bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of sequence conservation in presynaptic neural genes
Authors: Hadley Dexter , Murphy Tara , Valladares Otto , Hannenhalli Sridhar , Ungar Lyle , Kim Junhyong , Bućan Maja 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Background
The neuronal synapse is a fundamental functional unit in the central nervous system of animals. Because synaptic function is evolutionarily conserved, we reasoned that functional sequences of genes and related genomic elements known to play important roles in neurotransmitter release would also be conserved.

Results
Evolutionary rate analysis revealed that presynaptic proteins evolve slowly, although some members of large gene families exhibit accelerated evolutionary rates relative to other family members. Comparative sequence analysis of 46 megabases spanning 150 presynaptic genes identified more than 26,000 elements that are highly conserved in eight vertebrate species, as well as a small subset of sequences (6%) that are shared among unrelated presynaptic genes. Analysis of large gene families revealed that upstream and intronic regions of closely related family members are extremely divergent. We also identified 504 exceptionally long conserved elements (≥360 base pairs, ≥80% pair-wise identity between human and other mammals) in intergenic and intronic regions of presynaptic genes. Many of these elements form a highly stable stem-loop RNA structure and consequently are candidates for novel regulatory elements, whereas some conserved noncoding elements are shown to correlate with specific gene expression profiles. The SynapseDB online database integrates these findings and other functional genomic resources for synaptic genes.

Conclusion
Highly conserved elements in nonprotein coding regions of 150 presynaptic genes represent sequences that may be involved in the transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation of these genes. Furthermore, comparative sequence analysis will facilitate selection of genes and noncoding sequences for future functional studies and analysis of variation studies in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
The Financial Impact of Ambulance Diversions and Patient Elopements
Authors: Falvo Thomas , Grove Lance , Stachura Ruth , Zirkin William 
Published: January 2007

Abstract Objectives Admission process delays and other throughput inefficiencies are a leading cause of emergency department (ED) overcrowding, ambulance diversion, and patient elopements. Hospital capacity constraints reduce the number of treatment beds available to provide revenue‐generating patient services. The objective of this study was to develop a practical method for quantifying the revenues that are potentially lost as a result of patient elopements and ambulance diversion. Methods Historical data from 62,588 patient visits to the ED of a 450‐bed nonprofit community teaching hospital in central Pennsylvania between July 2004 and June 2005 were used to estimate the value of potential patient visits foregone as a result of ambulance diversion and patients leaving the ED without treatment. Results The study hospital may have lost $3,881,506 in net revenue as a result of ambulance diversions and patient elopements from the ED during a 12‐month period. Conclusions Significant revenue may be foregone as a result of throughput delays that prevent the ED from utilizing its existing bed capacity for additional patient visits.
Predictive Validity of a Computerized Emergency Triage Tool
Authors: Dong Sandy L. , Bullard Michael J. , Meurer David P. , Blitz Sandra , Akhmetshin Edward , Ohinmaa Arto , Holroyd Brian R. , Rowe Brian H. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract Background Emergency department (ED) triage prioritizes patients on the basis of the urgency of need for care. eTRIAGE is a Web‐based triage decision support tool that is based on the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), a five level triage system (CTAS 1 = resuscitation, CTAS 5 = nonurgent). Objectives To examine the validity of eTRIAGE on the basis of resource utilization and cost as measures of acuity. Methods Scores on the CTAS, specialist consultations, computed‐tomography use, ED length of stay, ED disposition, and estimated ED and hospital costs (if the patient was subsequently admitted to hospital) were collected for each patient over a six month period. These data were queried from a database that captures all regional ED visits. Correlations between CTAS score and each outcome were measured by using logistic regression models (categorical variables), univariate analysis of variance (continuous variables), and the Kruskal‐Wallis analysis of variance (costs). A multivariate regression model that used cost as the outcome was used to identify interaction between the variables presented. Results Over the six month study, 29,524 patients were triaged by using eTRIAGE. When compared with CTAS level 3, the odds ratios for consultation, CT scan, and admission were significantly higher in CTAS 1 and 2 and were significantly lower in CTAS 4 and 5 (p < 0.001). When compared with CTAS levels 2–5 combined, the odds ratio for death in CTAS 1 was 664.18 (p < 0.001). The length of stay also demonstrated significant correlation with CTAS score (p < 0.001). Costs to the ED and hospital also correlated significantly with increasing acuity (median costs for CTAS levels in Canadian dollars: CTAS 1 =$2,690, CTAS 2 =$433, CTAS 3 =$288, CTAS 4 =$164, CTAS 5 =$139, and p < 0.001). Significant interactions between the data collected were found in a multivariate regression model, although CTAS score remained highly associated with costs. Conclusions Acuity measured by eTRIAGE demonstrates excellent predictive validity for resource utilization and ED and hospital costs. Future research should focus on specific presenting complaints and targeted resources to more accurately assess eTRIAGE validity.
