bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of non-thermal shielding on the Ramsauer phenomena for the electron–atom-induced dipole scattering in Lorentzian plasmas
Authors: KI DAE-HAN , JUNG YOUNG-DAE 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe non-thermal shielding effects on the Ramsauer phenomena for the electron–atom-induced dipole scattering are investigated in Lorentzian plasmas. The phase theory and the modified Buckingham-type potential are employed to obtain phase shift and collision cross section as functions of spectral index, scattering length, polarizability, collision energy, and the Debye radius. It is found that the non-thermal effect enhances the collision cross section below the Ramsauer energy and suppresses the collision cross section above the Ramsauer energy. In addition, it is found that the non-thermal effect enhances the Ramsauer energy in Lorentzian plasmas.
Species delimitation, bioclimatic range, and conservation status of the threatened lichen Fuscopannaria confusa
Authors: CARLSEN Tor , BENDIKSBY Mika , HOFTON Tom H. , REISO Sigve , BAKKESTUEN Vegar , HAUGAN Reidar , KAUSERUD Håvard , TIMDAL Einar 
Published: August 2012

AbstractFuscopannaria confusa is a rare lichen restricted to very humid localities in boreal forests. Two Fuscopannaria species, F. ahlneri and F. mediterranea, and Parmeliella parvula are morphologically problematic to distinguish from F. confusa. Our aim with the present study was to evaluate the taxonomic status of F. confusa and thereby clarify its conservation status in Norway. By phylogenetic analysis of multi-locus DNA sequences, we show that F. confusa is genetically well distinguished from F. ahlneri,F. mediterranea, and P. parvula. Fuscopannaria confusa should therefore be treated as a separate species. A species distribution modelling analysis indicates that F. confusa has a slightly continental but potentially wide geographic distribution in Norway. However, suitable localities are continuously being destroyed by clear-cut logging and hydroelectric power development. Because of the decline in suitable habitats, F. confusa should be regarded as highly threatened in Norway and listed as EN (endangered) at the national level.
Diversity ofRamalina sinensisand its photobiont in local populations
Authors: FRANCISCO DE OLIVEIRA P. M. , TIMSINA B. , PIERCEY-NORMORE M. D. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractRamalina sinensisis a widespread lichen in the Northern Hemisphere with sparse local populations, and its potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine whether geographical distance reflects fungal phylogenetic patterns, and to infer algal identity and its pattern of geographical distribution. Twenty-three samples ofR. sinensiswere collected from three geographical regions in Manitoba. The internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS rDNA) was sequenced from each of the algal and fungal partners, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Algal haplotypes were estimated and placed on a map of the geographical regions. Although the fungal partner showed no geographical segregation within Manitoba, the divergence of three samples added to the phylogeny from GenBank suggested that a pattern may be evident if broader geographical distances were examined. The photobiont sequence was determined to be most similar to that ofTrebouxia impressaandT. potteri,two widely distributed algal species. The algal partner showed no geographical structure with sequence polymorphism or haplotype analyses. The abundance of sexual reproduction might explain widespread occurrence and the absence of geographical segregation of the fungus. This study suggests that the diversity in each of the symbionts ofR. sinensisshould not be a limiting factor for adaptation.
Six new species of Pyrenula from the tropics
Authors: APTROOT André , SCHUMM Felix , CÁCERES Marcela E. S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSix new species of the genus Pyrenula are described as new to science from various countries in the tropics. Pyrenula borneensis is described from Borneo, P. endocrocea from the Philippines, P. hawaiiensis from Hawaii, P. rinodinospora from Papua New Guinea, P. rubrojavanica from Java, and P. thailandica from Papua New Guinea, India and Thailand.
