bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-low-mass X-ray binaries containing a black hole: investigating a detection mechanism
Authors: Bleach James 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
This work investigates the feasibility of detecting close, detached, black hole-red dwarf binaries, which are expected to be evolutionary precursors of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). Although this pre-low-mass X-ray binary (pre-LMXB) phase of evolution is predicted theoretically, as yet no such systems have been identified observationally. The calculations presented here suggest that the X-ray luminosity of black hole wind accretion in a pre-LMXB system could exceed the intrinsic X-ray luminosity of the red dwarf secondary star, thereby providing a detection mechanism. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding the efficiency of the conversion of gravitational potential energy to X-ray luminosity resulting from accretion onto a black hole, for example energy may be lost via advection across the event horizon. Still, sources with X-ray luminosities greater than that expected for a red dwarf star, but whose positions coincide with that of a red dwarf would represent candidate pre-LMXB systems. These candidates should be surveyed for the radial velocity shifts that would occur as a result of the orbital motion of a red dwarf star within a close binary system containing a black hole.
Using Enzymes to Control Molecular Hydrogelation
Authors: Yang Z. , Xu B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe expression and distribution of enzymes differ by the types and states of cells, tissues, and organs, thus leading to diverse extracellular and intracellular environments. Using an enzymatic reaction to convert a precursor into a hydrogelator or vice versa, one can control the delivery, functions, and responses of a hydrogel according to a specific biological condition or environment, thus providing an accessible route to creating sophisticated soft materials for potential biomedical applications.
The battle between “good” and “better”: A strategic marketing perspective on codes of conduct for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Ingenbleek Paul , Meulenberg Matthew T.G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractCode‐of‐conduct organizations (CCOs) for sustainable agriculture, such as Fair Trade and Eurep‐Gap, are rapidly changing the face of agribusiness. Yet, there is little understanding of how these organizations contribute to sustainability. This study therefore presents a case study of the strategies by which CCOs aim to achieve their sustainability objectives. A cross‐case comparison indicates that many strategic differences between codes of conduct can be traced back to two types of CCOs: those weighting principles over size, and those weighting size over principles. The former put a measuring rule in the market, and enable primary producers to differentiate themselves from mainstream production. The latter set lower requirements, but target mainstream production and involve large retailers and processing firms. Given the unique roles played by these types of organizations, sustainable development is best served by the synergy that results under “co‐opetition”: when the two types of rival organizations coexist. [EconLit citations: L310, M310, Q560] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 451–473, 2006.
The impact of cross‐sectional data aggregation on the measurement of vertical price transmission: An experiment with German food prices
Authors: von Cramon‐Taubadel Stephan , Loy Jens‐Peter , Meyer Jochen 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe impact of cross‐sectional aggregation over individual retail stores on the estimation and testing of vertical price transmission between the wholesale and retail levels is investigated using a unique data set of individual retail prices in Germany. Systematic differences between the results of estimations using aggregated data on the one hand, and disaggregated data on the other, are discussed theoretically and confirmed empirically. The results suggest that estimation with aggregated data can generate misleading conclusions about price transmission behavior at the level of the individual units (i.e., retail stores) that underlie these aggregates. [JEL classifications: C22, L11, D40] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 505–522, 2006.
Perspectives on the 2003 and 2004 avian influenza outbreak in Bali and Lombok
Authors: Simmons Phil 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this article, background research for potential policies to contain avian influenza (AI) in Southeast Asia is provided. The author discusses (a) factors influencing spread of AI in Indonesia, (b) ways animal health institutions in Indonesia work, (c) risk associated with AI, and (d) a possible framework for analyzing effectiveness of public and private responses to the disease. The government of Indonesia (GOI) policies and responses to the outbreak in the eastern islands' poultry industry are described. Based on interviews, Indonesian farmer responses may be affected by five factors: (1) geographical location of the farm, (2) time since the outbreak began, (3) whether the farmer was a layer, broiler, or kampung (local) chicken producer, (4) size and development of the farm, and (5) contractual arrangements under which production is occurring. A bioeconomic framework suitable for analyzing these problems is developed and presented. [EconLit citations: I180, Q130] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 435–450, 2006.
