bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial variability in the vegetation structure and composition of an East African rain forest
Authors: Fashing Peter J. , Mwangi Gathua J. 
Published: November 2004

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

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

Aim.  This paper reports an investigation into the effects of increased information for patients treated for intracranial aneurysm rupture.Background.  Intracranial aneurysm rupture is a grave condition that requires immediate care. It can be treated in two different ways, by surgery or by endovascular procedure. Intracranial aneurysm rupture can mean great changes in life, both for the patient and their spouse or relatives.Methods.  An intervention study was conducted using a quasi‐experimental design. Participants were recruited consecutively over a period of 12 months and consisted of 62 patients treated for intracranial aneurysm rupture at a Swedish neurosurgical clinic. They were divided into two groups: an intervention group, who received written and oral information, and a comparison group, who received only oral information.Instruments.  Self‐report questionnaires were sent to patients’ homes 1–3 months after the aneurysm rupture. The questionnaires consisted of one study‐specific instrument with questions about understanding of the information given and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, which measures worry or anxiety.Findings.  The intervention group considered that the information that they received was somewhat easier to understand and that it corresponded more closely to their needs, compared with the comparison group. The majority of patients in both groups expressed a need for more and improved information. Levels of anxiety were high for the majority of patients, but no significant difference was evident between groups. Furthermore, the results showed that the majority of patients were given information without their spouse or relatives being present.Conclusion.  Increased information seems to be needed for these patients. There is a need to continue the work to improve information‐giving to them and their relatives.
The Arabidopsis COW1 gene encodes a phosphatidylinositol transfer protein essential for root hair tip growth
Authors: Böhme Karen , Li Yong , Charlot Florence , Grierson Claire , Marrocco Katia , Okada Kyotaka , Laloue Michel , Nogué Fabien 
Published: November 2004

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

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

SummaryThe efficacy of the six‐dose regimen of artemether‐lumefantrine was compared with the combination of artesunate and mefloquine in a randomised, comparative trial in Luang Namtha Province, Northern Laos. Of 1033 screened patients, 201 were positive for Plasmodium falciparum; 108 patients of all age groups (2–66 years) with acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were enrolled in the study, 100 of whom were followed‐up for 42 days. Fifty‐three patients received artemether‐lumefantrine and 55 received artesunante‐mefloquine. Both drug combinations induced rapid clearance of parasites and malaria symptoms; there was no significant difference in the initial therapeutic response parameters. Both regimes were well tolerated. After 42 days, cure rates were 93.6% (95% CI = 82.5–98.7%; 44 of 47 patients) for artemether‐lumefantrine and 100% (95% CI = 93.3–100.0%; 53 of 53 patients) for artesunate‐mefloquine. The results show the excellent efficacy and tolerability of both artemether‐lumefantrine and artesunate‐mefloquine in Northern Laos.
Water soluble contrast follow‐through in the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Lee Janet Fung‐Yee , Meng William Chia‐Shing , Leung Ka‐Lau , Yu Simon Chun‐Ho , Poon Chi‐Ming , Lau Wai‐Yee 
Published: November 2004

