bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity and evolution of repABC type plasmids in Rhodobacterales
Authors: Petersen Jörn , Brinkmann Henner , Pradella Silke 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe repABC operon is the prevalent replication unit of alphaproteobacterial plasmids. Their semi‐autonomy is ensured by the essential replicase gene repC as well as the repAB partitioning cassette. While conserved repAB modules are widespread among bacterial plasmids and homologues are even responsible for chromosome partitioning, repC genes are exclusively present in Alphaproteobacteria. RepABC operons contain two strong incompatibility regions, namely a small regulative antisense RNA gene (incα) and a palindromic centromere region (incβ), which were previously used to classify these replicons. The present survey pursued a complementary strategy essentially following the rationale that all plasmids identified from a single bacterium are per se compatible. We established a novel classification scheme for plasmids based on comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of repC, repA and repB genes. Our case study is focused on the Roseobacter clade (Rhodobacterales), one of the most successful lineages of the marine bacterioplankton. Its global significance was shown in several studies and the interest in these organisms is reflected by more than 40 upcoming genome projects. Based on phylogenetic RepC analyses we identified nine compatibility groups that are expected to stably coexist within the same cell. This prediction is supported by RepA and RepB phylogenies, moreover independent evidence is delivered by the group specificity of highly conserved palindromes (incβ).
The creation of a peritoneal defect in transanal endoscopic microsurgery does not increase complications
Authors: Ramwell A. , Evans J. , Bignell M. , Mathias J. , Simson J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroduction  During Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgical (TEMS) full‐thickness excision of a rectal lesion above the peritoneal reflection, entrance to the peritoneal cavity is inevitable. This has been regarded as a complication that requires conversion to an open procedure. We describe our experience of full thickness intraperitoneal excision of rectal lesions where the peritoneal defect was sutured endoscopically.Method  Data were collected prospectively on 15 patients in whom a peritoneal defect was created intraoperatively during TEMS excision of a rectal lesion. When a defect was recognized, it was closed by endoscopic suture. If there was any doubt regarding security of the closure, a defunctioning loop stoma was fashioned.Results  Between November 1998 and January 2008, a total of 257 patients underwent TEMS during which a peritoneal defect was created in 15 patients. Six patients had a defunctioning stoma formed at the time of TEMS. No patient was defunctioned postoperatively and there were no deaths. The mean hospital stay was 8 days (range 3 to 19 days). A contrast enema showed sub‐clinical leaks in two patients for which no treatment was required. No patient developed pelvic or peritoneal sepsis, but one patient had to return to theatre for postoperative bleeding when a single bleeding vessel was coagulated.Conclusion  Full thickness excision of lesions in the intraperitoneal rectum with endoscopic suture of the defect is a safe procedure. Lesions in the upper rectum should not be excluded from TEMS excision because of the chance of peritoneal breach.
Rectal bleeding: epidemiology, associated risk factors, and health care seeking behaviour: a population‐based study
Authors: Eslick G. D. , Kalantar J. S. , Talley N. J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPurpose  Rectal bleeding is considered an important sign of colonic disease, particularly colorectal cancer. The epidemiology of rectal bleeding in the community is poorly understood. Moreover, there is little information as to whether individuals seek health care for this problem. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rectal bleeding and levels of healthcare seeking amongst an Australian population.Method  A community sample of adults aged above 18 years of Penrith (a Sydney suburb representative of the Australian population) selected randomly from the electoral roll. The survey consisted of a self‐administered questionnaire sent out to 440 residents stratified for equal numbers of men and women.Results  The response rate was 77% (n = 338; mean age 46 years; SD: 16; range: 18–90; 55% women). Blood in the stools in the previous 12 months was reported by 18% (95% CI: 14–23). Colour of the blood in bowel movements was reported as bright (72%), dark (7%), bright and dark (10%), 11% did not know. Only 31% (n = 21/68) of respondents with rectal bleeding had visited a physician primarily about the presence of blood in the bowel movement within the previous 12 months. The majority (90%) who consulted about the presence of blood were aged between 30 and 60 years. Blood in the stools was independently associated with younger age (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99, P = 0.01), feelings of incomplete rectal evacuation (OR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.66–7.08, P = 0.001), self‐reported injury or tear (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.53–7.69, P = 0.002), and surgery (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.03–7.14, P = 0.04) to the perianal region.Conclusions  Rectal bleeding is common in the general population. Only one‐third of those with rectal bleeding consults a physician about their condition. Rectal bleeding occurs in younger individuals, those who suffer from incomplete evacuation and among individuals who have had an injury, tear or surgery to the anus.
