bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Methylation of the PcMYB10 Promoter Is Associated with Green-Skinned Sport in Max Red Bartlett Pear
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Meng Dong , Wang Aide , Li Tianlai , Jiang Shuling , Cong Peihua , Li Tianzhong 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Varieties of the European pear (Pyrus communis) can produce trees with both red- and green-skinned fruits, such as the Max Red Bartlett (MRB) variety, although little is known about the mechanism behind this differential pigmentation. In this study, we investigated the pigmentation of MRB and its green-skinned sport (MRB-G). The results suggest that a reduction in anthocyanin concentration causes the MRB-G sport. Transcript levels of PcUFGT (for UDP-glucose:flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase), the key structural gene in anthocyanin biosynthesis, paralleled the change of anthocyanin concentration in both MRB and MRB-G fruit. We cloned the PcMYB10 gene, a transcription factor associated with the promoter of PcUFGT. An investigation of the 2-kb region upstream of the ATG translation start site of PcMYB10 showed the regions −604 to −911 bp and −1,218 to −1,649 bp to be highly methylated. A comparison of the PcMYB10 promoter methylation level between the MRB and MRB-G forms indicated a correlation between hypermethylation and the green-skin phenotype. An Agrobacterium tumefaciens infiltration assay was conducted on young MRB fruits by using a plasmid constructed to silence endogenous PcMYB10 via DNA methylation. The infiltrated fruits showed blocked anthocyanin biosynthesis, higher methylation of the PcMYB10 promoter, and lower expression of PcMYB10 and PcUFGT. We suggest that the methylation level of PcMYB10 is associated with the formation of the green-skinned sport in the MRB pear. The potential mechanism behind the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis is discussed.
Earnings management, institutional shareholdings, and performance of SEO firms
Authors: Yang Wen‐Ben , Hsu Junming , Yang Tung‐Hsiao 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the interaction between earnings management and institutional shareholdings of firms conducting seasoned equity offerings (SEOs).Design/methodology/approachThe authors work on three issues: first, whether earnings management of firms conducting seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) affects institutional investors' investment in their stocks; second, whether SEO firms' earnings management induces insider selling; and third, whether earnings management and changes in old and new institutional shareholdings around SEOs can jointly predict the long‐run post‐issue performance.FindingsThe results show that firms with aggressive earnings management attract more new institutions to buy their shares and induce heavy insider selling after SEOs, but perform worse in the long run. Firms with conservative earnings management and a significant increase in new institutional shareholdings after SEOs perform well.Originality/valueThese results reveal that issuers manage earnings aggressively to be better off in the short run by obtaining more funds, receiving new institutional investment, and possibly allowing their insiders to sell stocks at higher prices, but to make shareholders worse off in long run by reducing their wealth. The positive relation between new institutions' participation and issuers' performance implies that some of these institutions have private information about or can effectively monitor SEO firms.
Polarisation of the society: a possible outcome of the economic crisis?
Authors: Deli‐Gray Zsuzsa , Árva Lászlo , Matura Tamás 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the results of an empirical research whose objective was the analysis of the impact of the actual economic crisis on the expectations, preferences and attitudes of the Hungarian people towards the purchase of food and household items in retail stores.Design/methodology/approachA review of literature is followed by the description and evaluation of an empirical research. A sample of 1,000 people was randomly selected and data were collected by a pre‐tested questionnaire. By main component analyses 12 main components were identified and a k‐component cluster analysis was performed.FindingsThe findings of the empirical research show that people of the same country react entirely differently to the crisis from a behavioural point of view and that in Hungary the economic crisis resulted in the social polarisation of the citizens.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides evidence for the social polarisation of the Hungarian people which has a serious impact on their purchases in retail stores and which makes the retail store managers rethink their actual strategy and positioning. As the crisis continues there is room for a longitudinal study in the country and for a comparative cross cultural study in the region.Originality/valueThe paper shows an original approach of analysing how the Hungarian people's purchases of food and household items changed after the break‐out of the economic crises by using behavioural and psychographic variables as the basis of evaluations.
Mixed convective flow of a dusty fluid over a vertical stretching sheet with non‐uniform heat source/sink and radiation
Authors: Gireesha B.J. , Chamkha A.J. , Manjunatha S. , Bagewadi C.S. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the problem of two‐dimensional unsteady mixed convective flow a dusty fluid over a stretching sheet in the presence of thermal radiation and space‐dependent heat source/sink.Design/methodology/approachThe equations governing the fluid flow and temperature fields for both the fluid and dust phases are reduced to coupled non‐linear ordinary differential equations by using a suitable set of similarity transformations. Numerical solutions of the resulting equations are obtained using the well known RKF45 method.FindingsThe numerical results are benchmarked with previously published studies and found to be in excellent agreement. Finally, the effects of the pertinent parameters which are of physical and engineering interest on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are presented graphically and in tabulated form.Originality/valueThe problem is relatively original as the dusty fluid works for this type of problem are lacking.
