bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive impairment in Chinese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome
Authors: CHEN RUI , XIONG KANG‐PING , HUANG JUAN‐YING , LIAN YI‐XIN , JIN FA , LI ZHEN‐HUA , ZHAO MIN‐YAN , LIU CHUN‐FENG 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Sleep‐disordered breathing is known to be associated with impairment in cognitive function. The aim of this study was to characterize neurocognitive impairment in a cohort of Chinese patients with varying severities of obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), and to develop a sensitive instrument for routine screening of cognitive impairment.Methods:  Eligible patients (n = 394) were categorized into a primary snoring group, and mild, moderate and severe OSAHS groups, based on assessment of AHI. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaires were administered to assess cognitive function, and the correlations between questionnaire scores and clinical and polysomnographic parameters were further evaluated by stepwise multivariate regression.Results:  MoCA scores decreased progressively across the spectrum from primary snoring to severe OSAHS. Importantly, mild neurocognitive impairment as defined by a MoCA score <26 was more common in the moderate (38.6%) and severe (41.4%) OSAHS groups than in the mild OSAHS (25.0%) and primary snoring (15.2%) groups. In contrast, MMSE scores were largely normal and comparable among all four groups. Evaluation of MoCA subdomains further revealed selective reduction in memory/delayed recall, visuospatial and executive function, and attention span in the severe OSAHS group compared with the other groups. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that MoCA scores correlated significantly with lowest oxygen saturation (L‐SaO2) and years of education.Conclusions:  Neurocognitive impairment is common in patients with OSAHS. The MoCA is a brief and sensitive tool for the assessment of cognitive impairment in OSAHS patients, whose performance on the MMSE is in the normal range.
Prevalence and molecular study of G6PD deficiency in Malaysian Orang Asli
Authors: Amini F. , Ismail E. , Zilfalil B‐A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis study aims to define the prevalence and the molecular basis of G6PD deficiency in the Negrito tribe of the Malaysian Orang Asli. Four hundred and eighty seven consenting Negrito volunteers were screened for G6PD deficiency through the use of a fluorescent spot test. DNA from deficient individuals underwent PCR‐RFLP analysis using thirteen recognized G6PD mutations. In the instances when the mutation could not be identified by PCR‐RFLP, the entire coding region of the G6PD gene was subjected to DNA sequencing. In total, 9% (44/486) of the sample were found to be G6PD‐deficient. However, only 25 samples were subjected to PCR‐RFLP and DNA sequencing. Of these, three were found to carry Viangchan, one Coimbra and 16, a combination of C1311T in exon 11 and IVS11 T93C. Mutation(s) for the five remaining samples are unknown. The mean G6PD enzyme activity ranged 5.7 IU/gHb in deficient individuals. Our results demonstrate that the frequency of G6PD deficiency is higher among the Negrito Orang Asli than other Malaysian races. The dual presence of C1311T and IVS11 T93C in 64% of the deficient individuals (16/44) could well be a result of genetic drift within this isolated group.
CDM prediction of creep failure modes in thin and thick section Cr‐Mo‐V Butt‐welded pipes under combined internal pressure and end loads at temperatures in the range 540–620 °C
Authors: HAYHURST R. J. , DEAN D. W. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe paper examines the dependence of creep failure modes of butt‐welded pipes upon: temperatures in the range 540–620 °C; the ratio of axial to pressure loadings (loading condition); and, load levels which result in failure times in the region 2000–250 000 h. Continuum damage mechanics (CDM) analyses have been used to analyse two extreme geometries: thin section pipes (4.52 mm) and thick section steam pipes (46 mm) of the type found in power generation plant. The thick pipes have been selected to allow through‐thickness constraint to be developed. Two predominant modes of failure have been predicted: Fusion Boundary failure and Type IV failure. For the thin section pipes the modes of failure are not strongly dependent on applied loading levels, and loading condition, but are dependent on temperature: at 540 °C failure is in the Fusion Boundary and at 620 °C it is in the Type IV region. Failure mode in the thick pipes is dependent on temperature, and applied loading levels, but is essentially independent of loading condition. At 540 and 565 °C failure is in the Fusion Boundary; whereas at 575 °C, failure is in the Type IV region at higher applied stress levels, and in the Fusion Boundary at lower applied stress levels.
Development of a new outcome prediction model in carcinoma invading the bladder based on preoperative serum C‐reactive protein and standard pathological risk factors: the TNR‐C score
Authors: Gakis Georgios , Todenhöfer Tilman , Renninger Markus , Schilling David , Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , Schwentner Christian , Stenzl Arnulf 
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?There is increasing evidence for a prognostic significance of pretherapeutically elevated serum C‐reactive protein levels in various cancers. However, little is known about its significance in patients with invasive bladder cancer. This study shows that serum CRP is an independent predictor for cancer‐specific survival in bladder cancer, and its incorporation into a new outcome model (TNR‐C Score) encompassing major pathological determinants for survival, increases significantly its predictive accuracy.OBJECTIVE• To assess the predictive value of preoperative C‐reactive protein (CRP) in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for carcinoma invading the bladder in light of recent data showing it to be an independent indicator of adverse oncological outcome in other malignancies.PATIENTS AND METHODS• A contemporary, consecutive series of 246 patients undergoing RC and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer between 1999 and 2009.• Elevated CRP was defined as >0.5 mg/dL and was consistent during the study period. The median (range) follow‐up was 30 (6–116) months.• Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate cancer‐specific survival (CSS) using a log‐rank test and Cox regression analysis for multivariate analysis of risk factors.• Based on regression estimates of significant parameters in multivariate analysis, a new CRP‐based scoring model was developed to predict cancer‐specific outcomes. The predictive accuracy of the model was evaluated using the concordance index.RESULTS• The 3‐year CSS was 74.0% in patients with normal and 44.0% with elevated CRP (P < 0.001).• In multivariate analysis, CRP (P < 0.001; used as a continuous variable), tumour stage (P= 0.001), lymph‐node density ≥0.09 (P= 0.02) and resection margin status (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of CSS.• The 3‐year CSS in patients with a score in the ranges 0–2, 3–6 and 7–10 was 80.5%, 44.9% and 7.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). Consideration of CRP in the final model increased its predictive accuracy by 4.9% with a concordance index of 0.788 (P= 0.01).CONCLUSIONS• This is the largest, contemporary series to date indicating that preoperative serum CRP is an independent risk factor for CSS.• CRP may be a useful parameter to include in predictive bladder cancer nomograms.
Behaviour and metabolic control in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus on insulin pump therapy: 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Knight S. J. , Northam E. A. , Cameron F. J. , Ambler G. R. 
Published: April 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1109–1112 (2011)AbstractAims  This study investigated whether continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is associated with sustained improvement in behaviour and metabolic control.Methods  Children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 27, 8–18 years old) who had been assessed previously prior to commencing continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, and 6–8 weeks later, were re‐evaluated 2 years after commencing insulin pump therapy. Behaviour was reassessed using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children—2nd edition (BASC‐2) and current HbA1c levels were recorded.Results  Two years after commencing continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, parent‐reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms were significantly lower than pre‐insulin pump therapy commencement levels. Self reports of internalizing and externalizing problems did not differ significantly across the three assessment points. There was no significant difference between pre‐insulin pump therapy HbA1c and HbA1c after 2 years on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, despite an initial improvement 6–8 weeks after commencing the therapy.Conclusions  Children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus showed sustained improvements in parent‐reported behaviour, but not in self reports of behaviour or in metabolic control 2 years after commencement of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.
Give and take: A re‐analysis of assessor and assessee's roles in technology‐facilitated peer assessment
Authors: Li Lan , Liu Xiongyi , Zhou Yuchun 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe study examined how playing two roles as assessors and assessees in technology‐assisted peer assessment contributes to students' performance. Data from a previous study was recoded and analysed to understand peer assessment processes from a different angle. Findings of our previous study supported the importance of the assessor's role, but not the assessee's role. In the present study, the assessee's role was re‐examined based on the assessee's ability to critically judge and act upon peer feedback, instead of quality of peer feedback that they received. Regression analysis was conducted, and results suggested that how students responded to peer feedback, as indicated by the number of good versus misleading suggestions incorporated, significantly predicted their final project scores. The findings support the importance of both assessor and assessee's roles in peer assessment and provide valuable implications for effective implementation of peer assessment.
Aggressive reactions to abusive supervision: The role of interactional justice and narcissism
Authors: BURTON JAMES P. , HOOBLER JENNY M. 
Published: April 2011

