bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upper crustal fluid flow in the outboard region of the Southern Alps, New Zealand
Authors: Upton P. , Craw D. , Caldwell T. G. , Koons P. O. , James Z. , Wannamaker P. E. , Jiracek G. J. , Chamberlain C. P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe currently active fluid regime within the outboard region of the Southern Alps, New Zealand was investigated using a combination of field observations, carbon‐ and oxygen‐stable isotopes from fault‐hosted calcites and interpretation of magnetotelluric (MT) data. Active faulting in the region is dominated by NE striking and N striking, oppositely dipping thrust fault pairs. Stable isotopic analyses of calcites hosted within these fault zones range from 10 to 25‰δ18O and from −33 to 0‰δ13C. These values reflect mixing of three parent fluids: meteoric water, carbon‐exchanged groundwater and minor deeper rock‐exchanged fluids, at temperatures of 10–90°C in the upper 3–4 km of the crust. A broad, ‘U‐shaped’ zone of high electrical conductivity (maximum depth c. 28 km) underlies the central Southern Alps. In the ductile region of the crust, the high‐conductivity zone is subhorizontal. Near‐vertical zones of high conductivity extend upward to the surface on both sides of the conductive zone. On the outboard side of the orogen, the conductive zone reaches the surface coincident with the trace of the active Forest Creek Faults. Near‐surface flow is shown to dominate the outboard region. Topographically driven meteoric water interacts, on a kilometre scale, with either carbon‐exchanged groundwater or directly with organic material within Pliocene gravels, resulting in a distinctive low 13C signal within fault‐hosted calcites of the outboard region. The high‐strain zone in the lower crust focuses the migration of deeply sourced fluids upward to the base of the brittle–ductile transition. Interconnected fluid is imaged as a narrow vertical zone of high conductivity in the upper crust, implying continuous permeability and possibly buoyancy‐driven flow of deeply sourced fluids to higher levels of the crust where they are detected by the isotopic analysis of the fault‐hosted calcites.
Improvement of temperature uniformity in microwave‐reheated rice by optimizing heat/hold cycle
Authors: Lee Dong Sun , Shin Dong‐Hyuk , Yam Kit L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA mathematical model using a finite difference method was established to predict the temperature distribution of a microwave‐heated food tray. The model was linked with an optimization algorithm to minimize temperature non‐uniformity in the microwave‐reheating of a cooked rice package. The mathematical model developed was validated by comparing the predicted and measured temperatures, and was used to obtain the optimum heat/hold cycle. Temperature non‐uniformity was predicted to increase initially with time and then decrease after the surface corner temperature reached around 100 °C. Minimized temperature non‐uniformity was thus attained with the longest heating time, satisfying the highest allowable average temperature under the appropriate number of heat/hold cycles. The control strategy may serve as a useful concept in food service, to improve the heating uniformity of microwaveable dishes.
Problems with areal definitions of endemism: the effects of spatial scaling
Authors: Townsend Peterson A. , Watson David M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe concept of endemism is useful in quantifying the biological uniqueness of an area, and has been used by many authors as a meaningful alternative to simple species richness. The traditional definition of endemism includes those species with ranges restricted to a particular region, and therefore is useful only in reference to that region. To compare different regions, however, a standardized approach is required, so several authors began using area‐based definitions. Accordingly, those species with ranges smaller than a particular area (e.g. 50,000 km 2) are deemed endemic. Nevertheless, several problems are associated with this approach: as the area threshold changes, scaling of endemism also changes, producing a different picture of endemism for each spatial scale. Moreover, the areal definition assumes equal levels of heterogeneity in different landscapes (clearly a simplification), which overemphasizes fine‐grained regions. Herein, the importance of distinguishing the regional definition (endemism) from the areal definition (range restriction) is emphasized, and investigators are encouraged to consider multiple spatial scales and geographic dimensions in evaluations of biodiversity.
From representation to persistence: requirements for a sustainable system of conservation areas in the species‐rich mediterranean‐climate desert of southern Africa
Authors: Cowling R. M. , Pressey R. L. , Lombard A. T. , Desmet P. G. , Ellis A. G. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryConservation planning has hitherto concentrated largely on the representation of biodiversity patterns within a system of conservation areas. Only recently has there been an emphasis on retaining segments of the optimal conservation area by defining implementation priorities in terms of the irreplaceability of areas and their vulnerability to threatening processes. The conservation of ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain and generate biodiversity, a requirement for a system of conservation areas that promotes biodiversity persistence, has received very little attention. By designing conservation systems in order to represent spatial features as surrogates for ecological and evolutionary processes, and by scheduling the implementation of areas in order to minimise the impacts of threats on these processes, it is theoretically possible to achieve a conservation system that combines retention and persistence. Here we discuss the requirements for establishing a sustainable (retention+persistence) conservation system in southern Africa's Succulent Karoo, a mediterranean‐climate desert that is very rich in plant species. Firstly, we discuss planning issues salient to both representation and design, and indicate the location, size and role in conservation of the spatial components (surrogates for processes) necessary for a system of conservation areas in the Succulent Karoo intended for retention+persistence. Next we lay out the requirements for a conservation system in the region and summarise some existing work on representation and retention of plant species. We then present a protocol for decision‐making and apply it by designing a hypothetical system of conservation areas. Finally, we compare representation of Red Data Book plant species in a system identified for pattern retention with our similar‐sized system designed for retention+persistence. The latter conserves 37% fewer species, indicating that design for persistence incurs a cost in terms of representation. This cost is offset by developing a conservation system that is likely to persist in the face of global change, and that will sustain processes responsible for the maintenance and genesis of biodiversity.
An intercontinental comparison of dung beetle diversity between two mediterranean‐climatic regions: local versus regional and historical influences
Authors: Lobo Jorge M. , Davis Adrian L. V. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe species richness of biological communities is influenced by both local ecological, regional ecological, and historical factors. The relative importance of these factors may be deduced by comparison between communities in climatically and ecologically equivalent, but geographically and historically separate regions of the world. This claim is based on the hypothesis that community processes driven by similar local ecological factors lead to convergence in species richness whereas those driven by differing regional or historical factors lead to divergence. An intercontinental comparison between the winter rainfall regions of South Africa and the Iberian Peninsula showed that overall species richness of dung beetles was dissimilar at local, subregional and regional scales in Scarabaeidae s. str. but similar at all scales in Aphodiinae. Removal of species widespread in the summer rainfall region of Africa or the temperate region of Europe (regional component) resulted in dissimilarity in species richness of mediterranean endemics at all scales in both dung beetle taxa. However, the lines joining each set of species richness values were parallel which may indicate similarities in processes between different mediterranean climatic regions despite slight differences in latitudinal range. The dominant pattern of dissimilarity or non‐convergence may be related primarily to intercontinental differences in regional biogeographical and evolutionary history (faunal dispersal, glaciation effects in relation to geographical barriers to dispersal, speciation history, long‐term disturbance history). The limited pattern of similarity or convergence in overall species richness of Aphodiinae may be a chance result or primarily related to intercontinental similarities in local ecological factors.
Competitive interactions between overstorey proteas and sprouting understorey species in South African mountain fynbos
Authors: Vlok J. H. J. , Yeaton R. I. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.  Previous studies in the mountain fynbos of South Africa have demonstrated that short fire cycles favour the establishment of dense covers of understorey sprouters while longer fire intervals enable the establishment from seed of overstorey proteas and the formation of a overstorey. One consequence of these differences between fire cycle lengths is the effect that understorey sprouters and an overstorey protea canopy have on species richness. In the case of short fire intervals, species richness is decreased while longer intervals between fires allow species richness to decrease or increase depending on the patchiness of the overstorey canopy. Such results are suggestive of competitive effects between understorey sprouters and overstorey canopy proteas. In this study, data were collected from several pyric successional stages in mountain fynbos to study the effect of overstorey proteas on the growth and flowering of understorey sprouters since the last fire. Data were also collected to determine the effect that understorey sprouters had on the establishment and fecundity of overstorey protea species. Competitive interactions between overstorey proteas and sprouting understorey species were evident at all the sites studied. The vegetative growth and seed production of understorey sprouters, which grew under a canopy of overstorey proteas during the current interfire period, were significantly lower than that for plants growing in the open. In addition, the postfire growth and seed production of understorey sprouters were significantly lower for individuals, which grew under an overstorey protea canopy during the previous fire cycle, than for those individuals which grew in the open. The fecundity of overstorey proteas, which grew near understorey sprouters, was lower than that of plants which grew in the open. This effect was evident for up to the first 15 years after a fire. However, not all understorey sprouters affected the overstorey proteas equally. Also, seedlings of overstorey proteas established significantly less successfully in close proximity to understorey sprouters after a fire than in the open or under proteas. Finally, the results demonstrate that complex species‐specific, understorey–overstorey interactions are important in mountain fynbos. For example, some overstorey species depend on trophically similar species to reduce potential competition from understorey sprouters for their successful establishment at a site.
Lidocaine diminishes arrhythmia by Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus venom in rats
Authors: Purali Nuhan , Yagcioglu Suha 
Published: March 2003

