bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of a Large, Conserved, and Syntenic Gene Family in Insects
Authors: Shah Neethu , Dorer Douglas R , Moriyama Etsuko N , Christensen Alan C
Published: February 2012

The Osiris gene family, first described in Drosophila melanogaster, is clustered in the genomes of all Drosophila species sequenced to date. In D. melanogaster, it explains the enigmatic phenomenon of the triplo-lethal and haploinsufficient locus Tpl. The synteny of Osiris genes in flies is well conserved, and it is one of the largest syntenic blocks in the Drosophila group. By examining the genome sequences of other insects in a wide range of taxonomic orders, we show here that the gene family is well-conserved and syntenic not only in the diptera but across the holometabolous and hemimetabolous insects. Osiris gene homologs have also been found in the expressed sequence tag sequences of various other insects but are absent from all groups that are not insects, including crustacea and arachnids. It is clear that the gene family evolved by gene duplication and neofunctionalization very soon after the divergence of the insects from other arthropods but before the divergence of the insects from one another and that the sequences and synteny have been maintained by selection ever since.
Narrowing Down the Mapping of Plant Sex-Determination Regions Using New Y-Chromosome-Specific Markers and Heavy-Ion Beam Irradiation-Induced Y-Deletion Mutants inSilene latifolia
Authors: Fujita Naoko , Torii Chihiro , Ishii Kotaro , Aonuma Wataru , Shimizu Yuji , Kazama Yusuke , Abe Tomoko , Kawano Shigeyuki
Published: February 2012

Silene latifolia is a well-studied model system for plant XY sex determination. Three maleness factors are thought to function on the Y chromosome, gynoecium suppression factor (GSF), stamen-promoting factor (SPF), and male fertility factor (MFF), and their deletions result in hermaphrodites, anther defects, and pollen defects, respectively. Although a framework map of the Y chromosome exists, the sex determination genes have not been identified, and no markers close enough to potentially be used for BAC library screening are yet available. The analysis of Y deletion mutants by Y-chromosome-specific STS markers is an efficient way to isolate sex determination regions, but more Y-specific STS markers are needed to accelerate the exploration of sex determination factors. Herein, we report a marker design method that uses simple sequence repeats, which is especially effective on the Y chromosome of S. latifolia because it contains many simple sequence repeats. Six new Y-chromosome-specific STS markers were obtained, SmicSy1–6. These were used to detect relatively small Y deletion sites in heavy-ion beam irradiation-induced mutants. The mapping of male sex determination regions was narrowed down by using more markers and smaller-sized Y deletion mutants. One new marker, SmicSy6, is a proximal marker to SPF and, thus, a second index for SPF. The region including SPF is thought to be located between two SPF proximal markers. The flower phenotype correlates with the deletion size of SPF using SPF proximal markers. These findings represent new progress in isolating the sex determination factor, which has been studied for more than 50 years.
Whole-Genome Sequencing ofSordaria macrosporaMutants Identifies Developmental Genes
Authors: Nowrousian Minou , Teichert Ines , Masloff Sandra , Kück Ulrich
Published: February 2012

The study of mutants to elucidate gene functions has a long and successful history; however, to discover causative mutations in mutants that were generated by random mutagenesis often takes years of laboratory work and requires previously generated genetic and/or physical markers, or resources like DNA libraries for complementation. Here, we present an alternative method to identify defective genes in developmental mutants of the filamentous fungus Sordaria macrospora through Illumina/Solexa whole-genome sequencing. We sequenced pooled DNA from progeny of crosses of three mutants and the wild type and were able to pinpoint the causative mutations in the mutant strains through bioinformatics analysis. One mutant is a spore color mutant, and the mutated gene encodes a melanin biosynthesis enzyme. The causative mutation is a G to A change in the first base of an intron, leading to a splice defect. The second mutant carries an allelic mutation in the pro41 gene encoding a protein essential for sexual development. In the mutant, we detected a complex pattern of deletion/rearrangements at the pro41 locus. In the third mutant, a point mutation in the stop codon of a transcription factor-encoding gene leads to the production of immature fruiting bodies. For all mutants, transformation with a wild type-copy of the affected gene restored the wild-type phenotype. Our data demonstrate that whole-genome sequencing of mutant strains is a rapid method to identify developmental genes in an organism that can be genetically crossed and where a reference genome sequence is available, even without prior mapping information.
Extent With Modification: Leg Patterning in the BeetleTribolium castaneumand the Evolution of Serial Homologs
Authors: Angelini David R , Smith Frank W , Jockusch Elizabeth L
Published: February 2012

