bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural Colonization of Plants on Five Lead/Zinc Mine Tailings in Southern China
Authors: Shu W. S. , Ye Z. H. , Zhang Z. Q. , Lan C. Y. , Wong M. H. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract Mine tailings can have a specific assemblage of plant species due to their unique physicochemical properties, and this process can be important in developing ecological theory and restoration practice. Physicochemical properties and natural colonization of plants on five lead/zinc (Pb/Zn) mine tailings in southern China were investigated. The tailings studied included Fankou and Lechang in Guangdong Province, and Huangshaping, Shuikoushan, and Taolin in Hunan Province. Physicochemical properties of the tailings varied greatly both among and within tailings ponds, but in general, all contained high concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd) and low concentrations of N, P, and organic matter. Toxic levels of heavy metals and deficiency of major nutrients appeared to be the major constraints for colonization of plants on these Pb/Zn tailings and were reflected in the metal concentration of the plant tissues. The natural colonization of plants on these tailings was limited, with only some small patches distributed mainly on the edge of tailing ponds and even fewer patches on the center of the ponds. In total 54 plant species belonging to 51 genera and 24 families were recorded on the five tailings ponds, of which the 13 species belonging to Gramineae were major components of the tailings’ flora. Species establishing on the tailings at the initial colonization phase greatly depended on their seed‐dispersal capacity. Further establishment and growth were then dependent on at least one of the three ecological strategies: (1) microsite (avoidance) strategy: plant establishment on tailings depended on dispersing onto microsites of relatively favorable edaphic conditions; (2) tolerance strategy: plant establishment was a result of evolving metal‐tolerant ecotypes or constitutional metal tolerance; and (3) rhizome strategy: plant establishment on tailings depended on clonal growth by rhizomatous extension.
Soil Biological and Chemical Properties in Restored Perennial Grassland in California
Authors: Potthoff M. , Jackson L. E. , Steenwerth K. L. , Ramirez I. , Stromberg M. R. , Rolston D. E. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract Restoration of California native perennial grassland is often initiated with cultivation to reduce the density and cover of non‐native annual grasses before seeding with native perennials. Tillage is known to adversely impact agriculturally cultivated land; thus changes in soil biological functions, as indicated by carbon (C) turnover and C retention, may also be negatively affected by these restoration techniques. We investigated a restored perennial grassland in the fourth year after planting Nassella pulchra, Elymus glaucus, and Hordeum brachyantherum ssp. californicum for total soil C and nitrogen (N), microbial biomass C, microbial respiration, CO2 concentrations in the soil atmosphere, surface efflux of CO2, and root distribution (0‐ to 15‐, 15‐ to 30‐, 30‐ to 60‐, and 60‐ to 80‐cm depths). A comparison was made between untreated annual grassland and plots without plant cover still maintained by tillage and herbicide. In the uppermost layer (0‐ to 15‐cm depth), total C, microbial biomass C, and respiration were lower in the tilled, bare soil than in the grassland soils, as was CO2 efflux from the soil surface. Root length near perennial bunchgrasses was lower at the surface and greater at lower depths than in the annual grass–dominated areas; a similar but less pronounced trend was observed for root biomass. Few differences in soil biological or chemical properties occurred below 15‐cm depth, except that at lower depths, the CO2 concentration in the soil atmosphere was lower in the plots without vegetation, possibly from reduced production of CO2 due to the lack of root respiration. Similar microbiological properties in soil layers below 15‐cm depth suggest that deeper microbiota rely on more recalcitrant C sources and are less affected by plant removal than in the surface layer, even after 6 years. Without primary production, restoration procedures with extended periods of tillage and herbicide applications led to net losses of C during the plant‐free periods. However, at 4 years after planting native grasses, soil microbial biomass and activity were nearly the same as the former conditions represented by annual grassland, suggesting high resilience to the temporary disturbance caused by tillage.
Polytrichum Strictumas a Solution to Frost Heaving in Disturbed Ecosystems: A Case Study with Milled Peatlands
Authors: Groeneveld E.V. G. , Rochefort L 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSubstrate instability is a common problem in many disturbed ecosystems. In the case of milled harvested peatlands, the pioneer mossPolytrichum strictumis commonly found; it is well adapted to tolerate the harsh microclimatic conditions and peat instability of these sites. A field experiment was used to determine the effectiveness ofP. strictumagainst frost heaving, a major type of disturbance on bare peat. Wooden dowels and fir trees (Abies balsamea) placed in aP. strictumcarpet experienced almost no frost heaving, whereas heaving was severe on bare peat. ReintroducedP. strictumfragments thinly spread on bare peat reduced but did not eliminate frost heaving. Straw mulch (a protective cover often required in peatland restoration) effectively reduced heaving in the fall, but was less effective in the spring because it had partially decomposed. TheP. strictumcarpet,P. strictumfragments, and straw mulch reduced frost heaving by reducing the number of freeze–thaw cycles, by slowing the rate of ground thaw in the spring, and by reducing the unfrozen water content of the peat during the spring thaw. Different species ofPolytrichummosses should be considered for the restoration or regeneration of disturbed ecosystems where soil stability is problematic.
