bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological evidence of heterogeneity in visual statistical learning in young children with ASD
Authors: Jeste Shafali S. , Kirkham Natasha , Senturk Damla , Hasenstab Kyle , Sugar Catherine , Kupelian Chloe , Baker Elizabeth , Sanders Andrew J. , Shimizu Christina , Norona Amanda , Paparella Tanya , Freeman Stephanny F.N. , Johnson Scott P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractStatistical learning is characterized by detection of regularities in one's environment without an awareness or intention to learn, and it may play a critical role in language and social behavior. Accordingly, in this study we investigated the electrophysiological correlates of visual statistical learning in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using an event‐related potential shape learning paradigm, and we examined the relation between visual statistical learning and cognitive function. Compared to typically developing (TD) controls, the ASD group as a whole showed reduced evidence of learning as defined by N1 (early visual discrimination) and P300 (attention to novelty) components. Upon further analysis, in the ASD group there was a positive correlation between N1 amplitude difference and non‐verbal IQ, and a positive correlation between P300 amplitude difference and adaptive social function. Children with ASD and a high non‐verbal IQ and high adaptive social function demonstrated a distinctive pattern of learning. This is the first study to identify electrophysiological markers of visual statistical learning in children with ASD. Through this work we have demonstrated heterogeneity in statistical learning in ASD that maps onto non‐verbal cognition and adaptive social function.
Safety, efficacy and weight effect of two 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors in metformin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Heise T. , Morrow L. , Hompesch M. , Häring H.‐U. , Kapitza C. , Abt M. , Ramsauer M. , Magnone M.‐C. , Fuerst‐Recktenwald S. 
Published: May 2014

AimsWe assessed safety and efficacy of two selective 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors (RO5093151/RO‐151 and RO5027383/RO‐838) in this randomized, controlled study in metformin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsPatients either received placebo (N = 21), RO‐151 BID 5 mg (N = 24) or 200 mg (N = 20) or RO‐838 QD 50 mg (N = 21) or 200 mg (N = 24) for 28 days. Metabolic assessments comprising of nine‐point plasma glucose profiles, oral glucose tolerance tests and determination of metabolic biomarkers including insulin, C‐peptide, glucagon, HbA1c and lipids were done at baseline and end of treatment.ResultsDespite the short treatment duration, both RO‐151 and RO‐838 showed trends for improved HbA1c and consistent reductions in body weight (–0.86 to –1.67 kg) exceeding those observed with placebo (–0.28 kg, p = 0.019 for 200 mg RO‐151 vs. placebo). Insulin sensitivity parameters (e.g. HOMA‐IR and Matsuda‐Index) improved non‐significantly with 200 mg RO‐151. Lipid parameters did not consistently improve with either compound, but RO‐838 led to non‐significant increases in triglycerides and VLDL‐cholesterol versus placebo. Both compounds were well tolerated and showed inhibitory effects on 11β‐HSD1 activity based on urinary corticosteroid excretion. As reported for other 11β‐HSD1‐inhibitors increased concentrations of ACTH and adrenal androgen precursors were found with RO‐151, but not with RO‐838.ConclusionsSlight metabolic improvements were seen, in particular with RO‐151 high dose, however, the observed changes often did not reach statistical significance and were not clearly dose dependent. Studies of longer duration are needed to further investigate potential benefits and risks of these compounds.
