bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of OER use on teaching and learning: Data from OER Research Hub (2013–2014)
Authors: Farrow Robert , Pitt Rebecca , de los Arcos Beatriz , Perryman Leigh‐Anne , Weller Martin , McAndrew Patrick 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe true power of comparative research around the impact and use of open educational resources is only just being realised, largely through the work done by the Hewlett‐funded OER Research Hub, based at The Open University (UK). Since late 2012, the project has used a combination of surveys, interviews and focus groups to gather data about the use of open educational resources (OER) by educators, formal learners and informal learners across the globe. These data focus on the overall picture emerging from the survey research of the project, which presently comprises more than 6390 responses, 50.3% of which are informal learners, 24.7% of which are formal learners, 21.6% of which are educators and 3.4% of which are librarians. Results from more than 20 individual questionnaires have been compiled, including surveys of K12 and Flipped Learning teachers; college educators from the CCCOER consortium; users of iTunesU, OpenLearn, OpenStax, Saylor, Siyavula and the YouTube channel of The Open University.
Research and trends in mobile learning from 1976 to 2013: A content analysis of patents in selected databases
Authors: Chiang Feng‐Kuang , Zhu Gaoxia , Wang Qi , Cui Zhenfeng , Cai Su , Yu Shengquan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMobile learning has been a very popular topic in the past several decades. As more patents in this field have been submitted, the analysis of patents has surfaced as an important mechanism to understand trends, uses, targeted audiences and other aspects in the mobile learning space. Based on the CNIPR, USPTO, and Espacenet databases, this paper provides an analysis of mobile learning from 1976, when the first patent in mobile learning emerged, to 2013. One hundred thirty patents were analyzed from two dimensions: the instructional dimension (including target audience, situation and purpose) and the patent dimension (including technology and style). It was found that “students” was the most popular target audience; “out of class for education” was the most utilized situation; “provide more friendly peripheral service” was the primary purpose; “wireless, mobile and ubiquitous technologies for learning, pervasive computing for learning, u‐computing in learning” were the most utilized technologies; and “system and method” was the most common style. Currently, patents in mobile learning are more inclined to provide personalized, contextualized, easily‐retrievable, auto‐updated and intelligent pushed learning content. Additionally, providing multipresentation, supporting seamless learning, adopting learner analysis, improving learner diversity and context awareness are becoming the characteristics of mobile learning patents.
Massively Open Online Course for Educators (MOOC‐Ed) network dataset
Authors: Kellogg Shaun , Edelmann Achim 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper presents the Massively Open Online Course for Educators (MOOC‐Ed) network dataset. It entails information on two online communication networks resulting from two consecutive offerings of the MOOC called The Digital Learning Transition in K‐12 Schools in spring and fall 2013. The courses were offered to educators from the USA and abroad. Though based on the same course, minor controlled variations were made to both MOOCs in terms of the course length, discussion prompts and group size. The dataset provides opportunities to examine how participants leverage online communication forums to support their learning. In particular, it allows modeling network mechanisms to better understand factors that facilitate or impede the exchange of information among educators.
Sleep as a Window Into Early Neural Development: Shifts in Sleep‐Dependent Learning Effects Across Early Childhood
Authors: Gómez Rebecca L. , Edgin Jamie O. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSleep is an important physiological state for children and adults to consolidate and generalize new learning. In this article, we review research on sleep‐dependent memory consolidation and generalization in infants and preschool children, and place the findings in the context of the development of the neural systems underlying memory (the hippocampus and its connections to the cortex). Based on the extended trajectory of hippocampal development, transitions in the nature of sleep‐dependent learning are expected. The studies we review show that the nature of sleep‐dependent learning changes across early childhood, with sleep facilitating generalization in infants but enhancing precise memory in children 18–24 months and older. Looking ahead, studies on sleep‐dependent learning in infants and young children must consider these transitions in early brain development.
