bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kelch-like ECT2 interacting protein KLEIP regulates late stage pulmonary maturation via Hif-2α
Authors: Woik Nicole , Dietz Christian T. , Schäker Kathrin , Kroll Jens 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRespiratory distress syndrome (RDS) caused by preterm delivery is a major clinical problem with limited mechanistic insight. Late stage embryonic lung development is driven by hypoxia and hypoxia inducible transcription factors Hif-1α and Hif-2α, which act as important regulators for lung development. Expression of BTB-kelch protein KLEIP (Kelch-like ECT2 interacting protein; also named Klhl20) is controlled by two hypoxia response elements and KLEIP regulates stabilization and transcriptional activation of Hif-2α. Based on the data, we hypothesised an essential role for KLEIP in murine lung development and function. Therefore, we have performed a functional, histological, mechanistic and interventional study in embryonic and neonatal KLEIP-/- mice. Here we show that half of the KLEIP-/- neonates die due to respiratory failure that is caused by insufficient aeration, septal thickness, reduced glycogenolysis, type II pneumocyte immaturity and reduced surfactant production. Expression analyses in E18.5 lungs identified KLEIP in lung capillaries and strongly reduced mRNA and protein levels for Hif-2α and VEGF, which is associated with embryonic endothelial cell apoptosis and lung bleedings. Betamethasone injection in pregnant females prevented respiratory failure in KLEIP-/- neonates, normalized lung maturation, aeration and function and increased neonatal Hif-2α expression. Thus, the experimental study shows that respiratory failure in KLEIP-/- neonates is determined by insufficient angiocrine Hif-2α/VEGF signaling and that betamethasone activates this new identified signaling cascade in late stage embryonic lung development.
Electroreduced Tantalum Pentaoxide for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Awaludin Zaenal , Okajima Takeyoshi , Ohsaka Takeo 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A novel technique to activate tantalum pentaoxide is introduced. An electrochemical reductive treatment in acidic solution is found to be an effective method for transforming the Ta5+ in Ta2O5 to Ta&lt;5+, in such a way that it is active for hydrogen evolution. This opens a new route to the development of metal oxide-based catalysts.
Preparation, Redox Properties, and X-ray Structures of Electrochromic 11,11,12,12-Tetraarylanthraquinodimethane and Its Bianthraquinodimethane Analogue: Drastic Geometrical Changes upon Interconversion with Dicationic Dyes
Authors: Sakano Yuto , Katoono Ryo , Fujiwara Kenshu , Suzuki Takanori 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl)anthraquinodimethane 1(b) with a bent geometry undergoes reversible redox interconversion with twisted dication 1(t)2+ exhibiting a vivid change in color (electrochromism) accompanied by a drastic structural change. Electrochemical oxidation of bianthraquinodimethane 2(b) with a doubly bent structure to bianthrylidene-type twisted dication 2(t)2+ proceeded smoothly, whereas the reverse conversion was less effective because 2(t)2• generated upon reduction of 2(t)2+ is a long-lived species to undergo side reactions.
The Influence of Rankings and Incentive Systems on Academic Publishing in South African Universities
Authors: Soudien Crain 
Published: May 2014

This essay looks at the influence of ranking and incentive systems on decisions higher education institutions are making with respect to research and academic publishing. It describes and analyses how institutions within the South African higher education system have navigated their way through the contradictory forces confronting them. Characterizing these forces are, on the one hand, the country’s higher education policy platform which calls for institutions to address South Africa’s legacy issues of inclusion and social redress, and, on the other, the demands for institutions to maintain and grow their research profiles. The paper argues that South African institutions are struggling with this tension, as they struggle to pose, to articulate, and deliberately to respond to the question of what it means to be ‘excellent’. Drawing upon institutional documents in the public domain, this paper shows how significantly this tension animates the decisions that institutions are making about their research and publication policies and practices.
Size-Tunable Magnetofluorescent Nanoparticles as In Vivo Imaging
Authors: Sato Keisuke , Hirakuri Kenji , Fujioka Kouki , Manome Yoshinobu , Sukegawa Hiroaki , Iwai Hideo , Fukata Naoki 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTMagnetic/fluorescent (magnetofluorescent) materials have become one of the most important tools in the imaging modality in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence imaging. We succeeded in fabricating magnetofluorescent nanoparticles (MFNPs) consisting of silicon/magnetite composite nanoparticles. Our unique synthetic approach can control simultaneously the magnetic and fluorescence behaviors by varying the particle size, demonstrating the superparamagnetic behavior and green fluorescence for the MFNPs having mean diameter of 3.0 nm, and the ferromagnetic behavior without fluorescence for the MFNPs having mean diameter more than 5.0 nm. More intriguingly, the MFNPs with superparamagnetism can detect green fluorescence even after the magnetic guidance of MFNPs by the commercial neodymium magnet. Additionally, the MFNPs having two magnetic behaviors also possess good biocompatibility.
The Role of Collaborative Student Research on the Development of 21st Century Skills
Authors: Day Deborah A , Ferrari Nicole , Broadbridge Christine C. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTCollaborative student research takes place in educational settings where the teacher directs the laboratory (traditional class) or allows the students to research a topic (non-traditional class). This study examines the role of collaborative student research in two separate settings: in high school (grades 9-12) and in college undergraduate institutions. These experiences include college level Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and high school level Authentic Science Research (ASR) programs. These programs promote collaboration among student peers, teachers, professors, graduate students, post-docs, community members, and industry experts. Benefits of these collaborative student research programs may include development of skills aligned with educational standards such as Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards. This study examines the short and long-term outcome of student engagement in collaborative student research experiences, and offers new insight regarding the impact that these unique experiences have on 21st century skill development. Students in this study have participated in non-traditional, research-based experiences ranging from 8 weeks to 4 years. Pre-post and retrospective student survey data was examined qualitatively and quantitatively to better understand the role in which collaborative student research experiences play in the formation of 21st century skills. Results of the study support the notion that collaborative student research experiences offer students meaningful interdisciplinary benefits, and these experiences are more than just a means of recruiting students into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Graphene-like Membranes: From Impermeable to Selective Sieves
Authors: Brunetto G. , Galvao D. S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTRecently, it was proposed that graphene membranes could act as impermeable atomic structures to standard gases. For some other applications, a higher level of porosity is needed, and the so-called Porous Graphene (PG) and Biphenylene Carbon (BPC) membranes are good candidates to effectively work as selective sieves. In this work we have used classical molecular dynamics simulations to study the dynamics of membrane permeation of He and Ar atoms and possible selectivity effects. For the graphene membranes we did not observe any leakage through the membrane and/or membrane/substrate interface until a critical pressure limit, then a sudden membrane detachment occurs. PG and BPC membranes are not impermeable as graphene ones, but there are significant energy barriers to diffusion depending on the atom type. Our results show that this kind of porous membranes can be effectively used as selective sieves for pure and mixtures of gases.
Mechanical Properties of Graphene Nanowiggles
Authors: Bizao R. A. , Botari T. , Galvao D. S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIn this work we have investigated the mechanical properties and fracture patterns of some graphene nanowiggles (GNWs). Graphene nanoribbons are finite graphene segments with a large aspect ratio, while GNWs are nonaligned periodic repetitions of graphene nanoribbons. We have carried out fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations using a reactive force field (ReaxFF), as implemented in the LAMPPS (Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator) code. Our results showed that the GNW fracture patterns are strongly dependent on the nanoribbon topology and present an interesting behavior, since some narrow sheets have larger ultimate failure strain values. This can be explained by the fact that narrow nanoribbons have more angular freedom when compared to wider ones, which can create a more efficient way to accumulate and to dissipate strain/stress. We have also observed the formation of linear atomic chains (LACs) and some structural defect reconstructions during the material rupture. The reported graphene failure patterns, where zigzag/armchair edge terminated graphene structures are fractured along armchair/zigzag lines, were not observed in the GNW analyzed cases.
Effect of Early Multifactorial Therapy Compared With Routine Care on Microvascular Outcomes at 5 Years in People With Screen-Detected Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sandbæk Annelli , Griffin Simon J. , Sharp Stephen J. , Simmons Rebecca K. , Borch-Johnsen Knut , Rutten Guy E.H.M. , van den Donk Maureen , Wareham Nicholas J. , Lauritzen Torsten , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE
To determine the benefit of multifactorial treatment on microvascular complications among people with type 2 diabetes detected by screening.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This study was a multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial in primary care with randomization at the practice level. In four centers in Denmark; Cambridge, U.K.; the Netherlands; and Leicester, U.K., 343 general practices participated in the trial. Eligible for follow-up were 2,861 of the 3,057 people with diabetes detected by screening included in the original trial. Biomedical data on nephropathy were collected in 2,710 (94.7%) participants, retinal photos in 2,190 (76.6%), and questionnaire data on peripheral neuropathy in 2,312 (80.9%). The prespecified microvascular end points were analyzed by intention to treat. Results from the four centers were pooled using fixed-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS
Five years after diagnosis, any kind of albuminuria was present in 22.7% of participants in the intensive treatment (IT) group and in 24.4% in the routine care (RC) group (odds ratio 0.87 [95% CI 0.72–1.07]). Retinopathy was present in 10.2% of the IT group and 12.1% of the RC group (0.84 [0.64–1.10]), and severe retinopathy was present in one patient in the IT group and seven in the RC group. Neuropathy was present in 4.9% and 5.9% (0.95 [0.68–1.34]), respectively. Estimated glomerular filtration rate increased between baseline and follow-up in both groups (4.31 and 6.44 mL/min, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
Compared with RC, an intervention to promote target-driven, intensive management of patients with type 2 diabetes detected by screening was not associated with significant reductions in the frequency of microvascular events at 5 years.
Evaluating Structured Care for Diabetes: Can Calibration on Margins Help to Avoid Overestimation of the Benefits? An Illustration From French Diabetes Provider Networks Using Data From the ENTRED Survey
Authors: Chevreul Karine , Brunn Matthias , Cadier Benjamin , Nolte Ellen , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE
While there is growing evidence on the effectiveness of structured care for diabetic patients in trial settings, standard population level evaluations may misestimate intervention benefits due to patient selection. In order to account for potential biases in measuring intervention benefits, we tested the impact of calibration on margins as a novel adjustment method in an evaluation context compared with simple poststratification.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We compared the results of a before–after evaluation on HbA1c levels after 1 year of enrollment in a French diabetes provider network (DPN) using an unadjusted sample and samples adjusted by simple poststratification to results obtained after adjustment via calibration on margins to the general diabetic population’s characteristics using a national cross-sectional sample of diabetic patients.

