bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A test for top‐down cascade in a detritus‐based food web by litter‐dwelling web spiders
Authors: Miyashita Tadashi , Niwa Shigeru 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA top‐down cascade in detritus‐based food webs has the potential to alter ecosystem functioning but its prevalence in terrestrial systems remains unclear. We manipulated the density of the dominant web spiderNeriene brongersmaifor 1.5 years to see whether the cascading effect would propagate down to the litter decomposition rate in the forest‐floor of a Japanese cedar forest. Decreasing spider abundance increased collembolan density, but it did not change the biomass of microorganisms or the litter decomposition rate. We propose possible explanations for the absence of a top‐down cascade and discuss the difficulty in generalizing the presence and absence of a cascading effect in soil ecosystems.
Imaging of hyperalgesia in rats by functional MRI
Authors: Hess Andreas , Sergejeva Marina , Budinsky Lubos , Zeilhofer Hanns Ulrich , Brune Kay 
Published: March 2006

AbstractCerebral activation in response to sequences of temperature boosts at the hindpaw was observed in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments in isoflurane anesthetized rats. Cingulate, retrosplenial, sensory‐motor and insular cortex, medial and lateral posterior thalamic nuclei, pretectal area, hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray were the most consistently, often bilaterally activated regions. With the same experimental paradigm, activity changes in the brain following subcutaneous zymosan injection into one hindpaw were detected. These changes developed over time (up to 4 h) in parallel with the temporal development of hyperalgesia shown by a modified Hargreaves test, thus reflecting processes of peripheral and central sensitization. When the heat stimuli were applied to the inflamed paw, the hyperalgesia manifested itself as a volume increase of the activated areas and/or an enhanced functional blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal in all the above‐mentioned brain regions. Enhanced BOLD signals were also observed in response to stimulation of the contralateral non‐injected paw. They were significant in higher associative regions and more pronounced in output‐related than in input‐related brain structures. This indicates additional sensitization processes in the brain, which we named cerebral sensitization.Long lasting zymosan‐induced hyperalgesia could be monitored with high resolution fMRI in rats under isoflurane anaesthesia. This technique may provide an effective method for testing new analgesics and studying structure specific pain processing.
Functional Disability in the Rheumatoid Hand
Authors: HARVEY KEMBLE J. V. 
Published: March 2006

The investigation of sixty-one rheumatoid patients relates their hand function to measured hand deformity. Certain deformities are related to a reduction in function; others are not. The dominant hand, used more frequently, deteriorates more quickly than the non-dominant. The benefit on hand function of synovectomy is limited in duration and should be accompanied by some procedure to defer or correct deformity. Study of the metacarpophalangeal joints by radiography and at operation shows that degeneration starts where the metacarpal head first loses articulation with the base of the phalanx, and spreads out from there across the metacarpal head as deformity increases.
Dynamic Profundus Splint for Flexor Profundus Repair
Authors: REIS N. D. 
Published: March 2006

