bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restoration of Native Perennials in a California Annual Grassland after Prescribed Spring Burning and Solarization
Authors: Moyes Andrew B. , Witter Martha S. , Gamon John A. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract Grasslands dominated by exotic annual grasses have replaced native perennial vegetation types in vast areas of California. Prescribed spring fires can cause a temporary replacement of exotic annual grasses by native and non‐native forbs, but generally do not lead to recovery of native perennials, especially where these have been entirely displaced for many years. Successful reintroduction of perennial species after fire depends on establishment in the postfire environment. We studied the effects of vegetation changes after an April fire on competition for soil moisture, a key factor in exotic annual grass dominance. As an alternative to fire, solarization effectively kills seeds of most plant species but with a high labor investment per area. We compared the burn to solarization in a study of establishment and growth of seeds and transplants of the native perennial grass Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) and coastal sage species California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). After the fire, initial seed bank and seedling densities and regular percent cover and soil moisture (0–20 cm) data were collected in burned and unburned areas. Burned areas had 96% fewer viable seeds of the dominant annual grass, Ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), leading to replacement by forbs from the seed bank, especially non‐native Black mustard (Brassica nigra). In the early growing season, B. diandrus dominating unburned areas consistently depleted soil moisture to a greater extent between rains than forbs in burned areas. However, B. diandrus senesced early, leaving more moisture available in unburned areas after late‐season rains. Nassella pulchra and A. californica established better on plots treated with fire and/or solarization than on untreated plots. We conclude that both spring burns and solarization can produce conditions where native perennials can establish in annual grasslands. However, the relative contribution of these treatments to restoration appears to depend on the native species being reintroduced, and the long‐term success of these initial restoration experiments remains to be determined.
Dionaea muscipula (Venus Flytrap) Establishment, Release, and Response of Associated Species in Mowed Patches on the Rims of Carolina Bays
Authors: Luken James O 
Published: November 2005

Abstract Carolina bays are depression wetlands of high conservation value that occur across the Southeastern Coastal Plain of the United States. Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is one rare carnivorous plant that grows in open habitats on the rims of Carolina bays. Without frequent burning, vegetation on bay rims becomes dominated by evergreen shrubs and Venus flytrap populations decline. This project examined the utility of mechanical mowing, soil clearing, transplanting, and seeding as an approach to restoring populations of Venus flytraps when fire is precluded. Mowing of patches on bay rims produced open sites with little ground‐layer vegetation. After two growing seasons, adult Venus flytraps transplanted to mowed patches showed high survivorship and relatively high leaf number/plant. Suppressed Venus flytraps existing on‐site quickly initiated growth in response to mowing. These volunteers and the transplants had higher flowering percentages than plants in reference populations. Seeds of Venus flytraps were scattered in mowed and cleared plots. Seedling establishment was low, but seedlings persisted into the second growing season. Mowing created suitable habitat for growth and flowering of adult Venus flytraps and facilitated establishment of two other carnivorous species, Sundew (Drosera capillaris) and Bladderwort (Utricularia subulata). But, mowing and clearing also facilitated invasion by four species of grasses and rushes; evergreen shrubs resprouted quickly after mowing. Maintaining persistent openings by mowing the rims of Carolina bays will be an ongoing challenge due to availability of potential invaders and rapid regrowth of shrubs.
Using Agent‐Based Models to Aid Reef Restoration: Enhancing Coral Cover and Topographic Complexity through the Spatial Arrangement of Coral Transplants
Authors: Sleeman Jai C , Boggs Guy S , Radford Ben C , Kendrick Gary A 
Published: November 2005

Abstract High coral cover and topographic complexity are favorable qualities of a healthy coral reef. Because coral reef restoration is expensive and coral growth is naturally slow, there is a need to strategically arrange coral transplants to maximize coral cover and topographic complexity. Similarly, it is important to understand how differences in the life history characteristics of coral transplants can influence changes in the structural attributes of coral reefs. This study utilizes agent‐based computer modeling to explore the different spatial scenarios of coral transplantation using corals with contrasting r‐ and K‐selected life histories. Spatial indexes are used to compare coral cover and topographic complexity at incremental time scales, within which disturbance events are of minor importance in spatial structuring. The outcomes of the model suggest that even‐spaced grided transplanting arrangements provide the fastest increase in coral cover and three‐dimensional habitat space (topographic complexity) across large temporal scales (<30 years) for corals with r‐selected life history strategies.
