bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and abundance of aerobic and anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria in freshwater sediments of the Xinyi River (China)
Authors: Zhang Ying , Ruan Xiao‐Hong , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Smits Toine J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Schmid Markus C.
Published: July 2007

Here we report on the biodiversity and abundance of aerobic and anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria in sediment samples from the Xinyi River, Jinagsu Province (China). The biodiversity of aerobic ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria in the sediment was assessed using the amoA gene as functional marker. The retrieved amoA clones were affiliated to environmental sequences from freshwater habitats. The closest cultivated relative was Nitrosomonas urea. Anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) bacteria were studied using anammox and planctomycete‐specific 16S rRNA gene primers. The sediments contained 16S rRNA genes and bacterial cells closely related to the known anammox bacterium Candidatus‘Brocadia anammoxidans’. Anaerobic continuous flow reactors were set up to enrich anammox organisms from the sediments. After an adaptation period of about 25 days the reactors started to consume ammonium and nitrite, indicating that the anammox reaction was occurring with a rate of 41–58 nmol cm−3 h−1. Community analysis of the enrichments by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization showed an increase in the abundance of anammox bacteria from < 1% to 6 ± 2% of the total population. Analysis of the 16S rRNA genes showed that the enriched anammox organisms were related to the Candidatus‘Scalindua’ genus.
Quantitative analyses of the abundance and composition of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria and ammonia‐oxidizing archaea of a Chinese upland red soil under long‐term fertilization practices
Authors: He Ji‐zheng , Shen Ju‐pei , Zhang Li‐mei , Zhu Yong‐guan , Zheng Yuan‐ming , Xu Ming‐gang , Di Hongjie
Published: July 2007

The abundance and composition of soil ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) were investigated by using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, cloning and sequencing approaches based on amoA genes. The soil, classified as agri‐udic ferrosols with pH (H2O) ranging from 3.7 to 6.0, was sampled in summer and winter from long‐term field experimental plots which had received 16 years continuous fertilization treatments, including fallow (CK0), control without fertilizers (CK) and those with combinations of fertilizer nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K): N, NP, NK, PK, NPK and NPK plus organic manure (OM). Population sizes of AOB and AOA changed greatly in response to the different fertilization treatments. The NPK + OM treatment had the highest copy numbers of AOB and AOA amoA genes among the treatments that received mineral fertilizers, whereas the lowest copy numbers were recorded in the N treatment. Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea were more abundant than AOB in all the corresponding treatments, with AOA to AOB ratios ranging from 1.02 to 12.36. Significant positive correlations were observed among the population sizes of AOB and AOA, soil pH and potential nitrification rates, indicating that both AOB and AOA played an important role in ammonia oxidation in the soil. Phylogenetic analyses of the amoA gene fragments showed that all AOB sequences from different treatments were affiliated with Nitrosospira or Nitrosospira‐like species and grouped into cluster 3, and little difference in AOB community composition was recorded among different treatments. All AOA sequences fell within cluster S (soil origin) and cluster M (marine and sediment origin). Cluster M dominated exclusively in the N, NP, NK and PK treatments, indicating a pronounced difference in the community composition of AOA in response to the long‐term fertilization treatments. These findings could be fundamental to improve our understanding of the importance of both AOB and AOA in the cycling of nitrogen and other nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems.
Ferrichrome utilization in a mesorhizobial population: microevolution of a three‐locus system
Authors: Carlton Timothy M. , Sullivan John T. , Stuart Gabriella S. , Hutt Karla , Lamont Iain L. , Ronson Clive W.
Published: July 2007

The ability to utilize the siderophore ferrichrome as an iron source was found to be a variable trait in a field population of mesorhizobia. To investigate the genetic basis of this variation, genes required for ferrichrome utilization (fhu genes) were characterized in Mesorhizobium strain R88B, an Fhu+ member of the population. Functional fhu genes were present at three loci. Two genes of the ferrichrome ABC transporter, fhuBD, were identified at an fhu1 locus downstream of the symbiosis island that was integrated at the phe‐tRNA gene. The fhuA gene encoding the ferrichrome outer membrane receptor was located in the fhu2 locus together with non‐functional fhuDB genes, while the fhuC gene encoding the ATPase required for ferrichrome transport was part of the fhu3 locus that included genes required to form a functional TonB complex. None of the fhu genes were present in the sequenced Mesorhizobium loti strain MAFF303099. Comparisons with MAFF303099 suggested that the fhu2 and fhu3 loci evolved through small‐scale (< 5 kb) acquisitions and deletions. Despite their independent origins, the three fhu loci were coordinately regulated in response to iron availability. Within the mesorhizobial population, the ability to utilize ferrichrome was most strongly correlated with the presence of the fhuA gene. We hypothesize that the ferrichrome transport system evolved through cycles of gene acquisition and deletion, with the positive selection pressure of an iron‐poor or siderophore‐rich environment being offset by the negative pressure of the outer membrane receptor being a target for phage.
Viability, diversity and composition of the bacterial community in a high Arctic permafrost soil from Spitsbergen, Northern Norway
Authors: Hansen Aviaja A. , Herbert Rodney A. , Mikkelsen Karina , Jensen Lars Liengård , Kristoffersen Tommy , Tiedje James M. , Lomstein Bente Aa. , Finster Kai W.
Published: July 2007

