bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trait patterns of epiphytes compared to other plant life‐forms along a tropical elevation gradient
Authors: Schellenberger Costa David , Zotz Gerhard , Hemp Andreas , Kleyer Michael 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Compared to other plant life‐forms, epiphytes remain understudied. Understanding the responses of epiphytes to changing environmental conditions is necessary to predict changes in ecosystem functioning especially in subtropical and tropical regions.

We investigated the functional traits of epiphytes along a large elevation gradient on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. We measured traits of co‐occurring trees and terrestrial non‐tree life‐forms and compared changes in community‐weighted means (CWM) of traits and trait spread, the range of observed trait values. We chose traits linked to growth and persistence: leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, stem specific density, plant height, leaf carbon, leaf nitrogen and leaf phosphorus.

For most traits, differences in CWM between life‐forms exceeded differences within life‐forms along the elevation gradient. Many CWM showed linear changes with elevation, but no response and unimodal patterns were also frequent. This was best explained by temperature, or a combination of temperature with precipitation or humidity, indicating effects of these factors on the distribution of epiphytic and non‐epiphytic species. Trait spread did not change with elevation in nearly half of the traits, but hump‐shaped patterns were also common, probably a result of weaker environmental filtering in the gradient centre. The magnitude of trait spread, that is, the variability between species of the same life‐form within communities, was highest for terrestrial non‐trees (TNT). Excluding ferns from the analyses lead to marked differences in trait patterns for epiphytes, as ferns made up 59% of the epiphytic species, while playing a minor role in the other groups.

The observed differences can be explained by a dichotomy in epiphytic life strategies, with tough‐leaved xerotolerant species on one side and succulent soft‐leaved species on the other. However, the influence of phylogeny was lower than expected from the taxonomic composition of the three life‐form groups.

Our results emphasize that environmental constraints act upon functional traits of epiphytes, trees and TNT. The differences in trait expressions, arguably adaptations of the different life‐forms, need to be taken into account in conservation contexts as well as when modelling the effects of global change on ecosystems.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Do carotenoid‐based ornaments entail resource trade‐offs? An evaluation of theory and data
Authors: Koch Rebecca E. , Hill Geoffrey E. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Within the past several decades, resource trade‐offs have emerged as the commonly accepted explanation for how carotenoid‐based coloration links to individual performance. However, the literature on carotenoid signalling is inconsistent in how carotenoid resource trade‐offs are defined, assessed and interpreted.

We provide a clear statement of the resource trade‐off hypothesis for explaining the honesty of carotenoid‐based ornaments, its key assumptions and evidence for (or against) each assumption.

Focusing on class Aves, we perform a critical assessment of theoretical and empirical evidence for carotenoid resource limitation and for direct physiological benefits of carotenoid pigments to immune and antioxidant performance.

We identify important inconsistencies in how data related to physiological function and carotenoid coloration have been interpreted in the light of the resource trade‐off hypothesis, and we suggest directions for future research.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Pollination along an elevational gradient mediated both by floral scent and pollinator compatibility in the fig and fig‐wasp mutualism
Authors: Souto‐Vilarós Daniel , Proffit Magali , Buatois Bruno , Rindos Michal , Sisol Mentap , Kuyaiva Thomas , Isua Brus , Michalek Jan , Darwell Clive T. , Hossaert‐McKey Martine , Weiblen George D. , Novotny Vojtech , Segar Simon T. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

In the fig (Moraceae) and fig‐wasp (Agaonidae) mutualism, scent is believed to be of primary importance in pollinator attraction and maintenance of species specificity. Scent divergence between closely related Ficus species seems sufficient in promoting reproductive isolation through pollinator behaviour, starting the process of speciation.

We investigated volatile organic compound (VOC) variation from figs in several Ficus species endemic to Papua New Guinea. Sister species of section Papuacyse and subspecies of Ficus trichocerasa substitute each other along the continuously forested Mt. Wilhelm elevational gradient. We placed these species in a phylogenetic context to draw conclusions of scent divergence between close relatives. In addition, pollinator response to VOCs emitted by figs of different species was tested.

