bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant species diversity and genetic diversity within a dominant species interactively affect plant community biomass
Authors: Crawford Kerri M. , Rudgers Jennifer A. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Both plant species diversity and genetic diversity within a plant species can affect community properties and ecosystem processes. However, the relative contribution of species diversity and genetic diversity to ecosystem functioning is poorly known. Furthermore, ecosystem processes may respond non‐additively to interactions between species diversity and genetic diversity. If interactive effects exist, the impact of biodiversity loss may not be predictable from simple assessments of either species diversity or genetic diversity alone.

Here, we addressed how plant species diversity and genetic diversity within a dominant species independently and interactively influenced plant community biomass in a Great Lakes sand dune ecosystem. To test the independent effects of diversity, we established two experiments. In one, we manipulated genetic diversity within the dominant dune species, Ammophila breviligulata. In the other, we manipulated the number of plant species, excluding A. breviligulata. Then, to test for interactive effects, we constructed communities that varied the number of species and levels of genetic diversity within A. breviligulata.

Although there were no independent effects of either species diversity or genetic diversity within A. breviligulata on biomass production in this system, interactive effects of species diversity and genetic diversity significantly influenced overall above‐ground biomass production of the plant communities. Specifically, as genetic diversity within the dominant species increased, the relationship between species diversity and community‐level biomass shifted from negative to positive. Negative non‐additive effects of diversity drove this pattern.

Synthesis. These results show, for the first time, that interactions between plant species diversity and genetic diversity within a dominant species can alter biomass production, highlighting the importance of incorporating interactions between levels of biodiversity into our understanding of how biodiversity influences ecosystem function.
BiologicalFlora of theBritishIsles:Fagus sylvatica
Authors: Packham John R. , Thomas Peter A. , Atkinson Mark D. , Degen Thomas 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThis account presents information on all aspects of the biology ofFagus sylvaticaL. that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of theBiologicalFlora of theBritishIsles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.Fagus sylvatica(Beech) is a large usually single‐stemmed deciduous tree native to south‐eastEngland but now growing over almost the whole of theBritish Isles, often planted as a forestry tree on all but the wettest soils. It forms extensive woodlands, where it is dominant over a large altitudinal range, competing primarily withQuercus robur. The outcome of this competition is determined by local soil and climatic conditions leading to a gradation into oak woodlands. It is monoecious, wind‐pollinated and notable for its periodic large seed numbers (mast years); seed is dispersed by birds and mammals but mostly drops below the parent tree.Fagus sylvaticais hardy, very shade tolerant, casts a deep shade and is fairly resistant to browsing but susceptible to spring frosts.Due to its shallow rooting and intensive rather than extensive mode of soil water exploitation, it is also susceptible to drought, and this is likely to be the main factor controlling its expected response to climate change.Fagus sylvaticais facing few conservation problems, and indeed, its range is currently expanding into central Europe. However, in the face of climate change, its range is likely to contract from its extremes in all but the north, andPhytophthoradiseases may become more serious.
The evolutionary loss of aerenchyma limits both realized and fundamental ecohydrological niches in the Cape reeds (Restionaceae)
Authors: Huber Meret , Linder Hans P. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

The basic physiological mechanisms that determine the niche limits, and so the local ranges, of species are often poorly understood. Here, we assessed whether the presence of root aerenchyma can account for both the fundamental and realized ecohydrological niche in the Restionaceae.

We documented the ability to make aerenchyma of almost 300 of the c. 350 South African Restionaceae species with the help of field observations, cultivation experiments and herbarium collections, and correlated this information with the ecohydrological niche of the species. We used a diversity of sampling approaches to account for variation in both aerenchyma and habitat at individual, population and species level. Tolerance of waterlogging in species with and without aerenchyma was investigated experimentally.

To account for phylogenetic relatedness, the evolution of both aerenchyma and the ecohydrological niche was explored in the context of an almost complete species‐level phylogeny using both parsimony and maximum likelihood optimization methods.

We showed that the presence of aerenchyma was correlated with the ecohydrological niche at population and at species level, and after phylogenetic correction. Most individuals of non‐aerenchymatous species died when waterlogged, whereas most species with aerenchyma were waterlogging tolerant. This indicates that waterlogging acts as an environmental filter that excludes non‐aerenchymatous species from these conditions. The absence, and to a certain degree also the presence, of aerenchyma predicts both the field‐observed realized and experimentally determined fundamental ecohydrological niche.

Aerenchyma was ancestrally present as inferred by both parsimony and maximum likelihood reconstruction and showed a strong phylogenetic signal with frequent losses but few gains. The ecohydrological niche was evolutionary more labile, with niche changes in many evolutionary lineages. Changes from wetland to dry habitats were reconstructed in species with aerenchyma, whereas the reverse change was never inferred for species that had lost aerenchyma.

