bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental control of flowering periodicity in Costa Rican and Mexican tropical dry forests
Authors: Borchert Rolf , Meyer Stefanie A. , Felger Richard S. , Porter‐Bolland Luciana 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACTAim We analyse the proximate causes of the large variation in flowering periodicity among four tropical dry forests (TDF) and ask whether climatic periodicity or biotic interactions are the ultimate causes of flowering periodicity.Location The four TDFs in Guanacaste (Costa Rica), Yucatan, Jalisco and Sonora (Mexico) are characterized by a 5–7 month long dry season and are located along a gradient of increasing latitude (10–30°N).Methods To dissect the differences in flowering periodicity observed at the community level, individual tree species were assigned to ‘flowering types’, i.e. groups of species with characteristic flowering periods determined by similar combinations of environmental flowering cues and vegetative phenology.Results Large variation in the fraction of species and flowering types blooming during the dry and wet season, respectively, indicates large differences in the severity of seasonal drought among the four forests. In the dry upland forests of Jalisco, flowering of leafless trees remains suppressed during severe seasonal drought and is triggered by the first rains of the wet season. In the other forests, leaf shedding, exceptional rainfall or increasing daylength cause flowering of many deciduous species at various times during the dry season, well before the summer rains. The fraction of deciduous species leafing out during the summer rains and flowering when leafless during the dry season is largest in the Sonoran TDF.Main conclusions In many wide‐ranging species the phenotypic plasticity of flowering periodicity is large. The distinct temporal separation of spring flowering on leafless shoots and subsequent summer flushing represents a unique adaptation of tree development to climates with a relatively short rainy season and a long dry season. Seasonal variation in rainfall and soil water availability apparently constitutes not only the proximate, but also the ultimate cause of flowering periodicity, which is unlikely to have evolved in response to biotic adaptive pressures.
Geographic range and body size in Neotropical marsupials
Authors: Olifiers N. , Vieira M. V. , Grelle C. E. V. 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACTAim Our aim is to investigate the relationship between body size and geographical range in Neotropical marsupials, considering the possible effects of latitude and phylogeny.Location Neotropical region.Methods Phylogenetic generalized least‐squares regression method (PGLS) is used to investigate the relationship between body size, geographical range, and latitude considering the phylogenetic relationship between species. Data for 22 species were compiled from the literature.Results The scattergram of body size vs. geographical range was triangular in shape. Body size and geographical range were positively correlated throughout the phylogeny. Latitude was not important to this relationship.Conclusions The polygonal relationship between geographical range and body size seems to be moulded by ecological and geographical constraints rather than by a common association with latitude.
The portability of foodweb dynamics: reassembling an Australian eucalypt–psyllid–bird association within California
Authors: Lockwood Julie L. , Gilroy James J. 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACTAims  To evaluate the role of native predators (birds) within an Australian foodweb (lerp psyllids and eucalyptus trees) reassembled in California.Location  Eucalyptus groves within Santa Cruz, California.Methods  We compared bird diversity and abundance between a eucalyptus grove infested with lerp psyllids and a grove that was uninfested, using point counts. We documented shifts in the foraging behaviour of birds between the groves using structured behavioural observations. Additionally, we judged the effect of bird foraging on lerp psyllid abundance using exclosure experiments.Results  We found a greater richness and abundance of Californian birds within a psyllid infested eucalyptus grove compared to a matched non‐infested grove, and that Californian birds modify their foraging behaviour within the infested grove in order to concentrate on ingesting psyllids. This suggests that Californian birds could provide indirect top‐down benefits to eucalyptus trees similar to those observed in Australia. However, using bird exclosure experiments, we found no evidence of top‐down control of lerp psyllids by Californian birds.Main conclusions  We suggest that physiological and foraging differences between Californian and Australian pysllid‐eating birds account for the failure to observe top‐down control of psyllid populations in California. The increasing rate of non‐indigenous species invasions has produced local biotas that are almost entirely composed of non‐indigenous species. This example illustrates the complex nature of cosmopolitan native‐exotic food webs, and the ecological insights obtainable through their study.
Regional scale relationships between ecosystem structure and functioning: the case of the Patagonian steppes
