bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiographic Evaluation of Femoral Torsion and Correlation With Computed Tomographic Techniques in Labrador Retrievers With and Without Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
Authors: Mostafa Ayman A. , Griffon Dominique J. , Thomas Michael W. , Constable Peter D.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To (1) develop a technique to determine the anteversion angle (AA) of the femur on a single radiograph; (2) determine the correlation between this technique and other published radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) methods; and (3) compare the diagnostic outcome of these methods in determining the level at which femoral torsion occurred in Labrador Retrievers with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional clinical study.

Animals

Mature pure‐bred Labrador Retrievers (n = 30).

Methods

Pelvic limbs (n = 28) of 14 dogs without CCL deficiency were classified as control, whereas limbs of 16 dogs (18 limbs) with CCL deficiency were considered as diseased. Femoral torsion was evaluated using radiography and CT and variables were compared among limb groups by use of a mixed‐model ANOVA, withP < .05 considered significant.

Results

There was a significant association between biplanar and lateral plane AAs but neither correlated with CT assessment of femoral torsion. On CT, a significant correlation was identified between overall AA and each of the distal, proximal, and femoral head trochanteric angles. Biplanar and lateral plane AAs did not differ between normal and CCL deficient limbs. On CT, overall and distal AAs were increased in CCL deficient limbs compared to control.

Conclusion

Biplanar determination of femoral torsion can be estimated based on a single lateral radiograph but the results will be inaccurate as only CT identified and localized the site of femoral torsion.
Biotype and insecticide resistance status of Bemisia tabaci populations from Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Shadmany M. , Omar D. , Muhamad R.
Published: April 2014

Bemisia tabaci, a resistance‐prone insect pest, is a cryptic species complex with important invasive biotypes such as B and Q. The biotype and resistance statuses of this pest in Malaysia remain unclear. This study assessed the biotype and resistance status of a number of contemporary populations of B. tabaci based on the mtCO1 marker and the dose‐response method, respectively. The Pahang (PHG) population was labelled as the Q biotype, while the remainder of the populations belonged to the Asia 1 biotype. A very low level of resistance for profenofos, cypermethrin, and imidacloprid was detected for all populations [resistance factor (RF) < 10]. Resistance to diafenthiuron ranged from very low to very high (RF > 100). All populations showed a very low level of resistance against pymetrozine except Q‐type PHG population, which exhibited a very high level of resistance. For most insecticides, the highest level of resistance was detected in the PHG population. The implications of these findings for better management of this noxious pest are discussed.
Novel role of glial syntaxin‐1B in supporting neuronal survival
Authors: Park Seungmee , Bin Na‐Ryum , Sugita Shuzo
Published: April 2014

Read the full article ‘HPC‐1/syntaxin 1A and syntaxin 1B play distinct roles in neuronal survival’ on page 514
Job‐Related Stress and Sickness Absence Among Belgian Nurses: A Prospective Study
Authors: Trybou Jeroen , Germonpre Sofie , Janssens Heidi , Casini Annalisa , Braeckman Lutgart , Bacquer Dirk De , Clays Els
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of job stress on sickness absence of nurses and determine the predictive power of the Demand‐Control‐Support (DCS) model, the Effort‐Reward Imbalance‐Overcommitment (ERI‐OC) model, and a combination of both.

Design

A survey was conducted to measure job stress in a sample of 527 Belgian nurses, followed by prospective data collection of sickness absence (long‐term, short‐term, and multiple episodes).

Findings

Perceptions of job strain and ERI increased the odds for long‐term (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.26; 99% confidence interval [CI; 1.27–4.04]) and multiple episodes of sickness absence (adjusted OR = 1.64; 95% CI [1.01–2.65]). Iso‐strain and ERI‐OC increased the odds for long‐term (OR = 1.75; 95% CI [0.98–3.11]), multiple episode (adjusted OR = 1.93; 95% CI [1.14–3.26]), and short‐term (adjusted OR = 1.69; 95% CI [1.03–2.76]) sickness absence.

Conclusions

The combined model of DCS and ERI‐OC predicts the odds for long‐term and short‐term sickness absence and multiple episodes.

Clinical Relevance

This study has implications for human resources management in nursing organizations. Nursing administrators are advised to monitor and balance nurses’ job demands and efforts. They should recognize the importance of social support, job control, job rewards, and overcommitment in order to reduce the job stress of nurses.
Unacknowledged Threats Proffered “in a Manner of Speaking”: Recognizing Workplace Bullying as Shaming
Authors: Dzurec Laura Cox , Kennison Monica , Albataineh Raya
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine workplace bullying victims' perceptions of what they heard their bully counterparts say through their use of prosody.

Design

From a sampling frame of 89 manuscripts referenced in the authors' previous studies, we identified a subset (n= 10) that included quotes regarding bullying victims' perceptions of communication experiences with their bully perpetrators.

Methods

We used hermeneutics and a recursive metasynthesis to interpret quotes embedded in the manuscripts chosen for this study.

