bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of RTM 3D angle gathers to wide-azimuth data subsalt imaging
Authors: Huang Yan , Bai Bing , Quan Haiyong , Huang Tony , Xu Sheng , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2011

The availability of wide-azimuth data and the use of reverse time migration (RTM) have dramatically increased the capabilities of imaging complex subsalt geology. With these improvements, the current obstacle for creating accurate subsalt images now lies in the velocity model. One of the challenges is to generate common image gathers that take full advantage of the additional information provided by wide-azimuth data and the additional accuracy provided by RTM for velocity model updating. A solution is to generate 3D angle domain common image gathers from RTM, which are indexed by subsurface reflection angle and subsurface azimuth angle. We apply these 3D angle gathers to subsalt tomography with the result that there were improvements in velocity updating with a wide-azimuth data set in the Gulf of Mexico.
Subsalt imaging for exploration, production, and development: A review
Authors: Leveille Jacques P. , Jones Ian F. , Zhou Zheng-Zheng , Wang Bin , Liu Faqi
Published: November 2011

The field of subsalt imaging has evolved rapidly in the last decade, thanks in part to the availability of low cost massive computing infrastructure, and also to the development of new seismic acquisition techniques that try to mitigate the problems caused by the presence of salt. This paper serves as an introduction to the special Geophysics section on Subsalt Imaging for E&P. The purpose of the special section is to bring together practitioners of subsalt imaging in the wider sense, i.e., not only algorithm developers, but also the interpretation community that utilizes the latest technology to carry out subsalt exploration and development. The purpose of the paper is in many ways pedagogical and historical. We address the question of what subsalt imaging is and discuss the physics of the subsalt imaging problem, especially the illumination issue. After a discussion of the problem, we then give a review of the main algorithms that have been developed and implemented within the last decade, namely Kirchhoff and Beam imaging, one-way wavefield extrapolation methods and the full two-way reverse time migration. This review is not meant to be exhaustive, and is qualitative to make it accessible to a wide audience. For each method and algorithm we highlight the benefits and the weaknesses. We then address the imaging conditions that are a fundamental part of each imaging algorithm. While we dive into more technical detail, the section should still be accessible to a wide audience. Gathers of various sorts are introduced and their usage explained. Model building and velocity update strategies and tools are presented next. Finally, the last section shows a few results from specific algorithms. The latest techniques such as waveform inversion or the “dirty salt” techniques will not be covered, as they will be elaborated upon by other authors in the special section. With the massive effort that the industry has devoted to this field, much remains to be done to give interpreters the accurate detailed images of the subsurface that are needed. In that sense the salt is still winning, although the next decade will most likely change this situation.
Thymic Malignancies: From Clinical Management to Targeted Therapies
Authors: Kelly Ronan J. , Petrini Iacopo , Rajan Arun , Wang Yisong , Giaccone Giuseppe
Published: November 2011

Purpose

A key challenge in the treatment of thymoma and thymic carcinoma (TC) is in improving our understanding of the molecular biology of these relatively rare tumors. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to dissect the molecular pathways involved in their carcinogenesis. Here we discuss the results of large-scale genomic analyses conducted to date and review the most active chemotherapies and targeted treatments.

Methods

We reviewed the literature for chemotherapeutic trials in the last 20 years and trials involving targeted therapies between 1999 and 2010. The search was supplemented by a review of abstracts presented at the annual meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (from 1999 to 2010), at the first International Conference on Thymic Malignancies in 2009, and at a follow-up meeting of the newly formed International Thymic Malignancies Interest Group in 2010.

Results

Surgery remains the treatment of choice for operable tumors, whereas chemotherapy is standard in locally advanced and metastatic disease. Thus far, targeted therapies have been developed empirically. Histone deacetylase inhibitors have shown some activity in thymoma whereas sunitinib may be active in TC. There are no data to support the use of HER2- or EGFR-targeted therapies in thymic malignancies.

Conclusion

Drug development for the treatment of thymic malignancies is difficult because of the rarity of these tumors. Ethnic differences are becoming apparent, with aggressive subtypes being observed in Asians and African Americans. Incremental improvements in our understanding of tumor biology suggest that molecular profiling–directed therapies may be the preferred route of investigation in the future.
Neural crest specification by noncanonical Wnt signaling and PAR-1
Authors: Ossipova Olga , Sokol Sergei Y.
Published: November 2011

