bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in temperature and silo gas composition during ensiling, storage and feeding‐out grass silage
Authors: Williams A. G. , Hoxey R. P. , Lowe J. F.
Published: April 2006

An experiment is reported in which two bunker silos were filled with about 12 t of ryegrass; one was compacted with a surface pressure of 4·1 kPa and the other was not. Both were instrumented to record temperatures and gas compositions during fermentation and feed‐out. Cores of silage (100 mm diameter) were removed from the bunkers and subjected to forced aeration in insulated cylinders. Simple mathematical models were used to simulate CO2 leakage from the silos and the associated loss of dry matter, and temperature changes during the forced aeration of silage cores. The leakage of CO2 from the silos, as shown by the fall in CO2 concentration with time, could be described empirically by an exponential equation and could be simulated with a simple mathematical model. Experimental evidence supported the hypothesis that permeation was the main method of gaseous exchange during fermentation and feed‐out, but gas mixing by diffusion and/or convection also occurred within the silos during fermentation. Dry‐matter losses by aerobic activity during storage of 120–150 d were conservatively estimated to be about 0·3% and 0·9% for the uncompacted and compacted bunkers respectively. These were considered to be lower than those that could be expected in farm silos, because the sealing was likely to be more thorough. The silages were also more stable, when subject to aeration, than others examined in this laboratory, probably because of high contents of acetic, propionic and butyric acids. Simple mathematical models were of value, but greater sophistication is needed (e.g. multi‐compartmental models) to deal comprehensively with the heat and gas flows found in the complex biophysical systems of silage.
The response of perennial ryegrass/white clover mini‐swards to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations: effects on yield and fodder quality
Authors: Schenk U. , Jäger H.‐J. , Weigel H.‐J.
Published: April 2006

In order to assess the effects of future elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations on yield, mineral content and the nutritive value of mixed swards of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), both species were grown as monocultures and as different mixtures and were exposed season‐long to ambient (380 p.p.m.) and elevated (670 p.p.m.) CO2 concentrations in open‐top chambers. Mini‐swards were cut four times at about monthly intervals at a height of 5 cm, dry‐matter yields were determined and content of macroelements (N, P, K, S, Mg, Ca, Na) and crude fibre, crude protein and ash content were measured. The CO2‐related increase in seasonal yield amounted to 16–38% for white clover monocultures, 12–29% for mixed swards and 5–9% for ryegrass monocultures. The white clover content of all swards was significantly enhanced by elevated CO2. The K and Na content of total yield was decreased by high CO2 but did not fall below the minimum requirements for ruminants. As the Ca content of total yield was increased by elevated CO2 and the P content was not changed, the Ca/P ratio of total yield was increased and exceeded values required for animal nutrition. The crude protein content of total yield was reduced by high CO2 at the beginning of the growing season only and was increased by elevated CO2 in the course of the experiment, whereas crude fibre content was decreased throughout the season, sometimes falling below the minimum requirement for ruminants. Removal of N, P, S, Mg and Ca by cutting was significantly enhanced because of CO2 enrichment. The results show that, besides the positive effect of rising atmospheric CO2 on dry‐matter yield of white clover/ryegrass swards, impacts on the nutritive value should be expected. Possible changes in species composition and implications for grassland management are briefly discussed.
Diet selection by sheep and goats and sward composition changes in a ryegrass/white clover sward previously grazed by cattle, sheep or goats
Authors: Del Pozo M. , Wright I. A. , Whyte T. K.
Published: April 2006

An experiment was conducted to examine how variation in the composition and structure of mixed grass/white clover swards affected diet selection by sheep and goats. Sward composition in a mixed perennial ryegrass/white clover sward was manipulated by continuous grazing from 28 May to 28 July (pre‐experimental phase) with cattle, sheep or goats, and then from 29 July to 2 September (experimental phase) with sheep or goats in a factorial design replicated twice. Sward surface height was maintained at 6 cm by regular adjustment of stocking density. Grazing by different sequences of animal species resulted in significant differences in the proportions of white clover in the sward, and especially in the proportion of clover lamina and petiole. Grazing by goats in the pre‐experimental phase led to greater proportions of clover lamina and petiole in the whole sward and the sward surface. The proportion of white clover in the diet selected by sheep in the experimental phase was consistently higher than that in the sward as a whole, but was closely related to that near to the sward surface (approximately the top 2 cm). For goats there was no significant relationship between the proportion of clover in the diet and in the whole sward, and they generally selected a diet with a lower proportion of white clover than was present in approximately the top 2 cm of the sward. It is concluded that on mixed grass/white clover swards goats do not graze as deeply into the sward as sheep and that this results in a lower proportion of white clover in their diet and therefore allows higher proportions of white clover to develop under grazing by goats than by sheep.
Effect of sward surface height on intake and grazing behaviour by lactating Holstein Friesian cows
Authors: Gibb M. J. , Huckle C. A. , Nuthall R. , Rook A. J.
Published: April 2006

The effect of sward surface height (SSH) on grazing behaviour and intake by lactating Holstein Friesian cows on continuously stocked grass pastures maintained at mean heights of 5, 7 and 9 cm was studied during the growing season. Intake rate was estimated over periods of 1 h by weighing animals before and after grazing, with a correction made for insensible weight loss. Grazing behaviour during that hour and over 24 h was recorded automatically using sensors to measure jaw movements.

