bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are islands more susceptible to plant invasion than continents? A test using Oxalis pes‐caprae L. in the western Mediterranean
Authors: Gimeno Isabel , Vilà Montserrat , Hulme Philip E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAim  We tested the relative vulnerability of islands to Oxalis pes‐caprae L. invasion compared to mainland regions. Oxalis pes‐caprae is a South African annual geophyte that reproduces via bulbils, and has spread in many Mediterranean and temperate regions of the world where introduced. Our study is one of the first detailed regional analyses of the occurrence and local abundance of a non‐native plant.Methods  We conducted an extensive survey (2000 sampling points) to examine local and coarse‐scale patterns in both the occurrence and abundance of O. pes‐caprae on islands and in neighbouring mainland regions of Spain.Location  We analysed occurrence (number of samples where present) and abundance (percentage cover) on two Balearic Islands (Menorca and Mallorca) and in two mainland administrative provinces of Spain (Murcia and València).Results  Oxalis pes‐caprae occurrence was consistently higher on islands. Occurrence varied among habitats, being the highest in tree groves and the lowest in forests and shrublands. It was never found in these two habitats on the mainland. Mean O. pes‐caprae abundance was greatest in tree groves on the mainland, and in field margins and old fields on the islands. However, in general there were not significant differences in local abundances between island and mainland locations.Main conclusions  These findings suggest that local processes (such as the biotic resistance of plant communities) are less important than coarse‐scale phenomena (such as environmental driving forces) in explaining differences in the invasion patterns observed between islands and adjacent mainland regions. We suggest that O. pes‐caprae has occupied a larger proportion of available habitats on islands due to: (1) its strong dependence on domestic animal and human‐mediated dispersal which are probably greater on the islands than in mainland areas, and (2) the smaller area encompassed by islands that, over a comparable period of time, enables a greater proportion of available habitats to be colonized (and hence higher occurrence) than equivalent larger mainland areas.
Less diverse forest is more resistant to hurricane disturbance: evidence from montane rain forests in Jamaica
Authors: TANNER E. V. J. , BELLINGHAM P. J. 
Published: June 2006

Summary

Are more diverse ecosystems more or less resistant to disturbance? Does diversity increase in a forest after being hit by a hurricane? We answer these questions using a 30‐year study of four Jamaican forests, which differ in soil fertility and diversity, and which were hit by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988; the decades were: pre‐Gilbert (1974–84), Gilbert (1984–94), and post‐Gilbert (1994–2004).
Diversity (Shannon index) was always higher in the three forests (Col H′ 3.00, Mull H′ 2.91 and Slope H′ 2.99) on more fertile soils (C : N ratios 10–13, N : P 16–24), and significantly lower in the Mor forest (H′ 2.26) with the least fertile soil (C : N ratio 24, N : P ratio 44). Diversity increased during the Gilbert decade in two of the more diverse forests (Mull and Slope), it did not increase in the least diverse, Mor forest. The overall increase in diversity during the Gilbert decade was due to the recruitment of eight, mostly light‐demanding, species and the increased abundance of uncommon species.
We used turnover rates (the average of mortality and recruitment of stems) as a measure of resistance. We equate low turnover with high resistance to hurricane damage. Turnover increased during the Gilbert decade in all forests, but increased more in the three more diverse forests (Mull 1.5% year−1 1974–84 to 3.1% year−1 1984–94; Slope 1.3–2.6; Col 1.5–3.2); than in the least diverse Mor forest (1.2–1.9).
Stem diameter growth rates pre‐Gilbert were very low in all forests and were lowest in the Mor forest (Mor 0.3 mm year−1, Mull 0.4, Slope 0.5, Col 0.6). They increased during the Gilbert decade and remained, in the post‐Gilbert decade, double those of the pre‐Gilbert decade (Mor 0.6 mm year−1, Mull 0.6, Slope 0.8, Col 1.1). Smaller stems increased growth more than larger stems. The stems recruited during the Gilbert and post‐Gilbert decades grew faster than those present in 1974.
