bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of a Series of Aluminium–Amidate Complexes
Authors: Yeagle Kevin P. , Hester Darryl , Piro Nicholas A. , Dougherty William G. , Kassel W. Scott , Graves Christopher R.
Published: January 2015

The aluminium complexes {[κ2-N,O-(t-BuNCOPh)]AlMe2}2 (2), [κ2-N,O-(t-BuNCOPh)]2AlMe (3), and [κ2-N,O-(t-BuNCOPh)]3Al (4) were prepared through the protonolysis reaction between trimethylaluminium and one, two, or three equivalents, respectively, of N-tert-butylbenzamide. Complex 2 was also prepared via a salt metathesis reaction between K(t-BuNCOPh) and dimethylaluminium chloride. Complexes 2–4 were characterized using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the complexes corroborated ligand : metal stoichiometries and revealed that all the amidate ligands coordinate to the aluminium ion in a κ2 fashion. The Al–amidate complexes 2–4 were viable catalyst precursors for the Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley–Oppenauer reduction–oxidation manifold, successfully interconverting several classes of carbonyl and alcohol substrates.
Ecology of the rare but irruptive Pilliga mouse, Pseudomys pilligaensis. IV. Habitat ecology
Authors: Tokushima Hideyuki , Jarman Peter J.
Published: January 2015

We determined preferences of the Pilliga mouse, Pseudomys pilligaensis, for habitat attributes (ground and vegetation cover) through phases of a population irruption, and characterised refuge sites used when environmental conditions were unfavourable. In general, P. pilligaensis preferred areas with substrate dominated by sand and shrubs rather than rock or litter. However, its habitat selection changed with phases of the irruption. In the Increase phase, it showed no strong habitat preferences, perhaps because the abundance of food (seeds) overrode preferences for more stable habitat values. Its sensitivity to habitat variables increased in the Peak phase. In the Low phase, mice preferred ground cover with higher proportions of sand and shrubs, and lower proportions of rock and litter. Regression analyses suggested that sandy substrate is the most important factor for the refuge habitat of P. pilligaensis, perhaps because a sandy surface can support more understorey shrubs which provide seeds and protection from predators, and provides sites for burrows. Judging from areas where P. pilligaensis was caught during the Low phase, water run-on areas could also characterise refuge habitats. However, further studies are needed to define the species’ refuge habitats fully.
Defective lymphoid organogenesis underlies the immune deficiency caused by a heterozygous S32I mutation in IκBα
Authors: Mooster Jana L. , Le Bras Severine , Massaad Michel J. , Jabara Haifa , Yoon Juhan , Galand Claire , Heesters Balthasar A. , Burton Oliver T. , Mattoo Hamid , Manis John , Geha Raif S.
Published: January 2015

Patients with ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency (ED-ID) caused by mutations in the inhibitor of NF-κB α (IκBα) are susceptible to severe recurrent infections, despite normal T and B cell numbers and intact in vitro lymphocyte function. Moreover, the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in these patients is poor despite good engraftment. Mice heterozygous for the IκBα S32I mutation found in patients exhibited typical features of ED-ID. Strikingly, the mice lacked lymph nodes, Peyer’s patches, splenic marginal zones, and follicular dendritic cells and failed to develop contact hypersensitivity (CHS) or form germinal centers (GCs), all features not previously recognized in patients and typical of defective noncanonical NF-κB signaling. Lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR)–driven induction of chemokines and adhesion molecules mediated by both canonical and noncanonical NF-κB pathways was impaired, and levels of p100 were markedly diminished in the mutant. IκBα mutant→Rag2−/−, but not WT→IκBα mutant, bone marrow chimeras formed proper lymphoid organs and developed CHS and GCs. Defective architectural cell function explains the immunodeficiency and poor outcome of HSCT in patients with IκBα deficiency and suggests that correction of this niche is critical for reconstituting their immune function.
Matrix factorizations in higher codimension
Authors: Burke Jesse , Walker Mark
Published: January 2015

We observe that there is an equivalence between the singularity category of an affine complete intersection and the homotopy category of matrix factorizations over a related scheme. This relies in part on a theorem of Orlov. Using this equivalence, we give a geometric construction of the ring of cohomology operators, and a generalization of the theory of support varieties, which we call stable support sets. We settle a question of Avramov about which stable support sets can arise for a given complete intersection ring. We also use the equivalence to construct a projective resolution of a module over a complete intersection ring from a matrix factorization, generalizing the well-known result in the hypersurface case.
Deep profiling of multitube flow cytometry data
Authors: O’Neill Kieran , Aghaeepour Nima , Parker Jeremy , Hogge Donna , Karsan Aly , Dalal Bakul , Brinkman Ryan R.
Published: January 2015

Motivation: Deep profiling the phenotypic landscape of tissues using high-throughput flow cytometry (FCM) can provide important new insights into the interplay of cells in both healthy and diseased tissue. But often, especially in clinical settings, the cytometer cannot measure all the desired markers in a single aliquot. In these cases, tissue is separated into independently analysed samples, leaving a need to electronically recombine these to increase dimensionality. Nearest-neighbour (NN) based imputation fulfils this need but can produce artificial subpopulations. Clustering-based NNs can reduce these, but requires prior domain knowledge to be able to parameterize the clustering, so is unsuited to discovery settings.

