bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sleep Loss on the Rest–Activity Circadian Rhythm of Helpers Participating in Continuous Dogsled Races
Authors: Calogiuri Giovanna , Weydahl Andi
Published: February 2013

Objective:

The Finnmarksløpet dogsled race lasts up to 7 days. Helpers, who keep time, coach, and transport equipment, have to be alert though they have little and fragmented sleep. This study investigated disruptions of the rest–activity rhythm among helpers.

Methods:

10 helpers were monitored by actigraph a week before, during, and after the race. Sleep logs, sleepiness rate, and self-reported quality of sleep were collected.

Results:

Nonparametric circadian rhythm analysis showed significant differences between the pre- and postrace interdaily stability and amplitude of rhythm. Compared to prerace, sleepiness at bedtime was increased and number of nocturnal awakenings was reduced postrace, although the actigraphic outputs showed no improvement in sleep quality. Helpers who were engaged in the race for a longer span (5–6 days) had more difficulty recovering from the sleep loss accumulated during the race than those engaged for a shorter time (2–3 days).

Conclusion:

Poor sleep combined with prolonged and demanding mental focus for 2 days or more has a negative influence upon the rest–activity cycle, though complete restoration of the cycle occurs over 1 week or more. Being in such a condition for ≥ 5 days leads to disruptions of the circadian component of the sleep–wake cycle that hampers the sleep recovery process. Disrupted sleep and demanding mental requirements are common in long-distance sporting events as well as among shift workers. Follow-up intervention should be made in such cases to ensure the return of a healthy rest–activity rhythm and sleep quality.
An assay to quantify species-specific anti-JC virus antibody levels in MS patients
Authors: Warnke Clemens , Pawlita Michael , Dehmel Thomas , Posevitz-Fejfar Anita , Hartung Hans-Peter , Wiendl Heinz , Kieseier Bernd C , Adams Ortwin
Published: February 2013

Background:

The StratifyJCV® test is a qualitative assay to classify MS patients as anti-JC virus (JCV) antibody positive or negative. Quantification of anti-JCV antibody levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients might add to the progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) risk assessment.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to test sera of patients in a quantitative anti-JCV antibody assay, and to compare the results with preexisting data from the StratifyJCV® test.

Methods:

Sera of a total of 175 MS patients and matched non-MS-controls were tested for anti-JCV antibodies using glutathione S-transferase-tagged-VP1 as antigen. Antibody reactivity was quantified in arbitrary units using human immunoglobulin as standard.

Results:

The comparison of our assay with StratifyJCV® showed good inter-assay agreement (kappa 0.6), and strong correlation for antibody reactivity ( r2 = 0.94). Discordant samples had low-reactive positivity, and a higher proportion (13% vs. 4%) tested positive in the StratifyJCV® test only.

Conclusions:

The method presented is a tool for the reliable quantification of anti-JCV antibodies, which demonstrates good agreement with results from StratifyJCV®. In contrast to StratifyJCV®, we pre-adsorbed all of the sera with BK virus (BKV) VP1 protein to reduce cross-reactivity. This step may account for a higher species-specificity of our assay. As such, our assay might be a promising additional tool for PML risk assessment.
Application of the McDonald 2010 criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in an Argentinean cohort of patients with clinically isolated syndromes
Authors: Patrucco L , Rojas JI , Miguez JS , Cristiano E
Published: February 2013

Background:

The International Panel on Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis has proposed new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). We aimed to evaluate these new criteria in a cohort of patients from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Methods:

Patients with CIS, in whom MRI was performed within three months of onset of symptoms, were included between January 2005–June 2010. Poser or McDonald 2005 criteria were used as gold standard diagnostic criteria for MS. MRI was assessed by a blind evaluator identifying recently diagnostic MS criteria. New criteria sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were determined.

Results:

Altogether 101 patients were included. Of these, 86 patients converted to MS (McDonald 2005/Poser) during the follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 7.3±3.2 years (range 1.8–11 years). Sensitivity was 84%, specificity 80%, PPV 96%, NPV 46% and accuracy 82%. The sub-analysis applied only to non-European descendants (mestizos, natives and zambos) showed a high level of accuracy for these new diagnostic criteria in this local ethnic/genetic population (sensitivity 77%, specificity 72%, PPV 94%, NPV 38%).

