bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mixotrophic Karlodinium veneficum (Dinophyceae) and its prey, Storeatula major (Cryptophyceae)1
Authors: Adolf Jason E. , Place Allen R. , Stoecker Diane K. , Harding Lawrence W. 
Published: February 2008

We examined whether fatty acid (FA) composition changed when Karlodinium veneficum (D. Ballantine) J. Larsen (Dinophyceae) was grown phototrophically or mixotrophically on Storeatula major Butcher ex D. R. A. Hill (Cryptophyceae). We hypothesized that the FA composition of mixotrophic K. veneficum would not change relative to the FA composition of phototrophic K. veneficum. As in other phototrophic dinoflagellates, octadecapentaenoic acid (18:5n3) represented 9% to 20% of total FA in K. veneficum and was enriched within chloroplast‐associated galactolipid classes. The 18:5n3 content showed a highly significant positive correlation (r2 = 0.95) with chl a content and a highly significant negative correlation with growth rate (r2 = 0.88). A previously undescribed chloroplast galactolipid molecular species, digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG; 18:5n3/18:5n3), was a dominant structural lipid in K. veneficum. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3) represented 14% to 19% of total K. veneficum FA and was enriched within phospholipids. In the prey S. major, 18:5n3 was not present, but octadecatetraenoic acid (18:4n3) and α‐linolenic acid (18:3n3) represented approximately 50% of total FA and were enriched within chloroplast‐associated galactolipid classes. Eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n3) and 22:6n3 represented approximately 18% of total FA in S. major and were enriched within phospholipids. The FA profile of mixotrophic K. veneficum, compared to phototrophic K. veneficum, showed elevated levels of 18:3n3, 18:4n3, and 20:5n3, and lower but persistent levels of 18:5n3. Production to ingestion (P:I) ratios >1 for major polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) indicated that direct assimilation from prey under balanced growth could not support rates of PUFA production in mixotrophic K. veneficum. These data suggest that the plastid plays a continuing and essential role in lipid metabolism during mixotrophic growth.
Is the tetrasporophyte of Asparagopsis armata (Bonnemaisoniales) limited by inorganic carbon in integrated aquaculture?1
Authors: Mata Leonardo , Silva João , Schuenhoff Andreas , Santos Rui 
Published: February 2008

Seaweeds cultivated in traditional land‐based tank systems usually grow under carbon‐limited conditions and consequently have low production rates, if no costly artificial source of inorganic carbon is supplied. In integrated aquaculture, the fish effluents provide an extra source of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) to seaweeds due to fish respiration. To evaluate if the tetrasporophyte of Asparagopsis armata (Harv.) F. Schmitz (the Falkenbergia stage) is carbon limited when cultivated with effluents of a fish (Sparus aurata) farm in southern Portugal, we characterized the DIC forms in the water, assessed the species photosynthetic response to the different DIC concentrations and pH values, and inferred for the presence of a carbonic anhydrase (CA)–mediated mechanism. Results showed that A. armata relies mainly on CO2 to meet photosynthetic needs. Nevertheless, from pH 7.5 upward, the CO2 supply to RUBISCO seems to derive also from the external dehydration of HCO3– mediated by CA. The contribution of this mechanism was essential for A. armata to attain fully saturated O2‐evolution rates at the natural seawater DIC concentration (2–2.2 mM) and pH values (∼8.0). We revealed in this study that seaweeds cultivated in fish‐farm effluents benefit not only from a rich source of ammonia but also from an important and free source of DIC for their photosynthesis. If supplied at relatively high turnover rates (∼100 vol · d−1), fish‐farm effluents provide enough carbon to maximize the photosynthesis and growth even for species with low affinity for HCO3–, avoiding the artificial and costly supply of inorganic carbon to seaweed cultures.
