bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preference induction and the benefits of floral resources for a facultative florivore
Authors: MERWIN ANDREW C. , PARRELLA MICHAEL P. 
Published: April 2014

The causes and consequences of flower feeding for facultative florivores are poorly understood. Several factors can influence host selection and may, by extension, influence host part selection. Two such factors cited for the facultative florivore, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess), are the optimisation of adult performance and natal habitat preference induction (NHPI) – a change in preference for a habitat in response to cues associated with the natal habitat.
In this study we compared the nutritive and physical qualities of leaves and petals of Gerbera jamesonii, measured the survival and fitness of adults flies reared on leaves, flowers or a mixed diet, and investigated the influence of NHPI on adult host part choice.
Liriomyza trifolii exhibited more than 50% higher lifetime fecundity on a mixed diet than on strict diets of leaves or flowers. Newly emerged adult flies exposed to leaves for 24 h showed a significant preference towards leaves, while flower‐exposed flies showed no significant preference; flower‐exposed flies were thus more than twice as likely as leaf‐exposed flies to feed and oviposit on flowers.
These results suggest that the optimisation of adult performance may be driving facultative florivory for L. trifolii in general, but the degree of florivory expressed is influenced by early adult experience, as NHPI explained 33% and 39% of feeding and oviposition host part choice, respectively. The potential for NHPI to influence the spatiotemporal occurrence of florivory is discussed.
The effects of habitat complexity and hydraulic conditions on the establishment of benthic stream macroalgae
Authors: Tonetto Aurélio F. , Cardoso‐Leite Ricardo , Peres Cleto K. , Bispo Pitagoras da C. , Branco Ciro Cesar Z. 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Habitat complexity is thought to play an important role in various ecological communities, but its role under variable natural conditions is not well understood, particularly in lotic habitats where the complexity of the substratum influences the diversity and abundance of the benthic community.

We investigated the effects of the habitat complexity of the substratum, as represented by fractal structure, on the establishment of stream macroalgae. We also analysed the influence of hydraulic conditions associated with variations in the fractal dimension of the substratum. We hypothesised that habitats with higher surface complexity would have higher macroalgal abundance and that hydraulic conditions would affect macroalgal establishment differently on surfaces of differing complexity.

We designed a field experiment to elucidate the role of habitat complexity (represented by the fractal dimension and density of roughness elements) and consequent hydraulic conditions (assessed by the Reynolds number and drag forces) on algal growth. Sterile artificial substrata with five levels of complexity were placed in four unshaded streams. After 60 days of complete submergence, the substrata were removed from the streams, and the per cent cover of macroalgae was measured.

We used a principal components analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality and collinearity among our variables (fractal dimension, density of roughness elements, Reynolds number and drag force) and summarise them adequately. Axis 1 (PC1) values were used in a linear model to assess the relationship between the variables and macroalgal cover.

PC1 explained 82.2% of the variability in substratum complexity and hydraulic condition. The fractal dimension and density of the roughness elements were negatively related with PC1, whereas the Reynolds number and drag force were related positively. Hydraulic conditions differed among each level of complexity, with the Reynolds number and drag force decreasing with increasing complexity. Macroalgal cover increased on surfaces with lower turbulence and drag force, indicating that less aggressive conditions are suitable for macroalgal colonisation. Additionally, the establishment of macroalgae was greatest on the leading edge of flat‐top ridges, where the water velocity slows and the current changes direction.

