bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimal Disease Detection and Confirmation in Hematologic Malignancies: Combining Cell Sorting with Clonality Profiling
Authors: Zehentner Barbara K , Fritschle Wayne , Stelzer Tess , Ghirardelli Keely M , Hunter Kimberly , Wentzel Collette , Bennington Richard , Hansen Christian L , Myerson David , Kalnoski Michael , Wells Denise A , Loken Michael R
Published: January 2006

Background: In this study we demonstrate the technical application of flow cytometry and cell sorting combined with gene-rearrangement clonality profiling to detect and confirm minimal disease in 2 leukemia and 2 lymphoma cases.

Methods: Specimens with low percentages (0.05%–5%) of abnormal lymphoid populations were identified by flow cytometry. The abnormal lymphoid populations were sorted by flow cytometry, and the purified tumor populations along with unsorted fractions were subsequently analyzed for the presence of clonal gene rearrangements by PCR and fluorescence-based capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis.

Results: In 3 cases, distinct clonality profiles could be detected in the purified tumor cell fraction, and suspicious amplicons of identical sizes were detected among the polyclonal backgrounds in the unsorted specimens. For 1 patient, a monoclonal signal was detected in the sorted tumor cell fraction but not in the unseparated bone marrow specimen containing 0.05% abnormal lymphoblasts. A subsequent bone marrow specimen containing 4.8% recurring leukemia cells tested positive with a clonality profile that matched the previous profile in the sorted cell population.

Conclusions: The described method integrating 2 technologies allows genotypic confirmation of an aberrant population detected by immunophenotype to increase diagnostic certainty. This strategy provides a sensitive tool for disease monitoring without the need for patient-specific primer design and assay optimization required for quantitative PCR analysis.
Cardiac Troponin T Circulates in the Free, Intact Form in Patients with Kidney Failure
Authors: Fahie-Wilson Michael N , Carmichael David J , Delaney Michael P , Stevens Paul E , Hall Elizabeth M , Lamb Edmund J
Published: January 2006

Background: The clinical significance of the increased concentrations of cardiac troponins observed in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in the absence of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is controversial. One proposed explanation is that immunoreactive fragments of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) accumulate in ESRD. We used gel-filtration chromatography (GFC) to ascertain whether fragments of cTnT, which could cross-react in the commercial diagnostic immunoassay (Roche Diagnostics), were the cause of the increased cTnT in the serum of patients with ESRD.

Methods: We subjected sera from ESRD patients (n = 21) receiving dialysis and having increased cTnT concentrations to size-separation GFC. We detected cTnT in the chromatography fractions by use of the same antibodies used in the commercial assay for serum cTnT.

Results: In all patients, cTnT immunoreactivity eluted as a major, homogeneous peak in an identical position between the peaks of serum prolactin [relative molecular mass (Mr) 23 000] and albumin (Mr 67 000): the elution pattern of cTnT in samples obtained from ACS patients was identical to that of the ESRD patients. There was no evidence that low–molecular-mass (Mr <23 000) cTnT fragments were the cause of the increased cTnT in the patients studied.

Conclusions: The form of cTnT observed in the serum of patients with kidney failure and immunoreactive in the diagnostic assay is predominantly the free intact form, as in patients with ACS. Our data are consistent with the view that circulating cTnT in renal failure reflects cardiac pathology.
Renal gene expression profiling using kinin B1 and B2 receptor knockout mice reveals comparable modulation of functionally related genes
Authors: Bachvarov Dimcho , Bachvarova Magdalena , Koumangaye Rainelli , Klein Julie , Pesquero João Bosco , Neau Eric , Bader Michael , Schanstra Joost P. , Bascands Jean Loup
Published: January 2006

The kinin B2 receptor, which is constitutively expressed in a large number of tissues, mediates most of the known effects of bradykinin (BK). Normally undetectable in healthy tissues, the B1 receptor is strongly over-expressed under pathological conditions. BK is an important mediator in renal homeostasis and is mainly known for its natriuretic and vasodilatory effects. Recent data evidenced a role for BK in many other biological processes, such as apoptosis, development, extracellular matrix regulation and angiogenesis. In a first step to better understand how BK and its receptors could be involved in such a large variety of biological effects, we used microarray analysis to identify, under physiological conditions, the global renal gene expression profile in mice lacking either the kinin B1 or B2 receptor. Microarray experiments were performed using Agilent Mouse Oligonucleotide Microarrays (21 000 genes/microarray). Interestingly, there was a considerable number of mostly downregulated genes in both BK null mouse models compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, a number of genes that are known to be implicated in renal physiology and/or pathology were differentially expressed in the BK null mice, which is indicative of the important role of both BK receptors in renal function.
Dual signal transduction mediated by a single type of olfactory receptor expressed in a heterologous system
Authors: Ko Hwi Jin , Hyun Park Tai
Published: January 2006

