bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trace metal dynamics in zooplankton from the Bay of Bengal during summer monsoon
Authors: Rejomon G. , Kumar P. K. Dinesh , Nair M. , Muraleedharan K. R. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractTrace metal (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) concentrations in zooplankton from the mixed layer were investigated at 8 coastal and 20 offshore stations in the western Bay of Bengal during the summer monsoon of 2003. The ecotoxicological importance of trace metal uptake was apparent within the Bay of Bengal zooplankton. There was a distinct spatial heterogeneity of metals, with highest concentrations in the upwelling zones of the southeast coast, moderate concentrations in the cyclonic eddy of the northeast coast, and lowest concentrations in the open ocean warm gyre regions. The average trace metal concentrations (μg g−1) in coastal zooplankton (Fe, 44894.1 ± 12198.2; Co, 46.2 ± 4.6; Ni, 62.8 ± 6.5; Cu, 84.9 ± 6.7; Zn, 7546.8 ± 1051.7; Cd, 46.2 ± 5.6; Pb, 19.2 ± 2.6) were higher than in offshore zooplankton (Fe, 3423.4 ± 681.6; Co, 19.5 ± 3.81; Ni, 25.3 ± 7.3; Cu, 29.4 ± 4.2; Zn, 502.3 ± 124.3; Cd, 14.3 ± 2.9; Pb, 3.2 ± 2.0). A comparison of average trace metal concentrations in zooplankton from the Bay of Bengal showed enrichment of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in coastal zooplankton may be related to metal absorption from primary producers, and differences in metal concentrations in phytoplankton from coastal waters (upwelling zone and cyclonic eddy) compared with offshore waters (warm gyre). Zooplankton showed a great capacity for accumulations of trace metals, with average concentration factors of 4 867 929 ± 569 971, 246 757 ± 51 321, 337 180 ± 125 725, 43 480 ± 11 212, 1 046 371 ± 110 286, 601 679 ± 213 949, and 15 420 ± 9201 for Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb with respect to dissolved concentrations in coastal and offshore waters of the Bay of Bengal. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Measurement of compensatory hyperplasia of the contralateral kidney: usefulness for differential diagnosis of fetal unilateral empty renal fossa
Authors: Cho J. Y. , Moon M. H. , Lee Y. H. , Kim K. W. , Kim S. H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the usefulness of sonographic evaluation of compensatory hyperplasia of the contralateral kidney for the differential diagnosis of fetal unilateral empty renal fossa (ERF).MethodsWe retrospectively measured the ratio of the anteroposterior (AP) and transverse (TR) diameters of the contralateral kidney in 24 fetuses with unilateral ERF including 12 cases of unilateral renal agenesis, six cases of a unilateral pelvic kidney and six cases of a unilateral ectopic multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). For the normal reference value, we calculated the AP : TR diameter ratios of both kidneys in 20 normal fetuses in the second and third trimesters. We calculated the accuracy of the AP : TR ratio to detect contralateral compensatory hyperplasia.ResultsThe median (range) AP : TR diameter ratios of the normal kidneys were 0.84 (0.72–0.89) in the second trimester and 0.81 (0.65–0.89) in the third trimester. All cases of unilateral renal agenesis and ectopic MCDK showed the presence of compensatory hyperplasia, while no case of renal ectopy was seen with compensatory hyperplasia. The median (range) ratios for unilateral renal agenesis and ectopic MCDK were 1.0 (0.95–1.02) and 1.1 (1–1.25) in the second and third trimesters, respectively. The median ratios for a unilateral pelvic kidney were 0.8 (0.74–0.85) and 0.77 (0.74–0.84) in the second and third trimesters, respectively. Using 0.9 as the discriminating value, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the AP : TR diameter ratio for the prenatal diagnosis of compensatory renal hyperplasia was 100%.ConclusionSonographic evaluation of compensatory hyperplasia of the contralateral kidney may be useful for the differential diagnosis of a fetal unilateral ERF. Prospective studies are warranted. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference intervals of gestational sac, yolk sac and embryo volumes using three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Bagratee J. S. , Regan L. , Khullar V. , Connolly C. , Moodley J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo create reference intervals of gestational sac volume (GSV), yolk sac volume (YSV), embryo volume (EV), crown–rump length (CRL) and gestational sac diameter (GSD) in the first trimester of pregnancy using three‐dimensional ultrasound.MethodsWomen in the first trimester of pregnancy were invited to participate in the study. Inclusion criteria were well‐established dates, and that the women were non‐smokers and healthy, without any medical disorders. Three‐dimensional ultrasound volumetric data (GSV, YSV, EV) were collected together with standard two‐dimensional measurements of CRL and GSD. For each measurement separate regression models were fitted to estimate the mean and SD at each gestational age. The 5th, 50th and 95th centiles were derived using a combination of these regression models.