bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The geographical structure of British bird distributions: diversity, spatial turnover and scale
Authors: Lennon Jack J. , Koleff Patricia , GreenwooD J. J. D. , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: March 2003

Using data on the spatial distribution of the British avifauna, we address three basic questions about the spatial structure of assemblages: (i) Is there a relationship between species richness (alpha diversity) and spatial turnover of species (beta diversity)? (ii) Do high richness locations have fewer species in common with neighbouring areas than low richness locations?, and (iii) Are any such relationships contingent on spatial scale (resolution or quadrat area), and do they reflect the operation of a particular kind of species–area relationship (SAR)?

 For all measures of spatial turnover, we found a negative relationship with species richness. This held across all scales, with the exception of turnover measured as βsim.

 Higher richness areas were found to have more species in common with neighbouring areas.

 The logarithmic SAR fitted better than the power SAR overall, and fitted significantly better in areas with low richness and high turnover.

 Spatial patterns of both turnover and richness vary with scale. The finest scale richness pattern (10 km) and the coarse scale richness pattern (90 km) are statistically unrelated. The same is true of the turnover patterns.

 With coarsening scale, locations of the most species‐rich quadrats move north. This observed sensitivity of richness ‘hotspot’ location to spatial scale has implications for conservation biology, e.g. the location of a reserve selected on the basis of maximum richness may change considerably with reserve size or scale of analysis.

 Average turnover measured using indices declined with coarsening scale, but the average number of species gained or lost between neighbouring quadrats was essentially scale invariant at 10–13 species, despite mean richness rising from 80 to 146 species (across an 81‐fold area increase). We show that this kind of scale invariance is consistent with the logarithmic SAR.
Tragedy of the commons as a result of root competition
Authors: Gersani Mordechai , Brown Joel s. , O'Brien Erin E. , Maina Godfrey M. , Abramsky Zvika
Published: March 2003

We develop and test a game‐theoretic model for considering the effects of intra‐ and interplant competition on root proliferation and reproductive yield.

 We predict that if space and resources per individual are held constant, plants should produce more roots per individual and less reproductive yield per individual as the number of plants sharing the combined space increases.

 We tested the predictions using soybean plants (Glycine max) cultivated in the glasshouse either as owners or as two individuals sharing twice the space and nutrients.

 Sharing individuals produced 85% more root mass than owners. Owners, however, produced 30% more reproductive yield per plant (dry mass of seeds), as a result of significantly more seed pods (8.70 vs. 7.66), more seeds per pod (1.87 vs. 1.72) and larger seeds (0.205 vs. 0.195 g seed−1), than did sharing individuals.

 Total plant biomass did not differ between owners and sharing individuals, but owners had significantly higher shoot to root ratios, produced significantly more seeds per unit root mass, and allocated a significantly higher percentage of total biomass production to seeds.

 Possession of an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) of root competition suggests that different roots and parts of a plant assess and respond to opportunities in a manner that maximizes the good of the whole plant. Thus, plants may be more sophisticated and share more in common with animals in their non‐cognitive behaviours than previously thought. A plant operating as a co‐ordinated whole should, all else being equal, first proliferate roots in unoccupied soil, then in soil occupied by a conspecific competitor, and lastly in soil already occupied by its own roots.
Comparative study of a block copolymer morphology by transmission electron microscopy and scanning force microscopy
Authors: Ott H. , Abetz V. , Altstädt V. , Thomann Y. , Pfau A.
Published: March 2003

Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning force microscopy (SFM) together, it was possible to verify important structural features of a nanostructured bulk material such as the kp‐morphology in an ABC triblock copolymer. By applying suitable imaging techniques during the SFM measurements it was possible to determine the morphology without additional manipulation steps in between. In comparison, TEM investigations on this type of material usually require selective staining procedures prior to the measurement. Also electron beam damage is often encountered during TEM measurements especially if components such as poly(methacrylates) are present. In contrast, SFM measurements can be assumed not to significantly change the phase dimensions of the components.
Regenerating temperate forests under elevated CO2and nitrogen deposition: comparing biochemical and stomatal limitation of photosynthesis
Authors: Bauer G. A. , Berntson G. M. , Bazzaz F. A.
Published: March 2003

Photosynthesis of temperate trees growing in a competitive environment was investigated here in a factorial design of community composition (deciduous, coniferous and mixed species), carbon dioxide and nitrogen treatments. This study included seedlings of three deciduous (Betula alleghaniensis,Quercus rubra,Acer rubrum) and three coniferous (Pinus strobus,Picea rubens,Tsuga canadensis) species.

Nitrogen partitioning changed significantly in response to the treatments. Higher area‐based nitrogen concentrations (Na) in the conifer needles, however, did not induce higher growth rates.

Analysis of biochemical limitations of photosynthesis revealed that deciduous trees invested more nitrogen into carboxylation (Vcmax), electron transport (Jmax) and Piregeneration capacity, but at much lower absolute concentrations for Nathan conifers; consequently conifers maintained much higher rates for all three parameters. Deciduous species showed a strong stomatal limitation, whereas conifers maintained higher stomatal conductance at increasing mesophyll internal carbon dioxide concentration, indicating a much stronger assimilatory response to elevated carbon dioxide.

