bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refusal of Killing a Stranger to Save Five Brothers: How Are Others’ Judgments Anticipated and Favored in a Moral Dilemma Situation?
Authors: Oda Ryo
Published: September 2013

One evolutionary theory of morality, examined here, is based on theories of kin selection while another has proposed that moral judgment is based on a Kantian rule-based system. Using the Trolley Problem, Kurzban et al. (2012) asked subjects to decide whether they would kill one person to save five others, varying the relationship of the subject with the others involved. They revealed that nearly half of the subjects reported that they would be unwilling to push one stranger to his/her death to save five brothers in a footbridge version of the Trolley Problem. In the present study, I tried to replicate this somewhat surprising result in Japanese participants, to investigate the robustness of the finding. I also examined how participants anticipated and favored the moral judgment of other people. If a Kantian decision was made according to the coordination system suggested by Kurzban et al. (2012), a Kantian decision, rather than a Hamiltonian decision, would be anticipated and favored as the decision of people generally. The results seem to support the discussion of Kurzban et al. (2012), that the computational system that delivers Kantian moral judgment functions to coordinate condemnation decisions.
Brown carbon: a significant atmospheric absorber of solar radiation?
Authors: Feng Y. , Ramanathan V. , Kotamarthi V. R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Several recent observational studies have shown organic carbon aerosols to be a significant source of absorption of solar radiation. The absorbing part of organic aerosols is referred to as "brown" carbon (BrC). Using a global chemical transport model and a radiative transfer model, we estimate for the first time the enhanced absorption of solar radiation due to BrC in a global model. The simulated wavelength dependence of aerosol absorption, as measured by the absorption Ångström exponent (AAE), increases from 0.9 for non-absorbing organic carbon to 1.2 (1.0) for strongly (moderately) absorbing BrC. The calculated AAE for the strongly absorbing BrC agrees with AERONET spectral observations at 440–870 nm over most regions but overpredicts for the biomass burning-dominated South America and southern Africa, in which the inclusion of moderately absorbing BrC has better agreement. The resulting aerosol absorption optical depth increases by 18% (3%) at 550 nm and 56% (38%) at 380 nm for strongly (moderately) absorbing BrC. The global simulations suggest that the strongly absorbing BrC contributes up to +0.25 W m−2 or 19% of the absorption by anthropogenic aerosols, while 72% is attributed to black carbon, and 9% is due to sulfate and non-absorbing organic aerosols coated on black carbon. Like black carbon, the absorption of BrC (moderately to strongly) inserts a warming effect at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) (0.04 to 0.11 W m−2), while the effect at the surface is a reduction (−0.06 to −0.14 W m−2). Inclusion of the strongly absorption of BrC in our model causes the direct radiative forcing (global mean) of organic carbon aerosols at the TOA to change from cooling (−0.08 W m−2) to warming (+0.025 W m−2). Over source regions and above clouds, the absorption of BrC is higher and thus can play an important role in photochemistry and the hydrologic cycle.
Satellite observations of cloud regime development: the role of aerosol processes
Authors: Gryspeerdt E. , Stier P. , Partridge D. G.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Many different interactions between aerosols and clouds have been postulated based on correlations between satellite retrieved aerosol and cloud properties. Previous studies highlighted the importance of meteorological covariability to the observed correlations. In this work, we make use of multiple temporally-spaced satellite retrievals to observe the development of cloud regimes. The observation of cloud regime development allows us to account for the influences of cloud fraction (CF) and meteorological factors on the aerosol retrieval. By accounting for the aerosol index (AI)-CF relationship we reduce the influence of meteorological correlations compared to "snapshot" studies, finding that simple correlations overestimate any aerosol effect on CF by at least three times. We find an increased occurrence of transitions into the stratocumulus regime over ocean with increases in MODIS Aerosol Index (AI), consistent with the hypothesis that aerosols increase the stratocumulus persistence. We also observe an increase in transitions into the deep convective regime over land, consistent with the aerosol invigoration hypothesis. We find changes in the transitions from the shallow cumulus in different aerosol environments. The strength of these changes is strongly dependent on Low Troposphere Static Stability and 10 m windspeed, but less so on other meteorological factors. Whilst we have reduced the error due to meteorological and CF effects on the aerosol retrieval, meteorological covariation with the cloud and aerosol properties is harder to remove, so these results likely represent an upper bound on the effect of aerosols on cloud development and CF.
