bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug costs in long‐term care facilities under a per diem bundled payment scheme in Japan
Authors: Hamada Shota , Kojima Taro , Sakata Nobuo , Ishii Shinya , Tamiya Nanako , Okochi Jiro , Akishita Masahiro 
Published: April 2019

AimThe present study aimed to evaluate drug costs per resident at Japanese intermediate care facilities for older adults (called Roken) in relation to drug utilization after admission to these facilities. The payment, including coverage of drugs, is mainly determined by the resident's long‐term care needs.MethodsA nationwide drug utilization survey was carried out. The participants were 1324 residents of 350 Roken (up to five individuals per facility) who were admitted in 2015 and agreed to participate in this study. Drug costs per resident per month at admission and 2 months later were calculated for drugs prescribed for regular use. Associations between characteristics of the residents and drug costs were examined.ResultsA wide variation in drug costs with a long right tail was observed. Median drug costs were $77 (interquartile range $34–147) at admission, and $46 (interquartile range $19–98) in month 2. There was no apparent association between the level of long‐term care needs and drug costs, adjusting for sex, age and main place of residence before admission. Anti‐dementia drugs accounted for the largest portion of total drug costs at admission (15.4%) and in month 2 (12.4%). The average drug cost per user was also the highest for anti‐dementia drugs ($90.2 per user per month), followed by drugs for Parkinson's disease ($70.3). The proportion of generic drugs across all drug classes examined increased after admission.ConclusionsThese findings might suggest that implementation of the bundled payment scheme would be effective for the reduction of medication costs in institutional long‐term care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 667–672.
Heat transfer from glass melt to cold cap: Gas evolution and foaming
Authors: Hrma Pavel , Klouzek Jaroslav , Pokorny Richard , Lee Seung Min , Kruger Albert A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn electric melters, the conversion heat is transferred through the foam layer at the cold‐cap bottom. Understanding cold‐cap foaming is thus important for enhancing the efficiency of both commercial and waste glass melters as well as for the development of advanced batch‐to‐glass conversion models. Observing foam behavior is still impossible “in situ,” that is, directly, in glass melters. To investigate the feed foaming behavior in laboratory conditions, we employed the feed volume expansion test, evolved gas analysis, and thermogravimetry. Combining these techniques helps assess the cold‐cap bottom temperature that directly influences the temperature gradient at the melt/cold‐cap interface, and thus the rate of melting. We also discuss the behavior of cavities formed by coalescing primary foam bubbles and ascending secondary bubbles.
Rasch analysis of the Patient Participation in Rehabilitation Questionnaire (PPRQ)
Authors: Melin Jeanette , Fornazar Robin , Spångfors Martin , Pendrill Leslie 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the Patient Participation in Rehabilitation Questionnaire (PPRQ) according to Rasch measurement theory.MethodFive hundred twenty‐two post‐discharge patients from a neurological rehabilitation unit were included. The PPRQ questionnaire comprises 20 items rated by a cohort of 522 patients about their experiences of participating in rehabilitation. The measurement properties of the PPRQ were evaluated by Rasch analysis of the responses.ResultsThe Rasch analysis of 20 items showed some major misfits, particularly three items addressing the involvement of family members. After removing those items, the model fit improved and no significant DIF remained. Despite improvements, person values (−2.96 to 4.86 logits) were not fully matched by the item values (−0.61 to 0.77 logits). Neither did the t test for unidimensionality meet the criterion of 5%, and local dependency was present. The unidimensionality and local dependency could, however, be accommodated for by four testlets.ConclusionThe PPRQ‐17 showed that a ruler with a reasonable and clinical hierarchy can be constructed, although the expectations of dimensionality and local dependency need to be evaluated further. Despite room for further development, PPRQ‐17 nevertheless shows improved measurement precision in terms of patient leniency compared with previous evaluations with classical test theory. In turn, this can play a crucial role when comparing different rehabilitation programs and planning tailored care development activities.
