bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimum Stand Height for Forage Brown Midrib Sorghum × Sudangrass in North‐eastern USA
Authors: Kilcer T. F. , Ketterings Q. M. , Cherney J. H. , Cerosaletti P. , Barney P.
Published: February 2005

Brown midrib sorghum × sudangrass is attracting attention in the north‐eastern USA because of its ability to produce acceptable forage yields on marginal corn ground. Other potential advantages include conservation of soil on highly erosive ground, the possibility to spread manure mid‐summer (after first cutting) when runoff risk is minimal, greatly reduced needs for herbicides and the potential to reduce the importation of phosphorus onto the farm. Best management practices need to be developed to take full advantage of the crop in the north‐east. Seven field studies were conducted from 2000 to 2002 in four different agricultural regions in New York to determine the time of harvest optimum for yield and quality in one‐ to three‐cut management systems. Yield, rather than a change in forage quality indicators, was the key determining factor for estimated milk production. However, to prevent the shift from vegetative to reproductive growth (and associated decline in quality) and to better manage the amount of water at harvest, we recommend that in the north‐eastern USA brown midrib sorghum sudangrass be managed using a two‐cut system with harvest taking place when stand heights are about 125 cm or less.
Difference in Allelopathic Potential as Influenced by Root Periderm Colour of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Chon S.‐U. , Boo H.‐O.
Published: February 2005

Laboratory bioassay and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis were conducted to determine the allelopathic potentials of aqueous or methanol extracts from three different coloured sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam)] cultivars by plant part. The aqueous extracts applied on filter paper significantly inhibited root growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Aqueous leaf leachates at 40 g dry tissue l−1 (g l−1) from white sweet potato cultivar ‘Sinyulmi’ showed the highest inhibition against alfalfa, followed by yellow ‘Sinhwangmi’ and purple ‘Jami’. Alfalfa root growth was significantly inhibited by methanol extracts of the same plants as the concentration increased. Aqueous and methanol extracts from leaves showed the most inhibitory effect on alfalfa root growth followed by stems and roots. By means of HPLC analysis, leaf samples of sweet potato had the highest amount of phenolic compounds followed by stems and roots. Total content of these compounds was highest for leaf extracts (37.7 mg 100 g−1), detected in EtOAc fraction, especially trans‐cinnamic acid (20.9 mg 100 g−1). These results suggest that sweet potato plants are allelopathic and that their activities differ depending on plant part as well as root periderm colour.
Potassium Management for Brown Midrib Sorghum × Sudangrass as Replacement for Corn Silage in the North‐eastern USA
Authors: Ketterings Q. M. , Godwin G. , Cherney J. H. , Kilcer T. F.
Published: February 2005

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in brown midrib (BMR) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) × sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense Piper) hybrids (SxS) as a replacement for silage corn (Zea mays L.) in the north‐eastern USA. Recent studies suggest it is suitable for both rotational grazing and as a hay crop and could compete with corn harvested for silage in years when wet spring conditions prevent the timely planting of corn. However, little is known about its suitability as forage for non‐lactating cows that require low potassium (K) forages to prevent health problems. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of K fertilizer management (0, 112 or 224 kg K2O ha−1 cut−1) under optimum N management (112–168 kg N ha−1 cut−1) on yield, quality and K concentrations of BMR SxS over a 2‐year period. Field trials were established on a fine loamy, mixed, active, mesic Aeric Fragiaquepts with medium K‐supplying capacity and characteristic of a large region in New York. Potassium application did not affect dry matter yields in either of the 2 years. Averaged over 2 years, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) significantly increased with K addition with similar but non‐significant trends observed in each of the years individually. The digestibility of NDF was unaffected by K application. Crude protein (CP) concentrations showed a significant decrease with K application in 2002 and similar trends were observed in 2003, although differences were not significant at P ≤ 0.05. The changes in NDF and CP did not significantly impact forage quality expressed as milk production per megagram of silage. Potassium application increased forage K concentration up to 13 mg K kg−1 dry matter (in the first cut in 2003). Forage Ca and Mg concentrations decreased with K addition except for the first cut in 2002 where differences between 112 and 224 kg K2O ha−1 treatments were not significant. Without K addition in the 2‐year period, K concentrations in the forage decreased from 23 g kg−1 for the first cutting in 2002 to 15 g kg−1 for the second cut in 2003. Low K forage was obtained for all second‐cut forage unless 224 kg K2O ha−1 cut−1 had been added. First‐cut forage was suitable only when no additional K had been applied. These results suggest low K BMR SxS forage can be harvested from initially high K soils without loss in dry matter yield as long as no additional K is added.
Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinaemia accompanied by pleural effusion
Authors: YAMAGATA Toshiyuki , OKAMOTO Yukiharu , YAMAGATA Yuko , NAKANISHI Masanori , MATSUNAGA Kazuto , MINAKATA Yoshiaki , ICHINOSE Masakazu
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinaemia (AILD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by systemic lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, loss of body weight, fever, skin eruption, and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia. Occasionally, pulmonary involvement, including pleural effusion, has also been observed. Two cases of AILD accompanied by pleural effusion are reported here. When thoracentesis was performed, an exudative effusion was obtained and there was an increase in soluble interleukin‐2 receptor and immunoglobulin G, A, and M in the pleural fluid. Cytologically, atypical plasma cells, and T‐cell predominant lymphocytes were also present. These findings are likely to be characteristic of pleural effusions associated with AILD and may prove to be a useful marker for diagnosis.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α gene promoter polymorphism is not associated with smoking‐related COPD in Thailand
Authors: CHIERAKUL Nitipatana , WONGWISUTIKUL Praphat , VEJBAESYA Sasijit , CHOTVILAIWAN Kannikar
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Susceptibility to COPD is, in part, genetically determined. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α gene promoter polymorphisms have been investigated in different populations with inconsistent results. This study aimed to determine the genetic predisposition in Thai smoking‐related COPD patients.

