bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studiengebühren und das Wanderungsverhalten von Studienanfängern: eine panel- ökonometrische Wirkungsanalyse
Authors: Alecke Björn , Mitze Timo
Published: November 2012

The question of costs and benefits related to the introduction of tuition fees still dominates the current discussion of higher education policy in Germany. In this contribution, we quantify the effect of tuition fees on state-to-state migration patterns among university freshmen in Germany using an empirical migration model for all 16 German states (Bundesl¨ander) in the period 1999 to 2010. Overall, our results reveal a negative effect of tuition fees on gross in-migration to feecharging states since their introduction in 2006. Although the absolute size of this spatial redistribution effect is moderate, by means of simulation exercises we nevertheless show that the potential use of tuition fees as a planning instrument for higher education policy may not be seen as negligibly. With regard to the questions, which of the other determinants in the migration model can affect gross in-migration flows in a similar way as the introduction of tuition fees was able to do, we find that only a very drastic improvement in the quality of teaching and research facilities at universities in non-charging states relative to fee-charging universities would be able to evoke a similar effect on the spatial redistribution of university freshmen among German states. This raises a closely related question, namely, which of the available instruments may serve best to accomplish the goal of high utilization rates for existing capacities at universities in East Germany as formulated in the University Pact 2020 (Hochschulpakt 2020).
The Iraq Coalition of the Willing and (Politically) Able: Party Systems, the Press, and Public Influence on Foreign Policy
Authors: Baum Matthew A.
Published: November 2012

Media outlets in multiparty electoral systems tend to report on a wider range of policy issues than media in two‐party systems. They thus make more competing policy frames available to citizens. This suggests that a “free press” is insufficient to hold governments accountable. Rather, we should observe more challenges to the governments’ preferred frames and more politically aware citizens in multiparty democracies. Such citizens should thus be better equipped to hold their leaders accountable, relative to their counterparts in two‐party democracies. I propose a mechanism through which democratic publics can sometimes constrain their leaders in foreign policy. I test hypotheses derived from my theory with cross‐national data on the content of news coverage of Iraq, on public support for the war, and on decisions to contribute troops to the Iraq “Coalition of the Willing.” I find that citizens in countries with larger numbers of parties confronted more critical and diverse coverage of Iraq, while those with more widespread access to mass media were more likely to oppose the war and their nations likely to contribute fewer troops to the Coalition.
Implementing Work Programs for Poor Men
Authors: Mead Lawrence M.
Published: November 2012

How might work levels among low‐income men be raised, as they were for welfare mothers in the 1990s? This study expands the relevant literature on both social policy and implementation. Low‐skilled men owing child support and ex‐offenders returning from prison are already supposed to work but often fail to do so. The reasons include both the recent fall in unskilled wages and the confusion of men's lives. Existing work programs in child support and criminal justice appear promising, although evaluations are limited. A survey covering most states shows that half or more already have some men's work programs, usually on a small scale. Field research in six states suggests the political and administrative factors that shape wider implementation of these programs. Work programs should preferably be mandatory, stress work over training, and be combined with improved wage subsidies. The federal government should provide more funding and evaluations.
Voluntary Environmental Programs in the Public Sector: Evaluating an Urban Water Conservation Program in California
Authors: Hughes Sara
Published: November 2012

Solving conflictual environmental policy problems is increasingly falling under the purview of local governments and public agencies. Nonregulatory approaches, such as the development of voluntary environmental programs (VEPs), could offer a useful policy alternative as they often have greater political traction and flexibility. However, there has been little work examining the use of VEPs in the public sector. This article uses a new dataset from California to examine how political institutions affect decisions by local governments and public agencies to participate in a voluntary urban water conservation program and whether this program has improved the water conservation performance of its members. The results show that special district governments, private utilities, and water suppliers dependent on purchased water are more likely to participate in the program and to join early. However, urban water agencies that have joined the program have not reduced their per capita water use more than those that have not. These results underscore the influence of political institutions in public‐sector decision making and demonstrate that, as in the private sector, commitment to a VEP by local government and public agencies does not guarantee implementation or environmental improvements. While voluntary programs offer political and administrative advantages, in order for VEPs in the public sector to be effective they must be accompanied and supported by credible enforcement mechanisms, performance standards, and rigorous monitoring programs.
Anatomy of an Article: The Peer‐Review Process as Method
Authors: Vora Neha , Boellstorff Tom
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT  In this article, we provide an unprecedented insider view of the peer‐review process. Specifically, we highlight how an author (Vora) revised a manuscript submitted to American Anthropologist in a manner that resulted in its eventual publication in the journal. This included responding in various revisions of the manuscript to comments from the editor (Boellstorff), as well as a reviewer who has agreed to reveal her identity (Karen Ho). By showing examples of this revision process, we explore the “anatomy of an article,” illustrating how a deeper understanding of the peer‐review process can contribute to anthropological professionalization and successful publishing.
Multiple Ontologies and the Problem of the Body in History
Authors: Harris Oliver J. T. , Robb John
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT  In this article, we return to a fundamental anthropological question: How can we understand apparently incommensurate perspectives on the human body? While applauding recent moves to place local people's perspectives on an ontological rather than epistemological footing, we suggest that both of these approaches fail to explain how different ontological perspectives can ever communicate with one another and how historical change takes place. To understand this, we offer a different model of multiple ontologies that also makes room for physical materials; we explore this through the ontologies of Native America and Western Europe from medieval times to the present day.
Managing Muslim Visibility: Conversion, Immigration, and Spanish Imaginaries of Islam
Authors: Rogozen‐Soltar Mikaela
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT  This article explores the efforts of Muslims, particularly European converts and Moroccan immigrants, to represent Islam in southern Spain. It examines Muslims’ different representational strategies; their debates about representation; and related tensions between converts and immigrants regarding religious authenticity, representational authority, and social inequalities. The article contributes to understandings of Islam in Europe by examining how Muslims’ representational practices unfold in Andalusia, a social context shaped by both pan‐European, secular concerns about Islam, and a longstanding local tradition that both shuns and celebrates Spain's Muslim heritage. The author argues that converts’ and immigrants’ different placement in Spanish racialized imaginaries of Islam, uneven access to romantic historical narratives of Muslim Spain, and distinct structural positions in Spain's political economy converge to produce an unequal multiculturalism. This is expressed in converts’ and immigrants’ racial, gendered, and class‐based anxieties about representing Islam in Spain.
A simple and rapid method to differentiate Arthroderma benhamiae from Microsporum canis
Authors: Mayser Peter , Budihardja Debby
Published: November 2012

