bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyramids and the value of generality
Authors: Westerman Pauline 
Published: October 2012

AbstractResponsiveRegulationadvocates a differentiated style of regulation and enforcement that is more responsive to the behavior of the regulated parties than a system of general or uniform rules. This article investigates whether such a differentiated approach can be reconciled with the traditional ideal of general law. On the basis of a conceptual analysis of generality, it is argued that the notion of generality is at best tautological and not inconsistent with a differentiated approach to regulation and enforcement. However, the value of generality is based on the assumption that rules function as reasons, rather than as instructions. As reasons, rules need not comprise large categories, but they do need to last for a long period of time. The conclusion drawn is that flexibility (rather than differentiation) is hard to reconcile with the notion of rules as reasons, although it may be demanded by a notion of rules as effective implementers of policies.
Simultaneous Determination of Major and Trace Elements in Fused Volcanic Rock Powders Using a Hermetic Vessel Heater and LA‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Zhu Lüyun , Liu Yongsheng , Hu Zhaochu , Hu Qinghai , Tong Xirong , Zong Keqing , Chen Haihong , Gao Shan 
Published: October 2012

Fused glass prepared without the addition of a flux is generally more homogeneous than a pressed powder pellet and thus ideal for analysis of bulk samples by LA‐ICP‐MS. In this work, a new glass‐making method using a boron nitride crucible was developed to prepare homogenous glass samples from silicate rock powder. The apparatus consisted of a small boron nitride vessel with net volume of about 34 mm3 and two molybdenum strips. Applying the summed metal oxide normalisation technique, both major and trace element contents in the fused glass were measured by LA‐ICP‐MS. Analyses of five geochemical reference materials (spanning the compositional range basalt–andesite–rhyolite) indicated that the measured SiO2, Al2O3 and P2O5 contents matched the preferred values to within 5%, and the other major elements generally matched the preferred values to within 8%. Except for the transition metals, the measured trace element contents generally matched the preferred values to within 10%. Compared with the iridium heater method developed by Stoll et al. (2008), element volatilisation during high‐temperature melting was effectively suppressed in our method, but metal segregation caused by reduction of BN may cause loss of Cr, Ni and Cu. Although analysis with a large spot size has the advantage of improving counting statistics, matrix effects induced by mass loading of the ICP may hamper the accurate determination of some elements.
Digit ratio (2D:4D) in Klinefelter's syndrome
Authors: Manning J. T. , Kilduff L. P. , Trivers R. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe ratio of second to fourth digit length (2D:4D) is a correlate of prenatal testosterone. High 2D:4D is associated with low prenatal testosterone, and reduced sensitivity to testosterone. Klinefelter's syndrome (KS; 47 XXY) affects the endocrine system, such that low testosterone levels are found in KS foetuses, new‐borns and adults. To date, there are no published data regarding the pattern of 2D:4D in KS males. Here we consider 2D:4D in KS individuals (n = 51), their relatives (16 fathers and 15 mothers) and an unaffected control sample of 153 men and 153 women. Adult KS individuals were taller than their fathers and had shorter fingers than fathers and male controls. Compared with fathers, male controls and mothers, KS males had shorter fingers relative to height. With regard to 2D:4D, KS individuals had higher 2D:4D than fathers (right and left hands), male controls (right and left hands) and mothers (left hands). Among KS males older than 13 years there were 34 individuals currently prescribed testosterone and nine not prescribed. In comparison to the former, the latter individuals had higher right 2D:4D and higher right–left 2D:4D. We conclude that KS males have mean 2D:4D values similar to those found in female population norms. In addition, testosterone supplementation in KS males may be most common for individuals with low right 2D:4D.