Synthesis. Our study provides evidence that functional traits can effectively predict species niches, and evolution of these may constrain the habitats available to the clades. We underpin the importance of understanding the causal driver of the local distribution of species for making robust predictions of species range shifts under climate change.
Optimal resource allocation in a serotinous non‐resprouting plant species under different fire regimes
Authors: Tonnabel Jeanne , Van Dooren Tom J.M. , Midgley Jeremy , Haccou Patsy , Mignot Agnès , Ronce Ophélie , Olivieri Isabelle 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Serotiny, the retention of mature seeds in closed fruits within the canopy for over a year, is a common trait in fire‐prone environments. When competition with adult plants prevents seedling establishment between fire events and in the absence of post‐release soil seed dormancy, strong serotiny, i.e. the retention of all seeds until the next fire, appears as the best strategy. Despite the low levels of inter‐fire seed recruitment for several species in both Australian and South African fire‐prone environments, considerable variation in the duration of fruit retention is nevertheless observed among species.

Our aim is to predict optimal age‐specific reproductive schedules in a perennial, serotinous species, when cone maintenance is costly. We focus on species where adults are killed by fire, without a soil seed‐bank. We explicitly consider a trade‐off between growth (which determines plant survival), seed production and seed maintenance. In our model recruitment relies upon fire events. We use dynamic programming to determine, for given fire regimes, the optimal pattern of resource allocation. We further study the effect of changes in fire regime on the viability of populations adapted to some historical fire regime.

We find that, whenever maximal plant survival probability is low, the optimal strategy consists in reducing resource allocation to seed maintenance while increasing resource allocation to annual seed production. This illustrates a trade‐off between current and future reproduction.

A low rather than a strong level of serotiny should evolve whenever the variance of fire intervals is large and the mean fire interval is low. Low levels of serotiny could constitute a bet‐hedging strategy with decreasing predictability of the arrival of fire.

Once adapted to some historical fire regime, serotinous populations are highly sensitive to a change in mean fire frequency and to an increase in the variance of fire intervals. Populations adapted to a historically high level of variance in fire return are more robust to changes in fire regime.

