bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The movements and breeding site fidelity of the natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) in an urban park near Paris (France) with management recommendations
Authors: Husté Aurélie , Clobert Jean , Miaud Claude 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The isolation of animal populations due to urban activities provides a useful
framework for studying the consequences of landscape fragmentation. We
studied a population of natterjack toads (Bufo calamita) in an urban park
near Paris, France. In 2001 and 2002 we used radio-tracking to estimate the
terrestrial movements of adults around their breeding sites. Twenty-four
toads were equipped with internal transmitters in 2001 to record movements
during and after the breeding period. In 2002, 19 males were released at 300
and 380 meters from their breeding ponds. Natterjack toad movements around
and outside their breeding ponds were reduced compared to previous
observations on this species. The only exchanges that were observed occurred
between closely neighbouring breeding sites. During a translocation
experiment in 2002, 58% of the displaced males returned to their site of
capture and this happened mainly during the breeding period. The remaining
42% stayed close to the release site. There was no exchange of males between
distant breeding sites. Natterjack toad conservation needs to take into
account the high fidelity to a breeding site and the reduced breeding
dispersal and homing ability of these animals. Conservation biology in urban
landscapes constitutes a specific urban ecology with specific concepts such
as 'population area'. Information from this study can assist land managers
in establishing protected areas of high habitat quality around breeding
ponds in urban areas, and managing parks for the protection of amphibian
populations, particularly by facilitating exchanges between available
areas.
Breeding phenology of an amphibian community in a Mediterranean area
Authors: Richter-Boix Alex , Llorente Gustavo A. , Montori Albert 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
We studied the temporal breeding patterns and strategies of anuran
assemblages in the Mediterranean region over five consecutive years. We
collected monthly data on the number of clutches, tadpoles and juveniles
presence of six species in 98 ponds. The data showed a great temporal
segregation of species. Species using permanent ponds have a breeding peak
that is related to temperature whereas reproductive success in temporary
pond breeders is determined by rainfall pulses. Many species showed great
plasticity of reproduction with two peaks: one in spring and the other in
autumn. In spite of this temporal segregation, a large overlap was observed
among species during the larval phase period. Three species (Alytes
obstetricans, Pelodytes punctatus and Rana perezi) have over-wintering
tadpoles. We discuss temporal segregation, differences between species in
their breeding strategies and variable conditions between years as factors
that favour the temporal coexistence of species in the Mediterranean
region.
Myctolaimus platypi sp. n. (Nematoda: Cylindrocorporidae) isolated from the oak borer, Platypus quercivorus (Coleoptera: Platypodidae)
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Kobayashi Masahide , Nozaki Ai , Futai Kazuyoshi 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Myctolaimus platypi sp. n. is described and figured. The third-stage dauer
juveniles of M. platypi sp. n. were isolated from the underside of the
elytra of the oak borer, Platypus quercivorus, and were reared on an
Asparagine-Mannitol (A-M) agar. Specimens of adult nematodes for description
and measurements were collected from a 2-week-old culture on A-M agar. The
new species is characterised by having the stoma shorter than the
pro-metacorpus, shape of the rounded-cylindroid pro-metacorpus, the obvious
longitudinal striations on the cuticle, and thick cuticle. The male and
female of the new species have a body length of ca 700-1000 μm, a value of
ca 20, b value of ca 6, and c value of ca 10. Males of the new species have
strongly arcuate, C-shaped spicules 71 (62-80) μm long, 29 (25-35) μm long
gubernaculum with pointed distal end, and nine pairs of caudal papillae.
There is no bursa. Ceratosolenus is proposed as a junior synonym of
Myctolaimus and the following new combinations are also proposed: M.
anoplophorae comb. n.; M. inevectus comb. n.; and M. racemosa comb. n.
