bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defective motion processing in children with cerebral visual impairment due to periventricular white matter damage
Authors: WEINSTEIN JOEL M , GILMORE RICK O , SHAIKH SUMERA M , KUNSELMAN ALLEN R , TRESCHER WILLIAM V , TASHIMA LAUREN M , BOLTZ MARIANNE E , MCAULIFFE MATTHEW B , CHEUNG ALBERT , FESI JEREMY D 
Published: June 2012

Aim  We sought to characterize visual motion processing in children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) due to periventricular white matter damage caused by either hydrocephalus (eight individuals) or periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) associated with prematurity (11 individuals).Method  Using steady‐state visually evoked potentials (ssVEP), we measured cortical activity related to motion processing for two distinct types of visual stimuli: ‘local’ motion patterns thought to activate mainly primary visual cortex (V1), and ‘global’ or coherent patterns thought to activate higher cortical visual association areas (V3, V5, etc.). We studied three groups of children: (1) 19 children with CVI (mean age 9y 6mo [SD 3y 8mo]; 9 male; 10 female); (2) 40 neurologically and visually normal comparison children (mean age 9y 6mo [SD 3y 1mo]; 18 male; 22 female); and (3) because strabismus and amblyopia are common in children with CVI, a group of 41 children without neurological problems who had visual deficits due to amblyopia and/or strabismus (mean age 7y 8mo [SD 2y 8mo]; 28 male; 13 female).Results  We found that the processing of global as opposed to local motion was preferentially impaired in individuals with CVI, especially for slower target velocities (p=0.028).Interpretation  Motion processing is impaired in children with CVI. ssVEP may provide useful and objective information about the development of higher visual function in children at risk for CVI.
Effect of a bacteriocin‐producing strain of Lactobacillus paracasei on the nonstarter microflora of Cheddar cheese
Authors: RISTAGNO DILETTA , HANNON JOHN A , BERESFORD THOMAS P , McSWEENEY PAUL L H 
Published: June 2012

In this study, the growth of chloramphenicol‐resistant bacteriocin‐sensitive indicator strain Lactobacillus casei DPC 2048CM was evaluated in Cheddar cheese made with bacteriocin‐producing Lactobacillus paracasei DPC 4715. No suppression of growth of the indicator strain was observed in the cheese during ripening, and no bacteriocin production by L. paracasei DPC 4715 was detected by the well diffusion method in cheese and cheese extracts. The bacteriocin produced by L. paracasei DPC 4715 was sensitive to chymosin and cathepsin D, and it may have been hydrolysed by the rennet used for cheese manufacture or by indigenous milk proteases.
Harnessing pain heterogeneity and RNA transcriptome to identify blood‐based pain biomarkers: a novel correlational study design and bioinformatics approach in a graded chronic constriction injury model
Authors: Grace Peter M. , Hurley Daniel , Barratt Daniel T. , Tsykin Anna , Watkins Linda R. , Rolan Paul E. , Hutchinson Mark R. 
Published: June 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 976–994.AbstractA quantitative, peripherally accessible biomarker for neuropathic pain has great potential to improve clinical outcomes. Based on the premise that peripheral and central immunity contribute to neuropathic pain mechanisms, we hypothesized that biomarkers could be identified from the whole blood of adult male rats, by integrating graded chronic constriction injury (CCI), ipsilateral lumbar dorsal quadrant (iLDQ) and whole blood transcriptomes, and pathway analysis with pain behavior. Correlational bioinformatics identified a range of putative biomarker genes for allodynia intensity, many encoding for proteins with a recognized role in immune/nociceptive mechanisms. A selection of these genes was validated in a separate replication study. Pathway analysis of the iLDQ transcriptome identified Fcγ and Fcε signaling pathways, among others. This study is the first to employ the whole blood transcriptome to identify pain biomarker panels. The novel correlational bioinformatics, developed here, selected such putative biomarkers based on a correlation with pain behavior and formation of signaling pathways with iLDQ genes. Future studies may demonstrate the predictive ability of these biomarker genes across other models and additional variables.
Short‐term intravenous insulin infusion is associated with reduced expression of NADPH oxidase p47phox subunit in monocytes from type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Vaquer Guillaume , Magous Richard , Cros Gérard , Wojtusciszyn Anne , Renard Eric , Chevassus Hughes , Petit Pierre , Lajoix Anne‐Dominique , Oiry Catherine 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHyperglycemia is a well‐known inducing factor of oxidative stress through activation of NADPH oxidase. In addition to its plasma glucose lowering effect, insulin may also have antioxidant activity and was shown to downregulate NADPH oxidase expression in vitro. In this study, we show that a short‐term (3‐day) intravenous insulin infusion in patients with type 2 diabetes induces normalization of both glycemia and mRNA expression of circulating monocyte p47phox subunit.
