bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Online learning: Cheap degrees or educational pluralization?
Authors: Ragusa Angela T. , Crampton Andrea 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn an era of shifting social and communication norms, where 76% of Americans surveyed reported they reached for tablets to check online communication before saying “good morning” to partners (Kensington.com, ), online education's increased popularity as a “lifestyle” choice is unsurprising (Ragusa, ). Qualitative thematic analysis of 289 surveys by university students studying and communicating entirely in a virtual classroom, however, revealed a plethora of assumptions about the changing nature of higher education. A growing gap between internal and distance education was perceived to impact pedagogical quality, interaction levels between students/lecturers for time purchased through tuition and institutional inflexibility with extensions for subject and/or degree completion. Most (53%) distance students found virtual learning paled in comparison with internal classrooms, despite expressing gratitude for improved flexibly to study at their own pace. Many (35%) students “hoped” employers would perceive distance degrees equally rigorous, yet ambiguity emerged about virtual degrees’ global acceptance as equal in kind and quality with “traditional” degrees. Despite increased online study and governmental calls to recognize degree accreditation trans‐nationally, ensuring quality irrespective of where obtained (Barber, Donnelly, & Rizvi, ), virtual degrees remain risky not because students perceive them as cheap consumer‐products, but because much human capital and institutional investment are required for success.
Sensory neuropathy in progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mice is associated with defects in microtubule polymerization and axonal transport
Authors: Schäfer Michael K. , Bellouze Sarah , Jacquier Arnaud , Schaller Sébastien , Richard Laurence , Mathis Stéphane , Vallat Jean‐Michel , Haase Georg 
Published: August 2016

AbstractMotor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are now recognized as multi‐system disorders also involving various non‐motor neuronal cell types. The precise extent and mechanistic basis of non‐motor neuron damage in human ALS and ALS animal models remain however unclear. To address this, we here studied progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mice carrying a missense loss‐of‐function mutation in tubulin binding cofactor E (TBCE). These mice manifest a particularly aggressive form of motor axon dying back and display a microtubule loss, similar to that induced by human ALS‐linked TUBA4A mutations. Using whole nerve confocal imaging of pmn × thy1.2‐YFP16 fluorescent reporter mice and electron microscopy, we demonstrate axonal discontinuities, bead‐like spheroids and ovoids in pmn suralis nerves indicating prominent sensory neuropathy. The axonal alterations qualitatively resemble those in phrenic motor nerves but do not culminate in the loss of myelinated fibers. We further show that the pmn mutation decreases the level of TBCE, impedes microtubule polymerization in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and causes progressive loss of microtubules in large and small caliber suralis axons. Live imaging of axonal transport using GFP‐tagged tetanus toxin C‐fragment (GFP‐TTC) demonstrates defects in microtubule‐based transport in pmn DRG neurons, providing a potential explanation for the axonal alterations in sensory nerves. This study unravels sensory neuropathy as a pathological feature of mouse pmn, and discusses the potential contribution of cytoskeletal defects to sensory neuropathy in human motor neuron disease.
Material hardship and children's social‐emotional development: Testing mitigating effects of Child Development Accounts in a randomized experiment
Authors: Huang J. , Kim Y. , Sherraden M. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundResearch has established a negative association between household material hardship and children's mental health. This study examines whether Child Development Accounts (CDAs), an economic intervention that encourages families to accumulate assets for children's long‐term development, mitigate the association between material hardship and children's social‐emotional development.MethodsResearchers conducted a randomized experiment of CDAs in Oklahoma, USA, with a probability sample (N = 7328) of all infants born in two 3‐month periods in 2007. After agreeing to participate in the experiment, caregivers of 2704 infants completed a baseline survey and were assigned randomly to the treatment (n = 1358) or control group (n = 1346). The intervention exposed the treatment group to a CDA, which consisted of an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan account, financial incentives and financial information.ResultsMaterial hardship has a negative association with the social‐emotional development of children around the age of 4 years. Estimates from regression analysis indicate that CDAs mitigate about 50% of the negative association between material hardship and children's social‐emotional development.ConclusionsAlthough they do not provide direct support for consumption in households experiencing material hardship, CDAs may improve child development by influencing parenting practices and parents' expectations for their children. We discuss the implications of using asset‐building programmes to improve child development.
Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma of the breast: a comparison of cytopathological features with other lobular carcinoma variants
Authors: Ohashi R. , Matsubara M. , Watarai Y. , Yanagihara K. , Yamashita K. , Tsuchiya S.‐I. , Takei H. , Naito Z. 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivePleomorphic lobular carcinoma (PLC) is a subtype of breast cancer with unique morphological features, but it remains controversial whether PLC should be considered an independent disease entity. The aim of this study was to illustrate cytopathological characteristics of PLC in comparison with other lobular carcinoma variants.MethodsWe investigated clinicopathological features of PLC (n = 11) compared with those of other variants of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC, non‐PLC) (n = 32). Histological variants of the non‐PLC group consisted of classic (n = 25), solid (n = 2), alveolar (n = 1) and a tubulolobular type (n = 4). A review of cytological reports and fine needle aspiration (FNA) smear samples was performed for the PLC (n = 9) and non‐PLC (n = 27) groups.Results:Patients with PLC were older, and had a higher nuclear grade and a higher incidence of axillary lymph node metastasis and triple negative phenotype than non‐PLC patients (P = 0.007, P < 0.001, P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). Cytological findings in PLC included medium‐ to large‐sized nuclei, prominent nucleoli, a moderate‐to‐severe degree of pleomorphism, apocrine change and background necrosis, none of which were evident in the smears of the non‐PLC group (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.03, respectively). Despite these differences, patients with PLC and non‐PLC showed similar clinical outcomes in our follow‐up period.ConclusionsBased on our results, a cytological diagnosis of PLC should be proposed if there are moderate‐ to large‐sized nuclei, prominent nucleoli, a moderate‐to severe degree of nuclear pleomorphism, apocrine change and necrosis in the background in FNA biopsy samples.
Anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG serum levels predict worse poststroke outcomes
Authors: Carbone Federico , Satta Nathalie , Montecucco Fabrizio , Virzi Julien , Burger Fabienne , Roth Aline , Roversi Gloria , Tamborino Carmine , Casetta Ilaria , Seraceni Silva , Trentini Alessandro , Padroni Marina , Dallegri Franco , Lalive Patrice H. , Mach François , Fainardi Enrico , Vuilleumier Nicolas 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundAutoantibodies to apolipoprotein A‐1 (anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG) were shown to predict major adverse cardiovascular events and promote atherogenesis. However, their potential relationship with clinical disability and ischaemic lesion volume after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) remains unexplored.Materials and methodsWe included n = 76 patients admitted for AIS and we investigated whether baseline serum anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG levels could predict (i) AIS‐induced clinical disability [assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS)], and (ii) AIS‐related ischaemic lesion volume [assessed by Computed Tomography (CT)]. We also evaluated the possible pro‐apoptotic and pro‐necrotic effects of anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG on human astrocytoma cell line (U251) using flow cytometry.ResultsHigh levels of anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG were retrieved in 15·8% (12/76) of patients. Increased baseline levels of anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG were independently correlated with worse mRS [β = 0·364; P = 0·002; adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1·05 (95% CI 1·01–1·09); P = 0·017] and CT‐assessed ischaemic lesion volume [β = 0·333; P < 0·001; adjusted OR: 1·06 (95% CI 1·01–1·12); P = 0·048] at 3 months. No difference in baseline clinical, biochemical and radiological characteristics was observed between patients with high vs. low levels of anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG. Incubating human astrocytoma cells with anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG dose dependently induced necrosis and apoptosis of U251 cells in vitro.ConclusionAnti‐ApoA‐1 IgG serum levels at AIS onset are associated with poorer clinical recovery and worse brain lesion volume 3 months after AIS. These observations could be partly explained by the deleterious effect of anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG on human brain cell survival in vitro and may have clinical implication in the prediction of poor outcome in AIS.
