bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Bayesian isotope mixing models: a response to Jackson et al. (2009)
Authors: Semmens Brice X. , Moore Jonathan W. , Ward Eric J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe recently described a Bayesian framework for stable isotope mixing models and provided a software tool, MixSIR, for conducting such analyses (Ecol. Lett., 2008; 11:470). Jackson et al. (Ecol. Lett., 2009; 12:E1) criticized the performance of our software based on tests using simulated data. However, their simulation data were flawed, rendering claims of erroneous behaviour inaccurate. A re‐evaluation of the MixSIR source code did, however, uncover two minor coding errors, which we have fixed. When data are correctly simulated according to eqns (1)–(4) in Jackson et al. (2009), MixSIR consistently and accurately estimated the proportional contribution of prey to a predator diet, and was surprisingly robust to additional unquantified error. Jackson et al. (2009) also suggested we use a Dirichlet prior on the source proportion parameters, which we agree with. Finally, Jackson et al. (2009) propose adding additional error parameters to our mixing model framework. We caution that such increases in model complexity should be evaluated based on data support.
Global analysis of bird elevational diversity
Authors: McCain Christy M. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTAim  Elevational gradients distributed across the globe are a powerful test system for understanding biodiversity. Here I use a comprehensive set of bird elevational gradients to test the main drivers of diversity, including sampling, area, mid‐domain effect, temperature, temperature and water availability, and hypotheses of evolutionary history.Location  Seventy‐eight elevational gradients of bird diversity from mountains in both hemispheres spanning 24.5° S to 48.2° N, including gradients from various climates, biogeographical regions and habitat types.Methods  Data on bird elevational diversity were taken from the literature. Of the 150 datasets found or compiled, only those with a high, unbiased sampling effort were used in analyses. Datasets sampled all birds, all breeding birds or all forest birds; a few studies detailed seasonal, elevational shifts. Eighteen predictions of diversity theory were tested, including three sets of interactions.Results  Birds display four distinct diversity patterns in nearly equal frequency on mountains: decreasing diversity, low‐elevation plateaus, low‐elevation plateaus with mid‐peaks, and unimodal mid‐elevational peaks. Bird elevational diversity strongly supports current climate as the main driver of diversity, particularly combined trends in temperature and water availability. Bird diversity on humid mountains is either decreasing or shows a low‐elevation plateau in diversity, while on dry mountains it is unimodal or a broad, low‐elevation plateau usually with a mid‐elevation maximum. The predictions of sampling, area and mid‐domain effect were not consistently supported globally. The only evolutionary hypothesis with preliminary support was niche conservatism.Main conclusions  Both water and temperature variables are needed to comprehensively predict elevational diversity patterns for birds. This result is consistent for breeding and forest birds, for both hemispheres, and for local‐ or regional‐scale montane gradients. More analyses are needed to discern whether the mechanism underlying these relationships is ecological, based on direct physiological limitations or indirect food resource limitations, or historical, based on phylogenetic niche conservation or other evolutionary trends related to climate. The species–area and mid‐domain effects are not supported as primary drivers of elevational diversity in birds.
Fabricating the Market: The Promotion of Life Assurance in the Long Nineteenth‐Century
Authors: MCFALL LIZ , DODSWORTH FRANCIS 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe market for life assurance did not emerge “naturally” from a particular problem of the allocation of resources, it had to be made. Life insurance had to appear desirable and reliable. This involved the circulation of a variety of advertising media, one aspect of which was the fabrication of grand offices as headquarters for life assurance companies. These buildings and their widely‐circulated images were part of a process of making life assurance appear prudent and proper, but more importantly secure. Through this fabrication of the liberal market, the City of London was transformed into a centre of commerce and finance.
