bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relational Anxiety in Interracial Interactions
Authors: West Tessa V. , Shelton J. Nicole , Trail Thomas E.
Published: February 2009

Most of the research on intergroup anxiety has examined the impact of people's own anxiety on their own outcomes. In contrast, we show that in intergroup interactions, one's partner's anxiety is just as important as one's own anxiety (if not more important). Using a diary study among college roommates, we show that partners' anxiety predicts respondents' anxiety across time on a daily basis, as well as respondents' interest in living together again the next year. We discuss the importance of taking a relational approach to understanding intergroup interactions.
Going With the Flow
Authors: Corriveau Kathleen H. , Fusaro Maria , Harris Paul L.
Published: February 2009

In two experiments, 3- and 4-year-olds were tested for their sensitivity to agreement and disagreement among informants. In pretest trials, they watched as three of four informants ( Experiment 1 ) or two of three informants ( Experiment 2 ) indicated the same referent for an unfamiliar label; the remaining informant was a lone dissenter who indicated a different referent. Asked for their own judgment, the preschoolers sided with the majority rather than the dissenter. In subsequent test trials, one member of the majority and the dissenter remained present and continued to provide conflicting information about the names of unfamiliar objects. Children remained mistrustful of the dissenter. They preferred to seek and endorse information from the informant who had belonged to the majority. The implications and scope of children's early sensitivity to group consensus are discussed.
Pride
Authors: Williams Lisa A. , DeSteno David
Published: February 2009

This experiment examined the ability of pride to serve as an adaptive emotion within the context of social interaction. After an in vivo induction of pride or a neutral state, participants engaged in a group problem-solving task. In contrast to a conventional view that pride is often associated with negative interpersonal outcomes, results confirmed that proud individuals not only took on a dominant role within the group problem-solving task, but also were perceived as the most likeable interaction partners. These findings suggest that pride, when representing an appropriate response to actual performance (as opposed to overgeneralized hubris), constitutes a functional social emotion with important implications for leadership and the building of social capital.
Cluster Designs to Assess the Prevalence of Acute Malnutrition by Lot Quality Assurance Sampling: A Validation Study by Computer Simulation
Authors: Olives Casey , Pagano Marcello , Deitchler Megan , Hedt Bethany L. , Egge Kari , Valadez Joseph J.
Published: February 2009

Traditional lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) methods require simple random sampling to guarantee valid results. However, cluster sampling has been proposed to reduce the number of random starting points. This study uses simulations to examine the classification error of two such designs, a 67×3 (67 clusters of three observations) and a 33×6 (33 clusters of six observations) sampling scheme to assess the prevalence of global acute malnutrition (GAM). Further, we explore the use of a 67×3 sequential sampling scheme for LQAS classification of GAM prevalence. Results indicate that, for independent clusters with moderate intracluster correlation for the GAM outcome, the three sampling designs maintain approximate validity for LQAS analysis. Sequential sampling can substantially reduce the average sample size that is required for data collection. The presence of intercluster correlation can impact dramatically the classification error that is associated with LQAS analysis.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Health Economic Decision Models by Using Model Averaging
Authors: Jackson Christopher H. , Thompson Simon G. , Sharples Linda D.
Published: February 2009

Health economic decision models are subject to considerable uncertainty, much of which arises from choices between several plausible model structures, e.g. choices of covariates in a regression model. Such structural uncertainty is rarely accounted for formally in decision models but can be addressed by model averaging. We discuss the most common methods of averaging models and the principles underlying them. We apply them to a comparison of two surgical techniques for repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms. In model averaging, competing models are usually either weighted by using an asymptotically consistent model assessment criterion, such as the Bayesian information criterion, or a measure of predictive ability, such as Akaike’s information criterion. We argue that the predictive approach is more suitable when modelling the complex underlying processes of interest in health economics, such as individual disease progression and response to treatment.
On Square Ordinal Contingency Tables: A Comparison of Social Class and Income Mobility for the Same Individuals
Authors: Cox D. R. , Jackson Michelle , Lu Shiwei
Published: February 2009

Square contingency tables with matching ordinal rows and columns arise in particular as empirical transition matrices and the paper considers these in the context of social class and income mobility tables. Such tables relate the socio-economic position of parents to the socio-economic position of their child in adulthood. The level of association between parental and child socio-economic position is taken as a measure of mobility. Several approaches to analysis are described and illustrated by UK data in which interest focuses on comparisons of social class and income mobility tables that are derived from the same individuals. Account is taken of the use of the same individuals in the two tables. Additionally comparisons over time are considered.
The Construction and Analysis of a Consistent Set of Input–Output Tables for the Irish Economy
Authors: Keogh Gerard , Quill Patrick
Published: February 2009