Carpal arthrodesis using a minimally invasive approach and locking compression plates: Three cases
Authors: Brandenberger O. , Rossignol F. , Bartke S. , Van Bergen T. , Vitte A. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThree horses with carpal instability due to comminuted second carpal bone fractures (Cases 1 and 3), fracture of the head of the second metacarpal bone (Case 1) or comminuted fractures of the fourth carpal bone, ulnar and intermediate carpal bones (Case 2) were treated by minimally invasive approach for partial (Cases 1 and 3) or pancarpal (Case 2) joint arthrodesis, using locking compression plates. The joint cartilage was removed by either an arthroscopic approach (middle carpal joint and antebrachiocarpal joint) or a percutaneous drilling technique (carpometacarpal joint). Two or 3 locking compression plates were contoured to the dorsolateral, dorsomedial and dorsoaxial aspects of the carpal joints using a custom‐made tunnelling tool and a minimally invasive tunnelling technique, and the screws were positioned through stab incisions. All cases recovered well, were lame free at the walk, were able to trot and gallop and could be used for leisure and pasture activities (partial carpal arthrodesis) and breeding (pancarpal arthrodesis). Post‐operative x‐rays showed progressive joint fusion after 12 months (Case 1), 5 months (Case 2) and 10 months (Case 3). Case 2 with a pancarpal arthrodesis showed a mechanical lameness at the walk due to the inability to flex the carpus. Carpal flexion after carpometacarpal and middle carpal arthrodesis in Case 1 was calculated to be 42.6° and 44° in Case 3.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors interfere with angiogenesis by decreasing endothelial VEGFR‐2 protein half‐life in part via a VE‐cadherin‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Hrgovic Igor , Doll Monika , Pinter Andreas , Kaufmann Roland , Kippenberger Stefan , Meissner Markus 
Published: August 2016

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) may mediate part of their antitumor effects by interfering with tumor angiogenesis. As signalling via the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) pathway is critical for angiogenic responses during tumor progression, we explored whether established antitumor effects of HDACi are partly mediated through diminished endothelial VEGFR‐2 expression. We therefore examined the potential impact of three different HDACi, trichostatin A (TSA), sodium butyrate (But) and valproic acid (VPA), on VEGFR‐2 protein expression. TSA, VPA and But significantly inhibit VEGFR‐2 protein expression in endothelial cells. Pertinent to these data, VEGFR‐2 protein half‐life is shown to be decreased in response to HDACi. Recently, it could be demonstrated that expression of VE‐cadherin influences VEGFR‐2 protein half‐life. In our experiments, VEGFR‐2 downregulation was accompanied by HDACi‐induced VE‐cadherin suppression. Interestingly, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of VE‐cadherin led to a pronounced loss of VEGFR‐2 expression on the protein as well as on the mRNA level, implicating that VE‐cadherin not only influences VEGFR‐2 protein half‐life but also the transcriptional level. To further distinguish which of the eight different histone deacetylases are responsible for the regulation of VEGFR‐2 expression, specific HDAC genes were silenced by transfecting respective siRNAs. These studies revealed that HDACs 1, 4, 5 and 6 are preferentially involved in VEGFR‐2 expression. Therefore, these results provide an explanation for the anti‐angiogenic action of HDAC inhibitors via a VE‐cadherin, HDAC 1 and HDACs 4–6‐mediated suppression of VEGFR‐2 expression and might be of importance in the development of new anti‐angiogenic drugs.
