bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bounds and Approximations for the Transportation Problem of Linear Programming and Other Scalable Network Problems
Authors: Daganzo Carlos F. , Smilowitz Karen R.
Published: August 2004

Bounds and approximate formulae are developed for the average optimum distance of the transportation linear programming (TLP) problem with homogeneously, but randomly distributed points and demands in a region of arbitrary shape. It is shown that if the region size grows with a fixed density of points, then the cost per item is bounded from above in 3+ dimensions (3+-D), but not in 1-D and 2-D. Lower bounds are also developed, based on a mild monotonicity conjecture. Computer simulations confirm the conjecture and yield approximate formulae. These formulae turn out to have the same functional form as the upper bounds. Curiously, the monotonicity conjecture implies that the cost per item does not depend on zone shape asymptotically, as problem size increases, for 2+-D problems but it does in 1-D. Therefore, the 2-D case can be viewed as a transition case that shares some of the properties of 1-D (unbounded cost) and some of the properties of 3-D (shape independence).

The results are then extended to more general network models with subadditive link costs. It is found that if the cost functions have economies of scale, then the cost per item is bounded in 2-D. This explains the prevalence of the “last mile” effect in many logistics applications. The paper also discusses how the results were used to estimate costs under uncertainty for a vehicle repositioning problem.
A New Look at the Multiclass Network Equilibrium Problem
Authors: Marcotte Patrice , Wynter Laura
Published: August 2004

The multiclass network equilibrium problem is expressed in general as a nonmonotone, asymmetric, variational inequality problem. We show that in spite of the nonmonotonicity of the cost operator, the problem may actually satisfy a weaker property, induced by the hierarchical nature of the travel cost interactions. This property allows a natural decomposition approach, not otherwise available, that admits provably convergent algorithms. We present one such algorithm, easily implementable using a solver for the single-class network equilibrium problem, together with a convergence proof.
Sensitivity Analysis of Traffic Equilibria
Authors: Patriksson Michael
Published: August 2004

The contribution of the paper is a complete analysis of the sensitivity of elastic demand traffic (Wardrop) equilibria. The existence of a directional derivative of the equilibrium solution (link flow, least travel cost, demand) in any direction is given a characterization, and the same is done for its gradient. The gradient, if it exists, is further interpreted as a limiting case of the gradient of the logit-based SUE solution, as the dispersion parameter tends to infinity. In the absence of the gradient, we show how to compute a subgradient. All these computations (directional derivative, (sub)gradient) are performed by solving similar traffic equilibrium problems with affine link cost and demand functions, and they can be performed by the same tool as (or one similar to) the one used for the original traffic equilibrium model; this fact is of clear advantage when applying sensitivity analysis within a bilevel (or mathematical program with equilibrium constraints, MPEC) application, such as for congestion pricing, OD estimation, or network design. A small example illustrates the possible nonexistence of a gradient and the computation of a subgradient.
Existence, Uniqueness, and Trip Cost Function Properties of User Equilibrium in the Bottleneck Model with Multiple User Classes
Authors: Lindsey Robin
Published: August 2004

Under relatively general assumptions a unique deterministic departure-time user equilibrium with a finite departure rate exists in the bottleneck model with drivers who differ in their unit costs of travel time, preferred times of arrival, and schedule delay cost functions. Existence requires that schedule delay cost functions be upper semicontinuous with respect to arrival time, and that schedule delay costs decline at a rate smaller than the unit cost of travel time. Uniqueness requires, more restrictively, that schedule delay cost functions be continuous.

Several properties of equilibrium trip cost functions are derived for n groups of users with Ni in group i. The trip cost of a user in group i is a nondecreasing function of each Nj, but typically rises more quickly with respect to Ni than Nj, j≠i. Thus, users experience lower trip costs when they travel with users unlike themselves than with an equal number of users like themselves.
Efficient Insertion Heuristics for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling Problems
Authors: Campbell Ann Melissa , Savelsbergh Martin
Published: August 2004

Insertion heuristics have proven to be popular methods for solving a variety of vehicle routing and scheduling problems. In this paper, we focus on the impact of incorporating complicating constraints on the efficiency of insertion heuristics. The basic insertion heuristic for the standard vehicle routing problem has a time complexity of O(n3). However, straightforward implementations of handling complicating constraints lead to an undesirable time complexity of O(n4). We demonstrate that with careful implementation it is possible, in most cases, to maintain the O(n3) complexity or, in a few cases, increase the time complexity to O(n3 log n). The complicating constraints we consider in this paper are time windows, shift time limits, variable delivery quantities, fixed and variable delivery times, and multiple routes per vehicle. Little attention has been given to some of these complexities (with time windows being the notable exception), which are common in practice and have a significant impact on the feasibility of a schedule as well as the efficiency of insertion heuristics.
Uniqueness of User Equilibrium in Transportation Networks with Heterogeneous Commuters
Authors: Konishi Hideo
Published: August 2004

