bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trait‐mediated effects of environmental filtering on tree community dynamics
Authors: Lasky Jesse R. , Sun I‐Fang , Su Sheng‐Hsin , Chen Zueng‐Sang , Keitt Timothy H. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Individual performance is a function of an individual's traits and its environment. This function, known as an environmental filter, varies in space and affects community composition. However, filters are poorly characterized because dispersal patterns can obscure environmental effects, and few studies utilize longitudinal data linking individual performance to environment.

We model the effects of environmental filters on demographic rates of nearly all tree species (99) in a 25‐ha subtropical rain forest plot. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian model of environmental filtering, drawing inspiration from classic studies of intraspecific natural selection. We characterize the specific environmental gradients and trait axes most important in filtering of demographic rates across species.

We found that stronger filtering along a given trait axis corresponded to less spatial variation in the value of favoured traits.

Environmental gradients associated with filtering were different for growth versus survivorship.

Species maximum height was under the strongest filtering for growth, with shorter species favoured on convex ridges. Shorter stature species may be favoured on ridges because trees on ridges experience higher wind damage and lower soil moisture.

Wood density filtering had the strongest effects on survival. Steep slopes and high available P in the soil favoured species with low‐density wood. Such sites may be favourable for fast‐growing species that exploit resource‐rich environments.

Synthesis: We characterized trait‐mediated environmental filters that may underlie spatial niche differentiation and life‐history trade‐offs, which can promote species coexistence. Filtering along trait axes with the strongest effects on local community composition, that is, traits with the strongest filtering, may necessarily have a weaker potential to promote species coexistence across the plot. The weak spatial variation in filters with strong effects on demography may result from long‐term processes affecting the species pool that favour habitat generalist strategies.
Fine‐scale spatial patterns in grassland communities depend on species clonal dispersal ability and interactions with neighbours
Authors: Benot M.‐L. , Bittebiere A.‐K. , Ernoult A. , Clément Bernard , Mony Cendrine 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Non‐random spatial patterns are a common feature of plant communities. However, the mechanisms leading to their formation remain unknown. The clonal dispersal ability of a species, that is, the average length of spacers between ramets, is commonly acknowledged to influence spatial patterns in clonal plants, although this relationship remains to be demonstrated. Moreover, the clonal dispersal ability of neighbouring species may influence environmental conditions and trigger modifications in clonal characteristics of a focal species. Thus, not only the clonal dispersal ability of a species, but also that of its competitors may influence the fine‐scale spatial pattern of a species.

In this article, we compared spatial patterns (in terms of colonization and occupation of space) of species with low (L), intermediate (I) or high (H) clonal dispersal abilities. Twelve species were classified within three groups of clonal dispersal (L, I or H) based on their average spacer lengths, and seven types of experimental assemblages consisting of species from one, two or three dispersal groups were studied. Two questions were addressed: (i) does the species clonal dispersal ability influence their spatial patterns and (ii) are species fine‐scale spatial patterns affected by the clonal dispersal of neighbours? Species spatial patterns were recorded for each assemblage and were then analyzed using point pattern analysis.

Despite strong species‐specific effects, L‐species displayed the highest level of local aggregation, which is indicative of limited space colonization, and the lowest level of local co‐occurrence with other species, which is indicative of a high level of space occupation. The opposite pattern was observed in H‐species, while that of I‐species was intermediate. The species spatial patterns were modified by the clonal dispersal ability of competitors.

Synthesis. This study emphasizes the importance not only of clonal dispersal but also of biotic interactions and, more precisely, of plant neighbour characteristics, in the spatial patterning of grassland plant communities.
Inferring local processes from macro‐scale phenological pattern: a comparison of two methods
Authors: Phillimore Albert B. , Proios Konstantinos , O'Mahony Naiara , Bernard Rodolphe , Lord Alexa M. , Atkinson Sian , Smithers Richard J. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Understanding the processes responsible for macro‐scale spatial and temporal phenological patterns is a critical step in developing predictive phenological models. While phenological responses may involve the integration of multiple environmental cues, the spring phenology of many plant and animal species appears to be especially sensitive to temperature.

