bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prospective study of different test targets for the near point of convergence
Authors: Pang Yi , Gabriel Helen , Frantz Kelly A. , Saeed Faheemah 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To determine whether different test targets including an accommodative target (AT), a transilluminator (TR), and a transilluminator with a red lens (RL), affect the near point of convergence (NPC) value; and to determine which test target is most sensitive to identify convergence insufficiency (CI) in young adults.Methods:  Subjects were 36 optometry students from the Illinois College of Optometry, including 18 subjects with normal binocular vision (control group) and 18 subjects with CI. None of the subjects had accommodative insufficiency. The NPC break and recovery were measured by three methods: AT, TR, and RL. Each test method was administered by a different examiner and the test sequence was randomized.Results:  The mean NPC break values for AT, TR, and RL in the control group were 4.31, 3.76, and 4.08 cm respectively, compared to 10.05, 11.37 and 13.04 cm in the CI group. The mean recovery values were 6.23, 5.56, and 5.95 cm for AT, TR, and RL respectively in the control group, vs 12.21, 14.37, 16.40 cm in the CI group. Significant differences in NPC break and recovery values were detected in the CI group between RL and AT, but not between AT and TR, or TR and RL. There was no significant difference in NPC values using the three targets in the control group. For an NPC cut point of 6 cm (break) and 9 cm (recovery), RL had higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (88.9%) as well as lower false positive (10%) and false negative (0%) values compared to AT.Conclusion:  NPC with RL is a more sensitive method to identify abnormal findings and assist in diagnosing CI compared to using AT or TR. We recommend that NPC with RL be routinely used to evaluate patients suspected of having CI.
Medicaid Bed‐Hold Policy and Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Rehospitalizations
Authors: Grabowski David C. , Feng Zhanlian , Intrator Orna , Mor Vincent 
Published: April 2010

Objective. To analyze the effect of states' Medicaid bed‐hold policies on the 30‐day rehospitalization of Medicare postacute skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents.Data Sources. Minimum data set assessments were merged with Medicare claims and eligibility files for all first‐time SNF admissions (N=3,322,088) over the period 2000 through 2005; states' Medicaid bed‐hold policies were obtained via survey.Study Design. Regression specification incorporating facility fixed effects to examine changes in Medicaid bed‐hold policies on the likelihood of a 30‐day SNF rehospitalization.Principal Findings. Using a continuous measure of bed‐hold generosity, state Medicaid bed‐hold was positively related to Medicare SNF rehospitalization. Specifically, the introduction of a bed‐hold policy with average generosity increases Medicare rehospitalizations by 1.8 percent, representing roughly 12,000 SNF rehospitalizations at a cost to Medicare of approximately U.S.$100 million over our study period.Conclusions. Although facilities do not receive a Medicaid bed‐hold payment for Medicare SNF stays, we found that the adoption of more generous policies led to greater SNF rehospitalizations. This type of spillover is largely ignored in current discussions of Medicare payment reforms such as bundled payment. Neither Medicare nor Medicaid has an incentive to internalize the risks and benefits of its actions as they affect the other.
Improving the Home Health Acute‐Care Hospitalization Quality Measure
Authors: Schade Charles P. , Brehm John G. 
Published: April 2010

Objectives. (1) To demonstrate average length of service (ALOS) bias in the currently used acute‐care hospitalization (ACH) home health quality measure, limiting comparability across agencies, and (2) to propose alternative ACH measures.Data Sources/Study Setting. Secondary analysis of Medicare home health service data 2004–2007; convenience sample of Medicare fee‐for‐service hospital discharges.Study Design. Cross‐sectional analysis and patient‐level simulation.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. We aggregated outcome and ALOS data from 2,347 larger Medicare‐certified home health agencies (HHAs) in the United States between 2004 and 2007, and calculated risk‐adjusted monthly ACH rates. We used multiple regression to identify agency characteristics associated with ACH. We simulated ACH during and immediately after home health care using patient and agency characteristics similar to those in the actual data, comparing the existing measure with alternative fixed‐interval measures.Principal Findings. Of agency characteristics studied, ALOS had by far the highest partial correlation with the current ACH measure (r2=0.218, p<.0001). We replicated the correlation between ACH and ALOS in the patient‐level simulation. We found no correlation between ALOS and the alternative measures.Conclusions. Alternative measures do not exhibit ALOS bias and would be appropriate for comparing HHA ACH rates with one another or over time.
Stereotypy of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Insights from video‐EEG monitoring
Authors: Seneviratne Udaya , Reutens David , D’Souza Wendyl 
Published: April 2010

