bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumers’ attitudes, trust and willingness to pay for food information
Authors: Nocella Giuseppe , Romano Donato , Stefani Gianluca
Published: January 2014

Market failure can be corrected using different regulatory approaches ranging from high to low intervention. Recently, classic regulations have been criticized as costly and economically irrational, and thus, policy makers are giving more consideration to soft regulatory techniques such as information remedies. However, despite the plethora of food information conveyed by different media there appears to be a lack of studies exploring how consumers evaluate this information and how trust towards publishers influence their choices for food information. In order to fill such a gap, this study investigates questions related to topics that are more relevant to consumers, who should disseminate trustful food information, and how communication should be conveyed and segmented. Primary data were collected both through qualitative (in‐depth interviews and focus groups) and quantitative research (web and mail surveys). Attitudes, willingness to pay (WTP) for food information and trust towards public and private sources conveying information through a new food magazine were assessed using both multivariate statistical methods and econometric analysis. The study shows that consumer attitudes towards food information topics can be summarized along three cognitive‐affective dimensions: the agro‐food system, enjoyment and wellness. Information related to health risks caused by nutritional disorders and food safety issues caused by bacteria and chemical substances is the most important for about 90% of respondents. Food information related to regulations and traditions is also considered important for more than two‐thirds of respondents, whereas information about food production and processing techniques, lifestyle and food fads are considered less important by the majority of respondents. Trust towards food information disseminated by public bodies is higher than that observed for private bodies. This behaviour directly affects WTP for food information provided by public and private publishers when markets are shocked by a food safety incident. WTP for consumer association (€1.80) and the European Food Safety Authority (€1.30) are higher than WTP for the independent and food industry publishers that cluster around zero euro. Furthermore, trust towards the type of publisher also plays a key role in food information market segmentation together with socio‐demographic and economic variables such as gender, age, presence of children and income. These findings invite policy makers to reflect on the possibility of using information remedies conveyed using trusted sources of information to specific segments of consumers as an interesting soft alternative to the classic way of regulating modern food markets.

JEL codes: D12, D18, D89, Q18.
Practical aspects of telehealth: doctor–patient relationship and communication
Authors: Sabesan S. , Allen D. , Caldwell P. , Loh P. K. , Mozer R. , Komesaroff P. A. , Talman P. , Williams M. , Shaheen N. , Grabinski O. ,   The Royal Australasian College of Physicians Telehealth Working Group
Published: January 2014

The fourth in a series of articles about the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper provides advice and information for specialists to communicate effectively with patients during a telehealth video consultation.
With or Without Force? European Public Opinion on Democracy Promotion
Authors: Faust Jörg , Garcia Maria Melody
Published: January 2014

This article investigates the impact of European citizens' socio‐economic backgrounds, political orientations and countries of origin on their support for democracy promotion in general and on democracy promotion via military means. Analyzing survey data from 11 European Union (EU) member countries, we show that citizens with more extreme political orientations are less likely to support general democracy promotion. In contrast, particularly those citizens with extreme rightist orientations are more likely to support democracy promotion via military means. Regarding the impact of socio‐economic background variables, higher education and working skills are positively associated with democracy promotion in general, but make citizens less likely to support democracy promotion via military means. Finally, even if the majority of Europeans do not support democracy promotion via military means, the heterogeneity of country effects suggests that the assumption of a common European identity regarding democracy promotion needs to be refined.
Evaluating the Wald Test for Item‐Level Comparison of Saturated and Reduced Models in Cognitive Diagnosis
Authors: de la Torre Jimmy , Lee Young‐Sun
Published: January 2014

This article used the Wald test to evaluate the item‐level fit of a saturated cognitive diagnosis model (CDM) relative to the fits of the reduced models it subsumes. A simulation study was carried out to examine the Type I error and power of the Wald test in the context of the G‐DINA model. Results show that when the sample size is small and a larger number of attributes are required, the Type I error rate of the Wald test for the DINA and DINO models can be higher than the nominal significance levels, while the Type I error rate of the A‐CDM is closer to the nominal significance levels. However, with larger sample sizes, the Type I error rates for the three models are closer to the nominal significance levels. In addition, the Wald test has excellent statistical power to detect when the true underlying model is none of the reduced models examined even for relatively small sample sizes. The performance of the Wald test was also examined with real data. With an increasing number of CDMs from which to choose, this article provides an important contribution toward advancing the use of CDMs in practical educational settings.
Generalization of the Lord‐Wingersky Algorithm to Computing the Distribution of Summed Test Scores Based on Real‐Number Item Scores
Authors: Kim Seonghoon
Published: January 2014