As a result of the success of citizen science schemes in mobilizing amateur naturalists, for some parts of the world, there now exist extensive data sets of phenological timings, spanning many species, locations and years. In macroecology, two types of models – time windows and growing degree‐days – are widely used to predict phenology on the basis of temperature.

Here, we compare the performance of the two methods in predicting spatiotemporal variation in the timing of Quercus robur first leafing. The methods agree on the time at which leafing becomes sensitive to temperature and provide weak support for a delay in initiation of thermal sensitivity with increasing latitude due to a day‐length requirement. Both methods explain c. 50% of the variation in first dates and identify plasticity, rather than local adaptation, as the major cause of spatial covariation between temperature and phenology. For a 1°C rise in spring temperatures we predict that a plastic response of first leafing will give rise to an advance of about seven days.

Synthesis: Time‐window and growing degree‐day methods provide remarkably congruent insights into the processes underpinning geographic variation in Quercus robur first leafing dates. We find that a spatially invariant plastic response to temperature dominates spatiotemporal phenological variation, which means that it may be reasonable to substitute space for time to project how this species will respond to climate change. This study demonstrates the contribution that top‐down macroecological approaches can make to our understanding of the processes that give rise to intraspecific phenological variation.
Changes in abiotic influences on seed plants and ferns during 18 years of primary succession on Puerto Rican landslides
Authors: Walker Lawrence R. , Shiels Aaron B. , Bellingham Peter J. , Sparrow Ashley D. , Fetcher Ned , Landau Fred H. , Lodge Deborah J. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Abiotic variables are critical drivers of succession in most primary seres, but how their influence on biota changes over time is rarely examined. Landslides provide good model systems for examining abiotic influences because they are spatially and temporally heterogeneous habitats with distinct abiotic and biotic gradients and post‐landslide erosion.

In an 18‐year study on 6 Puerto Rican landslides, we used structural equation models to interpret the changing effects of abiotic influences (landslide dimensions, slope, aspect, elevation, parent material and related soil properties) on seed plants (density and diversity), tree fern density, scrambling fern cover, canopy openness and soil development (nitrogen, soil organic matter, pH and cation exchange capacity).

Seven years after landslide formation, catchment size (the landslide area above the point of measurement) was the key abiotic factor influencing plants. The larger the catchment the greater was the diversity and density of seed plants. Conversely, the smaller the catchment the greater was the density of tree ferns and the cover of scrambling ferns.

Eighteen years after landslide formation, landslide slope was the key abiotic influence. The greater the slope, the lower was the density and diversity of seed plants and the greater was the scrambling fern cover.

Aspect, particularly east‐facing slopes exposed to wind disturbances, positively influenced tree fern densities at both 7 and 18 years and negatively influenced seed plants and scrambling ferns at 18 years. Soils were least developed, that is, had lowest soil nitrogen and organic matter concentrations, after 18 years on steep slopes (like seed plants); soils were most developed near landslide edges, on hurricane‐exposed slopes (like tree ferns) and where there were high soil potassium concentrations.

Synthesis. Abiotic variables have important influences on plant succession on landslides and the relative influence of different abiotic variables changes with time. Improved predictability of temporal dynamics will rely not only on understanding the effects of initial disturbances and subsequent biological responses but also on the different and changing influences exerted by each abiotic variable.
Prolonged dormancy interacts with senescence for two perennial herbs
Authors: Tuomi Juha , Crone Elizabeth E. , Gremer Jennifer R. , Jäkäläniemi Anne , Lesica Peter , Pedersen Bård , Ramula Satu 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Senescence is characterized by a decline in survival, fecundity and reproductive value with age among adult individuals. Simple age‐dependent life cycles progress forward through developmental stages, with each successive stage being characterized by age‐specific vital rates. In contrast, size‐ or stage‐based life cycles for perennial plants are more complex and often include stasis and retrogression to previous vegetative or reproductive life stages, indicating possible slowing or even reversing the developmental progress.

Many plants remain in nonemergent, below‐ground stages during the growing season (prolonged dormancy), which may affect the process of senescence. Stasis in the dormant stage implies that senescence is interrupted while plants are below‐ground.

We explored the underlying assumptions of size‐ or stage‐based life cycle graphs and developed four different demographic models for how prolonged dormancy may mediate the relationship between age and vital rates. We then tested these models using more than 20 years of demographic data on 2 perennial herbs, Astragalus scaphoides and Silene spaldingii.

Results from model fitting suggest that prolonged dormancy interacts with the age dependence of vital rates. The model using true biological age (time since germination) of emergent and dormant plants to estimate vital rates was never the best model for our data. For both species, the model assuming that dormancy resets plants to the same postdormant state experienced earlier in life independent of their predormant age resulted in the best fit, though not for every vital rate.

Older Astragalus plants had declining annual survival probabilities and reproductive value, suggesting senescence. Silene showed the opposite pattern for reproductive value that increased with age, indicating negative senescence.

Synthesis. Using long‐term demographic data from two perennial herbs, this study shows mixed evidence for senescence in perennial plants. Our results indicate that prolonged dormancy interacts with the age dependence of vital rates and may sometimes retard the process of senescence.
Age, stage and senescence in plants
Authors: Caswell Hal , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Senescence (an increase in the mortality rate or force of mortality, or a decrease in fertility, with increasing age) is a widespread phenomenon. Theories about the evolution of senescence have long focused on the age trajectories of the selection gradients on mortality and fertility. In purely age‐classified models, these selection gradients are non‐increasing with age, implying that traits expressed early in life have a greater impact on fitness than traits expressed later in life. This pattern leads inevitably to the evolution of senescence if there are trade‐offs between early and late performance.

It has long been suspected that the stage‐ or size‐dependent demography typical of plants might change these conclusions. In this paper, we develop a model that includes both stage‐ and age‐dependence and derive the age‐dependent, stage‐dependent and age×stage‐dependent selection gradients on mortality and fertility.

We applied this model to stage‐classified population projection matrices for 36 species of plants, from a wide variety of growth forms (from mosses to trees) and habitats.

We found that the age‐specific selection gradients within a life cycle stage can exhibit increases with age (we call these contra‐senescent selection gradients). In later stages, often large size classes in plant demography, the duration of these contra‐senescent gradients can exceed the life expectancy by several fold.

Synthesis. The interaction of age‐ and stage‐dependence in plants leads to selection pressures on senescence fundamentally different from those found in previous, age‐classified theories. This result may explain the observation that large plants seem less subject to senescence than most kinds of animals. The methods presented here can lead to improved analysis of both age‐dependent and stage‐dependent demographic properties of plant populations.
The European Commission's Neoliberal Trade Discourse since the Crisis: Legitimizing Continuity through Subtle Discursive Change
Authors: De Ville Ferdi , Orbie Jan 
Published: May 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract Within the European Union (EU), the neoliberal trade policy has not only survived the global financial crisis (GFC) and Eurozone crisis, but has been reinforced throughout these crises. This has been helped by a legitimizing discourse by the European Commission that has continuously depicted free trade in a favourable relationship vis-à-vis the GFC and the Eurozone crisis. Empirically, this article shows how between 2008 and 2012, the EU trade discourse has been subtly adapted to the changing crisis environment: from defensive, over offensive-desirable and offensive-necessary towards necessary-but-not-sufficient at the time of writing. In the tradition of critical discourse analysis, we also point at the problematic assumptions and logics held by the discourse. Theoretically, it is shown how subtly adapting discourse to a fluctuating context can effectively limit policy change and legitimize continuity. The crisis starting in 2008 has not led to the demise but to the reinforcement of neoliberalism, not least within the European Union (EU). We argue that this can also be observed in the EU's external trade policy, where the European Commission's discourse has continued to legitimize neoliberal trade through subtle re-articulations of the relationship between free trade and the crisis. In this respect four stages can be discerned: defensive, offensive-desirable, offensive-necessary and necessary-but-not-sufficient. These subtle adaptations are articulated as coherent with the internal Eurozone crisis, although we show that their assumptions can be challenged. Theoretically, we engage in a critical analysis of the Commission's trade discourse in the context of the crisis. Empirically, we focus on the different EU Trade Commissioners' discourses between 2008–2012. The article shows how subtly adapting discourse to a fluctuating context can effectively limit change and legitimize continuity.
Novel variants in the KIT and PAX3 genes in horses with white‐spotted coat colour phenotypes
Authors: Hauswirth Regula , Jude Rony , Haase Bianca , Bellone Rebecca R. , Archer Sheila , Holl Heather , Brooks Samantha A. , Tozaki Teruaki , Penedo Maria Cecilia T. , Rieder Stefan , Leeb Tosso 
Published: May 2013

