Short-term Restoration Research Articles

Facilitation by Tree Species in Variable Retention Harvesting for the Restoration of Monoculture Plantations in Southern China

Facilitation can drive the successional dynamics and change the restoration trajectory of degraded forests. However, the relative importance of facilitation by tree species after variable retention harvesting is unclear. We used a field experiment to evaluate the effect of two facilitator species, Castanopsis fissa (C. fissa) and Manglietia glauca (M. glauca), managed with variable retention harvesting, on the development of two target species, Castanopsis hystrix (C. hystrix) and Erythrophloeum fordii (E. fordii), in a Masson pine ( Pinus massoniana) monoculture. The following variables were measured for all of the four interplanted tree species: structural growth, regeneration, aboveground biomass accumulation, leaf area index, and soil conditions. The results indicate that the abundance, growth, and aboveground biomass were relatively greater in plots planted with C. fissa compared with M. glauca and that the target species performed best with 50% retention harvesting of C. fissa, with an improved establishment of both target species indicating a positive interaction. In addition, the regeneration, leaf area index and soil conditions differed between the two facilitators in the variable retention harvesting treatments because of the different intrinsic characteristic of the facilitators. In summary, our results imply that managers have considerable flexibility to employ various types of facilitation schemes coupled with different harvesting systems for successful short-term restoration within a monoculture.

The Middle-Aged Bone Marrow Microenvironment Drives Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging through Altered Production of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF1)

Globally, lifespan continues to increase. A growing challenge is how to maintain a healthy aging population. In hematopoiesis, healthspan is limited by a decline in regenerative capacity and overproduction of myeloid cell types at the expense of lymphoid cell types. These alterations contribute to decreased immune function, poor response to vaccination and increased susceptibility to myeloid neoplasms. Methods to extend hematopoietic healthspan are unclear, in part due to our relatively poor understanding of the factors controlling aging.To address this gap in knowledge, we utilized mouse models to examine at what age did impaired regenerative capacity and myeloid-biased hematopoiesis begin to occur. We find that these phenotypes become significant by 9-12 months of age, representing middle age in mice. Through reciprocal transplantation studies of purified long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) between young and middle-aged mice, we find that the middle-aged bone marrow (BM) microenvironment is sufficient to cause impaired regenerative capacity and myeloid-biased hematopoiesis from young LT-HSCs. These studies clearly implicate components of the BM microenvironment at middle age as causing hematopoietic aging.To uncover the factors altered in the middle-aged BM microenvironment that cause hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell aging, we utilized single cell RNA-Seq and ELISA analysis. Together, these identified a reduction in Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF1) in the BM microenvironment as the top candidate regulator of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell aging. Expression of the receptor for IGF1, IGF1R, was dynamically altered on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell populations with aging, suggesting that these respond to altered local levels of IGF1. In vitro colony-forming unit studies demonstrate that stimulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells isolated from middle-aged mice with exogenous IGF-1 ligand resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of myeloid cell overproduction, rescuing the aging phenotype. Finally, direct restoration of IGF1 levels in the BM microenvironment by short-term intrafemoral injection, at middle age, suppressed myeloid cell overproduction and restored B cell production in the BM and peripheral blood.In summary, this study reveals a novel role for IGF1 in hematopoietic aging. We show that decline in local levels of IGF1 in the BM microenvironment at middle age cause hematopoietic aging. In addition, we demonstrate that short-term restoration of IGF1 at middle age can rescue hematopoietic aging. IGF1 thus represents an attractive candidate molecule to restore hematopoietic regenerative capacity and balanced lineage cell production to extend hematopoietic healthspan into older age. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Restauración de montes quemados en condiciones mediterráneas

Wildfires may produce ecosystem damages that would require post-fire mitigation and/or restoration actions. The question is what are the criteria to identify those burned areas that show high degradation risk in order to plan and prioritise restoration projects. To address that question it is necessary to start with the analysis of fire impact, and from that analysis to derive predictive tools for assessing the fragility and regeneration capacity of burned ecosystems. The identification of post-fire degradation mechanisms provides the basis for developing the corresponding specific mitigation/restoration actions. The diagnostic of ecological impact of wildfires together with the established forest management objectives allow deriving mitigation/restoration strategies and the subsequent implementation projects.We present our experience on the evaluation of post-fire ecosystem vulnerability and on the assessment of restoration planning derived from recent and ongoing EC research projects. This includes the development of short-term restoration techniques suited for degraded soils and dry Mediterranean conditions, where fire-induced degradation is complicated with water shortage for regenerating vegetation.

