bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Putative ammonia‐oxidizing Crenarchaeota in suboxic waters of the Black Sea: a basin‐wide ecological study using 16S ribosomal and functional genes and membrane lipids
Authors: Coolen Marco J. L. , Abbas Ben , Van Bleijswijk Judith , Hopmans Ellen C. , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Wakeham Stuart G. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryWithin the upper 400 m at western, central and eastern stations in the world's largest stratified basin, the Black Sea, we studied the qualitative and quantitative distribution of putative nitrifying Archaea based on their genetic markers (16S rDNA, amoA encoding for the alpha‐subunit of archaeal ammonia monooxygenase), and crenarchaeol, the specific glycerol diphytanyl glycerol tetraether of pelagic Crenarchaeota within the Group I.1a. Marine Crenarchaeota were the most abundant Archaea (up to 98% of the total archaeal 16S rDNA copies) in the suboxic layers with oxygen levels as low as 1 μM including layers where previously anammox bacteria were described. Different marine crenarchaeotal phylotypes (both 16S rDNA and amoA) were found at the upper part of the suboxic zone as compared with the base of the suboxic zone and the upper 15–30 m of the anoxic waters with prevailing sulfide concentrations of up to 30 μM. Crenarchaeol concentrations were higher in the sulfidic chemocline as compared with the suboxic zone. These results indicate an abundance of putative nitrifying Archaea at very low oxygen levels within the Black Sea and might form an important source of nitrite for the anammox reaction.
Laser nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a feasibility study
Authors: Gianduzzo Troy R.J. , Chang Christopher M. , El‐Shazly Mohammed , Mustajab Asmat , Moon Daniel A. , Eden Christopher G. 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVETo examine, in a pilot study, the feasibility of laser dissection of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) during nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (NSLRP). NSLRP demands precise NVB mobilization with minimal collateral tissue trauma and optimal haemostasis. Unlike other methods of delivering energy, lasers have the potential to provide rapid, precise dissection with good haemostasis and minimal adjacent tissue injury.PATIENTS AND METHODSFive patients were treated with NSLRP; in patient 1 the right NVB was dissected using clips and scissors and the left NVB using the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (8 W, continuous‐wave mode). In the subsequent four patients, the NVB was dissected bilaterally using the laser. The NVBs were excised for histological analysis.RESULTSIn patient 1, the estimated blood loss for the left (laser) NVB dissection was 20 mL, while the estimated blood loss for the right NVB was 100 mL. The maximum depth of laser necrosis was 327 µm. For the next four patients the mean (range) total operative duration was 214 (166–245) min, the mean NVB dissection time 22 (8–33) min, the mean total blood loss 213 (100–300) mL, the mean estimated NVB blood loss 28 (10–45) mL and the mean depth of tissue injury was 687 µm. There were no complications. There was no recurrence, as assessed by prostate‐specific antigen levels, at a mean follow‐up of 12 months and all patients were continent.CONCLUSIONLaser NSLRP was relatively straightforward and caused minimal blood loss, allowed a rapid dissection and minimal adjacent tissue injury. It is a promising technique that warrants further evaluation.
A review of the efficacy of surgical treatment for and pathological changes in patients with chronic scrotal pain
Authors: Nariculam Joseph , Minhas Suks , Adeniyi Ade , Ralph David J. , Freeman Alex 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVESTo assess the efficacy of surgical treatment for chronic scrotal pain (CSP) and to examine histopathological changes in epididymectomy and orchidectomy specimens in these patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSCSP is a rare condition that for some patients can be severely debilitating. Although first‐line treatment is conservative and includes the use of analgesics, many patients still complain of persistent pain. Nerve denervation and spermatic cord block might be attempted, but often patients proceed to surgery. The clinical notes of 26 patients (mean age 49 years) who had surgery for CSP were analysed retrospectively. Data included: the duration of pain before presentation, investigations before treatment, risk factors for CSP, initial conservative management, pain team referral, history of previous scrotal surgery and clinical outcome. All pathological specimens were examined to identify any changes in the epididymis and testis.RESULTSIn 16 patients (62%), the pain resolved completely after surgery, but the other 10, despite showing an improvement, had residual pain. Histopathological examination of epididymectomy specimens revealed changes associated with obstruction, including sperm extravasation, tubule distension and focal fibrosis. All testis specimens had a variable degree of tubular sclerosis and chronic inflammation, with nine showing extensive infarction, suggestive of previous episodes of infection or ischaemia.CONCLUSIONIn this review, 62% of patients had complete resolution of pain and the remainder had a partial response after surgical treatment for CSP. All specimens showed pathological changes in the epididymis or testis, with changes suggestive of recurrent episodes of ischaemia or infection. The results show that CSP can be successfully treated surgically in many cases where conservative methods fail to provide symptomatic relief.