Clinical and Microbiological Profiles of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)–Seropositive Brazilians Undergoing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and HIV‐Seronegative Brazilians With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Gonçalves Lucio de Souza , Soares Ferreira Sônia Maria , Souza Celso Oliveira , Souto Renata , Colombo Ana Paula 
Published: January 2007

Background: This study compares the periodontal clinical profile and the composition of the subgingival microbiota of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐seropositive and HIV‐seronegative subjects with chronic periodontitis.Methods: A total of 172 subjects were distributed into two HIV‐seropositive groups (37 chronic periodontitis [H+CP+] and 35 periodontally healthy [H+CP−] individuals) and two HIV‐seronegative groups (49 chronic periodontitis [H−CP+] and 51 periodontally healthy [H−CP−] subjects). Subgingival samples were collected from six sites with the deepest probing depth in the periodontitis groups and six random sites in the groups with periodontal health. All HIV‐infected patients had undergone highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for at least 2 years. The presence and levels of 33 bacterial species were detected by DNA probes and the checkerboard method. Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney tests were used to seek for significant differences among and between groups.Results: H−CP+ patients showed significantly more periodontal destruction and inflammation than H+CP+ patients, whereas H+CP− subjects presented a greater percentage of sites with bleeding than H−CP− subjects (P <0.01). Patients who were HIV seronegative showed higher prevalence and levels of most bacterial species than HIV seropositive patients. Periodontal pathogens including Tannerella forsythensis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella nigrescens, Eubacterium nodatum, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Selenomonas noxia were more frequently detected in H−CP+ subjects compared to H+CP+ and controls. In contrast, Enterococcus faecalis and Acinetobacter baumannii were more commonly found in HIV‐infected than in non–HIV‐infected subjects (P <0.05).Conclusion: Putative periodontal pathogens are more prevalent in the subgingival microbiota of HIV‐seronegative patients with chronic periodontitis, whereas species not usually associated with periodontitis are detected in higher frequency in HIV‐seropositive subjects under HAART.
