bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of repeated‐dose pharmacokinetics of prolonged‐release and immediate‐release torasemide formulations in healthy young volunteers
Authors: Barbanoj M.J. , Ballester M.R. , Antonijoan R.M. , Gich I. , Pelagio P. , Gropper S. , Santos B. , Guglietta A.
Published: February 2009

The major aim of the study was to compare the pharmacokinetic profile of repeated‐dose administration of a prolonged‐release (PR) formulation of torasemide with that of an immediate‐release (IR) dosage. Sixteen volunteers received one daily dose, on four consecutive days, of 10 mg of torasemide‐PR or torasemide‐IR in a single‐blind, two‐treatment, two‐period, repeated‐dose, cross‐over, sequence‐randomized clinical trial. Blood samples were collected at various time points on day 1 (single‐dose) and on day 4 (repeated‐dose) and torasemide concentrations were analysed by LC/MS/MS. Diuretic effect and urine electrolytes were measured. Urinary urgency was subjectively assessed by visual analogue scales. Safety and tolerability were also determined. Based on logged values, bioequivalence parameters, were: on day 1, ratio = 1.07 (90% CI 1.02–1.1), Cmax ratio = 0.69 (90% CI 0.67–0.73); and on day 4, ratio = 1.02 (90% CI 0.98–1.05), Cmax ratio = 0.62 (90% CI 0.55–0.70). PR had longer tmax than IR and showed significantly lower fluctuations of plasma concentrations. Urine evaluations were similar with both formulations, although PR showed a lower urine volume in the first hours post‐administration. Episodes of acute urinary urgency occurred later and were subjectively less intensive with PR. No significant adverse events were reported.
Are Zucker obese rats a useful model for cardiovascular complications in metabolic syndrome? Physical, biochemical and oxidative stress considerations
Authors: Debin Régine , Lauzier Benjamin , Sicard Pierre , Delemasure Stéphanie , Amoureux Sébastien , Duvillard Laurence , Vergely Catherine , Cottin Yves , Rochette Luc
Published: February 2009

We wondered if Zucker obese (ZO) rats would be a good experimental model to evaluate cardiovascular complications of metabolic syndrome (MS). ZO rats were compared with both their littermate controls, Zucker lean (ZL) rats and to Wistar rats (reference strain). We designed this work:(i) to measure certain physical and biochemical characteristics of MS; (ii) to evaluate coronary and cardiac function in isolated conditions and after ischemia; and (iii) to study plasma and heart tissue oxidative stress markers. In vivo, ZO rats had higher levels of plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides than their ZL littermates, but there was no difference between the groups for systolic arterial blood pressure and heart rate. In vitro, coronary endothelial function was notably impaired in ZO and ZL rats. After global ischemia, the worse ventricular recovery in ZO and ZL rats was associated with arrhythmias during reperfusion. We detected similar levels of plasma ascorbyle free radical, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and vitamin C concentrations in the three groups. Dihydroethidium staining showed higher superoxide production in the coronary vessels of ZO rats than in ZL and Wistar rats. Our results show that ZO might only correspond to early‐stage cardiovascular complications associated with MS.
Resource flows, crops and soil fertility management in smallholder farming systems in semi‐arid Zimbabwe
Authors: Ncube B. , Twomlow S. J. , Dimes J. P. , Van Wijk M. T. , Giller K. E.
Published: February 2009

Poor soil fertility and erratic rains are major constraints to crop production in semi‐arid environments. In the smallholder farming systems of sub‐Saharan Africa, these constraints are manifested in frequent crop failures and endemic food insecurity. We characterized a semi‐arid smallholder farming system in south‐western Zimbabwe to assess crop production, nutrient use and factors that constrain productivity. The farming system was studied using resource flow mapping, farmer interviews and calculations of crop production over three cropping seasons (2002/2003, 2003/2004 and 2004/2005) to capture variability between years. Farmers were categorized into three groups: better resourced, medium resourced and poorly resourced. Better resourced farmers produced adequate grain for basic household consumption, except in the drought year (2002/2003). Poorly resourced farmers had large grain deficits, whereas the medium resourced class had smaller deficits. Better resourced and medium resourced farmers produced adequate amounts of staple cereal in two of the seasons, while poorly resourced farmers produced inadequate amounts of food in all three seasons. All farmers produced less than 300 kg/ha of legumes per season. Lack of seed was cited as the main reason for poor legume production. Better resourced farmers used animal manure (2000–5000 kg per season) and some fertilizer on their cereal crops, while the medium resourced group used less manure (1000 kg or less) and no fertilizer. The use of manure varied strongly across the years. Poorly resourced farmers used no nutrient inputs on any of their crops. All groups had negative nitrogen balances during the three cropping seasons, although the values varied strongly between seasons. Investigation of the potential strategies for developing sustainable production systems are required to address the problems of food security in the semi‐arid parts of the country and the region.
Ontogeny of sexual dimorphism via tissue duplication in an ostracod (Crustacea)
Authors: Rivera Ajna S. , Oakley Todd H.
Published: February 2009

