I like to use MathSciNet's BibTeX feature. However, I recently found out that sometimes their BibTeX entry removes the initial zeros on a MR number, and other times it includes the initial zeros. Is there a preferred choice between these two options? Alternatively, is there a reason I'm missing that explains why MathSciNet isn't consistent?
Math Reviews – Include Initial Zeros?
journalsmathscinet
Best Answer
In most instances, when displaying items with MR numbers that are less than 1000000, we pad the number by prepending with zeros to obtain a 7-digit number. The numbers, however, are stored just as numbers in the database. When we export the record to either BibTeX or AMSRefs, we use the number, no padding. So, "short" numbers should be the norm for items with MR numbers below 1000000.