Flexor profundus is a mass action muscle so that when we fully extend one finger including full extension of the distal joint the entire muscle is pulled distally. By fully flexing the injured or operated finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint and fully extending the adjacent fingers, flexor digitorum profundus of the operated finger is made so redundant as to abolish all tension at the suture line. The position of the operated finger: metacarpophalangeal joint flexion with interphalangeal joint extension is ideal for the preservation of joint mobility and therefore ideal for the restoration of movement when the repaired flexor tendon is mobilized. It is permissible to splint a healthy finger in full extension for three weeks.
Encarsia species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) of Australia and the Pacific Islands attacking Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) – a pictorial key and descriptions of four new species
Authors: Schmidt S. , Naumann I.D. , De Barro P.J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAfter the recent introduction of the pest whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B into Australia, research was undertaken to study the parasitoids of the long established native B. tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). The genus Encarsia species which are important biological control agents of whiteflies and hard scales. The taxonomy of the Encarsia species attacking B. tabaci and T. vaporariorum in Australia and the Pacific Islands is revised. DNA sequencing of the 28S D2 ribosomal DNA was used characterize species. Sixteen species are recognized, with 12 occurring in Australia, eight in the Pacific region, and four in both regions. All except one species (E. formosa Gahan) are new records for Australia. Four species are described as new from Australia: E. accenta & Naumann sp. n., E. adusta Schmidt & Naumann sp. n., E. oakeyensis Schmidt & Naumann sp. n., and E. ustulata Schmidt & Naumann sp. n. Diagnostic descriptions are given for all species and each species is illustrated. pictorial key is provided to allow the identification of species by non-specialists.
Genotypic interaction between resistance genes in wheat and virulence genes in the Hessian fly Mayetiola destructor (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)
Authors: Bouhssini M. El , Hatchett J.H. , Cox T.S. , Wilde G.E. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe genotypic interaction between wheat resistance genes H3, H6, H7H8, H9 and virulence genes vH3, vH6, vH7vH8, vH9 of Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), was studied in a growth chamber. Results showed plants homozygous and heterozygous for the H3 gene expressed a high level of resistance against homozygous avirulent and heterozygous larvae carrying the vH3 virulence allele. The H7H8 genes were highly effective in the homozygous condition, but displayed a level of resistance in the heterozygous condition. The H6 and H9 genes showed different levels of resistance against the reciprocal heterozygous larvae (vH6avH6a versus vH6avH6a and vH9avH9avH9avH9a). Adults reared from vH6avH6a and vH9avH9a larvae were all males, consistent with the vH6 and vH9 X-linkage. Plants homozygous for H3, H6, H7H8, and H9 allowed for greater larval survival of heterozygous larvae, which suggests that avirulence to these resistance genes is incompletely dominant. Greater survival of homozygous avirulent larvae on heterozygous plants (H3h3, H6h6, H7h7H8h8, H9h9) suggests incomplete dominance of these wheat genes. Survival of heterozygous along with homozygous virulent larvae would reduce selection pressure for virulence in Hessian fly populations infesting fields of resistant wheat cultivars. This would be expected to slow the in frequency of virulence alleles that often results from deployment of resistant cultivars.
Comparative development, longevity and population growth of exotic and native parasitoids of lepidopteran cereal stemborers in Kenya
Authors: Mbapila J.C. , Overholt W.A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractStudies on the effect of temperature on the development, longevity and population growth of Cotesia flavipes Cameron and Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron) indicated that the development of both Cotesia spp. from oviposition to cocoon formation and adult emergence was inversely to temperature. The longevity of the parasitoids was also inversely related to temperature. Both parasitoids lived longer when moisture and food (agar + honey/water) were provided. The mean number of females and total adult progeny produced by C. flavipes on two host were, in most cases, higher than C. sesamiae. The intrinsic rate of natural increase of C. flavipes was higher than that of C. sesamiae.
Oviposition behaviour and host colony size discrimination in Episyrphus balteatus (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: Sutherland J.P. , Sullivan M.S. , Poppy G.M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThree bioassays were used to examine the oviposition behaviour of the hoverfly, Episyrphus balteatus (Degeer) in which various stimuli purported to influence host assessment and choice were tested. Episyrphus balteatus failed to exhibit enhanced behavioural responses, terms of approaches and landings, to artificial leaves with the highest numbers of aphids, suggesting that females are merely responding to the colour of the artificial leaves. A density-dependent oviposition response was reported in a second bioassay using whole bean plants, although there an asymptotic relationship. Syrphid responses, which were measured by oviposition over a five-day period, were greatest towards those plants with the highest number of aphids. In a final series of trials, gravid female E. balteatus showed a behavioural preference for filter papers with the greatest honeydew concentrations (0.26 mg μl−1 honeydew). More time was spent in the treated areas and syrphids demonstrated more proboscis and ovipositor extensions in these treatments. These bioassays provided an opportunity to isolate some of the individual of decision-making by female E. balteatus during egg-laying behaviour. A greater understanding of natural enemy behaviour is essential before enhanced control of pest populations in the field can be established.
Desiccation resistance in pre-diapause, diapause and post-diapause larvae of Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Bauce É , Han E. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractDesiccation resistance was examined in pre-diapause, diapause and post-diapause larvae of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), in terms of passive water evaporation under three desiccation conditions: freeze-drying, desiccant-drying at 2°C and desiccant-drying 18°C. Diapausing second instar larvae and post-diapause non-feeding second instar larvae showed strongest desiccation resistance: a significant amount of water was retained after repeated drying under desiccating conditions, while pre-diapause first instar larvae and post-diapause feeding instar larvae lost almost all their water content after one or two drying cycles. A hibernaculum covering had no effect on water evaporation. While dead larvae tended to lose significantly more water than their living counterparts, particularly among first instar larvae, such an impact much weaker among diapausing second instar larvae. Desiccation resistance was lost when post-diapause second instar larvae were allowed access to water while the level of desiccation resistance was maintained or enhanced when the larvae did not have access to water. These results are discussed the context of overwintering ecology of the species and possible mechanisms for the desiccation resistance are also discussed.
Body size as an indicator of parasitoid quality in male and female Anagyrus kamali (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Sagarra L.A. , Vincent C. , Stewart R.K. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe parasitoid Anagyrus kamali Moursi was recently introduced into the Caribbean as a biological control agent against the hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green. In the laboratory, parasitoid size, as measured by left hind tibia length, was positively correlated several indicators of the parasitoid‘s fitness: longevity, mating preference, fecundity, reproductive longevity, progeny emergence and sex-ratio. When fed ad libidum with honey drops, large male parasitoids lived significantly longer (29.1 ± 6.5 days) than small ones ± 5.7 days). Large females also lived significantly longer (35.4 ± 10 days) than small females (27.9 ± 9.6 days). Females showed no significant mating preference between large and small males. Lifetime fecundity was positively correlated with the size of adult females ranged from 37 ± 21 eggs for small females to 96 ± 43 eggs for large ones. The reproductive longevity, daily oviposition rate, and number of progeny were also higher among large parasitoids. The sex ratio of progeny from small female parasitoids was higher (0.76 ± than that of large individuals (0.47 ± 0.18).
First contact session outcomes in primary care psychological therapy and counselling services
Authors: Cahill Jane , Potter Steve , Mullin Tracy 
Published: March 2006