Thus, in montane forest in Jamaica the least diverse forest was most resistant to hurricane damage, and although there was a strong similarity in species rank abundances over 30 years including a hurricane, the hurricane increased diversity.
The early interaction between the Caribbean Plateau and the NW South American Plate
Authors: Vallejo Cristian , Spikings Richard A. , Luzieux Leonard , Winkler Wilfried , Chew David , Page Laurence 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe determination of accurate and precise ages for the timing of collision between oceanic plateaus and continental crust requires an understanding of how the indenting and buttressing plates respond to the collision. We present geochronological, thermochronological, geochemical and isotopic analyses of magmatic rocks from the Ecuadorian Andes, which relate to the collision of the Late Cretaceous Caribbean Plateau and Great Arc sequence with NW South America. The cessation of subduction magmatism during 65–64 Ma beneath the eastern edge of Caribbean Plateau was synchronous with accelerated surface uplift and exhumation within the buttressing continental margin during 75–65 Ma. We interpret this as the collision of the leading edge of the Caribbean Plateau and arc sequence with the South American Plate at 75–65 Ma. A U/Pb (zircon) SHRIMP age of 87.10 ± 1.66 (2σ) Ma, yielded by an accreted fragment of the plateau, precludes previous estimates of collision at 85–80 Ma if the plateau erupted above the Galápagos hotspot.Terra Nova, 18, 264–269, 2006
The role of EDS1 (enhanced disease susceptibility) during singlet oxygen‐mediated stress responses of Arabidopsis
Authors: Ochsenbein Christian , Przybyla Dominika , Danon Antoine , Landgraf Frank , Göbel Cornelia , Imboden André , Feussner Ivo , Apel Klaus 
Published: June 2006

SummaryUpon a dark/light shift the conditional flu mutant of Arabidopsis starts to generate singlet oxygen (1O2) that is restricted to the plastid compartment. Distinct sets of genes are activated that are different from those induced by hydrogen peroxide/superoxide. One of the genes that is rapidly upregulated is EDS1 (enhanced disease susceptibility). The EDS1 protein has been shown to be required for the resistance to biotrophic pathogens and the accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) that enhances the defenses of a plant by inducing the synthesis of pathogen‐related (PR) proteins. Because of the similarity of its N‐terminal portion to the catalytic site of lipases, EDS1 has also been implicated with the release of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the subsequent formation of various oxylipins. The release of singlet oxygen in the flu mutant triggers a drastic increase in the concentration of free SA and activates the expression of PR1 and PR5 genes. These changes depend on the activity of EDS1 and are suppressed in flu/eds1 double mutants. Soon after the beginning of singlet oxygen production, the synthesis of oxylipins such as jasmonic acid (JA) and 12‐oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) also start and plants stop growing and induce a cell‐death response. The inactivation of EDS1 does not affect oxylipin synthesis, growth inhibition and the initiation of cell death, but it does allow plants to recover much faster from singlet oxygen‐mediated growth inhibition and it also suppresses the spread of necrotic lesions in leaves. Hence, singlet oxygen activates a complex stress‐response program with EDS1 playing a key role in initiating and modulating several steps of it. This program includes not only responses to oxidative stress, but also responses known to be activated during plant–pathogen interactions and wounding.
Genetic, physiologic and ecogeographic factors contributing to variation in Homo sapiens: Homo floresiensis reconsidered
Authors: Richards Gary D. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
A new species, Homo floresiensis, was recently named for Pleistocene hominid remains on Flores, Indonesia. Significant controversy has arisen regarding this species. To address controversial issues and refocus investigations, I examine the affinities of these remains with Homo sapiens. Clarification of problematic issues is sought through an integration of genetic and physiological data on brain ontogeny and evolution. Clarification of the taxonomic value of various ‘primitive’ traits is possible given these data. Based on this evidence and using a H. sapiens morphological template, models are developed to account for the combination of features displayed in the Flores fossils. Given this overview, I find substantial support for the hypothesis that the remains represent a variant of H. sapiens possessing a combined growth hormone–insulin-like growth factor I axis modification and mutation of the MCPH gene family. Further work will be required to determine the extent to which this variant characterized the population.
