bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early proliferation of umbilical cord blood cells from premature neonates
Authors: Luzo A. C. M. , Duarte A. S. S. , Salles T. S. I. , Queiroz M. L. S. , Lorand‐Metze I. , Costa F. F. , Saad S. T. O.
Published: May 2007

Background and Objective  Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an important source of haematopoietic stem cells; however, the behaviour of progenitor cells obtained from premature and full‐term neonates is still a controversy subject. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate cell cycle parameters and the proliferative capacity of UCB progenitor cells from premature and full‐term neonates.

Material and Methods  Clonogenic assays were performed with methylcellulose, medium supplemented with recombinant stimulating growth factors and the colonies were scored on the seventh day and the 14th day of culture. A cell cycle study was carried out by DNA analysis using flow cytometry and 30 000 events were acquired; p107 and p130 expressions were analysed by Western blotting.

Results  Cultures obtained from UCB of premature neonates showed an early growth of colony‐forming unit (CFU)‐burst forming unit erythroid/CFU‐granulocyte, erythrocyte, macrophage and megakaryocyte (BFU‐E/GEMM), and CFU‐granulocyte, macrophage (GM) by the seventh day of culture (P < 0·001). Therefore, the number and morphological characteristics of these colonies were comparable with those obtained from full‐term neonates, on the 14th day of culture. At the 14th day, a large amount of CFU‐GM was detected in the premature group (P < 0·0032). The premature culture on the 14th day showed fibroblasts and was comparable to those of full‐term neonates on the 21st day in terms of number and morphology of the colonies. DNA analysis showed that the number of cells in S‐phase was also higher in premature samples when compared to full‐term neonates, P < 0·0021 (0 h = 12·8 vs. 2·5%; 16 h = 10·5 vs. 5·9%; 20 h = 13·5 vs. 10·3%; 24 h = 13·8 vs. 9·1%; 48 h = 14·0 vs. 5·4%; 72 h = 20·5 vs. 8·9%; 96 h = 13·8 vs. 7·7%). The Western blotting results demonstrated that p107 and p130 cell cycle protein expressions were higher in premature cells than in full‐term cells.

Conclusion  These results suggest that the higher capacity of proliferation and early differentiation of premature UCB might not be related only to the amount of stem/progenitor cells but also to a different timing of cell cycle entry.
Cryopreservation and in vitro maturation of germinal vesicle stage oocytes of animals for application in assisted reproductive technology
Authors: YAMANAKA KEN‐ICHI , AONO NOBUYA , YOSHIDA HIROAKI , SATO EIMEI
Published: May 2007

Cryopreservation, in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture can be applied to various processes across a wide range of species, that is, for the breeding and reproduction of farm animals, preservation of genetic variants in laboratory animals, and the conservation of wild species. In particular, the storage of oocytes by cryopreservation and IVM following cryopreservation, might become effective alternative assisted reproduction treatments for infertile patients. For example, in a clinical context, these techniques might be important for patients who are at risk of losing their ovarian function because of extirpative therapy, chemotherapy or radiation. Thus, it is important for assisted reproductive technology to improve IVM and cryopreservation techniques. In the present review, we introduce our recent studies on vitrification and IVM of germinal vesicle stage oocytes in animals.
Epigenetics in assisted reproductive technology
Authors: KATAGIRI YUKIKO , SHIBUI YUKIHIRO , NAGAO KOICHI , MIURA KAZUKIYO , MORITA MINETO
Published: May 2007

It has been reported that the rates of epigenetic disorders such as Angelman syndrome (AS) and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) are high in offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). Angelman Syndrome is characterized by intellectual disability and BWS is known as large offspring syndrome (LOS). Weight abnormalities have also been reported in cloned animals. Possible factors underlying these findings include inherent gamete characteristics, influence of in vitro culture and peculiarity of ART methods. It is important to conclusively determine whether such epigenetic abnormalities are present in children conceived by ART, so as to consider the health of next generations.
In vitro growth and maturation of mouse oocyte‐granulosa cell complex from cryopreserved ovaries and achievement of pup birth
Authors: HASEGAWA AKIKO , KOYAMA KOJI
Published: May 2007

Ovarian tissue banking is a feasible strategy for fertility preservation for young women after cancer treatments. Ovarian tissue, after thawing, is used for several options; orthotopic grafting (normal site), autologous heterotopic grafting and collection of ovarian follicles for culture. Recent reports of live birth encouraged clinicians and researchers to apply this technology to premature ovarian failure (POF) resulting from strong cancer therapy. Grafting, however, carries a risk of malignant cell recurrence. For safety, development of a culture method is necessary but optimum culturing conditions for less‐developed follicles abundant in the ovary are not well known. In the present article, the current status of ovarian tissue cryopreservation, and in vitro oocyte growth and maturation from the preserved ovaries are reviewed.
Successful pregnancy in ovariectomized mice using a combination of heterotopic autotransplantation of ovarian tissues and embryo transfer
Authors: MITSUI AKINORI , YOSHIZAWA MIDORI
Published: May 2007

Aim:  The present report is the first to show that, after ovariectomy, female mice with autotransplanted ovarian sections can maintain pregnancy after embryo transfer (ET) independent of the transplantation site.

