bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does urodynamic verification of overactive bladder determine treatment success? Results from a randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Malone‐Lee James G. , Al‐Buheissi Salah 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine whether subjects with or with no detrusor overactivity (DO) determined by urodynamic assessment respond differently to treatment with the antimuscarinic agent tolterodine (extended release formulation, ER).SUBJECTS AND METHODSAdult subjects with urinary frequency (average ≥8 voids/24 h) and urgency with or without urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) underwent urodynamic assessment and were stratified according to whether they had DO (positive urodynamics) or not (negative urodynamics). Subjects in each urodynamic stratum were randomized to receive tolterodine‐ER (4 mg once daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Diary cards were completed for 7 days before each study visit (at baseline, week 4, and week 12). The volume per void was recorded for 3 of the 7 days.RESULTSThe difference between the positive and negative urodynamic groups in mean change in volume voided between baseline and 12 weeks was 5.38 mL (95% CI, −93 mL to +15.71 mL). This difference is within the pre‐stipulated range defined for equivalence (±20 mL, P = 0.31). There was also no significant difference in the change from baseline to 12 weeks between the urodynamics groups in mean number of voids per day or UUI episodes. However, there was significant improvement in the treatment group compared with the placebo group, in the number of voids per 24 h (P = 0.003) and in the mean change in volume voided (P = 0.03), from baseline to 12 weeks, but not in UUI episodes (P = 0.35).CONCLUSIONSUrodynamics status could not predict treatment outcomes between patients treated with tolterodine‐ER or placebo. The results add support to evidence suggesting that urodynamic assessment is not a prerequisite for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Therefore, we recommend that anticholinergic treatment may be initiated to patients with OAB symptoms without the need for urodynamics studies.
Evil acts not evil people: their characteristics and contexts
Authors: Horne Michael 
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  The problem of evil has vexed philosophers and theologians for centuries and anthropologists, sociologists, psychoanalysts and analytical psychologists in more recent times. Numerous theories have been proposed but there is still little agreement on such basic questions as the nature of evil, what constitutes and motivates an evil act, and how we resolve conflicts between individuals and groups in which evil acts are being committed.I am proposing that evil should be used as an adjective, and not as a noun. As such it should be employed to qualify acts of persons rather than their character. This change would enable us to eschew foundational explanations of evil and, therefore, to examine evil acts in their contexts and so better discern their nature and motivation.I will contend that evil acts begin when an individual makes, or members of a group make, assertions about the ‘naturalness’ of their own acts and, correspondingly, the ‘unnaturalness’ of the acts of others. I will suggest that this results from the anxiety that ensues when they cannot adequately signify their experience of these acts. When this occurs, those so treated are dispossessed of their ‘personhood’, allowing members of the ‘natural’ group to violate their ‘boundaries' with impunity. These violations can range from the relatively innocuous such as being ignored to the extreme such as genocide. I am asserting that all these acts should be termed evil as they derive from the same semiotic process of ‘naturalizaton’.I will discuss ways of preventing individuals or groups from embarking on the process of ‘naturalization’ and describe the types of contexts that might reduce or eliminate the commission of evil acts by those already engaged in their perpetration. To demonstrate these ideas I will use examples from my personal experience, from analytic theory and from the ‘troubles' in Northern Ireland.
Solitary plasmocytoma: improvement in critical organs sparing by means of helical tomotherapy
Authors: Chargari Cyrus , Kirova Youlia M. , Zefkili Sofia , Caussa Lucas , Amessis Malika , Dendale Rémi , Campana François , Fourquet Alain 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPurpose: Helical tomotherapy (HT) was assessed in two patients with paramedullar solitary bone plasmocytoma. We compared doses delivered to critical organs, according HT plan or tridimensional conformal plan.Methods and materials: One male (patient no. 1), 67 yr‐old and one female (patient no. 2), 37‐yr‐old, with histologically, biologically and radiological confirmed paramedullar solitary plasmocytoma have been treated in our department between November 2007 and February 2008 using HT. The prescription dose was 40 Gy in 20 fractions. This HT treatment planning was compared with a routine dosimetric work that was executed for a standard conformal radiotherapy treatment planning.Results: Treatment tolerance was excellent, without any side effects. Both patients achieved 9‐month complete remission. HT resulted in substantial critical organs sparing. For patient no. 1, dose delivered to 20% of the total intestine volume was reduced from 28 Gy for conformal radiotherapy to 13 Gy for HT. Radiation dose delivered to 20% of the left kidney was reduced from 25 Gy to 7 Gy. For patient no. 2, volume of left lung that received at least 20 Gy was 12% for conformal radiotherapy vs. 6% for HT.Conclusions: For paramedullar solitary plasmocytoma, HT has the potential to significantly improve the quality of the dose distribution both in terms of better dose homogeneity within the planning target volume and more efficient sparing of critical organs.
