bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fifteen Years of Vegetation and Soil Development after Brackish‐Water Marsh Creation
Authors: Craft Christopher , Broome Stephen , Campbell Carlton 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAboveground biomass, macro‐organic matter (MOM), and wetland soil characteristics were measured periodically between 1983 and 1998 in a created brackish‐water marsh and a nearby natural marsh along the Pamlico River estuary, North Carolina to evaluate the development of wetland vegetation and soil dependent functions after marsh creation. Development of aboveground biomass and MOM was dependent on elevation and frequency of tidal inundation. Aboveground biomass ofSpartina alterniflora, which occupied low elevations along tidal creeks and was inundated frequently, developed to levels similar to the natural marsh (750 to 1,300 g/m2) within three years after creation.Spartina cynosuroides, which dominated interior areas of the marsh and was flooded less frequently, required 9 years to consistently achieve aboveground biomass equivalent to the natural marsh (600 to 1,560 g/m2). Aboveground biomass ofSpartina patens, which was planted at the highest elevations along the terrestrial margin and seldom flooded, never consistently developed aboveground biomass comparable with the natural marsh during the 15 years after marsh creation. MOM (0 to 10 cm) generally developed at the same rate as aboveground biomass. Between 1988 and 1998, soil bulk density decreased and porosity and organic C and N pools increased in the created marsh. Like vegetation, wetland soil development proceeded faster in response to increased inundation, especially in the streamside zone dominated byS. alterniflora.We estimated that in the streamside and interior zones, an additional 30 years (nitrogen) to 90 years (organic C, porosity) are needed for the upper 30 cm of created marsh soil to become equivalent to the natural marsh. Wetland soil characteristics of theS. patenscommunity along upland fringe will take longer to develop, more than 200 years. Development of the benthic invertebrate‐based food web, which depends on organic matter enrichment of the upper 5 to 10 cm of soil, is expected to take less time. Wetland soil characteristics and functions of created irregularly flooded brackish marshes require longer to develop compared with regularly flooded salt marshes because reduced tidal inundation slows wetland vegetation and soil development. The hydrologic regime (regularly vs. irregularly flooded) of the “target” wetland should be considered when setting realistic expectations for success criteria of created and restored wetlands.
Acid Stream Water Remediation Using Limestone Sand on Bear Run in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Authors: LeFevre Susan R. , Sharpe William E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractInstream limestone sand application is used at many sites in Pennsylvania to neutralize acidic stream water resulting from acid deposition. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of limestone sand in the treatment of acid waters, such as reduced contact time at high flow, remobilization of aluminum, and adverse effects on macroinvertebrates. A 1‐year evaluation of limestone sand application to Bear Run, an acidic stream in southwestern Pennsylvania, was begun in 1999. Another nearby acid stream, Linn Run, served as a control. Water quality during baseflow and episodic acidification events, along with fish and macroinvertebrates, were monitored to evaluate impacts of the sand application. Hydrogen ion (H+) concentration and total dissolved aluminum (TDA) were significantly reduced, and acid neutralizing capacity was significantly increased downstream of the limestone sand application compared with the upstream site on Bear Run. These parameters at the downstream sites were also different (∝ 0.10) from the comparable sites on the control stream. TDA and hydrogen ion concentrations were significantly decreased (∝ 0.10) compared with concentrations before the sand application to Bear Run but not on the control stream. No fish were present upstream of the sand application site, and only a few fish were found downstream at the mouth of Bear Run. Standing crop, number of taxa, and Shannon‐Weaver diversity index values indicated that macroinvertebrate populations were negatively impacted 300 m downstream from the sand application and improved at the site 1,600 m downstream. Although water quality was improved on Bear Run, benefits to macroinvertebrates depended on downstream location, and fish populations did not show improvement.
Modeling Habitat Change in Salt Marshes After Tidal Restoration
Authors: Boumans R. M. J. , Burdick D. M. , Dionne M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSalt marshes continue to degrade in the United States due to indirect human impacts arising from tidal restrictions. Roads or berms with inadequate provision for tidal flow hinder ecosystem functions and interfere with self‐maintenance of habitat, because interactions among vegetation, soil, and hydrology within tidally restricted marshes prevent them from responding to sea level rise. Prediction of the tidal range that is expected after restoration relative to the current geomorphology is crucial for successful restoration of salt marsh habitat. Both insufficient (due to restriction) and excessive (due to subsidence and sea level rise) tidal flooding can lead to loss of salt marshes. We developed and applied the Marsh Response to Hydrological Modifications model as a predictive tool to forecast the success of management scenarios for restoring full tides to previously restricted areas. We present an overview of a computer simulation tool that evaluates potential culvert installations with output of expected tidal ranges, water discharges, and flood potentials. For three New England tidal marshes we show species distributions of plants for tidally restricted and nonrestricted areas. Elevation ranges of species are used for short‐term (<5 years) predictions of changes to salt marsh habitat after tidal restoration. In addition, elevation changes of the marsh substrate measured at these sites are extrapolated to predict long‐term (>5 years) changes in marsh geomorphology under restored tidal regimes. The resultant tidal regime should be designed to provide habitat requirements for salt marsh plants. At sites with substantial elevation losses a balance must be struck that stimulates elevation increases by improving sediment fluxes into marshes while establishing flooding regimes appropriate to sustain the desired plants.
An Analysis of Forest Restoration 120 Years after Reforestation on Badlands in the Southwestern Alps
Authors: Vallauri Daniel R. , Aronson James , Barbero Marcel 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe report the results of descriptive and functional analyses of a representative forest and watershed in the southwestern Alps, where the Forest Service has attempted reforestation of badlands for erosion control since 1860, relying on the non‐nativePinus nigrassp.nigra(Austrian black pine). One hundred twenty years after the first tree plantings, the plant communities are still early seral assemblages for the most part, with Austrian black pine occurring alone in the canopy. In contrast, most of the marly soils have physically recovered part of their total depth, with layers of fragmented and altered material equal to 50 cm, but their structure and chemical fertility is still poor. Autogenic soil restoration is proceeding however, largely engineered by earthworms (up to 49 individuals and 27 g/m2). Two dominant species are presumed keystone:Lumbricus terrestrisandOctolasion cyaneum(Lumbricidae). The reestablishment of indigenous tree species is apparently not inhibited by site fertility or lack of nearby seed pools. We hypothesize that excessive stand density is responsible for the poor regeneration because it discourages the birds and rodents that control seed dissemination. Mortality of pines due to infestation byViscum albumsubsp.austriacum(mistletoe) is creating large openings and should be specially managed. One hundred twenty years after the first plantings, the nineteenth‐century vision that restoration of badlands was ecologically feasible is validated, as is the strategy to establish pioneer tree species. Here Austrian black pine acts as a nurse stand and enables the return of indigenous broad‐leaved trees and a wide array of herbaceous species as well. However, our results clearly indicate that appropriate silvicultural tactics should now consist of tree thinning to promote the true restoration of native biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Drainage and Elevation as Factors in the Restoration of Salt Marsh in Britain
Authors: Crooks Stephen , Schutten Johan , Sheern Glenn D. , Pye Kenneth , Davy Anthony J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIntertidal restoration through realignment of flood defenses has become an important component of the U.K. coastal and estuarine management strategy. Although experimentation with recent deliberate breaches is in progress, the long‐term prognosis for salt marsh restoration can be investigated at a number of sites around Essex, southeast England where salt marshes have been reactivated (unmanaged restoration) by storm events over past centuries. These historically reactivated marshes possess higher creek densities than their natural marsh counterparts. Both geomorphology and sedimentology determine the hydrology of natural and restored salt marshes. Elevation relative to the tidal frame is known to be the primary determinant of vegetation colonization and succession. Yet vegetation surveys and geotechnical analysis at a natural marsh, where areas with good drainage exist in close proximity to areas of locally hindered drainage at the same elevation, revealed a significant inverse relationship between water saturation in the root zone and the abundance of Atriplex portulacoides, normally the physiognomic dominant on upper salt marsh in the region. Elsewhere in Essex natural and restored marshes are typified by very high sediment water contents, and this is reflected in low abundance of A. portulacoides. After a century of reestablishment no significant difference could be discerned between the vegetation composition of the storm‐reactivated marshes and their natural marsh counterparts. We conclude that vegetation composition may be restored within a century of dike breaching, but this vegetation does not provide a reliable indicator of ecological functions related to creek structure.
Is There A Relationship Between Baroreflex Sensitivity, Cardiac Autonomic Function And Cardiac Repolarisation In Type 1 Patients?
Authors: Harris Nd , Lee Spc , Yeoh Ls , Leathard A , Heller Sr 
Published: March 2003

