bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hormonal Causes of Male Sexual Dysfunctions and Their Management (Hyperprolactinemia, Thyroid Disorders, GH Disorders, and DHEA)
Authors: Maggi Mario , Buvat Jaques , Corona Giovanni , Guay André , Torres Luiz Otavio 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Besides hypogonadism, other endocrine disorders have been associated with male sexual dysfunction (MSD).

Aim
To review the role of the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), thyroid hormones, and adrenal androgens in MSD.

Methods
A systematic search of published evidence was performed using Medline (1969 to September 2011). Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine—Levels of Evidence (March 2009) was applied when possible.

Main Outcome Measures
The most important evidence regarding the role played by PRL, GH, thyroid, and adrenal hormone was reviewed and discussed.

Results
Only severe hyperprolactinemia (&gt;35 ng/mL or 735 mU/L), often related to a pituitary tumor, has a negative impact on sexual function, impairing sexual desire, testosterone production, and, through the latter, erectile function due to a dual effect: mass effect and PRL-induced suppression on gonadotropin secretion. The latter is PRL-level dependent. Emerging evidence indicates that hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased risk of premature ejaculation and might also be associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), whereas hypothyroidism mainly affects sexual desire and impairs the ejaculatory reflex. However, the real incidence of thyroid dysfunction in subjects with sexual problems needs to be evaluated. Prevalence of ED and decreased libido increase in acromegalic patients; however, it is still a matter of debate whether GH excess (acromegaly) may create effects due to a direct overproduction of GH/insulin-like growth factor 1 or because of the pituitary mass effects on gonadotropic cells, resulting in hypogonadism. Finally, although dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate have been implicated in a broad range of biological derangements, controlled trials have shown that DHEA administration is not useful for improving male sexual function.

Conclusions
While the association between hyperprolactinemia and hypoactive sexual desire is well defined, more studies are needed to completely understand the role of other hormones in regulating male sexual functioning.
Varicocele is Associated with Erectile Dysfunction: A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Keller Joseph J. , Chen Yi-Kuang , Lin Herng-Ching 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
While many studies have been conducted investigating the efficacy of varicocele treatment on fertility, the literature is comparatively sparse concerning the association between varicocele, varicocelectomy, and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
This study aimed to estimate the associations between varicocele, varicocelectomy, and ED using a population-based dataset.

Methods
This study used data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 in Taiwan. A total of 32,856 cases and 98,568 randomly selected controls were included in this study. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between ED and having been previously diagnosed with varicocele or having underwent a varicocelectomy.

Main Outcome Measure
The odds of prior varicocele or having underwent a varicocelectomy between cases and controls.

Results
Of the sampled patients, the prevalence of prior varicocele was 3.3% and 1.2% for cases and controls, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Conditional logistic regression analysis suggested that the odds ratio (OR) of being previously diagnosed with varicocele for cases was 3.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.67–3.49) when compared with controls after adjusting for monthly income, geographic location, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypogonadism, obesity, and alcohol abuse/alcohol dependence syndrome. Furthermore, cases were 1.92 (95% CI = 1.52–2.43) times more likely to have undergone a varicocelectomy than controls. Furthermore, subjects aged between 18 and 29 had the highest ORs for prior varicocele among cases when compared with controls (OR = 5.20; 95% CI = 3.27–8.28).

