bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The predictive value of stable precursor fragments of vasoactive peptides in patients with chronic heart failure: data from the GISSI‐heart failure (GISSI‐HF) trial
Authors: Masson Serge , Latini Roberto , Carbonieri Emanuele , Moretti Luciano , Rossi Maria Grazia , Ciricugno Santo , Milani Valentina , Marchioli Roberto , Struck Joachim , Bergmann Andreas , Maggioni Aldo P. , Tognoni Gianni , Tavazzi Luigi ,   on behalf of the GISSI‐HF Investigators
Published: January 2010

AimsThough various neurohormonal systems are concurrently activated during heart failure (HF), their biological effectors are not always easy to measure due to their short life in vivo, instability in biological samples, or very low concentrations. We measured the plasma concentrations of four stable precursor fragments of neurohormonal systems in patients with chronic HF and evaluated their relationship with outcome.Methods and resultsThis study was performed in 1237 patients with chronic and stable HF enrolled in the GISSI‐heart failure trial (GISSI‐HF). The following four precursor fragments, mid‐regional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (MR‐proANP), mid‐regional pro‐adrenomedullin (MR‐proADM), C‐terminal pro‐endothelin‐1 (CT‐proET‐1) and C‐terminal pro‐vasopressin (CT‐proAVP or copeptin), were measured at randomization and after 3 months. Baseline concentrations were independent predictors of clinical outcome (median follow‐up 3.9 years). The addition of MR‐proANP improved net reclassification for mortality when added to multivariable models based on clinical risk factors alone [net reclassification improvement (NRI) = 0.12, P = 0.0007] or together with NT‐proBNP (NRI = 0.06, P = 0.01). Changes in MR‐proANP concentrations were related to mortality [HR (95% CI) 1.38 (0.99–1.93), P = 0.0614 and 1.58 (1.13–2.21), P = 0.0078 in the middle and highest vs. lowest tertiles], while changes in the other markers were not.ConclusionIn patients with chronic and stable HF enrolled in a multicentre, randomized, clinical trial, measurement of stable precursor fragments of vasoactive peptides provided prognostic information independent of natriuretic peptides which are currently the best biomarkers for risk stratification.
MCA1 and MCA2 That Mediate Ca2+ Uptake Have Distinct and Overlapping Roles in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yamanaka Takuya , Nakagawa Yuko , Mori Kendo , Nakano Masataka , Imamura Tomomi , Kataoka Hajime , Terashima Asuka , Iida Kazuko , Kojima Itaru , Katagiri Takeshi , Shinozaki Kazuo , Iida Hidetoshi 
Published: January 2010

AbstractCa2+ is important for plant growth and development as a nutrient and a second messenger. However, the molecular nature and roles of Ca2+-permeable channels or transporters involved in Ca2+ uptake in roots are largely unknown. We recently identified a candidate for the Ca2+-permeable mechanosensitive channel in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), named MCA1. Here, we investigated the only paralog of MCA1 in Arabidopsis, MCA2. cDNA of MCA2 complemented a Ca2+ uptake deficiency in yeast cells lacking a Ca2+ channel composed of Mid1 and Cch1. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that MCA2 was expressed in leaves, flowers, roots, siliques, and stems, and histochemical observation showed that an MCA2 promoter::GUS fusion reporter gene was universally expressed in 10-d-old seedlings with some exceptions: it was relatively highly expressed in vascular tissues and undetectable in the cap and the elongation zone of the primary root. mca2-null plants were normal in growth and morphology. In addition, the primary root of mca2-null seedlings was able to normally sense the hardness of agar medium, unlike that of mca1-null or mca1-null mca2-null seedlings, as revealed by the two-phase agar method. Ca2+ uptake activity was lower in the roots of mca2-null plants than those of wild-type plants. Finally, growth of mca1-null mca2-null plants was more retarded at a high concentration of Mg2+ added to medium compared with that of mca1-null and mca2-null single mutants and wild-type plants. These results suggest that the MCA2 protein has a distinct role in Ca2+ uptake in roots and an overlapping role with MCA1 in plant growth.