Mutation Analysis of COQ2 in Chinese Patients with Cerebellar Subtype of Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Wen Xiao‐Dan , Li Hong‐Fu , Wang Hong‐Xia , Ni Wang , Dong Yi , Wu Zhi‐Ying 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAimsRecently, mutations in COQ2 encoding para‐hydroxybenzoate‐polyprenyl transferase have been identified to increase the risk of multiple system atrophy (MSA) in multiplex families and sporadic cases. The prevalence of COQ2 mutations was showed to be higher in cerebellar subtype (MSA‐C) than parkinsonism subtype (MSA‐P). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between COQ2 mutations and MSA‐C in Chinese patients.MethodsA Chinese cohort of 116 patients with MSA‐C and 192 healthy control individuals were recruited. Sanger sequencing of COQ2 was performed in all these subjects.ResultsTwo missense mutations (p.L402F and p.R173H) and one synonymous mutation (p.A32A) were detected in 3 patients, respectively. They were not found in the 192 controls as well as the 1000 Genomes Database. The p.L402F and p.A32A were novel.ConclusionOur results indicated that COQ2 tended to play a population‐specific and subtype‐depended role in conferring susceptibility to MSA.
The Pro‐inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin‐1β is a Key Regulatory Factor for the Postictal Suppression in Mice
Authors: Tao An‐Feng , Xu Zheng‐Hao , Chen Bin , Wang Yi , Wu Xiao‐Hua , Zhang Jing , Tang Yang‐Shun , Xu Ceng‐Lin , Zhao Hua‐Wei , Hu Wei‐Wei , Shi Li‐Yun , Zhang Shi‐Hong , Chen Zhong 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAimsThe postictal suppression (PS) is a common and important period following an epileptic seizure but has not been well studied. This study was designed to determine whether interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is involved in the PS.MethodsThe effects of IL‐1β on the PS were tested in three independent seizure models induced by hippocampal kindling, maximal electroshock seizure (MES), and 4‐aminopyridine, respectively.ResultsIL‐1R1 knockout or IL‐1RA enhanced the seizure refractory phenomenon without influencing the baseline seizure threshold in intermittent MES model. IL‐1β attenuated the seizure refractory phenomenon without affecting the severity of the preceding seizures in hippocampal kindling model, while IL‐1RA enhanced it. Besides, IL‐1β reduced the postictal EEG suppression period, while IL‐1RA prolonged it. And IL‐1β showed no further effect on the postictal EEG suppression and seizure refractory phenomenon in IL‐1R1 knockout mice. In addition, 30 min after intrahippocampal injection of 4‐aminopyridine, IL‐1β increased the incidence of SE, while IL‐1RA prolonged the intervals between recurrent seizures.ConclusionsThis study provides the first direct evidence that IL‐1β is key regulatory factor for the PS, and its receptor IL‐1R1 may be a potential target for adjuvant treatment of postictal problems.
Lovastatin Differentially Affects Neuronal Cholesterol and Amyloid‐β Production in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Mendoza‐Oliva Aydé , Ferrera Patricia , Fragoso‐Medina Jorge , Arias Clorinda 
Published: June 2015

SummaryBackground and AimsEpidemiological and experimental studies indicate that high cholesterol may increase susceptibility to age‐associated neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, it has been suggested that statins, which are inhibitors of the enzyme 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), may be a useful therapeutic tool to diminish the risk of AD. However, several studies that analyzed the therapeutic benefits of statins have yielded conflicting results. Herein, we investigated the role of lovastatin on neuronal cholesterol homeostasis and its effects on amyloid β protein production in vivo and in vitro.Methods and ResultsLovastatin effects were analyzed in vitro using differentiated human neuroblastoma cells and in vivo in a lovastatin‐fed rat model. We demonstrated that lovastatin can differentially affect the expression of APP and Aβ production in vivo and in vitro. Lovastatin‐induced HMGCR inhibition was detrimental to neuronal survival in vitro via a mechanism unrelated to the reduction of cholesterol. We found that in vivo, dietary cholesterol was associated with increased Aβ production in the cerebral cortex, and lovastatin was not able to reduce cholesterol levels. However, lovastatin induced a remarkable increase in the mature form of the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐2 (SREBP‐2) as well as its target gene HMGCR, in both neuronal cells and in the brain.ConclusionsLovastatin modifies the mevalonate pathway without affecting cholesterol levels in vivo and is able to reduce Aβ levels only in vitro.
