bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Murder, She Wrote: A Survey of Women Mystery Writers
Authors: Bishop Beverly D.
Published: May 2008

Twenty years before Sherlock Holmes donned his deerstalker and informed Watson that “the game's a‐foot!” an American woman, Seely Regester, pub‐lished a mystery entitled The Dead Letter (1867).
Training Philosophy, Not Techniques
Authors: Hill T.J. , Rainford R.
Published: May 2008

Over the last few decades, there have been many approaches aimed at developing a manager's wide range of capabilities and skills. In a recent article, Abrahams discusses the range of management development theories and justly states:
A study in South East Wales
Authors: Cater John
Published: May 2008

Petrol retailing today is characterised by intense competition. In general South Wales is less affected by this than other areas; but the corner of south‐east Wales, containing both an Asda and a Carrefour, is not typical ‐ the innovative influence of these stores has had an effect on petrol retailing. The writer has found that, just as the reaction of independent shops in the area was to regard the competition as a threat, and just as it transpired that most shops soon recovered, so it appears that most garages have adjusted, and in some cases increased turnover may have resulted from the traffic generated in the valleys.
Getting the product mix right
Authors: Groves Mike
Published: May 2008

The customer has become much more volatile than ever before; retailers must react and anticipate accordingly, and suppliers must change their relationship and communications with the customer, by working more closely with the retailer. Suppliers, in Mike Groves' view, are still more concerned with the effect of stock reductions, rather than acknowledging the more significant consumer cause of retail policies. This is the underlying dilemma that has helped to maintain the gap in the supplier‐retailer dialogue.
Library economy writers: The widening field
Authors: Berwick Sayers W.C.
Published: May 2008

I sometimes wonder if the love of books is not distinct from the love of reading. We insatiable readers hold that the things are intertwined inextricably, but there are surely those who acquire books that they never hope to be able to read. The glamour is something beyond the merely intellectual, but it may possibly rest upon unconscious recognition of the fact that books are the repositories of mind and spirit. It will be recalled that in his The Backs of Books, 1926, we are told delightfully by Dr. Warner Bishop that he has known librarians who carried in their minds the names of at least a hundred thousand books, and further he tells us that such knowledge springs from our familiarity with the outsides of books: “how well do little matters of shape, size, colour, location, impress themselves indelibly upon us and aid us to earn our living!” Just so. Every book, too, has an individuality—even when it is one of a series. It is quite a satisfying sensation just to feel some books. I know I can recognize in the dark any book of mine, wherever I may have shed it in the house, by the mere handling, and I have no doubt that many others share this faculty.
History books in libraries
Authors: Mackie J.D.
Published: May 2008

I wonder what is happening to the “standard” history books in the libraries of Britain ? Do they go in and out, as good library books should; or are they permanently “at home,” dust‐enshrouded, on the library shelves ? I have an uneasy feeling that they are not in very great demand. For nowadays the cry is for “useful” subjects, and it is hard to persuade people that there is any use in “1066 and all that.” The public readily commends modern languages, mathematics, and, above all, science; a world which is suffering from a surfeit of science still pathetically believes that a little more science will put everything right.
The libraries' service from an author's point of view
Authors: Wyndham Horace
Published: May 2008

If the truth be admitted we all of us have occasional black spots on our careers. Mine include the authorship of a book or two. The publishers have certainly done their best to conceal the fact. Still, every now and again it has leaked out, and I have more than once noted a stray copy reposing (undisturbed) on a library shelf.
The death of the English novel
Authors: Gardner F.M.
Published: May 2008

It was said recently, apropos of a Library Association Conference, that the one thing that librarians never talk about when gathered together, is literature. I am not only going to talk about literature, but about an aspect of literature which is almost tabu in western society today, and which has significance only in Soviet Russia,—namely, the relationship of litera‐ture to society.
DRGs in hospital management
Authors: Patel Mahesh S. , Grimm R. , Paccaud F. , Schenker L.
Published: May 2008

One of the traditional tasks of district and hospital managers has been to attempt to explain variations in average length of stay, average cost per day and average cost per case, between different hospitals. The need for such explanations has become more acute as a result of the recent emphasis on ‘performance indicators’ as measures of the efficiency of hospitals. The task of explaining these differences has not been rendered easier by the lack of appropriate management information for this purpose.
Alternative sources of finance for health service development: A pragmatic perspective
Authors: Jupp Hugh
Published: May 2008

This paper is written with particular reference to service development for the mentally ill and mentally handicapped in the UK.
Approaches to the control of AIDS within the community
Authors: Baxter D.
Published: May 2008

Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a public health threat whose significance in the UK has only been generally appreciated over the last 12–18 months. The size of the problem (both current and potential) is difficult to assess, but epidemiological data would suggest that for an urban health district (outside London) one or two residents would have developed Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in 1986, four will do so in 1987 and six in 1988. The incidence of HIV infections during the same period might be as high as 200, 400 and 600 respectively. This may seem a small number in comparison with overall morbidity and mortality; but between September 1990 and June 1991 the same health district might expect 48 AIDS cases to present if the epidemiological patterns remain constant (ie a doubling time for cases of 10 months).
A view of future needs for dental care
Authors: Downer M.C.
Published: May 2008

