Showing papers by "Gadjah Mada University published in 2003"

Termite assemblage collapse along a land-use intensification gradient in lowland central Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract: Summary 1. Termites are major decomposers in tropical regions and play an important role in soil processes. This study measured the impact of land-use intensification on the termite assemblage of lowland rain forest in Jambi Province, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Termite composition was assessed in seven land-use types along a disturbance gradient, from primary forest, through different silvicultural systems, to grassland and cultivated land without trees. A range of environmental variables was also measured. 2. Termite species richness and relative abundance declined as follows: primary forest > selectively logged forest > mature ‘jungle rubber’ (a diverse agro-forest dominated by rubber trees) > mature rubber plantation > young Paraserianthes falcataria plantation (a softwood tree) > Imperata cylindrica grassland > cassava garden. Termite richness fell from 34 species in the primary forest to one species in the cassava garden. The relative abundance of soil-feeding termites showed a significantly greater decline along the gradient than did wood-feeding termites. 3. Of the environmental variables, woody plant basal area was most strongly correlated with termite species richness ( r = 0·973) and relative abundance ( r = 0·980). This reflects the response of forest-adapted termites to progressive simplification of the physical structure of the habitat, resulting in the reduction of canopy cover and alteration in microclimate, and the loss of feeding and nesting sites. 4. Synthesis and applications . Comparisons with other studies show that the decline in termite species richness and relative abundance seen at Jambi is a general trend that occurs elsewhere when forests are converted to other land uses. To help mitigate the loss of termites when forests are disturbed, we recommend the following management practices: the use of reduced-impact logging techniques, maximizing forest patch size and connectivity, minimizing length of forest edges, and leaving dead wood to decay in situ .

Homo erectus Calvarium from the Pleistocene of Java

Abstract: A Homo erectus calvarium [Sambungmacan 4 (Sm 4)] was recovered from Pleistocene sediments at Sambungmacan in central Java. Micro-computed tomography analysis shows a modern human-like cranial base flexion associated with a low platycephalic vault, implying that the evolution of human cranial globularity was independent of cranial base flexion. The overall morphology of Sm 4 is intermediate between that of earlier and later Javanese Homo erectus; apparent morphological specializations are more strongly expressed in the latter. This supports the hypothesis that later Pleistocene Javanese populations were substantially isolated and made minimal contributions to the ancestry of modern humans.

Detection of pharmacologically active natural products using ecology. Selected examples from Indopacific marine invertebrates and sponge-derived fungi

Abstract: This review article presents our group's recent research findings with regard to bioactive natural products from marine sponges and tunicates, as well as from sponge- derived fungi. The organisms discussed originate in the Indopacific region, which has an exceptionally rich marine biodiversity. Major topics that are covered in our review include the chemical ecology of sponges, focusing on defense against fishes, as well as the isolation and identification of new bioactive constituents from sponges and tunicates. Sponge-derived fungi are introduced as an emerging source for new bioactive metabolites, reflecting the cur- rently growing interest in natural products from marine microorganisms.

Promiscuous CTL Recognition of Viral Epitopes on Multiple Human Leukocyte Antigens: Biological Validation of the Proposed HLA A24 Supertype

Abstract: Multiple HLA class I alleles can bind peptides with common sequence motifs due to structural similarities in the peptide binding cleft, and these groups of alleles have been classified into supertypes. Nine major HLA supertypes have been proposed, including an A24 supertype that includes A*2301, A*2402, and A*3001. Evidence for this A24 supertype is limited to HLA sequence homology and/or similarity in peptide binding motifs for the alleles. To investigate the immunological relevance of this proposed supertype, we have examined two viral epitopes (from EBV and CMV) initially defined as HLA-A*2301-binding peptides. The data clearly demonstrate that each peptide could be recognized by CTL clones in the context of A*2301 or A*2402; thus validating the inclusion of these three alleles within an A24 supertype. Furthermore, CTL responses to the EBV epitope were detectable in both A*2301(+) and A*2402(+) individuals who had been previously exposed to this virus. These data substantiate the biological relevance of the A24 supertype, and the identification of viral epitopes with the capacity to bind promiscuously across this supertype could aid efforts to develop CTL-based vaccines or immunotherapy. The degeneracy in HLA restriction displayed by some T cells in this study also suggests that the dogma of self-MHC restriction needs some refinement to accommodate foreign peptide recognition in the context of multiple supertype alleles.

