bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What causes changes in plant litter quality and quantity as consequence of grazing in the Patagonian Monte: Plant cover reduction or changes in species composition?
Authors: CAMPANELLA MARÍA VICTORIA , BISIGATO ALEJANDRO JORGE 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn Patagonian Monte, as in other arid ecosystems, grazing has triggered changes in vegetation and soil such as plant cover reduction, changes in species composition and soil nutrient losses. Several mechanisms were proposed interconnecting these changes, but evidence supporting them is very scarce. On the basis of published data concerning plant cover by species along grazing gradients and leaf litter production of dominant species, we estimated the effects of grazing on a – quality (N, soluble phenolics and lignin concentrations) and b – quantity (leaf litterfall (LLF) and inputs of nitrogen, soluble phenolics and lignin to the soil) of leaf litter in the Patagonian Monte, discriminating the effect of plant cover reduction from that of species composition. We also evaluated the relationship between senesced leaves traits and the response of species to grazing (i.e. their relative change in plant cover). Grazing causes a reduction in LLF and in the inputs of nitrogen, soluble phenolics and lignin to the soil. In the case of LLF, this reduction was not only a result of the decrease in plant cover but also due to changes in species composition. In contrast, our results showed that the reduction in nitrogen, soluble phenolics and lignin inputs to the soil by LLF is only a consequence of plant cover reduction. Additionally, litter quality was affected through increasing concentration of N and secondary compounds (soluble phenolics and lignin). N and soluble phenolics concentration on senesced leaves were positively related to the response of species to grazing, suggesting that other factors instead of N are relevant to sheep foraging decisions.
Fire tolerance of perennial grass tussocks in a savanna woodland
Authors: SCOTT KENNETH A. , SETTERFIELD SAMANTHA A. , DOUGLAS MICHAEL M. , ANDERSEN ALAN N. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractGrass populations in tropical savannas are highly resilient in relation to different fire regimes, but the mechanisms conferring such resilience have been poorly studied. Here we examine one such mechanism, high adult survival during fire, for three perennial grass species in an Australian savanna: Eriachne triseta Nees ex Steud, Eriachne avenacea R.Br and Chrysopogon latifolius S.T.Blake. The study examined survivorship after 3 years, at plots subject to experimental fire regimes (experiencing 0, 1, 2 or 3 fires over the study period) at the Territory Wildlife Park near Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia. Mean survivorship was 79.9%, 64.3% and 62.0% for E. avenacea, E. triseta and C. latifolius respectively. For the two species of Eriachne, mean survivorship was highest (E. avenacea, 94.6%; E. triseta, 77.1%) in unburnt plots, whereas survivorship of C. latifolius was highest (71.7%) under highest fire frequency. However, variation in survivorship among fire regime treatments was not statistically significant for any of the study species. This negligible difference in survivorship among regimes points to fire tolerance (sprouting ability) as an important mechanism contributing to the resilience and persistence of perennial grasses in these savannas.
The social elite: Habitat heterogeneity, complexity and quality in granite inselbergs influence patterns of aggregation in Egernia striolata (Lygosominae: Scincidae)
Authors: MICHAEL DAMIAN R. , CUNNINGHAM ROSS B. , LINDENMAYER DAVID B. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractHabitat heterogeneity, structural complexity and habitat quality are key features of the environment that drive species' distribution and patterns of biological organization. Traditionally, pattern‐based studies have focused on faunal responses to biological systems. However, the influence of non‐biological environments such as insular rock outcrops on patterns of vertebrate distribution is conceivably as important, but has received less attention. Granite inselbergs are a naturally heterogeneous and spatially‐limited habitat. As such, they provide an opportunity for investigating whether environmental attributes influence social behaviour in animals that use these kinds of habitat, particularly lizards that are well adapted to saxicoline environments. We applied ecological theory to investigate the influence of habitat heterogeneity, structural complexity and habitat quality on patterns of home‐site occupancy in the crevice skink Egernia striolata (Lygosominea: Scincidae) from insular granite outcrops located within fragmented agricultural landscapes. We compared home‐site occupancy among solitary juveniles, solitary adults and lizard aggregations. We found significant differences in home‐site occupancy between aggregations and solitary lizard outcrop attributes measured at multiple spatial scales. The probability of a home‐site being occupied by an aggregation increased where large rock masses were present, on northern aspects near the core of the outcrop and in structurally variegated landscapes. Significantly more aggregations occupied home‐sites surrounded by high boulder cover and crevice microhabitat. We provide evidence that geophysical attributes of granite inselbergs and landscape context can influence patterns of lizard aggregation. Thus, we clearly document the environmental correlations of variability in sociality among subpopulations of Egernia striolata.