SUMMARY
The adaptive significance of specific sexual dimorphism is well studied. However, the evolutionary history and ontogenic origins of the dimorphism are often unknown. As dimorphism represents two phenotypes generated from relatively similar genotypes, it is of interest to understand both its evolutionary and developmental/genetic underpinnings. Here, we present the first ontogenetic examination of the eyes of philomedid ostracods (Crustacea), which exhibit extremely sexually dimorphic lateral eyes. Adult male philomedids have large compound lateral eyes, whereas females have rudimentary lateral eyes. First, we show that eye dimorphism is unlikely to be due to additional genes present on a male‐specific chromosome because karyotype analysis suggests philomedids are XX/XO. We then examine the ontogeny of eye development and find that in at least two species of Euphilomedes, this dimorphism is not generated solely by differences in tissue growth rates, as has been commonly shown for sexually dimorphic characters of other species. Instead, the dimorphism appears to arise during development via tissue duplication, where a single tissue becomes two, perhaps with different developmental potentials. The second eye field is only observed in male Euphilomedes, producing most of the adult eye tissue. We point out that tissue duplication is a developmental process with evolutionary implications because novel characters could evolve via alternative modification of the duplicated fields, analogous to the origin of new genes by gene duplication and alternative modification. Depending on the evolutionary history of the duplicated field, it may have either facilitated or directly caused the observed sexual dimorphism of philomedid ostracods.
Relationship Between Basilar‐Type Migraine and Migrainous Vertigo
Authors: Wang Chi‐Te , Lai Mei‐Su , Young Yi‐Ho
Published: February 2009

Objective.— This study compared clinical manifestations and audiovestibular function tests among subjects of basilar‐type migraine (BtM), definite and probable migrainous vertigo (dMV and pMV), in order to investigate the relationship between them.

Background.— Various diagnostic criteria such as BtM, dMV, and pMV have been proposed. However, a comparison between these diagnostic groups has not been conducted before.

Methods.— This study enrolled 77 subjects, including BtM in 15, dMV in 30, and pMV in 32 patients. All patients received structured interview of clinical presentations and underwent a battery of audiovestibular function tests.

Results.— Demographic features were similar between 3 groups, including age, gender, precipitating factors, and family preponderance. When considering the clinical manifestations, for example motion sickness, migrainous symptoms, and sequential relationship between headache and vertigo, BtM and dMV groups shared similar features, but differed from pMV group. As regards to differentiate between BtM and dMV patients, the former revealed higher occurrence rates than the latter in relation to the frequency of vertigo attacks, neurological symptoms, and saccadic dysmetria.

Conclusion.— The relationship between BtM, dMV, and pMV refers to a distribution of severity across the disease spectrum of migraine‐related vertigo. Of them, BtM group presents the most severe form in clinical manifestation and brainstem involvement, followed by dMV, and pMV is the mildest form.
Non‐Doppler Two Dimensional Strain Imaging for Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Perk Gila , Kronzon Itzhak
Published: February 2009

Over the recent years, strain echocardiography has emerged as a quantitative technique for the evaluation of global and segmental cardiac function. Strain is a measure of deformation, expressed as a percent change in a segment's length compared to its predeformation length. Strain rate (SR) is the local rate of deformation or strain per unit time. Recently non‐Doppler two dimensional strain imaging has been developed. This technique is based on tracking ultrasonic speckles from the two dimensional echocardiographic images. These speckles are followed over a number of successive frames, and myocardial velocity is calculated by measuring frame‐to‐frame changes. This technique is independent of the Doppler angle of incidence and allows measurement of several vectors of strain within myocardial tissue. Non‐Doppler strain is a powerful tool, enabling detection of subtle abnormalities in myocardial function. Current evidence shows that non‐Doppler strain imaging may allow identification of the early changes that occur with ischemic insult to the myocardium. It may also provide a tool for identification of scarred, non‐viable myocardium, with similar accuracy to that of cardiac MRI. Non‐Doppler strain imaging is likely to become a standard tool in the evaluation of patients with ischemic heart disease.
Strain and Strain Rate Imaging in Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nesbitt Gillian C. , Mankad Sunil
Published: February 2009

The most common indication for an echocardiogram is for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) function and, in the evaluation of cardiomyopathy (CM), this becomes even more important. However, conventional echocardiographic measures of ventricular function are insensitive at detecting subtle perturbations in contractility. In patients with CM, the ability to detect abnormalities early in the course of the disease to establish a diagnosis can be critical and often may influence specific treatments administered as well as establish important prognostic information. Technologic advances in echocardiographic imaging during the last decade now allow for the measurement of LV strain and strain rate (SR) imaging. Strain and SR imaging allow for a more precise characterization of the mechanics of myocardial contraction and relaxation (deformation imaging) and emerging data are establishing the use of these techniques in a variety of different cardiomyopathic conditions. After establishing a common understanding of strain imaging as well as defining the methods by which these measures can be incorporated into an echocardiographic examination, we will review the accumulating information illustrating the great promise that this imaging modality has in the care of patients with CM. This review will focus on the role of strain and SR imaging in CM.
Two‐dimensional, Non‐Doppler Strain Imaging during Anesthesia and Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Skubas Nikolaos J.
Published: February 2009

