bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age at maturity in cavies and guinea‐pigs (Cavia aperea and Cavia aperea f. porcellus): influence of social factors
Authors: Trillmich F. , Laurien‐Kehnen C. , Adrian A. , Linke S.
Published: February 2006

Age at maturity, a particularly important parameter in the life history of small mammals, contributes greatly to fitness. Social influences on age at maturity have been demonstrated for altricial rodents, in particular, mice. Nothing is known about such effects in precocial small mammals. Wild cavies Cavia aperea are born in a highly precocial state and mature early in life, briefly after weaning. We investigated whether the wild cavy C. aperea and the domestic guinea‐pig Cavia aperea f. porcellus reach maturity earlier in the presence of adults of the opposite sex. Juvenile females kept in pairs without males showed first vaginal opening (=oestrus) when 59 days old in cavies and at about 40 days in the guinea‐pig. However, in the company of adult males, cavy females kept in pairs reached maturity when about 30 days old, and guinea‐pig females when 26 days old. Most cavy females experienced successful pregnancy following first vaginal opening. In cavies, female mass at birth and at first oestrus was not correlated with age at first oestrus. In guinea‐pigs, birth mass predicted age at maturity only when a male was present. The growth rate from birth to first oestrus related to age at first oestrus. In the wild cavy, the presence of a male appeared to influence maturation more between days 25 and 30 than earlier in life. Male C. aperea matured and had fully descended testes when about 65–70 days old. All male cavies produced abundant motile sperm from day 75. First successful copulations occurred at about the same age. Surprisingly, the priming effect of the presence of an adult male on female maturation proved stronger in these highly precocial caviomorphs than in altricial rodents investigated so far.
Conservation implications of midden selection and use in an endangered gazelle (Gazella gazella)
Authors: Attum O. , Eason P. , Wakefield S.
Published: February 2006

This study examines midden selection and use by mountain gazelles Gazella gazella in central Saudia Arabia and the implications of middens (dung piles) for the conservation of this species. Specifically, we tested poachers' claims that mountain gazelles are easy to kill because midden use was predictable and conspicuous. We found that midden selection in mountain gazelles is non‐random, with middens typically located at the base of the most conspicuous and largest trees, although the choice of midden sites is also influenced by tree species. Middens clearly have olfactory importance; the majority of mountain gazelles that visited middens were observed sniffing the ground. Mountain gazelles visit middens at night, which corroborates poachers' claims that the animals are easily hunted at night through spotlighting. Although the use of open habitats that are accessible to automobiles makes gazelles vulnerable to hunting and being run down, our data suggest that midden use is also an attribute that makes gazelles susceptible to hunting. Poachers can locate gazelles because of middens' predictable locations, as they are placed at prominent landmarks, are visually conspicuous as large dung piles, and are visited at night, which allows the animals to be found through spotlighting. Other taxa that use predictable and prominent landmarks, or communicate through visually conspicuous methods could also be susceptible to poaching.
A new technique for the surgical management of urinary incontinence after obstetric fistula repair
Authors: Browning A
Published: February 2006

Obstetric vesicovaginal fistula is a debilitating injury still occurring widely throughout the developing world. Fortunately, now more and more surgeons are becoming aware of this previously hidden problem, and many thousands of women are receiving treatment each year. What is difficult for the fistula surgeon are those women, who after having their vesicovaginal fistula successfully closed, return to their doctor, still just as incontinent as they were with the fistula still open. This study describes a new, simple and cheap surgical procedure that promises to improve the lot of these unfortunate women.
Membrane sweeping and prevention of post‐term pregnancy in low‐risk pregnancies: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: De Miranda E , Van Der Bom JG , Bonsel GJ , Bleker OP , Rosendaal FR
Published: February 2006

Objective  To evaluate the effectiveness of membrane sweeping at 41 weeks for the prevention of post‐term pregnancy.

Design  A multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Setting  Fifty‐one primary care midwifery practices in the Netherlands.

Population  A total of 742 low‐risk pregnant women at 41 weeks of gestation.

Methods  Participants were randomly assigned to serial sweeping of the membranes (every 48 hours until labour commenced up to 42 weeks of gestation) or no intervention.

Main outcome measures  Post‐term pregnancy (≥42 weeks). Subgroup analyses were performed on nulliparous and parous women. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects.

Results  Serial sweeping of the membranes at 41 weeks decreased the risk of post‐term pregnancy (87/375 [23%] versus 149/367 [41%]; relative risk [RR] 0.57, 95% CI 0.46–0.71; number needed to treat [NNT] 6 [95% CI 4–9]). Benefits were also seen in both subgroups (nulliparous: 57/198 [29%] versus 89/192 [46%]; RR 0.62 [95% CI 0.48–0.81]; NNT 6 [95% CI 4–12] and parous: 30/177 [17%] versus 60/175 [34%]; RR 0.49 [95% CI 0.34–0.73]; NNT 6 [95% CI 4–6]). Adverse effects were similar in both the groups except for uncomplicated bleeding, which was reported more frequently in the sweeping group. Other obstetric outcomes and indicators of neonatal morbidity were similar in both groups. There were two perinatal deaths in each group.

