bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regression Tree Boosting to Adjust Health Care Cost Predictions for Diagnostic Mix
Authors: Robinson John W. 
Published: July 2007

Objective. To assess the ability of regression tree boosting to risk‐adjust health care cost predictions, using diagnostic groups and demographic variables as inputs. Systems for risk‐adjusting health care cost, described in the literature, have consistently employed deterministic models to account for interactions among diagnostic groups, simplifying their statistical representation, but sacrificing potentially useful information. An alternative is to use a statistical learning algorithm such as regression tree boosting that systematically searches the data for consequential interactions, which it automatically incorporates into a risk‐adjustment model that is customized to the population under study.Data Source. Administrative data for over 2 million enrollees in indemnity, preferred provider organization (PPO), and point‐of‐service (POS) plans from Thomson Medstat's Commercial Claims and Encounters database.Study Design. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Clinical Classification Software (CCS) was used to sort 2001 diagnoses into 260 diagnosis categories (DCs). For each plan type (indemnity, PPO, and POS), boosted regression trees and main effects linear models were fitted to predict concurrent (2001) and prospective (2002) total health care cost per patient, given DCs and demographic variables.Principal Findings. Regression tree boosting explained 49.7–52.1 percent of concurrent cost variance and 15.2–17.7 percent of prospective cost variance in independent test samples. Corresponding results for main effects linear models were 42.5–47.6 percent and 14.2–16.6 percent.Conclusions. The combination of regression tree boosting and a diagnostic grouping scheme, such as CCS, represents a competitive alternative to risk‐adjustment systems that use complex deterministic models to account for interactions among diagnostic groups.
The Allocational Effects of the Precision of Accounting Estimates
Authors: DYE RONALD A. , SRIDHAR SRI S. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper studies the allocational effects associated with the precision of accounting estimates when the precision of estimates is a choice variable for firms. One part of the paper considers the effects of the observability of precision choices. We show that, generally, making precision choices private increases firms' equilibrium precision choices and also, as a by‐product, their equilibrium investment choices. We further show that, when firms' precision choices are private, there may be a “disclosure trap,” in which, unless investors conjecture the owner has chosen an estimate with the highest possible precision, the owner will respond to investors' conjecture by choosing an estimate whose precision is higher than investors' conjecture.In a multifirm version of the model with endogenous investment, we show that the equilibrium investment by the firm increases in the precision of the firm's own estimate and decreases in the precisions of other firms' estimates.Finally, we show that, in a setting where the firm's initial owner sells his stake in the firm over the course of two periods, with disclosures of estimates of the firm's value occurring prior to each sale of shares, if the precisions of the estimates are public, the equilibrium precisions of the estimates increase over time when the owner sells a sufficiently large fraction of the firm in the first period, and otherwise the equilibrium precisions of estimates remain constant over time.
Mutational Analysis of EFHC1 Gene in Italian Families with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
Authors: Annesi Ferdinanda , Gambardella Antonio , Michelucci Roberto , Bianchi Amedeo , Marini Carla , Canevini Maria Paola , Capovilla Giuseppe , Elia Maurizio , Buti Daniela , Chifari Rosanna , Striano Pasquale , Rocca Francesca E. , Castellotti Barbara , Cali Francesco , Labate Angelo , LePiane Emilio , Besana Dante , Sofia Vito , Tabiadon Giulietta , Tortorella Gaetano , Vigliano Piernanda , Vignoli Aglaia , Beccaria Francesca , Annesi Grazia , Striano Salvatore , Aguglia Umberto , Guerrini Renzo , Quattrone Aldo 
Published: July 2007

