bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do plants know when other plants are flowering? Resource depletion, pollen limitation and mast‐seeding in a perennial wildflower
Authors: Crone Elizabeth E. , Miller Elizabeth , Sala Anna 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMast‐seeding is the synchronous and periodic reproduction by plant populations. This phenomenon has been widely studied from a community‐level perspective, but we know extremely little about how plants are able to synchronize reproduction. Here, we present the first experimental test of proximate mechanisms of mast‐seeding, by preventing reproduction in an iteroparous, mast‐seeding wildflower. Through a series of experiments, we show that mobile carbohydrate stores (NSC) control alternate‐year flowering by individual plants; seed set depletes NSC which prevents flowering the following year. Plants are synchronized by density‐dependent pollen limitation; when plants flower asynchronously, they set fewer seeds, which prevents NSC depletion. Therefore, these individual plants flower in subsequent years and become synchronized. Because mast‐seeding is a consequence of physiological controls of reproduction, differences in plant resource acquisition and allocation could dramatically change patterns of seed production, and changes in plant consumers and pollinators could change selection on physiological and developmental pathways.
Estimating the annual number of breeding attempts from breeding dates using mixture models
Authors: Cornulier Thomas , Elston David A. , Arcese Peter , Benton Tim G. , Douglas David J.T. , Lambin Xavier , Reid Jane , Robinson Robert A. , Sutherland William J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWell‐established statistical methods exist to estimate variation in a number of key demographic rates from field data, including life‐history transition probabilities and reproductive success per attempt. However, our understanding of the processes underlying population change remains incomplete without knowing the number of reproductive attempts individuals make annually; this is a key demographic rate for which we have no satisfactory method of estimating. Using census data to estimate this parameter from requires disaggregating the overlying temporal distributions of first and subsequent breeding attempts. We describe a Bayesian mixture method to estimate the annual number of reproductive attempts from field data to provide a new tool for demographic inference. We validate our method using comprehensive data on individually‐marked song sparrowsMelospiza melodia, and then apply it to more typical nest record data collected over 45 years on yellowhammersEmberiza citrinella. We illustrate the utility of our method by testing, and rejecting, the hypothesis that declines in UK yellowhammer populations have occurred concurrently with declines in annual breeding frequency.
The Impact of Terrorist Attacks on International Stock Markets
Authors: Brounen Dirk , Derwall Jeroen 
Published: September 2009

Abstract We examine the effects of terrorist attacks on stock markets, using a dataset that covers all significant events and that directly relate to the major economies of the world. Our event study suggests that terrorist attacks produce mildly negative price effects. We compare these price reactions to those from an alternative type of unanticipated disaster, earthquakes, and find that price declines following terror attacks are more pronounced. However, in both cases prices rebound within the first week of the aftermath. We also compare price responses internationally and for separate industries, and find that reactions are strongest for local markets and for industries that are directly affected by the attack. Our results suggest that financial markets react strongly to terror events but then recover swiftly and soon return to business as usual. The September 11th attacks turn out to be the only event that caused long‐term effects on financial markets, especially in terms of industries' systematic risk.
Insights into reasons for discontinuation according to year of starting first regimen of highly active antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of antiretroviral‐naïve patients
Authors: Cicconi P , Cozzi‐Lepri A , Castagna A , Trecarichi EM , Antinori A , Gatti F , Cassola G , Sighinolfi L , Castelli P , D'Arminio Monforte A ,   for the ICoNA Foundation Study Group
Published: September 2009

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine whether the incidence of first‐line treatment discontinuations and their causes changed according to the time of starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in an Italian cohort.MethodsWe included in the study patients from the Italian COhort Naïve Antiretrovirals (ICoNA) who initiated HAART when naïve to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The endpoints were discontinuation within the first year of ≥1 drug in the first HAART regimen for any reason, intolerance/toxicity, poor adherence, immunovirological/clinical failure and simplification. We investigated whether the time of starting HAART (stratified as ‘early’, 1997–1999; ‘intermediate’, 2000–2002; ‘recent’, 2003–2007) was associated with the probability of reaching the endpoints by a survival analysis.ResultsOverall, the 1‐year probability of discontinuation of ≥1 drug in the first regimen was 36.1%. The main causes of discontinuation were intolerance/toxicity (696 of 1189 patients; 58.5%) and poor adherence (285 of 1189 patients; 24%). The hazards for all‐reason change were comparable according to calendar period [2000–2002, adjusted relative hazard (ARH) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.98; 2003–2007, ARH 0.94, 95% CI 0.76–1.16, vs. 1997–1999; global P‐value=0.08]. Patients who started HAART during the ‘recent’ period were less likely to change their initial regimen because of intolerance/toxicity (ARH 0.67, 95% CI 0.51–0.89 vs. ‘early’ period). Patients who started in the ‘intermediate’ and ‘recent’ periods had a higher risk of discontinuation because of simplification (ARH 15.26, 95% CI 3.21–72.45, and ARH 37.97, 95% CI 7.56–190.64, vs. ‘early’ period, respectively).ConclusionsIt seems important to evaluate reason‐specific trends in the incidence of discontinuation in order to better understand the determinants of changes over time. The incidence of discontinuation because of intolerance/toxicity has declined over time while simplification strategies have become more frequent in recent years. Intolerance/toxicity remains the major cause of drug discontinuation.