Background:

Arthroderma benhamiae is increasingly isolated in Central Europe. In culture, this dermatophyte is difficult to differentiate macroscopically from Microsporum canis, which is microscopically also true for weak or non‐sporulating strains. Although there are valid molecular methods for differentiating between these two dermatophytes, in everyday practice it would be helpful for epidemiological and treatment considerations to have a simple and rapid method available for discrimination.

Methods:

Five commercially available chromogenic agar media were incubated with culture material of M. canis and A. benhamiae of different ages (2–21 days). Their color was evaluated at different temperatures (4, 20, 25, and 30 ∞C) and for different incubation periods (2 hours – 7 days).

Results:

Under the selected conditions, Candi‐SelectTM 4 was most suitable. All M. canis strains tested (n = 21) showed a pink or purple coloration of the agar, while 5 out of 6 A. benhamiae strains (n = 30) showed a turquoise coloration. The best results were achieved with an incubation temperature of 25 ∞C and small inocula derived from primary cultures. Results could be evaluated after 2–4 hours.

Conclusions:

In addition to searching for the origin of infection (in A. benhamiae almost exclusively guinea pigs, and for M. canis dogs and cats), distinguishing between the Trichophyton and Microsporum genera is most important, especially for the selection of a systemic antimycotic agent in the treatment of tinea capitis in children. In the case of M. canis terbinafine is not the first choice, but rather griseofulvin, fluconazole or itraconazole. We present a method of differentiation using Candi‐SelectTM 4. When done with a primary culture, this allows for presumptive identification within a few hours and thus prompt initiation of pathogen‐specific therapy.
The effects of road salt application on the accumulation and speciation of cations and anions in an urban environment
Authors: Merrikhpour Hajar , Jalali Mohsen
Published: November 2012

This study aimed to assess the quality of road runoff in heavy traffic and residential areas of Hamedan province, in the western region of Iran. To investigate the effects of salt pollution, 14 runoff samples were collected from streets during the winter and spring of 2009. Streets received different amounts of deicing salt depending on the traffic density. Results showed that deicing salt has major affects on sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), chloride (Cl−), bicarbonate (), sulfate () and phosphate () pollution. This is important because this type of watercourse contamination can lead to serious problems, such as eutrophication. We also found an increase in lead (Pb2+) concentration, which was not attributable to the application of deicing agents, but that was due to the combustion of leaded gasoline. Speciation of Ca, Mg, Pb and P chemical species in the samples was calculated using Visual Minteq 2.6 program. The results indicated that Ca and Mg were mainly present as free ions, Pb was mainly present as PbCO3 (aq), while the dominant P species were and .
Effect of Temperature on C3S and C3S + Nanosilica Hydration and C–S–H Structure
Authors: Sáez del Bosque Isabel F. , Martín‐Pastor Manuel , Martínez‐Ramírez Sagrario , Blanco‐Varela María Teresa
Published: November 2012

