bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous measurement of objective refraction, accommodation response and axial length of the human eye
Authors: Alderson Alison , Mankowska Aleksandra , Cufflin Matthew P , Mallen Edward AH 
Published: November 2010

Citation information: Alderson A, Mankowska A, Cufflin MP & Mallen EAH. Simultaneous measurement of objective refraction, accommodation response and axial length of the human eye. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 100–108. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2010.00794.xAbstractPurpose:  Accurate measurements of ocular biometry and objective refraction are of vital importance to research laboratories working in the area of refractive error development and oculomotor function. A number of commercially available instruments can provide these measurements, and are used in both their intended modes, and with modifications to increase their research utility. A limitation that exists currently is the inability to conduct simultaneous measurements of refractive error or accommodation response, and the axial length of the same eye. In this technical note we provide details of a method to adapt the Zeiss IOLMaster and the Shin‐Nippon SRW‐5000 infrared optometer to simultaneously measure refraction and axial length.Methods:  The optical modification used to combine the measurement paths of the IOLMaster and SRW‐5000 instruments consists of a narrow band‐pass filter, and optical relay to extend the working distance of the IOLMaster, and an electronic system to provide synchronisation between the IOLMaster and the SRW‐5000 continuous accommodation recording system. The optical modification was tested on model eyes, and on a cohort of 20 human eyes. The combined system was then used to measure accommodation response and axial length simultaneously in a single participant.Results:  Inclusion of the optical modification in the IOLMaster pathway induced a 0.004 mm shift in the average measurement of a calibration eye, and an average difference of 0.001 mm for a cohort of human eyes. For the SRW‐5000, inclusion of the modified optics induced a +0.15 D shift in the spherical component of refraction measurements made on a model eye, and an average shift of +0.12 D in the spherical component of measurements made on a cohort of human eyes. Simultaneous measurement of accommodation response and axial length in a single participant revealed that a change in stumulus vergence from 0 to 5 D caused an average accommodation response of 3.89 D, and an average transient axial length change of 0.059 mm.Conclusions:  The system described provides a useful method of achieving simultaneous measurements of axial length, objective refraction and accommodation response in a human eye.
The influence of learning styles, enrolment status and gender on academic performance of optometry undergraduates
Authors: Prajapati Bhavna , Dunne Mark , Bartlett Hannah , Cubbidge Robert 
Published: November 2010

Citation information:Prajapati B, Dunne M, Bartlett H & Cubbidge R. The influence of learning styles, enrolment status and gender on academic performance of optometry undergraduates.Ophthalmic Physiol Opt2011,31, 69–78. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2010.00798.xAbstractPurpose: This cross‐sectional study was designed to determine whether the academic performance of optometry undergraduates is influenced by enrolment status, learning style or gender.Methods: Three hundred and sixty undergraduates in all 3 years of the optometry degree course at Aston University during 2008–2009 were asked for their informed consent to participate in this study. Enrolment status was known from admissions records. An Index of Learning Styles (http://www4.nscu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Learning‐Styles.html) determined learning style preference with respect to four different learning style axes; active‐reflective, sensing‐intuitive, visual‐verbal and sequential‐global. The influence of these factors on academic performance was investigated.Results: Two hundred and seventy students agreed to take part (75% of the cohort). 63% of the sample was female. There were 213 home non‐graduates (entrants from the UK or European Union without a bachelor’s degree or higher), 14 home graduates (entrants from the UK or European Union with a bachelor’s degree or higher), 28 international non‐graduates (entrants from outside the UK or European Union without a bachelor’s degree or higher) and 15 international graduates (entrants from outside the UK or European Union with a bachelor’s degree or higher). The majority of students were balanced learners (between 48% and 64% across four learning style axes). Any preferences were towards active, sensing, visual and sequential learning styles. Of the factors investigated in this study, learning styles were influenced by gender; females expressed a disproportionate preference for the reflective and visual learning styles. Academic performance was influenced by enrolment status; international graduates (95% confidence limits: 64–72%) outperformed all other student groups (home non graduates, 60–62%; international non graduates, 55–63%) apart from home graduates (57–69%).Conclusion: Our research has shown that the majority of optometry students have balanced learning styles and, from the factors studied, academic performance is only influenced by enrolment status. Although learning style questionnaires offer suggestions on how to improve learning efficacy, our findings indicate that current teaching methods do not need to be altered to suit varying learning style preferences as balanced learning styles can easily adapt to any teaching style (Learning Styles and Pedagogy in Post‐16 Learning: A Systematic and Critical Review. London, UK: Learning and Skills Research Centre, 2004).