We analyse input–output tables to see what structural changes have occurred in the Irish economy over time. First we produce a consistent set of input–output tables by aligning classifications and deriving a sequence of supply tables. The resulting tables are then smoothed to make the underlying distributions symmetric. We then compare the smoothed tables by using biproportional adjustment. We identify and analyse structural change that has taken place in the Irish economy since 1975.
The Effect of Area of Residence Over the Life Course on Subsequent Mortality
Authors: Leyland Alastair H. , Næss Øyvind
Published: February 2009

Life course epidemiology concentrates on the contribution that social or physical exposures have across the life course on adult health. It is known that the area of residence can affect health, but little is known about the effect of the area of residence across the life course. We examine the contribution that area of residence in 1960, 1970, 1980 and 1990 made on subsequent mortality for 49736 male inhabitants of Oslo in 1990. We compare the performance of multiple-membership and cross-classified multilevel models on these data with a correlated cross-classified model that was developed for this.
Using Bayesian Graphical Models to Model Biases in Observational Studies and to Combine Multiple Sources of Data: Application to Low Birth Weight and Water Disinfection by-Products
Authors: Molitor Nuoo-Ting , Best Nicky , Jackson Chris , Richardson Sylvia
Published: February 2009

Data in the social, behavioural and health sciences frequently come from observational studies instead of controlled experiments. In addition to random errors, observational data typically contain additional sources of uncertainty such as missing values, unmeasured confounders and selection biases. Also, the research question is often different from that which a particular source of data was designed to answer, and so not all relevant variables are measured. As a result, multiple sources of data are often necessary to identify the biases and to inform about different aspects of the research question. Bayesian graphical models provide a coherent way to connect a series of local submodels, based on different data sets, into a global unified analysis. We present a unified modelling framework that will account for multiple biases simultaneously and give more accurate parameter estimates than standard approaches. We illustrate our approach by analysing data from a study of water disinfection by-products and adverse birth outcomes in the UK.
ECONOMIC POLICY IN A GROWTH CONTEXT: A CLASSICAL SYNTHESIS OF KEYNES AND HARROD
Authors: Shaikh Anwar
Published: February 2009

This paper clarifies key differences between Harrodian and Keynesian theories and policies, and develops a classical alternative to both. The stability of the Harrodian warranted path is proved, and the Keynesian paradox of thrift is shown to be transient. Distinct Harrodian fiscal policies are derived, and Post‐Keynesian debates about Harrodian dynamics are addressed. Finally, it is argued that business and household savings are fundamentally different, and it is shown that if the business savings rate responds at all to the investment–savings gap, it becomes possible to have both profit‐driven accumulation as in Keynes and normal capacity growth as in Harrod.
POSTMODERN THOUGHT AND RELIGION: OPEN‐TRADITIONALISM AND RADICAL ORTHODOXY ON RELIGIOUS BELIEF AND EXPERIENCE
Authors: HARRISON VICTORIA S.
Published: February 2009

This paper considers some of the ways in which ‘postmodernism’ is construed, before turning to several important representative examples of religious postmodern thought. It highlights some common features possessed by prominent examples of religious postmodern thought within Judaism and Christianity. Much postmodern religious thought is characterised by the separation of religious belief from religious experience, and is marked by the tendency to emphasise the latter at the expense of the former. This paper argues that, despite this tendency, the work of certain key postmodern religious thinkersparticularly those associated with open‐traditionalism and radical orthodoxy—does not conform to this characterisation and needs to be understood in a broader cultural and theological context.
BEING AS THE GROUND OF TRUTH IN AQUINAS
Authors: SCHULTZ‐ALDRICH JANICE L.
Published: February 2009

Although St. Thomas Aquinas holds that the transcendentals are convertible with being, one may question whether they all follow upon the metaphysical principles of a creature in the same way. Aquinas raises the question when he says that creatures are one by essence but good only by being. This paper examines the ground of truth according to Aquinas, considering his distinction between types of truth as well as his distinguishing kinds of knowers. To advance this investigation the essay compares truth and goodness; it also includes a discussion of unity.

