bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do flowers wave to attract pollinators? A case study with Silene maritima
Authors: WARREN J. , JAMES P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo answer the question whether flowers wave to attract pollinators, we determine: (1) the heritability of floral mobility; (2) whether wavy flowers attract more insects; (3) does the duration of pollination affect seed set; and (4) the relationship between seed set and floral mobility. The pollination ecology of Silene maritima was investigated. Flowers on stalks of different waviness were used to investigate the effect of floral movement on pollinator visits. There is heritable variation in both direct and indirect estimates of floral mobility. The highest insect total visitation times were associated with medium length thin stalks that were visited more frequently and by more insect species. Although mean individual visit durations were less than those of less mobile flowers, this was compensated for by increased visits. Observations of controlled pollinations show that when the visit times are low, so is seed set and therefore low and high mobility flowers might suffer from reduced fitness. Combining these observations provides a mechanism that could be driving stabilizing selection for flower stalk traits, with a trade‐off applying between waving to attract pollinators and not being too mobile as to prevent effective pollination. Further evidence for stabilizing selection is provided by the relationship observed in the field between seed set and floral mobility where the highest levels of fitness was associated with intermediate levels of floral waving.
Effects of malaria double infection in birds: one plus one is not two
Authors: MARZAL A. , BENSCH S. , REVIRIEGO M. , BALBONTIN J. , DE LOPE F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAvian malaria parasites are supposed to exert negative effects on host fitness because these intracellular parasites affect host metabolism. Recent advances in molecular genotyping and microscopy have revealed that coinfections with multiple parasites are frequent in bird–malaria parasite systems. However, studies of the fitness consequences of such double infections are scarce and inconclusive. We tested if the infection with two malaria parasite lineages has more negative effects than single infection using 6 years of data from a natural population of house martins. Survival was negatively affected by both types of infections. We found an additive cost from single to double infection in body condition, but not in reproductive parameters (double‐infected had higher reproductive success). These results demonstrate that malaria infections decrease survival, but also have different consequences on the breeding performance of single‐ and double‐infected wild birds.
Diagnostics for Multivariate Imputations
Authors: Abayomi Kobi , Gelman Andrew , Levy Marc 
Published: May 2008

Summary
We consider three sorts of diagnostics for random imputations: displays of the completed data, which are intended to reveal unusual patterns that might suggest problems with the imputations, comparisons of the distributions of observed and imputed data values and checks of the fit of observed data to the model that is used to create the imputations. We formulate these methods in terms of sequential regression multivariate imputation, which is an iterative procedure in which the missing values of each variable are randomly imputed conditionally on all the other variables in the completed data matrix. We also consider a recalibration procedure for sequential regression imputations. We apply these methods to the 2002 environmental sustainability index, which is a linear aggregation of 64 environmental variables on 142 countries.
Probabilistic Evaluation of Handwriting Evidence: Likelihood Ratio for Authorship
Authors: Bozza Silvia , Taroni Franco , Marquis Raymond , Schmittbuhl Matthieu 
Published: May 2008

Summary
The evaluation of handwritten characters that are selected from an anonymous letter and written material from a suspect is an open problem in forensic science. The individualization of handwriting is largely dependent on examiners who evaluate the characteristics in a qualitative and subjective way. Precise individual characterization of the shape of handwritten characters is possible through Fourier analysis: each handwritten character can be described through a set of variables such as the surface and harmonics as demonstrated by Marquis and co-workers in 2005. The assessment of the value of the evidence is performed through the derivation of a likelihood ratio for multivariate data. The methodology allows the forensic scientist to take into account the correlation between variables, and the non-constant variability within sources (i.e. individuals). Numerical procedures are implemented to handle the complexity and to compute the marginal likelihood under competing propositions.
Are Venture Capitalists a Catalyst for Innovation?
