bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant functional effects on ecosystem services
Authors: Lavorel Sandra
Published: May 2013

The prominent new place of ecosystem services in environmental policy, land management and land planning requires that the best ecological knowledge be applied to ecosystem service quantification. Given strong evidence that functional diversity underpins the delivery of key ecosystem services, assessments of these services may progress rapidly using a trait‐based approach.

The trait‐based approach shows promising results, especially for plant trait effects on primary production and some processes associated with carbon and nitrogen cycling in grasslands. However, there is a need to extend the proof of concept for a wider range of ecosystems and ecosystem services and to incorporate not only the functional characteristics of plants but those of other organisms with which plants interact for the provision of ecosystem services.

The five papers in this Special Feature illustrate how some of the key conceptual and methodological challenges can be resolved, and provide a range of case studies across three continents. Relevant plant functional traits depict different axes of variation including stature, the leaf economics spectrum, and associated or independent variations in root or stem traits. The application of the trait approach to ecosystem processes underpinned by interactions between plants and other biota is illustrated for soil micro‐organisms and granivorous invertebrates. There is strong evidence for the biomass ratio hypothesis (i.e. prevalent effects of the traits of dominant species through the community‐weighted mean), along with less prevalent and more complex effects of heterogeneous trait values between species (i.e. functional divergence).

Synthesis. Together, the five papers in this Special Feature illustrate how trait‐based approaches may help elucidate the complexity of ecological mechanisms operating in the field to determine ecosystem service delivery. To address scientific and management questions about the provision of multiple services, progress is needed in understanding how functional trade‐offs and synergies within organisms scale up to interactions between ecosystem services. Service‐oriented ecosystem management within the context of global change, or ecological restoration, remains a major challenge, but trait‐based understanding opens new avenues towards more generic, integrated approaches.
What happens when ants fail at plant defence?Cordia nodosadynamically adjusts its investment in both direct and indirect resistance traits in response to herbivore damage
Authors: Frederickson Megan E. , Ravenscraft Alison , Arcila Hernández Lina M. , Booth Gregory , Astudillo Viviana , Miller Gabriel A.
Published: May 2013

Ants provide variable protection against herbivores to ant‐plants (i.e. myrmecophytes and myrmecophiles). The ways in which ant‐plants dynamically adjust both their direct (chemical and physical) and indirect (biotic) defences in response to varying levels of herbivory are not well understood.

We experimentally generated a broad range of ant‐attendance levels and herbivory pressures in a tropical myrmecophyte,Cordia nodosa,which allowed exploration of the inducibility of and interactions between direct and indirect resistance traits.

In response to increased herbivory, host plants encouraged indirect (biotic) defence by increasing domatium volume, regardless of whether ants were present on the plant. When ants were present, larger domatia housed more workers, which in turn decreased herbivory on adjacent leaves.

Independent of the presence of ants, plants responded to increased herbivory by inducing both chemical (phenolics) and structural (leaf toughness, trichomes) resistance traits; these traits were associated with reduced palatability to a folivorous beetle.

Synthesis. Our results show that both direct and indirect defences are inducible inC. nodosa, which suggests thatC. nodosamay retain direct defences as insurance against varying levels of protection from its ant bodyguards. Thus, the predictions of optimal defence theory are not violated: althoughC. nodosainvests in multiple forms of defence, they are not redundant.
Initial density affects biomass–density and allometric relationships in self‐thinning populations of Fagopyrum esculentum
Authors: Li Lei , Weiner Jacob , Zhou Daowei , Huang Yingxin , Sheng Lianxi
Published: May 2013

The form and generality of the biomass–density relationship, especially during self‐thinning of crowded stands, have been intensively debated in recent years. All models of self‐thinning assume that the trajectory is independent of the initial pre‐thinning density, so populations differing in initial density can be analysed together. As plant allometry is a determinant of the self‐thinning trajectory, and competition alters plants' allometric growth, initial density may have consequences for the self‐thinning trajectory.

To ask whether initial density can influence allometric relationships and the biomass–density trajectory, we grew Fagopyrum esculentum populations at three high densities and measured shoot biomass, density and the height and diameter of individual plants at six harvests.

Initial density did not affect the slope of the log biomass–log density relationship, but there was a clear and significant effect on the intercept. Populations sown at higher densities had significantly more biomass at a given density of survivors.

If the data for all densities and harvests are analysed together, the log biomass–log density relationship is linear with a slope of −0.377, which is consistent with the predictions of Metabolic Scaling Theory. If the independent variable initial density is included as a factor, the estimated slope of the log B–log N relationship is much steeper and consistent with the classical ‘Self‐thinning Rule’.

The position of the self‐thinning trajectory is determined in part by the biomass density: the relationship between mass and volume. Initial density could affect this by altering allometric growth in a way that influences architectural compactness. An alternative hypothesis is that competition at higher initial density is more size symmetric, which has been shown to reduce growth and mortality.

