bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns in body size and melanism along a latitudinal cline in the wingless grasshopper,Phaulacridium vittatum
Authors: Harris Rebecca , McQuillan Peter , Hughes Lesley 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim We explore geographic variation in body size within the wingless grasshopper,Phaulacridium vittatum, along a latitudinal gradient, and ask whether melanism can help explain the existence of clinal variation. We test the hypotheses that both male and female grasshoppers will be larger and lighter in colour at lower latitudes, and that reflectance and size will be positively correlated, as predicted by biophysical theory. We then test the hypothesis that variability in size and reflectance is thermally driven, by assessing correlations with temperature and other climatic variables.Location Sixty‐one populations were sampled along the east coast of Australia between latitudes 27.63° S and 43.10° S, at elevations ranging from 10 to 2000 m a.s.l.Methods Average reflectance was used as a measure of melanism and femur length as an index of body size for 198 adult grasshoppers. Climate variables were generated by BIOCLIM for each collection locality. Hierarchical partitioning was used to identify those variables with the most independent influence on grasshopper size and reflectance.Results Overall, there was no simple relationship between size and latitude inP. vittatum.Female body size decreased significantly with latitude, while male body size was largest at intermediate latitudes. Rainfall was the most important climatic variable associated with body size of both males and females. Female body size was also associated with radiation seasonality and male body size with reflectance. The reflectance of females was not correlated with latitude or body size, while male reflectance was significantly higher at intermediate latitudes and positively correlated with body size. Analyses of climate variables showed no significant association with male reflectance, while female reflectance was significantly related to the mean temperature of the driest quarter.Main conclusions Geographic variation in the body size of the wingless grasshopper is best explained in terms of rainfall and radiation seasonality, rather than temperature. However, melanism is also a significant influence on body size in male grasshoppers, suggesting that thermal fitness does play a role in determining adaptive responses to local conditions in this sex.
A 95 kDa protein of Plasmodium vivax and P. cynomolgi visualized by three‐dimensional tomography in the caveola–vesicle complexes (Schüffner's dots) of infected erythrocytes is a member of the PHIST family
Authors: Akinyi Sheila , Hanssen Eric , Meyer Esmeralda V. S. , Jiang Jianlin , Korir Cindy C. , Singh Balwan , Lapp Stacey , Barnwell John W. , Tilley Leann , Galinski Mary R. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryPlasmodium vivax and P. cynomolgi produce numerous caveola–vesicle complex (CVC) structures within the surface of the infected erythrocyte membrane. These contrast with the electron‐dense knob protrusions expressed at the surface of Plasmodium falciparum‐infected erythrocytes. Here we investigate the three‐dimensional (3‐D) structure of the CVCs and the identity of a predominantly expressed 95 kDa CVC protein. Liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitates by monoclonal antibodies from P. cynomolgi extracts identified this protein as a member of the Plasmodium helical interspersed subtelomeric (PHIST) superfamily with a calculated mass of 81 kDa. We named the orthologous proteins PvPHIST/CVC‐8195 and PcyPHIST/CVC‐8195, analysed their structural features, including a PEXEL motif, repeated sequences and a C‐terminal PHIST domain, and show that PHIST/CVC‐8195 is most highly expressed in trophozoites. We generated images of CVCs in 3‐D using electron tomography (ET), and used immuno‐ET to show PHIST/CVC‐8195 localizes to the cytoplasmic side of the CVC tubular extensions. Targeted gene disruptions were attempted in vivo. The pcyphist/cvc‐8195 gene was not disrupted, but parasites containing episomes with the tgdhfr selection cassette were retrieved by selection with pyrimethamine. This suggests that PHIST/CVC‐8195 is essential for survival of these malaria parasites.
Enhanced Cellular Immune Response Elicited by a DNA Vaccine Fused with Ub Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Q.‐M. , Tang Y. , Lei Ch.‐X. , Shi F.‐Zh. , Liu Q.‐H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis study evaluated the immune response elicited by a Ub‐fused Ag85A DNA vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. BALB/c mice were vaccinated with plasmid DNA encoding Ag85A protein, Ub‐fused Ag85A DNA vaccine (UbGR‐Ag85A) and negative DNA vaccines, respectively. Ag85A DNA vaccine immunization induced a Thl‐polarized immune response. The production of Thl‐type cytokine (IFN‐γ) and proliferative T cell responses was enhanced significantly in mice immunized with UbGR‐Ag85A fusion DNA vaccine, compared with non‐fusion DNA vaccine. Moreover, this fusion DNA vaccine also resulted in an increased relative ratio of IgG2a to IgGl and the cytotoxicity of T cells. IFN‐γ intracellular staining of splenocytes indicated that UbGR‐Ag85A fusion DNA vaccine activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells. Thus, this study demonstrated that the UbGR‐Ag85A fusion DNA vaccine inoculation could improve antigen‐specific cellular immune responses, which is helpful for protection against TB infection.