Seasonal and spatial variation in the reproductive biology of the dwarf seahorse Hippocampus zosterae
Authors: Rose Emily , Simmonds Mackenzie , Hayashida‐Boyles Alana L. , Masonjones Heather D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFactors associated with the reproductive ecology of the dwarf seahorse Hippocampus zosterae were investigated. Fish from a Tampa Bay (FL, USA) seagrass ecosystem were collected, photographed and returned to the wild, with photos analysed to determine patterns of body size, density, sex ratio and reproductive state across site and season to understand the population dynamics of H. zosterae over time. Animal density did not vary significantly with site and season, indicating there is little evidence of seasonal migration in this species. Densities reported in this study were higher than the mean density for all seahorse species Hippocampus spp. There was no sexual dimorphism in body length and both sexes reached sexual maturity at the same size. The ratio of gravid to non‐gravid males was found to shift by season but not by site, with breeding detected year‐round in this population compared with populations further north in their range. Peak breeding (70% gravid males) was observed in the late summer–autumn (August–October) in the site furthest from shore. The largest fish for both sexes were recorded during the summer and autumn months in the mid‐shore, deepest site. Sex ratio shifted by site with even sex ratios near the shore but significantly female‐biased sex ratios detected at sites near open water. Lastly, an increase in marking dates with decreased time intervals between collections did not yield a higher recapture rate, compared with sampling in 2010. However, the Tampa Bay population of dwarf seahorses demonstrated stable densities across 3 years with year‐round breeding, indicating that it is a robust population worthy of long‐term monitoring for conservation efforts.
Deconstructing an octogenarian misconception reveals the true Corydoras arcuatus Elwin 1938 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) and a new Corydoras species from the Amazon basin
Authors: Tencatt Luiz F.C. , Lima Flávio C.T. , Britto Marcelo R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAfter 80 years of misidentifications, the analysis of the holotype of Corydoras arcuatus plus several non‐type specimens attributed to this species allowed its recognition and also revealed a new species, both sharing the following diagnostic features: a long, arched, continuous black stripe that runs parallel to the dorsal profile of the body and extends at least from the anterior margin of the first dorsolateral body plate to the posterior portion of caudal peduncle; absence of transverse black bars on caudal fin; infraorbital 2 in contact with sphenotic and compound pterotic. In addition to these features, C. arcuatus can be distinguished from congeners by having the posterior margin of both dorsal and pectoral spines with laminar serrations directed towards their origins. The new species can be additionally distinguished from its congeners by presenting the following combination of features: ventral surface of trunk entirely or partially covered by relatively large and coalescent platelets; absence of spots or blotches on dorsal fin; and posterior margin of both dorsal and pectoral spines with serrations directed towards their tips. Finally, an identification key to all arc‐striped species of Corydoras is provided.
Effects of size and sex on the courting success and foraging behaviour ofEmbiotoca jacksoni
Authors: Satterfield Darien R. , Steele Mark A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTo test life‐history theory that body size and sex should influence how animals allocate time to foragingversusreproductive activities, we measured the effects of size and sex on courting success and foraging behaviour of black surfperchEmbiotoca jacksonioff Santa Catalina Island, southern California. Observations of focal fish were made while snorkelling, during which the length of each fish (estimated to the nearest cm), total duration of courting encounters and foraging rates were recorded. We made observations during and outside the mating season. Courtship occurred only between pairs and its duration increased with the size of both the male and female. Although males would court females that were smaller or larger than themselves, pairs that were closely matched in size had long courting sessions, whereas those that differed considerably in size courted only briefly. Small fish foraged more than larger fish, both during and outside the mating season. Males and females foraged at similar rates outside of the mating season, but during the mating season males reduced their foraging rates to less than half that seen outside of the mating season, whereas females continued to forage at the same rate. This decrease in foraging rate of males during the mating season was seen in all sizes of males but was proportionally greatest in the largest males. These observations indicate that males trade off time spent on foraging for time spent courting during the mating season, whereas females do not.
Novel regulatory systems for acetylcholine release in rat striatum and anti‐Alzheimer's disease drugs
Authors: Muramatsu Ikunobu , Uwada Junsuke , Yoshiki Hatsumi , Sada Kiyonao , Lee Kung‐Shing , Yazawa Takashi , Taniguchi Takanobu , Nishio Matomo , Ishibashi Takaharu , Masuoka Takayoshi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRegulation of neurotransmitter release in the central nervous system is complex. Here, we investigated regulatory mechanisms for acetylcholine (ACh) release from cholinergic neurons by performing superfusion experiments with rat striatal segments after labelling the cellular ACh pool with [3H]choline. Electrical stimulation‐evoked pronounced [3H]ACh release from cholinergic neurons. The estimated quantity of [3H]ACh release per pulse of electrical stimulation was reduced by an increase in stimulus frequency, showing an inverse correlation between release probability of ACh and neuronal excitation. ACh release was also negatively regulated by pre‐synaptic muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs). The autoinhibition induced by released ACh was predominantly suppressed by the M2‐selective antagonist AF‐DX 116, partially inhibited by M3‐selective darifenacin, and minimally by M4‐selective PD 102807. Other subtype‐selective antagonists had no effect at subtype‐selective concentrations. ACh esterase (AChE) inhibitors (diisopropylfluorophosphate, donepezil and galantamine) at concentrations that mostly inhibit esterase activity reduced [3H]ACh release, and the reduction was abolished by treatment with atropine. This implies that pre‐synaptic autoreceptors are activated more after blockade of ACh hydrolysis, leading to autoinhibition of ACh release and consequent reduction in synaptic ACh concentrations. [3H]efflux was also enhanced by ACh uptake inhibitors (100 μM hemicholinium‐3 and physostigmine), regardless of ACh hydrolysis. This study shows that synaptic ACh concentrations in striatal cholinergic neurons are regulated in a complex manner by many factors such as release probability, pre‐synaptic M2/M3/M4 mAChRs, AChE and post‐synaptic ACh uptake, and provides important information about cholinergic neurotransmission for future exploration of therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's and other central nervous system diseases.Open science badgesThis article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/openscience-badges/.
