bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HRAS1 Proto‐Oncogene Polymorphism and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Farmer Deborah A. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Febbo Phillip G. , Stampfer Meir J. , Kantoff Philip W. , Giovannucci Edward 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTObjectives: Rare HRAS1 variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) have been associated with increased risks for a variety of cancers. We investigated the relationship of this polymorphism with the risk of prostate cancer among 240 cases and 481 control subjects in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study.Materials and Methods: The HRAS1 VNTR region of leukocyte DNA was polymerase chain reaction amplified, and fragment lengths were determined by automated fluorescence detection and computer analysis. We estimated the odds ratios (OR) of prostate cancer for rare HRAS1 VNTR from logistic regression models. Four common HRAS1 VNTR alleles were identified about which there was a distribution of rare 28‐nucleotide repeat units. There was no difference (p = 0.4) in the prevalence of rare alleles between cases (25.8%) and control subjects (23.7%). Compared to common alleles, the OR for prostate cancer was 1.13 (95% confidence interval 0.87–1.45) for rare alleles.Conclusions: This study suggests that rare HRAS1 VNTRs may not be important in the etiology of prostate cancer.
A Student‐Directed Community Project to Support Sexually Abused Women Veterans Suffering from Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Wing Donna Marie , Oertle Jayne R , Cabioc Autumn R , Evans Carlissa M , Smith Dana J , Stangeby Belinda L 
Published: March 2003

While awareness of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sexual abuse continues to grow, it has only been during the past few years that the military has realized the prevalence and impact of sexual abuse inflicted upon women while on active military duty. Though Veteran Administration (VA) agencies throughout the United States have given concerted attention to this problem, published resources specific to PTSD and military sexual abuse have been limited.In this article the authors present the results of a 2 ½‐year endeavor to address the problem of PTSD and military sexual abuse at the Tulsa VA Outpatient Clinic. The project started with a research study and the subsequent initiation of a PTSD women veterans support group, and culminated in the development of resource manuals for both professional staff and women veterans.
Definition and Identification of Child Abuse by Finnish Public Health Nurses
Authors: Paavilainen Eija , Tarkka Marja‐Terttu 
Published: March 2003

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine how public health nurses in Finland defined child abuse and how they assessed their capability to identify child abuse in the family. Public health nurses described child abuse as consisting of physical and emotional abuse. They described physical abuse as consisting of two categories, direct physical abuse towards children and other acts causing children physical harm. Emotional abuse included neglect, teasing the child, frightening the child, rejecting the child in the family, and forcing the child to assume an adult role.The nurses divided the identification of child abuse into two categories: tools for identifying child abuse and markers indicating child abuse. The tools for identifying abuse included knowledge acquisition and interactive skills, intuition, and the capacity of the nurse to handle problematic situations. Public health nurses identified child abuse in the child's behavior and appearance and in family behaviors.Public health nurses seem to be aware of child abuse, but further research is needed if they need more‐specific skills regarding how to apply their theoretical knowledge to nursing practice to provide nursing care for abused children and their families.
A Prospective Case Control Study of the Association of Gianotti–Crosti Syndrome with Human Herpesvirus 6 and Human Herpesvirus 7 Infections
Authors: Chuh Antonio An Tung , Chan Henry Hin Lee , Chiu Susan Shui Seng , Ng Hoi Yee , Peiris Joseph Sriyal Malik 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Gianotti–Crosti syndrome (GCS) is known to be associated with hepatitis B and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infections. Apart from a single case report based on serology alone, there are no published data on an association between GCS and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV‐7) primary infections or reactivations. Our aim was to investigate the association between GCS and HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 infections. Ten patients diagnosed with GCS at a primary care practice over an 18‐month period were recruited. Controls were age‐ and sex‐matched patients with unrelated symptoms requiring venepuncture for other indications. Blood specimens were collected from patients and controls at presentation, and from patients 4 weeks later. Virologic evidence of HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 infection was sought in peripheral blood leukocytes and plasma using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral DNA, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for HHV‐6 U91 mRNA transcripts, and serology. Serology for EBV and hepatitis B virus was done. In contrast to the 10 controls, 2 patients (both infants) with clinically diagnosed GCS had evidence of active HHV‐6 infection. This was demonstrated by detection of viral DNA in the absence of antibody in the acute plasma specimens and HHV‐6 DNA viral loads of more than 5.3 log10 genome copies/5 μl in the whole blood specimens, a profile previously shown to be diagnostic of recent primary HHV‐6 infection. None of the patients had evidence of recent EBV or hepatitis B infection. We conclude that primary HHV‐6 infection may be associated with GCS in some infants.
