bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility and age-related changes of ocular parametric measurements in rabbits
Authors: Riau Andri K , Tan Neil YS , Angunawela Romesh I , Htoon Hla M , Chaurasia Shyam S , Mehta Jodhbir S 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The rabbit is a common animal model for ophthalmic research, especially corneal research. Ocular structures grow rapidly during the early stages of life. It is unclear when the rabbit cornea becomes mature and stabilized. We investigated the changes of keratometry, refractive state and central corneal thickness (CCT) with age. In addition, we studied the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of anterior chamber depth (ACD) and anterior chamber width (ACW) measurements in rabbits using anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Results
The growth of New Zealand White rabbits (n = 16) were monitored from age 1 to 12 months old. Corneal keratometric and refractive values were obtained using an autorefractor/keratometer, and CCT was measured using an AS-OCT. Keratometry and CCT changed rapidly from 1 to 7 months and appeared to be stabilizing after 8 months. The reduction of corneal curvature was approximately 1.36 diopter (D)/month from age 1 to 7 months, but the change decelerated to 0.30 D/month from age 8 to 12 months. An increase of 10 μm/month in CCT was observed from age 1 to 7 months, but the gain was reduced to less than 1 μm/month from age 8 to 12 months. There was a hyperopic shift over the span of 12 months, albeit the increase in spherical equivalent was slow and gradual. Rabbits of random age were then selected for 2 repeated ACD and ACW measurements by 2 independent and masked observers. Bland-Altman plots revealed a good agreement of ACD and ACW measurements inter- and intra-observer and the ranges of 95% limit of agreement were acceptable from a clinical perspective.

Conclusions
Corneal keratometry, spherical equivalent refraction and CCT changed significantly during the first few months of life of rabbits. Young rabbits have been used in a large number of eye research studies. In certain settings, the ocular parametric changes are an important aspect to note as they may alter the findings made in a rabbit experimental model. In this study, we have also demonstrated for the first time a good between observer reproducibility of measurements of ocular parameters in an animal model by using an AS-OCT.
The relationship between sex life satisfaction and job stress of married nurses
Authors: Lee Hsiu-Hui , Lung For-Wey , Lee Pei-Rong , Kao Wei-Tsung , Lee Yu-Lan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among work stress, sex life satisfaction, and mental health of married nurses. Demographic information, work stress, sex life satisfaction, sexual desire and mental health measured using the Chinese Health Questionnaire, data were collected from 100 married nurses in Taiwan.

Findings
Sex life satisfaction and age were negatively correlated, but sex life satisfaction and sexual desire were positively correlated. The mental health of over-committed nursing staff was not affected. Higher reward for effort was positively correlated with sex life satisfaction.

Conclusions
No matter whether job stress was high or low, receiving a higher reward for effort led to better sex life satisfaction, which had a satisfying positive effect on the nurses' lives. To improve nursing care quality at the hospital, nursing administrators should assist nurses in confronting work stress via positive adjustment, which is associated with the nurses’ sexual harmony, and quality of life.
Progress of genome wide association study in domestic animals
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Zhipeng , Wang Shouzhi , Li Hui 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Domestic animals are invaluable resources for study of the molecular architecture of complex traits. Although the mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for economically important traits in domestic animals has achieved remarkable results in recent decades, not all of the genetic variation in the complex traits has been captured because of the low density of markers used in QTL mapping studies. The genome wide association study (GWAS), which utilizes high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), provides a new way to tackle this issue. Encouraging achievements in dissection of the genetic mechanisms of complex diseases in humans have resulted from the use of GWAS. At present, GWAS has been applied to the field of domestic animal breeding and genetics, and some advances have been made. Many genes or markers that affect economic traits of interest in domestic animals have been identified. In this review, advances in the use of GWAS in domestic animals are described.