Photoinactivation of Leishmania donovani infantum in red cell suspensions by a flexible thiopyrylium sensitizer
Authors: Wagner S. J. , Skripchenko A. , Salata J. , Cardo L. J. 
Published: June 2006

Background and Objectives  Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, which are intracellular parasites of monocytes and macrophages. Transmission of the organism has been observed by transfusion of infected blood from asymptomatic donors to immunocompromised recipients, leading to clinically apparent disease. There is no licensed Leishmania screening test currently available.Materials and Methods  This study investigated the potential for a novel DNA‐intercalating photosensitizer, thiopyrylium (TP), to inactivate Leishmania donovani infantum in red cell (RBC) suspensions.Results  A 5·7 TCID50 reduction of Leishmania was observed in samples treated with 12·5 µmole l−1 TP and 1·1 J cm−2 light.Conclusions  Leishmania is highly sensitive to photoinactivation under conditions that have been previously demonstrated to maintain RBC properties during 42 days of storage.
The causes and consequences of rent‐seeking in Northern Ireland, 1945–721
Authors: BROWNLOW GRAHAM 
Published: June 2006

SUMMARYNorthern Ireland’s economic performance during the ‘golden age’ was weak. Crafts suggested that rent‐seeking was an important determinant of this poor record. This article offers support for such a conclusion. It is suggested that the growth record was shaped by British regulations preventing conflicts of ministerial interest not being made operational until 1963. This institutional divergence tended to promote rent‐seeking behaviour, which impeded the pursuit of an industrial policy that could promote economic efficiency. In 1963 the institutional structure and the industrial policy framework changed. These changes stimulated the pursuit of efficiency and contributed to an improved regional economic performance.
Breeding system variation, genetics and evolution in the Turneraceae
Authors: Shore Joel S. , Arbo Maria M. , Fernández Aveliano 
Published: June 2006

SummaryWe review the genetics and evolution of breeding systems in the Turneraceae. Distyly occurs in seven of 10 genera and 81% of species. The remaining species are homostylous. Polyploid evolution has been significant inTurnera. Approximately 60% of species are polyploid ranging from diploid through decaploid. No relationship between breeding system and polyploidy is evident. The genetics of distyly involves a one‐locus two‐allele system (Sand s). Evidence from crosses with homostylous species and mutants is consistent with the possibility that a ‘Primula‐type’ supergene underlies distyly but does not prove this to be the case. A polygalacturonase, and an α‐dioxygenase specific to the transmitting tissue of short‐styled plants both exhibit morph‐limited expression in concert with predictions from an evolutionary model. The function of the proteins in distyly, if any, is unknown. We have begun constructing a fine‐scale genetic map ofTurnera. Two genetic markers lie within 0.2 cmof the distyly locus. This should provide a starting point for positional cloning of the distyly locus and reveal the genetic architecture and molecular basis of distyly.
