bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of geographical and ecological factors on island beta diversity patterns
Authors: Fattorini Simone 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim  To investigate the importance of various island characteristics in determining spatial patterns of variations in beta diversity for various animal groups.Location  Analyses are presented for 10 animal groups living on the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the central Mediterranean, near Sicily.Methods  Three hypotheses were formulated to explain patterns of beta diversity: the target‐area–distance effect, stepping stone dispersal and island age. Matrices of inter‐island dissimilarities were constructed under each hypothesis and correlated with matrices of faunal dissimilarities using Mantel tests. For the ‘target‐area–distance effect’ hypothesis, inter‐island dissimilarities were calculated using island sizes and distances to nearest mainland areas. For the ‘stepping stone dispersal’ hypothesis, inter‐island distances were measured. Finally, for the ‘island age’ hypothesis, inter‐island dissimilarities were calculated on the basis of the geological age of the islands. Cluster analysis was used to investigate inter‐island faunal relationships.Results  Support for a target‐area–distance effect was found only for birds. For these highly mobile animals, inter‐island distances had no significant effects on beta diversity. Birds are known to colonize islands by crossing large sea barriers and thus they can easily reach the Aeolian Islands, which are close to source areas (notably Sicily). Inter‐island distances had a significant role in determining patterns of beta diversity in most invertebrates. For Mollusca, Opiliones, Chilopoda, Heteroptera, coprophagous Scarabaeoidea, and Tenebrionidae, even relatively short distances preclude invertebrates from colonizing an island regularly from the mainland, and most colonization probably results from inter‐island faunal exchanges. Island age was proved to be important only for orthopterans.Main conclusions  The origin of most of the Aeolian invertebrate fauna is quite recent, and species appear to have established on the islands predominantly by stepping stone dispersal. Birds, which are highly mobile organisms, follow more direct mainland–island dynamics. As further studies on other islands become available, comparative analyses will confirm whether the factors influencing variations in beta diversity in this study and their relationships with species dispersal ability are consistent across scales and geographical context.
Maintaining gender sensitivity in the family practice: facilitators and barriers
Authors: Celik Halime , Lagro‐Janssen Toine , Klinge Ineke , Van Der Weijden Trudy , Widdershoven Guy 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Objective  This study aims to identify the facilitators and barriers perceived by General Practitioners (GPs) to maintain a gender perspective in family practice.
Methods  Nine semi‐structured interviews were conducted among nine pairs of GPs. The data were analysed by means of deductive content analysis using theory‐based methods to generate facilitators and barriers to gender sensitivity.
Results  Gender sensitivity in family practice can be influenced by several factors which ultimately determine the extent to which a gender sensitive approach is satisfactorily practiced by GPs in the doctor–patient relationship. Gender awareness, repetition and reminders, motivation triggers and professional guidelines were found to facilitate gender sensitivity. On the other hand, lacking skills and routines, scepticism, heavy workload and the timing of implementation were found to be barriers to gender sensitivity.
Conclusion  While the potential effect of each factor affecting gender sensitivity in family practice has been elucidated, the effects of the interplay between these factors still need to be determined.
When guidelines need guidance: considerations and strategies for improving the adoption of chronic disease evidence by general practitioners
Authors: Kendall Elizabeth , Sunderland Naomi , Muenchberger Heidi , Armstrong Kylie 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Objective  This paper provides a review of key issues affecting the uptake of clinical guidelines by general practitioners (GPs) in Australia and internationally. Attention is given to the barriers that affect guideline uptake, the quality of guidelines and the dissemination of guidelines to GPs in practice settings.
Method  A comprehensive cross‐disciplinary literature review of peer‐reviewed journals was conducted between January and April 2008. The literature review was undertaken by three independent researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. The review focused on studies that explored the barriers and issues associated with the use of guidelines in general practice and suggestions for more effective use.
Results  Pathways for clinicians to evaluate and use guidelines are still not clear. The majority of contemporary literature promotes linear ‘uptake’ and ‘accessibility’ models for clinical guidelines that may not attend to more complex issues associated with GPs' ways of practising on a daily basis. There are also few clear guidelines for GPs on how to ‘adapt’ guidelines for local and individual patient circumstances.
Conclusions  Peak organizations such as General Practice Queensland in Australia can have a significant role in helping GPs to evaluate and use clinical guidelines. The suggested approach emphasizes the need for such peak bodies to promote respect for practitioner experience, interpretation and patient insight.
Promoting development and use of systematic reviews in a developing country
Authors: Yousefi‐Nooraie Reza , Rashidian Arash , Nedjat Saharnaz , Majdzadeh Reza , Mortaz‐Hedjri Soroush , Etemadi Arash , Salmasian Hojjat 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Introduction  One major barrier to develop health systems is the limited capacity for conducting research and implementation of research findings. We assessed the views of researchers, decision makers and research policy makers on how the development and usage of evidence from systematic reviews can be promoted in a country with limited resources.
