bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Validity of Examination Essays in Higher Education: Issues and Responses
Authors: Brown Gavin T. L. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe use of timed, essay examinations is a well‐established means of evaluating student learning in higher education. The reliability of essay scoring is highly problematic and it appears that essay examination grades are highly dependent on language and organisational components of writing. Computer‐assisted scoring of essays makes use of language features and has demonstrated strong similarity to human ratings. Studies of examiner behaviour show that attention to content and language features contributes to grading decisions. However, given the time constraints on essay examinations, an overemphasis on language aspects may weaken the validity of essay examination grades. This article suggests alternative approaches to the standard essay prompt which should raise the validity of essay tasks and scoring in higher education. Suggested options include redesigning tasks so that organisational and language features are less influential in scoring and the use of content maps.
Characteristic microstructure of curved human hair
Authors: Nagase S. , Shinozaki T. , Tsuchiya M. , Tsujimura H. , Masukawa Y. , Satoh N. , Itou T. , Koike K. 
Published: July 2010

Vol. 43, No.3 (2009) pp.201–208Hair appearance is affected by several factors, such as hair shape, color and optical properties relating to hair luster. For example, recently, we have found that meandering (curved) hair fibers increase with aging and cause the disordered alignment of hair fibers, resulting in a decrease in hair luster in older women. It is, therefore, important to understand the relationship between hair shape and its microstructure to control the fiber alignment and then the hair appearance. In this study, we have investigated the characteristic microstructure of curved human hair with microscopic methods and the following results were obtained: (i) The permeation behavior of fluorescein isothiocyanate into curved hair was asymmetrical. The permeation rate was faster from the convex‐side but slower from the concave‐side of the curved hair. This difference in permeation rate suggests structural and/or compositional differences between the convex‐ and concave‐sides. (ii) Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observations revealed that macrofibril morphology is different between the convex‐ and concave‐sides. The macrofibrils in the convex‐side are relatively smaller and dispersed in inter‐macrofibrillar material, while those in the concave‐side are relatively larger and fused together. (iii) TEM observations also suggested that the alignment structure of intermediate filaments in the convex‐side is helical or twisted in each macrofibril, while that in the concave‐side is approximately parallel to the fiber axis. (iv) The amino acid analyses of the convex‐ and concave‐halves of the curved hair fibers revealed that Cys is lower and Asp, Glu and Gly are higher in the convex‐half. Interestingly, these results of the TEM observation and the amino acid analysis are analogous to the difference between ortho‐ and para‐cortical cells in wool fibers, suggesting the universal structure of curved mammalian hair.
Sun & skin, not always good friends – how cosmetics improve their relationship
Authors: Cousy A. 
Published: July 2010

IFSCC Magazine, 12 (4) 381–385 (2009)SynopsisThis review explores the difficult relationship between sun and skin. The various significant factors in this substantial problem include in particular the gene pool, the cells’ physiological conditions, biochemical reactions (e.g. reactive oxygen species), biophysical modifications of aging (e.g. skin slackness) and social behavior. Facts regarding the risks related to sun exposure need constant updating and clearly dermatological recommendations should be mindful to include all populations, particularly the high‐risk groups (due to their low skin phototype or their location on the globe). It is obvious to most researchers that far too much misleading information and incorrect extrapolations are being continuously disseminated. There currently exists an overwhelming need for public debate and a global agreement put in place to advise individuals on the correct methods and products to efficiently protect themselves from the harmful effects of sunbeams. These recommendations should also take into account other global health concerns like Vitamin D deficiencies. Possible goals are to develop international homogeneity in the evaluation of broad‐spectrum sunscreen products and to target efficient campaigns for communication when necessary. These measures need to be coordinated in such a way that the problems with sun protection will be solved in order to avoid any dramas existing in current paradigms.
Dysregulation of striatal dopamine release in a mouse model of dystonia
Authors: Bao Li , Patel Jyoti C. , Walker Ruth H. , Shashidharan Pullanipally , Rice Margaret E. 
