bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stomaching Notch
Authors: Yin Xiaolei , Karp Jeffrey M 
Published: September 2015

The self‐renewal and differentiation of tissue stem cells must be tightly controlled. Unrestrained self‐renewal leads to over‐proliferation of stem cells, which may cause tumor formation, while uncontrolled differentiation leads to depletion of the stem cell pool. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Demitrack et al (2015) show that the Notch pathway is a key regulator of Lgr5 antral stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation. Notch signaling controls the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells as well as gastric tissue growth, while uncontrolled Notch activity in stem cells leads to polyp formation.
The role of qualitative approaches to research in CALL contexts: Closing in on the learner’s experience
Authors: Levy Mike 
Published: September 2015

The article considers the role of qualitative research methods in CALL through describing a series of examples. These examples are used to highlight the importance and value of qualitative data in relation to a specific research objective in CALL. The use of qualitative methods in conjunction with other approaches as in mixed method research designs are a particular focus. It is argued that qualitative methods are especially effective when used in this way. The discussion also aims to elaborate upon the role of qualitative approaches within CALL specifically, as a domain for research study with particular attributes that require a qualitative orientation. Here the use of electronic dictionaries is considered. Dictionary use is suited to such a discussion because it occurs frequently in everyday life, suggesting a qualitative approach, as well as in research studies that are strictly controlled, as in a quantitative approach. The contrast is instructive and helps demonstrate the respective strengths and limitations of each method. Also central to the discussion is the language learner. A number of the studies described emphasize the importance of listening to the students’ voice in the qualitative component (e.g., Conole, 2008; Jones, 2003). It is in the unpacking of what students actually do moment-by-moment in CALL tasks and activities that best illustrate the strengths of qualitative methods in enhancing our understanding of mediated learning and thereby driving productive research agendas.
O Curso de Engenharia de Operação (anos 1960/ 1970) e sua relação histórica com a criação dos CEFETs
Authors: Brandão Marisa 
Published: September 2015

<p>Este trabalho apresenta alguns aspectos da história dos cursos de Engenharia de Operação no Brasil. A discussão sobre estes cursos surge nos primeiros anos da década de 1960; seu currículo mínimo foi fixado em 1965 e, pouco mais de uma década depois, já seriam extintos. Considerando tais cursos como uma das pontas de uma política maior de cursos superiores diferenciados, procura se mostrar como se relacionam com a concepção de um novo tipo de instituição de ensino superior. Iniciando com a idéia de Centros de Engenharia de Operação, esta concepção culminará, no final da década de 1970, com a criação dos primeiros Centros Federais de Educação Tecnológica (CEFETs), que se constituíram em parte da Rede Federal de Educação Profissional e Tecnológica.</p>
Duration and Degree of Weight Gain and Incident Diabetes in Younger Versus Middle-Aged Black and White Adults: ARIC, CARDIA, and the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Wei Gina S. , Coady Sean A. , Reis Jared P. , Carnethon Mercedes R. , Coresh Josef , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Goff David C. , Jacobs David R. , Selvin Elizabeth , Fox Caroline S. 
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether duration and degree of weight gain are differentially associated with diabetes risk in younger versus middle-aged black and white adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We combined data from three cohort studies: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC), Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), and the Framingham Heart Study. A total of 17,404 participants (56% women; 21% black) were stratified by baseline age (younger: ≥30 and &lt;45 years; middle-aged: ≥45 and &lt;60 years) and examined for incident diabetes (median follow-up 9 years). Duration and degree of gain in BMI were calculated as “BMI-years” above one’s baseline BMI.