Serial homologs are similar structures that develop at different positions within a body plan. These structures share some, but not all, aspects of developmental patterning, and their evolution is thought to be constrained by shared, pleiotropic gene functions. Here we describe the functions of 17 developmental genes during metamorphic development of the legs in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. This study provides informative comparisons between appendage development in Drosophila melanogaster and T. castaneum, between embryonic and adult development in T. castaneum, and between the development of serially homologous appendages. The leg gap genes Distal-less and dachshund are conserved in function. Notch signaling, the zinc-finger transcription factors related to odd-skipped, and bric-à-brac have conserved functions in promoting joint development. homothorax knockdown alters the identity of proximal leg segments but does not reduce growth. Lim1 is required for intermediate leg development but not distal tarsus and pretarsus development as in D. melanogaster. Development of the tarsus requires decapentaplegic, rotund, spineless, abrupt, and bric-à-brac and the EGF ligand encoded by Keren. Metathoracic legs of T. castaneum have four tarsomeres, whereas other legs have five. Patterns of gene activity in the tarsus suggest that patterning in the middle of the tarsal region, not the proximal- or distal-most areas, is responsible for this difference in segment number. Through comparisons with other recent studies of T. castaneum appendage development, we test hypotheses for the modularity or interdependence of development during evolution of serial homologs.
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Quantitative Traits in Outbred Mice
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Korstanje Ron , Thaisz Jill , Staedtler Frank , Harttman Nicole , Xu Lingfei , Feng Minjie , Yanas Liane , Yang Hyuna , Valdar William , Churchill Gary A , DiPetrillo Keith
Published: February 2012

Recent developments in high-density genotyping and statistical analysis methods that have enabled genome-wide association studies in humans can also be applied to outbred mouse populations. Increased recombination in outbred populations is expected to provide greater mapping resolution than traditional inbred line crosses, improving prospects for identifying the causal genes. We carried out genome-wide association mapping by using 288 mice from a commercially available outbred stock; NMRI mice were genotyped with a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism array to map loci influencing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels, glucose, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios. We found significant associations (P < 10−5) with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and identified Apoa2 and Scarb1, both of which have been previously reported, as candidate genes for these associations. Additional suggestive associations (P < 10−3) identified in this study were also concordant with published quantitative trait loci, suggesting that we are sampling from a limited pool of genetic diversity that has already been well characterized. These findings dampen our enthusiasm for currently available commercial outbred stocks as genetic mapping resources and highlight the need for new outbred populations with greater genetic diversity. Despite the lack of novel associations in the NMRI population, our analysis strategy illustrates the utility of methods that could be applied to genome-wide association studies in humans.
Expression Quantitative Trait Loci for Extreme Host Response to Influenza A in Pre-Collaborative Cross Mice
Authors: Bottomly Daniel , Ferris Martin T , Aicher Lauri D , Rosenzweig Elizabeth , Whitmore Alan , Aylor David L , Haagmans Bart L , Gralinski Lisa E , Bradel-Tretheway Birgit G , Bryan Janine T , Threadgill David W , de Villena Fernando Pardo-Manuel , Baric Ralph S , Katze Michael G , Heise Mark , McWeeney Shannon K
Published: February 2012

Outbreaks of influenza occur on a yearly basis, causing a wide range of symptoms across the human population. Although evidence exists that the host response to influenza infection is influenced by genetic differences in the host, this has not been studied in a system with genetic diversity mirroring that of the human population. Here we used mice from 44 influenza-infected pre-Collaborative Cross lines determined to have extreme phenotypes with regard to the host response to influenza A virus infection. Global transcriptome profiling identified 2671 transcripts that were significantly differentially expressed between mice that showed a severe (“high”) and mild (“low”) response to infection. Expression quantitative trait loci mapping was performed on those transcripts that were differentially expressed because of differences in host response phenotype to identify putative regulatory regions potentially controlling their expression. Twenty-one significant expression quantitative trait loci were identified, which allowed direct examination of genes associated with regulation of host response to infection. To perform initial validation of our findings, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed in the infected founder strains, and we were able to confirm or partially confirm more than 70% of those tested. In addition, we explored putative causal and reactive (downstream) relationships between the significantly regulated genes and others in the high or low response groups using structural equation modeling. By using systems approaches and a genetically diverse population, we were able to develop a novel framework for identifying the underlying biological subnetworks under host genetic control during influenza virus infection.
Ten Years of the Collaborative Cross
Authors: Threadgill David W , Churchill Gary A
Published: February 2012

The February 2012 issues of GENETICS and G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics present a collection of articles reporting recent advances from the international Collaborative Cross (CC) project. The goal of the CC project is to develop a new resource that will enhance quantitative trait locus (QTL) and systems genetic analyses in mice. The CC consists of hundreds of independently bred, octo-parental recombinant inbred lines (Figure 1). The work reported in these issues represents progress toward completion of the CC, proof-of-principle experiments using incipient inbred CC mice, and new research areas and complementary resources facilitated by the CC project.
Chromatin and Transcription in Yeast
Authors: Rando Oliver J , Winston Fred
Published: February 2012

