bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embedding Transferable Skills and Enhancing Student Learning in a Political Science Research Methods Module: Evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Clark Alistair 
Published: January 2011

AbstractU.K. government policy is placing a heavy emphasis on “essential” and “employability” skills in an effort to help individuals cope with changing social and economic circumstances. Delivery of these skills falls to a range of education providers. This is a particular difficulty for university lecturers who teach non-vocational students who are increasingly concerned about their ability to compete in the job market after graduation. Transferable skills are therefore a key issue in student learning and support in U.K. political science, as well as other disciplines. Through assessment of one U.K.-based political science research methods module, this article suggests effective group-based ways of embedding such skills for political science students in a way that puts the student, and not the teacher, at the center of the learning process. These ideas are confirmed by survey evidence. In particular, student group research projects underline the idea that instructors should go beyond the classroom to help students apply theory. Importantly for both U.K.- and non-U.K.-based lecturers, the assertion can now also be extended to include transferable skills in addition to learning and applying theory.
A randomized phase II trial of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and mitoxantrone (FCM) with or without rituximab in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Hillmen Peter , Cohen Dena R. , Cocks Kim , Pettitt Andrew , Sayala Hazem A. , Rawstron Andy C. , Kennedy Daniel B. , Fegan Christopher , Milligan Don W. , Radford John , Mercieca Jane , Dearden Claire , Ezekwisili Raphael , Smith Alexandra F. , Brown Julia , Booth Gillian A. , Varghese Abraham M. , Pocock Christopher ,   on behalf of NCRI CLL Sub‐Group
Published: January 2011

SummaryCombination fludarabine (F), cyclophosphamide (C) and rituximab (R) is the standard front‐line therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), but appropriate treatment of relapsed/refractory CLL is less clear. Combined FC and mitoxantrone (M) has been reported to be effective in a single arm study, and rituximab when added to chemotherapy in CLL is synergistic. A randomized, two‐stage, Phase II trial of FCM and FCM‐R was conducted in relapsed CLL. The primary endpoint was response rate 2 months after therapy, assessed according to the 2008 International Workshop CLL criteria. In addition, minimal residual disease (MRD) in the marrow was studied 2 months after therapy, with MRD negativity defined as <0·01% CLL cells. Fifty‐two patients were entered, 26 in each arm. The overall response rates to FCM and FCM‐R were 58% and 65% respectively. Combined complete response (CR) and CR with incomplete marrow recovery [CR(i)] was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI]:4–35%) for FCM and 42% (95%CI:23–63%) for FCM‐R, with eight patients achieving MRD negativity (3 FCM; 5 FCM‐R). The toxicity of both regimens was acceptable. In conclusion, the addition of rituximab to FCM improves the response rates in relapsed CLL, resulting in more complete remissions and without additional safety concerns. Efficacy and safety should be fully tested in a randomized Phase III trial.
Selective expansion of merocytic dendritic cells and CD8DCs confers anti-tumour effect of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-ligand treatmentin vivo
Authors: Hennies C M , Reboulet R A , Garcia Z , Nierkens S , Wolkers M C , Janssen E M 
Published: January 2011

SummaryVaccination with autologous cancer cells aims to enhance adaptive immune responses to tumour-associated antigens. The incorporation of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-ligand (FLT3L) treatment to the vaccination scheme has been shown previously to increase the immunogenicity of cancer vaccines, thereby enhancing their therapeutic potential. While evidence has been provided that FLT3L confers its effect through the increase of absolute dendritic cell (DC) numbers, it is currently unknown which DC populations are responsive to FLT3L and which effect FLT3L treatment has on DC functions. Here we show that the beneficial effects of FLT3L treatment resulted predominantly from a marked increase of two specific DC populations, the CD8 DCs and the recently identified merocytic DC (mcDC). These two DC populations (cross)-present cell-associated antigens to T cells in a natural killer (NK)-independent fashion. FLT3L treatment augmented the absolute numbers of these DCs, but did not change their activation status nor their capacity to prime antigen-specific T cells. While both DC populations effectively primed CD8+ T cell responses to cell-associated antigens, only mcDC were capable to prime CD4+ T cells to cell-associated antigens. Consequentially, the transfer of tumour vaccine-pulsed mcDC, but not of CD8 DCs, protected mice from subsequent tumour challenge in a vaccination model and resulted in eradication of established tumours in a therapeutic approach. These results show that the beneficial effect of FLT3L is associated with the induction of mcDC and suggests that selective targeting to mcDC or instilling mcDC ‘characteristics’ into conventional DC populations could significantly enhance the efficacy of tumour vaccines.
