bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taking a Step Back: Teaching Critical Thinking by
Distinguishing Appropriate Types of Evidence
Authors: Fitzgerald Jennifer , Baird Vanessa A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe propose that teaching critical thinking is the most important job
of teachers in the political science profession. Yet political
scientists rarely engage with one another about the specific
assignments used to teach critical thinking. This article is the
beginning of what we hope will become a dialogue on how to best
teach students to think critically. We make a few recommendations
for assignments that aim to make students think critically within
the various political science methodologies: normative,
interpretive, causal, and comparative analysis. We argue for a
particular strategy in teaching critical thinking that reinforces
students' abilities to recognize which kinds of arguments require
which kinds of evidence.
Insilico based designing of short peptide and ligands for calcineurin receptor
Authors: Bhandare Vishwamhabr , Jagtap T. G. , Pillai M. M. , Patil P. S. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCalcineurin is a target protein for Cyclosporin A (CsA) an immunosuppressive drug which prevents transplant rejection. CsA has complex structure of 11 amino acids, a cyclic structure with uncommon amino acids, and can’t be chemically synthesized. CsA can be synthesized commercially by using fermentation. One report shows chemical synthesis of CsA with partial success (Jason and Diver, 2002). In view of this it is proposed to model a peptide and ligand as an alternate for CsA with the same function and can be chemically synthesized. The target for Cyclosporin is Cyclophilin which forms a ternary complex with calcineurin (CN). An in silico study concludes that all four peptides (1 wild + 3 mutant) were found to bind in the catalytic site of calcineurin. Out of this, mutant3 shows better binding than the rest of the peptides with CN. Two experimental ligand molecules were selected using a virtual screening technique. Further, molecular properties and drug likeliness followed by ADMETox prediction were studied. The designed biomolecule will have great commercial value in pharmaceutical and clinical fields, and could serve as an alternative for natural Cyclosporin A obtained from biological resources. Chemosynthesis of the designed molecule will be economically feasible, and could be produced in adequate amount.
A new “spectroscopic” potential energy surface for formaldehyde in its ground electronic state
Authors: Yachmenev Andrey , Yurchenko Sergei N. , Jensen Per , Thiel Walter 
Published: June 2011

We report a new “spectroscopic” potential energy surface (PES) of formaldehyde (H212C16O) in its ground electronic state, obtained by refining an ab initio PES in a least-squares fitting to the experimental spectroscopic data for formaldehyde currently available in the literature. The ab initio PES was computed using the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVQZ method at 30 840 geometries that cover the energy range up to 44 000 cm−1 above equilibrium. Ro-vibrational energies of formaldehyde were determined variationally for this ab initio PES by means of the program TROVE [Theoretical ROtation-Vibration Energies; S. N. Yurchenko, W. Thiel, and P. Jensen, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 245, 126 (2007)]10.1016/j.jms.2007.07.009. The parameter values in the analytical representation of the PES were optimized in fittings to 319 ro-vibrational energies with J = 0, 1, 2, and 5. The initial parameter values in the fittings were those of the ab initio PES, the ro-vibrational eigenfunctions obtained from this PES served as a basis set during the fitting process, and constraints were imposed to ensure that the refined PES does not deviate unphysically from the ab initio one in regions of configuration space not sampled by the experimental data. The resulting refined PES, referred to as H2CO-2011, reproduces the available experimental J ⩽ 5 data with a root-mean-square error of 0.04 cm−1.
Terrestrial planet formation
Authors: Righter K. , O’Brien D. P. 
Published: June 2011

Advances in our understanding of terrestrial planet formation have come from a multidisciplinary approach. Studies of the ages and compositions of primitive meteorites with compositions similar to the Sun have helped to constrain the nature of the building blocks of planets. This information helps to guide numerical models for the three stages of planet formation from dust to planetesimals (∼10
6
y), followed by planetesimals to embryos (lunar to Mars-sized objects; few × 10
6
y), and finally embryos to planets (10
7
–10
8
y). Defining the role of turbulence in the early nebula is a key to understanding the growth of solids larger than meter size. The initiation of runaway growth of embryos from planetesimals ultimately leads to the growth of large terrestrial planets via large impacts. Dynamical models can produce inner Solar System configurations that closely resemble our Solar System, especially when the orbital effects of large planets (Jupiter and Saturn) and damping mechanisms, such as gas drag, are included. Experimental studies of terrestrial planet interiors provide additional constraints on the conditions of differentiation and, therefore, origin. A more complete understanding of terrestrial planet formation might be possible via a combination of chemical and physical modeling, as well as obtaining samples and new geophysical data from other planets (Venus, Mars, or Mercury) and asteroids.
Spatially resolved simulation of a radio-frequency driven micro-atmospheric pressure plasma jet and its effluent
Authors: Hemke Torben , Wollny Alexander , Gebhardt Markus , Brinkmann Ralf Peter , Mussenbrock Thomas 
Published: June 2011

