bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time PCR identification and detection of Fuscoporia torulosa in Quercus ilex
Authors: Campanile G. , Schena L. , Luisi N.
Published: September 2007

Fuscoporia torulosa is the causal agent of white alveolar wood decay on several species including a large number of forest trees. Early detection of the fungus is essential to identify diseased trees before spread occurs to healthy plants. However, current detection methods based on isolation from infected tissues on semi‐selective media are laborious, time consuming and require expertise in identifying the pathogen after isolation. In the present study, a rapid and reliable Scorpion‐PCR based molecular method to identify and detect F. torulosa in planta was developed in a highly polymorphic portion of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Specificity of primers and probe was assessed by means of both BLAST analyses and by using genomic DNA from 131 F. torulosa isolates and 43 other fungi and oomycetes from different hosts and geographic areas. In Scorpion‐PCR the limit of detection was 1 pg of total DNA and a high correlation (r2 = 0·996) was achieved between target DNA quantity and cycle threshold (Ct). Real‐time PCR combined with effective procedures for DNA extraction enabled the detection of F. torulosa from naturally infected tissues of oaks with and without fruit bodies in approximately 6 h. Comparative testing showed that detection of F. torulosa in wood samples is more sensitive and reliable with real‐time PCR than with conventional isolation.
Dendritic Cell Regeneration in the Bone Marrow of Children Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Laane E. , Björklund E. , Mazur J. , Lönnerholm G. , Söderhäll S. , Porwit A.
Published: September 2007

Dendritic cells (DC) play a pivotal role in coordinating functions of the immune system. Little is known about DC levels in the bone marrow (BM) of patients receiving cytostatic treatment. We investigated DC levels by flow cytometry in BM at diagnosis, during and post‐treatment in 76 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The levels of both plasmacytoid DC (pDC) and myeloid DC (mDC) were profoundly reduced at diagnosis. However, the levels of pDC and mDC were significantly higher in T‐precursor ALL patients when compared with B‐precursor ALL patient group (P = 0.044 and 0.041 respectively). Both subsets normalized in both standard‐risk (SR) and high‐risk patients after the end of induction at day 50. Patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) at day 50 had significantly higher pDC levels than MRD‐negative patients (P = 0.021). In B‐precursor SR ALL patients, mDC levels but not pDC levels decreased during prolonged maintenance treatment, remaining reduced at the end of treatment (P = 0.032) and at 6 months post‐treatment (P = 0.028). In conclusion, levels of DC in BM normalize quickly in children treated for ALL. Long‐term treatment may more profoundly affect mDC subset, which shows reduced levels several months after treatment.
Facies architecture and cyclicity in a mosaic carbonate platform: effects of fault‐block tectonics (Lower Lias, Causses platform, south‐east France)
Authors: HAMON YOURI , MERZERAUD GILLES
Published: September 2007

In the Causses platform (south‐east France), Late Hettangian to Sinemurian deposits were interpreted previously as shallow‐water carbonate ramp deposits. A new look at these deposits has shown a fault‐controlled mosaic carbonate platform that is different from the carbonate ramp models. Within the platform mosaic, 15 lithofacies have been recognized, which are organized in four facies associations, including peritidal, restricted shallow sub‐tidal, sand dunes and sub‐tidal shelf facies associations. The rapid lateral and vertical facies changes, and the lack of consistent landward or seaward direction indicated by the pattern of facies changes, question the existence of a shoreline suggested by the traditional models for this region. Instead, the facies organization and cycle stacking pattern suggest deposition in a mosaic of intertidal islands between which sub‐tidal restricted or open conditions could coexist in very close proximity. Such a platform mosaic would have been defined by tectonic activities along normal faults which segmented the shallow‐water Causses platform.

The facies and facies associations are arranged into metre‐scale, peritidal and sub‐tidal cycles that are also variable. Certain cycles show the same stacking pattern in all the sections and seem to be traceable over tens of kilometres. On the contrary, other cycles cannot be correlated; they are present only in specific sections and have a maximum lateral extension of 1 or 2 km. These metre‐scale cycles stack to form four medium‐scale cycles bounded by surfaces that display sub‐aerial exposure features. Medium‐scale cycles stack into two larger‐scale cycles (tens of metres thick) and are bounded by well‐defined karstic surfaces. Based on their lateral continuity and their stacking pattern, the metre‐scale cycles are controlled probably by high frequency eustatic variations overprinting the topographic irregularities formed by differential subsidence of fault‐bounded blocks. Episodic fault activities may reorganize the topography so that, even if eustatic changes may still be the major control of cycles, the expression and number of cycles could be different. Cycles of medium and large‐scale are interpreted as being allogenic, controlled by changes in eustasy and/or subsidence rates as evidenced by their lateral continuity and the correlations of the large‐scale cycles with third‐order depositional sequences.
Nitric oxide accumulation is required for molecular and physiological responses to iron deficiency in tomato roots
Authors: Graziano Magdalena , Lamattina Lorenzo
Published: September 2007