Volatile profiles differed significantly between focal species, although with a varying degree of overlap between (sub)species and elevations. Pollinators were generally attracted to VOCs emitted only by their hosts except in one case where pollinating fig wasps were also attracted to the sister species of its host. Wasp morphological traits, however, indicate that it is mechanically impossible for this species to oviposit in figs of this atypical encounter.

Synthesis. This study demonstrates that while scent is an effective signal for partner recognition, there are multiple barriers which help maintain prepollination isolation in fig and pollinating fig‐wasp interactions. Speciation along this elevational gradient is reinforced by divergence in key reproductive isolation mechanisms on both sides of the mutualism.
Effect of combination of essential oils on physicochemical and sensorial attributes of burfi in comparison with individual essential oil and BHA
Authors: Prasad Writdhama , Khamrui Kaushik , Mandal Surajit , Badola Richa 
Published: April 2018

The study investigated the addition of essential oils (EO) of tumeric, ginger and cardamon (as sources of natural antioxidants ) to burfie, an Indian heat desiccated dairy dessert. Essential oil incorporation significantly (P < 0.05) increased antioxidant activity of the product. Samples with a combination of EOs had a higher antioxidant activity than with addition of individual EOs, but antioxidant activity was less (P < 0.05) than samples with addition of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The addition of EOs had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on instrumental colour, textural attributes and composition of the burfi samples, but flavour was significantly affected. Clustering revealed the sample with added BHA had the best attributes followed by the sample with addition of a combination of all the EOs. The combination of EOs significantly (P < 0.05) delayed the growth of the native microbiota in the burfi.
“It's Going to be Extra Fun!”: Analysis of an Atypical Case of Teen Homicide as Leisure Behavior
Authors: Williams D J , Vincent Jolene 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRecently, scholars in literary criminology and leisure sciences have begun to explore the role of broader leisure culture in potentially shaping fantasy development, planning, preparation, and execution in specific cases of expressive homicide. This brief report focuses on an unusual case of expressive homicide, wherein two teen offenders in Idaho collaborated to murder a female classmate as an intentional leisure activity. Prior to the murder, the offenders created a videotape describing how they planned to commit this (and additional) murders. A careful analysis of the videotape content, along with other primary court documents, illustrates how leisure preferences can combine with traditional psychiatric variables to shape the unique process of certain forms of expressive homicide.
Facial Asymmetry‐Based Age Group Estimation: Role in Recognizing Age‐Separated Face Images
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Taj Imtiaz Ahmad , Bajwa Usama Ijaz , Ratyal Naeem Iqbal 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFace recognition aims to establish the identity of a person based on facial characteristics. On the other hand, age group estimation is the automatic calculation of an individual's age range based on facial features. Recognizing age‐separated face images is still a challenging research problem due to complex aging processes involving different types of facial tissues, skin, fat, muscles, and bones. Certain holistic and local facial features are used to recognize age‐separated face images. However, most of the existing methods recognize face images without incorporating the knowledge learned from age group estimation. In this paper, we propose an age‐assisted face recognition approach to handle aging variations. Inspired by the observation that facial asymmetry is an age‐dependent intrinsic facial feature, we first use asymmetric facial dimensions to estimate the age group of a given face image. Deeply learned asymmetric facial features are then extracted for face recognition using a deep convolutional neural network (dCNN). Finally, we integrate the knowledge learned from the age group estimation into the face recognition algorithm using the same dCNN. This integration results in a significant improvement in the overall performance compared to using the face recognition algorithm alone. The experimental results on two large facial aging datasets, the MORPH and FERET sets, show that the proposed age group estimation based on the face recognition approach yields superior performance compared to some existing state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Criminal victimization and psychotic experiences: cross‐sectional associations in 35 low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: DeVylder J. E. , Kelleher I. , Oh H. , Link B. G. , Yang L. H. , Koyanagi A. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveCriminal victimization has been associated with elevated risk for psychotic symptoms in the United Kingdom, but has not been studied in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Understanding whether crime exposure may play a role in the social etiology of psychosis could help guide prevention and intervention efforts.MethodWe tested the hypothesis that criminal victimization would be associated with elevated odds of psychotic experiences in 35 LMICs (N = 146 999) using cross‐sectional data from the World Health Organization World Health Survey. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations between criminal victimization and psychotic experiences.ResultsVictimization was associated with greater odds of psychotic experiences, OR (95% CI) = 1.72 (1.50–1.98), and was significantly more strongly associated with psychotic experiences in non‐urban, OR (95% CI) = 1.93 (1.60–2.33), compared to urban settings, OR (95% CI) = 1.48 (1.21–1.81). The association between victimization and psychosis did not change across countries with varying aggregated levels of criminal victimization.ConclusionsIn the largest ever study of victimization and psychosis, the association between criminal victimization and psychosis appears to generalize across a range of LMICs and, therefore, across nations with a broad range of crime rates, degree of urban development, average per capita income, and racial/ethnic make‐up.
Making the most of sparse data to estimate density of a rare and threatened species: a case study with the fosa, a little‐studied Malagasy carnivore
Authors: Murphy A. , Gerber B. D. , Farris Z. J. , Karpanty S. , Ratelolahy F. , Kelly M. J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSparse detections in camera trap surveys commonly hinder density estimation for threatened species. By combining detections across multiple surveys, or using informative priors in Bayesian model fitting, researchers can improve parameter estimation from sparse capture–recapture data. Using a spatial mark–resight model that incorporates site‐level heterogeneity in the spatial scale parameter via a hierarchical process and prior information, we estimated the density of a threatened carnivore (fosa, Cryptoprocta ferox) from multiple sparse datasets collected during extensive camera trapping surveys in northeastern Madagascar (2008–2015). Our objectives were to estimate density for six sites, examine the response of fosa density and movement to habitat degradation, monitor annual density trends across 7 years at two sites, and estimate fosa abundance in the Makira–Masoala protected area complex. We obtained a mean of 16.1 (se = 0.52; range = 2–49) fosa detections and three observers identified a mean of 3.62 (se = 0.09; range = 1–8) marked individuals per survey. Fosa daily baseline encounter rate was very low (λ0 = 0.004; 0.003–0.006) and density/movement estimates were similar across forest types. Density estimates at resurveyed sites suggested annual variability in density, with estimates trending lower during the final surveys [e.g. D = 0.39 (0.14–1.11) versus 0.08 (0.05–0.31) individuals per km2]. We estimated fosa abundance across the Makira–Masoala region to be 1061 (95% HPDI: 596–1780) adult individuals. On the basis of our estimate and the size of the region, we believe Makira–Masoala harbors a significant portion of the global fosa population. The conservation and management of rare species is commonly limited due to lack of population estimates. By combining detections across surveys, we overcame estimation issues and obtained valuable information on a threatened carnivore, allowing us to better assess its status and prioritize conservation actions. We advocate for practical use of sparse datasets for such data‐deficient species.
Calcium‐sensing receptor gene polymorphism (rs7652589) is associated with calcium nephrolithiasis in the population of Yi nationality in Southwestern China