The epidemiology of dental disease in the United Kingdom has been well documented since the introduction in 1968 of the first of the various decennial national surveys of dental health. This was coupled with an upsurge at about that time of academic interest in the subject which has continued to grow. Although the database on current disease experience and recent trends, at least in relation to dental caries, is extensive, foretelling future levels of dental health and disease can be only speculative and must involve a number of untested assumptions. This is because prediction depends largely upon the extrapolation of past trends, modified by the possible effects of anticipated developments and changes.
Individual performance review: An appraisal
Authors: Webb Nigel
Published: May 2008

Individual performance review (IPR) and performance related pay (PRP) were formally introduced into the British National Health Service (NHS) by circulars PM(86)10 and PM(86)11 in September 1986.
Management and information in the English Hospital and Community Health Service
Authors: Fairey M.J.
Published: May 2008

Over the last two or three years, there has been a considerable upsurge of interest in, and expenditure on, information in the English Hospital and Community Health Service (HCHS). The Körner Reports, the flurry of activity associated with the implementation of the greater part of them earlier this year, performance indicators, and the pilot schemes in resource management — all these developments have been claiming time and effort from managers and clinicians alike in recent months. Is the information tail beginning to wag the National Health Service dog?
Curbing alcohol misuse
Authors: Plant Martin A.
Published: May 2008

During the past few years public concern in Britain has periodically moved from one health or social problem to another. Topics such as youthful heroin use, child abuse, and the upsurge of AIDS have, quite rightly, received a considerable amount of interest. Although media — popular and political — interest tends to single out particular ‘topical’ issues for attention, the sad fact is that, although health and social problems ebb and flow, they exist concurrently and some of the oldest and greatest problems often receive relatively scant concern. This is certainly true in relation to the misuse of alcohol and of the massive mortality attributable to tobacco smoking. The latter exceeds the health damage due to all other drugs (both legal and illegal) and it has been estimated that over 100,000 people in the United Kingdom die of tobacco‐related diseases each year. Fortunately, although tobacco is the cause of a horrifying toll of health damage, the use of this drug has declined dramatically and smokers are now a beleaguered and dwindling minority, roughly a third of the adult population.
The Analysis and Design of Management Information Systems for Clinicians
Authors: Wood V.A.
Published: May 2008

Clearly defined information is essential for rational decision‐making, planning and control, at all management levels. The current climate in the UK National Health Service dictates that clinicians should be more actively involved in management. However, no relevant and accurate information is routinely available on either the workload or work patterns of individual hospital departments. If clinicians were supplied with this they would then be in a better position to manage their own services. This paper provides a synopsis of the philosophy behind the design of management information systems and presents the results of a pilot study, which was undertaken in a hospital neurology department. The general guidance which emerges is that analysts must always concentrate on ivhat information is needed and the uses to which it will be put. A systems approach to design helps to: (i) define the information required; (ii) establish processes for data capture and analysis; and (iii) establish standards with which actual service performance can be compared (feedback control feature). The pilot study provided information on all stages of development. The systems approach employed could be applied within any clinical department, but doctors must be actively involved. Information derived from running the prototype provided insight into many aspects of work activity, organisation and use of resources within a neurology specialty. A comparison between actual service performance and standards of service as perceived by the consultant neurologists involved, was also undertaken.
The Efficient Management of Medical Beds
Authors: Horner J. Stuart
Published: May 2008

This paper outlines some of the pitfalls associated with the efficient management of beds using a case study in Preston. The value of follow‐up studies is reviewed and the importance of management drive to secure changes in practice is stressed. External factors, such as the control of overall bed numbers, appear to result in greater changes and improvements in effective use than prolonged investigation and negotiation with the consultants involved.
Providing Excellent Patient Care with Resource Management
Authors: Mathew David
Published: May 2008

A broad consensus seems to have emerged over the last five to ten years about the processes that characterise organisations that have performed well in the rapidly changing 1980s. These ‘excellent’ organisations have much to teach the British National Healtli Service. This paper considers how the Service can learn from them and adapt the lessons to its own situation. It will suggest that resource management could help to move the culture of the Health Service in the right direction, but that unfortunately it could also become an arid bureaucratic exercise in data collection. To encourage managers and professionals to use resource management to develop a culture of organisational excellence, it includes some questions that they could ask themselves as they consider its implementation. Favourable answers to these questions will give cause for optimism that resource management will be used to help the Service to provide more excellent patient care.
The Shallow end
Authors: Shallow Robert
Published: May 2008

Monday: I hate Monday mornings, all publishers, literary editors of news‐papers and magazines, most so‐called fellow authors, the telly and my grasping agent Fiona—probably in that order. And after a whole weekend en famille, I'm not over‐fond of my nearest and dearest either. (Are you very busy dear? Couldn't you just … could you fix … and give a hand with … ? Mummy, Daddy's saying flaming rotten hell and things … Daddy's talking to himself again—he's saying poor old Digby, poor old bloody Digby. The cat was sick too.)
Back burner
Authors: Place Hillary
Published: May 2008

