bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Big boys get big girls: Factors influencing pupping site and territory location in Australian fur seals
Authors: Lourie Holly J. , Hoskins Andrew J. , Arnould John P.Y. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTo examine the factors influencing birth site selection and territory location in Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), habitat variables (slope, substrate, and elevation) were quantified in seven zones within a breeding colony on Kanowna Island (39º15′S, 146º18′E), southeastern Australia. Distribution across the colony was not uniform with zones at low elevations (i.e., close to water) being preferred areas, having earlier occupancies and greater female densities. Body length of females and territorial adult males was assessed using laser‐metrics. Average female length increased throughout the breeding season, within zones and across the colony, with larger females arriving to give birth later. Larger females also occupied areas of lower elevation close to water. Adult male body length had no influence on territory size, but was positively correlated with the number of females in harems (r2 = 0.70, P < 0.05) and female length (r2 = 0.87, P < 0.01) within harems. By monopolizing larger females, adult males may enhance their reproductive success as these individuals are more likely to give birth and have greater weaning success.
Inhibition of cereal rust fungi by both class I and II defensins derived from the flowers of Nicotiana alata
Authors: Dracatos Peter M. , van der Weerden Nicole L. , Carroll Kate T. , Johnson Elizabeth D. , Plummer Kim M. , Anderson Marilyn A. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryDefensins are a large family of small, cysteine‐rich, basic proteins, produced by most plants and plant tissues. They have a primary function in defence against fungal disease, although other functions have been described. This study reports the isolation and characterization of a class I secreted defensin (NaD2) from the flowers of Nicotiana alata, and compares its antifungal activity with the class II defensin (NaD1) from N. alata flowers, which is stored in the vacuole. NaD2, like all other class I defensins, lacks the C‐terminal pro‐peptide (CTPP) characteristic of class II defensins. NaD2 is most closely related to Nt‐thionin from N. tabacum (96% identical) and shares 81% identity with MtDef4 from alfalfa. The concentration required to inhibit in vitro fungal growth by 50% (IC50) was assessed for both NaD1 and NaD2 for the biotrophic basidiomycete fungi Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae (Pca) and P. sorghi (Ps), the necrotrophic pathogenic ascomycetes Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov), F. graminearum (Fgr), Verticillium dahliae (Vd) and Thielaviopsis basicola (Tb), and the saprobe Aspergillus nidulans. NaD1 was a more potent antifungal molecule than NaD2 against both the biotrophic and necrotrophic fungal pathogens tested. NaD2 was 5–10 times less effective at killing necrotrophs, but only two‐fold less effective on Puccinia species. A new procedure for testing antifungal proteins is described in this study which is applicable to pathogens with spores that are not amenable to liquid culture, such as rust pathogens. Rusts are the most damaging fungal pathogens of many agronomically important crop species (wheat, barley, oats and soybean). NaD1 and NaD2 inhibited urediniospore germination, germ tube growth and germ tube differentiation (appressoria induction) of both Puccinia species tested. NaD1 and NaD2 were fungicidal on Puccinia species and produced stunted germ tubes with a granular cytoplasm. When NaD1 and NaD2 were sprayed onto susceptible oat plants prior to the plants being inoculated with crown rust, they reduced the number of pustules per leaf area, as well as the amount of chlorosis induced by infection. Similar to observations in vitro, NaD1 was more effective as an antifungal control agent than NaD2. Further investigation revealed that both NaD1 and NaD2 permeabilized the plasma membranes of Puccinia spp. This study provides evidence that both secreted (NaD2) and nonsecreted (NaD1) defensins may be useful for broad‐spectrum resistance to pathogens.
In vitro susceptibility of dermatophytes isolated from patients with end‐stage renal disease: a case–control study
Authors: Irimie Marius , Tătaru Alexandru , Oantă Alexandru , Moga Marius 
Published: July 2013

SummaryAlthough the therapeutic efficacy of antifungals is well known for dermatophytosis in general population, limited data exist for patients with chronic kidney disease. The objectives of this study were to determine the dermatophyte species causing infection in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and in vitro susceptibility of isolated dermatophytes to antifungals. A total of 87 patients with ESRD who undergoing haemodialysis and 105 patients with normal renal function suspected with dermatophytosis were included. Skin scrapings or nail clippings were examined by direct microscopy and cultured on Sabouraud agar. In vitro antifungal susceptibility tests were performed using a broth microdilution method. Dermatophyte infections were identified in 32.2% of haemodialysis patients and in 29.5% of controls (P > 0.05). In both groups, Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently isolated. Mean MIC values of the all studied antifungals for all of isolated dermatophyte strains from patients with ESRD were similar to those obtained in control group (P > 0.05). Terbinafine (TBF) had the lowest mean MIC values for all tested dermatophytes in both groups. We consider that TBF should be the treatment of choice for dermatophytosis in patients with chronic kidney disease, but the dose should be adjusted according to creatinine clearance and should be monitored for side effects.
