bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes in pregnancy may differentially affect neonatal outcomes for twins and singletons
Authors: Luo Z. C. , Simonet F. , Wei S. Q. , Xu H. , Rey E. , Fraser W. D. 
Published: June 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1068–1073 (2011)AbstractAim  We tested the hypothesis that diabetes in pregnancy may differentially affect neonatal outcomes in twin vs. singleton pregnancies.Methods  In a retrospective cohort analysis of twins (n = 422 068) and singletons (n = 14 298 367) born in the USA from 1998 to 2001, we evaluated the adjusted odds ratios of adverse neonatal outcomes comparing diabetic vs. non‐diabetic pregnancies, controlling for maternal characteristics. Primary outcomes include macrosomia (birthweight for gestational age > 90th percentile), congenital anomalies, low 5‐min Apgar score (< 4) and neonatal death.Results  Diabetes in pregnancy was associated with a similarly increased risk of congenital anomalies (adjusted odds ratios 1.52 vs. 1.59) and smaller increased risks of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratios 1.27 vs. 1.49) and macrosomia (adjusted odds ratios 1.38 vs. 2.03) in twins vs. singletons, but reduced risks of low 5‐min Apgar score (adjusted odds ratio 0.74) and neonatal death (adjusted odds ratio 0.76) in twins but not singletons.Conclusions  Diabetes in pregnancy may differentially affect neonatal outcomes in twins and singletons, indicating a need for further studies to differentiate the effects by clinical subtypes of diabetes in pregnancy, and to consider/evaluate differential clinical management protocols of diabetes in multiple vs. singleton pregnancies.
Engineering virus resistance using a modified potato gene
Authors: Cavatorta Jason , Perez Kari W. , Gray Stewart M. , Van Eck Joyce , Yeam Inhwa , Jahn Molly 
Published: June 2011

SummaryNatural mutations in translation initiation factor eIF4E confer resistance to potyviruses in many plant species. Potato is a staple food crop plagued by several potyviruses, yet to date no known eIF4E‐mediated resistance genes have been identified. In this study, we demonstrate that transgenic expression of the pvr12 gene from pepper confers resistance to Potato virus Y (PVY) in potato. We then use this information to convert the susceptible potato ortholog of this allele into a de novo allele for resistance to PVY using site‐directed mutagenesis. Potato plants overexpressing the mutated potato allele are resistant to virus infection. Resistant lines expressed high levels of eIF4E mRNA and protein. The resistant plants showed growth similar to untransformed controls and produced phenotypically similar tubers. This technique disrupts a key step in the viral infection process and may potentially be used to engineer virus resistance in a number of economically important plant–viral pathosystems. Furthermore, the general public may be more amenable to the ‘intragenic’ nature of this approach because the transferred coding region is modified from a gene in the target crop rather than from a distant species.
Home‐ownership, housing regimes and income inequalities in Western Europe
Authors: Norris Michelle , Winston Nessa 
Published: June 2011

Norris M, Winston N. Home‐ownership, housing regimes and income inequalities in Western EuropeThis article compares the structural features of home‐ownership systems in European Union 15 (EU15) countries (home‐ownership rates, mortgages and public subsidisation of this tenure) with data on inequalities in outcomes (variations in home‐ownership access, risks and standards between income groups). Its purpose was to assess the relevance of the debate on the convergence and divergence of housing systems, which has dominated the comparative housing literature. The article concludes that, depending on the level of analysis adopted and the particular variables selected for examination, elements of both convergence and divergence are evident in Western European home‐ownership systems. The comparative housing literature has also largely failed to capture the key inter‐country cleavages in home‐ownership systems that are between the Northern and Southern EU15 countries. These shortcomings are related to methodological and conceptual problems in the literature.
Systematic reviews of the effects of preparatory courses on university entrance examinations in high school‐age students
Authors: Montgomery Paul , Lilly Jane 
Published: June 2011

Montgomery P, Lilly J. Systematic reviews of the effects of preparatory courses on university entrance examinations in high school‐age studentsThis systematic review examines the effects of coaching on Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores and, ultimately, university entrance. We show a significant effect in score improvement for coached students over their uncoached peers in both the Math and Verbal subtests of the examination. This review's findings indicate treatment group gains over control group of 23.5 points on the Verbal subtest and 32.7 points on the Math subtest, for a combined score of nearly triple that which was previously assumed. As long as coaching remains inaccessible to some students, we urge universities to reconsider the weight given to SAT scores in the undergraduate admissions process. We challenge the designers of the SAT to redesign the examination to eliminate the possibility of score gains from coaching. Finally, we call for researchers to increase the production of high‐quality data in this field to ensure accurate estimates of coaching's effects are made available to all.