Transesophageal echochardiography (TEE) has become an essential intraoperative monitor during general anesthesia for cardiac surgical procedures. In clinical practice, ventricular function is visually evaluated using gray scale and Doppler modes, despite the fact that subjective interpretation is influenced by level of experience and training. Echocardiographic strain imaging measures cardiac deformation and provides objective quantification of regional myocardial function. Non‐Doppler strain, which is derived by tracking speckles from two‐dimensional (2D) images, bypasses the limitations of Doppler‐based strain measurements and evaluates the complex myocardial deformation along three dimensions. As a result, longitudinal shortening, circumferential thinning and radial thickening can be quantified using standard midesophageal and transgastric views, being acquired during a comprehensive TEE examination. Once non‐Doppler strain becomes available on “real time,” it will have the potential to become a valuable tool for detection of ischemia on the regional level and objective quantification of global ventricular function.
Influence of Sr/Ti Stoichiometry on the Densification Behavior of Strontium Titanate
Authors: Bäurer Michael , Kungl Hans , Hoffmann Michael J.
Published: February 2009

In order to control the preparation of strontium titanate with a well‐defined Sr/Ti stoichiometry produced by the mixed oxide route, dilatometric experiments have been conducted for compositions with Sr/Ti ratios ranging from 0.996 to 1.005. A significant change in sintering behavior has been detected going from a titania rich to a strontia rich composition. Combining observations of the microstructural evolution during different stages of sintering with results on defect chemistry from the literature makes an assessment of the basic mechanisms of sintering possible. The influence of zirconia abrasion from milling balls has been identified to be equal to a titania excess of the same amount. By means of dilatometric measurements it is possible to evaluate the A/B ratio with accuracy higher than 0.2 mol% from the shrinkage curves, providing a highly sensitive tool for the analysis of the stoichiometry in SrTiO3.
Mitochondrial Genome DNA Analysis of the Domestic Dog: Identifying Informative SNPs Outside of the Control Region*
Authors: Webb Kristen M. , Allard Marc W.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  While the mitochondrial control region has proven successful for human forensic evaluations by indicating ethnic origin, domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) of seemingly unrelated breeds often form large groups based on identical control region sequences. In an attempt to break up these large haplotype groups, we have analyzed the remaining c. 15,484 base pairs of the canine mitochondrial genome for 79 dogs and used phylogenetic and population genetic methods to search for additional variability in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We have identified 356 SNPs and 65 haplotypes in the remainder of the mitochondrial genome excluding the control region. The exclusion capacity was found to be 0.018. The mitochondrial control region was also evaluated for the same 79 dogs. The signals from the different fragments do not conflict, but instead support one another and provide a larger fragment of DNA that can be analyzed as forensic evidence.
Forensic Age‐at‐Death Estimation from the Human Sacrum*
Authors: Passalacqua Nicholas V.
Published: February 2009

Abstract: A new method is described here that incorporates seven developmental and degenerative changes for estimating chronological age from morphological features of the human sacrum. The construction of this method involved multiple stages of trait identification, character‐state definition and age correlation, rank‐order phase development, and percent‐correct sample testing with phase and sample aggregation, all of which resulted in a six‐phase component system for application on modern individuals. This phase system was first developed on European American male and female samples from the Hamann‐Todd collection; then tested on African American male and female Hamann‐Todd samples as well as European American male and females from the WM Bass collection to examine possible sex and/or ancestry differences. Variation in age estimates due to sex and ancestry was negligible; thus, the multiple samples were all pooled creating a robust method with a large sample size. Overall age ranges increase in width at two standard deviations as is expected from degenerative age‐related processes but retain utility in forensic situations.
A Range of Postmortem Assault Experiments Conducted on a Variety of Denture Labels Used for the Purpose of Identification of Edentulous Individuals
Authors: Richmond Raymond , Pretty Iain A.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Forensic organizations worldwide have recommended that dental prostheses should be labeled with at least the patient’s name and preferably with further unique identifiers such as social security number, etc. The practice of denture marking has been conducted over many years and several denture marking systems have been reported in the dental literature. However, very little is known about the resilience of such systems to conditions experienced in the majority of post‐ and perimortem assaults. The purpose of this investigation therefore, was to expose a selection of 10 denture labels to a series of hostile environments. Results of the study indicate that the majority of the denture labeling systems appear capable of withstanding a range of common, and not so common postmortem assaults. With regard to thermal insult, however, most performed badly with the exception of a label constructed from stainless steel orthodontic band. However, another label in the form of an electronic RFID‐tag performed above expectations in the majority of experiments. Furthermore, its cosmetic appearance has proven most popular with many patients.
Human herpes virus 8‐unrelated primary effusion lymphoma‐like lymphoma: report of a rare case and review of the literature
Authors: ADIGUZEL CAFER , BOZKURT SUHEYLA UYAR , KAYGUSUZ ISIK , UZAY ANT , TECIMER TULAY , BAYIK MAHMUT
Published: February 2009

