bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The other face of Lyell: historical biogeography in his Principles of geology
Authors: Alfredo Bueno‐Hernández A. , Llorente‐Bousquets Jorge E. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAlthough some excellent articles about Lyell's work have been published, they do not explicitly deal with Lyell's biogeographical conceptions. The purpose of this paper is to analyse Lyell's biogeographical model in terms of its own internal structure. Lyell tried to explain the distribution of organisms by appealing to a real cause (climate). However, he was aware that environmental conditions were clearly insufficient to explain the existence of biogeographical regions. Lyell's adherence to ecological determinism generated strong tensions within his biogeographical model. He shifted from granting a secondary weight to dispersal to assigning it a major role. By doing so, Lyell was led into an evident contradiction. A permanent tension in Lyell's ideas was generated by the prevalent explanatory pattern of his time. The explanatory model based on laws did not produce satisfactory results in biology because it did not deal with historical processes. We may conclude that the knowledge of organic distribution interested Lyell as long as it could be explained by the uniformitarian principles of his geological system. The importance of the second volume of the Principles of geology lies in its ample and systematic argumentation about the geographical distribution of organisms. Lyell established, independently from any theory about organic change, the first version of dispersalist biogeography.
Probing the Sagittarius stream with blue horizontal branch stars
Authors: Clewley L. , Jarvis Matt J. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
We present two-degree field spectroscopic observations of a sample of 96 A-type stars selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 3 (SDSS DR3). Our aim is to identify blue horizontal branch (BHB) stars in order to measure the kinematic properties of the tidal tails of the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy. We confine our attention to the 44 classifiable stars with spectra of signal-to-noise ratio &gt;15 Å−1. Classification produces a sample of 29 BHB stars at distances of 5–47 kpc from the Sun. We split our sample into three bins based on their distance. We find 10 of the 12 stars at 14–25 kpc appear to have coherent, smoothly varying radial velocities which are plausibly associated with old debris in the Sagittarius tidal stream. Further observations along the orbit and at greater distances are required to trace the full extent of this structure on the sky. Three of our BHB stars in the direction of the globular cluster Palomar (Pal) 5 appear to be in an overdensity but are in the foreground of Pal 5. More observations are required around this overdensity to establish any relation to Pal 5 and/or the Sgr stream. We emphasize observations of BHB stars have unlimited potential for providing accurate velocity and distance information in old distant halo streams and globular clusters alike. The next-generation multi-object spectrographs provide an excellent opportunity to accurately trace the full extent of such structures.
Functional effect of haemoglobin polymorphism on the haematological pattern of Gentile di Puglia sheep
Authors: Pieragostini E. , Rubino G. , Bramante G. , Rullo R. , Petazzi F. , Caroli A. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryThe relationship between haemoglobin polymorphism and haematological pattern were studied in Gentile di Puglia, the Apulia Merino native breed. In a sample of 292 individuals, on five different farms, α‐ and β‐globin genetic polymorphism was investigated. A remarkable polymorphism was detected especially at α‐globin gene where the variations concerned both the quality of the gene product and gene expression. Triplicated and quadruplicated α‐globin genes were observed in 8.6% and 1.2% of the α‐haplotypes respectively. At β‐globin (HBB) locus, predominance of HBBB allele was found in all flocks, while HBBA overall frequency was around 11.2%. Moreover, the effect of genotypes at globin systems on haematological data was evaluated on 289 animals. A significant effect was detected for HBB locus on haematocrit (HCT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), with decreasing HCT and MCV for decreasing number of HBBA alleles in the genotype. The opposite trend was observed for mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. The advances presented by this paper give reasons for inferring that BB genotypes can be expected to be more resilient to climatic stress and to local parasites.
