bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Control of Desensitizing Inputs: The Case of Paylean
Authors: Canchi Devendra , Li Ning , Foster Ken , Preckel Paul V. , Schinckel Allan , Richert Brian 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe examine production economic implications of a specialized input to which a biological system (e.g., an animal) becomes desensitized over time, but its marginal productivity can be restored by increasing the dosage level. Optimal dosage levels and their timing become choice variables and may substitute or complement other inputs. This analysis is demonstrated for the case of Paylean in swine production. Use of a step‐up approach to optimal Paylean use is shown to return substantial value, especially in market structures that reward producers for lean carcass value, and in cases where the health status of the animals is compromised.
On the Measurement of Welfare for Market and Nonmarket Goods: A Numerical Approach
Authors: Ebert Udo 
Published: January 2010

AbstractExtending Vartia's (1983) framework, the paper presents a simple numerical approach to the measurement of welfare for market and nonmarket goods on the basis of an incomplete (mixed) demand system. The method allows the determination of exact welfare measures. It provides a flexible and well‐founded alternative to ad hoc methods based on consumer surplus.
Successful Intracardiac Robotic Surgery Initial Results from Japan
Authors: Watanabe Go 
Published: January 2010

Objective The purpose of this study is to report our 2-year experience of performing endoscopic intracardiac procedures using the da Vinci Surgical System. Our teams at Kanazawa University and Tokyo Medical University groups began using the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) in 2005. This series represents the first Japanese application of robotic technology for totally endoscopic open-heart surgery. Methods From January 2008 to February 2009, 10 patients (mean age: 46.8 ± 16.3 years, 70% women) underwent endoscopic atrial septal defect closure and resection of the left atrial myxoma using the da Vinci Surgical System and peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass technique. Of the 10 patients, nine were classified as New York Heart Association class II and 1 patient exhibited atrial arrhythmias. In addition, two patients required mitral valve plasty (n = 2) and tricuspid annuloplasty (n = 1). Results Mean da Vinci Surgical System working time was 140.7 ± 57.4 minutes. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamp times were 103.1 ± 37.1 and 30.0 ± 16.9 minutes, respectively. There were no conversions to sternotomy or small thoracotomy. There were no hospital deaths. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were 1 day and 3.1 ± 0.3 days, respectively. All patients appreciated the cosmetic result and fast recovery. Conclusions Closed-chest atrial septal defect closure and myxoma resection performed using robotic techniques achieved excellent results and rapid postoperative recovery and provided an attractive cosmetic advantage over median sternotomy.
Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Bombien René , Lesche Claudia , Lozonschi Lucian , Feucker Max , Brinkmann Ralf , Dahmen Christian , Schünke Michael , Cremer Jochen , Lutter Georg 
Published: January 2010

Objective The feasibility of endovascular resection of highly calcified aortic valves has already been demonstrated by our group. Different endovascular and intracardiac tractability methods were applied. In this study, these technologies were analyzed comparing the tractability, the resection time, and the lesions in the surrounding tissue. Methods All aortic valve resections (seven human hearts and 21 porcine hearts) were performed using a Thulium:YAG laser (continuous wave, wavelength of 2.01 μm, 20 watts power rating). In the first resection system, the laser fiber was controlled by a free in-lying flexible endoscope (Ø 2.5 mm, length of 600 mm). The distal part of the endoscope (40 mm) was moved in one plane by proximal manual control (three degrees of freedom). The resection system was separated into defined rooms assigning one room for one tool. The fiber was controlled by the above-mentioned endoscope (*) (three degrees of freedom). The third resection system was a mechanical microactuator carrying the laser fiber (three degrees of freedom). The fourth resection system contains a rotatable inlay with defined rooms and a newly designed nitinol (NiTi) microactuator that controlled the laser fiber (four degrees of freedom). The resection time per leaflet was measured in minutes. Gross anatomy and histology in the surrounding tissue were evaluated. Results The resection time in approaches 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 5.5 ± 2.3 minutes, 7.4 ± 2.7 minutes, ± 6.6 minutes, and2.3 ± 1.2 minutes, respectively. The gross anatomy and histology of collateral damages revealed only superficial lesions of the surrounding tissue. The amount of lesions and the resection time were lower in the fourth approach with four degrees of freedom. Conclusions This analysis demonstrated that a precise tractability with four degrees of freedom is necessary for a faster and safer endovascular resection of the aortic valve. The analysis will help to optimize the ongoing development of the endovascular and intra-cardiac resection technology.
The Active Tube Clearance System a Novel Bedside Chest-Tube Clearance Device
Authors: Shalli Shanaz , Boyle Edward M. , Saeed Diyar , Fukamachi Kiyotaka , Cohn William E. , Gillinov A. Marc 
Published: January 2010

