bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interest on Reserves and the Flexibility of Monetary Policy in the Euro Area
Authors: Neyer Ulrike 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper shows that remunerating required reserves can increase the flexibility of monetary policy. The remuneration at the current policy rate implies constant net marginal interest costs of holding required reserves. This allows the central bank to change the policy rate also within a reserve maintenance period without inducing a problematic reserve shifting on behalf of the banks. In the euro area, required reserves are remunerated at an average rate. Therefore, the way in which reserves are remunerated has to be changed in order to make use of the advantage of a higher flexibility of monetary policy.
Why Fiscal Stimulus is Likely to Work
Authors: Fatás Antonio , Mihov Ilian 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe provide an overview of the effectiveness of fiscal policy actions by summarizing evidence from empirical and theoretical studies. Empirically, expansionary policy is found to have output multipliers greater than one. Given current economic conditions, we argue that the fiscal cost of not stabilizing the economy is likely to be much higher than the cost of a deficit that helps the economy go faster towards a recovery path.
A Genome‐wide Association Study of Autism Reveals a Common Novel Risk Locus at 5p14.1
Authors: Ma Deqiong , Salyakina Daria , Jaworski James M. , Konidari Ioanna , Whitehead Patrice L. , Andersen Ashley N. , Hoffman Joshua D. , Slifer Susan H. , Hedges Dale J. , Cukier Holly N. , Griswold Anthony J. , McCauley Jacob L. , Beecham Gary W. , Wright Harry H. , Abramson Ruth K. , Martin Eden R. , Hussman John P. , Gilbert John R. , Cuccaro Michael L. , Haines Jonathan L. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryAlthough autism is one of the most heritable neuropsychiatric disorders, its underlying genetic architecture has largely eluded description. To comprehensively examine the hypothesis that common variation is important in autism, we performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using a discovery dataset of 438 autistic Caucasian families and the Illumina Human 1M beadchip. 96 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) demonstrated strong association with autism risk (p‐value < 0.0001). The validation of the top 96 SNPs was performed using an independent dataset of 487 Caucasian autism families genotyped on the 550K Illumina BeadChip. A novel region on chromosome 5p14.1 showed significance in both the discovery and validation datasets. Joint analysis of all SNPs in this region identified 8 SNPs having improved p‐values (3.24E‐04 to 3.40E‐06) than in either dataset alone. Our findings demonstrate that in addition to multiple rare variations, part of the complex genetic architecture of autism involves common variation.
Foraging ecology, fluctuating food availability and energetics of wintering brent geese
Authors: Tinkler E. , Montgomery W. I. , Elwood R. W. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractChanging energy requirements and dramatic shifts in food availability are major factors driving behaviour and distribution of herbivores. We investigate this in wintering East Canadian High Arctic light‐bellied brent geese Branta bernicla hrota in Northern Ireland. They followed a sequential pattern of habitat use, feeding on intertidal Zostera spp. in autumn and early winter before moving to predominantly saltmarsh and farmland in late winter and early spring. Night‐time feeding occurred throughout and made a considerable contribution to the birds' daily energy budget, at times accounting for >50% of energy intake. Nocturnal feeding, however, is limited to the intertidal, possibly because of predation risk on terrestrial habitat, and increases with moonlight. The amount of Zostera spp., declined dramatically after the arrival of birds, predominantly, but not entirely, due to consumption by the birds. Birds gained fat reserves in the first 2 months but then this was dramatically lost as their major food source collapsed and their daily energy intake declined. Single birds consistently fared worse than paired birds and pairs with juveniles fared better than those without suggesting a benefit of having a family to compete for food. Many birds leave the Lough at this time of reduced Zostera spp. for other sea inlets in Ireland but some remain. Body condition of the latter gradually improved in early spring and reflected a heavy reliance on terrestrial habitats, particularly farmland, to meet the birds' daily energy requirements. However, even in the period immediately before migration to the breeding ground, the birds did not regain the amount of abdominal fatness observed in November. The dramatic changes in available food and requirements of the birds drive the major changes seen in foraging behaviour as the birds evade starvation in the wintering period.
The reproductive cycle of Norway lobster
Authors: Mente E. , Karapanagiotidis I. T. , Logothetis P. , Vafidis D. , Malandrakis E. , Neofitou N. , Exadactylos A. , Stratakos A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe reproductive biology of female Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus was studied throughout an annual cycle from January to December 2007 in Pagasitikos Gulf, a large semi‐enclosed Gulf in the central west Aegean Sea, in Greece. Six ovarian maturation stages were described to follow gonadal development, based on the combined external observation and histological examination of the ovary. Reproduction showed clear seasonality both in terms of ovarian maturation and brooding period. The proportion of fully mature females in the catch increased from January to the summer months with a peak in June. The species has a protracted brooding period that peaks in November and December, while the release of eggs from females' pleopods occurs from January to March. The size at which 50% of females reached sexual maturity was estimated, using a logistic model, to be 28.1 mm of carapace length. The undiscovered reproductive dynamics will be valuable for optimizing population models and management strategies for this important fishery resource.
