bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fiber optic chloride threshold detectors for concrete structures
Authors: Fuhr Peter L. , Huston Dryver R.
Published: April 2007

Fiber optic sensors capable of measuring chloride ion concentrations within concrete structures have been developed. The sensors rely on a modification of Fajan's method for chemical reagent identification resulting in spectral changes occurring when a predetermined concentration level has been exceeded. While not a reversible process, the sensor housing has been designed such that components with different chloride concentration thresholds may be exchanged in a field setting once the unit has been embedded into the concrete structure. These sensors have been embedded into three bridges in Vermont. Details of the sensors, the installation process, and measurements from these instrumented structures are presented.
Fiber optic acoustic emission distributed crack sensor for large structures
Authors: Chen Z. , Ansari F.
Published: April 2007

Preliminary experiments leading to the development of an optical fiber acoustic emission sensor is described. The objective was to develop a single sensor for simultaneous detection of acoustic emission events, from many locations within a large structure. The optical fiber sensor can be adhered to the surface of structural materials, i.e. steel or concrete. There are no individual sensor arrays or components built into the fiber. This characteristic provides simplicity and renders the system practical for applications in bridge structures. Alternatively, the optical fiber could be embedded in new concrete construction. Acoustic emissions from micro‐cracks or defects from various locations in the structure create stress wave perturbations in the optical fiber that are detected by a portable interferometer. Time‐domain measurements are instantaneous, in real‐time, and the entire structure is interrogated through a one‐time operation. The time domain signal acquired from the optical fiber discerns the number and locations of damage zones i.e., weld cracks, bolt‐hole cracks, corrosion activity, or brittle fracture of fibers in composite materials.
Use of the prony method for modal identification of slow‐evolutionary linear structures
Authors: Kukharenko B. G.
Published: April 2007

The elements of the vibroprotection or seismoprotection systems (springs and dampers) undergo the processes of fatigue and aging. This entails the slow evolution of the systems parameters and results in the change of dynamical properties and the loss of the system performance. The paper develops the procedure of the modal identification of a linear base‐isolated structure with slow evolutionary parameters.

The identification procedure starts from a time‐series representation of free transient vibration of a linear base isolated structure. The dynamical matrix of a linear system with constant parameters is defined from these time‐series by the Prony method. In this paper we extend the Prony method to systems with random loading and to systems with slow‐evolutionary parameters and propose the procedure of the approximate identification and estimation of the dynamical matrices. The numerical example of the two mass/string base isolated structure with dampers is considered.
Analysis of dynamics of structures including SMA members
Authors: Corbi O.
Published: April 2007

In the paper the non‐linear nature of the dynamics of a simple structural model including pseudo‐elastic SMA members is dealt with. The purpose is to prove that pseudo‐elastic behaviour, which structural patterns can be provided with by the introduction of SMA devices, is able to neutralise most of the dangerous phenomena produced by the P — Δ effect; this includes a high sensitivity to possible asymmetry in the strength of the structure; a problem that has been rarely treated in the literature. The numerical investigation carried out with relation to the SMA modified structural system and to a simple elastic perfectly plastic model, shows that the adoption of SMA inclusions determines an immediate structural response stabilisation (even in case of asymmetric resistance of the model), while failing the classical system remains prone to failure.
Control of vibrations in TiNi by periodic martensitic transformations
Authors: Belyaev S. P. , Volkov A. E.
Published: April 2007

Principles of vibration control based on the use of shape memory alloys (SMAs) are discussed. Control feasibilty is due to high damping properties of these alloys and their ability to produce deformation at heating in the course of the reverse martensitic transformation (shape memory effect). Control is based on the choice of a temperature variation law of the SMA active part introduced into a vibrating system. As an experiment, vibration of a torsional pendulum at a constant temperature and under periodic heat inpulses is studied. In the course of each impulse the active part material made of TiNi is transformed into austenite and then back to martensite after heating stops. Depending on the impulse time position in reference to the vibration phase, three types of control are obtained: high damping, amplification and support of sustained vibrations. Theoretical simulation of these phenomena is based on a microstructural model of the SMAs mechanical behaviour. Temperature regimes resulting in the best vibration damping are determined for a pendulum with a large elastic and small SMA rods.
Developmental effects of ±3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine on spatial versus path integration learning: Effects of dose distribution
Authors: Vorhees Charles V. , Schaefer Tori L. , Williams Michael T.
Published: April 2007