With known item response theory (IRT) item parameters, Lord and Wingersky provided a recursive algorithm for computing the conditional frequency distribution of number‐correct test scores, given proficiency. This article presents a generalized algorithm for computing the conditional distribution of summed test scores involving real‐number item scores. The generalized algorithm is distinct from the Lord‐Wingersky algorithm in that it explicitly incorporates the task of figuring out all possible unique real‐number test scores in each recursion. Some applications of the generalized recursive algorithm, such as IRT test score reliability estimation and IRT proficiency estimation based on summed test scores, are illustrated with a short test by varying scoring schemes for its items.
Longitudinal Multistage Testing
Authors: Pohl Steffi
Published: January 2014

This article introduces longitudinal multistage testing (lMST), a special form of multistage testing (MST), as a method for adaptive testing in longitudinal large‐scale studies. In lMST designs, test forms of different difficulty levels are used, whereas the values on a pretest determine the routing to these test forms. Since lMST allows for testing in paper and pencil mode, lMST may represent an alternative to conventional testing (CT) in assessments for which other adaptive testing designs are not applicable. In this article the performance of lMST is compared to CT in terms of test targeting as well as bias and efficiency of ability and change estimates. Using a simulation study, the effect of the stability of ability across waves, the difficulty level of the different test forms, and the number of link items between the test forms were investigated.
‘Newcomer adaptation’: a lens through which to understand how nursing students fit in with the real world of practice
Authors: Houghton Catherine E
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To present a discussion on newcomer adaptation as a lens through which to understand how nursing students adapt to clinical practice and raise awareness of strategies that can be used to enhance their learning experiences.

Background

Socialisation is an important factor that facilitates students’ learning in the clinical setting. Therefore, it is beneficial to examine organisational socialisation literature, particularly that pertaining to newcomer adaptation.

Design

This is a critical review of organisational socialisation literature.

Methods

Seminal literature and more recent research in the field of organisational socialisation and newcomer adaptation were accessed. In addition, nursing and allied health literature examining students’ socialisation and the clinical learning environment was retrieved.

Conclusions

It is revealed in this article that to create an appropriate clinical learning environment, an understanding of socialisation tactics could be beneficial. Role modelling is deemed crucial to successful newcomer adaptation. Peer support is necessary but must be advocated with caution as it can have a negative impact when students form a ‘parallel community’. Students with some knowledge of the workplace tend to adapt more easily. Likewise, students’ disposition and, in particular, their confidence can also enhance the socialisation process.

Relevance to clinical practice

Both the organisation and the student can impact on how successfully the nursing student ‘fits in’. Understanding this through the lens of newcomer adaptation means that strategies can be put in place to facilitate this process.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate increases an intracellular Ca2+ concentration via S1P3 receptor in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Fujii Kazumi , Machida Takuji , Iizuka Kenji , Hirafuji Masahiko
Published: January 2014

Objective

We investigated the effect of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) on intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Methods

Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was determined using a fluorescence dye fura-2/AM. Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) were transfected into VSMCs to deplete the expression of S1P2 and S1P3 receptors.

Key findings

S1P induced a rapid and transient elevation in [Ca2+]i, which was maximal 1 min after the stimulation, followed by a sustained increase. When extracellular Ca2+ was removed, a decrease in resting level and a small and transient increase in [Ca2+]i by S1P stimulation were observed. siRNA targeted for the S1P3 receptor almost completely inhibited the S1P-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. The rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i was significantly inhibited by diltiazem at a high concentration. Pertussis toxin and a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor inhibited the S1P-induced increase in [Ca2+]i regardless of the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, S1P activated store-operated and receptor-operated Ca2+ entry.

Conclusions

These results suggest that S1P increases [Ca2+]i via the S1P3 receptor by inducing an influx of extracellular Ca2+ partially through the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, as well as by mobilizing Ca2+ from its intracellular stores. S1P3 receptor-coupled Gi/o protein and PLC activation mediate the mechanisms.
R&D Cooperation, Partner Diversity, and Innovation Performance: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: van Beers Cees , Zand Fardad
Published: January 2014

