bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cholinesterase response in native birds exposed to fenitrothion during locust control operations in eastern Australia
Authors: Fildes Karen , Astheimer Lee B. , Story Paul , Buttemer William A. , Hooper Michael J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHuge aggregations of flightless locust nymphs pose a serious threat to agriculture when they reach plague proportions but provide a very visible and nutritious resource for native birds. Locust outbreaks occur in spring and summer months in semiarid regions of Australia. Fenitrothion, an organophosphate pesticide, is sprayed aerially to control locust plagues. To evaluate fenitrothion exposure in birds attending locust outbreaks, we measured total plasma cholinesterase (ChE), butrylcholinesterase (BChE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in four avian species captured pre- and postfenitrothion application and ChE reactivation in birds caught postspray only. Eleven of 21 plasma samples from four species had ChE activity below the diagnostic threshold (two standard deviations below the mean ChE activity of prespray samples). Granivorous zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and insectivorous white-winged trillers (Lalage sueurii) had significantly lower mean plasma total ChE, BChE, and AChE activity postspray, while other insectivores, white-browed (Artamus superciliosus) and masked woodswallows (Artamus personatus), did not. Cholinesterase was reactivated in 19 of the 73 plasma samples and in one of three brain samples. We conclude that native bird species are exposed to fenitrothion during locust control operations. This exposure could have detrimental impacts, as both locust outbreaks and avian reproductive events are stimulated by heavy summer rainfall, leading to co-occurrence of locust control and avian breeding activities.
Effect of the ion slip on the MHD flow of a dusty fluid with heat transfer under exponential decaying pressure gradient
Authors: Attia Hazem 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
In the present study, the unsteady Hartmann flow with heat transfer of a dusty viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid under the influence of an exponentially decreasing pressure gradient is studied without neglecting the ion slip. The parallel plates are assumed to be porous and subjected to a uniform suction from above and injection from below while the fluid is acted upon by an external uniform magnetic field applied perpendicular to the plates. The equations of motion are solved analytically to yield the velocity distributions for both the fluid and dust particles. The energy equations for both the fluid and dust particles including the viscous and Joule dissipation terms, are solved numerically using finite differences to get the temperature distributions.
Modeling transport through single-molecule junctions
Authors: Walczak Kamil , Edward Lyshevski Sergey 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) formalism combined with extended Hückel (EHT) and charging model are used to study electrical conduction through single-molecule junctions. The analyzed molecular complex is composed of the asymmetric 1,4-Bis((2′-para-mercaptophenyl)-ethinyl)-2-acetyl-amino-5-nitrobenzene molecule symmetrically coupled to two gold electrodes. Owing to this model, the accurate values of the current flowing through such junctions can be obtained by utilizing basic fundamentals and coherently deriving model parameters. Furthermore, the influence of the charging effect on the transport characteristics is emphasized. In particular, charging-induced reduction of conductance gap, charging-induced rectification effect and charging-generated negative value of the second derivative of the current with respect to voltage are observed and examined for the molecular complex.
Analysis of nonlinear electric field of hvdc wall bushing with a finite element approach
Authors: Dai Liming , Luo Longfu 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
The present research intends to establish a numerical model, on the basis of a theoretical analysis, for describing and analyzing the electric field of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) wall bushing that demonstrates highly nonlinear characteristics. The wall bushing is subjected high voltage with nonlinear electric field and the relationship between the electric field intensity and the resistance of the insulators of the wall bushing is highly nonlinear. With a parameter design language of a Finite Element Analysis software package for carrying out the numerical calculations, the effects of the nonlinearity on the electric field can be well taken into consideration in performing the numerical assessment. A technique utilizing the numerical iteration is developed for quantifying the electric intensity of the electric field. With the model and the iteration technique established, the nonlinear characteristics of the HVDC wall bushing can be investigated with efficiency.
Quantum systems with effective and time-dependent masses: form-preserving transformations and reality conditions
Authors: Schulze-Halberg Axel 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
We study the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) with an effective (position-dependent) mass, relevant in the context of transport phenomena in semiconductors. The most general form-preserving transformation between two TDSEs with different effective masses is derived. A condition guaranteeing the reality of the potential in the transformed TDSE is obtained. To ensure maximal generality, the mass in the TDSE is allowed to depend on time also.
Dielectric properties and specific conductivity of armenian natural clinoptilolite irradiated by electrons
Authors: Yeritsyan Hrant , Sahakyan Aram , Nikoghosyan Sergey , Harutiunian Vachagan , Gevorkyan Volodia , Grigoryan Norair , Hakhverdyan Eleonora , Keheyan Yeghis , Gevorgyan Rudolf , Sargisyan Hakob 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
The results of dielectric properties and direct current specific electric conductivity measurements in Armenian natural clinoptilolite samples are presented. Electron irradiation with energy 8 MeV and thermal treatment of samples are performed to elucidate possible enhancement mechanisms of clinoptilolite parameters. The results are discussed on the basis of new point structural defects formation and recombination of initial ones in samples. It was shown that the irradiation dose of 3·1016 el/cm2 is critical for natural zeolite structural change, which is manifested by significant changes in dielectric properties and other characteristics. The samples subjected to high temperature heating after electron irradiation, in comparison with an unquenched one, have a significantly higher (about an order of magnitude) value of specific conductivity.
Simultaneous treatment with carbimazole and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in a patient with thyrotoxicosis and carbimazole induced neutropenia
Authors: Talapatra Indrajit , Nagareddy Vengal , Bhavnani Manju , Tymms David 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
We describe a patient who was admitted with uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis and carbimazole induced neutropenia. She required 80 mg of carbimazole daily. The patient declined radio-iodine treatment because she had a little child and wished to have thyroid surgery. She received four doses of filgrastim (Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) which maintained the neutrophil count within a reasonable level while she continued to receive carbimazole to prepare her for surgery. After a curative subtotal thyroidectomy and discontinuation of the carbimazole, the patient’s white cell count remained normal. Subsequently the patient was euthyroid on levothyroxine replacement. Carbimazole should always be discontinued if neutropenia occurs but this case demonstrates that in exceptional circumstances filgrastim can be an effective therapy while continuing carbimazole in the short term.
Prostaglandin E1, E2 and oxytocin in labor induction
Authors: Dragoljub Plesinac Snezana 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
The risks of induction must be carefully weighed against the risks of allowing the pregnancy to continue and not inducing labor. The aim of the study was to show labor and neonatal outcome of 335 deliveries inducted in 2004 at Institute of gynecology and obstetrics Clinical Center of Serbia. Inductions were performed with PGE2, PGE1 and Oxytocin. The best ripening effect was noted in PGE2 group. The average duration of labor was 8.6h in PGE1group, 5.9h in PGE2 group and 10.4h in OT group. Sixty eight labors finished with cesarean section (20%). Comparing duration of labor, percentage of emergency cesarean sections, incidence of fetal distress during the labor we suggest Dinoprostone, placed intracervically, as an agent of choice for induction of labor.
The big picture: Obesity, consumption, and food production
Authors: Johansson Robert C. , Mancino Lisa , Cooper Joseph 
Published: October 2006

