bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy Use and Output Assessment of Food‐Forage Production Systems
Authors: Lal B. , Rajput D. S. , Tamhankar M. B. , Agarwal I. , Sharma M. S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAn assessment of the energy requirements of different intensive forage production systems was carried out at the Indian Grassland Fodder, and Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi. This included assessment of energy use and output for five intensive crop production systems: (1) sorghum (single‐cut)–berseem, (2) cowpea–sorghum (single‐cut)–berseem + mustard–maize + cowpea, (3) sorghum (multi‐cut)–berseem + oats, (4) guar–oats–maize and (5) sorghum (single‐cut)–wheat–fallow. In all the systems, the Napier bajra hybrid (IGFRI‐3) was transplanted in regular plots of 50 m × 13 m. Results revealed that the total annual energy use was highest for sorghum (multi‐cut)–berseem + oats (36 606 MJ ha−1), followed by sorghum (single‐cut)–berseem + mustard, sorghum (single‐cut)–berseem–cowpea, guar–oats–maize and sorghum (single‐cut)–wheat–fallow (for which values were 31 086, 30 449, 29 867 and 25 956 MJ energy ha−1, respectively). The high value found for sorghum (multi‐cut)–berseem + oats might be attributable to the multi‐cuts in this system. Energy use by fertilizers represented the major part of the total energy use, amounting to 28–38 % in all treatments, followed by energy used in electricity, machinery, seeds, human labour and farmyard manure (FYM), in case of all with slight increase in input. In sorghum–wheat, energy use by seeds occupied the second position, followed by energy used in electricity, human labour, FYM and machinery/diesel. Pesticides contributed the least energy utilization in all the treatments. Herbicides were used for the control of weeds. Among the five forage production systems, sorghum (single‐cut)–berseem + mustard–maize + cowpea was found to be the most energy efficient, followed by sorghum (multi‐cut)–berseem + oats–sorghum (multi‐cut), sorghum (single‐cut)–berseem–cowpea, guar–oats–maize and sorghum (single‐cut)–wheat–fallow. Sorghum (single‐cut)–berseem + mustard–maize + cowpea increased the fertility of the soil, resulting in a higher percentage of organic carbon, higher availability of nitrogen and optimal balancing of the C:N ratio in the upper layers of the soil. These intensive crop production systems also maintain the optimum microbial population in the crop root zone. The benefit–cost ratio (B:C ratio) for the most energy‐efficient forage production system was 1.37 : 1. However, the highest B:C ratio was found in the sorghum–wheat rotation (1: 1.57).
Effects of Osmotic Stress on the Growth of Etiolated Mung Bean Seedlings
Authors: Passos L. P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe alterations in growth and water status of dark‐grown mung bean tissues following sudden osmotic stress were investigated. Photographic measurements of hypocotyl elongation revealed that stress (−0.2 to −0.8 MPa) induced growth cessation within one minute, with resumption occurring at lower rates after a latent period; periods which tended to increase in accordance with whether the seedlings were 4, 5 or 6 days old. Tissue water status was related to growth as water and osmotic potentials were highest in the expanded root region and the lowest in the growing hypocotyl region. These rankings were not verified under osmotic stress, and values were reduced in the course of 24 h. Turgor levels were similar in all tissues and were not altered by stress. The responses were not caused by substantial water loss, which was detected only after 24 h of stress, and could have resulted from the accumulation of osmotic solutes. The results indicate that plants exposed to sudden osmotic stress, besides exhibiting rapid growth cessation, show growth resumption at lower rates and no subsequent short‐term changes in any water status measure of the growing region. Because growth resumes without further detectable turgor increments, water status alterations are unlikely to be the cause of the observed immediate growth stoppage.