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a very rare type of lymphoma usually confined to the body cavities predominantly in immunosupressed patients infected with human herpes virus 8 (HHV‐8). The new term for HHV‐8 independent PEL is HHV8‐unrelated PEL‐like lymphoma. We describe an 89‐year‐old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐negative male patient with HHV8‐unrelated PEL‐like lymphoma in the pleura. No hepatosplenomegaly or lymphadenopathy was detected. Chest radiography and computed tomography revealed right pleural effusion, but no evidence of tumor mass or lymph node enlargement. Cytological analysis of the pleural effusion revealed a high‐grade lymphoma with round nuclei, prominent nucleoli and abundant cytoplasm with immunophenotypes positive for CD45, CD30, CD38, CD7 and CD71. Because of the advanced age, no chemotherapy was given. Effusion resolved spontaneously. One year after the diagnosis, a new pleural effusion developed at the left side. Following thoracentesis and pleurodesis, the patient remained in complete remission for 40 months. To date, 30 cases of HHV8‐unrelated PEL‐like lymphoma/HIV negative have been reported in the literature. The outcome of the HHV8‐unrelated PEL‐like lymphoma patients who were HIV negative seems to be better than HIV‐ and HHV‐8‐positive PEL.
Use of checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization to evaluate the internal contamination of dental implants and comparison of bacterial leakage with cast or pre‐machined abutments
Authors: Do Nascimento Cássio , Barbosa Rodrigo Edson Santos , Issa João Paulo Mardegan , Watanabe Evandro , Ito Izabel Yoko , De Albuquerque Junior Rubens Ferreira
Published: February 2009

Aims: To evaluate the checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization method for detection and quantitation of bacteria from the internal parts of dental implants and to compare bacterial leakage from implants connected either to cast or to pre‐machined abutments.

Materials and methods: Nine plastic abutments cast in a Ni–Cr alloy and nine pre‐machined Co–Cr alloy abutments with plastic sleeves cast in Ni–Cr were connected to Branemark‐compatible implants. A group of nine implants was used as control. The implants were inoculated with 3 μl of a solution containing 108 cells/ml of Streptococcus sobrinus. Bacterial samples were immediately collected from the control implants while assemblies were completely immersed in 5 ml of sterile Tripty Soy Broth (TSB) medium. After 14 days of anaerobic incubation, occurrence of leakage at the implant–abutment interface was evaluated by assessing contamination of the TSB medium. Internal contamination of the implants was evaluated with the checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization method.

Results: DNA–DNA hybridization was sensitive enough to detect and quantify the microorganism from the internal parts of the implants. No differences in leakage and in internal contamination were found between cast and pre‐machined abutments. Bacterial scores in the control group were significantly higher than in the other groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Bacterial leakage through the implant–abutment interface does not significantly differ when cast or pre‐machined abutments are used. The checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization technique is suitable for the evaluation of the internal contamination of dental implants although further studies are necessary to validate the use of computational methods for the improvement of the test accuracy.
Evaluation of voxel values in mandibular cancellous bone: relationship between cone‐beam computed tomography and multislice helical computed tomography
Authors: Naitoh Munetaka , Hirukawa Akiko , Katsumata Akitoshi , Ariji Eiichiro
Published: February 2009

Objective: Measurements of bone density in designed sites are important in presurgical imaging for dental implant treatment. However, the pixel or voxel values obtained from cone‐beam computed tomography (CT) images are not absolute values. Hence, the relationship between voxel values obtained from cone‐beam CT with a limited‐volume exposure field and a flat panel detector and bone mineral densities (BMDs) obtained from multislice CT was evaluated in the mandible.

Material and methods: A total of 16 (four males and 12 females) patients who had undergone imaging for mandibular dental implant treatment using cone‐beam CT with Alphard VEGA and multislice CT were enrolled in this investigation.

Cross‐sectional images of cone‐beam and multislice CT were reconstructed, and values of regions of interest (ROIs) in images were calculated.

Results: A high‐level correlation between voxel values of cone‐beam CT and BMDs of multislice CT was observed (r=0.965).

Conclusion: It was suggested that voxel values of mandibular cancellous bone in cone‐beam CT could be used to estimate bone density.
Spectral fluorescence lifetime detection and selective melanin imaging by multiphoton laser tomography for melanoma diagnosis
Authors: Dimitrow Enrico , Riemann Iris , Ehlers Alexander , Koehler Martin Johannes , Norgauer Johannes , Elsner Peter , König Karsten , Kaatz Martin
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Multiphoton excited tissue fluorescence summarises the emission of all naturally occurring endogenous fluorescent bio‐molecules with their often overlapping fluorescence spectra. Common fluorescence intensity measurements could not be utilised to distinguish between different fluorophores or metabolic states. To overcome this limitation, we investigated new procedures of selective melanin imaging and spectral fluorescence lifetime imaging in combination with high resolution multiphoton laser tomography. Overall 46 melanocytic lesions of human skin were analysed. We suggested that fluorescence light, detected in such a way, may yield additional information for melanoma diagnostics. Remarkable differences in lifetime behaviour of keratinocytes in contrast to melanocytes were observed. Fluorescence lifetime distribution was found in correlation with the intracellular amount of melanin. Spectral analysis of melanoma revealed a main fluorescence peak around 470 nm in combination with an additional peak close to 550 nm throughout all epidermal layers. Excitation at 800 nm shows a selectively observable fluorescence of melanin containing cells and offers the possibility of cell classification. Procedures of selective imaging as well as spectral fluorescence lifetime imaging by means of multiphoton laser tomography support diagnostic decisions and may improve the process of non‐invasive early detection of melanoma.
Computer‐Aided Detection in Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging: a Review
Authors: Dorrius M. D. , Van Ooijen P. M. A.
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study is to give an overview on the accuracy of the discrimination between benign and malignant breast lesions on MRI with and without the use of a computer‐aided detection (CAD) system. One investigator selected relevant articles based on title and abstract. Ten articles were selected for this review. The CAD systems used in these articles were commercially available (CAD stream and 3T) or institution‐specific computer analysis system. The articles showed that CAD has the potential to improve the discrimination of benign from malignant breast lesions at MRI imaging, but there is insufficient evidence to assess whether the use of CAD systems would maintain or increase the sensitivity and specificity.
Predictability of early stages of primary succession in post‐mining landscapes of Lower Lusatia, Germany
Authors: Wiegleb Gerhard , Felinks Birgit
Published: February 2009

Abstract. The predictability of early primary succession in post‐mining landscapes of eastern Germany was studied at sites 5–70 yr following dumping. This chronosequence was investigated using indirect ordination methods. The position of the vegetation types in the ordination diagram was found not to infer any temporal sequence. Independent observations show that the change of vegetation type is slow and does not necessarily occur among types adjacent in the ordination diagram. Furthermore, direct ordination revealed that environmental parameters such as pH, the levels of available phosphate and organic carbon as well as the age of the study sites do not significantly account for the variance. Instead, attention needs to be paid to the influence of spatial aspects and also what recultivation measures have been carried out. A detailed account of the vegetation dynamics of individual sample plots showed ‐ depending on the respective vegetation type ‐ divergence, convergence, and fluctuation at the smallest spatial scale. While the species richness of the sample plots remained more or less constant after initial colonization, mean vegetation cover continuously increases with age, although some sites still remain free of vegetation after as long as 70 yr. No general trend in dominant life forms was indicated. A conceptual model of early succession mechanisms is outlined and five basic mechanisms are identified (i.e. site availability, site suitability, availability of diaspores, strategies of colonizing species and biotic interactions). Their respective importance in three different stages of early succession is estimated and compared. The predictability of vegetation dynamics at each stage is rated differently.
Spatial relationships between plant litter, gopher disturbance and vegetation at different stages of old‐field succession
Authors: Bartha Sándor
Published: February 2009

Abstract. Fine‐scale spatial patterns of small mammal disturbances and local accumulation of plant litter were studied together with the spatial pattern of vegetation in different stages of old‐field succession at Cedar Creek Natural History Area, Minnesota, USA. Seven stands from one to 66 years old were sampled. Presence of living plant species, local soil disturbances by pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius) and plant litter accumulation were recorded in 10 cm × 10 cm contiguous microquadrats along elliptical transects. Spatial patterns and associations were analyzed using information theory models. Dominant grasses were spatially independent, while subordinate functional groups were strongly dependent on the existing patchwork of dominant species, plant litter and gopher disturbances. Litter had consistent negative associations with subordinate functional groups in all but the initial years. Gopher disturbances were abundant but had weak and variable associations with vegetation. These results suggest that gopher disturbance does not facilitate the colonization of native prairie species and that diversity can be improved by controlling litter accumulation in Minnesota old‐fields.
Controlling invasive Arrhenatherum elatius and promoting native prairie grasses through mowing
Authors: Wilson Mark V. , Clark Deborah L.
Published: February 2009

Abstract. Control of invasive plants is a key element of conservation and restoration efforts. We report results from a five‐year field experiment in western Oregon, USA that evaluates the effects of different mowing regimes on the non‐native and invasive perennial grass Arrhenatherum elatius, the native perennial prairie grasses Danthonia californica and Festuca roemeri, and groups of other native and non‐native grasses and forbs. Eight treatments were designed to test hypotheses about the role of mowing height and time of application on the plant community.

Differences among treatments emerged only after two or three years of treatment. This delay in response reinforces the need for long‐term studies. Annual mowing was most effective at reducing Arrhenatherum cover and flowering when applied in late spring or early summer, the time of Arrhenatherum flowering and expected maximum above‐ground allocation. Double mowing and mowing at 15 cm were more effective in reducing Arrhenatherum cover than were single mowing and mowing at 50 cm. All treatments increased the cover and flowering of Danthonia. Statistical model analysis showed that increases in cover and flowering of the native grass Danthonia were caused by its release from suppression by Arrhenatherum. Fouryears of the most effective treatment, mowing at 15 cm in late spring, converted an Arrhenatherum‐dominated site to a prairie dominated by native grasses. This is one of the few documented cases of pest plant control causing an increase in native plant abundance. These results show that mowing, properly applied, can be an effective tool for restoring degraded, Arrhenatherum‐dormnated prairies.
Classification, composition, richness and diversity of British hedgerows
Authors: French D.D. , Cummins R.P.
Published: February 2009

Abstract. A floristic classification of British hedgerows is constructed. Hedges (the woody, structural element) and hedge‐bottoms (the mainly herbaceous ground flora) were analysed separately because different natural and management processes were expected to affect them.

The 11 hedge classes varied in size from five to over 500 plots. Over two‐thirds of all hedges were dominated by Crataegus spp. or Primus spinosa. Hedge‐bottoms were more evenly grouped into four classes whose species composition could be related to broad land use/habitat types: intensive arable, rotational/mixed farming, managed grasslands, and woodland. The woodland class was only 12% of the total, and species characteristic of true woodland habitats were uncommon even within that class, so our data do not support the hypothesis of hedgerows acting as‘woodland corridors’for plants.

Richness/diversity scores differed markedly between different hedge and hedge‐bottom classes. The richest hedgerows, both in species and inferred habitats, were among the rarer types, while the most common classes (both hedge and hedge‐bottom) were consistently the poorest.

Comparison of species composition and diversity in hedges and hedge‐bottoms, and associations between them, all supported the hypothesis that the relative importance of historical, management and ecological effects differed between the two parts of the hedgerow; hedges and hedge‐bottoms should be treated ecologically as largely independent units.

The classifications and richness/diversity scores enable easy preliminary assessment of the conservation value of a hedgerow. They also enable individual hedgerows to be placed in a wider (national) context.
Effects of fertilization on understorey vegetation in a Norwegian Pinus sylvestris forest
Authors: Skrindo Astrid , Økland Rune Halvorsen
Published: February 2009

Abstract. Boreal coniferous forests have been impacted by long distance airborne pollutant deposition for most of the 20th century. Changes in forest understorey vegetation attributable to N‐deposition have been observed in southern Sweden, but not so far in southern Norway. We recorded the quantity of all species of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens in 144 plots in a fertilization experiment in a 35‐yr old Pinus sylvestris forest in Aust Agder County, southernNorway initiated 6 yr before our study. Each plot represented a combination of three levels of nitrogen, two levels of magnesium and two levels of phosphorus addition. Effects of fertilization on species quantity were tested by Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way analysis by ranks. For vascular plants, only small and hardly significant differences were found between treatments and control. Significant negative effects of N‐fertilization were found on both mosses and lichens. To some extent, these effects could be attributed to direct effects of application of the fertilizer, but were more likely to be due to a negative feedback response to the faster growth of pine trees in fertilized stands, reducing throughfall precipitation and increasing litter fall. Significant differences between Mg‐ and P‐fertilized sites and respective controls were found for too few species to be likely to represent an overall trend.
Impact of land use changes on mountain vegetation
Authors: Tasser Erich , Tappeiner Ulrike
Published: February 2009

Abstract. In this study the impact of land use changes on vegetation in the sub‐alpine‐alpine belt is analysed. The study sites (4.7 km2) are located in the Passeier Valley (South Tyrol, Italy), at an elevation of 1500–2300 m a.s.l. The whole study area was used for hay‐making ca. 60 yr ago. Today, part of the meadows are more intensively used, while other parts have been converted to pasture or have been abandoned.

We analysed the reasons for these land use changes and the effects on vegetation with a Geographical Information System and geostatistical analysis. The result of these analyses are:

(1) Current land use is mainly controlled by the degree of accessibility for vehicles. Accessible areas are being used more and more intensively, while poorly accessible areas are being abandoned or used as pasture.

(2) Current vegetation is highly determined by current land use. Particular vegetation units can be assigned to each form of land use.

(3) Succession starts immediately after abandonment. Depending on altitude, succession proceeds at different speeds and with different numbers of stages. Hence the type of vegetation indicates the time passed since abandonment.

(4) Land use changes lead to characteristic changes in vegetation; they are considered to be the most important driving force for vegetation change.

(5) Measures of intensification and abandonment of extensively used areas both lead to a decrease in the number of species.
Spatial patterns of the Chaco vegetation of central Argentina: Integration of remote sensing and phytosociology
Authors: Zak Marcelo R. , Cabido Marcelo
Published: February 2009

Abstract. In this study we report the first application of Landsat TM imagery to Chaco vegetation studies at a regional scale in Argentina. We produced a map showing 13 clearly differentiated land‐cover types, and described the composition and structure of the plant communities, in an area of almost 42002 km2 in central Argentina. The land‐cover map obtained shows that the Chaco vegetation in central Argentina is highly disturbed. In the lowland part of the area the dominant land‐cover types are largely cultural landscapes and substitute shrublands, which have displaced the original Chaco forests, leaving only small isolated remnants generally confined to sites with some kind of constrain for agriculture. The use of TM images and the multivariate analysis of phytosociological data showed a qualified, high accuracy mapping capability for land‐cover types in the Chaco region (ca. 85% overall accuracy). Our results highlight the utility of TM and field data in a subtropical to warm‐temperate region, which is promising where other ancillary data are not available and a rapid acquisition of reliable vegetation data is required, so constituting a starting point for an imperative and more extensive classification and mapping of the endangered Chaco region.
Impact of free‐range pigs on mountain pastures in the Swiss Jura
Authors: Vittoz Pascal , Hainard Pierre
Published: February 2009

Abstract.The objective of this experiment was to study the impact of free‐range pigs foraging on mountain pasture vegetation. Pigs (15 week‐old, mean weight 50 kg,n= 25) were enclosed from June to mid‐September in a 2‐ha enclosure in the Jura Mountains (Switzerland) and fed with a mixture of lactoserum and cereals. The enclosure contained four different plant communities. Eutrophic pastures on deep soil were largely overturned, but recolonization was quick and vegetation dominated by the original species. Mesotrophic pastures were less damaged on stony soil but were completely destroyed on deep soil, recovery was slow and was characterized by a shift of plant species in a more eutrophic direction. Four years were not sufficient for complete recovery. Oligotrophic calcareous pastures on shallow stony soil were not damaged. The result of this study was that extensive breeding of pigs in mountain pastures are harmful to plant species in mesotrophic pastures, and should be restricted to less sensitive plant communities, with a rotation of two or three different sites.
Successful invasion of the neotropical species Piper aduncum in rain forests in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Lepš Jan , Novotný Vojtěch , Čížek Lukáš , Molem Kenneth , Isua Brus , William Boen , Kutil Richard , Auga John , Kasbal Martin , Manumbor Markus , Hiuk Samuel
Published: February 2009

Abstract. Piper aduncum is a neotropical invasive species which has spread throughout Papua New Guinea over the past three decades. It has become a most successful alien woody plant in New Guinea, occurring from sea level up to 2000 m a.s.l. The species prefers initial stages of forest succession and is particularly common in recently abandoned gardens representative of a system of swidden agriculture. It often attains high cover, suppresses other pioneer species and becomes the absolute dominant species in these habitats. The species is now also spreading into naturally disturbed habitats far from direct human influence, such as natural tree‐fall gaps, landslides and frequently flooded stream banks. It has, however, never been found in a closed primary forest. The species germinates from faeces of mammal and bird species, and we conclude that dispersal through endozoochory contributes to this species’ extraordinary success in Papua New Guinea. A similar invasion behaviour has been documented over a large geographic area, from Malaysia to Fiji. Piper aduncum has attributes which are common amongst successful invasive species: (1) a large native geographic range; (2) aggressively colonizing disturbed habitats in its native area; (3) relatively small seeds; (4) a short juvenile period; (5) a large seed production every year.
Translocation of a montane meadow to simulate the potential impact of climate change
Authors: Bruelheide Helge
Published: February 2009

Abstract. The effects of wanning on a montane meadow was simulated by a translocation experiment. A coherent piece of turf and soil was transferred from 600 m to 170 m a.s.1., corresponding to an increase in temperature of ca. 2.8 K. The vegetation was monitored by recording cover and counting individuals one year before the translocation and continued for the subsequent seven years. For comparison, a control plot that had also been translocated but remained at 600 m was monitored. Four of eight species with a montane distribution in Europe showed a constant degree of cover during the investigation period (Nardus stricta, Poa chaixii, Polygonatum verticillatum,Potentilla erecta). In contrast, another four montane species declined in cover or died out (Arnica montana, Meum athamanticum, Hypericum maculatum, Galium harcynicum). None of these species declined on the control plot. It is argued that the species' responded individualistically to the site factors that had changed with the translocation to low altitude. A direct effect of enhanced temperature was probably the reason for the decline of only one species (Meum athamanticum). Reduced humidity might be the reason for the extinction of two moisture demanding species (Viola palustris, Succisa pratensis). The biomass of the plot increased by increased growth of one of the matrix species (Festuca rubra), probably due to elevated nutrient mineralization. Many low growing species responded indirectly to the reduced light availability, caused by an increased level of competition for light (e.g. Galium harcynicum). Increased slug herbivory at low altitude resulted in the extinction of Arnica montana. At the end of the investigation period, the similarity in species composition to the initial state was only 45%, indicating that the community had changed into a different plant association. The importance of considering biotic interactions when predicting the impacts of climate change is discussed.
Plant colonization windows in a mesic old field succession
Authors: Bartha Sándor , Meiners Scott J. , Pickett Steward T.A. , Cadenasso Mary L.
Published: February 2009