Persistent detrusor overactivity after transurethral resection of the prostate is associated with reduced perfusion of the urinary bladder
Authors: Mitterberger Michael , Pallwein Leo , Gradl Johann , Frauscher Ferdinand , Neuwirt Hannes , Leunhartsberger Nicolai , Strasser Hannes , Bartsch Georg , Pinggera Germar‐Michael 
Published: January 2007

In an interesting study, authors from Austria attempted to elucidate how often detrusor overactivity persists after TURP, and if perfusion of the lower urinary tract influences the outcome. They found that increased vascular resistance of the bladder vessels leads to reduced perfusion, and provide a possible explanation for the persistent symptoms.In a multicentre, community‐based randomized study conducted in the USA and UK, the transdermal oxybutynin system improved the quality of life in adults with overactive bladder.The final paper in this section is from Turkey, presenting the long‐term results of transurethral vaporisation using plasmakinetic energy.OBJECTIVESTo elucidate, in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), how often detrusor overactivity (DOA) is persistent after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and if perfusion of the lower urinary tract influences postoperative outcomes.PATIENTS AND METHODSFifty men with urodynamically confirmed DOA and bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH had a TURP. Before and 1 year after TURP the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and total prostatic volume (TPV) were evaluated. Also, the lower urinary tract was evaluated using pressure‐flow studies and transrectal colour Doppler ultrasonography to assess the vascular resistive index (RI) as a variable of the perfusion of the lower urinary tract.RESULTSAfter TURP the IPSS, QoL score, PSA level and TPV decreased. Cystometric measurements showed that in 15 (30%) patients DOA was persistent after TURP. The mean (sd) maximum urinary flow rate increased from 9.20 (4.03) to 15.98 (4.62) mL/s and postvoiding residual urine volumes decreased from 109.38 (73.71) to 29.24 (45.00) mL. When men with persistent DOA (15 patients; group 1) were compared with those with no DOA after TURP (35; group 2) there was a statistically significantly higher RI of the bladder vessels in group 1, at 0.86 (0.068) than in group 2, at 0.68 ( 0.055) (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSPersistent DOA in men after TURP seems to be associated with increased vascular resistance of the bladder vessels with subsequent reduced perfusion and hypoxia.
Coca Substitution and Free Trade in Bolivia: The Pending Crisis
Authors: Toledo Hugo 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis paper uses the factors proportion model of production and trade with ten inputs to analyze the potential impact of the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) on the coca substitution program in Bolivia. With six crops including coca, the model produces comparative statics elasticities of changing prices on factor prices and output. Results show that the coca substitution program with free trade will result in large income redistribution in the coca‐producing region as a result of increased competition from larger and more efficient economies. Increased subsidies and institutional changes will be needed to sustain the coca substitution program in the long run.
The Trojan‐Horse Principle in Development Assistance: A Reading of Uganda’s Experience with Aid
Authors: Verschoor Arjan 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe World Bank recommends “ideas, not money” as a guiding principle to donors for dealing with badly governed countries. This paper challenges that principle on the basis of a study of the evolution in Uganda of pro‐growth policies in the early to mid 1990s and pro‐poor policies in the late 1990s. The analysis of Uganda’s experience with aid is accommodated within the theoretical framework of a principal–agent conditionality game, in which policy objectives of the recipient (the agent) evolve over time. The key finding of the paper is that the apparent conditionality failure of the period 1987–91 has paved the way for later reform. Financial aid given during this period suspended the necessity of reforms and bought donor proximity to recipient policy deliberations, as a result of both of which the policy learning could take place that led to later successful reform measures.
Tax Competition, Capital Mobility and Innovation in the Public Sector
Authors: Rauscher Michael 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe paper analyses the impact of tax competition on innovation in the public sector. It is shown that the effects of increased mobility of the tax base on innovation and growth are ambiguous. The negative relationship is more likely, however. Moreover, it is shown that a Leviathan government may be induced to spend a larger share of its budget on unproductive activities.
A Rationale for the Coexistence of Central and Decentral Marketing in Team Sports
Authors: Gürtler Oliver 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
In some sports leagues, the sports association sells broadcasting rights centrally in order to create competitive balance. In other ones, the market is decentral. As a result, there is competitive imbalance. In this paper, the preferred kind of marketing of sports associations is analysed. Distinctions are made between three cases. In case one, the sports association is only interested in competitive balance. In the second case, it wishes to create a single high-performing team, and in the third, it maximizes aggregate performance. It is found that, depending on the preferences of the association, both kinds of marketing can be optimal.
