bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased nitrogen‐use efficiency in transgenic rice plants over‐expressing a nitrogen‐responsive early nodulin gene identified from rice expression profiling
Authors: BI YONG‐MEI , KANT SURYA , CLARK JOSEPH , GIDDA SATINDER , MING FENG , XU JIANYAO , ROCHON AMANDA , SHELP BARRY J. , HAO LIXIN , ZHAO RONG , MULLEN ROBERT T. , ZHU TONG , ROTHSTEIN STEVEN J. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTDevelopment of genetic varieties with improved nitrogen‐use efficiency (NUE) is essential for sustainable agriculture. In this study, we developed a growth system for rice wherein N was the growth‐limiting factor, and identified N‐responsive genes by a whole genome transcriptional profiling approach. Some genes were selected to test their functionality in NUE by a transgenic approach. One such example with positive effects on NUE is an early nodulin gene OsENOD93‐1. This OsENOD93‐1 gene responded significantly to both N induction and N reduction. Transgenic rice plants over‐expressing the OsENOD93‐1 gene had increased shoot dry biomass and seed yield. This OsENOD93‐1 gene was expressed at high levels in roots of wild‐type (WT) plants, and its protein product was localized in mitochondria. Transgenic plants accumulated higher concentrations of total amino acids and total N in roots. A higher concentration of amino acids in xylem sap was detected in transgenic plants, especially under N stress. In situ hybridization revealed that OsENOD93‐1 is expressed in vascular bundles, as well as in epidermis and endodermis. This work demonstrates that transcriptional profiling, coupled with a transgenic validation approach, is an effective strategy for gene discovery. The knowledge gained from this study could be applied to other important crops.
Potassium channels in barley: cloning, functional characterization and expression analyses in relation to leaf growth and development
Authors: BOSCARI ALEXANDRE , CLÉMENT MATHILDE , VOLKOV VADIM , GOLLDACK DORTJE , HYBIAK JOLANTA , MILLER ANTHONY J. , AMTMANN ANNA , FRICKE WIELAND 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTIt is not known how the uptake and retention of the key osmolyte K+ in cells are mediated in growing leaf tissue. In the present study on the growing leaf 3 of barley, we have cloned the full‐length coding sequence of three genes which encode putative K+ channels (HvAKT1, HvAKT2, HvKCO1/HvTPK1), and of one gene which encodes a putative K+ transporter (HvHAK4). The functionality of the gene products of HvAKT1 and HvAKT2 was tested through expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Both are inward‐rectifying K+ channels which are inhibited by Cs+. Function of HvAKT1 in oocytes requires co‐expression of a calcineurin‐interacting protein kinase (AtCIPK23) and a calcineurin B‐like protein (AtCBL9) from Arabidopsis, showing cross‐species complementation of function. In planta, HvAKT1 is expressed primarily in roots, but is also expressed in leaf tissue. HvAKT2 is expressed particularly in leaf tissue, and HvHAK4 is expressed particularly in growing leaf tissue. Within leaves, HvAKT1 and HvAKT2 are expressed predominantly in mesophyll. Expression of genes changes little in response to low external K+ or salinity, despite major changes in K+ concentrations and osmolality of cells. Possible contributions of HvAKT1, HvAKT2, HvKCO1 and HvHAK4 to regulation of K+ relations of growing barley leaf cells are discussed.
Proteomics reveals the overlapping roles of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide in the acclimation of citrus plants to salinity
Authors: Tanou Georgia , Job Claudette , Rajjou Loïc , Arc Erwann , Belghazi Maya , Diamantidis Grigorios , Molassiotis Athannasios , Job Dominique 
Published: August 2009

SummaryHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (˙NO) are key reactive species in signal transduction pathways leading to activation of plant defense against biotic or abiotic stress. Here, we investigated the effect of pre‐treating citrus plants (Citrus aurantium L.) with either of these two molecules on plant acclimation to salinity and show that both pre‐treatments strongly reduced the detrimental phenotypical and physiological effects accompanying this stress. A proteomic analysis disclosed 85 leaf proteins that underwent significant quantitative variations in plants directly exposed to salt stress. A large part of these changes was not observed with salt‐stressed plants pre‐treated with either H2O2 or sodium nitroprusside (SNP; a ˙NO‐releasing chemical). We also identified several proteins undergoing changes either in their oxidation (carbonylation; 40 proteins) and/or S‐nitrosylation (49 proteins) status in response to salinity stress. Both H2O2 and SNP pre‐treatments before salinity stress alleviated salinity‐induced protein carbonylation and shifted the accumulation levels of leaf S‐nitrosylated proteins to those of unstressed control plants. Altogether, the results indicate an overlap between H2O2‐ and ˙NO‐signaling pathways in acclimation to salinity and suggest that the oxidation and S‐nitrosylation patterns of leaf proteins are specific molecular signatures of citrus plant vigour under stressful conditions.
