bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
False Discoveries in UK Mutual Fund Performance
Authors: Cuthbertson Keith , Nitzsche Dirk , O'Sullivan Niall 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe use a multiple hypothesis testing framework to estimate the false discovery rate (FDR) amongst UK equity mutual funds. Using all funds, we find a relatively high FDR for the best funds of 32.8% (at a 5% significance level), which implies that only around 3.7% of all funds truly outperform their benchmarks. For the worst funds the FDR is relatively small at 7.6% which results in 22% of funds which truly underperform their benchmarks. For different investment styles, this pattern of very few genuine winner funds is repeated for all companies, small companies and equity income funds. Forming portfolios of funds recursively for which the FDR is controlled at a ‘acceptable’ value, produces no performance persistence for positive alpha funds and weak evidence of persistence for negative alpha funds.
The association among hypertension and reduced psychological well‐being, anxiety and sleep disturbances: a population study
Authors: Hildingh Cathrine , Baigi Amir 
Published: January 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 366–371

The association among hypertension and reduced psychological well‐being, anxiety and sleep disturbances: a population study Hypertension (HP) is a serious condition affecting about one quarter of all adults, both men and women. Genetic and environmental factors are of importance in its aetiology, while psychosocial factors may also play a role. This study focused on psychosocial factors and examined the association among reduced psychological well‐being, anxiety, sleep disturbances and HP by comparing people with HP and the general population. A national survey of 12 166 individuals (hypertensives n = 2047; rest of population n = 10 119) was conducted using two‐step multiple logistic regression with an odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval. The study is in accordance with Swedish legislation pertaining to ethics. Reduced psychological well‐being, anxiety and sleep disturbances were higher in the HP group and, in addition, reduced psychological well‐being was, still higher in the presence of severe anxiety and serious sleep disturbances. These three factors are of major importance for HP, but it is difficult to know whether they are causes or consequences. In order to prevent HP, support for people who exhibit such risk factors should be a matter of high priority.
Timing of propagule release significantly alters the deposition area of resulting aerial dispersal
Authors: Savage David , Barbetti Martin J. , MacLeod William J. , Salam Moin U. , Renton Michael 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim  The aim of this study is to determine whether changes to the seasonal and circadian timing of propagule release can a have a significant effect on the area covered by resulting aerial dispersal.Location  Western Australia.Methods  Using the atmospheric pollution model (TAPM), an existing meso‐scale dispersal model, a range of release patterns was simulated and the resulting deposition compared. Comparisons were based on observations of deposition patterns and the calculated area of deposition.Results  Small changes to the timing of propagule release were shown to significantly impact on the area experiencing deposition from the resulting aerial dispersal.Main conclusions  Simulations performed in this study show that, for small propagules, changes to the timing of release can lead to alternate, clearly differentiable dispersal events. Small changes in both the seasonal and circadian patterns of release can have significant effects on the area that experiences deposition during the resulting dispersal event. This effect is particularly important at the landscape scale and when there is a need to quantify individual dispersal events. Predictive modelling of aerial dispersal needs to be undertaken with an understanding of the manner in which biological and environmental factors that affect the timing of propagule release can influence results. Results presented highlight the need to characterize the epidemiology of pathogenic organisms of importance to biosecurity as much as possible before they arrive.
Media malaise or a virtuous circle? Exploring the causal relationships between news media exposure, political news attention and political interest
Authors: STRÖMBÄCK JESPER , SHEHATA ADAM 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBeing politically interested is one of the most important norms from a democratic perspective, as it is a crucial antecedent for voting, political knowledge, civic and political participation, and attentiveness to political information. However, only limited research has focused on the relationship between media use and political interest, despite the notion that modern politics is mediated politics. Even more important is the fact that the causal relationship between media use and political interest still has not been firmly established. Against this background, the purpose of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between news media use and political interest. The results show that there are indeed causal and reciprocal relationships between political interest and attention to political news, and between political interest and exposure to some, but not all, news media. Overall these results lend stronger support to the perspective of media mobilisation theories than media malaise theories.
