bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Ultrasonic Measurement on Small‐Sized Ceramic Sample
Authors: Serizawa Hiroyuki , Kaji Yoshiyuki 
Published: February 2014

The longitudinal and transverse wave velocities of polycrystalline MgO were successfully measured simultaneously and five types of elastic moduli, the Debye temperature, and the Grüneisen parameter were evaluated as functions of temperature from 298 to 1764 K. An aluminum foil was used as a couplant between the MgO specimen and waveguide. Both acoustic waves were successfully propagated into the specimen through the solid and liquid aluminum layers. In particular, no influence of melted aluminum foil on the acoustic wave velocities was observed. With increasing temperature, the Young's, shear, and bulk moduli decreased monotonically and the Grüneisen parameter and Poisson's ratio increased monotonically, which indicated a decrease in the ionic bonding strength. The Debye temperature decreased almost linearly with increasing temperature, which showed the effect of thermal expansion. Although previous investigators concluded that the Grüneisen parameter was almost independent of temperature, our data showed an obvious gradual increase in this parameter with temperature. In addition, our results implied the possibility of an abrupt increase in the Grüneisen parameter at temperatures less than 400 K. The slope of the Lamé parameter–temperature plot was almost zero over the entire investigated temperature range. On the basis of three‐dimensional volume‐nonpreserving shear, this behavior was interpreted as being caused by interlocking associated with the network of short Mg–O bonds.
Factors associated with gender differences in medication adherence: a longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Shiah‐Lian , Lee Wen‐Lieng , Liang Tienli , Liao I‐Chen 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsTo examine gender differences in the medication adherence of patients with hypertension by applying a longitudinal follow‐up.BackgroundPatient views of illness affect their adherence to therapeutic regimens. However, few studies have explored these issues by using a longitudinal design or from a gender perspective.DesignThis study used a longitudinal, correlational design.MethodsA purposive sampling of 118 patients were recruited from cardiovascular clinics of a teaching hospital in Central Taiwan in 2007–2009. Data were collected using the Chinese Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised and the Medication Adherence Inventory at three time points: at the first clinic visit, 6 and 12 months after the initial survey. Generalized estimating equations were calculated using the STATA software for data analysis.ResultsThe findings revealed that male patients adhere more effectively to medications than female patients do. The interaction between systolic blood pressure and gender emerged as a significant predictor of adherence. Factors associated with adherence in male patients included less causal attribution to culture, more attribution to risk factors, fewer symptoms and uncertain symptoms related to high blood pressure, lower scores for timeline‐cyclical and higher scores for illness consequences and coherence. Medication adherence for female patients was significantly related to more causal attribution to balance and risk factors, less personal control and enhanced illness coherence.ConclusionFactors associated with adherence to antihypertensive medication were relatively gender‐specific. Awareness of the differences is crucial for health professionals to provide appropriate advice for patients to cope effectively with their health threat.
Perceptions of healthcare professionals’ support, shock anxiety and device acceptance among implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients
Authors: Morken Ingvild M. , Norekvål Tone M. , Bru Edvin , Larsen Alf I. , Karlsen Bjørg 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate the extent to which perceived support from healthcare professionals and shock anxiety is related to device acceptance among implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients.BackgroundDevice acceptance can be influenced by several factors, one of which is shock anxiety associated with poor device acceptance. Reduced shock anxiety, as well as increased device acceptance, has been reported after psycho‐educational programmes. As healthcare professionals appear to play a significant role in providing support and education during regular follow‐up visits, they may constitute an important social support system that could be another factor influencing device acceptance. However, little is known about the relationship between perceived support from healthcare professionals and device acceptance among recipients.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design.MethodsA sample comprising implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients completed questionnaires assessing perceived support from healthcare professionals, shock anxiety and device acceptance. Demographic and clinical data were collected by self‐report and from medical records in September–October 2010.ResultsThe descriptive results indicated that approximately 85% of the recipients experienced high device acceptance. Regression analysis demonstrated that constructive support from healthcare professionals was positively associated with device acceptance and moderated the negative relationship between shock anxiety and device acceptance. Non‐constructive support and shock anxiety had a negative statistical association with device acceptance.ConclusionsHealthcare professionals may represent a valuable constructive support system that can enhance device acceptance among implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients, partly by preventing shock anxiety from leading to poor device acceptance. Non‐constructive communication on the part of healthcare professionals could hinder device acceptance.
