bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcription Factors of Lotus: Regulation of Isoflavonoid Biosynthesis Requires Coordinated Changes in Transcription Factor Activity
Authors: Shelton Dale , Stranne Maria , Mikkelsen Lisbeth , Pakseresht Nima , Welham Tracey , Hiraka Hideki , Tabata Satoshi , Sato Shusei , Paquette Suzanne , Wang Trevor L. , Martin Cathie , Bailey Paul
Published: April 2012

Isoflavonoids are a class of phenylpropanoids made by legumes, and consumption of dietary isoflavonoids confers benefits to human health. Our aim is to understand the regulation of isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Many studies have shown the importance of transcription factors in regulating the transcription of one or more genes encoding enzymes in phenylpropanoid metabolism. In this study, we coupled bioinformatics and coexpression analysis to identify candidate genes encoding transcription factors involved in regulating isoflavonoid biosynthesis in Lotus (Lotus japonicus). Genes encoding proteins belonging to 39 of the main transcription factor families were examined by microarray analysis of RNA from leaf tissue that had been elicited with glutathione. Phylogenetic analyses of each transcription factor family were used to identify subgroups of proteins that were specific to L. japonicus or closely related to known regulators of the phenylpropanoid pathway in other species. R2R3MYB subgroup 2 genes showed increased expression after treatment with glutathione. One member of this subgroup, LjMYB14, was constitutively overexpressed in L. japonicus and induced the expression of at least 12 genes that encoded enzymes in the general phenylpropanoid and isoflavonoid pathways. A distinct set of six R2R3MYB subgroup 2-like genes was identified. We suggest that these subgroup 2 sister group proteins and those belonging to the main subgroup 2 have roles in inducing isoflavonoid biosynthesis. The induction of isoflavonoid production in L. japonicus also involves the coordinated down-regulation of competing biosynthetic pathways by changing the expression of other transcription factors.
Interaction of MC1R and PMEL alleles on solid coat colors in Highland cattle
Authors: Schmutz Sheila M. , Dreger Dayna L.
Published: April 2012

Six solid colors occur in Highland cattle: black, dun, silver dun and red, yellow, and white. These six coat colors are explained by a non‐epistatic interaction of the genotypes at the
MC1R
and
PMEL
genes. A three base pair deletion in the
PMEL
gene leading to the deletion of a leucine from the signal peptide is observed in dilute‐colored Highland cattle (c.50_52delTTC, p.Leu18del). The mutant
PMEL
allele acts in a semi‐dominant manner. Dun Galloway cattle also have one copy of the deletion allele, and silver dun Galloway cattle have two copies. The presence of two adjacent leucine residues at the site of this deletion is highly conserved in human, horse, mouse and chicken as well as in cattle with undiluted coat colors. Highland and Galloway cattle thus exhibit a similar dose‐dependent dilution effect based on the number of
PMEL
:c.50_51delTTC alleles, as Charolais cattle with
PMEL
:c.64G>A alleles. The
PMEL
:c.64G>A allele was not found in Highland or Galloway cattle.
Climate forcing of diatom productivity in a lowland, eutrophic lake: White Lough revisited
Authors: ANDERSON N. JOHN , FOY ROBERT H. , ENGSTROM DANIEL R. , RIPPEY BRIAN , ALAMGIR Farah
Published: April 2012

1. In cultural landscapes, lake response to climate can be masked by land‐use change and nutrient loss from their catchments. Palaeolimnological methods were used to reconstruct the ecological response of diatoms in a eutrophic lowland lake (White Lough, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland) to altered nutrient P loading and precipitation variability over c. 100 years.

2. 210Pb‐dated sediment cores were analysed to determine diatom assemblage variability, biogenic silica concentration, geochemical phosphorus concentration and accumulation rate. Manure P and agricultural N surplus data were collated from documentary sources. Long‐term trends in annual temperature and precipitation were derived from the Armagh Observatory.

3. Diatom community turnover from 1890 until c. 1960 was limited, and assemblages were dominated by Aulacoseira subarctica; after this date, changes primarily reflected a eutrophication sequence owing to increased diffuse nutrient inputs associated with intensification of land use (external P loading increased by a factor of three).

4. Diatom and biogenic Si profiles were compared with North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) records, an index of regional weather patterns. Biogenic Si exhibited a c. 7‐year cycle, which tracked a cycle of similar timescale in the Armagh climate record for dry summers. In turn, this cycle was related to the variation in the NAO.

5. Monitoring data from 1971 to 2007 of nitrate exports from the Blackwater River showed that these too followed a roughly 7‐year cycle at least up to 2000, in which dry summers were followed by sharp increases in nitrate export. It is argued that diatom production in White Lough reflects the cyclic behaviour in nitrate loading and the constraints that nitrogen availability places on the spring diatom bloom in a lake that is dominated by cyanobacteria.
Facing the challenge of adapting to a life ‘alone’ in old age: the influence of losses
Authors: Kirkevold Marit , Moyle Wendy , Wilkinson Charlotte , Meyer Julienne , Hauge Solveig
Published: April 2012

kirkevold m., moyle w., wilkinson c., meyer j. & hauge s. (2012) Facing the challenge of adapting to a life ‘alone’ in old age: the influence of losses. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 394–403.

