bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urban dynamic real‐time distribution services
Authors: Zeimpekis Vasileios , Giaglis George M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe paper examines the circumstances of success in telematic use and strategic effects resulting from the implementation and use of such technologies from SMEs in the Greek Market.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on a three‐phased triangulated research methodology; that is literature review, interviews from 15 logistics directors and a questionnaire survey of 73 logistics SMEs in Greece.FindingsThe basic finding that has been derived from both phases 2 and 3 (survey and interviews) is that although the penetration of telematics is still low in Greece, logistics operators understand the importance of mobile services and they already know which they plan to their customers.Research limitations/implicationsAn inherent limitation of this survey is the fact that it address, like all surveys, the requirements of its respondents only, without taking into account.Originality/valueThis paper explores customer perceptions and requirements for the implementation of mobile real‐time support services for city logistics. The requirements, elicited by the results of the survey, are used to propose a systemic representation of a real‐time vehicle management mechanism for urban transportation.
Success factors in ERP systems implementations
Authors: Soja Piotr 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo reveal the mechanisms determining the success of ERP implementations on the basis of research conducted among practitioners dealing with ERP projects.Design/methodology/approachA collection of potential ERP implementation success factors was identified. The respondents expressed their opinions concerning the importance of subsequent factors for implementation success and about the factors' appearance in their projects. The synthetic measure of implementation success was constructed and the factors' impact on the implementation project success was examined. Then, the most influential factors for the ERP implementation success were selected.FindingsRecognises the factors that have the greatest influence on implementation success, regardless of the project type. Moreover, the leading roles of certain factors appear among specific project groups. The practitioners do not appreciate the significance of particular factors which have an important influence on project success. Nevertheless, some factors, such as project manager presence, are overestimated. Some differences in perceptions and attitudes between parties involved in an implementation project were revealed.Research limitations/implicationsThe need for further research on the success factors' verification depending on the project type, with possible introduction of additional criteria such as enterprise industry.Practical implicationsThe research outcome is useful for professionals leading implementation projects and those making decisions for the first time on ERP system implementation. The results can be used by practitioners while managing the project and handling people's attitudes.Originality/valueThis paper proves the influence of particular factors on the ERP projects success in certain circumstances, thus giving insight into the genuine mechanisms determining ERP project outcome.
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of bovine lactoferrin in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ueno Hideki , Sato Tosiya , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Tanaka Katsuaki , Ohkawa Shinichi , Takagi Hitoshi , Yokosuka Osamu , Furuse Junji , Saito Hidetsugu , Sawaki Akira , Kasugai Hiroshi , Osaki Yukio , Fujiyama Shigetoshi , Sato Keiko , Wakabayashi Keiji , Okusaka Takuji 
Published: July 2006

Several studies have suggested that lactoferrin administration may decrease the serum level of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The aim of the present study was to confirm the efficacy of orally administered bovine lactoferrin (bLF) in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The patients with chronic hepatitis C randomly received either oral bLF at a dose of 1.8 g daily for 12 weeks, or an oral placebo. The primary endpoint was the virologic response, defined as a 50% or greater decrease in serum HCV RNA level at 12 weeks compared with the baseline. The secondary endpoint was the biochemical response, which was defined as a 50% or greater decrease in the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level at 12 weeks compared with the baseline. One hundred and ninety‐eight of 199 patients were evaluable for efficacy and safety. bLF treatment was well tolerated and no serious toxicities were observed. A virologic response was achieved in 14 of 97 patients (14.4%) in the bLF group, and 19 of 101 (18.8%) in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in virologic response rates between the two groups (−4.4%, 95% confidence interval −14.8, 6.1). In addition, bLF intake did not have any favorable effect on the serum ALT level. The virologic responses were not different between two groups in any subgroup analysis. In conclusion, orally administered bLF does not demonstrate any significant efficacy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1105–1110)
Suppression of azoxymethane‐induced colon cancer development in rats by a cyclooxygenase‐1 selective inhibitor, mofezolac
Authors: Niho Naoko , Kitamura Tomohiro , Takahashi Mami , Mutoh Michihiro , Sato Hidetaka , Matsuura Mamoru , Sugimura Takashi , Wakabayashi Keiji 
Published: July 2006

We demonstrated recently that mofezolac, a cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) selective inhibitor, suppresses the development of azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced colonic aberrant crypt foci in F344 rats and intestinal polyps in APC1309 mice. In the present study, we therefore investigated the effects of mofezolac on colon cancer development. Male F344 rats were injected subcutaneously with 15 mg/kg body weight of AOM in the back twice at 7‐day intervals from 5 weeks of age, and fed a diet containing 600 or 1200 ppm mofezolac for 32 weeks, starting 1 day before the first dosing of AOM. Treatment with 1200 ppm mofezolac significantly reduced the incidence, multiplicity and volume of colon carcinomas to 79%, 2.15 ± 1.65 and 7.5 ± 11.8 mm3, respectively, compared with 94%, 3.19 ± 1.87 and 23.7 ± 31.2 mm3 in the AOM treatment alone. Administration of 600 ppm mofezolac showed only a slight reduction. No side effects were observed in any of the groups. These results confirm that COX‐1, as well as COX‐2, contributes to colon carcinogenesis and that mofezolac may be a good chemopreventive agent for human colon cancer. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1011–1014)
Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Allen M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryAn increasing number of patients are now treated cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators and the technology of these is constantly changing. It is vital to have a good understanding of how they function and what the real risks are. Understanding how the device should work when functioning normally, and the possible effects of electromagnetic interference, is paramount to their safe management in the peri‐operative period. Knowing when a device should be disabled or reprogrammed requires careful consideration. Information from the patient's pacemaker clinic should be sought whenever possible and can be invaluable. In addition, the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have published the first set of UK guidelines on the management of implantable devices in the presence of surgical diathermy and this will undoubtedly provide a firm foundation on which anaesthetists can base much of their practice.
