bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of Vision Screening Tests for School Children
Authors: Ore Liora , Tamir Ada , Stein Nili , Cohen‐Dar Michal 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Purpose: Estimate the reliability of the E‐chart as used with Israeli school children. Design: Cross‐sectional, population‐based study conducted among 751 Israeli students of the Northern District, aged 6‐ and 7‐year‐olds and 13‐ and 14‐years‐old in 30 schools in 2003. Methods: Each student was screened separately by two public health nurses using the illiterate E‐chart. Collected data included the students’ vision and demographic characteristics, the nurses’ professional background, and whether they referred students for medical testing. The reliabilities of vision testing and of the recommendations were determined using total, positive, and negative percentages of agreement and Kappa coefficients. Findings: Total percentage of agreement on vision (combined findings for both eyes) was 78.2% (Kappa 0.47, 95%CI 0.41–0.53). Logistic regression models to predict agreement on vision abnormality showed a higher percentage of agreement among females and 13‐ and 14‐year‐old students than among males and 6‐ and 7‐year old students. Total agreement of 85.8% was found in referral recommendations (Kappa 0.58, 95%CI 0.51–0.65). Significant relationships were noted with student age, ethnicity, subdistrict of residence, nurse seniority, and agreement on vision findings. Conclusions: Improvement in school vision‐screening reliability is needed, especially among 6‐ and 7‐year‐old students. To this end, the determinants of fair reliability should be investigated and training programs planned. Reasons for differences in the reliability of nurses’ recommendations detected among subdistricts must be further studied, together with careful supervision, to ensure better performance and adherence to PHS guidelines. Implications for nurses and nursing should be considered. Clinical Relevance: Demographic characteristics were found to predict reliability, which can guide nurses in selecting students who need more careful attention or closer supervision during vision testing.
Supervisors are Central to Work Characteristics Affecting Nurse Outcomes
Authors: Rodwell John , Noblet Andrew , Demir Defne , Steane Peter 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Purpose: To examine the predictive capability of the demand‐control‐support (DCS) model, augmented by organizational justice variables, on attitudinal‐ and health‐related outcomes for nurses caring for elderly patients. Design: The study is based on a cross‐sectional survey design and involved 168 nurses working with elderly patients in facilities of a medium to large Australian organization. Method: Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of scales designed for measuring independent (e.g., demand, control, support, organizational justice) and dependent (e.g., job satisfaction, organizational commitment, wellbeing and psychological distress) variables. Multiple regression analyses were undertaken to identify significant predictors of the outcome variables. Findings: The DCS model explains the largest amount of variance across both the attitudinal and health outcomes with 27% of job satisfaction and 49% of organizational commitment, and 33% of psychological distress and 35% of wellbeing, respectively. Additional variance was explained by the justice variables for job satisfaction (5%), organizational commitment (4%), and psychological distress (23%). Conclusions: Using organizational justice variables to augment the DCS model was valuable in better understanding the work conditions experienced by nurses caring for elderly patients. Inclusion of curvilinear effects added clarity to the potentially artifactual nature of certain interaction variables. Clinical Relevance: The results indicated practical implications for managers of nurses caring for elderly patients in terms of developing and maintaining levels of job control, support, and fairness, as well as monitoring levels of job demands. The results particularly show the importance of nurses’ immediate supervisors.
Expression pattern of GATA‐3 in embryonic and fetal human skin suggests a role in epidermal and follicular morphogenesis
Authors: Sellheyer Klaus , Krahl Dieter 
Published: August 2009

