bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dimensionality of approaches to learning: an investigation with confirmatory factor analysis on the structure of the SPQ and LPQ
Authors: Kember David , Leung Doris Y.P. 
Published: May 2011

Background. A recent review of research into students' approaches to learning suggested there was good evidence of meaning and reproducing orientations to study. In the former the student seeks the underlying meaning in study material, while in the latter attention is directed towards reproducing the text itself. The most widely used inventories of learning approaches also include a factor for an achieving approach and one contains another factor too.Aims. The study aimed to examine the discrepancy between the dimensionality inherent in the design of instruments measuring approaches to learning and that indicated by subsequent factor analyses.Methods. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the dimensionality of approaches to learning. Seven models were fitted to parallel data sets from the Study and Learning Process Questionnaires.Samples. The sample used for SPQ analysis was 4843 university students from Hong Kong universities. The LPQ data was drawn from a representative selection of 20 secondary schools in Hong Kong. The total number of usable questionnaires for the LPQ was 3254.Results. For both sets of questionnaire data, the best fit was achieved by a model with two factors: meaning and reproducing orientation. The achieving motive and strategy subscales were significant indicators of both factors.Conclusions. The results suggest that approaches to learning are described better by a two‐factor model than the three‐ or four‐factor ones on which the inventories are based.
Students' evaluations of teaching effectiveness: a structural modelling approach
Authors: Stringer Maurice , Irwing Paul 
Published: May 2011

Background. While studies of students' evaluations of teaching effectiveness (SETEs) have a long history in the United States, few studies have been carried out with United Kingdom students.Aims. This paper examines the utility of using a questionnaire approach to assess teaching effectiveness with United Kingdom students. Structural modelling was used to examine perceived relationships between teacher, course and student characteristics.Sample. A total of 1708 full‐time undergraduate students undertaking degrees in health and social science courses at the University of Ulster participated in the study.Method. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and structural modelling techniques (LISREL 8) were employed to investigate participants' responses to the Teaching Effectiveness Survey, a measure of students' evaluations of teaching effectiveness.Results. Perceived Teaching Quality was found to be related to course characteristics. Teacher, course and student characteristics together explained 88 per cent of the variance in students' Overall Evaluations with Teaching Quality, course and student characteristics explaining 42 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.Conclusion. The results suggest that questionnaire items derived from American studies can be used effectively with United Kingdom students. Students' perceptions of overall course effectiveness were found to be dependent on student and course characteristics as well as teacher inputs.
Self‐reports of mathematics self‐concept and educational outcomes: the roles of ego‐dimensions and self‐consciousness
Authors: Martin Andrew J. , Debus Raymond L. 
Published: May 2011

Background. There is a need for research to (a) explore more fully the academic outcomes that follow from under‐/over‐rating of self‐concept and (b) identify factors that predict the nature of self‐reports of self‐concept as well as under‐ and over‐rating of this self‐concept.Aims. The study examines the link between students' self‐appraisals of both mathematics self‐concept and under‐/over‐rating of this self‐concept and educational outcomes in mathematics such as achievement and motivation (future plans for mathematics). Ego‐dimensions (ego‐orientation and competence‐valuation) and public self‐consciousness were examined as two factors that might contribute to predicting these self‐appraisals.Sample. Findings are drawn from a sample of 382 male and female high school students ranging in age from 14 to 16 years.Methods. Students responded to a questionnaire (at Time 1) that assessed self‐concept, motivation orientation, competence‐valuation, self‐consciousness, and mathematics motivation. Teachers rated each student using a brief mathematics self‐concept scale.Results. Higher mathematics self‐concept and over‐rating of this self‐concept were predictive of higher levels of mathematics motivation and later mathematics achievement (Time 2). Findings also indicate that ego‐orientation and competence‐valuation are positively associated with mathematics self‐concept and over‐rating, whilst public self‐consciousness negatively predicts mathematics self‐concept and is also associated with a tendency to under‐rate oneself in this domain.
Attributional style and its relation to other personality dispositions
Authors: Haugen Richard , Lund Thorleif 
Published: May 2011

