bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species diversity and population dynamics of rodents in a farm‐fallow field mosaic system in Central Tanzania
Authors: Makundi Rhodes H. , Massawe Apia W. , Mulungu Loth S. , Katakweba Abdul 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA Capture‐Mark‐Recapture study was undertaken in Central Tanzania to compare variations in community structure and population dynamics of rodents in two types of habitats. The study was conducted in fallow field mosaic habitat dominated by perennial and annual grasses (grid BEA) and a more heterogeneous habitat (grid BEB) which was previously woodland cleared of most trees with vegetation dominated by shrubs, bushes, scattered trees and perennial grass. The relative abundance of rodents in BEA was: Mastomys natalensis (73.5%) > Aethomys chrysophilus (8.9%) > Gerbilliscus vicina (7.3%) > Arvicanthis neumanni (6.1%) > Acomys spinosissimus (4.1%) and for grid BEB: M. natalensis (67.6%) > G. vicina (11.2%) > A. neumanni (10.3%) > A. chrysophilus (7.6%) > A. spinosissimus (2.9%). Graphiurus sp., Mus minutoides, Saccostomus mearnsi, Lemniscomys striatus and L. griselda were rare and only occasionally trapped in BEB. Spatial variations in population density were non‐significant except for A. chrysophilus. Significant temporal variations within grids were observed, with synchrony of population peaks for some species. The rare species boosted species richness of grid BEB rather artificially, without significantly contributing to higher species diversity. Temporal variations in Simpson’s Diversity indices between grids were non‐significant except for three out of twenty‐one trapping sessions.
Competition between domestic dogs and Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Atickem A. , Bekele A. , Williams S. D. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe potential effects of the domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) on the Endangered Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) through exploitative and interference competition were studied in the Web Valley of Bale Mountains national park between November 2001 and February 2003. All dogs were owned in the study area and no feral dogs were reported or observed during the research period. The diet of domestic dogs was dominated by barley husks and human faeces which contributed 45% and 20.7% of the total 382 meals observed during focal watch observations. Analysis of dog faeces provided similar results with barley husks, human faeces and animal carcasses occurring in 86.8%, 21.4% and 19.4% of the 1200 faecal samples analysed. Both focal watch and faecal analyses revealed that rodents contributed only a very small proportion of the diet of dogs accounting for only 4.2% of the focal watch and 2.8% of the faecal analysis of roaming dogs. As Ethiopian wolves fed almost exclusively on rodent year round, no significant exploitative competition between dogs and wolves were assessed. Only small proportion of the domestic dogs roamed in the Ethiopian wolf range and interference competition did not appear to be a serious threat for the Ethiopian wolf.
A new polycythaemia vera‐associated SOCS3 SH2 mutant (SOCS3F136L) cannot regulate erythropoietin responses
Authors: Suessmuth Yvonne , Elliott Joanne , Percy Melanie J. , Inami Mitsuharu , Attal Hila , Harrison Claire N. , Inokuchi Koiti , McMullin Mary‐Frances , Johnston James A. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryRecently several different JAK2 exon12 mutations have been identified in V617F negative polycythaemia vera (PV) or idiopathic erythrocytosis (IE) patients. The patients present with erythrocytosis, ligand‐independent cell growth and low serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels. Within this group, a deletion of amino acids 542–543 (N542‐E543del) of JAK2 is most prevalent. We have previously shown that in the presence of JAK2V617F, suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) is unable to negatively regulate EPO signalling and proliferation of V617F‐expressing cells. Here we report a PV patient heterozygous for the somatic JAK2N542‐E543del mutation and a previously unreported germline mutation within the SH2 domain of SOCS3 (F136L). Interestingly, the SOCS3F136L mutation was detected in a Japanese myeloproliferative disorder patient cohort at double the frequency of healthy controls. Cells expressing SOCS3F136L had markedly elevated EPO‐induced proliferation and extended EPO‐induced JAK2 phosphorylation. Additionally, compared to wild‐type SOCS3, mutant SOCS3 had an extended half‐life in the presence of JAK2 and JAK2N542‐E543del. Our findings suggest that this loss‐of‐function SOCS3 mutation may have contributed to disease onset by causing deregulated JAK2 signalling in the presence of a constitutively active JAK2N542‐E543del mutant.