We previously demonstrated that postnatal day 11–20 ±3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) exposure reduces locomotor activity and impairs path integration and spatial learning independent of the effects on activity. The effects were seen when the drug was administered twice per day, but the optimal dosing regimen is unknown. We tested whether the same total daily dose of MDMA administered in different patterns would equally affect later behavior. A split‐litter design (15 litters) was used with one male/female pair per litter receiving one of four treatment regimens. All offspring received four injections per day on P11–20 as follows: 40 × 1 (40 mg/kg MDMA × 1 + saline × 3), 20 × 2 (20 mg/kg MDMA × 2 + saline × 2), 10 × 4 (10 mg/kg MDMA × 4), or Saline (saline × 4). Doses were spaced 2 h apart. Group 40 × 1 received MDMA as the first daily dose followed by three saline doses; group 20 × 2 received MDMA as the first and last dose and saline for the middle two doses; group 10 × 4 received MDMA for all four doses; and the saline group received saline for all four doses. Regardless of dose schedule, all groups treated with MDMA exhibited reduced locomotor activity. No MDMA effects were found on swimming ability in a straight channel. Modest MDMA effects were found on Barnes maze performance. The major findings were that the 40 × 1 and 20 × 2 MDMA groups showed impaired Cincinnati multiple T‐water‐maze learning and the 10 × 4 and 20 × 2 MDMA groups showed impaired Morris water maze learning. The results suggest that MDMA dose distribution has a long‐term differential effect on different types of learning. Dose distribution warrants greater attention in the design of developmental drug studies along with the standard considerations of dose and age. Synapse 61:488‐499, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simple transporter trafficking model for amphetamine‐induced dopamine efflux
Authors: Thwar Prasanna K. , Guptaroy Bipasha , Zhang Minjia , Gnegy Margaret E. , Burns Mark A. , Linderman Jennifer J.
Published: April 2007

Amphetamine and its derivatives are important drugs of abuse causing both short‐term excitatory and long‐term addictive effects. The short‐term excitatory effects are linked to amphetamine's ability to maintain high levels of dopamine (DA) outside the cell both by inhibiting DA reuptake after synaptic transmission and by enhancing the efflux of DA from the dopaminergic cells. The molecular mechanisms by which amphetamine elicits the efflux of DA and similar monoamines are still unclear. Recent literature data suggest that trafficking of the monoamine transporters is a phenomenon that underlies observed changes in amphetamine‐induced monoamine reuptake and efflux. We develop an ordinary differential equation model incorporating the diverse mechanistic details behind amphetamine‐induced DA efflux and demonstrate its utility in describing our experimental data. We also demonstrate an experimental method to track the time‐varying concentration of membrane‐bound transporter molecules from the DA efflux data. The good fit between our model and the experimental data supports the hypothesis that amphetamine‐induced transporter trafficking is necessary to produce extended efflux of DA. This model can explain the relative significance of different processes associated with DA efflux at different times and at different concentration ranges of amphetamine and DA. Synapse 61:500–514, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Implications of Product Architecture on the Firm
Authors: Yassine Ali A. , Wissmann Luke A.
Published: April 2007

Product architecture defines the functional requirements within a product system, maps these requirements to physical elements or subsystems, and describes the interaction between these physical elements. In spite of the diverse literature on the topic, it is clear that the implications on the firm have not been clearly outlined. In an attempt to fill this void, this paper offers a framework for classifying the vast amount of existing literature relevant to product architecture and summarizes the managerial implications. The proposed framework classifies the impact of product architecture on the firm along two dimensions: “facet of the firm” and “what is managed.” The facet dimension indicates which system element (i.e., organization, product, or consumer) a piece of research considers and the second dimension categorizes how value is created by the facet (managing portfolios, establishing a structure, or executing processes). The key domains surrounding product architecture are research domains in and of themselves. Nevertheless, the task of this paper is to articulate the concepts and research at the intersection of these key domains with product architecture. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 10: 118– 137, 2007
The European company: Can it be realized?
Authors: Mortensen Paul W.
Published: April 2007

Cross‐border acquisitions via takeover bid are possible, but cross‐border asset mergers within the EC are not. This article explores the proposed European Company as the means to cross‐border mergers.
The myth of unified EC product standards
Authors: Wongtada Nittaya , Zerio John M. , Huber Joseph T.
Published: April 2007

Although unified standards are likely to allow easier access to the multiple markets in the EC, compliance with the standards may not be so easy. Even more complex standards have evolved as a negative consequence of the intensive bargaining between the Member States in the course of developing unified standards.
Japanese R&D management in the 1990s: An overture to the industrial revolution of the twenty‐first century
Authors: Kokubo Atsuro
Published: April 2007

In the past, the Japanese R&D effort has focused primarily on improving products. Today's Japanese industrial leaders believe that the twenty‐first century will bring a new “industrial revolution” that will change the focus of R&D more toward creating new world‐class products rather than merely improving old ones.
Export behavior of small firms: The impact of managerial attitudes
Authors: Moini A. H.
Published: April 2007

Perception of risk, profit and obstacles to initiation of an export marketing is important in determining the firm's export involvement. Research findings indicate that non‐exporters do not have different perception of export profitability and riskiness from exporters. However, non‐exporters believed exporting requires too much up‐front cost in order to initiate an export program. Moreover, non‐exporters perceive the difficulty in finding foreign markets as the major obstacle to export, while exporters believe that the high value of dollar is the major obstacle to their export involvement.
The commercial future of Berlin
Authors: Trapans Andris
Published: April 2007