Although maintained at the overall mean SSH, swards had a patchy appearance with short, frequently grazed areas interspersed with taller, infrequently grazed areas, which is typical of pastures continuously stocked with cattle. Daily organic matter (OM) intake, calculated as the product of daily grazing time and intake rate, was greater at a SSH of 7 cm than at 5 or 9 cm (14·1 vs. 10·5 and 12·1 kg respectively). On the 5‐cm sward, OM intake per grazing jaw movement (GJM) was reduced compared with that on the 7‐cm sward (0·182 vs. 0·264 g respectively), and because cows were unable either to increase significantly GJM rate (95·8 vs. 90·1 GJM min−1) or the proportion of GJM that were bites (0·80 vs. 0·81) OM intake rate was reduced (16·9 vs. 23·5 g min−1). Cows were unable to increase their grazing time significantly (628 vs. 604 min d−1) to compensate for the reduction in intake rate, and as a result daily intakes were lower. Cows grazing the 9‐cm sward also incurred a reduction in OM intake GJM−1 compared with those on the 7‐cm sward (0·237 vs. 0·264 g respectively) and therefore there was a reduction in OM intake rate (21·6 vs. 23·5 g min−1). These animals did not compensate by increasing the time spent grazing (581 min d−1), probably owing to an increased ruminating requirement per kg of herbage ingested compared with those on 7 cm SSH (2264 vs. 1780 ruminating jaw movements respectively). The results show that SSH can significantly influence intake rate, but, while the cow's only effective strategy to compensate for any reduction in intake rate is to increase grazing time, this may be limited by the requirement for ruminating and non‐grazing, non‐ruminating activities, which is influenced by qualitative and quantitative aspects of the herbage ingested, whereas the cows' only effective strategy to compensate for any reduction in intake rate is to increase grazing time.
An evaluation of an inoculant/enzyme preparation as an additive for grass silage for dairy cattle
Authors: Patterson D. C. , Mayne C. S. , Gordon F. J. , Kilpatrick D. J.
Published: April 2006

Herbage from the first regrowth of perennial ryegrass‐based swards was directly ensiled after treatment with a bacterial inoculant/enzyme preparation (SIL‐ALL, Alltech UK) at 3·0 1 t−1, formic acid (850 g kg−1) at 2·59 1 t−1 or no additive (Control). The mean dry matter (DM) and water‐soluble carbohydrate concentrations of the grass were 185 and 24·0 g kg−1 (fresh basis) respectively. Lactic acid concentrations after ensiling increased at a lower rate in formic acid‐treated herbage than with the other treatments. All silages were well preserved and formic acid‐treated silage had a lower ultimate concentration of lactic acid and higher concentration of water‐soluble carbohydrate. Effluent output was increased on a proportional basis by ≊0·06 with formic treatment, whereas the inoculant reduced effluent output by 0·05 in comparison with the mean effluent production of the control silage. The in vivo digestibilities of the silages were determined using sheep. The digestibilities of DM, organic matter and energy were significantly higher with inoculant‐treated silage than with formic acid treatment, whereas values for the control silage were intermediate. The three silages were offered ad libitum to forty dairy cows with individual recording of daily intakes for a 10‐week period in a randomized block experiment with four treatments. Sixteen animals were offered the control silage with half of these offered 3 kg concentrates per day (C3) and the other half offered 7 kg concentrates per day (C7). Twelve animals were allocated to each of the additive‐treated silages, with concentrates offered at 5 kg d−1. Treatment effects on animal performance were measured in weeks 7–10. To compare animal performance for the treated silages with the control, an estimate of performance at 5 kg concentrates per day was obtained by regression using values obtained at 3 and 7 kg concentrates. In comparison with estimated silage intake for the control silage with 5 kg d−1 concentrates, inoculant and formic acid treatment of the silages increased dry matter intake by 0·04 (P > 0·05) and 0·13 (P > 0·01) respectively. In comparison with estimated milk production and yield of fat plus protein for the control treatment with 5 kg d−1 concentrates, neither inoculant treatment nor formic acid treatment produced any significant differences.
Effects of soil compaction on root development of perennial grass leys in northern Norway
Authors: SVEISTRUP T. E. , HARALDSEN T. K.
Published: April 2006

The effects of soil compaction on root development in leys were investigated at three locations in northern Norway: Sortland, Tromsø and the Pasvik Valley. At these sites, different soil amelioration measures and drainage methods of peat soils had been used. The investigations were carried out in 5‐year‐old Phleum pratense/Festuca pratensis or P. pratense/Poa pratensis leys. Tractor traffic decreased the maximum root depth at all sites, and the number of roots at 10‐25 cm depth in the plough layer. The influence of compaction on root development in the upper 5 cm of the soils varied between the sites. A significant decrease was found for all compaction treatments at the Pasvik Valley, whereas only the heaviest compaction, with the use of double rear wheels, caused a significantly decreased number of roots in the upper 5 cm of the soil at Sortland. Soil compaction significantly decreased the infiltration rate at all sites. A significant positive correlation was found between infiltration rate and air‐filled porosity.
Physiotherapy following elective orthopaedic procedures
Authors: DE KLEIJN P. , BLAMEY G. , ZOURIKIAN N. , DALZELL R. , LOBET S.
Published: April 2006

Summary.  As haemophilic arthropathy and chronic synovitis are still the most important clinical features in people with haemophilia, different kinds of invasive and orthopaedic procedures have become more common during the last decades. The availability of clotting factor has made arthroplasty of one, or even multiple joints possible. This article highlights the role of physiotherapy before and after such procedures.

