bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Profile and Productivity of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) in Different Habitats of a Protected Area of the Eastern Italian Alps
Authors: Elisabetta Barizza , Flavia Guzzo , Paolo Fanton , Giorgio Lucchini , Attilio Sacchi G. , Fiorella Lo Schiavo , Juri Nascimbene 
Published: April 2013

Abstract Plant productivity and fruit quality in terms of occurrence of mineral elements and metabolites were determined on wild bilberry growing in open and forest stands in a protected area of N‐Italy. Plant productivity was significantly higher in open stands (3 ± 2.5 compared with 0.03 ± 0.05 fruits per plant) suggesting that both collections in the wild and semi‐wild cultivation should be planned in open habitats. Results obtained by ionomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that high quality fruits can be collected in the analyzed area and their nutritional profile did not differ between open and forest stands. Cyanidin and delphinidin proportion of bilberries from our study area was respectively 23.8% and 43.9% of total antocyanin and it is similar to that previously considered peculiar to bilberry fruits of high latitude regions of Europe and indicative of high quality food properties. A comparison between wild bilberry collected in the protected area and commercial blueberry was also performed and relevant differences between them detected, confirming the concept that wild bilberry has a better nutritional profile than blueberry.Practical Application Bilberry fruits provide relevant nutrients to human diet. However, the scarce availability in the wild is a limiting factor hindering a wider use of this product. In this study we compared plant productivity and nutritional profile of bilberry growing in open and forest sites, demonstrating that they do not differ in terms of mineral and metabolomic contents, whereas plant productivity is by far higher in open sites. This supports the possibility to obtain bilberry fruits by semiwild cultivation maintaining open sites that are also crucial for biodiversity conservation in mountain areas.
The Gac regulon of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25
Authors: Cheng Xu , de Bruijn Irene , van der Voort Menno , Loper Joyce E. , Raaijmakers Jos M. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryTranscriptome analysis of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 showed that 702 genes were differentially regulated in a gacS::Tn5 mutant, with 300 and 402 genes up‐ and downregulated respectively. Similar to the Gac regulon of other Pseudomonas species, genes involved in motility, biofilm formation, siderophore biosynthesis and oxidative stress were differentially regulated in the gacS mutant of SBW25. Our analysis also revealed, for the first time, that transcription of 19 rhizosphere‐induced genes and of genes involved in type II secretion, (exo)polysaccharide and pectate lyase biosynthesis, twitching motility and an orphan non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) were significantly affected in the gacS mutant. Furthermore, the gacS mutant inhibited growth of oomycete, fungal and bacterial pathogens significantly more than wild type SBW25. Since RP‐HPLC analysis did not reveal any potential candidate metabolites, we focused on the Gac‐regulated orphan NRPS gene cluster that was predicted to encode an eight‐amino‐acid ornicorrugatin‐like peptide. Site‐directed mutagenesis indicated that the encoded peptide is not involved in the enhanced antimicrobial activity of the gacS mutant but may function as a siderophore. Collectively, this genome‐wide analysis revealed that a mutation in the GacS/A two‐component regulatory system causes major transcriptional changes in SBW25 and significantly enhances its antimicrobial activities by yet unknown mechanisms.
Brown tumor of the rib as a first presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism: Report of three cases and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Hao , Tian Weijun , He Qing , Zhu Mei 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA brown tumor is a non‐neoplasm mainly caused by hyperparathyroidism. It often occurs in the pelvis, ribs, long bone shaft, clavicle, and jaw. We introduce three cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, with the first symptom of brown tumor of the ribs, and discuss the image characteristics within the literature. We then propose the value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of brown tumor.
Characteristics and prognostic factors of synchronous multiple primary esophageal carcinoma: A report of 52 cases
Authors: Li Mei , Lin Zhi‐xiong 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of 52 cases of synchronous multiple primary esophageal carcinoma (SMPEC), in order to provide a reference for treatment strategy.MethodsClinical and survival data of 52 patients with SMPEC were analyzed retrospectively. The rates of overall survival (OS), depending on the different factors, were calculated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. A log‐rank test was used for univariate survival analysis and Cox's proportional hazards regression model was used for multivariate survival analysis.ResultsClinical and survival data of 52 patients with SMPEC, hospitalized from 1 January 2003 to 31 October 2011, were analyzed. Twelve patients underwent surgical resection, five received adjuvant radiotherapy and one received adjuvant radiochemotherapy. Thirty‐seven of the 40 non‐operative patients received external beam radiation therapy and 20 of them received platinum‐based chemotherapy. Another three non‐operative patients were given platinum‐based chemotherapy alone. The one, three, and five‐year OS and the median survival time (MST) were 65.4%, 17.3%, 7.7%, respectively, and 15.0 months for the whole cohort. Tumor length and M stage were independent prognostic factors for the whole cohort by multivariate survival analysis (P = 0.010 and 0.047, respectively). For the radiotherapy subgroup, multivariate analysis of prognostic factors identified that shorter tumor length, M0 stage, and chemotherapy were the predominant independent predictors of long‐term survival (P = 0.039, 0.022 and 0.010, respectively).ConclusionsSMPEC is a relatively rare and aggressive tumor. Combined radiotherapy with chemotherapy seemed to bring a survival benefit and may be a better management choice for unresectable and non‐operative SMPEC.