Grading infantile cataracts
Authors: Forster J. E. , Abadi R. V. , Muldoon M. , Lloyd I. C. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To introduce and describe two methods of grading the severity of infantile cataracts, and thereby propose a useful clinical guide for early surgical intervention.Methods:  Thirty‐three subjects, aged 1 week to 8 years, participated in the study. Twenty‐two were evaluated soon after birth (1 week), and 11 in childhood (3–8 years). All had isolated infantile cataracts, of which 16 were bilateral and 17 unilateral. Nine cataract types were examined; nuclear (n = 9), lamellar (n = 9), posterior lenticonus (n = 4), persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (n = 4), posterior polar (n = 3) and single cases of total, cortical, sutural and anterior polar. Grading the infantile cataracts was performed subjectively based on the cataract morphology, density and position using an 11‐point (0–10) ordinal scale. Objective measures of the cataracts were performed by scanning and then digitising photo‐slit lamp images to provide cataract intensity profiles. Subjects without cataracts acted as controls.Results:  Subjective gradings of 0 and 10 were assigned to the clear, cataract‐free lens and the total cataract, respectively. Fixed grades of 1 (anterior polar, sutural) and 6 (posterior polar) were assigned to the three remaining cataracts with static morphologies. The five cataracts which were all progressive were given grading ranges, reflecting the initial and likely final morphological states. Objective measures were found to be valuable in indicating the exact position and relative density of the cataract, as well as accurately defining boundaries.Conclusions:  The magnitude and severity of infantile cataracts can be usefully characterised by an 11‐point ordinal subjective grading scale. Although subjective grading alone is satisfactory, it can be greatly assisted by objective measures, particularly in the documentation of cataract progression. Cataracts assigned grades 1–4 were considered minor obstructions to vision and therefore not candidates for early surgery. Cataracts graded 5 and above were considered major visual defects, and ideally should be removed early in life.
Visual impairment and the useful field of vision
Authors: Leat Susan J. , Lovie‐Kitchin Jan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to measure the useful field of vision (UFoV) in people with visual impairment and to compare results with clinical measures of vision. UFoV, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and visual fields were measured in 36 participants with low vision and 22 age‐matched controls in two age groups. For both the low vision and control groups the presence of distractors (cluttered field) increased the error rates on our UFoV measure but there was no significant effect of the presence of a central task (divided attention). Participants with low vision made more errors on UFoV than did controls, but this difference disappeared once their visual field defects were accounted for. By multiple regression analysis, age, visual fields and contrast sensitivity were shown to predict the different UFoV scores. As for observers with normal vision, standard clinical visual field tests may not fully describe the difficulties that may be encountered by people with visual impairment undertaking tasks in the cluttered environments and multiple demands of everday life.
The Scotopic Sensitivity Tester‐1 and the detection of early age‐related macular degeneration1
Authors: Jackson Gregory R. , Felix Tiffany , Owsley Cynthia 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPurpose:  Previous research shows that dark adaptation is a marker of early age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD), even when visual acuity remains good. This study evaluates whether a commercially available, off‐the‐shelf device for measuring dark adaptation, the Scotopic Sensitivity Tester‐1 (SST‐1), which uses a full‐field stimulus, detects early ARMD as defined by fundus appearance. Fundus appearance is the gold standard method for defining the presence of ARMD.Methods:  Dark adaptation was measured using the SST‐1 in 12 young adults (mean age 23 years), 17 old adults with normal retinal health (mean age 69) and 19 old adults with early ARMD (mean age 74). Normal retinal health and presence of early ARMD were defined by masked grading of dilated fundus photographs using the Wisconsin Age‐Related Maculopathy Grading System.Results:  Older adults in normal retinal health exhibited slower dark adaptation as compared with young adults. No difference in the rate of dark adaptation was found between early ARMD patients and older adults in normal retinal health.Conclusions:  Although the SST‐1 differentiated between young and older adults, it failed to detect dark adaptation abnormalities in early ARMD when referenced against older adults in normal retinal health. This may be attributable to the full‐field stimulation used by the SST‐1, which may be better suited for characterizing retinal degenerations affecting large retinal areas than for focal macular diseases like ARMD.
