bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The discrepancy between food plant preferance and suitability in the moth Dysauxes ancilla
Authors: Betzholtz P.-E.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Growth responses to and preference for different food plants were studied in larvae of the geographically isolated Swedish population of the moth Dysauxes ancilla. Laboratory rearing of D. ancilla larvae showed that, besides a mixed diet, four species from different plant families supported development to the adult moth. There was a significant suitability order among these species according to higher female adult weight and shorter development time; mixed diet and Calluna vulgaris > Hieracium pilosella > Thymus serpyllum > Brachytecium sp. However, these species were not top ranked in preference trials by the larvae. Instead larvae preferred Rumex acetosella, a plant that did not support development to adult moth as a single food source. This discrepancy between larval performance and preference may be explained by advantages from food mixing by the polyphagous larvae; an improved nutrient balance, a possibility of diluting toxic secondary substances and of switching foods to fit changing physiological needs. In Nature other factors such as microclimatic conditions, predators and parasitoids probably also influence the foraging behaviour of D. ancilla larvae.
Evergreen sclerophyllous Quercus forests in northwestern Yunnan, China as compared to the Mediterranean evergreen Quercus forests in California, USA and northeastern Spain
Authors: Tang C. Q.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Evergreen sclerophyllous Quercus forests in NW Yunnan (China) were studied and compared with the Mediterranean evergreen sclerophyllous Quercus forests in central coastal California (USA) and Catalonia (NE Spain). Forests of Q. aquifolioides, Q. pannosa, Q. longispica of NW Yunnan, Q. agrifolia of California and Q. ilex of NE Spain were analyzed as representative communities. The similarities and differences at the community level in the contemporary vegetation of the sclerophyllous Quercus forest found in the three regions are clarified. The general patterns of the evergreen Quercus forest in the three regions were similar, though different assemblages of species were involved. The species diversity in all three regions was rather low. The species richness did not significantly differ among the forests, although in the Q. longispica forest it is somewhat higher than the others. The three representative species of evergreen Quercus in NW Yunnan reached the greatest maximum height, while Q. agrifolia of California had the largest basal area per ha. The Q. ilex forest of Spain had the lowest values for maximum tree height and dbh and the highest density per ha. Frequency of dbh size classes indicated that Q. aquifolioides, Q. pannosa, and Q. agrifolia had potentially good regeneration of the sporadic type with highest values for the intermediate size classes, and the regeneration of Q. longispica and Q. ilex was strong as indicated by a reverse-J pattern. Still, in each area, most regeneration was from sprouting. In all three regions the evergreen Quercus species have adapted to environmental changes, for instance by development of sprouting and rooting abilities to resist drought, cold conditions and various disturbances. The evergreen Quercus forests in NW Yunnan were structurally more similar to the Q. agrifolia forest of central coastal California than to the Q. ilex forest of NE Spain.
How tall is an elephant? Two methods for estimating elephant height
Authors: Della Rocca F.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Shoulder height is a reliable indicator of age for African elephants (Loxodonta africana), and is therefore an important parameter to be recorded in field studies of population ecology of these pachyderms. However, it can be somewhat difficult to estimate with precision the shoulder height of free-ranging elephants because of several reasons, including the presence of drops and vegetation cover and the potential dangerousness of approaching them in the wild. Here I test two alternative models for estimating shoulder height of elephants. In both models, the equipment needed to generate the height estimates is minimal, and include a telemeter and a digital photo-camera furnished with an ×16 zoom. The models are based respectively on a linear regression approach and on a geometric formula approach, and put into a relationship the linear distance between the observer and the animal, the number of pixels of an elephant silhouette as taken from digital photos, and the absolute height of the animal. Both methods proved to have a very small measurement error, and were thus reliable for field estimates of elephant shoulder heights. The model based on a geometric formula was used to estimate the shoulder height distribution of an elephant population in a savannah region of West Africa (Zakouma National Park, Chad). I demonstrated that Zakouma elephants were among the tallest populations in Africa, with growth rates being highest throughout the first five years of life.
Arthur G. Tansley’s “new psychology” and its relation to ecology
Authors: Dagg J. L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In 1935, A. G. Tansley, who was knighted later, proposed the ecosystem concept. Nevertheless, this concept was not without predecessors. Why did Tansley’s ecosystem prevail and not one of its competitors? The purpose of this article is to pin the distinguishing features of Tansley’s ecosystem down, as far as the published record allows. It is an exercise in finding the difference that made a difference. Besides being a pioneering ecologist, Tansley was an adept of psychoanalysis. His interest even led him to visit Sigmund Freud in Vienna for a while. Psychologists had to regard the mind as an entity in its own right, while knowing that it truly was part of a larger whole (body + mind), because the causal relation between body and mind was unknown. This lead Tansley to conclude that psychologists must not objectify the system under study, have to search for causes within their own field, and must not speculate unless this serves a scientific purpose. In 1925, Tansley defended psychoanalysis in a prolonged controversy against a concerted attack criticizing its speculative content and poor scientific standing. This could have been the reason why Tansley kept his ecosystem free of speculative content and unscientific connotation. The competing ecosystem-like concepts, however, have contained philosophical speculation, non-deterministic properties like vitalism or entelechy, or have been burdened with unscientific connotations. Hence, rigorous restraint distinguished the ecosystem concept and made it ready for use by later researchers.