Response of Photosynthesis and Water Relations of Rice (Oryza sativa) to Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide in the Subhumid Zone of Sri Lanka
Authors: De Costa W. A. J. M. , Weerakoon W. M. W. , Abeywardena R. M. I. , Herath H. M. L. K. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe objective of the present paper is to determine the response of the physiological parameters related to biomass production and plant water relations in a standard Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa) variety (BG‐300) to elevated CO2 (i.e. 570 µmol/mol). During two seasons, rice crops were grown under three different experimental treatments; namely, at 570 µmol/mol (i.e. ‘elevated’) and 370 µmol/mol (‘ambient’) CO2 within open top chambers, and at ambient CO2 under open field conditions. Leaf net photosynthetic rate in the elevated treatment increased by 22–75 % in comparison to the ambient. However, the ratio between intercellular and ambient CO2 concentrations remained constant across different CO2 treatments and seasons. CO2 enrichment decreased individual leaf stomatal conductance and transpiration rate per unit leaf area, and increased both leaf and canopy temperatures. However, the overall canopy stomatal conductance and daily total canopy transpiration rate of the elevated treatment were approximately the same as those achieved under ambient conditions. This was because of the significantly greater leaf area index and greater leaf–air vapour pressure deficit under CO2 enrichment. The leaf chlorophyll content increased significantly under elevated CO2; however, the efficiency (i.e. photochemical yield) of light energy capture by Photosystem II (i.e. Fv/Fm) in chlorophyll a did not show a significant and consistent variation with CO2 enrichment.
Dry‐Matter Production, Allocation and Nutritive Value of Forage Chicory Cultivars as a Function of Nitrogen
Authors: Belesky D. P. , Ruckle J. M. , Clapham W. M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractForage chicory cultivars vary in origin and morphology and may respond differently to nutrient inputs because of photosynthate allocation and resource acquisition. Understanding nitrogen (N) influences on chicory seedling development and allocation of photosynthates among plant parts is important in terms of stand establishment, plant persistence, herbage production and nutritive value. We conducted experiments in the glasshouse to determine if amount (0, 50 and 100 mg N kg−1 soil) and source (ammonium nitrate or urea) of exogenous N influenced leaf dry‐matter (DM) production, N nitrate (NO3) and total non‐structural carbohydrate (TNC) allocation among roots and shoots in the chicory cultivars Forage Feast, Lacerta or Grasslands Puna. Herbage DM productivity and the ratio of energy (TNC) : protein varied among cultivars because of differential photosynthate allocation between shoots and roots, and occurred later in the growth interval when N was applied. Forage Feast, compared with the other cultivars, produced the largest roots and greatest herbage DM without added N. Leaf appearance rate in Lacerta and Grasslands Puna increased with increasing N. Instantaneous growth rates of Grasslands Puna and Lacerta at 100 N were three times that of 0 N plants. Nitrate concentrations were very high in young seedlings of all three cultivars before applying N. The findings help define application practices for these cultivars and N management practices for optimal leaf production in establishing forage chicory plants.
Interactions between parasitoids and fungal disease of a forest lepidopteran
Authors: Hicks B. J. , Watt A. D. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:The larvae of the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea, were severely affected by a fungal epizootic during 1998. The rate of parasitism of field collected larvae was much lower in 1998 than was recorded 10 years earlier in the same forests. This occurred even when host densities were greater. The parasitism rate declined further in the third year of the study as host numbers increased. Data on parasitoid abundance indicated that parasitoids were out‐competed by the fungal disease for pine beauty moth hosts. Parasitoids of the pine beauty moth are polyphagous which are generally not density‐dependent on one host. However, in this case, the abundance of parasitoids appeared to be dependent on the density of this insect mainly because the pine beauty moth is the most abundant caterpillar in Scottish lodgepole pine plantations.
Alcohol and drug treatment for women: Clinicians’ beliefs and practice
Authors: Cowan Lois , Deering Daryle , Crowe Marie , Sellman Doug , Futterman‐Collier Ann , Adamson Simon 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe present paper reports on the results of a telephone survey of 217 alcohol and drug treatment clinicians on their beliefs and practice, in relation to service provision for women. Nurses comprised the second largest professional group surveyed. Seventy‐eight percent of clinicians believed that women's treatment needs differed from men's and 74% reported a range of approaches and interventions, such as assisting with parenting issues and referral to women‐only programmes. Several differences emerged in relation to approaches and interventions used, depending on clinician gender, work setting and proportion of women on clinicians’ caseload. Implications for mental health nursing include the need to more systematically incorporate gender‐based treatment needs into practice and undergraduate and postgraduate education and training programmes.
