bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From ICT coordination to ICT integration: a longitudinal case study
Authors: Tondeur J. , Cooper M. , Newhouse C.P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis study utilizes a school‐improvement perspective to examine the role of curriculum coordination in the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into primary schools. The nature and impact of this role is examined in seven primary schools in Australia. These seven schools were drawn from a longitudinal intervention that provided additional ICT‐related resources and personnel to the schools. An instrument, referred to as the Learning Outcomes and Pedagogy Attributes (LOPA) measure, was developed and charted for the seven schools over the 4‐year data collection period. The changes in LOPA score over time were then analysed in terms of the conditions at the school with regard to curriculum ICT coordination. The study concludes that the coordinator role and school leadership in general, play critical but varying roles in the complex process of ICT integration into schools. Success appeared to be associated with the support provided for the role, the extent to which the role was connected to school leadership, personal leadership characteristics of those in the role and the strategies employed within the role.
A new method for the analysis of germination and emergence data of weed species
Authors: ONOFRI A , GRESTA F , TEI F 
Published: March 2010

OnofriA, GrestaF & TeiF (2010). A new method for the analysis of germination and emergence data of weed species.Weed Research50, 187–198.SummaryDue to their peculiar characteristics, seed germination and emergence assays may pose problems for data analysis, due to non‐normal error distribution and serial correlation between the numbers of seeds counted on different dates from the same experimental unit (Petri dish, pot, plot). Furthermore, it is necessary to consider viable seeds that have not germinated/emerged at the end of an experiment (censored observations), as well as late germination/emergence flushes, that relate to genotypic differences within natural occurring seed populations. Traditional methods of data analysis may not be optimal for dealing with these problems. Therefore, survival analysis may represent an appropriate alternative. In this analysis, the time course of germination/emergence is described by using a non‐parametric step function (‘germination function’) and the effect of factors and covariates on ‘germination functions’ is assessed by Accelerated Failure Time regression and expressed in terms of ‘time ratios’. These parameters measure how a change in the explanatory variables changes (prolongs/shortens) the time to germination of a seed lot. This paper presents four examples of the application of survival analysis on seed germination/emergence studies. Results are discussed and compared with those obtained with more traditional techniques.
A review of the potential applications and controversies of non‐invasive testing for biomarkers of aspiration in the lung transplant population
Authors: Davis C.S. , Gagermeier J. , Dilling D. , Alex C. , Lowery E. , Kovacs E.J. , Love R.B. , Fisichella P.M. 
Published: March 2010

Davis CS, Gagermeier J, Dilling D, Alex C, Lowery E, Kovacs EJ, Love RB, Fisichella PM. A review of the potential applications and controversies of non‐invasive testing for biomarkers of aspiration in the lung transplant population. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E54–E61. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Despite improvements in one‐yr survival following lung transplantation, five‐yr survival lags significantly behind the transplantation of other solid organs. The contrast in survival persists despite advancements in anti‐rejection regimens, suggesting a non‐alloimmune mechanism to chronic lung transplant failure. Notably, markers of aspiration have been demonstrated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid concurrent with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). This recent evidence has underscored gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and its associated aspiration risk as a non‐alloimmune mechanism of chronic lung transplant failure. Given the suggested safety and efficacy of laparoscopic anti‐reflux procedures in the lung transplant population, identifying those at risk for aspiration is of prime importance, especially concerning the potential for long‐term improvements in morbidity and mortality. Conventional diagnostic methods for GER and aspiration, such as pH monitoring and detecting pepsin and bile salts in BAL fluid, have gaps in their effectiveness. Therefore, we review the applications and controversies of a non‐invasive method of defining reflux injury in the lung transplant population: the detection of biomarkers of aspiration in the exhaled breath condensate. Only by means of assay standardization and directed collaboration may such a non‐invasive method be a realization in lung transplantation.
Comparative mapping of QTLs determining glume, pistil and stamen sizes in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Uga Y. , Siangliw M. , Nagamine T. , Ohsawa R. , Fujimura T. , Fukuta Y. 
Published: March 2010

With 2 figures and 2 tables AbstractTo clarify the genetic factors generating intraspecific variations of floral traits in cultivated rice, QTL analyses were performed using five mapping populations: Milyang23/Akihikari recombinant inbred lines (RILs); Asominori/IR24 RILs; Nipponbare/Kasalath backcross inbred lines; IR64/Azucena doubled haploid lines; and IR64/Kinandang Patong F2 lines. Totally 160 QTLs for 10 floral traits were detected in these populations. Comparison of all QTL locations in each trait revealed that totally 99 for glume, 43 for pistil and 18 QTLs for stamen traits detected were widely distributed in 80, 36 and 14 chromosome regions, respectively. This indicates that many regions were associated with variations of floral traits in cultivar. Most of the QTLs for pistil and stamen traits showed small phenotypic effects in the five populations. Although many QTLs for the glume traits also had small effects, some QTLs for glume length and width showed large effects. These suggest that few QTLs with large effects may play a key role in variation of glume size while many QTLs with small effects may control variations of pistil and stamen sizes.
