bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Efficiency in Clinical Trials Using Auxiliary Information: Application of a Multi-State Cure Model
Authors: Conlon A. S. C. , Taylor J. M. G. , Sargent D. J. 
Published: January 2015

Summary
In clinical trials, an intermediate marker measured after randomization can often provide early information about the treatment effect on the final outcome of interest. We explore the use of recurrence time as an auxiliary variable for estimating the treatment effect on overall survival in phase three randomized trials of colon cancer. A multi-state model with an incorporated cured fraction for recurrence is used to jointly model time to recurrence and time to death. We explore different ways in which the information about recurrence time and the assumptions in the model can lead to improved efficiency. Estimates of overall survival and disease-free survival can be derived directly from the model with efficiency gains obtained as compared to Kaplan–Meier estimates. Alternatively, efficiency gains can be achieved by using the model in a weaker way in a multiple imputation procedure, which imputes death times for censored subjects. By using the joint model, recurrence is used as an auxiliary variable in predicting survival times. We demonstrate the potential use of the proposed methods in shortening the length of a trial and reducing sample sizes.
Exploring the concept of eating dyscontrol in severely obese patients candidate to bariatric surgery
Authors: Calderone A. , Mauri M. , Calabrò P. F. , Piaggi P. , Ceccarini G. , Lippi C. , Fierabracci P. , Landi A. , Vitti P. , Santini F. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryEating dyscontrol constitutes a potential negative predictor for the outcome of treatment strategies for obese patients. The aim of this study was to examine the qualitative characteristics of eating dyscontrol in obese patients who engage in binge eating (BE) compared with those who do not (NBE), and to analyse the relationship between eating dyscontrol and axis‐I, axis‐II, spectrum psychopathology using instruments that explore mood, panic–agoraphobic, social–phobic, obsessive–compulsive and eating disorders spectrum psychopathology (SCI‐MOODS‐SR, SCI‐PAS‐SR, SCI‐SHY‐SR, SCI‐OBS‐SR, SCI‐ABS‐SR). This was a cross‐sectional study involving a clinical sample of adult obese patients with severe obesity (average body mass index = 45 ± 8 kg m−2) and candidate to bariatric surgery who were recruited between November 2001 and November 2010 at the Obesity Center of the Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa. All participants completed a face‐to‐face interview, including a diagnostic assessment of axes‐I and II mental disorders (using the Structured Clinical Interview for Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition [SCID]‐I and SCID‐II) and filled out self‐report spectrum instruments. Among obese patients not affected by BE, eating dyscontrol was highly represented. Indeed, 39.7% (N = 177) of subjects endorsed six or more items of the Anorexia–Bulimia Spectrum Self‐Report, lifetime version domain exploring this behaviour. The cumulative probability of having axis‐I, axis‐II and a spectrum condition disorder increased significantly with the number of eating dyscontrol items endorsed. In both BE and NBE obese subjects, eating dyscontrol may represent an independent dimension strongly related to the spectrum psychopathology and axes I/II disorders. A systematic screening for eating dyscontrol symptoms by means of self‐report spectrum instruments may be valuable to assign specific treatment strategies.
Associations between fitness and mobility capacity in school‐aged children with cerebral palsy: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Balemans Astrid C J , Van Wely Leontien , Becher Jules G , Dallmeijer Annet J 
Published: January 2015

AimThe aim of this study was to determine the longitudinal associations among fitness components and between fitness and mobility capacity in children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodForty‐six children (26 males, 20 females; mean age 9y 7mo [SD 1y 8mo]) with a bilateral (n=24) or a unilateral spastic CP (n=22) participated in aerobic and anaerobic fitness measurements on a cycle ergometer and isometric muscle strength tests (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level I [n=26], level II [n=12], level III [n=8]). Mobility capacity was assessed with the gross motor function measure (GMFM) and a walking capacity test. Associations over longitudinal measurements (three or four measurements over 1y) were determined since longitudinal data allow a more accurate estimation. The associations were determined using a mixed model with fixed effects (mobility capacity as dependent variables and fitness components as independent variables) and a random intercept.ResultsIn children with bilateral CP, changes in aerobic fitness were associated with changes in anaerobic fitness (p<0.001), and changes in aerobic fitness showed an association with changes in muscle strength (p<0.05). Anaerobic fitness was not associated with muscle strength. No associations between fitness components were found in unilateral CP. Anaerobic fitness and muscle strength were significant determinants for GMFM and walking capacity in bilateral but not in unilateral CP.InterpretationThe longitudinal associations between aerobic and anaerobic fitness and mobility indicate that increasing either aerobic or anaerobic fitness is associated with improvements in mobility in children with bilateral CP. While increasing anaerobic fitness might be beneficial for mobility capacity in children with bilateral CP, this is less likely for children with unilateral CP.