Linking soil properties and nematode community composition: effects of soil management on soil food webs
Authors: Sánchez-Moreno Sara , Minoshima Hideomi , Ferris Howard , Jackson Louise E. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The purported benefits of conservation tillage and continuous cropping in
agricultural systems include enhancement of soil ecosystem functions to
improve nutrient availability to crops and soil C storage. Studies relating
soil management to community structure allow the development of
bioindicators and the assessment of the consequences of management practices
on the soil food web. During one year (December 2003-December 2004), we
studied the influence of continuous cropping (CC), intermittent fallow (F),
standard tillage (ST) and no tillage (NT) on the nematode assemblage and the
soil food web in a legume-vegetable rotation system in California. The most
intensive systems included four crops during the study period. Tillage
practices and cropping pattern strongly influenced nematode faunal
composition, and the soil food web, at different soil depths. Management
effects on nematode taxa depended on their position along the
coloniser-persister (cp) scale and on their trophic roles. At the last
sampling date (December 2004), Mesorhabditis and Acrobeloides were
positively associated with NH+4, while Panagrolaimus and Plectus were
negatively correlated with certain phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA).
Microbial-feeders were in general associated with both bacterial and fungal
PLFA, microbial biomass C (MBC) by chloroform fumigation-extraction, total C
and N, NH+4 and NO−3, and were most abundant in the surface soil of the NTCC
treatment. Fungal-feeders were more closely related to PLFA markers of fungi
than to ergosterol, a purported fungal sterol. Discolaimus, Prionchulus,
Mylonchulus and Aporcelaimidae, in contrast, were associated with
intermittent fallow and deeper soil layers. The organisms in the higher
levels of the soil food web did not respond to the continuous input of C in
the soil and a long recovery period may be required for appropriate taxa to
be reintroduced and to increase. At the end of the experiment, each
treatment supported quite different nematode assemblages and soil food
webs.
Steinernema ashiuense sp. n. (Nematoda: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from Japan
Authors: Phan Long K. , Takemoto Shuhei , Futai Kazuyoshi 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Steinernema ashiuense sp. n. was collected by a Galleria baiting method from
grassland along the riverbank of the Yura river, near the Ashiu Research
Forest Station of Kyoto University. The new species is characterised by an
infective juvenile body length of 768 (720-800) μm, lateral field with five
equally developed ridges (i.e., six lines or incisures), head smooth lacking
horn-like structures, excretory pore located at level of middle of pharynx,
hyaline portion short (ca one-third of tail length). Males have 50-65 μm
long, broad, slightly yellowish spicules; spicule length / spicule width = 4
(3.5-4.4), and two subventral and one subdorsal pair of genital papillae in
the postcloacal region. The analysis of ITS-rDNA sequence placed S.
ashiuense sp. n. in the 'feltiae-kraussei-oregonense' group in the clade
containing S. robustispiculum and S. monticolum. It can be distinguished
from these species by morphological characters of the infective juveniles
and males.
Aquatic macrophytes as a habitat for free-living nematodes
Authors: Vidaković Jasna , Bogut Irella 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The composition, trophic structure and diversity of nematode assemblages
associated with three aquatic macrophyte species (Polygonum amphibium, Carex
sp., Ceratophyllum demersum) were surveyed. Sampled stands were present at
the three sites of the north bank in the Čonakut Channel (Nature Park
Kopački rit, Croatia). They were all submerged during the period of
investigation, which included two vegetation seasons. Nematode abundances
(expressed as a number of individuals per 100 g of macrophyte dry weight)
differ between the two vegetation seasons and between the sites, but not
between the macrophyte species. In total, 19 nematode species were recorded.
Chromadorina viridis, C. bioculata, Brevitobrilus stefanskii, Eutobrilus
notus, Prodorylaimus longicaudatus and Ethmolaimus sp. were associated with
all macrophyte species. Genera Eutobrilus, Brevitobrilus and Chromadorina
were present at the highest relative abundances. Species diversity (H and
Simpson's D) and evenness (Pielou's J), calculated on the nematode species
level, display little or no change in relation to different macrophyte
species. Ceratophyllum demersum associated nematode fauna had distinct
dominance of one species (Eutobrilus notus) and consequently lower evenness,
which was not statistically significant. Chewers (CH) represented the
dominant trophic group of total nematode abundance for all three macrophyte
species followed by epistrate feeders (EF). Detritus feeders (DF) and
suction feeders (SF) were represented by low relative abundances. This paper
is a contribution to ecology of aquatic nematodes associated with macrophyte
species in mesoeutrophic to eutrophic slow flowing channel.
Article 76 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea—Implementation Problems from the Technical Perspective
Authors: Carleton Chris 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe paper will discuss the technical problems experienced by coastal States when considering and preparing claims to an extended continental shelf in accordance with Article 76 and Annex II to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.The initial requirement to ascertain whether the State has the possibility of claiming a extended continental shelf and if so the securing of the political will to make provision for the technical process required to bring it to fruition will be discussed followed by the technical pitfalls that await an unwary State in the desk top study procedure.The paper will then discuss the data gathering phase and the subsequent processing and assessment of the data and the possible technical difficulties that may be encountered.Finally the paper will outline the vexed question of claims on ridges, focusing on what a ridge actually is within the wording of Article 76. The differences, if any between an "oceanic" ridge and a "submarine" ridge and possible claim solutions that may be considered by the claiming State. The lack of guidance from the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) concerning this issue will also be highlighted.
Peroxiredoxin 2 functions as a noncatalytic scavenger of low-level hydrogen peroxide in the erythrocyte
Authors: Low Felicia M. , Hampton Mark B. , Peskin Alexander V. , Winterbourn Christine C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPeroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2), a thiol-dependent peroxidase, is the third most abundant protein in the erythrocyte, and its absence in knock-out mice gives rise to hemolytic anemia. We have found that in human erythrocytes, Prx2 was extremely sensitive to oxidation by H2O2, as dimerization was observed after exposure of 5 × 106 cells/mL to 0.5 μM H2O2. In contrast to Prx2 in Jurkat T lymphocytes, Prx2 was resistant to overoxidation (oxidation of the cysteine thiol to a sulfinic/sulfonic acid) in erythrocytes. Reduction of dimerized Prx2 in the erythrocyte occurred very slowly, with reversal occurring gradually over a 20-minute period. Very low thioredoxin reductase activity was detected in hemolysates. We postulate that this limits the rate of Prx2 regeneration, and this inefficiency in recycling prevents the overoxidation of Prx2. We also found that Prx2 was oxidized by endogenously generated H2O2, which was mainly derived from hemoglobin autoxidation. Our results demonstrate that in the erythrocyte Prx2 is extremely efficient at scavenging H2O2 noncatalytically. Although it does not act as a classical antioxidant enzyme, its high concentration and substrate sensitivity enable it to handle low H2O2 concentrations efficiently. These unique redox properties may account for its nonredundant role in erythrocyte defense against oxidative stress.
Effect of Massive Weight Loss on Inflammatory Adipocytokines and the Innate Immune System in Morbidly Obese Women
Authors: Manco Melania , Fernandez-Real J. Manuel , Equitani Francesco , Vendrell Joan , Valera Mora Maria Elena , Nanni Giuseppe , Tondolo Vincenzo , Calvani Menotti , Ricart Wilfredo , Castagneto Marco , Mingrone Geltrude 
Published: November 2006

AbstractContext: Obesity may be regarded as a low-grade inflammatory state.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in pro-inflammatory adipocytokines and the innate immune system, cardiovascular risk, and insulin sensitivity after massive weight loss.Design: This was a longitudinal study.Setting: The study was conducted at Catholic University, Rome.Subjects and Methods: There were 10 normoglucose-tolerant obese women evaluated before and 36 months after bilio-pancreatic diversion (BPD). Glucose sensitivity (M value) was estimated using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), bactericidal/permeability increasing protein (BPI), α-defensins, soluble CD14 receptor (sCD14), C-reactive protein, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, IL-6, and TNF-α were assayed.Results: After massive weight loss (53% of excess body weight), leptin (P ≤ 0.0001), IL-6 (P ≤ 0.0001), α-defensins (P ≤ 0.001), and C-reactive protein (P ≤ 0.0001) decreased significantly. Adiponectin increased significantly (P ≤ 0.001). Of the nine subjects who lost more than 20% of body mass index, sCD14 (2.87 ± 0.5 to 2.55 ± 0.5; P = 0.016) and visfatin levels (12.20 ± 0.93 to 10.63 ± 1.93 ng/ml; P = 0.045) decreased significantly. No significant changes were observed in TNF-α, BPI, or MBL. Insulin sensitivity more than doubled after BPD (P ≤ 0.0001). sCD14 changes were significantly associated with body mass index (r0 = 0.80; P = 0.003) and M changes (r0 = −0.59; P = 0.03). MBL correlated with insulin sensitivity in obese (r0 = 0.93; P = 0.0001) and post-BPD women (r0 = 0.66; P = 0.038). Adiponectin correlated negatively with cardiovascular risk (r0 = −0.709; P = 0.02) and IL-6 (r0 = −0.634; P = 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that changes in sCD14 were also significantly related to changes in insulin sensitivity.Conclusions: Surgically induced weight loss is capable of reversing low-grade inflammation, at least partially. The relationships between sCD14, MBL, BPI, and glucose sensitivity, and the role of TNF-α in obesity warrant further investigation.
