bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract SS01-05: Designing useful cost-effectiveness research in cancer prevention
Authors: Lairson David R. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Introduction: While there are several excellent manuscripts on how to design and carry out economic evaluations of health program alternatives, researchers often fail to consider practical issues useful to the decision-makers. These issues will become increasingly important as we use comparative effectiveness research and cost-effectiveness analysis to assess and improve healthcare delivery in the U.S. healthcare system.
Objective: Identify and describe key research design and methods issues that facilitate decision-makers' use of economic evaluations of cancer prevention.
Methods: Assume the perspective of a health plan or provider group interested in selecting and providing the most cost-effective cancer prevention services. Examine the economic evaluation literature to identify and describe issues that are important to decision-makers' selection, planning and execution of prevention strategies, that may be unexamined and/or underreported. Explain the importance of these issues for translating research into practice.
Results and Conclusion: Key limitations include 1) designing overly restrictive trials that fail to represent the target population, 2) excluding cost of identifying and recruiting the target populations, 3) not providing separate unit cost from quantity of resources, 4) understating labor cost, 5) not providing a budget impact analysis, 6) not separating fixed from variable cost. The primary purpose of economic evaluation studies is to inform decision-makers about the relative costs and effects of program or treatment alternatives, but this falls short of what is needed to accurately plan and implement changes in health plans and healthcare organizations.
Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):SS01-05.
Development of New Ensemble Methods Based on the Performance Skills of Regional Climate Models over South Korea
Authors: Suh M.-S. , Oh S.-G. , Lee D.-K. , Cha D.-H. , Choi S.-J. , Jin C.-S. , Hong S.-Y. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
In this paper, the prediction skills of five ensemble methods for temperature and precipitation are discussed by considering 20 yr of simulation results (from 1989 to 2008) for four regional climate models (RCMs) driven by NCEP–Department of Energy and ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) boundary conditions. The simulation domain is the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) for East Asia, and the number of grid points is 197 × 233 with a 50-km horizontal resolution. Three new performance-based ensemble averaging (PEA) methods are developed in this study using 1) bias, root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) and absolute correlation (PEA_BRC), RMSE and absolute correlation (PEA_RAC), and RMSE and original correlation (PEA_ROC). The other two ensemble methods are equal-weighted averaging (EWA) and multivariate linear regression (Mul_Reg). To derive the weighting coefficients and cross validate the prediction skills of the five ensemble methods, the authors considered 15-yr and 5-yr data, respectively, from the 20-yr simulation data. Among the five ensemble methods, the Mul_Reg (EWA) method shows the best (worst) skill during the training period. The PEA_RAC and PEA_ROC methods show skills that are similar to those of Mul_Reg during the training period. However, the skills and stabilities of Mul_Reg were drastically reduced when this method was applied to the prediction period. But, the skills and stabilities of PEA_RAC were only slightly reduced in this case. As a result, PEA_RAC shows the best skill, irrespective of the seasons and variables, during the prediction period. This result confirms that the new ensemble method developed in this study, PEA_RAC, can be used for the prediction of regional climate.
Using High-Resolution Altimetry to Observe Mesoscale Signals
Authors: Pujol M.-I. , Dibarboure G. , Le Traon P.-Y. , Klein P. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
An Ocean System Simulation Experiment is used to quantify the observing capability of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission and its contribution to higher-quality reconstructed sea level anomaly (SLA) fields using optimal interpolation. The paper focuses on the potential of SWOT for mesoscale observation (wavelengths larger than 100 km and time periods larger than 10 days) and its ability to replace or complement altimetry for classical mesoscale applications. For mesoscale variability, the wide swath from SWOT provides an unprecedented sampling capability. SWOT alone would enable the regional surface signal reconstruction as precisely as a four-altimeter constellation would, in regions where temporal sampling is optimum. For some specifics latitudes, where swath sampling is degraded, SWOT capabilities are reduced and show performances equivalent to the historical two-altimeter constellation. In this case, merging SWOT with the two-altimeter constellation stabilizes the global sampling and fully compensates the swath time sampling limitations. Benefits of SWOT measurement are more important within the swath. It would allow a precise local reconstruction of mesoscale structures. Errors of surface signal reconstruction within the swath represent less than 1% (SLA) to 5% (geostrophic velocities reconstruction) of the signal variance in a pessimistic roll error reduction. The errors are slightly reduced by merging swath measurements with the conventional nadir measurements.