Methods:  Three‐month‐old ICR females were ovariectomized, and sections from their own ovaries were transplanted either under their kidney capsule (KC group) or into a subcutaneous space (SC group) just after ovariectomy. In vitro fertilized blastocysts were transferred into uterine horns of the pseudopregnant mice that had received the transplanted ovarian tissues. Cesarean sections were carried out 17 days after ET to deliver any live fetuses that were present, and the numbers of implantation sites and fetuses were noted. Transplanted ovarian sections were removed and fixed for histological analysis.

Results:  Of the 10 mice in the KC group that received 107 blastocysts, two females (20%) became pregnant; they showed 12 implantation sites (11.2%) and produced four pups (3.7%). In the SC group, 101 blastocysts were transferred to eight females, and three females (37.5%) became pregnant; there were seven implantation sites (6.9%), and three pups (3.0%) were born. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in any of the parameters evaluated. On histological examination, luteinization and vascularization of the ovarian sections that were transplanted in the pregnant SC and KC females were noted.

Conclusion:  The pregnancy and full‐term fetal development were obtained in ovariectomized mice using a combination of heterotopic ovarian tissue autotransplantation and transfer of embryos produced by in vitro fertilization.
Phylogeny and biogeography of a large radiation of Andean lizards (Iguania, Stenocercus)
Authors: Torres‐Carvajal Omar
Published: May 2007

With 61 species occurring mostly in the Andes and adjacent lowland areas, Stenocercus lizards represent one of the most widespread and well‐represented Andean vertebrate groups. Phylogenetic relationships among species of Stenocercus are inferred using different datasets based on mitochondrial DNA sequence data of 35 species and morphological data of 59 species. Among morphological data, polymorphic and meristic/morphometric characters are coded under the frequency parsimony and gap‐weighting methods, respectively, and the accuracy of these methods is tested. When both types of characters are included, the resulting tree topology is more similar to the topologies obtained from analyses of DNA sequence data than those topologies obtained after exclusion of one or both types of characters. The phylogenetic hypotheses inferred including 59 species of Stenocercus (dataset 1) and excluding those species for which DNA data were not available (dataset 2) are generally congruent with each other, as well as with previously published hypotheses. The most parsimonious tree obtained from analysis of dataset 2 is used in a dispersal‐vicariance analysis to infer ancestral areas and major biogeographical events. Species of Stenocercus are divided into two major clades. Clade A has diversified mostly in the central Andes, with a few species in the northern Andes and one species in the southern Andes. Clade B is more widespread, with species in the northern, central, and southern Andes, as well as in the Atlantic lowlands and Amazon basin. The most recent common ancestor of Stenocercus is inferred to have occurred in the eastern cordillera of the central Andes. Given morphological similarity and altitudinal distribution of some species nested in a northern‐Andes clade, as well as the relatively recent uplift of this Andean region, it is possible that species in this clade have diverged as recently as the mid‐Pliocene.
Seamounts: centres of endemism or species richness for ophiuroids?
Authors: O’Hara Timothy D.
Published: May 2007

Aim  To test the hypotheses that seamounts exhibit high rates of endemism and/or species richness compared to surrounding areas of the continental slope and oceanic ridges.

Location  The south‐west Pacific Ocean from 19–57° S to 143–171° E.

Methods  Presence/absence museum data were compiled for seamount and non‐seamount areas at depths between 100 and 1500 m for the Ophiuroidea (brittle‐stars), an abundant and speciose group of benthic invertebrates. Large‐scale biogeographical gradients were examined through multivariate analyses at two spatial scales, at the scale of seamounts (< 1° of latitude/longitude) and regions (5–9°). The robustness of these patterns to spatially inconsistent sampling effort was tested using Monte Carlo‐style simulations. Levels of local endemism and species richness over numbers of samples were compared for seamount and non‐seamount areas using linear regressions. Non‐seamount populations were randomly generated from areas and depth ranges that reflected the typical sampling profile of seamounts.

Results  Seamount ophiuroid assemblages did not exhibit elevated levels of species richness or narrow‐range endemism compared with non‐seamount areas. Seamounts can exhibit high overall species richness for low numbers of samples, particularly on seamounts supporting a dense coral matrix, but this does not increase with additional sampling at the rates found in non‐seamount areas. There were relatively few identifiable seamount specialists. In general, seamount faunas reflected those found at similar depths in surrounding areas, including the continental slope. Seamount and non‐seamount faunas within the study area exhibited congruent latitudinal and bathymetric species turnover.