Photosynthetic Performance and Fertility Are Repressed in GmAOX2b Antisense Soybean
Authors: Chai Tsun-Thai , Simmonds Daina , Day David A. , Colmer Timothy D. , Finnegan Patrick M. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The alternative oxidase (AOX) is a cyanide-resistant oxidase that provides an alternative outlet for electrons from the respiratory electron transport chain embedded in the inner membrane of plant mitochondria. Examination of soybean (Glycine max) plants carrying a GmAOX2b antisense gene showed AOX to have a central role in reproductive development and fecundity. In three independently transformed antisense lines, seed set was reduced by 16% to 43%, whereas ovule abortion increased by 1.2- to 1.7-fold when compared with nontransgenic transformation control plants. Reduced fecundity was associated with reductions in whole leaf cyanide-resistant, salicylhydroxamic acid-sensitive respiration and net photosynthesis, but there was no change in total respiration in the dark. The frequency of potential fertilization events was reduced by at least one-third in the antisense plants as a likely consequence of prefertilization defects. Pistils of the antisense plants contained a higher proportion of immature-sized, nonfertile embryo sacs compared with nontransgenic control plants. Increased rates of pollen abortion in vivo and reduced rates of pollen germination in vitro suggested that the antisense gene compromised pollen development and function. Reciprocal crosses between antisense and nontransgenic plants revealed that pollen produced by antisense plants was less active in fertilization. Taken together, the results presented here indicate that AOX expression has an important role in determining normal gametophyte development and function.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Ethylene-Responsive Element Binding Factor-Associated Amphiphilic Repression Motif-Containing Transcriptional Regulators in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kagale Sateesh , Links Matthew G. , Rozwadowski Kevin 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe ethylene-responsive element binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif is a transcriptional regulatory motif identified in members of the ethylene-responsive element binding factor, C2H2, and auxin/indole-3-acetic acid families of transcriptional regulators. Sequence comparison of the core EAR motif sites from these proteins revealed two distinct conservation patterns: LxLxL and DLNxxP. Proteins containing these motifs play key roles in diverse biological functions by negatively regulating genes involved in developmental, hormonal, and stress signaling pathways. Through a genome-wide bioinformatics analysis, we have identified the complete repertoire of the EAR repressome in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) comprising 219 proteins belonging to 21 different transcriptional regulator families. Approximately 72% of these proteins contain a LxLxL type of EAR motif, 22% contain a DLNxxP type of EAR motif, and the remaining 6% have a motif where LxLxL and DLNxxP are overlapping. Published in vitro and in planta investigations support approximately 40% of these proteins functioning as negative regulators of gene expression. Comparative sequence analysis of EAR motif sites and adjoining regions has identified additional preferred residues and potential posttranslational modification sites that may influence the functionality of the EAR motif. Homology searches against protein databases of poplar (Populus trichocarpa), grapevine (Vitis vinifera), rice (Oryza sativa), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) revealed that the EAR motif is conserved across these diverse plant species. This genome-wide analysis represents the most extensive survey of EAR motif-containing proteins in Arabidopsis to date and provides a resource enabling investigations into their biological roles and the mechanism of EAR motif-mediated transcriptional regulation.