Synthesis. The self‐thinning trajectory is not always independent of initial population density. Interpopulation scaling patterns, even within one species, do not reflect processes within populations, and this conflation lies behind much of the current debate about size–density relationships in plant populations and communities. Interactions among plants and allometry are more important than internal physiological scaling mechanisms in determining the self‐thinning trajectory of crowded stands.
Evolution of fast‐growing and more resistant phenotypes in introduced common mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Authors: Kumschick Sabrina , Hufbauer Ruth A. , Alba Christina , Blumenthal Dana M.
Published: May 2013

Species introduced into areas outside of their native range face novel biotic and abiotic conditions, which probably impose novel selection pressures. Adaptation to these new conditions may increase the ability of introduced species to establish and spread. Like many other introduced plant populations, introduced genotypes of common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) are more successful in their introduced than in their native range, with increased growth and fecundity. These differences appear to be at least partly genetically based. The most successful introduced populations also grow in an environment that is drier and has fewer competitors than native populations. It is not known, however, whether differences between native and introduced mullein populations are related to these environmental differences between ranges.

We used a common garden experiment with 23 native and 27 introduced populations of common mullein to test whether common mullein in the introduced range exhibits evolutionary shifts with respect to responses to competition, drought stress and nitrogen (N) stress. We also used choice experiments to learn whether introduced mullein is more or less resistant to a generalist herbivore than native mullein.

Without competition, introduced genotypes grew larger than native genotypes under high resource availability (control) and N stress, but not water stress. Survival, however, was increased in native populations under competition and N stress. The introduced genotypes also had a lower root:shoot ratio than the native genotypes. With competition, introduced genotypes grew larger than native genotypes across all treatments, with that difference being significant under N stress. The introduced genotypes were also more resistant to a generalist herbivore.

Synthesis: Together, high biomass, strong responses to high water availability and low root:shoot ratio suggest that mullein has evolved a fast‐growing, weedy phenotype in its introduced range rather than adapting to a low‐water environment through increased root growth. Although fast‐growing plants can be more palatable to herbivores, in this case there does not appear to be a trade‐off between growth and defence against a generalist herbivore. Mullein appears to have evolved to be both faster growing and better defended in the introduced range.
Plant apparency, an overlooked driver of associational resistance to insect herbivory
Authors: Castagneyrol Bastien , Giffard Brice , Péré Christelle , Jactel Hervé
Published: May 2013

Herbivore regulation is one of the services provided by plant diversity in terrestrial ecosystems. It has been suggested that tree diversity decreases insect herbivory in forests, but recent studies have reported opposite patterns, indicating that tree diversity can trigger associational resistance or susceptibility. The mechanisms underlying the tree diversity–resistance relationship thus remain a matter of debate.

We assessed insect herbivory on pedunculate oak saplings (Quercus robur) in a large‐scale experiment in which we manipulated tree diversity and identity by mixing oaks, birch and pine species.

Tree diversity at the plot scale had no effect on damage due to leaf chewers, but abundance of leaf miners decreased with increasing tree diversity. The magnitude of this associational resistance increased with host dilution, consistent with the ‘resource concentration hypothesis’.

At a smaller scale, we estimated tree apparency as the difference in total height between focal oak saplings and their nearest neighbouring trees. Levels of oak infestation with leaf miners decreased significantly with decreasing tree apparency. As the probability of having taller neighbours increased with tree diversity, notably due to the increase in the proportion of faster growing nonhost trees, such as birches and pines, tree apparency may be seen as a ‘hidden’, sampling effect of tree diversity.

Synthesis. These findings suggest that greater host dilution and lower tree apparency contribute to associational resistance in young trees. They also highlight the importance of taking plant size into account as a covariate, to avoid misleading interpretations about the biodiversity–resistance relationship.
Large herbivores favour species diversity but have mixed impacts on phylogenetic community structure in an African savanna ecosystem
Authors: Yessoufou Kowiyou , Davies T. Jonathan , Maurin Olivier , Kuzmina Maria , Schaefer Hanno , van der Bank Michelle , Savolainen Vincent
Published: May 2013

There has been much debate on the impact of large herbivores on biodiversity, especially given that large mammals are becoming locally extinct in many places.

The use of evolutionary information on community structure has typically been limited to evaluating assembly processes, for example, competition or habitat filtering, whereas a lack of long‐term experiments has precluded the test of predictions considering more complex biotic interactions.

Reconstructing the complete phylogeny of the trees and shrubs of the Kruger National Park from DNA data, we tested for phylogenetic signal in antiherbivory traits and compared the phylogenetic structure of communities under various degrees of herbivore pressure using experimental plots spanning several decades.

We show that all antiherbivory traits examined demonstrated weak but significant phylogenetic signal, and that exclusion of large herbivores results in impoverished species diversity in restructured communities. Surprisingly, we also show that reduction in species diversity coupled with community reorganization does not necessarily result in a decrease in phylogenetic diversity, and that community responses to herbivore exclusion depend on initial structure.

