bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of rough reflecting substrates incorporated into thin‐film silicon solar cells
Authors: Daudrix V. Terrazzoni , Guillet J. , Freitas F. , Shah A. , Ballif C. , Winkler P. , Ferreloc M. , Benagli S. , Niquille X. , Fischer D. , Morf R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractFour different categories of rough reflecting substrates as well as a single periodic grating are incorporated and tested within n‐i‐p type amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) solar cells. Each category is characterised by its own texture shape; dimensions were varied within the categories. Compared to flat reflecting substrates, gains in short‐circuit current density (Jsc) up to 20% have been obtained on rough reflecting plastic substrates. As long as (1) the characteristic dimensions of the textures are lower than the involved light wavelengths, (2) the textures do not present any defects i.e. as long as they do not have large craters or bumps spread over the surface, the root mean square roughness (δRMS) as well as the ratio of average feature height to average period can be used to evaluate the gain in Jsc; if each category of randomly textured substrates is considered separately, the haze factor can be used to estimate δRMS and thereby the gains in Jsc. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indirect absorption edge of TlGaSe2 crystals
Authors: Grivickas Vytautas , Bikbajevas Vitalijus , Grivickas Paulius 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAbsorption spectra of high‐quality layered TlGaSe2 single crystals were measured in a wide temperature range. Results obtained at low temperatures show that the direct excitonic absorption initiating at EGdir = 2.127 eV is perturbed by several series of step‐like features inherent for the indirect type transitions. Spectral modelling of these features revealed that: (i) the ground state of indirect exciton, n = 1, has a large Rydberg energy of about 100 meV, and (ii) the enhanced absorption to excited indirect excitonic states, n = 2, 3, exceeds the classical prediction for scaling factors K1ind/n3. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Representational Reasoning and Verification
Authors: Doherty Gavin J. , Campos José C. , Harrison Michael D. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.

Formal approaches to the design of interactive systems rely on reasoning about properties of the system at a very high level of abstraction. Specifications to support such an approach typically provide little scope for reasoning about presentations and the
representation
of information in the presentation. In contrast, psychological theories such as distributed cognition place a strong emphasis on the role of representations, and their perception by the user, in the cognitive process. However, the post-hoc techniques for the observation and analysis of existing systems which have developed out of the theory do not help us in addressing such issues at the design stage. Mn this paper we show how a formalisation can be used to investigate the representational aspects of an interface. Our goal is to provide a framework to help identify and resolve potential problems with the representation of information, and to support understanding of representational issues in design. We present a model for linking properties at the abstract and perceptual levels, and illustrate its use in a case study of a ight deck instrument. There is a widespread consensus that proper tool support is a prerequisite for the adoption of formal techniques, but the use of such tools can have a profound effect on the process itself. In order to explore this issue, we apply a higher-order logic theorem prover to the analysis.
Parasitoid‐mediated effects: apparent competition and the persistence of host–parasitoid assemblages
Authors: Bonsall M. B. , Hassell Michael P. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIndirect effects such as apparent competition (in which two hosts that do not compete for resources interact via a shared natural enemy) are increasingly being shown to be prevalent in the structure and function of ecological assemblages. Here, we review the empirical and theoretical evidence for these enemy‐mediated effects in host–parasitoid assemblages. We first address questions about the design of experiments to test for apparent competition. Second, we consider factors likely to affect the coexistence of host species that share a parasitoid and are involved in apparent competition. We show that parasitoid aggregation, and the switching effect that this can generate when hosts occur in separate patches, not only promotes persistence but is also strongly stabilizing. The broader consequences of these effects are discussed.
Population fluctuation and persistence of one‐host–two‐parasitoid systems depending on resource distribution: from parasitizing behavior to population dynamics
Authors: Shimada Masakazu 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPopulation dynamics and variability were examined in one‐host–two‐parasitoid experimental systems with different resource distributions: resource‐clumped and resource‐sparse conditions. The system consists of a seed beetle host, Callosobruchus chinensis, and two parasitoid wasps, Anisopteromalus calandrae (Pteromalidae) and Heterospilus prosopidis (Braconidae). In the resource‐clumped condition, suitable hosts for parasitism (the late fourth‐instar larvae and pupae) were clumped in 1 large resource patch, but they were scattered evenly among 16 small patches in the resource‐sparse condition. Population censuses were conducted at 10‐day intervals in long‐term cultures, renewing 10 g of azuki beans (Vigna angularis). In both resource conditions, the first period was a single‐species system of C. chinensis only, and A. calandrae was added in the second period. The one‐host–one‐parasitoid system with C. chinensis and A. calandrae showed stable population dynamics with small fluctuations. After addition of H. prosopidis in the third period, two of three replicates persisted to day 800 in each resource condition, although one replicate in each went to extinction at an immediate outbreak of the H. prosopidis population after the introduction. Population variabilities of C. chinensis and H. prosopidis were significantly higher and the mean population size of A. calandrae was significantly smaller in the resource‐sparse condition than that in the resource‐clumped one. A short‐term experiment on parasitism efficiencies revealed that H. prosopidis parasitized significantly more at a low host density in the resource‐sparse condition than in the resource‐clumped one. Mutual interference of H. prosopidis was weak enough at low parasitoid densities but became abruptly stronger with high densities. Providing fresh hosts in a mixture of already parasitized ones, host‐searching behaviors of a parasitoid were recorded by video for 3 h and were compared between the two wasp species. H. prosopidis could parasitize fresh hosts more efficiently than A. calandrae through frequent long‐distance walks (walking to distant beans at one bout or outside a clump of beans with hosts and back soon on a distant bean of the clump) after reencounters with parasitized hosts. Considering all the experimental results, populations were judged to be more fragile and more likely to go to extinction in the resource‐sparse condition than in the resource‐clumped one. A higher attacking efficiency of H. prosopidis destabilized population dynamics more in the resource‐sparse condition.