This study aimed to monitor the effect of temperature and the addition of nanosilica on the nanostructure of the C–S–H gel forming during tricalcium silicate (C3S) hydration. Two types of paste were prepared from a synthesized T1 C3S. The first consisted of a blend of deionized water and C3S at a water/solid ratio of 0.425. In the second, a 90 wt% C3S + 10 wt% of nanosilica blend was mixed with water at a water/solid ratio of 0.7. The pastes were stored in closed containers at 100% RH and 25°C, 40°C, or 65°C. The hydration reaction was detained after 1, 14, 28, or 62 d with acetone, and then pastes were studied by 29Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS NMR).The main conclusion was that adding nSA expedites C3S hydration at any age or temperature and modifies the structure of the C–S–H gel formed, two types of C–S–H gel appear. At 25°C and 40°C, more orderly, longer chain gels are initially (1 d) obtained as a result of the pozzolanic reaction between nSA and portlandite (CH) (C–S–HII gel formation). Subsequently, ongoing C3S hydration and the concomitant flow of dimers shorten the mean chain length in the gel.
Complete mitochondrial genomes and a novel spatial genetic method reveal cryptic phylogeographical structure and migration patterns among brown bears in north‐western Eurasia
Authors: Keis Marju , Remm Jaanus , Ho Simon Y. W. , Davison John , Tammeleht Egle , Tumanov Igor L. , Saveljev Alexander P. , Männil Peep , Kojola Ilpo , Abramov Alexei V. , Margus Tõnu , Saarma Urmas
Published: November 2012

Aim

Using sequences of complete mitochondrial genomes, our aims were: (1) to investigate the matrilineal phylogeographical structure, migration patterns and lineage coalescence times in a large, continuous population of brown bears (Ursus arctos); and (2) to develop a novel spatial genetic method to identify migration corridors and barriers.

Location

North‐western Eurasia: from eastern European Russia to the Baltic Sea.

Methods

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of 95 brown bears. The phylogeographical resolution of complete genomes was compared to that derived from subsets of the genome, including the most commonly used shorter sequences. We conducted network and Bayesian phylogeographical analyses and developed a novel, spatially explicit, individual‐based approach (called DResD) for identifying migration corridors and barriers.

Results

Analysis of mitogenome sequences revealed five haplogroups, specific to particular geographical areas, exhibiting far greater resolving power than shorter sequences. Estimated coalescence times for the haplogroups ranged from 7.7 to 15.2 ka, suggesting that their divergence took place after the last glaciation. We found several migration trends, including a large westward migration from eastern European Russia towards Finland. We also found evidence of a potential barrier and a migration corridor in the south‐west of the study area.

Main conclusions

The use of complete mitochondrial genomes from a brown bear population in north‐western Eurasia allowed us to identify phylogeographical structure, signatures of demographic history and spatial processes that had not previously been detected using shorter sequences. These findings have implications for studies on other species and populations, especially those exhibiting low mtDNA diversity. The relatively recent divergence estimates for haplogroups highlight the significance not only of the last glaciation but also of climatic fluctuations during the post‐glacial period for the divergence of mammal populations in Europe. Our spatial genetic method represents a new tool for the analysis of genetic data in a geographical context and is applicable to any data that yield genetic distance matrices, including microsatellites, amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Latitudinal clines in alternative life histories in a geometrid moth
Authors: Välimäki P. , Kivelä S. M. , Mäenpää M. I. , Tammaru T.
Published: November 2012

The relative roles of genetic differentiation and developmental plasticity in generating latitudinal gradients in life histories remain insufficiently understood. In particular, this applies to determination of voltinism (annual number of generations) in short‐lived ectotherms, and the associated trait values. We studied different components of variation in development of Chiasmia clathrata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) larvae that originated from populations expressing univoltine, partially bivoltine or bivoltine phenology along a latitudinal gradient of season length. Indicative of population‐level genetic differentiation, larval period became longer while growth rate decreased with increasing season length within a particular phenology, but saw‐tooth clines emerged across the phenologies. Indicative of phenotypic plasticity, individuals that developed directly into reproductive adults had shorter development times and higher growth rates than those entering diapause. The most marked differences between the alternative developmental pathways were found in the bivoltine region suggesting that the adaptive correlates of the direct development evolve if exposed to selection. Pupal mass followed a complex cline without clear reference to the shift in voltinism or developmental pathway probably due to varying interplay between the responses in development time and growth rate. The results highlight the multidimensionality of evolutionary trajectories of life‐history traits, which either facilitate or constrain the evolution of integrated traits in alternative phenotypes.
Evidence for rapid evolution of phenology in an invasive grass
Authors: Novy A. , Flory S.L. , Hartman J. M.
Published: November 2012

Evolutionary dynamics of integrative traits such as phenology are predicted to be critically important to range expansion and invasion success, yet there are few empirical examples of such phenomena. In this study, we used multiple common gardens to examine the evolutionary significance of latitudinal variation in phenology of a widespread invasive species, the Asian short‐day flowering annual grass Microstegium vimineum. In environmentally controlled growth chambers, we grew plants from seeds collected from multiple latitudes across the species' invasive range. Flowering time and biomass were both strongly correlated with the latitude of population origin such that populations collected from more northern latitudes flowered significantly earlier and at lower biomass than populations from southern locations. We suggest that this pattern may be the result of rapid adaptive evolution of phenology over a period of less than one hundred years and that such changes have likely promoted the northward range expansion of this species. We note that possible barriers to gene flow, including bottlenecks and inbreeding, have apparently not forestalled evolutionary processes for this plant. Furthermore, we hypothesize that evolution of phenology may be a widespread and potentially essential process during range expansion for many invasive plant species.
Close observation of gastric mucosal pattern by standard endoscopy can predict Helicobacter pylori infection status
Authors: Cho Jun‐Hyung , Chang Young Woon , Jang Jae Young , Shim Jae‐Jun , Lee Chang Kyun , Dong Seok Ho , Kim Hyo Jong , Kim Byung‐Ho , Lee Tae Hee , Cho Joo Young
Published: November 2012