Aim.  The aim of this study is to explore older people’s approaches to living a life characterized by losses and ‘aloneness’ and how this relates to loneliness.

Background.  Loneliness is closely related to social status and health condition. Older people are vulnerable to experiences of loneliness due to losses, which follow the ageing process.

Method.  A qualitative interpretative design was used. Older people, aged 65 and above, living at home, in retirement villages, or in long‐term care settings in Australia, Norway, and UK participated. Seventy‐eight persons were included. Data were collected through open‐ended interviews during autumn of 2006 and spring of 2007. The interviews were audio taped, transcribed, and analysed applying a hermeneutic, interpretative process.

Findings.  Analyses revealed great differences in the way participants handled their life situation. Interviewees describing themselves as ‘not lonely’ viewed losses as normal, and they participated in meaningful activities, connected to other people and thrived in their own company. Those describing themselves as ‘lonely’ on the other hand, strove to create meaning in their lives, were overwhelmed by losses, had problems finding meaningful activities and difficulty keeping up social relations.

Conclusion.  Loneliness was associated with overwhelming losses, inactivity, meaninglessness, and social isolation. The contrasting findings between ‘not lonely’ and ‘lonely’ older people have implications for nursing in that nurses must seek to identify those who need help in managing their loneliness and give guidance and support. More research is needed to develop interventions that are effective in reducing loneliness.
Isolation and characterization of Aeromonas schubertii from diseased snakehead, Channa maculata (Lacepède)
Authors: Chen Y F , Liang R S , Zhuo X L , Wu X T , Zou J X
Published: April 2012

Pure bacterial cultures were isolated from diseased snakeheads, Channa maculata (Lacepède), suffering high mortality in a farm in Zhongshan, southern China. Three isolates, namely ZS20100725, ZS20100725‐1 and ZS20100725‐2, were identified as Aeromonas schubertii. All the isolates showed high 16S rRNA sequence similarities with A. schubertii. The isolates exhibited strong virulence to snakeheads in experimental challenges with LD50 ranging between 1.4 × 104 and 6.4 × 106 CFU g−1. Two of the isolates were positive for haemolysin, elastase, lipase and lecithinase by phenotypic determination, which was further confirmed by PCR amplification of the haemolysin and elastase genes. In sterile liquid medium, the best growth conditions of strain ZS20100725 were 30 °C, pH 7 and 0.5% salinity (w/v). Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that strain ZS20100725 was susceptible to cefoxitin, cefoperazone and chloramphenicol. Furthermore, histopathology of diseased snakeheads infected with A. schubertii showed necrosis and congestion in liver, kidney and spleen and also damage to the cardiac muscle, intestine and gills.
The physiological implications of primary xylem organization in two ferns
Authors: BRODERSEN CRAIG R. , ROARK LINDSEY C. , PITTERMANN JARMILA
Published: April 2012

Xylem structure and function are well described in woody plants, but the implications of xylem organization in less‐derived plants such as ferns are poorly understood. Here, two ferns with contrasting phenology and xylem organization were selected to investigate how xylem dysfunction affects hydraulic conductivity and stomatal conductance (gs). The drought‐deciduous pioneer species, Pteridium aquilinum, exhibits fronds composed of 25 to 37 highly integrated vascular bundles with many connections, high gs and moderate cavitation resistance (P50 = −2.23 MPa). By contrast, the evergreen Woodwardia fimbriata exhibits sectored fronds with 3 to 5 vascular bundles and infrequent connections, low gs and high resistance to cavitation (P50 = −5.21 MPa). Xylem‐specific conductivity was significantly higher in P. aqulinium in part due to its wide, efficient conduits that supply its rapidly transpiring pinnae. These trade‐offs imply that the contrasting xylem organization of these ferns mirrors their divergent life history strategies. Greater hydraulic connectivity and gs promote rapid seasonal growth, but come with the risk of increased vulnerability to cavitation in P. aquilinum, while the conservative xylem organization of W. fimbriata leads to slower growth but greater drought tolerance and frond longevity.
Dynamic Wolbachia prevalence in Acromyrmex leaf‐cutting ants: potential for a nutritional symbiosis
Authors: ANDERSEN S. B. , BOYE M. , NASH D. R. , BOOMSMA J. J.
Published: April 2012