Synovectomies are sometimes advocated in people with haemophilia to stop repetitive cycles of intra‐articular bleeds and/or chronic synovitis. The synovectomy itself, however, does not solve the muscle atrophy, loss of range of motion (ROM), instability and poor propriocepsis, often developed during many years. The key is in taking advantage of the subsequent, relatively safe, bleed‐free period to address these important issues.

Although the preoperative ROM is the most important variable influencing the postoperative ROM after total knee arthroplasty, there are a few key points that should be considered to improve the outcome. Early mobilization, either manual or by means of a continuous passive mobilization machine, can be an optimal solution during the very first postoperative days. Muscle isometric contractions and light open kinetic chain exercises should also be started in order to restore the quadriceps control. Partial weight bearing can be started shortly after, because of quadriceps inhibition and to avoid excessive swelling. The use of continuous clotting factor replacement permits earlier and intensive rehabilitation during the postoperative period.

During the rehabilitation of shoulder arthroplasty restoring the function of the rotator cuff is of utmost importance. Often the rotator cuff muscles are inhibited in the presence of pain and loss of ROM. Physiotherapy also assists in improving pain and maintaining ROM and strength. Functional weight‐bearing tasks, such as using the upper limbs to sit and stand, are often discouraged during the first 6 weeks postoperatively. This may be influenced by the condition of the joints of the lower limbs. Attention should be given to the total chain of motion, of which the shoulder itself is only a part.

We conclude that physiotherapy management is of major importance in any invasive or orthopaedic procedure, regardless of which joints are involved. Both pre‐ and postoperative physiotherapy, as part of comprehensive care is needed to achieve optimal functional outcome and therefore optimal quality of life for people with haemophilia.
Levamisole synergizes experimental F4ac+ Escherichia colioral vaccine in stimulating ileal Peyer's patch T cells in weaned pigs
Authors: BOŽIĆ F. , LACKOVIĆ G. , KOVŠCA‐JANJATOVIĆ A. , SMOLEC O. , VALPOTIĆ I.
Published: April 2006

Recent findings demonstrate that priming by levamisole of weaned pigs experimentally vaccinated against postweaning colibacillosis (PWC) contributes to immune protection from challenge‐induced clinical disease through stimulation of the mesenteric lymph node cells that participate in cell‐mediated immunity. With the objective of better understanding the mechanisms by which levamisole induces protective mucosal cell‐mediated immune response to vaccination against PWC, it was tested whether the drug synergizes experimental F4ac+ Escherichia colioral vaccine in stimulating T cells also in the jejunal lamina propria (JLP) and ileal Peyer's patch (IPP) upon virulent challenge. Commercial crossbred pigs weaned at 4 weeks were allocated into two equal groups. The experimental group was i.m. primed with levamisole at an immunostimulatory dose of 2.5 mg/kg once daily, for 3 consecutive days, and controls received saline. Both groups were vaccinated orally with the vaccinalE. colistrain on day 0 and challenged with the virulentE. colistrain 7 days later. All pigs were killed on postchallenge day 6. The results determined by immunophenotyping of isolated cells indicate that priming by levamisole of the vaccinated weaned pigs selectively recruited and activated T cells in the IPP, a lymphoid organ‐generating B lymphocytes. The pig IPP is normally populated with up to 5% of CD3+T cells and CD6 is an activation antigen expressed exclusively by T cells in swine. Therefore, a significantly higher number of CD3+(P < 0.01) and CD6+(P < 0.001) cells observed within the IPP follicles of the primed‐vaccinated vs. unprimed‐vaccinated challenge‐infected pigs suggest enhanced T cell‐mediated immunity in this B‐cell compartment induced by the potentiating action of the drug and vaccine. The ability of levamisole to influence interaction between activated T cells and B cells in the IPP of primed‐vaccinated weaned pigs, and the possibility that this interaction plays a role in regulating B‐cell maturation within the IPP follicles, are discussed.
Poly‐gamma‐glutamate in bacteria
Authors: Candela Thomas , Fouet Agnès
Published: April 2006

