bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Distinct Self-Incompatibility Specificities inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Boggs Nathan A , Dwyer Kathleen G , Shah Paurush , McCulloch Amanda A , Bechsgaard Jesper , Schierup Mikkel H , Nasrallah Mikhail E , Nasrallah June B 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe interplay of balancing selection within a species and rapid gene evolution between species can confound our ability to determine the functional equivalence of interspecific and intergeneric pairs of alleles underlying reproduction. In crucifer plants, mating specificity in the barrier to self-fertilization called self-incompatibility (SI) is controlled by allele-specific interactions between two highly polymorphic and co-evolving proteins, the S-locus receptor kinase (SRK) and its S-locus cysteine rich (SCR) ligand. These proteins have diversified both within and between species such that it is often difficult to determine from sequence information alone if they encode the same or different SI specificity. The self-fertile Arabidopsis thaliana was derived from an obligate outbreeding ancestor by loss of self-incompatibility, often in conjunction with inactivation of SRK or SCR. Nevertheless, some accessions of A. thaliana can express self-incompatibility upon transformation with an SRK–SCR gene pair isolated from its self-incompatible close relative A. lyrata. Here we show that several additional and highly diverged SRK/SCR genes from A. lyrata and another crucifer plant, Capsella grandiflora, confer self-incompatibility in A. thaliana, either as intact genes isolated from genomic libraries or after manipulation to generate chimeric fusions. We describe how the use of this newly developed chimeric protein strategy has allowed us to test the functional equivalence of SRK/SCR gene pairs from different taxa and to assay the functionality of endogenous A. thaliana SRK and SCR sequences.
Identification of a New Rice Blast Resistance Gene, Pid3, by Genomewide Comparison of Paired Nucleotide-Binding Site–Leucine-Rich Repeat Genes and Their Pseudogene Alleles Between the Two Sequenced Rice Genomes
Authors: Shang Junjun , Tao Yong , Chen Xuewei , Zou Yan , Lei Cailin , Wang Jing , Li Xiaobing , Zhao Xianfeng , Zhang Meijun , Lu Zhike , Xu Jichen , Cheng Zhukuan , Wan Jianmin , Zhu Lihuang 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases. The two major subspecies of Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.), indica and japonica, have shown obvious differences in rice blast resistance, but the genomic basis that underlies the difference is not clear. We performed a genomewide comparison of the major class of resistant gene family, the nucleotide-binding site–leucine-rich repeat (NBS–LRR) gene family, between 93-11 (indica) and Nipponbare (japonica) with a focus on their pseudogene members. We found great differences in either constitution or distribution of pseudogenes between the two genomes. According to this comparison, we designed the PCR-based molecular markers specific to the Nipponbare NBS–LRR pseudogene alleles and used them as cosegregation markers for blast susceptibility in a segregation population from a cross between a rice blast-resistant indica variety and a susceptible japonica variety. Through this approach, we identified a new blast resistance gene, Pid3, in the indica variety, Digu. The allelic Pid3 loci in most of the tested japonica varieties were identified as pseudogenes due to a nonsense mutation at the nucleotide position 2208 starting from the translation initiation site. However, this mutation was not found in any of the tested indica varieties, African cultivated rice varieties, or AA genome-containing wild rice species. These results suggest that the pseudogenization of Pid3 in japonica occurred after the divergence of indica and japonica.
Conflicts in Marine Resource Utilisation on the Agulhas Bank, South Africa: The Interaction Between the Fishing Industry and the Offshore Oil and Gas Industries
Authors: Sims P.F. , Jackson L.F. , Japp D.W. , Dehrmann A. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The exploration for oil and gas off South Africa's coast began in the latesixties, with significant findings being made on a section of the continentalshelf known as the Agulhas Bank. These reserves have been developed gradually, with the gas fields coming on stream in 1992, and the first crude oil being produced in early 1997. The existing oil and gas production facilities, the presence of some 180 wellheads and the planned expansion of oil and gasexploitation on the Agulhas Bank has generated considerable concern amongst the fishing community. These concerns refer to loss of access to traditional fishing areas, damage to trawl gear and the rehabilitation of fishing grounds. The implications of a possible court interdict by the fishing industry in 1996, to stop oil-related expansion on the fishing grounds, resulted in an examination by both industries, of the main issues. In the process, the concerns of the oil industry were also emphasised namely, the avoidance of possible "showstoppers", contractual agreements related to drilling rigs, the need for continuity in offshore activities and the protection of equipment on the sea-bed. In an attempt to resolve the conflict a Liaison Committee was established to evaluate the key issues. As a result of consultation, practical ways in which the two industries could share operational space were identified. This paper examines the processes and interactions between the two industries and the progress that has been made in resolving issues, since 1995.