Authors: Caselli Stefano , Gatti Stefano , Perrini Francesco 
Published: May 2008

Abstract In this paper we test two hypotheses concerning the presence of innovation in venture capital investments and the growth of innovative venture backed firms. To examine these hypotheses we considered sample of 37 Italian venture backed firms that went public on the Italian Stock Exchange between 1995 and 2004 and by a statistical matching procedure we picked 37 twin firms among the non‐venture backed IPOs for the same period. Our evidence shows that innovation is an important factor during the selection phase but once the investment is made, the company does not promote continued innovation and concentrates all efforts to improve other economic and managerial aspects.
The Dark Side of International Cross‐Listing: Effects on Rival Firms at Home
Authors: Melvin Michael , Valero Magali 
Published: May 2008

Abstract We analyse the stock price impact of firms' US cross‐listing on home‐market rival firms. Using an empirical event study approach we find negative cumulative average abnormal returns for the rival firms around both the listing and announcement of listing dates. The evidence suggests both positive and negative spillover effects on rival firms, where the dominant effect is that investors see rivals at a relative disadvantage to the cross‐listing firm. As firms cross‐list in the US and commit to the increased disclosure and investor protection associated with the US listing, they are better able to take advantage of growth opportunities relative to their non cross‐listing counterparts, and this results in negative spillover effects on rival firms. Our results are consistent with the idea that firms cross‐list as a means to reduce agency costs of controlling shareholders and thus are able to exploit growth opportunities as they have better access to external finance.
PIP Transactions, Price Improvement, Informed Trades and Order Execution Quality
Authors: Khoury Nabil , Perrakis Stylianos , Savor Marko 
Published: May 2008

Abstract This study focuses on innovations in order execution processes within the context of the Boston Option Exchange (BOX). More specifically, it examines the impact of the Price Improvement Process (PIP) on options quoted, effective and realised proportional spreads. We consider the PIP as a mechanism that allows the market maker to ‘internalise’ the transaction. We show that PIP transactions are associated with wider bid/ask proportional quoted spreads than non‐PIP transactions, in spite of the temporary narrowing of the effective proportional spread during PIP. We identify informed traders by focusing on the direction of trade. Using an original data set, we show that PIP transactions follow signals in the form of buy/sell orders by informed traders. We also show that PIP is a mechanism that allows the market maker to internalise a position in the same direction as that of the informed trader. We conclude that PIP does not improve the efficiency of the market but simply allows the market maker to benefit at the expense of uninformed traders.
Migration Policy and Industrial Structure: The Case of Switzerland
Authors: Becker Leonhard , Liebig Thomas , Sousa‐Poza Alfonso 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTStructural change in OECD countries, emphasizing knowledge‐based sectors, has led to an increasing demand for highly skilled labour. One means of meeting this demand has been to implement a selective immigration policy. Such policies, however, have been criticized for channelling labour into low‐producing sectors and occupations, hampering structural change. Proponents of such criticism point to Switzerland's former policy of channelling immigrants into so‐called seasonal sectors, a practice abandoned in the early 1990s, as having contributed to Switzerland's low growth rates. To assess this, we here analyse the amended migration policy's effects on skill structure and sectoral distribution of immigration flows using data from the Swiss Census of 1990 and 2000 to determine whether the new policy has led to an immigrant inflow more adapted to the processes of structural change.We find that the share of highly skilled immigrants has increased notably under the new migration policy. Our analysis also shows an important change in the sectoral focus of the new arrival inflow. Not only have fewer immigrants been entering declining sectors, but the majority of migrants arriving under the new policy regime have been absorbed into growing and knowledge‐based sectors, meaning they are employed primarily in service and knowledge‐intensive sectors. Overall, the analysis provides ample evidence that the current admission policy as ositively contributed to tructural change in Switzerland.
