bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Schedule‐induced electrodermal responding in children
Authors: Latzman Robert D. , Knutson John F. , Fowles Don C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe current studies were designed to determine whether different intermittent schedules of reinforcement would have a differential effect on the skin conductance responses (SCRs) of children in the 8–12‐year‐old age range. Results of two experiments indicated that the amplitude of children's SCRs immediately following the occurrence of reinforcement were a function of the schedule of reinforcement, with larger SCRs associated with longer inter‐reinforcement intervals. The findings are consistent with the research literature suggesting that long inter‐reinforcement intervals can be evocative of aversively motivated emotions, as well as with research on the effects of interstimulus intervals on SCRs. Possible implications for these findings are discussed.
An electrophysiological investigation of indirect semantic priming
Authors: Kreher Donna A. , Holcomb Phillip J. , Kuperberg Gina R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIn two experiments, direct and indirect semantic priming were measured using event‐related potentials. In Experiment 1, participants rated the relatedness between prime and target on a seven‐point scale. In Experiment 2, participants simply read the primes and targets as they monitored for a semantic category in probe filler items. Significant direct and indirect N400 priming effects were observed in both experiments. In Experiment 1, the indirect N400 priming effect remained significant when indirectly related and unrelated word pairs were matched for participants' explicit relatedness judgments. In both experiments, the indirect N400 priming effects were preserved when indirectly related and unrelated word pairs were matched on more global and objective measures of semantic similarity. These findings are discussed in the context of current theoretical models of semantic memory and semantic priming.
Veterans Affairs Health System and Mental Health Treatment Retention among Patients with Serious Mental Illness: Evaluating Accessibility and Availability Barriers
Authors: McCarthy John F. , Blow Frederic C. , Valenstein Marcia , Fischer Ellen P. , Owen Richard R. , Barry Kristen L. , Hudson Teresa J. , Ignacio Rosalinda V. 
Published: September 2006

Objective. We examine the impact of two dimensions of access—geographic accessibility and availability—on VA health system and mental health treatment retention among patients with serious mental illness (SMI).Methods. Among 156,631 patients in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in fiscal year 1998 (FY98), we used Cox proportional hazards regression to model time to first 12‐month gap in health system utilization, and in mental health services utilization, by the end of FY02. Geographic accessibility was operationalized as straight‐line distance to nearest VA service site or VA psychiatric service site, respectively. Service availability was assessed using county‐level VA hospital beds and non‐VA beds per 1,000 county residents. Patients who died without a prior gap in care were censored.Results. There were 32, 943 patients (21 percent) with a 12‐month gap in health system utilization; 65,386 (42 percent) had a 12‐month gap in mental health services utilization. Gaps in VA health system utilization were more likely if patients were younger, nonwhite, unmarried, homeless, nonservice‐connected, if they had bipolar disorder, less medical morbidity, an inpatient stay in FY98, or if they lived farther from care or in a county with fewer VA inpatient beds. Similar relationships were observed for mental health, however being older, female, and having greater morbidity were associated with increased risks of gaps, and number of VA beds was not significant.Conclusions. Geographic accessibility and resource availability measures were associated with long‐term continuity of care among patients with SMI. Increased distance from providers was associated with greater risks of 12‐month gaps in health system and mental health services utilization. Lower VA inpatient bed availability was associated with increased risks of gaps in health system utilization. Study findings may inform efforts to improve treatment retention.
Laws Requiring Health Plans to Provide Direct Access to Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Use of Cancer Screening by Women
Authors: Baker Laurence C. , Chan Jia 
Published: September 2006

Background. Many states have passed legislation mandating that health plans provide direct access to obstetricians/gynecologists (hereinafter “ob/gyns”) for women, limiting the ability of plans to require referrals or otherwise restrict access. One benefit of these laws may be improved preventive screening rates, but no literature has examined the relationship between ob/gyn direct access laws and use of breast cancer and cervical cancer screening.Data and Methods. We use repeated cross‐sections of privately insured women age 18–64 (Pap test) and 40–64 (mammography) from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for 1996–2000, linked to data on the presence of ob/gyn direct access laws by state. Outcome measures are receipt of mammography and receipt of a Pap test within the past 2 years. Regression analyses are used to assess the relationship between the presence of ob/gyn direct access laws and screening, adjusting for a range of individual characteristics, fixed state characteristics, and time trends.Results. We find no statistically significant relationships between the presence of an ob/gyn direct access law and receipt of either mammography or Pap test screening. We explore a range of alternate specifications and find none that yield clear evidence of a relationship.Conclusions. Laws requiring direct access to ob/gyns are not associated with large or consistent measurable impacts on use of cancer screening.
