bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Peripheral Axotomy on Expression of Neuropeptide Y Receptor mRNA in Rat Lumbar Dorsal Root Ganglia
Authors: Zhang X. , Wiesenfeld‐Hallin Z. , Hökfelt T. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractUsing in situ hybridization, the expression of the mRNA for a neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor, was studied in lumbar (L) 4 and 5 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of normal rats and at various intervals after unilateral sciatic nerve transection. Twenty percent of all normal DRG neurons were NPY receptor mRNA‐positive, and the majority of these neurons were of the small type, with only a few labelled medium‐sized and large neurons. In L5 normal ganglia NPY receptor mRNA colocalized with substance P, calcitonin gene‐related peptide and galanin mRNAs in small neurons, but not in medium‐sized or large neurons containing these peptides. NPY receptor mRNA was not observed in somatostatin or nitric oxide synthase mRNA‐positive neurons. Sciatic nerve transection induced a marked decrease in NPY receptor mRNA levels. However, in parallel there was a transient increase in the number of NPY receptor mRNA‐positive small neuron profiles, but the intensity of labelling was mostly very low, although a few strongly labelled, small neuron profiles were also encountered. In addition, axotomy caused a marked increase in the number of NPY receptor mRNA‐positive large neuron profiles in the ipsilateral DRGs, and they constituted 15–20% of counted DRG neuron profiles and 45–65% of counted large neuron profiles, 7–28 days after axotomy. In L5 DRGs, ipsilateral to the axotomy, NPY receptor mRNA colocalized with NPY mRNA in many large and some medium‐sized neuron profiles, with galanin mRNA in some small, medium‐sized and large neuron profiles and with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide mRNA in some small and medium‐sized neuron profiles and a few large profiles. Occasionally, NPY receptor mRNA was observed in nitric oxide synthase mRNA‐positive small neurons. In the dorsal horn, NPY receptor mRNA‐positive small neurons were concentrated in lamina II at L4 and L5 levels, and were scattered in deeper laminae. No marked changes were observed ipsilateral to the axotomy. No NPY receptor mRNA‐positive cells were found in the normal rat gracile nucleus, or in this nucleus after axotomy. These results show that a NPY receptor may be a prejunctional receptor in primary afferent neurons and play a role in the modulation of somatosensatory information, both in normal and lesioned primary afferent DRG cells. However, axotomy induced a distinct shift in NPY receptor mRNA expression from small to large neurons, indicating that sensitivity to NPY is switched from one modality to another. Thus, not only several sensory neuropeptides, as shown in previous studies, but at least also one of the peptide receptors change their expression dramatically in response to axotomy, suggesting complex adaptive responses.
Multidimensional Scaling of Large Chromatic Differences by Normal and Color-Deficient Subjects
Authors: Paramei G.V. , Izmailov Ch.A. , Sokolov E.N. 
Published: April 2006

The following two articles offer a glimpse at current experimental psychology in the Soviet Union, normally screened from the English-speaking world by all but impenetrable language barriers. The accompanying Commentary by Tarow Indow helps place these contributions in the framework of contemporary work on the psychophysics of color perception. Fifteen normal trichromatic subjects, two protanopes, and two deuteranopes judged pairs of successively presented foveal color stimuli. Multidimensional scaling of the data yielded estimates of a three-dimensional space with axes interpreted as red–green, blue–yellow, and white–black. For color-deficient subjects, the average radius of the space differed from that of normals, being smaller for the protanopes and larger for the deuteranopes. For both types of color deficiency, the blue–yellow axis was stretched relative to the red–green, more strongly in the protanopes. The findings are taken to support the generality of a “spherical” model.
In-Group Identification as a Function of Depersonalization, Distinctiveness, and Status
Authors: Brewer Marilynn B. , Manzi Jorge M. , Shaw John S. 
Published: April 2006

Artificial social categories were created in a laboratory context in order to test predictions regarding the relative importance of group size and status as determinants of in-group favoritism. Subjects were assigned to categories of “overestimator” or “under estimator” and were told that one category included a majority of college students while the other represented a minority. Prior to category assignment, half of the subjects had been given confidentiality instructions designed to make them feel highly depersonalized. Based on feedback about test performance, status differentials between the two estimation categories were introduced. Consistent with predictions, there was a three-way interaction between depersonalization, in-group size, and in-group status as determinants of evaluative in-group bias on social trait ratings. Under control conditions (no depersonalization), group status and majority size both contributed to positive valuations of the in-group. Under the depersonalization condition, however, subjects valued minority group membership more than majority categorization, and the effect of status was eliminated.
Simplifying Second‐order Belief Attribution: What Facilitates Children’s Performance on Measures of Conceptual Understanding?