Partial Characterization of Spiroplasma citri Isolates Associated with Necrotic Yellows Disease of Safflower in Iran
Authors: Khanchezar Amin , Izadpanah Keramat , Salehi Mohammad 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSpiroplasma citri was associated with a disease of safflower characterized by stunting, yellowing, phloem discoloration and local or general necrosis in the Fars province of Iran. It was identified by ELISA using a locally produced polyclonal antiserum, by PCR with specific primers and isolation in culture medium. The 16S rDNA restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns of safflower isolates were identical with those of the other S. citri isolates. A known isolate of S. citri from periwinkle induced stunting, yellowing, phloem discoloration and wilting in safflower seedlings when transmitted by dodder under greenhouse conditions. A primer pair designed on the basis of S. citri plasmid was more sensitive than those based on spiralin gene or 16S rDNA for the detection of S. citri. Based on the sequence of the spiralin gene, S. citri isolates from safflower as well as other Iranian isolates were variable and grouped into two genetic clusters with 91.9–92.9% identity between groups. This is the first report of association of S. citri with a safflower disease.
Non‐fluoroscopic endoscopic ultrasound‐guided transmural drainage of symptomatic non‐bulging walled‐off pancreatic necrosis
Authors: Rana Surinder Singh , Bhasin Deepak Kumar , Rao Chalapathi , Gupta Rajesh , Singh Kartar 
Published: April 2012

Background and aim Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic necrosis is less invasive than surgery but is a technically demanding procedure. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided transmural drainage of symptomatic non‐bulging walled‐off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) without the use of fluoroscopy.Methods Over the last 24 months, 20 patients (16 men) with symptomatic non‐bulging WOPN were treated endoscopically at Department of Gastroenterology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.The WOPN was transmurally approached using a linear echoendoscope and the tract dilated over the wire and multiple stents and a nasocystic drain were placed.Results All 20 patients had acute severe pancreatitis and the etiology of pancreatitis was alcohol in 12, gallstones in six and idiopathic in two patients. All patients were symptomatic with pain and six patients had fever and presented 5 to 16 weeks after an acute episode.The size of WOPN ranged from 5 to 16 cm.All 20patients had marked improvement with radiological resolution noted in 19 patients and only one patient required direct endoscopic necrosectomy. One patient with multiple WOPN had a large peripherally located WOPN that did not resolve after transmural drainage and required an additional percutaneous drainage. One to seven endoscopic sessions were required and all these patients had complete resolution within 6 weeks.There were no complications of the procedure.There has been no recurrence of symptoms in these patients over a median follow up of 14 months.Conclusion EUS‐guided transmural drainage of non‐bulging WOPN without the use of fluoroscopy appears to be safe and effective.
Japanese multicenter estimation of wallflex duodenal stent for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Sasaki Takashi , Isayama Hiroyuki , Maetani Iruru , Nakai Yousuke , Kogure Hirofumi , Kawakubo Kazumichi , Mizuno Suguru , Yagioka Hiroshi , Matsubara Saburo , Ito Yukiko , Yamamoto Natsuyo , Sasahira Naoki , Hirano Kenji , Tsujino Takeshi , Toda Nobuo , Tada Minoru , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2012

AimThis retrospective study estimated the efficacy and safety of the WallFlex duodenal stent for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in Japan.MethodsForty‐two consecutive patients with symptomatic malignant GOO were treated using WallFlex duodenal stents between January 2010 and October 2010.ResultsThe technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 83.3%, respectively.The median gastric outlet obstruction scoring system increased significantly, from 0 to 2, after stent placement (P < 0.01).The median survival time was 3.3 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.8–6.0 months), and the median eating period was 3.0 months (95% CI, 1.1–4.3 months). Re‐intervention was required in 11 patients (26.2%). The complication rate was 26.2%. The major complication was stent occlusion (23.8%) by tumor ingrowth, which occurred in nine (21.4%) patients, and tumor overgrowth, which occurred in one (2.4%) patient. Stentmigration, perforation, and food impaction without stent occlusion were not observed.The median survival time of the patients with stent occlusion was 11.7 months (95% CI, 2.2 months – not reached), and the median stent patency of these patients was 4.0 months (95% CI, 0.8–4.7 months).These patients were successfully treated with additional stent insertion using a stent‐in‐stent procedure.ConclusionDuodenal stent placement using a WallFlex duodenal stent was safe and effective for managing malignant GOO.This stent is an uncovered metallic stent, and the major problem was stent occlusion due to tumor ingrowth. However, the occluded stent could be corrected by inserting an additional duodenal stent.