The viable and non‐viable fractions of the bacterial community in a 2347‐year‐old permafrost soil from Spitsbergen were subjected to a comprehensive investigation using culture‐independent and culture‐dependent methods. LIVE/DEAD®BacLightTM staining revealed that 26% of the total number of bacterial cells were viable. Quantitatively, aerobic microcolonies, aerobic colony‐forming units and culturable anaerobic bacteria comprised a minor fraction of the total number of viable bacteria, which underlines the necessity for alternative cultivation approaches in bacterial cryobiology. Sulfate reduction was detected at temperatures between −2°C and 29°C while methanogenesis was not detected. Bacterial diversity was high with 162 operational taxonomic units observed from 800 16S rDNA clone sequences. The 158 pure cultures isolated from the permafrost soil affiliated with 29 different bacterial genera, the majority of which have not previously been isolated from permafrost habitats. Most of the strains isolated were affiliated to the genera Cellulomonas and Arthrobacter and several of the pure cultures were closely related to bacteria reported from other cryohabitats. Characterization of viable bacterial communities in permafrost soils is important as it will enable identification of functionally important groups together with the as yet undescribed adaptations that bacteria have evolved for surviving subzero temperatures for millennia.
Anomalies of the external urethral meatus in girls with non‐neurogenic bladder sphincter dysfunction
Authors: HOEBEKE P. , VAN LAECKE E. , RAES A. , VAN GOOL J.D. , VANDE WALLE J.
Published: July 2007

Objective

 To investigate in a prospective study the clinical and urodynamic characteristics associated with the correlation previously reported between non‐neuropathic bladder sphincter dysfunction and minimal meatal deformities in girls.

Patients and methods

 From January 1995 to June 1996 all girls referred for urodynamics to investigate non‐neuropathic bladder sphincter dysfunction were examined for meatal anomalies. Two types of meatal anomalies were recognized, i.e. hypospadias, in which the urethral meatus is displaced dorsally and meatal web or covered hypospadias, in which there is a mucosal web on the dorsal side of the urethral meatus that deflects the urinary stream anteriorly. The girls presenting with minimal meatal deformities were compared with those presenting a normal meatal configuration for their history and video‐urodynamic features.

Results

 During the study, 288 girls were referred for video‐urodynamics; 88 presented with meatal anomalies (24 hypospadias and 64 covered hypospadias) and comprised the study group; all other girls were considered as the control group. Incontinence during the day was more frequent in the study group (56%) than in the control group (34%) (P=0.003). Nocturnal enuresis was more frequent in the control group (87%) than in the study group (68%, P=0.006). Urge was more frequent in the study group (80%) than in the control group (65%, P=0.02), as was anterior deflection of the urinary stream (voiding over the toilet rim), in 48% and 4.5%, respectively (P<0.001). On video‐urodynamics, dysfunctional voiding (detrusor sphincter dyscoordination during voiding) was more frequent in the study group (59%) than in the control group (38%, P=0.009), and vaginal voiding was more frequent in the study group (40%) than in the control group (11.5%, P<0.001).

Conclusion

 Girls presenting with meatal anomalies have more severe dysfunction, as estimated by urodynamics. Although the natural history of these anomalies and the incidence in the normal population is not known, it is thought that there is an aetiological correlation between the functional voiding disorders and the meatal anomaly. Surgical treatment to correct the anomalies is proposed.
PRICES, SPATIAL COMPETITION AND HETEROGENEOUS PRODUCERS: AN EMPIRICAL TEST*
Authors: SYVERSON CHAD
Published: July 2007

Homogeneous‐producer models attribute lower prices in denser markets solely to lower optimal markups. I argue here that when producers have different production costs, competition‐driven selection on costs also reduces prices. This selection mechanism can be distinguished from the homogenous‐producer case because it implies that higher density leads not only to lower average prices, but to declines in upper‐bound prices and price dispersion as well. I find empirical support for this mechanism in the prices of ready‐mixed concrete plants. I also show these findings do not simply reflect lower factor prices in dense markets, but result instead because dense‐market producers are more efficient.
PENNIES FROM EBAY: THE DETERMINANTS OF PRICE IN ONLINE AUCTIONS*
Authors: LUCKING‐REILEY DAVID , BRYAN DOUG , PRASAD NAGHI , REEVES DANIEL
Published: July 2007

This paper presents an exploratory analysis of the determinants of prices in online auctions for collectible United States one‐cent coins at the eBay web site. Starting with an initial data set of 20,000 auctions, we perform regression analysis on a restricted sample of 461 coins for which we obtained estimates of book value. We have three major findings. First, a seller's feedback ratings, reported by other eBay users, have a measurable effect on her auction prices. Negative feedback ratings have a much greater effect than positive feedback ratings do. Second, minimum bids and reserve prices have positive effects on the final auction price. In particular, minimum bids appear only to have a significant effect when they are binding on a single bidder, as predicted by theory. Third, when a seller chooses to have her auction last for a longer period of days, this significantly increases the auction price on average.
ENTRY AND COMPETITION IN LOCAL HOSPITAL MARKETS*
Authors: ABRAHAM JEAN MARIE , GAYNOR MARTIN , VOGT WILLIAM B.
Published: July 2007