This paper discusses the uniqueness of user equilibrium in transportation networks with heterogeneous commuters. Daganzo (1983) proved the uniqueness of (stochastic) user equilibrium when commuters have heterogeneous tastes over possible paths, but identical disutility functions from time costs. We first show, by example, that his result may not apply in general networks if disutility functions are allowed to differ. However, for “simple” transportation networks, we show that user equilibrium is always unique and weakly Pareto efficient (cf. the Braess example) for a general class of utility functions. We investigate whether this result applies to more general networks. We also show that user equilibrium is unique in a dynamic bottleneck model with a simple network. We discuss an interesting relationship between the following two problems: the existence of user equilibrium in a finite model and the uniqueness of user equilibrium in a continuum model. In the appendix, we also provide a proof of a slightly generalized version of Daganzo's theorem.
A Branch-and-Cut Approach for Solving Railway Line-Planning Problems
Authors: Goossens Jan-Willem , van Hoesel Stan , Kroon Leo
Published: August 2004

An important strategic phase in the planning process of a railway operator is the development of a line plan, i.e., a set of routes (paths) in a network of tracks, operated at a given hourly frequency. We consider a model formulation of the line-planning problem where total operating costs are to be minimized. This model is solved with a branch-and-cut approach, for which we develop a variety of valid inequalities and reduction methods. A computational study of five real-life instances based on examples from Netherlands Railways (NS) is included.
Dynamics of Obscurin Localization During Differentiation and Remodeling of Cardiac Myocytes: Obscurin as an Integrator of Myofibrillar Structure
Authors: Borisov Andrei B. , Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos Aikaterini , Bloch Robert J. , Westfall Margaret V. , Russell Mark W.
Published: August 2004

Obscurin is a newly identified giant muscle protein whose functions remain to be elucidated. In this study we used high-resolution confocal microscopy to examine the dynamics of obscurin localization in cultures of rat cardiac myocytes during the assembly and disassembly of myofibrils. Double immunolabeling of neonatal and adult rat cells for obscurin and sarcomeric α-actinin, the major protein of Z-lines, demonstrated that, during myofibrillogenesis, obscurin is intensely incorporated into M-band areas of A-bands and, to a lesser extent, in Z-lines of newly formed sarcomeres. Presarcomeric structural precursors of myofibrils were intensely immunopositive for α-actinin and, unlike mature myofibrils, weakly immunopositive or immunonegative for obscurin. This indicates that most of the obscurin assembles in developing myofibrils after abundant incorporation of α-actinin and that massive integration of obscurin occurs at more advanced stages of sarcomere assembly. Immunoreactivity for obscurin in the middle of A-bands and in Z-lines of sarcomeres bridged the gaps between individual bundles of newly formed myofibrils, suggesting that this protein appears to be directly involved in their primary lateral connection and registered alignment into larger clusters. Close sarcomeric localization of obscurin and titin suggests that they may interact during myofibril assembly. Interestingly, the laterally aligned striated pattern of obscurin formed at a stage when desmin, traditionally considered as a molecular linker responsible for the lateral binding and stabilization of myofibrils at the Z-bands, was still diffusely localized. During the disassembly of the contractile system in adult myocytes, disappearance of the cross-striated pattern of obscurin preceded the disorganization of registered alignment and intense breakdown of myofibrils. The cross-striated pattern of desmin typical of terminally differentiated myocytes disappeared before or simultaneously with obscurin. During redifferentiation, as in neonatal myocytes, sarcomeric incorporation of obscurin closely followed that of α-actinin and occurred earlier than the striated arrangement of desmin intermediate filaments. The presence of obscurin in the Z-lines and its later assembly into the A/M-bands indicate that it may serve to stabilize and align sarcomeric structure when myosin filaments are incorporated. Our data suggest that obscurin, interacting with other muscle proteins and possibly with the sarcoplasmic reticulum, may have a role as a flexible structural integrator of myofibrils during assembly and adaptive remodeling of the contractile apparatus.
Primary Antibody–Fab Fragment Complexes: A Flexible Alternative to Traditional Direct and Indirect Immunolabeling Techniques
Authors: Brown Jeremy K. , Pemberton Alan D. , Wright Steven H. , Miller Hugh R.P.
Published: August 2004