Follow the leader? Adoption behavior in food retailers' decision to offer fresh irradiated ground beef
Authors: Jaenicke Edward C. , Harrison R. Wesley , Jensen Kimberly L. , Jakus Paul M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractDuring the 14‐month period from May 2002 through June 2003, approximately 10% of U.S. supermarkets began to offer fresh irradiated ground beef under the stores' own labels. Using a survey of supermarket store managers from this period, the authors investigate the factors that influenced stores' adoption of irradiated ground beef. Results from the adoption model show that factors associated with competition, merchandising philosophy, and structure in the food retailing industry play a strong role in the decision. Among other results, it was found that variables relating to a competitor's adoption status and proximity can increase the likelihood of a store's adoption. [EconLit citations: L660, M310, Q180] © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 22: 547–568, 2006.
Designs of Superiority and Noninferiority Trials for Binary Responses are Noninterchangeable
Authors: Hilton Joan F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTo better understand the design of noninferiority trials for binary data, we identify analogies and contrasts between this and the more familiar superiority trial design. We restrict attention to the problem of detecting a difference between experimental and control response rates in the setting where there is no difference (πE – πC = 0) under the noninferiority alternative hypothesis and under the superiority null, and a matching difference between groups under the complementary hypotheses (|πE – πC | = δ). Our derivation of the constrained maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) reveals that superiority and noninferiority trials have different nuisance parameters – the marginal response rate and the control‐group response rate, respectively. Our empirical results show that when individuals are allocated to treatment groups in the ratio that minimizes the overall sample size, balanced allocation is optimal only for superiority trials when the error rates are equal; otherwise imbalanced allocation is optimal. Different allocation ratios between trial types lead to different variances, and thus to different sample sizes. Finally, since the value of the marginal response rate – a design parameter in noninferiority trials – typically cannot be obtained from preliminary or published studies, we suggest a means of identifying a value that can be used. We conclude that full documentation of the design of a trial requires specification not only of the design parameters but also of the allocation ratio and the nuisance parameter, the value of which is not obvious under unequal allocation. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Albumin is a redox‐active crowding agent that promotes oxidative folding of cysteine‐rich peptides
Authors: Buczek Olga , Green Brad R. , Bulaj Grzegorz 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOxidative folding that occurs in a crowded cellular milieu is characterized by multifaceted interactions that occur among nascent polypeptides and resident components of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen. Macromolecular crowding has been considered an essential factor in the folding of polypeptides, but the excluded volume effect has not been evaluated for small, disulfide‐rich peptides. In the research presented, we examined how macromolecular crowding agents, such as albumin, ovalbumin, and polysaccharides, influenced the kinetics and thermodynamics of forming disulfide bonds in four model peptides of varying molecular size from 13 residues (1.4 kDa) to 58‐residues (6.5 kDa): conotoxins: GI, PVIIA, r11a, and bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. Our results indicate that the excluded volume effect does not significantly alter the folding rates nor equilibria for these peptides. In stark contrast, folding reactions were dramatically accelerated, when protein‐based crowding agents were present at concentrations lower than those predicted to provide the excluded volume effect. Submillimolar albumin alone was as effective as glutathione in promoting the oxidative folding of GI conotoxin at concentrations typically found in the ER. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report and quantitative characterization of oxidative folding of peptides mediated by other than thioredoxin‐based protein disulfide bonds. Our work raises a possibility that concurrent secretory and ER‐resident proteins may influence the oxidative folding of small, cysteine‐rich peptides not as crowding agents, but as redox‐active factors. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88:8–19, 2007.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com.
Role of circulating tumour cells in predicting recurrence after excision of primary colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Allen-Mersh T G , McCullough T K , Patel H , Wharton R Q , Glover C , Jonas S K 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
This study assessed the potential for reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR)-based circulating tumour cell identification to predict colorectal cancer recurrence.