Hyperspectral Estimation of the Chlorophyll Content in Short-Term and Long-Term Restorations of Mangrove in Quanzhou Bay Estuary, China

The chlorophyll content can indicate the general health of vegetation, and can be estimated from hyperspectral data. The aim of this study is to estimate the chlorophyll content of mangroves at different stages of restoration in a coastal wetland in Quanzhou, China, using proximal hyperspectral remote sensing techniques. We determine the hyperspectral reflectance of leaves from two mangrove species, Kandelia candel and Aegiceras corniculatum, from short-term and long-term restoration areas with a portable spectroradiometer. We also measure the leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value). We use partial-least-squares stepwise regression to determine the relationships between the spectral reflectance and the chlorophyll content of the leaves, and establish two models, a full-wave-band spectrum model and a red-edge position regression model, to estimate the chlorophyll content of the mangroves. The coefficients of determination for the red-edge position model and the full-wave-band model exceed 0.72 and 0.82, respectively. The inverted chlorophyll contents are estimated more accurately for the long-term restoration mangroves than for the short-term restoration mangroves. Our results indicate that hyperspectral data can be used to estimate the chlorophyll content of mangroves at different stages of restoration, and could possibly be adapted to estimate biochemical constituents in leaves.

Understanding physical activity promotion in physiotherapy practice: A qualitative study

ObjectivePhysical inactivity is a major public health issue and healthcare professionals are encouraged to promote physical activity during routine patient contacts in order to reduce non-communicable diseases and enhance individuals' quality of life. Little is known about physical activity promotion in physiotherapy practice in the UK. The aim of this study was to better understand physiotherapists' experience of physical activity promotion in clinical practice. DesignA qualitative study was undertaken comprising 12 telephone interviews with participants using a quota sampling approach. The qualitative data was analysed using a thematic analysis approach and written up according to COREQ guidelines. FindingsFour themes were identified (1) Current physiotherapy practice (2) Barriers to, and facilitators of physical activity promotion, (3) Exercise or physical activity? and (4) Functional restoration versus general wellbeing. ConclusionsPhysiotherapists use routine clinical contacts to discuss physical activity. However, brief interventions are not consistently used and no common framework to guide physical activity promotion was identified. Approaches appear to be inconsistent and informal and focus largely on short-term restoration of function rather than health promotion. There is scope to improve practice in line with current guidance to maximise potential impact on inactivity.

Initial Movements of Re- introduced Elk in the Missouri Ozarks

Initial movements of re- introduced wildlife populations can determine short-term restoration success. Managers need ways to encourage release site fidelity to mitigate suboptimal breeding, reduce mortality rates, and minimize human-wildlife conflicts. We studied initial movement ecology of elk (Cervus elaphus) fitted with GPS collars and re- introduced to the Missouri Ozarks in 2011 (n = 32), 2012 (n = 21), and 2013 (n = 31) for 6 mo post release. We assessed maximum displacement from the release site, range shifts, and range size across four sequential time frames (0–10 d, 11–31 d, 32–61 d, and 62–183 d). Compared to other elk restorations in eastern North America, site fidelity was high, with maximum distance from the release site 62–183 d post release ≤10 km for 94% of 2011 animals, 57% of 2012 animals, and 97% of 2013 animals. Elk range sizes were similar during the first 61 d post release but doubled in size 62–183 d post release to an average of 26.2 km2 (range: 4.0–218.8 km2). The average range overlap for individual elk in sequential time periods was between 23–26% across years, indicating elk used different areas over time. Release site had the greatest influence on initial movements; one site used in 2012 was associated with greater release site displacement and range sizes. Maternal cows also demonstrated higher site fidelity to the release site than nonmaternal cows. High site fidelity and small home ranges in elk recently restored to Missouri may be attributed to soft release, minimal human disturbance, quality habitat, and release groups of mature females.

