bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinal vessel oxygen saturation and vessel diameter in high myopia
Authors: Zheng Qishan , Zong Yao , Li Li , Huang Xia , Lin Leilei , Yang Wei , Yuan Yongguang , Li Yujie , He Huining , Gao Qianying 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeTo investigate changes in retinal vessel oxygen saturation and diameter in high myopia.MethodsRelative oxygen saturation was measured in the retinal blood vessels of 54 participants with high myopia and compared to a control group of 54 individuals with emmetropia with the Oxymap T1 retinal oximeter. The participants with high myopia were further divided into two groups according to the grade of myopic retinopathy: Group A (grade < M2) and Group B (grade ≥ M2). One‐way anova was used to analyse the mean saturation and diameter of retinal arterioles and venules and the mean difference in arterio‐venous saturation among the four groups. Further analysis of multiple comparisons was performed with the Bonferroni test. Linear regression was used to analyse the correlation of ocular perfusion pressure or best corrected visual acuity with other variables.ResultsFor all of the high myopia patients, retinal arteriole saturation (92.3 ± 5.6%) and the difference in arterio‐venous saturation (30.8 ± 5.0%) were significantly lower than in normal individuals (96.0 ± 5.8%, 35.4 ± 6.2%; p = 0.006, p < 0.001, respectively). In Group A, only the difference in arterio‐venous saturation (31.0 ± 4.7%) was significantly lower than in the control group (p = 0.011). In Group B, retinal arteriole saturation (92.2 ± 5.3%) and the difference in arterio‐venous saturation (30.7 ± 5.3%) were also lower than the control group (p = 0.02, p = 0.001, respectively). Both retinal arteriole diameter and retinal venule diameter were narrower than in participants with high myopia than the control group (p < 0.001). No statistically significant correlations were found between ocular perfusion pressure or best corrected visual acuity with any other variables.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated decreased retinal arteriole saturation and decreased difference in arterio‐venous saturation as well as narrowing retinal vessel diameter in highly myopic eyes. Further studies are needed to determine if such changes play a role in the development of high myopia and its complications or occur as a consequence of tissue remodelling during axial elongation.
Hazard detection with a monocular bioptic telescope
Authors: Doherty Amy L. , Peli Eli , Luo Gang 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeThe safety of bioptic telescopes for driving remains controversial. The ring scotoma, an area to the telescope eye due to the telescope magnification, has been the main cause of concern. This study evaluates whether bioptic users can use the fellow eye to detect in hazards driving videos that fall in the ring scotoma area.MethodsTwelve visually impaired bioptic users watched a series of driving hazard perception training videos and responded as soon as they detected a hazard while reading aloud letters presented on the screen. The letters were placed such that when reading them through the telescope the hazard fell in the ring scotoma area. Four conditions were tested: no bioptic and no reading, reading without bioptic, reading with a bioptic that did not occlude the fellow eye (non‐occluding bioptic), and reading with a bioptic that partially‐occluded the fellow eye. Eight normally sighted subjects performed the same task with the partially occluding bioptic detecting lateral hazards (blocked by the device scotoma) and vertical hazards (outside the scotoma) to further determine the cause‐and‐effect relationship between hazard detection and the fellow eye.ResultsThere were significant differences in performance between conditions: 83% of hazards were detected with no reading task, dropping to 67% in the reading task with no bioptic, to 50% while reading with the non‐occluding bioptic, and 34% while reading with the partially occluding bioptic. For normally sighted, detection of vertical hazards (53%) was significantly higher than lateral hazards (38%) with the partially occluding bioptic.ConclusionsDetection of driving hazards is impaired by the addition of a secondary reading like task. Detection is further impaired when reading through a monocular telescope. The effect of the partially‐occluding bioptic supports the role of the non‐occluded fellow eye in compensating for the ring scotoma.
