bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of surfactin from Bacillus subtilis MZ-7 grown on pharmamedia commercial medium
Authors: Al-Ajlani Muaaz Mutaz , Sheikh Muhammad Abid , Ahmad Zeeshan , Hasnain Shahida
Published: June 2007

Background

Commercial medium (Pharmamedia) was investigated for the production of surfactin byBacillus subtilisMZ-7. Different media (defined, semi-defined, and complex media) were compared for the production of surfactin after fixing the least influential variables in standardized fermentation conditions. Carbohydrate and nitrogen supplements were also tried to improve production in Pharmamedia.

Results

Surfactin production was confirmed using PCR along with other analytical techniques and monitored by RP-HPLC and MALDI-TOF-MS. We found that optimized and brain heart infusion media were best for production of surfactin (280 mg/L) and a relatively comparable production with Pharmamedia (220 mg/L), however, supplementing Pharmamedia with Fe+(4.0 mM) and sucrose (2 g/L) leads to a maximum production of about (300 mg/L).

Conclusion

Cottonseed-derived medium proved to be a suitable substrate for the production of bioactive substances including surfactin, a useful compound in both medical and biotechnological fields. The medium provided not only higher product accumulations but at considerably lower cost with potential for large scale industrial applications.
A Bleeding Kiss: intramural haematoma secondary to balloon angioplasty
Authors: Shirodaria Cheerag , Van Gaal William J , Banning Adrian P
Published: June 2007

Background

Intramural coronary haematoma following percutaneous coronary intervention in the absence of coronary dissection is a rare phenomenon.

Case presentation

A 69 year old lady with previous prosthetic aortic valve replacement underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the left mainstem to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and kissing balloon inflations to the LAD and circumflex (Cx) arteries. Although intravascular ultrasound examination (IVUS) of both the LAD and Cx showed both vessels to be widely patent at the end of the procedure, she developed ischaemic chest pain six hours later. Repeat coronary angiography revealed a significant stenosis in the proximal Cx vessel, which was confirmed on IVUS to be intramural haematoma.

Conclusion

In patients taking warfarin in addition to standard antiplatelet therapy, kissing balloon inflations should be carried out with caution.
Role of inhibin and activin in the modulation of gonadotropin- and steroid-induced oocyte maturation in the teleost Fundulus heteroclitus
Authors: Petrino Teresa R , Toussaint Gesulla , Lin Yu-Wai P
Published: June 2007

Background

Activin and inhibin are glycoproteins structurally related to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. These peptides were first described as factors that regulate the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at the pituitary level. The possible role of inhibin and activin, at the ovarian level, in mediating the stimulatory actions of a Fundulus pituitary extract (FPE) and 17alpha,20beta-dihydroprogesterone (DHP) on oocyte maturation was investigated in this study.

Methods

In vitro culture of ovarian follicles and induction of oocyte maturation were carried out in 75% Leibovitz L-15 medium. Follicles or denuded oocytes were exposed to FPE, inhibin, activin, ethanol vehicle (control group), or DHP. The competence of the follicles or denuded oocytes to respond to the hormones was assessed by scoring germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) used as an indication of the reinitiation of meiosis or oocyte maturation. DHP level was measured by radioimmunoassay.

Results

Addition of FPE promoted the synthesis of DHP by the granulose cells of fully grown ovarian follicles and thus stimulated GVBD in the oocyte. Presence of porcine inhibin did not hinder the synthesis of DHP stimulated by FPE, although it did inhibit the subsequent GVBD in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that the action of inhibin was at the oocyte level. Similarly to the findings with FPE, inhibin also blocked the DHP-induced GVBD in intact follicles, as well as the spontaneous and steroid-induced GVBD of denuded oocyte. Inhibin straightforwardly blocked the response to a low dose of DHP throughout the culture period, while higher doses of the steroid appeared to overcome the inhibitory effect especially at later times. In contrast to inhibin, recombinant human activin A significantly enhanced DHP-induced GVBD in a dose-dependent manner after 48 hr, although activin alone was not able to induce GVBD without the presence of the steroid.

Conclusion

Taking together with our previous studies that demonstrate the presence of activin/inhibin subunits in the ovary of F. heteroclitus, these in vitro findings indicate that inhibin and activin are local regulators in the teleost ovary and have opposing effects in modulating oocyte maturation.
The focal adhesion protein Hic-5 is highly expressed in the rat myometrium during late pregnancy and labour and co-localizes with FAK
Authors: Croke Jenn M , Pike Luke RG , MacPhee Daniel J
Published: June 2007

Background

Myometrial growth and remodeling of the cytoskeleton and focal adhesions during late pregnancy may be critical aspects of myometrial activation and thus labour. Yet our understanding of these aspects is inhibited by the paucity of information concerning the components of focal adhesions in the myometrium. The focal adhesion protein h ydrogen peroxide-i nducible c lone-5 (Hic-5) has recently been found in mononuclear smooth muscle but was not examined in the myometrium during pregnancy. Thus, the goal of this study was to characterize Hic-5 mRNA and protein expression in the rat myometrium during pregnancy and labour.