Among other things, the reunification of Germany meant a change in status for the city of Berlin. Under a united Germany, Berlin is expected to rise to its old grandeur—but the process will require time, money, and patience.
European integration: Venture capital in Europe
Authors: Healy John J.
Published: April 2007

The Single European Act has stimulated venture capital in Europe, especially in cross border transactions. The European Community recognizes the importance of venture capital and has developed programs to further nurture this industry.
Tax incentives for U.S. exporters
Authors: Holleman Wilbur J. , Norman William K.
Published: April 2007

If you're going to be exporting, make sure you're aware of the tax breaks that are available.
Investing in Eastern Europe: Perspectives of chief financial officers
Authors: Welch Jonathan B.
Published: April 2007

This study surveyed senior corporate financial executives to determine their views on Eastern European business opportunities. Responses cover a broad range of topics and provide new insight into their perceptions and experiences about key factors that influence investment decisions: expected profitability, risk, resources, and timing. An optimistic view emerged. This is noteworthy in light of the reputation of CFOs for caution, conservatism, and reticence. Their perception of a favorable return‐risk ratio may serve as further encouragement for those considering Eastern European ventures. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Modulation of nuclear internalization of Tat peptides by fluorescent dyes and receptor‐avid peptides
Authors: Shen Duanwen , Liang Kexian , Ye Yunpeng , Tetteh Elizabeth , Achilefu Samuel
Published: April 2007

The nuclear internalization of biomolecules by Tat peptide provides a mechanism to deliver drugs to cells. However, translocation of molecular imaging probes to the nucleus may induce undesirable mutagenesis. To assess the feasibility of retaining its cell permeating effect without nuclear translocation, Tat‐peptide was conjugated with a somatostatin receptor (STR)‐avid ligand (Oct) and labeled with fluorescent dyes. The results show that Tat‐Oct‐5‐FAM (fluorescein 5′‐carboxylic acid) remained in the cytoplasm of STR‐positive AR42J cells. Co‐incubation of Tat‐Oct‐5‐FAM with ATP induced nuclear translocation. These data suggest that both dye and Oct‐STR endocytosis complex could modulate nuclear internalization of Tat peptides.
Stress molecules in sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Adib-Conquy Minou , Cavaillon Jean-Marc
Published: April 2007

During sepsis, microbial derived products (“pathogen‐associated molecular patterns”, PAMPs) are recognized as exogenous danger signals by specific sensors of the host (“pattern recognitions receptors”, PRRs). This interaction leads to the release of numerous stress proteins that are a prerequisite to fight infection, though their overzealous production can contribute to tissue damage, organ dysfunction and eventually death. In critically ill patients, translocation of PAMPs can occur from the gut, and injured tissues and cells release endogenous danger signals called “alarmins” (e.g. High mobility group box‐1); that share some properties with PAMPs. Thus, numerous similarities occur during infectious and non‐infectious systemic inflammation.
Revision uvulopalatoplasty by Z‐palatoplasty
Authors: Friedman Michael , Duggal Praveen , Joseph Ninos J.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To study the effectiveness of Z‐palatoplasty (ZPP) for patients with persistent obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) after previous uvulopharyngopalatoplasty (UP3).

Setting

Prospective study of 31 subjects who sought revision surgery in university‐affiliated medical center.

Study Design

In accord with Institutional Review Board approval, 40 consenting adult patients with persistent, progressive, or recurrent OSAHS of moderate/severe severity despite previous UP3 surgeries were enrolled. All patients had preoperative subjective assessment of daytime sleepiness, quality of life, and snoring level. All patients underwent revision ZPP, radiofrequency tongue‐base reduction, and often repair of nasopharyngeal stenosis. Follow‐up continued for 6 months.

Results

Thirty‐one patients completed the study. No patient demonstrated clinically significant postoperative velopharyngeal incompetence after 14 weeks. No major perioperative complications occurred. Subjective improvement was achieved in all patients, and objective cure was achieved in 21 patients (67.7%).

Conclusions

Z‐palatoplasty is safe and effective for selected patients who have failed UP3.
Clopidogrel (Plavix) reduces the rate of thrombosis in the rat tuck model for microvenous anastomosis
Authors: Moore Michael G. , Deschler Daniel G.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To evaluate the effect of clopidogrel on the rate of thrombosis in a rat model for venous microvascular failure.

Study Design and Setting

Forty rats were treated with clopidogrel or saline control via gastric gavage in a randomized, blinded fashion. After allowing for absorption and activation, each femoral vein was isolated and a venous “tuck” procedure was performed. The bleeding time and vessel patency were subsequently evaluated.

Results

The rate of vessel thrombosis was decreased in the clopidogrel‐treated group compared to controls (7.9% vs 31.4%, P < 0.025). The bleeding time was longer in the clopidogrel‐treated group compared to controls (250 ± 100 seconds vs 173 ± 59 seconds, P < 0.015).

Conclusion

Clopidogrel decreased the rate of thrombosis in the rat model for venous microvascular failure.

