bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth and photosynthesis of salt‐stressed sunflower (Helianthus annuus) plants as affected by foliar‐applied different potassium salts
Authors: Saeed Akram Muhammad , Ashraf Muhammad , Shahbaz Muhammad , Aisha Akram Nudrat 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn order to assess the effectiveness of foliar‐applied potassium (K+, 1.25%) using different salts (KCl, KOH, K2CO3, KNO3, KH2PO4, and K2SO4) in ameliorating the inhibitory effect of salt stress on sunflower plants, a greenhouse experiment was conducted. Sodium chloride (150 mM) was applied through the rooting medium to 18 d–old plants and after 1 week of salt treatment; different K+‐containing salts were applied twice in 1‐week interval as a foliar spray. Salt stress adversely affected the growth, yield components, gas exchange, and water relations, and also caused nutrient imbalance in sunflower plants. However, foliar‐applied different sources of potassium improved shoot and root fresh and shoot dry weights, achene yield, 100‐achene weight, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water‐use efficiency, relative water content, and leaf and root K+ concentrations of sunflower plants grown under saline conditions. Under nonsaline conditions, improvement in shoot fresh weight, achene yield, 100‐achene weight, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, and root Na+ concentration was observed due to foliar‐applied different K sources. Of the different salts, K2SO4, KH2PO4, KNO3, and K2CO3 were more effective than KCl and KOH in improving growth and some key physiological processes of sunflower plants.
Supercritical biharmonic elliptic problems in domains with small holes
Authors: Guo Yuxia , Wei Juncheng 
Published: November 2009

AbstractLet D be a bounded and smooth domain in RN, N ≥ 5, P ∈ D. We consider the following biharmonic elliptic problemin Ω = D \Bδ (P),
equation image
with p supercritical, namely . We find a sequence of resonant exponents
equation image
such that if is given, with p ≠ pj for all j, then for all δ > 0 sufficiently small, this problem is solvable (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Price adjustment in German manufacturing: evidence from two merged surveys
Authors: Stahl Harald 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper presents new evidence on the formation of producer prices. The database combines a one‐time survey that was conducted in June 2004 on a sample of 1200 firms in manufacturing and time series information on price adjustment of the same firms. Twenty percent of firms set prices as time‐dependent but neither Taylor nor Calvo‐type price setting describes them aptly. Few firms are forward‐looking. According to the one‐time survey, fixed contracts and coordination failure are the main reason for postponing price adjustment. However, the hazard rates for price changes from the time series information do not support this. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial dysfunction in the first year after Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Bernsen Robert A.J.A.M. , de Jager Aeiko E.J. , Kuijer Wietske , van der MechÉ Frans G.A. , Suurmeijer Theo P.B.M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this investigation we study the impact of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) on psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and health status of patients during the first year after GBS. At 3, 6, and 12 months, patients were given the General Health Questionnaire, the Sickness Impact Profile, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Eighty‐five patients participated. Psychological distress and depressive symptoms were present but improved between 3 and 6 months. At 12 months the psychosocial health status was still impaired. Patients who perceived their physical residua to be moderately to seriously disruptive and patients with muscle ache and cramps had worse scores on all scales. It can be concluded that most of the improvement occurred in the first 6 months. Psychosocial health status, however, was still impaired at 1 year, but depressive symptoms played no role. Treatment of muscle ache and cramps, and the disruptive effect of physical residua should be seriously considered. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Limited diagnostic value of enzyme analysis in patients with mitochondrial tRNA mutations
Authors: Wibrand Flemming , Jeppesen Tina D. , Frederiksen Anja L. , Olsen David B. , Duno Morten , Schwartz Marianne , Vissing John 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe evaluated the diagnostic value of respiratory chain (RC) enzyme analysis of muscle in adult patients with mitochondrial myopathy (MM). RC enzyme activity was measured in muscle biopsies from 39 patients who carry either the 3243A>G mutation, other tRNA point mutations, or single, large‐scale deletions of mtDNA. Findings were compared with those obtained from asymptomatic relatives with the 3243A>G mutation, myotonic dystrophy patients, and healthy subjects. Plasma lactate concentration, maximal oxygen uptake, and ragged‐red fibers/cytochrome c–negative fibers in muscle were also determined. Only 10% of patients with the 3243A>G point mutation had decreased enzyme activity of one or more RC complexes, whereas this was the case for 83% of patients with other point mutations and 62% of patients with deletions. Abnormal muscle histochemistry was found in 65%, 100%, and 85% of patients, respectively, in these three groups. The results indicate that RC enzyme analysis in muscle is not a sensitive test for MM in adults. In these patients, abnormal muscle histochemistry appears to be a better predictor ofMM. Muscle Nerve, 2010
