bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flow-Evoked Vasodilation is Blunted in Penile Arteries from Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Schjørring Olav , Kun Attila , Flyvbjerg Allan , Kirkeby Hans Jørgen , Jensen Jørgen Bjerggaard , Simonsen Ulf 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Endothelium-derived relaxing factors such as nitric oxide (NO), prostanoids, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) are thought to play an important role in vasodilation of penile arteries.

Aim
The present study investigated the mechanisms involved in flow- and acetylcholine-induced vasodilation in penile arteries, and whether acetylcholine- and flow-mediated vasodilation is altered in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, a model of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it was addressed whether enhanced myogenic tone may explain impaired flow-evoked vasodilation in arteries from ZDF rats.

Methods
Penile dorsal arteries obtained from lean control and ZDF rats were suspended in a pressure myograph, and flow- and acetylcholine-evoked vasodilation was measured as changes in arterial diameter.

Main Outcome Measure
Changes in penile arterial diameter.

Results
Incubation with an inhibitor of NO synthase, asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA), and of cyclooxygenase, indomethacin, reduced acetylcholine but not flow-evoked vasodilation in penile arteries, while both responses were abolished by endothelial cell removal. Iberiotoxin, a blocker of large-conductance calcium-activated K+ (BKCa) channels, inhibited flow-evoked vasodilation. Flow-evoked vasodilation was reduced in arteries from ZDF rats in the absence, but not in the presence, of indomethacin plus ADMA. Elevation of intraluminal pressure increased myogenic tone, which was reduced in arteries from ZDF rats.

Conclusion
The present findings show that flow evokes endothelium-dependent EDHF-type vasodilation involving BKCa channels in penile arteries. Flow-evoked vasodilation is reduced and only of EDHF-type in penile arteries from type 2 diabetic rats suggesting modulation of this pathway may restore endothelial function and preserve erection in diabetes.
Recovery of Erectile Function After Nerve-Sparing Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in Japanese Patients Undergoing Both Subjective and Objective Assessments
Authors: Taniguchi Hisanori , Kawa Gen , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Matsuda Tadashi 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The sexual potency rate following a radical prostatectomy can vary. In Japanese patients, sexual activity after nerve-sparing prostatectomy seems especially unfavorable. Most studies have assessed potency status subjectively using questionnaires.

Aims
The aim of this study is to evaluate the recovery of potency in Japanese patients after nerve-sparing laparoscopic prostatectomy (nsLRP) both subjectively and objectively.

Methods
Twenty-seven patients operated on with nsLRP (bilateral sparing in four patients, unilateral in 23 patients) were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 60.1 years. Seventeen of 27 patients used type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors on demand at least 3 months after surgery.

Main Outcome Measures
Subjective erectile function was examined by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 and by the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) questionnaires before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Objective erectile function, with measurement of rigidity and tumescence of the penis, was evaluated by RigiScan-Plus as the erectile response to audio-visual stimulation.

Results
IIEF erectile function domain, IIEF-total, and EHS scores decreased significantly after surgery; they were almost half of pretreatment levels at 12 months after surgery. On the other hand, penile rigidity and tumescence measured by RigiScan also decreased significantly 3 months after surgery. However, these values gradually improved, and head nearly recovered at 12 months after surgery. At 12 months after surgery, recovery rates of penile rigidity and tumescence from baseline were rigidity 92.6% at tip and 96.3% at base, with tumescence of 87% at tip and 76% at base.

