bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitellogenin in black turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii): Purification, partial characterization, and validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for its detection
Authors: Sifuentes-Romero Itzel , Vázquez-Boucard Celia , Sierra-Beltrán Arturo P. , Gardner Susan C. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBlack turtle plasmatic vitellogenin (VTG) was purified fom 177β-estradiol–induced males using ion-exchange chromatography. The isolated protein was identified as VTG by its glycolipoprotein nature and amino acid sequence homology with other vertebrate VTG. It was characterized as a 500-kDa dimer composed of two identical, 200- to 240-kDa monomers. Polyclonal antibodies raised against black turtle VTG showed high titer and specificity, as demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. The range of the assay was estimated to be between 15 ng/ml and 2 μg/ml, and the inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation were 9.4 and 7.3%, respectively. Black turtle antibody cross-reacted with VTG of two other sea turtle species, Caretta caretta (loggerhead) and Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill), extending the applicability of the assay as part of a sea turtle health assessment program.
Atrazine increases the sodium absorption in frog (Rana esculenta) skin
Authors: Cassano Giuseppe , Bellantuono Vito , Ardizzone Concetta , Lippe Claudio 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The presence of atrazine in agricultural sites has been linked to the decline in amphibian populations. The efforts of the scientific community generally are directed toward investigating the long-term effect of atrazine on complex functions (reproduction or respiration), but in the present study, we investigated the short-term effect on the short-circuit current (ISC), a quantitative measure of the ion transport operated by frog (Rana esculenta) skin. Treatment with 5 μM atrazine (1.08 mg/L) does not affect the transepithelial outfluxes of [14C]mannitol or [14C]urea; therefore, atrazine does not damage the barrier properties of frog skin. Atrazine causes a dose-dependent increase in the short-circuit current, with a minimum of 4.64 ± 0.76 μA/cm2 (11.05% ± 1.22%) and a maximum of 12.7 ± 0.7 μA/cm2 (35% ± 2.4%) measured at 10 nM and 5 μM, respectively. An increase in ISC also is caused by 5 μM ametryne, prometryn, simazine, terbuthylazine, or terbutryn (other atrazine derivatives). In particular, atrazine increases the transepithelial 22Na+ influx without affecting the outflux. Finally, stimulation of ISC by atrazine is suppressed by SQ 22536, H89, U73122, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, and W7 (blockers of adenylate cyclase, protein kinase A, phospholipase C, intracellular Ca2+ increase, and calmodulin, respectively), whereas indomethacin and calphostin C (inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and protein kinase C, respectively) have no effect.
Sensitivity of aquatic invertebrate resting eggs to SeaKleen® (Menadione): A test of potential ballast tank treatment options
Authors: Raikow David F. , Reid David F. , Maynard Erynn E. , Landrum Peter F. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The introduction of aquatic species in resting life stages by the release of ballast water is a less well-known but potentially important invasive species vector. Best-management practices designed to minimize transport of ballast water cannot eliminate this threat, because residual water and sediment are retained in ballast tanks after draining. To evaluate the potential efficacy of chemical treatment of residual material in ship ballast tanks, the present study examined the acute toxicity of the proposed biocide SeaKleen® (menadione; Garnett, Watkinsville, GA, USA) on resting eggs of Brachionus plicatilis (a marine rotifer), a freshwater copepod, Daphnia mendotae (a freshwater cladoceran), and Artemia sp. (a marine brine shrimp). SeaKleen was toxic to resting eggs of all taxa. Daphnia mendotae resting eggs encased in protective ephippia were the least sensitive, as indicated by a 24-h lethal concentration of toxicant to 90% of organisms of 8.7 mg/L (95% confidence interval, ±0.1 mg/L). SeaKleen induced teratogenic effects in D. mendotae and Artemia sp. Exposure to sunlight quickly degraded SeaKleen, which lost all toxicity after 72 h outdoors. SeaKleen increased in toxicity slightly after 72 h in darkness. Burial of D. mendotae ephippia in natural lake sediment reduced SeaKleen toxicity by a factor of 20. Reduced toxicity in the presence of sediment raises serious doubts as to the potential for this, or any, chemical biocide to kill aquatic invertebrate resting stages buried in sediment retained in ship ballast tanks.