We extend the entry model developed by Bresnahan and Reiss to make use of quantity information, and apply it to data on the U.S. hospital industry. The Bresnahan and Reiss model infers changes in the toughness of competition from entry threshold ratios. Entry threshold ratios, however, identify the product of changes in the toughness of competition and changes in fixed costs. By using quantity data, we are able to identify separately changes in the toughness of competition from changes in fixed costs. This model is generally applicable to industries where there are good data on market structure and quantity, but not on prices, as for example in the quinquennial U.S. Economic Census. In the hospital markets we examine, entry leads to a quick convergence to competitive conduct. Entry reduces variable profits and increases quantity. Most of the effects of entry come from having a second and a third firm enter the market.
Developing the role of schools as research organisations: the Sunfield experience
Authors: Carpenter Barry
Published: July 2007

We are entering a new phase in learning about childhood disabilities. While we have found out much of what we need to know about their causes and aetiology, solutions to many of the challenges we will face in the future will come from the evidence base held by practitioners. Practitioners are ideally placed to carry out ‘real world’ research but they often need support in carrying out setting‐based enquiry. In this article, Barry Carpenter, Chief Executive and Director of Research at Sunfield, discusses the relationship between academic and practitioner research and the role of practitioners as researchers. He goes on to explore the development of a research culture in special schools, focusing on Sunfield, a residential special school for children with severe and complex learning disabilities. Barry Carpenter shows how research projects at Sunfield have generated evidence which has guided the school's development. The inter‐disciplinary approach adopted in this setting has encouraged involvement in research from many staff in diverse professions throughout the school.
9. Models for Generalized Location Systems
Authors: Butts Carter T.
Published: July 2007

A formal framework is introduced for a general class of assignment systems that can be used to characterize a range of social phenomena. An exponential family of distributions is developed for modeling such systems, allowing for the incorporation of both attributional and relational covariates. Methods are shown for simulation and inference using the location system model. Two illustrative applications (occupational stratification and residential settlement patterns) are presented, and simulation is employed to show the behavior of the location system model in each case; a third application, involving occupancy of positions within an organization, is used to demonstrate inference for the location system. By leveraging established results in the fields of social network analysis, spatial statistics, and statistical mechanics, it is argued that sociologists can model complex social systems without sacrificing inferential tractability.
Marriage Market, Parents’ Bargaining Powers, and Children's Nutrition and Education*
Authors: Park Cheolsung
Published: July 2007

Test of resource pooling and test of effect of sex ratio in the marriage market on intrahousehold resource allocation are combined to test the unitary household model. The consistency condition between the two tests is derived to test the Nash household bargaining and Pareto‐efficient household models. I examine intrahousehold resource allocation to children's nutrition and education in Indonesia. For children's nutrition, the unitary household model is rejected in favour of the non‐unitary models. The results for investment in education are mixed. The decision‐making process may differ depending on the type of decision being made.
Use of metabolic drugs and fish oil in HIV‐positive patients with metabolic complications and associations with dyslipidaemia and treatment targets
Authors: Normén L , Yip B , Montaner J , Harris M , Frohlich J , Bondy G , Hogg RS
Published: July 2007

Background

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with protease inhibitors (PI) is successful in suppressing viral replication, but may lead to a range of metabolic abnormalities associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Objectives

The first objective of the study was to compare baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between PI users and non‐PI users referred to a specialized metabolic clinic during 1999–2003. The second objective was to assess the associations of prescription drugs and fish oil with dyslipidaemia and to determine whether or not patients achieved treatment targets during 6 months of treatment.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed using two sets of charts based on standardized forms with entries for personal data, drug treatment and clinical history. Anonymous linkage with the British Columbia HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program and the hospital laboratory was performed to gather information about HAART prescriptions and blood work.

Results

In total, 237 patients were included in the study. There were few differences in any demographic or clinical factors between PI users and non‐PI users. Compared with controls not taking lipid‐lowering drugs or fish oil (n=48), statins appeared to be the only agent that was significantly associated with a reduced total cholesterol concentration (−15.6%; P=0.009). Fibrate treatment was associated with the largest reduction of triglyceride concentration (−37.4%; P=0.012), closely followed by fish oil (n=18;−32%; P=0.027). Six‐month treatment success rates ranged between 17 and 43% of patients for total cholesterol (<5.2 mmol/L) and between 15 and 44% of patients for triglycerides (<2.3 mmol/L).