Greater BOLD activity but more efficient connectivity is associated with better cognitive performance within a sample of nicotine‐deprived smokers
Authors: Nichols Travis T. , Gates Kathleen M. , Molenaar Peter C. M. , Wilson Stephen J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe first few days of an attempt to quit smoking are marked by impairments in cognitive domains, such as working memory and attention. These cognitive impairments have been linked to increased risk for relapse. Little is known about individual differences in the cognitive impairments that accompany deprivation or the neural processing reflected in those differences. In order to address this knowledge gap, we collected functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 118 nicotine‐deprived smokers while they performed a verbal n‐back task. We predicted better performance would be associated with more efficient patterns of brain activation and effective connectivity. Results indicated that performance was positively related to load‐related activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the left lateral premotor cortex. Additionally, effective connectivity patterns differed as a function of performance, with more accurate participants having simpler, more parsimonious network models than did worse participants. Cognitive efficiency is typically thought of as less neural activation for equal or superior behavioral performance. Taken together, findings suggest cognitive efficiency should not be viewed solely in terms of amount of activation but that both the magnitude of activation within and degree of covariation between task‐critical structures must be considered. This research highlights the benefit of combining traditional fMRI analysis with newer methods for modeling brain connectivity. These results suggest a possible role for indices of network functioning in assessing relapse risk in quitting smokers as well as offer potentially useful targets for novel intervention strategies.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing: arm crank vs cycle ergometry
Authors: Orr J. L. , Williamson P. , Anderson W. , Ross R. , McCafferty S. , Fettes P. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThis pilot study compared oxygen consumption during arm crank and cycle ergometer tests in 15 women. The mean (SD) peak oxygen consumption was less with arm cranking (25 (5) ml.kg−1.min−1) than with cycling (40 (7) ml.kg−1.min−1), p < 0.0001. The mean (SD) anaerobic threshold was less with arm cranking (13 (2) ml.kg−1.min−1) than with cycling (20 (4) ml.kg−1.min−1), p < 0.0001. There was moderate correlation, r2 = 0.60, between the anaerobic thresholds determined by arm and leg exercise, p = 0.0007. This study suggests that arm crank cardiopulmonary exercise testing could be used for pre‐operative assessment in those unable to cycle.
Forces generated by Macintosh and GlideScope® laryngoscopes in four airway‐training manikins
Authors: Lee C. , Russell T. , Firat M. , Cooper R. M. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryWe measured forces generated by Macintosh and GlideScope® laryngoscope blades during airway intubation by 16 participants in four manikins: Laerdal® SimMan; TruCorp AirSim™ Advance; Laerdal® Airway Management Trainer; and Ambu® Airway Man. Both laryngoscopes generated the least force in the Laerdal Airway Management Trainer and the most in the Ambu Airway Man. The respective median (IQR [range]) forces generated by the Macintosh blade were 2 (1–4 [1–7]) N vs 9 (7–13 [5–16]) N, p = 0.00004, with peak forces 9 (5–11 [3–16]) N vs 18 (12–22 [3–31]) N, p = 0.0004. The respective average and peak forces generated by the GlideScope blade were 1 (1–2 [0–3]) N vs 4 (3–5 [2–6]) N, p = 0.00001, and 4 (2–7 [0–12]) N vs 7 (4–9 [3–18]) N, p = 0.054.