Iron is an essential and commonly limited nutrient for plants. To increase the uptake of iron during times of low iron supply, plants, except the grasses, activate a set of physiological and morphological responses in their roots that include iron reduction, soil acidification, Fe(II) transport and proliferation of root hairs. It is not known how root cells sense and transduce the changes that occur after the onset of iron deficiency. This work presents evidence that nitric oxide (NO) is produced rapidly in the root epidermis of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) that are grown in iron‐deficient conditions. The scavenging of NO prevented iron‐deficiency‐induced upregulation of the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor FER, the ferric‐chelate reductase LeFRO1 and the Fe(II) transporter LeIRT1 genes. On the other hand, exogenous application of the NO donor S‐nitrosoglutathione enhanced the accumulation of FER, LeFRO1 and LeIRT1 mRNA in roots of iron‐deficient plants. The activity of the root ferric‐chelate reductase and the proliferation of root hairs induced by iron deficiency were stimulated by NO supplementation and suppressed by NO scavenging. Nitric oxide was ineffective in inducing iron‐deficiency responses in the tomato fer mutant, which indicates that the FER protein is necessary to mediate the action of NO. Furthermore, NO supplementation improved plant growth under low iron supply, which suggests that NO is a key component of the regulatory mechanisms that control iron uptake and homeostasis in plants. In summary, the results of this investigation indicate that an increase in NO production is an early response of roots to iron deprivation that contributes to the improvement of iron availability by (i) modulating the expression of iron uptake‐related genes and (ii) regulating the physiological and morphological adaptive responses of roots to iron‐deficient conditions.
Plant SET‐ and RING‐associated domain proteins in heterochromatinization
Authors: Liu Shiming , Yu Yu , Ruan Ying , Meyer Denise , Wolff Michel , Xu Lin , Wang Ning , Steinmetz Andre , Shen Wen‐Hui
Published: September 2007

The heterochromatin of many eukaryotes is marked by both histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation and DNA cytosine methylation. Several studies have revealed links between these two epigenetic markers. The molecular mechanisms involved in establishment of these links, however, remain largely unknown. In plants, H3K9 methylation is primarily carried out by a highly conserved family of proteins that contain SET and SRA (SET‐ and RING‐associated) domains. Here, we show that the SRA‐SET domain H3K9 methyltransferase NtSET1, as well as LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1, binds heterochromatin DNA repeats. In the yeast two‐hybrid assay, NtSET1 binds the DNA methylcytosine‐binding protein VARIANT IN METHYLATION1 (VIM1), which contains conserved PHD, SRA and RING domains. This binding requires either the N‐terminus of NtSET1 containing the SRA domain or the C‐terminus of NtSET1 containing the SET domain and the PHD domain of VIM1. Consistent with a role in the establishment/maintenance of chromatin structure during cell division, VIM1 transcripts are abundant in actively dividing cells and the VIM1 protein is localized in the nucleus. While null vim1 mutant plants show a normal growth phenotype, transgenic Arabidopsis plants over‐expressing VIM1 show inhibition in root growth and delay in flowering. We propose that SRA‐SET domain H3K9 methyltransferases associate with the PHD‐SRA‐RING domain protein VIM1, mutually reinforcing H3K9 and DNA methylation in heterochromatinization.
Quality of leucoreduced red blood cell concentrates: 5 years of follow‐up in France
Authors: Chabanel A. , Carrat F. , Begue S. , Masse M. , Perrault M. P. , Andreu G.
Published: September 2007

Background  Since 1998, prestorage leucoreduction of all cellular blood components has been made mandatory in France. The French blood service needed to follow the data on the quality of the blood components prepared by blood centres.

Material and Methods  Quality control (QC) data were submitted to a central data bank by each blood centre. The data were stratified by preparation method for analysis of key performance criteria – residual white blood cell (WBC) and total haemoglobin content. The red blood cell (RBC) preparation processes and the methods for measuring haemoglobin content and residual WBC count were those routinely employed by blood centres. Each year, more than 15 500 RBCs were tested.

Results  Red blood cells had a mean haemoglobin content between 53·6 and 54·9 g/unit depending on the year (2001 to 2005). The requirement of 40 g/unit was reached for about 99% of units. The haemoglobin content was influenced by the preparation process: 56·8 ± 6·9 vs. 50·6 ± 5·6 g/unit in average for whole blood filtration or RBC filtration, respectively. Apheresis RBCs exhibited a reduced variability (51·8 ± 3·1 g/unit). The median residual WBC count remained low (0·046 to 0·057 × 106 WBCs/unit), and the percentage of RBC units exceeding the 1 × 106 WBCs/unit cut‐off ranged from 1·5 to 0·6% depending on the year. A seasonal pattern was observed, with a significant increase (P < 0·001) of the median residual WBC count and of the percent of non‐conforming units during the summer months.