Validation of the Diabetes Family Impact Scale: a new measure of diabetes‐specific family impact
Authors: Katz M. L. , Volkening L. K. , Dougher C. E. , Laffel L. M. B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimsTo develop and validate the Diabetes Family Impact Scale, a scale to measure the impact of diabetes on families.MethodsThe Diabetes Family Impact Scale was developed by an iterative process, with input from multidisciplinary diabetes providers and parents of children with Type 1 diabetes. The psychometric properties of the Diabetes Family Impact Scale were assessed in parents of children with Type 1 diabetes. This assessment included internal consistency, convergent validity and exploratory factor analysis.ResultsParents (n = 148) of children (mean ± sd age 12.9 ± 3.3 years) with Type 1 diabetes (mean ± sd duration 6.2 ± 3.6 years) completed the 15‐item Diabetes Family Impact Scale. After eliminating one item, the 14‐item measure demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.84). Correlations between the Diabetes Family Impact Scale and measures of parent diabetes burden (r = 0.48, P < 0.0001), stressful life events (r = 0.28, P = 0.0007), and child's quality of life (r = ‐0.52 and ‐0.54, P < 0.0001 for generic and diabetes‐specific quality of life, respectively) supported the convergent validity of the instrument. Factor analysis identified four factors corresponding to the four survey domains (school, work, finances and family well‐being).ConclusionsThe Diabetes Family Impact Scale measures diabetes‐specific family impacts with good internal consistency and convergent validity and may be a useful tool in clinical and research settings.
Improved design of threaded connections by autofrettage in aluminium compounds for cyclic high pressure loading: design calculations and experimental verification
Authors: Sellen S. , Maas S. , Andreas T. , Plapper P. , Zürbes A. , Becker D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThreaded connections in an aluminium valve body under high internal pulsating pressure are investigated. A static straining process called autofrettage leads to an improved fatigue behaviour of the aluminium component, while normally the threaded connections are unloaded during this autofrettage. But by unloading the thread during autofrettage, the first loaded thread flank becomes the weakest point of this valve component. This effect is analysed with nonlinear finite element simulations, the FKM guideline for fatigue assessment and by experimental testing. The analytical and experimental parts match very well. It can be shown that a well‐designed autofrettage without unloading the threaded connection is helpful for the aluminium thread and extends its fatigue lifetime, as residual compressive stresses and an equalized stress distribution over the thread flanks can be achieved. Finally, different materials were chosen for the plug or screw, and this material influence for cyclic loading is shortly analysed.
AUFKLÄRERISCHE BOTSCHAFT UND ERZÄHLTECHNIK IN SCHILLERS DER VERBRECHER AUS VERLORENER EHRE
Authors: Avgerinou Sophia 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThis essay analyses Friedrich Schiller's short story Der Verbrecher aus verlorener Ehre from the viewpoint of narratology, based on the categories of time, mode and voice established by Gérard Genette in his Narrative Discourse. Schiller's commitment to the Enlightenment underlies the structure, form and content of the story. Certain formal elements, such as the narrative pause at the opening, the linear time schema and the mixture of authorial narration and narration in the first person singular enhance the understanding of the causes of the crime; others, such as the abrupt, dramatic ending of the story suggest a questioning of the traditional form of the crime story as well as a mitigation and at the same time enrichment of the pursuit of rational knowledge through elements of empathy with and sympathy for the criminal. The author's intention to enlighten his readers is also expressed through the content itself, where the case for objectivity, tolerance and humanism, as far as the penal system is concerned, is made. Apart from some doubts concerning the absolute validity of the Enlightenment's view of the world, in this short story Schiller indicates his belief in the priority of moral autonomy over the natural and social predetermination of human beings.