The Dental Architect

The systematic and simple replacement of missing teeth without radical manipulation of existing sound structure— over preparation, utilizing scaffolding, or a matrix the “Winged Pontic” of prefabricated filled composite resin, may correctly be characterized as bio-synthetic tissue engineering. A new conversation regarding one of the direction of prosthetic dentistry for the 21st Century is offered in Stephan C. Bayne’s review of the state of the art for restorative biomaterials titled Dental Biomaterials: Where Are We and Where Are We Going? The non-invasive, uncomplicated, artistically and professionally rewarding “Winged Pontic” approach is one such arts, synthetic tissue engineering. The case report offered in this manuscript demonstrates the concept of direct and immediate tooth replacement in a step by step methodology that may easily be adapted by the dental surgeon. Fiber reinforcement is unnecessary based upon 25 years of research since it is cumbersome, ineffectual, and disruptive to the filled composite resin matrix. In any instance, the “Winged Pontic” fixed prosthesis may be viewed as a short term, medium term, or definitive restoration. It may also serve as a pediatric tooth space maintainer or as a implant stabilization prosthesis during osseointegration of dental implants by hollowing out the tissue side core of the “Winged Pontic” and placing it over the healing abutment of the dental implant

Short-Term Landscape Restoration through Optimal Management of Stockpiled Topsoil on Plant Diversity and Growth of Tree Species

Short-Term Landscape Restoration through Optimal Management of Stockpiled Topsoil on Plant Diversity and Growth of Tree Species

Soil Seed Bank and Plant Community Development in Passive Restoration of Degraded Sandy Grasslands

To evaluate the efficacy of passive restoration on soil seed bank and vegetation recovery, we measured the species composition and density of the soil seed bank, as well as the species composition, density, coverage, and height of the extant vegetation in sites passively restored for 0, 4, 7, and 12 years (S0, S4, S7, and S12) in a degraded grassland in desert land. Compared with S0, three more species in the soil seed bank at depths of 0–30 cm and one more plant species in the community was detected in S12. Seed density within the topsoil (0–5 cm) was five times higher in S12 than that in S0. Plant densities in S7 and S12 were triple and quadruple than that in S0. Plant coverage was increased by 1.5 times (S4), double (S7), and triple (S12) compared with S0. Sørensen’s index of similarity in species composition between the soil seed bank and the plant community were high (0.43–0.63), but it was lower in short-term restoration sites (S4 and S7) than that in no and long-term restoration sites (S0 and S12). The soil seed bank recovered more slowly than the plant community under passive restoration. Passive restoration is a useful method to recover the soil seed bank and vegetation in degraded grasslands.

INVESTIGATION OF A ROLE OF THE IMMUNOGENICITY OF INFLIXIMAB IN THE THERAPY OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