Findings

Two‐thirds of language is expressed nonverbally through prosody or “manner of speaking”—rhythm, stress, intonation, and vocabulary choice. We found that as bullies communicated with their intended victims over time, they used prosody across subtle, linked communications, or boldly and openly in public venues, to establish a context‐embedded, one‐way communication process of “doublespeak.”

Conclusions

Bullies' confusing prosodic communication processes served to recontexualize victims' situations and, through mechanisms largely unacknowledged by the victims, to subtly demean their personhood, and to shame them and render them voiceless.

Clinical relevance

This study directs formal attention to the language of workplace bullying. Further study might strengthen opportunities to effectively address and curtail the long‐term personal, professional, and organizational injuries deriving from workplace bullying.
Laser light passage through restored and carious posterior teeth
Authors: Chandler N. P. , Pitt Ford T. R. , Monteith B. D.
Published: April 2014

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) has been used to investigate pulpal blood flow as a means of pulp vitality testing. Transmission of laser light from the tooth surface to the pulp space may be influenced by caries and restorations. One hundred and twenty‐two first and second molars that had caries into dentine, restorations or significant loss of coronal tissue were sectioned in half axio‐bucco‐lingually. The two sections were illuminated with a laser from their buccal and lingual aspects 2 mm coronal to the amelocemental junction. Light reaching the pulp space was recorded. Buccal and lingual illumination sites were equally effective for 67 teeth (55%). Buccal sites alone were effective for 35 teeth (29%), despite over one‐third of these surfaces being restored or featuring enamel or dentine caries. A lingual position alone was effective for 20 teeth (16%). Caries affected light transmission, but for over half the teeth, the pulp could be illuminated from all four probe positions. No effect was found when the influence of mesial and distal restorations on transmission into the corresponding tooth section was examined. The pulp spaces of most (84%) restored, and carious posterior teeth could be illuminated by laser light from their buccal aspect and these teeth could potentially be vitality tested using LDF.
Mastication and jaw motion of partially edentulous patients are affected by different implant‐based prostheses
Authors: Gonçalves T. M. S. V. , Campos C. H. , Rodrigues Garcia R. C. M.
Published: April 2014

The main goal of prosthetic treatment is to restore masticatory function. However, insufficient evidence supports the recommendation of one specific prosthetic intervention for partially edentulous patients. Function after the use of three different prostheses by the same partially edentulous subject. Mastication was assessed in 12 subjects (mean age 62·6 ± 7·8 years) after they had used removable partial dentures (RPDs), implant‐supported partial dentures (IRPDs) and implant‐fixed partial dentures (IFPDs). Masticatory ability (MA) was estimated by visual analogue scale questionnaire, while the mandibular chewing motion was evaluated by kinesiographic device, representing an objective measurement of masticatory function. Data were analysed by repeated‐measures anova followed by Tukey–Kramer (P < 0·05). MA improved after IRPD and IFPD use (P < 0·05). Opening, closing and total cycle time duration were reduced after both IRPD and IFPD use (P < 0·05), irrespectively the implant prosthesis type. IFPDs and IRPDs restore the masticatory function of partially edentulous patients better than RPDs.
Development and Lability in the Parent–Child Relationship During Adolescence: Associations With Pubertal Timing and Tempo
Authors: Marceau Kristine , Ram Nilam , Susman Elizabeth J.
Published: April 2014

Adolescents' and parents' reactions to pubertal development are hypothesized to contribute to changes in family dynamics. Using 7‐year longitudinal data from the NICHD‐SECCYD (488 boys, 475 girls), we examined relations between pubertal development (timing, tempo) and trajectories (developmental change and year‐to‐year lability) of parent–child conflict and closeness from age 8.5 to 15.5 years. Changes were mostly characterized by year‐to‐year fluctuations—lability. Parent–child conflict increased and closeness decreased some with age. Pubertal timing and tempo were more consistently associated with lability in parent–child relationships than with long‐term trends, although faster tempo was associated with steeper decreases in parent–child closeness. Findings provide a platform for examining how puberty contributes to both long‐term and transient changes in adolescents' relationships and adjustment.
Latino Students' Transition to Middle School: Role of Bilingual Education and School Ethnic Context
Authors: Hughes Jan N. , Im MyungHee , Kwok Oi‐man , Cham Heining , West Steven G.
Published: April 2014

Participants were 204 academically at‐risk Latino students recruited into a study when in first grade and followed for 9 years. Using piecewise latent growth curve analyses, we investigated trajectories of teacher‐rated behavioral engagement and student‐reported school belonging during elementary school and middle school and the association between trajectories and enrollment in bilingual education classes in elementary school and a change in school ethnic congruence across the transition to middle school. Overall, students experienced a drop in school belonging and behavioral engagement across the transition. A moderating effect of ethnic congruence on bilingual enrollment was found. A decline in ethnic congruence was associated with more positive trajectories for students previously enrolled in bilingual classes but more negative trajectories for nonbilingual students.
Purification and culture characteristics of 36 benthic marine diatoms isolated from the Solthörn tidal flat (Southern North Sea)
Authors: Scholz Bettina
Published: April 2014

