bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rainfall variability, fire and vegetation dynamics in neotropical montane ecosystems in north‐western Argentina
Authors: Grau Héctor Ricardo , Veblen Thomas T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAimWe explored the relationships among rainfall, fire and tree population dynamics during the twentieth century. Relationships were analysed on seasonal, interannual and multiannual time scales.LocationThe study was conducted at ecotones between Andean grasslands and montane forests in north‐western Argentina. In this area of subtropical monsoonal climate (wet summers, dry winters), annual rainfall has increased and forests have expanded into grasslands and shrublands during the 20th century.MethodsWe used annual tree‐rings of alder (Alnus acuminata H. B. K.), the dominant tree species, to date fire scars on 265 trees and determine establishment dates of 455 trees dispersed over areas > 100 ha at five sites. We also sampled tree establishment and resprouting in 21 plots of 0.1–5 ha and determined mortality patterns in one recently burnt stand.ResultsFire occurrence during the winter dry season tends to lag by 1 year after years of above‐average moisture availability. This pattern is probably due to enhanced production of fine fuels during the growing season of the preceding years. Over 5‐year periods, higher fire frequency is associated with greater variability in rainfall. On a 5‐year time scale, tree establishment is also associated with higher rainfall variability. Tree age structures suggest that a decades‐long trend towards increased rainfall may also promote forest expansion. By the age of 10–20 years, Alnus acuminata attains a large enough size to survive the low‐intensity fires typical of these open woodland sites. Recovery of A. acuminata after fire is also assured by vigorous resprouting and seedling establishment after fire removes or reduces the herbaceous understorey. During relatively wet periods or at relatively wet sites, fire appears to favour forest expansion by reducing competition between tree juveniles and non‐forest vegetation.Main conclusionsThese results demonstrate the importance of variability in interannual rainfall as an influence on the dynamics that control ecotones between high Andean grasslands and subtropical montane forest.
Molecular evidence for dispersal rather than vicariance as the origin of flightless insect species on the Chatham Islands, New Zealand
Authors: Trewick Steven A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAimThe aim was to use mitochondrial DNA sequence data to test between vicariance and oversea dispersal explanations for the origin of the Chatham Islands biota.LocationNew Zealand and the Chatham Islands, separated by c. 800 km in the south‐west Pacific Ocean.MethodsDNA sequences from the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) were obtained from four genera of relatively large and flightless insects (Coleoptera— Geodorcus, Mecodema; Orthoptera—Talitropsis; Blattoidea—Celatoblatta). These were used to test alternative hypotheses for the origin of the Chatham taxa.ResultsPhylogenetic analysis revealed the Chatham taxa in each genus to be monophyletic. Genetic distances exhibited by these genera, between taxa found on the Chatham Islands and mainland New Zealand were relatively low (11.2, 2.8, 3.0 and 4.9%, respectively).Main conclusionsEven allowing for variation in molecular evolutionary rates, these genetic distances indicate phylogenetic separation of New Zealand and Chatham insect lineages in the Pliocene (2–6 Ma). Such dates are more than one order of magnitude too recent to be explained by vicariant (tectonic) processes. Oversea dispersal from New Zealand to the Chatham Islands is implicated and this conclusion is in keeping with the taxonomy of the endemic avifauna, flora and fossil molluscan fauna.
Spatial and temporal variability in seed dynamics of machair sand dune plant communities, the Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Authors: Owen N. W. , Kent M. , Dale M. P. 
Published: March 2003

AimThe subjects of seed banks and seed rain represent comparatively neglected areas of biogeography, yet at the community scale, exhibit interesting patterns in both space and time. This paper describes the seed bank and seed rain characteristics of the machair sand dune communities of the Outer Hebrides. As well as looking at individual species distributions and variability, the seed banks and seed rain are examined in terms of their detailed subcommunity composition and its local spatial and temporal variation. The machair plant (sub)communities show extensive degrees of anthropogenic modification because of past and present agricultural management, including cultivation for cereals over wide areas and for potatoes in large numbers of ‘lazy beds’ or small patches. Thus over the historical period, large areas of machair have undergone regular ploughing and cultivation, which have provided the opportunity for a patchwork of secondary succession to occur. This pattern continues to the present day. Furthermore, most other non‐cultivated plant (sub)communities are intensively grazed, primarily by cattle and also by sheep and rabbits.LocationSouth Uist, the Outer Hebrides, north‐west Scotland.MethodsAt two carefully selected locations, a range of these various successional subcommunities have been sampled for their seed banks, by taking cores and for their seed rain, by using specially designed traps located where each seed bank sample was removed. This paired sampling strategy allowed direct comparison of the seed bank and the seed rain. Both individual species distributions and the community assemblages of seed bank/seed rain species are examined in space and time using techniques of numerical classification [two‐way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN)] and ordination [detrended correspondence analysis (DCA)].Results and conclusionsThere is considerable heterogeneity within and between machair subcommunities in terms of seed bank and seed rain characteristics. The soil seed banks and seed rain of the agriculturally disturbed machair subcommunities are consistently more dense and more species rich than non‐cultivated areas of the machair. Overall, machair seed banks are small and stable with no discernible seasonal trends in either size or species composition. In contrast, seed rain on the machair is characterized by a distinct temporal trend. Both seed banks and seed rain are potentially very poor sources of propagules for recolonization following disturbance, indicating that the majority of revegetation following anthropogenic and/or environmental interference is through vegetative reproduction.
The biogeographic regions reconsidered
Authors: Barry Cox  
Published: March 2003

