bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of early development in winter and facultative wheats in contrasting field environments
Authors: Penrose LDJ , Payne TS
Published: November 2004

The major factors influencing the development of wheat are responses to vernalisation and to photoperiod, and intrinsic earliness. This study sought to determine how these factors influence the development of field-grown winter and facultative wheats of Australian origin, which tend not to be highly responsive to photoperiod. Of particular interest was the relationship between response to vernalisation and the switch from vegetative to reproductive growth. The effect of these developmental factors in influencing field development was established by correlating measurements from controlled and field environments. Three field environments were studied at 2 sites, a February and an April sowing at Temora (NSW, Australia), and a November sowing at Tel Hadya (Syria). Both sites were around 35� latitude. These environments differed in the duration from sowing to the onset of vernalising temperatures in winter. The onset of vernalisation was most delayed in seedlings for the February sowing at Temora. Vernalisation commenced earliest in seedlings for the November sowing at Tel Hadya, and was then presumed to proceed most rapidly. The 3 development factors were measured in 17 wheat genotypes. These data had been published previously; however, measurements of integrated response to vernalisation were re-expressed in new units, and the experiment was repeated, to attain greater precision. Measurement of each developmental factor was correlated with the timing of double ridge, terminal spikelet, and the beginning and end of spikelet site accumulation in each field environment. Where vernalisation was most delayed after sowing, the strongest correlation was between integrated response to vernalisation and the duration from sowing to double ridge. Where vernalisation was most rapid after sowing, the strongest correlation was between intrinsic earliness and the duration from sowing to the beginning of spikelet site accumulation. This study suggests lack of vernalisation most strongly delays the timing of double ridge in winter wheats, and masks the effect of intrinsic earliness which otherwise influences early development. These findings reconcile the significance of the timing of double ridge with previous quantitative studies of early development in winter and facultative wheats.
Month of harvest and yield components of tea tree. II. Oil concentration, composition, and yield
Authors: Murtagh GJ , Smith GR
Published: November 2004

Changes in the concentration, composition, and yield of oil in coppice growth of tea tree (Melaleuca alternzfolia) were assessed when plants were harvested in different months. Oil concentrations in leaves were lower when plants were harvested in July-September than in other months, but biomass yields were higher. Consequently, there was no consistent effect of harvest month on oil yield. Oil yield varied as much between the same month in different years, as between months within a year. The oil concentration in one harvest was positively related to the biomass yield at the previous harvest of the same plants, suggesting that a carryover of energy reserves contributed to oil production. The oil concentration was also positively related to the mean air temperatures over the 3 months before harvest. The proportion of the economically significant compounds in oil, terpinen-4-01 and 1,8-cineole, was not affected by either the month of harvest or regrowth cycle, but other compounds did change. There was a significant loss of monoterpene olefins from oil which was present at high concentrations.
Vitamin E treatment of weaner sheep. I. The effect of vitamin E supplements on plasma α-tocopherol concentrations, liveweight and wool production in penned or grazing sheep
Authors: Fry JM , McGrath MC , Harvey M , Sunderman F , Smith GM , Speijers EJ
Published: November 2004

Effect of vitamin E supplements on liveweight gain and wool production, and their effectiveness in increasing plasma alpha -tocopherol concentrations and preventing nutritional myopathy was investigated. Commercial preparations were compared in pen and grazing experiments in the first part of the study. In a pen experiment, 3 different treatments, intramuscular oily injection, oral drench and dried supplement added to feed, were compared; in grazing sheep, intramuscular oily injection and oral drench were compared. The intramuscular oily injection was slow to increase the plasma concentrations of alpha -tocopherol in pen experiments and did not prevent vitamin E deficiency and development of subclinical myopathy in grazing experiments. Oral treatments increased plasma alpha -tocopherol concentrations in the pen experiment; though repeated oral drench did not increase plasma alpha -tocopherol in the grazing experiment, the development of subclinical nutritional myopathy was prevented. Aqueous preparations of vitamin E and the effect of selenium supplements in grazing sheep were studied in the second part of the study. Aqueous injections of 2000 mg of vitamin E acetate by intramuscular and subcutaneous routes in December and February were successful in rapidly increasing and maintaining plasma alpha -tocopherol concentrations in grazing weaner sheep. Injections of aqueous emulsions of vitamin E acetate could be the most useful preventative treatment for nutritional myopathy if problems of tissue damage can be overcome. None of the vitamin E supplements increased liveweight gain in any of the experiments, and there was no increase in wool quantity or quality in any of the grazing experiments. When selenium and vitamin E supplementation were compared, selenium-supplemented sheep had greater wool length and fibre diameter over summer-autumn than vitamin E-treated or control sheep. Vitamin E supplements are expensive; unless flocks are susceptible to vitamin E-responsive myopathy, it is suggested that there is little economic justification for using vitamin E as a supplement over the summer.
The effect of coal mine pit water on the productivity of cattle. I. Mineral intake, retention and excretion and the water balance in growing steers
Authors: Robertson BM , Magner T , Dougan A , Holmes MA , Hunter RA
Published: November 2004

