bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical repair of a chronic, oronasal fistula in a horse using an alveolar bone flap
Authors: Easley J. T. , Freeman D. E.
Published: July 2015

An 8‐year‐old Andalusian stallion was presented to the Equine Hospital with a 1.5 year history of an oronasal fistula measuring approximately 2 cm long (caudal to rostral) by 1.5 cm wide following an oral extraction of the right second maxillary premolar (106). An alveolar bone flap was created adjacent to the oronasal fistula and rotated axially and ventrally to close the oral aspect of the fistula. At 3 days after surgery, clinical signs of the fistula, such as green‐tinged purulent nasal discharge and malodorous breath, were no longer evident. At 10 days after surgery, the oral opening of the fistula filled with granulation tissue and mucosa and decreased in size to less than 2 ml. The horse was fed a pelleted mash and grass diet and the small fistula was flushed orally twice daily until it completely healed. At 6 months following surgery, the fistula had completely healed. Few options are available for repairing an oroantral or an oronasal fistula in horses. This case report suggests that a large, chronic oronasal fistula involving the alveolus of a maxillary second premolar can be repaired successfully with an alveolar bone flap.
A rule‐based approach to detect and prevent inconsistency in the domain‐engineering process
Authors: Elfaki Abdelrahman Osman
Published: July 2015

A medium‐sized domain‐engineering process can contain thousands of features that all have constraint dependency rules between them. Therefore, the validation of the content of domain‐engineering process is vital to produce high‐quality software products. However, it is not feasible to do this manually. This paper aims to improve the quality of the software products generated by the domain‐engineering process by ensuring the validity of the results of that process. We propose rules for two operations: inconsistency detection and inconsistency prevention. We introduce first‐order logic (FOL) rules to detect three types of inconsistency and prevent the direct inconsistency in the domain‐engineering process. Developing FOL rules to detect and prevent inconsistency in the domain‐engineering process directly without the need to the configuration process is our main contribution. We performed some experiments to test the scalability and applicability of our approach on domain‐engineered software product lines containing 1000 assets to 20000 assets. The results show that our approach is scalable and could be utilized to improve the domain‐engineering process.
A novel NAD(P)H‐dependent carbonyl reductase specifically expressed in the thyroidectomized chicken fatty liver: catalytic properties and crystal structure
Authors: Fukuda Yudai , Sone Takeki , Sakuraba Haruhiko , Araki Tomohiro , Ohshima Toshihisa , Shibata Takeshi , Yoneda Kazunari
Published: July 2015

A gene encoding a functionally unknown protein that is specifically expressed in the thyroidectomized chicken fatty liver and has a predicted amino acid sequence similar to that of NAD(P)H‐dependent carbonyl reductase was overexpressed in Escherichia coli; its product was purified and characterized. The expressed enzyme was an NAD(P)H‐dependent broad substrate specificity carbonyl reductase and was inhibited by arachidonic acid at 1.5 μm. Enzymological characterization indicated that the enzyme could be classified as a cytosolic‐type carbonyl reductase. The enzyme's 3D structure was determined using the molecular replacement method at 1.98 Å resolution in the presence of NADPH and ethylene glycol. The asymmetric unit consisted of two subunits, and a noncrystallographic twofold axis generated the functional dimer. The structures of the subunits, A and B, differed from each other. In subunit A, the active site contained an ethylene glycol molecule absent in subunit B. Consequently, Tyr172 in subunit A rotated by 103.7° in comparison with subunit B, which leads to active site closure in subunit A. In Y172A mutant, the Km value for 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (model substrate) was 12.5 times higher than that for the wild‐type enzyme, indicating that Tyr172 plays a key role in substrate binding in this carbonyl reductase. Because the Tyr172‐containing active site lid structure (Ile164–Gln174) is not conserved in all known carbonyl reductases, our results provide new insights into substrate binding of carbonyl reductase. The catalytic properties and crystal structure revealed that thyroidectomized chicken fatty liver carbonyl reductase is a novel enzyme.
Shifts in reciprocal river‐riparian arthropod fluxes along an urban‐rural landscape gradient
Authors: Kautza Adam , Sullivan S. Mažeika P.
Published: July 2015

We measured bidirectional arthropod fluxes at 12 river reaches distributed across an urban‐rural gradient of riparian land use and land cover in the Scioto River system of Ohio (U.S.A.).

For the terrestrial‐to‐aquatic arthropod flux (i.e. inputs of terrestrial arthropods to the river from the land), urban development was positively related to density of inputs but negatively related to biomass, partially explained by shifts in community composition and body size. Riparian grassland, typical of rural (i.e. non‐urban) landscapes, was positively associated with both density (range: 2.8–18.9 individuals m−2 day−1) and biomass (range: 7.1–58.7 mg m−2 day−1) of inputs.