Expression and localization of aquaporins, members of the water channel family, during development of the rat submandibular gland

Abstract: The expression and localization of aquaporins (AQP1-AQP5), members of the water channel family, in the developing rat submandibular gland were analysed using RT-PCR, Northern blotting and immunohistochemistry to explore their relation to the development of this salivary gland. RT-PCR analysis revealed unique expression patterns of each AQP. AQP1 was expressed constitutively during prenatal development, whereas the expression of AQP5 became more intense in the course of development from embryonic day 16.5 (E16) to E20. These expression patterns concurred with the results of Northern blot analysis. AQP3 and AQP4 mRNAs in the prenatal development were not detected in Northern blots, although they were detected by RT-PCR. During postnatal development, AQP5 and AQP1 mRNAs were expressed continuously, but no message for AQP3 or AQP4 was detected. AQP2 mRNA was not detected during either prenatal or postnatal development in this tissue. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that AQP5 was first localized at the apical membrane of proacinar cells at E18, and then became clearly distributed at the apical membrane of acinar cells in accordance with the differentiation and establishment of the mature acini. In addition, some vasculature also showed immunoreactivity for AQP5. AQP1 was immunolocalized in the blood vessels, including capillaries, of the gland throughout development. These observations suggest the existence of transcriptional regulation of rat AQP5, which is one of the most probable regulators of saliva production and secretion, during the establishment of the functional submandibular salivary gland.

Nutrient intake and iron status of urban poor and rural poor without access to rice fields are affected by the emerging economic crisis: the case of pregnant Indonesian women.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the adequacy of nutrient intake in comparison with the Indonesian Estimated Average Requirement (EARs) among pregnant Indonesian women and explain the short-term effect of ...

DETERMINANTS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION: The Case of Norwegian Students

Abstract: This paper aims to identify determinants of entrepreneurial intentions among young people. The empirical basis is Norwegian students, while an objective is also to create a basis for comparative studies among different economic and cultural contexts. Independent variables in the study include demographic factors and individual background, personality traits, and contextual elements like access to capital and information. The individual perceptions of self-efficacy and instrumental readiness are the variables that affect entrepreneurial intentions most significantly. Age, gender and educational background have no statistically significant impact. Generally, the level of the entrepreneurial intentions among Norwegian students is relatively low, which may be explained by social status and economic remuneration of entrepreneurs compared with employees in the Norwegian context.

Clinical manifestations of ocular toxoplasmosis in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: a clinical review of 173 cases.

Abstract: Toxoplasmosis was the most common cause of primary retinochoroiditis. The majority of cases of ocular toxoplasmosis were congenital. However, cases of acquired ocular toxoplasmosis have been reported. The clinical manifestations of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis were choroidal coloboma, strabismus, nystagmus, ptosis, microphthalmia, cataract and enophthalmia. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical presentation and visual outcome of 173 patients with ocular toxoplasmosis at Dr Sardjito Hospital, Dr Yap Eye Hospital, and private practice during the last six years. A total of 173 subjects were studied--98 males and 75 females. The ages at which first diagnosis was established ranged from 3 months to 68 years, frequently in young adults and occurring mostly in students. The most-reported chief complaint was blurred vision in 70.5% and floaters in 6.1% of cases. The most frequent clinical manifestations were chorioretinitis (71.2%), macular scars (22.4%), squint (6.4%), congenital cataract (2.8%), nystagmus (6.4%) and atrophic optic papilla (2.8%). Bilateral involvement was found in 32.4% of all patients. The therapeutic outcome showed improvement, especially visual acuity in acute cases (25.6%). However, visual acuity categorized as blindness was 13.9%. The results of the study imply that suddenly blurred vision in the quiet eye in the young adult, squint, and nystagmus in children could be chorioretinal inflammation and scar caused by Toxoplasma gondii.