Radio-frequency driven plasma jets are frequently employed as efficient plasma sources for surface modification and other processes at atmospheric pressure. The radio-frequency driven micro-atmospheric pressure plasma jet (μAPPJ) is a particular variant of that concept whose geometry allows direct optical access. In this work, the characteristics of the μAPPJ operated with a helium–oxygen mixture and its interaction with a helium environment are studied by numerical simulation. The density and temperature of the electrons, as well as the concentration of all reactive species are studied both in the jet itself and in its effluent. It is found that the effluent is essentially free of charge carriers but contains a substantial amount of activated oxygen (O, O3 and O2(1Δ)).
The simulation results are verified by comparison with experimental data.
A uniform contraction principle for bounded Apollonian embeddings
Authors: Dubois Loïc , Rugh Hans 
Published: June 2011

Let

H
^

=
H
∪
{
∞
}

\widehat {H}=H \cup \{\infty \}

denote the standard one-point completion of a real Hilbert space

H
H

. Given any non-trivial proper subset

U
⊂

H
^

U\subset \widehat {H}

one may define the so-called “Apollonian” metric

d
U

d_U

on

U
U

. When

U
⊂
V
⊂

H
^

U\subset V \subset \widehat {H}

are nested proper subsets we show that their associated Apollonian metrics satisfy the following uniform contraction principle: Let

Δ
=

d
i
a
m

V

(
U
)
∈
[
0
,
+
∞
]

\Delta =\mathrm {diam}_{V}(U) \in [0,+\infty ]

be the diameter of the smaller subsets with respect to the large. Then for every

x
,
y
∈
U

x,y\in U

we have
\[

d
V

(
x
,
y
)
≤
tanh
⁡

Δ
4

d
U

(
x
,
y
)
.

d_V(x,y) \leq \tanh \frac {\Delta }{4} \ \ d_U(x,y) .

\]
In dimension one, this contraction principle was established by Birkhoff [Bir57] for the Hilbert metric of finite segments on

R

P

1

{{\mathbb R}\textrm {P}}^1

. In dimension two it was shown by Dubois in [Dub09] for subsets of the Riemann sphere