Expanding view of aldosterone action, with an emphasis on rapid action
Authors: Vinson Gavin P. , Coghlan John P. 
Published: March 2010

Summary1. The actions of aldosterone beyond the ‘mineralocorticoid’ designation continue to attract intense interest. In recent years, two aspects have received particular attention. These are, first, the potentially damaging direct actions of aldosterone on the heart and vascular system, and the clear benefit, as illustrated by the Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study and Eplerenone Post‐Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival trials, of including antialdosterone therapy in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.2. Second, the importance of non‐genomic actions of aldosterone has become clear, some of which might possibly be mediated by distinct membrane receptors. Over the past 5 years, evidence has arisen to bring these two aspects together, and now emphasizes the role of rapid, nongenomic actions of aldosterone on cardiovascular events.3. However, despite many years of study, there is still no clear view of the nature of the receptors mediating non‐genomic responses. We examine the evidence, and suggest that in many cases non‐genomic actions are attributable to classical mineralocorticoid receptors.
Review: Understanding sorbent dialysis systems
Authors: AGAR JOHN WM 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTAlthough maintenance haemodialysis once had the benefit of two distinctly different dialysate preparation and delivery systems – (1) a pre‐filtration and reverse osmosis water preparation plant linked to a single pass proportioning system and (2) a sorbent column dependent dialysate regeneration and recirculation system known as the REDY system – the first came to dominate the market and the second waned. By the early 1990s, the REDY had disappeared from clinical use. The REDY system had strengths. It was a small, mobile, portable and water‐efficient, only 6 L of untreated water being required for each dialysis. In comparison, single pass systems are bulky, immobile and water (and power) voracious, typically needing 400–600 L/treatment of expensively pretreated water. A resurgence of interest in home haemodialysis – short and long, intermittent and daily – has provided impetus to redirect technological research into cost‐competitive systems. Miniaturization, portability, flexibility, water‐use efficiency and ‘wearability’ are ultimate goals. Sorbent systems are proving an integral component of this effort. In sorbent dialysate regeneration, rather than draining solute‐rich dialyser effluent to waste – as do current systems – the effluent repetitively recirculates across a sorbent column capable of adsorption, ion exchange or catalytic conversion of all solute such that, at exit from the column, an ultra‐pure water solution emerges. This then remixes with a known electrolyte concentrate for representation to the dialyser. As the same small water volume can recirculate, at least until column exhaustion, water source independence is assured. Many current technological developments in dialysis equipment are now focusing on sorbent‐based dialysate circuitry. Although possibly déjà vu for some, it is timely for a brief review of sorbent chemistry and its application to dialysis systems.
Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) of mediastinal lesions
Authors: Nguyen Tin Q. , Kalade Andrius , Prasad Shyam , Desmond Paul , Wright Gavin , Hart David , Conron Matthew , Chen Robert Y. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  Mediastinal endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is a recognized diagnostic and staging procedure for non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to report the experience of mediastinal EUS in an Australian tertiary hospital.Methods:  A retrospective review was conducted on all patients undergoing mediastinal EUS from February 2002 until August 2007 at St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne. Data were obtained from the EUS databases at St Vincent's Hospital and patient endoscopy reports. The results of EUS‐FNA were compared with final diagnosis to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Surgical pathology or long‐term follow‐up was used to identify false positive or negative results.Results:  One hundred forty‐eight mediastinal EUS procedure were performed. Males comprised 63.5% and the mean age was 64.3 (range 27–85). Referrals (47%) were from respiratory physicians and 27% were from cardiothoracic surgeons. Indications for EUS‐FNA included unexplained mediastinal lymphadenopathy and/or lung lesion for investigation and staging of known NSCLC. Full data were available on 124 (83.8%) cases. Data were analysed from a subset of 112 where FNA was performed. For each indication, EUS‐FNA had a high sensitivity and specificity: staging of known NSCLC (sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 88.9%), mediastinal lymphadenopathy (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%) and lung lesion (sensitivity 94.4%, specificity 85.7%). There were no major complications.Conclusion:  This large series of mediastinal EUS shows that it is an important and useful tool for the assessment of mediastinal pathology. It is safe and highly accurate, and should be incorporated into the staging algorithm for NSCLC.
Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging correlates of motor network dysfunction in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ceccarelli Antonia , Rocca Maria A. , Valsasina Paola , Rodegher Mariaemma , Falini Andrea , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor tractography to investigate the functional and structural substrates of motor network dysfunction in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). In 15 right‐handed PPMS patients and 15 age‐matched healthy controls, we acquired diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging and fMRI during the performance of a simple motor task. Tractography was used to calculate diffusion tensor‐derived measures of the corpus callosum, the corticospinal tract, the optic radiation, the fronto‐occipital fasciculus, and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Analyses of fMRI activations and functional connectivity were performed using statistical parametric mapping (cluster threshold of P = 0.001, and extent cluster threshold of 10 voxels for comparison of activations; P < 0.05, family‐wise error corrected for functional connectivity). As compared with controls, PPMS patients had more significant activations of the left postcentral gyrus, left secondary sensorimotor area, left parahippocampal gyrus, left cerebellum, right primary sensorimotor cortex (SMC), right basal ganglia, right insula, right cingulum, and cuneus bilaterally. As compared with PPMS patients, controls had increased functional connectivity between the left primary SMC and the ipsilateral inferior frontal gyrus. Conversely, PPMS patients showed increased functional connectivity between the left primary SMC and the right cuneus. Moderate correlations were found between functional activations and damage to the tracts studied (r‐values between 0.82 and 0.84; P < 0.001). These results suggest that, as compared with healthy controls, PPMS patients show increased activations and abnormal functional connectivity measures in several areas of the sensorimotor network. Such changes are correlated with the structural damage to the white matter fiber bundles connecting these regions.
Classification of extracellularly recorded neurons by their discharge patterns and their correlates with intracellularly identified neuronal types in the frontal cortex of behaving monkeys
Authors: Katai Satoshi , Kato Keichiro , Unno Shunpei , Kang Youngnam , Saruwatari Masanori , Ishikawa Naoki , Inoue Masato , Mikami Akichika 
Published: March 2010

AbstractNeurons in the cerebral cortex are not homogeneous. However, neuronal types have been ignored in most previous work studying neuronal processes in behaving monkeys. We propose a new method to identify neuronal types in extracellular recording studies of behaving monkeys. We classified neurons as either bursting or non‐bursting, and then classified the bursting neurons into three types: (i) neurons displaying a burst of many spikes (maximum number of spikes within a burst; NSB max ≥ 8) at a high discharge rate (maximum interspike interval; ISI max < 5 ms); (ii) neurons displaying a burst of fewer spikes (NSB max ≤ 5) at a high discharge rate (ISI max < 5 ms); and (iii) neurons displaying a burst of a few spikes (NSB max ≤ 7) at relatively long ISIs (ISI max > 5 ms). We found that the discharge patterns of the four groups corresponded to those of regular spiking (RS), fast spiking (FS), fast rhythmic bursting (FRB) and intrinsic bursting (IB) neurons demonstrated in intracellular recording studies using in vitro slice preparations, respectively. In addition, we examined correlations with the task events for neurons recorded in the frontal eye field and neuronal interactions for pairs of neurons recorded simultaneously from a single electrode. We found that they were substantially different between RS and FS types. These results suggest that neurons in the frontal cortex of behaving monkeys can be classified into four types based on their discharge patterns, and that these four types contribute differentially to cortical operations.
In vitro differentiation of lineage‐negative bone marrow cells into microglia‐like cells
Authors: Noto Daisuke , Takahashi Kazuya , Miyake Sachiko , Yamada Masahito 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMicroglia are believed to be the only resident immune cells in the CNS, originating from hematopoietic‐derived myeloid cells and invading the CNS during development. However, the detailed mechanisms of differentiation and transformation of microglial cells are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that murine microglial cells show two morphological forms in vitro, namely, small round cells expressing CD11b, Iba1, triggering receptor expressing on myeloid cells‐2 (TREM2), and weakly expressing major histocompatibility complex class II and large flat cells expressing only CD11b and Iba1. Moreover, lineage‐negative bone marrow (LN) cells cultured with primary mixed glial culture cells could differentiate into only the small round microglia‐like cells, despite the absence of CCR2 and Gr‐1 expression. Addition of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) to LN cell culture allowed the proliferation and expression of TREM2 in LN cells, and the addition of neutralizing anti‐M‐CSF antibodies suppressed the proliferation of LN cells despite the expression of TREM2. When LN cells were cultured with M‐CSF, the number of small round cells in the culture was considerably low, indicating that the small round morphology of the immature cells is not maintained in the presence of only M‐CSF. On the other hand, when LN cells were grown in the presence of astrocytes, the small round cells were maintained at a concentration of approximately 30% of the total population. Therefore, cell–cell contact with glial cells, especially astrocytes, may be necessary to maintain the small round shape of the immature cells expressing TREM2.