Designing appropriate valuation model for sustainable property tax system in developing countries
Authors: Babawale G.K. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis study seeks to contrive a sustainable valuation model for developing countries: a model that reasonably combines simplicity with equity, cost effectiveness, transparency, and the peculiarities of the local market place for improved revenue yields.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws from theory, experiences of other nations and international best practices to arrive at what should be the most appropriate tax base, valuation basis, valuation method, and the most expedient valuation approach for developing countries.FindingsUsing Lagos State, Nigeria to demonstrate the application of the contrived conceptual framework, the study, among others, recommended for her urban areas, a combination of modified mass appraisal technique, modified UK's “property banding” technique, and discrete valuation to reflect the diverse distribution of her property stock. Others include a ten‐yearly comprehensive revaluation and indexation for the annual or periodic adjustments during the intervening periods.Social implicationsProperty tax remains, among known local taxes today, the most viable, stable, predictable, progressive, and veritable source of own revenue for a truly independent local government administration. However, while developed countries have been able to tap these potentials to a good advantage for both fiscal and non‐fiscal goals; it is regrettable that the experience of most developing countries has not been equally satisfactory. Inappropriate valuation process, among others, remains a component of the tax system that is misguided and surrounded with much misgiving; hence a revisit.Originality/valueGiven the peculiar characteristics of the property valuation environment of developing countries, the highly simplified but pragmatic valuation model proposed is expected to birth a sustainable property tax system anchored on equity, cost effectiveness, ease of administration, and enhanced valuation ratio, with potentials for improved compliance and tax revenue yields.
Factors influencing the implementation of clean energy interventions in low‐income urban communities in South Africa
Authors: Elizabeth Streeter Alida (Leandi) , de Jongh Derick 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis study aims to identify the key factors that influence the successful implementation of clean energy interventions in low‐income urban communities in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe study took the form of three phases: an explorative, primary data‐gathering process through semi‐structured interviews where secondary data were made available by respondents in the form of official project reports; data analysis of the primary qualitative, explorative, semi‐structured interview data and the secondary documentary data obtained with consent; and identifying and describing the key factors which influence the implementation of clean energy interventions in low income‐urban communities.FindingsThe results indicated that although many important factors were identified throughout this research, the ultimate success of the implementation of clean energy interventions in these communities lies not only in the clean energy interventions themselves, but rather hinges on nine key factors: project planning and development; community participation; community employment; political buy‐in; communication and engagement; beneficiary criteria; installation and maintenance; project management; and technology and suppliers.Originality/valueThe findings from this study provide useful insights to all stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of clean energy interventions in low‐income urban communities.
Recurrent response to advanced lung adenocarcinoma with erlotinib developing leptomeningeal metastases during gefitinib therapy and two case reports
Authors: Xing Puyuan , Li Junling , Shi Yuankai , Zhang Xiangru 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundEpidermal growth factor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) are one of the effective medicines in advanced lung adenocarcinoma leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) treatment in recent years.MethodsThis paper reports two cases of advanced lung adenocarcinoma with exon‐EGFR19 mutation. LM occurred during gefitinib treatment with an extracranial condition under control. Later, erlotinib was adopted with a recurrent response.ResultsThe progression free survival of both patients was over six months and their LM was under control for six and a half and nine months, respectively. LM may be sensitive on different levels to different EGFR‐TKIs.ConclusionErlotinib can be used to replace gefitinib if intracranial tumor progress occurs during gefitinib treatment. However, our conclusion still needs to be proven by further clinical research.