Wolbachia are renowned as reproductive parasites, but their phenotypic effects in eusocial insects are not well understood. We used a combination of qrt‐PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization and laser scanning confocal microscopy to evaluate the dynamics of Wolbachia infections in the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex octospinosus across developmental stages of sterile workers. We confirm that workers are infected with one or two widespread wsp genotypes of Wolbachia, show that colony prevalence is always 100% and characterize two rare recombinant genotypes. One dominant genotype is always present and most abundant, whereas another only proliferates in adult workers of some colonies and is barely detectable in larvae and pupae. An explanation may be that Wolbachia genotypes compete for host resources in immature stages while adult tissues provide substantially more niche space. Tissue‐specific prevalence of the two genotypes differs, with the rarer genotype being over‐represented in the adult foregut and thorax muscles. Both genotypes occur extracellularly in the foregut, suggesting an unknown mutualistic function in worker ant nutrition. Both genotypes are also abundant in the faecal fluid of the ants, suggesting that they may have extended functional phenotypes in the fungus garden that the ants manure with their own faeces.
An essential role for Rax in retina and neuroendocrine system development
Authors: Muranishi Yuki , Terada Koji , Furukawa Takahisa
Published: April 2012

In vertebrates, the central nervous system (CNS) develops as a highly hierarchical, patterned organ with a vast diversity of neuronal and glial cell types. The vertebrate retina is developmentally a part of the CNS. Establishment of the vertebrate retina requires a series of developmental steps including specification of the anterior neural plate, evagination of the optic vesicles from the ventral forebrain, and differentiation of cells. The transcription factor RAX is a paired‐type homeoprotein that plays a critical role in the eye and forebrain development of vertebrate species. Rax is initially expressed in the anterior neural region of developing mouse embryos, and later in the retina, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and pineal gland. The targeted deletion of Rax in the mouse results in no eye formation and abnormal forebrain formation. In humans, mutations in the RAX gene lead to anophthalmia and microphthalmia. These observations indicate that RAX plays a pivotal role in the establishment of the retina. In addition, recent studies have reported that retina and pituitary gland tissues can be induced in a culture system from embryonic stem cells, using RAX expression as an indicator of neuronal progenitor cells in the induced tissue, and suggesting that the Rax gene is a key factor in neuronal regeneration. This review highlights the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of RAX in retina, pituitary, hypothalamus, and pineal gland development.
An oblique view on the role of spindle orientation in vertebrate neurogenesis
Authors: Peyre Elise , Morin Xavier
Published: April 2012

Neurogenesis is a dynamic process that produces a diverse number of glial and neural cell types from a limited number of neural stem cells throughout development and into adulthood. After an initial period of amplification through symmetric division, neural stem cells rely on asymmetric modes of division to self‐renew while producing more committed progeny. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating the choice between symmetric and asymmetric modes of division is essential to understand human brain development and pathologies, and to explain the increasing cortical complexity observed in evolution. A popular model states the existence of a causal relationship between the orientation of the axis of division of stem cells and the fate of their progeny in many different tissues, but the validity of the model in neural stem cells is not clear. In this review, we briefly present the diversity of neural stem cells and intermediate progenitors in the developing central nervous system. We then draw a historic overview of the assumed causal relationship between spindle orientation and fate determination. We show how this prompted a search for regulators of spindle orientation, and present the current state of knowledge on the mechanism. Finally, we review data on the effect of defective spindle orientation and try to integrate conflicting observations by presenting alternative mechanisms that may regulate the choice between symmetric and asymmetric outcomes.
A rapid path‐length searching procedure for multi‐axial fatigue cycle counting
Authors: WEI Z. , DONG P.
Published: April 2012

In this paper, a series of advanced searching algorithms have been examined and implemented for accelerating multi‐axial fatigue cycle counting efforts when dealing with large time histories. In a computerized calculation of the path‐length dependent cycle counting method, most of the central processor unit's (CPU) time is spent on searching for the maximum range or distance in a stress or strain space. A brute‐force search is the simplest to implement, and will always find a solution if it exists. However, its cost, in many practical problems, tends to grow exponentially as the size of the loading spectrum increases with a search time measured in the order of O(n2), where n is the number of spectrum data points. In contrast, a form of Andrew's monotone chain algorithm, as demonstrated in this paper, can remarkably reduce the solution time to the order of O(n log n). The effectiveness of the new path‐length searching procedure is demonstrated by a series of worked examples with a varying degree of non‐proportionality in multi‐axial loading history.
Cross‐talk between the general stress response and sporulation initiation in Bacillus subtilis – the σB promoter of spo0E represents an AND‐gate
Authors: Reder Alexander , Albrecht Dirk , Gerth Ulf , Hecker Michael
Published: April 2012

The general stress response and the decision‐making processes of sporulation initiation are interconnected pathways in the regulatory network of Bacillus subtilis. In a previous study we provided evidence for a mechanism capable of impairing sporulation by σB‐dependent induction of spo0E, encoding a phosphatase specifically inactivating the sporulation master regulator Spo0A∼P. Here we show that the σB promoter (PσB) of spo0E is responsive to sub‐inhibitory levels of ethanol stress, producing a σB‐dependent sporulation deficient phenotype. In addition to positive regulation by σB, we identified Rok, the repressor of comK, to be a direct repressor of spo0E expression from PσB. This constellation provides the possibility to integrate signals negatively acting on sporulation initiation through the σB branch as well as a positive feedback loop acting on PσB by Rok that is most likely a direct consequence of Spo0A∼P activity. Thus, the molecular mechanism described here offers the opportunity for cross‐talk between the general stress response and sporulation initiation in the adaptational gene expression network of B. subtilis.
Evaluation of a smoke‐free forensic hospital: Patients' perspectives on issues and benefits
Authors: HEHIR ANGELA M. , INDIG DEVON , PROSSER SHANI , ARCHER VICKI A.
Published: April 2012

