bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
JUDGES AND LEGISLATURE: VALUES INTO LAW
Authors: Sales Philip 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe legislature gives effect to the values of democracy and compromise in a pluralist society, but the legislation it produces is mediated in its application by the values inherent in the legal culture into which it is received. The judges complete the law promulgated by Parliament by applying it. In articulating the common law also, the judges act within the bounds of objective standards supplied by legal and political traditions, with a limited legislative role. The legislative role of the judges in applying statutes has been enhanced by the interpretive obligations applicable in areas where EU and ECHR law operates.
Novel connexin 30 and connexin 26 mutational spectrum in patients with progressive sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Battelino S , Repič Lampret B , Žargi M , Podkrajšek K Trebušak 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjective:Mutations in the gap junction protein beta-2 gene (‘GJB2’) are known to be responsible for mild to profound congenital and late-onset hearing loss. This study aimed to investigate the molecular basis of progressive hearing loss compared with non-progressive hearing loss.Methods:Following clinical otorhinolaryngological evaluation, a genetic analysis was performed in a cohort of 72 patients with progressive sensorineural hearing loss.Results:Pathological genotypes were established in 16 patients (22.2 per cent). Six different gap junction protein beta-2 gene mutations were detected in 15 patients, with the c.35delG mutation responsible for 56 per cent of the mutated alleles. A novel gap junction protein beta-6 gene (‘GJB6’) mutation (p.Met203Val) was observed in one patient with mild progressive hearing loss.Conclusion:Analyses of gap junction protein beta-2 and -6 genes revealed that similar pathological genotypes, occurring with similar frequencies, were responsible for progressive hearing loss, compared with reported genotypes for non-progressive hearing loss patients. Thus, genotype cannot be used to differentiate non-progressive from progressive hearing loss cases; in this study, patients both with and without an established pathological genotype had a similar clinical course.
Plasmacytoma of the atlas presenting as hoarseness: a rare cause of unilateral vocal fold palsy
Authors: Kapoor J , Trinidade A , Mochloulis G , Mohamid W 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Solitary bone plasmacytoma is a rare haematological malignancy that can present in a variety of ways. This study aimed to present a case of plasmacytoma of the atlas, as a rare cause of unilateral vocal fold palsy.Method:Case report.Results:Following diagnosis via imaging and direct biopsy through the posterior pharyngeal wall, the patient was referred to the haematologists for further treatment of his plasmacytoma.Conclusion:Solitary bony plasmacytoma of the cervical spine is a rare haematological malignancy. Its presentation with a unilateral vocal fold palsy has not been previously described.
When the river started underneath the land: social constructions of a ‘severe’ weather event in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Spinney Jennifer A. , Pennesi Karen E. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTIn June 2008, the community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada experienced a rainstorm that caused structural damage to the community's bridge and extensive permafrost erosion along the Duval River. The local government characterised the event as ‘severe’ and focused their attention on the bridge collapse, in contrast to the residents, who described this particular consequence as inconvenient at worst and at best, exciting. Instead residents expressed greater concern for the permafrost erosion and the uncertainty this posed for community well-being. This article follows an 11 week anthropological field trip to Pangnirtung in the summer of 2009 and is based on 31 semi-structured interviews, two focus group discussions, and participant observation. We explore how social processes influence subjective constructions of what constitutes ‘severe’ weather in the community, and attempt to explain how such constructions lead to differing perceptions of vulnerability to ‘severe’ weather events. Contributing factors including the normalisation of threat, local beliefs regarding change and uncertainty, as well as the communication of risk information are discussed along with the different coping strategies used by government and residents in managing their perceived levels of vulnerability. The research shows the importance of understanding the role social processes play in shaping local conceptions of ‘severe’ and perceptions of vulnerability to ‘severe’ weather events. This study enhances understandings of difference within populations and adds to the growing body of literature that demonstrates the need to incorporate locally relevant indices when conducting vulnerability assessment.
