bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping learning and game mechanics for serious games analysis
Authors: Arnab Sylvester , Lim Theodore , Carvalho Maira B. , Bellotti Francesco , de Freitas Sara , Louchart Sandy , Suttie Neil , Berta Riccardo , De Gloria Alessandro 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAlthough there is a consensus on the instructional potential of Serious Games (SGs), there is still a lack of methodologies and tools not only for design but also to support analysis and assessment. Filling this gap is one of the main aims of the Games and Learning Alliance (http://www.galanoe.eu) European Network of Excellence on Serious Games, which has a focus upon pedagogy‐driven SGs. This paper relies on the assumption that the fundamental aspect of SG design consists in the translation of learning goals/practices into mechanical element of gameplay, serving to an instructional purpose beside that of play and fun. This paper proposes the Learning Mechanics–Game Mechanics (LM‐GM) model, which supports SG analysis and design by allowing reflection on the various pedagogical and game elements in an SG. The LM‐GM model includes a set of pre‐defined game mechanics and pedagogical elements that we have abstracted from literature on game studies and learning theories.Designers and analysts can exploit these mechanics to draw the LM‐GM map for a game, so as to identify and highlight its main pedagogical and entertainment features, and their interrelations. The tool may also be useful for teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of a given game and better understand how to implement it in educational settings. A case study is reported to illustrate the framework's support in determining how gameplay and pedagogy intertwine in an SG. Finally, the paper presents the results of two comparative user tests demonstrating the advantages of the proposed model with respect to a similar state‐of‐the‐art framework.
How I treat thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Authors: Scully Marie , Goodship Tim 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) are acute, rare life‐threatening thrombotic microangiopathies that require rapid diagnosis and treatment. They are defined by microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia, with renal involvement primarily in aHUS and neurological and cardiological sequelae in TTP. Prompt treatment for most cases of both conditions is with plasma exchange initially and monoclonal therapy (rituximab in TTP and eculizumab in aHUS) as the mainstay of therapy. Here we discuss the diagnosis and therapy for both disorders.
Long-term follow-up of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in a cohort of multiple sclerosis patients treated with natalizumab
Authors: Koudriavtseva T , Sbardella E , Trento E , Bordignon V , D'Agosto G , Cordiali-Fei P 
Published: January 2014

Summary
Natalizumab, an anti-alpha4 integrin monoclonal antibody inhibiting the adhesion of lymphocytes to the endothelium, is a widely accepted drug treatment for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). A peripheral increase of T and B lymphocytes has already been observed as an early treatment effect. This retrospective observational study was aimed to evaluate the peripheral lymphocyte subsets during a long-term treatment follow-up. We included 23 RRMS patients treated with natalizumab for at least 24–48 months who had pretreatment lymphocyte evaluation. Baseline values of lymphocyte subsets and CD4/CD8 ratio did not differ significantly from the 23 matched healthy subjects. The periodic (every 3–6 months) assessment of immune cell subsets was performed by flow cytometry on peripheral blood collected before drug injection. Therapy with natalizumab was confirmed to be effective during the observational period. For all patients, the increase in lymphocytes during natalizumab therapy compared to baseline at every assessment was significantly higher compared to that of overall white blood cells (2·1- and 1·3-fold, respectively, P &lt; 0·0001). Both T cell subsets were proportionally modified and the CD4/CD8 ratio did not change significantly, while B cells increased significantly compared to T and NK cells (3·2-, 1·88- and 1·92-fold, respectively, P &lt; 0·0001). These changes remained constant throughout the 25–48-month period of therapy. In conclusion, effective natalizumab treatment of RRMS patients was associated with the persistence of its biological effects through a stable increase of peripheral lymphocytes, mainly B cells, and an unchanged proportion of T cell subsets in long-term follow-up.
