bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
e‐Learning recommender system for a group of learners based on the unified learner profile approach
Authors: Dwivedi Pragya , Bharadwaj Kamal K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the age of information explosion, e‐learning recommender systems (eL_RSs) have emerged as effective information filtering techniques that attempt to provide the most appropriate learning resources for learners while using e‐learning systems. These learners are differentiated on the basis of their learning styles, goals, knowledge levels and others. Several attempts have been made in the past to design eL_RSs to recommend resources to individuals; however, an investigation of recommendations to a group of learners in e‐learning is still in its infancy. In this paper, we focus on the problem of recommending resources to a group of learners rather than to an individual. The major challenge in group recommendation is how to merge the individual preferences of different learners that form a group and extract a pseudo unified learner profile (ULP) that closely reflects the preferences of all learners. Firstly, we propose a profile merging scheme for the ULP by utilizing learning styles, knowledge levels and ratings of learners in a group. Thereafter, a collaborative approach is proposed based on the ULP for effective group recommendations. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed group recommendation strategy for e‐learning.
Estrogen receptor α mediates proliferation of breast cancer MCF–7 cells via a p21/PCNA/E2F1‐dependent pathway
Authors: Liao Xing–Hua , Lu Da–Lin , Wang Nan , Liu Long–Yue , Wang Yue , Li Yan–Qi , Yan Ting–Bao , Sun Xue–Guang , Hu Peng , Zhang Tong–Cun 
Published: November 2013

High expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) is associated with a poor prognosis that correlates closely with cellular proliferation in breast cancer. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which ERα controls breast cancer cell proliferation is not clear. Here we report that ERα regulates the cell cycle by suppressing p53/p21 and up‐regulating proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and proliferation‐related Ki–67 antigen (Ki–67) to promote proliferation of MCF–7 cells. In addition, 17–β–estradiol (E2) enhances ERα‐induced proliferation of MCF–7 cells by stimulating expression of PCNA and Ki–67. Knockdown of ERα significantly affects PCNA/Ki–67 and p53/p21 expression. Furthermore, ERα inhibits the transcriptional activity of p53/p21 in an estrogen response element‐dependent manner. More importantly, we provide new evidence that ERα mediates proliferation of MCF–7 cells by up‐regulating miR–17 to silence the expression of p21. Thus, these data provide new insights into the underlying effect of ERα on breast cancer proliferation.
Vulnerability of dynamic genetic conservation units of forest trees in Europe to climate change
Authors: Schueler Silvio , Falk Wolfgang , Koskela Jarkko , Lefèvre François , Bozzano Michele , Hubert Jason , Kraigher Hojka , Longauer Roman , Olrik Ditte C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA transnational network of genetic conservation units for forest trees was recently documented in Europe aiming at the conservation of evolutionary processes and the adaptive potential of natural or man‐made tree populations. In this study, we quantified the vulnerability of individual conservation units and the whole network to climate change using climate favourability models and the estimated velocity of climate change. Compared to the overall climate niche of the analysed target species populations at the warm and dry end of the species niche are underrepresented in the network. However, by 2100, target species in 33–65 % of conservation units, mostly located in southern Europe, will be at the limit or outside the species' current climatic niche as demonstrated by favourabilities below required model sensitivities of 95%. The highest average decrease in favourabilities throughout the network can be expected for coniferous trees although they are mainly occurring within units in mountainous landscapes for which we estimated lower velocities of change. Generally, the species‐specific estimates of favourabilities showed only low correlations to the velocity of climate change in individual units, indicating that both vulnerability measures should be considered for climate risk analysis. The variation in favourabilities among target species within the same conservation units is expected to increase with climate change and will likely require a prioritization among co‐occurring species. The present results suggest that there is a strong need to intensify monitoring efforts and to develop additional conservation measures for populations in the most vulnerable units. Also, our results call for continued transnational actions for genetic conservation of European forest trees, including the establishment of dynamic conservation populations outside the current species distribution ranges within European assisted migration schemes.
Evaluation of forage yield performance in advanced generations of a timothy “clone and strain synthesis” strain
Authors: Tanaka Tsuneki , Tamaki Hiroyuki , Ashikaga Kazunori , Fujii Hiroki , Sato Koichi , Iwabuchi Kei , Adachi Mieko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractClone and strain synthesis (CSS) is similar to variety synthesis to boost improvement of yield in perennial self‐incompatible forage grasses such as timothy (Phleum pratense L.). This study was undertaken to investigate the scale of inbreeding depression in advanced generations of CSS. The second to fourth synthetic generations (Syn2–4) of timothy CSS strain, ‘Kitakei 04306,’ were compared for cumulative annual dry matter yields (DMYs) and some agro‐morphological characteristics of 2009–2011. No significant difference was found among the generations for any examined characteristic, aside from a slight yield decrease (–1.7% for Syn2–4) with the advance of generations. Furthermore, DMY of Syn4, corresponding to a generation propagated as commercial seeds, remained 9.0% higher than that of its pollen parent. These results indicate the yield superiority of ‘Kitakei 04306.’ A risk of severe yield decrease in CSS could not be shown in our limited experiments.
Divergent post‐breeding distribution and habitat associations of fledgling and adult Black‐footed AlbatrossesPhoebastria nigripesin theNorth Pacific
Authors: Gutowsky Sarah E. , Tremblay Yann , Kappes Michelle A. , Flint Elizabeth N. , Klavitter John , Laniawe Leona , Costa Dan P. , Naughton Maura B. , Romano Marc D. , Shaffer Scott A. 
Published: November 2013