AimTo evaluate the internal consistency and appropriateness of Takhtajan’s system of world‐wide floral Kingdoms in the light of modern knowledge, and similarly to re‐examine the Wallacean system of mammal biogeographic regions.Main conclusionsIt is suggested that Takhtajan’s Cape and Antarctic floral Kingdoms should be deleted, and their constituent parts allocated to the neighbouring Kingdoms. The mammal biogeographic regions are to be restricted to the continents, as defined by the edges of the continental shelves, and the name ‘Wallacea’ is accepted for the area between the Southeast Asian and Australian continental shelves. Modifications are suggested for the names of some of the floral Kingdoms and mammal biogeographic regions.
Islands as model systems for understanding how species affect ecosystem properties
Authors: Wardle David A. 
Published: March 2003

AimTo evaluate the potential of island systems as tools for investigating how species affect ecosystem properties. This is done by first reviewing the available literature, and then by focusing on a study in an archipelago of lake islands in northern Sweden.LocationIslands in lakes Uddjaure and Hornavan in the northern Swedish boreal forest.ResultsThe available literature suggests that islands offer two types of opportunities for investigating how species affect ecosystem properties. The first emerges from the fact that island biotas are often relatively depauperate compared with corresponding continental biotas. This enables the effects of species to be assessed against a less complicated background. The second involves the use of islands as spatially independent replicate ecosystems, which can be used to evaluate the effects of ecosystem drivers over larger spatial scales than is possible through most other approaches that allow proper replication of ecosystems. Examples are presented of the use of each approach. The Swedish lake island system is based on fifty independent islands. A wildfire frequency gradient across these islands favours different plant functional types on different islands; this leads to plant species effects influencing a range of properties both above‐ and below‐ground. Two examples are presented of ecological issues that can be investigated using this island system. First, the difference in fire frequency across islands enables assessment of the effects of fire (and hence fire suppression) on terrestrial carbon storage, and the global change implications of this. Secondly, the system can be used to address theories about the importance of plant community composition and biodiversity in driving ecosystem properties at the across‐island spatial scale.ConclusionsIslands provide real opportunities for investigating biological drivers of ecosystem functioning, although they have been vastly underused for such purposes. Further, island studies have significant potential for investigating the effects of global change phenomena on terrestrial ecosystems, ranging from the impacts of biodiversity loss and invasive organisms to issues relating to terrestrial carbon sequestration. Island ecosystems enable questions to be addressed about ecosystems over ecologically meaningful spatial scales that can be addressed in no other way.
The taxonomic status of the `sea trout' from the north Adriatic Sea, as revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analysis
Authors: Snoj Aleš , Marčeta Bojan , Sušnik Simona , Melkič Enver , Meglič Vladimir , Dovč Peter 
Published: March 2003