Poly‐γ‐glutamate (PGA), a natural polymer, is synthesized by several bacteria (all Gram‐positive), one archaea and one eukaryote. PGA has diverse biochemical properties, enabling it to play different roles, depending on the organism and its environment. Indeed, PGA allows bacteria to survive at high salt concentrations and may also be involved in virulence. The minimal gene sets required for PGA synthesis were recently defined. There are currently two nomenclatures depending on the PGA final status: cap, for ‘capsule’, when PGA is surface associated or pgs, for ‘polyglutamate synthase’, when PGA is released. The minimal gene sets contain four genes termed cap or pgs B, C, A and E. The PGA synthesis complex is membrane‐anchored and uses glutamate and ATP as substrates. Schematically, the reaction may be divided into two steps, PGA synthesis and PGA transport through the membrane. PGA synthesis depends primarily on CapB‐CapC (or PgsB‐PgsC), whereas PGA transport requires the presence, or the addition, of CapA‐CapE (or PgsAA‐PgsE). The synthesis complex is probably responsible for the stereochemical specificity of PGA composition. Finally, PGA may be anchored to the bacterial surface or released. An additional enzyme is involved in this reaction: either CapD, a γ‐glutamyl‐transpeptidase that catalyses anchorage of the PGA, or PgsS, a hydrolase that facilitates release. The anchoring of PGA to the bacterial surface is important for virulence. All cap genes are therefore potential targets for inhibitors specifically blocking PGA synthesis or anchorage.
Characteristics of basal cell carcinoma amongst Asians in Singapore and a comparison between completely and incompletely excised tumors
Authors: Goh Boon Kee , Ang Por , Wu Ying Juan , Goh Chee Leok
Published: April 2006

Background  Most published series of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are based on Caucasian populations. Very little is known about the characteristics of incompletely excised BCCs in Asians.

Objectives  This study examines the characteristics of BCCs in Asian residents in Singapore, and compares incompletely with completely excised tumors after conventional surgical excision.

Patients and methods  A retrospective study was conducted using the case records of patients who had a primary BCC excised at the National Skin Centre between 1991 and 1995.

Results  A total of 185 histologically confirmed BCCs were recorded in 166 patients (male to female ratio, 0.95; mean age, 70.9 years). The highest proportion (27.1%) was in the 81–90‐year age group. Compared with census data, a significantly higher proportion of patients with BCCs were Chinese (P < 0.001). The tumors averaged 12.0 mm in diameter and the majority (84.3%) were located on the head and neck. In 28 lesions (15.1%), the tumors were incompletely excised, with those on the nose and nasolabial folds being most frequent. Incompletely excised BCCs were more likely than completely excised lesions to be located on the mid‐face and trunk (P = 0.003), but there was no significant correlation with tumor size, tumor duration, or patient age, race, and gender. The overall recurrence rate was 1.6% over a mean follow‐up time of 74 months.

Conclusions  BCCs are more common amongst Chinese in Singapore and occur chiefly in the elderly. Conventional surgical excision with margin control achieves a satisfactory tumor clearance rate of 84.9%. Incomplete excision is associated with tumor location on the mid‐face and trunk rather than tumor size or duration.
Pemphigus in the Mediterranean region of Turkey: A study of 148 cases
Authors: Uzun Soner , Durdu Murat , Akman Ayse , Gunasti Suhan , Uslular Canan , Memisoglu Hamdi R. , Alpsoy Erkan
Published: April 2006

Background  The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical features, course, response to treatment, and prognosis of pemphigus in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

Methods  All patients with confirmed pemphigus were prospectively enrolled in two major dermatology departments in the cities of Adana and Antalya in the Mediterranean region between March 1998 and March 2004. Details including demography, findings of clinical examinations, treatment, course, and prognosis were recorded.

Results  One hundred and forty‐eight patients with pemphigus were diagnosed during the 6‐year period, with a prevalence of 1.46 and an annual incidence of 0.24 per 100,000 in this region. There was a female predominance with a male to female ratio of 1 : 1.4. Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) was the most common clinical subtype, identified in 123 patients (83%). The mean age of onset was 43. In 101 (82%) patients with PV, disease began as persistent oral ulcers. The majority of the patients with PV could be managed with middle or high‐dose steroids (60–140 mg/day). Complete clinical remission was obtained in 41 (39.4%) patients. The mortality rate was 4.8%.

Conclusions  A moderately high incidence of pemphigus was found in the Mediterranean region of Turkey as compared with that encountered in other countries. The commonest clinical subtype was PV with a 9.5‐fold higher incidence than pemphigus foliaceus. It is more frequent in middle‐aged people and has a female predominance. Although a relatively higher dose of steroid was needed to control the PV, the disease completely remitted in a significant proportion of the patients.
The association between malignant melanoma and noncutaneous malignancies
Authors: Wu Yu‐Hung , Kim Gene H. , Wagner Jeffrey D. , Hood Antoinette F. , Chuang Tsu‐Yi
Published: April 2006

Background  Both increases and decreases in the incidence of subsequent malignancies in melanoma patients have been reported. We examined the database of the Indiana University Cancer Center to determine whether there is an association between malignant melanoma and noncutaneous malignancies.

Objective  We searched for evidence of noncutaneous malignancies in a cohort of melanoma patients.

Methods  Patients with microscopically confirmed malignant melanoma diagnosed between January 1987 and March 2001 were analyzed. This cohort was investigated for noncutaneous malignancies occurring either before or after the diagnosis of melanoma. The standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated as the ratio of the observed to the expected number of patients with second malignancies, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) around the SIR were estimated from the cumulative Poisson distribution.

Results  A total of 955 patients with melanoma (498 males and 457 females) were documented over the 14‐year period. Sixty‐nine noncutaneous malignancies were identified in 59 (6.2%) melanoma patients (39 males and 20 females). There was a higher risk of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (SIR = 1.91; 95% CI, 0.88–3.62) in men and renal cell carcinoma (SIR = 2.41, 95% CI, 0.97–4.97) in men. In female patients, however, there was no higher risk of noncutaneous malignancies.

