bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An academic home for play: games as unifying influences in higher education
Authors: Herro Danielle , Clark Rebecca 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– This paper aims to address opportunities and tensions when creating game-based learning practices in higher education. By detailing examples from a university in the Southeastern USA and the communities it serves, we suggest game-based research and learning be approached as a unifying influence adaptable across contexts.Design/methodology/approach– We use a working example methodology where someone with expertise “works through” a well-known issue while making the thinking overt. In this manner, we reveal processes, successes and challenges infusing game-based learning in higher education to deepen understanding between fields and encourage research and practice with games across disciplines.Findings– The working example demonstrates that games served as a unifying influence in three primary ways, which included redesigning courses and implementing programmatic changes; using existing programs to promote interdisciplinary teaching and research; and increasing outreach and partnerships. In each example, games served to strengthen or support the initiatives.Originality/value– This paper extends literature on the value of games to promote research and learning. Significantly, it provides an example for others in game-based learning fields to consider when building similar programs in higher education.
Experimental animal model for analyzing immunobiological responses following vaccination with formalin‐inactivated respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Sawada Akihito , Nakayama Tetsuo 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTFormalin‐inactivated respiratory syncytial virus (FI‐RSV) vaccine was developed in the 1960s. However, this vaccine does not prevent infection in RSV‐naïve recipients and has the paradoxical effect of increasing the severity of RSV illness following natural infection, which has been a major obstacle to developing RSV vaccines. Several experimental animal models for determining the cause of the severe symptoms in FI‐RSV recipients have been developed. In the present study, cotton rats immunized with FI‐RSV were challenged with RSV and histopathological findings and recovery of infectious virus were studied. Copy numbers of mRNA of Th1 and Th2 cytokines were measured in lung tissues to gain better understanding of their immune responses. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and prominent interstitial pneumonitis were observed in the FI‐RSV group, as was induction of mRNA of Th2 cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐13 and RANTES. Rats immunized with recombinant measles virus expressing the RSV F protein (MVAIK/RSV/F) and those treated with anti‐RSV mAb (palivizumab) showed very mild interstitial pneumonitis. Amounts of mRNA of IL‐1β, IFN‐γ and IL‐4 were higher in the MVAIK/RSV/F group. Administration of palivizumab before RSV challenge decreased the severity of interstitial pneumonitis in the FI‐RSV group. FI‐RSV induced skewed Th2 responses, resulting in severe inflammatory responses.
Germination patterns in three terrestrial orchids relate to abundance of mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: McCormick Melissa K. , Taylor D. Lee , Whigham Dennis F. , Burnett Robert K. 
Published: February 2016

Summary

The spatial distribution of plants, which is often generated by patterns of seed recruitment, is an important determinant of population dynamics, especially for orchids with seeds that must be exposed to appropriate mycorrhizal fungi.

We compared the distribution and abundance of target mycorrhizal fungi detected in the soil using DNA‐based molecular techniques and germination in seed packets of Goodyera pubescens, Liparis liliifolia and Tipularia discolor.

We further examined Tulasnella spp. associated with G. pubescens to determine whether areas with abundant host fungi resulted from multiple genets of the same species or from a single widespread fungal genet.

We found that target fungi were more likely to be detected using soil DNA assays than by seed germination. Based on soil DNA, fungi were more widespread than suggested by seed germination, which most often reflected the presence of abundant mycorrhizal fungi in the soil. Fungi were more likely to be abundant close to established orchids. Established plants of G. pubescens that were < 50 cm apart associated with a single abundant fungal genet, while those > 50 cm apart associated with multiple fungal genets.

Synthesis. This study demonstrates the importance of using multiple methods to detect the distribution and abundance of target fungi and suggests that fungal ‘hot spots’ may be keys to the dynamics of orchid populations.