Conclusions  Membrane sweeping at 41 weeks can substantially reduce the proportion of women with post‐term pregnancy.
An interpretive phenomenological method for illuminating the meaning of caring relationship
Authors: Berg Linda , Skott Carola , Danielson Ella
Published: February 2006

This study is a part of a larger project in which the aim is to illuminate the meaning of the caring relationship between patients and nurses in daily nursing practice. Empirical studies in this area inspired from the interpretive phenomenological method are not commonly used. The aim of this paper is to describe how an interpretive phenomenological method was used to illuminate the meaning of the phenomenon caring relationship in daily nursing practice. Data were collected during 16 nursing care proceedings using participant observation with field notes, and in addition to that two interviews, one patient and one nurse. The interpretation moved back and forth between the whole and the parts in a dialectic process. Initial interpretive understanding of interviews and field notes, meaning units and comprehensive understanding were presented. Themes from the patient's interviews were competence, lack of continuity, strain and vulnerability. Themes from the nurse's interviews were competence and striving. Themes from the field notes were interactions towards a goal. The use of interpretive phenomenology offered an opportunity for learning to understand the meaning of the phenomenon caring relationship in daily nursing practice with both strengths and limitations. This study gave an understanding of the phenomenon through the illumination of the patient's and the nurse's thoughts, feelings and actions in the nursing care proceedings that led to a more profound knowledge about how they together create an encounter through their unique competence.
Foreign language teaching – a modern building on historical foundations1
Authors: Hüllen Werner
Published: February 2006

During the 20th century, the teaching and learning of foreign languages has gained an unprecedented importance. This pertains mainly to English in its world‐wide use, but also to other national languages. The question is discussed of whether new vernaculars are to be taught merely as the instrument of communication, i.e. in a practical sense, or whether further‐reaching pedagogical goals should be envisaged. During the 19th and 20th centuries, educators in Germany discussed this issue heatedly with reference to the teaching of Greek and Latin vs the teaching of French and English. Using these thought‐provoking discussions, the idea is floated that foreign language teaching should always include reflecting on the respective culture in which the language is embedded and on the general rules and conventions which guide its use.
The development of secondary discourse ability and metalinguistic awareness in second language learners
Authors: Francis Norbert
Published: February 2006

Research on the development of language proficiency associated with academic discourse and literacy learning is reviewed. Bilingualism and L2 learning are considered as a point of reference to help formulate the following research questions for future investigation: What are the components that together make up literacy‐related academic proficiency? Sequential bilingualism provides for a useful perspective on this question because in L2 learning the different components appear to develop at varying rates in relation to each other, revealing imbalances that shed light on how aspects of language knowledge and information processing might be represented and on how they are deployed in actual language use. Which aspects of literacy‐related academic proficiency are not language‐specific, and how do bilinguals access requisite knowledge and processing components in L2 literacy learning?
Geographic Variation in the Prescription of Schedule II Opioid Analgesics among Outpatients in the United States
Authors: Curtis Lesley H. , Stoddard Jennifer , Radeva Jasmina I. , Hutchison Steve , Dans Peter E. , Wright Alan , Woosley Raymond L. , Schulman Kevin A.
Published: February 2006

Objective. To measure geographic variation in opioid use in a large, commercially insured, outpatient population in the United States.

Data Sources. Outpatient prescription drug claims database of a national pharmaceutical benefit manager for 7,873,337 subjects with at least one prescription drug claim in 2000.

Study Design. We measured the period prevalence of claims for opioid analgesics and controlled‐release oxycodone at the state level. We measured geographic variation using the weighted coefficient of variation and systematic component of variation. In county‐level multivariable regression, we explored associations between potential explanatory variables and claims for opioid analgesics and controlled‐release oxycodone.

Principal Findings. A total of 567,778 (64.2 per 1,000 total claims) were for oral opioid analgesics. Claim rates by state ranged from <20 to >100 claims per 1,000 total claims. States with long‐standing prescription monitoring programs had among the lowest rates. In the county‐level data, presence of a statewide prescription monitoring program and proportions of the population aged 15–24 and 65 years and older were independently and negatively associated with claim rates for all opioid analgesics. Surgeons per 1,000, proportion of the population reporting illicit drug use, and proportion who were female were independently and positively associated with claim rates for all opioid analgesics. Only the proportion of the population aged 25–34 and number of surgeons per 1,000 were independently and positively associated with claim rates for oxycodone.