Coal mine pit water contains high concentrations of inorganic sulfur (S) along with lesser concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and chloride (C1-). In the Bowen Basin of Central Queensland beef cattle grazing adjacent to mine sites may ingest this water. This study examined the effect of diluted coal mine pit water on the intake, routes of excretion, digestibility, and retention of nitrogen and minerals in steers, and also measured the changes in the concentration of electrolytes and metabolites in blood plasma and urine, and the water content, within the animals. Twelve growing steers weighing 352rt7 kg (mean �.s.e.m.) were divided into 2 groups of 6 and randomly allocated to 2 treatments: town water (low mineral content) or diluted coal mine pit water containing about 2000 mg sulfate/L, together with (approx. mg/L) Ca (190). Mg (260), Na (1300), and Cl- (1580). Intake of feed, Medicago sativa hay, was fixed at 5.5 kg dry matter/day. Following a 35-day adaptation to the final concentration of pit water (2000 mg sulfate/L) an 8-day collection for digestibility and mineral retention was undertaken. The ingestion of high mineral loads in diluted coal mine pit water did not significantly (P > 0.05) alter water and feed intake and organic matter digestibility of the diet. The percentage increase in total mineral excretion for steers consuming pit water compared to animals drinking town water was S 90, Ca 39, Mg 40, Na 162, and C1- 31. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between drinking water treatments in the retention of nitrogen. S, Ca, Mg, Na, and C1-. The concentrations of urea-nitrogen, minerals (apart from Mg), and thiamin in blood plasma remained similar for both treatments. The concentration of Mg in blood plasma was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in steers receiving pit water (22.4 mg/L) than in steers receiving town water (19.9 mg/L). Indicators of dehydration and movement of body solutes in steers were not influenced by treatment. The findings demonstrate the ability of cattle to maintain their water and solute homeostasis for at least 46 days when consuming high concentrations of minerals sourced from diluted coal mine pit water. The mechanisms with which cattle achieve this are discussed.
Plant and soil influences on estimating biomass of wheat in plant breeding plots using field spectral radiometers
Authors: Bellairs SM , Turner NC , Hick PT , Smith RCG
Published: November 2004

Field spectral radiometers were used to estimate the biomass of wheat at early growth stages, as wheat breeders require a rapid, non-destructive technique to rank wheat genotypes for early vigour. Under experimental conditions, good relationships were obtained between reflectance and biomass prior to the wheat crop achieving a green area index of 1.5. When used above different soil types, good results were achieved on very uniform dark and light soils under experimental conditions, but greater differentiation between plots differing in biomass was achieved on darker soils. Similarly, under operational conditions in wheat breeders' plots, the best results were achieved against a dark soil background. Structural differences between plants also influenced solar radiation reflectance. At the Merredin site with the dark soil background, where the best correlation between reflectance and biomass was achieved, the relationship was much stronger for the more uniform genotypes at the second stage of selection than for the more heterogeneous genotypes at the first stage of selection. On these plots, the vegetation spectral indices NDVI (normalised difference vegetation index) and TSAVI (transformed soil-adjusted vegetation index) had a coefficient of determination 90-95% as good as the best regression using two wavebands. To optimise the field spectroradiometry technique for estimating early biomass, it should be applied at a weed-free site, with a uniform dark soil background and on material that is relatively homogenous in structure. We conclude that, unless these precautions are taken, the technique will have limited utility in breeding programs.
Seasonal variation in the suitability of different methods for estimating biological nitrogen fixation by grain legumes under rainfed conditions
Authors: McNeill AM , Pilbeam CJ , Harris HC , Swift RS
Published: November 2004

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by legume crops was estimated in a Mediterranean environment at ICARDA in northern Syria for 3 consecutive seasons beginning in 1991-92. Using the classical isotope dilution technique (NID), estimates ranged from 32 to 82 kg N/ha for chickpea and from 18 to 82 kg N/ha for lentil. In comparison the simple N-difference method gave lower, sometimes negative, estimates for BNF by both crops in the latter 2 seasons but a higher estimate for chickpea in the first year. Discrepancies in the estimates from N-difference were correlated with differences in the amount of soil N taken up by the legume and the non-fixing wheat reference crop. Since soil N uptake by lentil in the first year was similar to wheat, the estimates of BNF from the 2 methods for that season were similar. The indirect effects of an interaction of added N fertiliser on N derived from the soil and thus on N uptake and estimated BNF are discussed in relation to the use of the isotope dilution method with A-value modification (NAV). Despite some significant differences in A-value for soils receiving different amounts of fertiliser it is demonstrated that the A-value method used in this study, with fertiliser rates of 10 kg N/ha to the legume and 30 kg N/ha to the non-legume, resulted in BNF estimates for lentil similar to those obtained using classical isotope dilution. However, this was not the case for chickpea where a direct inhibitory effect of fertiliser N at 30 kg N/ha resulted in lower estimates of BNF from NID than NAV. Since the reference crops derived as much as 90% of their N from the soil, it is recommended that future BNF studies using isotope dilution techniques for lentil and chickpea crops at ICARDA use a fertiliser rate lower than that used in this study. An isotope dilution method utilising a slow-release source of 15N or the natural abundance technique for estimating BNF are suggested as potentially useful alternatives. The need for a basic understanding of the soil N dynamics pertinent to each site as a prerequisite for choosing an appropriate method for estimating BNF is highlighted.
Characterisation of a population of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum causing wilt of cotton in Australia
Authors: Davis RD , Moore NY , Kochman JK
Published: November 2004