Evaluation of the use of five laboratory determined ozone absorption cross sections in brewer and dobson retrieval algorithms
Authors: Redondas A. , Evans R. , Stuebi R. , Köhler U. , Weber M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The primary ground-based instruments used to report total column ozone (TOC) are Brewer and Dobson Spectrophotometers, in separate networks. These instruments make measurements of the UV irradiances, and through a well-defined process a TOC value is produced. Inherent in the algorithm is the use of a laboratory determined cross-section data set. We used five ozone cross section data sets: three Bass and Paur, Daumont, Malicet and Brion (DMB) and a new Institute of Environmental Physics (IUP), University of Bremen, set. The three Bass and Paur (1985) sets are: quadratic temperature coefficients from IGACO web page (IGQ4), the Brewer network operational calibration set (BOp), and the set used by Bernhard et al. (2005), in the reanalysis of the Dobson absorption coefficient values (B05). The ozone absorption coefficients for Brewer and Dobson are then calculated using the normal Brewer operative method which is essentially the same as used on Dobson. Considering the standard TOC algorithm for the Brewer instruments and comparing to the Brewer standard operational calibration data set, using the slit functions for the individual instruments: we find the UIP data set changes the calculated TOC by −0.5%, the DBM data set changes the calculate TOC by −3.2%, and the IGQ4 data set at −45 °C changes the calculated TOC by +1.3%. Considering the standard algorithm for the Dobson instruments, and comparing to results using the official 1992 ozone absorption coefficients values and the single set of slit functions defined for all Dobson instruments, the calculated TOC changes by +1%, with little variation depending on which data set is used We applied the changes to the European Dobson and Brewer reference instruments during the Izaña 2012 Absolute Calibration Campaign. The application of a common Langley calibration and the IUP cross section the differences between Brewer and Dobson vanish whereas using Bass and Paur and DBM produce differences of 1.5% and 2% respectively. A study of temperature dependence of these cross section (XS) data sets is presented using the Arosa, Switzerland total ozone record of 2003–2006, obtained from two Brewer instrument types and a Dobson instrument, combined with the stratospheric ozone and temperature profiles from the Payerne soundings in the same period. The seasonal dependence of the differences between the results from the various instruments is greatly reduced with the application of temperature dependent absorption coefficients, with the greatest reduction obtained using the IUP data set.
Enhanced rates of particulate organic matter remineralization by microzooplankton are diminished by added ballast minerals
Authors: Le Moigne F. A. C. , Gallinari M. , Laurenceau E. , De La Rocha C. L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. To examine the potentially competing influences of microzooplankton and calcite mineral ballast on organic matter remineralization, we incubated diatoms in darkness in rolling tanks with and without added calcite minerals (coccoliths) and microzooplankton (rotifers). Concentrations of particulate organic matter (POM in suspension or in aggregates), of dissolved organic matter (DOM), and of dissolved inorganic nutrients were monitored over 8 days. The presence of rotifers enhanced the remineralization of ammonium and phosphate, but not dissolved silicon, from the biogenic particulate matter, up to 40% of which became incorporated into aggregates early in the experiment. Added calcite resulted in rates of excretion of ammonium and phosphate by rotifers that were depressed by 67% and 36%, respectively, demonstrating the potential for minerals to inhibit the destruction of POM by zooplankton in the water column. Lastly, the presence of the rotifers and added calcite minerals resulted in a more rapid initial rate of aggregation, although not a greater overall amount of aggregation during the experiment.
The seasonal cycle of δ13CDIC in the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre
Authors: Racapé V. , Metzl N. , Pierre C. , Reverdin G. , Quay P. D. , Olafsdottir S. R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. This study introduces for the first time the δ13CDIC seasonality in the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre (NASPG) using δ13CDIC data obtained between 2005 and 2012 with Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) and nutrient observations. On the seasonal scale, the NASPG is characterized by higher δ13CDIC values during summer than during winter with seasonal amplitude of 0.77‰. This is attributed to biological activity in summer and to deep remineralization process during winter convection. During all seasons, we observed a strong linear relationship between δ13CDIC and DIC. Results also revealed a negative anomaly for DIC and nutrients in August 2010 that could be explained by a coccolithophore bloom associated to a warming up to +2 °C. Winter data also showed a large decrease in δ13CDIC associated with an increase in DIC between 2006 and 2011–2012 but with observed time rates (−0.04‰ yr−1and +1.7 μmol kg−1 yr−1) much larger than the expected anthropogenic signal.
Design and optimization of a XY compliant mechanical displacement amplifier
Authors: Eskandari A. , Ouyang P. R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Piezoelectric actuators are increasingly becoming popular for the use in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and engineering applications. However, their short motion range limits their wide applications. This shortcoming can be overcome by coupling the piezoelectric actuators with a mechanical displacement amplifier. In this paper, a new design for a XY planar motion compliant mechanical displacement amplifier (CMDA) based on the design of a symmetric five-bar compliant mechanical amplifier is introduced. Detailed analysis with Finite Element Method (FEM) of static and dynamic characteristics of the proposed XY CMDA design is also provided. Finally, the optimization process and results to increase the Amplification Ratio (AR) of the proposed XY compliant mechanism with minimal compromise in Natural Frequency (NF) is discussed.