Alleles underlying larval foraging behaviour influence adult dispersal in nature
Authors: Edelsparre Allan H. , Vesterberg Anders , Lim Jang H. , Anwari Milad , Fitzpatrick Mark J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe dispersal and migration of organisms have resulted in the colonisation of nearly every possible habitat and ultimately the extraordinary diversity of life. Animal dispersal tendencies are commonly heterogeneous (e.g. long vs. short) and non‐random suggesting that phenotypic and genotypic variability between individuals can contribute to population‐level heterogeneity in dispersal. Using laboratory and field experiments, we demonstrate that natural allelic variation in a gene underlying a foraging polymorphism in larval fruit flies (for), also influences their dispersal tendencies as adults. Rover flies (forR; higher foraging activity) have consistently greater dispersal tendencies and are more likely to disperse longer distances than sitter flies (fors; lower foraging activity). Increasingforexpression in the brain and nervous system increases dispersal in sitter flies. Our study supports the notion that variation in dispersal can be driven by intrinsic variation in food‐dependent search behaviours and confirms that single gene pleiotropic effects can contribute to population‐level heterogeneity in dispersal.
Redescription of Papilloma luteum and description of a new Praon species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae; Aphidiinae) parasitic on Kurisakia querciphila (Homoptera: Aphididae: Thelaxinae) in Japan, with notes on synonymy and life cycle of P. luteum
Authors: Takada Hajimu 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTwo aphidiine species were found to be associated with a thelaxine aphid, Kurisakia querciphila on Quercus serrata and Q. acutissima in Japan. One of them is identified as Papilloma luteum and redescribed, and the other is described as a new species, Praon kurisakiae. Sinoaphidius zhejiangensis is synonymized with P. luteum. Papilloma luteum aestivated within a unique shaped and black “diapausing mummy”. Aestivating adults of P. luteum emerging from “diapausing mummies” in the autumn were darker and smaller than non‐aestivating ones. The aphidiine parasitoids of Thelaxinae are reviewed; the systematic position of Papilloma and life cycles of K. querciphila and P. luteum are discussed.
The Strongylophthalmyiidae (Diptera) of Papua New Guinea, with descriptions of five new species and a world checklist
Authors: Iwasa Mitsuhiro , Evenhuis Neal L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractEight species of the Strongylophthalmyiidae are reported from Papua New Guinea. Of these, five species (Strongylophthalmyia gigantica sp. nov., S. papuana sp. nov., S. rubella sp. nov., S. sedlaceki sp. nov. and S. shatalkini sp. nov.) are described as new to science. Strongylophthalmyia puncticollis Frey is recorded for the first time from Papua New Guinea. Faunistic remarks, a key to the species of the Strongylophthalmyia in Papua New Guinea and a world checklist are provided.
Closely related freshwater macrophyte species, Ceratophyllum demersum and C. submersum, differ in temperature response
Authors: Hyldgaard Benita , Sorrell Brian , Brix Hans 
Published: January 2014

Summary

The importance of temperature responses of photosynthesis and respiration in determining species distributions was compared in two closely related freshwater macrophytes, Ceratophyllum demersum and C. submersum. The two species differed significantly in response to temperature in the short and long term, despite being collected in the same geographical region, near Aarhus, Denmark.

The distribution of C. submersum is narrower globally and does not extend as far north as C. demersum, which is a cosmopolitan species. Results from short‐term (within minutes) temperature‐response curves and distributional patterns corresponded well with the long‐term (weeks) results obtained, but with some important deviations. The long‐term responses of the two species to low temperature (12 °C) were more similar than expected. In contrast, high temperature (35 °C), which stimulated photosynthesis in C. submersum in the short term, inhibited photosynthesis in the long term and resulted in lower growth rates of C. submersum, both compared to C. demersum and to growth rates at intermediate temperatures (18 and 25 °C).

The long‐term acclimation strategy differed between the two species. Ceratophyllum demersum achieved homeostasis in photosynthesis and respiration rates, and the temperature optimum for photosynthesis changed according to its acclimation temperature. In contrast, C. submersum had a homeostatic response to the ratio of dark respiration to gross photosynthetic capacity and did not change its temperature optimum. Hence, this study highlights key issues that need to be examined carefully to improve models predicting future temperature responses of aquatic plants.
Effect of Urban Aquifer Exploitation on Subsurface Temperature and Water Quality
Authors: Abe Hiroaki , Tang Changyuan , Kondoh Akihiko 
Published: January 2014

AbstractGroundwater pumping induces changes in the hydrodynamics of aquifer systems. Rapid urbanization and pumping‐induced changes in local groundwater flow can change the natural heat and chemical balances of an aquifer. In the Nagaoka Plain, Japan, groundwater is being extracted at 145 × 106 m3/year from a highly permeable aquifer consisting of coarse‐grained sediments of Late Pleistocene to Holocene age. We used land‐cover and groundwater analyses to investigate the processes that change subsurface temperature and water quality induced by urbanization and intensive groundwater extraction. Comparison of temperature and water quality measurements in 2009 with measurements made between 1977 and 2000 revealed an increase in subsurface temperature (at 18 m depth) of 0.050 °C/year in the main urban area of the Nagaoka Plain, which is equivalent to the rate of increase of mean air temperature during that period. The effects of surface warming are apparent as a warm zone under the urban area. An area with low saturation index of calcite (−3.0 to −2.0) was centered around urban areas in 2009, whereas in 2000 the index there was higher (−1.5 to −0.5). The decrease in this index in the center of Nagaoka City over the last decade is consistent with continuous dissolution of carbonates induced there by changes in recharge water sources due to groundwater pumping. These findings suggest that urbanization, intensive groundwater extraction, and recharge with chemically modified surface water are responsible for changes in thermal and chemical properties under the urban area of the Nagaoka Plain.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Fracture Fixation in 6 Dogs With Appendicular Osteosarcoma
Authors: Covey Jennifer L. , Farese James P. , Bacon Nicholas J. , Schallberger Sandra P. , Amsellem Pierre , Cavanaugh Ryan P. , Milner Rowan J. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate clinical outcome of dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and subsequent internal fixation of a pathologic fracture.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs with spontaneous‐occurring appendicular OSA (n = 6).MethodsMedical records (May 2002–January 2008) of dogs that had SRS for appendicular OSA were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had a pathologic fracture either before or after SRS and were treated with internal fixation. Signalment, history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, diagnostic imaging findings, biopsy results, surgical complications, number of surgeries, adjuvant therapy, development of metastatic disease and cause of death were recorded.ResultsSix dogs met the inclusion criteria. Two dogs had a pathologic fracture at admission and 4 dogs developed a fracture after SRS with a mean ± SD time to fracture development of 6.25 ± 1.65 months. The first 3 fractures were repaired using an open approach and the latter three using minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO). Infection occurred in 5 dogs and implant failure in 3. Limb function was subjectively assessed as good in all dogs when the implants were stable and infections were subclinical. Survival times ranged from 364–897 days; 1 dog was lost to follow‐up.ConclusionsFracture repair using internal fixation should be considered a viable limb‐sparing alternative for pathologic fractures that have been treated with SRS.
Does Radiographic Arthrosis Correlate With Cartilage Pathology in Labrador Retrievers Affected by Medial Coronoid Process Disease?
Authors: Farrell Michael , Heller Jane , Solano Miguel , Fitzpatrick Noel , Sparrow Tim , Kowaleski Mike 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo compare radiographic elbow arthrosis with arthroscopic cartilage pathology in Labrador retrievers with elbow osteoarthritis secondary to medial coronoid process (MCP) disease.Study DesignRetrospective epidemiological study.AnimalsLabrador retrievers (n = 317; 592 elbow joints).MethodsData were collected retrospectively (June 2007–June 2011) to identify Labrador retrievers with thoracic limb lameness and elbow pain, a complete set of elbow radiographs, and a comprehensive arthroscopic surgery report. Each radiograph was scored for osteophytosis on the anconeal process and ulnar subtrochlear sclerosis using a modification of the International Elbow Working Group (IEWG) scoring system. Elbows affected by traumatic MCP fracture, humeral condylar osteochondrosis, or ununited anconeal process were excluded. The arthroscopic report was used to generate a composite cartilage score (CCS; 0 = normal, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe) for each elbow joint. Ordinal regression analysis was performed to test the relationship between radiographic arthrosis score and CCS.ResultsThere was a significant relationship between radiographic elbow arthrosis and CCS (P < .001). Elbows with a higher radiographic score were significantly more likely to have a higher CCS than elbows with a lower radiographic score. For every month increase in age, the odds of having a higher CCS increased by 0.016 (1.6%).ConclusionsRadiographic arthrosis can be used to predict the severity of arthroscopic cartilage pathology in Labrador retrievers affected by MCP disease.
