bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do outside independent directors strengthen corporate boards?
Authors: Petra Steven T.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

Recent changes in corporate governance require firms to maintain boards with a majority of outside independent directors. The belief seems to be that outside independent directors will strengthen corporate boards by monitoring the actions of management and ensuring that management decisions are made in the best interests of the stockholders. This belief, however, may be founded on an assumption that has its roots in public perception and not in fact. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether or not outside independent directors strengthen corporate boards.

Design/methodology/approach

Five areas within corporate boards of directors, including board composition, CEO duality, audit committees, compensation committees and nominating committees, are examined. The results of studies aimed at discerning the effects that outside independent directors have on increased firm performance and shareholder wealth through strong corporate governance are discussed.

Findings

The conclusion reached is that outside independent directors do appear to strengthen corporate boards; however, more needs to be done to reestablish the market's confidence in corporate America's ability to effectively govern itself.

Practical implications

Best practices are discussed that can assist corporate boards in fulfilling their responsibilities to shareholders in monitoring and controlling the actions of management.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to management of firms, corporate directors, and investors. It demonstrates that the presence of outside independent directors alone will not solve the deficiencies exposed in corporate boardrooms. It also highlights the fact that more needs to be done to change the environment in which corporate boards operate in order to better protect shareholder interests.
The board of directors: a referee or a coach?
Authors: Sussland Willy A.
Published: March 2005

Purpose

The author's original approach helps to understand the executives and their decision‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

The complexity of today's business requires the board of directors (BoD) to go beyond its traditional role of referee, and to become involved as appropriate with the business and with its top managers. The BoD should apply the 3of governance: namely the official policies that tell it what to do and what not to do; a comprehensive process of governance that ensures the effectiveness of its activities; and, last but not least, basic psychology to understand the possible quirks of the top managers. This article complements the author's earlier contribution on the process of governance, and focuses on how the directors can monitor the behavioral patterns of the top managers and assess the impact on their decision making.

Findings

The author recommends that the BoD uses the methodology of “Creating Business Value” described in this article. By providing transparency over the whole business system, it brings out the proficiency of the top management, and reveals dysfunctional attitudes.

Practical implications

The advocated approach contributes to the effectiveness of the directors as they interact with the executive on critical issues.

Originality/value

The author presents an application of “creating business value”, an original and holistic methodology that enables all concerned to see where, why, how, and how much business value has been, or will likely be, added or destroyed throughout the enterprise.
Reproductive biology of skates, Bathyraja(Ishiyama), along the eastern Bering Sea continental slope
Authors: Ebert D. A.
Published: March 2005

Eight Bathyraja skate species, Bathyraja aleutica, Bathyraja interrupta, Bathyraja lindbergi, Bathyraja maculata, Bathyraja minispinosa, Bathyraja parmifera, Bathyraja taranetzi and Bathyraja trachura, collected along the eastern Bering Sea continental slope were examined for reproductive features. The sex ratio for six of eight Bathyraja skate species studied was c. 1 : 1 with males dominating for B. interrupta and B. parmifera. Five of eight species examined, B. aleutica, B. lindbergi, B. parmifera, B. taranetzi and B. trachura approximately equalled or exceeded the maximum reported total length, LT. Maximum LT for three species (B. interrupta, B. minispinosa and B. parmifera) revealed that the largest individuals were males and that in three other species (B. lindbergi, B. maculata and B. trachura) both females and males grew to approximately the same size. Both females and males matured at approximately the same LT for seven of eight species. Only female B. aleutica matured at a much larger size than males. All species matured within a narrow size range following a protracted juvenile stage and once mature these skates appeared to grow very little. First maturity for all species occurred at ≥80% of their maximum LT. The number of oocytes did not significantly differ between the left and right ovary for any species. The total number of mature oocytes increased with LT for six of eight species examined. The number of oocytes for one species, B. aleutica, increased in number until 145 cm LT, then declined in those individuals greater in length. The egg cases of all species are described, of which four (B. lindbergi, B. parmifera, B. taranetzi and B. trachura) have never been previously reported. Evidence is presented that suggest skates may be limited to as little as one and as many as 13 spawning seasons, depending on the species, and that senescence may occur in older individuals.
Histology and histochemical enzyme‐staining patterns of major immune organs in Epinephelus malabaricus
Authors: Lin H.‐T. , Lin H.‐Y. , Yang H.‐L.
Published: March 2005

