bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of expressive attributes of functional apparel product developed for cosmetologists in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Thompson Dorothy , Anyakoha Elizabeth
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the expressive attributes of functional apparel developed for cosmetologists in order to ascertain the acceptability of the product by in different size categories. The study was carried out in Lagos, Nigeria. The population comprised 3820 cosmetologists and 151 judges. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 24 cosmetologists and 22 judges. The instrument used was a 17‐item Functional Apparel Design Assessment Instrument for Cosmetologists/Functional Apparel Design Assessment Instrument for Judges. The internal consistency of the instruments was established. Three research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. Findings indicated mean values for both cosmetologists and judges > 4.00 (; standard deviation = 0.761). Also, no significant differences (P > 0.05) occurred between the judges’ and cosmetologists’ mean ratings in the expressive variable cluster (t = −1.787; t‐crit. = 0.081). The implementation of the findings of this study will afford cosmetologists the opportunity to have an identity that is suggestive of their role in the society.
The Impact of Health Information Technology Adoption by Outpatient Facilities on Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Deily Mary E. , Hu Tianyan , Terrizzi Sabrina , Chou Shin‐Yi , Meyerhoefer Chad D.
Published: June 2012

Objective

Examine whether health information technology (HIT) at nonhospital facilities (NHFs) improves health outcomes and decreases resource use at hospitals within the same heath care network, and whether the impact of HIT varies as providers gain experience using the technologies.

Data Sources

Administrative claims data on 491,832 births in Pennsylvania during 1998–2004 from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council and HIT applications data from the Dorenfest Institute.

Study Design

Fixed‐effects regression analysis of the impact of HIT at NHFs on adverse birth outcomes and resource use.

Principal Findings

Greater use of clinical HIT applications by NHFs is associated with reduced incidence of obstetric trauma and preventable complications, as well as longer lengths of stay. In addition, the beneficial effects of HIT increase the longer that technologies have been in use. However, we find no consistent evidence on whether or how nonclinical HIT in NHFs affects either resource use or health outcomes.

Conclusions

Clinical HIT applications at NHFs may reduce the likelihood of adverse birth outcomes, particularly after physicians and staff gain experience using the technologies.
Abortion Providers' Experiences with Medicaid Abortion Coverage Policies: A Qualitative Multistate Study
Authors: Dennis Amanda , Blanchard Kelly
Published: June 2012

Objective

To evaluate the implementation of state Medicaid abortion policies and the impact of these policies on abortion clients and abortion providers.

Data Source

From 2007 to 2010, in‐depth interviews were conducted with representatives of 70 abortion‐providing facilities in 15 states.

Study Design

In‐depth interviews focused on abortion providers' perceptions regarding Medicaid and their experiences working with Medicaid and securing reimbursement in cases that should receive federal funding: rape, incest, and life endangerment.

Data Extraction

Data were transcribed verbatim before being coded.

Principal Findings

In two study states, abortion providers reported that 97 percent of submitted claims for qualifying cases were funded. Success receiving reimbursement was attributed to streamlined electronic billing procedures, timely claims processing, and responsive Medicaid staff. Abortion providers in the other 13 states reported reimbursement for 36 percent of qualifying cases. Providers reported difficulties obtaining reimbursement due to unclear rejections of qualifying claims, complex billing procedures, lack of knowledgeable Medicaid staff with whom billing problems could be discussed, and low and slow reimbursement rates.

Conclusions

Poor state‐level implementation of Medicaid coverage of abortion policies creates barriers for women seeking abortion. Efforts to ensure policies are implemented appropriately would improve women's health.
Reliability of Indicators of Decline in Abundance
Authors: PORSZT ERIN J. , PETERMAN RANDALL M. , DULVY NICHOLAS K. , COOPER ANDREW B. , IRVINE JAMES R.
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  Although there are many indicators of endangerment (i.e., whether populations or species meet criteria that justify conservation action), their reliability has rarely been tested. Such indicators may fail to identify that a population or species meets criteria for conservation action (false negative) or may incorrectly show that such criteria have been met (false positive). To quantify the rate of both types of error for 20 commonly used indicators of declining abundance (threat indicators), we used receiver operating characteristic curves derived from historical (1938–2007) data for 18 sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) populations in the Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada. We retrospectively determined each population's yearly status (reflected by change in abundance over time) on the basis of each indicator. We then compared that population's status in a given year with the status in subsequent years (determined by the magnitude of decline in abundance across those years). For each sockeye population, we calculated how often each indicator of past status matched subsequent status. No single threat indicator provided error‐free estimates of status, but indicators that reflected the extent (i.e., magnitude) of past decline in abundance (through comparison of current abundance with some historical baseline abundance) tended to better reflect status in subsequent years than the rate of decline over the previous 3 generations (a widely used indicator). We recommend that when possible, the reliability of various threat indicators be evaluated with empirical analyses before such indicators are used to determine the need for conservation action. These indicators should include estimates from the entire data set to take into account a historical baseline.
The mutation spectrum of the JK‐null phenotype in the Chinese population
Authors: Guo Zhonghui , Wang Chen , Yan Kangfeng , Xie Jingwen , Shen Wei , Li Qin , Zhang Jiamin , Ye Luyi , Zhu Ziyan
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the mutation spectrum of the JK‐null phenotype in the Chinese population. The JK gene encoding the Kidd blood group antigen protein and JK*A/JK*B polymorphism caused by a G‐to‐A mutation at nt838 are well described. However, the molecular basis of the JK‐null phenotype in Chinese populations remains unclear.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixteen unrelated JK‐null phenotype donors detected by red blood cell urea lysis resistance assay of 201,194 Chinese blood donors were confirmed in serologic agglutination tests. JK‐null alleles were analyzed by MnlI polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing of all JK gene coding regions.

