bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central ventilatory and cardiovascular actions of calcitonin gene-related peptide in unanesthetized trout
Authors: Le Mével Jean-Claude , Lancien Frédéric , Mimassi Nagi , Kermorgant Marc , Conlon J. Michael 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYCalcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its receptors are widely distributed in the tissues of teleost fish, including the brain, but little is known about the ventilatory and cardiovascular effects of the peptide in these vertebrates. The present study was undertaken to compare the central and peripheral actions of graded doses (5–50 pmol) of trout CGRP on ventilatory and cardiovascular variables in unanesthetized rainbow trout. Compared with vehicle, intracerebroventricular injection of CGRP significantly elevated the ventilation frequency (fV) and the ventilation amplitude (VAMP) and, consequently, the total ventilation (VTOT). The maximum hyperventilatory effect of CGRP (VTOT: +300%), observed at a dose of 50 pmol, was mostly due to its stimulatory action on VAMP (+200%) rather than fV (+30%). In addition, CGRP produced a significant and dose-dependent increase in mean dorsal aortic blood pressure (PDA) (50 pmol: +40%) but the increase in heart rate (fH) was not significant. Intra-arterial injections of CGRP were without effect on the ventilatory variables but significantly and dose-dependently elevated PDA (50 pmol: +36%) without changing fH. At the highest dose tested, this hypertensive phase was preceded by a rapid and transient hypotensive response. In conclusion, our study suggests that endogenous CGRP within the brain of the trout may act as a potent neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator in the regulation of cardio-ventilatory functions. In the periphery, endogenous CGRP may act as a local and/or circulating hormone preferentially involved in vasoregulatory mechanisms.
The use of trypsin to confirm the presence of macrocreatine kinase on isoenzyme electrophoresis
Authors: George Roanna , Wallage Michael , Goodall Roberta 
Published: May 2012

Background Macrocreatine kinase (MCK) type 1 is a high molecular weight form of CK that is non-pathological. Identification of MCK is beneficial in preventing unnecessary investigations that may follow a persistently elevated CK of unknown origin. Currently, gel filtration chromatography can be used as a confirmatory technique, but it is laborious, time-consuming and expensive. The aim of this work, carried out as part of a larger investigation into the prevalence of MCK, was to determine whether trypsin can be used as an alternative to confirm the presence of MCK on isoenzyme electrophoresis. Methods Five samples found to have bands running in the MCK region on isoenzyme electrophoresis were treated with trypsin. Electrophoresis was carried out using the Helena Biosciences Sas-1 Plus system. These samples were also analysed by the confirmatory technique of gel filtration chromatography. Results Of the five samples treated with trypsin, three were found to be MCK-positive and two MCK-negative. These results correlated with those obtained by the reference method of gel filtration chromatography. Conclusions There appears to be a potential use of trypsin in confirming the presence of MCK following isoenzyme electrophoresis. If these findings were verified, this would provide a less labour-intensive, less time-consuming and more cost-effective confirmatory technique. Further study is required, which needs to be expanded to include a larger number of patients, before this method can be adopted routinely.
Collaboration between Health Services Managers and Researchers: Making a Difference?
Authors: Bullock Alison , Morris Zoë Slote , Atwell Christine 
Published: May 2012

Objectives Our aim was to evaluate whether the involvement of health care managers in research projects improves the quality and relevance of research, and whether collaboration builds capacity in the managerial community. Methods The NIHR Service Delivery and Organization Management Fellowship programme supports the direct involvement of health care managers in research projects. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with management fellows and chief investigators of research projects at 10 case study sites. Data were analysed thematically using an adapted Kirkpatrick framework for programme evaluation. Results Management fellows improved the relevance and quality of research through enhancing its validity, efficiency and credibility. This was achieved by: using their contextual understanding to enable and support access and recruitment participants, data collection tools, processes and analysis; supporting dissemination activities; and undertaking additional work which was complementary to the main project. Capacity was developed through formal courses and exposure to new knowledge, ideas and practices. Factors found to enable or impede improvements in research included management fellows' knowledge and experience of the NHS, their background and personal characteristics, mutual respect, timing and flexibility. Consequences were not always predictable. Costs for management fellows included foregone opportunities, specifically for promoted posts. Researchers reported time-costs associated with administering the fellowship. Conclusions Collaborations between managers and researchers can improve research relevance and quality and research capacity development. Factors critical to success relate to the fit between the project and the management fellow and how clearly the purpose is understood.
