bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of the black pecan aphid, Melanocallis caryaefoliae, on the upper and lower surface of pecan foliage
Authors: Paulsen C.M. , Cottrell T.E. , Ruberson J.R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThree aphid species regularly feed on pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch (Juglandaceae)] foliage: the black pecan aphid, Melanocallis caryaefoliae (Davis), the yellow pecan aphid, Monelliopsis pecanis Bissell, and the blackmargined aphid, Monellia caryella (Fitch) (all Hemiptera: Aphididae). Adults of M. caryaefoliae and both the nymphs and adults of M. pecanis and M. caryella mainly feed on the lower surface of leaves. Nymphs of M. caryaefoliae appear unique by frequently feeding on the upper surface of pecan leaves. This is risky behavior given the environmental hazards (e.g., rain, solar radiation, and dislodgement) associated with the upper surface. Thus, we determined the leaf surface distribution of M. caryaefoliae on trees in an orchard and on pecan seedlings in the laboratory. A pecan orchard survey found all three aphid species and stages predominantly on the lower leaf surface, except for the nymphs of M. caryaefoliae, which were evenly distributed between upper and lower leaf surfaces. This survey also found aphidophagous lacewing (Neuroptera) larvae predominantly on the lower leaf surface, whereas ladybird beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) larvae were more evenly distributed between upper and lower surfaces. Laboratory experiments using single or multiple pecan aphid species revealed M. caryaefoliae distribution on pecan seedlings similar to orchard data. Nymphal M. caryaefoliae require nearly 2 days to elicit chlorotic feeding lesions on leaves; without these lesions, nymphal development is hindered. The similar distribution of nymphs of M. caryaefoliae on both leaf surfaces likely reflects a strategy of predator avoidance allowing a proportion of the population to survive.
Epigenetics and epilepsy
Authors: Roopra Avtar , Dingledine Raymond , Hsieh Jenny 
Published: December 2012

SummarySeizures can give rise to enduring changes that reflect alterations in gene‐expression patterns, intracellular and intercellular signaling, and ultimately network alterations that are a hallmark of epilepsy. A growing body of literature suggests that long‐term changes in gene transcription associated with epilepsy are mediated via modulation of chromatin structure. One transcription factor in particular, repressor element 1‐silencing transcription factor (REST), has received a lot of attention due to the possibility that it may control fundamental transcription patterns that drive circuit excitability, seizures, and epilepsy. REST represses a suite of genes in the nervous system by utilizing nuclear protein complexes that were originally identified as mediators of epigenetic inheritance. Epigenetics has traditionally referred to mechanisms that allow a heritable change in gene expression in the absence of DNA mutation. However a more contemporaneous definition acknowledges that many of the mechanisms used to perpetuate epigenetic traits in dividing cells are utilized by neurons to control activity‐dependent gene expression. This review surveys what is currently understood about the role of epigenetic mechanisms in epilepsy. We discuss how REST controls gene expression to affect circuit excitability and neurogenesis in epilepsy. We also discuss how the repressor methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and activator cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) regulate neuronal activity and are themselves controlled by activity. Finally we highlight possible future directions in the field of epigenetics and epilepsy.
Possible alterations in GABAA receptor signaling that underlie benzodiazepine‐resistant seizures
Authors: Deeb Tarek Z. , Maguire Jamie , Moss Stephen J. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBenzodiazepines have been used for decades as first‐line treatment for status epilepticus (SE). For reasons that are not fully understood, the efficacy of benzodiazepines decreases with increasing duration of seizure activity. This often forces clinicians to resort to more drastic second‐ and third‐line treatments that are not always successful. The antiseizure properties of benzodiazepines are mediated by γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. Decades of research have focused on the failure of GABAergic inhibition after seizure onset as the likely cause of the development benzodiazepine resistance during SE. However, the details of the deficits in GABAA signaling are still largely unknown. Therefore, it is necessary to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of benzodiazepine resistance so that more effective strategies can be formulated. In this review we discuss evidence supporting the role of altered GABAA receptor function as the major underlying cause of benzodiazepine‐resistant SE in both humans and animal models. We specifically address the prevailing hypothesis, which is based on changes in the number and subtypes of GABAA receptors, as well as the potential influence of perturbed chloride homeostasis in the mature brain.
