Publications

Global variability in leaf respiration in relation to climate, plant functional types and leaf traits

Publication ID: pub.1050890216

Publication date: 08/01/2015

Keywords: Acclimatization; Carbon Cycle; Carbon Dioxide; Cell Respiration; Climate; Global; Models, Theoretical; Nitrogen; Phenotype; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Plants; Temperature

Leaf dark respiration (Rdark ) is an important yet poorly quantified component of the global carbon cycle. Given this, we analyzed a new global database of Rdark and associated leaf traits. Data for 899 species were compiled from 100 sites (from the Arctic to the tropics). Several woody and nonwoody plant functional types (PFTs) were […]

The impact of polystyrene microplastics on feeding, function and fecundity in the marine copepod Calanus helgolandicus.

Publication ID: pub.1006479184

Publication date: 06/01/2015

Keywords: Animals; Aquatic Organisms; Biomass; Carbon; Copepoda; Fertility; Lipids; Oxygen; Plastics; Polystyrenes; Reproduction; Seawater; Water Pollutants; Western English Channel; Zooplankton

Microscopic plastic debris, termed “microplastics”, are of increasing environmental concern. Recent studies have demonstrated that a range of zooplankton, including copepods, can ingest microplastics. Copepods are a globally abundant class of zooplankton that form a key trophic link between primary producers and higher trophic marine organisms. Here we demonstrate that ingestion of microplastics can significantly […]

Regional‐scale dominance of non‐framework building corals on Caribbean reefs affects carbonate production and future reef growth

Publication ID: pub.1044042671

Publication date: 23/12/2014

Keywords: Animals; Anthozoa; Biodiversity; Calcification, Physiologic; Carbonates; Caribbean Region; Coral Reefs; Seasons

Coral cover on Caribbean reefs has declined rapidly since the early 1980’s. Diseases have been a major driver, decimating communities of framework building Acropora and Orbicella coral species, and reportedly leading to the emergence of novel coral assemblages often dominated by domed and plating species of the genera Agaricia, Porites and Siderastrea. These corals were […]

Improved Detection of Staphylococcus intermedius Group in a Routine Diagnostic Laboratory

Publication ID: pub.1027258789

Publication date: 10/12/2014

Keywords: Algorithms; Animals; Bacteriological Techniques; Cornwall; Dogs; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus intermedius; UK; Zoonoses

The Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) includes zoonotic pathogens traditionally associated with dog bites. We describe a simple scheme for improved detection of SIG using routine laboratory methods, report its effect on isolation rates, and use sequencing to confirm that, apart from one atypical SIG strain, most isolates are Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

Dramatically increasing chance of extremely hot summers since the 2003 European heatwave

Publication ID: pub.1046570142

Publication date: 08/12/2014

Keywords: Europe; Event Attribution; Extremely Hot Summers; Human Influence; Societies; Summer Heatwave of 2003; Temperature Threshold; Vulnerability; Warming; Weather and Climate Extremes

In 2003, Europe experienced a summer heatwave that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. This study uses observation and model data to show that human influence is increasing the probability of extremely hot summers in Europe, with events now expected to occur twice a decade, compared with predictions of twice a century in the […]

Stopping to food can reduce intake. Effects of stimulus-specificity and individual differences in dietary restraint

Publication ID: pub.1015155266

Publication date: 11/11/2014

Keywords: Adolescent; Adult; Body Mass Index; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Hyperphagia; Individuality; Inhibition, Psychological; Male; Middle Aged; Snacks; Young Adult

Overeating in our food-rich environment is a key contributor to obesity. Computerised response-inhibition training could improve self-control in individuals who overeat. Evidence suggests that training people to inhibit motor responses to specific food pictures can reduce the subsequent choice and consumption of those foods. Here we undertook three experiments using the stop-signal task to examine […]