Conclusions. Claim rates for opioid analgesics vary significantly by state. Presence of a statewide prescription monitoring program is associated with lower claim rates at the county level. Future research should use individual‐level data to assess whether these findings reflect a reduction in abuse and diversion or suboptimal treatment of pain.
Contemporary Art and the Role of Interpretation: Reflections from Tate Modern's Summer Institute for Teachers
Authors: Charman Helen , Ross Michaela
Published: February 2006

Recent research indicates that the taught curriculum in art and design secondary school education pays scant attention to meaning‐making in visual art. This article explores possibilities for teaching interpretation through a report on an action‐research project based on Tate Modern's Summer Institute for Teachers. In doing so it argues for the value and necessity of interpretation as a taught skill.
Moving Minds
Authors: Parker Terry , Hiett Sandra , Marley Donna
Published: February 2006

This paper explores and examines a case study based at Ivy Bank Business and Enterprise College, The Imperial War Museum North, and Liverpool John Moores University. This collaboration took place from November 2004 until February 2005 culminating in an exhibition of children's artwork as part of the ‘Moving Minds’ project at the IWM North.

This project was built upon a firm foundation of common goals; an investment in educational and curriculum development; learning through an engagement with contemporary art practice; learning within the context of the museum and a belief that working collaboratively can act as an effective antidote to a perceived orthodoxy in art and design education (Steers 2004).

Through practitioner enquiry this paper presents three distinct perspectives. The voice of the trainee teacher, the classroom teacher and the university lecturer demonstrate both elements of commonality and difference within the shared experience of this enterprise.
Relation Between Benchmark Dose and No‐Observed‐Adverse‐Effect Level in Clinical Research: Effects of Daily Alcohol Intake on Blood Pressure in Japanese Salesmen
Authors: Dakeishi Miwako , Murata Katsuyuki , Tamura Akiko , Iwata Toyoto
Published: February 2006

The benchmark dose (BMD) is defined as the dose that corresponds to a specific change in an adverse response compared to the response in unexposed subjects, and the lower 95% confidence limit is termed the benchmark dose level (BMDL). In this study, the threshold of daily ethanol intake affecting blood pressure was calculated by both the BMD approach and multiple logistic regression analysis to clarify the relation between the BMDL and no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) and daily ethanol intake were explored in 1,100 Japanese salesmen. The SBP and DBP were positively related to daily ethanol intake (p < 0.001) when adjusting for possible confounders such as age, body mass index, and smoking status. The adjusted risk for hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg) increased significantly when daily ethanol intake exceeded 60 g/day, and the categorical dose of interest was 60.1–90 g/day. The BMDL and BMD of ethanol intake for increased SBP and DBP were estimated to be approximately 60 and 75 g/day, respectively. These findings suggest that the BMDL and BMD correspond to the NOAEL and lowest‐observed‐adverse‐effect level, respectively, if the sample number of clinical data is large enough to confirm the dose‐response association.
Animal Antibiotic Use and Human Health: No Expert Judgment is Needed to Determine that Reducing Cases Reduces Risk
Authors: Cox Louis Anthony
Published: February 2006

In his comments on our Rapid Risk Rating Technique (RRRT), Dr. Claycamp states that “Cox and Popken were silent on the pivotal expert judgment subsumed in their method: quality weights for illnesses caused by antimicrobial‐resistant and antimicrobial‐sensitive microbes are tacitly assumed to be equal.” However, contrary to this comment, we explicitly provide separate quality weights for antimicrobial‐resistant and antimicrobial‐sensitive illnesses (with different values, based on QALYs lost per illness, illustrated in our article). Thus, our model already addresses Dr. Claycamp's central concern. Moreover, since withdrawing macrolides and fluoroquinolones from use as animal antibiotics is projected to cause more of both types of illnesses—antimicrobial‐resistant and antimicrobial‐sensitive—than continuing to use them would, our conclusion that such withdrawals would be poor public health policy is completely robust to changes in the quality weights. Our human health impacts assessment is therefore indeed immune from the “expert judgments in risk management” discussed by Dr. Claycamp.
Scientific Peer Review to Inform Regulatory Decision Making: Leadership Responsibilities and Cautions
Authors: Patton Dorothy E. , Olin Stephen S.
Published: February 2006

The article offers insights on the peer‐review process as it relates to scientific and technical reports used to inform regulatory decisions. Used effectively, peer review is a powerful tool for advising organizational leaders whether the scientific foundations of their decisions can be expected to withstand scrutiny as rule‐making products move through interagency reviews, public comment and stakeholder processes, congressional oversight, and judicial review. The emphasis is “heads up” rather than “how to.” That is, without delving into myriad technical and administrative details, the discussion highlights nine fundamental “leadership responsibilities” that determine the nature and course of peer review.
Acute Success and Persistence of Bidirectional Conduction Block in the Cavotricuspid Isthmus One Month Post Cryocatheter Ablation of Common Atrial Flutter
Authors: KUNISS MALTE , KURZIDIM KLAUS , GREISS HARALD , BERKOWITSCH ALEXANDER , SPERZEL JOHANNES , HAMM CHRISTIAN , PITSCHNER HEINZ FRIEDRICH
Published: February 2006

Introduction: Cryoablation is successful in the treatment of common atrial flutter. Long‐term clinical success is mainly dependent on persistence of bidirectional conduction block (BCB) in the inferior cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI). Only few data on persistence of BCB post cryoablation with the reported technique are available. This prospective study aimed to test efficacy of cryo energy and persistence of BCB in the CTI 1 month post cryoablation.