Modelling fallen branch volumes in a temperate eucalypt woodland: implications for large senescent trees and benchmark loads of coarse woody debris
Authors: KILLEY PAUL , MCELHINNY CHRIS , RAYNER IAN , WOOD JEFF 
Published: February 2010

AbstractFallen branches are a substantial component of coarse woody debris and a key ecological resource. The depletion of stocks of coarse woody debris since European settlement has contributed to the degradation of Australian grassy box woodlands, including the loss of biodiversity. Restoration options for remnant woodlands include the augmentation of coarse woody debris stocks. However, the extensive modification of grassy box woodlands has left few reference sites for establishing benchmarks to guide such restoration. In this paper we demonstrate a method for predicting fallen branch debris loads in the absence of reference sites, using data from a yellow box–red gum woodland. Our methodology is in two stages: first, the total volume of branch debris under individual trees was modelled; and second, these models were applied to groups of trees to predict stand‐level loads of fallen branch debris. Although the models were developed for yellow box–red gum woodlands, the methodology would be applicable to other communities that lack reference sites. Predicted benchmark loads of fallen branch debris for yellow box–red gum woodland were between 7.0 m3 ha−1 and 11.9 m3 ha−1. Large senescing trees contributed the bulk of fallen branch debris. Model predictions indicated a 100‐cm diameter at breast height (dbh) tree was 10 times more likely to produce debris than a 50‐cm dbh tree, and if debris was present a 100‐cm dbh tree produced approximately 10 times the volume of branch debris produced by a 50‐cm dbh tree. These results highlight the importance of large senescing trees for the production of fallen branch debris and support the keystone role of large trees within remnant woodlands, and the need to conserve these structures. Our results also support the active management of regrowth woodland stands to facilitate the progression of individual trees to maturity and senescence. In particular, thinning of regrowth stands may promote the growth of retained trees, ensuring they contribute to fallen branch debris stocks with a minimum time lag.
Early non‐specific modulation of corticospinal excitability during action observation
Authors: Lepage Jean‐François , Tremblay Sara , Théoret Hugo 
Published: February 2010

AbstractActivity of the primary motor cortex (M1) during action observation is thought to reflect motor resonance. Here, we conducted three studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)‐induced motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) of the first dorsal interosseus muscle (FDI) during action observation to determine: (i) the time course of M1 corticospinal excitability during the observation of a simple finger movement; (ii) the specificity of M1 modulation in terms of type of movement and muscle; and (iii) the relationship between M1 activity and measures of empathy and autistic traits. In a first study, we administered single‐pulse TMS at 30‐ms intervals during the observation of simple finger movements. Results showed enhanced corticospinal excitability occurring between 60 and 90 ms after movement onset. In a second experiment, TMS‐induced MEPs were recorded from the FDI and abductor digiti minimi muscles while pulses were delivered 90 ms after movement onset during observation of simple finger movement and dot movement. Increased corticospinal excitability was restricted to finger movement and was present in both muscles. Finally, in an exploratory experiment, single‐pulse TMS was administered at 30, 90 and 150 ms after movement onset, and participants were asked to complete the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Correlational analysis revealed a significant link between motor facilitation at 90 ms and the EQ and AQ scores. These results suggest that corticospinal excitability modulation seen at M1 during action observation is the result of a rapid and crude automatic process, which may be related to social functioning.
Widespread hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis‐relevant and mood‐relevant effects of chronic fluoxetine treatment on glucocorticoid receptor gene expression in mice
Authors: Heydendael Willem , Jacobson Lauren 
Published: February 2010

AbstractTricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have been used to treat melancholic depression, which has been associated with elevated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity, whereas patients suffering from atypical depression, which is often associated with decreased HPA axis activity, show preferential responsiveness to monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). We previously reported drug‐specific effects of the TCA imipramine and the MAOI phenelzine on HPA axis‐relevant endpoints in mice that may explain differential antidepressant responses in melancholic vs. atypical depression. However, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are reported to be effective in both melancholic and atypical depression. We therefore hypothesized that SSRIs would share HPA axis‐related effects with either TCAs or MAOIs. To test this hypothesis, we measured HPA axis‐relevant gene expression in male C57BL/6 mice treated for 5 weeks with 10 mg/kg/day fluoxetine. To control for potential fluoxetine‐induced changes in glucocorticoid secretion, mice were adrenalectomized and given fixed levels of glucocorticoids. Fluoxetine decreased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene expression in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, locus coeruleus and dorsal raphé nucleus, and increased locus coeruleus tyrosine hydroxylase and dorsal raphé nucleus tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 (TPH2) gene expression. These results resembled those that we previously reported for MAOI treatment, but included decreases in GR and increases in TPH2 gene expression in the dorsal raphé nucleus that were induced by TCAs but not MAOIs. Correlating with inhibitory effects on central amygdala GR gene expression, fluoxetine also decreased amygdala corticotropin‐releasing hormone gene expression, an effect not previously observed with MAOIs or TCAs. These actions may be relevant to the efficacy of SSRIs in treating a range of depression and anxiety disorders.