The 6‐minute walk test as a new outcome measure in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: McDonald Craig M. , Henricson Erik K. , Han Jay J. , Abresch R. Ted , Nicorici Alina , Elfring Gary L. , Atkinson Leone , Reha Allen , Hirawat Samit , Miller Langdon L. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWalking abnormalities are prominent in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We modified the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) for use as an outcome measure in patients with DMD and evaluated its performance in 21 ambulatory boys with DMD and 34 healthy boys, ages 4 to 12 years. Boys with DMD were tested twice, ∼1 week apart; controls were tested once. The groups had similar age, height, and weight. All tests were completed. Boys who fell recovered rapidly from falls without injury. Mean ± SD [range] 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD) was lower in boys with DMD than in controls (366 ± 83 [125–481] m vs. 621 ± 68 [479–754] m; P < 0.0001; unpaired t‐test). Test‐retest correlation for boys with DMD was high (r = 0.91). Stride length (R2 = 0.89; P < 0.0001) was the major determinant of 6MWD for both boys with DMD and controls. A modified 6MWT is feasible and safe, documents disease‐related limitations on ambulation, is reproducible, and offers a new outcome measure for DMD natural history and therapeutic trials. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Ultrasonography in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow: Comparison of cross‐sectional area and swelling ratio with electrophysiological severity
Authors: Bayrak Ayse Oytun , Bayrak Ilkay Koray , Turker Hande , Elmali Muzaffer , Nural Mehmet Selim 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of ultrasonographic measurements in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) and to assess the relationship between the measurements and the electrophysiological severity. The largest anteroposterior diameter (LAPD) and cross‐sectional area (CSA) measurements of the ulnar nerve were noted at multiple levels along the arm, and the distal‐to‐proximal ratios were calculated. Almost all of the measurements and swelling ratios between patients and controls showed statistically significant differences. The largest CSA, distal/largest CSA ratio, CSA at the epicondyle, and proximal LAPD had larger areas under the curve than other measurements. The sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing UNE were 95% and 71% for the largest CSA, 83% and 85% for the distal/largest CSA ratio, 83% and 81% for the CSA at the epicondyle, and 93% and 43% for the proximal LAPD, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the electrophysiological severity scale score (ESSS) and the largest CSA, the CSA at the epicondyle and 2 cm proximal to the epicondyle, and the LAPD at the level of the epicondyle (P < 0.05). None of the swelling ratios showed a significant correlation with the ESSS. The largest CSA measurement is the most valuable ultrasonographic measurement both for diagnosis and determining the severity of UNE. Muscle Nerve, 2010
An international urogynecological association (IUGA)/international continence society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Haylen Bernard T. , de Ridder Dirk , Freeman Robert M. , Swift Steven E. , Berghmans Bary , Lee Joseph , Monga Ash , Petri Eckhard , Rizk Diaa E. , Sand Peter K. , Schaer Gabriel N. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIntroductionNext to existing terminology of the lower urinary tract, due to its increasing complexity, the terminology for pelvic floor dysfunction in women may be better updated by a female‐specific approach and clinically based consensus report.MethodsThis report combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two international organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA), and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by many external referees. Appropriate core clinical categories and a subclassification were developed to give an alphanumeric coding to each definition. An extensive process of 15 rounds of internal and external review was developed to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision‐making by collective opinion (consensus).ResultsA terminology report for female pelvic floor dysfunction, encompassing over 250 separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically based with the six most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user‐friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different specialty groups involved in female pelvic floor dysfunction. Female‐specific imaging (ultrasound, radiology, and MRI) has been a major addition while appropriate figures have been included to supplement and help clarify the text. Ongoing review is not only anticipated but will be required to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible.ConclusionA consensus‐based terminology report for female pelvic floor dysfunction has been produced aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and a stimulus for research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29: 4–20, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Governmental financial information reforms and changes in the political system: The Argentina, Chile and Paraguay experience
Authors: Caba‐Perez Carmen , López‐Hernández Antonio M. , Ortiz‐Rodríguez David 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis article analyzes the effects of changes in the political system‐from dictatorship to democracy‐on financial information systems and on their reform. We chose to study Argentina, Chile and Paraguay as these three countires share a similar geographic and social‐political context. They all had dictatorial governments during the second half of the 20th century and peformed a transition to democratic systems in the 1990s. We provide a brief overview of the political context and of government accounting regulations, both before and after the transition. We propose an adaptation of Lüder's contingency model to be applied to the situation in these three countries. This model enables us to identify the principal agents and motives favouring or prejudicing the implementation of reforms to financial information systems. Ours is the first academic study of reforms to government financial information systems in three Latin American countries that have made the transition from dictatorship to democracy, identifying the contingent factors that have affected the adoption of reforms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motivational dilemmas in collaborative learning activities: The case of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