Assessment of the toxicity of mixtures of copper, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, and phenanthrene toDaphnia magna: Evidence for a reactive oxygen mechanism
Authors: Xie Fangli , Koziar Stephen A. , Lampi Mark A. , Dixon D. George , Norwood Warren P. , Borgmann Uwe , Huang Xiao-Dong , Greenberg Bruce M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. They are commonly present in complex mixtures with other contaminants, such as metals. The toxicities of phenanthrene (PHE) and 9,10-phenanthre-nequinone (PHQ) with or without Cu were determined using Daphnia magna. Copper was the most toxic among the three chemicals tested, followed by PHQ and then PHE, with 48-h median effective concentrations (EC50s) of 0.96, 1.72, and 5.33 μM, respectively. Copper at 0.31 μM, or approximately the 5% effective concentration, decreased the EC50 of PHQ from 1.72 to 0.28 μM. Likewise, PHQ at 1.2 μM, or approximately the 10% effective concentration, significantly lowered the EC50 of Cu from 0.96 to 0.30 μM. This synergistic effect was not observed, however, in mixtures of Cu and PHE based on the response addition model. Assimilation of Cu wasfound to be similar with or without PHQ at increasing external concentrations of Cu, indicating that the increased toxicity of their mixtures is physiologically based. The ability of Cu plus PHQ to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured as well. Copper alone caused elevated ROS levels at a low concentration (0.63 μM). With PHQ present, however, this elevation in ROS occurred at an even lower Cu level (0.31 μM). Possible attenuation effects of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on toxicity and ROS production induced by Cu, PHQ, and their mixtures were then examined. Ascorbic acid protected against Cu and Cu-plus-PHQ mixture–mediated toxicity but did not affect PHQ toxicity. Ascorbic acid also lowered ROS levels in the presence of Cu and Cu plus PHQ. We conclude that there exist potential toxic interactions between metals and modified PAHs and that these interactions can involve ROS formation.
Response of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae to three xenobiotic exposures: Larval tolerance and detoxifying enzyme activities
Authors: Boyer Sebastien , David Jean-Philippe , Rey Delphine , Lemperiere Guy , Ravanel Patrick 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The ability of mosquito larvae to tolerate toxic compounds (temephos, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, toxic vegetable leaf litter) was examined on a laboratory larval strain of Aedes aegypti L. Bioassays and detoxifying enzyme activity measurements were performed to compare tolerance/resistance capacities. The possibility of a functional plasticity of detoxifying equipment was investigated through experimental determination of the inductive effect of each xenobiotic within a given generation. In the same way, the selective effect of a toxic leaf litter was also investigated along successive generations. Results revealed that differential cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, esterase, and glutathione S-transferase activity levels correlated with the bioassay results. Both induction and selection increased larval tolerance to the xenobiotics used and increased the levels of larval detoxifying enzyme activities.
Reproductive effects of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) during a controlled exposure study
Authors: Smith Jordan N. , Pan Xiaoping , Gentles Angella , Smith Ernest E. , Cox Stephen B. , Cobb George P. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractContamination with hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (Royal Demolition Explosive [RDX]) has been identified at areas of explosive manufacturing, processing, storage, and usage. Thus, the potential exists for exposure to N-nitroso compounds, hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine, hexahydro-1,3-dinitroso-5-nitro-1,3,5-triazine, and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX), formed via anaerobic transformation of RDX. Following exposure, reproductive toxicity of TNX was evaluated in three consecutive litters of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine was administered ad libitum via drinking water at four doses: 0 (control), 1, 10, and 100 μg/L. Endpoints investigated included reproductive success, offspring survival, offspring weight gain, offspring organ weights, and liver TNX residues. Data from the present study indicate that TNX bioaccumulates in the liver and is associated with postpartum mortality, dose-dependent decrease in body weight from birth to weaning, and decrease in kidney weight of deer mice offspring.
Watershed-based sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban storm water
Authors: Stein Eric D. , Tiefenthaler Liesl L. , Schiff Kenneth 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds, ubiquitous in the air and water of urban environments, and have been shown to accumulate in coastal estuarine and marine sediments. Although previous studies have documented concentrations and loads of PAHs in urban runoff, little is known about the sources and temporal patterns of PAH loading from storm water. This study characterized the sources and temporal patterns of PAHs in urban storm water by analyzing PAH concentrations and loads from a range of homogeneous land use sites and in-river mass emission sites throughout the greater Los Angeles, California, USA, region. Samples were collected at 30- to 60-min intervals over the course of a storm during multiple storm events over a four-year period in order to investigate PAH sources and inter- and intrastorm patterns in loading. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon storm fluxes ranged from 1.3 g/km2 for the largely undeveloped Arroyo Sequit watershed to 223.7 g/km2 for the highly urbanized Verdugo Wash watershed, with average storm fluxes being 46 times higher in developed versus undeveloped watersheds. Early-season storms repeatedly produced substantially higher loads than comparably sized late-season storms. Within individual storms, PAHs exhibited a moderate first flush with between 30 and 60% of the total PAH load being discharged in the first 20% of the storm volume. The relative distribution of individual PAHs demonstrated a consistent predominance of high-molecular-weight compounds indicative of pyrogenic sources.
