bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of renin‐angiotensin system blockade on clinical outcome in glioblastoma
Authors: Januel E. , Ursu R. , Alkhafaji A. , Marantidou A. , Doridam J. , Belin C. , Levy‐Piedbois C. , Carpentier A. F. 
Published: June 2015

Background and purposeDespite surgery, radiotherapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ), the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients remains dismal. Normally prescribed with the aim to lower blood pressure, angiotensin‐II (Ang‐II) inhibitors were reported to reduce angiogenesis and tumour growth in several tumour models including one glioma. Thus whether treatment with Ang‐II inhibitors could be associated with a better clinical outcome in GBM patients was investigated.MethodsA series of 81 consecutive patients, homogeneously treated with RT and TMZ for a newly diagnosed, supratentorial GBM, were analysed. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the impact of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and Ang‐II receptor 1 blockers (ARBs) on functional independence, progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsAmongst the 81 GBM patients analysed, 26 were already treated for high blood pressure (seven with ACEIs and 19 with ARBs). The number of patients who remained functionally independent at 6 months after RT was higher in the group of patients treated with Ang‐II inhibitors compared to the other patients (85% vs. 56%, P = 0.01). In patients treated with Ang‐II inhibitors, PFS was 8.7 months (vs. 7.2 months in the other patients) and OS was 16.7 months (vs. 12.9 months). The use of Ang‐II inhibitors was a significant prognostic factor for both PFS (P = 0.04) and OS (P = 0.04) in multivariate analysis.ConclusionTreatment with Ang‐II inhibitors in combination with RT and TMZ might improve clinical outcome in GBMs. Prospective trials are needed to test this hypothesis.
Anti‐absence activity of mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptor enhancers and their interaction with a GABA reuptake inhibitor: Effect of local infusions in the somatosensory cortex and thalamus
Authors: D'Amore Valerio , von Randow Constanze , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Ngomba Richard Teke , van Luijtelaar Gilles 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveGlutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) are the key neurotransmitter systems in the cortical‐thalamocortical network, involved in normal and pathologic oscillations such as spike‐wave discharges (SWDs), which characterize different forms of absence epilepsy. Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) and GABA receptors are widely expressed within this network. Herein, we examined the effects of two selective positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors, the GABA reuptake inhibitor, tiagabine, and their interaction in the somatosensory cortex and thalamus on SWDs in WAG/Rij rats.MethodsMale WAG/Rij rats were equipped with bilateral cannulas in the somatosensory cortex (S1po) or the ventrobasal (VB) thalamic nuclei, and with cortical electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes. Rats received a single dose of the mGlu1 receptor PAM, RO0711401, or the mGlu5 receptor PAM, VU0360172, various doses of tiagabine, or VU0360172 combined with tiagabine.ResultsBoth PAMs suppressed SWDs regardless of the site of injection. Tiagabine enhanced SWDs when injected into the thalamus, but, unexpectedly, suppressed SWDs in a dose‐dependent manner when injected into the cortex. Intracortical co‐injection of VU0360172 and tiagabine produced slightly larger effects as compared to either VU0360172 or tiagabine alone. Intrathalamic co‐injections of VU0360172 and subthreshold doses of tiagabine caused an antiabsence effect similar to that exhibited by VU0360172 alone in the first 10 min. At 30 min, however, the antiabsence effect of VU0360172 was prevented by subthreshold doses of tiagabine, and the combination produced a paradoxical proabsence effect at 40 and 50 min.SignificanceThese data (1) show that mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptor PAMs reduce absence seizures acting at both thalamic and cortical levels; (2) demonstrate for the first time that tiagabine, despite its established absence‐enhancing effect, reduces SWDs when injected into the somatosensory cortex; and (3) indicate that the efficacy of VU0360172 in the thalamus may be critically affected by the availability of (extra)synaptic GABA.
