bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alleviating Test Anxiety for Students of Advanced Reading Comprehension
Authors: Bensoussan Marsha 
Published: August 2012

Test anxiety often interferes with a reliable evaluation of language learning, frustrating teachers and students alike. Most researchers have found a significant inverse relation between anxiety and written test performance. Although this situation leads to a distortion of test scores, suggestions for treating and coping with test anxiety have been sparse. Focusing on advanced reading comprehension in a foreign language, the present review summarizes the literature on anxiety connected with the language learning classroom, and offers recommendations for its alleviation. This paper examines students’ suggestions for improving their feelings about tests. A nine-item questionnaire was administered to 265 students at the University of Haifa who were participating in three intermediate to advanced level reading comprehension courses in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Students reported that they would like teachers to make two additions to the course: adding bonus exercises for extra points and giving more practice tests. A Remedial Class of advanced reading comprehension in English as a Foreign Language is presented as an example of one way to apply these theories and recommendations.
Genetic diversity in Capsicum baccatumis significantly influenced by its ecogeographical distribution
Authors: Albrecht Elena , Zhang Dapeng , Mays Anne Deslattes , Saftner Robert A , Stommel John R 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe exotic pepper speciesCapsicum baccatum, also known as the aji or Peruvian hot pepper, is comprised of wild and domesticated botanical forms. The species is a valuable source of new genes useful for improving fruit quality and disease resistance inC. annuumsweet bell and hot chile pepper. However, relatively little research has been conducted to characterize the species, thus limiting its utilization. The structure of genetic diversity in a plant germplasm collection is significantly influenced by its ecogeographical distribution. Together with DNA fingerprints derived from AFLP markers, we evaluated variation in fruit and plant morphology of plants collected across the species native range in South America and evaluated these characters in combination with the unique geography, climate and ecology at different sites where plants originated.ResultsThe present study mapped the ecogeographic distribution, analyzed the spatial genetic structure, and assessed the relationship between the spatial genetic pattern and the variation of morphological traits in a diverseC. baccatumgermplasm collection spanning the species distribution. A combined diversity analysis was carried out on the USDA-ARSC. baccatumgermplasm collection using data from GIS, morphological traits and AFLP markers. The results demonstrate that theC. baccatumcollection covers wide geographic areas and is adapted to divergent ecological conditions in South America ranging from cool Andean highland to Amazonia rainforest. A high level of morphological diversity was evident in the collection, with fruit weight the leading variable. The fruit weight distribution pattern was compatible to AFLP-based clustering analysis for the collection. A significant spatial structure was observed in theC. baccatumgene pool. Division of the domesticated germplasm into two major regional groups (Western and Eastern) was further supported by the pattern of spatial population structure.ConclusionsThe results reported improve our understanding of the combined effects of geography, ecology and human intervention on organization of theC. baccatumgenepool. The results will facilitate utilization ofC. baccatumfor crop improvement and species conservation by providing a framework for efficient germplasm collection management and guidance for future plant acquisitions.
Clinical and microbiological characterization of Staphylococcus lugdunensis isolates obtained from clinical specimens in a hospital in China
Authors: Liu Chaojun , Shen Dingxia , Guo Jing , Wang Kaifei , Wang Huan , Yan Zhongqiang , Chen Rong , Ye Liyan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundSeveral reports have associatedStaphylococcus lugdunensiswith the incidence of severe infection in humans; however, the frequency and prevalence of this microorganism and thus the propensity of its antimicrobial drug resistance is unknown in China. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence ofStaphylococcus lugdunensisamong six hundred and seventy non-replicate coagulase negativeStaphylococcus(CoNS) isolates collected in a 12-month period from clinical specimens in the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army in Beijing, China.ResultsFive (0.7%) of the 670 isolates of CoNS were identified asS. lugdunensis. Whereas three isolates were resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, and penicillin and carried theermCgene and a fourth one was resistant to cefoxitin and penicillin and carried themecAgene, one isolate was not resistant to any of the tested antimicrobials. Pulse field gel electrophoretic analysis did not reveal widespread epidemiological diversity of the different isolates.ConclusionHence, even thoughS. lugdunensismay be yet unrecognized and undefined in China, it still might be the infrequent cause of infection and profound multi-drug resistance in the same population.
CDKL5 gene status in female patients with epilepsy and Rett-like features: two new mutations in the catalytic domain
Authors: Maortua Hiart , Martínez-Bouzas Cristina , Calvo María-Teresa , Domingo Maria-Rosario , Ramos Feliciano , García-Ribes Ainhoa , Martínez María-Jesús , López-Aríztegui María-Asunción , Puente Nerea , Rubio Izaskun , Tejada María-Isabel 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 gene (CDKL5) located in the Xp22 region have been shown to cause a subset of atypical Rett syndrome with infantile spasms or early seizures starting in the first postnatal months.

