bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The generality of the island rule reexamined
Authors: Meiri Shai , Dayan Tamar , Simberloff Daniel 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAim  M.V. Lomolino and colleagues have recently reviewed the island rule in mammals and other vertebrates, claiming it is a general pattern. They have portrayed our recent analysis as weakly supporting the island rule, seeing weakness in our use of what they considered to be inadequate size indices (skulls and teeth, rather than mass or body length) and in our use of large islands. They argue that size evolution on islands points to a bauplan‐specific fundamental size. We aim to test the generality of the rule and the adequacy of some of the data used to support it.Location  Insular environments world‐wide.Methods  We collate and analyse data on skull sizes of carnivores and body masses of mammals in general to see whether there is a graded trend from dwarfism in large species to gigantism in smaller ones.Results  The island rule is not supported with either the carnivore or the mammal data sets. Island area does not influence size change.Main conclusions  Our results suggest that data recently advanced in support of the island rule are inadequate and that the island rule is not a general pattern for all mammals.
Assessing the origin of Neotropical mountain dung beetle assemblages (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae): the comparative influence of vertical and horizontal colonization
Authors: Escobar Federico , Lobo Jorge M. , Halffter Gonzalo 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAims  The fauna of mountains and their surrounding regions are likely to be influenced principally by two biological processes: horizontal colonization along similar altitudinal levels by elements originating from lineages inhabiting higher latitudes; and vertical colonization by lineages from the same latitude, but at lower altitudes. We examine whether the expected patterns derived from the latter process can be observed in mountain dung beetle assemblages. Specifically, we study the variation in species composition and richness with altitude in five regions spanning elevation gradients, analysing whether the altitudinal rates of change in the number of species and genera differ, and whether beta‐diversity scores for adjacent sites in each altitudinal gradient are different for species and genera.Location  Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes.Methods  Field work was carried out in 1997–99 at 27 sites in five regions with elevation gradients, with 10–32 pitfall traps placed in each site. For each altitudinal level the numbers of species and genera were analysed with respect to altitude, and the slope of the linear regression between these variables was calculated. The slope of the curve of the altitude against the cumulative number of species and genera was also calculated for each altitudinal gradient to describe the compositional change between adjacent sites (beta diversity). Species and generic slopes were compared using analysis of covariance. The turnover of species along each altitudinal gradient was measured using presence/absence data and Cody's beta‐diversity index between adjacent pairs of sites. A cluster analysis was used to detect faunistically homogeneous groups of localities.Results  Species richness always decreased with altitude, although the slopes did not differ significantly from zero. The number of genera also decreased with increasing altitude, but generally at a significantly slower rate than for species. Variation in the species beta‐diversity scores between altitudinal levels did not follow a homogeneous pattern in the different regions. Two main altitudinal groups of sites with a boundary c. 1500–1750 m a.s.l. can be detected with respect to faunistic similarity. Low‐ and mid‐altitude sites are inhabited by all of the genera (19) and 80% of all species collected. Eight genera and 61 species (c. 60% of the total) are unable to inhabit high‐altitude sites, and only 20 species appear to be exclusive to these high‐altitude environments (> 2000 m a.s.l.).Main conclusions  The dominant processes explaining dung beetle composition in the high north‐eastern Andean mountains are probably those of vertical colonization. The limited role of horizontal colonization processes, or colonization from northern or southern lineages, could be a consequence of the isolation and recent geological origin of these mountains.