Past tracking studies of marine animals have primarily targeted adults, biasing our understanding of at‐sea habitat use toward older life stages. Anthropogenic threats persist throughout the at‐sea ranges of all life stages and it is therefore of interest to population ecologists and managers alike to understand spatiotemporal distributions and possible niche differentiation between age‐classes. In albatrosses, particularly little is known about the juvenile life stage when fledglings depart the colonies and venture to sea with no prior experience or parental guidance. We compared the dispersal of 22 fledgling Black‐footed AlbatrossPhoebastria nigripesbetween 2006 and 2008 using satellite telemetry and 16 adults between 2008 and 2009 using geolocaters from Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Following tag deployment, all fledglings spent several days within the calm atoll waters, then travelled northward until reaching 750–900 km from the colony. At this point, fledgling distributions approached the productiveNorth Pacific Transition Zone (NPTZ). Rather than reaching the high chlorophylladensities on the leading edge of this zone, however, fledglings remained in areas of low productivity in the subtropical gyre. In contrast, adult albatrosses from the same breeding colony did not utilize theNPTZat this time of year but rather ranged throughout the highly productive northern periphery of the Pacific Ocean Basin among the shelf regions offJapan and theAleutian Islands. The dichotomy in habitat use between fledglings and adults from Midway Atoll results in complete spatial segregation between age‐classes and suggests ontogenetic niche separation in this species. This research fills a large knowledge gap in at‐sea habitat use during a little known yet critical life stage of albatrosses, and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of differential mortality pressure between age‐classes and overall conservation status for the vulnerable Black‐footed Albatross.
Asymptotics for Autocovariances and Integrated Periodograms for Linear Processes Observed at Lower Frequencies
Authors: Niebuhr Tobias , Kreiss Jens‐Peter 
Published: November 2013