Differences between the biochemical and stomatal response to elevated carbon dioxide and nitrogen indicate that within mixed stands, individual plant responses do not fully characterize community response.
Friendship and collaborative creative writing in the primary classroom
Authors: Vass E.
Published: March 2003

Abstract A case study is reported investigating the nature of paired talk and the role of friendship in collaborative creative writing activities. This forms the initial phase of a larger research project driven by socio‐cultural theory, studying the beneficial effects of friendship pairing and the role of the computer tool in the development of creative writing skills. The joint poem writing episodes of four 8‐year‐old girls, one friendship and one acquaintance pair, were observed on a number of occasions during a two‐week long literacy project. The observations were of ongoing classroom activities in the IT suite and in the literacy classroom of their school; the observed children worked alongside the rest of the class in their natural context. It was predicted that there would be differences between the two pairs in terms of the process and the outcome of their collaborations which could be explained by the differences in their respective relationships. To investigate such differences (if any), a ‘functional model’ of discourse analysis was used, developed specifically for the context of collaborative creative writing. It is claimed that the proposed model is useful to describe discourse patterns characteristic of paired writing and to identify productive discourse styles in this specific setting. It helps to understand how the collaborating writers engage in talk to cope with the demands of the task, and how they use discourse to support different phases of the joint writing process.
Tick‐borne encephalitis virus in northern Italy: molecular analysis, relationships with density and seasonal dynamics of Ixodes ricinus
Authors: Hudson P. J. , Rizzoli A. , Rosà R. , Chemini C. , Jones L. D. , Gould E. A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected from dragging vegetation and from shot roe deer in the province of Trento and Belluno in northern Italy. Ticks were pooled for analyses and from 1060 pools of ticks collected in the province of Belluno and 12 390 tick samples collected in Trentino, four proved positive by immunofluorescence microscopy using a tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE)‐specific antiserum. The identity of the virus isolates was determined by RT‐PCR cycle sequencing and they were all found to be closely similar (> 98% nucleotide identity) to typical western European TBE complex viruses as found in Austria. The isolates from Trentino differed from the Neudorfl strain of western European TBE virus at eight nucleotide positions but as these nucleotide substitutions were all synonymous, there were no amino acid changes. These results imply that the virus isolates in Trentino have changed slightly from the typical European strains isolated in nearby Austria. The abundance of questing ticks and ticks feeding on roe deer was greater in TBE positive hunting districts than in hunting districts where TBE complex viruses were only probable or believed to be absent. In TBE positive and probable districts synchrony in the seasonal dynamics of larvae and nymphs of I. ricinus was observed. This study provides evidence to suggest that roe deer may have an important role to play in the maintenance of tick density and in the persistence of TBE virus.
Participatory investigations of bovine trypanosomiasis in Tana River District, Kenya
Authors: Catley A. , Irungu P. , Simiyu K. , Dadye J. , Mwakio W. , Kiragu J. , Nyamwaro S. O.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Participatory research on bovine trypanosomiasis was conducted with Orma pastoralists in Tana River District, Kenya. The use of participatory methods to understand local perceptions of disease signs, disease causes, disease incidence by cattle age group, seasonal patterns of disease and preferences for indigenous and modern control methods are described. Results indicated that local characterization of diseases called gandi and buku by Orma pastoralists was similar to modern veterinary knowledge on chronic trypanosomiasis and haemorrhagic trypanosomiasis (due to Trypanosoma vivax), respectively. The mean incidence of gandi varied from 10.2% in calves to 28.6% in adult cattle. The mean incidence of buku varied from 3.1% in calves to 9.6% in adults. Pearson correlation coefficients for disease incidence by age group were 0.498 (P < 0.01) and 0.396 (P < 0.05) for gandi and buku, respectively. Informants observed cases of trypanosomiasis in 24.1% of cattle (all age groups); these cases accounted for 41.8% of all sick cattle during the preceding 12‐month period. Eight indigenous and three modern trypanosomiasis control methods were identified. Results indicated that an integrated approach to trypanosomiasis control based on private, individual action was well established in the assessment area. When presented with four different trypanosomiasis control methods, community representatives selected ‘better use of trypanocides’ as the most preferred intervention and ‘community‐based tsetse control’ as the least preferred intervention. This finding prompted researchers to modify the original project activities. Constraints facing the sustainability of community‐based tsetse control are discussed.
New remains of primitive ruminants from Thailand: evidence of the early evolution of the Ruminantia in Asia
Authors: Métais Grégoire , Chaimanee Yaowalak , Jaeger Jean‐Jacques , Ducrocq Stéphane
Published: March 2003