Methods: Cryoablation of the CTI was performed in 50 consecutive patients (64 ± 12 years, 40 males) with symptomatic common atrial flutter using a novel 9 Fr 8‐mm‐tip catheter. BCB in the CTI 30 minutes following the final cryoapplication was the ablation endpoint. Thirty days post ablation, persistence of BCB was controlled by repeat electrophysiological study (EPS).

Results: In all patients BCB was achieved with a mean of 9 (IQR 7–17.5) cryo applications and a mean cryo time of 2,378 seconds (IQR 1,680–3,474 seconds). In 5 of 50 patients, common atrial flutter recurred within 1 month post cryoablation. In 30 of 32 recurrence‐free patients, persistence of BCB was verified. In 2 patients, resumption of isthmus conduction was detectable. Including relapses, 81.1% of patients (30/37) showed persistence of BCB. No patients reported pain during cryoapplication. No procedural complications were observed.

Conclusions: Cryoablation of the CTI using a large‐tip catheter is feasible and safe in the treatment of common atrial flutter. Acute and short‐term success rates are comparable to those reported for radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Besides short‐term clinical success, the persistence of BCB demonstrates efficacy of the cryoablation technique.
Long‐Term Outcome of Right and Left Atrial Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: BERTAGLIA EMANUELE , STABILE GIUSEPPE , SENATORE GAETANO , TURCO PIETRO , DONNICI GIOVANNI , DE SIMONE ANTONIO , FAZZARI MASSIMO , ZERBO FRANCESCA , PASCOTTO PIETRO
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To investigate the clinical outcome of right and left atrial radiofrequency ablation after the first 12 months in patients with drug‐refractory persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), and to identify predictors of long‐term success.

Methods: We analyzed the clinical outcome of 74 consecutive patients with a follow‐up >12 months who underwent right and left atrial ablation for persistent AF. Patients who did not present symptomatic or asymptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) lasting >30 seconds after the first 3 months of follow‐up were defined responders to pulmonary veins ablation.

Results: After a mean follow‐up of 20.2 ± 6.3 months (12–36), 52/74 (70%) patients were deemed responders. AT relapsed within the first 12 months in 19/74 (26%) patients (17 AF and 2 left atrial flutter). Among those patients who did not relapse within the first 12 months, only 3 patients (5%) presented AF after the first year of follow‐up. At the multivariate analysis presence of early AT relapse and history of AF >7 years inversely correlated with a successful long‐term clinical outcome.

Conclusion: Right and left atrial ablation, alone or in association with antiarrhythmic drugs, prevented AT relapses in 70% of patients with drug‐refractory persistent AF also after the first 12 months. Presence of AT relapse within the first 3 months and history of AF >7 years identified patients with a lower probability of successful long‐term clinical outcome.
Innovative Techniques for Placement of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Leads in Patients with Limited Venous Access to the Heart
Authors: CANNON BRYAN C. , FRIEDMAN RICHARD A. , FENRICH ARNOLD L. , FRASER CHARLES D. , McKENZIE E. DEAN , KERTESZ NAOMI J.
Published: February 2006

Background: Because of venous occlusion, intracardiac shunting, previous surgery, or small size placement of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads may not be possible using traditional methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and describe innovative methods of placing ICD leads.

Methods: The records of all patients undergoing ICD implantation at our institution were reviewed to identify patients with nontraditional lead placement. Indications for ICD, method of lead and coil placement, defibrillation thresholds, complications, and follow‐up results were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: Eight patients (aged 11 months to 29 years) were identified. Six patients with limited venous access to the heart (four extracardiac Fontan, one bidirectional Glenn, one 8 kg 11‐month‐old) underwent surgical placement of an ICD coil directly into the pericardial sac. A second bipolar lead was placed on the ventricle for sensing and pacing. Two patients with difficult venous access had a standard transvenous ICD lead inserted directly into the right atrium (transatrial approach) and then positioned into the ventricle. All patients had a defibrillation threshold of <20 J, although one patient required placement of a second coil due to an elevated threshold. There have been no complications and two successful appropriate ICD discharges at follow‐up (median 22 months, range 5–42 months).

Conclusions: Many factors may prohibit transvenous ICD lead placement. Nontraditional surgical placement of subcutaneous ICD leads on the pericardium or the use of a transatrial approach can be effective techniques in these patients. These procedures can be performed at low risk to the patient with excellent defibrillation thresholds.
Prevalence and predictors of depression in populations of elderly: a review
Authors: Djernes J. K.
Published: February 2006

Objective:  To offer an update on prevalence and predictors of old age depression in populations of elderly Caucasians.

Method:  The databases MEDLINE and Psychinfo were searched and relevant literature from 1993 onwards was reviewed.

Results:  The prevalence of major depression ranges from 0.9% to 9.4% in private households, from 14% to 42% in institutional living, and from 1% to 16% among elderly living in private households or in institutions; and clinically relevant depressive symptom ‘cases’ in similar settings vary between 7.2% and 49%. The main predictors of depressive disorders and depressive symptom cases are: female gender, somatic illness, cognitive impairment, functional impairment, lack or loss of close social contacts, and a history of depression.

