bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Normal modes for predicting protein motions: A comprehensive database assessment and associated Web tool
Authors: Alexandrov Vadim , Lehnert Ursula , Echols Nathaniel , Milburn Duncan , Engelman Donald , Gerstein Mark 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe carry out an extensive statistical study of the applicability of normal modes to the prediction of mobile regions in proteins. In particular, we assess the degree to which the observed motions found in a comprehensive data set of 377 nonredundant motions can be modeled by a single normal‐mode vibration. We describe each motion in our data set by vectors connecting corresponding atoms in two crystallographically known conformations. We then measure the geometric overlap of these motion vectors with the displacement vectors of the lowest‐frequency mode, for one of the conformations. Our study suggests that the lowest mode contains useful information about the parts of a protein that move most (i.e., have the largest amplitudes) and about the direction of this movement. Based on our findings, we developed a Web tool for motion prediction (available from http://molmovdb.org/nma) and apply it here to four representative motions—from bacteriorhodopsin, calmodulin, insulin, and T7 RNA polymerase.
Dynamic Insurance Contracts and Adverse Selection
Authors: Janssen Maarten C. W. , Karamychev Vladimir A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe take a dynamic perspective on insurance markets under adverse selection and study a dynamic version of the Rothschild and Stiglitz model. We investigate the nature of dynamic insurance contracts by considering both conditional and unconditional dynamic contracts. An unconditional dynamic contract has insurance companies offering contracts where the terms of the contract depend on time, but not on the occurrence of past accidents. Conditional dynamic contracts make the actual contract also depend on individual past performance (such as in car insurances). We show that dynamic insurance contracts yield a welfare improvement only if they are conditional on past performance. With conditional contracts, the first‐best can be approximated if the contract lasts long. Moreover, this is true for any fraction of low‐risk agents in the population.
Ownership Structure, Agency Costs, Specialization, and Efficiency: Analysis of Keiretsu and Independent Insurers in the Japanese Nonlife Insurance Industry
Authors: Jeng Vivian , Lai Gene C. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThis article uses the nonparametric frontier method to examine differences in efficiency for three unique organizational forms in the Japanese nonlife insurance industry—keiretsu firms, nonspecialized independent firms (NSIFs), and specialized independent firms (SIFs). It is not possible to reject the null hypothesis that efficiencies are equal, with one exception. Keiretsu firms seem to be more cost‐efficient than NSIFs. The results have important implications for the stakeholders of the NSIFs. An examination of the productivity changes across the different organizational forms reveals deteriorating efficiency for all three types of firms throughout the 1985–1994 sample period. Finally, the evidence also suggests that the value‐added approach and the financial intermediary approach provide different but complementary results.
Insurance in a Market for Credence Goods
Authors: Sülzle Kai , Wambach Achim 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe study the impact of variations in the degree of insurance on the amount of fraud in a physician‐patient relationship. In a market for credence goods, where prices are regulated by an authority, physicians act as experts. Due to their informational advantage, physicians have an incentive to cheat by pretending to perform inappropriately high treatment levels leading to overcharging patients. Our approach aims on the impact on changes in each, patients' and physicians' incentive structure when the proportional degree of coinsurance varies. It is shown that a higher coinsurance rate may lead to either less fraud in the market and a lower probability of patients searching for second opinions or more fraud and more searches.
Use of a nuclear‐targeted β‐glucuronidase fusion protein to demonstrate vegetative cell‐specific gene expression in developing pollen
Authors: Twell David 
Published: February 2005

SummaryTo examine the site of expression of the tomato anther‐specific gene, LAT52, in the developing male gametophyte, the LAT52 gene promoter was fused to a nuclear‐targeted version of the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) gene and introduced into tobacco. Transformed plants expressing GUS activity showed nuclear localization of the GUS reaction product to the vegetative cell of the pollen grain. No staining or localization was detected in the generative cell, at pollen maturation or during pollen tube growth in vitro. These results clearly demonstrate differential gene expression within the male gametophyte, and highlight regulatory events which determine the differing fates of the vegetative and generative cells following microspore mitosis.
Random sequencing of cDNA libraries reveals a variety of expressed genes in cultured cells of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Uchimiya Hirofumi , Kidou Shin‐ichiro , Shimazaki Tetsuo , Aotsuka Satoshi , Takamatsu Susumu , Nishi Ritsuko , Hashimoto Hiroshi , Matsubayashi Yuko , Kidou Naomi , Umeda Masaaki , Kato Atsushi 
Published: February 2005

SummaryLarge scale sequencing of randomly selected cDNA clones was carried out to investigate the feasibility of this method for isolating plant genes. cDNA libraries were made using mRNA prepared from suspension‐cultured cells of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Partial nucleotide sequences of 830 individual cDNA clones have been determined and compared with the GenBank database. Approximately 8% of the cDNA clones could be identified as particular genes. This method provides the opportunity to isolate large numbers of plant genes.
Doctors in vocational training: rural background and rural practice intentions
Authors:   Australian Medical Workforce Advisory Committee (AMWAC)
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective:  To report the findings of a national survey of Australian doctors in vocational training about their rural practice intentions and their plans to work full time or part time. Design:  A self‐administered mailed survey. Setting:  Vocational training: general practice and other medical college training programs.Subjects:  Australian doctors (i.e. Australian citizens and permanent residents) registered with one of Australia's 17 medical college vocational training programs in September 2002. Main outcome measures:  Intention to practise in a rural area on completion of vocational training; full‐time or part‐time practice plans; views about rural practice. Results:  Of the 7899 doctors who met the criteria for inclusion in the study, 4259 (54%) responded. In total:14% indicated a preference for rural practice on completion of vocational training; 17% were GP trainees of which 31% preferred rural practice; 83% were registered with one of the other 16 specialist training programs (e.g. adult medicine, paediatric medicine and surgery) of which 10% preferred rural practice; 50% of general practice trainees and 23% of trainees in other specialist training programs with a rural background indicated a preference for rural practice in the long term, compared with 25% and 7%, respectively, of doctors with an urban background; 46% of general practice trainees with intentions to practise in a rural area plan to practise part time. A positive association was observed between rural background and preference for rural practice (odds ratio (OR) 2.9) and between preference for rural practice and enrolment in the rural general practice training pathway (OR 3.1) and involvement in rural education and training activities (OR 5.1). Conclusions:  The findings of this study support initiatives to increase the number of rural background students entering medical school and rural education and vocational training initiatives. Australia's rural doctor shortage is not likely to be addressed by this cohort of doctors in vocational training. General practice workforce plans, rural and urban, need to take note of the high proportion of doctors who plan to practise part time.
Masculine interest behind high prevalence of female contraceptive methods in rural Nepal
Authors: Chapagain Matrika 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective:  This article explores the nexus between intraspousal power relations and couples’ participation in contraceptive decision‐making. Further, it discloses whether perceived gender roles and privilege influence couples’ contraceptive behaviour in rural Nepal. Methods:  Two hundred and twenty‐three couples from 197 randomly selected households from two rural population clusters in eastern Nepal were interviewed. Additionally, 40 key informants were included to collect in‐depth qualitative information. The conclusion provides the essence of the results from quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results:  Out of 10 independent variables regarding the social power status of the wives and husbands (education, age, occupation, personal income, household headship, political participation, social participation, access to mass media, exposure to psychological assault and physical assault from husband), four variables, namely education, personal income, exposure to psychological assault and physical assault demonstrated significant influence on wives’ participation, while no one variable showed association with husbands’ participation in contraceptive decision‐making. Despite the husband's domination, husband–wife joint involvement in making contraceptive decisions was common. However, stereotyped gender roles and privilege appeared to be influential in deciding the types of methods to use, to shift the methods, and to terminate using contraception. Conclusion:  As an unequal conjugal relationship is one of the factors responsible for the husband's domination in the decision‐making process, women's empowerment should be an entry‐point for the transformation of gender discriminatory attitudes and behaviour. Women's empowerment enhances an equal conjugal relationship, and thereby helps in achieving equal partnership in reproductive health decision‐making.
Do rural consumers expect a prescription from their GP visit? Investigation of patients’ expectations for a prescription and doctors’ prescribing decisions in rural Australia
Authors: Cutts Christopher , Tett Susan E. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective:  To assess patients’ expectation for receiving a prescription and GPs’ perceptions of patient expectation for a prescription. Design:  Matched questionnaire study completed by patients and GPs. Setting:  Seven general practices in rural Queensland, Australia. Subjects:  The subjects were 481 patients consulting 17 GPs. Main outcome measures:  Patients’ expectation for receiving a prescription and GPs’ perceptions of patients’ expectation. Results:  Ideal expectation (hope) for a prescription was expressed by 57% (274/481) of patients. Sixty‐six per cent (313/481) thought it was likely that the doctor would actually give them a prescription. Doctors accurately predicted hope or lack of hope for a prescription in 65% (314/481) of consultations, but were inaccurate in 19% (93/481). A prescription was written in 55% of consultations. No increase in patients’ expectation, doctors’ perceptions of expectation, or decision to prescribe were detected for patients living a greater distance from the doctors. Conclusions:  Rural patients demonstrated similar rates of hope for a prescription to those found in previous urban studies. Rural doctors seem to be similarly ‘accurate’ and ‘inaccurate’ in determining patients’ expectations. Rates of prescribing were comparable to urban rates. Distance was not found to increase the level of patient expectation, affect the doctors’ perception or to influence the decision to prescribe.