Synthesis. Extinction of large mammal herbivores will have cascading effects on plant diversity; however, impacts on plant community structure are contingent on initial conditions. This research has implications for best practice when managing large herbivores and natural habitats.
Uncovering multiscale effects of aridity and biotic interactions on the functional structure of Mediterranean shrublands
Authors: Gross Nicolas , Börger Luca , Soriano‐Morales Sara I. , Le Bagousse‐Pinguet Yoann , Quero José L. , García‐Gómez Miguel , Valencia‐Gómez Enrique , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: May 2013

Habitat filtering (HF, trait convergence) and niche differentiation (ND, trait divergence) are known to impact upon plant community structure. Both processes integrate individual responses to the abiotic environment and biotic interactions. Thus, it is difficult to clearly identify the underlying abiotic and biotic factors that ultimately impact community structure by looking at community‐level patterns of trait divergence or convergence alone.

We used a functional trait‐based and multiscale approach to assess how biotic interactions and aridity determine the functional structure of semi‐arid shrublands sampled along a large aridity gradient in Spain. At the regional scale, we investigated functional differences among species (axes of specialization) to identify important traits for community assembly. At the community scale, we evaluated the relative impact of HF and ND on community structure using a null model approach. Finally, at the plant neighbourhood scale, we evaluated the impact of biotic interactions on community structure by investigating the spatial patterns of trait aggregation.

The shrub species surveyed can be separated along four axes of specialization based on their above‐ground architecture and leaf morphology. Our community scale analysis suggested that the functional structure of semi‐arid communities was clearly non‐random, HF and ND acting independently on different traits to determine community structure along the aridity gradient. At the plant neighbourhood scale, the spatial distribution of species was also clearly not random, suggesting that competition and facilitation impacted on the observed changes in the functional diversity of shrubland communities along the aridity gradient.

Synthesis: Our results demonstrated that HF and ND acted simultaneously on independent traits to jointly determine community structure. Most importantly, our multiscale approach suggested that competition and facilitation interplayed with aridity to determine this structure. Competition appeared to be constant along the aridity gradient and explained the high functional diversity observed in semi‐arid shrublands. Facilitation affected subordinate and rare species and, thus, may act to enhance the biodiversity of these ecosystems. Finally, the framework employed in our study allows moving forward from the examination of patterns to the development of mechanistic trait‐based approaches to study plant community assembly.
Trait‐mediated effects of environmental filtering on tree community dynamics
Authors: Lasky Jesse R. , Sun I‐Fang , Su Sheng‐Hsin , Chen Zueng‐Sang , Keitt Timothy H.
Published: May 2013

Individual performance is a function of an individual's traits and its environment. This function, known as an environmental filter, varies in space and affects community composition. However, filters are poorly characterized because dispersal patterns can obscure environmental effects, and few studies utilize longitudinal data linking individual performance to environment.

We model the effects of environmental filters on demographic rates of nearly all tree species (99) in a 25‐ha subtropical rain forest plot. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian model of environmental filtering, drawing inspiration from classic studies of intraspecific natural selection. We characterize the specific environmental gradients and trait axes most important in filtering of demographic rates across species.

We found that stronger filtering along a given trait axis corresponded to less spatial variation in the value of favoured traits.

Environmental gradients associated with filtering were different for growth versus survivorship.

Species maximum height was under the strongest filtering for growth, with shorter species favoured on convex ridges. Shorter stature species may be favoured on ridges because trees on ridges experience higher wind damage and lower soil moisture.

Wood density filtering had the strongest effects on survival. Steep slopes and high available P in the soil favoured species with low‐density wood. Such sites may be favourable for fast‐growing species that exploit resource‐rich environments.

Synthesis: We characterized trait‐mediated environmental filters that may underlie spatial niche differentiation and life‐history trade‐offs, which can promote species coexistence. Filtering along trait axes with the strongest effects on local community composition, that is, traits with the strongest filtering, may necessarily have a weaker potential to promote species coexistence across the plot. The weak spatial variation in filters with strong effects on demography may result from long‐term processes affecting the species pool that favour habitat generalist strategies.
Fine‐scale spatial patterns in grassland communities depend on species clonal dispersal ability and interactions with neighbours
Authors: Benot M.‐L. , Bittebiere A.‐K. , Ernoult A. , Clément Bernard , Mony Cendrine
Published: May 2013

Non‐random spatial patterns are a common feature of plant communities. However, the mechanisms leading to their formation remain unknown. The clonal dispersal ability of a species, that is, the average length of spacers between ramets, is commonly acknowledged to influence spatial patterns in clonal plants, although this relationship remains to be demonstrated. Moreover, the clonal dispersal ability of neighbouring species may influence environmental conditions and trigger modifications in clonal characteristics of a focal species. Thus, not only the clonal dispersal ability of a species, but also that of its competitors may influence the fine‐scale spatial pattern of a species.

