bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magic and Divination in the Medieval Islamic Middle East
Authors: Francis Edgar W.
Published: August 2011

For over a hundred years, Western historians have been investigating magic and divination in the Middle East. The earliest scholarship on these topics was written at a time when the scholars in other fields presented magic either as inaccurate science or misplaced, antisocial religion. Even though such approaches have been harshly criticized in history and the other social sciences, historians of the Middle East have ignored these debates and have either persisted in using outdated frameworks or have simply ignored questions of how to define and locate magic and divination altogether. As a result, the study of magic as practiced in the Muslim world validated a certain view of the ‘Orient’ as inherently backward and inferior to the Occident. At the same time, many scholars have also conflated the study of contemporary observed practice with medieval primary sources. This is changing. At the same time that there has been a growing interest in the history of magic and divination in all societies, historians of Middle Eastern magic and divination have started to realize that, far from being some sort of primitive aberration, magic is and has been a very common part of life in all societies.
Postoperative anemia does not impede functional outcome and quality of life early after hip and knee arthroplasties
Authors: Vuille‐Lessard Élise , Boudreault Daniel , Girard François , Ruel Monique , Chagnon Miguel , Hardy Jean‐François
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Clinicians have adopted a restrictive transfusion threshold (75‐80 g/L) after major orthopedic surgery. Anemia may be associated with a decrease in postoperative vigor. We hypothesize that, in these patients, a threshold hemoglobin (Hb) concentration exists below which functional recovery and quality of life (QoL) become difficult.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study in 305 patients 60 years or older undergoing a total hip or knee arthroplasty was conducted. Major outcome variables were distance walked in 6 minutes (6MWT), score on the Borg Scale for perception of effort, maximal dominant hand strength, and Short Form 36 (SF‐36) QoL assessment in the preoperative and early postoperative periods. Patients were categorized according to their Hb level the day of the postoperative 6MWT (≤80, 81‐90, 91‐100, and >100 g/L).

RESULTS: There was no difference between Hb groups in the decrease of the distance walked preoperatively versus postoperatively. For both moments of observation, the 6MWT was not significantly different between Hb groups (p = 0.190). Similar results were found with perception of effort, maximal dominant hand strength, and SF‐36 QoL assessment scores. In a regression model, the decrease in Hb concentration could explain only 1.9% of the total variation observed in the 6MWT (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION: Moderate anemia is not associated with an impaired functional recovery or QoL in the immediate postoperative period after major arthroplasties. Further studies will be required to determine the long‐term consequences of a restrictive transfusion strategy in these patients.
Blood screening nucleic acid amplification tests for human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 may require two different amplification targets
Authors: Chudy Michael , Weber‐Schehl Marijke , Pichl Lutz , Jork Christine , Kress Julia , Heiden Margarethe , Funk Markus B. , Nübling C. Micha
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Five cases of human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV‐1) RNA–positive blood donations are described that escaped detection by three different CE‐marked nucleic acid amplification technique (NAT) screening assays. These events were associated with two HIV‐1 transmissions to recipients of blood components. The implicated NAT assays are monotarget assays and amplify in different viral genome regions (group‐specific antigen or long terminal repeat). Investigations into the cause of the false‐negative test results were initiated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma specimens of the five NAT false‐negative cases were comparatively investigated in 12 CE‐marked HIV‐1 NAT systems of differing design. The relative amplification efficiency for the HIV‐1 variant was determined for each assay. Sequencing of the variants in the region targeted by each false‐negative NAT assay allowed comparison with the respective primers and probes.

RESULTS: Some of the NAT assays designed in a similar way to false‐negative monotarget NATs also revealed deficiencies in detecting the viral variants. In each case sequencing of the assay target region in the variants demonstrated mismatches with primers and probes used by the assays. Some dual‐target assays showed decreased amplification efficiency, but not false‐negative results.

CONCLUSION: HIV is characterized by its rapid evolution of new viral variants. The evolution of new sequences is unpredictable; NAT screening assays with a single target region appear to be more vulnerable to sequence variations than dual‐target assays. Based on this experience with false‐negative tests results by monotarget NAT assays, the Paul‐Ehrlich‐Institut is considering requesting dual‐target NAT assays for HIV‐1 blood donation screening in Germany.
Rate Sensitive Indentation Response of a Coarse‐Grained Magnesium Aluminate Spinel
Authors: Haney Edward J. , Subhash Ghatu
Published: August 2011

