bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Web 2.0 technologies in higher education using students' perceptions and performance
Authors: Karvounidis T. , Chimos K. , Bersimis S. , Douligeris C. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract In this work, Web 2.0 technologies in higher education are evaluated using students' perceptions, satisfaction, performance and behaviour. The study evaluates the Web 2.0 tools as stand‐alone entities as well in terms of their cross‐operability and integration (confluence) to synergistic contributions towards the enhancement of student learning. Significant correlations and interdependencies on the students' behaviour over the used platform and their performance in various time points within the course time line have been revealed.
Characterization of the mitofusin 2 R94W mutation in a knock‐in mouse model
Authors: Strickland Alleene V. , Rebelo Adriana P. , Zhang Fan , Price Justin , Bolon Brad , Silva Jose P. , Wen Rong , Züchner Stephan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCharcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) comprises a group of heterogeneous peripheral axonopathies affecting 1 in 2,500 individuals. As mutations in several genes cause axonal degeneration in CMT type 2, mutations in mitofusin 2 (MFN2) account for approximately 90% of the most severe cases, making it the most common cause of inherited peripheral axonal degeneration. MFN2 is an integral mitochondrial outer membrane protein that plays a major role in mitochondrial fusion and motility; yet the mechanism by which dominant mutations in this protein lead to neurodegeneration is still not fully understood. Furthermore, future pre‐clinical drug trials will be in need of validated rodent models. We have generated a Mfn2 knock‐in mouse model expressing Mfn2R94W, which was originally identified in CMT patients. We have performed behavioral, morphological, and biochemical studies to investigate the consequences of this mutation. Homozygous inheritance leads to premature death at P1, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction, including increased mitochondrial fragmentation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and decreased ATP levels in newborn brains. Mfn2R94W heterozygous mice show histopathology and age‐dependent open‐field test abnormalities, which support a mild peripheral neuropathy. Although behavior does not mimic the severity of the human disease phenotype, this mouse can provide useful tissues for studying molecular pathways associated with MFN2 point mutations.
Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Andrews Charles M , Hawk Harris E , Holmstedt Christine A 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAlthough septic cavernous sinus thrombosis represents a rare cerebral vascular event, the morbidity and mortality can be profound. Diagnosis of this disease remains challenging, despite recent advances in imaging technology. We present a 71‐year‐old man who presented with symptoms of retro‐orbital pain, swelling and a recent history of being treated for bacterial sinusitis. An initial non‐contrast head computed tomography showed a dilated, hyperdense appearance of his left superior ophthalmic vein, with subsequent magnetic resonance imaging suggestive of bilateral ophthalmic vein thrombosis likely from cavernous sinus origin. The patient had blood cultures positive for Streptococcus anginosus, and was successfully treated with several weeks of i.v. antibiotics and anticoagulation.
Coordination of stem and leaf hydraulic conductance in southern California shrubs: a test of the hydraulic segmentation hypothesis
Authors: Pivovaroff Alexandria L. , Sack Lawren , Santiago Louis S. 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Coordination of water movement among plant organs is important for understanding plant water use strategies. The hydraulic segmentation hypothesis (HSH) proposes that hydraulic conductance in shorter lived, ‘expendable’ organs such as leaves and longer lived, more ‘expensive’ organs such as stems may be decoupled, with resistance in leaves acting as a bottleneck or ‘safety valve’.

We tested the HSH in woody species from a Mediterranean‐type ecosystem by measuring leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) and stem hydraulic conductivity (KS). We also investigated whether leaves function as safety valves by relating Kleaf and the hydraulic safety margin (stem water potential minus the water potential at which 50% of conductivity is lost (Ψstem − Ψ50)). We also examined related plant traits including the operating range of water potentials, wood density, leaf mass per area, and leaf area to sapwood area ratio to provide insight into whole‐plant water use strategies.

For hydrated shoots, Kleaf was negatively correlated with KS, supporting the HSH. Additionally, Kleaf was positively correlated with the hydraulic safety margin and negatively correlated with the leaf area to sapwood area ratio.