The Limits of Anticolonialism: The British Labour Movement and the End of Empire in Guiana
Authors: Mawby Spencer 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe Labour Party's ambivalent attitude to anticolonial nationalism is well known but its place in the conflicts between the party's revisionists and the left has been less fully elaborated, while the influence of British trade unions in the formation of party policy on decolonization has been cast to the margins of the historiography. Events in British Guiana are representative of this tendency because, while the activities of the American Federation of Labor‐Congress of Industrial Organizations have been detailed by a number of historians, including Stephen Rabe, Robert Waters, Gary Daniels and Lily Ramcharan, the impact of the British TUC has been largely ignored. The Labour Party's support for the suspension of the Guianese constitution by the Churchill government in 1953 and their willingness to implement Conservative plans for constitutional reform in 1964 demonstrate that the party's liberationist faction were unable to overturn the Cold War agenda espoused by the right wing of the parliamentary party and anti‐communists in the trade union movement. A study of the international labour politics of the 1950s and 1960s suggests both that the fate of the Guianese left was inextricably tied to conflicts in the British Labour party and that trade union leaders in the metropolis offered powerful support to revisionists in making the case for prioritizing Atlanticism over colonial liberation.
Are Europeans ready for a more democratic European Union? New evidence on preference heterogeneity, polarisation and crosscuttingness
Authors: HALE THOMAS , KOENIG‐ARCHIBUGI MATHIAS 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSome scholars and policy makers argue in favour of increasing democratic contestation for leadership and policy at the European level, for instance by having European‐wide parties campaign for competing candidates for President of the European Commission ahead of European Parliament elections. But do such changes put the survival of the European Union at risk? According to the consociational interpretation of the EU, the near absence of competitive and majoritarian elements has been a necessary condition for the stability of the EU political system given its highly diverse population. This article contributes to the debate in two ways. First, it develops a more precise understanding of ‘problematic’ diversity by examining how three variables – the heterogeneity, polarisation and crosscuttingness of citizen preferences over public polices – affect the risk of democratic contestation generating persistent and systematically dissatisfied minorities. Second, it uses opinion surveys to determine whether the degree of diversity of the European population is problematically high compared to that of established democratic states. It is found that the population of the EU is slightly more heterogeneous and polarised than the population of the average Member State, although policy preferences in several Member States are more heterogeneous and polarised than the EU as a whole. Strikingly, however, policy preference cleavages are more crosscutting in the EU than in nearly all Member States, reducing the risk of persistent minorities. Moreover, policy preferences tend to be less heterogeneous and polarised, and nearly as crosscutting, in the EU as a whole as in the United States. For observers worried about how high polarisation and low crosscuttingness in policy preferences may combine to threaten democratic stability, these findings should be reassuring.
A Procedure for Calculating the Vertical Space Height of the Sacrum When Determining Skeletal Height for Use in the Anatomical Method of Adult Stature Estimation
Authors: Hayashi Atsuko , Emanovsky Paul D. , Pietrusewsky Michael , Holland Thomas D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEstimating stature from skeletonized remains is one of the essential parameters in the development of a biological profile. A new procedure for determining skeletal height (SKH) incorporating the vertical space height (VSH) from the anterior margin of the sacral promontory to the superior margins of the acetabulae for use in the anatomical method of stature estimation is introduced. Regression equations for stature estimation were generated from measurements of 38 American males of European ancestry from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. The modification to the procedure results in a SKH that is highly correlated with stature (r = 0.925–0.948). Stature estimates have low standard errors of the estimate ranging from 21.79 to 25.95 mm, biases from to 0.50 to 0.94 mm, and accuracy rates from 17.71 mm to 19.45 mm. The procedure for determining the VSH, which replaces “S1 height” in traditional anatomical method models, is a key improvement to the method.
Sudden Death Due to Undiagnosed Rheumatic Heart Disease in a Child
Authors: Rérolle Camille , Faisant Maxime , Lefrancq Thierry , Saint‐Martin Pauline 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe report the case of a 5‐year‐old boy who died from complications of rheumatic heart disease with atypical presentation. He was hospitalized for recent inflammatory and neurological symptoms. He was diagnosed with viral encephalitis. He died the day after he was discharged. The macroscopic autopsy findings were unremarkable. Histology revealed typical rheumatic heart disease. Neuropathology showed cerebral infarction due to an embolic event linked with the rheumatic valvulitis. The cause of death was determined as heart failure due to rheumatic heart disease secondary to an undiagnosed acute rheumatic fever. It is related to an autoimmune response to infection with group A streptococcus. It mainly affects children in developing countries. In our case, viral encephalitis was consistent with the medical history and the proper diagnosis was made on histological analysis. Forensic pathologists should consider this diagnosis facing a sudden unexpected death in childhood, even in industrialized countries.