AbstractEvidence in the literature suggests that some groups have greater difficulty accessing psychological treatment than others. The present study set out to provide benchmarks from the CORE National Research Database, focussing on four primary outcomes following a client's first contact session – (1) accepted for therapy, (2) assessment only, (3) referred to another service, (4) unsuitable for therapy. Data from 34 primary care counselling services were collected which had used CORE‐PC as a service resource for at least two years. For each of the four assessment outcomes, the mean, standard deviation and 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles were calculated. Across the 34 services, an average of 81% clients were accepted for therapy with 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile values of 74, 82 and 89% respectively. The results indicate that working with benchmarks is an area in need of further research. Implications for policy and practice are discussed and attention given to the client's experience of seeking therapy.
When clients and practitioners have differing views of risk: Benchmarks for improving assessment and practice
Authors: Bewick Bridgette M. , McBride Jenny , Barkham Michael 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe assessment of risk is a top priority within routine counselling and psychotherapy services. However, staff often receive little training in this area. Research suggests that differences between practitioner‐rated and client self‐report assessments are to be expected and has indicated that the rates of difference can be relatively high (i.e., >50%). However, no national benchmarks have yet been presented which allow both practitioners and services to assess their degree of difference between client‐ and therapist‐ratings of risk. This study uses data drawn from the CORE National Research Database and the risk domain of the CORE‐OM (n=25338) to address this issue. Percentage of difference in assessment rates are presented to enable services to compare their rates of difference with those obtained in other services. The CORE‐OM risk domain identified 44% of clients as ‘at risk’ while the practitioner assessment identified 10% of clients as being ‘at risk’. For the overall sample, 18% of clients were classified by the practitioner as presenting no risk when the CORE‐OM risk domain identified them at risk. There were large variations between services. The practical use and implications of the results presented are discussed by managers of NHS primary care counselling services.
Client initiated termination of therapy at NHS primary care counselling services
Authors: Connell Janice , Grant Stewart , Mullin Tracy 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe main aim of this paper is to provide estimated benchmarks for unplanned endings for primary care counselling services using data drawn from the CORE National Research Database. Due to the problem of missing data, benchmarks are provided for ‘declared’ therapy endings and ‘estimated’ therapy endings. ‘Declared’ therapy endings are where the practitioner has provided data; ‘estimated’ therapy endings take into account missing data where clients are more likely to have had an unplanned rather than a planned ending to therapy. The average ‘declared’ rate of unplanned endings was calculated at 32% with a high rate determined as 40% or higher and a low rate as 21% or lower. The average ‘estimated’ rate of unplanned endings was calculated at 50% with a high rate determined as 58% or higher and a low rate as 38% or lower. It is likely that the true average, high and low rates of unplanned endings fall between the two sets of figures.
Improving Patient Safety: Resource Availability and Application for Reducing the Incidence of Healthcare-Associated Infection
Authors: Christenson Marly , Hitt John A. , Abbott Gordon , Septimus Edward J. , Iversen Nancy 
Published: March 2006

