bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ingle, Steve & Duckworth, Vicky (2013) Enhancing learning through technology in lifelong learningOpen University Press (McGraw‐Hill Maidenhead UK & New York) isbn 978‐033352‐4640‐3 145 pp £21.99 http://www.mcgraw‐hill.co.uk/html/0335246400.html
Authors: Hammer Sara 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe aim of this is to offer novices and experienced learning/teaching practitioners an accessible and user‐friendly resource that will help them enhance their students' learning through the use of a range of learning technologies. A clear rationale for the practical ideas presented here is provided in the authors' overview of related educational theory, recent trends, and debates. If this book seems likely to be relevant to you, I recommend you buy a copy.Sara Hammer
β‐2 Adrenergic receptor gene methylation is associated with decreased asthma severity in inner‐city Schoolchildren
Authors: Gaffin J. M. , Raby B. A. , Petty C. R. , Hoffman E. B. , Baccarelli A. A. , Gold D. R. , Phipatanakul W. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundGenetic variation in the β‐2 adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB2) has been implicated in asthma severity and control with conflicting results. Epigenetic variation in the ADRB2 may play an important role in asthma phenotype.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate whether DNA methylation of ADRB2 is associated with asthma phenotypes in inner‐city school‐aged children.MethodsMultiple CpG sites in the promoter region of ADRB2 gene were analysed in 177 children enrolled in the School Inner‐City Asthma Study. Blood‐ or saliva‐derived DNA was measured by bisulphite‐polymerase chain reaction pyrosequencing assay. Average percentage DNA methylation across the sites was evaluated for association with asthma severity (report of dyspnoea, night‐time symptoms, rescue medication use, and baseline spirometry) and morbidity (school absences and unscheduled healthcare visits). Three clades composed of highly correlated methylation sites within the methylated segment of ADRB2 were further analysed.ResultsMethylation of individual sites generally ranged from 0% to 6% with average percentage methylation across sites of 2.4%. Univariate analyses strongly favoured the association of higher percentage methylation with lower asthma severity measured by report of dyspnoea. Furthermore, there was a non‐significant trend towards less rescue medication use, night‐time symptoms, school absences, activity limitation due to asthma, and improved lung function measurements with increased methylation. Multivariate analysis demonstrated methylation of ADRB2 gene significantly associated with less dyspnoea (odds ratio (OR) 0.2, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1–0.6, P = 0.002). Each of the three clades of methylation sites showed a strong, but not statistically significant, effect on decreased dyspnoea.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceDNA methylation in the ADRB2 gene is associated with decreased asthma symptom severity, suggesting a role for methylation in asthma phenotypes.
X-linked dominant protoporphyria: a new porphyria
Authors: Seager M. J. , Whatley S. D. , Anstey A. V. , Millard T. P. 
Published: October 2013