Sex worker unionisation: an exploratory study of emerging collective organisation
Authors: Gall Gregor 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTIn a number of Western economies in the last two decades, sex workers have begun to organise themselves in, and be organised by, trade unions for the first time. This article examines the salient processes and outcomes of this phenomenon. It firstly explores the influence of the prostitutes’ rights movements and the emergence of the ‘sex work’ discourse where the selling of sex and sexual services are regarded as a form of ‘emotional’ or ‘erotic’ labour. The advances in sex worker union organisation are recounted before assessing the forces leading to unionisation and those forces that act as impediments to unionisation. The conclusion of the article is that extant sex worker unionisation is a fragile and embryonic phenomenon.
α‐Synuclein gene ablation increases docosahexaenoic acid incorporation and turnover in brain phospholipids
Authors: Golovko Mikhail Y. , Rosenberger Thad A. , Feddersen Søren , Færgeman Nils J. , Murphy Eric J. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractPreviously, we demonstrated that ablation of α‐synuclein (Snca) reduces arachidonate (20:4n‐6) turnover in brain phospholipids through modulation of an endoplasmic reticulum‐localized acyl‐CoA synthetase (Acsl). The effect of Snca ablation on docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) metabolism is unknown. In the present study, we examined the effect of Snca gene ablation on brain 22:6n‐3 metabolism. We determined 22:6n‐3 uptake and incorporation into brain phospholipids by infusing awake, wild‐type and Snca−/− mice with [1‐14C]22:6n‐3 using steady‐state kinetic modeling. In addition, because Snca modulates 20:4n‐6‐CoA formation, we assessed microsomal Acsl activity using 22:6n‐3 as a substrate. Although Snca gene ablation does not affect brain 22:6n‐3 uptake, brain 22:6n‐3‐CoA mass was elevated 1.5‐fold in the absence of Snca. This is consistent with the 1.6‐ to 2.2‐fold increase in the incorporation rate and turnover in ethanolamine glycerophospholipid, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol pools. Increased 22:6n‐3‐CoA mass was not the result of altered Acsl activity, which was unaffected by the absence of Snca. While Snca bound 22:6n‐3, Kd = 1.0 ± 0.5 μmol/L, it did not bind 22:6n‐3‐CoA. These effects of Snca gene deletion on 22:6n‐3 brain metabolism are opposite to what we reported previously for brain 20:4n‐6 metabolism and are likely compensatory for the decreased 20:4n‐6 metabolism in brains of Snca−/− mice.
Ubiquitous presence of argininosuccinate at millimolar levels in the central nervous system of Aplysia californica
Authors: Ye Xiaoying , Kim Won‐Suk , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Sweedler Jonathan V. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractEndogenous nitric oxide (NO) is generated by nitric oxide synthases (NOSs), which convert arginine (Arg) and oxygen to citrulline (Cit) and NO. Cit can be enzymatically transformed back to Arg by argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) via a pathway involving argininosuccinate (ArgSuc). Arg, Cit, and ArgSuc levels have been measured in single neurons, neuronal clusters, and neuropil from the nervous system of the common neurobiological model Aplysia californica. Using capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection, ArgSuc was found to be present in the nervous system in millimolar concentrations at levels significantly exceeding Cit levels (p < 0.01). ArgSuc levels are proportional to Arg concentrations in single neurons, whereas they have no clear correlation to the Cit or Arg/Cit ratio. NOS‐expressing neurons often exhibit fixative‐resistant nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d) staining. Incubation of ganglia with Arg results in an increase in Cit and ArgSuc levels in the NADPH‐d‐positive neuropil with no effect on ArgSuc levels in NADPH‐d‐negative neurons, suggesting NOS activity in the neuropil. Similar incubation with Cit leads to decreased ArgSuc levels in NADPH‐d‐negative neurons. These results can be explained by localization of NOS and ASS in different neurons; therefore, the complete Arg–Cit–NO cycle may not be present in the same neuron. The surprisingly high intracellular ArgSuc concentration suggests alternative sources of ArgSuc and that at least a portion may be formed by the reverse reaction of ASL (catalyzing the conversion of Arg to ArgSuc), which can be inhibited by Cit.
Identity Politics and the Queering of Art Education: Inclusion and the Confessional Route to Salvation
Authors: Addison Nicholas 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn this article I discuss the relationship between theories of identity and making practices in secondary art and design. Of particular interest is the way students are invited to explore identities in relation to a sense of self and the extent to which this is informed by schools' concern to make diversity visible through multicultural celebration, thus framing and possibly limiting exploration. It is notable that non‐heternormative sexual identities remain largely invisible in the official curriculum and I examine the disjunction between this absence and their hypervisibilty in the mass media and its culture of confession/exposure. I revisit Michel Foucault's discussion of the history of sexuality as a way to understand the development of confessional discourses in modern culture and to provide an alternative and ambivalent reading of the power relations implicit in work exploring identities by art and design students. Specifically, I look at the position of gay and lesbian students and teachers, and ask whether their sexuality can figure within the injunction ‘explore your identity’. Given the heteronormative culture of schooling, I end by recommending that individuals should be wary of outing themselves in the name of self‐expression but that art teachers could use strategies of distancing to engage students with issues of sexuality and join with others to counter homophobia by queering the curriculum.