Junior doctors' perceptions of their self‐efficacy in prescribing, their prescribing errors and the possible causes of errors
Authors: Ryan Cristín , Ross Sarah , Davey Peter , Duncan Eilidh M. , Fielding Shona , Francis Jill J. , Johnston Marie , Ker Jean , Lee Amanda Jane , MacLeod Mary Joan , Maxwell Simon , McKay Gerard , McLay James , Webb David J. , Bond Christine 
Published: April 2013

AimsThe aim of the study was to explore and compare junior doctors' perceptions of their self‐efficacy in prescribing, their prescribing errors and the possible causes of those errors.MethodsA cross‐sectional questionnaire study was distributed to foundation doctors throughout Scotland, based on Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and Human Error Theory (HET).ResultsFive hundred and forty‐eight questionnaires were completed (35.0% of the national cohort). F1s estimated a higher daytime error rate [median 6.7 (IQR 2–12.4)] than F2s [4.0 IQR (0–10) (P = 0.002)], calculated based on the total number of medicines prescribed. The majority of self‐reported errors (250, 49.2%) resulted from unintentional actions. Interruptions and pressure from other staff were commonly cited causes of errors. F1s were more likely to report insufficient prescribing skills as a potential cause of error than F2s (P = 0.002). The prescribers did not believe that the outcomes of their errors were serious. F2s reported higher self‐efficacy scores than F1s in most aspects of prescribing (P < 0.001).ConclusionFoundation doctors were aware of their prescribing errors, yet were confident in their prescribing skills and apparently complacent about the potential consequences of prescribing errors. Error causation is multi‐factorial often due to environmental factors, but with lack of knowledge also contributing. Therefore interventions are needed at all levels, including environmental changes, improving knowledge, providing feedback and changing attitudes towards the role of prescribing as a major influence on patient outcome.
Is robotic‐assisted ventral mesh rectopexy superior to laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy in the management of obstructed defaecation?
Authors: Mantoo S. , Podevin J. , Regenet N. , Rigaud J. , Lehur P.‐A. , Meurette G. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimFunction, morbidity and recurrence of symptoms after robotic‐assisted ventral mesh rectopexy (RVMR) and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) were compared.MethodForty‐four patients operated on for PFD with RVMR were compared with 74 of 144 patients who had had LVMR performed between 2008 and 2011. The groups were matched for age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists status and previous hysterectomy. The same surgical technique and type of mesh were used. Early postoperative morbidity and function [obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS), incontinence scores (CCF) and sexual activity] were compared.ResultsOperation time was longer in RVMR compared with LVMR (191 ± 26 vs 163 ± 39 min; P = 0.0002). RVMR showed less blood loss (8 ± 34 vs 42 ± 88 ml; P = 0.012) and fewer early complications (2% vs 11%; P = 0.019). ODS and CCF scores improved in both groups. Patients after RVMR reported a better improvement in digitation, straining and satisfaction after defaecation. There was a statistically significant difference in the postoperative ODS score in favour of RVMR (P = 0.004). Sexually active patients in both groups reported a similar improvement. There was no difference in early recurrence (P = 0.692).ConclusionAlthough not a randomized comparison, this study shows that ventral mesh rectopexy performed by the robot was followed by better function then LVMR.
Factors associated with postoperative morbidity, reoperation and readmission rates after laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Gu J. , Stocchi L. , Remzi F. , Kiran R. P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy (TAC) with end ileostomy (EI) for ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodPatients undergoing laparoscopic TAC/EI for severe UC/indeterminate colitis in our institution between 1998 and 2010 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively established database. Demographics, disease characteristics and perioperative outcomes were recorded. Associations between the 30‐day postoperative outcome and patient‐, disease‐ and treatment‐related variables were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsTwo hundred and four patients (105 men, median age 35.5 years) were identified. The conversion rate was 4.4%. Median blood loss and operation time were 100 ml and 185 min. Length of hospital stay was 5.8 ± 4.4 days. Overall postoperative morbidity, reoperation and readmission rates were 40, 7 and 17%, respectively Preoperative treatment with high steroid doses was significantly associated with postoperative morbidity on multivariate analysis (P = 0.011). Univariate analysis showed that lower preoperative body mass index (BMI), haemoglobin, serum albumin level and pancolitis were associated with reoperation, of which a lower BMI (P = 0.043) was also independently significant on multivariate analysis. No specific factor was significantly associated with readmission.ConclusionPreoperative clinical deterioration is associated with an adverse outcome after laparoscopic TAC for UC.