Fiscal Decentralization and Economic Growth in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ‐POSE ANDRÉS , KRØIJER ANNE 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThe majority of the literature on fiscal decentralization has tended to stress that the greater capacity of decentralized governments to tailor policies to local preferences and to be innovative in the provision of policies and public services, the greater the potential for economic efficiency and growth. There is, however, little empirical evidence to substantiate this claim. In this paper we examine, using a panel data approach with dynamic effects, the relationship between the level of fiscal decentralization and economic growth rates across 16 Central and Eastern European countries over the 1990–2004 period. Our findings suggest that, contrary to the majority view, there is a significant negative relationship between two out of three fiscal decentralization indicators included in the analysis and economic growth. However, the use of different time lags allows us to nuance this negative view and show that long‐term effects vary depending on the type of decentralization undertaken in each of the countries considered. While expenditure at and transfers to sub‐national tiers of government are negatively correlated with economic growth, taxes assigned at the sub‐national level evolve from having a significantly negative to a significantly positive correlation with the national growth rate. This supports the view that sub‐national governments with their own revenue source respond better to local demands and promote greater economic efficiency
Poverty and Local Governments: Economic Development and Community Service Provision in an Era of Decentralization
Authors: LOBAO LINDA , KRAYBILL DAVID 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTSocial scientists have given substantial attention to poverty across U.S. localities. However, most work views localities through the lens of population aggregates, not as units of government. Few poverty researchers question whether governments of poorer localities have the capacity to engage in economic development and service activities that might improve community well‐being. This issue is increasingly important as responsibilities for growth and redistribution are decentralized to local governments that vary dramatically in resources. Do poorer communities have less activist local governments? Are they more likely to be engaged in a race to the bottom, focusing on business attraction activities but neglecting services for families and working people? We bring together two distinct literatures, critical research on decentralization and research on local development efforts, that provide contrasting views about the penalty of poverty. Data are from a unique, national survey of county governments measuring activity across two time points. The most consistent determinants of activity are local government capacity, devolutionary pressures, and inertia or past use of strategies. Net of these factors, levels and changes in poverty do not significantly impact government activity. There is no evidence the nations' poorest counties are racing to the bottom. Findings challenge views that poverty is a systematic structural barrier to pursuing innovative economic development policies and suggest that even poorer communities can take steps to build local capacity, resources, and networks that expand programs for local businesses and low‐wage people.
Follow‐up of actinic keratoses after shave biopsy by in‐vivo reflectance confocal microscopy – a pilot study
Authors: Richtig E , Ahlgrimm‐Siess V , Koller S , Gerger A , Horn M , Smolle J , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Monitoring of treatment efficacy after shave biopsy of actinic keratoses (AK) is often difficult, as clinical and dermoscopic features may not be reliable.Objectives We investigated the applicability of in‐vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for the follow‐up of AK after shave biopsy.Methods  A total of 10 lesions were investigated by RCM before shave biopsy, after 3 and 12 months by two observers in agreement blinded to location, patients and time interval.Results  At baseline all lesions showed typical clinical, dermoscopic and RCM criteria of AK. Three months after shave biopsy, all lesions presented clinically as normal skin (NS), but two lesions showed features suspicious for AK by RCM. After 12 months, one lesion of these two lesions changed into NS in RCM, whereas the other lesion progressed into clinical visible AK. At baseline, the two observers diagnosed 10 of 10 lesions correctly in RCM, after 3 months eight of 10 lesions and after 12 months all lesions were diagnosed correctly.Conclusions  Our results suggest that RCM might be a useful tool in the follow‐up of AK after shave biopsy and might be used in inconclusive clinical and dermoscopic presentations of lesions after surgery or other treatment modalities.