In this article, we compared spatial patterns (in terms of colonization and occupation of space) of species with low (L), intermediate (I) or high (H) clonal dispersal abilities. Twelve species were classified within three groups of clonal dispersal (L, I or H) based on their average spacer lengths, and seven types of experimental assemblages consisting of species from one, two or three dispersal groups were studied. Two questions were addressed: (i) does the species clonal dispersal ability influence their spatial patterns and (ii) are species fine‐scale spatial patterns affected by the clonal dispersal of neighbours? Species spatial patterns were recorded for each assemblage and were then analyzed using point pattern analysis.

Despite strong species‐specific effects, L‐species displayed the highest level of local aggregation, which is indicative of limited space colonization, and the lowest level of local co‐occurrence with other species, which is indicative of a high level of space occupation. The opposite pattern was observed in H‐species, while that of I‐species was intermediate. The species spatial patterns were modified by the clonal dispersal ability of competitors.

Synthesis. This study emphasizes the importance not only of clonal dispersal but also of biotic interactions and, more precisely, of plant neighbour characteristics, in the spatial patterning of grassland plant communities.
Inferring local processes from macro‐scale phenological pattern: a comparison of two methods
Authors: Phillimore Albert B. , Proios Konstantinos , O'Mahony Naiara , Bernard Rodolphe , Lord Alexa M. , Atkinson Sian , Smithers Richard J.
Published: May 2013

Understanding the processes responsible for macro‐scale spatial and temporal phenological patterns is a critical step in developing predictive phenological models. While phenological responses may involve the integration of multiple environmental cues, the spring phenology of many plant and animal species appears to be especially sensitive to temperature.

As a result of the success of citizen science schemes in mobilizing amateur naturalists, for some parts of the world, there now exist extensive data sets of phenological timings, spanning many species, locations and years. In macroecology, two types of models – time windows and growing degree‐days – are widely used to predict phenology on the basis of temperature.

Here, we compare the performance of the two methods in predicting spatiotemporal variation in the timing of Quercus robur first leafing. The methods agree on the time at which leafing becomes sensitive to temperature and provide weak support for a delay in initiation of thermal sensitivity with increasing latitude due to a day‐length requirement. Both methods explain c. 50% of the variation in first dates and identify plasticity, rather than local adaptation, as the major cause of spatial covariation between temperature and phenology. For a 1°C rise in spring temperatures we predict that a plastic response of first leafing will give rise to an advance of about seven days.

Synthesis: Time‐window and growing degree‐day methods provide remarkably congruent insights into the processes underpinning geographic variation in Quercus robur first leafing dates. We find that a spatially invariant plastic response to temperature dominates spatiotemporal phenological variation, which means that it may be reasonable to substitute space for time to project how this species will respond to climate change. This study demonstrates the contribution that top‐down macroecological approaches can make to our understanding of the processes that give rise to intraspecific phenological variation.
Changes in abiotic influences on seed plants and ferns during 18 years of primary succession on Puerto Rican landslides
Authors: Walker Lawrence R. , Shiels Aaron B. , Bellingham Peter J. , Sparrow Ashley D. , Fetcher Ned , Landau Fred H. , Lodge Deborah J.
Published: May 2013

Abiotic variables are critical drivers of succession in most primary seres, but how their influence on biota changes over time is rarely examined. Landslides provide good model systems for examining abiotic influences because they are spatially and temporally heterogeneous habitats with distinct abiotic and biotic gradients and post‐landslide erosion.

In an 18‐year study on 6 Puerto Rican landslides, we used structural equation models to interpret the changing effects of abiotic influences (landslide dimensions, slope, aspect, elevation, parent material and related soil properties) on seed plants (density and diversity), tree fern density, scrambling fern cover, canopy openness and soil development (nitrogen, soil organic matter, pH and cation exchange capacity).

Seven years after landslide formation, catchment size (the landslide area above the point of measurement) was the key abiotic factor influencing plants. The larger the catchment the greater was the diversity and density of seed plants. Conversely, the smaller the catchment the greater was the density of tree ferns and the cover of scrambling ferns.

Eighteen years after landslide formation, landslide slope was the key abiotic influence. The greater the slope, the lower was the density and diversity of seed plants and the greater was the scrambling fern cover.

Aspect, particularly east‐facing slopes exposed to wind disturbances, positively influenced tree fern densities at both 7 and 18 years and negatively influenced seed plants and scrambling ferns at 18 years. Soils were least developed, that is, had lowest soil nitrogen and organic matter concentrations, after 18 years on steep slopes (like seed plants); soils were most developed near landslide edges, on hurricane‐exposed slopes (like tree ferns) and where there were high soil potassium concentrations.

