bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Species of Protosmia Ducke From SpainWith Notes on Related Species(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Griswold Terry , Parker Frank D. 
Published: April 2008

A trap‐nesting program in northern Spain undertaken in cooperation
with Dr. Enrique Asensio (Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones
Agrarias, Valladolid) over the past few years has resulted in
numerous nests of megachilids. One of these represents a new species
of Protosmia Ducke. It is described here in order to make the
name available for the description of its nesting biology, and is
named in honor of Dr. Asensio, in recognition of his considerable
help in this trap‐nesting study.In the following description, abdominal segments are numbered
based on the metasoma; expressions in parentheses in the description
of the male represent departures among male paratypes from
characteristics described for the holotype.
Worker Longevity in Harvester Ants(Pogonomyrmex)
Authors: Gordon D. M. , Hölldobler B. 
Published: April 2008

Most studies of worker longevity in ants have been made in the
laboratory (Haskins and Haskins 1980; Porter and Tschinkel 1982).
In the field, increased energy expenditures, predation, and environmental
fluctuations may all contribute to shorten the life of a
worker ant. In the few existing studies of worker longevity conducted
in the field, the lifespan of exterior workers was found to be
extremely short. For example, Schmid‐Hempel and Schmid‐
Hempel (1984) found that the half‐life of Cataglyphis foragers, after
they were marked, was only 6 days.In harvester ants of the genus Pogonomyrmex, the only existing
field study of worker longevity demonstrated that the average life
expectancy of foragers and defenders (ants emerging from the nest
in response to a disturbance) of P. owyheei is 14 days (Porter &
Jorgensen 1981). Here we show that these results for P. owyheei
cannot necessarily be generalized to other species in the genus, and
that longevity results for the exterior workers engaged in one activity,
such as foraging, may not apply to exterior workers that do
other tasks.
Africalolampra ehrmanni New Genus and Species, and the Male of Paraplecta Parva Princis (Blattaria: Blaberidae)
Authors: Roth Louis M. 
Published: April 2008

A new cockroach genus and species, Africalolampra ehrmanni (Epilamprinae) from Kenya, and the previously unknown male of Paraplecta parva Shelford (Perisphaeriinae) from Uganda, are described.A new genus and species, Africalolampra ehrmanni, an ovoviviparous cockroach from Kenya, is described. It is related to Calolampra and several other genera, and is placed in the Epilamprinae. The previously unknown male of African Paraplecta parva Princis is described, and its female is redescribed. All of the specimens on which this paper is based are housed in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University (MCZ).
The First Transition of the Asian Summer Monsoon, Intraseasonal Oscillation, and Taiwan Mei-yu
Authors: Hung Chih-wen , Hsu Huang-Hsiung 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This study reveals the close relationship between the first transition of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM), the tropical intraseasonal oscillation (TISO), and the mei-yu in Taiwan, which occurs climatologically between mid-May and mid-June. For about half of the years in 1958–2002, the first transition of the Asian summer monsoon can be classified as a sharp onset, which is characterized by an abrupt reversal of the monsoon flow from northeasterly to southwesterly. The evolution of the large-scale monsoon circulation and convection in the sharp-onset years is characterized by an eastward-propagating TISO from eastern Africa and the western Indian Ocean to the Maritime Continent. Upon the arrival of the TISO in the Maritime Continent, a sharp onset of the ASM occurs, and a channel supplying moist air in the lower troposphere is well established across the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea (SCS). This channel consists of the Somali jet, transporting the moisture from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, and the southwesterly monsoon, delivering the moisture across the Indian Ocean to the SCS and the western North Pacific. This efficient and persistent transport of moisture to the SCS and surrounding areas presumably provides a favorable condition for the maintenance of the mei-yu front and the development of convective systems. This also marks the onset of the Taiwan mei-yu season. Because a strong TISO signal, which tends to occur concurrently with the sharp onset of the ASM, is often observed prior to the onset of the first transition and Taiwan mei-yu, a close monitoring of the TISO can be informative for the weather forecasters in Taiwan to project the initiation of the Taiwan mei-yu.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Snowpack Density in the Mountainous Regions of the Western United States
Authors: Mizukami Naoki , Perica Sanja 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Snow density is calculated as a ratio of snow water equivalent to snow depth. Until the late 1990s, there were no continuous simultaneous measurements of snow water equivalent and snow depth covering large areas. Because of that, spatiotemporal characteristics of snowpack density could not be well described. Since then, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been collecting both types of data daily throughout the winter season at snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) sites located in the mountainous areas of the western United States. This new dataset provided an opportunity to examine the spatiotemporal characteristics of snowpack density.
The analysis of approximately seven years of data showed that at a given location and throughout the winter season, year-to-year snowpack density changes are significantly smaller than corresponding snow depth and snow water equivalent changes. As a result, reliable climatological estimates of snow density could be obtained from relatively short records. Snow density magnitudes and densification rates (i.e., rates at which snow densities change in time) were found to be location dependent. During early and midwinter, the densification rate is correlated with density. Starting in early or mid-March, however, snowpack density increases by approximately 2.0 kg m−3 day−1 regardless of location. Cluster analysis was used to obtain qualitative information on spatial patterns of snowpack density and densification rates. Four clusters were identified, each with a distinct density magnitude and densification rate. The most significant physiographic factor that discriminates between clusters was proximity to a large water body. Within individual mountain ranges, snowpack density characteristics were primarily dependent on elevation.
The small molecule Mek1/2 inhibitor U0126 disrupts the chordamesoderm to notochord transition in zebrafish
Authors: Hawkins Thomas A , Cavodeassi Florencia , Erdélyi Ferenc , Szabó Gábor , Lele Zsolt 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Key molecules involved in notochord differentiation and function have been identified through genetic analysis in zebrafish and mice, but MEK1 and 2 have so far not been implicated in this process due to early lethality (Mek1-/-) and functional redundancy (Mek2-/-) in the knockout animals.