The lichen genusUsnea(Parmeliaceae) in tropical South America: species with a pigmented medulla, reacting C+ yellow
Authors: TRUONG Camille , CLERC Philippe 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn tropical South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil), we investigated the diversity ofUsneaspecies with a pigmented, C+ yellow medulla. Four species are treated: the sorediateU. ceratinaandU. entoviolata, the latter being new for South America, and the non-sorediateU. cristatulaandU. flavorubescens, the latter being newly described here. A detailed description is provided for each species together with an identification key.
Parasite epidemiology in a changing world: can molecular phylogeography help us tell the wood from the trees?
Authors: MORGAN E.R. , CLARE E.L. , JEFFERIES R. , STEVENS J. R. 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYMolecular phylogeography has revolutionised our ability to infer past biogeographic events from cross-sectional data on current parasite populations. In ecological parasitology, this approach has been used to address fundamental questions concerning host-parasite co-evolution and geographic patterns of spread, and has raised many technical issues and problems of interpretation. For applied parasitologists, the added complexity inherent in adding population genetic structure to perceived parasite distributions can sometimes seem to cloud rather than clarify approaches to control. In this paper, we use case studies firstly to illustrate the potential extent of cryptic diversity in parasite and parasitoid populations, secondly to consider how anthropogenic influences including movement of domestic animals affect the geographic distribution and host associations of parasite genotypes, and thirdly to explore the applied relevance of these processes to parasites of socio-economic importance. The contribution of phylogeographic approaches to deeper understanding of parasite biology in these cases is assessed. Thus, molecular data on the emerging parasitesAngiostrongylus vasorumin dogs and wild canids, and the myiasis-causing fliesLuciliaspp. in sheep andCochliomyia hominovoraxin humans, lead to clear implications for control efforts to limit global spread. Broader applications of molecular phylogeography to understanding parasite distributions in an era of rapid global change are also discussed.
Comparative analysis of ITS1 nucleotide sequence reveals distinct genetic difference between Brugia malayi from Northeast Borneo and Thailand
Authors: FONG MUN-YIK , NOORDIN RAHMAH , LAU YEE-LING , CHEONG FEI-WEN , YUNUS MUHAMMAD HAFIZNUR , IDRIS ZULKARNAIN MD 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYBrugia malayi is one of the parasitic worms which causes lymphatic filariasis in humans. Its geographical distribution includes a large part of Asia. Despite its wide distribution, very little is known about the genetic variation and molecular epidemiology of this species. In this study, the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) nucleotide sequences of B. malayi from microfilaria-positive human blood samples in Northeast Borneo Island were determined, and compared with published ITS1 sequences of B. malayi isolated from cats and humans in Thailand. Multiple alignment analysis revealed that B. malayi ITS1 sequences from Northeast Borneo were more similar to each other than to those from Thailand. Phylogenetic trees inferred using Neighbour-Joining and Maximum Parsimony methods showed similar topology, with 2 distinct B. malayi clusters. The first cluster consisted of Northeast Borneo B. malayi isolates, whereas the second consisted of the Thailand isolates. The findings of this study suggest that B. malayi in Borneo Island has diverged significantly from those of mainland Asia, and this has implications for the diagnosis of B. malayi infection across the region using ITS1-based molecular techniques.
Infant feeding practices and prevalence of obesity in eight European countries – the IDEFICS study