Following the discovery of fusarium wilt in Australian cotton crops in 1993, isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum were collected from 6 cotton farms on the Darling Downs of Queensland. Using a range of procedures the Australian isolates could not be differentiated from each other, but they did differ from foreign isolates of the pathogen in a number of characteristics. Pathogenically, the isolates behaved similarly to race 6 of the pathogen when inoculated onto differential lines. Using aesculin hydrolysis tests, however, it was difficult to match local isolates with any of the known races. Additionally, none of the foreign isolates examined produced detectable volatile compounds when grown on a starch substrate, while all Australian isolates produced a distinctive odour during these tests. The local strain was not vegetatively compatible with any of the foreign isolates and belonged in a single, unique vegetative compatibility group. It is speculated that the Australian strain arose locally, perhaps from a minor population becoming prominent in response to wide-scale planting of highly susceptible cotton cultivars. These findings have significant implications for control of the disease and spread of the pathogen in Australia.
Effects of prenatal steroid environment on fetal size and morphology in twin sheep
Authors: Gill JW , Hosking BJ
Published: November 2004

Twenty oestrous-synchronised, twin-bearing, 4.5-year-old Border Leicester x Merino ewes were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups. At Day 60 post coitus, treated ewes were injected intramuscularly with a single 2 mL dose of testosterone propionate (100 mg/mL). Acute prenatal androgen treatment at 60 days post coitus increased female fetal growth to day 100 post coitus (P < 0.05) and individual cotyledon size (P < 0.01). Acute prenatal androgen treatment induced differential growth amongst major organs and increased ponderal index in ovine fetuses of both sexes (P < 0.05). The results indicate that sexual dimorphism in growth responses to changes in the animal's steroid environment occurs in early life and may be established or entrained well before puberty.
A mitotic kinesin-like protein required for normal karyokinesis, myosin localization to the furrow, and cytokinesis in
Dictyostelium
Authors: Lakshmikanth Gandikota S. , Warrick Hans M. , Spudich James A.
Published: November 2004

Dictyostelium
mitotic kinesin Kif12 is required for cytokinesis. Myosin II localization to the cleavage furrow is severely depressed in Kif12-null (Δ
kif12
) cells, which accounts in part for the cytokinesis failure. Myosin II-null cells, however, undergo mitosis-coupled cytokinesis when adhering to a surface, whereas the Δ
kif12
cells cannot. During mitosis, the rate of change of internuclear separation in Δ
kif12
cells is reduced compared with wild-type cells, indicating multiple roles of this molecular motor during mitosis and cytokinesis. GFP-Kif12, which rescues wild-type behavior when expressed in the Δ
kif12
strain, is concentrated in the nucleus in interphase cells, translocates to the cytoplasm at the onset of mitosis, appears in the centrosomes and spindle, and later is concentrated in the spindle midbody. Given these results, we hypothesize a mechanism for myosin II translocation to the furrow to set up the contractile ring.
Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) gene silencing and remodeling of the Ca2+ signaling mechanism in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Seth M. , Sumbilla C. , Mullen S. P. , Lewis D. , Klein M. G. , Hussain A. , Soboloff J. , Gill D. L. , Inesi G.
Published: November 2004

Transient elevations of cytosolic Ca2+are a common mechanism of cellular signaling. In striated muscle, the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase (SERCA) plays an important role in terminating Ca2+transients by returning cytosolic Ca2+to intracellular stores. Stored Ca2+can then be released again for subsequent signaling. We down-regulated SERCA2 gene expression in cultured cardiac myocytes by means of endogenous transcription of small interfering RNA encoded by an exogenous cDNA template. The cDNA template was delivered by adenovirus vector. Reduction of SERCA expression in all myocytes in culture was documented by immunochemistry, real-time RT-PCR, and determination of ATP-dependent Ca2+transport. The reduction of SERCA2 expression was associated with the up-regulation of transient receptor potential (TRP) channel proteins (TRPC4 and TRPC5) and Na+/Ca2+exchanger, indicating that intracellular store deficiency was compensated for by Ca2+fluxes through the plasma membrane. In fact, SERCA silencing was followed by increased transcription of Na+/Ca2+exchanger, TRPC4, TRPC5, and related transcriptional factors, such as stimulating protein 1, myocyte enhancer factor 2, and nuclear factor of activated cells 4, through activation of calcineurin. This finding demonstrates that the observed compensation occurs through transcriptional crosstalk and the remodeling of Ca2+signaling pathways. The wide significance of this regulatory mechanism is related to its general involvement in Ca2+signaling dynamics and in cardiac development and hypertrophy.
Distinct pathways of insulin-regulated versus diabetes-regulated gene expression: Anin vivoanalysis in MIRKO mice
Authors: Yechoor Vijay K. , Patti Mary-Elizabeth , Ueki Kohjiro , Laustsen Palle G. , Saccone Robert , Rauniyar Ravi , Kahn C. Ronald
Published: November 2004