Main conclusions  Seamount faunas were variable for ophiuroid faunal composition, species richness and narrow‐range endemism, reflecting their environmental diversity and complex history. The continental slope was also variable, with some areas being particularly species rich. Broad geomorphological habitat categories such as ‘seamounts’ or ‘continental slope’ may be at the wrong scale to be useful for conservation planning.
Can niche‐based distribution models outperform spatial interpolation?
Authors: Bahn Volker , McGill Brian J.
Published: May 2007

Aim  Distribution modelling relates sparse data on species occurrence or abundance to environmental information to predict the population of a species at any point in space. Recently, the importance of spatial autocorrelation in distributions has been recognized. Spatial autocorrelation can be categorized as exogenous (stemming from autocorrelation in the underlying variables) or endogenous (stemming from activities of the organism itself, such as dispersal). Typically, one asks whether spatial models explain additional variability (endogenous) in comparison to a fully specified habitat model. We turned this question around and asked: can habitat models explain additional variation when spatial structure is accounted for in a fully specified spatially explicit model? The aim was to find out to what degree habitat models may be inadvertently capturing spatial structure rather than true explanatory mechanisms.

Location  We used data from 190 species of the North American Breeding Bird Survey covering the conterminous United States and southern Canada.

Methods  We built 13 different models on 190 bird species using regression trees. Our habitat‐based models used climate and landcover variables as independent variables. We also used random variables and simulated ranges to validate our results. The two spatially explicit models included only geographical coordinates or a contagion term as independent variables. As another angle on the question of mechanism vs. spatial structure we pitted a model using related bird species as predictors against a model using randomly selected bird species.

Results  The spatially explicit models outperformed the traditional habitat models and the random predictor species outperformed the related predictor species. In addition, environmental variables produced a substantial R2 in predicting artificial ranges.

Main conclusions  We conclude that many explanatory variables with suitable spatial structure can work well in species distribution models. The predictive power of environmental variables is not necessarily mechanistic, and spatial interpolation can outperform environmental explanatory variables.
STRATEGIC NETWORKS AMONG SMALL FIRMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGY RESEARCH METHODOLOGY*
Authors: Borch Odd Jarl , Arthur Michael B.
Published: May 2007

This paper deals with the choice of methodological approach within strategic network research. Network‐oriented research approaches indicate a broader set of organizational and environmental variables. the issue of trust in network relations implicates contextual aspects such as the socio‐cultural foundation of people's interaction. the striving toward more complex, multi‐level models of strategy is seen to put a heavy burden on the development of adequate strategy research methods. the paper reports and interprets experience from a case study of inter‐organizational exchange governance in small firms. the discussion suggests a need for more in‐depth knowledge of cultural contexts, and of socio‐economic relations of actors within strategic networks. the paper recommends a search for new methodological inputs from other academic disciplines more experienced with human interaction research. In particular, methodological tools found within the field of social anthropology are recommended.
DIVISION HEADQUARTERS GO ABROAD ‐ A STEP IN THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF THE MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION*
Authors: Forsgren Mats , Holm Ulf , Johanson Jan
Published: May 2007

Why are division headquarters of multinational corporations in some cases located abroad? In the multinational corporation the physical location of division headquarters is a problematic issue because of the need for close links both to corporate headquarters and the foreign subsidiaries. This paper develops a model explaining this location as a consequence of power relations associated with the internationalization of the corporation and tests it on a sample of divisions of Swedish multinationals. the results support the view that power relations have an impact on location of division headquarters. One interesting result is the clear indication of countervailing forces, consisting of an attraction force of foreign dominant subsidiaries and a resisting force related to the interests of corporate headquarters.
MANAGERIAL AND OWNERSHIP SUCCESSION AND CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING: THE CASE OF MANAGEMENT BUY‐INS*
Authors: Robbie Ken , Wright Mike
Published: May 2007

This paper addresses the effects on corporate restructuring of changing management and ownership. First, it synthesises a number of perspectives on corporate restructuring which involve managerial succession, voluntary restructuring, agency theory, incentives and entrepreneurship, to obtain insights into the relative impact of simultaneously changing either, neither or both management and ownership. Second, it uses case study evidence from management buy‐ins to examine the effects of changing both management and ownership. the evidence suggests that whilst management may be adequately incentivized, problems may arise in respect of information asymmetries, difficulties in matching entrepreneurs to the context and monitoring by venture capitalists, and implementation of strategies.
Value Judgments: The Impact of Perceived Value Violations on American Political Attitudes
Authors: Henry P. J. , Reyna Christine
Published: May 2007

Values are proposed to have an influence on politics via multiple expressions, and two such value expressions are explored in this manuscript: abstract value expressions and judgmental value expressions. In particular, it is believed that judgmental value expressions (or perceptions of value violations) will have a particularly strong influence in determining attitudes toward policies designed to help specific groups in society. This study analyzed data from two samples regarding attitudes toward welfare and marriage rights for gays. It was found that perceptions that each group violates a specific value played a more important role in predicting political attitudes than abstract value expressions, general negative affect directed toward the group, and political ideology. The results are contextualized in a discussion of the role values play in the politics of intergroup relations.
Waving the Flag: National Symbolism, Social Identity, and Political Engagement*
Authors: Schatz Robert T. , Lavine Howard
Published: May 2007

This research examined the psychological underpinnings of concern for national symbols and ritualistic‐ceremonial activities or “symbolic involvement.” We propose and test a distinction between symbolic and “instrumental” involvement or concern for the functionality of national institutions and their capability to provide instrumental benefits to citizens. Items comprising the two constructs were found to be empirically distinct, evidenced by statistically reliable and orthogonal dimensions in exploratory factor analysis. Moreover, evidence based on divergent patterns of relations with various forms of national membership indicates that symbolic and instrumental involvement are rooted in distinct motivational concerns related to identity expression and object appraisal, respectively. These findings suggest that national symbolism evokes a psychological attachment to the nation as an abstracted social entity, but not as a concrete functional system.
Effects of Dangerous and Competitive Worldviews on Right‐Wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation over a Five‐Month Period
Authors: Sibley Chris G. , Wilson Marc S. , Duckitt John
Published: May 2007

The cross‐lagged effects of dangerous and competitive social worldviews on Right‐Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) were examined over a five‐month period (N = 165). Analyses indicated that the motivational goal for group‐based dominance and superiority indexed by SDO changed as a function of the degree to which the social world was perceived as a competitive place characterized by inequality and resource scarcity. The motivational goal for ingroup conformity and collective security indexed by RWA, in contrast, changed as a function of the degree to which the social world was perceived as a dangerous and threatening place prone to high levels of crime and immoral behavior. These findings are consistent with the causal pathways between social worldviews and ideological attitudes predicted by Duckitt's (2001) model of the dual motivational and cognitive processes underlying prejudice. An unexpected reciprocal effect in which RWA predicted longitudinal change in dangerous worldview was also identified, suggesting that the relationship between these two constructs may be more complex than previously hypothesized.
STREET‐LEVEL BUREAUCRACY AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY
Authors: HUPE PETER , HILL MICHAEL
Published: May 2007

The concept of ‘street‐level bureaucracy’ was coined by Michael Lipsky (1980) as the common denominator for what would become a scholarly theme. Since then his stress on the relative autonomy of professionals has been complemented by the insight that they are working in a micro‐network of relations, in varying contexts. The conception of ‘governance’ adds a particular aspect to this: the multi‐dimensional character of a policy system as a nested sequence of decisions. Combining these views casts a different perspective on the ways street‐level bureaucrats are held accountable.

In this article some axiomatic assumptions are drawn from the existing literature on the theme of street‐level bureaucracy and on the conception of governance. Acknowledging variety, and arguing for contextualized research, this results in a rethinking of the issue of accountability at the street level.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM IN THE UK, 1999–2005: REVOLUTIONARY FAILURE OR EVOLUTIONARY SUCCESS?
Authors: BOVAIRD TONY , RUSSELL KEN
Published: May 2007

In December 1999, the UK Civil Service Management Board agreed an internal reform programme, complementing the more externally‐oriented ‘modernizing government’ programme, to bring about major changes in the functioning of the civil service –‘step change’ rather than continuous improvement. This paper suggests that the aims of the reform programme were only partially achieved. While some step changes did indeed occur, even such central elements of reform as ‘joined‐up’ working with other public organizations were still only at an initial stage some three years later and others – for example, business planning and performance management systems – have taken 20 years to achieve acceptance within the civil service. It appears that examples of meteoric change are rare in the civil service – the reality of the changes are better characterized as ‘evolution’ and ‘continuous improvement’ than ‘revolution’ and ‘step change’.
ARE ICTs IMPROVING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE EU REGIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS? AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: PINA VICENTE , TORRES LOURDES , ROYO SONIA
Published: May 2007

This paper conducts an empirical study about the effect of e‐government on transparency, openness and, hence, accountability in 15 countries of the EU. Thus the effects examined cover over 84 per cent of EU population. The population also represents the different types of public administration styles that exist in Western developed countries. The paper compares the development and sophistication of 318 government web sites at sub‐national level and tests the impact of contextual and organizational factors. The study refers to regional and local governments since they play a key role both in the national pattern of government and in administering welfare policies.

Benchmarking studies of e‐government are undertaken regularly by consultancy firms. Most of this literature focuses on central and federal governments in terms of examining trends in digital government. However, little research has been conducted from a comparative perspective on analysing the movement of EU countries to digital government at a sub‐national level.
The Case of The School Meals Service
Authors: Ivatts John
Published: May 2007

Since 1979 British social policy has witnessed a marked abandonment of the post‐war principles of “universalism” inspired by the Beveridge Report. A deliberately residualist approach has been adopted and narrower criteria of selection have variously been imposed in areas of social welfare provision.

