bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investor Reaction to the Ambiguity and Mix of Positive and Negative Argumentation in Favorable Analyst Reports
Authors: Winchel Jennifer 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis study experimentally tests the hypothesis that investor reaction to favorable investment ratings is influenced by attributes of analysts’ supporting arguments. Specifically, I argue that argument ambiguity and the mix of positive and negative argumentation interact to influence how investors process and, in turn, react to information contained in analysts’ arguments. When positive arguments are unambiguous, I predict and find that investors react to the content of the arguments because they perceive the arguments provide sufficient support for the rating. In this case, investors react more favorably when the report includes strictly positive argumentation (i.e., one‐sided argumentation) than when it includes a mix of positive and negative argumentation (i.e., two‐sided argumentation). In contrast, when positive arguments are ambiguous, two‐sided argumentation acts as a credibility cue and leads to a higher likelihood of investment than one‐sided argumentation. These results provide important insights about the conditions under which investors react to justifications in favorable analyst reports and shed light on how analysts can credibly convey favorable information.
Global diversity and genetic contributions of chicken populations from African, Asian and European regions
Authors: Lyimo C. M. , Weigend A. , Msoffe P. L. , Eding H. , Simianer H. , Weigend S. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryGenetic diversity and population structure of 113 chicken populations from Africa, Asia and Europe were studied using 29 microsatellite markers. Among these, three populations of wild chickens and nine commercial purebreds were used as reference populations for comparison. Compared to commercial lines and chickens sampled from the European region, high mean numbers of alleles and a high degree of heterozygosity were found in Asian and African chickens as well as in Red Junglefowl. Population differentiation (FST) was higher among European breeds and commercial lines than among African, Asian and Red Junglefowl populations. Neighbour‐Net genetic clustering and structure analysis revealed two main groups of Asian and north‐west European breeds, whereas African populations overlap with other breeds from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region. Broilers and brown egg layers were situated between the Asian and north‐west European clusters. structure analysis confirmed a lower degree of population stratification in African and Asian chickens than in European breeds. High genetic differentiation and low genetic contributions to global diversity have been observed for single European breeds. Populations with low genetic variability have also shown a low genetic contribution to a core set of diversity in attaining maximum genetic variation present from the total populations. This may indicate that conservation measures in Europe should pay special attention to preserving as many single chicken breeds as possible to maintain maximum genetic diversity given that higher genetic variations come from differentiation between breeds.
Climatic effects on plant species distribution within the forest–steppe ecotone in northern China
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Yin Yi , Wang Qiuyi , He Siyuan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractQuestionsAs a narrow belt extending from the northern to the southern edges of the temperate forest zone, there is not only a strong temperature gradient and a long geographic distance but also a very sharp precipitation gradient in the temperate forest–steppe in northern China at a regional scale. Patches of forest are scattered in the steppe matrix. At the local scale, each forest patch shows a climatic gradient from patch centre to its edge and to the open steppe. How do these climatic gradients determine plant species distribution for the forest and steppe within this ecotone?LocationThe temperate forest–steppe ecotone in northern China.MethodsSpecies were recorded in paired plots of forest and steppe at 68 sites. t‐tests were conducted to show differences in floristic composition among forest types. Mantel tests were applied to correlate site‐level floristic distances with geographic and climatic distances for forest and steppe separately as well as for their combination. Floristic differences between paired plots of forest and steppe at each site were correlated to MAT, MAP and geographic factors at that site.ResultsThere was no significant floristic difference in the understorey of forests dominated by Betula platyphylla, B. dahurica or Populus davidiana. Quercus mongolica forests, however, were floristically dissimilar to the other forest types. Floristic distance of both forests and steppes were significantly correlated with ΔMAT and geographic distance, while there was a significant correlation with ΔMAP for forests only, but not for steppes. The floristic difference between forest understorey and steppe plots within each site showed no significant correlations with climatic or geographic factors.ConclusionsThe plant species distribution of both forest and steppe was more dependent on temperature than on precipitation gradients. The floristic distance between the forest understorey and steppe plots within sites seemed to depend on factors other than climate.
