bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model of temporal distribution of Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hem., Aphididae) on cotton
Authors: Celini L. , Vaillant J. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:The spatio‐temporal distribution of Aphis gossypii (Glover) was studied for a 4‐year period in a plot of Gossypium hirsutum located in Bangui, Central African Republic. A study of the temporal evolution of the number of aphids by means of non‐linear regression indicated a rapid population increase during the first 8 weeks of cotton cultivation. The overdispersion of the aphids was found to be significant during most of the season. We tested three population dispersion models; Iwao's model and Taylor's power law describe the relationship between the mean m and variance σ2 for the number of aphids, and the Nachman's model describes the functional dependence between m and the proportion p of non‐infested cotton plants. The results of these statistical tests indicate that only the Taylor's model was not rejected. The aphids’ aggregation increases with population density. The regression parameter confidence intervals for each of the 4 years of observation prove the stability of the Taylor's model. The model σ2 = 45m1.3 is recommended when the environmental and cultural conditions are similar to those of our study.
Comparisons of growth schedule, reproductive property and allocation pattern among three rhizomatous Polygonatum species with reference to their habitat types
Authors: HASEGAWA TOMOKO , KUDO GAKU 
Published: March 2005

AbstractPhenology, reproductive traits and dry matter allocation were compared among three rhizomatous Polygonatum species (Liliaceae) growing in different habitats. Polygonatum odoratum var. maximowiczii grows mainly on the floor of deciduous forests; Polygonatum involucratum at forest edges with patchy light spots; and Polygonatum humile in moist grasslands with sparse vegetation cover. The purpose of this study was to describe the growth patterns and reproductive traits of related species for the consideration of habitat‐specific responses of life‐history traits. The leaf emergence and reproductive phenology of P. odoratum progressed more rapidly and the growth season was shorter in comparison with other species, reflecting seasonal changes in light conditions in the understory. Every species showed very low selfing ability but the evidence of pollen limitation was negligible under natural pollination. Dry matter allocations to above‐ and below‐ground parts were similar among species but the patterns of annual resource allocation varied greatly: P. odoratum showed large annual shoot production but annual rhizome growth was small (3–4 cm/year). The lifespan of rhizomes was >8 years in this species, whereas it was 3–4 years in other species. The annual growth of rhizomes in P. humile was large (15.5 cm/year) and branching was frequent, indicating rapid vegetative expansion under unstable conditions. The leaf/stem ratio was large in P. humile and small in P. odoratum. The allocation and growth pattern of P. involucratum were intermediate. Such differences in growth and allocation patterns among the three Polygonatum species could reflect the possible directions of life‐history strategy against specific light conditions and habitat stability, although phylogenetic constraints should be taken into account for the interspecific comparison.
The Association between Health Insurance Coverage and Diabetes Care; Data from the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Nelson Karin M. , Chapko Michael K. , Reiber Gayle , Boyko Edward J. 
Published: March 2005

Objective. To describe the association between type of health insurance coverage and the quality of care provided to individuals with diabetes in the United States.Data Source. The 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.Study Design. Our study cohort included individuals who reported a diagnosis of diabetes (n=11,647). We performed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses by age greater or less than 65 years to examine the association of health insurance coverage with diabetes‐specific quality of care measures, controlling for the effects of race/ethnicity, annual income, gender, education, and insulin use.Principal Findings. Most individuals with diabetes are covered by private insurance (39 percent) or Medicare (44 percent). Among persons under the age of 65 years, 11 percent were uninsured. The uninsured were more likely to be African American or Hispanic and report low incomes. The uninsured were less likely to report annual dilated eye exams, foot examinations, or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests and less likely to perform daily blood glucose monitoring than those with private health insurance. We found few differences in quality indicators between Medicare, Medicaid, or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as compared with private insurance coverage. Persons who received care through the VA were more likely to report taking a diabetes education class and HbA1c testing than those covered by private insurance.Conclusions. Uninsured adults with diabetes are predominantly minority and low income and receive fewer preventive services than individuals with health insurance. Among the insured, different types of health insurance coverage appear to provide similar levels of care, except for higher rates of diabetes education and HbA1c testing at the VA.