Existing literature on research and development (R&D) alliances focuses on formation motives and performance impacts of these alliances but hardly on diversity of the partners' portfolio. Cooperation with a diverse set of partners leads to learning opportunities with regard to both cooperation and innovation skills and hence is expected to enhance the firm's innovation performance. This paper examines two research questions: (1) the impact of functional and geographical diversity of R&D partners on radical and incremental innovation performance of product innovating firms, and (2) the organizational determinants of partner diversity in R&D alliances. The empirical analysis is based on data from the Dutch Community Innovation Survey, R&D and Information and Communication Technology Surveys, and Production Statistics, which lead to a representative sample of 12,811 innovating firms in the period 1994–2006. Through random‐effects panel Tobit estimates, econometric models for both research questions are estimated. The results indicate that functional and geographical diversity act through different channels. Functional diversity leads to a variety of knowledge intake and synergetic effects necessary to develop and commercialize novel products. Geographical diversity results in successful adaption of existing products to different local requirements such as technical standards, market regulations, and customer preferences. The organizational determinants of both kinds of partner diversity are prior experience, patenting, and information technology infrastructure.
What Keeps Managers Away from a Losing Course of Action? Go/Stop Decisions in New Product Development
Authors: Behrens Judith , Ernst Holger
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this experimental study is to test whether specific approaches can reduce escalation of commitment—namely, decision‐makers' tendency to persist with an innovation project despite negative feedback that the initial investment has not reached its goals. This study focuses on the decision process for 137 research and development managers who must decide whether to abandon previously chosen courses of action or to continue in the face of probable and increasing losses in a stage‐gate system. The results show that visual decision aids and consultant advice reduce managers' decisions to continue funding a losing course of action. The results also show that using both approaches simultaneously has the strongest effect. Finally, the study reveals that the escalation of commitment issue can be reduced more effectively before an innovation project is commercialized while using both approaches.
Periodontal disease associated with red complex bacteria in dogs
Authors: Di Bello A. , Buonavoglia A. , Franchini D. , Valastro C. , Ventrella G. , Greco M. F. , Corrente M.
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE

Red complex bacteria (Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis) play a major role in the aetiology of periodontal disease in humans. This study was designed to evaluate the association of such bacteria with periodontal disease in dogs.

METHODS

Seventy‐three subgingival samples taken from dogs ranging from 2 months to 12 years (median age 4 years) were tested for red complex bacteria using a polymerase chain reaction assay.

RESULTS

Thirty‐six of 73 (49 · 3%) dogs were found to be positive for T. forsythia and P. gingivalis. Dogs with gingivitis or periodontitis were more likely to be infected with T. forsythia and P. gingivalis [odds ratio (OR) 5 · 4 (confidence interval (CI) 1 · 9‐15 · 6), P = 0 · 002] than healthy animals. Only 3 (4 · 1%) of 73 samples were positive for red complex bacteria, but the association with periodontal disease was not significant.

Conclusion And Clinical Relevance

The results indicate that involvement of red complex bacteria in periodontal disease in dogs is similar to that observed in humans. Only the concurrent presence of T. forsythia and P. gingivalis were correlated to periodontal disease in dogs in this study.
Associations between sleep habits and mental health status and suicidality in a longitudinal survey of monozygotic twin adolescents
Authors: Matamura Misato , Tochigi Mamoru , Usami Satoshi , Yonehara Hiromi , Fukushima Masako , Nishida Atsushi , Togo Fumiharu , Sasaki Tsukasa
Published: January 2014

Several epidemiological studies have indicated that there is a relationship between sleep habits, such as sleep duration, bedtime and bedtime regularity, and mental health status, including depression and anxiety in adolescents. However, it is still to be clarified whether the relationship is direct cause‐and‐effect or mediated by the influence of genetic and other traits, i.e. quasi‐correlation. To examine this issue, we conducted a twin study using a total of 314 data for monozygotic twins from a longitudinal survey of sleep habits and mental health status conducted in a unified junior and senior high school (grades 7–12), located in Tokyo, Japan. Three‐level hierarchical linear model analysis showed that both bedtime and sleep duration had significant associations with the Japanese version of the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) score, suicidal thoughts and the experience of self‐harm behaviours when genetic factors and shared environmental factors, which were completely shared between co‐twins, were controlled for. These associations were statistically significant even after controlling for bedtime regularity, which was also associated significantly with the GHQ‐12 score. These suggest that the associations between sleep habits and mental health status were still statistically significant after controlling for the influence of genetic and shared environmental factors of twins, and that there may be a direct cause‐and‐effect in the relationship in adolescents. Thus, late bedtime and short sleep duration could predict subsequent development of depression and anxiety, including suicidal or self‐injury risk. This suggests that poor mental health status in adolescents might be improved by health education and intervention concerning sleep and lifestyle habits.
Specific Reading Comprehension Disability: Major Problem, Myth, or Misnomer?
Authors: Spencer Mercedes , Quinn Jamie M. , Wagner Richard K.
Published: January 2014

The goal of the present study was to test three competing hypotheses about the nature of comprehension problems of students who are poor in reading comprehension. Participants in the study were first, second, and third graders, totaling nine cohorts and over 425,000 participants in all. The pattern of results was consistent across all cohorts: Less than 1 percent of first‐ through third‐grade students who scored as poor in reading comprehension were adequate in both decoding and vocabulary. Although poor reading comprehension certainly qualifies as a major problem rather than a myth, the term specific reading comprehension disability is a misnomer: Individuals with problems in reading comprehension that are not attributable to poor word recognition have comprehension problems that are general to language comprehension rather than specific to reading. Implications for assessment and intervention are discussed.
Making Connections: Linking Cognitive Psychology and Intervention Research to Improve Comprehension of Struggling Readers
Authors: McMaster Kristen L. , Espin Christine A. , van den Broek Paul
Published: January 2014

