bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Aqueous Leaf Leachate of Anthemis cotula– An Alien Invasive Species on Germination Behaviour of Some Field Crops
Authors: Allaie R. R. , Reshi Z. , Rashid I. , Wafai B. A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractLeaf leachate of Anthemis cotula inhibits seed germination of the commonly cultivated field crops in Kashmir valley. Among the four indices of germination (GT, S, AS, CRG), S (speed of germination) and AS (speed of accumulated germination) are sensitive enough to establish the allelopathic activity of the leaf leachate. Inhibition of seed/grain germination of the field crops showed a species‐specific and dose‐dependent response with highest inhibition occurring at 5000 ppm concentration. Brassica campestris seeds are most sensitive, whereas those of Vigna radiata are least sensitive. Interestingly, achene germination of A. cotula is promoted by its own leachate at low concentrations and inhibited at high concentrations.
Does the Honeybee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Reduce the Blooming Period of Canola?
Authors: Sabbahi R. , De Oliveira D. , Marceau J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine if and how the honeybee reduces the blooming period of canola (Brassica napus). Colonies were installed in different fields of canola in the Chaudiere‐Appalaches (two replicates) and Quebec City (one replicate) regions to create a density gradient of zero to three colonies per hectare. To calculate the blooming period under these conditions, 10 labelled plants were caged in the field, out of the reach of pollinators, and 10 others were labelled in the field and exposed to foragers. The number of flowers found on each plant was recorded daily. This study also aims at demonstrating that the canola plant will produce new flowers as long as it does not reach its maximum carrying capacity, thereby extending the blooming period. To simulate the fall of unfertilized flowers, a predetermined number of flowers from 20 randomly selected plants in one of the replicates were cut off every day. The plant, when it reaches its maximum carrying capacity, stops producing new flowers. With three colonies per hectare, the blooming period was reduced by 3.8 days, or 17 % compared with in the absence of pollinators. Because of the efficient pollen transfer to the stigma, the honeybees do not only cause the flower to live for a shorter period of time, but they also bring about a decrease in the number of flowers produced by the plant, thereby reducing the duration of blooming period.
Variation of Phyllosphere Microflora of Different Rice Varieties in Sri Lanka and its Relationship to Leaf Anatomical and Physiological Characters
Authors: De Costa D. M. , Rathnayake R. M. P. S. , De Costa W. A. J. M. , Kumari W. M. D. , Dissanayake D. M. N. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAnatomical and physiological characters of the leaf surface and its physico‐chemical environment substantially influence the density and diversity of phyllosphere‐inhabiting microorganisms, which may include natural antagonists of important pathogens. The objective of this investigation was to quantify the phyllosphere (i.e. leaf surface) microbial population in a range of rice varieties grown in Sri Lanka and to identify the leaf anatomical and physiological characters that determine the density and diversity of phyllosphere microbes. Fifteen rice varieties including both traditional and new high‐yielding varieties were used in a planthouse experiment and a field experiment in two consecutive seasons to quantify the phyllosphere microbial population and measure leaf characters that may influence it. There were highly significant intervarietal variations in the density and diversity of epiphytic bacterial, fungal and total microbial populations under both planthouse and field conditions. However, there was no difference between traditional and new, high‐yielding varieties in their capacity to harbour epiphytic microbes in the phyllosphere. Total microbial density (TMD) under both conditions showed positive correlations with leaf hair density, stomatal density and transpiration rate. Under planthouse conditions, TMD was also positively correlated with leaf hair length and negatively correlated with leaf temperature. These correlations can be explained in terms of providing favourable microsites on the phylloplane for epiphytic microbial growth.