Forecasting Tornado Pathlengths Using a Three-Dimensional Object Identification Algorithm Applied to Convection-Allowing Forecasts
Authors: Clark Adam J. , Kain John S. , Marsh Patrick T. , Correia James , Xue Ming , Kong Fanyou 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
A three-dimensional (in space and time) object identification algorithm is applied to high-resolution forecasts of hourly maximum updraft helicity (UH)—a diagnostic that identifies simulated rotating storms—with the goal of diagnosing the relationship between forecast UH objects and observed tornado pathlengths. UH objects are contiguous swaths of UH exceeding a specified threshold. Including time allows tracks to span multiple hours and entire life cycles of simulated rotating storms. The object algorithm is applied to 3 yr of 36-h forecasts initialized daily from a 4-km grid-spacing version of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) run in real time at the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), and forecasts from the Storm Scale Ensemble Forecast (SSEF) system run by the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms for the 2010 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiment. Methods for visualizing UH object attributes are presented, and the relationship between pathlengths of UH objects and tornadoes for corresponding 18- or 24-h periods is examined. For deterministic NSSL-WRF UH forecasts, the relationship of UH pathlengths to tornadoes was much stronger during spring (March–May) than in summer (June–August). Filtering UH track segments produced by high-based and/or elevated storms improved the UH–tornado pathlength correlations. The best ensemble results were obtained after filtering high-based and/or elevated UH track segments for the 20 cases in April–May 2010, during which correlation coefficients were as high as 0.91. The results indicate that forecast UH pathlengths during spring could be a very skillful predictor for the severity of tornado outbreaks as measured by total pathlength.
Towards an Intellectual History of Possession: Reading “la crise” as a Textual Space in Vodou and André Breton’s Haitian Lectures and Nadja
Authors: Benedicty Alessandra 
Published: May 2012

This article focuses mainly on what are known as André Breton’s “Haitian Conferences” (1945–1946) and his 1928 novel Nadja, along with the embedded topic of spirit possession in Haitian Vodou. My proposition is to show how both the vocabulary and the theory that come to be associated with what I will call the “act of possession” in Breton’s work engages a reflection that accounts for fragmented notions of identity. I draw on anthropological theories of subjectivity to put the accent on the destabilizing experience of the contemporary, globalized human subject. To do so, I look at two aspects of Breton’s writing: first, how both before and during his first contact with Haiti, he was interested in alternative states of being; and second, how these states related to the disintegration of identity. I will also consider possession, and its associated lexica, as an intellectual notion, a trope that appears in the discourse of European intellectuals during and after the World Wars. I compare it to the considerations of possession within the context of a Vodou Weltanschauung. Cet article se propose d’explorer les conférences qu’André Breton a données en Haïti en 1945-1946 d’une part, et son roman Nadja (1928) dans le cadre de la possession dans le Vaudou haïtien d’autre part. Mon objectif est de montrer comment le vocabulaire et la théorie associés à ce que nous nommerons “l’acte de possession” dans l’œuvre de Breton implique une réflexion qui prend compte des notions de l’identité humaine contemporaine. Je ferai appel à des théories de la subjectivité qui mettent l’accent sur l’expérience déstabilisante du sujet humain mondialisé. Deux aspects de l’œuvre de Breton m’intéressent particulièrement : premièrement, comment avant et pendant son premier contact avec Haïti, il s’est intéressé aux états d’esprit alternatifs ; ensuite, comment ces états reflètent une désintégration de l’unité identitaire. Partant du postulat que la crise identitaire trouve un écho dans l’œuvre de Breton dans le contexte d’un Weltanschauung vaudou, je montrerai que la possession et son lexique constituent un trope récurrent dans le discours des intellectuels européens de l’entre-deux guerres et de l’après guerre.
Glutamine Prevents Apoptosis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Induces Differential Protective Pathways in Heat and Oxidant Injury Models
Authors: Kallweit Alyssa R. , Baird Christine Hamiel , Stutzman Diana K. , Wischmeyer Paul E. 
