bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing plant hydraulic architecture within the LPJ Dynamic Global Vegetation Model
Authors: Hickler Thomas , Prentice I. Colin , Smith Benjamin , Sykes Martin T. , Zaehle Sönke 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTAim  To implement plant hydraulic architecture within the Lund–Potsdam–Jena Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (LPJ–DGVM), and to test the model against a set of observational data. If the model can reproduce major patterns in vegetation and ecosystem processes, we consider this to be an important linkage between plant physiology and larger‐scale ecosystem dynamics.Location  The location is global, geographically distributed.Methods  A literature review was carried out to derive model formulations and parameter values for representing the hydraulic characteristics of major global plant functional types (PFTs) in a DGVM. After implementing the corresponding formulations within the LPJ–DGVM, present‐day model output was compared to observational data.Results  The model reproduced observed broad‐scale patterns in potential natural vegetation, but it failed to distinguish accurately between different types of grassland and savanna vegetation, possibly related to inadequate model representations of water fluxes in the soil and wildfire effects. Compared to a version of the model using an empirical formulation for calculating plant water supply without considering plant hydraulic architecture, the new formulation improved simulated patterns of vegetation in particular for dry shrublands. Global‐scale simulation results for runoff and actual evapotranspiration (AET) corresponded well to available data. The model also successfully reproduced the magnitude and seasonal cycle of AET for most EUROFLUX forests, while modelled variation in NPP across a large number of sites spanning several biomes showed a strong correlation with estimates from field measurements.Main conclusions  The model was generally confirmed by comparison to observational data. The novel model representation of water flow within plants makes it possible to resolve mechanistically the effects of hydraulic differences between plant functional groups on vegetation structure, water cycling, and competition. This may be an advantage when predicting ecosystem responses to nonextant climates, in particular in areas dominated by dry shrubland vegetation.
Is there a connection between weather at departure sites, onset of migration and timing of soaring‐bird autumn migration in Israel?
Authors: Shamoun‐Baranes Judy , Van Loon Emiel , Alon Dan , Alpert Pinhas , Yom‐Tov Yoram , Leshem Yossi 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTAims Different aspects of soaring‐bird migration are influenced by weather. However, the relationship between weather and the onset of soaring‐bird migration, particularly in autumn, is not clear. Although long‐term migration counts are often unavailable near the breeding areas of many soaring birds in the western Palaearctic, soaring‐bird migration has been systematically monitored in Israel, a region where populations from large geographical areas converge. This study tests several fundamental hypotheses regarding the onset of migration and explores the connection between weather, migration onset and arrival at a distant site.Location Globally gridded meteorological data from the breeding areas in north‐eastern Europe were used as predictive variables in relation to the arrival of soaring migrants in Israel.Methods Inverse modelling was used to study the temporal and spatial influence of weather on initiation of migration based on autumn soaring‐bird migration counts in Israel. Numerous combinations of migration duration and temporal influence of meteorological variables (temperature, sea‐level pressure and precipitable water) were tested with different models for meteorological sensitivity.Results The day of arrival in Israel of white storks, honey buzzards, Levant sparrowhawks and lesser spotted eagles was significantly and strongly related to meteorological conditions in the breeding area days or even weeks before arrival in Israel. The cumulative number of days or cumulative value above or below a meteorological threshold performed significantly better than other models tested. Models provided reliable estimates of migration duration for each species.Main conclusions The meteorological triggers of migration at the breeding grounds differed between species and were related to deteriorating living conditions and deteriorating migratory flight conditions. Soaring birds are sensitive to meteorological triggers at the same period every year and their temporal response to weather appears to be constrained by their annual routine.
This Year’s Model: influences on board and director evaluation*
Authors: Long Tracy 
Published: October 2006

Over the last few years corporate governance codes and shareholder expectations have increased the need for boards of directors to demonstrate effective leadership, quality decision‐making processes and the ability to exercise corporate controls. Shareholders and stakeholders continue to focus on indicators such board structure, composition and non‐executive independence as proxies for effectiveness, often without an increased under‐standing of the environment in which boards of directors make decisions, or the behaviour and dynamics of individuals. In order specifically to address this issue the Combined Code, published in 2003, stated that a board should undertake annually “a formal and rigorous evaluation of its own performance, that of the committees and individual directors” (Financial Reporting Council, 2003, p. 10. TheCombined Code on Corporate Governance. London: Financial Reporting Council), although it omitted to give formal guidance on evaluation methods, or the disclosure of outcomes to shareholders.This paper draws on earlier research (Long, 2004) in order to contribute to an improved understanding of the role and effectiveness of board evaluation, and to add to the policy debate by identifying board dynamics which influence the environment in which boards operate. It suggests that the evaluation process should interpret specific influences on the environment in which boards make their decisions – company lifecycle, corporate structure, board culture and embedded process – highlighting distinct board roles and responsibilities, and diverse levels of individual approach, expectation and contribution. The author draws on her work through Boardroom Review to explore ways in which board evaluation can achieve a range of corporate objectives which extend beyond compliance, and encourages boards and their chairmen to adopt a thoughtful and thorough approach to this year’s evaluation model.