Consistent with the HSH, our data indicate that leaves may act as control valves for species with high KS, or a low safety margin. This critical role of leaves appears to contribute importantly to plant ecological specialization in a drought‐prone environment.
Vascular endothelial cadherin and vascular endothelial growth factor in periodontitis and smoking
Authors: Sakallioğlu EE , Sakallioğlu U , Lütfioğlu M , Pamuk F , Kantarci A 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveThis study investigated the vascularization in periodontal disease process via revealing: (i) vascular endothelial cadherin (VE‐cadherin) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) productions in periodontitis and (ii) the impact of smoking on this phenomenon.Materials and MethodsFifteen smokers and 15 non‐smokers with/without periodontitis were allocated by split‐mouth randomization regarding their smoking and periodontal statuses. The teeth with periodontitis in smokers (group 1), without periodontitis in smokers (group 2), with periodontitis in non‐smokers (group 3), and without periodontitis in non‐smokers (group 4) constituted the study groups. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of VE‐cadherin and VEGF were determined by ELISA to evaluate their profiles in the groups.ResultsThere were increased VE‐cadherin levels in groups 1 and 3 compared with groups 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). Group 2 demonstrated higher VE‐cadherin level than group 4 (P < 0.05). Increased VEGF was noted in groups 1 and 3 compared with groups 2 and 4 (P < 0.05) with similar levels between groups 1 and 3 and groups 2 and 4 (P > 0.05). There were no correlations between the VE‐cadherin and VEGF levels in all groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe results suggest that VE‐cadherin and VEGF may increase in periodontitis, and smoking may uniquely cause VE‐cadherin production in GCF.
Gender Differences in Health‐Related Quality of Life of Korean Patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
Authors: Kim Jisu , Kim Kisook 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of COPD patients over 40 years of age in Korea and to assess the relevance of gender differences.Design and SampleOriginal data from KNHANES (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) were analyzed using SAS 9.3 software. The sample comprised 556 male and 195 female COPD patients.MeasuresSelected demographic variables, HRQOL [EuroQol 5‐Dimension], physical and psychological characteristics, and health‐related characteristics were examined.ResultsThe results showed that the HRQOL of COPD patients was better for females than for males, and that the HRQOL among males differed with the education, economic activity, economic level, blood pressure, suicidal ideation, and physical activity, while among females it differed with age, living status, education, economic activity, economic level, blood pressure, stress recognition, suicidal ideation, alcohol use, and physical activity. Further analysis verified that for males, the education, suicidal ideation, and physical activity were factors that affected HRQOL (R2 = 0.139, p < .001), while for females these factors were the education, obesity, and suicidal ideation (R2 = 0.340, p < .001).ConclusionEffective‐health promoting interventions for COPD patients require the development of individualized programs that take into account gender‐related factors that can enhance HRQOL.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Novel Human Papillomavirus Types, 175, 178, and 180
Authors: Johansson Hanna , Forslund Ola 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the characterization of three novel human papillomavirus (HPV) types of the genus
Gammapapillomavirus
. HPV175 and HPV180 were isolated from a condyloma. HPV178 was isolated from healthy skin adjacent to an actinic keratosis.
First record of a polyplacophoran from the Southern Uplands of Scotland
Authors: Candela Yves , Cherns Lesley , Troalen Lore 
Published: May 2014

