bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trait anxiety as an independent predictor of poor health‐related quality of life and post‐traumatic stress symptoms in rectal cancer
Authors: Ristvedt Stephen L. , Trinkaus Kathryn M. 
Published: January 2009

Objectives To determine the influence of trait anxiety on patient reports of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in a sample of rectal cancer survivors.Design Eighty patients who had been diagnosed with rectal cancer were assessed at two points in time in a longitudinal study.Methods At Time 1, soon after initial treatment, participants completed the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Temperament and Character Inventory Harm Avoidance scale, which were combined into a composite measure of trait anxiety. At Time 2, 2–5 years following Time 1, participants were assessed for HRQoL using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Colorectal scale (FACT‐C) and for PTSS using the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R).Results HRQoL and PTSS were generally favourable on average, although many of the patients reported faring poorly. Higher levels of trait anxiety were predictive of poorer scores on all of the FACT‐C and the IES‐R total and subscale measures. More severe faecal incontinence was associated with poorer scores on the FACT Emotional well‐being subscale, the FACT‐Colorectal Cancer Scale, and all of the IES‐R scales. Males were more likely than females to have poorer scores on the FACT Social well‐being subscale, and those patients who were further out from active treatment had more favourable scores on the FACT‐Colorectal Cancer Scale. The presence of a colostomy did not impact HRQoL or PTSS.Conclusion Trait anxiety had a significant influence on HRQoL and PTSS several years following diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer.
Are We There Yet? Screening Processes for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Jail Settings
Authors: Scheyett Anna , Vaughn Jennie , Taylor Melissa , Parish Susan 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Early identification of intellectual and developmental disabilities in persons in the criminal justice system is essential to protect their rights during arrest and trial, ensure safety when incarcerated, and maximize the opportunities to receive services while incarcerated and postrelease. Using telephone interviews of jail administrators (N = 80) in 1 state, this study examined how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were identified in jails. Findings indicated that administrators varied widely in awareness of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their jails. Few jails (6%) used formal screening instruments for intellectual and developmental disabilities, others relied on officer observation and self-report (53%), and some provided no screening at all; in addition, officers received little training in this regard. Findings suggest that few jails are operationalizing best-practice screening processes for intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Internet-Based Self-Management of Generalised Anxiety Disorder: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Draper Mark , Rees Clare S. , Nathan Paula R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractDespite the continuing development of effective cognitive and behavioural interventions for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) less attention has been paid to the important issue of improving treatment accessibility and affordability. Self-management approaches that utilise the convenience of the Internet may provide a means by which more people can avail themselves of effective treatments. To date, studies examining the effectiveness of such approaches for GAD lag behind the work conducted with other clinical problems. This study describes the response of three individuals with a primary diagnosis of GAD to an Internet-based treatment completed at their own pace. The intervention (‘What? Me Worry!?!; Saulsman, Nathan, Lim, and Correia, 2005) combines several cognitive and behavioural components with the inclusion of a significant metacognitive component. All participants achieved clinically significant improvement on measures of worry, GAD symptomatology, and metacognitions. Moreover, none of the participants met the diagnostic criteria for GAD at the completion of the study. A larger randomised controlled trial of this intervention is indicated.
Determination of Appropriate Sample Depth during Air-Drying of Low Rank Coals Reduced to 2.36 mm (No. 8) Sieve Size
Authors: Hoeft Arthur P. , Smith Edwin M. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The current ASTM International standard for measuring Total Moisture in Coal (D3302-05) prescribes a multi-step process beginning with air-drying of the sample at a depth of one inch or less, but it has been noted in the literature that the final moisture results for low rank coals can be affected by the exact depth at which they are air-dried. The ASTM D05.21 Task Group on revisions to this method has conducted a number of studies on subbituminous C and lignite coals to assess whether the air-drying depth should be further restricted. Fresh samples were collected, prepared to minus 2.36 mm (No. 8) sieve size, then air-dried at various depths and analyzed at laboratories familiar with the particular coal(s) used. Compared to samples air-dried at more shallow depths, samples air-dried at depths of one inch showed lower results in total moisture by as much as -0.32 percentage points, with commensurate increases in calorific value of as much as +21 Btu/lb on the as-received basis. When air-drying was conducted at very shallow depths of 1/4 inch or less, statistically significant changes in MAF Btu/lb were identified. The likely explanation for the low moisture results is that the one inch depth does not allow buried coal particles to dry sufficiently, and moisture is then lost (but not accounted for) during subsequent pulverizing and riffling. It is thought that changes in MAF results are due to notable sample degradation occurring at shallow depths where many more particles are exposed to the atmosphere and significant oxidation takes place. Thus, varying the sample depth during air-drying can lead to inconsistent results for total moisture (and therefore as-received Btu/lb) as well as MAF Btu/lb. This paper concludes that to minimize these inconsistencies, air-drying of subC and lignite coals should be restricted to sample depths of about 1/2 inch.