The effect of loading rate on indentation hardness, brittleness, and fracture modes during static and dynamic Vickers indentation of a transparent coarse grain (250 μm average grain size) polycrystalline magnesium aluminate spinel was investigated. Static hardness was measured using a conventional Vickers tester while the dynamic hardness was measured using a custom test fixture based on split Hopkinson pressure bar technique with the capability to produce single indentations at strain rates of roughly 103 s−1. Static and dynamic hardness values as well as characteristic fracture response are compared at a range of indentation loads. It was found that Vickers micro hardness increased by an average of 5% over the entire load range, while the calculated brittleness factor increased when subjected to dynamic indentation loads. Static and dynamic indentations were found to produce radial and lateral cracks with evidence of spall appearing only during dynamic loading. Dynamic indentations also revealed an increased level of transgranular cracking, whereas intergranular cracking was more dominant during static indentations. Indentation cracks generated due to static indentations placed in the vicinity of a grain boundary deflected along a grain boundary, whereas these cracks cut across the grain boundary into the neighboring grain during dynamic indentations. Static and dynamic indentations that were placed directly on grain boundaries generated intergranular (grain boundary) cracks that were on average 18% longer than accompanying intragranular cracks. The implications of these fracture modes on dynamic impact response of polycrystalline spinel are discussed.
Optimization of Bioglass® Scaffold Fabrication Process
Authors: Chen Qizhi , Mohn Dirk , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: August 2011

The production of mechanically reliable scaffolds from bioceramics for use in bone tissue engineering remains challenging. This paper describes the establishment of optimal processing parameters of Bioglass® scaffolds using the replication/slurry‐dip‐coating technique, based on theoretical design and experimental investigation. The foams fabricated under the optimized conditions, i.e., 5–20 μm particles and sintering at 1000°C–1100°C for 1–2 h, showed reproducible mechanical properties that could be predicted by Gibson and Ashby's theory. Excessively small (nano‐sized) or overly large (>30 μm) particles both resulted in poor quality scaffolds with unsatisfactory mechanical performance, due to a high population of microcracks in struts and poor fusion between particles during sintering, respectively. In conclusion, a mechanically reliable scaffold can be achieved using Bioglass® and the replication/slurry‐dip‐coating technique, provided that the particle size of the Bioglass powder is within the range of 5–20 μm and an appropriate sintering program (1000°C–1100°C, 1–2 h) is used.
Controllable Microwave Hydrothermal Synthesis of Bismuth Ferrites and Photocatalytic Characterization
Authors: Tan Guo‐Qiang , Zheng Yu‐Qin , Miao Hong‐Yan , Xia Ao , Ren Hui‐Jun
Published: August 2011

The process, by which three kinds of bismuth ferrites (BiFeO3, Bi25FeO40, and Bi25FeO40–BiFeO3) were synthesized for 1 h through a microwave hydrothermal method by changing the KOH concentration and the temperature, is summarized in this article. The as‐prepared bismuth ferrite powders were characterized by the X‐ray diffraction, the field emission scanning electron microscopy, and the transmission electron microscope, and the band gaps, specific surface areas, photocatalytic and magnetic properties were explored as well. The results showed that the degradation degree of methyl orange using BiFeO3, Bi25FeO40, and Bi25FeO40–BiFeO3 as catalyst were 35%, 52%, and 90% at 2 h, respectively, and the magnetizations of the three powders were 0.07, 3.17, and 0.55 emu/g, respectively. This indicated that the porous cubic Bi25FeO40–BiFeO3 powder has the best photocatalytic property of the three, making it useful as a new type of photocatalytic material which can be easily recycled by magnetic separation.
In vivo performance of zirconia and titanium implants: a histomorphometric study in mini pig maxillae
Authors: Gahlert M. , Roehling S. , Sprecher C. M. , Kniha H. , Milz S. , Bormann K.
Published: August 2011

Objectives: To compare the bone tissue response to surface‐modified zirconia (ZrO2) and titanium implants.

Methods: Cylindrical low‐pressure injection moulded zirconia (ZrO2) implants were produced with an acid‐etched surface. Titanium implants with identical shape, sandblasted and acid‐etched surface (SLA) served as controls. Eighteen adult miniature pigs received both implant types in the maxilla 6 months after extraction of the canines and incisors. The animals were euthanized after 4, 8 and 12 weeks and 16 zirconia and 18 titanium implants with the surrounding tissue were retrieved, embedded in methylmethacrylate and stained with Giemsa–Eosin. The stained sections were digitized and histomorphometrically analysed with regard to peri‐implant bone density (bone volume/total volume) and bone–implant contact (BIC) ratio. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney' U‐test.

Results: Histomorphometrical analysis showed direct osseous integration for both materials. ZrO2 implants revealed mean peri‐implant bone density values of 60.4% (SD ± 9.9) at 4 weeks, 65.4% (SD ± 13.8) at 8 weeks, and 63.3% (SD ± 21.5) at 12 weeks after implantation, whereas Ti‐SLA implants demonstrated mean values of 61.1% (SD ± 6.2), 63.6% (SD ± 6.8) and 68.2% (SD ± 5.8) at corresponding time intervals. Concerning the BIC ratio, the mean values for ZrO2 ranged between 67.1% (SD ± 21.1) and 70% (SD ± 14.5) and for Ti‐SLA between 64.7% (SD ± 9.4) and 83.7% (SD ± 10.3). For the two parameters investigated, no significant differences between both types of implants could be detected at any time point.

Conclusion: The results indicate that there was no difference in osseointegration between ZrO2 implants and Ti‐SLA controls regarding peri‐implant bone density and BIC ratio.