Significance

The use of clopidogrel may reduce the rate of venous thrombosis after free tissue transfer and may be indicated in select patients.
Immunoscintigraphy of patients with head and neck carcinomas, with an anti‐angiogenetic antibody fragment
Authors: Birchler Manfred T. , Thuerl Christina , Schmid Daniel , Neri Dario , Waibel Robert , Schubiger August , Stoeckli Sandro J. , Schmid Stephen , Goerres Gerrhard W.
Published: April 2007

Objective

In a phase I/II clinical study, we investigated tumor targeting in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), using an antibody directed against the extra‐domain‐B of fibronectin (EDB), a marker of angiogenesis and tissue remodeling.

Study Design And Setting

Five patients with SCC were injected with the 123‐iodine‐radiolabeled L19(scFv)2 antibody and underwent scintigraphic detection with single photon emission tomography with computerized tomography (SPECT/CT). In addition, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography with computerized tomography (PET/CT) was performed.

Results

Successful targeting of the primary tumor could be achieved in 4 of 5 patients and was comparable to PET imaging. No side effects were observed.

Conclusions

Tumor targeting with the L19(scFv)2 antibody is also feasible for head and neck SCC.

Significance

These results may serve as a base for future therapeutical applications in human beings, with modified versions of the L19(scFv)2 antibody, designed to selectively deliver bioactive molecules into malignant tumors.
Outpatient thyroid surgery is safe and desirable
Authors: Terris David J. , Moister Brent , Seybt Melanie W. , Gourin Christine G. , Chin Edward
Published: April 2007

Background

Thyroid surgery has traditionally been done on an inpatient basis. With the advent of minimal access techniques, drains are frequently not required and ambulatory thyroidectomy is possible.

Design

Prospective, nonrandomized analysis of consecutive series of patients.

Methods And Materials

Patients undergoing thyroid surgery between 12/1/04 and 10/31/05 were stratified based on admission status. Demographic data were collected and outcome measures were considered.

Results

Ninety‐one patients underwent thyroid surgery. Fifty‐two were done on an outpatient basis, 26 patients were observed under a 23‐hour status, and 13 were admitted. There were two complications in the outpatient group and one in the inpatient group (P = 1.0). Costs were significantly lower for outpatients ($7,814) than for inpatients ($10,288; P < 0.0001).

Significance

In carefully selected patients who prefer convalescence at home, outpatient thyroidectomy can be performed safely and cost‐effectively, particularly when prophylactic calcium supplementation is utilized after total thyroidectomy to prevent transient postoperative hypocalcemia.
Increased incidence of papillary thyroid cancer among total thyroidectomies in Crete
Authors: Prokopakis Emmanuel P. , Lachanas Vassilios A. , Velegrakis George A. , Tsiftsis Dimitrios D. , Moschandreas Joanna , Chalkiadakis Georgios E.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To investigate the increased incidence of papillary thyroid cancer as found in specimens of total thyroidectomies and potential correlation with etiological factors.

Study Design And Setting

A retrospective study on patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, from 1990 to 2004, in an academic tertiary referral medical center. Patients' records were placed in a database, which included medical condition, history, and demographics. Histopathological slides were reviewed with special focus on papillary cancer.

Results

Our series consisted of 2379 patients. Thyroid cancer was confirmed in 354 patients (14.88%). Papillary carcinoma represented the most frequent type (316 patients, 89.26%). Increased incidence of papillary carcinomas was noticed after 1995, reaching the maximum value in the year 2000. After 2000, there was a descending trend and then a plateau.

Conclusion

The increased incidence of papillary thyroid cannot be attributed to dietary patterns or increased diagnostic and therapeutic activity. It is likely to be associated with increased radiation and may be associated with the Chernobyl fallout.
Comorbidities in head and neck cancer: Agreement between self‐report and chart review
Authors: Mukerji Shraddha S. , Duffy Sonia A. , Fowler Karen E. , Khan Mumtaz , Ronis David L. , Terrell Jeffrey E.
Published: April 2007

Objectives

To determine the accuracy of self‐reported comorbidities compared with medical record review and the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics associated with accuracy of self‐reported comorbidities.

Study Design

We conducted a prospective study of 458 newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients using self‐administered questionnaire and medical chart review data. Overall and itemwise consistency between self‐report and chart review was evaluated. Social, clinical, and demographic characteristics of consistent versus inconsistent responders were analyzed.

Results

Seventy‐four percent of patients had at least one comorbidity. There was good overall consistency between self‐report and chart review (k = 0.50). Compared with consistent responders, inconsistent responders were found to be older (P < 0.05), have lower sleep (P < 0.05) and physical activity scores (P < 0.05), be more depressed (P < 0.05), and have more severe comorbidities (P < 0.05).

Conclusions and Significance

Self‐report may be considered as an alternative to chart review for comorbidity assessment in head and neck cancer patients. Younger patients, those with good general health, fewer depressive symptoms, and mild comorbidities, are more likely to give responses consistent with chart review.
Injectable hyaluronic acid for the correction of HIV‐associated facial lipoatrophy
Authors: Denton Andrew B. , Tsaparas Yotis
Published: April 2007

Objective

To evaluate the use of Perlane, an injectable form of hyaluronic acid, for the correction of HIV‐associated facial lipoatrophy.