Characterization of the neurogenesis quiescent zone in the rodent brain: Effects of age and exercise
Authors: Gil‐Mohapel Joana , Simpson Jessica M. , Titterness Andrea K. , Christie Brian R. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAlthough it is accepted that new neurons continue to be generated in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) throughout adulthood, it has recently become apparent that this process is not homogeneous, and that a small region of the DG lacks neurogenesis. Here, we show that the relative area of this neurogenesis quiescent zone (NQZ) did not vary after the peak in hippocampal postnatal neurogenesis and until animals reached adulthood, although the ratio between its actual volume and the total volume of the DG doubled during this time. However, we were able to identify a few mitotic cells that reside within this subregion in early adolescent rats. Furthermore, these cells can be activated, and 1 week of voluntary exercise was enough to significantly increase the number of mitotic cells within the NQZ of adolescent rats. There was, however, no corresponding increase in the number of new neurons in this subregion of the DG, suggesting that some factor necessary to allow these cells to develop into a mature phenotype is missing. Moreover, the same intervention was ineffective in increasing either proliferation or neurogenesis in older adult rats. Surprisingly, we found no evidence for the existence of an NQZ in the mouse DG, suggesting that the neurogenic process in these two rodent species is differently regulated. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the existence of the NQZ in the rat DG might shed light on the processes that regulate adult neurogenesis and its modulation by factors such as aging and exercise.
Investigation of a complex plant extract for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm study
Authors: Ledda Andrea , Belcaro Gianni , Cesarone Maria R. , Dugall Mark , Schönlau Frank 
Published: February 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo assess the effects of a complex plant extract (Prelox®, a formulation of pine bark extract and l‐arginine aspartate; Horphag Research UK Ltd, London, UK) on erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, as sexual desire typically persists in ageing men, while their erectile and endothelial function gradually declines.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study we assessed the effects of Prelox in 124 patients (aged 30–50 years) with moderate ED over an investigational period of 6 months. The International Index Of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to quantify changes in sexual function.RESULTSThe erectile domain of the IIEF (questions 1–5 plus 15) improved with Prelox from a baseline mean (sd) score of 15.2 (6.6) to 25.2 (2.1) after 3 months and 27.1 (2.1) after 6 months of treatment. In the placebo group there was an increase from a baseline score of 15.1 (7.0) to 19.1 (3.0) and 19.0 (3.1) after 3 and 6 months, respectively. The effects with Prelox were statistically significant compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Mean (sd) total plasma testosterone levels increased significantly from 15.9 (2.3) to 18.9 (2.6) nmol/L (P < 0.05) after 6 months with Prelox, compared to an increase from 16.9 (2.4) to 17.3 (2.3) nmol/L in the placebo group.CONCLUSIONThis study shows that Prelox is effective for improving erectile function, and that this effect persists on continuous therapy for up to 6 months. Moreover, there is some evidence that erectile function continues to improve the longer the therapy is used.
Risk of bladder tumours after childhood cancer: The British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Frobisher Clare , Gurung Pratik M.S. , Leiper Alison , Reulen Raoul C. , Winter David L. , Taylor Aliki J. , Lancashire Emma R. , Woodhouse Christopher R.J. , Hawkins Michael M. 
Published: February 2010

Study Type – Prognosis (population‐based cohort study) Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVESTo estimate the risk of a second primary tumour (SPT) of the bladder in a cohort of childhood cancer survivors, investigate factors associated with a bladder SPT developing, and compare the risk observed with that expected from the general population.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe analysis included 17 981 individuals diagnosed with childhood cancer, between 1940 and 1991 in Britain, and surviving for ≥5 years. Ascertainment of a bladder SPT was primarily through the National Health Service Central Registers (NHSCR).RESULTSFrom the NHSCR, 17 bladder SPTs were ascertained; this corresponded to four times (95% confidence interval 2.5–6.4) the expected number of bladder tumours. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) varied significantly (P < 0.05) by first primary tumour (FPT) type, follow‐up period, attained age and chemotherapy. The highest SIRs were in those: with heritable retinoblastoma (31.4); treated with chemotherapy (12.0); 0–9 years of follow‐up (10.8); and aged 0–19 years (9.3). The absolute excess risk (AER) for a bladder SPT was 3.7 cases/100 000 survivors per year. The AER varied significantly by FPT type, follow‐up period, attained age and gender. The highest AERs were in those: diagnosed with heritable retinoblastoma (34.0); 20–29 years of follow‐up (14.2); aged 40–49 years (13.0); and male (5.8). Using multivariable Cox regression, FPT and chemotherapy were significantly associated with the risk of a bladder SPT developing. By the age of 55 years, 0.4% of survivors developed a bladder SPT.CONCLUSIONAlthough the absolute risk of a bladder tumour within childhood cancer survivors was low, the risk was four times that expected from the general population. Specific groups, e.g. survivors of heritable retinoblastoma and those treated with chemotherapy, were at the highest risk.