To cite this article: Gahlert M, Roehling S, Sprecher CM, Kniha H, Milz S, Bormann K. In vivo performance of zirconia and titanium implants: a histomorphometric study in mini pig maxillae. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012; 281–286. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02157.x
Stability of cp‐Ti and Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy for dental implants as a function of saliva pH – an electrochemical study
Authors: Barão Valentim A. R. , Mathew Mathew T. , Assunção Wirley Gonçalves , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Wimmer Markus A. , Sukotjo Cortino
Published: August 2011

Objectives

To investigate the role of different levels of pH of artificial saliva under simulated oral environment on the corrosion behavior of commercially pure titanium (cp‐Ti) and Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy. Special attention is given to understand the changes in corrosion kinetics and surface characterization of Ti by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Materials and methods

Fifty‐four Ti disks (15‐mm diameter, 2‐mm thickness) were divided into six groups (n = 9) as a function of saliva pH (3, 6.5, and 9) and Ti type. Samples were mechanically polished using standard metallographic procedures. Standard electrochemical tests, such as open circuit potential, EIS, and potentiodynamic tests were conducted in a controlled environment. Data were evaluated by two‐way ANOVA, Tukey multiple comparison test, and independent t‐test (α = 0.05). Ti surfaces were examined using white‐light‐interferometry microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

Saliva pH level significantly affected the corrosion behavior of both Ti types. At low pH, acceleration of ions exchange between Ti and saliva, and reduction of resistance of Ti surface against corrosion were observed (P < 0.05). Corrosion rate was also significantly increased in acidic medium (P < 0.05). Similar corrosion behavior was observed for both Ti types. The white‐light‐interferometry images of Ti surfaces show higher surface changes at low pH level. SEM images do not show detectable changes. No pitting corrosion was observed for any group.

Conclusions

The pH level of artificial saliva influences the corrosion behavior of cp‐Ti and Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy in that lower pH accelerates the corrosion rate and kinetics. The corrosion products may mitigate the survival rate of dental implants.
Hyperacidification of Trans‐Golgi Network and Endo/Lysosomes in Melanocytes by Glucosylceramide‐Dependent V‐ATPase Activity
Authors: van der Poel Seléne , Wolthoorn Jasja , van den Heuvel Dave , Egmond Maarten , Groux‐Degroote Sophie , Neumann Sylvia , Gerritsen Hans , van Meer Gerrit , Sprong Hein
Published: August 2011

Sphingolipids are considered to play a key role in protein sorting and membrane trafficking. In melanocytic cells, sorting of lysosomal and melanosomal proteins requires the sphingolipid glucosylceramide (GlcCer). This sorting information is located in the lumenal domain of melanosomal proteins. We found that two processes dependent on lumenal pH, protein sialylation and lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) activity were aberrant in GM95 melanocyte cells, which do not produce glycosphingolipids. Using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), we found that the lumenal pH in the trans‐Golgi network and lysosomes of wild‐type melanocyte MEB4 cells are >1 pH unit lower than GM95 cells and fibroblasts. In addition to the lower pH found in vivo, the in vitro activity of the proton pump, the vacuolar‐type H+‐translocating ATPase (V‐ATPase), was twofold higher in MEB4 compared to GM95 cells. The apparent Ki for inhibition of the V‐ATPase by concanamycin A and archazolid A, which share a common binding site on the c‐ring, was lower in glycosphingolipid‐deficient GM95 cells. No difference between the MEB4 and GM95 cells was found for the V‐ATPase inhibitors apicularen A and salicylihalimide. We conclude that hyperacidification in MEB4 cells requires glycosphingolipids and propose that low pH is necessary for protein sorting and melanosome biogenesis. Furthermore, we suggest that glycosphingolipids are indirectly involved in protein sorting and melanosome biogenesis by stimulating the proton pump, possibly through binding of GlcCer. These experiments establish, for the first time, a link between pH, glycosphingolipids and melanosome biogenesis in melanocytic MEB4 cells, to suggest a role for glycosphingolipids in hyperacidification in melanocytes.
Accurate Quantification of Diffusion and Binding Kinetics of Non‐integral Membrane Proteins by FRAP
Authors: Berkovich Ronen , Wolfenson Haguy , Eisenberg Sharon , Ehrlich Marcelo , Weiss Matthias , Klafter Joseph , Henis Yoav I. , Urbakh Michael
Published: August 2011