From Adversary to Partner: Have Quality Improvement Organizations Made the Transition?
Authors: Bradley Elizabeth H. , Carlson Melissa D. A. , Gallo William T. , Scinto Jeanne , Campbell Miriam K. , Krumholz Harlan M. 
Published: March 2005

Objective. To describe the perceived impact of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) on quality of care for patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction, in the context of new efforts to work more collaboratively with hospitals in the pursuit of quality improvement.Data Source. Primary data collected from a national random sample of 105 hospital quality management directors interviewed between January and July 2002.Study Design. We interviewed quality management directors concerning their interactions with the QIO interventions, the helpfulness of QIO interventions and the degree to which they helped or hindered their hospital quality efforts, and their recommendations for improving QIO effectiveness.Principle Findings. More than 90% of hospitals reported that their QIO had initiated specific interventions, the most common being the provision of educational materials, benchmark data, and hospital performance data. Many respondents (60%) rated most QIO interventions as helpful or very helpful, although only one‐quarter of respondents believed quality of care would have been worse without the QIO interventions. To increase QIO efficacy, respondents recommended that QIOs appeal more directly to senior administration, target physicians (not just hospital employees), and enhance the perceived validity and timeliness of data used in quality indicators.Conclusions. Our study demonstrates that the QIOs have overcome, to some degree, the previously adversarial and punitive roles of Peer Review Organizations with hospitals. The generally positive view among most hospital quality improvement directors concerning the QIO interventions suggests that QIOs are potentially poised to take a leading role in promoting quality of care. However, the full potential of QIOs will likely not be realized until QIOs are able to engender greater engagement from senior hospital administration and physicians.
Inhibition of melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) expression in melanoma cells leads to molecular and phenotypic changes
Authors: Tatzel Jutta , Poser Ina , Schroeder Josef , Bosserhoff Anja K 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe secreted protein melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) is highly expressed in malignant melanoma but not in melanocytes and is associated with tumor progression in vivo. Here, we further investigated the functional role of MIA by inhibiting MIA expression of the human melanoma cell line HMB2 via stable antisense MIA cDNA transfection, and subsequent analysis of the cell clones. MIA‐deficient cell clones showed several changes in cell morphology and growth pattern. In monolayer and three‐dimensional culture enhanced cell–cell contacts were formed. Furthermore, a re‐induction of pigment synthesis in comparison with the amelanotic parental cell line HMB2 was observed. Molecular analyses revealed a re‐expression of tyrosinase‐related protein 1 (Trp‐1) and tyrosinase in the MIA‐deficient cell clones necessary for melanin synthesis. In accordance, re‐expression of MIA in the MIA‐deficient melanoma cell clones resulted in downregulation of Trp‐1. To identify the molecular mechanisms of MIA regulating pigmentation, MITF and PAX3, two positive regulators of Trp‐1 and tyrosinase transcription, and PIAS3, a negative regulator of MITF activity, were analyzed. Only in MIA‐deficient cells, expression of PAX3 mRNA and MITF protein was found. In contrast, strong expression of PIAS3 was detected in HMB2 but not in the MIA‐deficient cells.To our knowledge this is the first report demonstrating a correlation between MIA expression and pigmentation and morphology of melanocytic cells.
Class III–IV Proliferative Lupus Nephritis and Pregnancy: A Study of 42 Cases
Authors: Carmona Francisco , Font Josep , Moga Isabel , Làzaro Isabel , Cervera Ricard , Pac Visitación , Balasch Juan 
Published: March 2005

Problem:  A growing number of women with lupus nephritis wish pregnancy. Our aim was to analyze maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancies with the most severe forms (proliferative or class III–IV) of lupus nephritis.Method of study:  Forty‐two pregnancies in 35 women with class III or IV lupus nephritis confirmed by renal biopsy (group 1); 12 pregnancies in 10 patients having histologically proven lupus nephritis class II or V (group 2); and 54 pregnant women randomly selected among our cohort of pregnant lupus patients without nephropathy who were matched for age, parity and duration of lupus to patients with class III or IV lupus nephritis (group 3) were studied.Results:  Pregnancy outcome and mean gestational age of neonates were similar in the three groups studied with hypertension and preeclampsia, being significantly more prevalent in patients in group 1 (37.1%) than among patients in groups 2 (11.1%) and 3 (11.6%) (P < 0.05). Mean birthweight (±S.D.) was significantly lower in group 1 (2214 ± 802 g) than in groups 2 (2783 ± 721 g) and 3 (2870 ± 835 g) (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Lupus nephritis class III–IV is a risk factor for hypertensive disease during pregnancy, but it does not contraindicate gestation.