Factors Associated with Oral Health–Related Quality of Life in Community‐Dwelling Elderly Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Jensen Peter M. , Saunders Ralph L. , Thierer Todd , Friedman Bruce 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine, in community‐dwelling elderly persons with disabilities, the association between oral health—related quality of life (OHRQOL) as measured using the 14‐item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) and specific oral health, health, and disability status variables; life satisfaction; living alone; and low income.DESIGN: Observational cross‐sectional.SETTING: A Medicare demonstration conducted in 19 counties in three states.PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred forty‐one disabled, cognitively intact, community‐dwelling individuals aged 65 and older.MEASUREMENTS: The subjects' OHRQOL was assessed using the OHIP‐14, which was scored using three different methods. Data on oral health, health and functional status, life satisfaction, prior health services use, and sociodemographics were collected using interviewer‐administered questionnaires.RESULTS: The participants' mean age was 79.1, and they were dependent in an average of 1.8 activities of daily living (ADLs); 43.1% were edentulous, 77.4% wore a denture, 40.4% felt that they were currently in need of dental treatment, and 64.7% had not had a dental examination in the previous 6 months. Seven of the 16 variables of interest had significant bivariate relationships using three OHIP scoring methods. Logistic regression analysis found that poor OHRQOL was significantly associated with perceived need for dental treatment (odds ratio (OR)=2.61), poor self‐rated health (OR=2.29), poor (OR=2.00) and fair (OR=1.73) mental health, fewer than 17 teeth (OR=1.74), and relatively poor cognitive functioning (OR=1.52).CONCLUSION: OHRQOL is associated with some (perceived need for dental treatment, poor self‐rated health, worse mental health, fewer teeth, and relatively poor cognitive status) but not all (e.g., ADL and instrumental ADL dependence) measures of oral health, health, and disability status and not with life satisfaction, living alone, or low income.
Improving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Grading Through the Use of Computer‐Assisted Grading Rubrics
Authors: Anglin Linda , Anglin Kenneth , Schumann Paul L. , Kaliski John A. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTThis study tests the use of computer‐assisted grading rubrics compared to other grading methods with respect to the efficiency and effectiveness of different grading processes for subjective assignments. The test was performed on a large Introduction to Business course. The students in this course were randomly assigned to four treatment groups based on the grading method. Efficiency was measured by the professor's time to grade the assignments; effectiveness was measured by a student satisfaction survey. Results suggest that the computer‐assisted grading rubrics were almost 200% faster than traditional hand grading without rubrics, more than 300% faster than hand grading with rubrics, and nearly 350% faster than typing the feedback into a Learning Content Management System. Results also seemed to indicate that the use of a computer‐assisted grading rubric did not negatively affect student attitudes concerning the helpfulness of their feedback, their satisfaction with the speed with which they received their feedback, or their satisfaction with the method by which they received feedback.
The Use of Problem‐Based Learning to Enhance MIS Education
Authors: Mykytyn Kathleen , Pearson Ann , Paul Souren , Mykytyn Peter P. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTMany colleges of business require a course in computer applications concepts, often consisting of spreadsheet and database applications. Quite often, students resist taking the class because they do not see any worth to it, it duplicates what they already have taken, and they already know much of what is purported to be taught in the class. Instructors too are often frustrated with this class. This article suggests that part of the problem is the method of instruction often used: lecture and demonstration of tools followed by end‐of‐chapter assignments. We propose that problem‐based learning is an alternative instructional method that may produce more positive results for students. To examine this approach, a semester‐long study involving 186 business school students enrolled in a computer applications concept course of seven different sections was conducted. Student motivation, computer self‐efficacy, knowledge, and satisfaction were studied. Results strongly support a problem‐based learning approach as an instructional approach to teaching this class.
[I]t would be naive to regard PBL [Problem‐based Learning] as having reached some final stage of development. Indeed, the problem‐based approach is certainly not the end of innovation in professional education. Problem‐oriented strategies are but one set of examples of the broader category of systemic educational thinking and approaches which emphasize learning from experience (Boud & Feletti, 1998a, p. 13).
Using SERVQUAL to Measure the Quality of the Classroom Experience
Authors: Stodnick Michael , Rogers Pamela 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTOver the last three decades, higher education institutions have found themselves using vernacular that was once chiefly found in business disciplines, such as value‐added and competitive advantage. With the rising costs of tuition, newer‐generation students are seeing themselves more and more as customers and universities are beginning to adopt customer‐centric strategies and missions. However, even with this paradigm shift, little research has been done to extend traditional service management concepts to educational settings. This research attempts to bridge this gap by applying the SERVQUAL scale, a well‐validated and widely used service operations construct, to the classroom environment. The findings show that the SERVQUAL scale exhibits both reliability and convergent and divergent validity; in fact, in these regards, it outperforms traditional student assessment scales. Moreover, the scale can explain significant amounts of variances in student‐related outcome variables such as satisfaction and learning. This innovative approach to measuring classroom service quality does indeed show that students can be viewed as customers and has far‐reaching implications to all stakeholders in the delivery of higher education.
