bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting amorphous organic matter in Kimmeridgian laminites: what is the role of the vulcanization process in the amorphization of organic matter?
Authors: Pacton M. , Fiet N. , Gorin G. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractKimmeridgian bituminous laminites from Orbagnoux (France) contain abundant amorphous organic matter (AOM). Previous studies have shown that the vulcanization pathway was the dominant preservation mechanism of AOM in these laminites, and led to its structureless aspect (a process called amorphization) at the nanoscale. In contrast, new observations in scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy demonstrate that this AOM exhibits typical cyanobacterial structures (exopolymeric substances, filamentous and coccoid bacteria) and ultralaminae. This identification is supported by a comparison with a recent cyanobacterial biofilm considered as an analogue. Moreover, this comparison demonstrates that ultralaminae in the Orbagnoux environment cannot solely be attributed to microalgal cell walls, but also to constituents of cyanobacteria. The microscopic identification of a ubiquitous cyanobacterial imprint demonstrates that the selective preservation pathway has been largely underestimated in Orbagnoux AOM and/or that the vulcanization process does not lead to the amorphization of organic matter automatically.
The structure of Jebel El Mourra, Tunisia: a diapiric structure causing a positive gravity anomaly
Authors: Benassi Ramdhane , Jallouli Chokri , Hammami Mongi , Turki Mohamed Moncef 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDetailed gravity data integrated with geological data and mining well data are analysed to constrain the shape of the Triassic evaporitic body at Jebel El Mourra (northern Tunisian Atlas) and the mechanism of its emplacement at the surface. The gravity data analysis included the construction of a gravity anomaly maps, and synthetic and forward 2.5D gravity models. The complete Bouguer and residual gravity anomaly maps indicate a positive amplitude gravity anomaly over the Triassic evaporitic outcrops and prominent NE–SW‐trending features associated with the boundary of the Triassic rocks and surrounded layers. A NW–SE‐trending gravity model that crosses the Triassic evaporitic outcrop at Jebel El Mourra shows that the positive gravity anomaly can be explained by a deep‐rooted salt diapir. Conventional models of salt dome formation suggest that they produce negative gravity anomalies; however, this study shows that this model is not universal. The studied area is an example of a diapir expressed by positive gravity anomaly and this result is supported by synthetic gravity models at different stages of salt piercing.
How and to what extent does the emergence of orogens above sea level influence their tectonic development?
Authors: Simpson Guy D. H. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractGeodynamic modelling indicates that the emergence of initially submarine convergent orogens above sea level can have a significant influence on their subsequent tectonic development. This is because of two effects. First, surface uplift under submarine conditions, and the resulting decrease in gravitational loads, tends to reactivate deformation in the uplifting part of the submerged orogen. Second, an increase in the rate of erosion associated with the emergence of land can cause increased exhumation rates, reduced thrust‐front advance rates, narrowing of the orogen width, and a shift from slow deposition in piggyback basins to rapid deposition in the foredeep. These effects result from the ability of erosion to perturb mass balance at the orogen‐scale. Based on these results, I hypothesize that the emergence of initially submerged orogens such as the Alps and Taiwan played a direct role in explaining major changes in orogen dynamics and basin evolution that are known to occur in these examples.