An engineering approach to fatigue analysis based on elastic‐plastic fracture mechanics
Authors: EUFINGER J. , HEINRIETZ A. , BRUDER T. , HANSELKA H. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTNowadays cast iron components are widely used in highly stressed structures. Component lifetime is strongly influenced by inhomogeneities caused by the material's microstructure and the manufacturing process (graphite particles, (micro‐)shrinkage pores, inclusions). Inhomogeneities often act as a fatigue crack starter. Lifetime until failure may be divided into stages for crack initiation, short and long crack growth. Initiation of a crack of technical size (a ≈ 1mm) is often dominated by the growth of short cracks. The paper presents an approach to analyse the mechanically short fatigue crack growth based on elastic‐plastic fracture mechanics considering the closure behaviour of short cracks. The effective J‐integral range is used as a crack driving force. Finite element analysis results as well as analytical solutions to approximate the crack driving force are presented. The application of the approach is successfully demonstrated for cast iron material EN‐GJS‐400‐18‐LT using data from fatigue tests, microstructure and fracture surface analyses to assess the fatigue life.
An approach to calculate the J‐integral by digital image correlation displacement field measurement
Authors: BECKER T. H. , MOSTAFAVI M. , TAIT R. B. , MARROW T. J. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a combined experimental‐numerical technique for the calculation of the J‐integral as an area integral in cracked specimens. The proposed technique is based on full‐field measurement using digital image correlation (DIC) and the finite element method. The J‐integral is probably the most generalised and widely used parameter to quantify the fracture behaviour of both elastic and elastoplastic materials. The proposed technique has the advantage that it does not require crack length measurements nor is it limited to elastic fracture mechanics, provided that only small scale yielding is present. Evaluated are three test geometries; compact tension, three‐point bend and the double torsion beam. Possible errors and their magnitude and the limitations of the method are considered.
Three‐dimensional modelling of intergranular fatigue failure of fine grain polycrystalline metallic MEMS devices
Authors: BOMIDI J. A. R. , WEINZAPFEL N. , SADEGHI F. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a 3D finite element model to investigate intergranular fatigue damage of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices and to account for the effects of topological randomness of material microstructure on fatigue lives. The topology of MEMS material grain structures is modelled using randomly generated 3D Voronoi tessellations. Continuum Damage Mechanics is used to model progressive material degradation due to fatigue. A new 3D micro‐grain debonding procedure is developed to consider both intergranular crack initiation and propagation stages. The fatigue damage model is then used to investigate the effects of microstructure randomness on the variability in fatigue life of cantilever MEMS devices. Three different types of randomness are considered: (1) topological disorder due to random shapes and sizes of the material grains, (2) variation in material properties considering a normally (Gaussian) distributed elastic modulus and (3) material defects or internal voids. The stress–life results obtained are in good agreement with experimental data. The progression of damage and the overall crack pattern obtained from the microcantilever beam model are consistent with empirical observations.
Phantom digit somatotopy: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in forearm amputees
Authors: Björkman Anders , Weibull Andreas , Olsrud Johan , Henrik Ehrsson H. , Rosén Birgitta , Björkman‐Burtscher Isabella M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractForearm amputees often experience non‐painful sensations in their phantom when the amputation stump is touched. Cutaneous stimulation of specific stump areas may be perceived as stimulation of specific phantom fingers (stump hand map). The neuronal basis of referred phantom limb sensations is unknown. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to demonstrate a somatotopic map of the phantom fingers in the hand region of the primary somatosensory cortex after tactile stump stimulation. The location and extent of phantom finger activation in the primary somatosensory cortex corresponded well to the location of normal fingers in a reference population. Stimulation of the stump hand map resulted in an increased bilateral activation of the primary somatosensory cortex compared with stimulation of forearm regions outside the stump hand map. Increased activation was also seen in contralateral posterior parietal cortex and premotor cortex. Ipsilateral primary somatosensory cortex activation might represent a compensatory mechanism and activation of the non‐primary fronto‐parietal areas might correspond to awareness of the phantom limb, which is enhanced when experiencing the referred sensations. It is concluded that phantom sensation elicited by stimulation of stump hand map areas is associated with activation of finger‐specific somatotopical representations in the primary somatosensory cortex. This suggests that the primary somatosensory cortex could be a neural substrate of non‐painful phantom sensations. The stump hand map phenomenon might be useful in the development of prosthetic hand devices.
