bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium availability influences lead accumulation in a passerine bird
Authors: Dauwe Tom , Snoeijs Tinne , Bervoets Lieven , Blust Ronny , Eens Marcel 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The emission of heavy metals in the environment is often accompanied by emissions of acidifying pollutants. The acidification of terrestrial ecosystems results in the leaching of calcium and consequently a lowered concentration or availability of this essential nutrient in the environment. Calcium deficiency in the diet may lead to an increased absorption of toxic metals. In this study we investigated the effect of calcium availability on the accumulation of lead and essential metals (calcium, copper, iron and zinc) in important target tissues of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). When exposed to 20 ppm lead via drinking water, zebra finches excluded from an additional calcium supply (i.e. oyster shell grit) accumulated significantly higher concentrations of lead in liver, kidney, muscle, brain and bone than zebra finches with access to oyster shell grit. Levels of calcium, copper, iron and zinc were not significantly affected by either the calcium availability or the increased absorption of lead. There were no significant sex related differences, suggesting that males and females have a similar demand, metabolism and/or distribution of calcium and other metals in the non-reproductive period. This study clearly illustrates the importance of calcium supply on the bioavailability of lead.
A preliminary study of development of the buccal apparatus in Pomacentridae (Teleostei, Perciformes)
Authors: Frederich  , Parmentier  , Vandewalle  
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis study compares, in five species of Pomacentridae (Chromis viridis, Dascyllus flavicaudus, Chrysiptera glauca, Pomacentrus pavo, Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus), the changes in cephalic skeletal structures between settling larvae and adults living on the reef. Variations were studied in the suspensorium, the opercle, the mandible, the premaxillary bone and the teeth. Comparisons of the feeding apparatus enabled two different types of feeding to be distinguished in adults: suction feeding and grazer sucking. Adult C. viridis and D. flavicaudus have a high suspensorium, a well-rounded mouth during jaw opening and caniniform teeth. These two species can be considered to be suction feeders. On the other hand, adult C. glauca, P. pavo and P. lacrymatus have less developed suspensoria, opercles and ascending process of the premaxillar, and present incisiform teeth. These three species appear to be grazer suckers. However, the larvae of all five species present an unimodal way of feeding, defined as ram-suction. Differences between larvae and adults appear clearly to be related to their ecology. The increasing variation presented in feeding apparatus during the settlement phase could be linked to diversification leading to occupancy of different ecological niches.
Diet affects reproduction and number of oocytes per ovary of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Lemos Walkymário Paulo , Ramalho Francisco Sousa , Serrão José Eduardo , Zanuncio José Cola , Bauce Eric 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The effect of the type of diet consumed on the reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) was studied. Females of P. nigrispinus fed on an artificial diet had a longer preoviposition period than those fed on 3rd or 5th instar cotton leafworm larvae [Alabama argillacea (Hübner)] or mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) larvae. P. nigrispinus females fed on 3rd or 5th instar cotton leafworm larvae or mealworm larvae had a longer oviposition period than females on an artificial diet. The numbers of egg masses per female and of egg masses per female per day were higher when P. nigrispinus was fed on 3rd or 5th instar cotton leafworm larvae than when fed on an artificial diet. Podisus nigrispinus females fed on 5th instar cotton leafworm larvae produced a greater number of eggs per female, eggs per egg mass, and eggs per female per day, had a higher nymphal hatch rate than those fed other diets and had higher numbers of oocytes per central ovariole or per ovary than those fed on 3rd instar cotton leafworm larvae, artificial diet, house fly (Musca domestica L.) larvae or mealworm larvae.