Conclusions  This study did not show a higher risk of prostate cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, leukemia, endometrial cancer, or cancer of the nerve and neuroendocrine systems in melanoma patients. No female patients incurred a higher risk of noncutaneous cancers. The increased risk of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and renal cell carcinoma in men might be attributed to a mutual carcinogenic exposure, an aberration of cell‐mediated immunity, a shared genetic susceptibility, increased medical surveillance among cancer patients, a post‐therapy effect after cancer management, or factors not as yet clear. Close monitoring of melanoma patients for signs of second malignancy is warranted.
Evaluation of desmoglein enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Indian patients with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Sharma Vinod K. , Prasad H. R. Y. , Khandpur Sujay , Kumar Ashok
Published: April 2006

Objective  To evaluate the role of the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for the detection of antibodies to desmoglein 1 (dsg1) and desmoglein 3 (dsg3) in the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), and its correlation with disease severity and clinical presentation (mucosal PV, cutaneous PV, mucocutaneous PV).

Methods  Twenty‐seven active PV patients and 26 controls with other dermatologic disorders were included in the study. The severity of oral and cutaneous involvement was assessed and recorded. ELISA test for the measurement of anti‐dsg1 and anti‐dsg3 antibodies was performed (Medical and Biological Laboratories Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan). The cut‐off ELISA value for both anti‐dsg1 and anti‐dsg3 was taken as 20.

Results  Of the 27 patients, 26 were ELISA positive for anti‐dsg1 antibodies and 23 for anti‐dsg3 antibodies. Of the controls, two were positive for anti‐dsg1 and none for anti‐dsg3 antibodies. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA for anti‐dsg1 in the diagnosis of PV were 96.3% and 92.3%, respectively. For anti‐dsg3, they were 85.2% and 100%, respectively. The different morphologic types of PV could not be differentiated on the basis of antibody profile; however, a direct correlation between anti‐dsg3 titers and the severity of oral disease was noted, and also between anti‐dsg1 titers and the severity of cutaneous disease.

Conclusions  ELISA (dsg1 and dsg3) is an efficient tool for confirming the diagnosis of PV. Specific antibody titers correlate with disease severity; however, desmoglein testing cannot differentiate between the various morphologic subtypes of PV.
Crystalloid formation in protochlorophyll‐accumulating plastids from the inner seed coat of Cyclanthera explodens
Authors: RYBERG HANS , LILJENBERG CONNY , SUNDQVIST CHRISTER
Published: April 2006

The development of fruit, seed and plastids in the inner seed coat of Cyclanthera explodens Naud. was studied. Large amounts of protochlorophyll, in at least three different in vivo‐forms, accumulated during maturation and was 14 mg/g fresh weight of the inner seed coat in mature seeds. In earlier stages plastid‐membrane‐lipids increased simultaneously with the pigment. This could also be seen in electron micrographs as an increased amount of membranes. During later stages the amount of pigment continued to increase without an increase in the lipids. At this stage large crystalloids were found in the plastids. The data presented led to the conclusion that the protochlorophyll form fluorescing at 691 nm is crystalline.
Female Preference for Male Lateral Projection Area in the Shortfin Molly, Poecilia mexicana: Evidence for a Pre‐existing Bias in Sexual Selection
Authors: David MacLaren R. , Rowland William J.
Published: April 2006

Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) males possess a large dorsal fin (sailfin) and perform an elaborate courtship display. Females prefer to associate and mate with males of greater body and sailfin size. Evidence supports a single origin for the sailfin species complex from a shortfin ancestor. Unlike sailfin species, males of the shortfin species complex are sexually monomorphic in fin size and exhibit little or no courtship behavior. In this study, we tested the pre‐existing bias and lateral projection area (LPA) hypotheses for sexual selection by examining female mating preferences in the shortfin molly, P. mexicana. Specifically, we presented females with pairs of dummy males differing in: (1) dorsal fin and body size together (holding fin:body size ratio constant); (2) body size (holding dorsal fin size constant); (3) dorsal fin size (holding body size constant); and dorsal fin:body size ratio (holding total LPA constant). Females spent more time near dummies of greater body and dorsal fin size. The preference functions based on the first three sets of stimuli showed a similar pattern: the greater the LPA difference between paired dummies, the stronger the preference for the larger of the two. However, in the fourth experiment, neither fin size, body size, nor any particular dorsal fin + body size combination was preferred. These findings support the LPA hypothesis suggesting that increased LPA is more stimulating to sexually receptive females and that females consequently prefer larger males. Moreover, these data are consistent with results obtained in an identical series of experiments conducted on P. latipinna. The preference for increased male dorsal fin size/LPA by both female P. latipinna and P. mexicana supports the pre‐existing bias hypothesis. Thus, a bias for increased male LPA and consequent selection for enlarged dorsal fins may have preceded the appearance of the sailfin trait within the Molliensia lineage.
Abortive second meiosis detected in cytochalasin‐treated eggs in androgenetic diploid Corbicula fluminea
Authors: Ishibashi Ryo , Komaru Akira
Published: April 2006

