bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative histology of the digestive tract in three new world marsupials
Authors: Andrini Laura Beatríz , García Marcela Nilda , Inda Ana María , Errecalde Ana Lía , Goin Francisco J , Carlini Alfredo Armando , Scarano Alejo Carlos , Martin Gabriel , de los Reyes Martín 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe compare the main histological features of the digestive tract of three selected New World didelphid marsupials (Mammalia, Metatheria, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae): the White‐eared Opossum Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840, the Short‐tailed Opossum Monodelphis dimidiata Wagner, 1847, and the Patagonian Opossum Lestodelphys halli Thomas, 1921. The three species have a geographic distribution restricted to south‐eastern and southern South America, and have quite distinct body masses, adaptations and life histories. Our observations include the following: (i) submucosal glands are present throughout the oesophagus of D. albiventris, only in its first third in M. dimidiata, and are lacking in L. halli; (ii) in the stomach and duodenum, the serus coat coat in D. albiventris is cuboidal (simple, squamous mesothelial layer in the other two species); (iii) the duodenum in L. halli has large folds, short crypts and Brunner's glands (the other species lack folds and Brunner's glands); (iv) the colon's mucous membrane has short, scarce villi in D. albiventris (villi absent in the remaining species). Some of the observed differences can be due to ecological adaptations, especially in the relatively large‐sized, extremely omnivorous D. albiventris (e.g., colon villi).
Assessment of cognitive functions in bipolar I disorder: A 1‐year naturalistic follow‐up study
Authors: Sagar Rajesh , Sahu Anamika , Pattanayak Raman Deep , Chatterjee Biswadip 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveAvailable findings from cross‐sectional studies have demonstrated cognitive impairments in bipolar I disorder (BD‐I) during various phases of illness. However, very little is known about the longitudinal course of these cognitive impairments. The purpose of the study was to explore the longitudinal pattern of changes in cognitive functioning of BD‐I patients.MethodsA total of 129 BD‐I subjects (manic, depressed and euthymic groups) and 49 healthy controls were recruited using predefined selection criteria. All four study groups were assessed on various clinical and cognitive parameters (for attention, memory, executive functions and working memory) at study intake and at 3‐monthly intervals over the next year.ResultsAll three patient groups performed poorly compared to controls on all cognitive measures at study intake and on some cognitive measures at the 3‐, 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐month assessments. No significant time effects were observed for any cognitive test. A significant group by time interaction effect was found for executive functions (β = −44.74; P = .018) and working memory (β = 0.77; P ≤ .019) in the depressed group at 12 months; for visual memory (β = 1.21; P = .039) and working memory (β = 1.17; P ≤ .029) in the manic group at 12 months; and for working memory (β = −0.52; P ≤ .036) in the euthymic group at 12 months.ConclusionThe patient groups showed significant impairments in all or some test domains relative to controls at all time‐points. The cognitive functions largely remained stable in all patient groups, with slight improvement over time in a few tests. Further investigation is warranted in larger samples in longitudinal studies.
L1 versus L2 online intercultural exchanges for the development of 21st century competences: The students’ perspective
Authors: Sevilla‐Pavón Ana 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe myriad of possibilities brought about by the advent of Web 2.0 in terms of communication and interaction have revolutionised educational practices over the past few years. One of the most promising educational approaches resulting from this revolution is online intercultural exchange or telecollaboration, which has been reported to contribute towards the development of 21st century competences. Many of the benefits of online intercultural exchange have been extensively explored in the literature and numerous studies have been carried out. However, very few studies have looked into the differences between an L1 or mother tongue exchange and an L2 or lingua franca exchange as far as the development of 21st century competences is concerned. This paper aims at filling this gap by exploring and comparing the results of two configurations of Online Intercultural Exchange carried out over a period of 4 months with 125 participants. The results indicate that the L1 exchange was perceived as more beneficial than the L2 exchange for most of the competences studied (linguistic and communicative competences, Language for Specific Purposes learning, learner autonomy and teamwork). Meanwhile, the L2 exchange was considered as more beneficial for the development of intercultural competence. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed regarding digital literacy.
Assessment in an era of accessibility: Evaluating rules for scripting audio representation of test items
Authors: Johnstone Christopher , Higgins Jennifer , Fedorchak Gaye 
Published: January 2018

AbstractStandardized, large‐scale assessment of educational outcomes has become a global phenomenon over the past three decades (Smith, ). A key challenge facing assessment designers is that standard formats may be inaccessible or may create barriers to student performance. Schwanke, Smith, and Edyburn's () A3 model describes how advocates have reacted to structural barriers by providing accommodations and, ultimately, accessibility. This paper synthesizes and evaluates three studies that attempted to improve accessibility in assessments for students who struggle with print reading through audio presentation of assessment items. Cross‐study implications for policy and practice are considered.