Many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of reading comprehension interventions for struggling readers, including students with learning disabilities. Yet, some readers continue to struggle with comprehension despite receiving these interventions. In this article, we argue that an explicit link between cognitive psychology and intervention research contributes to knowledge regarding for whom and under what conditions reading comprehension interventions are most likely to be beneficial. First, we provide a brief overview of a cognitive perspective on reading comprehension. Next, we illustrate an application of this perspective by describing a collaborative project in which we examined interactions among reader characteristics, text properties, and instructional contexts. Last, we highlight directions for future research and implications for practice.
Integrating Scenario‐Based and Component Reading Skill Measures to Understand the Reading Behavior of Struggling Readers
Authors: Sabatini John P. , O'Reilly Tenaha , Halderman Laura K. , Bruce Kelly
Published: January 2014

In recent years, researchers, educators, and policy makers have called for a new generation of reading comprehension assessments (e.g., Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2008). Advocates of this movement argue for a deeper type of reading assessment, one that captures students’ ability to not only understand single texts in isolation but also to engage in purposeful, multisource integration of sources. While this shift in how we define and measure reading comprehension is laudable, assessments must also measure the fundamental reading skills that may impede higher‐level comprehension processes. This article presents data from two assessments that were designed to work in tandem to provide a more complete picture of reading comprehension. Middle school students were given a component skills battery which measured core reading skills such as word recognition, decoding, vocabulary, and morphology, as well a second assessment designed to measure reading comprehension. Reading comprehension was measured using a scenario‐based assessment approach, which required students to read a range of sources to fulfill a particular reading goal. The results indicate that students, including struggling readers, were able to read, understand, and problem solve in complex learning environments, but students’ ability to do so was often tempered by their basic reading skills. We argue that including a measure of component skills alongside a measure of higher‐level comprehension is beneficial in interpreting student performance. Accordingly, we present the results on the scenario‐based measure as a function of reading component skills and argue for the value of using this approach for struggling readers.
Partnering Through Science: Developing Linguistic Insight to Address Educational Inequality for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in U.S. STEM Education
Authors: Mallinson Christine , Charity Hudley Anne H.
Published: January 2014

Linguists must build and strengthen research partnerships with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators to further investigate linguistic and cultural diversity and academic inequality in STEM education in the U.S. We review key issues and themes from literature on the role of language in U.S. STEM education and the linguistic and ideological roots of barriers to STEM achievement for culturally and linguistically diverse students. We assess ways that linguists have engaged with educators and teachers, learning from humanities‐ and social science‐based partnerships and adapting them to STEM contexts. We then examine specific and significant challenges that culturally and linguistically diverse student populations in STEM areas often face, with a focus on structural, sociocultural, and ideological barriers. Finally, we advocate for forging partnerships with STEM educators that establish a well‐defined rationale for collaboration across linguistics and STEM, yielding basic and applied research benefits.
Deletion of Vitamin C biosynthesis enzyme, Arabino‐1, 4‐lactone oxidase in Leishmania donovani results in increased pro‐inflammatory responses from host immune cells
Authors: Manhas Reetika , Anand Sneha , Tripathi Pankaj , Madhubala Rentala
Published: January 2014

Recently, we reported molecular characterization, localization and functional importance of Arabino‐1, 4‐lactone oxidase (ALO) enzyme from Leishmania donovani that catalyses the last step in ascorbate biosynthesis pathway. Vitamin C (l‐ascorbic acid) is implicated in several crucial physiological processes. To elucidate the biological role of d‐arabinono‐γ‐lactone oxidase in Leishmania, we made L. donovani ALO null mutant (ΔALO) by double targeted gene replacement. This mutant lacked ALO activity, showed transient growth defect and reduced ascorbate levels. ΔALO grown in ascorbate depleted media further enhanced growth defect with no detectable levels of ascorbate, implying that parasites have the ability to scavenge ascorbate. ΔALO mutants showed reduced survival in mouse macrophages and are impaired in their infectivity in vivo. Furthermore, the ΔALO mutant induced production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines gamma interferon (IFN‐gamma), interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) by infected mouse macrophages. These mutants were susceptible to oxidative stresses in vitro as revealed by the decreased survival inside macrophages by increased production of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Complementation of the ΔALO mutants restored the phenotypic effects in these parasites. Our description of ALO null mutant parasite that triggers pro‐inflammatory host responses provides a novel platform for targeting ALO in anti‐parasitic strategies.
Standardization and application of metrics to quantify human‐interaction behaviors by the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops spp.)
Authors: Perrtree Robin M. , Kovacs Carolyn J. , Cox Tara M.
Published: January 2014