Dependence on Wrongdoing in the Consumption of Meat: A Kantian Analysis
Authors: Hammer Carl 
Published: February 2014

AbstractKant's ethics is used by some as a defence of the exploitation of animals and is criticised by others for not recognising any moral relevance of the plight of animals. These appeals overlook the broad applicability of Kant's principles. In this article, I argue that Kant's ethics implies a duty to abstain from most meat and some other animal products derived from farming. I argue that there is a Kantian principle not to choose goods that have been derived from wrongdoing, with certain qualifications. This principle isolates the wrong of using others to commit wrongdoing on one's behalf. As has been argued by others, Kant's ethics implies that animal farming as we know it in our society almost universally involves wrongdoing and the slaughter of animals is especially tied to wrongdoing. I argue for a broad sense in which these ideas together imply that choosing farmed meat, and probably other animal products, is treating animal industry workers as mere means. Thus, we have a Kantian duty to abstain from these products.
A New Use of ‘Race’: The Evidence and Ethics of Forensic DNA Ancestry Profiling
Authors: Kopec Matthew 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRecent advances in population genetics have made it possible to infer an individual's ancestral origin with a high degree of reliability, giving rise to the new technology called ‘DNA Ancestry Profiling’. Bioethicists have raised concerns over using this technology within a forensic context, many of which stem from issues concerning race. In this article, I offer some reasons why we ought to allow forensic scientists to use DNA Ancestry Profiling to infer the race or ethnicity of perpetrators — on a particular understanding of race or ethnicity — in at least some cases. First, there is reason to think the process will meet our evidential standards in many cases. Second, the technology has serious prospects for improving racial justice. Third, the ethical concerns that have been raised can be addressed. And last, using Forensic DNA Ancestry Profiling to infer race or ethnicity has many benefits over its successor technology known as Molecular Photofitting. I conclude the essay by sketching the empirical work that remains to be done.
Moral Individualism, Moral Relationalism, and Obligations to Non‐human Animals
Authors: May Todd 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMoral individualists like Jeff McMahan and Peter Singer argue that our moral obligations to animals, both human and non‐human, are grounded in the morally salient capacities of those animals. By contrast, what might be called moral relationalists argue that our obligations to non‐human animals are grounded in our relationship to them. Moral relationalists are of various kinds, from relationalists regarding assistance to animals, such as Clare Palmer and Elizabeth Anderson, to relationalists grounded in a Wittgensteinian view of human practice, such as Cora Diamond and Alice Crary. This article argues that there are, in fact, two distinct types of moral reasons, those based on salient capacities and those based on relationships. Neither type of reason is reducible to the other, and there is no third type to which to reduce them both. Any attempt at reduction would run counter to deep intuitions about our moral relation to non‐human animals as well as to other humans. Among the implications of this is that certain kinds of arguments, such as the argument from marginal cases, seem to be incomplete precisely because they do not capture the complexity of our moral relations to non‐human animals.
A matter of perspective: why past moral behavior can sometimes encourage and other times discourage future moral striving
Authors: Susewind Moritz , Hoelzl Erik 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the role of different perspectives people take on their past moral and nonmoral behavior. Across two experiments, we show that when people focus on progress toward personal goals, past moral behavior leads to less future moral striving compared to past nonmoral behavior. However, when people focus on commitment toward personal goals, past moral behavior tends to lead to more future moral striving compared to past nonmoral behavior. Our results integrate seemingly contradictive empirical evidence from past research, relying on the overarching theoretical framework of goal regulation theory.
