bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Migration and Staging Patterns of the Wryneck (Jynx Torquilla) at Eilat, Israel
Authors: Yosef Reuven , Zduniak Piotr 
Published: June 2012

The wryneck is an unusual representative of PalearcticPicidaein that it is a long-distance migrant, whose populations have declined across Europe in the last century. Israel is at the eastern extremes of the known wryneck migration routes in the spring, which are little studied. Hence, we studied the species migration patterns and staging at Eilat, the southern tip of Israel being a very important stopover site for many migratory bird species. During 28 springs and 25 autumn migration seasons in the years 1983-2010, a total of 588 wrynecks were trapped.The mean number of birds recorded per spring season was 18.32 (SE = 2.12) and only 3.00 ± 0.71 per autumn season. The analysis performed for spring passage showed that the mean proportion of juveniles to all birds to which ages were assigned was 48.9 ± 5.2%. Furthermore, we did not find any differences in the dates of ringing, wing length, body mass or body condition index of juvenile and adults. We retrapped 97 (18.9%) wrynecks during the spring. The average proportion retrapped per season was 18.3 ± 2.9% and the average stopover was 4.8 ± 0.4 days. Recaptured birds were in better body condition than at first capture, and the body condition index gained significantly during their stay at the stopover site. The low conservation priority accorded to these habitats — and ignored in spite of many studies from the reagion — highlights the importance of the preservation of priority areas such that avian and other migrations can continue with minimal human impact.
Use of Pressure- and Rate-Transient Techniques for Analyzing Core Permeability Tests for Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Clarkson C. R. , Nobakht M. , Kaviani D. , Kantzas A. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The permeability of unconventional gas/oil reservoirs is a critical control on economic viability of unconventional plays, yet its determination, particularly in ultra-low permeability shale reservoirs, remains a challenge. Some of the difficulties in obtaining accurate permeability measurements in the lab include: recreating in-situ stress and fluid saturation conditions; establishing the appropriate sample size for measurement; correcting for sorption of gases on kerogen and clays; accounting for non-Darcy flow (slippage and diffusion); among many others. Unsteady-state measurements are most popular for establishing permeability in ultra-tight rock; both pressure-decay and pulse-decay decay techniques have been used. Analysis methods for these techniques have been established, but there remain some questions about whether these analysis methods are optimal for establishing permeability.
In this work, we investigate the use of pressure- and rate-transient analysis (PTA/RTA) methods to analyze data obtained from a new core plug analysis procedure, designed specifically to extract information (permeability and pore volume) from ultra-low permeability reservoir samples (core plugs). The new analysis procedure calls for analyzing the rate and/or pressure data analogously to larger-scale well-test/production data. During a core plug production test for example, derivative analysis of rate-normalized pseudo-pressure change is first analyzed to determine flow-regimes. For homogenous samples, linear flow is followed by boundary-dominated flow; for this scenario, permeability can be established by noting the end of linear flow and using the distance of investigation calculation to calculate permeability (knowing core length). Permeability can also be established independently from a linear flow (square-root of time) plot. Pore volume can also be established. Analytical simulation is used to verify estimates of permeability and pore volume from RTA/PTA. Our solutions allow complex unconventional gas reservoir behavior to be incorporated, including corrections for adsorbed gas and non-Darcy flow. Our new methodology is tested using various simulated cases which differ due to: 1) reservoir type (single or dual porosity, homogenous or heterogeneous); 2) matrix permeability; 3) analysis type (post injection/falloff production test, or post-injection falloff); 4) adsorption (compressed gas storage only or compressed + adsorbed gas storage); Darcy or non-Darcy flow. In all cases, reasonable estimates of permeability and pore volume were obtained, provided the appropriate corrections are made.
We believe this new technique for analyzing core data, and the proposed core testing procedure, will considerably improve on current techniques for establishing permeability and pore volume of unconventional reservoir samples.