Results: We present flowBin, a parameterization-free method for combining multitube FCM data into a higher-dimensional form suitable for deep profiling and discovery. FlowBin allocates cells to bins defined by the common markers across tubes in a multitube experiment, then computes aggregate expression for each bin within each tube, to create a matrix of expression of all markers assayed in each tube. We show, using simulated multitube data, that flowType analysis of flowBin output reproduces the results of that same analysis on the original data for cell types of >10% abundance. We used flowBin in conjunction with classifiers to distinguish normal from cancerous cells. We used flowBin together with flowType and RchyOptimyx to profile the immunophenotypic landscape of NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia, and present a series of novel cell types associated with that mutation.

Availability and implementation: FlowBin is available in Bioconductor under the Artistic 2.0 free open source license. All data used are available in FlowRepository under accessions: FR-FCM-ZZYA, FR-FCM-ZZZK and FR-FCM-ZZES.

Contact: rbrinkman@bccrc.ca.

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
WALTZ-DB: a benchmark database of amyloidogenic hexapeptides
Authors: Beerten Jacinte , Van Durme Joost , Gallardo Rodrigo , Capriotti Emidio , Serpell Louise , Rousseau Frederic , Schymkowitz Joost
Published: January 2015

Summary: Accurate prediction of amyloid-forming amino acid sequences remains an important challenge. We here present an online database that provides open access to the largest set of experimentally characterized amyloid forming hexapeptides. To this end, we expanded our previous set of 280 hexapeptides used to develop the Waltz algorithm with 89 peptides from literature review and by systematic experimental characterisation of the aggregation of 720 hexapeptides by transmission electron microscopy, dye binding and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This brings the total number of experimentally characterized hexapeptides in the WALTZ-DB database to 1089, of which 244 are annotated as positive for amyloid formation.

Availability and implementation: The WALTZ-DB database is freely available without any registration requirement at http://waltzdb.switchlab.org.

Contact: frederic.rousseau@switch.vib-kuleuven.be or joost.schymkowitz@switch.vib-kuleuven.be
Psychosocial Treatments for Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Finney John W. , Wilbourne Paula L. , Moos Rudolf H.
Published: January 2015

Our review of the literature indicates that among the most effective treatments for alcohol and illicit drug use disorders are cognitive-behavioral treatments, community reinforcement and contingency management approaches, 12-step facilitation and 12-step treatment, behavioral couples and family treatment, and motivational enhancement interventions. Most of these treatment modalities address not only drinking and/or drug use behavior but also patients’ life contexts, sense of self-efficacy, and coping skills; motivational interventions focus primarily on attempts to enhance individuals’ commitment to behavior change. Consistent with motivational interviewing principles, therapists who are interpersonally skilled, empathic, and less confrontational produce better patient outcomes, probably because they establish better therapeutic alliances with their patients. An effective strategy for many patients may be to provide lower intensity treatment for a longer duration—that is, treatment sessions spread at a lower rate over a longer period to match better the chronic, relapsing nature of many individuals’ substance use disorders. At this point, it seems wise to restrict brief interventions as a stand-alone treatment to patients with mild to moderate disorders. Longer term interventions and treatment in inpatient or residential settings should be reserved for patients with more severe, treatment-resistant substance use disorders, fewer social resources, more concomitant medical/psychiatric disorders, and a desire for longer term and/or residential treatment.
Psychological Treatments for Panic Disorders, Phobias, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Barlow David H. , Allen Laura B. , Basden Shawnee L.
Published: January 2015