Results
Here, we reveal a potential role for Mek1/2 during notochord development by using the small molecule Mek1/2 inhibitor U0126 which blocks phosphorylation of the Mek1/2 target gene Erk1/2 in vivo. Applying the inhibitor from early gastrulation until the 18-somite stage produces a specific and consistent phenotype with lack of dark pigmentation, shorter tail and an abnormal, undulated notochord. Using morphological analysis, in situ hybridization, immunhistochemistry, TUNEL staining and electron microscopy, we demonstrate that in treated embryos the chordamesoderm to notochord transition is disrupted and identify disorganization in the medial layer of the perinotochordal basement mebrane as the probable cause of the undulations and bulges in the notochord. We also examined and excluded FGF as the upstream signal during this process.

Conclusion
Using the small chemical U0126, we have established a novel link between MAPK-signaling and notochord differentiation. Our phenotypic analysis suggests a potential connection between the MAPK-pathway, the COPI-mediated intracellular transport and/or the copper-dependent posttranslational regulatory processes during notochord differentiation.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and haplotypes and postmenopausal breast cancer risk
Authors: Abbas Sascha , Nieters Alexandra , Linseisen Jakob , Slanger Tracy , Kropp Silke , Mutschelknauss Elke Jonny , Flesch-Janys Dieter , Chang-Claude Jenny 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotypes may influence breast cancer risk by altering potential anticarcinogenic effects of vitamin D, but epidemiological studies have been inconsistent. Effect modification by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 [OH]D), the biomarker for vitamin D status in humans, has rarely been examined.

Methods
We assessed the effects of two frequently analyzed polymorphisms (FokI and TaqI) and two potentially functional variants (VDR-5132 and Cdx2) in the VDR gene, which thus far have not been analyzed with respect to breast cancer risk, on postmenopausal breast cancer risk in a population-based, case-control study including 1,408 patients (cases) and 2,612 control individuals (controls) matched for year of birth. Odds ratios (ORs) for breast cancer adjusted for potential confounders were calculated for genotypes and estimated haplotypes.

Results
No differences in serum 25(OD)D concentrations by VDR genotype were observed. None of the analyzed polymorphisms was associated with overall risk for postmenopausal breast cancer. However, the TaqI polymorphism was associated with a significantly increased risk for oestrogen receptor positive tumours (OR = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00 to 1.38, comparing t allele carriers with noncarriers) but not for oestrogen receptor negative tumours (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.69 to 1.13; P for interaction = 0.04). Haplotype analysis revealed the haplotype FtCA (FokI F, TaqI t, VDR-5132 C, Cdx2 A), which contains the TaqI t allele, to be associated with a significantly greater breast cancer risk as compared with the most frequent haplotype FTCG (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.00 to 2.05). No significant interaction between VDR genotypes or haplotypes and 25(OH)D was observed.

Conclusion
Our results support potential effects of VDR polymorphisms on postmenopausal breast cancer risk and possible differential effects of receptor status of the tumour. However, further studies focusing on the influence of polymorphisms and haplotypes on VDR functionality, activity and concentration are needed.
Phase II Trial of Lapatinib for Brain Metastases in Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Lin Nancy U. , Carey Lisa A. , Liu Minetta C. , Younger Jerry , Come Steven E. , Ewend Matthew , Harris Gordon J. , Bullitt Elizabeth , Van den Abbeele Annick D. , Henson John W. , Li Xiaochun , Gelman Rebecca , Burstein Harold J. , Kasparian Elizabeth , Kirsch David G. , Crawford Ann , Hochberg Fred , Winer Eric P. 
Published: April 2008