Developing conditions for environmentally sustainable consumption: drawing insight from anti‐smoking policy
Authors: Krause Rachel M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper starts from the premise that, particularly in industrialized countries, the consumption decisions made by individuals and households are a major source of environmental strain. Several international organizations and national governments have addressed this issue, but, thus far, their efforts have had minimal effect. This paper examines the conditions necessary for the implementation of policy able to effectively reduce the environmental impact of household consumption. It draws from the experience of American tobacco control, a relatively rare example of a public effort that succeeded in reducing the negative consequences of an entitled consumer behaviour.An extensive review of the tobacco control literature informs the conclusion that three fundamental changes brought about conditions conducive to a widespread reduction in smoking, namely, information about its negative effects became common knowledge and was widely believed as true; cigarettes became a target for taxes that raised the price of smoking while placing a penalty on a behaviour increasingly seen as ‘bad’; the public sentiment regarding smoking shifted, deglamourizing the behaviour. The paper further suggests that these changes, which were the result of a concerted public effort, have a similar potential in reducing environmentally unsustainable consumption. A closer tying of consumption to the issue of climate change is suggested as a primary facilitating strategy.
Haptoglobin binds apolipoprotein E and influences cholesterol esterification in the cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Salvatore Alfonso , Cigliano Luisa , Carlucci Alessandro , Bucci Enrico M. , Abrescia Paolo 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHaptoglobin (Hpt) binds the apolipoprotein (Apo) A–I domain, which is involved in stimulating the enzyme lecithin‐cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) for cholesterol esterification. This binding was shown to protect ApoA–I against hydroxyl radicals, thus preventing loss of ApoA–I function in enzyme stimulation. In this study, we report that Hpt is also able to bind ApoE. The Hpt binding site on the ApoE structure was mapped by using synthetic peptides, and found homologous to the Hpt binding site of ApoA–I. Hydroxyl radicals promoted in vitro the formation of ApoE‐containing adducts which were detected by immunoblotting. Hpt impaired this oxidative modification whereas albumin did not. CSF from patients with multiple sclerosis or subjects without neurodegeneration contains oxidized forms of ApoE and ApoA–I similar to those observed in vitro. CSF was analyzed for its level of ApoA–I, ApoE, Hpt, cholesteryl esters, and unesterified cholesterol. The ratio of esterified with unesterified cholesterol, assumed to reflect the LCAT activity ex vivo, did not correlate with either analyzed protein, but conversely correlated with the ratio [Hpt]/([ApoE]+[ApoA–I]). The results suggest that Hpt might save the function of ApoA–I and ApoE for cholesterol esterification, a process contributing to cholesterol elimination from the brain.
Splice variants of the glutamate transporter GLT1 form hetero‐oligomers that interact with PSD‐95 and NMDA receptors
Authors: González‐González Inmaculada M. , García‐Tardón Noemí , Giménez Cecilio , Zafra Francisco 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe glutamate transporter GLT1 is expressed in at least two isoforms, GLT1a and GLT1b, which differ in their C termini. As GLT1 is an oligomeric protein, we have investigated whether GLT1a and GLT1b might associate as hetero‐oligomers. Differential tagging (HA‐GLT1a and YFP‐GLT1b) revealed that these isoforms form complexes that could be immunoprecipitated when co‐expressed in heterologous systems. The association of GLT1a and GLT1b was also observed in mixed primary cultures of rat brain and in the adult rat brain, where specific antibodies for GLT1a immunoprecipitated GLT1b and vice versa. Dual immunofluorescence in mixed cultures demonstrated the partial co‐localization of both isoforms in neurons and in glial cells. Because GLT1b interacts with an organizer of post‐synaptic densities, PSD‐95, we examined the capacity of GLT1a to associate with this protein. GLT1a was immunoprecipitated from the rat brain in protein complexes that contained not only GLT1b but also PSD‐95 and NMDAR. The interaction between GLT1a with PSD‐95 and NMDAR was reproduced in transfected COS7 cells and it appears to be indirect as it requires the presence of GLT1b. These results indicate that the major isoform of the glutamate transporter, GLT1a, can acquire the capacity to interact with PDZ proteins through its inclusion in hetero‐oligomers containing GLT1b.