Summary:  Objectives: Mutations in the EFHC1 gene have been reported in six juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) families from Mexico and Belize. In this study, we screened 27 unrelated JME Italian families for mutations in the EFHC1 gene. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐seven families (86 affected individuals, 52 women) with at least two affected members with JME were selected. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes by standard methods and each exon of the EFHC1 gene was amplified and sequenced using intronic primers. Results: Two heterozygous mutations were identified in three unrelated families. One (R353 W) was a novel missense mutation, while the F229 L mutation was previously described (say which on of the two occurred in two families). Both mutations cosegregated with the disease. In a fourth family, the variant 545G→A (resulting in the amino acid substitution R182 H) cosegregated with JME. Conclusions: The results of our study extend the distribution of EFHC1 mutations to the white population and confirm the high level of genetic heterogeneity associated with JME.
Mediation in War: Winning Hearts and Minds Using Mediated Condolence Payments
Authors: Joseph Jeremy 
Published: July 2007

When an Iraqi noncombatant civilian is killed in the crossfire between the U.S. military and insurgents, the victim's family can apply for a “condolence payment” of up to $2,500 as a token of condolence and sympathy. As the process currently stands, the family member is handed a sum of money by U.S. personnel and ushered out the door. In this model, money equals apology. In this article, the author argues that the efficacy and efficiency of the current condolence payment program could be greatly increased by adding Arab‐Muslim mediation techniques tailored to Iraqi culture. Mediation would fill a gap in the current program to help foster a constructive, stabilizing dialogue between the U.S. military and aggrieved Iraqi civilians. The author believes that with each positive, mediated interaction — each reconciliative engagement between an aggrieved Iraqi civilian, a mediator, and a U.S. military representative — the U.S. military can prevent today's aggrieved Iraqi parent, sibling, or child from becoming tomorrow's insurgent.This article was written with two goals. The implementation of a mediated condolence payment program, even on a limited or pilot basis, would likely increase the chances of American success in Iraq and improve the daily lives of Iraqi civilians. If it is not possible to implement such a program in Iraq before American involvement there ends, then it may still have value as an important component of the post‐conflict nation‐building playbook of the U.S. and other foreign forces.
Mortalin is a novel mediator of erythropoietin signaling
Authors: Ohtsuka Rie , Abe Yasunobu , Fujii Tomomi , Yamamoto Masahiro , Nishimura Junji , Takayanagi Ryoichi , Muta Koichiro 
Published: July 2007