IURead: a new computer‐based reading test
Authors: Xu Renfeng , Bradley Arthur 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeTo develop a computer‐based single sentence reading test especially designed for clinical research enabling multiple repeat trials without reusing the same sentences.MethodsWe initially developed 422 sentences, with an average of 60 characters and 12 words. Presentation controls were improved by employing computer‐based testing and the oral reading was recorded by visual inspection of digital audio recordings. Variability in reading speed of normally sighted adults between sentences, between charts, between subjects, between formats, and between display devices was quantified. The impact of display size and pixel resolution on test geometry was assessed, and the impact of reduced retinal image quality and retinal illuminance were compared for reading and standard letter acuities. Eleven visually normal subjects (age: 18–60 years) participated in this study.ResultsStopwatch timing of sentences reliably underestimated reading times by about 0.3 s, and exhibited coefficients of repeatability 17 times larger than those estimated from visual inspection of digital recordings. A slight relaxing of the lexical content constraints had no effect on reading speed; neither did sentence format (single vs three lines) or display size or distance. Within subject standard deviations of reading speed for different sentences were small (between 6% and 9% of the mean speed) requiring only small samples sizes to achieve typical statistical reliability and power when comparing conditions within individual subjects. The greater variability associated with stopwatch timing necessitates larger sample sizes. As defocus and light level were varied, reading acuity and standard letter acuity were highly correlated (r2 = 0.99), and reading acuity was slightly better.DiscussionA computer‐based IURead reading test provides a useful reading speed and reading acuity tool for clinical research involving multiple conditions and repeat testing of individual subjects. Ready to use IURead files for use with a computer, tablet or cell phone can be downloaded from our lab website (https://www.opt.indiana.edu/Bradley/Downloads.aspx).
Intermediate addition multifocals provide safe stair ambulation with adequate ‘short‐term’ reading
Authors: Elliott David B. , Hotchkiss John , Scally Andrew J. , Foster Richard , Buckley John G. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeA recent randomised controlled trial indicated that providing long‐term multifocal wearers with a pair of distance single‐vision spectacles for use outside the home reduced falls risk in active older people. However, it also found that participants disliked continually switching between using two pairs of glasses and adherence to the intervention was poor. In this study we determined whether intermediate addition multifocals (which could be worn most of the time inside and outside the home and thus avoid continual switching) could provide similar gait safety on stairs to distance single vision spectacles whilst also providing adequate ‘short‐term’ reading and near vision.MethodsFourteen healthy long‐term multifocal wearers completed stair ascent and descent trials over a 3‐step staircase wearing intermediate and full addition bifocals and progression‐addition lenses (PALs) and single‐vision distance spectacles. Gait safety/caution was assessed using foot clearance measurements (toe on ascent, heel on descent) over the step edges and ascent and descent duration. Binocular near visual acuity, critical print size and reading speed were measured using Bailey‐Lovie near charts and MNRead charts at 40 cm.ResultsGait safety/caution measures were worse with full addition bifocals and PALs compared to intermediate bifocals and PALs. The intermediate PALs provided similar gait ascent/descent measures to those with distance single‐vision spectacles. The intermediate addition PALs also provided good reading ability: Near word acuity and MNRead critical print size were better with the intermediate addition PALs than with the single‐vision lenses (p < 0.0001), with a mean near visual acuity of 0.24 ± 0.13 logMAR (~N5.5) which is satisfactory for most near vision tasks when performed for a short period of time.ConclusionsThe better ability to ‘spot read’ with the intermediate addition PALs compared to single‐vision spectacles suggests that elderly individuals might better comply with the use of intermediate addition PALs outside the home. A lack of difference in gait parameters for the intermediate addition PALs compared to distance single‐vision spectacles suggests they could be usefully used to help prevent falls in older well‐adapted full addition PAL wearers. A randomised controlled trial to investigate the usefulness of intermediate multifocals in preventing falls seems warranted.