Authors: Paruelo José M. , Golluscio Rodolfo A. , Guerschman Juan Pablo , Cesa Ariela , Jouve Varinia V. , Garbulsky Martín F. 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACTAims  1. To characterize ecosystem functioning by focusing on above‐ground net primary production (ANPP), and 2. to relate the spatial heterogeneity of both functional and structural attributes of vegetation to environmental factors and landscape structure. We discuss the relationship between vegetation structure and functioning found in Patagonia in terms of the capabilities of remote sensing techniques to monitor and assess desertification.Location  Western portion of the Patagonian steppes in Argentina (39°30′ S to 45°27′ S).Methods  We used remotely‐sensed data from Landsat TM and AVHRR/NOAA sensors to characterize vegetation structure (physiognomic units) and ecosystem functioning (ANPP and its seasonal and interannual variation). We combined the satellite information with floristic relevés and field estimates of ANPP. We built an empirical relationship between the Landsat TM‐derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and field ANPP. Using stepwise regressions we explored the relationship between ANPP and both environmental variables (precipitation and temperature surrogates) and structural attributes of the landscape (proportion and diversity of different physiognomic classes (PCs)).Results  PCs were quite heterogeneous in floristic terms, probably reflecting degradation processes. Regional estimates of ANPP showed differences of one order of magnitude among physiognomic classes. Fifty percent of the spatial variance in ANPP was accounted for by longitude, reflecting the dependency of ANPP on precipitation. The proportion of prairies and semideserts, latitude and, to a lesser extent, the number of PCs within an 8 × 8 km cell accounted for an additional 33% of the ANPP variability. ANPP spatial heterogeneity (calculated from Landsat TM data) within an 8 × 8 km cell was positively associated with the mean AVHRR/NOAA NDVI and with the diversity of physiognomic classes.Main conclusions  Our results suggest that the spatial and temporal patterns of ecosystem functioning described from ANPP result not only from water availability and thermal conditions but also from landscape structure (proportion and diversity of different PCs). The structural classification performed using remotely‐sensed data captured the spatial variability in physiognomy. Such capability will allow the use of spectral classifications to monitor desertification.
Audit Firm Portfolio Management Decisions
Authors: JOHNSTONE KARLA M. , BEDARD JEAN C. 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTWe examine client acceptance and client continuance decisions of a large audit firm to provide empirical evidence on the extent and nature of risk avoidance that the firm uses to purposefully manage its client portfolio. Our results support several key new inferences regarding audit firm portfolio management decisions. First, the results show that this firm is shedding the riskier clients in its portfolio, consistent with the risk avoidance theory of audit firm portfolio management. Second, the results show that the firm's newly accepted clients are less risky than its continuing clients. Although results of both the client continuance and client acceptance decisions imply a less risky portfolio emerging over time, there are greater differences in risk between continuing and discontinued clients than between continuing and newly accepted clients. Third, we find that audit risk factors are more important in audit firm portfolio management decisions than are financial risk factors. Finally, we find no evidence that audit pricing affects the client acceptance and continuance decisions of this firm, controlling for risk and other client characteristics.
Valuation and Accounting for Inflation and Foreign Exchange
Authors: HUGHES JOHN , LIU JING , ZHANG MINGSHAN 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTInflation and foreign exchange raise new issues with respect to accounting representations of equity value. For example, inflation creates an earnings illusion as an artifact of the mismatching of expenses based on allocations of historical costs with current revenues in determining earnings. This mismatching distorts mappings of aggregate earnings and book values into equity value such that value‐relevant information is lost. In this article we consider the consequences of inflation and foreign exchange accounting policies, including those contained in accounting standards, on the value relevance of bottom‐line accounting numbers. Policies are identified that achieve efficient accounting in the sense that aggregate (comprehensive) earnings and book values are sufficient for an accounting representation of equity value. The linear relations that emerge provide predictions on capitalization coefficients that help explain results of empirical inquiries. As well, our analysis provides a theoretical foundation for policies contained in accounting standards that contributes to the resolution of controversies such as that concerning foreign exchange accounting.
Reflections on Parenting: A Multigenerational Perspective
Authors: TAYLOR DENNY 
Published: August 2004