Anterior cingulate cortical thickness is a stable predictor of recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Dickie E. W. , Brunet A. , Akerib V. , Armony J. L. 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundDecreased cortical thickness in frontal and temporal regions has been observed in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to healthy controls and trauma-exposed participants without PTSD. In addition, individual differences, both functional and structural, in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) have been shown to predict symptom severity reduction. Although there is some evidence suggesting that activity in this region changes as a function of recovery, it remains unknown whether there are any structural correlates of recovery from PTSD.MethodThirty participants suffering from moderate to severe PTSD underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan following an initial clinical assessment. A second assessment took place 6–9 months later. In addition, a subgroup of 25 participants completed a second MRI scan at that time. PTSD symptom severity changes over time were regressed against vertex-based cortical thickness.ResultsWe found that cortical thickness in the right subgenual ACC (sgACC) predicted symptom improvement. Moreover, cortical thickness within this region of the ACC, measured 6–9 months later (n = 25), was also correlated with the same measure of symptom improvement. By contrast, no relationship was found between change in cortical thickness in this area and current PTSD symptom levels or degree of recovery.ConclusionsOur results suggest that sgACC thickness may be a stable marker of recovery potential in PTSD.
Cathedrals, symphony orchestras, and iPhones: The cultural basis of modern technology
Authors: Moerman Daniel E. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe distinctions drawn by Vaesen are plausible when we are comparing chimpanzees and human beings somewhere between the middle Paleolithic and the Neolithic. But since then new kinds of organization have vastly outstripped these neurological differences to account for the enormous advancement of human technology – from cuneiform to the iPhone – leaving our remarkable evolutionary cousins far behind.
Evidence from convergent evolution and causal reasoning suggests that conclusions on human uniqueness may be premature
Authors: Taylor Alex H. , Clayton Nicola S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe agree with Vaesen that there is evidence for cognitive differences between humans and other primates. However, it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the uniqueness of the cognitive mechanisms underlying human tool use. Tests of causal understanding are in their infancy, as is the study of animals more distantly related to humans.
Foresight, function representation, and social intelligence in the great apes
Authors: Osvath Mathias , Persson Tomas , Gärdenfors Peter 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe find problems with Vaesen's treatment of the primatological research, in particular his analysis of foresight, function representation, and social intelligence. We argue that his criticism of research on foresight in great apes is misguided. His claim that primates do not attach functions to particular objects is also problematic. Finally, his analysis of theory of mind neglects many distinctions.
Plasma source development for the NDCX-I and NDCX-II neutralized drift compression experiments
Authors: Gilson E.P. , Davidson R.C. , Efthimion P.C. , Gleizer J.Z. , Kaganovich I.D. , Krasik Ya.E. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractCompressed ion beams are being studied as a driver for inertial confinement fusion energy and for the creation of matter in the high-energy-density regime. In order to facilitate compression of a positive ion charge bunch longitudinally and transversely beyond the limit determined by the space-charge field of the bunch, a source of charge-neutralizing electrons must be provided. Plasma sources have been developed for the NDCX-I and NDCX-II experimental facilities, both for the 2-m-long, field-free drift regions, and for the small-diameter interior of the multi-Tesla final focus solenoid. Barium titanate based cylinders with a high dielectric coefficient are used to line the wall of the 2-m-long drift region and by applying a 9 kV pulse between the inner and outer surfaces of the cylinders, plasma with a density in the 1010 cm−3 range is formed. Results are presented from experiments using this plasma source on NDCX-I. A compact plasma source 5.1 cm long and 3.8 cm in diameter, also made using the barium titanate based material, has been developed for use in the bore of the final focus solenoid. Plasma generated near the wall of the plasma source will follow the fringing magnetic field lines of the solenoid and help to fill the bore of the magnet with plasma. Improved designs for the barium titanate plasma sources are being considered that use different inner-surface electrode materials and structures, and also use a modified electrical driver employing a spark gap crowbar switch. In addition, plasma source designs using so-called flashboard technology have been developed. In the flashboard plasma source, high density plasma is formed when the applied high voltage pulse causes a series of breakdowns between isolated copper patches aligned in rows along the surface of the 0.2 mm thick flashboard.