Brief Communication "The 2013 Erebus Glacier Tongue calving event"
Authors: Stevens C. L. , Sirguey P. , Leonard G. H. , Haskell T. G.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The Erebus Glacier Tongue, a small floating glacier in southern McMurdo Sound, is one of the best-studied ice tongues in Antarctica. Despite this, its calving on the 27 February 2013 (UTC) was around 10 yr earlier than previously predicted. The calving was likely a result of ocean currents and the absence of fast ice. The subsequent trajectory of the newly created iceberg supports previous descriptions of the surface ocean circulation in southern McMurdo Sound.
Concept of scale in marine ecology: linking the words or the worlds?
Authors: Azovsky A. I.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The concept of scale (in sensu lato) is considered to be very promising as the integrative basis for modern ecology. Nowadays it is not a full-blown theory but rather a flexible and progressively developing methodology to outline future unifying theories. It provides a powerful conceptual framework for generating testable hypotheses and studying a wide range of ecological phenomena related with such themes as heterogeneity, hierarchy and size. Spatio-temporal heterogeneity, organizational hierarchies and body size are the main scaling factors for ecological patterns and processes. Broad comparison of patterns for these three different but interrelated dimensions can reveal some new regularities ("scaling laws") of ecological systems. It also allows us to look at the worlds of different organisms "through their own eyes". Some examples of applying the cross-scaling approach in marine ecology are considered: — Patterns and scales of spatial heterogeneity; — Species-area curves and body size; — Co-occurrence of congeners as scale-dependent phenomenon; — Spatio-temporal ranges of ecological hierarchies.
Roe deer Capreolus capreolus as an accumulative bioindicator of heavy metals in Slovenia
Authors: Pokorny B.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Roe deer Capreolus capreolus has often been mentioned in the literature as a good bioindicator of environmental pollution. To find out the levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, As, Zn) in roe deer tissues, this research project was begun near metallurgic and electricity generating centres of Slovenia in 1997. The results of the first sampling year reveal that metal burdens are the highest in the Koroška region, an industrial area in the northern part of Slovenia with a centuries-old tradition of mining and processing of lead ore. Levels (expressed on a wet weight basis) of Cd (2.91 ± 2.92, 7.13 ± 4.43 and 22.7 ± 8.92 mg kg−1 for fawns, yearlings and adults, respectively), As (0.23 ± 0.03 mg kg−1) and Zn (47.1 ± 8.26 mg kg−1) in kidneys as well as levels of Pb (0.71 ± 0.65 mg kg−1) in liver of animals shot in the Koroška region significantly exceed the levels measured in other Slovenian regions. On the contrary, metal levels in viscera of roe deer from the Šalek Valley (where the major Slovene power plant of Šoštanj is located) are low (0.14 ± 0.01, 38.2 ± 4.39 and 0.02 ± 0.03 mg kg−1 for As, Zn and Hg in kidney; 0.21 ± 0.04 mg kg−1 for Pb in liver, respectively). Relatively high levels of Hg (0.23 ± 0.09 mg kg−1; six- to tenfold higher compared to other areas of interest) in kidneys and Pb (0.55 ± 0.13 mg kg−1) in liver of animals shot in the control area of the Triglav National Park, which represents the area without any local emission sources, demonstrate the possibility that animals are being exposed to contaminants that we would not have expected from other data. Consequently, the value of roe deer as an accumulative bioindicator of environmental pollution with heavy metals is clearly confirmed.
Calcium, snails, and birds: a case study
Authors: Mänd R. , Tilgar V. , Leivits A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Recent studies have shown that wild birds breeding in acidified areas have difficulties with obtaining sufficient calcium for their eggshells, and that the cause of it is the shortage of land snails. Many birds have to search for Ca-rich snail shells on a daily basis during egg production. Molluscs depend on litter calcium, which has decreased due to acidification of the environment. Calcium limitation may be a widespread phenomenon also in non-acidified, naturally Ca-poor areas. The problem is that while in the latter areas the time for development of specific adaptations may have been sufficient, then in acidified areas, on the contrary, calcium shortage is a recent phenomenon. Therefore, since the extent of calcium limitation in non-acidified areas is hard to derive from observational data, experimental approach is needed. We provide experimental evidence that specific calcium deficit does affect reproductive traits also in the birds breeding in naturally base-poor habitats. Our study was conducted in a heterogeneous woodland area in Estonia containing deciduous forest patches as well as base-poor pine forest with low snail abundance. Ca supplementation, using snail shell and chicken eggshell fragments, was carried out for pied flycatchers and great tits. Extra calcium affected positively several reproductive traits like egg volume and eggshell thickness, start of breeding, and fledglings’ parameters. The negative relationship between calcium availability and lay-date suggests that birds adjust their breeding tactics to conditions of Ca deficiency, for example, by postponing laying.