Conclusions:

This study assessing McDonald 2010 criteria in a Latin-American population may contribute to its international validation.
Development of an n-heptane/toluene/polyaromatic hydrocarbon mechanism and its application for combustion and soot prediction
Authors: Wang Hu , Jiao Qi , Yao Mingfa , Yang Binbin , Qiu Lu , Reitz Rolf D
Published: February 2013

A chemical reaction mechanism has been developed for modeling the combustion process and polyaromatic hydrocarbon formation of diesel and n-heptane/toluene fuels. A reduced n-heptane/polyaromatic hydrocarbon mechanism was applied and updated to better predict the formation of polyaromatic hydrocarbon up to four rings (A4) in ethylene and n-heptane premixed flames. In addition, a reduced toluene mechanism was updated and combined with the n-heptane/polyaromatic hydrocarbon mechanism to predict the combustion and polyaromatic hydrocarbon formation of diesel and n-heptane/toluene fuels. The final mechanism consists of 71 species and 360 reactions. This mechanism was validated with experimental ignition delay data in shock tubes, premixed flame species concentration profiles, homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion and direct injection spray combustion data. A practical multistep soot model was integrated with the polyaromatic hydrocarbon kinetic model to predict soot emissions of diesel and n-heptane/toluene direct injection engine data. Constant-volume combustion vessel simulations were also conducted and the effects of combustion parameters, such as temperature and equivalence ratio, together with the n-heptane/toluene ratio on polyaromatic hydrocarbon and soot formation are discussed. The results show that the present mechanism provides promising agreement in terms of polyaromatic hydrocarbon prediction for various fuels in premixed flames and highlights the importance of aromatics on the polyaromatic hydrocarbon formation and soot emissions. Homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion and direct injection spray combustion simulation results confirm that the present mechanism gives reliable predictions of combustion and soot emissions for both diesel and n-heptane/toluene fuels under various conditions.
Angiotensin modulates human mammary epithelial cell motility
Authors: Piastowska-Ciesielska Agnieszka Wanda , Domińska Kamila , Nowakowska Magdalena , Gajewska Małgorzata , Gajos-Michniewicz Anna , Ochędalski Tomasz
Published: February 2013

Introduction:

Angiotensin II is an effector peptide showing multiple physiological effects, such as regulation of vascular tone, tissue growth and remodelling. Postlactational involution of mammary gland involves changes such as high matrix metalloproteinase activity and release of bioactive fragments of fibronectin and laminin, which may be directly regulated by angiotensin II. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of angiotensin II on proliferation, viability and motility of normal human mammary epithelial cells (184A1 cell line) and to determine the role of angiotensin II receptors in these processes.

Materials and methods:

Real-time reverse transcription-PCR, western blot and gelatin zymography were used to study the effect of angiotensin II on the expression of angiotensin receptors and matrix metalloproteinases in 184A1 cells. WST-1, AlamarBlue and BrdU assays were used as indicators of cell viability and proliferation after angiotensin II stimulation. Boyden chamber assays and monolayer wound migration assay were used to evaluate in vitro the changes in cell adhesion, migration and invasion.

Results:

Angiotensin II increased motility of the 184A1 cells and the ability of wound closure. Modifications in cell–substrate adhesion systems and increased secretion and activity of matrix metalloproteinases were also observed. The effect of angiotensin II was abolished by blocking angiotensin type 1 receptor with specific inhibitors candesartan and losartan.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that angiotensin II modulates cell behaviour via AT1-R and stimulates secretion of MMP-2 by human mammary epithelial cells.
Gender difference of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in DD genotype of ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism in elderly Chinese
Authors: Zhang Ya-Feng , Cheng Qiong , Tang Nelson LS , Chu Tanya TW , Tomlinson Brian , Liu Fan , Kwok Timothy CY
Published: February 2013

Introduction:

In this study we investigated the gender difference of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in a population of Hong Kong-dwelling elderly Chinese.

Materials and methods:

A total of 1767 (843 male, 924 female) Hong Kong-dwelling elderly Chinese were recruited. ACE I/D genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction amplification and serum ACE activity was determined using a commercially available kinetic kit. ACE I/D genotype distribution was compared by chi-square test, the correlation between ACE I/D polymorphism and serum ACE activity was analysed by ANOVA test and gender difference of serum ACE activity of different genotypes was compared by independent sample t-test.

Results:

No statistically significant difference of genotype distribution between male and female subjects was found. Serum ACE activity was significantly correlated with ACE genotype. Overall, there was no gender difference of serum ACE activity; however, when sub-grouping the subjects by ACE I/D genotype, male subjects with DD genotype had higher serum ACE activity than female subjects with DD genotype.

Conclusions:

No significant gender difference of genotype distribution was found in elderly Chinese. Serum ACE activity was significantly correlated with ACE I/D polymorphism in elderly Chinese. Male subjects with DD genotype had higher serum ACE activity than female subjects with DD genotype.
Influence of atorvastatin on angiotensin I metabolism in resting and TNF-α -activated rat vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Suski Maciej , Gębska Anna , Olszanecki Rafal , Stachowicz Aneta , Uracz Danuta , Madej Jozef , Korbut Ryszard
Published: February 2013

Introduction:

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are essential for maintaining vasculature homeostasis and function. By influence on its growth and activation both proinflammatory cytokines and peptides of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) are potent regulators of VSMCs. Interestingly, angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang-(1–7) elicit opposite effects on VSMC activation, differentiation and proliferation. It has been suggested that statins, besides anti-inflammatory effects, may also modulate VSMC activation by their influence on the RAS.

