bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental constraints on the compositional and phylogenetic beta‐diversity of tropical forest snake assemblages
Authors: Moura Mario R. , Costa Henrique C. , Argôlo Antônio J. S. , Jetz Walter 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

The ongoing biodiversity crisis increases the importance and urgency of studies addressing the role of environmental variation on the composition and evolutionary history of species assemblages, but especially the tropics and ectotherms remain understudied.

In regions with rainy summers, coexistence of tropical ectothermic species may be determined by the partitioning of the climatic niche, as ectotherms can rely on water availability and thermoregulatory behaviour to buffer constraints along their climatic niche. Conversely, tropical ectotherms facing dry summers would have fewer opportunities to climatic niche partitioning and other processes rather than environmental filtering would mediate species coexistence.

We used 218 snake assemblages to quantify the compositional (CBD) and phylogenetic (PBD) beta‐diversity of snakes in the Atlantic Forest (AF) hotspot, South America. We identify two AF regions with distinct climatological regimes: dry summers in the northern‐AF and rainy summers in the southern‐AF. While accounting for the influence of multiscale spatial processes, we disentangle the relative contribution of thermal, water‐related and topographic conditions in structuring the CBD and PBD of snake assemblages, and determine the extent in which snake assemblages under distinct climatological regimes are affected by environmental filtering.

Thermal conditions best explain CBD and PBD of snakes for the whole AF, whereas water‐related factors best explain the structure of snake assemblages within a same climatological regime. CBD and PBD patterns are similarly explained by spatial factors but snake assemblages facing dry summers are more affected by spatial processes operating at fine to intermediate spatial scale, whereas those assemblages in regions with rainy summers have a stronger signature of coarse‐scale processes. As expected, environmental filtering plays a stronger role in southern‐AF than northern‐AF, and the synergism between thermal and water‐related conditions is the key cause behind this difference.

Differences in climatological regimes within the tropics affect processes mediating species coexistence. The influence of broad‐scale gradients (e.g. temperature and precipitation) in structuring tropical ectothermic assemblages is greater in regions with rainy summers where climatic niche partitioning is more likely. Our findings highlight the potential stronger role of biotic interactions and neutral processes in structuring ectothermic assemblages facing changes towards warmer and dryer climates.
Differential dispersal and the Allee effect create power‐law behaviour: Distribution of spot infestations during mountain pine beetle outbreaks
Authors: Powell James A. , Garlick Martha J. , Bentz Barbara J. , Friedenberg Nicholas 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMountain pine beetles (MPB,Dendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins) are aggressive insects attackingPinushost trees. Pines use defensive resin to overwhelm attackers, creating an Allee effect requiring beetles to attack en masse to successfully reproduce. MPB kill hosts, leaving observable, dying trees with red needles. Landscape patterns of infestation depend on MPB dispersal, which decreases with host density. Away from contiguously impacted patches (low beetle densities), infestations are characterized by apparently random spots (of 1–10 trees).It remains unclear whether the new spots are spatially random eruptions of a locally endemic population or a mode of MPB spread, with spatial distribution determined by beetle motility and the need to overcome the Allee effect.To discriminate between the hypothesis of population spread versus independent eruption, a model of spot formation by dispersing beetles facing a local Allee effect is derived. The model gives rise to an inverse power distribution of travel times from existing outbreaks. Using landscape‐level host density maps in three study areas, an independently calibrated model of landscape resistance depending on host density, and aerial detection surveys, we calculated yearly maps of travel time to previous beetle impact. Isolated beetle spots were sorted by travel time and compared with predictions. Random eruption of locally endemic populations was tested using artificially seeded spots. We also evaluated the relationship between number of new spots and length of the perimeter of previously infested areas.Spot distributions conformed strongly to predicted power‐law behaviour. The spatially random eruption hypothesis was found to be highly improbable. Spot numbers grew consistently with perimeter of previously infested area, suggesting that MPB spread long distances from infestation boundaries via spots following an inverse power distribution.The Allee effect in MPB therefore accelerates, rather than limits, invasion rates, contributing to recent widespread landscape‐scale mortality in western North America.
Planting of neonicotinoid‐treated maize poses risks for honey bees and other non‐target organisms over a wide area without consistent crop yield benefit
Authors: Krupke C. H. , Holland J. D. , Long E. Y. , Eitzer B. D. 
Published: May 2017

