bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic silencing of the WNT antagonist Dickkopf 3 disrupts normal Wnt/β‐catenin signalling and apoptosis regulation in breast cancer cells
Authors: Xiang Tingxiu , Li Lili , Yin Xuedong , Zhong Lan , Peng Weiyan , Qiu Zhu , Ren Guosheng , Tao Qian 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDickkopf‐related protein 3 (DKK3) is an antagonist of Wnt ligand activity. Reduced DKK3 expression has been reported in various types of cancers, but its functions and related molecular mechanisms in breast tumorigenesis remain unclear. We examined the expression and promoter methylation of DKK3 in 10 breast cancer cell lines, 96 primary breast tumours, 43 paired surgical margin tissues and 16 normal breast tissues. DKK3 was frequently silenced in breast cell lines (5/10) by promoter methylation, compared with human normal mammary epithelial cells and tissues. DKK3 methylation was detected in 78% of breast tumour samples, whereas only rarely methylated in normal breast and surgical margin tissues, suggesting tumour‐specific methylation of DKK3 in breast cancer. Ectopic expression of DKK3 suppressed cell colony formation through inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of breast tumour cells. DKK3 also induced changes of cell morphology, and inhibited breast tumour cell migration through reversing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and down‐regulating stem cell markers. DKK3 inhibited canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling through mediating β‐catenin translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm and membrane, along with reduced active‐β‐catenin, further activating non‐canonical JNK signalling. Thus, our findings demonstrate that DKK3 could function as a tumour suppressor through inducing apoptosis and regulating Wnt signalling during breast tumorigenesis.
Use of handheld reflectance confocal microscopy for in vivo diagnosis of solitary facial papules: a case series
Authors: Fraga‐Braghiroli N.A. , Stephens A. , Grossman D. , Rabinovitz H. , Castro R.P.R. , Scope A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundReflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) can be useful for evaluation of solitary pink papules that are suspicious for skin cancer. RCM has been challenging to apply to curvy facial areas because of the need for attaining full contact between the skin and RCM probe. A smaller diameter handheld RCM probe has been recently introduced to clinical practice.ObjectiveTo describe the utility of RCM handheld probe as a bedside adjunct for clinical diagnosis of solitary facial papules.MethodsThis is a retrospective descriptive case series of six patients presented with a diagnostically equivocal solitary facial papule. All lesions reported were evaluated and imaged clinically, dermoscopically and with handheld RCM, followed by biopsy for histopathological analysis.ResultsThe series included biopsy‐proven basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) (n = 2), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1), sebaceous hyperplasia (n = 1), desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (n = 1) and compound nevus (n = 1). Handheld RCM was easy to apply to the curved facial surfaces and allowed for reaching a correct bedside diagnosis.ConclusionFor clinically and dermoscopically equivocal small papules on curved facial surfaces, handheld RCM may be particularly helpful in differentiating benign lesions from skin cancer.
Calcium Regulation in the Protozoan Model, Paramecium tetraurelia
Authors: Plattner Helmut 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEarly in eukaryotic evolution, the cell has evolved a considerable inventory of proteins engaged in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, not only to avoid toxic effects but beyond that to exploit the signaling capacity of Ca2+ by small changes in local concentration. Among protozoa, the ciliate Paramecium may now be one of the best analyzed models. Ciliary activity and exo‐/endocytosis are governed by Ca2+, the latter by Ca2+ mobilization from alveolar sacs and a superimposed store‐operated Ca2+‐influx. Paramecium cells possess plasma membrane‐ and endoplasmic reticulum‐resident Ca2+‐ATPases/pumps (PMCA, SERCA), a variety of Ca2+ influx channels, including mechanosensitive and voltage‐dependent channels in the plasma membrane, furthermore a plethora of Ca2+‐release channels (CRC) of the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate and ryanodine receptor type in different compartments, notably the contractile vacuole complex and the alveolar sacs, as well as in vesicles participating in vesicular trafficking. Additional types of CRC probably also occur but they have not been identified at a molecular level as yet, as is the equivalent of synaptotagmin as a Ca2+ sensor for exocytosis. Among established targets and sensors of Ca2+ in Paramecium are calmodulin, calcineurin, as well as Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinases, all with multiple functions. Thus, basic elements of Ca2+ signaling are available for Paramecium.
Ecological Footprint Policy? Land Use as an Environmental Indicator
Authors: van den Bergh Jeroen C.J.M , Grazi Fabio 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThis article argues that policies aimed at sustainability need to address the spatial dimensions of environmental problems and their solutions. In particular, spatial configurations of economic activities deserve attention, which means addressing land use, infrastructure, trade, and transport. Unfortunately, good theory and indicators to support the analysis and design of spatial‐environmental policies are not fully developed. One approach that has become very popular in the last decade is the ecological footprint (EF). It is both an environmental accounting tool and aggregate indicator, which is used by scientists, environmental organizations, and popular media. Despite criticisms of the EF method in the past, its popularity has only increased. In fact, an increasing number of publications with an application of the EF appear in scientific journals. We review the EF approach from indicator‐methodology and welfare angles and assess its policy relevance. Our conclusion is that it does not offer any meaningful information for public policy.
