bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How biological diversity influences ecosystem function: a test with a tropical stream detritivore guild
Authors: Boyero Luz , Pearson Richard G. , Bastian Mikis 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between diversity and ecosystem function, which is controversial and has rarely been examined for consumer assemblages, for the process of leaf breakdown by the shredder guild in a tropical stream. We manipulated species richness, evenness and identity of four macroinvertebrate shredder species (three caddisflies and one mayfly) in microcosms and tested their effect on leaf breakdown rates measured as leaf mass loss per capita and per milligram of animal. Species richness, evenness and species identity all affected leaf breakdown rates. Breakdown rates tended to increase with higher richness, but only for the three caddisflies, probably through a release of intraspecific interference, although other mechanisms such as niche complementarity or facilitation cannot be discarded. Leaf breakdown by the caddisflies was reduced in the presence of the mayfly, possibly because of its mode of movement by swimming instead of crawling and its similarity to some predators that are common in leaf litter. Species identity was more important than species richness in determining leaf breakdown rates, indicating that some species within the shredder guild are not redundant, and suggesting important consequences of particular species loss for the functioning of the ecosystem.
Transformation of β-Ni(OH)2to NiO nano-sheets via surface nanocrystalline zirconia coating: Shape and size retention
Authors: Cheng Ming-Yao , Hwang Bing-Joe 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Shape and size of the synthesized NiO nano-sheets were retained during transformation of sheet-like β-Ni(OH)2to NiO at elevated temperatures via nano-sized zirconia coating on the surface of β-Ni(OH)2. The average grain size was 6.42 nm after 600 °C treatment and slightly increased to 10 nm after 1000 °C treatment, showing effective sintering retardation between NiO nano-sheets. The excellent thermal stability revealed potential application at elevated temperatures, especially for high temperature catalysts and solid-state electrochemical devices.
Informal helpers’ responses when adolescents tell them about dating violence or romantic relationship problems
Authors: Weisz Arlene N. , Tolman Richard M. , Callahan Michelle R. , Saunders Daniel G. , Black Beverly M. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThis study examines the responses of informal helpers to adolescents who disclose dating violence or upsetting but non‐violent experiences in their romantic relationships. Based on a survey of 224 Midwestern high school students, the study found that youths were more likely to disclose problems to friends rather than others. A factor analysis of potential helpers’ responses showed that, compared to avoidance and minimization, nurturing was the most typical response received. Adolescents who told someone about being victimized by severe dating violence were more likely to receive an avoidance response than those who told about less severe dating violence. Males encountered high levels of minimization regarding less severe dating violence. While friends and family seem to respond effectively to romantic relationship problems, youths need more training in how to respond helpfully to friends’ difficulties with dating violence or how to encourage victims to seek help from trained practitioners.
The giant clam Tridacna maxima communities of three French Polynesia islands: comparison of their population sizes and structures at early stages of their exploitation
Authors: Gilbert Antoine , Andréfouët Serge , Yan Laurent , Remoissenet Georges 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSeveral lagoons of the atolls of Tuamotu Archipelago and volcanic islands of the Australes Archipelago (French Polynesia) are characterized by enormous populations of the clam Tridacna maxima, a species considered as endangered in many locations worldwide. Even if this resource can still be considered as virtually intact, the growing harvesting pressure to feed Tahiti's market (up to 50 t of wet matter y−1), combined with the relatively small size of these lagoons, will soon call for management action to sustain a fishery that currently targets a large, virtually pristine stock. Hence, we present T. maxima population sizes and structures for two atolls (Fangatau and Tatakoto) and one island (Tubuai), where high clam densities and population sizes have promoted a small-scale, but growing, commercial fishery since the late 1990s. We followed an earlier pilot study, in which a combination of remote sensing and in situ data provided an estimate of the Fangatau clam population size (23.6 ± 5.3 million clams, mean ± 95% confidence interval, for 4.05 km2 of mapped lagoon). We obtain 88.3 ± 10.5 and 47.5 ± 5.2 million clams for Tatakoto (mapped area of 11.46 km2) and Tubuai (mapped area of 16.3 km2), respectively. Accounting for contrasted length frequency distribution curves and one common size–weight relationship, the total biomasses are 1485 ± 177 t, 1162 ± 272 t, and 2173 ± 232 t of commercial flesh for Tatakoto, Fangatau, and Tubuai, respectively. In addition, given the legal restriction on collecting clams smaller than 12 cm, the legally harvestable biomasses are 958 ± 114 t, 1038 ± 247 t, and 1971 ± 210 t of flesh for Tatakoto, Fangatau, and Tubuai, respectively. The ratio between legal and total stock is much smaller for Tatakoto because this atoll is dominated by small clams, unlike the other two sites. The differences in population size and structure are discussed in terms of natural environment (habitats, degree of aperture to the ocean, temperature variations), providing insights on the natural variability between two similar systems (Tatakoto and Fangatau), and between different systems (the two atolls and the volcanic island of Tubuai), suggesting that future management schemes will have to be optimized locally.