Conclusion
This investigation succeeded in identifying an association between both varicocele and ED. We also realized that varicocele patients who underwent a varicocelectomy had lower magnitudes of association with ED than those who did not.
Contemplative Practices and Mental Training: Prospects for American Education
Authors:   Mind and Life Education Research Network (MLERN):, J. Davidson Richard , Dunne John , Eccles Jacquelynne S. , Engle Adam , Greenberg Mark , Jennings Patricia , Jha Amishi , Jinpa Thupten , Lantieri Linda , Meyer David , Roeser Robert W. , Vago David 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article draws on research in neuroscience, cognitive science, developmental psychology, and education, as well as scholarship from contemplative traditions concerning the cultivation of positive development, to highlight a set of mental skills and socioemotional dispositions that are central to the aims of education in the 21st century. These include self‐regulatory skills associated with emotion and attention, self‐representations, and prosocial dispositions such as empathy and compassion. It should be possible to strengthen these positive qualities and dispositions through systematic contemplative practices, which induce plastic changes in brain function and structure, supporting prosocial behavior and academic success in young people. These putative beneficial consequences call for focused programmatic research to better characterize which forms and frequencies of practice are most effective for which types of children and adolescents. Results from such research may help refine training programs to maximize their effectiveness at different ages and to document the changes in neural function and structure that might be induced.
Increased plasma levels of retinol‐binding protein 4 with visceral obesity is associated with cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Won Jong Chul , Park Cheol‐Young , Oh Sang Woo , Park Sung Woo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAims/Introduction:  Visceral obesity has been suggested to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD); the role of adipokines in the risk for CVD is less clear. Aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between parameters of visceral obesity and index of CVD risk factors.Materials and Methods:  A cross‐sectional analysis of healthy males (n = 116) and females (n = 175) for evaluation of clinical, laboratory and anthropometric parameters were undertaken. Abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissues (VAT) were measured by computed tomography. Adipokines, including retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) and adiponectin, were determined. The risk for CVD was estimated using the 10‐year Framingham Coronary Heart Disease Risk Point scale (Framingham score).Results:  The Framingham score was increased in subjects with metabolic syndrome, and significantly increased with various indices of obesity, traditional risk factors of CVD, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and RBP4, but decreased with adiponectin. With multiple linear regression analysis, the Framingham score independently associated with age, smoking status, body mass index, triglyceride and RBP4. The magnitude of the Framingham score showed a linear trend of increase with CRP, VAT and RBP4 (all P < 0.001), but of decrease with SAT and adiponectin (all P < 0.05) at stratified levels of obesity.Conclusions:  RBP4 is increased with visceral fat accumulation and associated with CVD risk factors independent of obesity or traditional risk factors. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00213.x, 2012)
Interaction of Embedded Tri‐Isotropic Fuel Particles with Melt of Alkaline Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Hamodi Nasir H. , Lowe Tristan , Abram Timothy J. 
Published: April 2012

A silicon carbide (SiC) layer is an outer‐coated layer of spent tri‐isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles and it is known to be a pressure vessel for retaining fission products, and preventing contamination in the primary circuit of a nuclear reactor. The goal of this article is to elucidate the chemical bonding and an interface formation of an alkaline borosilicate glass (ABG) with the coating layer of TRISO fuel particles. Particular emphasis is placed on the analysis of the intermediate chemical phase at the interface SiC/glass as a function of the material impurity and thickness of the SiC layer. The findings provide valuable information regarding the restriction parameters of immobilisation TRISO particles in glass. The interaction between the glass and SiC caused a total destruction of a thin SiC layer (10 μm), a random partial interaction to a thick SiC layer (40 μm) and formation of bubbles (CO2, CO) to an inner pyrolitic carbon (IPYC). The Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed that the interaction of ABG with the SiC layer occurred at a point, where a low excess of carbon was co‐deposited during chemical vapour deposition process. The interaction resulted in a formation of a mono‐crystal SiC, dispersed in vitreous silica as a crystalline inclusion.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) assisted performance evaluation of the Twincer™ disposable high-dose dry powder inhaler
Authors: de Boer Anne H , Hagedoorn Paul , Woolhouse Robert , Wynn Ed 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Objectives
To use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for evaluating and understanding the performance of the high-dose disposable Twincer™ dry powder inhaler, as well as to learn the effect of design modifications on dose entrainment, powder dispersion and retention behaviour.

Methods
Comparison of predicted flow and particle behaviour from CFD computations with experimental data obtained with cascade impactor and laser diffraction analysis.

Key findings
Inhaler resistance, flow split, particle trajectories and particle residence times can well be predicted with CFD for a multiple classifier based inhaler like the Twincer™. CFD computations showed that the flow split of the Twincer™ is independent of the pressure drop across the inhaler and that the total flow rate can be decreased without affecting the dispersion efficacy or retention behaviour. They also showed that classifier symmetry can be improved by reducing the resistance of one of the classifier bypass channels, which for the current concept does not contribute to the swirl in the classifier chamber.