ADAM‐mediated amphiregulin shedding and EGFR transactivation
Authors: Kasina S. , Scherle P. A. , Hall C. L. , Macoska J. A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIntroduction:  The ectodomain shedding of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, such as amphiregulin (AREG), by ADAMs (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases) can be stimulated by G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists. Interactions between the CXCR4 GPCR and the CXCL12 chemokine have been shown to mediate gene transcription and cellular proliferation in non‐transformed and transformed prostate epithelial cells, as well as motility/invasiveness in transformed cells.Objectives:  In this report, we investigated the ability of CXCL12 to stimulate amphiregulin ectodomain shedding in non‐transformed and transformed prostate epithelial cells that respond proliferatively to sub‐nanomolar levels of CXCL12 and amphiregulin.Materials and Methods:  Non‐transformed N15C6 and transformed PC3 prostate epithelial cells were assessed for amphiregulin shedding, ADAM activation, Src phosphorylation and EGFR activation using ELISA, immunoblot, and immunoprecipitation techniques, and for proliferation using cell counting after stimulation with CXCL12 or vehicle.Results:  The results of these studies identify CXCL12 as a novel inducer of amphiregulin ectodomain shedding and show that both basal and CXCL12‐mediated amphiregulin shedding are ADAM10‐ and Src kinase‐dependent in non‐transformed N15C6 cells. In contrast, amphiregulin shedding is not amplified subsequent to stimulation with exogenous CXCL12, and is not reduced subsequent to metalloprotease‐ or Src kinase‐inhibition, in highly aggressive PC3 prostate cancer cells. These data also show that CXCL12‐mediated cellular proliferation requires EGFR transactivation in a Src‐ and ADAM‐dependent manner in non‐transformed prostate epithelial cells. However, these same mechanisms are dysfunctional in highly transformed prostate cancer cells, which secrete amphiregulin in an autocrine manner that cannot be repressed through metalloprotease‐ or Src kinase inhibition.Conclusion:  These findings show that non‐transformed and transformed prostate epithelial cells may employ different mechanisms to activate EGFR ligands and thereby utilize the EGFR axis to promote cellular proliferation.
Women's abuse of their children in the context on domestic violence: reflection from women's accounts
Authors: Damant Dominique , Lapierre Simon , Lebossé Catherine , Thibault Sylvie , Lessard Geneviève , Hamelin‐Brabant Louise , Lavergne Chantal , Fortin Andrée 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThis paper draws upon the findings of a study that looked at women's experiences of mothering in the context of co‐occurrence of domestic violence and child abuse, and considers the issue of women's violence towards children – while acknowledging the fact that men are the main perpetrators of violence towards women and children in these families. The paper first explores the relationship between women's victimization and women's violence, and suggests that women's abuse of their children can be seen as a consequence of their own experiences of domestic violence. The findings nonetheless suggest that abused women have agency, and therefore have responsibilities when they chose to use violence towards their children. The paper also considers the feelings of guilt and blame that tend to arise in these circumstances. Implications for research, policy and practice are identified.