Background: The transcription factor GATA‐3 was recently identified as a master regulator in the specification of the inner root sheath. Additionally, it seems to play a role in skin barrier physiology. p63 binds and transactivates the GATA‐3 promoter. While the expression profile of GATA‐3 is delineated for the mouse, little is known about its expression in the adult human hair follicle and no studies are published about its distribution during human cutaneous embryogenesis. Methods: We examined samples from embryonic, fetal and adult human skin for the expression of GATA‐3 using immunohistochemistry. Results: GATA‐3 is expressed late during human skin development. Its expression pattern is comparable to the mouse and confined to the Huxley layer and inner root sheath cuticle but sparing the Henle layer. In addition, GATA‐3 localizes to the spinous cell layer of the interfollicular epidermis. Conclusions: From the described expression pattern, it is highly probable that GATA‐3 plays a role in follicular and epidermal morphogenesis. What the anatomically confined expression of GATA‐3 to the spinous layer means biologically for the physiology of the skin is still unclear. Likewise, it still needs to be shown if GATA‐3 could be exploited in the diagnosis of adnexal neoplasms.Sellheyer K, Krahl, D. Expression pattern of GATA‐3 in embryonic and fetal human skin suggests a role in epidermal and follicular morphogenesis.
Taxonomic diversity as complementary information to assess plant species diversity in secondary vegetation and primary tropical deciduous forest
Authors: Moreno Claudia E. , Castillo‐Campos Gonzalo , Verdú José R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractQuestion: Species diversity is commonly expressed as the number of species present in an area, but this unique value assumes that all species contribute equally to the area's biodiversity. Can taxonomic diversity be used as a complementary measure for species richness in order to assess plant biodiversity in remnants of primary forest and patches of secondary vegetation?Location: Veracruz, Mexico.Methods: Using data from six sampling transects of each vegetation type in an elevation gradient (400‐900 m a.s.l.), we compare the point, mean and cumulative floristic diversity of primary forest and secondary vegetation in a tropical deciduous landscape, using species richness and two measures of taxonomic diversity: average taxonomic distinctness (Δ+) and variation in taxonomic distinctness (Λ+). We performed a randomization test to detect differences in the observed taxonomic diversity, from the expected values derived from the species pool of each vegetation type.Results: We found that the species of secondary vegetation are more closely related at low taxonomic levels (lower Δ+ value) than the species of primary forest remnants. Also, in secondary vegetation the distribution of species is uneven among the taxonomic levels and units (high Λ+ value). These patterns are consistent for point, mean and cumulative taxonomic diversity. Families Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae are over‐represented, while families Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae, Orchidaceae and Pteridaceae are under‐represented in secondary vegetation.Conclusions: Although in a previous paper we concluded that secondary vegetation is more alpha‐diverse than primary forest (in terms of both cumulative and mean species richness), and beta‐diversity between vegetation types is notoriously high, we now provide a wider view by highlighting the importance of taxonomic diversity in primary forest remnants. Our data indicate that to measure biodiversity accurately, we should seek to capture its different facets. This will allow us to make conservation recommendations based on a broader view, and not on a single dimension.
Carbon Sequestration in Two Alpine Soils on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tian Yu‐Qiang , Xu Xing‐Liang , Song Ming‐Hua , Zhou Cai‐Ping , Gao Qiong , Ouyang Hua 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Soil carbon sequestration was estimated in a conifer forest and an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau using a carbon‐14 radioactive label provided by thermonuclear weapon tests (known as bomb‐14C). Soil organic matter was physically separated into light and heavy fractions. The concentration spike of bomb‐14C occurred at a soil depth of 4 cm in both the forest soil and the alpine meadow soil. Based on the depth of the bomb‐14C spike, the carbon sequestration rate was determined to be 38.5 g C/m2 per year for the forest soil and 27.1 g C/m2 per year for the alpine meadow soil. Considering that more than 60% of soil organic carbon (SOC) is stored in the heavy fraction and the large area of alpine forests and meadows on the Tibetan Plateau, these alpine ecosystems might partially contribute to “the missing carbon sink”.
Can ice survive in main-belt comets? Long-term evolution models of comet 133P/Elst-Pizarro
Authors: Prialnik Dina , Rosenberg Eric D. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
We present detailed evolutionary calculations spanning 4.6 × 109 yr for a model representing main-belt comet 133P/Elst-Pizarro, considering different initial compositions: mixtures of ices and dust. We find that only crystalline H2O ice may survive in the interior of the nucleus, and may be found at depths ranging from ∼50 to 150 m. Other volatiles will be completely lost. We further show, by means of fully three-dimensional evolutionary calculations, that if the ice is exposed, say as a result of a collision, the resulting activity is similar to the observed pattern of the behaviour of the comet for a large spin axis inclination, even if only a patch of ice is exposed.
Altruism and Self Interest in Medical Decision Making
Authors: Rubin Paul H. 
Published: August 2009

It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.Adam Smith, Wealth of NationsAs the quote above indicates, economists generally are more comfortable with self interest as a motivating force for social benefit than with altruism. This is because in most instances in a market economy, self interest will lead agents to provide benefits for others. Ultimately this is because the butcher or baker will not get paid unless he does something that others are willing to pay for. This is the source of the famous “invisible hand,” also discussed by Adam Smith.This might sound trivial, except that in discussing aspects of medicine we seem to lose sight of this mechanism and rely on other tools to provide benefits. These tools do not work as well as naked self interest would. Some might say that medicine and medical progress is too important to depend on the market.
Drug Reps Off Campus! Promoting Professional Purity by Suppressing Commercial Speech
Authors: Stell Lance K. 
Published: August 2009