Burton, J. P. & Hoobler, J. M. (2011). Aggressive reactions to abusive supervision: The role of interactional justice and narcissism. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 389–398.In this study, we explore personality and situational conditions in which negative leadership – specifically, abusive supervision – is associated with aggressive behavior in subordinates. That is, we examine the role that interactional justice and narcissism play in an employee’s decision to respond aggressively to an abusive supervisor. We demonstrate that interactional justice mediates the relationship between perceptions of abusive supervision and subsequent employee aggression. In addition, we demonstrate that narcissism interacts with interactional justice perceptions to predict workplace aggression. We find that individuals with high levels of narcissism are the employees who are most likely to respond aggressively when they interpret their leader’s behavior as abusive.
Factors associated with violence by a current partner in a nationally representative sample of German women
Authors: Stöckl Heidi , Heise Lori , Watts Charlotte 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPartner violence is a serious human rights violation and public health issue. Although its pervasiveness is well documented, more research is needed on risk and protective factors to inform interventions. This study is based on a secondary analysis of the first national survey on violence against women in Germany. Women who reported partner violence by their current partner were compared to women who never reported partner violence. The prevalence of physical or sexual violence, or both, by current partners was 17 per cent. Women who experienced violence during their childhood had higher odds of experiencing partner violence. Partner violence was associated with women’s drug use in the last 5 years, physical disability or debilitating illness, having more than three children, experiencing violence by a non‐partner and feeling socially excluded. The odds of violence also increased if both partners were unemployed or lacked vocational training or if only the woman had vocational skills. Relationships shorter than 5 years or where the man or both partners drank heavily were likewise associated with higher odds of violence. Partner violence interventions should focus on reducing children’s exposure to violence and preparing women and men for the job market as well as including interventions that tackle social isolation and substance use.
An essay on ‘health capital’ and the Faustian bargains struck by workers in the globalised shipping industry
Authors: Bloor Michael 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIt has long been understood that work directly generates ill health and disability through injuries and occupational exposure to toxic and carcinogenic materials, but the more complex relationship between work and ill health that is seemingly mediated through psychological distress is more controversial. For example, the ‘Karasek model’, whereby high job demands coupled with limited latitude in decision making were thought to generate ill health, has not been supported in large‐scale surveys. This paper postulates an alternative linking mechanism between work and health, namely Mildred Blaxter’s concept of ‘health capital’, and specifically explores the value of the concept in understanding lay theorising about the links between labour intensification and self‐perceived health: workers’ perceptions that their work has become more effortful may be bracketed with their belief that their continuing employment is demanding accelerating expenditure of their health capital. The argument is illustrated by qualitative interviews with an international sample of seafarers, a proto‐typically globalised labour force.
Self-Consistent Method for Density Estimation
Authors: Bernacchia Alberto , Pigolotti Simone 
Published: April 2011