Non‐integral membrane proteins frequently act as transduction hubs in vital signaling pathways initiated at the plasma membrane (PM). Their biological activity depends on dynamic interactions with the PM, which are governed by their lateral and cytoplasmic diffusion and membrane binding/unbinding kinetics. Accurate quantification of the multiple kinetic parameters characterizing their membrane interaction dynamics has been challenging. Despite a fair number of approximate fitting functions for analyzing fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) data, no approach was able to cope with the full diffusion–exchange problem. Here, we present an exact solution and matlab fitting programs for FRAP with a stationary Gaussian laser beam, allowing simultaneous determination of the membrane (un)binding rates and the diffusion coefficients. To reduce the number of fitting parameters, the cytoplasmic diffusion coefficient is determined separately. Notably, our equations include the dependence of the exchange kinetics on the distribution of the measured protein between the PM and the cytoplasm, enabling the derivation of both kon and koff without prior assumptions. After validating the fitting function by computer simulations, we confirm the applicability of our approach to live‐cell data by monitoring the dynamics of GFP‐N‐Ras mutants under conditions with different contributions of lateral diffusion and exchange to the FRAP kinetics.
Nutritional status and cognitive performance of mother–child pairs in Sidama, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Bogale Alemtsehay , Stoecker Barbara J. , Kennedy Tay , Hubbs‐Tait Laura , Thomas David , Abebe Yewelsew , Hambidge K. Michael
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status and cognitive performance of women and their 5‐year‐old children using a cross‐sectional design. Cognitive performance of mothers and children was assessed with Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) and Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children‐II (KABC‐II). Demographic characteristics, food consumption patterns and anthropometry were also measured. Four rural districts in Sidama, southern Ethiopia served as the setting for this study. Subjects were one hundred women and their 5‐year‐old children. Mean ± standard deviation age of the mothers was 29 ± 6 years and family size was 7.0 ± 2.6. Maternal body mass index (BMI) ranged from 15.3 to 29.0 with 14% of the mothers having BMI < 18.5. Anthropometric assessment of children revealed 29% to be stunted (height‐for‐age z‐score < −2) and 12% to be underweight (weight‐for‐age z‐score < −2). Mothers' education significantly contributed to prediction of both mothers' and children's cognitive test scores. There were significant differences in mean cognitive test scores between stunted and non‐stunted, and between underweight and normal‐weight children. Height‐for‐age z‐scores were correlated with scores for short‐term memory (r = 0.42, P < 0.001), and visual processing (r = 0.42, P < 0.001) indices and weight‐for‐age z‐scores were also correlated with scores of short‐term memory (r = 0.41, P < 0.001) and visual processing (r = 0.43, P < 0.001) indices. Malnutrition in the community likely contributed to the cognitive performance of the subjects. Performance on memory and visual processing tasks was significantly lower in children with growth deficits suggesting that efficient and cost effective methods to alleviate malnutrition and food insecurity would impact not only child health but also cognitive function.
Structural characterization of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme in complex with a selenium analogue of captopril
Authors: Akif Mohd , Masuyer Geoffrey , Schwager Sylva L. U. , Bhuyan Bhaskar J. , Mugesh Govindasamy , Isaac R. Elwyn , Sturrock Edward D. , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: August 2011

Human somatic angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE), a zinc‐dependent dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase, is central to the regulation of the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system. It is a well‐known target for combating hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. In a recent study by Bhuyan and Mugesh [Org. Biomol. Chem. (2011) 9, 1356–1365], it was shown that the selenium analogues of captopril (a well‐known clinical inhibitor of ACE) not only inhibit ACE, but also protect against peroxynitrite‐mediated nitration of peptides and proteins. Here, we report the crystal structures of human testis ACE (tACE) and a homologue of ACE, known as AnCE, from Drosophila melanogaster in complex with the most promising selenium analogue of captopril (SeCap) determined at 2.4 and 2.35 Å resolution, respectively. The inhibitor binds at the active site of tACE and AnCE in an analogous fashion to that observed for captopril and provide the first examples of a protein–selenolate interaction. These new structures of tACE–SeCap and AnCE–SeCap inhibitor complexes presented here provide important information for further exploration of zinc coordinating selenium‐based ACE inhibitor pharmacophores with significant antioxidant activity.

Database
 Structural data for the two SeCap complexes with ACE and AnCE have been deposited with the RCSB Protein Data Bank under the codes 2YDM and 3ZQZ, respectively.
The Role of Testosterone in Sexuality and Paraphilia—A Neurobiological Approach. Part I: Testosterone and Sexuality
Authors: Jordan Kirsten , Fromberger Peter , Stolpmann Georg , Müller Jürgen Leo
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Antiandrogen therapy has been used for 30 years to treat paraphilic patients and sexual offenders. Yet the therapeutic success of antiandrogens is uncertain. Furthermore, there is still a lack of comprehensive knowledge about the effects of androgen-lowering therapy in paraphilic patients.

Aim

This article reviews current neurobiological and clinical knowledge about testosterone and its impact on sexuality, acquired from animal and human basic research. This knowledge may not only enhance our understanding of the great variability of the therapeutic outcome, but could also offer new opportunities to evaluate the effect of androgen-lowering therapy in paraphilia.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the human and animal literature is presented, considering the classical and non-classical mechanisms of androgens and the androgen brain receptors. Furthermore, the clinical evidence about the impact of testosterone on human sexual behavior is discussed. These are integrated into two current neurobiological theories of sexual behavior, the four-component model and the dual-control model.

Results

The wide distribution of androgen receptors throughout the whole brain and their numerous mechanisms demonstrate that androgens can modulate almost every aspect of sexual behavior—i.e., not only autonomic functions, but also emotional, motivational, and cognitive aspects. Furthermore, testosterone participates in excitatory and inhibitory processes of sexual functions by modulating the activity of mainly dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems.

