bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caffeine alters mitochondrial dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Bozchaloei Shabnam Soltani , Gong Siew‐Ging , Dehpour Ahmad R. , Farrokh Parisa , Khoshayand Mohammad R. , Oskoui Mahvash 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimCaffeine is one of the most widely consumed behaviorally active substances in the world. Although its effects on the central nervous system and bone metabolism have been documented, as yet there is no report on its effect on tissues in the oral cavity. In this study we analyzed the viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity after exposure to different concentrations of caffeine for different exposure time periods.MethodsThe HGF were cultured with different concentrations of caffeine. Viability of cells exposed to caffeine was analyzed by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazolyl‐2)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. The activity of ALP was analyzed at specific time intervals after caffeine addition.ResultsOur results showed that caffeine of concentrations <1 mm did not affect the viability of HGF and the ALP enzyme activity. Nevertheless, caffeine at 5 and 10 mm dramatically decreased the viability and ALP activity of the cells after 4 days such that, by day 9, the viability of cells declined to near zero in the 10 mm group.ConclusionThese results provided evidence that caffeine in high concentrations can decrease cellular viability and ALP activity in HGF.
Efficient nucleus detector in histopathology images
Authors: VINK J.P. , VAN LEEUWEN M.B. , VAN DEURZEN C.H.M. , DE HAAN G. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryIn traditional cancer diagnosis, (histo)pathological images of biopsy samples are visually analysed by pathologists. However, this judgment is subjective and leads to variability among pathologists. Digital scanners may enable automated objective assessment, improved quality and reduced throughput time. Nucleus detection is seen as the corner stone for a range of applications in automated assessment of (histo)pathological images.In this paper, we propose an efficient nucleus detector designed with machine learning. We applied colour deconvolution to reconstruct each applied stain. Next, we constructed a large feature set and modified AdaBoost to create two detectors, focused on different characteristics in appearance of nuclei. The proposed modification of AdaBoost enables inclusion of the computational cost of each feature during selection, thus improving the computational efficiency of the resulting detectors. The outputs of the two detectors are merged by a globally optimal active contour algorithm to refine the border of the detected nuclei. With a detection rate of 95% (on average 58 incorrectly found objects per field‐of‐view) based on 51 field‐of‐view images of Her2 immunohistochemistry stained breast tissue and a complete analysis in 1 s per field‐of‐view, our nucleus detector shows good performance and could enable a range of applications in automated assessment of (histo)pathological images.
Statistical Analysis of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curves for the Ratings of theA‐NotAand the Same–Different Methods
Authors: Bi Jian , Lee Hye‐Seong , O'Mahony Michael 
Published: December 2012

