bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ovarian cycle of the captive formosan gem‐faced civets (Paguma larvata taivana)
Authors: Liu Shyh‐Shyan , Fung Hang‐Poung , Liu Bing‐Tsan , Cheng Feng‐Pang 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFormosan gem‐faced civets are classified to be endemic sub‐species of Paguma larvata in Taiwan. Little about their reproductive physiology has been reported. This study was designed to characterize the ovarian activity throughout the year and define ovarian cycle length and the lengths of its component phases. Serum samples were collected for enzyme immunoassay (progesterone and estradiol) from seven captive civets twice weekly for 1 year. Meanwhile, periodic changes in external genitalia (vulva swelling) and vaginal cytology were examined and recorded. Results showed estrous cycles exhibited two types: 18‐day (18.5±1.1, n=64) and 28‐day (27.6±1.0, n=28) as shown by progesterone and estradiol fluctuations and corresponding changes in vulva morphology and vaginal cytology. Both types showed a similar 7‐day follicular phase, peaking progesterone at Day 7. The 18‐day cycle type prevails in the spring and summer whereas the 28‐day cycle type is significant in the autumn. In summary, female gem‐faced civets are polyestrous (approximately 13 cycles/year), and non‐typical seasonal breeders, with follicular phase and two distinct durations of luteal phases (diestrus) cycling throughout the year, but the frequency of ovarian cycles was remarkably gradually decreased from September to February of next year. Zoo Biol 0:1–11, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The persistence and conservation of Borneo's mammals in lowland rain forests managed for timber: observations, overviews and opportunities
Authors: Meijaard E. , Sheil D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLowland rainforests on Borneo are being degraded and lost at an alarming rate. Studies on mammals report species responding in various ways to habitat changes that occur in commercial forestry concessions. Here we draw together information on the relationship between the ecological, evolutionary, and biogeographic characteristics of selected Bornean non‐volant mammals, and their response to timber harvesting and related impacts. Only a minority of species show markedly reduced densities after timber harvesting. Nonetheless there are many grounds for concern as various processes can, and often do, reduce the viability of wildlife populations. Our review of what we know, and of current understanding, helps predict mammalian dynamics and subsequent mammal‐induced ecosystem changes in logged forests. We identify groups of mammal species that, although largely unstudied, are unlikely to tolerate the impacts associated with timber harvesting. On a positive note we find and suggest many relatively simple and low‐cost ways in which concession management practices might be modified so as to improve the value of managed forests for wildlife conservation. Improving forest management can play a vital role in maintaining the rich biodiversity of Borneo's tropical rain forests.
Impact of volcanic activity on a plant‐pollinator module in an island ecosystem: the example of the association of Camellia japonica and Zosterops japonica
Authors: Abe Harue , Hasegawa Masami 
Published: February 2007

AbstractVolcanic activity provides an indispensable opportunity to study the ecological responses of organisms to environmental devastation. We examined the reproductive success of Camellia trees to identify how volcanic activity affects the processes of leaf survival, flowering activity, fruit and seed production, pollinator abundance, pollinator visitation frequency, pollination rate, and fruit and seed maturation at different damage sites on Miyake‐jima, which experienced an eruption in the summer of 2000. Volcanic gases negatively affect leaf survival and reduce flowering activity in heavily damaged areas. Pollen transfer was sufficient to ensure that higher pollination rates (83%) occurred in heavily damaged areas than in less damaged areas (26–45%), but pollinator densities were lower in response to reduced flower resources. Fruit abortion rates were greater in heavily damaged sites (78%) than in less‐damaged sites (53–63%). Consequently, fruit‐set rates (16–29%) did not differ significantly among sites. Seed set rates tended to increase with increasing volcanic damage. The negative correlation between seed‐set rates and seed mass suggests that the decreased seed mass in severely damaged sites was attributable to the better pollination rates observed there. These results indicate that compensation mechanisms ensure better reproductive success at sites that are more strongly affected by volcanic activity.