Influences of optic edge design on posterior capsule opacification and anterior capsule contraction
Authors: Miyata Kazunori , Kato Satoshi , Nejima Ryohei , Miyai Takashi , Honbo Masato , Ohtani Shinichiro 
Published: September 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the influence of optic edge design on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and anterior capsule contraction (ACC).Methods:  A total of 43 eyes of 43 patients scheduled to undergo cataract surgery were included in this study. Patients received either a Sensor® AR40 intraocular lens (IOL) or a Sensor® AR40e IOL. The area of the anterior capsule opening (ACO) was determined by diaphanoscopy using the anterior eye segment analysis system EAS‐1000 at 1 day, 1 week and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Posterior capsule opacification was evaluated objectively in two ways, using either the EAS‐1000 or POCOman.Results:  There was no significant difference between the two groups in either ACO area or percentage reduction of ACO area at any time‐point after surgery. The difference in the degree of PCO 1 year after surgery was not significant when measured by either the EAS‐1000 or POCOman.Conclusions:  A sharp IOL edge is required to prevent PCO. Sharp‐edged IOLs do not appear to be a risk factor for ACC.
Cutting the cost: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by totally extraperitoneal approach without disposable instruments
Authors: Chiang David Ting‐Wei , Bohmer Robert 
Published: September 2006

Background:  One of the disadvantages of laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty by the totally extraperitoneal approach is the cost associated with disposable instrumentation that is used to establish and maintain the preperitoneal space. A prospective audit and cost‐analysis of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with and without disposable instruments was conducted at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Australia.Methods:  The data from 94 patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty (47 with and 47 without disposable instruments) were reviewed. In the group without disposable instruments, digital dissection supplemented by movements of a 30° laparoscope, and followed by dissection with laparoscopic forceps, was used instead of disposable balloon expanders to establish and maintain the preperitoneal space during hernioplasty. Detailed pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative findings were audited for each laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty technique. In‐hospital cost analysis was conducted for theatre time, and costs of laparoscopic and disposable instruments were compared.Result:  The overall cost saving of not using disposable instrumentation at the initial stage was almost $A20 000 for 47 patients (approximately $A425 per case). The difference in theatre time used was not statistically significant. In the group of hernioplasty without disposable instruments, disposable balloon expanders were still required in three patients (8.2%) due to gas leakage, and one (2.6%) required conversion to open procedure due to profuse bleeding. There were two patients in this group with postoperative complications: one with seroma and one with urinary retention.Conclusion:  The preperitoneal space was established and maintained in most patients without using the specially designed balloon expanders. Therefore, this modification of the totally extraperitoneal approach could be considered safe and effective, and should be attempted initially. However, in difficult cases, the disposable balloon expanders may still be required.
Medicare Part D: Practical practice information for healthcare providers
Authors: Moczygemba Leticia R 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPurpose: To provide an overview of Medicare Part D and useful practice information for healthcare providers to help guide Medicare beneficiaries when choosing a Part D plan.Data sources: Documents written by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Kaiser Family Foundation, and United States Department of Health & Human Services.Conclusions: Although Medicare Part D can provide assistance with prescription drug costs to Medicare beneficiaries, the transition to Medicare Part D in 2006 will be challenging for both beneficiaries and healthcare providers. It is important that both Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers understand the complex drug benefit to facilitate the transition to Medicare Part D.Implications for practice: It is likely that Medicare Part D formularies will require adjustments to many Medicare beneficiaries’ medication regimens. Additionally, it is possible that there will be an increase in the number of prior authorizations and other requirements such as step therapy requests.
In vitro Drug Sensitivity Predicts Response and Survival after Individualized Sensitivity-Directed Chemotherapy in Metastatic Melanoma: A Multicenter Phase II Trial of the Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group
Authors: Ugurel Selma , Schadendorf Dirk , Pföhler Claudia , Neuber Karsten , Thoelke Adina , Ulrich Jens , Hauschild Axel , Spieth Konstanze , Kaatz Martin , Rittgen Werner , Delorme Stefan , Tilgen Wolfgang , Reinhold Uwe 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Purpose: In vitro sensitivity assays are promising tools to predict the individual outcome of different chemotherapy regimens. However, a direct association between in vitro and in vivo chemosensitivity has to be shown by clinical studies. This multicenter phase II trial was aimed to investigate the efficacy of a sensitivity-directed, first-line chemotherapy in metastasized melanoma patients, and to prove an association between in vitro sensitivity and therapy outcome.