Salt Marsh Tidal Channel Morphometry: Applications for Wetland Creation and Restoration
Authors: Zeff Marjorie L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe morphometry of tidal channels in a back‐barrier salt marsh in New Jersey was investigated. Characteristics of the tidal channel drainage network plan form (order, bifurcation ratio, length, sinuosity) and cross section channel form (width:depth ratio, hydraulic geometry) are compared with data from other studies. Drainage patterns follow Horton’s Law of Stream Numbers and Law of Stream Lengths. Mitigation sites should be designed in accordance with these laws. The degree to which site‐specific substrate, vegetation, and flow conditions constrain or facilitate the development of sinuous, meandering channel reaches should be estimated to provide information for the design of tidal channel geometries and dimensions that will accommodate predicted discharges. Drainage networks in created and restored wetlands should reflect the spatial distribution of width and depth properties (width:depth ratios, cross‐sectional areas, longitudinal slopes, hydraulic geometry) found in similar natural systems. Reproducing these characteristics will lessen the practice of oversizing channels. Hydraulic geometry relationships can facilitate the sizing of channels at Atlantic coast salt marsh mitigation sites. Recommendations are given to promote the development of drainage networks that function like the coastal back‐barrier Avalon/Stone Harbor marsh in New Jersey.
Habitat Loss, Fragmentation, and Restoration
Authors: Huxel Gary R. , Hastings Alan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe loss and fragmentation of habitat is a major threat to the continued survival of many species. We argue that, by including spatial processes in restoration management plans, the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation can be offset. Yet few management plans take into account spatial effects of habitat conservation/restoration despite the importance of spatial dynamics in species conservation and recovery plans. Tilman et al. (1997) found a “restoration lag” in simulations of species restoration when randomly selecting habitat for restoration. Other studies have suggested that the placement of restored habitat can overcome effects of habitat loss and fragmentation. Here we report the findings of simulations that examine different regional management strategies, focusing on habitat selection. We find that nonrandom restoration practices such as restoring only habitat that is adjacent to those occupied by the target species can dramatically reduce or negate any restoration lag. In fact, we find that the increase in patch occupancy of the landscape can be greater than two‐fold in the adjacent versus the random scenarios after only two restoration events, and this increase can be as great as six‐fold during the early restoration phase. Many restoration efforts have limitations on both funds and available sites for restoration, necessitating high potential success on any restoration efforts. The incorporation of spatial analyses in restoration management may drastically improve a species' chance of recovery. Therefore, general principles that incorporate spatial processes and sensible management are needed to guide specific restoration efforts.
Germination and Initial Root Growth of Four Legumes as Affected by Landfill Biogas Atmosphere
Authors: Marchiol L. , Cesco S. , Pinton R. , Zerbi G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe most important problem in the restoration of closed landfills is the production of toxic gases by decomposition of refuse. Such gases affect the root system of plants growing on these sites. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects induced by landfill biogas contamination on germination and initial root growth of Vicia villosa (hairy vetch), Lotus corniculatus (birdsfoot trefoil), Trifolium pratense (red clover), and Trifolium repens (white clover). In laboratory conditions, simulated landfill and control gas were supplied to the seedlings. The composition of the simulated landfill gas used was: 16% O2, 8% CO2, 3% CH4, and 73% N2; a control gas was also tested (21% O2, 0. 035% CO2, and 78% N2). Percentage of germinated seeds was determined after 6 and 12 days from the starting date; at the same time qualitative assays of metabolic root functionality were also performed by using an agar technique in order to visualize changes in rhizosphere pH. At the end of the experiment, the length of the primary and secondary root was measured. Germination after 6 days was affected by the gas treatment; the landfill biogas caused a delay in germination with respect to the control in seeds of V. villosa and L. corniculatus. Root fresh weight and dry weight were significantly decreased by biogas treatment in V. villosa and T. repens. In contrast, root dry weight was higher in gas treated L. corniculatus and T. pratense compared to control seedlings. Total root system was significantly higher in treated T. pratense. The qualitative assay suggests, with the exception of T. pratense, a metabolic adjustment of the treated seedlings.Key words: restoration, landfill biogas, legumes.