Introduction
The Agulhas Bank (Fig.1), is a triangular extension of the continental shelf off southernmost Africa. The area considered for discussion extends from Cape Agulhas (20 E) to Port Alfred (27 E), and seawards to the 1000 m isobath (an area of approximately 29000 square nautical miles).
The Evaluation Process for Implementing a Through 3-1/2" CTD Program in the Kuparuk Field
Authors: Hembling Drew , Dickey Doug , Cassee Udo 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Coiled tubing drilling (CTD) is a common practice on the North Slope of Alaska. Re-entry sidetrack drilling using coiled tubing has helped operators ARCO Alaska, Inc. and BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. reduce sidetrack cost and increase operating margins in their continued development of the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field. This paper will describe the planning and selection process followed by a multi-disciplined team (MDT) assembled to design and implement a three well CTD pilot program in the adjacent Kuparuk River Unit (KRU). In addition, details on the well screening and candidate ranking processes will be discussed.
The selection process for KRU CTD candidates emphasized geologic, drilling, reservoir, risk and economic criteria. Using 3-D seismic, extensive mapping, core, and log data, a geologic model was developed to rank geological risks for candidate screening. Four main concerns were identified: I) shale, 2) faulting, 3) reservoir quality and 4) mineralization and poor oil quality. Minimizing shale exposure while drilling and completing the wells was viewed as a high priority as past experience with shales caused shale sloughing and wellbore instability.
Drilling and reservoir criteria included: 1) existing well design, 2) reservoir optimization, 3) mechanical risk mitigation and 4) logistical and production facility constraints. Other considerations included: 1) economics, 2) risk vs. reward for new technology implementation, and 3) comparison with alternative technologies available to recover equivalent reserves, e.g. through-tubing rotary drilling or conventional sidetracks.
The technical and economic results of the pilot program will be used to evaluate future CTD in the Kuparuk Field. With detailed initial planning and the use of a MDT approach, the best wells were selected for the CTD pilot program in the Kuparuk Field.
Regulation of the Fibrosis and Angiogenesis Promoter SPARC/Osteonectin in Human Adipose Tissue by Weight Change, Leptin, Insulin, and Glucose
Authors: Kos Katrina , Wong Steve , Tan Bee , Gummesson Anders , Jernas Margareta , Franck Niclas , Kerrigan David , Nystrom Fredrik H. , Carlsson Lena M.S. , Randeva Harpal S. , Pinkney Jonathan H. , Wilding John P.H. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE
Matricellular Secreted Protein, Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC), originally discovered in bone as osteonectin, is a mediator of collagen deposition and promotes fibrosis. Adipose tissue collagen has recently been found to be linked with metabolic dysregulation. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that SPARC in human adipose tissue is influenced by glucose metabolism and adipokines.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Serum and adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from morbidly obese nondiabetic subjects undergoing bariatric surgery and lean control subjects for analysis of metabolic markers, SPARC, and various cytokines (RT-PCR). Additionally, 24 obese subjects underwent a very-low-calorie diet of 1,883 kJ (450 kcal)/day for 16 weeks and serial subcutaneous-abdominal-adipose tissue (SCAT) biopsies (weight loss: 28 ± 3.7 kg). Another six lean subjects underwent fast-food–based hyperalimentation for 4 weeks (weight gain: 7.2 ± 1.6 kg). Finally, visceral adipose tissue explants were cultured with recombinant leptin, insulin, and glucose, and SPARC mRNA and protein expression determined by Western blot analyses.