Hardseededness and the accuracy of seed bank estimates obtained through germination
Authors: Malo J. E.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The seed content of soils is often estimated through germination tests, though these methods are always somewhat inaccurate due to the presence of dormant seeds in the samples. The researcher thus faces the question of whether to continue the germination test or to stop it in the search for an accuracy-to-effort balance. In this paper I analyze the accuracy of seed content estimates obtained after a first-year germination test, by comparison to the germination recorded after three-year cultivation, in 48 soil seed bank samples and 389 from herbivore dung. After the first 9-month cultivation, I recorded 85 ± 1% seedlings and 90 ± 1% species in soil samples, while the accuracy in those of dung was significantly lower, 48 ± 1% seedlings and 65 ± 1% species. The accuracy of estimations varied among samples within experiments, with significant differences in the estimation of species richness in both cases. I did not find consistent differences in the accuracy of estimations linked to seedling densities in growing pots, but the taxonomic composition of samples was a major source of bias. Thus, 22% and 36% of the most frequent species showed germinabilities in the first year significantly different from the rest, and some generalities arose, like the high germinability of grasses and the hardseededness of legumes. I would thus recommend the use of at least two germination cycles for seed bank estimations and a cautious approach when comparing samples with very different origin and/or taxonomic composition.
Helminth community structure and diet of three Afrotropical anuran species: a test of the interactive-versus-isolationist parasite communities hypothesis
Authors: Akani G. C. , Luiselli L. , Amuzie C. C. , Wokem G. N.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The interactive-versus-isolationist hypothesis predicts that parasite communities should be depauperated and weakly structured by interspecific competition in amphibians. A parasitological survey was carried out to test this hypothesis using three anuran species from Nigeria, tropical Africa (one Bufonidae; two Ranidae). High values of parasite infection parameters were found in all three species, which were infected by nematodes, cestodes and trematodes. Nonetheless, the parasite communities of the three anurans were very depauperated in terms of number of species (4 to 6). Interspecific competition was irrelevant in all species, as revealed by null models and Monte Carlo permutations. Cluster analyses revealed that, in terms of parasite community composition, the two Ranidae were similar, whereas the Bufonidae was more different. However, when prevalence, intensity, and abundance of parasites are combined into a multivariate analysis, each anuran species was clearly spaced apart from the others, thus revealing considerable species-specific differences in terms of their parasite communities. All anurans were generalists and probably opportunistic in terms of dietary habits, and showed no evidence of interspecific competition for food. Overall, our data are widely consistent with expectations driven from the interactive-versus-isolationist parasite communities hypothesis.
The time lag between introduction and escape from cultivation of alien woody plant species decreases with polyploidization
Authors: Brändle M. , Brandl R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The time between introduction of an alien species and escape from cultivation shows considerable variation among species. One hypothesis to explain this variation of the time lag invokes the evolution of genotypes adapted to the conditions of the new environment. Here, we analyse the variation in time lags among 53 alien woody plant species in Germany. Accounting for the effects of time since introduction, growth form (trees versus shrubs), biogeography and taxonomic isolation (presence or absence of a native congener in the adventive area) we found that the time lag decreases with increasing polyploidization. By contrast, the haploid chromosome number was not significantly related to the time lag. These results provide evidence for the hypothesis that recent genome duplication events are important for a fast escape from cultivation of an alien woody plant species. We suggest that a large number of duplicated chromosomes increase the partitioning of the genome and hence the average rate of recombination between loci facilitating the formation of adaptive genotypes.
The soil-plant relationship of nitrogen use in three tropical tree species
Authors: Pereira-Silva E. F. L. , Hardt E. , Fernandes A. O.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We characterized and compared the use of nitrate (N-NO3−), in three recognized pioneer and secondary tropical species, analyzing their relationships with the availability of inorganic nitrogen in the soil of a riparian forest. We tested the hypothesis that pioneer species of the ecological succession (Cecropia glaziovi – Cgl) would be more responsive to N-NO3− available and would have high nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in leaves while secondary species (Inga marginata – Ima and Hymenaea courbaril – Hco) would have less responsiveness and would have lower levels of this enzyme on its leaves. We evaluated, tested and compared the NRA and N-NO3− content in leaves and xylem sap of each species. We measured N-NO3− and N-NH4+ content in the soil. The results for Cgl showed an N-NO3− content of xylem sap that met the demand of NRA and were correlated with inorganic soil nitrogen, showing the responsiveness of species to N-NO3−. Hco was verified as less responsive to assimilation and high N-NO3− content in leaves. The species Ima showed an intermediate behaviour, which suggests the possibility of use of other nitrogen forms. The ecophysiological behaviours of the plants were related to the seasonal variation and indicate that these plants use strategies with different responsiveness to the use of soil N-NO3−. In this sense and considering that these species are typically used in ecological restoration projects in Brazil, the knowledge of a strategy for nitrogen use specific to each of them can assist in choosing the species appropriate to the edaphic conditions of the environment.