Background. People vary greatly with respect to the way they explain negative events (personal failures), and this variation in attributional style seems to be related to various personality traits and also academic performance. For example, the theory of learned helplessness regards a pessimistic attributional style as an important determinant in the development of depression.Aim. The primary purpose of the present study was to compare attributions for positive and negative events with respect to correlations with seven personality dispositions. The comparisons concern the three attributional dimensions internality, stability and globality, as well as their combination. The hypothesis was that attributions for positive events are differently correlated with the seven personality dispositions than are attributions for negative events.Sample. 166 advanced teacher students (132 females and 34 males).Method. On the basis of an inventory the students were given scores on the attributional variables (related to imagined positive and negative academic events), global and academic self‐esteem, motive to seek success, motive to avoid failure, self‐efficacy, defensiveness, and depression.Results. The hypothesis was confirmed. Attributions for positive events correlated differently with the seven personality dispositions than attributions for negative events. Also, factor analysis of the attributional dimensions indicated that attributions for positive events measured quite different components than attributions for positive events.Conclusion. The general conclusion is that both event kinds should be considered when using attributional style for predicting or explaining personality and behavioural variables.
The influence of age and education on epistemological beliefs
Authors: Schommer Marlene 
Published: May 2011

Background. Individuals' beliefs about the nature of knowledge and learning, or epistemological beliefs, have been linked to their comprehension, meta‐comprehension, persistence, and interpretation of information (e.g., Kitchener & King, 1981; Ryan, 1984; Songer & Linn, 1991). Little is known about the development of epistemological beliefs.Aims. This research examines the contributions of age and education to adults' epistemological beliefs.Sample. A total of 418 adults from all walks of life (e.g., homemakers, waitresses, teachers, farmers, carpenters, executives, and lawyers) participated in this study. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure that one‐third of the sample had only a high school education, another third had some college undergraduate experience, and the other third had some graduate school experience.Method. Adults completed an epistemological questionnaire that assesses beliefs about the structure and stability of knowledge, and the speed and control of learning.Results. To ensure that the epistemological questionnaire was suitable for this sample, a factor analysis was carried out. Factor scores that were generated replicated a factor structure that had been found in earlier studies (Dunkle, Schraw & Bendixen, 1993; Schommer, 1990). Results from multiple regression analyses indicated that education predicted beliefs about the structure and stability of knowledge. Age predicted beliefs about the ability to learn.Conclusions. This evidence suggests that both age and education affect individuals' epistemological beliefs in unique ways. This may have implications for older adults who return to school eager to learn but with misunderstandings about the nature of knowledge, and younger adults who attend school with doubts about the malleability of the ability to learn.
Comparison of the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour
Authors: Sideridis Georgios D. , Kaissidis Aggelos , Padeliadu Susana 
Published: May 2011

Background. Ajzen & Fishbein's (1977) theory of reasoned action and, later Ajzen's planned behaviour theory (Ajzen, 1988; Ajzen & Madden, 1986) have received great attention in the literature (e.g., Giles & Cairns, 1995). A number of researchers have attempted to explain several aspects of human behaviour (e.g., Bandura, 1997). A review of literature between 1990 and 1997 using the Psychlit and ERIC databases which pertained to the application of the theories of reasoned action and/or planned behaviour for the explanation of student study behaviour for an upcoming examination revealed one study (Clarry & Burns, 1991) in which little support for the use of the theory of planned behaviour was provided.Aims. The purpose of the present study was to examine the appropriateness of the theories of reasoned action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1977) and planned behaviour (Ajzen & Madden, 1986) to explain student study behaviour during final examinations as pertaining to achieving a high Grade Point Average (GPA).Sample. This comprised 136 freshmen Greek students from an American undergraduate institution located in Greece.Method. A structural equation modelling analysis using EQS 4.02 (Bentler, 1992) was used to evaluate the construct validity of the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour. In this modelling, latent variables were a function of measured variables and direct and indirect relationships were postulated in a path‐analysis framework in order to explain both theories. Since the theory of reasoned action was nested within the theory of planned behaviour, a direct comparison between them was feasible.Results. Ajzen & Fishbein's (1977) theoretical framework (reasoned action) was well supported, providing a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of .947. The only modification between the original (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1977) and the final structural model was a direct path between motivation to comply and study behaviour. This structural model provided significant improvement over the original model providing a CFI of .976 and a non‐significant value. Further, inclusion of the perceived control constructs produced a model with acceptable fit also (CFI = .934).Conclusion. It is concluded that both theories describe well the study behaviour of students although inclusion of perceived behavioural control was not fully supported by the data.
Cognitive vulnerability to depression: An exploration of dysfunctional attitudes and ruminative response styles in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Thomas Justin , Altareb Belkeis 
Published: May 2011