AbstractReducing the percentage of Americans who are either overweight or obese to meet public health objectives may influence agricultural production. The authors' results show that reducing aggregate consumption by 6% to meet public health objectives with no increase in overall physical activity could reduce production of agricultural commodities and reduce net returns to producers by $3.5 billion. However, if consumption is reduced by 2% concomitantly with a marginal increase in physical activity, similar health outcomes could be achieved at much less cost ($1.3 billion). Conversely, continuing obesity trends may enhance returns to agricultural production by $1.3 billion annually. Changes in agricultural activities would likely be variable across the landscape. Results indicate that the largest potential changes in agricultural producer net returns (positive or negative) would occur in the Corn Belt and the Lake States. There, crop acreage could fall by as much as 650,000 hectares. [EconLit citations: Q130, Q180] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 491–503, 2006.
Managing food industry business and financial risks with commodity‐linked credit instruments
Authors: Turvey Calum G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis study reviews the use and structure of commodity‐linked credit instruments. It is argued that in the absence of contingent markets food firms face increasing financial risk‐reduced investment, and limited access to debt markets. One strategy is to issue commodity‐linked credit whose payment structure is linked to the price of an underlying commodity. In some cases, a commodity‐linked bond (CLB) can be structured to provide an incentive to investors by sharing in profit gains. If the goal is to hedge financial risks, CLBs can also be constructed that reduce the loan principle or coupons depending on price movements. [JEL classifications: G13, Q13, Q14] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 523–545, 2006.
Testing the law of one price in the Chinese wholesale food markets
Authors: Ahmadi‐Esfahani Fredoun Z. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis study examines whether or not the law of one price (LOOP) holds in the Chinese wholesale food markets. Specifically, several integration models, including the Ravallion model, will be used to evaluate pricing efficiency in a number of major wholesale food markets in Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen over the period 1993 to 1999. The estimation results tend to indicate that, generally speaking, the LOOP does not hold in most of these markets. The policy implications of the analysis for the further reform of wholesale food marketing are explored. [EconLit citations: M310, D410, F150] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 569–589, 2006.
Making Efficient Use of Patients in Designing Phase III Trials Investigating Simultaneously a Set of Targeted Therapies with Different Targets
Authors: Vach Werner , dePont Christensen Rene 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTargeted therapies are a recent development in cancer treatment research. As these therapies can only be administered to patients with certain individual characteristics, it is a straightforward idea to investigate several of such therapies simultaneously in a given patient population in order to compare each targeted therapy with the current standard therapy. This raises the question how patients satisfying several characteristics should be handled. We consider in this paper several designs to allocate treatments in a random manner to these patients, such that the evaluation of each single targeted therapy can be based on a simple comparison of patients receiving the targeted therapies versus those receiving the standard therapy within a well defined subgroup of patients satisfying the corresponding characteristic. We show how one can ensure that patients with several characteristics can contribute simultaneously to the evaluation of several targeted therapies and that this is the key point for an efficient use of the patients available. We further discuss some ethical and practical issues in applying the new designs and outline strategies to evaluate the overall effect of all targeted therapies together. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Randomized clinical trial of standard laparoscopic versus robot-assisted laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Draaisma W A , Ruurda J P , Scheffer R C H , Simmermacher R K J , Gooszen H G , Rijnhart-de Jong H G , Buskens E , Broeders I A M J 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Robotic systems for minimally invasive surgery may be of added value during extensive dissection and suturing in confined spaces, such as laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). The purpose of this trial was to compare standard LNF with robot-assisted Nissen fundoplication (RNF).