RESULTS
Both with and without adjustment, patients in the DPN had significantly lower HbA1c levels after 1 year of enrollment. However, the reductions in HbA1c levels among the adjusted samples were 22–183% lower than those measured in the unadjusted sample, regardless of the poststratification method and characteristics used. Compared with simple poststratification, estimations using calibration on margins exhibited higher performance.

CONCLUSIONS
Evaluations of diabetes management interventions based on uncontrolled before–after experiments may overestimate the actual benefit for patients. This can be corrected by using poststratification approaches when data on the ultimate target population for the intervention are available. In order to more accurately estimate the effect an intervention would have if extended to the target population, calibration on margins seems to be preferable over simple poststratification in terms of performance and usability.
Psychological Distress and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in High-Risk and Low-Risk Populations: The Whitehall II Cohort Study
Authors: Virtanen Marianna , Ferrie Jane E. , Tabak Adam G. , Akbaraly Tasnime N. , Vahtera Jussi , Singh-Manoux Archana , Kivimäki Mika 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE
We examined whether psychological distress predicts incident type 2 diabetes and if the association differs between populations at higher or lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This was a prospective cohort of 5,932 diabetes-free adults (4,189 men and 1,743 women, mean age 54.6 years) with three 5-year data cycles (1991–2009): a total of 13,207 person-observations. Participants were classified into four groups according to their prediabetes status and Framingham Offspring Type 2 Diabetes Risk Score: normoglycemia with a risk score of 0–9, normoglycemia with a risk score of 10–19, prediabetes with a risk score of 10–19, and prediabetes with a risk score of &gt;19. Psychological distress was assessed by the General Health Questionnaire. Incident type 2 diabetes was ascertained by 2-h oral glucose tolerance test, doctor diagnosis, or use of antihyperglycemic medication at the 5-year follow-up for each data cycle. Adjustments were made for age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, antidepressant use, smoking, and physical activity.

RESULTS
Among participants with normoglycemia and among those with prediabetes combined with a low risk score, psychological distress did not predict type 2 diabetes. Diabetes incidence in these groups varied between 1.6 and 15.6%. Among participants with prediabetes and a high risk score, 40.9% of those with psychological distress compared with 28.5% of those without distress developed diabetes during the follow-up. The corresponding adjusted odds ratio for psychological distress was 2.07 (95% CI 1.19–3.62).

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that psychological distress is associated with an accelerated progression to manifest diabetes in a subpopulation with advanced prediabetes.
Effects of the Fitkids Exercise Therapy Program on Health-Related Fitness, Walking Capacity, and Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Kotte Elles M.W. , de Groot Janke F. , Winkler Alexander M.F. , Huijgen Barbara C.H. , Takken Tim 
Published: May 2014

Background
Children with disabilities have an increased risk for reduced fitness and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Fitkids, a nationwide exercise therapy program in the Netherlands, was developed to improve fitness and HRQoL in children with disabilities.