Comparison of airborne lidar with echosounders: a case study in the coastal Atlantic waters of southern Europe
Authors: Carrera P. , Churnside J.H. , Boyra G. , Marques V. , Scalabrin C. , Uriarte A. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The feasibility of using airborne lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) was studied to assess the early juvenile fractions of the main pelagic fish species of the coastal Atlantic waters of southern Europe (anchovy, sardine, mackerel, and horse mackerel). Field comparisons with more established echosounder methods were undertaken in the summers of 1998 and 1999 during the recruitment period of sardine and anchovy in the selected areas, in the presence of a variety of oceanographic and environmental conditions. Backscattered energies as well as the types of target recorded by both devices were compared. The distributions of energies and the shape of the targets were generally similar for both techniques, with moderate numerical correlation between sensors, demonstrating the potential of lidar for assessment of anchovy, sardine, and juvenile mackerel. However, differences in received backscattering energy were found, especially in the presence of certain plankton assemblages (to which lidar is more sensitive) and isolated schools with large vertical dimensions (for which shadowing is more significant for light than sound). Experimental ad hoc optical reflectivity measurements of fish and plankton are proposed to discriminate these two types of targets. In addition, an improvement on lidar implementation and data processing is suggested to achieve fish abundance estimates.
The biology and abundance of kilka (Clupeonella spp.) along the coast of Azerbaijan, Caspian Sea
Authors: Mamedov Elchin V. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
In the changing environmental conditions of the Caspian Sea, and specifically following the accidental introduction of the comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi from the Azov–Black Sea basin in the late 1990s, ecosystem functioning has been disturbed, particularly in the pelagic zone. The main commercial species of kilka in the Caspian, anchovy kilka (Clupeonella engrauliformis), suffered greatly from the introduction. The catch of kilka by Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran dropped from 182 700 t in 2000 to 74 700 t in 2001, although the total allowable catch remained at 300 000 t. Between 2000 and 2004, the catch by Azerbaijan alone dropped from 18 500 t to 5 100 t. Recruitment of anchovy kilka failed in early 2001, resulting in an increase in the average age of the stock, and a big decline in abundance. During kilka surveys conducted in summer 2003 and summer 2004 along the Azerbaijan coast of the central Caspian, the average cone-net catch varied from 19.8 kg to 30.5 kg at depths of 51–90 m, and along the Azerbaijan coast of the southern Caspian from 6.1 to 33.7 kg at depths of 53–81 m. Information is provided on the biology and apparent environmental preferences of the three kilka species of the Caspian, specifically their age composition, growth rate, and mean weight, off the coast of Azerbaijan.
Process drivers of e‐service quality: Analysis of data from an online rating site
Authors: Heim Gregory R. , Field Joy M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractManagers of e‐service operations are increasingly challenged to ensure high quality in their electronic services. Many researchers have studied how perceptions of e‐service quality dimensions relate to perceptions of higher order evaluations such as overall satisfaction and customer loyalty. However, in this study, we turn toward operational practice, examining relationships between e‐service process attributes and e‐service quality dimensions. Our intent is to identify potential drivers of e‐service quality that managers may use as levers to improve their operations. The study employs a cross‐sectional regression analysis of publicly available data collected from an online rating site. The study sample consists of over 1000 online retailers from several retailing industry segments. The data collection and analysis are innovative due to the lack of operations management research utilizing public data sources and the increased generalizability of results obtainable from multi‐sector data sets. The results identify operational drivers associated with customer ratings of e‐service quality, and provide guidance for future research on drivers of e‐service quality.