Performance of the freshwater shrimp Atyaephyra desmarestii as indicator of stress imposed by textile effluents
Authors: Casimiro S. , Fidalgo M. L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Textile plants consume large volumes of water and produce a great amount of wastewaters, which can be important sources of toxic discharges in receiving environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of textile effluents on the freshwater shrimp A. desmarestii. A whole effluent toxicity test procedure was used to determine the aggregate toxicity of three samples taken before and after wastewater treatment in a textile mill. The following LC50 − 48 h values (%, v/v) were calculated: Untreated effluent −29% effluent (sample 1), 22% effluent (sample 2), and 47% (sample 3); Treated effluent −73% effluent (sample 1), 74% effluent (sample 2), and > 100% (sample 3). Based upon acute toxicity units (TUa = 100/LC50), untreated effluent varied from toxic in samples 1 and 3 (2.00 ≤ TUa ≤ 4.00) to very toxic in sample 2 (TUa > 4.0), whereas treated effluent varied from no toxic in sample 3 to moderately toxic in samples 1 and 2 (1.33 ≤ TUa ≤ 1.99). Despite some limitations and constraints related to innate variability of industrial effluents, our results suggested that A. desmarestii can be a promising and potential test organism for assessing toxicity of complex chemical mixtures.
Effect of woodland patch size on rodent seed predation in a fragmented landscape
Authors: Loman J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Predation on large woody plant seeds; chestnuts, acorns and sloe kernels, was studied in deciduous forests of two size classes: small woodlots (<1 ha) and large woods (at least 25 ha) in southern Sweden. Seeds used for the study were artificially distributed on the forest ground and seed predation measured as seed removal. Predation rate was similar in both types of woods. However, rodent density was higher in small woodlots and a correction for differences in rodent density showed that predation rate per individual rodent was higher in the large woods. This suggests that the small woodlots (including the border zone) and their adjacent fields have more rodent food per area unit. A small woodlot cannot be considered a representative sample of a large continuous forest, even if the habitats appear similar. There was a strong effect of rodent density on seed predation rate. This suggests that rodents are major seed predators in this habitat.
Effects of a nurse shrub on seed deposition and seedling recruitment of the annual Agriophyllum squarrosum
Authors: Li F.-R. , Li G. , Kang L.-F. , Huang Z.-G. , Wang Q. , Liu J.-L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The shrub Artemisia halodendron and the annual herb Agriophyllum squarrosum, which typically co-occur in a mobile sandy habitat in eastern inner Mongolia, China, were used to determine whether the presence of A. halodendron influences seed deposition and seedling recruitment of A. squarrosum under and around the shrub canopy in relation to wind direction, sampling position (windward vs. leeward sides) and distance from the shrub. The numbers of seeds deposited, seedlings emerged, and individuals recruited of A. squarrosum around adult shrubs were sampled along four transects aligned to the four main wind directions at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4.5 and 6 m from the shrub base on both windward and leeward sides of each transect. Spatial pattern of seed deposition was strongly altered by the presence of shrubs, but effects varied with wind direction, sampling position and distance from shrubs. Significantly more seeds tended to deposit on the leeward than on the windward sides in all four transects, with the exception of transects along the least prevailing wind direction. The presence of shrubs as nursing plants caused a marked variation in seed deposition across sampling locations, but this effect was detected only in the most, secondary and third most prevailing wind directions, but not in the least prevailing wind direction. In general, the shrub’s influence was within a 2 m radius from the shrub, despite some differences among transects. Although seed bank density had no direct effect on A. squarrosum recruitment patterns, it contributed to the observed variation in recruitment indirectly through density-dependent emergence of seedlings. Our findings provide further evidence of shrubs as a source of spatial heterogeneity in seed availability and thereby a common factor determining population dynamics of understorey herbaceous species.