Abstract. Closed canopy vegetation often prevents the colonization of plant species. Therefore the majority of plant species are expected to appear at the initial phase of post‐agricultural succession in mesic forest environment with moderate levels of resources. This hypothesis was tested with data from the Buell‐Small Successional Study, NJ, USA, one of the longest continuous fine‐scale studies of old‐field succession. The study started in 1958, including old fields with different agricultural histories, landscape contexts, and times of abandonment. In each year of the study, the cover values of plant species were recorded in 48 permanent plots of 1 m2 in each field. We analysed the temporal patterns of colonization at plot scale and related these to precipitation data and other community characteristics. The number of colonizing species decreased significantly after ca. 5 yr, coinciding with the development of a continuous canopy of perennial species. However, species turnover remained high throughout the whole successional sequence. The most remarkable phenomenon is the high inter‐annual variation of all studied characteristics. We found considerable temporal collapses of vegetation cover that were synchronized among fields despite their different developmental stages and distinctive species compositions. Declines of total cover were correlated with drought events. These events were associated with peaks of local species extinctions and were followed by increased colonization rates. The transitions of major successional stages were often connected to these events. We suggest that plant colonization windows opened by extreme weather events during succession offer optimum periods for intervention in restoration practice.
Plant functional types: a promising tool for management and restoration of degraded lands
Authors: Gondard Hélène , Jauffret Sandrine , Aronson James , Lavorel Sandra
Published: February 2009

Abstract. Throughout the Mediterranean region, vegetation dynamics are affected by human activities which are either ‘stresses’ or ‘disturbances’, depending on their frequency, intensity and spatial distribution. To minimize or reduce anthropogenic degradation caused by land use and other disturbances, it is necessary to understand and predict the various responses of plant communities to disturbances. In particular, detailed but integrative approaches are required to assimilate large databases on vegetation and to make them directly useful for managers and restorers.

We describe two case studies undertaken to evaluate the effects of logging or overgrazing on plant species diversity in pine forests of southern France and steppe ecosystems of southern Tunisia. Both studies employed the same methodology to identify plant functional traits (morphological, life history and regeneration traits) associated with community response to disturbance. The results of these analyses allowed us to develop state and transition models that could be used to plan and predict ecosystem trajectories, assess ongoing degradation processes and monitor community and ecosystem responses to management and restoration practices. We discuss the relevance and the use of plant functional types (PFTs) as tools for ecosystem management and planning and for monitoring restoration in southern Europe, northern Africa and elsewhere. Using this approach it is possible to improve management strategies for the conservation, restoration and sustainable exploitation of biodiversity and of ecosystems.
Alternative management on fens: Response of vegetation to grazing and mowing
Authors: Stammel Barbara , Kiehl Kathrin , Pfadenhauer Jörg
Published: February 2009

Abstract. The impact of cattle grazing on the vegetation of calcareous fens was compared to the effects of traditional autumn mowing in southern Germany. Vegetation composition was studied in adjacent pairs of fen meadows and pastures with similar environmental conditions and biomass production. Vegetation data were analysed with respect to species richness, species composition and response of species traits to disturbance, including morphology, defence mechanisms, clonal growth form and generative reproduction. Species richness was significantly reduced by grazing, but the percentage of typical fen species or Red Data Book species was not affected by land use type. Detrended Corrspondence Analysis indicated that species composition could best be explained in terms of a land use gradient. Species traits showed a clear trend in their response to land use type. Grazing favoured grasses and small forbs. Only a few species with defence mechanisms against foraging were more frequent or abundant on pastures. Many other species with defence mechanisms, however, did not have an advantage on pastures. Flowering and seed dispersal traits did not respond significantly to grazing or mowing. Species with fast spreading stem derived clonal organs were favoured on pastures, whereas all other clonal growth forms and, particularly, non‐clonal species were more abundant on meadows. More indicator species of wet soil conditions and species adapted to flooding were found on pastures. Grazing can be recommended as an alternative land use to mowing in contrast to abandonment, but a reduction in species richness and changes in species composition and species traits may occur.