Better in the dark: two Mediterranean amphibians synchronize reproduction with moonlit nights
Authors: Vignoli L. , Luiselli L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In Amphibians, both positive and negative correlations between activity and full moon phase have been observed. In this study, we present data for two anuran species (Hyla intermedia and Rana dalmatina) studied in a hilly Mediterranean area of central Italy. We analysed, in a two-year survey, the relationships between the number of egg clutches laid each night and the moon phases by means of circular statistics. Moreover, the studied species exhibited clear oviposition site selection behaviour influenced, at least in H. intermedia, by moon phases. We observed the occurrence of an avoidance effect by amphibians for oviposition and specific egg-laying behaviour during moon phases around the full moon. This apparent lunar phobia was evident in both species when yearly data were pooled. On the other hand, while this pattern continued to be also evident in H. intermedia when single years were considered, in R. dalmatina it stood just in one year of study. Nonetheless, during cloudy nights, when moonlight arriving on the ground was low, the frogs' behaviour was similar to that observed in new moon phases. We interpreted the observed pattern as an anti-predatory strategy. Overall, comparisons between our own study and previous research suggest that there was insufficient evidence to establish any unequivocal patterns and that further research in this regard is needed.
Diversity did not influence soil water use of tree clusters in a temperate mixed forest
Authors: Meißner M. , Köhler M. , Hölscher D.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Compared to monocultures, diverse ecosystems are often expected to show more comprehensive resource use. However, with respect to diversity–soil-water-use relationships in forests, very little information is available. We analysed soil water uptake in 100 tree clusters differing in tree species diversity and species composition in the Hainich forest in central Germany. The clusters contained all possible combinations of five broadleaved tree species in one-, two- and three-species clusters (three diversity levels), replicated fourfold (20 one-species, 40 two-species and 40 three-species clusters). We estimated soil water uptake during a summer dry period in 0–0.3 m soil depth, based on throughfall and soil moisture measurements with a simple budgeting approach. Throughout the whole vegetation period in 2009, soil water uptake was additionally determined at a higher temporal resolution and also for a greater part of the soil profile (0–0.7 m) on a subset of 16 intensive clusters. During the dry spell, mean soil water uptake was 1.9 ± 0.1 mm day−1 in 0–0.3 m (100 clusters) and 3.0 ± 0.5 mm day−1 in 0–0.7 m soil depth (16 clusters), respectively. Besides a slightly higher water use of Fraxinus clusters, we could not detect any effects of species identity or diversity on cluster water use. We discuss that water use may indeed be a conservative process, that differences in tree-species-specific traits may be compensated for by other factors such as herb layer coverage and tree spatial arrangement, and that diversity-driven differences in water use may arise only at a larger scale. We further conclude that with respect to stand water use "tree diversity'' alone is not an appropriate simplification of the complex network of interactions between species traits, stand properties and environmental conditions that have varying influence on stand water use, both in space and time.
Rural–urban gradient and land use in a millenary metropolis: how urbanization affects avian functional groups and the role of old villas in bird assemblage patterning
Authors: Vignoli L. , Scirè S. , Bologna M. A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Urbanization generally leads to a complex environmental gradient, ranging from almost undisturbed natural areas to highly modified urban landscapes. Here we analyse the effects of a rural–urban gradient on breeding bird communities and functional species groups in remnant natural and semi-natural areas of Rome. A total of 69 breeding bird species were found in the study area. Species richness decreased with increasing urbanization at two spatial scales: the point count station and the landscape scales. Evenness showed a negative trend from periphery to city centre, whereas for dominant species the opposite was true. Functional species groups responded to the urbanization gradient with functional group-specific patterns. Those groups linked to open habitats (nesting and habitat functional groups) decreased in abundance along the rural–urban gradient, whereas those associated with forests exhibited a mixed trend. Generalist species' occurrence increased with urbanization. As for predators and granivorous species, we found a negative relationship with urbanization whereas for omnivorous species the opposite trend was true. The distribution of old villas (large-sized remnant green areas) in the inner city areas influenced species composition along the studied gradient, usually showing higher species richness than surrounding fragments. Agricultural areas hosted richer and better balanced bird assemblages in respect to those found in urban and forested areas. Our findings proved that an urban gradient plays a major role in structuring bird communities, although the extent and distribution of land use categories was another factor that influenced avian assemblages. The presence of historical villas also influenced bird assemblages, making it possible to preserve high bird diversity even in inner city-areas.
