bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing an Advance Emergency Contraception Policy: What Happens in the Real World?
Authors: Whittaker Paul G. , Armstrong Kay A. , Adams Janet 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT:  Advance provision of emergency contraception increases the likelihood of its use, yet little is known about the factors that influence successful implementation of an advance provision policy in publicly funded family planning clinics. METHODS:  Data on knowledge of, attitudes toward and use of emergency contraception were collected from 211 patients attending four Title X–funded clinics in Pennsylvania in 2001–2002. In addition, 22 staff from the four clinics were interviewed regarding barriers to and facilitators of advance provision in 2004–2005, and 111 staff from 46 clinics completed related surveys in 2005. Qualitative data underwent content analysis, and frequencies and bivariate associations between variables were calculated for the survey data. RESULTS:  Most patients said they would use emergency contraception (80%) and believed it should be easy to obtain (93%), although 46% thought it is a form of abortion. Patients’ familiarity with the method, attitudes toward it and self‐efficacy regarding its use were not associated with most demographic or reproductive health characteristics. While nearly all interviewed staff endorsed routine advance provision, only about half of survey respondents offered it “very often” at patients’ initial or annual visits. Barriers to advance provision included staff prejudgment of patients’ needs and ability to use the method, time constraints and inefficiencies in clinic procedures. CONCLUSIONS:  Strategies that may facilitate advance provision of emergency contraception include emphasizing the need for staff to offer it during all patient visits, providing patient‐friendly information and streamlining clinic procedures.
STDs Among Sexually Active Female College Students: Does Sexual Orientation Make a Difference?
Authors: Lindley Lisa L. , Barnett Corrie L. , Brandt Heather M. , Hardin James W. , Burcin Michelle 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT:  Research addressing sexual health or STD risk among lesbian and bisexual college women is scarce. METHODS:  Data on 29,952 sexually active females aged 18–24 who completed the 2006 National College Health Assessment were examined to assess differences in sexual risk factors and recent STD incidence by sexual orientation. Comparisons were analyzed at the bivariate level and through multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS:  Bisexual students were the most likely to have had an STD during the past year (9%); lesbians were the least likely (2%). However, lesbians were also the least likely to have had a routine gynecologic examination (46%, compared with 64–73% of others). Among students who had had multiple partners in the past year, those who had had partners of both sexes were more likely to have had an STD (16%) than were students who had had only male partners (9%) or only female partners (6%). Students who had binged on alcohol the last time they partied, had had multiple partners or had had a routine gynecologic examination in the past year, had been tested for HIV or had not used condoms at last vaginal intercourse were at increased odds of having had an STD (odds ratios, 1.3–4.0). CONCLUSIONS:  Sexual health programs targeting female college students, regardless of sexual orientation, must focus on behavioral risks associated with STDs. In addition, the importance of regular gynecologic exams should be emphasized, especially among lesbians. Further research is needed on risk‐taking among female college students who are sexually active with both sexes.
Second Births to Teenage Mothers: Risk Factors For Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth
Authors: Partington Susan N. , Steber Dale L. , Blair Kathleen A. , Cisler Ron A. 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT: Teenagers are more likely than older women to have a low‐birth‐weight infant or a preterm birth, and the risks may be particularly high when they have a second birth. Identifying predictors of these outcomes in second teenage births is essential for developing preventive strategies. METHODS: Birth certificate data for 1993–2002 were linked to identify second births to Milwaukee teenagers. Predictors of having a low‐birth‐weight second infant or a preterm second birth were identified using logistic regression. RESULTS: The same proportion of first and second infants were low‐birth‐weight (12%), but second births were more likely than first births to be preterm (15% vs. 12%). In analyses that adjusted for demographic, pregnancy and behavioral characteristics, the odds that a second infant was low‐birth‐weight or preterm were elevated if the mother smoked during pregnancy (odds ratios, 2.2 and 1.9, respectively), had inadequate prenatal weight gain (1.8 and 1.4), had an interpregnancy interval of less than 18 months (1.6–2.9 and 1.4–2.3) or was black (2.7 and 1.7). Women who had received an adequate level of prenatal care had reduced odds of both outcomes (0.6 and 0.4). Women younger than 16 also had increased odds of having a low‐birth‐weight second infant. Further adjustment for socioeconomic characteristics yielded largely the same results. In addition, women who were unmarried or did not identify a father were at increased risk of both outcomes (1.5 for each), and poor women were at risk of having a low‐birth‐weight infant (1.3). CONCLUSIONS: Predictors of poor birth outcomes include modifiable behaviors. Prenatal interventions addressing these behaviors could help improve outcomes.