Methods  We surveyed 131 participants in six systematic review workshops for their views on important items influencing the production and usage of systematic reviews in a developing country. They were also asked to propose interventions to deal with potential barriers. We analysed the quantitative data using multidimensional scaling methods, and the qualitative data using content analysis approach.
Results  We identified seven clusters of items that contribute to the promotion of conducting and using systematic reviews. For each cluster a set of interventions are proposed that health care decision makers and research policy makers may use for promoting conduct and use of systematic reviews. The clusters are ‘importance for policy makers’, ‘access to international research’, ‘priority and support for systematic reviews’, ‘competency and willingness of researchers to conduct reviews’, ‘importance for end‐users’, ‘quality of local primary research’ and ‘visibility and access to local research’.
Discussion  The proposed interventions focus on national level initiatives for making the systematic reviews ‘wanted’ and improving the capacity to conduct research. Our findings emphasize the essential role of policy makers for promoting systematic reviews. They demonstrate that many barriers stem from the lower quality of and lack of access to primary research originating from developing countries.
Awareness, attitude and practice of evidence‐based medicine among primary health care doctors in Jordan
Authors: Al Omari Mousa , Khader Yousef , Jadallah Khaled , Dauod Ali Shakir , Al‐shdifat Amjad Ali Khalaf 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Objectives  To assess the awareness, attitude and knowledge towards evidence‐based medicine (EBM) among primary health care doctors in Jordan and to identify the perceived barriers for practising EBM.
Methods  A simple random sample of 34 comprehensive primary health care centres was selected from a list of 64 centres in Jordan using random number table. A family doctor visited all selected centres and invited the available doctors to participate in the study. Participants were asked to fill the self‐administrated questionnaire that was designed to assess beliefs and attitude of doctors towards EBM.
Results  Of the total 220 clinicians approached, 202 (91.8%) completed the questionnaire. About 80.7% welcomed promotion of EBM and 91.1% agreed on that research findings are helpful in daily management of patients. About 85.1% stated that practising EBM improves patient care, 68.3% stated that EBM reduces health care costs, 74.8% stated that EBM improves quick knowledge update, 93.6% reported that the doctor–patient relationship is affected positively by practising EBM. About 60.9% reported that they know the concept of EBM and 56.1% reported that they ever used the EBM. Patient overload, limited resources and facilities, and the absence of an effective computer system were the most commonly reported barriers to the implementation of EBM.
Conclusions  In spite of the positive attitude towards EBM, this study demonstrated numerous personal, interpersonal and institutional barriers towards implementing EBM which necessitate prompt action to formulate a national plan to overcome such barriers.
How to teach evidence‐based medicine to teachers: reflections from a workshop experience
Authors: Murad Mchammad Hassan , Montori Victor M. , Kunz Regina , Letelier Luz M. , Keitz Sheri A. , Dans Antonio L. , Silva Suzana A. , Guyatt Gordon H. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Rationale, aims and objectives  To summarize 20‐year experience of conducting a workshop designed for educators who wish to improve their teaching skills of evidence based medicine (EBM). The goal is to provide tips for educators interested in replicating this educational model.
Methods  Qualitative description of factors associated with the success of the workshop.
Results  The factors considered by instructors to be most helpful are: the small group interactive design, role‐play and simulation of real world learning environments, a mentorship model and high educator to learner ratio.
Conclusions  Although this experience is observational and does not represent high quality evidence, certain attributes in the design of EBM workshops may lead to better dissemination of EBM concepts. Educators may consider empirically applying some of these attributes and testing their efficacy in comparative studies.
MR cholangiography in orthotopic liver transplantation: sensitivity and specificity in detecting biliary complications
Authors: Boraschi Piero , Donati Francescamaria , Gigoni Roberto , Volpi Alessia , Salemi Simonetta , Filipponi Franco , Falaschi Fabio 
Published: December 2009

Boraschi P, Donati F, Gigoni R, Volpi A, Salemi S, Filipponi F, Falaschi F. MR cholangiography in orthotopic liver transplantation: sensitivity and specificity in detecting biliary complications. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E82–E87. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  To assess the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) when evaluating biliary complications in a large series of liver transplants.Methods:  One hundred and twenty‐nine patients prospectively underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR cholangiography at 1.5‐T device after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). After the preliminary acquisition of axial T1‐ and T2‐weighted images, MRC involved respiratory‐triggered, thin‐slab (2 mm), heavily T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo and breath‐hold, thick‐slab (10–50 mm), single‐shot T2‐weighted sequences. MR images were blindly evaluated by two experienced readers in conference to determine the biliary anatomy and the presence of complications, whose final diagnosis was based on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, percutaneous trans‐hepatic cholangiography, and by integrating clinical follow‐up with ultrasound and/or MR findings.Results:  Biliary complications were found in 60 patients (46.5%) and were represented by ischemic‐type biliary lesions (n = 21); anastomotic strictures (n = 13); non‐anastomotic strictures (n = 5); anastomotic strictures associated to lithiasis (n = 6); lithiasis (n = 6); papillary dysfunctions (n = 9). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the reviewers for the detection of all types of biliary complications in patients with OLT were 98%, 94%, 94%, and 98%, respectively.Conclusions:  MRC is a reliable technique for detecting post‐OLT biliary complications and should be recommended before planning therapeutic interventions.