Cabinet structure and fiscal policy outcomes
Authors: WEHNER JOACHIM 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA central explanation of fiscal performance focuses on the structure of the cabinet. However, the partisan context of cabinet decisions remains under‐explored, the findings are based on small samples and the variables of interest are often poorly operationalised. Using a new dataset of spending ministers and partisan fragmentation in the cabinets of 58 countries between 1975 and 1998, this study finds a strong positive association between the number of spending ministers and budget deficits and expenditures, as well as weaker evidence that these effects increase with partisan fragmentation.
Evaluation of the Hemodynamics of a Tissue‐engineered Hybrid Graft
Authors: Son Kuk Hui , Fang Yong Hu , Choi Yoon Jeong , Noh Insup , Won Jae Kyung , Park Yongdoo , Lee Sung Ho , Sun Kyung , Son Ho Sung 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe evaluated the hemodynamics of tissue‐engineered hybrid graft in vivo. The hybrid expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) scaffold was fabricated by coating the ePTFE graft with poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) solution. This scaffold was turned into an engineered hybrid graft by culturing smooth muscle cells on its surface. Both the ePTFE (n = 6) and the engineered hybrid grafts (n = 8) were implanted in the carotid arteries of mongrel dogs. The length of intima in the engineered hybrid graft was greater than the ePTFE. The neoarterial thickness in the engineered hybrid group was greater, and the foreign body reaction was more severe. We compared the hemodynamics (diameter, flow rate, pulsatile index, mean velocity, shear stress, resistance index, and systolic/diastolic ratio) of the native arteries in the distal anastmosis. The shear rate in the engineered hybrid group was higher immediately after implantation, and the resistance index was lower, but there was no significant difference after 4 weeks. The engineered grafts demonstrated similar hemodynamics with the ePTFE grafts after 4 weeks implantation.
Aortic Arch Surgery With a Single Centrifugal Pump for Selective Cerebral Perfusion and Systemic Circulation
Authors: Iwata Keiji , Shimazaki Yasuhisa , Sakamoto Tomohiko , Ueda Hideki , Nakagawa Masashi , Yamada Hideto , Doi Teruo , Ooue Takuya 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn aortic arch surgery, two pumps are required for systemic perfusion and selective cerebral perfusion (SCP). A new technique with a single centrifugal pump for systemic perfusion and SCP was developed and its efficacy and safety evaluated. This technique was adopted for total arch replacement in 22 consecutive patients with true aneurysms (13) and aortic dissection (nine) from January 2005 to January 2008. Cerebral perfusion lines branched from the main perfusion line. During SCP, right radial arterial pressure was maintained at 50 mm Hg and left common carotid arterial pressure at 60 mm Hg, and the regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) values were maintained at approximately >80% of the baseline value. Two operative deaths (9%) occurred due to pneumonia and hemorrhage in the left lung, respectively. Stroke occurred in one patient (5%). This simple circuit system can thus be easily and safely applied for aortic arch surgery.
Analysis of Specific Absorption Rate and Current Density in Biological Tissues Surrounding Energy Transmission Transformer for an Artificial Heart: Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐based Human Body Model
Authors: Higaki Naoya , Shiba Kenji 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe transcutaneous energy transmission system used for artificial hearts is a transmission system that uses electromagnetic induction. Use of the TETS improves quality of life and reduces the risk of infection caused by percutaneous connections. This article reports the changes in the electromagnetic effects of TETS that influence a human body when the locations of the air‐core coils of the transcutaneous transformer are changed. The specific absorption rate and current density in a model consisting of a human trunk that included 24 different organs are analyzed using an electromagnetic simulator. The air‐core coils are located on the pectoralis major muscle near the collarbone in model 1, whereas they are located on the axillary region of the serratus anterior musle, which overlies the rib in model 2. The maximum current densities in models 1 and 2 are 5.2 A/m2 and 6.1 A/m2, respectively. The current density observed in model 2 slightly exceeds the limiting value prescribed by International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). When the volumes of biological tissues whose current densities exceed the limiting value of current density for general public exposure are compared, the volume in model 2 (156.1 cm3) is found to be larger than that in model 1 (93.7 cm3). Hence, it is speculated that the presence of the ribs caused an increase in the current density. Therefore, it is concluded that model 1 satisfies the ICNIRP standards.