Quantification and Simulation of Grazing Impacts on Soil Water in Boreal Grasslands
Authors: Donkor N. T. , Hudson R. J. , Bork E. W. , Chanasyk D. S. , Naeth M. A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe conducted a 2‐year study in central Alberta to quantify and simulate the soil water status of boreal grasslands under three grazing systems using wapiti (Cervus elaphus Canadensis), viz. (1) ungrazed control (UNG), (2) high intensity [4.16 animal unit month per ha (AUM) ha−1 ] short‐duration grazing (SDG) and (3) moderate intensity (2.08 AUM ha−1) continuous grazing (CG). Soil water was measured from May 1997 to September 1998 to a depth of 15 cm. Total annual precipitation in 1997 and 1998 was 494 and 429 mm respectively. In both years grazing treatments reduced soil water. Soil water content under SDG was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than CG. Simulation of soil water on each grazing system was conducted using PASTURE, a simple compartmental system dynamics model. Evaluation of the model was conducted using statistical criteria that included calculation of average error, root mean square, coefficient of residual mass and modelling efficiency and comparing these statistics against optimal values. Although the model under‐predicted soil water, simulations of soil water for grazing treatments in both years were closest to measured values with modelling efficiency (how well observed values are close to simulated values) up to 68 %.
Glottic scar bands following intubation
Authors: WAY CAROLYN , HARTLEY BENJAMIN E.J. , GLAISYER HILARY 
Published: May 2006

SummaryWe present two uncommon cases of abnormalities of the pediatric airway, which may present in the first instance to the anesthetist. Glottic scar bands are a result of intubation trauma and are a treatable cause of voice abnormalities and sometimes respiratory distress.
Predicting which children benefit most from parental presence during induction of anesthesia
Authors: KAIN ZEEV N. , MAYES LINDA C. , CALDWELL‐ANDREWS ALISON A. , SAADAT HALEH , MCCLAIN BRENDA , WANG SHU‐MING 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground:  The purpose of this large‐scale prospective cohort study (n = 426) was to identify child and parent characteristics that are associated with low anxiety and good compliance during induction of anesthesia when parents are present.Methods:  Outcome variables included child's anxiety and child's compliance during induction of anesthesia. Predictor variables included demographics, temperament, trait (baseline) anxiety, coping style, and locus of control.Results:  Results of a linear regression model (overall proportion of variance accounted for equals 39.5%) showed that significant predictors of anxiety during induction of anesthesia while parents are present included: the child's age (ΔR2 = 0.315, P = 0.0001), behavior during previous medical visits (ΔR2 = 0.025, P = 0.001), child's activity level (ΔR2 = 0.016, P = 0.007), parent's state (contextual) anxiety (ΔR2 = 0.022, P = 0.001) and parent's locus of control (ΔR2 = 0.009, P = 0.036). A linear regression model that was constructed with compliance of the child as the outcome revealed similar findings.Conclusions:  Children who benefit from parental presence are older, had lower levels of activity in their temperament, and had parents who were calmer and who valued preparation and coping skills for medical situations. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Anesthesia management of familial dysautonomia
Authors: NGAI JENNIE , KREYNIN ILYA , KIM JUNG T. , AXELROD FELICIA B. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryFamilial dysautonomia (FD) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder, predominantly affecting the Ashkenazi Jewish population that is characterized by sensory and autonomic neuropathy. The protean manifestations and perturbations result in high morbidity and mortality. However, as a result of supportive measures and centralized care, survival has improved. As surgical options are increasing to symptomatically treat FD, anesthesiologists need to be familiar with this disorder. Because the Dysautonomia Center at NYU Medical Center is a referral center for FD patients, we have attained considerable anesthetic experience with FD. This article reviews clinical features of FD that could potentially affect anesthetic management and outlines our present practices.
Taxonomic subdivisions within the fossorial skink subfamily Acontinae (Squamata: Scincidae) reconsidered: a multilocus perspective
Authors: Daniels Savel R. , Heideman Neil J. L. , Hendricks Martin G. J. , Crandall Keith A. 