Marine benthic diatoms growing in biofilms on sediment surfaces generally occur associated with heterotrophic bacteria, whereas modern molecular techniques and analyses of species‐specific physiology create a demand for axenic cultures. Numerous benthic diatoms were isolated from surface sediments during a monitoring of the Solthörn tidal flat (southern North Sea, Germany) from May 2008 to May 2009. Of these, around 50% could be purified from the accompanying heterotrophic bacteria using different antibiotics combined with physical separation methods (vortexing, ultrasound). Overall, seven different antibiotics were tested at different concentrations, and a best working protocol was developed. The axenic strains were stable on average for only around 15 months, indicating a symbiotic interaction between the benthic diatoms and the associated bacteria. While most short‐term effects during the purification process were restricted to differences in growth rates among xenic and axenic diatom strains, long‐term cultivation led to distinct changes in cell volumes and growth characteristics of the axenic strains.
Supply Chain Resources: Advancing Theoretical Foundations and Constructs
Authors: Esper Terry L. , Crook T. Russell
Published: April 2014

Researchers have increasingly drawn on theories of resources to explain a variety of firm and supply chain outcomes. The concept of resources has become so important that it is now foundational to a large and growing body of supply chain research. In this introduction to the Special Topic Forum on Resources and Supply Chain Management, we provide some background on the concept of resources and recent theoretical advancements on why resources are important in the context of supply chains. We also offer some ways to advance theory related to resources in the supply chain management research. A key implication is that future supply chain management research must examine more granular issues regarding the management and allocation of supply chain resources.
Do Resources Aid in Supply Chain Functioning and Management? Yes, But More (and More Precise) Research is Needed
Authors: Crook T. Russell , Esper Terry L.
Published: April 2014

We highlight key contributions from the special topic forum (STF) articles and detail findings from a survey of researchers interested in the role of resources on supply chain functioning and management. We assert that the STF articles have closed important gaps between what needed to be known and is now known about how and when resources aid supply chains. However, the survey findings suggest that researchers who invoke theories of resources need to be more precise in their theoretical exposition and that future research needs to focus more heavily on the role of resources not just within, but also beyond a firm's boundaries (i.e., interfirm), and how those resources aid supply chains. The survey findings also suggest that future supply chain studies should focus more on investigating contingency relationships, and “fitting” research designs to address the specific research question of interest. Broadly speaking, we conclude that resources within and across firm boundaries are vital to supply chain functioning and management, but that as research evolves, new insights might be best characterized by studies that take stock of critical contingencies.
Better Safe than Sorry? The Effects of Income Risk and Unemployment Risk on Wages
Authors: Nagl Wolfgang
Published: April 2014

We study the effects of income risk and unemployment risk on individual wages simultaneously. Starting point for the empirical analysis is a portfolio model for the labor market. This model shows positive wage effects for both risks but also a negative interaction effect. Using German administrative panel data we estimate the effects of the income risk, the unemployment risk and their interaction on individual wages separately for men and women in East and West Germany. We find the expected positive wage effects for both risks as well as a negative interaction effect. The marginal effect of income risk on wages is positive, whereas the marginal effect of unemployment risk is negative.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection predicts de novo hepatitis B infection in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis after liver transplantation
Authors: Xie Man , Rao Wei , Yang Tao , Deng Yonglin , Zheng Hong , Pan Cheng , Liu Yihe , Shen Zhongyang , Jia Jidong
Published: April 2014

Background & Aims

Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is a suspected source of de novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection after LT. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of OBI in liver transplant recipients with alcoholic cirrhosis and demonstrate the association between OBI and de novo HBV infection after LT in these patients.

Methods

Forty‐three patients with alcoholic cirrhosis who were negative for HBsAg before LT were recruited in this retrospective study. DNA was extracted from paraffin‐embedded native liver tissues and quantified for HBV DNA by real‐time PCR. Correlation between de novo HBV infection after LT (positive HBsAg and/or detectable HBV DNA in serum) and detection of intrahepatic HBV DNA before LT was analysed.

Results

Detectable HBV DNA in the explanted liver was found in 41.9% (18/43) of the patients and was thus defined as OBI, which was correlated with the presence of serum hepatitis B core antibody (P = 0.008). De novo HBV infection occurred in 18.6% (8/43) of the recipients at a median of 10 months after LT. The rate of de novo HBV infection was 38.9% (7/18) in patients with OBI, compared with 4% (1/25) in patients without OBI (P = 0.004). Furthermore, de novo HBV infection was inversely correlated with the presence of hepatitis B surface antibody in recipients with OBI (P = 0.026).

