bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular plant species‐area relationships on Nui Atoll, Tuvalu, Central Pacific: a reassessment of the small island effect
Authors: WOODROFFE COLIN D. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractNui Atoll, an isolated atoll in Tuvalu, has a total vascular flora of 86 species, including a large number of introduced species. If only the 44 species considered indigenous are examined, there exists a strong linear relationship (r2= 0.94) between the total number of species and the logarithm of island area, over the entire wide range of island sizes from 0.01 ha to 138 ha. This relationship is strong for both three species and herb species, but weak for shrub species for which there is a limited pool of potential colonists. This relationship is stronger than on other Pacific atolls and does not support the existence of a ‘small island effect’. The strong linear relationship on Nui is attributed to uniformity of reef island substrate, distribution and isodimensionality of reef islands, stability of islands and infrequency of catastrophic events and the absence of large monospecific stands, especially of shrub species, characteristic of drier atolls.
Movement and feeding patterns of Epilachna cucurbitae Richards (Coleoptera:Coccinellidae) on pumpkin and zucchini plants2
Authors: WILSON L. J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe oviposition patterns of adults and the movement and feeding patterns of larvae of Epilachna cucurbitae on two species of cucurbits, Cucurbita maxima cv Queensland Blue and C. pepo cv Blackjack, were studied in the field and laboratory. The physical and nutritional characteristics of host plant leaves of different ages were described. Younger leaves had higher nitrogen contents but were less abundant, smaller and had higher trichome densities than older leaves. The development of first instar larvae was delayed by the leaf hairs on young and mature pumpkin leaves which prevented larvae from reaching the leaf surface to feed First instal larvae developed more quickly on leaves rich in nitrogen. Neither the total developmental time of larvae nor the size of pupae was affected by leafage because larvae on poor quality leaves compensated by eating more. Female beetles oviposited on all but the youngest and oldest leaves of the host plant. The trichomes on young leaves prevented females from attaching eggs to the leaf surface. First instar larvae remained where they hatched, but older larvae were more mobile, Changing feeding sites frequently and moving progressively to younger, more nutritious leaves. Final instar larvae moved onto adjacent vegetation to pupate. The adaptive significance of these patterns is discussed in relation to the nutritional value, hairiness and abundance of host plant leaves of different ages and the physical limitations of different larval instars.
Honeyeater population changes in relation to food availability in the Jarrah forest of Western Australia
Authors: COLLINS BRIAN G. , NEWLAND CHARLES 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe numbers of honeyeaters present at particular sites in the Jarrah forest varied significantly from month to month, with peak abundance occurring between May and September. Numbers also varied from site to site, depending upon the major plant species present. Honeyeater abundance was not limited by arthropod availability, but in many instances was closely correlated with the availability of nectar, particularly that produced by Dryandra sessilis. Large honeyeaters, such as Anthochaera chrysoptera and Phylidonyris novaehollandiae, were generally most abundant at times and sites of greatest nectar production. Small honeyeaters, such as Acanthorhynchus superciliosis, were never abundant but were present for most of the year. The production of nectar between October and December was such that more honeyeaters could have been supported than were actually present. Low numbers at these times can be explained in terms of reduced foraging efficiency that would have resulted from more widely dispersed flowers, and the possible availability of more rewarding nectar resources at other sites.
Patterns of ant community organization in mesic southeastern Australia
Authors: ANDERSEN ALAN N. 
Published: July 2006

Abstractstudy of the ants of 11 sites at Wilson's Promontory, Victoria, found that patterns of ant community organization varied markedly between habitats, being controlled by climate and vegetation structure. Community organization showed continuous change from drier sites (especially woodlands) where broadly‐adapted species ofRhytidoponerawere particularly abundant, but many other taxa were also well‐represented, to wet forests where cool‐climate specialists(Prolasiusand certainChelaner)and cryptic species (mostlySolenopsis)cotnprised almost all ants. These patterns appear to be typical of those in mesic regions of Australia, and contrast with those in the arid zone where ant faunas are dominated by highly active and aggressive species ofIridomyrmexwhich apparently play a pivotal role in community organization. The results suggest that ant communities in mesic regions are less tightly structured than those in the arid zone, and that interspecific competition is a less important factor influencing community organization. The findings of this study are briefly discussed in relation to the potential use of ants as bio‐indicators.