AbstractRatings are widely and frequently used in sensory analysis. However, ratings from different methods cannot be treated equivalently because they represent different types of data generated from different cognitive mechanisms. Ignoring this fact may lead to misleading conclusions about true sensory difference or treatment effects obtained from the ratings data analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in signal detection theory is used in this paper to model the ratings of theA‐NotAand the same–different methods.This paper comprehensively discusses statistical analysis of theROCcurves for the methods, including presentations of theROCcurve functions, estimations ofd′s and their variances, goodness‐of‐fit tests, difference and similarity tests, testing powers and sample sizes, etc. The paper also discusses alternative indices of sensory difference derived from theROCcurve, including theR‐index andGini index. It is appealing to rethink the significance of theR‐index, not only as a powerful test statistic but also as a useful sensory measure.Rfunctions are provided for implementing all the analyses discussed in the paper.Practical ApplicationsThis paper provides a variety of approaches and R functions for statistical analysis for the ratings of theA–NotA, and the ratings of the same–different methods. The measures ofd′s and other indices, which are method‐independent measures of sensory differences and treatment effects, can be estimated from different types of ratings data.
Inclusive Postsecondary Education—An Evidence‐Based Moral Imperative
Authors: Uditsky Bruce , Hughson Elizabeth 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAlthough today many more examples of postsecondary educational opportunities being made available to students are expanding for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), the majority of these opportunities are either segregated or partially segregated with few accommodating students with significant disabilities or challenging behaviors. In this article, the authors take the position that the desire for inclusive education and the beliefs and principles of inclusive practices must be the foundation for inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE). The rationale for such an approach is based on positive outcomes derived for young adults where opportunities for inclusion in the context of universities, colleges, and technical schools offer a powerful context for embedding students in the normative pathways that can lead to positive lifelong outcomes. As inclusive schooling remains a controversial issue even after 40 years of supportive published research and demonstrated practice, it is not surprising that full IPSE opportunities are limited. The authors hold to the principles of inclusion as the foundation for postsecondary education given the known failure of segregated education to result in positive social and economic outcomes. The authors explore the means of achieving better futures for students with ID through IPSE. This article highlights the findings of 25 years experience across the province of Alberta in implementing 18 IPSE initiatives for young adults with the full range of ID, including those with severe and multiple disabilities, and outlines the challenging behaviors thus strengthening evidence for adopting inclusive practices. The supports required for an authentic student experience in all aspects of postsecondary academic and social life are described with employment, academic, economic and social outcomes highlighted. IPSE has been shown to be an important and effective means of launching students with ID into adulthood, but by itself, IPSE is not sufficiently powerful to sustain an inclusive pathway over time. The authors note that student experiences in campus life and relationships reveal we are not close to finding the limits to where and how inclusion can be achieved; the challenge is to create opportunities.
Lecturer Responses to the Inclusion of Students With Intellectual Disabilities Auditing Undergraduate Classes
Authors: O'Connor Barrie , Kubiak John , Espiner Deborah , O'Brien Patricia 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAlthough postsecondary education for people with intellectual disabilities can improve their chances of employment and create a more satisfying life, higher education is becoming a more usual avenue of postschool learning. As part of a 2‐year Certificate in Contemporary Living (CCL) Program offered at Trinity College Dublin, students audited undergraduate university courses, partly with assistance of class peer mentors. The study sought to explore the views of university lecturers whose classes the students attended, the impact of the auditing arrangement on the lecturers' teaching strategies and on other students, particular challenges lecturers faced, and suggestions for improvement. Eleven lecturers teaching courses across two faculties agreed to participate in semi‐structured interviews. All staff strongly supported the initiative, because it provided opportunity both for CCL students to learn with undergraduate peers and for lecturers to consider more inclusive instructional approaches for all learners in their classes. The level of understanding shown by many auditing students and their openness to participate in questions, discussion, and field and lab work impressed the lecturers who noted the positive impact this had on other class members. The willingness of lecturers to develop more accessible instructional practices aligned with institutional policies on quality assurance in teaching. They suggested improvements to enable earlier briefing of lecturers and increased participation of students within the auditing process. Future research exploring lecturer and undergraduate students' views of CCL student competence is suggested to inform improved preparation of professionals.
Exploring the Association Between Erectile Rigidity and Treatment Adherence with Sildenafil
Authors: Mazzola Clarisse R. , Deveci Serkan , Teloken Patrick , Mulhall John P. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erection hardness has been shown to correlate with increased self-confidence, sexual satisfaction, and improvement in psychosocial factors such as sexual and overall relationship. It is estimated that one-third of men using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5) cease use of medication after one prescription and one-half cease use by 6 months.

Aim
This study was undertaken to explore the link between erection hardness and treatment adherence.

Methods
Men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED) who were candidates for PDE5 therapy constituted the study population. They were assessed at the baseline regarding their erectile function (EF) and rigidity using autoquestionnaires. Patients then received regular follow-up using the same assessment tools and were also asked about continued use of PDE5. The final patient assessment was conducted at a time point no sooner than 12 months after commencing PDE5. Multivariable analysis was conducted to define predictors of continued PDE5 use.

Main Outcome Measures
Patients were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and the Erection Hardness Score (EHS). Adherence was defined as continued use of PDE5 at least once per month.

Results
One hundred eighty-six men were analyzed. The mean age and the duration of ED were 61±22 and 2.2±2.9 years, respectively. Sixty-three percent were married or partnered. The mean partner age was 52±18 years. Of the 186 patients, 32% had one vascular comorbidity, 34% had two vascular comorbidities, 26% had three vascular comorbidities, and 6% had ≥4 vascular comorbidities. All patients were treated with sildenafil and were sexually active. The mean time to end-of-treatment (EOT) interview and repeat completion of questionnaires was 17±4 months. At the baseline, 26% were EHS 3 (mild ED), 42% were EHS 2 (moderate ED), and 32% were EHS 1 (severe ED). The mean baseline EF domain score was 14±10, and at the EOT, it was 22±5 (P &lt;0.01). At the follow-up interview, 4% were EHS 1, 12% were EHS 2, 28% were EHS 3, and 56% were EHS 4. Overall, 67% of the men continued to use PDE5 at follow-up. The distribution of patients continuing to use PDE5 after commencement was 15% of those achieving EHS 1, 30% for EHS 2, 66% for EHS 3, and 82% for EHS 4. Based on logistic regression analysis, the factors predictive of continued PDE5 use were being partnered, partner age, frequency of sexual activity, a shift of ≥2 points on the EHS, and reaching level 4 on the EHS scale.