Relativistic channeling of a linearly polarized laser pulse in overdense plasma
Authors: Hur Min Sup , Kim Young-Kuk , Kulagin Victor V. , Suk Hyyong 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe investigated a dynamic procedure for relativistic channeling by a linearly polarized ultraintense laser pulse in overdense plasma, subsequently determining a phenomenological formula for the channel-digging speed. Channeling of the linearly polarized pulse usually results in a sharp-cut (non-adiabatic) pulse front, since the pulse is continuously reflected on the transparency-opacity interface during the channeling process. Using the novel formula for the channel-digging speed, it was possible to analytically predict where such a sharp-cut occurs longitudinally.
Electrolytic phase extraction: a useful technique to evaluate precipitates in nitinol
Authors: Baggerly Roy G. 
Published: June 2012

Nitinol is a shape memory alloy based on the inter-atomic compound having a composition of 50 at% each of Ni and Ti, NiTi. The shape memory effect results from a reversible martensitic phase transformation. An increasing solubility range with temperature on the Ni-rich side can produce a precipitation reaction resulting in a slight matrix composition adjustment with appropriate heat treatment. Electrolytic phase extraction (Andrews and Hughes, 1957) is used to evaluate the secondary phases in the alloy and Ti2Ni and TiC are positively identified using powder wide-angle X-ray diffraction procedures. Two samples of an Ni-rich alloy at 57 and 60 at% are also analyzed. These Ni-rich samples show Ti2Ni and an additional phase, Ni3Ti.
Epidemiological investigation of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Christchurch, New Zealand: the value of spatial methods for practical public health
Authors: WHITE P. S. , GRAHAM F. F. , HARTE D. J. G. , BAKER M. G. , AMBROSE C. D. , HUMPHREY A. R. G. 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYBetween April and August 2005 Christchurch, New Zealand experienced an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. There were 19 laboratory-confirmed case including three deaths.Legionella pneumophilaserogroup 1 (Lpsg1) was identified as the causative agent for all cases. A case-control study indicated a geographical association between the cases but no specific common exposures. Rapid spatial epidemiological investigation confirmed the association and identified seven spatially significant case clusters. The clusters were all sourced in the same area and exhibited a clear anisotropic process (noticeable direction) revealing a plume effect consistent with aerosol dispersion from a prevailing southwesterly wind. Four out of five cases tested had indistinguishable allele profiles that also matched environmental isolates from a water cooling tower within the centre of the clusters. This tower was considered the most probable source for these clusters. The conclusion would suggest a maximum dispersal distance in this outbreak of 11·6 km. This work illustrated the value of geostatistical techniques for infectious disease epidemiology and for providing timely information during outbreak investigations.
RATIONAL APPROXIMATIONS TO VALUES OF BELL POLYNOMIALS AT POINTS INVOLVING EULER’S CONSTANT AND ZETA VALUES
Authors: HESSAMI PILEHROOD KH. , HESSAMI PILEHROOD T. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this paper we present new explicit simultaneous rational approximations which converge subexponentially to the values of the Bell polynomials at the points where m=1,2,…,a, a∈ℕ, γ is Euler’s constant and ζ is the Riemann zeta function.
