bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep Patterns and Sleep Problems Among Schoolchildren in the United States and China
Authors: Liu Xianchen , Liu Lianqi , Owens Judith A. , Kaplan Debra L. 
Published: January 2005

Objectives. Sleep patterns and sleep problems in children are not only influenced by a large number of biological and psychologic factors but also by cultural and social factors. Little is known about similarities and differences in sleep patterns and sleep problems among children across countries. We attempted to compare sleep patterns and sleep problems among schoolchildren from 2 countries with distinctive cultural contexts: the United States and China.
Methods. The data come from 2 cross-sectional surveys in 3 elementary schools of Jinan City, People's Republic of China, and 3 elementary schools from a suburban school district in southeastern New England, United States. The Chinese sample consisted of 517 elementary school children (grades 1 to 5), and the US sample consisted of 494 elementary school children (grades kindergarten through 4). We used the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) to assess children's sleep patterns and sleep problems as reported by parents. Parents of the Chinese sample completed a Chinese version of the CSHQ.
Results. For children in both the US and Chinese samples, reported bedtime was delayed and sleep duration decreased with increasing age. Compared with the US children (grades 1–4), Chinese children went to bed approximately half an hour later (9:02 vs 8:27 pm) and woke up half an hour earlier (6:28 vs 6:55 am), resulting in an average sleep duration that was 1 hour less (9.25 vs 10.15 hours). Chinese children were rated significantly higher than the US children on almost all CSHQ scales, indicating more sleep problems in Chinese children. Common sleep problems observed for all children were difficulty falling asleep, having a fear of sleeping in the dark, sleep talking, restless sleep, teeth grinding during sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Shorter daily sleep duration was associated with difficulty falling asleep, struggling at bedtime, and trouble sleeping away for the US children, and with going to bed at different times and having a fear of sleeping alone for Chinese children. Short sleep duration was a main predictor of daytime sleepiness for Chinese children, whereas restless sleep and snoring predicted daytime sleepiness for the US children.
Conclusions. As reported by parents, children in China went to bed later and woke up earlier and their sleep duration was 1 hour shorter than the US children. Chinese children were reported to have more sleep problems than their US counterparts. Daytime sleepiness was determined by sleep duration only for those who slept insufficiently. Unique school schedules and sleep practices may contribute to the differences in the sleep patterns and sleep problems of children from the United States and China.
Age-Related Changes in Sleep/Wake Patterns Among Korean Teenagers
Authors: Yang Chang-Kook , Kim Jung K. , Patel Sanjay Rajnikant , Lee Jeong-Hyeong 
Published: January 2005

Introduction. As children go through the transition from childhood to adolescence, many shifts occur in sleep/wake patterns related to intrinsic and extrinsic developmental changes. These shifts have been shown to result in corresponding shifts in sleep phase (later sleep onset) and sleep deprivation among teenagers in Western societies. However, the effect of these developmental changes on the sleep habits of Korean teenagers has not been analyzed. This study aims to quantify age-related changes in sleep/wake patterns among Korean teenagers and elucidate cultural and other factors causing these changes.
Methods. The School Sleep Habits Survey was administered in homeroom classes to students in grades 5 to 12 (mean age: 13.7 ± 2.4 years) selected via a 2-way stratification sampling method. The survey included items regarding usual sleep/wake patterns over the previous 2 weeks as well as measures of daytime sleepiness, sleep/wake-problem behavior, depressed mood, and morningness/eveningness.
Results. A total of 1457 students (52.9% male) completed the survey. The higher the grade, the later bedtime was found to be on both school days and weekends. There was a similar relationship between increasing grade and earlier wake time on school days, but higher grades were associated with later wake time on weekends. Total sleep time decreased by ∼3 hours on school nights and 1 hour on weekend nights from grades 5 to 12. Adolescents were severely sleep deprived, with mean school-night total sleep times of 6.02, 5.62, and 4.86 hours for 10th-, 11th-, and 12th-graders, respectively. In the higher grades, there was a greater discrepancy between school nights and weekends in terms of bedtime and wake time, and the magnitude of weekend oversleep increased. Older students also reported more daytime sleepiness, more sleep/wake-problem behavior, more depressed mood, and more eveningness preference. The chief reasons students cited for their sleep deprivation differed across grades: Academic demands and entertainment (such as Internet and television) were reported by 5th- and 6th-graders, entertainment and then academic demands by 7th-, 8th-, and 9th-graders, and early school start time and academic demands by 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders.