Conclusion
There is an excellent relationship between erection hardness and adherence to PDE5 treatment. Driving men to greater erectile rigidity appears to translate into lower dropout rates.
The evolution of increased competitive ability, innate competitive advantages, and novel biochemical weapons act in concert for a tropical invader
Authors: Qin Rui‐Min , Zheng Yu‐Long , Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso , Callaway Ragan M. , Barclay Gregor F. , Pereyra Carlos Silva , Feng Yu‐Long 
Published: December 2012

Summary

There are many non‐mutually exclusive mechanisms for exotic invasions but few studies have concurrently tested more than one hypothesis for the same species.

Here, we tested the evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis in two common garden experiments in which Chromolaena odorata plants originating from native and nonnative ranges were grown in competition with natives from each range, and the novel weapons hypothesis in laboratory experiments with leachates from C. odorata.

Compared with conspecifics originating from the native range, C. odorata plants from the nonnative range were stronger competitors at high nutrient concentrations in the nonnative range in China and experienced far more herbivore damage in the native range in Mexico. In both China and Mexico, C. odorata was more suppressed by species native to Mexico than by species native to China. Species native to China were much more inhibited by leaf extracts from C. odorata than species from Mexico, and this difference in allelopathic effects may provide a possible explanation for the biogeographic differences in competitive ability.

Our results indicate that EICA, innate competitive advantages, and novel biochemical weapons may act in concert to promote invasion by C. odorata, and emphasize the importance of exploring multiple, non‐mutually exclusive mechanisms for invasions.
Among‐ and within‐population variation in flowering time of Iberian Arabidopsis thaliana estimated in field and glasshouse conditions
Authors: Méndez‐Vigo Belén , Gomaa Nasr H. , Alonso‐Blanco Carlos , Xavier Picó F. 
Published: December 2012

Summary

The study of the evolutionary and population genetics of quantitative traits requires the assessment of within‐ and among‐population patterns of variation.

We carried out experiments including eight Iberian Arabidopsis thaliana populations (10 individuals per population) in glasshouse and field conditions. We quantified among‐ and within‐population variation for flowering time and for several field life‐history traits. Individuals were genotyped with microsatellites, single nucleotide polymorphisms and four well‐known flowering genes (FRI, FLC, CRY2 and PHYC). Phenotypic and genotypic data were used to conduct QST–FST comparisons.

Life‐history traits varied significantly among‐ and within‐populations. Flowering time also showed substantial within‐ and among‐population variation as well as significant genotype × environment interactions among the various conditions. Individuals bearing FRI truncations exhibited reduced recruitment in field conditions and differential flowering time behavior across experimental conditions, suggesting that FRI contributes to the observed significant genotype × environment interactions. Flowering time estimated in field conditions was the only trait showing significantly higher quantitative genetic differentiation than neutral genetic differentiation values.

Overall, our results show that these A. thaliana populations are genetically more differentiated for flowering time than for neutral markers, suggesting that flowering time is likely to be under divergent selection.
Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the hemibiotrophic stage shift of Colletotrichum fungi
Authors: Gan Pamela , Ikeda Kyoko , Irieda Hiroki , Narusaka Mari , O'Connell Richard J. , Narusaka Yoshihiro , Takano Yoshitaka , Kubo Yasuyuki , Shirasu Ken 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Hemibiotrophic fungal plant pathogens represent a group of agronomically significant disease‐causing agents that grow first on living tissue and then cause host death in later, necrotrophic growth. Among these, Colletotrichum spp. are devastating pathogens of many crops. Identifying expanded classes of genes in the genomes of phytopathogenic Colletotrichum, especially those associated with specific stages of hemibiotrophy, can provide insights on how these pathogens infect a large number of hosts.

The genomes of Colletotrichum orbiculare, which infects cucurbits and Nicotiana benthamiana, and C. gloeosporioides, which infects a wide range of crops, were sequenced and analyzed, focusing on features with potential roles in pathogenicity. Regulation of C. orbiculare gene expression was investigated during infection of N. benthamiana using a custom microarray.

Genes expanded in both genomes compared to other fungi included sequences encoding small, secreted proteins (SSPs), secondary metabolite synthesis genes, proteases and carbohydrate‐degrading enzymes. Many SSP and secondary metabolite synthesis genes were upregulated during initial stages of host colonization, whereas the necrotrophic stage of growth is characterized by upregulation of sequences encoding degradative enzymes.