Association of left varicocoele with height, body mass index and sperm counts in infertile men
Authors: Gokce A. , Demirtas A. , Ozturk A. , Sahin N. , Ekmekcioglu O. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate interrelation of left varicocoele with height, body mass index (BMI) and sperm counts. We retrospectively evaluated the data of all patients who consulted for infertility at a tertiary academic referral centre from 2000 to 2010. Patient's height, weight, BMI, semen analysis, presence or absence of varicocoele and varicocoele side and grade were evaluated. In statistical evaluations chi‐square, student's t, Mann–Whitney U, anova and logistic regression analyses were performed. In anova analyses, Bonferroni post hoc test was performed when needed. The data of 1842 among 2780 men, presenting for infertility, were included in the study. There were 587 men (31.9%) with left varicocoele and 1255 (68.1%) men without varicocoele. Two hundred and seventy‐two men (14.8%) had grade I or II, and 315 men (17.1%) had grade III varicocoeles. Mean height was 174.3 ± 6.7 and 172.5 ± 7.0 cm in men with and without varicocoele respectively (p < 0.001). The mean BMI of cases without varicocoeles (25.8 kg/m2) was greater than varicocoele group (24.9 kg/m2) (p < 0.001). Percentage of varicocoele was the highest in moderately oligozoospermic males and significantly higher than the men with normal sperm count. As the height increased, the probability of having varicocoele increased, and the inverse is true for BMI. If varicocoeles are a progressive lesion, perhaps taller men with varicocoeles should be followed more closely to evaluate their fertility and androgenic status.
RNASET2 in human spermatozoa and seminal plasma: a novel relevant indicator for asthenozoospermia
Authors: Liu Y. , Chen G. , Lu L. , Sun H. , Guo Q. , Xue K. , Fan Y. , Ding Z. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryAdequate sperm motility is requisite for human fertilization, whereas the underlying causes or mechanisms of impaired sperm motility, asthenozoospermia, still remain largely unknown. RNASET2 (Ribonuclease T2) may be one of the effectors modulating human sperm motility. We determined if there is a correlation between RNASET2 expression levels in human semen from asthenozoospermia and fertile individuals. Thus, RNASET2 expression levels in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of healthy and asthenozoospermia individuals were evaluated using Western blot, laser scanning confocal microscope analysis, ELISA and flow cytometry. The results revealed that RNASET2 expression was identified in both human spermatozoa and seminal plasma. In spermatozoa from fertile individuals, it was localized to the acrosome, neck and the middle piece of tail regions. However, in spermatozoa from asthenozoospermia individuals (n = 67), RNASET2 staining was especially more frequent and evident in the neck and middle piece than that in fertile individuals (n = 59, p < 0.01). Similarly, higher RNASET2 expression was also apparent in seminal plasma from asthenozoospermia than in fertile individuals (p < 0.01). Moreover, purified RNASET2 had an inhibitory effect on sperm motility, especially on progressive motility (n = 23, p < 0.05). In conclusion, higher expression of RNASET2 in the semen of asthenozoospermia individuals may contribute to sperm motility impairment.
Qualitative inquiry: perceptions of sexuality by African Americans experiencing haemodialysis
Authors: Stewart Merry 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo explore the influence of the haemodialysis regimen on African Americans' perceptions of sexuality.BackgroundSexuality is defined as the quality of humans as males or females. Sexuality concerns are commonly reported for individuals receiving haemodialysis; yet, sexuality‐related research for this population has been limited to a focus on altered physical sexuality characteristics.DesignQualitative descriptive study.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study used a middle‐range model derived from Roy's adaptation model to explore a holistic viewpoint of African Americans' perceptions of physical sexuality, personal sexuality identity, family/social roles, and intimate/personal relationships since being on dialysis. Data were collected over a 9‐month period in 2008–2009.FindingsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 19 African American men (N = 12) and women (N = 7) who were receiving haemodialysis treatment (mean age = 49·95 years). Perceptions of diminished sexuality were most associated with altered relationships, family and social roles for most participants, and were suggested to negatively influence adaptive processes. Perceptions of personal sexuality identity in male participants were found to be greatly influenced by endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology. In contrast, female participants' perceptions of sexuality were found to be influenced by multiple meanings of their identity as Black women.ConclusionThese findings suggest that diminished perceptions of sexuality may negatively influence adaptive processes for patients receiving chronic treatment such as dialysis. In addition, findings support further research and the development of instruments to assess sexuality from a more holistic viewpoint.