Effects of Grazing on Bituminaria bituminosa (L) Stirton: A Potential Forage Crop in Mediterranean Grasslands
Authors: Sternberg M. , Gishri N. , Mabjeesh S. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPlant traits of Bituminaria bituminosa, as affected by different intensities of cattle grazing, were studied in a Mediterranean grassland in Israel. B. bituminosa is a widespread Mediterranean perennial legume species that may potentially serve as a fodder crop in Mediterranean grasslands. The aims of the present study were: (i) to evaluate the responses of B. bituminosa to different cattle grazing intensities; (ii) to study functional traits associated with grazing tolerance; and (iii) to evaluate its potential as an alternative forage crop in the region. A total of 100 B. bituminosa plants were monitored in field conditions. During the growing season each individual was sampled five times and the following plant traits were monitored each time: (i) aboveground biomass production, (ii) plant height, (iii) specific leaf area (SLA), (iv) number of flowers, (v) seed mass and size, (vi) tannin concentration in leaves, (vii) total nitrogen in leaves, (viii) fibre concentration in leaves (Neutral Detergent Fiber), and (ix) in vitro dry matter digestibility. The results showed that grazing intensity and history of grazing affected B. bituminosa performance. Plant biomass, height, and flower and seed production were all reduced when plants were exposed to cattle grazing. However, under moderate grazing intensities, its plant cover remained relatively stable indicating a potential tolerance under this stocking rate. The nutritious characteristics of B. bituminosa leaves were good, and the condensed tannins concentration found indicated favourable conditions for digestion. Moreover, the in vitro digestibility studies indicated relatively high values (46–51 %) of digestion. B. bituminosa may be considered as a potential crop for cattle feeding in Mediterranean grasslands. Growing this plant in dense stands in rotational paddocks may provide alternative sources of natural fodder protein, reducing the potential costs of artificial feed supplements.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium Removal by Brown Midrib Sorghum Sudangrass in the Northeastern USA
Authors: Ketterings Q. M. , Godwin G. , Kilcer T. F. , Barney P. , Hunter M. , Cherney J. H. , Beer S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractFor the long‐term sustainability of the dairy industry in the Northeastern USA, manure nutrient application rates should not exceed crop nutrient removal once above‐optimum soil fertility levels are reached. Dairy producers have shown a growing interest in brown midrib (BMR) forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) × sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense Piper) hybrids (S × S) as a more environmentally sound alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) but data on S × S nutrient removal rates are scant. Our objectives were to determine N, P, K, Ca and Mg removal with harvest as impacted by N application rate, using six N rate studies in New York. One of the six sites had a recent manure history. Although site‐to‐site differences existed, N application tended to decrease P and K and increase N, Ca and Mg concentrations in BMR S × S forage. Nutrient removal and yield were highly correlated for all sites except one location that showed a K deficiency. The crop removed large amounts of P and K in the manured site, suggesting that BMR S × S is an excellent scavenger of these nutrients. If manure is applied mid‐season, forage K levels are likely too high for feeding to non‐lactating cows.
Effect of Deep Placement of Slow‐release Fertilizer (Lime Nitrogen) Applied at Different Rates on Growth, N2 Fixation and Yield of Soya Bean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)
Authors: Kaushal T. , Onda M. , Ito S. , Yamazaki A. , Fujikake H. , Ohtake N. , Sueyoshi K. , Takahashi Y. , Ohyama T. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA new fertilization method with deep placement of slow‐release N fertilizers, such as coated urea and lime nitrogen (LN) (calcium cyanamide) at 20 cm depth was found to promote soy bean seed yield. In the present study, the effect of deep placement of LN was investigated on different parameters such as growth, N accumulation, N2 fixation activity and yield of soy bean by applying LN at different rates in the rotated paddy field of Niigata, Japan. In addition to the basal fertilizer, ammonium sulphate (16 kg N ha−1), deep placement of LN was conducted by applying various amounts such as 50 kg N ha−1 (A50), 100 kg N ha−1 (A100) and 200 kg N ha−1 (A200) at 20 cm depth in separate plots. A 15N‐labelled LN fertilizer was also employed for each of the above treatments to calculate N utilization from LN in separate plots. Soya bean plant growth and N2 fixation activity were periodically analysed. Both plant growth and N accumulation were found to increase with LN treatment compared with control plants. An increase in N2 fixation activity was found in the A100 plots. The total seed yield was the highest in the deep placement of LN with A100 (73 g per plant) compared with other treatments. The visual quality of harvested seeds also showed that A100 enhanced the quality of seeds compared with other treatments. Thus, it is suggested that N fertilization management with particular reference to optimum amount of fertilizers is important for maximum growth, N2 fixation and enhancement of seed yield of soy bean.