Esophageal cancer in Central and Eastern Europe: Tobacco and alcohol
Authors: Hashibe Mia , Boffetta Paolo , Janout Vladimir , Zaridze David , Shangina Oxana , Mates Dana , Szeszenia‐Dabrowska Neonila , Bencko Vladimir , Brennan Paul 
Published: January 2007

AbstractEsophageal cancer mortality rates in Central and Eastern Europe have been increasing steadily and are expected to increase further in the future. To evaluate the role of risk factors for esophageal cancer in this population, a multicenter study was conducted, with investigation of tobacco and alcohol as one of the principal aims. We have included 192 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 35 adenocarcinoma cases of the esophagus diagnosed at designated hospitals in 5 centers from Romania, Russia, the Czech Republic and Poland. Controls were frequency matched from patients in the same hospital as the cases (n = 1,114). Our results showed that the risk of esophageal SCC may be increased by approximately 7‐fold for current smokers (OR = 7.41, 95% CI 3.98–13.79) and by 3‐fold for ever alcohol drinkers (OR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.06–7.74). Dose‐response relations were evident for both the frequency and duration of tobacco and of alcohol on the risk of esophageal SCC. Risk estimates for tobacco smoking were highest for lower esophageal SCCs, while risk estimates for alcohol drinking were highest for upper esophageal SCCs; though differences were not statistically significant. For adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, our results suggested a more modest increase in risk because of tobacco smoking than that for SCC of the esophagus and no association with alcohol consumption, although our sample size was small. A synergistic interaction between tobacco and alcohol was observed for the risk of esophageal SCC, highlighting the importance of both factors for esophageal cancers in Central and Eastern Europe. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A proteomic analysis of adult rat bone reveals the presence of cartilage/chondrocyte markers
Authors: Schreiweis Melissa A. , Butler Jon P. , Kulkarni Nalini H. , Knierman Michael D. , Higgs Richard E. , Halladay David L. , Onyia Jude E. , Hale John E. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe non‐mineral component of bone matrix consists of 90% collagenous, 10% non‐collagenous proteins. These proteins regulate mineralization, growth, cell signaling and differentiation, and provide bone with its tensile strength. Expression of bone matrix proteins have historically been studied individually or in small numbers owing to limitations in analytical technologies. Current mass‐spectrometric and separations technologies allow a global view of protein expression patterns in complex samples. To our knowledge, no proteome profile of bone matrix has yet been reported. Therefore, we have used mass spectrometry as a tool to generate a profile of proteins present in the extracellular matrix of adult rat bone. Overall, 108 and 25 proteins were identified with high confidence in the metaphysis and diaphysis, respectively, using a bottom up proteomic technique. Twenty‐one of these proteins were present in both the metaphysis and diaphysis including the bone specific proteins, osteocalcin, type I collagen, osteopontin, osteoregulin, and bone sialoprotein. Interestingly, type II collagen, a protein thought to be exclusively expressed in cartilage, was identified in both the metaphysis and diaphysis. This observation was validated by Western blot. Additionally, the presence of aggrecan, another protein expressed in cartilage was identified in the bone matrix extracts by Western blot. The proteome profile generated using this technology represents an initial survey of the acid soluble proteins of bone matrix which provides a reference for the analysis of deviations from the normal composition due to perturbations or disease states. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 466–476, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in prodynorphin, proenkephalin, and GAD67 mRNA levels in the aged human putamen: Correlation with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bäckman Cristina M. , Shan Lufei , Zhang YaJun , Hoffer Barry J. , Tomac Andreas C. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractA real‐time quantitative PCR approach was used to quantify mRNA levels corresponding to the neuropeptides enkephalin, dynorphin, and the 67‐kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) in the human putamen from young and aged individuals as well as from aged patients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD). cDNA‐specific primers were designed to amplify GAD67, proenkephalin (pENK), prodynorphin (pDYN), and the housekeeping genes glyceraldehydes‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and guanine nucleotide binding protein, β‐peptide 2‐like I (GNB2LI). GAPDH and GNB2LI mRNA levels were similarly expressed among the groups and were therefore used as endogenous reference genes. Normalized data showed that mRNA levels for both pENK and pDYN were reduced in the putamen of aged controls and aged individuals affected by PD, compared with young controls. In addition, we showed that GAD67 mRNA levels did not change during aging and PD. Further analyses showed no differences in mRNA levels, for pENK, pDYN, or GAD67 mRNA, between PD patients and aged matched controls. These findings contrast with animal models of parkinsonism, for which expression of pDYN, pENK, and GAD67 mRNA has been reported to change after striatal dopamine denervation. Compensatory mechanisms and regional differences within the human putamen as well as the severity index of the disease, clinical diagnosis, and response to phalmacological therapy are possible reasons for these results. The present study suggests that alteration of neuropeptide pathways in the human putamen may be involved in the functional deterioration of parts of the extrapyramidal system during aging. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of new 1‐decene‐based LLDPE resins and comparison with the corresponding 1‐octene‐ and 1‐hexene‐based LLDPE resins