The hermaphroditic diploid clam Corbicula fluminea reproduces by androgenesis. In the control (androgenetic development), all maternal chromosomes and maternal centrosomes at the meiotic poles were extruded as two first polar bodies and subsequently second meiosis did not occur. In eggs treated with cytochalasin D (CD) to inhibit the polar body extrusion, the second meiosis was abortive. After the first meiosis, two centrosomes at the spindle poles remained in the cytoplasm because of the effect of CD. The chromosomes divided into two groups at anaphase‐I as observed in the control eggs. Two centrosomes divided into four just after the first meiosis but did not separate completely. The microtubules from the centrosomes were rather short. So at the second meiosis, two monoasters or tetrapolar spindles were formed. The fluorescence signal from microtubules of the monoaster or tetrapolar spindle was weak compared with the spindle at the first meiosis. The maternal chromosomes on the monoaster or tetrapolar spindle did not move, and became large female pronuclei. The pronuclei became the metaphase chromosomes on the spindle for the first cleavage. The present study suggests that second meiosis regulating factors may be abortive in androgenetic diploid C. fluminea.
MANAGEMENT OF COLORECTAL ANASTOMOTIC MEMBRANE BY AN ENDOSCOPIC DOUBLE‐ILLUMINATION TECHNIQUE
Authors: Anseline Paul F.
Published: April 2006

Two cases of postoperative colorectal anastomotic mucosal membrane completely occluding the lumen of the bowel are described. Although an unusual event, patency may be readily re‐established by an endoscopic double‐illumination technique.
MAMMARY TUBERCULOSIS: ANALYSIS OF THIRTY‐EIGHT PATIENTS
Authors: Harris Syed H. , Khan Mohd. A. , Khan Roobina , Haque Faisal , Syed Anjum , Ansari Maulana M.
Published: April 2006

Thirty‐eight patients with mammary gland tuberculosis were evaluated over a 5‐year period presenting to the surgical unit of our institution. Unilateral involvement of the breast in a woman presenting at an average age of 29 years was the commonest observation. A lump in the breast with or without discharging sinuses was the most common clinical presentation. Ten (26%) of these patients had breast pain with or without increased breast nodularity. Axillary lymph nodal involvement was evident in 14 (36%) of our patients. Only five patients had associated pulmonary tuberculosis, the rest having an isolated involvement of the breast. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology was the most reliable diagnostic modality. Medical therapy with antitubercular drugs ranging from 6 to 9 months was the mainstay of treatment. Surgical intervention was reserved for selected refractory cases.
IMPLICATIONS OF LOW GREAT TOE PRESSURES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Authors: Varatharajan Nandanan , Pillay Sugendran , Hitos Kerry , Fletcher John P.
Published: April 2006

Introduction:  The aim of this study was to observe the outcome of patients with a great toe pressure (GTP) reading of less than 40 mmHg.

Methods:  Between 2002 and 2004, of 4714 patients assessed in the Westmead Vascular Laboratory, 365 (7.7%) had GTP measurements for assessment of possible critical limb ischaemia. There were 56 limbs in 40 patients with a GTP measurement of less than 40 mmHg, and this group was studied to assess outcome factors of death, requirement for major or minor amputation, arterial reconstructive surgery, clinical stability, or documented improvement from the initial assessment.

Results:  Patients requiring a major amputation had an average GTP of 13 mmHg and a toe brachial index (TBI) of 0.08, whereas those not undergoing a major amputation had an average GTP of 23.6 mmHg and TBI of 0.15. This association was weaker when an initial single evaluation was used as opposed to two or more serial assessments. Patients with and without a major amputation had an average ankle brachial index of 0.16 and 0.53, respectively. Diabetes mellitus requiring insulin and cerebrovascular disease were risk factors for major amputations.

Conclusions:  Low GTP was associated with a greater risk of major amputations. Two or more serial assessments were found to be of greater value than an initial single assessment.
RESUSCITATING THE AUTOPSY IN AUSTRALIAN HOSPITALS
Authors: Jeganathan V. Swetha , Walker Stuart R. , Lawrence Chris
Published: April 2006

Previous studies have consistently shown that autopsy examination after surgery can identify a significant rate of discrepant and/or erroneous diagnoses. Findings gleaned from autopsies can be invaluable for the medical community and science as a whole, ultimately leading to improvements in quality surgical care. Despite the proven benefits of this underused tool, the number of autopsies carried out in Australian hospitals is declining dramatically, with autopsy rates plummeting from 21% in 1992–1993 to 12% in 2002–2003. This notable decline ought to be a genuine source of concern and deserves further examination. This review seeks to address the reasons for decline, while reasserting the value and relevance of autopsies within modern surgical practice Down Under.
The promise and the potential consequences of the global transport of mycorrhizal fungal inoculum
Authors: Schwartz Mark W. , Hoeksema Jason D. , Gehring Catherine A. , Johnson Nancy C. , Klironomos John N. , Abbott Lynette K. , Pringle Anne
Published: April 2006