In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art.Every physician-patient encounter is a conflict of interest. Every physician-payer encounter is also a conflict of interest.Wide-spread criticism of the pharmaceutical industry’s extravagant marketing practices and some doctors’ undignified, even appalling eagerness to stuff themselves, their pockets and their offices with the industry’s “stuff,” prompted physician groups, the drug and device industry itself (albeit synergized by the federal government’s ominous shadow) to institute reforms designed better to limit industry influence on physicians.But according to Troyen Brennan and his coauthors, the reforms, while reducing some of the most egregious instances of industry influence peddling and physicians’ self-debasement, were doomed fundamentally, for three reasons. First, they were based on common sense but incorrect assumptions about the mechanism of industry influence and on myths about the efficacy of disclosure as an ethical disinfectant. Second, they relied on voluntary adherence and so failed to pinpoint responsibility for monitoring compliance and enforcement.
DTC Advertising Harms Patients and Should Be Tightly Regulated
Authors: Lurie Peter 
Published: August 2009

Like all interventions in health care, direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising should be evaluated by comparing its risks to its benefits, in the context of the available or potentially available alternatives. The objective, of course, is to realize any unique benefits while minimizing the risks. On balance, the adverse effects of DTC advertising outweigh the still-undemonstrated benefits of the advertising.DTC advertising must be seen in the context of overall pharmaceutical company expenditures on advertising. In 2005, the industry spent $29.9 billion dollars on promotions (up from $11.4 billion in 1996), of which a relatively small fraction, $4.2 billion (14.2%), was spent on DTC advertising. The percentage spent on DTC advertising has been relatively constant this decade. Promotions to professionals (24.2%) and samples (61.8%) accounted for far larger percentages of total promotional spending in 2005.
Lifetime history of substance misuse in first‐episode psychosis: prevalence and its influence on psychopathology and onset of psychotic symptoms
Authors: Kamali Moayyad , McTigue Orfhlaith , Whitty Peter , Gervin Maurice , Clarke Mary , Browne Stephen , Larkin Conall , O'Callaghan Eadbhard 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIntroduction: Substance misuse (SM) (drug/alcohol dependence or abuse) in psychotic illness is an increasingly recognized problem. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and examine the influence of SM on age at onset of psychosis and psychopathology among patients with first‐episode psychosis.Method: One hundred seventy‐one consecutive patients with first‐episode psychosis were assessed. SM, age of onset of psychosis and psychopathology were determined using valid instruments.Results: Seventy‐seven (46%) patients had a lifetime history of SM and were predominately males, had more positive symptoms, and in the majority of cases (84%), started misusing substances before the onset of psychosis (SM‐BP). There was no difference in age of onset between patients with SM‐BP and the rest of the sample.Conclusion: Lifetime history of SM is common and may influence psychopathology, but does not appear to influence or bring forward the age at onset of psychotic symptoms.
Engagement and early termination of contact with a community‐based early intervention service for personality disorder in young adults
Authors: Farrand Paul , Booth Nicholas , Gilbert Tony , Lankshear Gloria 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground: Few studies have examined factors associated with continuity of care in a community‐based early intervention service for personality disorder in patients aged 16–25.Aims: To estimate the probability of dropping out of care in patients attending an early intervention service for personality disorder and identify patient characteristics associated with those who drop out, are discharged or continue using the service.Method: A 24‐month cohort of first‐contact patients attending the early intervention service was followed up for 12 months to identify drop‐outs, discharges and those still using the service.Results: One hundred eighty‐three first contact patients were referred/self‐referred during the study timescale. After 12‐month follow‐up, 83 (45%) were discharged, 39 (21%) still using the service and 61 (33%) dropped out. Drop out was most likely among patients aged 21–25, from higher socio‐economic groups and highest during months 3–5 of service use. No discharges occurred until at least 3 months into the service, with a peak at 6–8 months.Conclusions: Although sharing many factors predicting increased levels of drop‐out, the rate of drop‐out among young adults aged between 16–25 attending an early intervention service for personality disorder was equivalent to that experienced by services for adults with a long history of personality disorder diagnosis. Concerns exist, however, concerning increased rates of drop‐out among patients reporting a greater number of difficulties, reporting a common mental health or substance abuse problem, and during months 3–5 of service use. Implications of the results for future service developments are discussed.
4D in‐beam positron emission tomography for verification of motion‐compensated ion beam therapy
Authors: Parodi Katia , Saito Nami , Chaudhri Naved , Richter Christian , Durante Marco , Enghardt Wolfgang , Rietzel Eike , Bert Christoph 
Published: August 2009