Examining the characteristics of student postings that are liked and linked in a CSCL environment
Authors: Makos Alexandra , Lee Kyungmee , Zingaro Daniel 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis case study is the first iteration of a large‐scale design‐based research project to improve Pepper, an interactive discussion‐based learning environment. In this phase, we designed and implemented two social features to scaffold positive learner interactivity behaviors: a “Like” button and linking tool. A mixed‐methods approach was used to examine communicative and cognitive characteristics of notes. Additionally, we develop and apply a new metric for cognitive complexity that acknowledges a range of cognitive behavior valuable to a learning community. The findings suggest that the Like and linking functions positively cultivated and sustained interactive behaviors among students, which also led to an increase in the cognitive complexity of student contributions to the online discussion. Suggestions for future iterations of this project are offered.
Construction of a digital learning environment based on cloud computing
Authors: Ding Jihong , Xiong Caiping , Liu Huazhong 
Published: October 2014

AbstractConstructing the digital learning environment for ubiquitous learning and asynchronous distributed learning has opened up immense amounts of concrete research. However, current digital learning environments do not fully fulfill the expectations on supporting interactive group learning, shared understanding and social construction of knowledge. This paper introduces cloud computing to the construction of the digital learning environment for its on‐demand services with high reliability, scalability and availability in the distributed environment. Then a digital learning environment based on cloud computing (DLECC) is proposed, including the architecture, co‐construction and sharing model, and incentive mechanism of DLECC. Finally, an Educational Technology Space (ETS) platform under the concept of DLECC is constructed and applied to the educational technology training for 110 teachers from primary and secondary schools. The experimental results demonstrate that the co‐construction and sharing model and incentive mechanism of DLECC may provide meaningful learning support and interactive communities and promote the co‐construction of befitting educational resources.
Foundations of dynamic learning analytics: Using university student data to increase retention
Authors: de Freitas Sara , Gibson David , Du Plessis Coert , Halloran Pat , Williams Ed , Ambrose Matt , Dunwell Ian , Arnab Sylvester 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWith digitisation and the rise of e‐learning have come a range of computational tools and approaches that have allowed educators to better support the learners' experience in schools, colleges and universities. The move away from traditional paper‐based course materials, registration, admissions and support services to the mobile, always‐on and always accessible data has driven demand for information and generated new forms of data observable through consumption behaviours. These changes have led to a plethora of data sets that store learning content and track user behaviours. Most recently, new data analytics approaches are creating new ways of understanding trends and behaviours in students that can be used to improve learning design, strengthen student retention, provide early warning signals concerning individual students and help to personalise the learner's experience. This paper proposes a foundational learning analytics model (LAM) for higher education that focuses on the dynamic interaction of stakeholders with their data supported by visual analytics, such as self‐organising maps, to generate conversations, shared inquiry and solution‐seeking. The model can be applied for other educational institutions interested in using learning analytics processes to support personalised learning and support services. Further work is testing its efficacy in increasing student retention rates.
The perils of a lack of student engagement: Reflections of a “lonely, brave, and rather exposed” online instructor
Authors: Stott Philip 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWholly online presentation of courses is becoming increasingly common, but poor levels of student engagement pose challenges to institutions, instructors and students. In this paper, I explore the risks arising from those challenges using an analysis of the presentation of a wildlife management course as a model, comparing data about levels of student engagement with assessments of students, the instructor and the course. My findings are consistent with the assertion that, for this course, there were risks of poor grades for students and risks of poor student evaluations for the online instructor; risks that can be minimised using recent findings about the factors leading to poor engagement.
