bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deconstructing spatial patterns in species composition of ectoparasite communities: the relative contribution of host composition, environmental variables and geography
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Mouillot David , Shenbrot Georgy I. , Khokhlova Irina S. , Poulin Robert 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTAim  We determined whether dissimilarity in species composition between parasite communities depends on geographic distance, environmental dissimilarity or host faunal dissimilarity, for different subsets of parasite species with different levels of host specificity.Location  Communities of fleas parasitic on small mammals from 28 different regions of the Palaearctic.Method  Dissimilarities in both parasite and host species composition were computed between each pair of regions using the Bray–Curtis index. Geographic distances between regions were also calculated, as were measures of environmental dissimilarity consisting of the pairwise Euclidean distances between regions derived from elevation, vegetation and climatic variables. The 136 flea species included in the dataset were divided into highly host‐specific species (using 1–2 host species per region, on average), moderately host‐specific species (2.2–4 hosts per region) and generalist species (>4 hosts per region). The relative influence of geographic distance, host faunal dissimilarity and environmental dissimilarity on dissimilarity of flea species composition among all regions was analysed for the entire set of flea species as well as for the three above subsets using multiple regressions on distance matrices.Results  When including all flea species, dissimilarity in flea species composition was affected by all three independent variables, although the pure effect of dissimilarity in host species composition was the strongest. Results were different when the subsets of fleas differing in host specificity were treated separately. In particular, dissimilarity in species composition of highly host‐specific fleas increased solely with environmental dissimilarity, whereas dissimilarity for both moderately specific and non‐specific fleas increased with both geographic distance and dissimilarity in host species composition.Main conclusions  Host specificity seems to dictate which of the three factors considered is most likely to affect the dissimilarity between flea communities. Counter‐intuitively, environmental dissimilarity played a key role in determining dissimilarity in species composition of highly host‐specific fleas, possibly because, although their presence in a region relies on the occurrence of particular host species, their abundance is itself mostly determined by climatic conditions. Our results show that deconstructing communities into subsets of species with different traits can make it easier to uncover the mechanisms shaping geographic patterns of diversity.
The frog filter: amphibian introduction bias driven by taxonomy, body size and biogeography
Authors: Tingley Reid , Romagosa Christina M. , Kraus Fred , Bickford David , Phillips Benjamin L. , Shine Richard 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTAim  Invasive species often exhibit a highly non‐random suite of traits relative to non‐invasive taxa, and these biases reflect strong selection at a series of steps along the invasion pathway. Here we investigate traits that are favoured in the first of these steps: the introduction of species outside their native geographic range. We use the global introduction of amphibians as our case study.Location  Global.Methods  We examined whether taxonomy, body size and attributes of the native geographic range predict the likelihood of an introduction event in amphibians. We then determined whether these characteristics differed between amphibian species that have been introduced intentionally and those that have been introduced unintentionally (i.e. stowaways).Results  Comparisons of introduced and non‐introduced amphibians reveal significant biases with respect to taxonomic position (c. 50% of all introduced species originate from only 5% of all families), and characteristics of the native geographic range (most introduced species originate from the Northern Hemisphere, occupy a wide geographic range and are sympatric with high densities of humans). Many of these biases presumably reflect the ease and likelihood of capturing and transporting such animals. Additionally, intentionally introduced species are of larger than average body size, occupy higher elevations in their native ranges, and are more likely to originate from the Northern Hemisphere than unintentionally introduced species.Main conclusions  Introduced amphibian species are not a random subset of the global amphibian fauna with respect to taxonomic affiliation and biogeography, and this restricts our ability to make robust generalizations regarding the ecological determinants of introduction success. Nevertheless, many of our findings are similar to those revealed by previous analyses of vertebrate and invertebrate introductions. Thus, our study suggests that biases in the anthropogenic mechanisms involved in transporting species around the globe are surprisingly consistent across broadly divergent taxa.