The Incidence of a Generalist Thrips Herbivore Among Natural and Translocated Patches of an Endangered Vernal Pool Plant, Blennosperma bakeri
Authors: Leong Joan M. , Bailey Erika L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAs a restoration strategy, translocation of endangered plant populations may be a risky procedure with uncertain outcomes. Often, very little ecological information is known about these populations before, as well as after, translocation. The endangered vernal pool plant, Blennosperma bakeri, is a case in point. As a consequence of vernal pool habitat destruction, many populations of B. bakeri have been transplanted or translocated to various receptor sites. In this study, we examine the incidence of a thrips herbivore, Frankliniella minuta, in natural and translocated populations of B. bakeri in relation to floral patch size and degree of isolation and present implications for B. bakeri restoration and management. At a vernal pool mitigation site in California, U.S.A., thrips were present in both kinds of B. bakeri populations, and the range of thrips densities in both kinds of populations was similar for adults and immatures. Significant negative relationships between patch size, patch isolation, and numbers of flower heads infested with adult or immature thrips were found only among natural patches. Natural patches tended to be smaller in size than translocated patches, but patch isolation distances were similar. Some evidence suggests that B. bakeri is a F. minuta host plant, but the impact of these herbivores on B. bakeri remains unclear. Our findings, although preliminary, suggest that the distribution and abundance of F. minuta varied with floral patchiness, thrips stage, and the natural or translocated status of B. bakeri populations. In addition, our results provide a starting point for understanding the spatial context of plant–herbivore interactions in artificially altered vernal pool landscapes.
Forest Regeneration in a Chronosequence of Tropical Abandoned Pastures: Implications for Restoration Ecology
Authors: Aide T. Mitchell , Zimmerman Jess K. , Pascarella John B. , Rivera Luis , Marcano‐Vega Humfredo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDuring the mid‐1900s, most of the island of Puerto Rico was deforested, but a shift in the economy from agriculture to small industry beginning in the 1950s resulted in the abandonment of agricultural lands and recovery of secondary forest. This unique history provides an excellent opportunity to study secondary forest succession and suggest strategies for tropical forest restoration. To determine the pattern of secondary succession, we describe the woody vegetation in 71 abandoned pastures and forest sites in four regions of Puerto Rico. The density, basal area, aboveground biomass, and species richness of the secondary forest sites were similar to those of the old growth forest sites (>80 yr) after approximately 40 years. The dominant species that colonized recently abandoned pastures occurred over a broad elevational range and are widespread in the neotropics. The species richness of Puerto Rican secondary forests recovered rapidly, but the species composition was quite different in comparison with old growth forest sites, suggesting that enrichment planting will be necessary to restore the original composition. Exotic species were some of the most abundant species in the secondary forest, but their long‐term impact depended on life history characteristics of each species. These data demonstrate that one restoration strategy for tropical forest in abandoned pastures is simply to protect the areas from fire, and allow natural regeneration to produce secondary forest. This strategy will be most effective if remnant forest (i.e., seed sources) still exist in the landscape and soils have not been highly degraded. Patterns of forest recovery also suggest strategies for accelerating natural recovery by planting a suite of generalist species that are common in recently abandoned pastures in Puerto Rico and throughout much of the neotropics.
Effects of Hardwood Reduction Techniques on Longleaf Pine Sandhill Vegetation in Northwest Florida
Authors: Provencher Louis , Herring Brenda J. , Gordon Doria R. , Rodgers H. Leroy , Galley Krista E. M. , Tanner George W. , Hardesty Jeffrey L. , Brennan Leonard A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe tested whether the intensity of hardwood midstory reduction causes commensurate improvements of herbaceous groundcover in fire‐suppressedPinus palustris(longleaf pine) sandhills. Using a complete randomized block design, we compared the effects of three hardwood reduction techniques (spring burning, application of the ULW®form of the herbicide hexazinone, chainsaw felling/girdling) and a no‐treatment control on plant species richness, and on life form and common species densities at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, U.S.A., from 1995 to 1998. ULW®and felling/girdling plots were burned for fuel reduction two years after initial treatment application. We also sampled the same variables in frequently‐burned reference sandhills to establish targets for restoration. Spring burns achieved partial topkill of oaks (17.6–41.1% from 1995 to 1998) compared to reductions of 69.1–94% accomplished by ULW®and of 93.2–67.8% by felling/girdling treatments. We predicted that plant species richness and densities of herbaceous groundcover life forms would increase according to the percent hardwood reductions. Predictions were not supported by treatment effects for species richness because positive responses to fire best explained increases in plant richness, whereas ULW®effects accounted for the largest initial decreases. Legumes, non‐legume forbs, and graminoids did not respond to treatments as predicted by the hypothesis. Again, positive responses to fire dominated the results, which was supported by greater herbaceous densities observed in reference plots. Overall, we found that the least effective and least expensive hardwood midstory reduction method, fire, resulted in the greatest groundcover improvements as measured by species richness and herbaceous groundcover plant densities.
