bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zonal plant distribution and edaphic and micrometeorological conditions on a coastal sand dune
Authors: Ishikawa Shin‐Ichi , Furukawa Akio , Oikawa Takehisa 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSome edaphic and meteorological conditions were examined to detect environmental gradients from shoreline to inland at the Kado‐ori coast, Ibaraki, Japan, in 1989. Zonal distribution patterns of coastal dune plant species, including three ubiquitous perennials, Calystegia soldanella, Carex kobomugi and Ischaemum anthephoroides, were described in relation to the environmental gradients. Environmental gradients were found in water availability, evaporative demand and soil‐water salinity. Water availability, evaluated by thickness of capillary water layer, increased from 10 cm at 20 m to 48 cm at 85 m from the shoreline, reflecting the percentage of fine sand. Evaporative demand, which was evaluated by the evaporation rate from a wet black filter paper, decreased with increasing distance from the shoreline. Soil‐water salinity was lowest (15 mmol/L) at 85 m from the shoreline and highest (90 mmol/L) at 30m. On the coast, C. soldanella, a salt‐tolerant perennial, was distributed mainly in the environmentally harsh area 40–60 m from the shoreline. Ischaemum anthephoroides and C. kobomugi, less salt‐tolerant perennials, occurred mainly 70–80 m from the shoreline, where environmental conditions were more hospitable.
Factors delimiting the boundary between vertically contiguous mussel beds of Septifer virgatus (Wiegmann) and Hormomya mutabilis (Gould)
Authors: Iwasaki Keiji 
Published: March 2006

AbstractOn moderately wave‐exposed rocky shores in middle Japan, the upper interidal mytilid, Septifer virgatus, and lower intertidal mytilid, Hormomya mutabilis, occur together, forming vertically contiguous mussed beds. Factors limiting the lower distribution limit of Septifer and the upper limit of Hormomya were investigated by collections of natural mussel clumps and single‐ and mixed‐species transplantation experiments. Newly settled juvenile Septifer (<5 mm shell length) were significantly fewer in the natural and artificial Hormomya clumps than in the Septifer clumps. Both natural and artificial Hormomya clumps accumulated a much greater amount of sediment than did the Septifer clumps. Hormomya clumps inhibited the recruitment of Septifer, presumably through accumulation of sediment, which resulted in setting the lower limit of the Septifer zone. Survivorship of small (5–10 mm) and large (>15 mm)Hormomya was much lower in Hormomya clumps transplanted upwards into the Septifer zone than it was in Hormomya clumps in the Hormomya zone. In mixed‐species clumps in the Septifer zone, however, survivorship of small Hormomya was not significantly different from that in mixed‐species clumps in the Hormomya zone. Septifer had a positive effect on the survival of small Hormomya and increased the upper limit of Hormomya, presumably by providing shelter and thus protecting them from desiccation. The upper limit of Hormomya zone was thus considered to be set by desiccation exceeding the physiological tolerance of the species.
Survivorship and growth of seedlings of four dipterocarp species in a tropical rainforest of Sarawak, East Malaysia
Authors: Itoh Akira , Yamakura Takuo , Ogino Kazuhiko , Lee Hua Seng 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSurvivorship and growth of seedlings of four dipterocarp species (Dipterocarpus actangulus, D. globosus, Dryobalanops aromatica, Dryobalanops lanceolata) were studied for 2.5 years in a mixed dipterocarp forest in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Predispersal seed predation rates were larger for D. globosus (75%) than D. lanceolata (27–34%) and D. aromatica (18–26%). Less than 20% of the two Dryobalanops seeds were damaged by vertebrates after seed dispersal. During the period from seed dispersal to the time when the seedlings had shed cotyledons, more dispersed seeds died in the two Dipterocarpus (ca 90%) than the two Dryobalanops (ca 60–70%). The major mortality factors during this period were uprooted and seed/seedling predation by insects or vertebrates. After the seedlings shed cotyledons, all species showed constant mortality rates of 34, 15–16, 17 and 6%/year for D. actangulus, D. lanceolata, D. aromatica and D. globosus, respectively, in the forest understorey. Mortality was lower in less shaded conditions than in more shaded ones for D. aromatica and D. actangulus, but not significantly different for D. lanceolata and D. globosus. A majority of dead seedlings were killed by fallen branches or were found standing with wilted leaves, probably due to water stress. No significant correlation was found between seed/seedling mortality and distance from mother trees or the initial density of seeds/seedings for all species. The mean leaf production was positively correlated with the estimated diffuse light factor of their habitats for each species.
White‐tailed deer vary offspring sex‐ratio according to maternal condition and age
Authors: Burke Russell L. , Birch James M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe tested two models of adaptive offspring sex‐ratio that predict opposite optimal reproductive strategies for female white‐tail deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Trivers and Willard's model predicts that does (females) in particularly good condition should produce sons, and Williams refined their model to make specific predictions about optimal offspring number/sex choices. Verme's model results in very different predictions because of very different assumptions about which sex of offspring can best benefit from high levels of maternal resources. We found clear support for the Trivers and Willard/Williams model when we analyzed data from road‐killed does, and we furthermore question several of the assumptions of the Verme model.
Measurement of soil respiration using closed chamber method: An IRGA technique
Authors: Bekku Yukiko , Koizumi Hiroshi , Nakadai Toshie , Iwaki Hideo 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA closed chamber method (CC‐method) using an infra‐red gas analyzer (IRGA) for measuring soil respiration was examined. Two major factors which potentially cause errors: (i) volume of air sampled from the chamber; and (ii) measuring period of time, were examined in laboratory experiments. Field measurements were also conducted with both the CC‐method and the open‐flow IRGA method (OF‐method) throughout a year. The results of laboratory experiments showed that (i) sampling volume of air should be less than 0.2% of the volume of the chamber; and (ii) the air within the chamber should be sampled several times within 20 min. Field measurements showed that soil respiration rates measured by the CC‐method were not significantly different from those by the OF‐method. The results of this study indicate that the CC‐method is as effective for the measurement of the soil respiration rates as the OF‐method.
Assessment of pine forest damage by blight based on Landsat TM data and correlation with environmental factors
Authors: Nakane Kaneyuki , Kimura Yoshinori 
Published: March 2006

AbstractLandsat TM images were obtained of blight damage to a Japanese red pine forest in the western part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, using a spectral vegetation index; that is, the ratio of the digital number (relative reflectance on the ground surface) of TM Band 4 to Band 3 observed in May 1987, which decreased with the increase in the canopy cover of damaged pine trees measured in the field. The TM images suggested that the areas of damaged forest were concentrated in or near cities, industrial areas and expressways. The correlation between forest damage and environmental factors (air pollution and urban development) around the pine forest was therefore analysed by overlaying the blight damage with the proportion of developed areas obtained from TM data or mesh data of air pollution. The results of analysis indicated a significant correlation between forest damage and environmental factors, and showed that these two environmental factors made nearly equal contributions to the blight damage in the pine forest. This suggests that urban development and air pollution may affect the physiology of pine trees and promote blight by reducing the resistance of trees to the pinewood nematode.
Foot morphology and distribution of Sika deer in relation to snow depth in Japan
Authors: Takatsuki Seiki 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe distribution of Sika deer (Cervus nippon) on Japanese islands is biased toward, the east where there is less snow. To explain this biased distribution in relation to snow, the foot morphology of Sika deer was measured. Hoof load was greatest in male adults (0.78 kg cm−2) and smallest in fawns (c 0.43 kg cm−2). The values were similar to those for white‐tailed deer, and were smaller than those for snow‐adapted species like caribou and chamois. Foreleg length was c. 50 cm and 60 cm, and hind feet (lower half) length was c. 40 cm and 45 cm for fawns and adult deer, respectively. Chest heights were c. 45 cm and 53 cm for fawns and adults, respectively. These figures suggest that areas where snow accumulates deeper than 50 cm are not favorable as a Sika deer habitat. The present distribution of Sika deer is clearly related to snow depth: they are mostly concentrated in the ‘preferable area’ of <50 cm of snow, some of them can live in the ‘habitable area’ of 50–100 cm of snow, and they rarely live in the ‘inhabitable area’ of >100 cm of snow.