Sunday: The Departure Lounge, Ankara, reminds me of our Senior Common Room with its leatherette chairs and cool‐drinks dispenser. I have just completed a tour undertaken for the CVCNP (Committee of Vice‐Chancellors with No Principles) to study staff morale in institutions without tenured posts. Perhaps I can write the report on the plane. Incidentally have been able to collect useful material for my research student; her provisional thesis title is ‘Constraints on higher education under repressive régimes in the free world’. Contemplate writing a regular column for THES.
Back burner
Authors: Place Hillary
Published: May 2008

Colonel M Hoare has been expelled from the Institute of Chartered Accountants (reports Accountancy age) for misconduct, bringing the profession into disrepute by seizing an aeroplane on a scheduled flight to the Seychelles, in breach of byelaw 78(a). For the guidance of licentiates of the LA the following self‐administered multiple‐choice questionnaire has been devised on behalf of the LA Ethics Committee.
The diagnostic value of SYT‐SSX detected by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for synovial sarcoma: A review and prospective study of 255 cases
Authors: Sun Baocun , Sun Yan , Wang Jian , Zhao Xiulan , Zhang Shiwu , Liu Yanxue , Li Xiaoqing , Feng Yumei , Zhou Hongyuan , Hao Xishan
Published: May 2008

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of SYT‐SSX detected by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for synovial sarcoma (SS) in known and potential cases. SYT‐SSX was analyzed in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues of 62 known SS, 60 non‐SS and 133 potential SS by RT‐PCR and FISH. FISH was mainly performed on a tissue microarray with some modifications. SYT‐SSX was detected in 94.7% (54/57) of known SS and 70.5% (86/122) of potential SS by RT‐PCR and in 96.7% (58/60) of known SS and 78.1% (100/128) of potential SS by FISH. Moreover, SYT‐SSX was negative in 100% (58/58) of non‐SS by RT‐PCR and in 100% (59/59) of non‐SS by FISH. Accordingly, SYT‐SSX was detected in 106 potential SS by RT‐PCR or FISH, including 80 cases manifested by both methods, 20 specimens verified only by FISH and 6 samples confirmed only by RT‐PCR. Clinical findings and immunohistochemistry data were analyzed in potential SS with final molecular diagnosis. The positive ratio of cytokeratin (CK) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) in finally diagnosed SS was 51.9% (55/106) and 61.3% (65/106), respectively. Except EMA, clinical parameters (age, sex, tumor size, tumor sites) and other immunohistochemistry indexes (CK, S‐100, neurone specific enolase (NSE), CD99, myoglobin, smooth muscle actin (SMA), cluster of differentiation (CD) 68 and mesothelial cell) had no significant difference between finally diagnosed SS and non‐SS. It is indicated that the efficiency of FISH is comparable to or even higher than that of RT‐PCR for SYT‐SSX detection. The detection of SYT‐SSX by RT‐PCR or FISH is very useful for the final diagnosis of potential synovial sarcomas. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1355–1361)
Potential of double‐cropped rice ecology to conserve organic carbon under subtropical climate
Authors: MANDAL BISWAPATI , MAJUMDER BIDISHA , ADHYA T. K. , BANDYOPADHYAY P. K. , GANGOPADHYAY A. , SARKAR DIBYENDU , KUNDU M. C. , CHOUDHURY SHREYASI GUPTA , HAZRA G. C. , KUNDU S. , SAMANTARAY R. N. , MISRA A. K.
Published: May 2008

Understanding the processes of soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation or depletion under different management strategies is vital for maintaining soil health and curbing global warming. Using a 36‐year‐old fertility experiment under subtropical climate, we investigated the impact of long‐term intensive rice–rice cropping system with different managements on the SOC stock. The mechanistic pathway of stabilization of the SOC into different pools, with a tentative C budgeting was also established. Biochemical composition of the organic residues involved, SOC pools of different oxidizability and methane (CH4) emission were estimated for the experiment conducted using organic and inorganic sources of nutrients. Cultivation over the years caused a net decrease in SOC stocks but with balanced fertilization it increased. With increasing depth, the stock decreased on average, to the extent of 50%, 26% and 24% of the total at 0–0.2, 0.2–0.4 and 0.4–0.6 m, respectively. About 4.0% of the crop residues C incorporated into the soil were stabilized into SOC. This was further enhanced (1.6 times) by the application of compost. Carbon loss through CH4emission was very low (2.6% of the total). ‘Summer fallow’ had a positive significant influence on C loss from the system. As much as 29% of the compost C added to the soil was stabilized into SOC mostly in the less‐labile or nonlabile recalcitrant pools preferentially in the surface layer of the soil. Large polyphenol and lignin contents of crop residues including compost, and the long period of soil submergence under rice cultivation might have conferred recalcitrant character to the SOC leading to its stabilization in nonlabile pools. This would result into an enrichment of the SOC stock and restriction to the gaseous C loading into the atmosphere.
Land use change and the dependence of national priority species on protected areas
Authors: JACKSON SARAH F. , GASTON KEVIN J.
Published: May 2008