Conclusion

With a prevalence of 41.9% in liver transplant recipients with alcoholic cirrhosis, OBI in the native liver can predict de novo HBV infection after LT.
Detailed investigation of ongoing subclinical hepatitis E virus infections; occurring in outbreak settings of North India
Authors: Majumdar Manasi , Singh Mini P. , Goyal Kapil , Chawla Yogesh , Ratho Radha K.
Published: April 2014

Background & Aims

Every year globally WHO reports 20 million Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections. The disease occurs as sporadic cases or focused outbreaks and has potentials to cause massive epidemics. The reservoir of HEV during inter‐epidemic period is not well characterized. The sporadic cases usually lack history of contact with clinically overt HEV patients. In the present context we evaluated the occurrence of subclinical HEV as a possible reservoir in endemic region.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 67 apparently healthy individuals and 10 acute viral hepatitis (AVH) patients during two HEV outbreaks in North India. The serum samples were tested for anti‐HEV IgM, IgG, HEV‐IgG avidity index, HEV viral load and conventional‐PCR followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

A total of 14 (20.89%) apparently healthy individuals showed the presence of anti‐HEV IgM and IgG. Of 14 based on HEV‐IgG avidity index, 9 (64.28%) had secondary‐exposure, 4 (28.57%) had primary exposure, while one patient had intermediate avidity. Subclinical subjects with primary exposure had significantly higher anti‐HEV IgM index as compared to secondary‐exposure (P = 0.0028). Viral load in clinically jaundiced patients was significantly higher as compared to subclinical subjects (P < 0.0001). Phylogenetic analysis showed HEV sequences retrieved from subclinical individuals clustered along with AVH patients, suggesting matched source. The significantly low viral load in subclinical subjects hints towards the dose dependency for progression of clinical manifestation.

Conclusion

We document subclinical HEV with low level viremia occurs during outbreak settings and goes un‐noticed, which helps maintaining the virus in nature possibly leading to its endemicity.
The burden of alcoholism in fifteen years of cirrhosis hospital admissions in Portugal
Authors: Marinho Rui T. , Duarte Henrique , Gíria José , Nunes Joana , Ferreira Alexandre , Velosa José
Published: April 2014

Background & Aims

Deploying a longitudinal perspective, we observe how cirrhosis caused mortality rates in Portugal are converging with the levels reported in the European Union (15 countries). However, we still lack analysis of the burden of alcoholic cirrhosis in terms of hospital admissions and associated mortality. As Portugal may be considered a paradigmatic case in Europe, our aim was to characterize the evolution of hospital admissions for alcoholic cirrhosis between 1993 and 2008 and draw conclusions for other countries.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the hepatic cirrhosis admissions in 97 Portuguese state hospitals was carried out based on the National Registry.

Results

We report a convergence in terms of mortality rates resulting from cirrhosis between Portugal and European Union (a differential of 6.7 deaths per 100 000 habitants in 1994 to 0.4 in 2008). We accounted for 81 543 hospital admissions for cirrhosis: 84% for alcoholic cirrhosis and 16% for non‐alcoholic cirrhosis. Hospital admissions have increased 29% in men and with no increase in women. In the male, alcoholic cirrhosis patient group aged between 40 and 54, the rise in hospital admissions was more pronounced with an increase of around 45%. These patients underwent longer lengths of stay and reported higher mortality rates and passing away 20 years earlier than the average national expectancy of life.

Conclusions

These data draw attention to the burden of alcohol consumption not only in Portugal but also in other countries and its impacts on hospital systems and on policy making.
Law Clerks and Their Influence at the US Supreme Court: Comments on Recent Works by Peppers and Ward
Authors: Miller Mark C.
Published: April 2014

There has been a fair amount of recent scholarly attention to the role and influence of law clerks at the Supreme Court of the United States. This new wave of systematic research began when Todd C. Peppers (2006) published Courtiers of the Marble Palace: The Rise and Influence of the Supreme Court Law Clerk at almost exactly the same time as Artemus Ward and David L. Weiden's (2006) Sorcerers' Apprentices: 100 Years of Law Clerks at the United States Supreme Court. Then Peppers and Ward (2012) teamed up to produce an edited volume, In Chambers: Stories of Supreme Court Law Clerks and Their Justices, in which each chapter focuses on the relationship of a specific justice and his or her clerks. Together these three works raise interesting questions about how one properly studies the role and power of law clerks at the US Supreme Court. How does one measure the influence of these temporary assistants to the justices? Should sociolegal scholars trust them to help us understand the approaches and behavior of the justices today or in the past or do they have an unrealistic and inflated view of their own contributions? This essay offers a broad overview of what scholars and journalists currently know about the role of clerks at the Supreme Court.
Isolated thrombosis of the vein of Labbe after contralateral cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage of unknown origin with positive antinuclear antibody
Authors: Tabuchi Sadaharu , Ishii Takashi , Nakayasu Hiroyuki , Watanabe Takashi
Published: April 2014