Purpose One third of women with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)–positive breast cancer develop brain metastases; a subset progress in the CNS despite standard approaches. Medical therapies for refractory brain metastases are neither well-studied nor established. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of lapatinib, an oral inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER-2, in patients with HER-2–positive brain metastases. Patients and Methods Patients had HER-2–positive breast cancer, progressive brain metastases, prior trastuzumab treatment, and at least one measurable metastatic brain lesion. Patients received lapatinib 750 mg orally twice a day. Tumor response was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging every 8 weeks. The primary end point was objective response (complete response [CR] plus partial response [PR]) in the CNS by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Secondary end points included objective response in non-CNS sites, time to progression, overall survival, and toxicity. Results Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. All patients had developed brain metastases while receiving trastuzumab; 37 had progressed after prior radiation. One patient achieved a PR in the brain by RECIST (objective response rate 2.6%, 95% conditional CI, 0.21% to 26%). Seven patients (18%) were progression free in both CNS and non-CNS sites at 16 weeks. Exploratory analyses identified additional patients with some degree of volumetric reduction in brain tumor burden. The most common adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea (grade 3, 21%) and fatigue (grade 3, 15%). Conclusion The study did not meet the predefined criteria for antitumor activity in highly refractory patients with HER-2–positive brain metastases. Because of the volumetric changes observed in our exploratory analysis, further studies are underway utilizing volumetric changes as a primary end point.
Aspirin Responsiveness in Healthy Volunteers Measured with Multiple Assay Platforms
Authors: Karon Brad S , Wockenfus Amy , Scott Renee , Hartman Stacy J , McConnell Joseph P , Santrach Paula J , Jaffe Allan S 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Background: We evaluated the sensitivity, precision, and concordance of 4 assays designed to detect aspirin responsiveness or resistance.
Methods: Twenty-nine healthy laboratory volunteers took 80 mg aspirin for 7 days, and a subset of volunteers took 325 mg aspirin for an additional 7 days. We measured platelet function by light transmission aggregometry with arachidonic acid, PFA-100, and VerifyNow. PFA-100 and VerifyNow assays were performed in duplicate to assess method imprecision. Some volunteers had samples taken within 2–4 h of the final dose of aspirin and again within 20–24 h of the final dose. We measured urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 at baseline and after 80 or 325 mg aspirin.
Results: No volunteers were nonresponsive to aspirin therapy as measured by the PFA-100. One of 29 participants demonstrated lack of response to aspirin as measured by VerifyNow and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2; 2 of 29 demonstrated lack of response as measured by light transmission aggregometry. Imprecision was &lt;10% for the PFA-100 and VerifyNow. Concordance was high (&gt;90%) between all assays. Neither aspirin dose (80 vs 325 mg) nor timing between final dose of aspirin and blood draw (2–4 vs 20–24 h) affected any of the assays.
Conclusions: Light transmission aggregometry, PFA-100, VerifyNow, and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 are all sensitive to the effects of aspirin in healthy individuals. Variables such as aspirin dose, timing between final dose of aspirin and blood collection, and imprecision do not affect the ability of the assays to detect aspirin effect on platelet function.
A simple and rapid matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry method to screen fish plasma samples for estrogen-responsive biomarkers
Authors: Salinas Kimberly A , Hemmer Michael J , Harris Peggy S , Walker Calvin C 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the present study, we describe and evaluate the performance of a simple and rapid mass spectral method for screening fish plasma for estrogen-responsive biomarkers using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time of flight mass spectrometry coupled with a short-term fish assay. Adult male sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) were placed into aquaria consisting of vehicle control and the following estrogen agonist treatments: 17β-estradiol (0.00625, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 μg/L, 4-tert-pentylphenol (100 μg/L), methoxychlor (6 and 12 μg/L), and bisphenol A (100 and 1,000 μg/L). Treatments with chlorpyrifos (80 μg/L) and endosulfan (0.6 μg/L) served as nonestrogenic negative controls. Test concentrations were maintained using an intermittent flow-through dosing apparatus. Plasma was obtained from individuals, diluted and applied to an inert surface, and analyzed by MALDI. Multiple protein peaks, ranging from 2.9 to 12.9 kDa, were identified as markers of estrogenic effects when comparing estrogen-treated and control fish using interpercentile reference values. A binary classification tree model was constructed from plasma protein profiles of the vehicle control and the 0.2 μg/L of 17β-estradiol treatments and then used to evaluate all samples. Treatments with the estrogen agonists 17β-estradiol, 4-tert-pentylphenol, methoxychlor, and bisphenol-A generated reproducible diagnostic biomarkers based on the presence of specific estrogen-responsive plasma proteins. The controls and nonestrogenic compounds chlorpyrifos and endosulfan did not produce this estrogen-responsive protein profile. A no-observed-effect level for 17β-estradiol at 0.025 μg/L was estimated from concentration–response exposures. The MALDI method described here provides a straightforward, sensitive, and specific tool to screen chemicals for estrogenic activity.
Toxicity of oral exposure to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
Authors: McFarland Craig A , Quinn Michael J , Bazar Matthew A , Remick Amera K , Talent Larry G , Johnson Mark S 
Published: April 2008