Comparison of Lesion Sizes Produced by Cryoablation and Open Irrigation Radiofrequency Ablation Catheters
Authors: PARVEZ BABAR , PATHAK VISHESH , SCHUBERT CHRISTINE M. , WOOD MARK 
Published: February 2008

Introduction: The relative lesion sizes created by large electrode cryoablation catheter and irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation are not known. The purpose of this study was to directly compare lesion sizes created by cryoablation and irrigated RF under controlled conditions.
Methods and Results
: Ablation lesions were created in freshly harvested porcine left ventricular myocardium in a blood‐filled tissue bath using an 8‐mm‐tip cryoablation catheter and a 3.5‐mm‐tip open‐irrigated RF ablation catheter. Lesions were created under all permutations of the following conditions: electrode orientation vertical (perpendicular) or horizontal (parallel) to the tissue, electrode contact pressure at 6 or 20 g, and blood flow at 0.2 or 0.4 m/s over the electrode‐tissue interface. The largest lesion volumes created with cryoablation were 961 ± 103 mm3, compared with the largest lesions volumes created with RF of 680 ± 48 mm3 (P < 0.001). The 3‐way interactions among electrode orientation, contact pressure, and superfusate blood velocity accounted for the variation in lesion volumes for both catheters (both r2= 0.97, both P < 0.0001). The greater contact pressure increased lesion size for both cryoablation and RF. For cryoablation, lesion sizes were increased by the horizontal orientation and by the lower blood flow velocity. For open‐irrigated RF, lesion sizes were significantly reduced by the horizontal orientation, however.
Conclusions

: Depending on conditions of electrode orientation, contact pressure, and blood velocity, either 8‐mm‐tip cryoablation or open‐irrigated RF may produce the larger lesion volumes. Open‐irrigated RF lesion sizes are reduced in the horizontal catheter orientation.
Is Empirical Four Pulmonary Vein Isolation Necessary for Focally Triggered Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation? Comparison of Selective Pulmonary Vein Isolation Versus Empirical Four Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: PAK HUI‐NAM , KIM JIN SEOK , SHIN SEUNG YONG , LEE HYUN SOO , CHOI JONG IL , LIM HONG EUY , HWANG CHUN , KIM YOUNG‐HOON 
Published: February 2008

Background:
We questioned whether the empirical four pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (EmPVI) was necessary in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) triggered from clearly and reproducibly defined arrhythmogenic PVs.
Methods:
We compared the selective or ipsilateral isolation of the PVs triggering AF (SePVI: n = 42) and EmPVI (n = 35) in 77 patients (males 80.5%, mean age 53.0 ± 13.4 years) with PAF who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Arrhythmogenic PVs were identified by the immediate recurrence of AF three consecutive times after cardioverting AF.
Results:
(1) The duration of the RF energy deliveries (P < 0.01) and total procedure time (P < 0.01) were shorter for the SePVI than the EmPVI. (2) During a mean follow‐up of 38.6 ± 23.1 months, the AF recurrence rate was 38.1% in the SePVI group and 25.7% in the EmPVI group (P = NS). (3) A redo‐ablation was performed in 25 patients, and 81.0% of the recurrent arrhythmogenic foci were found at a previously ablated PV or ipsilateral PV. (4) In 15.4% of the SePVI and 20.0% of the EmPVI procedures, AF recurred after 32.5 ± 15.2 months of the redo‐ablation. Subsequently, the AF‐free rate for each group was 88.1% (37/42) in the SePVI group and 91.4% (32/35) in the EmPVI group (P = NS).
Conclusions:
In patients with clearly documented arrhythmogenic PVs, the SePVI of the PV triggering the AF or an ipsilateral PV had a comparable long‐term success rate and shorter RF energy delivery and procedure times than the EmPVI.