Authors: Coull Greig J. , Leekam Susan R. , Bennett Mark 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis study investigated how 4‐ to 7‐year‐old children’s second‐order belief attribution might be facilitated by either reducing information processing or varying the sequence of task questions. In Experiment 1, compared withPerner and Wimmer’s (1985) original second‐order false‐belief task, a new task with reduced information‐processing demands promoted better second‐order reasoning. In Experiment 2, half the stories included a second‐order ignorance question before a second‐order belief question. The ignorance question promoted second‐order belief understanding, superseding the improvement induced by lowered processing demands. Together, the findings suggest that second‐order belief performance can be facilitated if children focus on the concept of ignorance during the sequence of questioning.
Alkalinity Tolerance of Woody Species Used in Bauxite Waste Rehabilitation, Western Australia
Authors: Bell David T. , Wilkins Carol F. , van der Moezel Paul G. , Ward Samuel C. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractGlasshouse trials, using trickle irrigation and increasing levels of NaOH‐induced alkalinity, identified species that could be expected to tolerate the high‐pH conditions of bauxite processing waste residue sites. Of 29 taxa tested, the most tolerant were Casuarina obesa, Melaleuca lanceolata, M. armillaris, M. nesophila, Eucalyptus loxophleba, E. halophila, E. platypus, Tamarix aphylla, and a particular clone of E. camaldulensis; E. spathulata, E. tetragona, E. preissiana, E. gomphocephala, E. diptera, and E. occidentalis proved to be relatively sensitive to severe alkaline conditions. Tolerance appeared to relate to an ability to maintain root membrane function, nutrient uptake balance, and ultimately root tissue structure while under increasing levels of alkalinity stress. Species normally inhabiting alkaline soils tended to have increased growth rates in nutrient irrigation conditions between pH 8 and 10 compared with control plants irrigated with nutrient solutions of pH values near 7.4. However, once the irrigation solutions reached pH 12 and the buffering capacity of the soil appeared to be exceeded, the condition of susceptible plants rapidly declined and death followed. Sensitive plants initially showed symptoms related to nutrient deficiency, followed by wilting and death as the root systems failed. Field trial conditions in the bauxite residue impoundments at Kwinana, Western Australia, include soils with pH values as high as 11.00. In general, the relative survival and growth of seedlings after eight months were predicted by the response under glasshouse trial conditions. Appropriately designed stress trials can be important ecological techniques in choosing species most capable of surviving difficult environmental conditions in the rehabilitation of damaged landscapes.
Ecological Restoration and NonIndigenous Plant Species: A Review
Authors: Berger John J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn ecological restoration, nonindigenous species can pose a major problem because they are often aggressive and can overwhelm native species, thus altering ecosystem structure. This article identifies the circumstances in which prospects for use of restoration technology in controlling invaders are favorable or unfavorable, the factors that make certain species good colonizers, and the characteristics that make ecosystems susceptible to invasion. It discusses prospects for using restoration technology in controlling nonindigenous species by influencing hydroperiod, photo‐period, thermoperiod, edaphic conditions, and availability of biological control agents so as to produce ecological conditions that are inhospitable to invaders. The limitations of restoration are discussed, as well as specific ecological situations in which it is likely to be the method of choice for control of nonindigenous species. Use of fire, flooding, manual removal, shading, substrate removal, and herbicide application as control techniques in conjunction with restoration efforts are considered. Specific examples, including the techniques employed, indicate the potential for controlling nonindigenous species in the process of ecosystem restoration.
Propagation of Rare Plants from Historic Seed Collections: Implications for Species Restoration and Herbarium Management
Authors: Bowles Marlin L. , Betz Robert F. , DeMauro Marcella M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractHerbaria are potentially important repositories of living seeds that could be useful for recovery of rare plant species. To examine this capacity, we tested seed germination of rare milkweed (Asclepias) and milkvetch (Astragalus) species representing different collection dates and different herbaria. These groups have contrasting seed characteristics, with greater potential for longevity in the nonpermeable hard‐coated milkvetch seeds. Twelve‐year‐oldAsclepias lanuginosaseeds failed to germinate. However, we achieved 45% germination from three‐year‐oldAsclepias meadiiseeds, but germination dropped to 0% after ages of four to five years.Astragalus neglectusseeds germinated from 97‐, 48‐, and 28‐year‐old herbarium specimens, andAstragalus tennesseensisseeds germinated from a four‐year‐old collection. Seedlings produced from these experiments were incorporated intoex situgarden populations for recovery or restoration of rare species populations. Different herbarium pest control techniques may have significant bearing on the viability of seeds stored on herbarium specimens. Microwaving can cause precipitous loss of seed viability, while deep‐freezing appears to allow some seeds to remain viable. Potentially live seeds of rare species should be stored under conditions that enhance their long‐term viability.