Controversy exists over the relationship between the cAMP and IP3 pathways in vertebrate olfactory signal transduction, as this process is known to occur by either of the two pathways. Recent studies have shown that a single olfactory neuron responds to both cAMP- and IP3-producing odorants, suggesting the existence of an olfactory receptor protein that can recognize both ligands. In this study we found that the rat olfactory receptor I7, stably expressed in HEK-293 cells, triggers the cAMP pathway upon stimulation by a specific odorant (octanal) at concentrations lower than 10-4 M; however, the receptor triggers both pathways at higher concentrations. This indicates that a single olfactory receptor, stimulated by a single pathway-inducing odorant, can evoke both pathways at high odorant concentrations. Using this heterologous system, both the dose-dependent response and receptor I7 specificity were analyzed. The dose-dependent Ca2+ response curve, which also includes the release of Ca2+ ions from internal stores at high odorant concentrations, was not monotonous, but had a local maximum and minimum with 10-10 and 10-7 M octanal, respectively, and reached a plateau at 10-2 M octanal. The specificity of the I7 receptor was lower when exposed to higher concentrations of odorants.
Aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells inhibited by carotenoids: morphology, apoptosis and DNA damage
Authors: Reddy Lalini , Odhav Bharti , Bhoola Kanti
Published: January 2006

Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) is a fungal toxin that has been associated with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in humans. This study was undertaken to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the antioxidants β-carotene and lycopene inhibit AFB1-induced toxic changes in human hepatocytes (HepG2 cells). Anin vitrosystem was optimized to test the chemoprotective effects of lycopene and β-carotene on HepG2 cells exposed to different concentrations of AFB1. Ultrastructurally, HepG2 cells cultured in the presence of AFB1showed mitochondrial damage, nuclear condensation and a loss of cell-to-cell contact; the latter was reflected in the observation of dysfunctional gap junctions, resulting in a loss of cell-to-cell communication. At the genomic level, AFB1formed AFB1-N7-guanine adducts, caused apoptotic cell death and suppressed p53 protein expression. In the presence of the carotenoids, survival of cells exposed to AFB1was increased, and there was also a significant increase in cellular mitochondrial activity. Our results demonstrate that HepG2 cells pretreated with lycopene and β-carotene are protected from the toxic effects of AFB1at both the cellular and molecular levels.
The Effect of Joint Condition on Mechanical Properties of Irradiated Hot Isostatic Pressed Joints
Authors: Yamada H , Sato S , Kawamura H , Mohri K , Nagao Y , Takada F
Published: January 2006

For fabrication of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor blanket, a study was made on the effect of surface roughness (Ry) at the joint boundary on tensite properties of copper alloy/stainless steel hot isostatic pressed (HIP) joints after neutron irradiation. Three different types of joints (type-A: Ry = 1 µm, type-B; Ry = 10 µm, and type-C: Ry = 30 µm) were prepared and irradiated up to 1.5 displacements per atom at 200–250°C. It was clarified that the tensile properties of unirradiated joints and tensile strength of irradiated joints were not changed by the surface roughness condition. However, total elongation of the high surface roughness (type-C) joints was smaller than that of the other joints after neutron irradiation, because diffusion of Cr and Fe into the copper alloy was not uniform compared with that of the other HIP joints. This study shows that a more uniform diffusion region is necessary for HIP joints to be used under neutron irradiation than for unirradiated Cu/stainless steel HIP joints.
Impact Fracture Behavior of Hollow Glass Bead-Filled ABS Composites
Authors: Liang J-Z
Published: January 2006

The Izod and Charpy impact properties, including V notched and unnotched, of acrylnitrilebutadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) filled with hollow glass beads (HGB) were measured at room temperature in the present paper, to identify the effect of the HGB contents on the impact fracture behavior of the composites. The mean diameter of the HGB was 70 μm, and the surface of the beads was pretreated with a silane coupling agent. The results showed that both Izod and Charpy (including notched and unnotched) impact strength (σ1) of the composites decreased quickly when the volume fraction (φf) of the HGB was less than 5 %, and then decreased gently with increasing φf. Both V-notched Izod and Charpy impact strength are close to each other, especially at low filler concentration. Furthermore, the impact fracture surfaces of the V-notched Izod impact specimens were observed by means of a scanning electron microscope. It was found that there was debonding phenomenon between the beads and the matrix, and the HGB in the ABS matrix was undamaged. In addition, obvious agglomeration phenomenon of the particles in the matrix was not observed.
Smoke Toxicity Data for Fire Hazard and Risk Assessment of Cable Products
Authors: Gann RG , Peacock RD , Averill JD , Nyden MR
Published: January 2006

This paper presents the methodology for and results from a series of room-scale fire tests to produce data on the yields of toxic products in both preflashover and postflashover fires. Trays of common household electric cable burned in a room with a long adjacent corridor. The yields of CO2, CO, HCl, HCN, and carbonaceous soot were determined. Other toxicants (e.g., NO2, formaldehyde and acrolein) were not found; concentrations below the detection limits were shown to be of limited toxicological importance relative to the detected toxicants. The uncertainties in the post-flashover data are smaller due to the higher species concentrations and the more fully established upper layer from which the fire effluent was sampled. The uncertainty values are comparable to those estimated for the fractional effective dose calculations used to determine the time available for escape from a fire. The uncertainty in the yield data is sufficiently small to determine whether a bench-scale apparatus is producing results that are similar to or different from the real-scale results here. The use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was shown to be a useful tool for obtaining concentration data of toxicants. However, its operation and interpretation is far from routine. The CO yield was slightly lower than the expected value of 0.2, which should be used in hazard and risk analyses. The accuracy of the results is verified, and a hypothesis is offered for the lower CO yield values.
International Comparison of Impact Reference Materials (2004)
Authors: McCowan C , Roebben G , Yamaguchi Y , Lefrançois S , Splett J , Takagi S , Lamberty A
Published: January 2006

