bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial DNA mutations in a patient with sex reversal and clinical features consistent with Fraser syndrome
Authors: Wong L‐JC , Lin Y‐H , Suwannarat P , Hsu C‐H , Kwon H‐Y , Mackowiak S
Published: February 2005

We describe a 20‐year‐old 46,XY woman, with clinical findings of Fraser syndrome and three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. The patient had microphthalmia, blindness, widely spaced nipples, bifid ureter, syndactyly of the toes, and mental retardation. Sonography showed the presence of a uterus and intra‐abdominal gonads. The proband was screened for mtDNA mutations because of chronic gastrointestinal pseudo‐obstruction, urinary tract dysmotility, seizures, mental retardation and persistent macrocytosis, as well as the intermittent elevation of methylmalonic acid. Analysis of point mutations by multiplex polymerase chain reaction and allele‐specific oligonucleotide dot‐blot hybridization revealed three homoplasmic mtDNA mutations, T14484C, T4216C, and T3394C. This represents a unique case with sex reversal, Fraser‐like syndrome, and mitochondrial disease.
Exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatic children and adolescents after nasal allergen challenge
Authors: Pedroletti Christophe , Lundahl Joachim , Alving Kjell , Hedlin Gunilla
Published: February 2005

Epidemiological data suggest a comorbidity link between nasal and bronchial allergic disease. Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a sensitive marker of bronchial inflammation and increases after bronchial allergen provocation. We studied FENO in 19 children and adolescents with allergic asthma and 10 controls before and 2, 6 and 24 h after a single nasal allergen challenge. The correlation between FENO and other markers of allergic inflammation, such as eosinophils in blood and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in serum and nasal lavage was also assessed. FENO remained unchanged 24 h post‐challenge in both steroid and steroid‐naïve patients. At 6 h post‐challenge, FENO decreased in both asthmatics and controls. The asthmatic subjects showed a positive correlation between FENO and blood eosinophils before (r = 0.71, p = 0.001) and after the challenge, and between FENO and ECP in nasal lavage (r = 0.62, p = 0.02) 2 h after the challenge. Mean ECP in nasal lavage increased post‐challenge but not significantly. We conclude that a single nasal allergen challenge does not augment bronchial inflammation although FENO, is related to blood eosinophil count and to the nasal inflammatory response. Our data do not support the theory of a direct transmission of the nasal inflammation to the lower airways.
Additive effect of eosinophilia and atopy on exhaled nitric oxide levels in children with or without a history of respiratory symptoms
Authors: Barreto Mario , Villa Maria P. , Monti Fabiana , Bohmerova Zuzana , Martella Susy , Montesano Marilisa , Darder Maria T. , Ronchetti Roberto
Published: February 2005

Although atopy and blood eosinophilia both influence exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) measurements, no study has quantified their single or combined effect. We assessed the combined effect of atopy and blood eosinophilia on eNO in unselected schoolchildren. In 356 schoolchildren (boys/girls: 168/188) aged 9.0–11.5 yr, we determined eNO, total serum IgE, blood eosinophil counts and did skin prick tests (SPT) and spirometry. Parents completed a questionnaire on their children's current or past respiratory symptoms. Atopy was defined by a SPT > 3 mm and eosinophilia by a blood cell count above the 80th percentile (>310 cells/ml). eNO levels were about twofold higher in atopic–eosinophilic subjects than in atopic subjects with low blood eosinophils [24.3 p.p.b. (parts per billion) vs. 14.1 p.p.b.] and than non‐atopic subjects with high or low blood eosinophils (24.3 p.p.b. vs. 12.2 p.p.b. and 10.9 p.p.b.) (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The additive effect of atopy and high eosinophil count on eNO levels remained unchanged when subjects were analyzed separately by sex or by a positive history of wheeze (n = 60), respiratory symptoms other than wheeze (n = 107) or without respiratory symptoms (n = 189). The frequency of sensitization to Dermatophagoides (Dpt or Dpf) was similar in atopic children with and without eosinophilia (66.2% and 67.4%, respectively); eosinophilia significantly increased eNO levels in Dp‐sensitized children as well in children sensitized to other allergens. In a multiple linear regression analysis, eNO levels were mainly explained by the sum of positive SPT wheals and a high blood eosinophil count (t = 4.8 and 4.3, p = 0.000), but also by the presence of respiratory symptoms (especially wheeze) and male sex (t = 2.6 and 2.0, p = 0.009 and 0.045, respectively). Measuring eNO could be a simple, non‐invasive method for identifying subjects at risk of asthma in unselected school populations.
Efficacy and safety of modified Mai‐Men‐Dong‐Tang for treatment of allergic asthma
Authors: Hsu Ching Hsaing , Lu Chun Mei , Chang Tung Ti
Published: February 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal formula modified Mai‐Men‐Dong‐Tang (mMMDT) for treatment of persistent, mild‐to‐moderate asthma. A total of 100 asthmatic patients were enrolled and assigned to three treatment groups in this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Over a period of 4 months, patients in groups A and B received 80 and 40 mg/kg/day of mMMDT, while those in group C received a placebo. Efficacy variables included changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), symptom score, serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and dust mite‐specific IgE. Safety assessments included complete blood count, and liver and kidney function. Relative to baseline, significantly greater increases in FEV1 were demonstrated for both A and B groups in comparison with the placebo‐treated analog (both p < 0.05). Further, similar improvements in symptom score were observed for both mMMDT treatment groups. The serum total IgE for group A showed a decreasing tendency after treatment but no statistical difference was noted. Furthermore, no drug‐related adverse effects were reported. Blood test, and liver and kidney function were within normal range during the study, with no marked changes demonstrated over time. In conclusion, the Chinese herbal formula mMMDT provided improvements in lung function and relieved asthma symptoms in our sample of patients. Given its efficacy and safety, we consider mMMDT a credible treatment regimen for persistent, mild‐to‐moderate asthma.
The Silent Bared‐Teeth Face and the Crest‐Raise of the Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx): a Contextual Analysis of Signal Function
Authors: Laidre Mark E. , Yorzinski Jessica L.
Published: February 2005