Cross-Kingdom Comparison of Transcriptomic Adjustments to Low-Oxygen Stress Highlights Conserved and Plant-Specific Responses
Authors: Mustroph Angelika , Lee Seung Cho , Oosumi Teruko , Zanetti Maria Eugenia , Yang Huijun , Ma Kelvin , Yaghoubi-Masihi Arbi , Fukao Takeshi , Bailey-Serres Julia 
Published: January 2010

AbstractHigh-throughput technology has facilitated genome-scale analyses of transcriptomic adjustments in response to environmental perturbations with an oxygen deprivation component, such as transient hypoxia or anoxia, root waterlogging, or complete submergence. We showed previously that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings elevate the levels of hundreds of transcripts, including a core group of 49 genes that are prioritized for translation across cell types of both shoots and roots. To recognize low-oxygen responses that are evolutionarily conserved versus species specific, we compared the transcriptomic reconfiguration in 21 organisms from four kingdoms (Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, and Bacteria). Sorting of organism proteomes into clusters of putative orthologs identified broadly conserved responses associated with glycolysis, fermentation, alternative respiration, metabolite transport, reactive oxygen species amelioration, chaperone activity, and ribosome biogenesis. Differentially regulated genes involved in signaling and transcriptional regulation were poorly conserved across kingdoms. Strikingly, nearly half of the induced mRNAs of Arabidopsis seedlings encode proteins of unknown function, of which over 40% had up-regulated orthologs in poplar (Populus trichocarpa), rice (Oryza sativa), or Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Sixteen HYPOXIA-RESPONSIVE UNKNOWN PROTEIN (HUP) genes, including four that are Arabidopsis specific, were ectopically overexpressed and evaluated for their effect on seedling tolerance to oxygen deprivation. This allowed the identification of HUPs coregulated with genes associated with anaerobic metabolism and other processes that significantly enhance or reduce stress survival when ectopically overexpressed. These findings illuminate both broadly conserved and plant-specific low-oxygen stress responses and confirm that plant-specific HUPs with limited phylogenetic distribution influence low-oxygen stress endurance.
The Significance of Protein Maturation by Plastidic Type I Signal Peptidase 1 for Thylakoid Development in Arabidopsis Chloroplasts
Authors: Shipman-Roston Rebecca L. , Ruppel Nicholas J. , Damoc Catalina , Phinney Brett S. , Inoue Kentaro 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Thylakoids are the chloroplast internal membrane systems that house light-harvesting and electron transport reactions. Despite the important functions and well-studied constituents of thylakoids, the molecular mechanism of their development remains largely elusive. A recent genetic study has demonstrated that plastidic type I signal peptidase 1 (Plsp1) is vital for proper thylakoid development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) chloroplasts. Plsp1 was also shown to be necessary for processing of an envelope protein, Toc75, and a thylakoid lumenal protein, OE33; however, the relevance of the protein maturation in both of the two distinct subcompartments for proper chloroplast development remained unknown. Here, we conducted an extensive analysis of the plsp1-null mutant to address the significance of lumenal protein maturation in thylakoid development. Plastids that lack Plsp1 were found to accumulate vesicles of variable sizes in the stroma. Analyses of the mutant plastids revealed that the lack of Plsp1 causes a reduction in accumulation of thylakoid proteins and that Plsp1 is involved in maturation of two additional lumenal proteins, OE23 and plastocyanin. Further immunoblotting and electron microscopy immunolocalization studies showed that OE33 associates with the stromal vesicles of the mutant plastids. Finally, we used a genetic complementation system to demonstrate that accumulation of improperly processed forms of Toc75 in the plastid envelope does not disrupt normal plant development. These results suggest that proper maturation of lumenal proteins may be a key process for correct assembly of thylakoids.