Methods

Rat myometrium samples were obtained from non-pregnant animals, pregnant animals on days (d) 6, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23 (active labour) and 1 day postpartum (PP). In addition, myometrium samples were collected from rats within a progesterone-delayed labour paradigm. Hic-5 mRNA expression was analyzed by Northern blot analysis while Hic-5 protein expression was examined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Hic-5 mRNA expression on d15, d19 and d21 was found to be significantly elevated compared to d6 and d12 of pregnancy and expression on d23 was significantly elevated over d6 (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that detection of Hic-5 protein in the circular muscle layer appeared to increase from d17 onwards, except PP, and Hic-5 was detectable in the cell cytoplasm and more continuously associated with myometrial cell membranes. In the longitudinal muscle layer Hic-5 was readily detectable by d15 and thereafter and primarily associated at myometrial cell membranes. Co-immunofluorescence analysis of potential Hic-5 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) association in situ demonstrated a limited level of co-localization on d19, d23 and PP in the circular muscle layer while in the longitudinal muscle layer Hic-5 and FAK were readily co-localized at myometrial cell membranes.

Conclusion

Hic-5 is highly expressed in the rat myometrium during late pregnancy and labour and co-localizes with FAK in situ. Our results are consistent with a potential role for Hic-5 in focal adhesion remodeling in the rat myometrium during late pregnancy.
Progress on quality management in the German health system – a long and winding road
Authors: Breckenkamp Juergen , Wiskow Christiane , Laaser Ulrich
Published: June 2007

The interest in quality management in health care has increased in the last decades as the financial crises in most health systems generated the need for solutions to contain costs while maintaining quality of care. In Germany the development of quality management procedures has been closely linked with health care reforms. Starting in the early nineties quality management issues gained momentum in reform legislation only 10 years later.

This review summarizes recent developments in medical quality management as related to the federal reform legislation in Germany. It provides an overview on the infrastructure, actors and on the current discussion concerning quality management in medical care.

Germany had to catch up on implementing quality management in the health system compared to other countries. Considerable progress has been made, however, it is recognized that the full integration of quality management will require long-term commitment in developing methods, instruments and communication procedures. The most ambitious project at present is the development of a comprehensive comparative quality management system for hospitals at national level, including public reporting. For the time being medical quality management in Germany is dealt with as a technical and professional issue while the aspects of patient orientation and transparency need further advancement.
Efficient replication of pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) in a mouse macrophage cell line
Authors: Dyer Kimberly D , Schellens Ingrid MM , Bonville Cynthia A , Martin Brittany V , Domachowske Joseph B , Rosenberg Helene F
Published: June 2007

Pneumonia virus of mice (PVM; familyParamyxoviridae, subfamilyPneumovirinae) is a natural respiratory pathogen of rodent species and an important new model for the study of severe viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia. However, despite high virus titers typically detected in infected mouse lung tissuein vivo, cell lines used routinely for virus propagationin vitroare not highly susceptible to PVM infection. We have evaluated several rodent and primate cell lines for susceptibility to PVM infection, and detected highest virus titers from infection of the mouse monocyte-macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. Additionally, virus replication in RAW 264.7 cells induces the synthesis and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines relevant to respiratory virus disease, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), macrophage inflammatory proteins 1α and 1β (MIP-1α and MIP-1β) and the functional homolog of human IL-8, mouse macrophage inflammatory peptide-2 (MIP-2). Identification and characterization of a rodent cell line that supports the replication of PVM and induces the synthesis of disease-related proinflammatory mediators will facilitate studies of molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis that will complement and expand on findings from mouse model systems.
Nuclear import of influenza A viral ribonucleoprotein complexes is mediated by two nuclear localization sequences on viral nucleoprotein
Authors: Wu Winco WH , Sun Ying-Hua B , Panté Nelly
Published: June 2007

Background

The influenza A virus replicates in the nucleus of its host cell. Thus, entry of the influenza genome into the cell nucleus is necessary for establishing infection. The genome of the influenza A virus consists of eight single-stranded, negative-sense RNA molecules, individually packed with several copies of the viral nucleoprotein (NP) into ribonucleoprotein particles (vRNPs). These vRNPs are large, rod-shaped complexes containing a core of NP, around which the RNA is helically wrapped. The vRNPs are the entities that enter the nucleus, and their nuclear import must be mediated by nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) exposed on the vRNPs. NP contains at least two putative NLSs, one at the N-terminus (NLS1) and one in the middle (NLS2) of the protein. These NP NLSs have been shown to mediate the nuclear import of recombinant NP molecules. However, it remains to be determined which NLS mediates the nuclear import of influenza vRNP complexes.

