bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response of ground vegetation and epiphyte diversity to natural age dynamics in a Central European mountain spruce forest
Authors: Dittrich Sebastian , Hauck Markus , Jacob Mascha , Rommerskirchen Andreas , Leuschner Christoph 
Published: October 2012

AbstractQuestionNatural forest age dynamics is often more or less cyclic, with profound temporal changes in stem density and tree size, tree age structure, deadwood frequency and the abundance of canopy gaps. We investigated the response of ground and epiphyte vegetation to the natural forest age dynamics of an old‐growth spruce forest focussing on (1) the influence of stand age‐related shifts in forest structure and related changes in soil conditions on the diversity and composition of plant communities, (2) differences in the species turnover of cryptogamic epiphytes and ground vegetation in relation to forest age development, and (3) the importance of later (advanced) forest development stages for characteristic epiphyte communities.LocationHigh‐montane old‐growth spruce forest (Picea abies(L.)Karst.) on Mt. Brocken, Harz Mountains, Germany.MethodsFive defined forest development stages (regeneration to decay) were investigated with five 100‐m² plots for each stage, in which we studied forest structure, ground vegetation and the epiphytes of living trees and dead trunks.ResultsThe ground vegetation did not significantly change across the forest development stages. Epiphyte diversity on dead standing trees markedly increased towards later stages, with the highest diversity in the over‐mature and decay stages. Diversity of epiphytes on lying trunks was highest in early development stages. Trees in decay as well as regeneration stage included a set of characteristic epiphytes, being rare or absent in the other stages.ConclusionsDeadwood, i.e. trees and lying trunks and their epiphytes, outlast the oldest individuals of the tree layer and are still present in the early stages of the following forest generation. Epiphyte diversity on lying deadwood was higher in young than late forest development stages. Habitat continuity presents a fundamental difference to managed forests; it promotes species with dispersal limitations, which are common among cryptogamic epiphytes.
Signatures of autogenic epiphyte succession for an aspen chronosequence
Authors: Ellis Christopher J. , Ellis Simon C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractQuestionIs the succession of cryptogamic epiphyte communities (lichens) consistent with autogenic processes and life‐history trade‐offs?LocationNorthern Britain (Scotland).MethodsWe subsampled epiphytes from the lower bole of aspen (Populus tremula L.) and tested for two signatures in community succession. First, we used resampling among microhabitats to estimate species richness (sR) and species density (ρ) for trees along a chronosequence. We tested sR and ρ against patterns consistent with autogenic and life history‐mediated succession. Second, we constructed null model communities from a regional species pool to test for significant dispersion in multivariate trait diversity.ResultsWe show that species density (ρ) declined along the tree age chronosequence. This decline was consistent with the observed unimodal pattern in species richness (sR) for a habitat that has a non‐stationary area (increasing lower bole habitat area with tree age). We found under‐dispersed trait diversity for younger trees, tending towards equilibrium between the regional species pool and local community for mid‐ and older‐aged trees. Over‐dispersion was evident for communities with the highest species richness.ConclusionsWe conclude that lichen epiphyte communities undergo succession structured by autogenic processes (interference competition) and may also be structured by life‐history trends, e.g. the competition–colonization trade‐off. However, we suggest that the stochastic extirpation of competitive and dominant species may allow pioneer species to persist in the long term, explaining equilibrium in trait diversity observed for older‐aged trees.