Unfavorable Outcome of Thrombolysis in Chinese Patients with Cardioembolic Stroke: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Xin‐Gao , Zhang Li‐Qun , Liao Xiao‐Ling , Pan Yue‐Song , Shi Yu‐Zhi , Wang Chun‐Juan , Wang Yi‐Long , Liu Li‐Ping , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Wang Yong‐Jun , Li Dong , Wang Chun‐Xue ,   the Thrombolysis Implementation and Monitoring of acute ischemic Stroke in China (TIMS‐China) Investigators
Published: June 2015

SummaryBackgroundThrombolysis with alteplase is an effective and safe treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). It is controversial whether the outcome of thrombolysis in cardioembolic stroke is different from that of other stroke subtypes. This study compares the outcomes at 3 months postthrombolysis in Chinese patients with AIS secondary to cardioembolism (CE) to the outcomes of those with large‐artery atherosclerosis (LAA).MethodsUsing the Thrombolysis Implementation and Monitoring of Acute Ischemic Stroke in China (TIMS‐China) cohort, we prospectively followed 827 patients treated within 4.5 h of onset symptoms with alteplase as an intravenous thrombolytic agent. CE and LAA were defined according to TOAST criteria. We compared symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH), mortality, and functional outcome at 3 months using multivariables logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn this cohort, 221 (19.6%) had CE and 606 (53.7%) had LAA. Approximately 2/3 of patients with CE had atrial fibrillation. Symptoms at onset were more severe in patients with CE than in those with LAA (NIHSS, 15.0 vs. 11.0; P < 0.0001); increased rate of SICH (5.9% vs. 0.8%; P < 0.0001); higher mortality (18.6% vs. 10.3%; P = 0.0015); and reduced functional independence (43.6% vs. 55.9%; P = 0.0018) at 3‐month follow‐up. After adjustment for baseline variables, the clinical outcome of patients with CE was worse than that of patients with LAA (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.97, P = 0.0378).ConclusionsPatients with cardioembolic stroke had more SICH after thrombolysis, and worse clinical outcome at 3‐month follow‐up compared with those with LAA. This emphasizes the importance of preventing cardioembolism.
Head Transplantation in Mouse Model
Authors: Ren Xiao‐Ping , Ye Yi‐Jie , Li Peng‐Wei , Shen Zi‐Long , Han Ke‐Cheng , Song Yang 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAimsThe mouse model of allo‐head and body reconstruction (AHBR) has recently been established to further the clinical development of this strategy for patients who are suffering from mortal bodily trauma or disease, yet whose mind remains healthy. Animal model studies are indispensable for developing such novel surgical practices. The goal of this work was to establish head transplant mouse model, then the next step through the feasible biological model to investigate immune rejection and brain function in next step, thereby promoting the goal of translation of AHBR to the clinic in the future.Methods and ResultsOur approach involves retaining adequate blood perfusion in the transplanted head throughout the surgical procedure by establishing donor‐to‐recipient cross‐circulation by cannulating and anastomosing the carotid artery on one side of the body and the jugular vein on the other side. Neurological function was preserved by this strategy as indicated by electroencephalogram and intact cranial nerve reflexes.ConclusionsThe results of this study support the feasibility of this method for avoiding brain ischemia during transplantation, thereby allowing for the possibility of long‐term studies of head transplantation.