Conclusions
Discrepancies were found between results of subjective and objective assessments of erectile function. From an objective viewpoint, the recovery of erectile function in Japanese patients after nsLRP was not bad.
Matrigel-Based Sprouting Endothelial Cell Culture System from Mouse Corpus Cavernosum is Potentially Useful for the Study of Endothelial and Erectile Dysfunction Related to High-Glucose Exposure
Authors: Yin Guo Nan , Ryu Ji-Kan , Kwon Mi-Hye , Shin Sun Hwa , Jin Hai-Rong , Song Kang-Moon , Choi Min Ji , Kang Dong-Yeon , Kim Woo Jean , Suh Jun-Kyu 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A proper cavernous endothelial cell culture system would be advantageous for the study of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
To establish a nonenzymatic technique, which we termed the “Matrigel-based sprouting endothelial cell culture system,” for the isolation of mouse cavernous endothelial cells (MCECs) and an in vitro model that mimics in vivo situation for diabetes-induced ED.

Methods
For primary MCEC culture, mouse cavernous tissue was implanted into Matrigel and sprouting cells from the tissue were subcultivated. To establish an in vitro model for diabetes-induced ED, the primary cultured MCECs were exposed to a normal-glucose (5 mmoL) or a high-glucose (30 mmoL) condition for 48 hours.

Main Outcome Measures
The purity of isolated cells was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. MCECs incubated under the normal- or the high-glucose condition were used for Western blot, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) quantification, and in vitro angiogenesis assay.

Results
We could consistently isolate high-purity MCECs (about 97%) with the Matrigel-based sprouting endothelial cell culture system. MCECs were subcultured up to the fifth passage and no significant changes were noted in endothelial cell morphology or purity. The phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS and the cGMP concentration were significantly lower in MCECs exposed to high glucose than in those exposed to normal glucose. MCECs exposed to the normal-glucose condition formed well-organized capillary-like structures, whereas derangements in tube formation were noted in MCECs exposed to high glucose. The protein expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and phospho-Smad2 was significantly increased by exposure to high glucose.

Conclusion
The Matrigel-based sprouting endothelial cell culture system is a simple, technically feasible, and reproducible technique for isolating pure cavernous endothelial cells in mice. An in vitro model for diabetic ED will be a valuable tool for evaluating the angiogenic potential of novel endogenous or synthetic modulators.
Effects of Intravenous Injection of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Radiation Therapy-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Qiu Xuefeng , Villalta Jacqueline , Ferretti Ludovic , Fandel Thomas M. , Albersen Maarten , Lin Guiting , Dai Yutian , Lue Tom F. , Lin Ching-Shwun 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer is frequently associated with posttreatment erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
To investigate whether injection of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can ameliorate RT-associated ED.

Methods
Thirty male rats were divided into three groups. The control + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group received tail-vein injection of PBS. The radiation + PBS group received radiation over the prostate and tail-vein injection of PBS. The radiation + ADSC group received radiation over the prostate and tail-vein injection of ADSCs, which were labeled with 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU). Seventeen weeks later, erectile function was evaluated by intracavernous pressure (ICP) in response to electrostimulation of cavernous nerves (CNs). Penile tissue and major pelvic ganglia (MPG) were examined by immunofluorescence (IF) and EdU staining.

Main Outcome Measures
Erectile function was measured by ICP. Protein expression was examined by IF, followed by image analysis and quantification.

Results
Radiation over the prostate caused a significant decrease in erectile function and in the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in penis and MPG. Cavernous smooth muscle (CSM) but not endothelial content was also reduced. Injection of ADSCs significantly restored erectile function, nNOS expression, and CSM content in the irradiated rats. EdU-positive cells were visible in MPG.

Conclusions
Radiation appears to cause ED via CN injury. ADSC injection can restore erectile function via CN regeneration.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Eye Movements in Assessing Pedophilia
Authors: Fromberger Peter , Jordan Kirsten , Steinkrauss Henrike , von Herder Jakob , Witzel Joachim , Stolpmann Georg , Kröner-Herwig Birgit , Müller Jürgen Leo 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Given that recurrent sexual interest in prepubescent children is one of the strongest single predictors for pedosexual offense recidivism, valid and reliable diagnosis of pedophilia is of particular importance. Nevertheless, current assessment methods still fail to fulfill psychometric quality criteria.