Conclusions
CFD is a highly valuable tool for development and optimisation of dry powder inhalers. CFD can assist adapting the inhaler design to specific physico-chemical properties of the drug formulation with respect to dispersion and retention behaviour.
Hybrid PET/MRI imaging with continuous table motion
Authors: Braun Harald , Ziegler Susanne , Paulus Daniel H. , Quick Harald H. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose:With the recent introduction of integrated whole‐body hybrid positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) scanners, the need for data collection strategies arises that provide time efficient, simultaneous, and easy acquisition of PET and MRI data. One approach is to develop acquisition protocols with continuous table motion. In this work, a reconstruction technique to allow for reconstruction of PET data that were acquired with continuous table motion on an integrated hybrid whole‐body PET/MRI scanner is presented and evaluated.Methods:PET and MRI data of two quality‐control phantoms (68Ge‐Cylinder and Jasczcak phantom), a custom‐built large body phantom, and of a clinical patient were acquired on a Biograph mMR 3.0 Tesla whole‐body PET/MRI system with continuous table motion and for comparison with the standard multistation acquisition approach. The data were postprocessed and reconstructed offline with custom software to allow for continuous table motion acquisition and analyzed with respect to noise, spatial resolution, and geometric accuracy as well as subjective image impression.Results:It is shown that data acquisition with continuous table motion is equivalent and in some respects, superior to the traditional multistation approach.Conclusions:Continuous table motion can benefit the new hybrid modality PET/MRI by not being limited to several static bed positions, resulting in a better time efficiency, less continuity artifacts, and a faster and easier acquisition workflow.
Modelling the hydrogeology and managed aquifer system of the Chalk across southern England
Authors: Soley R. W. N. , Power T. , Mortimore R. N. , Shaw P. , Dottridge J. , Bryan G. , Colley I. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Six regional recharge and groundwater models have been recently developed of the Chalk and Upper Greensand from Dorset to Kent. Updated Chalk stratigraphy and mapping have improved understanding of geological structure and the development of preferential groundwater flow pathways along hardground horizons. Where shallow dipping folds bring these into the zone of active groundwater flow, extensive ‘underdrainage’ may result in marked differences between surface and groundwater catchments. Hardgrounds and marls are also associated with spring discharges, as are some faults and the clay formations that underlie or confine the aquifer system. Higher specific yield within the Upper Greensand helps support summer baseflow, as do local groundwater discharges from augmentation schemes, watercress and fish farm operations. The aquifer system has been successfully modelled using the ‘variable hydraulic conductivity with depth’ version of MODFLOW. Depths of secondary permeability development have been distributed according to ground and groundwater level data. Interfluve–valley contrasts overlie a base hydraulic conductivity set according to the formation saturated at the water table and enhanced by active hardgrounds. Local parameter overrides may also be needed. The Wessex Basin conceptual and numerical model is described before summarizing similarities and contrasts from the other five regional model areas.
Modelling the influence of solution-enhanced conduits on catchment-scale contaminant transport in the Hertfordshire Chalk aquifer
Authors: Cook S. J. , Fitzpatrick C. M. , Burgess W. G. , Lytton L. , Bishop P. , Sage R. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Catchment-scale (>40 km
2
) contamination of the Chalk aquifer of Hertfordshire by bromate, emanating from a disused industrial site north of St Albans, represents the largest occurrence of point-source groundwater contamination in the UK. The influences of ‘double porosity’ diffusive exchange and rapid transport along solution-enhanced conduits complicate predictive modelling of contaminant transport to threatened public supply wells. Tracer testing indicates that solution-enhanced flow routes exist beyond the surface distribution of dissolution features in Hertfordshire, more extensively than previously thought. A quantitative conceptual understanding of this flow system has been incorporated into a spatially distributed equivalent porous media representation in MODFLOW and MT3D-MS. The calibrated model reproduces essential features of the aquifer system, including heads and flows, seasonal responses, and the timing and spatial distribution of observed tracer breakthroughs in the solution-enhanced aquifer, but does not fully capture the magnitude and form of tracer and bromate advance. Due to the influence of local solution enhancement and matrix effects, detailed breakthroughs at receptors cannot be resolved at the coarse grid scale. However, the model is able to simulate general trends.
Re-evaluating dual-porosity effects at the site of a seminal groundwater modelling study: Tilmanstone, southern England
Authors: Watson S. J. , Burgess W. G. , Barker J. A. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The first numerical model of solute transport to incorporate Fickian diffusive exchange between mobile fracture water and immobile porewater for an actual case of groundwater contamination at catchment scale was applied to the Chalk aquifer at Tilmanstone in SE England by Bibby (
Water Resources Research
, 1981,
17
, 1075–1081). The unconfined aquifer at Tilmanstone had been contaminated by coalfield brine leaking from disposal lagoons operating throughout much of the twentieth century. Recent observations show that the Bibby model underestimates dual-porosity diffusive retardation, and hence underestimates the persistence of contamination, probably by several decades. 2D representation of the aquifer in plan ignored the hydrostratigraphy, and model calibration was limited by the lack of time-variant paired profiles of fracture water and porewater. Vertical profiles through the Chalk determined by packer testing, borehole dilution testing and geophysical logging, together with a new depth profile of chloride concentration in Chalk matrix porewater, are described. The hydrostratigraphy is interpreted in relation to the Chalk lithostratigraphy of SE England, and incorporated into a vertical-section model of chloride transport along the axis of the valley, consistent with the new and historical profiles of fracture water and porewater chloride concentrations. New predictions of the longevity of the chloride contamination at Tilmanstone are presented.
Groundwater abstraction impacts on river flows: predictions from regional groundwater models
Authors: Soley R. W. N. , Matthews A. , Ross D. , Maginness C. H. , Packman M. , Hulme P. J. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Regional groundwater resource models are often built to improve confidence in predicted groundwater abstraction impacts on river flows and groundwater levels. By explicitly representing the aquifer system geometry, properties and boundaries, together with transient recharge and abstraction pressures, such models provide a robust platform to support abstraction impact assessment, alongside evidence from field data and investigations. Regulatory drivers include the European Union Habitats and Water Framework Directives and other abstraction licensing decisions. This paper presents examples of the spatial and temporal patterns of groundwater abstraction impacts predicted by several models. A variety of presentation formats are used to illustrate the simulated flow impacts of abstractions both individually, and in combination with other surface water abstractions and discharges. Model predictions from a range of abstraction, aquifer, and river settings are often more complex than would be suggested by simpler tools and approaches. In many cases, absolute low-flow impacts are less than long-term groundwater abstraction rates. The ‘real world’ hydrogeological mechanisms behind these impact patterns are discussed. The paper also recommends a protocol for using regional models to assess individual licensed groundwater abstraction impacts across the full range of historic climate conditions (typically, as monitored since 1970) and in the context of other operational artificial influences.
PEST controlled: responsible application of inverse techniques on UK groundwater models
Authors: Black G. E. , Black A. D. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The inverse modelling code PEST is a tool for model parameter estimation (calibration), sensitivity analysis and predictive error analysis (uncertainty). Despite the successful use of inverse techniques in other industries, these methods are generally not adopted in UK regional groundwater modelling. This is partly due to difficulty in achieving a good representation of the conceptual models involved. In addition, some early applications of PEST to UK models were based on monitoring data of poor hydrostratigraphic resolution, leading to questionable parameter distributions. The PEST algorithm has been tried and tested worldwide and such former deficiencies can be addressed. This paper presents examples to explain how PEST can be responsibly applied to UK groundwater models to significantly improve model calibration and provide robust sensitivity data while keeping within known bounds of the conceptual model.
The National Groundwater Modelling System: providing wider access to groundwater models
Authors: Whiteman M. I. , Maginness C. H. , Farrell R. P. , Gijsbers P. J. A. , Ververs M. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The National Groundwater Modelling System (NGMS) is a map-based, client–server system for holding groundwater models and supporting documentation. Models can be run, new ‘what-if’ scenarios created, and time series and spatial data rapidly viewed and exported. Use of the system will result in greater standardization of data formats, model codes and methods used by the Environment Agency without stifling technological progress. NGMS enables a wider audience of water resource staff to access groundwater models. The system is being used to improve representation of groundwater in Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies and to forecast the potential impacts of climate change upon water resources. However, the day-to-day, operational use of groundwater models by the Environment Agency remains a challenge that requires engagement with other specialists (e.g. hydrologists and IT systems specialists). Considerable effort is required to roll out the system, train people and adapt operational decision-making processes to bring NGMS into regular and safe use.
Diminished Whole-brain but Enhanced Peri-sylvian Connectivity in Absolute Pitch Musicians
Authors: Jäncke Lutz , Langer Nicolas , Hänggi Jürgen 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSeveral anatomical studies have identified specific anatomical features within the peri-sylvian brain system of absolute pitch (AP) musicians. In this study we used graph theoretical analysis of cortical thickness covariations (as indirect indicator of connectivity) to examine whether AP musicians differ from relative pitch musicians and nonmusicians in small-world network characteristics. We measured “local connectedness” (local clustering = γ), “global efficiency of information transfer” (path length = λ), “small-worldness” (σ = γ/λ), and “degree” centrality as measures of connectivity. Although all groups demonstrated typical small-world features, AP musicians showed significant small-world alterations. “Degree” as a measure of interconnectedness was globally significantly decreased in AP musicians. These differences let us suggest that AP musicians demonstrate diminished neural integration (less connections) among distant brain regions. In addition, AP musicians demonstrated significantly increased local connectivity in peri-sylvian language areas of which the planum temporale, planum polare, Heschl's gyrus, lateral aspect of the superior temporal gyrus, STS, pars triangularis, and pars opercularis were hub regions. All of these brain areas are known to be involved in higher-order auditory processing, working or semantic memory processes. Taken together, whereas AP musicians demonstrate decreased global interconnectedness, the local connectedness in peri-sylvian brain areas is significantly higher than for relative pitch musicians and nonmusicians.
Development Theory and the Constitution of Market Society: A Polanyian View
Authors: Scott Alan 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis paper argues that development studies could benefit from a closer engagement with the arguments of Karl Polanyi. Firstly, a Polanyian perspective gives greater weight to non-economic and non-material factors in making, maintaining and modifying markets. Secondly, it focuses research on the problematic, state- sponsored and contested process of bringing the market actor into being. Finally, a Polanyian approach might better link a, broadly speaking, leftist analysis to “real world” policy debates about the relative balance between market freedoms and regulation. The conclusion elaborates this final point.