We report a rare case of isolated thrombosis of the vein of Labbe after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) of unknown origin on the contralateral side. A 39‐year‐old man with no known previous medical history suffered from headaches and nausea. Computed tomography showed a mild SAH in the right distal Sylvian fissure. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed no vascular lesion responsible for the SAH. Six days after admission, he suddenly developed generalized seizures. Computed tomography showed a high‐density lesion in the left temporal lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging showed the pattern of hemorrhagic infarction. DSA showed a complete filling defect of the left vein of Labbe. Anticoagulation and anticonvulsant treatment were carried out. The clinical course was favorable. After discharge, laboratory examinations showed remarkably increased antinuclear antibody titer (×2560). Although the antiphospholipid syndrome was denied, the high level of antinuclear antibody might have been related to these lesions through an unknown etiology.
The importance of klotho in phosphate metabolism and kidney disease
Authors: Tan Sven‐Jean , Smith Edward R , Hewitson Tim D , Holt Stephen G , Toussaint Nigel D
Published: April 2014

The discovery of fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF23) and its co‐receptor α‐klotho has broadened our understanding of mineral metabolism and led to a renewed research focus on phosphate homeostatic pathways in kidney disease. Expanding knowledge of these mechanisms, both in normal physiology and in pathology, identifies targets for potential interventions designed to reduce the complications of renal disease, particularly the cardiovascular sequelae. FGF23 has emerged as a major α‐klotho‐dependent endocrine regulator of mineral metabolism, functioning to activate vitamin D and as a phosphatonin. However, increasingly there is an appreciation that klotho may act independently as a phosphate regulator, as well as having significant activity in other key biological processes. This review outlines our current understanding of klotho, and its potential contribution to kidney disease and cardiovascular health.
Intraoperative rapid diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphomas: Advantages and pitfalls
Authors: Sugita Yasuo , Terasaki Mizuhiko , Nakashima Shinji , Ohshima Koichi , Morioka Motohiro , Abe Hideyuki
Published: April 2014

To study the advantages and pitfalls of intraoperative rapid diagnosis (IRD) of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL), pathology reports and frozen sections in our institution were reviewed. We examined 27 cases of PCNSL, one case of anaplastic glioma, and one case of metastatic brain tumor that were diagnosed on neuroimaging. Fifteen cases of intraoperative cytological preparations were also reviewed in a correlative manner. Among the 27 cases initially diagnosed as PCNSL, 18 were also diagnosed as PCNSL by IRD. However, IRD identified four of the 27 cases as gliosis, two as demyelination, one as atypical epithelial cells, one as malignant glioma and anaplastic astrocytoma. In addition, the case identified as metastatic brain tumor on neuroimaging was corrected to a diagnosis of PCNSL based on IRD. The final accuracy of IRD in the present study was 89.6% (26/29). After postoperative definitive diagnosis, two cases of anaplastic astrocytoma and one case of PCNSL by IRD were corrected to PCNSL, anaplastic oligodendroglioma and demyelination, respectively. PCNSL were sometimes histologically indistinguishable from malignant gliomas or demyelinating diseases in the present study, particularly in frozen sections. Notably, all cases for which both intraoperative cytology and frozen section were performed concomitantly were correctly diagnosed in the present study. In particular, lymphoglandular bodies were highly characteristic cytological findings of PCNSL. Both intraoperative cytology and frozen sections should therefore be performed concomitantly when PCNSL are suspected.
Arabidopsis PTB1 and PTB2 proteins negatively regulate splicing of a mini‐exon splicing reporter and affect alternative splicing of endogenous genes differentially
Authors: Simpson Craig G. , Lewandowska Dominika , Liney Michele , Davidson Diane , Chapman Sean , Fuller John , McNicol Jim , Shaw Paul , Brown John W. S.
Published: April 2014

This paper examines the function of Arabidopsis thaliana AtPTB1 and AtPTB2 as plant splicing factors.

The effect on splicing of overexpression of AtPTB1 and AtPTB2 was analysed in an in vivo protoplast transient expression system with a novel mini‐exon splicing reporter. A range of mutations in pyrimidine‐rich sequences were compared with and without AtPTB and NpU2AF65 overexpression. Splicing analyses of constructs in protoplasts and RNA from overexpression lines used high‐resolution reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

AtPTB1 and AtPTB2 reduced inclusion/splicing of the potato invertase mini‐exon splicing reporter, indicating that these proteins can repress plant intron splicing. Mutation of the polypyrimidine tract and closely associated Cytosine and Uracil‐rich (CU‐rich) sequences, upstream of the mini‐exon, altered repression by AtPTB1 and AtPTB2. Coexpression of a plant orthologue of U2AF65 alleviated the splicing repression of AtPTB1. Mutation of a second CU‐rich upstream of the mini‐exon 3′ splice site led to a decline in mini‐exon splicing, indicating the presence of a splicing enhancer sequence. Finally, RT‐PCR of AtPTB overexpression lines with c. 90 known alternative splicing (AS) events showed that AtPTBs significantly altered AS of over half the events.