Rhinosinusitis: Developing guidance for clinical trials
Authors: Meltzer Eli O. , Hamilos Daniel L. , Hadley James A. , Lanza Donald C. , Marple Bradley F. , Nicklas Richard A. , Adinoff Allen D. , Bachert Claus , Borish Larry , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Danzig Melvyn R. , Ferguson Berrylin J. , Fokkens Wytske J. , Jenkins Stephen G. , Lund Valerie J. , Mafee Mahmood F. , Naclerio Robert M. , Pawankar Ruby , Ponikau Jens U. , Schubert Mark S. , Slavin Raymond G. , Stewart Michael G. , Togias Alkis , Wald Ellen R. , Winther Birgit 
Published: November 2006

The Rhinosinusitis Initiative was developed by 5 national societies. The current guidance document is an expansion of the 2004 publication, “Rhinosinusitis: Establishing definitions for clinical research and patient care” and provides templates for clinical trials in antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and symptom‐relieving therapies for the following: (1) acute presumed bacterial rhinosinusitis, (2) chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without nasal polyps, (3) CRS with nasal polyps, and (4) classic allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. In addition to the templates for clinical trials and proposed study designs, the Rhinosinusitis Initiative has developed 6 appendices, which address (1) health outcomes, (2) nasal endoscopy and staging of CRS, (3) radiologic imaging, (4) microbiology, (5) laboratory measures, and (6) biostatistical methods.
Theory for two-dimensional electron and ion Bernstein–Greene–Kruskal modes in a magnetized plasma
Authors: ELIASSON B. , SHUKLA P. K. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA theory for two-dimensional electron and ion Bernstein–Greene– Kruskal (BGK) modes in a magnetized space plasma is presented. The BGK modes are constructed using the energy and the canonical angular momentum of the particles, which are conserved in a cylindrically symmetric potential. The typical length scale of the BGK modes is of the same order or larger than the thermal gyroradius of the particles. The results are relevant for understanding the properties of observed localized structures in the Earth's magnetosphere and auroral zone, as well as in laboratory magnetoplasmas.
Pattern locator: a new tool for finding local sequence patterns in genomic DNA sequences
Authors: Mrázek Jan , Xie Shaohua 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Summary: We present a new tool for finding local sequence patterns in long DNA sequences. The program, Pattern Locator, uses an intuitive syntax for pattern description, and provides more flexibility than existing programs by allowing combinations of specific nucleotide sequences, direct and inverted repeats, variable length tandem repeats of subpatterns, and a specified number of errors in any part of the pattern.
Availability: The program is available for download and as a web service accessible through a CGI interface at . The source code is written in C and distributed under the GNU General Public License.
Contact: mrazek@uga.edu
Results of a prospective randomised multicentre controlled trial comparing a new 2‐L ascorbic acid plus polyethylene glycol and electrolyte solution vs. sodium phosphate solution in patients undergoing elective colonoscopy
Authors: BITOUN A. , PONCHON T. , BARTHET M. , COFFIN B. , DUGUÉ C. , HALPHEN M. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE NORCOL GROUP
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground  Elective colonoscopy is used increasingly to screen at risk patients for colonic malignancy. Bowel preparation quality is a critical factor for successful screening. Preparations used include high doses of potent laxatives, e.g. sodium phosphate solution or high volume polyethylene glycol. Because of constraints and limited patient acceptability, there remains a need for a more acceptable bowel preparation with at least equivalent cleansing to existing preparations.Aim  To determine if a 2‐L polyethylene glycol solution with electrolytes and ascorbic acid (polyethylene glycol + ascorbic acid) produces equivalent bowel cleansing to sodium phosphate solution, and is acceptable to patients and well tolerated.Methods  This was a single blind, parallel group, equivalence study comparing polyethylene glycol + ascorbic acid with sodium phosphate solution in 352 patients undergoing elective colonoscopy. A blinded, independent expert scored a video recording of each colonoscopy. Patients completed a questionnaire reporting acceptability of the bowel preparation process.Results  Clinically successful bowel preparation was reported in 72.5% of cases prepared using polyethylene glycol + ascorbic acid and in 63.9% of cases prepared using sodium phosphate solution (treatment difference +8.6%, 95% confidence interval −2.3%, +19.4%). The new solution was well accepted and better tolerated than sodium phosphate solution.Conclusions  The new 2‐L solution of polyethylene glycol + ascorbic acid was at least as efficacious as sodium phosphate solution with comparable efficacy and a better tolerability profile.