A three-year horizontal comparison has been completed between national laboratories that certify specimens for the indirect verification of Charpy impact test machines. The participants in this study were the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements of the European Commission, the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United States, and the Laboratoire National d'Essais in France. The comparison was conducted to evaluate the impact of reference specimens over a three-year period. Sets of certified reference specimens, at low (15 J), medium (30 J), and high energy (100 J) levels were produced and distributed at the start of the study. Specimens were tested approximately every six months on each of the machines in the study. The results of the testing are presented and the stability of the various impact machines and specimens are discussed.
ASTM Activities for Assessing Cleanliness of Medical Devices
Authors: Spiegelberg S
Published: January 2006

Recent product recalls relating to device cleanliness have helped to spur activities within the American Standards of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Researchers and engineers from medical device manufacturers, analytical laboratories, NIST, the FDA, and medical device consultants have formed an ASTM task force to address issues of cleanliness in biomedical components, including orthopedics, cardiovascular, dental, and opthamalogical materials. Work is being conducted to develop standards for assessing levels of cleanliness in metallic, ceramic, composite, and plastic components. The task force is also attempting to determine acceptable levels of cleanliness in the various biomedical devices. This paper discusses the current activities within ASTM. Draft testing standards are presented, along with plans for round robin testing.
Cleanliness Testing and Identification of Residues on Polymer Medical Devices
Authors: Zurbrügg D
Published: January 2006

Machining and cleaning are key processes in the manufacturing of metal, ceramic, and polymer medical devices. During these processes, the components and final devices are exposed to processing aids, handling equipment, cleaning agents, and packaging materials. Methods for the cleanliness testing of such potential residues are discussed in this paper. To assess the effectiveness of the total organic carbon (TOC) analysis for cleanliness testing, the recovery of organic residues was studied. Spiking tests showed that nonpolar hydrocarbons are not well extracted, neither by 1 h ultrasonication nor by 24 h refluxing in boiling water. This results in a very poor TOC recovery for mineral oil-like residues. Good recovery and a high sensitivity for such residues are obtained by solvent extraction following Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Furthermore, extracted organic residues from machined polymer devices were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicate that nonpolar polymers like ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) absorb hydrocarbons from mineral oil-based processing aids during machining.
Reducing Modulus of Sealants to Improve Durability
Authors: Klosowski JM , Plott JE
Published: January 2006

The premise is that if one reduces sealant fatigue by lowering modulus while leaving other characteristics of a sealant unchanged, its durability will improve. Reducing sealant fatigue is seen as a positive consequence of lowering the modulus of elasticity of a sealant. The data shows the effect of incorporating a modulus modifier in one- and two-part (standard curing) urethane sealants and a one-part silane curing polyether sealant. This approach lowers modulus with no or minimum reformulation.
The Neutron Spectrum of NBS-1
Authors: Heimbach CR
Published: January 2006

A proposed set of photonuclear cross sections was used to calculate the neutron spectrum of a RaBe photoneutron source. The calculation used the gamma rays from 226Ra in equilibrium as a driver, transported the gamma rays through the materials of the source, calculated neutron production, and subsequent neutron scattering. The calculation produced 27 % more neutrons than measured, and predicted relatively more low-energy neutrons.
Gas Production in Reactor Materials
Authors: Greenwood LR
Published: January 2006

This paper presents an overview of the principal nuclear reactions that are known to produce hydrogen and helium in irradiated materials and a summary of the comparison of measurements with predictions in various reactors. Hydrogen and helium are produced in all reactor materials by fast neutron reactions which typically have thresholds above 4 MeV. Selected elements also have thermal neutron gas production reactions that can be quite prolific, such as 6Li, 10B, and 14N, and there are a number of elements which produce transmutation products that have high thermal neutron gas production cross sections, most notably 59Ni produced by irradiation of Ni and 65Zn produced by irradiation of Cu or Zn. Since gas production cross sections are isotope-specific, gas production rates can change during irradiation due to transmutation effects or initial rates can be modified by isotopic tailoring of reactor materials.
Mechanical Characterization of Cryogenically Treated Music Wire
Authors: Chen JM , Seah KHW , Chew CH
Published: January 2006

Cryogenic treatment is a technique applied to metallic alloys to improve their mechanical properties through stress relief and the formation of microprecipitates. Recently, there have been attempts among musical instrument makers to perform cryogenic treatment on musical instruments. While there are claims that these instruments experienced improved tonal performance due to altered physical and mechanical characteristics after cryogenic treatment, there have been no attempts to examine or qualify these claims. This study is an effort to characterize music wire in acoustic systems before and after cryogenic treatment in terms of changes in material and mechanical properties. Treated strings are found to possess improved mechanical properties. An explanation is proposed for the changes in the material caused by cryogenic treatment.
Reduce the Injuries, Change the Culture: Insights from Telemarking
Authors: Dickson TJ
Published: January 2006

