bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the effectiveness of a 3‐D instructional game on improving mathematics achievement and motivation of middle school students
Authors: Bai Haiyan , Pan Wei , Hirumi Astusi , Kebritchi Mansureh 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis research study assessed the effectiveness of a three‐dimensional mathematics game, DimensionM, through a pretest–posttest control group quasi‐experimental design. Participants consisted of 437 eighth graders. The classrooms were randomly assigned either to the treatment group that utilized DimensionM as a supplement to regular classroom instructions or to the control group that received regular class instructions without any computer activities. The results of the analysis on the pretest–posttest data revealed that the DimensionM game increased mathematical knowledge acquisition in algebra and maintained student motivation to learn. The findings suggest that the implementation of DimensionM in mathematics education can greatly benefit middle school students learning algebra.Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic
Evaluations on the effectiveness of instructional games are known in the community of both practitioners and experienced researchers in educational research.
What this paper adds
This paper specifically added to the literature by evaluating the effectiveness of the novel instructional game, the DimensionM game, on increasing middle school student mathematical knowledge acquisition in algebra and maintaining student motivation to learn.
Implications for practice and/or policy
The study results suggested that the implementation of DimensionM in mathematics education can benefit middle school students' learning of algebra and can be helpful to maintain their motivation in learning.
Stress in Japanese learners engaged in online collaborative learning in English
Authors: Jung Insung , Kudo Masayuki , Choi Sook‐Kyoung 
Published: January 2012

AbstractMany studies report positive learning experience and improved performance in online collaborative learning. However, such learning can also incur unnecessary or excessive stress with a resultant adverse effect on the learning. This study aimed to determine the stress factors in online collaborative learning as perceived by 226 Japanese university students using English in their online interactions, and to investigate the relationship between the learners' perceptions and these stress factors. It identified four key factors affecting stress in online collaboration: Self‐efficacy, Instructional Design, Technology Use and Collaborative Process. The implications of this finding for policy‐making and practice are discussed and further research in this field is suggested.Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic
Online collaboration enhances learning effectiveness and quality of learning experience but causes stress.
Even though a certain level of stress can enhance learning, persistent or excessive stress can lead to negative experiences and poorer learning performance.
There are various factors affecting such stress in online collaboration.
What this paper adds
Four factors influence stress in online collaborative learning in English: Self‐efficacy, Instructional Design, Technology Use and Collaborative Process.
Culture is an important variable explaining learners' stress in online collaboration.
Stress‐reducing strategies for online collaborative learning in English are suggested.
Implications for practice and/or policy
Help instructors design stress‐reduced online collaborative learning environment
Help instructors apply culturally appropriate scaffolding strategies during online collaboration
Help universities review and improve English as a Foreign Language and technology literacy programmes.
DO CHANGES IN GDP INFLUENCE COMMUTING DISTANCES? A STUDY OF SWEDISH COMMUTING PATTERNS BETWEEN 1990 AND 2006
Authors: ÖSTH JOHN , LINDGREN URBAN 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTSeveral studies have analysed the relationships between individuals' commuting distances and individual characteristics, discrimination, societal structure and planning. Largely left unexplored, however, are the long‐term relationships between changes in the economic cycle and the effects on individual commuting distances. Using regression analyses, this study focuses on the relationship between changes in GDP and commuters' response reflected in commuting distances. The empirical data consist of records of almost 12 million Swedish commuting events between 1990 and 2006. Results of the analyses indicate that changes in GDP growth rate have an impact on commuting distances, especially for younger workers, the recently unemployed and commuters in metropolitan areas.
