bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tungsten effects on survival, growth, and reproduction in the earthworm, Eisenia fetida
Authors: Inouye Laura S. , Jones Robert P. , Bednar Anthony J. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
To provide basic toxicity data for formulating risk characterization benchmarks, the effects of tungsten on survival, growth, and reproduction were investigated in the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Parallel studies with lead as a reference toxicant also were conducted. Although sodium tungstate (Na2WO4) was less acutely toxic than lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) in 14-d spiked field soil acute toxicity assays (lethal concentrations for 50% of organisms: W, 6,250 mg/kg; Pb, 2,490 mg/kg), tungstate completely inhibited reproduction in 28- and 56-d assays at all tested tungsten concentrations (≥704 mg/kg). By comparison, cocoon production was not significantly reduced for lead concentrations until concentrations reached 766 mg/kg, and cocoon production was still observed at the highest concentration tested (1,650 mg/kg). These data indicate that tungsten is a reproductive toxicant for earthworms and that, by comparison, its sublethal toxicity is greater than that of lead. Toxicity data for other soil invertebrate species are required to fully establish benchmark levels/ecological soil screening levels for tungsten.
Short-term natural attenuation of copper in soils: Effects of time, temperature, and soil characteristics
Authors: Ma Yibing , Lombi Enzo , Nolan Annette L. , McLaughlin Mike J. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Natural attenuation of metals added to soils refers to the processes by which the mobility and bioavailability/toxicity of the added metals decline with time. In this paper, we used isotopic dilution techniques to investigate the short-term (30 d) natural attenuation of Cu added to 19 European soils at two effective concentrations shown to inhibit plant (tomato) growth by 10 and 90%. The results showed that the lability of Cu added to soils rapidly decreased after addition, especially in the soils with pH &gt; 6.0, followed by a slow decrease in Cu lability. The lability of Cu added to soils also decreased with increasing incubation temperature. The activation energies and the apparent diffusion rate coefficients for the attenuation processes were 33 to 36 kJ/mol and 0.66 to 20.9 × 10−10/s at 20°C, respectively, and were consistent with Cu diffusion in meso- and micropores. The attenuation of Cu lability was modeled on the basis of three processes: precipitation/nucleation of Cu on soil surfaces, Cu occlusion within organic matter, and diffusion of Cu into micropores. The soil and environmental factors governing attenuation rates were soil pH, organic matter content, incubation time, and temperature. Soil pH is the key factor for natural attenuation of Cu added to soils. The model can be used to scale ecotoxicological data generated from different soils and under different incubation times and temperatures.
Ambient copper concentrations in agricultural and natural European soils: An overview
Authors: Heijerick Dagobert G. , Van Sprang Patrick A. , Van Hyfte Annick D. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Copper concentrations in soil are affected by a large number of processes related to the natural spatial variability (geochemistry), the amount released, the spatial and temporal distributions of these releases, and the large number of transportation, complexation, and dissolution processes. The present study reports the generated country-specific and land use-specific environmental concentration distributions of ambient copper exposure levels in European soils that were used for the derivation of “reasonable worst-case” predicted environmental copper concentrations (RWC-ambient copper PEC) for three types of soil uses: Agricultural soils, forest soils, and undefined grassland soils. Only recent and high-quality monitoring data (Q1) that comply with a number of criteria (i.e., sampling strategy, land use, digestion method, and absence of point sources) were selected for this purpose. Data treatment procedures used in the present study were based on the methods and concepts laid down in the European Union Technical Guidance Document on Risk Assessment and in the “combined monitoring-based and modeling-based priority setting” procedure. The derived median RWC-ambient copper PEC for European agricultural soils is 31.1 mg/kg dry weight, with the lowest and highest RWC-ambient copper PEC found in Belgium (16.1 mg/kg dry wt) and northern Italy (57.5 mg/kg dry wt), respectively. The high value for Italian soils probably is related to the (recent) volcanic origin of these soils. Similarly, RWC-ambient copper PECs were derived for forest soils and undefined grassland soils (24.4 and 35.3 mg/kg, respectively). Observed differences between the different soil uses could be related to various parameters and processes that determine the copper levels in soil (e.g., soil type associated with specific soil uses, addition of fertilizers and pesticides, and presence of cattle).