Preventive effects of urinary bladder tumors induced by N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐nitrosamine in rat by green tea leaves
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Matsushima Masahiro 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Recently, the anticarcinogenic effects of green tea have been studied in sites other than the urinary tract. Although the incidence of bladder cancer has increased, responses to therapy have been limited. The present work examined the preventive effects of green tea against bladder tumors induced in rats by the carcinogen, N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐nitrosamine(BBN).Methods: From week 5 to week 9, all the groups were exposed to 0.05% BBN in the drinking water for 5 weeks. Rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was fed a CE‐2 diet and tap water for the entire experimental period and served as the control group. Group 2 was fed the green tea leaves after carcinogen exposure. Groups 3 and 4 received green tea leaves before carcinogen exposure. All rats were killed and examined at 44 weeks.Results: Green tea leaves prevented the growth of BBN‐induced urinary bladder tumors when given before the carcinogen.Conclusion: Green tea may inhibit tumor initiation in the bladder.
Simple correction of ureteral stomal stenosis for cutaneous ureterostomy
Authors: Hiratsuka Yoshiharu , Ishii Tatsu , Taira Hiroshi , Okadome Aya 
Published: December 2004

AbstractCutaneous ureterostomy is a simple procedure to perform, but has some morbidity owing to stomal stenosis. We describe a new and simple technique applied to the stomal stenosis for cutaneous ureterostomy.
Value of selective upper tract cytology for recognition of upper tract tumors after treatment of superficial bladder cancer
Authors: GÖǦÜŞ ÇAǦATAY , BALTACI SÜMER , ŞAHİNLİ SAVAŞ , TÜRKÖLMEZ KADİR , BEDÜK YAŞAR , GÖǦÜŞ ORHAN 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: The value of selective upper urinary tract (UT) cytology in patients who are asymptomatic and tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder carcinoma has not been studied. The present study was performed to evaluate the value of selective UT cytology in patients who are tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder cancer.Methods: Forty‐seven consecutive patients who had undergone definitive surgical treatment for superficial bladder cancer at least 24 months prior and were tumor free at control cystoscopy were evaluated with bladder wash for cytology as well as selective UT urine cytology by catheterization of both ureteral orifices. Of the 47 patients, disease was stage Ta in 30 (63.8%), T1 in 15 (31.9%) and Ta/Tcis in 2 (4.3%). Primary tumor was unifocal in 24 (51.1%) and multifocal in 23 (48.9%) patients. The time elapsed from the initial diagnosis to the last evaluation ranged from 2 to 21 years (mean 5.39).Results: UT cytology was positive in 2 cases. Although, excretory urography (IVP) revealed mild pelvicalicectasis in 1 of these 2 patients, ureterorenoscopy (URS) revealed no abnormality. In the other patient with normal IVP and retrograde pyelography (RGP), URS revealed a ureteral tumor 5 mm in diameter. Although the UT cytology was normal in the remaining 45 patients, IVP revealed right hydronephrosis in 1 patient and URS revealed multiple ureteral tumors.Conclusion: Given the normal appearance of the UT, it is highly unlikely that these patients have tumor in the UT. Thus, during the follow‐up of patients with superficial bladder cancer, it is not useful to perform UT select cytology in the absence of any identifiable filling defects in the upper urinary tract.
Adenocarcinoma of the female urethral diverticulum treated by multimodality therapy
Authors: AWAKURA YASUO , NONOMURA MITSUO , ITOH NORIYUKI , MAENO ATSUSHI , FUKUYAMA TAKUO 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA 75‐year‐old female presented with a 7‐month history of intermittent macrohematuria and urinary retention. Physical examination revealed a firm, round mass on the anterior vaginal wall. The diagnosis by urethroscopy and radiological evaluation was localized urethral diverticular tumor. Pathological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient received two courses of intra‐arterial and systemic chemotherapy using cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil and leucovorin, followed by radiation to the urethra. The tumor shrunk markedly after chemotherapy. The patient underwent total urethrectomy and vesicostomy. Two years after the operation, she had no evidence of recurrence. Adenocarcinoma of the female urethral diverticulum is rare and has been treated by surgery and/or radiation. The present case is the first case of it being treated by multimodality therapy including chemotherapy.