Effects of sandblasting and salt spray on inland plants transplanted to coastal sand dunes
Authors: Ogura Akiko , Yura Hiroshi 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA transplant experiment was conducted on a sandy beach to elucidate whether salt spray and sandblasting are the major factors inhibiting inland plants from becoming established on coastal sand dunes. Potted inland plants of Miscanthus sinensis and Imperata cylindrica var. koenigii were transplanted in two zones on the beach and in one area far inland from the beach. One zone on the beach (sea side) was located on a front dune that was occupied by native sand‐dune plants; the other zone (land side) was located behind the sand dunes, where grassland comprised both sand‐dune and inland species. To assess the condition of transplants, we measured changes in the canopy leaf area periodically at all sites. The final dry weight at each site was determined at the end of the experiment. Seasonal changes in sandblasting and salt spray intensities were evaluated periodically at the sites by measurement of the opaqueness of exposed transparent plastic sheets and the amount of sodium trapped in exposed filter papers, respectively. All transplants died in the sea‐side zone, where both salt spray and sandblasting were most frequent and intense. The final dry weight was greatest at the inland site, which lacked salt spray and sandblasting. Although salt spray was intense in the land‐side zone, the canopy leaf area decreased considerably only in seasons during which salt spray was accompanied by intense sandblasting. We concluded that sandblasting accompanied by salt spray is one of the main factors inhibiting the survival and growth of inland plants on coastal sand dunes.
Spatial distribution of turtle barnacles on the green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas
Authors: Hayashi Ryota , Tsuji Kazuki 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDistribution patterns of epibiotic barnacles on green sea turtles were investigated in waters neighboring Okinawa, Japan. A number of barnacle species were found to coexist on the turtles and were classified into three genera: Chelonibia, Platylepas and Stomatolepas. Attachment sites on the turtles varied among the barnacle species, suggesting that there is niche partitioning with respect to their microhabitat selection. Turtle bodies offer a “patchy” environment for barnacles, so we also analyzed coexistence patterns in the context of an aggregation model. Within each genus, individual barnacles showed a clumped distribution. The different genera do not have mutually exclusive distribution patterns, but instead occur on the same turtle to various degrees. However, when turtles were divided into two size classes, both the level of aggregation and the degree of interspecific overlap among the barnacles was significantly lower on large turtles. We suggest that obtaining basic information on turtle epibionts will shed light on the biology of wild turtles, which is still largely unknown.
Rare seed‐predating mammals determine seed fate of Canarium euphyllum, a large‐seeded tree species in a moist evergreen forest, Thailand
Authors: Kitamura Shumpei , Yumoto Takakazu , Poonswad Pilai , Suzuki Shunsuke , Wohandee Prawat 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNatural seed deposition patterns and their effects on post‐dispersal seed fate are critical to tropical tree recruitment. The major dispersal agents of the large‐seeded tree Canarium euphyllum in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, are large frugivorous birds such as hornbills, which generated spatially heterogeneous seed deposition patterns because they regurgitated seeds at perching trees and conspecific and heterospecific feeding trees. We investigated the fate of seeds dispersed in this manner using seed removal experiments and automatic camera trapping. Seeds placed experimentally around conspecific feeding trees had higher removal rates than seeds placed elsewhere. These effects were likely mediated by two seed‐eating rodents, the Indochinese ground squirrel (Menetes berdmorei) and the giant long‐tailed rat (Leopoldamys sabanus). Consequently, the spatial patterns generated by hornbills had consequences for post‐dispersal seed fates, particularly whether or not the seeds were removed by rodents. Primary dispersal by hornbills does alter seed fate by altering the probability of rodent–seed interaction, but the ultimate impact of dispersal by hornbills will depend on how important rodent scatterhoarding is to seed germination and seedlings. Given that major seed dispersers of C. euphyllum are now absent or rare in degraded forests in tropical Asia, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the roles of scatterhoarding rodents in these altered habitats in this region.
Effects of Tai Chi exercises on self-efficacy and psychological health
Authors: Dechamps Arnaud , Lafont Lucile , Bourdel-Marchasson Isabelle 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
This review offers an update of the psychological effects of Tai Chi Chuan (TC) among different populations. A computerized literature research from 1990 to June 2006 was carried out. Studies were selected when they assessed the mental and psychological effects of TC practice among various populations. Data from 14 studies for a total of 829 subjects, age range from 12 to 96 years, were considered here. There were eight randomized controlled trials and six quasi-experimental or case control studies in this review. The intensity of TC varied from 30 min twice a week over a 5-week period to 1 h every day over an 8-week period. TC was characterized as a kind of light-to-moderate exercise and was found to enhance overall psychological well-being and to improve self-efficacy and mood. TC benefits appeared to be more tangible for adults and healthy older adults or those becoming frail. However, TC did not appear to be more efficient than exercises of the same intensity. Extensive and qualitative studies are needed to quantify the effects of the volume of practice, expert modeling, gender differences, and the age-related learning process on efficacy cognitions and mood in clinical and nonclinical contexts.