Methods:

The effect of atorvastatin on Ang I metabolism in a culture of explanted rat VSMCs was examined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS); expression of mRNA of the main RAS enzymes in VSMC was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:

In VSMC culture Ang-(1–7) was identified as a major product of Ang I metabolism. In this setting, TNF-α (1 ng/ml) caused a decrease in the conversion of Ang I to Ang-(1–7). This effect was accompanied by a decrease of mRNA expression of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and increase of mRNA of ACE. Interestingly, atorvastatin (3 μM) attenuated the effects of TNF-α on Ang-(1–7) production as well as reversed the influence of TNF-α on ACE and ACE2 expression.

Conclusions:

Enhancement by atorvastatin of the ACE2/Ang-(1–7) axis in VSMCs could represent a new and beneficial mechanism on cardiovascular action of this widely used drug.
Eating Epilepsy is Associated With Initial Precipitating Events and Therapy Resistance
Authors: Kokes Ulgen , Baykan Betul , Bebek Nerses , Gurses Candan , Gokyigit Aysen
Published: February 2013

We present the characteristics of eating epilepsy (EE), which is an underrecognized and complex form of reflex epilepsy. The files of 8996 patients with epilepsy were investigated retrospectively and only 6 cases (0.067%) were found.  Four males and 2 females, aged 20 to 63 years, had focal seizures, mostly with dyscognitive and experiential aura triggered by eating, as well as spontaneous seizures. All had an initial precipitating event for seizures (such as head/birth trauma or encephalitis). In 4 patients, the seizures were induced in the middle of the meal or even closely after the end. In the remaining 2 cases the seizures were at the beginning of the meal, suggesting 2 different mechanisms. Two patients had normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whereas the others had heterogeneous findings. The interictal electroencephalographs (EEGs) showed frequent spikes over a large area on the left temporal region in 5 and over the right temporal area in 1 case. We recorded eating-related seizures originating from the left temporal region in 3 cases. Positron-emission tomography (PET) investigations were concordant with the EEG foci in 2 patients. All but 1 had a therapy-resistant course. Our study suggested that EE is extremely rare and occurred many years after an initial precipitating event for seizures. These focal seizures, starting mostly with experiential/dyscognitive aura, usually originated from the left temporal region, had mostly a therapy-resistant course, and were triggered by different mechanisms during eating with a long latency in most of the cases.
Responding to transnational corporate bribery using international frameworks for enforcement: Anti-bribery and corruption in the UK and Germany
Authors: Lord Nicholas J
Published: February 2013

Transnational corporate bribery is complexly organized at a multi-jurisdictional level. However, enforcement remains at the local, national level where investigators and prosecutors are pressured to respond using frameworks for enforcement created by intergovernmental organizations. These legal frameworks are incorporated into national laws which result in legal convergence between jurisdictions but the ‘functional equivalence’ approach of intergovernmental organizations enables divergence in enforcement practices. This article analyses two theoretically comparable anti-corruption enforcement systems, those of the UK and Germany, to evidence an understanding of policy responses at the operational level. Irrespective of the enforcement system implemented (centralized or decentralized, use of corporate criminal liability or not, among other dimensions), enforcement faces significant structural, legal, procedural, evidential and financial obstacles, even where the will to enforce the law is high. Consequently, criminal law enforcement is currently implausible.
The rate of successful four-corner arthrodesis with a locking, dorsal circular polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK-Optima) plate
Authors: Rhee P. C. , Shin A. Y.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rate of union after four-corner arthrodesis with a locking, dorsal circular plate comprised of polyether-ether-ketone. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent four-corner arthrodesis with a locking, dorsal circular plate at our institution from January 2005 to May 2009. The primary outcome measure was radiographic and clinical union. During the study period, 26 consecutive wrists underwent four-corner arthrodesis with a locking, dorsal circular plate. Twenty-three wrists were included. The mean clinical follow-up was 16 months (range 3–37). Union was achieved in 22 of 23 wrists at a mean time of 3 months (range 1–12). There was one partial union that underwent successful revision arthrodesis. In summary, four-corner fusion with a polyether-ether-ketone locking, dorsal circular plate results in high union rates. The use of a radiolucent plate allows for more accurate assessment of union with the biomechanical advantages of a fixed angle construct.
Anatomic study of the intercostal nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve and a case report
Authors: Hu S. , Chu B. , Song J. , Chen L.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical basis of intercostal nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve and provide a case report. Thoracic walls of 30 embalmed human cadavers were used to investigate the anatomical feasibility for neurotization of the suprascapular nerve with intercostal nerves in brachial plexus root avulsions. We found that the 3rd and 4th intercostal nerves could be transferred to the suprascapular nerve without a nerve graft. Based on the anatomical study, the 3rd and 4th intercostal nerves were transferred to the suprascapular nerve via the deltopectoral approach in a 42-year-old man who had had C5-7 root avulsions and partial injury of C8, T1 of the right brachial plexus. Thirty-two months postoperatively, the patient gained 30° of shoulder abduction and 45° of external rotation. This procedure provided us with a reliable and convenient method for shoulder function reconstruction after brachial plexus root avulsion accompanied with spinal accessory nerve injury. It can also be used when the accessory nerve is intact but needs to be preserved for better shoulder stability or possible future trapezius transfer.
Intraoperative C-arm CT imaging in angular stable plate osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures
Authors: Mehling I. , Rittstieg P. , Mehling A. P. , Küchle R. , Müller L. P. , Rommens P. M.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyze the practicability and benefit of intraoperative C-arm computed tomography (CT) imaging in volar plate osteosynthesis of unstable distal radius fractures. During a 1 year period, intraoperative three dimensional (3D) imaging with the ARCADIS Orbic 3D was performed in addition to standard fluoroscopy in 51 cases. The volar angular stable plate oesteosyntheses were analyzed intraoperatively and, if necessary, improved immediately. The duration of the scan and radiation exposure dose were measured. On average, performance of the scan and analysis of the CT dataset took 6.7 minutes. In 31.3% of the surgeries a misplacement of screws was detected and correction was done immediately. C-arm CT imaging can easily be integrated in the normal course of surgery. As a complement to the standard 2D-fluoroscopy, the C-arm CT is a useful tool to evaluate the quality of osteosynthesis.
Reconstructed animation from four-phase grip MRI of the wrist with ulnar-sided pain
Authors: Oda T. , Wada T. , Iba K. , Aoki M. , Tamakawa M. , Yamashita T.
Published: February 2013