Informing climate models with rapid chamber measurements of forest carbon uptake
Authors: Metcalfe Daniel B. , Ricciuto Daniel , Palmroth Sari , Campbell Catherine , Hurry Vaughan , Mao Jiafu , Keel Sonja G. , Linder Sune , Shi Xiaoying , Näsholm Torgny , Ohlsson Klas E. A. , Blackburn M. , Thornton Peter E. , Oren Ram 
Published: August 2016

AbstractModels predicting ecosystem carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange under future climate change rely on relatively few real‐world tests of their assumptions and outputs. Here, we demonstrate a rapid and cost‐effective method to estimate CO2 exchange from intact vegetation patches under varying atmospheric CO2 concentrations. We find that net ecosystem CO2 uptake (NEE) in a boreal forest rose linearly by 4.7 ± 0.2% of the current ambient rate for every 10 ppm CO2 increase, with no detectable influence of foliar biomass, season, or nitrogen (N) fertilization. The lack of any clear short‐term NEE response to fertilization in such an N‐limited system is inconsistent with the instantaneous downregulation of photosynthesis formalized in many global models. Incorporating an alternative mechanism with considerable empirical support – diversion of excess carbon to storage compounds – into an existing earth system model brings the model output into closer agreement with our field measurements. A global simulation incorporating this modified model reduces a long‐standing mismatch between the modeled and observed seasonal amplitude of atmospheric CO2. Wider application of this chamber approach would provide critical data needed to further improve modeled projections of biosphere–atmosphere CO2 exchange in a changing climate.
Cluster headache and other TACs: Pathophysiology and neurostimulation options
Authors: Láinez Miguel JA , Guillamón Edelmira 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundThe trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are highly disabling primary headache disorders. There are several issues that remain unresolved in the understanding of the pathophysiology of the TACs, although activation of the trigeminal–autonomic reflex and ipsilateral hypothalamic activation both play a central role. The discovery of the central role of the hypothalamus led to its use as a therapeutic target. After the good results obtained with hypothalamic stimulation, other peripheral neuromodulation targets were tried in the management of refractory cluster headache (CH) and other TACs.MethodsThis review is a summary both of CH pathophysiology and of efficacy of the different neuromodulation techniques.ResultsIn chronic cluster headache (CCH) patients, hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) produced a decrease in attack frequency of more than 50% in 60% of patients. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) also elicited favorable outcomes with a reduction of more than 50% of attacks in around 70% of patients with medically intractable CCH. Stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) with a miniaturized implanted stimulator produced a clinically significant improvement in 68% of patients (acute, preventive, or both). Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with a portable device used in conjunction with standard of care in CH patients resulted in a reduction in the number of attacks. DBS and ONS have been used successfully in some cases of other TACs, including hemicrania continua (HC) and short‐lasting unilateral headache attacks (SUNHA).ConclusionsDBS has good results, but it is a more invasive technique and can generate serious adverse events. ONS has good results, but frequent and not serious adverse events. SPG stimulation (SPGS) is also efficacious in the acute and prophylactic treatment of refractory cluster headache. At this moment, ONS and SPG stimulation techniques are recommended as first line therapy in refractory cluster patients. New recent non‐invasive approaches such as the non‐invasive vagal nerve stimulator (nVNS) have shown efficacy in a few trials and could be an interesting alternative in the management of CH, but require more testing and positive randomized controlled trials.
Correlation study between image features and mechanical properties of Han Chinese facial skin
Authors: Ma L. , Tan Y. , Zheng S. , Li J. , Jiang C. , Chen Z. , Wang X. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectiveMechanical properties are considered to be vital factors that influence skin physiology during ageing. Wrinkles and skin roughness are the two main features in aged skin. The purpose of this study is to characterize the relationship between facial skin mechanical properties and image features using quantitative methods.MethodsTwo hundred and forty healthy male and female volunteers living in Shanghai, China (aged 20–70 years), were examined in this study. Facial images were photographed by VISIA‐CR. Wrinkle volume of middle forehead and skin roughness of upper cheek were analysed by Skin Surface Analyzer (SSA) software. Mechanical parameters at the middle forehead and upper cheek were measured using Cutometer® MPA 580 and Reviscometer® RVM 600.ResultsSkin wrinkles and roughness increased during ageing, where men have a higher level and earlier manifestation than women. Skin mechanical parameters R2, R5, R7 and RRT were found decreased with age. Moreover, mechanical parameters including R2, R7, RRT and anisotropy showed significant correlations with wrinkle volume and/or skin roughness.ConclusionThe facial image features including wrinkle volume and skin roughness are significantly correlated with skin elasticity and anisotropy, which could well describe the skin features of Han Chinese.