Synthesis. Abiotic variables have important influences on plant succession on landslides and the relative influence of different abiotic variables changes with time. Improved predictability of temporal dynamics will rely not only on understanding the effects of initial disturbances and subsequent biological responses but also on the different and changing influences exerted by each abiotic variable.
Prolonged dormancy interacts with senescence for two perennial herbs
Authors: Tuomi Juha , Crone Elizabeth E. , Gremer Jennifer R. , Jäkäläniemi Anne , Lesica Peter , Pedersen Bård , Ramula Satu
Published: May 2013

Senescence is characterized by a decline in survival, fecundity and reproductive value with age among adult individuals. Simple age‐dependent life cycles progress forward through developmental stages, with each successive stage being characterized by age‐specific vital rates. In contrast, size‐ or stage‐based life cycles for perennial plants are more complex and often include stasis and retrogression to previous vegetative or reproductive life stages, indicating possible slowing or even reversing the developmental progress.

Many plants remain in nonemergent, below‐ground stages during the growing season (prolonged dormancy), which may affect the process of senescence. Stasis in the dormant stage implies that senescence is interrupted while plants are below‐ground.

We explored the underlying assumptions of size‐ or stage‐based life cycle graphs and developed four different demographic models for how prolonged dormancy may mediate the relationship between age and vital rates. We then tested these models using more than 20 years of demographic data on 2 perennial herbs, Astragalus scaphoides and Silene spaldingii.

Results from model fitting suggest that prolonged dormancy interacts with the age dependence of vital rates. The model using true biological age (time since germination) of emergent and dormant plants to estimate vital rates was never the best model for our data. For both species, the model assuming that dormancy resets plants to the same postdormant state experienced earlier in life independent of their predormant age resulted in the best fit, though not for every vital rate.

Older Astragalus plants had declining annual survival probabilities and reproductive value, suggesting senescence. Silene showed the opposite pattern for reproductive value that increased with age, indicating negative senescence.

Synthesis. Using long‐term demographic data from two perennial herbs, this study shows mixed evidence for senescence in perennial plants. Our results indicate that prolonged dormancy interacts with the age dependence of vital rates and may sometimes retard the process of senescence.
Age, stage and senescence in plants
Authors: Caswell Hal , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto
Published: May 2013

Senescence (an increase in the mortality rate or force of mortality, or a decrease in fertility, with increasing age) is a widespread phenomenon. Theories about the evolution of senescence have long focused on the age trajectories of the selection gradients on mortality and fertility. In purely age‐classified models, these selection gradients are non‐increasing with age, implying that traits expressed early in life have a greater impact on fitness than traits expressed later in life. This pattern leads inevitably to the evolution of senescence if there are trade‐offs between early and late performance.

It has long been suspected that the stage‐ or size‐dependent demography typical of plants might change these conclusions. In this paper, we develop a model that includes both stage‐ and age‐dependence and derive the age‐dependent, stage‐dependent and age×stage‐dependent selection gradients on mortality and fertility.

We applied this model to stage‐classified population projection matrices for 36 species of plants, from a wide variety of growth forms (from mosses to trees) and habitats.

We found that the age‐specific selection gradients within a life cycle stage can exhibit increases with age (we call these contra‐senescent selection gradients). In later stages, often large size classes in plant demography, the duration of these contra‐senescent gradients can exceed the life expectancy by several fold.

Synthesis. The interaction of age‐ and stage‐dependence in plants leads to selection pressures on senescence fundamentally different from those found in previous, age‐classified theories. This result may explain the observation that large plants seem less subject to senescence than most kinds of animals. The methods presented here can lead to improved analysis of both age‐dependent and stage‐dependent demographic properties of plant populations.
Interest‐Talk as Access‐Talk: How Interests are Displayed, Made and Down‐played in Management Research
Authors: Whittle Andrea , Mueller Frank , Lenney Peter , Gilchrist Alan
Published: May 2013

This paper addresses the methodological issue of how researchers gain access and build trust in order to conduct research in organizations. It focuses, in particular, on the role of interests (what actors want or what they stand to gain or lose) in the research relationship. The analysis shows how notions of interests, stake and motive were managed during an action research study in a UK subsidiary of a multinational corporation. The study uses an approach to discourse analysis inspired by the field of discursive psychology to identify four discursive devices: stake inoculation; stake confession; stake attribution; and stake construction. The paper contributes to the understanding of research methodology by identifying the importance of interest‐talk in the process of doing management research.
The European Commission's Neoliberal Trade Discourse since the Crisis: Legitimizing Continuity through Subtle Discursive Change
Authors: De Ville Ferdi , Orbie Jan
Published: May 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract

Within the European Union (EU), the neoliberal trade policy has not only survived the global financial crisis (GFC) and Eurozone crisis, but has been reinforced throughout these crises. This has been helped by a legitimizing discourse by the European Commission that has continuously depicted free trade in a favourable relationship vis-à-vis the GFC and the Eurozone crisis. Empirically, this article shows how between 2008 and 2012, the EU trade discourse has been subtly adapted to the changing crisis environment: from defensive, over offensive-desirable and offensive-necessary towards necessary-but-not-sufficient at the time of writing. In the tradition of critical discourse analysis, we also point at the problematic assumptions and logics held by the discourse. Theoretically, it is shown how subtly adapting discourse to a fluctuating context can effectively limit policy change and legitimize continuity.