Variation in mitochondrial DNA control region haplotypes in populations of the bank vole,Clethrionomys glareolus, living in the Chernobyl environment, Ukraine
Authors: Wickliffe Jeffrey K. , Dunina-Barkovskaya Yelena V. , Gaschak Sergey P. , Rodgers Brenda E. , Chesser Ronald K. , Bondarkov Mikhail , Baker Robert J. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus, specimens have been annually sampled from the radioactive Chernobyl, Ukraine, environment and nonradioactive reference sites since 1997. Exposed voles continually exhibit increased mitochondrial DNA hap-lotype (h) and nucleotide diversity (ND), observed in the hypervariable control region (1997–1999). Increased maternal mutation rates, source–sink relationships, or both are proposed as hypotheses for these differences. Samples from additional years (2000 and 2001) have been incorporated into this temporal study. To evaluate the hypothesis that an increased mutation rate is associated with increased h, DNA sequences were examined in a phylogenetic context for novel substitutions not observed in haplotypes from bank voles from outside Ukraine or in other species of Clethrionomys. Such novel substitutions might result from in situ mutation events and, if largely restricted to samples from radioactive environments, support an increased maternal mutation rate in these areas. The only unique substitution meeting this criterion was found in an uncontaminated reference site. All other substitutions are found in other haplotypes of the bank vole or in other species. Increased maternal mutation rates do not appear to explain trends in h and ND observed in northern Ukraine. Studies examining ecological dynamics will clarify the reasons behind, and significance of, increased levels of h in contaminated areas.
Plasma sampling and freezing procedures influence vitellogenin measurements by enzyme-linked immunoassay in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Brodeur Julie C. , Woodburn Kent B. , Zhang Fagen , Bartels Michael J. , Klecka Gary M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe present study compared three different methods for measuring plasma vitellogenin (VTG) in fathead minnow (FHM; Pimephales promelas): A procedure using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization combined with tandem mass spec-trometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS), and two commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits using either anti-carp or anti-FHM antibodies. The influence on plasma VTG measurements of using the protease-inhibitor aprotinin during blood sampling and of submitting the plasma samples to a freeze–thaw cycle before analysis also was evaluated. The addition of aprotinin to the blood during sampling significantly reduced the plasma VTG concentrations measured by ELISA, whereas the VTG values measured after plasma samples were submitted to a freeze–thaw cycle were significantly higher than those measured before freezing. This inflating effect of freezing on VTG measurements made by ELISA could be prevented if plasma samples were frozen diluted in citrate buffer containing 16 mg/ml of polyethylene glycol (PEG). In contrast, measurements of VTG made by LC/ESI-MS/MS were unaffected by freezing and, conceptually, are independent from enzymatic degradation. Although the use of aprotinin and PEG effectively reduced the influence of enzymatic and physical degradation caused by freezing and thawing on VTG measurements made by ELISA, it did not improve agreement between the three analytical techniques evaluated. More information is needed regarding the molecular structure and the existence of possible multiple forms of VTG before this protein can be measured adequately in FHM.
Psychotropic Medication Prescriptions and Large California Wildfires
Authors: Wettstein Zachary S. , Vaidyanathan Ambarish 
Published: February 2024

ImportanceWildfires, intensified by climate change, have known effects on physical health but their effects on mental health are less well characterized. It has been hypothesized that the residential proximity to a large wildfire can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions as evidenced by increased prescriptions of psychotropic medications.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between the occurrence of large wildfires and the prescription rates of psychotropic medications immediately following the start of the fire.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohortstudy used an interrupted time-series analysis to compare psychotropic medication prescriptions in the 6 weeks before and after each of 25 wildfires. The setting was California counties within metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) experiencing large wildfires from 2011 through 2018. Participants included individuals residing in California MSAs with prescriptions of psychotropic medications recorded in the Merative MarketScan Research Database (MarketScan) during the study period. Statistical analysis was performed for these 25 large wildfires occurring between September 2011 and November 2018.ExposureResidential proximity to large wildfires that burned more than 25 000 acres occurring in a California county within an MSA.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPrescriptions of psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and mood-stabilizers, with statins as a negative control outcome.ResultsFor the study period, prescription data and patient-level attributes were extracted for 7 115 690 unique individuals (annual mean [range]: 889 461 [455 705-1 426 928] individuals) enrolled in MarketScan and residing in fire-affected MSAs. This study found a statistically significant increase in prescriptions of antidepressants (rate ratio [RR], 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01-1.07]), anxiolytics (RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.09]), and mood-stabilizing medications (RR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.01-1.13]) in the fire period compared with the prefire baseline. However, the prescriptions of antipsychotics, hypnotics, and the negative control outcome, statins, showed no significant association.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of large California wildfires, the occurrence of wildfire was associated with increased mental health burden as reflected in increased prescription rates of certain psychotropic medications. The findings underscore the need for further scientific examination into the mental health effects of wildfires and the allocation of mental health resources in disaster responses. California experienced a substantial burden of wildfires from 2011 to 2018, and as wildfires become more intense and frequent in the context of anthropogenic climate change, it is increasingly important to understand and address their mental health effects.
