bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aquatic ecotoxicity due to oil pollution in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Wernersson Ann-Sofie 
Published: September 2004

One of the major environmental impacts of oil exploration in the Ecuadorian Amazon region is the contamination of the aquatic environment. In addition to occasional major oil spills, there are several minor sources. This study investigates aquatic toxicity due to seepage from production pits and oiled road run-off. Water and sediment samples were collected and acute toxicity was determined in Daphnia magna and Hyalella azteca bioassays. Because exposure to ultra-violet radiation may enhance the toxicity of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in crude oil, toxicity was studied before and after exposure to natural sunlight in the field using a microbiotest or solar-simulating ultra-violet light in the laboratory using cultured organisms.
Total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations of analyzed sediments ranged from 4.9 to 6980 mg kg−1 dry weight (dw). Immobility and lethality ranged from 0 to 100% in Daphnia magna and from 0 to 40% in Hyalella azteca. The micro-biotest results were generally confirmed by the tests on cultured Daphnia. A river exposed to oiled road run-off and a pond used for drinking water, 100-m from a production pit, had the highest total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations. These samples were toxic compared to reference sites. The response increased upon light exposure, suggesting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon availability. Minor water phototoxicity was also observed in the drinking water pond (having ten times the total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration nationally allowed in drinking water). Thus, the seepage from unlined production pits and the practice to use oil for dust control on roads in the area pose environmental and human health hazards.
Effect of mechanical removal of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) on the water quality and biological communities in a Mexican reservoir
Authors: Mangas-Ramírez Ernesto , Elías-Gutiérrez Manuel 
Published: September 2004

The Valsequillo reservoir, located near the city of Puebla, Mexico, is a hard-water eutrophic subtropical system, with minimum temperatures in winter (November–December), and marked dry-rain seasons with fluctuating depth. The reservoir has been infested with water hyacinth for over three decades. A management program involving the use of triturating machines was applied from December 1996 to February 1997. After trituration, remains were allowed to settle to the bottom. The purpose of this study was to monitor the changes in the water quality and the biological communities before and after physical control of weeds. A monthly sampling of surface water was performed at four stations one year before the treatment. After trituration, one year sampling was also carried out. Variables measured included temperature, Secchi disk transparency, depth, pH, dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, hardness, nitrate content, nitrite content, ammonia, orthophosphates, and numerical abundance of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and nekton.
Weed control affected changes in all variables measured, as a result of residual decomposition of triturated matter. Secchi transparency and oxygen levels decreased and pH became slightly more alkaline. More important changes occurred for nutrients. Orthophosphate concentration increased, for nitrate and nitrite, increase was about 320% and 450% respectively. Ammonia reached lethal values for at least four months after trituration. As a result, phytoplankton decreased initially, and when it flourished again, the Bacillariophyta were replaced by Cyanophyta. Euglenophyta were important in both years. Of zooplankton, calanoids decreased, but cyclopoids and cladocerans maintained similar numbers, although the latter group changed in composition in that Ceriodaphnia was replaced by Moina. Fish disappeared from the system after weed trituration. In the second year a small recovery of water quality occurred, but water hyacinth also started to develop again. At present, Valsequillo is again covered by water hyacinth.
VizRank: finding informative data projections in functional genomics by machine learning
Authors: Leban Gregor , Bratko Ivan , Petrovic Uros , Curk Tomaz , Zupan Blaz 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Summary: VizRank is a tool that finds interesting two-dimensional projections of class-labeled data. When applied to multi-dimensional functional genomics datasets, VizRank can systematically find relevant biological patterns.