Biological control of beech and hornbeam affects species richness via changes in the organic layer, pH and soil moisture characteristics
Authors: Kooijman Anne Mieke , Cammeraat Erik 
Published: September 2009

Summary1. Litter quality is an important ecosystem factor, which may affect undergrowth species richness via decomposition and organic layers directly, but also via longer‐term changes in soil pH and moisture. The impact of beech trees with low‐degradable and hornbeam trees with high‐degradable litter on biodiversity and soil characteristics was studied in ancient forests on decalcified marl, a parent material sensitive to changes in pH and clay content, and characteristic of large parts of western Europe.2. Vegetation analysis clearly separated beech and hornbeam plots, and showed that species richness was consistently lower under beech. Low species richness under beech was associated with low pH, high mass of the organic layer and low soil moisture, which were all interrelated.3. Development of the organic layer was affected by, not only litter quality, but also by pH levels and soil moisture. Under hornbeam, older organic matter increased from almost zero to 1 kg m−2in drier and more acid soil. Under beech tree litter decay was generally slow, but slowed further in acid soils, where older organic matter amounted to 4 kg m−2.4. Soil moisture and pH levels were strongly related, possibly due to long‐term soil development. Under hornbeam, which is more palatable to soil organisms, moisture, bulk density, clay content and pH were high. Acidification and clay eluviation may be counteracted by earthworms, which bring base cations and clay particles back to the surface, and stimulate erosion, so that the impermeable, clay‐rich subsoil remains close to the surface. Soils remain base‐rich and moist, which further stimulates litter decay and species richness.5. The unpalatable beech showed low pH and clay content, and high porosity, air‐filled pore space and depth to the impermeable subsoil. Acidification and clay eluviation may proceed uninhibited, because earthworm activity is low, and erosion limited by protective litter covers. This may lead to drier and more acid soils, which reduce litter decay and species richness even further.6. Trees with low and high litter quality may thus act as an ecosystem engineer, and not only affect ecosystem functioning via mass of the organic layer, but also via longer‐term changes in soil characteristics, which in turn affect species richness of the understorey.
Festuca campestris alters root morphology and growth in response to simulated grazing and nitrogen form
Authors: McInenly Leslie E. , Merrill Evelyn H. , Cahill James F. , Juma Noorallah G. 
Published: September 2009

Summary 1.  Large herbivores are known to spatially concentrate and alter the form of nitrogen (N) in grassland systems, which can modify aboveground plant chemical composition and productivity, and result in shifts in grazing pressure in these areas. Root responses to grazing under high N inputs may facilitate these changes, but their responses are less well understood. 2.
We examined biomass, root morphology and demography, and nitrogen pool responses of Festuca campestris Rydb. seedlings grown in pots in an environmental chamber and subject to heavy fertilization with isotopically‐labelled N in a NO3‐N or NH4‐N fertilizer treatment, and to no clipping or clipping to 4 cm twice during the experiment. 3.
Festuca campestris exhibited re‐growth patterns after defoliation that reflected preferential allocation to aboveground shoots, with percent recovery of shoot biomass twice that of roots. Clipping did not increase the risk of root mortality. Instead, reduced root biomass in clipped plants resulted from slowed elongation and decreased production of new roots. Although roots with smaller diameters and at lower density had a greater risk of root mortality, clipping did not alter the mean root diameter or level of root branching. 4.
Under high N fertilization, NH4‐N increased the amount of aboveground biomass, ameliorated the effects of clipping on root production and further reduced the risk of root mortality in clipped plants. N‐form had no effect on root morphology. 5.
While total plant N uptake and the percent utilization of fertilizer were lower in clipped plants, total plant nitrogen accumulated per root biomass (g g−1) at harvest was higher in clipped plants. 6.
Our findings indicate that where defoliation is coupled with high nitrogen return, Festuca campestris recuperates by increasing nitrogen uptake, shifting production to favour recovery of aboveground biomass, and mitigating carbon losses by decreasing investment in new, actively growing roots. Because application of a more mobile form of nitrogen (NO3‐N) did not alter root morphology, root physiological responses may be most important for re‐growth when nitrogen is not limiting. Root reductions associated with grazing may have a greater impact in locations where grazer‐mediated nitrogen return is spatially decoupled from defoliation.