Mediterranean blue tits as a case study of local adaptation
Authors: Charmantier Anne , Doutrelant Claire , Dubuc‐Messier Gabrielle , Fargevieille Amélie , Szulkin Marta 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWhile the study of the origins of biological diversity across species has provided numerous examples of adaptive divergence, the realization that it can occur at microgeographic scales despite gene flow is recent, and scarcely illustrated. We review here evidence suggesting that the striking phenotypic differentiation in ecologically relevant traits exhibited by blue titsCyanistes caeruleusin their southern range‐edge putatively reflects adaptation to the heterogeneity of the Mediterranean habitats. We first summarize the phenotypic divergence for a series of life history, morphological, behavioural, acoustic and colour ornament traits in blue tit populations of evergreen and deciduous forests. For each divergent trait, we review the evidence obtained from common garden experiments regarding a possible genetic origin of the observed phenotypic differentiation as well as evidence for heterogeneous selection. Second, we argue that most phenotypically differentiated traits display heritable variation, a fundamental requirement for evolution to occur. Third, we discuss nonrandom dispersal, selective barriers and assortative mating as processes that could reinforce local adaptation. Finally, we show how population genomics supports isolation – by – environment across landscapes. Overall, the combination of approaches converges to the conclusion that the strong phenotypic differentiation observed in Mediterranean blue tits is a fascinating case of local adaptation.
A new data envelopment analysis method for ranking decision making units: an application in industrial parks
Authors: Izadikhah Mohammad , Farzipoor Saen Reza 
Published: June 2015

AbstractRelative efficiency of decision‐making units (DMUs) is assessed by classical data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. DEA is a popular technique for efficiency evaluation. There might be a couple of efficient DMUs. Classical DEA models cannot fully rank efficient DMUs. In this paper, a novel technique for fully ranking all DMUs based on changing reference set using a single virtual inefficient DMU is proposed. To this end, the first concept of virtual DMU is defined as average of all inefficient DMUs. Virtual DMU is a proxy of all inefficient DMUs. This new method proposes a new ranking method that takes into account impact of efficient DMUs on virtual DMU and impact of efficient DMUs on influences of other efficient DMUs. A case study is given to show applicability of the proposed approach.
Structural flexibility of the heme cavity in the cold‐adapted truncated hemoglobin from the Antarctic marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125
Authors: Giordano Daniela , Pesce Alessandra , Boechi Leonardo , Bustamante Juan Pablo , Caldelli Elena , Howes Barry D. , Riccio Alessia , di Prisco Guido , Nardini Marco , Estrin Dario , Smulevich Giulietta , Bolognesi Martino , Verde Cinzia 
Published: June 2015

Truncated hemoglobins build one of the three branches of the globin protein superfamily. They display a characteristic two‐on‐two α‐helical sandwich fold and are clustered into three groups (I, II and III) based on distinct structural features. Truncated hemoglobins are present in eubacteria, cyanobacteria, protozoa and plants. Here we present a structural, spectroscopic and molecular dynamics characterization of a group‐II truncated hemoglobin, encoded by the PSHAa0030 gene from Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125 (Ph‐2/2HbO), a cold‐adapted Antarctic marine bacterium hosting one flavohemoglobin and three distinct truncated hemoglobins. The Ph‐2/2HbO aquo‐met crystal structure (at 2.21 Å resolution) shows typical features of group‐II truncated hemoglobins, namely the two‐on‐two α‐helical sandwich fold, a helix Φ preceding the proximal helix F, and a heme distal‐site hydrogen‐bonded network that includes water molecules and several distal‐site residues, including His(58)CD1. Analysis of Ph‐2/2HbO by electron paramagnetic resonance, resonance Raman and electronic absorption spectra, under varied solution conditions, shows that Ph‐2/2HbO can access diverse heme ligation states. Among these, detection of a low‐spin heme hexa‐coordinated species suggests that residue Tyr(42)B10 can undergo large conformational changes in order to act as the sixth heme‐Fe ligand. Altogether, the results show that Ph‐2/2HbO maintains the general structural features of group‐II truncated hemoglobins but displays enhanced conformational flexibility in the proximity of the heme cavity, a property probably related to the functional challenges, such as low temperature, high O2 concentration and low kinetic energy of molecules, experienced by organisms living in the Antarctic environment.DatabaseStructural data have been submitted to the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 4UUR and R4UURSF
Circulating knowledge, marketization and norm‐making: international developers and construction firms in Eastern Europe since 2000
Authors: GRUBBAUER MONIKA 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this article, I explore how international actors in the development of real estate projects affect building practices in local markets. The focus is on the dynamics of interaction and exchange of knowledge between the disciplines of architecture and construction. Using the German ECE group and its expansion in the region as a case study, I look at shopping centre development in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) over the past two decades. I seek to show that the implementation of globally circulated design and planning solutions relies heavily on the particular construction practices and technologies available in a local market. I also argue that the role of marketization in diffusing building practices in the construction sector is as powerful as the work of global architects. Nonetheless, judging from the existing links and feedback between architectural practices and the construction industry, there is a definite need for further research to bridge the gap between analysis of knowledge mobility within the field of urban studies on the one hand and construction studies research on the other.
