bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regrowth of the stalk of the Sea lily, Metacrinus rotundus (Echinodermata: Crinoidea)
Authors: Nakano Hiroaki , Hibino Taku , Hara Yuko , Oji Tatsuo , Amemiya Shonan 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSea lilies are critical to understanding the evolution of the echinoderm body plan, because they are the only extant group whose adults possess a stalk, a prevalent feature in the radiation of a number of primitive echinoderm lineages. Extensive crown regeneration ability has been reported in Metacrinus rotundus, but the regenerative potential of the stalk has never been determined in any species of sea lilies. In this study, we show that M. rotundus whose stalks have been completely excised are capable of stalk regeneration. The process is similar to the growth of the original stalk, but much slower, and the regenerated stalks are not morphologically identical to the original stalk. Since stalk regeneration, in contrast to well‐studied regeneration events, probably requires little additional activation of morphogenetic programs, we refer to the stalk regeneration phenomenon as “stalk regrowth” to distinguish it as a special form of regeneration. Since specimens whose entire stalk below the basal plates had been removed were able to regrow, the basal plates, and probably the aboral nerve center within them, are essential for stalk regrowth. Sea lily stalk regrowth is described in detail, and the evolution of feather stars is discussed in light of the growth pattern of the sea lily stalk. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:464–471, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth enhancement and food conversion efficiency of transgenic fish Labeo rohita
Authors: Venugopal Thayanithy , Anathy Vikas , Kirankumar Santhakumar , Pandian Thavamani Jegajothivel 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThree family lines of fast growing transgenic rohu Labeo rohita (rohu) were generated by electroporated‐sperm‐mediated transfer of the vectors harboring CMV promoter or grass carp β‐actin promoter fused to endogenous rohu GH (rGH) cDNA. The gene transfer efficiency was 25%. The transgenic rohu (family line 1) with CMV promoter showed a growth enhancement of four times normal size, whereas those (family lines 2 and 3) generated with β‐actin promoter grew 4.5 and 5.8 times faster than their respective control siblings. Southern analysis confirmed the transgene extrachromosomal (Te) persistence until the 60th week in family 1. The individuals of family lines 2 and 3, however, showed integration (Ti), as well as persistence as extarchromosomal copies (Te) until the age of 30 weeks. Mosaicism of the transgene was shown at the levels of its presence and expression. The ectopic expression of rGH mRNA was confirmed by RT‐PCR. Feeding experiments revealed that the transgenic rohu ate food at a lower rate but grew more efficiently than their control siblings. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:477–490, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
α‐Tubulin and acetylated α‐tubulin during ovarian follicle differentiation in the lizard Podarcis sicula Raf.
Authors: Maurizii Maria Gabriella , Alibardi Lorenzo , Taddei Carlo 
Published: June 2004

AbstractDuring most of the previtellogenic oocyte growth, the follicular epithelium of the lizard Podarcis sicula shows a polymorphic structure, due to the presence of different follicle cells. These include small cells which divide and move from the periphery of the follicle to the oocyte surface, intermediate cells which represent an initial step in the process of cell enlargement, and large pyriform cells engaged in the transport of different materials to the oocyte through intercellular bridges. We have studied, by immunolocalization and immunoblotting, the localization of α‐tubulin and its acetylated form in different follicle cells and in the oocyte during the main steps of ovarian follicle differentiation. Our results indicate that α‐tubulin is present in all follicle cells at different stages of ovarian follicle differentiation, while its acetylated form is detectable exclusively in the small proliferating and migrating follicle cells. In pyriform cells, α‐tubulin is localized around the nucleus, extends to the cell apex, and crosses the zona pellucida into the oocyte cortex. The presence of acetylated tubulin in the small follicle cells may be related to the proliferation and/or migration of these cells. The absence of acetylated tubulin form in the cytoplasm of intermediate and pyriform cells can be related to the colocalization of α‐tubulin with the keratin cytoskeleton in these cells, as detected by confocal microscopy. We have also identified the colocalization of α‐tubulin with keratin in the cortical region of the oocyte, in particular when the cortex is engaged in the uptake of the yolk proteins. J. Exp. Zool.301A:532–541, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of photoperiod and temperature on reproductive mode in the Brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana
Authors: Nambu Ziro , Tanaka Shin , Nambu Fumiko 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBrine shrimp, Artemia, exhibit two modes of reproduction: oviparity (diapause cyst production) and ovoviviparity (live larvae release). Environmental conditions determining these developmental routes are poorly understood, so we investigated the effects of photoperiod and temperature on reproductive mode. Nauplii of A. franciscana were hatched from cysts produced in the Great Salt Lake, Utah, and raised in 2% natural sea salt water under photoperiods of 24, 14, 12, or 10 h at 28° or 20°C. Mating pairs of mature shrimp were isolated and reared continuously under those conditions. The mode of reproduction shown by each pair was determined daily throughout their life span, and found to be greatly affected by photoperiod, and less influenced by temperature. The relative degree of oviparity increased as the photoperiod became shorter at both temperatures. In contrast, the degree of ovoviviparity was higher as the photoperiod became longer at both temperatures. The critical photoperiod appears to be between 12 and 14 h. For all photoperiods examined, the degree of oviparity was higher at 28°C than at 20°C, whereas the degree of ovoviviparity was greater at 20°C than at 28°C. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:542–546, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal effects of dehydration on glucose mobilization in freeze‐tolerant chorus frogs (Pseudacris triseriata) and freeze‐intolerant toads (Bufo woodhousii and B. cognatus)
Authors: Edwards Joshua Ronald , Jenkins Jennifer Lynn , Swanson David Leslie 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIt has been hypothesized that freeze‐tolerance in anurans evolved from a predisposition for dehydration tolerance. To test this hypothesis, we dehydrated summer/fall‐collected and winter acclimated freeze‐tolerant chorus frogs and dehydration‐tolerant, but freeze‐intolerant, Woodhouse's and Great Plains toads to 25% and 50% body water loss (BWL). Following treatments, we measured glucose, glycogen, and glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen synthetase (summer/fall only) activities in liver and leg muscle. Hepatic glucose levels were not significantly altered by dehydration in either summer/fall‐collected frogs or toads. Conversely, winter acclimated frogs did show an increment (2.9–fold) in hepatic glucose with dehydration, accompanied by a reduction in hepatic glycogen levels. Winter acclimated toads did not mobilize hepatic glucose in response to dehydration. Further, hepatic glycogen and phosphorylase activities did not vary in any consistent manner with dehydration in winter toads. Mean leg muscle glucose values were elevated at 50% BWL relative to other treatments, significantly so compared to 25% BWL for summer/fall‐collected frogs. The pattern of hepatic glucose mobilization with dehydration in winter frogs is consistent with that in other freeze‐tolerant frog species, and provides additional support for the hypothesis that freezing tolerance evolved from a capacity for dehydration tolerance. However, the lack of hepatic glucose mobilization in response to dehydration in fall frogs suggests that a seasonal component to dehydration‐induced regulation of glucose metabolism exists in chorus frogs. Furthermore, the absence of a dehydration‐induced mobilization of hepatic glucose at both seasons in toads suggests that this dehydration response is not universal for terrestrial anurans. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:521‐531, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual‐regulated myoD‐ and msx1‐based interventions in C2C12‐derived cells enable precise myogenic/osteogenic/adipogenic lineage control
Authors: Fux Cornelia , Langer Dominik , Fussenegger Martin 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackgroundAdvanced gene therapy, tissue engineering and biopharmaceutical manufacturing require sophisticated and well‐balanced multiregulated multigene interventions to reprogram desired mammalian cell phenotypes.MethodsWe have combined the streptogramin (PIP)‐ and tetracycline (TET)‐responsive gene regulation systems for independent expression control of the differentiation determinants myoD and msx1 in C2C12‐derived cells.ResultsDifferent dual‐regulated expression scenarios which induce either both, only one or none of the lineage control genes triggered differential differentiation and precise control of myogenic, osteogenic or adipogenic cell phenotypes.ConclusionsOur findings substantiate the use of multiregulated multigene interventions in reprogramming cellular differentiation pathways in a desired manner. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a therapeutic inhibition of dystrophin exon 23 splicing in mdx mouse muscle induced by antisense oligoribonucleotides (splicomers): target sequence optimisation using oligonucleotide arrays