Vitamin D is Not a Protective Factor in ALS
Authors: Blasco Hélène , Madji Hounoum Blandine , Dufour‐Rainfray Diane , Patin Franck , Maillot François , Beltran Stéphane , Gordon Paul H. , Andres Christian R. , Corcia Philippe 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAimsVitamin D deficiency has been associated with poorer prognosis in ALS. Better understanding of the role of vitamin D in ALS is needed to determine whether trials of systematic supplementation are justified. Our aim was to report vitamin D levels during the course of ALS and to evaluate its relationship with clinical parameters at diagnosis and with disease progression.MethodsWe prospectively collected vitamin D serum concentrations from 125 consecutive ALS patients. Cox proportional hazard models analyzed the relationship between vitamin D concentrations, clinical parameters, and survival.ResultsThe mean vitamin D concentration was below our laboratory's lower limit of normal (P < 0.0001) and did not change during the course of the disease. The concentrations were higher in patients with bulbar onset (P = 0.003) and were negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.0095). Models with ALSFRS‐R (ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised) and BMI as a covariates showed that vitamin D concentrations predicted worse prognosis.ConclusionThe distribution of vitamin D concentrations in our cohort was consistent with previous reports. Surprisingly, we noted a negative effect of higher vitamin D levels on prognosis in ALS. More detailed research is warranted to determine whether manipulation of vitamin D could be beneficial to patients.
The impact of septoplasty on health‐related quality of life in paediatric patients
Authors: Anderson K. , Ritchie K. , Chorney J.M. , Bezuhly M. , Hong P. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the impact that septoplasty had on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in paediatric patients and to determine whether there were patient characteristics that predicted better outcomes.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingAcademic paediatric otolaryngology practice.ParticipantsAll paediatric patients who underwent septoplasty during the study period.Main outcome measuresThe current HRQoL was assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) was used to evaluate the perceived change in HRQoL following septoplasty.ResultsA total of 29 patients (16 boys, mean age 13 years) and their caregivers responded (response rate of 72.5%). There was a statistically significant improvement in HRQoL following septoplasty, as demonstrated by the positive mean GCBI subscores and the total GCBI score (35.1, sd = 28.4). The total mean PedsQL score for child self‐report was 95.2 (sd = 6.9) and for parent‐proxy report was 91.8 (sd = 8.6), which indicated good current HRQoL. The enhancement in HRQoL post‐septoplasty was moderately correlated with self‐reported degree of nasal obstruction pre‐septoplasty (r = 0.621 for total GCBI). Also, there were differences in GCBI scores between the groups of children who wanted to have the surgery versus those who did not want to have the surgery.ConclusionsThere was a significant positive change in HRQoL following paediatric septoplasty in our study population. Children who reported more severe nasal obstruction and those who wanted to have the surgery were more likely to experience enhancement of HRQoL following their surgery.
Bone mineral density measurements in otosclerosis using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Tonuk S.B. , Koybasi S. , Bicer Y.O. , Alkan Temel S. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate patients with otosclerosis with respect to bone mineral density (BMD) at different regions of interest (ROI), using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA).DesignCross‐sectional controlled study.SettingTertiary referral hospital.ParticipantsThe patients with a definite diagnosis of otosclerosis confirmed intra‐operatively were defined as the study group (n = 30). The control group consisted of volunteer, healthy subjects with normal hearing (n = 43).Main outcome measuresFollowing an audiometric evaluation, a venous blood sample was obtained and a single BMD measurement using DXA was applied to each participant.ResultsThe mean BMD, T and Z scores were higher in the otosclerosis group than in the control group in all the regions considered, but not significantly; only the L2‐L3 lateral BMD and its T and Z scores were significant (P = 0.036, P = 0.029 and P = 0.036, respectively).ConclusionThis study shows that the BMD does not decrease in the presence of otosclerosis despite its genetic and metabolic relevance with osteoporosis. Concerning the L2‐L3 lateral BMD measurements, the BMD increased in otosclerosis.
