bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An objective method for assessing adherence to prophylaxis in adults with severe haemophilia
Authors: Ho S. , Gue D. , McIntosh K. , Bucevska M. , Yang M. , Jackson S. 
Published: August 2013

SummarySevere haemophilia is often managed by prophylactic factor infusions in developed countries. The benefits of secondary prophylaxis in adults are currently being studied and adherence to the prescribed prophylactic factor regimen is vital to decreasing bleeding episodes. The aim of this study was to measure discrepancy between the physicians' prescription for prophylactic factor usage, and the actual factor usage obtained through infusion logs. During this method subjects with severe haemophilia A or B (FVIII or FIX ≤2%), from a single haemophilia clinic with complete medical and infusion records from July 01, 2009 to June 30, 2011, were evaluated. Continuous prophylaxis ≥4 weeks were included in the analysis. A scoring system for adherence to prescribed dosing and frequency was developed. A global scale of adherence was performed by two independent nurses using visual analogue scale. Thirty‐one subjects, all with haemophilia A, with a median age of 26 years (range 18–56) were included. Results showed that the median (IQR) adherence rate to prescribed frequency and dosage, respectively, was 76% (67;85) and 93% (73;97). In multivariate analysis, only the length of time on prophylaxis during the study period showed a positive correlation with adherence whereas age, number of co‐infections, number of bleeds and number of joints with chronic arthropathy did not. Global nursing assessments were in general agreement with the score. In conclusion, we observed a moderately good level of adherence based on score and by the nurse global assessment. Better adherence was found in subjects with longer exposure to prophylaxis.
The Impact of the Bologna Reform on the Productivity of Swiss Universities
Authors: Agasisti Tommaso , Bolli Thomas 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe Bologna reform aims to enhance several dimensions of the universities' activities, by favouring mobility and mutual recognition of higher education degrees across Europe, with the objective to create a European Higher Education Area. The radical changes induced by the Bologna Process affect universities' productivity both directly (for example, implementation costs, curriculum streamlining, evaluation intensity) and indirectly (for example, the ability to attract more students and higher levels of competition among institutions). The decentralised organisation of the Swiss university sector provides an ideal setting to test this hypothesis, as the panel data of departments permits the consideration of the unobserved heterogeneity across both universities and scientific fields. The empirical results support the claim that the Bologna reform enhances university productivity. Furthermore, there is no evidence of substantial costs of the system transformation.
The effect of pH, salts and sugars on the rheological properties of cress seed (Lepidium sativum) gum
Authors: Behrouzian Fataneh , Razavi Seyed M. A. , Karazhiyan Hojjat 
Published: August 2013

SummaryEffect of shear rate (15–600 s−1), gum concentration (1–2%), pH (3–9), sucrose (10–40%), lactose (5–15%), NaCl (100–300 mm) and CaCl2 (5–50 mm) was evaluated on apparent viscosity (ηa), flow behaviour index (n), consistency coefficient (K) and yield stress (τ0) indices of cress seed gum (CSG) solutions. Different rheological models were used to fit the experimental data, although the Herschel–Bulkley model was found the best model. An increase in gum concentration led to an increase in τ0, ηa, and k and a decrease in n values. The addition of salts lowered the k value; however, the n value showed slight significant change. The presence of sugar resulted in the enhancement of n, k, τ0 and ηap values. The existence of yield stress and pseudoplastic behaviour of CSG, its stability against salts, wide range of pH and synergic effect of sugar make it a good thickener and stabiliser in food formulations.
Pressure ulcer knowledge of registered nurses, assistant nurses and student nurses: a descriptive, comparative multicentre study in Sweden
Authors: Gunningberg Lena , Mårtensson Gunilla , Mamhidir Anna‐Greta , Florin Jan , Muntlin Athlin Åsa , Bååth Carina 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe and compare the knowledge of registered nurses (RNs), assistant nurses (ANs) and student nurses (SNs) about preventing pressure ulcers (PUs). PU prevention behaviours in the clinical practice of RNs and ANs were also explored. A descriptive, comparative multicentre study was performed. Hospital wards and universities from four Swedish county councils participated. In total, 415 participants (RN, AN and SN) completed the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool. The mean knowledge score for the sample was 58·9%. The highest scores were found in the themes ‘nutrition’ (83·1%) and ‘risk assessment’ (75·7%). The lowest scores were found in the themes ‘reduction in the amount of pressure and shear’ (47·5%) and ‘classification and observation’ (55·5%). RNs and SNs had higher scores than ANs on ‘aetiology and causes’. SNs had higher scores than RNs and ANs on 'nutrition'. It has been concluded that there is a knowledge deficit in PU prevention among nursing staff in Sweden. A major educational campaign needs to be undertaken both in hospital settings and in nursing education.
Crystal Structure and Electrical Properties of Lead‐Free (1 − x)BaTiO3–x(Bi1/2A1/2)TiO3 (A = Ag,Li,Na,K,Rb,Cs) Ceramics
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Tan Xiaoli 
Published: August 2013

Ceramics of solid solutions (1 − x)BaTiO3–x(Bi1/2A1/2)TiO3 (A = Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, x ≤ 0.20) were prepared and their crystal structures, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties were investigated. It was found that (Bi1/2A1/2)TiO3‐type doping compounds broadened the temperature range of the tetragonal phase in BaTiO3 and all the compositions examined displayed a tetragonal structure at room temperature. The Curie temperature (TC) was observed to increase with respect to pure BaTiO3 to the range 140°C–210°C through solid solution. Remanent polarization (Pr) tended to decrease with increased content of doping compound, whereas the coercive field (EC) rose and piezoelectric coefficient (d33) fell. The highest d33 value in the solid solutions was observed in 0.97BaTiO3–0.03(Bi1/2Ag1/2)TiO3 at 90 pC/N.
High‐Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Predicts Nondipper Hypertension in Newly Diagnosed Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Çaylı Murat , Gür Mustafa , Elbasan Zafer , Şeker Taner , Türkoğlu Caner , Kaypaklı Onur , Şahin Durmuş Y. , Uçar Hakan , Kıvrak Ali , Koyunsever Nermin Y. , Şen Ömer 
Published: August 2013

The increased prognostic accuracy of the high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) assay vs the conventional cTnT assay has recently been reported in hypertensive patients. The authors aimed to investigate the significance of serum hs‐cTnT marker for prediction of nondipper hypertension (HTN) in hypertensive patients. A total of 317 patients with newly diagnosed HTN were studied. The patients were divided into two groups: 198 dipper hypertensive patients (mean age, 51.7±5.1 years) and 119 nondipper hypertensive patients (mean age, 53.4±7.6 years). Hs‐cTnT and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were measured in all patients. hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP were independent predictors for nondipper HTN (P<.05 for all). The cutoff value of hs‐cTnT obtained by the receiver operator curve analysis was 7.55 ng/L for the prediction of nondipper HTN (sensitivity: 79%, specificity: 70%; 95% confidence interval, 0.769–0.860; P<.001). In patients with HTN, higher serum concentration of hs‐cTnT even within normal range is an independent predictor of nondipper HTN.
S100 proteins and the skin: a review
Authors: Halawi A. , Abbas O. , Mahalingam M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe structurally related, low‐molecular weight S100 proteins constitute a family of proteins that possess a common basic structure allowing them to carry out a range of intracellular and extracellular functions. Unifying intracellular functions relate to regulation of proliferation, energy metabolism, calcium homeostasis, enzyme activities, cell growth and differentiation. Extracellular tasks, however, appear somewhat specific to select S100 members and include participation in innate and adaptive immune responses, tissue development and repair, and/or cell migration and chemotaxis. This review is an attempt to comprehensively summarize the function and expression of S100 proteins selectively expressed in normal skin and/or involved in diseased skin.
Comorbid psychopathology and stress mediate the relationship between autistic traits and repetitive behaviours in adults with autism
Authors: García‐Villamisar D. , Rojahn J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundComorbid psychopathology and stress were considered possible mediators that may explain the relationship between some autistic traits and repetitive behaviours. The current study sought to examine the mediational effects of comorbid psychopathology, executive dysfunctions and stress in the relationship between some autistic traits and repetitive behaviours.MethodA battery of questionnaires including measures of autistic traits, repetitive behaviours, stress, executive dysfunctions and comorbid psychopathology were administered to a sample of adults with autism and intellectual disabilities (n = 43).ResultsWe found that when taken as set dimensions of comorbidity, dysexecutive functioning and stress mediated or explained the effects of autistic symptoms on repetitive behaviour. The total model explained 60% of the variation in repetitive behaviours (R = 0.60; F = 13.64, P < 0.001). The results are discussed in the light of pertinent previous research and their clinical implications, and suggestions for future research are provided.ConclusionsAccording to the investigated model, increased levels of comorbid psychopathology and stress explained the relationships between repetitive/restrictive behaviours and autistic traits in adults with autism, while executive functioning did not contribute to that relationship.
Influence of mobbing (workplace bullying) on depressive symptoms: a longitudinal study among employees working with people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Figueiredo‐Ferraz H. , Gil‐Monte P. R. , Olivares‐Faúndez V. E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe problem of mobbing has attracted a great deal of attention over the past few years. This concern has increased the study of the phenomena, which has resulted in many scientific publications. Mobbing has been characterised as an emerging risk at work. The aim of this longitudinal study was to analyse the influence of mobbing on depressive symptoms in a sample of employees working with people with intellectual disabilities (ID).MethodThe sample consisted of 372 Spanish employees working with people with ID at 61 job centres in the Valencian Community (Spain). Seventy‐nine (21.2%) participants were men, and 293 were (78.8%) women. Mobbing was evaluated by the Mobbing‐UNIPSICO scale, and depressive symptoms were measured using the Zung Self Rating Depression Scale. Using analyses of variance (anova), we tested the differences in depressive symptoms according to the mobbing criteria indicated by Leymann, that is, frequency and duration at Time 1 and Time 2.ResultsEmployees who met the mobbing criteria: frequency (at least once a week) and duration (at least 6 months) at the two study times presented significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than employees who met mobbing criteria at Time 1, but did not meet any criteria for mobbing at Time 2, and employees who did not meet any criteria for mobbing at Time 1 or Time 2.ConclusionsWe conclude that permanence of mobbing from Time 1 to Time 2 increases depressive symptoms.
Extracellular matrix determinants and the regulation of cancer cell invasion stratagems
Authors: WILLIS A.L. , SABEH F. , LI X.‐Y. , WEISS S.J. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryDuring development, wound repair and disease‐related processes, such as cancer, normal, or neoplastic cell types traffic through the extracellular matrix (ECM), the complex composite of collagens, elastin, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans that dictate tissue architecture. Current evidence suggests that tissue‐invasive processes may proceed by protease‐dependent or protease‐independent strategies whose selection is not only governed by the characteristics of the motile cell population, but also by the structural properties of the intervening ECM. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which ECM dimensionality, elasticity, crosslinking, and pore size impact patterns of cell invasion. This summary should prove useful when designing new experimental approaches for interrogating invasion programs as well as identifying potential cellular targets for next‐generation therapeutics.
Microglia in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis are primed toward a pro‐inflammatory phenotype
Authors: Xiong Juan , Kielian Tammy 
Published: August 2013

AbstractJuvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by an autosomal recessive mutation in CLN3. Regions of microglial activation precede and predict areas of neuronal loss in JNCL; however, the functional role of activated microglia remains to be defined. The inflammasome is a key molecular pathway for activating pro‐IL‐1β in microglia, and IL‐1β is elevated in the brains of JNCL patients and can induce neuronal cell death. Here, we utilized primary microglia isolated from CLN3Δex7/8 mutant and wild‐type (WT) mice to examine the impact of CLN3 mutation on microglial activation and inflammasome function. Treatment with neuronal lysates and ceramide, a lipid intermediate elevated in the JNCL brain, led to inflammasome activation and IL‐1β release in CLN3Δex7/8 microglia but not WT cells, as well as increased expression of additional pro‐inflammatory mediators. Similar effects were observed following either TNF‐α or IL‐1β treatment, suggesting that CLN3Δex7/8 microglia exist in primed state and hyper‐respond to several inflammatory stimuli compared to WT cells. CLN3Δex7/8 microglia displayed constitutive caspase‐1 activity that when blocked led to increased glutamate release that coincided with hemichannel opening. Conditioned medium from activated CLN3Δex7/8 or WT microglia induced significant cell death in CLN3Δex7/8 but not WT neurons, demonstrating that intrinsically diseased CLN3Δex7/8 neurons are less equipped to withstand cytotoxic insults generated by activated microglia. Collectively, aberrant microglial activation may contribute to the pathological chain of events leading to neurodegeneration during later stages of JNCL.
image
Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by an autosomal recessive mutation in CLN3. Regions of microglial activation precede and predict areas of neuronal loss in JNCL; however, the functional role of activated microglia remains to be defined. In this report, primary microglia from CLN3Δex7/8 mutant mice over‐produced numerous inflammatory cytokines in response to stimuli that are present in the JNCL brain, whereas wild‐type microglia were relatively non‐responsive. In addition, activated microglia induced significant cell death in CLN3Δex7/8 but not wild‐type neurons, demonstrating that intrinsically diseased CLN3Δex7/8 neurons are less equipped to withstand cytotoxic insults. Collectively, aberrant microglial activation may contribute to the pathological chain of events leading to neurodegeneration during later stages of JNCL.
The neuroprotective activity of the amyloid precursor protein against traumatic brain injury is mediated via the heparin binding site in residues 96‐110
Authors: Corrigan Frances , Thornton Emma , Roisman Laila C. , Leonard Anna V. , Vink Robert , Blumbergs Peter C. , van den Heuvel Corinna , Cappai Roberto 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe have previously shown that following traumatic brain injury (TBI) the presence of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) may be neuroprotective. APP knockout mice have increased neuronal death and worse cognitive and motor outcomes following TBI, which is rescued by treatment with exogenous sAPPα (the secreted ectodomain of APP generated by α‐secretase cleavage). Two neuroprotective regions were identified in sAPPα, the N and C‐terminal domains D1 and D6a/E2 respectively. As both D1 and D6a/E2 contain heparin binding activity it was hypothesized that this is responsible for the neuroprotective activity. In this study, we focused on the heparin binding site, encompassed by residues 96‐110 in D1, which has previously been shown to have neurotrophic properties. We found that treatment with APP96‐110 rescued motor and cognitive deficits in APP−/− mice following focal TBI. APP96‐110 also provided neuroprotection in Sprague–Dawley rats following diffuse TBI. Treatment with APP96‐110 significantly improved functional outcome as well as preserve histological cellular morphology in APP−/− mice following focal controlled cortical impact injury. Furthermore, following administration of APP96‐110 in rats after diffuse impact acceleration TBI, motor and cognitive outcomes were significantly improved and axonal injury reduced. These data define the heparin binding site in the D1 domain of sAPPα, represented by the sequence APP96‐110, as the neuroprotective site to confer neuroprotection following TBI.

image
The product of α‐secretase cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein, sAPPα is neuroprotective following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Of interest was whether this neuroprotective activity could be further delineated to a heparin binding region within sAPPα, corresponding to the region APP96‐110 (see diagram demonstrating the domain structure of sAPPα). Indeed treatment with APP96‐110 improved functional outcome following TBI, an effect that was not seen with a mutated version of the peptide that had reduced heparin binding affinity.
Zoospore Production Biology of Pythiaceous Plant Pathogens
Authors: Pistininzi Michael , Weiss Edward , Achtemeier Lauren , Hong Chuanxue 
Published: August 2013

AbstractZoospores are major dispersal and infective propagules of pythiaceous species. Built upon a recently developed ‘wet‐plate’ method, the objectives of this study were to develop a better understanding about zoospore production biology. Four broth media and five incubation temperatures were evaluated with 12 isolates of Phytophthora nicotianae and 17 other pythiaceous species in this study. The ‘wet‐plate’ method worked the best for heterothallic species, especially those isolates that do not produce chlamydospores. These species included Phytophthora citrophthora, P. nicotianae, Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora tropicalis. They readily produced 105–106 zoospores/ml. Overall, most species and isolates produced more zoospores with 20% clarified V8 broth than the other three media: rye, lima bean and carrot. The optimal temperature for nutrient‐deprived culture without free‐flowing water to produce sporangia typically is 5°C cooler than that for vegetative growth. Fresh and revived cultures are more prolific than those that had been subcultured multiple times. These findings will assist oomycete researchers, adding quality, productivity and efficiency to their future zoospore‐based studies.
Trust and Deception in Negotiation: Culturally Divergent Effects
Authors: Zhang Jian-Dong , Liu Leigh Anne , Liu Wu 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTWe investigate how trust reduces the tendency to use deception in negotiations from a culturally contextual perspective. We find culturally divergent patterns across Chinese and American negotiators. Specifically, for Chinese negotiators, cognition-based trust decreases the approval of using negative emotional and informational deception, whereas affect-based trust increases the approval of using informational deception. For American negotiators, affect-based trust decreases the approval of using negative emotional deception. We discuss theoretical and practical implications on the need for culturally specific strategies in managing deceptions in negotiations.
Identification and characterization of OsEBS, a gene involved in enhanced plant biomass and spikelet number in rice
Authors: Dong Xianxin , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Liangsheng , Yang Zhengting , Xin Xiaoyun , Wu Shuang , Sun Chuanqing , Liu Jianxiang , Yang Jinshui , Luo Xiaojin 
Published: August 2013

SummaryCommon wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) is an important genetic reservoir for rice improvement. We investigated a quantitative trait locus (QTL), qGP5‐1, which is related to plant height, leaf size and panicle architecture, using a set of introgression lines of O. rufipogon in the background of the Indica cultivar Guichao2 (Oryza sativa L.). We cloned and characterized qGP5‐1 and confirmed that the newly identified gene OsEBS (enhancing biomass and spikelet number) increased plant height, leaf size and spikelet number per panicle, leading to an increase in total grain yield per plant. Our results showed that the increased size of vegetative organs in OsEBS‐expressed plants was enormously caused by increasing cell number. Sequence alignment showed that OsEBS protein contains a region with high similarity to the N‐terminal conserved ATPase domain of Hsp70, but it lacks the C‐terminal regions of the peptide‐binding domain and the C‐terminal lid. More results indicated that OsEBS gene did not have typical characteristics of Hsp70 in this study. Furthermore, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transformed with OsEBS showed a similar phenotype to OsEBS‐transgenic rice, indicating a conserved function of OsEBS among plant species. Together, we report the cloning and characterization of OsEBS, a new QTL that controls rice biomass and spikelet number, through map‐based cloning, and it may have utility in improving grain yield in rice.
Applications of biotechnology and genomics in potato improvement
Authors: Barrell Philippa J. , Meiyalaghan Sathiyamoorthy , Jacobs Jeanne M.E. , Conner Anthony J. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPotato is the third most important global food crop and the most widely grown noncereal crop. As a species highly amenable to cell culture, it has a long history of biotechnology applications for crop improvement. This review begins with a historical perspective on potato improvement using biotechnology encompassing pathogen elimination, wide hybridization, ploidy manipulation and applications of cell culture. We describe the past developments and new approaches for gene transfer to potato. Transformation is highly effective for adding single genes to existing elite potato clones with no, or minimal, disturbances to their genetic background and represents the only effective way to produce isogenic lines of specific genotypes/cultivars. This is virtually impossible via traditional breeding as, due to the high heterozygosity in the tetraploid potato genome, the genetic integrity of potato clones is lost upon sexual reproduction as a result of allele segregation. These genetic attributes have also provided challenges for the development of genetic maps and applications of molecular markers and genomics in potato breeding. Various molecular approaches used to characterize loci, (candidate) genes and alleles in potato, and associating phenotype with genotype are also described. The recent determination of the potato genome sequence has presented new opportunities for genomewide assays to provide tools for gene discovery and enabling the development of robustly unique marker haplotypes spanning QTL regions. The latter will be useful in introgression breeding and whole‐genome approaches such as genomic selection to improve the efficiency of selecting elite clones and enhancing genetic gain over time.