Background. There has been little exploration of Beck's cognitive theory of depression and Nolen‐Hoeksem's response styles theory within Arab populations.Objectives. The study investigates the generalizability of these clinically influential models to Emirati citizens residing within United Arab Emirates (UAE).Method. An opportunity sample of 450 undergraduate participants was assessed for dysfunctional attitudes using an Arabic/English 40‐item version of Weissman and Beck's Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS). Participants also completed Arabic/English versions of Nolen‐Hoeksema's ruminative response styles (RRS) scale and the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI‐II).Results. Correlation and regression analyses showed depression to be associated with both RRS and dysfunctional attitudes.Conclusion. The study supports the generalization of these clinically influential theories of depression within a UAE context.
Living with parents with obsessive–compulsive disorder: Children's lives and experiences
Authors: Griffiths Jennifer , Norris Emma , Stallard Paul , Matthews Shane 
Published: May 2011

Background. It has been well documented that parental mental health problems can lead to adverse consequences for their children. However, few studies have examined the subjective experiences of these children. Several parental mental health problems have been studied, but obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) has primarily been considered in relation to adult relatives of the sufferer only.Aims. This study aimed to explore the experiences of young people with a parent with OCD, including the impact of parental OCD and their understanding of it.Method. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with ten 13‐ to 19‐year‐olds with a parent with OCD. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.Results. Five themes were identified: ‘Control and boundaries’; ‘Doing what I can to help’; ‘Telling: embarrassment and pride’; ‘Do I have OCD?’; and ‘Getting the right help for me’.Conclusions. Parental OCD presented challenges to participants and placed burden upon them, for which they did not receive adequate support. The issues raised by parental OCD seemed similar to other parental mental health problems, but the results suggested that the child's developmental stage may be a significant influence.
A survey of acute self-reported infections in pregnancy
Authors: Lain Samantha J , Roberts Christine L , Warning Julia , Vivian-Taylor Josephine , Ford Jane B 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to estimate the weekly prevalence of self-reported recently acquired infections in women at least 20 weeks pregnant.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women in a hospital antenatal clinic in Sydney, Australia between August 2008 and April 2009. Women were asked to report whether they had onset of a new infection in the 7 days before completing the questionnaire, and were asked for details of symptoms and medication taken.Results737 women at least 20 weeks pregnant completed the survey (94% of women approached). Five per cent of the completed questionnaires reported the onset of an infection in the 7 days prior to survey completion. When symptoms were analysed, 3.5% of women were classified as having a moderate or severe infection in the past 7 days. The most common infection reported was a cold/upper respiratory tract infection followed by gastroenteritis. Women pregnant with their first child had a lower rate of self-reported infection than women who had other children (2.9% vs 7.2%).ConclusionsThese results can be used to inform future research examining acute infection as a trigger for pregnancy complications.
Synergistic Antitumor Activity of Gemcitabine and ABT-737 In Vitro and In Vivo through Disrupting the Interaction of USP9X and Mcl-1
Authors: Zhang Chong , Cai Tian-yu , Zhu Hong , Yang Liu-qing , Jiang Hai , Dong Xiao-wu , Hu Yong-zhou , Lin Neng-ming , He Qiao-jun , Yang Bo 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The Bcl-2 antagonist ABT-737 targets Bcl-2/Bcl-xL, but not Mcl-1, which may confer resistance to this agent in various cancers with high levels of Mcl-1. Here, we showed that the combination of gemcitabine and ABT-737 exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity and induced significant apoptosis in multiple cancer types, including lung, renal, bladder, and prostate cancers. The enhanced apoptosis induced by gemcitabine plus ABT-737 was accompanied by the greater extent of mitochondrial depolarization, caspases-3 activation, and PARP cleavage in 95-D and 5637 cell lines. Importantly, in ABT-737–resistant cancer cells, the interaction between USP9X and Mcl-1, which was increased by ABT-737 treatment, could be disrupted by gemcitabine, thus resulting in enhanced ubiquitination and the subsequent degradation of Mcl-1 and ultimately in the synergism of these two drugs. Moreover, the increased anticancer efficacy of gemcitabine combined with ABT-737 was further validated in a human lung cancer 95-D xenograft model in nude mice. Taken together, our data first showed the synergistic anticancer capabilities achieved by combining gemcitabine and ABT-737 and, second, opened new opportunities to use antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, which drive tumor cell resistance in current anticancer therapies, therapeutically. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(7); 1264–75. ©2011 AACR.
A Novel Retrograde Laser Extraction Technique Using a Transatrial Approach
Authors: Rodriguez Yasser , Garisto Juan D. , Carrillo Roger G. 
Published: May 2011

