bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interobserver agreement on dermoscopic features of small basal cell carcinoma (<5 mm) among low‐experience dermoscopists
Authors: di Meo Nicola , Damiani Giovanni , Vichi Silvia , Fadel Mattia , Nan Katiuscia , Noal Cecilia , Trevisini Sara , Trevisan Giusto 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe basal cell carcinoma (BCC) assessment in dermoscopy is based on the recognition of specific characteristics synthesized and described as classical and non‐classical criteria, but which may not necessarily present all at the same time. Consequently, a deep knowledge in detecting the aforementioned dermoscopic criteria is crucial in diagnosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate which criteria are more frequently recognized among a group of low‐experienced dermoscopists when confronted with the difficult diagnosis of BCC with a diameter lower than 5 mm. We examined 100 BCC finding that data displays a full agreement only for one classical criterion, the lack of pigmented network (Fleiss' κ = 1), while among other classical criteria only arborizing vessels and ulceration exhibit a good agreement among observers (Fleiss' κ > 0.40). Analyzing non‐classical criteria, only blue‐whitish veil and blue in‐focus dots show a good agreement among low‐experience observers (Fleiss' κ > 0.40). It is evident that in small size BCC classic dermoscopic criteria are often substituted by non‐classical criteria, which represent the neoplasm's early phase. Thus, it is of importance, especially for low‐experience dermoscopists, to analyze even the non‐classical criteria in order to obtain a diagnosis of early BCC.
Nematode‐trapping fungi and fungus‐associated bacteria interactions: the role of bacterial diketopiperazines and biofilms on Arthrobotrys oligospora surface in hyphal morphogenesis
Authors: Li Lei , Yang Min , Luo Jun , Qu Qing , Chen Ying , Liang Lianming , Zhang Keqin 
Published: May 2016

SummaryIn soil, nematode‐trapping fungi and bacteria often share microhabitats and interact with each other, but effects of fungus‐associated bacteria on its trap formation are underestimated. We have ascertained the presence of Stenotrophomonas and Rhizobium genera associated with A. oligospora GJ‐1. After A. oligospora GJ‐1 without associated bacteria (cured Arthrobotrys) was co‐cultivated with Stenotrophomonas and its supernatant extract, microscopic study of hyphae from co‐cultivation indicated that bacterial biofilm formation on hyphae was related to trap formation in fungi and Stenotrophomonas supernatant extract. Four diketopiperazines (DKPs) were purified from Stenotrophomonas supernatant extract that could not induce traps in the cured Arthrobotrys. When cured Arthrobotrys was cultured with Stenotrophomonas and one of DKPs, polar attachment, bacterial biofilms on hyphae and trap formation in fungi were observed. After cured Arthrobotrys with bacterial biofilms was consecutively transferred several times on nutrient poor medium, trap formation disappeared with the disappearance of bacterial biofilms on hyphae. DKPs could facilitate chemotaxis of Stenotrophomonas towards fungal extract which was suggested to contribute to bacterial biofilms on hyphae. Furthermore, when cured Arthrobotrys was cultured with Stenotrophomonas and DKPs in soil, trap formation in fungi and bacterial biofilms on hyphae were also observed, and the fungal activity against nematode was enhanced.
Tree species, spatial heterogeneity, and seasonality drive soil fungal abundance, richness, and composition in Neotropical rainforests
Authors: Kivlin Stephanie N. , Hawkes Christine V. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryTropical ecosystems remain poorly understood and this is particularly true for belowground soil fungi. Soil fungi may respond to plant identity when, for example, plants differentially allocate resources belowground. However, spatial and temporal heterogeneity in factors such as plant inputs, moisture, or nutrients can also affect fungal communities and obscure our ability to detect plant effects in single time point studies or within diverse forests. To address this, we sampled replicated monocultures of four tree species and secondary forest controls sampled in the drier and wetter seasons over 2 years. Fungal community composition was primarily related to vegetation type and spatial heterogeneity in the effects of vegetation type, with increasing divergence partly reflecting greater differences in soil pH and soil moisture. Across wetter versus drier dates, fungi were 7% less diverse, but up to four‐fold more abundant. The combined effects of tree species and seasonality suggest that predicted losses of tropical tree diversity and intensification of drought have the potential to cascade belowground to affect both diversity and abundance of tropical soil fungi.
Insights into the biodiversity of the gut microbiota of broiler chickens
Authors: Mancabelli Leonardo , Ferrario Chiara , Milani Christian , Mangifesta Marta , Turroni Francesca , Duranti Sabrina , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Viappiani Alice , Ossiprandi Maria Cristina , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe gastrointestinal tract of poultry is densely populated with microorganisms, which are presumed to interact with the host and ingested feed. Comparison of the gut microbiota of chickens used for large‐scale commercial production (Broiler Chicken, BC) and those grown in semi‐wild conditions (Free‐Range Chicken, FRC) revealed that at phylum level Firmicutes was the dominant phylum of the gut community in BC, while the gut microbiota of FRC contained higher levels of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Such differences may be due to the diet and/or the intensive use of antibiotics in BC. Indeed, analysis of the resistome of the cecal microbiomes showed a marked richness in BC datasets, with a modulation of the cecal microbiota toward antibiotic resistant bacteria. Functional characterization of the microbiome of FRC samples revealed an increase in gene pathways involved in degradation of complex carbohydrates. Furthermore, in silico analyses of the microbiomes of FRC and BC revealed a higher presence in genes involved in formate production in BC samples. Notably, compared to the BC microbiomes the FRC microbiomes were shown to contain a higher abundance of genes involved in the pathway for acetate production.
Phosphate and ATP uptake by lake bacteria: does taxonomical identity matter?
Authors: Rofner Carina , Sommaruga Ruben , Teresa Pérez María 
Published: May 2016

SummaryPhosphorus often limits bacterial production in freshwater ecosystems. However, little is known on whether different bacteria contribute to inorganic and organic phosphorus uptake proportionally to their relative abundance and production. Here, we followed the temporal dynamics of the main heterotrophic bacterial taxa taking up inorganic phosphate (33P‐Pi) and organic phosphorus (33P‐ATP) in two mountain lakes and compared them to their contribution to bacterial production (3H‐leucine uptake). The short turnover times for Pi and ATP suggested that in both lakes, phosphorus was limiting most of the year. The bulk uptake rates and the fractions of cells labelled positive for Pi and ATP uptake followed a seasonal trend with minima in winter and maxima in summer. Generally, the bacterial taxa examined contributed to Pi and ATP uptake proportionally to their relative abundance, but not always to their contribution to bacterial production. For instance, AcI Actinobacteria were often underrepresented in phosphorus uptake compared with leucine incorporation suggesting they might have high intracellular C:P ratios. Our results emphasize that ATP utilization is widespread among freshwater bacteria and indicate that members within the dominant bacterial taxa (Actinobacteria and Betaproteobacteria) have variable phosphorus requirements, probably due to their different growth potential and variable degrees of homeostasis.
Changes in the speed of ants as a result of aggressive interactions
Authors: Ślipiński Piotr , Żmihorski Michał 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSubordinate ant species utilize different tactics to reduce competition with the stronger, larger and more aggressive individuals of a dominant species. In our experimental study, we assessed the behavioral response of individual workers of 4 subordinate ant species during their co‐occurrence with workers of a single dominant species. Contrary to most classical experiments focused on aggressive interactions, we assessed workers’ speed as a crucial factor in the outcome of co‐occurrence. Generally, there was a large intraspecific variation in the speed of the studied species—each had slow and fast individuals. Workers of all studied species moved faster just after interaction, suggesting that contact between 2 hostile workers is a stressful stimulus, generating a behavioral reaction of increasing speed. Also, the number of aggressive contacts experienced by a given individual positively affected its speed. Moreover, workers which were fast when exploring territory were also fast after interspecific interactions. The duration of aggression was significantly reduced by the speed and body size of a subordinate species worker—the more quickly a worker reacted and bigger it was, the shorter was the time of cumulative aggression. To our knowledge, this is the first study of this type to be conducted on ants and we conclude that speed is an overlooked and important characteristic of species and also individuals, therefore it should be considered as a driver of patterns of co‐occurrence in ant assemblages.