Habitat complexity and hydraulic conditions play an important role in the establishment of macroalgae in streams and could explain their naturally patchy distribution.
Do Spatial Interdependencies Matter in Italian Regional Specialization?
Authors: De Siano Rita , D'Uva Marcella 
Published: April 2014

This article summarizes and evaluates the effects of spatial interdependencies in Italian regional specialization over the period 1995–2006. First, we perform an exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), and then we estimate a spatial panel data model built according to the new economic geography theory.ESDAreveals positive spatial interdependence overall and detects hot spots in the north and cold spots in the south for all sectors, but agriculture shows the reverse. Similarly, an econometric investigation furnishes evidence of the presence of spillover effects, implying that the determinants of the specialization of a region influence its neighbors' specialization.Este artículo resume y evalúa los efectos de las interdependencias espaciales en la especialización regional italiana durante el período 1995–2006. En primer lugar, se realiza un análisis exploratorio de datos espaciales (Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis‐ESDA), y luego se estima un modelo de datos de panel espacial construido de acuerdo a la teoría de la nueva geografía económica (New Economic Geography‐NEG). ESDA revela la interdependencia espacial positiva global en los datos y detecta zonas de concentración de incidencia alta (hot spots) en los el norte y zonas concentración de incidencia baja o nula (cold spots) en el sur para todos los sectores económicos excepto el caso de la agricultura. Del mismo modo el estudio realiza un análisis econométrico que demuestra la presencia de efectos de desbordamiento espacial (spillovers), lo cual implica que los factores determinantes de la especialización de una región influyen en la especialización de sus vecinos.本文对1995‐2006年间意大利区域专业化的空间依赖性效果进行了总结和评价。首先进行了探索性空间数据分析（ESDA），然后对根据新经济地理理论构建的一种空间面板数据模型进行了评价。ESDA揭示了全局的正向空间相互依赖性及北部热点区和南部冷点区的分布特征，但农业的分布特征却相反。同样地，一项计量经济调查提供了溢出效应存在的证据，同时表明了区域专业化的决定因素影响其邻近区域的专业化。
Global relationship of wood and leaf litter decomposability: the role of functional traits within and across plant organs
Authors: Pietsch Katherina A. , Ogle Kiona , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Cornwell William K. , Bönisch Gerhard , Craine Joseph M. , Jackson Benjamin G. , Kattge Jens , Peltzer Duane A. , Penuelas Josep , Reich Peter B. , Wardle David A. , Weedon James T. , Wright Ian J. , Zanne Amy E. , Wirth Christian 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimRecent meta‐analyses have revealed that plant traits and their phylogenetic history influence decay rates of dead wood and leaf litter, but it remains unknown if decay rates of wood and litter covary over a wide range of tree species and across ecosystems. We evaluated the relationships between species‐specific wood and leaf litter decomposability, as well as between wood and leaf traits that control their respective decomposability.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe compiled data on rates of wood and leaf litter decomposition for 324 and 635 tree species, respectively, and data on six functional traits for both organs. We used hierarchical Bayesian meta‐analysis to estimate, for the first time, species‐specific values for wood and leaf litter decomposability standardized to reference conditions (k*woodandk*leaf) across the globe. With these data, we evaluated the relationships: (1) between wood and leaf traits, (2) between eachk* and the selected traits within and across organs, and (3) between wood and leafk*.ResultsAcross all speciesk*woodandk*leafwere positively correlated, phylogenetically clustered and correlated with plant functional traits within and across organs.k* of both organs was usually better described as a function of within‐ and cross‐organ traits, than of within‐organ traits alone. When analysed for angiosperms and gymnosperms separately, wood and leafk* were no longer significantly correlated, but eachk* was still significantly correlated to the functional traits.Main conclusionsWe demonstrate important relationships among wood and leaf litter decomposability as after‐life effects of traits from the living plants. These functional traits influence the decomposability of senesced tissue which could potentially lead to alterations in the rates of biogeochemical cycling, depending on the phylogenetic structure of the species pool. These results provide crucial information for a better representation of decomposition rates in dynamic global vegetation models.
Framework of outcome measures recommended for use in the evaluation of childhood obesity treatment interventions: the CoOR framework
Authors: Bryant M. , Ashton L. , Nixon J. , Jebb S. , Wright J. , Roberts K. , Brown J. ,   CoOR Scientific advisory group
Published: April 2014

SummaryIntroductionConsensus is lacking in determining appropriate outcome measures for assessment of childhood obesity treatments. Inconsistency in the use and reporting of such measures impedes comparisons between treatments and limits consideration of effectiveness. This study aimed to produce a framework of recommended outcome measures: the Childhood obesity treatment evaluation Outcomes Review (CoOR) framework.MethodsA systematic review including two searches was conducted to identify (1) existing trial outcome measures and (2) manuscripts describing development/evaluation of outcome measures. Outcomes included anthropometry, diet, eating behaviours, physical activity, sedentary time/behaviour, fitness, physiology, environment, psychological well‐being and health‐related quality of life. Eligible measures were appraised by the internal team using a system developed from international guidelines, followed by appraisal from national external expert collaborators.Results A total of 25 486 papers were identified through both searches. Eligible search 1 trial papers cited 417 additional papers linked to outcome measures, of which 56 were eligible. A further 297 outcome development/evaluation papers met eligibility criteria from search 2. Combined, these described 191 outcome measures. After internal and external appraisal, 52 measures across 10 outcomes were recommended for inclusion in the CoOR framework.ConclusionApplication of the CoOR framework will ensure greater consistency in choosing robust outcome measures that are appropriate to population characteristics.
A Look Back at the Beginnings of EVA and Value‐Based Management
Authors: Stern Joel M. , Willett Joseph T. 
Published: April 2014

One of the pioneers of value‐based management discusses his life's work in converting principles of modern finance theory into performance evaluation and incentive compensation plans that have been adopted by many of the world's largest and most successful companies, including Coca‐Cola in the U.S., SABMiller in London, Siemens in Germany, and the Godrej Group in India. The issues covered include the significance of dividend payouts (are dividends really necessary to support a company's stock price and, if so, why?) as well as the question of optimal capital structure (whether and why debt might not be cheaper than equity).But the most important focus of the interview is corporate performance measurement and the use of executive pay to strengthen management incentives to increase efficiency and value. According to Stern, the widespread tendency of public companies to manage “for earnings”—or in accordance with what he refers to as “the accounting model of the firm”—often leads to value‐destroying decisions. As one example, the GAAP accounting principle that requires intangible investments like R&D and training to be written off in the year the expenses are incurred is likely to cause underinvestment in such intangibles. At the same time, the failure of conventional income statements to reflect the cost of equity almost certainly encourages corporate overinvestment.Stern's solution to this problem is an executive incentive compensation plan in which rewards are tied to increases in a measure of economic profit called economic value added, or EVA, which research has shown to have a significance relation to changes both in share value and the premium of market value over book value. Moreover, by combining such a plan with a “bonus bank” that pays out annual awards over a multi‐year period, boards can ensure that management will be rewarded not for good luck but rather for sustainable improvements in performance.
The Evolution of Private Equity Fund Terms Beyond 2 and 20
Authors: Stoff Ingo , Braun Reiner 
Published: April 2014

With the remarkable increases in the assets under management of private equity firms, the standard compensation arrangement of a 2% management fee plus 20% carried interest has raised concerns of a misalignment of interests between limited partners (LPs) and general partners (GPs). Using a proprietary data set that includes detailed fund terms of 210 PE buyout funds with vintage years between 1989 and 2012, the authors summarize the findings of their recent study of the evolution of fund terms.The authors report that PE fund terms have been remarkable mainly for their resistance to change, and that the only important force for bringing about reductions in percentage management fees has been the recent increase in fund sizes. But the modest cuts in management fees that have accompanied the increase in fund sizes have done little to address what appears to be a conflict of interest between LPs and GPs over the optimal PE fund size.As one possible solution to this conflict, the authors analyze a recent innovation by Bain Capital that involves considerably smaller management fees (say, 1%) and larger carried interest (as high as 30%). According to the authors, such terms have a good chance of becoming the new industry standard for two reasons: First, LPs have become increasingly “professionalized,” which has led to greater focus on GP compensation and ways of realigning their interests with LPs'. Second, the “signaling” benefits for those GPs willing to distinguish themselves by offering terms like “1 and 30” could encourage more GPs to move in this direction. In the authors' words, “For all but the most reputable and established PE firms, those GPs that do not offer the new terms may well be seen as signaling little confidence in their ability to do what they're being paid to do: namely, produce above‐market returns.”
How Much Do Private Equity Funds Benefit From Debt‐related Tax Shields?
Authors: Knauer Alexander , Lahmann Alexander , Pflücke Magnus , Schwetzler Bernhard 
Published: April 2014

In 2008 the German government enacted a measure designed to curb excessive leverage in LBOs by limiting tax‐deductible interest to 30% of EBITDA. And in the U.S., legislators are currently reviewing several regulatory measures, including limits on tax‐deductible interest, that are intended to reduce the leverage of portfolio companies in U.S. LBO funds.In their recent study of 56 German LBOs transacted after the tax law change in 2008, the authors analyze the importance of debt‐related tax savings and the economic consequences of their reduction for the PE business model. The study begins by confirming that LBO debt tax shields are a material component of LBO purchase prices, contributing as much as 20% of the average estimated total enterprise value. At the same time, however, the study finds that the effects on LBO fund returns of limits to the taxdeductibility of LBO interest payments are likely to be modest, in part because a large portion of the value from expected tax savings is effectively paid for upfront by the private equity firm in the form of higher LBO purchase prices.Moreover, the authors do not expect to see LBO funds change their business model in response to this change in taxdeductibility. Based on their findings, the authors expect neither a significant decline in LBO leverage nor a notable change in the pricing of PE deals. As finance scholars have suggested, there are significant benefits associated with the use of debt that have nothing to do with the tax shield provided by the deductibility of interest. The authors' results provide yet another piece of evidence suggesting that taxes have at most a second‐order effect on corporate financing decisions—and that the gains to private equity come mainly from improvements in operating performance.
Students' mathematics word problem‐solving achievement in a computer‐based story
Authors: Gunbas N. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a computer‐based story, which was designed in anchored instruction framework, on sixth‐grade students' mathematics word problem‐solving achievement. Problems were embedded in a story presented on a computer as computer story, and then compared with the paper‐based version of the same story and to a condition that presented the problems as typical, isolated word problems (i.e., a non‐story condition including only problems). One hundred twenty‐eight sixth‐grade students from two public middle schools in Turkey participated in this study. In a pretest–posttest experimental design, students were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups mentioned earlier in which they solved the same mathematics word problems. A one‐way analysis of covariance was used to analyse students' achievement in the treatment groups. The results indicated that students who solved the problems in the computer story treatment had significantly higher achievement scores than students who solved the problems in the paper story and isolated word problems treatments. In addition, the story was found to be significantly more effective than the non‐story treatment when it was presented on computer.
Dose‐dependent effects of an immune challenge at both ultimate and proximate levels in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Nystrand M. , Dowling D. K. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractImmune responses are highly dynamic. The magnitude and efficiency of an immune response to a pathogen can change markedly across individuals, and such changes may be influenced by variance in a range of intrinsic (e.g. age, genotype, sex) and external (e.g. abiotic stress, pathogen identity, strain) factors. Life history theory predicts that up‐regulation of the immune system will come at a physiological cost, and studies have confirmed that increased investment in immunity can reduce reproductive output and survival. Furthermore, males and females often have divergent reproductive strategies, and this might drive the evolution of sex‐specific life history trade‐offs involving immunity, and sexual dimorphism in immune responses per se. Here, we employ an experiment design to elucidate dose‐dependent and sex‐specific responses to exposure to a nonpathogenic immune elicitor at two scales – the ‘ultimate’ life history and the underlying ‘proximate’ immune level in Drosophila melanogaster. We found dose‐dependent effects of immune challenges on both male and female components of reproductive success, but not on survival, as well as a response in antimicrobial activity. These results indicate that even in the absence of the direct pathogenic effects that are associated with actual disease, individual life histories respond to a perceived immune challenge – but with the magnitude of this response being contingent on the initial dose of exposure. Furthermore, the results indicate that immune responses at the ultimate life history level may indeed reflect underlying processes that occur at the proximate level.