Shale Gas Correction to Klinkenberg Slip Theory
Authors: Fathi Ebrahim , Tinni Ali , Akkutlu I. Yucel 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Using lattice-Boltzmann simulation of steady-state gas flow we show that apparent permeability values of nano-scale capillaries could be significantly higher than those predicted by the Klinkenberg slip theory. The difference is due to kinetic effects of gas molecules that have gone through inelastic collisions with the walls on those molecules that make up the bulk fluid in the capillary. The kinetic energy that the bouncing back molecules have and the associated momentum carried to the bulk fluid is not a trivial matter in capillaries with diameter h less than 100nm. It creates a molecular streaming effect that amplifies velocity profile developing across the diameter of capillary. In a sense, it is not only the molecules interacting with the wall that slip but also the bulk fluid, i.e., double slip. The double-slip effect is shown using measured permeability data of a crushed nanoporous material with a uniform pore size (10&lt;h&lt;40 nm) at varying pore pressures. Using the simulation results we propose a modification to the Klinkenberg equation. New double-slip Klinkenberg equation includes a characteristic length scale (LKE) that is proportional to the kinetic energy per capillary cross-sectional area of the bouncing-back molecules by the walls. The new length scale of the molecular kinetic effects of nano-capillaries is larger than the mean free path of the molecules. The double-slip Klinkenberg equation reduces to the classical equation for slip flow in large capillaries, i.e., h/LKE &gt;&gt;1, and converges to the absolute permeability value at high pressures. Due to nanoporous nature of coals and organic-rich shales, the double-slip effect is likely to be significant near hydraulic fractures and production wells in depleted reservoirs.
The presented theoretical work brings new insights into the measurement of crushed particle permeability using gas uptake or release experiments. Although they are fast low-pressure laboratory measurements, there are widely-recognized uncertainties associated with them. In this paper we show that dramatic variation in the measured permeability is possible due to small changes in the measurement cell pressure. Hence, even when the crushed sample is considered to be representative of the reservoir, the measured permeability may not quantitatively be related to flow under the reservoir conditions. The double-slip permeability concept and the modified Klinkenberg theory eliminate some of the uncertainties associated with the laboratory measurement of permeability and lead to development of new measurement protocols for the unconventional resources industry. A double-slip Klinkenberg chart is developed including the effects of nano-capillaries on the permeability, and two procedures are presented with example calculations on how to use the chart to predict permeability of shale sample from its effective pore size and shape.
Fasting Insulin Levels and Metabolic Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Patients at the First Visit in Japan
Authors: Matsuba Ikuro , Saito Kazumi , Takai Masahiko , Hirao Koichi , Sone Hirohito 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between fasting insulin levels and metabolic risk factors (MRFs) in type 2 diabetic patients at the first clinic/hospital visit in Japan over the years 2000 to 2009.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In total, 4,798 drug-naive Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were registered on their first clinic/hospital visits. Conventional clinical factors and fasting insulin levels were observed at baseline within the Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management (JDDM) study between consecutive 2-year groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using a model in which the dependent variable was fasting insulin values using various clinical explanatory variables.

RESULTS
Fasting insulin levels were found to be decreasing from 2000 to 2009. Multiple linear regression analysis with the fasting insulin levels as the dependent variable showed that waist circumference (WC), BMI, mean blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol were significant, with WC and BMI as the main factors. ANCOVA after adjustment for age and fasting plasma glucose clearly shows the decreasing trend in fasting insulin levels and the increasing trend in BMI.

CONCLUSIONS
During the 10-year observation period, the decreasing trend in fasting insulin was related to the slight increase in WC/BMI in type 2 diabetes. Low pancreatic β-cell reserve on top of a lifestyle background might be dependent on an increase in MRFs.