Objective Chest-tube clogging can lead to complications after heart and lung surgery. Surgeons often choose large-diameter chest tubes or place more than one chest tube when concerned about the potential for clogging. The purpose of this report is to describe the design and function of a proprietary active tube clearance system, a novel device that clears clots and debris from chest tubes. Device Description The active tube clearance system is a novel chest tube clearance apparatus developed to maintain chest tube patency. Chest tube clearance is achieved by advancing the specially designed clearance member back and forth within the chest tube under sterile conditions, breaking down and pulling clots back toward the drainage receptacle, thereby leaving the inner portion of the chest tube clear of any obstructing material. Conclusions By maintaining chest tube patency, chest tube drainage can be performed more safely, and this apparatus may possibly lead to the use of smaller chest tubes and less invasive insertion techniques.
Off-pump Coronary Bypass Surgery in Patients with Low Ejection Fraction
Authors: Gorki Hagen , Patel Nirav C. , Panagopoulos Georgia , Jennings Joan , Balacumaraswami Lognathen , Plestis Konstadinos , Subramanian Valavanur A. 
Published: January 2010

Objective Long-term survival after off-pump surgery in patients with low ejection fraction was investigated. Methods Three hundred forty-six patients with ejection fraction 30% or less with isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) were compared with a propensity matched historical group operated on-pump (ONCAB) and with data from literature after percutaneous coronary intervention and OPCAB surgery. Results The lower invasiveness of OPCAB contributed to a significantly better 30-day survival, shorter postoperative length of stay, and fewer in-hospital complications. Incomplete revascularization of the posterior and lateral territories of the heart correlated with higher 1-year mortality. The probability of survival for 8 years after OPCAB was 50.1% (n = 76) versus 49.7% (n = 82) for ONCAB without comparable data from literature for OPCAB or percutaneous coronary intervention in these high-risk patients. Conclusions OPCAB surgery in patients with low ejection fraction is a viable alternative but so far without demonstrable long-term survival advantage to ONCAB.
Resizable Ventricular Patch Plasty in the Porcine Left Ventricle a Pilot Study
Authors: Huijgen Willemijn H. F. , Gründeman Paul F. , van der Spoel Tycho , Cramer Maarten-Jan , Steendijk Paul , Klautz Robert J. M. , van Herwerden Lex A. 
Published: January 2010