Introduction and Aims. In 2008, a new high secure forensic mental health inpatient hospital was opened in New South Wales as a smoke‐free facility. This study describes the experience of patients and the impact of the smoke‐free policy on smoking intentions and practice.

Design and Methods. The study methods included: (1) four semi‐structured focus groups with 21 current patients; (2) patient surveys collected from 45 current patients; and (3) follow‐up survey from 15 discharged patients. All methods included questions related to smoking history, experience of moving to and living in the smoke‐free environment and smoking intentions or status post discharge.

Results. Many focus group participants indicated that they were now off cigarettes for life while some were angry about the policy. Nearly all (80%) patients surveyed smoked prior to admission. Over one‐third (39%) of patients were angry at being forced to stop smoking, while 42% wanted to give up when they were admitted. Most (62%) felt they had gained weight since they stopped smoking; however, 75% indicated that living in a smoke‐free environment had a positive effect on their health. Over a third (36%) of patients indicated that they intended to smoke when discharged. Post discharge, of the 12 who smoked prior to admission, seven (58%) remained non‐smokers at follow up.

Discussion and Conclusions. This study describes promising findings about the experience of patients moving to a smoke‐free mental health inpatient facility, including improved health and potential for sustained smoking cessation post discharge.[Hehir AM, Indig D, Prosser S, Archer VA. Evaluation of a smoke‐free forensic hospital: Patients' perspectives on issues and benefits. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:672–677]
EFFICIENCY AND HYBRIDIZATION IN COOPERATIVE BANKING: THE FRENCH CASE*
Authors: ORY Jean‐Noël , LEMZERI Yasmina
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT: This paper analyzes how French cooperative banking groups adapted their organization, status and model to develop and grow, until the current financial crisis. It explores how they benefitted from evolutions in cooperative law that lowered financing constraints and increased the scope of their activities, becoming large banking groups, and identifies how these groups tried to develop a model of governance, characterized by internal control, which was partly dedicated to the members, but biased more and more towards the top of the organizational pyramid and to stockholders (the new stakeholders coming from the existence of listed vehicles). While the developing business model for cooperative banks appeared to confer a comparative advantage and was synonymous with efficiency before the financial crisis, it seems that the hybridization of the cooperative model has also been a source of conflict of interest, weakness in strategy and an incentive to increase risk. The third part of the article examines how French cooperative banking groups have been hurt by the recent crisis and whether different organizational and strategic features or choices may explain different levels of resilience to financial turmoil.
Characteristics of stroke mechanisms in patients with medullary infarction
Authors: Lee M. J. , Park Y. G. , Kim S. J. , Lee J. J. , Bang O. Y. , Kim J. S.
Published: April 2012

Background

Few studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying medullary infarctions. Our aim in this study was to investigate stroke mechanisms in patients with medullary infarctions and to determine the clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics of these patients with different underlying stroke etiologies.

Methods

Consecutive patients with medullary infarction were analysed. Stroke mechanisms were classified as large artery disease (LAD), cardiogenic embolism (CE), small vessel disease (SVD), arterial dissection or undetermined etiology. Clinical, radiological and laboratory factors were analysed according to the location of the lesion and stroke mechanisms.

Results

A total of 77 patients were enrolled in this study. Amongst them, 53 (68.8%) patients had lateral medullary infarction (LMI), 22 (28.6%) had medial medullary infarction (MMI), and the remaining 2 (2.6%) had hemimedullary infarction. In both LMI and MMI patients, LAD was the most frequently encountered stroke mechanism. Arterial dissection was the second most common cause followed by SVD and CE in patients with LMI, whereas SVD was more frequently observed (P < 0.001) and dissection and CE were less prevalent (P < 0.001 and P = 0.024, respectively) in MMI than in LMI. Regarding differences amongst stroke etiologies, patients with dissection were younger and had a significantly lower incidence of metabolic syndrome (P = 0.002 and P = 0.009, respectively) than patients with LAD and SVD. Patients in the LAD (19/34, 60%) and dissection groups (12/14, 75%) had abnormal perfusion‐weighted MRI (PWI) findings, whereas all patients with SVD (9/9) had normal PWI findings (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Stroke mechanisms in medullary infarction differ between LMI and MMI. Clinical and radiological characteristics, especially PWI features, are helpful in discriminating the etiologies of stroke in these patients.
The usefulness of HbA1c in postpartum reclassification of gestational diabetes
Authors: Megia A , Näf S , Herranz L , Serrat N , Yañez RE , Simón I , Vendrell J
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Megia A, Näf S, Herranz L, Serrat N, Yañez R, Simón I, Vendrell J. The usefulness of HbA1c in postpartum reclassification of gestational diabetes. BJOG 2012;119:891–894.

To investigate the role of HbA1c in postpartum reclassification of gestational diabetes (GDM) we studied 364 women with GDM attending the postpartum reclassification assessment of their glucose tolerance status. A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and HbA1c was determined. Diabetes was diagnosed in 12 (3.3%), 7 (1.9%) and 2 (0.6%) women according to the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and/or the 2‐hour OGTT, the FPG alone and HbA1c levels, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for HbA1c to diagnose diabetes was 16.7% and 100%, respectively, for FPG and OGTT criteria. The combination of a cutoff value of 5.5% for HbA1c and FPG allowed us to identify 95.1% of women with any kind of glucose intolerance. We conclude that in the early postpartum period, the cutoff of 6.5% for HbA1c alone has low sensitivity for the diagnosis of diabetes compared with OGTT, but the combination of FPG and HbA1c at a lower cutoff value is very useful to identify women with any kind of glucose intolerance.
Prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labour: a prospective cohort study of multiple proteins in maternal serum
Authors: Tsiartas P , Holst RM , Wennerholm UB , Hagberg H , Hougaard DM , Skogstrand K , Pearce BD , Thorsen P , Kacerovsky M , Jacobsson B
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Tsiartas P, Holst R, Wennerholm U, Hagberg H, Hougaard D, Skogstrand K, Pearce B, Thorsen P, Kacerovsky M, Jacobsson B. Prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labour: a prospective cohort study of multiple proteins in maternal serum. BJOG 2012;119:866–873.

Objective  To analyse whether specific proteins in maternal serum and cervical length, alone or in combination, can predict the likelihood that women with intact membranes with threatened preterm labour will deliver spontaneously within 7 days of sampling.

Design  Cohort study.

Setting  Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Population  Women at between 22 and 33 weeks of gestation with threatened preterm labour (n = 142) admitted to the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1995–2005.

Methods  Maternal serum was tested for 27 proteins using multiplex xMAP technology. Individual levels of each protein were compared, and calculations were performed to investigate potential associations between different proteins, cervical length and spontaneous preterm delivery. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to find the best cut‐off values for continuous variables in relation to spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days of sampling. Prediction models were created based on a stepwise logistic regression using binary variables.

Main outcome measure  Spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days.

Results  In order to determine the best prediction model, we analysed models of serum proteins alone, cervical length alone, and the combination of serum proteins and cervical length. We found one multivariable combined model through the data analysis that more accurately predicted spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days. This model was based on serum interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) levels, serum RANTES levels and cervical length (sensitivity 74%, specificity 87%, positive predictive value 76%, negative predictive value 86%, likelihood ratio 5.8 and area under the curve 0.88).

Conclusions  A combination of maternal serum proteins and cervical length constituted the best prediction model, and would help determine whether women with threatened preterm labour are likely to deliver within 7 days of measurement.
Risk factors for hypertrophic surgical scar development after thyroidectomy
Authors: Kim Jong Hoon , Sung Jae Yong , Kim Yeon Hee , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang‐Seok , Park Cheong Soo , Roh Mi Ryung
Published: April 2012

Postoperative neck scarring is a major concern for patients who undergo thyroid surgery; however, the treatments for hypertrophic scars are generally considered by patients to provide unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, risk factors should be identified and prevention of these factors is considered to be critical in management. We reviewed the medical records of 96 thyroidectomy patients who were divided into two groups based on scar type: patients with hypertrophic (n = 61) and linear flat scars (n = 35). Multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify risk factors for developing hypertrophic scar. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender ratio, tumor type, and type of operation. Multivariable analysis showed that hypertrophic scar development was associated with scars located within 1 cm above the sternal notch (odds ratio [OR] = 5.94, p = 0.01), prominent sternocleidomastoid muscles (OR = 12.03, p < 0.01), and a high body mass index (OR = 1.33, p = 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for risk factors was 0.85. Development of hypertrophic scar after thyroidectomy was found to be associated with specific preoperative factors such as incision site near the sternal notch, prominent sternocleidomastoid muscles, and high body mass index.
Partisan Pocketbooks: The Politics of Personal Financial Evaluations
Authors: Weinschenk Aaron C.
Published: April 2012

Objective

In this article, I apply the concept of partisan biases to personal financial evaluations. I ask whether there are systematic differences in partisans’ evaluations of their personal finances that depend on whether their preferred party occupies the White House. I argue that when there is a Democratic president in office, Democrats will view their personal financial situations more favorably than Republicans. Conversely, when there is a Republican president in office, Republicans will view their personal finances more favorably than Democrats.

Methods

I use ordered probit and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models.