Photoperiodic control of larval development and wing form in Modicogryllus sp. (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: Masaki Sinzo , Sugahara Toshiaki 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe bivoltine cricket locally known as ‘Tambo‐Koorogi’ (Modicogryllus sp.) hibernates as a half‐grown larva, and shows a developmental response to changing as well as stationary photoperiod. At 25°C, larvae matured in about 7–10 weeks in continuous or 16 h daily light, but took 10–20 weeks or more in 14 h and shorter days. A day of 15 h exerted an intermediate effect, giving a development time of 7–17 weeks. However, an increase in daylength from 12 to 15 h in the early larval life prevented diapause, while a decrease from 15 to 12 h retarded development more than a constant 12 h day. Short‐winged adults occurred only when the photophase was 15 h or shorter, and their frequency increased with decreased daylength. Although the short‐winged form took longer to mature than the long‐winged form under the same conditions of photoperiod, delayed growth was not always associated with brachypterism.
Mechanisms of cross‐shore distribution pattern of the intertidal mud crab Macrophthalmus japonicus
Authors: Henmi Yasuhisa 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn the intertidal mud crab Macrophthalmus japonicus, most large crabs occurred in the upper sandy areas. Mechanisms of the size‐dependent distribution were interpreted experimentally. In the lower muddy area, food was more abundant and crab density was much higher than in the upper area. Under the high density conditions, interaction among large crabs became severe and more large crabs abandoned their burrows. In the experiment on burrowing‐site selection, large crabs burrowed only in the muddy side under the low density, but also in the sandy side under high density conditions. The burrowing in the upper sandy area may be advantageous for large crabs, though food availability is lower, because of less competition and higher survivorship under the low crab density.
Postglacial vegetation history around Torihama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Takahara Hikaru , Takeoka Masaji 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA pollen analytical study of a core sample from the Torihama site in the Sea of Japan area of the Kinki region was carried out. This core, dated by three types of tephra, corresponded to the period between the early and the middle postglacial periods. In the early postglacial period, the cool‐temperate deciduous forest was accompanied by Cryptomeria japonica. In the middle postglacial period, C. japonica forests formed on the lowlands. Lucidophyllous forests developed after the deposition of K‐Ah ash (6300 years BP) in the Sea of Japan area of the Kinki region, which was later than the development of those in the inland and Pacific Ocean areas.
Needle area measurement by the cut method and estimation of specific leaf area in Cryptomeria japonica
Authors: Katsuno Masumi , Hozumi Kazuo 
Published: March 2006

AbstractNeedle surface area in Cryptomeria japonica was measured using a newly proposed cut method. Sample needles of various lengths were taken from foliage shoots belonging to various height layers of nine trees growing at three sites. Needles were cut into small pieces with a hand‐made cutter made of razor blades and washers. By measuring the circumference and thickness of each piece, its lateral area was calculated and summed to give the total surface area of the needle. For estimating the surface area of a needle (s), two linear parameters of needle size termed yn* and /were proposed:yn* was the distance between the needle tip and the uppermost point of attachment of the needle to the shoot, while l was the distance between the needle tip and the lowermost point of attachment. The power‐form relationship between s and l was superior to the s‐yn* relationship, since the former did not differ significantly among shoots of different diameter. Based on the s‐l relationship, the total surface area of a shoot was estimated from the l‐census of the shoot. Specific leaf area of a shoot (SLA), defined as half of the shoot surface area divided by the dry weight of the shoot, decreased from 90 to 3 [cm2g(dry wt)−1] with the diameter of the woody tissue of the foliage shoot.
Tree form in a mixed dipterocarp forest in Indonesian Borneo
Authors: Yamakura Takuo , Hagihara Akio , Sukardjo Sukristijono , Ogawa Husato 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe form of tropical trees was studied with reference to the production structure of the component individuals of a tropical rain forest stand in Sebulu, East Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo, since the production structure as a physical or bio‐economical basis of tree form still remains obscure in tropical rain forests. The pipe model theory successfully explained the crown shapes of different trees, and its parameter, designated as specific pipe length, suggested an increase in the cost of leaf mass growth with an increase in crown size. A mathematical model consisting of exponential functions of aboveground height was applied for describing stem form, and its properties were examined through changes in its coefficients and by adopting an assumption of the geometrical similarity of individual stem form as a criterion for comparing differences in stem form among individual trees. Furthermore, the cost of buttersses was discussed using the relation between bole‐ and buttress weight calculated from the mathematical model.