The Eviction of Critical Perspectives from Gentrification Research
Authors: SLATER TOM 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRecent years have seen an extraordinary resurgence of interest in the process of gentrification, accompanied by a surge of articles published on the topic. This article looks at some recent literature — both scholarly and popular — and considers the reasons why the often highly critical perspectives on gentrification that we saw in earlier decades have dwindled. Whilst a number of reasons could be put forward, three in particular are discussed. First, the resilience of theoretical and ideological squabbles over the causes of gentrification, at the expense of examining its effects; second, the demise of displacement as a defining feature of the process and as a research question; and third, the pervasive influence of neoliberal urban policies of ‘social mix’ in central city neighbourhoods. It is argued that the ‘eviction’ of critical perspectives from a field in which they were once plentiful has serious implications for those at risk from gentrification, and that reclaiming the term from those who have sugarcoated what was not so long ago a ‘dirty word’ (Smith, 1996) is essential if political challenges to the process can be effective.
Genetics of psoriasis
Authors: Jullien D , Barker JN 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause with variable clinical expression. In the absence of clearly identified psoriasis autoantigen, there is debate as to whether it can be considered an autoimmune disease. However, considerable evidence obtained from twin studies, demographic studies, and genome‐wide scans performed in several extended patient cohorts and carefully selected psoriasis pedigrees, clearly established that genetics is a key component in the development of psoriasis. The common thought is that psoriasis has a multifactorial mode of inheritance, and that in order for an individual to develop clinical lesions, several psoriasis‐susceptibility genes have to interact together and with various environmental factors. This article reviews some past and current findings on the genetics of psoriasis.
Autism spectrum disorder in the second year: stability and change in syndrome expression
Authors: Chawarska Katarzyna , Klin Ami , Paul Rhea , Volkmar Fred 
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  Increasing numbers of young children referred for a differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) necessitates better understanding of the early syndrome expression and the utility of the existing state‐of‐the art diagnostic methods in this population.Method:  Out of 31 infants under the age of 2 years referred for a differential diagnosis, 19 were diagnosed with autism, and 9 with pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD‐NOS) when reassessed at 3 years. We examined 1) the symptoms of ASD in the second year and changes in the syndrome expression by the age of three; 2) relationship between expert‐assigned clinical diagnosis and diagnostic classification based on Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‐Generic (ADOS‐G) and Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) in the second year; 3) the relationship between direct observation and parental report of ASD symptoms.Results:  Symptoms of autism and PDD‐NOS in the second year were pronounced and stability of the clinical diagnosis was high. The agreement between clinician‐assigned autism but not PDD‐NOS diagnosis and the ADOS‐G was high. However, sensitivity of the ADI‐R diagnostic classification of autism was poor. Comparison of concurrent parental report and direct observation revealed discrepancies in severity ratings of key dyadic social behaviors. Changes in communication reflected acquisition of language accompanied by the emergence of unusual language characteristics. Symptoms of social dysfunction were relatively stable over time, and so was the severity of stereotyped behaviors.Conclusions:  The study provides support for stability of clinical diagnosis and syndrome expression in the second year and highlights advantages and limitations of the ADI‐R and ADOS‐G for diagnosing and documenting symptoms of ASD in infants.
The cannabinoid system and its pharmacological manipulation – a review, with emphasis upon the uptake and hydrolysis of anandamide
Authors: Fowler Christopher J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAlthough cannabis has been used both recreationally and for medicinal purposes since ancient times, it was not until the 1990s that the receptors responsible for many of the actions of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, were cloned. Since then, our knowledge of the endogenous cannabinoid system, its physiology, pharmacology and therapeutic potential have expanded enormously. In the present review, the cannabinoid system is described, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of removal and metabolism of the endocannabinoid signalling molecule anandamide. The current literature shows that cells can accumulate anandamide, and that this process can be disrupted pharmacologically, but that the nature of the mechanism(s) involved remains a matter of some debate. The main enzyme for the hydrolysis of anandamide, fatty acid amide hydrolase, is well characterized, and molecules selectively inhibiting this enzyme have potential therapeutic utility in a number of areas, in particular for the treatment of pain conditions.