Assessment of dementia in patients with multiple system atrophy
Authors: Kitayama M. , Wada‐Isoe K. , Irizawa Y. , Nakashima K. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  We investigated dementia in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) in order to characterize the prevalence and nature of impairments in these patients.Methods:  Fifty‐eight MSA patients were recruited in our institution between April 1996 and December 2006 and investigated.Results:  Of 58 patients, 10 were diagnosed with dementia. There were no significant differences in age at onset, gender, duration of disease, or severity of cerebellar dysfunction between patients with and without dementia. The early and delayed heart to mediastinum (H/M) ratios obtained with 123I‐metaidobenylguanidine (MIBG) cardiac scintigraphy were significantly decreased in patients with dementia compared with those without dementia. Of the 10 patients with dementia, three were found to have cognitive decline that preceded onset of motor symptoms. White matter lesions were evident in these patients, whilst frontal atrophy was prominent in patients whose cognitive decline was preceded by onset of motor symptoms.Conclusions:  Dementia in patients with MSA may be more common than previously thought, furthermore, we speculate that clinical features of dementia in these patients might be heterogeneous.
Anatomy of executive deficit following ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm
Authors: Martinaud O. , Perin B. , Gérardin E. , Proust F. , Bioux S. , Gars D. Le , Hannequin D. , Godefroy O. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  To evaluate behavioral and cognitive deficits following anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture and determine critical lesion locations.Methods:  We investigated 74 patients with standardized cognitive tests and behavioral inventory. Two examiners rated MRI signal abnormalities in 51 predetermined regions of interest. Classification tree analysis was used to select regions associated with each cognitive deficit.Results:  Eleven patients presented behavioral executive deficits and 10 had cognitive executive deficit. Their presence depended on left hemisphere lesions only: (i) ventral striatum lesion was associated with behavioral executive deficit (P = 0.04), reduction of activities (P = 0.01), and hyperactivity (P = 0.02); (ii) superior frontal gyrus lesion, with cognitive executive deficit (P = 0.01), action initiation deficit (P = 0.02), and rule deduction deficit (P = 0.02); (iii) anterior half of centrum semiovale lesion, with Stroop inhibition deficit (P = 0.02); (iv) medial superior and middle frontal gyri lesions, with task coordination deficit (P = 0.01); and (v) middle frontal gyrus lesion, with words generation deficit (P = 0.02).Conclusion:  This study supports that (i) cognitive executive deficits depend mostly on lateral prefrontal lesions, (ii) with locations varying according to executive process, and (iii) behavioral executive deficits are mainly due to left ventral striatum lesion in post‐aneurysmal damage.
Natural history of complications after intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Ali M. , Lyden P. , Sacco R. L. , Shuaib A. , Lees K. R. ,   for the VISTA investigators
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Numerous trials of haemostatic and neuroprotective agents for intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) have failed. We characterized the risk of complications after ICH in a trial‐eligible patient population, to inform safety in future trials.Methods:  We used the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive database to identify placebo‐treated patients with spontaneous ICH, who were not comatose at admission, where randomization took place within 4 h of symptom onset, and where serious complication and outcome data were available. We described the complications encountered and assessed whether the absence of common complications influenced attainment of good functional outcome (mRS ≤4) at 90 days using logistic regression.Results:  Of 201 patients examined, 70.2% experienced at least one serious complication. Neurological complications occurred in 21%, infections amongst 11%, and thromboembolic complications in 2%. Extension of the haemorrhage occurred most frequently: its absence was a significant predictor of good functional outcome (P < 0.0001, adjusted OR for good functional outcome = 21.9, 95% CI: [5.5, 88.3]). Neither infection, nor cardiac, nor thromboembolic complications influenced functional outcome at 90 days.Conclusions:  Three month outcome in ICH patients depends on initial stroke severity and on enlargement of the haemorrhage. Our results should inform safety in future clinical trials of putative ICH therapies.
