bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AMPAkines Have Novel Analgesic Properties in Rat Models of Persistent Neuropathic and Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Le Alexander M. , Lee Michelle , Su Chen , Zou Anthony , Wang Jing 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background:
Novel analgesics that do not suppress the respiratory drive are urgently needed. Glutamate signaling through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors plays important roles in central pain circuits. AMPAkines augment AMPA receptor function and have been shown to stimulate the respiratory drive to oppose opioid-induced hypoventilation. However, their role in chronic pain states remains unknown.

Methods:
The authors studied AMPAkines (CX546 and CX516) in rat spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory pain. They measured the effect of AMPAkines on mechanical and cold allodynia. They also evaluated their effect on depressive symptoms of pain using the forced swim test, as time of immobility on this test has been used as a measure for behavioral despair, a feature of depression.

Results:
The authors found that CX546, compared with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control, reduced both mechanical and sensory allodynia in SNI (DMSO group, n = 9; CX546 group, n = 11) and CFA models (both DMSO and CX546 groups, n = 9). They found that CX546, compared with control, also reduced depressive symptoms of pain by decreasing immobility on the forced swim test in both SNI (both DMSO and CX546 groups, n = 8) and CFA models (both DMSO and CX546 groups, n = 10). Finally, they found that CX516, compared with control, also reduced mechanical and cold allodynia in the SNI model (both DMSO and CX516 groups, n = 10).

Conclusions:
AMPAkines alleviate pain hypersensitivity as well as depression-like behavior associated with long-lasting nerve injury and inflammatory insult.
Thermal conductivity of group-IV semiconductors from a kinetic-collective model
Authors: de Tomas C. , Cantarero A. , Lopeandia A. F. , Alvarez F. X. 
Published: June 2014

The thermal conductivity of group-IV semiconductors (silicon, germanium, diamond and grey tin) with several isotopic compositions has been calculated from a kinetic-collective model. From this approach, significantly different to Callaway-like models in its physical interpretation, the thermal conductivity expression accounts for a transition from a kinetic (individual phonon transport) to a collective (hydrodynamic phonon transport) behaviour of the phonon field. Within the model, we confirm the theoretical proportionality between the phonon–phonon relaxation times of the group-IV semiconductors. This proportionality depends on some materials properties and it allows us to predict the thermal conductivity of the whole group of materials without the need to fit each material individually. The predictions on thermal conductivities are in good agreement with experimental data over a wide temperature range.
Redefining Genomic Privacy: Trust and Empowerment
Authors: Narayana Arvind , Yocum Kenneth , Glazer David , Farahany Nita , Olson Maynard , Stein Lincoln D. , Williams James B. , Witkowski Jan A. , Kain Robert C. , Erlich Yaniv 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFulfilling the promise of the genetic revolution requires the analysis of large datasets containing information from thousands to millions of participants. However, sharing human genomic data requires protecting subjects from potential harm. Current models rely on de-identification techniques that treat privacy versus data utility as a zero-sum game. Instead we propose using trust-enabling techniques to create a solution where researchers and participants both win. To do so we introduce three principles that facilitate trust in genetic research and outline one possible framework built upon those principles. Our hope is that such trust-centric frameworks provide a sustainable solution that reconciles genetic privacy with data sharing and facilitates genetic research.
BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE1 Modulates Arabidopsis Resistance to Green Peach Aphids via PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4
Authors: Lei Jiaxin , A. Finlayson Scott , Salzman Ron A. , Shan Libo , Zhu-Salzman Keyan 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE1 (BIK1) plays important roles in induced defense against fungal and bacterial pathogens in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Its tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) homolog is required for host plant resistance to a chewing insect herbivore. However, it remains unknown whether BIK1 functions in plant defense against aphids, a group of insects with a specialized phloem sap-feeding style. In this study, the potential role of BIK1 was investigated in Arabidopsis infested with the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). In contrast to the previously reported positive role of intact BIK1 in defense response, loss of BIK1 function adversely impacted aphid settling, feeding, and reproduction. Relative to wild-type plants, bik1 displayed higher aphid-induced hydrogen peroxide accumulation and more severe lesions, resembling a hypersensitive response (HR) against pathogens. These symptoms were limited to the infested leaves. The bik1 mutant showed elevated basal as well as induced salicylic acid and ethylene accumulation. Intriguingly, elevated salicylic acid levels did not contribute to the HR-like symptoms or to the heightened aphid resistance associated with the bik1 mutant. Elevated ethylene levels in bik1 accounted for an initial, short-term repellence. Introducing a loss-of-function mutation in the aphid resistance and senescence-promoting gene PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 (PAD4) into the bik1 background blocked both aphid resistance and HR-like symptoms, indicating bik1-mediated resistance to aphids is PAD4 dependent. Taken together, Arabidopsis BIK1 confers susceptibility to aphid infestation through its suppression of PAD4 expression. Furthermore, the results underscore the role of reactive oxygen species and cell death in plant defense against phloem sap-feeding insects.
The Impact of Electronic Health Record Implementation and Use on Performance of the Surgical Care Improvement Project Measures
Authors: Thirukumaran Caroline Pinto , Dolan James G. , Webster Patricia Reagan , Panzer Robert J. , Friedman Bruce 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of electronic health record (EHR) deployment on Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) measures in a tertiary‐care teaching hospital.Data SourcesSCIP Core Measure dataset from the CMS Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program (March 2010 to February 2012).Study DesignOne‐group pre‐ and post‐EHR logistic regression and difference‐in‐differences analyses.Principal FindingsStatistically significant short‐term declines in scores were observed for the composite, postoperative removal of urinary catheter and post–cardiac surgery glucose control measures. A statistically insignificant improvement in scores for these measures was noted 3 months after EHR deployment.ConclusionThe transition to an EHR appears to be associated with a short‐term decline in quality. Implementation strategies should be developed to preempt or minimize this initial decline.
Bt Cotton, Pesticide Use and Environmental Efficiency in Pakistan
Authors: Abedullah  , Kouser Shahzad , Qaim Matin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThere is a broad literature on the impact of Bt cotton adoption in different countries, but few studies have explicitly looked at environmental and health effects from an economic perspective. We analyse the impact of Bt cotton on environmental efficiency in Pakistan, using farm survey data and a doubly heteroskedastic stochastic production function framework. Negative environmental and health effects of chemical pesticide use are quantified with the environmental impact quotient. Bt‐adopting farms have higher cotton yields, while using lower pesticide quantities and causing less environmental damage. Bt farms are both technically and environmentally more efficient than non‐Bt farms. Bt adoption increases environmental efficiency by 37%. Achieving the same reduction in negative environmental and health impact without Bt would cost conventional cotton farmersUS$ 54 per acre in terms of foregone yields and revenues (7% of total revenues). Extrapolating this shadow price of the technology's health and environmental benefits to the total Bt cotton area in Pakistan results in an aggregate value ofUS$ 370 million. These benefits are in addition to the profit gains for Bt‐adopting farmers. Our results suggest that Bt technology can contribute to sustainable agricultural development.
Occurrence and distribution of tomato seed‐borne mycoflora inSaudiArabia and its correlation with the climatic variables
Authors: Al‐Askar Abdulaziz A. , Ghoneem Khalid M. , Rashad Younes M. , Abdulkhair Waleed M. , Hafez Elsayed E. , Shabana Yasser M. , Baka Zakaria A. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryOne hundred samples of tomato seeds were collected in 2011 and 2012 from tomato‐cultivated fields inSaudiArabia and screened for their seed‐borne mycoflora. A total of 30 genera and 57 species of fungi were recovered from the collected seed samples using agar plate and deep‐freezing blotter methods. The two methods differed as regards the frequency of recovered seed‐borne fungi. Seven fungi among those recovered from tomato seeds, which are known as plant pathogens, were tested for their pathogenicity and transmission on tomato seedlings. The recovery rate of these pathogens gradually decreased from root up to the upper stem, and did not reach to the stem apex. The distribution of tomato seed‐borne fungi was also investigated throughoutSaudiArabia. In this concern,Al‐Madena governorate recorded the highest incidence of fungal flora associated with tomato seeds. The impact of meteorological variables on the distribution of tomato seed‐borne mycoflora was explored using the ordination technique (canonical correspondence analysis). Among all climatic factors, relative humidity was the most influential variable in this regard. Our findings may provide a valuable contribution to our understanding of future global disease change and may be used also to predict disease occurrence and fungal transfer to new uninfected areas.
A proteomic analysis of Nipponia nippon (ID#162)
Authors: Oyanagi Mitsuru , Kaneko Kentaro , Kaneko Yoshinori , Sasaki Maiko , Nishida Chizuko , Matsuda Yoichi , Mitsui Toshiaki 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe investigated the proteome of a female Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon, ID#162) that died on March 10, 2010 at the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center. Protein preparations from the brain, trachea, liver, heart, lung, proventriculus, muscular stomach, small intestine, duodenum, ovary and neck muscle were subjected to in‐solution shotgun mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analyses using an LTQ Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer. A search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gallus gallus databases revealed 4253 GI (GenInfo Identifier) numbers with the sum of the same 11 tissues examined in the Crested Ibis. To interpret the obtained proteomics data, it was verified in detail with the data obtained from the brain of the Crested Ibis. It has been reported that drebrin A is specifically expressed in adult chicken brain. In the shotgun proteomic analyses of the Crested Ibis, we identified drebrin A as a brain‐specific protein. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis of the protein preparations from 10 tissues of the Crested Ibis and 150‐day‐old hens using anti‐drebrin antibodies showed intensive expression of approximately 110 kDa polypeptides of drebrin in both brains. We believe firmly that the present data will contribute to initial and fundamental steps toward understanding the Crested Ibis proteome.
A genome‐wide SNP scan in a porcine Large White × Minzhu intercross population reveals a locus influencing muscle mass on chromosome 2
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Li Gang , Luo Wei Zhen , Li Yong , Liang Jing , Yan Hua , Zhao Ke Bin , Wang Li Xian , Zhang Long Chao 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array containing 62 163 markers was employed for a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify variants associated with lean meat in ham (LMH, %) and lean meat percentage (LMP, %) within a porcine Large White × Minzhu intercross population. For each individual, LMH and LMP were measured after slaughter at the age of 240 ± 7 days. A total of 557 F2 animals were genotyped. The GWAS revealed that 21 SNPs showed significant genome‐wide or chromosome‐wide associations with LMH and LMP by the Genome‐wide Rapid Association using Mixed Model and Regression‐Genomic Control approach. Nineteen significant genome‐wide SNPs were mapped to the distal end of Sus Scrofa Chromosome (SSC) 2, where a major known gene responsible for muscle mass, IGF2 is located. A conditioned analysis, in which the genotype of the strongest associated SNP is included as a fixed effect in the model, showed that those significant SNPs on SSC2 were derived from a single quantitative trait locus. The two chromosome‐wide association SNPs on SSC1 disappeared after conditioned analysis suggested the association signal is a false association derived from using a F2 population. The present result is expected to lead to novel insights into muscle mass in different pig breeds and lays a preliminary foundation for follow‐up studies for identification of causal mutations for subsequent application in marker‐assisted selection programs for improving muscle mass in pigs.
Identification of bacteria in total mixed ration silage produced with and without crop silage as an ingredient
Authors: Nishino Naoki , Ogata Yu , Han Hongyan , Yamamoto Yasunari 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAs a forage source for total mixed ration (TMR) silage production, locally produced crop silage is now used in addition to imported hay. This type of TMR ensiling is regarded as a two‐step fermentation process; hence, a survey was carried out to determine whether the bacteria in crop silage affect the subsequent TMR ensiling. Fermentation product contents and bacterial community were determined for TMR silage and its ingredient silages collected in August, October and November. August product contained corn, sorghum and Italian ryegrass silages, October product had wheat silage exclusively and November product did not include any crop silages. Acetic acid, lactic acid, 2,3‐butanediol and ethanol were predominant fermentation products in corn, sorghum, Italian ryegrass and wheat silages, respectively. Robust lactic acid fermentation was seen in TMR silage, even if acetate‐type and alcohol‐type silages were mixed as ingredients. The finding that bacterial community of the TMR silage appeared unrelated to those of ingredient silage supported this. Silages of various fermentation types can therefore be formulated without interfering with lactate‐type fermentation in TMR silage.
Chemical immobilisation and satellite tagging of free‐living southern cassowaries
Authors: Campbell HA , Dwyer RG , Sullivan S , Mead D , Lauridsen G 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundThe southern cassowary(Casuarius casuarius johnsonii)attains 1.8 m in height and over 80 kg in weight. These large birds are equipped with large claws and, although not a direct threat to humans, they have caused serious injury to handlers and members of the public.Methods and resultsThis study describes chemical immobilisation, restraint, transport and post‐monitoring (satellite tracking) methodologies for adult and juvenile southern cassowaries, captured and released from their natural environment.ConclusionsThe described methods have improved the management and research opportunities for the southern cassowary and may be transferable to other species of large ratite.
Development and evaluation of online video teaching resources to enhance student knowledge of livestock handling
Authors: Klupiec C , Pope S , Taylor R , Carroll D , Ward MH , Celi P 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of online audiovisual materials to support the acquisition of animal handling skills by students of veterinary and animal science.MethodsA series of video clips (Livestock Handling modules) demonstrating livestock handling procedures was created and delivered online to students enrolled in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney. The effectiveness of these modules for supporting student learning was evaluated via an online survey. The survey also sought feedback on how students could be better prepared for handling livestock.ResultsThe survey indicated that students found the videos a useful part of their learning experience, particularly by familiarising them with correct handling procedures and emphasising the importance of safety when handling livestock. Students also highlighted that online delivery supported flexible learning. Suggested improvements of the Livestock Handling modules centred around broadening the content of the videos and improving the user‐friendliness of online access. Student feedback regarding how the Faculty could better prepare them for livestock handling was dominated by requests for more opportunities to practise animal handling using live animals.ConclusionsThe Livestock Handling audiovisual tool is a valuable supplementary resource for developing students' proficiency in safe and effective handling of livestock. However, the results also clearly reveal a perception by students that more hands‐on experience is required for acquisition of animal handling skills. These findings will inform future development of the Faculty's animal handling program.
Solid oral forms availability in children: a cost saving investigation
Authors: Lajoinie Audrey , Henin Emilie , Kassai Behrouz , Terry David 
Published: June 2014

AimTo assess the suitability and potential cost savings, from both the hospital and community perspective, of prescribed oral liquid medicine substitution with acceptable solid forms for children over 2 years.MethodOral liquid medicines dispensed from a paediatric hospital (UK) in 1 week were assessed by screening for existence of the solid form alternative and evaluating the acceptability of the available solid form, firstly related to the prescribed dose and secondly to acceptable size depending on the child's age. Costs were calculated based on providing treatment for 28 days or prescribed duration for short term treatments.ResultsOver 90% (440/476) of liquid formulations were available as a marketed solid form. Considering dosage acceptability (maximum of 10% deviation from prescribed dosage or 0% for narrow therapeutic range drugs, maximum tablet divisions into quarters) 80% of liquids could be substituted with a solid form. The main limitation for liquid substitution would be solid form size. However, two‐thirds of prescribed liquids could have been substituted with a suitable solid form for dosage and size, with estimated savings being of £5K and £8K in 1 week, respectively based on hospital and community costs, corresponding to a projected annual saving of £238K and £410K (single institution).ConclusionWhilst not all children over 2 years will be able to swallow tablets, drug cost savings if oral liquid formulations were substituted with suitable solid dosage forms would be considerable. Given the numerous advantages of solid forms compared with liquids, this study may provide a theoretical basis for investing in supporting children to swallow tablets/capsules.
Accuracy of repeated measurements of late‐night salivary cortisol to screen for early‐stage recurrence of Cushing's disease following pituitary surgery
Authors: Danet‐Lamasou Marie , Asselineau Julien , Perez Paul , Vivot Alexandre , Nunes Marie‐Laure , Loiseau Hugues , San‐Galli François , Cherifi‐Gatta Blandine , Corcuff Jean‐Benoît , Tabarin Antoine 
Published: June 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe performance of late‐night salivary cortisol (LNSC) to accurately screen for postoperative recurrence of Cushing's disease (CD) at an early stage is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of multiple sampling strategies to suggest the optimal number of LNSC samples needed for diagnosing post‐surgical recurrences of CD at an early stage.DesignRetrospective analysis in a single centre.Patients and measurementsThirty‐six patients in surgical remission of CD had successive measurements of LNSC, defined as ‘sequences’, using a locally modified RIA assay as part of long‐term follow‐up (69·2 ± 10·6 months). Patients underwent an extensive biochemical evaluation within 3 months before or after a sequence of saliva sampling and were classified as being in remission or in early‐stage recurrence. The accuracy of three diagnostic strategies combining two, three or four LNSC results from a sequence was estimated using areas under the ROC curves (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and predictive values.ResultsForty‐four sequences of LNSC measurements were available. Fifty‐two percent of sequences were performed during early‐stage recurrence. The intrasequence variability of LNSC was higher during recurrence than during remission (medians of SDs: 2·1 vs 0·5 nm; P < 0·0001). AUCs from ROC curves ranged from 0·93 to 0·96 depending on the strategy. For 90% sensitivities, the best specificities (92·9% and 90·9%) were achieved by strategies taking into account three or four measurements summarized either by their mean or their maximum value.ConclusionsIncrease in LNSC concentration is an early abnormality during post‐surgical recurrence of CD. However, due to a major within‐patient variability of LNSC from 1 day to another, a screening strategy using three or four samples collected on successive days may be recommended to detect early‐stage recurrence of CD with a high accuracy.
Correlates of food addiction in obese individuals seeking bariatric surgery
Authors: Meule A. , Heckel D. , Jurowich C. F. , Vögele C. , Kübler A. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryRecent evidence suggests that palatable, high‐calorie foods may have an addictive potential. Accordingly, obesity and overconsumption of such foods have been associated with addiction‐like eating behaviour. The present study investigated whether individuals with obesity can be classified as food‐addicted and which factors would differentiate between food‐addicted and non‐addicted individuals. We administered the German version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale and other questionnaires to obese individuals seeking bariatric surgery (N = 96). Results showed that 40% of the sample could be diagnosed as food‐addicted. Food‐addicted individuals reported more frequent food cravings, higher eating disorder psychopathology and more depressive symptoms than the non‐addicted group. Age, body mass and gender distribution did not differ between groups. The food addiction group had higher attentional but similar motor and non‐planning impulsivity, and had lower scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) compared with the non‐addicted group. Scores on the AUDIT were associated with impulsivity in the non‐addicted group only. We conclude that the prevalence of food addiction is higher in candidates for bariatric surgery compared with the general population and obese individuals not seeking bariatric surgery. A diagnosis of food addiction is associated with higher eating pathology and depression. Moreover, only attentional impulsivity, but not other dimensions of impulsivity, is associated with addictive eating. Finally, food addiction and impulsivity interactively predicted alcohol use, suggesting a crucial role of psychological variables and eating style in determining alcohol consumption in pre‐bariatric patients, independent of body mass.