Background and Aim

Common endoscopic findings in stomachs with Helicobacter pylori infections include antral nodularity, thickened gastric folds, and visible submucosal vessels. These findings are suggestive but not diagnostic of H. pylori infection. Magnifying endoscopy can reveal more precisely the abnormal mucosal patterns in an H. pylori‐infected stomach; however, it requires more training, expertise, and time. We aimed to establish a new classification for predicting H. pylori‐infected stomachs by non‐magnifying standard endoscopy alone.

Methods

A total of 617 participants who underwent gastroscopy were prospectively enrolled from August 2011 to January 2012. We performed a careful close‐up examination of the corpus at the greater curvature maintaining a distance ≤ 10 mm between the endoscope tip and the mucosal surface. We classified gastric mucosal patterns into four categories: normal regular arrangement of collecting venules (numerous minute red dots), mosaic‐like appearance (type A; swollen areae gastricae or snakeskin appearance), diffuse homogenous redness (type B), and untypical pattern (type C; irregular redness with groove) to predict H. pylori infection status.

Results

The frequencies of H. pylori infection in patients with a normal regular arrangement of collecting venules pattern and types A, B, and C patterns were 9.4%, 87.7%, 98.1%, and 90.9%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of all abnormal patterns for prediction of H. pylori infection were 93.3%, 89.1%, 92.3%, and 90.6%, respectively. The overall accuracy was 91.6%.

Conclusions

Careful close‐up observation of the gastric mucosal pattern with standard endoscopy can predict H. pylori infection status.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome: Update on recent advances in pathophysiology, investigation, and treatment
Authors: Grace Josephine A , Angus Peter W
Published: November 2012

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an important cause of dyspnea and hypoxia in the setting of liver disease, occurring in 10–30% of patients with cirrhosis. It is due to vasodilation and angiogenesis in the pulmonary vascular bed, which leads to ventilation‐perfusion mismatching, diffusion limitation to oxygen exchange, and arteriovenous shunting. There is evidence, primarily from animal studies, that vasodilation is mediated by a number of endogenous vasoactive molecules, including endothelin‐1 and nitric oxide (NO). In experimental HPS, liver injury stimulates release of endothelin‐1 and results in increased expression of ETB receptors on pulmonary endothelial cells, leading to upregulation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and subsequent increased production of NO, which causes vasodilation. In addition, increased phagocytosis of bacterial endotoxin in the lung not only promotes stimulation of inducible NO synthase, which increases NO production, but also contributes to intrapulmonary accumulation of monocytes, which may stimulate angiogenesis via vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. Despite these insights into the pathogenesis of experimental HPS, there is no established medical therapy, and liver transplantation remains the main treatment for symptomatic HPS, although selected patients may benefit from other surgical or radiological interventions. In this review, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of HPS, and discuss current approaches to the investigation and treatment of this condition.
Distance between the esophageal tumor and the aorta measured by using the contrast‐enhanced attenuation on computed tomography for predicting this tumor invading aorta
Authors: Tsujimoto Hironori , Matsumoto Yusuke , Kumano Isao , Takahata Risa , Yoshida Kazumichi , Horiguchi Hiroyuki , Nomura Shinsuke , Ono Satoshi , Yamamoto Junji , Hase Kazuo
Published: November 2012

Background and Aim

Despite remarkable advances in diagnostic modalities, preoperative assessment of the local tumor extent in esophageal cancer is still very difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the computed tomography (CT) attenuation value between the tumor and the aorta for esophageal cancer.

Methods

Consecutive CT values were determined between the center of the tumor and the center of the aorta. The distance between the intersection of the average CT attenuation value of the tumor using the lower CT attenuation value of the inclusion tissues (T–A distance) was determined. The minimal CT attenuation value and the overall circumference of contact area (Picus' angle) were also determined. This study included 101 patients suspected of having a tumor invading the adventitia and evaluated the capacity of these parameters for predicting the aortic invasion.