Conclusions

Using the data presented, we combine the two models and present a new integrated approach to understand the role of testosterone in the excitation and inhibition of sexual function, at the neurochemical, neuroanatomical, and behavioral levels. This knowledge will help us to gain a better understanding of the few and inconsistent data that are currently available concerning (i) the association between testosterone and paraphilic behavior; and (ii) the highly variable effects of antiandrogen therapy, discussed in Part II of this review.
Expression and Distribution of Phosphodiesterase Isoenzymes in the Human Seminal Vesicles
Authors: Ückert Stefan , Waldkirch Eginhard S. , Sonnenberg Joachim E. , Sandner Peter , Kuczyk Markus A. , Hedlund Petter
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes have been shown to play a role in the control of human male genital tissues. There are hints from basic research and clinical studies that PDE5 inhibitors may have the ability to retard the male ejaculatory response. While the expression of PDE isoenzymes in the human seminal vesicles (SVs) has been described, the distribution of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP)- and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-PDEs has not yet been investigated.

Aim

The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression and distribution of PDE isoenzymes PDE3A, PDE4 (isoforms A and B), PDE5A, and PDE11A in human SV tissue.

Methods

Using immunohistochemistry (double-labeling techniques, laser fluorescence microscopy), the occurrence of PDE3A, PDE4A, PDE4B, PDE5A, and PDE11A, the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) was examined in sections of SV. Cytosolic supernatants prepared from isolated human SV tissue were subjected to Western blot analysis using specific anti-PDE antibodies.

Main Outcome Measure

The expression and distribution by of PDE3A, PDE4A, PDE4B, PDE5A, and PDE11A in the human SV were investigated by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.

Results

Immunosignals specific for PDE3A were seen in both the smooth muscle and the glandular epithelium, whereas staining for PDE4A, PDE5A, and PDE11A was mainly limited to epithelial cells. Varicose nerve fibers transversing the sections also presented staining for PDE3A. In nerve fibers and nerve endings, PDE4A and PDE4B were found co-localized with VIP; PDE5A-positive nerves also presented immunosignals specific for CGRP. The expression of said PDE isoenzymes was confirmed by Western blotting.

Conclusions

The results indicate that cyclic AMP- and cyclic GMP-PDE isoenzymes are involved in the control of secretory activity and efferent neurotransmission in the SV. These findings might be of importance with regard to the identification of new therapeutic avenues to treat premature ejaculation.
The Prevalence of the Components of Low Sexual Function and Associated Factors in Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Valadares Ana Lúcia Ribeiro , Pinto-Neto Aarão Mendes , de Souza Maria Helena , Osis Maria José Duarte , da Costa Paiva Lúcia Helena Simões
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Female sexual function depends on biological, psychological, and sociocultural contexts.

Aim

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of low levels of functioning in each of the sexual function domains (desire, arousal, and orgasm) and the factors associated with these phenomena, as well as to assess the frequency of sexual activity in this same sample population.

Methods

A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted using an anonymous self-response questionnaire completed by 378 Brazilian-born women of 40–65 years of age with 11 years or more of formal education. The evaluation instrument was based on the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of low sexual desire was 60.6%; low arousal, 37%; and low orgasmic function, 31.1%. Multiple regression analysis showed that having a sexual partner (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.69, confidence interval [CI] = 0.53–0.90) and nervousness (PR = 1.33, CI = 1.01–1.75) were factors associated with low sexual desire. Aging (PR = 1.04, CI = 1.02–1.06), having a sexual partner (PR = 0.57, CI = 0.41–0.81), feeling well/excellent (PR = 0.59, CI = 0.41–0.85), and having hot flashes (PR = 1.47, CI = 1.01 = 2.15) were factors found to be associated with low sexual arousal. Having a sexual partner (PR = 0.55, CI = 0.42–0.71), feeling well/excellent (PR = 0.68, CI = 0.49–0.94), and having hot flashes (PR = 2.08, CI = 1.43 = 3.04) were factors found to be associated with low sexual orgasmic function. Having a sexual partner (PR = 0.47, CI = 0.38–0.58), feeling well/excellent (PR = 0.78, CI = 0.69–0.89), and having hot flashes (PR = 1.15, CI = 1.05–1.26) were factors found to be associated with a frequency of sexual activity of once a week or less.

Conclusions

In this sample of middle-aged women, low sexual desire was the most prevalent sexual problem. These results highlight the importance of identifying and treating factors associated with each individual component of low female sexual function.
Effect of Niacin on Erectile Function in Men Suffering Erectile Dysfunction and Dyslipidemia
Authors: Ng Chi-Fai , Lee Chui-Ping , Ho Allen L. , Lee Vivian W.Y.
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Dyslipidemia is closely related to erectile dysfunction (ED). Evidence has shown that the lipid-lowering agent, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statins), can improve erectile function. However, information about the potential role of another class of lipid-lowering agent, niacin, is unknown.

Aim

To assess the effect of niacin alone on erectile function in patients suffering from both ED and dyslipidemia.