SummaryPurpose:  To systematically study the semiology of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) captured by video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring (VEM) and categorize the typical patterns observed.Methods:  VEM records of patients who underwent evaluation from January 2002 to June 2007 were reviewed to identify those who had PNES with or without a background of epilepsy. The semiology of each event was visually analyzed and entered into a statistical database. Type of movement, anatomic distribution, synchrony, symmetry, onset, offset, course, duration, vocalization, hyperventilation, eye movements, and responsiveness were evaluated. PNES were classified into distinct groups according to the predominant motor manifestation.Results:  A total of 330 PNES from 61 patients were studied. Based on semiology, six different types of PNES were observed as follows: (1) rhythmic motor PNES characterized by rhythmic tremor or rigor‐like movements (46.7%); (2) hypermotor PNES characterized by violent movements (3.3%); (3) complex motor PNES characterized by complex movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, with or without clonic‐like and myoclonic‐like components of varying combinations and anatomic distribution (10%); (4) dialeptic PNES characterized by unresponsiveness without motor manifestations (11.2%); (5) nonepileptic auras characterized by subjective sensations without any external manifestations, marked in the VEM records as “seizure button presses” (23.6%); and (6) mixed PNES where combinations of above seizure types were seen (5.2%). In a given patient, all the seizures belonged to a single type of PNES in 82% of cases.Discussion:  PNES can be classified into six stereotypic categories. Contrary to common belief, PNES demonstrates stereotypy both within and across patients.
Daily Variations in Objective Nighttime Sleep and Subjective Morning Pain in Older Adults with Insomnia: Evidence of Covariation over Time
Authors: Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Williams Jacob M. , Roditi Daniela , Marsiske Michael , McCoy Karin , McNamara Joseph , Dautovich Natalie , Robinson Michael E. , McCrae Christina S. 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between objectively measured nocturnal sleep and subjective report of morning pain in older adults with insomnia; to examine not only the difference between persons in the association between sleep and pain (mean level over 14 days), but also the within‐person, day‐to‐day association.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: North‐central Florida.PARTICIPANTS: Fifty community‐dwelling older adults (mean age±standard deviation 69.1±7.0, range 60–90) with insomnia.MEASUREMENTS: Daily home‐based assessment using nightly actigraphic measurement of sleep and daily self‐report of pain over 14 consecutive days.RESULTS: Between persons, average sleep over 14 days was not associated with average levels of rated pain, but after a night in which an older adult with insomnia experienced above‐average total sleep time he or she subsequently reported below‐average pain ratings. The model explained approximately 24% of the within‐person and 8% of the between‐person variance in pain ratings.CONCLUSIONS: Sleep and pain show day‐to‐day associations (i.e., covary over time) in older adults with insomnia. Such associations may suggest that common physiological systems underlie the experience of insomnia and pain. Future research should examine the crossover effects of sleep treatment on pain and of pain treatment on sleep.
Exposure to dental amalgam restorations in pregnant women
Authors: Lygre Gunvor Bentung , Björkman Lars , Haug Kjell , Skjærven Rolv , Helland Vigdis 
Published: April 2010

Lygre GB, Björkman L, Haug K, Skjærven R, Helland V. Exposure to dental amalgam restorations in pregnant women. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 460–469. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract –  Objectives:  The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) started in 1999 to identify environmental factors that could be involved in mechanisms leading to disease. Questions have been raised about potential risks to the fetus from prenatal exposure to mercury from amalgam fillings in pregnant women. The aim of the present study was to identify factors potentially associated with amalgam fillings in pregnant women participating in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). An additional aim was to obtain information about dental treatment in the cohort.Methods:  Total of 67 355 pregnancies from the MoBa study were included in the present study. Information regarding age, education, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, weight, and height for the women was obtained from a questionnaire that was filled in at the 17th week of pregnancy. In another questionnaire, which was sent to all participants in the 30th week of pregnancy, the women reported types of dental treatment during pregnancy, total number of teeth, and number of teeth with amalgam fillings. The self‐assessed number of teeth and number of teeth with amalgam fillings were validated in an external sample of 97 women of childbearing age.Results:  Odds ratio for having more than 12 teeth with amalgam fillings increased considerably with age. Other significant risk factors for having high exposure to amalgam were low education, high body mass index (BMI), and smoking during pregnancy. Women with the lowest levels of education had a twofold increased odds ratio of having more than 12 teeth filled with amalgam compared with women who had more than 4 years of university studies. According to the results from the validation of self‐assessed number of teeth with amalgam fillings, the information obtained was reliable.Conclusion:  Age, education, smoking habits, and BMI were associated with amalgam exposure.
Insulin like growth factor‐1‐induced phosphorylation and altered distribution of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)1/TSC2 in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsunori , McCarthy John J. , Esser Karyn A. 
Published: April 2010

Insulin like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is established as an anabolic factor that can induce skeletal muscle growth by activating the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Although this signaling pathway has been the subject of much study, the molecular mechanisms linking IGF‐1 binding to mTOR activation remain poorly defined in muscle. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that IGF‐1 activation of mTOR in C2C12 myotubes requires a phosphorylation‐dependent, altered distribution of the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)1/TSC2 complex from the membrane to the cytosol. We found that IGF‐1 treatment does not affect complex formation between TSC1 and TSC2, but rather IGF‐1 induces an altered distribution of the TSC1/TSC2 complex in C2C12 myotubes. In response to IGF‐1 treatment, there was a relative redistribution of the TSC1/TSC2 complex, composed of TSC1 and phosphorylated TSC2, from the membrane to the cytosol. IGF‐1‐stimulated TSC1/TSC2 phosphorylation and redistribution were completely prevented by the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor wortmannin, but were not with the downstream mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin. When a nonphosphorylatable form of TSC2 (S939A) was overexpressed, phosphorylation‐dependent binding of the scaffold protein 14‐3‐3 to TSC2 was diminished and no redistribution of the TSC1/TSC2 complex was observed after IGF‐1 stimulation. These results indicate that TSC2 phosphorylation in response to IGF‐1 treatment is necessary for the altered distribution of the TSC1/TSC2 complex to the cytosol. We suggest that this translocation is likely critical for mTOR activation by dissociating the interaction between the GTPase activating protein activity of the TSC1/TSC2 complex and its downstream target, Ras homolog enriched in brain.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7712277, MINT‐7712399: Tsc2 (uniprotkb:Q61037), S6K1 (uniprotkb:Q8BSK8) and Tsc1 (uniprotkb:Q9EP53) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradient (MI:0029)
MINT‐7712211, MINT‐7712236, MINT‐7712313, MINT‐7712323: Tsc1 (uniprotkb:Q9EP53) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Tsc2 (uniprotkb:Q61037) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
MINT‐7712377: 14‐3‐3 beta (uniprotkb:Q9CQV8) physically interacts (MI:0914) with Tsc1 (uniprotkb:Q9EP53) and Tsc2 (uniprotkb:Q61037) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐7712483: Tsc1 (uniprotkb:Q9EP53) and Tsc2 (uniprotkb:Q61037) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradient (MI:0029)
MINT‐7712436: TSC2 (uniprotkb:P49815) physically interacts (MI:0915) with TSC1 (uniprotkb:Q92574) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
MINT‐7712451: Tsc1 (uniprotkb:Q9EP53), Rheb (uniprotkb:Q921J2) and Tsc2 (uniprotkb: Q61037) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradient (MI:0029)
Trauma, Gender Reassignment, and Penile Augmentation
Authors: Ralph David , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor , Mirone Vincenzo , Perovic Sava , Sohn Michael , Usta Mustafa , Levine Laurence 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile trauma is common with standard management options. Gender reassignment techniques are rapidly changing and penile augmentation remains a controversial topic. Consequently, there is need for a state-of-the-art information in this area.

Aim
This study aims to develop an evidence-based state-of-the-art consensus report on the management of penile trauma, gender, reassignment and penile augmentation.

Methods
The study provides state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the prevalence, etiology, medical and surgical management of penile trauma, gender reassignment and penile augmentation, representing the opinion of leading experts developed in a consensus process over a 2-year period.

Main Outcome Measures
Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.

Conclusions
Penile fracture should be managed surgically. Information should be readily available to patients to help them decide the surgical technique desired for gender reassignment and to justify any form of penile augmentation.
Polymorphism of glutathione S‐transferase M1 and T1 gene LOCI in COPD
Authors: Mehrotra S. , Sharma A. , Kumar S. , Kar P. , Sardana S. , Sharma J. K. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex combination of signs and symptoms in patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema, diseases that largely result from cigarette smoking. A little information is available for the underlying molecular mechanisms that are responsible for its occurrence. Polymorphisms in genes of xenobiotics metabolizing enzymes are expected to modulate individual responses to genotoxic carcinogens. Present study was a case–control study of COPD patients and healthy controls. Genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes in 50 COPD patients and 50 healthy controls were investigated using multiplex polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques to determine whether polymorphisms of these genes are linked to genetic susceptibility to COPD. All subjects were males and smokers. The frequency of GSTM1 homozygous null genotype was 28.0% in COPD cases when compared with controls (32.0%). The difference was not significant showing that risk of COPD was not associated with the GSTM1 null genotypes. The frequencies of homozygous null genotypes of GSTT1 were significantly higher in COPD cases as compared with controls (40% versus 14.0%) suggesting that the theta‐glutathione S‐transferases null genotype may be associated with the susceptibility to COPD. No significant differences were observed when comparisons were performed according to severity of disease and smoking for GSTM1 and GSTT1. It was also observed that COPD developed in the early age and with a shorter pack‐year history in Indian population.
Spatial structure of X-ray filaments in SN 1006
Authors: Morlino G. , Amato E. , Blasi P. , Caprioli D. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
The theory of non-linear diffusive shock acceleration (NLDSA) predicts the formation of a precursor upstream of the shock, where accelerated particles diffuse and induce magnetic field amplification (MFA) through streaming instability. The non-detection of this precursor in X-rays in Chandra observations of the north-eastern region of SN 1006 (G329.6+14.6) led the authors of some previous work to impose an upper limit to the X-ray emission generated by accelerated electrons diffusing in this precursor, at an emissivity level of &lt;1.5 per cent of the emission from the downstream region. This has been used as an argument against Fermi acceleration at this shock. Here, we calculate the spectrum and spatial distribution of accelerated particles in SN 1006 and show that Chandra results (including more recent data) are in perfect agreement with the predictions of NLDSA suggesting efficient particle acceleration and MFA upstream of the shock by a factor of ∼10.
Continuum and line modelling of discs around young stars — I. 300 000 disc models for HERSCHEL/GASPS
Authors: Woitke P. , Pinte C. , Tilling I. , Ménard F. , Kamp I. , Thi W.-F. , Duchêne G. , Augereau J.-C. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
We have combined the thermo-chemical disc code ProDiMo with the Monte Carlo radiative transfer code MCFOST to calculate a grid of ∼300 000 circumstellar disc models, systematically varying 11 stellar, disc and dust parameters including the total disc mass, several disc shape parameters and the dust-to-gas ratio. For each model, dust continuum and line radiative transfer calculations are carried out for 29 far-infrared, sub-mm and mm lines of [Oi], [Cii], 12CO and o/p-H2O under five inclinations. The grid allows us to study the influence of the input parameters on the observables, to make statistical predictions for different types of circumstellar discs and to find systematic trends and