bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introducing a new method to assess vision: Computer-adaptive contrast-sensitivity testing predicts visual functioning better than charts in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Stellmann JP , Young KL , Pöttgen J , Dorr M , Heesen C 
Published: July 2015

Background Impaired low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological diseases. Its assessment is often limited to selected contrasts, for example, 2.5% or 1.25%. Computerized adaptive testing with the quick contrast-sensitivity function (qCSF) method allows assessment across expanded contrast and spatial frequency ranges. Objective The objective of this article is to compare qCSF with high- and low-contrast charts and patient-reported visual function. Methods We enrolled 131 consecutive MS patients (mean age 39.6 years) to assess high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA) at 30 cm and 5 m, low-contrast vision with Sloan charts at 2.5% and 1.25%, qCSF and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEIVFQ). Associations between the different measures were estimated with linear regression models corrected for age, gender and multiple testing. Results The association between qCSF and Sloan charts ( R2 = 0.68) was higher than with HCVA (5 m: R2 = 0.5; 30 cm: R2 = 0.41). The highest association with NEIVFQ subscales was observed for qCSF ( R2 0.20–0.57), while Sloan charts were not associated with any NEIVFQ subscale after correction for multiple testing. Conclusion The qCSF is a promising new outcome for low-contrast vision in MS and other neurological diseases. Here we show a closer link to patient-reported visual function than standard low- and high-contrast charts.
Mutations in the Gardos channel (KCNN4) are associated with hereditary xerocytosis
Authors: Glogowska Edyta , Lezon-Geyda Kimberly , Maksimova Yelena , Schulz Vincent P. , Gallagher Patrick G. 
Published: July 2015