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder accompanied by alterations in cellular physiology, metabolism, and gene expression. These alterations can be primary (due to loss of direct insulin action) or secondary (due to the metabolic perturbations associated with the disease). To dissect and quantitate these two separate effects, we compared the skeletal muscle gene-expression profiles of muscle insulin receptor knockout (MIRKO) mice and their Lox controls in the basal, streptozotocin-induced diabetic, and insulin-treated diabetic states. Pure deficiency of insulin action as present in the MIRKO mouse results in regulation of 130 genes, with down-regulation of NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein) and VAMP-2 (vesicle-associated membrane protein 2), stearoyl CoA desaturase 1, and cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase 4B, as well as up-regulation of some signaling-related genes, such as Akt2, and the fatty-acid transporter CD36. In diabetes, additional transcriptional mechanisms are activated, resulting in alterations in expression of ≈500 genes, including a highly coordinated down-regulation of genes of the mitochondrial electron-transport chain and one of the mammalian homologues of the histone deacetylase Sir2, which has been implicated in the link between nutrition and longevity. These distinct pathways of direct and indirect regulation of gene expression provide insights into the complex mechanisms of transcriptional control in diabetes and areas of potential therapeutic targeting.
SlidingBayes: exploring recombination using a sliding window approach based on Bayesian phylogenetic inference
Authors: Paraskevis D. , Deforche K. , Lemey P. , Magiorkinis G. , Hatzakis A. , Vandamme A.-M.
Published: November 2004

Summary: We developed a software tool (SlidingBayes) for recombination analysis based on Bayesian phylogenetic inference. Sliding-Bayes provides a powerful approach for detecting potential recombination, especially between highly divergent sequences and complex HIV-1 recombinants for which simpler methods like neighbor joining (NJ) may be less powerful. SlidingBayes guides Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling performed by MrBayes in a sliding window across the alignment (Bayesian scanning). The tool can be used for nucleotide and amino acid sequences and combines all the modeling possibilities of MrBayes with the ability to plot the posterior probability support for clustering of various combinations of taxa.

Availability: SlidingBayes is available at http://www.kuleuven.ac.be/rega/cev/Software/

Contact:  dparask@cc.uoa.gr

Supplementary information: A quick guide and examples for SlidingBayes are available at http://www.kuleuven.ac.be/rega/cev/Software/
PermutMatrix: a graphical environment to arrange gene expression profiles in optimal linear order
Authors: Caraux Gilles , Pinloche Sylvie
Published: November 2004

Summary: PermutMatrix is a work space designed to graphically explore gene expression data. It relies on the graphical approach introduced by Eisen and also offers several methods for the optimal reorganization of rows and columns of a numerical dataset. For example, several methods are proposed for optimal reorganization of the leaves of a hierarchical clustering tree, along with several seriation or unidimensional scaling methods that do not require any preliminary hierarchical clustering. This program, developed for MS Windows, with MS-Visual C++, has a clear and efficient graphical interface. Large datasets can be thoroughly and quickly analyzed.

Availability:  http://www.lirmm.fr/~caraux/PermutMatrix/

Contact:  caraux@lirmm.fr
Grid Cellware: the first grid-enabled tool for modelling and simulating cellular processes
Authors: Dhar Pawan K. , Meng Tan Chee , Somani Sandeep , Ye Li , Sakharkar Kishore , Krishnan Arun , Ridwan Azmi B.M. , Wah Sebastian Ho Kok , Chitre Mandar , Hao Zhu
Published: November 2004

Summary: Modelling and simulation of complex cellular transactions involve development of platforms that understand diverse mathematical representations and are capable of handling large backend computations. Grid Cellware, an integrated modelling and simulation tool, has been developed to precisely address these niche requirements of the modelling community. Grid Cellware implements various pathway simulation algorithms along with adaptive Swarm algorithm for parameter estimation. For enchanced computational productivity Grid Cellware uses grid technology with Globus as the middleware.

Availability:  https://www.bii-sg.org/sbg/cellware

Contact:  pk@bii-sg.org

Supplementary information: User Manual is available as PDF file. Examples are attached to expedite mastering of the software.
Crime and disorder, and house sales and prices around the casino sites in Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Phipps Alan G.
Published: November 2004

This study is an analysis of the impact of the opening or closure of a new urban casino on crime and disorder, and house sales and prices in its neighbourhood. The two sets of time‐series data were the calls to the police about three types of offences and the house sales through the Multiple Listing Service in two neighbourhoods near the casinos in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Temporally, the weekly numbers of offences and the mean monthly house prices were oscillating almost randomly around their respective declining or stationary long‐term averages with no impulse from when a casino either opened or closed. Geographically, only two types of offences increased in number nearer to a casino site, but their respective distance decays neither moderated nor steepened after a casino had closed or opened. Even so, the conclusion is premature that the open or closed casinos have had benign effects on offences and house sales in the neighbourhoods.
What about effective access to cars in motorised households?
Authors: Vandersmissen Marie‐Hélène , Thériault Marius , Villeneuve Paul
Published: November 2004

