bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Connectivity and succession of open structures as a key to sustaining light‐demanding biodiversity in deciduous forests
Authors: Kozel Petr , Sebek Pavel , Platek Michal , Benes Jiri , Zapletal Michal , Dvorsky Miroslav , Lanta Vojtech , Dolezal Jiri , Bace Radek , Zbuzek Borivoj , Cizek Lukas 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

European forests are facing a rapid decline in light‐demanding biota. This has prompted active interventions to re‐establish and maintain partial habitat openness in protected areas. Managers of protected areas, however, need substantially more scientific evidence to support their decisions on where, when and how to intervene.

We investigated the importance of spatial continuity of open forest habitats in different years of succession, using six pairs of experimental clearings established in the formerly open, oak‐dominated forests of the Podyji National Park (Czech Republic). In each pair, one clearing was connected to the forest edge, while the other was isolated in closed forest. We sampled butterflies (74 spp.), moths (435 spp.), saproxylic beetles (465 spp.) and vascular plants (567 spp.) on the 12 clearings during the first 5 years of succession. We then compared species richness, abundance and composition of the four taxa between the two clearing types and along the succession.

All studied insect groups were substantially more species rich and more abundant in connected than in isolated clearings. Species composition of plants, moths and butterflies differed between the clearing types.

The number of species of all studied taxa generally increased from the first to the second or third year after cutting; species composition of all taxa differed among years. This suggests rapid changes in habitat quality and thus limited time for colonisation by light‐demanding organisms.

Synthesis and applications. Our results offer an evidence that spatial connectivity and rapid temporal dynamics are important habitat features for light‐demanding insects. Attempts to create or restore habitats for light‐demanding forest biota should take into account that: (a) Insects benefit from direct connection of new open patches to open habitats or flight corridors such as forest edges. (b) Considering plants, the optimal solution is to connect newly created open forest habitats to existing habitats with established biota of high conservation value. (c) Interventions should be carried out within short time intervals, that is within years rather than decades. (d) A fine mosaic of interconnected, open woodland patches in various successional stages is more beneficial than a single large patch with a single successional stage.
Co‐occurrence patterns at four spatial scales implicate reproductive processes in shaping community assembly in clovers
Authors: Christie Kyle , Harrison Susan P. , Friesen Maren L. , Strauss Sharon Y. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCompetition, niche differences and chance all contribute to community assembly; yet, the role of reproductive interactions between species is often less appreciated. Closely related plant species that share floral form, phenology and habitat often interact through pollination. They potentially facilitate pollinator attraction, compete for pollination services and/or exchange pollen. If reproductive processes are important to co‐occurrence, we predicted that fitness costs of heterospecific pollen transfer or pollen limitation should result in lower rates of co‐occurrence among outcrossing congeners. In contrast, selfers, which may be less exposed to heterospecific pollen, and/or less negatively affected by it, should co‐occur more frequently.Flower size is an excellent proxy for mating system in clovers. Using herbarium records and three independent field datasets, we documented co‐occurrence patterns ofTrifoliumat 1 m2–1 km2scales in California. Using a randomization procedure to reshuffle matrices of community membership, we generated null hypotheses for the expected composition of large‐ and small‐flowered species inTrifoliumcommunities of different sizes.Across all spatial scales, large‐flowered outcrossers were over‐represented at sites lacking congeners, but under‐represented in communities with multiple congeners. Conversely, small‐flowered selfers often occupied sites with multiple otherTrifoliumspecies. Patterns for plant height and leaf size, which are weakly or strongly correlated with flower size, did not explain co‐occurrence patterns as robustly. Regression analysis and model selection corroborated the null model analyses, indicating that the likelihood of co‐occurrence decreased as flower size, and thus reliance on outcrossing, increased.Synthesis. This study suggests that reproductive traits and processes may be significant contributors to community assembly and co‐occurrence in flowering plants.
Tree species richness differentially affects the chemical composition of leaves, roots and root exudates in four subtropical tree species
Authors: Weinhold Alexander , Döll Stefanie , Liu Min , Schedl Andreas , Pöschl Yvonne , Xu Xingliang , Neumann Steffen , van Dam Nicole M. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Plants produce thousands of compounds, collectively called the metabolome, which mediate interactions with other organisms. The metabolome of an individual plant may change according to the number and nature of these interactions. We tested the hypothesis that tree diversity level affects the metabolome of four subtropical tree species in a biodiversity–ecosystem functioning experiment, BEF‐China. We postulated that the chemical diversity of leaves, roots and root exudates increases with tree diversity. We expected that the strength of this diversity effect differs among leaf, root and root exudates samples. Considering their role in plant competition, we expected to find the strongest effects in root exudates.