Prediction of Distortion of Automotive Pinion Gears during Quenching Using CFD and FEA
Authors: MacKenzie D. Scott , Kumar Ashwini , Metwally Hossam , Paingankar Swapnil , Li Zhichao , Ferguson B. Lynn 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
FLUENT was used to simulate the quenchant flow through a quench rack of automotive pinions. Utilizing a typical heat treat rack arrangement, two parts in an actual rack of heat treated pinions were then evaluated by finite element simulations using the finite element software, DANTE®, using the CFD results as boundary conditions for the finite element analysis. Part shape change, internal stress, and phase transformation histories were calculated for this carburized pinion gear made of AISI 8620.
Tools for Fungal Proteomics: Multifunctional Neurospora Vectors for Gene Replacement, Protein Expression and Protein Purification
Authors: Honda Shinji , Selker Eric U 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The completion of genome-sequencing projects for a number of fungi set the stage for detailed investigations of proteins. We report the generation of versatile expression vectors for detection and isolation of proteins and protein complexes in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. The vectors, which can be adapted for other fungi, contain C- or N-terminal FLAG, HA, Myc, GFP, or HAT–FLAG epitope tags with a flexible poly-glycine linker and include sequences for targeting to the his-3 locus in Neurospora. To introduce mutations at native loci, we also made a series of knock-in vectors containing epitope tags followed by the selectable marker hph (resulting in hygromycin resistance) flanked by two loxP sites. We adapted the Cre/loxP system for Neurospora, allowing the selectable marker hph to be excised by introduction of Cre recombinase into a strain containing a knock-in cassette. Additionally, a protein purification method was developed on the basis of the HAT–FLAG tandem affinity tag system, which was used to purify HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (HP1) and associated proteins from Neurospora. As expected on the basis of yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments, the Neurospora DNA methyltransferase DIM-2 was found in a complex with HP1. Features of the new vectors allowed for verification of an interaction between HP1 and DIM-2 in vivo by Co-IP assays on proteins expressed either from their native loci or from the his-3 locus.
Expression of I-CreI Endonuclease Generates Deletions Within the rDNA of Drosophila
Authors: Paredes Silvana , Maggert Keith A 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The rDNA arrays in Drosophila contain the cis-acting nucleolus organizer regions responsible for forming the nucleolus and the genes for the 28S, 18S, and 5.8S/2S RNA components of the ribosomes and so serve a central role in protein synthesis. Mutations or alterations that affect the nucleolus organizer region have pleiotropic effects on genome regulation and development and may play a role in genomewide phenomena such as aging and cancer. We demonstrate a method to create an allelic series of graded deletions in the Drosophila Y-linked rDNA of otherwise isogenic chromosomes, quantify the size of the deletions using real-time PCR, and monitor magnification of the rDNA arrays as their functions are restored. We use this series to define the thresholds of Y-linked rDNA required for sufficient protein translation, as well as establish the rate of Y-linked rDNA magnification in Drosophila. Finally, we show that I-CreI expression can revert rDNA deletion phenotypes, suggesting that double-strand breaks are sufficient to induce rDNA magnification.
Effects of Wolbachia Infection and ovarian tumor Mutations on Sex-lethal Germline Functioning in Drosophila
Authors: Sun Sha , Cline Thomas W 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Wolbachia is a ubiquitous intracellular endosymbiont of invertebrates. Surprisingly, infection of Drosophila melanogaster by this maternally inherited bacterium restores fertility to females carrying ovarian tumor (cystocyte overproliferation) mutant alleles of the Drosophila master sex-determination gene, Sex-lethal (Sxl). We scanned the Drosophila genome for effects of infection on transcript levels in wild-type previtellogenic ovaries that might be relevant to this suppression of female-sterile Sxl mutants by Wolbachia. Yolk protein gene transcript levels were most affected, being reduced by infection, but no genes showed significantly more than a twofold difference. The yolk gene effect likely signals a small, infection-induced delay in egg chamber maturation unrelated to suppression. In a genetic study of the Wolbachia–Sxl interaction, we established that germline Sxl controls meiotic recombination as well as cystocyte proliferation, but Wolbachia only influences the cystocyte function. In contrast, we found that mutations in ovarian tumor (otu) interfere with both Sxl germline functions. We were led to otu through characterization of a spontaneous dominant suppressor of the Wolbachia–Sxl interaction, which proved to be an otu mutation. Clearly Sxl and otu work together in the female germline. These studies of meiosis in Sxl mutant females revealed that X chromosome recombination is considerably more sensitive than autosomal recombination to reduced Sxl activity.
