Ditch the niche – is the niche a useful concept in ecology or species distribution modelling?

In this first of three papers we examine the use of niche concepts in ecology and especially in species distribution modelling (SDM). This paper deliberately focuses on the lack of clarity found in the term ‘niche’. Because its meanings are so diverse, the term niche tends to create confusion and requires constant qualification. The literature houses many idiosyncratic ideas of what the niche is, but few examples where niche is more explanatory than the terminologies of population and community ecology or the statistical methods used to implement SDM analyses. In many cases the original (and inspirational) concepts are not directly applicable to our modern applications (e.g. set theory). There are some conceptual limitations found in individual definitions of niche (e.g. the fundamental niche concept), so it is perhaps understandable why more neutral terminology is becoming popular in SDM. An examination of the literature reveals a wide range of uncritical use of niche terminology. Our findings in this paper do not necessarily support the position of niche as a universally useful concept.     

Compilation of classical and contemporary terminology used to describe morphological aspects of ovarian dynamics in cattle

Veterinarians and scientists involved in applied and basic research in cattle require a lexicon of terms that is used uniformly so that diagnoses and inference of results between and among studies can be correctly interpreted and substantiated or negated and therapy and hypotheses can be formulated without unnecessary confusion and redundancy in treatments and experiments. This review provides a compilation of many of the classical and contemporary terms used in association with ovarian dynamics primarily during the estrous cycle in cattle, which can also apply to other reproductive states. While many classical terms used to describe healthy and diseased conditions associated with follicles and corpora lutea are still applicable today, there are some that have become antiquated (e.g., cystic corpus luteum, cystic ovarian degeneration, luteolysis, and granulosa cell tumor), due, in part, to advanced technology (e.g., ultrasonography) and a more thorough understanding of ovarian function. In this regard, older terms have been revised (e.g., corpus luteum with a cavity, follicular and luteinized-follicular cysts, structural and functional luteal regression, and granulosa-theca cell tumor) and newer terms have been coined (e.g., follicle deviation) and advocated herein. Defining and adopting terminology used in bovine reproduction that is clear, precise and understandable and available in a single source, is expected to make the exchange of clinical and research information and outcomes more effective, safe, and economical.     

Development of the amentiferous concept

The amentiferous concept developed in pre-Linnaean times, and early botanists clearly recognized the topical similarities among plants bearing aments. Among the amentiferous plants placed side by side in early times were many that would not be so situated today—e.g., gymnosperms intermixed with dicotyledons. By the time of Linnaeus, only dicotyledons were included among the ament-bearing groups. J. G. Gmelin was first to recognize ament-bearing plants (including some gymnosperms) under a single category, “Amentaceae.” Linnaeus, A. L. de Jussieu, W. J. Hooker, Lindley, and Eichler, at one time or another, placed these plants in a separate amentaceous category, but never under the term “Amentiferae.” The name was never used by Engler although he did place the ament-bearing plants among the first families of his Archichlamydeae. The category “Amentiferae” appears to have entered the literature in British publications and through British/English translations from the German.     

Stereochemical terminology and its discontents

Scrutiny of the purported misuse of some current stereochemical terms shows that obsolescence and faulty syntax may be less of a problem than previously assumed. Furthermore, changes in stereochemical terminology over time are not always due to obsolescence or to novel developments in chemical technology; for example, technical developments played no role whatsoever in the semantic transmutations over time of the terms "diastereomer" and "pseudoasymmetry." Finally, definitions of many stereochemical terms acquire meaning only within a given context and therefore cannot always be easily formulated. A prime example is the definition of "chirality," the concept at the heart of stereochemistry and, not coincidentally, the name of the journal in which this essay appears in print.     

BILDUNG UND GEBRAUCH VON BEGRIFFEN IN DER PALÄOÖKOLOGIE

During the past 20 years, palaeoecology has established itself as a concept in palaeontology and geology. As in other interdisciplinary sciences, the interchange of methods and terminology between the branches involved has led to changes in the meaning of the terms, and changes or confusion in the corresponding scientific concepts. This calls for stricter adherence to the original definition of the terms in many cases and for their redefinition in others. Starting with a critical review of the scientific and methodological range of palaeoecology, this paper presents a reconsideration of its basic concepts, with proposals concerning the conservation or redefinition of terms and with special regard to terms coined in German literature. It is desirable that similar revisions be undertaken in other language areas in order to attain a stricter, internationalized terminology, preferably substantiated in a dictionary.     