Results

The T–A distance in patients who were diagnosed without aortic invasion was significantly longer than patients who were pathologically confirmed to have invasion to the aortic wall [pT4(Ao)] (P < 0.05). The minimal CT attenuation value in patients without aortic invasion was significantly lower than pT4(Ao) patients (P < 0.05), although such a difference was not observed for the Picus' angle. The T–A distance (1.3 mm >) is the most reliable feature for predicting the aortic invasion, according to the results of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Conclusions

The assessment of the T–A distance is simple and objective, and it can help prevent unnecessary surgery in patients with inoperable tumors.
Role of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the characterization of pancreatic masses: Experience from tropics
Authors: Santhosh Sampath , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Bhasin Deepak , Srinivasan Radhika , Rana Surinder , Das Ashim , Nada Ritambhra , Bhattacharya Anish , Gupta Rajesh , Kapoor Rakesh
Published: November 2012

Background and Aim

Early detection and differentiation of malignant from benign pancreatic tumors is very essential as mass‐forming pancreatitis is a frequently encountered problem. Positron emission tomography (PET) has a role in establishing the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma when the conventional imaging modalities or biopsies are nondiagnostic. In this prospective study, the utility of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐PET/computed tomography (CT) in the characterization of mass‐forming lesions of the pancreas was reported.

Methods

18F‐FDG‐PET/CT was prospectively performed in 87 patients diagnosed to have periampullary or pancreatic mass. Lesions with focally increased FDG uptake in PET/CT were considered malignant, whereas those with diffuse or no FDG uptake were considered benign. Semiquantitative analysis with maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was also calculated. The PET/CT results were compared with histopathological results in all patients.

Results

Based on the FDG uptake pattern, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for FDG‐PET/CT in characterizing the periampullary and pancreatic masses into benign and malignant lesions were 93%, 90%, 95%, 87%, and 92% respectively. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis of the SUVmax of the lesions yielded a cut‐off value of 2.8, with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 45% respectively.

Conclusion

The FDG uptake pattern in PET/CT can differentiate malignant from benign mass‐forming lesions of the pancreas with high accuracy and a discrete cut‐off value of SUVmax could not be defined for the same as even lesions with pancreatic tuberculosis showed very high FDG uptake. Hence, in patients with a suspicion of malignancy in the pancreas, a focally increase FDG uptake in PET/CT suggests the diagnosis of malignancy.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare Use, Delayed Care, and Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Older Adults in California
Authors: Kim Giyeon , Ford Katy L. , Chiriboga David A. , Sorkin Dara H.
Published: November 2012

This study examined racial and ethnic differences in healthcare use, delayed care, and management of care of older adults with a self‐reported diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Drawing on the 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the sample included 3,003 adults (representative of N = 998,795) aged 60 and older from five racial and ethnic groups: non‐Hispanic white (n = 2,153), African American (n = 213), Hispanic (n = 336), Asian (n = 306), and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) (n = 59). All self‐reported a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted using weighted data. Results from adjusted logistic regressions indicated significant racial and ethnic differences between non‐Hispanic white elderly and the other groups examined. Specifically, African Americans were significantly less likely than whites to see a doctor and to have a usual source of care, and were more likely to visit the emergency department (ED) for diabetes mellitus and to have their feet examined by a provider. Hispanics were significantly less likely to take medicine to lower cholesterol but were more likely to test their blood glucose regularly (following ADA guidelines). Asians were significantly less likely than whites to test their blood glucose regularly or have a foot examination. AI/ANs were significantly less likely than whites to see a doctor, visit an ED, and take medication to reduce heart attack risk but were more likely to use insulin, oral diabetic medication, or both. The findings suggest the need for racial‐ and ethnic‐specific interventions for managing diabetes mellitus to help reduce existing racial and ethnic disparities among elderly adults.
Validity and test–retest reliability of a short dietary questionnaire to assess intake of saturated fat and free sugars: a preliminary study
Authors: Francis H. , Stevenson R.
Published: November 2012

Background

The present study aimed to conduct a preliminary investigation of the validity and reliability of a short dietary questionnaire designed to assess dietary intake of saturated fat and free sugars.

Methods

Forty students at Macquarie University, aged 17–46 years, completed the Dietary Fat and free Sugar – Short Questionnaire (DFS), a full‐length food frequency questionnaire (C‐FFQ) and a 4‐day diet diary (DD). After a mean (SD) follow‐up time of 158 (10) days, 29 participants completed a second administration of the DFS.

Results

Correlation coefficients comparing DFS scores with the percentage energy from saturated fat and free sugar assessed by the C‐FFQ and DD ranged from 0.35 to 0.71. The intraclass correlation (0.83) was high, indicating good reliability.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the DFS is a valid and reliable measure of saturated fat and free sugar intake. Because it is quick to administer and score, in the public domain, and easy to interpret, it maybe useful as a screener, simple self‐check tool or for large‐scale epidemiological studies.
Degree of Chinese ancestry affects behavioral characteristics of infant rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Jiang J. , Kanthaswamy S. , Capitanio J.P.
Published: November 2012

Background

The use of Chinese‐origin macaques in biomedical research is problematic for some scientists because of the reported behavioral and physiological differences from those of Indian origin. However, few studies have examined the effects of varying degrees of Chinese ancestry (DCA) on behavior, and they were typically based on small sample sizes and unusual rearing conditions.

