursuits. As a result of the manner in which partners perceive and behave toward one another, each person enjoys greater or lesser success at attaining his or her ideal-self goals. Affirmation of one another's ideal-self goals yields diverse benefits, both personal and relational. The Michelangelo model and supportive empirical evidence are reviewed, the phenomenon is distinguished from related interpersonal processes, and directions for future work are outlined.
Recent Advances in Understanding Sleep and Sleep Disturbances in Older Adults
Authors: Vitiello Michael V.
Published: December 2009

Despite commonly held assumptions, growing older does not necessarily result in disturbed or unsatisfying sleep. There is no reason to assume, a priori, that the sleep of an older adult is necessarily problematic; in fact, many high-functioning older adults are satisfied with their sleep. When the various factors that can disrupt sleep—poor health, primary sleep disorders, poor sleep-hygiene practices (e.g., irregular sleep schedules and poor sleeping environments), and so on—are screened out, “optimally” or “successfully” aging older adults, assuming they remain healthy, can expect to experience little further change in their sleep and are not likely to experience excessive daytime sleepiness and the concomitant need to nap regularly during the day. Nevertheless, the majority of older adults, who are not optimally aging, suffer significant sleep disturbances from a variety of causes. Fortunately, our growing understanding of how sleep changes with aging and of the causes of these changes is informing ever-improving treatments for these disturbances, thereby helping to ensure that growing older does not mean sleeping poorly.
Behavioral and Neural Basis of Number Sense in Infancy
Authors: Libertus Melissa E. , Brannon Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2009

Approximate number discrimination in adult human and nonhuman animals is governed by Weber's Law: The ratio between the values determines discriminability. Here, we review recent evidence from behavioral and neuroimaging studies that suggests that number sense in human infancy shares the same hallmark feature of Weber's Law and may rely on the same neural substrates as previously found in adults, children, and nonhuman animals. These findings support the notion of ontogenetic and phylogenetic continuity in number sense. New methods described here may help uncover how infants' early number sense supports the development of a mature number sense. Moreover, they may aid in understanding how children learn to map nonsymbolic number representations onto symbols for number by providing dependent measures that capture individual variability.
To Start Low or To Start High?
Authors: Galinsky Adam D. , Ku Gillian , Mussweiler Thomas
Published: December 2009

We document how starting prices differentially impact outcomes in negotiations and auctions. In negotiations (where the number of actors is often predetermined), starting prices drive cognitive processes, leading individuals to selectively focus on information consistent with, and make valuations similar to, the starting value. Thus, starting high will often lead to ending high in negotiations. Conversely, in auctions (where the number of actors is determined during the course of the auction), low starting prices catalyze social processes that can lead to higher final prices: Low starting prices lower barriers to entry and increase the number of bidders; produce more sunk costs for early entrants; and lead participants to infer greater value from this increased bidding activity, resulting in herding behavior. By examining the differential intrapsychic and interpersonal processes that starting prices activate in negotiations versus auctions, we offer a first step toward a more complete understanding of anchoring effects in economic interactions.
Automatic Evaluation
Authors: Ferguson Melissa J. , Zayas Vivian
Published: December 2009

Humans continuously evaluate aspects of their environment (people, objects, places) in an automatic fashion (i.e., unintentionally, rapidly). Such evaluations can be highly adaptive, triggering behavioral responses away from threats and toward rewards in the environment. Even in the absence of immediate threats and fleeting rewards, the ability to automatically evaluate aspects of the environment enables individuals to effortlessly make sense of their world without depleting limited and valuable cognitive resources. We discuss two lines of research on automatic evaluation: The first demonstrates that people can evaluate a stimulus even when they are not conscious of the stimulus and thus unaware of having evaluated it. The second line of work shows that even when people are conscious of a stimulus, they may evaluate it without intending to do so. We end by discussing current theoretical questions regarding this topic.
The CAPM is Alive and Well: A Review and Synthesis
Authors: Levy Haim
Published: December 2009

Mean‐Variance (M‐V) analysis and the CAPM are derived in the expected utility framework. Behavioural Economists and Psychologists (BE&P) advocate that expected utility is invalid, suggesting Prospect Theory as a substitute paradigm. Moreover, they show that the M‐V rule, which is the foundation of the CAPM, is not always consistent with peoples’ choices. Thus, BE&P cast doubt on the validity of expected utility paradigm and of the M‐V rule, hence the CAPM is theoretically questionable. In addition, there is very little empirical support to the CAPM. We show in this study that the CAPM is theoretically valid even when one accepts the BE&P framework and even when expected utility is invalid. Moreover, within the BE&P framework there is a strong experimental support for the CAPM.
Hospitalization risk following initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Berry SA , Manabe YC , Moore RD , Gebo KA
Published: December 2009

Objectives

While highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) decreases long‐term morbidity and mortality, its short‐term effect on hospitalization rates is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to determine hospitalization rates over time in the year after HAART initiation for virological responders and nonresponders.