Advances in ecology during the past decade have led to a much more detailed understanding of the potential negative consequences of species’ introductions. Moreover, recent studies of mycorrhizal symbionts have led to an increased knowledge of the potential utility of fungal inoculations in agricultural, horticultural and ecological management. The intentional movement of mycorrhizal fungal species is growing, but the concomitant potential for negative ecological consequences of invasions by mycorrhizal fungi is poorly understood. We assess the degree to which introductions of mycorrhizal fungi may lead to unintended negative, and potentially costly, consequences. Our purpose is to make recommendations regarding appropriate management guidelines and highlight top priority research needs. Given the difficulty in discerning invasive species problems associated with mycorrhizal inoculations, we recommend the following. First, careful assessment documenting the need for inoculation, and the likelihood of success, should be conducted prior to inoculation because inoculations are not universally beneficial. Second, invasive species problems are costly and often impossible to control by the time they are recognized. We recommend using local inoculum sources whenever possible. Third, non‐sterile cultures of inoculum can result in the movement of saprobes and pathogens as well as mutualists. We recommend using material that has been produced through sterile culture when local inoculum is not available. Finally, life‐history characteristics of inoculated fungi may provide general guidelines relative to the likelihood of establishment and spread. We recommend that, when using non‐local fungi, managers choose fungal taxa that carry life‐history traits that may minimize the likelihood of deleterious invasive species problems. Additional research is needed on the potential of mycorrhizal fungi to spread to non‐target areas and cause ecological damage.
Measuring the Performance of Corporate Acquisitions: An Empirical Comparison of Alternative Metrics*
Authors: Schoenberg Richard
Published: April 2006

The choice of performance measure has long been a difficult issue facing researchers. This article investigates the comparability of four common measures of acquisition performance: cumulative abnormal returns, managers' assessments, divestment data and expert informants' assessments. Independently each of these measures indicated a mean acquisition success rate of between 44–56%, within a sample of British cross‐border acquisitions. However, with the exception of a positive relationship between managers' and expert informants' subjective assessments, no significant correlation was found between the performance data generated by the alternative metrics. In particular, ex‐ante capital market reactions to an acquisition announcement exhibited little relation to corporate managers' ex‐post assessment. This is seen to reflect the information asymmetry that can exist between investors and company management, particularly regarding implementation aspects. Overall, the results suggest that future acquisitions studies should consider employing multiple performance measures in order to gain a holistic view of outcome, while in the longer term, opportunities remain to identify and refine improved metrics.
Compensations in Information Collecting Situations: A Cooperative Approach
Authors: TIJS STEF , TIMMER JUDITH , BRÂNZEI RODICA
Published: April 2006

This paper addresses the question of how to compensate people who provide relevant information to a decision maker who faces uncertainty. Several compensation rules for the decision maker are suggested and these are studied in a cooperative environment.
Nonergodic Corruption Dynamics (or, Why Do Some Regions within a Country Become More Corrupt than Others?)
Authors: VERBRUGGE RANDAL J.
Published: April 2006

Two key aspects of corruption are strategic complementarity (the greater the prevailing level of corruption, the more likely is a particular agent to engage in it) and localized interactions (officials typically interact repeatedly with a small group of other officials, their colleagues). This paper builds a simple model with these two features, which studies the evolution of corruption. Over time, local networks of corruption (or honest behavior) endogenously emerge, and otherwise identical regions can end up with divergent corruption levels. Anti‐corruption policies are studied.
The Effect of Tax Convexity on Corporate Investment Decisions and Tax Burdens
Authors: SARKAR SUDIPTO , GOUKASIAN LEVON
Published: April 2006

This paper examines the effect of convexity in the corporate tax schedule on corporate investment decisions and tax burdens. Using a contingent‐claims model, we show that greater tax convexity results in (i) earlier exit, (ii) delayed investment (except for small entry cost), and (iii) reduced corporate risk taking (except for small entry cost and unfavorable operating conditions). Also, the effective tax burden is an increasing function of tax convexity. The convexity of the tax schedule has a nontrivial impact on corporate investment decisions and investment levels. These results are relevant for economic growth, which depends (at least partly) on investment levels, and tax policy makers should be aware of these effects when making adjustments that might impact the convexity of the corporate tax schedule.
The Licensing Act 2003 and the Problematization of the Night‐time Economy: Planning, Licensing and Subcultural Closure in the UK
Authors: TALBOT DEBORAH
Published: April 2006

Nightlife historically has been viewed as a social problem to be contained by licensing, policing and the management of supply. In the context of recent trends towards deregulation of hours and supply, fears have again resurfaced as to the detrimental impact of the ‘night‐time economy’ on street disorder and violence, concerns that have focused attention on the Licensing Act 2003. Utilizing a case study of the regulation of nightlife in the London locality of Southview, this article will explore how there has been ongoing and renewed attention on the problems associated with the night‐time economy centred on differentiating between risky and safe cultural and economic forms. The article will argue that the Licensing Act represents a consolidation of over a decade of regulatory change that has ‘reordered’ regulatory approaches to nightlife; one that has, in combination with other aspects of economic, social and cultural change, been productive of ‘subcultural closure’.
Political Leadership and Stadium Development in Chicago: Some Cautionary Notes on the Uses of Regime Analysis
Authors: BENNETT LARRY , SPIROU COSTAS
Published: April 2006