RESULTS
Diabetes incidence per 1,000 person-years in the younger and middle-aged groups was 7.2 (95% CI 5.7, 8.7) and 24.4 (22.0, 26.8) in blacks, respectively, and 3.4 (2.8, 4.0) and 10.5 (9.9, 11.2) in whites, respectively. After adjusting for sex, baseline BMI and other cardiometabolic factors, and age and race interaction terms, gains in BMI-years were associated with higher risk of diabetes in the younger compared with middle-aged groups: hazard ratios for 1-unit increase in log BMI-years in younger versus middle-aged blacks were 1.18 (P = 0.02) and 1.02 (P = 0.39), respectively (P for interaction by age-group = 0.047), and in whites were 1.35 (P &lt; 0.001) and 1.11 (P &lt; 0.001), respectively (P for interaction by age-group = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS
Although middle-aged adults have higher rates of diabetes, younger adults are at greater relative risk of developing diabetes for a given level of duration and degree of weight gain.
A Phase 2, Randomized, Dose-Finding Study of the Novel Once-Weekly Human GLP-1 Analog, Semaglutide, Compared With Placebo and Open-Label Liraglutide in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nauck Michael A. , Petrie John R. , Sesti Giorgio , Mannucci Edoardo , Courrèges Jean-Pierre , Lindegaard Marie L. , Jensen Christine B. , Atkin Stephen L. 
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the dose-response relationship of semaglutide versus placebo and open-label liraglutide in terms of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind phase 2 trial. Patients (n = 415) were randomized to receive a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide once weekly without dose escalation (0.1–0.8 mg) or with dose escalation (E) (0.4 mg steps to 0.8 or 1.6 mg E over 1–2 weeks), open-label liraglutide once daily (1.2 or 1.8 mg), or placebo. The primary end point was change in HbA1c level from baseline. Secondary end points included change in body weight, safety, and tolerability.

RESULTS
Semaglutide dose-dependently reduced the level of HbA1c from baseline (8.1 ± 0.8%) to week 12 by up to −1.7%, and body weight by up to −4.8 kg (1.6 mg E, P &lt; 0.001 vs. placebo). Up to 81% of patients achieved an HbA1c level of &lt;7%. HbA1c level and weight reductions with semaglutide 1.6 mg E were greater than those with liraglutide 1.2 and 1.8 mg (based on unadjusted CIs), but adverse events (AEs) and withdrawals occurred more frequently. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and withdrawal due to gastrointestinal AEs increased with the semaglutide dose; most events were mild to moderate, transient, and ameliorated by dose escalation. There were no major episodes of hypoglycemia and few cases of injection site reactions.

CONCLUSIONS
After 12 weeks, semaglutide dose-dependently reduced HbA1c level and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. No unexpected safety or tolerability concerns were identified; gastrointestinal AEs typical of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists were mitigated by dose escalation. On this basis, weekly semaglutide doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg with a 4-week dose escalation were selected for phase 3.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of NPH Insulin in Type 1 Diabetes: The Importance of Appropriate Resuspension Before Subcutaneous Injection
Authors: Lucidi Paola , Porcellati Francesca , Marinelli Andreoli Anna , Carriero Ilaria , Candeloro Paola , Cioli Patrizia , Bolli Geremia B. , Fanelli Carmine G. 
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVECrystalline NPH insulin comes in a two-phase solution with either a solvent or a rapid-acting insulin (in premixed formulations) and needs adequate mixing for complete resuspension before injection. The aim of this study was to establish pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) after injection of appropriately resuspended versus nonresuspended NPH insulin.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSPK and PD were assessed after subcutaneous injection of NPH insulin 0.35 units/kg at steady state by pen either resuspended (R+, tipping of insulin pen 20 times) or nonresuspended (pen maintained in fixed position either horizontally [R- horizontal] or vertically with tip up [R- up] or tip down [R- down]). Eleven subjects with type 1 diabetes (age 31.5 ± 12 years, diabetes duration 17.5 ± 7.7 years, BMI 22.9 ± 1.5 kg/m2, A1C 7.2 ± 0.4% [55.2 ± 4.4 mmol/mol]) were studied (euglycemic clamp) with a randomized crossover design.RESULTSCompared with resuspended NPH insulin (R+), nonresuspended NPH insulin resulted in profound PK/PD differences with either reduced (R- horizontal and R- up) or increased (R- down) plasma insulin concentrations [FIRI_AUC(0–end of study) (free immunoreactive insulin area under the concentration-time curve between 0 and end of study)] and PD activity [glucose infusion rate (GIR)_AUC(0–end of study)] (all P &lt; 0.05). Duration of NPH insulin action was shorter in R- up (9.4 ± 1.7 h) but longer in R- down (15.4 ± 2.3 h) compared with R+ (11.8 ± 2.6 h) (P &lt; 0.05). Within-subject variability (percent coefficient of variation) among studies was as high as 23% for PK [FIRI_AUC(0–end of study)] and 62% for PD [GIR_AUC(0–end of study)].CONCLUSIONSCompared with resuspended NPH insulin, lack of resuspension profoundly alters PK/PD and may importantly contribute to day-to-day glycemic variability of type 1 diabetes.
Timing of the resumption of antithrombotic agents following surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematomas: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Guha Daipayan , Coyne Shona , Macdonald R. Loch 
Published: September 2015

