bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kidd, Terry T & Chen, Irene ed (2011) Ubiquitous learningIAP (Charlotte, NC & Eurospan, London) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐436‐6 337 pp £41.95 (boards £77.95) http://www.infoagepub.com/products/ubiquitous‐learning
Authors: Martin Marie 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThis book is a stimulating read. It aims to alert educators, particularly in higher education, to the potential of “ubiquitous learning”, and offers a range of practical suggestions and strategies for teaching in this emerging environment. If the content of this book could be relevant to you, I recommend you arrange to borrow a copy.Marie Martin
Ovens, Peter et al (2012) Developing inquiry for learningRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐59877‐4 226 pp £24.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415598774/
Authors: Smyth Robyn 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe authors provide some useful ideas and a bridge from face‐to‐face into blended learning contexts that teachers interested in inquiry pedagogy may find useful. There are various scaffolds and exemplars as well as exploration of appropriate digital tools that can be of use for critical inquiry. If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I advise you may find only parts of it of interest or use.Robyn Smyth
Thouësny, Sylvie & Bradley, Linda ed (2011) Second language teaching and learning with technology (Research‐publishing.net, Dublin) isbn 978‐1‐908416‐00‐1 217 pp Free of charge http://research‐publishing.net/publication/978‐1‐908416‐00‐1.pdf
Authors: Laborda Jesús García 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThis ten chapter volume intends to approach a number of current issues “from well‐established web‐based learning environments to mobile learning, through current web 2.0 applications such as blogs, which foster intercultural contexts and/or diverse means of computer‐mediated interaction”. In this sense, the valuable book aims to enable readers to gain a deep understanding of the field and to provide research procedures and processes to facilitate the learning of foreign languages through the use of information technology. If you expect the content of this book to be relevant to you, I recommend that you buy a copy for your own use.Jesús García Laborda
Prognostic Significance of Ror2 and Wnt5a Expression in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Lim So Dug , Kang So Young , Suh Sang Bum , Suh Yeon‐Lim 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMedulloblastoma (MB) is a clinically and biologically heterogeneous group of tumors, and currently classified into four molecular subgroups (Wnt, Shh, Group 3 and Group 4). Intracellular signaling of the Wnt pathway has been divided into two classes: the “canonical” and the “non‐canonical” signaling pathway. The canonical signaling pathway is a well‐established, β‐catenin‐dependent signaling pathway in MB. In contrast, very little research about the non‐canonical WNT signaling pathway in MB exists. In order to identify the roles of Wnt‐5a and Ror2, two non‐canonical WNT pathway‐related genes, we studied 76 cases of MB with immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time PCR and correlated the results with clinicopathological and other molecular parameters and prognosis. Wnt5a and Ror2 were immunopositive in 20 (29.4%) and 35 (51.5%) of 68 cases, respectively. There were positive associations among protein expressions of Wnt5a, Ror2 and β‐catenin. Ror2 mRNA levels were well correlated with immunoexpression. Ror2 mRNA expression was significantly associated with CTNNB1 mutation. High Ror2 mRNA expression was an independent favorable prognostic factor. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the first attempt to identify Wnt5a and Ror2 as additional mechanisms contributing to dysregulation of the non‐canonical WNT signaling pathway in MB. Ror2 may play a role as an oncosuppressor in MB.
Themed section: endothelin
Authors: Davenport Anthony P , Barton Matthias 
Published: December 2012

This themed section of the British Journal of Pharmacology contains reviews on recent developments in endothelin research arising from the Twelfth International Conference on Endothelin (ET‐12). It includes the emerging role for endothelin‐2 in the cardiovascular system, ovarian development, immunology and cancer. The action of endothelin on two key targets is discussed: the paracrine or autocrine regulation of contractility and growth in the heart and the role of endothelin in renal disease. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated cardiovascular disease and circulating levels of endothelin‐1 are lower in premenopausal women than in men and evidence is presented for the contribution of sex differences in responses to the peptide. Transcription is the primary level of regulation of the endothelin gene; and current research on the epigenetic regulation of the endothelin pathway, including the silencing of the EDNRB gene encoding the ETB receptor during tumourigenesis, is reviewed.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Endothelin. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.168.issue‐2. To view the previously published paper by Dhaun et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02070.x
The role of apolipoprotein A5 in obesity and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Yan , Zhao Shui‐Ping , Yan Hu 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTApolipoprotein A5 (apoA5) has an important role in lipid metabolism, specifically for triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins. Recently, evidence has emerged for an association between genetic variability at the APOA5 locus and increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, its mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated. Importantly, an intracellular role of apoA5 has been indicated since apoA5 is associated with cytoplasmic lipid droplets and affects intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation, as well as affecting intravascular triglyceride metabolism. Given that adipocytes provide the largest storage depot for energy in the form of triglyceride within the lipid droplets, and play a crucial role in the development of obesity, we highlight recent findings discussing the interaction of apoA5 with adipocytes or adipose tissue, indicating that apoA5 may act as a novel regulator to modulate triglyceride storage in adipocytes. We review the association of APOA5 gene polymorphisms with obesity and metabolic syndrome, and propose potential mechanisms by which apoA5 may increase susceptibility to these conditions. This review provides new insights into the physiological role of apoA5 and identifies a potential therapeutic target for obesity and associated disorders.