Conclusion:  Depression is frequent in populations of elderly. Methodological differences between the studies hinder consistent conclusions about geographical and cross‐cultural variations in prevalence and predictors of depression. Improved comparability will provide a basis for consistent conclusions.
A new system to detect residual subgingival calculus: in vitro detection limits
Authors: Meissner Grit , Oehme Bernd , Strackeljan Jens , Kocher Thomas
Published: February 2006

Aim: We recently introduced an experimental surface detection system based on a conventional dental ultrasonic scaler. This device automatically discriminates cementum and dental calculus, which is the prerequisite for complete and thorough calculus removal. In the present study, the detection limits of this device were tested in vitro.

Material and Methods: From 50 extracted teeth, subgingival calculus was gradually removed using a Gracey curette. During this stepwise procedure, detection properties of the surface detection system were continuously monitored and systematically verified until the system stopped discriminating calculus from the root surface. By measuring the diameter, circumference and area of the smallest, yet recognizable deposit, and of the no longer recognizable deposit, the cut‐off point of the discriminative capability of the detection device was determined.

Results: The cut‐off points for the correct classification of residual deposits averaged on a diameter of 219 μm, an area of 21,600 μm2, and a circumference of 748 μm. This means a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 80% in this critical area.

Conclusions: This calculus detection system was able to detect small deposits. In clinical practice, this device may support dentists in deciding whether to stop or to continue the debridement.
Clinical and radiological results of patients treated with two loading protocols for mandibular overdentures on Brånemark implants
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ilser
Published: February 2006

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of the unsplinted implants supporting mandibular overdenture when applying conventional or early loading protocols.

Material and Methods: Twenty‐six edentulous patients were treated with two unsplinted Brånemark System implants supporting mandibular overdenture. There was a test group, in which the overdenture was connected 1 week after surgery, and a control group, in which the overdenture was connected 3 months after surgery. Peri‐implant paremeters were recorded 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Clinical stability measurements were performed at surgery, and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Marginal bone levels were evaluated at implant surgery, after 6, and after 12 months.

Results: No implant from either group was lost. Clinical peri‐implant parameters, clinical stability measurements, and marginal bone resorptions showed no statistically significant differences between two groups during 12 months.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that one‐week of early loading protocol of two Brånemark implants supporting mandibular overdenture does not compromise implant stability, marginal bone loss, and peri‐implant soft‐tissue health.
Risk factors and prevalence of periodontitis in community‐dwelling elders in Mexico
Authors: Borges‐Yáñez S. Aída , Irigoyen‐Camacho María Esther , Maupomé Gerardo
Published: February 2006

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine whether an association existed between chronic systemic diseases/conditions, risk factors common in old age, and the extent and severity of chronic periodontal disease.

Materials and Methods: Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were examined by contrasting rural, urban‐marginal, and urban social environments in Central Mexico. Data were analysed with Analysis of Variance, χ2 tests, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: A total of 473 adults 60 years old and over were interviewed; 315 were also examined and underwent laboratory assays (participation rate, 66%); women, 62%; mean age 73±8 years; 23% edentulous. The distribution of periodontitis by sociodemographic variables showed differences across locales (73% low‐urban, 57% middle‐urban, 29% rural). The regression model indicated that periodontitis was more frequently associated with low‐urban locale, higher systolic blood pressure, higher body mass index, and worse calculus readings, with an interaction whereby being obese and having a high calculus index was associated with a high probability of having periodontitis.

Conclusions: Overall periodontal conditions were fair. While we identified oral, systemic, and social variables that modulated the experience of periodontitis, it would appear that urban, low social class elders appeared to have worse periodontal conditions.
Sexual Activity, Prevalence of Sexual Problems, and Associated Help-Seeking Patterns in Men and Women Aged 40–80 Years in Korea: Data from the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB)
Authors: Moreira Edson D. , Kim Sae-Chul , Glasser Dale , Gingell Clive
Published: February 2006

Introduction

Although there is considerable interest in the prevalence and impact of sexual problems worldwide, to date only male erectile dysfunction has been studied systematically in Asian countries.

Aim

To study the prevalence of sexual problems and associated help-seeking patterns, among mature adults in Korea and to compare the results with those obtained in other Southeast Asian and East Asian countries.

Methods

As part of the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB), a survey was conducted in Korea during 2001 and 2002. Sampling was based on an intercept methodology and 1,200 individuals (600 men and 600 women) aged 40–80 years completed the survey out of 3,691 eligible subjects (response rate of 32.5%).

Main Outcome Measures

General health, relationships, and sexual behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs.

Results

Ninety-one percent of men and 71% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the 12 months preceding the interview. Early ejaculation (33%) and erectile difficulties (32%) were the sexual problems most frequently reported by Korean men; these conditions were more common in Korea than in other Asian regions. Increasing age, physical inactivity, smoking, and prostate disease were significant correlates of erectile difficulties. The sexual problems most frequently reported by women in Korea were lack of sexual pleasure (37%) and inability to reach orgasm (31%). Only 2% of men and women in Korea had talked to a medical doctor about their sexual problems.

