bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and assessment of a shortened Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE‐55)
Authors: Goodwin Shane W. , Lambrinos Anastasia I. , Ferro Mark A. , Sabaz Mark , Speechley Kathy N. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo develop and validate a shortened version of the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE). A secondary aim was to compare baseline risk factors predicting health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in children newly diagnosed with epilepsy, as identified using the original and shortened version.MethodsData came from the Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study (HERQULES, N = 373), a multicenter prospective cohort study. Principal component analysis reduced the number of items from the original QOLCE, and factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure of the shortened version. Convergent and divergent validity was assessed by correlating the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) with the shortened QOLCE. Multiple regression identified risk factors at diagnosis for HRQoL at 24 months.ResultsA four‐factor, higher‐order, 55‐item solution was obtained. A total of 21 items were removed. The final model represents functioning in four dimensions of HRQoL: Cognitive, Emotional, Social, and Physical. The shortened QOLCE demonstrated acceptable fit: Bentler's Comparative Fit Index = 0.944; Tucker‐Lewis Index = 0.942; root mean square approximation = 0.058 (90% CI: 0.056–0.061); weighted root mean square residuals (WRMR) = 1.582, and excellent internal consistency (α = 0.96, subscales α > 0.80). Factor loadings were good (first‐order: λ = 0.66–0.93; higher‐order λ = 0.66–0.85; p < 0.001 for all). The shortened QOLCE scores correlated strongly with similar subscales of the Child Health Questionnaire (ρ = 0.38–0.70) while correlating weakly with dissimilar subscales (ρ = 0.30–0.31). While controlling for HRQoL at diagnosis, predictors for better HRQoL at 24 months were the following: no cognitive problems reported (p = 0.001), better family functioning (p = 0.014), fewer family demands (p = 0.008), with an interaction between baseline HRQoL and cognitive problems (p = 0.011).SignificanceResults offer initial evidence regarding reliability and validity of the proposed 55‐item shortened version of the QOLCE (QOLCE‐55). The QOLCE‐55 produced results on risk factors consistent with those found using the original measure. Given the fewer items, QOLCE‐55 may be a viable option reducing respondent burden when assessing HRQoL in children with epilepsy.
Genomic basis of the differences between cider and dessert apple varieties
Authors: Leforestier Diane , Ravon Elisa , Muranty Hélène , Cornille Amandine , Lemaire Christophe , Giraud Tatiana , Durel Charles‐Eric , Branca Antoine 
Published: April 2015

AbstractUnraveling the genomic processes at play during variety diversification is of fundamental interest for understanding evolution, but also of applied interest in crop science. It can indeed provide knowledge on the genetic bases of traits for crop improvement and germplasm diversity management. Apple is one of the most important fruit crops in temperate regions, having both great economic and cultural values. Sweet dessert apples are used for direct consumption, while bitter cider apples are used to produce cider. Several important traits are known to differentiate the two variety types, in particular fruit size, biennial versus annual fruit bearing, and bitterness, caused by a higher content in polyphenols. Here, we used an Illumina 8k SNP chip on two core collections, of 48 dessert and 48 cider apples, respectively, for identifying genomic regions responsible for the differences between cider and dessert apples. The genome‐wide level of genetic differentiation between cider and dessert apples was low, although 17 candidate regions showed signatures of divergent selection, displaying either outlier FST values or significant association with phenotypic traits (bitter versus sweet fruits). These candidate regions encompassed 420 genes involved in a variety of functions and metabolic pathways, including several colocalizations with QTLs for polyphenol compounds.