The venom from the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus has previously been shown to alter the excitability of the neural and skeletal muscle preparations. The present study was undertaken to explore the effects of the venom in cardiac potential signals at the animal, tissue and the cell level in rats hearts.In anaesthetised animals Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus venom (LqV) 100 μg applied intravenously reduced the heart rate by 13%, and evoked some abnormal waveforms in the electrocardiogram (ECG). Lidocaine injection (0.02 μg) restored the waveform of the ECG. However, the sinus rhythm resumed only when Atropine (2.5 μg) was applied in addition to previously administered Lidocaine.In isolated atria, LqV (10–2 mg/mL) exposure abolished the sinus rhythm and decreased the spontaneous rate by 38%, and increased the contraction amplitude by 85%, and duration of the contractions by 17%. The gross electrical activity of the preparation and the duration of the individual atrial muscle action potential were prolonged by 150% and 186%, respectively. In isolated papillary muscle, LqV evoked irregular contractions, and the duration of the action potential was increased about 15‐fold. The effects by LqV in the action potential were present when calcium channels were blocked but not when extracellular sodium was substituted. Lidocaine (75 nM) antagonised the effects by LqV in isolated atria and papillary muscle.It was concluded that the lethal cardio‐toxic effects by LqV were mainly due to its direct action in myocardial cells, and partly to an alteration in the autonomous nervous activity.
ICH Topic: The draft ICH S7B step 2: Note for guidance on safety pharmacology studies for human pharmaceuticals
Authors:   ICH Expert Working Group Topic Leaders:, Bode Gerd , Olejniczak Klaus 
Published: March 2003