Roots, root exudates and leaves of four tree species (Cinnamomum camphora, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, Daphniphyllum oldhamii and Schima superba) were sampled from selected plots in BEF‐China. The exudate metabolomes were normalized over their non‐purgeable organic carbon level. Multivariate analyses were applied to identify the effect of both neighbouring (local) trees and plot diversity on tree metabolomes. The species‐ and sample‐specific metabolites were assigned to major compound classes using the ClassyFire tool, whereas potential metabolites related to diversity effects were annotated manually.

Individual tree species showed distinct leaf, root and root exudate metabolomes. The main compound class in leaves was the flavonoids, whereas carboxylic acids, prenol lipids and specific alkaloids were most prominent in root exudates and roots. Overall, plot diversity had a stronger effect on metabolome profiles than the local diversity. Leaf metabolomes responded more often to tree diversity level than exudates, whereas root metabolomes varied the least. We found no uniform or general pattern of alterations in metabolite richness or diversity in response to variation in tree diversity. The response differed among species and tissues.

Synthesis. Classification of metabolites supported initial ecological interpretation of differences among species and organs. Particularly, the metabolomes of leaves and root exudates respond to differences in tree diversity. These responses were neither linear nor uniform and individual metabolites showed different dynamics. More controlled interaction experiments are needed to dissect the causes and consequences of the observed shifts in plant metabolomes.
Geographic variation and temporal changes in plant–herbivore interaction: Case studies with Solidago altissima in native and introduced ranges
Authors: Sakata Yuzu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPlants are subjected to environmental gradients and may encounter various herbivores, leading to geographic variation in defensive traits. The present review highlights that biological invasions are remarkable natural experiments for studying geographic variation in plant–herbivore interaction and tracking temporal dynamics in plant defense in response to environmental changes. Studies from this viewpoint can challenge various general topics in plant ecology, including the evolution of plant defense and indirect interactions among plants. First, I provide a brief overview on how the introduction of exotic herbivores drives rapid evolution after the establishment of exotic plants and its impacts on native plants. Second, I present a series of case studies investigating the patterns and mechanisms of geographic variation in the interaction between Solidago altissima and Corythucha marmorata (lace bug) in the native range in the United States and the introduced range in Japan. By combining biogeographical and experimental approaches, my collaborators and I unraveled the temporal dynamics of S. altissima's resistance to lace bugs and explored the drivers of differentiation in resistance between native and introduced ranges. These studies provide new insight into the geographic variation in exotic plant–herbivore interaction by unraveling the mechanisms and the temporal scale that cause the variation. These findings are vital not only for predicting invasiveness of exotic plants but also for understanding the evolution of plant–herbivore interaction in community contexts and under climate change.
Piquerism in homicide: A knife wound analysis of a sexually motivated serial killer
Authors: Pettigrew Mark 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAs part of a wider research project into paraphilic disorders and homicide, a case is presented of a piquerist who achieved sexual satisfaction through the infliction of stabbing wounds. Against a background of sexual domination with willing and unwilling sexual partners, the offender stabbed four men to death. A study of the resulting autopsy reports, in association with the offender's testimony and crime scene documentation, was undertaken to discern a piquerist crime scene signature. An excessive number of stabbing wounds, the targeting of sexual areas, and a variation in wound size and depth were found to be evidence of piquerism. Although there was opportunity to commit a sexual assault upon victims, the preference was to penetrate them with a knife. It is contended that, even without any evidence of sexual assault at a crime scene, a knife wound analysis can reveal a sexual motivation in some cases of homicide.
Magnetic resonance imaging cervical spine in trauma: A retrospective single‐centre audit of patient outcomes
Authors: Foster Grant , Russell Brigitte , Hibble Belinda , Shaw Kevin , Stella Julian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used in practice to investigate for cord or discoligamentous injury following blunt trauma and a normal computed tomography (CT). This study investigates the MRI findings and surgical outcomes of patients in this cohort.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients following trauma with suspected cervical spine injury from 2016 to 2019. Inclusion criteria included patients receiving a normal CT of the cervical spine and subsequent MRI due to cervical spine injury symptomatology (persistent tenderness and/or neurology). Inclusion criteria included: age ≥16 years, alert and <72 h from CT to MRI. Mann–Whitney and χ2 statistical analysis techniques were employed.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty‐eight patients with persistent midline tenderness and/or persistent neurology following blunt trauma and negative CT report were included. One hundred and eighty‐one patients received an MRI for persistent tenderness of which 35 revealed abnormal MRI findings. Twenty‐one cases required no treatment, 14 cases were treated with a rigid collar with no patients requiring operative management. Forty‐seven patients received an MRI for neurological symptoms following blunt trauma and negative CT, with 11 abnormal MRI findings. Management included no treatment (three cases), application of rigid collar (six cases) and operative management (two cases).ConclusionNo alert neurologically intact patient with ‘persistent tenderness only’ received operative management following a normal CT examination. While MRI is sensitive for detecting soft tissue injuries, the prevalence for detecting clinically significant cervical spine injury in blunt trauma patients in the absence of neurology is low. The utility of MRI in this cohort is questionable considering prolonged spinal immobilisation is not without harm.
Utilizing urban arboreta for detection of native and non‐native wood‐inhabiting beetles
Authors: DiGirolomo Marc F. , Bohne Michael J. , Dodds Kevin J. , Gapinski Andrew T. , DelRosso John S. , Charap Joseph G. , Evans Sara C. 
Published: September 2021