Results

I find that partisan biases do exist when it comes to personal financial evaluations. However, the weight assigned to partisanship when it comes to personal evaluations is contingent on the level of party polarization at the time of the survey.

Conclusion

Partisan biases are more pervasive than previously thought, even trickling down to evaluations that are personal in nature.
Business Churn and the Retail Giant: Establishment Birth and Death from Wal‐Mart's Entry*
Authors: Ficano Carlena Cochi
Published: April 2012

Objectives

The size and scope of Wal‐Mart's operation gives it the potential to noticeably impact the local economies in which it locates. This analysis examines separately the establishment birth and death rate implications of Wal‐Mart's entry into a community as a means of reconciling the inconsistency between sizable documented poverty effects and more limited employment and payroll changes from Wal‐Mart.

Methods

I estimate instrumented county and year fixed effects regressions of county establishment birth rate and establishment death rate on the predicted number of Wal‐Mart stores and years of operation in a county for the retail sector, the aggregate local economy, and the manufacturing sector, where the latter serves as a falsification test.

Results

I find that within 15 months of a new Wal‐Mart store entry, between 4.4 and 14.2 existing retail establishments and close while at most 3.5 new retail establishments open.

Conclusions

The article provides new and strong evidence that, through its effect on establishment births and deaths, Wal‐Mart's expansion has had a larger impact on the employment situations of those working in retail than net employment and payroll numbers would indicate.
BMP‐2 and bFGF release and in vitro effect on human osteoblasts after adsorption to bone grafts and biomaterials
Authors: Draenert Florian G. , Nonnenmacher Anna‐Lena , Kämmerer Peer W. , Goldschmitt Jutta , Wagner Wilfried
Published: April 2012

Objectives

Combination of scaffolds and growth factors is a promising option for several clinical problems in bone biomaterials. Simplified growth factor loading by adsorption from aqueous solution is one important option for this technology. We evaluated the adsorption followed by PBS rinsing, release and biological effect of transient loading with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP‐2) on fresh frozen bone, processed bone matrix, collagen, and a ceramic material with immunofluorescence, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and qRT‐PCR.

Materials and methods

The study consisted of three in vitro experiments (immunofluorescence, ELISA, and qRT‐PCR) in human osteoblasts (HOB). The first evaluated the adsorption of the growth factors bFGF and BMP‐2 to the biomaterials, analyzed by immunofluorescence assays. The second experiment used ELISA to analyze the release of the growth factors from the matrix. The biological effect of the growth factors on HOB was then studied with qRT‐PCR experiments as the third step.

Results

Strongest sustained release peaks in ELISA were observed in bFGF loading on processed bone matrix (steam‐resistant mineralized bone matrix, SMBM) with up to 553 pg/ml medium. BMP‐2 loading was less effective in ELISA peak release experiments with up to 257 pg/ml medium in processed bone matrix (SMBM). bFGF showed also higher release peaks in collagen material (192 pg/ml) compared with BMP‐2 (101 pg/ml). Cumulative release values 0–72 h were estimated. The expression of runX2, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase as markers for osteoblast activity was correlating.

Conclusion

The results showed sustained release of BMP‐2 and bFGF after transient loading on bone biomaterials with a stronger effect in biological scaffolds. This is interesting for therapeutic growth factor loading as well as insights in natural growth factor matrix deposition during bone healing.
Resource availability mediates the importance of priority effects in plant community assembly and ecosystem function
Authors: Kardol Paul , Souza Lara , Classen Aimée T.
Published: April 2012

Assembly history, including the order in which species arrive into a community, can influence long‐term community structure; however we know less about how timing of species arrival may alter assembly especially under varying resource conditions. To explore how the timing of species arrival interacts with resource availability to alter community assembly, we constructed experimental plant communities and manipulated the interval between plantings of groups of seedlings (0, 5, 10, 15 or 20 days) at low and high levels of soil nutrient supply. To see if community changes influenced ecosystem‐scale processes, we measured parameters across the plant–soil continuum (e.g. plant biomass and net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange).

We found that the timing of species arrival had a large impact on community assembly, but the size of the effect depended on soil fertility. As planting interval increased, plant communities diverged further from the control, but the divergence was stronger at high than at low nutrient supply. Our data suggest that at high nutrient supply, early‐planted species preempted light resources more quickly, thus preventing the successful establishment of later arriving species even at short planting intervals. Finally, we found that assembly related divergence in plant communities scaled to impact ecosystem‐level characteristics such as green leaf chemistry, but had little effect on total community biomass and net ecosystem exchange of CO2 and water vapor. Our data indicate that the effect of a stochastic factor, here the timing of species arrival on community composition, depends on the resource level under which the community assembles.
Prognostic significance of Ki‐67 in salivary gland carcinomas
Authors: Larsen Stine Rosenkilde , Bjørndal Kristine , Godballe Christian , Krogdahl Annelise
Published: April 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 598–602

Background:  Salivary gland carcinomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors with varying malignant potential. In this study, we evaluated the proliferative marker Ki‐67 in salivary gland carcinomas and related the Ki‐67 index to clinical data.