At present, there are a number of unsolved problems associated with unawareness of the causes and ways to prevent the inefficacy of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors. Objective: to study the causes of secondary inefficacy of infliximab (INF), by analyzing its concentrations and antidrug antibody levels in the serum of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients receiving long INF, as well as a possibility to overcome its secondary inefficacy through plasmapheresis. Subjects and methods. 54 patients with active AS (BASDAI > 4) underwent regular long-term (1-to-10-year) treatment with INF 5 mg/kg according to the standard scheme. During the therapy blood samples were taken before a regular INF infusion to quantify the levels of antibodies to the drug and its concentration. According to the efficiency of the drug, two groups were formed: 1) 27 (50%) patients with INF inefficacy (an exacerbation occurred 2–4 weeks after infusion); 2) 27 patients with drug efficacy. The levels of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies and antinuclear factor were estimated in 27 patients to investigate a relationship between the immunogenicity of INF and the presence of autoantibodies in its secondary inefficacy. A plasmapheresis session was carried out in 5 patients before a regular IFN infusion. Results and discussion. Anti-INF antibodies were found in 28 (52%) patients, these being more common in the patients with drug inefficacy than in the others (67 and 37%, respectively; p < 0.05). In the patients with INF inefficacy, anti-INF antibody levels were significantly higher than in those with preserved drug effect (18.33 and 4.67 U/ml, respectively; р < 0.05). Moreover, the serum concentration of INF was not significantly different in these groups (1.6 and 2.96 μg/ml). There was an inverse correlation between INF concentrations and anti-INF antibodies (r = -0.7; p < 0.05). The level of autoantibodies did not correlate with that of anti-INF antibodies. Following plasmapheresis, the level of anti-INF antibodies dropped in all the patients and the concentration of the drug increased in only three of the five patients; in two of them anti-INF antibody levels were initially low (p < 0.05). Plasmapheresis promoted a short-term restoration of INF efficacy no matter what the baseline level of anti-INF antibodies. Conclusion. The secondary inefficacy of INF may be associated with not only the emergence of its neutralizing antibodies and the reduction in serum drug concentration, but also with other yet unknown causes. There is a need for further investigation of the causes of secondary INF insufficiency and methods for its overcoming.

Effects of adding an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculum and of distance to donor sites on plant species recolonization following topsoil removal

Questions Does addition of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculum increase the short-term restoration success of nutrient-poor grassland (NPG) after topsoil removal? Does distance to intact remnant grassland (IRG) patches affect restoration success, and does the effect of inoculum addition depend on distance to IRGs? Location Meerdaal forest, Oud-Heverlee, Belgium. Methods In a topsoil-removed site of 8.5 ha, where 24 IRG patches (ca. 10% of the area) were kept, 48 plots (1 m2) were established at three distances (5, 10 and 20 m) from the edge of IRG patches. Half of the plots at each distance class were inoculated with a custom-made AMF inoculum, whereas the remaining plots were used as controls. We recorded plant species abundance in the plots, just before addition of the AMF inoculum and 1 yr after. We used repeated measures ANOVA to test for effects of inoculum addition, distance to IRG patches and their interaction on plant species richness, diversity and plant community similarity between IRG patches and plots. We also evaluated the response of AMF-dependent plant species, specialist species of NPG and species with specific seed dispersal adaptations. Results Adding the inoculum positively affected species richness and/or diversity of all plant species, AMF-dependent species and specialist species. It increased plant community similarity to the IRG patches. Increasing distance from IRG patches had a negative effect on richness and/or diversity of all plant species and specialist species. The positive effect of inoculum addition on richness and/or diversity of all species, AMF-dependent species and specialist species decreased with increasing distance from IRG patches to the plots, likely indicating priority effects. Conclusions The application of a custom-made AMF inoculum increased the short-term restoration success of NPG after topsoil removal. Dispersal limitation of specialist plant species of NPG, however, likely negatively affected the effect of inoculum addition. Apart from the AMF effect, the reported strongly positive short-time effect of inoculation was likely due to the high density of IRG patches at the site, and the presence of organic matter and other micro-organisms in the inoculum.