Clearly there is a close parallel between goodness and ‘the truth of a thing’, but must the truth of the intellect – truth in the primary sense – be grounded in the extramental being of a creature? This paper argues that, for Aquinas, human knowledge of composite beings is attained through encounters with their real instances and is reflected in necessarily true yet nonanalytic statements about these creatures, statements that can be explained by St.Thomas's theory of predication, to which the theory of an influential contemporary thinker is strikingly similar. God's knowledge of finite essences, and hence truth concerning them, does not assume the actual existence of their instantiations from all eternity, but it does assume their real existence at some time. The requirement of real existence for the human mode of knowing, and, as explained, for divine knowing, underscores the value of finite being and thus harmonizes with Aquinas's claims that composite beings, as what they are, possess being more truly in themselves than as in the mind of God, and they are known properly by God only when grasped as actually existent particulars.
Subjective well‐being and satisfaction with life in adults with spastic cerebral palsy: a pilot study of a randomized sample
Authors: HERGENRÖDER HEIKE , BLANK RAINER
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study was to explore subjective well‐being and satisfaction with life in general and with participation, activities, and health, in adults with cerebral palsy (CP). A randomized sample of 50 individuals was drawn from a sample of 465 previous outpatients of a regional social paediatric centre in southern Germany. A psychological measure for well‐being (Bern Questionnaire on Subjective Well‐Being, adult form [BSW/A]) and a sociomedical measure (Life Satisfaction Checklist [LiSat‐11]) were applied as outcome measures. Twenty‐five individuals from 35 responders (nine males, 16 females; mean age 28y, SD 2y 7mo, range 25–33y) were evaluated completely. Nineteen participants had bilateral and six had unilateral spastic types of CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels I n=5, II n=5, III n=5, IV n=8, and V n=2). Eighteen individuals had no or only minor intellectual disabilities. Subjective well‐being and general satisfaction with life were not impaired in adults with CP. Joy of life (a subscale of the BSW/A) was even increased. Satisfaction with some areas of participation was reduced compared with a reference and clinical samples from Sweden. In conclusion, subjective well‐being and general satisfaction with life are not decreased in adults with CP. The different levels of satisfaction with areas of participation in German and Swedish individuals with CP may be explained by differences of social inclusion.
Quality of life of adolescents with cerebral palsy: perspectives of adolescents and parents
Authors: DAVIS ELISE , SHELLY AMY , WATERS ELIZABETH , MACKINNON ANDREW , REDDIHOUGH DINAH , BOYD ROSLYN , GRAHAM H KERR
Published: February 2009

Quality of life (QOL) has emerged over the past 20 years as an outcome for measuring the effectiveness of health‐improvement interventions. The Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (CPQOL‐Child) is well regarded and now integrated into research internationally. We describe the results of qualitative research, using grounded research in which we aimed to identify domains of QOL for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) from adolescent and parent perspectives to guide the development of an adolescent version. Seventeen adolescents (nine males, eight females) aged 13 to 18 years (mean=15.53 SD=1.74), with varying levels of impairment (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels In=5, IIn=2, IIIn=6, IVn=4, and Vn=6) and their parents (n=23) participated in semi‐structured interviews. Questions included: ‘What do you think is important to your (child’s) QOL?’ and ‘How does CP impact on your (child’s) life?’ Fifteen themes were identified, including domains related to health issues in adolescence, participation, education, specific CP‐related issues (pain and discomfort, communication), family issues, practical issues (financial resources), and changes associated with adolescence (sexuality, independence). The composition of these QOL domains reflects the developmental concerns of adolescents with CP, adding to the views of children, and strongly supports adolescent participation in the development of self‐reported well‐being and QOL measures. Many of the domains are consistent with child reports of QOL and thus it appears feasible and valid to develop a measure that will be transferable across childhood and adolescence.
Cerebrospinal fluid neopterin in paediatric neurology: a marker of active central nervous system inflammation
Authors: DALE RUSSELL C , BRILOT FABIENNE , FAGAN ELIZABETH , EARL JOHN
Published: February 2009

Aim  Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neopterin production is increased by interferon‐gamma stimulation and appears to act as a marker of intrathecal immune activation. We aimed to test the usefulness of elevated CSF neopterin as a biological marker of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation.

Method  We retrospectively reviewed CSF neopterin in 158 children (89 males, 69 females, mean age 4y 1mo, SD 3y 11mo, range 1mo–15y).

Results  CSF neopterin levels in children with chronic static CNS disorders (n=105) were predominantly low, suggesting that inflammation is rare in these patients. We created an upper value of normal (chronic static group 95th centile 27.4nmol/l). CSF neopterin was elevated in all 10 patients with acute encephalitis and in 10 of 12 patients with other acute inflammatory CNS disorders (demyelination, post‐infectious ataxia, myelitis). CSF neopterin was also significantly elevated in patients with chronic progressive disorders of inflammatory origin. Interestingly, CSF neopterin was elevated in four of six patients with chronic static disorders who were tested during a febrile exacerbation of seizures or dystonia, suggesting that intrathecal immune activation may be important in this setting.

Interpretation  Neopterin has a short half‐life and was useful for monitoring inflammation activity in a patient with relapsing–remitting encephalitis. CSF neopterin is a useful marker of inflammation in a broad range of acute and chronic CNS disorders, and is a significantly more sensitive marker of inflammation than CSF pleocytosis.
Maternal genitourinary infection and risk of cerebral palsy
Authors: MANN JOSHUA R , MCDERMOTT SUZANNE , BAO HAIKUN , BERSABE ADRIAN
Published: February 2009

Aim  To examine the association between genitourinary infection during pregnancy and cerebral palsy (CP) in children.

