bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure and stand development in three subalpine Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands in Paneveggio (Trento, Italy)
Authors: Motta R. , Nola P. , Piussi P. 
Published: March 2003

Summary 1. Three permanent plots (100×0 m) were established in the subalpine Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) forest of Paneveggio in the spring of 1993, to begin a long‐term forest ecosystem research project. The main purpose of these plots was to provide information about subalpine Norway spruce stand dynamics and to provide suggestions for close‐to‐nature silviculture. 2. The three stands were selected to represent the most common forest structures in the Paneveggio forest. The first stand is close to forestry roads, has a relatively regular and continuous canopy, and thinning and cutting operations only ended in the 1980s; the second stand is far from forest roads and has developed without anthropogenic influence for several decades; the third one is located at the present upper limit of the pure spruce forest and, apparently, was heavily used in the past as a pasture. 3. The first step in the investigation was to describe the structure and to study the history of the three stands using both written evidence from manage‐ ment plans and biological archives from tree rings. 4. The stands in plots 1 and 2 began to establish after a disturbance that removed part of the previous stands according to dendroecological studies, which are partially supported by written evidence. The remaining parts of these stands were eliminated by two major disturbances that occurred during the following decades. Written records about the use of the forest lead us to assume that the initial disturbances that occurred in the two stands were logging activities as a part of a group shelterwood system. The stand in plot 2 has developed without significant human interference for about half a century as confirmed by the presence of many dead trees. The stand in plot 3 consists of old trees that were part of an open stand and a secondary population that established after cessation of grazing. 5. The study has confirmed that dendroecological techniques can be used to identify occurrence and intensity of previous disturbance in forests stands, although at Paneveggio it is difficult to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the tree ring record. The presence of human activity necessitates investigation of multiple lines of evidence. 6. Paneveggio's forest management plans were useful in the interpretation of the data obtained through dendroecological analysis, although events did not always correspond because data from the management plans (yearly thinning, felling, wind‐throw damage) never gave stand‐level details, but applied to areas of several hectares. Despite these limitations, the information included in the management plans is of crucial importance in studying stand history and only by using all these sources of information is it possible to delineate the most important features of the history and disturbance that affected the origin and subsequent growth of the forest stands.
Hurricane Gilbert and structural changes in a tropical forest in south‐eastern Mexico
Authors: Sánchez Sánchez O. , Islebe G. A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThis paper describes structural change and damage to the natural tree vegetation in the Dr Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden, following Hurricane Gilbert in September, 1988. Post‐hurricane data were compared with pre‐hurricane data from the same plots, focusing mainly on composition and structure. Near complete defoliation of trees and plants of the understorey occurred and average foliage loss was estimated to be 4.5 t/ha. The density of trees decreased by 33%, and the basal area decreased by 12%. Small diameter trees accounted for the great majority of losses and trees in the largest diameter classes survived best. The average height of trees in the lower canopy decreased by 6% and for those in the upper canopy by 9%. The frequency of understorey plants decreased by 51% and their cover decreased by 70%. Floristic richness decreased only slightly after the hurricane.
Factors determining mammal species richness on habitat islands and isolates: habitat diversity, disturbance, species interactions and guild assembly rules
Authors: Fox Barry J. , Fox Marilyn D. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

For over three decades the equilibrium theory of island biogeography has galvanized studies in ecological biogeography. Studies of oceanic islands and of natural habitat islands share some similarities to continental studies, particularly in developed regions where habitat fragmentation results from many land uses. Increasingly, remnant habitat is in the form of isolates created by the clearing and destruction of natural areas. Future evolution of a theory to predict patterns of species abundance may well come from the application of island biogeography to habitat fragments or isolates.
In this paper we consider four factors other than area and isolation that influence the number and type of mammal species coexisting in one place: habitat diversity, habitat disturbance, species interactions and guild assembly rules. In all examples our data derive from mainland habitat, fragmented to differing degrees, with different levels of isolation.
Habitat diversity is seen to be a good predictor of species richness. Increased levels of disturbance produce a relatively greater decrease in species richness on smaller than on larger isolates. Species interactions in the recolonization of highly disturbed sites, such as regenerating mined sites, is analogous to island colonization. Species replacement sequences in secondary successions indicate not just how many, but which species are included. Lastly, the complement of species established on islands, or in insular habitats, may be governed by guild assembly rules. These contributions may assist in taking a renewed theory into the new millennium.