Vascular risk factor awareness before and pharmacological treatment before and after stroke and TIA
Authors: Nolte C. H. , Jungehulsing G. J. , Rossnagel K. , Roll S. , Haeusler K. G. , Reich A. , Willich S. N. , Villringer A. , Muller‐Nordhorn J. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Educating the public to screen for vascular risk factors and have them treated is a major public health issue. We assessed the vascular risk factor awareness and frequency of treatment in a cohort of patients with cerebral ischaemia.Methods:  Data on awareness and pharmacological treatment of vascular risk factors before hospital admission of patients with confirmed ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) were analyzed. A follow‐up questionnaire assessed the frequency of treatment 1 year after discharge and assessed non‐adherence to antithrombotic medication.Results:  At time of stroke/TIA, individual awareness regarding existing hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and atrial fibrillation (AF) was 83%, 87%, 73% and 69% respectively (n = 558). Pharmacological treatment for hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and AF was being administered in 80%, 77%, 37% and 62% of patients aware of their conditions. The follow‐up was completed by 383 patients (80% recall rate): of the patients with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and AF, 89%, 78%, 45% and 86% were receiving risk factor targeted medication. This represents a significant increase concerning AF and hyperlipidemia. Non‐adherence to recommended antithrombotics (15%) was higher in patients who had had a TIA.Conclusions:  All risk factors leave room for improvement in screening and treatment efforts. Adherence to treatment is higher for hypertension and diabetes than for hyperlipidemia. Education efforts should bear in mind less well recognized risk factors.
Chronic daily headache with medication overuse: predictors of outcome 1 year after withdrawal therapy
Authors: Bøe M. G. , Salvesen R. , Mygland Å. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  We examined prospectively the results of withdrawal therapy in 80 patients with probable medication overuse headache. The aim was to identify baseline patient characteristics that might predict outcome after 1 year (end of study).Methods:  We classified patients according to results of withdrawal therapy measured as the improvement of headache days (HD) from baseline to end of study.Results:  Thirty‐six per cent (29/80) had at least 50% improvement. Sixty‐four per cent (51/80) had <50% improvement, and among these, 30% (24/80) had <10% improvement. The following baseline characteristics were associated with poor outcome of withdrawal therapy: use of codeine‐containing drugs, low self‐reported sleep quality, and high self‐reported bodily pain as measured by the quality of life tool SF‐36.Conclusion:  Before suggesting withdrawal therapy, one should probably pay more close attention to sleep problems.
Fungal endophytes: diversity and functional roles
Authors: Rodriguez R. J. , White Jr J. F. , Arnold A. E. , Redman R. S. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryAll plants in natural ecosystems appear to be symbiotic with fungal endophytes. This highly diverse group of fungi can have profound impacts on plant communities through increasing fitness by conferring abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, increasing biomass and decreasing water consumption, or decreasing fitness by altering resource allocation. Despite more than 100 yr of research resulting in thousands of journal articles, the ecological significance of these fungi remains poorly characterized. Historically, two endophytic groups (clavicipitaceous (C) and nonclavicipitaceous (NC)) have been discriminated based on phylogeny and life history traits. Here, we show that NC‐endophytes represent three distinct functional groups based on host colonization and transmission,in plantabiodiversity and fitness benefits conferred to hosts. Using this framework, we contrast the life histories, interactions with hosts and potential roles in plant ecophysiology of C‐ and NC‐endophytes, and highlight several key questions for future work in endophyte biology.ContentsSummary314I.Introduction314II.Clavicipitaceous endophytes (Class 1)316III.Nonclavicipitaceous endophytes319IV.Class 2 endophytes319V.Class 3 endophytes321VI.Class 4 endophytes323VII.Conclusions325Acknowledgements326References326
Phosphodiesterase 10A inhibition modulates the sensitivity of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system to d‐amphetamine: involvement of the D1‐regulated feedback control of midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Sotty Florence , Montezinho Liliana P. , Steiniger‐Brach Björn , Nielsen Jacob 
Published: February 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009) 109, 766–775.AbstractPhosphodiesterase (PDE) 10A is highly expressed in medium spiny neurons of the striatum, at the confluence of the corticostriatal glutamatergic and the midbrain dopaminergic pathways, both believed to be involved in the physiopathology of schizophrenia. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that targeting PDE10A may be beneficial for the treatment of positive symptoms in schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to investigate how PDE10A inhibition modulates mesolimbic dopaminergic neurotransmission. We found that the selective PDE10A inhibitor, MP‐10, blocked d‐amphetamine‐induced hyperactivity as well as d‐amphetamine‐induced dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens in a dose‐dependent manner. We further investigated the mechanism by which PDE10A inhibition affects dopaminergic neurotransmission. We report that MP‐10 potentiated the effect of a high but not a low dose of d‐amphetamine on the mean firing rate of dopaminergic neurons recorded from the ventral tegmental area. Similarly, the effect of a high, but not a low dose of d‐amphetamine, was completely reversed by the selective D1 antagonist, SCH23390. These data suggest that the D1‐regulated feedback control of midbrain dopamine neurons is a critical pathway involved in the modulation of the response of mesolimbic dopamine neurons to d‐amphetamine by PDE10A inhibition.