GABAA receptor modulation by neurosteroids in models of temporal lobe epilepsies
Authors: Ferando Isabella , Mody Istvan 
Published: December 2012

SummaryEpilepsies consist of a spectrum of neurologic disorders typically characterized by unpredictable and dysfunctional network behaviors in the central nervous system (CNS), which lead to discrete episodes of large bouts of uncontrolled neuronal synchrony that interfere with the normal functioning of the brain. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is accompanied by changes in interneuronal innervation and modifications in different γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor subunits. Hormones play an important role in modulating the overall excitability of neurons, and at the same time hormonal pathways are frequently modified during epilepsy. This review focuses on TLE‐correlated modifications of GABAergic transmission, and in particular on the implications of some of our own findings related to GABAARs containing the δ subunits (δ‐GABAARs). These are extra‐ or perisynaptic GABAARs that mediate tonic inhibition, a major component of the inhibitory mechanism in the brain. The most potent endogenous modulators of δ‐GABAARs are neurosteroids, which act as positive allosteric modulators. Plasticity of δ‐GABAARs during TLE consists of down‐regulation of the subunit in the dentate gyrus granule cells (DGGCs), while being up‐regulated in interneurons. Surprisingly, the level of tonic inhibition in DGGCs remains unchanged, consistent with the idea that it becomes mediated by GABAARs containing other subunits. In parallel, tonic inhibition in a TLE model ceases to be sensitive to neurosteroid potentiation. In contrast, as predicted by the anatomic plasticity, interneuronal tonic current is increased, and remains sensitive to neurosteroids. These findings have important pharmacologic implications. Where neurosteroids normally have sedative and anticonvulsant effects, bimodal and cell‐type specific modulations in their natural targets might weaken the inhibitory control on the dentate gate, under circumstances of altered neurosteroids levels (stress, ovarian cycle, or the postpartum period).
A rapid scatter prediction method for very high cycle fatigue
Authors: HUANG Z. Y. , WANG Q. Y. , WAGNER D. , BATHIAS C. , CHABOCHE J. L. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTVery high cycle fatigue (VHCF) tests are often performed by a high‐frequency fatigue test system, such as ultrasonic fatigue test machine. In the paper, simple VHCF tests and cumulative fatigue (low cycle fatigue plus VHCF) tests are performed to investigate the fatigue behaviour, respectively, for a low carbon manganese steel. The test results in Wöhler diagram show a large scatter in VHCF regime. Continuum damage mechanics model is extended to VHCF region to estimate the remaining fatigue life. A rapid fatigue failure probability prediction method is applied and extended to VHCF regime in order to evaluate the fatigue dispersion based on multi‐scales model and fatigue dissipation analysis.
Contrasting fire responses to climate and management: insights from two Australian ecosystems
Authors: King Karen J , Cary Geoffrey J , Bradstock Ross A , Marsden‐Smedley Jonathan B 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study explores effects of climate change and fuel management on unplanned fire activity in ecosystems representing contrasting extremes of the moisture availability spectrum (mesic and arid). Simulation modelling examined unplanned fire activity (fire incidence and area burned, and the area burned by large fires) for alternate climate scenarios and prescribed burning levels in: (i) a cool, moist temperate forest and wet moorland ecosystem in south‐westTasmania (mesic); and (ii) a spinifex and mulga ecosystem in centralAustralia (arid). Contemporary fire activity in these case study systems is limited, respectively, by fuel availability and fuel amount. For future climates, unplanned fire incidence and area burned increased in the mesic landscape, but decreased in the arid landscape in accordance with predictions based on these limiting factors. Area burned by large fires (greater than the 95th percentile of historical, unplanned fire size) increased with future climates in the mesic landscape. Simulated prescribed burning was more effective in reducing unplanned fire activity in the mesic landscape. However, the inhibitory effects of prescribed burning are predicted to be outweighed by climate change in the mesic landscape, whereas in the arid landscape prescribed burning reinforced a predicted decline in fire under climate change. The potentially contrasting direction of future changes to fire will have fundamentally different consequences for biodiversity in these contrasting ecosystems, and these will need to be accommodated through contrasting, innovative management solutions.