Analysis of pedigree and conformation data to explain genetic variability of the horse breed Franches‐Montagnes
Authors: Poncet P.A. , Pfister W. , Muntwyler J. , Glowatzki‐Mullis M.L. , Gaillard C. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryFranches‐Montagnes is the only native horse breed in Switzerland, therefore special efforts should be made for ensuring its survival. The objectives of this study were to characterize the structure of this population as well as genetic variability with pedigree data, conformation traits and molecular markers. Studies were focused to clarify if this population is composed of a heavy‐ and a light‐type subpopulation. Extended pedigree records of 3‐year‐old stallions (n = 68) and mares (n = 108) were available. Evaluations of body conformation traits as well as pedigree data and molecular markers did not support the two‐subpopulation hypothesis. The generation interval ranged from 7.8 to 9.3 years. The complete generation equivalent was high (>12). The number of effective ancestors varied between 18.9 and 20.1, whereof 50% of the genetic variability was attributed to seven of them. Genetic contribution of Warmblood horses ranged from 36% to 42% and that of Coldblood horses from 4% to 6%. The average inbreeding coefficient reached 6%. Inbreeding effective population size was 114.5 when the average increase of the inbreeding coefficient per year since 1910 was taken. Our results suggest that bottleneck situations occurred because of selection of a small number of sire lines. Promotion of planned matings between parents that are less related is recommended in order to avoid a reduction of the genetic diversity.
Single‐nucleotide polymorphism identification in the caprine myostatin gene
Authors: Li X.L. , Wu Zh.L. , Gong Y.F. , Liu Y.Q. , Liu Z.Z. , Wang X.J. , Xin T.R. , Ji Q. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of MSTN gene amplified from 35 goats representing 17 Chinese indigenous goat breeds and five imported goat breeds were sequenced to identify the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of a 379‐bp fragment including part of intron 2 and exon 3 of MSTN gene. A total of eight SNPs (A1980G, G1981C, A1982G, G1984T, A2121G, T2124C, G2174A and A2246G) were identified among the sequenced goats. The SNPs found are all located in intron 2 except for A2246G, which was a synonymous mutation in exon 3. Four haplotypes were sorted from these eight SNPs, of which, haplotype I (AGAGATGA) and haplotype II (GCGTGTAA) are the two main haplotypes with the frequency of 77.8% and 14.8% respectively. The SNPs found at positions 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984 and 2121 might be linked to inheritance completely.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci for lactation persistency traits in German Holstein dairy cattle
Authors: Harder B. , Bennewitz J. , Reinsch N. , Thaller G. , Thomsen H. , Kühn C. , Schwerin M. , Erhardt G. , Förster M. , Reinhardt F. , Kalm E. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryA whole genome scan to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for persistency of milk yield (PMY), persistency of fat yield (PFY), persistency of protein yield (PPY) and persistency of milk energy yield (PEY) was performed in a granddaughter design in the German Holstein dairy cattle population. The analysis included 16 paternal half‐sib families with a total of 872 bulls. The analysis was carried out for the first lactation and for the first three lactations combined using univariate weighted multimarker regression. Controlling the false discovery rate across traits and data sets at a level of 0.15 and treating the four persistency traits as different traits revealed 27 significant QTL. A total of 12 chromosomes showed significant QTL effects on a chromosomewise basis. TheDGAT1effect was highly significant for PPY and protein yield. A haplotype analysis using results of previous studies of the same design revealed a co‐segregation of various persistency QTL and QTL affecting health traits like dystocia and stillbirth and functional traits like non‐return rate 90 and somatic cell score.
Properties of random regression models using linear splines
Authors: Misztal I. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryProperties of random regression models using linear splines (RRMS) were evaluated with respect to scale of parameters, numerical properties, changes in variances and strategies to select the number and positions of knots. Parameters in RRMS are similar to those in multiple trait models with traits corresponding to points at knots. RRMS have good numerical properties because of generally superior numerical properties of splines compared with polynomials and sparser system of equations. These models also contain artefacts in terms of depression of variances and predictions in the middle of intervals between the knots, and inflation of predictions close to knots; the artefacts become smaller as correlations corresponding to adjacent knots increase. The artefacts can be greatly reduced by a simple modification to covariables. With the modification, the accuracy of RRMS increases only marginally if the correlations between the adjacent knots are ≥0.6. In practical analyses the knots for each effect in RRMS can be selected so that: (i) they cover the entire trajectory; (ii) changes in variances in intervals between the knots are approximately linear; and (iii) the correlations between the adjacent knots are at least 0.6. RRMS allow for simple and numerically stable implementations of genetic evaluations with artefacts present but transparent and easily controlled.