3‐D ultrastructure and collagen composition of healthy and overloaded human tendon: evidence of tenocyte and matrix buckling
Authors: Pingel Jessica , Lu Yinhui , Starborg Tobias , Fredberg Ulrich , Langberg Henning , Nedergaard Anders , Weis MaryAnn , Eyre David , Kjaer Michael , Kadler Karl E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAchilles tendinopathies display focal tissue thickening with pain and ultrasonography changes. Whilst complete rupture might be expected to induce changes in tissue organization and protein composition, little is known about the consequences of non‐rupture‐associated tendinopathies, especially with regards to changes in the content of collagen type I and III (the major collagens in tendon), and changes in tendon fibroblast (tenocyte) shape and organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM). To gain new insights, we took biopsies from the tendinopathic region and flanking healthy region of Achilles tendons of six individuals with clinically diagnosed tendinopathy who had no evidence of cholesterol, uric acid and amyloid accumulation. Biochemical analyses of collagen III/I ratio were performed on all six individuals, and electron microscope analysis using transmission electron microscopy and serial block face‐scanning electron microscopy were made on two individuals. In the tendinopathic regions, compared with the flanking healthy tissue, we observed: (i) an increase in the ratio of collagen III : I proteins; (ii) buckling of the collagen fascicles in the ECM; (iii) buckling of tenocytes and their nuclei; and (iv) an increase in the ratio of small‐diameter : large‐diameter collagen fibrils. In summary, load‐induced non‐rupture tendinopathy in humans is associated with localized biochemical changes, a shift from large‐ to small‐diameter fibrils, buckling of the tendon ECM, and buckling of the cells and their nuclei.
New insights into the hybrid origin of Malus toringoides and its close relatives based on a single‐copy nuclear gene SbeI and three chloroplast fragments
Authors: TANG Liang , LI Ju , TAN Si , LI Ming‐Xia , MA Xiang , ZHOU Zhi‐Qin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMalus toringoides Hughes and its close relatives, M. maerkangensis M. H. Cheng et al., M. setok Vassilcz., and M. xiaojinensis M. H. Cheng & N. G. Jiang were supposed to derive from hybridizations. However, molecular data are still inadequate to corroborate the hybrid origin hypotheses. In this study, we sequenced a single‐copy nuclear gene SbeI and three chloroplast fragments and carried out phylogenetic analyses to investigate the evolutionary origins of the above four putative hybrid taxa. The hybrid nature of M. toringoides is confirmed by the detection of two distinct types of SbeI sequences from it. The chloroplast and SbeI gene phylogenies show that the maternal progenitor of M. toringoides is closely related to M. sikkimensis N. P. Balakr. and M. spectabilis Borkh., and the paternal progenitor is most likely M. transitoria C. K. Schneid. The hypothesis that M. kansuensis (Batalin) C. K. Schneid. is one of the parents of M. toringoides is not supported. Malus maerkangensis and M. xiaojinensis might have originated through hybridization between M. toringoides and M. kansuensis, whereas M. setok is genetically closely related to M. toringoides. The three close relatives of M. toringoides were designated as three novel species by some researchers, however, as they were all apomictic with limited distribution areas and they originated from hybridization and polyploidization, we recommend that their species status should be re‐evaluated.
A Pilot Study to Determine Penile Oxygen Saturation Before and After Vacuum Therapy in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Welliver R. Charles , Mechlin Clay , Goodwin Brianne , Alukal Joseph P. , McCullough Andrew R. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Provoked and spontaneous nocturnal erections are thought to play a role in maintenance of male sexual health through oxygenation of the corpus cavernosa. Conversely, hypoxia is thought to be an etiological factor in the pathogenesis of cavernosal fibrosis and long-term erectile dysfunction. It has been hypothesized that the early penile hypoxia after radical prostatectomy (RP) may lead to fibrosis and consequently a decrease in stretched penile length and long-term erectile dysfunction.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the changes in penile tissue oxygenation with vacuum erection device (VED) use.