Synopsis
An intermediate sclerite of a paleoloricate chiton (Polyplacophora) collected from the Kirkcolm Formation (Ordovician, Lower Katian) of Kilbucho in the Scottish Borders (formerly Peeblesshire), Scotland represents the first record of the class in the Southern Uplands. The single Kilbucho specimen is morphologically distinct from documented taxa, and is described and figured here but left in open nomenclature.
Telomere Length in White Blood Cell DNA and Lung Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of Three Prospective Cohorts
Authors: Seow Wei Jie , Cawthon Richard M. , Purdue Mark P. , Hu Wei , Gao Yu-Tang , Huang Wen-Yi , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Ji Bu-Tian , Virtamo Jarmo , Hosgood H. Dean , Bassig Bryan A. , Shu Xiao-Ou , Cai Qiuyin , Xiang Yong-Bing , Min Shen , Chow Wong-Ho , Berndt Sonja I. , Kim Christopher , Lim Unhee , Albanes Demetrius , Caporaso Neil E. , Chanock Stephen , Zheng Wei , Rothman Nathaniel , Lan Qing 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between telomere length and lung cancer in a pooled analysis from three prospective cohort studies: the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, conducted among men and women in the United States, and previously published data from the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Trial conducted among male smokers in Finland, and the Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS), which is comprised primarily of never-smokers. The pooled population included 847 cases and 847 controls matched by study, age, and sex. Leukocyte telomere length was measured by a monochrome multiplex qPCR assay. We used conditional logistic regression models to calculate ORs and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between telomere length and lung cancer risk, adjusted for age and pack-years of smoking. Longer telomere length was associated with increased lung cancer risk in the pooled analysis [OR (95% CI) by quartile: 1.00; 1.24 (0.90–1.71); 1.27 (0.91–1.78); and 1.86 (1.33–2.62); P trend = 0.000022]. Findings were consistent across the three cohorts and strongest for subjects with very long telomere length, i.e., lung cancer risks for telomere length [OR (95% CI)] in the upper half of the fourth quartile were 2.41 (1.28–4.52), 2.16 (1.11–4.23), and 3.02(1.39–6.58) for the PLCO trial, the ATBC trial, and the SWHS, respectively. In addition, the association persisted among cases diagnosed more than 6 years after blood collection and was particularly evident for female adenocarcinoma cases. Telomere length in white blood cell DNA may be a biomarker of future increased risk of lung cancer in diverse populations. Cancer Res; 74(15); 4090–8. ©2014 AACR.
CXCR6 Plays a Critical Role in Angiotensin II–Induced Renal Injury and Fibrosis
Authors: Xia Yunfeng , Jin Xiaogao , Yan Jingyin , Entman Mark L. , Wang Yanlin 
Published: May 2014

Objective—
Recent studies have shown that angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of hypertensive kidney disease. However, the signaling mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of CXCR6 in Ang II–induced renal injury and fibrosis.

Approach and Results—

Wild-type and CXCR6-green fluorescent protein (GFP) knockin mice were treated with Ang II via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps at 1500 ng/kg per minute after unilateral nephrectomy for ≤4 weeks. Wild-type and CXCR6-GFP knockin mice had virtually identical blood pressure at baseline. Ang II treatment led to an increase in blood pressure that was similar between wild-type and CXCR6-GFP knockin mice. CXCR6-GFP knockin mice were protected from Ang II–induced renal dysfunction, proteinuria, and fibrosis. CXCR6-GFP knockin mice accumulated fewer bone marrow–derived fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and produced less extracellular matrix protein in the kidneys after Ang II treatment. Furthermore, CXCR6-GFP knockin mice exhibited fewer F4/80
+
macrophages and CD3
+
T cells and expressed less proinflammatory cytokines in the kidneys after Ang II treatment. Finally, wild-type mice engrafted with CXCR6
−/−
bone marrow cells displayed fewer bone marrow–derived fibroblasts, macrophages, and T cells in the kidney after Ang II treatment when compared with wild-type mice engrafted with CXCR6
+/+
bone marrow cells.

Conclusions—
Our results indicate that CXCR6 plays a pivotal role in the development of Ang II–induced renal injury and fibrosis through regulation of macrophage and T-cell infiltration and bone marrow–derived fibroblast accumulation.
Lifelong Rupture Risk of Intracranial Aneurysms Depends on Risk Factors
Authors: Korja Miikka , Lehto Hanna , Juvela Seppo 
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—
Our aim was to define for the first time the lifelong natural course of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) and identify high-risk and low-risk patients for the rupture.

Methods—
One hundred and eighteen patients (61 women) with UIAs were diagnosed between 1956 and 1978 and followed up until death or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The median age at the diagnosis was 43.5 years (range, 22.6–60.7 years). The median size of the UIA at the diagnosis was 4 mm (range, 2–25 mm). Analyzed risk factors for a rupture included sex, age, cigarette smoking, systolic blood pressure values, diagnosed hypertension, UIA size, and number of UIAs.

