bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil arthropods as indicators of water stress in Antarctic terrestrial habitats?
Authors: Convey Peter , Block William , Peat Helen J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAbiotic features of Antarctic terrestrial habitats, particularly low temperatures and limited availability of liquid water, strongly influence the ecophysiology and life histories of resident biota. However, while temperature regimes of a range of land microhabitats are reasonably well characterized, much less is known of patterns of soil water stress, as current technology does not allow measurement at the required scale. An alternative approach is to use the water status of individual organisms as a proxy for habitat water status and to sample over several years from a population to identify seasonal or long‐term patterns. This broad generalization for terrestrial invertebrates was tested on arthropods in the maritime Antarctic. We present analyses of a long‐term data set of body water content generated by monthly sampling for 8–11 years of seven species of soil arthropods (four species of Acari, two Collembola and one Diptera) on maritime Antarctic Signy Island, South Orkney Islands. In all species, there was considerable within‐ and between‐sample variability. Despite this, clear seasonal patterns were present in five species, particularly the two collembolans and a prostigmatid mite. Analyses of monthly water content trends across the entire study period identified several statistically significant trends of either increase or decrease in body water content, which we interpret in the context of regional climate change. The data further support the separation of the species into two groups as follows: firstly, the soft‐bodied Collembola and Prostigmata, with limited cuticular sclerotization, which are sensitive to changes in soil moisture and are potentially rapid sensors of microhabitat water status, secondly, more heavily sclerotized forms such as Cryptostigmata (=Oribatida) and Mesostigmata mites, which are much less sensitive and responsive to short‐term fluctuations in soil water availability. The significance of these findings is discussed and it is concluded that annual cycles of water content were driven by temperature, mediated via radiation and precipitation, and constituted reliable indicators of habitat moisture regimes. However, detailed ecophysiological studies are required on particular species before such information can be used to predict over long timescales.
Soil and rhizosphere microorganisms have the same Q10 for respiration in a model system
Authors: Bååth Erland , Wallander Håkan 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe compared the Q10 relationship for root‐derived respiration (including respiration due to the root, external mycorrhizal mycelium and rhizosphere microorganisms) with that of mainly external ectomycorrhizal mycelium and that of bulk soil microorganisms without any roots present. This was studied in a microcosm consisting of an ectomycorrhizal Pinus muricata seedling growing in a sandy soil, and where roots were allow to colonize one soil compartment, mycorrhizal mycelium another compartment, and the last compartment consisted of root‐ and mycorrhiza‐free soil. The respiration rate in the bulk soil compartment was 30 times lower than in the root compartment, while that in the mycorrhizal compartment was six times lower. There were no differences in Q10 (for 5–15°C) between the different compartments, indicating that there were no differences in the temperature relationship between root‐associated and non‐root‐associated organisms. Thus, there are no indications that different Q10 values should be used for different soil organism, bulk soil or rhizosphere‐associated microorganisms when modelling the effects of global climate change.
