bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental test of plant defence evolution in four species using long‐term rabbit exclosures
Authors: Didiano Teresa J. , Turley Nash E. , Everwand Georg , Schaefer Hanno , Crawley Michael J. , Johnson Marc T. J. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Plant defence traits have evolved over macro‐ and microevolutionary time‐scales in response to herbivores. Although a number of studies have investigated the evolutionary impacts of herbivores over short time‐scales, few studies have experimentally examined what defence traits most commonly evolve and whether multiple coexisting species exhibit similar evolutionary responses to herbivores.

We addressed these questions using a long‐term experiment at Silwood Park, England, United Kingdom, where we excluded rabbits from 38 grassland plots for <1–34 years. To assess the evolutionary impacts of rabbits on plant defence traits, we collected seeds from plots containing the following perennial species: Anthoxanthum odoratum (Poaceae), Festuca rubra ssp. rubra (Poaceae), Holcus lanatus (Poaceae) and Stellaria graminea (Caryophyllaceae). We then grew these plants in a common garden and measured defensive and morphological traits.

We found some evidence for evolutionary change of defence traits in three of the four species following the exclusion of rabbits. We observed the clearest changes in F. rubra, which showed a 9% decline in tolerance to herbivory and a 26% decline in leaf number. We also observed weak evidence for a change in all grass species towards a more erect growth form suggesting that grazing selects for plants that grow close to the ground.

Although our results are most consistent with evolution due to changes in the frequency of alleles and genotypes, we cannot rule out that epigenetic changes (e.g. methylation) or maternal environmental effects also contributed to or caused the observed long‐term phenotypic responses.

Synthesis. Our study provides an experimental test of the evolutionary effects of an ecologically important herbivore. We found evidence for plant defence evolution following >20 years of rabbit exclusion. However, the evidence was only strong in one species for multiple traits, weak in all three grass species for avoidance and absent in an herb species. This suggests that the evolutionary effects of an ecologically important herbivore on plants will be variable and difficult to predict in nature.
Ocean acidification outweighs nutrient effects in structuring seagrass epiphyte communities
Authors: Campbell Justin E. , Fourqurean James W. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Developing a framework for assessing interactions between multiple anthropogenic stressors remains an important goal in environmental research. In coastal ecosystems, the relative effects of aspects of global climate change (e.g. CO2 concentrations) and localized stressors (e.g. eutrophication), in combination, have received limited attention.

Using a long‐term (11 month) field experiment, we examine how epiphyte assemblages in a tropical seagrass meadow respond to factorial manipulations of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2(aq)) and nutrient enrichment. In situ CO2(aq) manipulations were conducted using clear, open‐top chambers, which replicated carbonate parameter forecasts for the year 2100. Nutrient enrichment consisted of monthly additions of slow‐release fertilizer, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), to the sediments at rates equivalent to theoretical maximum rates of anthropogenic loading within the region (1.54 g N m−2 d−1 and 0.24 g P m−2 d−1).

Epiphyte community structure was assessed on a seasonal basis and revealed declines in the abundance of coralline algae, along with increases in filamentous algae under elevated CO2(aq). Surprisingly, nutrient enrichment had no effect on epiphyte community structure or overall epiphyte loading. Interactions between CO2(aq) and nutrient enrichment were not detected. Furthermore, CO2(aq)‐mediated responses in the epiphyte community displayed strong seasonality, suggesting that climate change studies in variable environments should be conducted over extended time‐scales.

Synthesis. The observed responses indicate that for certain locations, global stressors such as ocean acidification may take precedence over local eutrophication in altering the community structure of seagrass epiphyte assemblages. Given that nutrient‐driven algal overgrowth is commonly cited as a widespread cause of seagrass decline, our findings highlight that alternate climate change forces may exert proximate control over epiphyte community structure.
Soil‐mediated effects of invasive ungulates on native tree seedlings
Authors: Kardol Paul , Dickie Ian A. , St. John Mark G. , Husheer Sean W. , Bonner Karen I. , Bellingham Peter J. , Wardle David A. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

Invasive browsing ungulates can have strong impacts on the structure and composition of forest ecosystems, particularly where ungulates are not native ecosystem components as in New Zealand. Ungulate impacts on plant communities have been considered mostly from an above‐ground perspective. However, understanding below‐ground effects of these invasive herbivores is critical as they may drive feedbacks to above‐ground ecosystem components.