Results—
Thirty four (29%) out of 118 people had SAH during the lifelong follow-up. The median age at SAH was 51.3 years (range, 30.1–71.8 years). The annual rupture rate per patient was 1.6%. Female sex, current smoking, and aneurysm size of ≥7 mm in diameter were risk factors for a lifetime SAH. Depending on the risk factor burden, the lifetime risk of an aneurysmal SAH varied from 0% to 100%, and the annual rupture rate from 0% to 6.5%. Of the 96 patients with small (<7 mm) UIAs, 24 (25%) had an aneurysmal SAH during the follow-up.

Conclusions—
Almost 30% of all UIAs in people of working age ruptured during a lifelong follow-up. The risk varied substantially on the basis of risk factor burden. Because even small UIAs ruptured, treatment decisions of UIAs should perhaps be based on the risk factor status.
Climatology and Variability of Precipitation in the Twentieth-Century Reanalysis
Authors: Lee Dong Eun , Biasutti Michela 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The performance of the Twentieth-Century Reanalysis (20CR) in reproducing observed monthly mean precipitation over the global domain is compared to that of comprehensive reanalyses that also assimilate upper-air and satellite observations [the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim), and NCEP–U.S. Department of Energy reanalysis (NCEP2)] and to that of an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) ensemble simulation [Global Ocean Global Atmosphere (GOGA)] that is forced with observed sea surface temperature (SST). Wintertime rainfall variability in the midlatitude continents and storm tracks is captured with great accuracy, similar to the comprehensive reanalyses, but summertime rainfall is not, probably in consequence of the greater importance of convection in the summer season. Over the tropics, the accuracy of all reanalyses is much less than over the midlatitudes. Over tropical land, the performance of 20CR is better than NCEP2 and similar to ERA-Interim and CFSR, but over the tropical oceans the most recent reanalyses perform significantly better. Across the twentieth century, the clearest gain from the assimilation of a denser observational dataset is the expansion of the area of good skill. A comparison of the accuracy and ensemble spread in the 20CR and GOGA ensembles highlights regions where SST forcing is a stronger source of skill than data assimilation for 20CR. In contrast, for some tropical regions such as the Sahel, the assimilation of sea level pressure is effective in constraining precipitation values—but model biases in the teleconnections with global SST limit the performance of 20CR.
Trying to Raise (Low) Math Achievement and to Promote (Rigorous) Policy Evaluation in Italy
Authors: Argentin Gianluca , Pennisi Aline , Vidoni Daniele , Abbiati Giovanni , Caputo Andrea 
Published: May 2014

Background: Italy is a country showing low math achievement, especially in the Southern regions. Moreover, national student assessments are recent and rigorous policy evaluation is lacking. This study presents the results of one of the first randomized controlled trials implemented in Italian schools in order to measure the effects of a professional development (PD) program for teachers on student math achievement. The program was already at scale when it was being evaluated. Objective: Assessing the effects of a PD program for math teachers on their students’ achievement and making suggestions for future policy evaluations. Design: A large-scale clustered randomized control trial has been conducted. It involves 175 lower secondary schools (sixth - eighth grade) in four among the Italian lowest performing regions. Alongside national standard math assessments, the project collected a wide amount of information. Subjects: Math in lower secondary schools. Measures: Math achievement as measured by standardized tests provided by the National Education Assessment Institute (Istituto Nazionale per la Valutazione del Sistema di Istruzione e Formazione); teacher and student practices and attitudes collected through questionnaires. Results: Findings suggest that the program had no significant impact on math scores during the first year (when the program was held). Nonetheless some heterogeneity was detected, as the treatment does seem “to work” with middle-aged teachers. Moreover, effects on teaching practice and student attitudes appear. Conclusion: Some effects attributable to the intervention have been detected. Moreover, this project shows that a rigorous approach to evaluation is feasible also in a context lacking attention towards evidence-based policies, such the Italian school system.
Plasma semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity in type 1 diabetes is related to vascular and renal function but not to glycaemia
Authors: Januszewski Andrzej S , Mason Nick , Karschimkus Connie S , Rowley Kevin G , Best James D , O’Neal David N , Jenkins Alicia J 
Published: May 2014