Authors: Andersson Krister 
Published: November 2009

AbstractComplex social and environmental problems—such as climate change, rural poverty, and over‐fishing—defy simple policy solutions. An increasing number of scholars, practitioners, and policy makers now agree that coming to grips with such problems requires more collaborative and adaptive forms of learning and decision‐making. Such approaches seek to involve a variety of stakeholders to learn about system‐level effects of past human decisions and adapt future management decisions to the lessons learned. While there are plenty of success stories at the local level, the collaborative learning approach has turned out to be difficult to implement at broader scales—in large public organizations and in society at large. This article provides an explanation for such shortcomings, arguing that the creation of collaborative learning systems is plagued by several motivational dilemmas. By systematically mapping out the institutional incentives of the potential participants in collaborative learning activities, it is argued that one can gain a better understanding of the likelihood that adaptive systems will actually work. These ideas are tested on the case of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It is found that most Sida staff face conflicting incentives to engage in collaborative learning, but there are opportunities for management to strengthen such incentives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Policy adoption in dynamic international environments: Evidence from national AIDS programs
Authors: Clark Benjamin Y. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe policy adoption is often seen as a function of internal determinants, external determinants, or a combination of the two. In the years since the start of the HIV/AIDS epidemic nearly every country in the world has adopted of some nature a program to combat the epidemic. This article demonstrates the mixed mechanisms influencing the adoption of AIDS programs, in a quantitative study of 90 countries. Prior studies have claimed that multilateral organizations were vital to global action against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This study provides empirical evidence showing the actions taken by the multilateral organizations have both helped and hindered efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐dimensional proteome reference map for the radiation‐resistant bacterium Deinococcus geothermalis
Authors: Liedert Christina , Bernhardt Jörg , Albrecht Dirk , Voigt Birgit , Hecker Michael , Salkinoja‐Salonen Mirja , Neubauer Peter 
Published: November 2009

Abstract2‐DE reference maps for Deinococcus geothermalis cytosolic and cell envelope proteomes were constructed. In total, 403 spots were identified as 299 different proteins. Unique in the proteomes were four subunits of V‐type ATPase and Deinococcus specific proteins constituting one‐fourth of cell envelope proteome. The cytoplasmic proteome included enzymes of the central carbon metabolism, chaperones, enzymes of protein and DNA repair, and oxidative stress. A total of 34 abundant proteins with unknown function may relate to the extreme stress tolerance of D. geothermalis.
Can telephone counseling post‐treatment improve psychosocial outcomes among early stage breast cancer survivors?
Authors: Marcus Alfred C. , Garrett Kathleen M. , Cella David , Wenzel Lari , Brady Marianne J. , Fairclough Diane , Pate‐Willig Meredith , Barnes Denise , Powell Emsbo Susan , Kluhsman Brenda C. , Crane Lori , Sedlacek Scot , Flynn Patrick J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective: To determine whether a telephone counseling program can improve psychosocial outcomes among breast cancer patients post‐treatment.Methods: A randomized trial was conducted involving 21 hospitals and medical centers, with assessments (self‐administered questionnaires) at baseline, 12 and 18 months post‐enrollment. Eligibility criteria included early stage diagnosis, enrollment during last treatment visit, and the ability to receive the intervention in English. Endpoints included distress (Impact of Event Scale), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), and two study‐specific measures: sexual dysfunction and personal growth. The control group (n=152) received a resource directory for breast cancer; the intervention group (n=152) also received a one‐year, 16 session telephone counseling program augmented with additional print materials.Results: Significant intervention effects were found for sexual dysfunction at 12 (p=0.03) and 18 months (p=0.04) and personal growth (12 months: p=0.005; 18 months: p=0.03). No differences by group were found in mean scores for distress and depression, with both groups showing significant improvement at 12 and 18 months (all p values for within‐group change from baseline were ⩽0.003). However, when dichotomized at cutpoints suggestive of the need for a clinical referral, the control group showed virtually no change at 18 months, whereas the intervention group showed about a 50% reduction in both distress (p=0.07) and depression (p=0.06).Conclusions: Telephone counseling may provide a viable method for extending psychosocial services to cancer survivors nationwide. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multifunctional Stretchable Plasma Polymer Modified PDMS Interface for Mechanically Responsive Materials
Authors: Geissler Alexandre , Vallat Marie‐France , Fioux Philippe , Thomann Jean‐Sébastien , Frisch Benoît , Voegel Jean‐Claude , Hemmerlé Joseph , Schaaf Pierre , Roucoules Vincent 