What to Collect? Museums and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Collecting
Authors: McIntyre Darryl 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAlthough museum and galleries are under increasing pressure to refect and explore culture diversity in their collections and public programming, this has largely been interpreted in terms of ethnicity. Issues of sexual orientation are largely ignored by these cultural institutions. This article explores both some of constraints facing museums and the strategies, ethical considerations and curatorial practices they might explore and adopt to refect and document our rich LGBT histories and heritage in their collections, and to highlight these histories in mainstream and special exhibitions and public programming such as events, talks and conferences hosted by museums. This work should be guided by close partnerships with the LGBT communities such as advisory groups. These changes will not be achieved overnight, but if museums have the leadership of their institutional management and the support of their colleagues, a change agenda can be implemented progressively.
Bias from Farmer Self‐Selection in Genetically Modified Crop Productivity Estimates: Evidence from Indian Data
Authors: Crost Benjamin , Shankar Bhavani , Bennett Richard , Morse Stephen 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn the continuing debate over the impact of genetically modified (GM) crops on farmers of developing countries, it is important to accurately measure magnitudes such as farm‐level yield gains from GM crop adoption. Yet most farm‐level studies in the literature do not control for farmer self‐selection, a potentially important source of bias in such estimates. We use farm‐level panel data from Indian cotton farmers to investigate the yield effect of GM insect‐resistant cotton. We explicitly take into account the fact that the choice of crop variety is an endogenous variable which might lead to bias from self‐selection. A production function is estimated using a fixed‐effects model to control for selection bias. Our results show that efficient farmers adopt Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton at a higher rate than their less efficient peers. This suggests that cross‐sectional estimates of the yield effect of Bt cotton, which do not control for self‐selection effects, are likely to be biased upwards. However, after controlling for selection bias, we still find that there is a significant positive yield effect from adoption of Bt cotton that more than offsets the additional cost of Bt seed.
The Value of Badger Populations and Control of Tuberculosis in Cattle in England and Wales: A Note
Authors: Bennett Richard , Willis Ken 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis note reports on the results of a choice experiment survey of 400 people in England and Wales, conducted to estimate the value that society places on changes to the size of the badger population. The study was undertaken in the context of the possible need to reduce the badger population by culling to help control bovine tuberculosis in cattle. The study found that people were concerned about the problem of bovine tuberculosis in cattle, which was reflected in their willingness to pay to control the disease, and gave a relatively low value to changes in the size of the badger population (within limits). However, people did not like the idea of a policy that intentionally killed large numbers of badgers and had a relatively very high willingness to pay not to have such a policy.
Editorials: Comments on Plasma Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Their Relationship to Bone Histopathology among Patients Undergoing Dialysis
Authors: Goodman William G. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractMeasurements of the concentration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in serum or plasma are used widely for the initial diagnostic assessment of patients with renal bone disease, to monitor disease progression, and to gauge responses to treatment. Several analytical methods are used to measure plasma PTH levels, and a variety of PTH assays are available. Each is unique technically, and the results obtained with any particular method often differ from those determined in the same biological sample using other assays that utilize qualitatively different reagents. It is imperative that clinicians recognize the potential impact of methodological differences among PTH assays on the biochemical results provided. Numerous claims have been made recently about the utility of new methods for measuring plasma PTH, about the value of estimating the amounts of amino‐terminally truncated PTH fragments in plasma, and about the shortcomings of existing guidelines for the acceptable range of plasma PTH concentrations that correspond to optimal bone health among patients with chronic kidney disease. These matters serve as the focus for the current commentary.
Opinion: Which of the K/DOQI Guidelines for Bone Disease in Dialysis Patients Should be Changed?
Authors: Shah Nirav , Piraino Beth 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe K‐DOQI guidelines for bone metabolism in chronic kidney disease recommend measuring 25(OH) vitamin D levels and correcting deficiencies in stages 3 and 4 but not in ESRD. Most nephrologists are not concerned with 25(OH) vitamin D deficiency, despite evidence in hemodialysis patients that deficient vitamin D status [as measured by 25(OH) vitamin D levels] plays a role in bone disease. PD patients are often deficient in 25(OH) vitamin D in part because of peritoneal effluent losses, and correction may decrease muscle and bone complaints. Data from other populations are indicative of the importance of vitamin D in cancer surveillance and immune functioning. Randomized controlled trials of correction of 25(OH) vitamin D deficiency in both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients are urgently needed. vitamin D).