For the aquatic‐to‐terrestrial flux of adult aquatic insects (i.e. emergent aquatic insects exported from the river), riparian grassland cover was positively associated with both density (R2 = 0.61; range: 12.8–116.8 individuals m−2 day−1) and biomass (R2 = 0.65; range: 1.4–27.9 mg m−2 day−1), with relatively larger‐bodied taxa dominating emergence at rural reaches.

Riparian landscape composition relates to reciprocal fluxes of arthropods (aquatic insects out, terrestrial insects and other arthropods in) in river‐riparian systems as we found human landscape disturbances were associated with changes in the taxonomic composition of both aquatic emergence and terrestrial input, and an overall decrease in the magnitude of emergence and terrestrial input. Furthermore, landscape changes that alter arthropod fluxes may have broader consequences for linked river‐riparian biodiversity and food webs and should be taken into account in conservation, restoration and management of these systems.
Evaluating the impacts of nearly 30 years of conservation on grassland ecosystem using Landsat TM images
Authors: Xu Dandan , Guo Xulin
Published: July 2015

When grassland degradation became a global issue because of overgrazing and other human activities, grassland managers implemented different management methods in an attempt to restore grassland ecosystems (e.g. conservation actions). Few studies have investigated the impacts of conservation actions (removing large grazers and conserving biodiversity) on grassland ecosystems, therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impacts of conservation actions and to measure the time lag of the significant influences of grassland conservations on mixed grasslands that were assessed by five different biophysical parameters (biodiversity, soil organic matter, fresh biomass, litter cover and green cover). Instead of measuring the biophysical parameters from field data and remotely sensed images, the methodology of this study focused on the difference in biophysical parameters between the ecological comparison sites (grazing sites and conserved sites), which enhance the impacts of grassland conservation on grasslands comparing to grazing management. The results show that: (i) biodiversity in conserved grasslands increased gradually in the first 3–5 years, decreased gradually over the next 4 or 5 years, and then stabilized after that; (ii) soil organic matter increased and reached its maximum value within 7–9 years of conservation and then remained at this level, while litter accumulated the maximum level one year later than soil organic matter; (iii) soil organic matter is the primary factor of biodiversity in the grasslands with low litter accumulation, while high‐density litter layers are the primary cause of decreases in biodiversity; (iv) fresh biomass decreased over a period of 7–10 years under conservation and remained nearly unchanged after that; (v) green vegetation fraction was also increased by conservation action in about 6–7 years. The result of this study provides the fundamental information for implementing and adjusting grassland management policies.
Practical aspects of DDAVP use in patients with von Willebrand Disease undergoing invasive procedures: a European survey
Authors: Windyga J. , Dolan G. , Altisent C. , Katsarou O. , López Fernández M.‐F. , Zülfikar B. ,   the EHTSB
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Desamino D‐arginine vasopressin (DDAVP or desmopressin) is a useful and effective haemostatic treatment for patients with von Willebrand Disease (VWD). However, there are still issues regarding in which subtypes of VWD DDAVP is appropriate and little consensus on its use in different surgical settings. We also lack information concerning the appropriate laboratory parameters that should be monitored.

Aim

The European Haemophilia Therapy Strategy Board (EHTSB) wished to investigate published information and clinical use of DDAVP in VWD patients.

Methods

We conducted a literature survey on management of VWD during surgical interventions and undertook a survey of specialist haematologist centres across Europe to assess current management of VWD patients.

Results

DDAVP is ineffective in type 3 VWD and its use in type 2B remains controversial due to the possibility of thrombocytopenia. It can, however, be used effectively to cover minor surgery and dental procedures in most other VWD patients. For major surgery there is wider use of factor concentrate in preference to DDAVP depending on the subtype of VWD. We give consensus recommendations on the use of DDAVP for surgical interventions in VWD including laboratory parameters that denote an adequate response and contraindications to its use.

Conclusions

DDAVP can be recommended to cover invasive procedure in selected patients with VWD, however, we need more information and systematic recording of adverse events associated with DDAVP use in VWD. A companion paper will be published covering the use of factor concentrates in VWD patients.
The influence of landscape features on nest predation rates of grassland‐breeding waders
Authors: Laidlaw Rebecca A. , Smart Jennifer , Smart Mark A. , Gill Jennifer A.
Published: July 2015