Objective:  Postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction is the most common cause of small bowel obstructions in adults. The use of water‐soluble contrast follow‐through has been shown to be safe with a high predictive value for surgery. This study aims to evaluate the impact of contrast follow‐through on clinical outcomes of patients with adhesive small bowel obstructions. Methods:  From July 1994 to June 1998, 150 patients were recruited into the study and randomized into two groups. One group (n = 75) received water‐soluble contrast follow‐through within 24 h of admission, whereas the control group (n = 75) did not. Both groups were put on conservative management and the outcomes measured included operative rate, postoperative morbidities, length of hospital stay and mortality. Results:  The operative rate of both groups was similar (33.3 vs 38.7%, P = 0.496). The preoperative observation period (42 vs 65 h. P = 0.014) and the total median hospital stay (5 vs 7 days, P = 0.025) of the contrast group were significantly shorter than those of the control group. No significant difference could be found between the two groups in terms of postoperative morbidities and mortalities. Conclusions:  In managing patients suspected to have adhesive small bowel obstruction, water‐soluble contrast follow‐through expedites the decision process for surgical intervention, which translates into a shorter hospital stay.
Long‐term serological outcome of infants who received frozen–thawed milk from human T‐lymphotropic virus type‐I positive mothers
Authors: Ando Yoshiya , Ekuni Yutaka , Matsumoto Yoshinari , Nakano Shiro , Saito Kensuke , Kakimoto Kazuhiro , Tanigawa Takuo , Kawa Motohiro , Toyama Takenori 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAim:  Human T‐lymphotropic virus type‐I (HTLV‐I) infection occurs via mothers’ milk during feeding. However, freeze–thaw processing can eliminate the infectivity of the mother's milk of HTLV‐I carriers.Methods:  A long‐term follow‐up survey was conducted to investigate the HTLV‐I infectivity of frozen–thawed mothers’ milk among infants whose mothers were HTLV‐I seropositive.Results:  Infants fed frozen–thawed mothers’ milk did not become HTLV‐I antibody‐positive up until 1 year old, and all children followed up until an age of 11–12 years were antibody negative.Conclusions:  This study showed that freeze–thaw processing can eliminate the HTLV‐I infectivity of mothers’ milk, and that HTLV‐I carriers can indirectly feed their infants using frozen–thawed mothers’ milk as a way to prevent HTLV‐I infection.
Inhibin‐producing ovarian granulosa cell tumor as a cause of secondary amenorrhea: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kurihara Shuichi , Hirakawa Toshio , Amada Satoshi , Ariyoshi Kazuya , Nakano Hitoo 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe report the case of 31‐year‐old patient with an inhibin B‐secreting granulosa cell tumor of the left ovary who presented with secondary amenorrhea. Preoperative serum hormonal levels were as follows: follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) 0.3 mIU/mL, luteinizing hormone (LH) 9.81 mIU/mL, estradiol 142.0 pg/mL and inhibin B 2429 pg/mL. Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) test revealed no FSH response and a normal LH response. After removal of the tumor, the levels of FSH and inhibin B returned to within the normal range, and regular menses resumed 27 days postoperatively. In premenopausal women, secondary amenorrhea may be the initial manifestation of granulosa cell tumor. A low FSH level coupled with normal levels of E2 and LH, the inhibition of the FSH response to GnRH and an elevated inhibin level suggest the presence of an inhibin‐secreting ovarian tumor and also rule out the possibility of isolated FSH deficiency.
What We Owe Our Children, They Their Children, …
Authors: Roemer John E. , Veneziani Roberto 
Published: November 2004

AbstractEgalitarian theorists, since Rawls, have in the main advocated equalizing some objective measure of individual well‐being, such as primary goods, functionings, or resources, rather than subjective welfare. This discussion, however, has assumed, implicitly, a static environment. By analyzing a society that survives for many generations, we demonstrate that equality of opportunity for some objective condition is incompatible with human development over time. We argue that this incompatibility can be resolved by equalizing opportunities for welfare. Thus, “subjectivism” seems necessary if we are to hope for a society that can both equalize opportunities and support the development of human capacity over time.
Politically Determined Income Inequality and the Provision of Public Goods
Authors: Olszewski Wojciech , Rosenthal Howard 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPolitical processes may bring about Pareto improvements by increasing income inequality in a society that produces a public good by voluntary contributions. Proportional taxation funds a “governing agent.” The most endowed agent is the Condorcet winner for governing agent. When the tax rate can also be chosen by a vote, the ideal point of the agent with median initial endowment is the Condorcet winner under Cobb–Douglas utility. If Pareto improvements are possible, this ideal point corresponds to Pareto improvement. Pareto improvement may also be possible, even when a Leviathan set taxes, if there is deadweight loss from taxation. Pareto improvements are indeed always possible in “large” societies. On the other hand, no improvements may be possible if the initial distribution of wealth is very unequal in a “small” society, and Condorcet winners may not exist for other utility functions.
Decreased aortic smooth muscle contraction in a rat model of multibacterial sepsis
Authors: Wang Changhua , Mansard Arnaud , Giummelly Philippe , Atkinson Jeffrey 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe investigated whether blockade of the smooth muscle cell (SMC) inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)–soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) vasodilator pathway would restore the fall in vasoreactivity produced by sepsis following cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) in rats. Contraction of adjacent aortic rings paired for the presence or absence of endothelial cells (EC) was recorded following high [K+]e (40 mm) or norepinephrine (NE, 10−8 to 10−5 m) in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (NOS), NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME, 0.3 mm) or the sGC inhibitor, 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐alpha]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ, 5 μm). In EC‐denuded rings, sepsis halved SMC contraction induced by high [K+]e or NE; neither l‐NAME nor ODQ produced an increase in NE Emax or high [K+]e‐evoked contraction. In conclusion, SMC contractility is globally reduced in CLP; this reduction does not appear to be explained by induction of SMC NOS in this CLP model.
Effects of adding luteinizing hormone to a medium containing follicle stimulating hormone on progesterone‐induced differentiation of cumulus cells during meiotic resumption of porcine oocytes
Authors: SHIMADA Masayuki , NISHIBORI Masahide , YAMASHITA Yasuhisa 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACTIn the present study, we investigated the effects of adding luteinizing hormone (LH) to a medium containing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on the shift in expression of progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms (PR‐A and PR‐B) and the roles in function of cumulus cells of cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COC). The level of PR‐B mRNA in cumulus cells was up‐regulated by FSH during the first 16‐h cultivation but the level was significantly decreased at 20 h. The decrease of PR‐B mRNA was accelerated when COC were cultured with FSH and LH. Still, a high level of total PR mRNA was maintained in cumulus cells cultured with or without the addition of LH up to 20 h, suggesting that the expression of PR isoforms was shifted from PR‐B to PR‐A in cumulus cells. The reduction of PR‐B was also induced by addition of progesterone to FSH‐containing medium. The addition of LH or progesterone to FSH‐containing medium stimulated cumulus expansion of COC as compared with that of COC cultured with FSH. In the expanded COC, ADAMTS‐1 which is expressed in granulosa cells and cumulus cells in rodent follicles through LH‐induced progesterone‐ and PR‐dependent pathway, was more accumulated within the COC matrix. These results suggest that the addition of LH or progesterone to FSH‐containing medium is required for the differentiation of cumulus cells, such as cumulus expansion, mediated by the shift from PR‐B to PR‐A in them.
Comparison of feed intake, digestibility and fattening performance of Brahman grade cattle (Bos indicus) and crossbred water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: LAPITAN Rosalina M. , DEL BARRIO Arnel N. , KATSUBE Osamu , TOKUDA Tomomi , ORDEN Edgar A. , ROBLES Alberto Y. , FUJIHARA Tsutomu , CRUZ Libertado C. , KANAI Yukio 
Published: November 2004

