bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allonursing in Captive Guanacos, Lama guanicoe: Milk Theft or Misdirected Parental Care?
Authors: Zapata Beatriz , González Benito A. , Ebensperger Luis A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractFemales in several ungulates transfer milk to non‐filial (NF) offspring, in a process known as allonursing. This behavior is less common in monotocous species, including most ungulates, and it has been associated with parasitic behavior of calves or mothers who have lost their own offspring. To examine whether the calves ‘steal’ milk from the females or whether females fail to discriminate their own calves in guanacos, allonursing behavior was observed. If milk theft drives allonursing, mothers should reject NF offspring, they should search for their own calves, and calves attempting to suckle from alien mothers should adopt parallel (as opposed to the anti‐parallel) position during allonursing. Alternatively, if allonursing is caused by mothers unable to discriminate own offspring, mothers are not expected to reject NF offspring, and alien calves should use parallel and antiparallel position similarly when allonursing. Allonursing was investigated during the first 3 mo of lactation in two groups of captive guanacos composed of 15 and 14 mother‐calf pairs, respectively. While 40% and 62.5% of mothers in groups 1 and 2 performed allonursing, high individual variation prevailed; some females exhibited this behavior infrequently (4.1% and 6.5 % in groups 1 and 2). The rejection rate to NF nursing attempts was threefold higher than the rejection rate to filial nursing attempts. The occurrence of nursing to NF was associated to a parallel posture by the calves. Our findings suggest that ‘milk theft’ is a more plausible hypothesis to explain allonursing in guanacos than ‘misdirected parental care’.
Early Comers Become Owners: Effect of Residency Experience on Territorial Contest Dynamics in a Lycaenid Butterfly
Authors: Takeuchi Tsuyoshi , Honda Keiichi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA positive relationship between ownership and contest success is widespread among territorial butterflies. We tested the hypothesis that owners win simply because they have a longer experience occupying a given territory than do intruders in territorial butterflies. Using the lycaenid butterfly Chrysozephyrus smaragdinus, we staged contests between two males that had experienced different residency periods at the same contested territory, similar to owners and intruders in natural contests. We found that males that had occupied the contested territory for a longer period (a day) always defeated the shorter occupancy males (15 min). Therefore, residency period plays a key role in settling territorial contests. As residency confers advantages in a time‐dependent manner, the mechanism of owner dominance could be an increase in motivation to fight as local familiarity increases. Moreover, this result predicts a population‐level territorial dynamics. If residency period per se confers advantages in each contest, males arriving at a territory early in their adult season should acquire territorial dominance because they can remain there for a certain period with only a few rivals; late‐appearing males do not have this advantage. As predicted, we found that males appearing at territory sites early in the season were more likely to hold their territories. This finding provides new evidence for the evolution of protandry in butterflies.
Microstructure variation effects on room temperature fatigue threshold and crack propagation in Udimet 720Li Ni‐base superalloy
Authors: PANG H. T. , REED P. A. S. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTAn assessment of the effects of microstructure on room temperature fatigue threshold and crack propagation behaviour has been carried out on microstructural variants of U720Li, i.e. as‐received U720Li, U720Li‐LG (large grain variant) and U720Li‐LP (large intragranular coherent γ′ variant). Fatigue tests were carried out at room temperature using a 20 Hz sinusoidal cycling waveform at an R‐ratio = 0.1 on 12.5 mm × 12.5 mm square cross‐section SENB specimens with a 60° starter notch. U720Li‐LG showed the highest threshold ΔK (ΔKth), whilst U720Li‐LP showed the lowest ΔKth value. U720Li‐LP also showed higher crack growth rates in the near‐threshold regime and at high ΔK (although at higher ΔK levels the difference was less marked). Crack growth rates of U720Li and U720Li‐LG were relatively similar both in the near‐threshold regime and at high ΔK. The materials showed crystallographic stage I type crack growth in the near‐threshold regime, with U720Li showing distinct crystallographic facets on the fracture surface, while U720Li‐LG and U720Li‐LP showed mostly microfacets and a lower proportion of large facets. At high ΔK, crack growth in the materials becomes flat and featureless indicative of stage II type crack growth. The observed fatigue behaviour, which is an effect of the combined contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic crack growth resistances, is rationalized in terms of the microstructural characteristics of the materials. Enhanced room temperature fatigue threshold and near‐threshold long crack growth resistance are seen for materials with larger grain size and higher degree of planar slip which may be related to increased extrinsic crack growth resistance contributions from crack tip shielding and roughness‐induced crack closure. Differences in the deformation behaviour, either homogeneous or heterogeneous due to microstructural variation in this set of materials may provide approximately equivalent intrinsic crack growth resistance contributions at room temperature.