Comparison of Two Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Thoracolumbar Spinal Canal in Dogs
Authors: Lockwood Abigail A. , Griffon Dominique J. , Gordon‐Evans Wanda , Matheson Jodi A. , Barthélémy Nicolas , Schaeffer David J. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo describe 2 minimally invasive approaches to the spinal canal for treatment of intervertebral disc disease and compare their efficacy to conventional hemilaminectomy.Study DesignExperimental; randomized, controlled design.AnimalsCanine cadavers (n = 10; 5 small and 5 large dogs).MethodsBarium‐impregnated agarose gel (BA‐gel) was injected into the spinal canal at 3 intervertebral spaces of the thoracolumbar spine in each cadaver. Sites were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 approaches: conventional (standard) hemilaminectomy (SH), endoscopic foraminotomy (EF), or foraminotomy via an illuminated port (FP). Computed tomographic scans were performed before and after the procedures. Procedures were compared for duration, bone window size, incision length, complications and percentage of BA‐gel removed via repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsThe incisions created during EF and FP were similar and smaller to that of a SH. The duration of EF was prolonged compared to FP and SH. The size of the vertebral window created was greater after SH in large dogs, while no difference was found between procedures in small dogs. The amount of simulated disc material removed from the spinal canal did not differ between procedures, regardless of the size of the dog.ConclusionsThe two minimally invasive approaches were feasible in small and large dogs. Both techniques allowed similar removal of simulated disc material and may decrease soft tissue morbidity compared to SH.
Theoretical Predictions on Elastic Stiffness and Intrinsic Thermal Conductivities of Yttrium Silicates
Authors: Luo Yixiu , Wang Jiemin , Wang Jingyang , Li Junning , Hu Zijun 
Published: January 2014

Yttrium silicates are promising candidates for environmental and thermal barrier coatings owing to their excellent high‐temperature performances. Previous works have experimentally attested to their low thermal conductivity, nevertheless, the experimental data were significantly affected by measurement inaccuracy and the existence of defects such as point defects, dislocations, grain boundaries, and pores in measured samples. In this study, the temperature dependences of intrinsic lattice thermal conductivities of γ‐Y2Si2O7 and Y2SiO5 are predicted based on the first‐principles calculations of crystal structure, elastic moduli, Debye temperature, and Grüneisen constant. Both silicates display very low thermal conductivities over the range of 300–2000 K; and in addition, Y2SiO5 exhibits relatively lower thermal conductivity than γ‐Y2Si2O7. We also show certain discrepancies between experimental and theoretical thermal conductivities, and it strengthens the important role of theoretical prediction of intrinsic lattice thermal conductivities of promising materials.
Guidelines for facilitating the development of learning communities in online courses
Authors: Yuan J. , Kim C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractOnline learning has grown exponentially in recent years; however, dropout problem remains challenging for some online programmes. The dropout problem can be attributed to a number of reasons, with a lack of interaction between learners and the instructor constituting one of the main reasons. The lack of interaction also leads to learners' feeling of isolation. Learning communities can provide learners with an environment conducive to increased interactions and alleviate their feeling of isolation. Unfortunately, there are no clear rules that instructors can follow to help learners create learning communities. In this paper, we propose guidelines for online instructors to facilitate the development of learning communities in online courses. We first review the definition of a learning community, importance of a learning community and factors affecting the development of a learning community. Afterwards, based on a review of the existing guidelines and other relevant literature, we propose guidelines for facilitating the development of learning communities in online courses.