Barriers to Adolescents' Getting Emergency Contraception Through Pharmacy Access in California: Differences by Language and Region
Authors: Sampson Olivia , Navarro Sandy K. , Khan Amna , Hearst Norman , Raine Tina R. , Gold Marji , Miller Suellen , De Bocanegra Heike Thiel 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT: In California, emergency contraception is available without a prescription to females younger than 18 through pharmacy access. Timely access to the method is critical to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancy among adolescents, particularly Latinas. METHODS: In 2005–2006, researchers posing as English‐ and Spanish‐speaking females—who said they either were 15 and had had unprotected intercourse last night or were 18 and had had unprotected sex four days ago—called 115 pharmacy‐access pharmacies in California. Each pharmacy received one call using each scenario; a call was considered successful if the caller was told she could come in to obtain the method. Chi‐square tests were used to assess differences between subgroups. In‐depth interviews with 22 providers and pharmacists were also conducted, and emergent themes were identified. RESULTS: Thirty‐six percent of all calls were successful. Spanish speakers were less successful than English speakers (24% vs. 48%), and callers to rural pharmacies were less successful than callers to urban ones (27% vs. 44%). Although rural pharmacies were more likely to offer Spanish‐language services, Spanish‐speaking callers to these pharmacies were the least successful of all callers (17%). Spanish speakers were also less successful than English speakers when calling urban pharmacies (30% vs. 57%). Interviews suggested that little cooperation existed between pharmacists and clinicians and that dispensing the method at clinics was a favorable option for adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents face significant barriers to obtaining emergency contraception, but the expansion of Spanish‐language services at pharmacies and greater collaboration between providers and pharmacists could improve access.
Minors' Behavioral Responses to Parental Involvement Laws: Delaying Abortion Until Age 18
Authors: Colman Silvie , Joyce Ted 
Published: June 2009

CONTEXT: Prior research on the effect of laws mandating parental involvement in minors' abortions has failed to examine an important behavioral response to such laws: Older teenagers may delay an abortion until age 18; for some, this may mean terminating a pregnancy after the first trimester. METHODS: Statewide data were obtained on abortions in Texas in 1997–2003. Analysis of relative rate ratios with narrowly defined comparison groups was used to evaluate the association between Texas's parental notification law and the occurrence of second‐trimester abortions among minors who have responded to the law by delaying abortion until age 18. RESULTS: : In the four years after the law went into effect, the proportion of abortions obtained at age 18 increased by six percentage points among minors who conceived at age 17 years and eight months, and by 13 points among those who did so at 17 years and nine months. As a result, the second‐trimester abortion rate of these groups combined increased by 21%; by contrast, there was no evidence of an increase in this rate among younger minors, for whom delaying the abortion until age 18 was not feasible. CONCLUSIONS: Some minors postpone abortion until the second or even third trimester of pregnancy to circumvent parental notification requirements. Given the greater costs of and medical risks associated with late‐term abortions, policymakers should not ignore this behavior.
Introducing oral assessment within creative practice: I can write but it's like walking against the wind
Authors: Symonds Heather 
Published: June 2009

This article traces the origins and development of a new oral assessment for undergraduates within the field of art and design. It examines the roots of a re-modelled viva voce and its specific relevance for students with the specific learning difficulty, dyslexia. An insight is offered
into the process of finding a model, responding to appropriate feedback and further sustaining a model which will make a difference.