Conclusions

Despite the apparent lowering of blood lipids with drug and fish oil treatments, a majority of patients in these treatment groups (56.5–83.3%) still had elevated concentrations after 6 months.
Nevirapine‐associated toxicity in HIV‐infected Thai men and women, including pregnant women
Authors: Phanuphak N , Apornpong T , Teeratakulpisarn S , Chaithongwongwatthana S , Taweepolcharoen C , Mangclaviraj S , Limpongsanurak S , Jadwattanakul T , Eiamapichart P , Luesomboon W , Apisarnthanarak A , Kamudhamas A , Tangsathapornpong A , Vitavasiri C , Singhakowinta N , Attakornwattana V , Kriengsinyot R , Methajittiphun P , Chunloy K , Preetiyathorn W , Aumchantr T , Toro P , Abrams EJ , El‐Sadr W , Phanuphak P
Published: July 2007

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, nevirapine (NVP)‐associated hepatotoxicity and rash in HIV‐infected Thai men and women, including pregnant women, receiving NVP‐containing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods

NVP‐containing HAART was prescribed to eligible men and women enrolled in the Prevention of Mother‐To‐Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and MTCT‐Plus programmes. All pregnant women received zidovudine (ZDV)/lamivudine (3TC)/NVP from >14 weeks of gestational age if their CD4 cell count was ≤200 cells/μL or from >28 weeks if their CD4 cell count was >200 cells/μL. Patients followed for at least 8 weeks after starting HAART or until delivery were included in the analyses.

Results

Of 409 patients, 244 were pregnant women, 87 were nonpregnant women and 78 were men. Hepatotoxicity occurred in 15.6% of all patients. Men had a significantly higher rate of asymptomatic hepatotoxicity (P=0.021). Pregnant women receiving HAART for PMTCT (92% had CD4 cell counts >250 cells/μL) had a significantly higher rate of symptomatic hepatotoxicity (P=0.0003) than pregnant women receiving HAART for therapy. Rash occurred in 16.1% of all patients. The patients' sex and baseline CD4 cell count were not associated with the risk of hepatotoxicity or rash. NVP was discontinued in 4.2% and 6.8% of patients because of hepatotoxicity and rash, respectively.

Conclusions

The incidence of NVP‐related hepatotoxicity and rash in Thai adults is similar to incidences reported for other populations. While larger studies are needed, our data support continued use of NVP‐containing regimens as first‐line treatment in developing countries for HIV‐infected patients, including pregnant women. Pregnant women with high CD4 cell counts may experience higher rates of symptomatic hepatotoxicity and thus require careful clinical and laboratory monitoring.
Ferritin levels during structured treatment interruption of highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Boom J , Kösters E , Duncombe C , Kerr S , Hirschel B , Ruxrungtham K , De Mast Q , Kosalaraksa P , Ulbolyam S , Jupimai T , Ananworanich J ,   the Staccato Study Group
Published: July 2007

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on iron status and, conversely, the influence of iron status on the response to HAART.

Methods

Ferritin levels were retrospectively determined in stored plasma from 138 HAART‐naïve, moderately immunosuppressed HIV‐infected Thai patients participating in a structured treatment interruption trial. Ferritin levels were determined at three predefined time‐points: (1) HAART initiation; (2) HAART discontinuation; and (3) HAART resumption.

Results

At baseline, 31% and 16% of the HIV‐infected patients included in the study had high (>200 ng/mL) and low (<30 ng/mL) ferritin levels, respectively. Ninety‐five per cent of patients with low ferritin levels were female. Ferritin decreased significantly during the interruption phase of HAART (−8.8 ng/mL; P=0.0005) but remained elevated in 62% of the patients with high baseline levels. A low baseline ferritin level was associated with a shorter time (P=0.041) to reach the CD4 cell target for HAART interruption (350 cells/μL), compared with a normal or high baseline ferritin level. Moreover, in a multivariate model, the relative risk (RR) of arriving at this CD4 cell target was significantly higher [RR 1.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–3.14] in patients with low baseline ferritin. It is unlikely that inflammation affected ferritin in our patients, as mean levels of C‐reactive protein were not elevated in patients with either high or low ferritin levels.

Conclusions

Both high and low ferritin levels were highly prevalent in moderately immunosuppressed HIV‐positive Thai patients. Structured treatment interruption of HAART resulted in a significant decrease in overall ferritin levels. Furthermore, subjects with low baseline ferritin levels had a faster and greater CD4 response to HAART, suggesting a potential beneficial effect of iron deficiency on immunological recovery after initiation of HAART.
Atypical presentation of NREM arousal parasomnia with repetitive episodes
Authors: Trajanovic N. N. , Shapiro C. M. , Ong A.
Published: July 2007

The case report describes a distinct variant of non‐REM (Rapid Eye Movement) arousal parasomnia, sleepwalking type, featuring repetitive abrupt arousals, mostly from slow‐wave sleep, and various automatisms and semi‐purposeful behaviours. The frequency of events and distribution throughout the night presented as a continuous status of parasomnia (‘status parasomnicus’). The patient responded well to treatment typically administered for adult NREM parasomnias, and after careful review of the clinical presentation, objective findings and treatment outcome, sleep‐related epilepsy was ruled out in favour of parasomnia.
Time course of adverse events most commonly associated with topiramate for migraine prevention
Authors: Láinez M. J. A. , Freitag F. G. , Pfeil J. , Ascher S. , Olson W. H. , Schwalen S.
Published: July 2007