OBJECT
Antithrombosis (AT), defined here as either antiplatelets or anticoagulants, is a significant risk factor for the development of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs). Resuming AT following the evacuation of cSDH is a highly variable practice, with scant evidence in the literature for guidance. Here, a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients from a single institution undergoing surgical drainage of cSDH was performed to evaluate postoperative complications and determine the optimal timing of the resumption of common antithrombotic agents.

METHODS
This retrospective analysis was performed on 479 patients undergoing surgical evacuation of cSDH at St. Michael’s Hospital over a 5-year period (2007–2012). The collected variables included the type of AT agent, indications for AT, timing and type of postoperative complications, and the restart intervals for the AT agents, when available. Postoperative complications were classified as major hemorrhages, minor hemorrhages, orthromboembolic events.

RESULTS
Among all 479 study patients, 71 experienced major hemorrhage (14.8%), 110 experienced minor hemorrhage (23.0%), and 8 experienced thromboembolism (1.67%) postoperatively. Patients on any type of preoperative AT regimen were at a higher risk of major hemorrhage (19.0% vs 10.9%; OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.15–2.71; p = 0.014). The type of AT agent did not affect the frequency of any postoperative complications. Patients on any preoperative AT regimen experienced earlier postoperative major hemorrhages (mean 16.2 vs 26.5 days; p = 0.052) and thromboembolic events (mean 2.7 vs 51.5 days; p = 0.036) than those patients without a history of AT; the type of AT agent did not affect timing of complications. Patients who were restarted on any AT therapy postoperatively were at decreased risk of major rebleeding following resumption than those patients who were not restarted (OR 0.06; 95% CI 0.02–0.2; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with a history of preoperative AT experienced thromboembolic complications significantly earlier than those patients without AT, which peaked at 3 days postoperatively with no increase in hemorrhage risk when AT was restarted. Cursory evidence is presented that shows resuming AT early following the surgical evacuation of cSDH at 3 days postoperatively may be safe. However, much larger prospective studies are required prior to providing any definitive recommendations regarding the optimal timing and method of resumption of individual agents.
Gamma Knife surgery for patients with facial nerve schwannomas: a multiinstitutional retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Hasegawa Toshinori , Kato Takenori , Kida Yoshihisa , Hayashi Motohiro , Tsugawa Takahiko , Iwai Yoshiyasu , Sato Mitsuya , Okamoto Hisayo , Kano Tadashige , Osano Seiki , Nagano Osamu , Nakazaki Kiyoshi 
Published: September 2015

OBJECT
The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with facial nerve schwannomas (FNSs).

METHODS
This study was a multiinstitutional retrospective analysis of 42 patients with FNSs treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) at 1 of 10 medical centers of the Japan Leksell Gamma Knife Society (JLGK1301). The median age of the patients was 50 years. Twenty-nine patients underwent GKS as the initial treatment, and 13 patients had previously undergone surgery. At the time of the GKS, 33 (79%) patients had some degree of facial palsy, and 21 (50%) did not retain serviceable hearing. Thirty-five (83%) tumors were solid, and 7 (17%) had cystic components. The median tumor volume was 2.5 cm3, and the median prescription dose to the tumor margin was 12 Gy.

RESULTS
The median follow-up period was 48 months. The last follow-up images showed partial remission in 23 patients and stable tumors in 19 patients. Only 1 patient experienced tumor progression at 60 months, but repeat GKS led to tumor shrinkage. The actuarial 3- and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 100% and 92%, respectively. During the follow-up period, 8 patients presented with newly developed or worsened preexisting facial palsy. The condition was transient in 3 of these patients. At the last clinical follow-up, facial nerve function improved in 8 (19%) patients, remained stable in 29 (69%), and worsened in 5 (12%; House-Brackmann Grade III in 4 patients, Grade IV in 1 patient). With respect to hearing function, 18 (90%) of 20 evaluated patients with a pure tone average of ≤ 50 dB before treatment retained serviceable hearing.