Sense of security among people aged 65 and 75: external and inner sources of security
Authors: Fagerström Lisbeth , Gustafson Yngve , Jakobsson Gunborg , Johansson Stina , Vartiainen Pirkko 
Published: January 2011

fagerström l., gustafson y., jakobsson g., johansson s. & vartiainen p. (2011)Sense of security amongst people aged 65 and 75: external and inner sources of security. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1305–1316.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring possible external and inner sources of the sense of security felt by older people aged 65 and 75.Background.  The concept of ‘security’ has been parsimoniously defined and explored, especially as pertains to older people, and previous research has primarily focused on risks in relation to individuals’ declining health and functional ability.Methods.  In 2005, population‐based cross‐sectional surveys were carried out in 15 municipalities in Västerbotten, Sweden and 18 municipalities in Ostrobothnia, Finland. A 15‐page questionnaire (84 questions) was distributed, with the final total response rate reaching 68·4% (n = 3370): 1825 Swedish‐speaking Swedes, 926 Swedish‐speaking Finns and 621 Finnish‐speaking Finns. The statistical analysis was three‐stage, including nominal stepwise regressions.Results.  Older people who indicate that they are ‘very secure’ are more likely to consider life meaningful and are able to master various life crises. Moreover, they possess confidence in economic institutions and are more likely to feel economically secure. Weak trust in family and friends or neighbours and decreased functional ability seem to indicate a subjective feeling of ‘insecurity’.Conclusion.  Caregivers in health care should focus more on supporting older persons’ meaningfulness in life and how their feelings of security can be strengthened by trusting relationships and activities. In nursing, there should be more focus on developing knowledge of inner health resources, including positive life orientation and meaningfulness in life.
Circadian clocks and adaptation in Arabidopsis
Authors: YERUSHALMI SHAI , YAKIR ESTHER , GREEN RACHEL M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractEndogenous circadian rhythms are almost ubiquitous among organisms from cyanobacteria to mammals and regulate diverse physiological processes. It has been suggested that having an endogenous circadian system enables an organism to anticipate periodic environmental changes and adapt its physiological and developmental states accordingly, thus conferring a fitness advantage. However, it is hard to measure fitness directly and there is, to date, only limited evidence supporting the assumption that having a circadian system can increase fitness and therefore be adaptive. In this article, we report an evolutionary approach to examine the adaptive significance of a circadian system. By crossing Arabidopsis thaliana plants containing mutations that cause changes in circadian rhythms, we have created heterozygous ‘Mother’ (F1) plants with genetic variance for circadian rhythmicity. The segregating F2 offspring present a range of circadian rhythm periods. We have applied a selection to the F2 plants of short and long T‐cycles under different competition strengths and found that the average phenotype of circadian period of the resulting F3 plants show a strong positive correlation with the T‐cycle growth conditions for the competing F2 plants. Consistent with their circadian phenotypes, the frequency of long‐period alleles was altered in the F3 plants. Our results show that F2 plants with endogenous rhythms that more closely match the environmental T‐cycle are fitter, producing relatively more viable offspring in the F3 population. Thus, having a circadian clock that matches with the environment is adaptive in Arabidopsis.