AimUnclassified salmonids, generally named `sea trout', have been spotted on occasion in the north Adriatic Sea, although autochthonous salmonids have not been reported in the Mediterranean Sea. On the basis of their phenotype, these fish were regarded as the rainbow trout or salmon‐like fish. The aim of the study was to determine the taxonomic status of the `sea trout' and its origin.LocationThe specimens originate from the coastal waters of the Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea, and from hatchery‐reared stock of brown trout (Salmo trutta), derived from Trentino fish‐farm.MethodsMeristic measurements, nucleotide identity‐test of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (control region) and polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis of nuclear DNA (lactate dehydrogenase C1* gene) were performed.ResultsMorphological characters of the `sea trout' specimens analysed, correspond best with those used for S. trutta and S. marmoratus. Genetic tests denoted explicit similarity between the `sea trout' and hatchery‐reared brown trout. Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the `sea trout' revealed 100% nucleotide identity with brown trout of the Atlantic phylogeographical lineage. Results inferred from nuclear DNA analysis, confirmed the Atlantic descent of the `sea trout' and demonstrated also a certain level of introgression with the brown trout of Danubian lineage.Main conclusionsUsing mtDNA and nuclear DNA analysis it was concluded, that the Adriatic `sea trout' belong to species S. trutta and is most likely derived from hatchery‐reared brown trout population.
Avian response to removal of a forest dominant: consequences of hemlock woolly adelgid infestations
Authors: Tingley Morgan W. , Orwig David A. , Field Rebecca , Motzkin Glenn 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Aim  This study examines changes in avian community composition associated with the decline and loss of eastern hemlock [Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.] resulting from chronic hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA; Adelges tsugae Annand) infestations.Location  The study was conducted in a 4900‐km2 study region extending from Long Island Sound northward to the southern border of Massachusetts and including the Connecticut River Valley in Connecticut, USA.Methods  Bird surveys were conducted at 40 points in 12 hemlock stands varying in HWA infestation and overstory mortality levels during the avian breeding seasons of 2000 and 2001. Ten‐minute, 50‐m radius point counts were used to survey all birds seen or heard at each point. Overstory and understory vegetation were sampled at each point. Indicator species analysis and non‐metric multidimensional scaling were used to examine relationships between avian community composition and vegetation structure.Results  Overstory hemlock mortality was highly correlated with avian community composition. Abundance of eastern wood‐pewee (Contopus virens), brown‐headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), white‐breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), red‐eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), and several woodpecker species was highest at points with >60% mortality. Black‐throated green warbler (Dendroica virens), Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), blackburnian warbler (Dendroica fusca), and hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus) were strongly associated with intact hemlock stands that exhibit little or no mortality from HWA.Conclusions  Eastern hemlock has unique structural characteristics that provide important habitat for numerous bird species in the north‐eastern US. As a result, removal of hemlock by HWA has profound effects on avian communities. Black‐throated green warbler, blackburnian warbler, and Acadian flycatcher are very strongly associated with hemlock forests in southern New England and appear to be particularly sensitive to hemlock removal. The hooded warbler, a species whose status is of regional concern, may actually benefit from the development of a dense hardwood seedling layer associated with high hemlock mortality.
How big is a drop? A volumetric assay of essential oils
Authors: OLLEVEANT  , HUMPHRIS  , ROE  
Published: March 2003

• There has been an increase in the use of aromatherapy in nursing, and many issues are now being raised which need addressing in order to maintain professional credibility and safe practice.• These issues include: who can safely practise aromatherapy, what qualifications are required to practise, who provides indemnity, and other issues, including the safety and toxicity of essential oils.• A small study was undertaken to examine the differences in drop size of bergamot essential oil.• Drop size was determined by weighing different manufacturers' essential oil of bergamot and it was found that drop size did differ, resulting in unequal doses of essential oil.• It is important to be aware of this, because there are implications for the size of the dose administered in an aromatherapy treatment.• This paper raises the issue of standardizing the measurement of essential oils, to ensure that there are no problems regarding safety in their administration.
An exploration of the potential benefits of pet‐facilitated therapy
Authors: BRODIE SARAH J. , BILEY FRANCIS C. 
Published: March 2003

• There is mounting evidence to suggest that those who keep pets are likely to benefit from various improvements in health.• Despite founders of nursing such as Florence Nightingale advocating the importance of animals within the care environment, their integration into hospitals and other health care settings has been slow.• The literature on animal‐induced health benefits is reviewed and the conclusion is drawn that the potential benefits of pet therapy are considerable.• It is suggested that nurses can assume an active role in advocating ward pet or pet‐visiting schemes.
The experiences and views of parents who care for ventilator‐dependent children
Authors: NOYES JANE , HARTMANN HANS , SAMUELS MARTIN , SOUTHALL DAVID 
Published: March 2003

• Discussion in this paper is drawn from the literature examining the management of children with long‐term assisted ventilation, and a study of parents' experiences and views of caring for their ventilator‐dependent child at home.• Difficulties in undertaking research into this group of children are highlighted.• Recommendations are proposed regarding future multidisciplinary, multiagency service development in order to meet the needs of ventilator‐dependent children and their families.
Attitudes of Registered Nurses towards patients with severe dementia
Authors: NORMANN  , ASPLUND  , NORBERG  
Published: March 2003