We measured growth responses of seedlings of five common tree species in a greenhouse experiment in soils collected from 26 plots fenced to exclude invasive ungulates for at least 17 years and from paired, unfenced control plots. We then further investigated soil‐mediated effects of ungulates on one tree species, Melicytus ramiflorus, by partitioning these effects into soil abiotic and biotic components, as well as measuring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) root infection.

Biomass of seedlings of all five species was greater in soils from within exclosures, although this was only significant for two species. These soil‐mediated effects were partially driven by changes in physical and chemical soil properties; soil bulk densities were lower inside exclosures than in controls.

Effects of invasive ungulates on seedling biomass of M. ramiflorus were positively related to effects on per cent AMF root infection. The biomass of M. ramiflorus seedlings was positively related to the AMF infection of its roots, which in turn was related to greater organic matter content and lower bulk density of soils from within exclosures. Results for M. ramiflorus indicated that soil‐mediated effects of ungulates on seedling biomass were of abiotic origin, but were mediated by the biotic soil component, that is, through effects on AMF.

Synthesis. Invasive herbivores may potentially impact on plant performance and community structure not only directly but also indirectly through influencing soil abiotic and biotic properties. Our results show that shifts in plant–soil interactions and feedbacks represent important but understudied pathways by which invasive ungulates can have wide‐ranging impacts on forest ecosystems. Future studies should consider the importance of soil‐mediated effects of invasive ungulates relative to direct effects of herbivory.
Policing Urban Natures: Conservation Officer Work in Ottawa and Toronto, Canada
Authors: Walby Kevin , Hurl Chris 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDrawing on the results of interviews and access to information requests, we explore conservation officer work in two urban regions in one Canadian province (Ontario). Specifically, we examine the work of the federal‐level National Capital Commission (NCC) in Ottawa and the provincial‐level Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Applying Jessop, Brenner and Jones's model of socio‐spatial relations, we show how nature plays a different role in NCC and TRCA policing depending on the places their conservation officers work in, the kinds of territorial boundary maintenance in which they engage, the scaling of their activities in various jurisdictions, and the policing networks that they are part of. In assessing the place of nature in conservation officers' work, we contribute to debates about how the boundary between nature and the urban is produced through regulatory practices.
The Determinants of Firm Profitability Differences in EU Food Processing
Authors: Hirsch Stefan , Schiefer Jan , Gschwandtner Adelina , Hartmann Monika 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper decomposes the variance in EU food industry return‐on‐assets into year, country, industry and firm effects using a hierarchical linear model (HLM). The HLM approach accounts for some of the methodological drawbacks of conventional approaches of variance decomposition such as anova and components of variance and additionally allows the estimation of the impact of covariates within each effect level. The results for selected EU countries show that firm effects are far more important than industry structure in determining food industry profitability. In particular, firm size and industry concentration are drivers of profitability while firm risk and age as well as industry growth have a negative influence.
Self‐reported Resilience of European Farms With and Without the CAP
Authors: Peerlings Jack , Polman Nico , Dries Liesbeth 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFirms are able to survive only if they adapt appropriately in response to disturbances. The ability of a farm to continue after a disturbance is defined as resilience. To analyse the resilience of EU farms we explore exit and the number of adaptation strategies that farmers follow under two scenarios. The current CAP will be continued in the base scenario, while it will be abolished in scenario 2. The outcomes show that under both scenarios large, more specialised farms with young farm heads are most resilient, and small more diversified farms headed by old farmers are least resilient.
Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Young French Male Prisoners
Authors: Gaïffas Anne , Galéra Cédric , Mandon Virginie , Bouvard Manuel P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWhile forensic studies have reported higher than community rates of mental disorders in imprisoned populations, few studies have focused on attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in these subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate ADHD prevalence among young French male prisoners. A specific diagnostic interview (Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM‐IV, CAADID) was used. Correlations between ADHD, subsyndromal ADHD, and criminal features were investigated. 11% of young male prisoners among 93 male subjects aged 18–35 years met the criteria for actual ADHD, and 17% met those for childhood ADHD. Considering ADHD and subsyndromal ADHD, prevalence was about 43% in adulthood. ADHD and subsyndromal ADHD in adulthood were significantly associated with a higher number of imprisonments and a younger age at first arrest. It could be advisable to better identify subjects with ADHD symptoms among prison populations.
