bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil properties and the distribution of the endangered Juliana's golden mole
Authors: Jackson C. R. , Lubbe N. R. , Robertson M. P. , Setsaas T. H. , Van Der Waals J. , Bennett N. C. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe endangered Juliana's golden mole Neamblysomus julianae occurs in three small, geographically isolated populations within South Africa. As a sand‐swimmer, it is a habitat specialist and has a highly fragmented distribution within each population. There is a need for a conservation action plan for this species, but this is difficult because of the dearth of knowledge of its biology, including its habitat characteristics. To better understand its patchy distribution, we selected 48 plots that were occupied or unoccupied by golden moles and measured the soil properties in each plot. The size distribution of sand particles influenced the density and compactability of the soil, and both were positively correlated with the presence of golden moles. These soil characteristics are thus vital in understanding and describing the distribution of this cryptic species.
Effects of calcium availability on reproductive output of big brown bats
Authors: Booher C. M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractReproduction is a period of high calcium demand in vertebrates; therefore, calcium deficiency can limit reproductive output in mammals. Nutritional analyses show that insects are a poor calcium source, suggesting that insectivorous species are more likely to be calcium deficient. During pregnancy, big brown bats Eptesicus fuscus consume between 8 and 18 times less calcium than they are estimated to require. To accommodate calcium demand during pregnancy, many mammals mobilize more calcium from the skeleton, and extensive bone loss has been observed in some bats during pregnancy. A conflict may arise between the female and developing embryo over allocation of limited calcium supplies, which could limit reproductive output with respect to offspring size, mass and number. The effects of calcium deficiency on these three factors were tested by providing pregnant captive big brown bats with either a calcium‐deficient diet or a diet providing the daily calcium requirement, as estimated for pregnant big brown bats, from the time of capture until parturition. Neonates were compared between groups for size, mass and number per female, as were the effects of maternal mass and size on neonate mass and size. Maternal mass and litter mass were positively related for the calcium‐deficient group, but not for the calcium‐supplemented group. This suggests that there is some interaction between maternal mass and calcium availability, most likely due to the relationship between body mass and skeletal mass, and that calcium availability is limiting the overall biomass of young that a female can produce.
Rafting in Antarctic Collembola
Authors: Hawes T. C. , Worland M. R. , Bale J. S. , Convey P. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDarwin was an early exponent of the importance of ‘occasional means of dispersal’ in accounting for the present‐day distribution of plants and animals. This study examined the implications of capture on the water surface of meltwater and seawater for the local and long‐range dispersal of Antarctic springtails. Individuals of the maritime Antarctic collembolanCryptopygus antarcticus, were floated on tap water and seawater at 0, 5 and 10°C. LT50s on seawater were 34 (10°C), 65 (5°C) and 75 (0°C) days. On tap water, LT50s were 69 (10°C), 126 (5°C) and 239 (0°C) days. Less than 20% escaped from the water surface. A significantly greater proportion of springtails moulted on tap water and viable offspring were produced on both tap water and seawater. Comparison across treatments of survival of moulting and non‐moulting individuals found significantly greater survival in moulting animals for three of the treatment combinations. It is suggested that moult exuviae facilitate survival on the water film through the simultaneous provision of a flotation aid and a source of nourishment – that is, an ‘edible raft’. A separate experiment measuring changes in haemolymph osmolality over time on tap water and seawater at 2 and 5°C found significant differences in all treatments. Causes of mortality are discussed in relation to osmoregulatory failure and starvation.