Changes in the Isolated Delayed Component as an Endpoint of Catheter Ablation in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Predictor for Long‐Term Success
Authors: NOGAMI AKIHIKO , SUGIYASU AIKO , TADA HIROSHI , KUROSAKI KENJI , SAKAMAKI MIHOKO , KOWASE SHINYA , OGINOSAWA YASUSHI , KUBOTA SHOICHI , USUI TATSUYA , NAITO SHIGETO 
Published: February 2008

Introduction: Although successful ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is feasible in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), long‐term recurrence is common. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of a change in the isolated delayed component (IDC) as an endpoint of the catheter ablation in ARVC. Methods and Results: Eighteen patients (48 ± 11 years) with ARVC were studied. Detailed endocardial mapping of the right ventricle (RV) was performed during sinus rhythm. IDCs were recorded in 16 patients and the latest IDCs were related to the VT circuit. Catheter ablation was carried out in the areas with the IDCs. At the end of the session, the IDC was electrically dissociated in one, disappeared in five, exhibited second‐degree block in one, was significantly delayed (≥50 ms) in three, and remained unchanged in six. The change in the IDC was correlated with the change in the type II/III late potentials in the signal‐averaged electrocardiography (ECG) and the inducibility of the clinical VT after the ablation. During a follow‐up of 61 ± 38 months, VT recurred in six. The patients with a changed IDC had a significantly lower VT recurrence than those with no IDC or an unchanged IDC (P < 0.02). Conclusion: In patients with ARVC, (1) the IDCs during sinus rhythm are related to the clinical VT and can be a target for the ablation, (2) a change in the IDC can be used as an endpoint, and (3) qualitative analyses of the serial signal‐averaged ECGs may be useful for the long‐term follow‐up.
Comparison of Stent Versus Balloon Angioplasty for Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Complicating Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: PRIETO LOURDES R. , SCHOENHAGEN PAUL , ARRUDA M. JANINE , NATALE ANDREA , WORLEY SARAH E. 
Published: February 2008

Introduction: Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a rare but significant complication of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Dilation and stent angioplasty have been described but not compared. Methods and Results: All percutaneous interventions for PVS complicating PVI between December 2000 and March 2007 were reviewed. Acute success, defined as post‐intervention stenosis ≤30%, and long‐term outcome of dilation versus stent angioplasty were compared. Freedom from restenosis was defined as freedom from repeat intervention. Overall outcome for all interventions was examined. We studied 34 patients with 55 stenotic veins followed for a mean of 25 months. Dilation was performed in 39 veins and stenting in 40 veins (16 primarily, 24 after dilation restenosis). Acute success and restenosis rates were 42% and 72% for dilation versus 95% (P < 0.001) and 33% for stenting. Time to restenosis was greater for stent angioplasty (P = 0.003). Stents ≥10 mm in diameter had lower restenosis than smaller stents. Risk factors for restenosis included small reference vessel diameter and longer time from PVI to intervention for PVS. All but two patients experienced improvement (n = 10) or resolution of symptoms (n = 22). The mean percent stenosis decreased from 82% to 21% for the entire cohort and mean flow to the lung quadrant increased from 10% to 17%. Conclusion: Stent angioplasty results in less restenosis than dilation, particularly for stents ≥10 mm. Early referral may improve long‐term patency by minimizing reference vessel atrophy. Most patients with PVS post‐PVI can be improved symptomatically with catheter intervention.
Attractiveness and toxicity of an attracticide formulation on adult males of ash leaf cone roller, Caloptilia fraxinella
Authors: Evenden Maya L. , Gries R. , Gries G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA biodegradable attracticide formulation containing the pyrethroid insecticide permethrin and the sex pheromone of the ash leaf cone roller, Caloptilia fraxinella (Ely) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), was tested for attractiveness and toxicity to males of this invasive pest of horticultural ash, Fraxinus spp. Marsh. (Oleaceae). Trap capture in attracticide‐baited traps was equal to capture in traps baited with rubber septa lures releasing the known attractive pheromone. Pheromone response by male C. fraxinella was not affected by the presence of permethrin as equal numbers of males were captured in traps baited with the attracticide formulation with and without permethrin. Attraction to the attracticide containing both pheromone and insecticide active ingredients did not vary with dose as 10, 50, and 100 mg droplets of the formulation attracted similar numbers of male moths in a field experiment. Equal numbers of male moths were captured in traps baited with droplets that had aged for 0–5 weeks in a laboratory fume hood before deployment in the field. The permethrin constituent of the attracticide formulation was toxic to male moths treated through tarsal contact and resulted in 73 and 100% mortality at 24 and 72 h post‐treatment, respectively. Leg autotomy occurred in over 80% of males 24 h post‐treatment to formulations containing permethrin. Mortality of moths was greater 24 h after treatment with a fresh attracticide source as compared to a 5‐week‐old source. However, mortality as a result of treatment with fresh and aged attracticide droplets was equal at 48, 72, and 96 h post‐treatment. This formulation has the potential to become a useful tool in an integrated pest‐management system for C. fraxinella on horticultural ash.