This paper presents some of the underlying patterns of parenting that have emerged from six years of ethnographic field research into the role of the family in children's acquisition and use of reading and writing skills. The research has provided some insights into the many complex and interrelated ways that children's literate activities are mediated and affected by multigenerational family patterns and by their personal experience of everyday life both within and outside the family.Two central themes are discussed: the spirit of change, which breaks the patterns of the past and brings new interpretations into the present, and the spirit of conservation, which maintains the continuation of family patterns from one generation to the next. Also described are the important parental attitudes of social flexibility and resiliency that are frequently evident in these processes of conservation and change of multigenerational patterns. One specific family story provides the background for the theoretical issues that are explored.
Ethnic Intermarriage
Authors: McGOLDRICK MONICA , PRETO NYDIA GARCIA 
Published: August 2004

Americans are marrying out of their ethnic groups at an ever‐increasing rate, reflecting the expectation that people in this country will assimilate into what has been termed the “melting pot.” We know, however, that not all ingredients in the pot have melted and that ethnic values and identification remain with us for generations. The difficulties inherent in intermarriage then become intensified by being unanticipated. We confuse the idea that we are all created equal with the belief that we are all the same.This paper presents a paradigm for understanding the family patterns and typical problems of intermarried couples, and offers suggestions for clinical intervention. We will present a framework for helping spouses to recognize, understand, and negotiate their differences. We are keenly aware of the perniciousness of negative stereotyping in our culture and in no way wish to contribute to that tendency. We wish instead to provide a map that, although covering only limited aspects of the terrain, may nevertheless provide a guide to explorers seeking a path to expand our clinical sensitivity and effectiveness.
Sequences: Toward a Common Denominator of Family Therapy
Authors: BREUNLIN DOUGLAS C. , SCHWARTZ RICHARD C. 
Published: August 2004

This paper presents a conceptual framework that is designed to help clinicians and researchers organize their observations of the complex network of interconnected sequences of behavior and thinking that constitute family interactions. This framework distinguishes four classes of recursive sequences, each of which is defined by its period, i.e., the amount of time it takes for a sequence to complete one cycle. The shortest sequences (S1) are those face‐to‐face interaction patterns that range in length from seconds to an hour. S2 sequences are played out over one day to one week, often depending on the routines of the family. S3 sequences range from several weeks to a year, and S4 sequences are those patterns of interaction and thought that repeat from generation to generation.In addition to outlining this framework, the paper contends that in many families with a problem, pertinent sequences from each class may be related to the problem and to each other in a cybernetic manner. Suggestions are offered for identifying pertinent sequences from each class and for selecting interventions that best address the targeted sequence. We have found that this conceptual framework has enabled us to use techniques from many different schools of family therapy while avoiding the conceptual contradictions inherent in previous attempts to integrate approaches.
Platelet hyperactivity in clinical depression and the beneficial effect of antidepressant drug treatment: how strong is the evidence?
Authors: Von Känel R. 
Published: July 2004

Objective: Platelet hyperactivity is thought to contribute to the increased coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in depression. This study reviewed the evidence for hyperactive platelets and for effects of antidepressant drug treatment on platelet ‘stickiness’ in clinical depression.Method: By means of PubMed electronic library search, 34 studies in English were identified (1983–2003) and critically reviewed.Results: In depression, flow cytometry studies allowing detection of subtle platelet activation states consistently found at least one platelet activation marker to be increased, while the bulk of platelet aggregation studies did not suggest increased platelet aggregability. Platelets seem to be more activated in depressed patients with CAD than in depressed individuals without CAD. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors normalized platelet hyperactivity in four studies.Conclusion: Data on platelet activity in depression are inconclusive. To resolve this issue and its clinical implications, studies in larger sample sizes controlling for confounders of platelet functioning and prospectively designed are needed.
Smoking and depressive symptoms in Chinese elderly in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam T. H. , Li Z. B. , Ho S. Y. , Chan W. M. , Ho K. S. , Li M. P. , Leung G. M. 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  To examine the association between smoking and depressive symptoms among Chinese elderly in Hong Kong.Method: Cross‐sectional data on smoking and depressive symptoms from 56 167 Chinese elderly aged 65 or over in Hong Kong were analysed using logistic regression.Results:  Current smokers and former smokers were more likely to have depressive symptoms than never smokers. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in males and females respectively were 1.62 (1.34–1.96) and 1.43 (1.20–1.70) for current smokers, and were 1.18 (0.99–1.40) and 1.29 (1.12–1.47) for former smokers. Former smokers were less likely to have depressive symptoms than current smokers (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.70–0.92).Conclusion:  Smoking is positively associated with depressive symptoms in Chinese elderly. Health care workers should be vigilant about the detection of depressive symptoms in elderly smokers.
Revised Definitions of Women's Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Basson Rosemary , Leiblum Sandra , Brotto Lori , Derogatis Leonard , Fourcroy Jean , Fugl-Meyer Kerstin , Graziottin Alessandra , Heiman Julia R. , Laan Ellen , Meston Cindy , Schover Leslie , Van Lankveld Jacques , Schultz Willibrord Weijmar 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACTIntroductionExisting definitions of women's sexual disorders are based mainly on genitally focused events in a linear sequence model (desire, arousal and orgasm).AimTo revise definitions based on an alternative model reflecting women's reasons/incentives for sexual activity beyond any initial awareness of sexual desire.MethodsAn International Definitions Committee of 13 experts from seven countries repeatedly communicated, proposed new definitions and presented at the 2nd International Consultation on Sexual Medicine in Paris July 2003.Main Outcome MeasureExpert opinions/recommendations are based on a process that involved review of evidence-based medical literature, extensive internal committee discussion, informal testing and re-testing of drafted definitions in various clinical settings, public presentation and deliberation.ResultsWomen have many reasons/incentives for sexual activity. Desire may be experienced once sexual stimuli have triggered arousal. Arousal and desire co-occur and reinforce each other. Women's subjective arousal may be minimally influenced by genital congestion. An absence of desire any time during the sexual experience designates disorder. Arousal disorder subtypes are proposed that separate an absence of subjective arousal from all types of sexual stimulation, from an absence of subjective arousal when the only stimulus is genital. A new arousal disorder has provisionally been suggested, namely that of persistent genital arousal. Orgasm disorder is limited to absence of orgasm despite high subjective arousal. Dyspareunia includes partial painful vaginal entry attempts as well as pain with intercourse. Variable reflex muscle tightening around the vagina and an absence of abnormal physical findings are noted in the definition of vaginismus. Women's sexuality is highly contextual and descriptors are recommended re past psychosexual development, current context, as well as medical status. Diagnosing sexual disorders need not imply intrinsic dysfunction of the woman's own sex response system.ConclusionsThe International Definitions Committee has recommended a number of fundamental changes to the existing definitions of women's sexual disorders.
Disorders of Orgasm in Women
Authors: Meston Cindy M. , Hull Elaine , Levin Roy J. , Sipski Marca 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Orgasm is a sensation of intense pleasure creating an altered consciousness state accompanied by pelvic striated circumvaginal musculature and uterine/anal contractions and myotonia that resolves sexually-induced vasocongestion and induces well-being/contentment. In 1,749 randomly-sampled U.S. women, 24% reported an orgasmic dysfunction.

