bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase‐shifting effects of a light pulse interrupting scotophase on locomotor activity rhythm and photoperiodic time measurement for diapause in the onion fly, Delia antiqua
Authors: WATARI Yasuhiko 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWhen a light pulse of 1 h duration was given 3 h after lights off in a photoperiod of 11 h light : 13 h dark (LD 11 : 13) at 20°C, the phase of the major peak of locomotor activity rhythm in Delia antiqua was delayed for approximately 0.6 h. In contrast, it was advanced by approximately 0.6 h by a light pulse given 9 h after lights off. It is suggested that in the circadian clock, a pulse falling in the early scotophase is taken as a new dusk and a pulse falling in the late scotophase is taken as a new dawn. Although a sharply defined critical photoperiod did not exist in the diapause response to photoperiod in D. antiqua, the percentage of pupal diapause decreased by these pulses in LD 11 : 13 at 20°C. The effect of a 15 min light pulse on both locomotor activity rhythm and pupal diapause induction was stronger at 3 h than at 9 h after lights off, while a 1 min light pulse was ineffective at both times. The parallel effects of light pulse on locomotor activity rhythm and diapause response might be based on the same chronobiological functions.
Analysis of brood development in the ant Amblyopone silvestrii, with special reference to colony bionomics
Authors: MASUKO Keiichi 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThere are five larval instars in the temperate, subterranean ponerine ant, Amblyopone silvestrii (Wheeler). An examination of the seasonal developmental patterns of immatures collected from more than 100 colonies collected in the field revealed that most or all of the newly hatched individuals overwintered as second to fifth instar larvae and emerged as adults in the next summer. The fifth instar larvae were most abundant in the colony's larval population all year round. The number of eggs present in the nest diminished temporarily in midsummer, although queens collected during this period maintained fully developed ovaries with mature oocytes. When the larvae matured, they were usually moved to temporary nests away from the nest area of the colony and finished pupation and eclosion there, while accompanied by a small number of workers. Pupation of sexuals occurred in the more distant cocoon chambers compared with pupation of workers.
Two new species that are likely to represent the most basal clade of the genus Trichadenotecnum (Psocoptera: Psocidae)
Authors: YOSHIZAWA Kazunori 
Published: December 2003

AbstractTwo new Trichadenotecnum species, T. corniculum and T. germinatum, were described from Japan. These species were considered to compose a monophyletic group newly defined here as the corniculum group. Judging from morphology of male terminalia, the corniculum group was considered to represent the basal most clade of the genus Trichadenotecnum.
Cladistic analysis of morphological characters in the eulophine tribe Cirrospilini (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: UBAIDILLAH Rosichon , LASALLE John , QUICKE Donald L. J. , KOJIMA Jun‐ichi 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA total of 56 morphological characters were analyzed for 53 cirrospiline species that represent all of the 17 described genera of the tribe. The other taxa of the Eulophinae included in the analysis were six species of six representative genera in the tribe Eulophini, a species of Elasmus (the only genus comprising the tribe Elasmini), and a species of Trichospilus (unplaced). Trichospilus and two of the six genera of Eulophini examined were placed within Cirrospilini. Monophyly of Cirrospilini (when these two genera of Eulophini and Trichospilus are included) and of the cirrospiline genera for which more than one species were examined was supported, but the relationships between the genera were poorly resolved. An exception was Cirrospilus, the largest genus in the Cirrospilini, monophyly of which was not supported to any extent.
Thienopyridine‐linked thrombotic microangiopathy: association with endothelial cell apoptosis and activation of MAP kinase signalling cascades
Authors: Mauro Michael , Zlatopolskiy Andrey , Raife Thomas J. , Laurence Jeffrey 
Published: December 2003

SummaryThe thienopyridine platelet antagonist ticlopidine is associated with development of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) but the pathophysiology of this link is unclear. Severe deficiency of disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif‐13 (ADAMTS13), described in familial cases and a significant fraction of idiopathic TTP, has been reported in only a few ticlopidine‐linked cases. As ticlopidine can disrupt production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components critical to microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) integrity in vitro, we explored the hypotheses that ticlopidine and ticlopidine‐linked TTP plasmas induce MVEC apoptosis in a manner similar to that of idiopathic TTP plasmas, and that ECM components and related mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling cascades may be involved in this process. Replicating the activity of plasmas from patients with idiopathic TTP, plasma from five ticlopidine‐linked TTP patients induced apoptosis of primary human dermal, glomerular and hepatic MVEC, but had no effect on pulmonary MVEC or large vessel endothelial cells (EC). Pharmacological levels of ticlopidine initiated apoptosis with similar EC lineage restriction. In parallel, ticlopidine and plasmas from idiopathic and ticlopidine‐TTP patients decreased transcripts for the ECM component thrombospondin‐1 in MVEC, but not in large vessel EC. These changes were accompanied by prolonged induction of MAPKs extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK)‐1/2 and p38 only in TTP susceptible MVEC. Induction of apoptosis by ticlopidine and TTP plasma was abrogated by inhibitors of ERK‐1/2 and p38 phosphorylation. In conclusion, MVEC apoptosis related to altered ECM–MVEC interactions may be a key part of the pathology of ticlopidine‐linked and idiopathic TTP.
Elevation of serum hepatocyte growth factor during granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐induced peripheral blood stem cell mobilization
Authors: Fujii Keiko , Ishimaru Fumihiko , Kozuka Teruhiko , Matsuo Keitaro , Nakase Koichi , Kataoka Itaru , Tabayashi Takayuki , Shinagawa Katsuji , Ikeda Kazuma , Harada Mine , Tanimoto Mitsune 
Published: December 2003

SummaryWe examined serum levels of the angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), in normal donors for allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) (filgrastim 400 μg/m2/d) was administered to 23 donors for 5 d and aphereses were performed on days 4 and 5. Although bFGF remained at similar levels after G‐CSF treatment, serum VEGF and HGF levels increased 1·5‐fold (n = 13; P = 0·02) and 6·8‐fold (n = 23; P < 0·0001) respectively. The serum HGF level before G‐CSF administration on day 1 correlated inversely with mobilized CD34+ cell numbers. Time course kinetics of HGF showed that on the day after G‐CSF administration (day 2), serum HGF levels increased to 3678 pg/ml. For auto PBSC mobilization with chemotherapy and G‐CSF 200 μg/m2/d (n = 8), we observed similar HGF elevation, which appeared to be dose‐dependent on the G‐CSF administered.
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: clinical implications of extranodal versus nodal presentation – a population‐based study of 1575 cases
Authors: Møller Michael B. , Pedersen Niels T. , Christensen Bjarne E. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryDifferences in genetic origin between nodal and extranodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL) exist. Using population‐based data from the registry of the Danish Lymphoma Group, the present study is the first to analyse clinical implications of nodal versus extranodal presentation of DLBCL. Of 4786 newly diagnosed non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients in a 16‐year period, 1575 (33%) had DLBCL. The annual incidence rate was 2·9 per 100 000; 40% were extranodal. The clinical profile of patients with extranodal DLBCL was different from the nodal DLBCL patients. Extranodal DLBCL was associated with older age and poorer performance score, but also lower tumour burden. In extranodal DLBCL, 51% of the cases were stage I and 36% were stage IV, whereas the patients were relatively equally distributed between the four stages in nodal DLBCL. For stage I patients, extranodal DLBCL was independently associated with poor survival (P = 0·003). In contrast, among stage IV patients those with extranodal DLBCL survived longer (P = 0·009). We conclude that there are important clinical differences between nodal and extranodal DLBCL. The addition of these clinical results to the existing aetiological and genetic data suggests that the distinction between nodal and extranodal DLBCL is not only pathogenetically but also clinically important.
BAT‐25 and BAT‐26, two mononucleotide microsatellites, are not sensitive markers of microsatellite instability in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Faulkner Rowena D. , Seedhouse Claire H. , Das‐Gupta Emma P. , Russell Nigel H. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBAT‐25 and BAT‐26 are mononucleotide microsatellites with quasi‐monomorphic allele length distribution in healthy controls but unstable, shortened alleles in solid organ tumours with a mutator phenotype (RER+). Both markers are highly sensitive and specific for RER+ colorectal cancer. This study evaluated three mononucleotide microsatellites, BAT‐25, BAT‐26 and BAT‐40 (a polymorphic mononucleotide microsatellite) in RER+ acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Sixteen [six therapy‐related AML (t‐AML), 10 de novo AML] known RER+ AML, 22 healthy controls and five known RER− AML samples were analysed. In healthy controls and RER− AML, BAT‐25 and BAT‐26 were quasi‐monomorphic and BAT‐40 was polymorphic. Of the RER+ AML samples, 0 of 16 had microsatellite instability (MSI) at BAT‐25, 0 of 16 had MSI at BAT‐26 and three of 16 had MSI at BAT‐40. We conclude that BAT‐25, BAT‐26 and BAT‐40 microsatellites are insensitive to RER+ AML. Further studies are required to determine a consensus panel of sensitive microsatellites for use in AML.
Decrease of Smad4 gene expression in patients with essential thrombocythaemia may cause an escape from suppression of megakaryopoiesis by transforming growth factor‐β1
Authors: Kuroda Hiroyuki , Matsunaga Takuya , Terui Takeshi , Tanaka Ikuta , Takimoto Rishu , Fujikawa Koshi , Takayama Tetsuji , Kato Junji , Hirayama Yasuo , Sakamaki Sumio , Kohda Kyuhei , Niitsu Yoshiro 
Published: December 2003

SummaryEssential thrombocythaemia (ET) is characterized by the abnormal and sustained proliferation of megakaryocytes. The mechanism for this lineage‐specific expansion in ET, remains unclear. We have previously reported that transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is involved in negative feedback regulation of megakaryopoiesis in both healthy volunteers (HV) and patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The present study found that megakaryocyte colony‐forming units (CFU‐MK) of ET patients were less sensitive to TGF‐β1 than those of HV. The expression of Smad4 (Sma‐ and Mad‐related protein‐4) in CFU‐MK of ET patients was reduced in comparison with that of HV. Finally, to confirm that the impaired TGF‐β1 sensitivity was caused by reduced expression of Smad4, we examined Smad4‐transfected CFU‐MK from ET patients in the presence of TGF‐β1, and verified that the transfectants were indeed as susceptible as CFU‐MK from HV to TGF‐β1. Thus it was surmised that one of the mechanisms for impaired sensitivity of CFU‐MK to TGF‐β1 is the reduced expression of Smad4.
A rapid and specific whole blood HPA‐1 phenotyping by flow cytometry using two commercialized monoclonal antibodies directed against GP IIIa and GP IIb‐IIIa complexes
Authors: Sorel Nathalie , Brabant Severine , Christiaens Luc , Brizard Andre , Mauco Gerard , Macchi Laurent 
Published: December 2003

SummaryThe human platelet antigen 1 (HPA‐1) system has been implicated in rare but severe diseases, such as neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, post‐transfusion purpura and immune platelet refractoriness. We developed a flow cytometry assay for HPA‐1 phenotyping using two commercial monoclonal antibodies, P2 and SZ21, directed against glycoprotein (GP) IIb–IIIa and GP IIIa respectively. One hundred and twenty‐seven healthy controls were studied and ratios of mean fluorescence intensity for P2 and SZ21 discriminated between HPA‐1a homozygotes and heterozygotes. These two monoclonal antibodies, coupled with flow cytometry represent a rapid and reliable tool for platelet HPA‐1 typing to aid diagnosis.
Apicidin potentiates the imatinib‐induced apoptosis of Bcr–Abl‐positive human leukaemia cells by enhancing the activation of mitochondria‐dependent caspase cascades
Authors: Kim Jin Seok , Jeung Hoi Kyung , Cheong June‐Won , Maeng Hoyoung , Lee Seung Tae , Hahn Jee Sook , Ko Yun Woong , Min Yoo Hong 
Published: December 2003

SummaryApicidin, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, is a novel cyclic tetrapeptide with potent antiproliferative activity against various cancer cells. We examined whether apicidin potentiates the imatinib‐induced apoptosis of Bcr–Abl‐positive human leukaemia cells. In K562 cells, the co‐administration of minimally toxic concentrations of imatinib and apicidin (imatinib/apicidin) for 48 h produced a marked increase in mitochondrial damage, processing of caspase cascades and apoptosis. Similar results were observed in leukaemic blasts obtained from patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia in blast crisis. Imatinib/apicidin co‐treatment for 48 h resulted in a near complete loss of the full‐length XIAP (X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis) protein, with a corresponding increase in the 29‐kDa XIAP cleavage product. Both the degradation of XIAP and increased release of second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspase/direct IAP‐binding protein with low pI (Smac/DIABLO) into the cytosol were abrogated by pretreatment with the caspase‐3 inhibitor DEVD‐CHO. Imatinib/apicidin co‐treatment for 48 h produced a prominent decrease in Bcr–Abl protein levels in a caspase‐dependent manner. In summary, these data indicate that apicidin potentiates the imatinib‐induced apoptosis of Bcr–Abl‐positive leukaemia cells through the enhanced activation of the mitochondria‐dependent caspase cascades, accompanied by caspase‐dependent downregulation of Bcr–Abl and XIAP. These findings generate a rationale for further investigation of apicidin and imatinib as a potential therapeutic strategy in Bcr–Abl‐positive leukaemias.
Altered expression of Tfg and Dap3 in Ikaros‐defective T‐cell lymphomas induced by X‐irradiation in B6C3F1 mice
Authors: Yasumura Kyoko , Sugimura Isamu , Igarashi Kazuei , Kakinuma Shizuko , Nishimura Mayumi , Doi Masahiro , Shimada Yoshiya 
Published: December 2003

SummaryIkaros is a Kruppel‐type zinc finger protein that is essential for normal lymphocyte development and differentiation. Recently, it has been demonstrated that Ikaros is frequently inactivated in both human and mouse leukaemias/lymphomas. Although this inactivation is thought to be involved in leukaemogenesis, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that lead to neoplastic transformation. To identify the genes that may be controlled by Ikaros, we performed differential display analysis of RNAs from mouse 3T3‐L1 cells that had been transfected with the Ikaros gene. Two cDNAs, the Trk‐fused gene (Tfg) and death‐associated protein 3 gene (Dap3) were upregulated in Ikaros‐transfected cells. Expression of Tfg and Dap3 was consistently downregulated in radiation‐induced T‐cell lymphomas that exhibited defective Ikaros expression. These results suggest that Tfg and Dap3 function downstream of Ikaros and may be involved in radiation‐induced lymphomagenesis.
Fish cognition: what can we learn, and what do they need to learn?
Authors: Braithwaite V. 
Published: December 2003

Fish provide a wonderful opportunity to explore processes that shape and select cognitive ability. In this presentation, I will illustrate three aspects of work that my colleagues and I have used to investigate fish learning and memory over the last decade. First, I will discuss how comparing different populations sampled from contrasting habitats allows differences in cognitive ability to be related to the evolutionary ecology of the fish. I will use examples that have investigated how differences in learning ability between populations of the same species can arise. Here, the examples will be taken from the ubiquitous three‐spined stickleback, and a Panamanian poecilid, Brachyraphis.The second approach has used fish cognition as a tool to quantify behaviour to enable assessment of different aspects of fish welfare. For example, the recent work investigating pain perception in trout required the use of a learning task to quantify how fish behaviour was modified after noxious stimulation. Ways in which these, and similar, processes can be used in future studies of fish welfare will be discussed.The final part of the presentation will consider recent work that addresses the problems of releasing hatchery‐reared fish for restocking purposes. Although a common practice, most of the hatchery‐reared fish die shortly after they are released. Much of the observed mortality apparently stems from the fishes’ inexperience with a variable environment. Experiments with juvenile cod and brown trout suggest that both age, and the early rearing environment, have profound effects on fish learning and behaviour. I will discuss how simple modifications to current rearing practices may have large beneficial effects on the post‐release survival of hatchery‐reared fish.
Being there and getting there: balancing the costs of migration against the benefits of changing habitat for North Sea plaice
Authors: Metcalfe J. , Hunter E. 
Published: December 2003

To improve survival and reproductive success, many fish species have evolved migratory life‐histories, showing ontogenetic and/or seasonal changes in habitat use. Individuals move between different areas, each of which is ‘best’ for a particular activity, such as feeding, growing or spawning. The benefits of moving to a different habitat, however, have to be balanced against the costs of migration, so any behaviour that reduces the cost of movement would be expected to expand the migratory range and thereby increase the range of habitats that can be exploited.Previous tracking experiments in the southern North Sea have shown that plaice selectively exploit the tidal streams to aid their spawning migration. Here we examine whether this behaviour is primarily (1) an energy‐saving strategy, or (2) a transport mechanism by which fish that are unable to navigate over long distances can be carried reliably between feeding and spawning grounds. Because selective tidal stream transport requires that fish remain stationary on the sea‐bed during the ‘non‐transporting’ tide, energetic calculations predict that this behaviour is beneficial only when the current speed exceeds a critical, size‐dependent, value. We have used detailed information about migratory behaviour from individual fish to calculate the metabolic costs and the likely reproductive benefits of different migratory strategies. Our results show that plaice use selective tidal stream transport only in areas where the tidal streams are suitably fast, indicating that this behaviour is primarily an energy saving strategy.
Function and variability of male sex traits in a blenniid fish, Parablennius tentacularis
Authors: Giacomello E. 
Published: December 2003

The theory of sexual selection aims to explain the occurrence of secondary sex traits and sexual dimorphism. In this context, fish represent an excellent model, as they show a wide array of reproductive modalities and a high variability of their sex traits, both at intra‐ and inter‐specific level.This study is focused on the function and development of male sex traits in Parablennius tentacularis, a species releasing demersal eggs and with male parental care. This blenny is sexually dimorphic: males exhibit both external and internal dimorphic characters. Indeed, males show large orbital tentacles and bulb glands on the spiny anal finrays, called anal glands, and their reproductive apparatus is provided with accessories structures as the testicular glands and the blind pouches.Field data were collected in a rocky area in shallow waters of the Northern Adriatic sea. During the breeding season, males of P. tentacularis are found inside empty shells, which they adopt as nests, and where they care for eggs. Differently sized nesting males were collected; their external sex traits were measured and gonado‐somatic index calculated. Size and type of nest were recorded and the total egg number was estimated to obtain an evaluation of male mating success. Intraspecific variability of male sexual traits is discussed in relation to individual mating success and the possible presence of sperm competition.
The Effects of Auditor Gender and Task Complexity on Information Processing Efficiency
Authors: O'Donnell Ed , Johnson Eric N. 
Published: December 2003

This paper examines whether auditor gender and task complexity interactively influence audit judgment efficiency as predicted by the selectivity hypothesis (Meyers‐Levy 1989). Twenty‐eight practicing auditors (16 males and 12 females) from four Big Five audit firms performed an analytical procedures task at one of two complexity levels. Consistent with a selectivity explanation, female auditors demonstrated significantly greater efficiency than males on a complex analytical procedures task. Additionally, female auditors exhibited greater efficiency in information processing on the more complex task than on the less complex task, while males demonstrated greater efficiency on the less complex task than on the more complex task.Prior research (Chung and Monroe 1998; 2001) has demonstrated gender‐based differences in information processing effectiveness. Thus, the current study extends gender‐based performance in auditing across different tasks. These results highlight the importance of considering the effects of systematic gender‐based differences in auditor information processing.
Marzouk skin tag two‐stage urethroplasty for the repair of complex cases of hypospadias
Authors: MARZOUK ESSAM 
Published: December 2003

Abstract Background:  Cases of hypospadias with severe chordee and deficient skin, as well as those for re‐do hypospadias or fistula repair, are considered complex cases. Depending on the degree of complexity of the defect, a two‐stage procedure may still be advisable. The present paper describes the so‐called Marzouk skin tag urethroplasty as a new two‐stage procedure advisable for use in such difficult cases.Methods:  The Marzouk skin tag urethroplasty procedure was performed on 16 complex cases. The first stage consists of urethral mobilization plus the double‐buttonhole procedure (designed by the author) to form a midline ventral skin tag proximal to an advanced hypospadiac orifice. This skin tag is fashioned, 6 months later, by the author's special techniques (type I in 12 patients and type II in four patients) to form the neourethral tube and its coverage with minimal dissection.Results:  The operation resulted in a straight penis with neomeatus at the glans top in all 16 cases without significant complications. Both type I and II procedures give good functional results. The type I procedure has a superior cosmetic result. The follow‐up period ranged from 4 to 8 months.Conclusions:  The double‐buttonhole modification can solve the problem of deficient skin and simplify a safe second‐stage procedure. The Marzouk skin tag operation (types I and II) can be an additional option to be used when indicated.