The use of pre‐operative intrathecal morphine for analgesia following coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Roediger L. , Joris J. , Senard M. , Larbuisson R. , Canivet J. L. , Lamy M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWith the emergence of rapid extubation protocols following cardiac surgery, providing adequate analgesia in the early postoperative period is important. This prospective randomised double‐blind study investigated the benefits of pre‐operative intrathecal administration of low dose morphine in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Postoperative analgesia, pulmonary function, stress response and postoperative recovery profile were assessed. Thirty patients were allocated into two groups, receiving either 500 μg of morphine intrathecally prior to anaesthesia and intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia with morphine postoperatively following tracheal extubation, or only postoperative intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia. In the intrathecal group, the total consumption of intravenous morphine following surgery was significantly reduced by 40% and patients reported lower pain scores at rest, during the first 24 h following extubation. Peak expiratory flow rate was greater and postoperative catecholamine release was significantly lower. Patients in the control group had a higher incidence of reduced respiratory rate following extubation.
The effect of cigarette smoking on the hypnotic efficacy of propofol
Authors: Lysakowski C. , Dumont L. , Czarnetzki C. , Bertrand D. , Tassonyi E. , Tramèr M. R. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe bispectral index (BIS) was used to examine the hypnotic efficacy of propofol in 25 smokers (20 cigarettes/day for 2 years) and 24 matched non‐smokers (same gender, age, height, weight). BIS was recorded at baseline, at four incremental effect‐site concentrations of propofol and at loss of consciousness. Compared with non‐smokers, smokers were found to have higher BIS values at baseline (mean (SD)) (97 (1)vs98 (1)), at 0.7 μg.ml−1(95 (3)vs97 (1)) and at 1.1 μg.ml−1(89 (6)vs94 (4)), p = 0.0099, and they lost consciousness at higher propofol concentrations (2.0 (0.4)vs2.4 (0.8) μg.ml−1), p = 0.03, and at lower BIS values (66 (10)vs60 (10)), p = 0.04. The hypnotic efficacy of propofol is reduced when used at low effect‐site concentrations in smokers. This phenomenon may have some impact on the management of smokers undergoing sedation using target controlled infusion systems.
Needle stick injuries: a comparison of practice and attitudes in two UK District General Hospitals*
Authors: Raghavendran S. , Bagry H. S. , Leith S. , Budd J. M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryHospital staff are at risk from occupational exposure to blood‐borne viruses due to needle stick injuries. Occupational health departments have invested considerable resources in the prevention of these injuries, which can be very distressing to the affected individuals. We surveyed health care workers, i.e. doctors, nurses and operating department practitioners, in the operating theatre and critical care units of two UK hospitals located in the Midlands and Merseyside to compare attitudes and experiences. There were significant deficiencies in several aspects of the safe practice of universal precautions. These deficiencies were similar in the two hospitals surveyed and may reflect a national trend. We conclude that every individual, department and trust needs to reflect on their practice and address these deficiencies.
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) in severe falciparum malaria
Authors: Kendrick B. J. L. , Gray A. G. , Pickworth A. , Watters M. P. R. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryDrotrecogin alfa (activated) is a drug licensed for the treatment of severe sepsis. We describe the care of a 61‐year‐old man who developed multi‐organ failure secondary to severe falciparum malaria infection with parasitaemia levels of 40%. Included in his care were an exchange blood transfusion and an infusion of Drotrecogin alfa (activated). Within hours of starting the infusion of Drotrecogin alfa (activated), the patient's clinical condition stopped deteriorating. Steady improvement followed with weaning from ventilatory assistance on day 14 post admission. The patient made a full recovery and was discharged home following rehabilitation. The indications for Drotrecogin alfa (activated) and the appropriateness of its use in severe malaria with multi‐organ failure are discussed. Drotrecogin alfa (activated) may be a useful treatment in patients with multi‐organ failure resulting from severe malaria.