Soil nitrogen transformations under Populus tremuloides, Betula papyrifera and Acer saccharum following 3 years exposure to elevated CO2 and O3
Authors: Holmes William E. , Zak Donald R. , Pregitzer Kurt S. , King John S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIncreases in atmospheric CO2 and tropospheric O3 may affect forest N cycling by altering plant litter production and the availability of substrates for microbial metabolism. Three years following the establishment of our free‐air CO2–O3 enrichment experiment, plant growth has been stimulated by elevated CO2 resulting in greater substrate input to soil; elevated O3 has counteracted this effect. We hypothesized that rates of soil N cycling would be enhanced by greater plant productivity under elevated CO2, and that CO2 effects would be dampened by O3. We found that elevated CO2 did not alter gross N transformation rates. Elevated O3 significantly reduced gross N mineralization and microbial biomass N, and effects were consistent among species. We also observed significant interactions between CO2 and O3: (i) gross N mineralization was greater under elevated CO2 (1.0 mg N kg−1 day−1) than in the presence of both CO2 and O3 (0.5 mg N kg−1 day−1) and (ii) gross NH4+ immobilization was also greater under elevated CO2 (0.8 mg N kg−1 day−1) than under CO2 plus O3 (0.4 mg N kg−1 day−1). We used a laboratory 15N tracer method to quantify transfer of inorganic N to organic pools. Elevated CO2 led to greater recovery of NH4+‐15N in microbial biomass and corresponding lower recovery in the extractable NO3− pool. Elevated CO2 resulted in a substantial increase in NO3−‐15N recovery in soil organic matter. We observed no O3 main effect and no CO2 by O3 interaction effect on 15N recovery in any soil pool. All of the above responses were most pronounced beneath Betula papyrifera and Populus tremuloides, which have grown more rapidly than Acer saccharum. Although elevated CO2 has increased plant productivity, the resulting increase in plant litter production has yet to overcome the influence of the pre‐existing pool of soil organic matter on soil microbial activity and rates of N cycling. Ozone reduces plant litter inputs and also appears to affect the composition of plant litter in a way that reduces microbial biomass and activity.
The introduction of high‐purity products in Canada
Authors: Growe G. H. , Rivet C. 
Published: December 2004

Summary. In October 1993, the Canadian Blood Agency, the agent for the provinces/territories in Canada, agreed to the introduction of high‐purity coagulation products, either recombinant or highly purified factor concentrates, for the management of coagulation deficiencies. This represented a cost increase of approximately $30 million (40%) for the national coagulation product inventory.Representatives of the relevant recipients of the products, some of the treaters, the distributor and the funders met on a regular basis in order to monitor the impact of these new products. The Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada also agreed to include some specific outcome studies over a longer period of time to include evaluation of inhibitor formation, prophylaxis regimens, immune status and the incidence of thrombosis. The ‘Hemophilia and Von Willebrand’s Disease’ clinical practice guidelines were also developed under their auspices. A usage monitoring system has been implemented and has been continuously managed by the Canadian Blood Agency. This resulted in trends of practice and rationales for unexpected use being identified early for planning and funding purposes.The Working Group set up under the auspices of the Canadian Blood Agency was an effective vehicle to evaluate the conversion and the impact of these new products in the country and can serve as a model for future endeavours.
Prophylaxis for severe haemophilia: clinical and economical issues
Authors: Fischer K. , Berg Van den M. 
Published: December 2004

Summary.  Patients with severe haemophilia are treated either in case of bleeds only (on demand), or with regular infusions of clotting factor to prevent bleeds (prophylaxis). The introduction of prophylaxis has been hampered by issues of cost and viral safety. In order to compare results and treatment cost of different treatment strategies in adults, three cohorts of patients with severe haemophilia (born 1970–1980) were compared.106 French patients were treated on demand, 49 Dutch patients were treated with intermediate dose prophylaxis, and 24 Swedish patients were treated with high dose prophylaxis. The annual number of joint bleeds, and the radiological Petterson score were used to compare outcome, annual clotting factor consumption was used to compare costs.Prophylaxis reduced bleeds and arthropathy: patients treated on demand had a median of 11.5 joint bleeds/year and a median Pettersson score of 16 points, for intermediate dose prophylaxis median bleeds were 2.8 and Pettersson score was 7 points, and for high dose prophylaxis median bleeds were 0.5 joint bleeds and Pettersson score was 4 points. All differences were statistically significant, except the Pettersson scores in both prophylactic regimens. Treatment cost was only increased for high dose prophylaxis: mean clotting factor consumption was 1612 IU kg−1 yr−1 for on demand treatment, 1488 IU kg−1 yr−1 for intermediate dose prophylaxis, and 4012 IU kg−1 yr−1 for high dose prophylaxis.In young adults, the cost of intermediate dose prophylaxis is similar, but outcome is better than for on demand treatment. The cost of high dose prophylaxis is twofold higher, further improving outcome only slightly.