Published: May 2006

Despite recent molecular systematic studies on the fossorial southern African skink subfamily Acontinae, evolutionary relationships among the three genera remain unresolved and disputed. Among these, the most recent study suggests that both Typhlosaurus and Acontias are paraphyletic, contrasting earlier results that suggest the presence of two divergent clades within Acontias. Here we further investigate the evolutionary relationships in the limbless fossorial southern African subfamily Acontinae with partial sequenced data derived from four mitochondrial loci (16S rRNA, 12S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b), as well as two nuclear protein coding loci (c‐mos and RAG‐1), in an attempt to clarify evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetic results derived from combined data analyses (comprising all six loci and totalling ∼3.1 kb) using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences converged on the same topology. The resulting phylogeny showed Typhlosaurus as monophyletic, while the monotypic genus Acontophiops was nested intermediate to two reciprocally monophyletic Acontias clades. These two Acontias clades can be distinguished on the basis of a number of morphological, morphometric and biogeographical characters, underscoring the presence of two distinct groups. In the present study, we propose the following taxonomic changes based on the multilocus phylogeny. We retain the genus name Acontias for the medium‐ and large‐bodied skinks in clade 2 comprising all taxa in the Acontias meleagris complex as well as Acontias plumbeus, Acontias gracilicauda gracilicauda, Acontias breviceps, Acontias percivali percivali and Acontias percivali occidentalis. We designate a new genus Microacontias gen. nov. for the reciprocally monophyletic taxa in clade 1 comprised of all the small‐bodied taxa that include Microacontias litoralis, Microacontias lineatus lineatus, Microacontias lineatus grayi and Microacontias lineatus tristis. We examine the evolution of characters used in the taxonomy of the Acontinae and suggest that symplesiomorphic morphological characters among fossorial taxa have been an impediment to understanding the evolution of this subfamily. This study underscores the importance of the application of multiple molecular markers (both nuclear and mitochondrial) in determining the taxonomic diversity among fossorial skinks and emphasizes the application of phylogenetics in defining synapomorphic (shared derived) features.
Determination of optimal cream formulation from long‐term stability investigation using a surface response modelling
Authors: Moulai Mostefa N. , Hadj Sadok A. , Sabri N. , Hadji A. 
Published: May 2006

SynopsisThe aim of this work was to apply an experimental design to formulate a stable depilatory cream at ambient temperature. A preliminary study was performed to optimize the most accurate operating parameters, which are then used for the determination of the rheological properties. Long‐term stability of the emulsion formulations was investigated to obtain the optimal region of each factor. An experimental design using response surface modelling was then applied and emulsion stability was estimated by introducing new characteristic parameters correlated with the experimental results. An optimal region characterized with high stability was found and further explored to verify the effectiveness and tolerance of depilation. As part of the optimized process, the main effects of the formulation ingredients were also investigated.
Validation of a HPLC method for simultaneous determination of five sunscreens in lotion preparation
Authors: Kedor‐Hackmann E. R. M. , De Lourdes Pérez González M. L. , Singh A. K. , Santoro M. I. R. M. 
Published: May 2006

SynopsisThe aim of this research was to develop and validate a high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for simultaneous determination of five sunscreens, namely benzophenone‐3 (B‐3), butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BM), octyl methoxycinnamate (OM), octyl salicylate (OS) and homosalate (HS). The separation and quantitative determination was made by HPLC at 40 ±1°C with a gradient elution from 10% to 100% mobile phase B in mobile phase A. The gradient liquid chromatographic system constituted of mobile phase A [acetonitrile : water (10 : 90 v/v)] and mobile phase B [acetonitrile : water (90 : 10 v/v)], at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1 and ultraviolet detection at 310 nm. The separation was obtained with two Waters® reversed phase columns: Novapack® C‐18 and Symmetry® C‐18 connected in series. All sunscreens were efficiently separated within 17 min. The coefficient of correlation and average recovery for B‐3, BM, OM, OS and HS were 0.9798 and 98.5%, 0.9672 and 98.8%, 0.9922 and 99.1%, 0.9961 and 98.9% and 0.9909 and 99.4% respectively. The relative standard deviations obtained were between 1.07% and 2.44%. The excipients did not interfere in the analysis. The results showed that the proposed method could be used for rapid and simultaneous determination of B‐3, BM, OM, OS and HS in sunscreen lotions with precision, accuracy and specificity.