Validation of self‐reported erythema: comparison of self‐reports, researcher assessment and objective measurements in sun worshippers and skiers
Authors: Petersen B. , Thieden E. , Lerche C.M. , Wulf H.C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Most epidemiological data of sunburn related to skin cancer have come from self‐reporting in diaries and questionnaires. We thought it important to validate the reliability of such data.Objective  To validate the quality of self‐reported erythema by sun worshippers and skiers, and to validate the ability to determine erythema visually compared with objectively measured erythema.Methods  The skin in a group of sun worshippers in Tenerife and of skiers in Austria was closely monitored over a week. The participants used a diary to record any erythema assessed on different skin sites and underwent a twice daily skin examination by researchers who assessed erythema on the same sites. Lastly, the erythema assessment was validated by objective measurements.Results  We found that the participants’ agreed with researchers’ assessment of erythema in only 57–61% of cases, and that the researchers detected up to 28% more of the objectively measured erythema than the participants did. We also found that, even for the trained eye (researchers), it was difficult to detect an increase in erythema as only 71–91% of those cases with an increase >15 in measured erythema percentage were detected in the evening. Possibly, detection was impeded by a simultaneous increase in pigmentation.Conclusion  Self‐assessment of erythema from diaries is unreliable. Erythema is considerably underestimated and possibly neglected. Even for the trained eye, it can be difficult to detect erythema.
Inherited platelet disorders
Authors: Boudreaux Mary K. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo present the latest information on inherited platelet disorders in domestic animals.Data SourcesResearch articles and reviews spanning 40 years available on PubMed.Human Data SynthesisInformation regarding inherited platelet disorders in people is plentiful and often descriptions of human conditions have led to the identification of similar disorders in veterinary species. There are exceptions, however, in which specific inherited platelet disorders were first described in animals with subsequent identification in people.Veterinary Data SynthesisMany inherited platelet disorders have been documented in animals at the functional and molecular level and that information is presented in this review.ConclusionsMuch progress has been made in the past 20 years in the characterization of inherited platelet disorders in animals at the functional, biochemical, and molecular level. The study of inherited platelet disorders has greatly enhanced the understanding of platelet physiology and has led in some instances to the development of platelet inhibitory medications. Characterization of inherited disorders at the molecular level greatly facilitates diagnosis and identification of affected and heterozygous animals thus avoiding propagation of the defect by breeders. When used with available functional and biochemical diagnostic tests, it significantly enhances the quality of care and case management.
Natural and synthetic modulators of SK (Kca2) potassium channels inhibit magnesium‐dependent activity of the kinase‐coupled cation channel TRPM7
Authors: Chubanov V , Mederos y Schnitzler M , Meißner M , Schäfer S , Abstiens K , Hofmann T , Gudermann T 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSETransient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7) is a bifunctional protein comprising a TRP ion channel segment linked to an α‐type protein kinase domain. TRPM7 is essential for proliferation and cell growth. Up‐regulation of TRPM7 function is involved in anoxic neuronal death, cardiac fibrosis and tumour cell proliferation. The goal of this work was to identify non‐toxic inhibitors of the TRPM7 channel and to assess the effect of blocking endogenous TRPM7 currents on the phenotype of living cells.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe developed an aequorin bioluminescence‐based assay of TRPM7 channel activity and performed a hypothesis‐driven screen for inhibitors of the channel. The candidates identified were further assessed electrophysiologically and in cell biological experiments.KEY RESULTSTRPM7 currents were inhibited by modulators of small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+channels (KCa2.1–2.3; SK) channels, including the antimalarial plant alkaloid quinine, CyPPA, dequalinium, NS8593, SKA31 and UCL 1684. The most potent compound NS8593 (IC501.6 µM) specifically targeted TRPM7 as compared with other TRP channels, interfered with Mg2+‐dependent regulation of TRPM7 channel and inhibited the motility of cultured cells. NS8593 exhibited full and reversible block of native TRPM7‐like currents in HEK 293 cells, freshly isolated smooth muscle cells, primary podocytes and ventricular myocytes.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThis study reveals a tight overlap in the pharmacological profiles of TRPM7 and KCa2.1–2.3 channels. NS8593 acts as a negative gating modulator of TRPM7 and is well‐suited to study functional features and cellular roles of endogenous TRPM7.