Methods

Using data from a colony‐wide program, we examined whether DCA was related to behavior and temperament ratings reflecting emotionality (fearfulness, aggression, and anxiety) and activity. The 249 subjects, born and reared in an outdoor social environment, were separated from their groups for a 25‐h period of indoor testing. Their DCA (range: 0.6–99.4%) was determined by analyzing the frequency of short tandem repeat alleles.

Results and Conclusions

The major effect of DCA was on fearfulness, with the more hybridized animals scoring lowest and the more pure Indian‐ and Chinese‐origin macaques resembling each other.
Incidence and Predictors of Radial Artery Spasm at the Beginning of a Transradial Coronary Procedure
Authors: GORGULU SEVKET , NORGAZ TUGRUL , KARAAHMET TANSU , DAGDELEN SINAN
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Our aim was to establish the frequency of radial artery spasm (RAS) and its predictors at the beginning of a transradial approach (TRA).

Methods

This was a single‐center prospective study. A total of 1,722 consecutive patients undergoing their first transradial coronary procedure were recruited. After radial artery puncture, a hydrophilic sheath was used to complete arterial puncture, then 500 μg glycerol trinitrate and 2.5 mg verapamil were injected into radial artery along the sheath. After retrograde radial arteriography spasm was defined angiographically as a stenosis greater than 25%. Patient demographics, procedural data such as total procedural duration, the number of catheters and guidewires used, the amount of contrast media usage, dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time, and vascular complications were recorded.

Results

The overall spasm incidence was 10.3%. The procedural success rate was lower in patients with spasm than in patients without spasm (80% vs. 95.7%, P < 0.001). The patients with spasm were older (mean age 63.9 ± 9.4 years vs. 60.0 ± 11.2 years, P < 0.001) and more commonly female (51.3% vs. 34.4%, P < 0.001). Spasm was more common in hypertensive patients (66% vs. 56%, P < 0.009). Surprisingly, smoking was less common in patients with spasm (17% vs. 29%, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (OR = 1,524, 95% CI: 1.033–2.248, P = 0.034) was the only independent predictor of RAS at the beginning of the procedure.

Conclusions

The incidence of RAS was 10,3%, and female gender was the sole independent predictor of RAS at the very beginning of the procedure in patients undergoing a TRA. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:208–213)
Hepatitis C virus diversity and hepatic steatosis
Authors: Roingeard P.
Published: November 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is closely associated with lipid metabolism defects throughout the viral lifecycle, with hepatic steatosis frequently observed in patients with chronic HCV infection. Hepatic steatosis is most common in patients infected with genotype 3 viruses, possibly due to direct effects of genotype 3 viral proteins. Hepatic steatosis in patients infected with other genotypes is thought to be mostly due to changes in host metabolism, involving insulin resistance in particular. Specific effects of the HCV genotype 3 core proteins have been observed in cellular models in vitro: mechanisms linked with a decrease in microsomal triglyceride transfer protein activity, decreases in the levels of peroxisome proliferator‐activating receptors, increases in the levels of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins, and phosphatase and tensin homologue downregulation. Functional differences between the core proteins of genotype 3 viruses and viruses of other genotypes may reflect differences in amino acid sequences. However, bioclinical studies have failed to identify specific ‘steatogenic’ sequences in HCV isolates from patients with hepatic steatosis. It is therefore difficult to distinguish between viral and metabolic steatosis unambiguously, and host and viral factors are probably involved in both HCV genotype 3 and nongenotype 3 steatosis.
Mhc‐linked survival and lifetime reproductive success in a wild population of great tits
Authors: Sepil Irem , Lachish Shelly , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: November 2012

Major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) genes are frequently used as a model for adaptive genetic diversity. Although associations between Mhc and disease resistance are frequently documented, little is known about the fitness consequences of Mhc variation in wild populations. Further, most work to date has involved testing associations between Mhc genotypes and fitness components. However, the functional diversity of the Mhc, and hence the mechanism by which selection on Mhc acts, depends on how genotypes map to the functional properties of Mhc molecules. Here, we test three hypotheses that relate Mhc diversity to fitness: (i) the maximal diversity hypothesis, (ii) the optimal diversity hypothesis and (iii) effect of specific Mhc types. We combine mark–recapture methods with analysis of long‐term breeding data to investigate the effects of Mhc class I functional diversity (Mhc supertypes) on individual fitness in a wild great tit (Parus major) population. We found that the presence of three different Mhc supertypes was associated with three different components of individual fitness: survival, annual recruitment and lifetime reproductive success (LRS). Great tits possessing Mhc supertype 3 experienced higher survival rates than those that did not, whereas individuals with Mhc supertype 6 experienced higher LRS and were more likely to recruit offspring each year. Conversely, great tits that possessed Mhc supertype 5 had reduced LRS. We found no evidence for a selective advantage of Mhc diversity, in terms of either maximal or optimal supertype diversity. Our results support the suggestion that specific Mhc types are an important determinant of individual fitness.
The cell biology of peritrichous flagella in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Guttenplan Sarah B. , Shaw Sidney , Kearns Daniel B.
Published: November 2012

