bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anthocyanidin synthase in non‐anthocyanin‐producing Caryophyllales species
Authors: Shimada Setsuko , Inoue Yoriko T. , Sakuta Masaaki 
Published: November 2005

SummaryRed colors in flowers are mainly produced by two types of pigments: anthocyanins and betacyanins. Although anthocyanins are widely distributed in higher plants, betacyanins have replaced anthocyanins in the Caryophyllales. There has been no report so far to find anthocyanins and betacyanins existing together within the same plant. This curious phenomenon has been examined from genetic and evolutionary perspectives, however nothing is known at the molecular level about the mutual exclusion of anthocyanins and betacyanins in higher plants. Here, we show that spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), which are both members of the Caryophyllales, have functional anthocyanidin synthases (ANSs). The ability of ANSs of the Caryophyllales to oxidize trans‐leucocyanidin to cyanidin is comparable to that of ANSs in anthocyanin‐producing plants. Expression profiles reveal that, in spinach, dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase (DFR) and ANS are not expressed in most tissues and organs, except seeds, in which ANS may contribute to proanthocyanidin synthesis. One possible explanation for the lack of anthocyanins in the Caryophyllales is the suppression or limited expression of the DFR and ANS.
A protocol to analyse cellular dynamics during plant development
Authors: Barbier de Reuille Pierre , Bohn‐Courseau Isabelle , Godin Christophe , Traas Jan 
Published: November 2005

Summary In vivo microscopy generates images that contain complex information on the dynamic behaviour of three‐dimensional (3D) objects. As a result, adapted mathematical and computational tools are required to help in their interpretation. Ideally, a complete software chain to study the dynamics of a complex 3D object should include: (i) the acquisition, (ii) the preprocessing and (iii) segmentation of the images, followed by (iv) a reconstruction in time and space and (v) the final quantitative analysis. Here, we have developed such a protocol to study cell dynamics at the shoot apical meristem in Arabidopsis. The protocol uses serial optical sections made with the confocal microscope. It includes specially designed algorithms to automate the identification of cell lineage and to analyse the quantitative behaviour of the meristem surface.
Exploration of jasmonate signalling via automated and standardized transient expression assays in tobacco cells
Authors: De Sutter Valerie , Vanderhaeghen Rudy , Tilleman Sofie , Lammertyn Freya , Vanhoutte Isabelle , Karimi Mansour , Inzé Dirk , Goossens Alain , Hilson Pierre 
Published: November 2005

SummaryAlthough sequence information and genome annotation are improving at an impressive pace, functional ontology is still non‐existent or rudimentary for most genes. In this regard, transient expression assays are very valuable for identification of short functional segments in particular pathways, because they can be performed rapidly and at a scale unattainable in stably transformed tissues. Vectors were constructed and protocols developed for systematic transient assays in plant protoplasts. To enhance throughput and reproducibility, protoplast treatments were performed entirely by a liquid‐handling robot in multiwell plates, including polyethylene glycol/Ca2+ cell transfection with plasmid mixtures, washes and lysis. All transcriptional readouts were measured using a dual firefly/Renilla luciferase assay, in which the former was controlled by a reporter promoter and the latter by the 35S CaMV promoter, which served as internal normalization standard. The automated protocols were suitable for transient assays in protoplasts prepared from cell cultures of Nicotiana tabacum Bright Yellow‐2 and Arabidopsis thaliana. They were implemented in a screen to discover potential regulators of genes coding for key enzymes in nicotine biosynthesis. Two novel tobacco transcription factors were found, NtORC1 and NtJAP1, that positively regulate the putrescine N‐methyltransferase (PMT) promoter. In addition, combinatorial tests showed that these two factors act synergistically to induce PMT transcriptional activity. The development and use of high‐throughput plant transient expression assays are discussed.
Molecular phylogenetic study of Hopea and Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae): Evidence from the trnL–trnF and internal transcribed spacer regions
Authors: YULITA KUSUMADEWI S. , BAYER RANDALL J. , WEST JUDITH G. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract Hopea and Shorea are economically important timber tree genera distributed throughout South‐East Asia. The taxonomic limits of these genera are problematic. Molecular phylogenies of Hopea and Shorea were inferred using two non‐coding regions of chloroplast (trnL–trnF) and nuclear ribosomal (internal transcribed spacer) DNA. The inferred phylogenetic relationships between Hopea and Shorea indicate that Shorea is paraphyletic and that Hopea is potentially monophyletic (particularly section Dryobalanoides). The inferred groupings within Shorea are very similar to a previous classification based on timber characteristics. The present study also identified four anomalous taxa, whose phylogenetic positions and taxonomic status require further investigation.
Genetic structure and random amplified polymorphic DNA diversity of the rapidly decliningAngelica palustris(Apiaceae) in Eastern Germany in relation to population size and seed production
Authors: DITTBRENNER ANKE , HENSEN ISABELL , WESCHE KARSTEN 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAngelica palustris(Besser) Hoffm. (Apiaceae) is a rare wetland community species that is currently rapidly declining because of changes in land use. In the present study, we analyzed patterns of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) variation among nine populations ofA. palustrisin Germany to assess its overall genetic condition. We aimed to examine the level of genetic diversity as well as its local differentiation in relation to population size and geographic distancing between populations. Results achieved from φSTstatistics andamovaindicated that most of the variability is distributed among individuals within the populations (57.7%), whereas among‐population variation accounted for 30.2% of the variation. Variation between regions was 12.1%. This corresponds to the results of a multivariate analysis based on the asymmetric Soerensen similarity, which also suggested a strong population differentiation, as would be expected from a short‐lived species with limited seed dispersal capacities that had never covered extensive areas in Eastern Germany. Consistently the geographic differentiation was not reflected in the RAPD profile. Significant correlations were noted between population size and the percentage of polymorphic loci (P < 0.05) and genetic diversity (P < 0.05). An analysis of seed production showed positive relationships between average seed number and levels of genetic variation. Our results support concerns regarding the loss of genetic diversity in endangered plant populations because this process might have harmful effects on reproductive fitness.
Economic evaluation of ondansetron vs dimenhydrinate for prevention of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery
Authors: PIWKO CHARLES , LASRY ARIELLE , ALANEZI KHALED , COYTE PETER C. , UNGAR WENDY J. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryBackground : Although rarely life‐threatening, postoperative vomiting (POV) is a distressing complication. The incidence of POV ranges from 34 to 90% in children undergoing strabismus surgery when antiemetics are not administered prophylactically.Methods : In this study, a cost‐consequence analysis (CCA) is used to estimate the economic benefit of ondansetron and dimenhydrinate as antiemetics administered prophylactically in children undergoing strabismus surgery. This retrospective study was conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children based on a review of 70 charts.Results : Ondansetron was more effective with 45.3 POV‐free patients (PFP) in an adjusted cohort of 100, while dimenhydrinate resulted in 38.2 PFP in an adjusted cohort of 100. The costs were significantly different between the two groups, CAD$ 185.90 (±26.37, 95% CI, CAD$ 173,89; CAD$ 197.90) and CAD$ 232.90 (±CAD$ 66.84, 95% CI, CAD$ 198.53; CAD$ 267.27) per patient for ondansetron and dimenhydrinate, respectively. The length of stay in the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) represented over 97% of total costs, and the mean lengths of stay in the PACU for ondansetron and dimenhydrinate were significantly different, 3.43 and 4.41 h, respectively.Conclusion : This study should serve as a pilot for a large‐scale investigation on the correlation between the length of stay in the PACU and the antiemetic agent used.
Anesthetic management of a patient with asymptomatic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: SHORTT RODGER , ASHBURY TED , MILNE BRIAN 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThere are many causes of ventricular arrhythmias in pediatric patients, even those with structurally normal hearts. However, in young patients with ‘normal’ hearts, sustained ventricular arrhythmias are relatively rare. The primary concern of the physician is to identify which patients have benign ventricular arrhythmia patterns and which are at risk for sudden cardiac death. Even in asymptomatic patients, the choice of anesthetic agents may be important to minimize precipitation of episodes of tachyarrhythmias. This clinical report describes the anesthetic considerations for an asymptomatic child with a history of sustained premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia, and bigeminy. This child had chronic serous otitis media requiring repeat tympanostomy and tube replacement. This case report outlines the initial cancellation of anesthesia because of sustained arrhythmias, and subsequent conduct of the anesthesia for the case, as well as the considerations in the selection of the drugs when a child presents with significant ventricular arrhythmia.