What do we call Adaptive Management? A general characterization from a global sample
Authors: Espigares T. , Zafra-Calvo N. , Rodríguez M. Á.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. This study presents a characterisation of the implementation of Adaptive Management (AM) from the analysis of 35 projects around the world. Our results reveal that AM projects are usually aimed at ecosystem management, conservation and restoration. Also, they mainly act upon forest or epicontinental water ecosystems and their goal is generally species exploitation and in most cases these projects act at a local scale. From a methodological point of view, most AM cases use an active approach and monitoring programs and were at the phase of problem identification. We found differences in the implementation of AM between developed and developing countries that were present in our samples in the following way: AM projects in developed countries were typically carried out by state agencies, and focused on solving problems concerning epicontinental waters and the public use of ecosystems. They had the support of national funds and used modelling techniques. In contrast, the AM projects from developing countries were mainly aimed at the conservation of natural protected areas and at the mitigation of environmental impacts derived from mining activities. The financial support of these projects was frequently provided by international organizations, and the use of modelling techniques was uncommon. For a better exploitation of all the possibilities of AM, we suggest the use of criteria to be customized to the specific needs of the socio-economic reality of every country and to monitor the results at a global scale to continuously improve this practice.
Effects of small-scale management on biodiversity of an abandoned coppice forest in Japan: a case study on vegetation regeneration and ground beetle community
Authors: Shibuya S. , Kubota K. , Ohsawa M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We studied the effects of small-scale vegetation disturbances on biodiversity in an abandoned coppice forest in central Japan during 2004–2006. We assessed biodiversity by examining vegetation regeneration and by changes in the diversity and abundance of ground beetles after experimental manipulations including tree felling, vegetation clearing, and litter removal. Our experimental design was dictated by the need of producing only small disturbances; therefore we could not replicate plots. Instead, we used a repeated measures approach during three years to document the consistency of experimental effects. We found that the diversity of regenerating vegetation increased dramatically due to recruitment of many new species after clearing ground vegetation. Tree cutting caused strong environmental changes and affected vegetation regeneration rate but not diversity. Tree cutting also significantly increased the diversity of ground beetle species, while litter removal affected the abundance of ground beetles. Our results suggest that a sound conservation practice shall combine tree cutting with ground vegetation clearing and litter removal. Besides, conservation of abandoned forests may be based on low-intensity labor, including tree cutting on restricted areas. Finally, ground beetles appeared to be surprisingly sensitive to vegetation disturbance on a restricted area and thus can be suggested for monitoring such small-scale-disturbance-based conservation practices.
Habitat niche community-level analysis of an amphibian assemblage at Lake Nabugabo, Uganda
Authors: Behangana M. , Luiselli L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Community structure was studied across six different habitat types in an amphibian assemblage constituted by 24 species belonging to five families, from Lake Nabugabo, Uganda. We employed a suite of different statistical methods, including univariate, multivariate, and Monte Carlo procedures to investigate the randomness/nonrandomness and the seasonal effects (wet versus dry season) of the community assembly. We calculated for each species in each habitat type an index of relative abundance by using a time constrained counting technique, with 48 1-h counts for each habitat type. Co-occurrence was analysed by C score with 30 000 simulations; resource partitioning patterns by RA2 and RA3 algorithms with 30 000 simulations; and apparent dissimilarity among species in terms of habitat use by UPGMA dendrograms. After pooling data from wet and dry seasons, it resulted that the amphibian community was non-randomly assembled according to C-score analyses, but both RA2 and RA3 were unable to uncover any competitive structure for the dataset. Seasonal effects were evident, and although C score analyses confirmed a nonrandom structure for the community under study (particularly in wet season), RA3 showed that species with high relative abundance tended to significantly concentrate in one habitat type (swamp forest) rather than to partition the habitat resource. UPGMA dendrograms grouped the species differently in dry versus wet seasons. Overall, the comparative evidence of 1) non-random community structure according to C-score analysis, and 2) absence of resource partitioning according to niche overlap null models analysis, suggests that community organization in Lake Nabugabo amphibians is generated by habitat affinities rather than by interspecific competition.
Small rodent population synchrony in western Sweden. Effects of landscape structure
Authors: Loman J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Small rodents were captured in two regions in western Sweden. One represents an agricultural landscape were captures were made in 19 small habitat islands and in two small forests. The other represents a forest region were captures were made in four sites in a continuous forest. The captures were made for seven years. There were no clear indications of cyclicity. Within both regions, wood mice captures were in synchrony among sites. For bank voles, this was only true in the forest region and for field voles in the agricultural region. Captures of field voles were too few for analysis in the forest region. Among species, captures were not synchronous in the agricultural region but captures of wood mice and bank voles were synchronous in the forest region. These results suggest a role of landscape structure for the population dynamics of these species, rather than differences in predator function.