SummaryOne of the most frequently used class of processes in time series analysis is the one of linear processes. For many statistical quantities, among them sample autocovariances and sample autocorrelations, central limit theorems are available in the literature. We investigate classical linear processes under a nonstandard observation pattern; namely, we assume that we are only able to observe the linear process at a lower frequency. It is shown that such observation pattern destroys the linear structure of the observations and leads to substantially different asymptotic results for standard statistical quantities. Central limit theorems are given for sample autocovariances and sample autocorrelations as well as more general integrated periodograms and ratio statistics. Moreover, for specific autoregressive processes, the possibilities to estimate the parameters of the underlying autoregression from lower frequency observations are addressed. Finally, we suggest for autoregressions of order 2 a valid bootstrap procedure. A small simulation study demonstrates the performance of the bootstrap proposal for finite sample size.
What a smartphone is to me: understanding user values in using smartphones
Authors: Jung Yoonhyuk 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study is twofold. First, it aims to investigate the various values users achieve with smartphones, which is a form of user‐empowering information technology (IT). The other objective is to introduce a means‐end chain approach into IT‐user studies. An important attraction of smartphones is their personalized environment, which is mainly provided by varied applications. The user personalization ability implies that users achieve diverse benefits with smartphones; that is, users decide what a smartphone is to them rather than adopt a given product. Thus, investigating what values users pursue with a smartphone (i.e. a value‐oriented approach) will give insights into understanding the users. To investigate user values in using smartphones, we conducted a laddering interview with 54 smartphone users and analyzed the data by using a means‐end chain approach to understand consumers' hierarchical value structure. This study contributes to value‐oriented research on user‐empowering IT by revelling how users benefit from smartphones. Furthermore, the study advances value‐oriented research by showing what users actually do with smartphones, from concrete activities to abstract values. In addition, a means‐end chain approach introduced in the study can be another angle for the investigation of user adoption of technology, in that it can describe IT use contexts and practices, which become an important object of analysis in the information systems research.
Glial Regulation of Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptor‐Mediated Excitation of Supraoptic Nucleus Neurones During Dehydration
Authors: Joe N. , Scott V. , Brown C. H. 
Published: November 2013

Magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) project to the posterior pituitary gland where they release the hormones, vasopressin and oxytocin into the circulation to maintain plasma osmolality. Hormone release is proportionate to SON MNC action potential (spike) firing rate. When activated by ambient extracellular glutamate, extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (eNMDARs) mediate a tonic (persistent) depolarisation to increase the probability of action potential firing. In the present study, in vivo single‐unit electrophysiological recordings were made from urethane‐anaesthetised female Sprague–Dawley rats to investigate the impact of tonic eNMDAR activation on MNC activity. Water deprivation (for up to 48 h) caused an increase in the firing rate of SON MNCs that was associated with a general increase in post‐spike excitability. To determine whether eNMDAR activation contributes to the increased MNC excitability during water deprivation, memantine, which preferentially blocks eNMDARs, was administered locally into the SON by microdialysis. Memantine significantly decreased the firing rate of MNCs recorded from 48‐h water‐deprived rats but had no effect on MNCs recorded from euhydrated rats. In the presence of the glial glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1) blocker, dihydrokainate, memantine also reduced the MNC firing rate in euhydrated rats. Taken together, these observations suggest that GLT‐1 clears extracellular glutamate to prevent the activation of eNDMARs under basal conditions and that, during dehydration, eNMDAR activation contributes to the increased firing rate of MNCs.
Establishing Magnetic Resonance Images Orientation for the EADC‐ADNI Manual Hippocampal Segmentation Protocol
Authors: Boccardi Marina , Bocchetta Martina , Apostolova Liana G. , Preboske Gregory , Robitaille Nicolas , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Collins Louis D. , Duchesne Simon , Jack Clifford R. , Frisoni Giovanni B. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAn effort to define and validate a Harmonized Protocol for standard hippocampal segmentation is being carried out. We wished to estimate the effect of magnetic resonance image (MRI) spatial orientation on manual hippocampal segmentations to define optimal standard orientation of MRIs for hippocampal volumetry.METHODSThree expert tracers segmented twice the hippocampi of 10 ADNI subjects on MRI slices oriented perpendicular to the anterior‐posterior commissure (AC‐PC) line and the long hippocampal axes plane, following internationally harmonized landmarks. We computed intra and interrater reliability figures for total volumes and similarity coefficients.RESULTSTotal volume reliability was similar for both orientations. Similarity coefficients were significantly higher for the AC‐PC orientation (exact P = 0.002).DISCUSSIONThese data show that AC‐PC orientation is slightly more reliable for manual segmentations, possibly due to better visualization of the cerebrospinal fluid spaces separating hippocampal head and amygdala. A Delphi panel of experts has used these data to decide on the optimal orientation for a Harmonized Protocol for hippocampal segmentation.
Smoking‐related cotinine levels and host responses in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Ebersole J. L. , Steffen M. J. , Thomas M. V. , Al‐Sabbagh M. 
Published: November 2013