Methodology:  The polymorphism at position −308 of the TNF‐α gene promoter was examined in 57 patients with smoking‐related COPD, 67 smoker control subjects, and 116 control anonymous blood donors. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes was used for genotypic analysis by polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers.

Results:  TNF‐α‐308*2 allele frequency was not significantly different between the population control subjects and the smoking‐related COPD patients (4.7% vs. 7.9%, P= 0.14). This allele frequency was also not significantly different between smokers with and without COPD (7.9% vs. 7.5%, P= 0.46).

Conclusions:  Although it has been speculated that TNF‐α might have a causal relationship with COPD, a role for the TNF‐α gene promoter polymorphism in disease development in Thailand was not demonstrated.
Relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and atopy in Asian young adults
Authors: CHNG Seo Yi , VAN BEVER Hugo P , LIAN Derrick , LEE Shan Xian , XU Xin Ni , WANG Xiao Shan , GOH Daniel Yam Thiam
Published: February 2005

Objectives:  The relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and atopy is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and atopy in Asian young adults.

Methodology:  Subjects were assessed by: (i) the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire to differentiate asthmatic from nonasthmatic and rhinitis from non‐rhinitis subjects; (ii) skin prick testing to 10 allergens; and (iii) FENO measurements performed online at a flow rate of 50 mL/s.

Results:  Complete results were available for 84 subjects. FENO values were highest in atopic asthmatics (n = 34; median FENO, 59.8 p.p.b.; interquartile range, 30.4–85.5 p.p.b), followed by atopic nonasthmatics (n = 34; median, 38.4 p.p.b.; range, 16.7–49.3 p.p.b), nonatopic asthmatics (n = 5; median, 19.1 p.p.b.; range, 17.9–33.4 p.p.b), and lowest in nonatopic nonasthmatics (n = 11; median, 15.7 p.p.b.; range, 11.5–21.7 p.p.b). FENO values were significantly higher in atopic (n = 68; median, 44.7 p.p.b.; range, 27.3–75.2 p.p.b) compared to nonatopic subjects (n = 16; median, 17.0 p.p.b.; range, 11.7–23.8 p.p.b.; P < 0.0001), regardless of asthma and rhinitis status. FENO levels correlated with the severity of atopy (wheal size) for both asthmatic (r = 0.44, P = 0.005) and nonasthmatic subjects (r = 0.48, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in FENO levels between nonatopic asthmatics and nonatopic nonasthmatic subjects (P = 0.25).

Conclusions:  Increased FENO levels are more reflective of atopy rather than asthma, and increased nitric oxide production may be predominantly a feature of atopy in asthmatics.
The changing face of healthcare worker perceptions on powered air‐purifying respirators during the SARS outbreak
Authors: KHOO Kay‐Leong , LENG Poh‐Hock , IBRAHIM Irwani Bte , LIM TK
Published: February 2005

Objectives:  Before the advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), use of the powered air‐purifying respirator (PAPR) in the setting of pulmonary tuberculosis has been controversial. Data regarding health care worker (HCW) perceptions and problems encountered with the use of the PAPRs were lacking.

Methodology:  A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted of HCWs who had used the PAPR in clinical practice during the SARS outbreak, when use of the PAPR was mandatory and widespread. Evaluations of the question of whether HCWs were receptive to the use of the PAPR and their perceptions of common problems that were encountered were made. Perceptions of comfort, ease of use, visual, hearing, breathing and speech impairment, perceived protection against SARS and usage preferences were recorded.

Results:  Only a minority of respondents found the PAPR uncomfortable, despite some interference with communication. Despite its much higher cost, the majority (84%) preferred to use the PAPR rather than the N‐95 respirator when treating suspected SARS patients. However, opinions were equally divided regarding its use when treating patients with pulmonary tuberculosis; with 51% being in favour.

Conclusions:  With the advent of highly contagious diseases that pose a major occupational hazard to HCWs, the use of the PAPR has become more acceptable in clinical practice.
Prediction of patient discomfort during fibreoptic bronchoscopy
Authors: MITSUMUNE Tadahiko , SENOH Etsuo , ADACHI Michifumi
Published: February 2005

Objective:  This study investigated the potential for predicting which patients would have a negative emotional reaction to bronchoscopy.

Methodology:  A questionnaire was distributed to 120 patients who had undergone diagnostic fibreoptic bronchoscopy. A visual analog scale to evaluate the patient's discomfort was adopted. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine factors significantly influencing discomfort. The regression model included the following variables: age, gender, symptoms, smoking habits, proximal bronchial brushing, distal bronchial brushing, bronchial washing, proximal transbronchial biopsy, transbronchial lung biopsy, examination time, the bronchoscopist's experience, and the patient's anxiety level.