Aim
To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for management of orgasmic disorders in women.

Methods
An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Disorders of Orgasm in Women Committee, there were four experts from two countries.

Main Outcome Measure
Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate.

Results
Female Orgasmic Disorder, the second most frequently reported women's sexual problem is considered to be the persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty (DSM-IV). Empirical treatment outcome research is available for cognitive behavioral and pharmacological approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anorgasmia promotes attitude and sexually-relevant thought changes and anxiety reduction using behavioral exercises such as directed masturbation, sensate focus, and systematic desensitization treatments as well as sex education, communication skills training, and Kegel exercises. To date there are no pharmacological agents trials (i.e., bupropion, granisetron, and sildenafil) proven to be beneficial beyond placebo in enhancing orgasmic function in women diagnosed with Female Orgasmic Disorder.

Conclusions
More research is needed in understanding management of women with orgasmic dysfunction.
Priapism
Authors: Pryor John , Akkus Emre , Alter Gary , Jordan Gerald , Lebret Thierry , Levine Laurence , Mulhall John , Perovic Sava , Ralph David , Stackl Walter 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There are three different types of priapism: low-flow, ischemic, anoxic or veno-occlusive priapism; high-flow, arterial or nonischemic priapism; and recurrent or stuttering priapism.

Aim
To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the diagnosis and treatment of priapism.

Methods
An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Priapism Committee, there were 10 experts from six countries.

Main Outcome Measure
Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate.

Results
Concerning ischemic priapism, persistent cavernous smooth muscle relaxation and failure of contraction is a compartment syndrome with increasing intracavernosal anoxia, rising pCO2 and acidosis. Urgent medical attention should be sought for an erection lasting &gt;4 hours; 90% with priapism &gt;24 hours develop complete erectile dysfunction. After diagnosis and counselling, intracavernosal aspiration and alpha-blockers should precede surgical shunting. Concerning high-flow priapism (congenital, traumatic or iatrogenic), intervention is not urgent and often unnecessary. Definitive management is by selective embolization with autologous blood clot. Concerning recurrent/stuttering priapism, the pathophysiology may be central or local (sickle cell disease). Management needs to be individualized; androgen deprivation has proved useful but has adverse effects.

Conclusions
There is need for prospective, clinical trials to define safe and effective management strategies for patients with low-flow, high-flow or recurrent priapism.