Localization, developmental regulation and stress induction of p8-L1 and p8-L2 in zebrafish
Authors: Sun Yanling , Feng Dong , Huang Qiaoyan , Zhang Shicui , Liu Zhenhui 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe transcription cofactor, p8, has a basic helix-loop-helix motif and is involved in several metabolic processes. It has previously been reported that p8 plays an important role in stress response in zebrafish. We expanded on these studies to further investigate the roles of two p8-like cDNAs found in zerbrafish, p8-L1 and p8-L2. Zebrafish p8-L1 and p8-L2 cDNAs consist of 742 bp and 813 bp, respectively. Both have the same open reading frame despite different genomic structures and encode a 76 amino acid polypeptide with conserved a Phospho_p8 domain. These two cDNA’s were abundant in different tissues in the zebrafish: p8-L1 was high in intestine and muscle tissue and in low abundance in the backbone, whereas the highest amount of p8-L2 was found in the backbone, similar to p8. During embryogenesis, both p8-L1 and p8-L2 were abundant at the cleavage stage and decreased gradually in abundance from blastula to pharyngula stage. However, p8-L1 abundance increased during hatching as observed in p8. Quantitative real-time PCR assay suggested that p8-L1 and p8-L2 were both up-regulated significantly under osmotic pressure and pH value challenges, suggesting an important role of p8-L1 and p8-L2 genes in stress response.
Gene expression and activity analysis of the first thermophilic U32 peptidase
Authors: Jasilionis Andrius , Kaupinis Algirdas , Ger Marija , Valius Mindaugas , Chitavichius Donaldas , Kuisiene Nomeda 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPeptidase family U32 is one of the few whose catalytic type and structure has not yet been described. It is generally accepted that U32 peptidases represent putative collagenases and contribute to the pathogenicity of some bacteria. Meanwhile, U32 peptidases are also found in nonpathogenic bacteria including thermophiles and hyperthermophiles. Here we report cloning of the U32.002 peptidase gene from thermophilic Geobacillus thermoleovorans DSM 15325 and demonstrate expression and characterization of the recombinant protein. It has been determined that U32.002 peptidase is constitutively expressed in the cells of thermophilic G. thermoleovorans DSM 15325. The recombinant oligomeric enzyme showed its activity only against heat-treated collagen. It was unable to degrade albumin, casein, elastin, gelatine and keratin. In contrast to this, the monomeric recombinant protein showed no activity at all. This paper is the first report about the thermophilic U32 peptidase. As the thermophilic bacteria are non-pathogenic, the role of constitutively expressed extracellular collagenolytic U32 peptidase in these bacteria is unclear.
Alien plant species and factors of invasiveness of anthropogenic vegetation in the Northwestern Balkans — a phytosociological approach
Authors: Šilc Urban , Vrbničanin Sava , Božić Dragana , Čarni Andraž , Stevanović Zora 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe studied the anthropogenic vegetation of the Northwest Balkans in order to determine its susceptibility to invasion by alien plant species. We compiled a dataset of 3089 vegetation plots sampled between 1939 and 2009, recording a set of variables for each sample plot in order to determine which factors have the most effect on a habitat’s vulnerability to invaders. We calculated the proportion of native species, archaeophytes and neophytes for each plot. We used regression tree models to determine the site conditions of the most invaded anthropogenic habitats. The sample plots contained an average of 12.7% alien plant species, with a low proportion of archaeophytes (4.3%) and 8.4% neophytes. Local habitat conditions proved to have the largest effect, rather than climatic variables or propagule pressure. The proportion of archaeophytes follows a different pattern than that seen in central and northern Europe, indicating that macroecological factors are more important. Neophytes show a similar distribution to other European locations.