Change of oxalate form in pot‐grown napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) by application of calcium hydroxide
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mijanur , Ishii Yasuyuki , Niimi Mitsuhiro , Kawamura Osamu 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOxalate interferes with the absorption of calcium (Ca) in livestock. However, insoluble oxalate, which presents mostly as a complex combined with Ca, is not considered to be a problem in ruminants. The objective of this study was to test the possibility of increasing insoluble oxalate content in plants by increasing Ca supply in pot‐grown napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach). The plants were cut three times at approximately 2‐month intervals from summer to autumn. Four treatments (0, 30, 60 and 90 g m−2) of Ca(OH)2 were applied in three equal split doses: before transplanting and soon after the first two cuttings. At almost all of the cuttings, soluble oxalate in forage showed a decreasing trend and insoluble oxalate and Ca concentration showed a reverse trend with an increased rate of Ca(OH)2 application. Averaged over the three cuttings, the 90‐g Ca(OH)2 treatment was most effective in reducing soluble oxalate by increasing insoluble oxalate, with significant (P < 0.05) differences between the 0‐ and 90‐g Ca(OH)2 treatments. However, total oxalate content was not affected (P > 0.05) by the rate of Ca(OH)2 application. Moreover, Ca(OH)2 application did not affect dry matter yield and the concentrations of magnesium, potassium and sodium of plant material. It may be concluded that the level of soluble oxalate in plants can be partially replaced by formation of insoluble oxalate using Ca(OH)2 fertilizer.
Phenomenology of Religion
Authors: Ryba Thomas 
Published: March 2009

AbstractContemporary phenomenology of religion is afflicted by three vicissitudes: (a) neglect or criticism due to the hegemony of postmodern theories and methods in the study of religions, (b) a multiplicity of phenomenological methods in the study of religions, and (c) the perceived disconnection between philosophical and religious studies approaches to phenomenology. In this article, I intend to show that none of these afflictions are either necessary or fatal to phenomenology of religion. This is accomplished in three steps. After surveying the salient features of philosophical and religious studies approaches to the phenomenology of religion, I propose a general definition of ‘phenomenology of religion’ which demonstrates a unity in the midst of a diversity of approaches. I then argue that phenomenology, thus conceived, can answer the postmodern critiques and can once again become a viable approach to description of religions as well as a first methodological step toward theories of religion.
Feminist Theory and Jewish Studies
Authors: Glanzberg‐Krainin Deborah , Levitt Laura 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article examines the history of the relationship between feminist theory and Jewish studies; it considers feminist theory's role as a transformational force in Jewish studies. Feminist theory is an approach to Jewish studies that problematizes subjectivity and posits that identities are multiple, shifting, and frequently constructed through social discourses and practices. Feminist theory pays special attention to the complicated intersections between masculinist privilege and the institution of heterosexuality as the normative social relation defining family, community, and national identifications as well as designations of Jews, Jewishness, and Judaism even as it pays attention to other forms of social power including race, ethnicity, and class.
Identification of 24 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the double‐crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
Authors: FIKE JENNIFER A. , DEVAULT TRAVIS L. , RHODES OLIN E. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTwenty‐four polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for the double‐crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus). The number of alleles ranged from two to 13 and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.032 to 0.871. The use of these loci should enable researchers and biologists to learn more about the population structure and ecology of this species.
Strain-Dependent Variation in 18S Ribosomal DNA Copy Numbers in
Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Herrera M. L. , Vallor A. C. , Gelfond J. A. , Patterson T. F. , Wickes B. L. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Enumerating
Aspergillus fumigatus
CFU can be challenging since CFU determination by plate count can be difficult. CFU determination by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), however, is becoming increasingly common and usually relies on detecting one of the subunits of the multicopy rRNA genes. This study was undertaken to determine if ribosomal DNA (rDNA) copy number was constant or variable among different
A. fumigatus
isolates.
FKS1
was used as a single-copy control gene and was validated against single-copy (
pyrG
and
ARG4
) and multicopy (
arsC
) controls. The copy numbers of the 18S rDNA subunit were then determined for a variety of isolates and were found to vary with the strain, from 38 to 91 copies per genome. Investigation of the stability of the 18S rDNA copy number after exposure to a number of different environmental and growth conditions revealed that the copy number was stable, varying less than one copy across all conditions, including in isolates recovered from an animal model. These results suggest that while the ribosomal genes are excellent targets for enumeration by qPCR, the copy number should be determined prior to using them as targets for quantitative analysis.