Collapse of an avifauna: climate change appears to exacerbate habitat loss and degradation
Authors: Mac Nally Ralph , Bennett Andrew F. , Thomson James R. , Radford James Q. , Unmack Guy , Horrocks Gregory , Vesk Peter A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim  We characterized changes in reporting rates and abundances of bird species over a period of severe rainfall deficiency and increasing average temperatures. We also measured flowering in eucalypts, which support large numbers of nectarivores characteristic of the region.Location  A 30,000‐km2 region of northern Victoria, Australia, consisting of limited amounts of remnant native woodlands embedded in largely agricultural landscapes.Methods  There were three sets of monitoring studies, pitched at regional (survey programmes in 1995–97, 2004–05 and 2006–08), landscape (2002–03 and 2006–07) and site (1997–2008 continuously) scales. Bird survey techniques used a standard 2‐ha, 20‐min count method. We used Bayesian analyses of reporting rates to document statistically changes in the avifauna through time at each spatial scale.Results  Bird populations in the largest remnants of native vegetation (up to 40,000 ha), some of which have been declared as national parks in the past decade, experienced similar declines to those in heavily cleared landscapes. All categories of birds (guilds based on foraging substrate, diet, nest site; relative mobility; geographical distributions) were affected similarly. We detected virtually no bird breeding in the latest survey periods. Eucalypt flowering has declined significantly over the past 12 years of drought.Main conclusions  Declines in the largest woodland remnants commensurate with those in cleared landscapes suggest that reserve systems may not be relied upon to sustain species under climate change. We attribute population declines to low breeding success due to reduced food. Resilience of bird populations in this woodland system might be increased by active management to enhance habitat quality in existing vegetation and restoration of woodland in the more fertile parts of landscapes.
The Historiography of a Construct: “Feudalism” and the Medieval Historian
Authors: Abels Richard 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBetween 1974 and 1994, two influential critiques of feudalism were published, an article in 1974 by Elizabeth A. R. Brown and a book by Susan Reynolds in 1994, that crystallized doubts about the construct of feudalism harbored by many historians of the Middle Ages. Over the last few years textbooks have begun to reflect the new consensus. Medieval historians responsible for chapters on the Middle Ages in Western Civilization and World Civilization textbooks now shy away from the term ‘feudalism’. This reticence is less evident in civilization textbooks lacking a medievalist among the collaborators. In several of these we still find the ‘feudal Middle Ages’ presented without apology, as well as comparisons drawn between Japanese, Chinese, and medieval Western feudalisms. Whether or not the assigned textbook mentions ‘feudalism’, most Western civilization instructors probably continue to use the term because it is familiar to them and to their students. This article presents an overview of the historiography of one of the key concepts for the study of the Middle Ages, and an assessment of where the state of the question now stands. The author concludes that, although the critique of feudalism is powerful and necessary, the pendulum is threatening to swing too far in the other direction, away from the vertical ties and power relations that once dominated discussions of medieval politics and society, and toward a new paradigm of horizontal bonds, consensus making, and community.
Culvert Replacement and Stream Habitat Restoration: Implications from Brook Trout Management in an Appalachian Watershed, U.S.A.
Authors: Poplar‐Jeffers Ira O. , Petty J. Todd , Anderson James T. , Kite Steven J. , Strager Michael P. , Fortney Ronald H. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Large‐scale culvert replacement programs could benefit migratory fish populations by reconnecting reproductive and foraging habitats in fragmented watersheds. The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify stream and culvert characteristics contributing to fish passage barriers within an Appalachian watershed, U.S.A.; (2) quantify the total amount of Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) reproductive habitat isolated above culverts; and (3) use an ecological currency to identify culvert replacement priorities and stream mitigation credit opportunities. We surveyed 120 state‐owned culverts and used a fish passage assessment filter to determine the “passability” of each culvert. We then constructed a geographic information system stream network model to quantify the amount of trout reproductive habitat isolated by culverts. Ninety‐seven percent of surveyed culverts were classified as obstacles or complete barriers to trout dispersal. Culvert impassability was higher in small streams with slopes exceeding 3–5%, suggesting a direct relationship between slope and impassability. Thirty‐three percent of Brook trout reproductive habitat, representing over 200 km of stream, was isolated by culverts. This is a conservative estimate, because we did not survey privately or federally owned culverts. The top 20 prioritized culverts accounted for nearly half of the habitat loss. Our results indicate that standard culvert designs placed in streams with slopes exceeding 5% consistently produce trout dispersal barriers and should be avoided during new road construction. The process developed here provides an efficient method for identifying culvert replacement priorities and may be used to maximize watershed scale benefits of stream restoration.