Understanding the mechanisms by which chromatin structure controls eukaryotic transcription has been an intense area of investigation for the past 25 years. Many of the key discoveries that created the foundation for this field came from studies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including the discovery of the role of chromatin in transcriptional silencing, as well as the discovery of chromatin-remodeling factors and histone modification activities. Since that time, studies in yeast have continued to contribute in leading ways. This review article summarizes the large body of yeast studies in this field.
High-Resolution Genetic Mapping Using the Mouse Diversity Outbred Population
Authors: Svenson Karen L , Gatti Daniel M , Valdar William , Welsh Catherine E , Cheng Riyan , Chesler Elissa J , Palmer Abraham A , McMillan Leonard , Churchill Gary A
Published: February 2012

The JAX Diversity Outbred population is a new mouse resource derived from partially inbred Collaborative Cross strains and maintained by randomized outcrossing. As such, it segregates the same allelic variants as the Collaborative Cross but embeds these in a distinct population architecture in which each animal has a high degree of heterozygosity and carries a unique combination of alleles. Phenotypic diversity is striking and often divergent from phenotypes seen in the founder strains of the Collaborative Cross. Allele frequencies and recombination density in early generations of Diversity Outbred mice are consistent with expectations based on simulations of the mating design. We describe analytical methods for genetic mapping using this resource and demonstrate the power and high mapping resolution achieved with this population by mapping a serum cholesterol trait to a 2-Mb region on chromosome 3 containing only 11 genes. Analysis of the estimated allele effects in conjunction with complete genome sequence data of the founder strains reduced the pool of candidate polymorphisms to seven SNPs, five of which are located in an intergenic region upstream of the Foxo1 gene.
The Genome Architecture of the Collaborative Cross Mouse Genetic Reference Population
Authors:   Collaborative Cross Consortium
Published: February 2012

The Collaborative Cross Consortium reports here on the development of a unique genetic resource population. The Collaborative Cross (CC) is a multiparental recombinant inbred panel derived from eight laboratory mouse inbred strains. Breeding of the CC lines was initiated at multiple international sites using mice from The Jackson Laboratory. Currently, this innovative project is breeding independent CC lines at the University of North Carolina (UNC), at Tel Aviv University (TAU), and at Geniad in Western Australia (GND). These institutions aim to make publicly available the completed CC lines and their genotypes and sequence information. We genotyped, and report here, results from 458 extant lines from UNC, TAU, and GND using a custom genotyping array with 7500 SNPs designed to be maximally informative in the CC and used a novel algorithm to infer inherited haplotypes directly from hybridization intensity patterns. We identified lines with breeding errors and cousin lines generated by splitting incipient lines into two or more cousin lines at early generations of inbreeding. We then characterized the genome architecture of 350 genetically independent CC lines. Results showed that founder haplotypes are inherited at the expected frequency, although we also consistently observed highly significant transmission ratio distortion at specific loci across all three populations. On chromosome 2, there is significant overrepresentation of WSB/EiJ alleles, and on chromosome X, there is a large deficit of CC lines with CAST/EiJ alleles. Linkage disequilibrium decays as expected and we saw no evidence of gametic disequilibrium in the CC population as a whole or in random subsets of the population. Gametic equilibrium in the CC population is in marked contrast to the gametic disequilibrium present in a large panel of classical inbred strains. Finally, we discuss access to the CC population and to the associated raw data describing the genetic structure of individual lines. Integration of rich phenotypic and genomic data over time and across a wide variety of fields will be vital to delivering on one of the key attributes of the CC, a common genetic reference platform for identifying causative variants and genetic networks determining traits in mammals.
Genotype Probabilities at Intermediate Generations in the Construction of Recombinant Inbred Lines
Authors: Broman Karl W
Published: February 2012

The mouse Collaborative Cross (CC) is a panel of eight-way recombinant inbred lines: eight diverse parental strains are intermated, followed by repeated sibling mating, many times in parallel, to create a new set of inbred lines whose genomes are random mosaics of the genomes of the original eight strains. Many generations are required to reach inbreeding, and so a number of investigators have sought to make use of phenotype and genotype data on mice from intermediate generations during the formation of the CC lines (so-called pre-CC mice). The development of a hidden Markov model for genotype reconstruction in such pre-CC mice, on the basis of incompletely informative genetic markers (such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms), formally requires the two-locus genotype probabilities at an arbitrary generation along the path to inbreeding. In this article, I describe my efforts to calculate such probabilities. While closed-form solutions for the two-locus genotype probabilities could not be derived, I provide a prescription for calculating such probabilities numerically. In addition, I present a number of useful quantities, including single-locus genotype probabilities, two-locus haplotype probabilities, and the fixation probability and map expansion at each generation along the course to inbreeding.
Preparation of amorphous aluminium ammonium phosphates
Authors: Grzmil Barbara , Łuczka Kinga , Gleń Marta
Published: February 2012