Conclusions

Middle-aged and older adults in Korea regard sex as an important part of life and report continued sexual activity. Several sexual problems are highly prevalent in this population, but very few individuals seek medical help for these disorders. This is largely due to believing that the problem is not serious, not being bothered by the problem, difficulties regarding access to or affordability of medical care, and/or a lack of awareness of available treatments.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Menopausal Women: A Survey of Western European Women
Authors: Dennerstein Lorraine , Koochaki Patricia , Barton Ian , Graziottin Alessandra
Published: February 2006

Introduction

The prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in menopausal women and the frequency of sexual activity, sexual behavior, and relationship or sexual satisfaction associated with HSDD have not been studied using validated instruments to identify women with HSDD.

Aims

To determine: (i) the prevalence of HSDD among women who have undergone hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy (surgical menopause) with that of premenopausal or naturally menopausal women; (ii) the relationship between low sexual desire and sexual activity and behavior; and (iii) the relationship between low sexual desire and sexual or partner relationship satisfaction.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey of 2,467 European women aged 20–70 years, resident in France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Measures were the Profile of Female Sexual Function© (PFSF©), Personal Distress Scale© (PDS©), and a sexual activities measure.

Outcome Measures

Clinically derived cutoff scores for the desire domain of the PFSF and the PDS were used, sequentially, to classify women as having low sexual desire and to further classify these women with low desire as distressed or nondistressed. Thus, women with HSDD had low sexual desire and were distressed by their low desire. The analysis population included 1,356 women who had current sexual partners and were surgically menopausal, regularly menstruating, or naturally postmenopausal.

Results

A greater proportion of surgically menopausal women had low sexual desire compared with premenopausal or naturally menopausal women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 1.9; P = 0.02). Surgically menopausal women were more likely to have HSDD than premenopausal or naturally menopausal women (OR = 2.1; CI = 1.4, 3.4; P = 0.001). Sexual desire scores and sexual arousal, orgasm, and sexual pleasure were highly correlated (P < 0.001), demonstrating that low sexual desire is frequently associated with decreased functioning in other aspects of sexual response. Women with low sexual desire were less likely to engage in sexual activity and more likely to be dissatisfied with their sex life and partner relationship than women with normal desire (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Surgically menopausal women are at increased risk for HSDD. HSDD is associated with diminished sexual and partner relationship satisfaction and negative emotional states.
The Effect of Ovariectomy on Rat Vaginal Tissue Contractility and Histomorphology
Authors: Önol F. Fatih , Ercan Feriha , Tarcan Tufan
Published: February 2006

Introduction

Ovarian hormones have an important role in age-related genital arousal disorders; however, our knowledge regarding possible vaginal wall morphology and contractility changes in low-hormonal states is limited.

Aims

To investigate morphological and functional alterations in the vaginal tissue in a rat ovariectomy model and to show the differences between proximal and distal vagina.

Methods

Six weeks following ovariectomy, vaginal tissues were examined under light and electron microscopy. Circularly cut distal and proximal tissues were studied in the organ bath under isometric tension and compared with age-matched controls. Contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS), phenylephrine, carbachol, and the effects of alpha-1 and alpha-2 blockade on EFS-induced contractility were investigated. Relaxation responses to EFS and vardenafil were investigated in precontracted strips.

Main Outcome Measures

Differences between control and ovariectomy groups in terms of vaginal tissue contractility and histomorphological properties.

Results

Distal vagina showed different epithelial characteristics and a better-developed muscularis compared with proximal vagina. Ovariectomy caused thinning of the epithelium, severe degeneration in epithelial architecture, and smooth muscle atrophy. Contraction and relaxation responses of distal strips were significantly lower in ovariectomized rats. Contractile responses to neuropharmacological stimulation were insignificant in proximal strips of both groups. EFS-induced contractions in distal strips diminished significantly after alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic blockade. EFS caused frequency-dependent relaxation responses in precontracted distal strips, which were significantly decreased after nitric oxide synthase inhibition.

Conclusions

Ovariectomy causes significant alteration in rat vaginal tissue morphology and contractility. Contraction and relaxation responses of distal vagina are significantly greater compared with morphologically distinct proximal vagina. Alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors are the main mediators of contraction in distal rat vaginal tissue whereas nitric oxide pathway may have at least a partial role in relaxation. Main mediators of the rat vaginal tissue relaxation and the effect of ovariectomy on this regulation are yet to be defined.
MULTIVARIATE DETERMINATION OF PROPYL GALLATE IN RBD PALM OLEIN USING PARTIAL LEAST SQUARES AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENT REGRESSION BASED ON FTIR SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: AMMAWATH W. , CHE MAN Y.B. , BAHARIN B.S. , ABDUL RAHMAN R.B.
Published: February 2006