Psychometric Analysis of the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure (B‐PEM)
Authors: Flint Anndrea , Farrugia Charles , Courtney Mary , Webster Joan 
Published: January 2010

Abstract Purpose: To undertake rigorous psychometric testing of the newly developed contemporary work environment measure (the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure [B‐PEM]) using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Methods: Content validity of the 33‐item measure was established by a panel of experts. Initial testing involved 195 nursing staff using principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation (orthogonal) and Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using data from a further 983 nursing staff. Results: Principal component factor analysis yielded a four‐factor solution with eigenvalues greater than 1 that explained 52.53% of the variance. These factors were then verified using confirmatory factor analysis. Goodness‐of‐fit indices showed an acceptable fit overall with the full model, explaining 21% to 73% of the variance. Deletion of items took place throughout the evolution of the instrument, resulting in a 26‐item, four‐factor measure called the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure‐Tested. Conclusions: The B‐PEM has undergone rigorous psychometric testing, providing evidence of internal consistency and goodness‐of‐fit indices within acceptable ranges. The measure can be utilised as a subscale or total score reflective of a contemporary nursing work environment. Clinical Relevance: An up‐to‐date instrument to measure practice environment may be useful for nursing leaders to monitor the workplace and to assist in identifying areas for improvement, facilitating greater job satisfaction and retention.
Authors’ and Editors’ Perspectives on Peer Review Quality in Three Scholarly Nursing Journals
Authors: Shattell Mona M. , Chinn Peggy , Thomas Sandra P. , Cowling W. Richard 
Published: January 2010

Abstract Purpose: This study examined the quality of peer review in three scholarly nursing journals from the perspectives of authors and editors. Specifically, the study examined the extent to which manuscript reviews provided constructive guidance for authors to further develop their work for publication, and for editors to make informed and sound decisions on the disposition of manuscripts. Methods: Corresponding authors who had submitted manuscripts to the study journals in 2005–2007 were invited via email to complete an online survey about the quality of the peer review process; 320 authors responded. In addition, one third of the reviews of manuscripts submitted in 2005–2007 (a total of 528) were selected for rating by journal editors on level of detail, bias, and constructive tone; usefulness to authors in revising/developing the manuscript; and usefulness to the editor in making a decision. Results: A majority (73.8%) of authors agreed that peer reviews provided constructive guidance, and 75.6% agreed that reviews provided adequate rationale for editors’ decisions. New authors generally reported less satisfaction with reviews than more experienced authors. Ratings of reviews by the editors revealed some problem areas, including inconsistency, insufficient feedback to the author, reviewer bias, and disrespectful tone. Conclusions: Given the inexperience of many nurse authors, it is incumbent upon editors and reviewers to provide guidance and support. Manuscript reviews could be improved by increasing the consistency of numeric ratings, narrative comments, and recommendations regarding disposition of the manuscripts. Nevertheless, the results of this study reaffirm the worth of the peer review approach. Clinical Relevance: Publication of research and other forms of scholarly work is critical to the development of nursing knowledge that can be used in clinical practice. Authors with a variety of backgrounds, knowledge, and skills have important work to share that can serve healthcare providers and their clients. Thus, ensuring the quality of the peer review process is essential.
