bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic diversity–ecosystem function relationships are insensitive to phylogenetic edge lengths
Authors: Cadotte Marc W. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryFor experiments that link manipulated biodiversity to ecosystem function (EF), phylogenetic diversity (PD) has been an especially powerful form of biodiversity that explains variation inEF.PDrepresents the total amount of evolutionary history or genetic changes represented by a suite of species and potentially the total accumulation of species niche and functional differences. Analyses often usePDin linear models and assume that ecological differences are proportional to phylogenetic distances. Yet, it is unclear whether alternative models of evolutionary change would improve both the statistical fit and conceptual understanding of howPDinfluencesEF.Here, I use aPD–EFrelationship and systematically alter models of evolution including changes in the rate of evolution from phylogenetic root–to‐tip and constancy of evolutionary rate across clades. I also compare thePD–EFrelationship to several randomization procedures that sequentially remove aspects of the observed phylogeny.I show that changing edge lengths with evolutionary models does not strongly affectPD–EFrelationships. Moreover, the observed relationship was not substantially different than the explanation provided by a phylogenetic tree with edge lengths randomized, but was significantly better than randomizations that affected the topology of the phylogenetic trees.These results reveal that changes to the edge lengths have little effect onPD–EFrelationships, and it is the topology that really matters. Further, placing species in their correct phylogenetic positions is much more important than developing better estimates of edge lengths.
Theory of equivalent staggered‐grid schemes: application to rotated and standard grids in anisotropic media
Authors: Bartolo Leandro Di , Dors Cleberson , Mansur Webe J. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe previous finite‐difference numerical schemes designed for direct application to second‐order elastic wave equations in terms of displacement components are strongly dependent on Poisson's ratio. This fact makes theses schemes useless for modelling in offshore regions or even in onshore regions where there is a high Poisson's ratio material. As is well known, the use of staggered‐grid formulations solves this drawback. The most common staggered‐grid algorithms apply central‐difference operators to the first‐order velocity–stress wave equations. They have been one of the most successfully applied numerical algorithms for seismic modelling, although these schemes require more computational memory than those mentioned based on second‐order wave equations. The goal of the present paper is to develop a general theory that enables one to formulate equivalent staggered‐grid schemes for direct application to hyperbolic second‐order wave equations. All the theory necessary to formulate these schemes is presented in detail, including issues regarding source application, providing a general method to construct staggered‐grid formulations to a wide range of cases. Afterwards, the equivalent staggered‐grid theory is applied to anisotropic elastic wave equations in terms of only velocity components (or similar displacements) for two important cases: general anisotropic media and vertical transverse isotropy media using, respectively, the rotated and the standard staggered‐grid configurations. For sake of simplicity, we present the schemes in terms of velocities in the second‐ and fourth‐order spatial approximations, with second‐order approximation in time for 2D media. However, the theory developed is general and can be applied to any set of second‐order equations (in terms of only displacement, velocity, or even stress components), using any staggered‐grid configuration with any spatial approximation order in 2D or 3D cases. Some of these equivalent staggered‐grid schemes require less computer memory than the corresponding standard staggered‐grid formulation, although the programming is more evolved. As will be shown in theory and practice, with numerical examples, the equivalent staggered‐grid schemes produce results equivalent to corresponding standard staggered‐grid schemes with computational advantages. Finally, it is important to emphasize that the equivalent staggered‐grid theory is general and can be applied to other modelling contexts, e.g., in electrodynamical and poroelastic wave propagation problems in a systematic and simple way.
Nutrient resorption is associated with leaf vein density and growth performance of dipterocarp tree species
Authors: Zhang Jiao‐Lin , Zhang Shi‐Bao , Chen Ya‐Jun , Zhang Yi‐Ping , Poorter Lourens 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Nutrient resorption is important for the nutrient budget of plants, but little is known about which plant traits mediate nutrient resorption, how resorption efficiency is associated with other leaf traits and whether nutrient resorption has an impact on plant growth.

In this study, 17 dipterocarp tree species were compared in a common garden experiment. N and P resorption efficiencies were regressed against suites of traits associated with phloem transport capacity (i.e. leaf vein density; Dvein), leaf nutrient conservation traits (e.g. leaf mass per area; LMA) and species growth rate.

Across the dipterocarp species studied, N resorption efficiency (percentage N resorbed) was positively correlated with Dvein and leaf thickness. N resorption efficiency was also correlated with Dvein after considering phylogenetic effects. N resorption proficiency (N remaining in senesced leaves) was negatively correlated with Dvein, LMA, leaf thickness and palisade and spongy mesophyll thickness. Senesced‐leaf N concentration was still negatively correlated with LMA and leaf thickness after considering phylogenetic effects.