Availability: http://www.ailab.si/supp/bi-vizrank
Supplementary information: http://www.ailab.si/supp/bi-vizrank
Contact: blaz.zupan@fri.uni-lj.si
Simulation tools for biochemical networks: evaluation of performance and usability
Authors: Pettinen Antti , Aho Tommi , Smolander Olli-Pekka , Manninen Tiina , Saarinen Antti , Taattola Kaisa-Leena , Yli-Harja Olli , Linne Marja-Leena 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Motivation: Simulation of dynamic biochemical systems is receiving considerable attention due to increasing availability of experimental data of complex cellular functions. Numerous simulation tools have been developed for numerical simulation of the behavior of a system described in mathematical form. However, there exist only a few evaluation studies of these tools. Knowledge of the properties and capabilities of the simulation tools would help bioscientists in building models based on experimental data.
Results: We examine selected simulation tools that are intended for the simulation of biochemical systems. We choose four of them for more detailed study and perform time series simulations using a specific pathway describing the concentration of the active form of protein kinase C. We conclude that the simulation results are convergent between the chosen simulation tools. However, the tools differ in their usability, support for data transfer to other programs and support for automatic parameter estimation. From the experimentalists’ point of view, all these are properties that need to be emphasized in the future.
Contact: antti.pettinen@tut.fi
The Evolution of the Upper Mantle beneath the Canary Islands: Information from Trace Elements and Sr isotope Ratios in Minerals in Mantle Xenoliths
Authors: NEUMANN ELSE-RAGNHILD , GRIFFIN WILLIAM LINDSEY , PEARSON NORMAN J. , O'REILLY SUZANNE YVONNE 
Published: September 2004

AbstractLaser ablation microprobe data are presented for olivine, orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene in spinel harzburgite and lherzolite xenoliths from La Palma, Hierro, and Lanzarote, and new whole-rock trace-element data for xenoliths from Hierro and Lanzarote. The xenoliths show evidence of strong major, trace element and Sr isotope depletion (87Sr/86Sr ≤ 0·7027 in clinopyroxene in the most refractory harzburgites) overprinted by metasomatism. The low Sr isotope ratios are not compatible with the former suggestion of a mantle plume in the area during opening of the Atlantic Ocean. Estimates suggest that the composition of the original oceanic lithospheric mantle beneath the Canary Islands corresponds to the residues after 25–30% fractional melting of primordial mantle material; it is thus significantly more refractory than ‘normal’ mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) mantle. The trace element compositions and Sr isotopic ratios of the minerals least affected by metasomatization indicate that the upper mantle beneath the Canary Islands originally formed as highly refractory oceanic lithosphere during the opening of the Atlantic Ocean in the area. During the Canarian intraplate event the upper mantle was metasomatized; the metasomatic processes include cryptic metasomatism, resetting of the Sr–Nd isotopic ratios to values within the range of Canary Islands basalts, formation of minor amounts of phlogopite, and melt–wall-rock reactions. The upper mantle beneath Tenerife and La Palma is strongly metasomatized by carbonatitic or carbonaceous melts highly enriched in light rare earth elements (REE) relative to heavy REE, and depleted in Zr–Hf and Ti relative to REE. In the lithospheric mantle beneath Hierro and Lanzarote, metasomatism has been relatively weak, and appears to be caused by high-Si melts producing concave-upwards trace element patterns in clinopyroxene with weak negative Zr and Ti anomalies. Ti–Al–Fe-rich harzburgites/lherzolites, dunites, wehrlites and clinopyroxenites formed from mildly alkaline basaltic melts (similar to those that dominate the exposed parts of the islands), and appear to be mainly restricted to magma conduits; the alkali basalt melts have caused only local metasomatism in the mantle wall-rocks of such conduits. The various metasomatic fluids formed as the results of immiscible separations, melt–wall-rock reactions and chromatographic fractionation either from a CO2-rich basaltic primary melt, or, alternatively, from a basaltic and a siliceous carbonatite or carbonaceous silicate melt.