During the last ICH Expert Working Group meeting for Safety Pharmacology in February 2002 in Brussels, the appended step 2 S7B document on QT Prolongation was signed off. This paper will now be published by the three agencies. The comment period will be 6 months. Nevertheless, the EU and EFPIA would be very appreciative of comments received before the end of May 2002, in order to start the discussion on how this step 2 document should be modified.In addition, everybody is requested to share data that could support the evaluation process of all methods addressed in this document.The EWG appreciates every support.
Time‐effect profile of antihypertensive agents assessed with trough/peak ratio, smoothness index and dose omission: an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring study with trandolapril vs. quinapril1
Authors: Radauceanu Anca , Virion Jean‐Marc , Boivin Jean‐Marc , Zannad Faiez 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe duration of action of antihypertensive drugs may be assessed by several methods using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).The aim of this double‐blind, randomized study was to compare the time‐effect profile of once daily Trandolapril (Tra) 2 mg vs. Quinapril (Qui) 20 mg in 92 patients with mild‐to‐moderate hypertension.All patients received placebo during a 30‐day run‐in period followed by 2 months of active therapy and 1‐day medication omission. ABPM was conducted on each period. 24 h antihypertensive coverage was assessed by trough:peak ratio (T/P) and smoothness index (SI) methods. Residual lowering of blood pressure after single‐blind, 1 day medication omission was investigated as the SBP/DBP 48‐h trough effect.There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups in the mean SBP/DBP peak or trough effect.Individual T/P were not normally distributed and had very large variations explained by BP random‐ and activity‐related fluctuations. Group T/P were 0.85 for Tra and 0.62 for Qui.The SI values were normally distributed and not statistically different between the two treatment groups.After dose omission, Qui was ineffective at 48‐h trough while Tra retained a significant effect (SBP/DBP= –3.4/–4.3 mmHg) and this difference was even greater in ABPM‐responders.Comparison of the trough:peak ratios and smoothness indexes of Tra and Qui failed to show any statistically significant difference on 24‐h antihypertensive coverage. Nevertheless, residual lowering of blood pressure at 48‐h trough suggests that Tra had a longer duration of action than Qui.
The therapeutic potential of NO‐NSAIDs
Authors: Wallace John L. , Soldato Piero Del 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNSAIDs, including those that are selective for cyclooxygenase‐2, are among the most widely used drugs. However, these drugs produce significant side effects in the gastrointestinal and cardiorenal systems, which greatly limit their utility. In recent years, a new type of anti‐inflammatory agent has been developed that appears to offer significant advantages over conventional and Cox‐2‐selective NSAIDs. No‐NSAIDs are derivatives of conventional NSAIDs, which are able to release nitric oxide over prolonged periods of time. The combination of balanced inhibition of the two main isoforms of COX with controlled release of nitric oxide yields a series of drugs that exert anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities in a wide range of settings, and have markedly reduced gastrointestinal and cardiorenal toxicity. Recent clinical trials of NO‐NSAIDs have provided a ‘proof of concept’ that is completely consistent with pre‐clinical characterization of these compounds.
Hypothesis Concerning the Causes of the Disappearance of Boreal Toads from the Mountains of Colorado
Authors: Carey Cynthia 
Published: March 2003