Functional impairment of hematopoietic progenitor cells in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Liguori Antonio , Fiorito Carmela , Balestrieri Maria Luisa , Crimi Ettore , Bruzzese Giuseppe , Williams‐Ignarro Sharon , D’Amora Maurizio , Sommese Linda , Grimaldi Vincenzo , Minucci Pellegrino Biagio , Giovane Alfonso , Farzati Bartolomeo , Ignarro Louis J. , Napoli Claudio 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe circulating form of endothelial progenitors cells (EPCs) are derivated from bone marrow (BM)‐derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Enhanced mobilization of EPCs was shown to be linked to cardiac diseases. This study investigated whether reduced EPC levels in advanced coronary heart disease (CHD) are secondary to a functional exhaustion of HSCs in the BM or to reduced mobilization. Number and functional properties of EPCs were assessed in 15 healthy controls, and 40 patients with CHD. The colony‐forming unit (CFU) capacity of BM‐derived mononuclear cells and the CD34+ HSC number were examined in four healthy volunteers, and 15 CHD patients. EPC number was reduced in CHD patients (P < 0.01 vs. controls). Moreover, the migratory capacity was significantly impaired in EPCs of CHD patients (P < 0.05 vs. controls). On multivariate analysis, CHD was an independent predictor of functional EPC impairment. CFUs were reduced in CHD patients (59.6 ± 21.2 vs. 75.4 ± 25.8 in controls, P < 0.05). CHD was also predictor of impaired CFU capacity. In this small clinical study, CHD is associated with selective impairment of HSC function in the BM and in the peripheral blood, which may contribute to impairment of cardiac function.
PET/CT in the management of haematological malignancies
Authors: Hutchings Martin , Specht Lena 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPositron emission tomography (PET)/computerised tomography (CT) has proved useful in a number of haematological malignancies, particularly in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). It is recommended in the staging of HL and aggressive NHL, it has been shown to be prognostically important early during treatment, and it has been incorporated in the response criteria. However, treatment modification based on early scans is still experimental, and routine use in follow up cannot be recommended. The use of PET/CT in other lymphoma types and other haematological malignancies is still under evaluation.
Assessment of How Pregnancy Modifies Plasma Lead and Plasma/Whole Blood Lead Ratio in ALAD 1‐1 Genotype Women
Authors: Montenegro Marcelo Freitas , Barbosa Fernando , Tanus‐Santos Jose E. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Pregnant women are one of the most sensitive populations to the toxic effects associated with lead (Pb) exposure. These effects are primarily associated with plasma Pb (Pb‐P), which reflects the most rapidly exchangeable fraction of Pb in the bloodstream, and elevated maternal Pb‐P may be more relevant to foetal Pb exposure than whole blood Pb (Pb‐B). We investigated how pregnancy affects Pb‐B, Pb‐P and %Pb‐P/Pb‐B ratios without the influence of the δ‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) G177C polymorphism, which is a major genetic factor influencing Pb‐B, Pb‐P and %Pb‐P/Pb‐B ratios. Genotypes for the ALAD G177C polymorphism were determined by PCR and restriction fragment length digestion in nine pregnant and 20 non‐pregnant women, aged 18–33, environmentally exposed to Pb. Here, we included only women with ALAD 1‐1 genotype. Pb‐P and Pb‐B were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. We found no differences in Pb‐B (P > 0.05). However, pregnant women had a 2‐fold increase in Pb‐P and a 3‐fold increase in %Pb‐P/Pb‐B (both P < 0.01) compared to non‐pregnant women. These alterations in Pb concentrations associated with pregnancy are similar to those associated with different ALAD gene variants. We can now better appreciate how pregnancy affects foetal exposure to Pb without the influence of this important genetic factor.