One size does not fit all: no evidence for an optimal body size on islands
Authors: Raia Pasquale , Carotenuto Francesco , Meiri Shai 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTAim Optimal body size theories predict that large clades have a single, optimal, body size that serves as an evolutionary attractor, with the full body size spectrum of a clade resulting from interspecific competition. Because interspecific competition is believed to be reduced on islands, such theories predict that insular animals should be closer to the optimal size than mainland animals. We test the resulting prediction that insular clade members should therefore have narrower body size ranges than their mainland relatives.Location World‐wide.Methods We used body sizes and a phylogenetic tree of 4004 mammal species, including more than 200 species that went extinct since the last ice age. We tested, in a phylogenetically explicit framework, whether insular taxa converge on an optimal size and whether insular clades have narrow size ranges.Results We found no support for any of the predictions of the optimal size theory. No specific size serves as an evolutionary attractor. We did find consistent evidence that large (> 10 kg) mammals grow smaller on islands. Smaller species, however, show no consistent tendency to either dwarf or grow larger on islands. Size ranges of insular taxa are not narrower than expected by chance given the number of species in their clades, nor are they narrower than the size ranges of their mainland sister clades – despite insular clade members showing strong phylogenetic clustering.Main conclusions The concept of a single optimal body size is not supported by the data that were thought most likely to show it. We reject the notion that inclusive clades evolve towards a body‐plan‐specific optimum.
What does species richness tell us about functional trait diversity? Predictions and evidence for responses of species and functional trait diversity to land‐use change
Authors: Mayfield M. M. , Bonser S. P. , Morgan J. W. , Aubin I. , McNamara S. , Vesk P. A. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTIn the conservation literature on land‐use change, it is often assumed that land‐use intensification drives species loss, driving a loss of functional trait diversity and ecosystem function. Modern research, however, does not support this cascade of loss for all natural systems. In this paper we explore the errors in this assumption and present a conceptual model taking a more mechanistic approach to the species–functional trait association in a context of land‐use change. We provide empirical support for our model's predictions demonstrating that the association of species and functional trait diversity follows various trajectories in response to land‐use change. The central premise of our model is that land‐use change impacts upon processes of community assembly, not species per se. From the model, it is clear that community context (i.e. type of disturbance, species pool size) will affect the response trajectory of the relationship between species and functional trait diversity in communities undergoing land‐use change. The maintenance of ecosystem function and of species diversity in the face of increasing land‐use change are complementary goals. The use of a more ecologically realistic model of responses of species and functional traits will improve our ability to make wise management decisions to achieve both aims in specific at‐risk systems.
Anthropogenic and climatic impacts on surface pollen assemblages along a precipitation gradient in north‐eastern China
Authors: Zhang Yun , Kong Zhaochen , Wang Guohong , Ni Jian 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTAim  To understand the scenarios of ‘anthropogenic biomes’ that integrate human and ecological systems, we need to explore the impacts of climate and human disturbance on vegetation in the past and present. Interactions among surface pollen, modern vegetation and human activities along climate and land‐use gradients are tested to evaluate the natural and anthropogenic forces shaping the modern vegetation, and hence to aid the reconstruction of vegetation and climate in the past. This in turn will help with future predictions.Location  The North‐east China Transect (NECT) in north‐eastern China.Methods  We analysed 33 surface pollen samples and 213 quadrats across four vegetation zones along the moisture/land‐use gradients of the NECT. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) of 52 pollen taxa and three environmental variables were used to distinguish anthropogenic and climatic factors that affect surface pollen assemblages along the NECT.Results  The 33 surface samples are divided into four pollen zones (forest, meadow steppe, typical steppe and desert steppe) corresponding to major vegetation types in the NECT. Variations in pollen ratios of fern/herb (F/H), Artemisia/Chenopodiaceae (A/C) and arboreal pollen/non‐arboreal pollen (AP/NAP) represent the vegetation and precipitation gradient along the NECT. DCA and RDA analyses suggest that surface pollen assemblages are significantly influenced by the precipitation gradient. Changes in the abundance of Chenopodiaceae pollen are related to both human activities and precipitation.Main conclusions  Surface pollen assemblages, fossil pollen records, archaeological evidence and historical documents in northern China show that a large increase of Chenopodiaceae pollen indicates human‐caused vegetation degradation in sandy habitats. The A/C ratio is a good indicator of climatic aridity, but should be used in conjunction with multiple proxies of human activities and climate change in the pollen‐based reconstruction of anthropogenic biomes.