The histological architecture of major immune organs in the Malabar grouper Epinephelus malabaricus was investigated. The novel characteristics such as melanomacrophage centres (MMCs) appeared in the thymus and lymphopoietic tissue formed as foci in the head kidney. Leukocyte distribution in organs was identified by enzyme histochemistry. β‐glucuronidase (BG) reactive cells in the cortex region of the thymus were botryoidally aggregated. Both acid phosphatase (AcP) and BG reactive cells concentrated within the specialized lymphopoietic foci in the head kidney, suggesting that the foci might be functional. Primitive histological characters of immunity were observed in the spleen. Although leukocyte aggregation was demonstrated in the spleen, additional enzyme histochemistry indicated that the aggregate might not be the equivalent of white pulp found in other vertebrates. The histological evidence did not support intestinal involvement in the immune system: there was no demonstrable gut associated lymphoid tissue. The limited distribution in the cortex and medulla boundary and the condensed format of the lymphocytes suggests a functional role for the MMC in the thymus of E. malabaricus. The MMC appearance in the thymus of a teleost was unusual.
Cross‐species amplification of zebrafish and central stoneroller microsatellite loci in six other cyprinids
Authors: Holmen J. , Vøllestad L. A. , Jakobsen K. S. , Primmer C. R.
Published: March 2005

One hundred and twenty Danio rerio and Campostoma anomalum microsatellite loci were tested for amplification in the cyprinids Phoxinus phoxinus, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Rutilus rutilus, Abramis brama, Carassius carassius and Gobio gobio. The PCR amplification products were recorded in 35 to 50 loci, depending on focal species. Eight to 28 of the amplifying loci were also polymorphic, establishing potential sets of genetic markers for population genetics studies.
Feigning death in the Central American cichlid Parachromis friedrichsthalii
Authors: Tobler M.
Published: March 2005

Feigning death, a hunting strategy in which a healthy individual acts as if it was dead to trick prey into its reach, is reported for a population of the Central American cichlid Parachromis friedrichsthalii. Possible mechanisms leading to the evolution of such a behaviour are discussed.
Individual feeding success of juvenile perch is consistent over time in aquaria and under farming conditions
Authors: Staffan F. , Magnhagen C. , Alanärä A.
Published: March 2005

Juvenile (0+ year) perch Perca fluviatilis, held in tanks (1 m3) for 8 months under constant temperature (17° C) and light (12L : 12D) conditions, were weighed monthly. Individually marked fish from the tanks were placed in aquaria in groups of four and tested for feeding success, assessed as individual share of a group meal in three identical short‐term aquarium experiments separated in time (January, May and June). The groups consisted of the same individuals in each of the three experiments. In tanks, growth (thermal growth coefficient, GT) was used as a measurement of feeding success. Individual GT in tanks was consistent over time, and individual share of a group meal in aquaria was consistent between consecutive months. There was no connection between individual feeding success in aquaria and GT in tanks in May and June, and in January the factors were negatively correlated. The condition factor at the start of aquarium experiments and feeding success in aquaria were negatively correlated in June and tended to be so also in May. Boldness in aquaria was negatively correlated with growth in tanks. Thus, individuals that were successful in one environment seemed to be less successful in the other. There was a seasonal change in GT, with an increase from March to April and from April to June despite constant day length and temperature.
Early hatching decreases jumping performance in a direct‐developing frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui
Authors: BUCKLEY C. R. , MICHAEL S. F. , IRSCHICK D. J.
Published: March 2005

Differences in timing of development can greatly affect morphology and locomotor performance, which are of crucial importance in juvenile organisms. Early hatching in amphibians can occur in response to egg threats, and early hatched individuals may suffer the costs of physical immaturity posthatching.

We measured maximum jumping performance for early hatched (EH) and normal hatched (NH) froglets of the direct‐developing frog Eleutherodactylus coqui on both a wet and a dry substrate. Snout–vent length, hindlimb length and mass were compared with jumping ability and behaviours on the wet substrate were scored.

EH froglets had lighter mass, shorter relative hindlimbs and performed more poorly on both substrates than NH individuals. Between groups, hindlimb length and snout–vent length scaled higher with mass than the expected geometric scale. EH froglets also engaged in more walking and swimming behaviour than did NH froglets on wet substrates.

We found that EH froglets have shorter relative hindlimbs and poorer jumping performance than NH froglets. EH froglets may compensate for their poor jumping ability by using other forms of locomotion. Limbs that are longer than theoretically predicted may help these terrestrial organisms escape forest‐floor predators.
The energetic cost of humoral immunity in the Collared Dove,Streptopelia decaocto: is the magnitude sufficient to force energy‐based trade‐offs?
Authors: ERAUD C. , DURIEZ O. , CHASTEL O. , FAIVRE B.
Published: March 2005

Energy saving is often suggested as the basis of a resource trade‐off between immunocompetence and other fitness‐relevant traits. This suggests that the energetic cost of an immune response is significant and sufficient to force trade‐offs. To date, few studies have investigated the energetic cost of the humoral component of the immune system in birds and furthermore, existing results are contradictory.

We addressed this question through two experiments. In experiment 1, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of Collared Doves,Streptopelia decaocto, challenged with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was compared with the BMR of control birds. The energetic cost of immunity on host life‐history strategies was compared with another physiological activity, thermoregulation, in experiment 2 to assess its significance.

Experiment 1 showed that antibody production against SRBC increased BMR of birds, with a peak of energy expenditure 7 days after immune activation (+8·5% BMR). In addition, we found that among birds fedad libitum, those mounting a stronger immune response lost significantly more mass than controls or birds mounting a low immune response. In experiment 2, we found the cost of thermoregulation to be 5·27% BMR °C−1.

If results from experiment 1 primarily suggested that an energy‐based trade‐off was expected between immune functions and other fitness‐related traits, experiment 2 showed that the magnitude of this energetic cost corresponded to that used during low levels of thermoregulation. Consequently, we suggest that energy saving is not the central mechanism of a trade‐off mediating immunocompetence. We provide some evidence that the degradation of body condition should be considered as an important additional cost of humoral immunity in the context of a resource‐based trade‐off.
Low energy reserves and energy allocation decisions affect reproduction by Mountain Pine Beetles,Dendroctonus ponderosae
Authors: ELKIN C. M. , REID M. L.
Published: March 2005

Low internal energy reserves at the beginning of the breeding season may impose physiological constraints on an animal's reproductive investment and may alter the optimal trade‐off between investment in reproduction and somatic condition.

Here we examine how the energetic condition of female Mountain Pine Beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae) affects their reproductive investment. We starved beetles to simulate the decrease in energy that accompanies dispersal and tested whether starved beetles had decreased egg number and decreased egg size, or both. We further distinguished whether changes are due to physiological constraints or shifts in allocation between reproduction and somatic condition.

We found that starved beetles produced smaller eggs than non‐starved beetles, but females were able to partially offset the energetic deficit by feeding at their breeding habitat. Starvation did not decrease the number of eggs beetles produced.

The number and size of eggs produced depended on whether females allocated energy to reproduction or to somatic condition. However, this life‐history allocation decision was independent of the amount of energy beetles had at the beginning of reproduction.

Our results demonstrate the importance of assessing reproductive investment in the context of other life‐history trade‐offs. Specifically, since egg size in Mountain Pine Beetles was highly dependent on both the amount of energy remaining after dispersal and whether energy was allocated to reproduction or somatic maintenance, we expect both of these trade‐offs to be under strong selection.
Metal hyperaccumulation in plants: mechanisms of defence against insect herbivores
Authors: BEHMER S. T. , LLOYD C. M. , RAUBENHEIMER D. , STEWART‐CLARK J. , KNIGHT J. , LEIGHTON R. S. , HARPER F. A. , SMITH J. A. C.
Published: March 2005

To determine the mechanisms by which metal hyperaccumulation in plants could provide a chemical defence against insect herbivores, the feeding behaviour and performance of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål), was investigated on plants of Thlaspi caerulescens J. & C. Presl containing different zinc concentrations, as well as on artificial food differing only in Zn content.

In choice experiments, locusts preferred T. caerulescens plants containing low foliar Zn concentrations (mean value 0·42 mg g−1 dry biomass) compared with intermediate (1·50 mg g−1) or high (5·77 mg g−1) Zn concentrations. In no‐choice experiments, there was no difference in the duration of the first meal, suggesting that locusts could not taste Zn directly, but total time spent feeding, amount of foliage eaten, and locust growth rate all decreased as foliar Zn concentration increased.

When presented with artificial food containing Zn concentrations of 0·5, 1·5 or 5·5 mg g−1, locusts fed at a slower rate on intermediate‐ and high‐Zn diets, and their development time from fourth to fifth stadium was proportionately longer. The total amount of food eaten over the fourth stadium was similar for the different treatments, but locust mass gain was inversely related to Zn concentration in the diet. This was reflected in lower nutrient‐utilization efficiencies in locusts on a high‐Zn diet.

In choice experiments with artificial food, locusts showed very similar feeding behaviour to that on plants, consuming more of the low‐Zn food. Experiments using food flavoured with coumarin, provided with or without Zn, showed that the locusts’ aversion to Zn develops by a post‐ingestive feedback mechanism involving associative learning.

These results support the notion that metal hyperaccumulation in plants can provide a defence against insect herbivores, and demonstrate that metal concentration per se can account for the deterrent effect of high‐Zn foods. Aversion responses were evoked by Zn concentrations in the range 0·5–5 mg g−1, an order of magnitude lower than those commonly observed in the foliage of T. caerulescens. This suggests that comparatively small elevations in Zn concentration could confer an adaptive advantage on plants by influencing the feeding behaviour of polyphagous insect herbivores, thereby contributing to evolution of the metal‐hyperaccumulation trait.
The elevational gradient in Andean bird species richness at the local scale: a foothill peak and a high‐elevation plateau
Authors: Herzog Sebastian K. , Kessler Michael , Bach Kerstin
Published: March 2005

A monotonic decline in species richness with increasing elevation has often been considered a general pattern, but recent evidence suggests that the dominant pattern is hump‐shaped with maximum richness occurring at some mid‐elevation point. To analyse the relationship between species richness and elevation at a local scale we surveyed birds from lowlands to timberline in the Bolivian Andes. We divided the transect into 12 elevational belts of 250 m and standardized species richness in each belt with both individual‐ and sample‐based rarefaction and richness estimation. The empirical data were then correlated to four explanatory variables: 1) area per elevational belt, 2) elevation (also representing ecosystem productivity), 3) a mid‐domain effect (MDE) null model of geometrically constrained empirical range sizes, and 4) a hump‐shaped model derived empirically for South American birds representing the regional species pool hypothesis. Local species richness peaked at ca 1000 m elevation, declined sharply to ca 1750 m, and then remained roughly constant. Elevation was the best single predictor, accounting for 78–85% of the variance in the empirical data. A multiple regression model with elevation, area, and MDE explained 85–90% of the variance. Monte Carlo simulations showed that the richness peak at 1000 m is the result of an overlap of two distinct avifaunas (lowland and highland) and that the correlation to MDE in the multiple regression was likely spurious. We recommend complementing correlation analyses involving MDE predictions with an examination of the distribution of range midpoints. The steep decline at mid‐elevations was mainly due to a rapid loss of lowland species. The high‐elevation plateau is striking and unexpected, but has also been found previously. It cannot be explained at present and exemplifies that despite several decades of research elevational gradients are still not well understood.
Does lack of available suitable habitat explain the patchy distributions of rare calcicole fern species?
Authors: Wild Matthew , Gagnon Daniel
Published: March 2005

In Canada, as in many countries, a relatively large number of fern species occur in specialized habitats and have low numbers of known populations containing few individuals. It has been suggested that the distribution of ferns is mostly determined by factors of climate and habitat due to relatively low limitations in ferns for dispersal and establishment. Here, we attempt to explain whether the local patchy distribution of three calcicole fern species rare in Canada (Asplenium ruta‐muraria,Pellaea atropurpureaandWoodsia obtusa) is due to a lack of available habitat. Analyses based on micro‐scale differences between sites occupied by the ferns and nearby, unoccupied sites did not reveal any significant differences, thereby indicating that the rarity of these species is not entirely driven by the rarity of their microhabitat at a local scale. Our results suggest that the widely accepted premise that ferns are not limited by dispersal or establishment should be reconsidered, as such limitations are the only likely explanation for empty available and suitable habitat.
Conceptions of evidence, evidence‐based medicine, evidence‐based practice and their use in nursing: independent nurse prescribers’ views
Authors: Banning Maggi
Published: March 2005

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ conceptions of evidence and evidence‐based practice, whether there are differences between evidence‐based practice and evidence‐based medicine and to identify the uptake of research evidence in the workplace.

Background.  The use and comprehension of the term ‘evidence‐based practice’ in relation to nursing shows remarkable variation. Numerous definitions are provided, some tend to be closely related to the concept ‘evidence‐based medicine’. Independent nurse prescribers need to be able to understand the concept of evidence‐based practice to utilize and apply this concept in order to provide adequate medication management of their patients.

Method.  Data were generated by focus group interview and open question questionnaire and analysed by analytical abstraction.

Results.  Nurses offered a variety of views on the use and uptake of evidence in the workplace. Some nurses acknowledged that they did not read research papers but were aware that they used a lot of evidence in their practice. Nurses had difficulty differentiating evidence‐based practice from evidence‐based medicine.

Conclusions.  Nurses were familiar with the research process but not the canons of evidenced‐based practice. The data generated indicate different levels of evidence are used by nurses. This may be a reflection of the level of intrigue of the nurses involved.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The education and training of independent nurse prescribers should include the exploration of evidence from randomized controlled trials and from naturalistic studies and their contribution to evidenced‐based practice and evidence‐based medicine. Both concepts need to be explored in relation to the medication management of patients.
Predictive survival model with time‐dependent prognostic factors: development of computer‐aided SAS Macro program
Authors: Chen Li‐Sheng , Yen Ming‐Fang , Wu Hui‐Min , Liao Chao‐Sheng , Liou Der‐Ming , Kuo Hsu‐Sung , Chen Tony Hsiu‐Hsi
Published: March 2005

Aims  and  objectives  Computer  program  for  the  prediction  of  survival with respect  to  time‐dependent  proportional  hazards  regression  model has been rarely addressed. We therefore developed a SAS Macro program for time‐dependent Cox regression predictive model for empirical survival data associated with time‐dependent covariates.

Method  Time‐dependent proportional hazards regression model and partial likelihood in association with time‐varying predictors were explicitly delineated. Baseline hazard using Andersen's method was incorporated into proportional hazards regression model to predict the dynamic change of cumulative survival in respect of time‐varying predictors. Two SAS Macro programs for time‐dependent predictive survival model and model validation using receiver operative characteristics were written with SAS IML language.

Results  The computer program was applied to data on clinical surveillance of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) or transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with time‐varying predictors such as alpha‐feto protein (AFP) and other biological markers.

Conclusion  The program is very useful for real‐time prediction of cumulative survival on the basis of time‐dependent covariates.
Investigations on prophylactic effects of coarse feed structure and/or potassium diformate on the microflora in the digestive tract of weaned piglets experimentally infected with Salmonella Derby
Authors: Papenbrock S. , Stemme K. , Amtsberg G. , Verspohl J. , Kamphues J.
Published: March 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine potential prophylactic effects of a coarse feed structure and/or potassium diformate (KDF as feed additive) addition to diets on the microflora of the digestive tract in reared piglets experimentally infected with Salmonella Derby. The results show that coarse grinding as well as KDF addition are able to influence positively the intestinal flora and are capable to reduce Salmonella excretion of infected piglets. Coarse grinding of main ingredients (e.g. cereals) led to an increased number of lactobacilli as well as to higher counts of Gram‐positive coccoid bacteria in the colon chyme, while KDF resulted in a tendency towards lower counts of Escherichia coli within the digestive tract. Moreover, a combination of both treatments influenced the composition of the gastrointestinal flora quite positively. Furthermore, the combination of these dietetic measures resulted in a reduced Salmonella excretion rate, shorter Salmonella shedding period and a reduced translocation of Salmonella within the infected piglets. The positive effects of combining both treatments led to a significantly reduced spreading of Salmonella within the group of pigs, which might be used to diminish Salmonella prevalence in pig production.
Essential fatty acids supplementation in different‐stage atopic dogs fed on a controlled diet
Authors: Abba C. , Mussa P. P. , Vercelli A. , Raviri G.
Published: March 2005

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation in different‐stages atopic dogs fed on a controlled diet. Twenty‐two non‐seasonal atopic dogs of different breeds and ages were included in the 2‐month trial. All the patients were given an essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation [17 mg/kg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + 5 mg/kg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + 35 mg/kg gammalinolenic acid (GLA)], the global (diet + supplementation)ω‐6 toω‐3 ratio was 5.5–1. Two groups of dogs were considered: group A ‘pre‐immunotherapy’ (15 cases) included dogs with early stages atopy, which had not been submitted to any treatment yet; group B ‘post‐immunotherapy’ (seven cases) included dogs with chronic atopy immunotherapy non‐responsive. Clinical evaluations were performed at the beginning, on day 30 and at the end of the trial. Blood serum fatty acids profile was determined at the beginning and at the end of the study. Better clinical results were obtained in group A, a great difference was found between the two groups on pruritus score. Serum arachidonic acid (AA) was significantly lower at the end of the trial in group A while GLA was significantly higher in group B. We hypothesized that different‐stages atopic dogs could have different response to EFA supplementation, maybe because of a different fatty acids metabolism. Early stages cases seem to be more responsive to EFA supplementation.
Dioxin concentration in milk and tissues of cows and sheep related to feed and soil contamination
Authors: Schulz A. J. , Wiesmüller T. , Appuhn H. , Stehr D. , Severin K. , Landmann D. , Kamphues J.
Published: March 2005

If cows or sheep are grazing on areas known for a higher dioxin level of the soil, respectively, dry cows are fed with feedstuffs produced on such areas, the dioxin concentration in food, in this case in cows’ milk and livers of sheep could reach or exceed maximum levels. Furthermore large amounts of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐furans (PCDD/F) can be excreted with the faeces. But there are chances for farmers to prevent or at least to minimize the dioxin load of feed and with it of food (including the harvesting technique and the feeding strategy).
Influence of different calcium concentrations in the diet on bone metabolism in growing dairy goats and sheep
Authors: Liesegang A. , Risteli J.
Published: March 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate, if different Ca concentrations in diets have an influence on bone mineral metabolism in growing goats and sheep. Twelve growing goats and sheep were divided into two groups. The two control groups received 6.1 g calcium/day (nG) and 6.7 g calcium/day (nS) for goat and sheep respectively. The other two groups were fed 17.7 g calcium/day (hG) and 18.5 g calcium/day (hS). Blood samples were taken 2, 4, 5 and 6 weeks after the start of the experiment. In serum Ca and vitamin D were determined and bone metabolism was measured using crosslinked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), crosslaps, bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin (OC). Bone mineral density (BMD) was quantified using quantitative computed tomography. Bone resorption marker (ICTP) concentrations were significantly different between both groups control sheep/control goat and hS/hG, but no significant differences were evident in the different feeding groups within one species. OC concentrations showed a similar course to ICTP. The goats had significantly higher concentrations compared with sheep. The 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (VITD) concentrations in both hCa groups were significantly lower than in the control groups. BMD increased in the hCa groups compared with the control groups with the time, but significant differences were only evident in sheep in week 2. The hCa diet did not induce differences between the groups within one species for all bone markers. The control Ca diet seems to improve the active Ca absorption via VITD whereas the hCa diet leads to a higher amount of Ca apparently digested. Higher BMD was only observed in group hS compared with nS.
The effect of oligofructose on urea metabolism and faecal odour components in cats
Authors: Hesta M. , Hoornaert E. , Verlinden A. , Janssens G. P. J.
Published: March 2005

The effect on urea metabolism by the supplementation of oligofructose to a reduced protein diet was evaluated in cats by the use of labelled urea. The effect on faecal odour was also evaluated. Four cats were tested in a crossover study with two treatments: control and fructo‐oligosaccharide (FOS). The FOS was supplemented at 3.11% on dry matter (DM) basis to a reduced protein diet (28.9% DM). After an adaptation period of 3 weeks, faeces and urine were collected during a 5‐day collection period. Fresh faecal samples were collected for determination of odour components. On the first day of the collection period, labelled urea was injected subcutaneously. Urine production was estimated by potassium excretion. The fresh faecal samples were incubated in an air‐closed recipient with two solid‐phase micro extraction (SPME) fibres to bind the produced sulphur (S)‐containing components. The reduced protein diet decreased plasma urea concentration but FOS supplementation had no effect. The tendency for a higher faecal output by FOS supplementation was the consequence of both an increased moisture content and faecal DM production. Supplementation of FOS showed tendencies to increase total faecal nitrogen (N) excretion and faecal15N excretion and tended to decrease urinary15N excretion. Twenty‐seven different odour components were detected but were not affected by FOS supplementation.
Yeast (different sources and levels) as protein source in diets of reared piglets: effects on protein digestibility and N‐metabolism
Authors: Spark M. , Paschertz H. , Kamphues J.
Published: March 2005

The aim of this study was to examine the feeding value of different yeasts as a substitute for soya bean meal, the main protein source in diets of weaned piglets. Tested two yeasts were already available on the market, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis (beer and milk yeast), which replaced 40% of the soya bean meal in the diets. Furthermore, a yeast (Kluyveromyces fragilis) grown on whey, a side‐product of cheese production, was used in increasing concentrations in the diets, so that increasing amounts of the soya bean meal (20%, 40% and 60%) could be replaced. As proved in these experiments, a replacement of 60% of the soya protein with whey yeast protein had positive effects on the performances (daily weight gain) and on the N‐metabolism and did not have negative effects on the health or the faeces consistency. The whey yeast stands out because of its high protein quality (N‐digestibility and N‐retention). Furthermore, the replacement of soya bean meal with highly digestible yeasts is welcomed under the aspect of animal health, because of the reduction of anti‐nutritive soya components (stachyose, glycinin) in diets of weaned piglets. The controlled production conditions of the yeasts result in a high feed safety; in addition, the yeast as an end‐of‐pipe‐product is a resource conserving and valuable feed. A main stimulus for the use of yeasts, however, in a food production controlled by economic standpoints, is their price and the costs of other competing feeds.
Amino acid concentrations in blood serum of horses performing long lasting low‐intensity exercise
Authors: Bergero D. , Assenza A. , Schiavone A. , Piccione G. , Perona G. , Caola G.
Published: March 2005

The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes in the concentrations, after two rides different for distance covered, of different amino acids in endurance horses. Blood samples have been collected from horses just before the start, at the top of a steep slope (819 m difference in height) and just at the end of a 32‐km endurance ride. A second group, competing in a 72 km endurance ride, has also been sampled immediately before and after the race. In serum samples, the concentrations of alanine, arginine, asparagine, glycine, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, lysine, methionine, ornithine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine have been measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). anova and t‐test have been used to study the differences in the concentrations of the amino acids. The pre‐ride concentrations of the free amino acids were different between the two races, except for methionine and leucine. Differences between start and end race have been found for both groups for all the considered parameters except asparagine, isoleucine, leucine and lysine for the 72 km ride. Increases have been recorded for the shorter and decreases for the longer ride in the blood serum concentrations. Significant increases have also been found between the starting sampling and the second, at the top of the slope, only for alanine, arginine, asparagines, phenylalanine and lysine. The ride length has a significant impact on blood serum amino acids mobilization and uptake; in the shorter race the increases stand only for mobilization, whereas in the longer the decrease can be considered the effect of the onset of the amino acids catabolism.
(11Z)‐hexadec‐11‐enal enhances the attractiveness of Diatraea saccharalis main pheromone component in wind tunnel experiments
Authors: Kalinová B. , Kindl J. , Hovorka O. , Hoskovec M. , Svatoš A.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  GC‐EAD and GC‐MS analysis of pheromone gland extracts of sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis, revealed two antennally active compounds, (9Z,11E)‐hexadeca‐9,1‐dienal and (11Z)‐hexadec‐11‐enal, in approximately 10 : 1 ratio. Various doses of identified compounds were investigated in wind tunnel experiments individually and in a 10 : 1 ratio. At all tested doses (9Z,11E)‐hexadeca‐9,1‐dienal alone elicited upwind orientation and source location only in a minority of tested males. An admixture of (11Z)‐hex‐11‐enal enhanced the attractiveness of (9Z,11E)‐hexadeca‐9,11‐dienal significantly. This two‐component blend (100 pg) was as attractive as natural pheromone extracted from three female pheromone glands. The data suggest that (11Z)‐hexadec‐11‐enal is a part of the D. saccharalis sex pheromone.
Aphid species identification using cuticular hydrocarbons and cytochrome b gene sequences
Authors: Raboudi F. , Mezghani M. , Makni H. , Marrakchi M. , Rouault J. D. , Makni M.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  In Tunisia, four major aphid species have been identified based on adult female's morphological characters: Aphis gossypii Glover, Aphis craccivora Koch, Myzus persicae Sluzer and Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas. Species identification at individual collection sites is often difficult because adults are much fewer in number than larvae which are not so easy to distinguish morphologically. We therefore set up an experiment to determine if cuticular hydrocarbon phenotypes and mitochondrial DNA haplotypes could be used to distinguish such sympatric species. Results showed that each species had an unique cuticular hydrocarbon phenotype and mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence. Cytochrome b restriction fragment‐length polymorphism markers, especially DdeI, identified in this sudy constitute a relatively simple and useful approach to distinguish the four species even at the nymphal stage.
Two Genetically Distinct Populations of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. Causing Anthracnose Disease of Yam (Dioscorea spp.)
Authors: Abang M. M. , Fagbola O. , Smalla K. , Winter S.
Published: March 2005

Variation within Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the causal agent of yam anthracnose disease, is still poorly defined and this hinders breeding for resistance. Two morphotypes of C. gloeosporioides, designated slow‐growing grey (SGG) and fast‐growing salmon (FGS), are associated with anthracnose disease of yam in Nigeria. The morphotypes are distinguishable based on colony and conidial morphology, growth rate, virulence, as well as vegetative compatibility, but molecular differentiation of SGG and FGS strains is needed to facilitate epidemiological studies. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified small subunit (18S) rDNA fragments, and microsatellite‐primed PCR (MP‐PCR) genomic fingerprinting were employed to provide a basis for molecular differentiation of the morphotypes. DGGE analysis revealed patterns that clearly differentiated isolates of the aggressive defoliating SGG from the moderately virulent non‐defoliating FGS strains. Genetic analysis based on 52 MP‐PCR markers revealed highly significant differentiation between the SGG and FGS populations on yam (GST = 0.22; Nei's genetic identity = 0.85; θ = 0.28, P < 0.001), indicating that the SGG and FGS morphotypes represent genetically differentiated populations. The results of the molecular typing using DGGE and MP‐PCR analyses were consistent with the disease phenotype caused by the two morphotypes. Consequently, these molecular techniques might be used, at least partly, to replace time‐consuming virulence studies on yam.
Control of Root Rot and Wilt caused by Pythium myriotylum in Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)
Authors: Tsror (Lahkim) L. , Hazanovsky M. , Mordechai‐Lebiush S. , Ben‐David T. , Dori I. , Matan E.
Published: March 2005

Control of root rot and wilt on Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos) caused by Pythium myriotylum was tested, using artificial inoculations, in greenhouse experiments. Disease incidence in the inoculated but non‐treated plots was 74% in Expt A (1999) and 46% in Expt B (2000). Disease incidence was significantly reduced by treatments with fenamidon (26 and 70%) and Terraclor SuperX (65 and 41%) in Expts A and B, respectively, in comparison with the non‐treated plots. Disease incidence was reduced with Ridomil Gold by 7 and 48% in Expts A and B, respectively; with Dynone by 22 and 41% in Expts A and B, respectively; with Tachigaren by 20% in both experiments; and with Trichoderma harzianum treatment, disease incidence was reduced by 9% only in Expt B. Yields (recorded only in Expt B) obtained in plots inoculated with P. myriotylum were significantly lower than in the non‐inoculated control plots. The most efficient treatment was fenamidon, with 324% more flowers than in the non‐treated control. The number of flowers in terraclor SuperX, Ridomil Gold, Dynone and T. harzianum treatments was higher by 285, 249, 234 and 235% than in the non‐treated control.

In vitro tests demonstrated that the most effective doses, causing 50% inhibition of mycelial growth (ED50), were 0.09, 0.4, 0.4 and 4 μg/ml for the fungicides fenamidon, Ridomil Gold (mefenoxam), Terraclor SuperX (etridiazole + quintozene) and Dynone (prothiocarb), respectively.
Localization of Indian hedgehog and PTH/PTHrP receptor expression in relation to chondrocyte proliferation during mouse bone development
Authors: MacLean Helen E. , Kronenberg Henry M.
Published: March 2005

We have developed a useful approach to examine the pattern of gene expression in comparison to cell proliferation, using double in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. Using this system, we examined the expression of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) and PTH/PTHrP receptor (PPR) mRNA in relation to chondrocyte proliferation during embryonic mouse bone development. Both genes are expressed strongly in prehypertrophic and early hypertrophic chondrocytes, and there is a strong correlation between upregulation of both Ihh and PPR expression and chondrocyte cell cycle arrest. At embryonic day (E14.5), PPR mRNA upregulation begins in the columnar chondrocytes just prior to cell cycle exit, but at later time points expression is only observed in the postproliferative region. In contrast, Ihh mRNA expression overlaps slightly with the region of columnar proliferating chondrocytes at all stages. This study provides further evidence that in the developing growth plate, cell cycle exit and upregulation of Ihh and PPR mRNA expression are coupled.
‘Complexity’ and ‘Congruence’ in Australian Labour Regulation
Authors: Bray Mark , Waring Peter
Published: March 2005

It is asserted that much of the literature on changing labour regulation in Australia only provides a partial analysis of recent tends. In particular, it is contended that researchers have neglected issues of complexity and congruence in the regulatory structure. In this paper we define these important dimensions of labour regulations, demonstrate their importance and attempt to explain how their omission arises from the theoretical and methodological foundations of previous research. We conclude by advocating the inclusion of these concepts in future research.
Diversity in Union Security Among Enterprise Unions: Cases of Korean Metal Firms from a Micro-Socioeconomic Perspective
Authors: Jeong Jooyeon
Published: March 2005

By examining case studies of five enterprise unions in three industries in the Korean metal sector, this paper finds that union security (i.e. the actual ability of unions to engage in organisation and bargaining for employee representation) varies across unions. Distinct levels of security are characterised by considering structural and functional features of enterprise union organisation and bargaining. These diverse features turn out to be closely related to industry- or firm-specific growth patterns and their prospects, industrial structures, types of recent industrial and enterprise restructurings, histories of union-employer relations at industry and firm levels, and relevant choices in employers’ union policies. The findings of this study call for some refinements in the previous studies in British and Korean union activities due to their outdated research focus that ignores these significant developments at industry and firm levels.
Roles and Social Construction of Accounting in Industrial Relations
Authors: Amernic Joel , Craig Russell
Published: March 2005

This paper aims to enhance understanding of accounting concepts and practices in the industrial relations community by contrasting the alleged technical and nontechnical roles of accounting. By non-technical roles, we mean the ideological, social and perception-fashioning roles of accounting procedures and processes. Our principal contention is that the industrial relations community would benefit from improved awareness of the non-technical character of accounting—especially through alertness to the rhetorical features and social construction of accounting. Four often-unapparent nontechnical roles of accounting in industrial relations are discussed and their significance is highlighted.
Water in the Environment/Socio-Economic Development Discourse: Sustainability, Changing Management Paradigms and Policy Responses in a Global System
Authors: Allan J. A.
Published: March 2005

This paper provides narrative and analytical frameworks for understanding the changing approaches to the valuation, allocation and the management of water resources in the North and the South. The study emphasizes the allocative politics of this important element of environmental capital and its combination with other capitals over the last 50 years. In examining these allocative politics, the role of the concept of sustainability is demonstrated. Discursive hydro-politics are shown to mediate the contested claims on the freshwater resources required by society, the economy and the environment. An historical narrative illustrates five water management paradigms and how they conform to modernity theory. Cultural theory is shown to be particularly relevant for those wanting to support the recently evolved fifth paradigm approach to the allocation and management of water. The theory is supported by reference to the water-short Middle East and North Africa and the dialogue on large dams. The article concludes that a hydro-centric approach is inadequate; water management challenges are associated with complex and sometimes wonderfully invisible processes integral to a political economy.
Rice, Oil and the Atom: A Study of the Role of Key Material Resources in the Security and Development of Japan
Authors: Kelly Dominic
Published: March 2005

This article examines the impact on Japan's political economy and foreign policy of its lack of natural resources. Applying the concept of Japan as a ‘reactive’ state to linked case studies of rice, oil and atomic power it explores aspects of the relationship between culture, institutions and political processes in domestic politics and foreign policy. In so doing it argues that Japan's poor resource endowments have driven it to engage (re)actively – and often unwisely – in international affairs, an engagement both facilitated and constrained by its close alliance with the United States. This mediated engagement will continue into the foreseeable future.
Have Federal Judges Changed Their Sentencing Practices? The Shaky Empirical Foundations of the Feeney Amendment
Authors: Schanzenbach Max
Published: March 2005

The Feeney Amendment to the PROTECT Act of 2003 restricted judicial discretion to make downward departures. Supporters of the Amendment argued that federal district court judges were increasingly departing below the ranges specified in the Sentencing Guidelines, reducing sentences and increasing sentencing disparities. Using data on all federal criminal sentences between 1993 and 2001, this article argues that federal sentencing practices did not change appreciably over the relevant time period. First, while the rate of downward departures increased, much of the increase can be explained by a number of potentially relevant variables such as type of offense, the offense level, district of sentencing, and offender characteristics. Second, even though downward departures were more frequent, average total prison sentences hardly changed. Third, there is no evidence that the increasing number of Democratic appointees on the federal district court bench affected average prison sentences or the rate of downward departures. Finally, the influence of Guidelines factors on prison sentences has remained constant.