A substantial number of excellent studies, largely Type 1, have established the clinical efficacy of situational in vivo exposure for patients with panic disorder with moderate to severe agoraphobia. A substantial number of Type 1 studies have established the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral treatments for persons with panic disorder with no more than mild agoraphobia; these treatments focus on cognitive therapy, exposure to interoceptive sensations similar to physiological panic sensations, and breathing retraining. One large clinical trial (Type 1) has been reported that explores the efficacy of separate and combined psychological and pharmacological treatment of panic disorder. Recently, two large effectiveness trials (Type 1) have established successful dissemination of the cognitive-behavioral treatment. The treatment of choice for specific phobias is exposure-based procedures, particularly in vivo exposure; this consensus reflects a very large number of Type 1 studies of these procedures with patients with specific phobias. The most common treatment approaches to social phobia include social skills training (SST), relaxation techniques, exposure-based methods, and multicomponent cognitive-behavioral treatments, with the latter, as well as exposure-based procedures, attaining the highest level of treatment efficacy in Type 1 studies. In early studies, different treatment conditions for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) did not lead to differential improvement rates, although most studies showed that active treatments were superior to nondirective approaches and uniformly superior to no treatment. Recently, however, a few studies have suggested that the most successful psychological treatments for GAD combine relaxation exercises and cognitive therapy with the goal of bringing the worry process itself under the patient’s control.
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Childhood OCD
Authors: Piacentini John , Langley Audra , Roblek Tami
Published: January 2015

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown to be effective in the treatment of childhood OCD. This online Therapist Guide outlines a 12-session CBT-based treatment for OCD that benefits not only children and adolescents, but their families as well. Each session incorporates a family therapy component in addition to individual treatment for the child. It is a combined approach program that educates the child and family about OCD in order to reduce negative feelings of guilt and blame and to normalise family functioning. It also provides guidelines for conducting both imaginal and in vivo exposures, which are techniques at the core of helping children reduce their anxiety. For use with children ages 8 to 17, this online resource is an indispensable tool for clinicians helping children and their families cope with OCD.
Session 3: Beginning ERP/Challenging Negative Assumptions
Authors: Piacentini John , Langley Audra , Roblek Tami
Published: January 2015

The third treatment session demonstrates the graphing of OCD thermometer readings, and begins exposure and response prevention (ERP) using a low-hierarchy item from the symptom list.
Session 4: Cognitive Restructuring/Blame Reduction
Authors: Piacentini John , Langley Audra , Roblek Tami
Published: January 2015

The fourth session of treatment discusses cognitive restructuring and blame reduction, including coping strategies, and exposure plus response prevention. Family involvement also continues with further psychoeducation and disengagement from the child's OCD behaviors.
Session 11: Planning for Termination/Relapse Prevention
Authors: Piacentini John , Langley Audra , Roblek Tami
Published: January 2015

Session eleven reviews the progress that the child has made so far on their symptom list, and plans for the termination of the treatment program. The family is encouraged to address relapse prevention, and the potential for the reappearance of symptoms.
Specialty Competencies in Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology
Authors: Thomas Jay C.
Published: January 2015

Originally termed ‘Industrial-Organizational Psychology (I/O)’, practitioners of this specialty emanate from varying backgrounds in business-psychology related fields, and contemporary I/O professional practice can best be thought of as a hybrid across multiple traditions. Specialists in this area can be educated and trained (and practice) in related, but somewhat differing, traditions. Those interested in this specialty area within psychology will find this online resource invaluable as the most current description of the competencies thought important to help define the OBC psychologist.
Task Analysis, Job Analysis and Job Modeling
Authors: Thomas Jay C.
Published: January 2015

Chapter 4 discusses how assessment in OBCP is different in a very important way from assessment in other psychological specialties, and how at least two different types of assessments are required. At a minimum, the OBC psychologist has to assess both the job and the person, and this chapter covers task analysis, job analysis, job modeling, and outcomes.
Assessment of Performance
Authors: Thomas Jay C.
Published: January 2015

Chapter 5 discusses analysis of performance, and how the outcomes from performance measurement activities fall into four main categories: between individual comparisons, within individual comparisons, system maintenance, and documentation. It also addresses how performance measures used for comparing between individuals contribute to decisions on salary, promotion, termination, and similar actions, how those intended for within-individual comparisons are primarily used for identifying training and development needs and giving individual feedback. It also examines how performance appraisal systems intended for systems maintenance have outputs involved with goal attainment and clarification, evaluating the personnel system, and identifying organizational development needs, and that documentation results in recording personnel decisions, meeting legal requirements, and providing criteria for validation research.
Teaching, Supervision, and the Business of Geropsychology
Authors: Vacha-Haase Tammi
Published: January 2015

Chapter 10 covers the enormous attention given to the multiple training and employment opportunities, including research, clinical practice, teaching, and services targeted at the elderly. It also addresses the need for competent geropsychologists with a commitment to teaching and supervision, and how these individuals must be skilled in providing appropriate training for those interested in learning about older adults, whether on an applied or professional level, at a place of business or an academic institution. It covers the Pike’s Peak Model, an aspirational competency-based approach to professional psychology, including aspects of teaching, supervision, and business, offered for those at any stage of their training, to further support the needed skills in geropsychology.
Definition of School Psychology
Authors: Flanagan Rosemary , Miller Jeff A.
Published: January 2015