Cognitive Training Decreases Motor Vehicle Collision Involvement of Older Drivers
Authors: Ball Karlene , Edwards Jerri D. , Ross Lesley A. , McGwin, Jr. Gerald 
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES: To test the effects of cognitive training on subsequent motor vehicle collision (MVC) involvement of older drivers.DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, multisite, single‐blind clinical trial.SETTING: Community‐dwelling seniors at four U.S. sites: Birmingham, Alabama; Baltimore, Maryland; Indianapolis, Indiana; and State College, Pennsylvania.PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred eight older drivers (mean age 73.1; 18.6% African American) who were randomized to one of three cognitive interventions or a control condition.INTERVENTIONS: Up to 10 sessions of cognitive training for memory, reasoning, or speed of processing.MEASUREMENTS: State‐recorded MVC involvement up to 6 years after study enrollment.RESULTS: Speed‐of‐processing and reasoning training resulted in lower rates of at‐fault collision involvement over the subsequent approximately 6‐year period than controls. After adjusting for age, sex, race, education, mental status, health, vision, depressive symptoms, and testing site, participants randomized to the speed‐of‐processing and reasoning interventions had an approximately 50% lower rate (per person‐mile) of at‐fault MVCs than the control group (rate ratio (RR)=0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.34–0.96 for speed of processing), and (RR=0.50, 95% CI=0.27–0.92 for reasoning). There was no significant difference observed for the memory group.CONCLUSION: Cognitive speed‐of‐processing and reasoning training resulted in a lower at‐fault MVC rate in older drivers than in controls. Considering the importance of driving mobility, the costs of crashes, and the benefits of cognitive training, these interventions have great potential to sustain independence and quality of life of older adults. More research is needed to understand the effects of different types and quantities of training.
Associations Between Dietary Nutrient Intake and Muscle Mass and Strength in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: The Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort Study
Authors: Scott David , Blizzard Leigh , Fell James , Giles Graham , Jones Graeme 
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES: To describe associations between dietary nutrient intake and progression of sarcopenia, the age‐related loss of muscle mass and strength.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of community‐dwelling older adults.SETTING: Southern Tasmania, Australia.PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred forty noninstitutionalized older adults (50% female; mean age 62±7) randomly sampled from electoral rolls.MEASUREMENTS: Dietary nutrient intake was examined at baseline and follow‐up (2.6±0.4 years later) using The Cancer Council Victoria's Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Appendicular lean mass (aLM) was assessed using dual X‐ray absorptiometry and muscle strength of the knee extensors using a dynamometer.RESULTS: Failing to meet the recommended dietary intake for protein was associated with significantly lower aLM at baseline (−0.81 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−1.54 to −0.08) and follow‐up (−0.79 kg, 95%CI=−1.42 to −0.17). Energy‐adjusted protein intake was a positive predictor of change in aLM over 2.6 years (β=0.10, P=.003). Energy‐adjusted intake of iron (β=0.07, P=.02), magnesium (β=0.07, P=.02), phosphorus (β=0.07, P=.047), and zinc (β=0.08, P=.02) were positive predictors of change in aLM, whereas retinol (β=−0.09, P=.005) was a negative predictor of change in aLM after adjustment for protein intake. No significant associations were observed between nutrient intake and muscle strength.CONCLUSION: Protein and several other dietary nutrients are associated with muscle mass and rate of muscle loss (but not strength) in older adults, suggesting that multiple dietary components may ameliorate the progression of sarcopenia.
Heterogeneity in Rate of Decline in Grip, Hip, and Knee Strength and the Risk of All‐Cause Mortality: The Women's Health and Aging Study II
Authors: Xue Qian‐Li , Beamer Brock A. , Chaves Paulo H.M. , Guralnik Jack M. , Fried Linda P. 