In order to visualize dynamic variations related to ulnar-sided wrist pain, animation was reconstructed from T2* coronal-sectioned magnetic resonance imaging in each of the four phases of grip motion for nine wrists in patients with ulnar pain. Eight of the nine wrists showed a positive ulnar variance of less than 2 mm. Ulnocarpal impaction and triangular fibrocartilage complex injury were assessed on the basis of animation and arthroscopy, respectively. Animation revealed ulnocarpal impaction in four wrists. In one of the four wrists, the torn portion of the articular disc was impinged between the ulnar head and ulnar proximal side of the lunate. In another wrist, the ulnar head impacted the lunate directly through the defect in the articular disc that had previously been excised. An ulnar shortening osteotomy successfully relieved ulnar wrist pain in all four cases with both ulnocarpal impaction and Palmer’s Class II triangular fibrocartilage complex tears. This method demonstrated impairment of the articular disc and longitudinal instability of the distal radioulnar joint simultaneously and should be of value in investigating dynamic pathophysiology causing ulnar wrist pain.
Effect of acute exercise on cardiovascular hemodynamic and red blood cell concentrations of purine nucleotides in hypertensive compared with normotensives rats
Authors: Yeung Pollen K.F. , Dauphinee Julie , Marcoux Tanya
Published: February 2013

Objective:

The mechanisms of exercise-induced health benefits are complex and not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of exercise and hypertension on cardiovascular hemodynamic responses and red blood cell (RBC) concentrations of purine nucleotides using normotensive and hypertensive rat models in vivo.

Methods:

Sprague Dawley rats (SDRs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were exercised on a treadmill for 15 min at a speed of 10 m/min and 5% grade. Blood samples were obtained from each rat before, during, and after exercise for measurement of adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and guanosine 5′-triphosphate (GTP) concentrations in RBCs by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography assay. They were returned to a restrainer after exercise, and hemodynamic recording collected continuously up to 6 h. Two separate groups (SDRs and SHRs) without exercise were used as controls. Biomarker data were compared between SDRs and SHRs using analysis of variance and t test and difference considered significant at p < 0.05.

Results:

The study has demonstrated for the first time a difference in the postexercise effect between SDRs and SHRs. The 15 min of exercise significantly increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) (129 ± 16 to 162 ± 26 mmHg) and heart rate (HR) (416 ± 29 to 491 ± 26 bpm) in SDRs ( p < 0.05), but not in SHRs. The postexercise hemodynamic effects were more profound in SHRs. SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) also fell significantly in the control group of SHRs (SBP 184 ± 14 to 152 ± 29 mmHg and DBP 149 ± 9 to 120 ± 14 mmHg, p < 0.05 for both) towards the end of the experiment but not in the SDR group. The RBC concentrations of ATP and GTP increased after exercise in both SDRs and SHRs which were significantly correlated with the postexercise hemodynamic effect ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

SHRs were more tolerant to increases in HR and SBP induced by exercise, and have more profound postexercise hemodynamic effects than SDRs. The hemodynamic effects were linked closely with RBC concentrations of ATP and GTP in both SDRs and SHRs.
Sports Hernia Treatment
Authors: Economopoulos Kostas J. , Milewski Matthew D. , Hanks John B. , Hart Joseph M. , Diduch David R.
Published: February 2013

Background:

The minimal repair technique for sports hernias repairs only the weak area of the posterior abdominal wall along with decompressing the genitofemoral nerve. This technique has been shown to return athletes to competition rapidly. This study compares the clinical outcomes of the minimal repair technique with the traditional modified Bassini repair.