Neural crest (NC) cells are multipotent progenitors that form at the neural plate border, undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migrate to diverse locations in vertebrate embryos to give rise to many cell types. Multiple signaling factors, including Wnt proteins, operate during early embryonic development to induce the NC cell fate. Whereas the requirement for the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in NC specification has been well established, a similar role for Wnt proteins that do not stabilize β-catenin has remained unclear. Our gain- and loss-of-function experiments implicate Wnt11-like proteins in NC specification in Xenopus embryos. In support of this conclusion, modulation of β-catenin-independent signaling through Dishevelled and Ror2 causes predictable changes in premigratory NC. Morpholino-mediated depletion experiments suggest that Wnt11R, a Wnt protein that is expressed in neuroectoderm adjacent to the NC territory, is required for NC formation. Wnt11-like signals might specify NC by altering the localization and activity of the serine/threonine polarity kinase PAR-1 (also known as microtubule-associated regulatory kinase or MARK), which itself plays an essential role in NC formation. Consistent with this model, PAR-1 RNA rescues NC markers in embryos in which noncanonical Wnt signaling has been blocked. These experiments identify novel roles for Wnt11R and PAR-1 in NC specification and reveal an unexpected connection between morphogenesis and cell fate.
Simple system for perivenous tumescent infusion for endovenous laser ablation
Authors: Alomari A I
Published: November 2011

The use of a simplified system for perivenous infusion of tumescent fluid prior to endovenous laser ablation is described. Two infusion bag systems using different combinations of needle sizes (22, 23 and 25 gauge) and pressure settings (300 and 600 mmHg) as well as hand injections were tested in vivo. The technique is simple, safe and may lead to quicker infusion, reduction in hand fatigue and reduced cost.
Dicer is dispensable for asymmetric RISC loading in mammals
Authors: Betancur Juan G. , Tomari Yukihide
Published: November 2011

In flies, asymmetric loading of small RNA duplexes into Argonaute2-containing RNA-induced silencing complex (Ago2-RISC) requires Dicer-2/R2D2 heterodimer, which acts as a protein sensor for the thermodynamic stabilities of the ends of small RNA duplexes. However, the mechanism of small RNA asymmetry sensing in mammalian RISC assembly remains obscure. Here, we quantitatively examined RISC assembly and target silencing activity in the presence or absence of Dicer in mammals. Our data show that, unlike the well-characterized fly Ago2-RISC assembly pathway, mammalian Dicer is dispensable for asymmetric RISC loading in vivo and in vitro.
Metabolomics and Cardiovascular Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Rhee Eugene P , Gerszten Robert E
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND

Metabolomics, the systematic analysis of low molecular weight biochemical compounds in a biological specimen, has been increasingly applied to biomarker discovery.

CONTENT

Because no single analytical method can accommodate the chemical diversity of the entire metabolome, various methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) have been employed, with the latter coupled to an array of separation techniques including gas and liquid chromatography. Whereas NMR can provide structural information and absolute quantification for select metabolites without the use of exogenous standards, MS tends to have much higher analytical sensitivity, enabling broader surveys of the metabolome. Both NMR and MS can be used to characterize metabolite data either in a targeted manner or in a nontargeted, pattern-recognition manner. In addition to technical considerations, careful sample selection and study design are important to minimize potential confounding influences on the metabolome, including diet, medications, and comorbitidies. To this end, metabolite profiling has been applied to human biomarker discovery in small-scale interventions, in which individuals are extremely well phenotyped and able to serve as their own biological controls, as well as in larger epidemiological cohorts. Understanding how metabolites relate to each other and to established risk markers for diseases such as diabetes and renal failure will be important in evaluating the potential value of these metabolites as clinically useful biomarkers.

Applied to both experimental and epidemiological study designs, metabolite profiling has begun to highlight the breadth metabolic disturbances that accompany human disease. Experimental work in model systems and integration with other functional genomic approaches will be required to establish a causal link between select biomarkers and disease pathogenesis.
The Insider's Experience of Long-Term Peer Victimisation
Authors: Mackay Graham J. , Carey Timothy A. , Stevens Bruce
Published: November 2011

Bullying in schools continues to be a problem despite the best efforts of educators, researchers, and clinicians. Of most concern for the present study is that some children experience long-term victimisation by their peers. To improve our understanding in this area, the phenomenology of being bullied over the course of the school year was investigated with three participants aged from 11 to 15 years. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Two superordinate themes with associated subthemes were identified: ‘experience of victimisation’ (‘being different’, ‘dynamics of bullying’, ‘school’, and ‘social network’) and ‘strategies’ (‘help-seeking’, ‘behaviour’, ‘response to bullying’, ‘personal coping’, and ‘solutions’). Through these interviews some of the factors that may contribute to long-term peer victimisation were identified. The implications of these results for prevention and intervention are discussed.
National Trends in Exposure to and Experiences of Violence on the Internet Among Children
Authors: Ybarra Michele L. , Mitchell Kimberly J. , Korchmaros Josephine D.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To examine rates of technology-based violent experiences (eg, bullying, harassment, unwanted sexual experiences [USEs] perpetration, and victimization) and exposures (eg, hate sites) from 2006 to 2008 among US children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

One thousand five-hundred eighty-eight youth aged 10 to 15 years were surveyed nationally online in 2006, 2007 (76% follow-up rate), and 2008 (73% follow-up rate).