Fatigue life prediction based on equivalent stresses for laser beam welded 6156 Al‐alloy joints under variable amplitude loading
Authors: Liu H. , Shang D.‐G. , Liu J.‐Z. , Guo Z.‐K. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn the present work, a simple fatigue life prediction approach is proposed using fracture mechanics for laser beam welded Al‐alloy joints under variable amplitude loading. In the proposed approach, variable amplitude loading sequence is transformed into an equivalent constant amplitude loading using the root mean square model. The crack growth driving force K* is chosen to describe the fatigue crack growth rate. The influences of residual stress and its relaxation on fatigue life are taken into account in the proposed approach. The fatigue lives are also predicted using the traditional approach based on the S‐N curves and the rainflow counting method. The predicted results show that the proposed approach is better than the traditional approach.
ICARUSS, the Integrated Care for the Reduction of Secondary Stroke Trial: Rationale and Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multimodal Intervention to Prevent Recurrent Stroke in Patients with a Recent Cerebrovascular Event, ACTRN = 12611000264987
Authors: Joubert J. , Davis S. M. , Hankey G. J. , Levi C. , Olver J. , Gonzales G. , Donnan G. A. 
Published: April 2015

Background The majority of strokes, both ischaemic and haemorrhagic, are attributable to a relatively small number of risk factors which are readily manageable in primary care setting. Implementation of best-practice recommendations for risk factor management is calculated to reduce stroke recurrence by around 80%. However, risk factor management in stroke survivors has generally been poor at primary care level. A model of care that supports long-term effective risk factor management is needed. Aim To determine whether the model of Integrated Care for the Reduction of Recurrent Stroke (ICARUSS) will, through promotion of implementation of best-practice recommendations for risk factor management reduce the combined incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction and vascular death in patients with recent stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) of the brain or eye. Design A prospective, Australian, multicentre, randomized controlled trial. Setting Academic stroke units in Melbourne, Perth and the John Hunter Hospital, New South Wales. Subjects 1000 stroke survivors recruited as from March 2007 with a recent (<3 months) stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) or a TIA (brain or eye). Randomization Randomization and data collection are performed by means of a central computer generated telephone system (IVRS). Intervention Exposure to the ICARUSS model of integrated care or usual care. Primary outcome The composite of stroke, MI or death from any vascular cause, whichever occurs first. Secondary outcomes Risk factor management in the community, depression, quality of life, disability and dementia. Statistical power With 1000 patients followed up for a median of one-year, with a recurrence rate of 7–10% per year in patients exposed to usual care, the study will have at least 80% power to detect a significant reduction in primary end-points Conclusion The ICARUSS study aims to recruit and follow up patients between 2007 and 2013 and demonstrate the effectiveness of exposure to the ICARUSS model in stroke survivors to reduce recurrent stroke or vascular events and promote the implementation of best practice risk factor management at primary care level.
Joining UNISON: does the reform of a union organising strategy change how members perceive their recruitment?
Authors: Waddington Jeremy , Kerr Allan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDrawing on survey evidence collected between 2001 and 2012, this article examines whether changes in the organising approach of UNISON were reflected in changes in the routes of entry of new members into the union. The article shows that shifts in UNISON policy were marginal to the pattern of entry into the union. The implications of these findings for the concept and implementation of organising are subsequently reviewed.
Immuno‐modification of enhancing stem cells targeting for myocardial repair
Authors: Yu Jiashing , Wu Yuan‐Kun , Gu Yiping , Fang Qizhi , Sievers Richard , Ding Chun‐Hua , Olgin Jeffrey E , Lee Randall J 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDespite the controversy in mechanism, rodent and clinical studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of stem/progenitor cell therapy after myocardial infarction (MI). In a rat ischaemic reperfusion MI model, we investigated the effects of immunomodification of CD 34+ cells on heart function and myocardial conduction. Bispecific antibody (BiAb), consisting of an anti‐myosin light chain antibody and anti‐CD45 antibody, injected intravenously was used to direct human CD34+ cells to injured myocardium. Results were compared to echocardiography guided intramyocardial (IM) injection of CD34+ cells and PBS injected intravenously. Treatment was administered 2 days post MI. Echocardiography was performed at 5 weeks and 3 months which demonstrated LV dilatation prevention and fractional shortening improvement in both the BiAb and IM injection approaches, with BiAb achieving better results. Histological analyses demonstrated a decrease in infarct size and increase in arteriogenesis in both BiAb and IM injection. Electrophysiological properties were studied 5 weeks after treatments by optical mapping. Conduction velocity (CV), action potential duration (APD) and rise time were significantly altered in the MI area. The BiAb treated group demonstrated a more normalized activation pattern of conduction and normalization of CV at shorter pacing cycle lengths. The ventricular tachycardia inducibility was lowest in the BiAb treatment group. Intravenous administration of BiAb offers an effective means of stem cell delivery for myocardial repair post‐acute MI. Such non‐invasive approach was shown to offer a distinct advantage to more invasive direct IM delivery.