Auditors' Response to Political Connections and Cronyism in Malaysia
Authors: GUL FERDINAND A. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper extends the literature on the role of political economy in financial reporting and auditing by testing two hypotheses. The first hypothesis predicts that there will be a greater increase in audit effort and audit fees for Malaysian firms with political connections, as a result of the Asian financial crisis, than for non‐politically connected firms because these firms have a higher risk of financial misstatements. The second hypothesis predicts that the audit fees of politically connected firms will decline when capital controls are introduced by the government as a ploy to financially assist politically connected firms to rebound from the crisis, and thus reduces the risk of financial misstatements. The results show that there is a greater increase in audit fees for firms with political connections than for non‐politically connected firms as a result of the Asian financial crisis. However, there is a decline in audit fees for politically connected firms after the capital controls are implemented.
Neurocognitive indices of executive hypercontrol in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Bucci P. , Galderisi S. , Catapano F. , Di Benedetto R. , Piegari G. , Mucci A. , Maj M. 
Published: October 2006

Objective:  Cognitive impairment, more often involving memory and/or executive functions, has been reported in obsessive–compulsive (OC) patients. The present study aimed at: i) replicating, in an independent sample, previous findings by our group showing neurocognitive slowness limited to executive tasks; ii) assessing the influence of deficit in general cognitive abilities on executive dysfunction.Method:  A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered to 30 drug‐free OC patients and 30 healthy controls.Results:  Obsessive–compulsive patients performed worse on visuospatial tests, were slower on executive tasks, and performed worse on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. After covarying for Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Revised performance Intellectual Quotient, a lesser degree of executive dysfunction was observed.Conclusion:  Obsessive–compulsive patients exhibit an impairment of executive functions, especially when tasks also require visuospatial abilities. The impairment might reflect a hyperactivity of the executive control.
Digestive tract and leaf processing capacity of the stream invertebrateTipula lateralis
Authors: Canhoto C. , Graça M.A.S. 
Published: October 2006

We investigated the digestive potential of the stream detritivore Tipula lateralis Meigen, 1804 as a tool to understand and predict their ability to adapt to environmental changes, such as the nature of leaf resources reaching streams. The structure of larval digestive tracts and the presence of bacteria were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Gut sections were investigated with respect to pH, microbial counts, and ability to digest protein and carbohydrates of unconditioned leaves of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Alkaline conditions prevailed throughout the gut, with the highest values in the middle midgut (pH up to 10.8). An abundant microflora was closely associated with the caecum (~34 × 104colony forming units (cfu)) and hindgut (~50 × 104cfu), whereas the foregut and midgut seemed to be almost devoided of permanent bacteria (~0.45 × 104to ~2.1 × 104cfu). Digestion of T. lateralis seems to be optimized by compartmentalization: proteinase activity was limited to the midgut (0.017 ± 0.0054 change in absorbance units), while the capacity to release reducing substances was almost completely restricted to the caecum and being higher when alder was used as a substratum (0.437 ± 0.153 g glucose·mg–1·h–1). Eucalyptus oils resulted in a 25% reduction in enzymatic capability of gut extracts. Overall, the results suggest that T. lateralis has the enzymatic capability of feeding on recalcitrant leaves, but specific components of leaves such as oils have the potential to interfere with food intake by this leaf consumer. In a more general context, the results help to assess biological changes introduced by eucalyptus plantations in non-native areas.
Innervation of ascidian siphons and their responses to stimulation
Authors: Mackie G.O. , Burighel P. , Caicci F. , Manni L. 
Published: October 2006

The distribution of sensory cells and nerves was studied in the siphons of Corella inflata Huntsman, 1912 and Corella willmeriana Herdman, 1898 by immunohistology and electron microscopy. Each siphon has about 8000 primary sensory neurons. A coronal organ of the compound type is present on the oral tentacles. Convergence in the afferent pathway is estimated at >10:1. A new category of cells associated with the velar sphincter muscle is described at the tentacle bases. Responses to stimulation were recorded using flow meters. Both siphons are sensitive to touch and near-field vibrations. Removal of the oral tentacles did not diminish vibration sensitivity. Gentle stimulation of the oral siphon evokes crossed responses in which the atrial siphon closes and the velar sphincter contracts. Stronger stimulation produces squirts with closure of both siphons and branchial ciliary arrest. Experiments with polystyrene beads show that the oral tentacles are sensitive to contact with inflowing particles. Beads of 500–600 μm diameter evoked rejection responses 88% of the time, 355–425 μm beads 61%, and beads <125 μm less than 8%. These responses, attributed to the coronal organ, were lost after amputation of the tentacles. Electrophysiology confirmed that crossed responses and squirting are centrally mediated reflexes, but local conduction pathways also exist and survive deganglionation.
A Novel One-Armed Anti-c-Met Antibody Inhibits Glioblastoma Growth In vivo
Authors: Martens Tobias , Schmidt Nils-Ole , Eckerich Carmen , Fillbrandt Regina , Merchant Mark , Schwall Ralph , Westphal Manfred , Lamszus Katrin 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Purpose: Expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met and its ligand scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor (SF/HGF) are strongly increased in glioblastomas, where they promote tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. We used a novel one-armed anti-c-Met antibody to inhibit glioblastoma growth in vivo.
Experimental Design: U87 glioblastoma cells (c-Met and SF/HGF positive) or G55 glioblastoma cells (c-Met positive and SF/HGF negative) were used to generate intracranial orthotopic xenografts in nude mice. The one-armed 5D5 (OA-5D5) anti-c-Met antibody was infused intratumorally using osmotic minipumps. Following treatment, tumor volumes were measured and tumors were analyzed histologically for extracellular matrix (ECM) components and proteases relevant to tumor invasion. Microarray analyses were done to determine the effect of the antibody on invasion-related genes.
Results: U87 tumor growth, strongly driven by SF/HGF, was inhibited &gt;95% with OA-5D5 treatment. In contrast, G55 tumors, which are not SF/HGF driven, did not respond to OA-5D5, suggesting that the antibody can have efficacy in SF/HGF-activated tumors. In OA-5D5-treated U87 tumors, cell proliferation was reduced &gt;75%, microvessel density was reduced &gt;90%, and apoptosis was increased &gt;60%. Furthermore, OA-5D5 treatment decreased tumor cell density &gt;2-fold, with a consequent increase in ECM deposition and increased immunoreactivity for laminin, fibronectin, and tenascin. Microarray studies showed no incresae in these ECM factors, rather down-regulation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase 16 in glioblastoma cells treated with OA-5D5.
Conclusions: Local treatment with OA-5D5 can almost completely inhibit intracerebral glioblastoma growth when SF/HGF is driving tumor growth. The mechanisms of tumor inhibition include antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and proapoptotic effects.
Expression of Stress Response Protein Grp78 Is Associated with the Development of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pootrakul Llana , Datar Ram H. , Shi Shan-Rong , Cai Jie , Hawes Debra , Groshen Susan G. , Lee Amy S. , Cote Richard J. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background: Induction of molecular chaperone Grp78 (78-kDa glucose-regulated protein) occurs in stress conditions that often characterize tumor microenvironments. We investigated the role of Grp78 in prostate cancer progression and the development of castration resistance, where cancer cells continue to survive despite the stress of an androgen-starved environment.
Experimental Design: Immunohistochemistry was done to examine Grp78 expression in 219 prostate cancers from patients with pathologic stage T3N0M0 disease [androgen ablation naive (untreated) and androgen ablation exposed (treated)] and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Classification of tumors was based on intensity of Grp78 cytoplasmic immunoreactivity and percentage of immunoreactive tumor cells. The associations of Grp78 expression with prostate cancer recurrence (clinical and/or serum prostate-specific antigen) and survival were examined in the untreated stage T3N0M0 group. Grp78 expression was also analyzed in the androgen-dependent LNCaP and castration-resistant C42B cell lines.
Results: The percentage of tumor cells expressing Grp78 was strongly associated with castration-resistant status (P = 0.005). Increased Grp78 expression was consistently associated with greater risk of prostate cancer recurrence and worse overall survival in patients who had not undergone prior hormonal manipulation. Grp78 expression was also increased in the castration-resistant LNCaP-derived cell line C42B and in LNCaP cells grown in androgen-deprived conditions compared with LNCaP cells grown in androgen-rich media.
Conclusion: Our findings show that up-regulation of Grp78 is associated with the development of castration resistance, possibly in part by augmenting cell survival as previously suggested, and may serve as an important prognostic indicator of recurrence in a subset of patients with T3N0M0 disease.