Lead In‐Use Stock
Authors: Mao Jiansu , Graedel T. E. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe 20th century was a time of rapidly escalating use of lead (Pb). As a consequence, the standing stock of lead is now substantial. By linking lead extraction and use to estimates of product lifetimes and recycling, we have derived an estimate of the standing stock of lead throughout the century by top‐down techniques. We find that the stock of in‐use lead is almost entirely made up of batteries (68%), lead sheet (10%), and lead pipe (10%). Globally, about 200 teragrams (Tg) Pb was mined in the 20th century, and about 25 Tg Pb now makes up the in‐use stock, so some 87% has been lost over time. Nonetheless, about 11% of all lead entering use was added to in‐use stock in 2000, so the stock continues to increase each year. Currently, most of the stock is in Europe (32%), North America (32%), and Asia (24%). On a per capita basis, the global stock is about 5.6 kilograms (kg) Pb, and regional in‐use stock ranges from 2.0 kg Pb (Africa) to 19.7 kg Pb (Europe). From a sustainability perspective, we estimate that the global lead resource is around 415 Tg Pb. Were the entire world to receive the services of lead at the level of the developed countries, some 130 Tg Pb would be needed, so there do not appear to be significant long‐term limitations to the lead supply.
Do State Cost Control Policies Reduce Medicaid Prescription Drug Spending?
Authors: Simon Kosali , Tennyson Sharon , Hudman Julie 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe present the first systematic analysis of state policies limiting prescription drug access under Medicaid during 1990–2004, documenting their impact on states’ Medicaid prescription spending growth. We see substantial variation in the number and type of policies used by states, but a clear upward trend in restrictions over time. Analysis of state level annual spending growth shows that these restrictions have in general helped contain Medicaid prescription drug costs and that some approaches, such as the use of preferred drug lists (PDLs) and tiered copayment systems, may have been more effective than others.
Influential Articles, Journals, and Institutions in Risk Management and Insurance
Authors: Chan Kam C. , Liano Kartono 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe use a threshold citation approach to measure the influence of articles, journals, and institutions in risk management and insurance research. The three frequently cited articles in risk management and insurance research are “Increasing Risk: I. A Definition” by Rothschild and Stiglitz (1970), “Precautionary Saving in the Small and in the Large” by Kimball (1990), and “Equilibrium in Competitive Insurance Markets: An Essay on the Economics of Imperfect Information” by Rothschild and Stiglitz (1990). Journal of Risk and Insurance, Econometrica, and Journal of Political Economy are the three influential journals in risk management and insurance research. Furthermore, the five influential institutions in risk management and insurance research are the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, the University of Rochester, the University of Michigan, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Diversity in commercial varieties and landraces of black eggplants and implications for broadening the breeders’ gene pool
Authors: Muñoz‐Falcón J.E. , Prohens J. , Vilanova S. , Nuez F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBlack‐coloured eggplants (Solanum melongena) represent the commercially most important group of eggplants in Europe and North America. Most of the modern varieties of black eggplants correspond to F1 hybrids, which at the same time constitute an elite gene pool for the development of new varieties. However, there are many black landraces and old varieties, which could be useful as sources of variation for black eggplant breeding programmes as well as for the broadening of the genetic diversity of the breeders’ gene pool. We have studied the morphological and molecular [amplified fragment length polymorphism and simple sequence repeat (SSR)] diversity in a collection of 38 black eggplant accessions, including commercial (modern F1 hybrid and old nonhybrid) varieties and landraces as well as in six nonblack control eggplants, from different origins. The results show that black eggplants contain a considerable morphological and molecular diversity, but commercial