Assessment of sonographic quality of anal sphincter muscles in patients with faecal incontinence
Authors: Pinsk I. , Brown J. , Phang P. T. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjective  The main application of endoanal ultrasonography (US) in evaluation of faecal incontinence is to identify surgically correctable sphincter defects. The aim of our study was to determine whether qualitative changes in echogenicity and in uniformity of internal (IAS) and external (EAS) anal sphincter muscles detected on endoanal US correlate with other anal laboratory tests and modified Wexner faecal incontinence functional score.Method  Records on 99 patients having complete information on anorectal manometry, faecal incontinence scoring and available endoanal US imaging of the anal sphincters were included in statistical analysis. Anatomic appearance and changes in echogenicity of the anal sphincter muscles were recorded according to the proposed scoring system. Endoanal US defect and quality component scores for IAS and EAS as well as the total score were correlated with anal laboratory tests and incontinence score using Spearman’s correlations test.Results  There was a trend for correlation between IAS quality score and incontinence score (P = 0.06), but no correlation for IAS defect score. EAS defect score had a significant negative correlation with maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) (P = 0.031). Distal EAS quality score had a significant correlation with incontinence score (P = 0.002). EAS total score correlated with MSP (P = 0.02) and incontinence score (P = 0.006). Endoanal US total score was significantly correlated with incontinence score (P = 0.006), maximal resting (MRP) (P = 0.035) and MSP (P = 0.045) and high pressure anal canal zone length (P = 0.03).Conclusion  Sonographic morphology of anal sphincter muscles correlates with anal laboratory tests and functional incontinence score. Qualitative ultrasound scoring instrument may improve evaluation of patients with faecal incontinence.
Over‐expression of the rice LRK1 gene improves quantitative yield components
Authors: Zha Xiaojun , Luo Xiaojin , Qian Xiaoyin , He Guangming , Yang Mengfei , Li Yu , Yang Jinshui 
Published: July 2009

SummaryIn rice (Oryza sativa L.), the number of panicles, spikelets per panicle and grain weight are important components of grain yield. These characteristics are controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and are derived from variation inherent in crops. As a result of the complex genetic basis of these traits, only a few genes involved in their control have been cloned and characterized. We have previously map‐cloned a gene cluster including eight leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase (LRK) genes in Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.), which increased the grain yield by 16%. In the present study, we characterized the LRK1 gene, which was contained in the donor parent (Dongxiang wild rice) genome and absent from the recurrent parent genome (Guichao2, Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica). Our data showed that rice LRK1 is a plasma membrane protein expressed constitutively in leaves, young panicles, roots and culms. The over‐expression of rice LRK1 results in increased panicles, spikelets per panicle, weight per grain and enhanced cellular proliferation, leading to a 27.09% increase in total grain yield per plant. The increased number of panicles and spikelets per panicle are associated with increased branch number. Our data suggest that rice LRK1 regulates rice branch number by enhancing cellular proliferation. The functional characterization of rice LRK1 facilitates an understanding of the mechanisms involved in cereal crop yield, and may have utility in improving grain yield in cereal crops.
The dynamics of an online knowledge building community: A 5‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Mylläri Jarkko , Åhlberg Mauri , Dillon Patrick 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper reports a 5‐year design experiment on cumulative knowledge building as part of an international project. Through a longitudinal study and analysis of cumulative research data, we sought to answer the question, ‘what happened and why in knowledge building?’ Research data constitute messages which participants have written into a shared knowledge building database. A multi‐method approach combing quantitative and qualitative data was adopted which integrated analysis of message generation, content analysis, network analysis, structure of message threads, discourse analysis and interviews. Conclusions are based on analysis of almost 2000 messages. Qualitative content analysis reveals 14 main categories of data. When the content of the messages are analysed, quantitatively cumulative trends emerge. When the frequencies of messages are plotted against time, peaks and troughs of message writing are revealed. The explanations for these patterns and variations are sought through interviews. Social network analysis shows that the network is centralised. The research literature suggests that decentralised networks are ideal, but in this particular case, the expert centralisation was beneficial for knowledge building in the collaborative and associated professional networks. The reasons for this are discussed.
Italian Preschoolers' Peer‐status Linkages with Sociability and Subtypes of Aggression and Victimization
Authors: Nelson David A. , Robinson Clyde C. , Hart Craig H. , Albano Anthony D. , Marshall Shawna J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractLittle is known about the behavior of preschool children belonging to peer sociometric status groups (popular, average, rejected, neglected, and controversial) in cultural contexts outside North America. This study examined the social interactions of Italian preschoolers. The sample consisted of 266 Italian preschoolers (mean age of 64 months). Physical and relational subtypes of aggression and victimization, as well as sociable behavior, were measured by peer nominations and teacher ratings. Peer nominations of acceptance and rejection (like and dislike nominations) were also collected in order to form the sociometric status groups. Results of confirmatory factor analyses showed that items developed with US preschoolers appeared to work fairly well in identifying behavioral constructs in Italian preschoolers. Findings generally supported previous research with American preschoolers. Sociometrically popular children were highest in sociability, and lowest in physical and relational aggression and victimization. The opposite pattern emerged for rejected status children. Neglected status children were generally not distinguished from average status children. Results also suggested that the enactment of relational aggression promotes greater social impact for some Italian children (controversial children), and this aggression also invites more conflict and victimization. However, the sociability of controversial children appears to buffer them from rejected group status.