The establishment and maintenance of a system of protected areas is central to regional and global strategies for the conservation of biodiversity. The current global trend towards human population growth and widespread environmental degradation means that such areas are becoming increasingly isolated, fragmented habitat islands. In regions in which this process is well advanced, a high proportion of species are thus predicted to have become restricted to protected areas. Here, using uniquely detailed datasets for Britain, a region with close to the global level of percentage coverage by statutory protected areas, we determine the extent of restriction of species of conservation concern to these areas. On the basis of currently known distributions, more than a half of such species are highly dependent on protected areas for their continued persistence, occurring either entirely or largely within their bounds. Such coverage is of particular importance for those species with narrower distributions, and therefore, under the greatest threats, underlining the vital importance of adequately resourcing, maintaining, and developing protected areas to prevent these species from being lost.
Warming promotes cold‐adapted phytoplankton in temperate lakes and opens a loophole for Oscillatoriales in spring
Authors: SHATWELL TOM , KÖHLER JAN , NICKLISCH ANDREAS
Published: May 2008

The effects of the recent warming trend in many northern temperate lakes on the species composition of spring phytoplankton remain poorly understood, especially because a recent change in nutrients has complicated efforts, and previous studies have defined spring according to the calendar. We analysed data from 1979 to 2004 from Lake Müggelsee (Berlin, Germany), using physical and biological parameters to define the spring period. We show that a change in timing of spring plankton events in warm years led to the paradox of lower mean water temperatures during the growth period, favouring cold‐adapted diatoms over cyanobacteria, and within the diatoms, some cold‐adapted centric forms over pennate forms. Under high P : Si ratios, the increased time between phytoplankton and cladoceran peaks opened a loophole for filamentous cyanobacteria (Oscillatoriales) in warm years to establish dominance after the diatoms, which are silicate limited. Therefore, the warming trend promotes filamentous cyanobacteria, a well‐known nuisance in eutrophic lakes, and surprisingly, cold‐adapted diatoms.
Methane and nitrous oxide fluxes in annual and perennial land‐use systems of the irrigated areas in the Aral Sea Basin
Authors: SCHEER CLEMENS , WASSMANN REINER , KIENZLER KIRSTEN , IBRAGIMOV NAZAR , LAMERS JOHN P.A. , MARTIUS CHRISTOPHER
Published: May 2008

Land use and agricultural practices can result in important contributions to the global source strength of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4). However, knowledge of gas flux from irrigated agriculture is very limited. From April 2005 to October 2006, a study was conducted in the Aral Sea Basin, Uzbekistan, to quantify and compare emissions of N2O and CH4 in various annual and perennial land‐use systems: irrigated cotton, winter wheat and rice crops, a poplar plantation and a natural Tugai (floodplain) forest. In the annual systems, average N2O emissions ranged from 10 to 150 μg N2O‐N m−2 h−1 with highest N2O emissions in the cotton fields, covering a similar range of previous studies from irrigated cropping systems. Emission factors (uncorrected for background emission), used to determine the fertilizer‐induced N2O emission as a percentage of N fertilizer applied, ranged from 0.2% to 2.6%. Seasonal variations in N2O emissions were principally controlled by fertilization and irrigation management. Pulses of N2O emissions occurred after concomitant N‐fertilizer application and irrigation. The unfertilized poplar plantation showed high N2O emissions over the entire study period (30 μg N2O‐N m−2 h−1), whereas only negligible fluxes of N2O (<2 μg N2O‐N m−2 h−1) occurred in the Tugai. Significant CH4 fluxes only were determined from the flooded rice field: Fluxes were low with mean flux rates of 32 mg CH4 m−2 day−1 and a low seasonal total of 35.2 kg CH4 ha−1. The global warming potential (GWP) of the N2O and CH4 fluxes was highest under rice and cotton, with seasonal changes between 500 and 3000 kg CO2 eq. ha−1. The biennial cotton–wheat–rice crop rotation commonly practiced in the region would average a GWP of 2500 kg CO2 eq. ha−1 yr−1. The analyses point out opportunities for reducing the GWP of these irrigated agricultural systems by (i) optimization of fertilization and irrigation practices and (ii) conversion of annual cropping systems into perennial forest plantations, especially on less profitable, marginal lands.
Belowground drought response of European beech: fine root biomass and carbon partitioning in 14 mature stands across a precipitation gradient
Authors: MEIER INA C. , LEUSCHNER CHRISTOPH
Published: May 2008

How tree root systems will respond to increased drought stress, as predicted for parts of Central Europe, is not well understood. According to the optimal partitioning theory, plants should enhance root growth relative to aboveground growth in order to reduce water limitations. We tested this prediction in a transect study with 14 mature forest stands of European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) by analysing the response of the fine root system to a large decrease in annual precipitation (970–520 mm yr−1). In 3 years with contrasting precipitation regimes, we investigated leaf area and leaf biomass, fine root biomass and necromass (organic layer and mineral soil to 40 cm) and fine root productivity (ingrowth core approach), and analysed the dependence on precipitation, temperature, soil nutrient availability and stand structure. In contrast to the optimal partitioning theory, fine root biomass decreased by about a third from stands with >950 mm yr−1to those with <550 mm yr−1, while leaf biomass remained constant, resulting in a significant decrease, and not an increase, in the fine root/leaf biomass ratio towards drier sites. Average fine root diameter decreased towards the drier stands, thereby partly compensating for the loss in root biomass and surface area. Bothδ13C‐signature of fine root mass and the ingrowth core data indicated a higher fine root turnover in the drier stands. Principal components analyses (PCA) and regression analyses revealed a positive influence of precipitation on the profile total of fine root biomass in the 14 stands and a negative one of temperature and plant‐available soil phosphorus. We hypothesize that summer droughts lead to increased fine root mortality, thereby reducing root biomass, but they also stimulate compensatory fine root production in the drier stands. We conclude that the optimal partitioning theory fails to explain the observed decrease in the fine root/leaf biomass ratio, but is supported by the data if carbon allocation to roots is considered, which would account for enhanced root turnover in drier environments.
Expansion of gallery forests into central Brazilian savannas
Authors: SILVA LUCAS C. R. , STERNBERG LEONEL , HARIDASAN MUNDAYATAN , HOFFMANN WILLIAM A. , MIRALLES‐WILHELM FERNANDO , FRANCO AUGUSTO C.
Published: May 2008