Echolocation calls produced by Kuhl's pipistrelles in different flight situations
Authors: Berger‐Tal O. , Berger‐Tal R. , Korine C. , Holderied M. W. , Fenton M. B. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractFlexibility in the echolocation call structure of bats can improve their performances, because, in some situations, some signal designs are better than others. Hence, at least some bats should adjust their echolocation calls according to the setting in which they are operating but also to the specific task at hand, that is their behavioral intention. We studied variation in the echolocation calls ofPipistrellus kuhliiemitted during four flight situations that were similar in setting but differed in behavioral context: emergence from a roost, commuting to and from foraging sites, foraging and returning to a roost. Echolocation calls produced byP. kuhliidiffered significantly according to the flight situation. Call types differed most distinctly between foraging and commuting. We also found a high variance in the emergence calls we recorded, perhaps reflecting pre‐ and post‐takeoff calls. Discriminant function analysis on calls emitted while foraging, commuting or returning to the roost classified the calls to the correct group 73.3% of the time. The differences between bats' echolocation calls in different flight situations might indicate an intrinsic change in the bat's behavior. Recognizing these differences could be crucial when using call variables to identify bat species.
Prey spectra of two swarm‐raiding army ant species in East Africa
Authors: Schöning C. , Njagi W. , Kinuthia W. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAlthough swarm‐raiding army ants are considered keystone predators in tropical forest ecosystems, information on the prey spectra of most species is based on anecdotal reports and not on systematic studies with extensive sampling. We analysed prey samples of 18 colonies of the two afrotropical species Dorylus (Anomma) molestus and Dorylus (Anomma) wilverthi (4289 prey items in total) to examine the prey composition variation within and between species and to determine the best methodology to obtain reliable prey spectrum estimates for a given species, site and season. Variation in prey composition was substantial for D. molestus even within a single site and season, with the biomass proportion of the most important prey type differing by a factor of 12. Conclusions from studies using small samples sizes may thus be misleading. We demonstrate that the method of assessing prey spectra in terms of relative prey item numbers often produces biased results, and therefore recommend relative prey biomass as the more useful parameter. The near absence of earthworms, which always constituted a substantial part of the D. molestus prey, in the diet of D. wilverthi is interpreted to result from subtle differences in swarm‐raiding behaviour between these two species, but could alternatively also be due to low availability. Similar studies recording prey composition as biomass proportions and analysing large samples sizes from many colonies are needed to understand the effect of army ant swarm raids on invertebrate communities in afrotropical forests.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Development of microsatellite markers for the guava rust fungus, Puccinia psidii
Authors: ZHONG SHAOBIN , YANG BAOJUN , ALFENAS ACELINO COUTO 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe developed and characterized 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers present in the genome of the guava rust fungus, Puccinia psidii. The primers for these microsatellite markers were designed by sequencing clones from a genomic DNA library enriched for a simple sequence repeat (SSR) motif of (AG). All these 15 primer pairs successfully amplified DNA fragments from a sample of 22 P. psidii isolates, revealing a total of 71 alleles. The observed heterozygosity at the 15 loci ranged from 0.05 to 1.00. The SSR markers developed would be useful for population genetics study of the rust fungus.
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Authors: Freitag Fernanda Magagnin , Cestari Tania Ferreira 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDark circles under the eyes (DC) are defined as bilateral, round, homogeneous pigment macules on the infraorbital regions. Despite its significant prevalence, there are a few published studies about its pathogenesis. DC are caused by multiple etiologic factors that include dermal melanin deposition, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation secondary to atopic or allergic contact dermatitis, periorbital edema, superficial location of vasculature, and shadowing due to skin laxity. The purpose of this review is to discuss some of the available evidences about the anatomic features that could explain dark circles and the proposed treatments for this unpleasant condition.
Effects of ambient room temperature on cold air cooling during laser hair removal
Authors: Ram Ramin , Rosenbach Alan 
Published: August 2007

SummaryForced air cooling is a well‐established technique that protects the epidermis during laser heating of deeper structures, thereby allowing for increased laser fluences. The goal of this prospective study was to identify whether an elevation in ambient room temperature influences the efficacy of forced air cooling. Skin surface temperatures were measured on 24 sites (12 subjects) during cold air exposure in examination rooms with ambient temperatures of 72°F (22.2°C) and 82°F (27.8°C), respectively. Before cooling, mean skin surface temperature was 9°F (5°C) higher in the warmer room (P< 0.01). Immediately after exposure to forced air cooling (within 1 s), the skin surface temperature remained considerably higher (10.75°F, or 5.8°C,P< 0.01) in the warmer room. We conclude that forced air cooling in a room with an ambient temperature of 82°F (27.8°C) is not as effective as in a room that is at 72°F (22.2°C).