Maintenance of leaf N controls the photosynthetic CO2 response of grassland species exposed to 9 years of free‐air CO2 enrichment
Authors: CROUS KRISTINE Y. , REICH PETER B. , HUNTER MARK D. , ELLSWORTH DAVID S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDetermining underlying physiological patterns governing plant productivity and diversity in grasslands are critical to evaluate species responses to future environmental conditions of elevated CO2 and nitrogen (N) deposition. In a 9‐year experiment, N was added to monocultures of seven C3 grassland species exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2 (560 μmol CO2 mol−1) to evaluate how N addition affects CO2 responsiveness in species of contrasting functional groups. Functional groups differed in their responses to elevated CO2 and N treatments. Forb species exhibited strong down‐regulation of leaf Nmass concentrations (−26%) and photosynthetic capacity (−28%) in response to elevated CO2, especially at high N supply, whereas C3 grasses did not. Hence, achieved photosynthetic performance was markedly enhanced for C3 grasses (+68%) in elevated CO2, but not significantly for forbs. Differences in access to soil resources between forbs and grasses may distinguish their responses to elevated CO2 and N addition. Forbs had lesser root biomass, a lower distribution of biomass to roots, and lower specific root length than grasses. Maintenance of leaf N, possibly through increased root foraging in this nutrient‐poor grassland, was necessary to sustain stimulation of photosynthesis under long‐term elevated CO2. Dilution of leaf N and associated photosynthetic down‐regulation in forbs under elevated [CO2], relative to the C3 grasses, illustrates the potential for shifts in species composition and diversity in grassland ecosystems that have significant forb and grass components.
Climate‐growth analysis for a Mexican dry forest tree shows strong impact of sea surface temperatures and predicts future growth declines
Authors: BRIENEN ROEL J. W. , LEBRIJA‐TREJOS EDWIN , ZUIDEMA PIETER A. , MARTÍNEZ‐RAMOS MIGUEL 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTropical forests will experience relatively large changes in temperature and rainfall towards the end of this century. Little is known about how tropical trees will respond to these changes. We used tree rings to establish climate‐growth relations of a pioneer tree, Mimosa acantholoba, occurring in tropical dry secondary forests in southern Mexico. The role of large‐scale climatic drivers in determining interannual growth variation was studied by correlating growth to sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, including the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Annual growth varied eightfold over 1970–2007, and was correlated with wet season rainfall (r=0.75). Temperature, cloud cover and solar variation did not affect growth, although these climate variables correlated with growth due to their relations with rainfall. Strong positive correlations between growth and SSTA occurred in the North tropical Atlantic during the first half of the year, and in the Pacific during the second half of the year. The Pacific influence corresponded closely to ENSO‐like influences with negative effects of high SSTA in the eastern Pacific Niño3.4 region on growth due to decreases in rainfall. During El Niño years growth was reduced by 37%. We estimated how growth would be affected by the predicted trend of decreasing rainfall in Central America towards the end of this century. Using rainfall predictions of two sets of climate models, we estimated that growth at the end of this century will be reduced by 12% under a medium (A1B) and 21% under a high (A2) emission scenario. These results suggest that climate change may have repercussions for the carbon sequestration capacity of tropical dry forests in the region.
A weak upward elevational shift in the distributions of breeding birds in the Italian Alps
Authors: Popy Simon , Bordignon Lucio , Prodon Roger 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAim  To test whether bird assemblages are shifting upwards in their elevational distribution in synchrony with current climate warming and/or habitat changes.Location  A gradient of elevation in the Italian Alps (Alta Valsessera, Piedmont).Methods  We used data from two recent atlas surveys performed on a 1 × 1 km grid at an 11‐year interval (1992–94 and 2003–05). We modelled the elevational gradient of avifaunal composition, using a sample‐based approach, in an effort to detect evidence for an upward elevational shift of bird zonation. Changes in species richness were controlled for. The results from this analysis were compared with those obtained using a species‐based approach. Changes in climate and landscape between the two surveys were assessed using local meteorological data and Corine Land Cover maps, respectively.Results  We detected small avifaunal changes between the two surveys: (1) mean elevations increased for the majority of species, but the average change was not significantly different from zero; (2) the species richness increased, but this was mainly due to an increase in sampling effort; and (3) a change in species composition was detected, which was at the limit of significance and corresponded on average to a 29‐m upward elevational shift in the distribution of the avifauna. The shift was the same for open land and forest bird communities. During the same period, the mean temperature increased by c. 1 °C in the area, and a slight trend towards vegetation closure by woody plants was detected.Main conclusions  The use of fine‐scale breeding bird atlases in mountainous regions, together with ordination methods, provides a sensitive tool to test and measure elevational shifts in species ranges, but the results have to be interpreted carefully. In our case, the observed elevational shift in the distributions of the avifauna cannot unambiguously be attributed to climate warming. This shift is smaller than expected from the regional increase in temperature, which raises the question of how closely bird distributions match climate change.