Budesonide treatment is associated with increased bile acid absorption in collagenous colitis
Authors: BAJOR A. , KILANDER A. , GÄLMAN C. , RUDLING M. , UNG K.‐A. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground  Bile acid malabsorption is frequent in collagenous colitis and harmful bile acids may play a pathophysiological role. Glucocorticoids increase ileal bile acid transport. Budesonide have its main effect in the terminal ileum.Aims  To evaluate whether the symptomatic effect of budesonide is linked to increased uptake of bile acids.Methods  Patients with collagenous colitis were treated with budesonide 9 mg daily for 12 weeks. Prior to and after 8 weeks of treatment, the 75SeHCAT test, an indirect test for the active uptake of bile acid‐s, measurements of serum 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one, an indicator of hepatic bile acid synthesis, and registration of symptoms were performed.Results  The median 75SeHCAT retention increased from 18% to 35% (P < 0.001, n = 25) approaching the values of healthy controls (38%). The 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one values decreased significantly among those with initially high synthesis (from 36 to 23 ng/mL, P = 0.04, n = 9); however, for the whole group the values were not altered (19 ng/mL vs. 13 ng/mL, P = 0.23, N.S., n = 19).Conclusion  The normalization of the 75SeHCAT test and the reduction of bile acid synthesis in patients with initially high synthetic rate, suggests that the effect of budesonide in collagenous colitis may be in part due to decreased bile acid load on the colon.
Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of higher‐dose mizoribine in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Stypinski Daria , Obaidi Mohammad , Combs Michelle , Weber Meg , Stewart Adrian J. , Ishikawa Hiroaki 
Published: November 2006

AimsMizoribine is an oral immunosuppressive agent approved in several countries for prevention of rejection in renal transplantation. Its therapeutic window is based on trough concentrations staying at ≥0.5 but <3 µg ml−1. It has been postulated that as renal function returns to normal, higher doses may be needed to maintain efficacy than the current clinical dosage of 2–5 mg kg−1 day−1. The safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics from two clinical trials of higher‐dose mizoribine treatments in healthy male volunteers are presented.MethodsForty‐eight healthy White male nonsmokers participated in two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials: 32 in a single‐dose study (3, 6, 9 and 12 mg kg−1) and 16 in a multiple‐dose study [6 mg kg−1 day−1 once daily for 5 days or twice daily (12 mg kg−1 day−1) for 7 days]. Standard assessments of safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics were performed.ResultsThe safety profiles of both studies were generally unremarkable, except for elevated serum uric acid concentrations at the highest dose (12 mg kg−1 day−1) in the multiple‐dose study. Orally administered mizoribine reached peak concentrations within 2–3 h and was eliminated mostly via the kidney (65–100% of dose) with a 3‐h half‐life. Only the 12 mg kg−1 day−1 group achieved trough concentrations that were within the therapeutic window.ConclusionsBased on the favourable safety profile and current pharmacokinetic information, a new starting dose in the 6–12 mg kg−1 day−1 range is recommended in the up to 3 months acute phase following transplantation, with dose reduction recommended only if the function of the transplanted kidney is impaired.