AbstractContamination of the soil with the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) has been found at military sites, many of which are habitats used by reptiles. To provide data useful in assessing ecological risk for reptilian species, acute, subacute, and subchronic oral toxicity studies were conducted with the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). Oral median lethal dose (LD50) values for TNT in corn oil were 1,038 and 1,579 mg/kg of body weight for male and female lizards, respectively. Overt signs of toxicity included chromaturia, abdominal enlargement, and tremors. A 14-d subacute study followed in which male lizards were orally dosed with TNT (corn oil) at 0, 33, 66, 132, 263, 525, and 1,050 mg/kg of body weight each day. Clinical signs of toxicity, while similar to the LD50 study, were more subtle and noted in lizards receiving TNT amounts of at least 66 mg/kg/d. Chromaturia was an early consistent sign, often preceding the onset of adverse effects. Male lizards in the 60-d subchronic study were dosed at 0, 3, 15, 25, 35, and 45 mg/kg/d with nearly complete survival (&gt;90%) for lizards in all treatments. Changes in food consumption and body weight were observed at 35 and 45 mg/kg/d. Alterations in hematological end points; blood chemistries (albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, calcium); kidney, spleen, and liver weights; and adverse histopathology were observed in lizards exposed at 25 to 45 mg/kg/d. Testosterone concentration, sperm count, and motility were variable between treatments. Although not significant, incidences of hypospermia and testicular atrophy were observed in some individuals. Together, these data suggest a lowest-observed-adverse effect level of 25 mg/kg/d and a no-observed-adverse effect level of 15 mg/kg/d in S. occidentalis.
Uses of subcellular metal distribution in prey to predict metal bioaccumulation and internal exposure in a predator
Authors: Cheung Ma-Shan , Wang Wen-Xiong 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
In the present study, rock oysters (Saccostrea cucullata) were first exposed to cadmium and zinc for two weeks to modify their subcellular metal partitionings. The relationship between subcellular metal (Cd and Zn) partitioning in the oysters and metal bioaccumulation and fractionation in predatory gastropods (Thais clavigera) was then examined by feeding to the predator oysters that were preexposed to metal for two to four weeks. We also investigated the relationship between the PAM in the oysters and the biochemical biomarkers in the gastropods. Thais clavigera accumulated Cd effectively from their prey, but no correlation was found between the Cd body concentrations in T. clavigera and the internal metal partitioning in the prey. A significant positive correlation was found between the Cd in the trophically available metal (TAM) fraction of oysters and the Cd in the metal-sensitive fraction of T. clavigera and between the Cd in the TAM fraction of oysters and the metallothionein induction in whelks. Zinc was highly regulated by both S. cucullata and T. clavigera, and their Zn body concentrations remained constant throughout the exposure period. No relationship between Zn bioaccumulation and any of the subcellular fractions was found. The present study may lead to a better understanding of the dietary metal exposure mechanism.
Environmental concentrations, fate, and risk assessment of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide after aerial ultralow-volume applications for adult mosquito management
Authors: Schleier Jerome J , Peterson Robert K.D , Macedo Paula A , Brown David A 
Published: April 2008

AbstractOne of the most effective ways of managing adult mosquitoes that vector human and animals diseases is the use of ultralow-volume insecticides. Because of concerns about the safety of the insecticides used for the management of adult mosquitoes, we conducted an environmental fate and efficacy study in Princeton and Colusa (both CA, USA) after aerial applications of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (PBO). One hour before application, PBO concentrations in water were 0.008 and 0.2175 μg/L for Princeton and Colusa, respectively. One hour after the spray event in Princeton, the average PBO concentrations were 0.0125 μg/cm2 on ground-deposition pads and 0.1723 μg/L in water samples, with concentrations decreasing significantly over time. One hour after the spray event in Colusa, the average PBO concentrations were 0.0199 μg/cm2 on deposition pads and 1.274 μg/L in water samples, with concentrations decreasing significantly over time. A significant time and location effect for both deposition pads and water samples in Princeton and Colusa was observed (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). Pyrethrins were not detected in nearly all ground and water samples. One hour after application, mortality of Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens in sentinel cages was significantly higher than at the control site for both locations (p &lt; 0.001). Risk quotients for aquatic surrogate species in Princeton and Colusa were 0.002 or less at 1 h after application, which did not exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency risk quotient level of concern for endangered aquatic organisms of 0.05. Our results suggest that the amounts of pyrethrins and PBO deposited on the ground and in water after aerial ULV insecticide applications are lower than those estimated by previous exposure and risk assessments.