CD83+ Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells are Present in Human Decidua and Progesterone Induces Their Differentiation In Vitro
Authors: Ivanova Ekaterina , Kyurkchiev Dobroslav , Altankova Iskra , Dimitrov Josif , Binakova Emilia , Kyurkchiev Stanimir 
Published: March 2005

Problem:  Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in antigen presentation and immunoregulation. Modifications of the immune response during pregnancy require the participation of DC. The aim of this study was to follow‐up the changes of DCs in human decidua and their correlations to progesterone (Pg) concentrations.Methods of study:  Blood leukocytes were isolated from human decidua and analyzed by flow cytometry for the expression of HLA‐DR and CD83 markers. Blood monocytes were cultured to differentiate and mature to DCs in the presence of Pg, estradiol or testosterone and analyzed by flow cytometry.Results:  The percentage of mature DCs is increased in human decidua during the 1st trimester. When Pg is added to DCs cultured in vitro the percentage of cells expressing both markers increased in specific and dose‐dependent manner.Conclusions:  Pg increases the numbers of monocytic DCs locally and it may be speculated that these cells help the Th1/Th2 switching in pregnancy.
How Does Solar Attenuation Depth Affect the Ocean Mixed Layer? Water Turbidity and Atmospheric Forcing Impacts on the Simulation of Seasonal Mixed Layer Variability in the Turbid Black Sea*
Authors: Kara A. Birol , Wallcraft Alan J. , Hurlburt Harley E. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
A fine-resolution (≈3.2 km) Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) is used to investigate the impact of solar radiation attenuation with depth on the predictions of monthly mean sea surface height (SSH), mixed layer depth (MLD), buoyancy and heat fluxes, and near-sea surface circulation as well. The model uses spatially and temporally varying attenuation of photosynthetically available radiation (kPAR) climatologies as processed from the remotely sensed Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) to take water turbidity into account in the Black Sea. An examination of the kPAR climatology reveals a strong seasonal cycle in the water turbidity, with a basin-averaged annual climatological mean value of 0.19 m−1 over the Black Sea. Climatologically forced HYCOM simulations demonstrate that shortwave radiation below the mixed layer can be quite different based on the water turbidity, thereby affecting prediction of upper-ocean quantities in the Black Sea. The clear water constant solar attenuation depth assumption results in relatively deeper MLD (e.g., ≈+15 m in winter) in comparison to standard simulations due to the unrealistically large amount of shortwave radiation below the mixed layer, up to 100 W m−2 during April to October. Such unrealistic sub–mixed layer heating causes weaker stratification at the base of the mixed layer. The buoyancy gain associated with high solar heating in summer effectively stabilizes the upper ocean producing shallow mixed layers and elevated SSH over the most of the Black Sea. In particular, the increased stability resulting from the water turbidity reduces vertical mixing in the upper ocean and causes changes in surface-layer currents, especially in the easternmost part of the Black Sea. Monthly mean SSH anomalies from the climatologically forced HYCOM simulations were evaluated against a monthly mean SSH anomaly climatology, which was constructed using satellite altimeter data from TOPEX/ Poseidon (T/P), Geosat Follow-On (GFO), and the Earth Remote Sensing Satellite-2 (ERS-2) over 1993–2002. Model–data comparisons show that the basin-averaged root-mean-square (rms) difference is ≈4 cm between the satellite-based SSH climatology and that obtained from HYCOM simulations using spatial and temporal kPAR fields. In contrast, when all solar radiation is absorbed at the sea surface or clear water constant solar attenuation depth values of 16.7 m are used in the model simulations, the basin-averaged SSH rms difference with respect to the climatology is ≈6 cm (≈50% more). This demonstrates positive impact from using monthly varying solar attenuation depths in simulating upper-ocean quantities in the Black Sea. The monthly mean kPAR and SSH anomaly climatologies presented in this paper can also be used for other Black Sea studies.