Recovery of Moorland Vegetation after Aerial Spraying of Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) with Asulam
Authors: Pakeman Robin J. , Small Jim L. , Le Duc Mike G. , Marrs Rob H. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a major weed of seminatural vegetation in Great Britain, as in many other countries. As a consequence, large areas have been subject to control with the intention of restoring the former vegetation. The use of aerial spraying with asulam, a narrow spectrum, carbamate herbicide, has become a common method of control. However, its long‐term efficacy has not been assessed in terms of either controlling the bracken or in producing suitable restored habitats. This study undertook such an assessment by comparing the results of a 2002 survey of the sites subject to bracken control by aerial spraying of asulam with previous (1990/1991 and 1994) surveys of the same sites. This showed that a single application of asulam was effective in eradicating bracken (<1% cover remaining) on a third of sites. However, on 10% of the sites, the bracken had regenerated completely (cover >80%) and on the remainder it was still present in patches (>20% of quadrats), often at high density. More than half the sprayed sites had seen good recovery of moorland vegetation, the target of the restoration, because they were now classified as having upland heathland vegetation within the National Vegetation Classification. Considerable amounts of bracken control are grant aided as part of agri‐environment schemes. These schemes should be adapted to encourage good practice, namely, intensive follow‐up treatment by spraying any emerging fronds, and to encourage treatment of previously sprayed areas rather than spraying of new areas in order to protect previous investment of grant aid.
Evidence‐Based Medicine and Clinical Trials in Pain Practice and Orthopedics
Authors: Gerdesmeyer Ludger , Gollwitzer Hans , Diehl Peter , Wagner Klaus 
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Medical practices should be based on scientific findings pursuant to the rules of evidence‐based medicine. Quality standards for interventional pain therapy and orthopedic clinical studies have been lacking. As a result, the efficacy of many forms of therapy is insufficiently documented, making the level of evidence low.This article identifies common deficiencies in the conduct of clinical trials, as well as limitations in conducting randomized controlled studies. Recommendations for improvement are provided. The discussion provides the clinically active physician with interpretation aids for the evaluation of meta‐analyses, supports personal evidence‐based decisions, and reviews the most important principles for planning and conducting of experimental clinical studies. Current examples in the literature verify the implementation of these principles and present current findings in accordance with evidence‐based medicine (EBM) criteria.In spite of an increasing emergence of EBM‐based studies, we conclude that the number of well‐designed, high quality, controlled studies conducted in accordance with the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice examining interventional pain therapy and orthopedic clinical studies remains unacceptably low.
Postherpetic Neuralgia: The Never‐Ending Challenge
Authors: Niv David , Maltsman‐Tseikhin Alexander 
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is defined as pain that persists 1 to 3 months following the rash of herpes zoster (HZ). PHN affects about 50% of patients over 60 years of age and 15% of all HZ patients. Patients with PHN may experience two types of pain: a steady, aching, boring pain and a paroxysmal lancinating pain, usually exacerbated by contact with the involved skin.Herpes zoster is initially a clinical diagnosis, based on the observation of a typical dermatomal distribution of rash and radicular pain. HZ is pathologically characterized by inflammatory necrosis of dorsal root ganglia, occasionally associated with evidence of neuritis, leptomeningitis, and segmental unilateral degeneration of related motor and sensory roots. Although acyclovir has been used successfully as standard therapy for varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in the past decade, resistant strains of VZV are often recognized in immunocompromised patients. Therapy with acyclovir and the use of corticosteroids have been reported to prevent PHN in up to 60% of HZ patients.Management of chronic pain in PHN is more problematic. The only therapy proven effective for PHN in controlled study is the use of tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline and desipramine. There is good evidence of efficacy from randomized trials that gabapentin and pregabalin (new anticonvulsant drugs) are of benefit in the reduction of pain from PHN.As alternative therapies, topical agents such as capsaicin, lidocaine or opioid analgesic treatment may give satisfactory results. Interventions with low risk, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), are appropriate. Evidence is scant for the value of surgical and procedural interventions in general, although there are numerous, small studies supporting the use of specific interventions such as nerve blocks, neurosurgical procedures, and neuroaugmentation. Although antiviral agents are appropriate for acute HZ, and the use of neural blockade and sympathetic blockade may be helpful in reducing pain in selected patients with HZ, there is little evidence that these interventions will reduce the likelihood of developing PHN.Postherpetic neuralgia remains a difficult pain problem. This review describes the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PHN and discusses proposed mechanisms of pain generation with emphasis on the various pharmacological treatments and invasive modalities currently available.