RESULTS:

All other things equal, rates of Internet-based violent exposures and experiences were stable. Of exception, harassment perpetration and exposure to violent cartoon sites reduced by 26% and 36% over the 2 year period (P < 0.05), respectively. In contrast, several rates of violent experiences via text messaging increased over time, specifically: harassment victimization (aOR = 1.6, p = 0.001) and perpetration (aOR = 1.4, p = 0.03), and USE victimization (aOR = 1.9, p = 0.02). Increases in bullying victimization were suggested (aOR = 1.5, p = 0.06). Text messaging USE perpetration did not significantly change, however. General technology use (i.e., intensity and frequency of Internet and text messaging) was consistently influential in explaining the odds of almost all violent experiences and exposures both online and via text messaging; as was age for many exposures and experiences online.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ongoing surveillance of text-messaging–based experiences is needed to understand trends as population usage rates begin to stabilize. General technology use is a predictive factor for almost all technology-based violent experiences and exposures. Age is also influential in explaining involvement in Internet-based experiences and exposures. Prevention programs should focus on reducing risk as youth age into later adolescence and to help heavy technology users manage their risk for violence involvement.
Role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of liver diseases
Authors: Werling Klára
Published: November 2011

Autophagy is a self-digestion process that plays an important role in the development, differentiation and homeostasis of cells, helping their survival during starvation and hypoxia. Accumulated mutant proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum can be degraded by autophagy in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Hepatitis C and B virus may exploit the autophagy pathway to escape the innate immune response and to promote their own replication. Autophagy is decreased in response to chronic alcohol consumption, likely due to a decrease in 5’-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, increase in mTOR activity and due to an alteration in vesicle transport in hepatocytes. In obesity and alcoholic liver disease the decreased function of autophagy causes formation of Mallory-Denk bodies and cell death. The deficient autophagy can contribute to liver steatosis, to endoplasmic reticulum stress, and to progression of liver disease. Autophagy defect in hepatocellular carcinoma suggests that it can serve a tumor-suppressor function. The autophagy protein Beclin-1 levels have prognostic significance in liver tumors. Understanding of the molecular mechanism and the role of autophagy may lead to more effective therapeutic strategies in liver diseases in the future. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1955–1961.
Freemasonry and the Second Ku Klux Klan in California, 1921-1925
Authors: Kendall Adam G.
Published: November 2011

There is a profound misunderstanding regarding the relationship between freemasonry and the second Ku Klux Klan that rose to prominence in 1915 and carried on until the late 1920s. Within the long, dark shadow of American ethnic and cultural conflicts, fraternal and patriotic organizations, with their own idealized mythological identities combined with the entrenched and accepted nativist sentiment of that era, became embroiled in an American struggle for identity. America is a nation of joiners and has been proud of this distinction, for a large part of its social infrastructure has been built through the efforts of communal organizations and associations. Furthermore, these volunteer associations have been influenced by freemasonry through a natural cross-pollination of members, which, in turn, has influenced the American character of that auspicious fraternity. This is especially true during the golden age of American fraternalism into the early twentieth century. Consequently, confusion has arisen over the determination of what point certain fraternities’ true purposes begin, end, and overlap. Analyzing primary documents and correspondence found in the archives of the Grand Lodge of F & AM of California, this paper will give a first person overview of the problems that arose when the Ku Klux Klan attempted to gain prominence in California freemasonry in the 1920s. Pandering to the societal fears of white Protestants while mimicking the benevolent fraternal societies, the Klan gained sympathy amongst enough California freemasons to cause their Grand Lodge to take controversial action by forbidding its members from being associated with it. The paper will address the ideologies of the Klan and American freemasonry, and how its dual members attempted to reconcile and justify their need for both organizations to compliment one another. Because of their incongruous core philosophies and purpose, the research demonstrates the success California masons had in ousting the Klan from freemasonry in California. This success came from the Klan’s own insistence that it was a ‘fraternal society’ while it did little to eschew its subversive activities, or its hateful and notorious past. Therefore, the Klan’s subterfuge stood in contrast to every mason’s promise to submit to the rule of the law of his country.
Brotherhood, Business, and White Male Respectability
Authors: Pflugrad-Jackisch Ami
Published: November 2011

This article examines the dramatic growth and popularity of secret fraternal organizations such as the Freemasons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Sons of Temperance in Virginia just before the Civil War. Young Virginians who came of age during the antebellum era lived through a time of tremendous economic, cultural, and political upheaval. The spread of a market economy into the cities and towns of the Old Dominion promoted a cultural ethos that rewarded individual ambition, altered long-standing social relationships, and aggravated class tensions between working-class white men and new middle-class businessmen, merchants, and professionals. In a state increasingly pulled between the demands of the growing market and the long-established tradition of unfree labour, secret fraternal orders, played a special role in assuaging class tensions between white working and middle-class men. As the market economy grew and expanded these two groups of men had many reasons to be at odds with each outside of the lodge room. Instead, they chose to join lodges that stressed brotherly love and fraternal bonds. Ultimately, based on these ideals, secret fraternal orders created a civic brotherhood among white men in Virginia that softened class distinctions and carved out a non-political pathway to civic authority for white men.
Freemasonry, Thomas Cole and Nineteenth-Century American Landscape Painting
Authors: Bjelajac David
Published: November 2011