Postoperative morbidity and recurrence after local excision of rectal adenomas and rectal cancer by transanal endoscopic microsurgery
Authors: Endreseth B. H. , Wibe A. , Svinsås M. , Mårvik R. , Myrvold H. E. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective  Tumours in the middle and upper part of the rectum are not easy accessible to local excision. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been recommended for excision of sessile adenomas in the middle and upper part of the rectum, and for small cancers in patients not fit for major surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative morbidity and local recurrence after TEM.Material and methods  Seventy‐nine patients were treated by TEM in the period 1994–2001. The median age was 74 years. The indications for TEM were rectal adenoma in 72 patients and rectal cancer in 7 patients. The tumours were located within 18 cm from the dentate line, median 10 cm. There were performed 69 transmural and 10 mucosal excisions. Mean follow up was 24 months (range 1–95 months). Twenty (25%) patients died during the follow up period, two because of metastases and 18 of other causes.Results  Seven patients had complications. Two (2.5%) patients had peroperative perforation in the intra‐abdominal part of the rectum treated by laparotomy. Five (6%) patients had postoperative cardiopulmonal or surgical complications. Eight patients with benign pre‐operative histopathological examination had cancer. The local recurrence rate (13%) was similar for adenomas and for carcinomas.Conclusion  TEM is a safe technique well tolerated also by high‐risk patients, and should be the preferred method in patients with benign tumours in the middle and upper part of the rectum, and in selected cases of early rectal cancer. Benign pre‐operative histology does not preclude malignancy and some patients may need further treatment for unexpected malignancy.
Bipolar electrocoagulation vs conventional monopolar hot biopsy forceps in the endoscopic treatment of diminutive rectal adenomas
Authors: Paspatis G. A. , Vardas E. , Charoniti I. , Papanikolaou N. , Barbatzas C. , Zois E. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective  To assess whether a cold biopsy from a diminutive rectal adenoma followed by destruction with bipolar (gold probe) electrocoagulation using large probes and high power setting would be a safe and efficient alternative to conventional monopolar hot biopsy forceps (MHBF).Patients and methods  Eligible patients were those undergoing colonoscopy, fulfilling the criteria of additional clearing colonoscopy and having at least one suspected rectal adenoma ≤ 5 mm. At the time of endoscopy patients were randomized to receive treatment for their diminutive rectal adenomas either with cold biopsy followed by repeated gold probe electrocoagulation (Group A) using a 10 Fr catheter with setting 8 (40 W) for 1 second or with MHBF (Group B). These patients were followed up with a colonoscopy at 2–4 months.Results  A total number of 24 (15 males, 9 females; mean age 56 years) patients were included in group A and 26 (14 males, 12 females; mean age 58 years) in group B. A total number of 38 and 37 diminutive rectal adenomas was detected in patients of Group A and Group B, respectively. At follow up colonoscopy residual adenoma tissue was found in 2 (5.2%) adenomas of 38 in Group A and in 4 (10.8%) of 37 in Group B (P > 0.3). No complications related to colonoscopy or endoscopic treatments in both groups occurred.Conclusions  Our data suggest that the use of cold biopsy followed by bipolar electrocoagulation using large probes and high power setting for destroying diminutive rectal adenoma seems to be equally effective and safe as MHBF.
An approach to haemorrhoids
Authors: Tang T. , Lim P. B. , Miller R. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective  Many patients with haemorrhoids are investigated because of the fear of missing colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to determine whether a primarily clinical approach regarding the need for investigation was safe and did not miss patients with CRC.Patients and methods  Data was collected prospectively on 589 consecutive patients with the principle diagnosis of haemorrhoids at first clinic visit. All had clinical assessment including rigid sigmoidoscopy and were treated by phenol injection or banding. They were categorized for (1) no review unless symptoms persisted –‘One Stop SOS’ (2) outpatient review or (3) investigation. To check for the development of CRC they were contacted by postal questionnaire or telephone interview with a minimum of one year from diagnosis and treatment. All 589 patients were cross‐referenced with the Pathology database and the Hospital Information Services System.Results  Four hundred and sixty‐nine (80%) answered the questionnaire; 352 patients (60% of the total group) fell in the ‘one stop SOS’ outpatient category; 95 (16%) patients were followed up to review response to treatment for large haemorrhoids; 105 (18%) were investigated with barium enema (12%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (4%), colonoscopy (1%) and miscellaneous (1%); 37 (6%) patients were either given a haemorrhoidectomy date or referred on with a different diagnosis. No patients selected for ‘one‐stop’ treatment developed CRC. Five (0.8%) patients were diagnosed with CRC after appropriate investigation was instituted for suspicious symptoms. One patient with distal transverse colon cancer had a delayed diagnosis as she was investigated initially by flexible sigmoidoscopy.Conclusion  Most patients with the primary diagnosis of symptomatic haemorrhoids do not need investigation.