Conclusions. This study clearly demonstrates that Korean adolescents do not get adequate sleep and that they have profound discrepancies in their sleep/wake patterns between school and weekend nights. Compared with previous studies from other countries, Korean students display even greater sleep deprivation and also more irregular sleep/wake patterns. This study also demonstrates that academic demands/stress and early school start time are the most important contributing factors for sleep deprivation among Korean adolescents. These findings stress the need to promote awareness of the magnitude of adolescent sleep deprivation and its detrimental effects in Korean society.
Constipation as a Feature of Anogenital Lichen Sclerosus in Children
Authors: Maronn Mandi L. , Esterly Nancy B. 
Published: January 2005

Objective. To call attention to constipation as a frequent sign of lichen sclerosus (LS) in girls.
Methods. A focused questionnaire was sent to parents of 24 girls with anogenital LS seen in the pediatric dermatology clinic at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin between January 2001 and May 2004.
Results. Eighteen of 24 questionnaires were completed and returned. The average age of onset of LS was 4.2 years, but average age at diagnosis was 5.2 years; only 1 patient was diagnosed correctly by her primary care physician. Itching was the most common symptom (78%). Severe constipation was reported in 67% of patients, and 89% had at least 1 gastrointestinal complaint (bleeding with bowel movements, fissuring, soiling, fecal impaction, or constipation).
Conclusions. Childhood anogenital LS often presents with recalcitrant constipation or some other gastrointestinal complaint. Primary care physicians need to consider the diagnosis of LS and perform a thorough examination by looking for anogenital lesions when a female pediatric patient presents with unexplained constipation or other severe gastrointestinal complaints.
Breast Cancer in African-American Women
Authors: Newman Lisa A. 
Published: January 2005

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to:
Explain the differences in breast cancer incidence and mortality rates between African-American and Caucasian- American women. Describe the patterns of breast cancer risk that are specific to African Americans, including age distribution and hormone receptor expression. Discuss the potential limitations of breast cancer risk assessment for African-American women.
Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
African-American women face a lower risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer as compared to Caucasian-American women, yet they paradoxically face an increased breast cancer mortality hazard. An increased incidence rate for early-onset disease has also been documented. This manuscript review summarizes the socioeconomic, environmental, genetic, and possible primary tumor biologic factors that may explain these disparities.
Prior Red Blood Cell Transfusions in Cancer Patients Increase the Risk of Subsequent Transfusions With or Without Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Management
Authors: Couture F. , Turner A.R. , Melosky B. , Xiu L. , Plante R.K. , Lau C.Y. , Quirt I. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractCancer patients often receive transfusions when their hemoglobin concentration falls to dangerously low levels due to chemotherapy or due to the disease itself. The availability of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) has significantly reduced transfusion frequencies in cancer patients. However, the predictability of transfusions prior to the use of rHuEPO for future transfusions has not been evaluated. Data from five randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and epoetin alfa were utilized to calculate the relative risk of subsequent transfusions in patients who were pretransfused. A meta-analysis with patient-level data was used to assess predictors of transfusion. Baseline data from an open-label study were used to compare quality-of-life (QOL) parameters between previously transfused and transfusion-naïve patients. The mean relative risks (RR) of exposure to additional transfusion for pretransfused patients on placebo or epoetin alfa were 2.14 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73, 2.65) and 2.51 (95% CI: 1.92, 3.27), respectively, compared with nontransfused patients. Data from the meta-analysis of patients on epoetin alfa showed that pretransfusion was the most significant predictor for subsequent transfusions (parameter estimate = −1.2628, p &lt; 0.0001 from Logistic Regression Analysis). While epoetin alfa was similarly effective in reducing transfusion risks for patients with or without pretransfusions (compared with placebo), those who were pretransfused were more than twice as likely to be subsequently transfused, compared with those not pretransfused. QOL was significantly worse for pretransfused patients than for nontransfused patients, as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy –Anemia and the Linear Analogue Scale Assessment QOL instruments. The results suggest that transfusions prior to epoetin alfa therapy increase the risk of future transfusions, and early treatment with epoetin alfa might reduce the risk of subsequent transfusions.
Warfarin Versus Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Therapy in Cancer Patients
Authors: Zacharski Leo R. , Prandoni Paolo , Monreal Manuel 
Published: January 2005

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to:
Define characteristics of the interface between deep vein thrombosis and malignancy. Evaluate patient factors that may complicate long-term warfarin use in patients with cancer. List advantages that may be realized with low-molecular-weight heparin (versus warfarin) therapy in cancer patients.
Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
The association between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is well established. Importantly, VTE is a significant cause of mortality in cancer patients. Although long-term warfarin (Coumadin™; Bristol-Myers Squibb; New York, NY) therapy is the mainstay of treatment for cancer patients with VTE, there are many practical problems with its use in this population. In particular, achieving therapeutic drug levels is difficult in cancer patients due to the increased risk of drug interactions, malnutrition, vomiting, and liver dysfunction in these patients. Moreover, cancer patients are at an increased risk of adverse effects of warfarin therapy. In contrast, low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are associated with a lower risk of adverse events compared with warfarin in patients with cancer. These agents also offer practical advantages compared with warfarin, including more predictable anticoagulant effects and ease of administration in addition to possible antineoplastic effects. Several LMWHs have demonstrated superior efficacy to warfarin in the secondary prevention of VTE. In particular, the LMWH, dalteparin (Fragmin®; Pfizer; New York, NY), has recently been shown to have superior efficacy to warfarin in a large trial of patients with cancer and VTE without increasing the risk of bleeding. A randomized trial of dalteparin has also shown improved response rates and survival in patients with small cell lung cancer. In view of the availability of more effective and reliable alternatives to warfarin therapy in cancer patients, it is appropriate to reassess the role of warfarin therapy in patients with cancer and VTE. Further evaluation of the LMWHs for effects on cancer outcome is indicated.
Conformational studies of Aib‐rich peptides containing lactam‐bridged side chains: Evidence of 310‐helix formation
Authors: Schievano E. , Pagano K. , Mammi S. , Peggion E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAib‐rich side‐chain lactam‐bridged oligomers Ac‐($\rm{G{\overline{lu-Aib-Aib-Ly}s}}$)n‐Ala‐OH with n = 1,2,3 were designed and synthesized as putative models of the 310‐helix. The lactam bridge between the side chains of L‐Glu and L‐Lys in (i) − (i + 3) positions was introduced in order to enhance the structural preference toward the right‐handed 310‐helix. The conformational properties of the three peptides were studied in trifluoroethanol (TFE) solution by CD, NMR, and computer simulations. The structural information was derived mainly from the analysis of nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy spectra. The presence of αH(i)—HN(i + 2) and of αH(i)—HN(i + 3) connectivities and the absence of αH(i)—HN(i + 4) connectivities indicate that these peptides fold into a 310‐helix rather than into an α‐helix. Based on these conformational features, stereospecific assignment of the Aib methyl groups was possible. The results of such experiments and of the subsequent distance geometry and restrained molecular dynamics simulations reveal a marked preference of these peptides for 310‐helix. The CD spectra of these peptides indicate that the helix content increases upon chain elongation. The CD spectrum of the trimer is characterized by a negative band at 200 nm and by a weak positive band around 220 nm. The CD spectrum in TFE is different from that observed in aqueous solution in the presence of SDS micelles, reported in our previous work, and from those reported by a different research group for 310‐helical peptides. A possible reason for these differences could rest in the presence of different equilibria of the conformer populations of the various peptides in different solvent systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci), 2005
Small business responsibility in developing countries: a threat or an opportunity?
Authors: Luken Ralph , Stares Rodney 
Published: January 2005

AbstractMany developing country small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that are exporters see themselves facing a dilemma. They do not know how to respond to the rising social and environmental requirements of global buyers and supply chains and fear that were they to do so they would lose their competitive edge. However, they are aware that if they do not meet these requirements, they will not be able to access new foreign markets and may lose the contracts they already have. To investigate whether practical methods exist for resolving this dilemma, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) carried out a one year project with 22 SMEs in four Asian countries. The results suggest that well targeted, enterprise‐specific efforts to meet corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirements can make a positive contribution to both short‐term profitability and longer‐term competitiveness. The ‘business case’ for CSR appears strongest in the environmental area, but measures in that area can act as a ‘starter motor’ for tackling more systemic ‘social’ problems. Furthermore, tackling social issues at the workplace can feed back positively to improve the sustainability of the environmental improvement measures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Chaotic mixing in a basin due to a sinusoidal wind field
Authors: Liang Qiuhua , Borthwick Alistair G. L. , Taylor Paul H. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThis paper presents a novel numerical study of wind‐induced mixing in a circular shallow lake. The wind‐induced hydrodynamic field is first predicted by a Godunov‐type shallow water equation solver based on a quadtree grid. Then the horizontal mixing processes are analysed in terms of chaotic advection. The particle dynamics under a sinusoidal wind field are found to change from regular to chaotic states with increasing period of wind oscillation. The numerical approach is applicable to a wide range of environmental flows. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global fractionation of oak heartwood extractable polymers (lignins, polysaccharides and ellagitannins) by selective precipitations