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1781–1791.AbstractDystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements. We examined striatal dopamine (DA) function in hyperactive transgenic (Tg) mice generated as a model of dystonia. Evoked extracellular DA concentration was monitored with carbon‐fiber microelectrodes and fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry in striatal slices from non‐Tg mice, Tg mice with a positive motor phenotype, and phenotype‐negative Tg littermates. Peak single‐pulse evoked extracellular DA concentration was significantly lower in phenotype‐positive mice than in non‐Tg or phenotype‐negative mice, but indistinguishable between non‐Tg and phenotype‐negative mice. Phenotype‐positive mice also had higher functional D2 DA autoreceptor sensitivity than non‐Tg mice, which would be consistent with lower extracellular DA concentration in vivo. Multiple‐pulse (phasic) stimulation (five pulses, 10–100 Hz) revealed an enhanced frequency dependence of evoked DA release in phenotype‐positive versus non‐Tg or phenotype‐negative mice, which was exacerbated when extracellular Ca2+ concentration was lowered. Enhanced sensitivity to phasic stimulation in phenotype‐positive mice was reminiscent of the pattern seen with antagonism of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Consistent with a role for altered cholinergic regulation, the difference in phasic responsiveness among groups was lost when nicotinic receptors were blocked by mecamylamine. Together, these data implicate compromised DA release regulation, possibly from cholinergic dysfunction, in the motor symptoms of this dystonia model.
What attracts birds to newly mown pasture? Decoupling the action of mowing from the provision of short swards
Authors: DEVEREUX CLAIRE L. , WHITTINGHAM MARK J. , KREBS JOHN R. , FERNÁNDEZ‐JURICIC ESTEBAN , VICKERY JULIET A. 
Published: July 2010

Many bird species flock to forage on newly mown grass swards. Several potential benefits are offered by such swards, including increases in prey availability (flush of foliar prey, reduced physical obstruction to surface and soil prey) and a foraging environment with fewer visual obstructions, so allowing predators to be detected more easily. We performed a field experiment using captive Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris foraging in bottomless enclosures on newly mown swards (within 1 h) and old mown swards (48 h). We performed the experiment during winter months and standardized sward height to exclude other confounding effects in order to determine the temporal benefits of mowing for species foraging on soil invertebrates. We found no differences in the vigilance or time budgets of Starlings foraging on newly or old mown swards. Intake efficiency (prey captured per 100 roots) was greater on newly mown swards, suggesting that Starlings used less energy to obtain their prey on that substrate. It is possible that mowing alters the microclimate of the soil and sward, causing invertebrate availability to decline over time, which causes the lower foraging efficiency. Mowing is a technique often used to manipulate grassland habitats in ecological research; it has recently been advocated as a conservation management tool for wintering bird populations. We suggest that care should be taken when designing such studies to avoid confounding the factors under investigation with temporal changes in prey availability.
Brain neurotoxic amyloid‐beta peptides: their potential role in the pathophysiology of depression and as molecular therapeutic targets
Authors: Pomara Nunzio , Sidtis John J 
Published: July 2010

The monoamine hypothesis ascribes an important role to the underactivity of brain monoamines such as 5‐HT, noradrenaline and dopamine to the pathophysiology of depression. This view emerged more than 50 years ago and has guided development of most medications currently used for the treatment of this disorder. However, large numbers of depressed individuals treated with currently available antidepressant agents, or even with various combinations, do not respond. Residual symptoms, relapses and recurrences are common while receiving adequate doses of these medications. In a recent issue of the BJP, Colaianna et al. describe results suggesting that a new neurobiological mechanism with treatment implications should be considered for the development of depression in humans, namely, elevations in potentially neurotoxic brain amyloid‐β peptides.LINKED ARTICLE To view the paper by Colaianna et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00669.x
Some Thoughts on the Economic History of Early Colonial Mexico
Authors: Salvucci Richard J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractCompetitive markets reward the scarce factor of production. As a result of the Spanish Conquest, Indian labor became the scarce factor of production relative to land. But the whole point of conquest was to enrich the Spaniards, not the Indians. Therefore, the Spaniards resisted the use of the market as a device to accomplish productive economic activities. The result was an inefficient allocation of resources and a suboptimal rate of growth, not to say the structural economic distortions that resulted. The development of the economy in colonial Mexico was, in effect, given over to wholesale rent‐seeking, the allocation of resources by the use of political power. If there is a conceptual basis for understanding colonial development, it is this rather than dependent capitalism.