Is laparoscopic right colectomy more effective than open resection? A meta‐analysis of randomized and nonrandomized studies
Authors: Rondelli F. , Trastulli S. , Avenia N. , Schillaci G. , Cirocchi R. , Gullà N. , Mariani E. , Bistoni G. , Noya G. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim  The aim of this systematic review was to compare laparoscopic and/or laparoscopic‐assisted right colectomy (LRC) with open right colectomy (ORC). Many randomized clinical trial have shown that laparoscopic colectomy benefits patients with improved short‐term outcomes and comparable overall survival in respect to the open approach. These results, however, could not be applied to right colectomy owing to its wide range of resection and more complicated vascular regional anatomy.Method  We performed a meta‐analysis of the literature in order to compare LRC vs ORC by examining 21 end‐points including operative and recovery outcomes, early postoperative mortality and morbidity, and oncological parameters. A subgroup analysis of patients undergoing right colectomy for cancer was carried out. The meta‐analysis was conducted following all aspects of the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis (PRISMA) statement. The search strategies were developed using the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBM reviews and CINAHL until March 2011. We included randomized and non randomized studies that compared the LRC vs ORC for benign disease and malignant neoplasm irrespective of publication status. Only studies in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian languages were considered for inclusion. Emergency right colectomies were excluded. To perform the statistical analysis we used the odds ratio (OR) for categorical variables and the weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous variables. An intention‐to‐treat analysis was performed.Results  Seventeen studies, 15 nonrandomized clinical trials and two randomized clinical trials, involving a total of 1489 patients, were identified. The mean operative time was longer in the group of patients undergoing LRC [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 37.94, 95% CI: 25.01 to 50.88; P < 0.00001]. Intra‐operative blood loss (WMD = −96.61; 95% CI: −150.68 to −42.54; P = 0.0005), length of hospital stay (WMD = −2.29; 95% CI: −3.96 to −0.63; P = 0.007) and short‐term postoperative morbidity (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.83; P = 0.0009) were significantly in favour of LRC.Conclusion  Laparoscopic‐assisted right colectomy results in less blood loss, a shorter length of hospital stay and lower postoperative short‐term morbidity compared with ORC.
Voluntary institutions and behaviours as alternatives to formal regulations in recreational fisheries management
Authors: Cooke Steven J , Suski Cory D , Arlinghaus Robert , Danylchuk Andy J 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTraditional regulatory options (formal institutions) imposed by government agencies such as harvest and gear restrictions represent the standard in recreational fisheries management, at least in developed countries. However, there exist a number of alternatives including the use of angler education programmes that attempt to evoke voluntary changes in angler behaviour, resulting in the emergence of voluntarily motivated resource‐conserving informal institutions. These ‘softer’ approaches to aquatic stewardship and fisheries management can be developed in cooperation with stakeholders and in many cases are led by avid anglers and angling groups. Examples of such measures include voluntary sanctuaries, informally enforced seasonal closures, personal daily bag limits, self‐imposed constraints on gear, development of entirely live‐release fisheries, and adoption of fish and aquatic ecosystem conservation‐oriented gears and release practices. Education efforts that provide anglers with knowledge on best practices and empower them to modify their behaviour hold great promise to meet formal management goals and objectives, but seem to be underutilized relative to formal regulations. This article highlights the benefits and challenges of relying on informal institutions as alternatives to traditional regulatory options. Informal institutions that protect resources and help overfished stocks recover hold great promise in both developed and developing countries, particularly when there is a single stakeholder group or when the capacity to enforce traditional regulations or to invest in stock assessments is limited. Informal institutions may help make formal institutions more effective or can even be alternatives to costly institutions that depend on enforcement to be effective.
Self‐Directed Pensions: Gender, Risk, and Portfolio Choices*
Authors: Säve‐Söderbergh Jenny 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn this paper, I investigate gender differences in financial risk‐taking from a new perspective, and I show that gender plays a different role across the risk distribution. To evaluate risk‐taking, I exploit portfolio choices following a reform that entitles almost the entire Swedish workforce to choose a risk profile for a part of their public‐pension contributions. The novel finding is that portfolio risk does not differ much between the men and women who choose less risky portfolios, while the men who choose risky portfolios take on significantly more risk than do the women who choose risky portfolios. The findings are robust to investors choosing the default alternative, chasing past returns, rebalancing, and different measures of risk‐taking.
The Impact of EU Preferential Trade Agreements on Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Cardamone Paola , Scoppola Margherita 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAlthough North–South preferential trade agreements (PTAs) are expected to affect foreign direct investment (FDI), there is not much evidence to date on the impact of EU PTAs on the pattern of FDI. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of EU PTAs on the outward stocks of FDI of the EU. We estimate a model based on the knowledge‐capital theory of the multinational enterprise over the period 1995–2005 using a sample of 173 host countries. Explanatory variables include measures of the level of bilateral protection and a dummy to capture the impact of deep integration provisions of PTAs. A dynamic panel model with fixed effects is used in order to take into account the dynamic behaviour of FDI and the heterogeneity bias. Results show that EU FDI is both horizontal and vertical. The level of EU protection affects FDI negatively, while the impact of the tariffs applied by host countries varies across groups of partner countries. Deep integration provisions affect EU FDI positively.