How good are we at diagnosing seizures based on semiology?
Authors: Seneviratne Udaya , Rajendran Deepa , Brusco Maria , Phan Thanh G. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe accuracy of visual diagnosis of seizures based on semiologic features among different health care professionals is largely unknown. We evaluated the ability of health care professionals to correctly diagnose epileptic seizures (ES) and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) from a random selection of 10 ES and 10 PNES videos. The 20 videos (without accompanying electroencephalography) were shown only once, in a random mix to different groups of health care professionals. These individuals, blinded to the diagnosis, were asked to classify the seizure as ES or PNES. We used summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves to determine the accuracy for each group. Next we calculated the difference between the area under the curve (AUC) of SROC between neurologists (as the reference) and the other groups of health care professionals. Neurologists achieved significantly higher AUC results compared to other health care professionals. These results indicate a wide range of diagnostic accuracy among different health care professionals and have practical implications for the evaluation of patients with seizure disorders in acute settings.
Pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures cause acute, but not chronic, mTOR pathway activation in rat
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wong Michael 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPurpose:  The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been implicated in contributing to progressive epileptogenesis in models of chronic epilepsy. Conversely, seizures themselves may directly cause acute activation of the mTOR pathway. To isolate the direct effects of seizures on the mTOR pathway, the time course and mechanisms of mTOR activation were investigated with acute seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), which does not lead to chronic epilepsy.Methods:  Western blot analysis was used to assay the phosphorylation of Akt and S6, as measures of activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mTOR pathways, respectively, at various time points after PTZ‐induced seizures in rats. The ability of wortmannin, a PI3K inhibitor, to inhibit PTZ seizure–induced activation of the mTOR pathway was tested.Key Findings:  PTZ‐induced seizures produced an immediate, transient mTOR activation lasting several hours, but no later, more chronic activation over days to weeks. This acute stimulation of the mTOR pathway by PTZ‐induced seizures was mediated by upstream PI3K/Akt pathway activation and was blocked by a PI3K inhibitor.Significance:  Compared with models of chronic epilepsy that exhibit biphasic (acute and chronic) mTOR pathway activation, PTZ‐induced seizures produce only acute, but not chronic, mTOR activation. These results in the PTZ seizure model highlight potential differences in the involvement of the mTOR pathway between self‐limited seizures and progressive epileptogenesis. These findings also suggest a potential therapeutic role of PI3K inhibitors in epilepsy.
Increased cortical BOLD signal anticipates generalized spike and wave discharges in adolescents and adults with idiopathic generalized epilepsies
Authors: Benuzzi Francesca , Mirandola Laura , Pugnaghi Matteo , Farinelli Valentina , Tassinari Carlo Alberto , Capovilla Giuseppe , Cantalupo Gaetano , Beccaria Francesca , Nichelli Paolo , Meletti Stefano 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Electroencephalography–functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) coregistration has recently revealed that several brain structures are involved in generalized spike and wave discharges (GSWDs) in idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs). In particular, deactivations and activations have been observed within the so‐called brain default mode network (DMN) and thalamus, respectively. In the present study we analyzed the dynamic time course of blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) changes preceding and following 3 Hz GSWDs in a group of adolescent and adult patients with IGE who presented with absence seizures (AS). Our aim was to evaluate cortical BOLD changes before, during, and after GSWD onset.Methods:  Twenty‐one patients with IGE underwent EEG‐fMRI coregistration. EEG‐related analyses were run both at the single‐subject and at group level (random effect). The time‐course analysis was conducted for 3 s time windows before, during, and after GSWDs, and they were included until no further BOLD signal changes were observed.Key Findings:  Fifteen patients (nine female, mean age 28 years) had GSWDs during EEG‐fMRI coregistration (262 total events, mean duration 4 s). Time‐course group analysis showed BOLD increments starting approximately 10 s before GSWD onset located in frontal and parietal cortical areas, and especially in the precuneus‐posterior cingulate region. At GSWD onset, BOLD increments were located in thalamus, cerebellum, and anterior cingulate gyrus, whereas BOLD decrements were observed in the DMN regions persisting until 9 s after onset.Significance:  Hemodynamic changes (BOLD increments) occurred in specific cortical areas, namely the precuneus/posterior cingulate, lateral parietal, and frontal cortices, several seconds before EEG onset of GSWD. A dysfunction of these brain regions, some of which belongs to the DMN, may be crucial in generating GSWDs in patients with IGE.