CO2 insufflation influences the temperature of the open surgical wound
Authors: Frey Joana M. , Svegby Henrik K. , Svenarud Peter K. , Van Der Linden Jan A. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTIn open surgery, heat is lost due to radiation and evaporation through the wound. Hypothermia causes tissue hypoxia and impairs various cellular immune functions that increases the risk for postoperative wound infections and delayed wound healing. The patient's body is usually well protected with heating arrangements, but the open wound is left unprotected and until now no practical method has been available to protect it thermically. We therefore investigated if insufflation of an open surgical wound with carbon dioxide would affect wound temperature. In 10 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the sternotomy wound was insufflated with dry, room temperature carbon dioxide via a gas diffuser for 2 minutes. A heat‐sensitive camera measured the wound temperature before, during, and after insufflation. Exposure to carbon dioxide increased the median temperature of the whole wound by 0.5 °C (p=0.01). The temperature of the area distant to the diffuser increased by 1.2 °C (p<0.01) whereas in the area close to the diffuser it decreased by 1.8 °C (p<0.01). In conclusion, short‐term insufflation of dry room temperature carbon dioxide in an open wound increases the surface temperature significantly. Although a small increase, it may reduce the incidence of postoperative wound infections in the future.
A randomized‐controlled trial comparing cadexomer iodine and nanocrystalline silver on the healing of leg ulcers
Authors: Miller Charne N. , Newall Nelly , Kapp Suzanne E. , Lewin Gill , Karimi Leila , Carville Keryln , Gliddon Terry , Santamaria Nick M. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTChronic leg ulcers are a debilitating, often painful, and costly condition. Leg ulcer healing may be impaired by bacterial colonization, which, unless effective intervention is instigated, can lead to infection. Although it is generally agreed that an antimicrobial dressing is clinically indicated when a wound becomes critically colonized, there is currently no agreement on what constitutes the best practice in the use of antimicrobials. This research compared the effectiveness of two commonly used antimicrobials: nanocrystalline silver and cadexomer iodine. A randomized‐controlled trial was conducted in which 281 community nursing clients with leg ulcers compromised by bacterial burden were randomly assigned to have their wounds treated with either silver or iodine dressings. Sixty‐four percent of ulcers healed within 12 weeks. The performance of each of the two antimicrobials was comparable in terms of overall healing rate and the number of wounds healed. However, use of silver compounds was associated with a quicker healing rate during the first 2 weeks of treatment and in wounds that were larger, older, and had more exudate. This trial provides some insights as to circumstances in which one product may be preferred over the other.
An early temperature‐sensitive period for the plasticity of segment number in the centipede Strigamia maritima
Authors: Vedel Vincent , Apostolou Zivkos , Arthur Wallace , Akam Michael , Brena Carlo 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYGeophilomorph centipedes show variation in segment number (a) between closely related species and (b) within and between populations of the same species. We have previously shown for a Scottish population of the coastal centipede Strigamia maritima that the temperature of embryonic development is one of the factors that affects the segment number of hatchlings, and hence of adults, as these animals grow epimorphically—that is, without postembryonic addition of segments. Here, we show, using temperature‐shift experiments, that the main developmental period during which embryos are sensitive to environmental temperature is surprisingly early, during blastoderm formation and before, or very shortly after, the onset of segmentation.