Established diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) carries a poor prognosis, with an increased risk of sudden death. Recently, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) has been proposed as a sensitive marker of autonomic function in diabetes (DM). An association between DAN and abnormal cardiac repolarisation, manifest by increases in QT interval and/or QT dispersion on the ECG, has also been described. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between BRS and QT parameters. We have studied 28 Type 1 DM subjects (age 39 ± 10yrs (mean ± SD), DM duration 14 ± 11yrs, HbA1c 8.5 ± 1.3%) with normal cardiac autonomic function tests (DAN–) and 8 subjects (age 49 ± 13yrs, duration 22 ± 9yrs, HbA1c 9.5 ± 1.1%) with abnormal tests using standard criteria (DAN+). We measured supine BRS using sequence analysis of systolic blood pressure and pulse interval. Rate‐corrected QT (QTc) interval was measured using a high‐resolution ECG system, and QT dispersion from a 12‐lead ECG recorded at 50mm/s. Results are summarised below.Regression analysis revealed no correlation between BRS and QTc interval or QT. In summary, DAN+ patients had significantly lower BRS (p < 0.001) and increased QT dispersion (p < 0.01) compared to DAN− subjects, but no difference in QTc. In contrast to BRS, changes in QTc and QT dispersion may occur relatively late in the disease.