Parallel evolution of novelties: extremely long intromittent organs in the leaf beetle subfamily Criocerinae
Authors: Matsumura Yoko , Machida Ryuichiro , Wipfler Benjamin , Beutel Rolf G. , Yoshizawa Kazunori 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTExtreme elongation of a part of the intromittent organ, the flagellum, has occurred several times in Criocerinae (Chrysomelidae). These leaf beetles have acquired a specialized pocket to store the flagellum in the abdominal cavity, at the same time allowing a quick control of movements of this structure during copulation. We investigated the morphogenesis of the intromittent organs of species with and without a flagellum to discuss the evolutionary background of parallel evolution of novel structures. We found that the specialized pocket is formed by the invagination of an epidermal layer and a resultant rotation of the primary gonopore. Invaginationitselfis a well‐known phenomenon in morphogenetic processes, which leads us to hypothesize that the novelty is formed by co‐opting a previously acquired genetic system. A large open‐space is present within the intromittent organ during the entire morphogenesis in species without a flagellum, and the invagination in the species with a flagellum grows in the corresponding area. This means that there are no physical impediments for the growth of a large pocket. In addition the sites of muscular attachments in the species with a flagellum are also different from those without it. The differentiation of muscles is completed immediately before adult emergence, which means the muscles are adjustable during the entire morphogenesis in this group. Simple modifications probably based on a co‐option of previously acquired genetic systems, the potential space for adding a new element, and an adjustable factor in morphogenesis of the intromittent organ facilitate the parallel evolution of the extreme elongation.
Efficacy of cyclo‐oxygenase inhibition by two commercially available firocoxib products in horses
Authors: Barton M. H. , Paske E. , Norton N. , King D. , Giguère S. , Budsberg S. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyTwo firocoxib preparations for oral use are approved for use in animals in many countries: a chewable canine tablet and an equine paste. In order to reduce costs, many veterinarians use the canine product in horses even though this is an off‐label use of the preparation.ObjectiveTo determine the relative efficacy of 2 commercially available firocoxib products to inhibit prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis after oral dosing in horses.Study designA crossover design using 8 adult horses (n = 4 for each preparation during each treatment period). Body weight range 532–614 kg.MethodsHorses received 57 mg of the assigned firocoxib preparation orally once daily for 7 days, with a 14 day washout period between drug crossover. Ten healthy adult light breed horses were used as no‐treatment controls. During each treatment period, blood was taken before dosing on Days 0 and 7 and on Day 7 1 h after dosing for ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation to induce (PGE2) synthesis. Heparinised plasma was also collected on Day 7 immediately prior to and 1 h after dosing to determine plasma firocoxib concentrations.ResultsIn the control group, there was no significant change in LPS‐induced PGE2 over time. In contrast, immediately prior to and 1 h after treatment on Day 7, the mean LPS‐induced PGE2 concentration decreased significantly compared to Day 0 values in all treated horses. There was no difference in PGE2 or plasma firocoxib concentrations between firocoxib treatment groups.ConclusionIn this model, the canine chewable preparation of firocoxib was as effective as the equine paste formulation at reducing LPS‐induced PGE2 synthesis.Potential relevanceThe canine chewable preparation of firocoxib may be a suitable alternative to the paste formulation in horses for situations where extra‐label drug use can be legally justified.The Summary is available in Chinese ‐ see Supporting information.
The architecture of Trypanosoma brucei tubulin‐binding cofactor B and implications for function
Authors: Fleming Jennifer R. , Morgan Rachel E. , Fyfe Paul K. , Kelly Sharon M. , Hunter William N. 
Published: April 2013

Tubulin‐binding cofactor (TBC)‐B is implicated in the presentation of α‐tubulin ready to polymerize, and at the correct levels to form microtubules. Bioinformatics analyses, including secondary structure prediction, CD, and crystallography, were combined to characterize the molecular architecture of Trypanosoma brucei TBC‐B. An efficient recombinant expression system was prepared, material‐purified, and characterized by CD. Extensive crystallization screening, allied with the use of limited proteolysis, led to structures of the N‐terminal ubiquitin‐like and C‐terminal cytoskeleton‐associated protein with glycine‐rich segment domains at 2.35‐Å and 1.6‐Å resolution, respectively. These are compact globular domains that appear to be linked by a flexible segment. The ubiquitin‐like domain contains two lysines that are spatially conserved with residues known to participate in ubiquitinylation, and so may represent a module that, through covalent attachment, regulates the signalling and/or protein degradation associated with the control of microtubule assembly, catastrophe, or function. The TBC‐B C‐terminal cytoskeleton‐associated protein with glycine‐rich segment domain, a known tubulin‐binding structure, is the only such domain encoded by the T. brucei genome. Interestingly, in the crystal structure, the peptide‐binding groove of this domain forms intermolecular contacts with the C‐terminus of a symmetry‐related molecule, an association that may mimic interactions with the C‐terminus of α‐tubulin or other physiologically relevant partners. The interaction of TBC‐B with the α‐tubulin C‐terminus may, in particular, protect from post‐translational modifications, or simply assist in the shepherding of the protein into polymerization.