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between rate of change in muscle strength and all‐cause mortality.DESIGN: Prospective observational study of the causes and course of physical disability.SETTING: Twelve contiguous ZIP code areas in Baltimore, Maryland.PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred seven community‐dwelling women aged 70 to 79 at study baseline.MEASUREMENTS: The outcome was all‐cause mortality (1994–2009); predictors included up to seven repeated measurements of handgrip, knee extension, and hip flexion strength, with a median follow‐up time of 10 years. Demographic factors, body mass index, smoking status, number of chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, physical activity, interleukin‐6, and albumin were assessed at baseline and included as confounders. The associations between declining muscle strength and mortality were assessed using a joint longitudinal and survival model.RESULTS: Grip and hip strength declined an average of 1.10 and 1.31 kg/year between age 70 and 75 and 0.50 and 0.39 kg/year thereafter, respectively; knee strength declined at a constant rate of 0.57 kg/year. Faster rates of decline in grip and hip strength, but not knee strength, independently predicted mortality after accounting for baseline levels and potential confounders (hazard ratio (HR)=1.33, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.06–1.67, HR=1.14, 95% CI=0.91–1.41, and 2.62, 95% CI=1.43–4.78 for every 0.5 standard deviation increase in rate of decline in grip, knee, and hip strength, respectively).CONCLUSION: Monitoring the rate of decline in grip and hip flexion strength in addition to absolute levels may greatly improve the identification of women most at risk of dying.
Distribution of the longevity gene product, SIRT1, in developing mouse organs
Authors: Ogawa Tetsuo , Wakai Chizu , Saito Tomomi , Murayama Aya , Mimura Yuuichi , Youfu Sachiko , Nakamachi Tomoya , Kuwagata Makiko , Satoh Kazue , Shioda Seiji 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA longevity gene product, Sir2 (silent information regulator 2) is a NAD‐dependent histone deacetylase involved in longevity in yeasts, worms and flies. The mammalian homolog of Sir2, SIRT1(sirtuin 1), has been shown to play important roles related to anti‐aging effects (regulating apoptosis, stress tolerance, insulin resistance, and fat metabolism). Recently, SIRT1 expression has been demonstrated to occur at as early as embryonic day 10.5 in mice. SIRT1 during developing period may be involved in the mechanism of developmental origins of adult diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To investigate the contribution of SIRT1, it is important to reveal the distribution of this protein during development. In the present study, we demonstrated the distribution of immunoreactivity of SIRT1 in mouse organs during prenatal and neonatal development by staining a wide variety of serial sections. The SIRT1 immunoreactivity was strongly observed in the neuroepithelial layer, dorsal root ganglion, trigeminal ganglion, eyes, roots of whiskers, and internal organs, including the testis, liver, heart, kidney, and lung during the fetal period. Neurons which had finished migrating still showed relatively strong immunoreactivity. The immunoreactivity was completely absorbed by the blocking peptide in an absorption test. During the postnatal period, the immunoreactivities in most of these organs, except the heart and testis weakened, with the liver most dramatically affected. As SIRT1 expression was demonstrated in a wide variety of developing organs, further study to investigate prenatal factors which affect SIRT1 expression and its activity is important.
RhoA/Rho-Kinase as a Therapeutic Target for the Male Urogenital Tract
Authors: Gur Serap , Kadowitz Philip J. , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionRho-kinase (ROCK) is a serine/threonine kinase and is one of the major downstream effectors of the small guanosine triphosphatase Rho. In the past few years, evidence has been accumulating to suggest that the RhoA/ROCK system may play an important role in the pathogenesis of a number of cardiovascular and urogenital disorders.AimThe aim of this study is to review the literature pertaining to the role of the RhoA/ROCK system in male urogenital function.MethodsComprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed.Main Outcome MeasuresInhibitors of ROCK may have potential therapeutic applications, as derived from preclinical and a few clinical studies.ResultsPublished reports suggest that elevated RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling plays a role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, kidney failure, ejaculation disorders, prostate and bladder cancer initiation, and eventual metastasis.ConclusionsThis review focuses on our current understanding of the role of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway in the regulation of the male urogenital system. Rho-kinase inhibitors may evolve into an important pharmacologic option in the future treatment of urogenital system disorders.