RESULTS: In addition to the well‐known Polynesian JK‐null allele JK*B(IVS5‐1g>a) and two alleles discovered in Taiwan, JK*B(896G>A) and JK*B(222C>A), seven JK‐null allele types were detected in this study including four novel JK‐null alleles: a nonsense mutation, JK*B(512G>A); two types of missense point mutations, JK*B(536C>G) and JK*B(437T>C); and a splice mutation, JK*A(IVS8+5g>a), resulting in skipping of Exon 8.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the frequency and heterogeneity of the JK‐null phenotype in Chinese populations. Based on our findings, the mechanisms underlying the Chinese Jk(a−b−) phenotype are quite different from other ethnic groups. The two most common types of JK‐null alleles were JK*B(IVS5‐1g>a) and JK*B(896G>A) in Chinese persons. Four novel JK‐null alleles were noted to be associated with the Jk(a−b−) phenotype.
Clinical experience with oral versus intravenous vitamin K for warfarin reversal (CME)
Authors: Meehan Robert , Tavares Maria , Sweeney Joseph
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Reversal of warfarin with plasma accounts for a large amount of fresh‐frozen plasma transfused in the United States. The use of vitamin K is an alternate strategy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Records of vitamin K prescriptions for warfarin reversal were examined and recipients identified where data were available on dosage, route of administration (oral [PO] and intravenous [IV]) and the availability of both pre‐ and postadministration international normalized ratio(s) (INRs).

RESULTS: A total of 135 administration events were evaluated: 81 PO and 54 IV. The median (range) preadministration INRs were 5.8 (1.9‐16.5) versus 5.0 (1.4‐16.5; p = 0.61) and the median (range) for the postadministration INRs were 2.4 (1.0‐10.4) and 2.1 (1.2‐8.2; p < 0.01) for the PO and IV routes, respectively. The median (range) doses were 2.5 (1‐10) and 2.0 (1‐10) mg for PO and IV, respectively (p < 0.01). A total of 44% of the IV vitamin K group achieved an INR of 2 or less within 12 hours versus 14% for the PO route (p < 0.01). In multilinear regression the preadministration INR (r = 0.14, p < 0.01) and time after administration (r = −0.05, p < 0.01) were independent variables influencing the postadministration INR but the dose administered (r = 0.09, p = 0.07) was not.

CONCLUSION: Vitamin K needs to be given IV if urgent partial correction (<12 hr) of warfarin is required. No influence of dose administered in the range 1 to 10 mg on the postadministration INR was observed.
The cellular cancer resistance of the SR/CR mouse
Authors: Koch Janne , Hau Jann , Jensen Henrik E. , Nielsen Claus H. , Rieneck Klaus
Published: June 2012

The SR/CR mouse phenotype, first described in 1999 in BALB/c and later bred into C57BL/6 mice, is resistant to cancer formation following high doses of cancer cells administered intraperitoneally. The tumor cell targeting and destruction mechanisms have not been identified. By fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis, the immune response of SR/CR mice after intraperitoneal injection of cancer cells was investigated and compared with parent strain mice. A massive influx of leukocytes into the peritoneal cavity was found. A large fraction of these leukocytes were polymorphonuclear granulocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells. A relative decrease in influx of B‐cells compared with controls was demonstrated. Increased proportions of leukocytes belonging to the innate immune system were also demonstrated in splenocytes of SR/CR mice. Cytospins of peritoneal fluid from SR/CR mice after cancer cell injection showed formations of immune cells morphologically resembling polymorphonuclear granulocytes and macrophages adjoining the cancer cells. The results point to the potential involvement of innate immune cells in cancer immunology. Our data support migration of polymorphonuclear granulocytes, macrophages and NK cells into the peritoneum of the SR/CR mouse in response to intraperitoneal injection of S180 cancer cells. The cell composition of spleens of SR/CR mice reflected the differential regulation of the innate immune cells in peritoneal exudates. Both peritoneal exudates and the spleens of SR/CR mice contained decreased proportions of B‐cells compared with BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. We reproduce important aspects of previous published data and further extend them by showing differentially regulated populations of splenocytes including B‐lymphocytes in SR/CR mice compared with parent strain controls. Importantly, this differentially regulated immune response of SR/CR mice could not be found in response to challenge with the lymphoma cell line EL‐4.
Investigation of Acinetobacter baumannii resistance to carbapenems in Marseille hospitals, south of France: a transition from an epidemic to an endemic situation
Authors: Kempf Marie , Rolain Jean‐Marc , Azza Saïd , Diene Seydina , Joly‐Guillou Marie‐Laure , Dubourg Gregory , Colson Philippe , Papazian Laurent , Richet Hervé , Fournier Pierre‐Edouard , Ribeiro Amandina , Raoult Didier
Published: June 2012

Carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections are a worldwide endemic nosocomial threat. Between December 2010 and April 2011, an increase of carbapenem‐resistant A. baumannii infections occurred in several Marseille University Hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the increase of carbapenem‐resistant A. baumannii infections and to characterize the mechanisms of carbapenem resistance. The increase was detected by a homemade computer surveillance program, known as EPIMIC, that monitors antibiotic resistance profiles on a weekly basis. During this period, positive samples of carbapenem‐resistant A. baumannii were retrieved from patients hospitalized in different units. Genotyping of the isolates was performed using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST), and carbapenemase gene analyses were performed to detect the presence of carbapenemases and to determine the relationships of the isolates. Carbapenem‐resistant A. baumannii were isolated in a total of 11 patients who were hospitalized in different hospitals units. We identified the presence of the blaOXA23‐like carbapenemase‐encoding gene in all of the isolates and found four major PFGE groups and different MLST groups. These results demonstrate a current evolution in the A. baumannii epidemiology in Marseille with a switch from an epidemic situation to an endemic situation and with several circulating clones.
Soft tissue response to zirconia and titanium implant abutments: an in vivo within‐subject comparison
Authors: van Brakel Ralph , Meijer Gert J. , Verhoeven Jan Willem , Jansen John , de Putter Cornelis , Cune Marco S.
Published: June 2012

Aim

To compare the health of the soft tissues towards zirconia and titanium abutments in man, as observed using histological data.

Material and Methods

Twenty patients received two mandibular implants with either a zirconia or titanium abutment (split mouth study design, left‐right randomization). After 3 months soft tissue biopsies were prepared for histological evaluation. They were subjected to blind evaluation. The number of blood vessels per surface unit and an inflammation grading scale score ranging from 1 to 4 were determined.

Results

Paired samples from 17 patients were suitable for analysis, 3 with unsevered implant‐abutment connections and 14 solely containing soft tissue. All showed a well‐keratinized stratified squamous epithelium which was continuous with the barrier (junctional) epithelium that faced the abutment surface. The normal epithelial build‐up could be recognized with little signs of inflammation. No statistically significant difference in tissues adjacent to zirconia and titanium abutment surfaces were seen with respect to vascular density (20.5 SD 4.4 and 20.7 SD 3.2) or inflammation grading scale scores (3.2 SD 0.7 versus 3.1 SD 0.7).

Conclusion

No differences in soft tissue health were seen in peri‐implant mucosa adjacent to zirconia and titanium abutment surfaces.
Differential Expression of CXC Chemokines CXCL10 and CXCL12 in Term and Pre‐term Neonates and Their Mothers
Authors: Aminzadeh Fariba , Ghorashi Zohreh , Nabati Saeedeh , Ghasemshirazi Mohsen , Arababadi Mohammad Kazemi , Shamsizadeh Ali , Karimabad Mojgan Noroozi , Khorramdelazad Hossein , Darakhshan Shokoofeh , Hassanshahi Gholamhossein
Published: June 2012

Background and Aim

Pre‐term delivery is a mostly unknown frequent disorder worldwide. This project aimed to investigate the circulating levels of CXCL12 (SDF‐1) and CXCL10 (IP‐10) in cord blood of term and pre‐term delivered fetuses and their corresponding mothers.

Material and Methods

Cord and peripheral blood samples were collected from 50 pre‐term and 50 term infants and their mothers. Serum levels of CXCL12 and CXCL10 were measured by ELISA.

Results

The findings of this study indicated that the circulating levels of CXCL10 were elevated in mothers bearing pre‐term infants, while CXCL12 was only increased in pre‐term infants.

Conclusion

The results suggested that the pathophysiological status of both mother and infant are involved in prematurity. Moreover, these findings suggest an inflammatory response in pre‐term labor, which probably is controlled by inducible chemokines such as CXCL10.
Salivary secretion effects of the antipsychotic drug olanzapine in an animal model
Authors: Godoy T , Riva A , Ekström J
Published: June 2012

Oral Diseases (2012)

Objective:  Olanzapine, introduced as an alternative to clozapine in schizophrenia therapy, is thought to display a receptor affinity similar to that of clozapine. Antipsychotics are well‐known xerogenic drugs. However, clozapine exerts both antagonistic and agonistic salivary effects (‘clozapine‐induced sialorrhea’), the latter probably via muscarinic M1 type of receptor. We hypothesise that olanzapine also has dual salivary effects.

Material and methods:  Effects of intravenous olanzapine were examined in rats, including those subjected to chronic preganglionic parasympathetic denervation (submandibular glands) or combined postganglionic parasympathetic and sympathetic denervation (parotid glands). Secretion was evoked reflexly, and by intravenous methacholine and the tachykinin substance P.