BRS ms/mmHg
QTc interval
QT dispersion

DAN−
12.7 ± 6.6 (n=28)
411 ± 22 ms (n=28)
38 ± 12 ms (n=28)

DAN+
3.9 ± 1.9 (n=8)
409 ± 22 ms (n=8)
54 ± 12 ms (n=6)
Vibration Perception Thresholds: Comparison Of Case IV And Neurothesiometer Measurements
Authors: Bril V , Perkins Ba 
Published: March 2003

Purpose: Vibration perception thresholds (VPT) are used frequently to assess somatosensory pathways in clinical trials. Different equipment, testing paradigms, and stimulation sites produce varying results which make comparisons between trials and patient populations challenging. Information comparing the VPT obtained with the Neurothesiometer to that with the Vibratron is available, but not for a similar comparison with the CASE IV1. Methods: 478 subjects including reference, non‐neuropathic subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM), and diabetic patients with mild, moderate and severe neuropathy had VPT measured with the CASE IV and Neurothesiometer, as well as the criterion standard sural nerve conduction studies all on the same day. The dorsum of the foot was stimulated for the CASE IV determination and the distal phalanx of the first toe for the Neurothesiometer. Results: VPT by the CASE IV correlate with the Neurothesiometer values (R2 = 0.547, p < 0.0001). VPT determined by both Neurothesiometer and CASE IV correlate with the sural nerve amplitude (R2 = 0.456 and 0.461, P < 0.0001 for both). Conclusions: Results demonstrate a significant correlation of VPT values obtained by the two methods. Similar correlations between VPT and electrophysiological parameters are observed indicating that both methods are valid, and thus the Neurothesiometer is favored due to the ease and rapidity of testing by this method. 1 Bril V, Kojic J, Ngo M, Clark K. (1997). Comparison of the Neurothesiometer and Vibratron in Measuring Vibration Perception Threshold and Relationship to Nerve Conduction Studies. Diabetes Care, 20:1360–1362.
Age‐Induced Neuropathy In Rats
Authors: Yagihashi S , Nishizawa Y , Baba M , Takeuchi M. 
Published: March 2003