Structure of floral galls of Byrsonima sericea (Malpighiaceae) induced by Bruggmanniella byrsonimae (Cecidomyiidae, Diptera) and their effects on host plants
Authors: Guimarães A. L. A. , Cruz S. M. S. , Vieira A. C. M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractGalls are anomalies in plant development from parasitic origin, and affect cellular differentiation or growth of plants. This parasite–plant interaction occurs in many environments and typically in vegetative organs of plants. The existence of galls in reproductive organs and their effects on the host plant are seldom described in the literature. In this paper, we present a novel study of galls in plants of the neotropical region. Galls of Bruggmmaniella byrsonimae develop in the flower buds of Byrsonima sericea DC. (Malpighiaceae) and affect development of the reproductive organs and the reproductive effort of these plants. The sepals and petals show hypertrophy of parenchyma tissues after differentiation, and the stamens exhibit degeneration of the sporogenic tissue. The gynoecium is not entirely developed; ovary and ovules are often absent. Changes in vascular tissues are also frequent, which may indicate high demand for nutrient resources by the new tissues initiated by the larva. We compared the amount of inflorescences, galls and fruits to evaluate possible effects on host reproduction. The results suggest that the Cecidomyiidae galls in flower organs affect fruit set and the reproductive success of B. sericea.
Pollination and seed dispersal of Melocactus ernestii Vaupel subsp. ernestii (Cactaceae) by lizards: an example of double mutualism
Authors: Gomes V. G. N. , Quirino Z. G. M. , Machado I. C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRecent studies show that the mutualistic role of lizards as pollinators and seed dispersers has been underestimated, with several ecological factors promoting such plant–animal interactions, especially on oceanic islands. Our aim is to provide a quantitative assessment of pollination and seed dispersal mutualisms with lizards in continental xeric habitats. We carried out focal observations of natural populations of Melocactus ernestii (Cactaceae) in the Caatinga, a Brazilian semiarid ecosystem, in order to record the frequency of visits, kind of resource searched and behaviour of visiting animals towards flowers and/or fruits. We made a new record of the lizard Tropidurus semitaeniatus foraging on flowers and fruits of M. ernestii. During the search for nectar, T. semitaeniatus contacted the reproductive structures of the flowers and transported pollen attached to its snout. Nectar production started at 14:00 h, with an average volume of 24.4 μl and an average concentration of solutes of 33%. Approximately 80% of the seeds of M. ernestii found in the faeces of T. semitaeniatus germinated under natural conditions. The roles of T. semitaeniatus as pollinator and seed disperser for M. ernestii show a clear relationship of double mutualism between two endemic species, which may result from the environmental conditions to which both species are subject. Seasonality, low water availability and arthropod supply in the environment, high local lizard densities, continuous nectar production by the flower and fruits with juicy pulp may be influencing the visits and, consequently, pollination and seed dispersal by lizards in this cactus.
Mechanical properties of human skin in vivo: a comparative evaluation in 300 men and women
Authors: Luebberding S. , Krueger N. , Kerscher M. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that the clinical genesis and onset of facial wrinkles as well as the morphology of the extracellular matrix differ between the sexes. The aim of this present clinical study was to do the first systematic assessment of gender‐related differences in skin elasticity, with special focus on age‐related changes.Material and Methods300 healthy male and female subjects (20–74 years) were selected following strict criteria including age, sun behavior or smoking habits. Skin mechanical properties were assessed at the cheek, neck, volar forearm and dorsum of the hand using a non‐invasive suction device.ResultsData analysis shows a significant negative correlation for all parameters and subject's age. At young age results of the relative parameters are higher for women, whereas absolute parameters are higher for men. Parameters referring to the recovery phase change stronger with aging.DiscussionThe present study verifies the progressive decline of the skin mechanical properties with aging. However, the elastic ability of the skin to recover after stretching is more strongly affected by the aging process than the firmness of the skin. Further, the mechanical properties change differently in men and woman over lifetime.