Distribution of soil moisture and salinity in shelterbelts and its relationship with groundwater level in extreme arid area, northwest of China
Authors: Zhao Xinfeng , Xu Hailiang , Zhang Peng , Bai Yuan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBecause of the shortage of water source in the extreme arid area, generally, there are several years of no irrigation on mature shelterbelts. In this study, the shelterbelt soil in different texture were compared based on distribution analysis of the soil moisture and salt levels of shelterbelts under large‐scale drip irrigation in Kalamiji Oasis in the lower reaches of Tarim River, Northwest China. The following conclusions were drawn. (1) In Kalamiji Oasis, the groundwater level declined at a rate of 0.5 m/a as a result of popularization of drip irrigation technology. (2) There was a larger heterogeneity in distribution for soil moisture in the sandy/loamy shelterbelt than in the clay shelterbelt. (3) Under non‐irrigation conditions, sandy/loamy shelterbelt has lower soil moisture and salinity, and clay shelterbelt has higher soil moisture and salinity. (4) The shelterbelt with the shallowest groundwater depth had highest soil moisture level, and the shelterbelt with the deepest groundwater level had the lowest soil moisture content. (5) In sandy and loamy shelterbelts, the shelterbelts with the shallowest groundwater depths had the lower salinity levels and the shelterbelts with the deepest groundwater depths had the highest salinity levels. (6) In clay shelterbelts, the shelterbelts with the shallowest groundwater depths had the highest salinity levels, and the shelterbelts with the deepest groundwater depths had the lowest salinity levels. Additionally, it is essential to implement irrigation at least once a year.
Evaluating the input and source of faecal contamination in the cattle farming and forested regions of the Oconee watershed
Authors: Burt Christopher , Bachoon Dave S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSites along Sugar Creek and the Apalachee River were monitored to compare the water quality in cattle farming regions with the forested regions of the Oconee watershed. Dissolved oxygen (6.68 mg/L) and turbidity [23.91 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)] in Sugar Creek and the Apalachee River were similar. Overall, cattle farming sites along Sugar Creek had higher levels of NO3− and PO4−3 during the summer months. In contrast, the forested sites on the Apalachee River had elevated concentrations of inorganic nutrients only during spring rain events. The concentration of faecal bacteria was greater in the cattle farming areas compared with the level of faecal bacteria in the forested areas, and microbial source tracking with the bovine‐associated Bacteroides (BoBac) DNA marker indicated that cattle were the major source of faecal bacteria in Sugar Creek.
Multisite randomised controlled trial to evaluate polypropylene clips applied to the breech of lambs as an alternative to mulesing. I: effects on body weight, breech bare area measurements and scores, wrinkle scores and faecal and urine staining
Authors: Playford MC , Evans I , Lloyd JB , Lawton P , Rabiee AR , Lean IJ 
Published: October 2012

Objective To assess the effects of application of occlusive polypropylene clips to lambs on body weight, breech bare area measurements and scores, wrinkle scores, and faecal and urine stain scores.Procedures A randomised controlled trial using 32,028 lambs was conducted on 208 properties across Australia. Polypropylene clips were applied at lamb marking. At each site, 160 lambs were weighed, measured for breech bare area and scored for bare area, wrinkle, dag and urine staining, and skin type and thickness. Lambs were allocated to a control (no clips) or treatment (breech and tail clips) group. Lambs were assessed on days 14 (range 10–19) and 55 (range 34–129) after clip application for body weight, breech bare area measurements and scores. On day 55 the operators also scored wrinkling and urine staining.Results At an average of 55 days after treatment, treated ewe and wether lambs had 16% and 21% greater horizontal bare area measurements, and 31.7% and 32.7% higher bare area scores than control lambs, respectively. The ewes and wether lambs also had lower wrinkle (6.8% and 5.8%, respectively) and dag scores (12% and 12.3%, respectively) than controls. Treated ewes had lower urine stain scores (18.8%) than controls. However, body weight was slightly lower in clip‐treated lambs compared with controls by 0.320 kg (1.2%) and 0.430 kg (1.6%) for ewes and wethers, respectively.Conclusion Polypropylene clips applied to the breech and tail of lambs increased breech bare area and reduced dag, urine and wrinkle scores. Improvements in these measures of factors that predispose to blowfly strike suggest that the application of clips may reduce the risk of breech flystrike.