The effects of obstructive jaundice on the pharmacodynamics of propofol: does the sensitivity of intravenous anesthetics change among icteric patients?
Authors: SONG J. C. , ZHANG M. Z. , LU Z. J. , YANG L. Q. , SONG J. G. , SUN Y. M. , YU W. F. 
Published: August 2009

Background
Some studies suggest that certain clinical symptoms of cholestasis, such as fatigue and pruritus, result from altered neurotransmission. Patients with obstructive jaundice also have labile blood pressure and heart rate. In the present study, the authors investigated whether obstructive jaundice affects a patient's sensitivity to hypnotics and the haemodynamic profile of propofol.Methods
Thirty‐six ASA physical status I/II/III patients with serum total bilirubin (TBL) from 7.8 to 362.7 μmol/l scheduled for bile duct surgery were recruited. A computer‐controlled propofol infusion programmed for effect site target was used to rapidly attain and maintain sequential increase of the compartment concentration (from 1 to 3 μg/ml). Each target‐controlled concentration was maintained for about 12 min, and arterial blood samples were drawn for propofol concentration determination. The bispectral index (BIS) and mean arterial pressures (MAP) were used as indices of the propofol effect. The relation between the concentration and the effects was described by the Hill equation. The pharmacodynamic parameters were optimized using a nonlinear mixed‐effect model.Results
TBL was not a significant covariate of EC50 for the pharmacodynamic model. For BIS and MAP, the parameters of the pharmacodynamic model were Emax=75.77%, EC50=2.34 μg/ml, and γ=1.82, and Emax=47.83%, EC50=1.49 μg/ml, and γ=1.88, respectively.Conclusions
We demonstrated that obstructive jaundice with serum TBL from 7.8 to 362.7 μmol/l had no effect on propofol pharmacodynamics observed by BIS and MAP.
Single vs. double stimulation during a lateral sagittal infraclavicular block
Authors: AKYιLDιZ E. , GÜRKAN Y. , ÇAĞLAYAN Ç. , SOLAK M. , TOKER K. 
Published: August 2009

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of single vs. dual control during an ultrasound‐guided lateral sagittal infraclavicular block on the efficacy of sensory block and the time of block onset.Methods: In a prospective manner, 60 adult patients scheduled for distal upper limb surgery were randomly allocated to single (Group S) or double stimulation (Group D) groups. A local anesthetic (LA) mixture of 20 ml of levobupivacaine 5 mg/ml and 20 ml of lidocaine 20 mg/ml with 5 μg/ml epinephrine (total 40 ml) was administered in both groups. In the Group S following a median, an ulnar or a radial nerve response, the entire LA was administered at a single site. In Group D 10 ml of LA was administered following the electrolocation of the musculocutaneous nerve and 30 ml LA was injected following median, ulnar or radial nerves. A successful block was defined as analgesia or anesthesia of all five nerves distal to the elbow. Sensory and motor blocks were tested at 5‐min intervals for 30 min.Results: The block was successful in 27 patients in Group S and 28 patients in Group D. The time from starting the block until satisfactory anesthesia was significantly shorter in Group D than in Group S (19.3 vs. 23.2 min) (P<0.05). Total sensory scores were significantly higher in the double stimulation group at 20 and 30 min after the block performance (P<0.05).Conclusions: Although the block performance time was longer in the double stimulation group, block onset time and extent of anesthesia were more favorable in the double stimulation group.