Results:  The bronchoscopist's experience (P = 0.001) and the patient's anxiety level (P < 0.001) were variables that significantly influenced discomfort. These results suggest that discomfort decreased with the bronchoscopist's experience and increased with the patient's anxiety regarding bronchoscopy.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that subjective discomfort can be predicted both by the bronchoscopist's experience and by a questionnaire about the patient's anxiety level before bronchoscopy. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient's anxiety level be determined through the use of a questionnaire before bronchoscopy, and that more experienced bronchoscopists should take charge if the patient is judged as being excessively anxious. If experienced bronchoscopists are unavailable, the more anxious patient should receive more sedatives.
Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in pN2 non‐small cell lung cancer: Lack of prognostic value
Authors: TOMITA Masaki , MATSUZAKI Yasunori , SHIMIZU Tetsuya , HARA Masaki , AYABE Takanori , ONITSUKA Toshio
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Although several previous studies have investigated the prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in non‐small cell lung (NSCL) cancer, no previous study has concentrated on NSCL cancer with pathologically abnormal mediastinal nodes (pN2).

Methodology:  A total of 60 patients with pN2 NSCL cancer who had undergone a complete resection with a systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection were reviewed retrospectively. Immunohistochemical examination, using antibodies against VEGF, was conducted. The prognostic significance of VEGF expression and clinicopathological factors were analysed.

Results:  The overall 5‐year survival rate was 21.7%. With respect to clinicopathological factors, single N2 involvement and skip metastasis were significantly associated with patients’ survival. Expression of VEGF was found in 35/60 (58.3%) patients. VEGF expression was not related to the clinicopathological parameters examined. There was no relationship between survival rates and patients positive and negative for VEGF. Multivariate analysis showed that single N2 disease was an independent prognostic factor, while VEGF expression was not.

Conclusions:  Although VEGF expression might be important for tumour development and maintenance, no prognostic significance of VEGF expression in pN2 NSCL cancer was found.
Predictors of success in smoking cessation among hospitalized patients
Authors: ONG K.C. , CHEONG G.N. , PRABHAKARAN L. , EARNEST A.
Published: February 2005

Objective:  To determine the predictors of continued smoking abstinence in patients receiving smoking cessation intervention during and following hospital admission.

Methodology:  A prospective cohort study was conducted in a university‐affiliated hospital. A total of 248 smokers admitted with primary cardiac and respiratory conditions received verbal advice (lasting about 1 h) and standard booklets on smoking cessation from a dedicated nurse counsellor. After discharge, participants received follow‐up telephone counselling calls every 2 weeks from the same smoking counsellor. The main outcome measure was continued abstinence at 2 months after hospital discharge, as determined by self‐reporting and carbon monoxide breath testing. The following groups of covariates were analysed to determine the possible factors associated with smoking abstinence: demographics, smoking history, readiness to quit, and medical history.

Results:  At 2 months post‐discharge, 108 (43.5%) patients remained abstinent. Low nicotine dependence score (odds ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.25–4.26; P = 0.008), decision to quit by sudden cessation as compared to reduction of smoking (odds ratio, 7.19; 95% CI, 1.56–33.06; P = 0.011), and initial hospitalization for their medical condition (odds ratio, 6.37; 95% CI, 1.33–30.44; P = 0.020) were the main independent predictors for positive outcome.

Conclusion:  Among this cohort of hospitalized patients receiving smoking cessation intervention, low dependence on tobacco, motivation to quit by sudden cessation, and initial hospitalization were the main independent predictors of smoking abstinence after discharge from hospital.
Inhaled mannitol for the treatment of mucociliary dysfunction in patients with bronchiectasis: Effect on lung function, health status and sputum
Authors: DAVISKAS Evangelia , ANDERSON Sandra D. , GOMES Kerry , BRIFFA Peter , COCHRANE Belinda , CHAN H.‐Kim , YOUNG Iven H. , RUBIN Bruce K.
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Inhaled mannitol increases mucus clearance in patients with bronchiectasis by an unclear mechanism. The effect of mannitol on lung function, health status and sputum properties was investigated.

Methodology:  Nine patients with bronchiectasis inhaled 400 mg of mannitol once daily for 12 days. Health status was assessed using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Sputum was analysed for viscosity, elasticity, spinnability, surface tension, contact angle, solids, mucociliary transportability (MCTR) on a frog palate, and cough transportability (CTR) on a simulated cough machine.

Results:  Lung function was unchanged with treatment (baseline FEV1 82.0 ± 16.2%) apart from an improvement in FEF from 85.4 ± 13% (baseline) to 90.7 ± 14.4% (P < 0.05; 12th treatment; visit 7). The total SGRQ score (mean ± SD) of 49.3 ± 13.8 at baseline, decreased by 12.4 ± 10.2 (P < 0.01; visit 7) and 10.1 ± 9.4 units (P < 0.02) 6–10 days after treatment cessation. The baseline subscores for symptoms (72.9 ± 11.8), activity (44.7 ± 20.9) and impact (44.4 ± 14.3) were reduced by 0.8 ± 9.1 (P > 0.7), 8.4 ± 16.0 (P > 0.1) and 19.2 ± 13.7 (P < 0.005) units, respectively (visit 7). Mannitol reduced the baseline (mean ± SE) surface tension from 94.5 ± 1.4 to 84.7 ± 2.1 mN/m (P < 0.0001), contact angle from 51.1 ± 2.8 to 33.2 ± 2.4 degrees (P < 0.0001), spinnability from 11.6 ± 0.4 to 10.0 ± 0.2 mm (P < 0.005), and solids from 5.7 ± 0.4 to 4.3 ± 0.7% (P < 0.02), acutely (visit 7). Viscosity, elasticity and MCTR did not change significantly, while CTR was increased from 25.8 ± 1.0 to 34.1 ± 2.7 mm (P < 0.003).

Conclusion:  Mannitol significantly improved the health status over 12 days and this improvement was maintained for 6–10 days after cessation of treatment. In addition, mannitol reduced the tenacity, increased the hydration of mucus acutely and improved cough clearability in patients with bronchiectasis.
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease strategy for the diagnosis, management and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An Asia–Pacific perspective
Authors:   The Asia Pacific COPD Roundtable Group
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem and its prevalence and mortality are increasing throughout the world, including the Asia–Pacific region. To arrest these worldwide trends, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Expert Panel's global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of COPD was published in 2001. Based on recently published clinical trials, the GOLD statement was updated in 2003. The Asia–Pacific COPD Roundtable Group, a taskforce of expert respirologists from the Asia–Pacific region, has recently formulated a consensus statement on implementation of the GOLD strategy for COPD in the Asia–Pacific region. The key issues identified by the COPD Roundtable Group for comment are: (i) where there is no access to spirometry, diagnosis of COPD could be suspected on the basis of history, symptoms and physical signs; (ii) inhaled bronchodilators are the preferred regular treatment for COPD in the region, but oral bronchodilators may be considered if the cost of inhaled bronchodilators is a barrier to treatment; (iii) the use of an Metered Dose Inhaler with spacer in place of a nebulizer is recommended in the treatment of acute airflow obstruction in patients with COPD; (iv) influenza vaccination is recommended for all patients with COPD in communities where there is a high likelihood of Severe Acute Respitory Syndrome; and (v) simplified pulmonary rehabilitation programmes should be established in areas where comprehensive programmes are unavailable. Physical exercise training and education on smoking cessation should be core elements of any rehabilitation program. In summary, the COPD Roundtable Group supports implementation of the GOLD strategy for the diagnosis, management and prevention of COPD in the Asia–Pacific region, subject to the additions and modifications to the guidelines suggested above.
Regulatory Mechanisms of Reproductive Effort in Plants 1. Plasticity in Reproductive Energy Allocation and Propagule Output of Helianthus annuus L. (Compositae) Cultivated at Varying Densities and Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Kawano Shoichi , Nagai Yukio
Published: February 2005

Abstract Plasticity in growth, reproductive energy allocation (RA), and reproductive output were investigated in Helianthus annuus L. cultivar. Russia (Compositae) grown under varying densities and soil nitrogen levels. The role and behaviour of pollinators in seed production was also examined.

Exceedingly marked plastic responses were detected in individual biomass, the patterns of resource allocation to total reproductive structures (RA) and also to propagules, fecundity, reproductive outputs, and propagule size and weight under changing densities and soil nitrogen levels. Plants cultivated at higher densities exhibited proportionately lower individual biomass, lower RA, lower fecundity, lower seed output, and smaller seed size in response to increasing density and decreasing soil nitrogen levels. However, differences due to different N‐levels were not as great as those to changing density.

One of the most significant findings was that seed production under limited resource availability, i.e., lack of ample solar radiation and soil nutrients, due to strong interference at higher density plots, is exceedingly costlty, This was most clearly demonstrated by a very sharp increase in relative energy partitioning to a single propagule in response to the increased density and decreasing nitrogen levels, the relative energy cost to a single achcne (RA) increasing from one to twenty‐fourfold. Reproduction was also affected by pollinator‐limitations, and seed size showed a marked position effect.
Dispersal and Settlement Properties of Kandelia candel (Rhizophoraceae) Propagules
Authors: Urasaki Masami , Nehira Kunito , Nakagoshi Nobukazu
Published: February 2005

Abstract Three different types were found in the floating pattern of Kandelia candel (L.) Druce propagules: horizontal‐floating type, vertical‐floating type and sinking type. These correspond to the specific gravity, which increases with flooding in sea water and the repeated exposure to air. The floating types gradually change to the sinking type. In nature, such a condition is found only under the intertidal zone of shallow lagoons where floating propagules can increase their specific gravity, lie on the mud deposits and develop their roots in contact with the muddy soil. The J‐shaped seedlings frequently found in K. canel populations in mangrove swamps might be recognized as evidence of growing up in the intertidal zone.