Migration of antigen presenting cells from periphery to the peritoneum during an inflammatory response: role of chemokines and cytokines
Authors: Mitra Roshni , Dharajiya Nilesh , Kumari Leela , Varalakshmi Chavvakula , Khar Ashok 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTWe demonstrate the migration of antigen presenting cells (APCs), macrophages, and dendritic cells from the subcutaneous site to the peritoneum after they have picked up the antigen, using cell tracking dye. The migration of the APCs is more universal as it was also observed after injection of MethA tumor, DH‐5α cells, and leishmania parasites, in addition to AK‐5 tumor cells. Cellular migration is mediated by several chemokines and cytokines that also induce heavy influx of immune cells into the peritoneum. MIP‐3β secreted by the mesothelial cells is involved in the cellular influx into the peritoneum, whereas IL‐12 and IFN‐γ produced by the APCs induced activation of immune cells in the peritoneum. Our results suggest an antigen presentation function for the APCs in the peritoneum as studied by lymphoproliferation assays. These studies indicate antigen presentation function of the activated migratory APCs from the distant subcutaneous site to the peritoneum, suggesting it acts as an important lymphoid organ involved in the enhancement of effector cell function.
Proteomic analysis of hyperdynamic mouse hearts with enhanced sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium cycling
Authors: Chu Guoxiang , Kerr Jaclyn P. , Mitton Bryan , Egnaczyk Gregory F. , Vazquez Jenny A. , Shen Meilan , Kilby Greg W. , Stevenson Tracy I. , Maggio John E. , Vockley Jerry , Rapundalo Stephen T. , Kranias Evangelia G. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTDepressed sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca‐cycling is a hallmark of human and experimental heart failure. Strategies to improve this impairment by either increasing SERCA2a levels or decreasing phospholamban (PLN) activity have been suggested as promising therapeutic targets. Indeed, ablation of PLN gene in mice was associated with greatly enhanced cardiac Ca‐cycling and performance. Intriguingly, this hyperdynamic cardiac function was maintained throughout the lifetime of the mouse without observable pathological consequences. To determine the cellular alterations in the expression or modification of myocardial proteins, which are associated with the enhanced cardiac contractility, we performed a proteomics‐based analysis of PLN knockout (PLN‐KO) hearts in comparison to isogenic wild‐types. By use of 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE), ˜3300 distinct protein spots were detected in either wild‐type or PLN‐KO ventricles. Protein spots observed to be altered between PLN‐KO and wild‐type hearts were subjected to tryptic peptide mass fingerprinting for identification by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry in combination with LC/MS/MS analysis. In addition, two‐dimensional 32Pautoradiography was performed to analyze the phosphorylation profiles of PLN‐KO cardiomyocytes. We identified alterations in the expression level of more than 100 ventricular proteins, along with changes in phosphorylation status of important regulatory proteins in the PLN‐KO. These protein changes were observed mainly in two subcellular compartments: the cardiac contractile apparatus, and metabolism/energetics. Our findings suggest that numerous alterations in protein expression and phosphorylation state occurred upon ablation of PLN and that a complex functional relationship among proteins involved in calcium handling, myofibrils, and energy production may exist to coordinately maintain the hyperdynamic cardiac contractile performance of the PLN‐KO mouse in the long term.
The human DNA polymerase λ interacts with PCNA through a domain important for DNA primer binding and the interaction is inhibited by p21/WAF1/CIP1
Authors: Maga Giovanni , Blanca Giuseppina , Shevelev Igor , Frouin Isabelle , Ramadan Kristijan , Spadari Silvio , Villani Giuseppe , Hübscher Ulrich 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTIn this paper we show that DNA polymerase λ (pol λ) interacts with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in vivo in human cells. Moreover, by using recombinant mutated PCNA, we could demonstrate that pol λ interacts with both the interdomain‐connecting loop and the nearby hydrophobic pocket on the anterior of PCNA and that critical residues within a helix‐hairpin‐helix domain of pol λ, important for proper DNA primer binding, are also involved in the enzyme's interaction with PCNA. Finally, we show that the tumor suppressor protein p21WAF1/CIP1 can efficiently compete in vitro with pol λ for binding to PCNA. Given the high rate of frameshift mutations induced by pol λ and its ability to bypass abasic sites, accurate regulation of pol λ activity by PCNA and p21 concerted action might be important for preventing genetic instability.