Screening citrus genotypes for resistance to canker disease (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri)
Authors: Deng Z. N. , Xu L. , Li D. Z. , Long G. Y. , Liu L. P. , Fang F. , Shu G. P. 
Published: August 2009

With 3 figures and 3 tables AbstractCitrus canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri) has brought great damage to citrus industry worldwide, and it is difficult to control, so the use of resistant genotypes seems the only choice. All the tested citrus species showed typical symptoms when artificial inoculation was performed. The present study aimed to find genotypes possessing active resistance to canker disease. A total of 14 accessions from three species were investigated by puncture inoculation of excised leaves with the pathogen, and it was found that ‘Huaihua’, ‘Sanye’ and ‘No.25–86’ in Citrus ichangenesis, ‘Shenju’ and ‘Zhencheng’ in C. junos had fewer disease spots on pin‐holes with delayed symptom appearance; while ‘Chinese Citron’ (C. medica) did not show any lesions. These six genotypes were further tested in an epidemic field by inoculation with 2.5 × 107 cfu/ml of pathogen solution for 2 years. Only the tested citron showed complete and active resistance, with tissue necrosis on the pin‐holes; the other five accessions were all infected with different disease incidences. Therefore, the citron accession was considered as a resistant genotype, and was already used for resistant cultivar breeding.
Renal functional outcomes for tumours in a solitary kidney managed by ablative or extirpative techniques
Authors: Raman Jay D. , Raj Ganesh V. , Lucas Steven M. , Williams Steve K. , Lauer Eric M. , Ahrar Kamran , Matin Surena F. , Leveillee Raymond J. , Cadeddu Jeffrey A. 
Published: August 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo present the renal functional outcomes for patients treated with open partial nephrectomy (OPN) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for tumours in a solitary kidney, as renal masses in a solitary kidney present a challenging treatment dilemma.PATIENTS AND METHODSA retrospective review of institutional databases identified 89 patients with 98 renal tumours in a solitary kidney managed by RFA or OPN under cold ischaemia between January 1997 and September 2007. The choice of therapy was based on patient and surgeon preference, tumour characteristics and comorbidities. Renal function was calculated using the modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation.RESULTSOutcomes from 47 patients treated by RFA and 42 by OPN were analysed at a median follow‐up of 18.1 and 30.0 months, respectively (P = 0.02). The median age (65.9 vs 59.6 years, P = 0.03) and American Society of Anesthesiology score (3.0 vs 2.0, P = 0.01) were both higher in patients treated with RFA. The median tumour size was greater for tumours managed by OPN (3.9 vs 2.8 cm, P = 0.001), while the median preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was lower in the RFA group (46.5 vs 55.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 for OPN, P = 0.04). Compared to RFA, patients treated with OPN had a greater decline in GFR at all times evaluated, including soon after the procedure (15.8% vs 7.1%), 12 months after surgery (24.5% vs 10.4%) and at the last follow‐up (28.6% vs 11.4%, all P < 0.001). For patients with a pretreatment GFR of > 60 or > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, there was a new onset of decline in GFR of <60 and <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 in none and 7% of patients after RFA, and in 35% and 17% after OPN.CONCLUSIONAblative techniques, which obviate ischaemic insults, might be a particularly attractive option for managing tumours in solitary renal units at risk of declining function. Renal functional outcomes compare favourably to extirpative surgery using cold ischaemia.
Dual segmental arterial supply to a single renal lobule: a study using semi‐serial sections of mid‐term fetuses
Authors: Yasumoto Hiroaki , Hirai Ichiro , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujimiya Mineko , Murakami Gen , Kimura Wataru , Teishima Jun , Matsubara Akio 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine which and how many segmental arteries supply a single renal lobule especially at and near the segmental border, as no data are available on the arterial supply to a single renal lobule (a pyramid and its covering cortex) at the border between renal segments.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe studied semi‐serial sections (100 µm intervals; haematoxylin and eosin staining) of 26 kidneys obtained from 13 mid‐term human fetuses (20–30 weeks gestation). Eleven fetuses were used for horizontal sections and two for sagittal sections. Section to section, we first traced the renal pyramids using a pen to understand the lobular configuration.RESULTSFusion of the medullary pyramids was usually evident along the segmental borders, except for the border between the upper and middle segments. This fusion often accompanied a pair of arcuate arteries, each of which arose from a different renal segment, but shared a common corticomedullary junction to supply a single lobule. The incidence of fusion was high along the anterior border of the posterior segment as well as the border between the apical and upper segments. When the lower segmental artery entered the parenchyma distant from the renal hilus, fusion of pyramids occurred along the border between the posterior and lower segments in association with double arcuate arteries.CONCLUSIONSA single lobule is most likely to be shared by double segments at or near the segmental border. This morphology seems to be a result of lobule fusion during development and growth. Thus, in adults, a dual segmental supply to a single lobule seems to be more frequent than in fetuses.