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The Nexus between Contract Duration and the Use of Formal and Informal Incentive Pay
Authors: Demougin Dominique , Fabel Oliver 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe investigate a firm's choice of formal and informal effort incentives in a repeated game setting with undistorted signaling and liquidity‐constrained agents. The model allows for a simple geometric representation of credibility and incentive‐feasibility effects on optimal contract design. If credibility constitutes a binding constraint, explicit, i.e. enforceable, performance pay and discretionary salary promises are unambiguous substitutes and higher employee performance is associated with lower‐powered bonus pay. Using personnel data from an insurance company, we show that the model's predictions regarding the mediating role of expected contract duration on these relationships are consistent with remuneration practices.
Prescription of statins in suspected non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and high cardiovascular risk, a population‐based study
Authors: van den Berg Eline H. , Wolters Alba A. B. , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Moshage Han , Zurakowski David , de Meijer Vincent E. , Blokzijl Hans 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsThe prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing, with concomitant high incidence of lipoprotein abnormalities. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in subjects with NAFLD and management of dyslipidaemia is pivotal for prevention. We aimed to determine cardiovascular risk and indication for statin therapy in subjects with NAFLD.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of the population‐based Lifelines Cohort Study of 34 240 adult individuals. Subjects with reported use of lipid‐lowering drugs were excluded. Suspected NAFLD was defined as Fatty Liver Index (FLI) ≥60 and advanced hepatic fibrosis as NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) >0.676. Cardiovascular risk and indication for statin therapy were defined according to the European Society of Cardiology and European Atherosclerosis Society Guideline for the Management of Dyslipidaemias.ResultsFLI ≥ 60 was present in 7067 (20.6%) participants and coincided with increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, CVD and impaired renal function (all P < 0.001). 10‐year predicted cardiovascular risk was significantly increased in subjects with elevated FLI and NFS (both P < 0.001). Indication for statin use was significantly increased in subjects with FLI ≥ 60 (31.0% vs 15.6%, P < 0.001) and NFS > 0.676 (73.2% vs 30.6%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, FLI ≥ 60 (OR 1.26, 95%CI: 1.13‐1.41, P < 0.001) and NFS > 0.676 (OR 5.03, 95%CI: 2.76‐9.17, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for indication regarding statin therapy.ConclusionsBecause of increased cardiovascular risk, substantial proportions of subjects with suspected NAFLD and/or fibrosis have an indication for lipid‐lowering treatment and could benefit from statin therapy.
Experimental Investigation of Water Quality and Inorganic Solids in Malaysian Urban Lake, Taman Tasik Medan Idaman
Authors: Hossain Nazia , Mahmud Labiba 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWater scarcity is a persistent crisis during dry weather periods in the Gombak area, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Drinking and household water supply in Gombak is usually based on groundwater sources, with the lack of rainfall in key catchment areas during the dry period causing groundwater levels to decline, temporarily resulting in inability of the water pumping system to supply water. To address this issue, the present study investigated an alternative surface water supply source, namely Tasik Taman Idaman Lake. The study objective was to analyse the physicochemical characteristics of the lake water and determine the water standard for potability. A range of water quality parameters were measured in the present study, many being outside the desired levels, based on the standard “Class I” according to Malaysian EQA (Environmental Quality Act 2009). Of these parameters, only pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were within drinkable level, while the other parameters would have to undergo purification processes to attain the standard “Class I” status.