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐six women at between 6 and 12 weeks' gestation were scanned once. The mean ( ± SD) maternal age was 29.4 ( ± 5) years. There were no miscarriages and no congenital abnormalities were noted. Mean gestational age at delivery was 39.3 ( ± 1.4) weeks and mean birth weight was 3.3 ( ± 0.4) kg. The CRL centiles fitted a cubic model and the GSD centiles fitted a linear model. The centiles for YSV fitted a quadratic model on the modified log‐transformed data. The centiles for GSV and EV were modeled using quantile regression.ConclusionReference intervals and centile charts for first‐trimester GSV, YSV and EV have been created in addition to CRL and GSD using rigorous methodology. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) compared with abdominal hysterectomy for treatment of uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Taran F. A. , Tempany C. M. C. , Regan L. , Inbar Y. , Revel A. , Stewart E. A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo compare women undergoing magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) to a group of contemporaneously recruited women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy. Patient demographics, safety parameters, quality of life outcomes and disability measures are reported.MethodsOne hundred and nine women were recruited in seven centers for MRgFUS treatment and 83 women who underwent abdominal hysterectomy were recruited in seven separate centers to provide contemporaneous assessment of safety. The adverse‐event profile and disability parameters were prospectively assessed. Patients were also screened at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months using the SF‐36 health survey questionnaire.ResultsThere were no life‐threatening adverse events in either group. Overall, the number of significant clinical complications and adverse events was lower in women in the MRgFUS group compared to women undergoing hysterectomy. MRgFUS was associated with significantly faster recovery, including resumption of usual activities. At 6 months of follow‐up, there were four (4%) treatment failures in the MRgFUS arm. Regarding SF‐36 subscale scores, at 6 months there was improvement in all SF‐36 subscales for both treatment groups. However, most of the SF‐36 subscale scores were significantly better at this stage in the hysterectomy group than in the MRgFUS group. Women undergoing MRgFUS had steady improvement in all parameters throughout the 6‐month follow‐up period, despite the fact that they continued to have myomatous uteri and menstruation, which at baseline had given them significant symptomatology.ConclusionsThe results of this study show that MRgFUS treatment of uterine leiomyomas leads to clinical improvement with fewer significant clinical complications and adverse events compared to hysterectomy at 6 months' follow‐up. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐invasive magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids in a large Japanese population: impact of the learning curve on patient outcome
Authors: Okada A. , Morita Y. , Fukunishi H. , Takeichi K. , Murakami T. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the learning curve effect of magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) on the outcomes of patients treated for uterine fibroids in four centers in Japan.MethodsThe extent of fibroid ablation (often used to measure treatment success) was evaluated using the non‐perfused volume (NPV) ratio in 287 Japanese patients. The patients were divided into two equal groups according to the chronological treatment time and results were compared between these groups to estimate the learning curve effect. Results were also compared with published data from clinical trials.ResultsThe NPV ratio increased chronologically, from 39.3% to 54.0% (P < 0.001), indicating increasing effectiveness of the treatment with experience. The mean NPV ratios for the entire patient population were over double that of previous clinical trials (46.6% vs. 21.9%; P < 0.001). No serious complications were reported.ConclusionThe learning process and accumulation of data on MRgFUS enable the optimization of treatments in order to safely achieve large NPV ratios and sustained clinical benefit. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Female reproductive parameters in the Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch)
Authors: Hodgkiss Sarah , Thetford Ernie , Waitt C.D. , Nijman Vincent 
Published: October 2009