Bacterial flagella are highly conserved molecular machines that have been extensively studied for assembly, function and gene regulation. Less studied is how and why bacteria differ based on the number and arrangement of the flagella they synthesize. Here we explore the cell biology of peritrichous flagella in the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis by fluorescently labelling flagellar basal bodies, hooks and filaments. We find that the average B. subtilis cell assembles approximately 26 flagellar basal bodies and we show that basal body number is controlled by SwrA. Basal bodies are assembled rapidly (< 5 min) but the assembly of flagella capable of supporting motility is rate limited by filament polymerization (> 40 min). We find that basal bodies are not positioned randomly on the cell surface. Rather, basal bodies occupy a grid‐like pattern organized symmetrically around the midcell and that flagella are discouraged at the poles. Basal body position is genetically determined by FlhF and FlhG homologues to control spatial patterning differently from what is seen in bacteria with polar flagella. Finally, spatial control of flagella in B. subtilis seems more relevant to the inheritance of flagella and motility of individual cells than the motile behaviour of populations.
Identifying how bacterial cells find their middle: a new perspective
Authors: Monahan L.G. , Harry E.J.
Published: November 2012

Bacterial cell division begins with the polymerization of the FtsZ protein to form a Z ring at the division site. This ring subsequently recruits the division machinery to allow cytokinesis. How the Z ring is positioned correctly remains a challenging question in biology and our knowledge in this area has been restricted to a few model species. Spatial regulation of division in these bacteria has been considered to be negatively controlled, with Z rings assembling in the area of least inhibition: the cell centre. An article in this issue of Molecular Microbiology reports the discovery of a new protein in Myxococcus xanthus, called PomZ (Positioning at midcell of FtsZ), that is required for the efficient recruitment of the Z ring to the division site. PomZ is a member of the Mrp/Min family of P loop ATPases that includes a diverse range of proteins involved in spatial regulation in bacteria. PomZ is the first positive regulator of Z ring positioning to be identified in vegetatively growing bacterial cells. Positive spatial regulation of division has previously been observed during sporulation in Streptomyces coelicolor and has been suggested to occur in Bacillus subtilis. Perhaps this will emerge as a common theme in the future.
The arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis influences sulfur starvation responses of Medicago truncatula
Authors: Sieh Daniela , Watanabe Mutsumi , Devers Emanuel A. , Brueckner Franziska , Hoefgen Rainer , Krajinski Franziska
Published: November 2012

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is a mutualistic interaction that occurs between the large majority of vascular plants and fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota. In addition to other nutrients, sulfur compounds are symbiotically transferred from AM fungus to host plants; however, the physiological importance of mycorrhizal‐mediated sulfur for plant metabolism has not yet been determined.

We applied different sulfur and phosphate fertilization treatments to Medicago truncatula and investigated whether mycorrhizal colonization influences leaf metabolite composition and the expression of sulfur starvation‐related genes.

The expression pattern of sulfur starvation‐related genes indicated reduced sulfur starvation responses in mycorrhizal plants grown at 1 mM phosphate nutrition. Leaf metabolite concentrations clearly showed that phosphate stress has a greater impact than sulfur stress on plant metabolism, with no demand for sulfur at strong phosphate starvation. However, when phosphate nutrition is high enough, mycorrhizal colonization reduces sulfur stress responses, probably as a result of symbiotic sulfur uptake.

Mycorrhizal colonization is able to reduce sulfur starvation responses in M. truncatula when the plant's phosphate status is high enough that sulfur starvation is of physiological importance. This clearly shows the impact of mycorrhizal sulfur transfer on plant metabolism.
A pair of transposons coordinately suppresses gene expression, independent of pathways mediated by siRNA in Antirrhinum
Authors: Uchiyama Takako , Hiura Satoshi , Ebinuma Izuru , Senda Mineo , Mikami Tetsuo , Martin Cathie , Kishima Yuji
Published: November 2012

Our knowledge is limited regarding mechanisms by which transposable elements control host gene expression. Two Antirrhinum lines, HAM2 and HAM5, show different petal colors, pale‐red and white, respectively, although these lines contain the same insertion of transposon Tam3 in the promoter region of the nivea (niv) locus encoding chalcone synthase.

Among 1000 progeny from HAM5 grown under the preferred conditions for the Tam3 transposition, a few showed an intermediate petal color between HAM2 and HAM5. Transposon tagging using these progeny identified a causative insertion of Tam3 for the HAM5 type (white) petal color, which was found 1.6 kb downstream of the niv gene.

Insertion of Tam3 at the position 1.6 kb downstream of niv alone showed nearly wildtype petal pigmentation, and the niv expression reduced by only 50%. Severe suppression of niv observed in HAM5 required interaction of two Tam3 copies on either side of the niv coding sequence. DNA methylation and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were not associated with the suppression of niv expression in HAM5.