Methamphetamine neurotoxicity decreases phasic, but not tonic, dopaminergic signaling in the rat striatum
Authors: Howard Christopher D. , Keefe Kristen A. , Garris Paul A. , Daberkow David P. 
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 668–676.AbstractNeurotoxic doses of methamphetamine (METH) are known to cause depletions in striatal dopamine (DA) tissue content. However, the effects of METH‐induced insults on dopaminergic neurotransmission are not fully understood. Here, we employed fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry at a carbon‐fiber microelectrode in the anesthetized rat striatum to assess the effects of a neurotoxic regimen of METH on phasic and tonic modes of dopaminergic signaling and underlying mechanisms of DA release and uptake. Extracellular DA was electrically evoked by stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle mimicking tonic and phasic firing patterns for dopaminergic cells and was monitored simultaneously in both the dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum. Kinetic analysis of evoked recordings determined parameters describing DA release and uptake. Striatal DA tissue content was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. METH‐pretreatment (four doses of 7.5 or 10.0 mg/kg s.c.) induced DA depletions of ∼ 40% on average, which are reported in both striatal subregions. METH pre‐treatment significantly decreased the amplitude of signals evoked by phasic, but not tonic, stimulation. Parameters for DA release and uptake were also similarly reduced by ∼ 40%, consistent with effects on evoked phasic‐like responses and DA tissue content. Taken together, these results suggest that METH‐pretreatment selectively diminishes phasic, but not tonic, dopaminergic signaling in the dorsal striatum.
Glutathione‐S‐transferase P1 is a critical regulator of Cdk5 kinase activity
Authors: Sun Kai‐Hui , Chang Kuei‐Hua , Clawson Sara , Ghosh Soumitra , Mirzaei Hamid , Regnier Fred , Shah Kavita 
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 902–914.AbstractCyclin dependent kinase‐5 (Cdk5) activity is deregulated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and contributes to all three hallmarks: neurotoxic β‐amyloid formation, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal death. However, the mechanism leading to Cdk5 deregulation remains controversial. Cdk5 deregulation in AD is usually linked to the formation of p25, a proteolysis product of Cdk5 activator p35, which leads to Cdk5 mislocalization and hyperactivation. A few studies have indeed shown increased p25 levels in AD brains; however, others have refuted this observation. These contradictory findings suggest that additional factors contribute to Cdk5 deregulation. This study identified glutathione‐S‐transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) as a novel Cdk5 regulatory protein. We demonstrate that it is a critical determinant of Cdk5 activity in human AD brains and various cancer and neuronal cells. Increased GSTP1 levels were consistently associated with reduced Cdk5 activity. GSTP1 directly inhibits Cdk5 by dislodging p25/p35, and indirectly by eliminating oxidative stress. Cdk5 promotes and is activated by oxidative stress, thereby engaging a feedback loop which ultimately leads to cell death. Not surprisingly, GSTP1 transduction conferred a high degree of neuroprotection under neurotoxic conditions. Given the critical role of oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis, an increase in GSTP1 level may be an alternative way to modulate Cdk5 signaling, eliminate oxidative stress, and prevent neurodegeneration.
Internet addiction in the island of Hippocrates: the associations between internet abuse and adolescent off‐line behaviours
Authors: Fisoun Virginia , Floros Georgios , Geroukalis Dimitrios , Ioannidi Nikoleta , Farkonas Nikiforos , Sergentani Elena , Angelopoulos Nikiforos , Siomos Konstantinos 
Published: June 2011

Background:  To investigate the phenomenon of internet addiction and concurrent social (off‐line) behaviours of an adolescent population a cross‐sectional survey of the entire adolescent student population (N = 1270, aged 14–18) of the island of Kos in Greece was conducted.Method:  Completion by the survey participants of a demographic questionnaire, the 8‐question YDQ (Diagnostic Questionnaire for Internet Addiction) and the 20‐question IAT (Internet Addiction Test), followed by comparative analysis between and within usage groups.Results:  Results demonstrate that 7.2% of male and 5.1% of female internet users present addictive behaviours while using the internet.Conclusions:  Anti‐social, aggressive behaviours were significantly correlated with an increase to the pattern of abusive internet use in both sexes. Boys and girls had distinct profiles of off‐line and online preferences. Boys tended to favour interest‐driven online activities as their levels of addictive behaviour increased while girls favoured communication‐driven online activities.