PREDICTION OF PLUG TIP POSITION IN ROTARY TUBE PIERCING MILL USING SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENT
Authors: LEE HYOUNG WOOK , LEE GEUN AN , KIM EUNG ZU , CHOI SEOGOU 
Published: March 2009

Typical seamless tube production processes are an extrusion and a rotary tube piercing. The rotary piercing process is more competitive than the extrusion process from the viewpoint of flexibility. Main components of this equipment are twin rolling mills and a plug. Twin rolling mills are installed on a skew with proper angles in two directions. These angles are called the cross angle and the feed angle. The internal crack initiation and the growth at central area of the billet are gradually progressed due to the Mannesmann effects. The feed angle affects on the position of the crack initiation in the rotary tube piercing process. Adjustable design parameters in the equipment are the feed angle and the plug insertion depth. In this research, the rotary tube piercing equipment was developed. Finite element analyses with the plug and without the plug were carried out in order to predict the internal crack initiation position under good calculation efficiency. Ductile fracture models with the one variable equation were utilized to crack initiation criteria. The forward distance of the plug was determined to be 5 mm through the analysis. It was testified by experiments of a carbon steel billet.
A Strategic Framework for Rural Micro-Enterprise Development: The Integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT), E-Commerce, Marketing, and Actor-Network Theory
Authors: Rhodes Jo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractUsing a contextualist, interpretivist research method anchored in a South African rural women's organization, this paper contributes to the discourse on ICT-enabled rural microeconomic development. A conceptual framework, encapsulating rural socioeconomic development, ICTs (e-commerce through a government-sponsored telecentre), and marketing (as a particular business process) is probed using an in-situ participative action research project in cooperation with the organization's management team; and analyzed through Actor-Network Theory. The results reveal key barriers experienced by a rural development organization exploring ICT-enabled migration paths from development (self-help projects) to micro-enterprise. These barriers include the impact of traditional practices on a modern organization; the struggle to align marketing principles with cultural constraints; the conceptual confusion of relating development principles to business practices in a community isolated from regional and national levels of development; the consequences of leapfrogging the phases of institutionalization when implementing ICTs; and the consequences of the transitory mobilization of actors.
Determinants of Household Access Demand for Telecom Services in India: Empirical Evidence and Policy Implications
Authors:   Narayana
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper estimates the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of household access demand for telecommunications (or telecom) services by employing a binary logit model and using a sample survey data from Karnataka State (India). The evidence suggests that social caste, education level, size of income, income tax payers, and location of friends and relatives in local call area have significant impact on household access demand. However, the nature and magnitude of the impact of these determinants are different in rural and urban areas, respectively. Further, given the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, a rise in the average income of households is shown to have a remarkable increase in the probability for access demand. These results imply that knowledge of socioeconomic and demographic determinants are relevant inputs for design of a promotional policy for access to telecom services. Subject to the comparability of socioeconomic structures, these implications are of relevance for promotion of household access demand for telecom services in other developing countries.
Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy to diagnose intraabdominal pathology in the intensive care unit
Authors: Peris Adriano , Matano Stefania , Manca Giuseppe , Zagli Giovanni , Bonizzoli Manuela , Cianchi Giovanni , Pasquini Andrea , Batacchi Stefano , Di Filippo Alessandro , Anichini Valentina , Nicoletti Paola , Benemei Silvia , Geppetti Pierangelo 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Delayed diagnosis of intraabdominal pathology in the intensive care unit (ICU) increases rates of morbidity and mortality. Intraabdominal pathologies are usually identified through presenting symptoms, clinical signs, and laboratory and radiological results; however, these could also delay diagnosis because of inconclusive laboratory tests or imaging results, or the inability to safely transfer a patient to the radiology room. In the current study we evaluated the safety and accuracy of bedside diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm the presence of intraabdominal pathology in an ICU setting.

Methods
This retrospective study, carried out between January 2006 and June 2008, evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of bedside diagnostic laparoscopy performed on patients with a suspicion of ongoing intraabdominal pathology. Clinical indications for bedside diagnostic laparoscopy were: ultrasonography (US) images of gallbladder distension or wall thickening of more than 3 to 4 mm, with or without pericholecystic fluid; elevation of laboratory tests (bilirubin, transaminases, myoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, gamma-glutamyltransferase); high level of lactate/metabolic acidosis; CT images inconclusive for intraabdominal pathology; or inability to perform a CT scan. Patients did not undergo bedside diagnostic laparoscopy if they presented clear indications for open surgery, coagulopathy, abdominal wall infection or high intraabdominal pressure.