Risk management theory suggests that a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach is more effective for managing risks. In the context of snowsports this would mean that a whole-of-industry approach to snowsport injury prevention would range from the images in brochures, the organizations in the industry through to the equipment and people (staff and participants) involved in the industry. Telemark skiing has experienced a resurgence in interest, after 100 years of existence, correlating with changes in the availability and design of telemarking equipment. This paper will build on insights from a survey of Australian telemark skiers through a review of literature from occupational health and safety, risk management for outdoor pursuits, and organizational culture to reflect upon the need for a wholistic and strategic research agenda to aid in the reduction of snowsport injuries.
Fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections of some threshold reactions on cadmium: production feasibility of no-carrier-added 103Pd in a nuclear reactor
Authors: Abbasi I. A. , Zaidi Jamshed H. , Arif M. , Subhani Muhammad Sadiq
Published: January 2006

Systematic studies on fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections of some threshold reactions like (n,p) and (n,α) on cadmium were carried out using the activation technique in combination with radiochemical separations and high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy. Special attention was paid to the formation of 103Pd via the 106Cd(n,α) 103Pd reaction since it is an important therapeutic radionuclide. At a fast flux neutron density of 7.5 × 1013 cm2s-1 and an irradiation time of 120 h, using 100% enriched 106Cd target 340 MBq of no-carrier-added 103Pd per batch could be produced. The method is thus suitable for medium-scale production of this radionuclide.
Effect of ozone on ruthenium species in alkaline medium – Part II: Oxidation of pentahydroxo nitrosyl ruthenate(II) ion RuNO(OH)52-
Authors: Floquet Sébastien , Eysseric Catherine
Published: January 2006

Oxidation of the nitrosyl ruthenium complex RuNO(OH)52-has been carried out in sodium hydroxide solutions in contact with a gas flow containing ozone. The RuNO(OH)52-complex is converted successively into ruthenate and perruthenate ions. An empirical kinetic rate law for the first step has been determined and was shown to depend on concentrations of (i) the ruthenium complex, (ii) the hydroxide ions and (iii) ozone concentration in the gas flow. The second step of the reaction, corresponding to the perruthenate ion formation, shows a complex mechanism and four competing reactions have been proposed to represent it. The influences on the second step kinetics of several parameters such as ozone or hydroxide concentrations or the conditions of the gas-liquid exchange area are also qualitatively discussed.
Studies on thermal decomposition of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) complexes of o-carboxy N,N′-dimethylbenzylamine by thermoanalytical techniques in static air atmosphere
Authors: Khan Samina , Anwar Chaudhary Jamil
Published: January 2006

The o-carboxy N-N′-dimethylbenzylamine uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) complexes, o-C6H4COOHCH2N-(CH3)2UO2SO4 (I), o-C6H4COOHCH2N(CH3)2UO2(NO3)2 (II), o-C6H4COOHCH2N(CH3)2UO2Cl2 (III), and o-C6H4CO-OHCH2N(CH3)2Th(NO3)4 (IV) were prepared and studied by means of thermoanalytical techniques in static air atmosphere to understand their mode of decomposition and thermal stability. Their compositions were investigated by elemental analysis in order to ensure their purity, and structure elucidations were based on proton NMR and IR spectra. Study of their thermal decomposition showed that they pyrolyzed in stages: the degradation of square bipyramidal complexes (I and III) occurred in four stages; hexagonal bipyramidal complex (II) also followed the same pattern. The decomposition of bicapped square antiprism complex (IV) proceeded in three steps. The thermal decomposition of these complexes occurred with the loss of inorganic and organic fragments and exhibited almost the same mode of decomposition. The composition of the intermediate formed during degradation was confirmed by microanalysis and IR spectroscopy. The residue after heating above 480 °C corresponded to metal oxide. It follows from the results that the thermal stability of the complexes increases in the following sequence: Complex II, Complex IV < Complex III < Complex I
Experimental evidence for solubility limitation of the aqueous Ni(II) concentration and isotopic exchange of63Ni in cementitious systems
Authors: Wieland Erich , Tits Jan , Ulrich Andrea , Bradbury Michael H.
Published: January 2006

Ni radioisotopes are present in cementitious repositories for radioactive waste and considered to be safety relevant in performance assessment. The behaviour of non-radioactive nickel and63Ni in cement systems has been investigated in batch-type experiments under conditions corresponding to the initial stage of cement degradation. Solubility tests using63Ni labelled solutions mixed with an artificial cement pore water (ACW) at pH 13.3 revealed that a Ni-containing precipitate was formed at high Ni concentrations, which limits the concentration of dissolved Ni to (2.9 ± 0.5) × 10-7M. The concentration of dissolved Ni in cement suspensions, however, was controlled by the partitioning of non-radioactive Ni between the hardened cement paste (HCP) and ACW. The concentration of dissolved Ni was found to be independent of the solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio in the range between 10-6kg L-1and 0.13 kg L-1((7.3 ± 3.9) × 10-8M). The concentration of dissolved Ni could not be modelled on the assumption that Ni partitioning is a reversible linear sorption process. The experimental data and the modelling indicate that a solubility-limiting process controls the concentration of dissolved Ni in the cement systems. Measurements of the sorption isotherm showed only a small increase in the concentration of dissolved Ni from about 5 × 10-8M to about 8 × 10-7M while the concentration of added Ni varied over several orders of magnitudes (10-6M–5 × 10-2M). This finding supports the idea that a solid-solution aqueous-solution system involving Ni may account for the behaviour of Ni in cement systems. The distribution ratio for the partitioning of63Ni between HCP and ACW was found to be consistent with literature data obtained under similar experimental conditions (Rd=0.15 ± 0.02 m3kg-1). TheRdvalue determined on Ni loaded HCP samples (3.9 × 10-4mol kg-1and 4.3 × 10-3mol kg-1) increased with increasing Ni concentration in HCP. It is shown that the uptake of63Ni can be interpreted in terms of an isotopic exchange process with the non-radioactive Ni of the cement matrix. The distribution coefficient, α, of the exchange process ranges in value between about 0.02 and about 0.06, indicating that only a small portion of the Ni inventory is accessible to isotopic exchange.
A simple assay method for added stable caesium in blood plasma
Authors: Kaikkonen Matti , Lehto Jukka
Published: January 2006