Assessing the longitudinal associations and stability of smoking and depression syndrome over a 4‐year period in a community sample with type 2 diabetes 在一个社区2型糖尿病样本中进行的为期4年的吸烟与抑郁综合征之间的纵向相关性以及稳定性的评估
Authors: Clyde Matthew , Smith Kimberley J. , Gariépy Geneviève , Schmitz Norbert 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the stability and longitudinal association between depression and smoking status within a community sample with type 2 diabetes (T2D) while controlling for sociodemographic and disease‐related variables.MethodsAdults with T2D were recruited and agreed to be followed‐up via random digit dialing for the Montreal Diabetes Health Study. At baseline, 1614 individuals were classified as never (n = 592), former (n = 690), light (≤10 cigarettes a day; n = 128) and moderate–heavy (11+ cigarettes a day; n = 204) smokers. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 and individuals were classified as either “none” or having depression syndrome. Generalized estimating equations were used to test the association between depression syndrome and current smoking status while controlling for other demographic and health‐related variables.ResultsPrevalence rates of smoking and depression showed mild to substantial agreement over time. Depression syndrome was significantly associated with moderate–heavy smoking in the fully adjusted model using cross‐sectional (all four waves; odds ratio [OR] 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.99; P < 0.05) and longitudinal (controlling for depression at baseline; OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.02–2.31; P < 0.05) data.ConclusionsSmoking and depression prevalence rates appear to be stable over time in our community sample with T2D. Moderate–heavy smoking is strongly associated with elevated depression, both in cross‐sectional and longitudinal models. Persistent moderate–heavy smokers may be at increased risk of both physical and mental health complications. This burden is even greater for those with T2D.
Genome‐ and transcriptome‐assisted development of nuclear insertion/deletion markers for Calanus species (Copepoda: Calanoida) identification
Authors: Smolina I. , Kollias S. , Poortvliet M. , Nielsen T. G. , Lindeque P. , Castellani C. , Møller E. F. , Blanco‐Bercial L. , Hoarau G. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCopepods of the genus Calanus are key zooplankton species in temperate to arctic marine ecosystems. Despite their ecological importance, species identification remains challenging. Furthermore, the recent report of hybrids among Calanus species highlights the need for diagnostic nuclear markers to efficiently identify parental species and hybrids. Using next‐generation sequencing analysis of both the genome and transcriptome from two sibling species, Calanus finmarchicus and Calanus glacialis, we developed a panel of 12 nuclear insertion/deletion markers. All the markers showed species‐specific amplicon length. Furthermore, most of the markers were successfully amplified in other Calanus species, allowing the molecular identification of Calanus helgolandicus, Calanus hyperboreus and Calanus marshallae.
Factors Controlling Low Uranium and Thorium Concentrations in the Çayirhan Bituminous Shales (ÇBS) in the Beypazari (Ankara) Area, Turkey
Authors: PEHLIVANLI Berna Yavuz , KOÇ Çükrü , SARI Ali , ENGIN Hilal 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this study uranium and thorium contents and depositional characteristics of Çayirhan bituminous shales (ÇBS), west of Ankara (central Anatolia), are investigated. Samples used were collected from boreholes opened by Park Holding Ltd. A total of 25 samples were taken from bituminous shale levels in boreholes drilled at 6 different locations in the study area. The Hirka formation which hosts bituminous shale deposits is a volcano sedimentary sequence and all lithofacies indicate that a lacustrine environment where the water level was continuously changed. In addition to hydrocarbon generation potential, bituminous shales also accumulate significant amount of radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium. The average uranium and thorium concentrations of ÇBS (1.83/2.62 ppm) are much lower than averages of UC, NASK and PAAS (uranium: 2.70/2.66/3.10 ppm; thorium: 8.50/12.30/14.60 ppm). Low uranium contents in comparison to those of similar lacustrine environments might be attributed to that waters of depositional environment of ÇBS contain low concentration of dissolved uranium and redox conditions were of oxic and dioxic character. Correlation data indicate that U and Th have a similar source and are associated predominantly with clays and phosphates and dominantly with organic material. Radioactive elements in the basin might be derived from Paleozoic granites and metamorphites (e.g. gneiss, schist) which comprise the basement and volcanism which was active in the region throughout the Miocene period. These elements are probably associated with uraniferous phosphate minerals (e.g. autunite, torbernite) which occur in granite, gneiss and schist. ÇBS with average TOC content of 10.96 % shows very good/perfect source rock potential. Positive correlations between Gamma‐Ray values and U, Th and K concentrations imply that radioactivity might be originated from these three elements.
Prevalence of osteoarthritis in rural areas of Iran: a WHO‐ILAR COPCORD study