Discrepancy of the microbial response to elevated copper between freshly spiked and long-term contaminated soils
Authors: Oorts Koen , Bronckaers Hans , Smolders Erik 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA systematic comparison of Cu toxicity thresholds was made between freshly spiked soils and soils in which elevated Cu concentrations have been present for various times. Three uncontaminated soils were spiked and experimentally leached or incubated outdoors for up to 18 months. Additionally, five field-contaminated soils with a 6- to 80-year-old Cu contamination were sampled, and corresponding uncontaminated soils were spiked to identical total concentrations. All soil samples were subjected to three microbial assays (nitrification potential, glucose-induced respiration, and maize residue C-mineralization). Experimental leaching or soil incubation after spiking reduced Cu toxicity (1.3- or 2.3-fold increase of dose, respectively, to inhibit process by 50% [ED50]). No significant effects of soil type, aging time (6, 12, or 18 months), or bioassay on the factor change of ED50 were found. Significant reductions of microbial activity in field-contaminated soils were only identified in 2 of the 15 series (three assays in five soils), whereas freshly spiking the corresponding control soils significantly affected these processes in 12 series. Soil solution Cu concentrations significantly decreased on leaching at corresponding total soil Cu, and smaller decreases were found during additional aging. Soil solution Cu concentrations largely explain changes in Cu toxicity on leaching and aging, although additional variation may be related to changes in the sensitivity of microbial populations. It is concluded that total Cu toxicity thresholds are lower in freshly spiked soils compared to soils in which Cu salts have equilibrated and leaching has removed excess soluble salts. The large variability of soil microbial processes creates a large uncertainty about the magnitude of the factor by which aging mitigates Cu toxicity.
Effects of metal-contaminated forest soils from the Canadian shield to terrestrial organisms
Authors: Feisthauer Natalie C. , Stephenson Gladys L. , Princz Juliska I. , Scroggins Richard P. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe effects of elevated metal concentrations in forest soils on terrestrial organisms were investigated by determining the toxicity of six site soils from northern Ontario and Quebec, Canada, using a battery of terrestrial toxicity tests. Soils were collected from three sites on each of two transects established downwind of nickel (Sudbury, ON, Canada) and copper (Rouyn-Noranda, PQ, Canada) smelting operations. Site soils were diluted to determine if toxicity estimates for the most-contaminated site soils could be quantified as a percent of site soil. Rouyn-Noranda soils were toxic following acute exposure (14 d) to plants, but not to invertebrates (7 d for collembola and 14 d for earthworms). However, Rouyn-Noranda soils were toxic to all species following chronic exposure (21, 35, and 63 d for plants, collembola, and earthworms, respectively). The toxicity of the Rouyn-Noranda site soils did not correspond to the gradient of metal concentrations in soil. Metal-contaminated Sudbury soils were toxic to plants but not to invertebrates, following acute exposure. Chronic exposure to Sudbury soils caused adverse effects to plant growth and invertebrate survival and reproduction. The toxicity of Sudbury soils corresponded to the metal concentration gradient, with one exception: The reference soil collected in October was toxic to collembola following acute and chronic exposure. This study evaluated the applicability of the new Environment Canada terrestrial toxicity test methods, developed using agricultural soils, to forest soils and also provided useful data to assess the ecological risk associated with mixtures of metals in soil.