The influence of CYP2D6 phenotype on the clinical response of nebivolol in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Lefebvre Jean , Poirier Luc , Poirier Paul , Turgeon Jacques , Lacourciere Yves 
Published: November 2006

What is already known about this subject • The variability in drug metabolism has been recognized as an important factor in the occurrence of adverse effects or lack of therapeutic efficacy.• The metabolism of the third‐generation β1‐receptor antagonist nebivolol has been shown to be highly dependent on cytochrome P450 2D6 enzymatic activity in preclinical studies. What this study adds • This paper assesses the role of a cytochrome P450 2D6 gene defect on the antihypertensive response to nebivolol in a clinical setting.• Despite significant differences in drug disposition, the chronic administration of nebivolol produced similar efficacy and tolerability in hypertensive patients either characterized as poor or extensive metabolizers of the drug.• The study offers insight into the relative contribution of nebivolol enantiomers in systemic blood pressure control.AimsNebivolol is a β1‐adrenergic receptor antagonist with vasodilating properties used in the treatment of hypertension. It is administered as a racemic mixture (D‐ and L‐nebivolol) and is highly metabolized by the cytochrome P‐450 2D6 (CYP2D6). The purpose of this study was to determine the role of CYP2D6 phenotypes on the efficacy and tolerability of nebivolol during chronic administration to patients with essential hypertension.MethodsTwo hundred and eighteen patients were genotyped and phenotyped for CYP2D6 activity, allowing to find and match 14 poor metabolizers (PMs) with 23 extensive metabolizers (EMs). Patients took rac‐nebivolol 5 mg daily for 12 weeks. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate, adverse events, plasma levels of the two enantiomers D‐ and L‐nebivolol and their corresponding hydroxymetabolites were assessed.ResultsThe metabolic disposition of nebivolol was enantioselective and highly influenced by CYP2D6 phenotypes. Mean steady‐state plasma concentrations of D‐ and L‐nebivolol were 10‐ and 15‐fold greater in PMs than in EMs, respectively (P < 0.0001). Despite these differences in the pharmacokinetics of nebivolol, EMs and PMs displayed similar BP responses. Mean reductions in sitting systolic and diastolic BPs were −11/−10 ± 9/4 mmHg in EMs and −11/−9 ± 10/5 mmHg in PMs. Side‐effects were mild to moderate and not different between groups.ConclusionPolymorphisms in the gene encoding CYP2D6 significantly influenced the metabolism of nebivolol, but not its antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability. The similar clinical response between EMs and PMs could be explained by the contribution of active hydroxylated metabolites of nebivolol to its antihypertensive actions in EMs.
National outpatient medication profiling: medications associated with outpatient fractures in community‐dwelling elderly veterans
Authors: French Dustin D. , Campbell Robert , Spehar Andrea , Rubenstein Laurence Z. , Branch Laurence G. , Cunningham Francesca 
Published: November 2006

What is already known about this subject • Polypharmacy, to include a subissue of potentially inappropriate prescribing, in community‐dwelling elderly is widespread.• The objective of this study was to identify the magnitude of problematic outpatient drug prescribing and its potential association as a risk factor for injuries. What this study adds • This is the first national study of outpatient injuries in elderly veterans.• The results are consistent with previous published literature highlighting the risks associated with prescribing central nervous system drugs in the elderly.AimsThe primary objective of this retrospective case–control study in an elderly veteran population was to assess the impact of specific medications with recognized side‐effects that increase the risk of a fall and were prescribed prior to fractures treated in the outpatient setting compared with patients treated for nonspecific chest pain.MethodsTwo national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) databases were used to identify 17 273 unique patients, aged ≥65 years, treated in outpatient settings with a fracture in fiscal year 2005, and for whom we could link to all of their outpatient prescriptions (809 536). For comparison, we identified other elderly patients with outpatient clinic visits for nonspecific chest pain (N = 62 331) for whom we could link with their 2 987 394 outpatient prescriptions. We categorized the fall‐related medications as drugs that primarily affect the cardiovascular (CVS), the central nervous (CNS) or the muscular skeletal system (MSS).ResultsSignificant differences in the two patient groups occurred in the CNS category. Approximately 41% of the patients with fracture‐coded encounters were prescribed CNS drugs compared with 31% of the patients in the comparison group (P < 0.0003). Finally, the use of muscle relaxants in the MSS category was significantly higher in the fracture group than in the nonspecific chest pain group.ConclusionsStudies using administrative data can foster the development of more proactive pharmacovigilance systems and assist in formulary refinement, particularly in countries with national healthcare systems that have integrated patient data. Particular attention and monitoring of elderly patients taking CNS medications may be important for injury prevention.