Antitumor efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with warmed miriplatin in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Seko Yuya , Ikeda Kenji , Kawamura Yusuke , Fukushima Taito , Hara Tasuku , Sezaki Hitomi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: December 2012

AimPatients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often undergo transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Miriplatin is a lipophilic cisplatin derivative used in TACE that is effective in HCC. However, the difference in antitumor efficacy between warmed versus room temperature miriplatin is unclear.MethodsChemotherapy efficacy was evaluated by dynamic computed tomography 1–3 months after TACE, according to the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. A total of 203 patients with HCC who received TACE with miriplatin for the first time were included in a follow‐up study to retrospectively investigate its efficacy and safety. Overall, 45 patients underwent TACE with warmed (40°C) miriplatin and 158 patients received TACE with room temperature miriplatin.ResultsSeventy patients (44.3%) treated with room temperature miriplatin and 32 patients (71.1%) who received warmed miriplatin experienced complete or partial responses. Multivariate analysis identified miriplatin temperature (warmed miriplatin, risk ratio (RR) = 2.26, P = 0.047), tumor number (solitary, RR = 3.48, P = 0.007), α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level (<50 ng/mL, RR = 2.35, P = 0.012) and history of TACE (no history, RR = 2.22, P = 0.041) as predictors of objective response following TACE with miriplatin, and no serious complications were observed.ConclusionWarm temperature, solitary tumors, low AFP level and first TACE are significant and independent predictors of objective response after TACE using miriplatin. These results suggest that warmed miriplatin can be considered as one of the standard treatments for unresectable HCC.
Immunohistochemical analysis of CD123, CD56 and CD4 for the diagnosis of minimal bone marrow involvement by blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Hwang Keumrock , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Jang Seongsoo , Chi Hyun‐Sook , Huh Joo‐Ryung , Lee Je Hwan , Suh Cheolwon , Lee Kyoo Hyung 
Published: December 2012

AimsBlastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive haematological malignancy derived from plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors. Almost all patients show cutaneous manifestations, and >60% show bone marrow (BM) involvement at initial presentation. In cases where there is BM involvement by only a small number of tumour cells, such involvement is difficult to ascertain solely on morphological examination. In such situations, immunohistochemistry (IHC) may be useful in revealing minimal BM involvement by BPDCN.Methods and resultsWe investigated six patients with BPDCN. Initial morphological diagnosis disclosed BM involvement in only one of the six patients. To confirm BM involvement, IHC for CD4, CD56 and CD123 was performed on BM biopsies or clot sections. IHC revealed minimal BM involvement (CD123, 3/3; CD56, 2/3; CD4, 2/3) in three patients with BM that appeared morphologically normal.ConclusionsOur data clearly support the utility of IHC in diagnosing minimal BM involvement by BPDCN. Accordingly, we highly recommend immunohistochemical analyses for CD123, CD56 and CD4 in BPDCN patients, particularly in cases where the initial BM study indicates normal morphology.
Evaluation of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy treatments in a Spanish cohort of HIV‐infected patients: do protease inhibitors improve survival regardless of central nervous system penetration‐effectiveness (CPE) score?