Methods
mRNA for carcinoembryonic antigen and cytokeratin 20 was identified by RT–PCR in blood from patients with colorectal cancer, before and after primary tumour resection. Cancer recurrence was assessed at follow-up, and the accuracy of RT–PCR and primary tumour lymph node positivity in predicting recurrence was estimated.

Results
One hundred and ninety-six patients with colorectal cancer were studied over a median follow-up of 1393 days from surgery. Regression analysis selected 24-h post-resection RT–PCR positivity (hazard ratio for a positive test in predicting recurrence 8·66 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 3·08 to 24·33)) before lymph node involvement (hazard ratio 7·92 (95 per cent c.i. 3·26 to 19·20)). When 24-h post-resection RT–PCR was combined with lymph node positivity, the hazard ratio increased to 18·54 (95 per cent c.i. 4·01 to 85·11), attributing a 3 per cent recurrence risk to 52 per cent, and a 50 per cent recurrence risk to 48 per cent, of patients with colorectal cancer resected with curative intent.

Conclusion
RT–PCR positivity within 24 h of primary colorectal cancer resection is a strong predictor of colorectal cancer recurrence, and may be useful clinically.
Laparoscopically assisted or open enterolithotomy for gallstone ileus
Authors: Moberg A-C , Montgomery A 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Gallstone ileus is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Enterolithotomy as a single procedure is recommended to minimize complications. The trauma could potentially be reduced further by using a laparoscopic technique.

Methods
Thirty-two consecutive patients with gallstone ileus operated by a laparoscopic or open approach between 1992 and 2004 were studied retrospectively. Demographic data, preoperative and postoperative hospital stay, duration of operation, complications and deaths were recorded. Median follow-up after surgery was 36 months.

Results
Nineteen laparoscopic procedures, with two conversions, and 13 open operations were performed. The median duration of operation was 60 min in the laparoscopic group and 58 min in the open group (P = 0·675). The median hospital stay was 7 and 10 days, respectively (P = 0·383). There were five minor and one major complications in the laparoscopic group, compared with one and four, respectively, in the open group. There were no deaths within 30 days.

Conclusion
The overall morbidity rate was low after both laparoscopic and open enterolithotomy for gallstone ileus, especially in terms of major complications in the laparoscopic group. Laparoscopically assisted enterolithotomy can be recommended for both diagnosis and treatment.
Systematic reviews and meta-analysis for the surgeon scientist
Authors: Mahid S S , Hornung C A , Minor K S , Turina M , Galandiuk S 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Understanding of data-reporting methods is imperative for correct interpretation of the medical literature as well as for proper performance of future clinical research. Recent developments in biostatistics have greatly changed the types of statistical analyses used and the minimum quality standards that must be maintained.

Method
Different types of review are described, including systematic review with and without meta-analysis. Minimum reporting standards, sources of bias, both quantitative and qualitative, and references are discussed.