AbstractErythropoietin (EPO) stimulates erythroid growth by enhancing the proliferation, maturation and survival of late‐stage erythroid progenitor cells. However, the entire process of EPO stimulation remains undetermined. To further clarify the intracellular mechanisms by which EPO affects the growth of erythroid progenitor cells, we analyzed proteins obtained from purified human erythroid colony‐forming cells (ECFCs) cultured with or without EPO, and one of the proteins apparently related with EPO stimuli was identified as mortalin (mthsp70/PBP74/Grp75/mot‐2), which is a member of the heat shock protein 70 family of chaperones. The amount of mortalin mRNA in ECFCs increased in an EPO dose‐dependent manner, and ECFC growth was dependent on the amount of mortalin. Furthermore, expression of mortalin in ECFCs was suppressed by a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor. Finally, we analyzed gene expression patterns in ECFCs cultured with or without EPO after treatment with mortalin small interfering RNA (siRNA) using a DNA microarray. When ECFCs treated with mortalin siRNA were cultured with EPO, the expression of several genes overlapped with the profile seen in control ECFCs cultured without EPO. Our data suggest that mortalin is involved in the mediation of EPO signaling and plays an important role in stimulating the growth of erythroid progenitor cells.
Tissue microarray is inappropriate for analysis of BCL6 expression in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Linderoth Johan , Ehinger Mats , Åkerman Måns , Cavallin‐Ståhl Eva , Enblad Gunilla , Erlanson Martin , Jerkeman Mats 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective:  In this study, our aim was to investigate how different immunohistochemical techniques may influence the result of BCL6 positivity and categorization in germinal center (GC) and non‐GC derived diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), as it has been proposed that classification of DLBCL according to cell‐of‐origin by immunohistochemistry may be performed as a routine procedure in the diagnostic work‐up. However, a number of technical issues need to be solved before introducing this as a standard technique.Methods:  Tumor specimens from 122 patients with de novo stage II–IV disease, adequately treated with anthracycline‐containing chemotherapy regimens were collected. Immunohistochemical expression of BCL6, CD10, and MUM‐1/IRF4 was examined using a tissue microarray (TMA) technique. BCL6 and CD10 were also evaluated on whole tissue sections.Results:  Due to profound tissue heterogeneity, BCL6 showed a wide range of positivity, with a high number of false negative results by TMA (25% positive), compared to 53% on whole tissue sections (WTS). CD10 was more homogeneously expressed, and TMA results corresponded better to WTS. Consequently, the results from categorization into GC and non‐GC DLBCL differed considerably by use of the two methods, and resulted in very different outcome in terms of overall survival.Conclusion:  Immunohistochemical GC‐status determined on TMA is not reliable enough to be used for individual treatment decisions in DLBCL, mostly due to difficulties in interpreting BCL6 status.
Interaction of Peroxides with Amalgam: A Case Report
Authors: DELIPERI SIMONE 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTNightguard vital bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide was shown to have some minor effects on certain brands of amalgam mainly related to mercury release. However, in this case report, amalgam staining of the bleaching tray was detected in correspondence of the left and right first upper molars following tooth whitening for a week. These teeth presented mesio occlusal distal amalgam fillings with superficial chipping at the cavosurface margins. The same phenomena did not occur in the mouth with other amalgam intracoronal restorations not showing marginal defects. No decay or discoloration was noted around the amalgam fillings both in the upper and lower teeth.At the 1‐week recall visit, patient was recommended to avoid the bleaching gel application in the maxillary first molar teeth. The existing fillings were replaced with composite resin restorations after a 2‐week elapse time.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe unusual amalgam staining of the bleaching tray suggests that amalgam restorations with defective cavosurface margins should be monitored during the tooth whitening therapy. Alternatively, their replacement should be considered prior to bleaching.
The Female Prostate Revisited: Perineal Ultrasound and Biochemical Studies of Female Ejaculate
Authors: Wimpissinger Florian , Stifter Karl , Grin Wolfgang , Stackl Walter 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Many speculations have been made on the possible existence of a “female prostate gland” and “female ejaculation.” Despite several reports on the subject, controversy still exists around the “female prostate” and whether such a gland might be the source of fluid emitted during orgasm (ejaculation).

Aim
To investigate the ultrasonographic, biochemical, and endoscopic features in two women who reported actual ejaculations during orgasm.

Main Outcome Measures
Perineal ultrasound studies, as well as biochemical characteristics of ejaculate and urethroscopy, have been performed in two women.

Methods
Two premenopausal women—44 and 45 years of age—who actually reported fluid expulsion (ejaculation) during orgasm have been investigated. Ultrasound imaging, biochemical studies of the ejaculated fluid, and endoscopy of the urethra have been used to identify a prostate in the female. Ejaculated fluid parameters have been compared to voided urine samples.

Results
On high-definition perineal ultrasound images, a structure was identified consistent with the gland tissue surrounding the entire length of the female urethra. On urethroscopy, one midline opening (duct) was seen just inside the external meatus in the six-o’clock position. Biochemically, the fluid emitted during orgasm showed all the parameters found in prostate plasma in contrast to the values measured in voided urine.

Conclusions
Data of the two women presented further underline the concept of the female prostate both as an organ itself and as the source of female ejaculation.
Determinants of Sexual Satisfaction in Men with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nelson Christian J. , Choi Judy M. , Mulhall John P. , Roth Andrew J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Objective
There is a growing debate about the important determinants of sexual satisfaction in men. Some authors argue that men's sexual satisfaction correlates with physical functioning variables such as erection quality and ejaculatory time. Other authors have suggested that the limited literature indicates that men's sexual satisfaction is related to psychosocial variables such as relationship satisfaction, depression, or anxiety. This study is the first to our knowledge to explore this question in men with prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods
This archival, cross-sectional research analyzed quality-of-life, depression, and anxiety data on 352 men with early- and late-stage prostate cancer. Questions from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Prostate Cancer Version were used to assess sexual satisfaction, erectile function, and relationship closeness. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess anxiety and depression.