Using Hemispherical Radiation Measurements to Predict Weight‐Related Growth Traits in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Canopies
Authors: Behrens T. , Diepenbrock W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMethods for determining growth traits in the field are mostly work‐intensive and/or often erroneous. Further development of multi‐temporal techniques of growth analyses provided by fast and non‐destructive tools for monitoring canopy properties may result in a substantial gain for practical use. Among them, the LAI‐2000 Canopy Analyzer can be used to determine the canopy area index (CAI) resulting from radiation measurements. In plant breeding, single‐date measurements were usually made across a wide number of genoptypes. In contrast, multi‐temporal information on canopy status is needed in agronomy. In our study, data of the CAI based on hemispherical radiation measurements with the LAI‐2000 were used to estimate developmental courses of weight‐related growth traits. For this purpose, seasonal courses of shoot fresh matter, shoot dry matter, shoot N and water content and CAI of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were investigated simultaneously in field experiments from 2002 to 2006 in northern Germany with and without nitrogen (N) fertilization. Courses of 2003 and 2004 were used to calculate relationships between CAI and growth traits. Results show that each of the weight‐related growth trait is related to the CAI. In this mechanistic approach relationships were found gathered across 2 years, two N‐treatments and several growth stages being unaffected by N‐fertilization, cultivar and experimental year. These relationships were verified using independent data sets of the years 2005 (winter oilseed rape and spring barley) and 2006 (winter oilseed rape). The results of the current study show that the use of LAI‐2000 and its rapid and non‐destructive determination of weight‐related growth traits over the entire growth period will substantially improve the determination of weight‐related growth traits in agriculture.
Effect of Weather and Soil Conditions on Yield Components and Bread‐Making Quality of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Winter Triticale (Triticosecale Wittm.) Varieties in North‐East Germany
Authors: Erekul O. , Köhn W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe reduced nutrient and water availability of the sorption‐weak silty sand soil in Thyrow when compared with the loamy sand soil in Berge enhanced the negative effects of unfavourable weather conditions. Winter wheat reacted to weather conditions and soil quality substantially more sensitively than winter triticale, so that the cultivation of wheat on very light sandy soil is combined with a higher risk. Reduced yields resulting from site differences are, for both cereals, mainly a result of reduced ear densities. Low grain yields as in the dry year 2003 led to high crude protein contents, this being more pronounced for winter wheat than for triticale and on the poor silty sand soil in Thyrow to a greater degree than on the loamy sand soil in Berge. For the starch content the contrary holds true. Grain yields were, to a greater extent, decisive for the protein and starch yields than the content values. For both cereals, the sedimentation value, the wet gluten value, the gluten index and the falling number resulted in principally higher values in the dry year 2003 and on the loamy sand soil when compared with the wet year 2004 and the silty sand soil. Only the wet gluten content was not clearly influenced by soil quality. All parameters describing bread‐making quality are clearly lower for winter triticale than for winter wheat. Especially, the falling number was not satisfactory, so that the tested triticale varieties seem only to be suitable for bread‐making by mixing with wheat flour. The internal grain quality of winter wheat varieties is extensively genetically determined. Weather and soil‐induced variations in the quality parameters were, with only few exceptions, greater for winter wheat than for triticale.