Financial and Clinical Risk in Health Care Reform: A View from Below
Authors: Smith Pam , Mackintosh Maureen , Ross Fiona , Clayton Julie , Price Linnie , Christian Sara , Byng Richard , Allan Helen 
Published: May 2012

Objectives This paper examines how the interaction between financial and clinical risk at two critical phases of health care reform in England has been experienced by frontline staff caring for vulnerable patients with long term conditions. Methods The paper draws on contracting theory and two interdisciplinary and in-depth qualitative research studies undertaken in 1995 and 2007. Methods common to both studies included documentary analysis and interviews with managers and front line professionals. The 1995 study employed action-based research and included observation of community care; the 2007 study used realistic evaluation and included engagement with service user groups. Results In both reform processes, financial risk was increasingly devolved to frontline practitioners and smaller organizational units such as GP commissioning groups, with payment by unit of activity, aimed at changing professionals' behaviour. This financing increased perceived clinical risk and fragmented the delivery of health and social care services requiring staff efforts to improve collaboration and integration, and created some perverse incentives and staff demoralisation. Conclusions Health services reform should only shift financial risk to frontline professionals to the extent that it can be efficiently borne. Where team work is required, contracts should reward collaborative multi-professional activity.
Tensions in Commissioning: Services for Children's Speech, Language and Communication Needs in One English Region
Authors: Davies Karen , Davies Peter 
Published: May 2012

Objectives To investigate the tensions faced in commissioning services for children's speech, language and communication needs and to identify variation in commissioning practice in response to these tensions. Methods Quantitative and qualitative evidence from a review of speech, language and communication services in one English region, focused on three case studies. Results The case studies reveal variation in practice in relation to commissioning tensions generated by: low incidence/high needs cases, blurred boundaries between health and education, multi-agency working, parental voice and service development. The introduction of commissioning and models of practice such as ‘the commissioning cycle’ has left huge variation between localities in levels and type of provision for these services. Conclusion Large variation in commissioning practice is associated with commissioners' adoption of one of three models: a market model, an integrated model and a top-up model.
Partnership Working in Public Health: The Implications for Governance of a Systems Approach
Authors: Hunter David , Perkins Neil 
Published: May 2012

Objectives Most of the research on partnerships has centred on health and social care, and while many of the findings remain relevant, public health partnerships concerned with ‘wicked issues’ give rise to a different and more complex set of issues which merit exploration. The study aimed to identify those factors promoting effective partnership working for health improvement; to assess the extent to which partnership governance and incentive arrangements were commensurate with the complexities of the problem; and to explore how far local partnerships contributed to better outcomes for individuals and populations. Methods A three-year study of public health partnerships (2007-10) in nine localities across England involving semi-structured interviews at strategic and operational levels. Results Successful partnerships shared a number of characteristics:they were clear about goals and purpose; they were aware of partners' roles and responsibilities; and they had a clear strategic overview of performance through robust monitoring and evaluation. In many cases, partnerships were facades with a ‘silo mentality’ prevailing - there was an unwillingness to share information or resources, or to accord partnership working sufficient priority or support. Despite enthusiasm for partnerships and an insistence that they were essential, it was impossible to establish evidence of their impact on health outcomes. While the focus on partnerships tends to be on structures, relational factors, including high levels of trust and goodwill, were important ingredients of a well-functioning partnership. Less formal and more organic, operational partnerships were more effective than more formal, strategic level ones which were driven by targets. Finally, partnerships were, in part, shaped by the national policy context, with constant policy and organizational churn making it difficult to sustain long-term relationships. Conclusions Future partnerships might be undertaken differently, adopting a complex adaptive systems perspective. This advocates an approach to partnership working that is less focused on rigid structures and much more on relational factors like trust and goodwill.
Weight gain in pregnancy: is less truly more for mother and infant?
Authors: Barbour Linda A 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARY Although more than 50% of women gain weight above the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for weight gain in pregnancy and excessive weight gain is an independent risk factor for significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and offspring obesity, there is little consensus over the ideal weight gain during pregnancy. Surprisingly, the 2009 IOM guidelines varied minimally from the 1990 IOM guidelines, and many critics advocate lower weight gain recommendations. This review explores the energy costs of pregnancy, the relationship between gestational weight gain and birth weight, and considers what gestational weight gain minimizes both large-for-gestational age as well as small-for-gestational age infants. An extensive examination of the current data leads this author to question whether the current weight gain recommendations are too liberal, especially for obese pregnant women.
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease and the Utility of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis
Authors: Pincus Kathleen J , Tata Asha L , Watson Kristin 
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). DATA SOURCES: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE/PubMed (1996-December 2011) using the search terms liver disease, cirrhosis, venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant observational and population-based studies were included to present background information. Bibliographies of all relevant articles were reviewed for additional citations. DATA SYNTHESIS: Liver disease affects the synthesis of procoagulants and anticoagulants, resulting in hemostatic alterations and abnormal laboratory values. Retrospective studies characterized the VTE incidence to be 0.5-6.3%. Population-based studies reported VTE relative risks of 1.74-2.10 in patients with CLD compared with population controls and VTE odds ratios of 0.9-1.39 for hospitalized patients with CLD compared with controls without liver disease. There is a paucity of data on the use of pharmacologic prophylaxis in patients with CLD. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CLD should be assessed for VTE risk and given VTE prophylaxis when the benefits outweigh the risks. Diagnoses of CLD or elevated international normalized ratio do not confer protection against development of VTE and do not justify withholding pharmacologic prophylaxis based on this diagnosis.