Agricultural soils spiked with copper mine wastes and copper concentrate: Implications for copper bioavailability and bioaccumulation
Authors: Ginocchio Rosanna , Sánchez Pablo , de la Fuente Luz María , Camus Isabel , Bustamante Elena , Silva Yasna , Urrestarazu Paola , Torres Juan C. , Rodríguez Patricio H. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A better understanding of exposure to and effects of copper-rich pollutants in soils is required for accurate environmental risk assessment of copper. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study copper bioavailability and bioaccumulation in agricultural soils spiked with different types of copper-rich mine solid wastes (copper ore, tailing sand, smelter dust, and smelter slag) and copper concentrate. A copper salt (copper sulfate, CuSO4) that frequently is used to assess soil copper bioavailability and phytotoxicity also was included for comparison. Results showed that smelter dust, tailing sand, and CuSO4 are more likely to be bioavailable and, thus, toxic to plants compared with smelter slag, concentrate, and ore at equivalent total copper concentrations. Differences may be explained by intrinsic differences in copper solubilization from the source materials, but also by their capability to decrease soil pH (confounding effect). The copper toxicity and bioaccumulation in plants also varied according to soil physicochemical characteristics (e.g., pH and total organic carbon) and the available levels of plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Chemistry/mineralogy of mine materials, soil/pore-water chemistry, and plant physiological status thus should be integrated for building adequate models to predict phytotoxicity and environmental risk of copper.
Evaluating the contribution of soil properties to modifying lead phytoavailability and phytotoxicity
Authors: Dayton Elizabeth A. , Basta Nicholas T. , Payton Mark E. , Bradham Karen D. , Schroder Jackie L. , Lanno Roman P. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Soil properties affect Pb bioavailability to human and ecological receptors and should be considered during ecological risk assessment of contaminated soil. We used path analysis (PA) to determine the relative contribution of soil properties (pH, organic C [OC], amorphous Fe and Al oxides [FEAL], and cation-exchange capacity [CEC]) in modifying Pb bioavailability. The response of biological endpoints (bioaccumulation and dry matter growth [DMG]) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown on 21 Pb-spiked (2,000 mg/kg) soils were determined. Lettuce tissue Pb ranged from 3.22 to 233 mg/kg, and relative DMG ranged from 2.5 to 88.5% of their respective controls. Simple correlation showed strong relationships between CEC and OC (p &lt; 0.01) and weaker relationships between pH and FEAL (p &lt; 0.05) and Pb bioaccumulation. Results of PA suggest that soil pH increased the negative surface charge of organic matter and clay, thereby increasing CEC and decreasing Pb bioaccumulation. Also, the direct effect of OC on tissue Pb can be attributed to formation of surface Pb complexes by organic matter functional group ligands. Increased OC and/or CEC reduced Pb solubility and bioavailability in the 21 soils in the present study. The relative importance of soil properties likely will vary between studies employing different soils. Soil properties should be considered during the ecological risk assessment of metal in contaminated soils. Path analysis is useful for ecological studies involving soils with a wide range of physicochemical properties and can assist in site risk assessment of metals and remediation decisions on contaminated sites.
Robust Credibility
Authors: Gisler Alois , Reinhard Peter 
Published: February 2006

AbstractOutlier observations caused by big claims or by an event producing a series of claims are a special problem in ratemaking and in tariff calculation. The authors believe that combining credibility and robust statistics is the right answer to this problem. The main idea is to robustify the individual claims experience by using a robust estimator Ti instead of the individual mean and to look at the credibility estimator based on the robust statistics {Ti: i = 1, 2, …} . Choosing a particular influence function leads to datatrimming with an observation-dependent trimming point.
On the Stability of Recursive Formulas
Authors: H. Panjer Harry , Shaun Wang  
Published: February 2006

AbstractBased on recurrence equation theory and relative error (rather than absolute error) analysis, the concept and criterion for the stability of a recurrence equation are clarified. A family of recursions, called congruent recursions, is proved to be strongly stable in evaluating its non-negative solutions. A type of strongly unstable recursion is identified. The recursive formula discussed by Panjer (1981) is proved to be strongly stable in evaluating the compound Poisson and the compound Negative Binomial (including Geometric) distributions. For the compound Binomial distribution, the recursion is shown to be unstable. A simple method to cope with this instability is proposed. Many other recursions are reviewed. Illustrative numerical examples are given.