Immigrant Economic Integration: A Prospective Analysis over Ten Years of Settlement
Authors: Godin Jean‐François 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTThe growing diaspora in migration has prompted Western countries in recent years to examine the factors contributing to the economic integration of newcomers. If their integration is unsuccessful, it could create economic inequalities and be burdensome to the host society. The inequalities experienced by working immigrants have often been examined through cross‐sectional data describing the situation at a specific moment in time, with limited consideration of the complexity of the immigrant's settlement experience. This paper examines the economic integration of new immigrants through prospective analysis and considers multiple factors concurrently in an effort to address some of this complexity. The current study focuses on employment disparities across source regions. The analyses are taken from a ten‐year longitudinal survey describing the socio‐economic experience of 429 new immigrants settled in the Montreal metropolitan area. Over time, wage and occupational mobility increase, although it appears stagnant for different groups of respondents from specific regions such as East Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. Also, like respondents from sub‐Saharan Africa, these respondents face difficulties sustaining a position in the labour market.
Randomized clinical study comparing Compeed® cold sore patch to acyclovir cream 5% in the treatment of herpes simplex labialis
Authors: Karlsmark T , Goodman JJ , Drouault Y , Lufrano L , Pledger GW ,   the Cold Sore Study Group
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Hydrocolloid technology has been proven effective in treating dermal wounds. A previous study showed that a newly developed thin hydrocolloid patch [Compeed® cold sore patch (CSP)] provided multiple wound‐healing benefits across all stages of a herpes simplex labialis (HSL) outbreak.Methods  An assessment of CSP efficacy and safety was conducted in an international, multicentre, assessor‐blinded study, which enrolled 728 subjects with a history of recurrent HSL. Of these, 351 experienced an HSL outbreak and were randomized to use CSP (n = 179) or acyclovir cream 5% (n = 172) at the onset of symptoms until the lesion healed, for a maximum of 10 days. The primary end point was the subject's global assessment of therapy (SGAT; 0–10 scale; 0 = no response, 10 = excellent response). Multiple secondary end points included clinician‐assessed healing time and subject assessment of lesion protection, noticeability and social embarrassment.Results  CSP and acyclovir were highly effective (mean SGAT = 7.89 and 8.00, respectively), with no significant difference observed (P = 0.65). The difference in healing times between products was not significant (median, 7.57 days with CSP vs. 7.03 days with acyclovir, P = 0.37). Both treatments were well tolerated.Conclusion  CSP using hydrocolloid technology provides an efficacious and safe alternative to topical antivirals in treating HSL as a wound while affording additional immediate benefits of wound protection, discretion and relief of social embarrassment.
Omega‐3 fatty acids effect on wound healing
Authors: McDaniel Jodi C. , Belury Martha , Ahijevych Karen , Blakely Wendy 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTPhysiological events in the initial inflammatory stage of cutaneous wound healing influence subsequent stages. Proinflammatory cytokines coordinate molecular and cellular processes during the inflammatory stage. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) alter proinflammatory cytokine production, but how this phenomenon specifically influences wound healing is not clearly understood. In the present study, effects of marine‐derived ω‐3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic PUFA on proinflammatory cytokines in wound serum and time to complete healing in healthy, human skin were evaluated. We compared plasma fatty acid levels in two groups (N=30) at baseline and after 4 weeks of eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic PUFA supplements (active) or placebo (control). Eight small blisters on participants' forearms were created. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were quantified in blister fluid at 5 and 24 hours after creation. Wound area was calculated daily. Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic plasma fatty acid levels were significantly higher in the active group. Additionally, we found significantly higher IL‐1β levels in blister fluid in the active group and time to complete wound closure was somewhat longer. These results suggest that eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic PUFA may increase proinflammatory cytokine production at wound sites and thus, depending on the clinical context, have noninvasive, therapeutic potential to affect cutaneous wound healing.
Long‐Term Clinical Efficacy and Risk of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly
Authors: ZADO ERICA , CALLANS DAVID J. , RILEY MICHAEL , HUTCHINSON MATHEW , GARCIA FERMIN , BALA RUPA , LIN DAVID , COOPER JOSHUA , VERDINO RALPH , RUSSO ANDREA M. , DIXIT SANJAY , GERSTENFELD EDWARD , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. 