I Don't Want to Pick! Introspection on Uncertainty Supports Early Strategic Behavior
Authors: Lyons Kristen E. , Ghetti Simona 
Published: December 2012

Although some evidence indicates that even very young children engage in rudimentary forms of strategic behavior, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that uncertainty monitoring underlies such behaviors. Three‐, four‐, and five‐year‐old children (N = 88) completed a perceptual discrimination task. Results indicated that children are more likely to withhold (vs. volunteer) responses on trials for which, when forced to provide an answer, they report subjective uncertainty (vs. subjective certainty). Furthermore, uncertainty monitoring positively predicted the strategic regulation of accuracy via withholding of incorrect responses, even when controlling for individual differences in inhibitory control. Overall, results suggest that children's awareness of their own knowledge states contributes to early strategic behavior.
A new approach to reliability assessment of dental caries examinations
Authors: Altarakemah Yacoub , Al‐Sane Mona , Lim Sungwoo , Kingman Albert , Ismail Amid I. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study is to evaluate reliability of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and identify sources of disagreement among eight Kuwaiti dentists with no prior knowledge of the system.MethodsA 90‐min introductory e‐course was introduced followed by an examination of extracted teeth using the ICDAS coding system on the first day. Then three sessions of clinical examinations were performed. This study only used the data from the last session where 705 tooth surfaces of 10 patients were examined to assess bias in caries examination and on which codes the examiners had the highest disagreement. Compared with the gold standard, we evaluated bias of the ICDAS coding using three approaches (Bland–Altman plot, maximum kappa statistic, and Bhapkar's chi‐square test). Linear weighted kappa statistics were computed to assess interexaminer reliability.ResultsMarginal ICDAS distributions for most examiners were significantly different from that of the gold standard (bias present). The primary source of these marginal differences was misclassifying sound surfaces as noncavitated lesions. Interexaminer reliability of the 3‐level ICDAS (codes 0, 1–2, and 3–6) classification ranged between 0.43 and 0.73, indicating evidence of substantial inconsistency between examiners. The primary source of examiner differences was agreeing on diagnosing noncavitated lesions.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of assessing both systematic and random sources of examiner agreement to correctly interpret kappa measures of reliability.
Levels of prostaglandin E2 and Cysteinyl‐leukotrienes in sputum supernatant of patients with asthma: the effect of smoking
Authors: Kontogianni K. , Bakakos P. , Kostikas K. , Hillas G. , Papaporfyriou A. , Papiris S. , Koulouris N. G. , Loukides S. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackgroundSmoking is associated with worse asthma outcomes and may modify airway inflammation. Such modification may be mediated through an effect on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cyst‐LTs).ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the levels of both PGE2 and Cyst‐LTs in sputum supernatants of patients with asthma and to investigate the effect of smoking habit as well as their associations with inflammatory cells, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and lung function.MethodsNinety‐eight patients to asthma (47 smokers) and 40 healthy subjects (20 smokers) were studied. All subjects underwent sputum induction for cell count identification, PGE2 and Cyst‐LTs levels measurement in supernatants, pulmonary function tests and BHR to methacholine.ResultsPatients with asthma had significantly higher levels of both Cyst‐LTs and PGE2 in sputum supernatants compared to healthy subjects [median (interquartile ranges) 432 (287, 575) vs. 91.5 (73.5, 111) pg/mL and 654 (456,789) vs. 117.5 (92,157) pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.001 for both comparisons]. Smoking asthmatics had significantly higher Cyst‐LTs and PGE2 levels compared to non‐smoking asthmatics. Cyst‐LTs levels in sputum supernatant of smoking asthmatics presented a significant positive association with sputum eosinophils, while PGE2 levels were positively associated with sputum neutrophils.ConclusionsThe increased concentrations of PGE2 and Cyst‐LTs in sputum supernatants of smoking asthma are consistent with an up‐regulation of these two mediators in this specific phenotype of asthma. Furthermore, Cyst‐LTs are associated with eosinophilic inflammation, while PGE2 is associated with the presence of neutrophilic inflammation in smoking asthma.