Elaboration, Diversification and Regulation of the Sir1 Family of Silencing Proteins in Saccharomyces
Authors: Gallagher Jennifer E G , Babiarz Joshua E , Teytelman Leonid , Wolfe Kenneth H , Rine Jasper 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Heterochromatin renders domains of chromosomes transcriptionally silent and, due to clonal variation in its formation, can generate heritably distinct populations of genetically identical cells. Saccharomyces cerevisiae's Sir1 functions primarily in the establishment, but not the maintenance, of heterochromatic silencing at the HMR and HML loci. In several Saccharomyces species, we discovered multiple paralogs of Sir1, called Kos1–Kos4 (Kin of Sir1). The Kos and Sir1 proteins contributed partially overlapping functions to silencing of both cryptic mating loci in S. bayanus. Mutants of these paralogs reduced silencing at HML more than at HMR. Most genes of the SIR1 family were located near telomeres, and at least one paralog was regulated by telomere position effect. In S. cerevisiae, Sir1 is recruited to the silencers at HML and HMR via its ORC interacting region (OIR), which binds the bromo adjacent homology (BAH) domain of Orc1. Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, which diverged from Saccharomyces after the appearance of the silent mating cassettes, but before the whole-genome duplication, contained an ortholog of Kos3 that was apparently the archetypal member of the family, with only one OIR. In contrast, a duplication of this domain was present in all orthologs of Sir1, Kos1, Kos2, and Kos4. We propose that the functional specialization of Sir3, itself a paralog of Orc1, as a silencing protein was facilitated by the tandem duplication of the OIR domain in the Sir1 family, allowing distinct Sir1–Sir3 and Sir1–Orc1 interactions through OIR–BAH domain interactions.
Concentrations of selenium and mercury in eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) from Utah's great Salt Lake, USA
Authors: Conover Michael R. , Vest Josh L. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
We examined selenium and mercury concentrations in eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) that spent the fall of 2006 on the Great Salt Lake (UT, USA), where their diet consisted mainly of brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana). Selenium concentrations in livers varied based on when the grebes were collected (lower in September [mean ± standard error, 9.4 ± 0.7 μg/g dry wt] than in November [14.5 ± 1.4 μg/g]), on where the birds were collected on the Great Salt Lake (Antelope Island, 8.6 ± 0.5 μg/g; Stansbury Island, 15.2 ± 1.4 μg/g), and on the grebe's age (juveniles, 8.5 ± 1.5 μg/g; adults, 15.8 ± 1.3 μg/g), but not by sex. Selenium concentrations in blood differed only by collection site (Antelope Island, 16.8 ± 2.3 μg/g; Stansbury Island, 25.4 ± 3.0 μg/g). Mercury concentration in the blood of grebes varied by when the grebes were collected (September, 5.6 ± 0.5 μg/g; November, 8.4 ± 1.2 μg/g), where the birds were collected (Antelope Island, 4.3 ± 0.5 μg/g; Stansbury Island, 10.1 ± 2.6 μg/g), and the grebe's age (juveniles, 5.5 ± 0.8 μg/g; adults, 8.4 ± 1.0 μg/g), but not by sex. Selenium concentrations in blood were correlated with selenium concentrations in the liver and with mercury concentrations in both blood and liver. Body mass of grebes increased dramatically from September (381 ± 14 g wet wt) to November (591 ± 11 g). Body, liver, and spleen mass either were not correlated with selenium or mercury concentrations or the relationship was positive. These results suggest that high mercury and selenium levels were not preventing grebes from increasing or maintaining mass.
Conceptual Model for Continuous Organizational Auditing with Real Time Analysis and Modern Control Theory
Authors: Santos Carlos , Sousa Pedro , Ferreira Carla , Tribolet José 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT: The important role that has been played by organizational information systems in the maneuvering of organizations, particularly concerning their capacity to continuously adapt to new challenges using real time response, means that great care must be given to their evaluation and validation. Bearing this in mind, a system which has been evaluated and validated will reassure the stakeholders that the organization is trustworthy. The process of evaluating and validating is one of auditing which, in order to be performed according to good practice, should be based on an internal control system. This work presents a conceptual model for continuous organizational auditing using real time analysis and modern control theory.
The main scientific components of this work are as follows: the consistent and coherent design of an internal control system based on modern control theory; the formal verification of the rules that make up the internal control system's specific aims; a conceptual model able to support continuous organizational auditing using real time analysis.
Simulated Physician Learning Intervention to Improve Safety and Quality of Diabetes Care: A Randomized Trial
Authors: O'Connor Patrick J. , Sperl-Hillen JoAnn M. , Johnson Paul E. , Rush William A. , Asche Stephen E. , Dutta Pradyumina , Biltz George R. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE
To assess two physician learning interventions designed to improve safety and quality of diabetes care delivered by primary care physicians (PCPs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This group randomized clinical trial included 57 consenting PCPs and their 2,020 eligible adult patients with diabetes. Physicians were randomized to no intervention (group A), a simulated case-based physician learning intervention (group B), or the same simulated case-based learning intervention with physician opinion leader feedback (group C). Dependent variables included A1C values, LDL cholesterol values, pharmacotherapy intensification rates in patients not at clinical goals, and risky prescribing events.