AbstractJavan gibbons (Hylobates moloch) are one of the most endangered gibbon species in the world. Data on the reproductive biology of the species are almost nonexistent, and a general understanding of the female reproductive biology of this species is important for both ex situ and in situ conservation. Using 18 years of data from 11 captive individuals, we provide new information on the reproductive biology of Javan gibbons based on sexual swelling and menstrual bleeding, including reproductive development, interbirth intervals, and ovarian cycle lengths. Menarche and the onset of sexual swelling occurred at 6.2 and 6.5 years respectively, followed by a period of adolescent sterility of about 1.5 years. Average age at first birth was 8.8 years, and interbirth intervals were about 2.3 years, decreasing to 1.0 year during cases of infant mortality at or shortly after birth. Ovarian cyclicity was measured through periods between menstrual bleeding and sexual swelling. Menstrual bleeding indicates the start of a new ovarian cycle, while sexual swelling normally occurs near the time of ovulation. Menstrual bleeding intervals gave a cycle length of 25.6 days, while sexual swelling intervals gave a cycle length of 27.3 days. These both correspond closely to cycle lengths in other gibbon species, as well as hormonal studies in Javan gibbons. In particular, observing the presence/absence of swellings was found to be a useful and easy method to monitor female ovarian cycles, and could be a practical noninvasive technique for caretakers and researchers. Zoo Biol 29:449–456, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Animal‐based welfare monitoring: using keeper ratings as an assessment tool
Authors: Whitham Jessica C. , Wielebnowski Nadja 
Published: October 2009

AbstractZoological institutions are in urgent need of identifying and implementing welfare assessment tools that allow for ongoing, quantitative monitoring of individual animal well‐being. Although the American Zoological Association's (AZA) Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) promotes the use of such tools in internal review processes, current approaches to institutional welfare assessment are resource‐based and outline the resources, environmental parameters and “best practices” recommended for promoting good welfare in a species in general. We highlight the value of incorporating animal‐based monitoring tools that capture the individual animal's perspective and subjective experiences, including positive events and feelings, by validating zookeepers' qualitative assessments. We present evidence that, across a variety of species, caretakers' assessments of traits related to the well‐being of individual animals can be both reliable and valid. Furthermore, we demonstrate that among researchers investigating the welfare of farm, laboratory, companion and even zoo animals, support already exists for developing and validating instruments that objectively evaluate the qualitative assessments of caretakers. Finally, we outline a process currently being evaluated at Brookfield Zoo for developing, validating and testing a cost‐effective, user‐friendly monitoring tool that will help to quantify keepers' qualitative assessments of individual well‐being and can be integrated into daily operations. This tool (i.e. species‐specific Welfare Score Sheets designed through consultation with animal experts) will result in weekly scores of individual well‐being that are expected to provide a first indicator of welfare issues in the collection. Specifically, scores can be reviewed during regular workgroup meetings to identify welfare issues proactively, to assess whether particular conditions, practices or events impact individual well‐being, and finally, to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to address welfare issues. Upon completion of the tool validation and testing phases, we plan to make the Welfare Score Sheets for our 12 study species available to other institutions, and the methods we applied may serve as a “blueprint” for creating similar tools for additional species and institutions. Zoo Biol 28:545–560, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Aqueous CdTe/CdS/ZnS Core/shell/shell Quantum Dots by a Chemical Aerosol Flow Method
Authors: Yan Chuanmiao , Tang Fangqiong , Li Linlin , Li Hongbo , Huang Xinglu , Chen Dong , Meng Xianwei , Ren Jun 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
This work described a continuous method to synthesize CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots. In an integrated system by flawlessly combining the chemical aerosol flow system working at high temperature (200–300°C) to generate CdTe/CdS intermediate products and an additional heat-up setup at relatively low temperature to overcoat the ZnS shells, the CdTe/CdS/ZnS multishell structures were realized. The as-synthesized CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots are characterized by photoluminescence spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Fluorescence and XRD results confirm that the obtained quantum dots have a core/shell/shell structure. It shows the highest quantum yield above 45% when compared to the rhodamine 6G. The core/shell/shell QDs were more stable via the oxidation experiment by H2O2.