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Jianhua , Long Jiang , Shi Jiarun , Luo Yuhui 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) gene plays an important role in regulating the Ca2+ balance and reducing the risk for calcium stones. In this study, we evaluated the association of CaSR polymorphisms with calcium nephrolithiasis in the population of Yi nationality in Southwestern China. Biochemical variables were evaluated in 624 calcium nephrolithiasis patients and 470 age‐matched healthy controls without a history of nephrolithiasis. CaSR polymorphisms rs7652589, rs1501899, rs1801725 (Ala986Ser), rs1042636 (Arg990Gly) and rs1801726 (Gln1011Glu) were investigated between the calcium nephrolithiasis patients and healthy controls, using direct sequencing. Compared with the healthy controls, serum creatinine and 24‐hour urine calcium levels were significantly higher in calcium nephrolithiasis patients. Among these five polymorphisms, the genotypic and allelic frequency distributions of rs7652589 SNP was significantly associated with the risk of calcium nephrolithiasis. However, there were no genotypic or allelic distribution differences for rs1501899, rs1801725, rs1042636, and rs1801726 polymorphisms between calcium nephrolithiasis patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the association between rs7652589 SNP genotypes and the biochemical variables was not found. Our study showed that CaSR rs7652589 polymorphism had a significant effect on the risk of developing calcium nephrolithiasis in the population of Yi nationality in Southwestern China.
Successful Practice Transitioning Between Hemodialysis and Hemodiafiltration in Outpatient Units: Ten Key Issues for Physicians to Remember
Authors: Fülöp Tibor , Tapolyai Mihály B. , Zsom Lajos , Molnar Miklos Z. , Abdul Salim Sohail , Újhelyi László , Becs Gergely , Balla József , Hamrahian Mehrdad 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHemodiafiltration (HDF) during chronic renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a relatively new practice phenomenon, emerging over the last two decades. While the technological platforms utilized during chronic RRT are in many cases similar or effectively identical to conventional hemodialysis (HD), significant differences may emerge in daily practice. Several authors of this review moved practice site between the United States and the European Union and transitioned from an HD‐based practice to predominantly HDF‐practicing networks. In doing so, we became keenly aware of the potential pitfalls nephrologists may be facing during such transitions. This brief review is intended to provide a succinct overview of several practical concerns and complications nephrologists may encounter in daily practice of end‐stage renal disease care, including but not limited to management of electrolytes, renal anemia and treatment goals and settings during HDF.
In Vitro Hemodynamic Evaluation of ECG‐Synchronized Pulsatile Flow Using i‐Cor Pump as Short‐Term Cardiac Assist Device for Neonatal and Pediatric Population
Authors: Force Madison , Moroi Morgan , Wang Shigang , Kunselman Allen R. , Ündar Akif 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the hemodynamic properties of the i‐cor ECG‐synchronized cardiac assist system for off‐label use as a short‐term cardiac assist device for neonatal and pediatric patients and compare nonpulsatile to pulsatile flow with different amplitudes. The circuit consisted of the i‐cor diagonal pump with 3 feet of ¼ inch arterial and venous tubing and a soft‐shell reservoir, primed with lactated Ringer's solution and human packed red blood cells (hematocrit 42%). Trials were conducted with three different sets of cannulas (8‐Fr arterial 10‐Fr venous, 10‐Fr arterial 12 Fr‐venous, and 12‐Fr arterial 14‐Fr venous) with increasing flow rates at varying pseudo‐patient pressures (40, 60, 80, and 100 mm Hg) and under nonpulsatile mode and pulsatile mode with pulsatile amplitudes 2000, 2500, and 3000 rpm at 36°C. Pressure and flow waveforms were recorded using a custom‐made data acquisition device for each trial. Energy equivalent pressure (EEP) was higher than mean pressure under pulsatile mode, and increased with increasing pseudo‐patient's pressure and flow rate while EEP was the same as the mean pressure under nonpulsatile mode. Total hemodynamic energy (THE) levels increased with pressure and pulsatile amplitude and slightly decreased with increasing flow rate. The percent THE lost throughout the circuit increased with flow rate and pulsatile amplitude and decreased with pseudo‐patient's pressure. SHE levels also increased with pseudo‐patient pressure and pulsatile amplitude and decreased with increasing flow rate. The i‐cor diagonal pump can be used as a short term cardiac assist device for neonatal and pediatric patients and is able to provide nonpulsatile as well as pulsatile flow. Compared with nonpulsatile flow, pulsatile flow can generate and deliver more hemodynamic energy to the patients.