RESULTS
SPARC expression in human adipose tissue correlated with fat mass and was higher in SCAT. Weight loss induced by very-low-calorie diet lowered SPARC expression by 33% and increased by 30% in adipose tissue of subjects gaining weight after a fast-food diet. SPARC expression was correlated with leptin independent of fat mass and correlated with homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance. In vitro experiments showed that leptin and insulin potently increased SPARC production dose dependently in visceral adipose tissue explants, while glucose decreased SPARC protein.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that SPARC expression is predominant in subcutaneous fat and its expression and secretion in adipose tissue are influenced by fat mass, leptin, insulin, and glucose. The profibrotic effects of SPARC may contribute to metabolic dysregulation in obesity.
Effects of Differing Antecedent Increases of Plasma Cortisol on Counterregulatory Responses During Subsequent Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Bao Shichun , Briscoe Vanessa J. , Tate Donna B. , Davis Stephen N. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE
Antecedent hypoglycemia can blunt neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system responses to next-day exercise in type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine whether antecedent increase of plasma cortisol is a mechanism responsible for this finding.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
For this study, 22 type 1 diabetic subjects (11 men and 11 women, age 27 ± 2 years, BMI 24 ± 1 kg/m2, A1C 7.9 ± 0.2%) underwent four separate randomized 2-day protocols, with overnight normalization of blood glucose. Day 1 consisted of morning and afternoon 2-h hyperinsulinemic- (9 pmol · kg−1 · min−1) euglycemic clamps (5.1 mmol/l), hypoglycemic clamps (2.9 mmol/l), or euglycemic clamps with a physiologic low-dose intravenous infusion of cortisol to reproduce levels found during hypoglycemia or a high-dose infusion, which resulted in further twofold greater elevations of plasma cortisol. Day 2 consisted of 90-min euglycemic cycling exercise at 50% Vo2max.

RESULTS
During exercise, glucose levels were equivalently clamped at 5.1 ± 0.1 mmol/l and insulin was allowed to fall to similar levels. Glucagon, growth hormone, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and pancreatic polypeptide responses during day 2 exercise were significantly blunted following antecedent hypoglycemia, low- and high-dose cortisol, compared with antecedent euglycemia. Endogenous glucose production and lipolysis were also significantly reduced following day 1 low- and high-dose cortisol.

CONCLUSIONS
Antecedent physiologic increases in cortisol (equivalent to levels occurring during hypoglycemia) resulted in blunted neuroendocrine, autonomic nervous system, and metabolic counterregulatory responses during subsequent exercise in subjects with type 1 diabetes. These data suggest that prior elevations of cortisol may play a role in the development of exercise-related counterregulatory failure in those with type 1 diabetes.
Low HDL Cholesterol Is Associated With the Risk of Stroke in Elderly Diabetic Individuals
Authors: Hayashi Toshio , Kawashima Seinosuke , Itoh Hideki , Yamada Nobuhiro , Sone Hirohito , Watanabe Hiroshi , Hattori Yoshiyuki , Ohrui Takashi , Yokote Koutaro , Nomura Hideki , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Iguchi Akihisa 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE
To clarify the relationship between lipid levels and ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in diabetic individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The Japan Cholesterol and Diabetes Mellitus Study is a prospective cohort study of 4,014 type 2 diabetic patients (1,936 women; mean ± SD age 67.4 ± 9.5 years). Lipid and glucose levels and other factors were investigated in relation to occurrence of IHD or CVD.