Increased surfactant protein D in rat airway goblet and Clara cells during ovalbumin‐induced allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Kasper M. , Sims G. , Koslowski R. , Kuß H. , Thuemmler M. , Fehrenbach H. , Auten R. L. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Structural remodelling of airways in asthma that follows inflammation may be affected by surfactant protein D (SP‐D)‐mediated effects on the immune response.Objective To determine potential sites of SP‐D interaction with the pulmonary immune response, we examined the distribution of immunoreactive SP‐D in an experimental model of allergen‐induced airway inflammation using immunohistochemistry, biochemical methods and in situ hybridization.Methods The experimental model used subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin in adult rats, which induced an airway response to inhaled nebulized ovalbumin. Three groups of rats (ovalbumin, ovalbumin + dexamethasone and saline) were challenged thrice weekly for 3 weeks. A fourth group of seven rats (naive) were taken from the same delivery of rats as the other groups. Lungs were then lavaged to determine total cell count, eosinophil count, ovalbumin‐specific IgE by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and SP‐D by immunoblot. Tissue samples were fixed and embedded, and sections were studied for the infiltration of eosinophils and for expression of SP‐D protein by histochemistry and mRNA by in situ hybridization.Results Ovalbumin induced perivascular and peribronchiolar eosinophilia which could be prevented by dexamethasone treatment. In addition, the ovalbumin‐specific IgE levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of ovalbumin‐challenged animals were enhanced. Increased amount of SP‐D in lavage and tissue, particularly in type II pneumocytes, in Clara cells and, surprisingly, in hyperplastic goblet cells of inflamed lungs was found. SP‐D mRNA was detected in goblet cells as well as in type II pneumocytes and Clara cells. Dexamethasone treatment did not affect level of SP‐D immunoreactivity.Conclusion SP‐D accumulation is increased in this model of allergen‐induced eosinophilia, both in upper and lower airways. The increase is unaffected by dexamethasone.
Identification of shared and unique immunoglobulin E epitopes of the highly conserved tropomyosins in Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: Yi F. C. , Cheong N. , Shek P. C. L. , Wang D. Y. , Chua K. Y. , Lee B. W. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Tropomyosin belongs to a class of highly conserved proteins in invertebrates and vertebrates. The invertebrate tropomyosins are allergenic in man with high IgE cross‐reactivity and have been therefore referred to as pan‐allergens.Objectives This study aimed to clone and identify the IgE epitopes of tropomyosin from Blomia tropicalis (Blo t 10) mite. Cross‐reactivity between the IgE epitopes of Blo t 10 and Der p 10 was also evaluated.Methods Blo t 10 was isolated using mouse anti‐Der p 10 antibodies. Allergenicity of the cloned Blo t 10 was confirmed by skin prick test (SPT) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Dose‐dependent inhibition assay was performed to determine the degree of IgE cross‐reactivity between Blo t 10 and Der p 10. Overlapping polymerase chain reaction‐derived cDNA were generated and expressed as glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli and used to identify shared and unique IgE epitopes of Blo t 10 and Der p 10.Results The cloned Blo t 10 shared up to 96% amino acid identity to tropomyosin of other mites. SPT and ELISA IgE‐immunoassay showed recombinant Blo t 10 sensitization rates of between 20% and 29% in atopic subjects. Results of SPT and dose‐dependent inhibition assays showed that some allergic individuals had unique IgE epitopes for Blo t 10. IgE epitope mapping of Blo t 10 revealed that the epitopes were mainly located at N‐ and C‐termini of the molecule. The results of ELISA inhibition assays of overlapping recombinant fragments indicated that the unique IgE epitopes of Blo t 10 were located at the C‐terminal.Conclusion Although Blo t 10 and Der p 10 are highly conserved (shared 95% amino acids identity) and significantly cross‐reactive, unique IgE epitopes do exist. The results suggest the potential deficiency of using only one of these highly conserved allergens as diagnostic or therapeutic reagents.
