bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Floristic variation, chorological types and diversity: do they correspond at broad and local scales?
Authors: Ferrer‐Castán Dolores , Vetaas Ole R. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract. The relationships between biogeographical patterns and local‐scale patterns based on microscale features, such as topoclimate, are well known in plant biogeography. Here we present a method of determining this correspondence using constrained ordination and correlations. We examined compositional gradients at two different scales, biogeographical chorotypes, and diversity. Compositional data (124 taxa × 113 plots) were sampled at four regularly spaced sites in south‐eastern Spain. Longitude (LONGI) was used as a spatial variable representing an east–west climate gradient, together with a radiation index (RADIN), elevation, and a disturbance indicator. All factors correlated with the compositional gradients, but the local‐topoclimate factor (RADIN) and the broad‐scale factor (LONGI) were most important. These two, spatially independent factors were both correlated with the two first ordination axes, and therefore should relate to the same general trend in species‐turnover. There was a significant Spearman's rank correlation between the species order along these two gradients. This is interpreted as an ecological self‐similar pattern, i.e. coenoclines repeating at different scales. A consistent order of species along local‐ and broad‐scale coenoclines may indicate that similar operational factors act at several scales, here related to moisture and temperature. The distribution of Mediterraneo–Macaronesian, Mediterraneo–Saharo–Arabian and Ibero–Maghribian species confirmed the correspondence between the broad‐ and local‐scale gradients. The former group decreases in number with increasing aridity along both gradients, whereas the two latter groups increase. A discordant pattern was found with south‐eastern Iberian endemics, but this may be explained by several of them being edaphic (saxicolous) specialists. There is a significant decrease in species richness with high radiation, but the expected increase along the longitudinal gradient from west (dry) to east (moist) was not statistically significant. This may be due to the correspondence between high richness and disturbance, both occurring in the middle of the broad‐scale gradient.
Multivariate mapping of spatial variation in biodiversity in Peruvian Amazonia
Authors: Rose Sam , Grainger Alan 
Published: December 2004

Abstract. Variation of biodiversity over 72 600 km2 of tropical rain forest was mapped by multiple characteristics using a new combined nominal–numerical classification system. Three hundred and sixty‐nine tree genera were grouped into classes by eight taxonomic, geographical, phylogenetic and ecological characteristics. Each grid cell was assigned to a nominal biodiversity type by its dominant classes and classified numerically by its share of total variation in study area biodiversity. Differentiation of 0.5° cells by nominal classification was inferior to numerical classification, but improved at higher resolution. The nominal and numerical classifications were shown to have potential for complementary roles in conservation planning.
Acute changes in neuromuscular excitability after exhaustive whole body vibration exercise as compared to exhaustion by squatting exercise
Authors: Rittweger Jörn , Mutschelknauss Marcus , Felsenberg Dieter 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe effects of hard squatting exercise with (VbX+) and without (VbX−) vibration on neuromuscular function were tested in 19 healthy young volunteers. Before and after the exercise, three different tests were performed: maximum serial jumping for 30 s, electromyography during isometric knee extension at 70% of the maximum voluntary torque, and the quantitative analysis of the patellar tendon reflex. Between VbX+ and VbX− values, there was no difference found under baseline conditions. Time to exhaustion was significantly shorter in VbX+ than in VbX− (349 ± 338 s versus 515 ± 338 s), but blood lactate (5·49 ± 2·73 mmol l−1 versus 5·00 ± 2·26 mmol l−1) and subjectively perceived exertion (rate of perceived exertion values 18·1 ± 1·2 versus 18·6 ± 1·6) at the termination of exercise indicate comparable levels of fatigue. After the exercise, comparable effects were observed on jump height, ground contact time, and isometric torque. The vastus lateralis mean frequency during isometric torque, however, was higher after VbX+ than after VbX−. Likewise, the tendon reflex amplitude was significantly greater after VbX+ than after VbX− (4·34 ± 3·63 Nm versus 1·68 ± 1·32 Nm). It is followed that in exercise unto comparable degrees of exhaustion and muscular fatigue, superimposed 26 Hz vibration appears to elicit an alteration in neuromuscular recruitment patterns, which apparently enhance neuromuscular excitability. Possibly, this effect may be exploited for the design of future training regimes.