Cleansing lotion containing tamarind fruit pulp extract. II. Study of cumulative irritation effects in human
Authors: Maenthaisong Ratree , Viyoch Jarupa , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Warnnissorn Prateep 
Published: August 2007

SummaryBackground  Cleansing lotion containing extract of tamarind fruit pulp was developed to provide skin a lighter effect. Skin irritation may occur due to keratolytic effect of α‐hydroxyl acids (AHA) in the tamarind fruit pulp extract.Objective  To assess the cumulative irritation effect of cleansing lotion containing tamarind fruit extract with 2% (w/w) tartaric acid on human skin compared with placebo product and de‐ionized water.Methods  The study design was a single‐blinded, randomized side of arm, and controlled study. Three samples, including test product, placebo product, and de‐ionized water, were repeatedly applied on the inner forearm of 15 healthy females (aged 28.3 ± 3.1 years) for 30 min daily for 5 days under semi‐occlusive patch. Skin irritation was measured by using visual scoring and instruments such as Tewameter® and Mexameter®. All measurements were done before application of samples every day from day 1 until day 5. Final measurements were done after the last application for 3 days (day 8).Results  The results obtained from the visual scoring scale indicated no irritation signs and symptoms of test product. Mean differences of transepidermal water loss and erythema values between test product and de‐ionized water and between test and placebo products were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Conclusions  These findings indicate a preliminary safety evidence of our developed cleansing lotion containing the natural AHAs and can be used as cumulative evidence for supporting the future home use study of this product in human.
The use of light‐emitting diode therapy in the treatment of photoaged skin
Authors: Baez Fabien , Reilly Laurence R 
Published: August 2007

SummaryBackground  Light‐emitting diode (LED) therapy is an increasingly popular methodology for the treatment of sun damage. Combination use of light wavelengths reported to stimulate collagen synthesis and accelerate fibroblast–myofibroblast transformation may display a composite rejuvenative effect.Objective  To clinically assess reduction in sun damage signs following a 5‐week course of LED therapy and to assess subject's perception of the treatment.Methods  Thirteen subjects with wrinkles or fine lines in the periorbital and nasolabial region and those presenting Glogau scale photodamage grade II–III received nine 20‐min duration light treatments using the Omnilux™ LED system. The treatments combined wavelengths of 633 and 830 nm at fluences of 126 and 66 J/cm2, respectively. Sun‐damage reduction was assessed at 6, 9, and 12 weeks by clinical photography and patient satisfaction scores.Results  The majority of subjects displayed “moderate” (50%) or “slight” (25%) response to treatment at investigator assessment. Treatment of the periorbital region was reported more effective than the nasolabial region. At 12‐week follow‐up, 91% of subjects reported improved skin tone, and 82% reported enhanced smoothness of skin in the treatment area.Conclusion  Good response to LED therapy has been shown in this modest sample. Larger trials are needed to assess optimum frequency of light treatments and overall treatment time.