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with transmission cell was used to determine propyl gallate (PG) in refined, bleached and deoderized (RBD) palm olein. Partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) methods coupled with the “leave‐one‐out” cross‐validation procedure were employed to construct the calibration models for predicting PG in the FTIR spectral region of 3707–3262 cm−1. The prediction capabilities of these calibration models were evaluated by comparing their standard errors of calibration and standard errors of prediction. The precision of this method was shown to be comparable to the accuracy of the method used by the International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry for the measurement of PG content in oil samples, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9921 for PLS and an R2of 0.9902 for PCR techniques. The results indicate that FTIR serves as a useful analytical tool for the determination of PG in RBD palm olein.
REGIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TOCOPHEROLS AND DISTRIBUTION OF FATTY ACIDS WITHIN SOYBEAN SEEDS (GLYCINE MAX L.)
Authors: YOSHIDA HIROMI , KANREI SAKI , TOMIYAMA YUKA , MIZUSHINA YOSHIYUKI
Published: February 2006

Seed coat, embryonic axis and sections of cotyledons in four soybean cultivars were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography for tocopherols, and by gas–liquid chromatography for acyl lipids and their fatty acid profiles. Tocopherols were predominantly detected in axis, followed by cotyledons and seed coat. With a few exceptions, dominant components were γ‐ and δ‐tocopherols, with much smaller amounts of α‐ and β‐tocopherols. However, α‐tocopherol was present in higher (P < 0.05) amounts in axis than in other tissues. Triacylglycerols were the major component of total lipids, respresenting 92.0% of cotyledons and 70.0% of axis or seed coat. Regardless of the soybean cultivar, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) were the major phospholipids in all tissues; PC was present in highest concentration followed by PE and PI. These results indicate that the differences in soybean cultivars can be predicted by determining the regional distribution of tocopherols and fatty acids within soybean component parts.
EFFECTS OF EMULSIFIERS ON CRYSTALLIZATION PROPERTIES OF LOW‐MELTING BLENDS OF PALM OIL AND OLEIN
Authors: MISKANDAR M.S. , CHE MAN Y.B. , ABDUL RAHMAN R. , NOR AINI I. , YUSOFF M.S.A.
Published: February 2006

The effects of sorbitan tristearate (STS) and soy lecithin on palm oil and on palm olein blends with low slip melting points for fluidized palm oil formulation, by temperature cycling, were studied. The dispersion of crystals in the liquid influenced the viscosity and the solid fat content (SFC) of the product at the end of the temperature cycling treatment. The fluidized palm oil formulations were melted at 80C. STS and lecithin were added; the formulation was cooled at 20C for 80 min, was heated at 30C for 45 min and was cooled again at 20C for 30 min to reproduce the production temperatures of fluid shortening. The crystal development, SFC and viscosity were determined. Fine crystal aggregates were produced using 0.09% STS and 0.03% lecithin. Generally, however, lecithin produced uniform crystal aggregates. Crystal growth in the absence of emulsifier was limited, while the addition of emulsifiers increased the growth. Lecithin produced higher SFC than STS at 0.03%. STS was a crystal inhibitor in blends with much lower melting triacylglycerol. Lecithin and STS had little effect on viscosity: 0.06 and 0.09%, respectively. Thus, emulsifiers could be useful agents for controlling crystallization in fluidized palm oil formulations.
Hecke Algebras of Classical Type and Their Representation Type
Authors: Ariki Susumu
Published: February 2006

This corrigendum supplies different proofs for those places in the original paper where a certain theorem by Rickard was used. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification 20C08, 20G05, 33D80
Analysis of Hydrodynamics and Heat Transfer in a Thin Liquid Film Flowing Over a Rotating Disk by the Integral Method
Authors: Basu S. , Cetegen B. M.
Published: February 2006

An integral analysis of hydrodynamics and heat transfer in a thin liquid film flowing over a rotating disk surface is presented for both constant temperature and constant heat flux boundary conditions. The model is found to capture the correct trends of the liquid film thickness variation over the disk surface and compare reasonably well with experimental results over the range of Reynolds and Rossby numbers covering both inertia and rotation dominated regimes. Nusselt number variation over the disk surface shows two types of behavior. At low rotation rates, the Nusselt number exhibits a radial decay with Nusselt number magnitudes increasing with higher inlet Reynolds number for both constant wall temperature and heat flux cases. At high rotation rates, the Nusselt number profiles exhibit a peak whose location advances radially outward with increasing film Reynolds number or inertia. The results also compare favorably with the full numerical simulation results from an earlier study as well as with the reported experimental results.
Effectiveness of a
Spiral-Plate Heat Exchanger With Equal Capacitance
Rates
Authors: Burmeister Louis
C.
Published: February 2006