Background—
The use of percutaneous lead extraction techniques in a patient with extracardiac or protruding atrial leads could have disastrous consequences. Traditionally, the management of these patients has included a median sternotomy. We describe a minimally invasive technique that involves a transatrial, retrograde laser lead extraction using a video-assisted thoracoscopic approach.

Methods and Results—
Between January 2004 and June 2009, 14 patients with severed leads at the clavicle and extracardiac leads or lead-caused erosions of the atrial wall were identified through chest radiograph and CT scan. There were 9 men and 5 women aged 19 to 91 years (mean age, 69.71±20.67 years). Ten devices were pacemakers, and 4 were defibrillators. Indications for extraction were 12 infections and 2 malfunctions. Mean ejection fraction was 42±17.67% (range, 10% to 65%). Time of implanted leads was 93.69±51.88 months (range, 33 to 213 months). Laser sheaths size were 12 F (7.1%), 14 F (85.7%), and 16 F (7.1%). A right-side thoracoscopy was performed under general anesthesia. A retrograde laser sheath maneuver was performed, freeing the lead from any adhesions. The lead was removed and the incision closed. One patient experienced a pleural effusion. There was no mortality, and all patients were alive and well at 1-month follow-up.

Conclusions—
Transatrial, retrograde laser lead extraction is a safe and effective procedure. This procedure may provide an excellent alternative to open sternotomy.
Common Variants in Epithelial Sodium Channel Genes Contribute to Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure
Authors: Zhao Qi , Gu Dongfeng , Hixson James E. , Liu De-Pei , Rao Dabeeru C. , Jaquish Cashell E. , Kelly Tanika N. , Lu Fanghong , Ma Jixiang , Mu Jianjun , Shimmin Lawrence C. , Chen Jichun , Mei Hao , Hamm L. Lee , He Jiang ,   for the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity Collaborative Research Group
Published: May 2011

Background—
Rare mutations of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) lead to mendelian forms of salt-sensitive hypertension or salt-wasting hypotension. We aimed to examine the association between common variants in the ENaC genes and salt sensitivity of blood pressure (BP).