"Towards establishing ecology as a science instead of an art": the work of John T. Curtis on the plant community continuum
Authors: Nicolson M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Until the 1950s, American plant ecology was dominated by the community-unit theory – that plants grow together in definite communities which constitute the proper subject matter for ecological research. Only H. A. Gleason proposed the alternative "individualistic hypothesis". In the 1950s the nature of the plant community was re-examined in a number of field studies. John Curtis led a re-assessment of ecological theory. This paper provides a historical analysis of aspects of his work. Born in 1913, Curtis did his doctorate at the Univ. of Wisconsin, under Benjamin Duggar, receiving a fine training in physiological research. In 1941, he made a career shift toward community ecology. Dubious of the validity of the concept of the plant community, Curtis began an intensive investigation of the vegetation of Wisconsin. American ecology was in an insecure position, isolated from the mainstream of biological science. Curtis’s ambition was reform – to establish ecology as "a science rather than an art". The improvement of research methodology was a major concern. Curtis and his colleagues found that the best way to arrange the data from their study stands was into a sequence of continuous variation, each dominant gradually peaking in frequency along a continuum. There were no distinct "associations" of species. By the 1970s, the continuum, which Curtis presented as a vindication of Gleason, was accepted as a generally valid description of mature vegetation.
Seasonal variation of the water quality of rivers and streams of eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Lazaridou-Dimitriadou M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Biotic and abiotic data on undisturbed or moderately disturbed lotic sites from a number of studies carried out in northern Greece showed that large rivers differ from small rivers, streams or creeks in terms of diversity, dominant groups and the kind of taxa (concerning the sensitivity of the taxa according to Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) biotic scores). This is mainly due to the differences in their physical characteristics. Correlation of the environmental variables using MDA (multiple discriminant analysis) showed that the chief differentiating factors among the above water bodies are substrate, total suspended solids (TSS), conductivity, slope and temperature. Additionally, there is no clear phenological seasonality in the majority of the dominant benthic macroinvertebrate groups when undisturbed or moderately disturbed sites of mountainous creeks and small rivers are examined. By contrast, in downstream sites of long rivers, seasonality characterizes the dominant benthic macroinvertebrate groups, as it does for other Mediterranean animals.
An assessment of wildlife road casulties – the potential discrepancy between numbers counted and numbers killed
Authors: Slater F. M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. By artificially baiting roads, it is shown that simple counts of wildlife corpses found on roads are severe underestimate of the actual road casualty rate. The death rate can be 12–16 times that observed by simply counting corpses particularly from a moving vehicle. Removal rates depend on a range of factors including species of predator, species of prey, type and topography of road, road traffic, season, time of day and weather conditions. It is suggested that a greater importance should be afforded, than has previously been the case to the “gross” casualty rate rather than accept the “net” number of casualties as an indicator of loss.
Edge effect on weevils and spiders
Authors: Horváth R. , Magura T. , Péter G. , Tóthmérész B.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The edge effect on weevils and spiders was tested along oak forest – meadow transects using sweep-net samples at the Síkfökút Project in Hungary. For spiders the species richness was significantly higher in the forest edge than either in the meadow or the forest interior. For weevils the species richness of the forest edge was higher than that of the meadow, but the difference was not statistically significant whereas the species richness of the forest interior was significantly lower than that of the forest edge and the meadow. The composition of the spider assemblage of the edge was more similar to the forest, while the composition of weevils in the edge was more similar to the meadow. Our results based on two invertebrate groups operating on different trophic levels suggest that there is a significant edge effect for the studied taxa resulting in higher species richness in the edge.
A review of current bracken control and associated vegetation strategies in Great Britain
Authors: Pakeman R. J. , Le Duc M. G. , Marrs R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Bracken is a major problem for livestock-based, extensive agriculture in many parts of the world. It also causes problems for conservation, recreation, game management and forestry and is hence subject to management in order to control it. This paper reviews current bracken control strategies in Great Britain to assess whether they can be improved, and reviews recent work on combining bracken control with vegetation restoration to derive guidelines for maximising the cost-effectiveness of these measures to increase biodiversity. Bracken control in Great Britain is currently, mainly undertaken by aerial spraying of herbicide. A large-scale survey showed that only a small proportion (25%) of sites were likely to show long-term control, the developing vegetation was not that desired by the instigator of control, and there was a large geographic variation in success. The major conclusion was that large-scale treatment often exceeded the area that could be adequately treated by follow-up measures. Experimental studies demonstrate that to obtain “desirable” vegetation (usually Calluna vulgaris-dominated heath in Great Britain) a number of steps usually have to be followed. However, the steps that have to be taken may differ between sites. Deep litter sites, where stock numbers are low, need the litter disturbed in some way and seed of suitable species added. On sites with higher stock numbers, litter disturbance has in effect already been carried out, so that management must involve seed addition and the exclusion/reduction of stock. It is not yet known how long or to what level stock must be removed before the vegetation is able to withstand grazing. It should be noted that management to reverse succession could prove less cost-effective than management that accelerates succession to woodland or forestry. A set of points which highlight the considerations necessary at the commencement of an “integrated” bracken control programme are outlined. Targeting sites in western Britain or sites with residual vegetation present would provide the greatest gains for biodiversity in the short term. However, in many situations management for vegetation restoration must be seen as a key part of this strategy, not as something that will proceed unaided after bracken control has taken place.