Methods

Hospitalizations among 1327 HAART‐naïve subjects in an urban HIV clinic in 1997–2007 were examined before and after HAART initiation. Hospitalization rates were stratified by virological responders (≥1 log10 decrease in HIV‐1 RNA within 6 months after HAART initiation) and nonresponders. Causes were determined through International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD‐9) codes and chart review. Multivariate negative binomial regression was used to assess factors associated with hospitalization.

Results

During the first 45 days after HAART initiation, the hospitalization rate of responders was similar to their pre‐HAART baseline rate [75.1 vs. 78.8/100 person‐years (PY)] and to the hospitalization rate of nonresponders during the first 45 days (79.4/100 PY). The hospitalization rate of responders fell significantly between 45 and 90 days after HAART initiation and reached a plateau at approximately 45/100 PY from 91 to 365 days after HAART initiation. Significant decreases were seen in hospitalizations for opportunistic and nonopportunistic infections.

Conclusions

The first substantial clinical benefit from HAART may be realized by 90 days after HAART initiation; providers should keep close vigilance at least until this time.
Who uses sunbeds? A systematic literature review of risk groups in developed countries
Authors: Schneider S , Krämer H
Published: December 2009

Skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Indoor tanning is a totally avoidable risk behaviour. This review addresses the specific characteristics of sunbed users and the differences in motivation and risk perception compared with non‐users. This review is based solely on empirical original articles. Based on literature searches with widely used reference databases (‘PubMed’, ‘OVID’, ‘Social Citation Index’, ‘ERIC – Educational Resources Information Center’, ‘Web of Science’ and the ‘International Bibliography of the Social Sciences’), we included studies from developed nations with a publication date between 1 January 2000 and 12 August 2008. All studies were selected, classified and coded simultaneously by both authors on a blinded basis. All searches were performed on 13 and 14 August 2008. In accordance with the QUOROM and the MOOSE Statements, we identified 16 original studies. The typical sunbed user is female, between 17 and 30 years old, and tends to live a comparatively unhealthy lifestyle: Users smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol more frequently and eat less healthy food than non‐users. Users are characterized by a lack of knowledge about health risks of UVR, and prompted by the frequent use of sunbeds by friends or family members and the experience of positive emotions and relaxation by indoor tanning. This review is the first systematic review on risk groups among sunbed users that has been published in a scientific journal. There is still a lack of information among users, particularly among young people regarding the safety of solariums.
Impact of transposable elements on the organization and function of allopolyploid genomes
Authors: Parisod Christian , Alix Karine , Just Jérémy , Petit Maud , Sarilar Véronique , Mhiri Corinne , Ainouche Malika , Chalhoub Boulos , Grandbastien Marie‐Angèle
Published: December 2009

Transposable elements (TEs) represent an important fraction of plant genomes and are likely to play a pivotal role in fuelling genome reorganization and functional changes following allopolyploidization. Various processes associated with allopolyploidy (i.e. genetic redundancy, bottlenecks during the formation of allopolyploids or genome shock following genome merging) may allow accumulation of TE insertions. Our objective in carrying out a survey of the literature and a comparative analysis across different allopolyploid systems is to shed light on the structural, epigenetic and functional modifications driven by TEs during allopolyploidization and subsequent diploidization. The available evidence indicates that TE proliferation in the short or the long term after allopolyploidization may be restricted to a few TEs, in specific polyploid systems. By contrast, data indicate major structural changes in the TE genome fraction immediately after allopolyploidization, mainly through losses of TE sequences as a result of recombination. Emerging evidence also suggests that TEs are targeted by substantial epigenetic changes, which may impact gene expression and genome stability. Furthermore, TEs may directly or indirectly support the evolution of new functionalities in allopolyploids during diploidization. All data stress allopolyploidization as a shock associated with drastic genome reorganization. Mechanisms controlling TEs during allopolyploidization as well as their impact on diploidization are discussed.
Initial calcium release from intracellular stores followed by calcium dysregulation is linked to secondary axotomy following transient axonal stretch injury
Authors: Staal Jerome A. , Dickson Tracey C. , Gasperini Robert , Liu Yao , Foa Lisa , Vickers James C.
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1147–1155.