Food Patterns during an Economic Crisis among Pregnant Women in Purworejo District, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 1996 and 1998 Six 24-hour recalls were performed during the second trimester of pregnancy among 450 women in Purworejo District, Central Java, Indonesia The objectives of the study were to assess the food intake and food pattern among pregnant women before and during the economic crisis Before the crisis, rich women had the highest intakes of animal foods, fats and oils, and sugar Food intake among the urban poor and the rural landless poor subgroups was influenced by the emerging economic crisis Although the price of rice increased, the intake of rice also increased among all subgroups Rural poor women with access to rice fields increased their intake of rice and decreased their intake of nonrice staple foods (p < 05) There were significant decreases in the consumption of chicken by rich women and rural poor women with access to rice fields (p < 05) Rice was a strongly inferior good and remained an important supplier of energy, protein, and carbohydrate Nuts and pulses were important suppliers of calcium and iron, and vegetables were an important supplier of vitamin A Rich women increased their intake of nuts and pulses, vegetables, fats and oils, and sugar when their intake of rice increased (p < 05) The food patterns were based on rice, nuts and pulses, and vegetables, ie, plant food All but the rich women decreased their intake of nutritious foods such as meat, chicken, and fruits The intake of nuts and pulses and of vegetables increased, whereas the intake of cooking oil and sugar remained constant

Clinical features of infants with subependymal germinolysis and choroid plexus cysts

Abstract: Background: Periventricular cysts arenot rare findings in neonates. However, they are sometimes associated withserious clinical complications, such as congenital viral infectionsand anomalies. Methods: We performed a retrospectivefollow-up study on newborns who had periventricular cysts on routinecranial ultrasound examination. Results: We followed 13 infants (threepreterm) with periventricular cysts. Ten had single or multiple germinolysiscysts and the remaining three had choroid plexus cysts. All infantshad various kinds of underlying complications, including congenitalviral infection (two with cytomegalovirus and one with rubella),Sotos syndrome (n = 4), intrauterinegrowth retardation (n = 5), large-for-dates(n = 4), congenital heart disease (n = 1),myelomeningocele (n = 1) and other minoranomalies. All cases of germinolysis except for one developed aneurodevelopmental abnormality and/or delay. In contrast,all three cases with choroid plexus cysts appeared to develop well,despite the underlying complications. Conclusions: Germinolysis cysts seem tobe associated with systemic diseases and should be treated as a high-risksign for impaired neurological development.

Ontogenesis of epithelial phosphate transport systems in goats.

Abstract: The rapid development of precocial goats in the first weeks after birth requires an adequate adaptation of phosphate transport systems to maintain the P homeostasis at each developmental stage. Her...

Pengaruh adaptasi kebijakan mengenai work family issue terhadap absen dan turnover