We studied the effects of exogenously administered advanced glycation end‐products (AGE) on the peripheral nerve function and structure in normal rats. Normal Wistar rats aged 6 weeks were injected intraperitoneally with purified AGE (20 mg/kg/day) produced by incubation of glucose with bovine serum albumin (BSA) for 12 weeks. Control rats were treated with BSA alone. One of AGE‐treated groups was co‐treated with 50 mg/kg aminoguanidine (AG). During the experimental period, body weight and blood glucose levels were not affected in AGE‐treated rats. Serum AGE levels were elevated two fold in AGE‐treated group whereas BSA treated rats maintained normal levels, whereas tissue AGE levels in sciatic nerve were not increased in treated group. AG did not alter the levels of serum AGE. AGE‐treated rats exhibited significant delay of motor nerve conduction velocity by 30% and reduction of sciatic nerve in Na,K‐ATPase activity by 25% in AGE‐treated rats. AG treatment significantly inhibited these changes. Immunostains on the cross‐sections of sciatic nerve demonstrated significant increase in cells positive for 8 hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative stress‐induced DNA injury, in AGE‐treated group. AG treatment significantly inhibited this reaction. There was no difference in morphometric data on myelinated fibers in sural nerve among the experimental groups. AGE‐injected rats thus showed the neuropathic changes, similar to those found in experimentally‐induced diabetic animals and it is therefore suggested that AGE have a pathogenetic role in the development of diabetic neuropathy through induction of excessive oxidative stress.Supported by Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International (1‐2000‐263), Japan Diabetes Foundation, Japanese Ministry of Science, Education, Sports and Culture.
Effects Of Different Schedules Of Oxaliplatin Treatment On The Peripheral Nervous System And The Auditory Pathway In The Rat
Authors: Cavaletti G , Tredici G , Petruccioli MG , Dondè E , Tredici P , Marmiroli P , Minoia C , Gatti A , Bayssas M , Griffon Etienne G. 
Published: March 2003

The dose‐limiting side effect of the second‐generation platinum drug oxaliplatin is peripheral neurotoxicity. In the present study we compared the effect on the peripheral nervous system and on the auditory pathway of the rat of four different schedules of oxaliplatin administration using two cumulative doses (36 and 48 mg/kg) and three different intervals between administrations (twice weekly, five consecutive days on alternate weeks or alternate days).After oxaliplatin treatment platinum was detected in the kidney, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and sciatic nerve. The neuropathological examination evidenced DRG nucleolar, nuclear and somatic size reduction with DRG nucleolar segregation in all the treated rats. In the sciatic nerves, mild secondary axonopathy occurred. Sensory nerve conduction velocity was reduced after oxaliplatin treatment, while the auditory pathway was unaffected. After a 5‐week follow‐up period complete recovery of the pathological changes in the DRG and sciatic nerves occurred, although platinum was still detectable in these tissues. In the follow‐up period several oxaliplatin‐treated rats had abdominal bloating due to local toxicity of the intraperitoneally delivered drug. Conclusion: 1) The least toxic schedules are those used in gr.1 and 2; 2) The shorter the interval between injections, the higher the severity of peripheral neuropathy, related primarily to the cumulative l‐OHP dose; 3) The DRG neuronopathy and the nerve damage tend to be reversible; 4) Ototoxicity even with high cumulative doses of oxaliplatin is absent.