Development and application of a high‐throughput microneutralization assay: lack of xenotropic murine leukemia virus–related virus and/or murine leukemia virus detection in blood donors
Authors: Zhou Yanchen , Steffen Imke , Montalvo Leilani , Lee Tzong‐Hae , Zemel Reeve , Switzer William M. , Tang Shaohua , Jia Hongwei , Heneine Walid , Winkelman Valerie , Tailor Chetankumar S. , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Simmons Graham 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)‐related virus (XMRV) and other related MLVs have been described with chronic fatigue syndrome and certain types of prostate cancer. In addition, prevalence rates as high as 7% have been reported in blood donors, raising the risk of transfusion‐related transmission. Several laboratories have utilized microneutralization assays as a surrogate marker for detection of anti‐MLV serologic responses—with up to 25% of prostate cancer patients reported to harbor neutralizing antibody responses.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We developed a high‐throughput microneutralization assay for research studies on blood donors using retroviral vectors pseudotyped with XMRV‐specific envelopes. Infection with these pseudotypes was neutralized by sera from both macaques and mice challenged with XMRV, but not preimmune serum. A total of 354 plasma samples from blood donors in the Reno/Tahoe area were screened for neutralization.RESULTS: A total of 6.5% of donor samples gave moderate neutralization of XMRV, but not control pseudotypes. However, further testing by Western blot revealed no evidence of antibodies against MLVs in any of these samples. Furthermore, no evidence of infectious virus or viral nucleic acid was observed.CONCLUSION: A microneutralization assay was developed for detection of XMRV and can be applied in a high‐throughput format for large‐scale studies. Although a proportion of blood donors demonstrated the ability to block XMRV envelope‐mediated infection, we found no evidence that this inhibition was mediated by specific antibodies elicited by exposure to XMRV or MLV. It is likely that this moderate neutralization is mediated through another, nonspecific mechanism.
Cavernous Carotid Pseudoaneurysm Following Transsphenoidal Surgery
Authors: Fu Michael , Patel Toral , Baehring Joachim M. , Bulsara Ketan R. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTPseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) as a result of injury during transsphenoidal surgery is a rare but serious complication. We present a review of this subject, identifying 22 such cases in the literature, and contribute an unusual case of our own. Among our cohort, 23% of patients had no evidence of vascular injury or hemorrhage during the initial transsphenoidal operation, and presented at an average of 83 days after surgery. The average time to diagnosis for patients with intraoperative bleeding was 64 days after surgery. Epistaxis was the most common initial presenting symptom, seen in 41% of patients, and traditional angiography was employed in every case to make the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm. Though complete occlusion of the ICA was ultimately required in 41% of patients, the remainder were treated with a variety of modalities. While intraoperative hemorrhage is certainly the most predictive indicator of iatrogenic vascular damage, in its absence, other signs such as postoperative bruits may be predictive of pseudoaneurysm formation as well. The continued accumulation of these unique cases will hopefully provide definitive recommendations on the early recognition and treatment of this serious condition, especially regarding the emerging role of endovascular therapy in its management.
Is a Head CT Necessary After Uncomplicated Coiling of Unruptured Intracranial Aneuryms?