A method for obtaining of amorphous aluminium ammonium phosphates is developed. The statistical program STATISTICA 9 is used for planning and evaluation of the experiments. Research is carried out according to the Box-Behnken model for the following values of independent variables (input factors): pH: 6.0 ± 2; concentration of reagents: 40 ± 10 wt%, molar ratio of NH4+:PO43- in substrates (2 ± 1:1) i.e. Al3+:NH4+:PO43- (0.66:1-3:1). On the basis of this research, process parameters are determined, in which materials with the expected physicochemical properties (chemical composition, specific surface area, oil absorption number) can be obtained.
Effect of manganese on the thermostability and reducibility of cobalt nanomaterials.
Authors: Lendzion-Bieluń Zofia
Published: February 2012

Cobalt nanomaterials with promoters have been prepared by precipitation followed by calcination and impregnation method. The obtained materials are characterized by ICP, H2-TPR, BET and XRD. A small addition of manganese increases the specific surface area of cobalt nanomaterials and thermostability under reduction atmosphere. Bulk Co3O4 has been reduced in two steps (Co3+→Co2+→Co). A small addition of manganese to the cobalt oxide shifts the reduction peaks to high temperatures.
Restoring native fish assemblages to a regulated California stream using the natural flow regime concept
Authors: Kiernan Joseph D. , Moyle Peter B. , Crain Patrick K.
Published: February 2012

We examined the response of fishes to establishment of a new flow regime in lower Putah Creek, a regulated stream in California, USA. The new flow regime was designed to mimic the seasonal timing of natural increases and decreases in stream flow. We monitored fish assemblages annually at six sample sites distributed over ∼30 km of stream for eight years before and nine years after the new flow regime was implemented. Our purpose was to determine whether more natural stream flow patterns would reestablish native fishes and reduce the abundances of alien (nonnative) fishes. At the onset of our study, native fishes were constrained to habitat immediately (<1 km) below the diversion dam, and alien species were numerically dominant at all downstream sample sites. Following implementation of the new flow regime, native fishes regained dominance across more than 20 km of lower Putah Creek. We propose that the expansion of native fishes was facilitated by creation of favorable spawning and rearing conditions (e.g., elevated springtime flows), cooler water temperatures, maintenance of lotic (flowing) conditions over the length of the creek, and displacement of alien species by naturally occurring high‐discharge events. Importantly, restoration of native fishes was achieved by manipulating stream flows at biologically important times of the year and only required a small increase in the total volume of water delivered downstream (i.e., water that was not diverted for other uses) during most water years. Our results validate that natural flow regimes can be used to effectively manipulate and manage fish assemblages in regulated rivers.
Decoupling of component and ensemble density feedbacks in birds and mammals
Authors: Herrando-Pérez Salvador , Delean Steven , Brook Barry W. , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: February 2012

A component density feedback represents the effect of change in population size on single demographic rates, whereas an ensemble density feedback captures that effect on the overall growth rate of a population. Given that a population's growth rate is a synthesis of the interplay of all demographic rates operating in a population, we test the hypothesis that the strength of ensemble density feedback must augment with increasing strength of component density feedback, using long‐term censuses of population size, fertility, and survival rates of 109 bird and mammal populations (97 species). We found that compensatory and depensatory component feedbacks were common (each detected in ∼50% of the demographic rates). However, component feedback strength only explained <10% of the variation in ensemble feedback strength. To explain why, we illustrate the different sources of decoupling between component and ensemble feedbacks. We argue that the management of anthropogenic impacts on populations using component feedbacks alone is ill‐advised, just as managing on the basis of ensemble feedbacks without a mechanistic understanding of the contributions made by its components and environmental variability can lead to suboptimal decisions.
Herbivory reduces plant interactions with above‐ and belowground antagonists and mutualists
Authors: Barber Nicholas A. , Adler Lynn S. , Theis Nina , Hazzard Ruth V. , Kiers E. Toby
Published: February 2012

Herbivores affect plants through direct effects, such as tissue damage, and through indirect effects that alter species interactions. Interactions may be positive or negative, so indirect effects have the potential to enhance or lessen the net impacts of herbivores. Despite the ubiquity of these interactions, the indirect pathways are considerably less understood than the direct effects of herbivores, and multiple indirect pathways are rarely studied simultaneously. We placed herbivore effects in a comprehensive community context by studying how herbivory influences plant interactions with antagonists and mutualists both aboveground and belowground. We manipulated early‐season aboveground herbivore damage to Cucumis sativus (cucumber, Cucurbitaceae) and measured interactions with subsequent aboveground herbivores, root‐feeding herbivores, pollinators, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We quantified plant growth and reproduction and used an enhanced pollination treatment to determine if plants were pollen limited. Increased herbivory reduced interactions with both antagonists and mutualists. Plants with high levels of early herbivory were significantly less likely to suffer leaf damage later in the summer and tended to be less attacked by root herbivores. Herbivory also reduced pollinator visitation, likely due to fewer and smaller flowers, and reduced AMF colonization. The net effect of herbivory on plant growth and reproduction was strongly negative, but lower fruit and seed production were not due to reduced pollinator visits, because reproduction was not pollen limited. Although herbivores influenced interactions between plants and other organisms, these effects appear to be weaker than the direct negative effects of early‐season tissue loss.
Associations Between Socioeconomic Status and Allostatic Load: Effects of Neighborhood Poverty and Tests of Mediating Pathways
Authors: Schulz Amy J. , Mentz Graciela , Lachance Laurie , Johnson Jonetta , Gaines Causandra , Israel Barbara A.
Published: February 2012