Purpose: Associations of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activity with renal and vascular function, oxidative stress, glycaemia and diabetes complications were determined. Methods: Plasma SSAO activity in 94 type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients, including 34 with microvascular complications T1DM CX[+], and in 96 healthy subjects (CON) was measured by production of benzaldehyde using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: SSAO activity (mean ± SD) was greater in T1DM than in CON (1049 ± 294 vs 749 ± 204 mU/L; p < 0.00001) and was higher in T1DM CX[+] vs complication-free DM subjects (1148 ± 313 mU/L vs 982 ± 269 mU/L; p = 0.01). In T1DM, SSAO activity correlated with renal dysfunction [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): r = −0.44; p = 0.0001; cystatin C: r = 0.47; p = 0.0001] and markers of inflammation [soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1): r = 0.41, p = 0.0001; soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1): r = 0.33, p = 0.002] and was inversely related to small artery elasticity (SAE) ( r = −0.23, p = 0.03). In CON, SSAO activity correlated with HbA1c ( r = 0.26; p = 0.02). Conclusion: In T1DM, SSAO activity correlates with renal dysfunction, but not with glycaemia, and may promote vascular inflammation and be a therapeutic target.
Effects of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea on the clinical manifestations of plaque vulnerability and the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Nakashima Hiroshi , Kurobe Masaya , Minami Kazutoshi , Furudono Shinnosuke , Uchida Yuzou , Amenomori Kentarou , Nunohiro Tatsuya , Takeshita Satoshi , Maemura Koji 
Published: May 2014

Aims: It is unclear whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the recurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesized that moderate-to-severe OSA increased the number of adverse cardiovascular events in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and results: This study included 272 patients with acute MI. Polysomnography at first admission determined that 124 patients suffered from moderate-to-severe OSA. The main study outcome measures were cardiac death, recurrence of ACS, and re-admission for heart failure. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as composite end points of individual clinical outcomes. Follow-up coronary angiograms were obtained in 222 patients. PCI-related measures were target vessel revascularization and newly necessitated PCI for progressive lesions. The moderate-to-severe OSA patients had increased ACS recurrence and MACEs compared with patients with mild OSA or without sleep apnea (16% vs. 7%, p = 0.014; 22% vs. 11%, p = 0.014, respectively). PCI for progressive lesions was also higher in the moderate-to-severe OSA patients (28% vs. 15%, p = 0.015). Cox regression analysis showed that moderate-to-severe OSA was an independent predictor of ACS recurrence (hazard ratio = 2.30, p = 0.040). In addition, moderate-to-severe OSA was an independent predictor of PCI for progressive lesions, with a hazard ratio of 2.38 ( p = 0.015). Conclusions: Moderate-to-severe OSA increased the risk of ACS and the incidence of PCI for progressive lesions. Increased plaque vulnerability might be related to these clinical manifestations.
Criteria used for the active surveillance of localised prostate cancer in the UK
Authors: Hawizy A , Salji M , Kelker AR , Gujral SS , Van As N 
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Active surveillance (AS) is a valid option for localised prostate cancer and should be offered to patients who are suitable for radical treatment in conjunction with current NICE guidelines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consensus on AS selection and follow-up criteria in the United Kingdom (UK). Method: An electronic survey (Appendix 1) was emailed to 500 British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) members to determine their local criteria for active surveillance in prostate cancer. Results: Of the 134 (26.8%) BAUS members who responded, PSA ≤ 10 ng/ml, Gleason score ≤ 6 and clinical stage ≤ T1c were the preferred selection criteria used in the UK. However, only 51.5% will perform MRI for disease staging. Most urologists (65.6%) preferred three-monthly PSA follow-up visits for the first year then six-monthly thereafter. A digital rectal examination (DRE) is not performed by 57.1%. Increased Gleason score and PSA doubling time were the two main criteria that would trigger intervention. Conclusion: There is a lack of consensus on criteria used for selection, follow-up and repeat biopsy for prostate cancer patients on active surveillance in the UK.