bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functionally Similar Species Confer Greater Resistance to Invasion: Implications for Grassland Restoration
Authors: Young Stephen L. , Barney Jacob N. , Kyser Guy B. , Jones Tracy S. , DiTomaso Joseph M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPlant community functional composition can be manipulated in restored ecosystems to reduce the establishment potential of invading species. This study was designed to compare invasion resistance among communities with species functionally similar or dissimilar to yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), a late‐season annual. A field experiment was conducted in the Central Valley of California with six experimental plant communities that included (1) six early‐season native annual forbs (AF); (2) five late‐season native perennials and one summer annual forb (NP); (3) a combination of three early‐season native annual forbs and three late‐season native perennials (FP); (4) six early‐season non‐native annual grasses (AG); (5) monoculture of the late‐season native perennial grassElymus glaucus(EG); and (6) monoculture of the late‐season native perennialGrindelia camporum(GC). Following establishment,C. solstitialisseed was added to half of the plots, and a monoculture ofC. solstitialis(CS) was established as a control. Over a 5‐year period, the AF and AG communities were ineffective at preventingC. solstitialisinvasion.Centaurea solstitialiscover remained less than 10% in the FP and NP communities, except in year 1. By the fourth year,E. glaucuscover was greater than 50% in NP and FP communities and had spread to all other communities (e.g., 27% cover in CS in year 5). Communities containingE. glaucus, which is functionally similar toC. solstitialis, better resisted invasion than communities lacking a functional analog. In contrast,G. camporum, which is also functionally similar toC. solstitialis, failed to survive. Consequently, species selection for restored communities must consider not only functional similarity to the invader but also establishment success, competitiveness, and survivorship.
Controls on Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii) Establishment into the Cross Timbers Ecotone of Oklahoma: Implications for Restoration
Authors: Myster Randall W. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTo better understand how the Cross Timbers ecotone between U.S. eastern deciduous forest and tallgrass prairie is organized and maintained, I set out seedlings of Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii) for 1 year with treatments of water addition, trenching in pots to reduce belowground competition, burning, and patch type. I found that (1) seedlings in pots survived twice as much as those without pots and seedlings in unburned areas survived up to four times as much as those in burned areas; (2) seedlings in pots grew twice as fast as those planted directly in the soil without a pot; and (3) whereas adding water, planting in a pot, and planting under shrubs all increased leaf chlorophyll absorption, it was when the seedling was watered, under a shrub, or in a pot that chlorophyll increases were 2‐fold. Results suggest these management and restoration strategies to increase Cross Timbers oak establishment: first reduce belowground competition by the resident grasses; second, do not burn; and third, use shrubs as a facilitating tool. Adding water to tree seedlings should be used as a management tool only after others have been tried and failed. Finally, an ecotone conceptual vegetation model is presented both to incorporate the results and to explain how ecotones may be managed, restored, and maintained.
A Method for Evaluating Outcomes of Restoration When No Reference Sites Exist
Authors: Brewer J. Stephen , Menzel Timothy 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEcological restoration typically seeks to shift species composition toward that of existing reference sites. Yet, comparing the assemblages in restored and reference habitats assumes that similarity to the reference habitat is the optimal outcome of restoration and does not provide a perspective on regionally rare off‐site species. When no such reference assemblages of species exist, an accurate assessment of the habitat affinities of species is crucial. We present a method for using a species by habitat data matrix generated by biodiversity surveys to evaluate community responses to habitat restoration treatments. Habitats within the region are rated on their community similarity to a hypothetical restored habitat, other habitats of conservation concern, and disturbed habitats. Similarity scores are reinserted into the species by habitat matrix to produce indicator (I) scores for each species in relation to these habitats. We apply this procedure to an open woodland restoration project in north Mississippi (U.S.A.) by evaluating initial plant community responses to restoration. Results showed a substantial increase in open woodland indicators, a modest decrease in generalists historically restricted to floodplain forests, and no significant change in disturbance indicators as a group. These responses can be interpreted as a desirable outcome, regardless of whether species composition approaches that of reference sites. The broader value of this approach is that it provides a flexible and objective means of predicting and evaluating the outcome of restoration projects involving any group of species in any region, provided there is a biodiversity database that includes habitat and location information.
Elevated CK‐MB mass and plasma brain‐type natriuretic peptide concentrations following convulsive seizures in children and adolescents: Possible evidence of subtle cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Alehan Füsun , Erol Ilknur , Cemil Tuba , Bayraktar Nilüfer , Ogüs Ersin , Tokel Kürsad 
Published: October 2008