Objectives. We examined relationships between neighborhood poverty and allostatic load in a low- to moderate-income multiracial urban community. We tested the hypothesis that neighborhood poverty is associated with allostatic load, controlling for household poverty. We also examined the hypotheses that this association was mediated by psychosocial stress and health-related behaviors.

Methods. We conducted multilevel analyses using cross-sectional data from a probability sample survey in Detroit, Michigan (n = 919) and the 2000 US Census. The outcome measure was allostatic load. Independent variables included neighborhood and household poverty, psychosocial stress, and health-related behaviors. Covariates included neighborhood and individual demographic characteristics.

Results. Neighborhood poverty was positively associated with allostatic load (P < .05), independent of household poverty and controlling for potential confounders. Relationships between neighborhood poverty were mediated by self-reported neighborhood environment stress but not by health-related behaviors.

Conclusions. Neighborhood poverty is associated with wear and tear on physiological systems, and this relationship is mediated through psychosocial stress. These relationships are evident after accounting for household poverty levels. Efforts to promote health equity should focus on neighborhood poverty, associated stressful environmental conditions, and household poverty.
Syndemic Theory and HIV-Related Risk Among Young Transgender Women: The Role of Multiple, Co-Occurring Health Problems and Social Marginalization
Authors: Brennan Julia , Kuhns Lisa M. , Johnson Amy K. , Belzer Marvin , Wilson Erin C. , Garofalo Robert ,   the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions
Published: February 2012

Objectives. We assessed whether multiple psychosocial factors are additive in their relationship to sexual risk behavior and self-reported HIV status (i.e., can be characterized as a syndemic) among young transgender women and the relationship of indicators of social marginalization to psychosocial factors.

Methods. Participants (n = 151) were aged 15 to 24 years and lived in Chicago or Los Angeles. We collected data on psychosocial factors (low self-esteem, polysubstance use, victimization related to transgender identity, and intimate partner violence) and social marginalization indicators (history of commercial sex work, homelessness, and incarceration) through an interviewer-administered survey.

Results. Syndemic factors were positively and additively related to sexual risk behavior and self-reported HIV infection. In addition, our syndemic index was significantly related to 2 indicators of social marginalization: a history of sex work and previous incarceration.

Conclusions. These findings provide evidence for a syndemic of co-occurring psychosocial and health problems in young transgender women, taking place in a context of social marginalization.
Contribution of Communication Inequalities to Disparities in Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Awareness and Knowledge
Authors: Kontos Emily Z. , Emmons Karen M. , Puleo Elaine , Viswanath K.
Published: February 2012

Objectives. We examined the association of Internet-related communication inequalities on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine awareness and infection knowledge.

Methods. We drew data from National Cancer Institute’s 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (n = 7674). We estimated multivariable logistic regression models to assess Internet use and Internet health information seeking on HPV vaccine awareness and infection knowledge.

Results. Non–Internet users, compared with general Internet users, had significantly lower odds of being aware of the HPV vaccine (odds ratio [OR] = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34, 0.51) and knowing that HPV causes cervical cancer (OR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.52, 0.95). Among general health information seekers, non–Internet seekers compared with Internet information seekers exhibit significantly lower odds of HPV vaccine awareness (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.46, 0.75), and of knowing about the link between HPV infection and cervical cancer (OR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.63, 0.99) and the sexual transmission of HPV (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.57, 0.89). Among cancer information seekers, there were no differences in outcomes between Internet seekers and non–Internet seekers.

Conclusions. Use of a communication channel, such as the Internet, whose use is already socially and racially patterned, may widen observed disparities in vaccine completion rates.
The Effects of Smoking-Related Television Advertising on Smoking and Intentions to Quit Among Adults in the United States: 1999–2007
Authors: Emery Sherry , Kim Yoonsang , Choi Young Ku , Szczypka Glen , Wakefield Melanie , Chaloupka Frank J.
Published: February 2012

Objectives. We investigated whether state-sponsored antitobacco advertisements are associated with reduced adult smoking, and interactions between smoking-related advertising types.