Summary
X-linked dominant protoporphyria (XLDPP) was first reported in the genetics literature in 2008. It has a phenotype very similar to erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), but is distinguished from EPP by higher concentrations of erythrocyte protoporphyrin (of which a high proportion is zinc-chelated), its apparently higher incidence of liver disease, and an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. Dermatologists should understand how XLDPP differs from EPP, in order to advise newly diagnosed patients correctly about the genetic implications and the long-term management strategy. We present a case series of XLDPP to introduce this condition to the dermatology literature.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Cryopreserved Bone‐Derived Osteoblasts for the Repair of Segmental Mandibular Defects in Canines
Authors: Wang Shaoyi , Zhao Jun , Zhang Wenjie , Ye Dongxia , Zhang Xiaochen , Zou Duohong , Zhang Xiuli , Sun Xiaojuan , Sun Shuyang , Zhang Weijie , Yang Chi , Jiang Xinquan , Zhang Zhiyuan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe repair of segmental mandibular defects remains challenging in the clinic. Previous studies have shown that cryopreserved bone‐derived osteoblasts (CBOs) have good proliferation and osteogenicity. However, whether these cells can be used in the repair of segmental mandibular defects is largely unknown.PurposeIn this study, we applied CBOs combined with beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) to repair a segmental mandibular defect in canines and thus established the feasibility of using this type of tissue‐bank cell for the repair of large bone defects in the future.Material and MethodsSixteen segmental mandibular defects in 16 animals were made on the right side. Sequential radiographs, computer tomography, polychrome fluorescent labeling, immunohistochemical staining, and histological analysis were used to evaluate the effects of tissue‐engineered bone for segmental mandibular defects.ResultsOur results demonstrated that CBOs combined with β‐TCP promoted bone mineralization and deposition at the early stage, and bony union was achieved in the CBO and fresh bone‐derived osteoblast (FBO) groups. However, nonunion and minimal callus were present in the β‐TCP group. Furthermore, there was a large amount of newly formed bone in the CBO and FBO groups and in the autogenous bone group. Additionally, osteocalcin immunohistochemistry showed intensive osteocalcin immunoreactivity in the bone matrix of the CBO and FBO groups.ConclusionsThese data indicate that CBOs implanted in a scaffold can promote new bone formation, and this tissue‐engineered bone can repair critically sized segmental mandibular defects in canines. The use of CBOs combined with β‐TCP may be an effective approach for the reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects in the clinic.
Evaluation of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test in Japanese outpatients
Authors: Horita Nobuyuki , Yomota Makiko , Sasaki Masahiro , Morita Satoshi , Shinkai Masaharu , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki , Kaneko Takeshi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) is a quality‐of‐life (QOL) questionnaire that proved to correlate with St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire. Correlations between CAT scores and other COPD parameters have not been thoroughly evaluated in Japanese outpatients.MethodsCross‐sectional study of 85 outpatients with COPD at a Japanese community‐based hospital.PatientsWe observed 70 men and 15 women, whose average age was 72.0 ± 9.0 years. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (% predicted) was 45.8 ± 14.7%. Mean CAT score was 10.1 ± 7.9 (range: 0–31). We calculated Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for CAT score and the following variables: r = 0.81 for ‘the Body Mass Index, Airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise Capacity Index’; r = −0.05 for body mass index; r = −0.56 for FEV1 (% predicted); r = 0.88 for Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale; r = −0.71 for 6‐min walk distance; r = 0.68 for ‘the Age, Dyspnoea,and Airflow Obstruction Index’; and r = −0.40 for oxygen saturation in artery. Each COPD parameter, except for body mass index, had a significant (P < 0.001) correlation with the CAT score.ConclusionsThe CAT score, which is obtainable by a simple questionnaire originally designed for QOL assessment, had strong correlations with airflow obstruction, dyspnea, exercise tolerance, prognostic index and oxygenation in Japanese outpatients.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with aggressive primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma – a case series of the ADF working group „cutaneous lymphomas”
Authors: Moritz Rose K. C. , Ditschkowski Markus , Klemke Claus‐Detlev , Terras Sarah , Schlaak Max , Knorr Martin , Theurich Sebastian , Hegenbart Ute , Kremens Bernhard , Beelen Dietrich W. , Stücker Markus , Kreuter Alexander ,   working group „cutaneous lymphomas“ of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Dermatologische Forschung (ADF), Germany
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundAllogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is a treatment option for primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas that may induce long‐lasting complete remissions. Little information is available on safety and efficacy.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data from patients with primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma treated in the Departments of Dermatology of the Universities of Bochum, Mannheim and Cologne who received subsequent alloSCT between 2005 and 2012.ResultsNine patients with aggressive primary cutaneous T‐cell‐lymphoma received alloSCT. With a follow‐up of 14 to 36 months after transplantation, 4 patients are alive and in complete remission. Two patients had recurrent disease post‐transplantation, which was successfully treated with donor lymphocyte infusions. Non‐relapse mortality was observed in three patients in advanced disease stages within six months after alloSCT. One patient showed only partial remission and died of disease after 32 months and one patient died 26 months after alloSCT with cause of death unknown.ConclusionsThis report documents the possible benefit of a graft‐versus‐lymphoma effect in primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, as has been observed for other T‐cell malignancies and emphasizes that alloSCT warrants further studies in this setting.
Evaluation of Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients: Longitudinal Strain Velocities and Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony by Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Study
Authors: Zoroufian Arezoo , Razmi Tannaz , Taghavi‐Shavazi Mohsen , Lotfi‐Tokaldany Masoumeh , Jalali Arash 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundWe evaluated left ventricular (LV) subclinical systolic dysfunction in diabetes mellitus patients using two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for early detection of changes in LV longitudinal strain (ST) or synchronized contraction.MethodsTo determine ST and LV dyssynchrony, 37 normal coronary and normotensive diabetes mellitus patients with LV ejection fraction >50% were enrolled and compared to 39 nondiabetic normal coronary and LV function subjects. The cases underwent standard conventional transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and STE. End‐systolic ST and time‐to‐peak systolic strain (Ts) were measured in 18 LV segments.ResultsConventional parameters were similar between diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. In diabetic patients, significant reduction in global and segmental ST adjusted for age and body mass index, independently correlated with early diastolic velocity at the septal mitral valve annulus by TDI (P = 0.001), ratio of transmitral early and late diastolic velocities (P < 0.001), relative wall thickness (P = 0.014), glycosylated hemoglobin (P < 0.001), and fasting blood sugar (P < 0.001). These correlations were not found in the nondiabetic patients. After adjustment, presence of diabetes mellitus remained an independent correlate of reduced LV global longitudinal ST (R = 0.688, P = 0.003). Delay of Ts between the anteroseptal and posterior walls and all the LV segments was markedly higher in the diabetic group regardless of diastolic dysfunction.ConclusionIn diabetic patients with normal coronary and ejection fraction, segmental and global end‐systolic longitudinal ST decreased and differences between Ts among LV segments increased irrespective of diastolic dysfunction at early stage. These results suggest that there might be early detectable changes in systolic function in the natural course of diabetes mellitus by STE study.
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography Images Showing Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return in an Adult with Scimitar Syndrome
Authors: Palios John , Pernetz Maria‐Alexandra , Clements Stephen , Lerakis Stamatios 
Published: October 2013