Macrofungal diversity in disturbed vegetation types in North-East Hungary
Authors: Rudolf Kinga , Morschhauser Tamás , Pál-Fám Ferenc 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMacrofungi play an extraordinarily important role in the catalysis of the nutrient cycle of deciduous and coniferous forests. Habitat degradation adversely influences the number of fruiting bodies of macrofungi and diminishes the diversity of the fungal community. The diversity of the terricolous- and lignicolous macrofungi assemblages were compared in stands of semi-natural and two plant associations modified by humans in different degrees in North-East Hungary. We used data from 15 permanent plots that were sampled for vascular plants and macrofungi. Rank-abundance curves and Rényi’s diversity profiles were applied for diversity research. The results indicated that structure and diversity of the terricolous macrofungi assemblages were mainly influenced by climatic and habitat conditions and the degradation of the plant associations to a lesser degree. The diversity of lignicolous macrofungi was primarily affected by the continuous presence, quality, and quantity of deadwood. Accordingly, the form and degree of forest management, as well as the age of the growing stocks, influenced community structure. If nature conservation planning and conservation activity are based on those biodiversity indicators which are good proxies for macrofungi biodiversity, the latter might be optimal for preserving macrofungi biodiversity.
Population genetics of the hazel hen Bonasa bonasia in Poland assessed with non-invasive samples
Authors: Rutkowski Robert , Keller Marek , Jagołkowska Patrycja 
Published: June 2012

AbstractDespite a severe decrease in the number of hazel hens during the 20th century, nowadays this grouse species is rather common in the forests of Northeastern and Southern Poland. We used mitochondrial control region and microsatellite markers to examine the genetic variability of Polish populations of hazel hens. We used non-invasively collected faeces to estimate genetic variability within populations, genetic differentiation among populations as well as genetic differentiation between two regions inhabited by two different subspecies of hazel hens. Our results confirm the usefulness of DNA from faeces to obtain reliable information on the population genetics of hazel hens. We found a rather high level of genetic variability in the Polish population. Genetic variability was higher in birds from continuous forests in the South of the country than in birds from fragmented habitats in the Northeast. Genetic differentiation was higher among subpopulations from Northeastern Poland. Additionally, both classes of molecular markers suggested the presence of two distinct genetic groups of birds, corresponding to previously described subspecies. We conclude that the genetic variability of the Polish hazel hen population has been influenced by habitat fragmentation and the history of the population during its post-glacial colonization of Poland from different glacial refugia.
The use of benthic macroinvertebrate families for river quality assessment in Lithuania
Authors: Višinskienė Giedrė , Bernotienė Rasa 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of environmental factors on the distribution of macroinvertebrate taxa in different sized lowland Lithuanian rivers. A secondary aim was to assess ecological river quality and to determine the most suitable biotic index. A final aim was to determine the most appropriate macroinvertebrate families for river quality assessment in Lithuania. Species composition and quantitative characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrate communities have been investigated using standard kick-sampling method by a standard hand net in 24 different river sites in spring. Physical and chemical environmental parameters were measured in the same study site as the macroinvertebrate sampling. A total of 186 taxa representing 66 families or higher taxonomic ranks of benthic macroinvertebrates have been identified. Water temperature and current velocity influenced the highest number of ivestigated families. Seven of the most tolerant and eleven of the most sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa for hydrochemical parameters related with organic pollution were determined. The DSFI method was founded to be the best index for assessment of ecological status for Lithuanian rivers until more accurate estimation method will be created.
Drivers of macrophyte development in rivers in an agricultural area: indicative species reactions
Authors: Lewin Iga , Szoszkiewicz Krzysztof 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe ecological drivers of macrophyte development in a lowland agricultural area were tested based on a 2008 survey on the Wkra River catchment. Our survey was carried out in the rivers of an agricultural area with relatively high concentrations of both nitrates and phosphates in the water. By using the Polish macrophyte method, we were able to calculate several botanical metrics. Canonical ordination analyses used to relate biological data to environmental variables such as physical and chemical parameters of water, surface water velocity or river width, were carried out using CANOCO for Windows. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that pH and alkalinity were the parameters best correlated with the distribution of macrophytes and values of macrophyte indices. The recorded values of the Macrophyte Index for River in the Wkra River and its tributaries reflected their good and moderate ecological status (the Water Framework Directive scale). Despite the fact that nutrient concentrations in the water were relatively high and that most of the sites represented eutrophic conditions, the results of this survey showed that non-nutrient parameters may play an important role in explaining aquatic plant occurrence in rivers that have been subjected to eutrophication.