Changes in species composition in alpine snowbeds with climate change inferred from small-scale spatial patterns
Authors: Schöb C. , Kammer P. M. , Kikvidze Z. , Choler P. , Veit H.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Alpine snowbeds are characterised by a very short growing season. However, the length of the snow-free period is increasingly prolonged due to climate change, so that snowbeds become susceptible to invasions from neighbouring alpine meadow communities. We hypothesised that spatial distribution of species generated by plant interactions may indicate whether snowbed species will coexist with or will be out-competed by invading alpine species – spatial aggregation or segregation will point to coexistence or competitive exclusion, respectively. We tested this hypothesis in snowbeds of the Swiss Alps using the variance ratio statistics. We focused on the relationships between dominant snowbed species, subordinate snowbed species, and potentially invading alpine grassland species. Subordinate snowbed species were generally spatially aggregated with each other, but were segregated from alpine grassland species. Competition between alpine grassland and subordinate snowbed species may have caused this segregation. Segregation between these species groups increased with earlier snowmelt, suggesting an increasing importance of competition with climate change. Further, a dominant snowbed species (Alchemilla pentaphyllea) was spatially aggregated with subordinate snowbed species, while two other dominants (Gnaphalium supinum and Salix herbacea) showed aggregated patterns with alpine grassland species. These dominant species are known to show distinct microhabitat preferences suggesting the existence of hidden microhabitats with different susceptibility to invaders. These results allow us to suggest that alpine snowbed areas are likely to be reduced as a consequence of climate change and that invading species from nearby alpine grasslands could outcompete subordinate snowbed species. On the other hand, microhabitats dominated by Gnaphalium or Salix seem to be particularly prone to invasions by non-snowbed species.
Plotting partial correlation and regression in ecological studies
Authors: Moya-Laraño J. , Corcobado G.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Multiple regression, the General linear model (GLM) and the Generalized linear model (GLZ) are widely used in ecology. The widespread use of graphs that include fitted regression lines to document patterns in simple linear regression can be easily extended to these multivariate techniques in plots that show the partial relationship of the dependent variable with each independent variable. However, the latter procedure is not nearly as widely used in ecological studies. In fact, a brief review of the recent ecological literature showed that in ca. 20% of the papers the results of multiple regression are displayed by plotting the dependent variable against the raw values of the independent variable. This latter procedure may be misleading because the value of the partial slope may change in magnitude and even in sign relative to the slope obtained in simple least-squares regression. Plots of partial relationships should be used in these situations. Using numerical simulations and real data we show how displaying plots of partial relationships may also be useful for: 1) visualizing the true scatter of points around the partial regression line, and 2) identifying influential observations and non-linear patterns more efficiently than using plots of residuals vs. fitted values. With the aim to help in the assessment of data quality, we show how partial residual plots (residuals from overall model + predicted values from the explanatory variable vs. the explanatory variable) should only be used in restricted situations, and how partial regression plots (residuals of Y on the remaining explanatory variables vs. residuals of the target explanatory variable on the remaining explanatory variables) should be the ones displayed in publications because they accurately reflect the scatter of partial correlations. Similarly, these partial plots can be applied to visualize the effect of continuous variables in GLM and GLZ for normal distributions and identity link functions.
Applying seed germination studies in fire management for biodiversity conservation in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Auld T. D. , Ooi M. K. J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We examine the patterns of germination response to fire in the fire-prone flora of the Sydney basin, south-eastern Australia, using examples from several decades of research. The flora shows a strong response to fire-related germination cues. Most species show an interaction between heat and smoke, a number respond only to heat, whilst a few are likely to respond only to smoke. Many recruit in the first 12 months after fire and show no obvious seasonal patterns of recruitment, whilst several species have a strong seasonal germination requirement, even in this essentially aseasonal rainfall region. Key challenges remaining include designing future seed germination studies within the context of informing the germination response surface to smoke and heat interactions, and incorporation of the impact of varying soil moisture on seed germination post-fire, including its affect on resetting of seed dormancy. An understanding of the resilience of species to frequent fire also requires further work, to identify species and functional types most at risk. This work must ideally be integrated within the framework of the management of fire regimes that will change under a changing climate. We suggest that the functional classification of plant types in relation to fire could be enhanced by a consideration of both the type of germination response to fire (type of cues required) and the timing of the response (seasonally driven in response to seed dormancy characteristics, or independent of season). We provide a simplified version of such an addition to functional trait classification in relation to fire.
Unexpected failures of recommended tests in basic statistical analyses of ecological data
Authors: Kikvidze Z. , Moya-Laraño J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Ecologists, when analyzing the output of simple experiments, often have to compare statistical samples that simultaneously are of uneven size, unequal variance and distribute non-normally. Although there are special tests designed to address each of these unsuitable characteristics, it is unclear how their combination affects the tests. Here we compare the performance of recommended tests using generated data sets that simulate statistical samples typical in ecological research. We measured rates of type I and II errors, and found that common parametric tests such as ANOVA are quite robust to non-normality, uneven sample size, unequal variance, and their effect combined. ANOVA and randomization tests produced very similar results. At the same time, the t-test for unequal variance unexpectedly lost power with samples of uneven size. Also, non-parametric tests were strongly affected by unequal variance in large samples, yet non-parametric tests could complement parametric tests when testing samples of uneven size. Thus, we demonstrate that the robustness of each kind of test strongly depends on the combination of parameters (distribution, sample size, equality of variances). We conclude that manuals should be revised to offer more elaborate instructions for applying specific statistical tests.