This paper represents an attempt to assess and evaluate this trend in one area of welfare provision — the school meals service — by developing a historical analysis of an earlier period (1918–1939) when a residual model of welfare firmly held sway.

From an examination of historical evidence relating to the inter‐war years, it is suggested that in important respects the present situation with regard to the provision of food for children while at school recreates many of the circumstances which pertained during that pre‐war period. Then as now selectivity, “targeting”, and fierce Treasury restrictions upon public expenditure were very much the order of the day.

In the light of the problems of administrative fragmentation, and of the failures, inconsistencies and injustices of those policies which characterized school meals provision during that earlier period, it is concluded that contemporary developments within this service are disquieting, and a close scrutiny of the nutritional and other consequences is essential.
Number, unit, and utility in a Mayan community: the relation between use‐value, labour‐power, and personhood
Authors: Kockelman Paul
Published: May 2007

Rather than asking how two use‐values can have the same exchange‐value, this article asks how two distinct entities can have the same use‐value. Among the Q'eqchi'‐Maya, substitution (eeqaj) refers to activities as disparate as house‐building, civil‐religious elections, vengeance, loans, illness cures, adultery, and namesakes. Such practices involve the exchange of one entity for another entity, insofar as these entities have shared properties, and insofar as they hold a role in a necessary position. Substitution is interpreted as social processes whereby substances get utilized, unitized, and numericalized, and this local articulation of use‐value is theorized in terms of labour‐power and personhood.
Negative Life Events, Patterns of Positive and Negative Religious Coping, and Psychological Functioning
Authors: BJORCK JEFFREY P. , THURMAN JOHN W.
Published: May 2007

Religious coping may or may not be adaptive depending upon whether such coping is positive or negative. We investigated the potential moderating effects of positive and negative religious coping patterns on the relationship between negative life events and psychological functioning. Questionnaires included measures of negative life events, positive and negative religious coping, and psychological functioning, and were completed by 336 adult, Protestant church members. Even after controlling for religious participation, negative events were related to increased use of positive and negative religious coping and decreased psychological functioning. Moreover, negative events and positive religious coping produced an interaction effect on depression, such that the high use of positive religious coping buffered the deleterious effects of negative events.
Children as Religious Resources: The Role of Children in the Social Re‐Formation of Class, Culture, and Religious Identity
Authors: Gallagher Sally K.
Published: May 2007

Based on observations and interviews in two churches representing two different strands of American Protestantism, I assess the ways in which children contribute to the social construction of class, culture, and religious identity for adults. Evidence comes from observing how congregations incorporate children into adult worship services and talk about them in texts and programs, and from the ways in which newer and long‐term congregation members describe valuing and understanding children's ministries. These styles and their meanings reflect the history, heritage, and theological distinctives of these two strands of American Protestantism. Religion, I suggest, is not just good for children; children themselves are a religious resource whose presence in worship, service, and discourse helps to create and maintain a sense of identity, place, and meaning in the lives of worshipping adults.
Ritual Participation and Social Support in a Major Japanese Festival
Authors: ROEMER MICHAEL K.
Published: May 2007

In this study, residents of Kyôto's Gion Festival “float‐cart neighborhoods” reveal how ritual participation yields a strong sense of community, and this is connected with several forms of social support. By applying the theory of ritual practice to qualitative research conducted in 2003, I examine how some of the main participants in this month of rites and festivities gain a sense of belonging and emotional support based on their roles in this historically and culturally significant shrine‐related festival. Specifically, highly involved male participants form intimate and exclusive relationships and develop enduring networks that offer feelings of unity and spiritual guidance. With a combination of well‐accepted “Western” theories and methods, and an understanding of distinct cultural differences, I explore how involvement in a major Japanese religious festival is positively associated with a sense of community and lasting social support.
Characters in Search of a Script: The Exit Narratives of Formerly Ultra‐Orthodox Jews
Authors: DAVIDMAN LYNN , GREIL ARTHUR L.
Published: May 2007

We use a case study of individuals who leave ultra‐Orthodox Judaism to illustrate that essential characteristics of the institutions they leave, such as their degree of encapsulation, shape both processes and narratives of identity change. Through examining the narratives of these exiters and comparing them to the literature on conversion into strict religious groups, we find that there is more institutional support for conversion into a group than for disaffiliating from a group. In conversion, recruits are provided with institutional scripts that shape their narratives; those who leave strict religious communities have no parallel ready‐made accounts. Those that leave ultra‐Orthodoxy state that they did not have a language to guide them in their transition into secular society. Nevertheless, despite their presentation of themselves as “scriptless” they also present themselves as brave individuals who are proud of their ability to leave a community that had encompassed all aspects of life.
Limitations of ST analysis in clinical practice: three cases of intrapartum metabolic acidosis
Authors: Westerhuis MEMH , Kwee A , Van Ginkel AA , Drogtrop AP , Gyselaers WJA , Visser GHA
Published: May 2007

Objective  To examine detailed intrapartum events in cases of neonatal metabolic acidosis despite monitoring using STAN® (cardiotocography [CTG] plus ST waveform analysis of fetal electrocardiogram [ECG]).