Recent reports of world‐wide declines and extinctions of amphibian populations have raised questions about the relation of environmental change to the demise of certain amphibian species. Between 1974 and 1982, 11 populations of boreal toads (Bufo boreas boreas) in the West Elk Mountains of Colorado totally disappeared. The apparent cause of extinction of these toads was infection with the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila. In this paper, the presence of disease in declining populations of these toads is used in conjunction with a variety of data from the literature to formulate a working hypothesis for explaining the cause of the decline of this species, and perhaps others:

Some environmental factor or synergistic effects of more than one factor changes sufficiently to cause sublethal “stress”;
This stress directly causes suppression of the immune system, or indirectly causes immunosuppression by effecting elevated secretion of adrenal cortical hormones;
Immunosuppression, coupled with the apparent effect of cold body temperatures on the ability of immune systems of ectothermic animals to fight disease, leads to infection by Aeromonas or other infectious agents and to subsequent death of individuals and extinction of populations.
Transfer from Home to Hospital: What Is Its Effect on the Experience of Childbirth?
Authors: Wiegers Therese A. , Zee Jouke van der , Keirse Marc J. N. C. 
Published: March 2003

Background:In the Netherlands women with low‐risk pregnancies are free to choose where to give birth, at home or in hospital, attended by an independent midwife or general practitioner. On average one of five women who remains in the care of a midwife at the onset of labor will be referred to an obstetrician during or shortly after childbirth. If women had planned to give birth at home, they would then have to be transferred to the hospital.Methods:Postal questionnaires were sent to 2301 pregnant women before and after birth to measure the experience of childbirth, appropriateness of the chosen place of birth, satisfaction with the birth, midwife's care, and first days postpartum of women planning to give birth at home or in hospital. The response rate for both questionnaires was 89.3 percent.Results:Of 745 nulliparous women and 895 multiparous women, 39.3 and 10.3 percent, respectively, experienced referral to an obstetrician during labor. Of these women, the ones who wanted to give birth at home but were transferred to hospital because of the referral were as positive about the birth, early puerperium, and attendance of the midwife as the women who wanted to give birth in hospital.Conclusion:Our research showed, contrary to expectations, that an unplanned transfer from a planned home birth to hospital has little influence on the experience of childbirth. (BIRTH 25:1, March 1998)
Maternal Hospital Charges Associated with Trial of Labor Versus Elective Repeat Cesarean Section
Authors: Traynor Jeffrey D. , Peaceman Alan M. 
Published: March 2003

Background:Although cesarean section is known to be associated with higher hospital charges than vaginal delivery, cost comparisons require further investigation. This study compared maternal hospital charges of women with one previous cesarean section undergoing a trial of labor with the charges of women who underwent an elective repeat cesarean section. Hospital charges for the trial of labor group were also compared with charges of women with a previous vaginal delivery but no previous cesarean section.Methods:A retrospective analysis of three primiparous privately insured patient groups who gave birth from July 1992 to October 1993 was conducted. Hospital charges for 50 primiparas with previous cesarean births who underwent a trial of labor were compared with those of 50 contemporaneous primiparas who underwent elective repeat cesarean section, and with those of 50 primiparas without a past history of cesarean birth.Results:Trial of labor was associated with a mean maternal hospital charge of $5820 ±$1609 compared with $6785 ±$771 for elective repeat cesarean section (p < 0.001). Trial of labor was also associated with a decreased length of stay when compared with elective cesarean section (2.48 ± 0.88 days vs 3.62 ± 0.57 days, p < 0.001). The difference in charges between these two groups was primarily due to charges associated with length of stay and the operating room, but was partly offset by charges associated with labor. The group of women without a past history of cesarean birth had a mean maternal hospital charge of $4685 ±$966 and a mean length of stay of 1.96 ± 0.63 days.Conclusions:Trial of labor is associated with an overall 14 percent reduction in maternal hospital charges and a 31 percent reduction in length of stay compared with elective repeat cesarean section. (BIRTH 25:2 June 1998)
Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth: A Synopsis
Authors: Enkin Murray , Keirse Marc J.N.C. , Neilson James , Crowther Caroline , Duley Lelia , Hodnett Ellen , Hofmeyr G. Justus 
Published: March 2003

EDITOR'S NOTE:This article is the text and six tables from the final chapter (Chapter 50) of the new third edition of A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth. It summarizes the authors' conclusions and recommendations, based on the information they have compiled in the book about the beneficial or harmful effects of the various elements of care used during pregnancy and childbirth. The chapter numbers refer the reader to the relevant chapter of the book.