Significance of matrix metalloproteinases in the pathophysiology of the ovary and uterus
Authors: ENDO TOSHIAKI , KIYA TAMOTSU , GOTO TAEKO , HENMI HIROFUMI , MANASE KENGO , HONNMA HIROYUKI , BABA TSUYOSHI , ISHIOKA SHINICHI , HAYASHI TAKUHIRO , CHIDA MANABU , ARIMA KAZUYO , YAMAZAKI KIYOHIRO , KANAYA MIKA , AZUMAGUCHI ATSUSHI , MORIWAKA OSAMU , KAMIYA HIROFUMI , SAITO TSUYOSHI 
Published: November 2006

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are capable of degrading a variety of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and are also involved in the processing of a number of bioactive molecules. Our findings indicate that the functions of MMP in the ovary and uterus are organ‐specific and time‐dependently vary during the reproductive cycle. Prolactin induces structural luteolysis indicated by loss of luteal weight, protein and DNA within 36 h after pretreatment with ergot alkaloid. MMP activation appears crucial for the selective depletion of protein during luteal involution, which entails loss of ECM accompanied by apoptosis. During GnRHagonist‐induced luteolysis, this response was also associated with marked increases in MMP‐2, which degraded collagen type IV, and MT1‐MMP, which in addition to activating MMP‐2 also degrades collagen type I, III and V. We also found that the level of MT1‐MMP and MMP‐2 expression in the human CL is greater during the late luteal phase than during either the early mid luteal phases or during gestation, respectively. That dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment caused the formation of cysts from antral follicles in the ovaries of immature rats while depressing MMP‐2 collagenolytic activity and enhancing lysyl oxidase expression highlights the importance of collagen degradation in the process of ovulation and suggests that changes in the activities of these enzymes play a key role in ovarian cystogenesis in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analyses showed that MT1‐MMP and FasL co‐localize with TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL)‐positive apoptotic granulosa cells in rats treated with DHEA, that the Fas/FasL/Caspase‐8 (death receptor‐dependent) pathway is pivotal for follicular atresia and that increased levels of MT1‐MMP likely play an important role in tissue remodeling during follicular atresia. After parturition, the uterus undergoes involution, a conspicuous feature characterized by a rapid reduction in the collagen content mediated by degradation of extracellular collagen bundles. Our findings strongly suggest that MT1‐MMP, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 are each time‐dependently regulated and play important roles in tissue remodeling during postpartum uterine involution. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 235–243)
The improvement in fertilizing ability of cryopreserved mouse spermatozoa using laser‐microdissected oocytes
Authors: KANEKO TAKEHITO , YANAGI MIHO , NAKASHIMA TATSUYUKI , NAKAGATA NAOMI 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  The C57BL/6 mouse strain is now commonly used for producing transgenic/knockout strains. However, the fertilizing ability of these spermatozoa decreases as a result of cryopreservaion. Although the micromanipulation technique has been established to increase their fertilizing ability, it requires a considerable degree of technical skill. In the present report, we investigate the simple microdissection of zona pellucida by laser to increase the fertilizing ability of cryopreserved spermatozoa.Methods:  C57BL/6J spermatozoa were cryopreserved using a solution consisting of 18% raffinose/3% skim milk. Oocytes of the same strain were placed in PB1 medium containing 0, 0.25, 0.50 or 0.75 mol sucrose. The zona pellucida of oocytes was microdissected by laser with different pulse lengths selected from 0.45 to 0.65 ms. Microdissected oocytes were then fertilized with cryopreserved spermatozoa, and the subsequent development of embryos was assessed.Results:  When oocytes were microdissected in PB1 medium without sucrose, 81.5% of the oocytes were fertilized. The fertilization rates increased significantly as the pulse length was lengthened when compared with oocytes with intact zona pellucida. Furthermore, normal offspring were obtained in all experiments.Conclusion:  The fertilizing ability of cryopreserved spermatozoa is improved when oocytes with their zona pellucida microdissected by laser were used. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 249–253)
Effect of fructose on motility, acrosome reaction and in vitro fertilization capability of boar spermatozoa
Authors: TSUJII HIROTADA , OHTA EMI , MIAH ABDUL GAFFAR , HOSSAIN SHAROARE , SALMA UMMAY 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of fructose supplementation in glucose containing mTALP medium on motility, acrosome reaction and in vitro fertilization capability of boar spermatozoa.Methods:  Boar spermatozoa were preincubated, swum‐up, resuspended and then incubated for 6 h in mTALP medium supplemented with 0, 0.5, or 1.0 mmol fructose in the presence of 5.0 mmol glucose. After completion of the specified incubation period, motility was determined subjectively on the basis of speed of progression and on the type of forward movement of spermatozoa; acrosome status was evaluated by applying a triple staining technique; and in vitro fertilization capability was assessed by acetic–orcein staining.Results:  The combination of fructose and glucose (0.5 + 5.0 mmol) supplements in mTALP medium improved sperm motility significantly (P < 0.05), more than glucose alone (5.0 mmol) at 2–6 h of incubation. Acrosome reaction (live spermatozoa) and the sperm penetration rate was increased significantly (P < 0.05) when the spermatozoa were treated with the combination of fructose and glucose compared with glucose alone, but the incidence of polyspermy was not significantly different between the treatments.Conclusion:  These results suggest that the combination of glucose and fructose as supplements in mTALP medium improve the progressive motility, acrosome reaction and fertilization capability of boar spermatozoa. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 255–261)
Effects of orchids (Orchis anatolica) on reproductive function and fertility in adult male mice
Authors: KHOURI NABIL A. , NAWASREH MANSOUR , AL‐HUSSAIN SALEH M. , ALKOFAHI AHMAD S. 