Is deep neuromuscular blockade beneficial in laparoscopic surgery? Yes, probably
Authors: Madsen M. V. , Staehr‐Rye A. K. , Claudius C. , Gätke M. R. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundDeep neuromuscular blockade during laparoscopic surgery may provide some clinical benefit. We present the ‘Pro‐’ argument in this paired position paper.MethodsWe reviewed recent evidence from a basic database of references which we agreed on with the ‘Con‐’ side, and present this in narrative form. We have shared our analysis and text with the authors of the ‘Con‐’ side of these paired position papers during the preparation of the manuscripts.ResultsThere are a few low risk of bias studies indicating that use of deep neuromuscular blockade improve surgical conditions and improve patient outcomes such as post‐operative pain in laparoscopic surgery.ConclusionOur interpretation of recent findings is that there is reason to believe that there may be some patient benefit of deep neuromuscular blockade in this context, and more detailed study is needed.
A Randomised Trial of a Positive Intervention to Promote Well‐Being in Cardiac Patients
Authors: Sanjuán Pilar , Montalbetti Tomás , Pérez‐García Ana M. , Bermúdez José , Arranz Henar , Castro Almudena 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundNegative emotions are linked to the onset and development of coronary heart diseases (CHD), whereas positive emotions are associated with better health and lower mortality rates among patients with these diseases. The objective of this randomised trial was to improve cardiac patients' emotional states using a Programme to Improve Well‐being (PIW) based exclusively on positive interventions (those that promote intentional behaviours and thoughts to improve well‐being).MethodsCardiac patients (n = 108) were randomly assigned to two parallel groups. In the control group, they participated in only a Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme (CRP group), whereas the intervention group also participated in the PIW (CRP+PIW group). Physical functional capacity, depressive symptoms, hostility, and negative and positive affect were assessed at T1 (baseline) and T2 (8 weeks later).ResultsAt T2, after controlling for functional capacity, the CRP+PIW group reported a significantly less negative affect than the CRP group. Moreover, the CRP group did not change from T1 to T2, whereas the CRP+PIW group reported more positive emotions and fewer negative emotions and hostility at T2 than at T1.ConclusionsPositive interventions effectively improve the emotional state of cardiac patients. We suggest that specific modules should be included in the CRP to improve well‐being.
Inosine‐5'‐monophosphate is a candidate agent to resolve rigor mortis of skeletal muscle
Authors: Matsuishi Masanori , Tsuji Mariko , Yamaguchi Megumi , Kitamura Natsumi , Tanaka Sachi , Nakamura Yukinobu , Okitani Akihiro 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe object of the present study was to reveal the action of inosine‐5'‐monophosphate (IMP) toward myofibrils in postmortem muscles. IMP solubilized isolated actomyosin within a narrow range of KCl concentration, 0.19‐0.20 mol/L, because of the dissociation of actomyosin into actin and myosin, but it did not solubilize the proteins in myofibrils with 0.2 mol/L KCl. However, IMP could solubilize both proteins in myofibrils with 0.2 mol/L KCl in the presence of 1 m mol/L pyrophosphate or 1.0–3.3 m mol/L adenosine‐5'‐diphosphate (ADP). Thus, we presumed that pyrophosphate and ADP released thin filaments composed of actin, and thick filaments composed of myosin from restraints of myofibrils, and then both filaments were solubilized through the IMP‐induced dissociation of actomyosin. Thus, we concluded that IMP is a candidate agent to resolve rigor mortis because of its ability to break the association between thick and thin filaments.