Gamma Processes and Finite Time Survival Probabilities
Authors: Dickson David C. M. , Waters Howard R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIn this paper we derive formulae for finite time survival probabilities when the aggregate claims process is a Gamma process. We illustrate how a compound Poisson process can be approximated by a Gamma process and by a process defined as a translated Gamma process. We also show how survival probabilities for a compound Poisson process can be approximated by those for a Gamma process or a translated Gamma process.
Perceived importance and integration of the human-animal bond in private veterinary practice
Authors: Martin François , Taunton Anne 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Objective—To determine perceptions of the human-animal bond (HAB) among veterinarians in private practice and evaluate how these veterinarians incorporate the HAB in their practices.
Design—Survey.
Sample Population—1,602 veterinarians in private practice in Washington state.
Procedure—Participants were contacted and asked to complete a survey.
Results—Response rate was 26% (415/1,602). Most respondents agreed that veterinarians will be more successful if they recognize and facilitate the HAB, that facilitating the HAB was important to their practices, that they actively evaluated the degree of bonding between clients and their animals, and that the bonding between a client and his or her animal affected the way they practiced medicine. However, > 50% of respondents did not train veterinary technicians and front office staff members in the HAB or encourage veterinary technicians or front office staff members to learn about the HAB. Fifty-one percent of respondents offered few or no HAB resources to clients. When asked to quantify the importance of 10 nontechnical skills associated with private veterinary practice, respondents ranked communication skills, ethical reasoning, and business management first, second, and third; the HAB was ranked fifth.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that for veterinarians in private practice in Washington state, there is a dichotomy between how important they consider the HAB to be in their practice and the degree to which they facilitate the HAB with regard to communication, training, and client resources. More research on the HAB is necessary to better understand what the HAB encompasses and its implications for private practitioners.
Evaluation of veterinary public practice education programs
Authors: Murray Amanda L. , Sischo William M. , Hueston William D. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Objective—To describe the number and types of veterinary professional degree and certificate programs providing education in the area of public practice to veterinarians and determine the availability of these programs via distance learning.
Procedures—Web-based internet searches were performed for programs for veterinary public practice or public health, population medicine, or Master's degree in Epidemiology. The information reviewed was derived from individual school and program Web sites and from personal e-mail correspondence with school administrators.
Results—17 professional degree and 4 certificate programs were available to provide education and training in the areas of public practice and population medicine to veterinarians. Twelve of these programs have begun since 1998. Of the 17 professional degree programs, 7 are located in the United States and 10 are located in other countries. Nine of the professional degree programs provide education through traditional teaching methods, and 8 provide education and training through distance learning.
Conclusions—During the preceding 5 years, the number of programs available to educate and train veterinarians in the areas of public practice and population medicine has increased. Distance learning is being used to increase capacity and reach a broader audience of veterinarians. With the increase in programs has come an increase in capacity to educate and train veterinarians in the fields of population medicine and public practice. The impact and sustainability of this increased capacity have not been evaluated.
Evaluation of bacterial and protozoal contamination of commercially available raw meat diets for dogs
Authors: Strohmeyer Rachel A. , Morley Paul S. , Hyatt Doreene R. , Dargatz David A. , Scorza A. Valeria , Lappin Michael R. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate bacterial and protozoal contamination of commercially available raw meat diets for dogs.
Design—Prospective longitudinal study.
Sample Population—240 samples from 20 raw meat diets for dogs (containing beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey), 24 samples from 2 dry dog foods, and 24 samples from 2 canned dog foods.