Life-history traits in an evergreen Mediterranean oak respond differentially to previous experimental environments
Authors: Rey Benayas J. M. , Cuesta B. , Villar-Salvador P. , Jáuregui P.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Living organisms respond both to current and previous environments, which can have important consequences on population dynamics. However, there is little experimental evidence based on long-term field studies of the effects of previous environments on the performance of individuals. We tested the hypothesis that trees that establish under different environmental conditions perform differently under similar post-establishment conditions. We used the slow-growing, evergreen Mediterranean oak Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia as target species. We analyzed the effects of previous environments, competition effects and tradeoffs among life-history traits (survival, growth, and reproduction). We enhanced seedling establishment for three years by reducing abiotic environmental harshness by means of summer irrigation and artificial shading in 12 experimental plots, while four plots remained as controls. Then these treatments were interrupted for ten years. Seedlings under ameliorated environmental conditions survived and grew faster during early establishment. During the post-management period, previous treatments 1) did not have any effect on survival, 2) experienced a slower above-ground growth, 3) decreased root biomass as indicated from reflectivity of Ground Penetration Radar, 4) increased acorn production mostly through a greater canopy volume and 5) increased acorn production effort. The trees exhibited a combination of effects related to acclimation for coping with abiotic stress and effects of intra-specific competition. In accordance with our hypothesis, tree performance overall depended on previous environmental conditions, and the response was different for different life-history traits. We recommend early management because it increased plot cover, shortened the time to attain sexual maturity and increased the amount of acorn production. Plots such as those assessed in this study may act as sources of propagules in deforested agricultural landscapes thus aiding natural establishment of new plants.
Life at the margin: the mating system of Mediterranean conifers
Authors: Restoux G. , Silva D. E. , Sagnard F. , Torre F. , Klein E. , Fady B.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Mixed mating, where a single tree progeny results from a mixture of selfing and outcrossing, is widespread in conifers and could be an evolutionary advantage at ecological margins when mating partners become scarce. This study analyzes how the mating system responds to bioclimate and density variations. We surveyed published data on the mating system of Abies, Picea and Pinus species when information on bioclimate and stand density was available. Our survey revealed that Mediterranean species demonstrate a lower selfing rate than other species and that the proportion of selfed versus outcrossed progeny is not fixed within species. The highest variability in mating types within populations was found when stand density was the most variable. To show how density affects the proportion of selfed versus outcrossed progeny, we used isozymes to genotype single tree seeds from a marginal Abies alba forest in Mediterranean France (Mont Ventoux) where low-to high-density stands are found. We then tested the adaptive potential of the different high and low density progenies by sowing them under controlled nursery conditions and measuring germination rate and seedling survival after 4 yr under 3 different water regimes. Although the mean value of outcrossing rate was typical for mixed mating conifers (tm = 0.85), individual outcrossing rates varied from 0.05 to 0.99 and were strongly correlated with stand type and density (tm from 0.87 in high-density to 0.43 in low-density marginal stands). Significantly fewer seeds from the low density marginal stand germinated (32% vs. 53% in the high density mature stand), although seedlings from the marginal stand had a better 4-yr survival (81%) than seedlings from the high-density mature stand (63%) when the three water regimes (from least to most stressful) were averaged. Trees from low density stands may be at a selective disadvantage because they produce more selfed progeny than trees from high-density stands. However, selfed seeds may be purged early on (at the embryo stage) and the remaining seeds tend to produce seedlings with better fitness. Variability of the selfing rate might thus be an adaptive strategy for species in highly contrasted environments where selection of both reproductive assurance and avoidance of inbreeding depression may be density dependent.
Sciuridae, Rapoport’s effect and the mismatch between range size, conservation needs, and scientific productivity: an approach at the genus level
Authors: Amori G. , Gippoliti S. , Luiselli L. , Battisti C.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Rapoport’s rule states that species at high latitudes have broader ranges than species at low latitudes. This rule has been strongly disputed over the years, and the majority of current scientists think that this is mostly a local phenomenon. However, if Rapoport’s rule applies, it should be a priori expected that taxa occurring in equatorial and tropical regions should be more threatened than those at temperate regions. In this paper, we test 1) whether Rapoport’s rule applies to Sciuridae genera (Mammalia, Rodentia) and, if so, 2) whether the research efforts by scientists have been concentrated on those taxa that, because of their range size, may be predicted to be more threatened (i.e. equatorial and tropical taxa). Distribution data on Sciuridae came from literature and were transformed as maps according to World Map Program, and data about number of papers published by genus and by latitude were collected from the ISI Web of Knowledge. Our analysis verified the occurrence of a Rapoport’s effect in Sciuridae in both the hemispheres: mean range size increased significantly with latitude increases in both hemispheres. However, literature data inspection revealed that only a few genera accounted for the great majority of studies, and these genera were widely distributed and found at high latitudes. Thus, there is a potentially serious gap between current knowledge and threat expectations for Sciuridae worldwide. We therefore strongly urge scientists to give priority attention towards field studies of tropical Sciuridae genera.