Skeletal complications in cancer patients with bone metastases
Authors: Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Park Sun Hee , Eber Matthew R , Peters Christopher M , Shiozawa Yusuke 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAs a result of significant improvements in current therapies, the life expectancy of cancer patients with bone metastases has dramatically improved. Unfortunately, these patients often experience skeletal complications that significantly impair their quality of life. The major skeletal complications associated with bone metastases include: cancer‐induced bone pain, hypercalcemia, pathological bone fractures, metastatic epidural spinal cord compression and cancer cachexia. Once cancer cells invade the bone, they perturb the normal physiology of the marrow microenvironment, resulting in bone destruction, which is believed to be a direct cause of skeletal complications. However, full understanding of the mechanisms responsible for these complications remains unknown. In the present review, we discuss the complications associated with bone metastases along with matched conventional therapeutic strategies. A better understanding of this topic is crucial, as targeting skeletal complications can improve both the morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from bone metastases.
A cost‐effectiveness analysis of optimal care for diabetic foot ulcers in Australia
Authors: Cheng Qinglu , Lazzarini Peter A , Gibb Michelle , Derhy Patrick H , Kinnear Ewan M , Burn Edward , Graves Nicholas , Norman Rosana E 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn addition to affecting quality of life, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) impose an economic burden on both patients and the health system. This study developed a Markov model to analyse the cost‐effectiveness of implementing optimal care in comparison with the continuation of usual care for diabetic patients at high risk ofDFUsin the Australian setting. The model results demonstrated overall 5‐year cost savings (AUD9100·11 for those aged 35–54, $9391·60 for those aged 55–74 and $12 394·97 for those aged 75 or older) and improved health benefits measured in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) (0·13QALYs, 0·13QALYsand 0·16QALYs, respectively) for high‐risk patients receiving optimal care forDFUscompared with usual care. Total cost savings for Australia were estimated atAUD2·7 billion over 5 years. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that optimal care always had a higher probability of costing less and generating more health benefits. This study provides important evidence to inform Australian policy decisions on the efficient use of health resources and supports the implementation of evidence‐based optimal care in Australia. Furthermore, this information is of great importance for comparable developed countries that could reap similar benefits from investing in these well‐known evidence‐based strategies.
Genetic analyses of herding traits in the Border Collie using sheepdog trial data
Authors: Storteig Horn S. , Steinheim G. , Fjerdingby Olsen H. , Gjerjordet H.F. , Klemetsdal G. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of the data provided from sheepdog trials in Norway, estimate heritabilities, repeatabilities and genetic correlations for the traits included in the trial and make recommendations on how sheepdog trials best can be utilized in the breeding of Border Collies in Norway. The analyses were based on test results from sheepdog trials carried out in Norway from 1993 to 2012. A total of 45 732 records from 3841 Border Collies were available, but after quality assurance only a third was left. The results demonstrated little information in the data. Heritabilities varied between 0.010 and 0.056 with standard errors ranging from 0.010 to 0.023, while repeatabilities ranged from 0.041 to 0.286. There is a need to assure the quality of data to improve the information in the test results. We recommend adding new traits based on the Herding Trait Characterization scheme evaluated in Sweden, and on traits from the predatory motor pattern, regarded as common for all dogs. These new traits may be scored across the elements that make up the current trial system, which should be kept in place to stimulate participation in the genetic evaluation scheme.