Upland tropical forests have expanded and contracted in response to past climates, but it is not clear whether similar dynamics were exhibited by gallery (riparian) forests within savanna biomes. Because such forests generally have access to ample water, their extent may be buffered against changing climates. We tested the long‐term stability of gallery forest boundaries by characterizing the border between gallery forests and savannas and tracing the presence of gallery forest through isotopic analysis of organic carbon in the soil profile. We measured leaf area index, grass vs. shrub or tree coverage, the organic carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen and calcium concentrations in soils and the carbon isotope ratios of soil organic matter in two transitions spanning gallery forests and savanna in a Cerrado ecosystem. Gallery forests without grasses typically show a greater leaf area index in contrast to savannas, which show dense grass coverage. Soils of gallery forests have significantly greater concentrations of organic carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen and calcium than those of savannas. Soil organic carbon of savannas is significantly more enriched in13C compared with that of gallery forests. This difference in enrichment is in part caused by the presence of C4grasses in savanna ecosystem and its absence in gallery forests. Using the13C abundance as a signature for savanna and gallery forest ecosystems in 1 m soil cores, we show that the borders of gallery forests have expanded into the savanna and that this process initiated at least 3000–4000bpbased on14C analysis. Gallery forests, however, may be still expanding as we found more recent transitions according to14C activity measurements. We discuss the possible mechanisms of gallery forest expansion and the means by which nutrients required for the expansion of gallery forest might accumulate.
The AZF proteins
Authors: Vogt P. H. , Falcao C. L. , Hanstein R. , Zimmer J.
Published: May 2008

The azoospermia factor (AZF) locus in Yq11 is now functionally subdivided in three distinct spermatogenesis loci: AZFa, AZFb and AZFc. After knowledge of the complete genomic Y sequence in Yq11, 14 Y genes encoding putatively functional proteins and expressed in human testis are found to be located in one of the three AZF intervals. Therefore, a major question for each infertility clinic performing molecular screening for AZF deletions has now raised concerning the functional contribution of the encoded AZF proteins to human spermatogenesis. Additionally, it has been shown that distinct chromatin regions in Yq11 overlapping with the genomic AZFb and AZFc intervals are probably involved in the pre‐meiotic X and Y chromosome pairing process. An old hypothesis on the germ line function of AZF becomes therefore revitalized. It proposed a specific chromatin folding code in Yq11, which controls the condensation cycle of the Y chromosome in the male germ line. Thus, with the exception of AZF proteins functionally expressed during the pre‐meiotic differentiation and proliferation of spermatogonia, the need for AZF proteins functionally expressed at meiosis or during the post‐meiotic spermatid maturation process is difficult to assess before the identification of specific mutations in the corresponding AZF gene causing male infertility.
The 20‐minute team – a critical case study from the emergency room
Authors: Berlin Johan M. , Carlström Eric D.
Published: May 2008

Rationale  In this article, the difference between team and group is tested empirically. The research question posed is How are teams formed? Three theoretical concepts that distinguish groups from teams are presented: sequentiality, parallelism and synchronicity. The presumption is that groups cooperate sequentially and teams synchronously, while parallel cooperation is a transition between group and team.

Methods  To answer the question, a longitudinal case study has been made of a trauma team at a university hospital. Data have been collected through interviews and direct observations. Altogether the work of the trauma team has been studied for a period of 5 years (2002–2006).

Results  The results indicate that two factors are of central importance for the creation of a team. The first is related to its management and the other to the forms of cooperation. To allow for a team to act rapidly and to reduce friction between different members, clear leadership is required.