Synthesis: Life‐history trade‐offs and low predictability of fire intervals may favour low rather than strong levels of serotiny even when recruitment essentially occurs just after fire events.
Modified Ventral Stabilization Using Positively Threaded Profile Pins and Polymethylmethacrylate for Atlantoaxial Instability in 49 Dogs
Authors: Aikawa Takeshi , Shibata Mitsuhiro , Fujita Hiroshi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo describe diagnostic findings, complications, and long‐term outcome of dogs with atlantoaxial instability (AAI) that had modified ventral stabilization with positively threaded profile pins and polymethylmethacrylate by 1 surgeon and to evaluate the potential prognostic indicators.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs (n = 49) with AAI.MethodsMedical records (2000–2010) of dogs with AAI that had modified ventral stabilization were reviewed. Data on pre‐ and postoperative neurologic status, diagnostic findings, and outcomes were retrieved. Age, neurologic grade, duration of clinical abnormalities, dens abnormalities, and MRI findings were evaluated as the potential predictors for recovery. Age and cancellous bone grafting were evaluated as the potential predictors of postoperative pin breakage.ResultsTwo dogs died during the perioperative period. In 47 dogs with follow up (median: 29 months; range, 4–110 months), 46 dogs (94%) improved neurologically after surgery, but 1 dog did not become ambulatory. There were no long term complications that resulted in serious neurologic deterioration or that required additional surgery. Partial pin breakage (1–5 pins) occurred in 16 dogs at 1–27.5 months (median, 5 months) without neurologic deterioration. Only the nonambulatory preoperative grade was significantly (P = .002) associated with non/incomplete recovery compared with ambulatory dogs.ConclusionsAdequate stabilization of the vertebrae and improved neurologic status were achieved in most dogs with AAI using a modified ventral stabilization technique with positively threaded profile pins and polymethylmethacrylate.
Outcomes and Complications Associated With Epicardial Pacemakers in 28 Dogs and 5 Cats
Authors: Visser Lance C. , Keene Bruce W. , Mathews Kyle G. , Browne William J. , Chanoit Guillaume 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo report signalment, history, indications, complications and outcome for 28 dogs and 5 cats in which 34 permanent epicardial pacing leads were surgically placed by transdiaphragmatic approach (32) or intercostal thoracotomy (2).MethodsMedical records (2005–2010) were reviewed. Signalment, age, species, gender, clinical signs, presence of structural heart disease and/or congestive heart failure, ECG diagnosis, body weight (<10 or >10 kg), and overall survival rate were recorded. Statistical correlations were made between these variables and major and minor complications rates.ResultsExcept for body weight, no statistical differences were identified in prevalence of major (life threatening or requiring replacement of the pacemaker system) or minor (self‐limiting) complications; dogs weighing >10 kg had significantly more major complications (P = .03). There was a trend (P = .051) for lower survival in animals that had major complications.ConclusionsLarger dogs (>10 kg) may be predisposed to more major complications with epicardial pacemaker (EP) implantation. Major complication rate and survival time are similar to those reported for transvenous pacing and therefore implantation of EPs remains a suitable alternative.
Out‐group trust, intergroup anxiety, and out‐group attitude as mediators of the effect of imagined intergroup contact on intergroup behavioral tendencies
Authors: Turner Rhiannon N. , West Keon , Christie Zara 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe investigated whether imagining contact with an out‐group member would change behavioral tendencies toward the out‐group. In Experiment 1, British high school students who imagined talking to an asylum seeker reported a stronger tendency to approach asylum seekers than did participants in a control condition. Path analysis revealed this relationship was mediated by out‐group trust and, marginally, by out‐group attitude. In Experiment 2, straight undergraduates who imagined an interaction with a gay individual reported a stronger tendency to approach, and a weaker tendency to avoid, gay people. Path analyses showed that these relationships were mediated by out‐group trust, out‐group attitude, and less intergroup anxiety. These findings highlight the potential practical importance of imagined contact and important mediators of its effects.
White ancestry in perceptions of Black/White biracial individuals: implications for affirmative‐action contexts
Authors: Good Jessica J. , Sanchez Diana T. , Chavez George F. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe present studies examine how White ancestry influences perceivers' minority categorization of Black/White biracial individuals, as well as the implications of minority categorization for distribution of minority resources and stereotype use. Study 1 suggests that people are less likely to categorize those of Black/White biracial descent as minority and thus are less likely to view them as appropriate recipients of affirmative action than those of Black monoracial or Black/Native American descent. Study 2 tests a model in which Black/White biracial individuals with a greater amount of White ancestry are perceived as experiencing less discrimination and are less likely to be categorized as minority; therefore, they are judged as less appropriate for minority resources.
Expression of metallothionein‐1 and metallothionein‐2 as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Park Yangsoon , Yu Eunsil 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsMetallothionein (MT)‐1 and ‐2 are low‐molecular weight, cysteine‐rich, intracellular metal‐binding proteins involved in diverse functions, such as metal homeostasis, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, and carcinogenesis. This study investigated the expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsExpression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 were evaluated immunohistochemically in tissue microarrays containing samples from 370 HCCs, 336 adjacent noncancerous livers, and 12 normal livers. The relationships between MT‐1 and MT‐2 expression and the clinicopathological parameters of HCC were assessed.ResultsThe expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 was uniformly strong in the nucleus and cytoplasm of normal liver, but varied in noncancerous livers and HCCs. Loss of nuclear and cytoplasmic expression was significantly more in HCCs than in adjacent noncancerous livers (P < 0.001). The loss of nuclear expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 was significantly correlated with high Edmondson‐Steiner grade and the presence of microvascular invasion (P < 0.05 each). Multivariate analysis showed that the loss of nuclear expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 was an independent poor prognostic factor for both recurrence‐free survival and overall survival.ConclusionsThe expression of MT‐1 and MT‐2 may play a role in HCC differentiation and carcinogenesis, and may predict prognosis in patients with HCC.
Continuous imaging of esophagogastric junction in patients with reflux esophagitis using 320‐row area detector CT: A feasibility study