Hemibiotrophy in C. orbiculare is characterized by distinct stage‐specific gene expression profiles of expanded classes of potential pathogenicity genes.
Statistical guidelines for the analysis of data obtained from one or both eyes
Authors: Armstrong Richard A 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPurposeMeasurements obtained from the right and left eye of a subject are often correlated whereas many statistical tests assume observations in a sample are independent. Hence, data collected from both eyes cannot be combined without taking this correlation into account. Current practice is reviewed with reference to articles published in three optometry journals, viz., Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), Optometry and Vision Science (OVS), Clinical and Experimental Optometry (CEO) during the period 2009–2012.Recent findingsOf the 230 articles reviewed, 148/230 (64%) obtained data from one eye and 82/230 (36%) from both eyes. Of the 148 one‐eye articles, the right eye, left eye, a randomly selected eye, the better eye, the worse or diseased eye, or the dominant eye were all used as selection criteria. Of the 82 two‐eye articles, the analysis utilized data from: (1) one eye only rejecting data from the adjacent eye, (2) both eyes separately, (3) both eyes taking into account the correlation between eyes, or (4) both eyes using one eye as a treated or diseased eye, the other acting as a control. In a proportion of studies, data were combined from both eyes without correction.SummaryIt is suggested that: (1) investigators should consider whether it is advantageous to collect data from both eyes, (2) if one eye is studied and both are eligible, then it should be chosen at random, and (3) two‐eye data can be analysed incorporating eyes as a ‘within subjects’ factor.
Unusual presentation of an intraosseous haemangioma of the maxilla and displaced canine
Authors: Kalsi H.K. , Scannell J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIntraosseous haemangiomas (IHs) are benign vascular malformations that are extremely rare in the maxilla but have been reported in the mandible, zygoma and orbital regions. A 12‐year‐old female presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Department with an ectopically positioned upper left canine in her zygomatic bone and buccal alveolar expansion between the upper left lateral incisor and upper left first premolar. This case shows the unusual presentation of an IH associated with an ectopically migrated upper left canine tooth. It is possible that this lesion caused migration of the tooth. The clinician should be aware of the rare presentation of this lesion in the maxilla and the possibility of this lesion being a cause for bony expansion. The importance of radiographic examination in patients who present with delayed eruption of canine teeth is also emphasised.
Correlations between atrophy of the entorhinal cortex and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Li Xudong , Jiao Jinsong , Shimizu Satoru , Jibiki Itsuki , Watanabe Ken‐ichiro , Kubota Takashi 
Published: December 2012

AimsIn order to confirm the utility of the voxel‐based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer's disease (VSRAD) in assessing the atrophy of the entorhinal cortex, we investigated whether there were correlations between VSRAD and the scores of neuropsychological tests in the patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment.MethodsThirty patients, including 18 AD and 12 mild cognitive impairment patients, were included in this study. VSRAD was performed to assess the atrophy of the entorhinal cortex. The patients were carefully screened with the neuropsychological tests, including Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐III (WAIS‐III), the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised, the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Part (ADAS‐cog) and the revised version of Hasegawa's Dementia Scale.ResultsAll patients showed atrophy with different degrees in the entorhinal cortex except one case. Z‐scores had significant positive correlation with ADAS‐cog, and negative correlation with Information subset of WAIS‐III (respectively, P = 0.0129 and P = 0.0294). The revised version of Hasegawa's Dementia Scale and the Similarities subsets of the WAIS‐III had a tendency of negatively correlating with Z‐scores of VSRAD (respectively, P = 0.0532 and P = 0.0635). The Delayed Visual Reproduction subset of the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised was also found to have a weak negative correlation with Z‐scores (P = 0.0609).ConclusionsZ‐scores of VSRAD were revealed to have a close relation with many neuropsychological tests, especially ADAS‐cog and the Information subset of WAIS‐III. The results meant that VSRAD was a useful indictor of early diagnosis of AD, closely correlating with the changes of cognitive functions and the progression of the disease.
Complications of peripherally inserted central venous catheter in Japanese neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Ohki Yasushi , Maruyama Kenichi , Harigaya Akira , Kohno Miyuki , Arakawa Hirokazu 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC)‐related complications using a multicenter case survey.MethodA prospective cohort study was carried out by 19 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Japan from February 2005 to March 2007. A total of 975 case records were collected. PICC‐related complications including pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade pleural effusion/ascites, catheter removal difficulties, catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CR‐BSI), and symptomatic catheter‐related thrombosis were collected from case record forms. As for precautions during insertion, institutions were classified into three groups: those with maximum barrier precautions; standard precautions; and no specific precautions.ResultsPICC complications occurred in 27 cases (2.9%) among 946 PICC. The incidence was 1.6% for CR‐BSI, and 0.1% for cardiac tamponade. CR‐BSI rate per 1000 catheter‐days was 1.1 with maximum barrier precautions at catheter insertion, 1.2 with standard precautions, and 1.8 with no specific precautions. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that proximal placement (odds ratio [OR], 3.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–10.60, P = 0.008) and longer placement duration (OR, 1.35; 95%CI: 1.14–1.60, for each week, P = 0.0005) independently contributed to overall complications.ConclusionThe incidence of cardiac tamponade was rare in this multicenter prospective study. Longer duration and proximal placement may be risk factors for PICC complications. In this cohort, the CR‐BSI rate was low irrespective of the degree of barrier precautions at insertion.