Objective
The study objective was to determine the effects of the Fitkids program on health-related fitness, walking capacity, and HRQoL in children with disabilities or chronic conditions.

Design
This was a quasi-experimental single-group longitudinal study.

Methods
Fifty-two children and adolescents who were referred to the Fitkids program participated in this study. Participants received a graded exercise training program for 6 months, with frequencies of 1 hour 2 times per week in the first 3 months and 1 hour per week during months 4 to 6. Health-related fitness (aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, and muscle strength), walking capacity, and HRQoL were evaluated at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of training. Multilevel modeling was used to quantify the contributions of repeated measures, participants, and Fitkids centers to variations in health-related fitness, walking capacity, and HRQoL during the intervention period. The models were adjusted for sex, height, and weight.

Results
After 6 months of training, significant intervention effects were found for aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, and muscle strength. A significant effect also was found for walking capacity. On the HRQoL measure, significant improvements were found for the self-reported and parent-reported physical and emotion domains and for the parent-reported total score for HRQoL.

Limitations
No control group was included in this study.

Conclusions
The Fitkids exercise therapy program has significantly improved health-related fitness, walking capacity, and HRQoL in children and adolescents with chronic conditions or disabilities.
Facebook as a Platform for Using English Language Skills among the Indian Youth
Authors: Acharya Sharda , Mohanty Seemita 
Published: May 2014

Today Facebook undoubtedly is one of the preferred Social Networking Site (SNS) platforms used by millions of people worldwide. Facebook users often use its unique creative applications and in the process also make use of smart abbreviations and ingenious expressions for everyday interactions. It is quite apparent that in such type of electronic communication and user-oriented media it is imperative to understand casual written English, which often does not conform to the rules of spelling, grammar and punctuation. It is generally being observed that repeated Facebook usage has the potential of providing the user new expressions of language through its various available features. Within the framework of such observations, this paper discusses the impact of Facebook on English language use of the youth in India. The study employed a survey design among young professionals, home-makers and graduate students, to fulfil the objectives. The results revealed a few surprising particulars. The key findings show that: i. as perceived by the youngsters themselves, by ‘facebooking’ there is mark deterioration in their English writing skills, ii. not many changes are seen in their day-to-day English language use despite their remaining abreast of the latest colloquial and casual English, and iii. Facebook is used by young people mainly for recreation purpose and any improvement that is seen in their English language skills is purely incidental. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10326 Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 1-17
Critiquing Economic Values in English Language Teaching: Materials Problems and Critical Solutions Facing Teachers
Authors: Addison Neil 
Published: May 2014

This paper contends that the English language teaching industry is implicitly imbued with Western cultural values which, whilst emanating from the ideological discourse of colonialism, have now evolved into an aggressive corporate colonialism. An examination of various materials employed in ELT finds that they are saturated with market driven Western values and product placements, which, if not explicated properly, can confuse students who may come from very different schematic backgrounds (Widdowson, 1990). A more critical classroom approach is therefore advocated, where foreign English language students are encouraged to use vocabulary to critique cultural contents encountered in ELT materials, affording them the chance to engage with English more dynamically. A 2012 teaching approach is described, which sought to achieve this aim within the context of a Japanese university English conversation class. The effectiveness of this approach is then assessed and discussed through the examination of quantitative and qualitative student response data. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10327 Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 18-30
Career Gains and Identity Loss: The Effects of English in the Nepali Hinterlands
Authors: Khati Ashok Raj 
Published: May 2014

English in developing countries like Nepal has played a crucial role in increasing career and economic opportunities. It has provided access to the information and networks that are vital in building and maintaining economic links. On the other hand, there is an emerging issue of its threat to the local languages because of the massive use of English in different spheres of Nepalese lives. The major focus of the article is on how English has become instrumental in creating opportunities among multilingual communities and what perception these communities hold towards English and the development of local languages by incorporating the perspectives of EFL teachers from multilingual backgrounds and researcher’s own understanding of the context. The paper argues that English has unquestionably become instrumental in promoting career and economic opportunities, and the foremost reasons behind the decline of many local languages are more of political, cultural and economy guided in nature. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v18i1-2.10332 Journal of NELTA, Vol 18 No. 1-2, December 2013; 77-91