The conditioning of dolphins to human‐interaction behaviors has been documented in several areas worldwide. However, the metrics used to report human‐interaction behaviors vary among studies, making comparison across study areas difficult. The purpose of this study was to develop standard metrics for reporting human‐interaction behaviors and utilize these metrics to quantify the prevalence of human‐interaction behaviors by common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near Savannah, Georgia. The four metrics used were percentage of days with human‐interaction behaviors, percentage of sightings with human‐interaction behaviors, percentage of the catalog that interacted with humans, and spatial extent of human‐interaction behaviors. Human‐interaction behaviors were observed on 69.6% of days and 23.5% of sightings near Savannah. In addition, 20.1% of the animals in the catalog were observed interacting with humans. These rates are much higher than those found in other areas with known issues with human‐interaction behaviors. These behaviors were observed across an area of 272.6 km2, which is larger than other reported areas. The four metrics used in this study proved to be a valuable way to report human‐interaction behaviors, and their use is recommended for future studies to allow for comparison among areas.
Microbiota and their role in the pathogenesis of oral mucositis
Authors: Vanhoecke B , De Ryck T , Stringer A , Van de Wiele T , Keefe D
Published: January 2014

Oral mucositis in patients undergoing cancer therapy is a significant problem. Its prevalence ranges between 20 and 100%, depending on treatment type and protocols and patient‐based variables. Mucositis is self‐limiting when uncomplicated by infection. Unfortunately, the incidence of developing a local or systemic infection during the course of the treatment is very high. At this stage, it is unclear which role oral microbiota play in the onset, duration, and severity of oral mucositis. Nevertheless, there is growing interest in this underexplored topic, and new studies are being undertaken to unravel their impact on the pathogenesis of mucositis.
Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Brugada Syndrome: A Survey of Pediatric Electrophysiologists
Authors: HARRIS BRONWYN U. , MIYAKE CHRISTINA Y. , MOTONAGA KARA S. , DUBIN ANNE M.
Published: January 2014

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) can be difficult to diagnose and treat, especially in the young patient. As there is currently no consensus on the evaluation and treatment of BrS in the pediatric population, we sought to describe the current practice for the diagnosis and treatment of BrS among pediatric electrophysiologists.

Methods

A web‐based survey was distributed to 204 physician members (MDs) of The Pediatric and Adult Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES). Practice characteristics, BrS patient attributes, and diagnostic and therapeutic preferences were collected.

Results

Responses were obtained from 83 pediatric electrophysiologists. The most common initial presentation was family history. There is a large variation in testing, particularly in the use of electrophysiology (EP) studies, drug challenge testing, and genetic testing. Despite limited treatment options, there is only consensus in the therapeutic approach to the pediatric patient with symptomatic BrS with 97% of physicians recommending an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). In the asymptomatic patient, a wide variation in therapy was seen with only 27% of physicians recommending an ICD

Conclusions

Significant practice variation exists among pediatric electrophysiologists with deviation from accepted diagnostic and therapeutic practices for adult BrS patients. Further studies are necessary to establish best practice guidelines for BrS in the pediatric EP community.
Paterimitra pyramidalis from South Australia: scleritome, shell structure and evolution of a lower Cambrian stem group brachiopod
Authors: Larsson Cecilia M. , Skovsted Christian B. , Brock Glenn A. , Balthasar Uwe , Topper Timothy P. , Holmer Lars E.
Published: January 2014

The tommotiid Paterimitra pyramidalis Laurie, 1986, is redescribed based on well‐preserved material from the lower Cambrian Wilkawillina, Wirrapowie and Ajax limestones of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. The material shows that the scleritome of Paterimitra pyramidalis includes three sclerite morphotypes (S1, S2 and L). Detailed shell microstructure studies show striking similarities with both the paterinid brachiopod Askepasma toddense and the tommotiid Eccentrotheca helenia, which strengthens the suggested evolutionary link between tommotiids and brachiopods. Based on the partly articulated specimens and similarities in shell microstructure and sclerite morphology with Eccentrotheca, Paterimitra pyramidalis is reconstructed as a tube‐dwelling, epifaunal, sessile, filter‐feeder with an organic pedicle‐like attachment structure. The proposed reconstruction of the scleritome comprises a basal unit composed of one S1 and one S2 sclerite, as well as an unresolved number of L sclerites lining a coniform tubular structure.
Suppression of UV‐B stress responses by flg22 is regulated at the chromatin level via histone modification
Authors: SCHENKE DIRK , CAI DAGUANG , SCHEEL DIERK
Published: January 2014