Gr

1
The endoneurial response to microsurgically removed epi‐ and perineurium
Authors: Terho Perttu M. , Vuorinen Ville S. , Röyttä Matias 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  The purpose of the study was to examine the response of the endoneurium of the rat sciatic nerve after removal of the epi‐ and perineurium. For this purpose, segments (4–5 mm long) of the whole epi‐ and perineurium around the rat sciatic nerve were microsurgically removed (the peel‐off area) and the endoneurium was left intact. The postoperative changes were followed up to 5 weeks post‐operatively (PO) by histo‐ and immunohistochemical studies. Additionally, neuromorphometric analyses considering the number of Schwann cells, axons, macrophages and endothelial cells were examined in the peel‐off area.The results showed that at the operative area the central part of the endoneurium (65% of the total area of the endoneurium) remained morphologically intact, but the outer part of the endoneurium (35% of the total area) reacted strongly and showed Wallerian type of degeneration. The number of axons and Schwann cells decreased 3 days PO. However, after 2 weeks the number of Schwann cells increased markedly and the highest number was noted 5 weeks PO. A great number of capillaries were observed in the outer part 1 week PO. A rapid invasion of macrophages was noted at the outer part of the endoneurium immediately after the operation. During the regeneration the endoneurial fibroblasts in the peripheral zone started to form minifascicle‐like formations, which resulted in a distinct dense outer part of the endoneurium. This dense outer zone was preserved up to 5 weeks PO and participated in the formation of a new perineurium‐like structure, but no distinct new perineurium was formed. At the border zone, areas beside the normal epi‐ and perineurium proliferation of preserved perineurial cells were noted, which fused to the outer part of the dense endoneurium. On focal areas, an attachment of the operated area to the adjoining muscle was observed.This study shows for the first time that despite the microsurgical removal of epi‐ and perineurium, the inner part of the endoneurium stays intact, but in the outer part of the endoneurium marked reactive changes ensue, probably to protect the injured peripheral nerve.
Why Older Community‐Dwelling Adults Do Not Discuss Urinary Incontinence with Their Primary Care Physicians
Authors: Dugan Elizabeth , Roberts Christine P. , Cohen Stuart J. , Preisser John S. , Davis Cralen C. , Bland Deirdre R. , Albertson Elizabeth 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: This study explored reasons why older adults with urinary incontinence (UI) do not initiate discussions with or seek treatment for UI from their primary care provider.DESIGN: A randomized, prospective controlled trial involving 41 primary care sites.SETTING: Primary care practice sites.PARTICIPANTS: 49 older adults age 60 and older not previously screened for UI by their primary care doctor.MEASUREMENTS: Demographic data, self‐reported bladder‐control information using questionnaires, and health status.RESULTS: Adults who did not discuss UI were older, had less‐frequent leaking accidents and fewer nighttime voids and were less bothered by UI than those who did. The two main reasons why patients did not seek help were the perceptions that UI was not a big problem (45%) and was a normal part of aging (19%).CONCLUSIONS: Embarrassment or lack of awareness of treatment options were not significant barriers to discussing UI. Adults with a fairly high frequency of UI (average of 1.7 episodes per day) did not view UI as abnormal or a serious medical condition.
Effects of Aging on Hand Function
Authors: Ranganathan Vinoth K. , Siemionow Vlodek , Sahgal Vinod , Yue Guang H. 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to quantify age‐induced changes in handgrip and finger‐pinch strength, ability to maintain a steady submaximal finger pinch force and pinch posture, speed in relocating small objects with finger grip, and ability to discriminate two identical mechanical stimuli applied to the finger tip.DESIGN: A cross‐sectional study.SETTINGS: Greater Cleveland area of Ohio.PARTICIPANTS: Healthy, independent, young (n = 27, range 20–35 years) and older (n = 28, range 65–79 years) subjects.MEASUREMENTS: Handgrip strength, maximum pinch force (MPF), ability to maintain a steady pinch force at three relative force levels (5%, 10%, and 20% MPF) and three absolute force levels (2.5 Newtons (N), 4 N, and 8 N), ability to maintain a precision pinch posture, speed in relocating pegs from a nearby location onto the pegboard, and the shortest distance for discriminating two stimuli were measured in both young and older groups.RESULTS: Compared with young subjects, the older group's handgrip force was 30% weaker (P < .001), MPF was 26% lower (P < .05), and ability to maintain steady submaximal pinch force and a precision pinch posture was significantly less (P < .05). The time taken to relocate the pegs and the distance needed to discriminate two identical stimuli increased significantly with age (P < .01). The decrease in the ability to maintain steady submaximal pinch force was more pronounced in women than men.CONCLUSION: Aging has a degenerative effect on hand function, including declines in hand and finger strength and ability to control submaximal pinch force and maintain a steady precision pinch posture, manual speed, and hand sensation.