Comparison of ThermoCool® Surround Flow Catheter Versus ThermoCool® Catheter in Achieving Persistent Electrical Isolation of Pulmonary Veins: A Pilot Study
Authors: BERTAGLIA EMANUELE , FASSINI GAETANO , ANSELMINO MATTEO , STABILE GIUSEPPE , GRANDINETTI GIUSEPPE , SIMONE ANTONIO DE , CALÒ LEONARDO , PANDOZI CLAUDIO , PRATOLA CLAUDIO , ZOPPO FRANCO , TONDO CLAUDIO , IULIANO ASSUNTA , GAITA FIORENZO 
Published: October 2012

Persistent Electrical Isolation of Pulmonary Veins. Introduction: Aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of the new ThermoCool Surround Flow® catheter (SFc) versus the ThermoCool® (TCc) in achieving persistent circumferential electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVs) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and Results: This multicenter, randomized, controlled study enrolled patients suffering from paroxysmal AF. Randomization was run in a one‐to‐one fashion between radiofrequency ablation by TCc or SFc. Aim of PVs ablation was documentation of electrical isolation with exit/entrance block recorded on a circular catheter. Among the 106 enrolled patients, 52 (49.0%) were randomized to TCc and 54 (51.0%) to SFc. Total volume of infused saline solution during the procedure was lower in the SFc than in TCc group (752.7 ± 268.6 mL vs 1,165.9 ± 436.2 mL, P < 0.0001). Number of identified and isolated PVs was similar in the 2 groups. Number of PVs remaining isolated 30 minutes after ablation was higher in the SFc than in TCc group (95.2% vs 90.5%, P < 0.03), mainly driven by acute ablation result in the left PVs (96.1% vs 89.7%, P < 0.04). Complications were seldom and observed only in the TCc group (0% vs 3.84%, P < 0.03). At 6‐month follow‐up SFc patients reported a trend toward less AF recurrences compared to those in the TCc group (22.9% vs 27.0%, P = 0.69).Conclusion: PV isolation by SFc lowered the rate of left PV early reconnections and reduced the volume of infused saline solution while maintaining the safety profile of AF ablation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 269‐273, March 2013)
High Density Mapping of Atrial Fibrillation During Vagal Nerve Stimulation in the Canine Heart: Restudying the Moe Hypothesis
Authors: LEE SEUNGYUP , SAHADEVAN JAYAKUMAR , KHRESTIAN CELEEN M. , DURAND DOMINIQUE M. , WALDO ALBERT L. 
Published: October 2012

Mapping the Moe Model. Introduction: Moe et al. hypothesized that multiple wavelets (random reentry) were the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF) based on studies in a vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) canine model and a computer model of AF, but atrial mapping during AF in this model has not been done. We restudied this model using high density, simultaneous site mapping to test the hypothesis that AF was due to multiple wavelets.Methods and Results: During pacing induced AF during VNS in 10 dogs, 512 unipolar atrial electrograms were recorded simultaneously from both atria. AF activation maps were produced including through AF termination after VNS cessation. During sustained AF, multiple foci (persistent and transient) of different cycle lengths (CLs) were present in both atria. Persistent foci of short (mean 112 ± 25 milliseconds), regular (standard deviation 5.3 ± 3 milliseconds) CLs were predominantly found in the left atria, near the pulmonary veins and coronary sinus. Both types of foci acted as drivers, and each produced wave fronts that largely resulted in collision or merging with each other at variable sites. No random reentry (multiple wavelets) was demonstrated. Ordered reentry (circus movement with head–tail interaction) was infrequently seen. With cessation of VNS, focal firing slowed and disappeared, followed by resumption of sinus rhythm after a prolonged pause.Conclusions: In contrast to the prediction of the multiple wavelet hypothesis, during AF in the Moe model, multiple foci drove the atria, producing and maintaining AF. Reentry played little, if any, role. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 328‐335, March 2013)
Crystal structure of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli colonization factor CS6 reveals a novel type of functional assembly
Authors: Roy Saumendra P. , Rahman Mohammad M. , Yu Xiao Di , Tuittila Minna , Knight Stefan D. , Zavialov Anton V. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryColi surface antigen 6 (CS6) is a widely expressed enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) colonization factor that mediates bacterial attachment to the small intestinal epithelium. CS6 is a polymer of two protein subunits CssA and CssB, which are secreted and assembled on the cell surface via the CssC/CssD chaperone usher (CU) pathway. Here, we present an atomic resolution model for the structure of CS6 based on the results of X‐ray crystallographic, spectroscopic and biochemical studies, and suggest a mechanism for CS6‐mediated adhesion. We show that the CssA and CssB subunits are assembled alternately in linear fibres by the principle of donor strand complementation. This type of fibre assembly is novel for CU assembled adhesins. We also show that both subunits in the fibre bind to receptors on epithelial cells, and that CssB, but not CssA, specifically recognizes the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. Taken together, structural and functional results suggest that CS6 is an adhesive organelle of a novel type, a hetero‐polyadhesin that is capable of polyvalent attachment to different receptors.