Authors: Hong Han , Zhang Zhicheng , Chung T. C. M. , Lee R. W. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis article extends the composition of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) resins to that containing 1‐decene comonomer units, and examines the effects of comonomer (type and concentration) to copolymerization and physical properties of LLDPE resins. CGC metallocene technology, under high temperature and high pressure (industrial reaction condition), was used to prepare three types of well‐defined LLDPE copolymers containing 1‐hexene, 1‐octene, and 1‐decene units. They show high molecular weight with narrow molecular weight and composition distributions, comparative catalyst activities, and similar comonomer effects. However, 1‐decene seems to exhibit significantly higher comonomer incorporation than 1‐hexene and 1‐octene, which may be associated with its high boiling point, maintaining liquid phase during the polymerization. The resulting LLDPE copolymers show a clear structure–property relationship. Melting temperature and crystallinity of the copolymer are governed by mole % of comonomer. The increase of branch density linearly decreases the LLDPE melting point and exponential reduction of its crystallinity. On the other hand, the density of the copolymer decreases with the increase of comonomer weight %, which shows a sharp linear relationship in the low comonomer content. The tensile properties of 1‐decene‐based LLDPE are very comparative with those of the commercial LLDPE resins with similar compositions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 639–649, 2007
Teacher questioning in science classrooms: Approaches that stimulate productive thinking
Authors: Chin Christine 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to find out how teachers use questions in classroom discourse to scaffold student thinking and help students construct scientific knowledge. The study was conducted in large‐class settings where the medium of instruction was English although the students were non‐native speakers of the language. Six teachers teaching grade 7 science classes from four schools participated in the study. Thirty‐six lessons covering a range of topics were observed across a variety of lesson structures such as expository teaching, whole‐class discussions, and laboratory work. The lessons were audiotaped and videotaped. Verbal transcripts of classroom discourse were analyzed interpretively. Particular attention was paid to questioning exchanges that stimulated productive thinking in students, as manifested by their verbal responses. A framework was developed that included four questioning approaches adopted by the teachers. This included Socratic questioning, verbal jigsaw, semantic tapestry, and framing. This paper describes these various questioning approaches, their features, and the conditions under which they were used. It also discusses the implications of these approaches for instructional practice. The findings from this study have potential in translating research insights into practical advice for teachers regarding tactical moves in classroom discourse, and provide guidelines for teachers to increase their repertoire of questioning skills. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 815–843, 2007
Using patterns of thematic progression for building a table of contents of a text
Authors: MOENS MARIE-FRANCINE 
Published: January 2007

AbstractA text usually contains one or a few main topics, which are split up into subtopics, which in their turn can be further described by more detailed topics. In this article we describe a system that segments a text into topics and subtopics. Each segment is characterized by important key terms that are extracted from it and by its begin and end position in the text. A table of contents is built by using the hierarchical and sequential relationships between topical segments that are identified in a text. The table of contents generator relies upon universal linguistic theories on thetopicandcommentof a sentence and onpatterns of thematic progressionin text. The linguistic theories of topic and comment are modeled both deterministically and probabilistically. The system is applied to English texts (news, World Wide Web and encyclopedia texts) and is evaluated.
The Impact of Article 6(1) of the Echr on Private International Law
Authors: Fawcett JJ 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAn increasing trend in private international law cases decided by courts in the United Kingdom has been to refer to the European Convention on Human Rights and, in particular, to Article 6. This article will examine the impact of this provision on private international law. The article will go on to examine why the impact has been so limited and will put forward a new approach that takes human rights more seriously, using human rights law to identify problems and the flexibility inherent in private international law concepts to solve them.
