bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High resistance of oligotrophic isoetid plants to oxic and anoxic dark exposure
Authors: Sand‐Jensen Kaj , Møller Claus L. , Borum Jens 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Small rosette plants in oligotrophic, softwater lakes, such as Lobelia dortmanna and Littorella uniflora, have highly permeable root surfaces that allow acquisition of CO2 from the sediment for photosynthesis. In the absence of an oxygen supply from photosynthesis, these permeable roots increase the risk that the plants are deprived of oxygen when sediments turn anoxic at night, or more permanently if there is organic enrichment.

We hypothesised that isoetids, despite their preference for pristine, well‐oxygenated habitats, should be relatively tolerant to tissue anoxia and that L. dortmanna should be more tolerant than L. uniflora because the impermeable leaf surfaces of L. dortmanna prevent the entry of oxygen from aerated lake waters and generate higher risks of anoxia in plant tissues at night.

Metabolism, survival and subsequent growth of both species were unaffected by darkness under oxic conditions for 8 days at 20 °C. All L. dortmanna individuals and 60% of L. uniflora individuals survived exposure to anoxic water in the dark for 5 days. Anoxia reduced respiration during exposure, depressed the quantum efficiency of Photosystem (PS) II immediately after anoxic exposure and reduced growth during a 24‐day recovery phase. Plant growth under recovery declined with increasing length of anoxia from 2 to 8 days, and L. uniflora was more affected than L. dortmanna.

Overall, the two species were very tolerant to oxic, dark exposure and also survived prolonged anoxia, probably because of inherently low respiratory maintenance costs. Lower metabolism of L. dortmanna than L. uniflora probably contributes to its higher tolerance to tissue anoxia, while higher leaf permeability to oxygen uptake from the water may help L. uniflora to survive recurrent sediment anoxia at night during summer.
Stoichiometry and estimates of nutrient standing stocks of larval salamanders in Appalachian headwater streams
Authors: Milanovich Joseph R. , Maerz John C. , Rosemond Amy D. 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Because of their longevity and skeletal phosphorus demand, vertebrates can have distinct influences on the uptake, storage and recycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Quantification of body stoichiometry, combined with estimates of abundance or biomass, can provide insights into the effect of vertebrates on nutrient cycling.

We measured the nutrient content and estimated the abundance and biomass of the larvae of three salamander species to characterise the factors that influence larval salamander stoichiometry and estimate the contribution of larval salamanders to nutrient standing stock and recycling in five southern Appalachian headwaters.

The proportion and ratios of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) in larval salamanders varied with size within and among species. We found negative relationships between body size and whole‐body %N, C : P and N : P and positive relationships between body size and whole‐body %P and C : N. Mean estimated larval salamander density was 58 m−2 and mean estimated dry biomass was 2813 mg m−2. Estimated standing stock of N, P and Ca were 332, 81 and 103 mg m−2, respectively, which was 1.1 × and 4.6 × greater than estimated amounts of N and P reported for macroinvertebrate taxa in similar streams within the region and was higher than in many other consumers in freshwater habitats. Using data from previous studies, we estimate that the mean ingestion rate of N and P by plethodontids is 0.000001 and 0.00001 g−1 day−1, respectively, while excretion rates of both are <0.00001 g day−1.

Salamanders are the only abundant vertebrates within headwater Appalachian streams, and our results show that larval salamanders represent a large standing stock of N, P and Ca in these streams. These findings complement other recent research demonstrating the effects of larval stream salamanders on macroinvertebrate abundance and seasonal nutrient supply in Appalachian headwaters and stress the importance of plethodontid salamanders to headwater stream processes.
Downscaled projections of Caribbean coral bleaching that can inform conservation planning
Authors: van Hooidonk Ruben , Maynard Jeffrey Allen , Liu Yanyun , Lee Sang‐Ki 
Published: April 2015