SummaryPurpose:  To evaluate the presence of myocardial injury during convulsive seizures in children and adolescents by determining serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase‐MB mass (CK‐MB mass), and plasma brain‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP).Methods:  Thirty‐one children (20 boys; mean age, 6.6 ± 5.34 years) with convulsive seizures and 50 healthy children were enrolled. Serum cTnI, CK‐MB mass, and plasma BNP concentrations were analyzed 12 h after the seizure and repeated 7 days thereafter in the patient group and obtained one time in the control group.Results:  The difference between serum concentrations of cTnI obtained 12 h and 7 days after the seizure was not statistically significant. cTnI levels 12 h postictal and those in control subjects also were not significantly different. CK‐MB mass and BNP at the 12th h were higher than those obtained on the 7th day (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Children with seizures had increased levels of CK‐MB mass and BNP 12 h after seizure than control subjects (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The results of electrocardiography (ECG) recordings, which were obtained up to 30 min after seizure activity, were completely normal in patients with seizure.Conclusion:  Normal cTnI levels are not indicative of overt myocardial necrosis in patients with seizures. However, markedly elevated BNP concentrations together with elevated CK‐MB mass levels do suggest subtle cardiac dysfunction in patients with seizure, and further large‐scale studies are warranted.
Impact of nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs on health care utilization and costs: Findings from the RANSOM study
Authors: Faught R. Edward , Weiner Jennifer R. , Guérin Annie , Cunnington Marianne C. , Duh Mei Sheng 
Published: October 2008

SummaryPurpose:  To study the impact of nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on health care utilization and direct medical costs in a Medicaid population.Methods:  A retrospective cohort design was employed using state Medicaid claims data from Florida, Iowa, and New Jersey during the period from January 1997 to June 2006. Patients aged ≥18 years with one or more neurologist visit with an epilepsy diagnosis and two or more pharmacy claims for AEDs were included. Medication possession ratio (MPR) was used to evaluate AED adherence with MPR ≥ 0.80 considered adherent and <0.80 considered nonadherent. The association of nonadherence with utilization outcomes [hospitalizations, inpatient days, emergency department (ED), and outpatient visits] was assessed with univariate and multivariate Poisson regressions. Quarterly per‐patient inpatient, outpatient, ED, and pharmacy costs were calculated across nonadherent and adherent quarters for the younger than 65 population (under‐65) and cost differences were computed. Adjusted incremental costs of nonadherence were estimated with multivariate Tobit regression models.Results:  A total of 33,658 patients were included (28,470 under‐65), together contributing 388,564 treated quarters (26% nonadherent). In multivariate analyses, AED nonadherence was associated with significantly higher incidence of hospitalizations [incident rate ratio (IRR) = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37–1.41], inpatient days (IRR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.75–1.78), and ED visits (IRR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.18–1.21). Nonadherence was associated with cost increases related to serious outcomes, including inpatient ($4,320 additional cost per quarter, 95% CI = $4,077–$4,564) and ED services ($303 additional cost per quarter, 95% CI = $273–$334), but lower costs for outpatient and pharmacy services, likely because of nonadherent behavior.Discussion:  Nonadherence to AEDs appears to be associated with serious outcomes, as evidenced by increased utilization and costs of inpatient and ED services.
Focal lesions in the splenium of the corpus callosum in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Gröppel Gudrun , Gallmetzer Paolo , Prayer Daniela , Serles Wolfgang , Baumgartner Christoph 
Published: October 2008

SummaryPurpose:  A focal lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum is a rare finding in patients with epilepsy. Intoxication with antiepileptic drugs, edema after generalized seizures, or a rapid change of antiepileptic drug levels have been proposed as possible mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between this lesion and possible etiologic factors.Patients and methods:  We analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 1,050 patients undergoing prolonged video‐EEG (electroencephalography) monitoring and identified 24 patients with a focal lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum. Twenty‐four age‐ and gender‐matched temporal lobe epilepsy patients without such a lesion served as a control group. We evaluated the following parameters for their possible etiologic significance: epilepsy syndrome, seizure types in medical history, seizure frequency during the past year prior to admission for prolonged video‐EEG monitoring, localization of interictal spikes and ictal EEG patterns in patients with focal epilepsies as documented during prolonged video‐EEG‐monitoring, seizure types and seizure frequency during prolonged video‐EEG monitoring, past as well as current antiepileptic medication, withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs during monitoring including duration of medication withdrawal, and finally drug levels above the therapeutic range.Results:  The parameters analyzed showed no significant difference between the group of patients with focal lesions in the splenium of the corpus callosum and the control group.Conclusion:  We could not identify a single etiologic factor responsible for the lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum.
Valproate‐induced metabolic changes in patients with epilepsy: Assessment with 1H‐MRS
Authors: Garcia Meritxell , Huppertz Hans‐Juergen , Ziyeh Sargon , Buechert Martin , Schumacher Martin , Mader Irina 
Published: October 2008