A field test of the relationship between habitat area and population size for five perennial plant species
Authors: Bruun H. H.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The population sizes of five perennial vascular plant species confined to old unimproved dry grasslands were assessed, viz. Anthericum ramosum, Filipendula vulgaris, Silene nutans, Thymus pulegioides, and Thymus serpyllum. All populations within the region were included. Only for Filipendula vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum, significant relationships between habitat area and population size were found. Thus, apparently perennial vascular plants have a limited ability to respond to large habitat areas by forming large populations. This puts a question mark on the use of incidence-function models for the study of plant metapopulations, because these models are based on an assumed positive relationship between habitat area and population size.
Fish community structure and ecological degradation in tropical rivers of India
Authors: Chakrabarty D. , Das S. K.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Fish community structure and water chemistry of two tropical rivers of West Bengal, an eastern province of India, were studied for two annual cycles (January 2003–December 2004). Water quality and fish community structure reflected a higher degree of pollution in the Churni river than in the Jalangi river. We observed that 63.6% of fish species had disappeared from the polluted Churni river in 20 yr. For protection of fish biodiversity and enhancement of fish production, a rational management program should be implemented in Churni river. Warning: Triplicate publication
Does nest site availability limit the density of hole nesting birds in small woodland patches?
Authors: Loman J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. By providing nest boxes, previous studies have shown that nest sites are in short supply and limit the populations of several small passerines, including the Great Tit Parus major, the Blue Tit P. caeruleus, and the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. Can this influence their distribution over a range of small woodland patch sizes in a heterogeneous landscape? To investigate this, a study was conducted in a heterogeneous agricultural landscape, with a mixture of wooded patches and cropped fields, in southern Sweden. The descriptive part of the study involved mapping territories of the three species in 135 patches. These species avoided small (<1 ha, Pied Flycatcher) or very small (<0.2 ha, the two tit species) forest patches in this landscape. In an experimental part, a subset of 34 patches, 0.01 to 24 ha in size was used. Territories were mapped in a first year as a control. In a second year, patches were matched by size and vegetation and nest-boxes were provided in one patch of each pair. Territories were again mapped. Providing nestboxes increased the density of breeding Great Tits in patches of all sizes and expanded their use of very small patches. The nest-boxes increased the density of Pied Flycatchers in large patches but not in small patches. So, is the lack of territories in small patches due to shortage of nest sites? The outcome of the experiment suggests nest site limitation as a cause of the observed Great Tit discrimination against very small habitat patches. The lack of Pied Flycatchers in small patches must however have another basis than lack of nest sites. The effect of providing nest-boxes on Blue Tit distribution was inconclusive.
Linking the spatial patterns of organisms and abiotic factors to ecosystem function and management: insights from semi-arid environments
Authors: Maestre F. T.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Numerous theoretical and modeling studies have demonstrated the ecological significance of the spatial patterning of organisms on ecosystem functioning and dynamics. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence that quantitatively shows how changes in the spatial patterns of the organisms forming biotic communities are directly related to ecosystem structure and functioning. In this article, I review a series of experiments and observational studies conducted in semi-arid environments from Spain (degraded calcareous shrubland, steppes dominated by Stipa tenacissima, and gypsum shrublands) to: 1) evaluate whether the spatial patterns of the dominant biotic elements in the community are linked to ecosystem structure and functioning, and 2) test if these patterns, and those of abiotic factors, can be used to improve ecosystem restoration. In the semiarid steppes we found a significant positive relationship between the spatial pattern of the perennial plant community and: i) the water status of S. tenacissima and ii) perennial species richness and diversity. Experimental plantings conducted in these steppes showed that S. tenacissima facilitated the establishment of shrub seedlings, albeit the magnitude and direction of this effect was dependent on rainfall conditions during the first yr after planting. In the gypsum shrubland, a significant, direct relationship between the spatial pattern of the biological soil crusts and surrogates of ecosystem functioning (soil bulk density and respiration) was found. In a degraded shrubland with very low vegetation cover, the survival of an introduced population of the shrub Pistacia lentiscus showed marked spatial patterns, which were related to the spatial patterns of soil properties such as soil compaction and sand content. These results provide empirical evidence on the importance of spatial patterns for maintaining ecosystem structure and functioning in semi-arid ecosystems. Furthermore, they show how taking into consideration the small-scale spatial patterns of organisms and abiotic factors, their restoration can be improved.