Long‐term non‐equilibrium dynamics of insular floras: a 17‐year record
Authors: Morrison Lloyd W. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTAim  To document long‐term rates of immigration, extinction and turnover in insular floras and evaluate the relative impacts of recent hurricane activity and climate change.Location  Three archipelagos of small islands, in the Exuma Cays, Andros and Abacos, Bahamas.Methods  I surveyed the floras of 194 vegetated islands in three archipelagos over several multi‐year periods, spanning up to 17 years. Changes in abundance (foliar cover) of persistent populations were measured on a subset of 14 islands in the Exuma Cays over a 9‐year period.Results  Rates of plant turnover were generally low compared with other organisms, but varied among archipelagos and time periods. Turnover rates were usually higher in the second decade of this study, and extinction rates were often dramatically higher than immigration rates in the second decade, resulting in overall decreases in species richness. Turnover did not differ significantly among island types based on generalized location and surrounding water depths, and extinctions were not more likely to occur on more exposed islands. The abundance (foliar cover) of populations that did not go extinct decreased steadily over the second decade of this study, indicating, along with higher extinction rates, a generalized decline in these insular floras.Main conclusions  Although some islands may have been at or near a state of dynamic equilibrium in the first decade of this study, average species richness declined in all three archipelagos during the second decade, when extinctions greatly outnumbered immigrations. Four major hurricanes affected the study archipelagos in the second decade of this study, although the available evidence suggests that the hurricanes were not directly responsible for the declines. Indirect effects of hurricanes such as increased herbivory and possible decreased nutrient availability, along with a long‐term (25 years) increase in temperature and decline in rainfall are likely contributing factors.
Reactive Attachment Disorder Symptoms in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Minnis Helen , Fleming Gail , Cooper Sally‐Ann 
Published: April 2010

Background  Studies with children suggest that reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is associated with pathogenic early care. Little is known about RAD in adults with intellectual disabilities, many of whom experience adversity and abuse in early life. We investigated whether RAD symptoms occur in this population, and explored whether hypothesized risk factors are associated with higher RAD symptom scores.Method  Fifty adults with intellectual disabilities residing in long‐stay hospitals and their carers participated in a questionnaire survey of RAD symptoms, childhood experiences, and disabilities.Results  Reactive attachment disorder symptoms were present in this sample, and symptom scores were independently associated with early childhood adversity, diminished with age, but were not associated with cognitive ability, gender, other disabilities, nor number of childhood years in institutional care.Conclusions  As with children with RAD, it is possible that some maltreated adults with intellectual disabilities fail to develop stranger anxiety by the usual developmental age. Over decades, they may gradually learn.
Evaluating differences in linkage disequilibrium between populations
Authors: Hrafnkelsson Birgir , Helgason Agnar , Jonsson Gudbjorn F. , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Jonsson Thorlakur , Thorvaldsson Sverrir , Stefansson Hreinn , Steinthorsdottir Valgerdur , Vidarsdottir Nanna , Middleton Derek , Petersen Henning S. , Martinez Conrado , Snaedal Jon , Jonsson Palmi V. , Bjornsson Sigurbjorn , Gulcher Jeffrey R. , Stefansson Kari 
Published: April 2010

SummaryWe propose two methods to evaluate the statistical significance of differences in linkage disequilibrium (LD) between populations, where LD is measured by the standardised parameter D′. The first method is based on bootstrapping individuals within populations in order to test LD differences for each pair of loci. Using this approach we propose a solution to the problem of testing multiple locus‐pairs by means of a single test for the number of pairs that exhibit significant LD differences among populations. The second method provides the Bayesian posterior probability that one population has greater LD than the other for each locus pair. Both methods can handle genotypes with unknown phase, and are demonstrated using two data sets. For the purpose of demonstration, we apply the methods to two different sets of data from humans. First, we explore the issue of LD differences between reproductively isolated populations using a new data set of twelve Xq25 microsatellites, typed in four European populations. Second, we examine evidence for LD differences between Alzheimer cases and controls from the Icelandic population using 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from a 97 kb region flanking the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene on chromosome 19.
Social Network Analysis of the Genetic Structure of Pacific Islanders
Authors: Terrell John Edward 
Published: April 2010

SummarySocial network analysis (SNA) is a body of theory and a set of relatively new computer‐aided techniques used in the analysis and study of relational data. Recent studies of autosomal markers from over 40 human populations in the south‐western Pacific have further documented the remarkable degree of genetic diversity in this part of the world. I report additional analysis using SNA methods contributing new controlled observations on the structuring of genetic diversity among these islanders. These SNA mappings are then compared with model‐based network expectations derived from the geographic distances among the same populations. Previous studies found that genetic divergence among island Melanesian populations is organised by island, island size/topography, and position (coastal vs. inland), and that similarities observed correlate only weakly with an isolation‐by‐distance model. Using SNA methods, however, improves the resolution of among population comparison, and suggests that isolation by distance constrained by social networks together with position (coastal/inland) accounts for much of the population structuring observed. The multilocus data now available is also in accord with current thinking on the impact of major biogeographical transformations on prehistoric colonisation and post‐settlement human interaction in Oceania.