Observed changes in the alertness and communicative involvement of students with multiple and severe disability following in‐class mentor modelling for staff in segregated and general education classrooms
Authors: Foreman P. , Arthur‐Kelly M. , Bennett D. , Neilands J. , Colyvas K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe improvement of engagement and involvement in communicative and socially centred exchanges for individuals with multiple and severe disability (MSD) presents complex and urgent challenges to educators. This paper reports the findings of an intervention study designed to enhance the interactive skills of students with MSD using an in‐class mentor model of staff development to improve the skills and strategies of their communication partners in two distinct educational settings.MethodsObservational data were collected on eight students with MSD and their 16 teachers and teachers' aides (paraprofessionals), using a multiple baseline across students design, replicated across special and general school setting types.ResultsResults indicated variable improvements in student alertness and increased communicative interactions. In some cases significant differences in communicative involvement and awake‐active‐alert activity were observed.ConclusionsThese findings underline the complexity of variables involved in delivering educational and communicative interventions for staff working with this population. Implications for further research and application to daily practices in classrooms are discussed.
Concordance of the Mini‐Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults who have Developmental Disabilities (PASADD) and the Brief Symptom Inventory
Authors: Beail N. , Mitchell K. , Vlissides N. , Jackson T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundWhen assessing the mental health needs of people who have intellectual disabilities (ID) it is important to use measures that have good validity and reliability to ensure accurate case recognition and reliable and valid outcome data. Measures developed for this purpose tend to be self‐report or by informant report. Multi‐trait screening tools developed to identify psychological and psychiatric disorders in people who have ID tend to be informant based. Research examining the concordance of different tools has found this to be high but not for specific diagnoses. Multi‐trait self‐report measures are fewer and have not been compared with informant approaches. This study aims to examine the concordance between two multi‐trait measures of mental health used with people who have ID. One administered to informants [the Mini‐Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults who have Developmental Disabilities (PASADD)] and one self‐report [Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)]MethodThe measures were completed with 109 adults who have ID and with someone who knows them well.ResultsLevel of agreement across the four scales in common was good for three. The poorest convergence was for the obsessive compulsive disorder sub‐scales. However, a high level of concordance was found between most sub‐scales.ConclusionThe BSI and the PASSAD seem to be good indicators of psychiatric problems and psychological distress; however, similar to other multi‐trait measures they did not demonstrate appropriate specificity for particular disorders.
Integration of a high‐NA light microscope in a scanning electron microscope
Authors: ZONNEVYLLE A.C. , VAN TOL R.F.C. , LIV N. , NARVAEZ A.C. , EFFTING A.P.J. , KRUIT P. , HOOGENBOOM J.P. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryWe present an integrated light‐electron microscope in which an inverted high‐NA objective lens is positioned inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM objective lens and the light objective lens have a common axis and focal plane, allowing high‐resolution optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy on the same area of a sample simultaneously. Components for light illumination and detection can be mounted outside the vacuum, enabling flexibility in the construction of the light microscope. The light objective lens can be positioned underneath the SEM objective lens during operation for sub‐10 μm alignment of the fields of view of the light and electron microscopes. We demonstrate in situ epifluorescence microscopy in the SEM with a numerical aperture of 1.4 using vacuum‐compatible immersion oil. For a 40‐nm‐diameter fluorescent polymer nanoparticle, an intensity profile with a FWHM of 380 nm is measured whereas the SEM performance is uncompromised. The integrated instrument may offer new possibilities for correlative light and electron microscopy in the life sciences as well as in physics and chemistry.
Morphological characteristics of fulvic acid fractions observed by atomic force microscopy
Authors: YU J. , XU Q. , LIU Z. , GUO X. , HAN S. , YUAN S. , TONG L. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryStructural studies on fulvic acids (FAs) are significantly important since they are believed to be involved in many environmentally important processes, such as adsorption and transportation of organic and inorganic pollutants. In this research, morphology characteristics of FAs were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). FAs that were isolated from three soil layers (A1, B and C) of the same vertical profile in a Korean pine forest were divided into four fractions (FA‐1, FA‐2, FA‐3 and FA‐4) by a sequence of successive elution processes. Most of FAs appeared as a platy particle in the AFM topographic and phase images. Among these platy particles, some have a regular shape, such as round flake and oblong flake; others have irregular structures, such as sand heaps. Particle morphologies of different FA fractions, including hydrophilic and hydrophobic FAs fractions, were similar. However, particle sizes and distributions of FA fractions from different soil layers at the same vertical profile did differ. Particle sizes of hydrophobic FAs were relevant with respect to the soil depth. They were increased with the increasing of the soil depth. FAs from C layers were more heterogeneous with respect to the A1 and B. Our results may foster a better understanding for the relevance between the morphology of FA particles with the soil layers and the soil depth.