The functions of two visual signals of the mandrill [silent bared‐teeth face (SBTF) and crest‐raise (CR)] were investigated by quantifying the probability of each signal occurring across a set of distinct contexts. The motivation for the investigation was twofold: (1) SBTF had been interpreted in diverse and sometimes contradictory ways, and (2) CR had been interpreted as a distinct signal from SBTF, despite indications that the two signals grade into one another. In our investigation we considered four functions for both SBTF and CR (threat, submissive, conciliatory, and ambivalent), and we made specific predictions about the relative probability that a signal with each of these functions should occur in different contexts. To determine if SBTF and CR represent a single graded signal, we analyzed them separately and together. We predicted that if they represent a single graded signal, then they should exhibit similar patterns of occurrence across contexts when they were analyzed separately, and that these patterns should be strengthened when they were analyzed together. The results showed that both SBTF and CR met the predictions for conciliatory signals, occurring most often in non‐aggressive, non‐hostile contexts and least often in aggressive, hostile contexts. The results were also consistent with the hypothesis that SBTF and CR represent a single graded signal.
Analysis of Unbalanced Data by Mixed Linear Models Using the mixed Procedure of the SAS System
Authors: Spilke J. , Piepho H. P. , Hu X.
Published: February 2005

Unbalanced data are a common problem in plant research based on designed experiments. Such data are often conveniently analysed using linear mixed models. Recent developments in mixed model theory have been implemented in major packages. This paper describes the use of the mixed procedure of the SAS System for the analysis of designed experiments. Special emphasis is given to the specification of options as depending on the assumed mixed model and on the unbalancedness in the data. In addition, we consider a compact representation of multiple comparisons for unbalanced data (letter display). Two small data sets are used to exemplify the methods.
Intercropping for the Improvement of Sorghum Yield, Soil Fertility and Striga Control in the Subsistence Agriculture Region of Tigray (Northern Ethiopia)
Authors: Reda F. , Verkleij J. A. C. , Ernst W. H. O.
Published: February 2005

Striga hermonthica is a major biotic constraint in the dry and less fertile areas of northern Ethiopia. Emphasis is being placed on improved cropping systems to address the interrelated problems of Striga and soil fertility decline. The potential benefits of intercropping were investigated at two sites representing different environments for crop yield improvement, soil fertility maintenance and Striga control. Ten food legume and oilseed crop species were compared in inter‐row arrangement with sorghum under non‐fertilized conditions. In most cases, there was no significant negative impact of intercropping on sorghum growth and development. Among the intercrops, two cowpea varieties – cv. TVU 1977 OD and cv. Blackeye bean – produced the highest supplemental yield of up to 329 and 623 kg ha−1 grain and 608 and 1173 kg ha−1 biomass at Adibakel and Sheraro respectively. Treatment differences on Striga infestation and measured soil fertility indicators were not significant. Nevertheless, valuable grain and biomass obtained from the legume intercrops, without seriously compromising sorghum yield, could offer multiple benefits as a source of protein, additional income, feeds for animals and manure in the subsistence agriculture regions of northern Ethiopia.
Haemodynamics in leptospirosis: Effects of plasmapheresis and continuous venovenous haemofiltration
Authors: SIRIWANIJ TONGPRAKOB , SUTTINONT CHUANPIT , TANTAWICHIEN TERAPONG , CHUSIL SAUWALUCK , KANJANABUCH TALERNGSAK , SITPRIJA VISITH
Published: February 2005

Background:  Haemodynamics in leptospirosis may differ from that of sepsis because of frequently obeserved myocarditis and severe cholestatic jaundice. A haemodynamic study was therefore made in 10 patients with severe leptospirosis.

Methods and Results:  All patients had pulmonary complications with a chest X‐ray showing either pulmonary oedema or infiltration. Renal failure was present in nine patients. Three patterns of haemodynamics were revealed. The first pattern was observed in six patients who showed increased cardiac index, decreased systemic vascular resistance, normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, normal pulmonary vascular resistance and hypotension. The pattern resembled that of sepsis. The second pattern shown in two patients with haemoptysis consisted of a normal cardiac index, normal systemic vascular resistance, normal blood pressure, normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. The third pattern was observed in two patients with severe jaundice who had hypotension, a relatively low cardiac index, increased systemic vascular resistance and normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance. Plasmapheresis performed in two patients and continuous venovenous haemofiltration performed in two patients improved systemic haemodynamics and normalized blood pressure with a resolution of lung signs.
Renal cholesterol embolism: Analysis of two spontaneous autopsy cases
Authors: EHARA TAKASHI , YAZAWA MASANOBU , KONISHI KOUNOSUKE , HORA KAZUHIKO , SHIGEMATSU HIDEKAZU
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY:  Two cases of spontaneous cholesterol embolism, which followed different clinical courses, acute and chronic renal failure, are presented and histopathological lesions are compared. Both cases were diagnosed as cholesterol embolism post‐mortem. Case 1 (a 66‐year‐old man) had acute onset of illness with fever, leucocytosis and renal failure, diagnosed as vasculitis, and died of rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Case 2 (an 84‐year‐old man) had eosinophilia of unknown aetiology for 7 years with intermittent worsening of renal function and died of sepsis. Case 1 had diffuse cholesterol crystal emboli in the interlobular arteries and arterioles of the kidney, but case 2 had patchy cholesterol emboli in the interlobular arteries of the kidney. The aorta of case 1 was diffusely ulcerated, which is in contrast to that of case 2, who had limited ulceration in thoracic aorta, which might have contributed to the long duration of illness. Immunohistochemically, the number of macrophages and T cells that infiltrated around cholesterol emboli in the arteries was more in case 1 (macrophages 27.7, T cells 36.1/mm2) than in case 2 (2.7, 1.38/mm2). Focal interstitial inflammation occurred in both cases. In case 1, marked tubulitis was observed. Case 2 had rather severe atrophy of the tubules and fibrotic interstitium where mast cells were rich (31.9/mm2). The number of B cells and eosinophils was few in case 2 (11.35, 0.7/mm2) compared with case 1 (101.9, 16.15/mm2). These results suggest that in acute lesions of renal cholesterol embolism, macrophages and T cells accumulate around cholesterol crystals and cause tubulointerstitial inflammatory lesions with other inflammatory cells. In chronic lesions, macrophages, T cells and mast cells are the major inflammatory cells present in the interstitium.
Haemodialysis catheter‐related right transverse cervical artery pseudoaneurysm and treatment by coil embolization
Authors: SIU YUI PONG , TONG MATTHEW KH , POON WAI LUN , TSUI WAI CHUEN , KWAN TZE HOI
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY:  In patients with end‐stage renal disease, temporary placement of venous catheters for haemodialysis (HD) is often necessary, and the right internal jugular (RIJ) vein is the usual preferred site of HD catheter placement. We report here a patient who experienced complications because of the development of a pseudoaneurysm of the transverse cervical artery following an apparently uneventful RIJ vein cannulation for temporary HD, using the blind landmark‐guided technique. This is a rare complication of RIJ vein cannulation and HD catheter placement. The pseudoaneurysm presented 3 weeks after the procedure and was diagnosed by using colour‐Doppler ultrasound, followed by an angiogram, and it was successfully occluded using endovascular coil embolization.
Overview of observational studies of low‐dose helical computed tomography screening for lung cancer
Authors: MANSER Renee L. , IRVING Louis B. , DE CAMPO Margaret P. , ABRAMSON Michael J. , STONE Christine A. , PEDERSEN Karen E. , ELWOOD Mark , CAMPBELL Donald A.
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Lung cancer is a substantial public health problem in Western countries. Evidence from previous controlled trials of chest radiography and sputum cytology does not support lung cancer screening, but computed tomography (CT) screening has recently emerged as a more sensitive screening tool. For the present article, the available observational studies of low‐dose helical CT screening for lung cancer were reviewed.

Methodology:  An evidence‐based review of all published observational studies of low‐dose helical CT screening for lung cancer, identified by an extensive search of Medline, was conducted.

Results:  Eight observational studies of CT screening for lung cancer were identified. Relative to chest radiography, low‐dose helical CT is a sensitive screening tool and can detect a high proportion of small lung cancers at an early and resectable stage. The yield of sputum cytology in addition to CT screening appears to be relatively low. To date, 5‐year lung cancer survival of all individuals participating in baseline screening has not been reported for any of the studies.

Conclusions:  Although these preliminary studies are very promising, it remains to be proven that the early detection and treatment of lung cancer will lead to a reduction in mortality. This issue will be addressed by randomized controlled trials. In the interim, the long‐term follow up of these observational studies could provide further insights.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis associated with influenza B
Authors: HASEJIMA Nobuchika , YAMATO Kunio , TAKEZAWA Shinji , KOBAYASHI Hiroaki , KADOYAMA Chikabumi
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. However, rarely, this infection can occur in normal hosts. This review of the literature identified 13 cases of IPA associated with influenza, of which 12 had influenza A and the type of influenza was not mentioned in the other case. Reported here is a case of IPA, which was associated with influenza B, in a 63‐year‐old immunocompetent woman. Her lungs showed gross invasion and she was treated with itraconazole and amphotericin B. She required mechanical ventilation for about 5 months but recovered completely. This is the first reported case of IPA associated with influenza B.
Gas exchange and exercise tolerance following bullectomy
Authors: SONI Rajeev , MCKEOUGH Zoe J , DOBBIN Catherine J , YOUNG Iven H
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  This study evaluates the physiological responses to giant bullectomy. A 42‐year‐old female with bilateral giant bullae presented with dyspnoea and exercise limitation. At baseline and 3 months after bullectomy she had tests of lung function; exercise capacity via a symptom‐limited cycle test and a 6‐min walk test (6MWT). Quality of life (QoL) and gas exchange using the multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET) were also assessed. There were significant improvements in pulmonary function following surgery with the FEF25–75% predicted increasing from 16 to 96. The 6MWT increased by 10% and the peak leg work capacity by 48%. A MIGET measure of the distribution of perfusion (Log SDQ) fell from 0.52 to 0.36. There was also radiological improvement in hyperinflation and diaphragmatic configuration. The QoL total score decreased from 56 to 25. This patient demonstrated significant improvements in exercise tolerance, gas exchange and QoL following bullectomy.
Comparison of sputum induction using inhaled methacholine or hypertonic saline
Authors: JAMES Alan L. , MAXWELL Peta S. , ELLIOT John G.
Published: February 2005

Objectives:  Hypertonic saline is recommended for the induction of sputum to assess airway inflammation. Methacholine is most commonly used to assess airway responsiveness. The aim of this study was to compare sputum induction by methacholine and hypertonic saline challenges, and the subsequent inflammatory cell differential counts.

Methodology:  Subjects (n = 56) underwent inhaled hypertonic saline (4.5% for ≤ 15 min without bronchodilator pretreatment) and methacholine (maximum cumulative dose 4 µmol) challenges 1 week apart, in random order. Sputum was processed, and on cytospins stained with May–Grunwald–Giemsa, a total of 400 inflammatory plus squamous cells were counted to obtain a differential cell count.

Results:  A satisfactory sputum sample was obtained from 29 subjects following hypertonic saline and also from 10 subjects following methacholine. For these 10 subjects, the mean percent macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes were similar after methacholine (64%, 26%, 7% and 1%) or hypertonic saline (67%, 26%, 6% and 1%). The results were similar for squamous cells (42% and 45%) and when asthmatics and nonasthmatics were compared separately.

Conclusions:  Inhaled methacholine has a much lower yield of sputum induction compared with hypertonic saline. However, the differential sputum cell count is similar following both challenge agents.
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting as multiple pleural tumours
Authors: OHNISHI Hiroshi , ABE Masahiro , HAMADA Hironobu , YOKOYAMA Akihito , HIRAYAMA Takeru , ITO Ryoji , NISHIMURA Kazutaka , HIGAKI Jitsuo
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  A 66‐year‐old man was admitted with dyspnoea. Chest X‐ray and chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a left‐sided pleural effusion and multiple tumours, suggesting malignant mesothelioma in the left pleural space, but there were no pulmonary lesions. However, abdominal CT revealed a right renal tumour. An ultrasonography‐guided needle biopsy of the pleural mass provided evidence of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The pleural lesions dramatically decreased in size following right radical nephrectomy and subsequent interferon‐α treatment. While the thorax is a frequently affected site of RCC, sole pleural metastases are rare and are often secondary to lung involvement. Batson's plexus, a network of vertebral valve‐less veins with multiple connections, is likely responsible for the contralateral pleural metastases of RCC.
Visible male nipple shadows in chest radiographs
Authors: OHWADA Akihiko , SATO Katsuhiko , TAMORI Yoshiki , YAMADA Takaharu
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Annual company employee physical examinations are performed in Japan and include a chest X‐ray. Among nodular shadows observed in the lower lung field, nipple shadow is a normal structure to be differentiated, and understanding its characteristics in chest X‐rays aids in the interpretation of solitary nodular shadows.

Methodology:  Chest X‐rays from male employees over 35 years of age at two different companies were analysed for anatomical location, morphology, and size of nipple shadows. If unilateral or bilateral solitary nodular shadows in the lower lung field coincided with the lead nipple marker, we defined it as ‘definitive’ nipple shadow. If the nodular shadow was observed to be stable for at least 2 years at the typical nipple position, we defined it as ‘possible’ nipple shadow without confirmation with nipple marking.

Results:  Typical nipple position, from the analyses of definitive nipple shadows (n = 15), was between the ninth and tenth posterior ribs and within 60 mm from the inner margin of the rib. The nipple was oval or round and did not exceed 15 mm in size. Incidence of definitive and possible (n = 25) nipple shadows was estimated as 3.5% of examined males (n = 1150). Thoracic computed tomography scanning was conducted in four cases, of which three cases involved solitary nodular shadows that did not coincide with the nipple marker, and one was for a newly formed nodular lesion not detected in previous chest X‐rays.

Conclusion:  Visible male nipple shadows are not rare and need to be differentiated among the solitary nodular shadows in the lower lung field.
Pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: JAURAND Marie‐Claude , FLEURY‐FEITH Jocelyne
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) results from neoplastic transformation of mesothelial cells. Past asbestos exposure represents the major risk factor for MPM, as the link between asbestos fibres and MPM has been largely proved by epidemiological and experimental studies. Asbestos fibres induce DNA and chromosome damage linked to oxidative stress following phagocytosis. Recently, simian virus 40 (SV40) has been implicated in the aetiology of MPM. The origin of human infection has been associated with SV40‐contaminated polio vaccines, although to date, no epidemiological data supports this hypothesis. SV40 may act as a coactivator of asbestos in mesothelial oncogenesis. The transforming potency of SV40 results from the activity of two viral proteins, large T and small t antigens. SV40 infection stimulates production of growth factors elsewhere implicated in autocrine growth of mesothelioma cells and inactivates RASSF1, a gene silenced in MPM. Roles for ionising radiation, chemicals or genetic factors have also been suggested from the observation of sporadic MPM cases or animal studies. Genetic alterations in the tumour suppressor genes, P16/CDKN2A and neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), are found both in human MPM and in asbestos‐exposed Nƒ2‐deficient mice. MPM is still of great international concern. Despite a ban on asbestos use in Western countries, the incidence of MPM is increasing, due to the long delay between asbestos exposure and diagnosis. Moreover, asbestos is still used in developing countries. The implication of other risk factors, especially SV40, supports a need for further research into MPM.
Life History Studies on the Genus Trillium (Liliaceae) II. Reproductive Biology and Survivorship of Four Eastern North American Species
Authors: Kawano Shoichi , Ohara Masashi , Utech Frederick H.
Published: February 2005

Abstract The stage class structures and the reproductive characteristics as well as energy allocation to reproductive activities were studied in four North American Trillium species (Liliaceae)—T. grandiflorum, T. erectum, T. undulatum and T. sessile. In addition, a comparison was also made of the life history characteristics of these four North American species with those of Japanese species.

As a result, the stage class structures of these four species were discriminated for each species based on leaf area. The study revealed that they all possess similar depletion curves characterized by a conspicuous decrease of individuals belonging to the juvenile stages (from stage class 0 to 2). The switchover of stages, i.e, from one‐leaf to three‐leaved sterile stages, from three‐leaved sterile to fertile stages, or vice versa, was found to occur in different size ranges for each species. In all four species examined, reproductive allocation to total reproductive structures (RA) at the mature fruiting stage was almost independent of biomass, but the number of propagules produced per plant (Pn) was clearly dependent on the size of plants (individual biomass). Three species, T. grandiflorum, T. erertum and T. sessile, showed a proportional increase in Pn in response to the increase in RA, as found in four Japanese Trillium species, and also in a number of other perennial herbs growing in closed, stable and predictable environments with an outbreeding system. This trend, however, was not obvious in T. undulatum, i.e., Pn was independent of RA. With respect to seed characteristics, these species exhibited relatively high seed setting rates per ovule. Trillium undulatum showed very high fecundity, 92.40% and 85.38% in two years' samples, suggesting that this species is a typical inbreeder. Contrary to Japanese Trillium species, which showed proportional increase in seed weight in response to an increase in ploidy levels (from 2x to 6x), these diploid species showed wide variation in seed weight, ranging from 4.15 mg to 7.80 mg.
Evolution of Campanula punctata Lam. in the Izu Islands: Changes of Pollinators and Evolution of Breeding Systems
Authors: Inoue Ken , Amano Makoto
Published: February 2005

Abstract The pollination and breeding systems of Campanula punctata both in the Izu Islands and the mainland (Honshu) adjacent to the islands were investigated. The predominant pollinators of campanulas are: 1) Bombus diversus in Honshu, 2) Bombus ardens and halictid bees on Oshima Island, and 3) halictid bees on the islands of Niijima, Kodzushma, and Hachijo. The absence of bumble bees except B. ardens on Oshima Island, and the abundance of halictid bees represent a kind of island effect. Flowers of the campanula in the Islands were found to be smaller than those of the mainland. This might have resulted from adaptation to the small pollinators. Pollination experiments with plants grown from seeds revealed the following differences in breeding system: 1) most of the campanulas from Honshu were highly self‐incompatible (SI) and a few partially self‐compatible (SC), 2) one half of the plants from Oshima Island were more or less SC and the remaining highly SI, 3) those from Hachijo Island were SC and potentially autogamous. The breakdown of dichogamy co‐operated with self‐compatibility in the development of self‐fertilizing ability in Hachijo plants. Several possible causes for the change in the breeding system including the change in pollinators in the Islands are discussed.
The Cytogeography of the Genus Eupatorium (Compositae)—A Review*—
Authors: Watanabe Kuniaki
Published: February 2005

Abstract The evolutionary history of Eupatorium is interpreted on the basis of the cytogeo graphical data from polyploid complexes. In North America, agamospermous polyploid complexes have their centers of distribution in the southeastern United States, Polyploids have a greater geographical range and occur more abundantly than their corresponding diploids. The diploids, which are related to polyploids, are confined either along the Coastal Plain, or in the Ouachita, Ozark and Appalachian Mountains, which are regarded as their refuges during the last lee Age. Speciation in Asian eupatoria has been induced predominantly by geographical isolation at the diploid level in the islands along the continental are. The polyploids of Asian taxa are confined to the rather limited habitats created by recent human activities. Both North American and Japanese eupatoria appear to have diminished their distribution to the southern refuges at some stage during the last Ice Age and since have spread northwards as the climate has improved. During this period, the range extension has been accelerated by human activities, and the agamospermous polyploids have colonized preferentially into the newly available, drier and more open habitats than those which diploids inhabited previously. This range extension has permitted many secondary contacts between previously separated species and has given rise to the new polyploid hybrids. The moist inhabiting species have stayed strictly or largely on the diploid level throughout their widespread geographical range up to the present time.
Regulatory Mechanisms of Reproductive Effort in Plants II. Plasticity in Reproductive Energy Allocation and Propagule Output of Glycine max Merr. (Leguminosae) Cultivated at Varying Densities and Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Nagai Yukio , Kawano Shoichi
Published: February 2005

Abstract Plasticity in growth, reproductive energy allocation (RA), and reproductive output were studied in Glycine max Merr. Cv. Enrei (Leguminosae) grown under varying densities and soil nitrogen levels.

Marked plastic responses were detected in individual biomass, the patterns of resource allocation to total reproductive structures (RA) and also to propagules, reproductive outputs, and propagule weight under changing densities and soil nitrogen levels. Plants cultivated at higher densities exhibited proportionately lower individual biomass, lower RA, lower seed output, and smaller seed size in response to increasing density and decreasing soil nitrogen levels, although some deviations were observed, especially in the highest density plot with no fertilization. Differences due to different N‐levels were not as great as those to changing density, which may in part be due to the fact that soybean has nitrogen‐fixing bacteria in root tubercles, just as in any other Leguminosae. Fecundity was also maintained at the similar high rates of 80–97% in all plots examined, although slight but steady decreases were noted with increasing density. This resemblance in fecundity may be due to its strong inbreeding system.

Another important finding was that seed production under limited resource availability, notably lack of ample solar radiation due to strong interference at higher density plots, is exceedingly costly. This was most clearly exhibited by a sharp increase in relative energy partitioning to a single propagule in response to the increased density, the relative energy cost to a single propagule (RA) increasing from one to seven‐fold. The results obtained in this study coincide well with the findings made in other plants, e.g., Helianthus annuus, Oryza sativa, and Coix ma‐yuen, with the same experimental designs.
Genetic Structure in a Heterocyanic Population of Trillium sessile (Liliaceae)
Authors: Whitkus Richard , Bryan Finley A. , Les Donald H. , Tyrrell Lucy E.
Published: February 2005

Abstract Species of Trillium in the subgenus Phyllantherum are either polymorphic for flower color, or monomorphic for flower color and related to a polymorphic species. This leads to the suggestion that polymorphic species may be the progenitors for monomorphic ones. For this to be true, it must be demonstrated that genetic divergence among flower morphs can occur within polymorphic populations. Genetic structure was assessed in a population of T. sessile that contains a polymorphism for flower color. A survey of 11 enzyme systems using starch gel electrophoresis revealed three polymorphic loci: 6PGD‐1, AAT‐1 and AAT‐2. Analysis of large and small scale spatial structure, stage classes, and flower color classes revealed significant genetic divergence in all instances. Spatial structure in the population is likely a result of genetic neighborhoods which can maintain populational variation via random genetic drift. Genetic divergence of the yellow flower color morph was probably initiated through genetic drift since the morph occurs in low frequencies. The results imply that the initial genetic divergence of species in the subgenus can arise within polymorphic populations.
Biotic Interaction between a Rust Fungus, Uromyces erythronii Pass., and its Host Plant, Erythronium japonicum Decne. (Liliaceae)
Authors: Fukuda Tatsuo , Nakamura Shigemasa
Published: February 2005

Abstract A characteristic pattern of infection by a rust fungus, Uromyces erythronii Pass, on its host plant, Erythronium japonicum Decne. (Liliaceae) was observed in a field population for three years from 1981 to 1983. Due to the primary infection by teliospores of U. erythronii in the soil layer, spermogonia and aecia were formed on the abaxial leaf surface along the midrib of E. japonicum. In the case of flowering individuals, however, spermogonia and aecia were only formed on the larger of the two leaves. An increase of individuals bearing telia was restricted by rapid decaying of leaf tissue of the host plant. A high percentage of rusted individuals was observed in the Erythronium populations, and U. erythronii obviously has some effects on the growth of its host plant. However, its infection does not appear to be a direct cause of the death of Erythronium individuals in the field populations.
Self‐pollination of Asarum caulescens Maxim. (Aristolochiaceae) in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Hajime , Yahara Tetsukazu
Published: February 2005

Abstract Observations in two populations of Asarum caulescens belonging to sect. Asarum indicate that inbreeding predominates becuase (1) no effective pollinator was observed, (2) bagged flowers set fruits with well‐swollen seeds, and (3) the behaviour of filaments, changing from recurved to straight posture, results in direct deposition of pollen grains on the stigmas. This result agrees with reports on three other species of sect. Asarum in Europe and North America. We suggest that species of sect. Asarum diverged from an autogamous ancestor.
Biomass Allocation in the Dioecious Tropical Palm Chamaedorea tepejilote and Its Life History Consequences
Authors: Oyama Ken , Dirzo Rodolfo
Published: February 2005

Abstract The patterns of resource allocation are described for a dioecious tropical palm, Chamaedorea tepejilote. Resource allocation was measured by harvesting fifteen plants of C. tepejilote. The relative allocation of biomass in the stem increased with the size of the plant; that in the leaves decreased and that in the other structures remained roughly constant. Female plants showed a greater total reproductive effort, though male plants produced more inflorescences during the flowering season. Both male and female plants allocated more resources to prop root than to hypogeal roots. The annual productivity of reproductive and vegetative parts of C. tepejilote was estimated using allometric relationships for different plant structures and from demographic data obtained from the field. Annually, female plants allocated significantly more resources to leaves than male plants. Yearly productivity of inflorescences was higher for male plants, while female plants had greater total reproductive productivity (inflorescences and fruits). Correlation analysis showed an increase in reproductive effort with plant size, and an inverse relationship between fecundity and probability of survival, fecundity and residual reproductive value, and reproductive effort and life expectancy; these relationships suggested a cost in reproduction. Additionally, mature plants with different growth rates exhibited differences in fecundity: tall plants (>2.5m height) that grew more than 40 cm in height in four years had lower values of fecundity in comparison to plants of slower growth. These data were discussed in the context of the implications in the life history of a dioecious tropical plant.
Optimal Reproductive Strategy of Plants, with Special Reference to the Modes of Reproductive Resource Allocation
Authors: Hara Toshihiko , Kawano Shoichi , Nagai Ymukio
Published: February 2005

Abstract A growth model for reproductive energy allocation pattern and schedule is proposed. Assumptions are as follows: (1) the assimilation rate for an individual is given by a logistic curve of vegetative dry weight; (2) size variability is expressed by the parameter W of the logistic curve (asymptotic value of vegetative dry weight); (3) a plant controls allocation of the assimilate to vegetative and reproductive structures so as to maximize the reproductive energy investment at the end of the growth period. The models were analyzed in comparison with field and experimental observations and gave reasonable explanations for the reproductive allocation pattern of individuals which reflects ecological preferences and life history characteristics, such as environmental conditions of habitats (stable or changing), length of life span (annual, biennial or perennial) and growth form (erectophile or planophile). Decreasing RA (reproductive allocation) with individual size and delayed switchover time from vegetative to reproductive growth were found in plants which occur in stable environments and have a more or less fixed growth period; in those which occur in changing environments where growth period depends on individual size, RAs that remain constant or increase with variations in individual size and early switchover time were detected. Most perennials conform to the former case, but annuals and biennials conform to the latter case. Under extremely overcrowded conditions, planophiles, which are much more subject to crowding effect than erectophiles, tend to have increasing RA with increasing size, while erectophiles tend to have almost constant RA irrespective of size. These trends are discussed in the light of the life history characteristics and ecological distribution of plant species studied.
A Preliminary Study of the Pollination Ecology of Pedicularis (Scrophulariaceae) in Japan
Authors: Macior Lazarus Walter
Published: February 2005

AbstractAn introductory study of the pollination ecology of six Japanese species ofPedicularisconducted in 1982 and 1983 indicated a close parallel between characteristics of floral mechanisms in Japan and those previously investigated in North America. Floral color, floral form, total dissolved solids in floral nectar, and polinator behavior on flowers of Japanese species are similar to those of North American species. Blooming phenology of Japanese species also corresponds to the North American sequence of long‐tongued, nectar‐foraging queen bumblebees (Bombus Latr.)pollinating nectariferous, earlier‐blooming species nototribically and short‐tongued, pollen‐foraging workers pollinating nectarless, rostrate flowers of later‐blooming ones sternotribically. Electrofocus analysis of peroxidase systems in two Japanese species indicated considerable intrapopulational heterozygosity. Nectar component analysis of two transboreal species indicated intraspecific differences in kinds of sugars between widely disjunct Japanese and North American populations. A tentative conclusion is that the Japanese and North American Pedicularis floras have evolved in a parallel manner from Himalayan migrants, while their transboreal elements are in process of vicariant diversification.
Leaf Structure and Photosynthetic Performance as Related to the Forest Succession of Deciduous Broad‐Leaved Trees1
Authors: Koike Takayoshi
Published: February 2005

Abstract Photosynthetic response to light intensity and leaf anatomy was measured in trees of 30 seral deciduous broad‐leaved species native to the northern part of Japan. Early successional species showed high photosynthetic rates at high light saturation, while late successional species displayed low photosynthetic rates at high light saturation. The photosynthetic characteristics of mid‐successional or gap phase species were intermediate. After reaching the maximum photosynthetic rates, the initial decline in early successional species was faster than late successional species. There was a negative correlation between the leaf stable period and saturated photosynthetic rates. Early successional species have thicker leaves with a smaller cuticle ratio (i.e., ratio of cuticle width to leaf thickness) than late successional species. There was a positive correlation between cuticle ratio and leaf longevity. The percentage of air space in leaves of early successional species was larger than that in late successional species. A positive correlation was observed between the mesophyll surface area per unit area and saturated photosynthetic rates. In gap phase species, leaf sizes and maximum photosynthetic rates were smaller in seedlings than in saplings. However, these differences between seedlings and saplings were less frequently observed than in early and late successional species. The ecological importance of leaf structure and photosynthetic characteristics is discussed in relation to forest succession.
Pattern of Breeding‐System Change in the Izu Islands in Campanula punctata: Bumblebee‐Absence Hypothesis
Authors: Inoue Ken
Published: February 2005

Abstract Bagging experiments of Campanula punctata were carried out in natural populations on the six of the Izu Islands and mainland Honshu to investigate distribution of self‐incompatibility. Additional observations on pollinators of Campanula supplementary to the previous study (Inoue and Amano, 1986) were made. Most of the plants on Honshu and Oshima Island showed self‐incompatibility: while almost all plants in the Izu Islands except Oshima were self‐compatible. Bumblebees did not exist in the Izu Islands except Oshima and the dominant pollinators of Campanula in these islands were halictid bees. These results support a hypothesis that a decrease in pollination efficiency in the absence of bumblebees results in the evolution of breeding systems in Campanula.
Life History Evolution in the Genus Trillium
Authors: Ohara Masashi
Published: February 2005

Abstract Various life history characteristics were studied and compared for 27 species of the genus Trillium growing in Japan and eastern North America, in order to clarify the modes of life history, evolution within this genus. The 27 species showed notable differences in several life history traits, such as population structures and reproductive characteristics, including reproductive allocation, ovule number, reproductive output, propagule size, etc. Remarkable differences in life history traits were observed between pedicellate‐ and sessile‐flowered species. The pedicellate‐flowered species showed relatively larger individual biomasses, larger reproductive outputs, lower energy investment to a single propagule (RA), and smaller seeds. On the other hand, sessile‐flowered species were characterized by smaller individual biomasses, lower reproductive outputs, higher RA, and larger seeds. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) on the reproductive traits clearly revealed that the morphological and geographical differentiations in the genus Trillium were very closely related to the modes of differentiation in significant life history and demographic parameters.

Of the various reproductive characteristics, differences in ovule number, reproductive output, seed setting rate, and seed weight clearly reflect the degree of differentiation in these significant fitness components of each species. In spite of the similarity in floral morphology, Japanese erect‐flowered species showed much larger ovule numbers and larger reproductive outputs than those of eastern North American erect‐flowered species. The declinate‐flowered species differed from erect‐flowered species in having lower seed‐setting rates. Furthermore, several sessile‐flowered species with vegetative reproduction exhibited lower ovule numbers and lower seed‐setting rates. These species with vegetative reproduction showed similar convex‐shaped population structures, while sexual reproducing species possessed population structures of a typical sigmoid type. Vegetative reproduction in the genus Trillium seems to have differentiated to supplement the inefficiency of offspring recruitment by sexual reproduction in ecologically somewhat unstable habitats, such as flood plains of rivers. However, these sessile‐flowered species showed higher relative energy allocations to single propagules (RA), suggesting that the energy cost of producing seeds proportionately increases in harsher and unstable habitats. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate that life history and demographic parameters of the species in the genus Trillium have differentiated in direct relation to different underlying environmental regimes peculiar to each species and species groups.
Variation and Evolution in the Karyotype of Lycoris (Amaryllidaceae) V. Chromosomal Variation in L. sanguinea Maxim.
Authors: Kurita Siro
Published: February 2005

Abstract In 554 bulbs from 38 populations of Lycoris sanguinea, several chromosomal variations have been discovered. Most of the bulbs have a common karyotype consisting of 22 acrocentric (A) chromosomes. Though their frequencies are low, some rearranged chromosomes which are aberrant have been found. The aberrants are as follows: 1. Subtelocentrics (ST); 2. Telocentrics (T′); 3. Metacentrics (M′); 4. Very small acrocentrics (a); 5. Very small metacentrics (m); 6. Acentric fragments (Ac); and 7. Dicentrics (Di) chromosome. All can be easily suspected to be derived from As. Some aberrations of the satellite chromosomes have been observed also. In addition, a new karyotype composed of 2n=32=31A+ 1M′ chromosomes has been found.
Geographical Variation in Thermal Germination Responses in Campanula punctata Lam.
Authors: Inoue Ken , Washitani Izumi
Published: February 2005

Thermal germination responses of eight seed populations of Campanula punctata, two from Honshu (Kanto District) and six from the Izu Islands, were compared in a laboratory test. Eight populations showed different germination patterns with regard to presence/absence of thermal induction of secondary dormancy and within‐population variation in germination rate of non‐dormant seeds. The adaptive significance of observed germination patterns is discussed.