We developed a multi‐year insect emergence survey for the monitoring and detection of invasive non‐native species at two urban arboreta in Boston, Massachusetts and New York City, New York. Arborists pruned and sequestered pieces of these trees for up to 2 years inside emergence containers.Host material was sampled from 117 trees comprising 67 species from the two sites. From these samples, 15 370 beetles were identified from all families, including 246 buprestids (21 species), 822 cerambycids (29 species) and 8825 scolytines (46 species).Individual emergence chambers employed two collection methods: phototaxis toward an attached collection cup and sweeping barrel contents following the sequestration period. Sweeping resulted in many species not collected from cups.We documented 17 new state records for Massachusetts and New York and 143 new host associations for buprestids, cerambycids and scolytines, including 22 new host associations of non‐native beetles on native host trees and 51 new host associations of native beetles on non‐native hosts.One buprestid species, not native to North America yet new to science,Agrilussp. 9895, was discovered. The combination of new state records, new host associations and new species detections illustrates how this survey method can be effective and beneficial for detection purposes.
Changing patterns in Australian and New Zealand: vascular surgery duringCOVID‐19
Authors: Y Cai Tommy , Fisher Georgia , Loa Jacky 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundEarly government‐mandated restrictions in Australia and New Zealand contributed to a successful public health outcome during the COVID‐19 pandemic, including an unprecedented temporary cancellation of all non‐urgent elective surgical procedures. This study describes the change in vascular surgery services across Australia and New Zealand before and during the COVID‐19 restrictions.MethodsDe‐identified data from the Australia and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery Australasian Vascular Audit from January 2015 to September 2020 was obtained. Vascular surgery procedure numbers from January to September of 2020 (study period) was compared to the corresponding months between 2015 and 2019 (pre‐study period). The volume of procedures, both elective and emergency, were compared. Subgroup analyses included procedures categorized by operation type and location.ResultsThere was a 11% decrease in total vascular procedures, 22% decrease in elective procedures, and a 14% increase in emergency procedures, comparing the study and pre‐study periods. There was a large increase in all revascularization procedures for critical limb ischemia and no change in acute limb ischemia interventions, without a concomitant rise in major or minor all‐cause amputation. There was a decrease in interventions for abdominal aortic aneurysm and carotid artery disease, driven by a fall in elective procedures, while volume for dialysis access remained the same. Change in procedural volume varied by state with the largest decrease noted in NSW and Victoria.ConclusionsThe COVID‐19 pandemic reduced vascular surgery procedures across Australia and New Zealand with a decrease in elective operations and an increase in emergency operations.
An adequacy approach for deciding the number of clusters for OTRIMLE robust Gaussian mixture‐based clustering
Authors: Hennig Christian , Coretto Pietro 
Published: September 2021