Self‐limited coeliac‐like enteropathy: a series of 18 cases highlighting another coeliac disease mimic
Authors: Brown Ian S , Bettington Andrew , Bettington Mark , Rosty Christophe 
Published: June 2015

AimsTo describe the clinical and pathological features of a series of patients with biopsy findings of a coeliac disease‐like enteropathy in the setting of an acute illness.Methods and resultsEighteen cases of an abrupt‐onset, self‐limited illness with coeliac‐like enteropathy (SLCE) were collected prospectively. Medication reaction, immune disorder, food allergy and parasitic infection were excluded. Coeliac disease was excluded by the transient nature of the illness and absence of tissue transglutaminase (TTG) elevation (nine of nine) or human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ2/DQ8 haplotype (eight of nine). Clinical symptoms were recorded and histopathological findings in all gastrointestinal sites were quantified. Findings in the duodenum were compared to a coeliac disease control group. In 12 cases the clinical diagnosis was infective enteritis, probably viral in type. In six cases, a definite diagnosis was not established. Histological differences from coeliac disease included intra‐epithelial neutrophil infiltration (P < 0.001), fewer intra‐epithelial lymphocytes (P = 0.038) and uniform or crypt predominant intra‐epithelial lymphocytosis in SCLE. One case displayed pan‐gastrointestinal tract lymphocytosis. All resolved within 6 months.ConclusionsHistopathologists need to be aware that a coeliac disease‐like enteropathy may occur in the setting of an acute gastrointestinal illness and resolve without sequelae.
Microstructure and Dielectric Properties of Nickel‐Doped Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 Ceramics Fabricated by Solgel Method
Authors: Kakumani Asa Deepthi , Ruthramurthy Balachandran , Wong Hin Yong , Ong Boon Hoong , Tan Kar‐Ban , Yow Ho Kwang 
Published: June 2015

A study of phase transition, microstructure, and dielectric properties of Ba0.7Sr0.3Ti1–xNixO3 (BSTN) ceramics prepared by slow‐injection solgel technique with x ranging from 0 to 1 mol% is reported in this article. The as‐prepared BSTN material was calcined at 800 and 1000°C and subsequently sintered at 1100 and 1200°C, respectively. The optimized condition was found to be Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 doped with 1 mol% nickel calcined at 1000°C and sintered at 1200°C having the lowest dielectric loss of 0.02 with a dielectric constant of 1603 which was measured at a frequency of 1 kHz at room temperature.
Effects of abscisic acid on glucosinolate content, isothiocyanate formation and myrosinase activity in cabbage sprouts
Authors: Wang Zhiying , Yang Runqiang , Guo Liping , Fang Mengwei , Zhou Yulin , Gu Zhenxin 
Published: June 2015

SummaryEffects of abscisic acid (ABA) on glucosinolate content, isothiocyanate formation and myrosinase activity in cabbage sprouts were investigated. Subsequently, their distributions in different organs were evaluated. ABA (50 μmol L−1) significantly increased glucosinolate content, isothiocyanate formation and myrosinase activity by 72.65%, 268.15% and 67.69%, respectively, in 5‐day‐old sprouts. Application of ABA alleviated the decrease rate of glucosinolate content and increased the myrosinase activity during germination. Besides, isothiocyanate formation rapidly increased after germinating for 3 days. The glucosinolate content and isothiocyanate formation reduced by 46.51% and 38.01%, respectively, in fluridon (Flu)‐treated sprouts. Cotyledon of ABA‐treated sprouts had the highest glucosinolate content and isothiocyanate formation, indicating that ABA was necessary to enhance the isothiocyanate formation in cabbage sprouts by increasing glucosinolate content and myrosinase activity.