Cultivation and Characterisation of New Species of Apusomonads (the Sister Group to Opisthokonts), Including Close Relatives of Thecamonas (Chelonemonas n. gen.)
Authors: Heiss Aaron A. , Lee Won J. , Ishida Ken‐ichiro , Simpson Alastair G. B. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractApusomonads comprise an understudied and undersampled group of heterotrophic flagellates that is closely related to opisthokonts, the supergroup containing animals and fungi. We cultured representatives of a new clade of apusomonads, Chelonemonas n. gen., which is sister to marine forms of Thecamonas in SSU rRNA gene phylogenies. Scanning electron microscopy shows that members of Chelonemonas have a hexagonal patterning to their submembranous pellicle, which is not known to exist in other apusomonads. We propose that the subfamily Thecamonadinae refer to the marine Thecamonas/Chelonomonas clade. We also report two new strains of Multimonas, one of which is genetically divergent from previously described strains, and here described as a new species, Multimonas koreensis. Both strains of Multimonas have appendages on their dorsal surface that could be extrusomes, and a frilled appearance to the border of their pellicle. Explorations of taxon sampling in SSU rRNA gene phylogenies confirm the new strains' evolutionary affinities, but do not resolve relationships among the five main apusomonad clades. These phylogenies also separate the freshwater species “Thecamonas” oxoniensis from the marine members of the genus Thecamonas. The new strains described here may provide valuable genetic and morphological data for evaluating the relationships and evolution of apusomonads.
Macrophages treated with particulate matter PM2.5 induce selective neurotoxicity through glutaminase‐mediated glutamate generation
Authors: Liu Fang , Huang Yunlong , Zhang Fang , Chen Qiang , Wu Beiqing , Rui Wei , Zheng Jialin C. , Ding Wenjun 
Published: April 2015

AbstractExposure to atmospheric particulate matter PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) has been epidemiologically associated with respiratory illnesses. However, recent data have suggested that PM2.5 is able to infiltrate into circulation and elicit a systemic inflammatory response. Potential adverse effects of air pollutants to the central nervous system (CNS) have raised concerns, but whether PM2.5 causes neurotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, we have demonstrated that PM2.5 impairs the tight junction of endothelial cells and increases permeability and monocyte transmigration across endothelial monolayer in vitro, indicating that PM2.5 is able to disrupt blood–brain barrier integrity and gain access to the CNS. Exposure of primary neuronal cultures to PM2.5 resulted in decrease in cell viability and loss of neuronal antigens. Furthermore, supernatants collected from PM2.5‐treated macrophages and microglia were also neurotoxic. These macrophages and microglia significantly increased extracellular levels of glutamate following PM2.5 exposure, which were negatively correlated with neuronal viability. Pre‐treatment with NMDA receptor antagonist MK801 alleviated neuron loss, suggesting that PM2.5 neurotoxicity is mediated by glutamate. To determine the potential source of excess glutamate production, we investigated glutaminase, the main enzyme for glutamate generation. Glutaminase was reduced in PM2.5‐treated macrophages and increased in extracellular vesicles, suggesting that PM2.5 induces glutaminase release through extracellular vesicles. In conclusion, these findings indicate PM2.5 as a potential neurotoxic factor, crucial to understanding the effects of air pollution on the CNS.