Determination of Lipid Degradation by Marine Lipase‐Producing Bacteria: Critical Evaluation of Lipase Activity Assays
Authors: Duflos Marie , Goutx Madeleine , Van Wambeke France 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWith the aim of obtaining a better understanding of lipids‐lipases interactions in bacterioplankton communities in oceans, we used different methods for measuring lipase activities in pure cultures of the marine strain Alteromonas macleodii. The decay of tripalmitate added to cultures was followed chemically over time. In an enzymatic approach, lipase activities were measured using the fluorogenic lipid analogs MUF‐palmitate and ELF‐palmitate. When hydrolyzed by lipase, the non‐fluorescent substrates release MUF and ELF Alcohol (ELFA) which are fluorescent. As shown by spectrofluorometry, ELF‐palmitate was an efficient competitor for MUF‐palmitate. However, the activities reached using these two fluorogenic substrates were different, but still much higher than the tripalmitate hydrolysis rate, measured chemically. MUF‐ and ELF‐palmitate would not be hydrolyzed by lipase sensu stricto (defined as triacylglycerol acylesterase E.C. 3.1.1.3) but rather reflects lipolytic activities in a broad sense. ELFA is also water‐insoluble and theoretically precipitates in the external membrane of bacteria causing its hydrolysis, which would allow microscopic identification of active cells. By epifluorescence microscopy, the accumulation of ELFA fluorescence over time was detected (as large, diffuse halos), but no precipitates were clearly associated with bacteria on slide preparations, neither for pure cultures of Alteromonas macleodii nor for natural samples from the Bay of Marseille, France. Among possible biases, those related to the hydrophobic/hydrophilic conditions required for precipitation are discussed.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Isomers, t10c12 and c9t11, are Differentially Incorporated into Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle in Humans
Authors: Goedecke Julia H. , Rae Dale E. , Smuts Cornelius M. , Lambert Estelle V. , O'Shea Marianne 
Published: October 2009

AbstractConjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a popular supplement believed to enhance immune function, body composition and insulin sensitivity, but results of scientific studies investigating its effects are conflicting. The isomer‐ and tissue‐specific effects of CLA may explain these conflicting results. Therefore, this study quantified the incorporation of the c9t11 and t10c12 CLA isomers into adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in response to supplementation in healthy, regularly‐exercising, non‐obese persons. The CLA group (n = 14) ingested 3.9 g per day CLA (50:50 t9c11:c10t12) and the placebo group (n = 11) 3.9 g per day high‐oleic‐acid sunflower oil for 12 weeks. Following supplementation, the t10c12 isomer was incorporated into adipose tissue triacylglycerol (P < 0.001), and the c9t11 isomer tended to increase in skeletal muscle phospholipids (P = 0.056). Therefore, human adipose tissue and skeletal muscle are enriched with CLA in an isomer‐specific manner.
Government guarantees and risk sharing in public–private partnerships
Authors: Takashima Ryuta , Yagi Kyoko , Takamori Hiroshi 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe study the interaction between a private firm and a government when they time an investment decision while in a public–private partnership. We use a real options framework and consider the degree of sharing in the cost of the investment and the risk in the operation of the project. The degree of sharing influences the investment timing and the project value. When the guarantee of the government is large and/or the cost sharing rate for the private firm is low, then the private firm‐maximizing policy exercises the investment option earlier than the project value‐maximizing policy.