Conclusion  Our QC data suggest an overall compliance with the standard. Our data bank is useful to inform on the performance of leucoreduced RBC preparation processes carried out with market available devices.
Induction of Phenolic Compounds in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Inoculated by Rhizobium leguminosarum and Infected with Orobanche crenata
Authors: Mabrouk Y. , Simier P. , Arfaoui A. , Sifi B. , Delavault P. , Zourgui L. , Belhadj O.
Published: September 2007

Parasitic plants are among the most important problematic weeds, they are responsible of major losses of many crops. Early growth stages, such as seed germination stimulated by host root exudates and tubercle development, are key phases for these parasites development. Inhibition of these early phases could be a general strategic option for parasitic plants management. In our previous study, we have demonstrated that some Rhizobium leguminosarum strains decrease pea infection by Orobanche crenata and germinated seeds enhanced browning symptoms. These observations suggested the probability of toxic compounds accumulation such as gallic acid and naringenin used as a defence strategy by inoculated pea plants. In this study, we demonstrate that these two phenolic compounds cause severe physiological disorder of germination broomrape seeds. They inhibited germination of O. crenata seeds induced by strigol analogue GR24, and caused a browning reaction in germinated seeds.
Non‐contiguous recurrence or secondary choroidal melanoma following plaque radiotherapy
Authors: Maia Mauricio , Pieramici Dante J , Eong Kah‐Guan Au , Schachat Andrew P , Rodrigues Eduardo B , Green W Richard
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Non‐contiguous local recurrence of posterior uveal melanoma occurs rarely after plaque therapy. A 50‐year‐old white first presented with choroidal melanoma. He underwent therapy with episcleral iodine‐125 radioactive plaque therapy. Nine years later fundus evaluation revealed a new pigmented lesion in the inferotemporal equatorial area. Patient was considered to have a non‐contiguous recurrent melanoma and the eye was enucleated. Histologic microscopic examination disclosed a 3 × 1.8 mm densely pigmented tumour internal to the choroid at the equator. The tumour was composed of large round cells with round nuclei, prominent nucleoli, abundant cytoplasm and spindle‐shaped cells with spindle‐shaped nuclei and prominent nucleoli. The tumour extended through the retina. The superior nasal area of plaque therapy had extensive chorioretinal atrophy with loss of retinal pigment epithelium, thinning of the retina and thinning and depigmentation of the choroids. Within this area of atrophy, there was a pigmented lesion composed by densely packed, spindle‐shaped cells with spindle‐shaped nuclei. Our patient illustrated non‐contiguous recurrence of choroidal melanoma, such finding raises concerns about physiopathology and treatment of choroidal melanoma.
Optic perineuritis as a rare initial presentation of sarcoidosis
Authors: Yu‐Wai‐Man Patrick , Crompton Douglas E , Graham James Y , Black Fiona M , Dayan Margaret R
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology and establishing the correct diagnosis can be challenging. Although dysfunction of the anterior visual pathways is uncommon, it is the most common neuro‐ophthalmological manifestation of this condition and given the potential for irreversible, severe visual loss, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. We describe a patient with optic perineuritis as a rare initial presentation of sarcoidosis and discuss the underlying pathophysiology and management.
Persistency rates for prostaglandin and other hypotensive eyedrops: population‐based study using pharmacy claims data
Authors: Rait Julian L , Adena Michael A
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background:  Effective management of ocular hypertension requires patients to be persistent with their treatment regimen. We evaluated patients' persistency with hypotensive eyedrops commonly used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Methods:  This large, population‐based, retrospective, cohort study used pharmacy claims data for concessional patients from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (July 1999–June 2005). Resupply rates for prostaglandins, beta‐blockers, alpha‐agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors were analysed using life tables and Cox regression. Two populations, based on patients' supply histories, were examined: (i) ‘new to this eyedrop’– patients who had used other hypotensive eyedrops before (presumably, previously diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension); and (ii) ‘new to any eyedrop’– patients who were using their first hypotensive eyedrop (presumably, newly diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension).

Results:  Data were obtained for 14 359 618 supplies of commonly used hypotensive eyedrops to 357 099 concessional patients. For both populations, resupply rates were highest for prostaglandins or the dorzolamide‐timolol combination eyedrops, compared with beta‐blockers, alpha‐agonists or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Among the prostaglandins, there was no significant difference in the risk of ceasing supply between latanoprost and bimatoprost, but the risk was significantly higher for travoprost.

Conclusions:  Based on resupply rates from a national pharmacy claims database, patients supplied with ocular hypotensive eyedrops were most persistent with prostaglandin (bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost) and dorzolamide‐timolol combination eyedrops. Among the prostaglandins, persistency was highest with, and similar between, bimatoprost and latanoprost. Persistency should be taken into account when selecting the most appropriate eyedrop to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Unfolding characteristics of a new hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens, and possible association with complications in triple procedures
Authors: Iwase Takeshi , Tanaka Nobushige
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background:  To evaluate the relationship between complications observed in triple procedures and the unfolding characteristics of the HOYA AF‐1 lens.