Study Design And Setting

A prospective, observational study in a consecutive series of 18 HIV‐positive males with facial lipoatrophy injected with Perlane. Fourteen patients were available for final analysis.

Results

Mean follow‐up time was 12 months. Based on photographic analysis, there was a significant early improvement (P = 0.0035). This difference remained significant after 12 months (P = 0.04666); no significant difference in grade was shown between 1 and 12 months (P = 0.3693). Office assessments of improvement showed an early marked improvement in 85.8% of patients, and 78.6% of subjects demonstrated at least moderate improvement at 12 months.

Conclusion/Significance

Patient satisfaction was high, with only minor side effects and no late complications. Our findings support Perlane to be a feasible option for the provisional correction of mild to moderate facial lipoatrophy.
Acoustical analysis of pediatric snoring: What can we learn?
Authors: Brietzke Scott E. , Mair Eric A.
Published: April 2007

Objective

Evaluate a database of pediatric patients who underwent snoring acoustical analysis for associations between snoring measurements, demographics, and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) severity.

Study Design And Setting

A database of pediatric patients who underwent home testing with a polysomnogram device (SNAP Test, Glenview, IL) that includes acoustical snoring analysis was reviewed.

Results

Four hundred fifty‐six patients were included (mean age, 6.87 years). Four hundred twenty‐nine (94.1%) patients had measurable snoring. Snoring index (events/hr) (r = 0.2073; P < 0.0001) and maximal loudness (dB) (r = 0.2218; P < 0.0001) were directly proportional to the apnea/hypopnea index. Among patients without OSAHS (apnea index <1), increasing snoring index (r = −0.2102; P < 0.0001) and volume (P < 0.005 ANOVA) were associated with increasing oximetry desaturation events.

Conclusion

The majority of children evaluated had objective snoring. Increasing snoring index and loudness are associated with increased severity of OSAHS. In the absence of OSAHS, increasing snoring is associated with oxygen desaturations.

Significance

Pediatric snoring is objectively related to OSAHS severity.
A systematic review of patient‐reported outcome measures in head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Pusic Andrea , Liu Jeffrey C. , Chen Constance M. , Cano Stefan , Davidge Kristen , Klassen Anne , Branski Ryan , Patel Snehal , Kraus Dennis , Cordeiro Peter G.
Published: April 2007

Objective

To identify, summarize, and evaluate patient‐reported outcome questionnaires for use in head and neck cancer surgery with the view to making recommendations for future research.

Data Sources

A systematic review of the English‐language literature, with the use of head‐and‐neck‐surgery‐specific keywords, was performed in the following databases: Medline, Embase, HAPI, CINAHL, Science/Social Sciences Citation Index, and PsycINFO from 1966 to March 2006.

Data Extraction and Study Selection

All English‐language instruments identified as patient‐reported outcome questionnaires that measure quality of life and/or satisfaction that had undergone development and validation in a head and neck cancer surgery population were included.

Data Synthesis

Twelve patient‐reported outcome questionnaires fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Of these, four were developed from expert opinion alone or did not have a published development process and seven questionnaires lacked formal item reduction. Only three questionnaires (EORTC Head and Neck Module, University of Michigan Head and Neck Quality‐of‐life Questionnaire, and Head and Neck Cancer Inventory) fulfilled guidelines for instrument development and evaluation as outlined by the Medical Outcomes Trust.

Conclusions

Rigorous instrument development is important for creating valid, reliable, and responsive disease‐specific questionnaires. As a direction for future instrument development, an increased focus on qualitative research to ensure patient input may help to better conceptualize and operationalize the variables most relevant to head and neck cancer surgery patients. In addition, the use of alternative methods of psychometric data analysis, such as Rasch, may improve the value of health measurement in clinical practice for individual patients.
n-3 Fatty acids, cancer and cachexia: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Colomer Ramón , Moreno-Nogueira José M. , García-Luna Pedro P. , García-Peris Pilar , García-de-Lorenzo Abelardo , Zarazaga Antonio , Quecedo Luis , del Llano Juan , Usán Luis , Casimiro César
Published: April 2007