Burkholderia cepacia Septicemia in a Pediatric Oncology Patient: A Pharmacotherapy Challenge
Authors: Durham Spencer H , Lee Amy E , Assanasen Chatchawin 
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE: To discuss pharmacotherapy challenges encountered during treatment of a pediatric oncology patient with Burkholderia cepacia septicemia. CASE SUMMARY: An 11-year-old male with a history of aplastic anemia presented to the emergency department with a 1-day history of cough and purulent nasal discharge 6 months after undergoing bone marrow transplant. Blood cultures obtained from the patient's Broviac catheter revealed gram-negative rods. Piperacillin/tazobactam and tobramycin were administered, but the patient worsened clinically, with fever and chills. B. cepacia was identified as the offending pathogen, and the therapy was changed to meropenem and ciprofloxacin, as piperacillin/ tazobactam and tobramycin are ineffective against Burkholderia spp. Intravenous trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, the drug of choice for Burkholderia spp. infections, was unavailable as it had been placed on national manufacturer backorder. The patient improved initially, but he later experienced recurrence of fever, and blood culture results were positive for Burkholderia spp. Infection was eradicated after removal of the central line and administration of ceftazidime and oral minocycline. DISCUSSION: Literature reveals few cases of B. cepacia in pediatric oncology patients, and to our knowledge, no cases have been reported in bone marrow transplant patients in the US. Burkholderia spp. is highly resistant to many antibiotics, and commonly used agents for the empiric treatment of febrile neutropenia are not active against this organism. This indicates that most oncology patients who present with this infection would not receive appropriate initial treatment. In addition, antibiotic therapy may need to be modified, based on drug availability. CONCLUSIONS: B. cepacia is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen that can produce severe infection in immunocompromised patients. It is pertinent to consider this organism in oncology patients who do not improve with standard therapy, as prompt use of correct pharmacotherapy is necessary to avoid serious morbidity as well as mortality in this population.
A Recursive Algorithm for a Non-uniform Amplitude Beam Propagating Through a Sub-wavelength Grating
Authors: Li Jianlong , Wang Pu 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
A recursive algorithm for a non-uniform
amplitude beam propagating through a
sub-wavelength grating is proposed in this
paper. This method is based on Maxwell's
equations and the continuity of the tangential
components of the electric and magnetic field
vectors, and gives an exact complete
solution. And we illustrate a propagation of a
Gaussian beam through a grating in detail.
Development of a New Class of Zero Cross Correlation Codes for Optical CDMA Systems
Authors: Rashidi Che Bin Mohd , Aljunid S. A. , Ghani F. , Anuar M. S. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The paper presents a method for the development of a new class of zero cross correlation optical code for Optical Code Division Multiple Access (OCDMA) system using Spectral Amplitude Coding. The proposed code is called Modified Zero Cross Correlation Code (MZCC). The code has minimum length and can be constructed quite simply for any number of users and for any code weights. The code has better spectrum slicing properties and noise performance in term of Bit Error Rate. The Modified Zero Cross Correlation Code will be demonstrated in simulation using OptiSys. 6.0 to observe noise performance which is better as compared to the existing Zero Cross Correlation Code.
Photo Parametric Amplifier Using Up & Down Converter Configuration for Optical Receiver
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad Faiz Liew , Elbireki Majdi Farag Mohammed 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
A fundamental requirement in the design of
an optical receiver is the achievement of high
sensitivity and broad bandwidth. These two
features are very important in getting
reliable system. In this project a receiver
circuit based on Photo parametric Amplifier
(PPA), which is suggested as one of the
alternative for receiver detection and
amplification techniques is fully
described. The PPA mode of operation involves
optical detection and amplification within a
single device. It is able to provide
selectivity and sensitivity at the same time,
as required for wireless optical
communications. The most common problem that
any communication system might face is the
noise which must be eliminated or at least
reduce it. In order to reduce the noise,
filters have been implemented before the
signal is passes through an amplifier. In this
project an Up converter has been placed at the
transmitter circuit in order to obtain high
frequency, while at the receiver circuit,
filters has been placed with Down converter to
obtain the desired frequency. Photo diode, PIN
type has been used to detect any incoming
signal at the receiver circuit. Results showed
that the output signal has been improved; with
addition power strength and noise reduction
which showed that photo parametric amplifier
is more reliable and suitable to be used in
wireless optical communication system.