Method  Medicaid and birth certificate data were obtained for 135 835 pregnant women with singleton births paid for by Medicaid from 1996 to 2002. Linked Medicaid billing data were obtained for their children in 2007. The association between maternal genitourinary infection and CP was modeled using generalized estimating equations.

Results  Maternal genitourinary infection was significantly associated with CP (odds ratio [OR]=1.27, p=0.007). Additional analyses revealed that the association was strongly significant for preterm or low birthweight infants when maternal infection was diagnosed in the first two trimesters of pregnancy (OR=1.62, p<0.001). This association remained (OR=1.72, p<0.001) when the model was limited to cases of CP diagnosed by at least two different clinicians. Infection was not significantly associated with CP in term or normal‐birthweight infants.

Interpretation  Maternal genitourinary infection occurring in the first two trimesters was associated with increased risk of CP in preterm or low‐birthweight children. Additional research is needed to determine whether this association is affected by antimicrobial treatment.
Measuring kinaesthetic sensitivity in typically developing children
Authors: PICKETT KRISTEN , KONCZAK JÜRGEN
Published: February 2009

This study presents a method to quantify a child’s sensitivity to passive limb motion, which is an important aspect of kinaesthesia not easily examined clinically. Psychophysical detection thresholds to passive forearm motion were determined in a group of 20 typically developing pre‐adolescent children (mean age 12y 6mo, SD 10mo, range 11−13y) and a group of 10 healthy adults (mean age 29y 10mo, SD 10y 7mo, range 18−50y). A newly designed passive motion apparatus was used to measure the time to detection of forearm motion and the errors in determining movement direction. Results showed that limb motion sensitivity became increasingly variable below 0.3°/s in children and adults. In comparison with adults, movement detection times in the pediatric group were increased by between 4% and 108% for the range of tested velocities (0.075−1.35°/s). At 0.075°/s, 5% of the children, but 50% of the adults, made no directional error, indicating that motion perception became unreliable at such low velocity in both groups. The findings demonstrate that sensitivity to passive forearm motion in children should be tested at a range between 0.075 and 0.3°/s. They further suggest that passive motion sensitivity may not be fully developed in pre‐adolescent children.
Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy resulting in stroke in an 11‐year‐old male
Authors: GRANILD‐JENSEN JAKOB , JENSEN UFFE BIRK , SCHWARTZ MARIANNE , HANSEN UFFE STENDER
Published: February 2009

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is caused by mutations in the Notch3 gene on chromosome 19. The condition manifests itself clinically typically in the third to fifth decade with migraine and recurrent episodes of stroke or transient ischaemic attacks. We report the case of an 11‐year‐old male with CADASIL resulting in stroke with right hemiparesis and dysphasia. Acute magnetic resonance imaging suggested infarction in the left hemisphere; magnetic resonance angiography revealed calibre variation of the intracerebral arteries. The patient suffered from common migraine with five to six attacks per month for 3 years 6 months before the stroke. Attacks occurred early in the morning with severe one‐sided headache, photophobia, nausea, and vomiting. Antimigraine medications had no effect. The family history revealed more cases of CADASIL, with an autosomal dominant pattern. The diagnosis of CADASIL was confirmed by the finding of the known mutation of the Notch3 gene running in the family. With treatment in a neurorehabilitation centre the patient recovered most of his functions with only discrete fine‐motor and cognitive sequelae. Our case report highlights the need for paediatricians to consider CADASIL in childhood stroke as well as in migraine patients.
Drooling in cerebral palsy: hypersalivation or dysfunctional oral motor control?
Authors: ERASMUS CORRIE E , VAN HULST KAREN , ROTTEVEEL LISELOTTE J C , JONGERIUS PETER H , VAN DEN HOOGEN FRANK J A , ROELEVELD NEL , ROTTEVEEL JAN J
Published: February 2009

Aim  To investigate whether drooling in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in general and in CP subtypes is due to hypersalivation.

Method  Saliva was collected from 61 healthy children (30 males, mean age 9y 5mo [SD 11mo]; 31 females, mean age 9y 6mo [1y 2mo]) and 100 children with CP who drooled (57 males, mean age 9y 5mo [3y 11mo], range 3–19y; 43 females, mean age 10y 1mo [4y 9mo], range 4–19y), of whom 53 had spastic, 42 had dyskinetic, and five had ataxic CP. Almost all children were affected bilaterally, and 90 of them were at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III or higher. The saliva was collected by the swab saliva collection method. The intensity of drooling was evaluated using the drooling quotient.

Results  No difference was found in the flow rates, age, or sex between healthy children and children with CP who drooled. On additional subgroup analysis, the flow rates of children with dyskinetic CP differed statistically from those of healthy children (submandibular p=0.047, parotid p=0.040).