Pollination ecology of Christmas Bells (Blandfordia nobilis Sm.): Effects of adding artificial nectar on pollen removal and seed‐set
Authors: PYKE GRAHAM H. , DAY LYNN P. , WALE KEVIN A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAddition of artificial nectar to Blandfordia nobilis plants increased fruit set in plants treated in December but had no apparent effect on either fruit set for plants treated in January or the amount of pollen removed per plant for either the December or January plants. Increased nectar production would therefore have conferred no apparent reproductive advantage to a plant flowering in January and would have been advantageous to a December flowering plant only in terms of reproduction as a female, and not in terms of male reproduction.
The effects of tree clearing and pasture establishment on a population of mound‐building termites (Isoptera) in North Queensland
Authors: HOLT J. A. , COVENTRY R. J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPopulations of mound‐building termites were examined in a semi‐arid tropical woodland and in an adjacent area cleared of trees and sown with Urochloa mosambicensis 14 years previously. In that period both the density and diversity of the mound‐building termite populations were reduced in the cleared area. Only two of the six mound‐building species found in the undisturbed woodland recolonized the pasture. These species, Amitermes vitiosus and Nasutitermes longipennis, both detritus feeders, are able to survive on the Urochloa leaf material and cattle dung. The absence of the harvester species Tumulitermes pastinator, Drepanotermes perniger and Drepanotermes rubriceps from the Urochloa pasture is attributed to the lack of acceptable food resources.
Diversity and seasonality of adult Trichoptera captured in a light‐trap at Yuccabine Creek, a tropical Australian rainforest stream
Authors: BENSON L. J. , PEARSON R. G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSeventeen light‐trap samples were taken over a 20 month period at Yuccabine Creek, an upland rainforest stream in north‐eastern Queensland. Seventy‐eight species of Trichoptera were recorded from a total catch of 6431 individuals. The fauna was dominated by the Hydroptilidae (25 species and 5131 individuals) and, though composed primarily of Torresian genera, some Bassian elements were recorded. A seasonal pattern of change of abundance was observed with the majority of tax a exhibiting maxima between December and January (summer) and minima between July and September (winter).
Chronic treatment with trimetazidine reduces the upregulation of atrial natriuretic peptide in heart failure
Authors: Morgan Eric E. , Young Martin E. , McElfresh Tracy A. , Kung Theodore A. , Hoit Brian D. , Chandler Margaret P. , Stanley William C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTrimetazidine (TMZ) is effective for the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy; however, little is known about the effect of TMZ in established injury‐induced heart failure. When rats with established infarct‐induced heart failure were treated for 12 weeks with TMZ there was no effect on left ventricular function or dilation, or on mRNA expression of fatty acid oxidation enzymes. On the other hand, TMZ significantly reduced atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA levels compared with untreated rats.
The effect of whole‐blood donor adverse events on blood donor return rates
Authors: Newman Bruce H. , Newman Daniel T. , Ahmad Raffat , Roth Arthur J. 