Conclusions  The studied team developed cooperation with synchronous elements but never attained a level that corresponds to idealized conceptions of teams. This is used as a basis for challenging ideas that teams are harmonious and free from conflicts and that cooperation takes place without friction.
Refined analysis of genetic variability parameters in hepatitis C virus and the ability to predict antiviral treatment response
Authors: Cuevas J. M. , Torres‐Puente M. , Jiménez‐Hernández N. , Bracho M. A. , García‐Robles I. , Carnicer F. , Olmo J. D. , Ortega E. , Moya A. , González‐Candelas F.
Published: May 2008

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects approximately 3% of the world population. The chronicity of hepatitis C seems to depend on the level of genetic variability. We have recently (Torres‐Puente et al., J Viral Hepat, 2008; 15: 188) reported genetic variability estimates from a large‐scale sequence analysis of 67 patients infected with HCV subtypes 1a (23 patients) and 1b (44 patients) and related them to response, or lack of, to alpha‐interferon plus ribavirin treatment.. Two HCV genome regions were analysed in samples prior to antiviral therapy, one compressing the three hypervariable regions of the E2 glycoprotein and another one including the interferon sensitive determining region and the V3 domain of the NS5A protein. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity measures showed a clear tendency to higher genetic variability levels in nonresponder than in responder patients. Here, we have refined the analysis of genetic variability (haplotype and nucleotide diversity, number of haplotypes and mutations) by considering their distribution in each of the biologically meaningful subregions mentioned above, as well as in their surrounding and intervening regions. Variability levels are very heterogeneous among the different subregions, being higher for nonresponder patients. Interestingly, significant differences were detected in the biologically relevant regions, but also in the surrounding regions, suggesting that the level of variability of the whole HCV genome, rather than exclusively that from the hypervariable regions, is the main indicator of the treatment response. Finally, the number of haplotypes and mutations seem to be better discriminators than haplotype and nucleotide diversity, especially in the NS5A region.
Genetic diversity enhanced by ancient introgression and secondary contact in East Pacific black mangroves
Authors: NETTEL ALEJANDRO , DODD RICHARD S. , AFZAL‐RAFII ZARA , TOVILLA‐HERNÁNDEZ CRISTIAN
Published: May 2008

Regional distribution of genetic diversity in widespread species may be influenced by hybridization with locally restricted, closely related species. Previous studies have shown that Central American East Pacific populations of the wide‐rangedAvicennia germinans, the black mangrove, harbour higher genetic diversity than the rest of its range. Genetic diversity in this region might be enhanced by introgression with the locally restrictedAvicennia bicolor. We tested the hypotheses of ancient hybridization using phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA and intergenic chloroplast DNA; we also tested for current hybridization by population level analysis of nuclear microsatellites. Our results unveiled ancient ITS introgression between a northern Pacific Central AmericanA. germinanslineage andA. bicolor. However, microsatellite data revealed contemporary isolation between the two species. Polymorphic ITS sequences from Costa Rica and Panama are consistent with a zone of admixture between the introgressant ITSA. germinanslineage and a southern Central American lineage ofA. germinans. Interspecific introgression influenced lineage diversity and divergence at the nuclear ribosomal DNA; intraspecific population differentiation and secondary contact are more likely to have enhanced regional genetic diversity in Pacific Central American populations of the widespreadA. germinans.
Dietary n‐3 fatty acids attenuate cardiac allograft vasculopathy via activating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ
Authors: Yin Rong , Huang Hairong , Zhang Junwen , Zhu Jiaquan , Jing Hua , Li Zhongdong
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Recent in vitro data suggested that n‐3 fatty acids could inhibit the activation of PPARγ. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that fish oil ameliorates CAV development via activating PPARγ in an inbred rat model of heart transplantation. Animals were divided into four groups: isograft, control (CsA + vehicle), LFO‐treated group (CsA + 0.3% v/w fish oil), and HFO‐treated group (CsA + 0.6% v/w fish oil). CsA was administered at 1.5 mg/kg/day for two wk postoperatively. Recipients were treated with fish oil or vehicle daily for eight wk. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, activity of NF‐κB and PPARγ, intragraft chemokine levels, and chemokine receptor expression were analyzed. Both LFO and HFO significantly decreased the CAV score, inhibited recruitment of T lymphocytes and macrophages, elevated the activity of PPARγ, inhibited the activity of NF‐κB, reduced levels of intragraft MCP‐1 and IP‐10 as well as downregulated expression of chemokine receptors CCR2. CXCR3 expression was not affected. Our results demonstrated that fish oil might attenuate CAV development, possibly through activating PPARγ and subsequently inhibiting the NF‐κB activation, the chemokines secretion, as well as the CCR2 expression.
How to monitor renal function in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Filler Guido , Sharma Ajay P.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  The aim is to review the tools for early detection of renal dysfunction after pediatric solid organ transplantation. Currently, the most widely used marker for detection of renal dysfunction involves measurement of GFR. Inulin clearance forms the “gold standard” method for measuring GFR; however, nuclear medicine methods (51Cr EDTA and 99Tc DTPA isotope clearance studies) have replaced inulin clearance. The measurement of serum creatinine has a low sensitivity for the early detection of renal damage. The Schwartz formula using patient height and serum creatinine requires center‐specific constants and has limitations associated with creatinine determination. These limitations may be overcome using a cystatin C‐based GFR estimation. In diabetic nephropathy, and more recently in hemolytic uremic syndrome, microalbuminuria has been established as a useful screening tool for renal damage, while its predictive value in the transplantation setting needs to be established. All transplant recipients should be screened for hypertension. Early referral for ambulatory 24‐h blood pressure monitoring and involvement of pediatric nephrologists should be considered. All pediatric solid organ transplant recipients receiving CNI should be screened regularly for high blood pressure and early evidence of renal damage using either GFR scans or cystatin C‐based GFR estimations.
Microvasculature of the Medulla Oblongata in the Lyle’s Flying Fox (Pteropus lylei)
Authors: Sricharoenvej S. , Niyomchan A. , Lanlua P. , Piyawinijwong S. , Roongruangchai J.
Published: May 2008