Risk of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in relation to maternal co‐morbid mood and migraine disorders during pregnancy
Authors: Cripe Swee May , Frederick Ihunnaya O. , Qiu Chunfang , Williams Michelle A. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryCripe SM, Frederick IO, Qiu CF, Williams MA. Risk of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in relation to maternal co‐morbid mood and migraine disorders during pregnancy. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011.We evaluated the risks of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among pregnant women with mood and migraine disorders, using a cohort study of 3432 pregnant women. Maternal pre‐pregnancy or early pregnancy (<20 weeks gestation) mood disorder and pre‐pregnancy migraine diagnoses were ascertained from interview and medical record review. We fitted generalised linear models to derive risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy for women with isolated mood, isolated migraine and co‐morbid mood‐migraine disorders, respectively. Reported RR were adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, marital status, parity, smoking status, chronic hypertension or pre‐existing diabetes mellitus, and pre‐pregnancy body mass index. Women without mood or migraine disorders were defined as the reference group. The risks for preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were more consistently elevated among women with co‐morbid mood‐migraine disorders than among women with isolated mood or migraine disorder. Women with co‐morbid disorders were almost twice as likely to deliver preterm (adjusted RR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.05, 3.34) compared with the reference group. There was no clear evidence of increased risks of preterm delivery and its subtypes with isolated migraine disorder. Women with mood disorder had elevated risks of pre‐eclampsia (adjusted RR = 3.57, 95% CI 1.83, 6.99). Our results suggest an association between isolated migraine disorder and pregnancy‐induced hypertension (adjusted RR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.00, 2.01). This is the first study examining perinatal outcomes in women with co‐morbid mood‐migraine disorders. Pregnant women with a history of migraine may benefit from screening for depression during prenatal care and vigilant monitoring, especially for women with co‐morbid mood and migraine disorders.
Exceptionally well‐preserved brittle stars from the Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic) of the French Ardennes
Authors: THUY BEN 
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Two new genera and species of ophiuroid, Inexpectacantha acrobatica new gen. et sp. and Eirenura papillata new gen et sp., are described on the basis of 39 articulated specimens and several hundreds of arm fragments and isolated skeletal parts. The material was extracted from a lumachellic bed in a late early Pliensbachian succession of argillites at Sedan, French Ardennes. The material is unusually well preserved with even finest structures of the skeleton discernible. Despite the exceptionally detailed morphological data extractable from the material, the higher taxonomic classification in the system of recent ophiuroids could only be tentatively attained. Inexpectacantha acrobatica seems best placed within the Ophioplinthacinae inside the Ophiacanthidae whereas Eirenura papillata shares greatest similarities with the Ophioleucinae. The occurrence of articulated specimens of different sizes, with some of the most delicate skeletal structures left intact, together with completely disarticulated skeletons of the same species suggests that the ophiuroids were preserved as autochthonous faunule among an in situ population of Modiolus sp. during a period of more favourable bottom water conditions in an otherwise largely hostile near‐shore soft‐bottom environment. Based on its small size, the highly flexible arms and the presence of well‐developed hooks on distal arm segments, an epizoic way of life is inferred for I. acrobatica while E. papillata, with its rigid arm structure and the conspicuously large tentacle pores, is interpreted as mostly deposit‐feeding bottom surface dweller.