Authors: Fukazawa Kousuke , Furuta Kenji , Adachi Kyoichi , Shimura Shino , Kamiyama Kazutoshi , Aimi Masahito , Ohara Shunji , Kajitani Takafumi , Tsurusaki Masakatsu , Kitagaki Hajime , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThe function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is evaluated using an esophageal manometric study. However, information regarding the surrounding organs is difficult to obtain with use of a sensor catheter. We investigated the utility of 320‐row area detector computed tomography (CT) to evaluate morphological changes of the esophagogastric junction and surrounding organs.MethodsThe study subjects were 18 healthy volunteers and 29 patients with reflux esophagitis (RE). Immediately after swallowing a diluted contrast agent, continuous imaging of the esophagogastric junctional area was performed for 15 s. Using CT images, the presence or absence of esophageal hiatal hernia, His angle before and after swallowing, size of the diaphragmatic hiatus, morphologically identified‐LES (MI‐LES) length, intraluminal horizontal area of MI‐LES during relaxation phase, MI‐LES thickness, abdominal esophagus length, subcutaneous fat area, visceral fat area, and esophagogastric junction fat area were evaluated.ResultsAnalysis of CT images showed more frequent occurrence of hiatal hernia, greater His angle, and a larger diaphragmatic hiatus in patients with severe RE, while the lengths of MI‐LES and abdominal esophagus were shorter in those patients. Visceral and esophagogastric junction fat areas tended to be greater in patients with RE. In all subjects, the posterior wall of the MI‐LES was thicker than the anterior wall.ConclusionContinuous imaging with 320‐row area detector CT is useful to evaluate morphological changes in the esophagogastric junction area in both normal individuals and patients with reflux esophagitis.
Normative Values of Cognitive and Physical Function in Older Adults: Findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Kenny Rose Anne , Coen Robert F. , Frewen John , Donoghue Orna A. , Cronin Hilary , Savva George M. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo provide normative values of tests of cognitive and physical function based on a large sample representative of the population of Ireland aged 50 and older.DesignData were used from the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a prospective cohort study that includes a comprehensive health assessment.SettingHealth assessment was undertaken at one of two dedicated health assessment centers or in the study participant's home if travel was not practicable.ParticipantsFive thousand eight hundred ninety‐seven members of a nationally representative sample of the community‐living population of Ireland aged 50 and older. Those with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, or Parkinson's disease were excluded.MeasurementsMeasurements included height and weight, normal walking speed, Timed Up‐and‐Go, handgrip strength, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Color Trails Test, and bone mineral density. Normative values were estimated using generalized additive models for location shape and scale (GAMLSS) and are presented as percentiles, means, and standard deviations.ResultsGeneralized additive models for location shape and scale fit the observed data well for each measure, leading to reliable estimates of normative values. Performance on all tasks decreased with age. Educational attainment was a strong determinant of performance on all cognitive tests. Tests of walking speed were dependent on height. Distribution of body mass index did not change with age, owing to simultaneous declines in weight and height.ConclusionNormative values were found for tests of many aspects of cognitive and physical function based on a representative sample of the general older Irish population.
Quality of Life in Older Age: Evidence from an Irish Cohort Study
Authors: Layte Richard , Sexton Eithne , Savva George 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo compare the role of different life domains in determining quality of life (QoL) in Ireland with international results.DesignCross‐sectional study of responses to The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing.SettingIndividuals aged 50 and older living in private residential addresses in the Republic of Ireland.ParticipantsEight thousand five hundred four individuals living in 6,279 households in the Republic of Ireland (response rate 62%) were interviewed and completed a self‐completion questionnaire.MeasurementsQuality of life was measured using the Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization and Pleasure measure (CASP‐19). The domains of physical and mental health, social participation, economic resources, and sociodemographic status were measured using a large number of indicators. Ordinary least squares regression models were used to estimate the effect of factors on CASP‐19, with the relative contribution of different domains to total explanation measured using a measure of statistical fit.ResultsThe mean CASP‐19 score for the sample was 43.8 (95% confidence interval = 43.6–44.1), significantly higher than the mean score for the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (mean 42.5: 42.3–42.7). In unadjusted analyses, CASP‐19 was curvilinear with age, peaking at 67 and falling thereafter. Controlling for predictors of QoL, CASP‐19 continued to rise, at a decreasing rate, with age. Mental health independently explained the largest proportion of variance in CASP‐19 (7.6%), but no single domain of life dominated in terms of explanation.ConclusionIncreasing longevity can be associated with increasing QoL as long as it is accompanied by reasonable levels of mental and physical health, high‐quality relationships, and social participation. Even if physical health becomes poor, evidence suggests that QoL can often remain high as individuals find value and enjoyment in other dimensions of life.
Combining Material Flow Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment, and Multiattribute Utility Theory
Authors: Rochat David , Binder Claudia R. , Diaz Jaime , Jolliet Olivier 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThree assessment methods, material flow analysis (MFA), life cycle analysis (LCA), and multiattribute utility theory (MAUT) are systematically combined for supporting the choice of best end‐of‐life scenarios for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste in a municipality of a developing country. MFA analyzes the material and energy balance of a firm, a region, or a nation, identifying the most relevant processes; LCA evaluates multiple environmental impacts of a product or a service from cradle to grave; and MAUT allows for inclusion of other aspects along with the ecological ones in the assessment.We first systematically coupled MFA and LCA by defining “the service offered by the total PET used during one year in the region” as the functional unit. Inventory and impacts were calculated by multiplying MFA flows with LCA impacts per kilogram. We used MAUT to include social and economic aspects in the assessment. To integrate the subjective point of view of stakeholders in the MAUT, we normalized the environmental, social, and economic variables with respect to the magnitude of overall impacts or benefits in the country.The results show large benefits for recycling scenarios from all points of view and also provide information about waste treatment optimization. The combination of the three assessment methods offers a powerful integrative assessment of impacts and benefits. Further research should focus on data collection methods to easily determine relevant material flows. LCA impact factors specific to Colombia should be developed, as well as more reliable social indicators.