Authors: Hunsberger Monica , Lanfer Anne , Reeske Anna , Veidebaum Toomas , Russo Paola , Hadjigeorgiou Charalampos , Moreno Luis A , Molnar Dénes , De Henauw Stefaan , Lissner Lauren , Eiben Gabriele 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association between exclusive breast-feeding and childhood overweight.DesignCross-sectional data are from the baseline survey of the longitudinal cohort study IDEFICS. Exclusive rather than partial breast-feeding is the focus of the study due to the theoretical relationship between exclusive breast-feeding and development of dietary self-regulation. Children's measured heights and weights were used to calculate weight status, while waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) and skinfold measures were examined as alternative indicators of adiposity and fat patterning.SettingExamination centres in eight European countries (Italy, Estonia, Cyprus, Belgium, Sweden, Hungary, Germany and Spain).SubjectsThe analysis included 14 726 children aged 2–9 years for whom early feeding practices were reported by parents in standardized questionnaires.ResultsAfter controlling for education, income and other potential confounders, breast-feeding exclusively for 4–6 months was protective of overweight (including obesity) when compared with children never exclusively breast-fed (OR = 0·73; 95 % CI 0·63, 0·85) across all measures of overweight. Exclusively breast-feeding for 6 months offered slightly more protection than for 4 and 5 months combined (OR = 0·71; 95 % CI 0·58, 0·85). The associations could not be explained by socio-economic characteristics or maternal overweight.ConclusionsThis multi-country investigation indicated that exclusive breast-feeding for 4–6 months may confer protection against overweight in addition to other known benefits. There was no demonstrated benefit of exclusive breast-feeding for more than 6 months or combination feeding for any duration across all measures of overweight examined.
Adiposity indices in the prediction of insulin resistance in prepubertal Colombian children
Authors: Mueller Noel T , Pereira Mark A , Buitrago-Lopez Adriana , Rodríguez Diana C , Duran Alvaro E , Ruiz Alvaro J , Rueda-Clausen Christian F , Villa-Roel Cristina 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo compare BMI with abdominal skinfold thickness (ASF), waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in the prediction of insulin resistance (IR) in prepubertal Colombian children.DesignWe calculated age- and sex-specific Z-scores for BMI, ASF, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and three other skinfold-thickness sites. Logistic regression with stepwise selection (P = 0·80 for entry and P = 0·05 for retention) was performed to identify predictors of IR and extreme IR, which were determined by age- and sex-specific Z-scores to identify the ≥ 90th and ≥ 95th percentile of homeostasis model assessment (HOMAIR), respectively. We used receiver operating characteristic curves to compare the area under the curve between models.SettingBucaramanga, Colombia.SubjectsChildren (n 1261) aged 6–10 years in Tanner stage 1 from a population-based study.ResultsA total of 127 children (seventy girls and fifty-seven boys) were classified with IR, including sixty-three children (thirty-three girls and thirty boys) classified with extreme IR. Only ASF and BMI Z-scores were retained as predictors of IR by stepwise selection. Adding ASF Z-score to BMI Z-score improved the area under the curve from 0·794 (95 % CI 0·752, 0·837) to 0·811 (95 % CI 0·770, 0·851; P for contrast = 0·01). In predicting extreme IR, the addition of ASF Z-score to BMI Z-score improved the area under the curve from 0·837 (95 % CI 0·790, 0·884) to 0·864 (95 % CI 0·823, 0·905; P for contrast = 0·01).ConclusionsASF Z-score predicted IR independent of BMI Z-score in our population of prepubertal children. ASF and BMI Z-scores together improved IR risk stratification compared with BMI Z-score alone, opening new perspectives in the prediction of cardiometabolic risk in prepubertal children.
Riots, Demonstrations, Strikes and the Coalition Programme
Authors: Taylor-Gooby Peter 
Published: August 2012