Impact of student agency on learning performance and learning experience in a flipped classroom
Authors: Luo Heng , Yang Tingting , Xue Jin , Zuo Mingzhang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe efficacy of the flipped classroom model largely depends on the specifications of its design and implementation, and one important specification to consider is student agency. With the purpose of prescribing the optimal level of student agency for the flipped classroom, this study conducted a repeated‐measures experimental design to compare the effects of three levels of student agency in an undergraduate flipped course with 43 students. The empirical results revealed that student agency had a significant impact on students' academic performance and perceived learning experience. Moreover, a low level of student agency appeared to induce superior performance and evaluation ratings from the students and counter the influence of personality and self‐study time. The findings are expected to inform the design and implementation of flipped courses and extend our understanding of student‐centred learning to the context of the flipped classroom.
Ovarian markers and irregular menses among women with type 1 diabetes in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study
Authors: Kim C. , Miller R.S. , Braffett B.H. , Pan Y. , Arends V.L. , Saenger A.K. , Barnie A. , Sarma A.V. ,   the EDIC Research Group
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectiveWomen with type 1 diabetes have increased risk of infertility compared to women without diabetes even after adjustment for irregular menses, but aetiologies are incompletely understood. Our aim was to examine the prevalence of abnormalities in ovarian markers consistent with polycystic ovary syndrome in women with type 1 diabetes and associations with irregular menses and diabetes‐specific variables.Design, Patients and MeasurementsWe conducted a secondary analysis of women in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study (DCCT/EDIC), a randomized trial and observational follow‐up of intensive insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes. We included women with anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurements among women not using oral contraceptives (n = 187). Initial AMH and testosterone measures were performed between EDIC years 1 and 4. History of irregular menses was assessed annually.ResultsThe median age of women was 35 (interquartile ratio 29, 40) years; 133 (35%) had elevated AMH and 62 (17%) reported irregular menses. Twelve per cent of women had relative elevations in total testosterone. In multivariable models, lower insulin dosages were associated with higher AMH concentrations (P = .0027), but not diabetes duration, glycemic control, body mass index or irregular menses. Neither irregular menses nor diabetes‐specific variables were associated with testosterone concentrations.ConclusionsAmong women with type 1 diabetes in their thirties, abnormalities in ovarian markers are common and not associated with irregular menses and thus may partially account for decreased fecundity in women with type 1 diabetes.
Economic Integration Reconsidered*
Authors: Larue Bruno 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEconomic integration refers to the various types of agreements coordinating economic policies and regulations between countries. There has been a rapid increase in the number of regional trade agreements (RTAs) since the mid 1990s and appetite for deep integration was reflected in the growth of European Union (EU) membership. However, the rejection of the Trans‐Pacific Partnership by the United States and the United Kingdom's rejection of the EU common market are symptomatic of a new anti‐integration wave. In this address, I discuss the roots of anti‐integration sentiments and I review the economics of integration, the measurement and sources of the gains from trade, and trade policy. Canada has much to gain from securing RTAs with large countries like the United States, the EU, and, eventually, with Japan and China. The North American Free Trade Agreement made winners and losers, but long‐run gains more than made up for short‐run pains. Thus, there is no economic justification for maintaining interprovincial and international trade barriers in some of Canada's agri‐food industries.L'intégration économique implique la coordination de politiques économiques et règlementations par le biais d'accords régionaux (ARs). Le nombre d'ARs a augmenté rapidement depuis le milieu des années 90 et la croissance du nombre de membres de l'Union Européenne (UE) reflète une tendance d'intégration profonde. Toutefois, le rejet du partenariat transpacifique par les États‐Unis et la sortie du Royaume‐Uni du marché commun européen sont le reflet d'une nouvelle vague anti‐intégration. Mon texte discute des facteurs qui ont contribué à cette vague et passe en revue les analyses sur l'intégration économique, la mesure et les sources des gains du commerce et les politiques commerciales. Une petite écononmie ouverte comme celle du Canada a beaucoup à gagner d'ARs avec de gros pays comme les États‐Unis, l'UE, et éventuellement, le Japon et la Chine. L'accord de libre échange nord‐américain a fait des gagnants et des perdants, mais les gains à long terme ont plus que compensé pour les pertes de court terme. Par conséquent, il n'y a pas d'argument économique justifiant le maintien de barrières aux commerces interprovincial et international dans certaines industries agroalimentaires.