Authors: Fanjul F , Riveiro‐Barciela M , Gonzalez J , Delgado E , Murillas J , Payeras Cifré A , Falcó V , Riera M 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate whether survival after progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) diagnosis in HIV‐1‐infected patients was associated with central nervous system penetration‐effectiveness (CPE) score and the presence or absence of protease inhibitors in the treatment regimen.MethodsIn the absence of treatments demonstrated to be effective for PML in HIV‐1‐infected patients and in the light of the controversy surrounding the use of CPE scores to make decisions on treatment after diagnosis, we determined whether there were differences in survival at 1 year depending on the type and characteristics of treatment. A multicentre retrospective observational study including three Spanish hospitals was carried out for the period from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2009. Patients with a PML diagnosis were included in the study if they were symptomatic and met at least two of the following three criteria: (1) compatible radiological findings; (2) a positive polymerase chain reaction for John Cunningham virus (JCV) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); (3) an absence of findings suggesting another infection in the central nervous system, after general CSF cultures for virus, bacteria and mycobacteria.ResultsA total of 98 patients were included in the study; 24.5% were diagnosed in the period 1994–1999, 39.8% in 2000–2004 and 35.7% in 2005–2009. The median follow‐up time was 363 days (interquartile range 108–1946 days). The median CD4 count was 76 cells/uL (interquartile range 30–166 cells/uL) and 62% of patients had an HIV viral load >50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/ml. Thirty‐eight per cent of patients received high‐penetrance treatment, and 58% received treatment that included protease inhibitors. In the analysis of survival at 1 year, a higher CPE score did not result in an improvement in survival, but the presence of protease inhibitors in the regimen was associated with a statistically significant (P = 0.03) reduction in mortality (hazard ratio 0.40; 95% confidence interval 0.18–0.91).ConclusionsWe consider that the lower mortality observed in the protease inhibitor group may be clinically relevant, and, if this is the case, a treatment based on protease inhibitors may be indicated for patients diagnosed with PML.
Determination of 2D strain from a fragmented single ammonoid
Authors: Yamaji Atsushi , Maeda Haruyoshi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPlanispiral ammonoids are used for strain analysis, as the pre‐strain shapes of their shells are thought to be approximated by logarithmic spirals. Comparison of the pre‐ and observed post‐strain spirals determines the strain. We show in this short note that the Rf/ϕ strain analysis is applicable to the ammonoids, where the interspaces of a shell are used as strain markers. Unlike the previous methods that assumed the spiral, the present technique can use fragmented shells, provided that they have at least half windings and clear limbs. A strain ellipse and its 95% confidence limit were determined by the hyperbolic vector mean method from the ellipses that were fitted to the interspaces of a fragmented, deformed ammonite from the Kitakami Massif, Northeast Japan, as a worked problem for the present technique.
The tectonic evolution of a Neo‐Tethyan (Eocene–Oligocene) island‐arc (Walash and Naopurdan groups) in the Kurdistan region of the Northeast Iraqi Zagros Suture Zone
Authors: Ali Sarmad A. , Buckman Solomon , Aswad Khalid J. , Jones Brian G. , Ismail Sabah A. , Nutman Allen P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Walash and Naopurdan groups are incorporated into the lower allochthonous thrust sheet in the Iraqi Zagros Suture Zone (IZSZ). 40Ar–39Ar dates on magmatic feldspar separates from both Walash and Naopurdan volcanic rocks indicate an Eocene–Oligocene age (43.01 ± 0.15 to 24.31 ± 0.60 Ma). The Walash and Naopurdan groups form a thrust sheet that is structurally overlain by an upper allochthon of Cretaceous arc‐related rocks (106–92 Ma) now known as the Hasanbag igneous complex (formerly known as the Gemo–Qandil Group). The Walash and Naopurdan lower allochthon is thrust over the foreland basin Red Beds series. Volcanic and subvolcanic units in the Walash and Naopurdan groups were studied from the Mawat, Galalah–Choman, Leren, and Qalander–Sheikhan provinces. Most of these rocks are basaltic to andesitic for both the Naopurdan and Walash suites. The petrographic study shows that these rocks are affected by metamorphic alteration under greenschist facies conditions, but preserve primary porphyritic textures with some relict igneous plagioclase, pyroxene, and hornblende. The enrichments in LREE/HREE and high Th/Nb and Nb/Zr show that the Walash and Naopurdan rocks have distinct subduction‐related signatures: specifically island‐arc tholeiite for the Naopurdan and calc‐alkaline to alkaline for the Walash suites. Hence the Walash and Naopurdan suites are back‐arc and arc systems, respectively, that developed 43–24 Ma. Accordingly, the IZSZ contains a full record of Neo‐Tethys pre‐collision‐related volcanism in dual subduction settings, from the Early Cretaceous (Hasanbag igneous complex) to the Eocene–Oligocene (Walash–Naopurdan suites). Final continent–continent collision started when the last of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean was subducted beneath the Iranian continent, resulting in its collision with the Arabian Plate, probably during the Middle Miocene. This reinforces a continuity of events along the entire edge of the Arabian Plate from Turkey, through Iraq and Iran, and into Oman.