Comparative Evaluation of Partial α2‐Adrenoceptor Agonist and Pure α2‐Adrenoceptor Antagonist on the Behavioural Symptoms of Withdrawal after Chronic Alcohol Administration in Mice
Authors: Arora Shivani , Vohora Divya 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAs an addictive drug, alcohol produces withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly after chronic use. Clonidine (CLN), a partial α2‐adrenergic agonist, and mirtazapine (MRT), an antagonist of α2‐adrenoceptor, both clinically aid alcohol withdrawal. Considering different mechanisms of action of the two drugs, this study was designed to see how far these two mechanistically different drugs differ in their ability to decrease the severity of ethanol withdrawal syndrome. The effect of CLN and MRT on ethanol withdrawal‐induced anxiety, depression and memory impairment was analysed using EPM, FST and PAR tests, respectively. Animals received distilled water, ethanol and/or either of the drugs (CLN and MRT) in different doses. Relapse to alcohol use was analysed by CPP test. Animals received ethanol as a conditioning drug and distilled water, CLN or MRT as test drug. CLN and MRT both alleviated anxiety in a dose‐dependent manner. MRT (4 mg/kg) was more effective than CLN (0.1 mg/kg) in ameliorating the anxiogenic effect of alcohol withdrawal. However, CLN treatment increased depression. It significantly decreased swimming time and increased immobility time, whereas MRT treatment decreased immobility time and increased climbing and swimming time during abstinence. The effect was dose dependent for both drugs. The results of PAR test show that CLN treatment worsens working memory. Significant increase in SDE and TSZ and decrease in SDL were observed in CLN‐treated animals. MRT treatment, on the other hand, improved working memory at both doses. Further, both CLN and MRT alleviated craving. A significant decrease in time spent in the ethanol‐paired chamber was seen. MRT treatment at both doses showed better effect than CLN in preventing the development of preference in CPP test. These findings indicate a potential therapeutic use and better profile of mirtazapine over clonidine in improving memory, as well as in alleviating depression, anxiety and craving associated with alcohol withdrawal.
Development of an International Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry
Authors: Evans Sue M. , Nag Nupur , Roder David , Brooks Andrew , L Millar Jeremy , Moretti Kim L , Pryor David , Skala Marketa , J. McNeil John 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesTo establish a Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry‐Australia and New Zealand (PCOR‐ANZ) for monitoring outcomes of prostate cancer treatment and care, in a cost‐effective manner.Materials and MethodsStakeholders were recruited based on their interest, importance in achieving the monitoring and reporting of clinical practice and patient outcomes, and in amalgamation of existing registries. Each participating jurisdiction is responsible for local governance, site recruitment, data collection, and data transfer into the PCOR‐ANZ. To establish each local registry, hospitals and clinicians within a jurisdiction were approached to voluntarily contribute to the registry following relevant ethical approval. Patient contact occurs following notification of prostate cancer through a hospital or pathology report, or from a cancer registry. Patient registration is based on an opt‐out model. The PCOR‐ANZ is a secure web‐based registry adhering to ISO 27001 standards. Based on a standardised minimum data set, information on demographics, diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and patient reported quality of life, are collected.ResultsEight of nine jurisdictions have agreed to contribute to the PCOR‐ANZ. Each jurisdiction has commenced implementation of necessary infrastructure to support rapid rollout. PCOR‐ANZ has defined a minimum data set for collection, to enable analysis of key quality indicators that will aid in assessing clinical practice and patient focused outcomes.ConclusionPCOR‐ANZ will provide a useful resource of risk‐adjusted evidence‐based data to clinicians, hospitals, and decision makers on prostate cancer clinical practice.