A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L‐ergothioneine and idebenone
Authors: Dong Kelly K , Damaghi Niusha , Kibitel Jeannie , Canning Matthew T , Smiles Kenneth A , Yarosh Daniel B 
Published: August 2007

SummaryBackground  L‐ergothioneine (EGT) is a stable antioxidant found in food plants as well as in animal tissue undergoing relatively high levels of oxidative stress. Idebenone is a stable analog of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10. All are potent antioxidants found in skincare products, but their relative potencies are not well described.Aims  To establish the physiological relevance of EGT by examining transcription of the EGT transporter gene OCTN‐1 and production of the receptor protein in skin fibroblasts. In addition, to compare the inhibition of lipid peroxide formation by coenzyme Q10 and EGT. Furthermore, to compare the peroxide‐scavenging abilities of EGT and idebenone in both simple solution and in cell cultures exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA).Methods  OCTN‐1 expression and production in cultured fibroblasts were measured through real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Alloxan‐induced lipid peroxidation in liposomes was used to evaluate the inhibition of lipid peroxide formation. The abilities of EGT and idebenone to directly scavenge hydroxyl radicals produced by H2O2 were determined. Finally, we irradiated fibroblasts with UVA340 radiation and compared antioxidant capabilities to scavenge free radicals.Results  We found that OCTN‐1 is expressed and readily detectable in cultured human fibroblasts. EGT was more efficient in inhibiting lipid peroxide formation than coenzyme Q10 or idebenone. Samples treated with EGT had significantly less peroxide than those treated with idebenone 120 min after adding the antioxidants to H2O2. EGT acted significantly quicker and more efficiently in capturing reactive oxygen species (ROS) after UVA340 irradiation.Conclusions  EGT is a natural skin antioxidant, as evidenced by the presence of the EGT transporter in fibroblasts. EGT is a more powerful antioxidant than either coenzyme Q10 or idebenone due to its relatively greater efficiency in directly scavenging free radicals and in protecting cells from UV‐induced ROS.
Sex differences in survival and mitochondrial bioenergetics during aging inDrosophila
Authors: Ballard J. William O. , Melvin Richard G. , Miller Joseph T. , Katewa Subhash D. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe goal of this study is to test the role of mitochondria and of mitochondrial metabolism in determining the processes that influence aging of female and maleDrosophila. We observe thatDrosophila simulansfemales tended to have shorter lifespan, higher levels of hydrogen peroxide production and significantly lower levels of catalase but not superoxide dismutase compared to males. In contrast, mammalian females tend to be longer lived, have lower rates of reactive oxygen species production and higher antioxidant activity. In bothDrosophilaand mammals, mitochondria extracted from females consume a higher quantity of oxygen when provided with adenosine diphosphate and have a greater mtDNA copy number than males. Combined, these data illustrate important similarities between the parameters that influence aging and mitochondrial metabolism inDrosophilaand in mammals but also show surprising differences.
Apolipoprotein E genotype influences vertical transmission of herpes simplex virus type 1 in a gender specific manner
Authors: Burgos Javier S. , Ramirez Carlos , Sastre Isabel , Valdivieso Fernando 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThere is growing evidence that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), together with the apolipoprotein E 4 (APOE4) allele, contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the mechanism of their interaction remains uncertain. Here we show that the combination of inherited APOE genotype and vertical transmission of HSV‐1 confers a differential risk of brain infection. These risk factors are known to be associated with AD.
Some highlights of research on aging with invertebrates, 2006–2007
Authors: Partridge Linda 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe invertebrate model organisms continue to be engines of discovery in aging research. Recent work with Drosophila stem cells has thrown light on their human equivalents, and on the role of stem cells and their niches in the decline in fecundity with age. Inspired by observations of aging in bacteria and yeast, a new theoretical study has revealed evolutionary forces that could favour asymmetry in the distribution of damaged cell constituents at division, and hence pave the way for the evolution of aging and selective maintenance of integrity of the germ line. Mechanisms of nutrient sensing and cell signalling in the response of lifespan to dietary restriction have been elucidated. Powerful invertebrate models of human aging‐related disease have been produced, and used to start to understand how the aging process acts as a risk factor for disease. In the near future, studies of invertebrate aging are likely to move away from an exclusive reliance on genetic manipulation towards a more biochemical and physiological understanding of these systems.