The streetlight effect--is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Autoimmune type 1 diabetes research and treatment are seemingly plagued with problems. Large and small, mostly well-thought out clinical studies and trials since the early 1980s have basically been negative. None of the treatments tested have reached clinical routine to replace current lifesaving insulin replacement therapy. A combination type of therapy to diminish the requirement for insulin is yet to be found. The chronic autoimmune disease at the time of clinical onset of type 1 diabetes has been the “winner” in all attempts made so far to stifle the disease process. The disease is also the “winner” over islet transplantation, a potential cure for diabetes. Islet transplantation research was drastically reduced after it was found that the so-called Edmonton protocol did not yield sustainable insulin independence despite short-term restoration of endogenous insulin production and glycemic stability (1). The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) study, well known to all, continues to underscore the importance of glucose control. The reduction in the risk of complications resulting from intensive therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes persisted at least for 4 years after the study was completed, despite increasing hyperglycemia (2). Notwithstanding progress in the overall diabetes management, we were all recently reminded of the fact that type 1 diabetes remains a deadly disease (3). Although mortality was the highest in patients with poorly controlled diabetes, it was reported that patients with type 1 diabetes with A1C of 6.9% or lower had a risk of death from any cause that was twice as high as the risk for matched control subjects (3). Against this background of an uphill battle, the current issue of Diabetes contains a Perspective by Battaglia and Atkinson entitled “The Streetlight Effect in Type 1 Diabetes” (4). In their Perspective, the authors put forward several remedies to …

Point of no return? Rehabilitating degraded soils for increased crop productivity on smallholder farms in eastern Zimbabwe

Soil degradation is a major threat to Southern Africa's agricultural production. Crops show generally weak responses to mineral fertilizers on degraded soils. A three-year study was conducted between 2009 and 2012 on smallholder farms in eastern Zimbabwe to explore entry points for rehabilitating degraded croplands using principles of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) supported through farmers' local knowledge of soils. Participatory research approaches were first used to investigate farmers' understanding of soil degradation and the commonly used local diagnostic indicators. Farmers' determinants of degraded soils centered on crop performance, indicator weed species and soil physical attributes, and matched laboratory parameters. Overall, physical and chemical properties of the degraded soils were significantly lower than reported values for productive sandy soils in Zimbabwe. Evaluated on ten degraded field sites of corresponding catenary positions and similar slope, the main ISFM options involved nitrogen-fixing herbaceous legumes planted in the first year, with subsequent addition of cattle manure in the second year. In the third year, the influence of the ISFM options on maize productivity and changes in soil biological activity were then evaluated. Phosphorus was applied every year under each sequence. The controls were natural fallow and continuous maize. The treatments were randomly assigned to plots at each of the experimental sites and replicated across farms. Above-ground biomass carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) accumulation was 3038kgha−1 and 203kgha−1, respectively, under 1-year indigenous legume fallow (indifallow) against 518kgCha−1 and 14kgNha−1 under 1-year natural fallow. Two-year indifallow produced approximately three times the biomass N attained under the 2-year natural fallow. When all the treatments were planted to a maize test crop in the third year, herbaceous legume-based sequences showed the highest response to mineral fertilizer N compared with natural fallow-based sequences and continuous fertilized maize. A regression of maize yields against mineral N fertilizer showed a maximum yield of 2.5tha−1 under the herbaceous legume-based sequences against 1tha−1 under continuous fertilized maize and natural fallow-based options following addition of 120kgha−1 of mineral N fertilizer. ‘Green-start’, a Crotalaria juncea L. (sunnhemp)-based sequence, and ‘Indifallow-start 1’, an indigenous legume-based sequence, gave the highest microbial biomass C (MBC) of 243mgkg−1 soil compared with 187mgkg−1 soil under continuous maize. Microbial biomass N showed a similar trend. Under ‘Green-start’ and ‘Indifallow-start 1’, MBC to organic C ratio averaged 7; about one and half times more than under natural fallow-based sequences and continuous fertilized maize. Consistent with microbial biomass, soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emission under ‘Green-start’ and ‘Indifallow-start 1’ was 22% higher than under natural fallow-based sequences. Continuous maize treatments gave higher metabolic quotients (qCO2) than legume-based sequences, indicating a lower microbial efficiency under the former. We concluded that short-term restoration of productivity of degraded sandy soils should focus on high quality organic resource application and P fertilization to stimulate microbial activity and induce responses to mineral fertilizers. When coupled to P fertilization, herbaceous legume-based ISFM sequences provide a potential entry point for reversing soil degradation and offer opportunities for increasing crop productivity in dominant smallholder farming systems of Zimbabwe and other parts of Southern Africa.