Methods:  A total of 176 salivary gland carcinomas of 13 different subtypes were stained immunohistochemically for Ki‐67. The number of Ki‐67 positive cells was counted and the Ki‐67 index was calculated as the percentage of positive tumor cells.

Results:  The Ki‐67 median value was 26 (range 1–99). The median follow‐up time was 6.9 years (range 0–19 years). The 5‐ and 10‐year crude survival was 70% and 59%, respectively. In univariate analysis, Ki‐67 index, stage, vascular invasion and tumor grade were significantly related to crude survival, but in multivariate analysis only Ki‐67 index, age, and stage were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion:  We showed that irrespective of subtyping, grading or morphological appearance of tumor, the Ki‐67 index is an important and independent prognosticator. Clinical and histo‐pathological data must be considered, when planning the treatment of the individual patient. We have shown that besides stage and age of the patient, Ki‐67 is a strong, independent prognostic factor.
Establishment of mesenchymal cell line derived from human developing odontoma
Authors: Hatano H , Kudo Y , Ogawa I , Shimasue H , Shigeishi H , Ohta K , Higashikawa K , Takechi M , Takata T , Kamata N
Published: April 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 756–762

Objectives:  An odontoma, which shows proliferating odontogenic epithelium and mesenchymal tissue, is one of the most common odontogenic tumors encountered. These are commonly found in tooth‐bearing regions, although the etiology remains unknown. There are no previous reports of an established line of immortalized human odontoma cells.

Methods:  Using odontoma fragments obtained from a girl treated at our department, we established an immortalized human odontoma cell line and investigated cell morphology, dynamic proliferation, the presence of contamination, and karyotype. Moreover, cell characterization was examined using osteogenic and odontogenic markers.

Results:  We successfully established a mesenchymal odontoma cell (mOd cells). The cells were found to be fibroblastic and had a high level of telomerase activity. Cell growth was confirmed after more than 200 population doublings without significant growth retardation. mOd cells expressed mRNA for differentiation markers, including collagen type I (COLI), alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, osteocalcin, cementum‐derived protein (CP‐23), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and distal‐less homeobox 3 (DLX3), as well as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). In addition, they showed a high level of calcified nodule formation activity in vitro.

Conclusions:  We successfully established a cell line that may be useful for investigating the mechanisms of normal odontogenesis as well as characteristics of odontoma tumors.
Clinical spectrum of primary cutaneous CD30‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: an analysis of the Mannheim Cutaneous Lymphoma Registry
Authors: Booken Nina , Goerdt Sergij , Klemke Claus‐Detlev
Published: April 2012

Background: Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphomas (C‐ALCL) have indolent clinical behavior with an estimated 5‐year survival rate of 95%. The clinical features and disease courses of C‐ALCL identified in the lymphoma registry of Mannheim University hospital are described in the following. Patients and methods: All C‐ALCL patients identified in the database were analyzed in regard to clinical picture, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, staging, therapy, follow‐up, and outcome.

Results: 14 C‐ALCL patients were identified. The mean age was 69 years and 57% were men. Solitary skin lesions in one anatomical region were seen in 12 patients upon initial diagnosis. Two patients presented with multiple lesions at different anatomical sites. In 2 patients there was specific lymph node involvement. In one C‐ALCL patient, follow‐up over 17 months revealed extracutaneous infiltration. Half of the patients relapsed and 36% had multiple episodes. The majority of our patients were treated with surgical excision followed by electron beam radiotherapy. The 5‐year survival rate was 93% in C‐ALCL. Conclusions: The clinical presentation of C‐ALCL varies. Staging procedures and a close clinical pathological correlation at initial diagnosis are essential. Due to a high rate of relapses and the possibility of developing extranodal manifestations over the course of the disease, close follow‐up is recommended.
Fresh‐Frozen Bone Blocks for Horizontal Ridge Augmentation in the Upper Maxilla: 6‐Month Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lumetti Simone , Consolo Ugo , Galli Carlo , Multinu Alessandra , Piersanti Luigi , Bellini Pierantonio , Manfredi Edoardo , Corinaldesi Giuseppe , Zaffe Davide , Macaluso Guido Maria , Marchetti Claudio
Published: April 2012

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial compared fresh‐frozen versus autologous bone blocks for maxillary horizontal ridge augmentation in patients with Cawood and Howell class IV atrophies.

Materials and Methods: Twenty‐four patients were allocated to the autologous and fresh‐frozen groups in a 1:1 ratio. Patients underwent computed tomography scans 1 week and 6 months after surgery for graft volume and density analysis. Doxycycline was administered at day 120 and day 150 to label new bone formation. Biopsy for histologic and histomorphometric analyses was performed at reentry for implant insertion, 6 months after grafting.