Interpretation  This study supports the finding in previous studies that no hypersalivation exists in children with CP who drool. Dysfunctional oral motor control seems to be responsible for saliva overflow from the mouth, whereas increased unstimulated salivary flow may occur in children with dyskinetic CP as a result of hyperkinetic oral movements.
Activation of pre‐synaptic M‐type K+channels inhibits [3H]d‐aspartate release by reducing Ca2+entry through P/Q‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+channels
Authors: Luisi Rosa , Panza Elisabetta , Barrese Vincenzo , Iannotti Fabio Arturo , Viggiano Davide , Secondo Agnese , Canzoniero Lorella Maria Teresa , Martire Maria , Annunziato Lucio , Taglialatela Maurizio
Published: February 2009

In this study, the functional consequences of the pharmacological modulation of the M‐current (IKM) on cytoplasmic Ca2+intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) changes and excitatory neurotransmitter release triggered by various stimuli from isolated rat cortical synaptosomes have been investigated. Kv7.2 immunoreactivity was identified in pre‐synaptic elements in cortical slices and isolated glutamatergic cortical synaptosomes. In cerebrocortical synaptosomes exposed to 20 mM [K+]e, theIKMactivator retigabine (RT, 10 μM) inhibited [3H]d‐aspartate ([3H]d‐Asp) release and caused membrane hyperpolarization; both these effects were prevented by theIKMblocker XE‐991 (20 μM). TheIKMactivators RT (0.1–30 μM), flupirtine (10 μM) and BMS‐204352 (10 μM) inhibited 20 mM [K+]e‐induced synaptosomal [Ca2+]iincreases; XE‐991 (20 μM) abolished RT‐induced inhibition of depolarization‐triggered [Ca2+]itransients. The P/Q‐type voltage‐sensitive Ca2+channel (VSCC) blocker ω‐agatoxin IVA prevented RT‐induced inhibition of depolarization‐induced [Ca2+]iincrease and [3H]d‐Asp release, whereas the N‐type blocker ω‐conotoxin GVIA failed to do so. Finally, 10 μM RT did not modify the increase of [Ca2+]iand the resulting enhancement of [3H]d‐Asp release induced by [Ca2+]imobilization from intracellular stores, or by store‐operated Ca2+channel activation. Collectively, the present data reveal that the pharmacological activation ofIKMregulates depolarization‐induced [3H]d‐Asp release from cerebrocortical synaptosomes by selectively controlling the changes of [Ca2+]ioccurring through P/Q‐type VSCCs.
Responses of grassland specialist and generalist beetles to management and landscape complexity
Authors: Batáry Péter , Báldi András , Szél Győző , Podlussány Attila , Rozner István , Erdős Sarolta
Published: February 2009

We tested the influence of grazing intensity and effect of landscape complexity on grassland specialist and generalist beetles of three beetle families, i.e. Carabidae, Chrysomelidae, and Curculionidae, on extensively and intensively grazed cattle pastures in three regions of the Hungarian Great Plain. In every region we investigated seven pairs of grazed grasslands. On each field, samples were taken along two 95‐m‐long transects; one transect at the edge and the other one 50 m away from the edge in the grassland interior (altogether 84 transects). Carabids (Carabidae) were sampled using funnel traps for three 2‐week sampling periods during spring and early summer. Leaf‐beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionidae) were surveyed by sweep netting in May and June 2003. Analysing the grazing intensity and landscape complexity effects on generalist and specialist beetles with linear mixed models, grazing effect was detected only on specialist leaf‐beetle species richness with more species in the extensively grazed sites. Landscape complexity had contrasting effects on specialist and generalist species. Habitat generalists were more and negatively affected by increasing grassland coverage (reduced heterogeneity) than specialists. At species level analyses on four species out of 21, landscape effects were shown, which suggested that landscape composition might have strong effects on the species composition of the beetle assemblages. Our results suggest that conservation of biodiversity in agricultural systems (such as in managed Central European grasslands) requires a landscape perspective besides investigating management effects.
Landscape‐scale sexual segregation in the dry season distribution and resource utilization of elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Smit I. P. J. , Grant C. C. , Whyte I. J.
Published: February 2009

This study compared the dry season distribution of elephant bull groups and mixed herds and the resources driving these distributions within Kruger National Park, South Africa. It is important to understand what resources drive the distribution of elephants as this may be of relevance to understanding and managing their impact. It is also important to distinguish between resource use by bull groups and mixed herds because their impact on the habitat may differ. Our results indicated that sexual segregation, both in space and in resource selection, did occur in Kruger Park. Bulls roamed more widely in the park, and although their distribution and resource use overlapped with mixed herds, they also occurred in areas that mixed herds apparently did not, or could not, utilize in the dry season. This gave rise to areas used exclusively by bulls but no areas used exclusively by mixed herds. Lower collective feeding requirements as a result of smaller group size, wider habitat tolerance, and increased mobility as a result of bigger body size, as well as conflict avoidance with musth bulls in areas with mixed herds, might have been some of the reasons for bull groups roaming more widely and for the establishment of separate bull areas. Rivers were an important resource driving both the distribution of the mixed herds and bull groups, but with the mixed herds occurring closer to these resource hot spots than the bull groups. Tree cover proved important for mixed herds, probably because of the importance of shade and the higher nutritional requirements of the smaller‐sized cows and calves. Artificial waterholes might have opened up previously unutilized areas for bulls in the dry season, especially on the grassy basaltic plains in the north of the park. However, the distribution of the mixed herds suggested that they did not occur in higher densities in areas surrounding waterholes.
Predicting patterns of invasion by black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) in Flanders (Belgium) and its impact on the forest understorey community
Authors: Verheyen Kris , Vanhellemont Margot , Stock Thibout , Hermy Martin
Published: February 2009