Insertion of a pair of transposons in close proximity can interfere with the expression of gene located between the two copies, and also provide evidence that this interference is not directly associated with pathways mediated by siRNAs.
Seasonal dynamics and age of stemwood nonstructural carbohydrates in temperate forest trees
Authors: Richardson Andrew D. , Carbone Mariah S. , Keenan Trevor F. , Czimczik Claudia I. , Hollinger David Y. , Murakami Paula , Schaberg Paul G. , Xu Xiaomei
Published: November 2012

Nonstructural carbohydrate reserves support tree metabolism and growth when current photosynthates are insufficient, offering resilience in times of stress.

We monitored stemwood nonstructural carbohydrate (starch and sugars) concentrations of the dominant tree species at three sites in the northeastern United States. We estimated the mean age of the starch and sugars in a subset of trees using the radiocarbon (14C) bomb spike. With these data, we then tested different carbon (C) allocation schemes in a process‐based model of forest C cycling.

We found that the nonstructural carbohydrates are both highly dynamic and about a decade old. Seasonal dynamics in starch (two to four times higher in the growing season, lower in the dormant season) mirrored those of sugars. Radiocarbon‐based estimates indicated that the mean age of the starch and sugars in red maple (Acer rubrum) was 7–14 yr.

A two‐pool (fast and slow cycling reserves) model structure gave reasonable estimates of the size and mean residence time of the totalNSCpool, and greatly improved model predictions of interannual variability in woody biomass increment, compared with zero‐ or one‐pool structures used in the majority of existing models. This highlights the importance of nonstructural carbohydrates in the context of forest ecosystem carbon cycling.
The growths of leaves, shoots, roots and reproductive organs partly share their genetic control in maize plants
Authors: DIGNAT G. , WELCKER C. , SAWKINS M. , RIBAUT J. M. , TARDIEU F.
Published: November 2012

We have tested to what extent the growth ability of several organs of maize share a common genetic control. We summarised QTLs of leaf elongation rate in three mapping populations and confirmed them with introgression lines. 56% of them co‐located with QTLs involved in the growth of shoot, root or ear size with consistent allelic effects. Hence, leaf elongation rate is an indicator of the growth ability of other organs of the plant.
Plant type ferredoxins and ferredoxin‐dependent metabolism
Authors: HANKE GUY , MULO PAULA
Published: November 2012

Ferredoxin (Fd) are small [Fe‐S] cluster containing proteins, which act as the first soluble acceptors of electrons on the stromal side of the chloroplast electron transport chain. In addition to their primary function in photosynthesis, Fds are also involved in a number of other essential metabolic reactions, including biosynthesis of chlorophyll, phytochrome and fatty acids, assimilation of sulfur and nitrogen as well as redox signalling and maintenance of chloroplast redox balance. Therefore, Fds are crucial determinants of the electron transfer between the thylakoid membrane, and the soluble enzymes dependent on these electrons. We describe the current knowledge on the structure and function of the various Fd isoforms present in chloroplasts of higher plants, and then discuss the processes involved in oxidation of Fd, introducing the corresponding enzymes.
Post‐Laspeyres: The Case for a New Formula for Compiling Consumer Price Indexes
Authors: Armknecht Paul , Silver Mick
Published: November 2012

Consumer price indexes (CPIs) are commonly compiled at the higher (weighted) level using Laspeyres‐type arithmetic averages. This paper questions the suitability of such formulas and considers two counterpart alternatives that use geometric averaging, the Geometric Young and the (price‐updated) Geometric Lowe. The paper provides a formal decomposition and understanding of the differences between the two. Empirical results are provided using United States CPI data. The findings lead to an advocacy of quite simple variants of a hybrid formula suggested by Lent and Dorfman that use the same data as Laspeyres‐type indexes but substantially reduce their bias.
Coping in relation to perceived threat of the risk of graft rejection andHealth‐RelatedQuality ofLife of organ transplant recipients
Authors: Nilsson Madeleine , Forsberg Anna , Lennerling Annette , Persson Lars‐Olof
Published: November 2012

The most serious risk connected with transplantations besides infection is graft rejection. Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) perceive graft rejection as a stress factor and a threat. The primary aim of the present study was to examine types of coping used to handle the threat of the risk of graft rejection amongOTRs and to investigate relations between coping and perceived threat as well as Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). A second aim was to test theGeneralCopingQuestionnaire (GCQ) for reliability in relation to the threat of the risk of graft rejection. Three different questionnaires, the Perceived Threat of theRisk ofGraftRejection (PTGR),GCQand theSF‐36, were mailed to 229OTRs between 19 and 65 years old. Patients were transplanted with a kidney, a liver or a heart and/or a lung. All patients with follow‐up time of 1 year ± 3 months and 3 years ± 3 months were included. With an 81% response rate, the study comprised of 185OTRs. The differences between the transplanted organ groups in their use of coping were small. Likewise, coping related weakly with sex, age, time since transplantation and whether they had experienced graft rejections or not. The respondents tended in general to use more of the ‘positive’ coping (strategies related to positive well‐being). The measured coping in relation to the perceived threat of the risk of graft rejection seem to be relatively stable over time and quite independent of demographic and clinical variables.