Electroretinographical and histological study of mouse retina after optic nerve section: a comparison between wild‐type and retinal degeneration 1 mice
Authors: Germain Francisco , Istillarte Mirna , Gómez‐Vicente Violeta , Pérez‐Rico Consuelo , de la Villa Pedro 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundRetinal ganglion cell death underlies the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders such as glaucoma or optic nerve trauma. To assess the potential influence of photoreceptor degeneration on retinal ganglion cell survival, and to evaluate functionality, we took advantage of the optic nerve section mouse model.MethodsSurviving retinal ganglion cells were double‐stained by exposing both superior colliculi to fluorogold, and by applying dextran‐tetramethylrhodamine to the injured optic nerve stump. To assess retinal function in wild‐type animals, electroretinograms were recorded on the injured eyes and compared with the contralateral. Similar labelling experiments were carried out on retinal degeneration 1 mice. Surviving retinal ganglion cells were counted 21 days after axotomy and compared with wild‐type mice. No functional experiments were performed on retinal degeneration 1 animals because they do not develop normal electroretinographical responses.ResultsA significant decrease in retinal ganglion cell density was observed 6 days after axotomy in the wild type. Functional studies revealed that, in scotopic conditions, axotomy induced a significant amplitude decrease in the positive scotopic threshold response component of the electroretinogram. Such decrease paralleled cell loss, suggesting it may be an appropriate technique to evaluate functionality. When comparing retinal ganglion cell densities in wild‐type and retinal degeneration 1 mice, a significant greater survival was observed on the latter.ConclusionsAfter optic nerve section, electroretinographical recordings exhibited a progressive decrease in the amplitude of the positive scotopic threshold response wave, reflecting ganglion cell loss. Interestingly, rod degeneration seemed, at least initially, to protect from axotomy‐driven damage.
Immediate vs. early loading of SLA implants in the posterior mandible: 5‐year results of randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kokovic Vladimir , Jung Ronald , Feloutzis Andreas , Todorovic Vladimir S. , Jurisic Milan , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare clinical results of immediate and early loading (EL) self‐tapping implants placed in posterior mandibles.Material and methodsTwelve patients with bilateral edentulous posterior mandibular were randomly assigned to treatment either with immediate (test) or early loaded implants (control). Seventy‐two self‐tapping implants with SLA surface (Ø 4, 1/4, 8 mm; length 8 and 10 mm) were analyzed in this study. Test implants (36) were loaded on the day of surgery and control implants 6 weeks later. The measuring of implant stability quotient (ISQ) was performed on 0, 6th, 12th, and 52nd week after implant insertion. The bone resorption, modified plaque, and bleeding index were notified at 1 and 5 years later.ResultsAfter 5 years, survival in the both groups was 100%. The mean value of primary implant stability was 76.92 ± 0.79 ISQ. In the first 6 weeks, ISQ values significantly increased in the test group (77.92 ± 1.16 vs. 79.61 ± 0.90) as well as in the control group (7.92 ± 1.05 vs. 77.55 ± 0.99). A significant longitudinal increase in ISQ value was recorded in test and control group. The differences between immediate and early loaded implants were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). At the 5 years, no statistically significant differences were found between immediate and early loaded implants with respect to mean crestal bone loss measurements (0.4 ± 0.24 vs. 0.8 ± 0.15 mm), mean bleeding index (0.22 ± 0.11 vs. 0.25 ± 0.11), and mean plaque index (0.17 ± 0.15 vs. 0.19 ± 0.20).ConclusionBased on these results, the self‐tapping implants inserted in posterior mandible can provide adequate primary stability value as the main factor for immediate and EL protocol.
Proliferation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells is enhanced by treatment with Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus
Authors: Toledo‐Piza A.R. , Nakano E. , Rici R.E.G. , Maria D.A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPreviously, mucus of some molluscs has been studied as a potential source of new natural compounds capable of inducing cell proliferation and of remodelling tissue. Here, the focus of the study is possible use of mucus released by Phyllocaulis boraceiensis – a compound inducing cell proliferation and enhancing collagen synthesis in dermal fibroblasts and inducing proliferation human endothelial cell cultures. Fibroblasts treated with P. boraceiensis mucus at concentrations below 0.012 μg/μl developed high rates of proliferation, as evaluated using MTT assay; the proliferative effect was dose‐dependent. Production and secretion of extracellular matrix components and collagen type I fibres were enhanced after 24 h of treatment, revealing a hormesis effect, biphasic dose response – low dose for proliferation yet toxic at high dose. No significant change in proliferation was observed in treated endothelial cells and production of lipid polyunsaturated free radicals was low in both cell types. Treatment with P. boraceiensis mucus produced pronounced changes in fibroblast cell number and morphology, and in quantities of well‐ordered collagen deposition. These results support the premise that Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus demonstrates proliferative properties in cells involved in the healing process.