Genes of the flavonol pathway are activated by UV‐B, but suppressed by concomitant flg22 application in Arabidopsis. Analysis at the metabolite level suggested that this regulation allows the plant to focus its secondary metabolism on the plant defence towards pathogen attack. We now demonstrate by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative PCR, that this antagonistic gene regulation is mediated at the chromatin level by differential regulation of histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac), which is a hallmark for gene activation. Since H3K9ac levels were altered at least at four independent gene loci, namely, chalcone synthase, chalcone‐flavone isomerase, flavanone 3‐hydroxylase and the positive regulator MYB12, which correlates with the observed gene activation/suppression reported previously, it appears that this process is mediated by chromatin remodelling. Since suppression of H3K9ac prevents gene expression, we conclude H3K9ac is rather cause than consequence of gene activation. This finding allows us also to extend our working model, involving the two opposing MYB transcription factors of the flavonol pathway, MYB12 (being UV‐B‐activated and flg22‐suppressed) and MYB4 (a negative regulator, which is activated by both flg22 and UV‐B stress).
Natural History of Atypical and Equivocal Melanocytic Lesions in Children: An Observational Study of 19 Cases
Authors: Pizzichetta Maria A. , Talamini Renato , Stanganelli Ignazio , Soyer Hans Peter
Published: January 2014

Digital dermoscopy follow‐up helps to identify patterns of change typical of common atypical nevi and early melanoma and improves the follow‐up of patients with atypical nevi. We report the morphologic changes observed over time in 19 atypical or equivocal acquired melanocytic nevi that underwent dermoscopic follow‐up. Two observers retrospectively examined digitalized dermoscopic images of 19 atypical melanocytic nevi from 15 children and young adults (median age 12 years, range 3–26 years). The images were assessed for global dermoscopic patterns at baseline and after a median 25‐month (range 6–138 mos) follow‐up. Ten (52.6%) nevi changed and nine (47.4%) retained a stable dermoscopic pattern. Of the 10 changing lesions, 2 of 4 homogeneous nevi evolved into a reticular pattern and 2 into a mixed pattern; 1 of 2 nevi with a mixed pattern evolved into a homogeneous nevus and 1 into a regressing nevus; 1 of 2 nevi with “other” patterns, such as negative pigment network and peppering throughout the lesion, evolved into a mixed nevus and 1 into a regressing nevus; 1 globular nevus evolved into a mixed pattern; and 1 starburst nevus evolved into a homogeneous nevus. The most striking results of our study were that atypical nevi can evolve into common nevi or they can regress, as documented by long‐term dermoscopic follow‐up. In children and young adults, dermoscopic follow‐up of atypical nevi might be a valid alternative to surgical excision and enables us to achieve new insights into the natural history of these nevi.
Specific turion yields of different clones of Spirodela polyrhiza depend on external phosphate thresholds
Authors: Appenroth K.‐J. , Adamec L.
Published: January 2014

Turions play an important role in the survival strategy of the duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza. Therefore, factors influencing the formation of these survival organs were studied. Phosphate deficiency is the main natural factor inducing turion formation and the specific turion yield (SY), i.e. the number of turions formed per frond, varied widely for five different clones from different climate zones. The concentrations of phosphate and nitrate in the nutrient media were investigated at the onset of turion formation, with SY ranging from 0.22 to 5.9. Tissue P and N content was also investigated in vegetative fronds at the onset of turion formation and in newly formed turions. The clones were selected to test possible correlations between SY and threshold nutrient concentration for turion formation. Only one correlation, between SY and external phosphate concentration, was significant: clones with high SY started turion formation at higher external phosphate concentrations. Turion formation is thus mainly induced by the external phosphate concentration, below a defined, clone‐dependent threshold. We propose the following mechanism: a switch of the developmental programme of frond primordia from vegetative frond to turion formation at a higher phosphate threshold saves more phosphate for turion formation instead of using it for a further vegetative growth. However, the period of growth preceding turion formation does not depend on this threshold value, but rather on the growth rate of the vegetative fronds, which actually produce the phosphate shortage by taking it up from the surrounding medium.
The novel allele, HLA‐DPB1*04:01:15, is shared by a cord blood unit and corresponding maternal sample
Authors: Dabin T. , Jue W. , Guojin O. , Xingjie L. , Qiang C.
Published: January 2014

The novel allele HLA‐DPB1*04:01:15 is different from DPB1*04:01:01:01 with one nucleotide at nt 351 (C > A) in exon 2.
The Arabidopsis Mediator subunit MED16 regulates iron homeostasis by associating with EIN3/EIL1 through subunit MED25
Authors: Yang Yan , Ou Bin , Zhang Jinzhe , Si Wen , Gu Hongya , Qin Genji , Qu Li‐Jia
Published: January 2014