Cellulite: nature and aetiopathogenesis
Authors: Terranova F. , Berardesca E. , Maibach H. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractOnly a limited number of studies on cellulite have been published in the international literature and many of them reach somewhat antithetical conclusions. Consequently, it is not yet possible to reconcile the extreme differences of opinion which have lingered on for years concerning the nature of this disorder, as well as its origin and even the most basic aspects of its histopathological classification. It does not even have a recognized name: in fact, the term ‘cellulitis’ is used in scientific English to indicate a spreading gangrenous infection of the subcutaneous cellular tissue. The other terms used from time to time [panniculitis, lipodystrophy, edematofibrosclerotic panniculitis (EFP), liposclerosis, lipoedema, etc.] have quite different morphological and pathogenetic connotations in general. Over the last few decades, three major conflicting theories have emerged in relation to the ethiopathogenesis of cellulite. These indicate, respectively, the following causes:1. Oedema caused by excessive hydrophilia of the intercellular matrix.2. A homeostatic alteration on a regional microcirculatory level; this pathogenetic theory is summarized in a synthetic and self‐explanatory denomination: EFP.3. A peculiar anatomical conformation of the subcutaneous tissue of women, different from male morphology.These theories must all now be updated in the light of recent advances on the sophisticated and composite physiopathology of the adipose organ – which acts not only as a control device which regulates the systematic equilibrium of energy and modulates the food intake and the metabolism of other tissue substrate through a multiple glandular secretion of hormones and parahormones.
A new covalently bound ceramide from human stratum corneum –ω‐hydroxyacylphytosphingosine
Authors: Hill J. , Paslin D. , Wertz P. W. 
Published: May 2006

SynopsisThe outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, consists of non‐viable keratin‐filled cells, or corneocytes, embedded in a matrix of lipids. The boundary of the cells consists of cross‐linked proteins with covalently bound lipids on the outer surface. The spaces between cells are filled with a mixture of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. The stratum corneum provides a protective barrier against water loss through the skin and limits the penetration of potentially harmful substances from the environment. Among the covalently bound lipids on the corneocyte surface are ω‐hydroxyacylsphingosine and ω‐hydroxyacyl‐6‐hydroxysphingosine. The previously suspected presence of ω‐hydroxyacylphytosphingosine is confirmed in this report through its specific isolation and characterization based on chromatographic behaviour and proton magnetic resonance spectral data.
Global online marketplace: a cross‐cultural comparison of website quality
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Lee Yuri 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis study used Loiacono’s WebQualTM scale to compare 278 US and 347 Korean Internet users in terms of their perceptions of retail website quality. The results of the study suggested that the dimensionality of website quality was not consistent across the two samples. This study also examined which dimensions of website quality influenced shoppers’ satisfaction with the site and purchase intention. The findings indicated that the relationship between website quality dimensions and the two dependent variables varied between the two groups.
Gender differences in Egyptian consumers’ green purchase behaviour: the effects of environmental knowledge, concern and attitude
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of three cognitive and attitudinal factors on gender differences in green purchase behaviour. Using a large sample size (n = 1093), a survey has been developed and administered across Egypt. The findings from the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) confirm the influence of consumers’ ecological knowledge, concern and attitude on gender differences in green purchase behaviour. Consistent with previous studies, this study found that women appeared to be less aware of environmental issues compared with men. However, contrary to other studies conducted in the West, men showed more environmental concern and more positive outlook towards green purchase compared with women. The study discusses how the present findings may help policy makers and marketers alike to fine‐tune their environmental and marketing programmes.