The design of cost‐efficient control strategies for invasive species that are too widespread and abundant for complete eradication, at least in the short term, will benefit from a rigorous analysis of invasion patterns and associated effects on native biodiversity. In this paper, the case of the invasive North American tree Prunus serotina in Flanders (Belgium) is presented. Our main objectives were to determine the susceptibility of forest stands to invasion by P. serotina and the subsequent effects of invasion on the understorey community. We used the large database of the first Flemish Forest Inventory. Multiple logistic regressions indicated that P. serotina occurred more frequently in privately owned, younger forest on coarse‐textured, dry soils (podzols), and the combination of these factors allowed us to correctly predict presence/absence of P. serotina in 70% of the validation plots. However, locational variables proved to be important as well, indicating that the invasion process is still ongoing. Prediction of P. serotina densities by means of multiple linear regressions was less successful. Effects on the understorey richness were analysed by comparing the number of species and the mean Ellenberg values between pairs of plots, only differing by the presence of P. serotina in the shrub layer. A reduction of the understorey richness following invasion was only pronounced on the more moist soils, while compositional changes mainly occurred on drier soils. It is concluded that priority for control should be given to landscapes with a low fraction of invaded stands and to forest stands located on more moist soils. However, using its potential to threaten native biodiversity as an argument for control should be done with care as further research is needed whether the observed negative effects are due to a species (i.e. native vs. non‐native) or a density effect (high vs. low).
Altitudinal patterns of seed plant richness in the Gaoligong Mountains, south‐east Tibet, China
Authors: Wang Zhiheng , Tang Zhiyao , Fang Jingyun
Published: February 2009

Elevational patterns of species richness and their underlying mechanisms have long been a controversial issue in biodiversity and biogeographical research, and several hypotheses have been proposed in the past decades. Local and regional studies have suggested that area and geometric constraint are two of major factors affecting the elevational pattern of species richness. In this study, using data of seed plants and their distribution ranges and a Digital Elevation Model data set, we explored altitudinal patterns of seed plant richness and quantified the effects of area and the mid‐domain effect (MDE) on the richness patterns in a high mountain area, Gaoligong Mountains (ranging from 215 m to 5791 m a.s.l.) located in south‐eastern Tibet, China. The results showed that richness and density (richness/log‐transformed area) of seed plants at species, genus, and family levels all showed hump‐shaped patterns along the altitudinal gradient. The altitudinal changes in richness of species with three different range sizes (< 500 m, 500–1500 m, and > 1500 m), species of different plant life‐forms (trees, shrubs, and herbs), and endemic species further confirmed this finding. Analysis of Generalized Linear Model depicted that although the area of each elevational band was always in high correlation with the species richness, the MDE could explain 84.9%, 33.8%, 83.8%, and 84.5% of the total variation in richness for all species and the three species groups with different range sizes, respectively. This suggests that the MDE significantly influences the patterns of species richness and is likely be stronger for broad‐ranged species than for narrow‐ranged ones in the Gaoligong Mountains.
Updating bird species distribution at large spatial scales: applications of habitat modelling to data from long‐term monitoring programs
Authors: Brotons Lluís , Herrando Sergi , Pla Magda
Published: February 2009

Mapping of species distributions at large spatial scales has been often based on the representation of gathered observations in a general grid atlas framework. More recently, subsampling and subsequent interpolation or habitat spatial modelling techniques have been incorporated in these projects to allow more detailed species mapping. Here, we explore the usefulness of data from long‐term monitoring (LTM) projects, primarily aimed at estimating trends in species abundance and collected at shorter time intervals (usually yearly) than atlas data, to develop predictive habitat models. We modelled habitat occupancy for 99 species using a bird LTM program and evaluated the predictive accuracy of these models using independent data from a contemporary and comprehensive breeding bird atlas project from the same region. Habitat models from LTM data using generalized linear modelling were significant for all the species and generally showed a high predictive power, albeit lower than that from atlas models. Sample size and species range size and niche breadth were the most important factors behind variability in model predictive accuracy, whereas the spatial distribution of sampling units at a given sample size had minor effects. Although predictive accuracy of habitat modelling was strongly species dependent, increases in sample size and, secondarily, a better spatial distribution of sampling units should lead to more powerful predictive distribution models. We suggest that data from LTM programs, now established in a large number of countries, has the potential for being a major source of good quality data suitable for the estimation and regularly update of distributions at large spatial scales for a number of species.
Sensitivity of predictive species distribution models to change in grain size
Authors: Guisan Antoine , Graham Catherine H. , Elith Jane , Huettmann Falk ,   the NCEAS Species Distribution Modelling Group
Published: February 2009

