bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual competitiveness of a transgenic sexing strain of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Morrison N. I. , Segura D. F. , Stainton K. C. , Fu G. , Donnelly C. A. , Alphey L. S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe sterile insect technique (SIT), when used for the control of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), generally relies on the release of sterile flies of only the male sex. Male selection is achieved through the use of a genetic sexing strain (GSS) in which females are killed by heat treatment in the generation prior to release. Transgenic sexing strains (TSS) have been developed that perform the same function of female‐lethality, this time by withholding tetracycline (or related compounds) from the larval diet. The use of TSS may allow for certain problems associated with conventional GSS, such as strain instability and reduced productivity in mass‐rearing, to be avoided. The performance, and principally the sexual competitiveness, of released male flies is important for the success of an SIT control programme. This study describes field cage experiments in which the competitiveness of males from a TSS (OX3376B) was compared with that of a conventional GSS (VIENNA‐8) and two wild‐type strains (TOLIMAN and ARG). When competing for female mates with wild‐type males, OX3376B male performance was acceptable. When OX3376B males competed directly for mates with VIENNA‐8 males, VIENNA‐8 slightly outperformed the TSS males. Parallel tests, in which wild‐type males competed with either OX3376B or VIENNA‐8 males, showed that males from both sexing strains were highly competitive with wild‐type males. These results suggest that OX3376B in particular, and TSS in general, show sufficiently good mating competitiveness to merit further research into their suitability for eventual use in SIT programmes.
The 5/95 gap in the indexation of psychiatric journals of low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Mari J. J. , Patel V. , Kieling C. , Razzouk D. , Tyrer P. , Herrman H. 
Published: September 2009

Mari JJ, Patel V, Kieling C, Razzouk D, Tyrer P, Herrman H. The 5/95 gap in the indexation of psychiatric journals of low‐ and middle‐income countries.Objective:  To investigate the relationship between science production and the indexation level of low‐ and middle‐income countries (LAMIC) journals in international databases.Method:  Indicators of productivity in research were based on the number of articles produced over the 1994–2004 period. A survey in both Medline and ISI/Thomson was conducted to identify journals according to their country of origin. A WPA Task Force designed a collaborative process to assess distribution and quality of non‐indexed LAMIC journals.Results:  Twenty LAMIC were found to present more than 100 publications and a total of 222 indexed psychiatric journals were found, but only nine were from LAMIC. The Task Force received 26 questionnaires from editors of non‐indexed journals, and concluded that five journals would meet criteria for indexation.Conclusion:  Barriers to indexation of journals contribute to the difficulties in achieving fair representation in the main literature databases for the scientific production in these countries.
Substitutes for grazing in semi‐natural grasslands – do mowing or mulching represent valuable alternatives to maintain vegetation structure?
Authors: Römermann Christine , Bernhardt‐Römermann Markus , Kleyer Michael , Poschlod Peter 
Published: September 2009

AbstractQuestion: Which management treatments are suitable to replace historically applied grazing regimes? How and why does vegetation structure change following changes in management?Location: Semi‐natural calcareous dry grasslands in southwest Germany.Methods: We analysed changes in floristic and functional composition induced by different management treatments (grazing, mowing, mulching, succession) in long‐term experimental sites. First, floristic and functional distances between the initial conditions and the following years were determined. Second, we used RLQ analyses to include data on abiotic conditions, vegetation composition and functional traits in one common analysis. Finally, we applied cluster analyses on RLQ species scores to deduce functional groups.Results: In contrast to the historical management regime of grazing, all alternative management treatments led to changes in floristic and functional composition, depending on their intensity with respect to biomass removal. The distance analyses showed that mulching twice per year and mowing did not lead to strong changes in floristic or functional composition. However, RLQ analysis clearly provided evidence that only the grazed sites are in equilibrium, indicating that vegetation change still goes ahead.Conclusions: The current study clearly shows that RLQ is a powerful tool to elucidate ongoing processes that may remain hidden when separately analysing floristic and functional data. Alternative management treatments are not appropriate to sustain the typical disturbance dynamics of species‐rich semi‐natural grasslands. The less frequent an alternative management treatment is with respect to biomass removal, the less the floristic and functional structure can be maintained.
A meta‐ethnographic synthesis of women's experience of breastfeeding
Authors: Burns Elaine , Schmied Virginia , Sheehan Athena , Fenwick Jennifer 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDespite considerable evidence and effort, breastfeeding duration rates in resource‐rich countries such as Australia remain below World Health Organization recommendations. The literature on the experience of breastfeeding indicates that women construct and experience breastfeeding differently depending upon their own personal circumstances and the culture within which they live. Breastfeeding has also been described as a deeply personal experience, which can be associated with ‘moral’ decision‐making. The aim of this synthesis was to better understand the social phenomenon of breastfeeding by making the hidden obvious. Using a meta‐ethnographic approach, we analysed the findings from 17 qualitative studies exploring women's experience of breastfeeding. Commonly used metaphors, ideas and phrases across the national and international qualitative studies were identified. Two overarching themes emerged. Breastfeeding was described in terms of ‘expectation’ and ‘reality’, while the emotional aspects of breastfeeding were expressed in ‘connected’ or ‘disconnected’ terms. The prevalence of health professionals and public health discourses in the language women use to describe their experience, and the subsequent impact of this on maternal confidence and self‐assessment of breastfeeding are discussed. This synthesis provides insight into some of the subtle ways health professionals can build maternal confidence and improve the experience of early mothering.
Nanoparticles as a Novel Delivery Vehicle for Therapeutics Targeting Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Han George , Tar Moses , Kuppam Dwaraka S.R. , Friedman Adam , Melman Arnold , Friedman Joel , Davies Kelvin P. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Nanoparticles represent a potential novel mechanism for transdermal delivery of erectogenic agents directly to the penis.