Modelling osmotic dehydration of lemon slices using new sweeteners
Authors: Rubio‐Arraez Susana , Capella Juan V. , Ortolá M. Dolores , Castelló M. Luisa 
Published: June 2015

SummaryLemon slices were osmotically dehydrated using the following healthy sweeteners as osmotic agents: tagatose, isomaltulose, oligofructose and aqueous extract of stevia. A kinetic study using a Fickian approach was performed, which also analysed the changes in water activity, total mass, mass of water and mass of soluble solids in lemon slices. The results showed that the greatest value of effective diffusivity (De) in osmodehydrated lemon slices was obtained from a combination of oligofructose and stevia [De = (10.2 ± 0.3) × 10−9 m2·s−1]. However, the level of water activity (aw) reached with this syrup was the highest (aw = 0.978 ± 0.004 after 1440 min) meaning that the product might be less stable. Additionally, isomaltulose favoured the total mass loss, whereas tagatose did the opposite. Finally, the syrup recommended for dehydrating lemon slices would be a combination of tagatose, oligofructose and aqueous extract of stevia as its De was similar to the value obtained when only oligofructose and stevia were used, but aw values were lower.
SMARTer indicators for decent work in a post‐2015 development agenda: A proposal
Authors: OSTERMEIER Martin , LINDE Sarah , LAY Jann , PREDIGER Sebastian 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe MDG employment indicators suffer from major shortcomings, including measurement problems, inappropriate use of aggregate statistics, ambiguous interpretability, and assumptions that do not apply to developing countries. Based on this critique, the authors propose a new set of four indicators for productive employment and decent work, namely: the growth of labour value added per worker, the working poverty rate, the share of workers receiving less than an absolute minimum labour income, and the share of workers receiving less than 60 per cent of the median labour income. They demonstrate the empirical application of these indicators using the country cases of Uganda and Peru.
Identifying the key predictors for retention in critical care nurses
Authors: Sawatzky Jo‐Ann V. , Enns Carol L. , Legare Carol 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to explore the key predictors of retention in nurses working in critical care areas.BackgroundThe shortage of critical care nurses is reaching crisis proportions in Canada and throughout the industrialized world. Identifying the key influencing (i.e. person and organizational) factors and intermediary factors (i.e. job satisfaction, engagement, professional quality of life and caring) that affect intent to leave is central to developing optimal retention strategies for critical care nurses.DesignAs part of a larger mixed‐methods study, we used a quantitative, cross‐sectional research design. A novel framework: the Conceptual Framework for Predicting Nurse Retention was used to guide this study.MethodsOn‐line survey data were collected from on a convenience sample of 188 registered nurses working in critical care areas of hospitals in the province of Manitoba, CANADA in 2011.ResultsTwenty‐four per cent of the respondents reported that they would probably/definitely leave critical care in the next year. Based on bivariate and regression analyses, the key influencing factors that were significantly related to the intermediary factors and intent to leave critical care and nursing included: professional practice, management, physician/nurse collaboration, nurse competence, control/responsibility and autonomy. Of the intermediary factors, all but compassion satisfaction were related to intent to leave both critical care and nursing.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of exploring multiple organizational and intermediary factors to determine strategies to retain critical care nurses. The findings also support the Conceptual Framework for Predicting Nurse Retention as a theoretical basis for further research.