Abstract: Change in demography of the work force in American and some countries in Asia, such as the increase number of working mother has increase the work-family issue in work environment. Although work-family conflict is known as a man and women issue, but this issue is continues to place different responsibilities for working women. The different responsibilities is because of the tradisional role of women, who take more responsibilities than man for the domestic matter. Work-family issues forced organizations to adopt some policies in order to solve this issue, such as family-friendly policy. Some research acknowledge that organization abilities to adopt this kind of policy influence employee respon to their work life, such as job stress, job satisfaction/dissatisfaction, absence, and turnover.And all of this respons have a direct impact to the organization productivity, performance and profitability, in short and in the long run. It is become clear that organizations have to be serious in handling this issue. Abstract in Bahasa Indonesia : Perubahan secara demografis pada angkatan kerja di Amerika dan beberapa negara di Asia antara lain berupa bertambahnya kaum ibu yang bekerja, meningkatknya masalah-masalah keluarga - pekerjaan di dalam lingkungan kerja. Walaupun konflik keluarga - pekerjaan dikenal sebagai masalah pria dan wanita, namun isu tersebut berlanjut hingga penempatan tanggung jawab bagi wanita karier. Perbedaan tanggung jawab disebabkan oleh peranan wanita secara tradisional, yang semula dianggap harus lebih bertanggung jawab daripada pria dalam masalah-masalah rumah tangga. Masalah-masalah keluarga - pekerjaan memaksa organisasi-organisasi untuk menerima kebijakan-kebijakan tertentu untuk penyelesaiannya, seperti kebijakan persahabatan keluarga. Beberapa riset mengakui bahwa kemampuan organisasi menerima kebijakan tersebut bisa mempengaruhi tanggapan karyawan terhadap pekerjaannya seperti stress, kepuasan / tidaknya terhadap pekerjaan, absensi, dan perputaran tenaga kerja. Dan seluruh tanggapan itu mempunyai dampak langsung terhadap produktivitas, kinerja, dan laba organisasi baik jangka pendek maupun jangka panjang. Jelas, setiap organisasi harus menghadapi dengan serius. Kata kunci: Konflik keluarga - pekerjaan; kepuasan kerja, absensi, perputaran tenaga kerja.

Characteristics of Biceps femoris and Longissimus thoracis muscles of five cattle breeds grown in a feedlot system

Abstract: Our experiment was conducted to study physical quality and chemical composition of meat of Angus (A), Hereford (H), Friesian Holstein (FH), Australian Commercial Cross (ACC) and Murray Grey (MG) cattle breeds grown in a feedlot system. Significant differences were observed among five cattle breeds for cooking loss, tenderness, fatty acid composition, collagen and cholesterol content of meat. However, pH, water-holding capacity, water, ash, fat and crude protein contents were not different. Cholesterol content of meat of A and FH was lower (P < 0.01) than that of H, ACC and MG. Acidity (pH), cooking loss, shear force, water, ash, crude protein, collagen and cholesterol content of Biceps femoris muscle were higher than those of Longissimus thoracis muscle, but water-holding capacity and fat content were lower. Unsaturated fatty acid content of Biceps femoris muscle was higher (P < 0.01) than that of Longissimus thoracis. In conclusion, the differences among cattle breeds had a great effect on cooking loss, shear force, collagen, fatty acid composition and cholesterol of meat, but had little effect on water-holding capacity, pH and proximate composition of meat. The meat of Hereford cattle was the best quality, because of the lowest shear force, cooking loss and collagen. Longissimus thoracis muscle was relatively better in cooking loss, tenderness and collagen content than Biceps femoris muscle.

The Determination of Active Site, Capacity, Energy and Rate Constant on the Adsorption of Zn(II) and Cd(II) on Chitin

Abstract: Active sites, capacity, energy, and rate constant on the adsorption of Zn (II) and Cd (II) on chitin isolated through deproteination followed by demineralization processes of crab (Portunus pelagicus Linn) shell have been investigated. The chitin possessed acetamide functional group that was suggested to exist in two different chemical forms of NHC (O) CH3 and NHC (OH) =CH2. It means that one hydrogen ion in CH3 in the acetamide can be conjugated to oxygen carbonyl to form C-OH. The active site responsible for the adsorption of Zn (II) and Cd (II) would be nitrogen on the acetamide functional group. The adsorption dataa for both metal ions were fit quite well with the Langmuir isotherm model, resulting the adsorption capacities of 3.2×10-4 and 2.8×10-4 molg-1 for Zn (II) and Cd (II), respectively, and adsorption energies of 15.1 kJ mol-1 for Zn (II) and 17.9 kJ mol-1 for Cd (II) . It was also revealed that Zn (II) was adsorbed slightly faster than Cd (II) with first order adsorption rate constants of 2.7×10-3 min-1 for Zn (II) and 2.6×10-3 miri-1 for Cd (II) .