Diagnosis of Arteriovenous Fistula Dysfunction
Authors: Vachharajani Tushar J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractArteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction remains a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis patients. The failure of a newly created AVF to mature and development of stenosis in an established AVF are two common clinical predicaments. The goal is to identify a dysfunctional AVF early enough to intervene in a timely manner to either assist with the maturation process or to prevent thrombosis. The currently available tools in our armamentarium include clinical evaluation, physical examination of the AVF, and surveillance tests. Physical examination has been recognized as a simple and cost‐effective tool, but is often not implemented either because of lack of training or time constraints. Surveillance tests include measurement of access flow or pressure as a surrogate marker of AVF dysfunction. Surveillance tests often require expensive equipment, additional personnel, and are controversial. Currently, there are guidelines and recommendations to include all of these measures while evaluating an AVF. Implementing judicious use of these tools in clinical practice can facilitate early diagnosis for timely intervention in the appropriate population. Furthermore, this strategy may avoid unnecessary interventions and assist with healthcare cost containment.
A Systematic Review of Literature about Women's Knowledge and Attitudes toward Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination
Authors: Chan Zenobia C. Y. , Chan Tak Sing , Ng Ka Kui , Wong Man Lai 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveA systematic review was conducted to examine and describe women's knowledge of and attitudes toward HPV vaccination.Design and SampleElectronic databases, including MEDLINE, Ovid, CINAHL, the ISI Web of Science and the British Nursing Index, were systematically searched to locate empirical research studies about women''s knowledge of and attitudes toward HPV vaccination. All empirical studies published in English between January 2005 and January 2010 that aimed at examining and describing women's knowledge of and attitudes toward HPV vaccination were included.MeasurementsStudies were assessed based on the inclusion criteria. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of these studies. Key themes and concepts were extracted and synthesized.ResultsA total of 36 articles were retrieved and reviewed. Four main themes relating to HPV and HPV vaccination were identified, including “attitudes toward HPV vaccination”, “factors affecting the acceptance of HPV vaccination”, “intention to receive HPV vaccination” and “knowledge toward HPV or cervical cancer”.ConclusionsMost women have positive attitudes and high intentions toward HPV vaccination. Factors affecting women's acceptance of HPV vaccination include knowledge, safety, cost and the efficacy of the vaccine. Many women lack knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer.
Comparative Investigation of Green and Red Upconversion Luminescence in Er3+ Doped and Yb3+/Er3+ Codoped LaOCl
Authors: Xia Zhiguo , Li Jing , Luo Yi , Liao Libing 
Published: June 2012

Pure tetragonal LaOCl:Er3+ and LaOCl:Yb3+/Er3+ samples possessing upconversion (UC) luminescence behavior were synthesized using a simple solid‐state reaction method and the structural properties were investigated using X‐ray diffraction, crystal structure analysis, and SEM, respectively. The UC spectroscopic properties of Er3+ doped and Yb3+/Er3+ codoped LaOCl were studied in terms of UC emission spectra. The intense green and red emissions around 528, 550, and 662 nm corresponding to the 2H11/2→4I15/2, 4S3/2→4I15/2, and 4F9/2→4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ ions were observed for LaOCl:Er3+ sample under excitation at 980 nm, and the power studies indicated that two‐photon processes were responsible for the green and red upconversion luminescence. The bright green emission is visible to the naked eyes for LaOCl:Er3+. A great enhancement of the visible upconversion emissions in Yb3+/Er3+‐codoped sample was observed, furthermore, it is interesting to find the bright red emission for LaOCl:Yb3+/Er3+ samples. The mechanisms for the green and red UC luminescence, especially the enhancement of red UC emission were discussed based on the law of UC intensity versus pump power and their lifetimes.
Reduction of Delia radicum attack in field brassicas using a vertical barrier
Authors: Blackshaw Rod P. , Vernon Robert S. , Prasad Renee 
Published: June 2012

AbstractInsecticide options for controlling Delia radicum (L.) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in brassica crops are now limited, and alternatives are needed. Vertical mesh barriers impede females reaching, and ovipositing in, small‐scale crops. We tested this pest management technique in a commercial crop to determine whether such barriers would also reduce dispersal of females at larger scales, and whether there was any detectable pattern to the spatial distributions of female D. radicum, eggs, and damage in a rutabaga crop [Brassica napabrassicae (L.) Mill (Brassicaceae)]. A mesh fence of 1.3 m high with an externally facing 30‐cm overhang was erected around the perimeter of a 2.7‐ha field. Yellow sticky traps were positioned at 12 points outside and at 104 locations along transects inside the barrier to capture adult flies. Eggs were sampled from soil around 10 plants at 62 locations and damage was assessed at harvest using a subset of 38 of these locations. There was a substantial reduction (up to 96%) in the number of female flies caught per trap inside the fence compared with outside and a change in the male:female sex ratio from 0.36 outside to 0.92 inside. Female numbers inside and outside were related and sampling date, trap location, and trap face explained significant proportions of the variance in both data sets. There was no relationship between the size of the population and the distance flies penetrated into the field or the proportion of flies recovered in the outer 10 m. Female, egg, and damage counts were largely restricted to the perimeter of the field. Although eggs and damage were related, trap counts did not reflect their spatial distributions. Damage was related to oviposition in the later weeks leading up to harvest. We conclude that yellow sticky traps are an ineffective monitoring tool compared with egg sampling, exclusion barriers can reduce numbers of females reaching a crop, and the system has the potential to deliver reductions in damage and pest control costs at a commercial scale.