The crisis starting in 2008 has not led to the demise but to the reinforcement of neoliberalism, not least within the European Union (EU). We argue that this can also be observed in the EU's external trade policy, where the European Commission's discourse has continued to legitimize neoliberal trade through subtle re-articulations of the relationship between free trade and the crisis. In this respect four stages can be discerned: defensive, offensive-desirable, offensive-necessary and necessary-but-not-sufficient. These subtle adaptations are articulated as coherent with the internal Eurozone crisis, although we show that their assumptions can be challenged. Theoretically, we engage in a critical analysis of the Commission's trade discourse in the context of the crisis. Empirically, we focus on the different EU Trade Commissioners' discourses between 2008–2012. The article shows how subtly adapting discourse to a fluctuating context can effectively limit change and legitimize continuity.
Novel variants in the KIT and PAX3 genes in horses with white‐spotted coat colour phenotypes
Authors: Hauswirth Regula , Jude Rony , Haase Bianca , Bellone Rebecca R. , Archer Sheila , Holl Heather , Brooks Samantha A. , Tozaki Teruaki , Penedo Maria Cecilia T. , Rieder Stefan , Leeb Tosso
Published: May 2013

Variants in the EDNRB, KIT, MITF, PAX3 and TRPM1 genes are known to cause white spotting phenotypes in horses, which can range from the common white markings up to completely white horses. In this study, we investigated these candidate genes in 169 horses with white spotting phenotypes not explained by the previously described variants. We identified a novel missense variant, PAX3:p.Pro32Arg, in Appaloosa horses with a splashed white phenotype in addition to their leopard complex spotting patterns. We also found three novel variants in the KIT gene. The splice site variant c.1346+1G>A occurred in a Swiss Warmblood horse with a pronounced depigmentation phenotype. The missense variant p.Tyr441Cys was present in several part‐bred Arabians with sabino‐like depigmentation phenotypes. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting that the common and widely distributed KIT:p.Arg682His variant has a very subtle white‐increasing effect, which is much less pronounced than the effect of the other described KIT variants. We termed the new KIT variants W18–W20 to provide a simple and unambiguous nomenclature for future genetic testing applications.
Financialization and the capitalist moment: Marx versus Weber in the anthropology of global systems
Authors: Kalb Don
Published: May 2013

Kajsa Ekholm Friedman and Jonathan Friedman's The Anthropology of Global Systems (AGS) is a robust, ambitious, and timely undertaking in macrotheoretical and macrohistorical anthropology. I show that, more than 30 years ago, its political‐economic underpinnings anticipated the key mechanisms of financialization, so important for debates on the current financial crisis. By revisiting the “transition from feudalism to capitalism” debate with new insights from diplomatic history, I work out a Marxian critique of the Friedmans’ Weberian concept of capital, which is insufficiently relational and therefore not sufficiently alert to the politics of class. Attention to these relational politics adds an important measure of what I call “structured contingency,” and indeed agency, to temporal process, which in the AGS tends to become overly teleological. Building on my critique, I also draw attention to the absence of the possibility of “collective rationality” in the Friedmans’ grid of modern subject positions.
Please forget democracy and justice: Eritrean politics and the powers of humor
Authors: Bernal Victoria
Published: May 2013

Parody possesses a kind of power that realist critique sometimes lacks. I explore why humor is sometimes used as a medium for addressing tragic circumstances and why parody in particular may be especially suited to communicating about dictatorship. The research presented here draws on a long‐term project on Eritrean politics and on websites devoted to Eritrean politics created by Eritreans in diaspora. The core of the analysis dissects an online political parody of conditions under the regime of President Isaias Afewerki. So much of what is known and written about Eritrean history and current realities, whether by scholars, journalists, international organizations, or Eritreans online, is earnest, serious, and even heartbreaking. The uses of humor in this context seem to call for an explanation, and the analysis presented here sheds light on the mechanisms through which humor accomplishes important political work and fosters the development of new subjectivities.
The banana emperor: D. Pedro II in Brazilian caricatures, 1842–89
Authors: Moritz Schwarcz Lilia K.
Published: May 2013

Visual caricatures were important in the political, social, and cultural context of the Second Brazilian Reign (1842–89). With Pedro II as a central figure in the monarchy, most satirical artists concentrated on attacking his public image. Nevertheless, the results were always ambivalent. On the one hand, caricatures showed the monarchy becoming weaker and weaker throughout the period, and, in fact, it ended the year after the abolition of slavery in 1888. On the other hand, they transformed Pedro II into a kind of “good father” and increased his popularity. Images are central in understanding the regime: Sometimes, it is hard to say if they were consequences or causes, if they reflected, were part of, or were even the origin of the events of the day.
Partner‐ and planning‐based interventions to reduce fat consumption: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Prestwich Andrew , Conner Mark T. , Lawton Rebecca J. , Ward Jane K. , Ayres Karen , McEachan Rosemary R. C.
Published: May 2013

Objective

The research tested the efficacy of partner‐ and planning‐based interventions to reduce dietary fat intake over a 6‐month period.