Results:  At 0.01–1 mg kg−1, olanzapine dose dependently reduced secretion in response to methacholine or reflex stimulus but not that to substance P. At 10 mg kg−1, olanzapine evoked a long‐lasting secretion, independent of the autonomic innervation as well as of α‐ and β‐adrenergic receptors and muscarinic receptors. The secretion was reduced, but not abolished, by a substance P receptor antagonist.

Conclusions:  Like clozapine, olanzapine evoked secretion. The response to olanzapine was greater and, in contrast to clozapine, involved non‐traditional gland receptors (such as substance P receptors). The findings imply that olanzapine plays an excitatory role via tachykinin receptors in humans.
Retrospective long‐term follow‐up in patients with chronic palmoplantar dermatoses after good response to bath PUVA therapy
Authors: Bretterklieber Agnes , Legat Franz J. , Wolf Peter , Hofer Angelika
Published: June 2012

Background: Numerous studies have confirmed the short‐term effectiveness of 8‐methoxypsoralen bath PUVA therapy in patients with chronic palmoplantar dermatoses; however, little is known about long‐term results.

Patients and methods: In this retrospective study we examined the long‐term results in 79 patients (mean age: 48 years) with chronic palmoplantar dermatoses who were treated with bath PUVA three times a week over an 8‐year period. A good clinical response (a reduction of more than 50% of the skin lesions) occurred after a mean of 23 treatments and a mean cumulative UVA dose of 39 J/cm2 in 51 patients (65%). In 2007 a questionnaire was sent to these 51 patients to assess the long‐term outcome.

Results: With bath PUVA treatment, the best results were found in patients with hyperkeratotic eczema (17/22; 77% good clinical response) followed by patients with palmoplantar psoriasis (26/41; 63%) and patients with dyshidrotic eczema (8/16; 50%).

Thirty‐four patients (67%) answered the questionnaire after a mean follow‐up interval of 4.3 years (10–87 months). Among these patients, 36% reported an improved course of disease after PUVA therapy with reduced frequency and/or intensity of the skin rash, and 29% of patients reported continued complete clearance. 79% of our patients reported a long‐term reduction in the use of topical corticosteroids during the follow‐up period (mean: 4.3 years). In addition, 67% of patients reported a lasting improvement in quality of life.

Conclusions: These data show that bath PUVA may have a long‐term, beneficial influence on the course of disease in a majority of patients with recalcitrant chronic palmoplantar dermatoses.
P2Y2 receptor expression is regulated by C/EBPβ during inflammation in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Degagné Émilie , Turgeon Naomie , Moore‐Gagné Julie , Asselin Claude , Gendron Fernand‐Pierre
Published: June 2012

Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by relapses and remission periods during which numerous factors, including stress factors and nucleotides, are mobilized to re‐establish intestinal mucosal homeostasis. We have previously found that expression of the P2Y2 nucleotide receptor is increased in colonic tissue isolated from inflammatory bowel disease patients as well as in a mouse model of colitis, and that P2Y2 transcription is regulated in part by nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) p65. Transcription factor DNA‐binding site analysis identified three potential CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBPβ) binding sites in the P2Y2 proximal promoter. We then assessed the role of C/EBP transcription factors in the regulation of P2Y2 in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). We identified a region between −229 and −220 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site as a DNA‐binding site for C/EBPβ, by electrophoretic mobility and supershift assays. Mutagenesis of this site decreased C/EBPβ‐dependent P2Y2 expression, as assessed by luciferase assays. In vivo, C/EBPβ as well as P2Y2 expression was increased in colonic IECs isolated from mice with dextran sulfate sodium‐induced acute colitis. In contrast, P2Y2 expression was decreased in C/EBPβ‐deficient mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium. Although C/EBPβ was sufficient to induce P2Y2 transcription, the effect of C/EBPβ and NF‐κB p65 on receptor transcription was synergistic. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that both proteins simultaneously bind to the P2Y2 promoter. Thus, we have identified C/EBPβ as a novel regulator of P2Y2 expression.
TEXTURE PERCEPTION DETERMINED BY SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE AND INULIN ADDITION IN POTATO PUREE: LINKS WITH MECHANICAL AND MICROSTRUCTURAL FEATURES
Authors: ALVAREZ MARÍA DOLORES , JIMÉNEZ MARÍA JOSÉ , OLIVARES MARÍA DOLORES , BARRIOS LAURA , CANET WENCESLAO
Published: June 2012