Head shape evolution in monitor lizards (Varanus): interactions between extreme size disparity, phylogeny and ecology
Authors: Openshaw G. H. , Keogh J. S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCharacterizing patterns of observed current variation, and testing hypotheses concerning the potential drivers of this variation, is fundamental to understanding how morphology evolves. Phylogenetic history, size and ecology are all central components driving the evolution of morphological variation, but only recently have methods become available to tease these aspects apart for particular body structures. Extant monitor lizards (Varanus) have radiated into an incredible range of habitats and display the largest body size range of any terrestrial vertebrate genus. Although their body morphology remains remarkably conservative, they have obvious head shape variation. We use two‐dimensional geometric morphometric techniques to characterize the patterns of dorsal head shape variation in 36 species (375 specimens) of varanid, and test how this variation relates to size, phylogenetic history and ecology as represented by habitat. Interspecific head shape disparity is strongly allometric. Once size effects are removed, principal component analysis shows that most shape variation relates to changes in the snout and head width. Size‐corrected head shape variation has strong phylogenetic signal at a broad level, but habitat use is predictive of shape disparity within phylogenetic lineages. Size often explains shape disparity among organisms; however, the ability to separate size and shape variation using geometric morphometrics has enabled the identification of phylogenetic history and habitat as additional key factors contributing to the evolution of head shape disparity among varanid lizards.
A systematic review investigating associations between parenting style and child feeding behaviours
Authors: Collins C. , Duncanson K. , Burrows T. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundA direct association between parenting style and child feeding behaviours has not been established. This review explores whether an authoritative, authoritarian or permissive parenting style is associated with parental pressure to eat, responsibility, monitoring or restriction of child dietary intake.MethodsA search of eight electronic health databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria were children aged <12 years, published between 1975 and 2012, measured and reported associations between parenting style and child feeding behaviours.ResultsSeven studies (n = 1845) were identified in the review. An authoritarian parenting style was associated with pressuring a child to eat and having restrictive parental food behaviours. Authoritative parenting was associated with parental monitoring of child food intake. A permissive parenting style was inversely related to monitoring of child dietary intake.ConclusionsParenting styles showed only weak to moderate associations with individual domains of child feeding. The most consistent relationship found was a negative association between permissive parenting and monitoring for both mothers and fathers in two studies. Progress in this field could be achieved by conducting studies targeting fathers and culturally diverse populations, and development of a tool which could reflect overall child feeding behaviour rather than individual domains.
Different measurements of waist circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter and their relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors in elderly men
Authors: Anunciação P. C. , Ribeiro R. C. L. , Pereira M. Q. , Comunian M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundMeasures of central adiposity such as waist circumference (PC) and sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) are better predictors of metabolic complications than measures of total body fat. Thus, this study aimed to assess the relationship of different measures of WC and SAD with cardiometabolic risk factors in elderly men.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study that included 69 men (aged 60–92 years old) enrolled in the Family Health Program of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The evaluations comprised anthropometric, biochemical and haemodynamic measurements. The WC (i.e. umbilical level; the narrowest waist; immediately above the iliac crests; and the midpoint between the last rib and iliac crest) and SAD (i.e. the narrowest point between the last rib and the iliac crest; higher abdominal diameter; umbilical level; and the midpoint between the iliac crests) were measured at different anatomical sites. Statistical analysis consisted of correlation coefficients between measures of abdominal adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors.ResultsThe strongest correlations were between the WC measured at the narrowest waist and triglycerides (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels, and between the SAD measured at the midpoint between the iliac crests and TG, FBG and HDL‐C.ConclusionsSAD measured at the midpoint between the iliac crests and WC measured at the narrowest waist showed the best relationships with cardiometabolic risk factors in elderly men.