Population field studies on the aphidophagous ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): resource tracking and population characteristics
Authors: Osawa N. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTo clarify functional and numerical responses to temporal and spatial variations of resources (resource tracking), and the population characteristics of the ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis, I analyzed the results of a 3‐year field observation at 24 sites (seven plant species) on eight species of aphids. The seasonal changes in the number of beetles estimated by the Jolly–Seber method were significantly correlated with those of aphids in the total area. The estimated values of population parameters suggested frequent immigration and emigration of the H. axyridis population, although reproductive rates between spring and summer were rather stable all 3 years (1.87–3.49). The staying time and the daily number of adults and eggs at each site were influenced not only by a single factor but also by interactions among time and quantity and quality of the prey. The adult movement showed two patterns, which corresponded with the movement within and between the subpopulations when an assemblage of H. axyridis occurring on the plants of the same species or genus was regarded as a subpopulation. Adult movement intensely occurred within a subpopulation, although the beetles moving between subpopulations had a significantly greater chance to reach the habitat with a high aphid density. The habitats of H. axyridis could be categorized into a suitable habitat for survival and reproduction and a temporal refuge. The results obtained here suggest that H. axyridis, with high ability of prey searching and reproduction, maintains a stable population in heterogeneous and temporal habitats by its resource tracking mechanisms.
Evolution of postmating isolation: comparison of three models based on possible genetic mechanisms
Authors: Hayashi T. I. , Kawata M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIn this study, we simulated the process of the evolution of postmating isolation using three models in which postmating isolation is caused by (1) genetic divergence through collaborative coevolution, (2) genetic divergence through antagonistic coevolution resulting from sexual conflict, and (3) genetic divergence through combinational incompatibility. The collaborative coevolution model and the combinational incompatibility model showed a similar decreasing pattern of hybrid compatibility over generations depending on population size and mutation rates. The antagonistic coevolution model showed that reproductive isolation can evolve rapidly depending on the intensity of selection. In the combinational incompatibility model, the increasing number of loci that interact and result in incompatibility would have both promoting and inhibiting effects on the formation of hybrid incompatibility in the earlier stage of isolation. Mutation rates for genes causing incompatibility significantly affect the number of generations required for postmating isolation, which indicates that models assuming high mutation rates (e.g., μ = 10−4) might predict much faster evolution for reproductive isolation than those observed in real populations.