Summary
The estimation of a density profile from experimental data points is a challenging problem, which is usually tackled by plotting a histogram. Prior assumptions on the nature of the density, from its smoothness to the specification of its form, allow the design of more accurate estimation procedures, such as maximum likelihood. Our aim is to construct a procedure that makes no explicit assumptions, but still providing an accurate estimate of the density. We introduce the self-consistent estimate: the power spectrum of a candidate density is given, and an estimation procedure is constructed on the assumption, to be released a posteriori, that the candidate is correct. The self-consistent estimate is defined as a prior candidate density that precisely reproduces itself. Our main result is to derive the exact expression of the self-consistent estimate for any given data set, and to study its properties. Applications of the method require neither priors on the form of the density nor the subjective choice of parameters. A cut-off frequency, akin to a bin size or a kernel bandwidth, emerges naturally from the derivation. We apply the self-consistent estimate to artificial data generated from various distributions and show that it reaches the theoretical limit for the scaling of the square error with the size of the data set.
Short‐term Herding of Institutional Traders: New Evidence from the German Stock Market
Authors: Kremer Stephanie , Nautz Dieter 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper employs a new and comprehensive data set to investigate short‐term herding behaviour of institutional investors. Using data of all transactions made by financial institutions in the German stock market, we show that herding behaviour occurs on a daily basis. However, in contrast to longer‐term herding measures obtained from quarterly data, results based on daily data do not indicate that short‐term herding tends to be more pronounced in small capitalised stocks or in times of market stress. Moreover, we find that herding measures based on anonymous transactions can lead to misleading results about the behaviour of institutional investors during the recent financial crisis.
Treatment of plaque‐type psoriasis with oral CF101: data from an exploratory randomized phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: David M. , Akerman L. , Ziv M. , Kadurina M. , Gospodinov D. , Pavlotsky F. , Yankova R. , Kouzeva V. , Ramon M. , Silverman M.H. , Fishman P. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAims  CF101 demonstrated a marked anti‐inflammatory effect in Phase 2 studies conducted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and dry eye syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CF101 for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque‐type psoriasis.Materials and methods  This was a phase 2, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, dose‐ranging, placebo‐controlled study. Seventy five patients with moderate to severe plaque‐type psoriasis were enrolled, randomized and treated with CF101 (1, 2, or 4 mg) or placebo administered orally twice daily for 12 weeks. Safety and change from base line of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and physician’s global assessment (PGA) score over 12 weeks.Results  In the 2 mg CF101‐treated group, a progressive improvement in the mean change from baseline in the PASI score vs. placebo throughout the study period was observed, with a statistically significant difference on weeks 8 and 12 (P = 0.047; P = 0.031, respectively). In this group, 35.3% of the patients achieved PASI ≥50 response, and 23.5% of the patients achieved a PGA score of 0 or 1. CF101 was safe and well tolerated.Conclusions  CF101 was well tolerated and demonstrated clear evidence of efficacy in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
The role of the pod in seed development: strategies for manipulating yield
Authors: Bennett Emma J. , Roberts Jeremy A. , Wagstaff Carol 
Published: April 2011