Methods
We performed mutation screening of CDKL5 in 60 female patients who had been identified as negative for the methyl CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) mutations, but who had current or past epilepsy, regardless of the age of onset, type, and severity. All the exons in the CDKL5 gene and their neighbouring sequences were examined, and CDKL5 rearrangements were studied by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA).

Results
Six previously unidentified DNA changes were detected, two of which were disease-causing mutations in the catalytic domain: a frameshift mutation (c.509_510insGT; p.Glu170GlyfsX36) and a complete deletion of exon 10. Both were found in patients with seizures that started in the first month of life.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated the importance of CDKL5 mutations as etiological factors in neurodevelopmental disorders, and indicated that a thorough analysis of the CDKL5 gene sequence and its rearrangements should be considered in females with Rett syndrome-like phenotypes, severe encephalopathy and epilepsy with onset before 5 months of age. This study also confirmed the usefulness of MLPA as a diagnostic screening method for use in clinical practice.
Increased left anterior insular and inferior prefrontal activity in post-stroke mania
Authors: Koreki Akihiro , Takahata Keisuke , Tabuchi Hajime , Kato Motoichiro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundPost-stroke mania is an infrequent complication after stroke, and the mechanisms underlying this disorder remain unclear. Although a contralesional release phenomenon has been implicated in post-stroke mania, empirical findings are lacking.Case presentationWe present a case report of post stroke mania. Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) was performed twice, during the manic state and during the remitted euthymic state. The first SPECT study performed during the manic state demonstrated hypoperfusion in the right temporal and frontal regions due to right putaminal hemorrhage. It also showed hyperperfusion in the inferior lateral prefrontal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the medial and lateral parts of the parietal lobe in the left hemisphere. The second SPECT study performed during the euthymic state demonstrated moderate improvement in the hypoperfusion in the right fronto-temporal regions. Furthermore, compared to the findings on the first SPECT study, the second study showed that the focal hyperperfusion in the anterior insular cortex, inferior lateral prefrontal lobes, and superior-middle temporal gyrus in the left hemisphere had vanished.ConclusionIncreased left inferior prefrontal and anterior insular activity and reduced extensive right fronto-temporal lobe activity are involved in the development of post-stroke mania.
Mental health, duration of unemployment, and coping strategy: a cross-sectional study of unemployed migrant workers in eastern china during the economic crisis
Authors: Chen Li , Li Wenhu , He Jincai , Wu Lanhua , Yan Zheng , Tang Wenjie 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
20 million migrant workers in China lost their jobs during the economic crisis of 2008. Both urban migration and unemployment have long been documented to be associated with vulnerability to mental problems. This study aims to examine the mental health of unemployed migrant workers in Eastern China and its relation to duration of unemployment and coping strategy during the recent economic crisis.

Methods
The data were collected through interview-based survey with a sample of 210 unemployed migrant workers in Zhejiang Province of China from 2008 to 2009. Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, Coping Strategies Questionnaire, and seven short demographic questions were used.