Results
Thirty-two patients underwent bedside diagnostic laparoscopy (Visiport Plus, Autosuture, US), 14 of whom had been admitted to the ICU for major trauma, 12 for sepsis of unknown origin and 6 for complications after cardiac surgery. The procedure was performed on an average of eight days after ICU admission (95% confidence interval = 5 to 15 days) and mean procedure duration was 40 minutes. None of the procedures resulted in complications. Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy was diagnostic for intraabdominal pathology in 15 patients, who subsequently underwent surgery, except in two cases of diffuse gut hypoperfusion. Diagnosis of cholecystitis was obtained in seven cases: two were treated with laparotomic cholecystectomy and five with percutaneous gallbladder drainage positioning.

Conclusions
Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy represents a safe and accurate technique for diagnosing intraabdominal pathology in an ICU setting and should be taken into consideration when patient transfer to radiology or the operating room is considered unsafe, or when routine radiological examinations are not conclusive enough to reach a definite diagnosis.
The solution structure of pGolemi, a high affinity Mena EVH1 binding miniature protein, suggests explanations for paralog-specific binding to Ena/VASP homology (EVH) 1 domains
Authors: Link Nina M. , Hunke Cornelia , Mueller Jonathan W. , Eichler Jutta , Bayer Peter 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Ena/VASP homology 1 (EVH1) domains are polyproline binding domains that are present in a wide range of adaptor proteins, among them Ena/VASP proteins involved in actin remodeling and axonal guidance. The interaction of ActA, a transmembrane protein from the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, with EVH1 domains has been shown to be crucial for recruitment of the host's actin skeleton and, as a consequence, for the infectivity of this bacterium. We present the structure of a synthetic high-affinity Mena EVH1 ligand, pGolemi, capable of paralog-specific binding, solved by NMR spectroscopy. This peptide shares the common pancreatic peptide fold with its scaffold, avian pancreatic peptide, but shows pivotal differences in the amino-terminus. The interplay of spatial fixation and flexibility appears to be the reason for its high affinity towards Mena EVH1. Combined with earlier investigations, our structural data shed light on the specificity determinants of pGolemi and the importance of additional binding epitopes around the residues Thr74 and Phe32 on EVH1 domains regulating paralog specificity. Our results are expected to facilitate the design of other high-affinity, paralog-specific EVH1 domain ligands, and serve as a fundament for the investigation of the molecular mode of action of EVH1 domains.
Short double-stranded RNAs of specific sequence activate ribosomal TAK1-D and induce a global inhibition of translation
Authors: Kodym Reinhard , Kodym Elisabeth , Story Michael D. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We have previously shown that short double-stranded RNAs of specific sequence induce phosphorylation in the activation loop of splicing variant D of the transforming growth factor β-activated protein kinase 1 (TAK1-D). Here, we further characterize this novel function of TAK1-D and the mechanisms of this dsRNA-triggered phenomenon. Using a dominant negative TAK1-D mutant we demonstrate that TAK1-D activation is functionally required to trigger the activation of p38 MAP kinase and c-JUN terminal kinase and to induce cell death in NCI-H460 cells. While total TAK1-D protein was found in the cytoplasm as well as in the ribosomal fraction, activated TAK1-D phosphorylated on T184 and T187 in the activation loop was found to be exclusively associated with the 80S ribosome. The association of TAK1-D with the ribosome suggests an involvement in translation-dependent signaling and we demonstrate here that dsRNA-mediated activation of TAK1-D leads to a downregulation of mRNA translation. In addition, we show that TAK1-D is also phosphorylated after the induction of ribotoxic stress. Our data indicate that TAK1-D plays a role in the signaling events triggered by selected types of ribotoxic stress.
Science and Technology of Building Seals, Sealants, Glazing, and Waterproofing: Fourth Volume
Authors: Nicastro DH 
Published: March 2009

Description
Features the most up-to-date knowledge about building sealant behavior. This edition covers important field data and the latest information on ongoing research in sealant durability, product performance evaluation and glazing. Eleven comprehensive, peer-reviewed papers are presented in three key categories:
• Durability -- four papers assess the strength and endurance of numerous sealants, including actual field experience from a waterproofing contractor.
• Products and Applications -- Five papers explore alternative sealant products and their various uses.
• Glazing -- a case history explains how reglazing impacts a building with defective structural sealant design and installation.
The final paper features extensive information on current European standards for Insulted Glass Unit (IGU) testing.