Iron is an essential micronutrient for plants and animals, and plants are a major source of iron for humans. Therefore, understanding the regulation of iron homeostasis in plants is critical. We identified a T‐DNA insertion mutant, yellow and sensitive to iron‐deficiency 1 (yid1), that was hypersensitive to iron deficiency, containing a reduced amount of iron. YID1 encodes the Arabidopsis Mediator complex subunit MED16. We demonstrated that YID1/MED16 interacted with another subunit, MED25. MED25 played an important role in regulation of iron homeostasis by interacting with EIN3 and EIL1, two transcription factors in ethylene signaling associated with regulation of iron homeostasis. We found that the transcriptome in yid1 and med25 mutants was significantly affected by iron deficiency. In particular, the transcription levels of FIT, IRT1 and FRO2 were reduced in the yid1 and med25 mutants under iron‐deficient conditions. The finding that YID1/MED16 and MED25 positively regulate iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis increases our understanding of the complex transcriptional regulation of iron homeostasis in plants.
Major repeat components covering one‐third of the ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) genome and evidence for allotetraploidy
Authors: Choi Hong‐Il , Waminal Nomar E. , Park Hye Mi , Kim Nam‐Hoon , Choi Beom Soon , Park Minkyu , Choi Doil , Lim Yong Pyo , Kwon Soo‐Jin , Park Beom‐Seok , Kim Hyun Hee , Yang Tae‐Jin
Published: January 2014

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a famous medicinal herb, but the composition and structure of its genome are largely unknown. Here we characterized the major repeat components and inspected their distribution in the ginseng genome. By analyzing three repeat‐rich bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) sequences from ginseng, we identified complex insertion patterns of 34 long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR‐RTs) and 11 LTR‐RT derivatives accounting for more than 80% of the BAC sequences. The LTR‐RTs were classified into three Ty3/gypsy (PgDel, PgTat and PgAthila) and two Ty1/Copia (PgTork and PgOryco) families. Mapping of 30‐Gbp Illumina whole‐genome shotgun reads to the BAC sequences revealed that these five LTR‐RT families occupy at least 34% of the ginseng genome. The Ty3/Gypsy families were predominant, comprising 74 and 33% of the BAC sequences and the genome, respectively. In particular, the PgDel family accounted for 29% of the genome and presumably played major roles in enlargement of the size of the ginseng genome. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that the PgDel1 elements are distributed throughout the chromosomes along dispersed heterochromatic regions except for ribosomal DNA blocks. The intensity of the PgDel2 FISH signals was biased toward 24 out of 48 chromosomes. Unique gene probes showed two pairs of signals with different locations, one pair in subtelomeric regions on PgDel2‐rich chromosomes and the other in interstitial regions on PgDel2‐poor chromosomes, demonstrating allotetraploidy in ginseng. Our findings promote understanding of the evolution of the ginseng genome and of that of related species in the Araliaceae.
AP180 Couples Protein Retrieval to Clathrin‐Mediated Endocytosis of Synaptic Vesicles
Authors: Vanlandingham Phillip A. , Barmchi Mojgan Padash , Royer Suzanne , Green Rebekah , Bao Hong , Reist Noreen , Zhang Bing
Published: January 2014

How clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME) retrieves vesicle proteins into newly formed synaptic vesicles (SVs) remains a major puzzle. Besides its roles in stimulating clathrin‐coated vesicle formation and regulating SV size, the clathrin assembly protein AP180 has been identified as a key player in retrieving SV proteins. The mechanisms by which AP180 recruits SV proteins are not fully understood. Here, we show that following acute inactivation of AP180 in Drosophila, SV recycling is severely impaired at the larval neuromuscular synapse based on analyses of FM 1‐43 uptake and synaptic ultrastructure. More dramatically, AP180 activity is important to maintain the integrity of SV protein complexes at the plasma membrane during endocytosis. These observations suggest that AP180 normally clusters SV proteins together during recycling. Consistent with this notion, SV protein composition and distribution are altered in AP180 mutant flies. Finally, AP180 co‐immunoprecipitates with SV proteins, including the vesicular glutamate transporter and neuronal synaptobrevin. These results reveal a new mode by which AP180 couples protein retrieval to CME of SVs. AP180 is also genetically linked to Alzheimer's disease. Hence, the findings of this study may provide new mechanistic insight into the role of AP180 dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.
Yeast Endocytic Adaptor AP‐2 Binds the Stress Sensor Mid2 and Functions in Polarized Cell Responses
Authors: Chapa‐y‐Lazo Bernardo , Allwood Ellen G. , Smaczynska‐de Rooij Iwona I. , Snape Mary L. , Ayscough Kathryn R.
Published: January 2014