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We propose the following cascade of events for PM2.5‐induced neurotoxicity: PM2.5 is inhalable and able to infiltrate into circulation. Circulating PM2.5 impairs tight junction of endothelial cells, disrupts blood–brain barrier integrity, and gains access to the central nervous system. PM2.5 induces neuronal injury directly or through macrophages and microglia by the elevated production of glutamate. The discovery of this cascade of events supports an adverse effect of air pollution on the central nervous system.
Novel splice variants in the 5'UTR of Gtf2i expressed in the rat brain: alternative 5'UTRs and differential expression in the neuronal dendrites
Authors: Shirai Yoshinori , Watanabe Masahiko , Sakagami Hiroyuki , Suzuki Tatsuo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractGeneral transcription factor II‐I (Gtf2i) is a transcription factor and one of the genes implicated in Willams–Beuren syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we investigated splice variants of the Gtf2i gene in both the 5'untranslated region (5'UTR) and the coding region. To search for novel 5'UTRs of Gtf2i, we utilized the cap analysis gene expression database of the mouse. We identified seven novel Gtf2i transcripts with alternatively spliced 5'UTRs in the rat brain. We also identified four novel splice variants in the coding sequence of Gtf2i. Furthermore, we identified a selective usage of certain types of 5'UTR by coding variants. In situ hybridization demonstrated a differential pattern of expression of Gtf2i mRNAs with alternatively spliced 5'UTRs among neuronal cells, and the localization of one of the variants in neuronal dendrites in the rat brain. Immunohistochemistry also demonstrated a distribution of Gtf2i‐immunoreactivity in the dendrites. These results suggest multiple pathways of expression of Gtf2i gene in the brain. The expression patterns may be under the control of alternative promoters coupled to the alternative splicing in the coding region. Differential localization of mRNA to neuronal dendrites suggests spatiotemporal‐specific translation at the post‐synaptic sites that is involved in transfer of synaptic activity to expression of specific sets of genes in the nucleus.imageGtf2i is a transcription factor and implicated in Willams–Beuren syndrome. We identified seven novel Gtf2i transcripts with alternatively spliced 5'UTRs in the rat brain. In situ hybridization demonstrated a differential expression of Gtf2i mRNAs with different 5'UTRs in somas and dendrites of neuronal cells. Differential localization of mRNA to neuronal dendrites suggests spatiotemporal‐specific translation at the postsynaptic sites. The scheme shows genomic structure showing the positions of the potential transcription start tags (rDEC695, rDEC3D7, rDEC1D3, rDEC104, rDEC072 and rDEBE25). Newly identified exons (1.1–1.6) are shown with the white boxes. The distances from rDEC695‐5'end are indicated in bp.
NCK is critical for the development of deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) sensitive spinal circuits
Authors: Lane Ciaran , Qi Jiansong , Fawcett James P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAs our understanding of motor circuit function increases, our need to understand how circuits form to ensure proper function becomes increasingly important. Recently, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) has been shown to be important in the development of spinal circuits necessary for gait. Importantly, humans with mutation in DCC show mirror movement disorders pointing to the significance of DCC in the development of spinal circuits for coordinated movement. Although DCC binds a number of ligands, the intracellular signaling cascade leading to the aberrant spinal circuits remains unknown. Here, we show that the non‐catalytic region of tyrosine kinase adaptor (NCK) proteins 1 and 2 are distributed in the developing spinal cord. Using dissociated dorsal spinal neuron cultures we show that NCK proteins are necessary for the outgrowth and growth cone architecture of DCC+ve dorsal spinal neurons. Consistent with a role for NCK in DCC signaling, we show that loss of NCK proteins leads to a reduction in the thickness of TAG1+ve commissural bundles in the floor plate and loss of DCC mRNA in vivo. We suggest that DCC signaling functions through NCK1 and NCK2 and that both proteins are necessary for the establishment of normal spinal circuits necessary for gait.imageReduction in NCK proteins in the developing CNS leads to a reduction in TAG1+ve commissural tract thickness, a reduction in growth cone complexity of DCC+ve spinal interneurons, and a reduction in DCC mRNA. These are consistent with an in vivo role for NCK in the development of critical DCC spinal circuits, and may be important for the normal development of spinal circuits critical for walking.