Methods

A single center prospective randomized placebo-controlled parallel-group trial was conducted. One hundred sixty male patients with ED and dyslipidemia were randomized in a one-to-one ratio to receive up to 1,500 mg oral niacin daily or placebo for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was the improvement in erectile function as assessed by question 3 and question 4 of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF Q3 and Q4). Secondary outcome measurements included the total IIEF score, IIEF-erectile function domain, and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score.

Results

From the overall analysis, the niacin group showed a significant increase in both IIEF-Q3 scores (0.53 ± 1.18, P < 0.001) and IIEF-Q4 scores (0.35 ± 1.17, P = 0.013) compared with baseline values. The placebo group also showed a significant increase in IIEF-Q3 scores (0.30 ± 1.16, P = 0.040) but not IIEF-Q4 scores (0.24 ± 1.13, P = 0.084). However, when patients were stratified according to the baseline severity of ED, the patients with moderate and severe ED who received niacin showed a significant improvement in IIEF-Q3 scores (0.56 ± 0.96 [P = 0.037] and 1.03 ± 1.20 [P < 0.001], respectively) and IIEF-Q4 scores (0.56 ± 1.03 [P = 0.048] and 0.84 ± 1.05 [P < 0.001], respectively] compared with baseline values, but not for the placebo group. The improvement in IIEF-EF domain score for severe and moderate ED patients in the niacin group were 5.28 ± 5.94 (P < 0.001) and 3.31 ± 4.54 (P = 0.014) and in the placebo group were 2.65 ± 5.63 (P < 0.041) and 2.74 ± 5.59 (P = 0.027), respectively. There was no significant improvement in erectile function for patients with mild and mild-to-moderate ED for both groups. For patients not receiving statins treatment, there was a significant improvement in IIEF-Q3 scores (0.47 ± 1.16 [P = 0.004]) for the niacin group, but not for the placebo group.

Conclusions

Niacin alone can improve the erectile function in patients suffering from moderate to severe ED and dyslipidemia.
Simulation of closed double‐sludge retention time anoxic‐oxic process in wastewater treatment: case study for a utility model process
Authors: Lin Zhe , Liu Suiqing
Published: August 2011

The ‘closed double‐sludge retention time anoxic‐oxic (SRT AO) process’ is a utility model designed by the Shanghai Urban Construction Design and Research Institute. It can quantitatively control the nitrification level by adjusting wastewater distribution and mixed sludge return during wastewater treatment, and can thus considerably reduce construction investment and operation costs. However, mixed sludge return from the sedimentation tank may dilute the concentration of nitrobacteria because the heterotrophic bacteria propagate faster. In this paper, the closed double‐SRT AO process was modelled and simulated based on its application at the Zhuyuan Second Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The distribution ratio was found to have a significant influence on the nitrobacteria's concentration but does not eliminate the existence of nitrobacteria in the system. Extension of sludge age enhanced the heterotrophic bacteria concentration and to a greater extent the nitrobacteria concentration, thus attenuated the dilution of nitrobacteria. Mixed liquid recycling showed little effect on nitrobacteria concentration. The closed double‐SRT AO process in Zhuyuan Second WWTP had enough capacity for complete nitrification, but the shortage of organic matter in the influent impeded the nitrogen removal.
A New Look at Chinese FDI in Australia
Authors: Drysdale Peter
Published: August 2011

Australia is China's largest destination for FDI, most of it directed to the resource sector. The scale and speed of the surge of Chinese investment into Australia, largely from state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), has raised the question of whether investments by SOEs require special scrutiny. In China, the question is about the treatment of Chinese investment compared with investment from other countries. Clearly, Australia has had a policy environment that is very open to foreign investment, including investment from China. Nevertheless, it is questionable whether measures recently introduced in Australia to review investment by SOEs will restrict Chinese access to the Australian market or encourage a change in the nature of investment projects. How will Chinese enterprises need to adjust to the disciplines and rules in foreign markets? Will the Chinese Government need to take the regulations of host countries like Australia into account in its supervision of SOEs? Australia remains more open to Chinese investment than any other country in the world. Although the issue of SOE investment raises important new questions for policy‐makers in Australia and other countries, Chinese investment in Australian resources is very beneficial and, with appropriate institutional and policy initiatives, will continue its strong growth.
Chinese Outward Direct Investment: Is There a China Model?
Authors: Huang Yiping , Wang Bijun
Published: August 2011

Chinese outward direct investment (ODI) appears to differ from that of advanced economies. Is there a unique China model? By reviewing industry distributions of ODI data for 2003–2009, we found that Chinese ODI was not concentrated in industries that performed well either in exporting or domestically. Statistical analyses also confirmed that traditional variables, such as market size, production cost and legal environment, did not impact Chinese investors' choice of location for ODI. Instead, investors selected places where they could either learn advanced technologies or secure stable commodity supplies. We have tentatively concluded that the main purpose of the China model of ODI has not been to expand production overseas but to strengthen industries at home.
The Effect of Hybrid Catfish Fingerling Prices on the Relative Profitability of Hybrid Channel Catfish
Authors: Kumar Ganesh , Engle Carole
Published: August 2011