Influences of infrequent fire, elevation and pre‐fire vegetation on the persistence of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloidesMichx.) in the Flat Tops area, Colorado, USA
Authors: Kulakowski Dominik , Veblen Thomas T. , Kurzel Brian P. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAim The recent concern that quaking aspen (Populus tremuloidesMichx.) has been declining in parts of western North America due to fire suppression is largely based on trends during the latter part of the 20th century. The aim of the current study was to compare the extent of aspen in the modern landscape with its extent in the late 19th century prior to fire suppression, and to assess the effects of elevation, late‐19th century fires, and pre‐fire forest composition on the successional status of aspen.Location North‐west Colorado, USA.Methods We used a georeferenced 1898 map and modern maps to examine trends in aspen dominance since the late 19th century in a 348,586 ha area of White River and Routt National Forests in north‐western Colorado. Stand age and structure were sampled in 30 stands.Results We found no evidence of overall aspen decline over this period. In fact, aspen distribution has increased in parts of the study area following severe fires in the late 19th century in forests that were previously dominated by conifers. Aspen persistence and increase was especially pronounced at elevations below 3000 m a.s.l. Most 120‐year‐old post‐fire stands that are presently being successionally replaced by conifers were dominated by conifers prior to the last severe fire.Main conclusions Human perceptions of ecosystems are often on time scales that are shorter than the cycles of natural variation within those ecosystems. This disparity may lead to an underestimation of the range of natural variability of ecosystem patterns and processes. The appropriate temporal scale of inquiry is necessary for the correct understanding of natural variation in ecosystems.
Determination of global failure pressure for tubes with two parallel cracks
Authors: MOON S.‐I. , CHANG Y.‐S. , KIM Y.‐J. , LEE J.‐H. , SONG M.‐H , CHOI Y.‐H. , KIM J.‐S. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTThe 40% of wall thickness criterion, which has been used as a plugging rule is applicable only to a single cracked steam generator tubes. In the previous studies performed by the authors, several failure prediction models were introduced to estimate the plastic collapse pressures of steam generator tubes containing two adjacent parallel axial through‐wall cracks. These models were applied preliminarily for thin plates with two parallel through‐wall cracks and the crack opening displacement (COD) base model was selected as the optimum one. The objective of this study is to verify the applicability of the proposed failure prediction model for real steam generator tubes with two parallel axial through‐wall cracks. For this purpose, a series of plastic collapse tests and finite element analyses have been carried out for the steam generator tubes with two machined parallel axial through‐wall cracks. Thereby, it was proven that the proposed failure prediction model can be used for estimating the global failure pressure quite well. Also, interaction effects between two adjacent cracks were assessed through additional finite element analyses to investigate the effect on the global failure behaviour.
A combined experimental‐numerical investigation of crack growth in a carbon–carbon composite
Authors: HAN J. , SIEGMUND T. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTA combined experimental–numerical investigation of crack growth in a carbon–carbon composite is reported. In this material, both matrix fracture and fibre bridging contribute significantly to toughness. Crack growth experiments were performed using side‐notched DCB specimens with doublers. A digital image correlation method was used to measure displacements fields on the specimen surfaces, crack extension and crack opening profiles. An effective cohesive zone law was determined from the experimental data. The effective cohesive zone law is subsequently separated into the individual contributions from matrix cracking and fibre bridging. Numerical simulation of crack growth based on this cohesive zone law and experimental data are in good agreement. Special focus of the numerical study is on the investigation of the discontinuous nature of crack growth.
Towards a new Bradshaw? Economic statistics and the British state in the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: O’HARA GLEN 
Published: June 2006

SUMMARYThis article outlines the attempts of British central government to react to the perceived inadequacy of official economic statistics. A huge amount of work went into this project, the main aim of which was to speed up the production of statistics so that the economy could be analysed in more detail, and thus better managed. If this was to work, more data was required on the labour market, on productivity, on production, and on the interlinkages between those indicators. British official statistics clearly were more comprehensive and more detailed at the end of this period than they had been at the start. Even so, the effort was usually thought to have been a failure by the early 1970s. More detail took time to produce; it was difficult to recruit the necessary staff; successive administrative reorganizations also absorbed energies. The devolved informality of British government hampered the emergence of an overall picture. Businesses and trade unions resisted attempts to collect more data, especially when it showed them in an unflattering light. Above all, the elite, specialist, and technical nature of the reform process meant that very little political and popular pressure built up to force through further changes.