Multisite randomised controlled trial to evaluate polypropylene clips applied to the breech of lambs as an alternative to mulesing. II: multivariate analysis of relationships between clip treatment and operator, sheep, farm and environmental factors
Authors: Rabiee AR , Playford MC , Evans I , Lindon G , Stevenson M , Lean IJ 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveA multivariate analysis approach was used to evaluate both the effects of application of occlusive polypropylene clips to the breech on bare area measurements and scores of lambs, and the influence of operator, region, sheep, farm and environmental factors on outcomes.ProceduresA randomised controlled trial using 32,028 lambs was conducted on 208 commercial wool‐growing properties across Australia. Differences in bare area measurements and scores between groups were estimated and analysed using a mixed model to investigate the effects of operator differences, farm and environmental factors and the interactions among these factors.ResultsClip‐treated lambs with higher body weight at visit 1 had higher bare area measures and scores, but lower changes in dag and urine scores. Lambs with tight skin showed improved response in bare area scores and measurements after clip treatment, but lambs with a high wrinkle score at visit 1 showed less response to the treatment in their urine, dag and wrinkle and bare area scores. These effects of the clip treatment were not significantly influenced by estimated fleece fibre diameter, operator or region, but were significantly influenced by farm.ConclusionsThe effect of occlusive clips on breech measurements and scores was significantly influenced by body weight, skin type and thickness, wrinkle score and sex of the lamb, but not by region, operator or estimated fibre diameter. The clip treatment significantly improved characteristics that influence the susceptibility of lambs to flystrike under most conditions.
HDR Brachytherapy for Superficial Non‐Melanoma Skin Cancers
Authors: Gauden Ruth , Pracy Martin , Avery Anne‐Marie , Hodgetts Ian , Gauden Stan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIntroductionOur initial experience using recommended high dose per fraction skin brachytherapy (BT) treatment schedules, resulted in poor cosmesis. This study aimed to assess in a prospective group of patients the use of Leipzig surface applicators for High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy, for the treatment of small non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) using a protracted treatment schedule.MethodTreatment was delivered by HDR brachytherapy with Leipzig applicators. 36 Gy, prescribed to between 3 to 4 mm, was given in daily 3 Gy fractions. Acute skin toxicity was evaluated weekly during irradiation using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. Local response, late skin effects and cosmetic results were monitored at periodic intervals after treatment completion.ResultsFrom March 2002, 200 patients with 236 lesions were treated. Median follow‐up was 66 months (range 25–121 months). A total of 162 lesions were macroscopic, while in 74 cases, BT was given after resection because of positive microscopic margins. There were 121 lesions that were basal cell carcinomas, and 115 were squamous cell carcinomas. Lesions were located on the head and neck (198), the extremities (26) and trunk (12). Local control was 232/236 (98%). Four patients required further surgery to treat recurrence. Grade 1 acute skin toxicity was detected in 168 treated lesions (71%) and grade 2 in 81 (34%). Cosmesis was good or excellent in 208 cases (88%). Late skin hypopigmentation changes were observed in 13 cases (5.5%).ConclusionDelivering 36 Gy over 2 weeks to superficial NMSC using HDR brachytherapy is well tolerated and provides a high local control rate without significant toxicity.
Imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence post liver resection: A pictorial essay
Authors: Kitzing Bjoern , Kitzing Yu Xuan 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThis pictorial essay presents and discusses the imaging findings of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence post liver resection. A broad range of recurrence patterns is reviewed including intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrences.
Pheasants, buzzards, and trophic cascades
Authors: Lees Alexander C. , Newton Ian , Balmford Andrew 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe partial recovery of large birds of prey in lowland Britain has reignited conflicts with game managers and prompted a controversial U.K. government proposal to investigate ways of limiting losses to pheasant shooting operations. Yet best estimates are that buzzards are only a minor source of pheasant mortality–road traffic, for example, is far more important. Moreover, because there are often large numbers of nonbreeding buzzards, local control of breeding pairs may simply lead to their replacement by immigrant buzzards. Most significantly, consideration of the complexity of trophic interactions suggests that even if successful, lowering buzzard numbers may directly or indirectly increase the abundance of other medium‐sized predators (such as foxes and corvids) which potentially have much greater impacts on pheasant numbers. To be effective, interventions need to be underpinned by far more rigorous understanding of the dynamics of ecosystems dominated by artificially reared, superabundant nonnative game species.