A new tragulid, Archaeotragulus krabiensis, gen. n. et sp. n., is described from the late Eocene Krabi Basin (south Thailand). It represents the oldest occurrence of the family which was previously unknown prior to the Miocene. Archaeotragulus displays a mixture of primitive and derived characters, together with the M structure on the trigonid, which appears to be the main dental autapomorphy of the family. We also report the occurrence at Krabi of a new Lophiomerycid, Krabimeryx primitivus, gen. n. et sp. n., which displays affinities with Chinese representatives of the family, particularly Lophiomeryx. The familial status of Iberomeryx is discussed and a set of characters is proposed to define both Tragulidae and Lophiomerycidae. Results of phylogenetic analysis show that tragulids are monophyletic and appear nested within the lophiomerycids. The occurrence of Tragulidae and Lophiomerycidae in the upper Eocene of south‐east Asia enhances the hypothesis that ruminants originated in Asia, but it also challenges the taxonomic status of traguloids within the Ruminantia.
Hypertrophic perineurial dysplasia in multifocal and generalized peripheral neuropathies
Authors: Thomas P. K. , King R. H. M. , Workman J. M. , Schröder J. M.
Published: March 2003

Two cases are described, one with a multifocal cranial and limb neuropathy of adult onset associated with optic neuropathy, and the other with a diffuse demyelinating neuropathy characterized by congenital cataract, mental retardation and progressive lower limb paresis with an onset in childhood. Extensive investigation in both failed to establish the causation. No family history of similar disorder was obtained in either case. Nerve biopsy in both showed similar perineurial abnormalities, the endoneurium being compartmentalized by hypertrophic perineurial cells that exhibited dysplastic features. The appearances resemble those described in a previously reported case of multifocal neuropathy and probably represent an unusual but non‐specific response to a peripheral neuropathy.
The behaviour of laying workers and the morphology and viability of their eggs in Melipona bicolor bicolor
Authors: Koedam D. , Velthuis H. H. W. , Dohmen M. R. , Imperatriz‐Fonseca V. L.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. As in many other stingless bees, Melipona bicolor bicolor Lepeletier (Apidae: Meliponinae) workers lay two morphologically distinct types of eggs: slender ones that have a typical patterned chorion, and larger ones that lack this pattern. In this paper we report on the relation between egg morphology and the behaviour of the workers that lay such eggs. In most cases, the laying of each of these egg types is accompanied by a unique sequence of behaviours. After a worker has laid the unpatterned type of egg, she generally leaves the cell, giving the queen the possibility of eating this egg. In the case of the patterned egg type, the worker usually closes the cell immediately after her egg laying. When worker egg laying occurs right after a series of regurgitations, it stops the queen from ovipositing. When, instead, a worker lays an egg after queen oviposition, the cell contains two eggs. This study also revealed cases in which workers laid slender, patterned eggs without closing the cell, and other cases where workers laid large, spherical, unpatterned eggs and instantly closed the cell. Experiments in which worker eggs, destined to be eaten by the queen, were protected by covering the cell artificially with a piece of wax showed that some of these eggs developed into larvae, although they were occasionally relatively small. The occurrence of a range of combinations of egg‐laying behaviours and egg morphologies in M. b. bicolor workers is discussed from the perspective of worker egg laying in other stingless bees.
Influence of sex‐specific stimuli on ovarian maturation in primary and secondary reproductives of the dampwood termite Zootermopsis angusticollis
Authors: Brent Colin S. , Traniello James F. A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. It was hypothesized that female primary and secondary reproductives of the termite Zootermopsis angusticollis Hagen require sex‐specific stimuli from a reproductive male to trigger ovarian maturation. To test this hypothesis, experimental laboratory colonies were established that contained female primary or secondary reproductives nesting: alone; with a male; with a female; and with three third‐ to fourth‐instar larvae. Following colony initiation, we measured changes in body mass, ovariole number and fecundity over 60 days. Results indicate that the reproductive maturation of female primaries was promoted by contact with a male but inhibited by the presence of another female. Secondary females were not affected by the presence of another reproductive, regardless of sex, but the development of reproductive competency of primary females appeared to depend on male‐specific stimulation. Reliance on male–female interaction to induce female reproductive development may ensure that the resources of newly dealate females are not wasted on producing larvae that would have a poor chance of surviving in the absence of a male. By contrast, secondary females maturing within established colonies are likely to have a mate and immediate assistance with non‐reproductive tasks, and therefore do not delay ovarian maturation and reproduction until they perceive male‐specific stimuli. These results demonstrate that male‐specific stimuli affect only the reproductive development of primary females, and suggest that the degree to which primary and secondary females depend on mate assistance may have shaped their physiological responses to the presence of a reproductive male.
Exploration of retinoid activity and the role of inflammation in acne: issues affecting future directions for acne therapy
Authors: Zouboulis CC
Published: March 2003