SummaryPods play a key role in encapsulating the developing seeds and protecting them from pests and pathogens. In addition to this protective function, it has been shown that the photosynthetically active pod wall contributes assimilates and nutrients to fuel seed growth. Recent work has revealed that signals originating from the pod may also act to coordinate grain filling and regulate the reallocation of reserves from damaged seeds to those that have retained viability. In this review we consider the evidence that pods can regulate seed growth and maturation, particularly in members of the Brassicaceae family, and explore how the timing and duration of pod development might be manipulated to enhance either the quantity of crop yield or its nutritional properties.

Contents

Summary
838

I.
Introduction
838

II.
Pod structure and development
839

III.
The pod as a sink in plant resource allocation
840

IV.
Resource transport into the seeds via the pod
842

V.
Pod senescence and dehiscence
843

VI.
The role of plant phytohormones in pod development
845

VII.
Silique biosynthesis of compounds for the seed
848

VIII.
Conclusion
850

References
850
Melatonin in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: ROSSIGNOL DANIEL A , FRYE RICHARD E 
Published: April 2011

Aim  The aim of this study was to investigate melatonin‐related findings in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorders, not otherwise specified.Method  Comprehensive searches were conducted in the PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, and ERIC databases from their inception to October 2010. Two reviewers independently assessed 35 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, meta‐analysis was performed on five randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies, and the quality of these trials was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist.Results  Nine studies measured melatonin or melatonin metabolites in ASD and all reported at least one abnormality, including an abnormal melatonin circadian rhythm in four studies, below average physiological levels of melatonin and/or melatonin derivates in seven studies, and a positive correlation between these levels and autistic behaviors in four studies. Five studies reported gene abnormalities that could contribute to decreased melatonin production or adversely affect melatonin receptor function in a small percentage of children with ASD. Six studies reported improved daytime behavior with melatonin use. Eighteen studies on melatonin treatment in ASD were identified; these studies reported improvements in sleep duration, sleep onset latency, and night‐time awakenings. Five of these studies were randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover studies; two of the studies contained blended samples of children with ASD and other developmental disorders, but only data for children with ASD were used in the meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis found significant improvements with large effect sizes in sleep duration (73min compared with baseline, Hedge’s g 1.97 [95% confidence interval {CI} CI 1.10–2.84], Glass’s Δ 1.54 [95% CI 0.64–2.44]; 44min compared with placebo, Hedge’s g 1.07 [95% CI 0.49–1.65], Glass’s Δ 0.93 [95% CI 0.33–1.53]) and sleep onset latency (66min compared with baseline, Hedge’s g−2.42 [95% CI −1.67 to −3.17], Glass’s Δ−2.18 [95% CI −1.58 to −2.76]; 39min compared with placebo, Hedge’s g−2.46 [95% CI −1.96 to −2.98], Glass’s Δ−1.28 [95% CI −0.67 to −1.89]) but not in night‐time awakenings. The effect size varied significantly across studies but funnel plots did not indicate publication bias. The reported side effects of melatonin were minimal to none. Some studies were affected by limitations, including small sample sizes and variability in the protocols that measured changes in sleep parameters.Interpretation  Melatonin administration in ASD is associated with improved sleep parameters, better daytime behavior, and minimal side effects. Additional studies of melatonin would be helpful to confirm and expand on these findings.