Diabetic macular oedema: under‐represented in the genetic analysis of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Broadgate Suzanne , Kiire Christine , Halford Stephanie , Chong Victor 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy, a complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is a complex disease and is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults worldwide. It can be divided into distinct subclasses, one of which is diabetic macular oedema. Diabetic macular oedema can occur at any time in diabetic retinopathy and is the most common cause of vision loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the large number of genetic association studies that have been performed in cohorts of patients with type 2 diabetes and published in English‐language journals up to February 2017. Many of these studies have produced positive associations with gene polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy. However, this review highlights that within this large body of work, studies specifically addressing a genetic association with diabetic macular oedema, although present, are vastly under‐represented. We also highlight that many of the studies have small patient numbers and that meta‐analyses often inappropriately combine patient data sets. We conclude that there will continue to be conflicting results and no meaningful findings will be achieved if the historical approach of combining all diabetic retinopathy disease states within patient cohorts continues in future studies. This review also identifies several genes that would be interesting to analyse in large, well‐defined cohorts of patients with diabetic macular oedema in future candidate gene association studies.
Non‐destructive allometric estimates of above‐ground and below‐ground biomass of high‐mountain vegetation in the Andes
Authors: Cabrera Marian , Samboni‐Guerrero Viviana , Duivenvoorden Joost F. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimStudies that monitor high‐mountain vegetation, such as paramo grasslands in the Andes, lack non‐destructive biomass estimation methods. We aimed to develop and apply allometric models for above‐ground, below‐ground and total biomass of paramo plants.LocationThe paramo of southern Colombia between 1°09′N and 077°50′W, at 3,400 and 3,700 m a.s.l.MethodsWe established 61 1‐m2 plots at random locations, excluding disturbed, inaccessible and peat bog areas. We measured heights and basal diameters of all vascular plants in these plots and classified them into seven growth forms. Near each plot, we sampled the biomass from plants of abundant genera, after having measured their height and basal diameter. Hence, we measured the biomass of 476 plants (allometric set). For each growth form we applied power‐law functions to develop allometric models of biomass against basal diameter, height, height x basal diameter and height × basal area. The best models were selected using AICc weights. Using the observed and predicted plant biomass of the allometric set we calculated absolute percentage errors using cross‐validation. The biomass of a plot was estimated by summing the predicted biomass of all plants in a plot. Confidence limits around these sums were calculated by bootstrapping.ResultsFor groups of <20 plants the biomass predictions yielded large (>15%) errors. Applying groups that resembled the 1‐m2 plots in density and composition, the errors for above‐ground and total biomass estimates were <15%. Across all plots, we obtained an above‐ground, below‐ground and total plot biomass of 329 ± 190, 743 ± 486 and 1011 ± 627 g/m2 (mean ± SD), respectively. These values were within the range of biomass estimates obtained destructively in the tropical Andes.ConclusionsIn new applications, if target vegetation samples are similar regarding growth forms and genera to our allometric set, their biomass might be predicted applying our equations, provided they contain at least 50–100 plants. In other situations, we would recommend gathering additional biomass measurements from local plants to evaluate new regression equations.
INEQUALITY AVERSION CAUSES EQUAL OR UNEQUAL DIVISION IN ALTERNATING‐OFFER BARGAINING
Authors: Kohler Stefan , Schlag Karl H. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTA solution to Rubinstein (1982)'s open‐ended, alternating‐offer bargaining problem for two equally patient bargainers who exhibit similar degrees of inequality aversion is presented. Inequality‐averse bargainers may experience envy if they are worse off, and guilt if they are better off, but they still reach agreement in the first period under complete information. If the guilt felt is strong, then the inequality‐averse bargainers split a pie of size one equally regardless of their degree of envy. If the guilt experienced is weak, then the agreed split is tilted away from the Rubinstein division towards a more unequal split whenever the degree of envy is smaller than the discounted degree of guilt. Envy and weak guilt have opposite effects on the equilibrium division of the pie, and envy has a greater marginal impact than weak guilt. Equally inequality‐averse bargainers agree on the Rubinstein division if the degree of envy equals the discounted degree of guilt. As both bargainers' sensation of inequality aversion diminishes, the bargaining outcome converges to the Rubinstein division.