Mini‐AbstractThree‐dimensional echocardiography images showing anomalous pulmonary venous return in an adult with scimitar syndrome.
Mycophenolic acid attenuates the tumour necrosis factor‐α‐mediated proinflammatory response in endothelial cells by blocking the MAPK/NF‐κB and ROS pathways
Authors: Olejarz Wioletta , Bryk Dorota , Zapolska‐Downar Danuta , Małecki Maciej , Stachurska Anna , Sitkiewicz Dariusz 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundMycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has beneficial effects in cardiac transplant patients beyond the suppression of tissue rejection. Moreover, mycophenolic acid (MPA), its active metabolite, has been associated with positive effects on atherosclerosis in animal models. The attachment of leukocytes to the vascular endothelium and the subsequent migration of these cells into the vessel wall are early events in inflammation and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MPA on tumour necrosis‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced, endothelial cell proinflammatory responses and the underlying mechanisms.Methods and ResultsHuman aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated with different concentrations (primarily 50 μM) of MPA before treatment with TNF‐α. The surface protein and mRNA expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) were determined by flow cytometry and real‐time RT–PCR, respectively. Adhesion of leukocytes to TNF‐α‐treated HAECs was evaluated by an adhesion assay. Activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) was evaluated by measuring the levels of their phosphorylation using flow cytometry. NF‐κB p65 translocation was detected by Western blotting. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by reduction in fluorescent 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (H2 DCFH‐DA). MPA significantly inhibits TNF‐α‐induced ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 surface protein and mRNA expression as well as adhesion of mononuclear leukocytes to HAEC. ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expressions were also reduced by antioxidants such as pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, diphenylene iodonium and apocynin. MPA inhibited TNF‐α‐stimulated ROS generation similarly to apocynin. TNF‐α increased ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression via c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK. MPA and apocynin inhibited TNF‐α‐induced phosphorylation of all three MAP kinases. Furthermore, TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB activation was attenuated by SP600125 (JNK inhibitor), PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor, SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) and MPA. MPA also inhibited TNF‐α‐induced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65.ConclusionThese results suggest that, in addition to the prevention of rejection, MPA may be a promising approach for the treatment of inflammatory vascular disease.
Body size and elevation: do Bergmann's and Rensch's rule apply in the polytypic bushcricket Poecilimon veluchianus?
Authors: EWELEIT LUCIENNE , REINHOLD KLAUS 
Published: October 2013

One of the most fundamental differences between animals are size differences that are often prominent when comparing species, as well as the sexes within species. One important aim of evolutionary and ecological studies is therefore to understand the pattern of size variation.
Bergmann's rule and Rensch's rule are two ideas that describe such general patterns. But whether or not these rules apply only in homoeothermic animals, or also in insects, is unclear because previous studies have shown opposing results.
For two subspecies of Poecilimon veluchianus Ramme (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), we demonstrate a pattern that is opposite to what is predicted by Bergmann's rule. Rensch's rule also does not seem to apply, as sexual size dimorphism (SSD) does not change even though body size decreases with elevation in these two taxa. Our data adds to an emerging pattern that the two rules are not universally applicable in insects.
Time of the season: the effect of host photoperiodism on diapause induction in an insect herbivore, Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: IZZO VICTOR M. , ARMSTRONG JORDAN , HAWTHORNE DAVID , CHEN YOLANDA 
Published: October 2013

Diapause, seasonal physiological dormancy, is the primary life history strategy used by insect species inhabiting temperate climates for seasonal synchronisation. Biotic signals for diapause induction originating from host plants may provide dependable cues for insects expanding from subtropical regions.
We investigated the effect of plant‐mediated photoperiod cues on diapause initiation within the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say. The effect of photoperiod changes on potato leaf composition and its subsequent correlation with diapause initiation was tested.
Analyses revealed a significant effect of short‐day (LD 8 : 16 h and LD 10 : 14 h) photoperiod growth regimens on both nitrogen content in potato leaves and diapause initiation within L. decemlineata.
Potato plants grown under short day conditions displayed significantly higher levels of leaf nitrogen compared with long‐day treated plants. Over 65% of beetles feeding upon short‐day treated plants initiated diapause compared with < 20% of beetles placed upon long‐day treated plants.
The observation of seasonality‐induced diapause signals by host plants signifies an important addition to the current array of plant–insect interactions. The present results suggest that seasonal synchrony may be the result of a more integrated system whereby host plant photoperiodism acts as an intermediate or supplementary physiological cue for diapause initiation.
Patterns of parasite infection in bumble bees (Bombusspp.) ofNorthernVirginia
Authors: MALFI ROSEMARY L. , ROULSTON T'AI H. 
Published: October 2013

