bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphatics at the crossroads of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Scavelli Claudio , Weber Elisabetta , Aglianò Margherita , Cirulli Teresa , Nico Beatrice , Vacca Angelo , Ribatti Domenico 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe lymphatic system is implicated in interstitial fluid balance regulation, immune cell trafficking, oedema and cancer metastasis. However, the sequence of events that initiate and coordinate lymphatic vessel development (lymphangiogenesis) remains obscure. In effect, the understanding of physiological regulation of lymphatic vasculature has been overshadowed by the greater emphasis focused on angiogenesis, and delayed by a lack of specific markers, thereby limiting this field to no more than a descriptive characterization. Recently, new insights into lymphangiogenesis research have been due to the discovery of lymphatic‐specific markers and growth factors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, such as VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D. Studies using transgenic mice overexpressing VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D have demonstrated a crucial role for these factors in tumour lymphangiogenesis. Knowledge of lymphatic development has now been redefined at the molecular level, providing an interesting target for innovative therapies. This review highlights the recent insights and advances into the field of lymphatic vascular research, outlining the most important aspects of the embryo development, structure, specific markers and methods applied for studying lymphangiogenesis. Finally, molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of lymphangiogenesis are described.
Constructivity, Computability and Computers in Economic Theory: Some Cautionary Notes
Authors: Velupillai K. Vela 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTAn overview of the varieties of mathematics that underpin the functioning of a computer is attempted in this paper. Against the backdrop of such an overview, the question is posed whether, and to what extent, the economist has respected these varieties of mathematics in posing economic questions and seeking answers via it, i.e. the computer. The answers are not particularly edifying for the economist.
Transgenic Bt maize and Rhopalosiphum padi (Hom., Aphididae) performance
Authors: Lumbierres Belén , Albajes Ramon , Pons Xavier 
Published: May 2004

Abstract.  1. The population abundance and age structure of Rhopalosiphum padi, one of the most common maize aphid species, on transgenic Bt (expressing the Cry1Ab protein) and non‐Bt isogenic maize was studied in commercial plots during three crop seasons.2. A higher density of aphids, particularly alates and young nymphs, occurred in Bt plots at very young maize development stages, corresponding to the settlement period, in the 3 years studied. Possible causes are discussed. After this period, there were no differences between Bt and non‐Bt maize.3. Mortality, development, and reproduction of the offspring of alate forms of R. padi and the offspring of different generations of apterous forms fed with Bt maize were evaluated in the laboratory under controlled conditions.4. The developmental and pre‐reproductive times of the offspring of the first generation of alatae were shorter and the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) higher when aphids fed on Bt maize. The opposite occurs with the offspring of the first generation of apterous mothers, which have lower nymphal and adult mortality, shorter developmental and pre‐reproductive times, a higher effective fecundity rate, and greater rm, when fed on non‐Bt maize. The differences in aphid development on the two cultivars may be linked to changes in host‐plant quality due to pleiotropic effects of the genetic modification.5. No differences on aphid mortality, developmental and pre‐reproductive times, fecundity, and rm were found between the offspring of apterous aphids maintained on Bt or non‐Bt maize for several generations.
Optimal foraging shapes host preference of a polyphagous leafminer
Authors: Scheirs Jan , Zoebisch Tomas G. , Schuster David J. , De Bruyn Luc 
Published: May 2004

Abstract.  1. Most research on host selection by arthropods is based on optimal oviposition theory. This theory, also called the oviposition preference–offspring performance hypothesis, predicts that a female will choose those hosts for oviposition on which larvae perform best. Recent studies suggested, however, that optimal foraging by adults, or the quality of the host for adult performance, might also influence host choice.2. This study investigated whether host preference of the polyphagous leafminer Liriomyza trifolii is determined by optimal foraging and/or optimal oviposition.3. Female realised fecundity correlated nearly perfectly with feeding and oviposition preference of L. trifolii. The relationships between host preference and the offspring performance measures were always weaker. Hosts optimal for adult nutrition were also optimal for offspring performance but not vice versa. Hence, it was concluded that optimal foraging shapes feeding and oviposition preference of L. trifolii as this is the best strategy in order to maximise female fitness.
Leaf ties as colonization sites for forest arthropods: an experimental study
Authors: Lill John T. , Marquis Robert J. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract.  1. Secondary colonization of leaf shelters constructed by caterpillars has been reported from a number of systems. Both the mechanism (larval or adult movement vs. oviposition) and the cues used by arthropods in locating leaf shelters, however, have received little attention.2. Artificial leaf shelters (i.e. leaf ties or pairs of leaves clipped together to form sandwiches) were constructed on understorey white oak (Quercus alba L.) trees and the abundance and species composition of arthropods colonizing and ovipositing on leaf pairs was examined in three treatments: occupied leaf ties (containing a leaf‐tying caterpillar), unoccupied leaf ties, and non‐tied control leaves.3. The density of arthropods present in the occupied and unoccupied leaf ties after two weeks was seven and four times greater respectively, than non‐tied controls. The guild composition of these early colonists differed among treatments, with the highest densities of leaf chewers, scavengers, and predators in occupied ties and the lowest densities in non‐tied controls.4. The densities of all arthropods ovipositing on leaf pairs in the occupied and unoccupied leaf tie treatments were four and three times greater than non‐tied controls. Leaf‐chewing insects (including leaf‐tiers and non‐tying inquiline species) and scavengers showed strong oviposition preferences for tied leaves. However, most species of leaf‐tying caterpillars and the psocids (Psocoptera) did not distinguish between occupied and unoccupied ties, suggesting that these groups do not use occupancy‐related cues in selecting oviposition sites.
Effects of eugregarine parasites on adult longevity in the polymorphic damselfly Mnais costalis Selys
Authors: Tsubaki Yoshitaka , Hooper Rowan E. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract.  1. The relationship between the abundance of midgut parasites (eugregarine trophozooites) and the survival of hosts (field‐collected damselflies, Mnais costalis) was investigated under laboratory conditions.2. Males of M. costalis are morphologically and behaviourally polymorphic, typically existing as clear‐winged non‐territorial sneaks and orange‐winged territorial fighters (the latter are larger in size). The survival cost of eugregarine infection for the two morphs was compared.3. Orange‐winged males showed shorter longevity compared to clear‐winged males when they were fed at levels lower than the natural feeding rate, or when they were deprived of food. In contrast, morph longevity did not differ when they were fed until satiation every day.4. Within each morph, the survival of damselflies was negatively correlated with the parasite abundance except when damselflies were fed until satiation.5. The results suggest that the abundance of eugregarine parasites exerts a substantial cost, which is associated with the maintenance of alternative mating strategies, together with the higher developmental cost and energy expenditure of the fighter morph.
Healthy Behaviors and Sources of Health Information Among Low‐Income Pregnant Women
Authors: Lewallen Lynne Porter 
Published: May 2004

Abstract  This article addresses responses from two open‐ended questions, describing the healthy behaviors and sources of health information in 150 low‐income pregnant women. Data for this exploratory study were collected as part of a larger descriptive correlational study. Qualitative content analysis was used in the analysis. One hundred fifty English‐speaking pregnant women aged 18 and over were interviewed at a public prenatal clinic in the Southeastern United States at their first prenatal visit.Health behaviors were placed into seven mutually exclusive categories: food‐related behaviors, substance‐related behavior, exercise/rest/activity, self‐awareness/appearance, learning, focus on baby, and no specific behaviors. Sources of information questions were placed into seven mutually exclusive categories: family, health personnel, reading, hearing, other people, self‐intuitive, and no response.Low‐income pregnant women are aware of healthy behaviors and report practicing them during their pregnancies. Because family members are a common source of information for health practices, they should be included in health education efforts.
Is the emerging non‐farm market economy the route out of poverty in Vietnam?
Authors: Van De Walle Dominique , Cratty Dorothyjean 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAre the household characteristics that are good for the transition to a more diversified market‐oriented economy in Vietnam also important for reducing poverty? Or are there trade‐offs? The determinants of both poverty incidence and participation in rural off‐farm activities are modeled as functions of household and community characteristics using comprehensive national household surveys for 1993 and 1998. While there are some common causative factors, such as education and region of residence, the processes determining poverty and inhibiting diversification are clearly not the same. Participation in the emerging rural non‐farm market economy will be the route out of poverty for some, but certainly not all, of Vietnam's poor.
Firm ownership and internal labour practices in a transition economy
Authors: Friedman Jed 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOne feature common to many post‐socialist transition economies is a relatively compressed wage structure in the state‐owned sector. We conjecture that this compressed wage structure creates weak incentives for work effort and worker skill acquisition and thus presents adverse consequences for the entire transition economy if a substantial portion of the labour force works in the state sector. We explore firm wage incentives and worker training, as well as other labour practices and outcomes, in a transition setting with matched firm and worker data collected in one of the largest provinces of Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnamese state sector exhibits a compressed wage distribution in relation to privately owned firms with foreign ownership. State wage practices stress tenure over worker productivity and their wage policies result in flatter wage–experience profiles and lower returns to education. The state work force is in greater need of formal training, a need that is in part met through direct government financing. In spite of the opportunities for government financed training and at least partly due to inefficient worker incentives, state firms, by certain measures, exhibit lower levels of labour productivity. The private sector comparison group to state firms for all of these findings is foreign owned firms. The internal labour practices of foreign firms are more consistent with a view of profit‐maximizing firms operating with no political constraints. This is not the case for Vietnamese de novo private firms that exhibit much more idiosyncratic behaviour and whose labour practices are often indistinguishable from state firms. The exact reasons for this remain a topic of on‐going research yet we conjecture that various private sector constraints, including limited access to formal capital, play an important role.
Character‐state space versus rate of evolution in phylogenetic inference
Authors: Simmons Mark P. , Reeves Aaron , Davis Jerrold I. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWith only four alternative character states, parallelisms and reversals are expected to occur frequently when using nucleotide characters for phylogenetic inference. Greater available character‐state space has been described as one of the advantages of third codon positions relative to first and second codon positions, as well as amino acids relative to nucleotides. We used simulations to quantify how character‐state space and rate of evolution relate to one another, and how this relationship is affected by differences in: tree topology, branch lengths, rate heterogeneity among sites, probability of change among states, and frequency of character states. Specifically, we examined how inferred tree lengths, consistency and retention indices, and accuracy of phylogenetic inference are affected. Our results indicate that the relatively small increases in the character‐state space evident in empirical data matrices can provide enormous benefits for the accuracy of phylogenetic inference. This advantage may become more pronounced with unequal probabilities of change among states. Although increased character‐state space greatly improved the accuracy of topology inference, improvements in the estimation of the correct tree length were less apparent. Accuracy and inferred tree length improved most when character‐state space increased initially; further increases provided more modest improvements. © The Willi Hennig Society 2004.
Investigation of a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma haplotype effect on meat quality and carcass traits in pigs
Authors: Grindflek E. , Hoen N. , Sundvold H. , Rothschild M. F. , Plastow G. , Lien S. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARG) is a key transcription factor that controls adipocyte differentiation and fat deposition in mammals. The primary goal of this study was to investigate PPARG as a candidate gene for meat quality and carcass traits in swine. Part of the PPARG promoter, along with the most 5′‐proximal exon of the gene, was amplified by PCR and subsequently screened for polymorphisms by sequencing. A Met59Val substitution was detected in the porcine PPARG gene along with four polymorphisms in the promoter region of the adipose‐specific PPARG2. Three of these polymorphisms were chosen for genotyping and tested for association with meat quality, carcass and growth traits, according to the candidate gene approach. More than 1500 animals from different lines and populations were used in the study with records for meat quality and carcass traits. No convincing associations were found between the traits investigated and the PPARG genotypes. It does not appear that variation at the PPARG locus is affecting meat quality, carcass or growth traits in the pig populations studied.
Characterization of open reading frame‐expressed sequence tags generated from Bos indicus and B. taurus mammary gland cDNA libraries
Authors: da Mota A. F. , Sonstegard T. S. , Van Tassell C. P. , Shade L. L. , Matukumalli L. K. , Wood D. L. , Capuco A. V. , Brito M. A. P. , Connor E. E. , Martinez M. L. , Coutinho L. L. 
Published: May 2004

SummarySequence‐based gene expression data are used to interpret results from functional genomic and proteomics studies. Although more than 300 000 bovine‐expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are available in public databases, a more thorough and directed sampling of the expressed genome is needed to identify new transcripts and improve assembly and annotation of existing transcript sequences. Accordingly, we examined the utility of constructing cDNA libraries synthesized by arbitrarily primed RT‐PCR of mRNA from tissues not well represented in the publicly available bovine EST database. A total of 33 cDNA libraries were constructed from healthy and infected mammary gland tissues of Brazilian Gir and Holstein cattle. This series of libraries was used to generate 6481 open reading frame‐expressed sequence tags (ORESTES) that assembled into 1798 unique sequence elements of which, 1157 did not significantly match sequence assemblies available in the Bos taurus gene index. However, a total of 264 of these 1157 sequence elements aligned with mouse and human expressed sequences demonstrating that ORESTES is an effective resource for discovery of novel expressed sequences in cattle. Furthermore, comparison of the alignment position of bovine ORESTES‐derived sequence elements to human gene reference sequences suggested that the priming events for cDNA synthesis more often occurred at the central portion of a transcript, which may have contributed to the relatively high rate of novel sequence discovery.
Three distinct subgroups of hypodiploidy in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Harrison Christine J. , Moorman Anthony V. , Broadfield Zoë J. , Cheung Kan L. , Harris Rachel L. , Reza Jalali G. , Robinson Hazel M. , Barber Kerry E. , Richards Sue M. , Mitchell Christopher D. , Eden Tim O. B. , Hann Ian M. , Hill Frank G.H. , Kinsey Sally E. , Gibson Brenda E.S. , Lilleyman John , Vora Ajay , Goldstone Anthony H. , Franklin Ian M. , Durrant Jill , Martineau Mary ,   Childhood and Adult Leukaemia Working Parties
Published: May 2004

SummaryThis study of children and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the largest series of patients with hypodiploidy (<46 chromosomes) yet reported. The incidence of 5% was independent of age. Patients were subdivided by the number of chromosomes; near‐haploidy (23–29 chromosomes), low hypodiploidy (33–39 chromosomes) and high hypodiploidy (42–45 chromosomes). The near‐haploid and low hypodiploid groups were characterized by their chromosomal gains and a doubled hyperdiploid population. Structural abnormalities were more frequent in the low hypodiploid group. Near‐haploidy was restricted to children of median age 7 years (range 2–15) whereas low hypodiploidy occurred in an older group of median age 15 years (range 9–54). Patients with 42–45 chromosomes were characterized by complex karyotypes involving chromosomes 7, 9 and 12. The features shared by the few patients with 42–44 chromosomes and the large number with 45 justified their inclusion in the same group. Survival analysis showed a poor outcome for the near‐haploid and low hypodiploid groups compared to those with 42–45 chromosomes. Thus cytogenetics, or at least a clear definition of the modal chromosome number, is essential at diagnosis in order to stratify patients with hypodiploidy into the appropriate risk group for treatment.
Mutation of the surface‐exposed amino acid Trp2313 to Ala in the FVIII C2 domain results in defective secretion of the otherwise functional protein
Authors: Schatz Simone M. , Zimmermann Klaus , Hasslacher Meinhard , Kerschbaumer Randolf , Dockal Michael , Gritsch Herbert , Turecek Peter L. , Schwarz Hans P. , Dorner Friedrich , Scheiflinger Friedrich 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe C2 domain of factor VIII (FVIII) is important for FVIII–phospholipid (PL) and FVIII–von Willebrand factor (VWF) interactions. A FVIII structural model, derived by electron crystallography, suggests four hydrophobic loops at the FVIII C2 domain–PL interface. Within loop four, the solvent‐exposed amino acid, Trp2313, is believed to contribute to FVIII–PL binding. To analyse this interaction, the amino‐acid exchange Trp2313 to Ala (W2313A) was introduced into the C2 domain of B‐domain‐deleted FVIII (dBFVIII). Both proteins, dBFVIII and W2313A, were expressed in a mammalian expression system. Labelling experiments showed that the mutation W2313A resulted in reduced secretion but did not affect intracellular synthesis of the protein. Specific activity, kinetic parameters, binding to VWF and haemostatic potential in a murine model of haemophilia A were found to be similar for both proteins. Binding studies to synthetic 4% phosphatidyl‐l‐serine vesicles showed, however, a 28‐fold higher KD for W2313A, indicating the important role of Trp2313 in the FVIII–PL interaction. In conclusion, the C2‐domain‐surface‐exposed residue Trp2313, is critical for secretion of the protein. The W2313A mutation weakens binding to phosphatidyl‐l‐serine vesicles but the mutant protein has the same effector function as dBFVIII in vitro and in vivo.
Subcellular localization and mobilization of carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 8 in human neutrophils
Authors: Zhao Linshu , Furebring Mia , Xu Shengyuan , Venge Per 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe subcellular localization and mobilization of carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 8 (CEACAM8) was investigated quantitatively in human neutrophils. In resting neutrophils the majority of CEACAM8 was present in the secondary granules, and a small amount of CEACAM8 was present in a light membrane fraction. Stimulation of the neutrophils with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate caused a dramatic increase in the content of CEACAM8 in the light membrane fraction, suggesting a translocation of CEACAM8 to the plasma membrane from intracellular pools. The cellular content of CEACAM8 in the neutrophils was estimated to be 82·4 ± 8·9 ng/106 cells (mean ± SE, n = 10). Administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) to healthy individuals resulted in an increased content of CEACAM8 in neutrophils on day 1, which decreased on day 4. However, the content of CEACAM8 in the light membrane fraction was increased on day 4, possibly due to the stimulation by induced secondary cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). This study establishes the secondary granules as the major intracellular pools of CEACAM8 in human neutrophils, from which it may translocate to the plasma membranes upon stimulation of the cells. The translocation of CEACAM8 seen in vivo after G‐CSF administration is probably indirect and caused by cytokines such as TNF‐α.
Stem galls affect oak foliage with potential consequences for herbivory
Authors: Foss L. K. , Rieske L. K. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract.  1. On two dates, foliar characteristics of pin oak,Quercus palustris, infested with stem galls caused by the horned oak gall,Callirhytis cornigera, were investigated, and the consequences for subsequent herbivory assessed.2. Second‐instar caterpillars of the gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar, preferred foliage from ungalled trees.3. Ungalled trees broke bud earlier than their galled counterparts.4. Galled trees produced denser leaves with higher nitrogen and tannin concentrations, but foliar carbohydrates did not differ among galled and ungalled trees.5. Concentrations of foliar carbohydrates in both galled and ungalled trees increased uniformly between the two assay dates. Nitrogen concentrations were greater in leaves from galled trees, and decreased uniformly in galled and ungalled trees over time. Foliar tannins were also greater in foliage from galled trees early in the season; however, foliar tannins declined seasonally in galled tissue so that by the second assay date there was no difference in tannin concentrations between galled and ungalled foliage.6. In spite of differences in foliar characteristics, performance of older, fourth instar gypsy moth caterpillars did not differ between galled and ungalled trees.