Chapter 1 provides a definition of school psychology, and gives a history of the specialty, describes its professional boundaries, the populations served, and the practice activities, competencies, training, and credentialing of the school psychologist.
Counseling and Psychotherapy in the School Context
Authors: Flanagan Rosemary , Miller Jeff A.
Published: January 2015

Chapter 5 discusses the increased awareness of the need for expanded psychological services in schools to address issues that include academic failure, bullying, interpersonal problems, substance abuse, dropping out of school, limited vocational success, problems with physical health, and suicide. It also covers how counseling and psychotherapy are delivered by school psychologists according to their credentials and practice setting.
Interventions
Authors: Flanagan Rosemary , Miller Jeff A.
Published: January 2015

Chapter 6 discusses the emergence of evidence based interventions (EBI) as a standard, and how intervention is a critical component of the problem-solving model of practice. It provides descriptions of types and examples of interventions, including classroom-wide interventions, family/parent involved interventions, and academic interventions. It then concludes with an examination of the role of school psychologists in intervention planning and monitoring, including the research-based evaluation of interventions.
Supervision and Management
Authors: Flanagan Rosemary , Miller Jeff A.
Published: January 2015

Chapter 8 defines and then discusses supervision and management, explains clinical and administrative supervision as these apply in professional psychology, and professional school psychology in particular, provides information on the supervision of externs, practicum students, and interns, discusses supervision provided to those meeting licensure requirements, and explores how reflective practice is promoted and fostered. As with other professional practice areas, the literature on supervision in school psychology is limited, and for this reason, supervision literature developed for different varieties of mental health professionals is incorporated into the discussion.
Individual and Cultural Diversity
Authors: Cox David R. , Cox Richard H. , Caplan Bruce
Published: January 2015

Chapter 3 discusses how those needing psychological rehabilitation come from diverse backgrounds, how sensitivity to diversity issues is a critical element addressed in the APA Ethics Code, as well as in the Multicultural Guidelines promulgated by the APA, and how 'disability' has come to be viewed as another type of diversity. It also covers how the RP must be aware of these differences and their impact on the treatment process. Also discussed is how the specialty as a whole has embraced the concept of multicultural competence, and how the individual-environment interaction is an essential aspect of understanding disability, encompassing cultural, racial, ethnic, and other such factors. Lastly, it suggests the importance of recognizing one’s own biases as well as those of the patient and family, the treatment team and the societal environment, all of which are essential aspects of culturally competent rehabilitation psychology services.
Professional Identity
Authors: Cox David R. , Cox Richard H. , Caplan Bruce
Published: January 2015

Chapter 5 discusses how RPs engage in education, training, continuing education, and active involvement in professional organizations and other activities consistent with their commitment to the rehabilitation aspect of professional psychology, which include advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities, and how eucation, training, experiential learning, and obtaining appropriate supervision and consultation are considered lifelong learning processes for the RP. It also covers how identification as an RP is best attained through specialized education and training leading to board certification through the ABRP.
Reducing Acquiring
Authors: Steketee Gail , Frost Randy O.
Published: January 2015

Chapter 5 focuses on reducing problematic acquiring behaviors and the factors that help maintain this. Forms provide some questions about acquiring to help with decision-making and developing a hierarchy for gradual practice with non-acquiring. Strategies include evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of acquiring particular objects, practice exercises, and finding alternative pleasurable activities that can replace enjoyment from acquiring. A review of problematic thinking patterns and use of the downward arrow method to understand fears about not acquiring are included. Two scales are used to clarify the difference between a real need versus a wish to acquire items. Homework assignments help consolidate this learning.
Changing Beliefs: Thinking Your Way Out of the Hoarding Box
Authors: Steketee Gail , Frost Randy O.
Published: January 2015

Chapter 8 provides clients with strategies for changing beliefs about non-acquiring, sorting, and discarding. These include a review of problematic thinking styles, self-generated questions about possessions, advantages and disadvantages, the downward arrow method, and the use of thought records to track thinking and emotions. Other methods include defining need versus want, perfectionism and considering the value of time. Clients can select the methods that work best for them to try out as homework.
Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders
Authors: Barlow David H. , Ellard Kristen K. , Fairholme Christopher P. , Farchione Todd J. , Boisseau Christina L. , Allen Laura B. , Ehrenreich-May Jill T.
Published: January 2015