Predictive species distribution modelling (SDM) has become an essential tool in biodiversity conservation and management. The choice of grain size (resolution) of environmental layers used in modelling is one important factor that may affect predictions. We applied 10 distinct modelling techniques to presence‐only data for 50 species in five different regions, to test whether: (1) a 10‐fold coarsening of resolution affects predictive performance of SDMs, and (2) any observed effects are dependent on the type of region, modelling technique, or species considered. Results show that a 10 times change in grain size does not severely affect predictions from species distribution models. The overall trend is towards degradation of model performance, but improvement can also be observed. Changing grain size does not equally affect models across regions, techniques, and species types. The strongest effect is on regions and species types, with tree species in the data sets (regions) with highest locational accuracy being most affected. Changing grain size had little influence on the ranking of techniques: boosted regression trees remain best at both resolutions. The number of occurrences used for model training had an important effect, with larger sample sizes resulting in better models, which tended to be more sensitive to grain. Effect of grain change was only noticeable for models reaching sufficient performance and/or with initial data that have an intrinsic error smaller than the coarser grain size.
Assessing changes in habitat quality due to land use changes in the spur‐thighed tortoise Testudo graeca using hierarchical predictive habitat models
Authors: Anadón J. D. , Giménez A. , Martínez M. , Palazón J. A. , Esteve M. A.
Published: February 2009

In this study we propose a model‐building approach based on the hierarchical integration of the main environmental factors (climate, topography/lithology, and land uses) determining the distribution of the spur‐thighed tortoise in south‐east Spain. Data on the presence/absence of the species were primarily based on information derived from interviews to shepherds. The hierarchical modelling exercise consisted of three steps. First, we constructed a model for the entire region using climate variables, thus obtaining a potential climatical model. Second, we introduced variables referring to topography and lithology that fall within the climatic distribution range (potential model). Third, by using this second model as a starting point, we included land use variables to obtain the actual distribution model.

We analysed the changes in the values of probability of the presence of this species for a given cell between the potential and the actual model, assessing areas where habitat quality has decreased, been maintained or increased. The spatial representation of these changes was highly coherent. A discriminant analysis linked areas where habitat quality has dropped with agriculture landscapes, whereas those areas where habitat quality has been maintained or increased were located mainly in shrublands. Twenty‐five per cent (479 km2) of the potential distribution of the species became suboptimal when land use was included, which emphasizes the importance of land use changes in both the range dynamics and the conservation of the spur‐thighed tortoise in south‐east Spain.
Endemic vertebrates are the most effective surrogates for identifying conservation priorities among Brazilian ecoregions
Authors: Loyola Rafael D. , Kubota Umberto , Lewinsohn Thomas M.
Published: February 2009

Many studies have tested the performance of terrestrial vertebrates as surrogates for overall species diversity, because these are commonly used in priority‐setting conservation appraisals. Using a database of 3663 vertebrate species in 38 Brazilian ecoregions, we evaluated the effectiveness of various subsets for representing diversity of the entire vertebrate assemblage. Because ecoregions are established incorporating information on biotic assemblages, they are potentially more amenable to regional comparison than are national or state lists. We used 10 potential indicator groups (all species; all mammals, birds, reptiles, or amphibians; all endemic species; and endemic species within each class) to find priority sets of ecoregions that best represent the entire terrestrial vertebrate fauna. This is the first time such tests are employed to assess the effectiveness of indicator groups at the ecoregion level in Brazil. We show that patterns of species richness are highly correlated among mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ecoregion sets selected according to endemic species richness captured more vertebrate species per unit area than sets based on overall vertebrate richness itself, or than those selected at random. Ecoregion sets based on endemic bird, endemic reptile, or endemic amphibian richness also performed well, capturing more species overall than random sets, or than those selected based on species richness of one or all vertebrate classes within ecoregions. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating biodiversity concordance and the use of indicator groups as well as aggregate species richness. We conclude that priority sets based on indicator groups provide a basis for a first assessment of priorities for conservation at an infracontinental scale. Areas with high endemism have long been highlighted for conservation of species. Our findings provide evidence that endemism is not only a worthwhile conservation goal, but also an effective surrogate for the conservation of all terrestrial vertebrates in Brazil.
Record error and range contraction, real and imagined, in the restricted shrubBanksia hookerianain south‐western Australia
Authors: Miller Ben P. , Enright Neal J. , Lamont Byron B.
Published: February 2009