Design

Randomized controlled, blinded, parallel trial.

Methods

A computer randomization feature was used to allocate council employees (N = 427, of which 393 completed baseline measures) to one of four conditions (partner + implementation intentions, partner‐only, implementation intentions, and control group) before they completed measures at baseline and follow‐ups at 1, 3, and 6 months post‐baseline. Outcome measures were comprised of validated self‐report measures of dietary fat intake (saturated fat intake, fat intake, ratio of ‘good’ fats to ‘bad’ fats); psychosocial mediators (enjoyment, intention, self‐efficacy, social influence, partner support); weight and waist size (baseline and 6 months only).

Results

Data from 393 participants were analysed in accordance with intention‐to‐treat analyses. All intervention groups reported greater reductions in fat intake than the control group at 3 months. The partner‐based groups increased the ratio of ‘good’ fats to ‘bad’ fats at 3 and 6 months and lost more inches on their waist, versus the non‐partner groups. The impacts of the partner‐based manipulations on outcomes were partially mediated by greater perceived social influences, partner support, and enjoyment of avoiding high‐fat foods. The partner‐based interventions also increased intention and self‐efficacy. However, the effects in this study were typically small and generally marginally significant.

Conclusions

Partner‐based interventions had some positive benefits on dietary‐related outcomes at 3 and 6 months. Support for implementation intentions was more limited.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Minimal interventions deliverable at a population level can have significant health impact.

Encouraging partner support for dietary‐related changes has yielded mixed findings.

Implementation intentions have a small benefit on reducing the intake of unhealthy foods.

What does this study add?

This trial is the first test of the effect of collaborative implementation intentions on diet.

Benefits of partner‐based strategies on psychosocial, behavioural, and physical outcomes are found.
In Vitro Study of Isoflavones and Isoflavans as Potent Inhibitors of Human 12‐ and 15‐Lipoxygenases
Authors: Mascayano Carolina , Espinosa Victoria , Sepúlveda‐Boza Silvia , Hoobler Eric K. , Perry Steve
Published: May 2013

In this study, we have investigated 16 isoflavone and isoflavan derivatives as potential inhibitors of human lipoxygenase (platelet 12‐lipoxygenase, reticulocyte 15‐lipoxygenase‐1, and epithelial 15‐lipoxygenase‐2). The flavonoid baicalein, a known lipoxygenase inhibitor, was used as positive control. Four compounds, 6,7‐dihydroxy‐3′‐chloroisoflavone (1c), 7‐hydroxy‐8‐methyl‐4′‐chloroisoflavan (5a), 7,8‐dihydroxy‐4′‐methylisoflavan (5b), and 7,8‐dihydroxy‐3′‐methylisoflavan (5c), were effective inhibitors of 12‐lipoxygenases and 15‐lipoxygenase‐1 with IC50's <10 μm, while 6,7‐dihydroxy‐4′‐nitroisoflavone (1b) was a selective inhibitor of 12‐lipoxygenases. Docking studies, antioxidant assays, and kinetic measurements were carried out for the three best inhibitors (1b, 5b, 5c). The results showed that a catechol group in ring A is critical for the antioxidant properties of these compounds, and probably essential for their inhibitory activity. Kinetic assays showed that compounds 1b, 5b, and 5c are competitive inhibitors with Ki values in the range of 0.3–3 μm.
Relation of insulin‐like growth factor‐IandIGFbinding protein 3 with markers of inflammation: results of a population‐based study
Authors: Lohr Johannes , Grotevendt Anne , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Wallaschofski Henri , Friedrich Nele
Published: May 2013

Objective

Previous studies in acromegaly and growth hormone deficiency observed inverse associations between insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) levels and inflammatory biomarkers including high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin‐6 or fibrinogen. We aimed to assess the relations betweenIGF‐I orIGFbinding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3) levels and hsCRP, interleukin‐6, fibrinogen and white blood cell count (WBC) in a population‐based sample.

Design and Patients

Data from 3480 subjects from the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) were used. IGF‐I,IGFBP‐3 and inflammatory biomarkers were measured. Analysis of variance (anova), quantile regression models and logistic regression models, adjusted for age, smoking, diabetes mellitus and waist circumference, were performed.

Measurements and Results

anovaand/or quantile regression showed inverse associations betweenIGF‐I and hsCRPas well as positive associations betweenIGF‐I and fibrinogen among both sexes. Furthermore, the odds of elevated fibrinogen levels increased with increasingIGF‐I levels (perSD IGF‐I increase: men: odds ratio (OR) 1·35 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·04, 1·55]; women:OR1·44 [95%CI1·21, 1·71]) in both sexes, whereas the odds of increased hsCRP(women:OR0·46 [95%CI0·36, 0·58]) and interleukin‐6 (men: odds ratio (OR) 0·77 [95%CI0·61, 0·96]; women:OR0·69 [95%CI0·55, 0·86]) decreased.