Phytophthora Root Rot: Assessing the potential threat to Australia's oldest national park
Authors: Walsh Jillian L. , Keith David A. , McDougall Keith L. , Summerell Brett A. , Whelan Robert J. 
Published: March 2006

Summary  Royal National Park, Australia's oldest national park, is a significant reserve for conservation of the flora and fauna that are characteristic of the Hawkesbury Sandstone in New South Wales. Since at least 1974, Phytophthora Root Rot (caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi) has been known to occur in the Park, but there is no knowledge of the extent of infestation or the potential impacts of the disease within the Park. This study investigated the distribution of the pathogen within Royal National Park at two scales: a systematic survey by vegetation type, and a targeted survey of populations of Waratah and Spear Grass‐tree. These two species are known to be susceptible to Phytophthora Root Rot and are therefore potential indicators of the impact of the pathogen on vegetation in Royal National Park. Phytophthora cinnamomi was recovered from all vegetation types sampled but most commonly in heathland/open scrub vegetation. The pathogen was easily recovered from sites containing Spear Grass‐tree, but was not isolated from any sites containing Waratah. Because of the widespread distribution of P. cinnamomi, we conclude that hygiene measures will be of little use to prevent the spread of the pathogen within Royal National Park. Monitoring of the occurrence and spread of disease symptoms in plants and applying phosphite to protect susceptible rare or threatened flora may be the most appropriate management options.
MAMMARY DUCT FISTULAE: CLASSIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Almasad Jamal K. 
Published: March 2006

Background:  The aim of the present study was to review the management of mammary duct fistulae and propose a classification that could be useful in planning the management of mammary duct fistulae.Methods:  Sixteen women presented with a mammary duct fistula, two of whom had two fistulae. The data analysed included age, smoking habit, previous abscesses, nipple abnormalities, imaging, culture, operative technique and histopathological findings.Results:  The average follow up was 28 months, the mean age was 36.5 years and two women were heavy smokers. Nipple abnormalities were found in five (32%) patients, the average number of abscesses before the presentation was 1.8 and Staphylococcus coagulase negative predominated the culture. Eleven (69%) patients underwent total excision of the ductal system and fistulous tract using a technique modified by the author. Five patients were offered conservative treatment; however, one of the patients refused surgical treatment, but was still followed up in the present study. Histopathological results revealed periductal mastitis in 10 patients, idiopathic granulomatous mastitis in five patients and tuberculous mastitis in one patient.Conclusion:  Deep mammary duct fistulae are directly related to a diseased ductal system and should be differentiated from superficial fistulae, which result from the infection of the subepidermal mammary glands. Deep fistulae that result from periductal mastitis should be treated by total excision of the ductal system in conjunction with the fistulous tract under antibiotics to ensure the lowest rate of recurrence. The technique used in the present study resulted in negligible morbidity and good cosmetic appearance. A trial of conservative treatment should be recommended for fistulae resulting from idiopathic granulomatous mastitis; however, further studies are required to establish the best treatment.