ABSTRACTTwenty growing crossbred cattle and crossbred water buffalo (carabao) with an average age of 22 (18–24 months) months were equally distributed into two treatment groups according to species. The animals were fed with the same ration made up of corn silage (50%) + wet brewer's spent grain (30%) + concentrate mixture (20%), and their fattening performance was monitored. The digestibilities of the different nutrients were likewise determined. The economics of raising the animals under intensive production system was calculated. Species differences did not influence total dry matter intake of the animals, when expressed as percentage of the bodyweight and per metabolic body size. There were no significant differences in digestion coefficients of the different nutrients, except for crude protein in crossbred water buffalo and crossbred cattle, although the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and nitrogen free extract tended to be high in the former than in the latter. Likewise, average daily gain (ADG) was similar, although crossbred water buffalo had numerically higher ADG (828.6 vs 785.5 g) than crossbred cattle during the 6 months feeding. During the first 3 months of feeding (1–90 days), the ADG of crossbred water buffalo was 1066.1 g compared to 940.1 g for crossbred cattle. From 91 to 180 days, the crossbred cattle had slightly higher ADG (630.1 vs 591.1 g) but also the difference was not significant. The return above feed cost was comparable for crossbred cattle and crossbred water buffalo during the first 90 days of feeding. However, extending the feeding period from 91 to 180 days, income over feed cost was higher (P < 0.05) for crossbred cattle by PhP 5.3/kg gain than crossbred water buffalo. Results showed that crossbred water buffalo could attain similar growth rate with that of crossbred cattle under intensive system, when fed with high quality feed materials.
SOME REMARKS ON STACKELBERG’S OPTIMIZATION
Authors: LIONS J.L. 
Published: November 2004

We consider a distributed system governed by a parabolic equation, with a control v distributed over a subdomain [Formula: see text]. We assume that there are two goals we would like to achieve. The main one being of the “controllability” type, the “second one” expressing that the state of the system does not move “too far” from a given state. We introduce the following method. We divide v into two parts, say v1, v2, corresponding to a division of [Formula: see text] into two parts [Formula: see text]. Then we use the notion of Stackelberg’s optimization (introduced and used in Economy), where v2 is the follower and v1 the leader. Assuming that v1 is given, we optimize the second criterion with respect to v2, which gives v2=ℱ(v1) a function of v1. Then the first criterion becomes a function of v1 alone. It is of the approximate controllability type. In order to solve it, one has to prove a density theorem, which amounts to a uniqueness theorem, where we use a uniqueness theorem of Mizohata and regularity theorems of Cavalluci and of Matsuzawa.
REDUCED PHASE SPACE QUANTIZATION OF SPHERICALLY SYMMETRIC EINSTEIN-MAXWELL THEORY INCLUDING A COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT
Authors: Thiemann T. 
Published: November 2004

We present here the canonical treatment of spherically symmetric (quantum) gravity coupled to spherically symmetric Maxwell theory with or without a cosmological constant. The quantization is based on the reduced phase space which is coordinatized by the mass and the electric charge as well as their canonically conjugate momenta, whose geometrical interpretation is explored. The dimension of the reduced phase space depends on the topology chosen, quite similar to the case of pure (2+1) gravity. We also compare the reduced phase space quantization to the algebraic quantization. Altogether, we observe that the present model serves as an interesting testing ground for full (3+1) gravity. We use the new canonical variables introduced by Ashtekar which simplifies the analysis tremendously.