WHAT HAS 20 YEARS OF PUBLIC–PRIVATE PAY GAP LITERATURE TOLD US? EASTERN EUROPEAN TRANSITIONING vs. DEVELOPED ECONOMIES
Authors: Lausev Jelena 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper surveys the literature on public–private sector pay differentials based on 20 years of research in transitioning countries of Eastern Europe (EE) and compares the results with estimates obtained from developed market economies. The majority of empirical studies from EE economies found evidence of public sector pay penalties during the period of economic transition from a communist to market‐based economy. In developed economies, however, the average differential is usually around zero or positive. The public sector pay inequality reducing effect relative to the private sector is greater in transitioning economies than in developed economies. Nevertheless, there is evidence that the sign of the public sector pay gap as well as the relative public sector pay distribution change with the progress of economic transition towards those usually observed in developed economies. Different pay‐setting arrangements between private and public sectors and competition for workers seem to be major arguments for the existence of systematic pay differences between the two sectors.
Immediate Loading of Dental Implants in the Esthetic Region Using Computer‐Guided Implant Treatment Software and Stereolithographic Models for a Patient with Eating Disorders
Authors: Galindo Daniel F. , Butura Caesar C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis manuscript describes the reconstruction of a maxillary anterior segment using immediate implant placement and immediate implant loading techniques, aided by computer‐guided implant treatment software and stereolithographic models and surgical templates, in a patient with a history of eating disorder. Her medical and dental histories did not make her a candidate for the use of conventional 2‐stage implant surgery and restorative procedures along with an interim removable prosthesis.
Morphology of congenital portosystemic shunts emanating from the left gastric vein in dogsand cats
Authors: White R. N. , Parry A. T. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo describe the anatomy of congenital portosystemic shunts emanating from the left gastric vein in dogs and cats.MethodsA retrospective review of a consecutive series of dogs and cats managed for congenital portosystemic shunts.ResultsForty‐six dogs and 27 cats met the inclusion criteria of a congenital portosystemic shunt emanating from the left gastric vein. Of the 46 dogs, 28 (61%) had a shunt that entered the left phrenic vein, 10 (22%) had a shunt that entered the post hepatic caudal vena cava and in 8 (17%) the shunt entered the azygos vein. Of the 27 cats, 19 (70%) had a shunt that entered the left phrenic vein and 8 (30%) had a shunt that entered the post hepatic caudal vena cava.Clinical SignificanceThe systemic vein into which the shunt entered was consistent showing three common presentations: left gastro‐phrenic, left gastro‐caval and left gastro‐azygos. This information may help with surgical planning in cases undergoing shunt closure surgery.
Variance in male reproductive success and sexual size dimorphism in pinnipeds: testing an assumption of sexual selection theory
Authors: González‐Suárez Manuela , Cassini Marcelo H. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The theory of evolution by sexual selection for sexual size dimorphism (SSD) postulates that SSD primarily reflects the adaptation of males and females to their different reproductive roles. For example, competition among males for access to females increases male body size because larger males are better able to maintain dominant status than smaller males. Larger dominant males sire most offspring while smaller subordinate males are unsuccessful, leading to skew in reproductive success. Therefore, species with male‐biased SSD are predicted to have greater variance in male reproductive success than those in which both sexes are similar in size.
We tested this prediction among the Pinnipedia, a mammalian group with a great variation in SSD. From a literature review, we identified genetic estimates of male reproductive success for 10 pinniped taxa (eight unique species and two subspecies of a ninth species) that range from seals with similarly sized males and females to species in which males are more than four times as large as females.
We found no support for a positive relationship between variance in reproductive success and SSD among pinnipeds after excluding the elephant seals Mirounga leonina and Mirounga angustirostris, which we discuss as distinctive cases.
Several explanations for these results are presented, including the revival of one of Darwin's original ideas. Darwin proposed that natural selection may explain SSD based on differences in energetic requirements between sexes and the potential for sexual niche segregation. Males may develop larger bodies to exploit resources that remain unavailable to females due to the energetic constraints imposed on female mammals by gestation and lactation. The importance of this alternative explanation remains to be tested.