Analysis of manufacturing effects on fatigue failure of an automotive component using finite element methods
Authors: KANG W. J. , KIM G. H. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTIn this study, the fatigue life of an automotive suspension component was analysed using finite element methods with regard to stamping and welding effects. Because automotive suspension components are produced by forming and welding sheet metal, there are various effects on the final product, such as uneven thickness distribution, residual stresses and weld notches. Manufacturing effects may change the mechanical performance of the automotive components; therefore, it is desirable to consider these effects in the early design stage. Residual stresses due to work hardening and thermal deformation were investigated through process simulation. The redistribution and relaxation of residual stresses in a component were investigated in fatigue life analysis under a cyclic loading condition. Various equivalent relaxation curves were investigated and one was selected after comparisons with test results. The fatigue simulation results were compared to the test results; a good correlation between the two was achieved for the residual stress effects in terms of life cycles and failure locations. The simulation results also show that welding produces more detrimental effects than stamping with regard to the fatigue life of a component.
Comparison of kidney‐ureter‐bladder abdominal radiography and computed tomography scout films for identifying renal calculi
Authors: Johnston Richard , Lin Anthony , Du Jason , Mark Stephen 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess the sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) scout topograms and kidney‐ureter‐bladder abdominal radiography (KUB) in detecting urinary tract stones.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe assesed films taken on presentation for 163 consecutive patients referred to our service for stone follow‐up. Only those with both CT and KUB imaging on the same day were studied further. Two urology registrars examined the films independently. Location, size and length of stone were recorded. Where there was discordance, the films were examined by an independent radiologist.RESULTSIn all, 108 of 163 patients had both CT and KUB imaging on the same day. Stones were identified in 63% (68/108) of patients with KUB, with a mean length of 4.93 mm. There were 40/108 radiolucent stones subsequently measured on CT, with a mean length of 4.90 mm. Stones were seen on 47% (51/108) of the CT scouts, with a mean length of 5.22 mm. Importantly, all stones visible on CT scout were also visible on KUB. There was no correlation between stone location and visibility on KUB or CT scout films.CONCLUSIONKUB could be used for follow‐up in 63% of cases. All stones seen on CT scout were also visible on KUB. Scout detected 75% of stones visible on KUB. We suggest CT scout film should be reported before proceeding to KUB. If the stone is visible on CT scout film, then the decision to use KUB for follow‐up can be made. This minimizes radiation exposure and other costs.
Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin cell‐wall skeleton enhances the killing activity of cytotoxic lymphocyte‐activated human dendritic cells transduced with the prostate‐specific antigen gene
Authors: Fujii Reona , Iwahashi Makoto , Kikkawa Kazuro , Inagaki Takeshi , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Ojima Toshiyasu , Mori Takashi , Kuramoto Tomomi , Nishizawa Satoshi , Azuma Ichiro , Yamaue Hiroki , Shinka Toshiaki , Hara Isao 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine whether dendritic cells (DC) transduced with the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) gene can induce PSA‐specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) against prostate cancer cells, and whether bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) cell‐wall skeleton (CWS) can enhance the maturation of DC‐PSA and the killing activity of subsequently induced PSA‐specific CTL.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe generated an adenovirus encoding the PSA gene (AxCA‐PSA) using the cosmid‐terminal protein complex method. DC were infected with AxCA‐PSA using the centrifugal method. The ability of CTL to lyse target cells expressing PSA, i.e the PSA‐positive prostate cancer cell line, LNCap, and PSA‐transduced autologous phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) blasts expressing PSA, was assessed using the 51Cr‐release assay. The maturation of DC‐PSA stimulated by BCG‐CWS was assayed by flow cytometry. The cytotoxic activity enhanced by BCG‐CWS was assessed by the 51Cr‐release assay.RESULTSDC‐PSA induced PSA‐specific CTL with 85% cytotoxic activity against LNCaP (effector: target ratio, E:T, of 50:1). However, the cytotoxic activity against PSA‐negative cells was very low. Anti‐CD8 and anti‐major histocompatibility (MHC) class I antibodies blocked PSA‐specific cytotoxicity. The PSA‐specific killing was reproducible against autologous PHA blast cells expressing PSA, independently of human leukocyte antigen haplotype. Furthermore, the combination of DC‐PSA with BCG‐CWS remarkably enhanced the PSA‐specific cytotoxicity against PHA blasts expressing PSA (15–30% at an E:T ratio of 50:1).CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that DC‐PSA can induce MHC class I‐restricted PSA‐specific CD8+ CTL responses and that DC‐PSA matured by BCG‐CWS enhance PSA‐specific cytotoxicity. The combination of DC‐PSA with BCG‐CWS might be a useful approach for treating advanced prostate cancer.
A comparative population‐based analysis of the rate of partial vs radical nephrectomy for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Baillargeon‐Gagné Sara , Jeldres Claudio , Lughezzani Giovanni , Sun Maxine , Isbarn Hendrik , Capitanio Umberto , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Crépel Maxime , Alasker Ahmed , Widmer Hugues , Arjane Philippe , Patard Jean‐Jacques , Perrotte Paul , Montorsi Francesco , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Prevalence (prospective cohort with good follow up)Level of Evidence 1aOBJECTIVETo examine contemporary (1989–2004) trends in partial nephrectomy (PN) within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, as among other considerations, a survival benefit due to avoidance of surgically induced renal insufficiency distinguishes PN from radical nephrectomy (RN).PATIENTS AND METHODSDiagnostic, stage and surgical codes of patients with T1‐2N0M0 renal cell carcinoma treated with either PN or RN were assessed. Proportions, trends and multivariable logistic regression models tested the predictors of the use of PN.RESULTSOf 19 733 assessable patients, 2614 (13.2%) and 17 119 (86.8%), respectively, had PN or RN. The use of PN decreased with increasing tumour size, was more frequent in younger patients and increased with more contemporary years of surgery (all P < 0.001). Intriguingly, there was important geographical variability (P < 0.001), e.g. in the San Francisco‐Oakland Metropolitan Area the absolute PN rate was 16.4%, vs 7.6% in New Mexico (P < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, tumour size, age, year of surgery, gender and SEER registries were independent predictors of PN use.CONCLUSIONAlthough as expected the rate of PN use increased over time, unexplained variability remained. For example, gender and SEER registries affected the likelihood of PN. These variables warrant further analyses to reduce unnecessary variability and to maximize PN use and its benefit.
Testing the limits of statistical learning for word segmentation
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth K. , Tyler Michael D. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPast research has demonstrated that infants can rapidly extract syllable distribution information from an artificial language and use this knowledge to infer likely word boundaries in speech. However, artificial languages are extremely simplified with respect to natural language. In this study, we ask whether infants’ ability to track transitional probabilities between syllables in an artificial language can scale up to the challenge of natural language. We do so by testing both 5.5‐ and 8‐month‐olds’ ability to segment an artificial language containing four words of uniform length (all CVCV) or four words of varying length (two CVCV, two CVCVCV). The transitional probability cues to word boundaries were held equal across the two languages. Both age groups segmented the language containing words of uniform length, demonstrating that even 5.5‐month‐olds are extremely sensitive to the conditional probabilities in their environment. However, neither age group succeeded in segmenting the language containing words of varying length, despite the fact that the transitional probability cues defining word boundaries were equally strong in the two languages. We conclude that infants’ statistical learning abilities may not be as robust as earlier studies have suggested.