Electroconductive π-Junction Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Kanehara Masayuki , Takeya Jun , Uemura Takafumi , Murata Hideyuki , Takimiya Kazuo , Sekine Hikaru , Teranishi Toshiharu 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The fabrication of printed electronic circuits using solution-based electroconductive materials at low temperature is essential for the realization of modern printed electronics including transistors, photovoltaic cells, and light-emitting devices. Despite the progress in the field of semiconductor solution materials, reliable electrodes are always fabricated by a vacuum deposition process resulting in only partially solution-processed devices. In this paper, we show that planar phthalocyanine-conjugated Au nanoparticles (NPs) significantly improve the interparticle-carrier-transport properties. The deposition of a solution of the Au NPs under ambient conditions results in an electroconductive metallic thin film without further post-treatment. Maximum conductivity reaches &gt;6600 S cm−1 and the conductivity remains unchanged for at least 1 year under ambient conditions. The all-solution-processed organic field-effect transistor (OFET) fabricated under ambient conditions exhibits mobility values as high as 2 cm2 V−1 s−1, the value of which is comparable to OFET devices having vacuum-deposited Au electrodes.
Enantioselective Addition of Diethylzinc to Aldehydes Catalyzed by (S)-1-Alkyl-2-(arylamino)methylpyrrolidine
Authors: Hosoda Naoya , Ito Hiroki , Takimoto Tatsuya , Asami Masatoshi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Several chiral diamines, (S)-1-alkyl-2-(arylamino)methylpyrrolidine, were used as chiral catalysts for the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes. The best results were obtained by employing 0.15 equiv of (S)-2-anilinomethyl-1-benzylpyrrolidine, and chiral secondary alcohols were obtained with high enantiomeric excesses (up to 94% ee).
Smoking Cessation and Its Predictors: Results from a Community-Based Pharmacy Tobacco Cessation Program in New Mexico
Authors: Khan Nasreen , Anderson Joe R , Du Juan , Tinker Dale , Bachyrycz Amy M , Namdar Rocsanna 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: The New Mexico Pharmaceutical Care Foundation received funding through the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program (TUPAC) to provide support for pharmacist-delivered tobacco cessation services. The goal of the program was to increase the availability of tobacco cessation services to residents of New Mexico. Program outcomes are presented, using data from the first 2 fiscal years. OBJECTIVE: To assess tobacco quit rates among smokers who participated in the community pharmacist–based program and identify the predictors of quitting at the end of a 6-month program. METHODS: Pharmacists, who had received Rx for Change training, provided tobacco cessation services. Patients were scheduled for an initial visit and then were seen at regularly scheduled follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months from the initial visit. Data collected at the initial visit included demographics, smoking history, and readiness for quitting. Smoking status was collected at each of the follow-up visits. Data were analyzed using SAS (SAS Institute) and STATA (StataCorp LP) statistical software. Tobacco quit rates were calculated at 1, 3, and 6 months. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of quitting. Standard errors were adjusted for repeated observation. RESULTS: Data were available for 346 participants. The average quit rate at the end of 6 months was 25%. Significant predictors of quitting were high confidence levels in quitting at baseline, individuals who had first cigarettes at least 30 minutes after waking up, first cessation attempt, and nonwhite patients. CONCLUSIONS: A smoking cessation program delivered through trained community pharmacists with prescriptive authority is an effective approach to reducing smoking. Further research should be conducted to compare the effectiveness of pharmacists with that of other providers of tobacco cessation services.
On-Site Test for Cannabinoids in Oral Fluid
Authors: Desrosiers Nathalie A , Lee Dayong , Schwope David M , Milman Garry , Barnes Allan J , Gorelick David A , Huestis Marilyn A 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Oral fluid (OF) testing offers noninvasive sample collection for on-site drug testing; however, to date, test performance for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) detection has had unacceptable diagnostic sensitivity. On-site tests must accurately identify cannabis exposure because this drug accounts for the highest prevalence in workplace drug testing and driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) programs.