Age‐related effects of the neuromodulator d‐serine on neurotransmission and synaptic potentiation in the CA1 hippocampal area of the rat
Authors: Junjaud G. , Rouaud E. , Turpin F. , Mothet J.‐P. , Billard J.‐M. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe effects of the co‐agonist of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAr) d‐serine on glutamatergic neurotransmission and synaptic potentiation were studied in the CA1 hippocampal field of young (3–5 months old) and aged (25–27 months old) Sprague–Dawley rats using ex vivo extracellular electrophysiological recording techniques. Exogenous d‐serine depressed fast neurotransmission mediated by the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid/kainate subtype of glutamate receptors in young but not in aged rats by acting on inhibitory glycinergic interneurons. In contrast, d‐serine dose‐dependently enhanced NMDAr‐mediated synaptic responses in both groups of animals, but with a larger magnitude in aged rats, thus preventing the age‐related decrease in NMDAr activation. d‐serine also increased the magnitude of long‐term potentiation in aged but not in young rats. Finally, d‐serine levels were dramatically reduced in hippocampal tissues of aged rats. Taken together, these results indicate a weaker activation of the NMDAr glycine modulatory site by endogenous d‐serine in aged animals, which accounts for a reduced NMDAr contribution to synaptic plasticity in ageing.
The exponential‐mean‐log‐transference as a possible representation of the optical character of an average eye
Authors: Harris W. F. , Cardoso J. R. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractConsidering a set of eyes, how does one define an average whose optical character represents an average of the optical characters of the eyes in the set? The recent proposal of the exponential‐mean‐log‐transference was based on a conjecture. The purpose of this note is to provide justification by proving the conjecture and defining the conditions under which it fails.
Converting principal meridional representation of power to the coordinates of the power matrix using the matrix similarity transform
Authors: Abelman H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractGeneral or local variations of the refractive elements in the eye, called irregular astigmatism, may manifest as non‐orthogonal meridians when each principal meridian on the front surface of a cornea is independently aligned with the focussed mires of a keratometer. These are examples of astigmatic systems that are thick. The representation of power along the principal meridians is not suitable for quantitative work. The purpose of this research note is to convert power along principal meridians that can be non‐orthogonal, to the coordinates of the power matrix that are suitable for quantitative analysis.
Non‐contact tonometry synchronized with cardiac rhythm and its relationship with blood pressure
Authors: Queirós A. , González‐Méijome J. M. , Fernandes P. , Jorge J. , Almeida J. B. , Parafita M. A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPurpose:  The main objectives of this study were to determine the differences between non‐synchronized intraocular pressure (IOP_N) and intraocular pressure readings synchronized with cardiac pulse and try to determine if these parameters are related to blood pressure values.Methods:  One hundred and sixty‐five right eyes from 165 volunteers (107 females, 58 males) aged from 19 to 73 years (mean ± S.D., 29.93 ± 11.17) were examined with the Nidek NT‐4000, a new non‐contact tonometer that allows the measurement of IOP synchronized with the cardiac rhythm. IOP measurements in the four different modes of synchronization were taken in a randomized order. Three measures of each parameter were taken and then averaged. The blood pressure was determined three times with a portable manometer and mean values of systolic and diastolic pressure and the pulse rate were computed. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was determined as being 1/3 of systolic plus 2/3 of diastolic blood pressure.Results:  The mean ± S.D. values for the standard intraocular pressure (IOP_N: 14.76 ± 2.86), intraocular pressure in the systolic instant or peak (IOP_P: 14.99 ± 2.85), intraocular pressure in the middle instant between heartbeats or middle (IOP_M: 14.68 ± 2.76), and intraocular pressure in the diastolic instant or bottom (IOP_B: 13.86 ± 2.61) were obtained. The IOP_P was higher than the remaining values. A significant difference in mean IOP existed between IOP_B and the remaining modes of measuring (p < 0.05). Differences were statistically significant for all pair comparisons involving IOP_B. Arterial blood pressure values were systolic 125.5 ± 14.22, diastolic 77.7 ± 8.38 and MAP 93.64 ± 9.44 mmHg. The pulse rate was 77.3 ± 12.6 beats per minute. Except for the MAP (p = 0.025) there was no significant correlation between different IOP values and systolic or diastolic blood pressure, or pulse rate.Conclusions:  NT‐4000 is able to differentiate IOP values when synchronized with the cardiac rhythm and those differences are expected to be within a range of ±2.5 to ± 3.0 mmHg. IOP_B seems to be the parameter whose value differs from the non‐synchronized and the remaining synchronized parameters in a significant way. Other than a weak association with MAP, no significant correlation between IOP and BP was found. The measurements of IOP readings for the three modes are consistent with timings during the cardiac cycle and IOP pulse cycle.