Smallpox Surveillance in Bangladesh: II - Smallpox Facial Scar Survey Assessment of Surveillance Effectiveness
Authors: HUGHES K , FOSTER S O , TARANTOLA D , MEHTA H , TULLOCH J L , JOARDER A K 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Hughes K {Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, University of Singapore, Singapore), Foster S O, Tarantola D. Mehta H. Tulloch J L and Joarder A. K. Smallpox surveillance in Bangladesh: II - smallpox facial scar survey assessment and surveillance effectiveness. International Journal of Epidemiology 1980; 9: 335–340.
A smallpox facial scar survery of 465 892 persons aged 0–19 years was carried out in Bangladesh in 1976. covering approximately 1% of the 0–19 year old population. Of the 4 306 persons found with facial scarring consistant with previous smallpox infection, none had a history of smallpox with onset after the last reported case on October 16, 1975. Histories taken from persons with facial scars allowed smallpox incidence to be estimated for each year form 1972 to 1975. These estimetes indicate that completeness of reporting increased steedily from 11.8% in 1972 to 83.0% in 1975, reflecting the increasing effectiveness of surveillance.
Postpartum Ovarian Activity and Serum Estradiol‐17beta Level in Thai Crossbred Native Mares
Authors: Panasophonkul S , Lohachit C , Sirivaidyapong S 
Published: January 2007

ContentsTo study the postpartum ovarian activities for investigation of first postpartum oestrus, twenty‐five Thai crossbred native mares were monitored after parturition by oestrous detection, transrectal palpation and reproductive ultrasonography. Blood samplings were also taken for estradiol‐17beta (E2) analysis. The first ovulation occurred within 20 days postpartum in 92% (23/25) of the mares. The mean intervals of foaling to first oestrus and to first ovulation were 10.3 ± 2.9 and 13.4 ± 2.6 days (mean ± SD) respectively. Serum E2 increased from 7.0 ± 2.9 to a peak of 10.8 ± 3.3 pg/ml (mean ± SD) at 2 days before ovulation. In conclusion, from the study, it can be stated that the postpartum breeding management should be considered after day 10 postpartum by careful examination of ovarian activity with various methods. However, the uterine condition should be also estimated associated with the ovarian activity after parturition which may increase breeding performance and foal production.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Androgen Receptor in Two Subpopulations of Porcine Granulosa Cells In Vitro
Authors: Duda M , Slomczyńska M 
Published: January 2007

ContentsIn the ovarian follicles of mammals, androgens are utilized as substrates for estrogen synthesis or can act via androgen receptor (AR). Within the ovary, granulosa cells generally display the strongest immunoreactivity for AR protein. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse possible changes in the intensity of AR staining in cultured mural and antral granulosa cells isolated from follicles at various stages of development. Porcine ovaries were obtained at a local slaughterhouse and the follicles were classified as small, medium and large dependently on their diameter. Isolated granulosa cells were separated into two populations, mural and antral, and then the cells were cultured during 48 h. After this time the cells were fixed and immunostained to visualize the AR. Androgen receptor immunostaining was detected in both, antral and mural granulosa cell cultures isolated from follicles at all stages of the development. In the mural granulosa cultures the immunostaining was comparatively weaker than that in the antral granulosa cells originating from all types of follicles. Our results provide immunohistochemical evidence that antral granulosa layer is the main site of AR immunoexpression.
Party Control of State Government and the Distribution of Public Expenditures*
Authors: Ansolabehere Stephen , Snyder James M. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of party control of state governments on the distribution of intergovernmental transfers across counties from 1957 to 1997. We find that the governing parties skew the distribution of funds in favor of areas that provide them with the strongest electoral support. This is borne out in two ways. (i) Counties that traditionally give the highest vote share to the governing party receive larger shares of state transfers to local governments. (ii) When control of the state government changes, the distribution of funds shifts in the direction of the new governing party. We find only weak evidence that parties reward electorally pivotal counties or counties in electorally pivotal legislative districts. Finally, we find that increased spending in a county increases voter turnout in subsequent elections. This suggests that parties have an electoral incentive to skew the distribution of funds to influence future election results, and the mechanism through which this works is “mobilization” rather than “conversion” of voters in a fixed electorate.