varieties, and in particular F1 hybrids, display a reduced morphological and molecular diversity when compared with landraces. The principal components analysis morphological and principal coordinates analysis molecular analyses show that commercial F1 hybrids group together, indicating that they share a common and narrow gene pool. Commercial F1 hybrids present a series of productive advantages, like early production, intense black colour (low L*, a* and b*) values and absence of fruit calyx prickles. However, several of the landraces and old nonhybrid varieties studied present a high yield as well as other traits of interest for eggplant breeding. Furthermore, given the low genetic diversity of F1 hybrids and the moderate level of SSR heterozygosity found in these materials (0.382), introduction of black landraces and old varieties in the present breeding programmes could contribute to broadening the gene pool used by breeders and this could help increase the heterosis for yield of F1 hybrids, which is greatly favoured by high heterozygosity levels.
Dietary fatty acids and inflammation
Authors: CLIFTON Peter 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIntroduction:  It is commonly believed that inflammation can be reduced by lowering the dietary ratio of n‐6 (linoleic acid) to n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a means of lowering arachidonic acid levels in cell membranes. This review will examine this proposition.Results:  Although many pro‐inflammatory molecules can be produced from arachidonic acid and this long‐chain n‐6 fatty acid can be produced from linoleic acid, changing dietary linoleic acid intake over a wide range does not have any significant effect on arachidonic acid levels in cell membranes, inflammation or immune functions. There are no data that show lowering dietary n‐6 polyunsaturated fats reduces inflammation. In contrast, arachidonic acid levels in cell membranes and inflammatory parameters are lowered by increasing intakes of long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Resolvins and protectins, both derivatives of long‐chain n‐3 fats, also have potential anti‐inflammatory activity. In high doses, long‐chain n‐3 fats may have modest, beneficial effects on inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. However, many studies have shown no effects of fish oil on inflammation parameters.Conclusions:  The dietary n‐6/n‐3 ratio is not a useful measure of the inflammatory nature of a diet, though the absolute amount of dietary long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may be a guide.
Developmental outcomes in early compared with delayed surgery for glue ear up to age 7 years: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hall A.J. , Maw A.R. , Steer C.D. 
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To investigate whether early versus delayed surgery for children severely affected by otitis media with effusion (OME) results in improved performance on developmental tests up to age 7 years.Design:  Follow‐up of a randomised controlled trial.Setting:  University of Bristol.Participants:  One hundred and eighty‐two children (mean age 35 months) with persistent OME, hearing loss and speech, language or behaviour problems who were originally eligible and randomised to either early surgery or delayed surgery after a period of watchful waiting were followed‐up as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) at age 4½ and 7–8 years.Main outcome measures:  Measures included behaviour, language, educational attainment tests, hearing, reading, cognition and coordination.Results:  Of the original randomised trial, 88 of 92 of the early surgery and 74 of 90 of the watchful waiting group were still participating in ALSPAC. Analysis was by intention to treat. At age 4 ½ years there were significant differences in teacher assessment of language (adj OR 3.45, 95% CI: 1.42–8.39) and writing (adj OR 3.74, 95% CI: 1.51–9.27), in favour of early surgery. At age 7–8 years, there was a significant difference on teacher report of emotional problems (adj OR 4.11, 95% CI: 1.15–14.64) in favour of early surgery. There were no other significant differences.Conclusions:  Early surgery for the child severely affected by OME may be associated with subtle benefits at age 4½ years. This may continue to 7–8 years but the small study size makes it difficult to distinguish these effects from chance. A larger study is recommended.