The responses of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells in the lungs of Rana ridibunda to different experimental conditions
Authors: Öztay Füsun 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe study investigated the localisation and immunohistochemistry of neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) and their behaviour in the lungs of Rana ridibunda under experimental conditions and compared with control lungs. Serotonin- and bombesin-immunoreactive (IR) PNECs were observed as solitary cells or clusters of cells at the base of ciliated epithelium on the dilated apical parts of primary septa where incoming air first arrives, and in the respiratory epithelium. Serotonin-IR PNECs were predominantly present in the ciliated epithelium while bombesin-IR PNECs were found in the ciliated and respiratory epithelium. Additionally, bombesin-IR nerve fibres were found in the epithelium and among smooth muscle cells in the connective tissue. In frogs kept in a dry aquarium, serotonin- and bombesin-IR PNECs were characterised by various stages of secretion. Serotonin-IR PNECs released most of their secretory material, while bombesin-IR PNECs were stimulated for secretion. Moreover, bombesin secretions were raised. In conclusion, the cells were identified as members of the pulmonary epithelial endocrine system and can contribute to the pulmonary biology through a paracrine/endocrine pathway in the lungs of R. ridibunda.
Wide food availability favours intraspecific trophic segregation in predators: the case of a water snake in a Mediterranean river
Authors: Santos Xavier , Vilardebó Estefania , Casals Frederic , Llorente Gustavo , Vinyoles Dolors , De Sostoa Adolf 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
In complex aquatic ecosystems, intraspecific competition for food can evolve into dietary differences related to body size, gender, capture ability, and habitat use. The diet of the viperine snake, Natrix maura, an aquatic predator which forages on fish and amphibians, has been studied in parallel with food availability in a small locality of the Matarranya River (NE Spain). Fish abundance values in this Mediterranean river, which hosts one of the highest rates of fish diversity in Europe, were estimated through electrofishing. Natrix maura fed on four of the ten fish species available and captured the only amphibian detected. Three of these fishes were the most abundant species in the river. The fourth fish was the river blenny, a small and rare benthonic species of which the males protect eggs laid under stones at the bottom of the river during reproductive periods. This behaviour makes it easy prey for N. maura. However, the river blenny was caught mostly by small- and medium-sized snakes, while larger individuals, particularly females, fed on larger and more mobile prey that were more abundant and energetically more profitable. Similar diet differences according to size and gender have been described in other water snakes. We discuss whether this coincidence may be related to the great tropic availability in aquatic environments for fish-eating snakes.
A review of Chinese micronetine species (Araneae: Linyphiidae). Part II: Seven species of ex-Lepthyphantes
Authors: Tu Lihong , Saaristo Michael , Li Shuqiang 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The present paper is the second of a series that review the known Chinese micronetine spiders and deals with seven species originally placed in the genus Lepthyphantes. A new genus is erected, Molestia gen. n. (Type species Lepthyphantes molestus Tao, Li & Zhu, 1995), and the following new combinations are presented: Tenuiphantes aduncus (Zhu, Li & Sha, 1986) comb. n.; Tenuiphantes ancatus (Li & Zhu, 1989) comb. n.; Ryojius nanyuensis (Chen & Yin, 2000) comb. n; Acanthoneta hengshanensis (Chen & Yin, 2000) comb. n.; Indophantes halonatus (Li & Zhu, 1995) comb. n.; Tchatkalophantes huangyuanensis (Zhu & Li, 1983) comb. n.; and Molestia molestus (Tao, Li & Zhu, 1995) comb. n. All species are redescribed and illustrated.
A review of Chinese micronetine species (Araneae: Linyphiidae). Part I: Species of ex-Arcuphantes and ex-Centromerus
Authors: Saaristo Michael , Tu Lihong , Li Shuqiang 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe taxonomic position of five Chinese micronetine spiders currently placed in Arcuphantes and Centromerus is re-evaluated. Two new genera are established, Bifurcia gen. n. (type species Arcuphantes ramosus Li & Zhu, 1987) and Capsulia gen. n. (type species Centromerus tianmushanus Chen & Song, 1987). The following new combinations are presented: Bifurcia ramosa (Li & Zhu, 1987), comb. n., Bifurcia curvata (Sha & Zhu, 1987) comb. n., both ex-Arcuphantes; Tallusia forficala (Zhu & Tu, 1986) comb. n. and Capsulia tianmushana (Chen & Song, 1987) comb. n., both ex Centromerus. The generic placement of Centromerus trilobus Tao, Li & Zhu, 1995 is confirmed and the species belongs to the arcanus group of the genus. Redescriptions of all species are given and the male of Bifurcia curvata is described for the first time. Meanwhile, Fusciphantes Oi, 1960 is revalidated and Lepthyphantes zhejiangensis Chen, 1991 is transferred to Microlinyphia, i.e. Microlinyphia zhejiangensis (Chen, 1991) comb. n.