Characteristics of gastric cancer according to Helicobacter pylori infection status
Authors: Kwak Hee‐Won , Choi Il Ju , Cho Soo‐Jeong , Lee Jong Yeul , Kim Chan Gyoo , Kook Myeong‐Cherl , Ryu Keun Won , Kim Young‐Woo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsThe definition and incidence of gastric cancer (GC) without Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection varies between studies. The aim of our study was to compare the characteristics of GC according to Hp infection status.MethodsWe evaluated the presence of Hp infection in 1833 GC patients with rapid urease tests, serology examinations, and histological evaluations. GC was classified as GC with current Hp infection (HpC‐GC), GC with past Hp infection (HpP‐GC), and GC not associated with Hp infection (HpN‐GC). HpP‐GC was defined as GC without current infection but with a positive serology test, glandular atrophy, and/or intestinal metaplasia. HpN‐GC was defined as GC with negative Hp test results and no histological changes.ResultsThe numbers of HpC‐GC, HpP‐GC, and HpN‐GC were 1378 (75.2%), 412 (22.5%), and 43 (2.3%), respectively. Among GCs without current infection, 90.5% (412/455) were associated with HpP‐GC. HpP‐GCs were more common in older and male patients, had an increased incidence of synchronous cancer, and less frequently had a diffuse‐type histology than HpC‐GCs. HpN‐GCs were more common in younger, female patients; had a higher proportion of diffuse‐type cancers; and more frequently showed distant metastasis than HpP‐GCs. In the 40s, the proportion of HpP‐GCs with diffuse‐type histology (41.9%) was lower than that of HpC‐GCs (60.3%) (P = 0.016). The difference was also significant in the 50s (29.1% vs 40.1%, respectively, P = 0.004).ConclusionsMost GCs in Korea without current Hp infection showed evidence of past Hp infection. The proportion of GCs with diffuse‐type histology decreased in patients with past infection.
Neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment causes obesity, diabetes, and macrovesicular steatohepatitis with liver nodules in DIAR mice
Authors: Tsuneyama Koichi , Nishida Takeshi , Baba Hayato , Taira Shu , Fujimoto Makoto , Nomoto Kazuhiro , Hayashi Shinichi , Miwa Shigeharu , Nakajima Takahiko , Sutoh Mitsuko , Oda Emu , Hokao Ryoji , Imura Johji 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). Monosodium glutamate (MSG)‐treated ICR mice is a useful model of MS and NASH, but it shows the different patterns of steatosis from human NASH. Because inbred aged DIAR (ddY, Institute for Animal Reproduction) mice spontaneously show the similar pattern of steatosis as NASH, we analyzed their liver pathology after administering MSG.MethodsMSG‐treated DIAR mice (DIAR‐MSG) and untreated DIAR mice (DIAR‐controls) were sacrificed and assessed histopathologically at 29, 32, 40, 48, and 54 weeks of age. The NASH activity score, body mass index, blood glucose level, and oral glucose tolerance test were also assessed.ResultsThe body mass index and blood glucose levels of DIAR‐MSG were significantly higher than controls. The oral glucose tolerance test revealed a type 2 diabetes pattern in DIAR‐MSG. The livers of DIAR‐MSG mice showed macrovesicular steatosis, lobular inflammation with neutrophils, and ballooning degeneration after 29 weeks. At 54 weeks, mild fibrosis was observed in 5/6 DIAR‐MSG and 2/5 DIAR‐control mice. In imaging mass spectrometry analysis, cholesterol as well as triglyceride accumulated in the liver of DIAR‐MSG mice. Atypical liver nodules were also observed after 32 weeks in DIAR‐MSG, some with cellular and structural atypia mimicking human hepatocellular carcinoma. The NASH activity score of DIAR‐MSG after 29 weeks was higher than that of control mice, suggesting the development of NASH.ConclusionsDIAR‐MSG had NASH‐like liver pathology and liver nodules typically associated with MS symptoms. DIAR‐MSG provides a valuable animal model to analyze NASH pathogenesis and carcinogenesis.