Posterior dorsomedial striatum is critical for both selective instrumental and Pavlovian reward learning
Authors: Corbit Laura H. , Janak Patricia H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe dorsal striatum (DS) has been implicated in instrumental learning but its role in the acquisition of stimulus‐driven behaviour is not clear. To explore the contribution of the DS to both response‐outcome (R‐O) and stimulus‐outcome (S‐O) associative learning, we pharmacologically inactivated subregions (dorsolateral, anterior dorsomedial and posterior dorsomedial) of the DS during acquisition sessions in which subjects acquired two unique, novel R‐O pairs or two unique, novel S‐O pairs. To test whether specific R‐O or S‐O associations were learned under inactivation, rats were tested following selective‐satiety devaluation of one outcome under drug‐free conditions. In the instrumental task, control rats and rats with dorsolateral striatum (DLS) inactivation during learning responded less on the lever that had earned the devalued outcome than on the alternative lever at test, indicating that the DLS is not critical for the formation of R‐O associations. In contrast, rats with inactivation of the medial DS (DMS) (either anterior or posterior) during learning responded indiscriminately, suggesting failure to acquire the novel R‐O associations. In the Pavlovian task, both controls and rats with anterior DMS inactivation during learning responded less in the presence of the stimulus predicting the devalued outcome, whereas rats with DLS or posterior DMS inactivation during learning responded equally to the stimuli, indicating that they had not acquired the novel S‐O associations. These data confirm that the DLS and anterior region DMS mediate different aspects of reward‐related learning, and suggest that the posterior DMS may mediate a function common to both forms of learning (R‐O and S‐O). Finally, we demonstrate that both S‐O and R‐O associations are required for selective Pavlovian‐instrumental transfer.
Glutamate‐induced depression of EPSP–spike coupling in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons and modulation by adenosine receptors
Authors: Ferguson Alexandra L. , Stone Trevor W. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe presence of high concentrations of glutamate in the extracellular fluid following brain trauma or ischaemia may contribute substantially to subsequent impairments of neuronal function. In this study, glutamate was applied to hippocampal slices for several minutes, producing over‐depolarization, which was reflected in an initial loss of evoked population potential size in the CA1 region. Orthodromic population spikes recovered only partially over the following 60 min, whereas antidromic spikes and excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) showed greater recovery, implying a change in EPSP–spike coupling (E–S coupling), which was confirmed by intracellular recording from CA1 pyramidal cells. The recovery of EPSPs was enhanced further by dizocilpine, suggesting that the long‐lasting glutamate‐induced change in E–S coupling involves NMDA receptors. This was supported by experiments showing that when isolated NMDA‐receptor‐mediated EPSPs were studied in isolation, there was only partial recovery following glutamate, unlike the composite EPSPs. The recovery of orthodromic population spikes and NMDA‐receptor‐mediated EPSPs following glutamate was enhanced by the adenosine A1 receptor blocker DPCPX, the A2Areceptor antagonist SCH58261 or adenosine deaminase, associated with a loss of restoration to normal of the glutamate‐induced E–S depression. The results indicate that the long‐lasting depression of neuronal excitability following recovery from glutamate is associated with a depression of E–S coupling. This effect is partly dependent on activation of NMDA receptors, which modify adenosine release or the sensitivity of adenosine receptors. The results may have implications for the use of A1and A2Areceptor ligands as cognitive enhancers or neuroprotectants.
Netrin‐1 receptor in the ventral tegmental area is required for sensitization to amphetamine
Authors: Yetnikoff Leora , Eng Conrad , Benning Sarah , Flores Cecilia 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFundamental to neural organization during development, the netrin‐1 guidance cue and its receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), continue to be expressed in the adult brain. We have shown recently that adultdccheterozygous mice do not develop sensitization to the stimulant drug of abuse amphetamine (AMPH) and that repeated exposure to AMPH upregulates DCC expression in adult rats. This upregulation is selective to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a site critical for the initiation of behavioral plasticity induced by stimulant drugs, and is glutamate‐dependent. Here we demonstrate that the lack of AMPH‐induced sensitization indccheterozygotes is associated with a failure of AMPH to upregulate DCC receptor expression in the VTA. Further, we show that, in wild‐type mice, repeated AMPH induces increases in VTA expression of the dendritic spine‐associated protein, spinophilin. Significantly, however, this effect is not observed indccheterozygotes. In parallel experiments conducted in adult rats, we show that VTA DCC receptor activation, at the time of AMPH pretreatment, is critical for sensitization to AMPH. Together, these results demonstrate that the DCC netrin‐1 receptor, a protein traditionally known for its role in organizing brain development, plays a critical function in adult brain plasticity, possibly via orchestration of neuronal circuitry reorganization. We propose VTA DCC receptor signaling as a novel mechanism in the series of glutamate‐dependent cellular processes that lead to enduring plasticity by drugs of abuse.