Methods
Twenty men between 2 and 24 months following RP were enrolled prospectively. Each man cycled a VED to achieve full erection 10 consecutive times over a period of approximately 2 minutes without constriction ring.

Main Outcome Measures
Tissue oximetry was measured at baseline and immediately after VED using a tissue oximeter at five sites: right thigh, right corpora, glans, left corpora, and left thigh. Additional measurements were captured over the course of an hour.

Results
Mean age and time from surgery was 58.2 years and 12.6 months, respectively, and the average Sexual Health Inventory for Men score was 7. Use of the VED significantly increased both glanular and corporal oximetry relative to the baseline values for the entire 60 minutes. An initial increase of 55% was seen in corporal oxygenation with VED use.

Conclusions
This is the first study demonstrating that a single, brief application of the VED without a constriction ring results in significant improvement in penile oxygen saturation. The use of a VED has significant benefits for patients both with regard to cost and invasiveness when compared with other penile rehabilitation protocols.
Acute and chronic immune biomarker changes during interferon/ribavirin treatment in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients
Authors: Jain M. K. , Adams‐Huet B. , Terekhova D. , Kushner L. E. , Bedimo R. , Li X. , Holodniy M. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryChronic viral infections lead to persistent immune activation, which is alleviated by eradicating or suppressing the infection. To understand the effects of interferon treatment on immune system activation by chronic infections, we evaluated kinetic patterns of a broad spectrum of serum biomarkers during HCV treatment in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients. HCV viral load and 50 biomarkers were analysed at baseline and 27 time points during pegylated interferon‐alpha and ribavirin (IFN/RBV) treatment of 12 HIV/HCV co‐infected patients. We evaluated biomarker changes from baseline for each time point and biomarker correlations with clinical parameters, treatment response and liver histopathology. IL‐1α, IL‐12p40, IL‐1RA, IP‐10, MIG, MIP‐1α/1β, HGF, sCD40L, TRAIL and leptin increased in the first day. IL‐12p70, IL‐17A, IL‐10, GROα, IL‐8, MCP‐3, IL‐4 and M‐CSF peaked later during week 1. IL‐1α, HGF, IP‐10, MIP‐1α, TRAIL, sCD40L, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, MCP‐3, FGFb, ENA‐78, TGF‐β, IL‐2, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐15, IL‐7 and PDGF‐BB decreased below baseline over the course of treatment. Higher BMI, baseline HCV viral load and leptin levels were associated with lack of sustained virologic response. ENA‐78 was associated with sustained viral response. Positive correlations were found between liver inflammation and baseline CD4 count, sVCAM and HGF; fibrosis stage and HGF; liver steatosis, BMI and leptin. Our findings suggest IFN/RBV treatment initially increases levels of several biomarkers, but eventually leads to a decline in many immune markers. These findings shed light on the relationship between IFN treatment and immune activation by chronic viral infections, such as HCV.
Ticks and associated diseases: a retrospective review
Authors: WALKER A. R. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis is a retrospective review of contributions to the understanding of ticks and associated diseases published in Medical and Veterinary Entomology since its first issue. It highlights the large and significant changes in the style and conduct of this field over the last 25 years. The selected papers refer to disease‐related categories of host immunity to ticks, population dynamics, pathogen transmission and tick control.