SCREENING OUT THE EAST: THE PLAYING OUT OF INTER‐GERMAN RELATIONS AT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
Authors: Ward Elizabeth M. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThis article examines the previously unexplored role of the Cannes Film Festival as an alternative arena for Cold War politics and the playing out of the West German Hallstein Doctrine in 1957 and 1959. The Hallstein Doctrine was an important strategic tool for the West German government, designed to marginalise the East German state on the world stage. With its politicians and diplomats unwelcome in most of the western world, the GDR increasingly invested in cultural ambassadors who were able to travel to countries to which East German politicians were routinely refused entry. In December 1956, the West German Foreign Office learnt of the intention of the organisers of the Cannes Film Festival to invite the East German film studio, DEFA, to participate in the Festival. The decision provoked outrage in Bonn and officials embarked on a sustained diplomatic campaign to remove East Germany from the Festival the following year. The Foreign Office's efforts were ultimately frustrated: not only did DEFA participate in the Festival but, two years later, the East German film Sterne (Konrad Wolf, 1959), went on to win the coveted Prix du Jury. This article will trace the efforts of the West German government to exclude the GDR from the Festival and examine how Sterne managed to break through notions of what constituted an ‘East German’ production in 1959.
1968 AND TRANSNATIONAL HISTORY IN EMINE SEVGI ÖZDAMAR'S DIE BRÜCKE VOM GOLDENEN HORN
Authors: Schonfield Ernest 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThis article considers the representation of transnational political movements around 1968 in Özdamar's autobiographical novel Die Brücke vom Goldenen Horn (1998). The transnational perspective enables Özdamar to articulate cultural transfers between Turkey, West Germany, Greece, Spain and Italy in the context of Cold War political activism. The article will show how the novel reappraises the political movements of the late sixties and early seventies as transnational phenomena which in West Germany included the participation of ‘Gastarbeiter’, thus serving as a corrective to Eurocentric histories of 1968. This is followed by a consideration of the cultural practices of the political activists. The characters continually reference a canon of revolutionary authors including Brecht, Lorca, Rosa Luxemburg and Nâzım Hikmet in order to foster a sense of transnational identity. The article comments on the relevance of Hikmet's concept of secular resurrection for Özdamar's novel. Finally the article considers how words are depicted as physical presences and bodies are subjected to physical transformation. These techniques are central to Özdamar's utopian presentation of transnational political activism as an erotic experience.
Prevalence and significance of CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*17 alleles in a New Zealand acute coronary syndrome population
Authors: Larsen P. D. , Johnston L. R. , Holley A. , La Flamme A. C. , Smyth L. , Chua E. W. , Kennedy M. A. , Harding S. A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundHigh on‐treatment platelet reactivity has been associated with poor outcomes following acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Both the loss of function CYP2C19*2 allele and the gain of function CYP2C19*17 allele along with a range of clinical characteristics have been associated with variation in the response to clopidogrel.AimThe study aims to examine the frequency of CYP2C19 variants and understand the factors associated with on‐treatment platelet reactivity in a New Zealand ACS population.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 312 ACS patients. We collected clinical characteristics and measured on‐treatment platelet reactivity using two validated point‐of‐care assays, VerifyNow and Multiplate. DNA was extracted and CYP2C19*2 and *17 alleles were identified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsCYP2C19*2 or CYP2C19*17 alleles were observed in 101 (32%) and 106 (34%) of patients, respectively, with significant differences in distribution by ethnicity. In Maori and Pacific Island patients, 47% (confidence interval (CI) 31–63%) had CYP2C19*2 and 11% (CI 4–19%) CYP2C19*17 compared with 26% (CI 19–32%) and 41% (CI 32–49%) in white people. Carriage of CYP2C19*2 alleles was associated with higher levels of platelet reactivity measured by either assay, but we observed no relationship between platelet reactivity and CYP2C19*17. In multivariate analysis diabetes, clopidogrel dose and CYP2C19*2 status were all significant independent predictors of platelet reactivity.ConclusionsBoth CYP2C19*2 and *17 were common in a New Zealand ACS population, with CYP2C19*2 observed in almost half the Maori and Pacific Island patients. CYP2C19*2, diabetes and clopidogrel dose were independent contributors to on‐treatment platelet reactivity.