Procedure—Each product was purchased commercially on 4 dates approximately 2 months apart. Three samples from each product at each sampling period were evaluated via bacterial culture for non–type-specific Escherichia coli (NTSEC), Salmonella enterica, and Campylobacter spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on selected isolates. Polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect DNA from Cryptosporidium spp, Neospora spp, and Toxoplasma spp in samples obtained in the third and fourth sampling periods.
Results—One hundred fifty-three of 288 (53%) samples were contaminated with NTSEC. Both raw and prepared foods contained NTSEC during at least 1 culture period. Salmonella enterica was recovered from 17 (5.9%) samples, all of which were raw meat products. Campylobacter spp was not isolated from any samples. In 91 of 288 (31.6%) samples, there was no gram-negative bacterial growth before enrichment and in 48 of 288 (16.7%) samples, there was no aerobic bacterial growth before enrichment. Susceptibility phenotypes were variable. Cryptosporidium spp DNA was detected in 3 samples.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Bacterial contamination is common in commercially available raw meat diets, suggesting that there is a risk of foodborne illness in dogs fed these diets as well possible risk for humans associated with the dogs or their environments.
Survival times for cats with hyperthyroidism treated with iodine 131, methimazole, or both: 167 cases (1996–2003)
Authors: Milner Rowan J. , Channell Carla D. , Levy Julie K. , Schaer Michael 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Objective—To compare survival times for cats with hyperthyroidism treated with iodine 131, methimazole, or both and identify factors associated with survival time.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—167 cats.
Procedure—Medical records of cats in which hyperthyroidism had been confirmed on the basis of high serum thyroxine concentration, results of thyroid scintigraphy, or both were reviewed.
Results—55 (33%) cats were treated with 131I alone, 65 (39%) were treated with methimazole followed by 131I, and 47 (28%) were treated with methimazole alone. Twenty-four of 166 (14%) cats had preexisting renal disease, and 115 (69%) had preexisting hepatic disease. Age was positively correlated (r = 0.4) with survival time, with older cats more likely to live longer. Cats with preexisting renal disease had significantly shorter survival times than did cats without preexisting renal disease. When cats with preexisting renal disease were excluded, median survival time for cats treated with methimazole alone (2.0 years; interquartile range [IQR], 1 to 3.9 years) was significantly shorter than median survival time for cats treated with 131I alone (4.0 years; IQR, 3.0 to 4.8 years) or methimazole followed by 131I (5.3 years; IQR, 2.2 to 6.5 years).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that age, preexisting renal disease, and treatment type were associated with survival time in cats undergoing medical treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Characteristics of cisternal cerebrospinal fluid associated with intracranial meningiomas in dogs: 56 cases (1985–2004)
Authors: Dickinson Peter J. , Sturges Beverly K. , Kass Philip H. , LeCouteur Richard A. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Objective—To determine CSF characteristics associated with intracranial meningiomas in dogs.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—56 dogs with intracranial meningiomas.
Procedures—Medical records of dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of intracranial meningioma, in which CSF analysis had been performed, were reviewed. Information concerning total nucleated cell counts (TNCCs) and differential nucleated cell counts, RBC counts, and total protein concentration in CSF; seizure history and glucocorticoid administration; and location of meningiomas was recorded.
Results—TNCCs < 5 cells/μL were detected in 41 of 56 (73%) dogs; 5 of 56 (9%) dogs had TNCCs > 50 cells/μL. Analysis of CSF revealed predominantly neutrophilic pleocytosis in < 20% of dogs. There was a significant association between meningioma location (caudal portion of the cranial fossa or middle and rostral portion of the cranial fossae) and increased TNCCs (≥ 5 cells/μL).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results were significantly different from those routinely reported in the veterinary literature. Neutrophilic pleocytosis, especially with TNCCs > 50 cells/μL, was not typical in CSF samples from dogs with intracranial meningiomas. Neutrophilic pleocytosis may not be detected in CSF samples from dogs with meningiomas located within the middle or rostral portion of the cranial fossae.