Background and ObjectiveSmoking has been reported to increase the risk of periodontal disease by disrupting the balance of immune responses and tissue repair processes; however, this risk varies among smokers. Cotinine levels in saliva are routinely used to measure the level of smoking, and reflect the quantity of nicotine, and other smoking‐related xenobiotics that challenge host systems. This study delineated characteristics of inflammatory mediators in saliva and serum antibody responses to both periodontal pathogens and commensal bacteria in smokers as they related to cotinine levels.Materials and MethodsThis case–control study (n = 279) examined salivary inflammatory mediator responses [interleukin (IL)‐1ß, IL‐10, prostaglandin E2, myeloperoxidase and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1], and serum IgG antibody responses to three periodontal pathogens (Aggregatibacter actinomyce‐temcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola) and five commensal oral microorganisms (Veillonella parvula, Streptococcus sanguis, Prevotella loescheii, Actinomyces naeslundii, Capnocytophaga ochracea).ResultsThe patients were stratified into health (n = 30), gingivitis (n = 55) and periodontitis (n = 184); cotinine levels correlated with reported smoking habits in health, less so with gingivitis, and were not correlated in periodontitis. Of the inflammatory mediators/acute phase proteins, only IL‐1ß levels were positively associated (p < 0.001) with the pack years and cotinine levels. As might be predicted, patients with periodontitis smoked more (p < 0.001) and had higher levels of cotinine. IL‐1ß and antibody to A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and T. denticola were significantly higher in the patients with periodontitis than either patients with gingivitis or who were healthy.ConclusionsGenerally, antibody to the pathogens and commensals was lower with decreased cotinine levels. Smoking exacerbated differences in both inflammatory mediators and three antibody in periodontal disease compared to healthy subjects.
Prevention of Recurrent Ischemic Priapism with Ketoconazole: Evolution of a Treatment Protocol and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Hoeh Michael P. , Levine Laurence A. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
The management of recurrent ischemic priapism (RIP) is not clearly defined. Ketoconazole (KTZ) is used to treat RIP and produces a temporary hypogonadal state to suppress sleep-related erections (SREs), which often evolve into episodes of ischemic priapism in this population.

Aim
We review our experience to prevent RIP using KTZ and present our outcomes using a decreased dose regimen.

Methods
A retrospective chart review and phone survey of 17 patients with RIP was performed. KTZ inhibits adrenal and gonadal testosterone production with a half-life of 8 hours. By suppressing testosterone levels, SREs are interrupted. We compared our previous protocol of three times daily (TID) KTZ dosing with prednisone for 6 months with our current regimen of initiating KTZ 200 mg TID with prednisone 5 mg daily for 2 weeks and then tapering to KTZ 200 mg nightly for 6 months.

Main Outcome Measures
The primary outcome was the prevention of RIP using KTZ. Secondary outcomes included side effects secondary to KTZ use and patient satisfaction.

Results
All men experienced daily or almost daily episodes of prolonged, painful erections prior to starting KTZ. The mean number of emergency room (ER) visits per patient prior to starting KTZ was 6.5. No patient required an ER visit for RIP while on KTZ. Sixteen of 17 patients (94%) had complete resolution of priapism while on KTZ with effects noted immediately after starting therapy and no reported sexual side effects attributed to KTZ. One man stopped therapy after 4 days because of nausea/vomiting. Fourteen of 16 men eventually discontinued KTZ after a median duration of 7 months. Twenty-nine percent reported no recurrent priapic episodes after discontinuing. A total of 78.6% had partial or complete resolution of symptoms persisting after KTZ was discontinued with a mean post-treatment follow-up of 36.7 months.