The microvasculature of the medulla oblongata in 15 adult Lyle’s flying foxes (Pteropus lylei) was elucidated by using the vascular corrosion cast technique combined with scanning electron microscopy. The study showed that the medulla received the main arterial supply from branches of the vertebrobasilar system. The supplied areas were divided into three groups: ventral, lateral and dorsal groups. All vessel groups gave off circumferential and perforating branches; moreover, these branches anastomosed with one another in two fashions: end‐to‐end and side‐by‐side arrangements. In addition, the ramifications of the branches were L and Y types. The L type was more frequently found than the Y one. The density of capillaries in the nuclei was greater than that in the area of nerve fibres. Numerous arterial sphincters and smooth muscle cells were observed. Furthermore, capillaries in the medulla were of the continuous type, whereas those in the area postrema were fenestrated. The venous drainage system of the medulla was classified into caudal, middle and rostral parts. All of them emptied into both the sigmoid sinus and internal jugular vein. It was concluded that these vascular patterns provide sufficient blood supply to the medulla oblongata of P. lylei when abrupt changes in the position of this bat occurs.
Effect of Antibiotics in Extender on Bacterial and Spermatozoal Quality of Cooled Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Bull Semen
Authors: Akhter S , Ansari MS , Andrabi SMH , Ullah N , Qayyum M
Published: May 2008

Contents

The present study was designed to study the effect of traditional antibiotic combination (streptomycin and penicillin; SP) and relatively modern combination of antibiotics (gentamycin, tylosin, lincomycin and spectinomycin; GTLS) in extender on bacterial control and spermatozoal quality of liquid buffalo bull semen stored at 5°C. Semen collected from Nili‐Ravi buffalo bulls (n = 10) was diluted with skim milk extender containing either SP (streptomycin 1000 μg/ml and penicillin 1000 IU/ml), GTLS (gentamycin 500 μg/ml, tylosin 100 μg/ml, lincomycin 300 μg/ml and spectinomycin 600 μg/ml) or negative control with no antibiotics (NA). Liquid semen was stored at 5°C for 5 days. Aerobic bacteria isolated from buffalo semen were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The only facultative anaerobic bacterium isolated was Klebsiella pneumoniae. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity test revealed that Ps. aeruginosa and Staph. aureus were susceptible to gentamycin. Staphylococcus aureus and K. pneumoniae were susceptible to tylosin and linco‐spectinomycin. Total aerobic bacterial count was significantly lower in semen samples treated with GTLS than those of SP on third and fifth day of storage at 5°C. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in sperm motility, longevity and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) in extender containing SP or GTLS combination until the third day of storage at 5°C. On fifth day of storage sperm motility, longevity and PMI was significantly better in extender containing SP compared with GTLS and NA. Intact acrosomes, and sperm head, mid piece and tail abnormalities remained similar (p > 0.05) because of antibiotics up to 5 days of storage. In conclusion, GTLS is more capable than SP for bacterial control of buffalo bull semen. Moreover, GTLS and SP are equally efficient in preserving spermatozoal quality of extended buffalo bull semen for 3 days at 5°C.
Development In Vitro and Mitochondrial Fate of Interspecies Cloned Embryos
Authors: Ma L‐B , Yang L , Hua S , Cao J‐W , Li J‐X , Zhang Y
Published: May 2008

Contents

Although the technique of interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer can be used to increase the population size of endangered mammals, the mitochondrial heteroplasmy in cloned embryos and animals makes this idea doubtful. In present study, goat–sheep cloned embryos were constructed by fusing goat foetal fibroblasts (GFFs) into sheep oocytes and then cultured in vitro to investigate the capability of sheep oocyte dedifferentiating GFF nucleus. Moreover, at each stage of 1‐ (immediately after fused), 2‐, 4‐, 8‐, 16‐cell, morula and blastocyst, the copy number of mtDNA from GFF and sheep oocyte was examined using real‐time PCR. The results showed that: 7.4% of the fused cloned embryos can develop to the blastocyst stage; in the process of one cell to the morula stage, the copy number of two kinds of mtDNA was stable relatively; however, in the process of morula to the blastocyst stage, the decreasing in the copy number of GFF‐derived mtDNA, while the increasing in sheep oocyte‐derived, resulted in their ratio of decreasing sharply from 2.0 ± 1.0% to 0.012 ± 0.004%. This study demonstrates that: (i) the goat–sheep cloned embryos have the ability to develop to blastocyst in vitro; (ii) from the morula stage to the blastocyst stage of goat–sheep cloned embryos, goat derived mitochondria can be gradually replaced with those from sheep oocyte.
Effect of Chemical or Electrical Activation of Bovine Oocytes on Blastocyst Development and Quality
Authors: Milazzotto MP , Feitosa WB , Coutinho ARS , Goissis MD , Oliveira VP , Assumpção MEOA , Visintin JA
Published: May 2008