Results
The majority of the unemployed migrant workers were found to be young male manufacturing industry workers with short-term unemployment and a relatively low education level. Nearly 50% of unemployed migrant workers were classified as mentally unhealthy and the most frequently reported symptom was depression. Compared with the adult norm of 1986, 2003, and 2007 in China, unemployed migrants had more mental problems. Long-term unemployed migrant workers had more psychiatric symptoms than the short-term unemployed workers and employed migrant workers. Unemployed migrant workers with immature coping strategies expressed significantly more psychiatric symptoms than those with mixed and mature coping strategies. Duration of unemployment and two coping strategies, problem-solving and self-blaming, predicted the mental problems of unemployed migrant workers.

Conclusions
The results indicated that mental health status of unemployed migrant workers in Eastern China was poorer than the national adult norm. More psychiatric symptoms are evidenced among unemployed migrant workers who lost their jobs for a long term and who had immature coping strategies. These findings can be used for prevention and intervention of mental illness among unemployed migrant workers.
Epigenetic regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression in ameloblastoma
Authors: Farias Lucyana Conceição , Gomes Carolina Cavaliéri , Rodrigues Marcela Carolina , de Castro Wagner Henriques , Lacerda Júlio César Tanos , e Ferreira Efigênia Ferreira , Gomez Ricardo Santiago 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
An ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic neoplasm with aggressive behaviour and high recurrence rates. The increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been reported in ameloblastomas. In the present study, we hypothesised that epigenetic alterations may regulate MMP expression in ameloblastomas.

Methods
We investigated the methylation status of the genes MMP-2 and MMP-9 in addition to mRNA transcription and protein expression in ameloblastomas. Methylation analysis was performed by both methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP-PCR) and restriction enzyme digestion to evaluate the methylation profile of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in 12 ameloblastoma samples and 12 healthy gingiva fragments, which were included as controls. Furthermore, we investigated the transcription levels of the genes by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Zymography was performed to verify protein expression in ameloblastomas.

Results
The ameloblastomas showed a high frequency of unmethylated MMP-2 and MMP-9, whereas the healthy gingival samples presented a sharp prevalence of methylated MMPs. Higher expression levels of MMP-9 were found in ameloblastomas compared to healthy gingiva. However, no significant differences in the MMP-2 mRNA expression between groups was found. All ameloblastomas showed positive expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that expression of MMP-9 is increased in ameloblastomas and is possibly modulated by unmethylation of the gene.
Bone-induced streak artifact suppression in sparse-view CT image reconstruction
Authors: Jin Seung Oh , Kim Jae Gon , Lee Soo Yeol , Kwon Oh-Kyong 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
In sparse-view CT imaging, strong streak artifacts may appear around bony structures and they often compromise the image readability. Compressed sensing (CS) or total variation (TV) minimization-based image reconstruction method has reduced the streak artifacts to a great extent, but, sparse-view CT imaging still suffers from residual streak artifacts. We introduce a new bone-induced streak artifact reduction method in the CS-based image reconstruction.

Methods
We firstly identify the high-intensity bony regions from the image reconstructed by the filtered backprojection (FBP) method, and we calculate the sinogram stemming from the bony regions only. Then, we subtract the calculated sinogram, which stands for the bony regions, from the measured sinogram before performing the CS-based image reconstruction. The image reconstructed from the subtracted sinogram will stand for the soft tissues with little streak artifacts on it. To restore the original image intensity in the bony regions, we add the bony region image, which has been identified from the FBP image, to the soft tissue image to form a combined image. Then, we perform the CS-based image reconstruction again on the measured sinogram using the combined image as the initial condition of the iteration. For experimental validation of the proposed method, we take images of a contrast phantom and a rat using a micro-CT and we evaluate the reconstructed images based on two figures of merit, relative mean square error and total variation caused by the streak artifacts.

Results
The images reconstructed by the proposed method have been found to have smaller streak artifacts than the ones reconstructed by the original CS-based method when visually inspected. The quantitative image evaluation studies have also shown that the proposed method outperforms the conventional CS-based method.