Design  Retrospective case review.

Setting  High‐risk pregnancies monitored by STAN®.

Methods  Case note review was performed in newborns with metabolic acidosis where no significant ST changes in the fetal ECG occurred prior to birth.

Main outcome measures  Metabolic acidosis.

Results  Detailed review of three cases identified poor signal quality, difficulties in CTG interpretation, failure to comply with STAN® clinical guidelines and deterioration of the CTG without ECG alert as the leading causes of these adverse outcomes.

Conclusions  The cases illustrate some of the pitfalls associated with the clinical application of the STAN® technology which prevent severe metabolic acidosis being eradicated completely. It may be useful to expand the STAN® guidelines protocol towards the identification of exceptional clinical situations, such as in our cases, and towards appropriate additional interventions, as this may lead to a further reduction in adverse neonatal outcomes.
Pregnancy outcomes and antiretroviral treatment in a national cohort of pregnant women with HIV: overall rates and differences according to nationality
Authors: Floridia M , Tamburrini E , Bucceri A , Tibaldi C , Anzidei G , Guaraldi G , Meloni A , Guerra B , Ferrazzi E , Molinari A , Pinnetti C , Salerio B , Ravizza M ,   The Italian Group on Surveillance on Antiretroviral Treatment in Pregnancy
Published: May 2007

We used data from the main surveillance study of HIV and pregnancy in Italy to evaluate possible differences in pregnancy care and outcomes according to nationality. Among 960 women followed in 2001–06, 33.5% were of foreign nationality, mostly from African countries. Foreign women had lower rates of preconception counselling and planning of pregnancy. They had more frequently HIV diagnosed during pregnancy, with a later start of antiretroviral treatment and lower treatment rates at all trimesters but not when the entire pregnancy, including delivery, was considered. No differences were observed between the two groups in ultrasonography assessments, hospitalisations, AIDS events, intrauterine or neonatal deaths, and mode and complications of delivery. Foreign women had a slightly lower occurrence of preterm delivery and infants with low birthweight. The results indicate good standards of care and low rates of adverse outcomes in pregnant women with HIV in Italy, irrespective of nationality. Specific interventions, however, are needed to increase the rates of counselling and HIV testing before pregnancy in foreign women.
Bdnfgene is a downstream target of Nurr1 transcription factor in rat midbrain neuronsin vitro
Authors: Volpicelli Floriana , Caiazzo Massimiliano , Greco Dario , Consales Claudia , Leone Luigi , Perrone‐Capano Carla , D’Amato Luca Colucci , Porzio Umberto di
Published: May 2007

The transcription factor Nurr1 is essential for the generation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDA). Only a few Nurr1‐regulated genes have so far been identified and it remains unclear how Nurr1 influences the development and function of dopaminergic neurons. To identify novel Nurr1 target genes we have used genome‐wide expression profiling in rat midbrain primary cultures, enriched in dopaminergic neurons, following up‐regulation ofNurr1expression by depolarization. In this study we demonstrate that following depolarization the hyperexpression ofNurr1and the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are phospholipase C‐ and protein kinase C‐dependent. We show thatBdnf, which encodes a neurotrophin involved also in the phenotypic maturation of mDA neurons, is a novel Nurr1 target gene. By RNA interference experiments we show that a decreasedNurr1expression is followed by tyrosine hydroxylase and BDNF mRNA and protein down‐regulation. Reporter gene assay experiments performed on midbrain primary cultures using fourBdnfpromoter constructs show thatBdnfis a direct target gene of Nurr1. Taken together, our findings suggest that Nurr1 might also influence the development and the function of midbrain dopaminergic neurons via direct regulation ofBdnfexpression.
p25/Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 promotes the progression of cell death in nucleus of endoplasmic reticulum‐stressed neurons
Authors: Saito Taro , Konno Tsunetada , Hosokawa Tomohisa , Asada Akiko , Ishiguro Koichi , Hisanaga Shin‐ichi
Published: May 2007

Dysregulation of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) by cleavage of its activator p35 to p25 by calpain is involved in the neuronal cell death observed in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is not yet clear how p25/Cdk5 induces cell death, although its cytosolic localization or extended half life are thought to be involved. We show here that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress causes the calpain‐dependent cleavage of p35 to p25 in primary cultured cortical neurons. Generation of p25 occurred at a cell death execution step in ER‐stressed neurons. p25 translocated to the nucleus in ER‐stressed neurons, whereas p35/Cdk5 was perinuclear in control neurons. Cdk5 inhibitors or dominant‐negative Cdk5 suppressed ER stress‐induced neuronal cell death. These findings indicate that p25/Cdk5 is a proapoptotic factor that promotes ER stress‐induced neuronal cell death in nuclei.
Using the dog genome to find single nucleotide polymorphisms in red foxes and other distantly related members of the Canidae
Authors: SACKS BENJAMIN N. , LOUIE SUSAN
Published: May 2007