RESULTS
Groups B and C had substantial reductions in risky prescribing of metformin in patients with renal impairment (P = 0.03). Compared with groups A and C, physicians in group B achieved slightly better glycemic control (P = 0.04), but physician intensification of oral glucose-lowering medications was not affected by interventions (P = 0.41). Lipid management improved over time (P &lt; 0.001) but did not differ across study groups (P = 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS
A simulated, case-based learning intervention for physicians significantly reduced risky prescribing events and marginally improved glycemic control in actual patients. The addition of opinion leader feedback did not improve the learning intervention. Refinement and further development of this approach is warranted.
Quality of Life and Quality of Care in Patients With Diabetes Experiencing Different Models of Care
Authors: Collins Margaret M. , O'Sullivan Tony , Harkins Velma , Perry Ivan J. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE
To study variation in quality of life and quality of care in patients with diabetes experiencing three different models of care: traditional hospital care, hospital/general practitioner (GP) shared care, and structured GP care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study involving 1,456 patients with diabetes (71% response rate) was conducted. Quality of life was assessed with the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL) instrument and quality of care with a 10-point process-of-care report card.

RESULTS
The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for a high (upper quartile) ADDQoL score was significantly increased in the structured care relative to the traditional hospital care group (OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.2–2.5]). A significantly higher proportion of structured GP care patients reported compliance with seven or more key process-of-care measures compared with the other models of care.