Conclusion

SerumIGF‐I levels are associated with inflammatory biomarkers including hsCRP, interleukin‐6 and fibrinogen. Further experimental studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the relation between theGH/IGFaxis and the inflammatory system.
Ketamine in Pain Management
Authors: Persson Jan
Published: May 2013

For ketamine's fiftieth birthday, a narrative review of this unique drug in pain management is presented. Its history is traced from its conception, and its heritage, as a phencyclidine offspring, delineated. The earliest roots of the conceptions concerning the mechanisms of action are sought, and then followed in preclinical as well as clinical research. The major proposed mechanisms in the literature are commented on and evaluated. The growth of the clinical evidence for perioperative pain, acute pain, and chronic pain is followed from early attempts to systematic reviews. Finally, an attempt is made to foresee what the next 50 years might hold in store for our 50 years old.
Trends in overweight and obesity over 22 years in a large adult population: theHUNTStudy,Norway
Authors: Midthjell K. , Lee C. M. Y. , Langhammer A. , Krokstad S. , Holmen T. L. , Hveem K. , Colagiuri S. , Holmen J.
Published: May 2013

Some reports indicate that the obesity epidemic may be slowing down or halting. We followed body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in a large adult population inNorway (n = 90 000) from 1984–1986 (HUNT1) through 1995–1997 (HUNT2) to 2006–2008 (HUNT3) to study whether this is occurring inNorway. Height and weight were measured with standardized and identical methods in all three surveys;WCwas also measured inHUNT2andHUNT3. In the three surveys, meanBMIincreased from 25.3 to 26.5 and 27.5 kg m−2in men and from 25.1 to 26.2 and 26.9 kg m−2in women. Increase in prevalence of obesity (BMI≥ 30 kg m−2) was greater in men (from 7.7 to 14.4 and 22.1%) compared with women (from 13.3 to 18.3 and 23.1%). In contrast, women had a greater increase in abdominal obesity (WC≥ 102 cm for men andWC≥ 88 cm for women). There was a continuous shift in the distribution curve ofBMIandWCto the right, demonstrating that the increase in body weight was occurring in all weight groups, but the increase of obesity was greatest in the youngest age groups. Our data showed no signs of a halt in the increase of obesity in this representative Norwegian population.
Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography–Derived Left Atrial Strain Parameters Are Reduced in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (Results from the MAGYAR‐Path Study)
Authors: Chadaide Számi , Domsik Péter , Kalapos Anita , Sághy László , Forster Tamás , Nemes Attila
Published: May 2013

Objective: Three‐dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is a novel imaging modality for assessing cardiac function. We aimed to analyze left atrial (LA) function using 3DSTE in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: 3DSTE was performed in 20 patients prior to their pulmonary vein isolation for AF. Every patient underwent a complete two‐dimensional echocardiographic study at the same time. 3DSTE‐derived circumferential (CS), longitudinal (LS), radial (RS), 3D (3DS), and area strain (AS) values were measured in the basal (b), mid (m), and superior (s) regions of the LA. 3DSTE‐defined maximal (LAmax) and minimal LA volumes (LAmin) and LA total emptying fraction were calculated automatically. Eleven randomly selected age‐ and gender‐matched healthy volunteers served as controls. Results: Patients with AF had significantly larger LAmax and LAmin and reduced LS, RS and CS.3DS and AS were significantly lower throughout the LA in cases with AF (3DS−b, −m, −s [AF patients vs. controls]: −18 ± 8% vs. −29 ± 8%, P = 0.001; −14 ± 6% vs. −22 ± 7%, P = 0.002; −10 ± 7% vs. −20 ± 9%, P = 0.002; AS−b, −m, −s [AF patients vs. controls]: 35 ± 15% vs. 52 ± 13%, P = 0.004; 50 ± 21% vs. 72 ± 19%, P = 0.009; 31 ± 21% vs. 65 ± 27%, P < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: 3DSTE‐derived “uni‐dimensional” LS, RS, CS, as well as novel strain parameters (3DS, AS) are significantly reduced in patients with AF compared to matched controls. 3DS and AS might be new strain parameters providing further insights into the alterations of LA function in patients developing AF.
Cardiac Device–Related Invasive Aspergilloma Assessed By Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Clark Donald , Ahmed Mustafa I. , Sungur Aylin , Kemaloğluöz Tuğba , Mehta Kruti Jayesh , Diddi Hari Prakash , Tandon Rohit , Reddy Vishnu V. , Nanda Navin C. , McGiffin David C.
Published: May 2013

Cardiac device–related infection caused by Aspergillus species is a rare finding associated with high mortality. Prompt recognition and treatment is imperative, but difficult as blood cultures are often negative and diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) provides incremental knowledge in the characterization of valvular vegetations. Here, we provide a detailed description of an invasive cardiac device–related infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus using 3DTTE. Findings described here highlight the role for 3DTTE in the prompt diagnosis of invasive cardiac Aspergillus infections as well as surgical planning in such cases.