bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying AFLP and microsatellite markers for vernalization response gene Vrn‐B1 in hexaploid wheat using reciprocal mapping populations
Authors: Barrett B. , Bayram M. , Kidwell K. , Weber W. E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMarker‐assisted selection may be useful for combining specific vernalization response (Vrn) alleles into a single wheat genotype for yield enhancement; however, DNA markers are only available for two of the three genes identified to date. The objectives of this study were to investigate reciprocal effects on days to heading using F2 populations generated by cross‐hybridizing near‐isogenic lines (NILs) carrying spring (Vrn‐B1; TDB) and winter (vrn‐B1; TDC) alleles, and to identify markers linked to Vrn‐B1 through genetic linkage analysis. Heading data were recorded for 91 and 89 progeny from reciprocal mapping populations TDB/TDC and TDC/TDB, respectively, and significant (P < 0.0001) reciprocal and dominance effects were detected. Among 207 amplified fragment length polymorphisms primer pairs and seven wheat microsatellite markers screened, two and one, respectively, were linked distally to Vrn‐B1 on wheat chromosome 5BL. Microsatellite Xgwm408 was most closely linked to Vrn‐B1 at 3.9 and 1.1 cM in the TDB/TDC and TDC/TDB map, respectively. Reciprocal differences in recombination distances emphasize the importance of female parent choice when generating mapping populations. Molecular markers are now available for three Vrn loci in wheat.
Follicle Wave Growth in Cattle
Authors: Mihm M , Crowe MA , Knight PG , Austin EJ 
Published: March 2003

ContentsOvarian follicle growth in cattle culminates in the selection of a single dominant follicle which attains the ability for final maturation and ovulation once or twice during the luteal phase and at the end of the oestrous cycle, as well as during other reproductive states. This review will describe in detail the first follicle wave of the cycle leading to selection of the first wave dominant follicle, indicating the specific gonadotrophin dependencies of cohort and dominant follicles, and relating follicle fate to steroidogenesis. As a differential gonadotrophin response of growing antral follicles during the follies‐stimulating hormone (FSH) decline may determine which follicle becomes selected, first wave follicles are also characterized in relation to intrafollicular growth factors, which may modify the gonadotrophin response, such as inhibins and members of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) family. Subsequently, the follicular control of the transient FSH rise and decline so crucial to dominant follicle selection will be discussed. It is concluded that successful hormonal manipulation of follicle wave growth and dominant follicle selection will depend on our detailed understanding of the gonadotrophin requirements of differentiating wave follicles.
Effects of Serum‐Free Culture Media on in vitro Development of Domestic Cat Embryos Following In Vitro Maturation and Fertilization
Authors: Murakami M , Otoi T , Karja NWK , Ooka A , Suzuki T 
Published: March 2003

ContentsThis study was conducted to determine the adequate medium for a serum‐free culture system of domestic cat embryos produced by in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF). Cumulusoocyte complexes recovered from cat ovaries were matured in vitro for 24 h, and then inseminated in vitro for 12 h. After insemination, the oocytes were cultured in five media [Ham's F10, Waymouth 752/1 (Waymouth), TCM199, modified Earle's balanced salt solution (MK‐1) and CR1aa], each of which contained 0.4% bovine serum albumin. There were no significant differences among the rates of fertilization of oocytes cultured in five media following IVF. The rate of oocytes/embryos developed to at least the morula stage was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Waymouth than in MK‐1, TCM199 and CR1aa. Moreover, none of the embryos cultured in Ham's F10 and Waymouth developed to the blastocyst stage. There were no differences among the rates of development to the blastocyst stage of oocytes/embryos cultured in MK‐1, TCM199 and CR1aa. These results indicate that the type of serum‐free medium has a major impact on in vitro development of domestic cat embryos derived from IVM/IVF, and MK‐1, TCM199 and CR1aa media are suitable for in vitro culture of cat embryos in a serum‐free culture system.
Studies on the Intracellular Ca2+ Concentration of Frozen–Thawed Dog Spermatozoa: Influence of Equex from Different Sources, Two Thawing Diluents and Post‐thaw Incubation in Capacitating Conditions
Authors: Peña AI , López‐Lugilde L , Barrio M , Becerra JJ , Quintela LA , Herradón PG 
Published: March 2003

ContentsThe addition of 0.5% (v/v) of Equex STM Paste (Nova Chemical Sales, Scituate Inc., MA, USA), whose active ingredient is sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), to a Tris–egg yolk extender was demonstrated to improve the longevity of frozen–thawed dog spermatozoa during in vitro incubation at 38°C. The aim of the first experiment was to compare the effects of two SDS‐containing compounds, Equex STM Paste and Equex Pasta (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany), when added to a Tris–egg yolk based extender, on the post‐thaw longevity of dog spermatozoa, as well as on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of spermatozoa, during post‐thaw incubation at 38°C. The post‐thaw sperm survival and longevity, as well as the quality of the sperm movement, were significantly better when using Equex STM Paste. Such prolonged sperm longevity, however, was associated to a higher intracellular Ca2+ concentration in a large subpopulation of the live spermatozoa. A second experiment was aimed to evaluate the effects of sperm dilution immediately post‐thaw with a Tris buffer containing glucose or fructose. The two Tris buffers were no different for any of the sperm parameters studied. The aim of a third experiment was to evaluate the sperm longevity, motility patterns and intracellular Ca2+ concentration of cryopreserved dog spermatozoa during post‐thaw incubation in capacitating conditions [canine capacitating medium (CCM) with or without 5 μg/ml of heparin]. Heparin had no significant effects on any of the sperm parameters evaluated. During the first 8 h of incubation, the majority of the live spermatozoa had a high intracellular Ca2+ content. However, after 8–10 h of incubation, it had significantly declined. The highest proportion of fast motile sperm, and the highest curvilinear velocity, average path velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement for the total motile sperm were observed during the 2–4‐h incubation period. It was concluded that: (a) the addition of 0.5% (v/v) of Equex STM Paste to a Tris–egg yolk based extender significantly improved the post‐thaw longevity of dog spermatozoa, but the same concentration of Equex Pasta had no significant beneficial effects; (b) sperm dilution after thawing with a Tris buffer containing glucose or fructose made no difference in post‐thaw sperm longevity; (c) the addition of 5 μg/ml of heparin to CCM had no significant capacitating effects on frozen–thawed dog spermatozoa.
Analysis of In vitro Fertilizing Capacity to Evaluate the Freezing Procedures of Boar Semen and to Predict the Subsequent Fertility
Authors: Sellés E , Gadea J , Romar R , Matás C , Ruiz S 
Published: March 2003

ContentsA porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF) system and seminal quality parameters of frozen–thawed boar semen were used to assess the effectiveness of two different thawing rates of frozen boar semen, and to address the question of whether differences between fertility of ejaculates could be predicted in a limited field trial.In the first experiment, two thawing procedures were analysed (37°C, 30 s; 50°C, 12 s) and no differences in sperm quality were found. However, when the procedure was 50°C, 12 s the IVF results showed a higher number of sperm per penetrated oocyte and a near 10 points higher rate of pronuclear formation.In the second experiment, the fertility results obtained in the limited field trial show to be efficient enough for application in a commercial use, especially for three of the employed boars (fertility ≥80%). In this limited study, the conventional seminal parameters are not accurate enough to discriminate good and bad boars in relation to fertility. On the contrary, parameters of in vitro penetrability are more precise to predict subsequent fertilities.As conclusion, the IVF fertilization system seems to be a good tool to evaluate the quality of frozen–thawed boar semen previous to its commercial way, to verify the bank semen storage quality and a good way to assay new sperm freezing procedures, as it is the more precise evaluating method in estimating the potential fertilizing ability.
Phytoplankton variability in Lake Bourget: Phytoplankton dynamics and meteorology
Authors: Vinçon‐Leite Brigitte , Tassin Bruno , Druart Jean‐Claude 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper presents the phytoplankton succession during two successive years in Lake Bourget, a deep subalpine lake recovering from eutrophication. A drastic reduction of the watershed phosphorus loading in 1980 stopped lake eutrophication. At present, the lake has nearly reached constant winter (January–February) nutrient concentrations. However, during the 2 years of the study, the phytoplankton data set shows a great interannual variability, which is analysed on the basis of the meteorological forcing variables.
Perceptions of registered nurses working with assistive personnel in the United Kingdom and the United States
Authors: McLaughlin Frank E , Barter Marjorie , Thomas Sue A , Rix Gary , Coulter Margaret , Chadderton Hugh 
Published: March 2003

This study examines registered nurse perceptions of their role in acute care hospitals that use nursing care assistants (NCA) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Also studied was registered nurse (RN) satisfaction with nursing care assistants and unlicensed assistive personnel in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA). The purpose of this study is to assist RNs and managers in the re‐design of health‐care delivery systems by investigating: 1. The differences and similarities of registered nurses in the UK and the USA in the perceptions of changes in the RN role when working with nursing care assistants or unlicensed assistive personnel. 2. The differences between and similarities of registered nurses in the UK and the USA in perceptions of NCA and UAP abilities to perform delegated duties, to communicate pertinent clinical information and to provide more time for professional nursing activities.Registered nurse perceptions in the UK were compared with the findings of a previous study of RN role changes and satisfaction in the USA. Registered nurses in the UK did not perceive a profound change in their role when working with UAP and were more satisfied with their use than were RNs in the USA.
Spatial variations of the décollement/protodécollement zone and their implications: A 3‐D seismic inversion study of the northern Barbados accretionary prism
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Moore Gregory F. , Bangs Nathan L. B. , Shipley Thomas H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe conducted a 3‐D seismic inversion study to investigate spatial variations of physical properties of the décollement zone (DZ) and protodécollement zone (PDZ) under the northern Barbados accretionary prism. Significant spatial variations of physical properties were observed in the PDZ seaward of the thrust front from the inversion data. The density generally increases southward with a few localized low‐density patches. A lower density commonly corresponds to a thicker PDZ, suggesting that the paleomorphology may at least partially control the variations of the physical properties. Similar low‐density patches were also found in the DZ. These features may be inherited from those of the PDZ and enhanced after subduction through localized arrested consolidation. Under the prism toe, the density of the DZ increases landward. This trend may mainly result from shear‐induced consolidation of the DZ but may also be related to landward increasing tectonic loading. Significant north–south differences in density and, thus, porosity and strength of the PDZ, are observed and these differences may continue into the DZ. A stronger DZ is likely responsible for a larger prism taper observed in the southern area of the prism toe. The larger taper, thus more horizontal shortening, coupled with a thinner sediment sheet above the PDZ in the southern area, may cause a relative retreat of the thrust front and a pronounced change in strike of the sequence thrusts south of seismic Line 690. The north–south differences may ultimately have originated in the approach of a structurally higher segment of the Tiburon Rise. The Tiburon Rise affects regional morphology and, thus, it controls the sedimentation and physical properties of the PDZ. It may also control sediment accumulation above the PDZ. Therefore, the sedimentational change induced by the structural high of the Tiburon Rise, in turn, resulted in structural change of the prism in the southern area.
Accretion and tectonic erosion processes revealed by the mode of occurrence and geochemistry of greenstones in the Cretaceous accretionary complexes of the Idonnappu Zone, southern central Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Ueda Hayato , Kawamura Makoto , Niida Kiyoaki 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe Cretaceous accretionary complexes of the Idonnappu Zone in the Urakawa area are divided into five lithological units, four of which contain greenstone bodies. The Lower Cretaceous Naizawa Complex consists of two lithologic units. The Basaltic Unit (B‐Unit) is a large‐scale tectonic slab of greenstone, consisting of depleted tholeiite similar to that of the Lower Sorachi Ophiolite (basal forearc basin ophiolite) in the Sorachi‐Yezo Belt. The Mixed Unit of Naizawa Complex (MN‐Unit) contains oceanic island‐type alkaline greenstones which occur as slab‐like bodies and faulted blocks with tectonically dismembered trench‐fill sediments. Repeated alternations of the two units in the Naizawa Complex may have been formed by the collision of seamounts with forearc ophiolitic body (Lower Sorachi Ophiolite) in the trench. The Upper Cretaceous Horobetsugawa Complex structurally underlies the Naizawa Complex in its original configuration, and it also contains greenstone bodies. Greenstones in the MH‐Unit occur as blocks and sedimentary clasts in a clastic matrix, and exhibit depleted tholeiite and oceanic‐island alkaline basalt/tholeiite chemistry. This unit is interpreted as submarine slide and debris flow deposits. Greenstones in the PT‐Unit occur at the base of several chert‐clastic successions. Most of the greenstones are severely sheared and show normal‐type mid‐ocean ridge basalt composition. The PT‐Unit greenstones are considered to have been derived from abyssal basement peeled off during accretion. The different accretion mechanism of the greenstones in the Naizawa and Horobetsugawa complexes reflects temporal changes in subduction zone conditions. Seamount accretion and tectonic erosion were dominant in the Early Cretaceous, due to highly oblique subduction of the old oceanic crust and minimal sediment supply. Whereas, thick sediments with minor mid‐ocean ridge basalt and olistostrome accreted in the Late Cretaceous, due to near‐orthogonal subduction of young oceanic crust with voluminous sediment supply.
Long‐term follow up of a randomized, controlled trial on prophylactic sclerotherapy of small oesophageal varices in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Strauss Edna , Gomes S Ribeiro Maria De Fátima , Albano Armando , Honain Nadim , Maffei Jr Romeu , Caly Wanda 
Published: March 2003

Background: In order to evaluate the prophylactic impact of sclerotherapy of small varices in patients with cirrhosis and no endoscopic signs suggesting risk of haemorrhage, a randomized clinical trial was performed. Methods: Seventy‐one hospitalized patients met the inclusion criteria of diagnosis of cirrhosis with no previous bleeding and small varices. Due to exclusion criteria of: gastroduodenal ulcers (n = 5), diverticulosis (n = 1), hepatic insufficiency (n = 10), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 4), death before randomization (n = 6), age over 70 (n = 1) and denial of consent to participate in the study (n = 1), 43 patients could be randomized, 21 for sclerotherapy and 22 for the control group. Two patients (one in each group) were lost to follow up, and another patient, although not lost, refused sclerotherapy after randomization. Ethanolamine oleate was used as the sclerosing agent. All patients were followed up for a mean time of 60 months, initially every 2 months for the first 2 years and clinical and endoscopic controls were performed each 6–12 months thereafter. Results and Conclusions: During the first 2 years clinical assessment showed that there were five bleedings in the sclerotherapy group and none in the control group, but mortality was similar in both groups. Long‐term follow up continued to show a higher prevalence of bleeding in the sclerotherapy group but that mortality was not different from the control group.
An analysis of T cell antigen receptor variable β genes during the clinical course of patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Sugyo Shinya , Yuh Kouichi , Nakamura Ken , Emi Kanako , Shijo Hiroshi , Iida Takeshi , Kimura Nobuhiro , Tamura Kazuo 
Published: March 2003

Background: The degree of hepatocyte injury in patients with chronic hepatitis B appears consistent with the number of T cells that respond to hepatitis B virus‐related antigens. Methods: By using a polymerase chain reation (PCR)‐based approach, we monitored a ratio of the T cell antigen receptor (TcR) variable (V) β gene families against a total TcR Vβ gene expression in the peripheral T cells obtained from five patients and four healthy controls. Results: In the healthy controls, there was no significant change in the ratios at an interval of four or eight weeks. In contrast, several TcR Vβ families showed the significant changes in the ratios of their gene expression during the follow‐up period in all patients. No common highly fluctuated TcR Vβ, however, was found among the patients. Furthermore, there was no correlation between their changes and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the skewing of the TcR family with multiclone is the result of T‐cell responses to viral antigens in peripheral blood.
Efficacy of 1 week omeprazole or lansoprazole– amoxycillin–clarithromycin therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Japanese population
Authors: Miwa Hiroto , Nagahara Akihito , Sato Kenji , Ohkura Ryuichi , Murai Toshio , Shimizu Hidetake , Watanabe Sumio , Sato Nobuhiro 
Published: March 2003

Background: The effectiveness of curative therapy for Helicobacter pylori may vary according to the geographic region and patient population, thus the efficacy of each treatment regimen should be determined according to the specific patient population. However, there is no literature available concerning the efficacy of 1 week omeprazole–amoxycillin–clarithromycin (OAC) regimens for the cure of H. pylori infection in Japan. Methods:Helicobacter pylori‐positive patients (224) with peptic ulcer disease or non‐ulcer dyspepsia were randomized to receive one of three different omeprazole or lansoprazole–amoxycillin– clarithromycin (PPI/AC) regimens for 7 days: (1) OAC 20 regimen (n = 76), omeprazole (OPZ) 20 mg daily, amoxycillin (AMOX) 500 mg t.d.s. and clarithromycin (CAM) 200 mg b.d.; (2) LAC 30 regimen (n = 73), Lansoprazole (LPZ) 30 mg daily, AMOX 500 mg t.d.s. and CAM 200 mg b.d.; and (3) OPZ 40 regimen (n = 75), OPZ 20 b.d., AMOX 500 mg t.d.s. and CAM 200 mg b.d. Cure of the infection was determined by the [13C]‐urea breath test, 1 month after completion of the treatment. Results: Intention‐to‐treat based cure rates for OAC 20, LAC 30 and OAC 40 regimens were 75.0% (95% CI, 64–84%), 82.2% (95%, CI 72–90), and 80.0% (95% CI, 69–88), respectively and per‐ protocol based cure rates of these regimens were 79.2% (95% CI, 68–88%), 83.3% (95%, CI 73–91), and 83.1% (95% CI, 72–91%), respectively. Adverse effects, which included diarrhoea, glossitis or skin rash, were reported by 26.1% of the patients. However, these were mild and did not affect compliance. Conclusion: One week PPI/AC regimens for H. pylori infection with smaller proton pump inhibitors and antimicrobial dosages compared to regimens used in Western countries were revealed to provide sufficient cure rate (more than 80% by ITT analysis) with mild adverse effects in the Japanese population.
Highly enhanced fucosylation of serum glycoproteins in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Naitoh Akira , Aoyagi Yutaka , Asakura Hitoshi 
Published: March 2003

Background: We recently reported that the measurement of Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive species of α‐fetoprotein (ΑFP), alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) and transferrin (TF) is useful for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and that the molecular basis for this reactivity is fucosylation at the innermost N‐acetylglucosamine residue of a biantennary sugar chain. However, the precise relationship of the fucosylation of AFP, AAT and TF in patients with HCC and liver cirrhosis is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to delineate the relationship of the fucosylation between these three glycoproteins in HCC. Methods: Three hundred and thirty‐four patients with HCC were referred to our university hospital from 1987 to 1997. An increase in serum AFP (> 20 ng/mL) was observed in 233 (69.8%) patients with HCC. From these 233 patients with AFP‐producing HCC, 60 serum samples were randomly selected and used in the present study. As a reference, samples from 60 patients with liver cirrhosis, in which 30 had increased AFP, were used. Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA)‐reactive species were determined by crossed immunoaffinoelectrophoresis (CIAE). The contents of the fucosylated biantennary chain of purified AAT and TF samples were determined as pyridylamino derivatives of each oligosaccharide with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: There was a highly significant correlation between LCA‐reactive species by CIAE and pyridylamino‐fucosylated biantennary sugar chain by HPLC in both AAT and TF. Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive species of AFP, AAT and TF in HCC were significantly higher than those in liver cirrhosis. A highly statistically significant positive correlation of fucosylated glycans was observed between AAT and TF in both HCC and liver cirrhosis, but not between AFP and AAT or between AFP and TF. Accordingly, the present results indicate that highly enhanced fucosylation of serum glycoproteins was found in HCC compared with liver cirrhosis and that the combination of measurements of fucosylated AFP with AAT or TF were useful for the diagnosis of HCC.
Evaluation of endoscopic ultrasonography as an indicator for surgical treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Fujino Yasuhiro , Nagata Yutaka , Ogino Kazunori , Watahiki Hajime 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Methods
: Clinicopathological analysis of 346 patients with gastric cancer was made retrospectively and new criteria for the indication of a limited operation using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was developed. Suggested new criteria for selecting gastric cancer patients for the limited operation were: (i) the cancer is located in the mucosa and the lymph nodes are not involved as indicated by EUS examination; (ii) the maximum size of the tumour is less than 2.0 cm; (iii) there are no multiple gastric cancers or simultaneous abdominal cancers; and (iv) the mucosal cancer of elevated type less than 2.0 cm is excluded because there are good indications for endoscopic mucosal resection.
Results and Conclusions
: We applied these new criteria to 262 patients and found that the patients who had limited operation had the same prognosis and a better quality of life compared with patients who had the conventional operation.©1999 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd