bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slash Pile Burning Effects on Soil Biotic and Chemical Properties and Plant Establishment: Recommendations for Amelioration
Authors: Korb Julie E. , Johnson Nancy C. , Covington W. W. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractPonderosa pine forest restoration consists of thinning trees and reintroducing prescribed fire to reduce unnaturally high tree densities and fuel loads to restore ecosystem structure and function. A current issue in ponderosa pine restoration is what to do with the large quantity of slash that is created from thinning dense forest stands. Slash piling burning is currently the preferred method of slash removal because it allows land managers to burn large quantities of slash in a more controlled environment in comparison with broadcast burning slash. However burning slash piles is known to have adverse effects such as soil sterilization and exotic species establishment. This study investigated the effects of slash pile burning on soil biotic and chemical variables and early herbaceous succession on burned slash pile areas. Slash piles were created following tree thinning in two adjacent approximately 20‐ha ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) restoration treatments in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona. We selected 30 burned slash pile areas and sampled across a gradient of the burned piles for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) propagule densities, the soil seed bank, and soil chemical properties. In addition, we established five 1‐m2plots in each burned pile to quantify the effect of living soil (AM inoculum) and seeding amendments on early herbaceous succession in burned slash pile areas. The five treatments consisted of a control (no treatment), living soil (AM inoculum) amendment, sterilized soil (no AM inoculum) amendment, seed amendment, and a seed/soil (AM inoculum) amendment. Slash pile burning nearly eliminated populations of viable seeds and AM propagules and altered soil chemical properties. Amending scars with native seeds increased the cover of native forbs and grasses. Furthermore adding both seed and living soil more than doubled total native plant cover and decreased ruderal and exotic plant cover. These results indicate that seed/soil amendments that increase native forbs and grasses may enhance the rate of succession in burned slash pile areas by allowing these species to outcompete exotic and ruderal species also establishing at the site through natural regeneration.
Polygonal faults‐furrows system related to early stages of compaction – upper Miocene to recent sediments of the Lower Congo Basin
Authors: Gay A. , Lopez M. , Cochonat P. , Sermondadaz G. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractA new polygonal fault system has been identified in the Lower Congo Basin. This highly faulted interval (HFI), 700±50 m thick, is characterized by small extensional faults displaying a polygonal pattern in plan view. This kind of fracturing is attributed to volumetric contraction of sediments during early stages of compaction at shallow burial depth. 3‐D seismic data permitted the visualization of the progressive deformation of furrows during burial, leading to real fractures, visible on seismic sections at about 78 m below seafloor. We propose a new geometrical model for volumetrical contraction of mud‐dominated sediments. Compaction starts at the water–sediment interface by horizontal contraction, creating furrows perpendicular to the present day slope. During burial, continued shrinkage evolves to radial contraction, generating hexagonal cells of dewatering at 21 m below seafloor. With increasing contraction, several faults generations are progressively initiated from 78 to 700 m burial depth. Numerous faults of the HFI act as highly permeable pathways for deeper fluids. We point out that pockmarks, which represent the imprint of gas, oil or pore water escape on the seafloor, are consistently located at the triple‐junction of three neighbouring hexagonal cells. This is highly relevant for predictive models of the occurrence of seepage structures on the seafloor and for the sealing capacity of sedimentary cover over deeper petroleum reservoirs.
Characteristics of the wedge‐top depozone of the southern Taiwan foreland basin system
Authors: Chiang Cheng‐Shing , Yu Ho‐Shing , Chou Ying‐Wei 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe wedge‐top depozone in the southern Taiwan foreland basin system is confined by the topographic front of the Chaochou Fault to the east and by a submarine deformation front to the west. The Pingtung Plain, Kaoping Shelf and Kaoping Slope constitute the main body of the wedge‐top depozone. In a subaerial setting, the alluvial and fluvial sediments accumulate on top of the frontal parts of the Taiwan orogenic wedge to form the Pingtung Plain proximal to high topographic relief. In a submarine setting, fine‐grained sediments accumulate on the Kaoping Shelf and dominant mass‐wasting sediment forms the Kaoping Slope. Wedge‐top sediments are deformed into a series of west‐vergent imbricated thrusts and folds and associated piggyback basins. A major piggyback basin occurs in the Pingtung Plain. Four smaller piggyback basins appear in the shelf–slope region. Many small‐sized piggyback basins developed over ramp folds in the lower slope region. Pliocene–Quaternary deep marine to fluvial sediments about 5000 m thick have been deposited on top of the frontal orogenic wedge in southern Taiwan. Sedimentary facies shows lateral variations from extremely coarse fluvial conglomerates proximal to the topographic front (Chaochou Fault) to fine‐grained deep marine mud close to the deformation front near the base of the slope. The stratigraphic column indicates that offshore deep‐water mud is gradationally overlain by shallow marine sands and then fluvial deposits. The transverse cross‐section of the wedge‐top depozone in the southern Taiwan is a doubly tapered prism. The northern boundary of the wedge‐top depozone in southern Taiwan is placed along the southern limit of the Western Foothills where the frontal orogenic wedge progressively changes southward to a wedge‐top depozone (Pingtung Plain), reflecting ongoing southward oblique collision between the Luzon Arc and the Chinese margin. The wedge‐top depozone is bounded to the south by the continent–ocean crust boundary. The deep slope west of the Hengchun Ridge can be viewed as an infant wedge‐top depozone, showing initial mountain building and the beginning of wedge‐top depozone.
Evolution of the Himalayan foreland basin, NW India
Authors: Najman Yani , Johnson Kit , White Nicola , Oliver Grahame 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper provides new information on the evolution of the Himalayan foreland basin in the under‐reported region of the Kangra and Subathu sub‐basins, NW India. Comparisons are made with the better documented co‐eval sediments of Nepal and Pakistan to build up a broader picture of basin development. In the Subathu sub‐basin, shallow marine sediments of the Palaeocene–lower Lutetian Subathu Formation are unconformably overlain by the continental alluvial Dagshai and Kasauli Formations and Siwalik Group. The start of continental deposition is now dated at younger than 31 Ma from detrital zircon fission track data, thereby defining the duration of this major unconformity, which runs basin‐wide along strike. Final exhumation of these basin sediments, as thrusting propagated into the basin, occurred by 5 Ma constrained from detrital apatite fission track data. In the Kangra sub‐basin, the Subathu Formation is not exposed and the pre‐Siwalik sediments consist of the Dharamsala Group, interpreted as the deposits of transverse‐draining rivers. In this area, there is no evidence of westerly axial drainage as documented for coeval facies in Nepal. Similar to data reported along strike, facies analysis indicates that the sediments in NW India represent the filled/overfilled stages of the classic foreland basin evolutionary model, and the underfilled stage is not represented anywhere along the length of the basin studied to date.
Cleavage‐like cell division and explosive increase in cell number of neonatal gonocytes
Authors: Sakai Yasuhiro , Noce Toshiaki , Yamashina Shohei 
Published: February 2004

Based on previous conventional quantitative observations of rat testes, it was proposed that large numbers of gonocytes degenerate after birth and this notion was widely accepted. However, many studies show that neonatal gonocytes display high levels of mitotic activity. In order to resolve the apparent contradiction of increased mitotic activity in gonocytes despite a decrease in their numbers at the neonate stage, quantitative analysis using a marker of suitably higher resolution is required. It has been shown that the vasa protein could be used as a marker of germ cells. In this study, quantitative changes in gonocytes were re‐examined using a germ‐cell‐specific marker in order to delineate more clearly the process of development from gonocytes to spermatogonia after birth. The vasa‐positive cells, which correspond to gonocytes and spermatogonia, increased exponentially after birth. This observation suggests that all gonocyte divide actively after birth and do not degenerate as previously believed. Surprisingly, the cell volume of gonocytes decreased during their division. The largest population size was 2000–4000 µ3 at day 2, 1000–2000 µ3 at day 4 and 500–1000 µ3 at day 6. This finding suggests that gonocytes divide in a similar way to cleavage, which can be considered a special mode of fertilized eggs. Judging from the growth of seminiferous tubules and the degree of volume reduction, 60% of the contribution rate is estimated to be due to ordinal cell growth, and 40% due to volume reduction as in cleavage of a fertilized egg. This unique cleavage‐like division may contribute to the supply of large numbers of spermatogonia.
Differential gene expression between the embryonic tail bud and regenerating larval tail in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Sugiura Takuji , Taniguchi Yuka , Tazaki Akira , Ueno Naoto , Watanabe Kenji , Mochii Makoto 
Published: February 2004

The regeneration of the amputated tail of Xenopus laevis larvae is an excellent model system for regeneration research. The wound left by the amputated tail is covered with epidermis within 24 h. Then, the cell number increases near the amputation plane at the notochord, spinal cord and muscle regions. An apparently complete tail with notochord, muscle and spinal cord is regenerated within two weeks. To reveal whether the molecular mechanism underlying the tail regeneration is the same as that in embryonic tail development, the gene expression patterns of the embryonic tail bud and the regenerating tail were compared by in situ hybridization and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Most genes analyzed were expressed at similar levels in both tissues, whereas two bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐antagonists, chordin and noggin, were detected only in the embryonic tail bud. The regenerating tail also lacked expression of Xshh in the floor plate and expression of Xdelta‐1 in the spinal cord and presomitic mesoderm. These results show that there are some differences in gene expression between the two processes. Furthermore, when the tail of Xenopus larvae is amputated, the regenerating tail has a gene expression pattern similar to the distal portion of the larval tail rather than the embryonic tail bud, suggesting that the cut larval tail does not make a new embryonic tail bud, but rather a new larval tail tip for regeneration.
A third sea urchin sperm receptor for egg jelly module protein, suREJ2, concentrates in the plasma membrane over the sperm mitochondrion
Authors: Galindo Blanca E. , Moy Gary W. , Vacquier Victor D. 
Published: February 2004

Sea urchin spermatozoa are model cells for studying signal transduction events underlying flagellar motility and the acrosome reaction. We previously described the sea urchin sperm receptor for egg jelly 1 (suREJ1) which consists of 1450 amino acids, has one transmembrane segment and binds to the fucose sulfate polymer of egg jelly to induce the sperm acrosome reaction. We also cloned suREJ3 which consists of 2681 amino acids and has 11 putative transmembrane segments. Both these proteins localize to the plasma membrane over the acrosomal vesicle. While cloning suREJ1, we found suREJ2, which consists of 1472 amino acids, has two transmembrane segments and is present in the entire sperm plasma membrane, but is concentrated over the sperm mitochondrion. Experimental evidence suggests that, unlike suREJ1 and suREJ3, suREJ2 does not project extracellularly from the plasma membrane, but is an intracellular plasma membrane protein. All three sea urchin sperm REJ proteins possess a protein module of > 900 amino acids, termed ‘the REJ module’, that is shared by the human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease protein, polycystin‐1, and PKDREJ, a testis‐specific protein in mammals whose function is unknown. In the present study, we describe the sequence, domain structure and localization of suREJ2 and speculate on its possible function.
Bereavement support for families following the death of a child from cancer: Practice characteristics of Australian and New Zealand paediatric oncology units
Authors: DeCinque N , Monterosso L , Dadd G , Sidhu R , Lucas R 
Published: February 2004

Objective:  The impact of childhood cancer on the patient and family is devastating and results in significant emotional and physical effects on the child and family. An increasing awareness of the role of health care professionals at this time has led to the development of hospital‐based bereavement support services. However, many services are not evidence based, and family support varies between institutions. The objective of this study was to determine current practice relating to hospital‐based bereavement support programmes.Methods:  A survey of all major tertiary paediatric oncology units in Australia and New Zealand (N = 10) was undertaken. The survey instrument consisted of a 19‐item questionnaire with open‐ended and closed questions.Results:  Nine hospitals (90%) participated. Most hospitals provided a multidisciplinary bereavement service for approximately one year after a child's death. Programmes varied, but the most common hospital‐based supports provided were counselling and support groups. Important findings were: a significant number of hospitals worked from a limited theoretical basis and understanding, did not screen for high risk of complicated grieving, did not formally evaluate their programme, and identified areas of unmet needs.Conclusion:  The majority of paediatric oncology units in Australia and New Zealand provide dedicated multidisciplinary bereavement support services. There is variation in services provided, often due to a lack of resources and staffing. Findings indicate a need to further develop bereavement programmes, improve staff education and support, and increase the availability of resources in this area. Future research should explore the needs of bereaved families, as well as the range of services and evaluation methods that could be implemented as the baseline for ‘best practice’ hospital‐based bereavement programmes.
Trends in place of birth for preterm infants in New South Wales, 1992−2001
Authors: Roberts CL , Algert CS , Peat B , Henderson‐Smart DJ 
Published: February 2004

Objective:  To examine trends in preterm births, especially those less than 33 weeks gestation, occurring in perinatal centres in New South Wales (NSW) from 1992 to 2001.Methods:  Population data were obtained from the NSW Midwives’ Data Collection. Trends in the proportion of births in perinatal centres by gestation and by type of preterm birth (spontaneous or elective), and in Apgar scores and neonatal mortality were determined.Results:  The preterm birth rate increased from 6.1% in 1992 to 6.7% in 2001. Factors contributing to the increase in preterm births were multiple births and elective preterm deliveries. Births less than 33 weeks gestation in perinatal centres increased from 76% to 83% and for multiple births from 77% to 87%. This coincided with a decrease in 1‐minute Apgar scores less than 4 but no significant change in 5‐minute Apgar scores or neonatal mortality.Conclusions:  Progress has been made towards the National Health and Medical Research Council guideline that births less than 33 weeks gestation occur in perinatal centres. Preterm births are increasing, creating greater demands for neonatal intensive care unit care and ventilation services.
What affects the age of first sleeping through the night?
Authors: Adams SM , Jones DR , Esmail A , Mitchell EA 
Published: February 2004

Objective: To ascertain the age at which an infant first sleeps regularly through the night and the factors affecting this age.Methods: A representative cross sectional sample of 700 infants in south‐east England were studied. Information was collected on 511 (73.0%) of the infants by parental interview. Obstetric records were also examined.Results: Fifty per cent of babies slept through by 8 weeks and 75% by 12 weeks. Multivariate survival analysis used to investigate 61 potential factors found that a heavier birthweight, female gender and co‐sleeping less than 2 hours or not at all; younger mothers, school leaving age less than 17 years, stress factors (divorce and no separation from partner for more than a month in the last 12 months); no central heating, and the baby not sharing a room with siblings were associated with an earlier age at which an infant first sleeps through the night.Conclusions: Little of the variation between children in age of first sleeping through the night could be explained by these nine factors.
Australian and New Zealand birth cohort studies: Breadth, quality and contributions
Authors: Nicholson JM , Rempel LA 
Published: February 2004

Objective:  To understand factors associated with successfully conducting longitudinal studies across early childhood by (i) describing the designs of Australian and New Zealand birth cohort studies; (ii) describing the breadth of variables studied; and (iii) identifying factors influencing study quality, productivity and contributions.Methods:  A systematic review was undertaken of 13 birth cohort studies. Data were collected from published papers and questionnaires administered to study investigators.Results:  These single cohort studies recruited children prior to their first birthday. Using an ecological model as an organizing framework, the studies were found to have contributed to knowledge about health and development in multiple domains and well beyond early childhood. Areas for increased focus included policy‐relevant environmental factors such as child‐care and rural/urban differences, and the influence of fathers, family factors, peers, social competence, and genetic factors. Investigators’ responses indicated desires for an increased depth of data collection and stronger sampling designs. Data quality was enhanced by maintaining skilled staff and reduced by inadequate data for tracking study participants. Productivity ranged from 1 to 760 publications per study (median = 14.0). The most productive studies were those that had started before 1990, had representative samples, ongoing funding, and larger research teams. Policy impacts have included changed infant sleeping practices, reduced environmental lead emissions and regulated swimming pool safety standards.Conclusions:  A suite of coordinated and nested studies could meet sampling needs and facilitate depth of inquiry. Stable, long‐term funding is required to staff and maintain well‐designed longitudinal studies that can address priority research areas and contribute to the development of health and social policy.
Effect of cerebrolysin on moderate and severe head injury: Preliminary result of a cohort study
Authors: Wong George Kwok‐Chu , Zhu Xian‐Lun , Poon Wai‐Sang 
Published: February 2004

Introduction:  Cerebrolysin is a compound with neurotropic activities and has a beneficial effect in the treatment of mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease. The present study investigated whether the addition of cerebrolysin to the initial treatment regimen in patients with moderate and severe head injury would improve their functional outcome.Method and Results:  At 6 months, 42% of the rehabilitated patients achieved good recovery without significant cognitive deficit. The study group was compared with the historical cohort of patients eligible for active rehabilitation. Despite a younger population of the historical cohort, the functional outcome was not significantly different from the study group. No significant side‐effects requiring cessation of cerebrolysin was noted.Conclusion:  Use of cerebrolysin as a part of the initial management of moderate and severe head injuries was safe and well‐tolerated. The result suggests that cerebrolysin is beneficial to the functional outcome in these patients, especially in elderly patients.
Determinants of outcome of inguinal herniorrhaphy in Nigerian patients
Authors: Adesunkanmi Abdul Rashid K. , Badmus Tajudeen A. , Ogundoyin Olukayode 
Published: February 2004

Objective:  To determine the clinical, operative and postoperative factors influencing the outcome of inguinal herniorrhaphy for inguinal and iguinoscrotal hernia. A protocol was drafted to carry out a prospective study of all patients who had herniorrhaphy for inguinal or inguinoscrortal hernia within a period of 7 years (February 1995–January 2002). The present study took place in a Teaching Hospital Complex Unit that serves a rural and semiurban Nigerian community.Patients and methods:  A total of 425 consecutive patients who had inguinal herniorrhaphy were recruited for the current study. Only adult male and female patients were recruited and operated on either as emergency or elective status. Demographic, clinical, operative and postoperative patterns of the patients were documented and analysed using SPSS 7.5 for Window.Results:  There were 391 (92%) male patients and the patients age ranged from 16 to 90 years, with a mean of 51.8 years. Duration of symptoms ranged 1 day−25 years, median of 1 years. There were 169 patients (39.8%) with 175 (37.6%) cases of inguinoscrotal hernia, 256 patients (60.2%) with 290 (62.4%) cases of inguinal hernia and 15 (3.5%) patients presented with recurrent hernia. Emergency operation was carried out in 112 (26%) patients, with a high incidence of scrotal complications, wound failure, mortality and a prolonged period of hospitalization. There were more scrotal complications among the elderly patients, with a high rate of inguinoscrotal hernia and those patients with systemic pathology. Wound infection and wound dehiscence were more common in patients with obstructive uropathy, longer duration of symptoms, inguinoscrotal hernia, presence of other hernia type and such operative findings as sliding hernia. Postoperative hernia recurrence and scrotal complications were associated with a high wound infection rate, while mortality rate was associated with age, hernia incarceration, inguinoscrotal hernia, suboptimal clinical status and operative findings of gangrenous intestinal segment.Conclusion:  There were many preoperative, operative and postoperative factors that significantly influence the outcome of inguinal herniorrhaphy at the Teaching Hospital Complex. High postoperative morbidity and mortality were associated with old age, inguinoscrotal hernia and preoperative hernia complications.