Acute axonal shear and stretch in the brain induces an evolving form of axonopathy and is a major cause of ongoing motor, cognitive and emotional dysfunction. We have utilized an in vitro model of mild axon bundle stretch injury, in cultured primary cortical neurons, to determine potential early critical cellular alterations leading to secondary axonal degeneration. We determined that transient axonal stretch injury induced an initial acute increase in intracellular calcium, principally derived from intracellular stores, which was followed by a delayed increase in calcium over 48 h post‐injury (PI). This progressive and persistent increase in intracellular calcium was also associated with increased frequency of spontaneous calcium fluxes as well as cytoskeletal abnormalities. Additionally, at 48 h post‐injury, stretch‐injured axon bundles demonstrated filopodia‐like sprout formation that preceded secondary axotomy and degeneration. Pharmacological inhibition of the calcium‐activated phosphatase, calcineurin, resulted in reduced secondary axotomy (p < 0.05) and increased filopodial sprout length. In summary, these results demonstrate that stretch injury of axons induced an initial substantial release of calcium from intracellular stores with elevated intracellular calcium persisting over 2 days. These long‐lasting calcium alterations may provide new insight into the earliest neuronal abnormalities that follow traumatic brain injury as well as the key cellular changes that lead to the development of diffuse axonal injury and secondary degeneration.
TREATMENT NEEDS IN HIV PREVENTION TRIALS: USING BENEFICENCE TO CLARIFY SPONSOR‐INVESTIGATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Authors: STOBIE MELISSA , SLACK CATHERINE
Published: December 2009

Some participants will get HIV‐infected in HIV prevention trials, despite risk reduction measures. The subsequent treatment responsibilities of sponsor‐investigators have been widely debated, especially where access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not available. In this paper, we explore two accounts of beneficence to establish whether they can shed light on sponsor‐investigator responsibilities. We find the notion of general beneficence helpful insofar as it clarifies that some beneficent actions will be obligatory where they can be dispensed without scuppering the trial. We find the notion of specific beneficence helpful insofar as it directs investigators to attend to the needs of trial participants; however the range of interventions that could be provided remains unhelpfully broad. We then examine accounts of the investigator‐participant relationship to narrow the range of interventions that investigators should provide, concluding that health‐care, and HIV infection, are appropriate foci. We conclude that when investigators are able to meet the ART needs of their participants (e.g. referral, assisted referral or direct provision) without sacrificing trial quality, they must do so. However, there is little of this explicit direction to be found in the account of specific beneficence itself, but rather it is found in accounts of the relationship that are compatible with beneficence.
Of eagles and flies: orientations toward the site
Authors: Woodward Keith , Jones III John Paul , Marston Sallie A
Published: December 2009

The macro‐micro distinction is one of the most powerful in the human and physical sciences. In this article we challenge the macro by positing an alternative that recognises the intricacies and complexities of material geographies. We employ the Latin proverb – Aquila non captat muscas (Eagles don't catch flies) – to epitomise our position. Instead of looking to general theory – the bird's eye view – we argue for interrogating the ontological and methodological implications of a reciprocal, but antithetical, perspective – that of the flies. We call this alternative the site, an ontology that attempts to account for the different and varying political possibilities – virtually infinite and ‘un‐catalogue‐able’– constantly at work in the world. The site is a formulation that recognises social life as a realm of infinite singularity and variability, where matter is immanently self‐organising and pure difference unfolds. We explore the spatiality of the site through the concepts of topology and difference and then develop four methodological orientations for exploring the terrain of situated practices enmeshed in and unfolding through sites.
Solidarity with whom? Why organised labour is losing ground in Continental pension politics
Authors: HÄUSERMANN SILJA
Published: December 2009