SummaryVariants in the EDNRB, KIT, MITF, PAX3 and TRPM1 genes are known to cause white spotting phenotypes in horses, which can range from the common white markings up to completely white horses. In this study, we investigated these candidate genes in 169 horses with white spotting phenotypes not explained by the previously described variants. We identified a novel missense variant, PAX3:p.Pro32Arg, in Appaloosa horses with a splashed white phenotype in addition to their leopard complex spotting patterns. We also found three novel variants in the KIT gene. The splice site variant c.1346+1G>A occurred in a Swiss Warmblood horse with a pronounced depigmentation phenotype. The missense variant p.Tyr441Cys was present in several part‐bred Arabians with sabino‐like depigmentation phenotypes. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting that the common and widely distributed KIT:p.Arg682His variant has a very subtle white‐increasing effect, which is much less pronounced than the effect of the other described KIT variants. We termed the new KIT variants W18–W20 to provide a simple and unambiguous nomenclature for future genetic testing applications.
Financialization and the capitalist moment: Marx versus Weber in the anthropology of global systems
Authors: Kalb Don 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTKajsa Ekholm Friedman and Jonathan Friedman's The Anthropology of Global Systems (AGS) is a robust, ambitious, and timely undertaking in macrotheoretical and macrohistorical anthropology. I show that, more than 30 years ago, its political‐economic underpinnings anticipated the key mechanisms of financialization, so important for debates on the current financial crisis. By revisiting the “transition from feudalism to capitalism” debate with new insights from diplomatic history, I work out a Marxian critique of the Friedmans’ Weberian concept of capital, which is insufficiently relational and therefore not sufficiently alert to the politics of class. Attention to these relational politics adds an important measure of what I call “structured contingency,” and indeed agency, to temporal process, which in the AGS tends to become overly teleological. Building on my critique, I also draw attention to the absence of the possibility of “collective rationality” in the Friedmans’ grid of modern subject positions.
Please forget democracy and justice: Eritrean politics and the powers of humor
Authors: Bernal Victoria 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTParody possesses a kind of power that realist critique sometimes lacks. I explore why humor is sometimes used as a medium for addressing tragic circumstances and why parody in particular may be especially suited to communicating about dictatorship. The research presented here draws on a long‐term project on Eritrean politics and on websites devoted to Eritrean politics created by Eritreans in diaspora. The core of the analysis dissects an online political parody of conditions under the regime of President Isaias Afewerki. So much of what is known and written about Eritrean history and current realities, whether by scholars, journalists, international organizations, or Eritreans online, is earnest, serious, and even heartbreaking. The uses of humor in this context seem to call for an explanation, and the analysis presented here sheds light on the mechanisms through which humor accomplishes important political work and fosters the development of new subjectivities.
The banana emperor: D. Pedro II in Brazilian caricatures, 1842–89
Authors: Moritz Schwarcz Lilia K. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTVisual caricatures were important in the political, social, and cultural context of the Second Brazilian Reign (1842–89). With Pedro II as a central figure in the monarchy, most satirical artists concentrated on attacking his public image. Nevertheless, the results were always ambivalent. On the one hand, caricatures showed the monarchy becoming weaker and weaker throughout the period, and, in fact, it ended the year after the abolition of slavery in 1888. On the other hand, they transformed Pedro II into a kind of “good father” and increased his popularity. Images are central in understanding the regime: Sometimes, it is hard to say if they were consequences or causes, if they reflected, were part of, or were even the origin of the events of the day.
Partner‐ and planning‐based interventions to reduce fat consumption: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Prestwich Andrew , Conner Mark T. , Lawton Rebecca J. , Ward Jane K. , Ayres Karen , McEachan Rosemary R. C. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveThe research tested the efficacy of partner‐ and planning‐based interventions to reduce dietary fat intake over a 6‐month period.DesignRandomized controlled, blinded, parallel trial.MethodsA computer randomization feature was used to allocate council employees (N = 427, of which 393 completed baseline measures) to one of four conditions (partner + implementation intentions, partner‐only, implementation intentions, and control group) before they completed measures at baseline and follow‐ups at 1, 3, and 6 months post‐baseline. Outcome measures were comprised of validated self‐report measures of dietary fat intake (saturated fat intake, fat intake, ratio of ‘good’ fats to ‘bad’ fats); psychosocial mediators (enjoyment, intention, self‐efficacy, social influence, partner support); weight and waist size (baseline and 6 months only).ResultsData from 393 participants were analysed in accordance with intention‐to‐treat analyses. All intervention groups reported greater reductions in fat intake than the control group at 3 months. The partner‐based groups increased the ratio of ‘good’ fats to ‘bad’ fats at 3 and 6 months and lost more inches on their waist, versus the non‐partner groups. The impacts of the partner‐based manipulations on outcomes were partially mediated by greater perceived social influences, partner support, and enjoyment of avoiding high‐fat foods. The partner‐based interventions also increased intention and self‐efficacy. However, the effects in this study were typically small and generally marginally significant.ConclusionsPartner‐based interventions had some positive benefits on dietary‐related outcomes at 3 and 6 months. Support for implementation intentions was more limited.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Minimal interventions deliverable at a population level can have significant health impact.