Authors: Graham Ian R. , Hill Vanessa J. , Manoharan Muthiah , Inamati Gopal B. , Dickson George 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe activity of synthetic antisense oligonucleotides (splicomers) designed to block pre‐mRNA splicing at specific exons has been demonstrated in a number of model systems, including constitutively spliced exons in mouse dystrophin RNA. Splicomer reagents directed to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) RNAs might thus circumvent nonsense or frame‐shifting mutations, leading to therapeutic expression of partially functional dystrophin, as occurs in the milder, allelic (Becker) form of the disease (BMD).MethodsFunctional and hybridisation array screens have been used to select optimised splicomers directed to exon 23 of dystrophin mRNA which carries a nonsense mutation in the mdx mouse. Splicomers were transfected into cultured primary muscle cells, and dystrophin mRNA assessed for exon exclusion. Splicomers were also administered to the muscles of mdx mice.ResultsOligonucleotide array analyses with dystrophin pre‐mRNA probes revealed strong and highly specific hybridisation patterns spanning the exon 23/intron 23 boundary, indicating an open secondary structure conformation in this region of the RNA. Functional screening of splicomer arrays by direct analysis of exon 23 RNA splicing in mdx muscle cultures identified a subset of biologically active reagents which target sequence elements associated with the 5′ splice site region of dystrophin intron 23; splicomer‐mediated exclusion of exon 23 was specific and dose‐responsive up to a level exceeding 50% of dystrophin mRNA, and Western blotting demonstrated de novo expression of dystrophin protein at 2–5% of wild‐type levels. Direct intramuscular administration of optimised splicomer reagents in vivo resulted in the reappearance of sarcolemmal dystrophin immunoreactivity in > 30% of muscle fibres in the mdx mouseConclusionsThese results suggest that correctly designed splicomers may have direct therapeutic value in vivo, not only for DMD, but also for a range of other genetic disorders. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of in vitro vascular cell transfection with non‐viral vectors for in vivo applications
Authors: Elmadbouh Ibrahim , Rossignol Patrick , Meilhac Olivier , Vranckx Roger , Pichon Chantal , Pouzet Bruno , Midoux Patrick , Michel Jean‐Baptiste 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackgroundSyngeneic vascular cells are interesting tools for indirect gene therapy in the cardiovascular system. This study aims to optimize transfection conditions of primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) using different non‐viral vectors and zinc as an adjuvant and to implant these transfected cells in vivo.MethodsNon‐liposomal cationic vectors (FuGene™6), polyethylenimines (ExGen™500), and histidylated polylysine (HPL) were used as non‐viral vectors in vitro with secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) as reporter gene. Transfection efficiency was compared in cultured rat, rabbit and human VSMCs and fibroblasts. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) was added to optimize transfection of rat VSMCs in vitro which were then seeded in vivo.ResultsMuch higher SEAP levels were obtained in rabbit cells with FuGene™6 (p < 0.0001) at day 2 than in equivalent rat and human cells. Rat VSMCs transfected in vitro with FuGene™6 and ExGen™500 expressed higher SEAP levels than with HPL. In rat VSMCs, SEAP secretion was more than doubled by addition of 250 µM ZnCl2 (p < 0.0001) for all vectors. Seeding of syngeneic VSMCs transfected under optimized conditions (FuGene™6/pcDNA3‐SEAP +250 µM ZnCl2) into healthy Lewis rats using various routes or into post‐infarct myocardial scar resulted in a peak of SEAP expression at day 2 and detectable activity in the plasma for at least 8 days.ConclusionsFuGene™6 is an efficient non‐viral transfection reagent for gene transfer in somatic smooth muscle cells in vitro and ZnCl2 enhances its efficiency. This increased expression of the transgene product is maintained after seeding in vivo. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustained transgene expression by human cord blood derived CD34+ cells transduced with simian immunodeficiency virus agmTYO1‐based vectors carrying the human coagulation factor VIII gene in NOD/SCID mice
Authors: Kikuchi Jiro , Mimuro Jun , Ogata Kyoichi , Tabata Toshiaki , Ueda Yasuji , Ishiwata Akira , Kimura Konzoh , Takano Katsuhiro , Madoiwa Seiji , Mizukami Hiroaki , Hanazono Yutaka , Kume Akihiro , Hasegawa Mamoru , Ozawa Keiya , Sakata Yoichi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackgroundAn Erratum has been published for this article in Journal of Gene Medicine 7(6), 2005, 836.Gene therapy is being studied as the next generation therapy for hemophilia and several clinical trials have been carried out, albeit with limited success. To explore the possibility of utilizing autologous bone marrow transplantation of genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells for hemophilia gene therapy, we investigated the efficacy of genetically engineered CD34+ cell transplantation to NOD/SCID mice for expression of human factor VIII (hFVIII).MethodsCD34+ cells were transduced with a simian immunodeficiency virus agmTYO1 (SIV)‐based lentiviral vector carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene (SIVeGFP) or the hFVIII gene (SIVhFVIII). CD34+ cells transduced with SIV vectors were transplanted to NOD/SCID mice. Engraftment of transduced CD34+ cells and expression of transgenes were studied.ResultsWe could efficiently transduce CD34+ cells using the SIVeGFP vector in a dose‐dependent manner, reaching a maximum (99.6 ± 0.1%) at MOI of 5 × 103 vector genome/cell. After transducing CD34+ cells with SIVhFVIII, hFVIII was produced (274.3 ± 20.1 ng) from 106 CD34+ cells during 24 h in vitro incubation. Transplantation of SIVhFVIII‐transduced CD34+ cells (5–10 × 105) at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 50 vector genome/cell into NOD/SCID mice resulted in successful engraftment of CD34+ cells and production of hFVIII (minimum 1.2 ± 0.9 ng/mL, maximum 3.6 ± 0.8 ng/mL) for at least 60 days in vivo. Transcripts of the hFVIII gene and the hFVIII antigen were also detected in the murine bone marrow cells.ConclusionsTransplantation of ex vivo transduced hematopoietic stem cells by non‐pathogenic SIVhFVIII without exposure of subjects to viral vectors is safe and potentially applicable for gene therapy of hemophilia A patients. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Needleless in vivo gene transfer into muscles by jet injection in combination with electroporation
Authors: Horiki Mayumi , Yamato Eiji , Ikegami Hiroshi , Ogihara Toshio , Miyazaki Jun‐ichi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPreviously, we have established an in vivo electroporation method for gene transfer into muscle by injection of DNA with a needle followed by electric pulse delivery using needle‐type electrodes and proved that this method is effective for the systemic delivery of cytokines. To perform the needleless gene delivery, we combined jet injection of DNA with electroporation using plate‐type electrodes. For delivery of β‐galactosidase‐ and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐expressing plasmids into muscles, there was no significant difference between the previous needle‐mediated method and the newly developed jet‐injection method. When pCAGGS‐IL‐5 was introduced into tibialis anterior, quadricipital and back sural muscles by this new method, the serum IL‐5 levels reached 3.4 ± 0.9, 5.7 ± 1.7 and 8.4 ± 2.7 ng/ml at day 5, respectively. Although the peak values of IL‐5 achieved by the jet‐injection method in these muscles were lower than that of the highest value achieved by needle‐mediated gene delivery into anterior tibial muscle, this new method could deliver plasmid into relatively large muscles with better efficiency than the needle‐mediated method. Thus the jet‐injection method provides a useful means of gene delivery into large muscles, which is essential for future use in human gene therapy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The crossing number of Cm × Cn is as conjectured for n ≥ m(m + 1)
Authors: Glebsky Lev Yu. , Salazar Gelasio 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIt has been long conjectured that the crossing number of Cm × Cn is (m−2)n, for all m, n such that n ≥  m ≥  3. In this paper, it is shown that if n ≥  m(m + 1) and m ≥  3, then this conjecture holds. That is, the crossing number of Cm × Cn is as conjectured for all but finitely many n, for each m. The proof is largely based on techniques from the theory of arrangements, introduced by Adamsson and further developed by Adamsson and Richter. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 47: 53–72, 2004
Radiolabeling of ginkgolide B with 18F
Authors: Suehiro Makiko , Simpson Norman R. , van Heertum Ronald 
Published: June 2004

AbstractGinkgolide B, a terpene trilactone constituent of Gingko biloba extracts and an antagonist for the platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor, was radiolabeled with the positron emitter 18F for visualizing its in vivo behavior using positron emission tomography (PET). The 7‐[18F]fluoro analog of ginkgolide B (7‐18FGB) was synthesized via nucleophilic displacement of the triflate group at C7 with [18F]fluoride. The reaction was complete in 5–10 min, affording 7‐18FGB in an average radiochemical yield of approximately 16% (decay corrected). The average specific activity at E.O.S. was approximately 40 GBq/µmol, and the radiochemical and chemical purity was greater than 95%. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase Transitions in UHMWPE Fiber Compacts Studied by in situ Synchrotron Microbeam WAXS
Authors: Ratner Stanislav , Weinberg Amotz , Wachtel Ellen , Moret P. Mona , Marom Gad 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSummary: The temperature dependence of the structure of either cross‐linked or non‐cross‐linked ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber compacts was studied by synchrotron microbeam wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), focusing on the fiber‐fiber interface. The phase transition sequence is: melting of the monoclinic phase in the fiber skin, which was completed by 135 °C; melting of the unconstrained orthorhombic phase, by 152 °C; melting of the constrained orthorhombic phase and a orthorhombic‐hexagonal phase transition until 157 °C; and gradual melting of the hexagonal phase, up to 165 °C. Cross‐linking provides additional thermal stabilization.Histograms of the azimuthally averaged X‐ray intensity as a function of temperature for cross‐linked ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene fiber compacts molded at 145 °C.imageHistograms of the azimuthally averaged X‐ray intensity as a function of temperature for cross‐linked ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene fiber compacts molded at 145 °C.
The Aspect Ratio and Gas Permeation in Polymer‐Layered Silicate Nanocomposites
Authors: Osman Maged A. , Mittal Vikas , Lusti Hans Rudolf 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSummary: Organophilized montmorillonite‐epoxy and ‐polyurethane nanocomposites, useful for packaging applications, were prepared and their oxygen permeability was measured. The composite morphology was mixed, exfoliated and intercalated, as shown by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The gas‐barrier performance of the polyurethane composites was better than that of the epoxy composites due to more exfoliation. The average aspect ratio of the montmorillonite platelets in the nanocomposites could be estimated from the reduction in permeability by a numerical finite element approach.A computer model comprising 50 randomly distributed and oriented round platelets with an aspect ratio of 50 at 3 vol.‐% loading, periodic boundary conditions applied.imageA computer model comprising 50 randomly distributed and oriented round platelets with an aspect ratio of 50 at 3 vol.‐% loading, periodic boundary conditions applied.
Kindt's paper epitomizes the problems in gambling research
Authors: Walker Douglas M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractFor many readers, the casino gambling issue of Managerial and Decision Economics1 will be their first exposure to economic research on casino gambling. Based solely on a reading of the MDE issue, one might get the impression there is overwhelming evidence that legal casino gambling is ‘bad.’ But readers should be skeptical of what they read, as there is no such consensus in the literature. Indeed, the literature is fraught with methodological problems and inconsistencies. Professor Kindt's article (2001), in particular,2 exemplifies some of the problems that have been plaguing gambling research since the mid‐1990s. Ordinarily, a reaction to an article like Kindt's would be unwarranted, since many of his arguments are supported only by newspaper articles. However, it is perhaps worthwhile to point out a few of the problems with Kindt's work, and with gambling research in general, so that research can advance, instead of digressing, as it has with the publication of the special issue of MDE. My comments focus on three issues in Kindt's paper. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Winning at craps: Are casinos vulnerable to state suits for social costs?—A preliminary analysis
Authors: Vandall Frank J. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAssume that Lucky has flown to the state of Nitro from his home state of Peach intending to gamble and lose perhaps two to three hundred dollars but instead has lost $50,000. This triggers the loss of his car, house, job, and eventually his wife. What issues are involved for the state of Peach? Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A brief discussion on the different formulations of the coupled mode method in chiral media: Application to the parallel‐plate chirowaveguide
Authors: Gómez A. , Vegas A. , Solano M. A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe application of the coupled‐mode method (CMM) for calculating the propagation constants and the electromagnetic‐field distribution in chirowaveguides is well known. In this paper, two different formulations of the method are revised and compared, and are then extended to partially filled parallel‐plate waveguides. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42: 181–185, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20245