Mass-mediated sex differences in climbing patterns support the gravity hypothesis of sexual size dimorphism
Authors: Moya-Laraño J. , Vinković D. , Allard C. M. , Foellmer M. W.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The gravity hypothesis of sexual size dimorphism can explain the patterns of extreme sexual size dimorphism in spiders (males smaller than females) because small males climb faster and therefore may be better at reaching females that live in high habitats. Recently, the main prediction of a negative relationship between climbing speed and body size in spiders has been called into question. Here we induced males and females of the spider Leucauge venusta (Tetragnathidae) to run on vertical surfaces and found partial support for the gravity hypothesis. As predicted, males climb faster than females and we demonstrated that this effect is an indirect effect mediated by the negative relationship between body mass and climbing speed. We validate our results using simulated data showing that there is enough statistical efficiency in our data set to support our conclusions. We distinguished between direct and indirect effects (through mass) on sex differences in climbing speed by means of path analysis. Thus, we provide empirical evidence that by being smaller, males are able to climb faster than females. However, we found only a barely significant negative relationship between climbing speed and body size when only males were considered. Reasons for such results are discussed within the text.
Shape and growth in European Atlantic Patella limpets (Gastropoda, Mollusca). Ecological implications for survival
Authors: Paulo Cabral J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Specimens of Patella intermedia, Patella rustica, Patella ulyssiponensis, and Patella vulgata were analyzed for shell and radula characteristics. Shell growth in P. rustica and P. ulyssiponensis was basically isometric, indicating that shell shape was constant during growth. On the contrary, shell growth in P. intermedia and P. vulgata was positively allometric, indicating that as shells increased in size, the base became more circular and the cone more centred and relatively higher. Radula relative size increased in the order P. ulyssiponensis, P. vulgata, P. intermedia and P. rustica, and had negative allometric growth in all species, indicating that radula grew less as shell increased in size. Data reported in the literature estimated that the lowest risk of dislodgment for a limpet is associated with a centred apex, and a (shell height)/(shell length) or (shell height)/(shell width) ratio of ca. 0.53. However, as reported for other limpets, in all four studied Patella species, shells were more eccentric and flat than this theoretical optimum. Data reported in the literature indicated that, in limpets, decreasing the (shell base perimeter)/(shell volume) or (shell surface area)/(shell volume) ratios by increasing size results in lower soft body temperature and desiccation. In the present study, P. rustica shells displayed the lowest ratios, and P. ulyssiponensis shells, the highest. Considering that the former species lives at high shore levels, and the latter species at low levels, it appeared that shell shape in European Atlantic limpets can be directly related to resistance to desiccation and high temperature stresses. Radula relative size (in relation to shell height) also increased with increasing level in the shore, suggesting that this might be due to a decreasing abundance of algae with increasing shore level.
Morphology as a key to behavioural flexibility: body shape and swimming variability in the dimorphic crucian carp
Authors: Pettersson L. B.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Swimming trajectories of length-matched deep-bodied and shallow-bodied crucian carp were quantified in the laboratory using motion analysis software and compared in terms of swimming velocity, turning behaviour and associated coefficients of variation. The mean velocities of the two morphs were similar, but slower than predicted, and there was no difference in turning behaviour. In line with predictions from analysis of power curve steepness, swimming velocities of deep-bodied, high-drag individuals were significantly less variable than shallow-bodied conspecifics, thus indicating an association between body shape behavioural flexibility in terms of swimming variability.
Clipping herbaceous vegetation improves early performance of planted seedlings of the Mediterranean shrub Quercus coccifera
Authors: Rey Benayas J. M. , Fernández A. , Aubenau A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We tested how the conditions resulting from alternative management strategies addressed to mitigate abiotic and biotic limitations to plant establishment affect the performance of planted Quercus coccifera seedlings. This species is a xerophytic and heliophillous Mediterranean shrub, of interest for the restoration of abandoned farmland. We hypothesised that release from herb competition by clipping would allow Q. coccifera seedlings to cope more efficiently with water shortage by adjusting their mass allocation pattern. We established three environments of herb competition: absence of competition (AC), reduced competition by clipping (RC), and total competition (TC); and applied two irrigation treatments: low and high irrigation. We measured soil moisture at different depths, above- and below-ground herb biomass, and evaluated seedling responses, such as mortality, growth, biomass allocation, and morphological and physiological features. The TC treatment reduced water availability more than the RC treatment, in agreement with the highest water stress of seedlings under TC conditions. Irrigation increased above- and below-ground herb biomass, whereas clipping reduced herb production. Release of herb competition by clipping increased seedling survivorship by one order of magnitude and resulted in a growth rate comparable to the absence of competition. This growth was mostly related to carbon gain allocated to roots. The competition intensity imposed by treatments was related to a parallel reduction in total plant leaf area, biomass allocated to leaves and shoot:root ratio, and an increase in biomass allocated to roots and leaf mass area. The negative effects of herbs on Q. coccifera seedlings seem the result of competition for both water and light, in contrast with previous research with more mesic Quercus species, for which competition is primarily for water. Clipping of herbs is a feasible technique that greatly improved seedling performance, and thus a valuable alternative to herbicide application, common in native plantations aimed at restoring Mediterranean farmland.