MRL1, a Conserved Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein, Is Required for Stabilization of rbcL mRNA in Chlamydomonas and Arabidopsis
Authors: Johnson Xenie , Wostrikoff Katia , Finazzi Giovanni , Kuras Richard , Schwarz Christian , Bujaldon Sandrine , Nickelsen Joerg , Stern David B. , Wollman Francis-André , Vallon Olivier 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
We identify and functionally characterize MRL1, a conserved nuclear-encoded regulator of the large subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. The nonphotosynthetic mrl1 mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii lacks ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, and the resulting block in electron transfer is partially compensated by redirecting electrons toward molecular oxygen via the Mehler reaction. This allows continued electron flow and constitutive nonphotochemical quenching, enhancing cell survival during illumination in spite of photosystem II and photosystem I photoinhibition. The mrl1 mutant transcribes rbcL normally, but the mRNA is unstable. The molecular target of MRL1 is the 5 ′ untranslated region of rbcL. MRL1 is located in the chloroplast stroma, in a high molecular mass complex. Treatment with RNase or deletion of the rbcL gene induces a shift of the complex toward lower molecular mass fractions. MRL1 is well conserved throughout the green lineage, much more so than the 10 other pentatricopeptide repeat proteins found in Chlamydomonas. Depending upon the organism, MRL1 contains 11 to 14 pentatricopeptide repeats followed by a novel MRL1-C domain. In Arabidopsis thaliana, MRL1 also acts on rbcL and is necessary for the production/stabilization of the processed transcript, presumably because it acts as a barrier to 5 ′ &gt;3 ′ degradation. The Arabidopsis mrl1 mutant retains normal levels of the primary transcript and full photosynthetic capacity.
The Plastid Isoform of Triose Phosphate Isomerase Is Required for the Postgerminative Transition from Heterotrophic to Autotrophic Growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Mingjie , Thelen Jay J. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
During postgerminative seedling establishment, reserves stored during seed filling are mobilized to provide energy and carbon for the growing seedling until autotrophic growth is possible. A plastid isoform of triose phosphate isomerase (pdTPI) plays a crucial role in this transition from heterotrophic to autotrophic growth. A T-DNA insertion in Arabidopsis thaliana pdTPI resulted in a fivefold reduction in transcript, reduced TPI activity, and a severely stunted and chlorotic seedling that accumulated dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), glycerol, and glycerol-3-phosphate. Methylglyoxal (MG), a by-product of DHAP, also accumulated in the pdtpi mutant. Wild-type seed sown in the presence of any of these four metabolites resulted in a phenocopy of this pdtpi mutant, although MG and DHAP were the most effective based upon dosage. These metabolites (except MG) are by-products of triacylglycerol mobilization and precursors for glycerolipid synthesis, suggesting that lipid metabolism may also be affected. Lipid profiling revealed lower monogalactosyl but higher digalactosyl lipids. It is unclear whether the change in lipid composition is a direct or indirect consequence of the pdtpi mutation, as ribulose-1,5-bis-phosphate carboxylase/oxygenase expression, chloroplast morphology, and starch synthesis are also defective in this mutant. We propose that DHAP and MG accumulation in developing plastids delays the transition from heterotrophic to autotrophic growth, possibly due to MG toxicity.
Cooperation of Multiple Chromatin Modifications Can Generate Unanticipated Stability of Epigenetic States inArabidopsis
Authors: Baubec Tuncay , Dinh Huy Q. , Pecinka Ales , Rakic Branislava , Rozhon Wilfried , Wohlrab Bonnie , von Haeseler Arndt , Scheid Ortrun Mittelsten 
Published: January 2010

AbstractEpigenetic changes of gene expression can potentially be reversed by developmental programs, genetic manipulation, or pharmacological interference. However, a case of transcriptional gene silencing, originally observed in tetraploid Arabidopsis thaliana plants, created an epiallele resistant to many mutations or inhibitor treatments that activate many other suppressed genes. This raised the question about the molecular basis of this extreme stability. A combination of forward and reverse genetics and drug application provides evidence for an epigenetic double lock that is only alleviated upon the simultaneous removal of both DNA methylation and histone methylation. Therefore, the cooperation of multiple chromatin modifications can generate unanticipated stability of epigenetic states and contributes to heritable diversity of gene expression patterns.