Most Canadian urban centres are facing difficulties with public transport systems. As car ownership has increased, urban areas have experienced a long‐term decrease in per capita ridership. At present, a significant proportion of riders in most cities is considered to be transit captives, which usually refers to carless individuals or members of carless households. But, what about members of motorised households without effective or real access to a car as, for instance, two‐income households with only one car? Do these ‘restricted car users’ constitute a significant, but somewhat hidden, segment of the transit market? The initial purpose of this paper was to learn more about individuals with restricted or no‐car access who live in car‐owning households: Who are they? Where do they live? Do their numbers fluctuate significantly throughout the day? More specifically, how has car access in motorised households changed in the past two decades? Sociospatial profiles of motorised household members with restricted car access are presented for 1981 and 1996. The second purpose was to analyse restricted car access in motorised households by using a multivariate model of car access for motorised households in the Québec metropolitan area. To achieve these objectives, we developed a logical typology of forms of ‘restricted car access’ based on a combination of variables, or resources, qualifying the degree of car access enjoyed by individuals at any given moment during the day: availability of a car, possession of a driver's licence and a driver at the disposal of other household members. This typology was then applied to the 1981 and 1996 origin–destination survey data obtained from the Québec Census Metropolitan Area.
The turtles of the Purbeck Limestone Group of Dorset, southern England
Authors: Milner Andrew R.
Published: November 2004

The turtles from the Purbeck Limestone are revised and it is concluded that there are four shell‐based cryptodire species present, namely Pleurosternon bullockii, ‘Glyptops’typocardium comb. nov., Helochelydra anglica comb. nov.,Hylaeochelys latiscutata. There is also one skull‐based species, Dorsetochelys delairi, which may prove to be the skull of ‘Glyptops’, Hylaeochelys or an unknown shell‐type. All other taxa are junior synonyms except ‘Chelone’obovata Owen, 1842 and Tretosternon punctatum Owen, 1842 which are nomina dubia, the material being unfigured and either lost or incorrectly associated. Other taxonomic conclusions are that (1) because Tretosternon is a nomen dubium, the next senior name for this Purbeck–Wealden genus is Helochelydra Nopcsa, 1928; (2) ‘Pleurosternon’typocardium and ‘Glyptops’ruetimeyeri are synonymous, the senior combination being ‘Glyptops’typocardium; (3) the Purbeck ‘Tretosternon’ material is combined with the holotype and only specimen of Platychelys? anglica as Helochelydra anglica comb. nov.; (4) Hylaeochelys emarginata and H. sollasi are junior synonyms of Hylaeochelys latiscutata; (5) one of Owen's ‘lost’ syntypes of ‘Tretosternon punctatum’ has been recognised and is a plastron of Hylaeochelys latiscutata.
Training, Perfectionism and Fairness
Authors: Wolff Jonathan
Published: November 2004

abstract  This paper considers the question of whether unemployed individuals have a duty of fairness to accept retraining as a condition of receiving unemployment benefit. It is argued, in response to Stuart White, that, although there are some circumstances where individuals do have such a moral duty, for an egalitarian it is never the case that there is sufficient reason for enforcing such a duty by means of the law.
Status of the Mara Woodlands in Kenya
Authors: Walpole Matthew J. , Nabaala Moriaso , Matankory Charles
Published: November 2004

The woodlands of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya have suffered dramatic declines over four decades as a result of elephant and fire pressure. This study examined the current status of woody resources in the Reserve and browse pressure thereon, using both classification (TWINSPAN) and ordination (DCA) techniques. From 333 widespread regular plots used to survey the vegetation, a total of 62 woody species were identified. Thirteen woody habitats were identified on the basis of species composition, varying from species‐rich closed thickets and forest to less diverse open grasslands. A NW/SE stratification of the more open habitats was observed, possibly as a result of differences in soils, rainfall and drainage. Both plant density and diversity were lower than in communal and privately managed areas outside the Reserve. Moreover, browser pressure was substantially higher than that observed previously in the ecosystem, and suggests increased competition for scarcer woody resources within the Reserve. This has implications for the management of the ecosystem as a whole. As woodland and thickets continue to decline, long‐term monitoring should expand to encompass the wider habitat diversity of the open grasslands and unprotected areas where much of the regeneration potential resides.
Spatial variability in the vegetation structure and composition of an East African rain forest
Authors: Fashing Peter J. , Mwangi Gathua J.
Published: November 2004

We conducted a study of spatial variation in tree community structure and composition in the Kakamega Forest of western Kenya. We compared the tree communities at two sites, Buyangu and Isecheno, separated by approximately 11 km of contiguous forest. All trees ≥15 cm d.b.h. were censused along transects covering 4.95 ha at Buyangu and 4.15 ha at Isecheno. The structure of the forest at the two sites was similar as mean d.b.h. was comparable and stem size class distribution did not differ significantly. However, species richness and stem density were both much higher at Buyangu. The disparity in stem density may be because of the greater abundance at Isecheno of a semi‐woody undergrowth species, Brillantaisia nitens Lindau, believed to inhibit the establishment of tree seedlings. Floristic composition varied strikingly between sites, with 52% of the species occurring only at one site. Densities of those species present at both sites often differed markedly between sites. Potential sources of these intersite differences in floristic composition include small disparities in rainfall, soil composition, elevation, and temperature as well as past differences in anthropogenic disturbance and in large mammal distribution and abundance. Floristic differences between Buyangu and Isecheno appear to be at least partly responsible for the substantial dietary differences between redtail monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius Audebert) at these sites.
Soils and vegetation of Angai forest: ecological insights from a participatory survey in South Eastern Tanzania
Authors: Dondeyne S. , Wijffels A. , Emmanuel L. B. , Deckers J. , Hermy M.
Published: November 2004

Soils and vegetation of a woodland in South Eastern Tanzania were studied in support of a project fostering community participation in the management of a proposed forest reserve. In nine sites within an area of 500 km2, soils were characterized, frequency of occurrence of woody species was assessed and diameter at breast height of timber species recorded. Villagers identified 133 species of which only 56% were scientifically identified. However, as ordination axes derived from the complete data set were highly correlated with those derived from the restricted data set, the latter could be used. On the undulating plains, deep, sandy soils (Hypoluvic Arenosols, Profondic and Arenic Luvisols) occurred low in organic carbon, exchangeable bases and extractable aluminium content. Most common canopy species wereBrachystegia spiciformis/B. boehmiiandPterocarpus angolensis. On the dissected plains on shallow, clayey soils (Leptic Cambisols) with higher organic carbon, exchangeable bases and extractable aluminium content,Acacia nigrescensandMarkhamiaspp. were the most common tree species. On deeper, fertile clayey soils (Profondic Lixisols and Chromic Phaeozems) vegetation consisted of species found in the two vegetation groups.Pterocarpus angolensisandPericopsis angolensiswere the only valuable timber species commonly found, most frequently on the undulating plains. As soils of this area are unfavourable for agriculture, it seems sensible to set this area aside as a forest reserve.
Patient information after ruptured intracranial aneurysm
Authors: von Vogelsang Ann‐Christin , Wengström Yvonne , Forsberg Christina
Published: November 2004

Aim.  This paper reports an investigation into the effects of increased information for patients treated for intracranial aneurysm rupture.

Background.  Intracranial aneurysm rupture is a grave condition that requires immediate care. It can be treated in two different ways, by surgery or by endovascular procedure. Intracranial aneurysm rupture can mean great changes in life, both for the patient and their spouse or relatives.

Methods.  An intervention study was conducted using a quasi‐experimental design. Participants were recruited consecutively over a period of 12 months and consisted of 62 patients treated for intracranial aneurysm rupture at a Swedish neurosurgical clinic. They were divided into two groups: an intervention group, who received written and oral information, and a comparison group, who received only oral information.

Instruments.  Self‐report questionnaires were sent to patients’ homes 1–3 months after the aneurysm rupture. The questionnaires consisted of one study‐specific instrument with questions about understanding of the information given and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, which measures worry or anxiety.

Findings.  The intervention group considered that the information that they received was somewhat easier to understand and that it corresponded more closely to their needs, compared with the comparison group. The majority of patients in both groups expressed a need for more and improved information. Levels of anxiety were high for the majority of patients, but no significant difference was evident between groups. Furthermore, the results showed that the majority of patients were given information without their spouse or relatives being present.

Conclusion.  Increased information seems to be needed for these patients. There is a need to continue the work to improve information‐giving to them and their relatives.
The Arabidopsis COW1 gene encodes a phosphatidylinositol transfer protein essential for root hair tip growth
Authors: Böhme Karen , Li Yong , Charlot Florence , Grierson Claire , Marrocco Katia , Okada Kyotaka , Laloue Michel , Nogué Fabien
Published: November 2004

Root hairs are a major site for the uptake of water and nutrients into plants, and they form an increasingly important model system for the study of development in higher plants. We now report on the molecular genetic analysis of the srh1 mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana impaired in root hair tip growth. We show that srh1 is a new allele of cow1 (can of worms1) and we identified the COW1 gene using a positional cloning strategy. The N‐terminus of the COW1 protein is 32% identical to an essential phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP), the yeast Sec14 protein (sec14p) while the C‐terminus is 34.5% identical to a late nodulin of Lotus japonicus, Nlj16. We show that expression of the COW1 lipid‐binding domain complements the growth defect associated with Sec14p dysfunction in yeast. In addition, we show that GFP fused to the COW1 protein specifically accumulates at the site of root hair outgrowth. We conclude that the COW1 protein is a PITP, essential for proper root hair growth.
The IAA1 protein is encoded by AXR5 and is a substrate of SCFTIR1
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing , Lee Sungsu , So Jai‐hyun , Dharmasiri Suni , Dharmasiri Nihal , Ge Lei , Jensen Carolyn , Hangarter Roger , Hobbie Lawrence , Estelle Mark
Published: November 2004