Cutaneous sarcoidosis in black South Africans
Authors: Jacyk Witold K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background It has been observed that, in the USA, sarcoidosis is more common in African–Americans than in other races. It has also been noted that sarcoidosis inAfrican–Americans is characterized by more severe extrapulmonary involvement and more exuberant skin lesions. There is little information on sarcoidosis in black Africans. Methods Fifty‐four black South African patients with cutaneous lesions of sarcoidosis proven by biopsy were prospectively studied. Dermatologic and ophthalmologic examinations and chest X‐rays were performed in all patients. Other investigations relevant in the diagnosis of extracutaneous sarcoidosis were also performed in a variable number of patients. Results In 40 patients (71%), systemic sarcoidosis was found with lung, eye, and acral bone involvement being most common. Great variations in the morphology of skin lesions were observed. In one‐quarter of patients, atypical cutaneous lesions (hypopigmented, ichthyosiform, lymphedematous, mutilating, ulcerative, verrucous) were found. Lupus pernio, once thought to be confined to Northern Europe, was observed in five patients in the subtropical milieu of South African Transvaal. Sarcoidal dactylitis with nail changes was seen in eight patients. Fibrinoid necrosis was found in 12% of the biopsies. Conclusions Sarcoidosis in black South Africans is characterized by extensive cutaneous involvement. The lesions are morphologically extremely variable, frequently atypical, and often demonstrate fibrinoid necrosis on histology.
Risk assessment for nonindigenous pests: 1. Mapping the outputs of phenology models to assess the likelihood of establishment
Authors: Jarvis Claire H. , Baker Richard H. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper demonstrates the use of phenology models mapped over the landscape as a tool in support of risk assessments for nonindigenous plant pests. Drawing on the relationship between pest development and temperature, the approach uses gridded sequential interpolated temperatures at a resolution of 1 km, linked with phenology models, to predict the potential for a pest to develop throughout the landscape. The potential for establishment of Colorado beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) in England and Wales was used as an illustration.The likelihood of the pest completing a single generation during a 30‐year period (1961–90) was computed. Summaries of phenology, based firstly upon point temperature series from weather stations and secondly upon temperatures interpolated across the landscape, were compared. The results revealed that the use of point data led to a 70% likelihood of over‐estimating the area at risk from year to year. In the case of average long‐term risk however, the point‐based and landscape‐wide distributions of establishment potential were similar.We demonstrate how the use of phenology models running on a daily time scale provides date based results, so allowing outputs to be tied in with periods in the cropping cycle. The application of daily data in computing the phenological results, unlike the main body of published work on pest risk assessment which uses averaged monthly data, reflects more fully the underlying variability and degrees of sensitivity of the pest to changes in weather.
Regulated competition and citizen participation: lessons from Israel
Authors: Chinitz David 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between health system structure and citizen participation, in particular whether increased reliance on competition encourages or depresses citizen involvement.SettingThe case of Israel’s ongoing health reform, based on regulated competition among sick funds, is examined.DesignInterviews with government officials and representatives of consumer groups; analysis of policy documents, judicial rulings, public surveys and journalistic accounts.ResultsThe Israeli reform is based in large measure on a regulated competition model, in which citizens have free choice among highly regulated competing sick funds. At the same time, the reform process has been accompanied by legal, institutional and political frameworks, as well as significant interest group activity, all aimed at increasing public input into processes of health policy making and implementation. The Israeli case, it is argued, lends support to the proposition that citizen participation (voice) and individual choice (exit) are complementary, rather than alternative, modes of ensuring citizen influence over health services. The question is whether the development of multiple avenues for citizen involvement represents disarray or a healthy social learning process regarding the running of the health system.ConclusionThis paper expresses cautious optimism that citizen participation is a projection of a healthy social learning process, and suggests directions for public policy to encourage this outcome.
Development and evaluation of a decision aid for patients with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fiset Valerie , O’Connor Annette M. , Evans William , Graham Ian , DeGrasse Catherine , Logan Jo 
Published: March 2003

Although guidelines for treating stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer suggest that the patient’s values should be considered in decision‐making, there are no practical tools available to assist them with their decision‐making.ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate a decision aid that incorporates patient values.Design and sample(1) Before/after evaluation with patients referred to a regional cancer centre. (2) Mailed survey of thoracic surgeons and respirologists in Ontario.InterventionAn audio‐tape guided individuals to review a booklet describing stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer, its impact and possible coping strategies, treatment options, benefits and risks, and examples of the decision‐making of others. Patients then used a worksheet to consider and communicate personal issues involved in the choice, including: personal values using a ‘weigh‐scale’; questions; preferred role in decision‐making; and predisposition.Measures(1) Patient questionnaires eliciting knowledge, the decision, decisional conflict and acceptability of the decision aid. (2) Physician questionnaires eliciting attitudes toward the decision aid.Results(1) Twenty of 30 patients used the aid in decision‐making. Users thought that the aid was acceptable and significantly improved their knowledge about options and outcomes (P < 0.001), and reduced their decisional conflict (P < 0.001). (2) The majority of the 29 physicians who reviewed the decision aid found it acceptable, were comfortable providing it to patients and said that they were likely to use it.ConclusionThe decision aid is a useful and acceptable adjunct to personal counselling.