A projected increase in stand volume of introduced provenances of Acacia mangium in seedling seed orchards in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract: Increases in stand volume with some currently introduced provenances of Acacia mangium: Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Far North Queensland (FNQ), were projected based on their superiorities in 3-year height growth in seedling seed orchards using the growth model developed for unthinned plantation for pulp and paper production in South Sumatra, Indonesia. The height growth of these provenances was better than that of the local selections from Subanjeriji by 10%–15% at 3 years old and these percentage superiorities would be expected to remain at around 9%–14% until the 8-year rotation. This amount of increase would result in a 7%–10% increase in basal area and hence it would produce a 17%–26% increase in stand volume at rotation age when compared with the Subanjeriji seed source that was being widely used for the plantation establishment of A. mangium in Indonesia.

Gastro-intestinal cancer in Indonesia.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Report on cancer incidence in Indonesia was presented in relative frequency. To lower the bias, the report has been presented in age standardized cancer ratio (ASCAR). The report was a department of pathology based cancer registration. The ASCAR of gastro intestinal cancer in Indonesia has some variation between pathologic centres. The incidence of rectal cancer in Jogjakarta was higher than colon cancer, and stomach cancer is very low. The risk factors of stomach cancer are H. Pylori infection and food consumption especially salt and the risk factor of colorectal cancer is food consumption. PURPOSE The article will discuss the ASCAR of stomach and colorectal cancer in Indonesia. The histopathologic of stomach and colorectal cancer in Jogjakarta will be presented from the view point of pathology. METHODS Stomach and colorectal cancer data from 13 pathologic diagnostic centres in Indonesia were collected. The pathogenesis of stomach and colorectal cancer will be discussed in correlation with the cancer prevention. RESULTS The incidence of stomach cancer in many centres in the year of 1996 are very low from 0,00% - 0,24 % for the most lowest incidence and 2.22 % - 5.60 % for the highest incidence. The higher incidence of stomach cancer was in Medan 19 males (5.6%); 10 females (2.22%); Palembang 7 males (4.75%), 1 female (0.11%); Surabaya 18 males (1.38%), 7 females (0.35%); Denpasar 12 males (2.97%), 1 female (0.24%), and Jakarta 55 males (4%), 28 females (1.39%). The incidence of colorectal cancer is almost equal in every pathologic diagnostic centres. It is interesting that the incidence of rectal cancer was higher than colon cancer. In Jogjakarta the histopathological feature of stomach cancer was predominated by poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, while colorectal cancer was predominated by well differentiated adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS The low incidence of gastric cancer in Indonesia in relation with H. Pylori and food consumption and the high ratio between rectal and colon cancer in correlation with the food consumption and it pathogenesis need further investigation.

A new performance of RTV epoxy resin insulation material in tropical climate

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an investigation on a new electrical performance of rtv epoxy resin insulation material in tropical climate. The specimens of epoxy resin insulating materials are based on diglysidyl ether of bisphenol A (dgeba), metaphenylene-diamine (mpda) as curing agent and 325-mesh silica filler treatment with variation of the silane. When the filler is pretreated with silane, before compounding in the resin, bulk handling, processing, and a new performance likes hydrophobic advantages are realized. Experimental method was carried out through the following procedure, the specimens are installed, on the Parangtritis natural aging test; site located /spl plusmn/30 km in the South of Yogyakarta. This site is subjected to heavy coastal pollution as well as to high sunny levels. The ac voltage was applied between two electrodes inserted into the sample surface. The evolution of the surface conductivity was investigated by current-voltage measurements and by the method of the surface potential decay. Calculation of the leakage current on contamination specimens surface, equivalent salt deposit density (esdd), and measurements contact angle of the hydrophobic. On the basis of the results, silane treatment of the filler can be improved overall the electrical performance of rtv epoxy resin insulation material in some operating environments.