Consumer debt in Australia: why banks will not turn their backs on profit
Authors: Griffiths Margaret 
Published: May 2006

AbstractFive years into the 21st century and consumer debt levels in Australia are still escalating. Simultaneously, there is concern that an increasing number of consumers may be unable to meet their future financial commitments and also mounting alarm at the relative ease with which the majority of consumers can access additional credit facilities. At the same time, credit providers are avidly seeking greater profits by enticing consumers to borrow more and more. Against this background, the issue of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Australian consumer credit industry is discussed. The application of strategic stakeholder management theory to the activities of a specific class of lender – banks – is then discussed. The aim is to better understand why the contemporary demands of CSR will not lead banks to undertake a more vigilant approach to consumer lending advocated by consumer groups who, witnessing the impact of the growing level of consumer indebtedness on a number of consumers, are calling for more responsible lending practices. The opportunity to contribute to debate aimed at alleviating the risk of growing consumer indebtedness is highlighted. The paper concludes with an acknowledgement that, without intervention, factors such as competition in the free market for consumer credit, the demands of shareholders for profits, and consumers’ own folly in demanding immediate gratification and readily accepting additional credit as a means of financing their consumption, ensure that consumer debt levels will continue to rise.
Expanded polyglutamines impair synaptic transmission and ubiquitin–proteasome system in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Khan Liakot A. , Bauer Peter O. , Miyazaki Haruko , Lindenberg Katrin S. , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard G. , Nukina Nobuyuki 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPolyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in many proteins, including huntingtin and ataxin‐3, is pathogenic and responsible for neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Although at least nine neurodegenerative diseases are caused by expanded polyQ, the pathogenesis of these diseases is still not well understood. In the present study, we used Caenorhabditis elegans to study the molecular mechanism of polyQ‐mediated toxicity. We expressed full‐length and truncated ataxin‐3 with different lengths of polyQ in the nervous system of C. elegans. We show that expanded polyQ interrupts synaptic transmission, and induces swelling and aberrant branching of neuronal processes. Using an ubiquitinated fluorescence reporter construct, we also showed that polyQ aggregates impair the ubiquitin–proteasome system in C. elegans. These results may provide information for further understanding the pathogenesis of polyQ diseases.
Transient glucose and amino acid deprivation induces delayed preconditioning in cultured rat cortical neurons
Authors: Gáspár Tamás , Kis Béla , Snipes James A. , Lenzsér Gábor , Mayanagi Keita , Bari Ferenc , Busija David W. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSeveral studies have demonstrated that glucose deprivation, combined either with anoxia or with the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, leads to the development of ischemic tolerance in neurons. The aim of our experiments was to investigate whether similar effects could be achieved by transient energy deprivation without either anoxia or the inhibition of the electron transfer chain. Preconditioning was carried out by incubating primary rat cortical neuronal cultures for 3, 6 or 9 h in a glucose‐ and amino acid‐free balanced salt solution supplemented with B27 in normoxic conditions. After 24 h, neuronal cultures were exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation, glutamate or hydrogen peroxide. Cell viability was measured 24 h after the lethal insults. Potential mechanisms that can influence free radical production were also examined. Energy deprivation protected neuronal cells against lethal stimuli (e.g. cell survival after oxygen–glucose deprivation was 33.1 ± 0.52% in the untreated group and 80.1 ± 1.27% in the 9‐h energy deprivation group), reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased free radical formation, attenuated the intracellular free calcium surge upon glutamate receptor stimulation, and resulted in an elevated level of GSH. Our findings show that transient energy deprivation induces delayed preconditioning and prevents oxidative injuries and neuronal cell death.
Isolation, characterization and multiplex genotyping of raccoon tetranucleotide microsatellite loci
Authors: CULLINGHAM C. I. , KYLE C. J. , WHITE B. N. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe have isolated and characterized 12 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the raccoon (Procyon lotor). Three multiplex panels comprising the 12 loci were developed and 80 individuals from southeastern and western Ontario were genotyped; allele sizes were assigned without difficulty. One locus isolated was identified as an X‐linked marker. The number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 25 with the average heterozygosity ranging from 0.674 to 0.925. These loci will be used to characterize raccoon population structure across North America, and the data used to further understand the spread of raccoon rabies.