Clinical implication of routine bacterial culture from epidural catheter tips in postoperative cancer patients: a prospective study
Authors: Mishra S. , Bhatnagar S. , Srikanti M. , Gupta D. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWe conducted a prospective study to determine the epidural tip culture pattern and its clinical implication in postoperative cancer patients. All patients scheduled to undergo various cancer surgeries requiring epidural analgesia were included. Epidural catheter tips were sent for culture on removal. Of the 466 epidural catheter tips sent for culture, 27 showed a positive culture (5.7%). The commonest organism identified was Staphylococcus aureus. There were no signs of local or epidural space infection in any of the patients. The rates of epidural catheter tip cultures in cancer patients are comparable to those in the general patients and the presence of a positive tip culture is not a predictor of epidural space infection. Hence, we recommend that even in cancer patients, routine culture of epidural catheters is not advisable, provided strict asepsis is maintained at the time of insertion, and patients are constantly monitored for early signs of epidural infection.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations and carotid artery intima‐media thickness among type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Targher Giovanni , Bertolini Lorenzo , Padovani Roberto , Zenari Luciano , Scala Luca , Cigolini Massimo , Arcaro Guido 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective  To estimate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among type 2 diabetic adults and to assess the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and intimal medial thickening (IMT) of the common carotid artery, a marker of preclinical atherosclerosis.Design, patients and measurements  We compared winter serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] concentrations in 390 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients and 390 nondiabetic controls who were comparable for age and sex. Common carotid IMT was measured with ultrasonography only in diabetic patients by a single trained operator blinded to subjects’ details.Results  The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (i.e. 25(OH)D ≤ 37·5 nmol/l) was higher in diabetic patients (34·0 vs 16·4%, P < 0·001) than in controls. Among diabetic patients, those with hypovitaminosis D (n = 130) had a marked increase in common carotid IMT (1·10 ± 0·15 vs 0·87 ± 0·14 mm, P < 0·001) when compared with their vitamin d‐sufficient counterparts (n = 260). These patients also had significantly higher haemoglobin A1c, fibrinogen and C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) concentrations. In multivariate regression analysis, low 25(OH)D concentrations independently predicted carotid IMT (P < 0·001) in people with type 2 diabetes after adjustment for classical risk factors, diabetes duration, HbA1c, calcium, renal function tests, inflammatory markers, use of medications, and presence of the metabolic syndrome (as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria).Conclusions  Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent in type 2 diabetic adults and is strongly and independently associated with increased carotid IMT. Further investigation into whether vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of atherosclerosis appears to be warranted.
Male infertility and androgen receptor gene mutations: clinical features and identification of seven novel mutations
Authors: Ferlin Alberto , Vinanzi Cinzia , Garolla Andrea , Selice Riccardo , Zuccarello Daniela , Cazzadore Carla , Foresta Carlo 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective  Androgens and a functioning androgen receptor (AR) are essential for development and maintenance of the male phenotype and spermatogenesis. Consistent with this, mutations in the AR gene cause a variety of defects related to androgen insensitivity, ranging from complete feminization to phenotypic males with infertility. The aim of his study was to analyse the prevalence of AR gene mutations in male infertility and to clarify the genotype‐phenotype relation.Design  Males with infertility were recruited consecutively at the Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation at the University of Padova from January 1996 to January 2005.Patients  One thousand five hundred and seventeen men with < 10 million sperm/ml and 310 age‐matched normozoospermic controls.Methods  Screening for AR gene mutation was done by DHPLC and sequencing, and reproductive hormone concentrations were measured.Results  We found 20 mutations in 26 of 1517 patients (1·7%) and no mutations in controls. A high number of mutations localized in exon 1 of the AR gene coding for the transactivation domain of the protein. Of 20 mutations, 7 represent novel mutations. With respect to men without AR mutations, subjects with AR mutations have lower ejaculate volume, higher testosterone levels, higher oestradiol levels, and higher androgen sensitivity index. However, the ranges for these variables were highly overlapping between men with and without AR gene mutations. Also clinical manifestations of AR mutations are not unique and 22 men had only spermatogenic impairment.Conclusions  AR gene mutations are quite frequent in unselected infertile men but no specific hormonal or clinical data could be used to preselect patients at risk of mutations.