During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, freemasonry’s network of grand and local lodges facilitated the development and popular dissemination of American art, attracting artists, critics and patrons alike. Freemasonry’s symbolism of nature and architecture particularly influenced the imagery of American landscape painting. The Hudson River School landscapist and freemason Thomas Cole (1801–1848) especially composed sublime mountainous views that drew upon masonry’s rich visual arsenal of hieroglyphic emblems. First publicized in New York newspapers by William Dunlap, a brother mason, Cole’s paintings captured the patronage of the Empire State’s masonic elite. Cole viewed the American wilderness as a sacred, architectural space revelatory of God’s Word. Inspired by Hudson River and Catskill Mountain views, Cole’s landscapes allude to the Herculean building of the Erie Canal, an engineering project that contemporary freemasons also likened to the building of Noah’s Ark.
Predation Risk can Drive Cycles in Zoonotic Disease Prevalence
Authors: Kershenbaum Arik , Stone Lewi , Kotler Burt P. , Blaustein Leon
Published: November 2011

The recent increase in human cases of leishmaniasis in northern Israel has been accompanied by dramatic anthropogenic changes in the landscape that affect the behavioral ecology of one of its mammalian reservoirs, the rock hyrax,Procavia capensis.Hyraxes migrate from refuge to refuge, presumably following forage availability, but their migration patterns are strongly affected by the availability and spacing of the rock piles that form their den sites and give them protection from predators. We therefore expect changes in predation risk to influence the ability of hyrax groups to migrate from site to site. We combine mathematical metapopulation models of hyrax behavioral ecology, as well as compartmental models of disease dynamics, to investigate the effect of microhabitat alteration and varying perceived predation risk on disease incidence. Our models indicate that such fine-scale alterations in predation risk can have surprising effects on pathogen prevalence, leading to the emergence of epizootic cycles. Regular (predictable) cycles and chaotic (unpredictable) cycles may occur as predation risk is reduced. Under some conditions, cycles may result from very small changes in predation risk or environmental conditions. Our models show regions of sensitive dependence on environmental and predatory conditions, leading us to predict the possibility of the emergence of chaotic disease cycles as the result of small environmental disturbances.
Removal Torque Analysis of Implants in Rabbit Tibia After Topical Application of Simvastatin Gel
Authors: Faraco-Schwed Fatima Neves , Mangueira Luiz Macedo , Ribeiro Joao Vitor Albuquerque , Antao Alexsandro Da Silva , Shibli Jamil Awad
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of topical application of simvastatin gel (7.5 mg) on the removal torque of titanium implants in the rabbit tibia. A total of 32 surgeries were performed on 16 New Zealand rabbits for the placement of 2 implants in 1 tibia of each rabbit. Only 1 of the surgical defects was injected with 30 mg/mL of simvastatin gel before implant placement. The initial torque was set at 20 N.cm, and removal torque testing was performed 28 and 56 days postoperatively with a Tonishi torque wrench. Surgical defects were divided into 4 groups: group IG-28 (test, 28 days), group IG-56 (test, 56 days), group I-28 (control, 28 days), and group I-56 (control, 56 days). Removal torque values were higher in group IG-56 than in groups IG-28, I-28, and I-56 (P < .05). Groups IG-28, I-28, and I-56 showed similar values (P > .05). Removal torque force increased under the influence of simvastatin, indicating that topical administration of a 7.5-mg dose of simvastatin gel is effective in improving the torque force required to remove implants inserted in the rabbit tibia.
Neotropical Eois (Lepidoptera: Geometridae): Checklist, Biogeography, Diversity, and Description Patterns
Authors: Brehm Gunnar , Bodner Florian , Strutzenberger Patrick , Hünefeld Frank , Fiedler Konrad
Published: November 2011

The moth genus Eois Hübner (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae) comprises 254 validly described species, 211 of them (83%) occurring in the Neotropical region, 12% in the Asian-Australian region, and 5% in Africa. A checklist of Neotropical Eois is provided and some taxonomic changes are made. Aplogompha noctilaria (Schaus) is excluded from the genus, and Eois bermellada (Dognin) and Eois fragilis (Warren) are transferred to the genus. Further changes include Eois cellulata (Prout) stat. rev., Eois ambarilla (Dognin) stat. rev., and Eois telegraphica Prout stat. rev. By far, the majority of Eois species (82%) were described between 1891 and 1920; approximately half of all species by just two authors. Within the Neotropical region, the majority of species (55%) were described from the tropical Andes (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia), followed by Central America and the Caribbean (28%), and the rest of South America (17%). Large regions such as the Amazon basin, eastern South America, but also northern Peru are heavily underrepresented. Regional diversity studies provide evidence that the wet tropical Andes are the diversity hotspot of Eois. From a forested elevational gradient (1,020–2,670 m above sea level) in southeastern Ecuador, 154 morphospecies are currently known, with only ≈12% of them described. Regional species richness in Central America is lower (Costa Rica, 66 observed morphospecies along a gradient from 40 to 2,730 m; ≈29% described). Total richness of the genus is estimated to be >1,000 species in the Neotropical region. R the low proportions of described species only partly recur in other groups of Neotropical geometrid moths, their number may exceed 19,000 species. A taxonomic revision of Eois will be a prerequisite for comparison of ecological data from different regions.
Two Possible Caterpillar Mimicry Complexes in Neotropical Danaine Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Willmott Keith R , Elias Marianne , Sourakov Andrei
Published: November 2011