Hypothesis:

Athletes undergoing the minimal repair technique for a sports hernia would return to play more rapidly compared with athletes undergoing the traditional modified Bassini repair.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 28 patients who underwent sports hernia repair at the authors’ institution was performed. Fourteen patients underwent the modified Bassini repair, and a second group of 14 patients underwent the minimal repair technique. The 2 groups were compared with respect to time to return to sport, return to original level of competition, and clinical outcomes.

Results:

Patients in the minimal repair group returned to sports at a median of 5.6 weeks (range, 4-8 weeks), which was significantly faster compared with the modified Bassini repair group, with a median return of 25.8 weeks (range, 4-112 weeks; P = 0.002). Thirteen of 14 patients in the minimal repair group returned to sports at their previous level, while 9 of 14 patients in the Bassini group were able to return to their previous level of sport ( P = 0.01). Two patients in each group had recurrent groin pain. One patient in the minimal repair group underwent revision hernia surgery for recurrent pain, while 1 patient in the Bassini group underwent hip arthroscopy for symptomatic hip pain.

Conclusion:

The minimal repair technique allows athletes with sports hernias to return to play faster than patients treated with the modified Bassini.
How to Talk about the use and Abuse of Natural Family Planning the Importance of Accuracy in Translation and in Description
Authors: Miller Kevin E.
Published: February 2013

This essay argues, through a close reading of relevant magisterial texts in the areas of sexual morality and of fundamental moral theology, that, contrary to opinions sometimes expressed by orthodox Catholic thinkers and internalized by good Catholics, the Church's teaching that the use of natural family planning (NFP) to avoid procreation is permissible for “just causes” should be interpreted as requiring married couples to have “serious,” but not “grave,” reasons for avoiding procreation; and the use of NFP to avoid procreation when a serious reason is lacking should be described as involving “selfishness,” not as reflecting a “contraceptive mentality.” Translating Latin and Italian terms correctly, with some help from their context, confirms that just causes are serious (not grave) reasons. Attention to the Church's use of “contraception” to refer to the object, not the intention, of an action, serves as the primary basis for the conclusion that there remains a fundamental difference between contraception on the one hand and the selfishly motivated use of NFP on the other.
Descriptive Statistical Evaluation of the Standard Days Method of Family Planning
Authors: Schneider Mary , Fehring Richard J.
Published: February 2013

The Standard Days Method (SDM) is a method of family planning that assumes ovulation to be close to the midpoint of the menstrual cycle; fertility falls between days 8 and 19; and is most effective for cycle lengths between twenty-six and thirty-two days. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the assumptions of the SDM with a new data set of 714 menstrual cycles produced by 131 women (mean age twenty-nine) who tracked their fertility with an electronic fertility monitor that measured urinary estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH). The LH peak was used to estimate the day of ovulation (EDO) and the six-day fertile window. Results indicated the majority (80 percent) of menstrual cycles had EDOs within three days of the midpoint of the cycle (86 percent with cycle lengths between twenty-six and thirty-two days). Approximately 22.5 percent (172) of the cycles had fertile window days outside of days 8 to 19, 10.2 percent (78) before, and 12.1 percent (92) after. However, there is a low probability of pregnancy when women experience short cycles and the early days of the fertile window are outside of days 8 through 19. We concluded assumptions of the SDM outside of the fertile window with long cycles could be problematic. However, the SDM is valid for women who have most cycles within the twenty-six to thirty-two day range.
The Influence of BMI Levels on Phases of the Menstrual Cycle and Presumed Ovulation
Authors: Lasquety Mary Grace , Rodriguez Dana , Fehring Richard J.
Published: February 2013

Obesity and high body mass index (BMI) are known to be risks for anovulation and infertility. Little is known about how BMI levels affect parameters of the menstrual cycle. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of BMI on parameters of the menstrual cycle and the likelihood for ovulation. The participants in this study were 244 women between the ages of twenty and fifty-four (mean thirty years) who charted from one to thirty-six menstrual cycles (mean seven cycles) for a total of 2,035 cycles. Urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) threshold tests were used to estimate the day of ovulation and the lengths of the follicular and luteal phases. The 244 participants were classified as normal weight with a BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 (N = 141), overweight with a BMI of 25–29.9 kg/m2 (N = 67), and obese with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater (N = 36). One-way ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference between groups in length of the luteal phase (F = 4.62, p < 0.01) and length of menses (F = 3.03, p < 0.05). Odds ratio indicated that the combined obese and overweight group was 34 percent less likely to have a positive detected urinary LH surge. We concluded that obesity might contribute to infertility by shortening the luteal phase and decreasing the probability of ovulatory menstrual cycles.
The Evaluation and Treatment of Cervical Factor Infertility a Medical-Moral Analysis
Authors: Keefe Catherine E. , Mirkes Renee , Yeung Patrick
Published: February 2013