AtPTB1 and AtPTB2 are splicing factors that influence alternative splicing. This occurs in the potato invertase mini‐exon via the polypyrimidine tract and associated pyrimidine‐rich sequence.
Vitamin D receptor agonists’ anti‐inflammatory properties
Authors: Vojinovic Jelena
Published: April 2014

One century after its discovery, vitamin D has been shown to be, in fact, a pleiotropic steroid hormone, which, besides regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone turnover, has antiproliferative, prodifferentiation, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and anti‐inflammatory properties in various cells and tissues. D hormone (1α,25(OH)2D), regulated in an endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine manner, must be bound to the specific nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) to exert epigenetic and genetic effects, acting as a connection between extracellular stimuli and genomic responses of the cells. Since only high doses of hormone, provoking hypercalcemia, can achieve immunomodulatory effects, more than 3000 VDR agonists have been synthesized. Numerous experimental trials have been performed in animal models, evidencing the preventive and therapeutic potential of VDR agonists for chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Considering the selective anti‐inflammatory effects of VDR agonists compared to glucocorticoids, sparing microbicidal functions, the fear of hypercalcemia as their only frequent side effect becomes a questionable reason for the lack of clinical studies.
Do women with premenopausal‐onset rheumatoid arthritis have relative insufficiency or imbalance of adrenocortical steroids?
Authors: Masi Alfonse T. , Rehman Azeem A. , Cutolo Maurizio , Aldag Jean C.
Published: April 2014

Adrenocortical steroids may influence susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Serum levels of adrenocortical steroids in female RA patients not previously treated with glucocorticoids were reviewed in this paper, as were controlled cohort studies of predisease (pre‐RA) and control (CN) women. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels were lower in most reports of premenopausal‐onset RA patients not treated with glucocorticoids and in the baseline levels in one cohort study of pre‐RA females compared with CN subjects. The pre‐RA versus CN cohort difference was confirmed in an independent laboratory. Basal DHEAS and cortisol levels correlated oppositely in pre‐RA versus CN women, suggesting relative adrenocortical androgenic insufficiency in case subjects. Clinical observations of lower androstenedione levels in premenopausal RA patients were also reported in pre‐RA versus CN subjects who had lower DHEAS and cortisol values. In summary, a minority of premenopausal‐onset RA females had decreased adrenocortical androgenic steroid levels and exhibited an adrenal androgen‐to‐cortisol steroid imbalance.
Clinical considerations for an effective medical therapy in Wilson's disease
Authors: Weiss Karl Heinz , Stremmel Wolfgang
Published: April 2014

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessively inherited copper overload disorder that leads to hepatic and/or neurologic symptoms. More than a century after the first description of Wilson's disease, the available medical treatment options have not been standardized. The efficacy of the commonly used drugs is satisfactory for hepatic disease, but disappointing in the neurologic patients, including the risk of neurologic deterioration after the initiation of chelation therapy. An approach to overcome this problem is the careful and systematic assessment of biochemical response patterns and the quantitative monitoring of symptoms using validated rating scales. Standardized dosage strategies that address changes in copper pools might improve adherence and reduce side effects. Such an approach may reduce long‐term morbidity. In this paper, we discuss considerations for an effective medical treatment and requirements for future studies in Wilson's disease.
Osteoarthritis, obesity and weight loss: evidence, hypotheses and horizons – a scoping review
Authors: Bliddal H. , Leeds A. R. , Christensen R.
Published: April 2014

Obesity is widely acknowledged as a risk factor for both the incidence and progression of osteoarthritis, and has a negative influence on outcomes. Loss of at least 10% of body weight, coupled with exercise, is recognized as a cornerstone in the management of obese patients with osteoarthritis, and can lead to significant improvement in symptoms, pain relief, physical function and health‐related quality of life. However, questions still remain surrounding optimal management. Given the significant health, social and economic burden of osteoarthritis, especially in obese patients, it is imperative to advance our knowledge of osteoarthritis and obesity, and apply this to improving care and outcomes. This paper overviews what is already known about osteoarthritis and obesity, discusses current key challenges and ongoing hypotheses arising from research in these areas, and finally, postulates what the future may hold in terms of new horizons for obese patients with osteoarthritis.
EXPLAINING UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES OF POLICY DECISIONS: COMPARING THREE BRITISH GOVERNMENTS, 1959–74
Authors: 6 PERRI
Published: April 2014

The vulnerability of policymaking to unintended and unanticipated consequences has been documented since Thucydides. Yet we still lack integrated conceptual and explanatory accounts of their variety and aetiology. Adequate consideration of putatively unintended and unanticipated consequences requires evidence about policymakers' prior intentions and anticipations, the factors affecting their cognition, and the forces bearing upon responses to attempted execution of policies. This study uses archival evidence about three post‐war British governments to examine hypotheses derived from neo‐Durkheimian institutional theory. It compares relationships between policymakers' informal social organization and their biases in framing anticipations and intentions in three policy fields. It shows that, contrary to widely made claims about a ‘law’ of unintended consequences, neither unintended nor unexpected consequences are random, but reflect basic patterns in variation and aetiology which the neo‐Durkheimian theory explains well.
Ectopic phytocystatin expression leads to enhanced drought stress tolerance in soybean (Glycine max) and Arabidopsis thaliana through effects on strigolactone pathways and can also result in improved seed traits
Authors: Quain Marian D. , Makgopa Matome E. , Márquez‐García Belén , Comadira Gloria , Fernandez‐Garcia Nieves , Olmos Enrique , Schnaubelt Daniel , Kunert Karl J. , Foyer Christine H.
Published: April 2014