Results
In general, the subjects reported low sexual satisfaction with a mean score of 2.3 on a 5-point Likert scale (1–5). In the correlational analyses, arthritis, brachytherapy, and depression/anxiety were all negatively associated with sexual satisfaction, while erectile function and relationship closeness were positively associated with sexual satisfaction (P  &lt; 0.05). In the subsequent multivariate analysis, erectile function (P  &lt; 0.01), relationship closeness (P  &lt; 0.05), and depression/anxiety (P  &lt; 0.05) remained significant predictors of sexual satisfaction. In this model, erectile functioning produced the largest effect (beta = 0.57) as compared to relationship closeness and depression/anxiety (beta values approximately 0.11).

Conclusions
In this sample of men with prostate cancer, both physical and psychosocial variables were found to be important determinants of sexual satisfaction. Erectile function appears to have the strongest association with sexual satisfaction; however, variables such as relationship quality, depression, and anxiety are also clearly related to a satisfying sex life in this sample.
Enhanced External Counterpulsation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease-Associated Erectile Dysfunction. Part II: Impact of Disease Duration and Treatment Courses
Authors: El-Sakka Ahmed I. , Morsy Ayman M. , Fagih Bassam I. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive outpatient treatment used for patients with intractable angina refractory to aggressive surgical and medical treatment. Recent results have demonstrated a positive impact of EECP on patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD)-associated erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
To assess the effect of IHD duration and number of EECP courses on efficacy and satisfaction rate of EECP on patients with IHD-associated ED.

Main Outcome Measures
We compared pre- and post-EECP responses to erectile function (EF) domain, Q3 and Q4 of the International Index of Erectile Function score in patients who received one or two courses of EECP and those who had &lt;5- or ≥5-years duration of IHD.

Methods
As mentioned in part I a total of 44 male patients with intractable angina caused by coronary insufficiency were enrolled in this study. Treatment course of EECP consists of 35 1-hour sessions over 7 weeks. Another 35 1-hour sessions over another 7 weeks were offered to patients who received one course and required a second course because of no or minimal improvement from class IV to class III angina after the first course.

Results
Patients who received only one course (N = 34) had significantly higher EF domain, Q3 and Q4, in pre- and post-EECP results than patients who received two courses (N = 10) after they completed the first course. Patients who had &lt;5-years duration of IHD had significantly higher pre- and post EECP than patients who had ≥5 years regarding EF domain, Q3 and Q4. Considering the global efficacy question, overall satisfaction, and angina, there were significant improvements of post EECP in patients with &lt;5 years than in patients with ≥5-years duration of IHD.

Conclusion
The efficacy and satisfaction rate of EECP in patients with IHD-associated ED were negatively influenced by longer duration of IHD and requirement of a second course of EECP.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction in Korean Men: Results of an Epidemiological Study
Authors: Ahn Tai Young , Park Jong Kwan , Lee Sung Won , Hong Jun Hyuk , Park Nam Cheol , Kim Je Jong , Park Kwangsung , Park Hyesook , Hyun Jae Seog 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and associated risk factors has been described in many countries, but there are still only a few studies from Asia.

Aim
We investigated the prevalences of ED and premature ejaculation (PE) in Korean men and the impact of general health, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors on these conditions.

Methods
To assess ED and PE, 1,570 Korean men aged 40–79 years were interviewed with a self-administered questionnaire on sexual function and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5. In addition, blood chemistry was analyzed for each subject.

Main Outcome Measures
The prevalences of ED and PE were obtained from self-reported ED, IIEF-5 scoring, EF (erectile function) domain scoring, and self-reported intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT). The data were analyzed for the presence of risk factors and the relationship of general health, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors with ED.