RESULTS
IHD and CVD occurred in 1.59 and 1.43% of participants, respectively, over a 2-year period. The relation of lower HDL or higher LDL cholesterol to occurrence of IHD in subjects &lt;65 years old was significant. Lower HDL cholesterol was also significantly related to CVD in subjects ≥65 years old and especially in those &gt;75 years old (n = 1,016; odds ratio 0.511 [95% CI 0.239–0.918]; P &lt; 0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis with onset of CVD as a dependent variable showed the same result.

CONCLUSIONS
Lower HDL cholesterol is an important risk factor for not only IHD but also CVD, especially in diabetic elderly individuals.
Modified open-door cervical expansive laminoplasty for spondylotic myelopathy: operative technique, outcome, and predictors for gait improvement
Authors: Lee Thomas T. , Manzano Glen R. , Green Barth A. 
Published: June 2009

✓ Twenty-five patients underwent an expansive cervical laminoplasty for nontraumatic cervical spondylosis with myelopathy during the period from June 1990 to November 1994, and all had a minimum of 18 months of follow-up review. The open-door laminoplasty procedure presently reported consisted of the same approach evaluated by Hirabayashi in 1977, except that the authors of this report used three rib allografts to anchor the “open door,” rather than spinous process sutures or autologous bone grafts. Posterior foraminotomies and decompression were performed in patients with clinical radiculopathy and radiographic evidence of foraminal stenosis.
Preoperatively, gait disturbance was present in all patients. All 25 patients (100%) had long-tract signs on presentation. Nondermatomal upper-extremity symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain) were quite common in this group of patients. Bowel, bladder, and/or sexual dysfunction was found in 13 (52%) of 25 patients. Preoperative radiographic studies showed a mean midline anteroposterior diameter spinal canal/vertebral body (SC/VB) ratio of 0.623 and a mean compression ratio (sagittal/lateral diameter ratio × 100%) of 37%.
This procedure was quite successful in relieving preoperative symptoms and few complications occurred. Gait disturbance was improved in 21 (84%) of 25 patients and hand numbness and tingling were improved in 13 (87%) of 15 patients. Bowel or bladder function improved in 10 (77%) of 13 patients. Radiculopathy, when present, was alleviated in all four patients after the decompressive procedure. The postoperative SC/VB ratio, as measured by plain lateral radiographs and/or computerized tomography scans, was improved to 0.871, a 38% improvement. In a comparison with the preoperative SC/VB ratio using the two-tailed t-test, alpha was less than 0.001. The compression ratio improved to 63% postoperatively, which yielded an alpha of less than 0.005 according to the two-tailed t-test. Only one postoperative complication, an anterior scalene syndrome, was encountered.
Various predictors of surgical outcome based on gait improvement were evaluated. Age greater than 60 years at the time of presentation, duration of symptoms more than 18 months prior to surgery, preoperative bowel or bladder dysfunction, and lower-extremity dysfunction were found to be associated with poorer surgical outcome. Even when these conditions were present, gait improvement was noted in at least 70% of the patients.
Activation of complement by tissue plasminogen activator, but not acute cerebral ischemia, in a rabbit model of thromboembolic stroke
Authors: Bednar Martin M. , Gross Cordell E. , Russell Sheila R. , Short David , Giclas Patricia C. 
Published: June 2009