Complex Pediatric Elbow Injury: An Uncommon Case
Authors: Sharma H , Ayer R , Taylor GR 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
There is paucity of literature describing complex elbow trauma in the pediatric population. We described a case of an uncommon pediatric elbow injury comprised of lateral condyle fracture associated with posterolateral dislocation of elbow.

Case presentation
A 12-year-old boy sustained a direct elbow trauma and presented with Milch type II lateral condyle fracture associated with posterolateral dislocation of elbow. Elbow dislocation was managed by closed reduction. The elbow stability was assessed under general anaesthesia, followed by open K-wiring for the lateral condylar fracture fixation. The patient had an uneventful recovery with an excellent outcome at 39 months follow-up.

Conclusion
Complex pediatric elbow injuries are quite unusual to encounter, the management of such fractures can be technically demanding. Concomitant elbow dislocation should be managed by closed reduction followed by open reduction and internal fixation (K-wires or cannulated screws) of the lateral condyle fracture.
Measurement of Wood Wettability by the Wilhelmy Method. Part 1. Contamination of Probe Liquids by Extractives
Authors: Wålinder M.E.P. , Johansson I. 
Published: March 2005

Summary
This work focuses on the influence of extractives during wetting measurements on wood. Fresh and aged
veneers of extracted and non-extracted heart- and sapwood of pine were prepared, and the Wilhelmy
method was used to study the wettability of these veneers. In this method, the force acting on the veneers
was measured during immersion in and withdrawal from a series of probe liquids. The results suggest
that some of the probe liquids become severely contaminated by extractives during the measurements
on the non-extracted veneers, and that this strongly affects the wood wetting measurements. The contamination
is effectively detected as a distinct decrease in the surface tension of the liquids caused by
dissolution or presence of wood extractives at the wood-liquid interface. It is important to note that such
contamination may also occur during wetting studies on wood using other contact angle measurement
techniques. The most obvious contamination occurred in the case of measurements on non-extracted
veneers immersed in water and formamide. Generally, no contamination was detected in the case of
measurements on extracted wood veneers. The Wilhelmy method may provide an efficient means for
recording and control of any contamination of the probe liquids that may arise during wetting studies on
wood.
Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols by the Laccase-Mediator System (LMS) a Comprehensive Kinetic Description
Authors: Potthast A. , Rosenau T. , Fischer K. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryInvestigations into the reaction kinetics of the laccase-mediator system (LMS) have been carried out. Two widely used mediators, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS,3) and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBT,4), were compared by means of a model reaction, the oxidation of 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol (DMBA,1) to 2,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (DMA,2). The consumption of dioxygen was recorded electrochemically, substrate consumption and product formation were monitored by GLC.With ABTS as the mediator, the LMS reaction proceeded in two clearly distinguishable stages. The first phase is characterized by a fast decrease in oxygen with zero-order kinetics and no detectable formation of 2,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (2). ABTS is converted into oxidized species, the cation radical6and the dication7, respectively. In the second phase, oxygen consumption was considerably slower and followed a second-order kinetics, while the benzaldehyde was produced according to a zero-order rate law. According to the kinetic studies, the ABTS dication, but not the enzyme itself, is acting as the actual oxidant. The rate of oxidation product formation increased with increasing mediator / benzyl alcohol ratio. Less oxygen than the equivalent amount was consumed in the second reaction stage indicating that the oxidized ABTS formed in the first stage acts as an oxidant reservoir, being reduced to ABTS in turn.The LMS reaction with HOBT (4) as the mediator did not exhibit distinguishable phases, and was characterized by a comparatively slow oxygen uptake with zero-order kinetics throughout. Enzymatic oxidation of HOBT to the HOBT radical (5), which acts as the actual oxidant towards the benzyl alcohol, was the rate-determining step. The production of 2,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde thus followed a zeroorder rate law as well. The reaction rate increased with increasing HOBT / benzyl alcohol ratios. Increasing concentrations of4caused less oxygen to be consumed per equivalent of benzaldehyde formed, indicating the occurrence of another reaction pathway at high mediator charges. At low HOBT / benzyl alcohol ratios the HOBT radical (5) acts as one-electron oxidant and is reduced to HOBT in a reversible process. In contrast, at higher HOBT / benzyl alcohol ratios5acts as a three-electron oxidant, being irreversibly reduced to benzotriazole. At commonly employed mediator concentrations, a superposition of both mechanisms results. The pure borderline cases can only be observed at HOBT / benzyl alcohol ratios below 1 and above 6, respectively.
