bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological and molecular study of primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium‐sized pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Alberti‐Violetti Silvia , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A , Talpur Rakhshandra , Corti Laura , Fanoni Daniele , Venegoni Luigia , Berti Emilio , Duvic Madeleine 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundPrimary cutaneous CD4+ small‐/medium‐sized pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoma (CD4+ PCSM‐TCL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder with a favorable prognosis. Distinguishing it from other cutaneous lymphomas is often a challenge.MethodsWe retrospectively collected CD4+PCSM‐TCL cases from two centers (MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA and University of Milan, Italy) and evaluated their clinicopathological features. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis was performed on 11 cases.ResultsA total of 62 patients were identified. Single lesions were the most common clinical presentations (79%). Five patients (8%) showed multiple MF‐like plaques. All patients' disease had an indolent course. The infiltrate was nodular and diffuse, multinodular or superficial but in all cases, it was characterized by small/medium pleomorphic CD4+/CD279(PD1+) lymphocytes grouped in clusters and ‘pseudorosettes’ around B‐cells. aCGH analysis showed no significant genomic abnormalities. Single lesions were mainly treated with surgical excision (91%) and/or radiotherapy (95%) with low rate of relapse (12%). For multiple lesions, topical steroids, nitrogen mustard and phototherapy were mainly used but the rate of relapse was high (69%).ConclusionsCD4+PCSM‐TCL is characterized by heterogeneous clinical presentations. The arrangement of atypical cells in clusters or pseudorosettes is a useful criterion for diagnosis. The absence of significant genomic alterations is in agreement with its indolent behavior.
Performance tradeoffs in target‐group bias correction for species distribution models
Authors: Ranc Nathan , Santini Luca , Rondinini Carlo , Boitani Luigi , Poitevin Françoise , Angerbjörn Anders , Maiorano Luigi 
Published: August 2016

Species distribution models (SDMs) are often calibrated using presence‐only datasets plagued with environmental sampling bias, which leads to a decrease of model accuracy. In order to compensate for this bias, it has been suggested that background data (or pseudoabsences) should represent the area that has been sampled. However, spatially‐explicit knowledge of sampling effort is rarely available. In multi‐species studies, sampling effort has been inferred following the target‐group (TG) approach, where aggregated occurrence of TG species informs the selection of background data. However, little is known about the species‐ specific response to this type of bias correction.The present study aims at evaluating the impacts of sampling bias and bias correction on SDM performance. To this end, we designed a realistic system of sampling bias and virtual species based on 92 terrestrial mammal species occurring in the Mediterranean basin. We manipulated presence and background data selection to calibrate four SDM types. Unbiased (unbiased presence data) and biased (biased presence data) SDMs were calibrated using randomly distributed background data. We used real and TG‐estimated sampling efforts in background selection to correct for sampling bias in presence data.Overall, environmental sampling bias had a deleterious effect on SDM performance. In addition, bias correction improved model accuracy, and especially when based on spatially‐explicit knowledge of sampling effort. However, our results highlight important species‐specific variations in susceptibility to sampling bias, which were largely explained by range size: widely‐distributed species were most vulnerable to sampling bias and bias correction was even detrimental for narrow‐ranging species. Furthermore, spatial discrepancies in SDM predictions suggest that bias correction effectively replaces an underestimation bias with an overestimation bias, particularly in areas of low sampling intensity. Thus, our results call for a better estimation of sampling effort in multispecies system, and cautions the uninformed and automatic application of TG bias correction.
Agriculture rivals biomes in predicting global species richness
Authors: Kehoe Laura , Senf Cornelius , Meyer Carsten , Gerstner Katharina , Kreft Holger , Kuemmerle Tobias 
Published: August 2016

Species–area relationships (SARs) provide an avenue to model patterns of species richness and have recently been shown to vary substantially across regions of different climate, vegetation, and land cover. Given that a large proportion of the globe has been converted to agriculture, and considering the large variety in agricultural management practices, a key question is whether global SARs vary across gradients of agricultural intensity.We developed SARs for mammals that account for geographic variation in biomes, land cover and a range of land‐use intensity indicators representing inputs (e.g. fertilizer, irrigation), outputs (e.g. yields) and system‐level measures of intensity (e.g. human appropriation of net primary productivity – HANPP). We systematically compared the resulting SARs in terms of their predictive ability.Our global SAR with a universal slope was significantly improved by the inclusion of any one of the three variable types: biomes, land cover, and land‐use intensity. The latter, in the form of human appropriation of net primary productivity (HANPP), performed as well as biomes and land‐cover in predicting species richness. Other land‐use intensity indicators had a lower predictive ability.Our main finding that land‐use intensity performs as well as biomes and land cover in predicting species richness emphasizes that human factors are on a par with environmental factors in predicting global patterns of biodiversity. While our broad‐scale study cannot establish causality, human activity is known to drive species richness at a local scale, and our findings suggest that this may hold true at a global scale. The ability of land‐use intensity to explain variation in SARs at a global scale had not previously been assessed. Our study suggests that the inclusion of land‐use intensity in SAR models allows us to better predict and understand species richness patterns.