This study evaluated the effect of adding soy protein isolate (SPI) and long‐chain inulin (INL) blends with 10 different SPI : INL ratios on the textural, rheological and microstructural properties of freshly made and frozen/thawed potato puree. All the potato puree samples were subjected to a sensory texture profile analysis and a trained panel rated the intensity of six descriptors, while an untrained panel did the same on six selected frozen/thawed products. The main SPI : INL ratio effect remained significant for all the descriptors evaluated, when the analysis of variance was applied considering the untrained assessors as random effects. However, only trained panel scores for creaminess corresponded well with untrained assessor ratings. Rheological flow index values were linked with variations in perceived consistency, and geometric and surface textural attributes were explained by structural features such as the presence of INL crystallites and SPI coarse strands.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A potato puree (PP) serving of 200 g with added soy protein isolate (SPI) and/or inulin (INL) concentrations of 1.5–6% provides from 3 to12 g of SPI and/or INL, respectively. The presence of SPI strands is a dominant factor in texture perception of PP with regard to mouthfeel geometric attributes (visual graininess and fibrousness) and the after‐feel attribute (mouth coating), while INL crystallites are the most important feature influencing creaminess. By adding small amounts of SPI (1.5%) together with INL at >3% increases the intensity of perceived creaminess, which was the most important descriptor in practical terms. In view of the foregoing, PP with ada'ed SPI and INL is a promising foodstuff for incorporating into a diet and in addition, even improves product structure.
TEXTURAL CHANGES OF RAW AND COOKED MUSCLE OF SHRIMP, LITOPENAEUS VANNAMEI, INFECTED WITH NECROTIZING HEPATOPANCREATITIS BACTERIUM (NHPB)
Authors: AVILA‐VILLA L.A. , GARCIA‐SANCHEZ G. , GOLLAS‐GALVAN T. , HERNANDEZ‐LOPEZ J. , LUGO‐SANCHEZ M.E. , MARTINEZ‐PORCHAS M. , PACHECO‐AGUILAR R.
Published: June 2012

Alive white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were experimentally infected with necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacteria (NHPB) to evaluate the effect of the infection on the postmortem texture of shrimp muscle. The infection percentage was monitored for 18 days. NHPB was propagated in 16.7, 66.7 and 86.4% of shrimp after 7th, 15th and 18th days from experimental infection. Texture profile analysis (hardness, fracturability, elasticity and cohesiveness), shear force and water‐holding capacity (WHC) were monitored in both raw and cooked shrimp muscle sampled from the live stock. No significant differences were detected among infected and healthy shrimp (raw and cooked) during the first 15 days; however, lower hardness, fracturability, elasticity, cohesiveness and WHC were detected in muscle from infected shrimp (cooked and raw) compared with that from healthy shrimp after 18 days. Results suggest that NHPB have a negative impact on the postmortem textural properties of the white shrimp, but the effect is observed only after certain period.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Several shrimp farms in Latin American countries are having necrotizing hepatopancreatitis disease problems. As postmortem texture in shrimp muscle is one of the main characteristics for their acceptance in the market and decides its quality, this article attempts to show how the disease affects the postmortem textural properties of the white shrimp muscle.
Evangelical Youth Culture: Christian Music and the Political
Authors: Young Shawn David
Published: June 2012

Evangelical Christianity has become a powerful force in American popular media and the political arena. The reason for evangelicalism’s rise to prominence has been widely researched. Contemporary manifestations of popular evangelicalism remain connected to a mythology that can be traced to one of many expressions commonly associated with the American counterculture of the 1960s, specifically a revival of conservative Christianity known as the Jesus Movement, a new way of expressing Christian belief that largely targeted American youth. Today’s youth (not unlike youth in every generation) continue to seek identity. For the most part, the media paradigm that emerged during the 1970s and 1980s evolved into a parallel universe of evangelical culture, which operated as chief purveyor of both evangelical belief and identity. The result was a groundswell of new activity as the evangelical culture industry rallied around new, popular ways of expressing Christian belief; the most compelling example has been contemporary Christian music. This essay will focus primarily on Christian music as apotentialcausal agent in the lives of evangelical youth, and considers how these youth are formed by music while also challenging how popular music represents evangelical belief and identity.
Hebrew Bible Goddesses and Modern Feminist Scholarship
Authors: Day Peggy L.
Published: June 2012

This essay first traces the association of ancient goddesses with so‐called fertility cults and sacred (or cultic) prostitution to J. J. Bachofen’s once influential model of human social development, and places prefeminist Hebrew Bible/Old Testament scholarship on this trajectory. It then discusses two streams of feminist theological response to the model, a Great Goddess stream that inverted the values that traditional scholarship associated with ancient goddesses and their worship, and a revisionist stream that strove to reimage the God of the Hebrew Bible to include aspects of the feminine divine. Both streams are assessed critically from the perspective of secular feminist scholarship. Feminist scholars’ challenges to the stereotyping of Canaanite goddesses as primarily associated with sexuality and reproduction are then presented, followed by feminists’ critiques of both the relevance and veracity of the ancient sources alleged to be evidence for the practice of sacred (or cultic) prostitution. Finally, the essay turns to the texts of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament per se and focuses on the three Hebrew Bible goddesses most discussed in the secondary literature, i.e., Asherah, Astarte/Ashtart and the Queen of Heaven.
Pathways to care for those at clinical high risk of developing psychosis
Authors: Stowkowy Jacqueline , Colijn Mark A. , Addington Jean
Published: June 2012

Aim: Understanding the pathways to care is a prerequisite for early detection in first‐episode patients with psychosis. Less in known about the pathways to care for individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis.

Methods: A sample of 35 clinical high risks for psychosis individuals were administered a semistructured questionnaire inquiring about pathways to care.

Results: The majority of contacts were made to general practitioners (32.8%). Various symptoms of concern were reported among the sample, the most common being depression (15.9%) followed by anxiety (11.0%). Delusions/paranoia were the most frequent symptoms associated with successful referral to contacts (14.3%).