NF‐κB is involved in inhibition of lipoxin A4 on dermal inflammation and hyperplasia induced by mezerein
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Hua , Liu Bin , Dong Ling , Wu Hong‐Juan 
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: NF‐κB is involved in inhibition of lipoxin A4 on dermal inflammation and hyperplasia induced by mezerein. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e286–e288.Abstract:  The mechanisms by which lipoxin A4 (LXA4) inhibit skin inflammation remain unclear. In the present studies, the ear inflammatory model was induced by topical application of mezerein. Treatment of the mouse ear with LXA4 exhibited the inhibitory effects on oedema, neutrophil infiltration, vascular permeability, expressions of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA, DNA‐binding activity of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and on dermal hyperplasia. NF‐κB reporter activities and nuclear translocations of NF‐κB p65 in cultured keratinocytes stimulated by mezerein were inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with LXA4. LXA4 reduced degradation, but not phosphorylation of IκBα in cultured keratinocytes stimulated by mezerein, suggesting that LXA4‐attenuated IκBα degradation may restore the mezerein‐blocked inhibitory effects of IκB on nuclear translocation and DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB. Our results demonstrated that LXA4 displays the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐proliferative role on ear inflammatory model induced by mezerein and these effects were related with downregulation of DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB.
Survival of infants in the context of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission in South Africa
Authors: Chopra M , Doherty T , Goga A , Jackson D , Persson LA 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  We sought to study the survival of newborn children according to HIV status of the mother, that of the child and the timing of infection.Methods:  This is a prospective cohort study of 883 mothers (665 HIV‐positive and 218 HIV‐negative) and their infants. Data were collected using semi‐structured questionnaires during home visits between the antenatal period and 36 weeks post‐delivery. Infant HIV status was determined at 3, 24 and 36 weeks by HIV DNA PCR.Results:  The majority (81.3%) of infected infants who died were infected by 3 weeks of age. Of the HIV‐exposed infants who died, 19 (28.4%) died before 6 weeks and 38 (56.7%) died by 12 weeks. The hazard ratio (HR) of mortality at 36 weeks of age in HIV‐infected infants compared with exposed but negative infants was 8.9 (95% CI: 6.7–11.8). There was no significant difference in 36 week survival rates between HIV‐non‐exposed and HIV‐exposed but negative infants (HR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.3–1.5). The infant being HIV‐positive at age 3 weeks (HR: 32 95% CI: 14.0–73.1) and rural site (HR: 4.4 95% CI: 1.2–23.4) were the two independent risk factors for infant death amongst HIV‐exposed infants.Conclusion:  The prognosis for infants with early HIV infection was very poor in this cohort. A greater focus on prevention of early infection, earlier screening for HIV infection and access to antiretrovirals for eligible infants is recommended.
Multicenter prospective study analysing the role of rotavirus on acute gastroenteritis in Spain
Authors: Gimenez‐Sanchez F , Delgado‐Rubio A , Martinon‐Torres F , Bernaola‐Iturbe E ,   Rotascore Research Group
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground:  Paediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis is the most frequent cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children up to 5 years of age worldwide.Aim:  To analyse the clinical characteristics of AGE caused by rotavirus comparing to AGE caused by other agents.Methods:  The study was conducted in 30 health‐care centers in Spain (25 hospitals and five primary centers) between January and March 2006. Children with AGE up to 2 years of age were included. Stool samples were analysed using immunochromatographic test to identify rotavirus infection. Clinical and epidemiological data were analysed.Results:  A total of 1192 children were enrolled (mean age: 11.2 months). Fever, Vomiting, weakness and dehydration were more frequent in rotavirus‐positive AGE cases. Severity score was higher and hospitalization was likely in AGE caused by rotavirus. Family AGE illness was more frequent in children with rotavirus‐positive AGE. Breastfeeding was found as a protective factor against Rotavirus AGE.Conclusion:  Rotavirus is the primary causal agent of AGE in children under 2 years of age in Spain, causing more severe symptoms and more hospital admissions than other causal agents. Our data support the interest of the introduction of the available rotavirus vaccines in the Spanish immunization schedule.