It is speculated that the horizontal‐floating propagule has a role as a drifter in the ocean and long‐distance disperser, the vertical‐floating one as a colonizer of nearby populations and the sinking one as a successor in the original habitat.
Peroxidase Phenotypes of Eupatorium mohrii and E. scabridum (Compositae), Widespread All‐agamospermous “Species” in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Yahara Tetsukazu , Sullivan Victoria I.
Published: February 2005

Abstract Peroxidase phenotypes of two all‐agamospermous “species” of Eupatorium in the southeastern United States were examined. The result supported a hybrid origin (E. recurvans × E. rotundifolium) for E. scabidum and an autopolyploid origin from E. recurvans for E. mohrii. Notable variations of E. scabridum in its leaf morphology and peroxidase phenotype were suggestive of occasional sexuality in this agamospermous “species”.
Life History Studies on the Genus Trillium (Liliaceae) I. Reproductive Biology of Four Japanese Species
Authors: Ohara Masashi , Kawano Shoichi
Published: February 2005

Abstract Four Japanese Trillium (Liliaceae) species which are representative perennial herbs of the temperate deciduous forests—Trillium kamtschaticum (2x), T. apetalon (4x), T. tschonoskii (4x) and T. smallii (6x)—were studied for their reproductive characteristics, e.g., patterns of reproductive resource allocation and reproductive output.

In spite of the differences in ploidy levels (from 2x to 6x), all four species showed very similar reproductive traits. It became evident that in response to the increase in reproductive allocation to total reproductive organs (RA), the number of seeds produced per plant (PN) clearly increased. This trend is well in accord with the relationship found in four North American species and also several temperate woodland perennial herbs which occur in closed, stable and predictable environments, and possess typical xenogamous breeding systems. Although there is no conspicuous trend between ploidy levels and PN, one of the significant differences noted in this study was in seed weight, which ranged from 2.93 mg in diploids, to 3.42–3.45 mg in tetraploids, and to 4.47 mg in hexaploids.
Morphological Variation of Three Endemic Species of Callicarpa (Verbenaceae) in the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands
Authors: Kawakubo Nobumitsu
Published: February 2005

Abstract A total of 22 population samples of three endemic species of Callicarpa in the Bonin Islands (the Chichijima Islands and the Hahajima Islands) were examined for nine leaf characters to clarify the present status of morphological variations. Results showed that three species are distinetly recognizable and have their own patterns of variation. Callicarpa glabra and C. nishimurae were relatively less variable and adapted to limited habitats only in the Chichijima Islands. Thus these species were regarded as specialized species. C. subpubescens was more variable than the above two species and distributed widely in both of the two island groups. This species was morphologically differentiated between the two island groups. In the Hahajima Islands where two other species were not distributed, several plants of C. subpubsecens were similar to C. glabra. The populations of C. subpubescens in the Hahajima Islands were inter‐populationally more variable than those in the Chichijima Islands. C. subpubescens occupied various habitats within the Bonin Islands and was regarded as a diversified species.
Cytogenetic Behavior, Chromosomal Differentiations, and Geographic Distribution in Lilium lancifolium (Liliaceae)
Authors: Noda Shozo
Published: February 2005

Abstract Lilium lancifolium Thunb, is the only polyploid species complex consisting of 2x (2n=24) and 3x (2n=36) forms in the genus, both of which are highly self‐sterile. They are cytologically differentiated into various nucleolar types by number and combination of four kinds of nucleolar chromosomes. The 3x form is widespread from the North‐East district of China to the Japanese Islands through the Korean Peninsula. However, the 2x form is localized and grows singly or together with the 3x form in the narrow zone from southern Korea to the Tsushima Islands, Japan. The 2x form reproduces by sexual as well as by asexual means, but a sterile 3x form has asexually persisted to the present. Generally speaking, the 3x form is the allotriploid which has originated from hybridization between a 2x form and a closely related species such as L. maximowiczii in the remote past. In the present study, another possibility for the presence of the autotriploid form is newly proposed based on its karyotype and geographic distribution.
A Consideration of the Species Relationships in Subtribe Brassicinae (Cruciferae) in View of Cluster Analysis of Morphological Characters
Authors: Takahata Yoshihito , Hinata Kokichi
Published: February 2005

Abstract The taxonomic relationships of 53 species (122 strains) in subtribe Brassicinae were studied by using Euclidian distances calculated from 53 metric characters. Through cluster analysis applied to the species and subspecies in the genus Brassica, six large clusters could be defined. By the same method, Diplotaxis was grouped into four clusters, Erucastrum into two, and Sinapis into two. These clusters coincided in general with the taxonomic sections of Schulz (1936), but some exceptions were noted. Most of the exceptional species were those placed in critical positions by cytogenetical observations. It was found that cluster grouping reflected the cytogenetical relations of species fairly well.