Online usage of theory of mind continues to develop in late adolescence
Authors: Dumontheil Iroise , Apperly Ian A. , Blakemore Sarah‐Jayne 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe development of theory of mind use was investigated by giving a computerized task to 177 female participants divided into five age groups: Child I (7.3–9.7 years); Child II (9.8–11.4); Adolescent I (11.5–13.9); Adolescent II (14.0–17.7); Adults (19.1–27.5). Participants viewed a set of shelves containing objects, which they were instructed to move by a ‘director’ who could see some but not all of the objects. Correct interpretation of critical instructions required participants to use the director’s perspective and only move objects that the director could see. In a control condition, participants were asked to ignore objects in slots with a grey background. Accuracy improved similarly in both conditions between Child I and Adolescent II. However, while performance of the Adolescent II and Adult groups did not differ in the control condition, the Adolescent II group made more errors than the adults in the experimental condition. These results suggest that theory of mind use improves between late adolescence and adulthood. Thus, while theory of mind tasks are passed by age 4, these data indicate that the interaction between theory of mind and executive functions continues to develop in late adolescence.
Age differences in the contribution of recollection and familiarity to false‐memory formation: a new paradigm to examine developmental reversals
Authors: Lyons Kristen E. , Ghetti Simona , Cornoldi Cesare 
Published: July 2009

AbstractUsing a new method for studying the development of false‐memory formation, we examined developmental differences in the rates at which 6‐, 7‐, 9‐, 10‐, and 18‐year‐olds made two types of memory errors: backward causal‐inference errors (i.e. falsely remembering having viewed the non‐viewed cause of a previously viewed effect), and gap‐filling errors (i.e. falsely remembering having viewed a script‐consistent event that was not actually witnessed). Previous research suggests that backward causal‐inference errors are supported by recollection, whereas gap‐filling errors are supported by familiarity. We hypothesized that age differences in these errors would parallel the developmental trajectories of these processes. As predicted, age‐related increases in backward causal‐inference errors were observed, while gap‐filling errors were age‐invariant, suggesting that recollection‐based memory distortions increase with age while familiarity‐based memory distortions are relatively stable from middle childhood through adulthood.
How do individuals with Williams syndrome learn a route in a real‐world environment?
Authors: Farran Emily K. , Blades Mark , Boucher Jill , Tranter Lesley J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIndividuals with Williams syndrome (WS) show a specific deficit in visuo‐spatial abilities. This finding, however, derives mainly from performance on small‐scale laboratory‐based tasks. This study investigated large‐scale route learning in individuals with WS and two matched control groups (moderate learning difficulty group [MLD], typically developing group [TD]). In a non‐labelling and a labelling (verbal information provided along the route) condition, participants were guided along one of two unfamiliar 1‐km routes with 20 junctions, and then retraced the route themselves (two trials). The WS participants performed less well than the other groups, but given verbal information and repeated experience they learnt nearly all of the turns along the route. The extent of improvement in route knowledge (correct turns) in WS was comparable to that of the control groups. Relational knowledge (correctly identifying spatial relationships between landmarks), compared with the TD group, remained poor for both the WS and the MLD group. Assessment of the relationship between performance on the large‐scale route‐learning task and that on three small‐scale tasks (maze learning, perspective taking, map use) showed no relationship for the TD controls, and only a few non‐specific associations in the MLD and WS groups.
POST‐TRIAL ACCESS TO ANTIRETROVIRALS: WHO OWES WHAT TO WHOM?