✓ Although complement activation is associated with tissue injury during inflammatory and ischemic states, complement activation in states of acute cerebral ischemia before and after administration of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) has not yet been examined and is the focus of this investigation.Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits weighing 3 to 3.5 kg were used for this study. Of these, 20 were subjected to intracranial autologous clot embolization via the internal carotid artery. Three hours postembolization, rabbits received an intravenous infusion of TPA (6.3 mg/kg, 20% bolus with the remainder infused over a 2-hour interval; 12 animals) or vehicle (eight animals). All animals were observed for a total of 7 or 8 hours postembolization. These two groups were compared to a cohort undergoing sham operation with subsequent TPA infusion (four animals). Plasma samples to quantify complement component C5 hemolytic activity (C5H5O) were obtained at the following time points: 30 minutes before and after clot embolization; 1 hour before and 1 hour after the initiation of therapy with TPA or vehicle and at the completion of the protocol; 7 to 8 hours after clot embolization.The C5 activation was not detected as the result of acute cerebral ischemia. However, animals receiving TPA with or without concomitant clot embolization exhibited C5 activation as assessed by a reduction in C5 hemolytic function, both 1 hour after initiation of TPA infusion (78.7 ± 10.3% and 77.5 ± 9.9% of baseline value, respectively; mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM]) and at the end of the protocol, 2 hours after the completion of the TPA infusion (72.5 ± 8.8% and 53.3 ± 8.1%, respectively; mean ± SEM, p < 0.05, each group). This study supports the conclusion that TPA, but not acute cerebral ischemia, may activate the complement cascade in this rabbit model of thromboembolic stroke.
Trigeminal neuralgia: a quantitative sensory perception threshold study in patients who had not undergone previous invasive procedures
Authors: Bowsher David , Miles John B. , Haggett Carol E. , Eldridge Paul R. 
Published: June 2009

✓ The authors investigated 28 patients with “idiopathic” trigeminal neuralgia who had undergone no previous invasive procedures; together these patients had a total of 50 affected trigeminal divisions. Quantitative sensory perception thresholds were measured before operation. Preoperative measurements in the affected divisions indicated raised thresholds for touch (von Frey filaments) and temperature, but not for pinprick or heat pain, in agreement with the findings of Nurmikko. Only the tactile threshold was also significantly affected in the unaffected divisions on the affected side.
The authors discuss their findings in relation to the pathophysiology of trigeminal neuralgia, concluding that the origin of the condition is almost certainly central to the gasserian ganglion.
Chronic electrical stimulation of the gasserian ganglion for the relief of pain in a series of 34 patients
Authors: Taub Ethan , Munz Michael , Tasker Ronald R. 
Published: June 2009

✓ The use of an implanted system for chronic electrical stimulation of the gasserian ganglion for relief of facial pain was described in 1980 by Meyerson and Håkansson. Between 1982 and 1995, the senior author (R.R.T.) performed gasserian ganglion stimulation in 34 patients for the relief of chronic medically intractable facial pain. The etiology of pain was peripheral damage to the trigeminal nerve in 22 patients (65%), central (stroke) damage in seven (21%), postherpetic neuralgia in four (12%), and unclassifiable cause in one (3%). All patients received a trial of transcutaneous stimulation (Stage I). Successful trials in 19 patients (56%) were followed by implantation of a permanent system (Stage II).
Trial and postimplantation stimulation were deemed successful when there was a reduction of pain by at least 50% whenever the stimulator was on. Success rates varied from five (71%) of seven patients for central pain to five (23%) of 22 for peripheral pain and none (0%) of four for postherpetic neuralgia. The median follow-up duration in successful cases was 22.5 months.
Infections occurred in seven patients, all of whom had undergone Stage II treatment. Infections were more frequent when the stimulating electrode from Stage I was left in place for Stage II (six [43%] of 14) than when completely new hardware was used and prophylactic antibiotic drugs were administered (one [20%] of five). Other complications included iatrogenic injury to the trigeminal nerve or ganglion in three cases (9%), transient diplopia in two (6%), increased pain in two (6%), and various technical problems in 10 (29%).
It is concluded that pain of central origin (stroke) is the type most likely to be relieved by this procedure. This finding is new, as the few other clinical series reported to date contain no patients with this type of pain. The risk of infection seems to be lower when completely new hardware is used for Stage II and prophylactic antibiotic drugs are administered.