Diastolic Hypotension, Troponin Elevation, and Electrocardiographic Changes Associated With the Management of Moderate to Severe Asthma in Children
Authors: Fagbuyi Daniel B. , Venkataraman Shekhar , Ralphe J. Carter , Zuckerbraun Noel S. , Pitetti Raymond D. , Lin Yan , Jeong Kwonho , Saladino Richard A. , Manole Mioara D. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to determine the occurrence of, and the factors associated with, diastolic hypotension and troponin elevation or electrocardiogram (ECG) ST‐segment changes in a convenience sample of children with moderate to severe asthma receiving continuous albuterol nebulization.MethodsThis was a prospective, descriptive study in a pediatric emergency department and an intensive care unit of a tertiary academic center. Fifty children with moderate to severe asthma (clinical asthma score > 8) who received 10 to 15 mg/hour continuous albuterol for >2 hours between June 5, 2007, and February 4, 2008, were approached. Hourly diastolic blood pressures were recorded. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and ECG tracings were obtained following the first 2 hours of albuterol and then subsequently every 12 hours while receiving continuous albuterol. Main outcome measures were: 1) incidence of diastolic hypotension, 2) incidence of troponin elevation, and 3) incidence of ECG ST‐depression.ResultsFifty patients were enrolled. Thirty‐three (66%) patients developed diastolic hypotension during the first 6 hours of continuous albuterol. Diastolic blood pressure declined from baseline at 1–6 hours (p < 0.01 vs. baseline). Twelve patients (24%) had elevated cTnI, 15 patients (30%) had ST‐segment change, four patients (8%) had both, and 23 patients (46%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 32 to 60) had either a cTnI elevation or an ECG ST‐segment change. Troponin elevation and diastolic hypotension were not associated (RR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.6 to 2.3).ConclusionsIn a subset of children with moderate to severe asthma, diastolic hypotension, troponin elevation, and ECG ST‐segment change occur during administration of continuous albuterol. Future studies are necessary to determine the clinical significance of these findings.
Associations Between Cerebellar Subregional Morphometry and Alcoholism History in Men and Women
Authors: Sawyer Kayle S. , Oscar‐Berman Marlene , Mosher Ruiz Susan , Gálvez Daniel A. , Makris Nikos , Harris Gordon J. , Valera Eve M. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundAlcoholism has been linked to deficits in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functions, and the cerebellum is important for optimal functioning of these abilities. However, little is known about how individual differences such as gender and drinking history might influence regional cerebellar abnormalities.MethodsVolumetric analyses of the cerebellum and its subregions were performed in relation to the interaction of gender and measures of drinking history. Structural magnetic resonance imaging scans of 44 alcoholic individuals (23 men) and 39 nonalcoholic controls (18 men) were obtained. In addition to measuring total cerebellar gray and white matter volumes, we measured 64 individual cerebellar parcellation units, as well as functionally defined a priori regions of interest that have been shown to correspond to functions impaired in alcoholism.ResultsTotal cerebellar white matter volume was smaller in alcoholic relative to nonalcoholic participants. Moreover, volumes of parcellation units varied with drinking history, showing negative associations between years of heavy drinking and the anterior lobe, the vestibulocerebellar lobe, and the spinocerebellar subdivision. The negative association between anterior volume and years of heavy drinking was driven primarily by alcoholic men. Additionally, we observed larger white and gray matter volumes for alcoholic women than for alcoholic men.ConclusionsThe identification of drinking‐related abnormalities in cerebellar subregions lays a foundation that can be utilized to inform how cerebro‐cerebellar networks are perturbed in this pathological condition. These results also provide estimates of how gender and individual differences in drinking history can predict cerebellar volumes.