correlations between the parameters, the continuum fluxes and the line fluxes. The model grid, comprising the calculated disc temperature and chemical structures, the computed spectral energy distributions, line fluxes and profiles, will be used in particular for the data interpretation of the HERSCHEL open time-key program GASPS. The calculated line fluxes show a strong dependence on the assumed ultraviolet excess of the central star and on the disc flaring. The fraction of models predicting [Oi] and [Cii] fine-structure lines fluxes above HERSCHEL/PACS and SPICA/SAFARI detection limits is calculated as a function of disc mass. The possibility of deriving the disc gas mass from line observations is discussed.
A Religion in Death Throes: How Secrecy Undermines the Survival of a Crypto Shin Buddhist Tradition in Japan Today
Authors: Chilson Clark 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAlthough we know that religions decline and die, we know little about what causes them to do so. This article introduces a form of underground or crypto Pure Land Buddhism that has been practiced in secret for hundreds of years in Japan but in the past 50 years has declined rapidly and may be nearing extinction. It is argued that one of the factors that is undermining its survival is its secrecy. The article is intended to contribute to our knowledge on what can cause the decline of a religion and to our understanding of secrecy in religion, which scholars have generally regarded as providing religions benefits such as attracting new members, valorizing doctrine, and enhancing authority.
Usage of the Polyphenylene Oxide Dosimeter to Measure Annual Solar Erythemal Exposures
Authors: Schouten Peter W. , Parisi Alfio V. , Turnbull David J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPoly (2, 6‐dimethyl‐1, 4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) film is a useful dosimetric tool for measuring solar UV in underwater and terrestrial environments. However, little is known about how the response of PPO changes with fluctuations in atmospheric ozone and also to seasonal variations. To resolve this issue this article presents a series of long‐term in‐air solar erythemal response measurements made over a year from 2007 to 2008 with PPO. This data showed that the PPO dose response varies with modulations of the solar spectrum resulting from changes in season and atmospheric ozone. From this, it was recommended that PPO only be calibrated in the season in which it is to be used at the same time as measurements were being made in the field. Extended solar UV measurements made by PPO with a neutral density filter (NDF) based on polyethylene are also detailed. These measurements showed that the lifetime of PPO could be extended by 5 days before saturation. As the dynamic range for PPO is known to be 5 days during summer at a sub‐tropical location, the advantage of using the NDF is that half the number of dosimeters is needed to be fabricated and measured before and after exposure.
Effect of CO2 Laser Radiation on Physiological Tolerance of Wheat Seedlings Exposed to Chilling Stress
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ping , Jia Jing‐Fen , Yue Ming 
Published: April 2010

AbstractTo determine the effect of CO2 laser pretreatment of wheat seeds on the physiological tolerance of seedlings to chilling stress, wheat seeds were exposed to CO2 laser radiation for 300 s. After being cultivated for 48 h at 25°C, the wheat seedlings were subjected to chilling stress for 24 h. Selected physiological and biochemical parameters were measured in 6‐day‐old seedlings. We observed that chilling stress enhanced the concentrations of malondialdehyde and oxidized glutathione while decreasing the activities of nitric oxide synthase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and the concentrations of nitric oxide and glutathione in the wheat leaves compared with controls. When the chilling stress was preceded by CO2 laser irradiation, the concentrations of malondialdehyde and oxidized glutathione were decreased while the activities of nitric oxide synthase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and the concentrations of nitric oxide and glutathione increased. Furthermore, chilling stress decreased the biomass, biophoton intensity and GHS/GSSG ratios of seedlings while these parameters increased when the seedlings were treated with CO2 laser irradiation prior to the chilling stress. The results suggest that a suitable dose of CO2 laser stimulation can enhance the physiological tolerance of wheat seedlings to chilling stress.