C

^

∼

R

2

^

\widehat {\mathbb {C}}\sim \widehat {\mathbb {R}^2}

. It is new in the generality stated here.
Characterization of human invariant natural killer T cells expressing FoxP3
Authors: Engelmann Péter , Farkas Klára , Kis János , Richman Geoffrey , Zhang Zhaoyun , Liew Chong Wee , Borowiec Maciej , Niewczas Monika A. , Jalahej Heyam , Orbán Tihamér 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Recently described forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) transcription factor is a key molecule in CD4+ CD25hi+ T-cell characterization. Invariant NK T (iNKT) cells are also characterized as regulatory cells modulating the immune response by rapidly producing Th1 and Th2 cytokines. We aimed to analyze cellular markers important in regulatory features of human iNKT cells and to study their role in functional assays. iNKT cells were single cell sorted from peripheral mononuclear cells of healthy individuals after immunostaining of invariant TCR α-chain. We found FoxP3 expression in human iNKT clones. Randomly selected iNKT cell clones (CD4+, double negative, CD8+) expressed FoxP3 mRNA and protein at different levels upon stimulation as supported by various approaches. FoxP3 mRNA and protein expression was detected in unstimulated iNKT cells as well. Furthermore, different stimulations changed the FoxP3 expression in iNKT cells over time and the most dramatic changes were observed upon anti-CD3 stimulation. Both the supernatant of iNKT cells and iNKT cells themselves exerted similar stimulation effects on PBMC proliferation in functional assays and these stimulations showed a negative correlation with FoxP3 expression. Our data indicate that the FoxP3 expression in iNKT cells may be a key transcriptional factor in controlling the regulatory function of the iNKT cells.
Integrating Agriculture and Biodiversity Management: Between Green Legitimisation and Knowledge Production
Authors: Granjou Céline 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis article analyses the impact of a local breed restoration project on biodiversity management policy within an alpine area (Les Bauges, France). At the present time, this region is witnessing the rebranding of breeding practices as an activity that is an environmental problem in terms of objectives to restore for wildlife to that of a solution permitting the open management of these alpine areas. The success of this ‘greening’ re‐legitimisation process can be linked to the specific local agricultural development context. However, this text seeks to go beyond an interpretation that focuses solely on the strength of the agricultural lobby to show that the involvement of both agricultural and environmental actors in the restoration of pastoral farming in scrublands creates both knowledge and knowledge practice, specifically with respect to the emerging relationship between stock animals and grassland biodiversity.
Serum homocysteine and physical exercise in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: NASCIMENTO Carla Manuela Crispim , STELLA Florindo , GARLIPP Célia Regina , SANTOS Ruth Ferreira , GOBBI Sebastião , GOBBI Lilian Teresa Bucken 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  Hyperhomocysteinemia is a major risk factor for cerebral and peripheral vascular diseases, as well as cortical and hippocampal injury, including an increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. Elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations are common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have been treated with levodopa; however, physical exercises can help reduce Hcy concentrations. The aim of the present study was to compare serum Hcy levels in patients with PD who partook in regular physical exercises, sedentary PD patients, and healthy controls.Methods:  Sixty individuals were enrolled in the present study across three groups: (i) 17 patients who did not partake of any type of exercise; (ii) 24 PD patients who exercised regularly; and (iii) 19 healthy individuals who did not exercise regularly. All participants were evaluated by Hoehn and Yahr scale, the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Schwab and England scale (measure daily functionality). The serum levels of Hcy were analyzed by blood samples collected of each participant. An analysis of variance and a Tukey’s post hoc test were applied to compare and to verify differences between groups. Pearson’s correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to consider the association between several variables.Results:  Mean plasma Hcy concentrations in individuals who exercised regularly were similar to those in the healthy controls and significantly lower than those in the group that did not exercise at all (P= 0.000). In addition, patients who did not exercise were receiving significantly higher doses of levodopa than those patients who exercised regularly (P= 0.001). A positive relationship between levodopa dose and Hcy concentrations (R2= 0.27; P= 0.03) was observed in patients who did not exercise, but not in those patients who exercised regularly (R2= 0.023; P= 0.15).Conclusions:  The results of the present study suggest that, even with regular levodopa therapy, Hcy concentrations in PD patients who exercise regularly are significantly lower than in patients who do not exercise and are similar Hcy concentrations in healthy controls.
Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: GENÇER Ali Görkem , PELIN Zerrin , KÜÇÜKALI Cem İsmail , TOPÇUOĞLU Özgür Bilgin , YILMAZ Nuriye 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCreutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is a progressive, degenerative, and fatal disease of the central nervous system. It is caused by abnormal accumulation of prion proteins and is characterized mainly by progressive dementia, myoclonus, and cerebellar, pyramidal, and extrapyramidal findings. Psychiatric symptoms may also accompany CJD and are often the first signs of the disease. The incidence of CJD is approximately 1 in 1 000 000. In certain cases, a diagnosis can be made by demonstrating the accumulation of pathological prion proteins. However, in many cultures brain biopsies or post‐mortem evaluations are not welcomed by either the patients or their relatives. In these cases, the importance of additional diagnostic tools increases. Herein, we report on a CJD patient who first consulted a psychiatrist with early psychiatric symptoms. The patient developed neurological symptoms later and was subsequently diagnosed as sporadic CJD based on clinical and laboratory findings rather than brain biopsy. Repeated electroencephalograms (EEG) played a pivotal role in our evaluation of the patient. This case is an interesting presentation of CJD both because of the timing of the symptoms and because of the typical EEG findings that led to the diagnosis.
A CTSA Agenda to Advance Methods for Comparative Effectiveness Research
Authors: Helfand Mark , Tunis Sean , Whitlock Evelyn P. , Pauker Stephen G. , Basu Anirban , Chilingerian Jon , Harrell Jr. Frank E. , Meltzer David O. , Montori Victor M. , Shepard Donald S. , Kent David M. ,   The Methods Work Group of the National CTSA Strategic Goal Committee on Comparative Effectiveness Research
Published: June 2011