AbstractProjections of climate change impacts on coral reefs produced at the coarse resolution (~1°) of Global Climate Models (GCMs) have informed debate but have not helped target local management actions. Here, projections of the onset of annual coral bleaching conditions in the Caribbean under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 are produced using an ensemble of 33 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase‐5 models and via dynamical and statistical downscaling. A high‐resolution (~11 km) regional ocean model (MOM4.1) is used for the dynamical downscaling. For statistical downscaling, sea surface temperature (SST) means and annual cycles in all the GCMs are replaced with observed data from the ~4‐km NOAA Pathfinder SST dataset. Spatial patterns in all three projections are broadly similar; the average year for the onset of annual severe bleaching is 2040–2043 for all projections. However, downscaled projections show many locations where the onset of annual severe bleaching (ASB) varies 10 or more years within a single GCM grid cell. Managers in locations where this applies (e.g., Florida, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, among others) can identify locations that represent relative albeit temporary refugia. Both downscaled projections are different for the Bahamas compared to the GCM projections. The dynamically downscaled projections suggest an earlier onset of ASB linked to projected changes in regional currents, a feature not resolved in GCMs. This result demonstrates the value of dynamical downscaling for this application and means statistically downscaled projections have to be interpreted with caution. However, aside from west of Andros Island, the projections for the two types of downscaling are mostly aligned; projected onset of ASB is within ±10 years for 72% of the reef locations.
Spatial and species compositional networks for inferring connectivity patterns in ecological communities
Authors: Layeghifard Mehdi , Makarenkov Vladimir , Peres‐Neto Pedro R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimMultiple spatial and non‐spatial processes are involved in determining the complex patterns underlying the spatial variation of individual species and their assemblages. This complexity, and the logistical challenges involved in following dispersal for multiple species across multiple sites, make it challenging to infer the processes underlying metacommunity spatial heterogeneity. The goal of our paper is to present a robust quantitative framework for inferring spatial patterns across multiple ecological communities.InnovationUnlike numerous metapopulation studies that have inferred migration rates based on landscape connectivity metrics which take into account the spatial positioning of occupied and empty patches, metacommunity studies have relied on spatial predictors built without considering such information. Here, we introduce a novel method called the multi‐species spatial network (MSSN) to detect and explain spatial variability in community assemblies using a graph‐theoretical approach. The MSSN approach can be best described as a reconciliation between the spatial positioning of sites and their patterns of patch occupation.Main conclusionsOur simulation and real data analyses showed that our MSSN approach was better at detecting spatial patterns within metacommunities than the commonly used MEM method (Moran's eigenvector maps). In addition, our proposed framework is also useful in estimating the levels of spatial connectivity for each local community. Finally, our framework is flexible enough to incorporate different types of functions, metrics and algorithms to detect complex spatial patterns.
Phylogenetic relatedness within Neotropical fern communities increases with soil fertility
Authors: Lehtonen Samuli , Jones Mirkka M. , Zuquim Gabriela , Prado Jefferson , Tuomisto Hanna 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimTo examine the relative importance of gradients in soil fertility and rainfall for the phylogenetic structure of Neotropical forest fern communities, and to quantify how much the results are affected by phylogenetic resolution.LocationTropical lowland forests in Brazil (central Amazonia) and Panama (the Panama canal watershed).MethodsWe inventoried local fern communities at a total of 87 sites to model how their species richness and phylogenetic relatedness varied along gradients in soil fertility and rainfall. We produced a time‐calibrated species‐level molecular phylogeny of ferns, and quantified the phylogenetic relatedness of species within local communities using Faith's phylogenetic diversity (PD) and mean phylogenetic diversity (MPD). Calculations were compared for phylogenies resolved to the species and genus levels.Results(1) We found significant and consistent effects of soil nutrient status on local phylogenetic community structure in both regions. In contrast, phylogenetic structure showed only a weak or no relationship with rainfall. (2) In both regions, MPD declined with increasing soil fertility, which means that fern communities on poor soils consisted, on average, of less closely related lineages than fern communities on rich soils. (3) Different fern genera were over‐represented in different sections of the soil nutrient gradient. (4) Qualitatively similar results were obtained whether phylogenies were resolved to the species or the genus level.Main conclusionsOur results highlight the importance of edaphic variation in structuring plant communities over evolutionary time‐scales. Within the tropical forests studied, the effects of soil variation on local phylogenetic community structure seem to outweigh those of climate. Several fern genera show strong edaphic niche conservatism to either poor or rich soils, whereas many other genera have radiated to span a rather broad edaphic range. PD‐based measures are so dominated by deep relationships that genus‐level phylogenies are sufficient to investigate these patterns in tropical fern communities.
Forest structure and species traits mediate projected recruitment declines in westernUStree species