Mutants of phage bIL67 RuvC with enhanced Holliday junction binding selectivity and resolution symmetry
Authors: Green Victoria , Curtis Fiona A. , Sedelnikova Svetlana , Rafferty John B. , Sharples Gary J. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryViral and bacterial Holliday junction resolvases differ in specificity with the former typically being more promiscuous, acting on a variety of branched DNA substrates, while the latter exclusively targets Holliday junctions. We have determined the crystal structure of a RuvC resolvase from bacteriophage bIL67 to help identify features responsible for DNA branch discrimination. Comparisons between phage and bacterial RuvC structures revealed significant differences in the number and position of positively‐charged residues in the outer sides of the junction binding cleft. Substitutions were generated in phage RuvC residues implicated in branch recognition and six were found to confer defects in Holliday junction and replication fork cleavage in vivo. Two mutants, R121A and R124A that flank the DNA binding site were purified and exhibited reduced in vitro binding to fork and linear duplex substrates relative to the wild‐type, while retaining the ability to bind X junctions. Crucially, these two variants cleaved Holliday junctions with enhanced specificity and symmetry, a feature more akin to cellular RuvC resolvases. Thus, additional positive charges in the phage RuvC binding site apparently stabilize productive interactions with branched structures other than the canonical Holliday junction, a feature advantageous for viral DNA processing but deleterious for their cellular counterparts.
Identifying Mother–child Interaction Styles Using a Person‐centered Approach
Authors: Nelson Jackie A. , O'Brien Marion , Grimm Kevin J. , Leerkes Esther M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractParent–child conflict in the context of a supportive relationship has been discussed as a potentially constructive interaction pattern; the current study is the first to test this using a holistic analytic approach. Interaction styles, defined as mother–child conflict in the context of maternal sensitivity, were identified and described with demographic and stress‐related characteristics of families. Longitudinal associations were tested between interaction styles and children's later social competence. Participants included 814 partnered mothers with a first‐grade child. Latent profile analysis identified agreeable, dynamic, and disconnected interaction styles. Mothers' intimacy with a partner, depressive symptoms, and authoritarian childrearing beliefs, along with children's later conflict with a best friend and externalizing problems, were associated with group membership. Notably, the dynamic style, characterized by high sensitivity and high conflict, included families who experienced psychological and relational stressors. Findings are discussed with regard to how family stressors shape parent–child interaction patterns.
Exchange Rate Volatility and Intra‐Asia Trade: Evidence by Type of Goods
Authors: Tang Hsiao Chink 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of intra‐Asia exchange rate volatility on intra‐Asia trade in primary goods, intermediate goods, equipment goods and consumption goods from 1980 to 2009. For Asia, the evidence shows that as intraregional exchange rate volatility increases, intraregional exports in these goods fall. This adverse impact is even more pronounced in the subregion of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)+5 comprising ASEAN member countries plus the People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Japan; the Republic of Korea; and Taipei, China; and especially among intermediate and equipment exports. Again, the impact magnifies in an even smaller subgroup excluding the smaller ASEAN economies. These results underline the significant impact of exchange rate volatility on the region's production networks. For South Asia, however, exchange rate volatility appears to have a positive impact on exports. Still, caution is warranted given that South Asian economies trade relatively little with each other.
Housing Development and Urbanisation in China
Authors: Yao Shujie , Luo Dan , Wang Jianling 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRapid urbanisation and rising income have led to a strong demand for housing in urban China. However, housing development has been distorted by speculation, income inequality and lack of government support for low‐cost houses. In recent years, house prices become so high, making the vast majority of urban residents unable to afford, whereas rich families are able to buy many and leave them vacant. Income inequality is a major cause for rising house prices, which, in turn, exaggerates income inequality further. This vicious relationship has caused social tension between the rich and the poor and unhappiness among the middle‐ and low‐income groups. This paper discusses the factors responsible for the housing bubble in China and recommends appropriate policies to resolve this problem.
Best practices for veterinary toxicologic clinical pathology, with emphasis on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
Authors: Tomlinson Lindsay , Boone Laura I. , Ramaiah Lila , Penraat Kelley A. , von Beust Barbara R. , Ameri Mehrdad , Poitout‐Belissent Florence M. , Weingand Kurt , Workman Heather C. , Aulbach Adam D. , Meyer Dennis J. , Brown Diane E. , MacNeill Amy L. , Bolliger Anne Provencher , Bounous Denise I. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this paper by the Regulatory Affairs Committee (RAC) of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) is to review the current regulatory guidances (eg, guidelines) and published recommendations for best practices in veterinary toxicologic clinical pathology, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and to utilize the combined experience of ASVCP RAC to provide updated recommendations. Discussion points include (1) instrumentation, validation, and sample collection, (2) routine laboratory variables, (3) cytologic laboratory variables, (4) data interpretation and reporting (including peer review, reference intervals and statistics), and (5) roles and responsibilities of clinical pathologists and laboratory personnel. Revision and improvement of current practices should be in alignment with evolving regulatory guidance documents, new technology, and expanding understanding and utility of clinical pathology. These recommendations provide a contemporary guide for the refinement of veterinary toxicologic clinical pathology best practices.