Purpose:Clinically safe and effective treatment of intrafractionally moving targets with scanned ion beams requires dedicated delivery techniques such as beam tracking. Apart from treatment delivery, also appropriate methods for validation of the actual tumor irradiation are highly desirable. In this contribution the feasibility of four‐dimensionally (space and time) resolved, motion‐compensated in‐beam positron emission tomography (4DibPET) was addressed in experimental studies with scanned carbon ion beams.Methods:A polymethyl methracrylate block sinusoidally moving left‐right in beam's eye view was used as target. Radiological depth changes were introduced by placing a stationary ramp‐shaped absorber proximal of the moving target. Treatment delivery was compensated for motion by beam tracking. Time‐resolved, motion‐correlated in‐beam PET data acquisition was performed during beam delivery with tracking the moving target and prolonged after beam delivery first with the activated target still in motion and, finally, with the target at rest. Motion‐compensated 4DibPET imaging was implemented and the results were compared to a stationary reference irradiation of the same treatment field. Data were used to determine feasibility of 4DibPET but also to evaluate offline in comparison to in‐beam PET acquisition.Results:4D in‐beam as well as offline PET imaging was found to be feasible and offers the possibility to verify the correct functioning of beam tracking. Motion compensation of the imaged ‐activity distribution allows recovery of the volumetric extension of the delivered field for direct comparison with the reference stationary condition. Observed differences in terms of lateral field extension and penumbra in the direction of motion were typically less than 1 mm for both imaging strategies in comparison to the corresponding reference distributions. However, in‐beam imaging retained a better spatial correlation of the measured activity with the delivered dose.Conclusions:4DibPET is a feasible and promising method to validate treatment delivery of scanned ion beams to moving targets. Further investigations will focus on more complex geometries and treatment planning studies with clinical data.
Electrolytic coatings (layers) deposited from palladium(II) salts
Authors: Hlavatý Jaromír , Volke Jiří 
Published: August 2009

In contrast to a number of investigations concerning preparation of layers and coatings of palladium(II) oxides this communication describes a reproducible electrolytic preparation from activation baths containing Pd(II) ions of coatings with hydrated palladium oxides, in particular on platinum supports. The voltammetric curves of coatings formed in such a way are reproducible over the whole pH range and exhibit an irreversible cathodic-anodic couple of peaks. For the voltammetric curve on an active layer deposited on a platinum support from a solution of Pd(NO3)2 at pH 7.03 Ekp is + 0.02 V and Eap +0.33 V (vs SCE). The observed character of the pH dependences for the peak potentials and current densities with a similar, mostly linear, behaviour has been also observed with layers deposited on glassy carbon or nickel. The deposited layers containing hydrated palladium oxides exhibit oxidative activity as follows from voltammograms in slightly acidic to neutral and strongly alkaline region. These curves point to the ability to oxidize not only ethanol but also toluene used as a with difficulty oxidizable model substrate.
Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis reveals high genetic variation in the Ouachita Mountain endemic Carex latebracteata (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Ford Bruce A. , Worley Anne C. , Naczi Robert F. C. , Ghazvini Habibollah 
Published: August 2009

Species with limited geographic ranges are often of conservation concern because they may possess low levels of genetic variability and thus have a reduced ability to respond to stochastic events. As a consequence, an important conservation strategy is to maximize a species’ adaptive potential by preserving natural levels of genetic variation. With this goal in mind, we assessed genetic variation within and among six populations of the Ouachita Mountain endemic Carex latebracteata Waterfall using 653 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) loci. Indices of genetic variation [% polymorphic loci, expected heterozygosity (HE), population differentiation (ΦPT)] were most consistent with an outcrossing or mixed mating system despite an inflorescence morphology that seems conducive to self-pollination. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that >80% of the variation occurred within populations, suggesting high levels of gene flow. The close geographic proximity of most populations, which are often adjacent to streams, may facilitate long-distance seed dispersal and help to maintain high intra-population genetic variation. Conservation strategies focused on maintaining the ecological integrity of rivers and streams, and the provision of naturally vegetated buffers would likely assist in the conservation of this and other Ouachita Mountain endemics.
Aegilops sharonensis:Origin, genetics, diversity, and potential for wheat improvement
Authors: Olivera Pablo D. , Steffenson Brian J. 
Published: August 2009

Aegilops sharonensis Eig (Sharon goatgrass; section Sitopsis) is an annual diploid grass species growing endemically in the coastal plains of Israel and southern Lebanon. It is a wild relative of wheat, with a genome closely related to the B genome of cultivated bread wheat. With the most limited distribution of any species in the genus Aegilops, Ae. sharonensis is rapidly losing its habitats, owing to the combined effects of modern agricultural intensification and expansion of urban and industrial areas. Aegilops sharonensis is known to be a rich source of genes providing resistance to important wheat diseases and abiotic stresses, but it has not been widely exploited. The presence of gametocidal genes that control preferential transmission of chromosome 4Sshincreases the difficulty of introgressing genes from Ae. sharonensis into wheat. However, successful introgression of the genes for resistance to leaf rust, stripe rust, and powdery mildew has been achieved. Studies on genetic and phenotypic diversity indicated that Ae. sharonensis is a highly diverse species, comparable with others that have a wider geographic distribution and more variable environments. Targeting the regions and sites with the highest diversity in Ae. sharonensis will facilitate the capture of the greatest variability and also the identification of novel and diverse genes for wheat improvement.