Authors: Dobrowski Solomon Z. , Swanson Alan K. , Abatzoglou John T. , Holden Zachary A. , Safford Hugh D. , Schwartz Mike K. , Gavin Daniel G. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimDetermine if differences in the climatic niche between conspecific adult and juvenile trees of the westernUnitesStates vary by species traits and to assess if forest canopies moderate the sensitivity of juvenile trees to climatic variation.LocationThe westernUnitesStates.MethodsUsing data from theUSDA ForestInventory andAnalysis programme, we compare the distribution of conspecific adult and juvenile trees for 62 westernUStree species. We relate demographic niche differences to species traits including shade and drought tolerance. We model recruitment under projected climate change using generalized linear mixed models, probabilistic uncertainty accounting, forest structural data and projected changes in the climatic water balance.ResultsOn average juveniles of westernUStree species occupy a climatic subset of their conspecific adults. Demographic niche differences increase as species shade and drought tolerance increase and are greatest at climatic range margins, indicating the potential for range contractions. Models calibrated solely with climate data project recruitment declines for 2080 that are 47% larger on average than models that also account for forest structure.Main conclusionsClimate change‐driven declines in recruitment in westernUStree species may be partly offset by the moderating effect of forest canopies. The importance of this stabilizing process will depend on whether a given site is disturbed and the traits of resident species, including their ability to utilize sites that have buffered microclimates. Conversely, our results suggest that broad‐scale disturbances which result in the loss of forest canopy will amplify the effects of climate change on tree recruitment.
Phylogenetic constraints and trait correlates of flowering phenology in the angiosperm flora of China
Authors: Du Yanjun , Mao Lingfeng , Queenborough Simon A. , Freckleton Robert P. , Chen Bin , Ma Keping 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThe phylogenetic constraint hypothesis of flowering phenology states that closely related species flower at similar times of the year. We test this hypothesis for the Chinese angiosperm flora and assess additional effects of growth form, deciduousness, pollination mode and fruit type. We further examine whether the phylogenetic conservatism of flowering phenology tends to increase from tropical to temperate latitudes.LocationChina.MethodsThe midpoint of flowering time for 19,631 angiosperm species present in China was compiled. The phylogenetic signal for flowering time was evaluated for the whole country using the Blomberg K‐value (adjusted for circular data). We then regressed the phylogenetic signal for 28 provinces as a function of their latitude. An analysis of variance for circular data was conducted to test the differences among growth forms. Watson–Williams tests for circular flowering data were used to compare flowering dates between deciduous and evergreen species, animal‐pollinated and wind‐pollinated species, and fleshy and non‐fleshy fruits.ResultsThe results support the phylogenetic constraint hypothesis. The phylogenetic signal at the whole country scale was lower than that at the province scale. Phylogenetic signal was also lower at tropical latitudes than at temperate latitudes. Flowering dates were associated with biological traits, with growth form having the largest effect.Main conclusionsFlowering phenology was constrained by phylogeny, and so one should account for phylogeny when studying the underlying drivers of phenology. The strength of phylogenetic conservatism appears weaker at larger scales and becomes stronger towards temperate regions. Flowering phenology also varies predictably according to biological traits such as growth form, suggesting that both phylogeny and traits could be used to inform the flowering times of species for which no phenology data are available. It remains to be tested whether the phylogenetic signal for other functional traits putatively related with flowering time also increases with latitude.
Teenage mothers of black and minority ethnic origin want access to a range of mental and physical health support: a participatory research approach
Authors: Muzik Maria , Kirk Rosalind , Alfafara Emily , Jonika Jennifer , Waddell Rachel 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn high risk, economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, such as those primarily resident by black and minority ethnic groups (BME), teenage pregnancies are relatively more frequent. Such families often have limited access to and/or knowledge of services, including prenatal and post‐partum physical and mental health support.ObjectiveTo explore preferences held by vulnerable young mothers of BME origin and those close to them about existing and desired perinatal health services.Design, setting and participantsDrawing on a community‐based participatory approach, a community steering committee with local knowledge and experience of teenage parenthood shaped and managed an exploratory qualitative study. In collaboration with a local agency and academic research staff, community research assistants conducted two focus groups with 19 members and 21 individual semi‐structured interviews with young mothers of BME origin and their friends or relatives. These were coded, thematically analysed, interpreted and subsequently triangulated through facilitator and participant review and discussion.ResultsDespite perceptions of a prevalent local culture of mistrust and suspicion, a number of themes and accompanying recommendations emerged. These included a lack of awareness by mothers of BME origin about current perinatal health services, as well as programme inaccessibility and inadequacy. There was a desire to engage with a continuum of comprehensive and well‐publicized, family‐focused perinatal health services. Participants wanted inclusion of maternal mental health and parenting support that addressed the whole family.ConclusionsIt is both ethical and equitable that comprehensive perinatal services are planned and developed following consultation and participation of knowledgeable community members including young mothers of BME origin, family and friends.
Macro‐creatine kinase: a neglected cause of elevated creatine kinase
Authors: Aljuani F. , Tournadre A. , Cecchetti S. , Soubrier M. , Dubost J. J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMacro‐creatine kinase (macro‐CK) is a neglected cause of raised CK. Over a 10‐year period, we observed five cases. Three patients had macro‐CK type 1. One patient with fibromyalgia underwent several explorations to find a muscular pathology; another, who had elevated CK‐MB (muscle–brain fraction) activity, was referred to a cardiologist, and statin therapy was erroneously discontinued in two patients. Two patients had macro‐CK type 2: a man with a neuroendocrine carcinoma and a woman with rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis of type 1 obviates the need to carry out pointless and expensive investigations seeking a neuromuscular or cardiac pathology, and also, the unwarranted discontinuation of statin therapy. Type 2 must prompt investigations for a neoplasm.
Strong Effect of Oxygen Partial Pressure on Electrical Properties of 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 Thin Films
Authors: Lin Qianru , Wang Danyang , Li Sean 
Published: March 2015