Therapeutic relationships in day surgery: a grounded theory study
Authors: Mottram Anne 
Published: September 2009

Aim.  To explore patients’ experiences of day surgery.Background.  Therapeutic relationships are considered to be a core dimension of nursing care. However, in modern health care with short hospital stays the formation of these relationships may be impeded. A major theme to emerge from this study was the development of therapeutic relationships in the day surgery setting.Design.  The Glaserian method of Grounded Theory was used.Methodology.  Semi‐structured interviews with 145 patients took place from 2004–2006 in two‐day surgery units in the UK. Analysis involved transcriptions of interviews and memos. Lists of key words and phrases were made and constantly compared until core categories emerged.Results.  Patients spoke highly of the relationships they developed with nurses during their stay in the day surgery unit. Analysis of the data revealed the core category of therapeutic relationships and four sub core categories: ‘presence’, ‘extra special’, ‘befriending’ and ‘comfort‐giving.’Conclusion.  This paper adds to the growing body of literature which demonstrates that therapeutic relationships can be developed within the short stay arena of health care: routine interactions which may not be considered to be significant by nurses may be of importance to patients. The patients in this study felt supported, comforted and befriended by day surgery nurses. However a minority of patients were disappointed with the nursing staffs’ lack of interpersonal responses to their needs.Relevance to clinical practice.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that personnel working within day surgery are not always aware of their therapeutic potential. Therefore raising awareness of this through research generated from patients’ experiences might encourage nurses to further realise their capabilities in this fundamental area of nursing.
Instructive messages from Chinese nurses’ stories of caring for SARS patients
Authors: Liu Huaping , Liehr Patricia 
Published: September 2009

Aim.  To identify instructive messages to guide nursing practice in future epidemics by examining the stories of Chinese nurses who cared for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients.Background.  Mainland China had three outbreaks of SARS between November 2002–May 2004 and suffered the greatest impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most of the nursing‐related literature about SARS has been reported from other countries. Researchers expect that global infections, like SARS, will persist and escalate in the future. It is important to access the guidance from nurses who cared for SARS patients in China and to uncover instructive messages which can be useful when facing global infections in the future.Design.  Descriptive exploratory qualitative study of six Chinese nurses.Methods.  Data were collected in 2003, within the three months following the nurses’ quarantine necessitated by caring for SARS patients. Conventional content analysis was done using a cyberspace method of data analysis, where the geographically distant researchers conducted most phases of analysis through email communication.Results.  Chinese nurses faced personal challenge, focused on the essence of care and experienced self‐growth while caring for SARS patients. They cited structured support, meaningful disease‐related information and sensitivity to the importance of a collaborative spirit as factors which enabled their caring nursing practice.Conclusions.  These instructive messages come from China, where the SARS epidemic inflicted an unparalleled health impact. The messages give voice to the Chinese nursing experience and when synthesised with reports from other international nurses, they enable specific direction to enhance potential for a well‐prepared nursing workforce and quality patient care in future epidemics.Relevance to clinical practice.  The preparation of a knowledgeable, cared‐for nursing workforce promises optimal outcomes with the emergence of the next global infection.