Caterpillar mimicry is surprisingly scarce, despite many examples of apparently defended, aposematic species. Here, we describe two possible examples of caterpillar mimicry in two tribes of the Neotropical Danainae: Danaini and Ithomiini. The first example, from the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, includes two subtribes of Danaini: Danaus plexippus (L.), Danaus gilippus (Cramer), Danaus cleophile (Godart) (Danaina), Anetia briarea (Godart), and Anetia jaegeri (Ménétriés) (Itunina). The first two widespread Danaus species have unusually dark phenotypes on Hispaniola, which we suggest are the result of mimicry with endemic Caribbean danaines. The second example, from the upper Amazon of eastern Ecuador, involves four subtribes of Ithomiini: Forbestra olivencia (Bates) (Mechanitina), Hypothyris fluonia (Hewitson), Hypothyris semifulva (Salvin) (Napeogenina), Ithomia amarilla Haensch (Ithomiina), Hyposcada anchiala (Hewitson), Oleria sexmaculata (Haensch) (Oleriina), and Pseudoscada florula (Hewitson) (Godyridina). Hyposcada illinissa (Hewitson) (Oleriina) is a possible additional member. This mimicry ring shows a color pattern known only from the upper Amazon, with the caterpillar having a yellow body and bright blue anterior and posterior segments, and this pattern has clearly evolved at least four times in the Ithomiini. We suggest that precise mimicry among caterpillars may be rarer than among adult butterflies because of a lack of sexual selection to drive the initial evolution of bright colors in larvae. We also suggest that the evolution of warning colors in protected caterpillars is more difficult than in butterflies, because a novel, conspicuous caterpillar is less able to avoid capture than the more agile adult.
Phylogeny of the South Asian Halyine Stink Bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Halyini) Based on Morphological Characters
Authors: Memon Nasreen , Gilbert Francis , Ahmad Imtiaz
Published: November 2011

A phylogenetic analysis of 31 Oriental and Palaearctic genera of the tribe Halyini of South and Central Asia is presented here, concentrating upon the 22 genera for which complete data were available. Sixty-one morphological characters were analyzed using parsimony, including characters of the scent-gland apparatus and internal and external male and female genitalia. Using Phricodus as an outgroup, a single most-parsimonious tree resulted, following character reweighting according to their fit to the 52 multiple shortest trees initially found. Carenoplistus was always basal, and Jugalpada and Mustha were plesiomorphic in most bootstrapped trees. Two relatively plesiomorphic clades were identified, the Halys group (Salixocoris, Halys, and Neohalys) and the Paranevisanus group (Erthesina, Apodiphus, and Paranevisanus). Although strong bootstrap support existed for a clade of 12 genera (Tipulparra, Sarju, Izharocoris, Dalpada, Tachengia, Meridindia, Cahara, Ameridalpa, Eupaleopada, Meridalpa, Lodosocoris, and Neolodosocoris), the only consistent clades within it were a Dalpada group (Sarju, Izharocoris, Tachengia, and Dalpada) and a Lodosocoris group (Lodosocoris and Neolodosocoris). Tentative placements of the other nine genera are made, and a generic key is provided.
Suitability of Various Artificial Pupation Chambers for use by Koinobiont Parasitoid Toxoneuron nigriceps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Henderson Ruth E , Kuriachan Indira , Vinson S Bradleigh
Published: November 2011

Although koinobiont parasitoids depend on their hosts for nutrition, they often exploit them in other ways during pupation. The solitary endoparasitoid Toxoneuron nigriceps Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) spins its cocoon in a chamber formed by its host Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctudidae). The parasitoid prepupae depend on this host-formed pupation chamber; if left on an open surface, T. nigriceps larvae are unable to form a cocoon. To determine whether T. nigriceps larvae can form cocoons in artificial pupation chambers, common laboratory materials were tested for suitability. Test chambers included cotton balls, upright test tubes, gelatin capsules, and the wells of microtube racks. The proportion of parasitoids that formed cocoons in each chamber, as well as the proportion that survived to adulthood, were recorded and compared with each other and to those placed in host-formed chambers, as well as to those placed in petri dishes, a flat surface. Parasitoid larvae were able to spin cocoons in all artificial chambers that provided a small, partially enclosed space. The proportion of parasitoids that formed cocoons was largest in cotton balls, but no chambers (other than petri dishes) were significantly different from the host formed control. The proportion of parasitoids that survived to adulthood was significantly smaller in the petri dish and test tube treatments than in the control. Due to the high success rate for cocoon formation and survival, as well as practicality in a mass-rearing situation, gelatin capsules and microtube rack wells were considered the best choices for use as artificial pupation chambers among those tested.
Activity Patterns of Two Species of Neotropical Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) from Costa Rica
Authors: Wade Ryan R , Loaiza-Phillips Ednidia M , Townsend Victor R , Proud Daniel N
Published: November 2011