Early gonadal development and sex differentiation in rosy barb (Puntius conchonius)
Authors: Çek Şehriban 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to describe the early gonadal development and to examine the process of sex differentiation in male and female P. conchonius under laboratory conditions. First evidence of primordial germ cells was observed on the day of hatching. The sex differentiation in leptotene, zygotene, pachytene and diplotene stages was clearly detected. Differentiation started from the mid-mid posterior part of the gonads. Actual sex differentiation occurred between 18-21 days and 36-40 days post-hatching in females and males, respectively. Histological sex differentiation differences were clear between males and females; in males, gonads had a smooth surface, were less stained, arrow-shaped, with germ cells located alone in the stroma, and number of germ cells ranging from two to ten per section, whereas in females, gonads had a rough surface, were more stained, wider, with germ cells multiplying rapidly and forming clusters, and number of germ cells ranged from 2 to 58 per section. The numbers of germ cells within the two gonad types were significantly different in favour of females (P < 0.05). Here early developmental stages of the gonads from 0 to 56 days post-hatch are explained.
Big boys on top: effects of body size, sex and reproductive state on perching behaviour in the tropical rock dragon, Psammophilus dorsalis
Authors: Radder Rajkumar , Saidapur Srinivas , Shanbhag Bhagyashri 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Perching behaviour, in relation to sex, body size and reproductive phases, was studied in the field in a population of the tropical rock lizard, Psammophilus dorsalis. Adult lizards (n = 14 males and 16 females) were marked by toe clipping in November 2001. They were observed at intervals (n = 10 times) over the next 18 months encompassing post-breeding (December-early March), recrudescence (late March-April) and breeding (May-August) phases. In the post-breeding phase, males perched at lower heights. They began perching higher during the recrudescence phase with the highest perches in the breeding phase. In comparison to females, the males perched higher than females all year round and showed greater among-individual variations in perch height. The bigger males perched at greater heights compared to smaller ones during recrudescence and breeding phases. No such trend was evident during the post-breeding phase and perch height was not related to body size. Females moved within a narrow range of heights from the substrata and showed no size-specific relationship in perch selection throughout the reproductive cycle. Selection of higher perches by the males, despite high predation risk, possibly helps in territory defence, courtship displays and in advertising their presence to conspecifics. Further, size-specific perch selection prior to and during the breeding period, suggests that size vis-à-vis age and reproductive cycle also influences selection of perch height in males. In females perching close to the substrata, refuge sites and food sources, seems to be associated with escape from predators, foraging benefits and, in turn, reproductive fitness. Thus, in the seasonally breeding P. dorsalis, sex and reproductive status determine the complex pattern of perching behaviour and, possibly, circulating levels of androgens drive the bigger boys on top in accordance with their size or age.
First record of ectoparasitic African Trichodinids (Ciliophora: Peritrichida) in a cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) from the Churni river system, West Bengal, India
Authors: Mitra Amlan Kumar , Bandyopadhyay Probir 
Published: September 2006

AbstractOreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) and Oreochromis niloticus niloticus Linnaeus, 1758 are two popular freshwater fishes introduced from Africa to India. There are many records of different species of trichodinid ectoparasites infesting wild and cultured cichlids in Africa, but no such study has been conducted on this parasitic group in India. The fishes Oreochromis mossambicus and Oreochromis niloticus niloticus were investigated for the occurrence of trichodinid ciliophorans. Oreochromis mossambicus was found positive for two species, viz., Trichodina centrostrigeata Basson, Van As & Paperna, 1983 and Paratrichodina africana Kazubski & El-Tantawy, 1986. Oreochromis niloticus niloticus was found not to be infested with any species of trichodinid ciliophorans, although, interestingly, Paratrichodina africana was first discovered in this host fish. Comparative descriptions and prevalence of these two above-mentioned species are presented.