Vitamin D deficiency is independently associated with the extent of coronary artery disease
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Schaffer Alon , Sartori Chiara , Barbieri Lucia , Cassetti Ettore , Marino Paolo , Galasso Gennaro , De Luca Giuseppe 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D (25‐OH D3) deficiency represents a rising social and economic problem in Western countries. Vitamin D has been recently reported to modulate inflammatory processes, endothelium and smooth muscle cell proliferation and even platelet function, thus potentially modulating atherothrombosis. Great interest has been addressed on its impact on cardiovascular outcome, with contrasting results. The aim of current study was to evaluate the relationship between 25‐OH D3 and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing coronary angiography.Materials and methodsPatients undergoing elective coronary angiography were included in a cross‐sectional study. Fasting samples were collected for 25‐OH D3 levels assessment. Significant CAD was defined as at least 1 vessel stenosis > 50%, while severe CAD as left main and/or trivessel disease, as evaluated by quantitative coronary angiography.ResultsHypovitaminosis D was observed in 70·4% of 1484 patients. Patients were divided according to vitamin D tertiles (< 9·6; 9·6–18·4; ≥ 18·4). Lower vitamin D levels were associated with age, female gender (P < 0·001), renal failure (P = 0·05), active smoking (P = 0·001), acute coronary syndrome at presentation (P < 0·001), therapy with calcium antagonists (P = 0·02) and diuretics (P < 0·001), less beta‐blockers (P = 0·02) and statins (P = 0·001) use. Vitamin D was directly related to haemoglobin (P < 0·001) and inversely with platelet count (P = 0·002), total and low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0·002 and P < 0·001) and triglycerides (P = 0·01). Vitamin D did not influence angiographic features of coronary lesions, but was associated with higher prevalence of left main or right CAD (P = 0·03). Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with higher prevalence of CAD (adjusted OR [95%CI] = 1·32[1·1–1·6], P = 0·004) and severe CAD (adjusted OR [95%CI] = 1·18[1–1·39], P = 0·05).ConclusionHypovitaminosis D was observed in the vast majority of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with the prevalence and extent of CAD, especially for patients with values < 10 ng/mL. Therefore, future large studies are needed to evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation may prevent CAD and its progression.
Citizen expectations of ‘academic entrepreneurship’ in health research: public science, practical benefit
Authors: Miller Fiona A. , Painter‐Main Michael , Axler Renata , Lehoux Pascale , Giacomini Mita , Slater Barbara 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundResponsiveness to citizens as users of technological innovation helps motivate translational research and commercial engagement among academics. Yet, retaining citizen trust and support for research encourages caution in pursuit of commercial science.ObjectivesWe explore citizen expectations of the specifically academic nature of commercial science [i.e. academic entrepreneurship (AE)] and the influence of conflict of interest concerns, hopes about practical benefits and general beliefs.Design, setting and participantsWe conducted a cross‐sectional national opinion survey of 1002 Canadians online in 2010.ResultsApproval of AE was moderate (mean 3.2/5, SD 0.84), but varied by entrepreneurial activity. Concern about conflict of interests (COI) was moderate (mean 2.9/5, SD 0.86) and varied by type of concern. An ordinary least‐squares regression showed that expectations of practical benefits informed support for AE, specifically that academic–industry collaboration can better address real‐world problems; conflict of interest concerns were insignificant.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that citizens support AE for its potential to produce practical benefits, but enthusiasm varies and is reduced for activities that may prioritize private over public interests. Further, support exists despite concern about COI, perhaps due to trust in the academic research context. For user engagement in research priority setting, these findings suggest the need to attend to the commercial nature of translational science. For research policy, they suggest the need for governance arrangements for responsible innovation, which can sustain public trust in academic research, and realize the practical benefits that inform public support for AE.
Overweight and dental caries: the association among German children
Authors: Qadri Ghalib , Alkilzy Mohammed , Feng You‐Shan , Splieth Christian 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the relationship between iso‐body mass index (iso‐BMI) and both dental caries status and caries increment among German school children.MethodsSix hundred and ninety‐four students (age range 9–12 years, mean 10.34 ± 0.56, 48% females) were recruited from the fifth grade of 18 primary schools. Weight, height, and oral health data number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) as well as parent/legal guardian questionnaire (measuring SES) were collected during school dental examination at baseline and after one and a half‐year follow‐up. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the international classification system for childhood overweight and obesity (iso‐BMI). Statistical analyses were performed using Poisson regression models.ResultsIso‐BMI was significantly associated with dental caries prevalence and severity in the permanent dentition (P = 0.039). Low‐normal weight children had a lower mean DMFT (0.56) than did overweight/obese children (0.70). In addition, a border‐line significant association was found between overweight/obese children and caries increment (P = 0.055).ConclusionAlthough iso‐BMI was associated with dental caries prevalence and severity, the association between caries increment and iso‐BMI did not reach a statistical significance. Overweight/obese children however acquired more additional carious lesions during the follow‐up period than children with low‐normal weight.
Effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccinations against laboratory‐confirmed influenza‐associated infections among Singapore military personnel in 2010–2013
Authors: Ho Hin Peow , Zhao Xiahong , Pang Junxiong , Chen Mark I.‐C. , Lee Vernon J. M. , Ang Li Wei , Lin Raymond V. Tzer Pin , Gao Christine Q. , Hsu Li Yang , Cook Alex R. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundLimited information is available about seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in tropical communities.ObjectivesVirus subtype‐specific VE was determined for all military service personnel in the recruit camp and three other non‐recruit camp in Singapore's Armed Forces from 1 June 2009 to 30 June 2012.MethodsConsenting servicemen underwent nasal washes, which were tested with RT‐PCR and subtyped. The test positive case and test negative control design was used to estimate the VE. To estimate the overall effect of the programme on new recruits, we used an ecological time series approach.ResultsA total of 7016 consultations were collected. The crude estimates for the VE of the triavalent vaccine against both influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B were 84% (95% CI 78–88%, 79–86%, respectively). Vaccine efficacy against influenza A(H3N2) was markedly lower (VE 33%, 95% CI −4% to 57%). An estimated 70% (RR = 0·30; 95% CI 0·11–0·84), 39% (RR = 0·61;0·25–1·43) and 75% (RR = 0·25; 95% CI 0·11–0·50) reduction in the risk of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B infections, respectively, in the recruit camp during the post‐vaccination period compared with during the pre‐vaccination period was observed.ConclusionsOverall, the blanket influenza vaccine programme in Singapore's Armed Forces has had a moderate to high degree of protection against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B, but not against influenza A(H3N2). Blanket influenza vaccination is recommended for all military personnel.
A 3‐year prospective study of the epidemiology of acute respiratory viral infections in hospitalized children in Shenzhen, China
Authors: He Ying , Lin Guang‐Yu , Wang Qiong , Cai Xiao‐Ying , Zhang Yin‐Hui , Lin Chuang‐Xing , Lu Chang‐Dong , Lu Xue‐Dong 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThe epidemiology of local viral etiologies is essential for the management of viral respiratory tract infections. Limited data are available in China to describe the epidemiology of viral respiratory infections, especially in small–medium cities and rural areas.ObjectivesTo determine the viral etiology and seasonality of acute respiratory infections in hospitalized children, a 3‐year study was conducted in Shenzhen, China.MethodsNasopharyngeal aspirates from eligible children were collected. Influenza and other respiratory viruses were tested by molecular assays simultaneously. Data were analyzed to describe the frequency and seasonality.ResultsOf the 2025 children enrolled in the study, 971 (48·0%) were positive for at least one viral pathogen, in which 890 (91·7%) were <4 years of age. The three most prevalent viruses were influenza A (IAV; 35·8%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; 30·5%) and human rhinovirus (HRV; 21·5%). Co‐infections were found in 302 cases (31·1%), and dual viral infection was dominant. RSV, HRV and IAV were the most frequent viral agents involved in co‐infection. On the whole, the obvious seasonal peaks mainly from March to May were observed with peak strength varying from 1 year to another.ConclusionsThis study provides a basic profile of the epidemiology of acute respiratory viral infection in hospitalized children in Shenzhen. The spectrum of viruses in the study site is similar to that in other places, but the seasonality is closely related to geographic position, different from that in big cities in northern China and neighboring Hong Kong.