Banksia hookerianaMeissn. (Proteaceae) is a fire‐killed shrub endemic to the northern sandplains of south‐western Australia that could be described as endangered based on its small geographical range (< 5000 km2) and area of occupancy (∼500 km2). Impacts on the species’ geographical range by land clearance for farming and mining, and by altered fire regime, were investigated using three lines of evidence: records of herbarium collections, a comprehensive field survey of extant populations, and air photo and satellite images revealing the recent history of land clearance and fires. These show that the species’ range has contracted by up to 40% in area and 26% latitudinally through the loss of outlier and range limit populations since 1960. In addition, 22% of remaining native shrubland on the Eneabba sandplain has been lost over this period through clearing for farming and mining, representing further habitat loss forB. hookeriana.

Detailed investigation ofB.hookerianaherbarium collections (n = 46) revealed important errors that artificially affected the geographical range of the species and emphasized the importance of close examination of all data captured from collection records. Recorded locations occurred hundreds of kilometres outside the current geographical range of the species in areas with different climate and substrate. Incorrect species identification of herbarium specimens further extended the apparent geographical range of the species. On the other hand, credible records indicated the loss of the species from localities at the limits of its range. Overall, a disconcertingly high proportion of records contained errors that may be difficult to identify without close examination of the original collections and detailed ground‐truthing. Were these records to be used to model climate envelopes, identify potential habitat where the species might occur, or might migrate to either as pests or under climate change scenarios, or to analyse evolutionary or ecological theory (for example) — as is now becoming commonplace — large errors may ensue.
Saproxylic beetle diversity in a managed boreal forest: importance of stand characteristics and forestry conservation measures
Authors: McGeoch Melodie A. , Schroeder Martin , Ekbom Barbara , Larsson Stig
Published: February 2009

Saproxylic beetles constitute a significant proportion of boreal forest biodiversity. However, the long history of timber production in Fennoscandia has significantly reduced the availability of dead wood and is considered a threat to the conservation of saproxylic beetle assemblages. Therefore, since the mid‐1990s dead wood retention in harvested stands has formed an integral part of silvicultural practices. However, the contribution of this biodiversity‐orientated management approach to conserving saproxylic beetle assemblages in boreal forest landscapes that include production forestry remains largely untested. We examined differences in resident saproxylic beetle assemblages among stands under different management in a boreal forest landscape in Central Sweden, and in particular stands managed according to new conservation‐orientated practices. We also investigated the relationship between beetle diversity and forest stand characteristics. Bark of coarse woody debris (CWD) was sieved for beetles in old managed stands, unmanaged nature reserves, and set‐aside areas, and clear‐cut stands harvested according to certification guidelines [new forestry (NF) clear‐cuts]. All stand types contributed significantly to the total diversity of beetles found. While stand size, position, and distance to nearest reserve were unimportant, both the quality and the quantity of CWD in stands contributed significantly to explaining beetle abundance and species richness. This extends the previous findings for red‐listed invertebrates, and shows that heterogeneous substrate quality and a range of management practices are necessary to maintain saproxylic beetle diversity in boreal forest landscapes that include production forestry. The unique abiotic conditions in combination with the abundant and varied CWD associated with NF clear‐cuts form an important component of forest stand heterogeneity for saproxylic beetles. It is thus essential that sufficient, diverse, CWD is retained in managed boreal landscapes to ensure the conservation of boreal saproxylic beetle assemblages.
Expansion pathways of the exotic common reed (Phragmites australis): a historical and genetic analysis
Authors: Lelong Benjamin , Lavoie Claude , Jodoin Yvon , Belzile François
Published: February 2009

Using 779 herbarium and modern specimens, we reconstructed the spread of the common reed (Phragmites australis) in Quebec, Canada, where large‐scale invasion of this plant species has been reported since the 1960s. All specimens were genetically differentiated using molecular tools to identify the genotype (native or exotic). The exotic genotype (haplotype M) has been present in Quebec as early as 1916, but it was rare prior to the 1970s and was almost exclusively restricted to the shores of the St. Lawrence River. The exotic genotype spread inland only after the beginning of the 1970s. In less than 20 years, a complete shift occurred, from the dominance of native genotypes to the dominance of the exotic genotype. Today, more than 95% of common reed colonies found in Quebec are dominated by the haplotype M. It is especially abundant along roads, but colonies present in marshes are also dominated by the exotic genotype. This study provides evidence that, in Quebec, the development of the highway network in the 1960s and 1970s strongly contributed to the inland expansion of the exotic genotype. Moreover, it shows the usefulness of molecular techniques for reconstructing the spread of an invader. Without the use of molecular tools, the reconstruction of invasions of exotic taxa would be impossible because of the lack of clear phenotypic differences between genotypes.