Treating Protruding Infantile Hemangiomas with Topical Imiquimod 5% Cream Caused Severe Local Reactions and Disfiguring Scars
Authors: Qiu Yajing , Ma Gang , Lin Xiaoxi , Jin Yunbo , Chen Hui , Hu Xiaojie 
Published: October 2012

AbstractInfantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common tumors of infancy. Imiquimod, an immune‐response modifier, has been proven effective and safe in the treatment of superficial and mixed hemangiomas, but severe local reactions caused by imiquimod have been reported sporadically. To evaluate the safety of imiquimod 5% cream and the sequelae of severe local inflammatory reactions in the treatment of superficial IHs we performed a retrospective chart review of all children with superficial IHs who received topical imiquimod treatment in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Shanghai 9th People's Hospital from March 2010 through February 2012 and selected those who had severe local reactions to topical imiquimod for further description. Nine of 224 (4.0%) children with superficial IHs who received imiquimod 5% cream treatment had severe local reactions. All four patients who had follow‐up for longer than 1 year had permanent disfiguring depigmented scars after intensive inflammatory reactions. Seven of the severe reactions happened on protruding IHs and four involved the skin folds and joints, suggesting that imiquimod 5% cream should probably be avoided in IHs with either this morphology or these sites.
Photocatalysis of Chloroform Decomposition by the Hexachlororuthenate(IV) Ion
Authors: Chan Alissa M. , Peña Laura A. , Segura Rosa E. , Auroprem Ramya , Harvey Brent M. , Brooke Caroline M. , Hoggard Patrick E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDissolved hexachlororuthenate(IV) effectively catalyzes the photodecomposition of chloroform to hydrogen chloride and phosgene under near‐UV (λ > 345 nm) irradiation, whereby RuCl62− is not itself photocatalytically active, but is photochemically transformed into a species that is active, possibly RuCl5(CHCl3)−. Conversion to a photoactive species during irradiation is consistent with the acceleration of the decomposition rate during the early stages and with the apparent inverse dependence of the decomposition rate on the initial concentration of RuCl62−. The displacement of Cl− by CHCl3 in the coordination sphere to create the photoactive species is consistent with the retardation of photodecomposition by both Cl− and H2O. The much smaller photodecomposition rate in CDCl3 suggests that C–H bond dissociation occurs during the primary photochemical event, which is also consistent with the presence of a CHCl3 molecule in the first coordination sphere.
Immunoregulatory profile of monocytes from cutaneous leishmaniasis patients and association with lesion size
Authors: Vieira É. L. M. , Keesen T. S. L. , Machado P. R. , Guimarães L. H. , Carvalho E. M. , Dutra W. O. , Gollob K. J. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryLeishmaniasis is an important tropical disease composed of several clinical forms that adversely affect millions of people globally. Critical cells involved in the host–Leishmania interaction are monocytes and macrophages, which act to protect against infections due to their ability to both control intracellular infections and regulate the subsequent adaptive immune response. Both soluble factors and cell surface receptors are keys in directing the immune response following interaction with pathogens such as Leishmania. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) have an essential role in immune responses against infections, but little is known about their role in human infection with Leishmania braziliensis. In this work, we evaluated peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes for the expression of immunoregulatory cytokines, co‐stimulatory molecules and TLR9 from cutaneous leishmaniasis patients infected with L. braziliensis and noninfected individuals. Our results showed that patients present decreased expression of co‐stimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 following culture with media alone or after stimulus with soluble Leishmania antigen. Interestingly, TLR9 expression was higher after culture with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA), suggesting a role of this molecule in immunoregulation of active disease. Lastly, higher frequencies of TLR9+ monocytes were correlated with greater lesion size. These findings demonstrate a peripheral monocytes profile compatible with important immunoregulatory potential.