Infection of tobacco plants by a begomovirus improves nutritional assimilation by a whitefly
Authors: Wang Jia , Bing Xiao‐Li , Li Meng , Ye Gong‐Yin , Liu Shu‐Sheng 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe invasive Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) cryptic species (formerly referred to as the B ‘biotype’) of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) complex has become a major crop pest worldwide due to its global invasion as well as epidemics of begomoviruses it transmits. Previous studies demonstrated that MEAM1 performed better on tobacco [Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae)] plants infected by Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) than on uninfected plants. However, mechanisms underlying the interactions are not completely understood. In this study, we compared the composition of sugars and amino acids in the phloem sap of uninfected and TYLCCNV‐infected tobacco plants with or without whiteflies feeding on the plants. No significant differences were detected in terms of amino acid profiles, percentage of essential amino acids, and sugars:amino acids ratio. However, whiteflies feeding on TYLCCNV‐infected plants excreted comparatively a lower percentage of amino acids, especially essential amino acids, or proportionally a higher level of sugars than those feeding on uninfected plants, suggesting that whiteflies feeding on virus‐infected plants are able to achieve a more balanced nutritional assimilation. We also compared the honeydew excreted by viruliferous and non‐viruliferous whiteflies feeding on cotton [Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae)], a non‐host plant for TYLCCNV, to test the direct effects of the virus on whiteflies. Although the amino acids profiles in honeydew were similar between viruliferous and non‐viruliferous whiteflies, the sugars:amino acids ratio in honeydew excreted by viruliferous whiteflies was lower than that of non‐viruliferous whiteflies, suggesting that the viruliferous whiteflies assimilated a more imbalanced nutrition with proportionally more sugar. Taken together, our data indicate that although a plant virus may exert negative direct effects on its vector, feeding by the vector on virus‐infected plants may improve nutritional assimilation and consequently performance of the vector.
Latitudinal pattern in body size in a cockroach, Eupolyphaga sinensis
Authors: Hu Yuwei , Zhu Fen , Wang Xiaoping , Guan Chuxiong , An Yuxing , Lei Chaoliang 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBody size of insects with flexible life cycles is expected to conform to the saw‐tooth model, a model in which the relationship between size and developmental time depends on length of the growing season. In species with high variability in terms of voltinism, however, more complex patterns can be expected. Few empirical studies have demonstrated the existence of such relationships, or whether climatic factors contribute to these relationships. In this study, we investigated the geographic variation in body size of the Chinese cockroach, Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker (Blattaria: Polyphagidae), which has a variable life cycle length. The sizes of adults – collected from 14 localities ranging from temperate to subtropical zones in China – were measured, using body length, body width, and pronotum width as parameters. The relationship between size, latitude, and climate factors (encompassing 10 variables) was then investigated. We found that the body size of E. sinensis varied considerably with latitude: cockroaches were larger at low and high latitudes, but smaller at intermediate latitudes. Thus, the relationship between climate and body size conformed to a saw‐tooth pattern. Results indicate that two factors were significantly associated with body size clines: season length and variability in life cycle length. Our results also demonstrated that climatic factors contribute to latitudinal clines in body size, which has important ecological and evolutionary implications. It can be expected that global climate change may alter latitudinal clines in body size of E. sinensis.
The effect of past natural enemy activity on host‐plant preference of two aphid species
Authors: Wilson Michael R. , Leather Simon R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe selection of a host of high nutritional quality is of great importance to the development of offspring of larvipositing aphids, as is the avoidance of natural enemies. Little is known, however, about their ability to select host plants based on these factors. This article tests the preference of aphids Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (both Hemiptera: Aphididae) for different winter wheat cultivars, Triticum aestivum (L.) (Poaceae), and their ability to detect and avoid predators in sacrifice of their most preferred host. In both species a preference was observed for nutritionally superior hosts. The preference of both species then exhibited a change towards a nutritionally inferior host after infestations of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), that had been consuming conspecific aphids. This investigation opens the door to the interesting prospect of the ability of aphids to make complex decisions regarding a compromise between high‐quality nutrition and avoidance of predation.
Proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with conversion disorder
Authors: Tiyekli Utkan , Çalıyurt Okan , Tiyekli Nimet Dilek 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveIt was aimed to evaluate the relationship between proinflammatory cytokine levels and conversion disorder both commonly known as stress regulated.MethodBaseline proinflammatory cytokine levels–[Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)]–were evaluated with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 35 conversion disorder patients and 30 healthy controls. Possible changes in proinflammatory cytokine levels were evaluated again, after their acute phase in conversion disorder patients.ResultsStatistically significant decreased serum TNF‐α levels were obtained in acute phase of conversion disorder. Those levels increased after acute conversion phase. There were no statistically significant difference observed between groups in serum IL‐1β and (IL‐6) levels.ConclusionsStress associated with conversion disorder may suppress immune function in acute conversion phase and may have diagnostic and therapeutic value.
Long‐term vegetation responses to different goat grazing regimes in semi‐natural ecosystems: a case study in Tenerife (Canary Islands)
Authors: Fernández‐Lugo Silvia , Arévalo José Ramón , de Nascimento Lea , Mata Javier , Bermejo Luis Alberto 
Published: June 2012

AbstractQuestionHow are semi‐natural ecosystems affected by goat grazing regime (heavy, light and long‐term abandonment)?LocationAnaga Rural Park, Tenerife Island, Canary Islands (Spain).MethodsWe evaluated plant species composition, diversity and structure (frequencies of functional groups based on growth form and bare ground) for three goat grazing regimes using 63 permanent point‐quadrat transects. The effect of orientation (N vs S slope) was also analysed. Data were collected in the spring during each year from 2001 to 2005.ResultsGrazing regime affected the studied functional groups differently. The frequency of annual grasses was higher in the heavily grazed areas, shrubs decreased sharply from abandoned to heavily grazed areas, and shrub legumes appeared less abundant in the lightly grazed transects. An interaction between grazing regime and orientation affected some functional groups. Grazing led to higher plant diversity, and did not affect the frequency of bare ground or native and endemic species. There were no strong differences in species composition among the three grazing regimes. However, species composition in abandoned areas was characterized by a higher abundance of late‐successional and endemic shrub species, while herbaceous species typical of pastures were more common in the grazed areas.ConclusionsGrazing regimes noticeably affect the composition and structure of the vegetation of semi‐natural ecosystems but do not result in a complete turnover in species composition. Goat grazing is beneficial for maintaining traditional open agroecosystems; however, controlling the grazing intensity can avoid negative effects on the vegetation, particularly the sharp reduction in shrub and palatable species. Some abandoned areas should be maintained to preserve grazing‐sensitive endemic shrub species in these Canarian semi‐natural ecosystems.
Glyphosate effects on seed bank and vegetation composition of temperate grasslands
Authors: Rodriguez Adriana M. , Jacobo Elizabeth J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractQuestionsIntensification of livestock production has led to the increasing input of agrochemicals, mostly herbicides, in natural and semi‐natural grasslands. Glyphosate application shifts vegetation composition of grasslands of the Flooding Pampa region. Consequently, we asked two questions: (1) does the application of glyphosate affect the size, composition and diversity of the seed bank of these grasslands; and (2) to what extent does seed bank determine the vegetation composition of grassland communities affected by glyphosate application?LocationTemperate‐humid grassland of Flooding Pampa region, Buenos Aires, Argentina.MethodWe studied paddocks dominated by native grassland on a commercial livestock farm. Glyphosate is usually applied in late summer to promote winter annual grasses in native grasslands. We chose three paddocks that had never been exposed to any herbicide and three paddocks that had been treated with glyphosate in late summer during the previous 5 years. We extracted soil cores to evaluate seed bank composition from 2007 to 2009 and recorded basal cover of above‐ground vegetation from 2008 to 2010 from the upper and the lower position of each paddock.ResultsGlyphosate treatment caused a dramatic shift in seed bank composition, so that seed densities of cool‐season annual grasses increased while cool and warm‐season perennial grasses, sedges, legumes and dicotyledonous herbs decreased. Richness and diversity of the seed bank were lower and dominance was higher under the glyphosate treatment. Similarity between the seed bank and floristic composition was higher in glyphosate‐treated paddocks in the upper position. Strong correspondences between the seed densities of cool‐season annual grasses and species composition of glyphosate‐treated paddocks and between the seed densities of cool‐ and warm‐season perennial grasses and legumes with the species composition of untreated paddocks were found.ConclusionsBecause the seed bank changes in response to glyphosate treatment involved the local extinction of several native perennial species, community restoration of these grasslands would depend mainly on propagule dispersal from adjacent areas. Our results raise awareness of the risks of widespread herbicide application for biodiversity conservation in the last semi‐natural habitats in the Pampas grasslands.