This online patient workbook is a radical departure from disorder-specific treatments of various emotional disorders, and is designed to be applicable to all anxiety and unipolar mood disorders, as well as other disorders with strong emotional components, such as many somatoform and dissociative disorders. It covers the Unified Protocol (UP), which capitalizes on the contributions made by cognitive-behavioral theorists by distilling and incorporating the common principles of CBT present in all evidenced based protocols for specific emotional disorders, as well as drawing on the field of emotion science for insights into deficits in emotion regulation. It discusses the seven modules of UP, and focuses on four core strategies: becoming mindfully aware of emotional experience; reappraising rigid emotion laden attributions; identifying and preventing behavioral and emotional avoidance; and facilitating exposure to both interoceptive and situational cues associated with emotional experiences.
Development of a community-based intervention for the control of Chagas disease based on peridomestic animal management: an eco-bio-social perspective
Authors: De Urioste-Stone Sandra M. , Pennington Pamela M. , Pellecer Elizabeth , Aguilar Teresa M. , Samayoa Gabriela , Perdomo Hugo D. , Enríquez Hugo , Juárez José G.
Published: January 2015

Background

Integrated vector management strategies depend on local eco-bio-social conditions, community participation, political will and inter-sectorial partnership. Previously identified risk factors for persistent Triatoma dimidiata infestation include the presence of rodents and chickens, tiled roofs, dirt floors, partial wall plastering and dog density.

Methods

A community-based intervention was developed and implemented based on cyclical stakeholder and situational analyses. Intervention implementation and evaluation combined participatory action research and cluster randomized pre-test post-test experimental designs. The intervention included modified insecticide application, education regarding Chagas disease and risk factors, and participatory rodent control.

Results

At final evaluation there was no significant difference in post-test triatomine infestation between intervention and control, keeping pre-test rodent and triatomine infestations constant. Knowledge levels regarding Chagas disease and prevention practices including rodent control, chicken management and health service access increased significantly only in intervention communities. The odds of nymph infection and rat infestation were 8.3 and 1.9-fold higher in control compared to intervention communities, respectively.

Conclusion

Vector control measures without reservoir control are insufficient to reduce transmission risk in areas with persistent triatomine infestation. This integrated vector management program can complement house improvement initiatives by prioritizing households with risk factors such as tiled roofs. Requirement for active participation and multi-sectorial coordination poses implementation challenges.
The placenta: a multifaceted, transient organ
Authors: Burton Graham J. , Fowden Abigail L.
Published: January 2015

The placenta is arguably the most important organ of the body, but paradoxically the most poorly understood. During its transient existence, it performs actions that are later taken on by diverse separate organs, including the lungs, liver, gut, kidneys and endocrine glands. Its principal function is to supply the fetus, and in particular, the fetal brain, with oxygen and nutrients. The placenta is structurally adapted to achieve this, possessing a large surface area for exchange and a thin interhaemal membrane separating the maternal and fetal circulations. In addition, it adopts other strategies that are key to facilitating transfer, including remodelling of the maternal uterine arteries that supply the placenta to ensure optimal perfusion. Furthermore, placental hormones have profound effects on maternal metabolism, initially building up her energy reserves and then releasing these to support fetal growth in later pregnancy and lactation post-natally. Bipedalism has posed unique haemodynamic challenges to the placental circulation, as pressure applied to the vena cava by the pregnant uterus may compromise venous return to the heart. These challenges, along with the immune interactions involved in maternal arterial remodelling, may explain complications of pregnancy that are almost unique to the human, including pre-eclampsia. Such complications may represent a trade-off against the provision for a large fetal brain.
The role of the maternal immune system in the regulation of human birthweight
Authors: Moffett Ashley , Hiby Susan E. , Sharkey Andrew M.
Published: January 2015

Human birthweight is subject to stabilizing selection. Large babies are at risk of obstetric complications such as obstructed labour, which endangers both mother and child. Small babies are also at risk with reduced survival. Fetal growth requires remodelling of maternal spiral arteries to provide an adequate maternal blood supply to the placenta. This arterial transformation is achieved by placental trophoblast cells, which invade into the uterine wall. Under-invasion is associated with fetal growth restriction; but if invasion is excessive large babies can result. A growing body of evidence suggests that this process is controlled by interactions between killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) expressed on maternal uterine natural killer cells (uNK) and their corresponding human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) ligands on invading trophoblast. Mothers with the
KIR AA
genotype and a fetus with a paternal
HLA-C2
allele tend to have small babies, because this combination inhibits cytokine secretion by uNK. Mothers with the activating
KIR2DS1
gene and an
HLA-C2
fetus are more likely to have large babies. When KIR2DS1 binds to HLA-C2 this increases secretion of cytokines that enhance trophoblast invasion. We conclude that specific combinations of the highly polymorphic gene systems,
KIR
and
HLA-C
, contribute to successful reproduction by maintaining birthweight between two extremes.
A review of inter- and intraspecific variation in the eutherian placenta
Authors: Gundling William E. , Wildman Derek E.
Published: January 2015