The Two‐Culture Problem: Ecological Restoration and the Integration of Knowledge
Authors: Higgs E 
Published: March 2005

Abstract The terms “ecological restoration” and “restoration ecology” are frequently interchanged. Restoration ecology is the suite of scientific practices that constitute an emergent subdiscipline of ecology. Ecological restoration is the ensemble of practices that constitute the entire field of restoration, including restoration ecology as well as the participating human and natural sciences, politics, technologies, economic factors, and cultural dimensions. This paper is motivated by the concern that the broader practice of restoration may become narrowed over the next decade as a result of zealous attention to scientific and technological considerations, and that restoration ecology will trump ecological restoration. Scientific and technological acumen is necessary for successful restoration, but insufficient. Maintaining a broader approach to restoration requires respect for other kinds of knowledge than science, and especially the recognition of a moral center that is beyond the scope of science to address fully. An example of integrated restoration is presented: the ecological and cultural restoration of Discovery Island (near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) by the Lekwungen people (Songhees First Nation).
On the Cusp of Restoration: Science and Society
Authors: Turner R.E. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract Habitat restoration has reached political respectability at many scales across the Earth and represents a serious reversal of some entrenched social views regarding the environment as a strictly exploitable resource for private gain. Science helps improve restoration by bringing clarity in the form of order, understanding, and descriptions of uncertainty. But scientific ideas and experience must be offered in a timely manner and welcomed to be a useful and accurate part of restoration. These ideas may be adopted or fail to be influential for vastly different reasons. Valid ideas may be untimely or be packaged too poorly to be acceptable, or an idea may be erroneous, but still be acceptable (and lead to poor decisions) where the ability to convince or superior networking skills compensate for an inadequacy of facts, logic, or intentions. The most desirable outcome is to fairly weigh all relevant ideas during decision‐making, and without confusing accuracy and clarity with consensus or deliberative inclusivity. Project scale influences these outcomes because social and policy complexity increases with project size. Ideas, of whatever origin, must be applied in the imperfectly comprehended landscape and “policy‐scape” of policies and personal preferences influencing the spatial productivity, richness, and uses. Successful habitat restoration will have the science welcomed and developing in well‐ventilated and professional ways, while simultaneously participating in the world of the larger policy‐scape. Judgments will be made and mistakes occur, of course. But, if done well, we may end up restoring habitats, institutions and parts of society.
Balancing the Need to Develop Coastal Areas with the Desire for an Ecologically Functioning Coastal Environment: Is Net Ecosystem Improvement Possible?
Authors: Thom R.M. , Williams G.W. , Diefenderfer H.L. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract The global human population is growing exponentially, close to a majority lives and works near the coast, and coastal commerce and development are critical to the economies of many nations. Hence, coastal areas will continue to be a major focus of development and economic activity. People desire the economic advantages provided by coastal development along with the fisheries and social commodities supported by estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Because of these facts, we view the challenge of balancing coastal development with enhancing nearshore marine and estuarine ecosystems (i.e., net ecosystem improvement) as the top priority for coastal researchers in this century. Our restoration research in Pacific Northwest estuaries and participation in nearshore project design and impact mitigation has largely dealt with these competing goals. To this end, we have applied conceptual models, comprehensive assessment methods, and principles of restoration ecology, conservation biology, and adaptive management to incorporate science into decisions about uses of estuarine systems. Case studies of Bainbridge Island and the Columbia River demonstrate the use of objective, defensible methods to prioritize tidally influenced shorelines and habitats (i.e., riparian forests, marshes, unvegetated flats, rocky shores, seagrass meadows, kelp forests) for preservation, conservation, and restoration. Case studies of Clinton, Washington, and Port Townsend, Washington, demonstrate the incorporation of an ecological perspective and technological solutions into design of overwater structures to minimize impacts on nearshore ecosystems. Adaptive management has allowed coastal development and restoration uncertainties to be better evaluated, with the information used to improve management decisions. Although unproven on a large scale, we think these kinds of methods can contribute to the net improvement of already degraded ecosystems. The ingredients include applied science to understand the issues, education, incentives, empirical data, cumulative impact analysis, and an effective adaptive management program. Because the option of net ecosystem improvement is often more costly than alternatives such as no net loss, commitment by the local or regional community to this approach is essential.