It's not what you know but who you know that's important: the influence of social networks on communities
Authors: Kemp Gillian 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSince its conception in 1945, the UK National Health Service (NHS) has been the focus of extensive political rhetoric regarding the involvement of patients and the public in the provision of health‐care services both locally and nationally. However, achieving substantial user involvement within local communities has proven to be a complex task. The exploratory research presented in this paper investigates the influence of social networks within local communities and its relevance for user involvement. Four main findings emerged: interviewees have strong informal social networks; there is a strong sense of generalized reciprocity; diversity is limited within the social groupings; and there exists a lack of trust in governmental institutions. With regards to health issues, there is an overriding feeling that ‘things like that should be left to the people who know’. If user involvement is to be achieved at the level envisioned by the UK government, achieving a greater relevance for users is essential.
Internal and external barriers to eco‐conscious apparel acquisition
Authors: Connell Kim Y. Hiller 
Published: April 2010

AbstractApparel consumption is a contributing cause of environmental change, and environmental integrity requires the encouragement of eco‐conscious apparel acquisition. Unfortunately, among consumers, there is limited engagement in this behaviour. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to expand the knowledge base of eco‐conscious apparel consumption and question the limited participation by identifying barriers that constrain consumers. This study used a qualitative approach to collect and analyse data from 26 eco‐conscious consumers. Data collection for the study occurred through semi‐structured interviews. Results indicate that consumers find it difficult to engage in eco‐conscious apparel acquisition on a consistent basis because a number of barriers stand in the way. These barriers include knowledge and attitudes about environmentally preferable apparel, availability of environmentally preferable apparel, economic resources, retail environments and societal norms. Consequently, the implication is that strategies intending to encourage eco‐conscious apparel acquisition should include a focus on diminishing these barriers.
Globalization vs. localization: global food challenges and local solutions
Authors: Wilhelmina Quaye , Joost Jongerden , George Essegbey , Guido Ruivenkamp 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of global–local interactions on food production and consumption in Ghana, and identify possible local solutions. Primary data were collected using a combination of quantitative‐qualitative methods, which included focus group discussions and one‐on‐one interviews. Approximately 450 household heads were randomly selected and interviewed between August 2007 and August 2008 in Eastern, Central, Upper East and Northern Regions of Ghana. Findings revealed increasing consumption of foreign rice as opposed to decreasing consumption of local rice and other staples like millet, sorghum and yam because of global–local interactions. However, opportunities exist to re‐localize production‐consumption patterns through the use of ‘glocal foods’ like improved ‘koose and waakye’. Referencing the situation in Ghana, the study recommends improved production and processing practices backed with appropriate technologies that reflect changing consumption dynamics in order to take full advantage of opportunities created as a result of global–local interactions.
Mice lacking p35 display hyperactivity and paradoxical response to psychostimulants
Authors: Krapacher Favio Ariel , Mlewski Estela Cecilia , Ferreras Soledad , Pisano Victoria , Paolorossi Mariana , Hansen Cristian , Paglini Gabriela 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 203–214.AbstractCyclin‐dependent kinase 5/p35 kinase complex plays a critical role in dopaminergic neurotransmission. Dysregulation of dopamine (DA) signaling is associated with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. As cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) requires association with p35 for its proper activation, we hypothesized that dysregulation of Cdk5 activity might have an effect on striatal‐mediated behavior. We used a mutant mouse, deficient in p35 protein (p35 KO), which displayed reduced Cdk5 activity. Throughout behavioral and biochemical characterization of naïve and psychostimulant‐treated mice, we demonstrated that only juvenile p35 KO mice displayed spontaneous hyperactivity, responded with a paradoxical hypolocomotor effect to psychostimulant drugs and exhibited deficit on proper behavioral inhibition. Strong immunolabeling for tyrosine‐hydroxylase and high striatal DA synthesis and contents with a low DA turnover, which were reverted by psychostimulants, were also found in mutant mice. Our results demonstrate that p35 deficiency is critically involved in the expression of a hyperactive behavioral phenotype with hyper‐functioning of the dopaminergic system, emphasizing the importance of proper Cdk5 kinase activity for normal motor and emotional features. Thus, p35 KO mice may be another useful animal model for understanding cellular and molecular events underlying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder‐like disorders.