Long‐term outcome of laparoscopic mesh rectopexy for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome
Authors: Tweedie D. J. , Varma J. S. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective  To determine the long‐term outcome of laparoscopic mesh rectopexy for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS).Patients and methods  A retrospective review of 11 patients who underwent laparoscopic mesh rectopexy for refractory SRUS between 1993 and 1996. All patients were followed up initially with rigid sigmoidoscopy and seven were involved in long‐term evaluation (follow‐up at 71–106 months, median 89 months) involving a sickness impact profile questionnaire.Results  Complete endoscopic healing of the ulcer was demonstrated in all 11 patients up to one year postoperatively but one suffered recurrence later. Of seven assessed long‐term, none experienced endoscopic recurrence. Six continued to enjoy a significant reduction in symptoms and an improved quality of life. One had persistent problems and demonstrated little symptomatic improvement.Conclusion  Laparoscopic mesh rectopexy offers a minimally invasive option for selected patients who remain severely symptomatic despite maximal conservative therapy for SRUS, with demonstrable ulcer healing and long‐term improvement in symptoms and quality of life. Larger studies are required to fully evaluate its efficacy compared to ‘conventional’ surgical options.
Systematic review of thromboprophylaxis in colorectal surgery – an update
Authors: Borly L. , Wille‐Jørgensen Peer , Rasmussen M. S. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective  The incidence of thromboembolism after colorectal surgery is higher than after general surgery. The aim of this paper is to update a systematic review addressing thrombosis prophylaxis in connection with colorectal surgery.Methods  MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, abstract books and reference lists from reviews were searched without language restrictions for randomized controlled trials or clinical controlled trials comparing prophylactic interventions and/or placebo up til August 2003. Five hundred and fifty‐eight studies were identified of which 19 fulfilled the inclusion criterias. Data extraction was done by at least two of the authors. Outcome was deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism diagnosed by various methods.Results  Any kind of heparin is better than no treatment or placebo (11 studies) with a Peto Odds ratio (POR) at 0.32 (95% CI 0.20–0.53). Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin (4 studies) were equally effective POR 1.01 (95% CI 0.67–1.52). The combination of graduated compression stockings and LMWH is better than LMWH alone (2 studies) with a POR at 4.17 (95% CI 1.37–12.70).Conclusion  The optimal thromboprophylaxis in colorectal surgery is the combination of graduated compression stockings and low‐dose unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin.
Targets and elective colorectal cancer: outcome and symptom delay at surgical resection
Authors: Bharucha S. , Hughes S. , Kenyon V. , Anderson I. D. , Carlson G. L. , Scott N. A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective  To determine, for elective patients with colorectal cancer, if associations exist between the length of symptom history at surgical resection and Dukes stage, completeness of the surgical procedure and patient survival.Patients and methods  A prospective cohort study was undertaken. Five hundred and eighty‐two patients with colorectal cancer, admitted for surgical resection after outpatient consultation, divided into four equal quartiles according to length of symptom history (short: n = 131, 0–103 days; medium: n = 136, 104–177 days; long: n = 136, 178–318 days; very long: n = 137, 319–1997 days). The main outcome measures used were the Extent of tumour (Dukes stage) at resection, completeness of resectional surgery (curative vs palliative), patient survival after resection.Results  For patients undergoing elective surgical resection of colorectal cancer we did not find an association between Dukes stage and duration of patient history (Dukes stage C tumours were seen in 37% (CI: 26.2%‐48.0%) of patients with a short symptomatic history as opposed to 34% (CI: 32%‐62%) with a very long symptomatic history). Elective curative resection was not associated with a significantly different symptom duration than elective palliative resection (Palliative resections were performed in 24% (CI: 11.7%‐36.4%) of patients with a short symptomatic history as opposed to 16% (CI: 2.4%‐29.9%) with a very long symptomatic history). The median survival time for the four elective colorectal patient groups defined by length of symptomatic history was not significantly different – (short: n = 131, 4.3 years; medium: n = 136, 5.9 years; long: n = 136, 7.1 years; very long: n = 137, 5.0 years).Conclusion  Tumour extent, completeness of resection and patient outcome after elective colorectal cancer resection was not found to have an association with length of patient history at the time of surgery.