Centrifuge Modeling of Rigid Square Footings on Weak Jointed Rock
Authors: Dunham L , Valsangkar AJ , Schriver AB 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Four series of centrifuge tests were performed using a model rock made from a mixture of sand, bentonite, cement, and water. Tests were conducted to determine the effect of horizontal and vertical discontinuities in the bedrock on the load settlement response of a rigid, shallow footing. A prototype footing, measuring 1 m × 1 m, was simulated in the study. Horizontal and vertical joints, in-filled with compressible material, were simulated by incorporating thin seams of styrofoam. Results from this study are compared to the commonly used methods used to predict the ultimate bearing capacity of footings on jointed rock mass. It is concluded that the existing methods to predict the bearing capacity are conservative for the range of design parameters studied in this research.
Behavior of Irradiated Type 316 Stainless Steels under Low-Strain-Rate Tensile Conditions
Authors: Yoshitake T , Yamagata I , Akasaka N , Nakamura Y , Tsai H , Cole J , Allen T 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The effects of lower strain rate on the tensile behavior of 12 % cold-worked type 316 stainless steels irradiated in the EBR-II reactor under low-dose-rate and moderate temperature conditions were investigated. Tensile tests were carried out at a strain rate of 1 × 10−7/s. Post-test fractography and microstructural characterization were also performed. Irradiation temperature and dose appeared to have the greatest effect on hardening and ductility loss, whereas dose rate appeared to have less apparent effects. In conjunction with earlier work performed on the same material at a strain rate of 1 × 10−3/s, there was no significant effect of strain rate on tensile behavior under the irradiation conditions examined. For fracture behavior, the material after irradiation exhibited typical ductile fracture during both high and low-strain-rate tests.
Fracture and Strength of Ceramic Notched Elements under Compression
Authors: Zheng X , Zhao K , Yan J , Wang H 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Experimental results of the compression fracture strength of ceramic notched elements are summarized and analyzed in the present paper. The fracture model of ceramic notched elements under compression can be put forward based on Griffith's theory of brittle fracture. It is shown that the fracture of Al2O3 ceramics under compression loading is a typical brittle one induced by tensile stress, irrespective of whether the specimens are with or without a notch. The test results show that the product of the compression notch strength and the stress concentration factor is equal to the compression fracture strength, and the validity of the above-mentioned fracture model is thus checked. Finally, the procedures for predicting the fracture criteria with given survivability for Al2O3 ceramic notched elements can be developed based on the test results and the analysis mentioned above.
A Methodology for Fuel Tank Durability Test Development
Authors: Mayer J M , Long KW , Lee Y-L 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
A method is presented that describes the selection of a multiaxial or a uniaxial testing procedure to validate fuel tank strap durability. Strain gage rosette data recorded from a proving ground schedule were used to determine the loading experienced on the fuel tank strap. Representative testing was conducted using both multiaxial and uniaxial testing procedures. This method utilizes advanced durability software and fatigue analysis to evaluate both multiaxial and uniaxial laboratory test results. The method establishes a set of criteria for the selection of multiaxial or uniaxial durability test procedures.