METHODS
Ten cannabis smokers (9 males, 1 female) provided written informed consent to participate in this institutional review board–approved study and smoked 1 6.8%-THC cigarette ad libitum. OF was collected with the Draeger DrugTest® 5000 test cassette and Quantisal™ device 0.5 h before and up to 22 h after smoking. Test cassettes were analyzed within 15 min (n = 66), and Quantisal GC-MS THC results obtained within 24 h. Final THC detection times and test performances were assessed at different cannabinoid cutoffs.

RESULTS
Diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity, and efficiency at DrugTest 5000's 5 μg/L screening cutoff and various THC confirmation cutoffs were 86.2–90.7, 75.0–77.8, and 84.8–87.9%, respectively. Last detection times were &gt;22 h, longer than previously suggested. Confirmation of 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC, absent in THC smoke, minimized the potential for passive OF contamination and still provided 22-h windows of detection, appropriate for workplace drug testing, whereas confirmation of cannabidiol, and/or cannabinol yielded shorter 6-h windows of detection, appropriate for DUID OF testing.

CONCLUSIONS
The DrugTest 5000 on-site device provided high diagnostic sensitivity for detection of cannabinoid exposure, and the selection of OF confirmation analytes and cutoffs provided appropriate windows of detection to meet the goals of different drug testing programs.
The Filamentous Growth MAPK Pathway Responds to Glucose Starvation Through the Mig1/2 Transcriptional Repressors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Karunanithi Sheelarani , Cullen Paul J 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In the budding yeast S. cerevisiae, nutrient limitation induces a MAPK pathway that regulates filamentous growth and biofilm/mat formation. How nutrient levels feed into the regulation of the filamentous growth pathway is not entirely clear. We characterized a newly identified MAPK regulatory protein of the filamentous growth pathway, Opy2. A two-hybrid screen with the cytosolic domain of Opy2 uncovered new interacting partners including a transcriptional repressor that functions in the AMPK pathway, Mig1, and its close functional homolog, Mig2. Mig1 and Mig2 coregulated the filamentous growth pathway in response to glucose limitation, as did the AMP kinase Snf1. In addition to associating with Opy2, Mig1 and Mig2 interacted with other regulators of the filamentous growth pathway including the cytosolic domain of the signaling mucin Msb2, the MAP kinase kinase Ste7, and the MAP kinase Kss1. As for Opy2, Mig1 overproduction dampened the pheromone response pathway, which implicates Mig1 and Opy2 as potential regulators of pathway specificity. Taken together, our findings provide the first regulatory link in yeast between components of the AMPK pathway and a MAPK pathway that controls cellular differentiation.
Elucidating Molecular Networks That Either Affect or Respond to Plasma Cortisol Concentration in Target Tissues of Liver and Muscle
Authors: Ponsuksili Siriluck , Du Yang , Murani Eduard , Schwerin Manfred , Wimmers Klaus 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCortisol is a steroid hormone with important roles in regulating immune and metabolic functions and organismal responses to external stimuli are mediated by the glucocorticoid system. Dysregulation of the afferent and efferent axis of glucocorticoid signaling have adverse effects on growth, health status, and well-being. Glucocorticoid secretion and signaling show large interindividual variation that has a considerable genetic component; however, little is known about the underlying genetic variants. Here, we used trait-correlated expression analysis, screening for expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), genome-wide association (GWA) studies, and causality modeling to identify candidate genes in porcine liver and muscle that affect or respond to plasma cortisol levels. Through trait-correlated expression, we characterized transcript activities in many biological functions in liver and muscle. Candidates from the list of trait-correlated expressed genes were narrowed using only those genes with an eQTL, and these were further prioritized by determining whether their expression was predicted to be related to variation in plasma cortisol levels. Using network edge orienting (NEO), a causality modeling algorithm, 26 of 990 candidates in liver were predicted to affect and 70 to respond to plasma cortisol levels. Of 593 candidates in muscle that were correlated with cortisol levels and were regulated by eQTL, 2 and 25 were predicted as effective and responsive, respectively, to plasma cortisol levels. Comprehensive data integration has helped to elucidate the complex molecular networks contributing to cortisol levels and thus its subsequent metabolic effects. The discrimination of up- and downstream effects of transcripts affecting or responding to plasma cortisol concentrations improves the understanding of the biology of complex traits related to growth, health, and well-being.