Objective.VHA Mountain States conducted a survey and analysis of infection control (IC) staffing resources, organizational structures, and clinical processes related to reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in community healthcare facilities.Methods.Member participation was solicited for 2 study components. The first was a survey of demographic characteristics regarding the type and size of the facility and the structure and functions of IC departments. The second was an observational study of infection prevention practices related to general hand hygiene (GHH), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), and catheter-related urinary tract infection (CRUTI).Results.A total of 31 not-for-profit community healthcare facilities submitted data; the number of beds in participating centers ranged from less than 50 beds (1 facility) to more than 500 beds (7 facilities). IC department staffing ranged from 0.3 to 5.0 full-time equivalents. There was a positive correlation between average daily census and IC staffing (r = .879; P<.001). Observational studies revealed that compliance with the use of alcohol-based hand rubs (77%) was significantly better than compliance with the use of soap and water (64%; P<.001). Seven (30%) of 23 organizations observed 90% or better compliance with VAP process measures; 7 of 27 (26%) observed 90% or better compliance with guidelines for preventing CRBSI; and 14 (56%) demonstrated proper placement of urinary drainage bags at least 90% of the time.Conclusions.There was variation in IC department structure and processes among the participating organizations. Infection prevention practices were inconsistent. These findings emphasize the need for more-effective implementation of current evidence-based recommendations for preventing HAIs and reducing the risk of harm to patients.
Favorable Impact of an Infection Control Network on Nosocomial Infection Rates in Community Hospitals
Authors: Kaye Keith S. , Engemann John J. , Fulmer Evelyn M. , Clark Connie C. , Noga Edwin M. , Sexton Daniel J. 
Published: March 2006

Objective.To describe an infection control network (the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network [DICON]) and its impact on nosocomial infection rates in community hospitals.Design.Prospective cohort study of rates of nosocomial infections and exposures of employees to bloodborne pathogens in hospitals during the first 3 years of their affiliation with DICON. Attributable cost and mortality estimates were obtained from published studies.Setting.Twelve community hospitals in North Carolina and Virginia.Results.During the first 3 years of hospital affiliation with DICON, annual rates of nosocomial bloodstream infections at study hospitals decreased by 23% (P = .009). Annual rates of nosocomial infection and colonization due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus decreased by 22% (P = .002), and rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia decreased by 40% (P = .001). Rates of exposure of employees to bloodborne pathogens decreased by 18% (P = .003).Conclusions.The establishment of an infection control network within a group of community hospitals was associated with substantial decreases in nosocomial infection rates. Standard surveillance methods, frequent data analysis and feedback, and interventions based on guidelines and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were the principal strategies used to achieve these reductions. In addition to lessening the adverse clinical outcomes due to nosocomial infections, these reductions substantially decreased the economic burden of infection: the decline in nosocomial bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia alone yielded potential savings of $578,307 to $2,195,954 per year at the study hospitals.
Controlling Use of Antimicrobials in a Community Teaching Hospital
Authors: Philmon Carla , Smith Terri , Williamson Sharon , Goodman Edward 
Published: March 2006

Objective.To test the hypothesis that antibiotic use could be controlled or improved in a community teaching hospital, with improvement defined as reductions in overall use, overall cost, and antimicrobial resistance.Design.Interventional study with historical comparison.Setting.A not-for-profit, 900-bed community general hospital with residents in medicine, surgery, obstetrics-gynecology, and psychiatry.Participants.Physicians who requested any of the targeted antibiotics.Interventions.Three categories of inpatient antibiotic orders were monitored beginning in April 2001: conversion from intravenous to oral administration for selected highly bioavailable antimicrobials, cessation of perioperative prophylaxis within 24 hours for patients undergoing clean and clean-contaminated surgery, and consultation with an infectious diseases physician before continuing administration of selected drugs beyond 48 hours. Data were analyzed after the first 33 months. Patient outcomes were reviewed during the hospital stay and at readmission if it occurred within 30 days after discharge.Results.From April 2001 through December 2003, a total of 1426 requests for antimicrobial therapy met criteria for intervention. Overall physician compliance with the program was 76%, ranging from 57% for perioperative prophylaxis to 92% for intravenous to oral conversion. Antimicrobial costs per patient-day decreased by 31%, from $13.67 in 2000 (before program implementation) to $9.41 in 2003. Total savings in acquisition costs were $1,841,203 for the 3-year period. Resistance to numerous drugs among Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates was also significantly reduced.Conclusions.A program to improve the use of antibiotics in a community hospital was successful in reducing overall use, overall cost, and antimicrobial resistance.