Continuous infusion
Authors: Schulman S. 
Published: December 2004

Summary.  There is evidence, albeit scientifically weak, for improved cost/benefit with administration of factor concentrates by continuous infusion when high‐dose replacement is necessary, as several studies have shown a reduced requirement for the concentrate. There is evidence from only one study for fewer bleeding complications with continuous infusion. There is evidence from two studies that additional therapy with tranexamic acid reduces the risk of bleeding complications in patients receiving continuous infusion.Future studies should address the question of minimum steady‐state levels required for haemostasis, comparisons with bolus injection using a randomized design and investigate the risk of inhibitor formation.
Observer variability in the Goseki grouping of gastric adenocarcinoma in resection and biopsy specimens
Authors: McLaren K M , Burnett R A , Goodlad J R , Howatson S R , Lang S , Lee F D , Lessells A M , Ogston S A , Robertson A J , Simpson J G , Smith G D , Tavadia H B , Walker F ,   (Scottish Pathology Consistency Group)
Published: December 2004

Aims:  The Goseki grouping of gastric adenocarcinoma has been suggested as a possible prognostic factor. In those centres where it is used, it may be valuable to assess the Goseki grouping of a tumour on the initial diagnostic biopsy as well as on the resection specimen since it may in theory influence management. We examined the robustness of Goseki grouping of gastric adenocarcinoma in representative sections from resection and biopsy specimens in order to assess the consistency of agreement among a group of pathologists.Methods:  A single representative block from 100 gastric resection specimens was studied using a haematoxylin and eosin and mucin (alcian blue/periodic acid–Schiff) stain. These were circulated in batches to members of a group of 12 pathologists who each completed a simple proforma confirming the presence of carcinoma and assigning a Goseki group. In a second circulation the diagnostic biopsy specimen taken prior to resection was examined in the same way. This allowed comparison of the Goseki group of the biopsy and resection specimens.Results:  In both studies κ statistics showed good agreement on tubular differentiation of the carcinoma, but only moderate agreement for the intracellular mucin production, resulting in moderate agreement for the final Goseki group. Correlation between the Goseki group assigned on the biopsy and resected specimens was seen in 62% of the cases. However, the reproducibility was low (κ 0.375).Conclusions:  The Goseki grouping of resected gastric adenocarcinoma is reproducible and can be used in prognostication. Goseki grouping of biopsy specimens is of limited value in predicting the Goseki group assigned to the resected carcinoma.
Barriers to patient information provision in primary care: patients' and general practitioners' experiences and expectations of information for low back pain
Authors: McIntosh Aileen , Shaw Clare F M 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground As patient involvement in health‐care increases, the role of information is crucial, especially in conditions where self‐management is considered an integral part of care. However, the suitability and applicability of much patient information has not been appraised in terms of how far it meets patients' information needs.Aims To ascertain patients' and clinicians' experiences and expectations of information in low back pain in order to suggest a suitable ‘patient‐centred’ content for a patient information pack to be used in a primary care setting.Methods A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews with General Practitioners (GPs) (n = 15) and focus groups comprising patients with low back pain (n = 37).Results Barriers to information‐giving for low back pain in primary care exist. Patients are dissatisfied with the information they receive from their GPs, especially regarding diagnosis and treatment. Patients tend to access information from a variety of other sources, which is often contradictory, conflicts with research evidence and leads to unreasonable expectations. GPs have varying views regarding the value of patient information and are equivocal about their roles as information providers. AlthoughThe Back Bookis generally acceptable as a patient information leaflet for low back pain, attention to the tone of the text is required.Conclusions Barriers exist to patient information provision, both generally and for low back pain, which need to be addressed in order to close the gap between strategy and implementation. Improving clinician communication skills and involving patients in developing information materials which meet their needs are crucial to this process.