The AP‐2 complex is a heterotetrameric endocytic cargo‐binding adaptor that facilitates uptake of membrane proteins during mammalian clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. While budding yeast has clear homologues of all four AP‐2 subunits which form a complex and localize to endocytic sites in vivo, the function of yeast AP‐2 has remained enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that AP‐2 is required for hyphal growth in Candida albicans and polarized cell responses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Deletion of APM4, the cargo‐binding mu subunit of AP‐2, causes defects in pseudohyphal growth, generation of a mating projection and the cell wall damage response. In an apm4 null mutant, the cell wall stress sensor Mid2 is unable to relocalize to the tip of a mating projection following pheromone addition, or to the mother bud neck in response to cell wall damage. A direct binding interaction between Mid2 and the mu homology domain of Apm4 further supports a model in which AP‐2 binds Mid2 to facilitate its internalization and relocalization in response to specific signals. Thus, Mid2 is the first cargo for AP‐2 identified in yeast. We propose that endocytic recycling of Mid2 and other components is required for polarized cell responses ensuring cell wall deposition and is tightly monitored during cell growth.
Multiple trichoblastomas in a dog
Authors: Campos Andressa G. , Cogliati Bruno , Guerra Juliana M. , Matera Julia M.
Published: January 2014

Background

Hair follicle tumours generally present as benign, solitary masses and have a good prognosis following surgical resection.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This report describes a case of multiple trichoblastomas in a dog.

Animal

A 2‐year‐old crossbred dog presented with multiple soft cutaneous periocular, perilabial, submandibular and nasal nodules, between 2 and 9 cm in diameter, located on the right side of the face. New nodules were observed on the same side of the face at a second consultation 3 weeks later.

Methods

Surgical resection of all nodules was performed in two procedures. Three nodules were initially resected and submitted for histolopathology and immunohistochemistry. The diagnosis was trichoblastoma for all three. At the time of the second consultation, new and remaining nodules were biopsied and the diagnosis of trichoblastoma confirmed. The dog was treated with doxorubicin and piroxicam for 30 days prior to the second surgical procedure in an attempt to reduce new tumour growth and the size of present tumours. All nodules were resected and the defects closed using rotation flaps.

Results

No recurrence of the neoplasm was noted within 10 months after surgery.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Trichoblastomas are generally benign but can present as multiple neoplasms that may require surgical resection and may respond to chemotherapy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of multiple trichoblastomas in a dog.
Implementation of a robust virtual metrology for plasma etching through effective variable selection and recursive update technology
Authors: Hyun Baek Kye , Song Kiwook , Han Chonghun , Choi Gilheyun , Ku Cho Han , Edgar Thomas F.
Published: January 2014

Virtual metrology (VM) is attracting much interest from semiconductor manufacturers because of its potential advantages for quality control. Plasma etching equipment with state-of-the-art plasma sensors are attractive for implementing VM. However, the plasma sensors requiring physical understanding make it difficult to select input parameters for VM. In addition, those sensors with high sensitivity frequently cause several issues in terms of VM performance. This paper will address plasma sensor issues in implementing a robust VM, where self-excited electron resonance spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, and VI-probe are utilized for critical dimension prediction in a plasma etching process. An optimum sensor selection technique which can give insight into effectiveness of plasma sensors is introduced. In this technique, a numerical criterion, integrated squared response, is proposed for effective selection of important sensors for particular manipulated variables. Sensor data shift across equipment preventive maintenance (PM) and its impact on VM performance are also addressed, where a recursive data centering technique is introduced to handle PM-to-PM sensor data drift in a cost-effective way. The application of the technique introduced in this paper is shown to be effective in dynamic random access memory manufacturing. Hopefully, these results will encourage further implementation of robust virtual metrology in plasma etching for semiconductor manufacturing.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the effect of temperature upon surface composition of InP etched in Cl2-based inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Chanson Romain , Bouchoule Sophie , Cardinaud Christophe , Petit-Etienne Camille , Cambril Edmond , Rhallabi Ahmed , Guilet Stephane , Blanquet Elisabeth
Published: January 2014

The chemical composition of the surface of InP samples etched in Cl2 and Cl2/Ar inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is analyzed using ex-situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Comparison between ex-situ and in-situ XPS measurements shows that the stoichiometry of the etched surface can be retrieved from the ex-situ analysis provided that an adapted procedure is used. This allows for investigating the evolution of the surface stoichiometry as a function of etching parameters. The sample temperature is found to play a determining role in the top surface composition during etching. An abrupt switch from a rough and In-rich surface to a smooth and significantly P-rich surface is observed above a critical temperature and is found to depend only weakly upon the other etching parameters such as direct current bias or pressure. Ex-situ XPS measurements are used to estimate the thickness of the phosphorus layer identified on the top surface as ∼1 nm, which is consistent with the value previously derived using in-situ XPS. Finally, the stoichiometry of the InP etched sidewalls is analyzed selectively using dedicated microscale periodic patterns. The surface P-enrichment of the etched sidewalls is found to be very similar to that of the bottom etched surface. The presence of the phosphorus top layer may have an impact on the sidewall passivation mechanism during anisotropic ICP etching of InP-based heterostructures using Cl2-containing plasma chemistry.