Vegetation Management for Promoting Ecosystem Resilience in Fire‐Prone Mediterranean Shrublands
Authors: Valdecantos A. , Baeza M. J. , Vallejo V. R. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Dense shrublands constitute highly hazardous fuels in Mediterranean countries. The combination of agricultural land abandonment and fire occurrence in many Mediterranean areas has led to a landscape dominated by shrublands where resprouter species are scarce or absent. Major goals in the management of these areas are to reduce both the fuel loads and their continuity and increase the resilience of the ecosystems by introducing resprouter species. We investigated the performance of one‐year‐old seedlings of native resprouters, that is, Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus ilex, and Rhamnus alaternus, in a combination of vegetation clearing and mulching with brush chipping in three sites with high amount of fuel load. The planting holes inside the shrublands showed lower radiation and soil surface temperature than those in the cleared areas, whereas soil water content was higher in the mulched holes than in the unmulched ones, especially when water availability was lowest. Seedling survival of Q. ilex and R. alaternus significantly increased within the shrubland; P. lentiscus showed the opposite effect, but its survival was enhanced by the mulching treatment. The three species grew faster in the cleared plots although, unexpectedly, mulching showed a negative effect on Q. ilex relative growth rate in diameter. Our results suggest that the combination of fuel control and reforestation as techniques for shrubland management is an appropriate option, at least in the short term, to redirect vegetation dynamics toward later successional stages, improving ecosystem resilience by the introduction of woody resprouter species.
Significant Achievements in Protection and Restoration of Alpine Grassland Ecosystem in Northern Tibet, China
Authors: Gao Qing‐zhu , Li Yue , Wan Yun‐fan , Jiangcun Wang‐zha , Qin Xiao‐bo , Wang Bao‐shan 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Alpine grassland is a fragile ecosystem, and a large area of this grassland type has been severely degraded in Northern Tibet, to the extent that it has become the primary ecological problem in the region. Various levels of government, including the national central government, the Tibetan Autonomous Region government, and the Nagqu Prefecture government have worked together to achieve alpine grassland ecosystem protection and prevent grassland degradation. These efforts have resulted in significant ecological, social, and economic benefits in Northern Tibet.
A Twin Study of Depression and Migraine: Evidence for a Shared Genetic Vulnerability
Authors: Schur Ellen A. , Noonan Carolyn , Buchwald Dedra , Goldberg Jack , Afari Niloofar 
Published: April 2009

Objective.— To determine if shared genetic or environmental vulnerabilities could underlie depression and migraine.Background.— Depression and migraine headaches frequently coexist and their comorbidity may be due to shared etiologies.Methods.— Female twins in the University of Washington Twin Registry responded to a mailed survey regarding their health history. Depression and migraine were determined by self‐report of a physician's diagnosis. We used bivariate structural equation modeling to test for shared genetic, common environmental, and unique environmental components, and to estimate the magnitude of any shared component.Results.— Among 758 monozygotic and 306 dizygotic female pairs, 23% reported depression and 20% reported migraine headaches. Heritability was estimated to be 58% (95% confidence interval: 48‐67%) for depression and 44% (95% confidence interval: 32‐56%) for migraine. Bivariate structural equation modeling estimated that 20% of the variability in depression and migraine headaches was due to shared genes and 4% was due to shared unique environmental factors.Conclusions.— The comorbidity of depression and migraine headache may be due in part to shared genetic risk factors. Research should focus attention on shared pathways, thereby making progress on 2 disease fronts simultaneously and perhaps providing clinicians with unified treatment strategies.
Familial Cluster Headache: Demographic Patterns in Affected and Nonaffected
Authors: Sjöstrand Christina , Russell Michael Bjørn , Ekbom Karl , Waldenlind Elisabet 
Published: April 2009

(Headache 2010;50:374‐382)Objective.— Smoking has been claimed to be more common in cluster headache (CH) sufferers than in nonaffected subjects. Other demographic information such as handedness, body mass index, eye color, education, occupation, and alcohol use has been described as being different in CH patients compared with a control population. The aim of this study was to get more detailed information in CH patients with a positive family history and their nonaffected relatives, assuming that there would be demographic differences between the groups.Materials and methods.— Affected CH patients and nonaffected first‐ and second‐degree relatives (n = 114) received a posted questionnaire. Information from 83 subjects (42 affected and 41 first‐ and/or second‐degree relatives) from 23 families was received. P < .05 was chosen to be significant.Results.— Parental cigarette smoking during childhood and adolescence of patients and controls and current or former smoking was significantly more common in CH patients. Frequent alcohol intake (2‐3 times/week or more) was significantly more common in the affected group of CH patients. There were significant differences as regards the life history of head trauma, but some of the affected had had the trauma after the age of onset of CH. Interestingly, CH patients worked more full‐time than nonaffected.Conclusion.— Formerly described demographic relationships in CH regarding cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and head trauma were also seen in our CH patients and their nonaffected relatives. These findings might represent a gene environment interaction in affected CH patients or it could be personality‐lifestyle‐related phenomena or a combination of these mechanisms.