An in vitro study on disinfection of titanium surfaces
Authors: Widodo Arifo , Spratt David , Sousa Vanessa , Petrie Aviva , Donos Nikolaos 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of different methods used for the decontamination of titanium surfaces previously infected with a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm.Materials and MethodsS. aureus biofilms were grown on three different titanium surfaces (n = 114); polished, sandblasted large‐grit acid‐etched (SLA) and SLActive. The experimental groups were divided into six different disinfection modalities as follows: (i) rinsing with phosphate‐buffered saline, (ii) rinsing with chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% (CHX), (iii) application of photodynamic therapy (PDT), (iv) use of cotton pellet, (v) use of titanium brush (TiB) and (vi) the use of TiB and PDT. The decontamination effect of each modality was evaluated by microbial culture analysis and by scanning electron microscopy imaging. Two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's post hoc comparisons were used to compare mean differences between colony‐forming units per millilitre (CFU/ml) values, surfaces and treatments (P < 0.025).ResultsThis study demonstrated that the combination protocol (TiB and PDT) was the most effective in reducing S. aureus (P < 0.025) on polished (2.0 × 103 CFU/Disc) and SLA surface (6.9 × 103 CFU/Disc). On the SLActive surface, the combination treatment was not significantly different to the TiB group (1.0 × 105 CFU/Disc) or the PDT group (2.0 × 105 CFU/Disc).ConclusionThe combined technique of TiB and PDT was shown to be an efficient method in reducing the number of S. aureus in both polished and rough titanium surfaces. These findings prompt further investigations in titanium decontamination techniques with a combination of TiB and PDT within a natural microcosm bacterial environment.
A diversity of peri‐implant mucosal thickness by site
Authors: Fuchigami Kei , Munakata Motohiro , Kitazume Takaaki , Tachikawa Noriko , Kasugai Shohei , Kuroda Shinji 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine peri‐implant mucosal thickness at different sites of peri‐implant crevice around 70 implants placed in 35 patients.Material and methodsThe peri‐implant mucosal thickness was defined as distance of the peri‐implant mucosal margin and the coronal edge of bone/implant contact and measured using the cast models and dental radiography.ResultsThe overall mean peri‐implant mucosal thickness was 3.6 ± 1.4 mm, wherein maxillary anterior implants, maxillary posterior implants and mandibular posterior implants had significantly different dimensions of median thickness of 4.25, 3.75 and 3.0 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the mesial and distal sites of those positioned implants measured unevenness in the thickness especially in the maxillary posterior region with statistical significance.ConclusionThe proposed methodology to evaluate peri‐implant mucosal thickness measured with a big variation from overall 3.6 mm with a big variation from 1.6 to 7.0 mm in healthy volunteers. And significant difference was found in the depth among the three regions and, statistically, dispersion of individual peri‐implant mucosal thickness resulted in lack of consistency. Although dental implants have been well developed, predictable and prevailing prosthetics, onset of peri‐implantitis might be inevitable in some cases. Therefore, establishment of a standardized dimensional diagnosis of peri‐implant tissues followed by pathologic ascertainment could be taken into account for the prevention or curing of peri‐implantitis.
Evaluating the efficacy of restoration plantings through DNA barcoding of frugivorous bird diets
Authors: Galimberti A. , Spinelli S. , Bruno A. , Mezzasalma V. , De Mattia F. , Cortis P. , Labra M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFrugivores are critical components of restoration programs because they are seed dispersers. Thus, knowledge about bird–plant trophic relationships is essential in the evaluation of the efficacy of restoration processes. Traditionally, the diet of frugivores is characterized by microscopically identifying plant residues in droppings, which is time‐consuming, requires botanical knowledge, and cannot be used for fragments lacking detectable morphological characteristics (e.g., fragmented seeds and skins). We examined whether DNA barcoding can be used as a universal tool to rapidly characterize the diet of a frugivorous bird, Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla). We used the DNA barcoding results to assess restoration efforts and monitor the diversity of potentially dispersed plants in a protected area in northern Italy. We collected 642 Eurasian Blackcap droppings at the restored site during the autumn migration over 3 years. Intact seeds and fragmented plant material were analyzed at 2 plastidial barcode loci (rbcL and trnH‐psbA), and the resulting plant identifications were validated by comparison with a reference molecular data set of local flora. At least 17 plant species, including 7 of the 11 newly transplanted taxa, were found. Our results demonstrate the potential for DNA barcoding to be used to monitor the effectiveness of restoration plantings and to obtain information about fruit consumption and dispersal of invasive or unexpected plant species. Such an approach provides valuable information that could be used to study local plant biodiversity and to survey its evolution over time.