Results and Conclusion
Meta-analysis has become a clearly defined technique, with reporting standards for both randomized controlled trials and observational studies. It is assuming a wider role in the surgical literature. Although many sources of bias exist, there are clear reporting standards and readers should be aware of these when studying the literature.
Surface Properties and Catalytic Performance of La0.8K0.2CuxMn1–xO3 for Simultaneous Removal of NOx and Soot
Authors: Peng X. S. , Lin H. , Shangguan W. F. , Huang Z. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe influence of copper substitution in La0.8K0.2CuxMn1–xO3 on its catalytic performance for simultaneous removal of NOx and soot under oxygen rich conditions was investigated. A series of catalysts was prepared and then characterized by XRD, SEM, BET, and XPS. The temperature programmed reaction (TPR) method was used to evaluate the catalytic performance of the catalysts. XRD results show that the partial substitution of Cu for Mn promotes the formation of perfect perovskites. SEM and BET results demonstrate that appropriate copper substitution enhances the porosity and increases the specific surface area, leading to conditions which are favorable for heterogeneous catalysis. XPS results indicate that a fraction of the Mn3+ is converted to Mn4+ on the addition of low levels of Cu. By correlation of the physicochemical properties and the catalytic performance, a large specific surface area, high porosity, high content of Mn3+ and synergistic effects of Mn3+ and Cu2+ are seen to favor the simultaneous catalytic removal of NOx and soot.
Carbon Nanorings: A Challenge to Theoretical Chemistry
Authors: Cuesta I. García , Pedersen T. B. , Koch H. , Sánchez de Merás A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHigh‐level quantum‐chemical methods show that the binding in the inclusion complex of hexamethylbenzene (HMB) in 6‐cycloparaphenilacetylene (6‐CPPA) cannot be explained only in terms of electrostatic interactions—caused by the polarization associated to curved π‐conjugated systems—and the inclusion of dispersion forces is definitely needed. The theoretical description of van der Waals interactions is notoriously complicated and in fact some DFT methods cannot even predict the existence of the relatively small supramolecular nanoring studied here. However, ab initio MP2 calculations agree with experimental data and show that, in the considered complex, the HMB fragment is placed at the center of the 6‐CPPA ring. The binding energy, which is not available experimentally, is calculated to be around −14 kcal mol−1 with a lower limit of −19 kcal mol−1.
Phosphavinylidene(oxo)phosphorane Mes*P(O)=C=PMes*: A Diphosphaallene Featuring λ5σ3‐ and λ3σ2‐Phosphorus Atoms (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 21/2006)
Authors: Septelean Raluca , Ranaivonjatovo Henri , Nemes Gabriela , Escudié Jean , Silaghi‐Dumitrescu Ioan , Gornitzka Heinz , Silaghi‐Dumitrescu Luminita , Massou Stéphane 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe cover picture shows the P=C=P backbones of stable, neutral diphosphaallenes along with the publication year of the first example reported for given coordination numbers of the phosphorus atoms. Since the synthesis of hexaphenylcarbodiphosphorane (Ph3P=C=PPh3), a σ4,σ4‐diphosphaallene, in 1961, only two other classes of compounds with P=C=P sequences have been reported in the past decades. Details of the preparation of the phosphavinylidene(oxo)phosphorane Mes*P(O)=C=PMes* (Mes* = 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenyl), a diphosphaallene featuring λ5σ3‐ and λ3σ2‐phosphorus atoms, NMR spectroscopic data and the first aspects of its reactivity are described in the article by H. Ranaivonjatovo, J. Escudié et al. on p. 4237 ff.
Restoring landscapes: the authenticity problem
Authors: Brook Isis 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPhilosophical concerns about restoring landscapes often revolve around two, connected, issues. First is the idea that a restored landscape, even if it is a perfect replica, has lost some of its value. The claim might appeal to a break in the continuity of the landscape and that continuity is part of what is valuable. Alternatively, often in the case of natural landscapes, the appeal is that any human manipulation is inauthentic; here the analogy is sometimes made with the art world and the restoration is deemed a fake. The second problem highlighted in philosophical debates is that the greater the success of restoration projects, the more threatened natural landscapes become: any claim that something must be preserved in its pristine or historically layered state is undermined by the claim that it could be put back again.Initially I discuss two opposing potential responses to these claims: (1) that humans are part of nature and thus cannot be an alien dominating force outside of nature; and (2) that nature is itself a social construct. Neither of these positions is entirely satisfactory, but what they jointly reveal is the reality of our fluid and multifaceted relationship with the world. I then show that Elliot's claim of the additional value of pristine nature is actually not based on an inherent value, but is dependent on the human valuation of it. I propose an alternative that places the source of value in the thing itself and thus arrive at a positive role for restoration as the setting in train and guiding of positive relationships above and beyond their social or public amenity value to us. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Natural’ rivers, ‘hydromorphological quality’ and river restoration: a challenging new agenda for applied fluvial geomorphology
Authors: Newson Malcolm. D. , Large Andrew R. G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFluvial geomorphology is rapidly becoming centrally involved in practical applications to support the agenda of sustainable river basin management. In the UK its principal contributions to date have primarily been in flood risk management and river restoration. There is a new impetus: the European Union's Water Framework and Habitats Directives require all rivers to be considered in terms of their ecological quality, defined partly in terms of ‘hydromorphology’. This paper focuses on the problematic definition of ‘natural’ hydromorphological quality for rivers, the assessment of departures from it, and the ecologically driven strategies for restoration that must be delivered by regulators under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The Habitats Directive contains similar concepts under different labels. Currently available definitions of ‘natural’ or ‘reference’ conditions derive largely from a concept of ‘damage’, principally to channel morphology. Such definitions may, however, be too static to form sustainable strategies for management and regulation, but attract public support. Interdisciplinary knowledge remains scant; yet such knowledge is needed at a range of scales from catchment to microhabitat. The most important contribution of the interdisciplinary R&D effort needed to supply management tools to regulators of the WFD and Habitats regulations is to interpret the physical habitat contribution to biodiversity conservation, in terms of ‘good ecological quality’ in rivers, and the ‘hydromorphological’ component of this quality. Contributions from ‘indigenous knowledge’, through public participation, are important but often understated in this effort to drive the ‘fluvial hydrosystem’ back to spontaneous, affordable, sustainable self‐regulation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geomorphic response of an Appalachian Valley and Ridge stream to urbanization
Authors: Grable J. L. , Harden Carol P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHuman‐induced changes to the channel and 18·6 km2 catchment of Second Creek, in Knox County, Tennessee (USA), have included deliberate channel realignment, channelization of some reaches in culverts or cement‐lined channels, the addition of coarse particles, and intentional and unintentional changes in catchment hydrology. Field observations and measurements made between 1997 and 2001 showed active adjustment of the stream channel. Channel bank erosion is the dominant adjustment, but aggradation also occurs. One change following urbanization is an increase in bed particle size due to the addition of particles of anthropogenic origin. Such particles constitute 2–21 per cent of particles sampled at eight sites along the stream, and their D50 exceeds the D50 of natural particles at five of the sites. The downstream portion of the catchment has been urbanized for more than 150 years, but urbanizing activity has continued throughout the catchment, occurring not as a discrete perturbation, but as a set of disturbances with varying spatial and temporal scales. Spatial patterns of erosion and deposition in the channel are complex and do not show an upstream–downstream trend. Effective, although unintended, decoupling of the most manipulated reaches has hindered the propagation of changes in channel morphology and channel materials in this urbanized stream system. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.