The current UK government's policies include headlong spending cuts and a far-reaching restructuring of public provision. State welfare arguably contributes to political legitimacy and social stability, as well as to better social conditions and economic prosperity. The fact that current policies bear disproportionately on lower income groups may damage legitimacy.This article analyses a dataset covering twenty-six countries for more than two decades to show that spending cuts, privatisation and increases in poverty undermine legitimacy. It uses a direct measure of legitimacy in terms of the frequency of riots and political demonstrations and strikes, rather than the usual indirect measures in terms of attitudes and trust in government. Findings in relation to the increased work-centredness of the benefit and labour market reforms are more equivocal: a stricter benefit regime may not undermine legitimacy.
Conservation agriculture systems for Malawian smallholder farmers: long-term effects on crop productivity, profitability and soil quality
Authors: Ngwira Amos Robert , Thierfelder Christian , Lambert Dayton M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractConservation agriculture (CA) systems are based upon minimal soil disturbance; crop residue retention and crop rotation and/or intercrop association are increasingly seen to recycle nutrients, increase yield and reduce production costs. This study examines the effects of CA practices on crop productivity, profitability and soil quality under the conditions encountered by smallholder farmers in two farming communities from 2005 to 2011 in Malawi, as part of the contribution to remedy a lack of supporting agronomic research for these relatively new systems. The drier agroenvironment of Lemu of Bazale Extension Planning Area (EPA) is characterized by sandy clay loam soils and lower rainfall. Here, CA showed positive benefits on maize yield after the first season of experimentation, with highest increases of 2.7 Mg ha−1and 2.3 Mg ha−1more yield in CA monocrop maize and CA maize–legume intercrop, respectively, than the conventional tillage in the driest season of 2009/10. In the high rainfall environment of Zidyana EPA (characterized by sandy loam soils), substantial maize yield benefits resulted in the fifth season of experimentation. Farmers spent at most 50 days ha−1(US$140) producing maize under CA systems compared with 62 days ha−1(US$176) spent under conventional tillage practices. In Lemu, both CA systems resulted in gross margins three times higher than that of the conventional control plot, while in Zidyana, CA monocrop maize and CA maize–legume intercrop resulted in 33 and 23% higher gross margins, respectively, than conventional tillage. In Zidyana, the earthworm population was highest (48 earthworms m−2in the first 30 cm) in CA monocrop maize, followed by a CA maize–legume intercropping (40 earthworms) and lowest (nine earthworms) in conventionally tilled treatment. In both study locations CA monocrop maize and CA maize–legume intercrop gave higher water infiltration than the conventional treatment. Improvements in crop productivity, overall economic gain and soil quality have made CA an attractive system for farmers in Malawi and other areas with similar conditions. However, for extensive adoption of CA by smallholder farmers, cultural beliefs that crop production is possible without the ubiquitous ridge and furrow system and residue burning for mice hunting have to be overcome.
Acute Schmorl's Node during Strenuous Monofin Swimming: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Paterakis Konstantinos N. , Brotis Alexandros G. , Dardiotis Efthimios , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios M. , Karachalios Theofilos , Fountas Kostas N. , Karantanas Apostolos 
Published: August 2012