Ectopic cystatin expression has long been used in plant pest management, but the cysteine protease, targets of these inhibitors, might also have important functions in the control of plant lifespan and stress tolerance that remain poorly characterized. We therefore characterized the effects of expression of the rice cystatin, oryzacystatin‐I (OCI), on the growth, development and stress tolerance of crop (soybean) and model (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants. Ectopic OCI expression in soybean enhanced shoot branching and leaf chlorophyll accumulation at later stages of vegetative development and enhanced seed protein contents and decreased the abundance of mRNAs encoding strigolactone synthesis enzymes. The OCI‐expressing A. thaliana showed a slow‐growth phenotype, with increased leaf numbers and enhanced shoot branching at flowering. The OCI‐dependent inhibition of cysteine proteases enhanced drought tolerance in soybean and A. thaliana, photosynthetic CO2 assimilation being much less sensitive to drought‐induced inhibition in the OCI‐expressing soybean lines. Ectopic OCI expression or treatment with the cysteine protease inhibitor E64 increased lateral root densities in A. thaliana. E64 treatment also increased lateral root densities in the max2‐1 mutants that are defective in strigolactone signalling, but not in the max3‐9 mutants that are defective in strigolactone synthesis. Taken together, these data provide evidence that OCI‐inhibited cysteine proteases participate in the control of growth and stress tolerance through effects on strigolactones. We conclude that cysteine proteases are important targets for manipulation of plant growth, development and stress tolerance, and also seed quality traits.
The Formulation of Epistemological Disjunctivism
Authors: French Craig
Published: April 2014

I argue that we should question the orthodox way of thinking about epistemological disjunctivism. I suggest that we can formulate epistemological disjunctivism in terms of states of seeing things as opposed to states of seeing that p. Not only does this alternative formulation capture the core aspects of epistemological disjunctivism as standardly formulated, it has two salient advantages. First, it avoids a crucial problem that arises for a standard formulation of epistemological disjunctivism—the basis problem. And second, it is less committed than standard formulations are in the metaphysics of perception.
Molecular cytogenetic characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of the seven cultivated Vigna species (Fabaceae)
Authors: She C.‐W. , Jiang X.‐H. , Ou L.‐J. , Liu J. , Long K.‐L. , Zhang L.‐H. , Duan W.‐T. , Zhao W. , Hu J.‐C.
Published: April 2014

The genomic organisation of the seven cultivated Vigna species, V. unguiculata, V. subterranea, V. angularis, V. umbellata, V. radiata, V. mungo and V. aconitifolia, was determined using sequential combined PI and DAPI (CPD) staining and dual‐colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with 5S and 45S rDNA probes. For phylogenetic analyses, comparative genomic in situ hybridisation (cGISH) onto somatic chromosomes and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of 45S rDNA were used. Quantitative karyotypes were established using chromosome measurements, fluorochrome bands and rDNA FISH signals. All species had symmetrical karyotypes composed of only metacentric or metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Distinct heterochromatin differentiation was revealed by CPD staining and DAPI counterstaining after FISH. The rDNA sites among all species differed in their number, location and size. cGISH of V. umbellata genomic DNA to the chromosomes of all species produced strong signals in all centromeric regions of V. umbellata and V. angularis, weak signals in all pericentromeric regions of V. aconitifolia, and CPD‐banded proximal regions of V. mungo var. mungo. Molecular phylogenetic trees showed that V. angularis and V. umbellata were the closest relatives, and V. mungo and V. aconitifolia were relatively closely related; these species formed a group that was separated from another group comprising V. radiata, V. unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis and V. subterranea. This result was consistent with the phylogenetic relationships inferred from the heterochromatin and cGISH patterns; thus, fluorochrome banding and cGISH are efficient tools for the phylogenetic analysis of Vigna species.
Interacting effects of warming and drought on regeneration and early growth of Acer pseudoplatanus and A. platanoides
Authors: Carón M. M. , De Frenne P. , Brunet J. , Chabrerie O. , Cousins S. A. O. , De Backer L. , Decocq G. , Diekmann M. , Heinken T. , Kolb A. , Naaf T. , Plue J. , Selvi F. , Strimbeck G. R. , Wulf M. , Verheyen K.
Published: April 2014