In Europe, lowland wet grasslands have become increasingly fragmented, and populations of waders in these fragments are subject to unsustainably high levels of nest predation. Patches of taller vegetation in these landscapes can support small mammals, which are the main source of prey for many predators. Providing such patches of habitat could potentially reduce levels of nest predation if predators preferentially target small mammals. However, predator attraction to patches of taller vegetation for foraging, shelter, perching and/or nesting could also result in local increases in predation rates, as a consequence of increased predator densities or spill‐over foraging into the surrounding area. Here we assess the influence of taller vegetation on wader nest predation rates, and the feasibility of managing vegetation structure to alter predator impacts. Between 2005 and 2011, the nest distribution and hatching success of Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, which nest in the open, and Common Redshanks Tringa totanus, which conceal their nests in vegetation, were measured on a 487‐ha area of wet grassland in eastern England that is primarily managed for breeding waders. Predation rates of Lapwing nests increased significantly with distance from patches of taller vegetation, and decreased with increasing area of taller vegetation within 1 km of the nest, whereas neither variable influenced Redshank nest predation probability. These findings suggest that the distribution and activity of nest predators in lowland wet grassland landscapes may be influenced by the presence and distribution of areas of taller vegetation. For Lapwings at least, there may therefore be scope for landscape‐scale management of vegetation structure to influence levels of predation in these habitats.
The visual fields of Common Guillemots Uria aalge and Atlantic Puffins Fratercula arctica: foraging, vigilance and collision vulnerability
Authors: Martin Graham R. , Wanless Sarah
Published: July 2015

Significant differences in avian visual fields are found between closely related species that differ in their foraging technique. We report marked differences in the visual fields of two auk species. In air, Common Guillemots Uria aalge have relatively narrow binocular fields typical of those found in non‐passerine predatory birds. Atlantic Puffins Fratercula arctica have much broader binocular fields similar to those that have hitherto been recorded in passerines and in a penguin. In water, visual fields narrow considerably and binocularity in the direction of the bill is probably abolished in both auk species. Although perceptual challenges associated with foraging are similar in both species during the breeding season, when they are piscivorous, Puffins (but not Guillemots) face more exacting perceptual challenges when foraging at other times, when they take a high proportion of small invertebrate prey. Capturing this prey probably requires more accurate, visually guided bill placement and we argue that this is met by the Puffin's broader binocular field, which is retained upon immersion; its upward orientation may enable prey to be seen in silhouette. These visual field configurations have potentially important consequences that render these birds vulnerable to collision with human artefacts underwater, but not in air. They also have consequences for vigilance behaviour.
Evaluation of anti‐acne properties of phloretin in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kum H. , Roh K.‐B. , Shin S. , Jung K. , Park D. , Jung E.
Published: July 2015

Synopsis

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the anti‐acne properties of phloretin in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Anti‐microbial activity against Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), Propionibacterium granulosum (P. granulosum) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) were observed by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion methods. The anti‐inflammatory effects were studied in HaCaT cells based on P. acnes‐induced inflammatory mediators, including PGE2 and COX‐2, examined through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and luciferase reporter gene assay. Thirty healthy subjects with whiteheads participated in the clinical study. Comedo counting, and the amount of sebum and porphyrin were measured before treatment and following 4 consecutive weeks of treatment with phloretin.

Results

Phloretin showed anti‐microbial activities against P. acnes, P. granulosum, S. epidermidis with the MIC of 0.5, 0.5 and 0.25 mg mL−1, respectively. P. acnes‐induced activation of the COX‐2 promoter was markedly attenuated by phloretin treatment. Consistent with these results, inhibition of PGE2 production was also observed. In 1‐month, placebo‐controlled trials, phloretin showed clinically and statistically significant reduction of comedo counts and sebum output level. Compared to before treatment, whiteheads, blackheads, papules, sebum output level and amount of sebum and porphyrin were significantly decreased at 4 weeks in the test group.

Conclusions

This study revealed that phloretin inhibits the growth of P. acnes, P. granulosum, and S. epidermidis. In addition, we demonstrated that phloretin attenuates COX‐2 and PGE2 expression during the P. acnes‐induced upregulation of inflammatory signalling. Clinical studies further suggested that treatment with formulations containing phloretin confers anti‐acne benefits. Based on these results, we suggest that phloretin may be introduced as a possible acne‐mitigating agent.
Efficacy of tacrolimus and clobetasol in the treatment of oral lichen planus: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chamani Goli , Rad Maryam , Zarei Mohammad Reza , Lotfi Sodabeh , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Ahmadi Zahra
Published: July 2015

This study was carried out to assess and compare the efficacy of tacrolimus and clobetasol in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Springer Journals, and Elsevier databases were searched using specific keywords relevant to the research question for articles published from 1998 to December 31, 2012. Finally, 15 articles that assessed the effects of tacrolimus, clobetasol, and pimecrolimus on improvements in OLP were reviewed. In addition, a meta‐analysis of odds ratios (ORs) was carried out for data in 10 of the 15 articles. The results showed that the ORs for improvements in OLP in patients taking clobetasol or tacrolimus, compared with those taking placebo or other drugs, were 1.19 and 8.00, respectively. It appears that topical tacrolimus is an effective alternative to topical clobetasol and may be considered as a first‐line therapy in the management of OLP.
Treatment of eccrine porocarcinoma with Mohs micrographic surgery: a cases series and literature review
Authors: Tidwell William James , Mayer Jonathan E. , Malone Janine , Schadt Courtney , Brown Timothy
Published: July 2015

Background

Eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is a rare malignant tumor of the eccrine sweat gland. It is a potentially fatal neoplasm that is locally aggressive and commonly recurs. Wide surgical excision has traditionally been the treatment of choice and is curative in approximately 70–80% of cases. The disease is metastatic to lymph nodes and distant sites in 20% and 10% of cases, respectively. Metastatic EPC has not shown any great response to adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for EPC as an alternative to wide local excision.