Automatic detection and imaging of diffraction points using pattern recognition
Authors: de Figueiredo J. J. S. , Oliveira F. , Esmi E. , Freitas L. , Schleicher J. , Novais A. , Sussner P. , Green S. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTHydrocarbon reservoirs are generally located beneath complex geological structures. Frequently, such areas contain seismic diffractors that carry detailed structure information in the order of the seismic wavelength. Therefore, the development of computational facilities capable of detecting diffractor points with a good resolution is desirable but has been a challenge in the area of seismic processing. In this work, we present a method for the detection of diffraction points in the common‐offset‐gather domain. The method applies a two‐class k nearest neighbours (kNN) pattern recognition technique to amplitudes along diffraction traveltime curves to distinguish between diffractions and reflections or noise. While the method, in principle, requires knowledge of the migration velocity field, it is very robust with respect to an erroneous model. Numerical examples using synthetic seismic and field ground‐penetrating‐radar (GPR) data demonstrate the feasibility of the technique and show its usefulness for automatically mapping diffraction points in a seismic section. In our applications, the method was able to detect all diffractions present in the data and did not produce any false positives.
Diabetes knowledge among older adults with diabetes in Beijing, China
Authors: Hu Jie , Gruber Kenneth J , Liu Huaping , Zhao Hong , Garcia Alexandra A 
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore the relationships of demographic and clinical variables and attendance at diabetes educational programmes with diabetes knowledge among a community sample of older Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes residing in Beijing.Background.  Knowledge of diabetes is an important component of diabetes self‐management. Level of education, duration of diabetes, visits to a dietician and diabetes self‐management are associated with diabetes knowledge. A few studies have examined these relationships in older Chinese with diabetes.Design.  A descriptive correlational study.Methods.  The study was conducted in face‐to‐face interviews with 108 older adults with type 2 diabetes and an average age of 68 (SD = 8·41) years residing in six residential apartment complexes in Beijing. Along with the assessment of diabetes knowledge and diabetes self‐management, assessments of glucose, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were obtained.Results.  Age and systolic blood pressure were negatively associated with diabetes knowledge. Diabetes knowledge was not related to diabetes self‐care activities or glucose level. A regression model with age, education and clinical variables significantly predicted diabetes knowledge, explaining 29% of the variance in knowledge. Participants who had a family history of diabetes, visited traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors and ophthalmologists and attended diabetes educational programmes were more likely to have high scores on diabetes knowledge.Conclusions.  Age, education, a family history of diabetes, visits to TCM providers and ophthalmologists and attending diabetes class are factors associated with increased levels of diabetes knowledge.Relevance to clinical practice.  Healthcare providers need to provide age‐specific, low literacy and family‐focused diabetes education programmes and consider integrating principles and holistic perspectives of TCM in diabetes educational programmes for older Chinese with diabetes.