Competence and warmth stereotypes prompt mental illness stigma through emotions
Authors: Sadler Melody S. , Kaye Kimberly E. , Vaughn Allison A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPublic stigma toward mental illness subgroups (11 mental illness subgroups and 2 subgroups perceived to have mental illness) was examined. Competence and warmth stereotypes were used to predict emotional reactions posited to mediate behavioral inclinations ranging from passive to active harm or facilitation. Fear mediated the relationship between low competence and warmth stereotypes and passive harm. Anger, and to a lesser extent fear, mediated the relationship between low warmth and active harm. Pity mediated the relationship between warmth and active facilitation. Neither envy nor admiration linked stereotypes to behavioral reactions. Results suggest that emotions share motivational direction with behavior, to approach or to avoid, rather than simply sharing valence. Implications for research on stigma toward mental illness subgroups are discussed.
Persistence of learning gains from computer assisted learning: Experimental evidence from China
Authors: Mo D. , Zhang L. , Wang J. , Huang W. , Shi Y. , Boswell M. , Rozelle S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractComputer assisted learning (CAL) programs have been shown to be effective in improving educational outcomes. However, the existing studies on CAL have almost all been conducted over a short period of time. There is very little evidence on how the impact evolves over time. In response, we conducted a clustered randomized experiment involving 2741 boarding students in 72 rural schools in China to evaluate impacts of CAL programs over the long term. Our results indicate that a CAL program that was implemented for one year and a half increased math scores by 0.25 standard deviations for third graders and 0.26 standard deviations for fifth graders. In addition, we have shown that students gained in math learning in both CAL Phase I (which ran for one semester in spring 2011) and CAL Phase II (which ran for both semesters of the 2011–2012 academic year) programs. By testing for heterogeneous effects, we find that the CAL intervention worked well for both the poorer performing and better performing students in the third and fifth grades. We also find that the third grade girls seem to have improved more than the boys in math in the short term (CAL Phase I).
Younger children experience lower levels of language competence and academic progress in the first year of school: evidence from a population study
Authors: Norbury Courtenay Frazier , Gooch Debbie , Baird Gillian , Charman Tony , Simonoff Emily , Pickles Andrew 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundThe youngest children in an academic year are reported to be educationally disadvantaged and overrepresented in referrals to clinical services. In this study we investigate for the first time whether these disadvantages are indicative of a mismatch between language competence at school entry and the academic demands of the classroom.MethodsWe recruited a population sample of 7,267 children aged 4 years 9 months to 5 years 10 months attending state‐maintained reception classrooms in Surrey, England. Teacher ratings on the Children's Communication Checklist‐Short (CCC‐S), a measure of language competence, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire‐Total Difficulties Score (SDQ), a measure of behavioural problems, and the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP), a measure of academic attainment, were obtained at the end of the reception year.ResultsThe youngest children were rated by teachers as having more language deficits, behaviour problems, and poorer academic progress at the end of the school year. Language deficits were highly associated with behaviour problems; adjusted odds ratio 8.70, 95% CI [7.25–10.45]. Only 4.8% of children with teacher‐rated language deficits and 1.3% of those with co‐occurring language and behaviour difficulties obtained a ‘Good Level of Development’ on the EYFSP. While age predicted unique variance in academic attainment (1%), language competence was the largest associate of academic achievement (19%).ConclusionThe youngest children starting school have relatively immature language and behaviour skills and many are not yet ready to meet the academic and social demands of the classroom. At a population level, developing oral language skills and/or ensuring academic targets reflect developmental capacity could substantially reduce the numbers of children requiring specialist clinical services in later years.
Diagnostic dilemmas in chronic urticaria
Authors: Toubi E. , Grattan C. , Zuberbier T. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)/Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN)/European Dermatology Forum (EDF)/World Allergy Organization (WAO) recently published updated recommendations for the classification, diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria (CU). This article discusses several cases of CU that provide examples of how the recommendations in the guidelines can be implemented in the diagnosis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) (also called chronic idiopathic urticaria [CIU]), chronic inducible urticaria (CINDU) or CU with comorbidities.
Treatment dilemmas in chronic urticaria
Authors: Sussman G. , Gonçalo M. , Sánchez‐Borges M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)/Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN)/European Dermatology Forum (EDF)/World Allergy Organization (WAO) recently published updated recommendations for the classification, diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria (CU). This article discusses several case histories that provide examples of how these recommendations can be implemented in the treatment of CU in a variety of real‐life patients.