Targeted integration and removal of transgenes in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x P. tremuloides Michx.) using site‐specific recombination systems
Authors: Fladung M. , Becker D. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTwo site‐specific recombination systems, Cre/lox and FLP/FRT, were tested for marker gene removal and targeted gene transfer in a model tree system. A hybrid aspen clone (Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides) was co‐transformed with plasmids containing either the FLP or the Cre recombinase, both under control of a heat‐inducible promoter (HSP, Gmhsp17.5‐E from soybean) flanked by the two recognition sites (FRT or lox). Molecular investigations of heat‐shock treated Cre or FLP transgenic lines indicate excision of inserts between the two recognition sites. Further, a site‐specific recombination at the FRT sites leading to targeted integration of a fragment could be demonstrated for the FLP/FRT system. Transgenic aspen carrying two constructs (each with different genes between the FRT sites) revealed (i) excision of both fragments between the FRT sites, and (ii) targeted integration of the fragment from the second construct exactly at the former position of the fragment in the first construct. These results indicate the usefulness of the two site‐specific recombination systems in the tree species Populus. Combining both site‐specific recombination systems, a strategy is suggested for targeted transgene transfer and removal of antibiotic marker genes.
Population structure and phenotypic variation of a spring barley world collection set up for association studies
Authors: Haseneyer G. , Stracke S. , Paul C. , Einfeldt C. , Broda A. , Piepho H.‐P. , Graner A. , Geiger H. H. 
Published: December 2009

With 3 figures and 4 tables AbstractAssociation mapping offers a tool to identify plant resources that carry important alleles for crop improvement and breeding. A necessary prerequisite for association mapping is a collection of genotypes representing a cross section of the examined germplasm. This study describes the genetic and phenotypic characterization of a collection of 224 spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) accessions sampled from the IPK gene bank. The analysis of the genetic structure of the collection was based on 45 EST‐derived simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and it revealed two major subgroups, mainly comprising two‐rowed and six‐rowed barleys, respectively. The phenotypic data were based on field trials performed at three locations in Germany in 2004 and 2005. Significant genotypic variation and genotype × environment interaction were observed for all traits under study (thousand‐grain weight, crude protein content, starch content, plant height, and flowering time). For all analysed traits entry mean‐based heritability estimates exceeded 0.9. After appropriately correcting for population structure and geographic origin significant associations between SSR markers and all traits under study were detected.
The hypocretin–orexin system regulates cocaine self‐administration via actions on the mesolimbic dopamine system
Authors: España Rodrigo A. , Oleson Erik B. , Locke Jason L. , Brookshire Bethany R. , Roberts David C. S. , Jones Sara R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that the hypocretin–orexin system participates in the regulation of reinforcement processes. The current studies examined the extent to which hypocretin neurotransmission regulates behavioral and neurochemical responses to cocaine, and behavioral responses to food reinforcement. These studies used a combination of fixed ratio, discrete trials, progressive ratio and threshold self‐administration procedures to assess whether the hypocretin 1 receptor antagonist, SB‐334867, reduces cocaine self‐administration in rats. Progressive ratio sucrose self‐administration procedures were also used to assess the extent to which SB‐334867 reduces responding to a natural reinforcer in food‐restricted and food‐sated rats. Additionally, these studies used microdialysis and in vivo voltammetry in rats to examine whether SB‐334867 attenuates the effects of cocaine on dopamine signaling within the nucleus accumbens core. Furthermore, in vitro voltammetry was used to examine whether hypocretin knockout mice display attenuated dopamine responses to cocaine. Results indicate that when SB‐334867 was administered peripherally or within the ventral tegmental area, it reduced the motivation to self‐administer cocaine and attenuated cocaine‐induced enhancement of dopamine signaling. SB‐334867 also reduced the motivation to self‐administer sucrose in food‐sated but not food‐restricted rats. Finally, hypocretin knockout mice displayed altered baseline dopamine signaling and reduced dopamine responses to cocaine. Combined, these studies suggest that hypocretin neurotransmission participates in reinforcement processes, likely through modulation of the mesolimbic dopamine system. Additionally, the current observations suggest that the hypocretin system may provide a target for pharmacotherapies to treat cocaine addiction.