Sympathetic skin response in patients with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Valles‐Antuña Consuelo , Fernandez‐Gomez Jesus , Escaf Safwan , Fernandez‐Gonzalez Fernando 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the role of the sympathetic skin response (SSR) in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), focusing on detecting SSR in the penis.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe assessed the SSR in 82 patients with ED, as an indicator of abnormalities both in amyelinic C‐fibres and in autonomic pathways in these patients. The SSR was carried out according to the to the Technical Standards of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Electrical stimulation was applied through superficial electrodes over the contralateral median nerve. Values were recorded with superficial electrodes on the skin in the contralateral hand and foot, as well as in the penis. The percentage of SSR (SSR%) was classified into three groups, i.e. 0–20%, 21–89% and 90–100%. Results of latency were also classified into three groups of normal or abnormal (increased) latency, and response blocking (no response), the last two being considered pathological conditions.RESULTSIn the penis, the mean (sd) SSR% was 52.8 (43.19)% and significantly lower than responses in hands and feet. There was a significant correlation of the SSR% between the palm of the hand and the sole of the foot (P = 0.01) and between the sole of foot and penis (P = 0.05). Diabetics showed a significant decrease (P = 0.001) in the mean SSR% in the palm of the hand and sole of the foot. Although not statistically different, the mean SSR% in the penis was lower in diabetics than in patients with other risk factors for ED. Likewise, the mean SSR% in hand, foot and penis increased with an increase in the International Index of Erectile Function. In the penis, latency was normal (<1.5 ms) in 14 and abnormal in 37 patients. There was a significant association between pathological chronic re‐innervation in the bulbocavernosus muscle and SSR latencies in the foot (P = 0.002) and penis (P = 0.03). Bulbocavernosus muscle electromyography showed a higher frequency of chronic bilateral axonomnesis in patients with abnormal latencies (28%) than in patients with normal SSR latencies in the penis.CONCLUSIONThese results establish an indication of the SSR in patients with ED, registering responses not only in classic locations like the palm of the hand or sole of the foot, but also in the penis. The SSR% was useful as an indicator of the effect on efferent C fibres. Despite SSR being a polysynaptic potential of long latency and regulated by the cerebral cortex, the present results show that it is advisable to record the latencies of SSR in the three areas registered, and especially in the penis, where it seems be more useful as a marker of lumbosacral and/or pudendal alterations.
A Macroeconomic Perspective on Reserve Accumulation
Authors: Bar‐Ilan Avner , Marion Nancy P. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper nests the buffer stock model within a standard open‐economy model to capture two motives for international reserves accumulation—the insurance motive and the export‐led growth motive. The model is solved for two exchange‐rate policies, discretion and a rule with escape clause. It illustrates the behavior of international reserves and other macroeconomic variables when the policymaker pursues output and inflation stabilization and recognizes the supply of reserves can constrain the choice of exchange rate and the choice of exchange rate affects the supply of reserves. When output is below potential, it is optimal under both discretion and the rule to adopt a weak currency and promote export‐led growth to achieve output and inflation stabilization. This policy leads to reserve accumulation and is consistent with the behavior of China. When reserves are low initially, welfare is higher when the policymaker follows a rule.