The viva voce described consists of a one-hour oral examination specified as being an oral presentation for thirty minutes, followed by an oral defence for
the same period of time. This oral delivery is in lieu of a written dissertation; it is the culmination of an extended piece of work supported by theory, research methods, analysis and evaluation. It is currently offered to students with dyslexia as an accommodated assessment. Its future lies
in its integration as a choice of assessment for students as part of inclusive education.
Characterization of Lead Precipitate Following Uptake by Roots of Brassica juncea
Authors: Meyers Donald E. R. , Kopittke Peter M. , Auchterlonie Graeme J. , Webb Richard I. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Seedlings of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. were grown in solution culture for 14 d prior to exposure to Pb2+ at an activity of 31 μM for 72 h. Electron-dense deposits found within the apoplast and symplast were analyzed using scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine the chemical identity of the deposits and potential toxicity resistance mechanisms. Irrespective of the cellular compartment in which they were found, the deposits contained Pb, O, P, and Cl. For the extracellular deposits, the average Pb:P:O atomic ratio was 1:0.54:3.0, which together with the hexagonal crystal system suggests that Pb is present as chloropyromorphite (Pb5(PO4)3Cl). A weak Ca signal also was detected in approximately half of the spectra, possibly indicating the presence of small concentrations of phosphohedyphane (Pb3Ca2(PO4)3Cl). The evidence suggests that B. juncea resists Pb toxicity by storing precipitated Pb in the vacuole.
How Do Individuals Choose Banks? An Application to Household Level Data from Turkey
Authors: Ardic Oya Pinar , Yuzereroglu Uygar 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
This paper uses a multinomial probit model to analyze individuals' choice of banks based on the types of banking services they use, their own characteristics, and their own perceptions about important factors in banking. Previous studies on this topic, which are limited in number, concentrate on the U.S. where financial markets are well-developed. This analysis uses a unique individual level data set from a nation-wide survey implemented after the 2001 crisis in Turkey, of which one major component was bank failures. Hence, it provides the first set of econometric evidence on the topic in an emerging market context. The study groups banks into three categories: public, large private and small private banks, among which the latter is perceived to be the potentially risky group. Investigating individuals' choice among these three types, the paper uncovers that while individuals tend to prefer small private banks on the basis of high interest rates, they tend to avoid them on the basis of trust. Additionally, the paper finds that the choice between public and large private banks mainly depends on structural factors. These results could be of potential use to policymakers in regulating the banking sector and to bank management in channeling marketing effort.
Vintage Effects and the Diffusion of Time-Saving Technological Innovations
Authors: Das Nilotpal , Falaris Evangelos M , Mulligan James G 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
An important aspect of the study of technological innovations is the explanation of the extent and pace of diffusion. We show that pooling data across vintages of a technology may result in misleading conclusions about the impact of key factors on the duration of time to adoption of the innovation. This is especially important for a technology that affects both product/service quality and a firm's costs of operation to different degrees as the technology evolves over time. Using data on the diffusion of point-of-sale optical scanners between 1974 and 1985, we find that factors such as the stock of prior adopters, household income, family size, the four-firm concentration ratio and item-pricing laws had predictably different effects on the diffusion rate depending on the vintage of the technology. These results are robust to controlling for unobserved heterogeneity among firms, inclusion of additional regressors and a change in functional form.
Intervertebral test spacers and postfusion MRI artifacting: A comparative in vitro study of magnesium versus titanium and carbon fiber reinforced polymers as biomaterials
Authors: Ernstberger Thorsten , Buchhorn Gottfried , Heidrich Gabert 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Intervertebral spacers are made of different materials, which can effect the postfusion magnetic imaging (MRI) scans. Susceptibility artifacts specially for metallic implants can decrease the image quality. This study aimed to determine whether magnesium as a lightweight and biocompatible metal is suitable as a biomaterial for spinal implants based on its MRI artifacting behavior. To compare artifacting behaviors, we implanted into one porcine cadaveric spine different test spacers made of magnesium, titanium and CFRP. All test spacers were scanned using 2 T1-TSE MRI sequences. The artifact dimensions were traced on all scans and statistically analyzed. The total artifact volume and median artifact area of the titanium spacers were statistically significantly larger than magnesium spacers (p < 0.001), while magnesium and CFRP spacers produced almost identical artifacting behaviors (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that spinal implants made with magnesium alloys will behave more like CFRP devices in MRI scans.