Encouraging partner support for dietary‐related changes has yielded mixed findings.

Implementation intentions have a small benefit on reducing the intake of unhealthy foods.

What does this study add?

This trial is the first test of the effect of collaborative implementation intentions on diet.

Benefits of partner‐based strategies on psychosocial, behavioural, and physical outcomes are found.
In Vitro Study of Isoflavones and Isoflavans as Potent Inhibitors of Human 12‐ and 15‐Lipoxygenases
Authors: Mascayano Carolina , Espinosa Victoria , Sepúlveda‐Boza Silvia , Hoobler Eric K. , Perry Steve 
Published: May 2013

In this study, we have investigated 16 isoflavone and isoflavan derivatives as potential inhibitors of human lipoxygenase (platelet 12‐lipoxygenase, reticulocyte 15‐lipoxygenase‐1, and epithelial 15‐lipoxygenase‐2). The flavonoid baicalein, a known lipoxygenase inhibitor, was used as positive control. Four compounds, 6,7‐dihydroxy‐3′‐chloroisoflavone (1c), 7‐hydroxy‐8‐methyl‐4′‐chloroisoflavan (5a), 7,8‐dihydroxy‐4′‐methylisoflavan (5b), and 7,8‐dihydroxy‐3′‐methylisoflavan (5c), were effective inhibitors of 12‐lipoxygenases and 15‐lipoxygenase‐1 with IC50's <10 μm, while 6,7‐dihydroxy‐4′‐nitroisoflavone (1b) was a selective inhibitor of 12‐lipoxygenases. Docking studies, antioxidant assays, and kinetic measurements were carried out for the three best inhibitors (1b, 5b, 5c). The results showed that a catechol group in ring A is critical for the antioxidant properties of these compounds, and probably essential for their inhibitory activity. Kinetic assays showed that compounds 1b, 5b, and 5c are competitive inhibitors with Ki values in the range of 0.3–3 μm.