A new assay method was developed to determine added stable caesium (Cs) in blood plasma. The simple and inexpensive method is based on the competition between stable and radioactive Cs in binding to ammonium-iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(III) (AFCF), followed by the precipitation of AFCF-bound Cs with plasma proteins, and the measurement of the radioactivity of the precipitate. For data treatment, standard procedures of radioimmunoassay were used. At present stage, the qualitative detection limit is around 0.2 μmol L-1, and the practical limit for quantitative results around 1 μmol L-1. The method is applicable only for recently added Cs in blood plasma, and cannot be used to measure endogenous plasma Cs or Cs in other tissues. Determining plasma kinetics of Cs might be useful in the study of some aspects of potassium kinetics, since these two alkali metals are transported into cells by the same cellular mechanism (Na,K-ATPase).
Effect of ozone on ruthenium species in alkaline medium – Part I: Oxidative dissolution of ruthenium dioxide hydrate
Authors: Floquet Sébastien , Eysseric Catherine
Published: January 2006

Several ruthenium species compounds are typically encountered in waste management from nuclear fuel reprocessing operations. Ozone acting as a strong oxidizing agent in aqueous alkaline medium presents some advantages to dissolve rapidly solid deposits of RuO2,xH2O formed into process devices, without generating troublesome byproducts or secondary wastes. In this study, a three-phase solid-gas-liquid column was used for dissolution experiments where the ozone gas flow was contacted with RuO2,xH2O solid particles suspended in sodium hydroxide solution. The analysis of reaction by-products, ruthenate and perruthenate ions, leads us to propose a reaction mechanism. It points out the autocatalytic effect of ruthenate RuO42-in the dissolution reaction mechanism. Parametric experimental study has been performed. It shows that increase of oxidative dissolution kinetics is obtained: (i) with a particular RuO2,xH2O solid morphology, (ii) for an optimum sodium hydroxide concentration near 0.5 M, (iii) by increasing gas-liquid exchange surface area, (iv) by increasing ozone concentration in the gas and (v) by increasing ruthenium initial concentration.
Removal of mercury from water using pottery
Authors: Helal Abd-Allah A.
Published: January 2006

In a previous study, the sorption of radiocobalt by powdered pottery materials was investigated. The use of these materials as immobilization matrix for liquid radioactive waste requires the employment of pottery vessels. Therefore, the present study aims to give detailed investigations of the decontamination of radionuclides and toxic elements using pottery containers. These investigations are equally useful to elucidate how far these vessels can be utilized for water purification through decontamination of toxic and heavy metals.

The radionuclide or heavy metal removal capability using pottery pots, as low cost sorbents, has been investigated for both radioactive (203Hg) and stable mercury. The results indicated that Hg2+ is better removed by pottery from neutral to alkaline solutions. The capacity of the used pottery container (100 ml in volume) for complete removal of mercury was found to reach 3 × 10-4 mol/l, and the time needed was 8 hours. The sorption process was suggested to occur via adsorption and ion exchange. The effect of presence of humic or fulvic acid, as ligands abundant in water, is also investigated. The results imply that, in absence of humic or fulvic acid the sorption follows the expected behaviour, i.e. sorption sites with similar affinity for mercury. In presence of humic or fulvic acid, additional sorption sites are available by the organic molecule when it is associated to the pottery.
Berkelium nitrate complex formation using a solvent extraction technique
Authors: Andersson Sofie , Nitsche Heino , Sudowe Ralf
Published: January 2006

The extraction of Bk(III) into an organic phase consisting of 2,6-bis-(benzoxazolyl)-4-dodecyloxylpyridine, 2-bromodecanoic acid and tert-butyl benzene as a function of nitrate ion concentration in the aqueous phase was studied in order to determine the stability constants of the formation of Bk nitrate complexes. Increasing the nitrate ion concentration in the aqueous phase will increase the nitrate complex formation and thus the extraction of metal ions will decrease. Measuring this decrease in distribution ratio and fitting the data points with an appropriate model gives the stability constants of the Bk nitrate complex formation.
Comparação da eficiência de modelos de armadilhas de interceptação de vôo na amostragem de Hymenoptera e outros insetos
Authors: Campos Wellington G. , Pereira Débora B.S. , Schoereder José H.
Published: January 2006