Effects of motilin on intracellular free calcium in cultured smooth muscle cells from the antrum of neonatal rats
Authors: Fang P. , Dong L. , Luo J.Y. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to determine the effects of motilin on [Ca2+]i regulation and its underlying molecular mechanism in cultured antral smooth muscle cells (ASMCs).Methods:  Antral cells were isolated and cultured from neonatal rats, and then the [Ca2+]i in these cells was evaluated by calcium fluorescent probe Fluo‐3/AM on a laser scanning confocal microscope.Results:  We show that motilin dose‐dependently increased [Ca2+]i concentration in cultured ASMCs. Pre‐incubation of cells with either the calcium antagonist verapamil (10−5 mol L−1) or the calcium chelator Egtazic (EGTA, 0.1 mmol L−1) significantly suppressed motilin (10−6 mol L−1) induced [Ca2+]i increase as indicated by fluorescent intensity. Interestingly, after mixing with the non‐selective intracellular calcium release blocker TMB‐8 (10−5 mol L−1), guanosine triphosphate regulatory protein antagonist NEM (10−5 mol L−1), phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor compound 48/80 (1.2 μg mL−1) and ryanodine at high concentration (10−5 mol L−1), the motilin‐induced [Ca2+]i increase was only partially blocked. The protein kinase C inhibitor d‐sphingosine (10−6 mol L−1), however, did not show any inhibitory effect on motilin‐induced [Ca2+]i elevation.Conclusions:  Our study suggests that motilin‐stimulated [Ca2+]i elevation in ASMCs is probably due to sustained extracellular Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from Ca2+ stores via inositol tris‐phosphate receptors and ryanodine receptors. Specifically, motilin‐induced [Ca2+]i release is accompanied with guanosine triphosphate‐binding protein‐coupled receptor–PLC–inositol tris‐phosphate signalling cascades.
Chronic periaortitis with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: KIM Hyoun‐Ah , WON Je‐Hwan , SUH Chang‐Hee 
Published: January 2010

AbstractChronic periaortitis (CP) is a rare disease, the common denominator of which is a retroperitoneal periaortic fibroinflammatory tissue that frequently obstructs neighboring structures. CP has already been reported in association with various autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome. The association with autoimmune disorders suggests that CP is a manifestation of a systemic autoimmune process. We describe the first case of antiphospholipid syndrome in a patient with CP.
Validation of the International Criteria for Behçet’s disease (ICBD) in Iran
Authors: DAVATCHI Fereydoun , SADEGHI ABDOLLAHI Bahar , SHAHRAM Farhad , NADJI Abdolhadi , CHAMS‐DAVATCHI Cheyda , SHAMS Hormoz , NADERI Nasim , AKHLAGHI Massoomeh , FAEZI Tahereh , FARIDAR Alireza 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the performance of the new International Criteria for Behçet’s Disease (ICBD) in Iran. The ICBD was created in 2006 to replace the International Study Group (ISG) criteria (created in 1990). In this study, 14 existing diagnosis/classification criteria (Curth, Hewitt, Mason and Barnes, Japan original, Hubault and Hamza, O’Duffy, Cheng and Zhang, Dilsen, Japan revised, International Study Group, Iran traditional, Iran Classification Tree, revised Dilsen, Korea), were evaluated and compared to ICBD by calculating their sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.Methods:  All patients from the Behçet’s Disease registry (6128) and controls (3400), up to January 2008, entered the study. The diagnosis was clinical and not by any of the above‐mentioned criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy (percent agreement), and 95% confidence interval were calculated. The performance of ICBD and ISG were compared by the McNemar test.Results:  The sensitivity was 98.2% for ICBD and 78.1% for ISG (P < 0.0001). The specificity was 95.6% for ICBD and 98.4% for ISG (P < 0.0001). The accuracy was 97.3% for ICBD and 85.5% for ISG (P < 0.0001).Discussion:  In Iranian patients, ICBD has 20.1% higher sensitivity and 11.8% higher accuracy than ISG, while the specificity was only 2.8% lower. ICBD was better optimized than ISG (difference between sensitivity and specificity 2.6% vs 20.3%).Conclusion:  ICBD has by far better performance than ISG in Iran. The difference is even more prominent in Iranian patients than in the cohort of the international patients upon whom the criteria were created.