N resorption efficiency was positively correlated with both height and diameter growth rates. After considering phylogenetic effect, N resorption efficiency was marginally correlated with diameter growth rate. Green‐leaf N concentration was positively correlated with height growth rate after considering phylogenetic effect.

P resorption efficiency and proficiency were not related to any of the leaf morphological and anatomical traits, or to species growth rates.

Synthesis. These results indicate that higher phloem transport capacity of the dipterocarp species is positively correlated with greater N resorption efficiency and that N resorption proficiency is closely linked with leaf nutrient conservation traits. Growth rates of the dipterocarps are more likely governed by photosynthetic rates associated with green‐leaf N concentration than N resorption rates per se. Although P is generally deficient in tropical soils, it appears that N rather than P availability is the key limiting factor for the growth of the dipterocarp species.
High incidence of dioecy in young successional tropical forests
Authors: Réjou‐Méchain Maxime , Cheptou Pierre‐Olivier 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe role of plant sexual systems in community assembly has been little studied. Classical assumptions predict an association between self‐fertilization and colonizing ability, a pattern not systematically supported by observations.Here, using a data set of 626 462 trees sampled throughout 8300 km2in central Africa and historical information collected 60 years ago on forest successional status, we compare sexual system assemblages between young successional and mature communities.We use two multivariate approaches to assess the variation in community dioecism between successional status, while controlling for covariation between dioecy and six other traits usually considered as good proxies for important functions in forest successional dynamics.We show that dioecious trees are significantly overrepresented in young successional areas, contrary to classical expectations. This robust pattern is unlikely to be driven by soil conditions, by the other associated traits or by species‐specific abundance. Strikingly, dioecy was one of the traits most correlated with young successional areas.These results show that sexual systems play an important role in community assembly. The higher occurrence of dioecy in young successional areas is likely due to a higher relative seed fitness of dioecious species in more stressful conditions or by an evolutionary‐driven association between dioecy and colonization ability, as predicted by theoretical studies.Synthesis. Our study emphasizes an overlooked association between sexual system and community assembly and emphasizes the need to revisit classical assumptions regarding that relationship.
Preserved cardiac mitochondrial function and reduced ischaemia/reperfusion injury afforded by chronic continuous hypoxia: Role of opioid receptors
Authors: Maslov Leonid N , Naryzhnaya Natalia V , Prokudina Ekaterina S , Kolar Frantisek , Gorbunov Alexander S , Zhang Yi , Wang Hongxin , Tsibulnikov Sergey Yu , Portnichenko Alla G , Lasukova Tatiana V , Lishmanov Yury B 
Published: March 2015