What Determines Electoral Outcomes in India?
Authors: Verma Rahul 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
In 2004 and 2009, the incumbent central governments in India enjoyed a high level of voter satisfaction. Why then did incumbents lose elections in 2004, while winning them in 2009? The different electoral outcomes can be explained by a combination of satisfaction with a constituent's member of Parliament and the performance of the government at the state level, as well as satisfaction with the government at the national level. This analysis rejects the conventional argument of general satisfaction with the performance of the central government as being the determinant of electoral outcomes in national elections.
Identification of volatile aroma compounds in processed cheese analogues based on different types of fat
Authors: Vítová Eva , Loupancová Blanka , Sklenářová Kateřina , Divišová Radka , Buňka František 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe simple and rapid solid-phase micro-extraction method using gas chromatography was used for the identification and quantification of volatile aroma compounds in various types of processed cheese analogues produced from different types of fat (butter, butter oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and sunflower oil). In total, 31 organic compounds belonging to five chemical groups were identified, with the alcohols and fatty acids quantitatively predominant. The contents of the aroma compounds (the so-called aroma profiles) of the analogues and corresponding fats used as raw materials were compared. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between samples. The highest total content of aroma compounds was found in coconut oil analogue ((547.30 ± 9.82) mg kg−1), the lowest in palm oil analogue ((372.01 ± 16.16) mg kg−1). The concentrations of aroma compounds in fats were substantially lower (p < 0.05) than in analogues. Hence, the largest number of aroma analogues came from Edam cheese used for production as a protein source.
Formation of ice-shelf moraines by accretion of sea water and marine sediment at the southern margin of the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Authors: Fitzsimons Sean , Mager Sarah , Frew Russell , Clifford Andrew , Wilson Gary 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA combination of ground-penetrating radar surveys, physical sedimentology and ice composition measurements has been used to characterize ice and sediment accreted to the southern margin of the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica. The radar data and surface observations show that the ice-shelf margin consists of strongly layered debris-rich ice that contains marine sediment and fossils. A modified Rayleigh-based distillation system has been used to model the isotopic fractionation from sea water to ice in a closed system. The model of ice formation is consistent with formation during almost complete freezing of a sea-water reservoir. By contrast, ice on the upstream side of the grounding line has formed during the early stages of freezing in which a small fraction of the sea-water reservoir has frozen. The model results and the presence of delicate, well-preserved marine fossils are interpreted as evidence of anchor ice formation on the seabed, and rafting of glaciomarine sediment into the bottom of the ice shelf. We argue that repeated accretion of sea water and marine sediment has produced a stacked sequence of ice and glaciomarine debris that forms shore-parallel ice-cored moraines.
Business studies and management education in Pre-war Japan: a comparative perspective (1880s-1940s)
Authors: Nishizawa Tamotsu 
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cet article étudie l’enseignement de la gestion au Japon entre les années 1880 et la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, tout en situant son évolution dans un contexte international. Dans les années 1880, l’une des premières écoles de gestion universitaires, la Wharton School (fondée en 1881), se développe aux Etats-Unis. Les années 1880 sont un point de départ pertinent dans la mesure où, d’une part, l’idée qu’“éduquer, éduquer, éduquer est la leçon essentielle à retenir de l’Allemagne” est publiée dans The Spectator (1886) et où, d’autre part, toute une série de documents commencent à être diffusés qui insistent sur l’importance de la formation des hommes d’affaires, notamment L’enseignement commercial et les écoles de commerce en France et dans le monde entier (1886). À l’aube du XX e siècle, on constate une explosion du nombre d’écoles de commerce dans le monde. Bien qu’ayant pris du retard, le Japon a toujours suivi de près ce mouvement d’institutionnalisation. En effet, en 1887, il existait déjà, en particulier, une école des hautes études commerciales à Tokyo, et de manière plus générale, une dizaine d’écoles de commerce au Japon. Le nombre d’écoles a augmenté au début du XX e siècle et notamment au moment de la guerre russo-japonaise. Après la Première Guerre mondiale, l’Université commerciale de Tokyo fut créée, juste avant l’émergence de celles de Kobe et d’Osaka, ce qui signifie que dans les années 1930 trois universités exclusivement consacrées à l’étude du commerce et de la gestion existaient au Japon. De surcroît et à la même période, des universités privées développèrent des facultés de commerce et de gestion, et dans les années 1920 huit écoles de commerce reconnues par l’Etat se sont ajoutées à ce nombre croissant d’écoles de gestion. Au-delà de la diffusion de ces écoles, il existait déjà 243 écoles de commerce dans le secondaire qui participaient à la mise en place d’une hiérarchie des enseignements de gestion dans le Japon d’avant-guerre. L’objectif de cet article est de discuter le développement de ces institutions dans le temps, en relation avec la croissance économique japonaise.