Invertebrate predation of 15N‐marked prey in semi‐field wheat enclosures
Authors: Nienstedt Karin M. , Poehling Hans‐Michael 
Published: September 2004

AbstractIn order to explore the suitability of using 15N as marker in predation studies, a semi‐field test was carried out. This study focused on epigeic polyphagous predators in a wheat field using 15N‐marked aphids as prey. The 15N‐aphids were released in enclosures. Eight days after their release the whole predator fauna of the enclosures was caught, and predators were analysed for 15N‐content. More than 80% of the predators showed an enriched 15N‐content. The 15N‐enrichments varied between taxonomic groups, species, sex, and individuals, providing an extensive data set for the analysis of predation. Competition between predators could be inferred, as well as an estimation of the number of consumed aphids. During this experiment, the carabids Platynus dorsalis (Pontoppidan) and Calathus melanocephalus (L.), the staphylinid Philonthus cognatus Stephens, and the spider Oedothorax apicatus (Blackwall) were the most efficient polyphagous predators upon aphids, in agreement with literature data which was based on other methods.
Indigestibility of plant cell wall by the Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera
Authors: Clissold F.J. , Sanson G.D. , Read J. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe plant cell wall may play an important role in defence against herbivores since it can be both a barrier to, and nutrient diluter of, the easily digested cell contents. The aim of this study was to investigate the digestibility of the cell wall of three grasses, Triticum aestivum L., Dactyloctenium radulans (R. Br.) Beauv., and Astrebla lappacea (Lindl.) Domin, by the Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera Walker (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Acridinae) as determined by the Van Soest method [Van Soest PJ, Robertson JB & Lewis BA (1991) Methods for dietary fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and nonstarch polysaccharides in relation to animal nutrition. Journal of Dairy Science 74: 3583–3597]. Determination of plant cell wall digestion by locusts required a precise methodological procedure to determine both the exact intake and the concentration of cell wall in the diet and the faeces. Plant cell wall determination is affected by the particle size distribution of the dried plant material. All three grasses differed in the percentage of cell wall per gram dry matter and the proportions of hemicellulose, cellulose, and acid‐detergent sulphuric lignin within the cell wall. The locust was unable to digest the cell wall of any of the grasses. Thus, plant cell walls are a mechanical barrier hindering locusts assimilating nutrients. That is, access, rather than nutrient concentration per se, may be limiting nutrient factor.
Olfactory responses of the omnivorous generalist predator Dicyphus hesperus to plant and prey odours
Authors: McGregor R.R. , Gillespie D.R. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractResponses of female Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae) to the odours of plants and prey were tested in the laboratory using a Y‐tube olfactometer. Females were attracted to the odour of tomato leaves infested with nymphs of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), compared to uninfested leaves. No such attraction occurred to tomato leaves infested with two‐spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). When females were simultaneously presented with the odours of whitefly and mite‐infested leaves, no preference for either odour was recorded. Similarly, females were attracted to the odour of pepper leaves infested with green peach aphids [Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae)] compared to uninfested leaves, but were not attracted to the odour of pepper leaves infested with eggs of cabbage loopers, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). When aphid‐infested and looper‐egg‐infested pepper leaves were presented simultaneously, no preference for either odour was detected. The results are discussed as they relate to the evolution of infochemical use in generalist omnivorous predators.
Host feeding in insect parasitoids: why destructively feed upon a host that excretes an alternative?