Key Points
Mutations in the Gardos channel, encoded by the KCNN4 gene, were identified in individuals from 2 hereditary xerocytosis kindreds. These findings support recent data indicating the Gardos channel plays a role in normal erythrocyte volume homeostasis.
Single-cell RNA-seq transcriptome analysis of linear and circular RNAs in mouse preimplantation embryos
Authors: Fan Xiaoying , Zhang Xiannian , Wu Xinglong , Guo Hongshan , Hu Yuqiong , Tang Fuchou , Huang Yanyi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of non-polyadenylated non-coding RNAs that may play important roles in many biological processes. Here we develop a single-cell universal poly(A)-independent RNA sequencing (SUPeR-seq) method to sequence both polyadenylated and non-polyadenylated RNAs from individual cells. This method exhibits robust sensitivity, precision and accuracy. We discover 2891 circRNAs and 913 novel linear transcripts in mouse preimplantation embryos and further analyze the abundance of circRNAs along development, the function of enriched genes, and sequence features of circRNAs. Our work is key to deciphering regulation mechanisms of circRNAs during mammalian early embryonic development.
Embracing risk
Authors: Cagan Ross 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
I entered the science field because I imagined that scientists were society's “professional risk takers”, that they like surfing out on the edge. I understood that a lot of science – perhaps even most science – has to be a solid exploration of partly understood phenomena. But any science that confronts a difficult problem has to start with risk. Most people are at least a bit suspicious of risk, and scientists such as myself are no exception. Recently, risk-taking has been under attack financially, but this Editorial is not about that. I am writing about the long view and the messages we send to our trainees. I am Senior Associate Dean of the graduate school at Mount Sinai and have had the privilege to discuss these issues with the next generation of scientists, for whom I care very deeply. Are we preparing you to embrace risk?
Sprint sensitivity and locomotor trade-offs in green anole (Anolis carolinensis) lizards
Authors: Sathe Erik A. , Husak Jerry F. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
How well an organism completes an ecologically relevant task – its performance – is often considered a key factor in determining individual fitness. Historically, ecomorphological studies have examined how morphological traits determine individual performance in a static manner, assuming that differential fitness in a population is due indirectly to differences in morphological traits that determine a simple measure of performance. This assumption, however, ignores many ecological factors that can constrain performance in nature, such as substrate variation and individual behavior. We examined some of these complexities in the morphology–performance–fitness paradigm, primarily the impact that substrate variation has on performance. We measured maximal sprint speed of green anole lizards on four substrates that varied in size and complexity and are used by or available to individuals in nature. Performance decreased significantly from a broad substrate to a narrow substrate, and lizards were three times slower on a complex substrate than the broadest substrate. We also detected trade-offs in running on substrates with different diameters and in cluttered versus uncluttered environments. Furthermore, morphological predictors of performance varied among substrates. This indicates that natural selection may act on different morphological traits, depending on which substrates are used by individuals, as well as an individual's ability to cope with changes in substrate rather than maximal capacities.
How to know which food is good for you: bumblebees use taste to discriminate between different concentrations of food differing in nutrient content
Authors: Ruedenauer Fabian A. , Spaethe Johannes , Leonhardt Sara D. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTIn view of the ongoing pollinator decline, the role of nutrition in bee health has received increasing attention. Bees obtain fat, carbohydrates and protein from pollen and nectar. As both excessive and deficient amounts of these macronutrients are detrimental, bees would benefit from assessing food quality to guarantee an optimal nutrient supply. While bees can detect sucrose and use it to assess nectar quality, it is unknown whether they can assess the macronutrient content of pollen. Previous studies have shown that bees preferentially collect pollen of higher protein content, suggesting that differences in pollen quality can be detected either by individual bees or via feedback from larvae. In this study, we examined whether and, if so, how individuals of the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) discriminate between different concentrations of pollen and casein mixtures and thus nutrients. Bumblebees were trained using absolute and differential conditioning of the proboscis extension response (PER). As cues related to nutrient concentration could theoretically be perceived by either smell or taste, bees were tested on both olfactory and, for the first time, chemotactile perception. Using olfactory cues, bumblebees learned and discriminated between different pollen types and casein, but were unable to discriminate between different concentrations of these substances. However, when they touched the substances with their antennae, using chemotactile cues, they could also discriminate between different concentrations. Bumblebees are therefore able to discriminate between foods of different concentrations using contact chemosensory perception (taste). This ability may enable them to individually regulate the nutrient intake of their colonies.
Tailoring of Surface Chirality by Micro-Vortices and Specific Adsorption in Magnetoelectrodeposition
Authors: Mogi Iwao , Aogaki Ryoichi , Watanabe Kazuo 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Solid surfaces often serve as a reaction field for organic molecules. If a surface has chirality, it could play a significant role as an enantioselective catalyst. Electrodeposition in magnetic fields (magnetoelectrodeposition; MED) has potential to produce enantioselective metal surfaces, however, the exploration of chiral formation conditions has not been sufficient in previous MED experiments. Here we show the chiral behaviors of copper film surfaces prepared by galvanostatic MED. We found that the chiral sign depends on both the deposition current and the polarity of magnetic field. Furthermore, we found that the specific adsorption of chloride ions on the film surfaces brings about drastic influence on the chiral formation in MED. At certain chloride concentrations chiral symmetry breaking was observed for the polarity of magnetic field. These findings imply that magnetohydrodynamic micro-vortices and the rate-limiting steps are responsible for the chiral surface formation.
Improvement of programs of additional professional education in the sphere of service and housing and communal services taking into account requirements of modern labor market
Authors: Голубев Андрей , Golubev Andrey , Голубев Олег , Golubev Oleg , Сумзина Лариса , Sumzina Larisa 
Published: July 2015

The results of ongoing monitoring of federal and regional labor markets of current and future staffing requirements, of requests for economic and social sphere, science and technology are caused the needs of development educational complexes of additional professional education in the field of innovative technologies. Such technologies are in demand b
The program of additional professional education, which aims to increase the competitiveness of students and professionals up to actual level of competences necessary to be successful in their chosen field, and in discovering their professional and creative potential, is developed.
Special attention in the program is given to innovative resource-saving technologies based on metalplacking technologies. These technologies are most effective to use of in the following areas: machine tools and presses, metal cutting tools, ventilation systems and electric actuators, hydraulic machines, urban and internal transport, clothing, footwear, knitting equipment, compressors, domestic and industrial refrigeration systems, gearboxes of rolling mills and drilling equipment, high pressure pumps of hydraulic units and fuel equipment, tools sliding cutting wood, fabric and polymeric materials, processing of natural and synthetic yarns by metalplacking compositions.
Low cost of innovative technologies offered as part of the additional professional education, their low energy consumption, accessibility and ecological safety allows to create new, highly qualified working places in both on large and on existing small enterprises, and to carry out the opening of new enterprises with high-tech manufacturing with the appropriate elaboration of a business plan and connecting it to the region through technology transfer centers.
Innovative training in a training format as the instrument of professionalizing and personal growth (on the example of discipline of &#34;Technology of business communication&#34;)
Authors: Киреенкова Зоя , Kireenkova Zoya 
Published: July 2015