Beyond performance data: Improving student help seeking by collecting and displaying influential data in an online middle‐school science curriculum
Authors: Daley Samantha G. , Hillaire Garron , Sutherland LeeAnn M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTechnology makes possible abundant new opportunities to capture and display data in online learning environments. We describe here an example of using these opportunities to improve students' use of the rich supports available in online learning environments. We describe an example of a blended learning experience that uses an online inquiry‐based middle‐school science curriculum in which we provided sixth graders (n = 126) data aligned with the Universal Design for Learning instructional framework. Students were provided and asked to reflect on their own data not only about performance but also about use of optional embedded supports vis‐à‐vis their perceptions of difficulty of key concepts. We determined that students were generally able to understand and interpret these rich data and that providing these data influenced subsequent help seeking in the online environment. We discuss implications for supporting help seeking and designing assessment and feedback within online learning environments.
High red blood cell nitric oxide synthase activation is not associated with improved vascular function and red blood cell deformability in sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Grau Marijke , Mozar Anaïs , Charlot Keyne , Lamarre Yann , Weyel Linda , Suhr Frank , Collins Bianca , Jumet Stéphane , Hardy‐Dessources Marie‐Dominique , Romana Marc , Lemonne Nathalie , Etienne‐Julan Maryse , Antoine‐Jonville Sophie , Bloch Wilhelm , Connes Philippe 
Published: October 2014

SummaryHuman red blood cells (RBC) express an active and functional endothelial‐like nitric oxide (NO) synthase (RBC‐NOS). We report studies on RBC‐NOS activity in sickle cell anaemia (SCA), a genetic disease characterized by decreased RBC deformability and vascular dysfunction. Total RBC‐NOS content was not significantly different in SCA patients compared to healthy controls; however, using phosphorylated RBC‐NOS‐Ser1177 as a marker, RBC‐NOS activation was higher in SCA patients as a consequence of the greater activation of Akt (phosphorylated Akt‐Ser473). The higher RBC‐NOS activation in SCA led to higher levels of S‐nitrosylated α‐ and β‐spectrins, and greater RBC nitrite and nitrotyrosine levels compared to healthy controls. Plasma nitrite content was not different between the two groups. Laser Doppler flowmetric experiments demonstrated blunted microcirculatory NO‐dependent response under hyperthermia in SCA patients. RBC deformability, measured by ektacytometry, was reduced in SCA in contrast to healthy individuals, and pre‐shearing RBC in vitro did not improve deformability despite an increase of RBC‐NOS activation. RBC‐NOS activation is high in freshly drawn blood from SCA patients, resulting in high amounts of NO produced by RBC. However, this does not result in improved RBC deformability and vascular function: higher RBC‐NO is not sufficient to counterbalance the enhanced oxidative stress in SCA.
Phase I/II trial of vorinostat with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, etoposide and prednisone as palliative treatment for elderly patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma not eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Straus David J. , Hamlin Paul A. , Matasar Matthew J. , Lia Palomba Maria , Drullinsky Pamela R. , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Gerecitano John F. , Noy Ariela , Hamilton Audrey M. , Elstrom Rebecca , Wegner Brett , Wortman Katy , Cella David 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe standard treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in frail elderly patients has not been established. A variation was made on rituximab (R), cyclophosphamide (C), etoposide (E), procarbazine and prednisone (P), substituting vorinostat (V) for procarbazine. Patients ≥aged 60 years with relapsed/refractory DLBCL, not candidates for autologous stem cell transplantation, were treated R‐CVEP [R 375 mg/m2 intravenously (IV), day 1; C 600 mg/m2 IV days 1, 8: E 70 mg/m2 IV day 1, 140 mg/m2 days 2, 3 orally (PO); V (300 vs. 400 mg) PO and P 60 mg/m2 PO days 1–10] every 28 d for six cycles. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed in addition to response. Thirty patients (median age 76 years, 69–88) were enrolled (one died before treatment). Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for V was 300 mg. For 23 patients at MTD (six phase I + 17 phase II), two were discontinued for toxicity, one withdrew consent, eight achieved complete response (35%), five achieved partial response (22%) and seven progressed (25%). Median overall survival was 17·5 months. Median progression‐free survival was 9·2 months. Nine patients are alive. QoL declined during treatment but improved above baseline for patients who completed treatment. In conclusion, R‐CVEP was tolerated at MTD and produced durable responses with improved QoL.