Effects of woodland islets introduced in a Mediterranean agricultural landscape on local bird communities
Authors: Razola I. , Rey Benayas J. M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. This study assesses whether the afforestation approach consisting in the introduction of woodland islets in “agricultural seas” can reconcile the restoration of woody vegetation and the persistence of open-habitat bird populations, providing further opportunities for other forest species to enrich bird diversity at the landscape level. We compared the species richness and abundance of bird communities in a field with 16 introduced woodland islets and in a nearby abandoned field located in central Spain during spring and winter time. The woodland islets presented higher accumulated species richness as well as a higher probability of finding new species if sampling effort were increased only in winter time. These trends were the opposite during spring time. Mean species richness and mean bird abundance were lower at the woodland islets than at the abandoned field in both seasons. We found a higher abundance of open-habitat specialist species in the abandoned field. Woodland islets favoured the wintering of chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. We did not find any effects on the only forest specialist species (blue tit Parus caeruleus) in spring. Bird richness and abundance were higher in edge islets than in inner islets. The introduction of larger and mixed plantations connected by hedgerows and a management that favoured the development of big trees, a lower tree density and a diverse shrub layer could promote bird diversity, allowing forest specialists and open-habitat species to coexist at the landscape scale.
David and Goliath: comparative use of facilitation and competition studies in the plant ecology literature
Authors: Lortie C. J. , Callaway R. M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Competition and facilitation are extensively studied in plant ecology and are central to ecological theory. However, these processes do not occur in isolation from each other and should be studied concurrently and synthetically. Here, we compare the relative citation success of studies that focus on either side of the same interaction coin in terms of number of publications and citations per publication in six of the following major themes in plant ecology: biogeography, populations, communities, ecosystems, evolution and conservation. There were eight times more publications on plant competition than on facilitation but this is not surprising given its long history of comprehensive and relatively exclusive study in plant ecology. Although studies of facilitation comprised a smaller body of literature, the mean citation rate for each publication was equivalent to that of competition studies. Thus, facilitation studies are being used as much as competition. These patterns of use by the ecological community clearly indicate that both aspects of plant interactions address broad themes and that studies on plant interactions should now strive to either test both simultaneously or at the very minimum include interpretations and relevant literature from both sets of ideas. Importantly, these broad trends illustrate the old axiom that quality and not quantity of studies may be a consideration in the success of a sub-discipline.
Manipulation of soil biota in ecological research
Authors: He W.-M. , Cui Q.-G.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Manipulation of soil biota, such as soil sterilization, may have complex effects as they alter soil properties as well as microorganism communities. To assess the effects of such manipulation, we conducted an experiment using three sterilizing approaches, two soil types, and two plant species to identify the problems that may occur when different sterilizing approaches are used. The sterilizing treatments decreased growth of plants and resulted in large changes in soil nutrients and pH. Such effects varied with the approach followed. Our data suggest that studied effects on soil biota may be misleading if we fail to consider such changes in the soil.
The shape of occupancy distributions in plant communities: the importance of artefactual effects
Authors: Kammer P. M. , Vonlanthen C. M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Occupancy frequency distributions are commonly used as an approach to describe and analyse interspecific distribution patterns. However, the relative importance of biological versus artefactual mechanisms in shaping occupancy distributions is still largely undetermined. We evaluated the importance of different and interacting artefactual effects on the shape of occupancy distributions in local plant communities. The effects of sampling protocol parameters (i.e. size and number of sample units, sample extent, coverage, and intensity) on the shape of the occupancy distributions were examined separately. We identified the mechanisms that cause the effects by tracking the shifts of individual species between occupancy classes with varying parameters. Furthermore, the impact of different species abundance distributions and increasing levels of intraspecific aggregation on occupancy distributions was investigated by means of artificial assemblages. We show the following results: 1) increases in the number of sample units, sample extent, coverage, and intensity all result in a unimodal occupancy distribution with the mode in the lowest occupancy class; 2) an increase in sample unit size leads to a bimodal distribution; 3) changes that occur in the shape of the occupancy distributions with varying sampling protocol parameters can be explained by the movements of the species between occupancy classes; 4) different species abundance distributions may cause occupancy distributions with a left-hand mode or a bimodal distribution; and 5) the number of species in the highest occupancy class decreases with increasing degree of aggregation. The mode that almost always occurs in the lowest occupancy class is most likely due to the high number of rare species existing in most communities; the mode in the highest class emerges as a pure artefact that occurs when the sample unit size is relatively large compared to the sample extent. Consequently, the exclusion or separation of concurrent artefactual mechanisms is crucial when investigating the biological causes for the shape of occupancy distributions.