Restoration of Natural and Semi‐Natural Wetland Systems in Central Europe: Progress and Predictability of Developments
Authors: Klötzli Frank , Grootjans Ab P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAfter almost 40 years of experience in wetland restoration in Central Europe in which vegetation changes have been monitored by means of permanent plots or vegetation maps, some light can be shed on the intrinsic dynamics of such ecosystems, showing the limits of restoration and constraints in its manipulation. Sometimes such constraints in the restoration process can be identified, mostly being constraints in nutrient availability or in the water regime, but unexpected changes can also be the result of intrinsic species fluctuations or invasive species. Unexpected vegetation developments are sometimes undesired, can be very persistent and may indicate that environmental conditions are not suitable for target communities. Unexpected developments also illustrate the limits in restoration ecology. Very often the restoration process simply proceeds along successional pathways we did not anticipate. Theories about such alternative pathways can be explored using prediction models, such as cellular automata, which can handle the results of biomonitoring very efficiently. Biomonitoring during 40 years, however, has also shown that a certain amount of unpredictability has to be taken for granted, both in natural wetlands and in areas under restoration.
Butterfly Response to Microclimatic Conditions Following Ponderosa Pine Restoration
Authors: Meyer Cecilia L. , Sisk Thomas D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractEfforts to restore ponderosa pine ecosystems to open, park‐like conditions that predominated prior to European‐American settlement result in altered stand structure and increased landscape heterogeneity, potentially altering habitat suitability for invertebrates and other forest organisms. We examined the responses of two butterfly species,Colias eurythemeandNeophasia menapia, to microclimatic changes at structural edges created by experimental restoration treatments in northern Arizona. We monitored microclimate, including air temperature, light intensity, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), on several mornings during butterfly releases. We placed adult butterflies at east‐ and west‐facing edges approximately one half‐hour before dawn to determine their behavioral response to microclimatic differences between east‐ and west‐facing edges. After sunrise, all three microclimatic variables were higher at east‐facing edges, and the difference in microclimate between the two edge orientations increased through early morning. For both species, butterflies placed at east‐facing edges flew earlier than butterflies at west‐facing edges.Colias eurytheme, an open‐habitat species, tended to move toward the treated forest during initial flight, while movements ofNeophasia menapia, a forest‐dwelling species, did not differ from random flight. Our results indicate that butterflies respond to microclimatic factors associated with restoration treatments, while responses to structural changes in habitat vary among species, based on habitat and food plant preferences. These changes in forest structure and microclimate may affect the distribution of many mobile invertebrates in forested landscapes undergoing restoration treatments.
Mycorrhizal Inoculation of Big Sacaton: Implications for Grassland Restoration of Abandoned Agricultural Fields
Authors: Richter Brantlee Spakes , Stutz Jean C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractGrasslands dominated bySporobolus wrightii(big sacaton) once covered riparian floodplains in southwestern United States and northern Sonora, Mexico but now occupy less than 5% of their historic range, mostly due to clearing for agriculture. Many agricultural fields have been abandoned because of changing land uses, and efforts are under way to restore native grassland habitat. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are known to form associations withS. wrightiiand can be a potential factor in grassland restoration efforts. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation onS. wrightiiduring transplant production and in a restoration trial.Sporobolus wrightiiwas grown with and without AM fungi in 2.8‐L tall pots and 150‐mL nursery containers under greenhouse conditions for 8 weeks and then transplanted into an abandoned agricultural field. Plants were monitored for growth, survival, and mycorrhizal infection. Seedling emergence in the greenhouse was higher in pots with mycorrhizal inoculation, but inoculation had little effect on growth except more tillers were produced by pre‐inoculated plants grown in the smaller containers. In the abandoned field, pre‐inoculated plants had greater survival, basal diameter, and tiller and panicle production through the first two growing seasons. Plants started in smaller containers also had greater survival, height, basal diameter, and tiller production than those started in tall pots. Root colonization was detected in all plants by 2 months after transplanting but was not consistent throughout the experiment except for pre‐inoculated plants started in the smaller containers. These results indicate that mycorrhizal inoculation can benefit restoration efforts in abandoned agriculture fields in semiarid regions.