A physiologically based model for spirometric reference equations in adults
Authors: Brisman Jonas , Kim Jeong‐Lim , Olin Anna‐Carin , Torén Kjell , Bake Björn 
Published: October 2014

SummaryA spirometric reference equation consists of a mathematical model with constants and coefficients optimized to fit a specific data set from healthy individuals. Commonly applied models are selected on statistical rather than physiological considerations. A predetermined model with constants and coefficients optimized to various populations would enable interpretable and interesting comparisons between populations. Lubiński and Gólczewski recently presented a piecewise linear model with constants and coefficients claimed to be physiologically interpretable (Lubiński model). Three questions were addressed: Is the Lubiński model as useful clinically as other models: multiple linear, piecewise polynomial and exponential with splines? Will reference equations based on the Lubiński model and optimized to a Swedish and to a Polish population allow for interpretable comparisons? Are three well‐known reference equations clinically useful in the Swedish adult population? A recent Swedish random population sample with high‐quality spirometric measurements enabled the present analyses. When optimized to fit the Swedish population sample, the Lubiński model and two other models provided accurate predictive normal values. Interesting differences were demonstrated between the Polish and Swedish populations. The proportion of subjects below lower limit normal was adequate for the piecewise polynomial equations but too low and not clinically useful for the advocated exponential equations with splines. It is concluded that the Lubiński model is clinically as useful as other models, and it adds important value and is recommended for future spirometric reference equations for adults. The advocated exponential equations with splines are not recommended for Swedish adults because of too wide normal limits.
Effect of FGFR inhibitors on chicken limb development
Authors: Horakova Dana , Cela Petra , Krejci Pavel , Balek Lukas , Moravcova Balkova Simona , Matalova Eva , Buchtova Marcela 
Published: October 2014

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling appears essential for the regulation of limb development, but a full complexity of this regulation remains unclear. Here, we addressed the effect of three different chemical inhibitors of FGF receptor tyrosine kinases (FGFR) on growth and patterning of the chicken wings. The inhibitor PD173074 caused shorter and thinner wing when using lower concentration. Microinjection of higher PD173074 concentrations (25 and 50 mmol/L) into the wing bud at stage 20 resulted in the development of small wing rudiment or the total absence of the wing. Skeletal analysis revealed the absence of the radius but not ulna, deformation of metacarpal bones and/or a reduction of digits. Treatment with PD161570 resembled the effects of PD173074. NF449 induced shortening and deformation of the developing wing with reduced autopodium. These malformed embryos mostly died at the stage HH25–29. PD173074 reduced chondrogenesis also in the limb micromass cultures together with early inhibition of cartilaginous nodule formation, evidenced by lack of sulphated proteoglycan and peanut agglutinin expression. The effect of FGFR inhibition on limb development observed here was unlikely mediated by excessive cell death as none of the inhibitors caused massive apoptosis at low concentrations. More probably, FGFR inhibition decreased both the proliferation and adhesion of mesenchymal chondroprogenitors. We conclude that FGFR signalling contributes to the regulation of the anterior‐posterior patterning of zeugopod during chicken limb development.