Detection of Diesel Fuel Plumes Using Methane Data in Guadalajara, Mexico
Authors: Gandoy‐Bernasconi William , Aguilar Abraham Rojano , Velez Oscar Palacios 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis paper examines the detection of diesel fuel in the subsoil by means of measurements of biogenerated methane. Once a link between methane and diesel fuel was established at the laboratory scale, the authors applied this concept to the field scale. Methane causes asphyxia, it is flammable and explosive, and it is quickly and economically feasible to measure in soil gas. A flame ionization detector was used to measure hydrocarbon vapors during the field research. This study was performed in the Moderna neighborhood in Guadalajara, Mexico, with a methane concentration ranging from 0 to 220,000 ppmv, and a diesel fuel thickness ranging from 0 to 83 cm. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were also measured in soil gas with maximum concentration of 4000 ppmv. From our statistical analysis, the correlation between methane and diesel fuel was 0.89 and there was no correlation with other measured vapors. Since methane distribution showed spatial variability, geostatistical techniques were applied yielding maps, which described zones with different gas concentrations. Experimental variograms were built using 1263 measurements and the theoretical variograms were of the exponential type. If we already know the positive high correlation between methane and diesel fuel, plume, sources, and sinks of diesel fuels can be located. The results of the case analysis imply pollution under 50 of the 114 city blocks we studied, with methane concentrations higher than the 2000 ppmv threshold value and a diesel fuel thickness higher than 28.90 cm.
Evaluation of a Simple, Inexpensive Dialysis Sampler for Small Diameter Monitoring Wells
Authors: Harter Thomas , Talozi Samer 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe developed and tested a simple, inexpensive dialysis sampler design for in situ measurement of nitrate and salinity in monitoring wells. The dialysis sampler is made with regenerated cellulose membrane tubing that is placed in an open cage, 18.5 mm in diameter and constructed of commonly available, inexpensive hardware. The design was tested in a monitoring well network installed in shallow, relatively warm (21°C) ground water of a sandy aquifer impacted by animal waste discharge and agricultural fertilizer. Three dialysis samplers were placed near the bottom, center, and below the top of 7 m long well screens in an otherwise open well casing (open multilevel sampling [oMLS]). In laboratory tests we found that 1 to 4 d was sufficient equilibration time to collect a representative sample, yet short enough to ensure the integrity of the membrane samplers, which began to degrade after ∼1 week. Significant, density‐stable salinity gradients were detected in ∼25% of samples taken on two sampling dates in 40 wells. Nonuniform, heterogeneous nitrate profiles were much more common (80%). Despite the nonuniformity in the open profile, the average of the three samplers (= composite sample) was generally within 10% of the electrical conductivity and nitrate concentrations obtained by standard purging and well sampling using a pump. At initial hardware costs of approximately $1 per reusable oMLS sampling string and at sampling costs of $1 to $3 per oMLS sampling string for disposable membrane material, dialysis samplers are a good candidate for a low‐cost, low‐tech sampling device to determine major water quality parameters in small diameter ground water monitoring wells.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Moisture‐Enhanced Nonintact Beef by Pan‐Broiling or Roasting with Various Cooking Appliances Set at Different Temperatures
Authors: Shen Cangliang , Geornaras Ifigenia , Belk Keith E. , Smith Gary C. , Sofos John N. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  This study evaluated inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in moisture‐enhanced restructured nonintact beef cooked to 65 °C using different cooking appliances set at different temperatures. Batches (2 kg) of coarse‐ground beef (approximately 5% fat) were mixed with an 8‐strain composite (100 mL) of rifampicin‐resistant E. coli O157:H7 (6.4 ± 0.1 log CFU/g) and a solution (100 mL) of sodium chloride plus sodium tripolyphosphate to yield concentrations (wt/wt) of 0.5% and 0.25%, respectively, in the final product. Beef portions of 2.54 cm thickness (15 cm dia) were prepared and were vacuum‐packaged and frozen (−20 °C, 42 h). Partially thawed (−2.5 ± 1.0 °C) portions were pan‐broiled (Presto® electric skillet and Sanyo® grill) or roasted (Oster® toaster oven and Magic Chef® kitchen oven) to 65 °C. The appliances were set at, and preheated before cooking to 149 or 204 °C (electric skillet), 149 or 218 °C (grill), 149 or 232 °C (toaster oven), and 149, 204, or 260 °C (kitchen oven). Temperatures of appliances and beef samples were monitored with thermocouples, and meat samples were analyzed for surviving microbial populations. In general, the higher the appliance temperature setting, the shorter the time needed to reach 65 °C, and the higher the edge and surface temperatures of the meat samples. Temperatures of 204 to 260 °C, regardless of appliance, resulted in greater (P < 0.05) pathogen reductions (3.3 to 5.5 log CFU/g) than those obtained at 149 °C (1.5 to 2.4 log CFU/g). The highest (P < 0.05) reduction (5.5 log CFU/g) was obtained in samples cooked in the kitchen oven set at 260 °C. The results should be useful to the food service industry for selection of effective nonintact beef cooking protocols, and for use in risk assessments for nonintact meat products.Practical Application:  Results of this study should be useful for developing cooking recommendations to enhance the safety of nonintact beef products, and for use in risk assessments of such products.