MUC1 has Prognostic Significance in Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Authors: Pillai Krishna , Pourgholami Mohammad H. , Chua Terence C. , Morris David L.
Published: September 2013

Background

Overexpression of MUC1 predicts poor survival in most cancers. Routine immunohistochemical detection of MUC1 is performed for differential diagnosis in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM). However, the prognostic significance of MUC1 in MPM has not been determined.

Method

We investigated MUC1 expression and other prognostic factors in relation to survival in 42 patients (20 males and 22 females) for whom archival samples were available, using immunohistochemistry. MUC1 was expressed in 38/42 (90%) patients. Its prognostic significance was statistically analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

High expression of MUC1 (immunohistochemical score of 5-8), was correlated with poor survival in several categories: all subtypes of tumors (p=0.001), male gender (p=0.017), female gender (p=0.001), epitheloid tumors (p=0.001), epitheloid tumors in males (p=0.005), epitheloid tumors in females (p=0.003), and age at diagnosis (AAD) <60 years (p=0.001). Amongst the other clinicopathological variables, univariate analysis also showed that male gender (p=0.007), sarcomatoid histology (p=0.001), peritoneal cancer index (PCI) ≥20 (p=0.013) and AAD ≥60 (p=0.001), correlated with poor survival. Multivariate analysis showed that only AAD ≥60 (p=0.049) was an independent prognostic factor, and that high MUC1 expression significantly correlated with the following categories: all subtypes of tumors (p=0.001), male gender (p=0.002), female gender (p=0.031), epitheloid tumors (p=0.031), and AAD <60y (p=0.012).

Conclusion

AAD and high MUC1 expression in the tumor are indicators of poor prognosis. MUC1 evaluation by immunohistochemistry may serve as a useful prognostic tool in MPM, but may need further confirmation in a larger patients' cohort.
Abdominal Manifestations of Lymphoma: Spectrum of Imaging Features
Authors: Manzella Adonis , Borba-Filho Paulo , D'Ippolito Giuseppe , Farias Marcella
Published: September 2013

Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas frequently involve many structures in the abdomen and pelvis. Extranodal disease is more common with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma than with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Though it may be part of a systemic lymphoma, single onset of nodal lymphoma is not rare. Extranodal lymphoma has been described in virtually every organ and tissue. In decreasing order of frequency, the spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, abdominal wall, genitourinary tract, adrenal, peritoneal cavity, and biliary tract are involved. The purpose of this review is to discuss and illustrate the spectrum of appearances of nodal and extranodal lymphomas, including AIDS-related lymphomas, in the abdominopelvic region using a multimodality approach, especially cross-sectional imaging techniques. The most common radiologic patterns of involvement are illustrated. Familiarity with the imaging manifestations that are diagnostically specific for lymphoma is important because imaging plays an important role in the noninvasive management of disease.
Removal of Color Pigments From Corn Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles (DDGS) to Produce an Upgraded Food Ingredient
Authors: Saunders J. A. , Rosentrater Kurt A. , Krishnan P. G.
Published: September 2013

Processing steps including bleaching, deodorizing, and milling are imperative for improving the functionality of distillers grains in various food matrices, as well as improving consumer acceptance. Utilization of distillers grains in food products is of particular interest. Various parameters were explored for the removal of pigments, including raw DDGS (diameter 0.384) or milled DDGS (0.329 mm), number of extractions (1, 2, or 3), time (30, 60, or 90 min.), and ethanol concentration (5, 10, or 15 mL/g). Altogether, the experimental design was a 2 x 3 x 3 x 3 factorial, resulting in 54 trials, which were each replicated twice. Physical and chemical properties of the resulting DDGS were analyzed. Protein content was impacted by time and number of extractions. A decrease in lipid content resulted in an inverse increase in protein content. Lipid and pigment analysis showed similar decreasing trends, signifying that lipid contents decreased while increasing solvent extraction time, ethanol concentration, and number of extractions. Physical property analysis showed ethanol extraction to be a moderately effective bleaching technique for DDGS. Chemical property data showed that the treatments were extremely effective in reducing lipid and pigment values, while increasing protein. Effective removal of pigments can improve the color of food products containing DDGS, which can lead to greater consumer acceptability of this ingredient.