Ecological Rehabilitation of the Schelde Estuary (The Netherlands–Belgium; Northwest Europe): Linking Ecology, Safety Against Floods, and Accessibility for Port Development
Authors: Van den Bergh E , Van Damme S , Graveland J , De Jong D , Baten I , Meire P 
Published: March 2005

Abstract The Long‐Term Vision for the Schelde estuary was determined as “the development of a healthy and multifunctional estuarine water system that can be utilized in a sustainable way for human needs.” This Dutch–Flemish managerial plan sets quality targets for the condition of the estuary by the year 2030 and the management measures to achieve them. Targets were developed and integrated from three central perspectives: accessibility of the ports, safety against floods in the densely populated catchment, and ecosystem health. This study focuses on the ecological rehabilitation of the estuary and the creation of sustainable nature, seeking possible alliances with security measures against floods, navigation requisites for port activities, and enhancement of the estuary's educational and recreational values. The estuary and its valley were subdivided into ecologically relevant zones. Key parameters were identified, and a conceptual rehabilitation model was developed, based on a problem analysis. Goals were set in a semiquantified way for most attributes of the estuarine functioning and prioritized for each zone. Rehabilitation measures with maximal contribution to the priority goals were identified for each zone. Spatial analysis of the study area indicated optimal areas for the implementation of these measures. To exemplify the array of possibilities on an ecosystem level, two different rehabilitation plans were proposed, each from a different approach. The potential contribution to the rehabilitation of the estuary was compared for both alternatives.
Beach Nourishment and Coastal Habitats: Research Needs to Improve Compatibility
Authors: Nordstrom K.F. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract Beach nourishment creates many opportunities for resource development and use, but it also creates new issues regarding cumulative, long‐term losses in borrow areas and appropriate human actions in fill areas. Nourished beaches should be considered as more than consumptive resources built for shore protection and recreation. Assessments of nourishment projects in the United States are used to identify research needed to address impacts on species and habitats in borrow areas and restoration of natural subenvironments in nourished areas. Achieving these goals involves changes in stakeholder attitudes about the meaning of beach nourishment and development of research initiatives to demonstrate the scientific, technologic, and economic feasibility of methods that are more compatible with maintaining or restoring natural landforms and habitats. Suggestions are made for expanding the spatial and temporal scales of investigation, evaluating alternative beach and sediment types, identifying new uses for fill, evaluating alternative technologies and practices, implementing adaptive management strategies, assessing stakeholder attitudes and capabilities, overcoming cost constraints, and conducting interdisciplinary studies.
Ploidy analysis of field cancerization and cancer development in the hamster cheek pouch carcinogenesis model
Authors: Raimondi A. , Cabrini R. , Itoiz M. E. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  The hamster cheek‐pouch carcinogenesis model is a well‐known animal system that closely mimics the development of premalignant and malignant lesions in human oral cancer. Our aim was to numerically characterize the premalignant and malignant lesions and expressions of field cancerization in this model using ploidy as the end‐point.Methods:  To study the DNA content and proliferation status of the cells in this model we assessed the Feulgen reaction and the immunohistochemical reaction for 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxiuridine (BrdU) in different histological areas of serial tissue sections of the cheek pouches of animals injected with BrdU.Results:  Ploidy values were higher in cancerized epithelia with no unusual microscopic features (NUMF), in preneoplastic and tumor areas than in control epithelia. The aneuploidy index was higher in NUMF areas than in control and differed significantly from control in preneoplastic areas and carcinoma.Conclusions:  The unexpected alteration in DNA content observed in NUMF epithelia is of great relevance as a biomarker of field cancerized areas.