Morphology and systematics of anthracomartidae (Arachnida: Trigonotarbida)
Authors: GARWOOD RUSSELL J. , DUNLOP JASON A. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  X‐ray microtomography (XMT) was applied to three species of the extinct arachnid order Trigonotarbida, hosted in siderite nodules from the late Carboniferous British Middle Coal Measures. All three, Cryptomartus hindi (Pocock, 1911), Cleptomartus plautus (Petrunkevitch, 1949) and Maiocercus celticus (Pocock, 1902), belong to the family Anthracomartidae. As well as providing interactive three‐dimensional visualisations of their likely appearance in life, XMT study has resolved new morphological detail, yielding key data about the likely stance and habitus of these early arachnids. Similarities in the form of the carapace, eyes and coxosternal region between anthracomartids and the Devonian genus PalaeocharinusHirst, 1923 are highlighted. Analogies in limb disposition are drawn between anthracomartids and modern crab spiders (Araneae: Thomisidae), which exhibit sit‐and‐wait style predatory behaviour. Anthracomartids are relatively common fossils at many Coal Measures localities. Although they appear to exhibit limited morphological variation, numerous genera and species have been proposed in the literature, often distinguished from each other on rather trivial characters. From our reconstruction of well‐preserved examples, we have resolved a number of common features likely to be present in a typical anthracomartid. Comparisons to this model suggest that the characters on which many anthracomartid genera are distinguished may be artefacts of preservation. We hence treat PromygaleFrič, 1901, BrachylycosaFrič, 1904, PerneriaFrič, 1904, CoryphomartusPetrunkevitch, 1945, CryptomartusPetrunkevitch, 1945, PleomartusPetrunkevitch, 1945, CleptomartusPetrunkevitch, 1949 and OomartusPetrunkevitch, 1953 as junior synonyms of the type genus of the family, AnthracomartusKarsch, 1882. Only the genera BrachypygeWoodward, 1878 and MaiocercusPocock, 1911 are additionally retained. Within Anthracomartus, Cleptomartus planusPetrunkevitch, 1949, Cryptomartus meyeriGuthörl, 1964, Cleptomartus hangardiGuthörl, 1965 and Cryptomartus rebskeiBrauckmann, 1984 are treated as junior synonyms of A. hindiPocock, 1911 (all syn. nov.). Cleptomartus plautusPetrunkevitch, 1949 and Anthracomartus denuitiPruvost, 1922 are treated as junior synonyms of A. priestiPocock, 1911 (both syn. nov.).
First beetle elytra, abdomen (Coleoptera) and a mine trace from Lunz (Carnian, Late Triassic, Lunz‐am‐See, Austria) and their taphonomical and evolutionary aspects
Authors: MELLER BARBARA , PONOMARENKO ALEXANDER G. , VASILENKO DMITRY V. , FISCHER THILO C. , ASCHAUER BIRGITT 
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Four new species of Permosynidae are described: Platycrossus caroli Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov., Hydrobiites handlirschi Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov., Ademosyne polyzetete Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov. and Diarcuipenna bennettitophila Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov. Together with one polyphagous abdomen, they represent the first beetle remains from the Lunz formation, known for its richness in bennettite and cycad leaf remains and also for the bennettite reproductive organs. Furthermore, the first insect mine trace on a Nilssonia leaf segment is described, which is one of the most ancient linear mine traces. The rareness of insect remains in the plant‐bearing layers of the Lunz formation is still an enigma from the taphonomical–chemical point of view. The palaeoentomological and palaeobotanical considerations tentatively indicate a relationship between the rare occurrence of coniferous plants and the evolution or radiation of phytophagous insects during this time.
A novel potent synthetic steroidal liver X receptor agonist lowers plasma cholesterol and triglycerides and reduces atherosclerosis in LDLR–/– mice
Authors: Peng Dacheng , Hiipakka Richard A. , Xie Jing‐Tian , Dai Qing , Kokontis John M. , Reardon Catherine A. , Getz Godfrey S. , Liao Shutsung 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Potent synthetic nonsteroidal liver X receptor (LXR) agonists like T0901317 induce triglyceridaemia and fatty liver, effects not observed with some natural and synthetic steroidal, relatively weak agonists of LXR. To determine if potency is responsible for the lack of side effects with some steroidal agonists, we investigated the in vivo effects of a novel steroidal LXR agonist, ATI‐111, that is more potent than T0901317.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Eight week old male LDLR–/– mice fed an atherogenic diet were orally treated with vehicle or ATI‐111 at 3 and 5 mg·kg−1·day−1 for 8 weeks, and effects on plasma and liver lipid levels, expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and on atherogenesis were analysed.KEY RESULTS ATI‐111 increased the expression of genes involved in lipid transport, such as ABCA1, ABCG1 and ABCG5/G8, in intestine and macrophages; decreased ABCG1, apoE; and slightly increased ABCA1 and ABCG5/G8 expression in liver. ATI‐111 markedly increased sterol regulatory element‐binding protein (SREBP)‐1c mRNA in some tissues, whereas acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase and fatty acid synthase expression was unaffected or only slightly increased in intestine and liver. ATI‐111 inhibited the conversion of SREBP‐1c precursor form to its active form. Compared with vehicle‐treated mice, the levels of hepatic lipids and liver‐secreted nascent lipoproteins were not altered, while a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels was observed in ATI‐111‐treated mice. ATI‐111 significantly inhibited atherogenesis in three separate vascular sites.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS ATI‐111 is a promising candidate for further development as a treatment of certain vascular diseases as it lacks the significant side effects associated with nonsteroidal LXR agonists, the induction of fatty liver and hypertriglyceridaemia.