Conclusion: Education on the pathway to successful access to care and treatment in a putatively prodromal for psychosis group of individuals is valuable information that can potentially aid in a faster discovery of these individuals and their access to treatment and care.
Informal caregivers in early psychosis: evaluation of need for psychosocial intervention and unresolved grief
Authors: Mulligan John , Sellwood William , Reid Graeme S. , Riddell Suzanne , Andy Natasha
Published: June 2012

Aim: Relatives of service users involved with Early Intervention in Psychosis services often experience substantial distress and need associated with their role as caregivers. This study adapted versions of the Relatives Cardinal Needs Schedule and the Texas Inventory of Grief and tested their utility for use among relatives of service users experiencing a first episode of psychosis.

Methods: Staff, service users and relatives were consulted and a pilot took place which facilitated the creation of the Relatives' Urgent Needs Schedule – Early Intervention version (RUNS‐EI) and the Texas Inventory of Grief – Early Intervention version (TIG‐EI). Thirty service user‐caregiver dyads were recruited for the evaluation of reliability and validity.

Results: The level of ‘urgent need’ identified by the RUNS‐EI demonstrated good concurrent validity with measures of service user social and global functioning as well as measures assessing relatives' distress, expressed emotion and grief. The measure demonstrated acceptable interrater and test–retest reliability. The profile of need is reported. The TIG‐EI demonstrated ‘excellent’ internal consistency. It also demonstrated good concurrent validity with increased TIG‐EI scores correlated with reduced service user social and global functioning as well as increased scores on measures assessing relatives' distress, expressed emotion and caregiving needs.

Conclusions: Results appear to support these assessments' utility as measures of need for psychosocial intervention and grief among relatives supporting service users experiencing a first episode of psychosis.
Efficacy and safety of sitagliptin added to ongoing metformin and rosiglitazone combination therapy in a randomized placebo‐controlled 54‐week trial in patients with type 2 diabetes (一项为期54周的对持续使用二甲双胍与罗格列酮联合治疗的2型糖尿病患者加用西格列汀治疗的有效性与安全性的随机安慰剂对照研究)*
Authors: DOBS Adrian S. , GOLDSTEIN Barry J. , ASCHNER Pablo , HORTON Edward S. , UMPIERREZ Guillermo E. , DURAN Lorraine , HILL Julie S. , CHEN Yu , GOLM Gregory T. , LANGDON Ronald B. , WILLIAMS‐HERMAN Debora E. , KAUFMAN Keith D. , AMATRUDA John M. , FERREIRA Juan Camilo ARJONA
Published: June 2012

Background:  New therapeutic approaches are needed to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), a progressive disorder that often requires combination therapy. The present study assessed the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin as add‐on therapy to metformin and rosiglitazone in patients with T2D.

Methods:  The present study was a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled parallel‐group 54‐week study conducted at 41 sites across North and South America, Europe, and Asia in 278 patients with HbA1c ranging from ≥7.5% to ≤11.0% despite ongoing combination therapy with metformin (≥1500 mg/day) and rosiglitazone (≥4 mg/day). Patients were randomized (2:1) to receive sitagliptin 100 mg or placebo once daily. The main outcome measure was change from baseline in HbA1c at Week 18.

Results:  Mean baseline HbA1c was 8.8%. The mean placebo‐adjusted change from baseline in HbA1c with sitagliptin treatment was −0.7% (P < 0.001) at Week 18 and −0.8% (P < 0.001) at Week 54. There were also significant (P < 0.001) reductions in 2‐h post‐meal glucose and fasting plasma glucose compared with placebo at Weeks 18 and 54. Significantly higher proportions of sitagliptin‐ than placebo‐treated patients had HbA1c<7.0% at Weeks 18 (22% vs 9%; P = 0.003) and 54 (26% vs 14%; P = 0.015). Changes in body weight and the rates of adverse events overall, hypoglycemia, and gastrointestinal adverse events were similar in the sitagliptin and placebo groups during the 54‐week study.

Conclusions:  In patients with T2D, the addition of sitagliptin for 54 weeks to ongoing therapy with metformin and rosiglitazone improved glycemic control and was generally well tolerated compared with placebo.
Sociodemographic factors associated with the dental health of persons with diabetes in France
Authors: Azogui‐Lévy Sylvie , Dray‐Spira Rosemary
Published: June 2012

This paper describes and compares the oral health status among people with and without diabetes in France, and analyzes the related socioeconomic factors. The study is based on data from the cross‐sectional national health survey conducted in France from 2002 to 2003, which included 19,231 people over 35 years of age, among whom 1,111 reported having diabetes. Data were collected through interviews that inquired about oral health status and use of dental care services, income, educational level, health insurance, place of residence, and birthplace.