The Flora and Invertebrate Fauna of a Relocated Grassland at Thrislington Plantation, County Durham, England
Authors: Cullen W. Rod , Wheater C. Philip 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn order to extend quarrying near Thrislington Plantation, County Durham, England, 8.5 ha of magnesian limestone grassland was relocated over a period of eight years from October 1982. The effects of this on the flora and invertebrate fauna were examined within the Festuca‐Helianthemum community at five plots relocated at different times. Plants were sampled with a point‐quadrat, and invertebrates by pitfall trapping. Comparisons were made between age of the relocation, numbers of species and individuals, and diversity of flora and invertebrates. The plots were examined using the percentage similarity measure. The plots showed an initial change in some aspects of community structure for flora and invertebrate fauna, followed by a “recovery” period. This was particularly evident in the numbers of species and species diversity of plants and in the numbers of individuals and species diversity of invertebrates. Bare ground, left by the relocation process, was still evident between relocated turfs in the early plots, but it was successfully colonized by resident species in later plots. These results have implications for the future management of this and similar sites, particularly with respect to the emphasis placed on subsequent monitoring and the need to consider invertebrate faunas when implementing management strategies.
Senescent Reservoirs and Ecological Restoration: An Overdue Reality Check
Authors: Cairns John , Palmer Sarah E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe recent publication of Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems: Science, Technology, and Public Policy has generated much scientific, public, and political discussion. Although the book emphasizes the restoration of entire aquatic ecosystems, discussion of senescent dams and human‐made reservoirs is absent. The important societal and ecological roles of reservoirs warrant a closer examination of the potential ecological restoration of aging reservoirs. Problems with long‐term reservoir management include lack of long‐term management strategies, sedimentation, hazardous waste accumulation, impacts of recreational use, and the creation of new aquatic and riparian habitats. Policy conflicts may arise when habitats created in the reservoir are destroyed to restore the downstream habitats or when created habitats upstream undergo successional changes that impact the commercial or recreational value of the reservoir. Rare or endangered species may also create similar conflicts. The establishment of an ecological restoration bonding program that includes environmental education and conservation prior to new dam construction may aid in resolving potential conflicts in the future.
An Evaluation of Reclamation Success on Idaho's Phosphate Mines
Authors: Chambers Jeanne C. , Brown Ray W. , Williams Bryan D. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTo evaluate reclamation success on the Wooley Valley phosphate mine in southeastern Idaho, we compared vegetation structure and soil physical, chemical, and elemental properties of several different reclamation treatments with those of a nearby reference area (a nativeArtemisia tridentata vaseyana/Festuca idahoensisassociation) after 14 years. Vegetation data had been collected four years after reclamation, and we were able to compare differences in biomass and species composition between dates on the reclaimed area. Four years after reclamation there were no differences in total biomass between topsoil or spoil or between seed only, seed + mulch, or control treatments on the different soil types. Most treatments were dominated by seeded perennial grasses. Fourteen years after reclamation there were no differences in biomass or cover between spoil and topsoil plots, but on spoil plots the seeded and mulched treatment had higher total biomass and vegetation cover than on control or seed‐only treatments. The seeded perennial legumeMedicago sativawas codominant with the seeded forage grasses on all of the treatments. High initial fertilization rates probably facilitated the early establishment and dominance of the forage grasses; once nutrient levels, especially nitrogen, began to decline, the legume increased in abundance. Similarity between the reclaimed area and the reference or native area was low. Reclaimed treatments had higher biomass but lower species richness. The topsoil and spoil plots had similar soil texture, bulk density, pH, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, and phosphorus. Differences in organic carbon, total nitrogen, carbon: nitrogen ratios, and available moisture were related more to treatments than to soil type. High biomass and, thus, litter input on the seed + mulch treatment on spoil plots resulted in both higher OC and TN than any on other soil/treatment combination. The reclaimed area had lower OC, TN, and available moisture than did the reference area on all but seed + mulch spoil plots. Bulk density was higher on reclaimed plots. The long‐term differences observed between the reclaimed and reference areas parallel those obtained for other western reclamation sites. Although successional trajectories depend on the attribute measured, similarity to native reference areas depends on the initial reclamation methods. We discuss reclamation methods that would increase the structural and functional similarity of reclaimed and reference areas on the Wooley Valley phosphate mine.