Aims
The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of eye-movement parameters in regard to pedophilic sexual preferences.

Method
Eye movements were measured while 22 pedophiles (according to ICD-10 F65.4 diagnosis), 8 non-pedophilic forensic controls, and 52 healthy controls simultaneously viewed the picture of a child and the picture of an adult. Fixation latency was assessed as a parameter for automatic attentional processes and relative fixation time to account for controlled attentional processes.

Main Outcome Measures
Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, which are based on calculated age-preference indices, were carried out to determine the classifier performance. Cross-validation using the leave-one-out method was used to test the validity of classifiers.

Results
Pedophiles showed significantly shorter fixation latencies and significantly longer relative fixation times for child stimuli than either of the control groups. Classifier performance analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.902 for fixation latency and an AUC = 0.828 for relative fixation time. The eye-tracking method based on fixation latency discriminated between pedophiles and non-pedophiles with a sensitivity of 86.4% and a specificity of 90.0%. Cross-validation demonstrated good validity of eye-movement parameters.

Conclusions
Despite some methodological limitations, measuring eye movements seems to be a promising approach to assess deviant pedophilic interests. Eye movements, which represent automatic attentional processes, demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy.
Simultaneous constraints on bias, normalization and growth index through power spectrum measurements
Authors: Di Porto Cinzia , Amendola Luca , Branchini Enzo 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
In this Letter, we point out that redshift surveys can break the degeneracy between the galaxy bias, the power spectrum normalization, σ8, 0, and the growth factor, without the need for external information by using a simple and rather general parametrization for the growth rate, the well-known γ parametrization and measuring the power spectrum at least at two different redshifts. We find that in next-generation surveys like Euclid, σ8, 0 and γ can be measured to within 1 and 5 per cent, respectively, while the bias b(z) can be measured to within 1–2 per cent in each of 14 equal-width redshift bins spanning 0.7 ≤z≤ 2.
Routine hearing screening in primary care for adult populations using Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions testing
Authors: Patterson Beverly M. , Renaud Michelle 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed hearing loss in adults in two busy primary care rural health centers.Data sources: Using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing, participants were screened for hearing loss by trained personnel. Participants were those who presented to the primary care provider with complaints other than hearing loss or ear problems.Conclusion: Of the 86 participants, 48.8% were found to have failed OAE testing, indicating some type of undiagnosed hearing loss. The average age of the participants was 49.27 years, yet nearly half had hearing loss. This finding makes hearing screening in the adult population, other than the elderly, an important issue.Implications for practice: Hearing loss affects over 40% of the adult population. Undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss can be associated with depression, decreased social activities, and low self‐esteem. The project identified the need for routine hearing screening and thus may become the foundation for the development and implementation of a hearing‐screening program for primary care. The primary care nurse practitioner needs to incorporate hearing screening into the exam for early identification and for proper referral.
Analogical Cognition: Applications in Epistemology and the Philosophy of Mind and Language
Authors: Bach Theodore 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAnalogical cognition refers to the ability to detect, process, and learn from relational similarities. The study of analogical and similarity cognition is widely considered one of the ‘success stories’ of cognitive science, exhibiting convergence across many disciplines on foundational questions. Given the centrality of analogy to mind and knowledge, it would benefit philosophers investigating topics in epistemology and the philosophies of mind and language to become familiar with empirical models of analogical cognition. The goal of this essay is to describe recent empirical work on analogical cognition as well as model applications to philosophical topics. Topics to be discussed include the epistemological distinction between implicit knowledge and explicit knowledge, the debate between empiricists and nativists, the frame problem, expertise, creativity and autism, cognitive architecture, and relational knowledge. Particular attention is given to Dedre Gentner and colleague’s structure‐mapping theory – the most developed and widely accepted model of analogical cognition.
Democracy in Confucianism
Authors: Tan Sor‐hoon 
Published: May 2012