Free‐Standing Janus Nanosheets: Ultrafast Self‐Assembly and Versatile Biphase‐Application
Authors: Li Shuqi , Jiang Xinming , Wang Zhen , Song Shuang , Cai Zongwei , Leung Ken Cham‐Fai , Zeng Tao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe development of stable Janus architectures suitable for biphasic applications holds significant importance. A novel approach is introduced for interfacial supramolecular self‐assembly, resulting in 2D Janus nanosheets (OA‐TA/Fe) exhibiting an amphiphilic nature. These nanosheets consist of hydrophilic coordination complexes of ferric ions (Fe3+) and tannic acid (TA) on one side of both surfaces and hydrophobic alkyl chains on the other side of both surfaces. The synthesis of these 2D Janus nanosheets involves a simple, ultrafast, and environmentally benign process, eliminating the need for time‐consuming multistep procedures and harsh synthetic conditions typically associated with Janus architecture formation. By exploiting the inherent singular anisotropic wettability inherent in OA‐TA/Fe‐2, the efficacy of these innovative Janus nanosheets in the efficient separation of various organic liquid‐in‐water and water‐in‐organic liquid emulsions is elucidated. Subsequent post‐modification of OA‐TA/Fe has facilitated the highly efficient remediation of contaminated oily wastewater, serving as a model biphasic catalysis reaction, wherein the Janus nanosheets function simultaneously as emulsifiers and catalysts within biphasic mixtures. The methodology establishes a rapid self‐assembly approach for the creation of amphiphilic free‐standing Janus nanosheets, offering compelling prospects for their application in diverse fields, as exemplified by, but not limited to, the case studies presented herein.
Self‐Powered Underwater Pressing and Position Sensing and Autonomous Object Grasping with a Porous Thermoplastic Polyurethane Film Sensor
Authors: Wang Quanyu , Song Yongxin , Liu Pu , Li Deyu , Wang Jiahui , Fu Xianping , Li Dongqing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMost flexible ionic tactile sensors can hardly be used in deep sea due to their poor antiswelling and anticompression properties under high hydrostatic pressure. To achieve pressure and position sensing under high hydrostatic pressure, a self‐powered underwater tactile sensor made of a porous thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film is presented in this paper. The sensor works by generating an electric current due to the different moving velocities of ions in the porous film under pressing. Experimental results show that the magnitude of the generated current signal increases with the applied pressure, the contacting area, and ion concentration of the solution. The direction and magnitude of the current signal depend on the pressing position of the film. The signal magnitude decreased with the closer to the center of the film. The maximum pressure sensitivity and positioning resolution are 0.62 kPa−1 and 1.31 mm respectively. Response time (0.19 s), 0.67 s recovery time, and 50–600 kPa pressure detection range are achieved. In addition, the signal magnitude is decreased only by 15.53% when the sensor is placed underwater at a simulated depth of 100 m. Proof of concept demonstration of underwater autonomously grasping objects of different weights with this sensor is successfully achieved.
Synchronous Optimization of Light Outcoupling and Carrier Recombination for Efficient and Spectral Stable Blue Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Qi Heng , Wang Hao , Chen Yali , Zhang Lu , Wu Jiandong , Li Tianxiang , Li Wan , Wang Kun , Wang Hongqiang , Tong Yu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite the significant progress of blue perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) in recent years, huge challenges still remain in improving their efficiency and spectral stability. In this work, a new strategy is reported to realize efficient and spectral stable blue PeLEDs through synchronously optimizing light outcoupling and carrier recombination of perovskite films. By introducing additives in both precursor solution and antisolvent, the crystallization of the perovskite films is regulated, leading to a spontaneous formation of undulant morphology, which favorably enhances the light outcoupling efficiency. Meanwhile, the formation of low‐dimensional perovskite phases is suppressed, in accompany with a reduced defect density and accelerated energy transfer, leading to a rapid concentration of excitons in the target perovskite phases and a significant enhancement of radiative carrier recombination. Resultantly, the optimized blue perovskite films show a high photoluminescent quantum yield approaching 80%, and the corresponding optimized PeLEDs show a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 11.88%, which significantly outperforms the control device with only 1.96%. Importantly, the optimized perovskite films and PeLEDs also exhibit improved spectral stability. This work provides a new pathway toward realizing efficient and spectral‐stable PeLEDs via simultaneously tackling the issues of light outcoupling and carrier recombination in the devices.