Study Design This case report describes an acute Schmorl's node (SN) in an elite monofin athlete during exercise. The patient presented with severe back pain and leg numbness and was managed successfully with conservative treatment. Objective The aim of our communication was to describe a rare presentation of a common pathological condition during an intense sport. Background Swimming is not generally considered to be a sport activity that leads to spinal injuries. SNs are usually asymptomatic lesions, incidentally found on imaging studies. There is no correlation between swimming and symptomatic SN formation. Case Report A 16-year-old monofin elite athlete suffered from an acute nonradiating back pain during extreme exercise. His back pain was associated with a fracture of the superior L5 end plate and an acute SN at the L5 vertebral body with perilesional bone marrow edema. The pain resolved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and bed rest. The athlete had an excellent outcome and returned to his training activities 6 months after his incident. Conclusion SN should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe back pain, especially in sport-related injuries. SNs present with characteristic imaging findings. Due to the benign nature of these lesions, surveillance-only management may be the best course of action.
Charcot Arthropathy of the Wrist Associated with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Jackson Keith , Ramadorai Uma , Abell Brian , DeVine John 
Published: August 2012

Background Charcot arthropathy is a cascade of destructive changes that can effect joints of both the axial and appendicular skeleton. The pathogenesis of this condition centers around the accumulation of minor traumatic events after the loss of normal joint sensation. The most frequently cited cause of Charcot arthropathy of the upper extremity is syringomyelia, and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine should be obtained at presentation. Case Report A 72-year-old woman presented with a painless right wrist deformity. Radiographs demonstrated advanced destructive changes of the radiocarpal joint. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed multilevel cervical spondylotic stenosis with cord deformation, but no evidence of syringomyelia. Neurological examination confirmed the presence of myelopathy. Literature Review The most frequently cited cause of Charcot arthropathy of the upper extremity is syringomyelia, although pathologies such as diabetes mellitus, tabes dorsalis, leprosy, and other disorders affecting the nervous system have been reported to lead to this condition. Neuropathic arthropathy involving the wrist is a rare phenomenon with fewer than 20 published reports in modern literature. Clinical Relevance Charcot arthropathy of the wrist is a rare but potentially disabling condition. The diagnosis of spondylotic myelopathy should be considered when evaluating a patient with this presentation. Evaluation consisting of a detailed neurological examination and advanced imaging of the cervical spine is warranted to identify the etiology.
The effect of performance context and skill level on the frequency of flow experiences
Authors: Koehn Stefan , Morris Tony 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe main purpose of this study was to examine interaction effects between skill level and performance contexts on the experience of flow in adolescent tennis players. The study employed a factorial design to examine differences in flow frequency between competition and training settings and the independent groups factor of ranking list and club players. Junior tennis players (55 males, 29 females) completed the Dispositional Flow Scale‐2 in training and competition settings. A repeated‐measure ANCOVA, with years of tennis experience and training hours per week as covariates, showed a significant main effect for skill level, F(1, 82) = 6.67, p<0.05, , a significant main effect for performance contexts, F(1, 82) = 7.69, p<0.01, , and a significant disordinal interaction, F(1, 82) = 9.93, p<0.01, . Lower skilled athletes experienced flow with similar frequency across performance contexts, whereas advanced players experienced flow more often during training than competition. Qualitative results showed that club players’ involvement in both performance contexts was mainly based on intrinsic reasons, whereas ranking list players reported intrinsic reasons for training, but a high number of extrinsic reasons for competition. Future studies should take propositions of the flow model into account in order to advance theoretical developments on interaction effects and shed more light into the complex processes underlying flow in sport.
Posterior Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis With Pedicle Screws and Ultrahigh–Molecular Weight Polyethylene Tape
Authors: Imagama Shiro , Ito Zenya , Wakao Norimitsu , Ando Kei , Hirano Kenichi , Tauchi Ryoji , Muramoto Akio , Matsui Hiroki , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Sakai Yoshihito , Katayama Yoshito , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Ishiguro Naoki 
Published: August 2012

Study Design:
Prospective clinical case series.

Objectives:
To describe our surgical procedure and results for posterior correction and fusion with a hybrid approach using pedicle screws, hooks, and ultrahigh–molecular weight polyethylene tape with direct vertebral rotation (DVR) (the PSTH-DVR procedure) for treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with satisfactory correction in the coronal and sagittal planes.

Summary of Background Data:
Introduction of segmental pedicle screws in posterior surgery for AIS has facilitated good correction and fusion. However, procedures using only pedicle screws have risks during screw insertion, higher costs, and decreased postoperative thoracic kyphosis. We have obtained good outcomes compared with segmental pedicle screw fixation in surgery for AIS using a relatively simple operative procedure (PSTH-DVR) that uses fewer pedicle screws.

Methods:
The subjects were 30 consecutive patients with AIS who underwent the PSTH-DVR procedure and were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Preoperative flexibility, preoperative and postoperative Cobb angles, correction rates, loss of correction, thoracic kyphotic angles (T5–T12), coronal balance, sagittal balance, and shoulder balance were measured on plain radiographs. Rib hump, operation time, estimated blood loss, spinal cord monitoring findings, complications, and scoliosis research society (SRS)-22 scores were also examined.

Results:
The mean preoperative curve of 58.0 degrees (range, 40–96 degrees) was corrected to a mean of 9.9 degrees postoperatively, and the correction rate was 83.6%. Fusion was obtained in all patients without loss of correction. In 10 cases with preoperative kyphosis angles (T5–T12) <10 degrees, the preoperative mean of 5.8 degrees improved to 20.2 degrees at the final follow-up. Rib hump and coronal, sagittal and shoulder balances were also improved, and good SRS-22 scores were achieved at final follow-up.

Conclusions:
The correction of deformity with PSTH-DVR is equivalent to that of all-pedicle screw constructs. The procedure gives favorable correction, is advantageous for kyphosis compared with segmental screw fixation, and uses the minimum number of pedicle screws. Therefore, the PSTH-DVR procedure may be useful for treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.