The online assignment of the absolute configuration of natural products: HPLC-CD in combination with quantum chemical CD calculations

The application of modern online methods, e.g., HPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-NMR, allows the elucidation of constitutions and relative configurations of new natural products directly from crude extracts. To additionally establish the full absolute configurations of such secondary metabolites without the necessity of first isolating the compounds, we have introduced HPLC-CD coupling (CD = circular dichroism) into natural product analysis, taking advantage of the different chiroptical properties of stereoisomers, in particular of enantiomers. In combination with quantum chemical CD calculations this method allows the stereochemical characterization of (even structurally unprecedented) chiral molecules, thus avoiding the--often risky--merely empirical assignment by comparison with the CD spectra of related compounds with known absolute stereostructures, or by other methods such as, e.g., the exciton chirality approach. This review presents the experimental requirements for the hyphenation and the theoretical background of the calculation of UV and CD spectra, which is then exemplified by some recent HPLC-CD applications to the elucidation of absolute configurations of most diverse compounds of mainly natural origin.     

Disentangling confusions in inflorescence morphology: Patterns and diversity of reproductive shoot ramification in angiosperms

Terminology of inflorescence diversity has often been used in a confusing way in the literature, partly because it was based on uncritical and outdated definitions. In particular, the terms cyme, thyrse, and panicle have been misused. Although a more critical classification worked out by several authors is available, it is unfortunately not in general use because most of the relevant publications are written in German. In addition, some terms have not been used in the same way by morphologists and developmental geneticists. The present review attempts to remedy the situation with a simple outline of a classification based on: (i) different branching patterns; (ii) differential elongation of axes of different orders; and (iii) repetition of basic ramification patterns in different ways. Racemose and cymose branching are two extreme patterns; the former with limitation of axial orders to two, the second with limitation of lateral axes of each order to two. In a branching system, a sequence of racemose → cymose and, within the cyme, of dichasial → monochasial is common, but the reverse sequence generally does not occur. Systematic and evolutionary aspects of inflorescences are briefly discussed. Branching patterns are often stable in larger clades.Infiorescences of mutants studied in developmental genetic studies are mainly altered in flower or branch numbers or relative branch length, but not in branching patterns. This is also a contribution towards the goal of a unified terminology for the different fields of biology dealing with inflorescences.     

Disentangling confusions in inflorescence morphology:Patterns and diversity of reproductive shoot ramification in angiosperms

Terminology of inflorescence diversity has often been used in a confusing way in the literature,partly because it was based on uncritical and outdated definitions.In particular,the terms cyme,thyrse,and panicle have been misused.Although a more critical classification worked out by several authors is available,it is unfortunately not in general use because most of the relevant publications are written in German.In addition,some terms have not been used in the same way by morphologists and developmental geneticists.The present review attempts to remedy the situation with a simple outline of a classification based on:(i)different branching patterns;(ii)differential elongation of axes of different orders;and(iii)repetition of basic ramification patterns in different ways.Racemose and cymose branching are two extreme patterns;the former with limitation of axial orders to two,the second with limitation of lateral axes of each order to two.In a branching system,a sequence of racemose→cymose and,within the cyme,of dichasial→monochasial is common,but the reverse sequence generally does not occur.Systematic and evolutionary aspects of inflorescences are briefly discussed.Branching patterns are often stable in larger clades.Inflorescences of mutants studied in developmental genetic studies are mainly altered in flower or branch numbers or relative branch length,but not in branching patterns.This is also a contribution towards the goal of a unified terminology for the different fields of biology dealing with inflorescences.     