Superior Cluneal Nerve Entrapment Eight Years after Decubitus Surgery
Authors: Akbas Mert , Yegin Arif , Karsli Bilge 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground and Objective:  Superior cluneal nerve (SCN) entrapment is one of the infrequent etiologies of low back pain (LBP), which is rarely diagnosed. Few clinical reports have been published in the literature. We present a case of severe LBP radiating to the ipsilateral buttock after decubitus surgery.Case Report:  A 62‐year‐old man weighing 85 kg presented to the algology department, suffering from severe LBP of 6 months duration. The pain was in the right iliac crest region with radiation to the ipsilateral buttock. After admission, his history was taken, physical examination was performed, and further evaluations were made. He was suspected of having facet and right sacroiliac joint pain. Two tender points were found 6.5 and 7.5 cm to the right of the midline over the iliac crest. Local anesthetic with corticosteroid was injected at the tender points over the right iliac crest. Five minutes after the injection, the pain dissipated.Conclusion:  SCN entrapment should be considered in patients who suffer from LBP radiating to the iliac crest and buttock after other causes of LBP have been excluded.
Stage‐dependent feeding behavior by western tarnished plant bugs influences flower bud abscission in cotton
Authors: Zink Andrew G. , Rosenheim Jay A. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractUnexplained variability in the relationship between the number of herbivores in a field and the amount of crop damage can arise if there is a large amount of variation among herbivore individuals in the amount of feeding damage each generates. In California, populations of the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae), produce highly variable levels of damage to cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (Malvaceae), even when found at low densities. Because L. hesperus populations are also highly variable in their overall stage structure, we hypothesize that differences in crop damage might result from varying impact by each L. hesperus stage on cotton flower buds (termed squares). Laboratory measurements of L. hesperus mouth‐parts and distance to anther sacs, a preferred feeding site, revealed that 1st−3rd instar L. hesperus nymphs will not be able to feed on anther sacs of larger squares (over 8 mm in length) but will be able to feed on squares that are most sensitive to L. hesperus damage (<7 mm). Because even the 1st instars can feed on the most sensitive ‘pinhead’ squares, size constraints do not rule out damaging effects from the youngest L. hesperus. Laboratory observations revealed that later developmental stages, and adults, spend more time feeding on cotton squares relative to 2nd and 3rd instars. In addition, a field experiment revealed no effect of 2nd instars on square retention (relative to control cages) but did reveal a significant decrease in square retention generated by adult L. hesperus (4th instar L. hesperus resulted in an intermediate level of square retention). In a final study we sampled L. hesperus stage structure and density across 38 cotton fields. Multiple regression revealed that the densities of 1st−3rd instars of L. hesperus are not correlated with anther sac damage or square retention. However, in 2 years 4th and 5th instars were positively correlated with anther sac damage and negatively correlated with square retention. In the a third year, adult L. hesperus showed correlations in the same direction, across fields and across sites within fields. Overall, these results suggest that the adults and the largest nymphs of L. hesperus (4th and 5th instars) are particularly damaging to cotton squares, with the 1st−3rd instars of L. hesperus causing little damage to plants.
Collagen degradation by interleukin‐1β‐stimulated gingival fibroblasts is accompanied by release and activation of multiple matrix metalloproteinases and cysteine proteinases
Authors: Cox SW , Eley BM , Kiili M , Asikainen A , Tervahartiala T , Sorsa T 
Published: November 2005

Objective:  Several collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have recently been identified in gingival fibroblasts, while secreted cysteine proteinases could also participate in connective tissue destruction in periodontitis. To clarify their involvement, we examined enzyme release during collagen breakdown by cultured cytokine‐stimulated fibroblasts.Materials and methods:  Gingival fibroblasts were derived from four chronic periodontitis patients and cultured on collagen gels in serum‐free medium for 1–4 days. Collagenolysis was measured by hydroxyproline release into the medium. Proteinases were assessed by electrophoresis and immunoblotting.Results:  Adding interleukin‐1β resulted in progressive gel breakdown. This was associated particularly with a shift in MMP‐1 band position from proenzyme to active enzyme and the appearance of active as well as proenzyme forms of cathepsin B. There was also partial processing of pro‐MMP‐13 and increased immunoreactivity for active cathepsin L. In addition, both pro‐forms and active forms of MMP‐8, membrane‐type‐1‐MMP and MMP‐2 were present in control and treated cultures.Conclusions:  Fibroblast MMP‐1 was most likely responsible for collagen dissolution in the culture model, while cathepsin B may have been part of an activation pathway. All studied proteinases contribute to extracellular matrix destruction in inflamed gingival tissue, where they probably activate each other in proteolytic cascades.
Secondary Forest Detection in a Neotropical Dry Forest Landscape Using Landsat 7 ETM+ and IKONOS Imagery1
Authors: Arroyo‐Mora Juan Pablo , Sánchez‐Azofeifa G. Arturo , Kalacska Margaret E.R. , Rivard Benoit , Calvo‐Alvarado Julio C. , Janzen Daniel H. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTWe integrate forest structure and remotely sensed data for four successional stages (pasture, early, intermediate, and late) of a tropical dry forest area located in the Sector Santa Rosa of the Guanacaste Conservation Area in northwestern Costa Rica. We used a combination of spectral vegetation indices derived from Landsat 7 ETM+ medium resolution and IKONOS high‐resolution imagery. The indices (using the red and near‐infrared bands) simple ratio and normalized difference vegetation index separated the successional stages well. Two other indices using mid‐infrared bands did not separate successional stages as well. In a comparison of the successional stages with chronological age, there was no separability in the spectral reflectance among different age classes. Successional stages, in contrast, showed distinct groups with minimal overlap. We also applied a simple validation in another dry forest located in the Palo Verde National Park in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with reasonably good results.
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Seed Dispersal in an Afromontane Forest: Microhabitat Influences on the Postdispersal Fate of Large Seeds1
Authors: Gross‐Camp Nicole , Kaplin Beth A. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTWe examined the postdispersal fate of large seeds (≥5 mm) dispersed by chimpanzees in an afromontane forest to evaluate aspects of the effectiveness of seed dispersal by chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes. We assessed the influence of six microhabitat characteristics on seed persistence and germination in seeds dispersed in chimpanzee feces and “wadges.” A total of 257 fecal samples and 56 wadges were located over a 4‐mo period by tracking a semi‐habituated chimpanzee community on day follows. Forty‐nine (19.1%) of the fecal samples contained large seeds from five different tree species. The majority of fecal samples with seeds contained seeds from the mature forest tree Olea capensis (Oleaceae) (83.7%). Forty‐two wadges (75%) contained seeds from the mature forest tree Syzygium guineense (Myrtaceae). Seeds were monitored at their deposition site for removal and germination up to 49 d following deposition. We collected data on the microhabitat surrounding each fecal and wadge sample. Multivariate analyses indicated that while fecal and wadge samples were not clustered into particular microhabitats, there was little overlap in the microhabitats in which wadges and fecal samples were deposited. Significantly more seeds persisted over 49 d in wadges (67.9%) than in feces (30.3%). Elevation was the only microhabitat variable determined to have a significant influence on seed persistence, whereas slope was determined to have a significant influence on germination.
Bee Populations, Forest Disturbance, and Africanization in Mexico1
Authors: Cairns Christine E. , Villanueva‐Gutiérrez Rogel , Koptur Suzanne , Bray David B. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTThis study documents the stingless bees' (Meliponinae) recent displacement in the Yucatan (Quintana Roo, Mexico) and the effects of human‐induced ecosystem disturbance on bee diversity. Point observations of flower‐visiting bees were made along transects in three communities with different degrees of human‐induced ecosystem disturbance. The community with the greatest anthropogenic disturbance had lower overall species richness of stingless bees and the highest degree of dominance of the Africanized honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata), while the area with the most intact ecosystem had the highest diversity of stingless bees, though A. mellifera was still the dominant species. We observed aggressive competitive behavior involving physical attacks by A. mellifera against stingless bees, indicating that Africanized honeybees are adopting new behaviors to compete better with dominant native pollinator species.
Resistance to Bark Beetle Attack in Caribbean Pine: Potential Role of 4‐Allylanisole1
Authors: Snyder Marc A. , Bower Nathan W. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTIn the Neotropics, Caribbean pine is subject to epidemic attack by southern pine beetle. We found significantly higher levels (>2.5%) of 4‐allylanisole in the monoterpenoid fraction of the oleoresin of trees in stands with high beetle‐induced mortality, and a negative association between magnitude of attack and levels of 4‐allylanisole in individual trees. Results also suggest that individual trees with low 4‐allylanisole levels may escape attack if they occur in stands characterized by high levels of this compound.
Extraordinary Predation by the Neotropical Army Ant Cheliomyrmex andicola: Implications for the Evolution of the Army Ant Syndrome1
Authors: O'Donnell Sean , Kaspari Michael , Lattke John 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTWorkers of the genus Cheliomyrmex are unique among the New world army ants (subfamily Ecitoninae) in that their mandibles are armed with elongate, spine‐like teeth. We present the first prey records for this genus. Cheliomyrmex andicola prey on large‐bodied ground dwelling invertebrates and, possibly, on vertebrates. Unlike other army ants, C. andicola workers use their sting during prey capture. The workers' unusual mandibles and potent stings may be adapted for piercing and gripping the integument of nonarthropod prey animals, and for rapidly subduing large‐bodied prey, respectively. The genus Cheliomyrmex may be the sister taxon to other Neotropical army ants (Ecitoninae), and Cheliomyrmex shares features of mandibular morphology and prey selection with Old World driver ants in the genus Dorylus. Mass cooperative foraging, an important element of army ant behavior, may have arisen in part as an adaptation for exploiting large‐bodied prey.