Lipid Profile of Healthy Women During Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Diareme Margarita , Karkalousos Petros , Theodoropoulos Georgos , Strouzas Stefanos , Lazanas Nikos 
Published: June 2009

Lipid Profile of Healthy Women During Normal PregnancyThe four basic lipid indexes (Chol, Trig, HDL-C and LDL-C) increase during pregnancy, following different rates of increase. Among the four analytes triglycerides show the largest increase and HDL-C the smallest. All analyte values are raised during the 40 weeks of pregnancy, except HDL-C which is stabilized during the second trimester. After delivery the values decrease, except LDL-C which remains steady (for some weeks) before starting to fall following the others. In this study the relations between the four lipid indexes and some predisposing factors (age, gestational age, nationality, body mass index, profession, smoking and diabetes during pregnancy) were investigated. The sample consisted of 413 pregnant women, mainly Greeks and Albanians. After regression analysis it was proved that the only common predisposing factor was the gestational age. Triglycerides and total cholesterol are also influenced by the women's age. The lipid indexes showed no important difference between the pregnant women in the first trimester and the non-pregnant women. On the contrary, there was a statistical difference between the pregnant women in the second and third trimester and between them and the women in the first trimester. The percentages of increase between first and second trimester were: Chol: 38%, Trig: 115%, HDL-C: 30%, LDL-C: 33%. The percentages of increase between first and third trimester were: Chol: 65%, Trig: 208%, HDL-C: 26%, LDLC: 64%.
Bone Turnover Markers Relations to Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Jovčevska Jasmina , Stratrova Slavica , Gjorgovski Icko , Gruev Todor , Kotevska Mimoza , Janićević-Ivanovska Daniela , Petrovska Emilija 
Published: June 2009

Bone Turnover Markers Relations to Postmenopausal OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by low bone mass and high bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women (PM). The relationship between biochemical bone markers C-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTX) and osteocalcin (OC), and bone mineral density (BMD) in the postmenopausal period was examined in 104 PM women divided into three groups according to their BMD: group A - control PM with normal bone density, group B - osteopenic PM and group C - osteoporotic PM. Mean CTX values were highest in group C (0.54±0.24 ng/mL) compared to group B (0.44±0.21 ng/mL) (p<0.0001), and group A (0.33±0.13 ng/mL) (p<0.029). Mean OC levels in group C (26.83±9.91 ng/mL) were significantly higher compared to group A (20.47±7.03 ng/mL) (p<0.011) but not significantly higher compared to group B (24.11±8.38 ng/mL) (p>0.05). Postmenopause duration was longest in group C (13.1±8.31 yrs) compared to group B (9.6±6.24 yrs), and group A (8.15±6.86 yrs). Postmenopausal women developed osteoporosis with longer menopause duration. PM osteoporotic women were characterized by increased levels of bone turnover markers indicating increased rate of bone remodeling, which resulted in excessive bone resorption, and loss of bone mass. Long-term persistence of high bone resorption marker CTX, insufficiently compensated with bone formation marker OC, enabled osteoporosis development.
The specific features of adolescent depression - from developmental reaction to clinical syndrome
Authors: Iniewicz Grzegorz 
Published: June 2009

The specific features of adolescent depression - from developmental reaction to clinical syndrome
Depression belongs to the most common mental disorders of young people. Yet, its analysis has given rise to many controversies among specialists. One of the crucial raised issues is the question whether it is justified to apply the diagnosis of depression in this age group, considering the fact that intrapsychic mechanisms in adolescents are not yet mature. The theoretical problem arises: to what degree adolescent depression ought to be considered a clinical disorder, rather than a specific developmental reaction. In the present paper, the attempt has been undertaken to tackle the issue. It has been found that the diagnosis of adolescent depression cannot rely on clear-cut diagnostic criteria. Instead, it should rely on clinical assessment of an individual patient.