Management Factors Associated with Sow Reproductive Performance After Weaning
Authors: de Jong E , Laanen M , Dewulf J , Jourquin J , de Kruif A , Maes D 
Published: October 2012

ContentsTo achieve optimal reproductive performance in pig herds, sows need to become pregnant as soon as possible after weaning. The aim of this study was to investigate herd and management factors associated with reproductive performance of sows after weaning. A questionnaire pertaining to sow management at weaning and herd reproductive data were collected from 76 randomly selected commercial pig herds in Belgium. Associations between the herd factors and two reproductive parameters after weaning (weaning‐to‐oestrous interval: WEI and percentage of repeat breeders: RB) were analysed using general linear mixed models. A separated feeding strategy of breeding gilts from 60 kg onwards was significantly associated with a shorter WEI (5.54 vs 7.28 days; p = 0.040). Factors significantly associated with a lower percentage of RB were housing the newly weaned sows separated from the gestating sows (7% vs 12%; p = 0.003), using semen < 4 days after collection (7–9 vs 14%; p = 0.014) and stimulating oestrus twice a day (8 vs 11%; p = 0.025). In conclusion, some management practices, such as feeding strategy of breeding gilts, housing conditions of sows, method of oestrous stimulation and storage duration of semen, have an influence on the outcome of reproductive parameters such as weaning‐to‐oestrous interval and percentage of repeat breeders. These practices can be implemented rather easily by pig producers and may consequently lead to improvements of reproductive performance of sows after weaning.
Studies of Physcomitrella patens reveal that ethylene‐mediated submergence responses arose relatively early in land‐plant evolution
Authors: Yasumura Yuki , Pierik Ronald , Fricker Mark D. , Voesenek Laurentius A. C. J. , Harberd Nicholas P. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryColonization of the land by multicellular green plants was a fundamental step in the evolution of life on earth. Land plants evolved from fresh‐water aquatic algae, and the transition to a terrestrial environment required the acquisition of developmental plasticity appropriate to the conditions of water availability, ranging from drought to flood. Here we show that extant bryophytes exhibit submergence‐induced developmental plasticity, suggesting that submergence responses evolved relatively early in the evolution of land plants. We also show that a major component of the bryophyte submergence response is controlled by the phytohormone ethylene, using a perception mechanism that has subsequently been conserved throughout the evolution of land plants. Thus a plant environmental response mechanism with major ecological and agricultural importance probably had its origins in the very earliest stages of the colonization of the land.
The Lessons of Asilomar and the H5N1 “Affair”
Authors: Falkow Stanley 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

In mid-1974, soon after the first recombinant DNA molecules were replicated in
Escherichia coli
, scientists called for, and observed, a voluntary moratorium on certain experiments. One goal of the moratorium was to hold a conference (Asilomar) to evaluate the risks, if any, of this new technology. The Asilomar conference concluded that recombinant DNA research should proceed but under strict guidelines. The furor surrounding the recent genetic manipulation of the transmissibility of avian influenza virus H5N1 led to a short-term moratorium that has been extended indefinitely. The question is how long should the moratorium remain in place, or should it be permanent? Voltaire observed, “History never repeats itself; man always does.” I believe the parallels of Asilomar can be applied to the problem facing biomedical science today. We should move forward to establish standardized guidelines, using common sense and scientific creativity. The onus of responsibility falls on the individual scientist and involves the education of a new generation of scientists into the social and ethical implications of genetic engineering in a new age of genomics and synthetic biology. In addition, scientists who work with infectious agents must deal not only with biosafety but also, alas, with bioterrorism. The H5N1 “affair” is not a question of freedom of inquiry or the dissemination of scientific research; it is a question of the social responsibility of science and scientists to ensure that the public understands why this work is beneficial and worthwhile.