Methods
Between 2003 and 2005, 50 patients with confirmed refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were assigned to LNF (25) or RNF (25). Patients who had undergone previous antireflux surgery were excluded. Independent assessment of dysphagia, regurgitation, heartburn and general well-being was performed before and 6 months after surgery using questionnaires. Objective outcome was studied 6 months after surgery by oesophageal manometry, 24-h pH monitoring, barium oesophagram series and upper endoscopy.

Results
Operating time, blood loss, postoperative pain scores, hospital stay and complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. Reoperation rates were the same (one incisional hernia after LNF and one patient with repeat Nissen after RNF because of persistent dysphagia). Postoperative self-rated change in reflux symptoms and quality of life improved equally in both groups. The reduction in oesophageal acid exposure, increase in lower oesophageal sphincter tone and mucosal healing were comparable in both groups at follow-up.

Conclusion
RNF yielded similar subjective and objective results to LNF in this study. Therefore no additive value of robotic systems for this procedure was detected up to 6 months after surgery.
Dysbiosis and pouchitis
Authors: Lim M , Sagar P , Finan P , Burke D , Schuster H 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background and methods
The exact aetiology of pouchitis is unknown, but an association with dysbiosis has been suggested. This is a retrospective review of 17 studies published between 1985 and 2005, identified by a search of the Medline, Pubmed and Embase databases.

Results
The methodology of the studies varied widely. Many were performed at a time when the distinction between a healthy and an inflamed pouch was vague; misclassification of patients makes the analysis of data difficult and conclusions uncertain.

Conclusion
The evidence that dysbiosis is a cause of pouchitis is poor. Nevertheless, available data allow the construction of an algorithm to aid management and suggest a structured approach for future research.
Meta-analysis of preoperative antiseptic bathing in the prevention of surgical site infection
Authors: Webster J , Osborne S 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Preoperative bathing with an antiseptic solution is widely used to prevent surgical site infection, but trial results are conflicting.

Methods
Trials were identified by searches of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane controlled trials register. Studies were eligible if they compared an antiseptic solution used in preoperative bathing with a non-antiseptic washing agent or with no bathing and if they reported data on surgical site infection.

Results
Six trials with a total of 10 007 patients were included; all of them used 4 per cent chlorhexidine gluconate. Three trials with 7691 patients compared chlorhexidine with placebo. Bathing with chlorhexidine did not reduce surgical site infection rate; the relative risk (RR) was 0·91. Including only trials of high quality, the RR was 0·95. Three trials with 1443 patients compared bar soap with chlorhexidine; no differences in the surgical site infection rates were detected, and the RR was 1·02. Two trials of 1092 patients compared bathing with chlorhexidine with no washing. The surgical site wound infection rate in the two groups was similar, and the RR was 0·70.