A 10‐year follow‐up after transurethral resection of the prostate, contact laser prostatectomy and electrovaporization in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia; long‐term results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hoekstra Robert J. , Van Melick Harm H.E. , Kok Esther T. , Ruud Bosch J.L.H. 
Published: February 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo compare long‐term results of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), contact laser prostatectomy (CLP) and electrovaporization of the prostate (EVAP) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 1996 and 2001, a prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 150 men with LUTS suggestive of BPH, who had a prostate volume of 20–65 mL and a Schäfer’s obstruction grade of ≥2. Outcome variables were the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL) question, Symptom Problem Index (SPI), BPH Impact Index (BII), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), prostate volume, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, morbidity and mortality. In 2008 we carried out a long‐term follow‐up in these patients. Long‐term values were compared with preoperative values for each treatment group (Wilcoxon signed‐rank test), differences among groups were analysed (Kruskal–Wallis test) and actuarial failure‐rates of the interventions were determined (Kaplan‐Meier analysis).RESULTSAlthough we could account for 91% of the initial participants in 2008, 66 (44%) patients (29 TURP, 20 CLP and 17 EVAP) were available for follow‐up measurements after a mean (range) of 10.1(6.9–12.7) years Among the three treatment groups, there were no significant differences in IPSS, QoL, SPI, BII, Qmax, PSA level and prostate volume. The IPSS, QoL, SPI and BII were still improved (P < 0.05) from values before treatment for all treatments. Only in the TURP group were the long‐term results of Qmax still improved (P < 0.05). The mortality rate was comparable among the treatments. The 10‐year actuarial failure rates (95% confidence interval) were 0.11 (0.03–0.20), 0.22 (0.10–0.35) and 0.23 (0.11–0.35) for TURP, CLP and EVAP, respectively.CONCLUSIONSAfter a mean follow‐up of 10.1 years, there were similar and durable improvements in IPSS, QoL, SPI and BII for patients with LUTS suggestive of BPH after TURP, CLP and EVAP. Between the treatment groups there were no statistically significant differences in Qmax, PSA levels and prostate volume at any time during the follow‐up. However, only patients treated with TURP showed minimal durable improvements in Qmax. There was no statistically significant difference in success rate and mortality rate among the three treatments.
Anti‐Politics as Political Strategy: Neoliberalism and Transfrontier Conservation in Southern Africa
Authors: Büscher Bram 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTStudies on conservation and development often point out that interventions rely on anti‐political manoeuvring to acquire legitimacy and support. Recent ‘aidnography’, in particular, has done much to expand and add nuance to our understanding of the complex, micro‐ (anti‐)politics at work in conservation and development interventions. In doing this, however, aidnography seems to have led the focus away from two crucial, broader issues related to conservation and development interventions: how they are regulated through the wider, neoliberal political economy, and how this fuels and obscures (global) inequality. Drawing on empirical research on a transfrontier conservation and development intervention in Southern Africa, this article argues that the differential workings of anti‐politics in practice warrant a renewed appreciation and a more explicit political operationalization of the concept. This is done by re‐emphasizing anti‐politics as an essential political strategy within conservation and development interventions and as an intrinsic element of the wider political economy of neoliberalism.
Diffuse Authority in the Beedi Commodity Chain: Naxalite and State Governance in Tribal Telangana, India
Authors: Suykens Bert 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTAlthough the Naxalite (Maoist) influence in India stretches from the north of Bihar to the south of Andhra Pradesh, their impact on the political economy of the Indian countryside — and specifically the tribal livelihood economy — remains understudied. This article examines how resource access is mediated in areas where both the state and the Naxalites hold some degree of public authority, using as a case study the trade in tendu leaves, used to make beedi cigarettes. This low‐profile, lootable resource provides the single most important source of income both for the tribals in North Telangana (during the summer season), and for the Maoists. The article presents a commodity chain framework, adapted to the concerns of multiple public authorities, to throw light on the linkages both between tribal procurement and Naxalite taxation and between government and Naxalite authority. The author argues that in a situation of long‐term conflict, relatively stable joint extraction regimes can be organized, by which all parties can benefit from multiple authority over certain resources.