Armadilhas de interceptação de vôo para insetos propostas por Townes (1972) e Masner & Goulet (1981) foram modificadas. Os modelos originais e os modificados foram comparados entre si em sua eficiência na amostragem de ordens de Insecta e famílias de Hymenoptera. O uso de bandejas pintadas na cor amarela aumentou significativamente a eficiência de captura das armadilhas de Masner & Goulet. A união, em uma única armadilha, da bandeja amarela, típica do modelo de Masner & Goulet, com o pote, típico das armadilhas Malaise, não reduziu a eficiência individual dos dois sistemas. A associação desses sistemas de captura por interceptação de vôo, mais a atratividade da cor amarela, permitiu o funcionamento, num mesmo local e ao mesmo tempo, de três técnicas que geralmente têm sido empregadas isoladamente. O resultado foi o somatório de amostras padronizadas, sem perda de eficiência individual. Um menor esforço humano é possível, porque reduz a quantidade de armadilhas. O custo financeiro também é menor, devido à economia de tecido utilizado. Como uma técnica compensa a menor eficiência da outra na captura de determinados taxa, um modelo de armadilha que associa todas elas pode ser particularmente útil em levantamentos faunísticos abrangentes.
Oviposition behavior of Neomegalotomus parvus (West.) (Hemiptera: Alydidae): daily rhythm and site choice
Authors: Ventura Maurício U. , Panizzi Antônio R.
Published: January 2006

Neomegalotomus parvus (West.) behavior related to choosing crevices of pigeon pea, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., pods to lay eggs were studied. Blocking antennae, tarsi, eyes, abdomen, or all structures simultaneously, did not affect the site of the pod (crevices) chosen to lay eggs. Oviposition occurred mainly in the afternoon. Most eggs were laid from 4 to 6 pm. Females moved antennae alternately up and down. Dabbing/antennation was accomplished, first with antennae and then with antennae and labial tip and the ovipositor was exposed and swept over the surface of the pod, leading to oviposition. Eggs were held together with an adhesive substance. Mechanoreceptors were observed on the ovipositor.
Distribution of the spittlebug Deois flavopicta Stal (Homoptera: Cercopidae) on wild and cultivated host species
Authors: Pires Carmen S. S. , Price Peter W. , Oliveira Regina C. de
Published: January 2006

Eleven species of native or naturalized grasses were found hosting spittlebug nymphs in the natural grassland areas around Brasília in the Fe-deral District of Brazil. A large number of nymphs were found on the species Axonopus marginatus (Trin.) Chase. Out of a total of 224 observed nymphs, 85.7% were found feeding on A. marginatus. Apparently the presence of the spittlebug nymphs in the cerrado vegetation, the Brazilian savanna, was associated with any form of disturbance, such as cattle grazing and partial deforestation. Nymphs were found only in disturbed areas of the "cerrado campo sujo" and in the cerrado sensu strictu. The densities of spittlebug nymphs in the cerrado were lower than the density found in the cultivated pasture. The nymphal density in the cerrado sensu strictu was approximately 105 times lower than the densities in Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain & Evrard area. In two sites of "campo sujo" form of cerrado the densities were, approximately, 2,273 and 1,212 times lower than the densities in B. ruziziensis areas. The distribution and density of the spittlebug in the natural vegetation were influenced by the presence of adjacent infested areas of cultivated pasture. This fact indicates that areas of Brachiaria are the source of infestation for other host plants.
Effect of stereoisomers of the main component of the sex pheromone of Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in the attractiveness of females
Authors: Costa Maria L.M. , Borges Miguel , Vilela Evaldo F. , Marco Jr Paulo de , Lima Eraldo R.
Published: January 2006

The attractiveness of Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) females to the eight stereoisomers of the methyl 2,6,10-trimethyltridecanoate, major component of the sex pheromone produced by the males of this species, was studied in a double choice olfactometer. Bioassays showed that the (2R, 6R, 10S) stereoisomer was necessary for the attractiveness of females, presenting better results in relation to the others. The stereoisomeric mixture was shown to present significative attractiveness to females, however, when compared to the (2R, 6R, 10S) stereoisomer, it showed lower attractiveness.
Response of the galling insect Aciurina trixa Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae) to host plant quality
Authors: Fernandes Geraldo W. , Price Peter W. , Gonçalves-Alvim Silmary J. , Craig Timoty P. , Yanega Douglas
Published: January 2006

Female host plant selection, oviposition behavior, and offspring performance of the gall-forming tephritid Aciurina trixa Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae) on NPK-fertilized and control plants of Chrysothamnus nauseosus hololeucus Pall. (Britton) (Asteraceae) were studied in northern Arizona, USA. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of females that selected control versus fertilized plants, and between the time to accept control versus treatment plants. Females laid fewer eggs and spent a longer time ovipositing on control plants than on treatment plants. Larval performance (measured as time of first gall appearance on plant, gall diameter, and larval weight) was not statistically different between fertilized and control plants (P > 0.05).
An annotated list of insect herbivores foraging on the seedlings of five forest trees in Guyana
Authors: Basset Yves , Charles Elroy
Published: January 2006