Effect of nifedipine on the expression of bcl-2 protein in rat gingiva.

Abstract: Bcl-2 is a family of proteins involved in protecting the cell against death stimuli or in promoting cell death. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of nifedipine treatment on the expression of bcl-2 protein in rat gingival tissues. Rats were given gastric intubation with various concentrations and durations of nifedipine. Nifedipine-untreated and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-treated animals served as control groups. The gingival tissues were dissected and the expression of bcl-2 protein was determined immunohistochemically. The results showed that the numbers of bcl-2-positive cells in the gingiva of nifedipine-treated animals were significantly higher than in the control groups. These numbers increased parallel to increased concentration and duration of nifedipine treatment. The results suggest that nifedipine treatment may induce the expression of bcl-2 protein in rat gingival tissue in a dose- and duration-dependent fashion and that this proto-oncogenic protein may play a role in nifedipine-induced gingival hyperplasia.

Moderasi Aliran Kas Bebas terhadap Hubungan Rasio Pembayaran Dividend dan Pengeluaran Modal dengan Earnings Response Coefficient

Abstract: Free cash flow is cash flow in excess of that required to fund all projects that have positive net present values when discounted at the relevant cost of capital. Jensen hypothesized that price will increase in payouts to shareholders (or promises to do so), and prices will fall with reductions in payments or new requests for funds (or reduction in promises to make future payments). The validation of this hypothesis examined by prior research on dividend and capital spending This study was motivated by the results of most research examined the usefulness of earnings and cash flow. The research found that the information of earnings and cash flow didn’t have information contents. The objective of this study examines the impact of free cash flow on association both dividend payout and capital spending by earnings response coefficients. The contributions of this study are twofold. First, suggesting the investors to use free cash flow when they predict stocks price or stocks return. Second, enriching literature on finance field. The hypothesis was tested by multiple regressions analysis for 46 firms with 95% confidence interval. Free cash flows are measured with method of Ross et al. (2000). The earnings response coefficients are measured by using Firm-Specific Coefficients Methodology (FSCM). This study provides evidence that free cash flow has an impact on the association of dividend payout ratio to earnings response coefficients, but it hasn’t impact on the association of capital spending to earnings response coefficients.

Monte Carlo simulation of CuCl2 in 18.6% aqueous ammonia solution

Abstract: A Monte Carlo simulation was performed for a basic box containing 171 water molecules, 39 ammonia molecules, 5 Cu2+, and 10 Cl− ions, corresponding to a 1.3 molal CuCl2 solution in 18.6% aqueous ammonia, at a temperature of 293.16 K. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation demonstrate that [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+ is the main species present (49.5%), besides [Cu(NH3)2(H2O)4]2+ (8.0%), [Cu(NH3)3(H2O)3]2+ (14.1%), [Cu(NH3)5(H2O)]2+ (28.2%) and small amounts of [Cu(NH3)1(H2O)5]2+ (0.2%). The structure of the solvated ion is discussed in terms of radial distribution functions, coordination number and angular distribution.

Normative moderators of impulse buying behavior

Abstract: Prior research has presented the moderating role of normative evaluations in the relationship between the impulsive buying trait and consumers’ buying behaviors. In this article the authors show that consumer tendency to buy something spontaneous, unreflectively and immediately can be perceived as a factor which describes buying impulsiveness. This article also shows conceptual and empirical evidence that there is some support for the moderating role of normative evaluations in the relationship between buying impulsiveness and impulse buying behaviors. Significance occurs when consumers believe that act on impulse is suitable. The result suggests that consumers’ normative evaluation can moderate the link between the trait and behavioral aspects of impulse buying.