Conclusions
The evidence does not support preoperative bathing with chlorhexidine as a means of reducing surgical site wound infection.
Identifying breast cancer patients most likely to benefit from aromatase inhibitor therapy after adjuvant radiation and tamoxifen
Authors: Freedman Gary M. , Anderson Penny , Li Tianyu , Ross Eric , Swaby Ramona , Goldstein Lori 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.The purpose of the current study was to examine patient selection for an aromatase inhibitor in breast cancer patients who were free from adverse events 5 years after treatment with tamoxifen.METHODS.In all, 471 women were treated with breast‐conserving surgery, axillary lymph node dissection, and radiation. Eligibility included T1‐2 disease, tamoxifen use, follow‐up of ≥5 years, no prior breast cancer, and freedom from all events at 5 years of follow‐up. Patients treated with chemotherapy more often had T2 disease and positive lymph nodes, and were aged <60 years compared with patients treated with tamoxifen alone. No patient during the period of the current study (1982–1999) received an aromatase inhibitor. The median follow‐up was 8.25 years.RESULTS.There were 36 events: 10 contralateral breast cancers (CBCs) and 26 recurrences (8 local, 1 regional, and 17 distant). The 10‐year risk of locoregional recurrence was 2.5%, the 10‐year risk of CBC was 3.6%, and the 10‐year risk of distant metastasis was 4.4%. The event‐free survival rate for all patients was 93%. Only ≥4 positive lymph nodes and premenopausal status were found to be independent variables for decreased event‐free survival on multivariate analysis. The overall survival rate was 89%. Only younger age and lower lymph node status were found to be significant predictors of improved overall survival.CONCLUSIONS.In the current study, a 40% reduction in recurrence/CBC with the addition of an aromatase inhibitor after 5 years of tamoxifen treatment would have had a marginal benefit of 1% to 2%. Women who were premenopausal and patients with ≥4 positive lymph nodes would have the greatest absolute benefit of >3% in the 10‐year event‐free survival rate from extended therapy. The decision needs to be individualized for patients aged ≥60 years based on their initial lymph node status and the presence of comorbidities that could lower their 5‐year life expectancy. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Geomorphology of medium‐high mountains under changing human impact, from managed slopes to nature restoration: a study from the Sudetes, SW Poland
Authors: Latocha Agnieszka , Migoń Piotr 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn the last few hundred years, medium‐high mountain geomorphic systems of the East Sudetes, central Europe, have evolved under varying human impacts and have shown distinctive behaviours, depending on the nature and intensity of human activities. The general trend within this period has been from initial disturbance brought about by the spread of agriculture, through managed rural landscapes in the 19th and early 20th century, to gradual restoration of natural conditions observed in the last few tens of years, concurrent with considerable population decline in the mountain valleys. Accelerated soil erosion was successfully mitigated by the introduction of agricultural terraces in the 19th century, and most sediment could have been stored within the slopes. The current phase of nature restoration is understood as a return to general slope stability, weak coupling between slopes and channels, and limited sediment transfer across and out of mountainous drainage basins, which typified most of the Holocene prior to human colonization. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental dynamics and conservation of the flamingo in the vicinity of Greater Tunis, Tunisia: the case study of Sebkha Essijoumi
Authors: Ayache F. , Gammar A. M. , Chaouach M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber roseus frequents Mediterranean wetlands. In recent decades, the population of this species has increased significantly in the Mediterranean region, despite the reclamation of many wetlands. The increase is thought to reflect the opportunistic behaviour of flamingos. They visit some sites more frequently than others in response to human activities such as organic pollution, conservation measures and better management of breeding areas on the northern side of the Mediterranean. Tunisian wetlands are major wintering and nursery habitats for the flamingo that in very wet years can also become important breeding areas. These areas can support up to half the population of the western Mediterranean, which is estimated at around 80 000 to 90 000 birds. To demonstrate the changes in the wintering population in Tunisia, the key site of Essijoumi, which has up to 25 000 wintering flamingos, was selected as a case study area. It has been shown that Essijoumi, an urban wetland in Tunis, has changed from a hypersaline to a brackish waterlogged site for most of the year. The change can be traced to the recent urban extension of Tunis which led to a water balance surplus due to increased runoff and decreased agricultural land in the catchment area. Organic pollution is playing a major role in the nutrification of water resources leading to better feeding habitats. This, in turn, has influenced the distribution of flamingos and the carrying capacity of the wetland. Increased water depth to about 3 m has made the northern part of Essijoumi inaccessible. However, the southern and eastern parts of this wetland have become more attractive to flamingos and to a diversity of waterfowl. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.