Adsorption Reaction Constants between Nanosilica/Nanodiamond and Lysozyme Molecule at pH = 11.0
Authors: Wu Victor Wei-Keh 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Adsorption reaction constants of chicken egg lysozyme of 0–1000 nM prepared with potassium phosphate buffer solution (PPBS) of 7.0 mM and at pH = 11.0 on the surfaces of nanosilica and nanodiamond of diameter 100 nm by fluorescence method have been determined as 4.0 × 107 and 1.5 × 108 nM−1, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm can be well followed under the assumption of monolayer adsorption on both surfaces. The available surface areas per individual lysozyme molecule adsorbed on nanosilica and nanodiamond within the linear regions of Langmuir isotherms can be approximated with 2 and 10 nm2, respectively.
Self-assembled Multilayer Formed by Alternate Stacking of Zirconium and Terephthalic Acid Layers
Authors: Yonezawa Hiroyuki , Lee Kyung-Hwang , Murase Kuniaki , Sugimura Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
A self-assembled multilayer consisting of transition metal and biscarboxyl acid was fabricated by simply immersing an oxide-covered silicon substrate into zirconium (Zr) n-butoxide and terephthalic acid (TPA) solutions alternately. In this multilayer, two TPA monolayers were bridged with a ZrIV monolayer. The chemistry connecting these monolayers is most likely coordinate bonds between ZrIV ions and carboxyl groups.
Thermally Reversible Structural Transformation Involving a C–H···O Hydrogen Bond in a Supramolecular Crystal
Authors: Ishii Daisuke , Yamada Takeshi , Iyoda Tomokazu , Yoshida Hirohisa , Nakagawa Masaru 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
A molecular crystal of 6-[2-propyl-4-(4-pyridylazo)phenoxy]hexanoic acid prepared by sublimation showed two thermally reversible transitions at 17 and 172 °C on heating. Temperature dependence of its X-ray diffraction profile analyzed on the basis of its crystal structure revealed that the reversible transitions were related to a thermally induced hierarchical structural transformation involving cleavage of a C–H···O hydrogen bond, followed by cleavage of a O–H···N hydrogen bond.
Homogeneous Ag Particle Formation Confirmed by Real-time In Situ Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering Measurements under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Tsukahara Yasunori , Nakamura Takashi , Kobayashi Taishi , Wada Yuji 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
In situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was applied to observe the early stage of the formation of Ag nanoparticles in solution under microwave (MW) irradiation. Rise of SERS successfully observed for Rhodamine 6G confirmed homogeneous particle formation due to homogeneous and rapid heating under MW irradiation.
Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of 3-Amino-3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones by Tandem Michael Addition and Lactonization Using a Chiral Quaternary Ammonium Phenoxide
Authors: Nagao Hitoshi , Yamane Yoshinobu , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The first efficient synthesis of 3-amino-3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones from glycine-derived silyl enolates and α,β-unsaturated ketones was successfully performed by using quaternary ammonium phenoxide prepared from cinchonidine. In this asymmetric reaction, the corresponding 3-amino-3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones were obtained in high yields with complete diastereoselectivities and good to excellent enantioselectivities.