Methods. We measured mean exposure to smoking-related advertisements with television ratings for the top-75 US media markets from 1999 to 2007. We combined these data with individual-level Current Population Surveys Tobacco Use Supplement data and state tobacco control policy data.

Results. Higher exposure to state-sponsored, Legacy, and pharmaceutical advertisements was associated with less smoking; higher exposure to tobacco industry advertisements was associated with more smoking. Higher exposure to state- and Legacy-sponsored advertisements was positively associated with intentions to quit and having made a past-year quit attempt; higher exposure to ads for pharmaceutical cessation aids was negatively associated with having made a quit attempt. There was a significant negative interaction between state- and Legacy-sponsored advertisements.

Conclusions. Exposure to state-sponsored advertisements was far below Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–recommended best practices. The significant negative relationships between antismoking advertising and adult smoking provide strong evidence that tobacco-control media campaigns help reduce adult smoking. The significant negative interaction between state- and Legacy-sponsored advertising suggests that the campaigns reinforce one another.
The Role of Health Systems and Policies in Promoting Safe Delivery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Kruk Margaret E , Prescott Marta R.
Published: February 2012

We aimed to measure the contribution of national factors, particularly health system characteristics, to the individual likelihood of professionally attended delivery (“safe delivery”) for women in low- and middle-income countries. Using Demographic and Health Survey data for 165 774 women in 31 countries, we estimated multilevel logistic regression models to measure the contribution of national economic and health system characteristics to likelihood of attended delivery. More health workers, higher national income, urbanization, and lower income inequality were associated with higher odds of attended delivery. Macrosocial factors increase utilization of attended delivery and may be more efficient in reducing maternal mortality than are interventions aimed at individual women.
Continued Increases in the Relative Risk of Death From Smoking
Authors: Mehta Neil , Preston Samuel
Published: February 2012

Objectives. We examined changes in the relative risk of death among current and former smokers over recent decades in the United States.

Methods. Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were linked to subsequent deaths. We calculated age-standardized death rates by gender and smoking status, and estimated multivariate discrete time logit regression models.

Results. The risk of death for a smoker compared with that for a never-smoker increased by 25.4% from 1987 to 2006 based on NHIS data. Analysis of NHANES data from 1971 to 2006 showed an even faster annual increase in the relative risk of death for current smokers. Former smokers also showed an increasing relative risk of death, although the increase was slower than that among current smokers and not always statistically significant. These trends were not related to increasing educational selectivity of smokers or increased smoking intensity or duration among current smokers. Smokers may have become more adversely selected on other health-related variables.

Conclusions. A continuing increase in the relative risk of death for current and former smokers suggests that the contribution of smoking to national mortality patterns is not decreasing as rapidly as would be implied by the decreasing prevalence of smoking among Americans.
Rapid HIV Testing in Dental Practices
Authors: Siegel Karolynn , Abel Stephen N. , Pereyra Margaret , Liguori Terri , Pollack Harold A. , Metsch Lisa R.
Published: February 2012

Despite increasing discussion about the dental care setting as a logical, potentially fruitful venue for rapid HIV testing, dentists’ willingness to take on this task is unclear. Semistructured interviews with 40 private practice dentists revealed their principal concerns regarding offering patients HIV testing were false results, offending patients, viewing HIV testing as outside the scope of licensure, anticipating low patient acceptance of HIV testing in a dental setting, expecting inadequate reimbursement, and potential negative impact on the practice. Dentists were typically not concerned about transmission risks, staff opposition to testing, or making referrals for follow-up after a positive result. A larger cultural change may be required to engage dentists more actively in primary prevention and population-based HIV screening.
Benefits and Effectiveness of Administering Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine With Seasonal Influenza Vaccine: An Approach for Policymakers
Authors: Gilchrist Shawn A. N. , Nanni Angeline , Levine Orin
Published: February 2012

For the influenza pandemic of 2009–2010, countries responded to the direct threat of influenza but may have missed opportunities and strategies to limit secondary pneumococcal infections. Delivering both vaccines together can potentially increase pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) immunization rates and prevent additional hospitalizations and mortality in the elderly and other high-risk groups.

We used PubMed to review the literature on the concomitant use of PPV23 with seasonal influenza vaccines. Eight of 9 clinical studies found that a concomitant program conferred clinical benefits. The 2 studies that compared the cost-effectiveness of different strategies found concomitant immunization to be more cost-effective than either vaccine given alone.