Short Exposure to the DNA Intercalator DRAQ5 Dislocates the Transcription Machinery and Induces Cell Death
Authors: Richard Elodie , Causse Sébastien , Spriet Corentin , Fourré Nicolas , Trinel Dave , Darzacq Xavier , Vandenbunder Bernard , Heliot Laurent 
Published: November 2010

Abstract The fluorescent probe
DRAQ5 which rapidly permeates cells and binds to DNA is potentially useful for functional studies of molecular dynamics and interactions in living nuclei. Within minutes after the incubation of human osteosarcoma U2OS cells with 5 μm DRAQ5, the distributions of RNA polymerase II and some of its associated regulatory proteins HEXIM and cyclin T1 in the nucleus are severely impaired, and transcription is inhibited. Furthermore, 30 min exposure to DRAQ5 induces death of U2OS cells 24 h later. Incubation with Hoechst 33342 under similar conditions does not induce these effects. These results emphasize the importance of carefully examining the functional consequences of labeling DNA with intercalating fluorescent dyes before use.
Functionally distinct melanocyte populations revealed by reconstitution of hair follicles in mice
Authors: Aoki Hitomi , Hara Akira , Motohashi Tsutomu , Osawa Masatake , Kunisada Takahiro 
Published: November 2010

SummaryHair follicle reconstitution analysis was used to test the contribution of melanocytes or their precursors to regenerated hair follicles. In this study, we first confirmed the process of chimeric hair follicle regeneration by both hair keratinocytes and follicular melanocytes. Then, as first suggested from the differential growth requirements of epidermal skin melanocytes and non‐cutaneous or dermal melanocytes, we confirmed the inability of the latter to be involved as follicular melanocytes to regenerate hair follicles during the hair reconstitution assay. This clear functional discrimination between non‐cutaneous or dermal melanocytes and epidermal melanocytes suggests the presence of two different melanocyte cell lineages, a finding that might be important in the pathogenesis of melanocyte‐related diseases and melanomas.
Therapeutic potential of argan oil: a review
Authors: El Monfalouti Hanae , Guillaume Dom , Denhez Clément , Charrouf Zoubida 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectivesThe therapeutic benefits of argan oil consumption have been claimed by natives of Morocco and explorers for more than eight centuries. However, argan oil has remained unresearched for a long time. Traditionally, argan oil has been well known for its cardioprotective properties and it is also used in the treatment of skin infections. Argan oil is principally composed of mono-unsaturated (up to 80%) and saturated (up to 20%) fatty acids. As minor components, it contains polyphenols, tocopherols, sterols, squalene, and triterpene alcohols. Together with the mono-unsaturated fatty acids, these minor components are likely to be responsible for its beneficial effects. This review aims to present an overview of the known pharmacological properties of argan oil.Key findingsAntiproliferative, antidiabetic, and cardiovascular-protective effects of argan oil have been particularly actively evaluated over the last 5 years in order to build on phytochemical studies that indicate the presence of large amounts of possibly pharmacologically active compounds.SummaryThis review shows that a lack of clinical data constitutes a serious weakness in our knowledge about argan oil, therefore it is difficult to correlate the reported pharmacological activities to any potential clinical relevance.