Objective Endoventricular circular patch plasty is a method used to reconstruct the ventricular cavity in patients with (post) ischemic left ventricular aneurysm or global dilatation. However, late redilatation with mitral regurgitation has been reported, in which postoperative apex shape seems to play an important role. We studied the feasibility of ventricular volume downsizing with a variably shaped patch in porcine hearts. Methods In five in vitro and two acute animal experiments, a dyskinetic aneurysm was simulated with a pericardial insert. Reducing patch surface by changing patch shape diminished end-diastolic volume. In vitro, static end-diastolic volume was determined for each patch shape using volumetry and echocardiography. In the acute animal experiments, preliminary observations of patch behavior in live material were made, and pressure/time relationship, dPdTmax, was registered. Results In vitro, bringing the convex patch into a flat plane reduced LV volume from 66 ± 7 mL (aneurysm) to 49 ± 5 mL. Four of 5 patch shapes further reduced volume to a mean of 38 ± 7 mL (P = 0.03). The in vitro echocardiographic measurements correlated with volumetry findings (r = 0.81). In the acute animal experiments, dPdTmax varied with patch shape, independent of volume changes. Conclusions In this pilot study, in vitro shape configuration of the resizable ventricular patch resulted in a calibrated end-diastolic volume reduction. The data of the two in vivo pilot experiments clearly indicate that change in patch configuration in the situation of more or less unchanged end-diastolic volume had impact on cardiac performance. Future studies must substantiate the results of this observation.
Noise-induced suppression of periodic travelling waves in oscillatory reaction–diffusion systems
Authors: Sieber Michael , Malchow Horst , Petrovskii Sergei V. 
Published: January 2010

Ecological field data suggest that some species show periodic changes in abundance over time and in a specific spatial direction. Periodic travelling waves as solutions to reaction–diffusion equations have helped to identify possible scenarios, by which such spatio-temporal patterns may arise. In this paper, such solutions are tested for their robustness against an irregular temporal forcing, since most natural populations can be expected to be subject to erratic fluctuations imposed by the environment. It is found that small environmental noise is able to suppress periodic travelling waves in stochastic variants of oscillatory reaction–diffusion systems. Irregular spatio-temporal oscillations, however, appear to be more robust and persist under the same stochastic forcing.
Down-Regulation of the CSLF6 Gene Results in Decreased (1,3;1,4)-β-d-Glucan in Endosperm of Wheat
Authors: Nemeth Csilla , Freeman Jackie , Jones Huw D. , Sparks Caroline , Pellny Till K. , Wilkinson Mark D. , Dunwell Jim , Andersson Annica A.M. , Åman Per , Guillon Fabienne , Saulnier Luc , Mitchell Rowan A.C. , Shewry Peter R. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
(1,3;1,4)-β-d-Glucan (β-glucan) accounts for 20% of the total cell walls in the starchy endosperm of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and is an important source of dietary fiber for human nutrition with potential health benefits. Bioinformatic and array analyses of gene expression profiles in developing caryopses identified the CELLULOSE SYNTHASE-LIKE F6 (CSLF6) gene as encoding a putative β-glucan synthase. RNA interference constructs were therefore designed to down-regulate CSLF6 gene expression and expressed in transgenic wheat under the control of a starchy endosperm-specific HMW subunit gene promoter. Analysis of wholemeal flours using an enzyme-based kit and by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography after digestion with lichenase showed decreases in total β-glucan of between 30% and 52% and between 36% and 53%, respectively, in five transgenic lines compared to three control lines. The content of water-extractable β-glucan was also reduced by about 50% in the transgenic lines, and the Mr distribution of the fraction was decreased from an average of 79 to 85 × 104 g/mol in the controls and 36 to 57 × 104 g/mol in the transgenics. Immunolocalization of β-glucan in semithin sections of mature and developing grains confirmed that the impact of the transgene was confined to the starchy endosperm with little or no effect on the aleurone or outer layers of the grain. The results confirm that the CSLF6 gene of wheat encodes a β-glucan synthase and indicate that transgenic manipulation can be used to enhance the health benefits of wheat products.