Intraoperative electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves with monitoring of intracorporeal pressure to confirm nerve sparing during radical prostatectomy: Early clinical results
Authors: TERADA NAOKI , ARAI YOICHI , KUROKAWA KOHEI , OHARA HIROKI , ICHIOKA KENTARO , MATUI YOSHIYUKI , YOSHIMURA KOJI , YAMANAKA HIDETOSHI , TERAI AKITO 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: We performed intraoperative cavernous nerve stimulation with an intracavernous pressure (ICP) monitoring system to confirm nerve sparing during radical pelvic surgery and assessed the results.Methods: Nineteen cases of radical prostatectomy and three of radical cystoprostatectomy were examined. Electrical stimulation of the site where the neurovascular bundle (NVB) was determined to run was performed and changes in ICP were measured before and after prostate removal.Results: Of the 22 patients, bilateral NVBs were preserved in six patients while unilateral NVB was preserved in 16. Before dissection, all NVBs examined exhibited positive responses (ICP changes of>5 mmHg) to nerve stimulation. After removal of the prostate, positive responses were observed in 22 (79%) of 28 macroanatomically preserved NVBs. Of 16 sides on which the NVB was not preserved, there were positive responses in five (31%). In these patients, some nerve fibers were macroscopically observed lateral to the original site of NVB. Finally, bilateral or unilateral nerve sparing was confirmed electrophysiologically in 20 (91%) of the 22 patients.Conclusion: Intraoperative stimulation of the NVB while monitoring ICP changes is a simple and reliable method of accurately evaluating the preservation of cavernous nerves. This system may provide further insight into the mechanism of postoperative erectile dysfunction.
Microscopic colitis: an underdiagnosed cause of chronic diarrhoea − the clue is in the biopsies
Authors: Pokorny C. S. , Selby W. S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractMicroscopic forms of colitis (collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis) are uncommon but important causes of chronic diarrhoea that are often overlooked. The clinical features of these disorders are similar, and they are more common in middle‐aged females, although the female predominance is greater in colla­genous colitis. Although their cause is unclear, both are associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases. Colonoscopy and barium enema are typically normal, so that the diagnosis depends on the demonstration of characteristic changes on histopathological examination of colorectal biopsies. These should be taken in all patients undergoing colonoscopy for the investigation of chronic diarrhoea. There are no large controlled trials of therapy available. Treatment is empirical, generally using the same agents as for inflammatory bowel ­disease. Assessment of therapy is also difficult as spontan­eous remissions occur often. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 305−309)
Treatment of recurrent aspiration pneumonia in end‐stage dementia: preferences and choices of a group of elderly nursing home residents
Authors: Low J. A. , Chan D. K. Y. , Hung W. T. , Chye R. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background:  Clinicians are often faced with the dilemma of how best to manage patients with advanced dementia who present to the hospital with repeated episodes of aspiration pneumonia. Rarely, if at all, are the opinions of the group that is most likely to be directly affected, that is the older nursing home resident, sought. This study seeks to fill that gap.Aims:  To study the choices and preferences of a group of elderly nursing home residents in the treatment of recurrent aspiration pneumonia on a background of severe disability from end‐stage dementia.Methods:  A descriptive cross‐sectional interview study using a hypothetical scenario carried out in six nursing homes within eastern Sydney, from June to August 2000. Views and attitudes towards hospitali­zation, antibiotic use, tube feeding and other treatment measures, given a situation of recurrent aspiration pneumonia and end‐stage dementia, were obtained.Results:  Fifty‐two elderly nursing home residents who were cognitively intact and not depressed were interviewed. Most of the subjects would prefer further hospital admissions (61.5%, P < 0.1) and would choose to have antibiotic treatment (73.1%, P < 0.001). Slightly more than half would not agree to artificial ventilation. Sixty‐nine percent of the respondents would not agree to feeding via a nasogastric tube (P < 0.05) and 71% would not agree to a feeding gastrostomy (P < 0.001). Most would agree to a modified diet (75%, P < 0.0001) and to continue oral feeding despite the attendant risk of re‐aspiration (59.6%, P < 0.01).Conclusions:  The participants generally preferred to be treated in a hospital setting given the scenario. Most disagreed with the use of artificial feeding. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 345−349)