Methods

Five patients diagnosed with EPS between 2011 and 2014 at the University of Louisville and treated with MMS were studied. Recurrence‐free periods subsequent to the treatment of EPC with MMS were measured.

Results

The five patients with EPC treated by MMS remained recurrence‐free for a mean of 11 months (range: 2–26 months).

Conclusions

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly effective treatment for EPC. Given the high rate of recurrence, propensity for lymph node metastases, and the often ineffective options for treating advanced disease, MMS should be considered in the treatment of all cases of EPC.
Inulin and maltodextrin can replace fat in baked savoury legume snacks
Authors: Colla Kathryn , Gamlath Shirani
Published: July 2015

A baked yellow split pea cracker was developed with fat replacement (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) using inulin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and maltodextrin. Effects of fat replacement on physical (water activity, moisture content, colour and hardness), nutritional properties and consumer acceptance (nine‐point hedonic rating) of snacks were investigated. Water activity (0.15–0.32) and moisture (1.28–3.16%) readings were consistent, and products were considered shelf stable. High levels of fat replacement (100%) were detrimental to snack colour and hardness. Snacks with 75% fat replacement using inulin and maltodextrin received similar mean overall acceptability scores (6.40 ± 1.36 and 6.26 ± 1.37, respectively) to the control and a similar commercial product. These snacks were eligible to claim that they were a ‘good source’ of protein (requirement; ≥10 g per serve) and an ‘excellent source’ of dietary fibre (requirement; ≥7 g per serve) while providing ‘reduced’ fat content (≤25% than reference food) based on the Australian Food Standards Code.
Computer‐aided design of T‐cell epitope‐based vaccines: addressing population coverage
Authors: Oyarzun P. , Kobe B.
Published: July 2015

Epitope‐based vaccines (EVs) make use of short antigen‐derived peptides corresponding to immune epitopes, which are administered to trigger a protective humoral and/or cellular immune response. EVs potentially allow for precise control over the immune response activation by focusing on the most relevant – immunogenic and conserved – antigen regions. Experimental screening of large sets of peptides is time‐consuming and costly; therefore, in silico methods that facilitate T‐cell epitope mapping of protein antigens are paramount for EV development. The prediction of T‐cell epitopes focuses on the peptide presentation process by proteins encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Because different MHCs have different specificities and T‐cell epitope repertoires, individuals are likely to respond to a different set of peptides from a given pathogen in genetically heterogeneous human populations. In addition, protective immune responses are only expected if T‐cell epitopes are restricted by MHC proteins expressed at high frequencies in the target population. Therefore, without careful consideration of the specificity and prevalence of the MHC proteins, EVs could fail to adequately cover the target population. This article reviews state‐of‐the‐art algorithms and computational tools to guide EV design through all the stages of the process: epitope prediction, epitope selection and vaccine assembly, while optimizing vaccine immunogenicity and coping with genetic variation in humans and pathogens.
Identification of seven novel HLA class I alleles in New Zealand
Authors: Lamb G. , Choi K.‐L. , Selwyn C. , Wheeler A. , Hammond L. , Morgan J. , Dunn P. P. J.
Published: July 2015

Seven new HLA class I alleles have been identified in the New Zealand population in the process of routine HLA typing and they are described here. Unusual bead positivity in Luminex typing identified potential new alleles in a bone marrow registry donor (B*40:285) and two HIV patients prior to abacavir prescription (B*14:02:09, B*41:29). In addition, four new class I alleles were identified through class I sequencing‐based typing (SBT) outside of exons 2 and 3. One mutation was identified in exon 4 (new allele C*12:125) and three have been found in exon 5, an exon rarely sequenced. Two stem cell transplant recipients (B*07:02:45, C*03:279) had novel mutations in exon 5 and one was found in exon 5 of a potentially matched unrelated donor from DKMS, previously thought to be B*40:02:01 (B*40:303).
Further Evidence for Infants' Preference for Prosocial Over Antisocial Behaviors
Authors: Scola Celine , Holvoet Claire , Arciszewski Thomas , Picard Delphine
Published: July 2015