Representation as a median mandate: Taking cross‐national differences seriously
Authors: BEST ROBIN E. , BUDGE IAN , MCDONALD MICHAEL D. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe extent and ways in which popular preferences influence government policy are absolutely central to our understanding of modern democracy. Paul Warwick's discussion of these in theEuropean Journal of Political Researchin 2010 puts itself at the heart of the debate with its critique of the median mandate theory of McDonald and Budge, proposing an alternative ‘bilateralist’ concept of representation. This article questions whether this concept has much to add to our theoretical understanding of representational processes. However, Warwick's further conceptual points deserve serious consideration. These concern the time horizons within which representative processes work, and the status of the median position given multi‐motivated voting. At the evidential level, Warwick argues that survey‐based measures of voter and party left–right positions fail to produce the correspondence between median and government policy positions that median mandate theory would have us expect. However, survey‐based measures of median voter and party placements obscure important cross‐national variation. Using the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES 2007), as Warwick does, this article shows that survey respondents norm their own and their country's party positions to their national context. The consequence is to make the political centre in all nations appear similar. Allowing for the relevant cross‐national differences brings the relationship between the median voter and government position back in line with expectations.
Trends and projections of hepatitis C virus epidemiology in Latin America
Authors: Kershenobich David , Razavi Homie A. , Sánchez‐Avila Juan Francisco , Bessone Fernando , Coelho Henrique S. , Dagher Lucy , Gonçales Fernando L. , Quiroz Jorge F. , Rodriguez‐Perez Federico , Rosado Barbara , Wallace Carolyn , Negro Francesco , Silva Marcelo 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground and aim: The purpose of the present investigation is to provide an analysis of previous works on the epidemiology of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection from six countries throughout Latin America, to forecast the future HCV prevalence trends in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Puerto Rico, and to outline deficiencies in available data, highlighting the need for further research.Methods: Data references were identified through indexed journals and non‐indexed sources. Overall, 1080 articles were reviewed and 150 were selected based on their relevance to this work. When multiple data sources were available for a key assumption, a systematic process using multi‐objective decision analysis (MODA) was used to select the most appropriate sources. When data were missing, analogues were used. Data from other countries with similar risk factors and/or population compositions were used as a proxy to help predict the future trends in prevalence.Results: The review indicates that the dominant genotype is type 1. HCV prevalence in the analysed countries ranges from 1 to 2.3%. The Latin American countries have been very proactive in screening their blood supplies, thus minimizing the risk of transmission through transfusion. This suggests that other risk factors are set to play a major role in continued new infections. The number of diagnosed and treated patients is low, thereby increasing the burden of complications such as liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV prevalence, according to our modelling is steady or increasing and the number of infected individuals will increase.Conclusions: The results herein reported should provide a foundation for informed planning efforts to tackle hepatitis.
26. Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Puylaert Martine , Kapural Leonardo , Van Zundert Jan , Peek Dirk , Lataster Arno , Mekhail Nagy , van Kleef Maarten , Keulemans Yolande C. A. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Chronic pancreatitis is defined as a progressive inflammatory response of the pancreas that has lead to irreversible morphological changes of the parenchyma (fibrosis, loss of acini and islets of Langerhans, and formation of pancreatic stones) as well as of the pancreatic duct (stenosis and pancreatic stones). Pain is one of the most important symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. The pathogenesis of this pain can only partly be explained and it is therefore often difficult to treat this symptom.The management of pain induced by chronic pancreatitis starts with lifestyle changes and analgesics.For the pharmacological management, the three‐step ladder of the World Health Organization extended with the use of co‐analgesics is followed.Interventional pain management may consist of radiofrequency treatment of the nervi splanchnici, spinal cord stimulation, endoscopic stenting or stone extraction possibly in combination with lithotripsy, and surgery.To date, there are no randomized controlled trials supporting the efficacy of radiofrequency and spinal cord stimulation. The large published series reports justify a recommendation to consider these treatment options. Radiofrequency treatment, being less invasive than spinal cord stimulation, could be tested prior to considering spinal cord stimulation.There are several other treatment possibilities such as endoscopic or surgical treatment, pancreatic enzyme supplementation and administration of octreotide and antioxidants. All may have a role in the management of pain induced by chronic pancreatitis.