The Transformation of the Educational Semantic within a Changing Society: A Study of the Westernization of Modern Chinese Education1
Authors: WU MEIYAO 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the process of westernization of Chinese education – of the Chinese educational “system”– was marked by ongoing conflicts between traditional Chinese and modern western culture. This paper looks at the process by which, within the larger context of the “world‐society,” educational thought was constituted or reconstituted (regenerated) in modern China, thus taking on a more hybrid form. My analysis is guided by a Luhmannian approach which focuses on the distinction between the educational system and its environment, and on the changing concept of “education” throughout an important period in the history of modern China. I will try to analyze the historical description of the distinction between traditional Chinese and modern Western educational ideas.
The Qur’anists
Authors: Musa Aisha Y. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractStories relating the words and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad, known as Hadith in Arabic, have long been esteemed by the vast majority of Muslims as a source of law and guidance second only to the Qur'an in authority. In recent years, an increasingly vocal Muslim opposition to Hadith insists that the Qur'an alone should be the sole source of religious law and guidance in Islam. Rashad Khalifa, Kassim Ahmad, Edip Yuksel, and Ahmad Subhy Mansour are among the most important rejecters of the Hadith, whose arguments influence a wide variety of groups popularly labeled Ahl al‐Qur'an, Qur'niyyun or Qur'anists.
Acinetobacter baumannii
Increases Tolerance to Antibiotics in Response to Monovalent Cations
Authors: Hood M. Indriati , Jacobs Anna C. , Sayood Khalid , Dunman Paul M. , Skaar Eric P. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter baumannii
is well adapted to the hospital environment, where infections caused by this organism are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance have been described extensively, yet the mechanisms by which
A. baumannii
regulates antibiotic resistance have not been defined. We sought to identify signals encountered within the hospital setting or human host that alter the resistance phenotype of
A. baumannii
. In this regard, we have identified NaCl as being an important signal that induces significant tolerance to aminoglycosides, carbapenems, quinolones, and colistin upon the culturing of
A. baumannii
cells in physiological NaCl concentrations. Proteomic analyses of
A. baumannii
culture supernatants revealed the release of outer membrane proteins in high NaCl, including two porins (CarO and a 33- to 36-kDa protein) whose loss or inactivation is associated with antibiotic resistance. To determine if NaCl affected expression at the transcriptional level, the transcriptional response to NaCl was determined by microarray analyses. These analyses highlighted 18 genes encoding putative efflux transporters that are significantly upregulated in response to NaCl. Consistent with this, the effect of NaCl on the tolerance to levofloxacin and amikacin was significantly reduced upon the treatment of
A. baumannii
with an efflux pump inhibitor. The effect of physiological concentrations of NaCl on colistin resistance was conserved in a panel of multidrug-resistant isolates of
A. baumannii
, underscoring the clinical significance of these observations. Taken together, these data demonstrate that
A. baumannii
sets in motion a global regulatory cascade in response to physiological NaCl concentrations, resulting in broad-spectrum tolerance to antibiotics.
Mechanism of Hepatitis C Virus RNA Polymerase Inhibition with Dihydroxypyrimidines
Authors: Powdrill Megan H. , Deval Jerome , Narjes Frank , De Francesco Raffaele , Götte Matthias 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

We studied the biochemical mechanisms associated with inhibition and resistance to a 4,5-dihydroxypyrimidine carboxylate that inhibits the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5B. On the basis of the structure of the pharmacophore, it has been suggested that these compounds may act as pyrophosphate (PP
i
) mimics. We monitored nucleotide incorporation events during the elongation phase and showed that the polymerase activity of wild-type NS5B was inhibited by the dihydroxypyrimidine at a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of 0.73 μM. Enzymes with the G152E or P156L mutation, either of which confers resistance to this compound, showed four- to fivefold increases in IC
50
s. The inhibitor was competitive with respect to nucleotide incorporation. It was likewise effective at preventing the PP
i
-mediated excision of an incorporated chain terminator in a competitive fashion. In the absence of the dihydroxypyrimidine, the reaction was not significantly affected by the G152E or P156L mutation. These data suggest that the resistance associated with these two mutations is unlikely due to an altered interaction with the pyrophosphate-mimicking domain of the compound but, rather, is due to altered interactions with its specificity domain at a region distant from the active site. Together, our findings provide strong experimental evidence that supports the notion that the members of this class of compounds can act as PP
i
mimics that have the potential to mechanistically complement established nucleoside and nonnucleoside analogue inhibitors.