The article addresses the issues of the need of use a form of training in teaching techniques of business communication, the stage of the natural cycle of learning and the preferred styles of learning are described, the recommendations for their use to increase the motivation of students and the effectiveness of the learning process are given. The author describes the features of the interaction between the coach and the client, i.e., between teacher and student in different paradigms of the training, conditions that helping students to take a subjective position in the educational process are given, as well as a model in the format of the training exercise is represented.
The methodological basis of training technology is the theory of natural learning, the natural mastering of the experience of the American Psychologist Consultant of training D. Kolb. We easily learn on the basis of directly lived experience. This approach is opposed to education in which the student only reads, listens, and retells material. The &#34;natural&#34; educational cycle started in a particular experience, developing our ability to perceive of new. Further, we observe this new, comprehend – this is the stage of analysis, developing the capacity for reflection and interpretation. The third phase - the conceptualization of experience. It is our ability to think systemically, holistically, logical and purposeful, ability to form concepts. And finally, it is the active experimentation directed by our ability to solve problems and draw conclusions on the basis of theoretical knowledge. This is the phase of development of new experiences. It&#180;s possible to address for different phases few times and many times before will be achieved new knowledge and new real acting experience. Cycle of education can be called a spiral of learning.
Correct training program needs to be balanced. It is the most effective to mastering a new experience in own style of learning. Competent understanding of these styles allows knowingly use strong points, to develop less expressed abilities and to be tolerant to other people&#180;s preferences. Individually and precisely allocating roles, defining forms of activity, the teacher creates the conditions for a comfortable and efficient learning process.
Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of three alternative compression systems used in the management of venous leg ulcers
Authors: Guest J.F. , Gerrish A. , Ayoub N. , Vowden K. , Vowden P. 
Published: July 2015

Objective: To assess clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of using a two-layer cohesive compression bandage (TLCCB; Coban 2) compared with a two-layer compression system (TLCS; Ktwo) and a four-layer compression system (FLCS; Profore) in treating venous leg ulcers (VLUs) in clinical practice in the UK, from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS). Method: This was a retrospective analysis of the case records of VLU patients, randomly extracted from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database (a nationally representative database of clinical practice among patients registered with general practitioners in the UK), who were treated with either TLCCB (n=250), TLCS (n=250) or FLCS (n=175). Clinical outcomes and health-care resource use (and costs) over six months after starting treatment with each compression system were estimated. Differences in outcomes and resource use between treatments were adjusted for differences in baseline covariates. Results: Patients' mean age was 75 years old and 57% were female. The mean time with a VLU was 6–7 months and the mean initial wound size was 77–85cm2. The overall VLU healing rate, irrespective of bandage type, was 44% over the six months' study period. In the TLCCB group, 51% of wounds had healed by six months compared with 40% (p=0.03) and 28% (p=0.001) in the TLCS and FLCS groups, respectively. The mean time to healing was 2.5 months. Patients in the TLCCB group experienced better health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over six months (0.374 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per patient), compared with the TLCS (0.368 QALYs per patient) and FLCS (0.353 QALYs per patient). The mean six-monthly NHS management cost was £2,413, £2,707 and £2,648 per patient in the TLCCB, TLCS and FLCS groups, respectively. Conclusion: Despite the systems studied reporting similar compression levels when tested in controlled studies, real-world evidence demonstrates that initiating treatment with TLCCB, compared with the other two compression systems, affords a more cost-effective use of NHS-funded resources in clinical practice, since it resulted in an increased healing rate, better HRQoL and a reduction in NHS management cost. The evidence also highlighted the lack of continuity between clinicians managing a wound, the inconsistent nature of the administered treatments and the lack of specialist involvement, all of which may impact on healing.
A corrupção em Portugal – abordagens distintas de um mesmo objeto
Authors: Maia António João 
Published: July 2015