Non‐passaged muscle precursor cells from 32‐month old rat skeletal muscle have delayed proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Zwetsloot K. A. , Childs T. E. , Gilpin L. T. , Booth F. W. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe systemic environment and satellite cell dysfunction have been proposed as important contributors in the development of sarcopenia and impaired skeletal muscle regrowth with ageing. In the present study, we investigated effects of serum age on proliferation of muscle precursor cells (MPCs) isolated from skeletal muscles of young and old rats.Materials and methodsWe examined proliferation and subsequent differentiation of non‐passaged MPCs isolated from skeletal muscles of 1‐, 3‐ and 32‐month old rats over a 72‐h time course, using a serum cross‐over design.Results and conclusionsWe found no effect of serum age on MPC proliferation, but we did discover that MPCs isolated from skeletal muscle of 32‐month old rats had delayed onset of, and exit from proliferation, compared to MPCs isolated from skeletal muscle of 1‐month old rats. Delayed proliferation of MPCs from 32‐month old rats was associated with delayed p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and MyoD and p21Cip1 protein expression. We also demonstrate that MPCs from 32‐month old rats exhibited lower levels of muscle creatine kinase mRNA compared to 1‐month old rats, but elevated levels of myogenin mRNA, when stimulated to differentiate after 36 h proliferation. These findings suggest that delayed entry and exit of the cell cycle observed in MPCs from 32‐month old rats may compromise their ability to respond to differentiation stimuli and subsequently impair myogenic potential of 32‐month old skeletal muscle, in this model.
Methodological standards in medical reporting
Authors: Sporbeck Birte , Jacobs Anja , Hartmann Vanessa , Nast Alexander 
Published: December 2012

SummaryPublished research findings are the basis for health care decisions or further medical research. However, reporting of research methods and findings is often incomplete and of insufficient quality. Poor reporting hampers the assessment of reliability and validity of study results. Strengths and weaknesses of the investigation cannot be completely evaluated and subsequently it can mislead decision making in health care or in further clinical research.Transparent reporting can help minimize misinterpretation of publications. Several guidelines were developed to provide advice for reporting research methods and findings. These reporting guidelines facilitate critical appraisal and interpretation of the studies. The guidelines specify in form of checklists a minimum set of items required for clear and transparent reporting. The checklists focus on design, conduct and analysis of studies in particular issues that might introduce bias into the research. The application of these reporting guidelines is required by many international journals.In this CME article we present guidelines for reporting of randomized controlled trials (CONSORT), observational studies (STROBE) and systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA, MOOSE).
Language is not necessary for color categories
Authors: Ozturk Ozge , Shayan Shakila , Liszkowski Ulf , Majid Asifa 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe origin of color categories is under debate. Some researchers argue that color categories are linguistically constructed, while others claim they have a pre‐linguistic, and possibly even innate, basis. Although there is some evidence that 4–6‐month‐old infants respond categorically to color, these empirical results have been challenged in recent years. First, it has been claimed that previous demonstrations of color categories in infants may reflect color preferences instead. Second, and more seriously, other labs have reported failing to replicate the basic findings at all. In the current study we used eye‐tracking to test 8‐month‐old infants’ categorical perception of a previously attested color boundary (green–blue) and an additional color boundary (blue–purple). Our results show that infants are faster and more accurate at fixating targets when they come from a different color category than when from the same category (even though the chromatic separation sizes were equated). This is the case for both blue–green and blue–purple. Our findings provide independent evidence for the existence of color categories in pre‐linguistic infants, and suggest that categorical perception of color can occur without color language.
Speech‐evoked auditory brainstem responses reflect familial and cognitive influences
Authors: Hornickel Jane , Lin Deborah , Kraus Nina 
Published: December 2012

AbstractCortical function and related cognitive, language, and communication skills are genetically influenced. The auditory brainstem response to speech is linked to language skill, reading ability, cognitive skills, and speech‐in‐noise perception; however, the impact of shared genetic and environmental factors on the response has not been investigated. We assessed auditory brainstem responses to speech presented in quiet and background noise from (1) 23 pairs of same sex, same learning diagnosis siblings (Siblings), (2) 23 unrelated children matched on age, sex, IQ, and reading ability to one of the siblings (Reading‐Matched), and (3) 22 pairs of unrelated children matched on age and sex but not on reading ability to the same sibling (Age/Sex‐Matched). By quantifying response similarity as the intersubject response‐to‐response correlation for sibling pairs, reading‐matched pairs, and age‐ and sex‐matched pairs, we found that siblings had more similar responses than age‐ and sex‐matched pairs and reading‐matched pairs. Similarity of responses between siblings was as high as the similarity of responses collected from an individual over the course of the recording session. Responses from unrelated children matched on reading were more similar than responses from unrelated children matched only on age and sex, supporting previous data linking variations in auditory brainstem activity with variations in reading ability. These results suggest that auditory brainstem function can be influenced by siblingship and auditory‐based communication skills such as reading, motivating the use of speech‐evoked auditory brainstem responses for assessing risk of reading and communication impairments in family members.