Immunolabeling with immune complexes of primary and secondary antibodies offers an attractive method for detecting and quantifying specific antigen. Primary antibodies maintain their affinity for specific antigen after labeling with Fab fragments in vitro. Incubation of these immune complexes with excess normal serum from the same species as the primary antibody prevents free Fab fragments from recognizing immunoglobulin. Effectively a hybrid between traditional direct and indirect immunolabeling techniques, this simple technique allows primary antibodies to be non-covalently labeled with a variety of reporter molecules as and when required. Using complexes containing Fab fragments that recognize both the Fc and F(ab')2 regions of IgG, we show that this approach prevents nonspecific labeling of endogenous immunoglobulin, can be used to simultaneously detect multiple antigens with primary antibodies derived from the same species, and allows the same polyclonal antibody to be used for both antigen capture and detection in ELISA.
Application of Antigen Retrieval by Heating for Double-label Fluorescent Immunohistochemistry with Identical Species-derived Primary Antibodies
Authors: Ino Hidetoshi
Published: August 2004

Double-label fluorescent immunohistochemistry (IHC) is frequently used to identify cellular and subcellular co-localization of independent antigens. In general, primary antibodies for double labeling should be derived from independent species. However, such convenient pairs of antibodies are not always available. To overcome this problem, several methods for double labeling with primary antibodies from identical species have been proposed. Among them are methods using monovalent secondary antibodies, such as Fab fragments. Soluble immune complexes consisting of primary and monovalent secondary antibodies are first formed. After absorption of the excess secondary antibody with nonspecific immunoglobulin, the immune complexes are applied to sections. By this procedure, unwanted cross-reaction between false pairs of antibodies is avoidable. However, soluble immune complexes often show reduced or no immunoreactivity to antigens on sections. I noted that antigen retrieval (AR) of tissues by heating often but not always showed improved immunoreactivity for soluble immune complexes. Here I demonstrate the examination of conditions for this soluble immune complex method using AR-treated sections and show examples of double-label fluorescent IHC with identical species-derived primary antibodies.
More Fibrosis and Thrombotic Complications but Similar Expression Patterns of Markers for Coagulation and Inflammation in Symptomatic Plaques from DM2 Patients
Authors: Sommeijer Dirkje W. , Beganovic Aida , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Ploegmakers Hanneke , van der Loos Chris M. , van Aken Benien E. , Cate Hugo ten , van der Wal Allard C.
Published: August 2004

Objective: One of the possible pathological mechanisms behind the increased vascular injury in diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of AGEs and specific markers for coagulation and inflammation in symptomatic atherosclerotic plaques from DM2 patients differs from plaques from nondiabetics. Methods and results: Carotid atherectomies were obtained from DM2 patients ( n = 11) and controls without DM2 matched for age and other cardiovascular risk factors ( n = 12) who were treated for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Plaques were graded according to the American Heart Association classification of lesions. More fibrosis and more thrombotic complications ( p = 0.007) were observed in carotid atherectomies from DM2 patients. Percentages of immunostained smooth muscle cells and macrophages in the lesions, quantified planimetrically, did not differ between the two groups. No differences were found in the immunostaining for T cells, tissue factor (TF), endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), nuclear factor κB, and the AGE carboxymethyllysine. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that DM2 is associated with increased plaque complications; however, a local changed presence of AGEs, TF, and EPCR seems not to be involved in this end stage of atherosclerosis.
Distribution of Adipocyte-derived Leucine Aminopeptidase (A-LAP)/ER-aminopeptidase (ERAP)-1 in Human Uterine Endometrium
Authors: Shibata Daijiro , Ando Hisao , Iwase Akira , Nagasaka Tetsuro , Hattori Akira , Tsujimoto Masafumi , Mizutani Shigehiko
Published: August 2004

Adipocyte-derived leucine aminopeptidase (A-LAP, endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase ERAP1) is specialized to produce peptides presented on the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by trimming epitopes to eight or nine residues, in addition to its enzymatic activity to degrade angiotensin II. Previously we identified placental leucine aminopeptidase (P-LAP), another member of the oxytocinase subfamily of aminopeptidases, in human uterine endometrial epithelial cells. Here we analyzed the distribution of A-LAP in human cyclic endometrium. Western blotting analysis showed that A-LAP was present in the endometrial tissue throughout the menstrual cycle. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of A-LAP showed a similar distribution to that of P-LAP. A-LAP was localized predominantly in the endometrial glands and the luminal surface epithelium. However, the intracellular localization change that accompanied apocrine secretion, which was observed in P-LAP, was not shown in A-LAP. Subcellular localization of A-LAP, demonstrated by immunofluorescence, was ER in the cultured glandular epithelial cells. Our results indicate that A-LAP may fit the endometrial localization as an antigen-presenting ER aminopeptidase. Further understanding of the function(s) of A-LAP in the endometrium appear likely to yield insights into the cyclic changes during the normal endometrial cycle.
Gap Junctional Communication and Connexin43 Expression in Relation to Apoptotic Cell Death and Survival of Granulosa Cells
Authors: Krysko Dmitri V. , Mussche Sylvie , Leybaert Luc , D'Herde Katharina
Published: August 2004

Ovarian follicular atresia in all vertebrates is mediated via apoptosis that is initiated in the granulosa cell layer. Here we investigated the relation between connexin expression, cell coupling, and apoptosis in avian granulosa cells. Results from qualitative and quantitative immunocytochemical analysis and Western blotting of connexin43 (Cx43) and electron microscopic observations of gap junctions were compared with functional data on gap junctional coupling obtained by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching in four experimental groups: a control group of freshly isolated granulosa cells, 24-hr serum-free cultures as the apoptosis-inducing condition, and two other groups in which apoptosis was inhibited by either hormone substitution or exposure to elevated extracellular calcium. Our work shows that apoptosis induction in granulosa cells is accompanied by an increased level of cell coupling and that decreasing cell coupling with the gap junction blocker α-glycyrrhetinic acid dose-dependently inhibits apoptosis. The level of Cx43 expression was inversely related to the apoptotic index, suggesting that Cx43 expression plays a role in granulosa cell survival. Our study supports the hypothesis that gap junctional coupling plays a role in propagating a cell death message and suggests a role for Cx43 expression per se in granulosa cell survival.
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Cells in Adult Human Patellar Tendons
Authors: Chuen Fu Sai , Chuk Cheuk Yau , Ping Wong Yim , Nar Wong Wan , Kim Hung Leung , Ming Chan Kai
Published: August 2004

Cells in tendons are conventionally identified as elongated tenocytes and ovoid tenoblasts, but specific markers for these cells are not available. The roles and interplay of these cells in tendon growth, remodeling, and healing are not well established. Therefore, we proposed to characterize these cells with respect to cell turnover, extracellular matrix metabolism, and expression of growth factors. Here we examined 14 healthy human patellar tendon samples for the expression of various proteins in tenocytes and tenoblasts, which were identified as elongated tendon cells and ovoid tendon cells, respectively. Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), procollagen type I (procol I), heat shock protein 47 (hsp47), bone morphogenetic protein 12 (BMP12), 13 (BMP13), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). An image analysis of the IHC staining for proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and apoptotic cells was performed to determine the proliferation index and the apoptosis index in elongated and ovoid tendon cells. The ovoid tendon cells expressed higher levels of procol I, hsp47, MMP1, BMP12, BMP13, and TGFβ1 than the elongated tendon cells. Both the proliferation index and the apoptosis index of ovoid tendon cells were higher than those of the elongated tendon cells. The results suggested that ovoid tendon cells, conventionally recognized as tenoblasts, were more active in matrix remodeling. The expression of BMP 12, BMP13 and TGFβ1 might be associated with the different cellular activities of tenoblasts and tenocytes.
Tyrosine Hydroxylase Induction by Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Cyclic AMP Analogs in Striatal Neural Stem Cells: Role of ERK1/ERK2 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase and Protein Kinase C
Authors: López-Toledano Miguel A. , Redondo Carolina , Lobo Maria V.T. , Reimers Diana , Herranz Antonio S. , Paíno Carlos L. , Bazán Eulalia
Published: August 2004

Neural stem cells (NSC) with self-renewal and multilineage potential are considered good candidates for cell replacement of damaged nervous tissue. In vitro experimental conditions can differentiate these cells into specific neuronal phenotypes. In the present study, we describe the combined effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP) on the differentiation of fetal rat striatal NSC into tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells. Tyrosine hydroxylase induction was accompanied by the activation of ERK1/ERK2 mitogen-activated protein kinase and was inhibited by the ERK1/ERK2 pathway blocker PD98059, suggesting that ERK activation may be important for this process. In addition, protein kinase C (PKC) was shown to be required for tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression. The inhibition of PKC by staurosporin, as well as its downregulation, decreased the ability of bFGF+dbcAMP to generate tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells. Moreover, the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) together with bFGF and dbcAMP led to a significant increase in phospho-ERK1/ERK2 levels, and the percentage of β-tubulin III-positive cells that expressed tyrosine hydroxylase increased by 3.5-fold. PMA also promoted the phosphorylation of the cyclic AMP response element binding protein that might contribute to the increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells observed in bFGF+dbcAMP+PMA-treated cultures. From these results, we conclude that the manipulation in vitro of NSC from rat fetal striatum with bFGF, cyclic AMP analogs, and PKC activators promotes the generation of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons.
Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins in Stromal Cells from Human Bone Marrow Long-term Culture
Authors: Martinovic Snjezana , Mazic Sanja , Kisic Veronika , Basic Nikolina , Jakic-Razumovic Jasminka , Borovecki Fran , Batinic Drago , Simic Petra , Grgurevic Lovorka , Labar Boris , Vukicevic Slobodan
Published: August 2004

Highly purified primitive hemopoietic stem cells express BMP receptors but do not synthesize bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). However, exogenously added BMPs regulate their proliferation, differentiation, and survival. To further explore the mechanism by which BMPs might be involved in hemopoietic differentiation, we tested whether stromal cells from long-term culture (LTC) of normal human bone marrow produce BMPs, BMP receptors, and SMAD signaling molecules. Stromal cells were immunohistochemically characterized by the presence of lyzozyme, CD 31, factor VIII, CD 68, S100, alkaline phosphatase, and vimentin. Gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and the presence of BMP protein was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The supportive role of the stromal cell layer in hemopoiesis in vitro was confirmed by a colony assay of clonogenic progenitors. Bone marrow stromal cells express mRNA and protein for BMP-3, -4, and -7 but not for BMP-2, -5, and -6 from the first to the eighth week of culture. Furthermore, stromal cells express the BMP type I receptors, activin-like kinase-3 (ALK-3), ALK-6, and the downstream transducers SMAD-1, -4, and -5. Thus, human bone marrow stromal cells synthesize BMPs, which might exert their effects on hemopoietic stem cells in a paracrine manner through specific BMP receptors.
Distribution of Antioxidant Enzymes in Developing Human Lung, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Kaarteenaho-Wiik Riitta , Kinnula Vuokko L.
Published: August 2004

We studied cell-specific protein expression of all the major antioxidant enzymes (AOEs) and related proteins, such as copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese SOD (MnSOD), extracellular SOD (ECSOD), catalase, the heavy and light chains of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS-l and γ-GCS-h, also called glutamate cysteine ligase), the rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione synthesis, hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), and thioredoxin (Trx), in developing human lung, respiratory distress syndrome, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia by immunohistochemistry. Generally, after 17 weeks of gestational age, MnSOD was predominantly expressed in bronchial epithelium, alveolar epithelium, and macrophages, CuZnSOD was expressed in bronchial epithelium, ECSOD was expressed in bronchial epithelium, vascular endothelium, and the extracellular matrix, catalase was expressed in bronchial epithelium and alveolar macrophages, γ-GCS-h was expressed in bronchial epithelium and endothelium, and γ-GCS-l was expressed in bronchial epithelium. Trx was restricted to bronchial epithelium and to a lesser extent to alveolar macrophages, and HO-1 found in alveolar macrophages. Basically, the expression of these enzymes was similar in normal and diseased lung. It can be concluded that various AOEs and related proteins differ in their distribution and expression in lung before term, but generally it seems that infants are better adapted to high oxygen tension than might be expected.
Occurrence of l- and d-Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone Isoforms in the Eyestalk X-Organ/Sinus Gland Complex During the Ontogeny of the Crayfish Astacus leptodactylus
Authors: Serrano Laetitia , Grousset Evelyse , Charmantier Guy , Spanings-Pierrot Céline
Published: August 2004

We studied the ontogeny of the eyestalk structure and of the l-CHH and d-Phe3-CHH synthesis in the X-organ/sinus gland (XO/SG) complex by light microscopy and immunocytochemistry in the freshwater crustacean Astacus leptodactylus. The optic ganglia start to differentiate in embryos at EI 190 μm (EI: eye index; close to 410 μm at hatching). At EI 270 μm, the three medullae (externa, interna, and terminalis) and the lamina ganglionaris are present and are organized as in the adult eyestalk. The l-CHH was localized in perikarya of neuroendocrine cells, in their tracts, and in SG from the metanauplius stage to the adult. The d-Phe3-CHH was visualized in XO perikarya, in their tracts and in SG of embryos from EI 350 μm and in all later studied stages. Co-localization of both CHH stereoisomers always occurred in the d-Phe3-CHH-producing cells. These results show that the synthesis of CHH enantiomers starts during the embryonic life in A. leptodactylus, and that the d-isomer is synthesized later than its l-counterpart. We discuss the post-translational isomerization as a way to generate hormonal diversity and the putative relation between d-Phe3-CHH synthesis and the ability to osmoregulate, occurring late during the embryonic life of Astacus leptodactylus.
Bismuth Uptake in Rat Testicular Macrophages: A Follow-up Observation Suggesting that Bismuth Alters Interactions Between Testicular Macrophages and Leydig Cells
Authors: Stoltenberg Meredin , Hutson James C.
Published: August 2004

Recent studies suggest that bismuth accumulates in Leydig cells. In addition, a reduced level of serum testosterone and a statistically significant reduction of Leydig cells have been observed. It was therefore hypothesized that Bi has a direct toxic effect on rat Leydig cells. We have now developed a method for double labeling of bismuth and ED-2 (a marker for testicular macrophages). The present data demonstrate that the heavily bismuth-loaded cells in rat testis, originally interpreted as being Leydig cells, are bismuth-loaded macrophages. Consequently, our data suggest a modified hypothesis regarding bismuth-induced interactions between testicular macrophages and Leydig cells.
Co-localization of Trax and Mea2 in Golgi Complex of Pachytene Spermatocytes in the Mouse
Authors: Matsuda Miyuki , Kondo Masaaki , Kashiwabara Shin-ichi , Yoshihara Mitsuyo , Sutou Shizuyo , Matsukuma Shoichi
Published: August 2004

A golgin family protein, Mea2, is expressed at enhanced level in pachytene spermatocytes and is indispensable for mouse spermatogenesis. Because Trax was shown to interact with Mea2 in yeast two-hybrid, we investigated the localization of Trax in pachytene spermatocytes with immunofluorescent staining. Trax was found to accumulate in the Golgi complex of mid-late pachytene spermatocytes and intermingled with granular Mea2 signal in the central region. In a subline of the Mea2 mutant mouse, a truncated form of Mea2 devoid of the N-terminal region, ΔMea2, was expressed. It localized to the rim of Golgi complex and thus occupied a region separate from that of Trax.
Degeneration of Bangladesh’s Sundarbans mangroves: a management issue
Authors: Iftekhar M.S. , Islam M.R.
Published: August 2004

The Sundarbans is a unique mangrove ecosystem of considerable ecological and economic value. The Sundarbans has supplied products and services to mankind for centuries and has been under systematic management for more than 100 years. The forest is now showing signs of degradation. Forest
cover, species diversity and ecosystem function have declined, even though several forest policies, laws and management plans have been enacted to protect the forest. The effectiveness of these policies and plans is limited by the poor implementation capacity. Management inadequacies and alternatives
that may help to conserve the Sundarbans are discussed.
A review of forest policies, institutions, and changes in the resource condition in Nepal
Authors: Gautam A.P. , Shivakoti G.P. , Webb E.L.
Published: August 2004

This paper reviews the evolution of forest policies and forestry institutions in Nepal and tracks the accompanying trends of change in the country’s forest cover over the last century. Our objective is to provide an essential foundation to the policy reform process that is underway
in Nepal and many other Asian countries. The review shows that before 1957 the Nepalese government’s focus was on conversion of forestlands to farmlands, and extraction of timber for export. After the nationalisation of the forests in 1957 until 1976, policy-making efforts were oriented
towards national control of forests through stringent laws and expansion of the forest bureaucracy. This approach failed as evidenced by widespread deforestation and forest degradation across the country during the 1960s through 1980s. Early efforts of the government and donor agencies to
rectify the problem through reforestation and afforestation also largely failed, but these efforts paved the way for subsequent initiation of the participatory approach to forest management in the late 1970s. Since then, community-based forest management evolved continuously under the aegis
of supportive forest policies and legislations. The present community forestry program has met with notable successes in some areas. However, the program has been confronted with some contentious issues in recent years including a policy debate over the suitability of forests in the southern
lowlands (the terai) for community management and sharing of income obtained from community forests. These and some other issues surrounding the community forestry program are discussed and their implications for designing or improving future forest governance have been identified.
The nutritional role of indigenous foods in mitigating the HIV/AIDS crisis in West and Central Africa
Authors: Kengni E. , Mbofung C.M.F. , Tchouanguep M.F. , Tchoundjeu Z.
Published: August 2004

This paper examines the responsive capacity of the forest foods through domestication and commercialisation for resource-poor vulnerable and affected rural families to the negative socioeconomic impacts and livelihood threats from the HIV / AIDS pandemic. It elaborates the role of local
food-based approaches in a context where the goals are the immediate as well as of long-term maintenance, resistance and resilience of rural people to the disease while meeting their food security needs, maintaining their natural resources base, and the long-term conservation of indigenous
fruit and vegetable species in particular and biodiversity in general. From investigation the figures indicate that wild foods may be cheap, nutritious, economically beneficial and their production less labour-intensive. Moreover, wild foods may constitute an alternative to food shortages
and incomes problems caused by HIV / AIDS if existing added value technologies are improved and appropriate ones developed and made available to farmers for use at low cost.
Sustainable NTFP management for rural development: a case from Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Bhattacharya P. , Hayat S.F.
Published: August 2004

In the dry deciduous forests of central India, NTFPs are the major source of livelihood and income generation to local people. In the study area, due to the extremely dry climate and the erratic nature of rainfall, only about 20% of people undertake rainfed agriculture with the result
that forests are under tremendous pressure from cattle grazing and fire. Unsustainable harvesting and collection of NTFPs has reduced their availability in the natural forest, which is threatening the livelihood of the tribal collectors. This paper is an outcome of three years of action research
implemented with the local community at Sheopur District of Madhya Pradesh. Community awareness generation, science and technology application for NTFP processing and value addition and capacity building were the key approaches for rural livelihood and income generation. The case study emphasises
the activities required for sustainable NTFP management.
Status and trends on the integration of non-timber forest resources in forest inventorying: a brief overview
Authors: Guariguata M.R , Mulongoy K.J.
Published: August 2004

A brief assessment is presented highlighting the recent experiences, as well as identifying constraints and prospects, on the integration of non-timber forest resources (NTFR) into larger forest inventories (mostly for timber), with emphasis from tropical regions, and from regional
to local levels. Although several experiences have been implemented, further documentation is needed on the degree of compatibility of timber management with respect to the extraction of NTFR. One of the main constraints to integration involves the actual costs of undertaking assessments for
specific NTFR and the lack of trained personnel who usually have a focus on timber inventories. To overcome this barrier, cross-disciplinary information exchange may be needed in order to make assessments cost-effective and stimulate further work on developing assessment methods for particular
NTFR within the framework of larger forest inventories.
Adaptive role of leaf habit in extinct polar forests
Authors: Osborne C.P. , Royer D.L. , Berling D.J.
Published: August 2004

Fossils provide clear evidence of forests covering the Arctic and Antarctic throughout most of the past 250 million years. Ancient polar forests experienced the extreme seasonality of high latitude daylength, but flourished in a warm, temperate climate. For the past 50 years, it has
been argued that deciduous trees in these ecosystems conserved carbon by avoiding the respiration required to sustain an evergreen leaf canopy during the continuous darkness of a warm winter. However, only recently have experiments been designed to test this argument by measuring the winter
carbon balance of ‘living fossil’ trees in a simulated warm polar climate. Results of these experiments show clearly that the carbon cost of annually shedding leaves in deciduous trees greatly exceeds the cost of respiration for an evergreen canopy. Simulations with a mathematical
model support this finding for mature forests growing across a wide latitudinal range, ending a century-long debate concerning the adaptive role of leaf habit in extinct polar forests.
Compensation for environmental services and rural communities: lessons from the Americas
Authors: Rosa H. , Kandel S. , Dimas L.
Published: August 2004

Compensation schemes for ecosystems or environmental services focused on poor rural communities can strengthen their livelihoods and improve ecosystem management. Various initiatives in the Americas provide lessons in this regard. Peasant and indigenous communities manage ecosystems
to meet subsistence needs, earn income in markets and pursue new alternatives linked to the provision of environmental services. Compensation schemes should support the integration of these various levels and overcoming hurdles in each one. This requires a broad approach to compensation that
avoids fixation with direct payments. A landscape perspective becomes important since environmental services are generated through a variety of land uses. Social capital is crucial for effective collective action in heterogeneous landscapes, to foster internal cohesion and positive external
linkages. Expanding and defending communities´ rights to the resource base is a prerequisite, otherwise compensation schemes can sidestep or disenfranchise communities. Donors and intermediary oganisations should respect community’s perspectives and priorities. The State should
guarantee the defence and expansion of communities´ rights, policies that revalue rural spaces, and rules for compensation schemes that favour communities.
Preliminary investigations on insect pest attacks in a disturbed evergreen forest of south Cameroon
Authors: Foahom B.
Published: August 2004

The study was carried out in a dense humid forest of South Cameroon on young and naturally regenerated trees of 24 timber and nontimber trees species. Evidence was obtained that none of the investigated tree species was immune to pest attack. Of the insect pests recorded, 34 were identified
as pests for the first time in Cameroon. Attacks were most of the time negligible and in some cases were likely to be due to occasional generalist’s insects, especially defoliators for which seasonal effects were noticeable. Tree of less than 2 m in height suffered more damage in disturbed
than in undisturbed forest from leaf eating, shoot boring and sap sucking attacks. Wood boring insect attacks were not common on young trees. These preliminary observations provided indications that insect pests may affect the success of sustainable timber production system for natural forests,
thus highlighting the need for further investigations.
Community forestry initiatives in Myanmar: an analysis from a social perspective
Authors: Lin H.
Published: August 2004

Community Forestry (CF) initiatives took place in Myanmar after a series of forest policy reforms and decentralisation arrangements during the 1990s. The Forest Department has been instrumental in the introduction of CF in degraded areas with primary objectives of afforestation and
meeting the local consumption of forest products. Despite the policy reforms and initiatives by the Forest Department, the Myanmar CF program suffers from serious setbacks due to a lack of social skills and professional attitude among local forest staff, the uncertainty of land tenure policy
and lack of a community empowerment approach. A local empowerment approach supplemented with transparent and accountable land tenure and a viable common property regime is recommended to overcome the growing constraints. The empowerment approach should emphasise promoting a local voice and
representation within the local socio-economic context, developing local networks towards federalised institution, and honouring local decisions.
Regulatory approaches to monitoring sustainable forest management
Authors: Hickey G.M.
Published: August 2004

The institutions created to address the problems associated with forest utilisation, degradation and destruction internationally have ranged from hard laws, put in place by governments through legislation, to soft law mechanisms such as forest certification. Each of these standards
requires enforcement and evaluation through monitoring and information reporting. Despite differing levels of legalisation, the monitoring and information reporting requirements documented in hard and soft law mechanisms can reveal considerable crossover. It is therefore important to identify
where hard laws are adequate for individual SFM situations and where soft laws are performing better, with a view to identifying overlaps that affect the efficiency, cost effectiveness and level of confidence in the monitoring process. This paper presents a basic theoretical background to
SFM and discusses two important characteristics, namely adaptive management and monitoring. The hard and soft law mechanisms available to forest policy makers are addressed and, finally, the role of stakeholders and the wider operating environment in forestry-related monitoring is considered.
Sustainable forest management worldwide: a comparative assessment of standards
Authors: Holvoet B. , Muys B.
Published: August 2004

The number of initiatives aimed at the evaluation of Sustainable Forest Management has risen considerably since the UNCED Conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. In a large number of countries and regions standards with Principles, Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management
(SFM) have been developed. In many cases, this development took place within the framework of an intergovernmental or international initiative. Sometimes the initiative was taken by national or local organisations. Standards were often developed for the purpose of forest certification. In
this research, 164 standards for SFM were collected worldwide and compared using multivariate statistics. The comparison was carried out using a reference standard specially designed for this purpose. It is a generic tool that can be used for any comparative study between the contents of standards.
Although a number of typical sustainability elements are present in most standards, differences between standards are substantial. The main cause of variation between standards is the difference between levels of application. Standards developed for the National level are less detailed and
contain many elements concerning monitoring aspects to be evaluated at sub-national scale. The more detailed standards for assessment at the Forest Management Unit (FMU) level combine monitoring aspects with a large number of management aspects. These different conditions between FMU and National/Sub-
National Level and, therefore, the need for level-specific Criteria and Indicators are well known and accepted by the forestry profession. A second and less known cause of variation between standards is the difference in geographical origin. The observed geographical differences between standards
can be explained by biophysical and socio-economic differences between countries and regions. Standards from developing countries in the South most often emphasise the social and economic aspects of sustainability, while they give little attention to the need for research-based information.
Standards from industrialised countries in the North on the other hand, strongly emphasise the ecological forest functions and the need for research-based information. Harmonisation among standards is only recommended as far as differences are caused by a lack of capacity or by socio-economic
inequity. These deficiencies should be eliminated through international cooperation in order to obtain a more harmonised standard of SFM throughout the world.
Rapid detection of the factor XIII Val34Leu (163 G→T) polymorphism by real-time PCR using fluorescence resonance energy transfer detection and melting curve analysis
Authors: Shemirani Amir H. , Muszbek László
Published: August 2004

The Val34Leu polymorphism in the A subunit of blood coagulation factor XIII (FXIII-A) is located in the activation peptide, just three amino acids upstream of the thrombin cleavage site. The Val→Leu replacement accelerates the rate of the proteolytic activation of FXIII and it seems to provide protection against myocardial infarction. Methods available for the assessment of the FXIII-A Val34Leu polymorphism are rather time-consuming, laborious and not easily applicable for large-scale studies. In this study a new method based on real-time PCR with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) detection and melting curve analysis was developed. The rapid, simple method was adapted to the widely used real-time PCR instrument, LightCycler (Roche Diagnostics). The results showed 100% coincidence with those obtained by the traditional PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay and fluorescent DNA sequencing. Using this method, an allele frequency of 24.2% was obtained (n = 113), which well agrees with the allele frequency obtained by PCR-RFLP on a different group of the same ethnic Hungarian population (25.9%).
Changes of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the serum of patients with autoimmune diseases: association with age and disease activity
Authors: Ziouti Nikoleta , Vynios Demitrios H. , Aletras Alexios J. , Kyriakopoulou Dora , Mastorakou Anna , Andonopoulos Andreas
Published: August 2004

Matrix metalloproteinases participate in the degradation of the extracellular matrix proteins and are regulated mainly by their respective tissue inhibitors. In a variety of inflammatory connective tissue diseases, variations in the tissue content of both metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the serum levels of metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors in patients with autoimmune diseases and compare with those of healthy individuals of similar age. The metalloproteinase content was analyzed by zymography and it was found that the serum levels of metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 of all autoimmune disease samples were decreased, in all diseases examined and independently of clinical activity, while those of active metalloproteinase-9 were significantly elevated. Both tissue inhibitors were quantitated by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were also found decreased in autoimmune disease samples, confirming the balance that should exist in the secretion of metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors. These results suggested that the increased active form of metalloproteinase-9, together with the decreased concentration of tissue inhibitor-2, could be used for diagnostic purposes and for the follow-up of patients with autoimmune diseases.