Undergraduate experience and self‐assessed confidence in paediatric dentistry at the University of Jordan Dental School
Authors: Sonbol H. N. , Abu‐Ghazaleh S. B. , Al‐Bitar Z. B. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe aims of the study were to audit the number and types of clinical procedures completed by the undergraduate dental students in the paediatric dentistry course at the University of Jordan Dental School and to present data on self‐reported confidence in a variety of aspects of paediatric dentistry.Materials and methodsA retrospective audit of clinical logbooks for the entire class of 120 dental students in their fifth clinical year was performed. Key clinical procedures performed in the paediatric clinics were recorded including treatment performed on both primary and permanent teeth. Students were requested to complete an anonymous questionnaire to assess confidence related to six activities using a visual analogue scale (VAS).ResultsAll students performed restorations in primary teeth with the majority providing approximal restorations (91%), pit and fissure restorations (89%) followed by stainless steel crowns (81%). In addition, all students performed a pulpotomy for a primary tooth, extraction of a primary tooth and fissure sealants. Only a quarter of the students treated a traumatised incisor. Students considered themselves most confident (VAS ≥ 7) in performing operative dentistry, examination, diagnosis and treatment planning and providing preventive therapy. They were least confident in the management of dento‐alveolar trauma (VAS = 3.8).ConclusionStudents at the University of Jordan Dental School were found to have good experience of clinical paediatric operative dentistry with the majority performing pulp therapy, preformed crowns and extractions. Deficiencies have been reported in student exposure to dental trauma, and these are being addressed.
Do wholes become more than the sum of their parts in the rodent (Rattus Norvegicus) visual system? A test case with the configural superiority effect
Authors: Talpos John C. , de‐Wit Lee , Olley Joseph , Riordan Jack , Steckler Thomas 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe rodent has been used to model various aspects of the human visual system, but it is unclear to what extent human visual perception can be modelled in the rodent. Research suggests rodents can perform invariant object recognition tasks in a manner comparable to humans. There is further evidence that rodents also make use of certain grouping cues, but when performing a shape discrimination they have a tendency to rely much more on local image cues than human participants. In the current work, we exploit the fact that humans sometimes discriminate better between whole shapes, rather than the parts from which they are constructed, to ask whether rodents show a classic Configural Superiority Effect. Using touchscreen‐equipped operant boxes, rats were trained to discriminate ‘part’ or ‘whole’ images based off of those used by J. R. Pomerantz et al. () J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform, 3, 422–435. Here, we show that rats show no advantage for wholes and that they perform better when presented with simpler image parts, a pattern of effect opposite to what was seen in humans when highly comparable stimuli were used. These results add to our understanding of the similarities and differences between the human and rodent visual system, and suggest that the rodent visual system may not compute part whole relationships in a way comparable to humans. These results are significant from both a comparative anatomy perspective, and of particular relevance for those wishing to use rodents to model visuo‐perceptual deficits associated with human psychiatric disorders.