AbstractConfucianism’s long historical association with despotism has cast doubts on its compatibility with democracy, and raise questions about its relevance in contemporary societies increasingly dominated by democratic aspirations. “Confucian democracy” has been described as a “contradiction in terms” and Asian politicians have appropriated Confucianism to justify resistance to liberalization and democratization. There has been a lively debate over the question of whether democracy can be found in Confucianism, from ancient texts such as the Analects and Mencius, to Confucian institutions such as those recommended by Song dynasty Huang Zongxi. Philosophers have examined similarities and differences between Western ideas, such as autonomy, liberty, and rights, that are central to democratic theories on the one hand and Confucian ideas of virtue, ren (humaneness), yi (appropriateness), li (rite), zhi (wisdom), exemplary person and authority. Scholars have studied the biographical accounts of prominent Confucians to understand the Confucian ideal person and society. Works arguing that there are elements of democracy in Confucianism, or that some Confucian ideas could provide the basis for a contemporary Confucian democracy, differ in the kind of democracy they choose as models. Liberal democracy was the model of earlier works; with increasing criticisms of liberal democracy in the past decades, a growing number of works arguing for Confucian democracy seek alternatives to liberal democracies, many proposing some kind of communitarian democracy as having affinity with the Confucian philosophical orientation. Besides conceptions of democracy that view it in terms of political systems, Dewey’s conception of democracy as the idea of community and primarily a moral ideal has also inspired attempts to reconstruct Confucian democracy.
Child Nutritional Status by Rural/Urban Residence: A Cross‐National Analysis
Authors: Fox Kiira , Heaton Tim B. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPurpose: Rural children in developing countries have poor health outcomes in comparison with urban children. This paper considers 4 questions regarding the rural/urban difference, namely: (1) do individual‐level characteristics account for rural/urban differences in child nutritional status; (2) do community‐level characteristics account for rural/urban differences net of individual‐level characteristics; (3) does type of residence alter the influence of individual characteristics; and (4) does the rural/urban difference vary across national contexts?Method: Analysis is based on Demographic and Health Survey data from 35 developing countries. Multilevel regression is used to examine rural/urban differences in nutritional status net of individual, community and national determinants of health status.Findings: Rural children have a substantially higher risk of poor nutrition. Much of this disadvantage is because of socioeconomic disadvantage, reproductive norms favoring early and more rapid childbearing, and lack of access to modern medicine. Rural residence also structures the nature of the relationships between socioeconomic status, access to medical care, and nutrition. Finally, the rural/urban gap declines as countries develop.Conclusion: Rural/urban differences in child nutritional status are substantial, and some—but not all—of the differences are attributable to socioeconomic status, access to medical care, and reproductive norms.
Minority Opinions: Antecedents and Benefits of Expression
Authors: Rios Kimberly 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA great deal of social psychological research has focused on antecedents of conformity to the majority. The present article, however, reviews the various conditions under which people express minority opinions. First, minority opinion expression is especially pronounced among individuals who hold either strong attitudes or attitudes that deviate from the majority in a direction consistent with the desirable group attitude. Second, minority opinion expression increases to the extent that highly‐identified group members believe that expressing minority opinions will promote their group’s welfare, or to the extent that one’s membership in a particular social category entitles him/her to speak up. Third, minority opinion expression increases when people’s motives to have a unique or clearly defined sense of self are salient. It is argued that these sources of minority opinion expression can help shed light on the functional value of such opinions for individuals.
Psychological Contributors to the Failure to Anticipate Unintended Consequences
Authors: Sparks Erin , Ehrlinger Joyce 
Published: May 2012