Jet ventilation for laryngotracheal surgery in an ex‐premature infant
Authors: KOOMEN ERIK , POORTMANS GERT , ANDERSON BRIAN J. , JANSSENS MAURICE M.L. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryA 4‐month‐old ex‐premature infant with severe airway obstruction from subglottic cysts presented for surgical cyst removal. Laryngeal and tracheal surgical procedures in children may present difficulties for the anesthetist because the airway is shared with the surgeon. We report the use of high‐frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) to maintain ventilation and provide adequate surgical access. Anesthesia was induced using sevoflurane in oxygen and was maintained with intravenous infusions of propofol 7.5 mg·kg−1·h−1 and remifentanil 0.4 μg·kg−1·min−1. The suction channel of the ENT laryngoscope was used to introduce an 8‐FG ureteric drainage catheter into the larynx and this catheter was used to provide HFJV. Obstruction to expiratory flow was a major concern and was dependent on good positioning of the rigid laryngoscope. Complications such as barotrauma, pneumopericardium, CO2‐retention, necrotizing tracheobronchitis, and gastric rupture dictate a fastidious technique.
A randomized‐controlled study of ultrasound prelocation vs anatomical landmark‐guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein in infants and children
Authors: CHUAN WEI XIN , WEI WEI , YU LI 
Published: November 2005

SummaryBackground:  A specifically designed ultrasound scanner may be helpful in percutaneous cannulation of the internal jugular vein in pediatric patients. We report a new two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound prelocation (UL) technique using a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) intraoperative probe instead of the portable scanner, and have compared the new technique with conventional anatomical landmark method (AL) for central venous catheterization in infants and children.Methods:  Sixty‐two infants (body weight <12 kg) undergoing elective surgery for congenital heart disease were randomized into two groups. In the AL group, the landmark for cannulation was the palpation of the common carotid pulsation or the sternocleidomastoid triangle. In the UL group, the central vein was located by 2D ultrasonic imaging using a TEE intraoperative probe for HP SONOS 4500. The number of cannulation attempts, success rate, and complication rate were recorded.Results:  For the UL and AL groups, the cannulation success rate was 100% and 80% (P < 0.05), the incidence of arterial puncture was 3.1% and 26.7% (P < 0.025), and the number of attempts was 1.57 ± 1.04 and 2.55 ± 1.76 (P < 0.001), respectively.Conclusions:  Two‐dimensional ultrasound prelocated central venous catheterization in infants and children is convenient and can markedly increase cannulation success rate and reduce the incidence of complications.
Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of ropivacaine for continuous epidural infusion in neonates and infants
Authors: BÖSENBERG ADRIAN T. , THOMAS JENNY , CRONJE LARISSA , LOPEZ TESSA , CREAN PETER M. , GUSTAFSSON URBAN , HULEDAL GUNILLA , LARSSON LARS E. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryIntroduction:  The primary objective of this noncomparative study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine during a 48–72‐h continuous epidural infusion of ropivacaine in children under 1 year. The secondary objectives were to assess efficacy and safety.Methods:  Neonates and infants (ASA I–III, gestational age ≥37 weeks, ≥2.5 kg, scheduled for major abdominal or thoracic surgery) were included and separated into age groups: 0–30 (neonate), 31–90, 91–180, and 181–365 days. Ethics committee approval and informed parental consent were obtained before inclusion. An epidural catheter was introduced under general anesthesia at the appropriate dermatomal level. An initial bolus dose (0.9–2.0 mg·kg−1 of ropivacaine 0.2%) was followed by an epidural infusion (0.2 mg·kg−1·h−1 for infants <180 days or 0.4 mg·kg−1·h−1 for infants >180 days). Plasma samples were collected every 12 h from 24 h, and on termination of the epidural infusion. Postoperative pain was evaluated using both the Objective Pain Scale and a four‐graded descriptive scale.Results:  Forty‐five infants, median age 116 (0–362) days, were included. Forty‐three and 19 patients received an infusion for at least 48 and 72 h, respectively. Satisfactory analgesia was provided in the majority, only 20 patients were given supplementary medication during the infusion. In all age groups, plasma concentrations of unbound ropivacaine leveled at 24 h, without any further increase at 48 and 72 h. Because of lower clearance of unbound ropivacaine in neonates (mean 33 ml·min−1·kg−1) than in infants above the age of 30 days (80, 124, and 163 ml·min−1·kg−1, respectively, in the age groups 31–90, 91–180, and 180–365 days), unbound ropivacaine concentrations at the end of infusion were higher in neonates [median 0.10 mg·l−1 (0.04–0.21 mg·l−1)] than in infants >30 days [median 0.03 mg·l−1 (0.003–0.10 mg·l−1)].Conclusion:  Epidural infusions (0.2–0.4 mg·kg−1·h−1 ropivacaine) provided satisfactory pain relief in neonates and infants under 1 year. As plasma concentrations of unbound ropivacaine were not influenced by the duration of the infusion, ropivacaine can be safely used for postoperative epidural infusion for 48–72 h. Levels of unbound ropivacaine were higher in the neonates than in the infants, but were below threshold concentrations for CNS toxicity in adults (≥0.35 mg·l−1). This should not preclude the use of ropivacaine infusions in neonates but suggests a need for caution during the first weeks of life.