Results: Fresh‐frozen grafts had lower density than autologous bone. Autologous and fresh‐frozen grafts lost, respectively, 25% and 52% of their initial volume (p = .0041). Histology revealed the presence of newly formed bone within both graft types, but clear signs of inflammation were present in fresh‐frozen blocks.

Conclusions: According to these 6‐month results, autologous bone blocks are preferable to fresh‐frozen bone grafts.
Incisal Translucency of Vital Natural Unrestored Teeth: A Clinical Study
Authors: BAYINDIR FUNDA , GOZALO‐DIAZ DAVID , KIM‐PUSATERI SEUNGYEE , WEE ALVIN G.
Published: April 2012

Introduction:  Understanding the distribution of incisal translucency will provide clinicians a guide to use this knowledge to improve the esthetic replication of anterior restorations. The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of incisal translucency of unrestored vital natural maxillary central, lateral, and canine vital teeth from a stratified population in different age, gender, and race.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 120 subjects were recruited for this study. Six subjects with equal gender balance from four racial/ethnic groups (White, Black, Asian, and others) were recruited from each of the following age groups: 18 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years, and 60 to 85 years. Potential subjects were clinically screened to determine if three specific anterior teeth (maxillary central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine) were non‐restored, natural permanent teeth free from external staining or bleaching. A digital imaging and shade analysis device was used to measure tooth translucency.

Results:  Statistically significant interaction (p < 0.001) was found for the groups. The interaction between race and gender was not statistically significant (p = 0.485). However, the interaction between race and age (p = 0.03), age and gender (p = 0.015), and among age, race, and gender (p < 0.001) was found statistically significant according to the analysis of variance test results. The interaction between race and gender was not statistically significant (p = 0.485).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the distribution and types of incisal translucency will provide clinicians a guide to use this knowledge to improve the esthetic replication of anterior restorations.

(J Esthet Restor Dent ••:••–••, 2012)
EFFECT OF THE AMOUNT AND PARTICLE SIZE OF WHEAT FIBER ON TEXTURAL AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF RAW, DRIED AND COOKED NOODLES
Authors: SHIAU SY‐YU , WU TIEN‐TSO , LIU YAO‐LING
Published: April 2012

Textural and rheological properties of raw, dried and cooked noodles enriched with wheat fibers were simultaneously evaluated by a texture analyzer. Increasing wheat fiber level led to an increase in the cutting force of raw and cooked noodles and a decrease in the breaking force of dried noodle as well as extensibility of raw and cooked noodles. Generally, raw, dried and cooked fiber‐enriched noodles with small fiber size had higher breaking force and extensibility and lower cutting force than that with large fiber size. The textural properties of raw noodle are good indicators to predict the strength and elasticity of dried and cooked noodles. Both three‐term Maxwell and Peleg–Normand models were found to fit well to the stress relaxation data of cooked fiber‐enriched noodle. Significant correlations were found between empirical textural properties and fundamental mechanical stress relaxation parameters.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Texture is one of the important factors affecting the quality of noodles. The increased consumption of noodles enriched with wheat bran or purified wheat fiber is proposed for health reasons. The textural properties of fiber‐enriched noodles are affected by the type, amount and size of wheat fiber. The cutting force, tensile strength and extensibility of raw noodle are good indicators to predict the strength and elasticity of dried and cooked noodles. Results of this study suggest that raw, dried and cooked fiber‐enriched noodles with good quality can be prepared by adding 4–8% fine wheat bran or 4% fine purified wheat fiber.
APPLICATION OF SENSORY, NUTRACEUTICAL AND GENETIC TECHNIQUES TO CREATE A QUALITY PROFILE OF ANCIENT APPLE CULTIVARS
Authors: DONNO D. , BECCARO G.L. , MELLANO M.G. , TORELLO MARINONI D. , CERUTTI A.K. , CANTERINO S. , BOUNOUS G.
Published: April 2012

With the diffusion of commercial apple varieties since the second half of the last century, hundreds of different local cultivars rapidly disappeared from orchards in Italy, and the particular quality attributes of these fruits are still at risk of being lost today. The aim of this research was to use sensory, nutritional and genetic techniques in order to define the overall quality of fruits from ancient apple cultivars grown in Northern Italy. Cluster analysis arranged the 10 genotypes into five groups; in most cases, the analyzed cultivars demonstrated higher sensory and nutritional qualities than the control (Golden Delicious cv). The cultivars showed higher values of total polyphenolic compounds and a stronger antioxidant activity. The vitamin C content also differed from the control. The sensory analysis, performed by the Fruit Tasters Italian Organization, was an effective characterization tool and genetic analysis further helped to characterize the identity of these interesting cultivars.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The characterization and valorization of old apple cultivars are essential to avoid loss of potentially useful germplasm. The reduction of biodiversity of cultivars found in agriculture could lead to problems such as higher susceptibility to widespread outbreaks of plant diseases and pests, and at the same time, the loss of precious source of nutrients. The conservation of apple biodiversity is valuable in order to maintain the gene pool of the species and to introduce superior quality traits into apple‐breeding programs.