A Study of University Students' Attitudes Towards Children's Rights in Turkey
Authors: Karaman-Kepenekci Yasemin 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis research was a survey. It included 350 volunteer university students. A likert type scale was developed in order to measure the attitude of university students toward children's rights. The factor analysis technique and cronbach alpha formula were used to test the validity and reliability of the scale. Item total correlation was calculated for each item. The profile of students, such as gender, faculty, grade and human rights courses taken were examined using frequency and percent. To see whether or not there was a significant difference between students' attitude according to variables, t-test was used. As a result, female students, the students from the Faculty of Educational Sciences and the students who had taken courses on human rights were found to have a positive attitude towards children's rights. Grade of students in not a discriminating factor in the attitudes towards children's rights.
Radiographic Measures of Knee Alignment in Patients with varus Gonarthrosis
Authors: Specogna Adrian V. , Birmingham Trevor B. , Hunt Michael A. , Jones Ian C. , Jenkyn Thomas R. , Fowler Peter J. , Giffin J. Robert 
Published: September 2006

Background Radiographic measures of lower limb malalignment are used to indicate abnormal loading of the knee and to plan corrective procedures. Hypotheses Weightbearing status during hip-to-ankle radiographs will significantly affect malalignment measures; malalignment in single-limb standing will be most highly correlated to the external knee adduction moment during gait, a proposed dynamic measure of functional knee joint load. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Mechanical axis angle was measured in 40 patients with varus gonarthrosis from hip-to-ankle radiographs taken with patients in single-limb standing, double-limb standing, and supine positions. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during walking and used to calculate the peak adduction moment about the knee. Results Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Scheffé post hoc tests indicated that mechanical axis angle measured on single-limb standing radiographs (-8.7°± 4.0°) was significantly greater than on double-limb standing radiographs (-7.1°± 3.8°), which was significantly greater than on supine radiographs (-5.5°± 2.8°). The peak knee adduction moment (2.8 ± 0.8 percentage body weight × height) was only moderately correlated with mechanical axis angle on single-limb standing (r = -0.46), double-limb standing (r = -0.45), and supine (r = -0.43) radiographs. Conclusion Patient position significantly affects frontal plane knee alignment. However, the peak knee adduction moment is only moderately correlated to mechanical axis angle, regardless of weightbearing status. Clinical Relevance These findings are inconsistent with the hypothesis that mechanical axis angle measured in single-limb standing is more representative of dynamic joint load and further highlight the differences between static and dynamic measures. Results also underscore the importance of reporting patient position during radiographs and keeping positions consistent when evaluating patients over time.