Patients and Methods: The primary study end point was objective response; secondary end points were safety, overall survival, and progression-free survival. Viable tumor cells obtained from metastatic lesions were tested for chemosensitivity to seven single drugs and five drug combinations using an ATP-based luminescence viability assay.
Results: Out of 82 recruited patients (intention-to-treat), 57 received assay-directed chemotherapy and 53 were evaluable for all study end points (per protocol). The drug combinations used were gemcitabine + treosulfan, paclitaxel + cisplatin, paclitaxel + doxorubicin, and gemcitabine + cisplatin. The per protocol population could be divided into 22 (42%) chemosensitive and 31 (58%) chemoresistant patients by an arbitrary chemosensitivity index. Objective response was 36.4% in chemosensitive patients compared with 16.1% in chemoresistant patients (P = 0.114); progression arrest (complete response + partial response + stable disease) was 59.1% versus 22.6% (P = 0.01). Chemosensitive patients showed an increased overall survival of 14.6 months compared with 7.4 months in chemoresistant patients (P = 0.041).
Conclusion: In vitro chemosensitivity testing may be worthy of further exploration to see if it could be a useful tool to predict the outcome of melanoma patients treated with a sensitivity-directed chemotherapy. Therefore, these preliminary results will be evaluated by a planned phase III trial using a randomized, standard-regimen controlled setting.
Mouse Models of Brain Tumors and Their Applications in Preclinical Trials
Authors: Fomchenko Elena I. , Holland Eric C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPrimary brain tumors, including gliomas and medulloblastomas, often represent the most devastating and difficult-to-treat tumors, and are thought to arise from glial cells and/or their precursors or the external granule cell layer, respectively. The majority of genetic alterations characteristic of the human brain tumors are thought to occur in genes encoding proteins involved in signal transduction or cell cycle regulation. Accurate recapitulation of these genetic alterations using genetically engineered mouse models allows for in vivo modeling of brain tumors with similar histopathology, etiology, and biology. These mouse models, in turn, increase our understanding of brain tumor initiation, formation, progression, and metastasis, providing an experimental system to discover novel therapeutic targets and test various therapeutic agents.
The Thalidomide Analogue, CC-4047, Induces Apoptosis Signaling and Growth Arrest in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Shalapour Shabnam , Zelmer Andrea , Pfau Madlen , Moderegger Eva , Costa-Blechschmidt Cristiane , van Landeghem Frank K.H. , Taube Tillmann , Fichtner Iduna , Bührer Christoph , Henze Günter , Seeger Karl , Wellmann Sven 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Purpose: Thalidomide and its analogues have shown promise in the treatment of multiple myeloma but their therapeutic potential has not been evaluated in models of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Experimental Design: We assessed the effects of the thalidomide analogue, CC-4047, on the growth and apoptosis signaling of human B cell precursor (BCP) ALL cell lines and freshly obtained childhood BCP-ALL cells grown with or without stromal cells. In addition, we studied the effects of CC-4047 on the progression and dissemination of xenotransplanted human BCP-ALL cells in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice.
Results: CC-4047 reduced the proliferation of human BCP-ALL cell lines in vitro. In contrast with the antileukemic effect of cytarabin, this was more pronounced when cell lines or freshly obtained childhood BCP-ALL cells were cocultured with stromal cells. CC-4047 induced the cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-9, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in stroma-cocultured BCP-ALL cells. The inhibition of tumor growth, caspase-3 cleavage, and reduced microvessel density was observed in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice inoculated s.c. with childhood BCP-ALL cells upon CC-4047 treatment. After i.v. BCP-ALL xenotransplantation, CC-4047 reduced splenic dissemination.
Conclusions: The thalidomide analogue, CC-4047, displays profound cytostatic effects on stroma-supported human ALL cells both in vitro and in vivo.
Population Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model for Neutropenia with Patient Subgroup Identification: Comparison across Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Kloft Charlotte , Wallin Johan , Henningsson Anja , Chatelut Etienne , Karlsson Mats O. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Purpose: Cancer chemotherapy, although based on body surface area, often causes unpredictable myelosuppression, especially severe neutropenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the influence of patient-specific characteristics on the neutrophil concentration-time course, to identify patient subgroups, and to compare covariates on system-related pharmacodynamic variable between drugs.
Experimental Design: Drug and neutrophil concentration, demographic, and clinical chemistry data of several trials with docetaxel (637 patients), paclitaxel (45 patients), etoposide (71 patients), or topotecan (191 patients) were included in the covariate analysis of a physiology-based pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic neutropenia model. Comparisons of covariate relations across drugs were made.