Relationship between the receptor occupancy profile and pleiotropic effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers
Authors: Ando Hitoshi , Ushijima Kentarou , Hosohata Keiko , Saito Tetsuo , Fujimura Akio 
Published: June 2012

AimTo investigate whether (i) angiotensin receptor occupying profiles of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) vary among the drugs and (ii) such differences contribute to the degree of their pleiotropic effects.MethodsIn a randomized, three phase crossover study, nine hypertensive patients received repeated doses (each recommended starting dose for 7 days and then each maximum recommended dose for 20 days) of irbesartan, valsartan and candesartan. The time course profiles and trough level of receptor occupancy were determined on days 7 and 28, respectively. The pleiotropic effect related parameters were measured on days 0 and 28 in each trial.ResultsOf the pleiotropic effect related parameters investigated, urinary 8‐isoprostane, fasting serum insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index were more suppressed after 4 weeks treatment with irbesartan than after candesartan and valsartan therapy, respectively. The maximum, area under the curve and trough values of receptor occupancy significantly differed between the ARBs [geometric mean (and 95% CI) of trough value 18.1 (12.9, 25.3) for irbesartan, 9.6 (6.0, 15.3) for valsartan and 5.5 (2.8, 10.8) for candesartan, respectively] and were negatively correlated with the change in urinary 8‐isoprostane (r = −0.46 − −0.55, P < 0.05), but not the markers of insulin resistance (r = 0.02–0.15, P = 0.46–0.94).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the receptor occupying profiles are different among the ARBs. This class of drugs might have both receptor occupancy dependent and independent pleiotropic effects.
Safety and efficacy of a CXCR2 antagonist in patients with severe asthma and sputum neutrophils: a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Nair P. , Gaga M. , Zervas E. , Alagha K. , Hargreave F. E. , O'Byrne P. M. , Stryszak P. , Gann L. , Sadeh J. , Chanez P. ,   on behalf of the study investigators
Published: June 2012

SummaryBackgroundIncreased numbers of neutrophils are reported in the airways of patients with severe asthma. It is not clear if they contribute to the lack of control and severity. There are currently no strategies to investigate this by decreasing neutrophil numbers in the airways.ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficacy of SCH527123, a selective CXCR2 receptor antagonist, in patients with severe asthma and increased number of neutrophils in sputum.MethodsIn a randomized, double‐blind, parallel study, patients with severe asthma and sputum total cell count < 10 × 106/g and neutrophils > 40% were randomized to SCH527123, 30 mg daily PO (n = 22) or placebo (n = 12) for 4 weeks. Primary end‐points were safety and change in sputum and blood neutrophil counts. Secondary end‐points were change in asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) score, minor and major exacerbations, spirometry and sputum neutrophil activation markers.ResultsThe SCH 527123 caused a mean reduction of 36.3% in sputum neutrophil percentage compared to a 6.7% increase in the placebo arm (P = 0.03). The mean absolute neutrophil count in blood was reduced by 14% at the end of 4 weeks, but recovered by the 5th week. There were no differences in the overall rates of adverse events among the groups. There were fewer mild exacerbations (1.3 vs. 2.25, P = 0.05) and a trend towards improvement in the ACQ score (mean difference between groups of 0.42 points, P = 0.053). No statistically significant changes were observed in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV
1), sputum myeloperoxidase, IL8 or elastase.ConclusionsThe SCH527123 is safe and reduces sputum neutrophils in patients with severe asthma.Clinical RelevanceThis new treatment provides an opportunity to investigate the role of neutrophils in severe asthma with potential clinical benefits. Larger studies of longer duration are needed to evaluate the impact on other outcomes of asthma including exacerbations.