China's Exchange Rate and Financial Repression: The Conflicted Emergence of the RMB as an International Currency
Authors: McKinnon Ronald , Schnabl Gunther 
Published: May 2014

AbstractInstability in the world dollar standard, as most recently manifested in the US Federal Reserve's near‐zero interest rate policy, has caused consternation in emerging markets with naturally higher interest rates. China has been provoked into speeding RMB “internationalization”; that is, opening up domestic financial markets to reduce its dependence on the US dollar for invoicing trade and making international payments. However, despite rapid percentage growth in offshore financial markets in RMB, the Chinese authorities are essentially trapped into maintaining exchange controls (reinforced by financial repression in domestic interest rates) to avoid an avalanche of foreign capital inflows that would threaten inflation and asset price bubbles by driving nominal interest rates on RMB assets down further. Because a floating (appreciating) exchange rate could attract even more hot money inflows, the People's Bank of China should focus on keeping the yuan/dollar rate stable so as to encourage naturally high wage increases to help balance China's international competitiveness. However, further internationalization of the RMB, as with the proposed Shanghai pilot free trade zone, is best deferred until world interest rates rise to more normal levels.
Dynamic Transition of Exchange Rate Regime in China
Authors: Yoshino Naoyuki , Kaji Sahoko , Asonuma Tamon 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe paper considers the optimal transition path for China's exchange rate regime. How can China successfully make the shift from the current dollar peg regime to a more desirable regime, whether a basket peg or a floating regime? To answer this question, we develop a dynamic small open economy general equilibrium model. We construct four transition policies based on a basket peg or a floating regime and compare the welfare gains of these policies relative to maintaining the dollar peg regime. Two main results are derived from the quantitative analysis using Chinese data from 1999Q1 to 2010Q4. First, following a gradual adjustment to a basket peg regime is the most appropriate path for China to take, with minimal welfare losses associated with the shift in the exchange rate regime. Second, a sudden shift to the basket peg is the second best solution, and is superior to a sudden shift to floating because the monetary authority can efficiently determine optimal weights to attach to currencies in the basket to achieve policy goals once they adopt a basket peg regime.
Risk Attitudes and Self‐employment in China
Authors: Hu Feng 
Published: May 2014

AbstractUsing the 2006 wave of the Chinese General Social Survey, the present paper examines the effect of risk attitudes on the likelihood of entrepreneurship in China. Our results show that risk attitudes have a nonlinear effect on the likelihood of being entrepreneurs. Risk neutral people are most likely to be entrepreneurs, while both risk averse and risk seeking people prefer to work for wages. When we further divide entrepreneurs into necessity and opportunity entrepreneurs, we find only a marginal difference in risk attitudes between wage workers and necessity entrepreneurs, while less risk averse individuals tend to be opportunity entrepreneurs. Our results have important policy implications for the government's efforts to promote entrepreneurial activities.
Estimates of genetic parameters associated with lactation feed intake and reproductive performance in purebred and F1 sows
Authors: Yoder C.L. , Duttlinger V.M. , Baas T.J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryDaily feed intake during lactation was recorded in parity records from purebred Yorkshire (n = 1587), Landrace (n = 2197) and reciprocal cross F1 (n = 6932) females, and lactation feed intake (LFI) curves were predicted using a mixed model. Evaluation of the difference in feed intake between two consecutive days of lactation resulted in the following classifications: three periods for purebreds, days 1–6, days 7–10 and days 11–18, and two periods for F1 sows, days 1–5 and days 6–18. Average rate of change in intake (ARC), average daily intake (ADI) and variation from predicted LFI values (VAR) were computed for each period of lactation. Gibbs sampling was used to estimate genetic (co)variance components for LFI metrics and reproductive performance traits. Genetic variance estimates for each LFI metric were obtained with univariate animal models, and covariance estimates were estimated with bivariate models. Heritability estimates for ADI, ARC and VAR metrics computed over the duration of lactation were 0.37, 0.24, and 0.16, respectively. Heritability estimates were highly variable across periods of lactation for ARC (0.03–0.17), ADI (0.09–0.36) and VAR (0.04–0.18) metrics in purebred and F1 populations. Genetic correlations between LFI metrics and reproductive traits were relatively low, although LFI metrics later in lactation were more highly correlated with reproductive performance.