Published: May 2008

Introduction: The number of elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing rapidly, and the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation in this demographic group has not been established.
Methods: Over a 7‐year period we studied 1,165 consecutive patients undergoing 1,506 AF ablation procedures using a consistent ablation protocol that included proximal ostial pulmonary vein (PV) isolation and focal ablation of non‐PV AF triggers. Outcome was analyzed for three distinct age groups: <65 years (group 1; n = 948 patients), 65–74 years (group 2; n = 185 patients), and ≥75 years (group 3; n = 32 patients) based on the age at the initial procedure.
Results: There was no significant difference in AF control (89% in group 1, 84% in group 2, and 86% in group 3, P = NS) during a mean follow‐up of 27 months. Major complication rates were also comparable (1.6% in group 1, 1.7% in group 2, 2.9% in group 3, P = NS) between the three groups. There was no difference in the left atrial size, percentage with left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, or percentage with paroxysmal versus more persistent forms of atrial fibrillation. However, older patients were more likely to be women (20% in group 1, 34% in group 2, and 56% in group 3, P < 0.001) and have hypertension and/or structural heart disease (56% in group 1 vs 68% in group 2 vs 88% in group 3; P < 0.001). There was a strong trend demonstrating that older patients were less likely to undergo repeat ablation (26% vs 27% vs 9%) to achieve AF control and more likely to remain on antiarrhythmic drugs (20% vs 29% vs 37%; P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Elderly patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation therapy are represented by a higher proportion of women and have a higher incidence of hypertension/structural heart disease. To achieve a similar level of AF control, there appears to be no increased risk from the ablation procedure, but elderly patients are more likely to remain on antiarrhythmic drugs.
Thick Protective UHTC Coatings for SiC‐Based Structures: Process Establishment
Authors: Blum Yigal D. , Marschall Jochen , Hui David , Young Steven 
Published: May 2008

A new process to form thick and dense ultra‐high‐temperature ceramic (UHTC) composite coatings over SiC surfaces is described. Coatings of ZrB2/SiC/(ZrC) thicker than 100 μm are formed by a reaction‐bonded SiC (RBSC) approach based on Si infiltration into ZrB2/C preform coating. The residual Si, typically found in RBSC, can be eliminated efficiently to provide a coating material that performs at temperatures above 1500°C. The process is performed at 1500°C in Ar at ambient pressure. The interface between thein situformed SiC and the Zr phases is very tight, as is the interface with the substrate.The ZrB2particles used in this process are rearranged in their morphology and an additional new phase containing Zr–C is formed. The coatings exhibit excellent integrity, hardness, and bonding to the tested substrates. A preliminary oxidation study indicates good protection of substrates at 1500°C under both passive and active oxidation conditions, provided that the coatings have sufficient thickness.
Clinicopathological features of extramedullary recurrence/relapse of multiple myeloma
Authors: Cerny Jan , Fadare Oluwole , Hutchinson Lloyd , Wang Sa A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractExtramedullary relapses of multiple myeloma (MM) during the course of disease are rare. We report a series of six patients with primary intramedullary MM that were treated with immunomodulatory therapy and/or stem cell transplant, and that later developed extramedullary relapses at various body sites. These six cases represent 3.9% of the 156 patients treated for MM at our institution over a 9‐yr period (1999–2007). Five (83.3%) of the six cases showed immature/high‐grade histology in the extramedullary relapses as compared with their antecedent MM. The neural cell adhesion molecule, CD56, was immunohistochemically demonstrable in 75% (three of four) of the original myelomas tested, but was absent in 83.3% (five of six) of their extramedullary relapses. The disease typically behaved aggressively and was rapidly fatal in all six patients even when therapy was administered. The median time of progression to extramedullary relapse was 29 months (range 9–64 months), and the median survival after diagnosis of the relapses was only 38 d (range 1–106 d). Our case series shows that extramedullary relapse of MM is characterized by high‐grade histology, loss of CD56 expression, frequent resistance to current therapeutic regimens, aggressive biological behavior, and very short survival.
A rhesus monkey reference label atlas for template driven segmentation
Authors: Wisco Jonathan J. , Rosene Douglas L. , Killiany Ronald J. , Moss Mark B. , Warfield Simon K. , Egorova Svetlana , Wu Ying , Liptak Zsusanna , Warner Jeremy , Guttmann Charles R.G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  We have acquired dual‐echo spin‐echo (DE SE) MRI data of the rhesus monkey brain since 1994 as part of an ongoing study of normal aging. To analyze these legacy data for regional volume changes, we have created a reference label atlas for the Template Driven Segmentation (TDS) algorithm.Methods  The atlas was manually created from DE SE legacy MRI data of one behaviorally normal, young, male rhesus monkey and consisted of 14 regions of interest (ROI’s). We analyzed the reproducibility and validity of the TDS algorithm using the atlas relative to manual segmentation.Results  ROI volumes were comparable between the two segmentation methodologies, except TDS overestimated the volume of basal ganglia regions. Both methodologies were highly reproducible, but TDS had lower sensitivity and comparable specificity.Conclusions  TDS segmentation calculates accurate volumes for most ROI’s. Sensitivity will be improved in future studies through the acquisition of higher quality data.
Growth references for height, weight and body mass index of twins aged 0–2.5 years
Authors: Van Dommelen Paula , De Gunst Mathisca , Van Der Vaart Aad , Van Buuren Stef , Boomsma Dorret 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To determine the size of the growth deficit in Dutch monozygotic and dizygotic twins aged 0–2.5 years as compared to singletons and to construct reference growth charts for twins.Methods: Growth of twins was studied using longitudinal data on over 4000 twins aged 0–2.5 years of the Netherlands Twin Register. The LMS method was used to obtain growth references for length/height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) for twins.Results: During the first 2.5 years of age, differences in length/height and weight between twins and singletons decrease but do not disappear. BMI of twins deviates less than that of singletons. Approximately half of the growth retardation from birth until 1.5 years of age was attributable to gestational age. Between 1.5 years and 2.5 years of age, this difference was reduced to one‐third. Thus, a substantial part of the growth difference could not be explained by gestational age.Conclusions: During the first 2.5 years of life, there is a difference in growth between twins and singletons. Twins catch up in their body size, i.e. they grow faster after birth, but do not yet achieve the same height and weight till they reach 2.5 years of age. We recommend the use of the growth references for twins.
Chemical composition and in sacco dry matter degradability of residue and by‐products of palm fruit processing in the rumen of steers
Authors: BAMIKOLE Musibau A. , BABAYEMI Olaniyi J. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTThe nutritive value of residue (palm calyx leaves (PCL)) and by‐products (palm press fiber (PPF) and palm oil sludge (POS)) of palm fruit processing were studied through analysis of their chemical components and degradability of their dry matter (DM) in the rumen of steers. Chemical analysis showed that the materials have similar organic matter components (mean = 95.2%), while crude protein (CP, g/100 g) and metabolisable energy (ME, MJ/kg DM) were highest in POS (10.02 and 9.43), followed by PPF (7.02 and 8.61) and least in PCL (5.42 and 8.04). An opposite trend of CP and ME was noticed in NDF and ADF contents, being 61.53 and 49.11% in PCL, 44.84 and 32.08% in PPF and 25.35 and 20.29% in POS. Mineral contents showed that PPF and POS had the lowest and highest concentration, respectively, of Mg (0.07 vs. 0.11%), Cu (58.5 vs. 143.9 mg/kg) and Fe (1374.5 vs. 4086.0 mg/kg). Dry matter degradation characteristics and effective degradability varied significantly (P < 0.05) and were consistently highest in POS and least in PCL. Results have generally shown that the residue and by‐products could be ranked for their potential feeding value as POS > PPF > PCL. It is concluded that POS and PPF can be harnessed directly as feed resources for ruminant animals, while PCL will require some treatments to enhance its nutritive value in ruminants.