The prevalence of oral health problems was higher among subjects who had diabetes, compared with those who were nondiabetic (16.4% vs. 13.4%). Dental care utilization during the survey period was reported to be 8.7% among subjects who were diabetic versus 12.9% among those who were nondiabetic. The subjects with diabetes were more likely to have dental problems (OR = 1.47, CI = 1.03–2.08) and wear removable dentures (partial and complete) when their income was lower (OR = 2.17, CI = 1.52–3.10). There were social inequalities in oral health among people with diabetes in France according to income level.
Micro‐credit and Micro‐equity: The David and the Goliath of Micro‐enterprise Financing
Authors: Ayayi Ayi Gavriel
Published: June 2012

I argue that micro‐equity may be used to complement or substitute micro‐credit programmes, which involve lending rather than risk sharing. By becoming a stockholder in the micro‐enterprise rather than a lender, the micro‐equity provider is in a more tightly coupled relationship, providing knowledge and guidance necessary for ensuring success of the venture. Moreover, I show that while micro‐credit financing places a heavy cash drain on micro‐enterprises and leads to sub‐optimal growth during the course of the evolution of the micro‐enterprise, the mix of micro‐equity with micro‐credit may prove to be more valuable to nurture the sustainable growth of micro‐enterprises.
How Holistic Should Economic Measurement Be? A Cautionary Note on Valuing Ecosystem Services as Part of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan
Authors: Crase Lin
Published: June 2012

In this article, I explore the challenges associated with adopting a broad and potentially inconsistent perspective in the formulation of particular policy choices. The setting for this discussion is the controversial Murray–Darling Basin Plan. The motivation for this article has been the decision by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority to sponsor research work that will attempt to value the ecosystem services of the Murray–Darling Basin and use this to further inform the Basin Plan. The Basin is an area of considerable ecological diversity spanning more than one million square kilometres and occupying about 14 per cent of the Australian land mass. I focus partly on the challenges of the valuation exercise, but endeavour to analyse the wider question of so‐called “holistic” measurement. I also attempt to predict how this type of information might be used by policy makers to assess the overall usefulness of the valuation study.
Geographical Localisation of Knowledge Spillovers by Australian Patent Citations*
Authors: Gedik Yashar
Published: June 2012

This article assesses whether knowledge spillovers are localised and then examines the determinants of localisation using patent citations of Australian patents registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Advances in communications technologies have reduced the cost of information transmission, particularly in the last three decades. However, tacit knowledge is still costly to transmit over geographical distance. The literature suggests that those individuals that are close to the source of the invention benefit more than distant ones. Australia, with its geographical isolation and large distances between its major cities, is used as testing ground for this hypothesis. The results show that there is evidence for geographical localisation of knowledge flows at various levels of geographical aggregation, the localisation effects diminish over time, and the more general patents are less localised.
How Important are Introductory Subjects in Advanced Economics Studies?*
Authors: Chowdhury Mamta , Mallik Girijasankar
Published: June 2012

This paper investigates the impact of student performance in introductory economics and quantitative subjects on higher‐level economics subjects. A multi‐year data set with detailed performance scores from a major multi‐campus Australian university is used for this study. Employing ordinary least squares and quantile regression, the results of the study reveal that performance in introductory macroeconomics and quantitative subjects significantly influences students’ performance in advanced‐level economics subject. The policy implication recommends adequate prior knowledge and competency for students entering into tertiary education to progress well in higher‐level economics studies. This strategy may assist in achieving greater social inclusion and increased retention rates for university degrees.
Determination of Crack Arrest Toughness at High Temperatures Using Compact Specimens
Authors: Kussmaul K. , Gillot R.
Published: June 2012

In order to determine the influence of the test temperature on the crack arrest toughness, investigations were carried out on pressure vessel steels of various strength and toughness up to the upper-shelf of the Charpy V-notch impact energy (CV-energy). The tests were conducted on the basis of the proposed ASTM test method for ferritic steels with modified wedge-loaded compact specimens. The thickness ranged from 0.75–6.69 in. (19–170 mm), the in-plane dimensions from 3.94–15.75 in. (100–400 mm). The comparison with the reference curves of the American and German guidelines showed significant discrepancies at high temperatures.
Stress Intensity Factors for a Radially Multicracked Partially Autofrettaged Pressurized Thick-Walled Cylinder
Authors: Perl M. , Arone´ R.
Published: June 2012

Mode I stress intensity factors for crack arrays of up to 1024 equal radial cracks originating at the inner surface of a partially autofrettaged, pressurized thick-walled cylinder are evaluated. Both stress intensity factors i.e., KIp due to the pressurization, and the negative KIA due to the compressive residual stresses, are calculated for numerous crack arrays (n = 2–1024), a wide range of nondimensional crack lengths (1/a = 0.005–0.625), and various levels of autofrettage (ε = 30, 60, 100 percent) via the finite element method. The obtained results emphasize the notable significance of the number of cracks in the array, as well as the importance of the level of autofrettage, on the stress intensity factor prevailing at the tip of these cracks. The sensitivity of the favorable effect of the overstrain in slowing down fatigue crack growth to any decrease in the level of autofreggate is also discussed.
Partial Admission Effects on the Stability of a Heat Exchanger Tube Array
Authors: Waring L. F. , Weaver D. S.
Published: June 2012