Geophysical investigation of the Colônia structure, Brazil
Authors: Prado Renato L. , Espin Fenoll Isabel C. , Ullah Irfan , Miura Gianna C. Maciel , Crósta Alvaro P. , Zanon dos Santos Roberto P. , Reimold Wolf Uwe , Elis Vagner R. , Imbernon Erico , Riccomini Claudio , Diogo Liliana Alcazar 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe origin of the nearly circular Colônia structure, located at the southwestern edge of the city of São Paulo, Brazil, has been the subject of a long‐standing debate, ever since the 1960s when the structure was first investigated by geophysical methods. The structure still raises interest for geological research, as its sedimentary infill holds important paleoclimatic information about the evolution of the tropical rainforest, as well as the interplay between the South American summer monsoon, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, and the southern Westerly wind belt—for possibly as long as several million years. In addition, the search for evidence to conclusively establish the origin of this structure continues, and the answer most likely lies in the lower portions of the basin's sedimentary infill, which also holds a significant potential for underground water resources. Here, we present the results from recent seismic (reflection and HVSR), gravimetric, and geoelectrical surveys. They have provided a reliable image of the sedimentary infill, and the maximum depth to basement within the structure has been constrained consistently by the different methods to approximately −400 m. The geophysical data have also allowed to map the lateral contact between the crystalline basement rocks and the sedimentary infill, which indicates a diameter of approximately 2.8 km for the sedimentary basin, with 3.6 km being the diameter of the outermost limit of the structure. A total of six seismic stratigraphic boundaries were identified within the sedimentary infill, providing a framework for the planning of a deep drilling campaign and subsequent sampling program aimed at geological and paleoclimatology studies.
Thrifting for More: Savings and Aspirations in Health Care Sharing Ministries after the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Schwarz Carolyn 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 includes health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) on the list of religious exemptions to the individual mandate. HCSMs are non‐profit, faith‐based organizations that share in the cost of medical bills but are not actually insurance. Precisely because HCSMs are not beholden to any of the ACA's insurance reforms, they have the advantage of costing less. Based primarily on in‐depth interviews, I argue that thrift is the preeminent moral discourse that anchors the HCSM world. For members, thrift in health care is understood as a moral good and as a practice that offers possibilities for benefiting connected others and generating life fulfillment, or what Taylor refers to as “fullness.” I suggest that a focus on thrift raises questions about how Americans make determinations about worth in health care and how they construct health care–seeking as deeply attached to their visions of how they want life to be.
Assessing body dissatisfaction in Japanese women during the second trimester of pregnancy using a new figure rating scale
Authors: Tsuchiya Sayaka , Yasui Madoka , Ohashi Kazutomo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDuring pregnancy, women re‐evaluate their body image based on their increasing body weight. They are usually concerned about their body size, which leads to body dissatisfaction. In this study, we investigated body dissatisfaction among Japanese women during the second trimester, when they are recommended to gain adequate weight. A cross‐sectional survey of body dissatisfaction among pregnant women was conducted using a new figure rating scale corresponding to body mass index with real‐life photographs of women in their sixth month of gestation. Pregnant Japanese women expressed body dissatisfaction and preferred to be thinner by 1.6 kg/m2 of their body mass index. They perceived their body size as larger than their real size, and those with a higher body mass index had more body dissatisfaction, although they were of normal weight or underweight. The results indicated that the new figure rating scale could be a useful tool to identify pregnant women with higher body dissatisfaction during the second trimester, providing an opportunity to discuss adequate gestational weight gain with pregnant women.
Economic burden of cutaneous infections in children and adults with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sandhu Jeena K. , Salame Nicole , Ehsani‐Chimeh Nazanin , Armstrong April W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory disease affecting both children and adults. AD is associated with multiple comorbidities and complications. In particular, AD patients are susceptible to developing cutaneous infections. Studies show that comorbidities have contributed significantly to increased health care utilization and costs in AD. However, evidence regarding the degree to which this increased health care utilization and expenditure in AD is attributable to cutaneous infections is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of skin infections on health care utilization and expenditures among patients with atopic dermatitis.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study examined health care utilization and expenditures for AD patients of all ages with and without skin infections in the United States using the nationally representative 1996‐2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data.ResultsIn this study, a total of 4 825 668 (weighted) patients had a diagnosis of AD (mean age 5.7). Of these, 776 753 patients (16%) experienced skin infections (mean age 4.4). Compared to AD patients without skin infections, those with skin infections had more frequent visits to ambulatory clinics (P = 0.001) and the emergency department (P = 0.011), and increased hospitalization (P = 0.010), after adjustments for demographic and clinical factors. AD patients with skin infections were also given 3.3 more prescriptions (P < 0.0001). AD patients with skin infections incurred significantly greater health care costs, which included an additional $351/patient/year for ambulatory visits (P < 0.0001) and an additional $177/patient/year for prescription medications (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsAtopic dermatitis patients with cutaneous infections incurred significantly greater health care utilization and expenditures than those without cutaneous infections.