Recent studies of auxin response have focused on the functions of three sets of proteins: the auxin (Aux) response factors (ARFs), the Aux/IAAs, and the F‐box protein TIR1. The ARF proteins bind DNA and directly activate or repress transcription of target genes while the Aux/IAA proteins repress ARF function. TIR1 is part of a ubiquitin protein ligase required for degradation of Aux/IAA proteins. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a novel mutant of Arabidopsis called axr5‐1. Mutant plants are resistant to auxin and display a variety of auxin‐related growth defects including defects in root and shoot tropisms. Further, the axr5‐1 mutation results in a decrease in auxin‐regulated transcription. The molecular cloning of AXR5 revealed that the gene encodes the IAA1 protein, a member of the Aux/IAA family of proteins. AXR5 is expressed throughout plant development consistent with the pleiotropic mutant phenotype. The axr5‐1 mutation results in an amino acid substitution in conserved domain II of the protein, similar to gain‐of‐function mutations recovered in other members of this gene family. Biochemical studies show that IAA1/AXR5 interacts with TIR1 in an auxin‐dependent manner. The mutation prevents this interaction suggesting that the mutant phenotype is caused by the accumulation of IAA1/AXR5. Our results provide further support for a model in which most members of the Aux/IAA family are targeted for degradation by SCFTIR1 in response to auxin.
Therapeutic efficacy of artemether‐lumefantrine and artesunate‐mefloquine for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Luang Namtha Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic
Authors: Stohrer Jörg M. , Dittrich Sabine , Thongpaseuth Vonthalom , Vanisaveth Viengxay , Phetsouvanh Rattanaxay , Phompida Samlane , Monti Feliciano , Christophel Eva‐Maria , Lindegardh Niklas , Annerberg Anna , Jelinek Tomas
Published: November 2004

The efficacy of the six‐dose regimen of artemether‐lumefantrine was compared with the combination of artesunate and mefloquine in a randomised, comparative trial in Luang Namtha Province, Northern Laos. Of 1033 screened patients, 201 were positive for Plasmodium falciparum; 108 patients of all age groups (2–66 years) with acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were enrolled in the study, 100 of whom were followed‐up for 42 days. Fifty‐three patients received artemether‐lumefantrine and 55 received artesunante‐mefloquine. Both drug combinations induced rapid clearance of parasites and malaria symptoms; there was no significant difference in the initial therapeutic response parameters. Both regimes were well tolerated. After 42 days, cure rates were 93.6% (95% CI = 82.5–98.7%; 44 of 47 patients) for artemether‐lumefantrine and 100% (95% CI = 93.3–100.0%; 53 of 53 patients) for artesunate‐mefloquine. The results show the excellent efficacy and tolerability of both artemether‐lumefantrine and artesunate‐mefloquine in Northern Laos.
Simulation of gamete behaviors and the evolution of anisogamy: reproductive strategies of marine green algae
Authors: TOGASHI Tatsuya , BARTELT John L. , COX Paul Alan
Published: November 2004

In marine green algae, isogamous or slightly anisogamous species are taxonomically widespread. They produce positively phototactic gametes in both sexes. We developed a new numerical simulator of gamete behavior using C++ and pseudo‐parallelization methods to elucidate potential advantages of phototaxis. Input parameters were set based on experimental data. Each gamete swimming in a virtual rectangular test tank was tracked and the distances between the centers of nearby male and female were measured at each step to detect collisions. Our results shed light on the roles of gamete behavior and the mechanisms of the evolution of anisogamy and more derived forms of sexual dimorphism. We demonstrated that not only gametes with positive phototaxis were favored over those without, particularly in shallow water. This was because they could search for potential mates on the 2‐D water surface rather than randomly in three dimensions. Also, phototactic behavior clarified the difference between isogamy and slight anisogamy. Isogamous species produced more zygotes than slightly anisogamous ones only under the phototactic conditions. Our results suggested that ‘sperm limitation’ might be easily resolved particularly in the slightly anisogamous species. Some more markedly anisogamous species produce the smaller male gametes without any phototactic devices and the larger positively phototactic female gametes. In such species, female gametes attract their partners using a sexual pheromone. This pheromonal attraction system might have played a key role in the evolution of anisogamy, because it could enable markedly anisogamous species achieve 2‐D search efficiencies on the water surface. The mating systems appear to be tightly tuned o the environmental conditions of their habitats.
Relationship between plant cover type and soil properties on Syunkunitai coastal sand dune in eastern Hokkaido
Authors: NISHIJIMA Hiroki , NAKATA Makoto
Published: November 2004