Sterol Biosynthesis Inhibitors: Potential for Transition State Analogs and Mechanism‐Based Inactivators Targeted at Sterol Methyltransferase
Authors: Song Zhihong , Nes W. David 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBIs), discovered in the late 1960s and subsequently used commercially to treat ergosterol‐dependent fungal diseases, represent a unique drug class targeted at an enzyme in a biosynthetic pathway. To date, few drugs have been commercialized as enzyme inhibitors; yet, prescription of SBIs has emerged as the gold standard for some cases of non‐life‐threatening antifungal chemotherapy and in crop protection. SBIs are not designed for their structural resemblance to the sterol molecule; they nonetheless can engender a curative effect by interfering with sterol production and homeostasis in the pathogenic organism. The increased use of SBIs in recent years, particularly the azole antifungals, has resulted in the development of resistance to those drugs, necessitating additional work to further our understanding of antifungal resistance and to explore opportunities to develop new enzyme inhibitors and uncover new enzyme targets that can regulate carbon flux in the post‐lanosterol/cycloartenol pathway. This article reports general considerations for enzyme mechanism and active‐site probes using inhibitors of the C‐methylation reaction, including a potential new class of antifungal/antiparasitic agents of phytosterol synthesis tailored as mechanism‐based inactivators. These steroid‐based compounds prepared with different sterol side chain functionalities are designed to reversibly or irreversibly impair the sterol methyltransferase, an enzyme expressed in pathogenic microbes and plants but not in the human host. The salient aspects of these and related topics directed toward the enzyme recognition of sterol structure, and the inhibitory properties and catalytic competence of a series of specifically modified substrate analogs that affect sterol methyltransferase action are discussed.
Fatty acid composition of habitual omnivore and vegetarian diets
Authors: Mann Neil , Pirotta Yvonne , O'Connell Stella , Li Duo , Kelly Fiona , Sinclair Andy 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHigh‐fat diets are implicated in the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and obesity. Large intakes of saturated and trans FA, together with low levels of PUFA, particularly long‐chain (LC) omega‐3 (n−3) PUFA, appear to have the greatest impact on the development of CVD. A high n−6∶n−3 PUFA ratio is also considered a marker of elevated risk of CVD, though little accurate data on dietary intake is available. A new Australian food composition database that reports FA in foods to two decimal places was used to assess intakes of FA in four habitual dietary groups. Analysis using the database found correlations between the dietary intakes of LC n−3 PUFA and the plasma phospholipid LC n−3 PUFA concentrations of omnivore and vegetarian subjects. High meat‐eaters (HME), who consumed large amounts of food generally, had significantly higher LC n−3 PUFA intakes (0.29 g/d) than moderate meat‐eaters (MME) (0.14 g/d), whose intakes in turn were significantly higher than those of ovolacto‐vegetarians or vegans (both 0.01 g/d). The saturated FA intake of MME subjects (typical of adult male Australians) was not different from ovolacto‐vegetarian intakes, whereas n−6∶n−3 intake ratios in vegetarians were significantly higher than in omnivores. Thus, accurate dietary and plasma FA analyses suggest that regular moderate consumption of meat and fish maintains a plasma FA profile possibly more conducive to good health.
The hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype is a predictor of elevated levels of small, dense LDL cholesterol
Authors: Gazi Irene F. , Filippatos Theodosios D. , Tsimihodimos Vasilis , Saougos Vasilios G. , Liberopoulos Evangelos N. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Tselepis Alexandros D. , Elisaf Moses 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype (hypertriglyceridemia and increased waist circumference) has been proposed as an inexpensive tool to monitor individuals with the atherogenic metabolic triad, hyperinsulinemia, hyperapobetalipoproteinemia, and increased levels of small, dense LDL (sdLDL) particles. We assessed the association of the HTGW phenotype with the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and the atherogenic metabolic triad in inhabitants (n=260) of northwestern Greece attending the Outpatient Lipid Clinic of the University Hospital of loannina. The LDL subfractions were assessed using the Lipoprint LDL System. HTGW (+) individuals had a more adverse lipid and lipoprotein profile compared with HTGW (−) individuals. Moreover, HTGW (+) subjects had elevated levels of sdLDL‐C, as well as decreased mean and peak LDL particle size compared with HTGW (−) subjects. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the sdLDL‐C abnormality in HTGW (+) subjects. Among men (n=105), 52.3% of the MetSyn (+) individuals and 66.7% of the HTGW (+) individuals had the metabolic triad. Among women (n=155), the corresponding percentages were 42.3% and 50.0%. Only 22.2% and 10.6% of the Metsyn (−) subjects (men and women, respectively) and 19.6% and 15.2% of the HTGW (−) subjects (men and women, respectively) had the atherogenic metabolic triad. In conclusion, the HTGW (+) phenotype is associated with a hostile lipid profile that includes higher levels of sdLDL‐C and decreased LDL particle size. The HTGW phenotype, compared with the MetSyn criteria, can provide an easy and inexpensive tool to monitor patients characterized by an adverse lipid and lipoprotein profile.
Diminished macrophage cholesterol removal rate by the altered HDL metabolism in the Nagase analbuminemic rat
Authors: Catanozi Sergio , Rocha Jussara C. , Passarelli Marisa , Mesquita Carlos H. , Suguiama Vivian Y. , Guzzo Maria L. , Filho Antônio dos Santos , Quintao Eder C. R. , Nakandakare Edna R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDyslipoproteinemia of the Nagase analbuminemic rat (NAR) is characterized by elevated concentrations of VLDL and LDL attributed to increased rates of liver lipoprotein synthesis. Increased lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in NAR HDL has been attributed to high plasma LCAT activity. We show here that, as compared with Sprague‐Dawley rats (SDR), NAR plasma triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL TAG, protein, total phospholipids (PL), LPC, and PS are increased. These alterations rendered the NAR HDL particle more susceptible to the activity of the enzyme hepatic lipoprotein lipase (HL), which otherwise was unaltered in our study. Fractional catabolic rates in blood of the autologous 125I‐apoHDL (median and lower quartile values), were, respectively, 0.231 and 1.645 (n=10) in NAR as compared with 0.140 and 0.109 (n=10) in SDR (P=0.012), corresponding to synthesis rates of HDL protein of 89.8±33.7 mg/d in NAR and 17.4±6.5 mg/d in SDR (P=0.0122). Furthermore, Swiss mouse macrophage free‐cholesterol (FC) efflux rates, measured as the percent [14C]‐cholesterol efflux/6 h, were 8.2±2.3 (n=9) in NAR HDL and 11.2±3.2 (n=10) in SDR HDL (P=0.03). Therefore, in NAR the modification of the HDL composition slows down the cell FC efflux rate, and together with the increased rate of plasma HDL metabolism influences the reverse cholesterol transport system.
Insulin‐status‐dependent modulation of FoF1‐ATPase activity in rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Patel Samir P. , Katyare Surendra S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEarly and late effects of alloxan diabetes and insulin treatment on mitochondrial membrane structure and function were evaluated by studying the kinetic properties of mitochondrial membrane marker enzyme FoF1‐ATPase and its modulation by membrane lipid/phospholipid composition and membrane fluidity. Under all experimental conditions the enzyme displayed three kinetically distinguishable components. In 1wk‐old diabetic animals the enzyme activity was unchanged; however, Km and Vmax of component I increased and Km of component II decreased. Insulin treatment resulted in lowering of Km and Vmax of components II and III. One‐mon diabetic state resulted in decreased enzyme activity, whereas insulin treatment caused hyperstimulation. Km of components I and II decreased together with decreased Vmax of all the components. Insulin treatment restored the Km and Vmax values. In late‐stage diabetes the catalytic efficiency of components I and II increased; insulin treatment had drastic adverse effect. Binding pattern of ATP was unchanged under all experimental conditions. Diabetic state resulted in progressive decrease in energy of activation in the low temperature range (EL). Insulin treatment lowered the energy of activation in the high temperature range (EH) without correcting the EL values. The phase transition temperatures increased in diabetic state and were not corrected by insulin treatment. Long‐term diabetes lowered the total phospholipid content and elevated the cholesterol content; insulin treatment had partial restorative effect. The membrane fluidity decreased in general in diabetic condition and was not corrected by insulin treatment at late stage. Regression analysis studies suggest that specific phospholipid classes and/or their ratios may play a role in modulation of the enzyme activity.