Between 1988 and 1994, Chicago was the site of three major sports stadium projects — the construction of the new Comiskey Park (since renamed US Cellular Field) and the United Center, as well as the addition of stadium‐lighting to the venerable Wrigley Field. This article analyzes the implementation of these projects with the aim of critiquing and reorienting contemporary regime theory. The more particular amendments to typical regime analysis focus on the ‘opportunism’ of political figures in shaping agendas and carrying through projects. The larger suggestions growing from this analysis pertain to the nature of regime theory as a mode of political analysis and, additionally, to a reconceptualization of how regime analysis can be linked to the normative assessment of urban policy.
Development of microsatellite primers and two multiplex polymerase chain reactions for the common elder (Sambucus nigra)
Authors: CLARKE J. B. , TOBUTT K. R.
Published: April 2006

Primer pairs were developed for eight microsatellite loci isolated from a genomic DNA library of Sambucus nigra‘Black Beauty’. In a survey of 21 accessions of S. nigra, all revealed polymorphism and the number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 18. Two multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) were optimized and these discriminated all the accessions tested providing a cost‐effective genotyping solution for the species. Six primer pairs (EMSn002, 003, 010, 016, 017, and 023) were informative in two Sambucus canadensis accessions.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN BLOOMERY SMELTING SLAG OF THE IRON AGE AND ROMANO‐BRITISH PERIODS*
Authors: PAYNTER S.
Published: April 2006

This study highlights regional variation in the composition of iron‐smelting slag produced in England prior to the medieval period and attempts to link slag composition to the type of ore smelted. For many sites, the slag compositions were consistent with the use of limonite ore, but there is evidence that siderite ore was smelted at sites in Sussex in the late Iron Age/Romano‐British periods. A compositional comparison of smelting slags and slag inclusions in Iron Age currency bars, using data from Hedges and Salter (1979), illustrates the potential of smelting slag compositional data in provenance studies of early iron objects.
BAYESIAN ANALYSIS OF PLEISTOCENE CHRONOMETRIC METHODS*
Authors: MILLARD A. R.
Published: April 2006

Bayesian analysis of radiocarbon dates on Holocene archaeological sites has become well established. Application to Pleistocene sites dated by multiple techniques would be advantageous. This paper develops the necessary mathematical apparatus in the form of likelihoods for luminescence dating, and uranium‐series dating, and considers the possibility for amino‐acid racemization dating. Application of the new methods is illustrated using the stratigraphic sequences of dates from the sites of Saint‐Césaire and La Chaise‐de‐Vouthon. For application to amino‐acid racemization dating, fuller publication of data is found to be required.
‘We've Already Done that One’: Adolescents' Repeated Encounters with the Same Artwork
Authors: Hubard Olga M.
Published: April 2006

This article explores the way young people's responses to an image evolve when they engage with it repeatedly. An analysis of the sequential encounters of six adolescents with a Renaissance painting reveals that, as they gained experience with the picture, the youngsters probed for increasingly deeper layers of meaning in the work. Specifically, on their second encounter with the painting, the students showed greater sensitivity to visual information, and they incorporated their own experiences and knowledge into the meaning‐making process more actively than on their first encounter. This study also shows that, once the participants had established a relationship with the artwork on their own terms, they seemed eager to discover contextual information about it. However, far from accepting this information as ‘authority’, the young viewers considered it critically and used it to deepen, expand and revise their personal visions of the painting.
Pre‐adolescents' Perceptions of Competence, Motivation and Engagement in Art Activities
Authors: Pavlou Victoria
Published: April 2006

This article presents the findings from a small scale qualitative study which focused on pupils' perceptions of competence and motivation towards art experienced in school. These are considered as very important in shaping learning and teaching processes. In particular, the article focuses on the role that perceptions of competence play on pupils' quality of involvement and achievement in art. Participants were chosen based on age, gender and their stated perceptions of competence. Sixteen 11‐12 year olds were interviewed in groups and individually. Pupils' perceptions of competence are identified as a key factor in determining pupils' initial engagement and level of engagement with art activities. Moreover they are thought to be important in shaping their learning preferences at an age when pupils' uncertainty about their abilities in art making is getting stronger. The results are situated within the framework of achievement goal theory and have implications for teaching strategies and for ways of responding to pupils' learning preferences.
Latin America's Fledgling, Fumbling Democracies
Authors: Ratliff William
Published: April 2006

By a small majority, Latin Americans are disposed toward preferring democracy over other forms of government, and for now almost all leaders in the region hold office from elections not military coups. Still, most Latin Americans quite correctly do not believe democracy has generally served their interests, that is, produced the jobs, houses, food, justice, and opportunities more and more people tell pollsters they want for themselves and their families. Personal observations and many studies, by the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and others, confirm Latin America's unequaled inequalities and in many respects virtual economic stagnation as far as most people are concerned. The problem is not mainly bad individual leaders or foreign predators, as is often charged, but incompetent governance generally and the inability or refusal of Latins themselves to match their desires with the protracted effort needed to achieve their aspirations. Institutions and paternalistic thinking that go back for centuries persist in adapted forms and today are not only not producing for the majority but dragging Latin America farther and farther behind more successfully reforming countries, particularly in Asia. Latins have it in their power to change things, if they will.