The current approach to infertility of assisted reproductive technology (ART) completely misses and then bypasses the evaluation and treatment of cervical factor infertility. In contrast, the Creighton Model Fertility Care System (CrMS), a method of fertility awareness that has the unique ability to quantify cervical mucus observations, and natural procreative technology (NaProTECHNOLOGY or NPT) directly evaluate and treat cervical factor infertility. The ART treatment of choice for cervical factor infertility–-intrauterine insemination (IUI)–-is also morally disparate from the NPT treatment protocol: while the latter genuinely assists the infertile couple's act of sexual union to achieve its natural end of pregnancy, IUI replaces the natural act, depriving human conception of the one context worthy of the dignity of human life and procreation, a reciprocal self-gifting act of love between husband and wife. A renewed interest and focus on the direct evaluation and treatment of cervical factor infertility is needed.
Natural Family Planning Instruction as a Marriage Requirement a Retrospective Analysis of the First Two Years’ Experience in the Diocese of Covington
Authors: Manhart Michael D.
Published: February 2013

Beginning January 1, 2009, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington mandated that all engaged couples take a full course of NFP instruction as part of preparation for marriage within the Church. Using data from the Couple to Couple League and its Covington-based instructors, overall NFP instruction and characteristics of the couples attending classes before and after the mandate were examined. In the first two years, 66 percent and 77 percent of couples who married in the diocese, respectively, attended an NFP class. The mandate shifted the reasons for couples taking NFP instruction; prior to the mandate, 40 percent of engaged couples attended classes solely due to a pastor's requirement while 74 percent of engaged couples did so afterward (p < 0.001). Hormonal contraceptive use was common; 54 percent reported current use while another 23 percent reported former use. Current hormonal contraceptive use was significantly more common among those attending solely due to the mandate compared to those attending for multiple reasons (59 percent vs. 41 percent respectively, p = 0.004) and was significantly more common among engaged compared to married couples (53 percent vs. 8 percent respectively, p < 0.001). Cohabiting engaged couples were significantly more likely to have ever used hormonal contraceptives (91 percent vs. 71 percent, p < 0.0001), compared to engaged couples who were not cohabiting at the time of NFP instruction, and were significantly less likely to both be Catholic (55 percent vs. 70 percent, p = 0.002). Overall, implementation of mandatory NFP instruction as part of marriage preparation was successful; in post-class surveys, over 90 percent of couples acknowledged they had a better understanding of their fertility, and 83 percent would recommend the classes to a friend. Longer-term prospective follow-up is needed to evaluate the long-term impacts to couples exposed to such a requirement.
Health Care Reform and the Catholic Perspective
Authors: Breschi Louis C.
Published: February 2013

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a U.S. federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. It is the principal health-care reform legislation of the 111th U.S. Congress. It reforms certain aspects of the private health insurance industry and public health insurance programs, increases insurance coverage of preexisting conditions, expands access to insurance to over thirty million Americans, and increases projected national medical spending while lowering projected Medicare spending. It is expected that each of these promises has or will be broken. The Catholic Medical Association, representing Catholic physicians as well as other concerned Catholic health-care professionals, has and will continue to focus on the harm that such a vast, vague legislation brings to the task of ongoing moral and ethical delivery of health care.
What Do Medical Students Think about Medical Ethics? UIC-COM Student Medical Ethics Questionnaire
Authors: Bamberger Brian , Guinan Patrick
Published: February 2013

Medical ethics should be an important aspect of the education of every medical student. But do students appreciate or even pay much attention to medical ethics? In an effort to address this question, we assessed, by questionnaire, the opinions of the students of the largest medical school in the United States (the University of Illinois—College of Medicine) regarding a variety of ethical problems. In general, the students were knowledgeable about the issues discussed and expressed ethical concerns about these clinical matters.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Authors: Picarello Anthony R.
Published: February 2013

At the time that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was being debated in Congress, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops took great care in its response to the act. This article describes some of the internal legal issues raised at the USCCB that informed the bishops’ ultimate moral opposition to the act. In short, the issues were the threats to conscience contained in the bill, how the bill addresses coverage for illegal immigrants, and whether the bill would fund abortion. While the debate about abortion funding captured almost all of the media attention, all three of these considerations informed the position of the bishops that the bill should be opposed. The reasoning behind each concern is discussed as well as the respective roles of the lawyers, analysts, and bishops in reaching the conclusion.
Health-Care Reform and the Catholic Medical Professional Impacting Religious Liberty in America
Authors: Hilliard Marie T.
Published: February 2013

There has been a steady and escalating attack on the religious liberty of health-care providers; currently, as we focus on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the more recent rescinding by President Barack Obama of major parts of President George W. Bush's Conscience Rule, this attack is never so evident. The culture of secular relativism increasingly is becoming hostile toward conscience rights and religion, especially the Roman Catholic Church, which is the largest nongovernmental provider of health care in this country. Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, in his recent visit to Westminster Hall of the United Kingdom addressed the “proper place of religious belief in the political process.” He stated, “These are worrying signs of a failure to appreciate not only the rights of believers to freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, but also the legitimate role of religion in the public square.” 1

This presentation provides an overview of the threats to conscience faced by health-care professionals, particularly with a focus on the myriad of attacks at the state level, as they are potentiated by both the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the revised Conscience Rule. Health-care professionals increasingly find that, when attempting to exercise their First Amendment rights to the free exercise of religion in health care, they are accused of violating the principle of the separation of church and state. Tragically, the very government, born out of a need to secure liberty, including religious freedom, is imposing policies that impact, the rights of not only the most vulnerable, but also those dedicated to caring for them.
Health-Care Reform
Authors: Cummings McLean
Published: February 2013

Approaching health-care reform from a philosophical and theological perspective, the author calls into question the assumption that more health care is better health care. He points out that the high cost of the technological advances that have improved health care in the developed world raises a moral issue, for most other people in the world have no comparable health security. The right to basic health care must be defined in a realistic way. Otherwise, the author warns, the ever increasing call for more health care will lead to the rationing of benefits for those that technology can no longer help: the very old and the terminally ill.
The Papal Commission on Birth Control—Revisited
Authors: Norris Charles W.
Published: February 2013

The Papal Commission on Population, the Family, and Birth-rate met in Rome from 1963 to 1966. After these years of deliberation a Majority Report, written by Rev. Henri de Riedmatten, O.P., Chairman of the commission, counseled that the received Catholic and magisterial teaching of Casti connubii on the immorality of contraception be changed. Dr. Germain Grisez and Fr. John C. Ford opposed this decision and issued a Minority Report which basically was ignored by the secular press. In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued his most famous encyclical Humanae vitae, reaffirming the traditional magisterial teaching. In 2011, 44 years later, Dr. Grisez released several documents relating to these events. Following an Introduction, the author divides the work into four sections. First, the paper addresses the four part “materials prepared for Cardinal Ottaviani.” Next he develops the contribution of Karol Cardinal Wojytla et al. Concerning the principles of conjugal life in 1966. Finally he provides a conclusion as to how the above topics promote natural family planning (NFP) and the constant teaching of the Catholic Church; then an addendum.
A Question of Faith: An Investigation of Suggested Racial Ethnonyms for Enumerating US American Residents of Muslim, Middle Eastern, and/or Arab Descent on the US Census
Authors: Nick I M
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn 1790, the American government ratified the first official census of the nation’s population. Since then, the US Census has been taken continuously every ten years and has become indispensable for the equitable distribution of rights and resources. Nevertheless, the Census has not escaped criticism. In particular, its system of ethnoracial nomenclature is regularly attacked for failing to adequately reflect the nation’s changing demography and linguistic sensibilities. Consequently, many critics have called for the introduction of new terminology. The present investigation examines some of the most popular names suggested for one group in particular: US American Residents of Muslim, Middle Eastern and/or Arab descent (AROMMEA). The four racial ethnonyms examined are Arab-American; Middle Easterner/Middle-East American; Muslim-American; and White.1 As this investigation demonstrates, each of these names comes with its own unique set of linguistic, social, and political advantages and disadvantages.
The QWERTY Effect Does Not Extend to Birth Names
Authors: Thogmartin Wayne E
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe QWERTY effect suggests a consequence to word meaning deriving from the placement of letters on a QWERTY keyboard. reported that words formed primarily of letters from the left side of the keyboard were more aversive in nature, whereas those on the right side were more attractive (right-side advantage, RSA); they concluded that those individuals branding new products could ensure a positive affect by attending to the balance of letters. I tested this hypothesis on arguably the most important branding decision an individual can make, the naming of a baby, by associating name popularity against RSA. Names and their rank among the top 1000 names reported to the Social Security Administration were gathered for each decadal interval between 1880 and 2010 (n=28,000 names). I found no evidence for the QWERTY effect in child names (βRSA=0·007; 95% CI=[−0·014, 0·027]). Instead, gender-specific patterns in name popularity were related to length of name (βName Length=0·079 [0·058, 0·099]). Parents should not be concerned that positive affect is dictated by the QWERTY effect.
Colour, Chemistry and Corsets: Mary Philadelphia Merrifield's Dress as a Fine Art
Authors: Palmer Caroline
Published: February 2013