Spinoza on Essences, Universals, and Beings of Reason
Authors: Hübner Karolina 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe article proposes a new solution to the long‐standing problem of the universality of essences in Spinoza's ontology. It argues that, according to Spinoza, particular things in nature possess unique essences, but that these essences coexist with more general, mind‐dependent species‐essences, constructed by finite minds on the basis of similarities (‘agreements’) that obtain among the properties of formally‐real particulars. This account provides the best fit both with the textual evidence and with Spinoza's other metaphysical and epistemological commitments. The article offers new readings of how Spinoza understands not just the nature of essence, but also the nature of being, reason, striving, definitions, and different kinds of knowledge.
Caffeic Acid Inhibits UVB‐induced Inflammation and Photocarcinogenesis Through Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator‐activated Receptor‐γ in Mouse Skin
Authors: Balupillai Agilan , Prasad Rajendra N. , Ramasamy Karthikeyan , Muthusamy Ganesan , Shanmugham Mohana , Govindasamy Kanimozhi , Gunaseelan Srithar 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn this study, the effect of caffeic acid (CA) on both acute and chronic UVB‐irradiation–induced inflammation and photocarcinogenesis was investigated in Swiss albino mice. Animals were exposed to 180 mJ cm−2 of UVB once daily for 10 consecutive days and thrice weekly for 30 weeks for acute and chronic study respectively. UVB exposure for 10 consecutive days showed edema formation, increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant status with activation of inflammatory molecules such as TNF‐α, IL‐6, COX‐2 and NF‐κB. However, CA (15 mg per kg.b.wt.) administration before each UVB exposure decreased lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers expression and enhanced antioxidant status probably through the activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARγ) in the mice skin. PPARγ is considered a potential target for photochemoprevention because it inhibits UVB‐mediated inflammatory responses. In this study, UVB exposure for 30 weeks caused squamous cell carcinoma and upregulation of iNOS, VEGF and TGF‐β and downregulation of p53 and tumor incidence in the mice skin. Both topical (CAT) and intraperitoneal (CAIP) treatment before each UVB exposure downregulates iNOS, VEGF, TGF‐β, upregulates p53 and reduces tumors multiplicity in the mice skin. Thus, CA offers protection against UVB‐induced photocarcinogenesis probably through activation of anti‐inflammatory transcription factor PPARγ in the mice.
Comparative physiological studies on the growth of cryptic species of Bostrychia intricata (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) in various salinity and temperature conditions
Authors: Muangmai Narongrit , Preuss Maren , Zuccarello Giuseppe C. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryInter‐ and intra‐specific physiological variations of intertidal macroalgae have been well investigated. However, studies on physiological responses of cryptic algal species have been poorly documented. Bostrychia intricata is a widespread marine red alga in the Southern Hemisphere, and has many cryptic species. We investigated the effect of different salinities and temperatures on the specific growth rate of three cryptic species (N2, N4 and N5) of B. intricata from New Zealand. Our data indicated that all cryptic species grew at the full range of salinities and temperatures tested, but exhibited a significant difference in their specific growth rates. Cryptic species N4 had a higher growth rate than the other two cryptic species under all experimental conditions, whereas cryptic species N2 occasionally showed a higher growth rate than cryptic species N5 at high salinities and lower temperatures. The distinct physiological properties of these cryptic species may explain their distribution pattern (a wider distribution of cryptic species N4 than N2 and N5) in New Zealand. The physiological divergence between the cryptic species could be related to their levels of evolutionary divergence, with more similar physiology between cryptic species, which share a more recent common ancestor (N2 and N5). Our findings underline that morphologically indistinguishable cryptic algal species are different in many other aspects and are truly independent entities.