Authors: Tehrani‐Banihashemi Arash , Davatchi Fereydoun , Jamshidi Ahmad‐Reza , Faezi Tahereh , Paragomi Pedram , Barghamdi Mozhgan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo estimate the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) of different joints in rural areas of Iran.MethodsFrom five villages of Tuyserkan County, 1565 individuals were randomly selected and were interviewed to complete the Community Oriented Programme for Control of the Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) Core Questionnaire. Among these cases 1192 cases with rheumatic complaints were examined by a rheumatologist and laboratory and radiology tests were performed if necessary for the diagnosis. Definition of OA in various joints, were based on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria.ResultsAbout 20% of the study population had OA in at least one of their joints. Prevalence of OA in the knee joint was 19.34%, in hand joins was 2.66% and in the neck was 2.21%. The most common findings on physical examination of patients with knee OA, hand OA and neck OA were bony crepitus (88.9%), Heberden's nodes (73.2%) and pain on movement (59.9%), respectively.ConclusionsThis study revealed that OA in rural areas of Iran was more frequent in comparison with urban areas of Iran. Moreover, the prevalence of OA in rural areas of Iran was higher in comparison with prevalence of OA in rural areas of other Asian countries. Similar to previous studies OA was more frequently detected in the knee joint.
Clinical and autoantibody profile in systemic sclerosis: baseline characteristics from a West Malaysian cohort
Authors: Sujau Ibrahim , Ng Chin Teck , Sthaneshwar Pavai , Sockalingam Sargunan , Cheah Tien Eang , Yahya Fariz , Jasmin Raja 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the clinical and antibody profile of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a Malaysian cohort.MethodsConsecutive patients with SSc in University Malaya Medical Centre from March to November 2012 were included in this study. In addition to clinical characterization, all subjects underwent autoantibody testing using Euroline immunoblot assay. The association between clinical features and autoantibody profile was evaluated.ResultsThere were 31, predominantly Chinese (45.2%), subjects. Limited cutaneous disease was the most common subtype (71%). Raynaud's phenomenon was the most commonly observed feature (83.9%). Nine (29%) had esophageal dysmotility symptoms and 23 (74.2%), including all patients with diffuse SSc, had symptoms of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Restrictive pattern on pulmonary function test and evidence of lung fibrosis were seen in more than 70% of patients. Echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension was seen in 58.1%. Telangiectasia, calcinosis, digital ulcers, digital pulp loss or pitting were seen more commonly in the diffuse subtype. The two most prevalent autoantibodies were anti‐Scl‐70 and anti‐Ro‐52. The presence of anti‐Scl‐70 was significantly associated with restrictive lung disease (P = 0.05). Anti‐Ro‐52 was associated with control subjects with other autoimmune diseases (P = 0.043). The presence of anti‐PM‐Scl‐75 was associated with overlap syndrome (P = 0.032). Patients with anticentromere antibodies were more likely to have vasculitic rash (P = 0.012).ConclusionIn Malaysia, SSc most commonly affects the Chinese. Limited cutaneous is more common than diffuse subtype. Features of CREST (calcinosis, Reynaud disease, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia) are more commonly observed in the diffuse cutaneous subgroup. Anti‐Scl‐70 and anti‐Ro‐52 antibodies are promising biomarkers for pulmonary involvement in SSc.
The Climatic Challenge to Global Justice
Authors: Pellegrino Gianfranco , Di Paola Marcello 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHow should we think of justice when the evil we can do to one another is not visible nor immediate, but rather impalpable and causally, spatially and temporally dispersed? What does justice demand, when our actions and institutions do not directly sabotage the life prospects of others but rather do so derivatively, by sabotaging the very eco‐systems in which such lives are or will be lived? In a globalized, resource‐depleted, overpopulated, rapidly changing, ecologically deteriorating world, what is owed to the billions of spatiotemporally distant people who are paying or shall pay the costs of the last 200 years of heavy industry, globalized trade and enthusiastic economic growth? And is that a question we can answer from within or by extending our present theories, or do we rather need to find new ways of thinking about what is just and unjust, once the level of our reflections becomes planetary and intergenerational?
Nationally Based Data: Challenges for Global Governance (and Global Policy)
Authors: Coicaud Jean‐Marc , Tahri Ibrahim 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe current statistical picture of the world is probably the best it has ever been. But it also entails major limitations. In this article we show the limitations by focusing on three key areas: security, economy of development and the environment, and argue that they undermine the performance of global governance, and the possibility of global policy. In particular they do not allow taking the full measure and managing optimally the changes underway at the global level. To overcome this state of affairs, upgrading statistical capabilities is critical. To achieve this objective, the article suggests, among other ideas: adjusting and adapting the conceptualization, collection and implementation of statistical data to a world that is on its way to becoming global; improving the conditions of compilation of statistical data in developing countries; and investing in institution‐building and innovation, in developed and developing countries, and in national and international organizations.
Designing a Global Trading System to Maximize Innovation
Authors: Atkinson Robert 
Published: February 2014