Epidermal anatomy of Barthelopteris germarii from the Upper Carboniferous and Lower Permian of France and Germany

The epidermal anatomy of Barthelopteris germarii, a late Paleozoic seed fern, is described on the basis of material from the Upper Stephanian of Central France. A number of features are described for the first time for this species. Some have never been reported for late Paleozoic pteridosperms. Although our material is in most respects very similar to previously described material of B. germarii from Germany, there are also some striking differences, especially the peltate glandular trichomes that are very common in the French but completely absent in the German material. Their presence is most probably an ecological adaptation as in many modern plants. This and other epidermal and gross-morphological features (e.g., the presence of papillae on subsidiary cells of the stomata, anastomosing venation) indicate that B. germarii was well adapted to stressed conditions. Of more general interest is the preservation of the material. There appears to exist a clear relationship between the preservation of anticlinal walls and the thickness of the parenchymatic mesophyll; anticlinal walls are very well preserved where parenchyma was thin. Therefore, the absence of anticlinal walls in fossil cuticles, which has often been used as a taxonomic character, is not necessarily a primary feature.     

Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications

The benefits of antipsychotic medications are sometimes obscured by their adverse effects. These effects range from relatively minor tolerability issues (e.g., mild sedation or dry mouth) to very unpleasant (e.g., constipation, akathisia, sexual dysfunction) to painful (e.g., acute dystonias) to disfiguring (e.g., weight gain, tardive dyskinesia) to life‐threatening (e.g., myocarditis, agranulocytosis). Importantly, adverse effect profiles are specific to each antipsychotic medication and do not neatly fit into first‐ and second‐generation classifications. This paper reviews management strategies for the most frequent side effects and identifies common principles intended to optimize net antipsychotic benefits. Only use antipsychotics if the indication is clear; only continue antipsychotics if a benefit is discernible. If an antipsychotic is providing substantial benefit, and the adverse effect is not life‐threatening, then the first management choice is to lower the dose or adjust the dosing schedule. The next option is to change the antipsychotic; this is often reasonable unless the risk of relapse is high. In some instances, behavioral interventions can be tried. Finally, concomitant medications, though generally not desirable, are necessary in many instances and can provide considerable relief. Among concomitant medication strategies, anticholinergic medications for dystonias and parkinsonism are often effective; beta‐blockers and anticholinergic medications are useful for akathisia; and metformin may lead to slight to moderate weight loss. Anticholinergic drops applied sublingually reduce sialorrhea. Usual medications are effective for constipation or dyslipidemias. The clinical utility of recently approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, valbenazine and deutetrabenazine, is unclear.     

Primates and Cameras

Field-based primate studies often make population inferences using count-based indices (e.g., individuals/plot) or distance sampling; the first does not account for the probability of detection and thus can be biased, while the second requires large sample sizes to obtain precise estimates, which is difficult for many primate studies. We discuss photographic sampling and occupancy modeling to correct for imperfect detection when estimating system states and dynamics at the landscape level, specifically in relation to primate ecology. We highlight the flexibility of the occupancy framework and its many applications to studying low-density primate populations or species that are difficult to detect. We discuss relevant sampling and estimation procedures with special attention to data collection via photographic sampling. To provide tangible meaning to terminology and clarify subtleties, we use illustrative examples. Photographic sampling can have many advantages over observer-based sampling, especially when studying rare or elusive species. Combining photographic sampling with an occupancy framework allows inference to larger scales than is common in primate studies, addresses uncertainty due to the observation process, and allows researchers to examine questions of how landscape-level anthropogenic changes affect primate distributions.     

A neutral terminology to define 'invasive' species

The use of simple terms to articulate ecological concepts can confuse ideological debates and undermine management efforts. This problem is particularly acute in studies of nonindigenous species, which alternatively have been called ‘exotic’, ‘introduced’, ‘invasive’ and ‘naturalised’, among others. Attempts to redefine commonly used terminology have proven difficult because authors are often partial to particular definitions. In an attempt to form a consensus on invasion terminology, we synthesize an invasional framework based on current models that break the invasion process into a series of consecutive, obligatory stages. Unlike previous efforts, we propose a neutral terminology based on this framework. This ‘stage‐based’ terminology can be used to supplement terms with ambiguous meanings (e.g. invasive, introduced, naturalized, weedy, etc.), and thereby improve clarity of future studies. This approach is based on the concept of ‘propagule pressure’ and has the additional benefit of identifying factors affecting the success of species at each stage. Under this framework, invasions can be more objectively understood as biogeographical, rather than taxonomic, phenomena; and author preferences in the use of existing terminology can be addressed. An example of this recommended protocol might be: ‘We examined distribution data to contrast the characteristics of invasive species (stages IVa and V) and noninvasive species (stages III and IVb)’.     