Published: April 2012

Background:Glutamine (GLN) can decrease mortality and length of hospital stay in the critically ill. GLN protects via enhancing protective heat shock proteins (HSPs) in heat stress (HS). GLN's effect on HSPs in oxidant injury and apoptosis remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine if GLN protects via decreasing apoptosis during both heat and oxidative stress.Methods:IEC‐18 cells were treated (15 minutes) with 0 mM GLN (control cells [CTs]) or 8 mM GLN and exposed to either lethal injury (44°C for 50 minutes or 4 mM H2O2 for 30 minutes) or nonlethal injury (43°C for 45 minutes or 600 µM H2O2 for 30 minutes). Survival was determined via MTS assay. Injured groups were normalized to noninjured controls. HSPs and cleaved caspase‐3 (CC3), a key mediator for apoptosis, were evaluated via Western blot following a 3‐hour recovery.Results:MTS assays showed GLN increased survival 4‐ to 5‐fold (P < .001 vs HS CT or H2O2). Western blot showed GLN increased all 3 HSPs in HS (P < .001 vs HS CTs) but only HSP32 during oxidant injury (P < .02 vs H2O2 only). GLN decreased CC3 in both injuries (P < .03 vs non‐GLN‐treated cells).Conclusions:GLN protects intestinal cells from both heat and oxidant injury. HSP25, 32, and 70 levels increased with GLN during HS, but in oxidant injury, only HSP32 increased, suggesting GLN's mechanism of protection may vary in different models of injury. In both injuries, GLN lowered the expression of CC3, indicating prevention of apoptosis may be a key mechanism by which GLN protects.
Acoustic and perceptual measures of SATB choir performances on two types of portable choral riser units in three singer-spacing conditions
Authors: Daugherty James F. , Manternach Jeremy N. , Brunkan Melissa C. 
Published: May 2012

Under controlled conditions, we assessed acoustically (long-term average spectra) and perceptually (singer survey, listener survey) six performances of an soprano, alto, tenor, and bass (SATB) choir ( N = 27) as it sang the same musical excerpt on two portable riser units (standard riser step height, taller riser step height) with varied dimensions of largely horizontal space (close spacing, lateral spacing, circumambient spacing) between singers. Given previous research that suggested horizontally spread spacing between choristers contributes to chorister perceptions of more efficient vocal production and audience preferences for choral sound, we wondered: (1) if spectra analyses might point to a possible acoustical explanation for auditor preferences; and (2) if increasing the height of riser steps to add more vertical space between rows of singers would affect choir sound. Statistical analyses of spectra data acquired from an audience position microphone found significant differences ( p < .001) in mean signal amplitudes among the various performances. The taller riser unit appeared to enhance modestly the contributions of horizontally spread lateral and circumambient singer spacing. These effects were most robust (c.2–4dB) in diffusion of higher frequency partials in the 2.4–3.7kHz range in and around the ‘singer’s formant’ frequency region on both riser units, and in 4.7–7.1kHz partials on the tall riser unit. All choristers (100%) thought horizontal singer spacing influenced choir sound; 92.59% of singers described this perceived influence as ‘moderate’ or ‘much.’ Most choristers (96.29%) thought riser step height influenced choral sound, with 62.95% of singers perceiving this influence as ‘moderate’ or ‘much.’ Singers thought spread spacing contributed to most comfortable vocal production, better hearing of self and ensemble, and best overall choir sound. Listener ( N = 21) survey results indicated significant preference for the overall sound of the spread singer conditions in close versus spread comparisons.
“BreastfeedingBasics”
Authors: Lewin Linda Orkin , O’Connor Mary E. 