What happens along the diagnostic pathway to CHD treatment? Qualitative results concerning cognitive processes
Authors: Lutfey Karen E. , McKinlay John B. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractExtensive research on health disparities documents persistent differential diagnosis and treatment of many conditions according to patient characteristics, physician attributes, and healthcare systems. Less is known about how physicians arrive at their decisions. We use qualitative data from a vignette‐based factorial experiment to examine how physicians reason through and account for their clinical decisions, and how variations arise despite the presentation of identical symptoms of coronary heart disease (CHD). We find that physicians show evidence of cognitive biases but also actively interpret social characteristics they deem relevant to medical treatment. In an uncertain clinical context, these diagnostic pathways expose key junctures wherein physicians are detoured to alternative diagnoses, their certainty of CHD lowered, and scientific logic makes it difficult to return to a CHD diagnosis — thereby providing a fuller picture of why some cases are counted as CHD while others are not. These results have important implications insofar as diagnostic decisions like these contribute to the compilation of epidemiologic base rates, and are therefore used as part of Bayesian decision making to determine the probability of CHD in subsequent patients. This work resonates with social constructivist concerns regarding the ways disease categories are established and maintained, and potential sources of bias in official rates detected.
Excess Liquidity, Inflation and the Yuan Appreciation: What Can China Learn from Recent History?
Authors: Zhang Chengsi 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses the issues of excess liquidity, inflation and the exchange rate appreciation currently evolving in China. In mapping the co‐movement between excess liquidity and inflation and developing a dynamic model, the paper shows that excess liquidity, ignited by dramatic capital inflows, is a significant driver for consumer price inflation in China during the last decade. In addition, the article compares the dynamic paths of inflation and interest rates between China and the United States and reveals marked changes in their differentials over recent years. Associating these findings with the evolving appreciation of the yuan against the dollar, the paper advises a slowdown in the rate of RMB appreciation. Instead of quick appreciation, the paper proposes more flexibility in the RMB exchange rate regime combined with alternative capital control measures to rein‐in excess liquidity and curb ongoing inflation in China.
Lower Tariff, Rising Skill Premium in Developing Countries: Is it a Coincidence?
Authors: Ing Lili Yan 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTEven though there are gains from international trade, there is still a case that trade opportunities have significant distributional consequences. This study considers the arguments that trade liberalisation and technological catch‐up could raise the skill premium. The first argument has shown, in the North–South trade framework, that a reduction in import tariff may raise the skill premium if the tariff reduction causes the range of the traded goods in which export expansion occurs to be greater than the range of the traded goods in which imports expand. The second argument has shown that technological catch‐up could raise the skill premium through export expansion. This paper presents an empirical study of developing economies from 1980 to 2005, which confirms that trade liberalisation raises the skill premium, whilst technological catch‐up has an insignificant effect on the skill premium.
Oil Prices and Equity Returns in the BRIC Countries
Authors: Bhar Ramaprasad , Nikolova Biljana 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThis paper measures the level by which global oil price returns influence the stock returns and volatility in the BRIC equity markets and observes the time‐varying conditional correlation between BRIC equity returns and oil price returns. The study concludes that the level of impact of oil price returns on equity returns and volatility in the BRIC countries depends on the extent to which these countries are net importers or net exporters of oil. It also concludes that despite the aggressive economic growth of the BRIC countries in the past 25 years, the volatility of stock returns in these economies does not have a significant impact on the volatility of global oil price returns.