Results

To directly track the nuclear import of the influenza A genome, we developed an experimental assay based on digitonin-permeabilized cells and fluorescently-labeled vRNPs isolated from the influenza A virus. We used this assay to determine the contribution of the two proposed NLSs on NP to the nuclear import of influenza vRNP complexes. Peptides that mimic each of the two NLSs on NP were used to compete with vRNPs for their nuclear import receptors. In addition, antibodies against the two NP NLSs were used to block the NLSs on the vRNP complexes, and thereby inhibit vRNP nuclear import. Both peptide competition and antibody inhibition of either sequence resulted in decreased nuclear accumulation of vRNPs. The two sequences act independently of each other, as inhibition of only one of the two NLSs still resulted in significant, though diminished, nuclear import of vRNPs. Furthermore, when both sequences were blocked, vRNP nuclear import was almost completely inhibited. Antibody inhibition studies further showed that NLS1 on NP is the main contributor to the nuclear import of vRNPs.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that both NLS1 and NLS2 on NP can mediate the nuclear uptake of influenza A vRNPs.
The retromer complex and clathrin define an early endosomal retrograde exit site
Authors: Popoff Vincent , Mardones Gonzalo A. , Tenza Danièle , Rojas Raúl , Lamaze Christophe , Bonifacino Juan S. , Raposo Graça , Johannes Ludger
Published: June 2007

Previous studies have indicated a role for clathrin, the clathrin adaptors AP1 and epsinR, and the retromer complex in retrograde sorting from early/recycling endosomes to the trans Golgi network (TGN). However, it has remained unclear whether these protein machineries function on the same or parallel pathways. We show here that clathrin and the retromer subunit Vps26 colocalize at the ultrastructural level on early/recycling endosomes containing Shiga toxin B-subunit, a well-studied retrograde transport cargo. As previously described for clathrin, we find that interfering with Vps26 expression inhibits retrograde transport of the Shiga toxin B-subunit to the TGN. Under these conditions, endosomal tubules that take the Shiga toxin B-subunit out of transferrin-containing early/recycling endosomes appear to be stabilized. This situation differs from that previously described for low-temperature incubation and clathrin-depletion conditions under which Shiga toxin B-subunit labeling was found to overlap with that of the transferrin receptor. In addition, we find that the Shiga toxin B-subunit and the transferrin receptor accumulate close to multivesicular endosomes in clathrin-depleted cells, suggesting that clathrin initiates retrograde sorting on vacuolar early endosomes, and that retromer is then required to process retrograde tubules. Our findings thus establish a role for the retromer complex in retrograde transport of the B-subunit of Shiga toxin, and strongly suggest that clathrin and retromer function in consecutive retrograde sorting steps on early endosomes.
CTGF enhances the motility of breast cancer cells via an integrin-αvβ3–ERK1/2-dependent S100A4-upregulated pathway
Authors: Chen Pai-Sheng , Wang Ming-Yang , Wu Shin-Ni , Su Jen-Liang , Hong Chih-Chen , Chuang Shuang-En , Chen Min-Wei , Hua Kuo-Tai , Wu Yu-Ling , Cha Shih-Ting , Babu Munisamy Suresh , Chen Chiung-Nien , Lee Po-Huang , Chang King-Jen , Kuo Min-Liang
Published: June 2007

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression is elevated in advanced stages of breast cancer, but the regulatory role of CTGF in invasive breast cancer cell phenotypes is unclear. Presently, overexpression of CTGF in MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/CTGF cells) enhanced cellular migratory ability and spindle-like morphological alterations, as evidenced by actin polymerization and focal-adhesion-complex aggregation. Reducing the CTGF level in MDA-MB-231 (MDA231) cells by antisense CTGF cDNA (MDA231/AS cells) impaired cellular migration and promoted a change to an epithelial-like morphology. A neutralizing antibody against integrin αvβ3 significantly attenuated CTGF-mediated ERK1/2 activation and cellular migration, indicating that the integrin-αvβ3–ERK1/2 signaling pathway is crucial in mediating CTGF function. Moreover, the cDNA microarray analysis revealed CTGF-mediated regulation of the prometastatic gene S100A4. Transfection of MCF-7/CTGF cells with AS-S100A4 reversed the CTGF-induced cellular migratory ability, whereas overexpression of S100A4 in MDA231/AS cells restored their high migratory ability. Genetic and pharmacological manipulations suggested that the CTGF-mediated S100A4 upregulation was dependent on ERK1/2 activation, with expression levels of CTGF and S100A4 being closely correlated with human breast tumors. We conclude that CTGF plays a crucial role in migratory/invasive processes in human breast cancer by a mechanism involving activation of the integrin-αvβ3–ERK1/2–S100A4 pathway.
Making Decisions About Safety in US Ports and Waterways
Authors: Merrick Jason R. W. , Harrald John R.
Published: June 2007