Phenotypic Comparison of Two Scottish Families with Mutations in Different Genes Causing Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: McLellan Ailsa , Phillips Hilary A. , Rittey Christopher , Kirkpatrick Martin , Mulley John C. , Goudie David , Stephenson John B. P. , Tolmie John , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Berkovic Samuel F. , Zuberi Sameer M. 
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Mutations in genes coding for the α4 and β2 subunits of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor receptor (CHRN) are known to cause autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE). Here we examined the phenotypes in two families, from the same ethnic and geographic backgrounds, with ADNFLE as a result of mutations in these two different subunits of CHRN.Methods: All affected family members underwent a detailed clinical evaluation and review of available EEG, neuroimaging, and videotapes of seizures. The molecular study of family D is reported here; family S has a previously reported mutation in the β2 subunit of CHRN.Results: A total of 16 individuals with ADNFLE were identified in the two families. In both families, seizure semiology, age at seizure onset, and the natural history of the seizure disorder was similar. Intrafamilial variation in terms of severity of epilepsy syndrome was present in both families. A significant number of individuals from each family had a history of psychological problems. The molecular study of family D revealed a Ser248Phe mutation in the α4 subunit of CHRN.Conclusions: The epilepsy phenotype is not distinguishable in the two families who have ADNFLE as a result of mutations in genes coding for different CHRN subunits. This is likely to be due to the similar functional consequences of each mutation on the CHRN receptor.
Factors Predicting Outcome of Surgery for Intractable Epilepsy with Pathologically Verified Mesial Temporal Sclerosis
Authors: Hardy Steven G. , Miller John W. , Holmes Mark D. , Born Donald E. , Ojemann George A. , Dodrill Carl B. , Hallam Danial K. 
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Purpose: To examine the subgroup of patients with medically intractable epilepsy receiving temporal lobectomies who have pathologically verified mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and to determine the relation of demographic and clinical factors, results of diagnostic testing, and details of the surgical procedure with prognosis for achieving control of seizures.Methods: All patients receiving surgical treatment for intractable epilepsy between 1991 and 1998 at the University of Washington were reviewed. There were 118 patients who met inclusion criteria of adequate pathological analysis showing MTS without a progressive process and a minimum of 1‐year follow‐up.Results: Only personal history of status epilepticus demonstrated significant (p = 0.0276) prediction of outcome, increasing the risk of surgical failure. No other factors were significant predictors of outcome, including history of febrile seizures, possible etiologic factors, EEG, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or neuropsychological testing results, or extent of resection.Conclusions: Many factors that have been previously described to predict favorable outcome in the overall group of patients receiving temporal lobe resections for intractable epilepsy are, in fact, predictors of MTS and lose their predictive value when the subgroup of patients with confirmed MTS is examined. Neurosurgical treatment of MTS can be very effective even in the presence of significant etiologic factors, or of bilateral or extratemporal abnormalities on EEG or MRI.