The wound healing effects of vitamin A eye drops after a corneal alkali burn in rats
Authors: Kim Eun Chul , Kim Tai Kyong , Park Sang Hee , Kim Man Soo 
Published: October 2012

Abstract.Purpose: We investigated the wound healing effect of retinyl palmitate eyedrops following a corneal alkali burn in rats.Methods: A total of 160 Sprague‐Dawley male rats were divided into two groups and central corneas were injured by contacting eyes with filter paper saturated with 0.01 m NaOH for 45 seconds. Vitamin A group was treated with retinyl palmitate and antibiotic (Cravit®: 0.5% levofloxacin) eye drops four times daily for 3 days and the control group with vehicle and antibiotic eye drops. Corneal wound healing by fluorescein staining and impression cytologic analysis were conducted at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hr after injury. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A), thrombospondin 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) were measured in corneas by ELISA, immunofluorescent staining and real‐time PCR.Results: Corneal wound healing was better in the vitamin A group than in the control group. Early sprouting of new vessel was observed in the control group at 72 hr, but not in the vitamin A group. Corneal thrombospondin 2 proteins in ELISA were higher in the vitamin A group, but VEGF‐A, MMP 9 and TGF‐β proteins were higher in the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, thrombospondin 2 immunofluorescent staining was stronger, whereas VEGF‐A, MMP 9 and TGF‐β staining were weaker in the vitamin A group (p < 0.05). In addition, thrombospondin 2 mRNA levels were higher, whereas VEGF‐A, MMP 9 and TGF‐β mRNA levels were lower in the vitamin A group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Retinyl palmitate eye drops can inhibit VEGF‐A and activate thrombospondin 2 and improve conjunctival impression cytologic findings. Furthermore, retinyl palmitate eye drops were found to promote corneal healing after an alkali burn in rats.
Interpretation of Multisegment Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Cats (1/2001–1/2011)
Authors: Ybarra W.L. , Johnson L.R. , Drazenovich T.L. , Johnson E.G. , Vernau W. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundCytologic results from bronchoscopicBALin cats with naturally occurring respiratory disease have not been reported, and the clinical utility of multisegment lavage has not been evaluated.HypothesisBALcytology from 2 separate lung segments in cats will have similar cell counts, cytologic interpretation, or both.AnimalsEighty‐seven cases in 85 cats (2 examined twice) with naturally occurring lower respiratory disease.MethodsA combined prospective/retrospective evaluation of all cats with multisegmentBALwas performed.BALfluid was evaluated for total nucleated cell counts, differential cell counts, and cytologic characteristics at each lavage site.BALfluid was categorized as eosinophilic, neutrophilic, lymphocytic, hypercellular, or mixed. Radiographs were assessed for diffuse or focal disease.ResultsClinical diagnoses included inflammatory airway disease (n = 63), pneumonia (n = 15), neoplasia (n = 6), and undetermined (n = 3). Total nucleated cell counts varied between sites regardless of radiographic evidence of focal or diffuse radiographic disease. In 28/87 cases (32%), cell counts differed between lavage sites by 2.2–40 fold.BALyielded similar cytologic interpretation of inflammation in 45/87 (52%) cases. In 8/14 cases that hadBALperformed at the site of a focal radiographic infiltrate, as well as at a site of diffuse infiltrates, the same inflammatory interpretation was made at each site.Conclusions and clinical importanceTotal and differential cell counts inBALfluid often differ between lung segments in cats with lower respiratory disease, and caution is warranted when using a singleBALcytology to define the inflammatory response in cats with spontaneously occurring lower respiratory tract disease.