Policymakers should consider a stepwise strategy to reduce the burden of secondary pneumococcal infections during seasonal and pandemic influenza outbreaks.
A Dangerous  Curve: The Role of History in America's Scoliosis Screening Programs
Authors: Linker Beth
Published: February 2012

In 2004, the US Preventive Services Task Force called for an end to scoliosis screening in US public schools. However, screening endures, although most nations have ended their screening programs. Why? Explanations range from America's unique fee-for-service health care system and its encouragement of high-cost medical specialism to the nation's captivation with new surgeries and technologies. I highlight another, more historical, reason: the persistence of the belief that spinal curvature is a sign of a progressive disease or disability. Despite improved health and the mid-20th-century discovery of antibiotics and vaccines that all but eradicated the diseases historically associated with scoliosis (e.g., polio and tuberculosis), the health fears associated with spinal curvature never fully dissipated. Scoliosis is still seen as a “dangerous curve,” although the exact nature of the health risk remains unclear.
Exposure to Natural Cold and Heat: Hypothermia and Hyperthermia Medicare Claims, United States, 2004–2005
Authors: Noe Rebecca S. , Jin Jill O. , Wolkin Amy F.
Published: February 2012

Objectives. We measured the burden of hypothermia- and hyperthermia-related health care visits, identified risk factors, and determined the health care costs associated with environmental heat or cold exposure among Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods. We obtained Medicare fee-for-service claims data of inpatient and outpatient health care visits for hypothermia and hyperthermia from 2004 to 2005. We examined the distribution and differences of visits by age, sex, race, geographic regions, and direct costs. We estimated rate ratios to determine risk factors.

Results. Hyperthermia-related visits (n = 10 007) were more frequent than hypothermia-related visits (n = 8761) for both years. However, hypothermia-related visits resulted in more deaths (359 vs 42), higher mortality rates (0.50 per 100 000 vs 0.06 per 100 000), higher inpatient rates (5.29 per 100 000 vs 1.76 per 100 000), longer hospital stays (median days = 4 vs 2), and higher total health care costs ($98 million vs $36 million).

Conclusions. This study highlighted the magnitude of these preventable conditions among older adults and disabled persons and the burden on the Medicare system. These results can help target public education and preparedness activities for extreme weather events.
Destigmatizing Alcohol Dependence: The Requirement for an Ethical (Not Only Medical) Remedy
Authors: Williamson Laura
Published: February 2012

The disease model of alcohol dependence or “alcoholism” is often presented as the linchpin in addressing the condition successfully. It has been argued, for example, that adopting a medical approach will reduce the stigma that impedes the provision and acceptance of treatment. However, the medical paradigm has existed for many years without significantly affecting the negative social attitudes that surround dependence.

I argue that a reductive scientific approach is not equipped to address the socioethical tensions that dependence creates.

To lessen the stigmatization of dependence, it is important to integrate ethical analysis into policy debates on the condition.
Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of Short Fiber-Reinforced Composite Resin in Posterior Teeth: 12-Months Report
Authors: Garoushi S , Tanner J , Vallittu PK , Lassila L
Published: February 2012

This preliminary clinical trial evaluated 12 month clinical performance of novel filling composite resin system which combines short fiber-reinforced composite resin and conventional particulate filler composite resin in high stress bearing applications. A total of 37 class I and II restorations (compound and complex type) were placed in 6 premolars and 31 molars. The restorations were reviewed clinically at 6 months (baseline) and 12 months using modified USPHS codes change criteria for marginal adaptation, post-operative sensitivity, pulpal pain and secondary caries criteria. Photographs and x-rays were obtained for restorative analysis. Results of 12 months evaluation showed 5 restorations having little marginal leakage (B score) and 1 patient had minor pulpal symptom and post-operative sensitivity (B score). No secondary caries or bulk fracture was detected. The majority of restorations exhibited A scores of the evaluated criteria. After 12 months, restorations combining base of short fiber reinforced composite resin as substructure and surface layer of hybrid composite resin displayed promising performance in high load bearing areas.
The Use of a Disclosing Agent During Resective Periodontal Surgery for
Improved Removal of Biofilm
Authors: Montevecchi Marco , Checchi Vittorio , Gatto Maria Rosaria , Klein Sascha , Checchi Luigi
Published: February 2012

A total removal of the bacterial deposits is one of the main challenges of periodontal therapy. A surgical approach is sometimes required in order to allow a correct access to the areas not thoroughly reached during the initial therapy. The present study focuses on the surgical scaling effectiveness in root deposits removal; the potential support of a disclosing agent during this procedure is also evaluated. Forty surgical periodontal patients were randomly divided between surgeries where the operator was informed about a final examination of the residual root deposits and surgeries where the operator was not informed. Straight after scaling procedures a supervisor recorded the O’Leary Plaque Index of the exposed roots by mean of a disclosing agent and the percentage of teeth with residual biofilm. After the stained deposits removal, a second chromatic examination was performed and new data were collected. Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon test for paired samples were used for comparisons respectively between the two surgery groups and the first and the second chromatic examination; one-sided p-value was set at 0.05. At first examination no significant differences between the two groups were observed regarding Plaque Index (p=0.24) and percentages of teeth with residual biofilm (p=0.07). The 100% removal of roots deposits was never achieved during the study but a significant reduction of 80% of root deposits was observed between first and second examination (p=0.0001). Since root deposits removal during periodontal surgery resulted always suboptimal, the use of a disclosing agent during this procedure could be a useful and practical aid.
Influence of Land Use Land Cover on Cyclone Track Prediction – A Study During Aila Cyclone
Authors: V.S. Badarinath K. , V. Mahalakshmi D. , Bishoyi Ratna Satyaban
Published: February 2012