High Doses of Topical Amitriptyline in Neuropathic Pain: Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Kopsky David J. , Keppel Hesselink Jan M. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Severe chronic neuropathic pain is a challenge to treat, and due to adverse effects of classical oral medication, optimal and effective dose levels are difficult to reach. Therefore, administration of topical analgesics might be an option, due to reduced adverse effects, and increased patient compliance.The aim of this article is to describe two cases treated effectively with topical amitriptyline 5% and 10%, the highest dosage described to date. The first patient was a 39‐year‐old man, suffering from severe intractable neuropathic pain in feet and hands, due to diabetes mellitus type II (DM‐II). After application of amitriptyline 5% the patient experienced a complete relieve only in the hands, whereas after application of amitriptyline 10%, a total reduction of pain occurred within 20 minutes, lasting the whole day. The second patient was a 57‐year‐old man, suffering for 10 years from progressive sensory disturbances in both feet and increasing pain due to chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP). Amitriptyline 5% cream reduced pain in the toes nearly completely, but this was not the case in the heels. Amitriptyline 10% reduced pain in the feet, however, systemic adverse effects occurred, mainly drowsiness. The patient decided to stop topical treatment because of these adverse effects.These two cases suggest an analgesic dose–response effect of topical amitriptyline in painful neuropathy. Systemic adverse effects should be taken into account.
Academic Performance of Business Students in Quantitative Courses: A Study in the Faculty of Business and Economics at the UAE University
Authors: Yousef Darwish Abdulrahman 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThis article aims to investigate the academic performance (measured by quality points) of the business students in quantitative courses. It also explores the impact of a number of factors on the academic performance of business students in these courses. A random sample of 750 third‐ and fourth‐level business students at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) was chosen. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, t test, and correlation. The results indicated that the academic performance of the business students in quantitative courses differs across the fields of study (Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Management Information Systems, Economics, and Statistics), the nationality (Emirati or non‐Emirati), the type of high school (private or public), the major track in high school (science or art), the gender (except for Business Stat 1 and Production and Operations Management courses), and the age (except for Quantitative Methods for Business and Operations Research courses). The study has a number of implications for both administrators and instructors. For administrators, it will make them aware of the impacts of the factors under investigation on business students’ performance in quantitative courses. Therefore, this will improve the administrators’ ability to design more effective plans to enhance students’ learning experience and in turn their performance in those courses and accordingly their overall performance. For instructors, this study will indicate which students might perform poorly in quantitative courses and in turn lead to taking the necessary actions to enhance their performance in these courses. Instructors should organize separate classes for management and marketing students on one hand, and students of other fields of study on the other. Different teaching strategies, course contents, assessment approaches could be used for different groups. Similarly, students could be classified according to grade point average and major track in the high school. Once again, different teaching strategies, course contents, assessment approaches could be used for different groups.
Using Paper Helicopters to Teach Statistical Process Control
Authors: Johnson Danny J. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThis hands‐on project uses a paper helicopter to teach students how to distinguish between common and special causes of variability when developing and using statistical process control charts. It allows the student to experience a process that is out‐of‐control due to imprecise or incomplete product design specifications and to discover how the process can be brought into control through the use of standardized product specifications and associated construction procedures. It also allows the student to experience common causes of variability, to distinguish these from the special causes of variability resulting from the incomplete design specifications, and to discover how standardization reduces process variability. The project has been used in both undergraduate and MBA classes and demonstrates these concepts in a way that is easy for the student to understand and remember.
Speech and Gesture in Spatial Language and Cognition Among the Yucatec Mayas
Authors: Le Guen Olivier 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn previous analyses of the influence of language on cognition, speech has been the main channel examined. In studies conducted among Yucatec Mayas, efforts to determine the preferred frame of reference in use in this community have failed to reach an agreement (Bohnemeyer & Stolz, 2006; Levinson, 2003 vs. Le Guen, 2006, 2009). This paper argues for a multimodal analysis of language that encompasses gesture as well as speech, and shows that the preferred frame of reference in Yucatec Maya is only detectable through the analysis of co‐speech gesture and not through speech alone. A series of experiments compares knowledge of the semantics of spatial terms, performance on nonlinguistic tasks and gestures produced by men and women. The results show a striking gender difference in the knowledge of the semantics of spatial terms, but an equal preference for a geocentric frame of reference in nonverbal tasks. In a localization task, participants used a variety of strategies in their speech, but they all exhibited a systematic preference for a geocentric frame of reference in their gestures.