Abstract‘Innovation mercantilism’ is on the rise with the result: less global innovation. Policy makers should: create an Innovation Trade Agreement whereby tariffs on all innovation products are eliminated; make development aid contingent upon nations renouncing innovation mercantilist policies; empower multinational firms to fight back by providing antitrust exemptions for cooperation to resist forced technology transfer requirements; develop new multilateral own trade agreements with real measures to stop innovation mercantilism; and develop cooperative international agreements to better support innovation and R&D.
Income Inequality, Financial Systems, and Global Imbalances: A Theoretical Consideration
Authors: Sheng Li 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper illustrates the effects of two major macroeconomic factors on global imbalances with regard to China as a growing giant in the global economy. The country has observed a continuous drop in the labor income share of GDP and a considerable rise in income inequality, giving rise to a savings glut and high investment rates. China's inflation, housing bubble, and capital losses in foreign markets are attributable to its rushed transition to market‐based financing and its inherent vulnerability to international capital flows. The US is also experiencing a rise in inequality, although this rise is associated with a decline in savings as a fundamental cause of its current account deficit, whereas its exorbitant privilege from the dollar's reserve currency status is accompanied by increasing difficulties posed by the Triffin dilemma. It is shown that global imbalances may be less related to misaligned exchange rates than to distorted wage differences.