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are the ideal marker for characterizing genomic variation but can be difficult to find in nonmodel species. We explored the usefulness of the dog genome for finding SNPs in distantly related nonmodel canids and evaluated so‐ascertained SNPs. Using 40 primer pairs designed from randomly selected bacterial artificial chromosome clones from the dog genome, we successfully sequenced 80–88% of loci in a coyote (Canis latrans), grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which compared favourably to a 60% success rate for each species using 10 primer pairs conserved across mammals. Loci were minimally heterogeneous with respect to SNP density, which was similar, overall, in a discovery panel of nine red foxes to that previously reported for a panel of eight wolves (Canis lupus). Additionally, individual heterozygosity was similar across the three canids in this study. However, the proportion of SNP sites shared with the dog decreased with phylogenetic divergence, with no SNPs shared between red foxes and dogs. Density of interspecific SNPs increased approximately linearly with divergence time between species. Using red foxes from three populations, we estimated FST based on each of 42 SNPs and 14 microsatellites and simulated null distributions conditioned on each marker type. Relative to SNPs, microsatellites systematically underestimated FST and produced biased null distributions, indicating that SNPs are superior markers for these functions. By reconstituting the frequency spectrum of SNPs discovered in nine red foxes, we discovered an estimated 77–89% of all SNPs (within the region screened) present in North American red foxes. In sum, these findings indicate that information from the dog genome enables easy ascertainment of random and gene‐linked SNPs throughout the Canidae and illustrate the value of SNPs in ecological and evolutionary genetics.
An isotopic and geochemical study of carbonate‐clay mineralization in basaltic caves: abiotic versus microbial processes
Authors: LÉVEILLÉ R. J. , LONGSTAFFE F. J. , FYFE W. S.
Published: May 2007

Stable isotope and geochemical data are used here to differentiate between contemporaneous abiotic and microbial processes leading to formation of modern carbonate‐ (calcite, aragonite and magnesite) and silicate‐rich (kerolite) mineralization in basaltic sea caves on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Strontium isotope and Ca/Sr ratios in meteoric water and cave carbonates suggest that the majority of Sr and Ca are derived from rock–water interaction within the host basalts situated above the caves. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios and chemical compositions of cave and surface waters indicate that evaporation does not control cave‐water composition. However, evaporation of drops and thin films of water in microenvironments can lead to precipitation of some phases. This behaviour is suggested by the covariance in δ18O and δ13C values of some carbonates, especially magnesite, which is considered to be a late‐stage evaporative precipitate. Modelling of water evolution suggests that evaporation can be a cause of supersaturation for magnesite, kerolite and some Ca carbonates. However, the highly elevated δ13C values (up to +8.2) of some Ca carbonates, compared to average dissolved inorganic carbon δ13C values (~−12), are best explained as the product of microbial photosynthesis, in particular by cyanobacteria, present in the upper layers of active microbial mats on cave surfaces. The preferential uptake of 12C by cyanobacteria is recorded in the low δ13C values (−29.1 to −22.6) of organic matter in mats and mineralized microbialites. The resulting 13C‐enrichment of dissolved inorganic carbon is recorded in the elevated δ13C values of these Ca carbonates. A positive correlation exists between the δ13C values of the carbonates and coexisting organic matter. The large enrichment in 13C of carbonate minerals, relative to dissolved inorganic carbon, and its covariance with the δ13C values of coexisting organic matter are useful for identification of carbonate‐rich mineralization resulting from autotrophic microbial activity.
Weather‐related mass‐mortality events in migrants
Authors: NEWTON I.
Published: May 2007

A major perceived cost of migration in birds is the associated mortality. This mortality has proved difficult to measure and separate from mortality during stationary periods of the annual cycle. This paper reviews some major recorded mortality incidents among migratory birds attributed to inclement weather and other factors, including: (1) in‐flight losses, caused by storms and other adverse weather en route, usually over water; (2) unseasonable cold weather soon after arrival in breeding areas; and (3) unseasonable cold weather before departure from breeding areas. Cold weather often kills migrants in their breeding areas, but not the local resident species which can better withstand it at those times. For migrants, cold and snow act to cut off the food supply, and can have a major selective effect on the seasonal timing of migration. Records of in‐flight weather‐induced mortality, involving up to hundreds or thousands of birds at a time, have affected mainly small passerines, but also larger birds, including eagles and swans. Most occurred in conditions of mist, rain or snow storms, and some involved nocturnal collisions with illuminated masts and other tall structures. Records of post‐arrival mortality in breeding areas have involved mainly small insectivores (especially hirundines), but also waders and waterfowl. Such incidents, associated with cold and snow, have reduced local breeding densities from the previous year by 25–90%, depending on species and area, with up to several years required for recovery. Records of pre‐departure mortality on breeding areas have mainly affected hirundines. Two major incidents in central Europe in September 1931 and 1974 killed hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of swallows and martins. After the latter incident, House MartinDelichon urbicumpopulations in Switzerland the following year were reduced by an estimated 25–30%. Such climatic extremes that occurred in spring or late summer in particular parts of the breeding range have been recorded at approximate mean frequencies of 2–10 per century. Average daily mortality in many bird species can clearly be much greater during migration periods than during stationary periods. Despite the heavy losses of birds on migration, it may be assumed that migration persists in the long term because the fitness costs (in terms of associated mortality) are more than offset by the fitness benefits (in terms of improved overall survival and breeding success) that accrue from migration.
Vision and the foraging technique of skimmers (Rynchopidae)
Authors: MARTIN GRAHAM R. , MCNEIL RAYMOND , ROJAS LUZ MARINA
Published: May 2007