Density Functional Study of Catalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) on Cathode Electrode for Fuel Cell System
Authors: Suga Yoshinori 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Density functional studies have performed for the platinum cluster model of cathode catalysts that are used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). A generalized gradient approximation treatment of total energies denoted that the activation barrier for oxygen dissociation after the proton-transfer step, as intermediate species formation, would have similar magnitude that determined by the temperature dependent oxygen reduction Tafel plot measurements.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Ultrafine β-FeOOH Nanorods as Cathode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Fu , Zhao Xuemei , Yuan Cunguang , Xu Hai 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
β-FeOOH nanorods with the diameter of only 10 nm were fabricated through a facile PEG-assisted hydrothermal synthetic route, which was the smallest dimension reported for the fabrication of β-FeOOH one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures so far. The as-prepared ultrafine β-FeOOH nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and galvanostatic tests. Electrochemical tests on the as-obtained ultrafine β-FeOOH nanorods revealed that they exhibited excellent electrochemical properties with a large discharge capacity of 290 mA h g−1 and good cycleability, which enabled them to be applied as superior cathode materials for lithium ion battery systems.
Synthesis and Two-photon Properties of New Perylene Bisimide Derivatives
Authors: Gao Bo , Lu Changgui , Xu Jin , Meng Fanshun , Cui Yiping , Tian He 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The synthesis of some novel perylene bisimide derivatives was reported and their linear absorption, emission, and two-photon properties were measured and discussed. Two-photon cross-sections for these compounds were determined to be 8735 GM maximum (nonlinear transmittance, ≈7 ns, 10 Hz and 850 nm). The frequency upconversion fluorescence was observed under the excitation of 850-nm-nanoseconds laser pulses with the peaks located around 669 nm.
Otitis media (silent): A potential cause of childhood meningitis
Authors: Djerić Dragoslava R. , Schachern Patricia A. , Paparella Michael M. , Jaramillo Mario , Haruna Shinichi , Bassioni Mohktar 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSixteen temporal bones from 8 infants with otitis media, who died of meningitis, and 6 controls from infants with only otitis media, were studied histologically. All bones contained middle ear effusion and residual mesenchyme, but, unlike the controls, the meningitic cases showed considerable histopathological tissue changes of chronic and acute otitis media and chronic inflammatory cells in the round window membrane and within the perilymph, the modiolus, and the cochlear aqueduct, suggesting the latter as likely portals from the inner ear to the meninges. Since all tympanic membranes were intact and 3 were histologically normal, this silent route of infection warrants medical vigilance.
Linear and nonlinear properties of photonic crystal fibers filled with nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Brzdąkiewicz K. , Laudyn U. , Karpierz M. , Woliński T. , Wójcik J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe investigate linear and nonlinear light propagation in the photonic crystal fibers infiltrated with nematic liquid crystals. Such a photonic structure, with periodic modulation of refractive index, which could be additionally controlled by the temperature and by the optical power, allows for the study of discrete optical phenomena. Our theoretical investigations, carried out with the near infrared wavelength of 830 nm, for both focusing and defocusing Kerr-type nonlinearity, show the possibility of the transverse light localization, which can result in the discrete soliton generation. In addition, we present the preliminary experimental results on the linear light propagation in the photonic crystal fiber with the glycerin-water solution and 6CHBT nematics, as the guest materials.
Formation and dynamics of easy orientation axis in magnetic field on PVCN-F surface
Authors: Buluy O. , Reznikov Y. , Slyusarenko K. , Nobili M. , Reshetnyak V. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe describe the experiments on a magnetically-induced drift of the easy axis on a soft surface of photoaligning material fluoro-polyvinyl-cinnamate. We found unexpected partial relaxation of the drift of the easy axis after switching the magnetic field off. This relaxation cannot be explained in a framework of the existing models and requires additional assumptions about the drift process. We propose a model that explains the experimental data suggesting elastic-like behaviour of the polymer fragments during the drift of the easy axis.