Comparative Finite Element Model Analysis of Ascending Aortic Flow in Bicuspid and Tricuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Viscardi Francesca , Vergara Christian , Antiga Luca , Merelli Sabrina , Veneziani Alessandro , Puppini Giovanni , Faggian Giuseppe , Mazzucco Alessandro , Luciani Giovanni Battista 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease, the role of genetic and hemodynamic factors influencing ascending aortic pathology is controversial. To test the effect of BAV geometry on ascending aortic flow, a finite element analysis was undertaken. A surface model of aortic root and ascending aorta was obtained from magnetic resonance images of patients with BAV and tricuspid aortic valve using segmentation facilities of the image processing code Vascular Modeling Toolkit (developed at the Mario Negri Institute). Analytical models of bicuspid (antero‐posterior [AP], type 1 and latero‐lateral, type 2 commissures) and tricuspid orifices were mathematically defined and turned into a volumetric mesh of linear tetrahedra for computational fluid dynamics simulations. Numerical simulations were performed with the finite element code LifeV. Flow velocity fields were assessed for four levels: aortic annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta. Comparison of finite element analysis of bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve showed different blood flow velocity pattern. Flow in bicuspid configurations showed asymmetrical distribution of velocity field toward the convexity of mid‐ascending aorta returning symmetrical in distal ascending aorta. On the contrary, tricuspid flow was symmetrical in each aortic segment. Comparing type 1 BAV with type 2 BAV, more pronounced recirculation zones were noticed in the latter. Finally, we found that in both BAV configurations, maximum wall shear stress is highly localized at the convex portion of the mid‐ascending aorta level. Comparison between models showed asymmetrical and higher flow velocity in bicuspid models, in particular in the AP configuration. Asymmetry was more pronounced at the aortic level known to be more exposed to aneurysm formation in bicuspid patients. This supports the hypothesis that hemodynamic factors may contribute to ascending aortic pathology in this subset of patients.
Cellulose Acetate Beads Activate the Complement System but Inactivate the Anaphylatoxins Generated
Authors: Takeda Yuji , Ohba Masahiro , Ueno Masamichi , Saniabadi Abbi R. , Wakabayashi Ichiro 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe generation of anaphylatoxins, particularly C5a, is important in extracorporeal circulation therapies such as granulocyte/monocyte apheresis, which activates the complement system and elevates C5a levels. However, no side effects of granulocyte/monocyte apheresis using cellulose acetate beads have been reported. To investigate the mechanism of complement activation, we prepared plasma from cellulose acetate bead‐treated blood (P‐CAB) and compared it with zymosan‐activated plasma (ZAP). Anaphylaxis activity was measured by skin test, and the activity of carboxypeptidase, which inactivates C5a, was measured by colorimetric assay. Pro‐carboxypeptidase R and neutrophil elastase concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Although C5a was generated in P‐CAB, the anaphylaxis activity of P‐CAB was lower than that of ZAP. Carboxypeptidase activity and pro‐carboxypeptidase R levels were suppressed in P‐CAB, but not in ZAP. Furthermore, neutrophil elastase levels increased in P‐CAB. The decreases in carboxypeptidase activity and inactivation of anaphylatoxin were inhibited by a neutrophil elastase inhibitor. These results suggest that cellulose acetate beads initiate the activation of carboxypeptidase R via elastase release, thereby inducing the inactivation of anaphylatoxin.
Orthotopic Heart Transplantation in a Child With Hereditary Spherocytosis
Authors: Johnson Charles E. , Schmitz Michael L. , McKamie Wesley A. , Edens R. Erik , Imamura Michiaki , Jaquiss Robert D. B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractHereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a genetic, frequently familial hemolytic blood disease that presents with varying degrees of hemolytic anemia, splenomegaly, and jaundice. The disease arises as a result of defects in any of a number of proteins responsible for maintaining the shape and flexibility of the red blood cell, resulting in an osmotically fragile and characteristically spherical red blood cell. Theoretically, cardiopulmonary bypass can exacerbate hemolysis and subsequent renal dysfunction. There are few reports of open heart surgery for patients with HS and none for orthotopic heart transplantation. We report a 6‐year‐old boy with HS who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation.