AbstractHistory is replete with well‐intentioned actions and policies that have resulted in dramatic unintended consequences. We review evidence that several psychological biases result in an overly narrow focus on the intended consequences of acts and, consequently, tendencies to ignore or give too little weight to potential unintended consequences. First, a motivated desire for the intended consequences of acts can blind people to the likelihood of alternative possibilities. We review evidence that people process information and evidence in biased ways, leaving them overconfident that the desired consequences will come to pass. Second, even in the absence of motives regarding potential consequences, biases in cognition lead people to focus their attention narrowly on intended consequences in a way that limits their consideration of important alternative, unintended consequences. We review how biases toward focalism and anchoring contribute to a failure to foresee unintended consequences. Finally, we review evidence that subtle manipulations of both motivation and attention can be used to increase the focus and weight given to potential unintended consequences and, consequently, improve anticipation.
We Were, We Are,Will We Be?The Social Psychology of Collective Angst
Authors: Wohl Michael J. A. , Squires Erinn C. , Caouette Julie 
Published: May 2012

AbstractNot all social groups survive the passage of time. Groups once in existence are now but memories of the past. If history is any indication, other social groups are likely to experience a similar fate and join the list of groups that once were. The concern that one’s group might one day join such a list is the focus of this paper. Specifically, we examine the social psychology of collective angst – a group‐based emotion that stems from concern for the future vitality of one’s social group. We begin by discussing the anatomy of collective angst and how it differs from other collective emotions. We then outline factors that foster collective angst. Importantly, we provide a novel theoretical framework outlining both constructive and destructive means by which members may defend against a future that does not include their group. For example, we examine collective angst as a facilitator of, among other things, ingroup cohesion and outgroup aggression. Finally, we discuss how collective angst has manifested on the world stage as well as implications for relations within and between groups.
An unusual case of multiple maxillary anterior hyperdontia – the mesiodens and supernumerary central incisor in the mature adult: diagnosis and surgical management
Authors: McCrea S.J.J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSupernumerary teeth are frequently present in the mixed and permanent dentition and infrequently in the deciduous dentition. Such teeth may cause a delay in normal eruption, crowding and aesthetic problems. Early diagnosis facilitates simpler treatment modalities. Late diagnosis may require the use of more advanced techniques to achieve acceptable aesthetics. This article reports the late presentation of the effects of unilateral maxillary two‐tooth anterior hyperdontia and its subsequent surgical management in the mature adult: dental implant replacement therapy and consecutive guided bone regeneration and tissue regeneration therapy were employed in the solution.
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the ocular adnexal region: A nation‐based study
Authors: Rasmussen Peter K. , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth , Prause Jan U. , Sjö Lene D. , Toft Peter B. , Siersma Volkert D. , Heegaard Steffen 
Published: May 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To characterize the clinicopathological features of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the ocular adnexal region.Methods:  The present series of orbital and adnexal DLBCLs were found by searching the Danish Registry of Pathology between 1980 and 2009. Histological specimens were re‐evaluated using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Clinical files from all patients with confirmed DLBCL were collected.Results:  A total of 34 patients with DLBCL of the ocular adnexal region were identified. Eighteen of the patients were men. The patients had a median age of 78 years (range 35–97 years). Ninety‐seven per cent of the patients had unilateral ocular adnexal region involvement, and the orbit (76%) was the most frequently affected site. Nineteen patients (56%) presented with Stage I lymphoma. Of these, 18 were diagnosed with primary lymphoma. Four patients (12%) had Stage II, one patient (3%) had Stage III and ten patients (29%) presented with Stage IV lymphoma. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate for the whole study group was 20%. The patients with Stage I lymphoma had a significantly better 5‐year OS rate (28%) than patients in Stage II‐IV (5‐year OS rate, 9%). In Cox regression analysis, concordant bone marrow involvement and the International Prognostic Index (IPI) score were prognostic factors for OS.Conclusions:  Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the ocular adnexal region is mainly prevalent in elderly patients. Most patients had unilateral orbital involvement. The overall prognosis is poor. Concordant bone marrow involvement and the IPI score were independent prognostic factors for mortality.