Previous studies have indicated that the price premium charged for hybrid catfish fingerlings may be a significant factor in the adoption and profitability of hybrid catfish production. An enterprise budgeting simulation analysis was developed to compare costs, risk, and effect of hybrid fingerling costs. Feed, fingerling, and total costs ($/ha and $/kg) were highest for hybrid catfish production, intermediate for NWAC‐103, and lowest for normal channel catfish production. Net returns were highest for hybrid catfish production, but breakeven prices were also highest. Risk analysis showed that downside risk (risk of losing money) was higher for hybrid production for all farm sizes. Risk‐averse farmers would not select hybrid catfish at the mean fingerling values used in the analysis. However, at hybrid fingerling prices less than $0.0081/cm, hybrid catfish production was superior in profitability and breakeven cost of production. Thus, for hybrid catfish production to be preferred economically to normal channel catfish, the price premium for hybrid catfish fingerlings can be no more than 84% ($0.0037/cm) above that of normal channel catfish fingerlings and 57% ($0.0025/cm) above that of NWAC‐103 fingerling prices.
Hindutva as Praxis
Authors: Reddy Deepa
Published: August 2011

This article is the third and last in a series of three surveying research on Hindutva (Hindu nationalism or political Hinduism), focusing on praxis: processes by which hindutva is mobilized, operationalized, and made relatable to specific contexts. As hindutva’s influences expand to grassroots and diasporic contexts, mediated by discourses of rights, development, and cultures of multiculturalist ethnic assertions, hindutva becomes a mediating discourse in its own right. As such, it is sometimes a diffused logic and sometimes a clear point of reference, but always undeniably central to contemporary political practice at all levels. (The first essay in this series of three surveyed literature on seminal ideological articulations of hindutva, both historical and contemporary; the second examined prominent rhetorical constructions deployed to politically oppose hindutva).
Capturing Hindutva: Rhetorics and Strategies
Authors: Reddy Deepa
Published: August 2011

This article is the second of three in a series surveying research on Hindutva (Hindu nationalism or political Hinduism). Here I review prominent rhetorical characterizations and strategies that scholars have used to come to terms with and politically oppose Hindu religious politics, both in India and transnationally. The essay suggests that this literature represents a distinct approach to the study of hindutva that needs to be separated from other, less politically oriented studies. (The first essay in the series surveyed literature on seminal articulations of hindutva, both historical and contemporary; the third examines writings that take hindutva as a form of practice).
Hindutva: Formative Assertions
Authors: Reddy Deepa S.
Published: August 2011

This article is the first of three in a series surveying research on Hindutva (Hindu nationalism or political hinduism), focusing on seminal articulations that set the stage for later debates, and define the directions of later politics. I review accounts of hindutva’s ideological origins, from the pre‐independence racialist articulations to the humanist emphases of post‐independence years, to the strident culturalism of the 1990s. ‘Hindutva’ is formed through these successive phases of ideological assertion, as much as it precipitates and participates in a wider culture of identitarian assertions. The second essay of three focuses on prominent rhetorical constructions deployed to address hindutva polemically, and the third on hinduva as praxis.
Ecology and Contemporary Christian Theology
Authors: Bauman Whitney
Published: August 2011

This article explores contemporary shifts in eco‐theological thinking as they relate to the overall field of ‘religion and ecology/nature’. More specifically, this article looks not only at retrieving theological, biblical and ethical resources from Christianity to address contemporary ecological issues, but rather how meaning‐making practices are changed in the contemporary context of globalization and global climate change. How does globalization challenge concepts of meaning that claim universality? How does climate change challenge a separation between moral and natural ‘evil’? How do urban ecology and environmental justice challenge distinctions between humans, technology, and the rest of the natural world, and what might this mean for theological understandings of creation? In the end, these questions highlight an overall shift in theological thinking: moving from global understandings of the world toward planetary understandings.
Using Mechanical Turk to Obtain and Analyze English Acceptability Judgments
Authors: Gibson Edward , Piantadosi Steve , Fedorenko Kristina
Published: August 2011

The prevalent method in theoretical syntax and semantics research involves obtaining a judgment of the acceptability of a sentence/meaning pair, typically by just the author of the paper, sometimes with feedback from colleagues. The weakness of the traditional non‐quantitative single‐sentence/single‐participant methodology, along with the existence of cognitive and social biases, has the unwanted effect that claims in the syntax and semantics literature cannot be trusted. Even if most of the judgments in an arbitrary syntax/semantics paper can be substantiated with rigorous quantitative experiments, the existence of a small set of judgments that do not conform to the authors’ intuitions can have a large effect on the potential theories. Whereas it is clearly desirable to quantitatively evaluate all syntactic and semantic hypotheses, it has been time‐consuming in the past to find a large pool of naïve experimental participants for behavioral experiments. The advent of Amazon.com’s Mechanical Turk now makes this process very simple. Mechanical Turk is a marketplace interface that can be used for collecting behavioral data over the internet quickly and inexpensively. The cost of using an interface like Mechanical Turk is minimal, and the time that it takes for the results to be returned is very short. Many linguistic surveys can be completed within a day, at a cost of less than $50. In this paper, we provide detailed instructions for how to use our freely available software in order to (a) post‐linguistic acceptability surveys to Mechanical Turk; and (b) extract and analyze the resulting data.
Homesigners as Late Learners: Connecting the Dots from Delayed Acquisition in Childhood to Sign Language Processing in Adulthood
Authors: Morford Jill P. , Hänel‐Faulhaber Barbara
Published: August 2011