In recent decades, severalNorthAmerican bumble bee (Bombusspp.) species have undergone precipitous declines. It is suspected that a parasite or pathogen may be responsible, yet few studies have examined the extent of parasitism and the ecology of host–parasite relationships inU.S. bumble bee populations.A season‐long survey of bumble bees in seven grassland meadows of the northernShenandoahValley andPiedmont regions inVirginia was conducted in 2011 to ascertain the local prevalence and predictors of parasitism by the internal parasitesNosemaandCrithidia, and by parasitoid conopid flies.In total, 835 bumble bees representing six species were examined. Using visual detection methods, we determined that 25% of bees were infected with parasitoid larvae, 17.4% withCrithidia, and 7.3% withNosema.Nosemainfections were more prevalent and intense in locally rare than locally common species, with the two rarest bumble bees [B. fervidus(Fabricius) andB. auricomus(Robertson)], newly suspected to be in decline, having the highest frequencies of infection (11–17.8%).Crithidiawas generally more prevalent in common bumble bee species (11–35%). With fewer than 5% of individuals infected, the two rarest species had the lowest frequencies ofCrithidia. Conopid fly larvae were more prevalent in common species.Body size significantly influenced the probability of parasitism by conopids andCrithidia. Smaller bees were more likely to be parasitised byCrithidia. Larger bees were more likely to be parasitised by conopid flies, although the largest bee species (B. auricomus) was not infected by conopids in this study.
Macrophyte loss drives decadal change in benthic invertebrates in peatland drainage ditches
Authors: Whatley Merrin H. , van Loon E. Emiel , van Dam Herman , Vonk J. Arie , van der Geest Harm G. , Admiraal Wim 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Agricultural peatlands and their associated drainage systems are often highly managed and exposed to anthropogenic pressures, such as eutrophication and stable water tables, maintained via drainage during periods of high rainfall and inlet of, alkaline‐rich, waters during dry periods. These pressures promote peat degradation, resulting in the accumulation of fine‐degraded peat particles that dramatically alter aquatic habitats by smothering surfaces and decreasing water quality. Consequential effects on benthic communities are expected but have not been investigated so far.

We hypothesised that peat degradation can lead to the decline in submerged macrophytes, which are of critical importance to sustaining biodiversity of benthic invertebrate communities. To investigate this, we analysed decadal (1985–2007) changes in benthic species richness in 29 peat ditches in the Netherlands and, to determine patterns of macroinvertebrate habitat occupancy, carried out a complementary field experiment with submerged artificial macrophytes, natural sediments and emergent bank vegetation.

Results from long‐term monitoring indicate that chemical conditions in agricultural peat ditches have improved slightly over the last decades; however, there has been a simultaneous decline in benthic invertebrate species richness and densities corresponding to a decline in the numbers of submerged macrophytes. The apparent dependence of macroinvertebrates on macrophytes was reinforced by our field experiment which revealed that invertebrate density was highest in submerged artificial plants, while invertebrate species richness was highest in natural emergent vegetation. Conversely, degraded peat sediments supported extremely few invertebrates.

Our results clearly illustrate the strong influence of submerged macrophyte loss on macroinvertebrate assemblages in peatland waters. Furthermore, this suggests that improvements in water quality alone will not benefit invertebrates in the absence of suitable vegetative habitats.
The rationale for the use of low molecular weight heparin for hemodialysis treatments
Authors: Davenport Andrew 
Published: October 2013

AbstractUnfractionated heparin (UFH) is the most commonly used anticoagulant for hemodialysis worldwide. However, UFH comprises a series of different molecules with variable biological activity, thus risking under and over anticoagulation. As such, low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) were developed to improve reliability. LMWHs are now established in clinical practice and have been proven to be effective in preventing extracorporeal circuit clotting, but also safer with fewer reported bleeding episodes and less heparin induced thrombocytopenia than UFH. As with UFH, most centers simply adjust the dose of LMWHs by clinical inspection of the extracorporeal circuit for thrombus, and bleeding times post‐fistula needle removal. Despite potentially higher drug costs, LMWHs have become the anticoagulant of choice in Europe for routine outpatient hemodialysis sessions, due to their ease of administration and reliability of clinical effect.