Wetland Restoration at a Former Nike Missile Base in the Great Lakes Basin
Authors: Mitsch William. , van der Valk Arnold , Jaworski Eugene 
Published: April 2006

AbstractRestoration of an abandoned 16‐ha Nike missile base site located on a former wetland in the lower Detroit River (Michigan, U.S.A.) was investigated with an emphasis on wetland restoration. The site included a 2.7‐ha abandoned missile base, a 1.3‐ha lake, 10.4 ha of emergent and submersed wetlands, and 1.8 ha of uplands. Aquatic beds in the shallow bay connected to the river supported floating leaved and submersed aquatics including Nymphaea tiiberosa, Vallisneria antericana, Elodea canadensis, and Heteranthera dubia, with mats of green, filamentous algae. A 10‐ha diked wetland adjacent to the site was dominated by Typha spp., Salix spp., Nymphaea tuberosa, Myriophyllum spicatum, Elodea canadensis, Chara sp., and Juncus effusus. Restoration objectives included a nature preserve, an outdoor recreation area, an experimental wetland complex, and an environmental education center. Ten alternative designs were suggested, including four with wetlands open to the bay, three with diked wetlands, and the rest involving island construction, a reconstructed upland site, or a wetland research facility. Alternatives were evaluated for their contribution to local ecology, research, education and wildlife, ease of maintenance, and probability of success. Construction of a wetland resembling conditions before construction of the base was recommended for its low maintenance and opportunity for research on non diked wetland design and construction in protected bays in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Recreational and educational opportunities were also recommended as part of the site restoration.
Effect of a Zooplankton Community on Seston Elimination in a Restored Pond in Japan
Authors: Urabe Jotaro 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe rates of seston elimination by zooplankton and primary production were measured in Funada‐ike Pond, typical of human‐made impoundments in Japan, from April to September in order to evaluate various treatments of the pond aimed at improving water quality by reducing seston abundance. The treatments included draining the pond water, dredging the bottom mud, eliminating the wastewater inflow, and biomanipulation through removal of all fish. After the treatment, seston abundance was reduced from more than 10 to 0.4–2.5 mg C/liter, and large daphnid species, Daphnia similis and D. magna, occurred and predominated in the zooplankton community. Seston abundance remained at a relatively low level from June to August but increased markedly in late August, while the biomass of zooplankton became high from June to mid‐August and then decreased. A decrease in seston abundance was found when the elimination rate exceeded the primary production rate. The results indicate that the development of daphnid populations was effective in keeping seston abundance at a low level. The relationship between the rate of primary production and the zoo‐plankton biomass required to offset this rate, however, suggests that biomanipulation aimed at increasing zooplankton biomass alone is less effective in a pond with a high primary production. The success in improving water quality in this pond seems to depend not only on the increase in biomass of large daphnid species that resulted mainly from the removal of fish, but also on the decrease in nutrient load that was realized by the other treatments.
Assessing Restoration Perspectives of Disturbed Brook Valleys: The Gorecht Area, The Netherlands
Authors: van Diggelen Rudy , Grootjans Ab , Burkunk Rob 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSeveral landscape restoration alternatives were evaluated in the Gorecht area, a cultivated river plain in the northern part of the Netherlands. A landscape analysis was performed to investigate the hydrological functioning of this area. Groundwater composition in the area was assessed by using distribution patterns of indicative plant species. Results proved to be consistent with an interpolation of actual data of the groundwater composition. Groundwater flow was simulated with hydrological models to explain the observed patterns in water chemistry. It appeared that upwelling Ca‐rich groundwater is now absent in the area, contrary to the past situation. Because a constant supply of Ca‐rich water is an essential condition for mesotraphent fen vegetation, we concluded that under the present conditions the regeneration prospects for these vegetation types are poor. We suggest that the plan to regenerate groundwater‐fed fens be abandoned for a plan to create surface‐water‐fed marshes.
Barriers to Lowland Tropical Forest Restoration in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
Authors: Aide T. Mitchell , Cavelier Jaime 
Published: April 2006

AbstractExtensive areas of the tropics have been converted into pasture for cattle ranching. Frequently, abandoned pasture does not revert to forest. The goal of this project was to identify barriers to lowland moist forest regeneration in highly degraded grasslands in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. The barriers we considered were seed source, seed predation, competition with grasses, microclimate and soil limitations on plant growth, and fire. Seed dispersal into the grasslands is limited to within 10 meters of forest fragments, but this barrier can be overcome by sowing seeds and planting seedlings and by establishing perches to attract dispersers. In these degraded grasslands, seed predation was lower than in the adjacent forest patches, and there was no evidence that grasses inhibited the establishment of woody species. The most important barrier was the severe degradation of the soils. In much of the area, the A and B horizons have been eroded away, leaving saprolite at the soil surface. Seedlings of two fast‐growing pioneer species, Ochroma pyramidale and Cochlospermum vitifolium, grew to a maximum height of only 2.5 and 12 cm, respectively, during the first eight months. The slow plant growth in the degraded grassland soils compared to forest soils was associated with lower levels of cation‐exchange capacity, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Even if these barriers could be overcome, the frequent and extensive use of fire in the region must be controlled to avoid killing established woody plants.