Aim
To determine if nanoparticles encapsulating known erectogenic agents (tadalafil, sialorphin, and nitric oxide [NO]) can improve erectile function in a rat model of erectile dysfunction (ED) as a result of aging (the Sprague-Dawley retired breeder rat).

Methods
Nanoparticles encapsulating the erectogenic agents were applied as a gel to the glans and penile shaft of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats and the intracorporal pressure/blood pressure (ICP/BP) monitored for up to 2 hours with or without stimulation of the cavernous nerve. Control nanoparticles were made without encapsulating erectogenic agents and applied in a similar manner in separate experiments.

Results
Nanoparticles encapsulating NO caused spontaneous visible erections in the rat, with an average time of onset of 4.5 minutes, duration of 1.42 minutes, and ICP/BP of 0.67 ± 0.14. The sialorphin nanoparticles also caused visible spontaneous erections after an average of 4.5 minutes, with a duration of 8 minutes and ICP/BP ratio of 0.72 ± 0.13. The difference in the erectile response between groups of animals treated with NO or sialorphin nanoparticles was significantly different from the control group treated with empty nanoparticles (P &lt;0.05) Tadalafil nanoparticles showed a significant increase in the mean ICP/BP (0.737 ± 0.029) following stimulation of the cavernous nerve (4 mA) 1 hour after application of the nanoparticles with a visibly improved erectile response.