Complications of subdural and depth electrodes in 269 patients undergoing 317 procedures for invasive monitoring in epilepsy
Authors: Schmidt Richard F. , Wu Chengyuan , Lang Michael J. , Soni Pranay , Williams Kim A. , Boorman David W. , Evans James J. , Sperling Michael R. , Sharan Ashwini D. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryObjectiveIntracranial monitoring is fundamental to epilepsy surgery, with reported complication rates of 3–17%. We aimed to assess the differences in complication rates between subdural and depth electrodes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 317 electrode implantation procedures. All documented abnormal postoperative findings were recorded in our study. Those that resulted in a significant alteration of treatment course, including neurologic deficit, long‐term medication use, reoperation, or hospital readmission, were deemed clinically significant. When possible, findings were attributed to a particular electrode type based on relative location to each electrode.ResultsPostoperative abnormalities were associated with SDE placement in 152 (47.9%) procedures and 40 (25.2%) DE placements (p < 0.001). Twenty‐nine (9.1%) clinically significant complications were seen in the subdural electrode (SDE) group compared to 10 associated with DEs (6.3%, p = 0.37). SDEs were associated with increased rates of any postoperative hemorrhage (p < 0.001) or extraaxial collection (p = 0.007). Subdural grid placement was associated with an increased risk of any extraaxial collection (odds ratio [OR 2.42), as well as clinically significant collections (OR 9.47). Previous craniotomy was found to be associated with any abnormal postoperative finding (OR 1.71) as well as radiographic hemorrhage (OR 1.99). Concurrent resection is also associated with abnormal findings (OR 1.83) and extraaxial collections (OR 2.37). The overall complication rate was 9.1%, with 13 procedures (4.1%) resulting in neurologic deficit. However, only two patients (0.6%) had permanent neurologic sequelae resulting from lead placement.SignificanceSubdural electrodes appear to have an increased rate of abnormal postoperative findings, including hemorrhage and extraaxial collections; however, there was no difference in clinically significant findings. Subdural grids also appear to be associated with symptomatic extraaxial collections, and previous craniotomy increases the risk of hemorrhage. Overall, intracranial monitoring remains a safe and effective procedure for localization of operative seizure foci. Patient selection and risk education for various modalities is an essential aspect of preoperative evaluation.
Setting Evidence‐Based Language Goals
Authors: Goertler Senta , Kraemer Angelika , Schenker Theresa 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this project was to identify target language benchmarks for the German program at Michigan State University (MSU) based on national and international guidelines and previous research, to assess language skills across course levels and class sections in the entire German program, and to adjust the language benchmarks as needed based on the study results and make recommendations for the curriculum. The goal of the study was to identify cost‐ and time‐effective valid and reliable assessment tools for program‐wide language assessment. During the 2012 spring semester, all students enrolled in a German class at MSU (N = 320) participated in this study. At the beginning of the semester, students completed two different language tests both advertised as being aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The research was guided by the following two research questions: (1) What are the mean and median language levels of students enrolled in German classes at MSU as determined by (a) a language learning software test, and (b) a language test adapted from Goethe‐Institut practice exams? and (2) Is there a correlation between the two tests and/or subsections of the tests? Benchmark levels were initially set as Novice High after the first year of language study, Intermediate Low after the second year, Intermediate High after the third year, and Advanced Low after the fourth year. Students mostly met the benchmark levels, though not equally at each program level and not equally across skills, with the higher scores in productive skills rather than receptive skills. While there was a correlation between the tests and course levels and also between many of the test portions, the tests did not yield the same CEFR ratings, which suggests that at least one of the instruments was not as valid and reliable as hoped. After reviewing the results, the benchmarks were revised to Intermediate Low after the first year, Intermediate Mid after the second year, Intermediate High after the third year, and Advanced Low after the fourth year with the recommendation to put more emphasis on receptive skills in the curriculum.
Language Learners’ Characteristics, Target Language Use, and Linguistic Development in a Domestic Immersion Context
Authors: Isabelli‐García Christina , Lacorte Manel 
Published: August 2016

AbstractSecond language acquisition research on the immersion context has focused primarily on study abroad, revealing the extent to which that context promotes learners’ developing linguistic and intercultural competence. However, little research has examined linguistic development in intensive, domestic immersion contexts. This study investigated the extent to which target language interactions in a seven‐week domestic immersion program predicted the acquisition of linguistic features that are not present in the learners’ native language or taught in the classroom. In addition, it addressed the way in which learners’ affective characteristics may account for variability in linguistic outcomes. Data obtained for 98 participants—including self‐reported individual variability questionnaires, language contact surveys, and questionnaires measuring the accuracy of left‐headed noun‐noun compounds, verb‐particle constructions, and resultatives—showed an association between the development of these syntactically complex structures and the amount of interaction with target language speakers in which participants reported engaging. Some participants also reported positive changes in their affective characteristics due to their participation in the intensive domestic immersion program. By emphasizing how language reflects the participants’ social environment, this analysis suggests that the contextual properties of a domestic immersion program can support language learners’ acquisition of syntactically complex linguistic elements.