Interferon-γ Production in Response to M. Tuberculosis Antigens in Tb Patients in Indonesia

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) accounts for 2-3 million deaths and 8 million new cases every year worldwide. Indonesia is one of the world’s TB-endemic countries with an estimated incidence of over 200 per 100,000 inhabitants. TB is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of morbidity in the country (Muharso, 2000).

Pengaruh Pemilihan Metode Akuntansi terhadap Tingkat Underpricing Saham Perdana

Abstract: This paper studies the different effects of accounting method choices used by companies before initial public offerings to the underpricing during 1994-1999. From the perspective of litigation theory avoidance, Neill, et al. (1995) found that IPO companies using income increasing accounting methods (liberal) have greater underpricing rate compared to the companies using income decreasing accounting methods (conservative). The result indicated that underwriter and issuers attempted to reduce their risks exposure. We examined 129 IPO companies listed in Jakarta Stock Exchange during 1994-1999 and the result showed that there is significant effects of accounting method for fixed assets depreciation variable and ownerships signal over the underpricing. It is consistent with Neill, et. al (1995) research that indicated income increasing accounting method choices for fixed assets depreciation (liberal) positively related with underpricing. However, the research failed to prove the effect of accounting method for inventory valuation that probably due to the insignificant of financial effects of average inventory valuation accounting method.

A mechanism and determinants of an agency-cost explanation for dividend payments

Abstract: This study explains the dividend puzzle using the agency-cost frame work suggested by Easterbrook (1984). Easterbrook hypothesized that shareholders in firms, who increase cash dividend payout and ‘simultaneously' raise debts to finance their investments are likely to be wealthier than those in firms who only increase their cash dividend payout. He provided the mechanism that shareholders use the dividend payments to force managers to go to the capital markets to raise funds. Therefore, he argued that dividend policy influences the financing policy. A system of simultaneous equation using three-stage generalized least square method is used to test the hypotheses. Among the variables to proxy the investment opportunity set, market-to-book ratio, market-to-book assets ratio and accounting earnings-per-share-to-price ratio are the best proxies. Attempt is made to obtain better proxies for the investment opportunity set using an instrument variable method. The system is robust to alternate investment opportunity variables as well as to the instrumental variables. The findings are as follows. For the firms that increase cash dividend payout and raise debt simultaneously, (a) dividend policy is not a shareholders' mechanism, but a manager's accounting-based decision with accounting earnings and retained earnings as the major determinants, (b) dividend policy influences financing policy, but not the other way around, (c) increasing dividend payment decreases shareholders' wealth, but increasing debt subsequently increases shareholders' wealth with a net effect positive to shareholders' wealth, and (d) dividend policy is independent from investment policy.

Development of transferred xenogeneic vole embryos in mouse uteri

Abstract: An experimental model to study interspecific pregnancy using voles, Microtus arvalis, and green fluorescent protein gene-induced transgenic mice is presented. Xenogeneic blastocysts from the vole were transferred into the uteri of pseudopregnant mice along with allogeneic blastocysts from green fluorescent protein gene-induced transgenic mice. The uteri containing xeno-allo combined transfers were examined from day 6 to 13 of gestation. Although the vole embryos implanted, the uteri containing vole embryos were smaller compared with those having allogeneic mouse embryos. On day 8, the uteri containing vole embryos hemorrhaged internally and no vole embryo was found in the pregnant uterus after day 11. Allogeneic mouse embryos developed normally despite the presence and abortion of the vole embryos. In uteri implanted with vole embryos, decidua were formed and numerous blood vessels were distributed around the embryo. Maternal blood cells infiltrated into the celomic cavity of the vole embryo through the discontinuous region of trophoblast. Periodic acid-Schiff-positive granulated metrial gland cells were remarkably increased in the decidual sites. These findings suggest that a disorder of embryo–maternal interaction might induce the appearance of numerous granulated metrial gland cells and rejection of the embryos.