Efficient embryonic culture method for the Japanese striped snake, Elaphe quadrivirgata, and its early developmental stages
Authors: Matsubara Yoshiyuki , Sakai Atsushi , Kuroiwa Atsushi , Suzuki Takayuki 
Published: October 2014

The morphogenesis of snake embryos is an elusive yet fascinating research target for developmental biologists. However, few data exist on development of early snake embryo due to limited availability of pregnant snakes, and the need to harvest early stage embryos directly from pregnant snakes before oviposition without knowing the date of fertilization. We established an ex vivo culture method for early snake embryos using the Japanese striped snake, Elaphe quadrivirgata. This method, which we named “sausage‐style (SS) culture”, allows us to harvest snake embryos at specific stages for each experiment. Using this SS culture system, we calculated somite formation rate at early stages before oviposition. The average somite formation rate between 6/7 and 12/13 somite stages was 145.9 min, between 60/70 and 80/91 somite stages 42.4 min, and between 113–115 and 126/127 somite stages 71 min. Thus, somite formation rate that we observed during early snake embryogenesis was changed over time. We also describe a developmental staging series for E. quadrivirgata. This is the first report of a developmental series of early snake embryogenesis prior to oviposition by full‐color images with high‐resolution. We propose that the SS culture system is an easy method for treating early snake embryos ex vivo.
Temperature responses of a plant‐insect system using a food‐web performance approach
Authors: Flores‐Mejia Sandra , Fournier Valérie , Cloutier Conrad 
Published: October 2014

AbstractEvaluation of the performance of a plant‐herbivore system as a whole is difficult due to the lack of fitness parameters that can be applied to both components. The individual use of traditional measures of performance (e.g., rm, biomass) can provide useful, but incomplete information on the performance of insect herbivores and seldom incorporates plant performance. We propose the use of the net generational productivity (NGP) to evaluate the fitness of the herbivore, which can then be compared directly with the performance of the plant in biomass units, to obtain the food‐web performance ratio (φH/P). We compared three biotypes of the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (Hemiptera: Aphididae), when raised on three different host plants: potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Norland) and two bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Fascinato and cv. Crosby) (all Solanaceae) at temperatures ranging from 8 to 36 °C. The temperature profiles of the potato aphid biotypes suggest that this aphid is better suited to temperate climates, and its performance generally depends on the particular host‐plant/biotype association. Plant growth performance showed that potato has a lower thermal tolerance, but has a faster growth rate than bell peppers, especially in the range of 16–24 °C. Temperature variation in the φH/P ratio shows that aphids have a greater performance than plants, especially at lower temperatures, at which they can accumulate biomass up to 148 times faster. Because of the aphid's biological inability to withstand long exposures to temperatures above 28 °C, plants have a slight advantage over aphids. Nonetheless, as the performance of plants is extremely reduced at high temperatures, this advantage cannot withstand long‐term exposures to extreme temperatures. This is the first attempt to obtain a parameter capable of determining the climatic profile and performance of a food web in an inclusive yet simple manner.
Mating rates and the prevalence of male‐killing Spiroplasma in Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Tsushima Yusuke , Nakamura Kayo , Tagami Yohsuke , Miura Kazuki 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMaternally inherited bacteria that kill male but not female hosts during embryogenesis have been widely reported in invertebrates. Harmonia axyridis is one of the species infected by male‐killing Spiroplasma. The presence of male‐killers in host populations can lead to the occurrence of extremely female‐biased sex ratios. Furthermore, infected females may have fewer chances to mate if males can discriminate between infected and uninfected females and prefer the latter. Although there have been many investigations of male‐killer infection rates in H. axyridis, little is known about the influence of host mating on male‐killer infection dynamics. We investigated copulation rates and changes in infection frequency in a wild population of H. axyridis in western Japan. Almost all infected females collected each year laid fertilized eggs and had therefore mated. Mean infection rates of females collected each year were 13% in 2003, 15% in 2012 and 23% in 2013. Statistical analysis showed that neither the copulation rate nor the infection rate differed significantly among years. These results suggest that the infection rate of H. axyridis with male‐killing Spiroplasma is kept approximately constant and that there is no difference in the chance of mating with infected and uninfected females.