Surgical Strategy and Outcomes for Epileptic Patients with Focal Cortical Dysplasia or Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor
Authors: Kameyama Shigeki , Fukuda Masafumi , Tomikawa Masaru , Morota Nobuhito , Oishi Makoto , Wachi Manabu , Kanazawa Osamu , Sasagawa Mutsuo , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi 
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify and compare the influence of surgical strategy on relief from seizures in patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and those with dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT).Methods: Six patients with FCD and five patients with DNT, all of whom underwent surgical resection for medically intractable epilepsy, were compared in terms of presurgical seizure types and frequency, location of lesions, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with 99mTc‐ECD, scalp electroencephalogram (EEG), and long‐term video‐EEG recording. Prolonged subdural recordings and intraoperative electrocorticograms (ECoG) were analyzed. The influences of surgical strategies on seizure outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.Results: In all the FCD patients, ictal SPECT revealed hyperperfusion in the regions where MRI showed FCD. Interictal epileptiform activity and ictal seizure onset on ECoG performed with subdural electrodes were localized on the FCD itself. In contrast, the tumors of all the DNT patients were depicted as hypoperfuse areas on interictal SPECT scans. Ictal SPECT in one DNT patient showed hyperperfusion in the area enclosing the tumor. Interictal spiking in all DNT patients and ictal seizure onset in two DNT patients were not in the lesions themselves but in an area enclosing the lesion. All but one patient with FCD who underwent total lesionectomy became seizure free. All DNT patients who underwent resection of the epileptogenic cortex associated with lesionectomy became seizure free or achieved a 90% reduction in seizures.Conclusions: FCD has intrinsic epileptogenicity, whereas DNT is encompassed by epileptogenic cortical areas. Therefore, total lesionectomy is an essential strategy for FCD, whereas resection of the epileptic focus associated with lesionectomy of a DNT lesion is necessary to control seizures.
The Epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review
Authors: Bruns John , Hauser W. Allen 
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) not only has considerable morbidity and mortality, but it is a major cause of epilepsy. We wish to determine the frequency of TBI, special groups at risk for TBI, and mortality from TBI. Methods: We reviewed studies of TBI that are either population based or derived from definable catchment areas that allow determination of incidence, identification of risk groups, and mortality. We review methodology used in epidemiologic studies of TBI and try to distinguish this data from that of head injury not necessarily affecting the brain. We report epidemiologic characteristics of TBI, including incidence, differences by age, gender, race and ethnic group, and geographic variation, and mortality. Results: Population‐based studies in the United States suggest that the incidence of TBI is between 180 and 250 per 100,000 population per year. Incidence may be higher in Europe and South Africa. There are groups at high risk for TBI. This includes males and individuals living in regions characterized by socioeconomic deprivation. There are selective age groups at risk for TBI. This includes the very young, adolescents and young adults, and the elderly. Mortality varies by severity but is high in those with severe injury and in the elderly. Conclusions: TBI is a major public health problem as well as a major cause of epilepsy. If primary prevention is to be undertaken, we must understand the epidemiology of the condition. The primary causes of TBI vary by age, socioeconomic factors, and geographic region, so any planned interventions must be tailored accordingly.
Acute and Long‐Term Effects of Atrioventricular Junction Ablation and VVIR Pacemaker in Symptomatic Patients with Chronic Lone Atrial Fibrillation and Normal Ventricular Response
Authors: UENG KWO‐CHANG , TSAI TSUNG‐PO , TSAI CHIN‐FENG , WU DER‐JINN , LIN CHUNG‐SHENG , LEE SHIH‐HUANG , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: December 2004

AV Junction Ablation and Pacing.
Introduction: The precise role of irregular ventricular response in atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been fully elucidated. This study examined the independent effects of rhythm regularity in patients with chronic AF. Methods and Results: This study included 50 patients who had chronic lone AF and a normal ventricular rate. Among these patients, 21 who underwent AV junction ablation and implantation of a VVIR pacemaker constituted the ablation group; the other 29 patients were the medical group. Acute hemodynamic findings were measured in 21 ablation patients before ablation (during AF, baseline) and 15 minutes after ablation (during right ventricular pacing). Compared with baseline data, ablation and pacing therapy increased cardiac output (4.7 ± 0.8 vs 5.2 ± 0.9 L/min; P = 0.05), decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (16 ± 5 vs 13 ± 4 mmHg; P = 0.001), and decreased left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (14 ± 4 vs 11 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.05). After 12 months, the ablation group patients showed lower scores in general quality of life (−20%; P < 0.001), overall symptoms (−24%; P < 0.001), overall activity scale (−23%; P = 0.004), and significant increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (44% ± 6% vs 49% ± 5%; P = 0.02) by echocardiographic examination. Conclusion: AV junction ablation and pacing in patients with chronic AF and normal ventricular response may confer acute and long‐term benefits beyond rate control by eliminating rhythm irregularity.