A survey of soils and trees was conducted on Syunkunitai coastal sand dune in eastern Hokkaido to clarify the relationships between the soil properties and the plant cover type. A belt transect of 360 m in length was established across the dune. Three community types, that is, a Picea glehnii forest, an Abies sachalinensis forest, and a salt marsh were recognized. Soil types at the study area were determined to be sandy immature soil and peat soil. Their horizon sequences were described as A0–V–C or T–V–C layers (A0, T, V, and C indicate layers of leaf litter, peat, volcanic deposit, and parent material, respectively). The Abies sachalinensis forest was characterized by a relatively high calcium concentration in the surface soil layer and a tendency for podzolization in the volcanic deposit layer. The Picea glehnii forest was characterized by peat accumulation because of the high ground water table, volcanic deposits in the soil profile, and the strong influence of sea salt on the soil chemistry. The roots in the Picea glehnii forest were distributed more shallowly than those in the Abies sachalinensis forest, thus avoiding the high water table level as well as the influence of seawater in the soil. The salt marsh showed an extremely high sodium concentration and base saturation, indicating that this area was directly affected by seawater. Recently, the periphery of the Picea glehnii forest on Syunkunitai sand dune has been declining because of seawater inundation caused by ground subsidence.
Composition and structure of aquatic organism communities in various water conditions of a paddy field
Authors: YAMAZAKI Masatsugu , HAMADA Yukihiro , KAMIMOTO Nobuchika , MOMII Takashi , KIMURA Makoto
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this study was to clarify the differences of the community structure and the diversity of aquatic organisms (i) among sampling sites that the distances from inlets or outlets were different each other, and (ii) between the floodwater and the irrigation water during the crop season in a paddy field. The irrigation water was sampled from one inlet. The taxonomical groups and the number of aquatic organisms ranging in size from 30 µm to 2 cm in the floodwater and the irrigation water were surveyed approximately every 10 days during the growth period of the rice plant. Aquatic organisms were classified mainly at the order level. Thirty‐eight taxonomical groups of aquatic organisms were found in the floodwater, while 18 groups were found in the irrigation water. We were not able to find the differences of the community structure of aquatic organisms among the sites. In the floodwater, the number of taxonomical group increased and the community structure changed during the late flooding period (over 50 days after the onset of flooding) at any site, while those in the irrigation water hardly changed. Although the community structure of aquatic organisms differed between the floodwater and the irrigation water throughout the flooding period, the differences became especially bigger during the late flooding period. Principal component analysis showed that three groups (Pennales, Dinoflagellida, Choreotrichida) characterized the community structure in the irrigation water. Their population densities tended to be the highest at the site near inlets and the lowest at the site far from inlets.
Water soluble contrast follow‐through in the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Lee Janet Fung‐Yee , Meng William Chia‐Shing , Leung Ka‐Lau , Yu Simon Chun‐Ho , Poon Chi‐Ming , Lau Wai‐Yee
Published: November 2004

Objective:  Postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction is the most common cause of small bowel obstructions in adults. The use of water‐soluble contrast follow‐through has been shown to be safe with a high predictive value for surgery. This study aims to evaluate the impact of contrast follow‐through on clinical outcomes of patients with adhesive small bowel obstructions.

Methods:  From July 1994 to June 1998, 150 patients were recruited into the study and randomized into two groups. One group (n = 75) received water‐soluble contrast follow‐through within 24 h of admission, whereas the control group (n = 75) did not. Both groups were put on conservative management and the outcomes measured included operative rate, postoperative morbidities, length of hospital stay and mortality.

Results:  The operative rate of both groups was similar (33.3 vs 38.7%, P = 0.496). The preoperative observation period (42 vs 65 h. P = 0.014) and the total median hospital stay (5 vs 7 days, P = 0.025) of the contrast group were significantly shorter than those of the control group. No significant difference could be found between the two groups in terms of postoperative morbidities and mortalities.

Conclusions:  In managing patients suspected to have adhesive small bowel obstruction, water‐soluble contrast follow‐through expedites the decision process for surgical intervention, which translates into a shorter hospital stay.
Long‐term serological outcome of infants who received frozen–thawed milk from human T‐lymphotropic virus type‐I positive mothers
Authors: Ando Yoshiya , Ekuni Yutaka , Matsumoto Yoshinari , Nakano Shiro , Saito Kensuke , Kakimoto Kazuhiro , Tanigawa Takuo , Kawa Motohiro , Toyama Takenori
Published: November 2004

Aim:  Human T‐lymphotropic virus type‐I (HTLV‐I) infection occurs via mothers’ milk during feeding. However, freeze–thaw processing can eliminate the infectivity of the mother's milk of HTLV‐I carriers.

Methods:  A long‐term follow‐up survey was conducted to investigate the HTLV‐I infectivity of frozen–thawed mothers’ milk among infants whose mothers were HTLV‐I seropositive.

Results:  Infants fed frozen–thawed mothers’ milk did not become HTLV‐I antibody‐positive up until 1 year old, and all children followed up until an age of 11–12 years were antibody negative.

Conclusions:  This study showed that freeze–thaw processing can eliminate the HTLV‐I infectivity of mothers’ milk, and that HTLV‐I carriers can indirectly feed their infants using frozen–thawed mothers’ milk as a way to prevent HTLV‐I infection.
Inhibin‐producing ovarian granulosa cell tumor as a cause of secondary amenorrhea: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kurihara Shuichi , Hirakawa Toshio , Amada Satoshi , Ariyoshi Kazuya , Nakano Hitoo
Published: November 2004

We report the case of 31‐year‐old patient with an inhibin B‐secreting granulosa cell tumor of the left ovary who presented with secondary amenorrhea. Preoperative serum hormonal levels were as follows: follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) 0.3 mIU/mL, luteinizing hormone (LH) 9.81 mIU/mL, estradiol 142.0 pg/mL and inhibin B 2429 pg/mL. Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) test revealed no FSH response and a normal LH response. After removal of the tumor, the levels of FSH and inhibin B returned to within the normal range, and regular menses resumed 27 days postoperatively. In premenopausal women, secondary amenorrhea may be the initial manifestation of granulosa cell tumor. A low FSH level coupled with normal levels of E2 and LH, the inhibition of the FSH response to GnRH and an elevated inhibin level suggest the presence of an inhibin‐secreting ovarian tumor and also rule out the possibility of isolated FSH deficiency.