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND: Some blood donation–related adverse events (AEs) can negatively impact the blood donor return rate (BDRR) and decrease donor retention.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: One‐thousand randomly selected whole‐blood donors were interviewed 3 weeks after a 525‐mL index whole‐blood donation for seven AEs. The number of return visits and duration of follow‐up were recorded for each of the 1000 donors. A negative binomial regression analysis was used to determine the contribution of the four most common AEs to the BDRR, and interactions between these AEs were also evaluated.RESULTS: The four most common AEs were bruise alone (15.1%), sore arm “alone” (7.0%), fatigue “alone” (5.1%), and donor reaction “alone” (4.2%), where “alone” is defined to also include donors who had a bruise but no other AE. The estimated BDRR for donations without AEs was 1.32 visits per year. The estimated BDRRs for the four most common AEs were: bruise alone, 1.32 visits per year; sore arm alone, 1.30 visits per year (2% reduction in BDRR); fatigue alone, 1.06 visits per year (20% reduction in BDRR); and donor reaction alone, 0.87 visits per year (34% reduction in BDRR). The BDRR for donor reaction, fatigue, and sore arm together was 0.20 visits per year (85% reduction in BDRR).CONCLUSION: Donor reaction had the most negative impact on the BDRR. There appears to be a synergistic effect between donor reaction, fatigue, and sore arm. Theoretically, amelioration of some AEs has the potential to improve BDRRs.
Tracing the Origin of Dietary Protein in Tropical Dry Forest Birds1
Authors: Herrera M. L. Gerardo , Hobson Keith A. , Martínez J. Carlos , Méndez C. G. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTFundamental to our understanding of the ecology of animal communities in the tropics is knowledge of the effect of seasonal changes in the abundance of food sources in consumer diets. We determined stable‐isotope composition (13C/12C and15N/14N) in whole blood of 14 resident avian species in a tropical dry forest to quantify the origin of their assimilated protein. We used a probabilistic approach (IsoSource) to estimate the relative contribution of C3plants, CAM‐C4plants, C3insects, and CAM‐C4insects during the dry and rainy seasons. IsoSource iteratively creates each possible combination of source contribution and produces a distribution of all feasible combinations that adequately predict the observed isotopic signature of the consumer. Granivore–frugivores and granivore–frugivore–insectivores were modeled as predominantly dependent upon plants whereas insectivorous birds were modeled to derive protein almost exclusively from insects. Between these extremes there were several species using mixed diets such as insectivore–frugivores or insectivore–granivores. In most species, virtually all assimilated food was of C3origin with the exception of Ruddy Ground‐Doves (Columbina talpacoti) in which CAM or C4plants contributed significantly. Seasonal changes in relative food source contribution were followed in eight species of birds. Of these species, White‐tipped Doves (Leptotila verreauxi), Grayish Saltators (Saltator coerulescens), and Social Flycatchers (Myiozetetes similis) increased their use of insects in the rainy season, in contrast to Great Kiskadees (Pitangus sulphuratus), which decreased their use of insects. Our study suggests that that diverse strategies are used by various avian species to obtain dietary proteins within seasonal habitats.
Genetic Diversity and Structure in Fragmented Populations of the Tropical Orchid Myrmecophila christinae var christinae1
Authors: Vargas Carlos F. , Parra‐Tabla Víctor , Feinsinger Peter , Leirana‐Alcocer Jorge 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTIn recent years the coastal dune vegetation of the state of Yucatan, Mexico has become highly fragmented due to clearing for development. We evaluated patterns of genetic differentiation and genetic variability among orchid populations (Myrmecophila christinae var christinae) in eight habitat fragments along a west‐to‐east disturbance gradient in which sites located on the western end began experiencing fragmentation earlier than those in the east. Leaf samples from adult individuals and juvenile plants were collected from all eight populations, and analyzed using starch‐gel electrophoresis in a lithium buffer system. Per population estimates of genetic diversity, proportion of polymorphic loci at 95 percent, mean number of alleles per locus, allelic richness, and population structure were calculated, as well as estimate comparisons between generations. Genetic diversity at the loci analyzed did not show significant differences among the eight populations. Based on the results, the model of isolation by distance does not fit the M. christinae populations under study; in some cases, populations close to one another apparently experienced very little genetic exchange. Thus, we propose that so far, fragmentation has not led to significant genetic differences between populations subject to different historical backgrounds of disturbance (i.e., time since onset of disturbance), as well as between generations within each of the M. christinae study populations. Nevertheless, the genetic characteristics of some remnant populations might change over time due to a future decrease in the opportunities for genetic exchange with other populations.
Women’s preferences for information and complication seriousness ratings related to elective medical procedures
Authors: Coleman P K , Reardon D C , Lee M B 
Published: July 2006

Objective:To study the preferences of patients for information related to elective procedures.Methods:A survey was carried out using a sample of 187 women. The majority of whom were on a low-income, who obtained obstetric or gynaecological services at St Joseph Regional Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while they were in a waiting room.Results:Many of the complications, including those that are uncommon and less serious, were considered to be relevant to the medical decisions of most patients. Average seriousness ratings associated with complications of various elective procedures were in the range of moderate to high. A frequency of complications of 1:100 or higher would factor into most women’s elective treatment decisions. Women indicated a preference for receiving as much or more information pertaining to complications associated with particular elective obstetric or gynaecological procedures as other elective procedures.Conclusion:Most women wish to be informed of risks and treatment alternatives, rate many complications as serious, and are likely to use information provided to make elective treatment decisions.
Multidirectional interactions are bridging human NK cells with plasmacytoid and monocyte-derived dendritic cells during innate immune responses
Authors: Chiesa Mariella Della , Romagnani Chiara , Thiel Andreas , Moretta Lorenzo , Moretta Alessandro 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDuring innate immune responses, natural killer (NK) cells may interact with both plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs). We show that freshly isolated NK cells promote the release by pDCs of IFN-α, in a CpG-dependent manner, whereas they induce IL-6 production in a CpG-independent manner. In turn pDC-derived IFN-α up-regulates NK-mediated killing, whereas IL-6 could promote B-cell differentiation. We also show that exposure to exogenous IL-12 or coculture with maturing MDDCs up-regulates the NK-cell–dependent IFN-α production by pDCs. On the other hand, NK cells cocultured with pDCs acquire the ability to kill immature MDDCs, thus favoring their editing process. Finally, we show that activated NK cells are unable to lyse pDCs because these cells display an intrinsic resistance to lysis. The exposure of pDCs to IL-3 increased their susceptibility to NK-cell cytotoxicity resulting from a de novo expression of ligands for activating NK-cell receptors, such as the DNAM-1 ligand nectin-2. Thus, different cell-to-cell interactions and various cytokines appear to control a multidirectional network between NK cells, MDDCs, and pDCs that is likely to play an important role during the early phase of innate immune responses to viral infections and to tumors.
Phagocyte cell migration is mediated by phospholipases PLD1 and PLD2
Authors: Lehman Nicholas , Di Fulvio Mauricio , McCray Nicholas , Campos Isabel , Tabatabaian Farnaz , Gomez-Cambronero Julian 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe have investigated whether the signaling protein phospholipase D is implicated in leukocyte cell motility. Treating differentiated HL-60 cells with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), to deplete endogenous expression of the PLD1 isoform, led to an abolishment of basal chemokinesis that could not be rescued with chemoattractants ENA-78, FMLP, and IL-8. Transient overexpression of PLD1 increased both chemokinesis and chemotaxis toward IL-8 and FMLP but not toward ENA-78. Chemokinesis was not mediated by the enzymatic activity of PLD1, but the chemotactic response was, because a lipase-inactive mutant (PLD1-K830R) negated all chemokine-induced potentiating actions and because IL-8 and FMLP increased activity in vitro. Gene expression silencing of the other mammalian isoform, PLD2, also led to cell migration arrest, whereas ENA-78 selectively increased endogenous PLD2 activity and chemotaxis of HL-60 cells overexpressing a myc-pcDNA-PLD2 construct. Thus, PLD1 is differentially activated by CXCR-1, whereas CXCR-2 (and possibly CXCR-1) mediates PLD2 activation. Finally, immunofluorescence microscopy showed that both isoforms were associated with cell polarity and directionality concomitantly with adhesion and F-actin polymerization in response to IL-8. These data represent the first demonstration of the involvement of PLD and its enzymatic activity toward chemokines in the key physiologic process of leukocyte migration.