Is post‐pneumonia chest X‐ray for lung malignancy useful? Results of an audit of current practice
Authors: Macdonald C. , Jayathissa S. , Leadbetter M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground/AimPatients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) are often screened with repeat chest X‐ray within 6–12 weeks following an admission. This practice is aimed to detect underlying lung malignancy, which can be difficult to identify initially when an acute infiltrate is present on X‐ray. We conducted a study on the use of follow‐up chest X‐rays after an admission with CAP to determine the yield of suspected or diagnosed cancer.MethodsDuring the 2‐year period, January 2010–January 2012, we evaluated all patients over the age of 50 who had no previous history of lung cancer and were admitted to Hutt Hospital with CAP.ResultsA total of 302 patients was included. Of these, 53% received a follow‐up chest X‐ray within 6–12 weeks after admission. A total of six patients (2.0%) was diagnosed with lung cancer based on a chest X‐ray within 6–12 weeks after admission. After a median period of follow up of 19.5 months, a further five patients who had normal chest X‐ray were diagnosed with lung malignancy.ConclusionThe majority of patients were screened with follow‐up X‐rays. The yield from a 6‐ to 12‐week chest X‐ray following CAP is low, which is consistent with previous studies. The development of clear guidelines to ensure identification of patient groups at significantly high risk of lung cancer is important to increase the sensitivity of screening. High yielding strategies, such as low‐dose computed tomography, should be considered as an alternative.
Microwave Dielectric Properties of a Low‐Firing Ba2BiV3O11 Ceramic
Authors: Li Jie , Li Chunchun , Wei Zhenhai , Tang Ying , Su Congxue , Fang Liang 
Published: January 2015

A low‐firing microwave dielectric ceramic Ba2BiV3O11 was prepared via solid‐state reaction method. Ba2BiV3O11 ceramic could be well sintered at 840°C–880°C, with a εr ~14.2, a high Q × f value ~68 700 GHz (at 8.7 GHz), and a negative temperature coefficient of −81 ppm/°C. τf of Ba2BiV3O11 was tuned to be near zero by formation of a composite with TiO2. 0.7Ba2BiV3O11–0.3TiO2 ceramic sintered at 910°C showed improved properties with εr = 15.7, Q × f = 53 200 GHz, and τf = −2 ppm/°C.
Symptom severity as a risk factor for self‐injurious behaviours in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Rattaz C. , Michelon C. , Baghdadli A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐injurious behaviours (SIB) are highly prevalent in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and have deleterious effects on the individual and their environment. The aim of this study was to examine SIB prevalence and associated features in a population of 152 adolescents with ASD and to determine risk factors for SIB.MethodsThe present study uses a subset of data of a longitudinal follow‐up of 152 children with ASD. The presence of a low or high level of self‐injury was assessed at adolescence through the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist completed by parents. Clinical and social variables regarding severity of autism symptoms, psychological development, adaptive behaviours, parental quality of life and total intervention time were collected during childhood (mean age = 5 years, SD = 1.6) and at adolescence (mean age = 15 years, SD = 1.3).ResultsAbout 35.8% of adolescents with ASD in our sample displayed self‐injury, which was frequently associated with other challenging behaviours and was related to severity of autism symptoms, adaptive skills, intellectual functioning and language level (P < 0.001). The main risk factor for SIB at adolescence was severity of autism symptoms (P = 0.04). Cognitive development during childhood was found to be a protective factor (P = 0.03) whereas at adolescence, the main protective factor was communicative abilities (P = 0.04).ConclusionsThese data showed that SIB remained highly prevalent at adolescence and yielded risk and protective factors for developing SIB at this period of life. Limitations and perspectives for future research are discussed.