Natural history studies serve as important foundations for future investigations of behavioral ecology and provide biologists with critical information needed for the development of empirical research programs. Relatively little is known about the biology of most species of Neotropical harvestmen in Central America. In this field study, we investigated the activity patterns of two common species Cynorta marginalis (Cosmetidae) and Prionostemma sp. (Sclerosomatidae) in a wet tropical forest in Costa Rica. We used visual encounter surveys along randomly selected transects to compare the relative abundance of these species during morning, afternoon, evening, and late night sampling periods. To generate ethograms, we observed up to three individuals of each species for 10 min along each transect, generating 69 behavioral observations for C. marginalis and 51 for Prionostemma. Both species occupy perches on vegetation and are generally nocturnal with respect to activity. After dusk, individuals of C. marginalis actively climb, interact with conspecifics, and forage on the surfaces of small and large trees. During the day, adult Prionostemma form relatively inactive clusters of up to 40 individuals on arboreal perches and descend to the leaf litter after dusk to forage.
Geographic Variation of Photoperiodic Diapause but Not Adult Survival or Reproduction of the Invasive MosquitoAedes albopictus(Diptera: Culicidae) in North America
Authors: Leisnham P T , Towler L , Juliano S A
Published: November 2011

Climate differences across latitude can result in seasonal constraints and selection on life-history characters. Because Aedes albopictus (Skuse) invaded North America in the mid-1980s, it has spread across a range of ≈14° latitude and populations in the north experience complete adult mortality because of cold winter temperatures that are absent in the south. Life-table experiments were conducted to test for differences in the adult survival and reproductive schedules of Ae. albopictus females from three populations from the northern (Salem, NJ; Springfield, IL; Eureka, MO; ≈39° N) and southern (Palm Beach, Palmetto, Tampa, FL; ≈27–28° N) extremes of the species distribution in North America. There were consistent differences between northern and southern populations in incidence of photoperiodically-induced egg diapause. Under short daylength, diapause eggs constituted twice the proportion of total viable eggs from northern females (81.9–92.1%) than southern females (35.9–42.7%). There were no consistent differences between northern and southern populations in resource allocation between reproduction and maintenance, reproduction over time, and reproductive investment among offspring, and no apparent trade-offs between diapause incidence with reproduction or longevity. Our results suggest that the main response of North American Ae. albopictus to unfavorable winter climates is via the life history strategy of producing diapausing eggs, rather than quantitative variation in reproduction, and that there are no detectable costs to adult survival. Inherent geographic variation in the expression of diapause, consistent with the latitudinal extremes of A. albopictus, indicates evolutionary loss of diapause response in southern populations because of the invasion of A. albopictus in North America.
Molecular Cloning, Expression Pattern, and Phylogenetic Analysis of a Selenophosphate synthetase Gene from Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)
Authors: Sun Shou-Hui , Li Yu-Ping , Zheng Ya-Nan , Xu Xiao-Rui , Jin Xiang-Dong , Wu Song , Li Wen-Li , Liu Yan-Qun
Published: November 2011

Selenophosphate synthetase (Sps), the product of the SelD gene, produces a biologically active selenium donor compound from ATP and selenide. We have isolated and characterized the Sps gene from Antheraea pernyi (Guérin-Méneville) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), an economically important insect. The resulting 1601 bp cDNA sequence contains an open reading frame of 1209 bp encoding a polypeptide of 402 amino acids, with 87% sequence identity to that from Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen). Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed that the Sps gene was transcribed during four developmental stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) and in all the tissues tested (blood, fat body, midgut, silk glands, body wall, spermaries and ovaries), suggesting that ApSps plays an important role in the development of A. pernyi. From a database search, Sps protein homologs were found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including bacteria, fungi, invertebrates and vertebrates, with 47–98% amino acid sequence identities between eukaryotes, suggesting that they were highly conserved during the evolution of eukaryotes. Phylogenetic analysis, based on Sps protein homolog sequences, clearly separated the known bacterial, fungal, invertebrate and vertebrate Sps proteins, consistent with the topology tree of classical systematics, suggesting the potential value of the Sps protein sequence in phylogenetic inference.
Two Separate Introductions of Asian Citrus Psyllid Populations Found in the American Continents
Authors: León Jesse H de , Sétamou Mamoudou , Gastaminza Gerardo A , Buenahora José , Cáceres Sara , Yamamoto Pedro T , Bouvet Juan P , Logarzo Guillermo A
Published: November 2011