CONCLUSIONS
Diabetes quality of life may be enhanced when care is provided in a primary care setting without compromising quality of care.
Increased Persistency in Medication Use by U.S. Medicare Beneficiaries With Diabetes Is Associated With Lower Hospitalization Rates and Cost Savings
Authors: Stuart Bruce C. , Simoni-Wastila Linda , Zhao Lirong , Lloyd Jennifer T. , Doshi Jalpa A. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between annual fills for antidiabetes medications, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and lipid-lowering agents on hospitalization and Medicare spending for beneficiaries with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data from 1997 to 2004, we identified 7,441 community-dwelling beneficiaries with diabetes, who contributed 14,317 person-years of data for the analysis. We used multivariate regression analysis to estimate the effect of persistency in medication fills on hospitalization risk, hospital days, and Medicare spending.

RESULTS
For users of older oral antidiabetes agents, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and statins, each additional prescription fill was associated with significantly lower risk of hospitalization, fewer hospital days, and lower Medicare spending.

CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest an economic case for promoting greater persistency in use of drugs with approved indications by Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes; however, additional research is needed to corroborate the study's cross-sectional findings.
Is Femur Length the Key Height Component in Risk Prediction of Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults?
Authors: Liu Jian , Tan Hongzhuan , Jeynes Brian 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE
To examine the diabetes risk association with femur length, standing height, and height without femur length (HWFL) (HWFL = standing height − femur length).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We used data from three time periods of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2000, 2001–2002, and 2003–2004) for this cross-sectional analysis and confined the eligible subjects to 6,188 adults aged 20+ years who had fasted ≥8 h and had no missing values of femur length or standing height. The outcome measure was type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS
Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that the odds of type 2 diabetes per 1-SD value increase in femur length, standing height, and HWFL were 0.73 (95% CI 0.61–0.86), 0.91 (0.75–1.10), and 1.09 (0.90–1.32) for men, respectively, and 0.82 (0.70–0.97), 0.99 (0.82–1.21), and 1.11 (0.93–1.33) for women.

CONCLUSIONS
Our study supports the hypothesis that femur length may be the key height component in diabetes risk association.
Cost-Effectiveness of Surgically Induced Weight Loss for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Modeled Lifetime Analysis
Authors: Keating Catherine L. , Dixon John B. , Moodie Marjory L. , Peeters Anna , Bulfone Liliana , Maglianno Dianna J. , O'Brien Paul E. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE
To estimate the cost-effectiveness of surgically induced weight loss relative to conventional therapy for the management of recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes in class I/II obese patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This study builds on a within-trial cost-efficacy analysis. The analysis compares the lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) between the two intervention groups. Intervention costs were extrapolated based on observed resource utilization during the trial. The proportion of patients in each intervention group with remission of diabetes at 2 years was the same as that observed in the trial. Health care costs for patients with type 2 diabetes and outcome variables required to derive estimates of QALYs were sourced from published literature. A health care system perspective was adopted. Costs and outcomes were discounted annually at 3%. Costs are presented in 2006 Australian dollars (AUD) (currency exchange: 1 AUD = 0.74 USD).

RESULTS
The mean number of years in diabetes remission over a lifetime was 11.4 for surgical therapy patients and 2.1 for conventional therapy patients. Over the remainder of their lifetime, surgical and conventional therapy patients lived 15.7 and 14.5 discounted QALYs, respectively. The mean discounted lifetime costs were 98,900 AUD per surgical therapy patient and 101,400 AUD per conventional therapy patient. Relative to conventional therapy, surgically induced weight loss was associated with a mean health care saving of 2,400 AUD and 1.2 additional QALYs per patient.

CONCLUSIONS
Surgically induced weight loss is a dominant intervention (it both saves health care costs and generates health benefits) for managing recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes in class I/II obese patients in Australia.