Relationships among clusters and genera are represented by a Euclidian distance matrix, and the evolutionary trends of those taxa are discussed. Clusters B‐3 (in Brassica), D‐1 (in Diplotaxis) and E‐1 (in Erucastrum) are closely related to each other, forming a complex. This complex is closely related to Sinapidendron. It is postulated that this complex and Sinapidendron might have retained some characters in common with their putative ancestor. Species in the other clusters are considered to be derived from that hypothetical ancestor in the course of evolutionary divergence.
Growth Analysis of Sumatran Monophyllaea, Possessing Only One Leaf Throughout Perennial Life
Authors: Kohyama Takashi , Hotta Mitsuru
Published: February 2005

Abstract Growth and allometry were analyzed for populations of Monophyllaea hirtella Miq and M. horsfieldii R. Br. (Gesneriaceae), forest floor herbs that have only one cotyledonous leaf throughout life, in an equatorial rain forest in West Sumatra. Monophyllaea populations consisted of individuals of various sizes up to 30 g dry weight and 50x70 cm in leaf width and length. The relative growth rate (RGR) declined with size to an asymptotic value of 0.015–0.018 gg‐1 week‐1 for large individuals at sexual maturity (>2 g dry weight). The size‐RGR relation did not differ among observations at three differen times of year and between two species in different habitals, indicating that it takes 4.6 years for seedlings to attain sexual maturity and 6.4 years to reach 10 g dry weight. Irrespective of embryonic organization of Monophyllaea, clear allometry existed among organs. Net assimilation rate was constant for juveniles and increased with size for adults. Decline of both the specific leaf area and the ratio of assimilate allocation to leaf caused the decrease of RGR with size. Reproductive allocation was 31% to reproductive organs and at most 5% to seeds in net production in a large individual of 20 g dry weight.
Clonal Variation in the Sprouting Pattern of the Tubers in Eleocharis kuroguwai, a Cyperaceous Weed, with Special Reference to its Perennation Strategy
Authors: Kobayashi Hisao , Tominaga Tohru , Ueki Kunikazu
Published: February 2005

Abstract Clonal variation in the sprouting pattern of tubers in Eleocharis kuroguwai Ohwi was studied, using 39 clones collected within a longitudinally narrow belt from Wakasa Bay to the Kii Peninsula of Japan and one of “Ohkuroguwai”, a cultivated form.

The sprouting pattern of tubers and the relationship between sprouting time and other tuber characteristics varied noticeably among clones. Based on the polygonal graphs of × (mean), x̄ (standard deviation), g1 (skewness) and á (kurtosis) of the sprouting time, the sprouting pattern of 40 clones could be divided into the following three groups. Group A: x̄ and α were small, but g1 and a' were generally great; almost all tubers sprouted early and simultaneously. Group B: x̄ and α were greater, but g1 and a' were smaller than Group A; the majority of tubers sprouted quickly, but the rest of the tubers sprouted gradually. Group C: x̄ and α were very large, g1 was small, but a' showed a comparatively large negative value; all tubers sprouted gradually over a long period.

Groups A and B were represented by the irrigation pond group from the Banshu Plain and by the Ohshima Island group in the paddy fields of the southern extremity of the Kii Peninsula. Clones from the paddy field group and from the plain group, both referable to typical rstrategists, exhibited various sprouting patterns of tubers.
Life History Studies on the Genus Trillium (Liliaceae) III. Reproductive Biology of Six Sessile‐flowered Species Occurring in the Southeastern United States with Special Reference to Vegetative Reproduction
Authors: Ohara Masashi , Utech Frederick H.
Published: February 2005

Abstract Life history characteristics, e.g., stage class structures of natural populations and associated reproductive characteristics, were studied for six sessile‐flowered, diploid Trillium (Liliaceae) species that are restricted to the Coastal Plain region of the southeastern United States.

These sessile‐flowered species reproduce primarily by vegetative propagation. Leaf area measurements were used to categorize stage class distributions of natural populations. Populations propagating mainly by vegetative reproduction had non‐sigmoidal, convex‐shaped population structures with most plants being in the intermediate stage classes. Low numbers of individuals in smaller stage classes and an abundance of intermediate sized individuals are due to the fact that vegetative propagules are the primary method for maintenance of local populations.

Characteristics associated with sexual reproduction were also examined. Seed output averaged about 20 seeds per plant, except for T. lancifolium which produced 9.7 seeds on the average. Seed setting rates varied between 15.61–44.15% and mean seed weight varied from 4.89 to 10.75 mg. The dominance of vegetative versus sexual reproduction may be due to the fact that all six species occur in ecologically unstable flood plain habitats.
Life History Studies on the Genus Trillium (Liliaceae) IV. Stage Class Structures and Spatial Distribution of Four Japanese Species
Authors: Ohara Masashi , Kawano Shoichi
Published: February 2005

Abstract The population struaures, spatial and temporal distributions of individual plants, and survivorship were investigated in four Japanese Trillium species (Liliaceae), T. kamtschaticum, T. tschonoskii, T. apetaion and T. smallii.

The stage class structures of these four species based on leaf area categories all showed similar depletion curves associated with an increase in stnge class. That is, there occurs a conspicuous decrease in early juvenile stages, subsequent leveling‐off in the intermediate stages and a slight decrease again in the larger stages. The high mortality in juvenile stages was also confirmed by continuous observations in the permanent plots established on the forest floor for T. kamtschaticum and T. apetalon. Furthermore, the analysis of spatial distribution patterns for T. kamtschaticum and T. apetalon revealed successive distributional changes from under‐dispersed (aggregated) to random or overdispersed with the progress of the growth stage.
Adaptive Shifts in the Regulation System of Seed Yield in Japanese Species of Epimedium (Berberidaceae)
Authors: Suzuki Kazuo
Published: February 2005