Hemodynamic aspects of normal human feto‐placental (umbilical) circulation
Authors: Acharya Ganesh , Sonesson Sven‐Erik , Flo Kari , Räsänen Juha , Odibo Anthony 
Published: May 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the changes in normal circulatory dynamics that occur during the course of pregnancy is essential for improving our knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms associated with feto‐placental diseases. The umbilical circulation is the lifeline of the fetus, and it is accessible for noninvasive assessment. However, not all hemodynamic parameters can be reliably measured in utero using currently available technology. Experimental animal studies have been crucial in validating major concepts related to feto‐placental circulatory physiology, but caution is required in directly translating the findings of such studies into humans due to species differences. Furthermore, it is important to establish normal reference ranges and take into account gestational age associated changes while interpreting the results of clinical investigation. Therefore, it is necessary to critically evaluate, synthesize and summarize the knowledge available from the studies performed on human pregnancies to be able to appropriately apply them in clinical practice. This narrative review is an attempt to present contemporary concepts on hemodynamics of feto‐placental circulation based on human studies.
Forward light scatter and visual acuity before and after intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation at different stages of keratoconus
Authors: Puell María Cinta , Carballo‐Álvarez Jesús 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeTo assess forward light scatter (stray light) before and after intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation at different stages of keratoconus and to examine correlation between postoperative stray light and visual acuity (VA).MethodsIn 27 eyes of 27 subjects with keratoconus, stray light was determined using the compensation comparison technique before and 6 months after ICRS implantation. Monocular corrected distance VA (CDVA) was measured using a high‐contrast logMAR letter chart. Corneal higher‐order aberrations (HOAs), contrast sensitivity (CS) and minimum corneal thickness (CT) were also measured.ResultsMean CDVA was 0.42 ± 0.28 preoperatively and 0.24 ± 0.15 logMAR postoperatively (p < 0.01). Mean corneal coma‐like aberration decreased postoperatively (RMS 0.55 ± 1.18 μm, p < 0.01). Minimum CT increased 25.31 ± 18.59 μm (p < 0.01). Mean preoperative and postoperative stray light were 1.36 ± 0.31 and 1.48 ± 0.32 log units, respectively (p < 0.01). Mean changes produced in stray light (worsening) were 0.03 ± 0.21 (p > 0.05) for stage I, 0.13 ± 0.14 (p = 0.013) for stage II and 0.18 ± 0.21 (p = 0.023) for stage III. Significant positive correlation (r = 0.47, p = 0.01) was detected between postoperative stray light and postoperative CDVA such that as stray light increased, CDVA worsened (higher logMAR values). Postoperative stray light was neither associated with HOAs, CS nor minimum CT.ConclusionsStray light values in these patients with keratoconus were higher than normal preoperatively. In eyes with stage II and III keratoconus, stray light increased 6 months after ICRS placement. Higher postoperative stray light was correlated with a worse visual acuity outcome.