Life after hospital closure: users’ views of living in residential ‘resettlement’ projects. A case study in consumer‐led research
Authors: McCourt Christine A. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo conduct a user‐led and focused study of the views and experiences of former psychiatric hospital patients in community‐based residential projects four years after hospital closure. The aims of the study were to assess residents’ views about their current living arrangements, their opportunities to give their views and their interest in a formal user‐group such as a residents’ council or citizen advocacy scheme.DesignA small‐scale, qualitative study designed to enable users to voice their own views and experiences in their own words, conducted by a project group of psychiatric service users/survivors.Setting and participantsAll eight residential ‘re‐provision’ projects in the area were included, with a total potential sample of 65 residents. All residents were invited to take part and a total of 26 were interviewed, although a larger number of residents together with residential care staff took part in initial ‘house’ meetings to discuss the study.MethodsSemi‐structured, open‐ended interviews with all residents willing to participate, researcher participation in ‘house meetings’, researchers’ personal reflection and discussion.Results and conclusionsOn the whole, residents were content with community living arrangements and preferred these to hospital, although levels of satisfaction varied across different residential projects. Residents lacked awareness of rights to and means of voicing concerns and making choices about major issues in their lives. They showed greater interest in individualized rather than group advocacy. Ideally, research and evaluation, to be truly user‐focused, should be long‐term and continuous in order to involve participants more fully, and should anticipate the structures and processes needed to act on findings.
Reassurance through surveillance in the face of clinical uncertainty: the experience of women at risk of familial breast cancer
Authors: Parsons Evelyn P. , Beale Valerie , Bennett Helen , Jones Jo , Lycett Emma J 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo identify the main issues raised by clinicians when they are counselling women at risk of breast cancer and explore the response of a group of women 1 year after counselling.DesignA qualitative study which involved the thematic analysis of a series of transcripts from clinical consultations, semi‐structured interviews and focus groups.ParticipantsFirst, a series of clinical consultations (n=153), involving seven clinicians, were randomly selected during a Medical Research Council funded study of genetic assessment (TRACE). Second, a group of women (n=43), involved in the TRACE study, were interviewed, or joined a focus group, 1 year after their genetic assessment.ConclusionsThere was evidence that, although the clinical consultations were embedded with multiple messages of uncertainty, the women’s accounts did not reflect this. The women talked about the reassurance they had found because they had met with an expert and become members of the surveillance society. The authors highlight the tension that exists because of the difference between lay expectations about on‐going surveillance and the realities of collective service provision.
Shaping the trajectory of patients with venous ulceration in primary care
Authors: Husband Linda L. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To explore the patient’s experience of venous ulceration and how it is shaped within primary care.Design Qualitative grounded theory study.Participants and setting Thirty‐nine patients, 33 nurses and 14 general practitioners in a major health district in England.Results The findings indicate that patients with the chronic condition of venous hypertension are handled in an anomalous way within primary care when they present with ulcers on their lower limbs. The trajectory projections for the patients are not developed from the usual basis of a medically defined condition‐specific diagnosis but from a symptom‐specific diagnosis. This leads to an unusual context of care where there is a serious but unrecognized conflict of focus between the nurses and their patients. The nurses in this study tended to set priorities related to the ulcer and to the underlying pathology, whereas the patients wanted help in pain management and in normalizing their lives. The patients eventually came to a position of ‘guarded alliance’2that in this study took one of three forms: adapting and enduring, emphasizing the positive, or negotiating for comfort.Conclusion The acute care approach applied to patients with this chronic condition led to a situation where the professionals usurped the self‐care potential of the patients and navigated rather than piloted them through an acute phase of an underlying chronic illness. This in turn, led to poor quality of life for many of the patients and to frustration for the nurses who were failing to achieve the outcomes they desired. Both perspectives need to be encapsulated into the treatment approach for patients with this condition: healing the ulcer and normalizing the patients’ lives can and should form the basis of care.