Conclusions
The proposed method can effectively suppress streak artifacts stemming from bony structures in sparse-view CT imaging.
Investigation of ovarian cancer associated sialylation changes in N-linked glycopeptides by quantitative proteomics
Authors: Shetty Vivekananda , Hafner Julie , Shah Punit , Nickens Zacharie , Philip Ramila 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
In approximately 80% of patients, ovarian cancer is diagnosed when the patient is already in the advanced stages of the disease. CA125 is currently used as the marker for ovarian cancer; however, it lacks specificity and sensitivity for detecting early stage disease. There is a critical unmet need for sensitive and specific routine screening tests for early diagnosis that can reduce ovarian cancer lethality by reliably detecting the disease at its earliest and treatable stages.

Results
In this study, we investigated the N-linked sialylated glycopeptides in serum samples from healthy and ovarian cancer patients using Lectin-directed Tandem Labeling (LTL) and iTRAQ quantitative proteomics methods. We identified 45 N-linked sialylated glycopeptides containing 46 glycosylation sites. Among those, ten sialylated glycopeptides were significantly up-regulated in ovarian cancer patients’ serum samples. LC-MS/MS analysis of the non-glycosylated peptides from the same samples, western blot data using lectin enriched glycoproteins of various ovarian cancer type samples, and PNGase F (+/−) treatment confirmed the sialylation changes in the ovarian cancer samples.

Conclusion
Herein, we demonstrated that several proteins are aberrantly sialylated in N-linked glycopeptides in ovarian cancer and detection of glycopeptides with abnormal sialylation changes may have the potential to serve as biomarkers for ovarian cancer.
Homomorphisms and derivations in "Equation missing" -ternary algebras via fixed point method
Authors: Kenari HM , Saadati Reza , Park Choonkil 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Park (J. Math. Phys. 47:103512, 2006) proved the Hyers-Ulam stability of homomorphisms in

C
∗

-ternary algebras and of derivations on

C
∗

-ternary algebras for the following generalized Cauchy-Jensen additive mapping:

2
f

(

∑

j
=
1

p

x
j

2

+

∑

j
=
1

d

y
j

)

=

∑

j
=
1

p

f
(

x
j

)
+
2

∑

j
=
1

d

f
(

y
j

)
.

In this paper, we improve and generalize some results concerning this functional equation via the fixed-point method.

MSC:39B52, 17A40, 46B03, 47Jxx.
On double-diffusive convection and cross diffusion effects on a horizontal wavy surface in a porous medium
Authors: Narayana M , Sibanda P , Motsa SS , Siddheshwar PG 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
An analysis of double diffusive convection induced by a uniformly heated and salted horizontal wavy surface in a porous medium is presented. The wavy surface is first transformed into a smooth surface via a suitable coordinate transformation and the transformed nonsimilar coupled nonlinear parabolic equations are solved using the Keller box method. The local and average Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are given as functions of the streamwise coordinate and the effects of various physical parameters are discussed in detail. The effects of the Lewis number, buoyancy ratio, and wavy geometry on the dynamics of the flow are studied. It was found, among other observations, that the combined effect of Dufour and Soret parameters is to reduce both heat and mass transfer.

MSC:34B15, 65N30, 76M20.
The antigenic property of the H5N1 avian influenza viruses isolated in central China
Authors: Zou Wei , Ke Jianjiang , Zhu Jiping , Zhou Hongbo , Jin Meilin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Three influenza pandemics outbroke in the last century accompanied the viral antigen shift and drift, resulting in the change of antigenic property and the low cross protective ability of the existed antibody to the newly emerged pandemic virus, and eventually the death of millions of people. The antigenic characterizations of the viruses isolated in central China in 2004 and 2006–2007 were investigated in the present study.