Methods and Results—

A total of 1906 Han Chinese participated in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity (GenSalt) study, which includes a 7-day low-sodium intake (51.3 mmol sodium/d) followed by a 7-day high-sodium intake (307.8 mmol sodium/d). Nine BP measurements were obtained at baseline and each intervention period using a random-zero sphygmomanometer. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms, both tagging and functional, from the 3 ENaC subunits, α, β, and γ (
SCNN1A, SCNN1B
, and
SCNN1G
), were genotyped. Multiple common single-nucleotide polymorphisms in
SCNN1G
were significantly associated with BP response to low-sodium intervention (rs4073930,
P
=1.7×10
−5
; rs4073291,
P
=1.1×10
−5
; rs7404408,
P
=1.9×10
−5
; rs5735,
P
=3.0×10
−4
; rs4299163,
P
=0.004; and rs4499238,
P
=0.002) even after correcting for multiple testing. For example, under an additive model, the minor allele G of SNP rs4073291 was associated with 1.33 mm Hg lower systolic BP reduction during low-sodium intervention.

Conclusions—
This large dietary sodium intervention study indicates that common variants of ENaC subunits may contribute to the variation of BP response to dietary sodium intake. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings in an independent population and to identify functional variants for salt sensitivity.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00721721.
Changes in Ion Channel Gene Expression Underlying Heart Failure-Induced Sinoatrial Node Dysfunction
Authors: Yanni Joseph , Tellez James O. , Mączewski Michal , Mackiewicz Urszula , Beresewicz Andrzej , Billeter Rudi , Dobrzynski Halina , Boyett M.R. 
Published: May 2011

Background—
Heart failure (HF) causes a decline in the function of the pacemaker of the heart—the sinoatrial node (SAN). The aim of the study was to investigate HF-induced changes in the expression of the ion channels and related proteins underlying the pacemaker activity of the SAN.

Methods and Results—

HF was induced in rats by the ligation of the proximal left coronary artery. HF animals showed an increase in the left ventricular (LV) diastolic pressure (317%) and a decrease in the LV systolic pressure (19%) compared with sham-operated animals. They also showed SAN dysfunction wherein the intrinsic heart rate was reduced (16%) and the corrected SAN recovery time was increased (56%). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure gene expression. Of the 91 genes studied during HF, 58% changed in the SAN, although only 1% changed in the atrial muscle. For example, there was an increase in the expression of ERG, K
v
LQT1, K
ir
2.4, TASK1, TWIK1, TWIK2, calsequestrin 2, and the A1 adenosine receptor in the SAN that could explain the slowing of the intrinsic heart rate. In addition, there was an increase in Na
+
-H
+
exchanger, and this could be the stimulus for the remodeling of the SAN.

Conclusions—

SAN dysfunction is associated with HF and is the result of an extensive remodeling of ion channels; gap junction channels; Ca
2+
-, Na
+
-, and H
+
-handling proteins; and receptors in the SAN.
Effects of Neural Progenitor Cells on Sensorimotor Recovery and Endogenous Repair Mechanisms After Photothrombotic Stroke
Authors: Minnerup Jens , Kim Jeong Beom , Schmidt Antje , Diederich Kai , Bauer Henrike , Schilling Matthias , Strecker Jan-Kolja , Ringelstein E. Bernd , Sommer Clemens , Schöler Hans R. , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger 
Published: May 2011

Background and Purpose—
Intravenous neural progenitor cell (NPC) treatment was shown to improve functional recovery after experimental stroke. The underlying mechanisms, however, are not completely understood so far. Here, we investigated the effects of systemic NPC transplantation on endogenous neurogenesis and dendritic plasticity of host neurons.

Methods—
Twenty-four hours after photothrombotic ischemia, adult rats received either 5 million NPC or placebo intravenously. Behavioral tests were performed weekly up to 4 weeks after ischemia. Endogenous neurogenesis, dendritic length, and dendritic branching of cortical pyramid cells and microglial activation were quantified.

Results—
NPC treatment led to a significantly improved sensorimotor function measured by the adhesive removal test. The dendritic length and the amount of branch points were significantly increased after NPC transplantation, whereas endogenous neurogenesis was decreased compared to placebo therapy. Decreased endogenous neurogenesis was associated with an increased number of activated microglial cells.

Conclusions—
Our findings suggest that an increased dendritic plasticity might be the structural basis of NPC-induced functional recovery. The decreased endogenous neurogenesis after NPC treatment seems to be mediated by microglial activation.