Changes of Achilles Midportion Tendon Microcirculation after Repetitive Simultaneous Cryotherapy and Compression Using a Cryo/Cuff
Authors: Knobloch Karsten , Grasemann Ruth , Jagodzinski Michael , Richter Martinus , Zeichen Johannes , Krettek Christian 
Published: September 2006

Background Cryotherapy and compression have been shown to decrease pain and improve function. The dosage and timing of these options remain unclear. Purpose To examine the effects of a standardized compression and cryotherapy device (Cryo/Cuff) on midportion Achilles tendon microcirculation during intermittent administration. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Twenty-six subjects were included (13 men and 13 women; age, 32.3 ± 12 years; body mass index, 25.4 ± 5 kg/m2). Each underwent three 10-minute applications of the device, followed by a 10-minute recovery period. A continuous real-time assessment of parameters of Achilles tendon midportion microcirculation was performed with a laser Doppler spectrophotometry system. Results Superficial tendon oxygen saturation dropped significantly from 35.9 ± 21 arbitrary units (AU) to 13.5 ± 15, 15.9 ± 16, and 11.1 ± 11 AU (P =. 0001) during each period of cryo-compression, respectively. There was significant increase during the recovery period (55.4 ± 29, 65.2 ± 26, and 65.7 ± 27 AU; P =. 003), up to +83% of the baseline level. At 8-mm tendon depth, cryo-compression preserved local oxygen with -4% (P =. 001) of the baseline level and small but significant increased oxygen saturation of up to +13% (P =. 0001). Relative postcapillary venous tendon filling pressures were favorably reduced both superficially (57% ± 34%, 67% ± 27%, and 64% ± 38%, respectively; P =. 0004) and deep (76% ± 13%, 79% ± 11%, and 78% ± 18%, respectively; P =. 0002). Superficial capillary blood flow was reduced from 48.4 ± 48 to 5 ± 7, 4 ± 5, and 3 ± 4 AU at each period, respectively (–94%, P =. 0003), with increased flow during recovery periods of up to 58 ± 64, 58 ± 79, and 47 ± 71 AU, respectively (+20%, P =. 265). Deep flow was reduced from 197 ± 147 to 66.7 ± 64, 55 ± 46, and 43 ± 39 AU, respectively (–78%, P =. 0002) without increase during recovery periods. Conclusion Cryo/Cuff exerts beneficial effects on the microcirculatory level of the midportion Achilles tendon with decreased capillary blood flow, preserved deep tendon oxygen saturation, and facilitated venous capillary outflow.
A Fourier Transformation based Method to Mine Peptide Space for Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Nagarajan Vijayaraj , Kaushik Navodit , Murali Beddhu , Zhang Chaoyang , Lakhera Sanyogita , Elasri Mohamed O , Deng Youping 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides are currently being explored as potential candidate peptide drugs. Since antimicrobial peptides are part of the innate immune system of every living organism, it is possible to discover new candidate peptides using the available genomic and proteomic data. High throughput computational techniques could also be used to virtually scan the entire peptide space for discovering out new candidate antimicrobial peptides.

Result
We have identified a unique indexing method based on biologically distinct characteristic features of known antimicrobial peptides. Analysis of the entries in the antimicrobial peptide databases, based on our indexing method, using Fourier transformation technique revealed a distinct peak in their power spectrum. We have developed a method to mine the genomic and proteomic data, for the presence of peptides with potential antimicrobial activity, by looking for this distinct peak. We also used the Euclidean metric to rank the potential antimicrobial peptides activity. We have parallelized our method so that virtually any given protein space could be data mined, in search of antimicrobial peptides.

Conclusion
The results show that the Fourier transform based method with the property based coding strategy could be used to scan the peptide space for discovering new potential antimicrobial peptides.
Outcome of urogenital infection with Chlamydia muridarum in CD-14 gene knockout mice
Authors: Imtiaz Muhammad T , Schripsema Justin H , Sigar Ira M , Ramsey Kyle H 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
CD14 has been postulated to play a role in chlamydial immunity and immunopathology. There is evidence to support this role in human infections but its function in a mouse model has not been investigated.

Methods
Female CD14 gene knockout and C57BL/6J wild type mice were infected intravaginally with Chlamydia muridarum. The infection course was monitored by detection of viable chlamydiae from serially collected cervical-vaginal swabs. The sequela of tubal factor infertility was assessed using hydrosalpinx formation as a surrogate marker.

Results
A significantly abbreviated infection course was observed in the CD14 gene knockout mice but hydrosalpinx formation occurred at similar rates between the two groups.

Conclusion
Involvement of CD14 during chlamydial infection impedes infection resolution but this does not affect the sequela of infertility as assessed by hydrosalpinx formation.