Effects of cryopreservation on mitochondria of fish spermatozoa
Authors: Figueroa Elías , Valdebenito Iván , Zepeda Andrea B. , Figueroa Carolina A. , Dumorné Kelly , Castillo Rodrigo L. , Farias Jorge G. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe development of sperm cryopreservation has enabled transcendental changes to occur in the reproductive biotechnology of both mammals and fish; it has become a basic tool for animal improvement. Nevertheless, these protocols cause damage to cell structure and physiology, altering sperm functioning due to cryo‐injuries during freezing and thawing. However, studies of the effects on the structural, functional and genomic stability of the mitochondria in fish spermatozoa during cryopreservation are still lacking. The object of this review was to analyse the effect of cryopreservation on mitochondrial metabolic pathways in fish spermatozoa. This effect is related with the bioenergy mechanism for flagellar movement during the activation of sperm motility. In teleost fish, the mitochondria may be cylindrical, spherical or irregular in shape and adhere in a helicoidal or conical pattern to the middle piece. The salmonidae have only a single mitochondrion, but this may vary in other species; the mitochondria provide the flagellum with energy during sperm motility, when sperm respiration is essential. The effects of cryopreservation can induce structural damage to the mitochondria, altering the biochemical process involved inATPproduction and thus causing a reduction in sperm motility. Fragmentation damage to nuclearDNAand diminution in sperm motility is mainly associated with damage to the structure and metabolic functioning of the mitochondrion. A direct correlation exists between the mitochondrial membrane potential (transmembrane integrity,∆Ψm) and the motility and fertilizing capacity of the cryopreserved spermatozoa, confirming that this organelle is the energy nucleus of the spermatozoon and that the cessation or prolongation of motility and successful fertilization depend on the availability ofATPin the spermatozoa. Further works are need to incorporate biotechnology studies, at cell and molecular level, of the possible effects of cryopreservation on mitochondrialDNA, enzymatic or metabolic modifications of the citric acid cycle, and the oxidative phosphorylation process in the inner membrane, as well as studies of the mitochondrial ultrastructure. Thus, mitochondrial dynamics could be established as a potential target for therapeutic strategies.
The Identification of Direct and Indirect Effects in Studies with an Unmeasured Intermediate Variable
Authors: Kuroki Manabu 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis paper considers the identification problem of direct and indirect effects of treatment on a response, when observed data are available but an important intermediate variable is unmeasured. To solve this problem, we propose identification conditions for direct and indirect effects based on (conditionally independent) proxy variables of the unmeasured intermediate variable. This paper establishes feasible approaches for evaluating direct and indirect effects in studies with a single unmeasured intermediate variable.
The Effects of Greenfield FDI and Cross‐border M&As on Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Ashraf Ayesha , Herzer Dierk , Nunnenkamp Peter 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe examine the effects of greenfield FDI and cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) on total factor productivity (TFP) in developed and developing host countries of FDI. Using panel data for up to 123 countries over the period from 2003 to 2011, we find that greenfield FDI has no statistically significant effect on TFP, while M&As have a positive effect on TFP in the total sample. Greenfield FDI and M&As both appear to be ineffective in increasing TFP in the subsample of developing countries. In contrast, M&As have a strong and positive effect on TFP in the subsample of developed countries.
The influence of the obstetrical condition on canine neonatal pulmonary functional competence
Authors: Silva Liege Garcia , Portari Guilherme Vannucchi , Lúcio Cristina Fátima , Rodrigues Jaqueline Aguiar , Veiga Gisele Lima , Vannucchi Camila Infantosi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the influence of the obstetrical condition on neonatal respiratory performance, to estimate surfactant synthesis through lecithin and sphingomyelin ratio (L/S) in amniotic fluid of pregnant bitches and correlate the L/S with the respiratory condition during the first hour of life.DesignProspective randomized study.SettingUniversity veterinary teaching hospital and private referral centers.AnimalsIn accordance to the condition at birth, puppies from 25 healthy bitches aged 2–6 years were allocated into: Eutocia Group – EUT (n = 19 neonates and 14 bitches); Dystocia Group – DYS (n = 8 neonates and 5 bitches) and Elective Cesarean Section Group – CS (n = 12 neonates and 11 bitches).InterventionsAmniotic fluid was drawn from amniotic sac and lecithin (L) and sphingomyelin (S) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography to obtain the L/S ratio. Neonatal physical examination was performed at 1, 5, and 60 minutes after delivery, and included the assessment of respiratory rate (RR) and respiration effort (RE).Measurements and Main ResultsCS group had significantly lower amniotic L/S ratio when compared to EUT and DYS. There were no significant differences between vaginal groups (EUT versus DYS) in respect to L/S ratios. RE of eutocic neonates improved promptly, while RE of DYS and CS groups improved only 1 hour following birth. Moreover, amniotic L/S ratio positively correlated with RR after 60 minutes.ConclusionsWe identified a possible influence of the delivery method on the final surfactant maturation process. Thus, neonates born by elective CS prior to the onset of expulsive uterine contractions should have their respiratory parameters carefully monitored. Additionally, we propose that assessment of respiratory parameters 1 hour following birth can serve as a practical means to indirectly estimate pulmonary maturation (ie, surfactant synthesis) in puppies.