O problema da corrupção apresenta diversas vertentes que traduzem os diferentesângulos através dos quais pode ser equacionado. Neste texto procuramos perceberas principais perspetivas – a que chamamos verdades – de análise do problema,designadamente as que derivam do discurso mediático que tem sido produzido, osprincipais traços evidenciados pela perceção social dos portugueses sobre o problema, o quadro dos conceitos jurídico‑criminais associados à noção de corrupção, as verdades formais que tendem a ser apuradas na fase de investigação criminal e depois em julgamento. Finalizando com uma breve caraterização e análise da dimensão que o problema apresenta em Portugal.
O projeto corrupteca – uma ferramenta analítica para a análise do fenómeno da corrupção
Authors: Mesquita Nuno , Moisés José Álvaro , Eldasi Giovanni 
Published: July 2015

A corrupção política é um dos problemas mais severos e complexos enfrentadospor novas e velhas democracias. A pesquisa acadêmica já abordou o papel defatores gerais responsáveis pelo seu enraizamento no sistema político. Entretanto,falta avaliar o quanto ela afeta a qualidade da democracia, além da influência dacultura política na sua ocorrência. A Corrupteca é uma biblioteca digital especializada no tema da corrupção que visa preencher essa lacuna. O seu objetivo principal é subsidiar as pesquisas e análises sobre o fenômeno da corrupção no Brasil e no mundo. A ideia é que os interessados possam avaliar, para além de outros objetivos de conhecimento, a influência da corrupção na relação de confiança dos cidadãos com as instituições da democracia.
Past, present, and future distribution of Afromontane rodents (Muridae: Otomys) reflect climate-change predicted biome changes
Authors: Taylor Peter John , Nengovhela Aluwani , Linden Jabulani , Baxter Roderick M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractClimate change constitutes a potential threat to montane biodiversity, particularly in low-altitude, tropical mountains; however, few data exist for the Afromontane taxa. In South Africa, the temperate grassland and fynbos biomes are mostly associated with the Great Escarpment and the high-lying central plateau. Varying contractions of the grassland and fynbos biomes are predicted under different climate scenarios by 2050. Animal taxa adapted to these biomes should suffer similar range declines and can be used to independently test the vegetation models. We constructed MaxEnt models from 271 unique locality records for three species of montane and submontane vlei rats that are closely associated with grassland (
Motion of Magnetic Flux Quanta in Type-II Superconductors – Some Open Questions
Authors: Huebener R. P. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe motion of the magnetic flux quanta in the
mixed state of a type-II superconductor, due to the Lorentz
force of an electric transport current, represents the key
mechanism for generating resistive losses. Whereas the
most common result is Joule heating of the superconductor,
also purely electronic non-equilibrium effects can
play a dominant role in the case of effective cooling of
the sample. The latter situation can be realized by means
of very thin superconducting films (having a large surface/
volume ratio). In this paper we discuss experiments
with Nd2−xCexCuOy (NCCO) films performed some time
ago, yielding evidence for electronic non-equilibrium effects
due to the energy dependence of the quasi-particle
density of states in the mixed state of the films. The films
were imbedded within super-fluid helium for cooling. The
recent advances in the fabrication of epitaxial ultra-thin
superconducting films promise to contribute to further
clarification of these electronic non-equilibrium effects.
A cyclic mixed-valence MoVI/MoV polyoxothiomolybdate cluster anion stabilized by a [(μ-I){Ag(PPh3)3}2]+ complex cation. Preparation and structure of [(μ-I){Ag(PPh3)3}2]2 [Mo8O8(μ-OH)2(μ-OEt)6(μ-S)8(μ3-O)4{Mo(DMF)2}] · 2EtOH
Authors: Wei Wei , Xin Zhifeng , Shi Hua-Tian , Jia Ai-Quan , Zhang Qian-Feng 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Treatment of (NMe4)2[Mo2O2S6] with Ag(PPh3)3I in the presence of NaOEt in DMF/EtOH resulted in the formation of a novel MoVI/MoV polyoxothiomolybdate cluster compound [(μ-I){Ag(PPh3)3}2]2[Mo8O8(μ-OH)2 (μ-OEt)6(μ-S)8(μ3-O)4{Mo(DMF)2}] · 2EtOH. The cyclic cluster polyanion consists of an octamer {Mo8O8(μ-OH)2(μ-OEt)6 (μ-S)8(μ3-O)4} that encapsulates a central {MoVI(DMF)2 (μ3-O)4} octahedron.
Estrogen receptor antagonism uncovers gender-dimorphic suppression of whole body fat oxidation in humans: differential effects of tamoxifen on the GH and gonadal axes
Authors: Birzniece Vita , Ho Ken K Y 
Published: July 2015

ContextTamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, suppresses GH secretion in women but not in men. It increases testosterone levels in men. As GH and testosterone stimulate fat metabolism, the metabolic consequences of tamoxifen may be greater in women than in men.ObjectiveTo determine whether tamoxifen suppresses fat oxidation (Fox) to a greater degree in women than in men.DesignAn open-label study of ten healthy postmenopausal women and ten healthy men receiving 2-week treatment with tamoxifen (20 mg/day).Endpoint measuresGH response to arginine stimulation, serum levels of IGF1, testosterone and LH (men only), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and whole body basal and postprandial Fox.ResultsIn women, tamoxifen significantly reduced the mean GH response to arginine stimulation (Δ −87%,P<0.05) and circulating IGF1 levels (Δ −23.5±5.4%,P<0.01). Tamoxifen reduced postprandial Fox in women (Δ −34.6±10.3%;P<0.05). In men, tamoxifen did not affect the GH response to arginine stimulation but significantly reduced mean IGF1 levels (Δ −24.8±6.1%,P<0.01). Tamoxifen increased mean testosterone levels (Δ 52±14.2%;P<0.01). Fox was not significantly affected by tamoxifen in men.ConclusionTamoxifen attenuated the GH response to stimulation and reduced postprandial Fox in women but not in men. We conclude that at a therapeutic dose, the suppressive effect of tamoxifen on fat metabolism is gender-dependent. Higher testosterone levels may mitigate the suppression of GH secretion and Fox during tamoxifen treatment in men.
RESISTANT HYPERTENSION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: PREVALENCE AND PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Ciobanu Dana Mihaela , Kilfiger Hélène , Apan Bogdan , Roman Gabriela , Veresiu Ioan Andrei 
Published: July 2015

Background and aims. Resistant hypertension is defined as failure to achieve blood pressure lower than 140/90 mmHg when using three antihypertensive agents or controlled blood pressure with four or more drugs. We aimed at assessing the prevalence of resistant hypertension and to describe a type 2 diabetes population with resistant hypertension.Methods. The retrospective observational study included (n=73) type 2 diabetes subjects with resistant hypertension selected from (n=728) subjects admitted to the Centre of Diabetes, Cluj, Romania. Results. The subjects (70% women) had a mean age of 65.0±8.9 yrs. and diabetes duration 11(6-19) yrs. Prevalence of resistant hypertension was 10%. Chronic diabetes complications and cardiovascular disease were present in 77% and 56% of subjects respectively. On admission, antihypertensive drugs used were: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptors blockers 93%, β-blockers 88%, diuretics 78%, calcium channels blockers 59%, adrenergic α-antagonists 11%. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower in the last compared to first admission day. Diuretics and calcium channels blockers were the most frequently newly added antihypertensive agents.Conclusion. Although the prevalence of resistant hypertension in type 2 diabetes did not differ from the general population, we observed that these patients had increased frequency of chronic diabetic complications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptors and β-blockers were the most used antihypertensive drugs, while the most frequently newly prescribed drugs were diuretics and calcium channel blockers.