Abstract Total seed yield per plant in one season was differentiated neither between Epimedium diphyllum and the E. grandiflorum complex (E. grandiflorum and E. sempervirens), nor between these two groups and one of their hybrid derived species, E. trifoliatobinatum. Total ovules per plant and seed‐set rate per capsule (SR) did not vary greatly between these species, and seed weight (SW) was almost the same between them. The number of flowers per inflorescence (F) was also constant. However, the remaining reproductive component characters, ovule number per ovary (O) and inflorescence number per plant (I), were differentiated between the three taxa. These two characters were negatively correlated and a trade‐off relationship occurred under the constant total seed yield (=O×F×I×SR×SW). Ovule number per ovary was highly correlated with spur length of the flower. During the course of the hybrid speciation of E. trifoliatobinatum, selection pressure by pollinators on intermediate spur length seems to have favored plants with an intermediate ovule number. On the other hand, this selection pressure counteracted the increase of the inflorescence number under the trade‐off. The resultant seed yield of E. trifoliatobinatum did not differ from that of the parental species, but the pattern of ovule allocation to ovaries (capsules) was altered.
Experimental Studies on Male and Female Reproductive Success: Effects of Variation in Spur Length and Pollinator Activity on Platanthera mandarinorum ssp. hachijoensis (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Inoue Ken
Published: February 2005

Abstract Field experiments on an orchid, Platanthera mandarinorum ssp. hachijoensis, were carried out to investigate the effects of variations in spur (nectary) length and pollinator activity on reproductive success (RS) of individual plants. Experiments comprised two kinds of treatments: spur shortening and bagging to restrict pollinator activity. Plants with a natural spur lengths range show nearly equal RS, whereas plants with shortened spurs had decreased RS proportional to spur length reduction. Pollinaria attachment (a measure of male RS) to the pollinators seems to demand stricter morphological correspondence than pollen receipt (female RS). Decrease of male and female RSs in spur‐treatments was smaller in the case of high pollinator activity than low pollinator activity. Results of the bagging experiments indicated that female RS was greater than male RS in cases of high pollen carryover. These facts suggest that (1) fecundity selection operates more intensely on both male and female functions in the case of low pollinator activity and more intensely on the male function in the case of high pollen carryover, and (2) individuals with different spur lengths in natural populations have nearly equal probabilities of RS after excluding the extreme variants through the reduction of male RS.
A Theory of Reproductive Allocation Based on Size‐specific Demography1)
Authors: Kakehashi Masayuki , Harada Yasushi
Published: February 2005

Abstract An evolutionary approach to reproductive allocation is extended to the realm of size‐specific demography. Questions of how resource is allocated between male and female functions and between present and future reproduction are investigated. The concepts of reproductive value and the Euler‐Lotka equation are extended to cover size‐specific demography. The criterion of life history evolution in age‐specific demography is also extended and applied to the prediction of the reproductive allocation pattern selected for in accordance with the characteristics of a plant species. The theory is applied to the problem of sex change. Our predictions are: (1) Sex allocation pattern will change according to the size of the plant if the increase in reproductive success, growth or survival rate with increasing size is different between sexes. (2) Sex change (from one sex to the other) is selected for if the plant has a concave tradeoff relationship between male and female reproductive success in each reproductive season. Gradual sex change (relative increase of resource allocation to one sex as the plant increases in size) is selected for if the plant has a convex trade‐off relationship. Also by this extension of reproductive allocation theory to size‐specific demography, testability of the theory with field data is greatly increased because it enables us to examine the plants in which size rather than age is a better predictor of demographic parameters.
Sex Change and Population Dynamics in Arisaema (Araceae) I. Arisaema serratum (Thunb.) Schott1)
Authors: Kinoshita Ehchiro
Published: February 2005

Abstract A projection matrix model was adopted to describe the population dynamics of Arisaema serratum (Thunb.) Schott. This method is most appropriate for describing a complex life history, such as size‐specific determination of sex expression in Arisaema. Size classification was determined from both the life history stage and the pseudostem diameter at ground level, which was transformed into natural logarithms.

The calculated population growth rate based on averaged data from 1981 to 1986 was very close to unity. The survival rate was lowest at the seedling stage and gradually increased for larger size classes. But the survival rate was almost the same for the male stage and female stage irrespective of size classes.

Individuals in small size classes made greater contributions to the population growth rate (λ) if they were in the asexual stage than in male or female stages. Those individuals in intermediate size classes had greater effects on λ if they were in the male phase and those in large size classes had greater effects on λ if they were in the female stage.
Life History Studies on Arisaema (Araceae) I. Growth and Reproductive Biology of Arisaema urashima Hara1)
Authors: Takasu Hideki
Published: February 2005

Abstract The growth, reproductive characteristics and energy allocation to reproductive activities were studied in a Japanese species of jack‐in‐the‐pulpit, Arisaema urashima Hara (Araceae). The stage class structures of this species were based on leaflet numbers and leaf area of individual plants in four different populations in Wakayama Prefecture, Honshu, Japan.