NAT1/DAP5/p97 and Atypical Translational Control in the Drosophila Circadian Oscillator
Authors: Bradley Sean , Narayanan Siddhartha , Rosbash Michael 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Circadian rhythms are driven by gene expression feedback loops in metazoans. Based on the success of genetic screens for circadian mutants in Drosophila melanogaster, we undertook a targeted RNAi screen to study the impact of translation control genes on circadian locomotor activity rhythms in flies. Knockdown of vital translation factors in timeless protein-positive circadian neurons caused a range of effects including lethality. Knockdown of the atypical translation factor NAT1 had the strongest effect and lengthened circadian period. It also dramatically reduced PER protein levels in pigment dispersing factor (PDF) neurons. BELLE (BEL) protein was also reduced by the NAT1 knockdown, presumably reflecting a role of NAT1 in belle mRNA translation. belle and NAT1 are also targets of the key circadian transcription factor Clock (CLK). Further evidence for a role of NAT1 is that inhibition of the target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase increased oscillator activity in cultured wings, which is absent under conditions of NAT1 knockdown. Moreover, the per 5′- and 3′-UTRs may function together to facilitate cap-independent translation under conditions of TOR inhibition. We suggest that NAT1 and cap-independent translation are important for per mRNA translation, which is also important for the circadian oscillator. A circadian translation program may be especially important in fly pacemaker cells.
High-Throughput Discovery of Mutations in Tef Semi-Dwarfing Genes by Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Zhu Qihui , Smith Shavannor M , Ayele Mulu , Yang Lixing , Jogi Ansuya , Chaluvadi Srinivasa R , Bennetzen Jeffrey L 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Tef (Eragrostis tef) is a major cereal crop in Ethiopia. Lodging is the primary constraint to increasing productivity in this allotetraploid species, accounting for losses of ∼15–45% in yield each year. As a first step toward identifying semi-dwarf varieties that might have improved lodging resistance, an ∼6× fosmid library was constructed and used to identify both homeologues of the dw3 semi-dwarfing gene of Sorghum bicolor. An EMS mutagenized population, consisting of ∼21,210 tef plants, was planted and leaf materials were collected into 23 superpools. Two dwarfing candidate genes, homeologues of dw3 of sorghum and rht1 of wheat, were sequenced directly from each superpool with 454 technology, and 120 candidate mutations were identified. Out of 10 candidates tested, six independent mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing, including two predicted detrimental mutations in both dw3 homeologues with a potential to improve lodging resistance in tef through further breeding. This study demonstrates that high-throughput sequencing can identify potentially valuable mutations in under-studied plant species like tef and has provided mutant lines that can now be combined and tested in breeding programs for improved lodging resistance.
Sputter Oriented Nickel and Defect Inhibitors in Graphene
Authors: Zakar Eugene , Hauri Kevin , Fu Richard , Birdwell A. Glen , Tan Cheng 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTUnderstanding of nickel (Ni) grain size, distribution, and structure are critical parameters in a sputter-deposited Ni catalyst for achieving the desired number of graphene layers [1] grown by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). The size and distribution of grains can be controlled by variations in sputtering parameters, but the final crystal structure and defects are not apparent until after the high temperature annealing. We analyzed the x-ray diffraction patterns in the Ni catalyst to determine effect of thermal annealing on the Ni grain size, orientation, and structural defects. Experiments have shown that in-situ sputter-deposited Ni films at 250 °C are highly oriented in the direction [111] that produced the high yield of graphene films with desired number of layers. Low defect density in a sputtered nickel (Ni) catalyst is a necessary ingredient for achieving precision number of graphene layers. These sputtering parameters can accelerate or postpone the final preferred orientation of the Ni film. A sputter temperature of 250 °C achieved complete transformation from polycrystalline film to the preferred [111] orientated film.