Use of n-3 fatty acids (FA) has been reported to be beneficial for cancer patients. We performed a systematic review of the literature in order to issue recommendations on the clinical use of n-3 FA in the cancer setting. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Healthstar databases. We selected clinical trials or prospective observational studies including patients with cancer and life expectancy >2 months, in which enteral supplements with n-3 FA were administered. Parameters evaluated individually were clinical (nutritional status, tolerance, survival and hospital stays), biochemical (inflammatory mediators), and functional (functional status, appetite and quality of life (QoL)). Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria; eight were of high quality. The panel of experts established the following evidence: (1) oral supplements with n-3 FA benefit patients with advanced cancer and weight loss, and are indicated in tumours of the upper digestive tract and pancreas; (2) the advantages observed were: increased weight and appetite, improved QoL, and reduced post-surgical morbidity; (3) there is no defined pattern for combining different n-3 FA, and it is recommended to administer >1·5 g/day; and (4) better tolerance is obtained administering low-fat formulas for a period of at least 8 weeks. All the evidences were grade B but for ‘length of treatment’ and ‘advantage of survival’ it was grade C. Our findings suggest that administration of n-3 FA (EPA and DHA) in doses of at least 1·5 g/day for a prolonged period of time to patients with advanced cancer is associated with an improvement in clinical, biological and QoL parameters.
Acute effects of tea on fasting and non-fasting plasma total homocysteine concentrations in human subjects
Authors: Hodgson Jonathan M. , Puddey Ian B. , van Bockxmeer Frank M. , Burke Valerie
Published: April 2007

Plasma total homocysteine concentrations (tHcy) are a putative risk factor for CVD. Tea is a rich dietary source of polyphenols and caffeine, both of which may raise tHcy. However, it is possible that much of any effect is transitory and may be influenced by the consumption of food. Our objective was to investigate the acute effect of tea, at a dose representative of ordinary population intakes, on tHcy and to determine whether consumption of a meal influences the magnitude of any effect. Measurements of tHcy were performed in twenty participants at baseline and 3.5 h after drinking three cups of black tea or hot water (consumed at time 0, 1.5 and 3 h) with and without a meal: a total of four treatments administered in random order. Drinking tea resulted in an acute increase in tHcy (0·30 (95 % CI 0·04, 0·56) μmol/l, P = 0·022). The meal resulted in an acute decrease in tHcy ( − 0·42 (95 % CI − 0·68, − 0·16) μmol/l, P = 0·002). There was no interaction between tea and meal on tHcy (P = 0·40); that is, the effect of tea on tHcy was not different in the fasting and non-fasting state. Our results suggest that drinking black tea can cause a small acute increase in tHcy and that this effect is not enhanced in the non-fasting state. Given that results of population studies have generally shown a negative association between tea intake and tHcy, the significance of these findings to CVD risk remains uncertain.
A taxonomic revision, biology and morphology of immature stages of theEntedon sparetusspecies group (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), egg-larval endoparasitoids of weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Gumovsky A.V.
Published: April 2007

Thesparetus-group ofEntedonis revised. Six species are recognized for the group, including one new species,E. lucasiGumovskysp. n., which is described from Algeria. All species are either diagnosed or described, and illustrated, and new distribution records are provided. An illustrated dichotomous key to all species of the group is given. Biology of two species,E. thomsonianusErdös andE. sparetusWalker, is studied in detail: both species proved to be egg-larval parasitoids of stem-boring weevils,Lixus carduiOlivier on the scotch thistleOnopordum acanthiumandGymnetron asellus(Gravenhorst) on mulleinVerbascumsp., respectively. The morphology of larval stages and peculiarities of parasitoid–host relationships are described. Possible benefits of egg-larval parasitism forEntedonspecies are discussed.
Parasitism, development and adult longevity of the egg parasitoid Telenomus nawai (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) on the eggs of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Fukuda T. , Wakamura S. , Arakaki N. , Yamagishi K.
Published: April 2007

When Telenomus nawai Ashmead or Trichogramma ostriniae Pang & Chen (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) was inoculated into intact egg masses of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) that were covered with a scale-hair layer, T. nawai emerged from 76% of the eggs, while emergence of T. ostriniae was from only 3% of the eggs. When the hair layer was removed before inoculation, the rate by the latter increased to 21%. These observations confirmed that the hair layer effectively protects S. litura egg masses from attack by T. ostriniae, and that T. nawai parasitism is more effective. In order to assess the feasibility of T. nawai as a biological control agent for S. litura, parasitism rate, development time and adult longevity were examined in the laboratory. Emergence of T. nawai was observed in more than 95% of 0- and 1-day-old separated eggs of S. litura, but the rate decreased to 60% and 0% for 2- and 3-day-old eggs, respectively. The emergence rates of T. nawai were near 95% for temperatures in a range from 25°C to 35°C, but decreased to 80% at 20°C. No parasitoids emerged at 15°C. The developmental periods decreased as temperature increased from 20°C to 35°C. The developmental threshold occurred at 13.7°C and 13.9°C, and the effective accumulative temperatures from egg to adult emergence were 149.3 and 147.1 degree-days for females and males, respectively. Mean longevity of the adult females decreased with increasing temperature; 87.0 days at 15°C and 9.5 days at 35°C. The feasibility of the use of T. nawai for controlling S. litura is discussed.
Evidence for resistance to pyrethroids and organophosphates inPlutella xylostella(Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) from Pakistan
Authors: Khaliq A. , Attique M.N.R. , Sayyed A.H.
Published: April 2007