An experimental study is reported of the effects of partial admission on the fluid elastic stability of a heat exchanger tube array. The array geometry was a parallel triangular configuration with a pitch ratio of 1.47. Tests were conducted in a wind tunnel with uniform flow over from 33 to 100 percent of single span tubes. In these experiments, the flow location was also varied from center-span to the end supports. Additionally, tests were conducted with uniform flow over one span of two and three-span tube arrays. These results are compared with theoretical predictions.
Stress and Strength Analysis of Concentric Reducers Consisting of Plates
Authors: Sang Z. F. , Widera G. E. O.
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a new kind of piping component—a concentric reducer consisting of plates. Authors performed experimental and elastic, elastic-plastic analyses on five test models having different structural parameters. The elastic stress distribution under hydraulic test pressure, the extension of the plastic region under higher than operating loads and the results of bursting tests are also reported on. Results indicate that under test pressure the maximum stress occurs at the inside of the junction area between the small end of the reducer and the small end tube. Yield and final burst also occurs at this area under higher than operating pressure. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that the reducer is safe and reliable.
Systems Biology for Enhanced Plant Nitrogen Nutrition
Authors: Gutiérrez Rodrigo A.
Published: June 2012

Nitrogen (N)–based fertilizers increase agricultural productivity but have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Research is generating improved understanding of the signaling components plants use to sense N and regulate metabolism, physiology, and growth and development. However, we still need to integrate these regulatory factors into signal transduction pathways and connect them to downstream response pathways. Systems biology approaches facilitate identification of new components and N-regulatory networks linked to other plant processes. A holistic view of plant N nutrition should open avenues to translate this knowledge into effective strategies to improve N-use efficiency and enhance crop production systems for more sustainable agricultural practices.
Major Earthquakes Occur Regularly on an Isolated Plate Boundary Fault
Authors: Berryman Kelvin R. , Cochran Ursula A. , Clark Kate J. , Biasi Glenn P. , Langridge Robert M. , Villamor Pilar
Published: June 2012

The Sedimentary Life of Earthquakes

Estimating the hazards associated with possible large earthquakes depends largely on evidence of prior seismic activity. The relatively new global seismic networks installed to monitor earthquakes, however, have only captured the very recent history of fault zones that can remain active for thousands of years. To understand the recurrence of large earthquakes along the Alpine Fault in New Zealand,

Berryman
et al.

(p.
1690
) looked to the sediments near an old creek for evidence of surface ruptures and vertical offset. Along this fault segment, 24 large earthquakes seem to have occurred over the last 6000 years, resulting in a recurrence interval of ∼329 years. The activity is more regular than other similar strike-slip faults, such as the San Andreas Fault in California.
CTD Tyrosine Phosphorylation Impairs Termination Factor Recruitment to RNA Polymerase II
Authors: Mayer Andreas , Heidemann Martin , Lidschreiber Michael , Schreieck Amelie , Sun Mai , Hintermair Corinna , Kremmer Elisabeth , Eick Dirk , Cramer Patrick
Published: June 2012

Don't Terminate Me!

DNA transcription progresses through three phases—initiation, elongation, and termination—of messenger RNA chains. The transcribing enzyme, RNA polymerase (Pol) II, recruits factors that assist in each of these phases.

Mayer
et al.

(p.
1723
) now show that the C-terminal domain (CTD) of actively elongating Pol II is phosphorylated at conserved tyrosine residues. This modification impairs recruitment of termination factors. Factor exchange on the transcribing polymerase enzyme may be explained by an extended CTD code that is based on differential phosphorylation of the tyrosines and two well-characterized serine residues in the CTD.
Leucine-tRNA Initiates at CUG Start Codons for Protein Synthesis and Presentation by MHC Class I
Authors: Starck Shelley R. , Jiang Vivian , Pavon-Eternod Mariana , Prasad Sharanya , McCarthy Brian , Pan Tao , Shastri Nilabh
Published: June 2012

Noncanonical Pathway

The textbook view of translation of messenger RNA to protein is that it is always initiated from open reading frames (ORFs) that begin with an AUG codon (encodes methionine) by an initiator methionine-bound transfer RNA (tRNA). There is evidence, however, that some polypeptides are produced from non–AUG-initiated ORFs.

Starck
et al.

(p.
1719
; see the Perspective by

Dever

) used a variety of biochemical techniques to determine the underlying mechanism for such nontraditional translation initiation. Comparison of translation initiation from AUG-initiated ORFs with those beginning with leucine CUG-initiated ORFs revealed that cells can use an elongator Leu-tRNA to initiate translation at CUG codons. CUG-initiated peptides were presented by major histocompatibility class I molecules and could activate T cells.
De-Meaning of Metabolism
Authors: Lazar Mitchell A. , Birnbaum Morris J.
Published: June 2012

Implications of metabolic mechanisms in disease inspires reflection on the definition of metabolism.
Old and Groovy
Authors: Droser Mary L. , Gehling James G.
Published: June 2012

The discovery of furrowed and backfilled trace fossils, claimed to be at least 585 million years old, raises questions about their origins.
Fences Make Good Nest Sites
Authors: Pala Christopher
Published: June 2012

A fence-and-exterminate program on Hawaii's Oahu Island is helping to restore seabird populations, which have been declining faster than any other category of birds.
Run by the Army for the Army?
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: June 2012

China's 11 January 2007 antisatellite missile test targeted at an aging weather satellite was a visible exercise in muscle-flexing.