This study extends the findings that young infants prefer prosocial to antisocial others (Hamlin & Wynn, Cognitive Development 2011, 26, 30; Hamlin, Wynn, & Bloom, Nature 2007, 450, 557) to older infants (12–24 and 24–36 months) with a novel display. We presented infants with short cartoons in which a character (the “Protoganist”) engaged in a ball play with two others, one acting prosocially (the “Giver”), and the other antisocially (the “Keeper”). Afterward, infants were presented with the Giver and the Keeper characters and encouraged to reach for the one of their choices. We found that infants exhibited robust choice for the Giver. In addition, infants' preference for the Giver persisted despite changes in facial features (dark skin, scrambled face). These findings provide further evidence for infant's preference for prosociality.
The Predictive Power of the Yield Curve Across Countries and Time
Authors: Chinn Menzie , Kucko Kavan
Published: July 2015

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the yield curve (or alternatively, the term premium) as a predictor of future economic activity. In this article, we re‐examine the evidence for this predictor for both the United States and other advanced economies. We examine the sensitivity of the results to the selection of countries, and to time periods. We find that the predictive power of the yield curve has deteriorated in the last half of the sample period, although there is evidence of a reversal in the lead‐up to the Great Recession. There is reason to believe that European country models perform better than those with non‐European countries when using more recent data. In addition, the yield curve proves to have predictive power even after accounting for other leading indicators of economic activity.
A peripheral view: post‐glacial history and genetic diversity of an amphibian in northern landscapes
Authors: D'Aoust‐Messier A.‐M. , Lesbarrères D.
Published: July 2015

Aim

Where post‐glacial colonization and founder events are numerous, peripheral populations tend to have reduced genetic diversity as compared to their centrally located counterparts. Such decrease in genetic variability can limit their potential to adapt to changes in their environment. At northern latitudes for instance, populations are often living in conditions close to their physiological limits. Thus, identifying the levels of genetic diversity in peripheral populations is key to estimating the potential for adaptation to ongoing environmental change. In this context, we investigated the distribution of genetic diversity at the northern edge of the wood frog's (Lithobates sylvaticus) range by reconstructing its post‐glacial history in an area where phylogeographical data were lacking.

Location

James Bay area (north‐central Canada).

Methods

DNAwas extracted from 463 wood frog tissue samples from 17 localities. Seven microsatellite loci were used to quantify genetic diversity and evaluate genetic structure through estimates of the fixation index, isolation‐by‐distance analyses and Bayesian clustering algorithms (tessandstructure). Phylogeographical relationships were investigated using single nucleotide polymorphisms in theND2/tRNATRPmitochondrial genes. Phylogenetic trees were built using the neighbour‐joining and the maximum likelihood inference methods implemented inmega5.

Results

Our analyses identified a contact zone between two colonizing lineages originating from one glacial refugium. Populations in this contact zone present sympatrically distributed haplotypes from both lineages and higher genetic variation than the surrounding populations. Population structure analyses revealed the differentiation of three genetic clusters, each covering large areas around the coast of James Bay.

Main conclusions

Our study suggests that higher than expected genetic diversity and gene flow may be present in peripheral populations. Such adaptive potential is critical in areas of upcoming development and environmental changes. Thus, our study emphasizes the importance of understanding species post‐glacial history for the prediction of future evolutionary trends and species distributions.
Downstairs gene flow: the effects of a linear sequence of waterfalls on the only population of the endangered minnow Astyanax xavante
Authors: Reis K. V. , Venere P. C. , Sampaio I. , Rêgo P. S. , Vallinoto M. , Souza I. L.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic diversity and structure of the only known population of minnow Astyanax xavante, which inhabits a stretch of river including several waterfalls. The FST values among the samples were not significant, except between two populations separated by a 30 m waterfall. Nevertheless, haplotype and nucleotide diversity increased in the downstream direction, indicating that gene flow is unidirectional, which indicates this genetic pattern as downstairs gene flow, as it has the effect of increasing genetic diversity in the downstream direction.
Improving the utility of colonoscopy: Recent advances in practice
Authors: Corte Crispin J , Leong Rupert W
Published: July 2015

Colonoscopy is a frequently performed diagnostic and therapeutic test and the primary screening tool in several nationalized bowel cancer screening programs. There has been a considerable focus on maximizing the utility of colonoscopy. This has occurred in four key areas: Optimizing patient selection to reduce unnecessary or low yield colonoscopy has offered cost–benefit improvements in population screening. Improving quality assurance, through the development of widely accepted quality metrics for use in individual practice and the research setting, has offered measurable improvements in colonoscopic yield. Significant improvements have been demonstrated in colonoscopic technique, from the administration of preparation to the techniques employed during withdrawal of the colonoscope. Improved techniques to avoid post‐procedural complications have also been developed—further maximizing the utility of colonoscopy.