SummaryChronic continuous normobaric hypoxia (CNH) increases cardiac tolerance to acute ischaemia/reperfusion injury. The objective of this study was to find out whether the cardioprotective effect of CNH mediated by opioid receptors is associated with preservation of mitochondrial function. Rats were adapted to CNH (12% oxygen) for 3 weeks. Isolated perfused hearts were subjected to 45 min of global ischaemia and 30 min of reperfusion; subgroups were pretreated with non‐selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (300 nmol/L) for 10 min. Cardiac contractile function, creatine kinase activity in coronary effluent, mitochondrial respiration rate, and calcium retention capacity were assessed. Adaptation to CNH decreased myocardial creatine kinase release during reperfusion and improved the post‐ischaemic recovery of contractile function, mitochondrial state 3 and uncoupled respiration rates, and calcium retention capacity compared to the normoxic group. These protective effects were completely abolished by naloxone. The contractile recovery positively correlated with state 3 respiration and calcium retention capacity. The results suggest that the preserved mitochondrial function contributes to the protected cardiac phenotype afforded by adaptation to CNH and point to an important role of opioid receptor activation.
Thyroidectomy Using Pure Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery in a Porcine Model
Authors: Nitta Kanae , Ishikawa Norihiko , Kawaguchi Masahiko , Ooi Akishi , Watanabe Go 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSurgical procedures for thyroid disease that provide cosmetically acceptable results are in demand. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is performed through natural orifices and thus avoids incision of the body wall. This study aimed to develop an incision‐free surgical procedure for thyroid lobectomy using pure NOTES with an oral approach. In six pig carcasses, an incision was made between the mandible and subcutaneous tissue under direct vision. After subcutaneous dissection and identification of the hyoid bone, the operative field was developed under endoscopic view. After the thyrohyoid membrane was identified, dissection was continued along the thyroid cartilage until the cricoid cartilage was identified and the thyroid isthmus was reached. An original retractor was inserted between dissected tissues to lift and fix the carcass. The thyroid gland was successfully removed through the incision. Similar macroscopic and histological findings were observed on the normal and treated sides, with no damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerves. The times required for securing the operative field and thyroidectomy improved with each operation. This study suggests the feasibility and safety of using pure NOTES for thyroidectomy through a subcutaneous route with an original retractor.
Association of vitamin C with the risk of age‐related cataract: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wei Lin , Liang Ge , Cai Chunmei , Lv Jin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPurposeWhether vitamin C is a protective factor for age‐related cataract remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a meta‐analysis to summarize the evidence from epidemiological studies of vitamin C and the risk of age‐related cataract.MethodsPertinent studies were identified by searching in PubMed and in Webscience. The random effect model was used to combine the results. Meta‐regression and subgroups analyses were used to explore potential sources of between‐study heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated using Egger's regression asymmetry test.ResultsFinally, 15 articles with 20 studies for vitamin C intake and eight articles with 10 studies for serum ascorbate were included in this meta‐analysis. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval of cataract for the highest versus the lowest category of vitamin C intake was 0.814 (0.707–0.938), and the associations were significant in America and Asia. Significant association of cataract risk with highest versus the lowest category of serum ascorbate was found in general [0.704 (0.564–0.879)]. Inverse associations were also found between serum ascorbate and nuclear cataract and posterior subcapsular cataract.ConclusionsHigher vitamin C intake and serum ascorbate might be inversely associated with risk of cataract. Vitamin C intake should be advocated for the primary prevention of cataract.
Cortical motor output decreases after neuromuscular fatigue induced by electrical stimulation of the plantar flexor muscles
Authors: Alexandre F. , Derosiere G. , Papaiordanidou M. , Billot M. , Varray A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimNeuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) causes early onset of neuromuscular fatigue. Peripheral electrophysiological explorations suggest that supra‐spinal alterations are involved through sensitive afferent pathways. As sensory input is projected over the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), S1 area involvement in inhibiting the central motor drive can be hypothesized. This study assessed cortical activity under a fatiguing NMES protocol at low frequency.MethodsTwenty healthy males performed five NMES sequences of 17 trains over the plantar flexors (30 Hz, 4 s on/6 s off). Before and after each sequence, neuromuscular tests composed of maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) were carried out. Cortical activity was assessed during MVCs with functional near‐infrared spectroscopy over S1 and primary motor (M1) areas, through oxy‐ [HbO] and deoxy‐haemoglobin [HbR] variation. Electrophysiological data (H‐reflex during MVC, EMG activity and level of voluntary activation) were also recorded.ResultsMVC torque significantly decreased after the first 17 NMES trains (P < 0.001). The electrophysiological data were consistent with supra‐spinal alterations. In addition, [HbO] declined significantly during the protocol over the S1 and M1 areas from the first 17 NMES trains (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively), while [HbR] increased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively), indicating early decline in cortical activity over both primary cortical areas.ConclusionsThe declining cortical activity over the M1 area is highly consistent with the electrophysiological findings and supports motor cortex involvement in the loss of force after a fatiguing NMES protocol. In addition, the declining cortical activity over the S1 area indicates that the decreased motor output from M1 is not due to increased S1 inhibitory activity.
Flower functional trait responses to restoration time
Authors: Garcia Letícia Couto , Cianciaruso Marcus Vinicius , Ribeiro Danilo Bandini , dos Santos Flavio Antonio Maës , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro 
Published: March 2015

AbstractQuestions(1) Do species richness, flower functional diversity and redundancy of tree and non‐tree species increase with restoration age; (2) are the flower traits of the reference forest similar to those found in restored sites; and (3) does species originality, in terms of unique combinations of different set of flower traits, differ among sites?LocationForests restored by planting a high diversity assemblage of tree species, within the Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil.MethodsWe sampled all reproductive individuals (353 species) and classified them in terms of floral type, colour, size, generalization level and openness. As most trees were planted and non‐tree species (sub‐shrub, shrub, herbs, epiphytes, climbers and hemi‐parasitic plants) were mostly naturally established, we analysed them in separate analyses. We compared species richness, functional diversity, redundancy and originality among sites. Moreover, we identified optimal subsets of flower traits to describe vegetation succession trends.Results(1) Flower functional diversity of tree species could be achieved after two decades of restoration, but remained far from reference values for non‐tree species. The same gap regarding reference values occurred with species richness, which increased over restoration periods, although were far from the reference values. Redundancy and functional diversity are not related to restoration age. (2) Red/burgundy colour, gullet and bell‐funnel shape and large size were identified as indicators of the reference forest flowers. Different indicator traits were found for each restoration sites. (3) Sites were similar regarding originality for tree and for non‐tree species.ConclusionA highly diverse species pool seems to promise to increase richness and functional diversity of tree species, but not of non‐tree species. Trait analyses have important implications for restoration projects and can be used instead of species taxonomic identity, especially for highly diverse tropical forests. Such functional diversity may be advanced through a priori definition of which species from the regional pool can be used in plantings for forest restoration, with special attention to functional traits of non‐tree species. Otherwise, restoration sites in highly fragmented landscapes will not reach functional diversity of reference sites, even after a five‐decade period.
Amplifying a Relational Ethic: A Contribution to PRME Praxis
Authors: Verbos Amy Klemm , Humphries Maria 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWestern economically driven instrumental ethics fuel the dominant institutional logic in many business schools and are associated with the negative social and environmental situation widely linked to the mode of global development. Other ethical framings have been subordinated, marginalized, or denied. Through the explicit commitment of prominent international certifying bodies of management education, educators, researchers, and practitioners will be encouraged to give increasing effect to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). The PRME is a United Nations‐led, institution‐level mechanism for reorienting the direction of business schools and for increasing both educator and student capacities to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable mode of development globally. We propose greater emphasis be given to various forms of relational ethics from which to guide the functional aspirations of institutions. We explore the creative opportunity for institutional change by contrasting the prevailing Western economically driven instrumental institutional logic with indigenous ethical framings. We draw upon Seo and Creed's conceptual framework of institutional change to discuss two films—Mann v. Ford and Waste = Food—to bring greater attention to the generative potential of indigenous perspectives in institutional praxis. Our examples could equally invite an application of other systems of relational ethics that have been overshadowed by the current domination of economic instrumentalism in almost all realms of decision making. We conclude by providing some teaching resources that can be used or adapted for geographical‐ or disciplinary‐specific attention to the issues we raise.
Lies in the Sky: Effects of Employee Dishonesty on Organizational Reputation in the Airline Industry
Authors: Jehn Karen A. , Scott Elizabeth D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractConventional wisdom suggests that dishonesty on the part of an organization's employees has a negative effect on the organization's reputation. However, many organizations condone (or even require) dishonesty under certain circumstances. In this research of 128 airline passengers, we examine situations in which employees are perceived to be dishonest within one such industry, the international airlines, and examine the impact of this dishonesty on organizational reputation and customer satisfaction. We found that the reputation of the firm was most damaged when the lie benefited the company or the employee, rather than the passenger. In addition, the view of the airline significantly decreased when the lie caused a high amount of harm (compared with a low amount) to the passenger.
Engaging preservice primary and preprimary school teachers in digital storytelling for the teaching and learning of mathematics
Authors: Istenic Starčič Andreja , Cotic Mara , Solomonides Ian , Volk Marina 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA significant criticism made of preservice teacher education is that it fails to prepare teachers in such a way that they would feel confident in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching, despite the assumed digital literacy of student‐teachers and the children they will eventually teach. New technologies have enabled multimodal design and digital storytelling in meaning‐making and communication and are now often instrumental and influential in shaping students' social practices and identities. The purpose of this study was to explore an integrative approach in applying ICT in learning with specific reference to the formation of mathematics teaching capability in preservice teachers. It takes into consideration student‐teachers' lived experiences when introducing ICT supported learning into their classrooms as well as their exposure to related university courses such as educational technology, special didactics of mathematics and mathematics. This paper describes the instructional design framework and assessment criteria for mathematical problem solving and digital storytelling introduced to an ICT course for student‐teachers. Based on the analysis of pre‐ and posttesting of the subjects' capabilities and reports of their perceptions, it is suggested that preservice teachers can efficiently develop their content knowledge in mathematics problem solving and that an integrative approach such as that described here may facilitate both mathematical problem‐solving competences and pedagogical competences for applying digital storytelling in solving mathematical problems. The cohort of preservice teachers had no prior experiences of digital storytelling or multimodal design and perceived them as new practices. Their conceptions changed during the course from the passive recipients to active producers of media content. They demonstrated reflection relative to learning‐by‐design and representation modelling. They perceived digital storytelling as a strategy and means for empowering the “student‐voice” and the active construction of knowledge. The findings of the study contribute to preservice teacher education indicating that an integrated approach of instruction that deploys digital storytelling and multimodal design can help facilitate preservice teachers' pedagogical competencies and mathematical content knowledge.