Authors: Jumaa Mouhammad A. , Aghaebrahim Amin , Zaidi Syed F. , Jankowitz Brian , Jovin Tudor G. , Horowitz Michael B. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTIn this study, we sought to determine whether routine head computed tomographies (CTs) after uncomplicated coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms can add any significant clinical value.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 139 patients with unruptured aneurysms who underwent 150 elective coiling procedures between January 2008 and June 2010. A total of 6 head CTs were obtained emergently after intraprocedural complications and 122 head CTs were obtained routinely after uncomplicated coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms.RESULTSThe 122 head CTs that were obtained routinely after uncomplicated coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms did not show any acute or subacute changes.CONCLUSIONA head CT after uncomplicated coil embolization of an intracranial aneurysm does not add any significant clinical value and should not be ordered routinely.
Anatomic Differences in Early Blindness: A Deformation‐Based Morphometry MRI Study
Authors: Yang Chunlan , Wu Shuicai , Lu Wangsheng , Bai Yanping , Gao Hongjian 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThis study aims to investigate the regional changes in the early onset of blindness using the deformation‐based morphometry (DBM) method.METHODSA total of 15 early blindness and 30 gender‐ and age‐matched sighted control subjects were recruited for the study. Statistically significant changes in regional volume were analyzed using DBM through HAMMER registration. Using this technique, changes in regional tissue volume can be detected on the basis of the deformation field derived from the warping subject to the template image. A voxelwise estimation of the morphological differences between the two groups can be acquired after applying a threshold (P < .001, uncorrected) to the statistic maps.RESULTSRegions with enlarged volume in the brains of blind subjects are mainly localized in the left associated visual cortex, posterior cingulated cortex, and cerebellum, whereas volume reductions are primarily localized in the left early visual cortex.CONCLUSIONSDBM is an effective method for detecting entire brain structural changes in blindness. Visual deprivation actually alters the local structural organization during the early critical periods of neurodevelopment. Volume increases outside the occipital lobe detected with DBM may suggest compensatory adaptations.
Expression of kallikrein‐related peptidase 4 in dental and non‐dental tissues
Authors: Simmer James P. , Richardson Amelia S. , Smith Charles E. , Hu Yuanyuan , Hu Jan C‐C. 
Published: January 2012

Simmer JP, Richardson AS, Smith CE, Hu Y, Hu JC‐C. Expression of kallikrein‐related peptidase 4 in dental and non‐dental tissues.

Eur J Oral Sci 2011; 119 (Suppl. 1): 226–233. © 2011 Eur J Oral SciKallikrein‐related peptidase 4 (KLK4) is critical for proper dental enamel formation. Klk4 null mice, and humans with two defective KLK4 alleles have obvious enamel defects, with no other apparent phenotype. KLK4 mRNA or protein is reported to be present in tissues besides teeth, including prostate, ovary, kidney, liver, and salivary gland. In this study we used the Klk4 knockout/NLS‐lacZ knockin mouse to assay Klk4 expression using β‐galactosidase histochemistry. Incubations for 5 h were used to detect KLK4 expression with minimal endogenous background, while overnight incubations susceptible to false positives were used to look for trace KLK4 expression. Developing maxillary molars at postnatal days 5, 6, 7, 8, and 14, developing mandibular incisors at postnatal day 14, and selected non‐dental tissues from adult wild‐type and Klk4lacZ/lacZ mice were examined by X‐gal histochemistry. After 5 h of incubation, X‐gal staining was observed specifically in the nuclei of maturation‐stage ameloblasts in molars and incisors from Klk4lacZ/lacZ mice and was detected weakly in the nuclei of salivary gland ducts and in patches of prostate epithelia. We conclude that KLK4 is predominantly a tooth‐specific protease with low expression in submandibular salivary gland and prostate, and with no detectable expression in liver, kidney, testis, ovary, oviduct, epididymis, and vas deferens.