The family of a child with cancer - changes within the family system
Authors: Siemińska Maria , Greszta Elżbieta 
Published: June 2009

The family of a child with cancer - changes within the family systemThis study aimed to describe the functioning of families of children with cancer. A semistructured questionnaire was used to interview 116 parents from 58 such families. Changes occurring within the family system from the parents' perspective have been determined and recorded. Most of the changes turned out to be directed at internal relationships within families. Families with much self-orientation have been shown to be prone to transforming into hermetic systems. Polish version of FACES-III was applied to map families as balanced (20%), mid-range (52%) or unbalanced (28%). Results of the study underline the importance of illness duration for functioning of the family. Cancer persisted for the shortest time in balanced families (4.3 years), slightly longer in mid-range (4.5) and the longest in unbalanced families (6.9). The difference between balanced and unbalanced families was significant (u=1.9615, p<0.05).
Pro-social basic human values and civic involvement. The moderating role of survival vs self-expression cultural context
Authors: Radkiewicz Piotr , De Zavala Agnieszka , Skarżyńska Krystyna 
Published: June 2009

Pro-social basic human values and civic involvement. The moderating role of survival vs self-expression cultural context
The present study investigated a hypothesis that the pro-social values differentiated by S. Schwartz's model of basic human values - universalism and benevolence - would positively predict civic involvement. Most importantly, authors expected that the type of pro-social value that would play a dominant motivational role would depend on moderating role of the level of self-expression and benevolence - cultural value dimension developed by R. Inglehart. Based on discriminant function analyses performed on the data gathered in 17 European countries through the European Social Survey conducted in 2002, authors found that universalism predicts civic involvement only in self-expression countries, whereas the role of benevolence is rather neglectable and independent of the cultural context. The results are discussed with reference to cross-cultural differences in Europe.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Successful Longterm Urate Lowering with Febuxostat or Allopurinol in Subjects with Gout
Authors: BECKER MICHAEL A. , SCHUMACHER H. RALPH , MacDONALD PATRICIA A. , LLOYD ERIC , LADEMACHER CHRISTOPHER 
Published: June 2009

Objective.To determine longterm urate-lowering efficacy and clinical benefits and safety of therapy with febuxostat or allopurinol in subjects with gout.Methods.Subjects (n = 1086) in this open-label extension study were assigned to fixed-dose daily urate-lowering treatment (ULT) with febuxostat (80 mg or 120 mg) or allopurinol (300 mg). ULT reassignment was permitted during months 1 to 6 to achieve serum urate (SUA) concentrations between 3.0 and < 6.0 mg/dl. Flares requiring treatment, tophus size, safety, and SUA levels were monitored during up to 40 months of ULT maintenance.Results.After 1 month initial treatment, > 80% of subjects receiving either febuxostat dose, but only 46% of subjects receiving allopurinol, achieved SUA < 6.0 mg/dl. After ULT reassignment, > 80% of all remaining subjects maintained the primary efficacy endpoint of SUA < 6.0 mg/dl at each visit. More subjects initially randomized to allopurinol required ULT reassignment to achieve SUA < 6.0 mg/dl compared with subjects receiving febuxostat. Maintenance of SUA < 6.0 mg/dl resulted in progressive reduction to nearly 0 in proportion of subjects requiring gout flare treatment. Baseline tophus resolution was achieved by 46%, 36%, and 29% of subjects maintained on febuxostat 80 mg, febuxostat 120 mg, and allopurinol, respectively. Overall adverse event rates (including cardiovascular adverse event rates), adjusted for 10-fold greater febuxostat than allopurinol exposure, did not differ significantly among treatment groups.Conclusion.Durable maintenance of goal range SUA level with either dose of febuxostat or in smaller numbers of subjects with allopurinol resulted in near elimination of gout flares and improved tophus status over time. Registered as NCT00175019.