Oleuropein aglycone and polyphenols from olive mill waste water ameliorate cognitive deficits and neuropathology
Authors: Pantano Daniela , Luccarini Ilaria , Nardiello Pamela , Servili Maurizio , Stefani Massimo , Casamenti Fiorella 
Published: May 2016

AimIn TgCRND8 (Tg) mice we checked the dose–response effect of diet supplementation with oleuropein aglycone (OLE) at 12.5 or 0.5 mg kg−1 of diet. We also studied the effects of dietary intake of the mix of polyphenols present in olive mill waste water administered at a total dose as high as the highest dose of OLE (50 mg kg−1 of diet) previously investigated.MethodsFour month‐old Tg mice were equally divided into four groups and treated for 8 weeks with a modified low fat (5.0%) AIN‐76 A diet (10 g day−1 per mouse) as such, supplemented with OLE (12.5 or 0.5 mg kg−1 of diet) or with a mix of polyphenols (50 mg kg−1 of diet) found in olive mill waste water. Behavioural performance was evaluated by the step down inhibitory avoidance and object recognition tests. Neuropathology was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsOLE supplementation at 12.5 mg kg−1 of diet and the mix of polyphenols was found to improve significantly cognitive functions of Tg mice (P < 0.0001). Aß42 and pE‐3Aß plaque area and number were significantly reduced in the cortex by OLE and in the cortex and hippocampus by the mix of polyphenols (P < 0.01, P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001). Similar autophagy induction was found in the brain cortex of differently treated mice.ConclusionOur results extend previous data showing that the effects of OLE on behavioural performance and neuropathology are dose‐dependent and not closely related to OLE by itself. In fact, diet supplementation with the same dose of a mix of polyphenols found in olive mill waste water resulted in comparable neuroprotection.
Evaluations of moral and conventional intergroup transgressions
Authors: Mulvey Kelly Lynn 
Published: May 2016

To investigate children's understanding of intergroup transgressions, children (3–8 years,N = 84) evaluated moral and conventional transgressions that occurred among members of the same gender group (ingroup) or members of different gender groups (outgroup). All participants judged moral transgressions to be more wrong than conventional transgressions. However, when asked to make a judgment after being told an authority figure did not see the transgression, younger participants still judged that moral violations were less acceptable than conventional transgressions, but judged both moral and conventional transgressions with an outgroup victim as more acceptable than the corresponding transgressions with an ingroup victim. Older children did not demonstrate the same ingroup bias; rather they focused only on the domain of the transgressions. The results demonstrate the impact intergroup information has on children's evaluations about both moral and conventional transgressions.
Serious games as a malleable learning medium: The effects of narrative, gameplay, and making on students’ performance and attitudes
Authors: Garneli Varvara , Giannakos Michail , Chorianopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: May 2016

AbstractResearch into educational technology has evaluated new computer‐based systems as tools for improving students’ academic performance and engagement. Serious games should also be considered as an alternative pedagogical medium for attracting students with different needs and expectations. In this field study, we empirically examined different forms of serious‐game use for learning on learning performance and attitudes of eighty 13‐year‐old students in the first grade of middle school. Divided into four groups of 20 students, each group practiced with a maths video game in three ways. The first group played the storytelling maths game, the second played the same game but with no story and the third played and modified the video game. Finally, a control group practised in a paper‐based (traditional) way by solving exercises. Although only minor differences in learning performance were identified, we found significant differences in the attitudes of the students toward learning through the video game. Students who are not motivated by conventional paper‐based assignments might be engaged better with the use of a video game. Our findings suggest that video game pedagogy could provide malleable learning for different groups of students using methods that move beyond the conventional tool‐based approach.A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kec_mSG-dE.
Interactions and learning outcomes in online language courses
Authors: Lin Chin‐Hsi , Zheng Binbin , Zhang Yining 
Published: May 2016

AbstractInteractions are the central emphasis in language learning. An increasing number of K‐12 students take courses online, leading some critics to comment that reduced opportunities for interaction may affect learning outcomes. This study examined the relationship between online interactions and learning outcomes for 466 students who were taking high‐school level online language courses in a Midwestern virtual school. Regression analysis was employed to examine how three broad types of interactions, learner‐instructor, learner‐learner and learner‐content (Moore, ), affected students’ perceived progress and satisfaction. After controlling for demographic information, motivation and learning strategies, the results of multiple regression showed that learner‐instructor and learner‐content interactions had significantly positive effects on satisfaction, whereas learner‐learner interaction did not affect satisfaction. Learner‐content interaction was the only factor that affected perceived progress.