International comparison of quality indicators in United States, Icelandic and Canadian nursing facilities
Authors: Jensdóttir A. B. , Rantz M. , Hjaltadóttir I. , Guđmundsdòttir H. , Rook M. , Grando V. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAim: To discuss the results of a comparison using minimum data set (MDS)‐based quality indicators (QIs) for residents in nursing facilities in three countries (Iceland; Ontario, Canada; and Missouri, United States) together with implications regarding nursing practices and resident outcomes in these countries. Method: Data were extracted from databases in each country for four consecutive quarterly periods during 1997 and 1998. All facilities investigated had the required consecutive quarterly data. Analytical techniques were matched to measure resident outcomes using the same MDS‐based QIs in the three countries. Results: Similarities among the three countries included the use of nine or more multiple medications, weight loss, urinary tract infection, dehydration, and behavioural symptoms that affect others. Differences among the three countries included bowel and bladder incontinence, indwelling catheter use, fecal impaction, tube feeding use, development of pressure ulcers, bedridden residents, physical restraint use, depression without receiving antidepressant therapy, residents with depression, use of anti‐anxiety or hypnotic drugs, use of anti‐psychotic drugs in the absence of psychotic and related conditions, residents spending little or no time in activities, and falls. Conclusions: Comparisons highlighted differences in clinical practices among countries, which may account for differences in resident outcomes. Learning from each other's best practices can improve the quality of care for older people in nursing homes in many countries.
Circumferential Ultrasound Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Analysis of Acute and Chronic Failures
Authors: SALIBA WALID , WILBER DAVID , PACKER DOUGLAS , MARROUCHE NASSIR , SCHWEIKERT ROBERT , PISANO ENNIO , SHEWCHIK JEANNIE , BASH DIANNA , FANELLI RAFFAELE , POTENZA DOMENICO , SANTARELLI PIETRO , TCHOU PATRICK , NATALE ANDREA 
Published: December 2004

Circumferential Ultrasound Ablation for PV Isolation.
Introduction: In patients undergoing circumferential isolation of the pulmonary veins with an ultrasound ablation system, we analyzed the temperatures achieved while delivering circumferential ostial lesions in the pulmonary veins. We also reviewed the angiograms obtained during the procedure and identified anatomic variants that could be responsible for ineffective lesion formation. Methods and Results: During the early clinical use in 33 patients, a total of 85 veins were ablated. A mean of 16.9 ± 12.3 ablations were delivered per patient, and a mean of 6.7 ablations per vein were applied. Entry block was assessed by placing a deflectable octapolar or a circular catheter in the vein. The following anatomic characteristics and technical limitations were identified as possible reasons for ineffective energy delivery: (1) funnel‐shaped ostium; (2) ostial diameter larger than the balloon diameter; (3) inability to deliver the catheter to the right inferior or other vein ostia; (4) ostial instability; (5) early branching of the vein; and (6) eccentric position of the ultrasound transducer in the vein. In patients with recurrence of atrial fibrillation, 40% of the ostial lesions reached a temperature > 60°C. However, in patients cured by the ablation, 64% of the ostial lesions reached a temperature > 60°C (P < 0.06). At least 12 of the 20 chronic recurrences could have been related to technical limitations of the first system. Duration of atrial fibrillation and eccentric deployment of the ultrasound transducer were more frequent in patients with recurrence of arrhythmias at follow‐up. Conclusion: Ostial anatomy of the veins may affect delivery of ultrasound energy to achieve circumferential lesions. Energy delivery at the ostium with a temperature > 60°C may be important to maximize success. Reconfiguration of the system to overcome the shortcomings identified in the initial experience could increase its performance.