Role of Alumina Buffer Layer on the Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of PZT System Thick Films
Authors: Shin Tae Hee , Ha Jong‐Yoon , Song Hyun Cheol , Yoon Seok‐Jin , Hwang Seong‐Ju , Nahm Sahn , Park Hyung‐Ho , Choi Ji‐Won 
Published: October 2012

Piezoelectric properties of screen‐printed thick films, 0.01Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3–0.41Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.35PbTiO3–0.23PbZrO3 + 0.1 wt% Y2O3 + 1.5 wt% ZnO (PMW–PNN–PT–PZ+YZ) on alumina (Al2O3) buffer layers deposited on Si substrates, were studied. To improve piezoelectric properties of and integrate the PMW–PNN–PT–PZ+YZ thick films, the Al2O3 buffer layers on silicon (Si) substrates were used. The Al2O3 buffer layer on the Si substrate suppressed the pyrochlore phases of the piezoelectric thick films and prevented interdiffusion of Si and Pb. The PMW–PNN–PT–PZ+YZ thick films with 900 nm thick Al2O3 buffer layer showed piezoelectric properties such as Pr = 32 μC/cm2, Ec = 25 kV/cm, and d33 = 32 pC/N. These significant piezoelectric properties of our screen‐printed PMW–PNN–PT–PZ+YZ thick films by the Al2O3 buffer layers can be applied to functional thick film in many micro‐electromechanical system (MEMS) applications such as micro actuators and sensors.
Using virtual species to study species distributions and model performance
Authors: Meynard Christine N. , Kaplan David M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSimulations of virtual species (i.e. species for which the environment–occupancy relationships are known) are increasingly being used to test the effects of different aspects of modelling and sampling strategy on performance of species distribution models (SDMs). Here we discuss an important step of the simulation process: the translation of simulated probabilities of occurrence into patterns of presence and absence. Often a threshold strategy is used to generate virtual occurrences, where presence always occurs above a specific simulated probability value and never below. This procedure effectively translates any shape of simulated species response into a threshold one and eliminates any stochasticity from the species occupancy pattern. We argue that a probabilistic approach should be preferred instead because the threshold response can be treated as a particular case within this framework. This also allows one to address questions relating to the shape of functional responses and avoids convergence issues with some of the most commonSDMs. Furthermore, threshold‐based virtual species studies generate over‐optimistic performance measures that lack classification error or incorporate error from a mixture of sampling and modelling choices. Incorrect use of a threshold approach can have significant consequences for the practising biogeographer. For example, low model performance may be interpreted as due to sample bias or poor model choice, rather than being related to fundamental biological responses to environmental gradients. We exemplify these shortcomings with a case study where we compare results from threshold and probabilistic simulation approaches.
MMP‐9 ‐1562C>T contributes to periodontitis susceptibility
Authors: Pan Yongchu , Li Dandan , Cai Qi , Zhang Weibing , Ma Junqing , Wang Meilin , Wang Lin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThe study was conducted to explore the potential association of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐9 ‐1562C>T with susceptibility to periodontitis.Materials and MethodsElectronic literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE and EBSCO databases were performed. Fixed‐effects or random‐effects models were used to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) for four genetic comparisons.ResultsSeven eligible studies with a total of 628 cases and 689 controls were recruited in the pooled analysis. We found MMP‐9 ‐1562C>T contributed to decreased risk of chronic periodontitis. Furthermore, the polymorphism was associated with modified risk of periodontitis among Caucasian populations.ConclusionsThis study indicated that MP‐9 ‐1562C>T might be involved in the development of periodontitis. A replication of our results in independent large analysis populations is necessary to give evidence to our observation.
Post‐treatment levels of stem cell factor and hs‐CRP in serum and crevicular fluid of chronic periodontitis subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pradeep Avani R. , Kalra Nitish , Priyanka N. , Kumari Minal , Khaneja Ella , Naik Savitha B. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the stem cell factor (SCF) and high sensitive C reactive protein (hs‐CRP) concentration in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum of chronic periodontitis subjects with type 2 diabetes, and to evaluate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on their GCF and serum concentrations.Materials and methodsA total of (age and gender matched) 22 subjects were evaluated. Pre‐ and post‐treatment levels of SCF and hs‐CRP in GCF and serum were measured and compared using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. Clinical parameters including probing depth and clinical attachment level were also measured. Paired t‐test was used to compare the before‐ and after‐treatment levels of the two molecules.ResultsA highly significant difference (P < 0.001) was found in the GCF and serum concentrations of SCF and hs‐CRP before and after treatment.ConclusionOur observations indicated that short‐term nonsurgical therapy resulted in a significant improvement in periodontal indices and in a marked decrease of SCF and hs‐CRP serum and GCF levels.