Climate change is acting on several aspects of plant life cycles, including the sexual reproductive stage, which is considered amongst the most sensitive life‐cycle phases. In temperate forests, it is expected that climate change will lead to a compositional change in community structure due to changes in the dominance of currently more abundant forest tree species. Increasing our understanding of the effects of climate change on currently secondary tree species recruitment is therefore important to better understand and forecast population and community dynamics in forests. Here, we analyse the interactive effects of rising temperatures and soil moisture reduction on germination, seedling survival and early growth of two important secondary European tree species, Acer pseudoplatanus and A. platanoides. Additionally, we analyse the effect of the temperature experienced by the mother tree during seed production by collecting seeds of both species along a 2200‐km long latitudinal gradient. For most of the responses, A. platanoides showed higher sensitivity to the treatments applied, and especially to its joint manipulation, which for some variables resulted in additive effects while for others only partial compensation. In both species, germination and survival decreased with rising temperatures and/or soil moisture reduction while early growth decreased with declining soil moisture content. We conclude that although A. platanoides germination and survival were more affected after the applied treatments, its initial higher germination and larger seedlings might allow this species to be relatively more successful than A. pseudoplatanus in the face of climate change.
Genotype differences in the metabolism of proline and polyamines under moderate drought in tomato plants
Authors: Montesinos‐Pereira D. , Barrameda‐Medina Y. , Romero L. , Ruiz J.M. , Sánchez‐Rodríguez E.
Published: April 2014

Water stress is one of the most important factors limiting the growth and productivity of crops. The implication of compatible osmolytes such as proline and polyamines in osmotic adjustment has been widely described in numerous plants species under stress conditions. In the present study, we investigated the response of five cherry tomato cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.) subjected to moderate water stress in order to shed light on the involvement of proline and polyamine metabolism in the mechanisms of tolerance to moderate water stress. Our results indicate that the most water stress‐resistant cultivar (Zarina) had increased degradation of proline associated with increased polyamine synthesis, with a higher concentration of spermidine and spermine under stress conditions. In contrast, Josefina, the cultivar most sensitive to water stress, showed a proline accumulation associated with increased synthesis after being subjected to stress. In turn, in this cultivar, no rise in polyamine synthesis was detected. Therefore, all the data appear to indicate that polyamine metabolism is more involved in the tolerance response to moderate water stress.
Qualifications or Philosophy? The Use of Blue Slips in a Polarized Era
Authors: Black Ryan C. , Madonna Anthony J. , Owens Ryan J.
Published: April 2014

In recent years, judicial nominations to lower federal courts have been blocked privately by negative blue slips returned by home state senators. We examine the conditions under which senators return negative blue slips and discover two results. First, consistent with existing work, ideology plays a strong role in blue slipping. Second, and more important, we find that nominee qualifications mitigate ideological extremism—but only for district court nominees. That is, in the past, presidents could use legal credentials to prop up district court and circuit court nominees who shared his views. Today, in a Senate marked by high polarization and few moderates,the president cannot.
The Law Executive Branch Legal Analysis for National Security Policy: Who Controls Access to Legal Memos?
Authors: Kassop Nancy
Published: April 2014

Legal interpretation of governmental authority in the national security realm has attracted extraordinary prominence recently, in light of constantly emerging revelations of controversial policies. Lawsuits seeking access under the Freedom of Information Act to confidential executive branch legal analysis justifying these policies have started in the federal courts, only to be met with refusals by the Department of Justice to release its legal opinions. This article examines litigation seeking Office of Legal Counsel opinions justifying the Obama administration's targeted killing program and Federal Bureau of Investigation authority to gather call information, without using any legal process, from telecommunications companies.
Hypocrisy and the Nature of Belief
Authors: Zamulinski Brian
Published: April 2014

We know that someone is a hypocrite when he acts inconsistently with his purported beliefs. Understanding how we know it is an essential aspect of understanding the nature of belief. We can recognize the phenomenon when beliefs are ‘inscribed’ in the brain, there is a disposition to maintain consistency among the propositions represented by the ‘inscriptions’, and the inscriptions and the disposition give rise to derivative disinclinations. Since the disinclinations ought to prevent certain actions, we notice the conflict between the beliefs hypocrites affirm and the actions they perform. ‘Inconsistency’ is a short‐hand description for the conflict. Derivative disinclinations differ from dispositions in several ways and objections to the latter are not transferable to the former. The account not only explains how we can recognize hypocrisy but is also compatible with most truisms about the nature of belief. Where it is not, the truisms can be explained away as understandable errors.
Influence of Perceptions of Current and Future Community on Residential Aspirations of Rural Youth
Authors: McLaughlin Diane K. , Shoff Carla M. , Demi Mary Ann
Published: April 2014

Outmigration of youth has concerned rural communities and researchers for several decades. Yet not all communities experience extensive youth outmigration and some youth want to stay in their rural communities as adults. This article examines youth satisfaction with their current community and the importance of characteristics of the community in which they would like to live as an adult for youth preferences to leave or stay in their rural community. The data are for rural ninth‐grade youth in Pennsylvania from the Rural Youth Education Project. The results suggest that perceptions of available jobs and educational opportunities in both current and future community, parental and friend influences, and the quality of the natural environment and outdoor recreation are important in determining residential aspirations. In particular, identifying a clean natural environment and outdoor recreation as important in the adult community increases the likelihood that rural youth have residential aspirations to stay in their rural community. This research adds to our knowledge about factors important in determining youth residential aspirations by identifying attributes of community beyond jobs and educational opportunities that youth find attractive as they consider places to live as adults.