R2R3-NaMYB8 Regulates the Accumulation of Phenylpropanoid-Polyamine Conjugates, Which Are Essential for Local and Systemic Defense against Insect Herbivores inNicotiana attenuata
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Heinzel Nicolas , Schöttner Mathias , Baldwin Ian T. , GÁlis Ivan 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAlthough phenylpropanoid-polyamine conjugates (PPCs) occur ubiquitously in plants, their biological roles remain largely unexplored. The two major PPCs of Nicotiana attenuata plants, caffeoylputrescine (CP) and dicaffeoylspermidine, increase dramatically in local and systemic tissues after herbivore attack and simulations thereof. We identified NaMYB8, a homolog of NtMYBJS1, which in BY-2 cells regulates PPC biosynthesis, and silenced its expression by RNA interference in N. attenuata (ir-MYB8), to understand the ecological role(s) of PPCs. The regulatory role of NaMYB8 in PPC biosynthesis was validated by a microarray analysis, which revealed that transcripts of several key biosynthetic genes in shikimate and polyamine metabolism accumulated in a NaMYB8-dependent manner. Wild-type N. attenuata plants typically contain high levels of PPCs in their reproductive tissues; however, NaMYB8-silenced plants that completely lacked CP and dicaffeoylspermidine showed no changes in reproductive parameters of the plants. In contrast, a defensive role for PPCs was clear; both specialist (Manduca sexta) and generalist (Spodoptera littoralis) caterpillars feeding on systemically preinduced young stem leaves performed significantly better on ir-MYB8 plants lacking PPCs compared with wild-type plants expressing high levels of PPCs. Moreover, the growth of M. sexta caterpillars was significantly reduced when neonates were fed ir-MYB8 leaves sprayed with synthetic CP, corroborating the role of PPCs as direct plant defense. The spatiotemporal accumulation and function of PPCs in N. attenuata are consistent with the predictions of the optimal defense theory: plants preferentially protect their most fitness-enhancing and vulnerable parts, young tissues and reproductive organs, to maximize their fitness.
Regulation of Plant Glycine Decarboxylase byS-Nitrosylation and Glutathionylation
Authors: Palmieri M. Cristina , Lindermayr Christian , Bauwe Hermann , Steinhauser Clara , Durner Joerg 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMitochondria play an essential role in nitric oxide (NO) signal transduction in plants. Using the biotin-switch method in conjunction with nano-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, we identified 11 candidate proteins that were S-nitrosylated and/or glutathionylated in mitochondria of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves. These included glycine decarboxylase complex (GDC), a key enzyme of the photorespiratory C2 cycle in C3 plants. GDC activity was inhibited by S-nitrosoglutathione due to S-nitrosylation/S-glutathionylation of several cysteine residues. Gas-exchange measurements demonstrated that the bacterial elicitor harpin, a strong inducer of reactive oxygen species and NO, inhibits GDC activity. Furthermore, an inhibitor of GDC, aminoacetonitrile, was able to mimic mitochondrial depolarization, hydrogen peroxide production, and cell death in response to stress or harpin treatment of cultured Arabidopsis cells. These findings indicate that the mitochondrial photorespiratory system is involved in the regulation of NO signal transduction in Arabidopsis.
Free and ATP-bound structures of Ap4A hydrolase fromAquifex aeolicusV5
Authors: Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman , Kanaujia Shankar Prasad , Nishida Yuya , Nakagawa Noriko , Praveen Surendran , Shinkai Akeo , Kuramitsu Seiki , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Sekar Kanagaraj 
Published: January 2010