Bridging the generation gap: flowering plant gametophytes and animal germlines reveal unexpected similarities
Authors: Dickinson Hugh G. , Grant‐Downton Robert 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTAlternation of generations underpins all plant life histories and is held to possess important adaptive features. A wide range of data have accumulated over the past century which suggest that alternation from sporophyte to gametophyte in angiosperms includes a significant phase of ‘informational reprogramming’, leaving the founder cells of the gametophyte developmentally uncommitted. This review attempts to bring together results from these historic studies with more recent data on molecular and epigenetic events which accompany alternation, gametophyte development and gametogenesis in angiosperms. It is striking that most members of the other principal group of multicellular eukaryotes – the animals ‐ have a completely different a life history: animals generate their gametes directly from diploid germlines, often set aside early in development. Nevertheless, a comparison between animal germlines and angiosperm gametophyte development reveals a number of surprising similarities at the cytological and molecular levels. This difference in life history but similarity in developmental process is reviewed in the context of the very different life strategies adopted by plants and animals, and particularly the fact that plants do not set aside diploid germlines early in development.
Being first on the scene of an accident – experiences of ‘doing’ prehospital emergency care
Authors: Elmqvist Carina , Brunt David , Fridlund Bengt , Ekebergh Margaretha 
Published: September 2009

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 266–273

Being first on the scene of an accident – experiences of ‘doing’ prehospital emergency care Prehospital emergency care includes the care and treatment of patients prior to them reaching hospital. This is generally a field for the ambulance services, but in many cases firemen or police can be the ones to provide the first responses. The aim of this study was to describe and understand experiences of being the first responder on the scene of an accident, as described by policemen, firemen and ambulance staff. A lifeworld perspective was used in four different traumatic situations from southern Sweden. The data consisted of 13 unstructured interviews with first responders. The phenomenological analysis showed that experiences of being the first responder on the scene of an accident is expectations of doing a systematic course of action, dressed in the role of a hero, and at the same time being genuine in an interpersonal encounter. This entails a continuous movement between ‘being’ and ‘doing’. It is not a question of either – or, instead everything is to be understood in relation to each other at the same time. Five constituents further described the variations of the phenomenon; a feeling of security in the uncertainty, a distanced closeness to the injured person, one moment in an eternity, cross‐border cooperation within distinct borders and a need to make the implicit explicit. This finding highlights the importance of using policemen and firemen in doing life support measures while waiting for the ambulance staff, and would in turn increase the importance of the relationship between the different professionals on the scene of an accident.
Soil compaction and soil management – a review
Authors: Batey T. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSoil compaction is an important component of the land degradation syndrome which is an issue for soil management throughout the world. It is a long standing phenomenon not only associated with agriculture but also with forest harvesting, amenity land use, pipeline installation, land restoration and wildlife trampling. This review concentrates on the impact of soil compaction on practical soil management issues, an area not previously reviewed. It discusses in the context of the current situation, the causes, identification, effects and alleviation of compaction. The principal causes are when compressive forces derived from wheels, tillage machinery and from the trampling of animals, act on compressible soil. Compact soils can also be found under natural conditions without human or animal involvement. Compaction alters many soil properties and adverse effects are mostly linked to a reduction in permeability to air, water and roots. Many methods can be used to measure the changes. In practical situations, the use of visual and tactile methods directly in the field is recommended. The worst problems tend to occur when root crops and vegetables are harvested from soils at or wetter than field capacity. As discussed by a farmer, the effects on crop uniformity and quality (as well as a reduction in yield) can be marked. By contrast, rendzinas and other calcareous soils growing mainly cereals are comparatively free of compaction problems. The effect of a given level of compaction is related to both weather and climate; where soil moisture deficits are large, a restriction in root depth may have severe effects but the same level of compaction may have a negligible effect where moisture deficits are small. Topsoil compaction in sloping landscapes enhances runoff and may induce erosion particularly along wheeltracks, with consequent off‐farm environmental impacts. Indirect effects of compaction include denitrification which is likely to lead to nitrogen deficiency in crops. The effects of heavy tractors and harvesters can to some extent be compensated for by a reduction in tyre pressures although there is concern that deep‐seated compaction may occur. Techniques for loosening compaction up to depths of 45 cm are well established but to correct deeper problems presents difficulties. Several authors recommend that monitoring of soil physical conditions, including compaction, should be part of routine soil management.