Authors: Burger Joep M.S. , Reijnen Tamar M. , Van Lenteren Joop C. , Vet Louise E.M. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractHost feeding is the consumption of host tissue by the adult female parasitoid. We studied the function of destructive host feeding and its advantage over non‐destructive feeding on host‐derived honeydew in the whitefly parasitoid Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). We allowed parasitoids to oviposit until they attempted to host feed. We either prevented or allowed host feeding. Parasitoids had access to sucrose solution, with or without additional access to honeydew. Parasitoids that were allowed to host feed did not have a higher egg load 20 or 48 h after host feeding than parasitoids prevented from host feeding. Host feeding did not increase the number of eggs matured within these periods, nor did the time spent host feeding positively affect any of these response variables. On the other hand, the presence of honeydew did have a positive effect on egg load 20 and 48 h after host feeding compared with parasitoids deprived of honeydew. Parasitoids with access to honeydew matured more eggs within these periods than honeydew‐deprived parasitoids. Host feeding increased life expectancy, but this effect was nullified when honeydew was supplied after the host‐feeding attempt. In conclusion, feeding on honeydew could be an advantageous alternative to host feeding in terms of egg quantity and longevity. This applies especially to parasitoids exploiting Homoptera, because these parasitoids can obtain honeydew from the host itself. It is possible that destructive host feeding has evolved to enable females to sustain the production of high‐quality anhydropic eggs, which may be important in the parasitoid's natural environment. We argue that future studies should take natural alternative food sources into more consideration.
Stored‐product insects in a flour mill: population dynamics and response to fumigation treatments
Authors: Campbell James F. , Arbogast Richard T. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractIn a wheat flour mill, seasonal trends in stored‐product insect trap capture, relationships between trap captures inside and outside the mill, and between pheromone trap capture and product infestation, and the impact of fumigation on pest populations, were assessed. Mark‐recapture was used to evaluate the potential for movement of insects outside the mill into the mill. For Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Trogoderma variabile Ballion (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), pheromone trap captures outside were higher than inside the mill, and when inside and outside trap captures were correlated, both indoor and outdoor trap captures tended to cycle according to a seasonal pattern; fumigations did not consistently influence pheromone trap captures, and in only one instance were they found in product samples. Mark‐recapture data indicated that P. interpunctella was capable of entering the building from outside. Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) trap captures, in contrast, tended to be lower outside compared to inside, followed a pattern of sharp decline after fumigation treatment, and then steadily increased (0.002–0.005 beetles/trap/day) until the next fumigation. This pattern, other than potentially the rate of increase, was not impacted by season and outside trap capture levels. Tribolium castaneum was the primary species infesting the product. The information generated in this study provides some of the information needed to develop improved monitoring and management programs.
Stroke care in the home: the impact of social support on the general health of family caregivers
Authors: Sit Janet WH , Wong Thomas KS , Clinton Michael , Li Leonard SW , Fong Yee‐man 
Published: September 2004

Background.  Throughout the stroke rehabilitation process, community care is one of the most important elements. Learning to live with and take care of a family member with a stroke is immensely complex and demanding. Without appropriate support, family caregivers are at risk of their own general health decreasing, thus becoming a patient themselves – the second patient in the family.Aim.  The aim of this study was to examine aspects of social support available to family caregivers during the first 12‐week transitional period following hospital discharge.Design and method.  This study adopted a cross‐sectional descriptive design. Regression analysis was performed for examining the types of social support received and the general health of family caregivers. Open‐ended questions were used to gain a better understanding of situation‐specific supports including their availability, utilization and eventual satisfaction.Results.  Findings confirm that home care for the stroke survivor is heavy and demanding. Health‐related care tasks were the most stressful. Around 40% of the family caregivers reported somatic symptoms. Fewer persons in the social network of the family caregivers had provided support compared with the number of support people that caregivers thought available. Two inadequate types of support were tangible support and information support. Professional advice and feedback in relation to home care skills were particularly lacking.Conclusion.  Findings of this study affirmed that stroke care needs exceed the hospital boundary. Professional support to family caregivers is essential so as to sustain home care and protect the caregiver's health. This is particular important during the first 12 weeks transitional period after hospital discharge.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study highlighted the implications of social support to nursing practice, especially in predischarge planning and community care. Findings of this study may provide information and data for service planning and community resources co‐ordination to support community stroke care.