A phylogeographic analysis inferred from the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (433 bp) was performed with 22 populations of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama collected in the Americas and one in the Pacific. Eight populations from four countries in South America, 14 from four countries in North America, and one from Hawaii were analyzed. Twenty-three haplotypes (hp) were identified and they fell into two groups: hp1–8 were identified in South America (group 1) and hp9–23 were identified in North America and Hawaii (group 2). Hp1 and nine were present in the highest frequencies within each population and within their group, 81 and 85% for group 1 and group 2, respectively. A diagnostic nucleotide at position 48 was identified that allowed for the discrimination of the two groups; in addition, no haplotypes were shared between the two groups. An analysis of molecular variance uncovered significant genetic structure (φCT = 0.733; P < 0.001) between the two groups of the Americas. Two haplotype networks (ParsimonySplits and Statistical Parsimony) discriminated the two groups and both networks identified hp1 and nine as the predicted ancestral or founding haplotypes within their respective group. The data suggest that two separate introductions or founding events of D. citri occurred in the Americas, one in South America and one in North America. Furthermore, North America and Hawaii appear to share a similar source of invasion. These data may be important to the development of biological control programs against D. citri in the Americas.
High‐mobility oxide TFT for circuit integration of AMOLEDs
Authors: Fukumoto Eri , Arai Toshiaki , Morosawa Narihiro , Tokunaga Kazuhiko , Terai Yasuhiro , Fujimori Takashige , Sasaoka Tatsuya
Published: November 2011

Abstract— A high‐mobility and high‐reliability oxide thin‐film transistor (TFT) that uses In‐Sn‐Zn‐O (ITZO) as a channel material has been developed. The mobility was 30.9 cm2/V‐sec and the threshold voltage shift after 20,000 sec of a bias‐temperature‐stress (BTS) test (with a stress condition of Vg = 15 V, Vd = 15 V, and T = 50°C) was smaller than 0.1 V. In addition, a method of obtaining a stable enhancement‐type TFT, which realizes circuit integration for active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode (AMOLED) displays has been developed.
Production Optimization through Systematic Removal of Formation Damage, A Case Study Eni Pakistan
Authors: Heikal S. , Santellani G. , Sultan A. , Mugheri S. , Eisa H. , Iqbal J.
Published: November 2011

Formation damage removal using matrix acid stimulation in Sandstone reservoir is recognized as a risky production optimization operation, however, a good understanding of formation mineralogy, root cause of formation damage, and stimulation procedures can help reduce the risk and increase the chance of success. The scope of this paper is to share Eni Pakistan’s workflow which lead to successful matrix acid stimulation campaigns in Bhit, Badhra and Kadanwari fields.

Prior to the damage removal operation, the selected wells’ deliverability analysis showed low productivity as compared to the ideal one. To restore the ideal wells’ productivity index, detailed damage analysis was performed as per following workflow.

Perform pressure transient test to evaluate and quantify the level of damage Evaluate individual perforation contributions using production logging tools Assess the origin of damage by reviewing the drilling, completion operation Estimate the possible gain in production after removing the damage Define the proper chemical requirements and design the stimulation procedures and perform Post stimulation analysis to optimize the stimulation procedure prior to the next job if required.

Seven candidate wells were selected for damage removal operation. The matrix stimulation operation resulted in incremental daily production of up to 160%. The increase in the production rate was accomplished by regaining the wells’ potential deliverability. This helped improve the fields’ reservoir management, accelerating hydrocarbon recovery and adding to the reserves.
An Integrated Approach to Evaluate Naturally Fractured Carbonate Reservoir in TAL Block, Kohat Basin
Authors: llyas Asad , Farooq Umar , Ahmad Jawad , Saleem Omer , Palekar Arshad Hussain , Ramzan Muhammad , Siddiqui Faraz Hassan
Published: November 2011

Petroleum play in North Pakistan comprises of naturally fractured reservoirs (NFR) both in clastics and carbonates. These fractures play key role in the determination of reservoir quality and production behavior of the formations and is a subject of interest for E & P companies particularly working in Kohat Plateau.

In TAL Block, naturally fractured Lockhart formation has very low matrix porosity and fractures provide the main source for storage and fluid flow in it. It has also been observed that all the fracture sets in carbonate reservoirs do not contribute to flow. Flow variations have been observed with different fracture trends identified from open-hole logs based on their connectivity, fracture apertures and secondary porosity. This leads to the development of an integrated approach using existing information from open hole logs, image logs, formation tester and production logs to optimize the reservoir modeling, history matching and selection of future perforation intervals.