Behavioral fragmentation in the D1CT‐7 mouse model of Tourette's syndrome
Authors: Santangelo Andrea , Bortolato Marco , Mosher Laura J. , Crescimanno Giuseppe , Di Giovanni Giuseppe , Cassioli Emanuele , Ricca Valdo , Casarrubea Maurizio 
Published: January 2018

SummaryAimThe transgenic D1CT‐7 mouse is one of the best‐characterized animal models of Tourette's syndrome (TS), exhibiting spontaneous tic‐like Head‐Body Twitches (HBT) and deficits in sensorimotor gating. This study is aimed at evaluating the behavioral dynamics of these mutants and their potential relevance to TS.MethodsThe behavior of D1CT‐7 and Wild Type littermates was firstly assessed by considering frequencies and durations. To detect recurrent real‐time behavioral sequences, the multivariate T‐pattern analysis was employed. Analyses of transition probabilities among behaviors further provided an overall picture of the behavioral dynamics.ResultsT‐patterns and transition matrices revealed in D1CT‐7 mice a clear‐cut hyperactivity compared to controls, with a lower behavioral organization and a marked shift from cautious sniffing toward locomotion. Moreover, the behavioral patterns of the transgenic mice were pervasively disturbed by intrusive tic‐like HBT leading to a marked fragmentation of the behavior. Novel exposure to open field provoked a transient inhibitory control over the disrupting phenotype.ConclusionThe results of this study show that the D1CT‐7 mouse model is subjected to a behavioral fragmentation, with repercussions going beyond the simple tic‐like phenomenon. These phenotypes are strikingly akin to behavioral problems observed in patients with TS and further validate the power of this model in summarizing pivotal behavioral aspects of TS.
Transcriptome profiling of peripheral blood immune cell populations in multiple sclerosis patients before and during treatment with a sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor modulator
Authors: Angerer Ines C. , Hecker Michael , Koczan Dirk , Roch Luisa , Friess Jörg , Rüge Annelen , Fitzner Brit , Boxberger Nina , Schröder Ina , Flechtner Kristin , Thiesen Hans‐Jürgen , Winkelmann Alexander , Meister Stefanie , Zettl Uwe K. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryAimsFingolimod is a sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator approved for the treatment of the relapsing form of multiple sclerosis (MS). It prevents the egress of lymphocyte subpopulations from lymphoid tissues into the circulation. Here, we explored the broad effects of fingolimod on gene expression in different immune cell subsets.MethodsUtilizing 150 high‐resolution microarrays from Affymetrix, we obtained the transcriptome profiles of 5 cell populations, which were separated from the peripheral blood of MS patients prior to and following oral administration of fingolimod.ResultsAfter 3 months of treatment, significant transcriptome shifts were seen in CD4+ and CD8+ cells, which is mainly attributable to the selective homing of naive T cells and central memory T cells. Although the number of B cells was greatly reduced in the blood of fingolimod‐treated MS patients, the analysis of differential expression in CD19+ cells identified only a small set of 42 genes, which indicated a slightly higher frequency of transitional B cells. The transcriptome signatures of CD14+ monocytes and CD56+ natural killer cells were not affected.ConclusionOur study corroborates changes in the composition of circulating immune cells in response to fingolimod and delineates the respective implications at the RNA level. Our data may be valuable for comparing the effects of novel S1P receptor modulating agents, which may be a therapeutic option for patients with secondary progressive MS as well.
Plant Collection “Half‐life:” Can Botanic Gardens Weather the Climate?
Authors: Griffith M. Patrick , Barber Gregory , Tucker Lima Joanna , Barros Michelle , Calonje Claudia , Noblick Larry R. , Calonje Michael , Magellan Tracy , Dosmann Michael , Thibault Tim , Gerlowski Neil 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBotanic gardens are organized around plant collections, and climate change will affect those collections. Land loss is expected for gardens near sea level, prompting a loss of plants from the collection. Future collection development requires planning for these losses, which in turn requires assessment of the extent and rate of collection loss. We examined collection inventory change over time using records at Montgomery Botanical Center (MBC), to formulate a plant collection half‐life concept. This half‐life was used to project changes in MBC's plant collection over the next 100 years within the context of sea level changes. Comparing predicted rates of collection change with projected rates of loss due to sea level rise, we expect plant collection development to keep pace with climate change. As actively curated resources, botanic garden plant collections can adapt to environmental change faster and more deliberately than natural systems.