The review summarizes new results concerned with several important issues in the treatment of patients with acne. The first section reviews studies which show that 13‐cis retinoic acid, a molecule with strong biological activity but low binding affinity for retinoid receptors and cellular‐binding proteins in sebocytes, undergoes rapid intracellular conversion to all‐trans retinoic acid. This active metabolite exerts its actions on sebocyte gene expression by binding to the nuclear retinoic acid receptor rather than the retinoid X receptor. Importantly, 13‐cis retinoic acid, unlike all‐trans retinoic acid, does not induce cytochrome P450 1A1, an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of xenobiotics. Thus, administration of 13‐cis retinoic acid permits high long‐term intracellular accumulation of its active metabolite. The second section reviews studies which suggest that leukotriene B4 may play a key role in acne‐related inflammation. Results from a preliminary clinical study indicate that therapy with a specific lipoxygenase inhibitor is clinically effective in the treatment of patients with inflammatory acne and that its clinical efficacy is correlated with the drug’s ability to reduce total lipid levels, and especially pro‐inflammatory lipids, in sebum. Interestingly, 13‐cis retinoic acid has been shown to modulate the activities of LTB4 and inflammatory events in the development of acne. Therefore, future compounds targeting acne have to inhibit pro‐inflammatory lipids in sebum, and thus down‐regulate acne‐related inflammatory signals and reduce the LTB4‐induced migration of inflammatory cells.
Demographic and random amplified polymorphic DNA analyses reveal high levels of genetic diversity in a clonal violet
Authors: Auge Harald , Neuffer Barbara , Erlinghagen Friederike , Grupe Rudolf , Brandl Roland
Published: March 2003

We performed demographic and molecular investigations on woodland populations of the clonal herb Viola riviniana in central Germany. We investigated the pattern of seedling recruitment, the amount of genotypic (clonal) variation and the partitioning of genetic variation among and within populations. Our demographic study was carried out in six violet populations of different ages and habitat conditions. It revealed that repeated seedling recruitment takes place in all of these populations, and that clonal propagation is accompanied by high ramet mortality. Our molecular investigations were performed on a subset of three of these six violet populations. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analyses using six primers yielded 45 scorable bands that were used to identify multilocus genotypes, i.e. putative clones. Consistent with our demographic results and independent of population age, we found a large genotypic diversity with a mean proportion of distinguishable genotypes of 0.93 and a mean Simpson’s diversity index of 0.99. Using amova we found a strong genetic differentiation among these violet populations with a ΦST value of 0.41. We suggest that a high selfing rate, limited gene flow due to short seed dispersal distances and drift due to founder effects are responsible for this pattern. Although Viola riviniana is a clonal plant, traits associated with sexual reproduction rather than clonality per se are moulding the pattern of genetic variation in this species.
Comparative population structure and genetic diversity of Arceuthobium americanum (Viscaceae) and its Pinus host species: insight into host–parasite evolution in parasitic angiosperms
Authors: Jerome Cheryl A. , Ford Bruce A.
Published: March 2003

In a recent study we revealed that the parasitic angiosperm Arceuthobium americanum is comprised of three distinct genetic races, each associated with a different host in regions of allopatry. In order to assess the role of host identity and geographical isolation on race formation in A. americanum, we compared the genetic population structure of this parasite with that of its three principal hosts, Pinus banksiana, Pinus contorta var. latifolia and Pinus contorta var. murrayana. Despite the fact that A. americanum was divided into three genetic races, hosts were divided into only two genetic groups: (i) Pinus banksiana and hybrids, and (ii) P. contorta var. latifolia and var. murrayana. These findings suggest that factors such as geographical isolation and adaptation to different environmental conditions are important for race formation in the absence of host‐driven selection pressures. To assess factors impacting population structure at the fine‐scale, genetic and geographical distance matrices of host and parasite were compared within A. americanum races. The lack of a relationship between genetic and geographical distance matrices suggests that isolation‐by‐distance plays a negligible role at this level. The effect of geographical isolation may have been diminished because of the influence of factors such as random seed dispersal by animal vectors or adaptation to nongeographically patterned environmental conditions. Host–parasite interactions might also have impacted the fine‐scale structure of A. americanum because the parasite and host were found to have similar patterns of gene flow.
Medullary motor neurones associated with drinking behaviour of Japanese eels
Authors: Mukuda T. , Ando M.
Published: March 2003

A fluorescent dye, Evans blue (EB), was injected into the following seven drinking‐associated muscles of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica: the sternohyoid, third branchial, fourth branchial, opercular, pharyngeal, upper oesophageal sphincter and oesophageal body muscles. The sternohyoid muscle promotes ‘ingestion’, and the remaining muscles contribute to ‘swallowing’. All neurones stained by EB were located ipsilaterally in the caudal medulla oblongata (MO) of the Japanese eel. Neurones projecting into the sternohyoid muscle were identified as those in the spino‐occipital motor nucleus (NSO), and neurones projecting into the remaining muscles as those in the glossopharyngeal–vagal motor complex (GVC). Within the GVC, the neuronal arrangement was topological, and hence, ‘swallowing’ will be completed if the GVC neurones ‘fire’ progressively from rostral to caudal. These neurones in the NSO and GVC may use acetylcholine (ACh) as a neurotransmitter, as the EB‐positive neurones in both nuclei were immunoreactive against anticholine acetyltransferase (anti‐ChAT) antibody. Besides the MO, some somata in a ganglion of the vagal nerve were also stained by EB injected into the pharyngeal, the upper oesophageal sphincter and the oesophageal body muscles. The localization and the shape of the somata suggest that they are sensory neurones. These sensory neurones were not ChAT‐immunoreactive. Combining these results, based on a model for ‘swallowing’ in mammals, a plausible model for central organization of ‘drinking’ in the Japanese eel is proposed, which suggests that ‘drinking’ in the fishes is regulated by the neuronal circuit for ‘swallowing’ in mammals.
Plasma anti‐oxidant status and lipid profile in non‐gravida women with a history of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Ozan Hakan , .Ilçöl Yes¸im , Kimya Yalçin , Cengiz Candan , Ediz Bülent
Published: March 2003

Objective:
 To investigate the total plasma anti‐oxidant status, the plasma lipid profile and the uterine artery Doppler velocity waveform in formerly pre‐eclamptic women.

Methods:
 Thirty‐two formerly pre‐eclamptic, non‐gravida women constituted the study group, while 28 age‐matched non‐gravida women who had never had pre‐eclampsia served as control subjects. On days 17–19 of their menstrual cycle, fasting plasma samples were collected for total anti‐oxidant status (TAS) and lipid profile evaluation, and uterine artery Doppler velocity waveform studies were performed. Results were analyzed with Mann–Whitney U‐test and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results:
 There was no significant difference between the groups in means of the uterine artery Doppler velocity waveforms and the plasma lipid levels, but body mass index values were significant (P < 0.005). The TAS value was subnormal in 72% of the formerly pre‐eclamptic group and in 35% of the control group. The mean plasma TAS value was 1.20 ± 0.05 mmol/L and was significantly lower in the study group when compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
 The current study reveals significantly decreased TAS in women with a history of pre‐eclampsia, which may have an important role in pathophysiology.
Current status of prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents for cesarean section in Thailand
Authors: Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Lumbiganon Pisake , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi , Boonsom Krongtip , Wannaro Prawit
Published: March 2003

Aims:
 To evaluate actual practices and physician reasons for variation in prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents for cesarean section (CS).

Methods:
 The study combined a survey of 2726 medical records and an interview of 50 practicing physicians at the obstetric departments of a university, a regional and a general hospital in Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand.

Results:
 Practices that were consistent with systematic reviews were use in 94%, prescription after cord clamping in 86%, and choosing ampicillin in 91%, because physicians believed in the advantages of these practices. Indications for prophylactic use ranged from routine use for all cases to selective use for indicated cases such as ruptured membranes, vaginal examinations, labor, maternal obesity, or unplanned CS. Single‐dose practice was varied greatly across hospitals, from 9% to 84%. The reasons given by physicians for a multiple‐dose regimen were personal experience in this regimen and belief in its superiority under their local conditions. This practice was less common where the hospital had practice recommendations.

Conclusions:
 Not all evidence‐based knowledge is adopted in practice. The prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents for CS varies among physicians. Past experience and personal beliefs in the limitation of research generalizability are the barriers to such adoption.
Minimal stimulation protocol for use with intrauterine insemination in the treatment of infertility
Authors: Dhaliwal Lakhbir K. , Sialy Ravinder K. , Gopalan Sarala , Majumdar S.
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine whether minimal stimulation with clomiphene and one injection of 150 IU of human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) provides pregnancy rates comparable with those in a conventional full hMG stimulation protocol for infertile patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Methods: A prospective study was carried out at the Infertility Clinic of a teaching institute and tertiary care referral center in Chandigarh, India. Two hundred couples with either unexplained infertility or ovulatory dysfunction cases who ovulated with clomiphene citrate (CC) but failed to conceive were offered ovarian stimulation with CC and hMG along with IUI for 420 cycles. Pregnancy rate, medication and monitoring cost were compared between minimal and conventional stimulation protocols.

Results: There was no difference in the couples of the two stimulation protocols regarding their age, duration and type of infertility as well as cause of infertility. Number of ampoules of hMG and monitoring costs were significantly higher in the full hMG stimulation cases whereas pregnancy rate was comparable in both protocols.

Conclusion: Minimal stimulation appears to be an effective protocol in cases of unexplained infertility undergoing intrauterine insemination. Reduced cost and minimal monitoring is appealing to patients and the clinician.
Cerebral blood flow distribution and hypoxic–ischemic brain damage in newborn rats
Authors: Xia Yi Xin , Sameshima Hiroshi , Ikeda Tomoaki , Higo Takafumi , Ikenoue Tsuyomu
Published: March 2003

Objective: Our purpose was to assess the cerebral blood flow distribution and resulting grade of hypoxic–ischemic brain damage in newborn rats.

Methods: Seven‐day‐old Wistar rats (n = 75) underwent left common carotid artery ligation followed by 2 hours hypoxia (8% oxygen in nitrogen) at 33°C. The control animals were exposed to hypoxia without ligation (n = 8). Colored microspheres of 15 µm in diameter were administered into the left cardiac ventricle percutaneously at the end of hypoxia. They were killed 24 hours after induced injury. Brain sections 2 mm in thickness were removed for microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP‐2) staining, and remaining parts were separated into left and right hemispheres for counting the microspheres. The blood flow distribution to the ligated side was expressed as the difference from the non‐ligated control side. Severity of MAP‐2 disappearance was ranked as normal, mild or severe.

Results: In the control rats, there was no loss of MAP‐2 staining. The blood flow equally distributed into both cerebral hemispheres. The cerebral blood flow distribution on the side of carotid artery ligation decreased by 44.7 ± 21.9% in the mildly damaged group and 65.8 ± 16.8% in the severely damaged group.

Conclusion: The greater the percentage difference of blood flow distribution from the non‐ligated side, the more severe the brain damage.
The Retrospective Study of Second‐line Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Nishii Hiroshi , Yasuda Makoto , Wachi Toshiki , Kimura Eizo , Ochiai Kazuhiko , Ochiai Kazunori , Tanaka Tadao
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To evaluate the efficacy of Second‐line Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer not from short term efficacy but from the survival rate.

Patients and Methods:  Eighty‐seven patients with epitherial ovarian cancer treated with Second‐line chemotherapy from 1993 were examined retrospectively. All the patients were treated with platinum as first line chemotherapy (≥ 3 courses). Paclitaxel was used for Second‐line Chemotherapy in 25 patients. The Kaplan‐Meier Method and Log‐Rank Test were carried out for the cumulative survival rate and analysis.

Results:  The Median Survival Time of all patients after Second‐line Chemotherapy was 23.6 months. Any significant difference in the survival rate was recognized only by the histological diagnosis (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the survival rates whether patients were treated with paclitaxel as second line chemotherapy or not (p = 0.1915). The disease free survival period of the Second Look Laparotomy (SLL) negative group (23.9 months) is longer than that of SLL positive group (6.2 months).

Conclusions:  The survival rate after Second‐line Chemotherapy was influenced only by histological diagnosis.

ACTA OBST GYNAEC JPN Vol. 54, No. 9, pp. 1429–1436, 2002
Effects of hexadecylphosphocholine on phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine metabolism in human lymphoma cells
Authors: Berkovic Dinko , Sievers Sabine , Haase Detlef , Fleer Eduard A.M. , Binder Claudia
Published: March 2003

Hexadecylphosphocholine (HePC) belongs to a new group of antineoplastic agents, the alkylphosphocholines (APC). HePC shows a broad spectrum of biological effects in various cells in vitro and in vivo. It has pronounced antiproliferative effects on neoplastic cells. The molecular mechanism by which HePC exerts its biological effects is still under investigation. By generating a HePC‐resistant cell variant of the lymphoma cell line Raji, we established a model to investigate which molecular mechanism may be responsible for the antiproliferative action of HePC. Here we present data showing that HePC substantially interferes with the metabolism of cellular phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylserine (PS) in the human lymphoma cell line Raji. HePC leads to an inhibition of PC synthesis via CDP‐choline and as a compensatory mechanism enhances the generation of PC via PS indicating that the reduced PC synthesis seems to significantly disturb cellular homeostasis. In HePC‐resistant Raji cells, PC synthesis via CDP‐choline is constitutively less active and is not further reduced by HePC. Resistant Raji cells do not seem to use the alternative pathway of PC synthesis via PS nor can this be induced by HePC. The resistance mechanism may therefore be independent of cell membrane metabolism.
Use of an isocitrate lyase promoter–GFP fusion to monitor carbon metabolism of the plant pathogen Tapesia yallundae during infection of wheat
Authors: Bowyer Paul , Mueller Elisabeth , Lucas John
Published: March 2003

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been used as a vital marker in a variety of species. Here, we present the use of a GFP–promoter fusion to visualize carbon metabolism in a pathogenic fungus during growth on defined medium and during infection of plants. Isocitrate lyase (ICL), a key enzyme in carbon metabolism, is tightly regulated at the transcriptional level, with high levels of expression during 2‐carbon growth and no expression during growth on glucose. A GFP–ICL promoter fusion was used to visualize carbon metabolism in the plant pathogenic fungus Tapesia yallundae during growth in vitro and in the host plant. The ICL promoter from Neurospora crassa retained its native induction and repression characteristics in T. yallundae. Loss of GFP fluorescence from hyphae after repression of the ICL promoter suggested a rapid turnover rate for GFP in T. yallundae. Regulation of this promoter was observed during infection, with expression occurring only on the plant surface, suggesting that 2‐carbon metabolism occurs during this phase. These data suggest that GFP is a useful vital marker for the in planta imaging of fungal metabolism.
General practitioners' use of NHS libraries
Authors: CHILDS SUSAN M.
Published: March 2003

This article reports the findings of the South West Thames Regional Health Authority's Community Health Information Project. The enquiries received from general practitioners and other community health‐care staff at the postgraduate medical centre libraries in the South West Thames Regional Health Authority were surveyed. A similar survey was carried out at the library of the Royal College of General Practitioners. The results from a detailed analysis of these enquiries are given. The main conclusions of the survey are: (i) the important role vocational training activities play in the information needs of general practitioners; (ii) the vast width and depth of users' enquiries; (iii) the flexibility of approach required by librarians to meet the wide‐ranging needs of community health‐care staff and (iv) the identification of type A and type B libraries, which lie at the two ends of a continuum of provision.
CD‐ROMs Review 1995–1997: a multicentre pilot trial
Authors: Shaw Jean , Petrak Jelka , GREY‐LLOYD J.
Published: March 2003

This article describes an evaluation of CD‐ROMs carried out at four NHS Trust Libraries in Wales. It covers interactive CD‐ROMs which take the form of either computer assisted learning programs, encyclopaedia or well‐known text books.
Intelligent purchasing in Trent: information for decision‐making in the region's health authorities
Authors: PAISLEY SUZY
Published: March 2003

The realization of an evidence‐based health service presents opportunities for libraries to make a direct contribution to the decision‐making process in the delivery of health care. An example of such an opportunity is given through a description of the Trent Working Group on Acute Purchasing, a network of health authority purchasers that takes a research‐based approach to making purchasing decisions. The Working Group is supported by a multidisciplinary research team, which includes an Information Officer. The role of the Information Officer in supporting the process of the Working Group is described below; namely in the setting of research priorities, in contributing to research projects and in disseminating the outputs of the Working Group. The benefits of being involved in such a project, both to the information service and to the Information Officer, are summarized.
Regional library and information services in the NHS—why, where, what and whither?
Authors: CARMEL MICHAEL
Published: March 2003

A general introduction showing the need for a regional structure, how the regional networks were set up, what they do and how they facilitate better library and information services (LIS) for their users, is followed by descriptions of the setting up, work and development of four different regions; South West England, Midland, Wales and Scotland. A list with contacts is given for all the regional networks, the NHS Regional Librarians Group (RLG) and the LINC Health Panel.
CPD: what The Library Association offers
Authors: Wood Kate
Published: March 2003

This paper explores the role of The Library Association in providing and supporting opportunities for continuing professional development. Formal requirements for gaining qualifications are explained. The services and products of the Association designed specifically to meet the needs of those seeking formal professional development are outlined.  Emphasis is placed on the opportunities offered to gain practical skills through active participation in professional activities. A brief conclusion points to the increasing emphasis on the need for continuing professional development at national level and within the profession.
Distance learning for MLA’s centennial!
Authors: Nesbit Kathryn
Published: March 2003

In celebration of the Medical Library Association’s Centennial, their Continuing Education Committee developed a year of distance learning opportunities concerning evidence‐based health care. The Centennial Distance Learning Program, as it became known, strove to reach as many members as possible by offering a wide variety of formats, including a teleconference, Web resources, journal clubs, and a suite of traditional CE courses at the annual meeting. This was the first time that MLA had attempted a multi‐level distance learning project and it proved to be a rousing success! For more details, visit the ‘EBHC in Action’ Web page on MLANET at: http://www.mlanet.org/education/telecon/index.html.
Applications of the microbiopsy technique in non‐cervical cytology: where cytology and histology meet
Authors: Mravunac M , Verbeek D , Van Heusden C , Reuterink A , Hop G , Smedts F
Published: March 2003

Aim

To evaluate a recently developed technique allowing the removal and processing for histology of thick tissue fragments, called microbiopsies, from non‐cervical cytology specimens.

Methods and results

Forty‐five non‐cervical smears from malignant tumours which contained microbiopsies were selected and processed. Sufficient sections could be cut in most cases for haematoxylin and eosin and an extensive panel of immunostaining. Seventy‐one per cent of histological slides from the microbiopsies were representative of the tumour and confirmed the diagnosis. In 29% of the cases they were too small, contained non‐representative tissue or showed extensive necrosis. Surprisingly, immunostaining results were at least the same and often better than those observed in routine formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue. Immunostaining profiles allowed distinction of tumour subtypes. Antigen retrieval techniques could be avoided in all cases.

Conclusions

Application of the microbiopsy technique in routine cytology smears containing microbiopsies is helpful, particularly in those cases in which the diagnosis is not clear on the basis of the cytology smear and in cases in which there are not enough cytology slides for immunohistochemical examination.
Origin of primary gastric T‐cell lymphomas from intraepithelial T‐lymphocytes: report of two cases
Authors: Foss  , Schmitt‐Gräff  , Daum  , Anagnostopoulos  , Assaf  , Hummel  , Stein
Published: March 2003

Aims

The classification of primary gastric T‐cell lymphomas is uncertain due to the exceeding rarity of these tumours; many of the reported cases were felt to be similar to node‐based lymphomas. We describe two cases of primary gastric T‐cell lymphoma with evidence of origination from intraepithelial T‐lymphocytes.

Methods and results

Both tumours were restricted to the stomach; one displaying a large ulcerated mass, the other a widespread superficial tumour manifestation. Histologically the first tumour was composed of sheets of medium‐sized lymphoid cells showing marked epitheliotropism at the edge of the ulcer, and a CD3+ , CD4−, CD8−, CD20−, CD56−, CD103+ , βF1+ phenotype. The second case differed histologically and immunophenotypically from the first case. In addition to lamina propria and submucosal infiltration, the lymphoma contained an extensive intraepithelial component even in large areas without other evidence of tumour. The neoplastic cells ranged in size from small to medium and large. Immunohistology disclosed a CD3+, CD4+, CD8−, CD20−, CD56−, βF1+ phenotype. Staining for CD103 could not be performed in this case since frozen material was not available.

Conclusions

The prominent epitheliotropism, the marked intraepithelial growth and the expression of CD103 strongly imply a derivation of these primary gastric lymphomas from intraepithelial T‐lymphocytes. Additional studies of larger series will clarify whether the findings described here are typical of primary gastric T‐cell lymphomas.
Focal malakoplakia in chronic periapical periodontitis
Authors: Pesce  , Pate  , Valente  , Tanzi
Published: March 2003

Aims

Three cases of chronic periapical periodontitis including focal areas with malakoplakia changes are reported.

Methods and results

These areas included both von Hansemann‐type macrophages and periodic acid–Schiff‐positive, iron‐ and calcium‐containing concretions. Some concretions corresponded to spherules with a targetoid configuration, thus fitting the morphological criteria for classical Michaelis–Gutmann bodies.

Conclusion

The vast majority of the cases of malakoplakia that have been reported in the literature corresponded to a characteristic, fairly homogeneous lesion, but a few instances of focal malakoplakia have been described in various chronic conditions. These considerations support the opinion that the local conditions for the production of Michaelis–Gutmann bodies may occur focally in diseases characterized by macrophage accumulation.
Diagnostic relevance of chromosomal in‐situ hybridization in Merkel cell carcinoma: targeted interphase cytogenetic tumour analyses
Authors: Amo‐Takyi  , Tietze  , Tory  , Guerreiro  , Günther  , Bhardwaj  , Mittermayer  , Handt
Published: March 2003

Aims

To resolve the conflicting diagnoses of five pathologists (which included well‐differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, malignant carcinoid, undifferentiated small‐cell carcinoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumour, metastases of small‐cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)), and tumour‐free lungs after necropsy, we investigated an alarmingly metastasizing MCC in a 32‐year‐old Caucasian man using chromosomal in‐situ hybridization (CISH). Differences in incidence and course in males and females also prompted targeted analyses for chromosomes X and Y. The lesion was also analysed for p53 gene mutations.

Methods and results

Paraffin sections of the thorax, buccal lymph nodes and scalp tumours were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against pancytokeratin, keratin 20, neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin, neurofilaments and vimentin, among others. Sections (5–6 μm) of the tumours were analysed with α‐satellite probes for chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 11, 12, 17, 18, X and Y using CISH; and exons 5–9 of the p53 gene were examined by polymerase chain reaction and single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) methods. Although positive for pancytokeratin, keratin 20, chromogranin, NSE, synaptophysin and vimentin, the similarity in antigen profiles expressed by SCLC and MCC prevented a definitive tumour diagnosis. Chromosomal in‐situ hybridization, however, revealed trisomies 1 and 11, two frequent aberrations in MCC, and trisomy 18. Moreover, 71% of the tumour cells had two to three copies of X, whereas 98% of the cell nuclei in the hair follicles and normal epidermis (purported Merkel cell origins) displayed one X chromosome. No mutations were detected in the five exons of the p53 gene examined.

Conclusions

Had CISH been performed earlier, treatment may have been tailored specifically to suit MCC, since MCC and SCLC have different therapeutic strategies. Finally, chromosome X may be of prognostic relevance in MCC, which apparently predominates in females and yet shows poorer prognosis in males, and hence be worthy of further investigation.
Accuracy of frozen section measurements for the determination of Breslow tumour thickness in primary malignant melanoma
Authors: Kiehl  , Matthies  , Ehrich  , Völker  , Kapp
Published: March 2003

Aims

Microstaging of primary malignant melanoma (MM) and the width of surgical margins depend mainly on Breslow tumour thickness (BTT). The use of frozen section (FS) measurements of BTT has been doubted, and previous reports have shown conflicting results regarding the comparability to paraffin sections (PS). To look for significant differences of BTT due to freezing or paraffin embedding, we evaluated a larger series of melanocytic lesions as far as possible excluding other technical influences.

Methods and results

Paired ‘mirror sections’ of 112 melanocytic lesions (33 MM and 79 melanocytic naevi) were measured according to Breslow on single corresponding PS and FS of the same tumour specimen. Comparing measurements on FS and PS, we found very small differences of BTT on average and an almost equal distribution of BTT in the two sets of values with no statistically significant difference by applying the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Concerning the clinically most important 1 mm‐threshold of BTT, 110 (98.2%) of the lesions gave equal measurements in FS and PS.

Conclusions

Frozen sections can be used for accurate measurements of Breslow tumour thickness. Consequently, intraoperative frozen section diagnosis of thick melanoma immediately followed by excision with wide surgical margins is possible in experienced centres.