Lethal interactions among vertebrate top predators: a review of concepts,assumptions and terminology

Lethal interactions among large vertebrate predators have long interested researchers because of ecological and conservation issues. Research focusing on lethal interactions among vertebrate top predators has used several terms with a broad sense, and also introduced new terminology. We analysed the published literature with reference to the main underlying concepts and the use of terminology and its ecological context. The most frequently used terms in the literature were ‘predation’, ‘intraguild predation’, ‘interference competition’, and ‘interspecific killing’. Most studies presented evidence of the killing of the victim (77%), but information regarding its consumption was not given in 48% of cases. More than half of the analysed studies (56%) had no solid information on the degree of competition between interacting species. By reviewing definitions and their underlying assumptions, we demonstrate that lethal interactions among large vertebrate predators could be designated using four terms—‘predation’, ‘intraguild predation’, ‘interspecific competitive killing’, and ‘superpredation’—without the need to employ additional terminology that may increase confusion and misuse. For a correct framework of these lethal interactions it is critical to assess if the kill is consumed, if the victim is indeed a competitor of the killer, and if the prey is a high‐order predator. However, these elements of the framework are simultaneously the most common constraints to studies of lethal interactions, since they often require a great effort to obtain. The proper use of terms and concepts is fundamental to understanding the causes behind lethal interactions and, ultimately, what is actually happening in these complex interactions.     

Clarifying the Nomenclature in Microbial Weed Control

Correct terminology is essential to promote the concepts of biological control. In the current literature there are many terms used interchangeably and often inappropriately. The purpose of this paper is to examine the overlapping and sometimes contradictory terms used in biological weed control and to suggest a standardized usage to clarify existing terms. This is achieved through a hierarchical classification of existing terms (bioherbicide, mycoherbicide) and the introduction of new terms such as biopestistat (an inundatively applied, living organism which reduces the competitive ability of the target weed to below a desired threshold) and microbially derived phytotoxin (secondary metabolite used in weed management practices as an analogue of a chemical herbicide).     

Concepts of race vanishing,movements of racism rising? Global issues and Austrian Ethnography

This article discusses a contradiction: while notions of race are disappearing from public and academic discourses, numbers of racist socio-political movements are rising. This paradox is examined, first, on a conceptual and methodological level, and some different uses of the relevant terms (e.g., ‘race’ and ‘Rasse’) between English- and German-language spheres are explored. Then, the paradox is assessed through an ethnographic case from Austria. The rise of racist and xenophobic attitudes during the 1990s is discussed for one region where explicit racist language was nevertheless minimal. The analysis relates this to the persistent reproduction of certain cultural practices. Local perceptions of ‘warrior monuments’ are taken as an example to argue that changes in official terminology may conceal, rather than disrupt, the emotional continuities of supremacist nationalism.     

Morphogenesis and taxonomic value of the circumaxial skeleton in Rugosa (Anthozoa)

An elevated skeletal structure surrounding an empty axial area occurs in many unrelated taxa within the Rugosa. This structure, commonly termed the aulos, was first differentiated and described by Grabau in 1922. Most terms introduced by that author for individual morphotypes have not been accepted because the taxa he chose to illustrate the typical development do not correspond to his diagnoses. The morphogenetic study on some circumaxial structures in this paper points out differences in their origin, their predicted role in the physiology of the coral polyps. The study shows both the advantages and disadvantages of the use of these circumaxial structures in taxonomy. In addition to the term aulos, which was introduced by Smith in 1928, new terms i.e. circulotheca and columnotheca are here introduced for the circumaxial structures that also are newly proposed names, to allow distinguishing them from true axial structures.