Results: A population model incorporating four to five relevant patient factors for each drug to explain variability in the degree and duration of neutropenia has been developed. Sex, previous anticancer therapy, performance status, height, binding partners, or liver enzymes influenced system-related variables and α1-acid glycoprotein, albumin, bilirubin, concomitant cytotoxic agents, or administration route changed drug-specific variables. Overall, female and pretreated patients had a lower baseline neutrophil concentration. Across-drug comparison revealed that several covariates (e.g., age) had minor (clinically irrelevant) influences but consistently shifted the pharmacodynamic variable in the same direction.
Conclusions: These mechanistic models, including patient characteristics that influence drug-specific parameters, form the rationale basis for more tailored dosing of individual patients or subgroups to minimize the risk of infection and thus might contribute to a more successful therapy. In addition, nonsignificant or clinically irrelevant relations on system-related parameters suggest that these covariates could be negligible in clinical trails and daily use.
The genus Trophomera Rubtsov & Platonova, 1974 with description of T. litoralis sp. n. (Nematoda: Benthimermithidae) from the tidal zone of the Kuril Archipelago and proposal of Benthimermis Petter, 1980 as a junior synonym
Authors: Miljutin Dmitry M. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The type species of Trophomera, T. iturupiensis, is redescribed from type
material and important errors in the original description corrected. As a
result of this emended description, Benthimermis is proposed as a junior
synonym of Trophomera and its species transferred accordingly. The family
name Benthimermithidae is retained according to articles 23.1 and 40.1 of
the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Trophomera is diagnosed
and an annotated list of nominal species presented. Trophomera litoralis sp.
n., collected from the tidal zone of Ushishir Island (Kuril Archipelago), is
described on the basis of four males. The males of T. litoralis sp. n.
differ from those of other Trophomera species primarily by the much higher
number of precloacal supplementary organs (105-108 vs 2-68). Trophomera
litoralis sp. n. is most similar to T. regalis comb. n. yet differs by
shorter body length (5.8-9.3 vs 14.9 mm), body proportions (a = 67-107 vs
124.4; c = 61-97 vs 135.7), greater length of the intermediate spermatoduct
between the anterior and posterior testes (ca 1/7th vs ca 1/140th of body
length), tail shape (rounded conoid vs pointed conoid), and number of
precloacal supplementary organs (105-108 vs 49).
The Interaction of Clouds and Dry Air in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Authors: Zuidema Paquita , Mapes Brian , Lin Jialin , Fairall Chris , Wick Gary 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Cloud radar observations of eastern Pacific intertropical convergence zone cloud vertical structure are interpreted in light of soundings, 100-km-scale divergence profiles calculated from precipitation radar Doppler velocities, and surface rain gauge data, from a ship at 10°N, 95°W during the 2001 East Pacific Investigation of Climate (EPIC) experiment. The transition from convective to stratiform rain is clear in all four datasets, indicating a coherence from local to 100-km scale. A novel finding is dry air intrusions at altitudes of 6–8 km, often undercutting upper-level ice clouds. Two distinct dry air source regions are identified. One is a relatively dry area overlying the cooler waters of the Costa Rica oceanic thermocline dome, centered approximately 400 km east-northeast of the ship site. The other is the even drier near-equatorial subsidence zone south of 6°–7°N. The former source is somewhat peculiar to this specific ship location, so that the ship sample is not entirely representative of the region.
The 20–25 September period is studied in detail, as it depicts two influences of the dry air on cloud vertical structure. One is the modulation of small-scale surface-based convection, evident as a weakening and narrowing of cloud radar reflectivity features. The other springs from intense sublimation cooling as differential advection brought snowing anvil clouds over the dry layers. During one half-day period of strong sublimation, the cooling rate is inferred to be several tens of degrees per day over a 100-hPa layer, based on a heat budget estimate at 100-km scale involving the horizontal wind divergence data. This is consistent with fluxing ice water contents of 0.05–0.10 g m−3 derived from the cloud radar reflectivities. The temperature profile shows the dynamically expected response to this cooling, a positive–negative–positive temperature anomaly pattern centered on the sublimating layer. A buoyancy-sorting diagnostic model of convection indicates that these upper-troposphere temperature anomalies can cause premature detrainment of updrafts into the lower part of the cloudy layer, a feedback that may actively maintain these long-lasting dense anvils.
Middle-troposphere southerly dry air inflow is also evident in large-scale analysis. Given the proximity of the dry equatorial subsidence zone to the eastern tropical Pacific, the differential advection of dry and cloudy air, the ensuing sublimation, and its dynamical aftereffects may play a role in establishing the region’s climate, although the extent of their significance needs to be further established.