The aim of this review is to summarize the recent evidence‐based advances in colonoscopic practice that contribute to the optimal practice of colonoscopy.
Do We Follow the Leader or the Masses? Antecedents of the Willingness to Pay Extra for Eco‐Products
Authors: Arce Salazar Helen , Oerlemans Leon
Published: July 2015

This paper reports on an experiment that tests for the existence of peer effects in consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable products. More specifically, we investigate whether the premium for an eco‐labeled laundry detergent is sensitive to receiving information about the premium paid by other members of one's social group. The information manipulations in the experiment test for two distinct types of social influence, i.e., conformist and payoff‐biased transmission. We find strong empirical evidence for a conformist transmission. Participants informed about the positive premium paid by the majority of their peers reported a higher premium than individuals not receiving any information. This result shows that previous studies on the WTP for sustainable products, which explain premiums by attitudinal measures and sociodemographic traits, unwarrantedly provide an under‐socialized account. The inclusion of social influence variables significantly increases the explanatory power of the model.
Consumer Boycott Behavior: An Exploratory Analysis of Twitter Feeds
Authors: Makarem Suzanne C. , Jae Haeran
Published: July 2015

Boycott movements are often one of the most effective anticonsumption tactics used against companies that engage in practices deemed unethical or unjustified. This research explores the motives, causes, and targets of consumer boycott behavior using content analysis of Twitter feeds. Additionally, human sentiment analysis is used to investigate the relationship between boycott motives and the emotional intensity of boycott messages. The findings from analyzing a sample of 1,422 tweets show that while human rights issues constitute the leading cause of boycotts, business strategy decisions and corporate failures are also frequent causes, with for‐profit providers of products and services being the most common boycott targets. The results also indicate that although consumer boycott messages are more commonly motivated by instrumental motives, noninstrumental motives have higher emotional intensity. This study provides a deeper understanding of consumer boycott behavior, and offers implications for consumers and businesses.
Systematic review of the use of platelet‐rich plasma in aesthetic dermatology
Authors: Leo Michael S , Kumar Alur S , Kirit Raj , Konathan Rajyalaxmi , Sivamani Raja K
Published: July 2015

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is a highly concentrated autologous solution of plasma prepared from a patient's own blood. PRP contains platelets that are purported to release numerous growth factors that may be valuable in numerous dermatologic applications. Here, we review systematically the clinical cosmetic applications of PRP including: androgenetic alopecia, scar revision, acne scars, skin rejuvenation, dermal augmentation, and striae distensae to understand the potential and best practices for PRP use. A systematic search was conducted on three databases: Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Publications were included if they were in English, investigated the clinical applications of PRP in aesthetic dermatology and reported clinical results either as case reports or clinical studies. There were a total of 22 manuscripts that fulfilled these criteria. Four evaluated hair‐related applications, eight evaluated the treatment of scars and postprocedure recovery, eight evaluated skin rejuvenation and dermal augmentation, and two evaluated treatment of striae distensae. PRP is a relatively new treatment modality with studies suggesting its utility in aesthetic dermatology. The combination of PRP with other therapies is particularly interesting. Future studies should include controls, including incorporation of split‐face comparisons, to reduce intersubject variability.
Self‐Reported Frequency and Perceived Severity of Being Bullied Among Elementary School Students
Authors: Chen Li‐Ming
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

This study reports students' perspectives on the frequency and perceived severity of being bullied.

METHODS

A sample of 1816 elementary school students completed self‐report surveys of perceived severity and frequency of being bullied. A Rasch technique aligned different victimized behaviors on interval logit scales. A 4‐fold schema was used to identify the intersection between the perceived severity and frequency of being bullied.

RESULTS

There was not a statistically significant correlation between the 2 measures (r = .02). Behaviors that included being hit and kicked, being cursed at, being ostracized, being threatened, being shoved or tripped, having one's friendship ruined, and being spoken ill of in public were perceived as severe and frequent bullying experiences. While boys reported more frequent experiences of being bullied, girls perceived bullying to have greater severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Self‐reported frequency does not necessarily correspond to the perceived severity of school bullying, a finding with implications for prevention and intervention initiatives designed or carried out by researchers and school psychologists.
School Experiences Associated With Alcohol Use Among Hispanic Youth
Authors: Merianos Ashley L. , Vidourek Rebecca A. , Nabors Laura A. , King Keith A.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if recent alcohol use and binge drinking was associated with school experiences among Hispanic youth.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The NSDUH was administered to Hispanic youth (N = 3457) in the privacy of their own homes. The school experience score was dichotomized into negative and positive school experiences.