Gene expression of stearoyl‐ACP desaturase and Δ12 fatty acid desaturase 2 is modulated during seed development of flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Authors: Fofana Bourlaye , Cloutier Sylvie , Duguid Scott , Ching Jacqueline , Rampitsch Chris 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFlax's recent popularity in human and animal foods is mostly due to its desirable FA composition. Flax is an excellent source of omega‐3 FA, which have been shown to have many health benefits. To date, little is known about the genetic and environmental factors that control the FA composition of flax seeds. To elucidate some of the important genetic components, reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR and real‐time PCR were used to determine the expression profiles of two key FA biosynthetic genes during seed development. Plants of flax cultivar AC McDuff were grown under field conditions, and RNA was extracted from ovaries and developing bolls collected from 2 d after anthesis (DAA) to maturity. Desaturation enzymes stearoyl‐ACP desaturase (SAD) and Δ12 FA desaturase 2 (FAD2) were both expressed in ovaries, and their expression was differentially modulated throughout seed development. SAD was most highly expressed in ovaries. Its expression quickly decreased until 4 DAA; this was followed by a slight peak at 8 DAA, only to return to relatively low levels of expression in maturing bolls, ranging from 2.1% to 4.5% relative to the level observed in ovaries. FAD2 expression displayed a different temporal pattern. While expression of FAD2 did decrease in the early stages of seed development, expression increased starting at 8 DAA, peaking at 16 DAA, when it was 158% relative to the level observed in ovaries. FAD2, which desaturates oleic acid (18∶1 cisΔ9) into linoleic acid (18∶2 cisΔ9, 12), is therefore controlled at the transcription level. To relate enzyme expression with FA profile, GC was performed on the same subsamples used for RT‐PCR and real‐time PCR, and proportions of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids were determined for the same developmental stages. Although FAD2 expression increased from 8 to 16 DAA, relative changes in linoleic acid (18∶2 cis Δ9, 12) were not observed. However, linolenic acid (ALA; α‐18∶3; 18∶3 cisΔ9, 12, 15) levels increased steadily, meaning that linoleic acid (18∶2 cisΔ9, 12) is a transient substrate converted by FAD3 as quickly as it is produced by FAD2. Phenotypes are the result of genotypes, environment, and the interaction of the two. To evaluate the environmental impact on the production of FA in flax, FA profiles were assessed in a total of four environments (two locations, two years). Warm and dry environmental conditions resulted in lower levels of PUFA 18∶2 cisΔ9, 12 and 18∶3 cisΔ9, 12, 15, and higher levels of 18∶1 cisΔ9. FAD2 expression and/or activity may therefore be affected by the environment.
Lipid class and fatty acid composition of the boreal soft coral Gersemia rubiformis
Authors: Imbs Andrey B. , Demina Olga A. , Demidkova Darja A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTotal lipid, phospholipid, and FA composition and distribution of FA between polar lipids (PL) and neutral lipids (NL) were investigated in the boreal soft coral Gersemia rubiformis from the Bering Sea. The total lipids were mostly hydrocarbons and waxes (33.7%) and PL (33.1%). The content of monoalkyldiacylglycerols (9.7%) exceeded the content of TAG (6.7%). PC and PE constituted 31.4% and 25.6% of total phospholipids, respectively. Principal FA were 16∶0, 16∶1n−7, 18∶0, 18∶1n−9, 18∶1n−7, 20∶1n−7, 20∶4n−6, 20∶4n−3, 20∶5n−3 22∶5n−3, 22∶6n−3, 24∶5n−6, and 24∶6n−3. Most n−6 PUFA (52% of total FA) were associated with the PL fraction; this was especially true for arachidonic and tetracosapentaenoic acids. The NL were enriched with mono‐, di‐, trienoic, and n−3 PUFA. The variation in EPA levels in both NL and PL suggests an origin of this acid from lipids of diatoms consumed by the corals.