Published: May 2012

Background: The United States has not met the majority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention goals for breastfeeding duration. Studies have shown a lack of knowledge about breastfeeding by health care professionals and students (HCP/S). Web-based education can be a cost-effective manner of education for HCP/S. “BreastfeedingBasics” is an online free educational program available for use. Aims: This study compares information in “BreastfeedingBasics” to the breastfeeding knowledge competencies recommended by the US Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). It also evaluates usage of “BreastfeedingBasics” by users and health care professional faculty. Methods: Using anonymous information from Web site users, the authors compared mean pre-test and post-test scores of the modules as a measure of the knowledge gained by HCP/S users. They evaluated usage by demographic information and used a Web-based survey to assess benefits of usage of “BreastfeedingBasics” to faculty. Results: Overall, 15 020 HCP/S used the Web site between April 1999 and December 2009. “BreastfeedingBasics” meets 8 of the 11 USBC knowledge competencies. Mean post-test scores increased ( P < .001) for all modules. Faculty reported its benefits to be free, broad scope, and the ability to be completed on the students’ own time; 84% of the faculty combined the use of “BreastfeedingBasics” with clinical work. Conclusions: Use of “BreastfeedingBasics” can help HCP/S meet the USBC core breastfeeding knowledge competencies and gain knowledge. Faculty are satisfied with its use. Wider use of “BreastfeedingBasics” to help improve the knowledge of HCP/S may help in improving breastfeeding outcomes.
Tablet Splitting and Weight Uniformity of Half-Tablets of 4 Medications in Pharmacy Practice
Authors: Tahaineh Linda M. , Gharaibeh Shadi F. 
Published: April 2012

Background: Tablet splitting is a common practice for multiple reasons including cost savings; however, it does not necessarily result in weight-uniform half-tablets. Objectives: To determine weight uniformity of half-tablets resulting from splitting 4 products available in the Jordanian market and investigate the effect of tablet characteristics on weight uniformity of half-tablets. Methods: Ten random tablets each of warfarin 5 mg, digoxin 0.25 mg, phenobarbital 30 mg, and prednisolone 5 mg were weighed and split by 6 PharmD students using a knife. The resulting half-tablets were weighed and evaluated for weight uniformity. Other relevant physical characteristics of the 4 products were measured. Results: The average tablet hardness of the sampled tablets ranged from 40.3 N to 68.9 N. Digoxin, phenobarbital, and prednisolone half-tablets failed the weight uniformity test; however, warfarin half-tablets passed. Digoxin, warfarin, and phenobarbital tablets had a score line and warfarin tablets had the deepest score line of 0.81 mm. Conclusion: Splitting warfarin tablets produces weight-uniform half-tablets that may possibly be attributed to the hardness and the presence of a deep score line. Digoxin, phenobarbital, and prednisolone tablet splitting produces highly weight variable half-tablets. This can be of clinical significance in the case of the narrow therapeutic index medication digoxin.
Probable Linezolid-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient With Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
Authors: Poulakos Mara N. , Grace Yasmin , Coakley Christina 
Published: April 2012

Purpose: A probable case of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia is reported. Summary: A 74-year-old Caucasian male with renal dysfunction was diagnosed with diverticulosis. Patient was prescribed linezolid 600 mg orally twice daily for vancomycin-resistant enterococci abdominal infection that developed secondary to colon resection. Upon initiation of linezolid, platelet count dropped from 248 000 cells/mm3 on day 1 to 97 000 cells/mm3 on day 5 of treatment. Linezolid was discontinued and platelet counts improved to pretreatment levels. Application of the Naranjo probability scale indicated a probable association of linezolid therapy and thrombocytopenia. Clinicians should be aware that linezolid has this hematologic side effect and that patients with renal dysfunction are at increased risk. Monitoring platelet count more than once weekly should be advisable in these patients. Conclusion: A 74-year-old Caucasian male with renal dysfunction developed a probable case of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia after receiving the drug for 5 days for treatment of vancomycin-resistant enterococci abdominal infection.
Absence of Actions of Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines and Electroacupuncture on Myocardial Infarct Size
Authors: Dow Joan , Painovich Jeannette , Hale Sharon L. , Tjen-A-Looi Stephanie , Longhurst John C. , Kloner Robert A. 