Policy Punctuations in Mature Welfare States
Authors: Jensen Carsten 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn mainstream welfare state theory the new institutional approach has explained incremental changes as institutions gradually adjust at the margin. However, big and sudden changes remain outside the scope of this theory. The article uses the theory of punctuated equilibrium to argue that politics is characterized by long periods of stability followed by dramatic bursts of change. The theory is tested on policy data from 18 Western countries, 1971–2002. It confirms that the degree of non-incrementalism depends partly on the institutional friction in a country and partly on the type of welfare programme in question.
Regulatory Quality and Performance in EU Network Industries: Evidence on Telecommunications, Gas and Electricity
Authors: Ugur Mehmet 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTThis article provides empirical evidence onex anteandex postindicators of regulatory quality and the relationship between those indicators and market performance in liberalised EU-15 network industries. It finds a low level of regulatory independence and competence, a high level of cross-country variations in regulatory quality, and widespread absence of correlation betweenex anteregulatory quality andex postperformance indicators. On the basis of these findings, it suggests that the design of national regulatory agencies (NRAs) in Europe is not optimal and may be conducive to regulatory ineffectiveness or outright regulatory failure. Nevertheless, the existence and strengthening of EU-level regulators could enable EU member states to reduce the risk of regulatory failure by encouraging coordination and adoption of best practice.
The Politics of Healthcare Reform in Postcommunist Europe: The Importance of Access
Authors: Roberts Andrew 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWhy do countries move from public to private financing of healthcare? This paper explores this issue by looking at the divergent reform trajectories of three postcommunist countries – the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. While existing accounts emphasize veto points to explain changes in healthcare systems, the present analysis finds that moves towards private financing can be better explained by differences in access to the policymaking arm of the state. Specifically, a penetrable single-party government and weak bureaucratic capacities allow physicians to capture the reform process and implement their preferred policies. The results suggest that scholars of health policy should focus more attention on the actors seeking change and their access to policy makers.
Policymaking without Policy Choice: The Rise of Private Health Insurance in Denmark
Authors: Olesen Jeppe Dørup 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPolicymaking and policy outcomes are not necessarily the result of a carefully designed process but can result from intertwined political and institutional dynamics that are often difficult to predict from the outset. This article examines such a policy process, the dramatic rise in the uptake of private health insurance (PHI) in Denmark. In a comprehensive welfare state, founded on the principle of universalism, its success is puzzling. The explanation suggested here is that the rise in PHI is an example of policymaking without policy choice. The article reviews the intended and unintended effects concerning equality in health care and public finance. It also notes that the introduction of a private alternative to the universal health care system has not weakened the support for the public services.
Reducing the health risks of severe winter weather among older people in the United Kingdom: an evidence-based intervention
Authors: GASCOIGNE CLAIRE , MORGAN KEVIN , GROSS HARRIET , GOODWIN JAMES 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTExcess winter morbidity and mortality among older people remain significant public health issues in those European countries which experience relatively mild winter temperatures, particularly the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Portugal and Spain. In the UK, episodes of severe winter weather, when ambient temperatures fall below 5° C, are associated with peaks in general practitioner consultations, hospital admissions, and cardiovascular deaths among those aged over 65. While research indicates that such health risks could be substantially reduced by the adoption of appropriate behavioural strategies, accessible and credible advice on how older people can reduce risk during ‘cold snaps’ is lacking. This paper describes a programme of research that aimed: (a) to translate the relevant scientific literature into practical advice for older people in order to reduce health risk during episodes of severe winter weather; and (b) to integrate this advice with a severe winter weather ‘Early Warning System’ developed by the UK Met Office. An advice booklet was generated through a sequential process of systematic review, consensus development, and focus group discussions with older people. In a subsequent field trial, a combination of the Met Office ‘Early Warning System’ and the advice booklet produced behavioural change among older people consistent with risk reduction. The results also show that long-held convictions about ‘healthy environments’ and anxieties about fuel costs are barriers to risk reduction.