Putting partnership into practice: participatory wellbeing assessment on a south London housing estate
Authors: Cornwall Andrea , Lall Pawan , Kennedy Ken , Owen Felicity 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPurpose  Bridging the gap between professionals and communities and establishing new forms of partnership is essential if service provision is to be made more responsive and accountable. This article describes an innovative approach to creating the basis for partnerships to address community wellbeing on an estate in south London.Methods  Drawing on participatory appraisal and action planning methods, and drawing together residents and professionals within and beyond the health service, a participatory wellbeing assessment exercise was carried out on a housing estate with a population of around 6000 people, involving just under 10% of residents.Results  The participatory wellbeing assessment exercise served as a means of seeking to bridge different perceptions, priorities and perspectives on wellbeing and forge new relationships, alliances and partnerships for change. Creating this vehicle for change also created opportunities for local people to participate in community wellbeing issues. This, in turn, strengthened connections between health policy, provision and grassroots community health development, broadening opportunities for service responsiveness and citizen involvement.Conclusion  Broadening involvement in assessing and determining priorities for improving wellbeing can serve to do more than enable citizens to engage more directly in making and shaping the policies that affect their lives. It can also serve as a way of establishing new kinds of partnerships across and within the statutory and non‐statutory services, opening up space for new, more ‘joined up’ forms of work that help to bridge the gap between citizens and services.
Are patients' decision‐making preferences being met?
Authors: Ford Sarah , Schofield Theo , Hope Tony 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective  To investigate the information and decision‐making expectations of general practice patients during real life consultations.Design  Post‐consultation, quantitative patient preference and enablement questionnaire.Setting and participants  Patients attending for routine appointments in general practice surgeries in Oxfordshire, UK.Results  Thirteen Oxfordshire general practitioners (GPs) volunteered to take part and a total of 171 patients completed and returned the questionnaire. Between a quarter and one‐third of patients reported receiving less information than they desired, particularly in relation to the risks and benefits of medical treatments. Patients who preferred the doctor to make decisions for them (35%), were more likely to have their preferences met (64%) compared with patients wishing to share decisions (47%) or make their own (18%) who were less likely to achieve this role (52 and 41%, respectively). However, it could not be demonstrated unequivocally that these differences were statistically significant. In total, 61% of patients perceived that they achieved their preferred decision‐making role. No significant differences were found in post‐consultation enablement scores between any of the decision preference groups. Patients' assessments indicated that some doctors were more successful at achieving congruence than others.Conclusion  The decision‐making preferences of general practice patients tend to vary. However, there was a substantial mismatch between the stated preferences of patients for the role they wanted to have in decision‐making and what they felt actually took place in their consultation. Therefore, it remains a challenge for doctors to match their consultation style to the decision‐making preferences of individual patients.
Modelling macroscopic imperfections for the prediction of flow localization and fracture
Authors: BARLAT F. , RICHMOND O. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTDuctile materials subjected to plastic deformation experience the different stages of void nucleation, growth and coalescence that eventually lead to ductile fracture. Several models have been proposed to assess the influence of this damage on flow localization and fracture. In general, the plastic behaviour is represented by a constitutive model for porous or damaged materials. It is typical to introduce a material imperfection, with porosity higher than average, which evolves up to localization and fracture. However, the void volume fraction in the imperfection is chosen more or less arbitrarily. In the present work, a model that evaluates this void volume fraction more rigorously is developed. The forming limit diagram (FLD) for a dual phase‐steel is calculated using the damage‐based imperfection calculation and validated with experimental results. The effect of void shape on the imperfection porosity level and limit strains in sheet forming is also assessed with the present method.