A lysimeter study of nitrate leaching from grazed grassland as affected by a nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide, and relationships with ammonia oxidizing bacteria and archaea
Authors: Di H. J. , Cameron K. C. , Shen J. P. , He J. Z. , Winefield C. S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNitrate (NO3−) can contribute to surface water eutrophication and is deemed harmful to human health if present at high concentrations in the drinking water. In grazed grassland, most of the NO3−‐N leaching occurs from animal urine‐N returns. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide (DCD), in decreasing NO3− leaching in three different soils from different regions of New Zealand under two different rainfall conditions (1260 mm and 2145 mm p.a.), and explore the relationships between NO3−‐N leaching loss and ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA). The DCD nitrification inhibitor was found to be highly effective in decreasing NO3−‐N leaching losses from all three soils under both rainfall conditions. Total NO3−‐N leaching losses from the urine patch areas were decreased from 67.7–457.0 kg NO3−‐N/ha to 29.7–257.4 kg NO3−‐N/ha by the DCD treatment, giving an average decrease of 59%. The total NO3−‐N leaching losses were not significantly affected by the two different rainfall treatments. The total NO3−‐N leaching loss was significantly related to the amoA gene copy numbers of the AOB DNA and to nitrification rate in the soil but not to that of the AOA. These results suggest that the DCD nitrification inhibitor is highly effective in decreasing NO3− leaching under these different soil and rainfall conditions and that the amount of NO3−‐N leached is mainly related to the growth of the AOB population in the nitrogen rich urine patch soils of grazed grassland.
Learning by Doing, Scale Effects, or Neither? Cardiac Surgeons after Residency
Authors: Huesch Marco D. 
Published: September 2009

Objective. To examine impacts of operating surgeon scale and cumulative experience on postoperative outcomes for patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) by “new” surgeons. Pooled linear, fixed effects panel, and instrumented regressions were estimated.Data Sources. The administrative data included comorbidities, procedures, and outcomes for 19,978 adult CABG patients in Florida in 1998–2006, and public data on 57 cardiac surgeons who completed residencies after 1997.Study Design. Analysis was at the patient level. Controls for risk, hospital scale and scope, and operating surgeon characteristics were made. Patient choice model instruments were constructed. Experience was estimated allowing for “forgetting” effects.Principal Findings. Panel regressions with surgeon fixed effects showed neither surgeon scale nor cumulative volumes significantly impacted mortality nor consistently impacted morbidity. Estimation of “forgetting” suggests that almost all prior experience is depreciated from one quarter to the next. Instruments were strong, but exogeneity of volume was not rejected.Conclusions. In postresidency surgeons, no persuasive evidence is found for learning by doing, scale, or selection effects. More research is needed to support the cautious view that, for these “new” cardiac surgeons, patient volume could be redistributed based on realized outcomes without disruption.
Development of a Measure of Patient Safety Event Learning Responses
Authors: Ginsburg Liane R. , Chuang You‐Ta , Norton Peter G. , Berta Whitney , Tregunno Deborah , Ng Peggy , Richardson Julia 
Published: September 2009

Objective. To define patient safety event (PSE) learning response and to provide preliminary validation of a measure of PSE learning response.Data Sources. Ten focus groups with front‐line staff and managers, an expert panel, and cross‐sectional survey data from patient safety officers in 54 general acute hospitals.Study Design. A mixed methods study to define a measure of learning responses to patient safety failures that is rooted in theory, expert knowledge, and organizational practice realities.Extraction Methods. Learning response items developed from the literature were modified and validated in front‐line staff and manager focus groups and by an expert panel and second group of external experts. Actual learning responses gleaned from survey data were examined using exploratory factor analyses and reliability analysis.Principal Findings. Unique learning response items were identified for minor, moderate, major events, and major near misses by an expert panel. A two‐factor model of major event learning response was identified (factor 1=event analysis, factor 2=dissemination/communication of learnings). Organizations engage in greater learning responses following major events than less severe events and, for major events, organizations engage in more factor 1 responses than factor 2 learning responses.Conclusions. Eleven to 13 items can measure learning responses to PSEs of differing severity. The items are feasible, grounded in theory, and reflect expert opinion as well as practice setting realities. The items have the potential for use to assess current practice in organizations and set future improvement goals.