Ficus insipida subsp. insipida (Moraceae) reveals the role of ecology in the phylogeography of widespread Neotropical rain forest tree species
Authors: Honorio Coronado Eurídice N. , Dexter Kyle G. , Poelchau Monica F. , Hollingsworth Peter M. , Phillips Oliver L. , Pennington R. Toby 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo examine the phylogeography of Ficus insipida subsp. insipida in order to investigate patterns of spatial genetic structure across the Neotropics and within Amazonia.LocationNeotropics.MethodsPlastid DNA (trnH–psbA; 410 individuals from 54 populations) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS; 85 individuals from 27 populations) sequences were sampled from Mexico to Bolivia, representing the full extent of the taxon's distribution. Divergence of plastid lineages was dated using a Bayesian coalescent approach. Genetic diversity was assessed with indices of haplotype and nucleotide diversities, and genetic structure was examined using spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) and haplotype networks. Population expansion within Amazonia was tested using neutrality and mismatch distribution tests.ResultstrnH–psbA sequences yielded 19 haplotypes restricted to either Mesoamerica or Amazonia; six haplotypes were found among ITS sequences. Diversification of the plastid DNA haplotypes began c. 14.6 Ma. Haplotype diversity for trnH–psbA was higher in Amazonia. Seven genetically differentiated SAMOVA groups were described for trnH–psbA, of which two were also supported by the presence of unique ITS sequences. Population expansion was suggested for both markers for the SAMOVA group that contains most Amazonian populations.Main conclusionsOur results show marked population genetic structure in F. insipida between Mesoamerica and Amazonia, implying that the Andes and seasonally dry areas of northern South America are eco‐climatic barriers to its migration. This pattern is shared with other widespread pioneer species affiliated to wet habitats, indicating that the ecological characteristics of species may impact upon large‐scale phylogeography. Ficus insipida also shows genetic structure in north‐western Amazonia potentially related to pre‐Pleistocene historical events. In contrast, evident population expansion elsewhere in Amazonia, in particular the presence of genetically uniform populations across the south‐west, indicate recent colonization. Our findings are consistent with palaeoecological data that suggest recent post‐glacial expansion of Amazonian forests in the south.
Network biogeographical analysis of the central Aegean archipelago
Authors: Kougioumoutzis Konstantinos , Simaiakis Stylianos Michail , Tiniakou Argyro 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimAlthough the factors shaping plant species richness patterns across the islands of the central Aegean are well known, the processes driving the assembly of these island communities remain unclear. To shed light on these processes, we identified biogeographical modules within the phytogeographical area of the Cyclades and tested for nestedness across the islands.LocationThe Cyclades, Greece.MethodsWe used a network approach to detect island biogeographical roles and modules, based on a large and detailed database of the Greek endemic plant taxa of the Cyclades, and we tested for nestedness in the island–species matrices.ResultsThe Cyclades were significantly modular and divided into five biogeographical modules. Three of the modules were significantly nested and two displayed all four possible biogeographical roles (connectors, module hubs, network hubs, peripherals). Most of the network's taxa are classified as peripherals and widespread endemics.Main conclusionsThe borders of the five modules correspond remarkably well to the palaeogeographical and climatic compartmentalization of the Cyclades. The flora of the Cyclades has not yet reached the relaxation phase and the region may act as an ecogeographical filter for the distribution of several plant lineages. Naxos, Milos and Anafi play an important role for the network's connectivity, while at least five adjacent phytogeographical regions affect the distribution patterns of the endemic taxa present in the Cyclades.