Morphological evaluation and antioxidant activity of in vitro- and in vivo-derived Echinacea purpurea plants
Authors: Zayova Ely , Stancheva Ira , Geneva Maria , Petrova Maria , Vasilevska-Ivanova Rumiana 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAn effective in vitro protocol for rapid clonal propagation of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench through tissue culture was described. The in vitro propagation procedure consisted of four stages: 1) an initial stage - obtaining seedlings on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium with 0.1 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine, 0.1 mg L−1 α-naphthalene acetic acid and 0.2 mg L−1 gibberellic acid; 2) a propagation stage — shoot formation on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine alone resulted in 9.8 shoots per explant and in combination with 0.1 mg L−1 α-naphthalene acetic acid resulted in 16.2 shoots per explant; 3) rooting stage — shoot rooting on half strength MS medium with 0.1 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid resulted in 90% rooted microplants; 4) ex vitro acclimatization of plants. The mix of peat and perlite was the most suitable planting substrate for hardening and ensured high survival frequency of propagated plants. Significant higher levels were observed regarding water-soluble and lipid-soluble antioxidant capacities (expressed as equivalents of ascorbate and α-tocopherol) and total pnenols content in extracts of Echinaceae flowers derived from in vitro propagated plants and adapted to field conditions in comparison with traditionally cultivated plants.
Effect of acute heat stress on rat adrenal cortex — a morphological and ultrastructural study
Authors: Petrovic-Kosanovic Dragana , Velickovic Ksenija , Koko Vesna , Jasnic Nebojsa , Cvijic Gordana , Miloševic Maja 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The stereological structure of rat adrenal gland was analysed by light and electron microscopy after an acute (60 min) exposure to high ambient temperature (38°C). Under these conditions a significant increase in plasma corticotrophin (ACTH), serum corticosterone and aldosterone levels were observed. Histological and stereological investigation at light microscopy showed significant decrease in volume density of capsule and zona glomerulosa, increase in volume of fasciculata cells, and decrease of numerical density of zona fasciculata cells and mean diameter of blood vessels. At the ultrastructural level, volume density of nuclei and mitochondria of zona glomerulosa cells were significantly increased and that of lipid droplets decreased. Volume density of mitochondria of fasciculata cells was significantly increased, while number of lipid droplets per µm2 of cell was reduced. In the cells of zona reticularis significant increase in the number of lipid droplets was found. The response of zona glomerulosa may be interpreted as immediate reaction to dehydration, while alterations detected in zona fasciculata, which were less extensive, were related to purely stressogenic effects of high ambiental temperature.
Glucose inhibits the shoot bud formation in the moss Bryum billarderi
Authors: Zavala Arturo , Pérez Netzahualcoyotl , Becerra Analilia , López Miguel 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPlant development is controlled by certain factors such as nutrient availability, environmental cues and the presence of signalling molecules. It has been proposed that phytohormones interact with sugars to modulate important processes in vascular plants. Cytokinins are key hormones because they regulate a large number of metabolic events, and sugars act as regulatory signals at several points in the life cycle. Bryum bilarderi Schwägr is a moss that was isolated by our group in the central highlands of Mexico and has demonstrated the ability to tolerate abiotic stresses. To study the effect of cytokinins and their interaction with glucose in bud induction, different concentrations of cytokinins with glucose were tested. One micromolar N-6-benzylaminopurine provided the best results for bud induction, but when 100 mM glucose was added, bud formation was inhibited. This glucose concentration also favoured the spread of the protonemal colony. These data demonstrate that N-6-benzylaminopurine is more effective than kinetin in inducing buds, and that glucose plays an important role as an inhibitory signalling molecule for the bud induction process that is mediated by cytokinins in the moss B. billarderi.