NUP214-ABL1 in adult T-ALL: the GMALL study group experience
Authors: Burmeister Thomas , Gökbuget Nicola , Reinhardt Richard , Rieder Harald , Hoelzer Dieter , Schwartz Stefan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe NUP214-ABL1 fusion gene in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has recently been identified as a possible target for imatinib and related tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but exact data regarding the prognostic impact and frequency of the several putative NUP214-ABL1 mRNA transcripts are still missing. We investigated 279 adult patients with T-ALL treated within the framework of the GMALL 5/93 and 6/99 therapy trials for NUP214-ABL1 by using a novel multiplex real-time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eleven (3.9%) patients were NUP214-ABL1 positive, and 5 different transcripts were observed; 8 patients had a thymic immunophenotype, 1 had an early T-cell immunophenotype, and 2 had a mature T-cell immunophenotype. NUP214-ABL1-positive and -negative patients did not differ significantly in their major clinical features. In contrast to previous reports suggesting an adverse clinical course for NUP214-ABL1-positive patients, no significant difference in overall survival was observed. Based on the results, we have established and tested a novel PCR method for simplified detection of the NUP214-ABL1 fusion gene.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 in seronegative infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers
Authors: Pérez JA Vázquez , Sigales MC Basualdo , G Reyes-Terán , Rosales JC Gudiño , Claudín C Soler 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
Some individuals repeatedly exposed to Human Immunodeficiency Virus do not seroconvert and are resistant to HIV infection. Here, in a pediatric cohort of HIV seronegative infants born of HIV-infected mothers, we have studied eight non-breastfed children in whom viral DNA was detected in their PBMC. Our objective was to assess whether silent infection in these children can be explained by the presence of integrated viral DNA.

Methods
The presence of viral DNA was corroborated by nested PCR with primers for gag and the nef/LTR regions of HIV-1. Integration of HIV DNA into the host genome was assessed by an Alu-LTR PCR. Amplicons were sequenced and phylogenetic analyzes were done.

Results
HIV-1 DNA was detected in the earliest available PBMC sample from all eight infants, and two of them tested positive for HIV DNA at 2 years of age. Nested PCR resulted in the amplification of gag, nef/LTR and Alu-LTR fragments, which demostrated that HIV-1 DNA was integrated in the host cell genome. Each individual has a characteristic sequence pattern and is different from the LTR sequence of HXB2 prototype virus and other Mexican isolates.

Conclusion
HIV-1 DNA was observed in PBMC from HIV exposed seronegative children in this pediatric cohort.
Phase II Trial of Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, and Etoposide in Advanced Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network Study
Authors: Hainsworth John D. , Spigel David R. , Litchy Sharlene , Greco F. Anthony 
Published: July 2006

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and etoposide in advanced adult poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. Patients and Methods Patients eligible for this multicenter, phase II trial had metastatic poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma and had received no previous treatment. Patients with a variety of known primary sites (excepting small-cell lung cancer) and patients with unknown primary site were eligible. Patients received four courses of chemotherapy with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and etoposide, administered at 3-week intervals. After completing four courses of treatment, patients with objective response or stable disease received three courses (24 weeks) of weekly paclitaxel. Results Seventy-eight patients were treated; 62% had unknown primary site. Forty-one patients (53%) had major responses (complete response rate, 15%), and five patients remain disease free from 18 to 66 months after therapy. Response rates were similar regardless of histology (small-cell v poorly differentiated carcinoma) or primary site. The median, 2-year, and 3-year survivals for the entire group were 14.5 months, 33%, and 24%, respectively. Myelosuppression was the major toxicity, as has been reported previously with this regimen. Conclusion This prospective phase II trial provides additional evidence that this family of relatively uncommon carcinomas is initially chemosensitive, with a high overall response rate to combination chemotherapy and a minority of complete responses. The three-drug regimen evaluated in this trial is moderately toxic, and has no obvious efficacy advantages when compared with standard platinum/etoposide regimens. Treatment for advanced poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma should parallel treatments used for small-cell lung cancer.