Contents

Activation of in vitro‐matured (IVM) oocytes is essential for successful embryo production following nuclear transfer (NT) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This study was designed to compare the rates of blastocyst production and embryo quality (as measured by numbers of viable cells) following parthenogenetic activation with electrical pulse or the use of two different calcium ionophores, A23187 (CA) or ionomycin (IO), with or without the addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA). IVM oocytes with a first polar body were randomly allocated to five treatment groups: CA (5 μm CA, 5 min; n = 88), CA + BSA (5 μm CA, 5 min; BSA, 5 min; n = 90), IO (5 μm IO, 5 min; n = 91), IO + BSA (5 μm IO, 5 min; BSA, 5 min; n = 86) and EL (two pulses of 1.5 kV/cm, 20 μs; n = 120). Blastocyst rates were higher (p < 0.05) for CA (54.4%), IO (51.4%) and EL (54.5%) than for IO + BSA (18.3%). Treatment CA + BSA (39.8%) did not differ from the others. There was no difference (p > 0.05) among treatments in total number of cells. However, the percentage of viable cells was reduced in CA (49.9%), CA + BSA (45.8%), IO (64.9%), IO + BSA (50.9%) compared with EL (82.7%). In summary, the addition of BSA to the IO treatment had an adverse effect on blastocyst production rates. Although there was no difference between electrical stimulation and chemical activation on blastocyst production rates, electrical activation resulted in blastocysts with a higher percentage of viable cells.
Use of Fetuin Before and During Vitrification of Bovine Oocytes
Authors: Horvath G , Seidel GE
Published: May 2008

Contents

After vitrification of oocytes, fertilization rates and subsequent development are unsatisfactory, possibly due in part to zona hardening. Foetal calf serum (FCS) can prevent zona hardening because of its fetuin content, but FCS composition varies among batches, and may contain viruses. In this study, we therefore compared media supplemented with different sources of macromolecules, 2% bovine serum albumin (BSA), 2% BSA + 1 mg/ml fetuin and 20% FCS, for handling oocytes for 10–30 min prior to vitrification. None of the treatments resulted in developmental rates comparable with the non‐vitrified controls, but FCS inclusion in pre‐vitrification handling medium resulted in higher blastocyst production per oocyte (p < 0.05) (10.8%) on day 9 of culture than BSA (5.3%) or BSA + fetuin (6.4%). Blastocysts developing from oocytes from all vitrification treatments were somewhat retarded relative to those developed from non‐vitrified oocytes. We also tested the use of fetuin during vitrification as well as two different exposure times with cryoprotectants, 180 and 30 s. There was no significant effect of fetuin or exposure time on rates of subsequent blastocyst production.
Case of Pregnancy in Two Cows with Unicorn Horn of the Uterus either by Artificial Insemination at Ipsilateral or Embryo Transfer at Contralateral Corpus Luteum in the Ovary
Authors: Moriyama C , Kobayashi I , Tani M , Oishi T , Kajisa M , Horii Y , Kamimura S
Published: May 2008

Contents

Two Holstein heifers and a cow were diagnosed with White Heifer Disease by ultrasonography. Case 1 was a 14 month‐old heifer with aplasia of both sides of the uterine horn. In case 2, a primiparous cow and case 3, an 18 month‐old heifer, both showed aplasia of the right uterine horn. Case 2 became pregnant by artificial insemination at ipsilateral ovulatory follicle and corpus luteum in the left ovary, while case 3 became pregnant by embryo transfer at 7 days after oestrus with contralateral corpus luteum in the right ovary.
Pregnancy after renal transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Abe Toyofumi , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Okumi Masayoshi , Imamura Ryoichi , Isaka Yoshitaka , Takahara Shiro , Kokado Yukito , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: May 2008

Objectives:  To examine women with renal transplants who became pregnant, and delivered at our hospital.

Methods:  Twenty‐six women who had undergone renal transplantation between 1977 and 2002 became pregnant, and delivered at Osaka University Hospital. Complete medical records of twenty of them were retrieved and retrospectively analyzed.

Results:  Overall, twenty‐nine pregnancies occurred in these twenty women after renal transplantation. There were spontaneous abortions in three cases, whereas pregnancy was artificially terminated five times. Thus, neonates were delivered in 21 of 29 pregnancies. One woman delivered twice and two women delivered twins. As a result, a total of 23 neonates were delivered. Mean gestational period was 35.4 weeks (range, 27–41 weeks), and mean birth weight was 2229 g (range, 724–3544 g). Regarding fetal complications, intrauterine growth retardation was observed in three cases. One child with intrauterine growth retardation died at 3 months old due to respiratory distress syndrome. One child displayed double‐outlet right ventricle and another child had congenital unilateral hydronephrosis. Regarding maternal complications, prevalence of toxemia of pregnancy was 38.1%. In four of the 21 deliveries (19.0%), renal function exacerbated after delivery. Rates of graft survival for the 20 women at 1, 5 and 10 years after delivery were 100%, 85.1% and 74.4%, respectively. Prognosis for renal transplant resulted to be significantly poorer for recipients with hypertension before pregnancy than for recipients without hypertension before pregnancy (log‐rank test, P = 0.043).

Conclusions:  Rates of graft survival after delivery were mostly favorable. However, prognosis for renal function was poorer for recipients who displayed hypertension prior to pregnancy.