Conclusion
No reliable effective preventative therapy has been identified for RIP. In our relatively sizable single-center experience, KTZ appears to be a reasonably effective, safe, and inexpensive treatment to prevent RIP while preserving sexual function. We now recommend our tapered dose regimen listed above. After 6 months, we recommend stopping the medication as we have found a majority of patients will not need to resume nightly KTZ.
Retrospective Investigation of Testosterone Undecanoate Depot for the Long-term Treatment of Male Hypogonadism in Clinical Practice
Authors: Conaglen Helen M. , Paul Ryan G. , Yarndley Tania , Kamp Jozef , Elston Marianne S. , Conaglen John V. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Testosterone undecanoate depot (TUD) administered intramuscularly is an effective form of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for male hypogonadism. Because of the ease of administration, TUD therapy may be preferable to subcutaneously implanted extended release T pellet implants (TI).

Aim
The primary objective was to retrospectively assess the efficacy and safety of long-term (≥2 years therapy) TUD therapy in the clinical setting. The secondary objective was to retrospectively compare TUD with TI therapy.

Methods
Retrospective data were collected from the Waikato Hospital Endocrine Database for 179 hypogonadal men treated with TUD for ≥2 years from 1998–2011, with 124 of these men receiving previous TI therapy.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measure for efficacy was serum trough total testosterone (TT), and for safety an increase in hemoglobin (Hb) and/or hematocrit (Hct), rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or prostatic biopsy and alteration in body mass index and lipid profile. Additional outcome measures were changes in the dosing and/or interval regimens for TUD therapy.

Results
Overall, 72% of trough TT levels were in the normal range for TUD therapy compared with 53% of trough TT levels during TI therapy. TUD therapy was well tolerated with 162 men (90.5%) completing 2 years of treatment, and only seven men (3.9%) stopping TUD because of adverse effects. A rise in Hb and/or Hct occurred in 25 men (14%), and a significant rise in PSA in 20 men (13%) at some stage during TUD therapy. At 2 years, 91% of men received the standard 1,000 mg TUD dose with 66% at the standard dosing interval of 10–14 weekly.

Conclusions
TUD is an efficacious, safe, and well tolerated form of TRT, and individual optimisation of the dose and/or interval is only required in the minority of men. Particularly given the ease of administration, TUD was the preferred TRT for both patients and clinicians.
An avirulence gene, AvrLmJ1, from the blackleg fungus, Leptosphaeria maculans, confers avirulence to Brassica juncea cultivars
Authors: Van de Wouw Angela P. , Lowe Rohan G. T. , Elliott Candace E. , Dubois David J. , Howlett Barbara J. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe fungus Leptosphaeria maculans causes blackleg of Brassica species. Here, we report the mapping and subsequent cloning of an avirulence gene from L. maculans. This gene, termed AvrLmJ1, confers avirulence towards all three Brassica juncea cultivars tested. Analysis of RNA‐seq data showed that AvrLmJ1 is housed in a region of the L. maculans genome which contains only one gene that is highly expressed in planta. The closest genes are 57 and 33 kb away and, like other avirulence genes of L. maculans, AvrLmJ1 is located within an AT‐rich, gene‐poor region of the genome. The encoded protein is 141 amino acids, has a predicted signal peptide and is cysteine rich. Two virulent isolates contain a premature stop codon in AvrLmJ1. Complementation of an isolate that forms cotyledonary lesions on B. juncea with the wild‐type allele of AvrLmJ1 confers avirulence towards all three B. juncea cultivars tested, suggesting that the gene may confer species‐specific avirulence activity.