The placenta is one of the most morphologically variable mammalian organs. Four major characteristics are typically discussed when comparing the placentas of different eutherian species: placental shape, maternal–fetal interdigitation, intimacy of the maternal–fetal interface and the pattern of maternal–fetal blood flow. Here, we describe the evolution of three of these features as well as other key aspects of eutherian placentation. In addition to interspecific anatomical variation, there is also variation in placental anatomy and function within a single species. Much of this intraspecific variation occurs in response to different environmental conditions such as altitude and poor maternal nutrition. Examinations of variation in the placenta from both intra- and interspecies perspectives elucidate different aspects of placental function and dysfunction at the maternal–fetal interface. Comparisons within species identify candidate mechanisms that are activated in response to environmental stressors ultimately contributing to the aetiology of obstetric syndromes such as pre-eclampsia. Comparisons above the species level identify the evolutionary lineages on which the potential for the development of obstetric syndromes emerged.
Genetic Variation, Not Cell Type of Origin, Underlies Regulatory Differences in iPSCs
Authors: Kagan Courtney L. , Banovich Nicholas E , Pavlovic Bryan J , Patterson Kristen , Romero Irene Gallego , Pritchard Jonathan K , Gilad Yoav
Published: January 2015

The advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)1revolutionized Human Genetics by allowing us to generate pluripotent cells from easily accessible somatic tissues. This technology can have immense implications for regenerative medicine, but iPSCs also represent a paradigm shift in the study of complex human phenotypes, including gene regulation and disease2-5. Yet, an unresolved caveat of the iPSC model system is the extent to which reprogrammed iPSCs retain residual phenotypes from their precursor somatic cells. To directly address this issue, we used an effective study design to compare regulatory phenotypes between iPSCs derived from two types of commonly used somatic precursor cells. We show that the cell type of origin only minimally affects gene expression levels and DNA methylation in iPSCs. Instead, genetic variation is the main driver of regulatory differences between iPSCs of different donors.
RNA-seq: primary cells, cell lines and heat stress
Authors: Schmidt Carl J. , Pritchett Elizabeth M. , Sun Liang , Davis Richard V.N. , Hubbard Allen , Kniel Kalmia E. , Markland Sarah M. , Wang Qing , Ashwell Chris , Persia Michael , Rothschild Max F. , Lamont Susan J.
Published: January 2015

Transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq has emerged as a high-throughput, cost-effective means to evaluate the expression pattern of genes in organisms. Unlike other methods, such as microarrays or quantitative PCR, RNA-seq is a target free method that permits analysis of essentially any RNA that can be amplified from a cell or tissue. At its most basic, RNA-seq can determine individual gene expression levels by counting the number of times a particular transcript was found in the sequence data. Transcript levels can be compared across multiple samples to identify differentially expressed genes and infer differences in biological states between the samples. We have used this approach to examine gene expression patterns in chicken and human cells, with particular interest in determining response to heat stress.
Rates of Karyotypic Evolution in Estrildid Finches Differ Between Island and Continental Clades
Authors: Hooper Daniel M. , Price Trevor D.
Published: January 2015

Reasons why chromosomal rearrangements spread to fixation and frequently distinguish related taxa remain poorly understood. We used cytological descriptions of karyotype to identify large pericentric inversions between species of Estrildid finches (familyEstrildidae) and a time-dated phylogeny to assess the genomic, geographic, and phylogenetic context of karyotype evolution in this group. Inversions between finch species fixed at an average rate of one every 2.26 My. Inversions were twice as likely to fix on the sex chromosomes compared to the autosomes, possibly a result of their repeat density, and inversion fixation rate for all chromosomes scales with range size. Alternative mutagenic input explanations are not supported, as the number of inversions on a chromosome does not correlate with its length or map size. Inversions have fixed 3.3× faster in three continental clades than in two island chain clades, and fixation rate correlates with both range size and the number of sympatric species pairs. These results point to adaptation as the dominant mechanism driving fixation and suggest a role for gene flow in karyotype divergence. A review shows that the rapid karyotype evolution observed in the Estrildid finches appears to be more general across birds, and by implication other understudied taxa.
Staff views of a music therapy group for people with intellectual disabilities and dementia: a pilot study
Authors: Bevins Shelley , Dawes Simone , Kenshole Athena , Gaussen Kathryn
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Despite the longstanding use of music therapy with people with intellectual disabilities and the growing evidence base for using music therapy as a tool to aid behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in the general population, there is little work published which details the use of music therapy groups for people with intellectual disabilities who have a diagnosis of dementia. The purpose of this paper is to report a qualitative evaluation of staff views of a music therapy group for people with intellectual disabilities and dementia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Carers of service users attending the group were interviewed either individually or through a focus group in order to ascertain their views about the music therapy group. The interview transcripts were then analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