Land-surface processes are one of the important drivers for weather and climate systems over the tropics. Realistic representation of land surface processes in mesoscale models over the region will help accurate simulation of numerical forecasts. The present study examines the influence of Land Use/ Land Cover Change (LULC) on the forecasting of cyclone intensity and track prediction using Mesoscale Model (MM5). Gridded land use/land cover data set over the Indian region compatible with the MM5 model were generated from Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-P6) Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) for the year 2007-2008. A case study of simulation of ‘Aila’ cyclone has been considered to see the impact of these two sets of LULC data with the use of MM5 model. Results of the study indicated that incorporation of current land use/land cover data sets in mesoscale model provides better forecasting of cyclonic
track.
Auditor Resignations and the Importance of Monitoring Client Acceptance Risk
Authors: Irving James H. , Walker Paul L.
Published: February 2012

We summarize our recently published study in Accounting Horizons (Catanach et al. 2011) that examines client acceptance patterns and client outcomes following auditor resignations. We used a sample of auditor resignations to examine two issues: (1) why accounting firms assume the role of successor auditor on these presumably risky engagements, and (2) the future outcomes of clients accepted by these successor auditors. We find that smaller accounting firms accept the successor auditor role for resigned clients at a considerably greater rate than do larger firms. Additionally, resigned clients accepted by smaller firms are riskier on several dimensions than those accepted by larger firms. Furthermore, resigned clients accepted by smaller firms are associated with weaker long-term financial ratios, shorter survival tenures, and a greater likelihood of adverse outcomes relative to those accepted by larger firms. We offer related insights for practitioners.
How Effective are Organizations' Internal Controls? Insights into Specific Internal Control Elements
Authors: Hermanson Dana R. , Smith Jason L. , Stephens Nathaniel M.
Published: February 2012

Based on survey responses from approximately 500 Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) and other internal auditors, this article provides an insider's view of the perceived strength of organizations' internal controls (i.e., internal control over financial reporting) in the Control Environment, Risk Assessment, and Monitoring components of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations' (COSO 1992a) Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Although the respondents largely rate control strength as relatively high, we identify several areas for potential improvement of internal controls, especially related to assessing the “tone at the top,” as well as following up on deviations from policy and management override of controls. In analyzing individual control elements, we find that public companies' controls are consistently rated as more effective than those of other organizations. We also find a number of interesting differences across key industries, especially in the Monitoring component, where banks and other financial services firms appear to have more robust Monitoring controls than do healthcare and other services firms. The component-level analysis reveals that internal control component strength is positively related to the CAE reporting primarily to the audit committee, public company status, and the average tenure of the internal audit function staff, among other findings. Based on the survey findings, we describe key implications relevant to internal and external auditors, accounting researchers and educators, and management.
The Non-Impact of Paper Color on Exam Performance
Authors: Meyer Michael J. , Bagwell Jennifer
Published: February 2012

This study attempts to determine if the conclusions of Fordham and Hayes (2009) can be confirmed to include exam performance (they study only quiz performance) by examining the impact of paper color on student final exam performance. One thousand three hundred seventy-two final exams were evaluated covering ten academic quarters, from the Winter 2007 through the Winter 2011. Over this time period, eight different paper colors were used, including seven pastel colors and white. The results show that paper color has no impact on student exam performance and that paper color and student exam performance are independent factors. If we assume that students are motivated to take a final exam and less so to take a quiz, then student motivation (as per Soldat et al. 1997) may be a plausible explanation for the differing results between this study and Fordham and Hayes (2009). The results of this study suggest there may not be a need to restrict the use of pastel paper color on exams, although we describe some evidence and opinions that suggest certain paper colors, including white, may impact those with certain disabilities (i.e., dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder [ADD], and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD]). Further, we determine that the widespread use of colored paper may be somewhat of a U.S. phenomenon.
AACSB International: An Update and Perspective
Authors: Trapnell Jerry E. , Williams Jan R.
Published: February 2012

AACSB International has been through a transformational process since 2000 expanding its focus as solely a business school and accounting accreditation body to a broader member services organization. Business and accounting accreditation remain cornerstones of the mission of the organization but its expanded services in support of business schools and accounting program are designed to enhance the value of AACSB accreditation and to foster continuous improvement on a global basis. This paper provides an overview of the different areas of AACSB's activities and outlines current initiatives that will influence the organization's activities for the next 10 to 20 years.