The Victorian writer Mary Philadelphia Merrifield (1804–1889) exploited her considerable knowledge of art and science in order to validate the study of fashion and to raise it in seriousness as a topic. Merrifield covered a broad range of topics in her publishing career, ranging from fresco and fashion to flora and fauna; she was an important contributor to debates about the materials and techniques of painting, the diffusion of colour theory and the aestheticization of dress. This article will demonstrate how her Dress as a Fine Art (1854) challenged prevailing stereotypes, not by denying women's fascination with fashion, but by associating it with higher intellectual principles. In particular it will show how her scholarly approach to fashion countered the long-standing notion that women were interested only in ‘idle fripperies’.
From the ‘union parfaite’ to the ‘union brisée’: The French Couture Industry and themidinettesduring the Great War
Authors: Bass-Krueger Maude
Published: February 2013

This article is an expanded version of a paper presented at the ‘Developments in Dress History’ conference at the University of Brighton in December 2011. Based on research from the author's master's thesis, ‘La mode en France durant la Première Guerre mondiale’, written at the Institut d'études politiques de Paris, this article examines the declining relationship between the Chambre syndicale de la couture parisienne, the couturiers and the seamstresses, which ignited an industry-wide labour strike in May 1917.
Patterns of Work Reorganization in the Course of the IT Industry's Internationalization
Authors: Feuerstein Patrick
Published: February 2013

The IT industry was considered relatively resistant to the international relocation of jobs, but such a perception changed profoundly during the 1990s when IT companies relocated services to low-wage destinations on a larger scale. According to many authors, IT offshoring not only jeopardizes jobs in high-wage countries, but also fundamentally changes the organization and control of IT work. Whereas IT work was once considered a prime example of post-Taylorist work organization, it is argued that the global division of labour necessitates the standardization and formalization of the labour processes, leading to extended managerial control and reduced autonomy for employees. Drawing upon two case studies in transnationally operating IT companies, this article critically examines this prognosis. It argues that forms of work organization and control in the IT industry do not develop homogeneously or uniformly. Instead, it is possible to identify specific modes of reorganization with very different consequences for employees' autonomy in the labour process that are shaped by the dynamic interplay between different patterns of internationalization, on the one hand, and the specific institutional settings of the offshore destinations, on the other.
‘Grapes of Wrath’? Power Spatialities and Aspects of Labour in the Wild Berry Global Commodity Chain
Authors: Hedberg Charlotta
Published: February 2013

Despite their central position, workers' relationships have often been a neglected issue in commodity chain approaches. This article analyses how the social relations of workers are affected by economic upgrading in the wild berry global commodity chain (GCC). It is argued that the social effects in a GCC are the result of multiple power spatialities, which must be analysed both according to workers' rights and from a household perspective. In the Swedish wild berry GCC, foreign workers are contracted on a seasonal basis to collect the raw material. The regulated workers, who are principally from Thailand, are subject to social upgrading as well as social downgrading, involving the potential for both exploitation in the Swedish labour market and social empowerment in their homeland. It is concluded that a complex mix of hierarchical, networked and topological power spatialities explain the construction of the wild berry GCC and its effects on worker relations.
Influence of droplets in gas–metal arc welding: new modelling approach, and application to welding of aluminium
Authors: Murphy A B
Published: February 2013

A new approach for calculating the influence of droplets on the arc and weld pool in gas metal arc welding is presented. A three-dimensional self-consistent model of the arc, workpiece and electrode that includes the influence of metal vapour is used to track the temperature, velocity and diameter of a droplet as it detaches and passes through the arc. The time averaged influence of the droplet on the arc and weld pool is then calculated. The approach allows very large savings of computational time compared to the usual volume of fluid method. The approach has been applied to one-drop per pulse welding of aluminium. Weld pool depth and shape were predicted accurately. The enthalpy transferred to the weld pool was found to have a strong influence on weld pool depth, while the flow in the weld pool depends on the momentum transferred by the droplet and the magnetic pinch force.
Flint Daggers, Copper Daggers, and Technological Innovation in Late Neolithic Scandinavia
Authors: Frieman Catherine J.
Published: February 2013

This article seeks to clarify the reason for the flourishing of daggers during the first millennia of metal use in Europe. Flint daggers, usually characterized as direct copies of contemporary metal blades, circulated widely from around 4000 cal BC to 1500 cal BC in different parts of Europe. Among the best studied and most well-known flint dagger varieties are the early second millennium cal BC fishtail-handled varieties made in southern Scandinavia which are universally described as skeuomorphs of Central European metal-hilted daggers. In this paper, their putative skeuomorphism is re-evaluated through a close technological and contextual analysis, and a new way of conceiving of the relationship between fishtail flint daggers and metal-hilted daggers is proposed. Like most of the other widely circulating flint dagger types in Neolithic Europe, fishtail and metal-hilted daggers are produced through the application of specialized/standardized production processes and demonstrate a desire to cultivate special and perhaps circumscribed technologies on the part of the people who made and used them. This shared technological background is identified as the root of the ‘dagger idea’ which emerges in Europe at this period. Daggers, in any material, are identified as ‘boundary objects’ – things which bridge social boundaries, allowing people with different backgrounds to recognize similar values and ways of life in each other's cultures and which, consequently, facilitate communication and exchange, in this case of metal and of the technological concepts which were part of its adoption.