Targeted mutation of Δ12 and Δ15 desaturase genes in hemp produce major alterations in seed fatty acid composition including a high oleic hemp oil
Authors: Bielecka Monika , Kaminski Filip , Adams Ian , Poulson Helen , Sloan Raymond , Li Yi , Larson Tony R. , Winzer Thilo , Graham Ian A. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryWe used expressed sequence tag library and whole genome sequence mining to identify a suite of putative desaturase genes representing the four main activities required for production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in hemp seed oil. Phylogenetic‐based classification and developing seed transcriptome analysis informed selection for further analysis of one of seven Δ12 desaturases and one of three Δ15 desaturases that we designate CSFAD2A and CSFAD3A, respectively. Heterologous expression of corresponding cDNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed CSFAD2A to have Δx+3 activity, while CSFAD3A activity was exclusively at the Δ15 position. TILLING of an ethyl methane sulphonate mutagenized population identified multiple alleles including non‐sense mutations in both genes and fatty acid composition of seed oil confirmed these to be the major Δ12 and Δ15 desaturases in developing hemp seed. Following four backcrosses and sibling crosses to achieve homozygosity, csfad2a‐1 was grown in the field and found to produce a 70 molar per cent high oleic acid (18:1Δ9) oil at yields similar to wild type. Cold‐pressed high oleic oil produced fewer volatiles and had a sevenfold increase in shelf life compared to wild type. Two low abundance octadecadienoic acids, 18:2Δ6,9 and 18:2Δ9,15, were identified in the high oleic oil, and their presence suggests remaining endogenous desaturase activities utilize the increased levels of oleic acid as substrate. Consistent with this, CSFAD3A produces 18:2Δ9,15 from endogenous 18:1Δ9 when expressed in S. cerevisiae. This work lays the foundation for the development of additional novel oil varieties in this multipurpose low input crop.
Risk Factors and Consequences of Maternal Anaemia and Elevated Haemoglobin Levels during Pregnancy: a Population‐Based Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gaillard Romy , Eilers Paul H. C. , Yassine Siham , Hofman Albert , Steegers Eric A. P. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo determine sociodemographic and life style‐related risk factors and trimester specific maternal, placental, and fetal consequences of maternal anaemia and elevated haemoglobin levels in pregnancy.MethodsIn a population‐based prospective cohort study of 7317 mothers, we measured haemoglobin levels in early pregnancy [gestational age median 14.4 weeks (inter‐quartile‐range 12.5–17.5)]. Anaemia (haemoglobin ≤11 g/dl) and elevated haemoglobin levels (haemoglobin ≥13.2 g/dl) were defined according to the WHO criteria. Maternal blood pressure, placental function and fetal growth were measured in each trimester. Data on gestational hypertensive disorders and birth outcomes was collected from hospitals.ResultsOlder maternal age, higher body mass index, primiparity and European descent were associated with higher haemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). Elevated haemoglobin levels were associated with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure throughout pregnancy (mean differences 5.1 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8, 6.5 and 4.1 mmHg, 95% CI 3.0, 5.2, respectively) and with a higher risk of third trimester uterine artery notching (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0, 1.7). As compared with maternal normal haemoglobin levels, not anaemia, but elevated haemoglobin levels were associated with fetal head circumference, length, and weight growth restriction from third trimester onwards (P < 0.05). Elevated haemoglobin levels were associated with increased risks of gestational hypertensive disorders (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1, 1.8) and adverse birth outcomes (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1, 1.7).ConclusionsIn a low‐risk population, various sociodemographic and life style factors affect haemoglobin levels during pregnancy. Elevated haemoglobin levels are associated with increased risks of maternal, placental, and fetal complications.
Laurencia laurahuertana sp. nov. (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta): An epiphytic species from the Mexican Caribbean
Authors: Mateo‐Cid Luz Elena , Mendoza‐González A. Catalina , Sentíes Abel , Díaz‐Larrea Jhoana , Acosta Calderón Julio A. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryLaurencia laurahuertana Mateo‐Cid, Mendoza‐González, Sentíes & Díaz‐Larrea sp. nov. is described from Quintana Roo, Mexican Caribbean, on the basis of comparative morphology and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase gene sequence analysis. It is distinguished from other Laurencia species by the small size of the sporophytes and dioecious gametophytes, the branching thalli, and its epiphytic habits. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Mexican Caribbean sample, from Punta Herrero (Quintana Roo), formed a distinctive and well supported clade segregated from other species of Laurencia from Brazil and Mexico. The Mexican entity is morphologically and genetically distinct from other Laurencia species, warranting description as a new species.