Long-term trends in restored moorland vegetation assemblages

Restoration of moors dominated by Calluna vulgaris is carried out for conservation and sporting reasons. Previous research has shown variable restoration success in the early years of restoration management. In this study we investigated whether restored heather moorland vegetation increasingly resembles long-established moorland vegetation over a longer time period. Vegetation at seven moorland restoration sites (six in northern England and one in Scotland) was sampled in 2003 (to assess short-term restoration success) and 2010 (to assess long-term restoration success). Three of these sites were restored solely by grazing control and four by a suite of more intensive techniques. On each visit, vegetation sampling was carried out in degraded, restored and long-established control areas at each site. Restored vegetation assemblages closely resembled control assemblages. The samples were, though, dominated by the species targeted for management, Molinia caerulea and Nardus stricta in degraded samples and Calluna vulgaris in control samples. Discounting these species and concentrating on the remainder of the vegetation assemblage, areas restored solely by the reduction or removal or sheep grazing more closely resembled control assemblages whilst those managed more intensively were more intermediate between degraded and control assemblages. There was no systematic pattern of change in restored areas between the sampling dates. At two sites restored samples become more similar to control samples whilst restored samples at other sites either showed little change or moved back towards a degraded assemblage. Thus whilst moorland restoration can succeed in re-establishing C. vulgaris, we found no evidence of a systematic shift in the remainder of the vegetation assemblage towards that of a long-established moor over the time period studied.

The Impact of State of Charge Management When Providing Regulation Power With Energy Storage

Recent work suggests that further integration of wind and solar resources into the power grid will increase the demand for regulation and load following. The purpose of this letter is to investigate an important aspect of using energy storages for providing regulation: The short-term energy restoration of such limited energy resources (LERs) coincides with load following operations and could therefore lead to higher load following requirements. We therefore analyze the impact of corresponding scheduling approaches on load following energy and capacity using stochastic simulations. In particular, we compare the load following impact of a basic control strategy proposed by the stakeholders of the Independent System Operator in California (CAISO) to a strategy that attempts to manage the energy level of LERs such that their impact on load following requirements is optimal. Our results show that such smart state of charge management could even reduce the demand for load following while satisfying the full regulation demand in the CAISO control region.

Research on Vegetation Restoration of Waitoushan Iron Mine Wasteland of Benxi Steel Group Corporation

According to the investigation on the environmental pollution and vegetation conditions of Waitoushan Iron Mine of Benxi Steel Group Corporation, this paper discusses the ecological vegetation restoration of mine, makes the plans for short-term and long-term vegetation restoration, researches on the basic principles, ways, silvicultural techniques of short-term vegetation restoration. Wherein, the stability control of mine refuse dump is the precondition of vegetation restoration, the improvement of soil matrix is foundation, and the screening of vegetation varieties is the key to the success of vegetation restoration. The theoretical basis is provided for the construction of long-term mine ecological park.

Exotic plant invasion alters chaparral ecosystem resistance and resilience pre- and post-wildfire

Perturbations such as wildfire and exotic plant invasion have significant impacts on soils, and the extent to which invaded soils are resistant or resilient to these disturbances varies by ecosystem type. Replacement of shrublands by herbaceous exotics pre- and post-wildfire may drastically alter soil chemical and biological properties for an unknown duration. We assessed above and belowground resistance and resilience to exotic plant invasion both before and after a chaparral wildfire. We hypothesized that exotic plant species would change chemical characteristics of chaparral soils by altering litter and microbial inputs, and that controlling exotics and seeding native species would restore chemical characteristics to pre-invaded conditions. We additionally hypothesized that exotic plant species would slow succession above- and belowground, as well as recovery of post-wildfire chaparral structure and function. Plant species composition and soil nutrient pools and cycling rates were evaluated in mature and invaded chaparral pre- and post-wildfire. Exotic plant species were weeded and native species were seeded to assess impacts of exotic competition on native species recovery. Invasion did not impact all soil characteristics before fire, but increased soil C/N ratio, pH, and N cycling rates, and reduced NO3-N availability. After fire, invasives slowed succession above- and belowground. Removal of exotics and seeding natives facilitated succession and resulted in plant composition similar to uninvaded, post-wildfire chaparral. The chaparral ecosystem was not resistant to impacts of invasion as indicated by altered soil chemistry and C and N cycling rates; however, short-term restoration led to recovery of extractable nitrogen availability indicating resilience of chaparral soils. This suggests that the permanence of exotic plant species, once established, represents a greater ecological challenge than exotic plant impacts on soils.

Short-term restoration of riverine bird assemblages after a severe flood

Capsule Diversity and abundance of birds breeding in river channels increased significantly after a severe flood in southern Poland. Flooding increased the diversity of river channels, especially on previously regulated sections, and this resulted in more breeding habitat for birds. Aims To investigate how a severe flood can alter river assemblages of bird species breeding in natural pre-flood or regulated sections. Methods Data of breeding birds within submontane river channels in southern Poland from before (2007–2009) and after (2011) a flood were collected. Bird diversity and abundance in natural and pre-flood regulated sections were compared before and after the flood. Results The presence of natural features within channels increased significantly in all the studied sections. The number of bird species and breeding pairs increased both in the regulated and natural channel sections, but was much larger in the previously regulated sections. Conclusion The underlying cause of the observed short-term increase in species and their population size was thought to be a combination of increased breeding site availability and food abundance. Floods are a major factor in river channel restoration.

Esthetic and endodontic management of a deep crown-root fracture of a maxillary central incisor

Treatment of trauma to anterior teeth should aim at preserving the affected teeth so as to restore function and esthetic appearance. Recently, patients have come to expect adequate esthetics immediately after trauma. In the present case, a deep crown-root fracture compromised the pulp and extended subgingivally on the palatal aspect. After using the fractured fragment as a provisional crown, the patient received conventional root canal treatment, which provided immediately satisfactory esthetic results and reliable short-term restoration of the crown-root fractured tooth. Rehabilitation of the fractured central incisor was performed with a post-core-supported prosthetic restoration.

Evaluating Tidal Marsh Sustainability in the Face of Sea-Level Rise: A Hybrid Modeling Approach Applied to San Francisco Bay

BackgroundTidal marshes will be threatened by increasing rates of sea-level rise (SLR) over the next century. Managers seek guidance on whether existing and restored marshes will be resilient under a range of potential future conditions, and on prioritizing marsh restoration and conservation activities.MethodologyBuilding upon established models, we developed a hybrid approach that involves a mechanistic treatment of marsh accretion dynamics and incorporates spatial variation at a scale relevant for conservation and restoration decision-making. We applied this model to San Francisco Bay, using best-available elevation data and estimates of sediment supply and organic matter accumulation developed for 15 Bay subregions. Accretion models were run over 100 years for 70 combinations of starting elevation, mineral sediment, organic matter, and SLR assumptions. Results were applied spatially to evaluate eight Bay-wide climate change scenarios.Principal FindingsModel results indicated that under a high rate of SLR (1.65 m/century), short-term restoration of diked subtidal baylands to mid marsh elevations (−0.2 m MHHW) could be achieved over the next century with sediment concentrations greater than 200 mg/L. However, suspended sediment concentrations greater than 300 mg/L would be required for 100-year mid marsh sustainability (i.e., no elevation loss). Organic matter accumulation had minimal impacts on this threshold. Bay-wide projections of marsh habitat area varied substantially, depending primarily on SLR and sediment assumptions. Across all scenarios, however, the model projected a shift in the mix of intertidal habitats, with a loss of high marsh and gains in low marsh and mudflats.Conclusions/SignificanceResults suggest a bleak prognosis for long-term natural tidal marsh sustainability under a high-SLR scenario. To minimize marsh loss, we recommend conserving adjacent uplands for marsh migration, redistributing dredged sediment to raise elevations, and concentrating restoration efforts in sediment-rich areas. To assist land managers, we developed a web-based decision support tool (www.prbo.org/sfbayslr).