This article explains why the power of organised labour in the reform of Swiss and German pension regimes has faded over the last three decades. Postindustrialisation has brought two different sets of reform issues onto the pension policy agendas of Continental European welfare states: retrenchment of existing benefit levels, and the pension coverage of new, postindustrial social risk groups. Recent pension reforms increasingly combine these two types of measures in encompassing policy packages –‘modernising compromises’– in order to compensate for retrenchment with selective expansive reform elements. Continental trade unions attach a lower importance to postindustrial modernisation than do the left‐wing parties – notably the Social Democrats and the Green parties. Consequently, the distance between the labour movement and the left‐wing parties, as well as intra‐labour heterogeneity, increase and ‘modernising compromises’ tend to divide the left and to marginalise trade unions. The empirical analysis relies on coded actor positions from eight major pension reforms between 1972 and 2003.
Model specification in the analysis of spatial dependence
Authors: PLÜMPER THOMAS , NEUMAYER ERIC
Published: December 2009

The recent surge in studies analysing spatial dependence in political science has gone hand‐in‐hand with increased attention paid to the choice of estimation technique. In comparison, specification choice has been relatively neglected, even though it leads to equally, if not more, serious inference problems. In this article four specification issues are analysed. It is argued that to avoid biased estimates of the spatial effects, researchers need to consider carefully how to model temporal dynamics, common trends and common shocks, as well as how to account for spatial clustering and unobserved spatial heterogeneity. The remaining two specification issues relate to the weighting matrix employed for the creation of spatial effects: whether it should be row‐standardised and what functional form to choose for this matrix. The importance of these specification issues is demonstrated by replicating Hays' model of spatial dependence in international capital tax rate competition. Seemingly small changes to model specification have major impacts on the spatial effect estimates. It is recommended that spatial analysts develop their theories of spatial dependencies further to provide more guidance on the specification of the estimation model. In the absence of sufficiently developed theories, the robustness of results to specification changes needs to be demonstrated.
Three million Trotskyists? Explaining extreme left voting in France in the 2002 presidential election
Authors: SPERBER NATHAN
Published: December 2009

In the first round of the 2002 French presidential election, three million voters (10.4 per cent of the national vote) supported Trotskyist candidates. This unprecedented electoral result has received little academic attention. This study aimed to identify the strongest socio‐demographic and attitudinal predictors of support for the new extreme left in 2002. A multivariate framework was applied in a series of models, using data from the 2002 French Electoral Panel. The study also aimed to understand the rise of the Trotskyists in the context of broader social and political developments. The analysis was grounded in series of hypotheses constituting a model of class voting in postindustrial France. Overall, the analysis tended to confirm the predictions of the model, with younger voters at the lower end of the service sector being the most likely to support the three Trotskyist parties. With regard to attitudes, opposition to economic liberalism proved the strongest single predictor of Trotskyist voting, followed by liberal attitudes on cultural issues, political distrust and political disengagement. However, in terms of economic attitudes, Trotskyist voters still came out as surprisingly close to mainstream left voters. In conclusion, it is argued that models of class voting should reconsider the political role of social class in a postindustrial context, and pay particular attention to the trajectories of different classes over time in terms of changing employment conditions and life chances in order to understand how class is likely to shape party preferences.
Does attractiveness buy happiness? “It depends on where you’re from”
Authors: PLAUT VICTORIA C. , ADAMS GLENN , ANDERSON STEPHANIE L.
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Previous studies document that attractiveness predicts life outcomes, including well‐being and social connectedness. This study investigates whether the attractiveness–outcomes link is especially strong in settings, such as many urban areas, that promote relationship constructions as a product of personal choice. This link may weaken in settings, such as many rural areas, that promote less voluntaristic‐independent relationship constructions. Analyses of survey data from a national representative (United States) sample supported these hypotheses. Attractiveness (operationalized as waist‐to‐hip ratio) predicted well‐being and social connectedness among urban (n = 257) but not rural (n = 330) women. Social connectedness mediated the urban–rural moderation of the attractiveness/well‐being link. Findings suggest that frequently observed attractiveness effects are the product of particular, modern social contexts that promote relationship choice.
Friends' sexual orientation, relational quality, and mental health among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth
Authors: UENO KOJI , GAYMAN MATHEW D. , WRIGHT ERIC R. , QUANTZ STEVEN D.
Published: December 2009

Abstract

The existing literature on gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youth emphasizes unique benefits of having GLB friends, but empirical studies have shown no or only small mental health advantages of having them. To unravel this contradiction, this study tested a common assumption that GLB youth develop better relational quality with their GLB friends than with straight friends. Statistical analysis used interview data from community organization participants in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (n = 84) and employed analysis of variance and ordinary least squares regression models. GLB youth's friendships with GLB and straight peers did not differ in contact frequency, emotional closeness, and hassles. Further, GLB and straight friends were similar in the degree to which each relational quality dimension was associated with mental health.