Chronic treatment with a novel γ‐secretase modulator, JNJ‐40418677, inhibits amyloid plaque formation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Van Broeck B , Chen J‐M , Tréton G , Desmidt M , Hopf C , Ramsden N , Karran E , Mercken M , Rowley A 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEγ‐Secretase modulators represent a promising therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease (AD) because they selectively decrease amyloid β 42 (Aβ42), a particularly neurotoxic Aβ species that accumulates in plaques in the brains of patients with AD. In the present study, we describe the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of a potent novel γ‐secretase modulator, 2‐(S)‐(3,5‐bis(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)phenyl)‐4‐methylpentanoic acid (JNJ‐40418677).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe potency and selectivity of JNJ‐40418677 for Aβ reduction was investigated in human neuroblastoma cells, rat primary neurones and after treatment with single oral doses in non‐transgenic mouse brains. To evaluate the effect of JNJ‐40418677 on plaque formation, Tg2576 mice were treated from 6 until 13 months of age via the diet.KEY RESULTSJNJ‐40418677 selectively reduced Aβ42 secretion in human neuroblastoma cells and rat primary neurones, but it did not inhibit Notch processing or formation of other amyloid precursor protein cleavage products. Oral treatment of non‐transgenic mice with JNJ‐40418677 resulted in an excellent brain penetration of the compound and a dose‐ and time‐dependent decrease of brain Aβ42 levels. Chronic treatment of Tg2576 mice with JNJ‐40418677 reduced brain Aβ levels, the area occupied by plaques and plaque number in a dose‐dependent manner compared with transgenic vehicle‐treated mice.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSJNJ‐40418677 selectively decreased Aβ42 production, showed an excellent brain penetration after oral administration in mice and lowered brain Aβ burden in Tg2576 mice after chronic treatment. JNJ‐40418677 therefore warrants further investigation as a potentially effective disease‐modifying therapy for AD.
Characterization of the mechanisms of the increase in PPARδ expression induced by digoxin in the heart using the H9c2 cell line
Authors: Chen Zhih‐Cherng , Yu Bu‐Chin , Chen Li‐Jen , Cheng Kai‐Chun , Lin Hung Jung , Cheng Juei‐Tang 
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEDigoxin has been used as an inotropic agent in heart failure for a long time. Troponin I (TnI) phosphorylation is related to cardiac contractility, and the genes are regulated by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs). Our previous studies indicated that cardiac abnormality related to the depressed expression of PPARδ in the hearts of STZ rats is reversed by digoxin. However, the cellular mechanisms for this effect of digoxin have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible mechanisms for this effect of digoxin using the H9c2 cell line cultured in high glucose (HG) conditions.METHODSThe effects of digoxin on PPARδ expression, intracellular calcium and TnI phosphorylation were investigated in cultured H9c2 cells, maintained in a HG medium, by using Western blot analysis.RESULTSDigoxin increased PPARδ expression in H9c2 cells subjected to HG conditions, and increase the intracellular calcium concentration. This effect of digoxin was blocked by BAPTA‐AM at concentrations sufficient to chelate calcium ions. In addition, the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A and KN93, an inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase, inhibited this action. Digoxin also increased TnI phosphorylation and this was inhibited when PPARδ was silenced by the addition of RNAi to the cells. Similar changes were observed on the contraction of H9c2 cells.CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that digoxin appears, through calcium‐triggered signals, to reverse the reduced expression of PPARδ in H9c2 cells caused by HG treatment.