Results
The prevalences of ED among Korean men were 13.4% (self-reported ED) and 32.4% (IIEF-5 score ≤ 17), and PE prevalences were 11% (IELT ≤ 2-min) and 33.1% (IELT ≤ 5-min). ED was more prevalent in the subject groups with older age, lower income, or lower education, and in subjects without a spouse. ED prevalence was positively associated with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, psychological stress, and obesity. Levels of serum hemoglobin (Hb) A1c, triglycerides, testosterone, or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were significantly different between the ED and non-ED groups.

Conclusions
The prevalences of ED and PE in Korean men were 13.4% (self-reported ED) and 11% (IELT ≤ 2-min), respectively. Risk factors and other socioeconomic and mental health factors were associated with ED prevalence. Biochemical factors such as HbA1c, triglycerides, testosterone, and DHEA-S were significantly related to ED prevalence.
Palm Community Structure and Land Cover Changes in the San Juan Biological Corridor, Costa Rica
Authors: Wang Yung‐Ho (Ophelia) 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTBiological corridors connect forest fragments, minimize the isolation of remaining habitats, and reduce the negative impact of fragmentation. Important studies in a corridor include documentation of land cover and the relationships between the plant community and land cover changes. In this study, density, species richness, and species diversity of palms of different life stages and growth forms were documented in forty 10 × 10 m census plots in the San Juan Biological Corridor (SJBC), Costa Rica. Changes in the percent cover of agricultural, partially forested, and forested lands from 1979 to 2001 were quantified based on existing land classifications. Associations between these palm community characteristics and the reduction in forest cover in 200‐m and 1000‐m annuli surrounding the census plots were investigated. These palm community characteristics were spatially interpolated to examine their distributions in SJBC. The community characteristics of palms of all growth forms varied among census plots. Forested lands in SJBC decreased from 88 percent to 26 percent during 1979–2001, while the percentage cover of agricultural and partially forested lands increased. The annual deforestation rate was 0.8 percent from 1979 to 1992, 4.3 percent from 1992 to 1997, and 7.5 percent from 1997 to 2001. Overall, palm community characteristics of small‐canopy palms, dwarf palms, and cotyledonous seedlings had lower values with a lower percentage forest cover. The spatially interpolated palm community characteristics were consistently greatest within or adjacent to protected areas. This study demonstrates the complexity of the landscape and the effect of loss of adjacent forests on the palm community.
Coronary Risk Stratification in Patients with Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Stroke Attack
Authors: Touzé Emmanuel , Varenne Olivier , Calvet David , Mas Jean-Louis 
Published: July 2007

Background The risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is traditionally considered high in patients who had an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, few studies have specifically assessed the absolute risk of coronary events in those patients and predictors of such events are not well known. Summary of review The overall risks of myocardial infarction and nonstroke vascular death are each around 2% per year. However, those risks are only about 1% per year in patients without CAD (i.e. the only ones who are likely to benefit from specific additional strategies). The prevalence of asymptomatic CAD ranges from 15% to 60%. Although potentially higher, the risk of CAD in patients with stroke/TIA related to atherosclerosis also seems to vary widely depending on the extent of the disease. Given the relatively low CAD risk, a simple systematic reinforcement of medical treatment in all patients may be not relevant. Up to now, there have been only limited ways to stratify the CAD risk in stroke/TIA patients. High-risk patients may be identified using the traditional cardiac scoring systems, but their validity has never been specifically assessed in stroke populations. The relative influence of traditional risk factors may be altered after a first vascular event. Stroke patients could also be screened for asymptomatic CAD. However, there is no simple and valid screening test for asymptomatic CAD that could be applied to all patients. Finally, there is still uncertainty about the potential benefits of treating asymptomatic CAD. Therefore, should the identification of patients with asymptomatic CAD requiring revascularization become feasible, the relevance of this strategy would remain to be evaluated by a randomized clinical trial. Conclusion The absolute risk of CAD in stroke/TIA patients is moderately high. More research is needed to identify high risk patients who could benefit from specific strategies.