Published: November 2006

Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of orchid bulbs on the reproductive system of male albino mice.Methods: Orchid bulb extract was fed to 20 male albino mice (5 g/mouse/day) for 35 days and compared with a similar number of mice as controls. Total testicular germ cell population, histometrical parameters, serum blood biochemistry and hormonal assay were determined.Results: The ingestion of orchid bulb by mice induced a significant increase in the following parameters: (i) testes and seminal vesicle weights; (ii) number of different testicular germ cell population including interstitial Leydig cells and fibroblasts; and (iii) testicular cell linage dynamics obtained from testes and cauda epidydimides. An important finding was that the ingestion of the orchid diet by male mice increased their fertility. This was indicated by an elevation in the number of impregnated females when allowed to mate with treated mice, an increase in the impregnation sites, and an increase in the number of viable fetuses and the offspring's male/female ratio. A slight significant increase in the testosterone and follicular stimulating hormone titers in the treated mice were found in their blood serum. In contrast, a decrease in the number of degenerating cells was observed.Conclusions: Orchid bulb treatment might play an important role in improving male reproductive potential and fertility. (Reprod Med Biol 2006;5: 269–276)
The interference of paid work with household demands in different social policy contexts: perceived work–household conflict in Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, Hungary, and the Czech Republic
Authors: Strandh Mattias , Nordenmark Mikael 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe article explores whether people experiences a lower level of work–household conflict in a context that is characterized by extensive family policies (Sweden and to some extent Hungary and Czech Republic) aimed at facilitating participation in the labour market. This is done by studying perceived work–household conflict among women and men living in Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. The analyses are based on the answers to a questionnaire distributed to nearly 6,000 randomly selected individuals within the framework of the European Union financed ‘Household, Work, and Flexibility’ (HWF) study. The results show that women in Sweden experience conflicts between work and household demands to a higher degree than any other category in all five countries. The differences between Swedish women and women living in the Netherlands and the UK are explained by variables indicating qualifications and workload in the main job, but the lower degree of work–household conflict among Czech and Hungarian women is still significant when controlling for household composition and working conditions. Data indicate that a possible explanation for this can be found in the interplay between men's and women's attitudes toward gender roles and the actual situation in terms of division of labour.
Who's making global civil society: philanthropy and US empire in world society
Authors: Vogel Ann 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTheories of US hegemony commonly ignore the role of American philanthropy in the contemporary transformations of world society and the globalization of capitalism. In this essay, I suggest that the philanthropic foundation, and with it the institution of philanthropy, is being invigorated by the expansion of its domestic role to foreign activities and to globally framed activities within the USA. I propose that US philanthropy exports American understandings of democracy and simultaneously organizes global reflexivity through citizenship education for the US populace. I offer a preliminary theoretical interpretation of the empirical patterns of international grant‐making activities by US foundations, considering John W. Meyer's concept of ‘instrumental culture’ and some arguments made by Foucauldian ‘governmentality’ scholars. I emphasize the need to conceptualize the cultural‐symbolic and organizational dimensions of hegemony and suggest further sociological analysis of philanthropic activities as integral to current politically and economically led transformations of societies around the globe.