1. Plant phenotypic diversity is shaped by the interplay of trade-offs and constraints in evolution. Closely integrated groups of traits (i.e. trait dimensions) are used to classify plant phenotypic ...diversity into plant strategies, but we do not know the degree of interdependence among trait dimensions. To assess how selection has shaped the phenotypic space, we examine whether trait dimensions are independent. 2. We gathered data on saplings of 24 locally coexisting tree species in a temperate forest, and examined the correlation structure of 20 leaf, branch, stem and root traits. These traits fall into three well-established trait dimensions (the leaf economic spectrum, the wood spectrum and Corner's Rules) that characterize vital plant functions: resource acquisition, sap transport, mechanical support and canopy architecture. Using ordinations, network analyses and Mantel tests, we tested whether the sapling phenotype of these tree species is organized along independent trait dimensions. 3. Across species, the sapling phenotype is not structured into clear trait dimensions. The trait relationships defining trait dimensions are either weak or absent and do not dominate the correlation structure of the sapling phenotype as a whole. Instead traits from the three commonly recognized trait dimensions are organized into an integrated trait network. The effect of phylogeny on trait correlations is minimal. 4. Our results indicate that trait dimensions apparent in broad-based interspecific surveys do not hold up among locally coexisting species. Furthermore, architectural traits appear central to the phenotypic network, suggesting a pivotal role for branching architecture in linking resource acquisition, mechanical support and hydraulic functions. 5. Synthesis. Our study indicates that local and global patterns of phenotypic integration differ and calls into question the use of trait dimensions at local scales. We propose that a network approach to assessing plant function more effectively reflects the multiple trade-offs and constraints shaping the phenotype in locally co-occurring species.
•Aesthetics of organisations as its object of study and identifies, from a semiotic perspective.•Identifications of the dimensions and variables to take into account in the organisational analysis ...from the classical theoretical perspective.•A conceptual matrix with nine dimensions for the analysis is obtained, which allows for the design or outline of a possible typology of organisational beauty.•The dimensions and variables identified were validated on the basis of three empirical investigations carried out using a semiotic-based method.
This research studies the aesthetics of organisations and identifies, from a semiotic perspective, the elements of the aesthetics of organisations and their workers’ perceptions of them. This research adds to the theoretical development of a new paradigm using a qualitative, retrospective, cross-sectional methodological approach and non-experimental design. To validate the dimensions and variables identified, three empirical research studies were carried out on a sample of 346 people using a semiotic-based method. The study is also quantitative, as the results obtained from the surveys are presented in numerical form in the semiotic matrix, which identifies the dimensions involved in the aesthetics of the organisations. The main contribution of the study is the design of a typology of organisational beauty by which to analyse the aesthetic dimensions of organisations.
Evidence for an algebra of G 2 instantons Del Zotto, Michele; Oh, Jihwan; Zhou, Yehao
The journal of high energy physics,
08/2022, Letnik:
2022, Številka:
8
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
In this short note, we present some evidence towards the existence of an algebra of BPS G 2 instantons. These are instantonic configurations that govern the partition functions of 7d SYM theories on ...local G 2 holonomy manifolds X. To shed light on such structure, we begin investigating the relation with parent 4d N = 1 theories obtained by geometric engineering M-theory on X. The main point of this paper is to substantiate the following dream: the holomorphic sector of such theories on multi-centered Taub-NUT spaces gives rise to an algebra whose characters organise the G 2 instanton partition function. As a first step towards this program we argue by string duality that a multitude of geometries X exist that are dual to well-known 4d SCFTs arising from D3 branes probes of CY cones: all these models are amenable to an analysis along the lines suggested by Dijkgraaf, Gukov, Neitzke and Vafa in the context of topological M-theory. Moreover, we discuss an interesting relation to Costello’s twisted M-theory, which arises at local patches, and is a key ingredient in identifying the relevant algebras.
Deformations of superconformal theories Córdova, Clay; Dumitrescu, Thomas T.; Intriligator, Kenneth
The journal of high energy physics,
11/2016, Letnik:
2016, Številka:
11
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
A
bstract
We classify possible supersymmetry-preserving relevant, marginal, and irrelevant deformations of unitary superconformal theories in
d
≥ 3 dimensions. Our method only relies on symmetries ...and unitarity. Hence, the results are model independent and do not require a Lagrangian description. Two unifying themes emerge: first, many theories admit deformations that reside in multiplets together with conserved currents. Such deformations can lead to modifications of the supersymmetry algebra by central and non-central charges. Second, many theories with a sufficient amount of supersymmetry do not admit relevant or marginal deformations, and some admit neither. The classification is complicated by the fact that short superconformal multiplets display a rich variety of sporadic phenomena, including supersymmetric deformations that reside in the middle of a multiplet. We illustrate our results with examples in diverse dimensions. In particular, we explain how the classification of irrelevant supersymmetric deformations can be used to derive known and new constraints on moduli-space effective actions.
Since the revival of maggot therapy in Western wound care approximately thirty years ago, there has been no comprehensive synthesis of what is known about its clinical practice, supply chain ...management, and social dimensions. This edited volume fills the information vacuum and, importantly, makes the current state of knowledge freely accessible. It is the first to provide sound, evidence-based information and guidance covering the entire supply chain from production to treatment. The chapters are arranged in five parts presenting the latest on clinical practice, the principles of therapeutic action, medicinal maggot production, distribution logistics, and the ethical dimensions of maggot therapy. The contributors have paid particular attention to the challenges encountered in compromised, low-resource healthcare settings such as disasters, conflict, and poverty. There are still many barriers to the widespread uptake of maggot therapy in healthcare settings. This book will be essential reading for a global audience of doctors, nurses, allied healthcare providers, students, and entrepreneurs with an interest in maggot-assisted wound care. It will be the go-to reference for those who plan, regulate, and coordinate healthcare, and want to establish a maggot therapy program, particularly in low- and middle-income and other compromised healthcare settings where maggot therapy can provide much-needed, affordable, and efficacious wound care.
Correlations among plant traits often reflect important trade‐offs or allometric relationships in biological functions like carbon gain, support, water uptake, and reproduction that are associated ...with different plant organs. Whether trait correlations can be aggregated to “spectra” or “leading dimensions,” whether these dimensions are consistent across plant organs, spatial scale, and growth forms are still open questions.
To illustrate the current state of knowledge, we constructed a network of published trait correlations associated with the “leaf economics spectrum,” “biomass allocation dimension,” “seed dimension,” and carbon and nitrogen concentrations. This literature‐based network was compared to a network based on a dataset of 23 traits from 2,530 individuals of 126 plant species from 381 plots in Northwest Europe.
The observed network comprised more significant correlations than the literature‐based network. Network centrality measures showed that size traits such as the mass of leaf, stem, below‐ground, and reproductive tissues and plant height were the most central traits in the network, confirming the importance of allometric relationships in herbaceous plants. Stem mass and stem‐specific length were “hub” traits correlated with most traits. Environmental selection of hub traits may affect the whole phenotype. In contrast to the literature‐based network, SLA and leaf N were of minor importance. Based on cluster analysis and subsequent PCAs of the resulting trait clusters, we found a “size” module, a “seed” module, two modules representing C and N concentrations in plant organs, and a “partitioning” module representing organ mass fractions. A module representing the plant economics spectrum did not emerge.
Synthesis. Although we found support for several trait dimensions, the observed trait network deviated significantly from current knowledge, suggesting that previous studies have overlooked trait coordination at the whole‐plant level. Furthermore, network analysis suggests that stem traits have a stronger regulatory role in herbaceous plants than leaf traits.
Correlations among plant traits often reflect important relationships in biological functions like carbon gain, support, water uptake, and reproduction. We illustrate the correlations among 23 traits of 126 plant species using a graphical network approach. The analysis suggests that biomass allocation traits and stem traits have a stronger regulatory role in herbaceous plants than leaf traits.
AAPT Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia Arnold, Lesley M.; Bennett, Robert M.; Crofford, Leslie J. ...
The journal of pain,
June 2019, Letnik:
20, Številka:
6
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic pain disorder that presents diagnostic challenges for clinicians. Several classification, diagnostic and screening criteria have been developed over the years, ...but there continues to be a need to develop criteria that reflect the current understanding of FM and are practical for use by clinicians and researchers. The Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations Innovations Opportunities and Networks (ACTTION) public-private partnership with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Pain Society (APS) initiated the ACTTION-APS Pain Taxonomy (AAPT) to develop a diagnostic system that would be clinically useful and consistent across chronic pain disorders. The AAPT established an international FM working group consisting of clinicians and researchers with expertise in FM to generate core diagnostic criteria for FM and apply the multidimensional diagnostic framework adopted by AAPT to FM. The process for developing the AAPT criteria and dimensions included literature reviews and synthesis, consensus discussions, and analyses of data from large population-based studies conducted in the United Kingdom. The FM working group established a revised diagnosis of FM and identified risk factors, course, prognosis, and pathophysiology of FM. Future studies will assess the criteria for feasibility, reliability, and validity. Revisions of the dimensions will also be required as research advances our understanding of FM.
The ACTTION-APS FM taxonomy provides an evidence-based diagnostic system for FM. The taxonomy includes diagnostic criteria, common features, comorbidities, consequences, and putative mechanisms. This approach might improve the recognition of FM in clinical practice.
Long-Term Space Sustainability and Space Traffic Management are two highly complex and critical topics for the state of space environment issues that, for now, remain as mere concepts rather than ...real tools powered by global commitment and engagement fostering order, transparency, certainty and predictability of operations in space.
The pore structure characteristics of the Lower and Upper Permian shales belonging to the Barren Measures and Raniganj Formations, respectively, were investigated using the low-pressure N2 ...adsorption-desorption experiments. It was found that the kaolinite content of the Barren Measures shales strongly influenced the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area (BET SSA). However, it was the Rock-Eval temperature maxima (Tmax) for the Raniganj Formation shales that influenced the BET SSA values. These shales are dominantly mesoporous and display a negative correlation between BET SSA and average pore radius. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms are of type IIB and type IV, displaying H2, H3, and hybrid H3-H4 hysteresis patterns. A strong positive correlation exists between average pore radius and the difference in volumes of gas adsorbed at the last-two-highest relative pressures measured. Samples with steeper isotherm slopes at the higher relative pressure range were those with the highest average pore radii. Porosity fractal dimension, D2 displayed a positive correlation with BET SSA and Tmax, and a negative correlation with average pore radius. It is thus concluded that shales with the lowest average pore sizes and highest thermal maturities are marked by larger SSA and more complex pore structures. One of the tested samples (CG 1019) with the highest D2 value is associated with the lowest D1 fractal dimension value. That counter intuitive relationship may reflect analytical constraints of the nitrogen adsorption method at lower relative pressures.
Droughts, which are characterized by multiple dimensions including frequency, duration, severity, and onset timing, can impact tree stem radial growth profoundly. Different dimensions of drought ...influence tree stem radial growth independently or jointly, which makes the development of accurate predictions a formidable challenge. Measurement‐based tree‐ring data have obvious advantages for studying the drought responses of trees. Here, we explored the use of abundant tree‐ring records for quantifying regional response patterns to key dimensions of drought. Specifically, we designed a series of regional‐scaled “natural experiments,” based on 357 tree‐ring chronologies from Southwest USA and location‐matched monthly water balance anomalies, to reveal how tree‐ring responds to each dimension of drought. Our results showed that tree‐ring was affected significantly more by the water balance condition in the current hydrological year than that in the prior hydrological year. Within the current hydrological year, increased drought frequency (number of dry months) and duration (maximum number of consecutive dry months) resulted in “cumulative effects” which amplified the impacts of drought on trees and reduced the drought resistance of trees. Drought events that occurred in the pregrowing seasons strongly affected subsequent tree stem radial growth. Both the onset timing and severity of drought increased “legacy effects” on tree stem radial growth, which reduced the drought resilience of trees. These results indicated that the drought impact on trees is a dynamic process: even when the total water deficits are the same, differences among the drought processes could lead to considerably different responses from trees. This study thus provides a conceptual framework and probabilistic patterns of tree‐ring growth response to multiple dimensions of drought regimes, which in turn may have a wide range of implications for predictions, uncertainty assessment, and forest management.
This study seeks to clarify how tree growth responds to each dimension of drought by designing a series of regional‐scaled “natural experiments” base on tree‐ring chronologies from southwest USA and location‐matched monthly water balance anomalies. Our results provide probabilistic patterns of tree‐ring growth response to multiple dimensions of drought regimes within a water‐year and reveal that difference among drought processes could result in considerably different responses from the affected trees. We therefore think coupling the drought process with tree physiology and phenology would significantly improve our ability of predicting resulting complex phenomena such as drought‐induced tree mortality and forest dieback.
PDF