In birds, the position and extent of the region of binocular vision appears to be determined primarily by feeding ecology. Of prime importance is the degree to which vision is used for the precise control of bill position when foraging. Skimmers (Rynchops, Rynchopidae, Charadriiformes) exhibit a unique foraging behaviour and associated structural adaptations. When foraging they fly low and straight over water with the mouth open and the mandible partially submerged. Items that are hit by the lower mandible are grasped by a rapid reflex bill closure. It is believed that this unique ‘skimming’ foraging technique is guided by tactile rather than visual cues. It is predicted therefore that the visual fields of skimmers will have similar topography to those of other tactile feeding birds. We determined retinal visual fields in Black Skimmers Rynchops niger using an ophthalmoscopic reflex technique. Contrary to expectation the visual fields of Black Skimmers are not like those of other tactile feeders. They show high similarity with those of birds that feed by precision‐pecking. The projection of the bill tip when the mouth is closed and when open (as in skimming) falls within the frontal binocular field and there is an extensive blind area above and behind the head. We argue that this visual field topography functions to achieve accurate bill positioning with respect to the water surface when skimming and, because foraging skimmers cannot determine the identity of what they are seizing as they skim, to permit the visual identification of prey items held between the mandibles after they have been taken from the water surface. When skimming, only a small portion of the binocular field, approximately 5° wide and extending 5° above the horizontal, looks in the direction of travel. The small size of this forward‐facing region of binocularity in skimmers suggests that control of locomotion in birds does not necessarily require extensive binocularity in the direction of travel.
ACKNOWLEDGING FIFTY YEARS OF NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS IN ARCHAEOLOGY
Authors: SPEAKMAN R. J. , GLASCOCK M. D.
Published: May 2007

Neutron activation analysis has been an important analytical technique for chemical characterization studies of archaeological materials since 1957, and remains one of the best analytical approaches for bulk chemical characterization of archaeological ceramics and other materials. This paper introduces a series of reports that document the history of NAA applied to archaeological materials.
THE HISTORY OF THE BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY PROJECT IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY, AND APPLYING NUCLEAR METHODS TO THE FINE ARTS
Authors: HARBOTTLE G. , HOLMES L.
Published: May 2007

This paper traces the events leading up to the formation of a project in 1954, in the Chemistry Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory, dedicated to the application of those new developments that were rapidly transforming postwar nuclear science to the parallel humanistic disciplines of archaeology and the fine arts. The further evolution of this effort involved the enlightened support of the Department of Energy (then AEC and ERDA) coupled with the lively interests of the archaeological, fine‐arts and art‐historical communities, their professional academics and the many graduate and undergraduate students who participated in the Brookhaven project. But more than new scientific methodologies, concepts and instrumentation were deployed. What developed was a large‐scale, truly interdisciplinary effort, where scholars of the humanities and sciences worked side by side in a remarkable way, each led by the other, to the mutual benefit and increase of their knowledge and understanding. A paradigm of co‐operation between arts and sciences was initiated: this paper presents a record of the process and its outcome, a novel blending of science and humanism that is very much taken for granted by research workers today.
ARCHAEOMETRY AT SLOWPOKE‐TORONTO
Authors: HANCOCK R. G. V. , PAVLISH L. A. , AUFREITER S.
Published: May 2007

This paper describes the archaeometric research conducted at the SLOWPOKE Reactor Facility of the University of Toronto (SLOWPOKE‐Toronto) during its existence from 1971 to 1998. The contributions to student teaching and research are described, and the total contribution of the facility to studies of an eclectic assortment of ancient and historic materials is addressed.
ARCHAEOMETRIC INVESTIGATIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOFIA, BULGARIA
Authors: KULEFF I. , DJINGOVA R.
Published: May 2007

The paper presents a brief overview and history of archaeometric research using instrumental neutron activation analysis at the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Sofia. The archaeometric projects are listed and some of the results obtained in the investigations of glass, pottery and metals are described.