Emergency Minilaparotomy Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis: Prospective Randomized Trial—Implications for the Laparoscopic Era
Authors: Assalia A. , Kopelman D. , Hashmonai M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis prospective controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of minicholecystectomy (MC) in cases of acute
cholecystitis compared to that of conventional cholecystectomy (CC) and
discusses its implications in the laparoscopic era. Sixty consecutive
patients with acute cholecystitis were prospectively randomized into
two groups: MC group (30 cases) and CC group (30 cases). The two groups
were well matched with regard to age, sex, weight/height index, previous upper abdominal surgery, and APACHE II scores. The mean length
of incision was 5.5 cm (range 4.5–9.0 cm) in the MC group compared to
13.5 cm (range 12–16 cm) in the CC group. No significant differences
were found between MC and CC with regard to operative time (69.1
± 17.0 and 68.1 ± 15.4 minutes, respectively; p= 0.82), operative difficulty on a 1 to 10 scale (5.2 ± 1.5 versus 4.6 ± 1.6, respectively; p= 0.177), and
complication rate (11% and 17%, respectively; p=
0.19). Significantly lower analgesia requirements were noted in the MC
group: 27.5 ± 14.6 mg of morphine sulfate compared to 44.5
± 13.2 mg in the CC group (p < 0.001). In addition, the duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter for MC patients
(3.1 ± 1.0 days) than in CC patients (4.7 ± 1.2 days)
(p < 0.001). Twenty‐two patients (73.3%) in the MC
group were reported to return to normal daily activities 2 weeks after
the operation, compared to only 12 (40%) in the CC group
(p= 0.0028). MC is safe and applicable as an
emergency procedure for acute cholecystitis. It is superior to CC in
terms of convalescence and cosmesis. The results of MC in the setting
of acute cholecystitis compare favorably with the published results of
laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Comparison of Prognostic Significance of Nodal Staging between Old (4th Edition) and New (5th Edition) UICC TNM Classification for Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Yoo Chang Hak , Noh Sung Hoon , Kim Yong Il , Min Jin Sik 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.The description of nodal staging for gastric cancer was changed in the new fifth edition of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) TNM classification from the anatomic sites of metastatic lymph nodes to the number of metastatic lymph nodes, as pN1 is metastasis in 1 to 6 lymph nodes, pN2 is in 7 to 15 lymph nodes, and pN3 is in 16 or more lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the new staging system based on the number of metastatic lymph nodes compared to the old staging system by anatomic site. From 1987 to 1994 a total of 2108 patients who underwent potentially curative resections with D2 or D3 lymph node dissection and with 15 or more lymph nodes retrieved were studied retrospectively. Lymph node metastases were found in 1018 patients (48.3%). A mean of 37.9 lymph nodes were retrieved per patient, and a mean of 7.2 lymph nodes were invaded by tumor cells. We found that the new nodal staging based on the number of metastatic lymph nodes closely correlated with the depth of cancer invasion and with the old nodal staging based on the anatomic site of the metastatic nodes, with statistical significance. The 5‐year survival rates after gastrectomy decreased significantly by increasing the extent of the pN classification in both nodal staging methods. In a subgroup analysis of survivals between the old and new nodal staging, the new classification showed more homogeneous survival at the same stage than the old one. With a multivariate analysis of prognostic factors, including the old and new nodal staging, the depth of invasion and the new nodal stage were the most significant prognostic factors, followed by the old nodal stage. Our data suggested that the new nodal staging based on the number of metastatic lymph nodes is not only a reliable and objective method for nodal classification, but it is also a significant prognostic determinant for gastric cancer that can be used in practice.
Artificial Nutrition in Cancer Patients: Which Route, What Composition?
Authors: Bozzetti Federico , Gavazzi Cecilia , Mariani Luigi , Crippa Flavio 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.The state of art of artificial nutrition in depleted cancer patients is reviewed in brief. Because cancer cachexia cannot be equated to simple nutrient deficiency but is due instead to complex metabolic abnormalities, the nutritional effects of total parenteral (TPN) and enteral (EN) nutrition are more limited than in starving subjects. TPN and EN usually prevent further deterioration of the nutritional status, although they are not able to fully reverse a state of depletion. There is evidence that quantitative and qualitative modulation of certain nutrients may obtain better results because of a favorable impact on host metabolism. Research in this field is fully warranted. Moreover, the effects of some substrates on tumor metabolism and tumor growth require further investigation to define a nutritional regimen able to maintain the host metabolism with minimum stimulation of tumor growth.
Use of Gastrostomy and Combined Gastrojejunostomy Tubes for Enteral Feeding
Authors: Faries Mark B. , Rombeau John L. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.Recent economic changes in health care delivery have led to more frequent feeding by tube enterostomy. Over the last two decades percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been established as the standard method for long‐term enteral access for nutrition, though operative gastrostomy remains indicated in a few conditions. Additionally, the combined gastrojejunostomy tube is indicated in selected patients in need of concomitant access to the jejunum and gastric decompression. This report reviews data regarding the safety and efficacy of the PEG tube and the indications for operative gastrostomy. Complications of feeding tubes and strategies to avoid or remedy them are also discussed. More recent techniques, including laparoscopic gastrostomy and jejunal access via the stomach, are reviewed as are some ethical concerns regarding the appropriateness of feeding enterostomies in certain patients.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Different Meshes on Bacterial Translocation
Authors: Baykal Atac , Bagcı Mustafa , Aran Omer , Hascelik Gülsen , Korkmaz Attila , Sayek Iskender 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.Implantation of intraabdominal biomaterials promotes bacterial translocation (BT). In this study we planned to determine the effect of different types of mesh on the induction of BT. Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups: control, polypropylene (PP), polyglactin 910 (PG), and dura mater (DM). At hour 0, an abdominal wall defect was created in all animals. In the control group the defect was closed primarily. PP, PG, and DM meshes were used to repair the defects such that the intestines were in contact with the mesh in the remaining three groups. BT was evaluated 4, 24, and 48 hours later. At 4 hours total BT increased in the PP group compared with that in the control (p= 0.0321) and DM (p= 0.0098) groups. At 24 hours the PG group had increased BT compared with the controls (p= 0.0392) and the DM group (p= 0.0274), whereas the PP group had increased BT compared with the DM group only (p= 0.0477). At 48 hours both PG and PP groups had increased BT compared with controls (p= 0.0431 and p= 0.0001, respectively); the PP group had also increased BT compared to the DM group (p= 0.001) and the PG group (p= 0.017). In the control, DM, and PP groups there was no intragroup statistical difference. In the PG group there was a significant increase in BT at 24 hours compared to that at 4 hours (p= 0.0274). Prosthetic meshes led to increased BT compared to that with the DM mesh. This effect might be attributed to the different organic and physical properties of the meshes.