– Two core themes and eight sub themes emerged from the data. These themes show that the group was felt to be pleasurable and enjoyable for the service users and that some tangible benefits of attending the group were observed by staff members. Notwithstanding the positive feedback, the results also suggested that more work is needed to inform carers of the goals and purpose of such groups. Further psycho-education for carers is suggested as a strategy to support future groups to run successfully.

Originality/value

– There is little published research into the use of music therapy for people with intellectual disabilities who also have dementia. The current paper provides a starting point for future work in the area and further recommendations for future practice and research are considered.
Who cooks from scratch and how do they prepare food?
Authors: Worsley Tony , Wang Wei Chun , Wijeratne Pradeep , Ismail Sinem , Ridley Stacey
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– There is increasing interest in the domestic preparation of food and with the postulated health benefits of “cooking from scratch”. The purpose of this paper is to examine the demographic and food preparation associations of this term in order to examine its operational value.

Design/methodology/approach

– A national online survey was conducted during 2012 in Australia among 1,023 domestic food providers, half of whom were men. Questions were asked about cooking from scratch, demographic characteristics, food preparation practices and interest in learning about cooking.

Findings

– Three quarters of the sample reported they often or always “cooked from scratch” (CFS). More women than men always CFS; fewer 18-29 year olds did so often or always but more of the over 50s always did so; fewer single people CFS than cohabiting people. No statistically significant ethnic, educational background or household income differences were found. High levels of cooking from scratch were associated with interest in learning more about cooking, greater use of most cooking techniques (except microwaves), meat and legume preparation techniques, and the use of broader ranges of herbs, spice, liquids/ sauces, other ingredients and cooking utensils.

Research limitations/implications

– In future work a numerical description of the frequency of cooking from scratch should be considered along with a wider range of response options. The data were derived from an online panel from which men were oversampled. Caution is required in comparisons between men and women respondents. The cross-sectional nature of the sample prevents any causal attributions from being drawn from the observed relationships. Further replication of the findings, especially the lack of association with educational background should be conducted.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to examine the associations of demographic characteristics and cooking practices with cooking from scratch. The findings suggest that cooking from scratch is common among Australian family food providers and signifies interest in learning about cooking and involvement in a wide range of cooking techniques.
Teaching outbreak investigation to undergraduate food technologists
Authors: Karlsen Hanne , Mehli Lisbeth , Wahl Erik , Staberg Ragnhild Lyngved
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Investigations of food-borne outbreaks are complex and require multidisciplinary collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to help food technologists face this challenge and be competent members of a multidisciplinary team, a study module on the investigation of a “real-life” food-borne outbreak was developed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The module design was based on the principles of inquiry-based learning with the purpose to motivate and activate students with challenging assignments. The didactic impact of the module was evaluated as a qualitative case study with questionnaires, reflection assignments and interviews of students and lecturers.

Findings

– A teaching module developed by an external professional taking part in the academic environment provides a learning environment well adapted to the curriculum, as well as bringing first-hand realism and enthusiasm into the classroom. The external lecturer’s dedication to the subject was appreciated by the students. A majority of the students believed that the outbreak investigation simulation play gave a better understanding of how food-borne outbreaks are investigated. A majority of the students 68 per cent (2011) and 82 per cent (2012) believed that what they learned in this module would be useful in a future work situation.

Research limitations/implications

– There are some limitations to the study, the most important one being the small sample size, and as the classes rarely exceeds 30 students, the use of a control group was not logistically feasible.

Originality/value

– Teaching food technologists to become knowledgeable professionals in this field will constitute a valuable contribution to the multidisciplinary food-borne outbreak investigation team. In turn, this may increase confidence among the general public in the food industry.
The impact of brand authenticity on brand attachment in the food industry
Authors: Assiouras Ioannis , Liapati Georgia , Kouletsis Georgios , Koniordos Michalis
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of brand authenticity on brand attachment and subsequently on consumer behaviour related to food brands.

Design/methodology/approach

– Results are derived from primary data collected from a consumer sample in Greece. Respondents rate their brand authenticity and brand attachment for two well established authentic Greek brands in the food industry.