Traumatic Ceramic Femoral Head Fracture: An Initial Misdiagnosis
Authors: Fard-Aghaie Mohammad H , Citak Mustafa , Correia Joao , Haasper Carl , Gehrke Thorsten , Kendoff Daniel 
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose:Ceramic heads are widely used in modern total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although a rare complication, fractures of ceramic heads are described in the literature, evoking uncertainties regarding thein vivostability of this material, especially when impaction of a fractured ceramic head can lead to disastrous results.Methods:In this case report, we present a fracture of a ceramic head after trauma. A misinterpretation of the initial radiographs led to severe fragmentation of the ceramic head two weeks after the incident, later resulting in complete destruction of the arthroplasty.Results and Interpretation:Remarkably, radiographs obtained more than one year after the trauma led to this delayed diagnosis. A single radiographic evaluation, especially in patients with persistent pain after major trauma, with a ceramic head in a THA, seems to be insufficient
Taking Care of Business: Citizenship and the Charter of Incorporation
Authors: Grossman Richard L. , Adams Frank T. , Levenstein Charles 
Published: August 2012

In this commentary, Richard L. Grossman and Frank T. Adams examine the history of industry-community relations. The authors learn that those who guided the development of our country never intended business and industry to have an unlimited license to seek profit at the expense of the common weal. Grossman and Adams argue that charters can be resurrected as a tool to place corporations under citizen authority. Their study, in effect, offers the environmental, occupational health, and labor movements an exciting new strategy with many new tactics in their grassroots battles against corporate polluters and union busters. Their history and proposab should get full consideration, a good airing, and real-life testing. New Solutions is pleased to present this analysis and invites readers' responses to it. We welcome responses that take the form of either letters or full-scale commentaries. We encourage readers to purchase and disseminate the pamphlet from which this commentary is taken, available from the authors, which includes extensive notes and a selected bwlwgraphy. For information, see the box at the end of the article.
Ethnic Differences in Weight Loss and Diabetes Remission After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Admiraal Wanda M. , Celik Funda , Gerdes Victor E. , Dallal Ramsey M. , Hoekstra Joost B. , Holleman Frits 
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE
It has been postulated that the effectiveness of bariatric surgery varies between ethnic groups. However, data regarding this topic are inconclusive, as most studies included few patients from minority groups. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the difference in percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) 1–2 years after bariatric surgery in people of African and Caucasian descent. We also studied differences in diabetes mellitus (DM) remission.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We performed a MEDLINE and EMBASE search for studies reporting %EWL and/or DM remission after bariatric surgery and including both African Americans and Caucasians. The 613 publications obtained were reviewed. We included 14 studies (1,087 African Americans and 2,714 Caucasians); all provided data on %EWL and 3 on DM remission. We extracted surgery type, %EWL, and DM remission 1–2 years after surgery. After analyzing %EWL for any surgery type, we performed subanalyses for malabsorptive and restrictive surgery.

RESULTS
The overall absolute mean %EWL difference between African Americans and Caucasians was −8.36% (95% CI −10.79 to −5.93) significantly in favor of Caucasians. Results were similar for malabsorptive (−8.39% [−11.38 to −5.40]) and restrictive (−8.46% [−12.95 to −3.97]) surgery. The remission of DM was somewhat more frequent in African American patients than in Caucasian patients (1.41 [0.56–3.52]). However, this was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS
In %EWL terms, bariatric surgery is more effective in Caucasians than in African Americans, regardless of procedure type. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact mechanisms behind these disparities and to determine whether ethnic differences exist in the remission of comorbidities after bariatric surgery.