Modeling new therapies for infantile spasms
Authors: Chudomelova Lenka , Scantlebury Morris H. , Raffo Emmanuel , Coppola Antonietta , Betancourth David , Galanopoulou Aristea S. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryInfantile spasms are the classical seizure type of West syndrome. Infantile spasms often herald a dismal prognosis, due to the high probability to evolve into intractable forms of epilepsies with significant cognitive deficits, especially if not adequately treated. The current therapies—high doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone, steroids, or the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase inhibitor vigabatrin—are often toxic and may not always be effective. The need to identify new therapies for spasms has led to the generation of a number of rodent models of infantile spasms. These include acute and chronic models of infantile spasms, with cryptogenic or symptomatic origin, many of which are based on specific etiologies. In this review, we summarize the clinical experience with treating infantile spasms and the main features of the new animal models of infantile spasms and discuss their utility in the preclinical development of new therapies for infantile spasms.
Inflammation induced by LPS enhances epileptogenesis in immature rat and may be partially reversed by IL1RA
Authors: Auvin Stéphane , Shin Don , Mazarati Andrey , Sankar Raman 
Published: July 2010

SummaryInflammatory signaling in the central nervous system (CNS) has been shown to exacerbate both seizure activity and seizure‐induced neuronal injury. However, it has not been firmly established whether neurodegeneration is a prerequisite of proconvulsant effect of neuroinflammation, or whether the latter may facilitate seizures without involving neuronal injury. We examined effects of inflammation in the rapid kindling model, where seizure progression occurs in the absence of neurodegeneration. P14 male Wistar rats were subjected to a rapid kindling procedure: 60 electrical stimulations of the hippocampus delivered every 5 min at the current that had been established to induce afterdischarge. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected (50 μg/kg, i.p., 2 h prior to the rapid kindling protocol [RKP]); IL‐1Ra was injected (25 mg/kg, i.p., 2 h prior to the RKP). The effects of treatments were examined on baseline hippocampal excitability, on the progression of rapid kindling, and on the retention of rapid kindling. LPS increased baseline hippocampal excitability, evident as the decrease of hippocampal ADT. LPS also increased kindling progression. Twenty‐four hours after the completion of kindling procedure, LPS‐treated animals exhibited increased excitability as compared with saline‐treated kindling controls. The kindling progression was blocked by IL1RA when given in combination with LPS. IL1RA was able to reverse the effect of LPS on afterdischarge duration (ADD) while IL1RA alone decreased ADT. We showed that inflammation provoked by LPS enhanced rapid kindling epileptogenesis in immature rat brains. IL1RA was also able to mitigate this augmentation of epileptogenesis enhanced by LPS.
Remodeling of extracellular matrix and epileptogenesis
Authors: Dityatev Alexander 
Published: July 2010

SummaryExtracellular matrix (ECM) in the brain is composed of molecules synthesized and secreted by neurons and glial cells, which form stable aggregates of diverse composition in the extracellular space. In the mature brain, ECM undergoes a slow turnover and restrains structural plasticity while supporting multiple physiologic processes, including perisomatic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibition, synaptic plasticity, and homeostatic regulations. Seizures lead to striking remodeling of ECM, which may be essentially engaged in different aspects of epileptogenesis. This view is supported by human genetic studies linking ECM molecules and epilepsy, by data showing altered epileptogenesis in mice deficient in ECM molecules, and by evidence that ECM may shape seizure‐induced sprouting of mossy fibers, granule cell dispersion, and astrogliosis. Therefore, restraining seizure‐induced remodeling of ECM or suppressing the signaling triggered by the remodeled ECM might provide effective therapeutic strategies to antagonize the progression of epileptogenesis.