Mating structure and male production inVespa analisandVespa simillima(Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: TAKAHASHI Jun‐ichi , INOMATA Yutaka , MARTIN Stephen J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe estimated queen mating frequency, genetic relatedness between workers and worker reproduction in the hornetsVespa analisandVespa simillimausing microsatellite DNA genotyping. The 20V. analiscolonies studied each contained a queen inseminated by a single male. Of the 15V. simillimacolonies studied, nine had a queen inseminated by a single male, four had a queen inseminated by two males, and two had a queen inseminated by three males. The estimated effective number of matings was 1.33 ± 0.74 (mean ± SD), with 75–85% of the offspring of the six multiply mated queens sired by single males. The values for genetic relatedness between the workers ofV. analisandV. simillimawere 0.739 ± 0.004 and 0.698 ± 0.013 (mean ± SD), respectively. We conclude thatV. analisandV. simillimacolonies are genetically monogynous and monandrous. When high relatedness between the workers occurs within colonies, kin selection theory predicts a potential conflict between queens and workers over male production. To determine whether males were derived from queens or workers, males fromV. analisandV. simillimacolonies were genotyped at four microsatellite loci and the level of ovary activation in workers was determined. None of the 787V. analisworkers and only 15 of 3520V. simillimaworkers had developed ovaries. Furthermore, the genotyping identified no worker‐produced males in any colony. The presence of reproductive workers correlated positively with the number of workers within the colony. These results suggest that eusocial colonies with an annual life cycle tend to break down socially when they become large and are close to dying.
Effect of rainfall on the long‐term population dynamics of the aquatic firefly Luciola cruciata
Authors: YUMA Masahide 
Published: August 2007

AbstractLong‐term observations of adult populations of the aquatic Genji firefly, Luciola cruciata (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), were conducted using a simple flash counting method from 1975 to 2006 at four locations in Kyoto City, Japan. The relative population sizes of adult L. cruciata at these sites fluctuated almost synchronously, indicating the influence of large‐scale environmental phenomena such as weather conditions on population dynamics. Rainfall in September and the latter half of July caused a significant decrease in the population size. The frequent rainfall during these months may have caused considerable drift in the emergence of early instars of firefly larvae and a decrease in their foraging activity.
Redefinition of Ptycta Enderlein (Psocodea: “Psocoptera”: Psocidae) and taxonomic revision of the Japanese species
Authors: BESS Emilie C. , YOSHIZAWA Kazunori 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe genera Ptycta Enderlein, 1925, and Copostigma Enderlein, 1903, are defined as a monophyletic complex based on the morphology of the male terminalia. Ptycta is redefined as those species of the Copostigma–Ptycta complex with forewing veins Rs+M fused for a short distance. Two new species of Ptycta from Japan are described, P. recava sp. nov. and P. johnsoni sp. nov., increasing the number of Japanese species to four, along with P. parvidentata Tsutsumi, 1964, and P. micromaculata Thornton, Lee, and Chui, 1972. Distributional information and illustrations of each species, and a key to Japanese species of Ptycta are included.
CHLOROPLAST DIVISION AND PYRENOID FORMATION IN CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDI1
Authors: Goodenough Ursula W. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYThe process of chloroplast division during mitosis in Chlamydomonas reinhardi is followed with the electron microscope. The pyrenoid and the chloroplast reproduce by fission. The dividing chloroplast contains regions of dense material that superficially resemble pyrenoids, but it is concluded that the formation of the dense material is not related to pyrenoid formation in C. reinhardi. The dense material appears to be localized over regions of chloroplast DNA.
DISSOLVED ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS EXCRETION BY MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON1,2
Authors: Kuenzler Edward J. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYThe amounts of extracellular dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) produced by 8 species of marine planktonic algae under various conditions of light, salinity, and nutrition were compared. Large amounts, more than 20% of the total P in the system, were excreted by Cyclotella cryptica, Thalassiosira fluviatilis, Dunaliella tertiolecta, and Synechococcus under 1 or more of the experimental conditions. Excretion of DOP was proportional to light intensity in Dunaliella, Rhodomonas, Chlorella sp., and Coccolithus huxleyi. Phosphorus limitation reduced DOP production by Cyclotella and Thalassiosira, nitrogen limitation reduced DOP production by Phaeodactylum, Dunaliella, and Rhodomonas, and lack of iron reduced DOP levels in Cyclotella cultures. Salinity affected growth, but no clear relationship to DOP excretion was evident. The DOP eliminated during growth was reassimilated by the species that produced it and by other species, but lack of alkaline phosphatase reduced the amount of DOP that was available to certain algae.