SummaryPurpose:  Valproate (VPA) interferes with mitochondrial metabolism causing hyperammonemia, thereby shifting the balance reaction of glutamine (Gln)/glutamate (Glu) toward Gln. In this study we wanted to determine whether metabolic changes could be reproduced in VPA‐treated patients with epilepsy and whether the results differed from those known in chronic hepatic encephalopathy (CHE).Methods:  Seven patients with epilepsy pretreated with VPA and seven healthy volunteers were investigated on a 3T‐scanner. We performed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) using a short echo time point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) in the parietal and occipital lobe, respectively. Spectral analysis was performed by LCModel, allowing a separation of Glu and Gln at 3T. Absolute values of myo‐Inositol (mI), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA), glutamine (Gln), glutamate (Glu), and the sum of Gln and Glu (Glx) were calculated.Results:  In the parietal lobe, mI was significantly decreased in the patients’ group compared to the healthy volunteers. After separation of the signals of Gln and Glu, a significant increase of Gln was observed in the parietal lobe in the patients’ group. No significant differences in the occipital spectra could be observed between the groups.Discussion:  In VPA‐treated patients the alteration of the Glu/Gln ratio differs from that in patients with CHE, where Glx is markedly increased because of an increase in Gln. The expected shift from the biochemical balance reaction of Gln/Glu induced by VPA could be reproduced for the parietal lobe. Significantly reduced mI in the parietal lobe of VPA‐treated patients most likely reflects an osmolytic compensation for high Gln.
Morphine dependence increases the response to a brief pentylenetetrazol administration in rat hippocampal CA1 in vitro
Authors: Jafarzadeh Zakaria , Fathollahi Yaghoub , Semnanian Saeed , Omrani Azar , Salmanzadeh Feresteh , Salmani Mahmoud Elahdadi 
Published: October 2008

SummaryPurpose: Herein we used electrophysiologic approaches in hippocampal area CA1 to estimate how morphine treatment alters the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) effects.Methods: Hippocampal slices taken from either control animals or animals made dependent via chronic morphine administration were examined. Changes in the population spike and epileptiform amplitudes were used as indices to quantify the effects of PTZ exposure in the control and morphine‐dependent slices. Hippocampal slices taken either from control animals or from animals made dependent upon morphine were exposed to PTZ, either with or without morphine, naloxone, or morphine + naloxone.Results: Morphine dependence increased a PTZ‐induced long‐term potentiation (LTP) of the population spike in CA1 in vitro. This LTP was not found in rats that had spontaneously withdrawn morphine or withdrawn with naloxone in vivo after chronic morphine intake. Morphine or naloxone in vitro blocked the PTZ‐induced LTP changes in control and morphine‐dependent slices. However, PTZ‐induced multiple population spikes (epileptiform activity) in CA1 was not blocked by naloxone.Discussion: It is concluded that dependence on morphine enhances PTZ‐induced plastic and epileptic changes in CA1 excitability. We suggest that this model of neuronal activity in dependent slices could present an opportunity for studying the mechanisms underlying the increased likelihood of seizures in morphine users.
The association between depression and epilepsy in a nationally representative sample
Authors: Fuller‐Thomson Esme , Brennenstuhl Sarah 
Published: October 2008

SummaryPurpose:  To determine the: (1) national prevalence of epilepsy and depression; (2) prevalence of depression among those with epilepsy; (3) odds ratio of depression among those with epilepsy compared to those without, controlling for demographic characteristics; (4) demographic correlates of depression among those with epilepsy and those without; and, (5) health services utilization of those with epilepsy and depression.Methods:  The full sample of the nationally representative 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 130,880) was used to determine prevalence of epilepsy and depression. A subsample of 781 individuals reporting an epilepsy diagnosis and with complete depression data was used to determine prevalence and correlates of depression, and health service utilization patterns. Correlates of depression among those without epilepsy (n = 126,104) were also determined. Chi‐square analyses, t‐tests, prevalence ratios, and a logistic regression were conducted.Results:  Thirteen percent of those with epilepsy were depressed, in comparison to 7% of those without (p < 0.001). Epilepsy was associated with 43% higher odds of depression when adjusting for demographic factors. The odds of depression among individuals with epilepsy were higher for females, visible minorities, older individuals, and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Visible minority and older age appear to be unique risk factors for depression in those with epilepsy as compared to those without. Thirty‐eight percent of depressed respondents with epilepsy had no consultations with a mental health professional in the previous year.Discussion:  Medical professionals need to regularly assess levels of depression in their patients with epilepsy. This research helps guide which risk groups should be targeted.
Functional brain mapping of ictal activity in gelastic epilepsy associated with hypothalamic hamartoma: A case report
Authors: Leal Alberto J.R. , Monteiro José P. , Secca Mário Forjaz , Jordão Constança 
Published: October 2008

SummaryHypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) have been demonstrated as the cause of gelastic epilepsy, both by intracranial electrodes and functional imaging. The neocortex becomes secondarily involved, through poorly characterized propagation pathways. The detailed dynamics of seizure spread have not yet been demonstrated, owing to the limited spatial–temporal resolution of available functional mapping. We studied a patient with epilepsy associated with HH and gelastic epilepsy. Simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of several seizure events were obtained, with blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activation of the hamartoma, and left hemisphere hypothalamus, hippocampus, parietal–occipital area, cingulate gyrus, and dorsal–lateral frontal area. Integration of regional BOLD kinetics and EEG power dynamics strongly suggests propagation of the epileptic activity from the HH through the left fornix to the temporal lobe, and later through the cingulate fasciculus to the left frontal lobe. The EEG/fMRI method has the spatial–temporal resolution to study the dynamics of seizure activity, with detailed demonstration of origin and propagation pathways.
Acute Interaction of Baclofen in Combination With Alcohol in Heavy Social Drinkers
Authors: Evans Suzette M. , Bisaga Adam 
Published: October 2008

Background: There is growing evidence that gamma‐amino butyric acid‐B receptor agonists may be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse or dependence. The primary goal of this study was to determine the safety of baclofen in combination with alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers. In addition, the effects of baclofen alone, and in combination with alcohol, on subjective effects, cognitive performance effects, as well as alcohol craving, were assessed.Methods: Eighteen non‐treatment‐seeking heavy social drinkers (mean of 28 drinks per week), who did not meet the criteria for alcohol dependence participated. All individuals were tested using a double‐blind double‐dummy design with six 2‐day inpatient phases. Baclofen (0, 40, and 80 mg) was administered 2.5 hours before alcohol (1.5 g/l body water or approximately 0.75 g/kg) or placebo beverages, given in 4 divided doses every 20 minutes.Results: Baclofen, either alone or in combination with alcohol, produced only modest increases in heart rate and blood pressure and no adverse effects were reported. Baclofen did not increase positive subjective effects (e.g., Stimulant effects, Drug Liking) but did increase sedation and impair performance. Even though both baclofen and alcohol impaired performance, for the most part performance was not impaired to a greater extent when baclofen was combined with alcohol. Among this population of nondependent drinkers, baclofen did not alter alcohol craving or alcohol‐induced positive subjective effects.Conclusions: Baclofen alone has minimal abuse liability in heavy social drinkers, and baclofen is relatively well tolerated and safe when given in combination with intoxicating doses of alcohol.
Making Trash into Treasure: Struggles for Autonomy on a Brazilian Garbage Dump
Authors: Millar Kathleen 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn recent years, the expansion of types of work that fall outside the category of formal waged employment challenge many of our anthropological conceptions of labor, class politics and contemporary capitalism. This paper addresses the need to rethink the meaning of work in the context of neoliberal capitalism by exploring the formation of new worker subjectivities and practices among catadores: informal workers who collect and sell recyclable materials on a garbage dump in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Based on ethnographic research conducted among catadores from June through August of 2005 and in January 2007, this paper provides an analysis of the labor conditions, social relations, and forms of political organizing that have emerged on the garbage dump and which differ in significant ways from those found in situations of formal wage labor. Ultimately, this paper argues that while neoliberal capitalism has led to increased unemployment and underemployment among vulnerable populations in cities worldwide, the practices of those struggling to earn a living in urban informal economies are creating new spaces for alternative economic practices, social relations, and class politics today.
The Pirate Media Economy and the Emergence of Quichua Language Media Spaces in Ecuador
Authors: Floyd Simeon 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper gives an account of the pirate media economy of Ecuador and its role in the emergence of indigenous Quichua‐language media spaces, identifying the different parties involved in this economy, discussing their relationship to the parallel “legitimate” media economy, and considering the implications of this informal media market for Quichua linguistic and cultural reproduction. As digital recording and playback technology has become increasingly more affordable and widespread over recent years, black markets have grown up worldwide, based on cheap “illegal” reproduction of commercial media, today sold by informal entrepreneurs in rural markets, shops and street corners around Ecuador. Piggybacking on this pirate infrastructure, Quichua‐speaking media producers and consumers have begun to circulate indigenous‐language video at an unprecedented rate, helped by small‐scale merchants who themselves profit by supplying market demands for positive images of indigenous people. In a context of a national media that has tended to silence indigenous voices rather than amplify them, informal media producers, consumers and vendors are developing relationships that open meaningful media spaces within the particular social, economic and linguistic contexts of Ecuador.