Authors: MILLUM JOSEPH 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTMany recent articles argue that participants who seroconvert during HIV prevention trials deserve treatment when they develop AIDS, and there is a general consensus that the participants in HIV/AIDS treatment trials should have continuing post‐trial access. As a result, the primary concern of many ethicists and activists has shifted from justifying an obligation to treat trial participants, to working out mechanisms through which treatment could be provided. In this paper I argue that this shift frequently conceals an important assumption: that if there is an obligation to supply treatment, then any party who could provide it may be prevailed upon to discharge the obligation. This assumption is false. The reasons why trial participants should get ART affect who has the duty to provide it. We should not burden governments with the obligations of sponsors, nor researchers with the obligations of the international community. And we should not deprive a group of treatment because their need is less salient than that of research participants. Insisting otherwise may lead to people being wrongfully deprived of access to antiretrovirals.
A PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE FOR DUAL USE RESEARCH IN THE LIFE SCIENCES
Authors: KUHLAU FRIDA , HÖGLUND ANNA T. , EVERS KATHINKA , ERIKSSON STEFAN 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTMost life science research entails dual‐use complexity and may be misused for harmful purposes, e.g. biological weapons. The Precautionary Principle applies to special problems characterized by complexity in the relationship between human activities and their consequences. This article examines whether the principle, so far mainly used in environmental and public health issues, is applicable and suitable to the field of dual‐use life science research. Four central elements of the principle are examined: threat, uncertainty, prescription and action. Although charges against the principle exist – for example that it stifles scientific development, lacks practical applicability and is poorly defined and vague – the analysis concludes that a Precautionary Principle is applicable to the field. Certain factors such as credibility of the threat, availability of information, clear prescriptive demands on responsibility and directives on how to act, determine the suitability and success of a Precautionary Principle. Moreover, policy‐makers and researchers share a responsibility for providing and seeking information about potential sources of harm. A central conclusion is that the principle is meaningful and useful if applied as a context‐dependent moral principle and allowed flexibility in its practical use. The principle may then inspire awareness‐raising and the establishment of practical routines which appropriately reflect the fact that life science research may be misused for harmful purposes.
DEFENDING THE DUTY TO RESEARCH?
Authors: BRASSINGTON IAIN 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTIn 2005, John Harris published a paper in the Journal of Medical Ethics in which he claimed that there was a duty to support scientific research. With Sarah Chan, he defended his claims against criticisms in this journal in 2008. In this paper I examine the defence, and claim that it is not powerful. Although he has established a slightly stronger position, it is not clear that the defence is sufficiently strong to show that there is a duty to support scientific research. Important questions about fairness, about rescue, and about the relationship between reasons and obligations to act can still be raised; and these questions are important enough to destabilize the defence.
Genetic diversity of endangered brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa
Authors: Calvignac Sébastien , Hughes Sandrine , Hänni Catherine 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim  Middle East brown bears (Ursus arctos syriacus Hemprich and Ehrenberg, 1828) are presently on the edge of extinction. However, little is known of their genetic diversity. This study investigates that question as well as that of Middle East brown bear relationships to surrounding populations of the species.Location  Middle East region of south‐western Asia.Methods  We performed DNA analyses on 27 brown bear individuals. Twenty ancient bone samples (Late Pleistocene to 20th century) from natural populations and seven present‐day samples obtained from captive individuals were analysed.Results  Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial sequences obtained from seven ancient specimens identify three distinct maternal clades, all unrelated to one recently described from North Africa. Brown bears from Iran exhibit striking diversity (three individuals, three haplotypes) and form a unique clade that cannot be linked to any extant one. Individuals from Syria belong to the Holarctic clade now observed in Eastern Europe, Turkey, Japan and North America. Specimens from Lebanon surprisingly appear as tightly linked to the clade of brown bears now in Western Europe. Moreover, we show that U. a. syriacus in captivity still harbour haplotypes closely linked to those found in ancient individuals.Main conclusion  This study brings important new information on the genetic diversity of brown bear populations at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. It reveals a high level of diversity in Middle East brown bears and extends the historical distribution of the Western European clade to the East. Our analyses also suggest the value of a specific breeding programme for captive populations.