Impact of the United Kingdom national bowel cancer awareness campaigns 2012 on colorectal cancer services and patient survival
Authors: Khong T. L. , Naik K. , Sivakumar R. , Shah S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimThe UK national bowel cancer awareness campaigns in 2012 were intended to improve survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) by raising public awareness and prompting symptomatic individuals to seek medical attention early. The aim of the present study was to compare the number of CRCs diagnosed, tumour stage at diagnosis, survival and number of investigations performed during the campaigns compared with a similar time period in 2011.MethodA retrospective study was carried out of 1439 consecutive referrals through the 2‐week wait pathway (2WW) to our colorectal unit during the February and September 2012 campaigns. Patient demographics, number of referrals, investigations performed and newly diagnosed cases of CRC with their respective staging were determined and compared with a group in 2011. Two‐year survival was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier statistics.ResultsReferrals through the 2WW increased by 55–60% and endoscopic and the number of radiological investigations performed increased by over 70% during the awareness campaigns. Although new diagnoses of CRC nearly doubled, the increase in the patients referred meant the diagnostic yield remained low at 6%. The bowel cancer awareness campaigns did not alter the tumour stage at presentation, as over 50% of patients were diagnosed with Stage 3 and 4 CRC and there was no significant difference in 2‐year survival.ConclusionThe UK bowel cancer awareness campaigns appear to have improved public awareness of CRC and encouraged symptomatic individuals to seek urgent medical attention. The increase in 2WW referrals has not translated into better survival for symptomatic patients, partly due to the proportion presenting with advanced disease.
New indices of arterial stiffness measured from longitudinal motion of common carotid artery in relation to reference methods, a pilot study
Authors: Yli‐Ollila Heikki , Laitinen Tomi , Weckström Matti , Laitinen Tiina M. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryBackgroundLongitudinal wall motion of carotid artery is a useful but challenging parameter to measure. In this study, we tested our previously published motion tracking algorithm and validated our method against applanation tonometry measurements.Methods and ResultsWe measured the two‐dimensional carotid artery wall motion from 19 healthy subjects and, as a reference, performed applanation tonometry measurements in parallel with the ultrasound study. The results show that peak velocities (R = −0·484; P<0·05) and accelerations (R = −0·524; P<0·05) of the longitudinal motion between intima and adventitia layers exhibit a greater correlation with the arterial stiffness parameters, for example the augmentation index than the corresponding amplitude of the longitudinal motion (R = −0·132; P>0·05). The amplitudes of the longitudinal motion, between intima and adventitia, are related more to the physical size of the subject, as they correlated significantly with the height (R = 0·597; P<0·01) and weight (R = 0·562; P<0·05) of the subject as well as the cross‐sectional dimension of the measured artery (R = 0·611; P<0·01). Furthermore, two new indices have been introduced, Polydeg and RAlength, with which to study the shape of the longitudinal motion curve; both parameters displayed significant correlation with arterial stiffness, for example augmentation index (R = 0·468; P<0·05 and R = 0·609; P<0·01, respectively).ConclusionsThe new longitudinal motion parameters presented here displayed clear potential to be used as novel stiffness indices.
Haemodynamic responses during resistance exercise with blood flow restriction in hypertensive subjects
Authors: Pinto Roberta R. , Polito Marcos D. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryPurposeThis study aimed to compare haemodynamic responses during resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) in hypertensive women.MethodsTwelve hypertensive women undertook three random experimental sessions in the leg‐press exercise: (i) Three sets, eight repetitions, 20% of one‐repetition maximum (1 RM), with BFR; (ii) Three sets, 15 repetitions, 65% of 1 RM, without BFR; and (iii) three sets, 15 repetitions, 20% of 1 RM, without BFR. The BFR was performed using two sphygmomanometers adjusted to fit both thighs. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were measured on a beat‐to‐beat continuous basis.ResultsWhen compared to the 20% without BFR, the session with BFR presented increased values in all sets for the variables SBP, DBP, CO and SVR, and in the 2nd and 3rd sets for HR. The session with BFR also presented increased values compared to the 65% of 1 RM in the 2nd and 3rd sets for the variables SBP, DBP and HR and in all sets for the variables CO and SVR.ConclusionLow‐intensity resistance exercise with BFR can initiate higher haemodynamic and cardiovascular values than traditional high‐intensity resistance exercises in hypertensive women.