Supplementation with the carotenoids lutein or zeaxanthin improves human visual performance
Authors: Kvansakul Jessica , Rodriguez‐Carmona Marisa , Edgar David F. , Barker Felix M. , Köpcke Wolfgang , Schalch Wolfgang , Barbur John L. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:  Macular pigment (MP) is found in diurnal primate species when vision spans a range of ambient illumination and is mediated by cone and rod photoreceptors. The exact role of MP remains to be determined. In this study we investigate two new hypotheses for possible MP functions.Objective:  As MP absorption coincides partly with that of rhodopsin, MP may reduce rod signal effectiveness in the mesopic range, thus extend the usefulness of cone‐mediated vision into the mesopic range. Forward light scatter in the eye can reduce retinal image contrast. If blue light contributes significantly to intraocular scatter, selective blue light absorption by MP could reduce the effects of scatter.Design:  We investigated 34 subjects from a carotenoid supplementation trial. The measurements included high mesopic contrast acuity thresholds (CATs), macular pigment optical density (MPOD), wavefront aberrations, and scattered light. The measurements were made after 6 months of daily supplementation with zeaxanthin (Z, OPTISHARP™), lutein (L), a combination of the two (C), or placebo (P), and again after a further 6 months of doubled supplementation.Results:  The data reveal a trend toward lower CATs in all groups supplemented, with a statistically significant improvement in the lutein group (p = 0.001), although there was no correlation with MPOD. Light scattering in the eye and the root‐mean‐square wavefront aberrations show decreasing trends as a result of supplementation, but no correlation with MPOD.Conclusions:  The results suggest that supplementation with L or Z increases MPOD at the fovea and at 2.5°, and that supplementation can improve CATs at high mesopic levels and hence visual performance at low illumination.
Dynamics of ocular surface topography in healthy subjects
Authors: Erdélyi Béla , Csákány Béla , Rödönyi Gábor , Soumelidis Alexandros , Lang Zsolt , Németh János 
Published: June 2006

AbstractOur topography system is an enhancement of a standard TMS‐1 corneal topograph instrument (Computed Anatomy Inc., New York, NY, USA). Topographic images are captured at a rate of 4 s−1, allowing the recording of a series of 120 images in 30 s after a complete blink. In this prospective preliminary study 15 healthy volunteers were examined. The main outcome measures were the time profile of changes in surface regularity index (SRI), surface asymmetry index (SAI) and simulated keratometry values (K1, K2). After a blink there was a tendency for improvement in ocular surface regularity. Later trends were less clear. Our topography system makes possible the detailed evaluation of tear‐film dynamics in the post‐blink period. The new technique may play an important role in the diagnosis of various tear‐film abnormalities; the results may also have significant implications in the planning of refractive surgeries.