Expression of p63 protein and mRNA in oral epithelial dysplasia
Authors: Chen Yuk‐Kwan , Hsue Shui‐Sang , Lin Li‐Min 
Published: March 2005

Background:  Abnormalities in the TP53 are regarded as the most consistent findings in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Two related members of the TP53 family, p73 and p63, have shown remarkable structural similarity to TP53, indicating possible functional and biological interactions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of p63 protein and mRNA in oral epithelial dysplasia.Methods:  Immunohistochemical p63 staining was compared for samples from 90 male patients with buccal epithelial dysplasias and 15 healthy individuals with normal buccal mucosa and 15 subjects with reactive epithelial hyperplasia of the oral mucosa secondary to traumatic insult. The buccal lesions consisted of mild, moderate and severe epithelial dysplasias (30 samples in each category). The mRNA expression using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) was also included for a subset of available fresh tissue specimens (four samples in each category of mild and moderate epithelial dysplasia; five samples in severe epithelial dysplasia; five samples in each of normal and reactive epithelial hyperplasia).Results:  Nuclear p63 staining was demonstrated predominantly in the basal layers of the epithelium of the normal buccal mucosa and reactive epithelial hyperplasia specimens. For epithelial dysplasia lesions, however, staining was not restricted to the basal layers, extending to the middle spinous layer for samples in the mild category, with p63 immunoexpression observed across almost the full thickness of the dysplastic epithelium for analogous moderate and severe specimens. Compared with normal/reactive hyperplastic mucosa, p63 staining in the dysplastic mucosa was significantly increased. The severity of dysplasia was increased with the increase of p63 staining. Furthermore, ΔNp63mRNA was identified in all of the fresh tissue samples whereas expression of transactivation (TA) isotype was not detected. A subset of moderate epithelial dysplasia and severe variant showing p63‐positive staining has undergone malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinomas in about 5 years follow‐up.Conclusion:  Our results indicate that impaired p63 immunoexpression (predominantly ΔN isoform) is associated with the severity of oral epithelial dysplasias and up‐regulation of p63 may play a role in the early stage of human oral tumorigenesis.
Assessment of SS‐A and SS‐B in parotid saliva of patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Hammi Ann Rose , Al‐Hashimi Ibtisam H. , Nunn Martha E. , Zipp Michele 
Published: March 2005

Background:  The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity of parotid saliva to that of serum in detecting anti‐SSA/Ro and anti‐SSB/La autoantibodies in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.Methods:  Forty patients and 20 controls participated in the study; all patients met the 1993 European Community criteria for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. Healthy controls were age‐ and sex‐matched individuals with no signs or symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome. Serum and saliva samples were evaluated using AffiniTech SSA/Ro and SSB/La antibodies kits (AffiniTech, Ltd. Bentonville, AR, USA). The results were also compared with serological status of SS‐A and SS‐B as reported by an independent clinical laboratory.Results:  Serum was significantly more sensitive than saliva in detecting SSA/Ro and SSB/La antibodies (P = 0.001). There was high agreement between the results with the AffiniTech kits and the independent laboratory (kappa = 0.80; P < 0.001). However, there was poor agreement between saliva and serum results (kappa = 0.174; P = 0.168).Conclusions:  The overall results appear to support that serum analysis is effective method for evaluating the presence of SS‐A and SS‐B autoantibodies.
Morphological changes of regional lymph node in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity
Authors: Okura Masaya , Kagamiuchi Hajime , Tominaga Gyo , Iida Seiji , Fukuda Yasuo , Kogo Mikihiko 
Published: March 2005

Background:  Regional immune responses with various types of cancer have been studied histopathologically, however, the prognostic value remains conflicting. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological changes related to lymph node metastasis and the prognostic value for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:  With histopathologic whole architecture of 430 lymph nodes, gross area, germinal center (GC) area, paracortical area (PA), and tumor area were measured.Results:  Metastatic node had significantly lower distribution ratio of PA to lymphoarea than that of tumor‐free node. GC area was not constantly associated with lymph node metastasis. In Cox multivariate analysis, the mean ratio of PA to gross area/lymphoarea was an independent prognostic factor.Conclusions:  The proportion of PA to gross/lymph area was associated with lymph node metastasis and long‐term survival and may be useful in stratification of those patients for a requirement of adjuvant treatments.
Randomized‐controlled trial: effect of a reservoir biteguard on quality of life in xerostomia
Authors: Robinson Peter G. , Pankhurst Caroline L. , Garrett Emma J. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  To assess the effect of a reservoir biteguard for artificial saliva on the oral health‐related quality of life of patients with xerostomia.Methods:  Double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial among 86 adults with xerostomia. Study group received the trial biteguard. Control group received a conventional biteguard. Outcomes were number of impacts and total scores as recorded by oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP).Results:  At 1‐month follow up 84 people remained in the trial. The median number of impacts in the study and control groups was 3 and 4 respectively. The median total score was 6 and 12 respectively. In ANCOVA receipt of the reservoir biteguard reduced the number of impacts recorded by OIDP but there was no difference in the total score.Conclusions:  Reservoir biteguards improved the quality of life of people with xerostomia by reducing the number of impacts on daily life.