Phased‐Array Intracardiac Echocardiography to Guide Radiofrequency Ablation in the Left Atrium and at the Pulmonary Vein Ostium
Authors: MORTON JOSEPH B. , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN , BYRNE MELISSA J. , POWER JOHN , MOW CHRISTOPHER , EDWARDS GLENN A. , KALMAN JONATHAN M. 
Published: December 2004

Echocardiography and Pulmonary Vein Ablation. Introduction: We sought to evaluate the utility of a phased‐array intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) device to identify left atrial (LA) and pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy; accurately guide radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to the right or left PV ostium and LA appendage (LAA); and evaluate PV blood flow before and after RFA using Doppler parameters. Methods and Results: Twelve adult sheep were anesthetized and an Acuson 10–French, 7–MHz ICE transducer introduced via the internal jugular vein into the right atrium. The LA was imaged and PV anatomy and blood flow documented using two‐dimensional and pulsed‐wave Doppler. Mean LA dimensions were 4.6 ± 0.4 × 3.5 ± 0.5 cm; mean single right and left main PV ostium diameters were 1.5 ± 0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.3 cm; and mean right and left PV first‐order branch diameters were 0.8 ± 0.2 and 0.6 ± 0.1 cm. Mean PV maximum inflow velocity for the right PV were 0.30 ± 0.05 m/sec and for the left PV were 0.35 ± 0.04 m/sec. The PV ostia and LAA could be targeted accurately for RFA using ICE guidance. At pathologic evaluation, the mean distance of the lesion center to the right or left PV‐LA junction was 3.0 ± 2.0 mm. The mean distance of the lesion center to the posterior margin of the LAA was < 4 mm in all cases. There was no significant increase in PV maximum inflow velocity or decrease in PV diameter following RFA at the PV ostium. Absence of PV obstruction was confirmed at pathology. Conclusion: Phased‐array ICE allows detailed assessment of LA and PV anatomy when imaged from the right atrium; accurate guidance of RFA to the PV ostium and LAA; and immediate evaluation of PV patency after RFA.
Effects of conspecific and heterospecific competitors on feeding and oviposition of a predatory ladybird: a laboratory study
Authors: Agarwala B. K. , Bardhanroy P. , Yasuda H. , Takizawa T. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract There are several examples of intraguild interactions among insect predators of aphids, but little is known regarding the effects of interactions on feeding and oviposition of individual competitors in a guild. In the laboratory, we determined the feeding and oviposition responses of a ladybird predator to its conspecific and heterospecific competitors in an aphidophagous guild. Gravid females of Menochilus sexmaculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) reduced oviposition, but not feeding, when exposed to immobilised conspecific or Coccinella transversalis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) individuals in the short‐term (3 h) and long‐term (24 h). Feeding and oviposition responses were not affected when M. sexmaculatus females were exposed to larvae or adults of Scymnus pyrocheilus Mulsant (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) beetles or larvae of the syrphid fly Ischiodon scutellaris (Fabricius) (Diptera: Syrphidae). The ratio of eggs laid to numbers of aphids consumed by M. sexmaculatus females was also affected by the presence of conspecific or C. transversalis larvae. The results suggest that fecundity of this predator may be affected by both conspecific and heterospecific competitors in a patchy resource.
Conspecific thistle plant selection by a herbivorous ladybird beetle, Epilachna pustulosa
Authors: Fujiyama Naoyuki , Koizumi Tatsuya , Katakura Haruo 
Published: December 2004

AbstractHost selection by Epilachna pustulosa Kôno (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was surveyed in an area of about 130 ares, focusing on the role of the spatial distribution pattern of the host plant, thistle Cirsium kamtschaticum Ledeb. (Asteraceae) and the environmental conditions of habitats where thistle plants were growing. A total of 198 thistle clones were found in the area studied, and approximately 40% showed some degree of E. pustulosa infestation by July. Eggs were only oviposited on thistle clones that were fed on by adults. Adult beetles and egg masses of E. pustulosa showed an aggregated distribution in the earlier season (June) among thistle clones. The distribution of adults became more random (but still aggregated) by the later season (July), along with an increase in the number of infested clones. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that clone size and soil moisture were consistently important for the beetle's choice of clones to feed on. The other logistic regression analyses indicated that thistle‐clone size and sunlight condition influenced egg distribution. Thistle clone selection by E. pustulosa changed with season from a rather strict selection in June to a more obscure one in July, expanding the range of thistle clones used as feeding and oviposition substrate.