RESULTS

A total of 13.8% of Hispanic youth reported recent alcohol use, and 8.0% reported that they had engaged in binge drinking. Hispanic youth who reported having negative school experiences were at increased odds for reporting recent alcohol use and binge drinking compared to counterparts with positive school experiences. Specifically, Hispanic students who were at highest risk for reporting recent alcohol use and binge drinking were in the age group 14 to 15 years, and the age group 16 to 17 years who reported having negative school experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings on school experiences should be considered when developing and implementing school‐based prevention programs targeting Hispanic youth.
A Qualitative Study on the Perceptions and Attitudes of Brazilians Toward Irradiated Foods
Authors: Lima Filho Tarcísio , Della Lucia Suzana Maria , Moulin Lima Rondinelli , Zacchi Scolforo Carmelita
Published: July 2015

Partial rejection of irradiated foods by the population demands a greater understanding of the thoughts of consumers. With such goals, focus group sessions were conducted with 26 participants, investigating their attitudes, opinions and knowledge about irradiated foods. The majority of participants were in favor of the presence of true and enlightening information on the labels of irradiated foods and consider the term “ionization” less impactful that “irradiation.” However, some consumers require that the method of real conservation is informed, stating that the term “ionization” can be associated with other processes used in food, and therefore, it is misleading. Moreover, participants agreed that greater disclosure of information on the irradiation process for the acceptance of irradiated foods increase is necessary. For example, the major concern of consumers regarding irradiated foods is their possible health hazards, and clarification of this question could result in greater acceptance of irradiated foods.

Practical Applications

We provided information on the thoughts, knowledge and attitudes of consumers regarding irradiated foods. This information is of great importance to industries that market or intend to market irradiated foods and seek to adopt strategies aimed at increasing the acceptance and intent to purchase of consumers for these products. The fact that irradiation technology is rejected by the population further accentuates the importance of the results obtained in this study. For example, it was found that the major question and concern among consumers regarding irradiated foods is their possible health hazards; the clarification of this doubt by reliable sources could result in greater acceptance of irradiated foods, and consequently greater use of irradiation in food and increased supply of foods that are microbiologically safer and have longer shelf life.
Sensory Interactions between Cheese Aroma and Taste
Authors: Niimi Jun , Eddy Andrew I. , Overington Amy R. , Silcock Patrick , Bremer Phil J. , Delahunty Conor M.
Published: July 2015

Cross‐modal interactions between cheese aroma and cheese taste, and between aroma were investigated. Aroma was varied by four mixture types and three concentrations, all with a background cheese taste, with four aroma only controls. All cheese aroma samples were produced using 10 aroma compounds commonly found in cheese but at varying individual concentrations of compound. A panel of assessors (n = 8) evaluated in triplicate the intensities of four flavor attributes; overall intensity of cheese, fruity cheese, blue cheese, and buttery cheese. The flavor attributes that corresponded to the aroma compound mixtures were perceived highest in intensity; blue cheese flavor (from additional methyl ketones: 2‐butanone, 2‐heptanone, and 2‐nonanone), fruity cheese flavor (from additional esters: ethyl butanoate and ethyl hexanoate) or buttery cheese flavor (from additional diacetyl). An increase in select aroma compound concentrations from the base aroma mixture revealed the effect of aroma mixture interactions on flavor perception. Overall intensity of cheese was significantly suppressed by esters (P < 0.01) and diacetyl (P < 0.01), while it was unchanged by methyl ketones. Removing taste from the mixture significantly reduced all flavor attribute intensities regardless of cheese aroma character. Changing the aroma character gave different variants of cheese flavor but did not enhance overall intensity of cheese.

Practical Applications

Varying aroma compound concentrations within a mixture to produce different aroma types can change the flavor character. It could not however, enhance the flavor intensity of generic cheese flavor intensity. In this case, altering aroma character is not an effective means to potentially compensate for reduced taste on flavor intensity. Manipulating aroma compounds that have a large influence on the flavor concept of cheese however, such as methyl ketones, could change flavor character without altering generic cheese flavor intensity. Manipulating aroma compounds that contribute to a background flavor of cheese, such as esters and diacetyl, not only could change flavor character but suppress the generic cheese flavor intensity. Aroma compounds of choice for manipulation are therefore critical to maintaining the overall cheese flavor concept.
Comparison of population growth and photosynthetic apparatus changes in response to different nutrient status in a diatom and a coccolithophore
Authors: Zhao Yan , Wang You , Quigg Antonietta
Published: July 2015

In many marine ecosystems, diatoms dominate in nutrient‐rich coastal waters while coccolithiophores are found offshore in areas where nutrients may be limiting. In lab‐controlled batch cultures, mixed‐species competition between the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the coccolithophore Emiliana huxleyi and the response of each species were examined under nitrate (N) and phosphate (P) starvation. Based on the logistic growth model and the Lotka–Volterra competition model, E. huxleyi showed higher competitive abilities than P. tricornutum under N and P starvation. For both species, cell growth was more inhibited by P starvation, while photosynthetic functions (chl a fluorescence parameters) and cellular constituents (pigments) were impaired by N starvation. The decline of photosynthetic functions occurred later in E. huxleyi (day 12) than in P. tricornutum (day 9); this time difference was associated with greater damage of the photosynthetic apparatus in P. tricornutum compared with E. huxleyi. Xanthophyll cycle pigment accumulation and the transformation from diadinoxanthin to diatoxanthin was more active in E. huxleyi than P. tricornutum, under similar N and P starvation. We concluded that E. huxleyi and P. tricornutum have different mechanisms to allocate resources and energy under nutrient starvation. It appears that E. huxleyi has a more economic strategy to adapt to nutrient depleted environments than P. tricornutum. These findings provided additional evidence explaining how N versus P limitation differentially support diatom and coccolithophore blooms in natural environments.
Systematic position of Gyrocheilos and some odd species of Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae) inferred from molecular data, with reference to pollen and other morphological characters
Authors: Li Jia‐Mei , Sun Wei‐Juan , Chang Ying , Yang Wen‐Guang
Published: July 2015