Health status assessment using reverse supply chain data
Authors: Antai Imoh , Mutshinda Crispin M. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest the use of reverse medical supply chain data to infer changes of a population's health status with regard to a focal disease. It includes a detailed illustration of how health status information can be obtained from drug reverse chains.Design/methodology/approachA Bayesian dynamical model linking drug reverse supply chain data to relevant health status indicators with regard to a focal disease is developed. A detailed implementation of the model on computer‐simulated data is considered. The predictive ability of the methodology is also assessed using out‐of‐sample Monte Carlo‐based predictive analysis.FindingsThe results substantiate the good fit of the model to the empirical data.Research limitations/implicationsDifficulty in obtaining actual return data and in selecting appropriate health status indicators. The correspondence disease‐drug is typically not one‐to‐one. Experts' opinion is required in setting up suitable mixing weights as many drugs may inform the health status relative to a given disease and vice versa.Practical implicationsReverse logistics data may contain potential information, and this is not exclusive to medical chains.Originality/valueThe paper's suggestions tend to reinforce the notion that supply chain data may be used in many unsuspected settings. Solutions to issues of immediate concern in public health require multidisciplinary cooperation, and this paper shows how supply chain management can contribute. It is believed that the potential of reverse chain data in the health status prospect has previously hardly ever been pointed out.
Integration of supply and marketing for a blood service
Authors: Grant David B. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe blood service sector faces issues with obtaining and retaining loyal donors at one end of its supply chain, a marketing issue, and being efficient and effective in blood and related product delivery to customers at the other end of its supply chain, a supply chain management issue. The purpose of this paper is to present an investigation of these issues and propose the adoption of techniques and technologies from the food processing and retailing sector to address them.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory case study with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is used to investigate research questions stemming from extant literature.FindingsThis study finds that a national blood service can achieve better stock management and resource optimisation and better communication with “input” and “output” stakeholders by implementing information flows and integration throughout the supply and marketing chain. It also finds that a national blood service can convince non‐donors to donate and increase donor relationships and loyalty by ensuring internal marketing takes place with its employees who can then inform external stakeholders through their first‐contact relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is exploratory, thus empirical research is limited.Practical implicationsThis paper validates primary issues in recruiting and retaining blood donors and making blood supply chains more efficient and effective, and proposes the adoption of techniques and technology from other process sectors to overcome these issues. Thus, European national blood services should benefit from implementing suggestions in this research.Originality/valueThis paper adopts a multi‐disciplinary approach across the marketing and supply chain management disciplines to explore issues usually associated with medical and pure sciences.
Employer brand image in a health care organization
Authors: Heilmann Pia A.K. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview concerning employer brand image in a Finnish hospital organization. What is done for recruitment marketing? This study offers some proposals for improving the recruitment process.Design/methodology/approachThe research is a qualitative case study and the research method used is a group interview. The research questions are approached from an organizational perspective. Background information about the current labour shortage in health care is gathered from the focus hospital organization, from the public media and from the health care trade organizations.FindingsVery few marketing actions concerning employer image have been done in the focus hospital. There also existed a lack of appropriate recruitment tools and competence. Data systems and the internet have not been fully exploited in the recruitment process. Vacancies are not announced in educational institutes. Career development possibilities are not presented in job advertisements and job‐rotation has not been used in recruitment.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful information for health care managers and researchers concerning the role of employer image in recruiting and the importance of a well‐organized recruitment process.
Managing competitive bidding in the Finnish healthcare sector
Authors: Härkönen Kai , Ulkuniemi Pauliina , Tähtinen Jaana 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the competences needed for managing competitive bidding in the Finnish healthcare and to understand the management of competitive bidding holistically, considering the challenges the management faces from being embedded in focal nets and the wider network.Design/methodology/approachThe phenomenon is examined from the perspective of networks. This focus acknowledges the fact that competitive bidding changes the dynamics of the network and therefore requires new competences from the actors. The study applies qualitative methods.FindingsCompetitive bidding connects effects, interests, resources and actors together. It changes the dynamics of the net and the network. Thus, new competences are required. Three major competence areas were detected: relationship management competences, net management competences and purchasing competences.Originality/valueThe conclusions shed light on the combination of competences needed in managing competitive bidding in healthcare networks.