Dissipation of Energy due to Solid Particles Suspended in a Viscous Liquid
Authors: Brenner Howard 
Published: December 2004

A general method is developed for calculating the additional mechanical energy dissipation incurred by the presence of solid particles suspended in an incompressible viscous fluid in laminar flow. The development is applicable to flow in any apparatus within which the steady motion of a homogeneous fluid can be described by omitting the inertial terms in the Navier-Stokes equations or in which the motion occurs in concentric circles. The validity of the results obtained is limited to situations in which the particle dimensions are small compared to those of the apparatus in which the motion is occurring.
The technique, based largely upon a reciprocal theorem for the inertialess flow of viscous fluids, is employed to calculate the permanent pressure drop accompanying the passage of liquid through a bed of fluidized solids. When the particles are uniformly distributed throughout the bed, this pressure diminution is equal to the bed weight (corrected for buoyancy) per unit area of duct—in agreement with experimental data on systems in a state of particulate fluidization. Calculations are also presented for the permanent pressure arising from the passage of fluid past an immobilized spherical particle within a cylindrical duct.
Einstein's formula for the apparent viscosity of a dilute suspension of spherical particles is also deduced. By means of a new definition of suspension viscosity the heretofore different points of view advanced by Einstein, Jeffery, and Burgers are seen to be consistent with one another. Einstein's result is shown to be independent of the type of viscometer employed provided that the motion of a homogeneous fluid within the device fulfills the previous criteria.
In the case of nonspherical particles it is demonstrated that the constant in Einstein's viscosity equation (which has a value of 2.5 for spheres) can never be less than unity, whatever the shape of the rigid particles or their orientation with respect to the axes of the apparatus.
Test Particles in a Completely Ionized Plasma
Authors: Rostoker Norman , Rosenbluth M. N. 
Published: December 2004

Starting from the Liouville equation, a chain of equations is obtained by integrating out the coordinates of all but one, two, etc., particles. One ``test'' particle is singled out initially. All other ``field'' particles are assumed to be initially in thermal equilibrium. In the absence of external fields, the chain of equations is solved by expanding in terms of the parameter g = 1/nLD3. For the time evolution of the distribution function of the test particle, an equation is obtained whose asymptotic form is of the usual Fokker-Planck type. It is characterized by a frictional-drag force that decelerates the particle, and a fluctuation tensor that produces acceleration and diffusion in velocity space. The expressions for these quantities contain contributions from Coulomb collisions and the emission and absorption of plasma waves. By consideration of a Maxwell distribution of test particles, the total plasma-wave emission is determined. It is related to Landau's damping by Kirchoff's law. When there is a constant external magnetic field, the problem is characterized by the parameter g, and also the parameter λ = ωc/ωp. The calculation is made by expanding in terms of g, but all orders of λ are retained. To the lowest order in g, the frictional drag and fluctuation tensor are slowly varying functions of λ.
When λ ≪ 1, the modification of the collisional-drag force due to the magnetic field, is negligible. There is a significant change in the properties of plasma waves of wavelength greater than the Larmor radius which modifies the force due to plasma-wave emission. When λ ≫ 1, the force due to plasma-wave emission disappears. The collisional force is altered to the extent that the maximum impact parameter is sometimes the Larmor radius instead of the Debye length, or something in between. In the case of a slow ion moving perpendicular to the field, the collisional force is of a qualitatively different form. In addition to the drag force antiparallel to the velocity of the particle, there is a collisional force antiparallel to the Lorentz force. The force arises because the particle and its shield cloud are spiralling about field lines. The force on the particle is equal and opposite to the centripetal force acting on the ``shield cloud.'' It is much smaller than the Lorentz force.