Findings

– The study confirms that brand authenticity predicts the brand attachment, while brand attachment influences consumers purchase intentions, willingness to pay more and promote the brand.

Practical implications

– The benefits of brand authenticity should not be ignored and should be protected by the brand managers of food brands because it can be the one of the competitive advantages that can be leveraged in the competitive food industry sector.

Originality/value

– It provides the required empirical support for the impact of brand authenticity on brand attachment and behavioural intentions in the food industry.
The region-of-origin (ROO) effect on purchasing preferences
Authors: Chamorro Antonio , Rubio Sergio , Miranda F. Javier
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the “region-of-origin” effect in the purchase of cava, a sparkling wine. Cava is a multiregional designation of origin: although it is a product typical of a particular Spanish region (Catalonia), it is also produced in other regions in Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

– The technique of conjoint analysis is used to identify the structure of the preferences of cava consumers, and to evaluate how that structure is affected by the inclusion of a message that highlights the regional origin of the product. A survey was conducted among 473 wine buyers in the region of Extremadura (Spain).

Findings

– The main findings show that the “region-of-origin” effect is significant for the regional buyer of this type of wine, and that the sales of regional brands of cava would be greater if their regional origin were emphasized by indicating the location of the producer in a prominent place on the label. Moreover, three segments of purchasers differentiated by their preference structure are identified.

Originality/value

– The novelty of the study lies in the fact that this PDO is a multiregional designation of origin, and that the technique used, conjoint analysis, is applied not only to determine the buyer’s preference structure, but also to evaluate how that structure is affected when the regional origin of the product is highlighted in the message to the purchaser. This study is of value to academic researchers, wineries managers, and regional governments as it highlights important aspects to design marketing strategies and trade policies.
Global brands or local heroes?: evidence from the Spanish beer market
Authors: Calvo Porral Cristina , Levy-Mangin Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how consumers perceive and evaluate local and global brands – in a developed mature European market.

Design/methodology/approach

– For this purpose, four dimensions and two consequences of brand equity are evaluated, based on consumers’ standpoint. Structural equation modeling is carried out in order to analyze results obtained.

Findings

– The findings suggest that brand loyalty, brand image and perceived quality exert the higher influence on consumers’ brand value; while there are relevant differences in consumer’s assessment toward local and global brands.

Originality/value

– This study provides local and global brand marketers with further specific knowledge on how to market and enhance their brands’ value in a globalized increasingly competitive world.
The influence of celebrity chefs on a student population
Authors: Lane Samantha Rosemary , Fisher Stephanie Margaret
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the exposure of a student population to celebrity chef television programmes, to assess the influence these figures have, and how they are perceived.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was conducted through an online questionnaire distributed at Bath Spa University. The approach included asking respondents why they watched programmes featuring celebrity chefs; to select a named celebrity chef whom they thought had most influenced their food habits, and to name particular chefs relating to campaign descriptions.

Findings

– A significant proportion of the study group watched television programmes fronted by celebrity chefs (84 per cent); the main reason for watching was for entertainment. Overall, reported influence was insignificant, though Jamie Oliver was selected as the chef with most influence on the respondent’s food habits. Jamie Oliver’s campaign to improve school dinners was also the most recognised, and celebrity chefs were generally viewed positively.

Research limitations/implications

– The study population was quite specific in its gender, age and ethnicity, and therefore might not be representative of wider society. Further work could consider gender differences in chef influence, as well as different forms of exposure.

Originality/value

– Despite their ubiquity, academic research into the role of the celebrity chef in modern society is limited, where very few studies have assessed the influence of named chefs or the public perception of these figures. This paper gives an insight into this under-researched field.
Effect of food service-brand equity on consumer-perceived food value, physical risk, and brand preference
Authors: Wang Edward S.-T.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Although food product value and food safety is widely acknowledged as a critical concern by consumers, little empirical evidence exists regarding how food product value is created and how product risk decreases as a result of service-brand equity. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether food service-brand equity (i.e. brand awareness and brand image) affects consumer-perceived food value, food physical risk, and brand preference.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, data were collected from steakhouse consumers using a convenience sample (n=386). Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the survey data.

Findings

– The results reveal that service-brand awareness and brand image produce considerably dissimilar effects on consumer-perceived food value and risk. Brand awareness positively affects consumer-perceived food value but does not influence perceived physical risk. By contrast, brand image negatively influences perceived physical risk and positively affects brand preference, but it does not add perceived value to the food product.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to address these concerns, which are essential for understanding the role of service-brand equity in developing food-risk and value perceptions, and brand preference.