• Meeting the needs and wishes of people with severe dementia is difficult and demanding for carers, and a number of approaches can be used in encounters with dementia sufferers.• The aim of this study was to explore how registered nurses in a northern Norwegian county thought about approaching people with severe dementia.• A patient case was used as a vignette, followed by a questionnaire with 13 sets of statements, each set containing two alternative approaches (one reality orientation approach and one personhood focused approach).• In 12 out of the 13 sets of statements the reality orientation alternative was usually chosen, but responses to the statement regarding the meaning of confusion tended more towards the personhood focused approach.• RNs with more than the basic education and staff nurses working in a team nursing system, chose the personhood focused approach significantly more often than RNs with no post‐basic education and nurses working in a primary nursing system.• The article discusses how reflection on daily experiences can improve one's ability to reflect on one's own experiences and encourage a personhood focused approach.• Working in a team means gaining opportunities to reflect together with coworkers, while working in a primary nursing care system might afford fewer such opportunities.
Mental health training needs of primary health care nurses
Authors: Secker Jenny , Pidd Frankie , Parham Alan 
Published: March 2003

• The primary health care team (PHCT) has a critical role to play in the care of people with mental health problems. However, little attention has been paid to the mental health training and preparation required by primary health care nurses.• This paper reports on a training needs assessment undertaken in one London health authority area.• The findings indicate that primary health care nurses are undertaking a wide range and increasing volume of mental health work with little preparation and training.• Specific training needs include time and space to identify training gaps; basic training in mental health, safe working practices and management of role boundaries; and multidisciplinary training.• In addition, NHS trusts, primary care groups and health authorities need to clarify which aspects of nurses’ mental health workloads are appropriate to their role and develop policies, procedures and training to support them in undertaking that role.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist: perceptions of practising CNSs of their role and development needs
Authors: Bamford Olly , Gibson Faith 
Published: March 2003

• This study was carried out to determine the role and development needs of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) in two acute hospital trusts.• One of the aims was to obtain a detailed understanding of the current professional experience of Clinical Nurse Specialists.• Data were collected using focus groups and analysed descriptively.• Analysis of the content was qualitative, based on a grounded theory approach, and followed the initial steps of open and axial coding.• Role transition and development needs are identified on a continuum of novice to expert.
Routine intra‐operative assessment of pain and/or depth of anaesthesia by nurse anaesthetists in clinical practice
Authors: Stomberg Margareta Warrén , Sjöström Björn , Haljamäe Hengo 
Published: March 2003

• Patient safety and comfort during general anaesthesia and surgery are to a considerable extent dependent on the capability of anaesthesia personnel to interpret directly monitored as well as indirect clinical signs of pain and/or depth of anaesthesia.• The aim of the present study was to evaluate how nurse anaesthetists in their clinical routine work assess and interpret intra‐operative responses evoked by pain stimuli and/or insufficient depth of anaesthesia.• A questionnaire was designed to assess the perceived relevance and validity of cardiovascular, respiratory, mucocutaneous, eye‐associated, and muscular responses for routine assessment of intra‐operative pain and/or insufficient depth of anaesthesia in patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia.• Data were obtained from 223 nurse anaesthetists working at nine different university anaesthesia departments in Sweden.• A number of significant indicators for pain and depth of anaesthesia could be identified for spontaneously breathing as well as for mechanically ventilated patients. No variable was considered entirely specific for either intra‐operative pain or depth of anaesthesia. Changes in breathing rate/volume, central haemodynamics (BP, HR), lacrimation, and presence of moist and sticky skin were given higher score values as indicators of pain than as indicators of depth of anaesthesia. Occurrence of grimaces, attempted movements, and presence of non‐centred pupils were variables considered more indicative of insufficient depth of anaesthesia than intra‐operative pain.• In conclusion, it is obvious from the present data that indirect physiological signs of intra‐operative pain and depth of anaesthesia are still considered of importance by Swedish anaesthesia nurses in the anaesthetic management of surgical patients.
Life situation of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a descriptive longitudinal study
Authors: Flemme Inger , Bolse Kärstin , Ivarsson Anita , Jinhage Britt‐Marie , Sandstedt Bengt , Edvardsson Nils , Fridlund Bengt 
Published: March 2003

• The aim of this study was to describe changes in the life situation of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator over a period of 1 year. A sample of 56 consecutive patients took part in the study.• Life situation was measured through uncertainty in illness, satisfaction, and fear of the life situation. Descriptive statistics were used to present results, and analytical statistics were used to map out changes over time.• Overall uncertainty showed a decrease over time. A statistically significant difference was found within the domain uncertainty related to information (P < 0.001).• Satisfaction increased within the domains health‐functioning, socio‐economic, psychological–spiritual, and family.• The ability to act within the domain health‐functioning showed a statistical significance (P < 0.05).• The domain life changes within fear in the life situation decreased and showed a statistical significance (P < 0.05).• The overall life situation showed increased satisfaction as well as lower uncertainty and fear in the life situation.• The research indicates that patients need more information about changes in the life situation after the implantable cardioverter defibrillator‐implantation. The study encourages more humanistic, holistic research about patients’ life situations as well as more education in teaching skills for health care personnel.