SURGICAL MARGIN AND ITS INFLUENCE ON SURVIVAL IN SOFT TISSUE SARCOMA
Authors: Dickinson Ian C. , Whitwell Duncan J. , Battistuta Diane , Thompson Bridie , Strobel Nichola , Duggal Amit , Steadman Peter 
Published: March 2006

Background:  The goal of surgeons treating soft tissue sarcoma is to gain local control, to avoid risk of local recurrence and to avoid compromise of the patient's potential survival. The aim of the investigation was to assess the significance of the extent of surgical margin on the chance of death, metastasis and local recurrence.Methods:  Two hundred and seventy‐nine patients who presented with soft tissue sarcoma without metastatic disease were analysed.Results:  The extent of the surgical margin was not clinically or statistically significant in the development of metastatic disease. The presence of a contaminated surgical margin led to a significantly higher rate of local recurrence (as did a narrow surgical margin less than 1 mm). A margin greater than 1 mm allowed a satisfactory outcome in terms of low local recurrence rates. In terms of overall survival, the failure to achieve a wide surgical margin (wide contaminated margin) led to an increased relative death rate. However, when the margin was not contaminated (even if the margin was very close, less than 1 mm), the overall survival rate was similar across all groups. Patients who had radical resections did poorly; they generally belonged to a group in which palliative surgery was carried out, and they showed very high relative metastasis and death rates.Conclusion:  The present study provides statistically significant evidence that increasing the width of resection improves local control and overall survival.
SURGERY FOR ACUTE ABDOMINAL CONDITIONS IN INTELLECTUALLY‐DISABLED ADULTS
Authors: Khalid Kamran , Al‐Salamah Saleh M. 
Published: March 2006

Background:  Intellectually‐disabled patients with acute abdominal conditions are susceptible to late diagnosis and adverse outcome due to impaired communication, altered behaviour, neurological impairment, associated congenital anomalies, variable reaction to pain and drugs and various difficulties in perioperative management. The present study aims to present the experience of surgery for acute abdominal conditions in intellectually‐disabled patients. Various difficulties encountered during the management are highlighted and measures to overcome these problems are discussed.Methods:  A prospective descriptive population study was performed through the prospective collection of data on consecutive intellectually‐disabled adults operated for acute abdominal conditions over a 5‐year period. Study parameters included demographic details, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, operative findings and outcome in terms of morbidity and mortality.Results:  Of 19 men and three women with a mean age of 28.3 years, anorexia, vomiting, and increasing abdominal distension were the most common presenting features. History of pica was available in 36.4% of patients. Intestinal obstruction, acute appendicitis, volvulus and pseudo‐obstruction of the colon were the most frequently encountered conditions. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 33 and 23%, respectively.Conclusion:  Intellectually‐disabled patients demand particular clinical expertise owing to various difficulties inherent to their mental and physical disabilities. Short history, anorexia, vomiting and abdominal distension should make the clinician aware of the possibility of an acute abdominal condition. History of pica should be considered a serious clinical correlate. A high index of clinical suspicion, intensive perioperative care and low threshold for an early operation are recommended to reduce the higher morbidity and mortality figures.
SURGICAL DEXTERITY AFTER A ‘NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN’
Authors: Kocher HEMANT M. , Warwick JANE , Al‐Ghnaniem REYAD , Patel AMEET G. 
Published: March 2006

Background:  This study examines the effect of alcohol intake on surgical dexterity immediately after and the morning after alcohol intake and minimal sleep deprivation by simulating a typical night out on the town.Methods:  Five surgeons (all men, aged 31–40 years) were trained on a laparoscopic surgical simulator (minimally invasive surgical trainer‐virtual reality) to reach a desired standard of performance. Three experimental settings were used: (i) a control night with no alcohol and full night's sleep; (ii) a sham night out (sleep deprived) without alcohol; and (iii) a night out with alcohol ad libitum. The parameters recorded were the average time taken to carry out a task, error rate, average diathermy time and diathermy (damage) time to main object. Comparisons between baseline readings, those in the middle of the night and those of the following morning were made by applying ANOVA methods after logarithmic transformation of the data.Results:  The candidates consumed, on average, 10.33 units (range, 6–15 units) of alcohol and had 0.86% (range, 0.71–1.1%) of breath alcohol levels and an average of 3.75 h (range, 3–5 h) of sleep after a typical night out. The morning‐after breath alcohol levels were 0%. There was significant deterioration in performance, as measured by all indicators, immediately after alcohol consumption. The adverse effects on time taken to complete the task and total diathermy time were still apparent the morning after. The sham night out appeared to affect only ‘time parameters’. No significant changes in performance were seen in the control setting.Conclusion:  Both alcohol consumption and sleep deprivation adversely affect the ability to carry out surgical procedures. Our simulation study suggests that the adverse effects of alcohol intake persist the following morning.