CONCLUSIONS
GKS is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with either primary or residual FNSs. All patients, including 1 patient who required repeat GKS, achieved good tumor control at the last follow-up. The incidence of newly developed or worsened preexisting facial palsy was 12% at the last clinical follow-up. In addition, the risk of hearing deterioration as an adverse effect of radiation was low. These results suggest that GKS is a safe alternative to resection.
Le sens des mesures. Usages et circulation des chiffres dans la définition du problème public des drogues au travail
Authors: Crespin Renaud 
Published: September 2015

Cet article revient sur le rôle des chiffres et des statistiques dans le processus de définition publique du problème de l’usage de drogues au travail en France. Lors de ce processus, des approches différentes ainsi que des conflits sur la définition de l’addiction ont fortement clivé l’espace des autorités publiques chargées de réguler tant le problème que le recours au dépistage biologique comme une des solutions techniques pour y répondre. Or, malgré les difficultés pour évaluer et spécifier les risques associés à la consommation de drogues au travail, des chiffres et des statistiques ont circulé dans l’espace public. Interroger le sens des usages de ces données chiffrées dans différents espaces (politique, expertise, administratif, médiatique) permet de mettre en évidence leur dimension rhétorique pour accréditer publiquement de l’existence, de la pertinence mais aussi de l’ampleur des risques comme de la nécessité de dépister pour les prévenir. Sans prétendre se faire l’arbitre des élégances statistiques, notre analyse porte sur la façon dont des données chiffrées « floues » ont participé à cadrer le problème public des drogues au travail. Pour cela, nous insistons sur trois points. D’abord, sur la mobilisation d’expertise par des associations européenne et française de toxicologues professionnels pour promouvoir auprès des autorités publiques les techniques de dépistage comme solution au problème public des drogues au travail. Ensuite, sur les effets rhétoriques (vérité, crédibilité, science-based) que produisent ces données chiffrées sur l’action publique dans le domaine des drogues au travail. Enfin, en posant la question des sources et des interprétations auxquelles ces données chiffrées ont donné lieu, nous discutons des limites de la quantification du problème des drogues au travail.
Risk factors associated with chronic low back pain in Syria
Authors: Alhalabi Mohammad Salem , Alhaleeb Hassan , Madani Sarah 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Background: We aimed to identify risk factors associated with chronic low back pain (C-LBP) in Syria. Materials and Methods: We conducted the study in a busy outpatient neurology clinic in Damascus city from October 2011 to August 2012. We enrolled all eligible adults presenting with C-LBP along with those who denied any back pain as a controls. We considered C-LBP any LBP lasting over 3 months. We developed our own questionnaire. A clinical nurse interviewed each person and filled in the results. Results: We had a total of 911 subjects; 513 patients and 398 controls. We found that C-LBP increased with age. Having a sibling with C-LBP was a strong predictor of C-LBP. In women obesity, but not overweight, was a risk factor. Number of children was a risk factor for mothers. Higher level of education decreased the chance of C-LBP in women. Sedentary job increased the risk of C-LBP. Conclusion: This study sheds some light on risk factors for C-LBP in our population and might help find possible preventive measures.
English language proficiency and academic performance: A study of a medical preparatory year program in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kaliyadan Feroze , Thalamkandathil Nazer , Parupalli Srinivas Rao , Amin Tarek Tawfik , Balaha Magdy Hassan , Al Bu Ali Waleed Hamad 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Introduction: All medical schools in Saudi Arabia have English as the primary official medium of instruction. Most of the high school education, however, is delivered in Arabic and hence the transition to an English based learning environment tends to be difficult for some students. Our study aims to correlate English language proficiency with academic performance among medical students in their preparatory year.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Test scores of 103 preparatory year students (54 female and 49 male) were analyzed after the students completed an English language course and medical introductory course in their preparatory year. The total score obtained in the English course assessment was compared to each component of the medical content assessment.
Results: A significantly positive correlation (Spearman's Rho, at 0.01 levels) was seen between the scores of the English exam and the written exam (P<0.001) and the oral exam (P = −0.003) parts respectively of the medical examination. Significant correlation with the English exam score was not obtained for the other components of the medical assessment, namely; student assignments, presentations and portfolios.
Conclusion: English language proficiency is an important factor in determining academic proficiency of medical students in our college at the preparatory year level.
Sea ice convergence along the Arctic coasts of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: Variability and extremes (1992–2014)
Authors: Kwok Ron 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAfter the summer of 2013, a convergence‐induced tail in the thickness distribution of the ice cover is found along the Arctic coasts of Greenland and Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Prompted by this, a normalized ice convergence index (ICI) is introduced to examine the variability and extremes in convergence in a 23 year record (1992–2014) of monthly ice drift. Large‐scale composites of circulation patterns, characteristic of regional convergence and divergence, are examined. Indeed, the ICI shows the June 2013 convergence event to be an extreme (i.e., ICI > 2). Furthermore, there is a cluster of 9 months over a 17 month period with positive ICIs (i.e., >1) following the record summer minimum ice extent (SMIE) in 2012; the imprint of ice dynamics from this cluster of positive ICIs likely contributed to higher SMIEs in 2013 and 2014. The impact of convergence on SMIE is discussed, and the increase in Arctic ice volume in 2013 is underscored.
Funktionsorientiertes Design von Aerogelen: Selbstanordnung von legierten PdNi‐Hohlnanosphären als effiziente Elektrokatalysatoren
Authors: Cai Bin , Wen Dan , Liu Wei , Herrmann Anne‐Kristin , Benad Albrecht , Eychmüller Alexander 
Published: September 2015