SummaryWe introduce a new approach to deciding the number of clusters. The approach is applied to Optimally Tuned Robust Improper Maximum Likelihood Estimation (OTRIMLE; Coretto & Hennig, Journal of the American Statistical Association 111, 1648–1659) of a Gaussian mixture model allowing for observations to be classified as ‘noise’, but it can be applied to other clustering methods as well. The quality of a clustering is assessed by a statistic Q that measures how close the within‐cluster distributions are to elliptical unimodal distributions that have the only mode in the mean. This non‐parametric measure allows for non‐Gaussian clusters as long as they have a good quality according to Q. The simplicity of a model is assessed by a measure S that prefers a smaller number of clusters unless additional clusters can reduce the estimated noise proportion substantially. The simplest model is then chosen that is adequate for the data in the sense that its observed value of Q is not significantly larger than what is expected for data truly generated from the fitted model, as can be assessed by parametric bootstrap. The approach is compared with model‐based clustering using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and the integrated complete likelihood (ICL) in a simulation study and on two real data sets.
Determinants of lung function changes in athletic swimmers. A review
Authors: Rochat Isabelle , Côté Andréanne , Boulet Louis‐Philippe 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimTo summarise lung function characteristics of athletic swimmers and discuss mechanisms explaining these changes while putting forward the lack of a clear understanding of the precise physiological factors implicated.MethodsLiterature search until 07.2021 on Medline and EMBASE using keywords swimming, athletes, respiratory physiology, lung development, lung function tests. Relevant articles in French and English were reviewed.ResultsWe found insufficient data to perform a meta‐analysis. However, there is evidence that swimmers have better expiratory flows and increased baseline lung volumes than non‐athletes or non‐swimmers. Although these features can result from changes in lung development following intense training over the years, the contribution of a genetic predisposition and positive selection cannot be totally excluded.ConclusionDisentangling the participation of constitutional factors and years of hard training to explain the larger lung volumes of athletic swimmers is in favour of an adaptative response of the lungs to early swim training through modification of the pathway of lung development. There seems to be an optimal window of opportunity before the end of growth for these adaptational changes to occur. Precise mechanisms, and contribution of adaptative change on lung physiology, remain to be further studied.
A rapid method for quantifying small‐scale vegetation patch structure to complement conventional quadrat surveys
Authors: Butler Liam , Sanderson Roy A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsVegetation sampling typically involves the use of quadrats to estimate species cover abundance. Such surveys do not generally record small‐scale vegetation patch structure at sub‐quadrat scales. Here we test a simple method to quantify patch structure that complements conventional techniques. We compare the two methods, and analyse metrics derived from small‐scale patch surveys with environment/management data.LocationNorthumberland, United Kingdom.MethodsWe recorded cover abundance of all species in an upland moor with 1‐m2 quadrats. These were divided into 100 ‘sub‐quadrats’, 10 cm × 10 cm, and the dominant and subdominant species identified. Patch metrics (number, area and shape) for individual species recorded as dominant or subdominant in the subquadrat survey were analysed using multi‐variate generalised linear models with environmental and management data. Sub‐quadrat data were also aggregated for each quadrat, to create species composition data. The two sets of compositional data, from whole‐quadrat and sub‐quadrat aggregations, were compared via Procrustes rotation of ordination scores.ResultsPatch number, area and shape for dominant and subdominant species were all significantly affected by soil pH, soil water content, slope and elevation. Effects of proximity to sheep tracks and drainage ditches were less consistent amongst species. Ordinations of vegetation data from conventional and sub‐quadrats were similar, with significant Procrustes R2 of 67% and 70% for dominant and subdominant species respectively.ConclusionsSub‐quadrat surveys can easily be used to complement existing whole‐quadrat surveys at little cost in time or resources. Their patch metrics can provide additional insights into the environmental and management drivers that may affect the growth of individual plants or clumps, potentially in relation to plant traits, and thus alter the overall community composition. The methods we describe can readily be adapted to other sizes of quadrats and sub‐quadrats in a wide range of vegetation communities.
Accelerated failure time modeling via nonparametric mixtures
Authors: Seo Byungtae , Kang Sangwook 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAn accelerated failure time (AFT) model assuming a log‐linear relationship between failure time and a set of covariates can be either parametric or semiparametric, depending on the distributional assumption for the error term. Both classes of AFT models have been popular in the analysis of censored failure time data. The semiparametric AFT model is more flexible and robust to departures from the distributional assumption than its parametric counterpart. However, the semiparametric AFT model is subject to producing biased results for estimating any quantities involving an intercept. Estimating an intercept requires a separate procedure. Moreover, a consistent estimation of the intercept requires stringent conditions. Thus, essential quantities such as mean failure times might not be reliably estimated using semiparametric AFT models, which can be naturally done in the framework of parametric AFT models. Meanwhile, parametric AFT models can be severely impaired by misspecifications. To overcome this, we propose a new type of the AFT model using a nonparametric Gaussian‐scale mixture distribution. We also provide feasible algorithms to estimate the parameters and mixing distribution. The finite sample properties of the proposed estimators are investigated via an extensive stimulation study. The proposed estimators are illustrated using a real dataset.
Examining the relationship between political spending and legislative activities
Authors: Jung Hoyong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLawmakers’ political spending plays an essential role in the representation of the public through legislative activities. Based on a rich dataset from South Korea, this study examines the relationship between political spending and legislative activities in the National Assembly. We focus on lawmakers’ average legislative performance during the term rather than specific roll call votes by adopting novel measurements of legislative productivity and efficiency. We find that the total number of bill proposals increases when political spending increases, suggesting an improvement in lawmakers’ legislative productivity. The timeliness of legislation is enhanced by reducing the processing period. However, little evidence exists that the passing and processing rates of legislation requiring bipartisan collaboration and political compromise are improved. The effects are heterogeneous by legislation and expenditure types, affiliated party, and electoral term. The results indicate that political spending has positive effects on lawmakers’ individual productivity but restrictive effects on legislative efficiency.