Populations of A. urashima possess unique male‐biased population structures, with sex ratios (male/female) of 3.14 to 5.00. In this typical sequential hermaphrodite, functionally dioecious species, the switchover from sterile to the male stage or vice versa was found to occur usually in the 11–12 leaflet class, and from a male to female stage or vice versa in the 13–14 leaflet class. However, a large proportion of juvenile plants belonging to the 3–4 to 9–10 leaflet classes, which attained 92.3–98.9% in all four populations, may possibly be recruited by a most vigorous cormlet propagation which occurs every season. Seasonal changes in population structure were also examined for five years, from 1981 to 1985, but population structures remained more or less in the same state, although the sex ratios changed from 3.14 to 6.85.

Reproductive allocation (RA) was examined at both the flowering and fruiting stages. The RA to total reproductive structures at the flowering stage showed very conspicuous negative correlations to total biomass for both male (r= ‐0.676, P<0.001) and female plants (r= ‐0.861, P<0.001), whereas the RA at the mature fruiting stage was almost independent of individual biomass. The number of propagules produced per plant (PN) was weakly correlated with the individual biomass (r=0.346, P<0.05). The PN per plant exhibited a conspicuously proportional increase in response to the increase in RA (r=0.860, P<0.001). Ovule number per plant, pollen‐ovule ratios, and fecundity were also examined. In spite of a very high number of ovules borne per plant, ranging from 683 to 1902, and sequential hermaphroditism, the maximum fecundity attained was ca. 60%, with production of 560 to 745 seeds per plant. Larger individuals produced larger and more numerous cormlets, attaining nine per plant.
Diversity in the Stem Morphology of Arisaema (Araceae)1)
Authors: Murata Jin
Published: February 2005

Abstract Plants of the genus Arisaema (Araceae) have an abbreviated subterranean stem from which much information about their structure and life history is obtainable. In this study, the growth pattern of the stem, number of leaves per shoot, position of foliage leaf and of the lateral continuation shoot, nature of axillary bud and phyllotaxis were examined in more than 50 species of Arisaema, including evergreen tropical species as well as deciduous ones. The states of the characters are compared and related each other resulting in the recognition of seven types of stem patterns in Arisaema. The life histories of the evergreen and deciduous species and the significance of stem morphology for the systematics of Arisaema are briefly summarized.
Comparative Ecology of Rubus Species (Rosaceae) I. Ecological Distribution and Life History Characteristics of Three Species, R. palmatus var. coptophyllus, R. microphyllus and R. crataegifolius
Authors: Suzuki Wajirou
Published: February 2005

Abstract The ecological distribution and life history characteristics of three Rubus species, i.e., R. palmatus Thunb. var. coptophyllus (A. Gray) O. Kuntze, R. microphyllus L.f. and R. crataegifolius Bunge were investigated, with particular emphasis on the seasonal growth cycles, modes of the alternation of aerial organs, and patterns of dry matter allocation, and these features were critically compared with one another. It was found that seasonal changes of aboveground biomass are strongly related to the modes of cane alternation, to underground branching producing stolons, and to their dry matter allocation patterns. The modes of cane alternation, underground branching and dry matter allocation patterns were very similar in R. microphyllus and R. crataegifolius, taking about five months from May to September. But R. palmatus var. coptophyllus showed much more gradual replacement of aerial organs, extending over seven months from May to December. These three Rubus species are often predominant in the early successional stages of pioneer communities which develop after cutting of forests in central Japan, and differentiations of the above‐mentioned life history traits found in Rubus species seem to be related to the constraints inherent in their somewhat labile, changing environments, e.g., at the forest margin or clearings produced temporarily.
Structure and Dynamics of Natural Populations of Polyploid Trilliums. V. Predominant Self‐pollination in Trillium apetalon‐T. smallii Association
Authors: Uchino Akinori , Kanazawa Hajime , Watanabe Hiroshi
Published: February 2005

Abstract Predominant self‐pollination was confirmed in mixed populations of Trillium apetalon (4x = 20, SSUU) and T. smallii (6x = 30, K1K1SSUU). In pollination tests conducted on both species from the Muroran (Mr) population, many good seeds were obtained from bagged flowers as well as open‐pollinated intact flowers. In striking contrast, fruits from castrated open‐pollinated flowers failed to give any good seeds. In T. smallii in the Usu (Us) population, the same results were obtained for bagged and open‐pollinated intact flowers. On the other hand, fruits from castrated open‐pollinated flowers yielded only a few good seeds. Although both species were experimentally cross‐compatible in both directions, no interspecific hybrids have so far been found in nature. It may be possible that both species are isolated by predominant self‐pollinatioin even though their flowering seasons coincide.
Principal Component Analysis on Morphological Variation in the Saussurea nipponica Complex (Compositae)
Authors: Im Hyoung‐Tak
Published: February 2005

Abstract For the understanding of morphological differentiation and recognition of natural groups in the Saussurea nipponica complex, 440 individuals from 19 populations were examined, especially by using statistical methods. The variation range of 16 morphological characters within and between populations were analyzed not only separately but also synthetically by Duncan's multiple range test, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. Of the 16 characters examined, characters concerning plant size (height and diameter of stem, size of involucre, etc.) and involucral bract (length of involucral bract and recurved part of involucral bract) are suggested to be important to recognize natural groups. Five groups are recognized by a complex pattern of the morphological characters. They can be defined multivariately as natural groups having indegenous habitat and distribution range, and considered as subspecies of S. nipponica.