BENEFITS OF EARLY AGGRESSIVE MANAGEMENT OF EMPYEMA THORACIS
Authors: Bilgin Mehmet , Akcali Yigit , Oguzkaya Fahri 
Published: March 2006

Background:  The end‐target of the management of thoracic empyema is to obtain early rehabilitation by re‐expansion of the trapped lung resulting from intrapleural infected material. Our aim was to shorten the hospitalization time and to prevent a possible thoracotomy by using video‐assisted thoracoscopy initially.Methods:  Seventy patients with parapneumonic empyema were prospectively studied between January 1997 and June 2004. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group I (n = 35 patients), a chest tube was inserted into the patients after pleural content was evacuated and fibrins were debrided using video‐assisted thoracoscopy. In group II (n = 35 patients), tube thoracostomy was carried out without using a video‐assisted thoracoscope. Both groups were compared in terms of hospitalization time, open surgery for decortication and complications.Results:  There was no statistically significant difference between the groups from the point of view of age and sex (P > 0.05). In group I, 17.1% of the patients underwent open decortication, whereas in group II, 37.1% of the patients underwent the same procedure (P < 0.05). Whereas average hospital stay in group I was 8.3 days (range, 7–11 days), it was 12.8 days in group II (range, 10–18 days; P < 0.05). There was one bronchopleural fistula in group I, and there was one bronchopleural fistula and one death in group II.Conclusion:  Video‐assisted thoracoscopic evacuation and chest tube insertion in situ is a new therapeutic approach for pleural empyema that shortens hospital stay and reduces the necessity of open decortication.
INCIDENTAL THYROID CARCINOMA IN A LARGE SERIES OF CONSECUTIVE PATIENTS OPERATED ON FOR BENIGN THYROID DISEASE
Authors: Miccoli Paolo , Minuto Michele N. , Galleri David , D’Agostino Jacopo , Basolo Fulvio , Antonangeli Lucia , Aghini‐Lombardi Fabrizio , Berti Piero 
Published: March 2006

Background:  The diagnosis of incidental thyroid carcinoma (ITC) in patients operated on for a benign disease is frequent. This study aims to determine both its clinical effect and the possibility of identifying this class of patients preoperatively.Methods:  A total of 998 consecutive patients (697 women and 301 men; mean age, 49.5 years) undergoing surgery for benign thyroid pathology in a single institution were studied. The mean time between first diagnosis of thyroid disease and operation was 9.0 years (range, 0–50 years). All patients underwent at least one ultrasonography before surgery, and 678 patients underwent fine‐needle aspiration cytology. Patients with undetermined cytology or follicular nodules were excluded from the study.Results:  Histology revealed an ITC in 104 patients (10.4%): 99 had a papillary carcinoma. Mean and median diameters of ITC were 1.4 and 0.7 cm, respectively (range, 0.1–7.5 cm). In 43 patients, the tumour size was greater than 1 cm, whereas it exceeded 2 cm in 25 patients. Tumours were multicentric in 19.8% of the patients and occurred in 8.2% of patients with nodular toxic goiter, 8.7% of patients with toxic diffuse goiter and 13.8% of patients with multinodular goiter.Discussion:  The results confirm the high frequency of ITC. ITC was more frequent in euthyroid patients than in thyrotoxic patients (P < 0.03). Sex, age, thyroid volume and interval between diagnosis and surgery did not significantly influence its incidence. The majority of ITC was represented by microcarcinomas, but in approximately 25% of patients, the tumour size was greater than 2 cm. The role played by FNAC in excluding malignancies proved to be fairly inconclusive.