Fructose and lactose intolerance and malabsorption testing: the relationship with symptoms in functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Wilder‐Smith C. H. , Materna A. , Wermelinger C. , Schuler J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe association of fructose and lactose intolerance and malabsorption with the symptoms of different functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) remains unclear.AimTo investigate the prevalence of fructose and lactose intolerance (symptom induction) and malabsorption and their association with clinical gastrointestinal (GI) as well as non‐GI symptoms in FGID and the outcome of dietary intervention.MethodsFructose and lactose intolerance (defined by positive symptom index) and malabsorption (defined by increased hydrogen/methane) were determined in 1372 FGID patients in a single centre using breath testing. Results were correlated with clinical symptoms in different FGID Rome III subgroups. The effectiveness of a targeted saccharide‐reduced diet was assessed after 6–8 weeks.ResultsIntolerance prevalence across all FGIDs was 60% to fructose, 51% to lactose and 33% to both. Malabsorption occurred in 45%, 32% and 16% respectively. There were no differences in intolerance or malabsorption prevalence between FGID subgroups. FGID symptoms correlated with symptoms evoked during testing (r = 0.35–0.61. P < 0.0001), but not with malabsorption. Non‐GI symptoms occurred more commonly in patients with intolerances. Methane breath levels were not associated with constipation using several cut‐off thresholds. Adequate symptom relief was achieved in >80% of intolerant patients, irrespective of malabsorption.ConclusionsFructose and lactose intolerances are common in FGID and associated with increased non‐GI symptoms, but not with specific FGID subtypes. Symptoms experienced during breath testing, but not malabsorption, correlate with FGID symptoms. Effective symptom relief with dietary adaptation is not associated with malabsorption. Mechanisms relating to the generation of GI and non‐GI symptoms due to lactose and fructose in FGID need to be explored further.
Effects of student‐generated questions as the source of online drill‐and‐practice activities on learning
Authors: Yu Fu‐Yun , Chen Yi‐Jun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of online drill‐and‐practice activities using student‐generated questions on academic performance and motivation as compared with online drill‐and‐practice using teacher‐generated questions and no drill‐and‐practice in a student question‐generation (SQG) learning context. A quasi‐experimental research method was adopted for the purposes of this study. Six fifth‐grade classes (n = 145) participated in a weekly online activity for 5 weeks. Analysis of covariance results showed significant differences among the different treatment groups with regard to both academic performance and motivation. Post hoc comparisons using simultaneous confidence intervals, however, did not demonstrate the use of onlineSQGcombined with answering peer‐generated questions to be more conducive to learning with regard to any of the observed variables as compared with the use of onlineSQGcombined with answering teacher‐generated questions. Furthermore, answering student‐generated questions in addition to onlineSQGdid not lead to added gains in learning as compared with the onlineSQG‐alone group. Some reasons for the unexpected findings are proposed, and the significance of this study, as well as suggestions for instructional implementations and future research, are provided.
Virtual team e‐leadership: The effects of leadership style and conflict management mode on the online learning performance of students in a business‐planning course
Authors: Chang Wen‐Long , Lee Chun‐Yi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of leadership style, whether transactional or transformational, and conflict management mode on the online learning performance of students in a business‐planning course. Conflict management was performed using the following five approaches: (1) avoidance, (2) accommodation, (3) competition, (4) collaboration and (5) compromise. The sample used in this study included information from 318 undergraduate students enrolled in a course on business planning. The data were collected using a structured online questionnaire. The participants were asked to answer nine questions adapted from the Multifacet Leadership Questionnaire and 19 questions adapted from the Multifacet Conflict Management Questionnaire. Our results show that both leadership style and conflict management mode have a strong influence on learning performance. They also elucidate the interaction between leadership style and conflict management mode. Finally, transformational leadership is shown to be more effective than transactional leadership when dealing with conflict. This work expands our knowledge of conflict management associated with virtual teams participating in an online course, in which close relationships must be maintained over a relatively long period of time. On a more practical level, experience promotes the acceptance of conflict management as a part of the leaders’ responsibility, thereby improving the learning performance of all participants.
Fletcher, J D & Tobias, Sigmund ed (2011) Computer games and instructionIAP (Charlotte, NC & Eurospan, London) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐408‐3 552 pp $45.99 (boards $85.99) http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Computer‐Games‐and‐Instruction
Authors: Samur Yavuz 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThis excellent book provides strong, solid, and significant information and background for the educational practitioners who intend to use computer games in their instruction and educational researchers who want to develop a research agenda with computer games. If you are planning to use computer games for learning, instruction, or educational research, I advise you to use your own copy of this book as a valuable resource.Yavuz Samur
O'Donoghue, Tom et al (2011) The education of children in geographically remote regions through distance educationIAP (Charlotte, NC & Eurospan, London) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐453‐3 217 pp $45.99 (boards $85.99) http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Education‐of‐Children‐in‐Geographically‐Remote‐Regions
Authors: Martin Marie 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThis excellent book reports on a research project on the provision of quality distance education to school‐aged children in remote areas of Western Australia. Set in the context of distance education globally it should be of considerable value to scholars, practitioners and providers at all levels in this field. If the subject of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend you buy a copy for your own use.Marie Martin
The role of the circadian system in fractal neurophysiological control
Authors: Pittman‐Polletta Benjamin R. , Scheer Frank A. J. L. , Butler Matthew P. , Shea Steven A. , Hu Kun 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTMany neurophysiological variables such as heart rate, motor activity, and neural activity are known to exhibit intrinsic fractal fluctuations – similar temporal fluctuation patterns at different time scales. These fractal patterns contain information about health, as many pathological conditions are accompanied by their alteration or absence. In physical systems, such fluctuations are characteristic of critical states on the border between randomness and order, frequently arising from nonlinear feedback interactions between mechanisms operating on multiple scales. Thus, the existence of fractal fluctuations in physiology challenges traditional conceptions of health and disease, suggesting that high levels of integrity and adaptability are marked by complex variability, not constancy, and are properties of a neurophysiological network, not individual components. Despite the subject's theoretical and clinical interest, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying fractal regulation remain largely unknown. The recent discovery that the circadian pacemaker (suprachiasmatic nucleus) plays a crucial role in generating fractal patterns in motor activity and heart rate sheds an entirely new light on both fractal control networks and the function of this master circadian clock, and builds a bridge between the fields of circadian biology and fractal physiology. In this review, we sketch the emerging picture of the developing interdisciplinary field of fractal neurophysiology by examining the circadian system's role in fractal regulation.