Diabetic neuropathy: comparison between Bangladeshi immigrants and Greek‐born subjects
Authors: Zambelis Thomas , Papadakis George , Chatzipanagiotou Stylianos , Michalopoulou Maria , Kokotis Panagiotis , Karandreas Nikolaos 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare Bangladeshi immigrants with diabetes to native Greeks with diabetes and to distinguish the different risk factors for polyneuropathy (PN) in the two ethnic groups. Subjects were recruited from the outpatient diabetic clinic of a general hospital. A total of 111 Bangladeshi immigrants (97 men and 14 women of mean age 47 years) and 101 native Greeks (82 men and 19 women of mean age 49 years) were included in the study. Sex, mean age, age at diabetes diagnosis, and diabetes duration did not differ between the two groups. PN was diagnosed in 53 (48%) Bangladeshi and in 59 (58%) Greek patients (p = 0.12). Large fiber neuropathy was less prevalent among Bangladeshis (18%) than in Greeks (53%) (p < 0.01). Small fiber neuropathy on the contrary were more frequent in Bangladeshis (18% vs. 7%) (p < 0.02). Regarding the risk factors for PN, Greek patients were taller, with higher BMI, and smoked more cigarettes (p < 0.001). They were also treated with more anti‐lipid and antihypertensive agents. The higher percentage of SFN in Bangladeshi was mainly a result of the significantly greater incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in their group (68 Bangladeshi vs. 38 Greek men). It is well known that there are many causes of ED aside from SFN which were not evaluated in this study. Thus this conclusion should be taken with caution.
Consequences of crown shortening canine teeth in Greenland sled dogs
Authors: Kortegaard H. E. , Anthony Knudsen T. , Dahl S. , Agger J. F. G. , Eriksen T. 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the consequences of crown shortening, focusing on the prevalence of pulp exposure and periapical pathology in Greenland sled dogs that had had their canine crowns shortened at an early age.METHODSFive cadaver heads and 54 sled dogs underwent an oral examination for dental fractures and pulp exposure of canines. All canines were radiographed and evaluated for periapical pathology.RESULTSThe prevalence of canine pulp exposure in 12 (5 heads and 7 dogs) crown shortened dogs was 91 · 7%, and 21 · 3% in 47 not‐crown shortened dogs. A significant (P < 0 · 001) risk of pulp exposure of the canines in the crown shortened group compared to the not‐crown shortened group was seen with a relative risk of 4 · 3 on a dog basis and a relative risk of 12 · 2 on a tooth basis. In dogs with pulp exposure of canines (n = 51) the prevalence of periapical pathology was 82 · 4%, but only 0 · 8% in dogs without pulp exposure (n = 133) resulting in a significant (relative risk, 109 · 5; P < 0 · 001) risk of periapical pathology in teeth with pulp exposure compared to teeth without pulp exposure.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe high risk of periapical pathology observed in teeth with pulp exposure confirms that these teeth should not be neglected in affected dogs.
Application of microRNA gene resources in the improvement of agronomic traits in rice
Authors: Zheng Ling‐Ling , Qu Liang‐Hu 
Published: January 2015

SummarymicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important nonprotein‐coding genes that are involved in almost all biological processes, including cell differentiation and fate determination, developmental regulation, and immune responses. Investigations have shown that some miRNAs can highly affect plant agricultural traits, including virus resistance, nematode resistance, drought and salinity tolerance, heavy metal detoxification, biomass yield, grain yield, fruit development and flower development. Therefore, these miRNAs are considered a newly identified gene resource for the genetic improvement of crops. In this review, we will summarize the recent findings of the rice miRNA‐directed regulatory network, which controls agronomic traits such as yield, quality and stress tolerance, and explore the outlook for the uses of these miRNA‐associated traits in rice biotechnology.