Published: May 2012

Background: Some studies have suggested that certain Chinese herbal remedies and acupuncture could limit ischemia/reperfusion damage. We sought to determine whether the commonly used single herb Danshen (DS), either alone or in combination with Jiang Xiang (JX), or electroacupuncture (EA) reduces myocardial infarct size. Methods: An anesthetized rat model of proximal left coronary artery occlusion (30 minutes) and reperfusion (180 minutes) was used to measure infarct size (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) and ischemic risk zone (blue dye technique). Rats were either untreated (saline) or received an infusion of DS or DS + JX, starting 30 minutes prior to coronary occlusion. In a separate protocol, rats were untreated, received static needle (ND) placement without stimulation or EA at P5-P6 acupuncture points in the rat forearm starting 5 minutes before occlusion and lasting for 40 minutes, or starting 30 minutes before occlusion and lasting for 90 minutes. Results: In the herbal experiments, myocardial infarct size expressed as a fraction of the ischemic risk zone was 0.43 ± 0.06 in controls, 0.39 ± 0.05 in the DS group, and 0.42 ± 0.04 in the Danshen + JX groups ( P = not significant [NS]). In the acupuncture study, there was no significant difference in infarct size as a fraction of the risk zone among the control group (0.38 ± 0.04), the ND group (0.47 ± 0.04), or the EA group (0.32 ± 0.05). When EA was started 30 minutes prior to coronary occlusion and continued for 30 minutes into reperfusion, infarct size was 0.41 ± 0.07 in controls and 0.38 ± 0.10 in EA ( P = NS). Neither herbs nor EA altered heart rate or blood pressure. In a separate study of 5 minutes of coronary occlusion plus reperfusion, EA failed to reduce ventricular arrhythmias. Conclusion: Our studies do not suggest a cardioprotective effect of DS or DS + JX or EA in an experimental model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.
Diarrhea Associated with Lopinavir/Ritonavir-Based Therapy
Authors: Wegzyn Colleen M. , Fredrick Linda M. , Stubbs Roxann O. , Woodward William C. , Norton Michael 
Published: April 2012

Background Antiretroviral therapy is associated with adverse events (AEs). The most frequently reported AE associated with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) containing regimens is diarrhea. The objective of this meta-analysis is to describe the incidence, prevalence, and duration of diarrhea in individuals taking LPV/r. Methods This is a meta-analysis of Abbott-conducted clinical trials. Inclusion criteria included prospective randomized clinical trials with the LPV/r tablet formulation and had AE data (moderate/severe diarrhea) available through 48 weeks of treatment. Results Three trials (total 1469 participants) met the inclusion criteria. In all, 11.2% of participants reported moderate/severe diarrhea by week 8, with median time to resolution of 7.4 weeks. The overall 48-week incidence of moderate/severe diarrhea was 15.5%. The discontinuation rate due to moderate/severe diarrhea was 1.3%. Conclusions Moderate/severe diarrhea occurred in less than 1 in 6 participants taking LPV/r, typically started in the first 8 weeks of treatment and infrequently resulted in premature discontinuation.
MT1-MMP plays a critical role in hematopoiesis by regulating HIF-mediated chemokine/cytokine gene transcription within niche cells
Authors: Nishida Chiemi , Kusubata Kaori , Tashiro Yoshihiko , Gritli Ismael , Sato Aki , Ohki-Koizumi Makiko , Morita Yohei , Nagano Makoto , Sakamoto Takeharu , Koshikawa Naohiko , Kuchimaru Takahiro , Kizaka-Kondoh Shinae , Seiki Motoharu , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Heissig Beate , Hattori Koichi 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
HSC fate decisions are regulated by cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic cues. The latter cues are derived from the BM niche. Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), which is best known for its proteolytic role in pericellular matrix remodeling, is highly expressed in HSCs and stromal/niche cells. We found that, in MT1-MMP−/− mice, in addition to a stem cell defect, the transcription and release of kit ligand (KitL), stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12), erythropoietin (Epo), and IL-7 was impaired, resulting in a trilineage hematopoietic differentiation block, while addition of exogenous KitL and SDF-1 restored hematopoiesis. Further mechanistic studies revealed that MT1-MMP activates the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) pathway via factor inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH-1) within niche cells, thereby inducing the transcription of HIF-responsive genes, which induce terminal hematopoietic differentiation. Thus, MT1-MMP in niche cells regulates postnatal hematopoiesis, by modulating hematopoietic HIF-dependent niche factors that are critical for terminal differentiation and migration.