A phylogenetic analysis was carried out to clarify the systematic position of Gyrocheilos and Didymocarpus, particularly the species placed in Didymocarpus sect. Heteroboea by Wang et al. Based on sequencing the internal transcribed spacer and the chloroplast spacer trnL‐F, parsimony and Bayesian inference analyses were carried out using separate nuclear and chloroplast datasets, as well as a combined dataset. Our results showed that the two sections of Didymocarpus in China and Gyrocheilos did not form separate monophyletic subclades, but turned up in three different places in the phylogenetic trees. In the frame of the present study, the pollen morphology of the species included in the analysis was studied. It proved inconsistent with the delimitation between Didymocarpus and Gyrocheilos. Furthermore, pollen and other morphological characters indicate that Gyrocheilos and some taxa of Didymocarpus should be placed within Didymocarpus.
What is Allium paniculatum? Establishing taxonomic and molecular phylogenetic relationships within A. sect. Codonoprasum
Authors: Salmeri Cristina , Brullo Cristian , Brullo Salvatore , Galdo Giampietro Giusso Del , Moysiyenko Ivan I.
Published: July 2015

Allium paniculatum L. is commonly recorded from the Euro‐Mediterranean and Irano‐Turanian regions. Evidence from literature and herbarium collections revealed that many different taxa of A. sect. Codonoprasum Rchb., all characterized by big size, diffuse and densely flowered umbrella, very long spathe valves, long pedicels, and cylindrical‐campanulate perigon, have been wrongly attributed to this species thus affecting records on its geographic distribution and morphological characterization. In order to define the true identity of A. paniculatum, we analyzed specimens coming from the type locality (Don River), and provided details on morphology, ecology, karyology, leaf anatomy, seed morphology and seed coat micro‐sculpturing. Taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships with related species of sect. Codonoprasum and with other taxa of different sections were investigated by means of morphological characters and molecular data from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) nrDNA and the trnH‐psbA cpDNA region. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference analyses of molecular data recovered two main clades in A. sect. Codonoprasum and clearly separated A. paniculatum from related taxa. The taxonomic implications of these patterns of relationships are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting in‐depth phylogenetic relationships within A. sect. Codonoprasum.
Disposition of firocoxib in late pregnant and early postpartum mares
Authors: Giguère S. , Macpherson M.L. , Benson S.M. , Cox S. , McNaughten J.W. , Pozor M.A.
Published: July 2015

Pregnancy induces several physiologic changes that might impact the bioavailability, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of pregnancy on the disposition of oral firocoxib in mares. Seven pony mares received oral firocoxib paste at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg during late pregnancy and again 12 to 33 days postpartum. Firocoxib concentrations were measured in plasma by HPLC with ultraviolet detection. Maximum plasma concentrations were significantly lower in pregnant (50.0 ± 21.8 ng/mL) than in postpartum (73.7 ± 25.6 ng/mL) mares. Plasma concentrations 24 h after administration, time to maximum plasma concentrations, and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve were not significantly different between late pregnancy and the postpartum period in mares.
On the Outskirts of the Canon: The Myth of the Lone Female Philosopher, and What to Do about It
Authors: Berges Sandrine
Published: July 2015

Women philosophers of the past, because they tended not to engage with each other much, are often perceived as isolated from ongoing philosophical dialogues. This has led—directly and indirectly—to their exclusion from courses in the history of philosophy. This article explores three ways in which we could solve this problem. The first is to create a course in early modern philosophy that focuses solely or mostly on female philosophers, using conceptual and thematic ties such as a concern for education and a focus on ethics and politics. The second is to introduce women authors as dialoguing with the usual canonical suspects: Cavendish with Hobbes, Elisabeth of Bohemia with Descartes, Masham and Astell with Locke, Conway with Leibniz, and so on. The article argues that both methods have significant shortcomings, and it suggests a third, consisting in widening the traditional approach to structuring courses in early modern philosophy.
Introduction
Authors: Vanzo Alberto
Published: July 2015

The articles in the symposium “Teaching Early Modern Philosophy: New Approaches” provide theoretical reflections and practical advice on new ways of teaching undergraduate survey courses in early modern philosophy. This introduction lays out the rationale for the symposium and summarizes the articles that compose it.