Published: November 2009

AbstractNew stretchable reactive surfaces are developed as platforms for the design of mechanically responsive materials. These surfaces are based on elastic PDMS elastomer substrates. Plasma polymerization leads to the attachment of reactive functionalities on the surface. We show that such functionalised PDMS surfaces exhibit pH‐dependent acid‐base properties due to the dicarboxylic acid groups. Both contact angle and force measurements highlight the dilution effect of the surface concentration of reactive groups induced by substrate elongation. We show, in particular, that the surfaces can be rendered antifouling by tailoring them with poly(ethylene glycol) ($\overline M _{\rm w}$ = 2000) and that the antifouling strength depends upon the elongation of the substrate.magnified image
Synthesis and Energetic Properties of Bis‐(Triaminoguanidinium) 3,3′‐Dinitro‐5,5′‐Azo‐1,2,4‐Triazolate (TAGDNAT): A New High‐Nitrogen Material
Authors: Chavez David E. , Tappan Bryce C. , Mason Benjamin Aaron , Parrish Damon 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper describes the synthesis and characterization of bis‐(triaminoguanidinium)‐3,3′‐dinitro‐5,5′‐azo‐1,2,4‐triazolate (TAGDNAT), a novel high‐nitrogen molecule that derives its energy release from both a high heat of formation and intramolecular oxidation reactions. TAGDNAT shows promise as a propellant or explosive ingredient not only due to its high nitrogen content (66.35 wt.‐%) but also due to its high hydrogen content (4.34 wt.‐%). This new molecule has been characterized with respect to its morphology, sensitivity properties, explosive, and combustion performance. The heat of formation of TAGDNAT was also experimentally determined. The results of these studies show that TAGDNAT has one of the fastest low‐pressure burning rates (at 6.9 MPa) measured till date, 6.79 cm s−1 at 6.9 MPa (39% faster than triaminoguanidinium azotetrazolate (TAGzT), a comparable high‐nitrogen/high‐hydrogen material). Furthermore, its pressure sensitivity is 0.507, a 33% reduction compared to TAGzT.
Differential effect of hot water treatment on whole tubers versus cut setts of yam (Dioscorea spp.)
Authors: Coyne Daniel L , Claudius‐Cole Abiodun O , Kenyon Lawrence , Baimey Hugues 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The use of thermotherapy or hot water treatment (HWT) is recommended for the management of plant‐parasitic nematodes and other pathogens for a range of planting material, especially vegetatively propagated crops including yams, Dioscorea spp. The sprouting (germination) and consequent viability of yam following HWT, however, appear to be influenced by the post‐treatment method of planting (whole or cut setts) and cultivar. The present study was established to evaluate the sensitivity of the most popular yam cultivars in Benin and Nigeria, West Africa, to HWT at 50–53 °C for 20 min.RESULTS: Sprouting of both setts and whole tubers of most cultivars was affected by HWT. Across experiments, 47% of HWT material, compared with 61% of non‐HWT material, sprouted over 8 weeks. When cut into setts, 41% of HWT or untreated tubers sprouted, compared with 72% of whole tubers. Whole, untreated tubers had highest sprouting rates (84%), and setts following HWT had the lowest (38%). Yam planting material was also not completely free of parasitic nematodes following HWT. The reaction to HWT or cutting was highly cultivar specific.CONCLUSION: Yam cultivars vary in their sensitivity to hot water therapy. Care is therefore advised in selecting yam cultivars for HWT, especially when using cut setts. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Evidence of effectiveness of herbal medicinal products in the treatment of arthritis
Authors: Cameron Melainie , Gagnier Joel J. , Little Christine V. , Parsons Tessa J. , Blümle Anette , Chrubasik Sigrun 
Published: November 2009

AbstractHerbal medicinal products (HMPs) that interact with the mediators of inflammation are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to update a previous systematic review published in 2000. We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CISCOM, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane registers) to June 2007, unrestricted by date or language, and included randomized controlled trials that compared HMPs with inert (placebo) or active controls in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Five reviewers contributed to data extraction. Disagreements were discussed and resolved by consensus with reference to Cochrane guidelines and advice from the Cochrane Collaboration.Twenty studies (10 identified for this review update, and 10 of the 11 studies of the original review) investigating 14 HMPs were included. Meta‐analysis was restricted to data from previous seven studies with oils from borage, blackcurrant and evening primrose containing gamma linolenic acid (GLA). GLA doses equal or higher than 1400 mg/day showed benefit in the alleviation of rheumatic complaints whereas lower doses (∼500 mg) were ineffective. Three studies compared products fromTripterygium wilfordii(thunder god vine) to placebos and returned favorable results but data could not be pooled because the interventions and measures differed. Serious adverse effects occurred in one study. In a follow‐up study all side effects were mild to moderate and resolved after the intervention ceased, but time to resolution was variable. Two studies comparing Phytodolor NRto placebo were of limited use because some measures were poorly defined. The remaining studies, each considering differing HMPs, were assessed individually.For most HMPs used in the treatment of RA, the evidence of effectiveness was insufficient to either recommend or discourage their use. Interventions with HMPs containing GLA orTripterygium wilfordiiextract appear to produce therapeutic effects but further investigations are warranted to prove their effectiveness and safety. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.