An annotated list of the free-living insect herbivores collected on the seedlings of five rainforest tree species of economic importance near Mabura Hill, Guyana, is presented. The host plants were Chlorocardium rodiei (Scomb.) (Lauraceae), Mora gonggrijpii (Kleinh.) Sandw. (Caesalpiniaceae), Eperua rubiginosa Miq. (Caesalpiniaceae), Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze (Leguminosae,) and Catostemma fragrans Benth. (Bombacaceae). During the monitoring of approximately 10,000 seedlings at monthly intervals during two years, 27,735 insect individuals were collected representing 604 species. Leaf-chewing insects were further tested in captivity, to remove transient and non-feeding species. The most common higher taxa included Psyllidae, Cicadellinae, Derbidae, Membracidae and Achilidae for sap-sucking insects and Galerucinae, Eumolpinae, Alticinae, Cryptocephalinae, Gelechiidae and Entiminae for leaf-chewing insects. Most of the common species collected (n > 22 individuals) were generalists. At the onset of the second collecting year, half of the parent trees ("stations", n = 125) were felled to mimic selective logging. Preliminary tests comparing the abundance of the most common species during the successive collecting years and at the non-felled vs. felled stations are also presented. These tests suggest that moderate levels of disturbance increased the abundance of a few species only and these patterns were not necessarily similar for congeneric species. The present survey represents one of the few studies of insect herbivores on seedlings in tropical rain forests.
Calling behaviour and evaluation of sex pheromone glands extract of Neoleucinodes elegantalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in wind tunnel
Authors: Eiras Álvaro E.
Published: January 2006

Adult emergence and mating behavior of Neoleucinodes elegantalis Guenée were studied under laboratory conditions (23 ± 1°C, 12 h photophase and 70% RH). Adult emergence occurred only at scotophase period. Female began to emerge from the 1st hour to 8th hour with a peak occurring at 4th hour of scotophase. Male showed similar trend, but emerging from 2nd to 11th with a peak also at 4th hour of scotophase. Mating was preceded by wing vibration in the male prior to and during walking approach. Mating occurred only during the scotophase period between the 4th and 10th hour of scotophase, with the peak occurring at the 7th hour. Newly emerged N. elegantalis couples rarely mated (2.8%) whereas 48 and 96 h old couples mated 26.3% and 27.5% respectively. Glands extracts from abdominal tips of 48-72 h virgin female moths evaluated in a wind tunnel were more attractive than virgin females.
Three new species of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Brazil
Authors: Lofego Antonio C. , Moraes Gilberto J. de , McMurtry James A.
Published: January 2006

Three new species of phytoseiid mites from Brazil are described: Amblyseius neochiapensis sp. n. from Manihot sp. and Amblyseius bahiensis sp. n. from unidentified plant, both collected in the State of Bahia, and Typhlodromalus feresi sp. n. from Mabea sp. collected in the State of São Paulo.
Cynipoidea parasitoids of dung-flies in Brazil. II (Insecta: Hymenoptera)
Authors: Diaz Norma B. , Gallardo Fabiana E. , Marchiori Carlos H. , Linhares Arício X.
Published: January 2006

This paper deals with 11 species of Cynipoidea parasitoids of dung-flies in Brazil: Neralsia splendens (Borgmeier 1935), Triplasta (Triplasta) atrocoxalis (Ashmead 1895), Triplasta (Pentaplasta) coxalis (Ashmead 1895), Acantheucoela armata (Cresson 1865), Acantheucoila brevispina Dettmer 1930, Acantheucoila coprophila Borgmeier 1935, Acantheucoila fumipennis Borgmeier 1935, Coneucoela brasiliensis Kieffer 1909, Ganaspis fulvocincta Kieffer 1909, Kleidotoma nigra (Hartig 1840), and Paraganaspis egeria Diaz & Gallardo 1996. An illustrated key for their identification, the hosts and the geographic distribution for each species are also given.
Revision of Cataulax Spinola, with Architas Distant as a new synonymy (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Discocephalini)
Authors: Grazia Jocélia , Campos Luiz A. , Becker Miriam
Published: January 2006

Five species are here recognized for the genus Cataulax Spinola, 1837: Cataulax eximius (Stål, 1860), Cataulax froeschneri, n. sp., Cataulax pudens (Distant 1889), Cataulax radians, n. sp. and Cataulax subtiliterconspersus, n. sp. Cataulax pudens is transferred from Architas Distant, 1889, here considered a junior synonym of Cataulax. Cataulax annulicornis Walker, 1868, Cataulax punctipes Walker, 1868 and Cataulax subvittatus Walker, 1868 are considered incertae sedis.
Comparison of preservation methods of Atta spp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for RAPD analysis
Authors: Carvalho Alfredo O. R. , Vieira Luiz G. E.
Published: January 2006

High quality DNA for molecular studies can be easily extracted from fresh specimens. However, live samples are difficult to keep for long periods thus making their preservation a serious problem, specially when they are collected and transported from remote locations. In order to establish an efficient method to preserve Atta spp. (leaf-cutting ants) for RAPD analysis, six different storage methods were examined: 1) -70°C; 2) 95% ethanol at -20°C; 3) 95% ethanol at 4°C; 4) 95% ethanol at room temperature; 5) silica gel at room temperature; and 6) buffer (0.25 M EDTA, 2.5% SDS, 0.5 M Tris-HCl, pH 9.2) at room temperature. DNA was extracted (Cheung et al., 1993 - modified) and examined after 90, 210 and 360 days of storage. Freshly killed specimens were used as control. DNA yield was measured with a minifluorometer. DNA quality was determined by scanning photographs with a densitometer and the integral of the scan was calculated for DNA of size > 9.4 kb. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized split-plot design with four replicates. All methods were efficient to preserve Atta spp. DNA up to 210 days. At 360 days, DNA was degraded only in 95% ethanol at room temperature, which resulted in RAPD profiles with missing bands. Although preservation at low temperatures is recommended for long periods, methods using silica gel and buffer can be considered satisfactory alternatives when refrigeration and transportation are limiting factors.
Effect of temperature on the development and thermal requirements of Wolbachia-infected and antibiotically cured Trichogramma kaykai Pinto and Stouthamer (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Hohmann Celso L. , Luck Robert F.
Published: January 2006