Option Pricing Approach to International Reserves
Authors: Lee Jaewoo 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper brings forward the insurance aspect of holding reserves by using the conceptual equivalence between insurance and financial options, and explores when reserves are likely to become the primary means of precautionary arrangement, in particular in emerging markets. The sharp rise in the amount of reserves held by many emerging markets since the mid‐1990s can be traced to the rise in the “globalization hazard” that confronts emerging markets. A modest probability of globalization hazard (sudden stop) can induce emerging markets to self‐insure fully by hoarding international reserves, rather than relying on nonreserve alternatives of taking precautions.
EVEN IMPORTANT CONNECTIONS ARE NOT ALWAYS MEANINGFUL: ON THE USE OF A POLARISATION MEASURE IN A TYPOLOGY OF EUROPEAN CITIES IN AIR TRANSPORT NETWORKS
Authors: VAN NUFFEL NATHALIE , DERUDDER BEN , WITLOX FRANK 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to refine existing approaches for classifying nodes in spatial networks. Apart from generally used variables measuring (i) the total connectivity of a node and (ii) the spatial make‐up of this total connectivity, we argue that a third indicator should be taken into account when describing the structure of a spatial network, namely, (iii) the degree of ‘polarisation’ in a node's connectivity configuration. We measure ‘polarisation’ by applying multiple linkage analysis, a technique that allows determining the number of meaningful connections for each node in the network. In this paper, we illustrate this approach by clustering 65 European cities based on their insertion in European air transport networks in 2005. The number of meaningful flows of a city is hereby considered alongside both traditional measures of connectivity. The results of the cluster analysis suggest that including a measure of polarisation may indeed lead to a more satisfying typology.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, STRUCTURAL CHANGE AND NATURAL RESOURCE BOOMS: A STRUCTURALIST PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Botta Alberto 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTIn this paper we present a structuralist two‐sector model on economic development, structural change and natural resource booms. We describe a multiple equilibria scenario, in which manufacturing development is the main source of economic progress. Natural resource booms, by modifying the productive structure of the economy, may set destabilizing forces. De‐industrialization processes may take place, confining developing countries in poverty traps. Public intervention in the economic sphere, both through short‐run macro policies and through long‐run development strategies, may help to free the economy from poverty traps and to foster the development process.
Long‐term (96‐week) follow‐up of antiretroviral‐naïve HIV‐infected patients treated with first‐line lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy in the MONARK trial*
Authors: Ghosn J , Flandre P , Cohen‐Codar I , Girard P‐M , Chaix M‐L , Raffi F , Dellamonica P , NgoVan P , Norton M , Delfraissy J‐F ,   for the MONARK,   Study Group
Published: August 2009

BackgroundThe toxicities, cost and complexity of triple combinations warrant the search for other treatment options, such as boosted protease inhibitor (PI) monotherapy. MONotherapy AntiRetroviral Kaletra (MONARK) is the first randomized trial comparing lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy to triple combination therapy with zidovudine/lamivudine and lopinavir/ritonavir in antiretroviral‐naïve patients.MethodsA total of 136 antiretroviral‐naïve patients, with a CD4 cell count above 100 cells/μL and a plasma HIV RNA below 100 000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL, were randomized and dosed with either lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy (n=83) or lopinavir/ritonavir+zidovudine/lamivudine (n=53). We focus here on patients in the lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy arm followed to week 96. The intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis initially involved all patients randomized to lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy (n=83), and then focused on patients who had an HIV RNA <50 copies/mL at week 48 (n=56).ResultsAt week 96, 39 of 83 patients (47%) had HIV RNA <50 copies/mL, five of 83 had HIV RNA between 50 and 400 copies/mL, and three of 83 had HIV RNA >400 copies/mL. Focusing on the 56 patients with an HIV RNA <50 copies/mL at week 48, 38 of 56 patients (68%) had a sustained HIV RNA <50 copies/mL to week 96. To week 96, a total of 28 patients (34%) had discontinued the study treatment. In addition, the allocated treatment was changed for seven patients. PI‐associated resistance mutations were evident in five of 83 patients in the monotherapy arm from baseline to week 96.ConclusionBy ITT analysis, 39 of the 83 patients initially randomized to lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy had HIV RNA <50 copies/mL at week 96. The occurrence in some patients of low‐level viraemia (50–500 copies/mL) may increase the risk of drug resistance. First‐line lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy cannot be systematically recommended.