A formula is derived for the dependence of heat exchanger effectiveness on the number of transfer units for a spiral-plate heat exchanger with equal capacitance rates. The difference-differential equations that describe the temperature distributions of the two counter-flowing fluids, neglecting the effects of thermal radiation, are solved symbolically to close approximation. Provision is made for the offset inlet and exit of the hot and cold fluids at the outer periphery and for large heat transfer coefficients in the entrance regions. The peak effectiveness and the number of transfer units at which it occurs are linear functions of the maximum angle of the Archimedean spiral that describes the ducts; entrance region effects reduce both.
Measurement of Total Hemispherical Emittance and Specific Heat of Aluminum and Inconel 718 by a Calorimetric Technique
Authors: Tanda Giovanni , Misale Mario
Published: February 2006

An apparatus for the measurement of the total hemispherical emittance and specific heat of metals has been developed. The measurement principle is based on the calorimetric technique: the sample, heated by Joule effect and placed in a vacuum chamber, exchanges radiative heat transfer with the walls of the container, kept at a relatively low temperature. Emittance is deduced from the radiative heat transfer laws at the steady state. When the heating power is switched off, the specific heat of the sample can be recovered from the time history of the sample temperature during the cooling transient. Measurements have been performed on samples of aluminum Anticorodal alloy and Inconel 718 alloy under different surface conditions in the 350-635K range.
Analysis of an Impinging Two-Dimensional Jet
Authors: Beitelmal A. H. , Shah A. J. , Saad M. A.
Published: February 2006

Heat transfer in jet impingement is a complicated phenomenon and a general analytical solution is not available. Typical jet impingement studies are conducted experimentally and best-fit correlations are proposed (Beitelmal, Saad, and Patel [2]; Beitelmal [3]; Beitelmal, Saad, and Patel [4]; Schauer and Eustis [7]; McMurray, Myers, and Uyehara [8], Gardon and Akfirat [9]). Separate solutions for the stagnation region and the wall jet region are then combined to determine the overall heat transfer solution for the impinging jet. In this paper, stagnation and wall jet region solutions for a two-dimensional jet normally impinging on a flat surface are developed using heat transfer relations available in the literature. These solutions are analyzed and compared to previous experimental results (Beitelmal, Saad, and Patel [2]; Beitelmal [3]). The potential flow assumption is used for the fluid dynamics analysis at the stagnation region. For the wall jet region, a comparison was achieved through consideration of the classical analytical solution for parallel flow over a flat plate. Analytical solutions as well as semiempirical solutions for the stagnation region and the wall jet reported by previous investigators were also considered. Predictions for heat transfer in the stagnation region using potential flow assumptions were found to be accurate to within 20%. For the wall jet region, previous correlations predicted by McMurray, Myers, and Uyehara [8] and Nizou [10] were found to be the most accurate. At large values of x∕D, the heat transfer properties in the wall jet are shown to be very similar to those of a turbulent boundary layer over a flat plate. Such a simplified analysis in different regions of an impinging jet using some basic fluid dynamics assumptions can greatly facilitate a prediction of the local Nusselt number.
A Film-Theory-Based Model for a Multicomponent Droplet Evaporation at Both Low- and High-Pressure Environments
Authors: Yao Guangfa
Published: February 2006

Modeling of a multicomponent droplet evaporation is investigated based on the film theory in both low- and high-pressure environments. Unlike the classical film theory, effects of blowing due to evaporation on gas-side heat and mass transfer are included through the film thicknesses. The corresponding gas-side heat and mass transfer equations are derived in terms of film thicknesses. In a high-pressure situation, the real gas behavior is considered. Based on the derived equations, a new model for multicomponent droplet evaporation is formulated and validated against the published data.
Comparison of Methods for Inverse Design of Radiant Enclosures
Authors: Daun Kyle , França Francis , Larsen Marvin , Leduc Guillaume , Howell John R.
Published: February 2006

A particular inverse design problem is proposed as a benchmark for comparison of five solution techniques used in design of enclosures with radiating sources. The enclosure is three-dimensional and includes some surfaces that are diffuse and others that are specular diffuse. Two aspect ratios are treated. The problem is completely described, and solutions are presented as obtained by the Tikhonov method, truncated singular value decomposition, conjugate gradient regularization, quasi-Newton minimization, and simulated annealing. All of the solutions use a common set of exchange factors computed by Monte Carlo, and smoothed by a constrained maximum likelihood estimation technique that imposes conservation, reciprocity, and non-negativity. Solutions obtained by the various methods are presented and compared, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of these methods are summarized.
LOW-POWER CONJUGATE INTERFEROMETRY (DOUBLE-EXPOSURE) IN DYE-DOPED GELATIN FILM USING OPTICAL PHASE-CONJUGATION
Authors: GEETHAKRISHNAN T. , PALANISAMY P. K.
Published: February 2006

Optical phase-conjugation (OPC) was observed in Acid blue 9 dye-doped gelatin via degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) using a low-power He-Ne laser at 633 nm. Phase-conjugate (PC) signal measurements were made by varying the angle of incidence between the forward-pump beam and the probe beam in the degenerate four-wave mixing geometry. Growth of phase-conjugate signal with respect to the recording time was also measured. Finally double-exposure phase-conjugate interferometry was demonstrated in these dye doped gelatin films.