Functions of interleukin‐34 and its emerging association with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhou Ren‐Peng , Wu Xiao‐Shan , Xie Ya‐Ya , Dai Bei‐Bei , Hu Wei , Ge Jin‐Fang , Chen Fei‐Hu 
Published: August 2016

SummaryRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic, synovial inflammation affecting multiple joints, finally leading to extra‐articular lesions for which limited effective treatment options are currently available. Interleukin‐34 (IL‐34), recently discovered as the second colony‐stimulating factor‐1 receptor (CSF‐1R) ligand, is a newly discovered cytokine. Accumulating evidence has disclosed crucial roles of IL‐34 in the proliferation and differentiation of mononuclear phagocyte lineage cells, osteoclastogenesis and inflammation. Recently, IL‐34 was detected at high levels in patients with active RA and in experimental models of inflammatory arthritis. Blockade of functional IL‐34 with a specific monoclonal antibody can reduce the severity of inflammatory arthritis, suggesting that targeting IL‐34 or its receptors may constitute a novel therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases such as RA. Here, we have comprehensively discussed the structure and biological functions of IL‐34, and reviewed recent advances in our understanding of the emerging role of IL‐34 in the development of RA as well as its potential utility as a therapeutic target.
Computerised attention training for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kirk Hannah E. , Gray Kylie M. , Ellis Kirsten , Taffe John , Cornish Kim M. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundChildren with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience heightened attention difficulties which have been linked to poorer cognitive, academic and social outcomes. Although, increasing research has focused on the potential of computerised cognitive training in reducing attention problems, limited studies have assessed whether this intervention could be utilised for those with IDD. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a computerised attention training programme in children with IDD.MethodsIn a double‐blind randomised controlled trial, children (n = 76; IQ < 75) aged 4–11 years were assigned to an adaptive attention training condition or a nonadaptive control condition. Both conditions were completed at home over a 5‐week period and consisted of 25 sessions, each of 20‐min duration. Outcome measures (baseline, posttraining and 3‐month follow‐up) assessed core attention skills (selective attention, sustained attention and attentional control) and inattentive/hyperactive behaviour.ResultsChildren in the attention training condition showed greater improvement in selective attention performance compared to children in the control condition (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI 0.02, 0.45). These improvements were maintained 3 months after training had ceased (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI 0.04, 0.48). The attention training programme was not effective in promoting improvements in sustained attention, attentional control or inattentive/hyperactive behaviours.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that attention training may enhance some aspects of attention (selective attention) in children with IDD, but the small to medium effect sizes indicate that further refinement of the training programme is needed to promote larger, more global improvements.
Freshness assessment of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fillets during stroage at 4 °C by physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial evaluations
Authors: Yu Dawei , Xu Yanshun , Jiang Qixing , Yang Fang , Xia Wenshui 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe freshness of commercial grass carp fillets stored at 4°C was estimated by physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial methods. Total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, thiobarbituric acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA)‐soluble peptide, water loss, hypoxanthine, inosine and K value increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the content of inosine monophosphate was sharply decreased during storage period. Putrescine and histamine were the major amines and their concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other amines at the end of storage period. With regard to the texture profile analysis, the values of texture parameters (including hardness, gumminess, cohesiveness, chewiness and resilience) decreased rapidly within the first 7 days, and then changed slowly until the end of storage, meanwhile, the variation of springiness was not significant during the whole storage period. All the tested microorganisms increased continuously and H2S‐producing bacteria (including Shewanella putrefaciens) was one of major specific spoilage organisms in refrigerated grass carp fillet. Furthermore, sensory analysis of odor and overall acceptability exhibited negative correlations with storage time (−0.96 and −0.94), which was a reflection of the fillets' loss of freshness. Based on the comprehensive results of physicochemical, microbiological and sensory evaluations, grass carp fillets had a shelf life of approximately 10 days during refrigerated storage.Practical applicationsGrass carp is one of the most important commercial freshwater fish in China and it is popular in market because of its palatability, nutritional characteristic and low price. As we all know, postmortem fish is highly perishable. Investigation of quality changes of refrigerated grass carp is of great significance to fillets' cold‐chain delivery. The quality analysis of refrigerated grass carp fillet will contribute to fishermen and processors in establishing better processing and distribution strategies.