Authors: Nonier Marie‐Françoise , Vivas Nicolas , De Gaulejac Nathalie Vivas , Absalon Christelle , Vitry Christiane , Fouquet Eric 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThis paper introduces a new fractionation method by selective extractions and precipitations making it possible to collect the three groups of oak heartwood extractable polymers in a single operation. The three families, lignins, polysaccharides and ellagitannins, were obtained and each was characterized by different techniques. We grouped together the techniques used to characterize these different oak wood groups of polymers: IR, GC, GC‐MS, LC‐MS, 1H NMR, SEC, MALDI‐TOF/MS. This work focuses on the qualitative aspect only. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
A comparison of ownership structures and innovations of US and Japanese firms
Authors: Lee Peggy M. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThis study analyzes the impact of ownership structure on innovation in the US and Japan. Agency theory is used to develop links between the distinct patterns of ownership in the US and Japan to differences in innovation. Empirical evidence shows that ownership concentration and the identity of the investors with large ownership positions affects innovation. This relationship differs across the two countries. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological and structure investigation of shear‐induced crystallization of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Nobile M.R. , Bove L. , Somma E. , Kruszelnicka I. , Sterzynski T. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractIn the present work, the influence of well‐defined simple shear flow histories on the isothermal crystallization of an isotactic polypropylene (i‐PP) has been investigated. At first, the research of the flow conditions in terms of temperature, shear rate ($\dot{\gamma}$) and shear strain (γ) has been performed by means of the rheological technique. The continuous shearing analysis enabled us to build the flow curve at 144°C showing a Newtonian region as well as a shear‐thinning zone. Indeed, for $\dot{\gamma}$ above a critical value, the molecular orientation occurring during flow provides a kinetic promotion of the crystallization process. In the rheological step‐shear flow analysis, an increase of the flow sensitivity parameter, kS/kQ, with increasing the shear rate at a constant strain (γ = 150) is observed. The structure of the crystallized samples has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) methods. In agreement with the DSC, the WAXS results show that crystals with a certain bimodal distribution are generated in the samples crystallized under step‐shear flow conditions. A small orientation of the (110) plane of the i‐PP α‐phase crystals is also detected. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:153–162, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Poly(ester‐urethane)s synthesized using polyoxalate diols
Authors: Tanaka Hideho , Adachi Fumio , Kunimura Masaru , Kurachi Kohichiro 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAmorphous poly(ester‐urethane)s (PEUs) were synthesized by reacting polyoxalate diols (PODs), which are oligoester diols prepared from condensation polymerization of dimethyl oxalate (DMO) and alkane diols, with 4, 4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and propylene diamine (PDA), a chain extender. Their structure–property relationships were studied, mainly focused on effects of molecular weight and alkylene chain length of the POD. The synthesized PEUs were buried in compost soil at 30°C and incubated to conveniently evaluate their biodegradability. Their hydrolytic characteristics were also examined, and what made poly(oxalate‐urethane) (POU) biodegradable was discussed. Poly(oxalate carbonate‐urethane) (POCU), which can be produced adding a polycarbonate diol (PCD) into the POD and then copolymerizing them with DMO, provided biodegradable polyurethanes with mechanical properties appropriate for practical uses. In addition, the microstructure of these copolyurethanes was characterized. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:163–173, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Isothermal annealing of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) and its effect on radiation degradation
Authors: Loo Joachim Say Chye , Ooi Chui Ping , Tan Meng Lu , Boey Freddy Yin Chiang 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine how the presence of crystals can retard electron‐beam (e‐beam) radiation degradation, and their effects on the thermal and morphological properties of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) upon e‐beam irradiation. Isothermal annealing at 115 °C was carried out on PLGA films and the effect of different annealing times on the degree of crystallinity (DOC) of PLGA was recorded. The DOC increased with annealing time to a maximum value, and remained unchanged with further annealing. The annealed films were then e‐beam irradiated at doses of 5, 10, 20 and 30 Mrad. The degradation of the films was studied by measuring the changes in their molecular weight, DOC, thermal properties and FTIR spectra. It was observed that, regardless of the DOC of the films, the molecular weight of PLGA generally decreased with increasing radiation dose, indicating that chain scission is dominant. However, the extent of degradation is less for the films with a higher DOC. The thermal properties of PLGA also decreased with increasing radiation dose. Radiation increases the DOC for films with initial crystallinity below 5 % but decreases the DOC for films with initial crystallinity above 5 %. Crystals in PLGA films decreased the extent of radiation degradation. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry