bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification and Characterization of Enzymes Exhibiting β-d-Xylosidase Activities in Stem Tissues of Arabidopsis
Authors: Minic Zoran , Rihouey Christophe , Do Cao Trung , Lerouge Patrice , Jouanin Lise
Published: June 2004

This work describes the purification and characterization of enzymes that exhibit β-d-xylosidase activity in stem tissues of Arabidopsis. This is the first detailed investigation that concerns the characterization of catalytic properties and sequence identity of enzymes with β-d-xylosidase activities in a dicotyledonous plant. Three different enzymes, ARAf, XYL4, and XYL1 with apparent molecular masses of 75, 67, and 64 kD, respectively, were purified to homogeneity. ARAf was identified as a putative α-l-arabinofuranosidase, and XYL4 and XYL1 as putative β-d-xylosidases using matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time of flight. ARAf belongs to family 51 and XYL4 and XYL1 to family 3 of glycoside hydrolases. ARAf and XYL1 have highest specificity for p-nitrophenyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside and XYL4 for p-nitrophenyl-β-d-xylopyranoside and natural substrates such as xylobiose and xylotetraose. XYL4 was shown to release mainly d-Xyl from oat spelt xylan, rye arabinoxylan, wheat arabinoxylan, and oligoarabinoxylans. ARAf and XYL1 can also release d-Xyl from these substrates but less efficiently than XYL4. Moreover, they can also release l-Ara from arabinoxylans and arabinan. Overall, the results indicate that XYL4 possesses enzymatic specificity characteristic for a β-d-xylosidase, while ARAf and XYL1 act as bifunctional α-l-arabinofuranosidase/β-d-xylosidases. Analysis of the activity of these three enzymes in stem tissues at different stages of development has shown that young stems possess the highest activities for all three enzymes in comparison to the activities of the enzymes present in stems at older stages of development. High enzyme activities are most likely related to the necessary modifications of cell wall structure occurring during plant growth.
16,17-Dihydro Gibberellin A5 Competitively Inhibits a Recombinant Arabidopsis GA 3β-Hydroxylase Encoded by the GA4 Gene
Authors: Zhou Rong , Yu Min , Pharis Richard P.
Published: June 2004

Ring D-modified gibberellin (GA) A5 and A20 derivatives are structurally similar to GA20 and GA9 (the precursors to growth-active GA1 and GA4) and, when applied to higher plants, especially grasses, can reduce shoot growth with concomitant reductions in levels of growth-active GAs and increases in levels of their immediate 3-deoxy precursors. The recombinant Arabidopsis GA 3β-hydroxylase (AtGA3ox1) protein was used in vitro to test a number of ring D-modified GA structures as possible inhibitors of AtGA3ox1. This fusion protein was able to 3β-hydroxylate the 3-deoxy GAs, GA9 and GA20, to GA4 and GA1, respectively, and convert the 2,3-didehydro GA, GA5, to its 2,3-epoxide, GA6. Michaelis-Menten constant (K  m) values of 1.25 and 10 μ  m, respectively, were obtained for the GA9 and GA20 conversions. We utilized the enzyme's ability to convert GA20 to GA1 in order to test the efficacy of GA5, 16,17-dihydro GA5 (dihydro GA5), and a number of other ring D-modified GAs as inhibitors of AtGA3ox activity. For the exo-isomer of dihydro GA5, inhibition increased with the dose of dihydro GA5, with Lineweaver-Burk plots showing that dihydro GA5 changed only the K  m of the enzyme reaction, not the V  max, giving a dissociation constant of the enzyme-inhibitor complex (K  i) of 70 μ  m. Other ring D-modified GA derivatives showed similar inhibitory effects on GA1 production, with 16,17-dihydro GA20-13-acetate being the most effective inhibitor. This behavior is consistent with dihydro GA5, at least, functioning as a competitive substrate inhibitor of AtGA3ox1. Finally, the recombinant AtGA3ox1 fusion protein may be a useful screening tool for other effective 3β-hydroxylase inhibitors, including naturally occurring ones.
Beyond Arabidopsis. Translational Biology Meets Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Authors: Irish Vivian F. , Benfey Philip N.
Published: June 2004

Developmental processes shape plant morphologies, which constitute important adaptive traits selected for during evolution. Identifying the genes that act in developmental pathways and determining how they are modified during evolution is the focus of the field of evolutionary developmental biology, or evo-devo. Knowledge of genetic pathways in the plant model Arabidopsis serves as the starting point for investigating how the toolkit of developmental pathways has been used and reused to form different plant body plans. One productive approach is to identify genes in other species that are orthologous to genes known to control developmental pathways in Arabidopsis and then determine what changes have occurred in the protein coding sequence or in the gene's expression to produce an altered morphology. A second approach relies on natural variation among wild populations or crop plants. Natural variation can be exploited to identify quantitative trait loci that underlie important developmental traits and, thus, define those genes that are responsible for adaptive changes. The possibility of applying comparative genomics approaches to Arabidopsis and related species promises profound new insights into the interplay of evolution and development.
Genome-Wide ORFeome Cloning and Analysis of Arabidopsis Transcription Factor Genes
Authors: Gong Wei , Shen Yun-Ping , Ma Li-Geng , Pan Yi , Du Yun-Long , Wang Dong-Hui , Yang Jian-Yu , Hu Li-De , Liu Xin-Fang , Dong Chun-Xia , Ma Li , Chen Yan-Hui , Yang Xiao-Yuan , Gao Ying , Zhu Danmeng , Tan Xiaoli , Mu Jin-Ye , Zhang Da-Bing , Liu Yu-Le , Dinesh-Kumar S.P. , Li Yi , Wang Xi-Ping , Gu Hong-Ya , Qu Li-Jia , Bai Shu-Nong , Lu Ying-Tang , Li Jia-Yang , Zhao Jin-Dong , Zuo Jianru , Huang Hai , Deng Xing Wang , Zhu Yu-Xian
Published: June 2004

Here, we report our effort in generating an ORFeome collection for the Arabidopsis transcription factor (TF) genes. In total, ORFeome clones representing 1,282 Arabidopsis TF genes have been obtained in the Gateway high throughput cloning pENTR vector, including 411 genes whose annotation lack cDNA support. All the ORFeome inserts have also been mobilized into a yeast expression destination vector, with an estimated 85% rate of expressing the respective proteins. Sequence analysis of these clones revealed that 34 of them did not match with either the reported cDNAs or current predicted open-reading-frame sequences. Among those, novel alternative splicing of TF gene transcripts is responsible for the observed differences in at least five genes. However, those alternative splicing events do not appear to be differentially regulated among distinct Arabidopsis tissues examined. Lastly, expression of those TF genes in 17 distinct Arabidopsis organ types and the cultured cells was profiled using a 70-mer oligo microarray.
Positioning Arabidopsis in Plant Biology. A Key Step Toward Unification of Plant Research
Authors: Bevan Michael , Walsh Sean
Published: June 2004

One of the major challenges in biological investigation involves developing a robust predictive framework in which biological outputs can be predicted from input data and knowledge of the state of the system. Currently, genomics-based strategies provide a strong framework for integrating biological knowledge within a species and linking knowledge between diverse organisms, as DNA sequence is a durable, accurate, and complete record of biological information. As such, it provides the best source of information upon which predictive rules can start to be built, tested, and generalized. Generalization is a key component of predictive biology because it defines the extent to which we can accurately predict from one instance to another. In plant science, several important research themes are concerned with generalization, and progress in these areas is reviewed here. The importance of developing a framework for predictive biology that includes a much wider variety of plant species is also emphasized.
The institution of tenure: freedom or discipline?
Authors: Wicks David
Published: June 2004

Tenure, the permanency of employment offered to university professors, is discussed in the context of an institutionalized practice. This article examines the bases of legitimacy of this institution, specifically as a mechanism to protect academic freedom and trade‐off for higher pay. An analysis of the cases of two Canadian academics suggests that both of these bases of legitimacy are an institutional myth. By rendering the untenured faculty member highly visible and subject to measurement and classification, they are susceptible to intervention and management. As such, the preservation of tenure is rationalized in a rule‐like way that espouses its benefits and obfuscates its dark side. The resulting experiences indicate some negative consequences of tenure that do not receive widespread attention.
Strategy visualisation: knowing, understanding, and formulating
Authors: Platts Ken , Hua Tan Kim
Published: June 2004

The key to executing strategy is to have people in the organisation understand it. As the complexity of the business environment increases, good communication and shared understanding among managers are vital. Managers need to present increasing amounts of information to one another clearly and effectively. A good diagram can convey instantly, and memorably, a relationship that would otherwise require a laborious and easily forgotten explanation. However, a review of the literature shows that little is available to guide managers in applying visualisation techniques to assist them in a strategy formulation process. This paper briefly reviews visualisation, and explores how visualisation can be used to support strategic decision making. The different visualisation requirements of a strategy formulation process are discussed. Then, a range of strategy tools developed by the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, is introduced and their applications are described. Finally, a strategy visualisation framework, which might help practising managers identify useable visualisation tools for strategy formulation; and help researchers identify where future research in visualisation would be industrially relevant, is introduced.
Organisational ethics and employee satisfaction and commitment
Authors: Chye Koh Hian , Boo El'fred H.Y.
Published: June 2004

This study examines the relationship between organisational ethics and organisational outcomes based on the justice theory and cognitive dissonance theory. The sample data are derived from a questionnaire survey of 237 managers in Singapore. Results obtained from decision trees indicate significant and positive links between ethical culture constructs (i.e. top management support for ethical behaviour and the association between ethical behaviour and career success within the organisation) and job satisfaction. Further, there is a significant and positive link between job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Also, for different levels of job satisfaction, particular aspects of organisational ethics are associated with organisational commitment. The results suggest that organisational leaders can use organisational ethics as a means to generate favourable organisational outcomes.
Lighting up the “dark side” of international export/import relationships
Authors: Pressey Andrew , Tzokas Nikolaos
Published: June 2004

It is widely held that long‐term relationships between buyers and suppliers are beneficial for both parties. This view has become axiomatic in contemporary management. However, little empirical evidence exists to support the benefits of long‐ versus short‐term relationships. This study examines the degree to which export relationships can be sustained over time, thus producing mutual benefits for the parties involved. The perceptions of 212 UK export managers from a broad range of industrial sectors were obtained. Using relationship duration as a categorising variable four groups of international relationships were examined based on relationship elements (e.g. trust, commitment) and performance components (e.g. relationship costs, value). The findings reveal that there is some weakening of the relationships over time as is illustrated in terms of the reduced level of affective commitment; however, perceptions of competence and performance show signs of significant increase. Further, the findings indicate that exporters in relationships with a high relational content (e.g. trust, commitment) generally achieve higher than average performance outcomes. Long‐term relationships do indeed suffer from a “dark side”; however, this is lightened by a mutual appreciation of competencies that enable sustained performance.
Computer simulation of the new ring seal coaction in combustion engine
Authors: Kaźmierczak Andrzej
Published: June 2004

A computer simulation which as model loads uses program KIVA 3 for combustion engine work process (combustion chamber heat flux, pressure and temperature) computations has been developed. It makes it possible to compute the pressure and temperature distributions and the motion of the charge in the combustion chamber at a particular point in the work cycle. Computer models of the ring seal components were constructed using computer code Parasolid v. 11. The models render to the finest detail the design‐material features of the ring seal components. The Nastran program was used to perform FEM computations for a selected point of engine work (at a crank angle of 10°) at which the maximum averaged temperatures and pressures were found to occur in the combustion chamber. Finally, 3D temperature and pressure distributions for the whole ring seal were obtained. On their basis, inferences can be made about the design‐technological nature of the seal under development.
Analysis of shafts surface pressures using neural networks
Authors: Osman Kurban Ali
Published: June 2004

This paper presents an investigation into the classical problem using an experimental apparatus and applying an artificial neural network (NN) optimisation approach for determining the pressure distribution in a journal bearing at elasto‐hydrodynamic state of lubrication. The experimental system is employed at different working speeds with different surface roughness of shafts for getting pressure distribution. A NN is employed to predict the real data of the system as an optimisation technique. The NN is a radial basis function back propagation network. The NN has a superior performance to follow the desired results of the system and is employed to analyse such systems parameters in practical applications.
Determination of synthesis conditions of neutral calcium sulfonate, so‐called detergent‐dispersant
Authors: Celik Ali , Besergil Bilsen
Published: June 2004

In this study, the conditions of obtaining neutral calcium sulfonate which is added to engine oils as a detergent‐dispersant was studied. For this purpose, post‐dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, obtained from post‐dodecyl benzene which remains as the bottom product during the production of dodecyl benzene sulfonate was used as the initial substance. Additionally, the reactor to be used in the production of neutral calcium sulfonate was designed and the amounts of spindle‐oil, toluene, raw sulfonic acid solution and Ca(OH)2 used during neutralization were determined.
Openness to Experience and Boundaries in the Mind: Relationships with Cultural and Economic Conservative Beliefs
Authors: Hiel Alain Van , Mervielde Ivan
Published: June 2004

Abstract
The present research investigates whether Openness to Experience and Boundaries in the mind are related to conservatism. In the first study, significant relationships between several scales of the Boundaries in the mind questionnaire and indicators of conservative beliefs were obtained in an adult sample (N=78) as well as in a sample of political party activists (N=44). In the second study, these negative relationships between conservatism and thin boundaries were replicated in an adult sample (N=225). Moreover, two dimensions representing Boundaries in the mind were identified, one positively related to Openness to Experience and negatively to conservatism and the second showing high positive correlations with Neuroticism. The exceptionally strong correlations between conservatism and the Boundaries in the mind facet scales Opinions about organizations, Opinions about beauty, truth, Edges, lines, clothing and Opinions about peoples, nations, groups are discussed, as well as the weak relationships between economic conservatism and Openness to Experience.
Individual Differences in Emotional Complexity: Their Psychological Implications
Authors: Kang Sun‐Mee , Shaver Phillip R.
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Two studies explored the nature and psychological implications of individual differences in emotional complexity, defined as having emotional experiences that are broad in range and well differentiated. Emotional complexity was predicted to be associated with private self‐consciousness, openness to experience, empathic tendencies, cognitive complexity, ability to differentiate among named emotions, range of emotions experienced daily, and interpersonal adaptability. The Range and Differentiation of Emotional Experience Scale (RDEES) was developed to test these hypotheses. In Study 1 (N=1,129) students completed questionnaire packets containing the RDEES and various outcome measures. Study 2 (N=95) included the RDEES and non‐self‐report measures such as peer reports, complexity of representations of the emotion domain, and level of ego development measured by a sentence completion test. Results supported all of the hypotheses, providing extensive evidence for the RDEES's construct validity. Findings were discussed in terms of the role of emotional complexity in ego maturity and interpersonal adaptability.
Traits and Stories: Links Between Dispositional and Narrative Features of Personality
Authors: McAdams Dan P. , Anyidoho Nana Akua , Brown Chelsea , Huang Yi Ting , Kaplan Bonnie , Machado Mary Anne
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Dispositional traits and life narratives represent two different levels of personality that have not previously been empirically linked. The current study tested five hypotheses connecting Big‐Five traits to life‐narrative indices of emotional tone, theme, and structure. Students (Study 1) and adults (Study 2) completed a self‐report measure of the Big‐Five traits and provided extended written accounts of either ten (students) or eight (adults) key life‐narrative scenes, including life high points, low points, and turning points. Content analysis of the narrative data revealed that for both samples Neuroticism was positively associated with an emotionally negative life‐narrative tone, Agreeableness was correlated with narrative themes of communion (e.g., friendship, caring for others), and Openness was strongly associated with the structural complexity of life narrative accounts. Contrary to prediction, however, Conscientiousness was not consistently associated with themes of agency (e.g., achievement, self‐mastery) and Extraversion was unrelated to positive narrative tone. The results are discussed in the context of contemporary research and theorizing on the narrative study of lives and the relation of narrative research in personality to more conventional, trait‐based approaches.
Standing Out in Canada and Japan
Authors: Tafarodi Romin W. , Marshall Tara C. , Katsura Haruko
Published: June 2004

Abstract
The need for separation or individuation is held to be a prime motive in Western psychology. Varied accounts of the meaning of selfhood in Japan indicate that separation may be much less important—or as important—for understanding the construction of self‐identity in that culture. We focus here on personal distinctiveness, one vehicle for separation from others. We propose that the desire for distinctiveness is not absent or negligible in Japan, but is subject to more constrained expression than in the West. The results of two studies comparing Japanese and Canadian students suggest that Japanese are less desirous of standing out for their own sake and more likely to experience this form of distinctiveness as aversive. The results also suggest that although Japanese and Canadians derive positive distinctiveness from much the same sources, Japanese are less gratified by this type of experience.
Towards Understanding Assessments of the Big Five: Multitrait‐Multimethod Analyses of Convergent and Discriminant Validity Across Measurement Occasion and Type of Observer
Authors: Biesanz Jeremy C. , West Stephen G.
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Multitrait‐multimethod analyses were used to examine the degree of convergent and discriminant validity of the Big Five. Phase 1 examined self‐reports of the Big Five across three measurement occasions. Self‐reports of the Big Five traits were stable, but were moderately intercorrelated. Phase 2 examined assessments of the Big Five across different types of informants (self, peer, and parent). Assessments converged across types of informants and, importantly, there was no evidence of correlation between the Big Five traits across the perspectives of different types of informants. The present results suggest that the degree of orthogonality of the Big Five traits depends on the source of the data. A single informant produces Big Five traits that are intercorrelated, whereas diverse informants tend to produce a much more orthogonal structure. Discussion focuses on methodological considerations in examining levels of convergent and discriminant validity and the theoretical implications for understanding personality assessments and the relationship between three‐and five‐factor models of personality.
Russia's oil potential: prospects and implications
Authors: Bahgat Gawdat
Published: June 2004

Since the late 1990s, Russia's oil production has experienced a steady resurgence. As a result, Moscow has regained its status as a major oil producer, exporter and crucial player in global energy markets. This paper argues that this rising Russian role should neither be overestimated nor underestimated. It examines some of the main characteristics of the country's oil industry, notably the investment climate, production‐sharing agreement regime and pipeline capacity.

Russia's rising production is likely to enhance global energy security. Moscow and other major oil producers share a similar goal — stability of the oil market and international economy. Today's energy market should not be analysed in zero‐sum terms. Major oil producers coordinate their policy with each other and with major consumers.
PRICING IN AN INCOMPLETE MARKET WITH AN AFFINE TERM STRUCTURE
Authors: Young Virginia R.
Published: June 2004

We apply the principle of equivalent utility to calculate the indifference price of the writer of a contingent claim in an incomplete market. To recognize the long‐term nature of many such claims, we allow the short rate to be random in such a way that the term structure is affine. We also consider a general diffusion process for the risky stock (index) in our market. In a complete market setting, the resulting indifference price is the same as the one obtained by no‐arbitrage arguments. We also show how to compute indifference prices for two types of contingent claims in an incomplete market, in the case for which the utility function is exponential. The first is a catastrophe risk bond that pays a fixed amount at a given time if a catastrophe does not occur before that time. The second is equity‐indexed term life insurance which pays a death benefit that is a function of the short rate and stock price at the random time of the death of the insured. Because we assume that the occurrence of the catastrophe or the death of the insured is independent of the financial market, the markets for the catastrophe risk bond and the equity‐indexed life insurance are incomplete.
OPTIMAL SHOUTING POLICIES OF OPTIONS WITH STRIKE RESET RIGHT
Authors: Dai Min , Kwok Yue Kuen , Wu Lixin
Published: June 2004

The reset right embedded in an option contract is the privilege given to the option holder to reset certain terms in the contract according to specified rules at the moment of shouting, where the time to shout is chosen optimally by the holder. For example, a shout option with strike reset right entitles its holder to choose the time to take ownership of an at‐the‐money option. This paper develops the theoretical framework of analyzing the optimal shouting policies to be adopted by the holder of an option with reset right on the strike price. It is observed that the optimal shouting policy depends on the time dependent behaviors of the expected discounted value of the at‐the‐money option received upon shouting. During the time period when the theta of the expected discounted value of the new option received is positive, it is never optimal for the holder to shout at any level of asset value. At those times when the theta is negative, we show that there exists a threshold value for the asset price above which the holder of a reset put option should shout optimally. For the shout floor, we obtain an analytic representation of the price function. For the reset put option, we derive the integral representation of the shouting right premium and analyze the asymptotic behaviors of the optimal shouting boundaries at time close to expiry and infinite time from expiry. We also provide numerical results for the option values and shouting boundaries using the binomial scheme and recursive integration method. Accuracy and run time efficiency of these two numerical schemes are compared.
ON THE STABILITY OF CONTINUOUS‐TIME PORTFOLIO PROBLEMS WITH STOCHASTIC OPPORTUNITY SET
Authors: Korn Ralf , Kraft Holger
Published: June 2004

In this paper we present some counterexamples to show that an uncritical application of the usual methods of continuous‐time portfolio optimization can be misleading in the case of a stochastic opportunity set. Cases covered are problems with stochastic interest rates, stochastic volatility, and stochastic market price of risk. To classify the problems occurring with stochastic market coefficients, we further introduce two notions of stability of portfolio problems.
Ex vivo analysis of aberrant splicing induced by two donor site mutations in PKLR of a patient with severe pyruvate kinase deficiency
Authors: van Wijk Richard , van Wesel Annet C. W. , Thomas Adri A. M. , Rijksen Gert , van Solinge Wouter W.
Published: June 2004

Two single‐nucleotide substitutions in PKLR constituted the molecular basis underlying pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency in a patient with severe haemolytic anaemia. One novel mutation, IVS5+1G>A, abolished the intron 5 donor splice site. The other mutation, c.1436G>A, altered the intron 10 donor splice site consensus sequence and, moreover, encoded an R479H substitution. We studied the effects on PKLR pre‐mRNA processing, using ex vivo‐produced nucleated erythroid cells from the patient. Abolition of the intron 5 splice site initiated two events in the majority of transcripts: skipping of exon 5 or, surprisingly, simultaneous skipping of exon 5 and 6 (Δ5,6). Subcellular localization of transcripts suggested that no functional protein was produced by the IVS5+1A allele. The unusual Δ5,6 transcript suggests that efficient inclusion of exon 6 in wild‐type PKLR mRNA depends on the presence of splice‐enhancing elements in exon 5. The c.1436G>A mutation caused skipping of exon 10 but was mainly associated with a severe reduction in transcripts although these were, in general, normally processed. Accordingly, low amounts of PK were detected in nucleated erythroid cells of the patient, thus correlating with the patient's PK‐deficient phenotype. Finally, several low‐abundant transcripts were detected that represent the first examples of ‘leaky‐splicing’ in PKLR.
Diet composition of introduced bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, in the Mizorogaike Pond of Kyoto, Japan
Authors: HIRAI Toshiaki
Published: June 2004

I analyzed stomach contents of the American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, in the Mizorogaike Pond of Kyoto, Japan. As a result, adult bullfrogs were found to feed predominantly on crayfish, and juveniles eat diverse arthropods. A wide variety of aquatic organisms occurred in the diet of both adult and juvenile bullfrogs.
Food habits and home range use of Japanese macaques on an island inhabited by deer
Authors: TSUJI Yamato , TAKATSUKI Seiki
Published: June 2004

Food habits and home range use of a troop of Japanese macaque Macaca fuscata Blyth on Kinkazan Island (9.6 km2), northern Japan, were studied from the spring of 2000 to the winter of 2002. The home range of this troop covers the area where vegetation is modified by foraging of sika deer Cervus nippon Temminck. The core areas of the home ranges of the macaque troop corresponded closely to the distributions of the staple food plants in every season. For example, leaves of Berberis thunbergii DC. and leaves of Zelkova serrata Makino in spring, berries of Berchemia racemosa Sieb. & Zucc. in summer, nuts of Zelkova serrata and Carpinus spp. in the fall of 2000 and winter of 2001, seeds of Torreya nucifera Sieb. & Zucc. in the fall of 2001, and bark of Zanthoxylum piperitum DC. in winter of 2002. Among the staple food plants, Berberis thunbergii and Zanthoxylum piperitum are more abundant on Kinkazan Island than other macaque habitats in northern Japan because they are spiny and unpalatable to sika deer, hence survive under the heavy foraging by the deer. Further, another staple food plant, Berchemia racemosa, a liana, grows abundantly at the edges of Illicium forests. Illicium anisatur is toxic and is not consumed by sika deer. Monkeys of this troop using the unique vegetation induced by sika deer grazing, fed on several plants which are not consumed by monkeys in other areas, and the home range was heavily affected by the distributions of these plants.
Rumen microbes and fermentation of wild sika deer on the Shiretoko peninsula of Hokkaido Island, Japan
Authors: ICHIMURA Yasuhiro , YAMANO Hidehisa , TAKANO Toru , KOIKE Satoshi , KOBAYASHI Yasuo , TANAKA Keiichi , OZAKI Nobuo , SUZUKI Masatsugu , OKADA Hideaki , YAMANAKA Masami
Published: June 2004

A total of 32 wild Hokkaido sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) were shot (13 in summer, nine in autumn and 10 in winter) in the Syari district, Shiretoko Peninsula of Hokkaido Island, Japan. The ingested foods, rumen fermentation parameters and microbes were determined to evaluate digestive strategy and food availability in each season. Ingested foods and ruminal characteristics greatly varied by season. Rumen digesta mainly comprised of graminoids in summer, graminoids and agricultural products in autumn, and bark and twigs in winter. Rumen pH showed seasonal differences (P < 0.05) and was lowest in summer, highest in winter, and intermediate in autumn, reflecting the seasonal differences in ruminal concentration of total volatile fatty acids which were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in winter than in summer and autumn. Acetate proportions were significantly higher in winter than in other seasons (P < 0.05), while the opposite trend was seen in proportions of propionate and butyrate. Rumen ammonia levels showed significant seasonal differences (P < 0.05), decreasing from summer to autumn to winter. Rumen protozoa levels in autumn and winter decreased to 28 and 10% of the levels observed in summer, respectively (P < 0.05 for both). The rumen bacteria level in winter was lower (P < 0.05) than that in autumn, but no difference was seen for the other seasonal comparisons. Gram negative cocci were present in significantly higher proportions in winter than in other seasons (P < 0.05), while Gram negative curved rods were less frequently observed in winter (P < 0.05). Based on these results, wild sika deer in this area are shown to survive with rumen microbial populations altered with the dietary conditions that vary greatly by season.
Monitoring ovarian cycle and conception by fecal progesterone analysis in sika deer
Authors: MATSUURA Yukiko , SASAMOTO Yoshihiko , SATO Kenji , TAKAHASHI Yoshiyuki , SUZUKI Masatsugu , OHTAISHI Noriyuki
Published: June 2004

The ovarian cycle and conception of sika deer were studied to reveal factors responsible for delayed conception. Concentration of progesterone in feces from 12 female Hokkaido sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensisHeude, 1884) was measured during the mating season in 2000. The cyclic pattern of fecal progesterone synchronized with estrous symptoms, which could hence be interpreted as indicating ovarian cycle. All observed females ovulated by 14 October. However, during the early mating season, females did not permit copulation at ovulation, and the length of luteal phase following ovulation without estrus was 9.8 ± 4.6 days (5–24 days). Most females conceived at the first copulation, which were confirmed by progesterone profiles that was sustained at a high level after the copulation. This indicates the presence of a functional corpus luteum, a state of pregnancy. Thus, some females had repeated ovulation without copulation several times, creating a 3–4 week variation in the timing of conception. But some females conceived very late in the mating season after the repetition of ovulation and copulation.
Stem distribution and clonal structure of Chamaecyparis pisifera growing in an old‐growth beech‐conifer forest
Authors: HAYAKAWA Takehiro , TOMARU Nobuhiro , YAMAMOTO Shin‐ichi
Published: June 2004

To elucidate sapling patch formation and the mode of regeneration occurring in Chamaecyparis pisifera, we investigated stem distribution and clonal structure of this species in an old‐growth beech‐conifer forest in central Japan. The study was carried out in a 1‐ha plot using small and large sapling (d.b.h. <5 cm, 0.5 m ≤ height < 2 m and d.b.h. < 5 cm, height ≥ 2 m, respectively) and adult (d.b.h. ≥5 cm) stems of Chamaecyparis pisifera. The numbers of small and large sapling stems were 677 and 149 in the plot, respectively, and they were strongly aggregated. Adult stems occurred at much lower density (90 stems in the plot) and were weakly clustered. Fifty multilocus genotypes at nine allozyme loci were detected among sampled stems. Small and large sapling stems with identical genotypes showed aggregated distribution, while some neighboring adult stems had the same genotypes. Spatial autocorrelation of alleles in small and large sapling stems revealed a strongly positive association among stems within a distance of 10 m; but a negative association as distance increased. In adult stems, a strongly positive value was found only in the shortest distance class. These results indicate that clonal growth by layering occurred at the sapling stage and contributed to patch formation. Our results also suggest that the clonal growth by layering is ecologically significant throughout the life history of Chamaecyparis pisifera, particularly as an important strategy for the sapling establishment in the early stage of regeneration process.
Ornamental non‐carotenoid red feathers of wild burrowing parrots
Authors: MASELLO Juan F. , PAGNOSSIN María Luján , LUBJUHN Thomas , QUILLFELDT Petra
Published: June 2004

Bird plumage colors have the potential to indicate individual quality, condition, health, immunocompetence, or the extend of parental care. Color intensity of feathers has been found to correlate with parameters of individual quality, condition, parental care and breeding success. Psittaciformes are well known for their colorful plumage but the significance of parrot coloration is still poorly understood. Red colors are very common in many parrot species. They are produced by at least four non‐carotenoid‐based pigments (linear polyenal structure). In the present study, we investigated a collection of red abdominal feathers of a marked population of wild Burrowing Parrots Cyanoliseus patagonus in Patagonia, Argentina. The aims of this study were to investigate the ecological significance of the recently described non‐carotenoid‐based red pigments of Psittaciformes, and the relationships between objectively assessed plumage color and body size, body condition, breeding success and nestling growth in wild Psittaciformes. We found that sexes differed in plumage coloration (sexual dichromatism), that plumage color was a good predictor of female body condition and male size, and we identified the red coloration of the abdominal patch as a signal of individual quality and parental investment.
Experimental analysis of the territorial establishment of ayu,Plecoglossus altivelis
Authors: KATANO Osamu , UCHIDA Kazuo , AONUMA Yoshimasa
Published: June 2004

Ayu mainly grazes benthic algae on river beds. To clarify the effects of individual behavioral differences on the territory establishment of ayu, we first recorded the number of active movements, aggression towards a wooden ayu model, and scraping feeding activities for 40 ayu, each in an aquarium with a ceramic plate with benthic algae. We then released 10 randomly chosen ayu and other cyprinids, 10Tribolodon hakonensisand 10Zacco platypus, into each of the four ponds with recirculating water. Four to six ayu established a territory for 1–20 of the 21 days observed in each pond. Territories were unstable in the first half period but became stable in the latter period. Territorial period was positively correlated with the number of active movements in aquaria and negatively with the number of conspecific invasions. The percentage of attacks against other species was positively correlated with the number of scraping behavior in aquaria and negatively with standard length of ayu. The growth rate of non‐territorial ayu was large in case the ayu scraped more than half of ceramic plates in aquaria. In contrast, the growth rate of territorial ayu was correlated negatively with the standard length of ayu, and the percentage of attacks against other species, indicating that individual behavioral differences and the defending cost were both important in territory establishment and growth.
Mean labor time of a leaf
Authors: KIKUZAWA Kihachiro , SHIRAKAWA Hiroyuki , SUZUKI Maki , UMEKI Kiyoshi
Published: June 2004

The mean labor time of a leaf (hour/day−1) is defined as the ratio of mean daily photosynthetic rate of a leaf  (Da;  mol m−2 day−1)  to  the  mean  value  of  potential  hourly  photosynthetic  rate (60 ⋅ 60Amax mol m−2 h−1) of the leaf. A model was proposed to estimate mean labor time of leaves. Mean labor time was obtained as the product of 24 (hours/day−1) and the four effects, each of which reduces production of a leaf: diel change in light (Diel Effect), reduction in light during cloudy and rainy days (Cloudy Effect), shading on the focal leaves (Shading Effect), and midday and afternoon depression in photosynthesis (Depression Effect). These four effects were estimated for open grown saplings of alder (Alnus sieboldiana), by measuring instantaneous photosynthetic rate and photon flux density above each leaf. The potential daily photosynthetic rate calculated from diel light condition in a clear day was 46.5% of hypothetical daily photosynthetic rate where maximum instantaneous photosynthetic rate was assumed to last throughout the life of the leaf (Diel Effect). The average of the daily photosynthetic rate considering clear, cloudy and rainy days was 79.7% of the clear day (Cloudy Effect). The photosynthetic rate estimated from light condition on the leaf was 85.6% of that in the open site (Shading Effect). Midday depression reduced the daily photosynthetic rate to 72.1% of the potential daily photosynthetic rate (Depression Effect). The product of the four effects multiplied by 24 h gave the estimate of mean labor time of leaves to be approximately 5.5 (h/day−1).
Food overlap between Mongolian gazelles and livestock in Omnogobi, southern Mongolia
Authors: CAMPOS‐ARCEIZ Ahimsa , TAKATSUKI Seiki , LHAGVASUREN Badamjav
Published: June 2004

Botanical and particle size compositions of the feces of sympatric Mongolian gazelles, sheep/goats, and horses collected in southern Mongolia in autumn 2002 were analyzed. The botanical composition of Mongolian gazelles was similar to that of sheep/goats where dicotyledonous plants (64.6% for Mongolian gazelles, 65.6% for sheep/goats), particularly woody fibers were important (39.5% for Mongolian gazelles, 19.5% for sheep/goats). In contrast, horse feces were exclusively composed of graminoids (93.2%). Consequently, food overlap was great between Mongolian gazelles and sheep/goats (Pianka's index: 0.977) but was small between Mongolian gazelles and horses (0.437) and sheep/goats and horses (0.421). Particle size distributions were also similar between Mongolian gazelles and sheep/goats, whereas they were different between horses and Mongolian gazelles and horses and sheep/goats. These results support our expectation based on the Jarman‐Bell principle. Although interspecific competition cannot be inferred from a mere food overlap, our analyses suggest that sheep and goats are potential competitors for Mongolian gazelles. Therefore, the increase in the numbers of domestic sheep/goats might pose a risk for Mongolian gazelle populations.
Restorative proctectomy after emergency laparoscopic colectomy for ulcerative colitis: a case‐matched study
Authors: Maartense S. , Dunker M. S. , Slors J. F. M. , Gouma D. J. , Bemelman W. A.
Published: June 2004

Objective  The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of restorative proctectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) through a Pfannenstiel incision after prior laparoscopic colectomy.

Methods  Seventeen patients who underwent restorative proctectomy after laparoscopic emergency colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) were prospectively evaluated. Results were compared with results of a group of 21 case matched patients that had restorative proctectomy and IPAA via a midline incision in the same period.

Results  Median operation time was longer, although not significantly, in patients who had a restorative proctectomy through a pfannenstiel (186 min) compared to a restorative proctectomy through a midline incision (158 min). Procedure related complications were comparable between the groups, respectively, 1 of 17 patients in the pfannenstiel group and 3 of 21 patients in the median laparotomy group. Median hospital stay in the pfannenstiel group was 10 days and in the midline group 12 days.

Conclusions  After laparoscopic assisted emergency colectomy for ulcerative colitis, restorative proctectomy is feasible and can be performed safely through a Pfannenstiel incision.
Reduction in the proportion of patients with colorectal cancer presenting as an emergency following the introduction of fast‐track flexible sigmoidoscopy: a three‐year prospective observational study
Authors: Davies R. J. , Collins C. D. , Vickery C. J. , Eyre‐Brook I. , Welbourn R.
Published: June 2004

Objective  We established a fast‐track flexible sigmoidoscopy service to meet the two‐week target for colorectal cancer, and have performed a prospective observational study over three years to assess its impact on the proportion of patients with colorectal cancer presenting as an emergency.

Methods  The fast‐track system was established on 1 November 1999 using six screening criteria to select high‐risk patients. Data on all high‐risk patients referred through the fast‐track system and all patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were recorded prospectively in two time periods: six months before fast‐track (1 November 1998 to 30 April 1999, Period 1) and three years following fast‐track (1 November 1999 to 31 October 2002, Period 2).

Results  In Period 2, 2294 fast‐track referrals were received. A total of 635 cases (321 male, 314 female) of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in Period 2 vs. 84 cases (43 male, 41 female) in Period 1. In Period 1, 30 patients with colorectal cancer (35.7% of the total) presented as an emergency vs. 165 patients (25.9%) in Period 2 (P = 0.059, χ2test).

Conclusion  Introduction of a fast‐track service to meet the two‐week target has resulted in a trend towards fewer emergency presentations with colorectal cancer.
Topical tacrolimus (FK506) in the treatment of recalcitrant parastomal pyoderma gangrenosum associated with Crohn's disease: report of two cases
Authors: Khurrum Baig M. , Marquez H. , Nogueras J. J. , Weiss E. G. , Wexner S. D.
Published: June 2004

Introduction  Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare idiopathic skin disorder associated with other diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. The commonest site is the skin, but sometimes it can occur in the parastomal region. Most of these cases respond to treatment with systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporin or local Kenalog injections.

Methods  The following are two cases of parastomal pyoderma in patients not responding to the standard measures. These patients were treated with topical tacrolimus.

Results  These patients showed dramatic improvement in one week with complete resolution and re‐epithelialization of skin within two weeks.

Conclusion  Pyoderma gangrenosum is a difficult problem to manage and its early resolution is important. In these two reported cases, the improvement was dramatic, therefore topical tacrolimus should be considered early in the management.
One year follow up of a randomized trial comparing Ligasure™ with open haemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Lawes D. A. , Palazzo F. F. , Francis D. L. , Clifton M. A.
Published: June 2004

Background  Ligasure™ haemorrhoidectomy is an effective treatment for prolapsing haemorrhoids, however, concerns exist regarding potential damage to the anal sphincters.

Methods  Patients previously included into a randomized trial comparing open and Ligasure™ haemorrhoidectomy were contacted by postal questionnaire to evaluate their overall satisfaction and continence at 12 months post operatively.

Results  Thirteen patients who underwent open and 17 who underwent Ligasure™ haemorrhoidectomy were evaluated. Three patients from the open group and 2 from the Ligasure™ group were unhappy with the result (P = 0.37) and minor incontinence was reported in 5 Ligasure™ and 2 open patients (P = 0.42).

Conclusion  Patient satisfaction and post operative continence scores at 1 year post operatively are comparable for open and Ligasure™ haemorrhoidectomy.
The circular stapling device as a risk factor for anastomotic leakage
Authors: Folkesson J. , Nilsson J. , Påhlman L. , Glimelius B. , Gunnarsson U.
Published: June 2004

Aim  To investigate the relation between the type of circular stapler and anastomotic leak in rectal cancer surgery.

Background  During the past decades results from rectal cancer surgery have improved considerably regarding risk of local recurrence and survival. Two main paradigm changes are considered to be the cause for this: the introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) and the increasing use of radiotherapy. However, rectal cancer surgery is associated with an unacceptably high frequency of complications of which anastomotic leak is one of the most severe ones. The hypothesis was raised that the choice of stapler influenced the leakage rates.

Methods  A questionnaire was sent to all departments of surgery (n = 66) performing rectal cancer surgery in Sweden to determine the choice of circular stapler when performing anterior resection for rectal cancer. These data were linked to the Swedish Rectal Cancer Registry for the period 1995–99.

Results  A total of 3316 patients had an anterior resection. The choice of circular stapling device was determined in 70% of the cases. When stapler A was used, the leakage rate was 11% whereas it was 7% when stapler B was used (P = 0.0039). In the cases where it was impossible to determine which stapler had been used the leakage rate was 8%.

Conclusion  Quality control is an important part of medicine and the present study suggests that it also must include surgical instruments. A prospective randomised study is needed to confirm the results.