Transfusion complications in thalassemia patients: a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CME)
Authors: Vichinsky Elliott , Neumayr Lynne , Trimble Sean , Giardina Patricia J. , Cohen Alan R. , Coates Thomas , Boudreaux Jeanne , Neufeld Ellis J. , Kenney Kristy , Grant Althea , Thompson Alexis A. ,   CDC Thalassemia Investigators
Published: July 2013

BackgroundTransfusions are the primary therapy for thalassemia but have significant cumulative risks. In 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established a national blood safety monitoring program for thalassemia. This report summarizes the population and their previous nonimmune and immune transfusion complications.Study Design and MethodsThe CDC Thalassemia Blood Safety Network is a consortium of centers longitudinally following patients. Enrollment occurred from 2004 through 2012. Demographics, transfusion history, infectious exposures, and transfusion and nontransfusion complications were summarized. Logistic regression analyses of factors associated with allo‐ and autoimmunization were employed.ResultsThe race/ethnicity of these 407 thalassemia patients was predominantly Asian or Caucasian. The mean ± SD age was 22.3 ± 13.2 years and patients had received a mean ± SD total number of 149 ± 103.4 units of red blood cells (RBCs). Multiorgan dysfunction was common despite chelation. Twenty‐four percent of transfused patients had previous exposure to possible transfusion‐associated pathogens including one case of babesia. As 27% were immigrants, the infection source cannot be unequivocally linked to transfusion. Transfusion reactions occurred in 48%, including allergic, febrile, and hemolytic; 19% were alloimmunized. Common antigens were E, Kell, and C. Years of transfusion was the strongest predictor of alloimmunization. Autoantibodies occurred in 6.5% and were associated with alloimmunization (p < 0.0001). Local institutional policies, not patient characteristics, were major determinants of blood preparation and transfusion practices.ConclusionHemosiderosis, transfusion reactions, and infections continue to be major problems in thalassemia. New pathogens were noted. National guidelines for RBC phenotyping and preparation are needed to decrease transfusion‐related morbidity.
Measuring Global Economic Interdependence: A Hierarchical Network Approach
Authors: Gomez David Matesanz , Torgler Benno , Ortega Guillermo J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper investigates the business cycle co‐movement across countries and regions since 1950 as a measure for quantifying the economic interdependence in the ongoing globalisation process. Our methodological approach is based on analysis of a correlation matrix and the networks it contains. Such an approach summarises the interaction and interdependence of all elements, and it represents a more accurate measure of the global interdependence involved in an economic system. Our results show (1) the dynamics of interdependence has been driven more by synchronisation in regional growth patterns than by the synchronisation of the world economy, and (2) world crisis periods dramatically increase the global co‐movement in the world economy.
Movements of People for Movements of Goods?
Authors: Brau Rinaldo , Maria Pinna Anna 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWhilst it is well established to think of international tourism as a type of exports, namely ‘home’ exports, the potential of tourism flows as an engine for fostering trade among countries is a poorly studied topic. In this paper, we show that this relationship can be studied at a very detailed level by exploiting the disaggregation of existing information on international trade and inbound tourism. We consider a sample of 25 countries belonging to the European Union, a region that has been interested by common shocks such as the establishment of the euro as the new currency for many countries and the liberalisation in the air transport market. We carry out a panel data analysis by means of which we assess whether international tourist arrivals by a given country activate additional exports towards the same country. We find not only that tourism can promote exports, but also that this effect displays important differences depending on whether or not consumption goods are considered. This finding is consistent with the idea that the experience of tourists in a given destination reduces the fixed costs of trade, thus facilitating access to the advantages of international trade for more peripheral economies.
Chinese Box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) with lymphoid leukemia characterized by immunohistochemical and cytochemical phenotyping
Authors: Bezjian Marisa , Diep Anh N. , de Matos Ricardo , Schaefer Deanna 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLymphoid leukemia of T‐cell origin was diagnosed in a male Chinese Box turtle,Cuora flavomarginata, of approximately 25 years of age. The turtle presented with a history of anorexia, open‐mouth breathing, and lethargy for one week. TheCBCfindings included a mildly increasedPCV, and severe leukocytosis due to high numbers of atypical cells interpreted to be blasts. The blasts were medium‐sized cells with round to pleomorphic nuclei, slightly clumped chromatin, indistinct nucleoli, and scant moderate‐to‐dark blue cytoplasm with occasional red‐to‐purple cytoplasmic granulation. Cytochemical and immunohistochemical staining indicated that the neoplastic cells were positive forCD3 and α‐naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE), leading to the diagnosis of T‐cell lymphoid leukemia. Histology of tissues collected at necropsy showed multifocal infiltrations of neoplastic round cells in the liver, spleen, kidneys, testicles, pancreas, thyroid, duodenum, bone marrow, epicardium, and myocardium. Transmission electron microscopy failed to identify viral particles within the neoplastic cells. This article describes the hematologic, histologic, and ultrastructural abnormalities associated with lymphoid leukemia in this turtle, and advanced diagnostic methods used for phenotyping the T‐cell origin.
A Phenomenological Approach to Dual Fuel Combustion Modelling
Authors: Johnson S. L. , Clarke A. , Fletcher T. , Hylands D. 