The susceptibility of representative pyrethroid (cypermethrin, deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin, bifenthrin), organophosphate (chlorpyriphos, triazophos, profenophos) and new chemistry insecticides (spinosad, indoxacarb and emamectin) was investigated for 18 field populations ofPlutella xylostella(Linnaeus) from three different zones in Pakistan. The LC50(mg ml−1; 48 h) values of pyrethroids for various populations ranged from 0.19–1.88 for cypermethrin, 0.31–2.64 for deltamethrin, 0.08–1.16 for lambdacyhalothrin and 0.07–0.88 for bifenthrin. The LC50(mg ml−1; 48 h) of organophosphates ranged from 0.52–5.67 for chlorpyriphos, 0.37–4.14 for triazophos and 0.03–2.65 for profenophos. The most probable reason for low toxicity of organophosphates and pyrethroids is the evolution of multiple resistance mechanisms; however, further studies are required to establish these mechanisms. When these same products were tested against a susceptible laboratory population (Lab-Pak), the new chemistry compounds were significantly more toxic than pyrethroids and organophosphates. The results are discussed in relation to integrated pest management and insecticide resistance management strategies forP. xylostella.
Feeding mode and prey detectability half-lives in molecular gut-content analysis: an example with two predators of the Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Greenstone M.H. , Rowley D.L. , Weber D.C. , Payton M.E. , Hawthorne D.J.
Published: April 2007

The time during which prey remains are detectable in the gut of a predator is an important consideration in the interpretation of molecular gut-content data, because predators with longer detectability times may appear on the basis of unweighted data to be disproportionately important agents of prey population suppression. The rate of decay in detectability, typically expressed as the half-life, depends on many variables; one that has not been explicitly examined is the manner in which the predator processes prey items. The influence of differences in feeding mode and digestive physiology on the half-life of DNA for a single prey species, the Colorado potato beetleLeptinotarsa decemlineata(Say), is examined in two predators that differ dramatically in these attributes: the pink ladybeetle,Coleomegilla maculata(DeGeer), which feeds by chewing and then ingesting the macerated material into the gut for digestion; and the spined soldier bug,Podisus maculiventris(Say), which physically and enzymatically processes the prey extra-orally before ingestion and further digestion in the gut. In order to standardize the amount of DNA consumed per predator, a singleL. decemlineataegg was used as the prey item; all predators were third instars. The PCR assay yields estimated prey DNA half-lives, for animals maintained under field temperatures, of 7.0 h inC. maculataand 50.9 h inP. maculiventris. The difference in the prey DNA half-lives from these two predators underscores the need to determine detectabilities from assemblages of predators differing in feeding mode and digestive physiology, in order to weight positives properly, and hence determine the predators' relative impacts on prey population suppression.
Hurricane Betsy and the malfunctioning of the London reinsurance market: an analysis of transatlantic reinsurance trade, 1949–1989
Authors: Werner Welf
Published: April 2007

The international performance of the US reinsurance industry differed sharply from other segments of the US financial services sector in the latter half of the twentieth century. Trade imbalances and loss ratios in international reinsurance business indicate that the American reinsurance industry had pronounced difficulties in getting a foothold in international markets. The dominance of the established western European reinsurance centres, which prevailed throughout the early phases of American reinsurance, continued long into the post-war period. Moreover, bilateral trade with the world's foremost reinsurance centre, London, failed to compensate for American catastrophe losses, a task maintained by reinsurers to be the key function of their international activities. London's failure to perform adequately is described by analysing the underwriting results of the period before and after Hurricane Betsy, the major American catastrophe loss of the 1960s.
Theses on liveness
Authors: Croft John
Published: April 2007

In the domain of music for performers and electronic sounds (whether fixed or live) there are various paradigms of interaction: the performer(s) may be situated in an electroacoustic ‘environment’; there may be a primarily responsorial or ‘proliferating’ relationship; or the relationship may be closer to the traditional one between soloist and accompaniment. These paradigms preserve a relatively unproblematic dichotomy between performer, whose sound is inextricably linked to a sense of action, presence and spontaneity, and fixed or treated sound, which is more or less de-coupled from this presence. Once one tries to create a continuous, intimate relation between the two, so that one is dealing with an extension of the instrument rather than an emulated ‘other’ or environmental context, one is confronted with a fundamental difference between a sounding body whose physical properties transparently determine its sonic possibilities, and the loudspeaker, which can produce practically any sound at all. This paper interrogates this dichotomy between the fallible-corporeal and the fixed-disembodied, activating questions both about the social fact of live performance and about the compositional practices which give rise to a sense of extended instrumentality.
L’Objet Sonore Maintenant: Pierre Schaeffer, sound objects and the phenomenological reduction
Authors: Kane Brian
Published: April 2007