Asymmetric diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) hydrolases degrade the metabolite Ap4A back into ATP and AMP. The three-dimensional crystal structure of Ap4A hydrolase (16 kDa) fromAquifex aeolicushas been determined in free and ATP-bound forms at 1.8 and 1.95 Å resolution, respectively. The overall three-dimensional crystal structure of the enzyme shows an αβα-sandwich architecture with a characteristic loop adjacent to the catalytic site of the protein molecule. The ATP molecule is bound in the primary active site and the adenine moiety of the nucleotide binds in a ring-stacking arrangement equivalent to that observed in the X-ray structure of Ap4A hydrolase fromCaenorhabditis elegans. Binding of ATP in the active site induces local conformational changes which may have important implications in the mechanism of substrate recognition in this class of enzymes. Furthermore, two invariant water molecules have been identified and their possible structural and/or functional roles are discussed. In addition, modelling of the substrate molecule at the primary active site of the enzyme suggests a possible path for entry and/or exit of the substrate and/or product molecule.
QTL for resistance to summer mortality and OsHV‐1 load in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Sauvage C. , Boudry P. , De Koning D.‐J. , Haley C. S. , Heurtebise S. , Lapègue S. 
Published: January 2010

SummarySummer mortality is a phenomenon severely affecting the aquaculture production of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). Although its causal factors are complex, resistance to mortality has been described as a highly heritable trait, and several pathogens including the virus Ostreid Herpes virus type 1 (OsHV‐1) have been associated with this phenomenon. A QTL analysis for survival of summer mortality and OsHV‐1 load, estimated using real‐time PCR, was performed using five F2 full‐sib families resulting from a divergent selection experiment for resistance to summer mortality. A consensus linkage map was built using 29 SNPs and 51 microsatellite markers. Five significant QTL were identified and assigned to linkage groups V, VI, VII and IX. Analysis of single full‐sib families revealed differential QTL segregation between families. QTL for the two‐recorded traits presented very similar locations, highlighting the interest of further study of their respective genetic controls. These QTL show substantial genetic variation in resistance to summer mortality, and present new opportunities for selection for resistance to OsHV‐1.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate induces cell death in acute myeloid leukaemia cells and supports all‐trans retinoic acid‐induced neutrophil differentiation via death‐associated protein kinase 2
Authors: Britschgi Adrian , Simon Hans‐Uwe , Tobler Andreas , Fey Martin F. , Tschan Mario P. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryAcute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) patients are successfully treated with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA). However, concurrent chemotherapy is still necessary and less toxic therapeutic approaches are needed. Earlier studies suggested that in haematopoietic neoplasms, the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) induces cell death without adversely affecting healthy cells. We aimed at deciphering the molecular mechanism of EGCG‐induced cell death in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). A significant increase of death‐associated protein kinase 2 (DAPK2) levels was found in AML cells upon EGCG treatment paralleled by increased cell death that was significantly reduced upon silencing of DAPK2. Moreover, combined ATRA and EGCG treatment resulted in cooperative DAPK2 induction and potentiated differentiation. EGCG toxicity of primary AML blasts correlated with 67 kDa laminin receptor (67LR) expression. Pretreatment of AML cells with ATRA, causing downregulation of 67LR, rendered these cells resistant to EGCG‐mediated cell death. In summary, it was found that (i) DAPK2 is essential for EGCG‐induced cell death in AML cells, (ii) ATRA and EGCG cotreatment significantly boosted neutrophil differentiation, and 67LR expression correlates with susceptibility of AML cells to EGCG. We thus suggest that EGCG, by selectively targeting leukaemic cells, may improve differentiation therapies for APL and chemotherapy for other AML subtypes.
Venous thrombosis of the upper extremity: effect of blood group and coagulation factor levels on risk
Authors: Flinterman Linda E. , Van Hylckama Vlieg Astrid , Rosendaal Frits R. , Doggen Carine J. M. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryVenous thrombosis of the upper extremity is a rare form of thrombosis, accounting for around 4% of all venous thromboses, and for which only a few risk factors are known. This case‐control study investigated the effect of coagulation factors on risk of venous thrombosis of the upper extremity. Patients with venous thrombosis of the arm and partner controls were selected from the Multiple Environmental and Genetic Assessment study, a large population‐based case‐control study. Participants with a malignancy were excluded. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated for elevated levels of factor II, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, von Willebrand Factor (VWF), and fibrinogen, low levels of protein C, protein S, and antithrombin, and for blood group non‐O. Substantially increased risks of venous thrombosis of the upper extremity were found for patients with high levels (above 90th percentile versus below) of factor VIII (OR: 4·2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2·2–7·9), VWF (OR: 4·0, 95% CI: 2·1–7·8), fibrinogen (OR: 2·9, 95% CI, 1·5–5·7), and for blood group non‐O compared to O (OR: 2·1, 95% CI, 1·3–3·6). The other factors were not associated with an increased risk. Elevated levels of several procoagulant factors are associated with a strongly increased risk of venous thrombosis of the upper extremity.