Published: July 2013

Dual fuel engines offer the potential for considerable reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as reducing emissions of particulate matter (PM). However, the combustion processes occurring inside a dual fuel engine are complex. This is due to the ignition of a homogeneous lean premixed charge by a pilot fuel spray, which combines elements of both conventional spark ignition and diesel combustion.
Combustion models provide an effective means of investigating the phenomena taking place inside the cylinder. This paper describes a phenomenological model used for performance and emissions predictions in a dual fuel engine. The pilot fuel spray is described using a packet model approach, which includes sub-models for spray development and mixing, swirl, spray wall impingement, ignition and combustion. Flame growth is coupled to the burning zones in the cylinder and is described using a turbulent entrainment model. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and PM are also evaluated.
Simulated in-cylinder pressures and rates of heat release are in good agreement with experimental data obtained from a naturally aspirated, in-line, four-cylinder, direct injection diesel engine operating with methane (CH4) as the gaseous fuel. Crank angle resolved emissions of NOx and PM are also presented. The model results give good confidence in the current approach for the description of premixed combustion following the ignition of the pilot.
Assessment of the Feasibility of Biodiesel Blends for Small Commercial Engines
Authors: Tanner Matthew , Stryker Peter , Brahma Indranil 
Published: July 2013

Petroleum supply and environmental issues have increased interest in renewable low polluting alternative fuels. Published test results generally indicate decreased pollution with similar power output from internal combustion engines burning alternative fuels. More specifically, diesel engines burning biodiesel derived from plant oils and animal fats, not only reduce harmful exhaust emissions, but are renewable and environmentally friendly.
A literature review found little previous research with biodiesel in small commercial diesel engines. This paper presents the research that was conducted to study the effect of biodiesel/diesel fuel blends on engine performance and emissions for a Yanmar L100 EE (7.1 kW) engine. This is a standard commercial grade diesel engine used for small equipment such as generators.
Independent engine dynamometer and emissions testing were performed to validate the lower emission claims and assess the feasibility of alternative fuels. A testing apparatus capable of making relevant measurements was designed, built and used to perform this study.
Fuel blends used included B2, B20, B40, B60, B80, and B100 where the biodiesel component of the blend was a commercial product. An analysis of the fuel showed large percentages of linoleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid which is typical for a blend of soybean oil and beef tallow.
Test were performed at a constant torque (95 % of the continuously rated value) and variable engine speeds. Test results included calculated values of BMEP, BSFC, thermal efficiency, air mass flow rate, air fuel ratio, corrected NOx, energy lost to exhaust, and heat rejection, and measured values of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Results indicate an increase in thermal efficiency compared to standard diesel and significant reductions of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide at all engine speeds. Brake specific fuel consumption increased with increasing percent biodiesel consistent with the decreased energy content of blended fuel. Significantly, there were small but consistent reductions in corrected NOx for all blends at all speeds. We posit possible explanations for these results, which are contrary to the published results for larger engines which show an increase in NOx for biodiesel blends.
Improvement in Lean Homogenous Spark-Ignition Combustion With Pulsed Energy Spark Plug
Authors: Jacobs Timothy J. , Camilli Louis J. , Gonnella Joseph E. 
Published: July 2013

This article describes a study involving new spark plug technology, referred to as pulsed energy spark plug, for use in igniting fuel-air mixtures in a spark ignition internal combustion engine. The study involves precisely controlled constant volume combustion bomb tests. The major defining difference between the pulsed energy spark plug and a conventional spark plug is a peaking capacitor that improves the electrical-to-plasma energy transfer efficiency from a conventional plug’s 1% to the pulsed energy plug’s 50%. Such an increase in transfer efficiency is believed to improve spark energy and subsequently the ignition time and burn rate of a homogeneous, or potentially stratified, fuel-air mixture.
The study observes the pulsed energy plug to shorten the ignition delay of both stoichiometric and lean mixtures (with equivalence ratio of 0.8), relative to a conventional spark plug, without increasing the burn rate. Additionally, the pulsed energy plug demonstrates a decreased lean flammability limit that is about 14% lower (0.76 for conventional plug and 0.65 for pulsed energy plug) than that of the conventional spark plug. These features — advanced ignition of stoichiometric and lean mixtures and decreased lean flammability limits — might qualify the pulsed energy plugs as an enabling technology to effect the mainstream deployment of advanced, ultra-clean and ultra-efficient, spark ignition internal combustion engines. For example, the pulsed energy plug may improve ignition of stratified-GDI engines. Further, the pulsed energy plug technology may improve the attainability of lean-burn homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion by improving the capabilities of spark-assist. Finally, the pulsed energy plug could improve natural gas spark ignition engine development by improving the ignition system. Future work could center efforts on evaluating this spark plug technology in the context of advanced internal combustion engines, to transition the state of the art to the next level.