Screening a wide host‐range, waste‐water metagenomic library in tryptophan auxotrophs of Rhizobium leguminosarum and of Escherichia coli reveals different classes of cloned trp genes
Authors: Li Youguo , Wexler Margaret , Richardson David J. , Bond Philip L. , Johnston Andrew W. B. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryA metagenomic cosmid library was constructed, in which the insert DNA was derived from bacteria in a waste‐water treatment plant and the vector was the wide host‐range cosmid pLAFR3. The library was screened for clones that could correct defined tryptophan auxotrophs of the α‐proteobacterium Rhizobium leguminosarum and of Escherichia coli. A total of 26 different cosmids that corrected at least one trp mutant in one or both of these species were obtained. Several cosmids corrected the auxotrophy of one or more R. leguminosarum trp mutants, but not the corresponding mutants in E. coli. Conversely, one cosmid corrected trpA, B, C, D and E mutants of E. coli but none of the trp mutants of R. leguminosarum. Two of the Trp+ cosmids were examined in more detail. One contained a trp operon that resembled that of the pathogen Chlamydophila caviae, containing the unusual kynU gene, which specifies kynureninase. The other, whose trp genes functioned in R. leguminosarum but not in E. coli, contained trpDCFBA in an operon that is likely co‐transcribed with five other genes, most of which had no known link with tryptophan synthesis. The sequences of these TRP proteins, and the products of nine other genes encoded by this cosmid, failed to affiliate them with any known bacterial lineage. For one metagenomic cosmid, lac reporter fusions confirmed that its cloned trp genes were transcribed in R. leguminosarum, but not in E. coli. Thus, rhizobia, with their many σ‐factors, may be well‐suited hosts for metagenomic libraries, cloned in wide host‐range vectors.
The Management of Information and Managers in Subsidiaries of Multinational Corporations
Authors: Hong Chung Lai , Gibbons Patrick T. , Schoch Herbert P. 
Published: November 2005

A key challenge facing multinational corporations (MNCs) is how to encourage the development of firm specific advantages throughout the network of subsidiaries while maintaining global coherence. As a result, a critical task for top managers in the MNC is to structure the relationship between headquarters and subsidiaries. Thus, headquarters' control of subsidiary behaviour and performance becomes a central integrating function in the MNC.We examine first the relationship between the nationality of the MNC headquarters and its information management, namely the key performance metrics utilized by the parent to evaluate subsidiary performance. Second, we investigate the relationship between the MNC nationality and its management of managers, specifically, the transfer of parent company nationals and corporate acculturation. These questions are investigated in a study of MNC subsidiaries located in Australia, Ireland and Singapore. Our data provide strong evidence that MNCs of all nationalities place the greatest emphasis on financial metrics compared to other performance metrics. Moreover, there are differences in the degree of emphasis on performance metrics across MNC nationality. We found that Japanese and German MNCs place significantly less emphasis on financial measures than US and UK MNCs. Our hypotheses relating to the management of managers were also supported by the data. In comparison with all other MNC nationalities, Japanese MNCs place greater emphasis on the transfer of Japanese managers to overseas subsidiaries and less emphasis on corporate acculturation. While some researchers have argued that management control has become more isomorphic as a result of globalization, our results show that companies from different nationalities diverge in their practices.
INTERTEMPORAL COMPETITIVE EQUILIBRIUM, CAPITAL AND THE STABILITY OF TÂTONNEMENT PRICING REVISITED
Authors: Parrinello Sergio 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTThis paper reconsiders a recent criticism which contends that the theory of general intertemporal equilibrium, formulated by taking the physical endowments of capital goods as given, is not protected from the problem of capital at the centre of the two Cambridges debate of the 1960s. The author confirms such a criticism following a different approach. He argues that the stability analysis of an intertemporal equilibrium via tâtonnement must be consistent with a uniform rate of return on capital. He shows that the resulting non‐orthodox tâtonnement subverts the traditional analysis of equilibrium stability.
The early modern great divergence: wages, prices and economic development in Europe and Asia, 1500–18001
Authors: BROADBERRY STEPHEN , GUPTA BISHNUPRIYA 
Published: November 2005

SUMMARYContrary to the claims of Pomeranz, Parthasarathi, and other ‘world historians’, the prosperous parts of Asia between 1500 and 1800 look similar to the stagnating southern, central, and eastern parts of Europe rather than the developing north‐western parts. In the advanced parts of India and China, grain wages were comparable to those in north‐western Europe, but silver wages, which conferred purchasing power over tradable goods and services, were substantially lower. The high silver wages of north‐western Europe were not simply a monetary phenomenon, but reflected high productivity in the tradable sector. The ‘great divergence’ between Europe and Asia was already well underway before 1800.
Effects of jpeg 2000 compression on automated dsm extraction: evidence from aerial photographs
Authors: Shih Tian‐Yuan , Liu Jung‐Kuan 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis paper evaluates the effects of JPEG 2000 compression on automated digital surface model (DSM) extraction, using the area‐based matching technique. Two stereopairs of aerial photographs, which have different photo scale, pixel size, and topographic type, are used as the images for the experiments. In the experiments, the DSM generated from the uncompressed image is set as the reference, and the elevation accuracy is computed for a range of compression ratios (2:1 to 100:1). The results show that the employed indices of image quality based on the JPEG 2000 compression are clearly superior to the commonly used JPEG compression technique—especially for high compression ratios. However, the elevation accuracy varies with the compression ratios. Also, JPEG 2000 compression does not have a significant influence on the percentage of the successful matching rate. In addition, a near linear fall‐off is observed in extracted DSM accuracy with increasing compression ratios.
Life Annuity Insurance Versus Self‐Annuitization: An Analysis From the Perspective of the Family
Authors: Schmeiser Hato , Post Thomas 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWhen comparing investment in an immediate life annuity with a payout‐equivalent investment fund decumulation plan (self‐annuitization), previous research focused on shortfall probabilities of self‐annuitization. Chances of self‐annuitization (i.e., bequests) typically have not been addressed. We argue that heirs might be willing to bear the shortfall risk of the retiree's self‐annuitization since they might benefit from a bequest. Our article proposes a “family strategy” in which heirs receive the remaining investment fund on the retiree's death, but are obliged to finance the retiree if the fund becomes exhausted. We estimate the chance and risk profile of this “family strategy” from the heirs' perspective using German capital and annuity market data. We show that in many cases, our “family strategy” offers enormous chance potential with low shortfall risk. Finally, we discuss some limitations of the proposed “family strategy” when putting the concept into practice.
Polymorphism of the DPB1 locus in Hani ethnic group of south‐western China
Authors: Hu W‐H. , Lu J. , Dong Y‐L. , Cheng B‐W. , Tang W‐R. , Cun Y‐N. , Lei Y‐P. , Tan S‐J. , Xiao C‐J. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryPolymorphism of HLA‐DPB1 was revealed with a sequencing‐based typing (SBT) method in 47 unrelated healthy individuals from Yunnan Hani ethnic minority. The alleles DPB1*5901 and DPB1*7001 were detected for the first time in Chinese populations. A dendrogram showed that the Hani ethnic group belongs to the southern group of Chinese.