Fusidic acid viscous eyedrops – an evaluation of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and clinical use for UK optometrists
Authors: Doughty Michael J. , Dutton Gordon N. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractRecent changes in UK law have allowed UK‐based optometrists to sell and supply fusidic acid viscous eyedrops, providing it is in the course of their professional activity and in an emergency. Alternatively, the optometrist may access fusidic acid viscous eyedrops, for a named patient, using a written order supplied to a pharmacy. This review provides details of the legal background to these changes, examines the common causes of a bacterial conjunctivitis, examines the mechanism of action of this narrow spectrum antibiotic as a bacteriostatic agent, reviews the susceptibility of common ocular isolates of bacteria to the drug and presents details of the expected pharmacokinetics of the viscous eyedrops. From this perspective, a systematic review is provided of the clinical studies which have investigated the use of fusidic acid viscous eyedrops and their outcome. The indicated use is generally for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis and/or blepharoconjunctivitis, especially that caused by Staphylococcus, but not Streptococcus or Haemophilus sp. (more likely associated with concurrent nasopharyngeal infections). The usual regimen for use is twice daily for 5–10 days, depending on severity, and can initially be used more intensively (four times per day). It may also be used for the management of corneal and conjunctival abrasions and foreign body injuries, or some cases of chronic blepharitis.
Characterization of polymetamorphism in the Austroalpine basement east of the Tauern Window using garnet isopleth thermobarometry
Authors: GAIDIES F. , ABART R. , DE CAPITANI C. , SCHUSTER R. , CONNOLLY J. A. D. , REUSSER E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractGarnet in metapelites from the Wölz and Rappold Complexes of the Austroalpine basement east of the Tauern Window typically shows two distinct growth zones. A first garnet generation usually forms the cores of garnet porphyroblasts and is separated by a prominent microstructural and chemical discontinuity from a second garnet generation, which forms rims of variable width. Whereas the rims were formed during the Eo‐Alpine metamorphic overprint, the garnet cores represent remnants of at least two pre‐Eo‐Alpine metamorphic events. The pressure and temperature estimates obtained from garnet isopleth thermobarometry applied to the first growth increments of the pre‐Eo‐Alpine garnet cores from the Wölz and Rappold Complexes cluster into two distinct domains: (i) in the Wölz Complex, incipient growth of the first‐generation garnet occurred at 4 ± 0.5 kbar and 535 ± 20 °C, (ii) in the Rappold Complex, incipient growth of the oldest garnet cores took place at 5.3 ± 0.3 kbar and 525 ± 15 °C. The Eo‐Alpine garnet generation started to grow at 6.5 ± 0.5 kbar and 540 ± 10 °C. According to radiometric dating, the low‐pressure garnet from the Wölz complex was formed during a Permian metamorphic event. The first‐generation garnet of the Rappold Complex is probably of Variscan age.
Whale Science—and How (Not) to Use it
Authors: Hammond Philip 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Few creatures carry more emotion on their broad backs than whales; and few issues arouse as much passion as whaling. Each year around this time the International Whaling Commission comes under pressure to allow the resumption of commercial catching and killing of whales and the Save the Whale lobbyists protest. But how many whales are there? Can the scientists and statisticians tell us—and how much influence do they wield in the real world of whale-politik? Philip Hammond, a former Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the IWC, explains.
Protecting the Leaders—Syndromic Surveillance for the G8 Summit in Scotland
Authors: Robertson Chris 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The G8 summit was held at the Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland, from July 6th to 8th, 2005. Leaders of the eight largest economies, and their entourages, assembled to discuss economic and political issues and the state of the world, including terrorism. Previous G8 summits had sparked off waves of protests and violence. Consequently, a huge security exercise took place in central Scotland for the 2005 summit. With Bush, Putin, Blair and a clutch of other premiers on hand, their safety had to be protected—as did their health, and that of those around them. Chris Robertson was charged with that task.
Driving Out Failure
Authors: Davis Tim , Champkin Julian 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Product recall notices in shops, newspapers and elsewhere inform us now and then of children's toys that might be dangerous or electrical goods that could catch fire. You or I might describe that as faulty design. Tim Davis calls it an “escaped failure mode”—and he is against it. His world is not toys or electrical goods, but vehicles, where failure modes and recalls are more expensive and usually more serious. As an example: in 2001 the failure of certain Firestone tyres on Ford SUVs led to rollover accidents in which close to 300 people died. Nearly 20 million tyres needed to be recalled. Industry estimates put the cost at around †3 billion. It was Tim Davis who was called in to find out what had gone wrong. Julian Champkin interviewed him.