The efficacy, safety and tolerability of topiramate has been demonstrated in three large multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials. To characterize the time course of adverse events (AEs) that led to treatment discontinuation in ≥2% of patients who received topiramate 100 mg/day during three pivotal, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, and 26‐week trials. The pooled population comprised all randomized patients who reported safety data during the double‐blind phase (topiramate 100 mg/day, n = 386; placebo n = 372), which consisted of a 4‐week titration period and a 22‐week maintenance period. Incidence, time to onset, and cumulative mean rate of AEs were assessed. Overall, AEs led to treatment discontinuation in 24.9% of patients receiving topiramate 100 mg/day and 11.0% receiving placebo (P < 0.001). AEs leading to discontinuation during the double‐blind phase in ≥2% of patients included paresthesia (8.0% discontinued), any cognitive symptoms (7.3% discontinued), fatigue (4.7% discontinued), insomnia (3.4% discontinued), nausea (2.3% discontinued), loss of appetite, anxiety, and dizziness (2.1% discontinued because each AE). Most AEs began during the titration period. Paresthesia, any cognitive symptoms, nausea, and loss of appetite occurred at a higher rate in the topiramate group than in the placebo group (P < 0.01). AEs leading to discontinuation of topiramate are probably to occur during dose titration. If a patient has not experienced one of these AEs within the first 6 weeks of initiating topiramate 100 mg/day, these AEs are unlikely to occur.
Sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy is not a frequent cause of spontaneous brain hemorrhage
Authors: Jellinger K. A. , Lauda F. , Attems J.
Published: July 2007

The retrospective study of a consecutive autopsy series of 1100 elderly subjects (mean age 78.3 ± 6.8 SD years), revealed sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in 50.0% and in 95.7% of autopsy‐confirmed cases of Alzheimer disease (AD). Apolipoprotein (APOE) ɛ 3/4 and ɛ 4/4 were significantly more frequent in AD than in controls, and were associated with more severe degrees of CAA. Spontaneous (non‐traumatic) intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) (excluding microbleeds and hemorrhagic infarctions) were seen in 5.4% and only in 3.3% of AD cases. CAA was found in 50.6% of brains without and in 42.4% with ICH, the latter showing a significantly higher frequency of severe degrees of CAA. ICH was related to CAA in 42.4%, whilst no such relation was seen in 57.6%. Patients with CAA were older, showed a higher frequency of clinical dementia and pathologically confirmed AD, but signs of hypertension (history and/or autopsy) occurred in 40%, compared with 80% in those with non‐CAA‐related ICHs. CAA‐related ICH more frequently involved in cerebral lobes or hemispheres, whilst non‐CAA‐related ones were more often located in the basal ganglia and brainstem. The data of a lower prevalence of CAA in cases with than without ICH and of ICH with and without CAA do not support the concept that CAA represents the most important risk factor for ICH in the aged, probably because of other risk factors including hypertension.
Sex Differences in the Transmission of Migraine
Authors: Low NCP , Cui L , Merikangas KR
Published: July 2007

Consistent evidence demonstrates that migraine is far more common in women than in men, but the explanations for this preponderance have not been systematically evaluated. We examined whether the female preponderance is attributable to genetic factors using data from a controlled family study which included 260 probands and their 1232 first-degree adult relatives. We found that although the risk of migraine was three times greater among the relatives of probands with migraine compared with controls, there was no differential risk of migraine among the relatives of male vs. female probands with migraine. Taking these data together with other family studies, we conclude that the increased risk of migraine in females is likely to result from increased exposure to non-familial endogenous or exogenous risk factors for migraine that lower the threshold for expression of migraine in women.
No differences in caspase‐3 and Bax expression in atrophic‐erosive vs. reticular oral lichen planus
Authors: Bascones‐Ilundain C , González‐Moles MÁ , Campo‐Trapero J , Gil‐Montoya JA , Esparza‐Gómez GC , Cano‐Sánchez J , Bascones‐Martínez A
Published: July 2007

Background  Caspase‐3 (CPP32) and Bax expression levels in oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions are considered reliable markers of apoptosis. The malignant transformation of OLP remains a very controversial matter. The objective of this study was to compare histological and apoptotic phenomena between atrophic‐erosive and reticular forms of OLP.

Methods  Analysis was conducted of biopsy samples from 18 patients with reticular and 14 with atrophic‐erosive OLP. Conventional histology techniques were used to quantify histological markers of OLP and peroxidase/anti‐peroxidase techniques to determine apoptosis markers caspase‐3 (CPP32) and Bax.

Results  More Civatte bodies and lymphocyte exocytosis were observed in atrophic‐erosive than reticular OLP samples, without any statistical difference. No statistical significant differences in caspase‐3 expression were found between these OLP forms in suprabasal layer (58.3% vs. 43.8%), basal layer (83.3% vs. 68.8%) or infiltrate (69.2% vs. 46.6%). Bax expression was relatively infrequent, and no differences were observed between atrophic‐erosive and reticular forms.

Conclusions  The low frequency of apoptotic phenomena (caspase‐3 and Bax) in epithelial cells of OLP may create a favourable substrate for malignant transformation. However, there does not seem to be an association with the clinical form (atrophic‐erosive or reticular).
SIZE LABELLING OF FOOTWEAR
Authors: Boughey R.
Published: July 2007

This article briefly describes the existing systems of shoe sizing and explains in detail the new Mondopoint System of size labelling of footwear. The author describes how this new system evolved and how it is being introduced both in the UK and internationally.
THE RAPID TEACHING OF SEWING MACHINE SKILLS: II.
Authors: Ray Robert D. , Falconer S. M.
Published: July 2007

A pilot study which was carried out to attempt to assess the effectiveness of a systematic course of instruction in the use of the domestic sewing machine is reported and discussed.
HOME ECONOMICS AND SEX DIFFERENTIATION IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Authors: WHYTE JUDITH
Published: July 2007

In the debate about the case for a common curriculum in secondary education, home economics has perhaps been somewhat later than other subject areas to put forward a rationale for the inclusion of home economics. There is considerable uncertainty about the best strategy to be adopted: ‘…home economists in education will need to be vigilant in order to ensure that the subject is given its rightful place in any major revision of the middle school curriculum…’ (A. R. Mathieson).

This paper is an attempt to define potential strategies for home economics as a secondary school subject, particularly in the light of recent interest in sex differentiation and sex typing in the secondary curriculum.
HOUSING DEFECTS IN NEWLY PURCHASED HOMES: IMPLICATIONS FOR FAMILY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT*
Authors: MEEKS CAROL B. , OUDEKERK ELEANOR H.
Published: July 2007

The occurrence of unexpected housing defects and the expense of repair can be a sizeable burden for the unprepared home owner. Within the family management framework, unexpected event demands play an important role in the management of resources. To assess the dimension of the problem, a survey of recent home buyers was undertaken to provide empirical data on the incidence and cost of major housing problems, as well as characteristics of the buyer and homes purchased. Multiple regression and profit procedures were used to determine what factors were important in predicting incidence and cost of repair.
WIFE'S EMPLOYMENT—ITS INFLUENCE ON MAJOR FAMILY EXPENDITURES
Authors: FOSTER ANN C. , ABDEL‐GHANY MOHAMED , FERGUSON CARL E.
Published: July 2007

This study was undertaken to examine the influence of wife's employment on major family expenditures. Tobit analysis of data from the 1972–73 Consumer Expenditure Surveys found no relationship between wife's employment and outlays on twelve categories of expenditures. Family income had the greatest overall influence on the expenditure categories examined. Therefore, it appears that the absolute amount of income was more important than its sources in determining expenditures.
A REVIEW OF FACTORS INFLUENCING CONSUMPTION, SELECTION AND ACCEPTABILITY OF MEAT PURCHASES
Authors: JEREMIAH L. E.
Published: July 2007

A review was undertaken to consolidate research findings regarding consumption, selection, and acceptability of meat purchases. Discussions are presented on factors influencing consumption of various kinds and cuts of meat, the influence of quality grades upon selection of meat purchases, factors influencing consumer selection of meat purchases, and factors influencing the acceptability of meat after purchase.
CLOTHING PRACTICES OF KOREAN FEMALE IMMIGRANTS IN CHICAGO
Authors: KWON YOON‐HEE
Published: July 2007

The relationship between the process of cultural assimilation reflected in the clothing practices of Korean female immigrants and their pre‐immigration and post‐immigration factors were investigated. This was done by examining the relationships between frequency of wearing western dress over Korean traditional dress, the rate of transition from Korean made dress to American dress, and Korean female immigrants’ pre‐immigration and post‐immigration factors. The data were collected from 219 Korean female immigrants in Chicago during the summer of 1978. The regression analysis revealed that the frequency of usage of western dress over Korean traditional dress was more significantly related to the pre‐immigration factors than the post‐immigration factors. The transition from Korean made dress to American dress was found to be more significantly related to the post‐immigration factors than the pre‐immigration factors. This finding suggests that the sudden change of cultural environment has a definite impact on the abandonment of Korean traditional dress and transition from Korean made western dress to American dress.

The finding also leads to the conclusion that the usage of traditional dress is more affected by the nature of occasions, special versus non‐special, than the difference of social contacts between Korean and American.
INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON CONSUMER PURCHASING PATTERNS AND PREFERENCES FOR GROUND BEEF
Authors: BERRY B. W. , HASTY R. W.
Published: July 2007

A study of 198 household units in the Fort Collins, CO area was made to ascertain the importance of such factors as consumer age, income, education and marital status on the purchasing patterns for ground beef. Compared to younger consumers, older consumers tended to: (1) make more frequent purchases of ground beef; (2) buy less ground beef per purchase; and (3) select leaner ground beef. Households with gross incomes in excess of $25,000 tended to buy larger quantities of ground beef per purchase and bought leaner ground beef compared to households with less than $15,000 gross income. In making purchasing decisions, participants in the study considered leanness, visual appearance and price as the most important factors, while packaging and brand name were considered the least important factors.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF LOW‐INCOME URBAN FAMILIES
Authors: SCHNITTGRUND KAREN P. , BAKER† GEORGIANNE
Published: July 2007

The major focus of this research was the difference in financial management practices used by low‐income urban white, black, and Mexican‐American families. A random sample of 199 interviews was completed during the spring of 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A. The sample consisted of sixty‐nine white, seventy black, and sixty Mexican‐American families. Differences in financial behaviour did occur for each race. In addition, they were optimistic regarding their own ability to handle money and resolve financial problems but generally negative toward the ability of other families to manage money, use credit, and plan purchases.
HOUSEHOLD ECONOMICS AND ECONOMICS
Authors: HESSE KLAUS
Published: July 2007

Household economics is the study of the home or the household, and the part it plays within the economy. The following reflections are concerned with the national economy on one hand, the economy of the household on the other, and the relationship between the two, with special emphasis on the household. Two historical perspectives will be considered: the accumulation of factual materials, and the development of theories.
THE PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS STEREOTYPE USING DRESS AS A FACILITATOR
Authors: BUCKLEY HILDA MAYER , HAEFNER JAMES E.
Published: July 2007

Seventy‐two respondents completed a series of scales indicating their perceptions of a photographed bogus partner. Each partner was, in fact, the same person wearing a different form of dress. One of the judgments was a self‐rating of the physical attractiveness of the partner. ANOVA yielded significant effects for judgments of intelligence, morality, and psychological adjustment. For each judgment, significant differences were found between those who perceived their partners as attractive and neutrally attractive, and attractive and unattractive. These results support the hypothesis that the physical attractiveness stereotype can be extended to include the total body form.
Conceptual issues for integrated economic and social resource exchange theories*
Authors: RETTIG KATHRYN
Published: July 2007

The objectives of this paper are: (1) to contrast social and economic exchange assumptions, philosophies, reciprocities, valuation processes and problem‐solving behaviours for purposes of clarification of social and economic decision situations and as a step toward theoretical integration; (2) to present the position that exchange theory would be more useful in family research if economic and social exchange theories were more successfully integrated; (3) to request the continued co‐operation of family theorists in creating a theory which is useful in the interdependent social and economic domains of family life such as management; (4) to clarify the importance of this theoretical integration for more effective teaching and research in family resource management.
Consumer spending on designer jeans: an operant conditioning interpretation
Authors: FOXALL GORDON R.
Published: July 2007

The explanation of consumer spending on designer jeans in terms of classical conditioning is re‐examined in the light of an operant conditioning model. A plea is made for the rigorous use of behavioural explanations in consumer research.
Consumers' and retailers' practices and attitudes towards energy‐efficient clothing
Authors: FRANCIS SALLY K , BUTLER SARA L.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare the extent to which consumers and retailers consider energy efficiency in evaluating and selecting indoor sportswear. Little research has been conducted in which retail buyers are subjects; no published research has focused on a comparison of consumers and merchants in regard to their attitudes towards a specific product. The value of such research lies in determining whether a particular consumer need is being met. The results of the present study revealed that retail buyers were less concerned about energy‐efficient clothing than were consumers. Significant differences were found between the two groups for four of the nine variables studied. In all cases, consumers gave greater consideration to the energy efficiency of indoor sportswear than retail buyers believed. Further investigation of differences in consumers' and retailers' attitudes and practices is needed.
Fathers' involvement in household activities
Authors: RETTIG KATHRYN D. , METZGER NANCIE M.
Published: July 2007

This paper reports a study which examined the extent of the father's involvement in child rearing and traditionally female household work. The quality of life perceived by the husband, wife and oldest child in each family in the sample was assessed.
An application of the learning process to student use of microcomputers
Authors: KEAN RITA C.
Published: July 2007

Persons in the manufacturing and retail professions will continue to increase utilization of computer technology to assist in merchandising and management operations, and students need to be familiar with the use of technology as a tool.

Attention needs to be directed at the underlying objectives for using microcomputers in the learning process. This paper focuses on the intergration of selected cognitive principles of instruction for developing a course in which students use the microcomputer as an analytical and evaluative tool.
Consumer usage of unit pricing
Authors: BOYA UNAL O.
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the degree to which shoppers use unit price as a conventional piece of information to compare sizes and/or brands in supermarkets. Three‐hundred and seventy‐five shoppers were interviewed in a Kroger supermarket in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. About two‐thirds of all respondents said they used the unit price information while shopping. Slightly over 84% of those who understand how the unit price information can be used to make more economical choices said they used it. Shoppers with lower levels of education used unit price less than those with higher levels of education. The same pattern was observed between low‐income and high‐income shoppers as well as between blacks and whites. The number of shoppers who recalled using unit price to compare sizes was about the same as the number of people who recalled using it to compare brands.
Consumer understanding of food irradiation
Authors: FORD NORMA J. , RENNIE DENISE M.
Published: July 2007

The Government commissioned the Advisory Committee on Irradiated and Novel Foods (ACINF) to review the available data on the wholesomeness and safety of irradiated food. In 1986 the committee concluded that irradiation of food was safe and recommended that the process be legalized.

This research attempted to discover whether the public were willing to buy irradiated food, and the reasons for their views. It also focused upon people's understanding of food irradiation and the terminology currently used to describe other food processes.

There was an overwhelming reluctance on the part of respondents to say they would be willing to purchase irradiated food that was clearly linked in many cases to concerns about health risks. Generally people knew very little about the food irradiation process, but this was also found to be true for many commonly used food terms.

If food irradiation is to be a commercial success, the attitudes of the public to the process must be overcome. A public education programme that conveyed the advantages and potential disadvantages of the process would be a useful starting point. Nevertheless, it must be borne in mind that the underlying suspicion of irradiation may be deep rooted and have a continuing adverse effect.
Relative importance of country of origin as an attribute in apparel choices
Authors: DICKERSON KITTY G.
Published: July 2007

One hundred and eighty‐four consumers (62 men, 122 women) participated in a simulated shopping experiment to rank garments on the relative importance of price, origin, care, quality and style. Monotonic Analysis of Variance (MONANOVA), a conjoint analysis, was used in this exploratory study to determine relative importance of garment attributes for individuals, for men and women, and for the total group. Both men and women ranked the five garment attributes in the following order: origin, style, price, care and quality. Removal of original labels and the substitution of experimental labels may, however, have encouraged consumers to evaluate garments on origin in the absence of brand and store identification.
Appraisal of women's work
Authors: SINGAL SAVITA , BALAKRISHNAN REVATHI
Published: July 2007

Women's work in the developing country of India contributes to sectoral production in the national economy and household production in the family economy. A conceptual framework based on systems exchange assumption classifies women's work as formal sector, informal sector, household production and home production activities. Various economic evaluation methods related to unpaid household work can be applied to appraise the value of women's work. Farm women of Haryana have a 13‐hour workday in farm, dairy and home sectors. The estimated monetary value of the 13‐hour workday is Rs. 15–55.
Surveys on the rural way of life*
Authors: CÉCORA JAMES
Published: July 2007

The objective of this paper is to present the conceptual framework and some empirical results of our work at the Federal Agricultural Research Centre in Braunschweig in relation to the description of the current ‘rural way of life’ in the Federal Republic.1–3 A quantitative analysis of the ‘way of life’is attempted by examining the ‘subsistence technology’ used by rural survey households and their achieved ‘real consumption’.
Consumers' nutrition behaviour: an approach involving the concept of autonomy
Authors: GRUNERT SUSANNE C.
Published: July 2007

Studying misbehavioural patterns of food habits is very common in psychology and psychotherapy, but the normal range of nutrition behaviour has received little attention so far. Here, a new approach is presented. Starting from the boundary model of eating, it is discussed how external determinants of nutritional habits and practices interact with personality traits of the individual. Results of an exploratory study on possible relations between self‐statements on nutrition behaviour and the concept of autonomy confirm that the degree of an individual's self‐determination can be traced also in his eating behaviour.
Car prices and the degree of buyer sophistication
Authors: JUNG ALLEN F.
Published: July 2007

This study deals with price variations among car dealers. The major emphasis is on differences in prices quoted to prospective buyers based on their degree of sophistication. The value of bargaining in the price negotiation process is addressed. Prices are also compared based on dealer sales volume and dealer location.
How safe was Europe as a haven for savings?
Authors: BOGGIS FRED
Published: July 2007

The growth of specialized unit trusts rather than broader‐based general funds challenges individual investors with some difficult choices when entrusting their savings to fund managers. The problem involved are examined in the context of the development of the European Growth Unit Trust sector in the United Kingdom which is followed from birth to maturity.
Relationships between consumer characteristics and do‐it‐yourself behaviour (do‐it‐yourself activity)
Authors: SWARTZLANDER ANNE , BOWERS JEANS.
Published: July 2007

As an exploratory venture, this study was developed to identify variables related to the frequency of different types of do‐it‐yourself maintenance and repair activities, including homes, cars, and major appliances. The findings showed that the extent of do‐it‐yourself activity was related to gender, age, and education. Other results provide insight for further research.
Resource use: the complexity of time and energy management in clothing maintenance
Authors: KHAN SAMINA , ATER CAROLYN , HARP SHELLEY , JOHNSON KATHRYN
Published: July 2007

The research study examined time management and energy consumption with respect to clothing care. The investigation analysed data and information obtained in the NE‐113 Family Time‐Use Study collected in 1977–1978. Differences were found between urban and rural households and among different states. Occupational types of home manager, day of the week, education and age of children were variables accounting for differences in clothing care activities. The results have significance for a better understanding of how modem households meet the demands of clothing care management.
Perceptions of the discount retailer: an analysis of consumers' and managers' ideal discount store
Authors: MAHONEY MARIANNE YOUNG , STERNQUIST BRENDA
Published: July 2007

Consumers' and managers' perceived images of three discount department stores and a hypothetical ideal discount store were compared in this study. Results indicate that managers and consumers possess significantly different overall impressions of each store. Significant differences were also identified between the ideal amount of each attribute and the amount offered by the retailer.