ACCURACY OF RADIOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF THE CRANIAL MARGIN OF THE DORSAL LAMINA OF THE CANINE SACRUM
Authors: Blume Lauren M. , Worth Andrew J. , Cohen Eli B. , Bridges Janis P. , Hartman Angela C. 
Published: August 2015

An elongated sacral lamina has been described as one of the contributing factors for dogs withcauda equinasyndrome due to degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS); however, published evidence is lacking on the accuracy of radiographic screening for the presence of this lesion. Objectives of this prospective, cross‐sectional cadaver study were to describe the accuracy and repeatability of detection of the cranial sacral lamina margin on plain lateral radiographs of the lumbosacral junction in dogs. Twenty‐five medium and large breed canine cadavers were radiographed before and after placement of a radiopaque hook in the cranial margin of the sacral lamina. Three independent evaluators placed digital markers at the perceived margin on preinterventional radiographs. The distance from perceived location to the true location on postinterventional radiographs was recorded for each dog and observer. A discordance threshold (distance between perceived and actual margin) of 1.5 mm was subjectively defined as clinically relevant. The three evaluators demonstrated good repeatability, although the accuracy for margin detection was only fair (mean discordance 1.7 mm). Evaluators demonstrated greater accuracy in identifying the landmark in juveniles (1.4 mm) vs. adults (1.8 mm;P< 0.01). Results of this study indicated that observer repeatability is good and accuracy is fair for correctly identifying the radiographic cranial margin of the sacral lamina in dogs. This should be taken into consideration when interpreting elongation of the sacral lamina in radiographs of dogs with suspected DLSS, especially adults.
The Influence of In-Season Training Loads on Injury Risk in Professional Rugby Union
Authors: Cross Matthew J. , Williams Sean , Trewartha Grant , Kemp Simon P.T. , Stokes Keith A. 
Published: August 2015

Purpose:To explore the association between in-season training-load (TL) measures and injury risk in professional rugby union players.Methods:This was a 1-season prospective cohort study of 173 professional rugby union players from 4 English Premiership teams. TL (duration × session-RPE) and time-loss injuries were recorded for all players for all pitch- and gym-based sessions. Generalized estimating equations were used to model the association between in-season TL measures and injury in the subsequent week.Results:Injury risk increased linearly with 1-wk loads and week-to-week changes in loads, with a 2-SD increase in these variables (1245 AU and 1069 AU, respectively) associated with odds ratios of 1.68 (95% CI 1.05–2.68) and 1.58 (95% CI 0.98–2.54). When compared with the reference group (<3684 AU), a significant nonlinear effect was evident for 4-wk cumulative loads, with a likely beneficial reduction in injury risk associated with intermediate loads of 5932–8651 AU (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.22–1.38) (this range equates to around 4 wk of average in-season TL) and a likely harmful effect evident for higher loads of >8651 AU (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.98–1.98).Conclusions:Players had an increased risk of injury if they had high 1-wk cumulative loads (1245 AU) or large week-to-week changes in TL (1069 AU). In addition, a U-shaped relationship was observed for 4-wk cumulative loads, with an apparent increase in risk associated with higher loads (>8651 AU). These measures should therefore be monitored to inform injury-risk-reduction strategies.