Structure and mesoscale plastic deformation and fracture patterns of materials coated by electron‐beam deposition
Authors: PANIN V. E. , BELYUK S. I. , DURAKOV V. G. , PANIN S. V. , GALCHENKO N. K. , SAMARTSEV V. P. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTElectron‐beam deposition (EBD) is an advanced technique intended for the formation of protective coatings that exhibit high strength and wear, and fatigue resistance. The investigation of the structure of coated materials and the development of mesoscale plastic deformation shows that these properties depend heavily on EBD modes. It is proposed that the latter can be optimized by: (i) choosing the electron‐beam parameters that ensure a uniform structure of the coating, appropriate width and proper structure of the transient zone, (ii) the trial‐and‐error method of selecting such deposited powder composition that ensure high strength properties, and (iii) mechanical test aimed at distinguishing the coatings whose performance has been advantageously increased by EBD.
Stress and fracture analysis in periodic contact problem for coated bodies
Authors: GORYACHEVA I. G. , TORSKAYA E. V. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe periodic contact problem for the system of dies and two‐layered elastic foundation is considered. The imperfect adhesion between the layer and the substrate is taken into account by the boundary conditions at the interface. The solution of the problem is based on Hankel transform and the methods of localisation and superposition. The results are used to evaluate internal stresses in coated bodies which are in contact with rough surface and to analyse the influence of mechanical and geometrical characteristics of the coatings and the roughness parameters on the maximum stress value and its location, and on the types of coating fracture.
The effects of macrolocalization of deformation in Al‐based composites with Al2O3 inclusions
Authors: DERYUGIN YE. YE. , PANIN V. E. , SCHMAUDER S. , SOPPA E. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTUsing a television optical TOMSC system, regular features of localization of macroplastic deformation are studied in composite aluminum‐based materials with hard inclusions of Al2O3 under tension. Before investigation, the specimens are subjected to cold rolling, tempering for 30 min at 500 °C with subsequent cooling in air, and annealing at 550 °C during 2 h with subsequent cooling in furnace. It is shown that the tempered and annealed alloys exhibit mobile centers of active macrolocalization long before the formation of a stationary neck preceding material fracture. Physical mesomechanics, relying on the concepts of the leading role of different‐scale stress concentrators that relax and develop in a loaded heterogeneous material, is capable of providing a qualitative description of macrolocalization development.
Global synthesis of leaf area index observations: implications for ecological and remote sensing studies
Authors: Asner Gregory P. , Scurlock Jonathan M. O. , A. Hicke Jeffrey 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTAim We present the first global synthesis of plant canopy leaf area index (LAI) measurements from more than 1000 published estimates representing ∼400 unique field sites. LAI is a key variable for regional and global models of biosphere‐atmosphere exchanges of energy, carbon dioxide, water vapour, and other materials.Location The location is global, geographically distributed.Results Biomes with LAI values well represented in the literature included croplands, forests and plantations. Biomes not well represented were deserts, shrublands, tundra and wetlands. Nearly 40% of the records in the database were published in the past 10 years (1991–2000), with a further 20% collected between 1981 and 1990. Mean (± SD) LAI, distributed between 15 biome classes, ranged from 1.3 ± 0.9 for deserts to 8.7 ± 4.3 for tree plantations, with temperate evergreen forests (needleleaf and broadleaf) displaying the highest average LAI (5.1–6.7) among the natural terrestrial vegetation classes. Following a statistical outlier analysis, the global mean (± SD) LAI decreased from 5.2 (4.1) to 4.5 (2.5), with a maximum LAI of 18. Biomes with the highest LAI values were plantations > temperate evergreen forests > wetlands. Those with the lowest LAI values were deserts < grasslands < tundra. Mean LAI values for all biomes did not differ statistically by the methodology employed. Direct and indirect measurement approaches produced similar LAI results. Mean LAI values for all biomes combined decreased significantly in the 1990s, a period of substantially more studies and improved methodologies.Main conclusions Applications of the LAI database span a wide range of ecological, biogeochemical, physical, and climate research areas. The data provide input to terrestrial ecosystem and land‐surface models, for evaluation of global remote sensing products, for comparisons to field studies, and other applications. Example uses of the database for global plant productivity, fractional energy absorption, and remote sensing studies are highlighted.