Conclusions
Nanoparticles encapsulating three different erectogenic agents resulted in increased erectile function when applied to the penis of a rat model of ED. Nanoparticles represent a potential novel route for topical delivery of erectogenic agents which could improve the safety profile for existing orally administered drugs by avoiding effects of absorption and first-pass metabolism, and would be less hazardous than injection.
Management of Mineral and Bone Disorder in Chronic Kidney Disease: Quo Vadis?
Authors: Nakai Kentaro , Komaba Hirotaka , Fukagawa Masafumi 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMineral and bone disorder in chronic kidney disease (CKD‐MBD) is a serious complication because of its profound impact on morbidity and mortality. Recent introduction of calcimimetic cinacalcet hydrochloride has led to a major breakthrough in the management of CKD‐MBD. Numerous clinical studies have shown that in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, cinacalcet effectively reduces serum parathyroid hormone levels without increasing serum calcium and phosphorus levels. This is in contrast to vitamin D analogs that inhibit parathyroid hormone secretion at the price of enhanced intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. More recent studies have focused on the efficacy of combination therapy with calcimimetics and low‐dose vitamin D analogs. One of the most important issues in this context is whether treatment with cinacalcet results in improved clinical outcomes. This is currently under investigation by prospective clinical trials. However, many important questions remain unresolved, including issues with whether and how calcimimetics and vitamin D analogs should be combined and whether calcimimetics or vitamin D analogs should be preferred as primary therapy. With a view to improving patient‐level outcomes, further work should establish more precisely the role of calcimimetics and vitamin D analogs in combination with other therapeutic approaches for CKD‐MBD management.
Cinacalcet in Hyperfunctioning Parathyroid Diseases
Authors: Imanishi Yasuo , Inaba Masaaki , Kawata Takehisa , Nishizawa Yoshiki 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe calcium‐sensing receptor (CaR) on the parathyroid cell surface senses ionized calcium concentration in the extracellular fluid and regulates minute‐to‐minute parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Synthetic allosteric modulators of CaR have been developed, and one of the positive modulators (calcimimetics) is cinacalcet HCl or cinacalcet. Cinacalcet increases the sensitivity of CaR to be activated by extracellular calcium, and thus suppresses PTH release. Cinacalcet is an effective treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with uremia on hemodialysis. In this review, based on basic experiments using cinacalcet, we postulate the beneficial effects of cinacalcet on hyperfunctioning parathyroid diseases.
Clinical Issues Regarding Cinacalcet Hydrochloride in Japan
Authors: Yokoyama Keitaro 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCurrently available cinacalcet hydrochloride has a greater advantage over conventional vitamin D therapy, although the ability of cinacalcet to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) varies among individuals. This article deals with the clinical issues of cinacalcet. Studies examining the impact of cinacalcet on parathyroid gland cells showed that cinacalcet may cause changes in PTH secretion, reduce the parathyroid gland size, and alter parathyroid gland function, suggesting the possibility that use of cinacalcet can eventually be stopped. Combined cinacalcet and vitamin D can reportedly increase vitamin D receptor expression. In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized study involving 1184 previously untreated secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) patients, cinacalcet significantly reduced the likelihood of hospitalization for parathyroidectomy, fractures, and cardiovascular disease. Fibrous osteitis was suppressed in the rat model of renal failure treated with cinacalcet. Considering that the drug price of cinacalcet is lower in Japan than in the USA and Europe, it is highly likely that cinacalcet will be used to suppress PTH in Japan.
Does Cinacalcet Improve the Prognosis of Dialysis Patients?
Authors: Taniguchi Masatomo , Yamada Shunsuke , Tokumoto Masanori , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Hirakata Hideki , Fujimi Satoru , Iida Mitsuo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAppropriate control of serum calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels is required for better prognosis of dialysis patients. Cinacalcet is known to reduce not only serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) but also Ca and Pi levels; however, it remains unclear whether cinacalcet can ultimately improve the prognosis of such patients. In this paper, the ongoing prospective observational study (Q Cohort Study) and double‐blind randomized controlled study (EVOLVE Study) are introduced. In the Q Cohort Study, cinacalcet therapy is indicated when intact PTH levels exceed 180 pg/mL, accounting for 31.3% of the study population (N = 3009). In the EVOLVE Study, the primary endpoint is the time to occurrence of composite events including all‐cause mortality or nonfatal cardiovascular events. There is a related pilot study that treated patients over a 6‐month period with cinacalcet. The findings showed that cinacalcet reduced serum PTH, Ca, and Pi levels and that if the patient had lower PTH levels at baseline, the dosage of vitamin D could be greatly reduced. Thus, in some patients concomitant vitamin D and cinacalcet therapy may be preferred to vitamin D alone.
China's Urban and Rural Old Age Security System: Challenges and Options
Authors: Wang Dewen 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper reviews the development of the urban and rural old age security system in China, and discusses the challenges in the process of constructing a sustained old age security system. Although funding gaps and empty individual accounts have imposed a heavy burden on the sustainability of China's urban pension system, there is a relatively high coverage rate of 35.3 percent for urban workers. However, China's pension system provides low coverage rate for rural farmers. The more rapidly aging population and lower incomes in rural areas pose challenges to the vulnerable rural household support system. The separation of the old age security system between rural and urban areas also puts great pressure as a result of urbanization on farmers who lose their farmland. Therefore, it is urgent for China to speed up the reform of its old age security system to provide an institutional support for its economic and social transition.(Edited by Zhinan Zhang)
China's Pattern of Growth: Moving to Sustainability and Reducing Inequality
Authors: Kuijs Louis , Wang Tao 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper uses both macro level and sectoral data to study the sources and pattern of China's impressive economic growth over the last 25 years. Extending the growth accounting framework, we show that widening inequality, rural poverty, and resource intensity are to a large extent rooted in China's growth strategy, and resolving them requires a rebalancing of policies. We find that growth of investment in the industrial sector has been the single most important factor driving gross domestic product and overall labor productivity growth since the early 1990s. The shift of labor from low‐productivity agriculture has been limited. The productivity gap between agriculture and the rest of the economy has continued to widen, leading to increased rural‐urban income inequality. Continuing with the current growth pattern would further increase already high investment and saving needs to unsustainable levels, lower urban employment growth, and widen the rural‐urban income gap. However, reducing subsidies to industry and investment, encouraging the development of the services industry, and reducing barriers to labor mobility would result in a more balanced growth and a substantial reduction in the income gap between rural and urban residents.(Edited by Xiaoming Feng)
China's Macroeconomic Development: Stages and Nonlinear Convergence
Authors: Lai Pingyao 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe central theme of this paper is that China's macroeconomic development can be divided into three distinct stages with significant trend changes. Market‐oriented reform and opening to the outside world provide main driving forces for the convergence. However, the gradual reform and some inappropriate policies have caused serious ups and downs in China's macroeconomic performance.(Edited by Zhinan Zhang)
Modalities of Microfinance Delivery in Asia and Latin America: Lessons for China
Authors: Montgomery Heather , Weiss John 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMicrofinance, the provision of small size loans and other financial services to low income households, is often seen as the key innovation of the last 25 years in terms of means of reaching out to the poor and vulnerable. There is extensive experience in microfinance provision in both Asia and Latin America, but as yet relatively little use of the approach in China. This paper assesses different approaches to microfinance delivery using a threefold distinction, the credit union approach, the non‐government organization approach and the banking approach, to generalize across recent Asian and Latin American experience and discuss the role of microfinance in poverty reduction in a theoretical framework. Considering the current state of microfinance in China and international experience, we suggest the banking approach as the way to best increase outreach of micro‐financial services in China.(Edited by Xiaoming Feng)
Rural Electrification in China: History and Institution
Authors: Peng Wuyuan , Pan Jiahua 
Published: September 2009

AbstractChina has been highly successful in electrifying rural areas in the past half century. Institutional structure and its reform are important for investment and, therefore, development of rural electrification. Over time, there have been three major institutional changes initiated by the central government; When the People's Republic was founded in 1949, it was short of capital, technology and management professionals to promote rural electrification, so rural electricity had a separate administrative system from the urban areas. From 1949 to 1977, China established a comprehensive vertical system of rural electricity administration under strict central planning. At the end of the 1970s, with the adoption of economic reform policy, the central government handed over the management of the local electricity system to local government. County level has proved the most effective implementation unit for both planning and project implementation of the rural electricity system. From 1998 to 2002, the central government has been separating local electricity supply from local governments to facilitate the commercial operation of the utility market. After 2002, the rural electricity system was merged with the urban system, forming an integrated national electricity administrative system in China.(Edited by Xiaoming Feng)
Can Renminbi Appreciation Reduce the US Trade Deficit?
Authors: Zhang Jian , Fung Hung‐Gay , Kummer Donald 
Published: September 2009

AbstractUsing a computational general equilibrium model, we analyze the impacts of Chinese real exchange rate appreciation on the trade balance of China and the USA and on various industries of both countries. We use several scenarios with 2.1, 6 and 12 percent real exchange rate appreciations for our simulation analysis. The results indicate that China's exchange rate appreciation might not solve the enlarging US current account deficits. Chinese outputs in both primary and manufacture sectors will increase, whereas the outputs of energy and services sectors will be adversely affected. The price of value‐added products declines in light of the renminbi appreciation.(Edited by Zhinan Zhang)
China's Large and Rising Net Foreign Asset Position
Authors: Ma Guonan , Zhou Haiwen 
Published: September 2009

AbstractChina's emergence as a major player in world trade is well known, but its growing role in global finance might have been underappreciated. China is the second largest creditor in the world today, with a net creditor position of 30 percent of GDP in 2008. We test the importance of the growth differential, demographics, government debt, financial depth and the exchange rate in shaping China's net foreign asset position. Our empirical results highlight the sharp fall in the young‐age dependence as one key driver behind China's puzzlingly large net lender position and also confirm the neoclassical prediction that faster growth attracts more capital inflows. Looking ahead, our findings suggest that China will unlikely turn into a meaningful net debtor nation over the next two decades.
From State to State: Quasi‐privatization and Firm Performance
Authors: Wang Kun 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper uses a sample of Chinese listed companies whose controlling shareholders have changed from government agencies to state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), to examine whether reducing government intervention while maintaining government's ultimate control could improve firm performance. The results show that the overall performance of these firms improves after the transfer of their controlling shareholders, due to improvements in both operating and non‐operating performance. When we separate all samples into solely SOEs and other SOEs based on the controlling shareholder, we find that operating performance improved significantly in the solely SOE group, whereas non‐operating performance improved significantly in the SOE group. In addition, we identify sources of performance improvement from two perspectives: corporate governance and related party transactions. The results imply that the Chinese Government should continue to decentralize control and, at the same time, continue to monitor firm operating efficiency.
Empirical Analysis of Provincial Energy Efficiency in China
Authors: Wei Chu , Ni Jinlan , Shen Manhong 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper proposes an energy efficiency index based on the data envelopment analysis approach. The index is used to examine energy efficiency in China. Using 1997–2006 panel data for 29 provinces, we find that energy efficiency is negatively associated with the secondary industry share in GDP, the state‐owned economic share in GDP and the government expenditure share in GDP, and is positively associated with the technical level and non‐coal share in energy consumption. In addition, we find that there exists a large gap in energy efficiency among eastern, central and western regions. The eastern region has a significantly higher energy efficiency level than the central and western regions. We conclude that the different levels of industry structure, government intervention, energy structure, and the technology content in the three regions lead to the differences in energy efficiency.