The development times and the thermal requirements of Wolbachia-infected and antibiotically cured Trichogramma kaykai Pinto and Stouthamer (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), using Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs, were assessed at four constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30°C), 70 ± 5% RH, photophase 14 h. The knowledge of temperature effects are very important in helping understand the dynamics of desert organisms like T. kaykai that face extreme temperatures during the season. Cured wasps developed faster at higher temperatures (20, 25, and 30°C) than infected wasps. However, infected wasps developed faster at the lowest temperature (15°C) than cured wasps. Developmental times of cured and infected wasps increased from 7.0 and 7.1 days at 30°C, respectively to 37.3 and 36.7 days at 15°C, respectively. Males developed sooner than females at all temperatures. The developmental thresholds for the progeny of uninfected and infected T. kaykai were 12.0°C and the thermal requirement for development was 127.71 and 132.10 degree-days, respectively.
Temperature and relative humidity requirements for conidiogenesis of Beauveria bassiana (Deuteromycetes: Moniliaceae)
Authors: Sosa-Gómez Daniel R. , Alves Sérgio B.
Published: January 2006

Assays were conducted to assess the number of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. conidia on Diatraea saccharalis F. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Nezara viridula (L.) and Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) corpses maintained at different levels of relative humidity (RH) (75%, 80%, 85%, 90% and 100%) and temperatures (22°C, 26°C, 30°C and 34°C) during five days. The isolates produced conidia when exposed to RH from 75% to 100%. Conidiogenesis was incipient at 75% RH on D. saccharalis larvae, but did not occur on N. viridula and P. guildinii. In ideal conditions of RH and during 10 days, mathematical equations were developed to estimate the number of conidia produced by isolates ARSEF 933 and ARSEF 2515. Conidia number were shown to be dependant on RH, temperature, fungal isolate, host species, host stage, and time
Grooming capacity inhibition in Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) (Isoptera: Termitidae) inoculated with entomopathogenic fungi and treated with imidacloprid
Authors: Neves Pedro M.O.J. , Alves Sérgio B.
Published: January 2006

This study was carried out to attest inhibition in C. cumulans grooming behavior when treated with entomopathogenic fungi and sub-doses of imidacloprid insecticide. Observations were made under the scanning electronic microscope. The termite workers showed an efficient grooming behavior which allowed the removal of all conidia from the cuticle of soldiers and other workers, in the first hours after fungal application. The insecticide imidacloprid, when used in sublethal concentrations, inhibited grooming behavior and allowed conidia to germinate and penetrate the insect cuticle, causing infection
Predatory activity of Phytoseiid mites on the developmental stages of coffee ringspot mite (Acari: Phytoseiidae: Tenuipalpidae)
Authors: Reis Paulo R. , Teodoro Adenir V. , Pedro Neto Marçal
Published: January 2006

By means of bioassays performed in arenas of 3 cm in diameter, manufactured with coffee leaves floating on water, the phases of the coffee ringspot mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) were studies on the preference by several developmental stages of the predaceous mites Euseius alatus DeLeon and Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma. The experiment was conducted in laboratory at 25 ± 2ºC, 70 ± 10% RH and 14 h photophase. The preferred stage of coffee ringspot vector virus was the larva followed by nymph and egg. Adults were least preyed on. In general, the most aggressive phase of the predators was the adult female followed by the nymph; the larval phase was the least aggressive. The average predation of E. alatus and I. zuluagai for the different phases of B. phoenicis were, respectively: larva (79% and 90%) > egg (47% and 83%) > nymph (40% and 77%) > adult (1% and 18%). This result indicated that I. zuluagai is more aggressive than E. alatus in relation to its predation upon B. phoenicis.
Effect of the age of the pupal holotissue on the nutritional quality of artificial diets for Trichogramma spp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Cônsoli Fernando L. , Parra José R.P.
Published: January 2006

The nutritional quality of artificial diets composed of pupal holotissues of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.) (Lep.: Crambidae) from three different age classes (1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 days old) were tested for rearing Trichogramma galloi Zucchi and T. pretiosum Riley (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae) in vitro. Pupal holotissues were added to egg yolk, bovine fetal serum, lactoalbumine hydrolysate and preservatives, and offered to the parasitoids into artificial eggs. The quality of these diets in supporting the development of both parasitoids was evaluated by assessing the acceptance and parasitism of the artificial host eggs, larval and pupal survival, size, parasitism capacity and longevity of the in vitro-reared females, and the presence of deformed adults. Diets composed of 5-6 d old pupal holotissues did not support the larval development of both parasitoids as well as reduced the acceptance and/or parasitism of artificial eggs by T. galloi and T. pretiosum. The factors affecting the nutritional quality of pupal holotissues collected from different developmental stages are discussed.