The work of Pierre Schaeffer (theorist, composer and inventor of musique concrète) bears a complex relationship to the philosophical school of phenomenology. Although often seen as working at the periphery of this movement, this paper argues that Schaeffer's effort to ground musical works in a ‘hybrid discipline’ is quite orthodox, modelled upon Husserl's foundational critique of both ‘realism’ and ‘psychologism’. As part of this orthodoxy, Schaeffer develops his notion of the ‘sound object’ along essentialist (eidetic) lines. This has two consequences: first, an emphasis is placed on ‘reduced listening’ over indicative and communicative modes of listening; secondly, the ‘sound object’ promotes an ahistorical ontology of musical material and technology. Despite frequent references to Schaeffer and the ‘sound object’ in recent literature on networked music, concatenative synthesis and high-level music descriptors, the original phenomenological context in which Schaeffer's work developed is rarely revisited. By critically exploring Schaeffer's theorising of the ‘sound object’, this paper aims at articulating the distance between contemporary and historical usage of the term.
Towards new models for the construction of interactive electroacoustic music discourse
Authors: Schachter Daniel
Published: April 2007

The advance of technology brings about modifications of style, performing techniques, music listening, and brings to us new relationships between creation, interpretation and perception. The aim of this article is to set out an approach to strategies of musical production for acoustic instruments and technological resources, describing different notions of interaction where the electroacoustic textural complexity coexists with the live processing of the instrumental source and where a goal is to work within the frame of an open and easy-to-carry-out performance structure which is friendly to the musicians, clear as a discourse and attractive to the audience.
Reflections on sound image design in electroacoustic music
Authors: Young John
Published: April 2007

The capacity for electroacoustic music to project and manipulate sonic images is now acknowledged as a cornerstone of the medium's aesthetic potential. The notion of imagery may be used in a range of ways, reflecting electroacoustic music's potential to present sound ‘documents’ re-contextualised from real-world experience, as well as to project more abstract entities in which the concept of an image may give coherent form to fantastical constructs, frequently driven by the transforming and distortive effects of signal processing. This paper investigates the practical application of these distinctions in electroacoustic music, largely through reflective discussion of the author's own working methods, and evaluates ways in which the aesthetic effects of signal processing can influence the nature and construction of sound images. Within this, Denis Smalley's concept of the indicative field is used as a conceptual tool for the characterisation and analysis of the affective dimensions of sound image construction and manipulation.
How does the health and well-being of young Australian vegetarian and semi-vegetarian women compare with non-vegetarians?
Authors: Baines Surinder , Powers Jennifer , Brown Wendy J
Published: April 2007

Objective

To compare the sociodemographic characteristics, health status and health service use of vegetarians, semi-vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Design

In cross-sectional data analyses of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 2000, 9113 women (aged 22–27 years) were defined as non-vegetarians if they reported including red meat in their diet, as semi-vegetarians if they excluded red meat and as vegetarians if they excluded meat, poultry and fish from their diet.

Results

The estimated prevalence was 3% and 10% for vegetarian and semi-vegetarian young women. Compared with non-vegetarians, vegetarians and semi-vegetarians were more likely to live in urban areas and to not be married. Vegetarians and semi-vegetarians had lower body mass index (mean (95% confidence interval): 22.2 (21.7–22.7) and 23.0 (22.7–23.3) kg m− 2) than non-vegetarians (23.7 (23.6–23.8) kg m− 2) and tended to exercise more. Semi-vegetarians and vegetarians had poorer mental health, with 21–22% reporting depression compared with 15% of non-vegetarians (P < 0.001). Low iron levels and menstrual symptoms were also more common in both vegetarian groups. Vegetarian and semi-vegetarian women were more likely to consult alternative health practitioners and semi-vegetarians reported taking more prescription and non-prescription medications. Compared with non-vegetarians, semi-vegetarians were less likely and vegetarians much less likely to be taking the oral contraceptive pill.

Conclusion

The levels of physical activity and body mass indices of the vegetarian and semi-vegetarian women suggest they are healthier than non-vegetarians. However, the greater reports of menstrual problems and the poorer mental health of these young women may be of clinical significance.
Overweight and obesity among Iranian female adolescents in Rasht: more overweight in the lower social group
Authors: Maddah Mohsen
Published: April 2007

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of overweight and obesity among Iranian adolescent girls aged 14–17 years and its possible association with maternal education in Rasht city in 2005.

Design

A cross-sectional survey on 1054 schoolgirls.

Setting

High schools in Rasht city, Iran.

Methods

A multistage sampling method was used and 1054 randomly selected schoolgirls were studied. Data on age and mother's years of schooling were collected by questionnaire and body weight and height were measured. Overweight and obesity were defined using age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) cut-off points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), and compared with 85th and 95th BMI percentile curves of the IOTF reference population, respectively. Data analyses included two groups based on mother's years of schooling: less educated ( < 12 years) and more educated ( ≥ 12 years).

Results

The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population was 21.9 and 5.3%, respectively. Results of logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of overweight was higher for lower age group (odds ratio = 2.0, 95% confidence interval 0.18–3.09). Overweight was more common in girls with less educated mothers than in girls with more educated mothers (26.0 vs. 19.8%,P = 0.03).

Conclusion

These data indicate that overweight is highly prevalent among adolescent girls, especially in lower social groups in Rasht, and the rate is exceeding those reported in other parts of the country. Preventive strategies need to be adopted to combat the epidemic of overweight and obesity in this population.