In this paper, data from six wells located in different structures in TAL Block has been utilized to study the behavior of naturally fractured carbonate reservoir. During the study, it was observed that in some wells, the top part of Lockhart formation was contributing more to production while in others, the bottom part was more productive. These flow variations could be associated with different fracture trends, their connectivity, fracture apertures and secondary porosity. This problem was addressed by sub-dividing Lockhart in to different layers/facies based on fracture evaluation (types, density, secondary porosity, nodularity and rock texture), open hole logs, formation tester results and production logs interpretation.
Multicriteria decision-aid method to evaluate the performance of stormwater infiltration systems over the time
Authors: Moura P. , Barraud S. , Baptista M. B. , Malard F.
Published: November 2011

Nowadays, stormwater infiltration systems are frequently used because of their ability to reduce flows and volumes in downstream sewers, decrease overflows in surface waters and make it possible to recharge groundwater. Moreover, they come in various forms with different uses. Despite these advantages the long term sustainability of these systems is questionable and their real performances have to be assessed taking into account various and sometimes conflicting aspects. To address this problem a decision support system is proposed. It is based on a multicriteria method built to help managers to evaluate the performance of an existing infiltration system at different stages of its lifespan and identify whether it performs correctly or not, according to environmental, socio-economic, technical and sanitary aspects. The paper presents successively: the performance indicators and the way they were built, the multicriteria method to identify if the system works properly and a case study.
Modelling of an EGSB treating sugarcane vinasse using first-order variable kinetics
Authors: López Iván , Borzacconi Liliana
Published: November 2011

An expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) anaerobic reactor treating sugar cane vinasse was modelled using a simple model with two steps (acidogenesis and methanogenesis), two populations, two substrates and completely mixed conditions. A first-order kinetic equation for both steps with time-variant kinetic coefficients was used. An observer system was used to estimate the evolution of kinetic constants over time. The model was validated by comparing methane flow predictions with experimental values. An estimation of evolution of populations of microorganisms was also performed. This approach allows calculation of specific kinetic constants that reflect biological activity of microorganisms. Variation of specific kinetic constants reflects the influence of the fraction of raw vinasse in the feed. High salt concentrations in the reactor may have inhibited the process.
Performance evaluation of the BioCAST technology: a new multi-zone wastewater treatment system
Authors: Yerushalmi L. , Alimahmoodi M. , Mulligan C. N.
Published: November 2011

A new wastewater treatment technology, called BioCAST, has been designed and developed for high rate and simultaneous removal of organic carbonaceous compounds as well as nitrogen and phosphorus, along with reduced sludge generation. The treatment system has two interlinked reactors containing four independent zones with different environmental conditions of aerobic, microaerophilic, anoxic and anaerobic for the biological treatment of wastewater, as well as two clarification zones and a filtration unit for solid–liquid separation. The treatment system contains suspended as well as fixed-film microorganisms. The performance evaluation of the BioCAST system was carried out at organic loading rates of 0.95 to 1.86 kg/m3 d, and nitrogen and phosphorus loading rates of 0.02 to 0.08 kg/m3 d and 0.014 to 0.02 kg/m3 d, respectively. The results demonstrated high removal efficiencies of carbon and nitrogen throughout the operation period, reaching 98.9 and 98.3%, respectively. Phosphorus removal efficiency was lower than 50% during the first 160 days of operation but it increased with the increase of nitrogen loading rate above 0.05 kg/m3 day and concomitant reduction of C/N ratio below 15. Phosphorus removal efficiency reached 94.1%, producing an effluent concentration of 1.4 mg/L after 225 days of operation. The overall biomass yield based on the consumed COD was 3.7%.
Study of impacts of floods on the water quality in an arid zone: the case of the Tarim River in Northwest China
Authors: Jean de la Paix Mupenzi , Lanhai Li , Xi Chen , Varenyam Achal , Anming Bao
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the results of the study undertaken at the Tarim River Basin in Northwest China to analyze impacts of flooding on water quality. It was shown that irregular rainfall was the cause of flash floods that affected many ecosystems and eroded soils. Simulation results and the existence of relationships between flood volume and flood peak allowed potential model application that included flood peak estimation. The analysis of water pollution through sample sediment was helped by spectroscopy techniques and it was found that the flood was the main cause of many chemical elements in water. The floods affected the quality of water in the Tarim River where it was slightly basic with pH = 8.1 before flooding and acidic with pH = 6.9 after flooding.
Families Living with FASD: Up Close and Personal
Authors: Kathleen T. Mitchell  , Mary DeJoseph
Published: November 2011

This chapter contains a series of unedited stories from family members and people affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. There is an entire spectrum of family needs, just as there is a spectrum of effects. All families share the grief of lost dreams for their children and the shocking transition to a whole new journey in parenting. All families are stretched beyond expectation emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially. Health, marital, and safety challenges are common. The chapter includes contributions from both adoptive and birth families, mothers and a father, affected people and siblings, with and without alcoholism in the family.
Guided Autobiography's Developmental Exchange: What's in it for Me?
Authors: Thornton James E. , Collins John B. , Birren James E. , Svensson Cheryl
Published: November 2011

The developmental exchange is a central feature of social development, interpersonal dynamics, situated learning, and personal transformation. It is the enabling process in Guided Autobiography (GAB) settings that promotes the achievement of personal goals and group accomplishments. Nevertheless, these exchanges are embedded in the GAB structures of time, events, participants, themes, perspectives, medium, and quest for relevance. Ongoing research studies are gradually clarifying the actual, ideal, and social image of self as well as the processes, outcomes, and specific learning topics achieved during the GAB experience as they unfold through the listening, participating, and diversifying structures of the developmental exchange.