Shape, size, spatial distribution and composition of garnet crystals in highly deformed gneiss of the Otter Lake area, Québec, and a model for garnet crystallization
Authors: KRETZ R. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractGarnet–biotite–(sillimanite) gneiss (∼700 °C, 7 kbar) of the Otter Lake area in the Western Grenville Province (Canadian Shield) occurs as granitic gneiss (group 4) that forms a large part of the Otter Complex, and as widely distributed, more heterogenous metasedimentary gneiss (group 2). In one sample of group 4 gneiss (Qtz25Pl34Kfs28Bt10Grt2.5Sil1) the true diameter (determined by serial grinding) of subhedral garnet crystals ranges from 0.2 to 3.0 mm, with a mode at 1.0 mm. Nearest‐neighbour measurements in this sample, and in surfaces of nine additional samples (all <5% garnet) confirm that garnet crystals are distributed mainly at random; slight clustering was detected in two samples. In one sample of group 4 gneiss, microprobe analyses on sections through crystal centres (obtained by serial slicing), reveal that small crystals and margins to large crystals contain more Fe and Mn and less Mg than the broad central regions of large crystals. Based on these and previous results, together with theoretical considerations, a crystallization model is proposed, in which, (i) garnet was produced by the continuous reaction, Ms + Bt + Qtz → Grt + Kfs + H2O, (ii) nucleation occurred by the random selection of randomly distributed Ms–Bt–Qtz triple junctions, (iii) the rate of linear growth remained constant, and (iv) as temperature increased, the rate of nucleation first increased slowly, then remained nearly constant, and finally declined. Within‐population compositional homogenization was followed, on cooling, by local Fe–Mg–Mn exchange with biotite.
A Note on the Censoring Problem in Empirical Case‐Outcome Studies
Authors: Finkelstein Michael O. , Levin Bruce , McKeague Ian W. , Tsai Wei‐Yann 
Published: June 2006

In outcome studies of cases filed within a study window, the sample may be skewed if many cases are still pending when the window closes and not included in the study. We refer to cases that are completed within the window as “observed” and those still pending as “censored.” We propose two methods for reducing possible bias: a “self‐consistent” estimator that imputes values to the censored cases and an “inverse probability weighting” estimator that assigns weights to the observed cases. In the body of the article we describe these methods for the nonmathematical reader and in the Appendix give a more mathematical treatment. We then apply the self‐consistent estimator first to simulated data and then to the landmark study of reversals in death penalty cases by Professor James S. Liebman and his colleagues. In these examples the two methods are equivalent. Liebman et al. simply excluded censored cases and reported a reversal rate of 68%. Application of our methods to the Liebman data reduces the reversal rate to 62.2% (95% c.i. 60.1%, 64.4%). In general, our method largely removes the bias that affects sample estimates when censored cases are just ignored.
Statistics and Risk in the Nuclear Industry
Authors: Wilson Granville Tunnicliffe 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Nuclear power, after a decade of being ignored, is again becoming an option—perhaps the preferred option—for future power generation in Britain. Can it be done safely? As importantly, can existing plant be decommissioned safely? Granville Tunnicliffe Wilson has worked on a series of statistical projects with the nuclear industry, stretching over a period of 30 years. He looks at the part statistics has played in past safety assurance and the questions that are now being asked about its role. He also reveals past cases where operators failed to follow valid statistical indicators of plant failure.
Monitoring and Evaluation in Malawi
Authors: Barahono Carlos , Wilson Ian 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
When Ian Wilson and Carlos Barahona of the Statistical Services Centre at the University of Reading were asked to review an evaluation of the effectiveness of an aid package in Malawi, they expected a simple enough task. But few things in the developing world are simple. Where aid for the poorest is concerned, is evidence collected and analysed with enough rigour to enable well-informed decisions to be made?
15 Minutes of Statistical Fame
Authors: Lawrance Tony 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Tony Lawrance surveyed his email one morning to find an urgent request from the West Mercia Police Authority to give a statistical opinion on a government report recommending the merger of the current 43 police forces into as few as 12. The Authority asked for an independent objective assessment, “even if we don't like the answer.” Persuaded by this freedom, he submitted his report within the 2-day deadline and returned, as he thought, to the day job. Well, not quite—a media storm followed.
Line Plots
Authors: Reese R. Allan 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
You can see line plots or line graphs in any quality newspaper most days, presenting business data. Even the downmarket papers use them occasionally to illustrate trends. They are so common that we might assume that they are well understood. Most spreadsheets and statistical packages can produce them with ease. But all is not as it seems. R. Allan Reese explains the pitfalls.