AbstractEine gezielte Verbesserung der Baueinheiten ist eine naheliegende Herangehensweise, um Aerogele mit herausragenden Eigenschaften zu versehen und gleichzeitig ihre Vorzüge zu erhalten. Bestimmte Eigenschaften, wie die Optimierung der Morphologie für katalytische Anwendungen oder die Übergangsmetalldotierung in metallischen Aerogelen, sind jedoch nach wie vor schwer zu realisieren. In diesem Zusammenhang präsentieren wir hier erstmalig elektrokatalytisch aktive Aerogele, welche sich vollständig aus legierten PdNi‐Hohlnanosphären (HNS) aufbauen und deren chemische Zusammensetzung und Schalendicke gezielt eingestellt werden kann. Die Kombination von Übergangsmetalldotierung mit hohlen Baueinheiten in einem dreidimensionalen Netzwerk machen PdNi‐HNS‐Aerogele zu vielversprechenden Elektrokatalysatoren für die Ethanoloxidation. Gegenüber dem kommerziellen Pd/C‐Katalysator zeigt das Pd83Ni17‐HNS‐Aerogel eine 5.6‐fach höhere Massenaktivität. Durch diese Arbeit wird die Nutzbarkeit von metallischen Aerogelen in der Elektrokatalyse erweitert, indem die Morphologie und Zusammensetzung der Baueinheiten gezielt kontrolliert werden.
Exklusiver π‐Einschluss leichter Alkalimetallkationen durch ein neutrales Molekül
Authors: Bertermann Rüdiger , Braunschweig Holger , Constantinidis Philipp , Dellermann Theresa , Dewhurst Rian D. , Ewing William C. , Fischer Ingo , Kramer Thomas , Mies Jan , Phukan Ashwini K. , Vargas Alfredo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractKation‐π‐Wechselwirkungen sind eine der wichtigsten Klassen von nichtkovalenten Bindungen. Sie können in der Biologie, Chemie und den Materialwissenschaften beobachtet werden. Jedoch spielen diese bisher nur in Verbindung mit sehr starken kovalenten oder dativen Bindungen eine Rolle, was dazu führt, dass nur wenige Beispiele mit ausschließlich Kation‐π‐Bindungen bekannt sind. In dieser Arbeit wurde gezeigt, dass ein neutrales Diborin in der Lage war, die leichten Alkalimetallkationen Li+ und Na+ in Abwesenheit von Ladungen, kovalenten Bindungen oder Elektronenpaardonoren einzuschließen. Die entstehenden Einschlusskomplexe sind gemäß unserem Kenntnisstand die ersten strukturell belegten Beispiele, in welchen ein neutrales Molekül leichte Alkalimetall‐Kationen ausschließlich durch Kation‐π‐Wechselwirkungen bindet.