AbstractClinical research needs to be more useful to patients, clinicians, and other decision makers. To meet this need, more research should focus on patient‐centered outcomes, compare viable alternatives, and be responsive to individual patients’ preferences, needs, pathobiology, settings, and values. These features, which make comparative effectiveness research (CER) fundamentally patient‐centered, challenge researchers to adopt or develop methods that improve the timeliness, relevance, and practical application of clinical studies.In this paper, we describe 10 priority areas that address 3 critical needs for research on patient‐centered outcomes (PCOR): (1) developing and testing trustworthy methods to identify and prioritize important questions for research; (2) improving the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical research studies; and (3) linking the process and outcomes of actual practice to priorities for research on patient‐centered outcomes. We argue that the National Institutes of Health, through its clinical and translational research program, should accelerate the development and refinement of methods for CER by linking a program of methods research to the broader portfolio of large, prospective clinical and health system studies it supports. Insights generated by this work should be of enormous value to PCORI and to the broad range of organizations that will be funding and implementing CER. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 188–198
Association of TCF7L2 Allelic Variations with Gastric Function, Satiation, and GLP‐1 Levels
Authors: Vazquez‐Roque Maria I. , Camilleri Michael , Vella Adrian , Carlson Paula , Laugen Jeanette , Zinsmeister Alan R. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract Objective: Genetic variation in transcription factor 7‐like 2 (TCF7L2), a regulator of proglucagon processing, is reproducibly associated with type 2 diabetes. GLP‐1 alters gastric function and increases satiation. Hypothesis: Genetic variation in TCF7L2 is associated with satiation, gastric motor function, and GLP‐1 concentrations. Methods: In 62 adults, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of TCF7L2 (rs7903146) was genotyped and associations with gastric emptying (GE) of solids and liquids, gastric volume (GV), and satiation (maximum tolerated volume and symptoms after nutrient drink test) were explored using a dominant genetic model, with gender and BMI as covariates. In 50 of the participants, we also measured plasma GLP‐1 during fasting and after ingestion of a nutrient drink. Results: Presence of the T allele compared to CC genotype in rs7903146 SNP of the TCF7L2 gene was associated with reduced fasting GV (246.3 ± 11.4 mL for CC group, compared to 215.7 ± 11.4 mL for CT/TT group, p= 0.05) and accelerated GE t1/2 of liquids (26.3 ± 2.0 minutes for CC compared to 17.7 ± 1.4 for CT/TT, p < 0.005). There was no significant association of rs7903146 SNP with GE of solids, gastric accommodation, satiation, fasting, or postprandial GLP‐1. Conclusion: Our data suggest TCF7L2 is associated with altered gastric functions that may predispose to obesity. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 183–187
Community Conceptualizations of Health: Implications for Transdisciplinary Team Science
Authors: Martinez Linda S. , Rubin Carolyn L. , Russell Beverley , Leslie Laurel K. , Brugge Doug 
Published: June 2011

Abstract Objective: This exploratory study set out to identify how communities in the Tufts University Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI) catchment area define health‐related research priority areas. Methods: Three focus groups comprising community stakeholders were conducted in three communities. Participants were representatives from community‐based organizations and health centers. A systematic content analysis was performed that involved the identification, labeling, and categorization of data followed by thematic analysis. Results: Participant conceptualizations of health and health priorities were not formulated in the context of specific disease conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, or asthma. Instead, participants described contextual factors including social, environmental, economic, and political conditions that influence health and health behavior. Conclusions: Respondents in the Tufts University CTSI catchment area, like many diverse urban communities, described multiple interconnected social determinants of health and well‐being. As such, they were interested in research that focuses on “upstream” areas of intervention as opposed to disease prevention at the individual level. In addition, respondents were interested in research that would catalyze community change. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 163–167
Complement Proteins C3 and C4 Bind to Collagen and Elastin in the Vascular Wall: A Potential Role in Vascular Stiffness and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Shields Kelly J. , Stolz Donna , Watkins Simon C. , Ahearn Joseph M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCirculating inflammatory mediators including complement activation products participate in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. As such, previous reports demonstrating the presence of complement proteins within atherosclerotic plaque and on the luminal surface would be anticipated. In contrast, we have recently made the unexpected observation that complement proteins also deposit along the external elastic lamina of mouse aortas in the absence of luminal deposition or plaque development. This suggests that complement activation may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of vascular stiffness and atherosclerosis through a mechanism initiated within the adventitia rather than on the endothelial surface. This hypothesis was tested in the current study by ultrastructural identification of the C3‐ and C4‐binding targets within the adventitia of the mouse aorta. The results demonstrate extensive binding of C3 and C4 to both collagen and elastin fibers within the adventitia in both ApoE(−/−) and C57Bl/6J control mice, as well as the presence of C3 and C4 within perivascular adipose tissue. These observations suggest a potential “outside‐in” mechanism of vascular stiffness during which perivascular adipose may produce C3 and C4 that bind to collagen and elastin fibers within the adventitia through covalent thiolester bonds, leading to increased vascular stiffness. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 146–152
The Tobin Tax: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: McCulloch Neil , Pacillo Grazia 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThe debate about the Tobin tax, and other financial transaction taxes (FTTs), gives rise to strong views both for and against. Unfortunately, little of the popular debate refers to the now considerable body of evidence about the impact of such taxes. This review attempts to synthesise what we know from the available theoretical and empirical literature about the impact of FTTs on volatility in financial markets. We also review the literature on how a Tobin tax might be implemented, the amount of revenue that it might realistically produce, and the likely incidence of the tax. We conclude that, contrary to what is often assumed, a Tobin tax is feasible and, if appropriately designed, could make a significant contribution to revenue without causing major distortions. However, it would be unlikely to reduce market volatility and could even increase it.