How do people with homelessness and alcohol dependence cope when alcohol is unaffordable? A comparison of residents of Canadian managed alcohol programs and locally recruited controls
Authors: Erickson Rebekah A. , Stockwell Tim , Pauly Bernadette (Bernie) , Chow Clifton , Roemer Audra , Zhao Jinhui , Vallance Kate , Wettlaufer Ashley 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsWe investigated coping strategies used by alcohol‐dependent and unstably housed people when they could not afford alcohol, and how managed alcohol program (MAP) participation influenced these. The aim of this study was to investigate potential negative unintended consequences of alcohol being unaffordable.Design and MethodsA total of 175 MAP residents in five Canadian cities and 189 control participants from nearby shelters were interviewed about the frequency they used 10 coping strategies when unable to afford alcohol. Length of stay in a MAP was examined as a predictor of negative coping while controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, housing stability, spending money and drinks per day. Multivariate binary logistic and linear regression models were used.ResultsMost commonly reported strategies were re‐budgeting (53%), waiting for money (49%) or going without alcohol (48%). A significant proportion used illicit drugs (41%) and/or drank non‐beverage alcohol (41%). Stealing alcohol or property was less common. Long‐term MAP participants (>2 months) exhibited lower negative coping scores than controls (8.76 vs. 10.63, P < 0.001) and were less likely to use illicit drugs [odds ratio (OR) 0.50, P = 0.02], steal from liquor stores (OR 0.50, P = 0.04), re‐budget (OR 0.36, P < 0.001) or steal property (OR 0.40, P = 0.07). Long‐term MAP participants were also more likely to seek treatment (OR 1.91, P = 0.03) and less likely to go without alcohol (OR 0.47, P = 0.01).Discussion and ConclusionsPeople experiencing alcohol dependence and housing instability more often reduced their alcohol consumption than used harmful coping when alcohol was unaffordable. MAP participation was associated with fewer potentially harmful coping strategies.
Relationship between metacognitive beliefs and psychosocial performance in at‐risk states of psychosis and patients with first psychotic episodes
Authors: Brüne Martin , Drommelschmidt Kim‐Alisha , Krüger‐Özgürdal Seza , Juckel Georg 
Published: January 2018

AimsImproving diagnostic batteries to identify individuals at‐risk for developing psychotic disorders as early as possible is an ongoing challenge in schizophrenia research. Here, we sought to explore whether metacognition in at‐risk of developing psychosis would differ from that of first episode psychosis and unaffected controls and whether dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs would be associated with psychosocial functioning in the clinical groups.MethodsTwenty‐three subjects at‐risk of psychosis were compared with a group of 15 first psychotic episode patients and 21 healthy controls with regard to their metacognitive beliefs and psychosocial functioning. Metacognition was assessed using the Metacognition Questionnaire (MCQ), psychosocial functioning was rated using the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP). Depression and anxiety were also evaluated.ResultsThe clinical groups differed significantly from controls in several MCQ scores, particularly the subscales “negative beliefs” and “need for control,” as well as on all PSP scales. Furthermore, significant correlations emerged between the metacognition and psychosocial functioning. A mediation analysis revealed that dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs had no direct effect on psychosocial functioning, but was mediated by depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThese results corroborate findings assigning depressive symptoms an important role in early recognition of psychosis.
Adverse drug reactions of analgesic medicines: analysis of the Romanian pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Cazacu Irina , Stroe Roxana , Dondera Roxana , Mogosan Cristina , Haramburu Françoise , Fourrier‐Réglat Annie , Loghin Felicia 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe results of national safety studies are essential for decision‐making at the regulatory level and have also educational implications for prescribing patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of analgesic medicines spontaneously reported to Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management Service of the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices between 2011 and 2015. For the 71 reports, patients had a mean age of 39.8 years; 60.6% of patients were female, and 38% male and 1.4% were unknown. Reporters were mainly physicians (74.7%), and 52.1% of ADR reports were transmitted through marketing authorization holders. Of the serious ADRs (32.4%), 34.7% led to hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization. The most frequent ADRs reported were skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (25.8%) and general disorders and administration site conditions (19.2%). Metamizole, alone or in combination, was the main analgesic suspected in almost 15.5% of the cases and remains one of the most popular analgesics in Romania. Ten cases were assessed as preventable or potentially preventable (14%), of which two cases were serious. Even if the level of reporting is still low, this study conducted on ADRs of analgesics reported to the national pharmacovigilance center represents an essential step toward promoting the rational use of analgesics in Romania.
A material length scale–based methodology to assess static strength of notched additively manufactured polylactide (PLA)
Authors: Ahmed A.A. , Susmel L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) is the name that has been given to a group of design methodologies that all make use of a material length scale parameter to postprocess the local linear‐elastic stress fields in the vicinity of the crack initiation locations. The aim of the present investigation is to check whether the simple linear‐elastic TCD is successful in predicting static strength of notched components made of 3D‐printed polylactide (PLA). PLA is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester that is produced from renewable biodegradable resources. The accuracy and reliability of the TCD in estimating the static strength of additively manufactured (AM) PLA were assessed against a large number of experimental results generated by testing, under tensile loading as well as under bending, AM notched specimens containing different geometrical features (open notches included). The TCD was seen to be highly accurate, its systematic use resulting in estimates falling mainly within an error interval of about 20%. This result is certainly very relevant since it demonstrates that the linear‐elastic TCD can be used successfully to design against static loading notched components of AM PLA by directly postprocessing the results from simple linear‐elastic Finite Element (FE) models.