The Fifth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 10-12 September, 2003): Ulaanbaatar Declaration
Authors: Editor The
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i12.101 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.12 2005: 112-120
The Fifth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies (Ulaabbaatar, Mongolia, 10-12 September, 2003): Ulaanbaatar Plan of Action
Authors: Editor The
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i12.102 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.12 2005: 121-126
Regional Integration Processes and Mongolia
Authors: Munh-Orgil Ts
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i12.89 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.12 2005: 3-7
Mongolia in Northeast Asia: Issues of Security Survival and Diplomacy: Mongolia’s Place in Asia Today
Authors: Bedeski Robert E
Published: September 2013

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Mongolia lost its twentieth century protector, and has had to navigate Asian and global politics at a time when China is becoming a dominant economic and military power. Chinese economic and demographic expansion will directly impact Mongolia and the precedent of the sinification of Inner Mongolia demonstrates new challenges to the isolated Mongolian Republic. Energy imports, military security, trade opportunities and investment climate are closely affected by China, and Mongolian diplomatic efforts must take the southern giant into primary consideration. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i12.92 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.12 2005: 28-39
Mongolia in Northeast Asia - The New Realities
Authors: Campi Alicia
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i12.94 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.12 2005: 46-64
Statement by Mr. R.ALTANGEREL, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia in the General Debate of the 59th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Authors: Altangerel R
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i12.98 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.12 2005: 96-103
Alterações na arquitetura típica de Tipuana tipu (Benth.) O. Kuntze na arborização de ruas de Curitiba, Paraná
Authors: Bobrowski Rogério , Lima Neto Everaldo Marques de , Biondi Daniela
Published: September 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509810540A estrutura e os equipamentos urbanos podem restringir o correto desenvolvimento das árvores e de sua arquitetura típica. A Tipuana tipu (Benth.) O. Kuntze (tipuana) tem sido podada de forma contínua por ser uma espécie de grande porte e por estar entre as mais plantadas na cidade de Curitiba. Por conta disso, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a alteração da arquitetura típica de Tipuana tipu na arborização de ruas de Curitiba, por meio de delineamento inteiramente casualizado contendo uma parcela testemunha composta por 6 árvores, um tratamento com 6 árvores sob fiação e outro com 6 árvores em ruas livres de fiação. A partir de fotografias horizontais das árvores foram obtidas variáveis dendrométricas, tendo por base uma escala métrica acoplada à altura do DAP. Assim, foram calculados índices morfométricos para descrever relações interdimensionais para a espécie, em árvores sem poda (testemunha) e em árvores podadas (tratamentos). Os resultados demonstraram que as podas de elevação alteram a arquitetura típica da tipuana modificando seu contorno e sua forma, além de prejudicar seu efeito estético. Os índices que podem expressar as alterações, de forma significativa (p<0,05), foram: índice de abrangência, índice de saliência, ângulo de copa, proporção de copa e relação HR/HP.
Germinação de sementes e emergência de plântulas de Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschut, Fabaceae, estabelecida em fragmentos florestais do Cerrado, MG
Authors: Dorneles Marieta Caixeta , Ranal Marli A. , Santana Denise Garcia de
Published: September 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1980509810541A estratégia de germinação dos diásporos é fundamental para a sobrevivência das espécies, sendo um dos fatores que permitem a sua manutenção e regeneração no ambiente. A germinação das sementes e a emergência das plântulas de Anadenanthera colubrina foram estudadas para analisar a eficiência reprodutiva da espécie, oriunda de fragmentos de vegetação do bioma Cerrado. Os frutos foram coletados no Vale do Rio Araguari, MG. O teor de água a 105ºC, a germinação em condições controladas de laboratório e a emergência das plântulas em estufa semiaberta, coberta com sombrite, foram analisados. As sementes apresentaram baixo teor de água, entre 6,7 e 10,7%. A germinabilidade e a porcentagem de emergência foram altas para quase todos os indivíduos estudados, estando entre 68 (indivíduo 2) e 85 - 94% (para os demais indivíduos); 38 (indivíduo 2) e 78 - 91% (para os demais), respectivamente. A velocidade dos processos foi alta, com o término da germinação dentro de 12,8 dias e emergência em 18,8 dias. Os processos foram heterogêneos, com valores do coeficiente de variação do tempo acima de 28,5%; assíncrono, sendo registrados valores acima de 1,5 bits para a incerteza e abaixo de 0,3812 para a sincronia. As sementes desta espécie se mostraram eficientes em ambos os processos e a heterogeneidade e assincronia podem ser indicativos dos efeitos das oscilações ambientais durante a formação das sementes, além da variabilidade genética, intrínseca de cada indivíduo da população. A rapidez e o alto potencial de germinação das sementes desta espécie também podem viabilizar programas de revegetação, com a produção de grande quantidade de plantas jovens em curto tempo.