0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BCZT) epitaxial thin films were grown on SrRuO3 (SRO) coated (001)‐oriented SrTiO3 (STO) single crystal substrates by pulsed laser deposition under different oxygen partial pressures in the processing of deposition. The effects of oxygen partial pressure on structure, cation stoichiometry, surface morphology, leakage current behavior, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties were investigated. Both the lattice parameters and (Ba + Ca)/(Ti + Zr) cation ratio decrease with increasing oxygen partial pressure. The BCZT thin film with the ideal cation stoichiometry was obtained under 200 mTorr, giving rise to a remanent polarization Pr = 14.5 μC/cm2 and effective piezoelectric coefficient d33 = 96 ± 5 pm/V.
Community‐based livestock breeding programmes: essentials and examples
Authors: Mueller J.P. , Rischkowsky B. , Haile A. , Philipsson J. , Mwai O. , Besbes B. , Valle Zárate A. , Tibbo M. , Mirkena T. , Duguma G. , Sölkner J. , Wurzinger M. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBreeding programmes described as community‐based (CBBP) typically relate to low‐input systems with farmers having a common interest to improve and share their genetic resources. CBBPs are more frequent with keepers of small ruminants, in particular smallholders of local breeds, than with cattle, pigs or chickens with which farmers may have easier access to alternative programmes. Constraints that limit the adoption of conventional breeding technologies in low‐input systems cover a range of organizational and technical aspects. The analysis of 8 CBBPs located in countries of Latin‐America, Africa and Asia highlights the importance of bottom‐up approaches and involvement of local institutions in the planning and implementation stages. The analysis also reveals a high dependence of these programmes on organizational, technical and financial support. Completely self‐sustained CBBPs seem to be difficult to realize. There is a need to implement and document formal socio‐economic evaluations of CBBPs to provide governments and other development agencies with the information necessary for creating sustainable CBBPs at larger scales.
Some aspects of design and analysis of selection programmes in aquaculture species
Authors: Li Y. , Ponzoni R.W. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe aquaculture industry is one of the fastest growing animal food‐producing sectors in the world, largely driven by an increasing demand for high‐quality protein from developing countries. However, the majority of cultured production of aquatic species currently relies heavily on the collection of wild animals for use as broodstock. Aquatic animal domestication and genetic selection programmes in controlled environments are essential to enable the provision of a continued supply of high‐quality food for an ever‐expanding world population. Professor John James' significant contributions to the genetic improvement of conventional livestock species are well known. By contrast, his contributions to the aquaculture industry are less well known, especially in the areas of design and conduct of selective breeding programmes in aquatic animal species. In this study, we focus on a few aspects of aquaculture genetics to which Professor James made substantial contributions. His outstanding ability to comprehend, clarify and simplify complex problems with easy‐to‐understand mathematical derivations is clearly demonstrated in the areas of large‐scale strain comparisons, genotype‐by‐environment interactions (GxE), transformations and interpretation of selection response, as well as in the treatment of economic aspects of designing breeding programmes.
grain: a computer program to calculate ancestral and partial inbreeding coefficients using a gene dropping approach
Authors: Baumung R. , Farkas J. , Boichard D. , Mészáros G. , Sölkner J. , Curik I. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryGRain is freely available software intended to enable and promote testing of hypotheses with respect to purging and heterogeneity of inbreeding depression. The program is based on a stochastic approach, the gene dropping method, and calculates various coefficients from large and complex pedigrees. GRain calculates, together with the ‘classical’ inbreeding coefficient, ancestral inbreeding coefficients proposed by Ballou, (1997) J. Hered., 88, 169 and Kalinowski et al., (2000) Conserv. Biol., 14, 1375 as well as an ancestral history coefficient (AHC), defined here for the first time. AHC is defined as the number that tells how many times during pedigree segregation (gene dropping) a randomly taken allele has been in IBD status. Furthermore, GRain enables testing of heterogeneity and/or purging of inbreeding depression with respect to different founders/ancestors by calculating partial coefficients for all previously obtained coefficients.