Resting spore formation of Leptocylindrus danicus (Bacillariophyceae) during short time‐scale upwelling and its significance as predicted by a simple model
Authors: Ishizaka Joji , Kaichi Motonori , Takahashi Masayuki 
Published: March 2006

AbstractResting spore formation during short time‐scale upwelling and its significance were investigated in the field and by a simple theoretical model. Field observations of spore formation of Leptocylindrus danicus were made off Izu Peninsula, Japan. A rapid increase in ratio of resting spore to vegetative cell numbers indicated that L. danicus formed resting spores quickly as a response to nutrient depletion in the upwelled water, although only a very low number of resting spores was found in the upwelling. A simple model was constructed to investigate the possible advantages of spore formation during short time‐scale upwelling. This showed that there is a critical time‐scale for resting spore formation to be advantageous. The nutrient depletion period of the upwelling off Izu was shorter than the critical time‐scale determined by the model. Rapid‐sinking of resting spores may increase further the critical time‐scale, unless spores return with upwelling water. For short time‐scale upwelling, the vegetative cell may be better suited than the resting spore for enduring a short period of nutrient depletion.
Studies on the dynamic properties of terrestrial ecosystems based on a simulation model I. Critical light conditions for stability of a tropical rainforest ecosystem
Authors: Oikawa Takehisa 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBy employing a microcomputer model developed in a previous study (Oikawa, 1985), the stability of a tropical rainforest ecosystem composed of three strata was analyzed in relation to incident light flux density. Surplus production (Ps), calculated as a function of the leaf area index and light attenuation coefficient, was remarkably affected by the maximum illuminance at noon (I0, max).Simulation experiments for a period of 100 years demonstrated that the upper stratum was able to reach a steady state at about 50 years and thereafter, when a value of I0, max equal to or greater than 80 klux was assigned to the upper stratum, where the higher the value of I0, max, the greater the biomasses and the carbon fluxes at the steady state as a result of enhanced productivity. When I0, max was assigned a value of 70 klux, on the other hand, this experiment predicted a failure of the upper stratum to maintain stability due to deficiency of surplus productivity.Moreover, it was also suggested that excessive luxuriance of the upper stratum due to I0, max elevation may have a detrimental effect upon the survival of the middle stratum, since increasing I0, max decreases the light energy available for the middle stratum even in absolute terms, resulting in disappearance of this stratum when I0, max is equal to or greater than 120 klux.These simulation experiments suggested that a tropical rainforest ecosystem composed of three strata is able to exist within a narrow range of I0, max between 80 and 110 klux, light conditions which are much higher than the light compensation point for canopy photosynthesis
Impact of pulmonary regurgitation and right ventricular dysfunction on oxygen uptake recovery kinetics in repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Giardini Alessandro , Specchia Salvatore , Coutsoumbas Gloria , Donti Andrea , Formigari Roberto , Fattori Rossella , Oppido Guido , Gargiulo Gaetano , Picchio Fernando M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) featuring severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and/or right ventricular (RV) dysfunction have reduced exercise tolerance.Aims:To assess the impact of PR and of RV function on the ability to recover from exercise in ToF patients.Methods:61 consecutive patients aged 23.1±12.1 years underwent maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX), transthoracic echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. This data was compared to those of 153 matched healthy subjects.Results:19 patients (31%) had severe PR. RV dysfunction was noted in 19 patients (31%). Nine patients (15%) had both severe PR and RV dysfunction. Patients had lower peak oxygen uptake (VO2), VO2 slope, carbon dioxide production (VCO2) slope and O2 pulse slope (p<0.0001), especially those with severe PR and RV dysfunction (p<0.0001). Heart rate slope was similar between groups. No patient with severe PR and RV dysfunction had a predicted peak VO2>40%. CPX had a high sensitivity and specificity to identify patients with severe PR and RV dysfunction.Conclusions:In ToF patients, severe PR and RV dysfunction lead to delayed recovery from exercise. CPX can identify patients with severe PR and RV dysfunction and may be useful to guide the pulmonary valve replacement decision‐making process.
High intracellular Na+ preserves myocardial function at low heart rates in isolated myocardium from failing hearts
Authors: Schillinger Wolfgang , Teucher Nils , Christians Claus , Kohlhaas Michael , Sossalla Samuel , Van Nguyen Phuc , Schmidt Albrecht G. , Schunck Ortwin , Nebendahl Klaus , Maier Lars S. , Zeitz Oliver , Hasenfuss Gerd 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe investigated the hypothesis that increased intracellular [Na+]i in heart failure contributes to preservation of SR Ca2+ load which may become particularly evident at slow heart rates.[Na+]i in SBFI‐loaded myocytes from rabbits with pacing‐induced heart failure (PHF) was significantly higher at each frequency as compared to Sham‐operated animals. Furthermore, PHF rabbits demonstrated reduced SR Ca2+‐ATPase protein levels (− 37%, p < 0.04) but unchanged Na+/Ca2+ exchanger protein levels. At 0.25 Hz, isometric force was similar in cardiac trabeculae from PHF rabbits as compared to control (PHF, 3.6±1.3; Sham, 4.4 ± 0.6 mN/mm2). Rapid cooling contractures (RCCs) were unchanged indicating preserved SR Ca2+ load at this frequency. In Sham, isometric twitch force increased with rising frequencies to 29.0 + 2.8 mN/mm2 at 3.0 Hz (p < 0.05) as compared to 0.25 Hz. RCCs showed a parallel increase by 186 ± 47% (p < 0.01). In PHF, frequency‐dependent increase in force (15.8 ± 4.7 mN/mm2 at 3.0 Hz) and RCCs (increase by 70 ± 40%) were significantly blunted.Thus, in PHF in rabbits SR Ca2+ load is preserved at low frequencies despite decreased SR Ca2+‐ATPase expression. This may result from [Na+]i‐dependent changes in Na+/Ca2+ exchanger activity.
Measuring the strength of environment–recruitment relationships: the importance of including predictor screening within cross-validations
Authors: Francis R.I.C. Chris 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
There has recently been considerable interest in establishing relationships between environmental variables and annual recruitment to fish stocks. Such relationships have the potential to reduce the uncertainty in the assessment of the stocks. When many environmental variables are considered, it is easy to draw conclusions that exaggerate the ability to predict recruitment. One technique to protect against this is cross-validation. This technique has usually been incorrectly applied, in that it has not included predictor screening (the selection from a large set of potential predictors of a smaller set to use in prediction). A simulation experiment is used to show that this omission can cause chance correlations to be wrongly identified as useful, and the reliability of useful predictors to be overestimated. It also shows that the mistaken use of chance correlations to predict recruitment can be worse than the use of the default predictor (the mean of previous recruitments), and that our ability to measure the reliability of recruitment predictors is typically poor.
Allgrove syndrome with features of familial dysautonomia: A novel mutation in the AAAS gene
Authors: Ismail Essam A. , Tulliot‐Pelet Anna , Mohsen Ameer M. , Al‐Saleh Qusay 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAllgrove syndrome (or triple‐A syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by alacrima, achalasia, adrenal insufficiency (glucocorticoid in the majority of cases) and autonomic/neurological abnormalities. This disease is now known to be caused by mutation in the AAAS gene located on chromosome 12q13. Diagnosis should be readily available when the full‐blown features are there, but it becomes less apparent when presentation is atypical or in the evolving process. We present a brother and sister (12 and 19 y old, respectively) born to consanguineous parents of Palestinian origin with Allgrove syndrome. The index patient was erroneously diagnosed to be a case of familial dysautonomia before the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was made at the age of 7.5 y, while his elder sister had only alacrima from birth and developed achalasia at the age of 15 y. She started to develop early evidence of adrenal disease at the age of 19 y. Both of them had neuroautonomic dysfunction. The diagnosis of Allgrove syndrome was confirmed in these two patients by studying the gene mutation in the family. The sequencing of the AAAS gene in the two patients identified a novel homozygous mutation within intron 5 (IVS5+1(G)→A). Both parents as well as all three other children were heterozygous for the same mutation. Conclusion: These two cases illustrate the heterogenous nature and the intrafamilial phenotypic variability of Allgrove syndrome.