Methods:  Intraoperative and postoperative complications of 242 eyes undergoing vitrectomy, phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were reviewed. Ninety eyes were implanted with the AF‐1 lens (VA60BB), 100 eyes with a polymethylmethacrylate lens (824C) and 52 eyes with an AcrySof lens (SA60AT). The unfolding characteristics of the VA60BB and SA60AT were also experimentally examined.

Results:  Intraoperative iatrogenic posterior capsular holes caused by the vitreous cutter were observed in two eyes with the VA60BB, in three eyes with the 824C, and in one eye with the SA60AT. Significant rotation of the curled IOL in the capsular bag during implantation, with dislocation of the IOL into the vitreous cavity through the hole occurred in the two eyes with the VA60BB. Postoperatively, posterior synechia of the iris occurred more frequently in the VA60BB group (seven eyes) than in the 824C group (one eye) or the SA60AT group (one eye). In the experimental study, the unfolding time of the VA60BB lens was longer than that of the SA60AT lens. The overall diameter of the VA60BB lens after unfolding remained shorter than that before folding.

Conclusion:  Incomplete unfolding of the VA60BB appears to cause intraoperative rotation of the IOL in the capsular bag, resulting in IOL dislocation into the vitreous cavity in the presence of a posterior capsular hole. This lens also appears to be associated with higher rate of postoperative complications in triple procedures.
Subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation for clinically significant diabetic macular oedema: a three‐year follow up
Authors: Sivaprasad Sobha , Sandhu Ranjit , Tandon Anamika , Sayed‐Ahmed Khalid , McHugh Dominic A
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Purpose:  To report the long‐term visual outcome of subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation for clinically significant diffuse diabetic macular oedema (CSME).

Design:  Non‐comparative case‐series.

Methods:  The main outcome measures of this 3‐year follow‐up study of infrared (810 nm) subthreshold diode micropulse laser photocoagulation for CSME were visual outcome and the angiographic CSME status of 19 patients (25 eyes).

Results:  Visual acuity stabilized or improved in 84% of treated eyes by the end of the first year. The result was maintained in the second year and by the third year, 92% maintained vision. However, more patients needed supplementary grid laser in the third year than in the second year. CSME decreased in 92% of the eyes and resolved in 88% in the first year. By the second year, 92% showed complete resolution. However, in the third year, recurrent CSME was noted in 28% of patients.

Conclusion:  This study has the longest follow up reported so far and demonstrating that subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation has a beneficial long‐term effect on visual acuity and resolution of CSME with minimal chorio‐retinal damage.
Pronociceptive changes in response properties of rostroventromedial medullary neurons in a rat model of peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Gonçalves Leonor , Almeida Armando , Pertovaara Antti
Published: September 2007

The spared nerve injury (SNI) model of peripheral neuropathy produces a robust and long‐lasting hypersensitivity. Previous behavioural studies suggest that brainstem–spinal pathways originating in or relaying through the rostroventromedial medulla (RVM) contribute to neuropathic hypersensitivity. We determined whether SNI induces changes in response properties of RVM neurons that might influence descending modulation of nociception. RVM neurons included in the study were classified into presumably pronociceptive ON‐cells and antinociceptive OFF‐cells (giving excitatory or inhibitory responses to noxious stimulation, respectively). Spontaneous activity and the response to cold, pinch and colorectal distension were assessed under light anaesthesia in the rat, 1 week and 8 weeks following nerve injury or sham operation. Spontaneous activity was increased 1 week but not 8 weeks after nerve injury in ON‐cells but decreased in OFF‐cells at both time points. In the SNI group, cold‐evoked responses were enhanced particularly in ON‐cells, independent of the postoperative time point. Responses of ON‐cells to pinch and visceral stimulation were enhanced 8 weeks but not 1 week following nerve injury, whereas OFF‐cell responses to pinch or colorectal distension were not changed. The results indicate that SNI induces pronociceptive changes in spontaneous activities of ON‐cells and OFF‐cells and peripherally evoked responses of ON‐cells that vary with the postoperative time point. Increased ON‐cell activity and decreased OFF‐cell activity in the RVM are likely to enhance spinal nociception in a tonic fashion, whereas increased responses of ON‐cells to peripheral stimulation are likely to enhance ascending nociceptive signals by a positive feedback following peripheral noxious stimulation.
Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for nosocomial pneumonia and associated mortality
Authors: Vardakas K. Z. , Siempos I. I. , Falagas M. E.
Published: September 2007

Background  Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are considered to be more susceptible to several types of infections, including community‐acquired pneumonia. However, it is not clear whether DM is a risk factor for development of hospital‐acquired pneumonia (HAP), an infection with considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Methods  We searched PubMed for relevant publications that included data on the possible association between DM and HAP. Cohort studies, case–control studies and observational studies were included in this analysis. Two of the authors performed the literature search independently.

Results  We identified 84 studies designed to identify risk factors and predictors of mortality as a result of HAP. Of these, 13 studied patients in the ward or intensive care unit (ICU), 28 studied patients treated in the ICU only, and 44 studied patients with ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Only 14 considered the role of DM for this nosocomial complication. The reviewed data suggest that DM is not a risk factor for development of HAP in patients who require ICU treatment. In addition, patients with DM are not at increased risk for development of ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Moreover, DM is not a prognostic factor for mortality in patients with HAP based on data from two out of 84 identified studies that provided relevant information.

Conclusions  There is a relative scarcity of studies examining DM as a potential risk factor for HAP. Our analysis of the available data supports the conclusion that DM is not a risk factor for development of HAP and mortality associated with this nosocomial infection.
Time and cost involved in the care of newly registered patients with diabetes mellitus and other lifestyle diseases at diabetes clinics in Japan (JDDM 4)
Authors: Oishi M. , Yokoyama H. , Abe N. , Iwasaki K. , Okuguchi F. , Kawai K. , Sugimoto H. , Takamura H. , Takeda H. , Doi K. , Hirao K. , Ikeda S.
Published: September 2007

Aims  To study the time and cost involved in the care of newly registered outpatients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), compared with patients with hypertension and/or hyperlipidaemia (HTL).

Methods  A total of 313 patients with DM and 58 patients with HTL without diabetes were registered on their first visits to 11 diabetes clinics across Japan. The time and cost involved in their care was recorded over the following 5 months.

Results  In the first 3 months, there was an extensive time commitment to both groups. The time spent by physicians was 1.5 times longer for DM than for HTL. The total care time spent by all the care providers for DM was twice that for HTL. The cost of DM care was twice that for HTL, with the cost of medicines excluded. However, half of the cost for DM was for laboratory tests. When these were excluded, and the remaining cost divided by the time spent, the amount for DM was half of that for HTL. Over the 5 months, mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in DM patients improved from 8.0% to 6.5%, and 72% of DM patients achieved the glycaemic target of HbA1c ≤ 6.5%.

Conclusions  DM care in a diabetes clinic requires a great deal more time and resources than HTL to achieve the best outcome. An educational system for self care, presently lacking in the primary care setting in Japan, would improve glycaemic control for DM patients in the community.
Characteristics of adults with and without cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes
Authors: Adler A. I. , Gunn E. , Haworth C. S. , Bilton D.
Published: September 2007

Aims  The prevalence of diabetes in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) approximates 25%, yet few studies have defined risk factors. We examined the association between biochemical and clinical factors and CF‐related diabetes.

Methods  We performed a study in adults with CF in 2004 in Cambridgeshire, UK. Of 160 individuals, 51 had diabetes (cases) on the basis of medical history or screening using a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, and 107 did not have diabetes (control subjects); two were excluded. We used logistic regression to model the cross‐sectional association between potential risk factors and diabetes.

Results  The mean age was 26 (16–58) years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 21 (16–28) kg/m2, and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 60 ± 24% (mean ± sd). All of the cases and 88% of control subjects had pancreatic insufficiency. Cases did not differ from control subjects with respect to age, sex, body mass index, or dose of oral pancreatic enzymes. Cases were more likely to have low serum magnesium, haemoglobin, and pulmonary function, and higher serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, plasma fibrinogen levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, use of oral corticosteroids, and number of CF‐related complications. In multivariate analyses, GGT, previous organ transplantation, plasma fibrinogen and the presence of CF‐related complications were independently associated with diabetes, after controlling for corticosteroid use.

Conclusions  These data confirm the high prevalence of diabetes in adults with CF, and identify plasma fibrinogen and GGT, and organ transplantation as factors independently associated with CF‐related diabetes. A prospective study would clarify the nature of these associations.
The importance of TCF7L2
Authors: Weedon M. N.
Published: September 2007

After many years of frustratingly limited success, the genetic architecture of Type 2 diabetes is finally being uncovered. Recent genome‐wide association studies have identified novel genes predisposing to Type 2 diabetes, which are giving fascinating new insights into the pathophysiology of this complex disease. Of the genes so far identified by this approach, one stands out as having by far the biggest effect on disease risk. A common variant of TCF7L2, when present in two copies, is associated with an approximate 2‐fold higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. This short review focuses on the TCF7L2 finding and discusses its significance for Type 2 diabetes genetic studies and for clinical practice.
Why Identities Fluctuate: Variability in Traits as a Function of Situational Variations in Autonomy Support
Authors: La Guardia Jennifer G. , Ryan Richard M.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTInterest in intra‐individual variation in trait expression across situations, contexts, and relationships, and the meaning of this variation for personal functioning has grown significantly. In this article we review this literature with an emphasis on (a) appropriate methods for identifying variations in trait expression and (b) the substantive meaning and sources of this variation. Self‐determination theory suggests that people will express traits differently as a function of the degree of support for autonomy they experience in any given setting. Accordingly, autonomy support is shown to predict variations in Big Five trait expression and other stable individual differences such as attachment security and dependency. The discussion focuses on methodological issues in the study of variability and on why autonomy support may play a central role in explaining trait variability and its relation to well‐being.
Contextualized Self‐Representations in Adulthood
Authors: Diehl Manfred , Hay Elizabeth L.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
Theorizing has focused on individuals' self‐representations as a psychological resource for coping with life stress and developmental challenges in adulthood. Many of the prominent theories have conceptualized self‐representations with regard to specific social contexts (e.g., role‐specific self‐representations) and have examined specific structural organizations of the self‐concept with regard to psychological adjustment. This article describes research on the associations between self‐concept structures and psychological well‐being in adulthood. Specific emphasis is given to the feature of self‐concept differentiation (SCD). Most research suggests that a high level of SCD tends to indicate self‐fragmentation and tends to be associated with poorer adjustment and psychological well‐being. Findings from a daily diary study with adults of all ages are reported showing that different levels of SCD were in a consistent and meaningful way related to the daily endorsement of positive and negative self‐attributes. Daily self‐representations, in turn, were significantly related to individuals' level of daily negative affect and to intra‐individual variation in negative affect. These findings suggest that SCD may exert its effect on adjustment and psychological well‐being through specific ways of processing self‐related information.
Downsides of anOverlyContext‐Sensitive Self: Implications From the Culture and Subjective Well‐Being Research
Authors: Suh Eunkook M.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThe self becomes context sensitive in service of the need to belong. When it comes to achieving personal happiness, an identity system that derives its worth and meaning excessively from its social context puts itself in a significantly disadvantageous position. This article integrates empirical findings and ideas from the self, subjective well‐being, and cross‐cultural literature and tries to offer insights to why East Asian cultural members report surprisingly low levels of happiness. The various cognitive, motivational, behavioral, and affective characteristics of the overly relation‐oriented self are discussed as potential explanations. Implications for the study of self and culture are offered.
How Meaning Shapes Seeing
Authors: Koivisto Mika , Revonsuo Antti
Published: September 2007

Inattentional blindness refers to the failure to see an unexpected object that one may be looking at directly when one's attention is elsewhere. We studied whether a stimulus whose meaning is relevant to the attentional goals of the observer will capture attention and escape inattentional blindness. The results showed that an unexpected stimulus belonging to the attended semantic category but not sharing physical features with the attended stimuli was detected more often than a semantically unrelated stimulus. This effect was larger when the unexpected stimuli were words than when they were pictures. The results imply that the semantic relation between the observer's attentional set and the unexpected stimulus plays a crucial role in inattentional blindness: An unexpected stimulus semantically related to the observer's current interests is likely to be seen, whereas unrelated unexpected stimuli are unseen. Attentional selection may thus be driven by purely semantic features: Meaning may determine whether or not one sees a stimulus.
Children's Emotional False Memories
Authors: Howe Mark L.
Published: September 2007

Eight- and 12-year-old children were presented with neutral and negative emotional Deese-Roediger-McDermott lists equated on familiarity and associative strength. Both recall and recognition (A') measures were obtained. Recall measures exhibited the usual age increments in true and false recollection. True neutral items were better recalled and recognized than true negative emotional items. Although the children showed more false recall for neutral than for negative emotional lists, false recognition was higher for negative emotional than for neutral items. A' analyses also showed that whereas true neutral information and false neutral information were easily discriminated by children regardless of age, the same was not the case for true and false negative emotional information. Together, these results suggest that although children may be able to censor negative emotional information at recall, such information promotes relational processing in children's memory, making true and false emotional information less discriminable overall.
Group-Identity Completion and the Symbolic Value of Property
Authors: Ledgerwood Alison , Liviatan Ido , Carnevale Peter J.
Published: September 2007

Building on symbolic self-completion theory, we conceptualize group identity as a goal toward which group members strive, using material symbols of that identity. We report four studies showing that the value placed on such material symbols (e.g., a building) depends on commitment to group identity, the extent to which a symbol can be used to represent in-group identity, and situational variability in goal strength induced through group-identity affirmation or threat. Our results suggest that property derives value from its capacity to serve as an effective means in the pursuit of group-identity goals. Implications for inter-group conflict are discussed.
Greater Attention Problems During Childhood Predict Poorer Executive Functioning in Late Adolescence
Authors: Friedman Naomi P. , Haberstick Brett C. , Willcutt Erik G. , Miyake Akira , Young Susan E. , Corley Robin P. , Hewitt John K.
Published: September 2007

Attention problems (behavior problems including inattention, disorganization, impulsivity, and hyperactivity) are widely thought to reflect deficits in executive functions (EFs). However, it is unclear whether attention problems differentially relate to distinct EFs and how developmental stability and change predict levels of EFs in late adolescence. We investigated, in an unselected sample, how teacher-rated attention problems from ages 7 to 14 years related to three correlated but separable EFs, measured as latent variables at age 17. Attention problems at all ages significantly predicted later levels of response inhibition and working memory updating, and to some extent set shifting; the relation to inhibiting was stronger than the relations to the other EFs or IQ. Growth models indicated that attention problems were quite stable in this age range, and it was the initial levels of problems, rather than their changes across time, that predicted later EFs. These results support the hypothesis that attention problems primarily reflect difficulties with response inhibition.
Using Cue Words to Investigate the Distribution of Autobiographical Memories in Childhood
Authors: Bauer Patricia J. , Burch Melissa M. , Scholin Sarah E. , Güler O. Evren
Published: September 2007

The cue-word technique is frequently used with adults to examine the distribution of autobiographical memories across the life span. Such studies demonstrate childhood amnesia: a paucity of memories of events from the first 3 1/2 years of life, and a gradually increasing number of memories from age 3 to age 7. The pattern is remarkable in light of findings of autobiographical competence among children in the period of life eventually obscured by this amnesia. In the present study, we modified the cue-word task for use with school-age children. Seven-to 10-year-olds successfully generated and dated memories of past events. Girls provided more complete narratives than boys. Across the sample, the resulting distribution of memories was better fit by an exponential than by a power function, implying that early memories may not consolidate and instead remain vulnerable to interference. Implications for explanations of childhood amnesia are discussed.
Pollution, Capital Mobility and Tax Policies with Unemployment
Authors: Tsakiris Nikos , Hatzipanayotou Panos , Michael Michael S.
Published: September 2007

In this paper we highlight aspects related to the links among unemployment, international capital mobility, and tax policies in a small open developing economy. Without international capital mobility, the joint optimal trade and environmental policies require a zero tariff and an emission tax lower than the Pigouvian tax. With international capital mobility and a capital tax (subsidy), the optimal emission tax rate is smaller (larger) compared to the rate when capital is untaxed. When both the emission tax and the capital tax/subsidy are jointly chosen optimally, then the optimal policy on capital is a lower subsidy, or even a tax, compared to the standard capital subsidy of the no pollution case.
Self‐qualification in L2 Japanese: An Interface of Pragmatic, Grammatical, and Discourse Competences
Authors: Geyer Naomi
Published: September 2007

In Japanese, self‐qualification, or a qualifying segment of talk that reduces the force of the speaker's own utterances, is frequently introduced with contrastive markers, such as demo, kedo, and ga. This study explores the relationship between the grammatical and pragmatic competence of Japanese L2 learners by examining their use of such self‐qualification in a corpus of oral proficiency interviews. It demonstrates that successful self‐qualification is achieved not only by the placement of appropriate connective expressions but also through effective use of foregrounding and/or backgrounding discourse mechanisms. The results indicate a close relationship between pragmatic, grammatical, and discourse competence in learner language.
Catalan Children's Sensitivity to the Discourse Constraints Imposed by Different Kinds of Question
Authors: Prat‐Sala Mercè , Hahn Ulrike
Published: September 2007

In an investigation of discourse sensitivity, Catalan‐speaking children aged 4 to 8 years were asked two different questions in a picture description task. One was a wide‐focus question (“What is happening?”); the other was a narrow‐focus question (“What is happening to ‘the patient’?”). Children of all age groups displayed sensitivity to the various discourse constraints imposed by the two different questions, responding both with changes to word order and with changes in use of referential expressions. However, there was evidence of a developmental change between 4 and 5 years of age. The possible causes of this change are discussed.
The City of London and slavery: evidence from the first dock companies, 1795–18001
Authors: DRAPER N.
Published: September 2007

Through analysing the composition of the founding shareholders in the West India and London Docks, this article explores the connections between the City of London and the slave economy on the eve of the abolition of the slave trade. It establishes that over one‐third of docks investors were active in slave‐trading, slave‐ownership, or the shipping, trading, finance, and insurance of slave produce. It argues that the slave economy was neither dominant nor marginal, but instead was fully integrated into the City's commercial and financial structure, contributing materially alongside other key sectors to the foundations of the nineteenth‐century City.
Is Volunteering Rewarding in Itself?
Authors: MEIER STEPHAN , STUTZER ALOIS
Published: September 2007

Volunteering constitutes one of the most important pro‐social activities. Following Aristotle, helping others is the way to higher individual wellbeing. This view contrasts with the selfish utility maximizer, who avoids helping others. The two rival views are studied empirically. We find robust evidence that volunteers are more satisfied with their life than non‐volunteers. The issue of causality is studied from the basis of the collapse of East Germany and its infrastructure of volunteering. People who lost their opportunities for volunteering are compared with people who experienced no change in their volunteer status.
Financial Integration, GDP Correlation and the Endogeneity of Optimum Currency Areas
Authors: SCHIAVO STEFANO
Published: September 2007

The paper analyses the relationship between trade, financial integration and business cycle synchronization in the euro area. The introduction of the euro has had a noticeable impact on European financial markets. Evidence that capital market integration exerts a positive effect on output correlation has two major implications. First, it corroborates the hypothesis of the endogeneity of optimum currency areas, whereby after joining a monetary union countries better meet standard OCA criteria; second, it provides European policy‐makers with yet another reason to pursue financial integration in the euro area (and in prospective members as well).
Workers' Valuation of the Remaining Employment Contract Duration
Authors: VAN OMMEREN JOS , HAZANS MIHAILS
Published: September 2007

We introduce and apply a method for estimating workers' marginal willingness to pay for job attributes employing data on job search activity. Worker's willingness to pay for the remaining duration of the employment contract is derived. We provide evidence that workers attach substantial value to the remaining contract duration. A temporary worker with a remaining contract of six months is willing to pay about 10% of the monthly wage to increase the contract by one month.
A Modification of the Relative Risk Model with Heterogeneity Component for Detecting Genes Contributing to Longevity
Authors: Begun A.
Published: September 2007

Genes associated with longevity can be identified on the basis of information on genotype frequencies for different age groups. This information is usually collected in population studies on aging. Significant age trends of genotype frequencies can indicate gene‐longevity associations. Specific demographic data included in the model allows us to estimate the hazard and survival functions for different genotype groups. A new method based on the relative risk model makes it possible to dispense with some superfluous assumptions of this model and additionally to study the cohort effect and the effect of antagonistic pleiotropy.
Hypsodonty in ungulates: an adaptation for grass consumption or for foraging in open habitat?
Authors: Mendoza M. , Palmqvist P.
Published: September 2007

Hypsodont (i.e. high‐crowned) teeth have been interpreted as an indicator of feeding preferences and habitat selection in ungulates. For this reason, the degree of hypsodonty has been used for estimating the diet of ancient taxa and in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. The goal of this study is to elucidate the relative importance of grass consumption and open habitat foraging in the development of hypsodont teeth, using novel computer techniques of knowledge discovery applied to a dataset of 134 species of artiodactyls and perissodactyls distributed among thirteen families. The results obtained suggest that high‐crowned teeth represent an adaptation for feeding in an open habitat, although the minimum threshold of hypsodonty seems to increase with the relative length of the anterior part of the jaw. On the contrary, there is no direct relationship between the degree of hypsodonty and the percentage of grass consumed, except for the correspondence between grazing and dwelling in open habitats. A relatively wide muzzle evidences an adaptation for grass foraging in open and mixed habitats, but there are some non‐grazing species from a closed habitat that also show wide muzzles. Thus, the hypsodonty index, combined with the length of the anterior part of the jaw and the width of the muzzle, allows accurate inferences on the ecological preferences of extinct ungulates.
Online shoppers in Australia: dealing with problems
Authors: Ha Huong , Coghill Ken
Published: September 2007

Although the Internet is a convenient platform to conduct commercial transactions, consumers are disadvantaged in the online marketplace due to insufficient information about goods and services as well as business and transaction process, lack of access to redress and several other problems. The number of complaints regarding online transactions increased in Australia from 2001 to 2005, and the number of Internet‐fraud related complaints reported to Consumer Sentinel (USA) also increased from 2003 to 2006. This, in turn, has undermined consumer trust and impeded the growth of e‐retailing as well as added to the fear among e‐consumers of falling prey to online fraud. In spite of this, the nature and effectiveness of e‐consumer protection has not been adequately studied, notwithstanding extensive research into other aspects of e‐retailing. This article examines (i) the level of awareness of the respondents in the survey in Australia of the current policy framework for addressing consumer protection about online shopping in terms of redress; and (ii) the behaviour of the two groups of respondents in this survey who have and have not encountered problems with online purchases. The findings suggest that most respondents are not aware of the following issues, namely (i) which organizations are involved in e‐consumer protection; (ii) government regulations and guidelines; (iii) industry codes of conduct; (iv) self‐regulatory approaches adopted by business; and (v) the activities of consumer associations to protect consumers in the online marketplace. The findings also show that most respondents would seek redress if they were unhappy with their online purchases and if they knew how to proceed, and that most of them would settle disputes directly with e‐retailers. Also, online shoppers who had encountered problems were more likely to continue purchasing via the Internet than online shoppers who had not encountered any problems. This suggests that respondents find that the benefits offered by e‐retailing outweigh the risks associated with it.