Summary

Neonicotinoid insecticides are routinely used as seed treatments on most grain and oilseed crops in the USA, yet the extent and likelihood of spread of insecticide residues during planting has not previously been quantified.

Honey bees, Apis mellifera, are highly mobile and highly sensitive to neonicotinoid residues, presenting an opportunity to estimate non‐target exposures to neonicotinoids in mobile insects. We measured neonicotinoid dust drift during maize sowing and used sites of maize fields, apiary locations and honey bee foraging radii to estimate likelihood of forager exposure. We performed a concurrent multi‐year field assessment of the pest management benefits of neonicotinoid‐treated maize.

Our results indicate that over 94% of honey bee foragers throughout the state of Indiana are at risk of exposure to varying levels of neonicotinoid insecticides, including lethal levels, during sowing of maize. We documented no benefit of the insecticidal seed treatments for crop yield during the study.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate movement of neonicotinoid residues well beyond planted fields occurs during maize sowing in Indiana. Based on locations of maize fields and apiaries in the state, the likelihood of neonicotinoid exposure for foraging honey bees is high. Other non‐target organisms are also likely to encounter neonicotinoid residues; we conservatively estimate that deposition of neonicotinoid residues on non‐target lands and waterways will occur on over 42% of the state of Indiana during the period of maize sowing. However, we also demonstrate that the risk to pollinators and other non‐target organisms may be rapidly and dramatically reduced without yield penalties, by aligning use rates of neonicotinoid insecticides with pest incidence.
Season and dominant species effects on plant trait‐ecosystem function relationships in intensively grazed grassland
Authors: Orwin Kate H. , Mason Norman W.H. , Jordan Olivia M. , Lambie Suzanne M. , Stevenson Bryan A. , Mudge Paul L. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Grazed pasture managers are increasingly being asked to enhance productivity while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts. Using plant traits to design plant communities that optimise ecosystem functions (e.g. productivity, nitrogen retention) may help achieve this. However, trait–function relationships in intensively grazed systems are largely untested.

We used a forage diversity experiment, intensively grazed by cows (i.e. 10–12 times per year), to test whether community leaf and root traits were consistent predictors of ecosystem functioning across seasons and dominant species identities. Diversity treatments consisted of adding further species to either a Lolium perenne–Trifolium repens or a Festuca arundinacea–T. repens base mixture.

Plant traits were better predictors of functioning in systems dominated by L. perenne than by F. arundinacea. Above‐ground productivity, root biomass and soil nitrate concentrations were related to traits in all seasons, but the ability of traits to predict carbon cycling measures, and to a lesser extent, net N mineralisation rates, varied strongly across seasons.

Leaf traits were better predictors of functioning than root traits. Despite limited trait breadth, leaf functional trait diversity was correlated with most ecosystem functions in at least one season, but effects were sometimes negative. Trait–function relationships were not always in the expected direction.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that manipulating plant community traits has potential to improve some ecosystem functions for some seasons in intensively grazed systems. However, the variable nature of the trait–function relationships found suggests that a deeper understanding of why and when traits relate to ecosystem functioning is required before managers can be confident that using a trait‐based approach will consistently improve outcomes.
Flow intermittence and ecosystem services in rivers of the Anthropocene
Authors: Datry Thibault , Boulton Andrew J. , Bonada Núria , Fritz Ken , Leigh Catherine , Sauquet Eric , Tockner Klement , Hugueny Bernard , Dahm Clifford N. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) are watercourses that cease flow at some point in time and space. Arguably Earth's most widespread type of flowing water, IRES are expanding where Anthropocenic climates grow drier and human demands for water escalate.

However, IRES have attracted far less research than perennial rivers and are undervalued by society, jeopardizing their restoration or protection. Provision of ecosystem services by IRES is especially poorly understood, hindering their integration into management plans in most countries.

We conceptualize how flow intermittence governs ecosystem service provision and transfers at local and river‐basin scales during flowing, non‐flowing and dry phases. Even when dry or not flowing, IRES perform multiple ecosystem services that complement those of nearby perennial rivers.

Synthesis and applications. Conceptualizing how flow intermittence in rivers and streams governs ecosystem services has applied a socio‐ecological perspective for validating the ecosystem services of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams. This can be applied at all flow phases and in assessing impacts of altered flow intermittence on rivers and their ecosystem services in the Anthropocene.
Impacts of salvage logging on biodiversity: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Thorn Simon , Bässler Claus , Brandl Roland , Burton Philip J. , Cahall Rebecca , Campbell John L. , Castro Jorge , Choi Chang‐Yong , Cobb Tyler , Donato Daniel C. , Durska Ewa , Fontaine Joseph B. , Gauthier Sylvie , Hebert Christian , Hothorn Torsten , Hutto Richard L. , Lee Eun‐Jae , Leverkus Alexandro B. , Lindenmayer David B. , Obrist Martin K. , Rost Josep , Seibold Sebastian , Seidl Rupert , Thom Dominik , Waldron Kaysandra , Wermelinger Beat , Winter Maria‐Barbara , Zmihorski Michal , Müller Jörg 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Logging to “salvage” economic returns from forests affected by natural disturbances has become increasingly prevalent globally. Despite potential negative effects on biodiversity, salvage logging is often conducted, even in areas otherwise excluded from logging and reserved for nature conservation, inter alia because strategic priorities for post‐disturbance management are widely lacking.

A review of the existing literature revealed that most studies investigating the effects of salvage logging on biodiversity have been conducted less than 5 years following natural disturbances, and focused on non‐saproxylic organisms.

A meta‐analysis across 24 species groups revealed that salvage logging significantly decreases numbers of species of eight taxonomic groups. Richness of dead wood dependent taxa (i.e. saproxylic organisms) decreased more strongly than richness of non‐saproxylic taxa. In contrast, taxonomic groups typically associated with open habitats increased in the number of species after salvage logging.

By analysing 134 original species abundance matrices, we demonstrate that salvage logging significantly alters community composition in 7 of 17 species groups, particularly affecting saproxylic assemblages.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that salvage logging is not consistent with the management objectives of protected areas. Substantial changes, such as the retention of dead wood in naturally disturbed forests, are needed to support biodiversity. Future research should investigate the amount and spatio‐temporal distribution of retained dead wood needed to maintain all components of biodiversity.
Hysteroscopic excision of symptomatic myometrial adenomyosis: feasibility and effectiveness
Authors: Xia W , Zhang D , Zhu Q , Zhang H , Yang S , Ma J , Pan H , Tong T , Sun J , Zhang J 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility and efficacy of hysteroscopic excision of myometrial adenomyotic lesions.DesignA case‐series study.SettingA university medical centre.Population51 women with myometrial adenomyosis completed the study.MethodsThe patients underwent hysteroscopic excision of myometrial adenomyosis and were followed up for 24 months. The degree of symptoms, uterine volume, and serum CA125 concentrations were recorded. The degrees of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea were evaluated.ResultsThe mean MVJ and VAS score significantly decreased from the baseline. The uterine volume and the serum CA125 significantly reduced.ConclusionsHysteroscopic excision of myometrial adenomyotic lesions is feasible and may be effective in improving symptoms.Tweetable abstractHysteroscopic excision is feasible for patients with symptomatic adenomyosisis.
What Works in Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation
Authors: Weisburd David , Farrington David P. , Gill Charlotte ,   With Mimi Ajzenstadt, Trevor Bennett, Kate Bowers, Michael S. Caudy, Katy Holloway, Shane Johnson, Friedrich Lösel, Jacqueline Mallender, Amanda Perry, Liansheng Larry Tang, Faye Taxman, Cody Telep, Rory Tierney, Maria M. Ttofi, Carolyn Watson, David B. Wilson, and Alese Wooditch
Published: May 2017

Research SummaryJust four decades ago, the predominant narrative in crime prevention and rehabilitation was that nothing works. Since that time, criminologists have accumulated a wide body of evidence about programs and practices in systematic reviews. In this article, we summarize what is known in seven broad criminal justice areas by drawing on 118 systematic reviews. Although not everything works, through our “review of reviews,” we provide persuasive evidence of the effectiveness of programs, policies, and practices across a variety of intervention areas.Policy ImplicationsIt is time to abandon the idea that “nothing works,” not only in corrections but also in developmental, community, and situational prevention; sentencing; policing; and drug treatment. Nevertheless, key gaps remain in our knowledge base. The results of systematic reviews should provide more specific guidance to practitioners. In many areas few randomized evaluations have been conducted. Finally, researchers, through their studies and systematic reviews, must pay more attention to cost–benefit analysis, qualitative research, and descriptive validity.
Overlapping Hot Spots?
Authors: Haberman Cory P. 
Published: May 2017

Research SummaryIn this study, the extent to which hot spots of different crime types overlapped spatially in Philadelphia, PA, were examined. Multiple techniques were used to identify crime hot spots for 11 different crime types. Univariate and bivariate statistics also were used to quantify the extent to which hot spots across the 11 crime types overlapped spatially. Hot spots of different crime types were not found to overlap much.Policy ImplicationsThe results raise concerns regarding the resource efficiency of hot‐spots policing for addressing all crime types. Police commanders will need to consider how the extent to which hot spots overlap in their jurisdiction should be incorporated into their strategic plans to meet their organizational goals. Furthermore, if police departments plan to use hot‐spots policing to address all crime types, then many local criminal justice systems would need an infusion of resources.
Baseline dimensional psychopathology and future mood disorder onset: findings from the Dutch Bipolar Offspring Study
Authors: Mesman E. , Nolen W. A. , Keijsers L. , Hillegers M. H. J. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo identify the early signs of mood disorder development, specifically bipolar disorder (BD), in a population at familial risk for BD.MethodThe sample included 107 Dutch adolescent bipolar offspring (age 12–21) followed into adulthood (age 22–32). Lifetime DSM‐IV axis I diagnoses were examined at baseline, 1‐, 5‐, and 12‐ year follow‐up. Symptoms were assessed at baseline on a 3‐point Likert scale at baseline with the K‐SADS‐PL and were analyzed using symptom and sum scores. As observed in previous studies, BD typically starts with other mood disorders. Therefore, the sample was stratified in offspring with a mood diagnosis (n = 29) and without (n = 78) at baseline.ResultsSubthreshold manic experiences proved the strongest predictor of BD conversion (n = 10; HR2.16, CI95% 1.23–3.78). At symptom level, elated mood, decreased need of sleep, racing thoughts, suicidal ideation, and middle insomnia were significantly associated with BD conversion. Depressive symptoms proved the strongest predictor for first mood episode onset (n = 28; HR1.27, CI95% 1.02–1.58).ConclusionThis study extends our knowledge of prodromal manifestations of BD in a high‐risk population. Although preliminary, findings of this study provide potential targets for early identification and underscore the importance of detailed assessment of manic symptomatology in bipolar offspring.
Separating effects of species identity and species richness on predation, pathogen dissemination and resistance to invasive species in tropical ant communities
Authors: Rizali Akhmad , Tscharntke Teja , Buchori Damayanti , Clough Yann 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Ants are abundant in natural and managed tropical ecosystems and can have an impact on herbivorous arthropods, as well as plant pathogens. Although it has been shown for plants that the diversity of communities can result in improved ecosystem functioning, it remains uncertain how the species richness of ants affects multiple ecosystem services and disservices.
In the present study, we used experimentally enhanced natural gradients in ant species richness on 100 cacao trees in a plantation aiming to analyze the effect of ant species identity and species richness on predation pressure and the incidence of cacao pod borer (CPB), as well as the spread of black pod disease (BPD).
Ant species richness did not significantly improve predation of experimentally exposed insects, and was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of CPB. However, the incidence of BPD was higher in ant species rich trees, presumably because more ant species were pathogen vectors. The identity of the dominant ant species affected the incidence of CPB and BPD, as well as predation pressure.
Although both ant species richness and identity affected ecosystem services and disservices delivered by the ant community, the results of the present study suggest that the identity of dominant ants is the main driver for ecosystem services in these systems.
Testicular Structure and Seminal Pathway in the Yellowtail Tetra Astyanax altiparanae (Characiforms: Characidae)
Authors: de Siqueira‐Silva D. H. , Dos Santos‐Silva A. P. , Bashiyo‐Silva C. , Rodrigues M. S. , Vicentini C. A. , Ninhaus‐Silveira A. , Veríssimo‐Silveira R. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThis study aimed to describe testicular and its main ducts structure in the yellowtail tetra Astyanax altiparanae, contributing to the knowledge of the region in which semen is produced, storage and released, focusing mainly on the dynamic of germinal epithelium and Sertoli cells during germ cell maturation. Ten sexually mature male A. altiparanae had their testes processed according to the routine protocols to optical microscopy. Moreover, spermatic ducts and tubular compartment of the testes of three specimens were perfused with vinyl resin for gross anatomy and scanning electron microscopy. Astyanax altiparanae testes are paired organs, separated for most of their extension, joining posteriorly in a spermatic duct formed by a squamous simple epithelium. Seminiferous compartment presents anastomosing tubular type organisation, and spermatogonia spread along its extent. Spermatogenesis is of cystic type, and there is no main testicular duct. Spermatogenesis develops in ‘waves’, from posterior to anterior part of the gonad. Thus, while sperm is storage posteriorly, spermatogenesis keeps maturing germ cells anteriorly, making the germinal epithelium very dynamic, holding Sertoli cells that change their function as a cystic envelope to produce secretions of the seminal fluid and store sperm. Such kind of development is thought to be responsible by the high prolificacy of this species.
Response of the waterbird community to floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) cover at Ngamo dam, Antelope Park, Zimbabwe.
Authors: Simbanegavi Tafadzwa T. , Ndagurwa Hilton G. T. , Mundava Josphine , Mundy Peter J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLittle is known on the influence of invasive aquatic weeds on afro‐tropical waterbird communities. We used bird counts in sites of varying floating pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides cover to explore the relationship between the weed and the waterbird community dynamics at Ngamo dam, Antelope Park, Zimbabwe. Waterbird communities in low‐to‐medium weed cover sites were more diverse and abundant compared to sites of high weed cover. In addition to supporting birds such as African Jacana which are able to forage within dense aquatic plants, high weed cover sites were associated with birds whose diets include invertebrates and fish which are likely more abundant and diverse in these sites. In contrast, low‐to‐medium weed cover sites were associated with bird species such as Common Moorhen, Great Egret, Pied Kingfisher and African Fish Eagle which require accessible open water and forage for diving, swimming or wading. The increased bird abundance in low‐to‐medium weed cover sites also likely increases prey for predatory birds. Thus, the negative changes in the waterbird community composition, abundance and diversity in response to increasing floating pennywort cover reflects species‐specific tolerances to floating pennywort and its influence on accessible open water, foraging sites and prey availability.