Extracellular matrix production by nucleus pulposus and bone marrow stem cells in response to altered oxygen and glucose microenvironments
Authors: Naqvi Syeda M. , Buckley Conor T. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBone marrow (BM) stem cells may be an ideal source of cells for intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration. However, the harsh biochemical microenvironment of the IVD may significantly influence the biological and metabolic vitality of injected stem cells and impair their repair potential. This study investigated the viability and production of key matrix proteins by nucleus pulposus (NP) and BM stem cells cultured in the typical biochemical microenvironment of the IVD consisting of altered oxygen and glucose concentrations. Culture‐expanded NP cells and BM stem cells were encapsulated in 1.5% alginate and ionically crosslinked to form cylindrical hydrogel constructs. Hydrogel constructs were maintained under different glucose concentrations (1, 5 and 25 mM) and external oxygen concentrations (5 and 20%). Cell viability was measured using the Live/Dead® assay and the production of sulphated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG), and collagen was quantified biochemically and histologically. For BM stem cells, IVD‐like micro‐environmental conditions (5 mM glucose and 5% oxygen) increased the accumulation of sGAG and collagen. In contrast, low glucose conditions (1 mM glucose) combined with 5% external oxygen concentration promoted cell death, inhibiting proliferation and the accumulation of sGAG and collagen. NP‐encapsulated alginate constructs were relatively insensitive to oxygen concentration or glucose condition in that they accumulated similar amounts of sGAG under all conditions. Under IVD‐like microenvironmental conditions, NP cells were found to have a lower glucose consumption rate compared with BM cells and may in fact be more suitable to adapt and sustain the harsh microenvironmental conditions. Considering the highly specialised microenvironment of the central NP, these results indicate that IVD‐like concentrations of low glucose and low oxygen are critical and influential for the survival and biological behaviour of stem cells. Such findings may promote and accelerate the translational research of stem cells for the treatment of IVD degeneration.
Resilience training in the workplace from 2003 to 2014: A systematic review
Authors: Robertson Ivan T. , Cooper Cary L. , Sarkar Mustafa , Curran Thomas 
Published: April 2015

Over a decade of research attests to the importance of resilience in the workplace for employee well‐being and performance. Yet, surprisingly, there has been no attempt to synthesize the evidence for the efficacy of resilience training in this context. The purpose of this study, therefore is to provide a systematic review of work‐based resilience training interventions. Our review identified 14 studies that investigated the impact of resilience training on personal resilience and four broad categories of dependent variables: (1) mental health and subjective well‐being outcomes, (2) psychosocial outcomes, (3) physical/biological outcomes, and (4) performance outcomes. Findings indicated that resilience training can improve personal resilience and is a useful means of developing mental health and subjective well‐being in employees. We also found that resilience training has a number of wider benefits that include enhanced psychosocial functioning and improved performance. Due to the lack of coherence in design and implementation, we cannot draw any firm conclusions about the most effective content and format of resilience training. Therefore, going forward, it is vital that future research uses comparative designs to assess the utility of different training regimes, explores whether some people might benefit more/less from resilience training, and demonstrates consistency in terms of how resilience is defined, conceptualized, developed, and assessed.Practitioner points

Despite conceptual and theoretical support for resilience training, the empirical evidence is tentative, with the exception of a large effect for mental health and subjective well‐being outcomes.

Most programmes utilize a cognitive‐behavioural approach to developing resilience.

At this stage, there is no definitive evidence for the most effective training content or format, but it would appear wise to include an element of one‐to‐one training and support based on individual needs.