Stoma Care Nurses: Good Value for Money?
Authors: Becker Andreas , Schulten‐Oberbörsch Gabriele , Beck Udo , Vestweber Karl‐Heinz 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.Decreasing financial resources in health services often lead to wholesale budget reducing in hospitals. Enterostomal therapists are more and more concerned by this situation. Data on the cost‐effectiveness of stoma therapy have not existed, a gap filled by the present study. From January to December 1996 data from 94 patients about therapy‐related costs, outcome, and evaluation of stoma therapy from the patient's point of view were ascertained prospectively. For an average (SD) of 14.6 (7.1) patient contacts for stoma planning, advice, care, and so on the average duration was 12.9 (9.1) minutes per contact. At an average exchange rate of 1.50 German marks (DM) per US dollar in 1996 the enterostomal therapist's part of the total staff costs was US$15,212 (2.7%), the cost of stoma products was US$7750 (4.5% of the total costs of medical supplies). About 89.3% of the patients classified the enterostomal therapist necessary and indispensable; 70.3% of the patients said they could cope with their stoma very well to well at the time of questioning. In contrast, 69.2% of those questioned declared that without the care by the enterostomal therapist in hospital they would be able to cope with their stoma only poorly to very poorly. We conclude that from the patient's point of view the costs of our stoma therapy are justifiably low. Therefore we see no reason for a discussion about rationalization measures regarding our stoma therapy staff.
Improving the Approach to Organ Donation: A Review
Authors: Jenkins Donald H. , Reilly Patrick M. , Schwab C. William 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.Organ transplantation continues to be hindered by a limited supply of organs. A significant percentage of potential organ donors are lost to either medical failure or inability to obtain consent for donation. In a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) we have refocused our efforts toward aggressive resuscitation, directed by control of coagulopathy, invasive monitoring, and dedicated ICU management while implementing a rapid brain death determination protocol. Over a 6‐year period the length of stay until the legal determination of brain death is made has been significantly shortened (12.0 vs. 3.4 hours; p < 0.05), as have associated charges despite this more aggressive approach. As a result, we have eliminated medical failures prior to donation (13% vs. 0%) and increased consent rates (44% vs. 71%; p < 0.05). These efforts have significantly improved the number of organs harvested per eligible donor (1.8 vs. 3.4; p < 0.05). In addition, the number of organs per actual donor has increased and is now markedly greater than the U.S. national average (4.7 vs. 3.7). We believe the approach presented, if widely applied, could potentially improve the current organ supply shortage.
Classification of Lymph Node Metastases from Carcinoma of the Stomach: Comparison of the Old (1987) and New (1997) TNM Systems
Authors: de Manzoni Giovanni , Verlato Giuseppe , Guglielmi Alfredo , Laterza Ernesto , Tomezzoli Anna , Pelosi Giuseppe , Di Leo Alberto , Cordiano Claudio 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.The pN classification of gastric cancer is currently based on the distance of metastatic nodes from the primary tumor (TNM—1987). The UICC (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer) has recently proposed a new classification system based on the number of the involved nodes (TNM—1997). The present prospective study is aimed at verifying whether the two classifications (1) assign approximately a similar rank to individual patients and (2) give comparable prognostic information. The Cox regression model was used to evaluate the prognostic significance of either the distance or the number of positive nodes, controlling for sex, age, site, histology and depth of tumor invasion, in a group of 175 patients who underwent curative surgery for gastric cancer from March 1988 to October 1997. Among the patients classified as N1 and N2 according to TNM—1987, 81.8% (36/44) and 35.8% (19/53), respectively, were coded as N1 and N2 by the new classification. The survival probabilities of N1 and N2 categories were similar in both classifications. The N2 category of TNM—1987 comprised also 10 cases with >15 positive nodes (N3 category of TNM—1997), who presented a large excess mortality (RR = 35.14 with respect to N0). When the site and number of positive nodes are combined in a new variable, both appear to be important from a prognostic point of view. Both anatomic location and number of nodes with metastasis are important predictors of survival in gastric cancer patients. Caution should be used when replacing the old classification with the new one, as they group patients in a different way.