Results
Hemagglutinin inhibition assay and neutralization assay displayed differential antigenic characteristics of the viruses isolated in central China in two periods (2004 and 2006–2007). HA genes of the viruses mainly located in two branches in phylogeny analysis. 53 mutations of the deduced amino acids of the HA genes were divided into 4 patterns. Mutations in pattern 2 and 3 showed the main difference between viruses isolated in 2004 and 2006–2007. Meanwhile, most amino acids in pattern 2 and 3 located in the globular head of the HA protein, and some of the mutations evenly distributed at the epitope sites.

Conclusions
The study demonstrated that a major antigenic drift had occurred in the viruses isolated in central China. And monitoring the antigenic property should be the priority in preventing the potential pandemic of H5N1 avian influenza virus.
Vitamin D supplementation in the management of knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cao Yuelong , Jones Graeme , Cicuttini Flavia , Winzenberg Tania , Wluka Anita , Sharman James , Nguo Kay , Ding Changhai 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common health issue worldwide in the aging population who are also commonly deficient in vitamin D. Our previous study suggested that higher serum 25-(OH)D levels were associated with reduced knee cartilage loss, implying that vitamin D supplementation may prevent the progression of knee OA. The aim of the VItamin D Effects on OA (VIDEO) study is to compare, over a 2- year period, the effects of vitamin D supplementation versus placebo on knee structural changes, knee pain, and lower limb muscle strength in patients with symptomatic knee OA.

Methods/design
Randomised, placebo-controlled, and double-blind clinical trial aiming to recruit 400 subjects (200 from Tasmania and 200 from Victoria) with both symptomatic knee OA and vitamin D deficiency (serum [25-(OH)D] level of >12.5 nmol/liter and <60 nmol/liter). Participants will be randomly allocated to vitamin D supplementation (50,000 IU compounded vitamin D3 capsule monthly) or identical inert placebo group for 2 years. The primary endpoint is loss of knee cartilage volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of OA (WOMAC) knee pain score. The secondary endpoints will be other knee structural changes, and lower limb muscle strength. Several other outcome measures including core muscle images and central blood pressure will be recorded. Linear and logistic regression will be used to compare changes between groups using univariable and multivariable modeling analyses. Both intention to treat and per protocol analyses will be utilized.

Discussion
The trial is designed to test if vitamin D supplementation will reduce loss of knee cartilage volume, prevent the progression of other knee structural abnormalities, reduce knee pain and strengthen lower limb muscle strength, thus modify disease progression in knee OA.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01176344; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12610000495022
Current Generation from Na2SO3 and H2SO3 by Using Carbon Fiber Anode
Authors: Maeda Hidekatsu , Soneda Yasushi , Higuchi Aya , Iizuka Miki , Nagamoto Hidetoshi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Current generation from Na2SO3 aqueous solution was found to occur by using PAN-based carbon fibers with heat treatment at 700 °C. Sixty mL of 0.1 M Na2SO3 and 80 mL of 0.5 M H2SO4 were added into the anode cell and cathode cell, respectively, and current generation was performed for 10 h. As a result, the current value increased from background current of 0.04 to 22.3 mA after 5 min. Afterward, the current was almost constant, and decreased a little in the final stage, accompanied by decrease of the amount of Na2SO3. The current efficiency was calculated to be 91%. The mechanism of the current generation is assumed to be described by the equation: SO32− + 2OH− → SO42− + H2O + 2e−. In the current generation using a 30 Ω resistor, the current was 11.3 mA, so that the voltage is calculated to be 0.339 V. The maximum electric power of this cell is calculated to be 3.83 mW. Next, 60 mL of 0.02 M H2SO3 was added to the anode cell, and current generation was performed for 4 h as well as in the case of Na2SO3. As a result, the current was 8.25 mA after 6 min. Afterward, the value linearly decreased, and the value was 3.80 mA after 3 h. The current generation almost finished after 4 h. In this case, the current efficiency was 28%. Furthermore, chemical groups on the surface of carbon fibers with heat treatment were measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The element analysis on the surface resulted in: C, 82 atom %; N, 7.2 atom %; and O, 10.9 atom %; the existence of COO, C=O, C–O, C–C, C=C, C–N, and C=N groups was thus suggested.