Oral contraceptive plus antiandrogen therapy and cardiometabolic risk in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Harmanci Ayla , Cinar Nese , Bayraktar Miyase , Yildiz Bulent Okan 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveOral contraceptives alone or in combination with antiandrogens are commonly used in the treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to determine the effects of ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone (EE‐DRSP) plus spironolactone therapy on inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in PCOS.DesignProspective cohort study.PatientsTwenty‐three lean, normal glucose‐tolerant patients with PCOS and 23 age‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched healthy control women.MeasurementsAndrogens, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, lipids, fasting insulin, and glucose levels during a standard 75‐g, 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test were measured. Patients with PCOS were evaluated before and after receiving EE‐DRSP (3 mg/30 μg) plus spironolactone (100 mg/day) for 6 months. Healthy controls were evaluated at baseline only.ResultshsCRP, homocysteine, lipids, insulin and glucose levels were similar between patient and control groups at baseline. EE‐DRSP plus spironolactone increased hsCRP and homocysteine levels in patients with PCOS (0·50 ± 0·28 vs 1·5 ± 1·3 mg/l, P < 0·05 and 13·1 ± 5·2 vs 17·6 ± 5·3 μm, P < 0·05, respectively). BMI, waist‐to‐hip ratio, LDL, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and glucose tolerance did not change. Modified Ferriman–Gallwey hirsutism scores, testosterone levels and free androgen index improved (9·1 ± 4·2 vs 6·2 ± 3·4, P = 0·001; 80·6 ± 31·1 47·8 ± 20·3 ng/dl, P < 0·05; and 10·5 ± 7·4 vs 1·1 ± 0·8, P < 0·001, respectively).ConclusionsEE‐DRSP plus spironolactone therapy in 6 months improves androgen excess in lean PCOS women without any adverse effects on adiposity, glucose tolerance status or lipid profile. However, this combination increases hsCRP and homocysteine levels.
Migratory benthic fishes may induce regime shifts in a tropical floodplain pond
Authors: MORMUL ROGER P. , THOMAZ SIDINEI M. , AGOSTINHO ANGELO A. , BONECKER CLAUDIA C. , MAZZEO NESTOR 
Published: June 2012

Summary1. Alternative states are a widely recorded phenomenon in shallow lakes, which may shift between turbid‐ and clear‐water conditions. Here, we investigate whether such shifts in a tropical floodplain pond may be related to the effect of the flood pulse regime on the community structures of fish and macrophytes.2. Using a long‐term data set, we demonstrate how benthic fish migration together with colonisation by submerged plants affected the transition from a turbid to a macrophyte‐dominated state in a floodplain pond without top‐down control.3. In our study, the turbid state occurred mostly during low water phases and was largely characterised by high values for the biomass of benthic fish, chlorophyll‐a and total phosphorous.4. During the period of rising water levels, the migration of benthic fish out of the pond occurs simultaneously with the establishment of submerged plants, while water turbidity decreases along with phytoplankton and nutrient concentrations, inducing a clear‐water phase. However, when submerged plants are absent and fish migration is low, a transient state is generated.5. We suggest that, in contrast to temperate ponds and shallow lakes, where the main driving mechanisms establishing alternative states are related to cascading effects via the food chain, in tropical ponds and shallow lakes it is resuspension of sediments by benthic fish that plays the most significant role in establishing alternative states. However, the effect of the flood pulse regime plays an important role in the temporal dynamics of fish community structure by controlling benthic fish migration.
The role of mitochondria in leaf nitrogen metabolism
Authors: SZAL BOŻENA , PODGÓRSKA ANNA 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTFor optimal plant growth and development, cellular nitrogen (N) metabolism must be closely coordinated with other metabolic pathways, and mitochondria are thought to play a central role in this process. Recent studies using genetically modified plants have provided insight into the role of mitochondria in N metabolism. Mitochondrial metabolism is linked with N assimilation by amino acid, carbon (C) and redox metabolism. Mitochondria are not only an important source of C skeletons for N incorporation, they also produce other necessary metabolites and energy used in N remobilization processes. Nitric oxide of mitochondrial origin regulates respiration and influences primary N metabolism. Here, we discuss the changes in mitochondrial metabolism during ammonium or nitrate nutrition and under low N conditions. We also describe the involvement of mitochondria in the redistribution of N during senescence. The aim of this review was to demonstrate the role of mitochondria as an integration point of N cellular metabolism.