In‐hospital myocardial infarction following acute ischaemic stroke: an observational study
Authors: Liao J. , O’Donnell M. J. , Silver F. L. , Thiruchelvam D. , Saposnik G. , Fang J. , Gould L. , Mohamed N. , Kapral M. K. ,   On behalf of the Investigators of the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  Acute myocardial infarction is expected to be an important medical complication following ischaemic stroke. We sought to describe the frequency and clinical impact of in‐hospital myocardial infarction following acute ischaemic stroke.Methods:  Consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke were identified from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network (2003–2006). Stroke severity was measured using the Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS). Functional status at discharge was measured with the modified‐Rankin Scale, and categorized into strokes with no or mild‐moderate dependency (m‐Rankin 0–3) and those with severe dependence or death (m‐Rankin 4–6). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between myocardial infarction and clinical outcome (death or severe dependence at hospital discharge and 1 year mortality), independent of co‐morbidities and in‐hospital medical complications.Results:  In total, 9180 patients with acute ischaemic stroke were included. The mean age was 72 years (SD 13.9) and 48% were female. Overall, 211 (2.3%) patients were reported to have myocardial infarction during hospitalization. At hospital discharge, 64.9% of patients with in‐hospital myocardial infarction had died or were severely disabled, compared with 35.8% in the entire cohort. Mortality at 1 year after ischaemic stroke was 56.4% in patients with myocardial infarction and 21.9% in the entire cohort. On multivariable analyses, myocardial infarction was also associated with death or severe dependence at discharge (OR 2.51; 95%CI 1.75–3.59) and mortality within 1 year (HR 1.83; 95%CI 1.51–2.23). Previous history of myocardial infarction (OR 1.50; 95%CI 1.05–2.15), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.55; 95%CI 1.42–2.10), stroke severity (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.09–1.17) and peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.61; 95%CI 1.04–2.49) were independently associated with myocardial infarction during hospitalization.Conclusions:  Myocardial infarction is an important medical complication after acute ischaemic stroke.
Efficacy of natalizumab in second line therapy of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: results from a multi‐center study in German speaking countries
Authors: Putzki N. , Yaldizli O. , Mäurer M. , Cursiefen S. , Kuckert S. , Klawe C. , Maschke M. , Tettenborn B. , Limmroth V. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Natalizumab has been recommended for the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in patients with insufficient response to interferon‐beta/glatiramer acetate (DMT) or aggressive MS. The pivotal trials were not conducted to investigate natalizumab monotherapy in this patient population.Method:  Retrospective, multicenter study in Germany and Switzerland. Five major MS centers reported all RRMS patients who initiated natalizumab ≥12 months prior to study conduction.Results:  Ninety‐seven RRMS patients were included [69% female, mean age 36.5 years, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.4; 93.8% were pre‐treated with DMT], mean treatment duration with natalizumab was 19.3 ± 6.1 months. We found a reduction of the annualized relapse rate from 2.3 to 0.2, 80.4% were relapse free with natalizumab. EDSS improved in 12.4% and 89.7% were progression free (change of >/= 1 EDSS point). Eighty‐six per cent of patients with highly active disease (>/= 2 relapses in the year and >/= 1 Gadolinium (Gd)+ lesion at study entry, n = 20) remained relapse free. The mean number of Gd enhancing lesions was reduced to 0.1 (0.8 at baseline). Discontinuation rate was 8.2% (4.1% for antibody‐positivity).Conclusion:  Natalizumab is effective after insufficient response to other DMT and also in patients with high disease activity.
Prior use of statins and outcome in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Eichel R. , Khoury S. T. , Ben‐Hur T. , Keidar M. , Paniri R. , Leker R. R. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Pre‐treatment with cholesterol lowering drugs of the statin family may exert protective effects in patients with ischaemic stroke and subarachnoid haemorrhage but their effects are not clear in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).Methods:  We recruited patients admitted to our University Hospital with an acute ICH and analysed pre‐admission demographic variables, pre‐morbid therapy, clinical and radiological prognostic markers and outcome variables including 90‐day modified Rankin score and NIH stroke scale score (NIHSS).Results:  We recruited 399 patients with ICH of which 101 (25%) were using statins. Statin users more often had vascular risk factors, had significantly lower haematoma volumes (P = 0.04) and had lower mortality rates compared with non‐users (45.6% vs. 56.1%; P = 0.11). However, statin treatment did not have a statistically significant impact on mortality or functional outcome on multiple logistic regression analysis.Conclusions:  Treatment with statins prior to ICH failed to show a significant impact on outcome in this analysis despite lower haematoma volumes.
Assessment and Feedback: Institutional Experiences of Student Feedback, 1996 to 2007
Authors: Williams James , Kane David 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAttention has recently focused on sectoral concern with assessment and feedback as a result of the National Student Survey. Government, the higher education agencies and the NUS have called for urgent action to address this concern. Existing data from institutional student feedback surveys, using the Student Satisfaction Approach, some dating back well over a decade, shows that the issue is not a new one. Indeed, several institutions have been addressing student concerns and as a result, have seen student satisfaction increase.This paper explores the existing student feedback data in order to identify not only how students' perceptions of assessment and feedback have changed over time but also the main concerns of students and institutions and what action has been taken by institutions to increase satisfaction.Several main concerns emerge from the data. Students value feedback as it is re‐assuring as an indication of their progress and that it should be timely. Institutions that have used the Student Satisfaction Approach are concerned to clarify their processes to students, to increase their own efficiency in returning work, to monitor and review their assessment and feedback régimes and to share good practice, both internally and externally. Action taken as a result of listening to the student voice results in increased satisfaction but this can take several years.