Trends and patterns of under‐5 vaccination in Nigeria, 1990–2008: what manner of progress?
Authors: Ushie B. A. , Fayehun O. A. , Ugal D. B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundDespite efforts towards reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest rates of vaccine‐preventable diseases including tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, measles, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. These efforts include regular rounds of immunization days and routine exercises. The government of Nigeria periodically undertakes National Demographic and Health (NDH) surveys, which tap information on various health indices including vaccination coverage. Limited studies have used the NDHS data to examine the trends in vaccination coverage for the assessment of successes or failures of the immunization efforts.MethodsThis study used four NDH Surveys datasets between 1990 and 2008, which generated child health information including the proportion that had had any or all basic childhood vaccines. A combined total of 44 071 (weighted) children were involved in the study. The trend and pattern of vaccination over 18 years were examined while selected factors were regressed to obtain predictors of child vaccinations in Nigeria.ResultsThe most recent survey (2008) reported more complete vaccination apart from 1990, which was said to be inaccurate. In all surveys, children from mothers with higher education, who were delivered in hospitals, lived in urban areas, and whose mothers work outside the home had significantly higher proportions of completed basic vaccination. A lower level of childhood vaccination is observed in the northern parts, while higher rates are observed in the southern parts. More complete vaccination coverage was reported in the 1990 survey, followed by 2008, 1999 and 2003. In addition, children from mothers with higher levels of education, who were delivered in hospitals, who lived in urban areas, and whose mothers work outside the home had significantly higher proportions of completed basic vaccination.ConclusionMuch more work needs to be done if more children are to be covered and thus reduce vaccine‐preventable diseases.
Racial Identity From Adolescence to Young Adulthood: Does Prior Neighborhood Experience Matter?
Authors: Rivas‐Drake Deborah , Witherspoon Dawn 
Published: April 2013

This study examined the influence of earlier neighborhood experiences on trajectories of racial centrality and regard among Black youth. Data were drawn from a sample of Black 11‐ to 14‐year‐old youth (N = 718) in the Maryland Adolescent Development in Context Study, a data set that permits the examination of structural and subjective neighborhood influences. Results suggest that centrality increases, whereas public regard remains relatively stable, across the transition to adulthood. Seventh graders who resided in neighborhoods in which adults were less willing to intervene or respond to problematic situations reported lower public regard in 11th grade. In addition, the trajectory of private regard varied according to the types of neighborhoods youth experienced in early adolescence.
Obtaining regulatory T cells from uraemic patients awaiting kidney transplantation for use in clinical trials
Authors: Berglund D , Karlsson M , Biglarnia A-R , Lorant T , Tufveson G , Korsgren O , Carlsson B 
Published: April 2013

Summary
Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been proposed for use as a cellular therapy to induce transplantation tolerance. Preclinical data are encouraging, and clinical trials with Treg therapy are anticipated. In this study, we investigate different strategies for the isolation and expansion of CD4+CD25highCD127low Tregs from uraemic patients. We use allogeneic dendritic cells (DCs) as feeder cells for the expansion and compare Treg preparations isolated by either fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) or magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) that have been expanded subsequently with either mature or tolerogenic DCs. Expanded Treg preparations have been characterized by their purity, cytokine production and in-vitro suppressive ability. The results show that Treg preparations can be isolated from uraemic patients by both FACS and MACS. Also, the type of feeder cells used in the expansion affects both the purity and the functional properties of the Treg preparations. In particular, FACS-sorted Treg preparations expanded with mature DCs secrete more interleukin (IL)-10 and granzyme B than FACS-sorted Treg preparations expanded with tolerogenic DCs. This is a direct comparison between different isolation techniques and expansion protocols with Tregs from uraemic patients that may guide future efforts to produce clinical-grade Tregs for use in kidney transplantation.