Language acquisition rarely begins at birth for deaf individuals. The consequences of linguistic isolation in early childhood have been investigated from two perspectives. One literature documents the gestural communication systems, called homesign, that deaf children generate prior to any exposure to language. A second literature contrasts the language processing abilities of deaf adults who did or did not have access to a signed language from birth. There is now ample evidence that late learners of a signed language exhibit processing deficits relative to native signers and second language signers, hearing or deaf. This article brings together the research from these two domains to explore why use of a homesign system during early childhood does not support sign language acquisition in adulthood in the way that a first language supports second language acquisition.
Austronesian: A Sleeping Giant?
Authors: Blust Robert
Published: August 2011

The Austronesian (AN) language family contains nearly 20% of the world’s languages, and extends more than halfway around the globe, from Madagascar to Easter Island. The more than 1200 historically attested languages in this family are descended from an ancestor that probably was spoken on Taiwan between 5500 and 6000 years ago. In the course of the AN diaspora over a period of several millennia these languages have come into contact with many others, and because of both contact and internal dynamics of change, have developed a wide variety of innovative typological features. Despite the great potential that they offer the general typologist or theoretician, and the considerable quantity of specialist literature that now exists, AN languages have remained surprisingly marginal in generalist discussions of the nature of language and of language change.
Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Sastry Sudhir K. , Datta Ashim K. , Worobo Randy W.
Published: August 2011

Scope of Deliverables: This section covers information, where available, on microbial kinetics and relevant safety considerations when ultraviolet (UV) radiation is used for the purposes of food preservation. The section pays particular attention to the growing interest in using UV light to treat fruit juices, especially apple juice and cider. It does not include pulsed UV, which is being actively Investigated by Dr. Lagunas‐Solar and co‐workers at the University of Calif., Davis, nor does it address combinations of other alternative processing technologies with UV processing.
Pulsed X‐rays
Authors: Barbosa‐Canovas Gustavo V. , Schaffner Donald W. , Pierson Merle D. , Zhang. Q. Howard
Published: August 2011

Scope of Deliverables: This section reviews current applications of X‐ray technology for food processing. The advantages of X‐rays over other types of radiation are described. A study on the inactivation of Escherichia coli, a pathogen of concern, with pulsed X‐rays in ground meat is described. Little is known about the inactivation kinetics when X‐rays or pulsed X‐rays are used for microbial inactivation. Comprehensive research needs to be done to validate the potential use of X‐rays in food preservation.
The Health Significance of Positive Emotions in Adulthood and Later Life
Authors: Ong Anthony D. , Mroczek Daniel K. , Riffin Catherine
Published: August 2011

A growing body of literature supports a link between positive emotions and health in older adults. In this article, we review evidence of the effects of positive emotions on downstream biological processes and meaningful clinical endpoints, such as adult morbidity and mortality. We then present relevant predictions from lifespan theories that suggest changes in cognition and motivation may play an important role in explaining how positive emotions are well maintained in old age, despite pervasive declines in cognitive processes. We conclude by discussing how the application of psychological theory can inform greater understanding of the adaptive significance of positive emotions in adulthood and later life.
Three Views of Emotion Regulation and Health
Authors: Butler Emily A.
Published: August 2011

Humans are self‐regulating dynamic systems. Health represents an overall state of the system and emotions play a central role. Understanding emotion, self‐regulation, and health is complicated by the fact that emotion regulation can be conceptualized in at least three ways: (i) emotions can be seen as one component of a general self‐regulatory system that modifies our overall responses in the service of goal‐directed behavior, (ii) the emotion system itself operates through internal feedback processes that help to keep our physical and psychological systems in balance and within an optimal range of functioning, and (iii) emotions can become the target of self‐regulatory efforts. Each of these views of emotion regulation emphasizes somewhat different connections to health. This review considers the meanings of emotion, regulation, and health and presents research relevant to each of the three views of emotion regulation.
The Cultural Construction of Heterosexual Identities
Authors: Dean James Joseph
Published: August 2011

In this article, the author reviews current scholarship on the cultural construction of heterosexual identities. Specifically, this article examines current research on how heterosexual identities are (i) central to the production of the ritual practices of marriages, weddings and high school proms; (ii) ever more salient due to increases in lesbian and gay visibility in America; and (iii) formed through their relationship with constructions of masculinity and discourses of homophobia. Finally, I briefly discuss new scholarship on queer heterosexualities as a way to illustrate how queer cultural studies are influencing the field of sexualities studies more generally.