Lack of trade‐off between direct and indirect defence against grape powdery mildew in riverbank grape
Authors: ENGLISH‐LOEB GREG , NORTON ANDREW 
Published: July 2006

Abstract 1. The hypothesis that plants that invest more in an indirect defence will invest less in direct mechanisms was tested using genotypes of the riverbank grape Vitis riparia that varied in expression of acarodomatia, tufts of non‐glandular trichomes on underside of leaves that are frequently occupied by mycophagous mites. Mycophagous mites in this system have been shown to protect vines from grape powdery mildew caused by the fungus Uncinula necator.2. Multiple cane cuttings from 24 genotypes of V. riparia, a species native to North America, were obtained from the USDA grape genetics repository and planted out in a common garden.3. Genotypes varied in size of acarodomatia by threefold and varied in density of mycophagous mites by over 10‐fold. Genotypes originating from the western part of the distribution had smaller acarodomatia and fewer mycophagous mites than genotypes from the eastern part of the distribution. There was a positive genetic correlation between acarodomatia size and mite density.4. In a separate experiment, where vines were kept free of mycophagous mites, genotypes showed 10‐fold variation in percentage leaf surface colonised by mildew. There was, however, no relationship between mildew on leaves and size of acarodomatia. Mildew did not vary depending on origin of genotype, although female vines tended to have greater levels than males.5. No evidence was found for a trade‐off between investment in an indirect defence mediated through acarodomatia and investment in direct defence against grape powdery mildew. Mite/plant defence mutualisms are contrasted with ant/plant defence mutualisms where there is better evidence for trade‐offs under field conditions.
Habitat temperature and the temporal scaling of cold hardening in the high Arctic collembolan,Hypogastrura tullbergi(Schäffer)
Authors: HAWES T. C. , COULDRIDGE C. E. , BALE J. S. , WORLAND M. R. , CONVEY P 
Published: July 2006

Abstract1. Cold tolerance is a fundamental adaptation of insects to high latitudes. Flexibility in the cold hardening process, in turn, provides a useful indicator of the extent to which polar insects can respond to spatial and temporal variability in habitat temperature.2. A scaling approach was adopted to investigate flexibility in the cold tolerance of the high Arctic collembolan,Hypogastrura tullbergi, over different time‐scales. The cold hardiness of animals was compared from diurnal warming and cooling phases in the field, and controlled acclimation and cooling treatments in the laboratory. Plasticity in acclimation responses was examined using three parameters: low temperature survival, cold shock survival, and supercooling points (SCPs).3. Over time‐scales of 24–48 h, both field animals from warm diurnal phases and laboratory cultures from a ‘warm’ acclimation regime (18 °C) consistently showed greater or equivalent cold hardiness to animals from cool diurnal phases and acclimation regimes (3 °C).4. No significant evidence was found of low temperature acclimation after either hours or days of low temperature exposure. The cold hardiness ofH. tullbergiremained ‘seasonal’ in character and mortality throughout was indicative of the summer state of acclimatization.5. These data suggest thatH. tullbergiemploys an ‘all or nothing’ cryoprotective strategy, cold hardening at seasonal but not diel‐temporal scales.6. It is hypothesised that rapid cold hardening offers little advantage to these high Arctic arthropods because sub‐zero habitat temperatures during the summer on West Spitsbergen are rare and behavioural migration into soil profiles offers sufficient buffering against low summer temperatures.
Differentiation between populations of a termite in eastern Africa: implications for biogeography
Authors: Wilfert Lena , Kaib Manfred , Durka Walter , Brandl Roland 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim  African forests are divided by an arid corridor which runs from the Horn of Africa to the Namib Desert. Several forest species occur in the forests of eastern Africa as well as in the Guineo‐Congolian forest block. We evaluate the possibility that such species may have crossed the arid corridor along a route through the Kenyan Highlands and down the eastern drainages during climatologically favourable periods in the past.Locations  Eastern Africa, Ivory Coast.Methods  We used the termite species Schedorhinotermes lamanianus (Sjöstedt). This species occurs in lowland forests and woodland throughout Africa south of the Sahara. We sampled termites from 12 populations. We evaluated the differentiation between populations using amplified fragment length polymorphisms as well as morphometrical measurements.Results  Genetic and morphometrical analysis demonstrated substantial differentiation between populations west and east of the arid corridor in Kenya. To the east of this corridor we found an increase of morphological distance with geographical distance. Schedorhinotermes lamanianus occurs not only along the coast but also at isolated locations (e.g. ground‐water forests in foothills) within the arid hinterland.Main conclusions  We interpret these populations as remnants of a wider distribution during wet climatic periods. At these times, populations of S. lamanianus were apparently able to establish along extensive gallery forests protruding into the arid belt of the Kenyan hinterland. There have been no connections between populations of this species east and west of the arid corridor across the Kenyan Highlands.