The US Coast Guard (USCG) is charged with maintaining an acceptable level of safety in US ports and waterways. Allocating resources to solve safety problems is difficult because multiple attributes of a port or waterway affect its safety and determine whether a particular safety measure will improve it. We based the ports and waterways safety assessment (PAWSA) model on multiattribute decision analysis techniques and local experts’ and stakeholders’ assessments of safety levels and the effects safety alternatives would have on these levels. The USCG used the PAWSA model to justify funding for four new vessel traffic service centers and to determine new technology requirements for all commercial vessels using US waters. The USCG has adopted it as a permanent part of its safety management tool kit.
Beyond behavioural intentions: Planning mediates between intentions and physical activity
Authors: Scholz Urte , Schüz Benjamin , Ziegelmann Jochen P. , Lippke Sonia , Schwarzer Ralf
Published: June 2007

Objectives Health‐behaviour change is not predicted well by behavioural intentions alone. Action planning and coping planning are two self‐regulatory strategies that may help bridge the gap between intentions and behaviour. Action planning comprises the when, where and how of implementing a behaviour. Coping planning involves the anticipation of barriers and ways to overcome them. The study examines whether the inclusion of these two planning constructs would improve the overall prediction of physical activity. The main research question is which kind of planning would be beneficial for the initiation of behaviour and which one for its maintenance. Moreover, it is examined whether intentions moderate the planning–behaviour relationship.

Methods A 5‐week longitudinal on‐line study was conducted with 354 participants. Differences in prediction patterns between formerly active and formerly inactive individuals were compared using multigroup structural equation modelling. Moderating effects of intentions were tested by means of latent interactions.

Results Inclusion of the two planning factors accounted for substantially more behaviour variance than intention alone did. Coping planning mediated the intention–behaviour relationship only in formerly active, but not in formerly inactive participants. Moreover, intentions moderated the effects of both types of planning on behaviour.

Conclusions Action planning appears to predict behaviour only when intentions are high. For actors, coping planning represents a critical self‐regulation strategy to maintain their physical activity levels.
Objektorientierte Modellierung, Simulation und Regelung dynamischer Systeme am Beispiel eines Oxyfuel-Kraftwerksprozesses (An Oxyfuel-Power-Plant as an Example for Object Oriented Modelling, Simulation and Control of Dynamic Systems)
Authors: Nötges Thomas , Hölemann Sebastian , Bayer Botero Nicolas , Abel Dirk
Published: June 2007

Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit der objektorientierten Modellierung, Simulation und Regelung dynamischer, technischer Systeme. Am Beispiel des Rauchgaskreislaufs eines Oxyfuel-Prozesses werden dabei die Stärken und Besonderheiten der Modellierung mit der objektorientierten Beschreibungssprache Modelica aus Sicht der Regelungstechnik aufgezeigt. Zur Modellierung der thermodynamischen Zusammenhänge werden verschiedene Bibliotheken eingesetzt. Die Möglichkeit der Kopplung der Werkzeuge Modelica/Dymola und Matlab/Simulink resultiert in einer Werkzeugkette, mit welcher nach den Methoden des Rapid Control Prototypings ein Regelungskonzept entworfen werden kann.
Recovery of actinides and lanthanides from high-level liquid waste by extraction chromatography using TODGA+TBP impregnated resins
Authors: Modolo G. , Asp H. , Schreinemachers C. , Vijgen H.
Published: June 2007

A 30% (w/w) N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyldiglycol amide (TODGA) and 10% (w/w) tributyl-phosphate (TBP)-containing resin was prepared and the batch uptake of several actinides [U(VI), Th(IV), Am(III), Cm(III), Cf(III)] and selected fission products from nitric acid solutions was investigated. Two chromatographic column tests were carried out with a synthetic PUREX raffinate containing nominal amounts of fission products and trace amounts of Am(III), Cm(III) and Cf(III). The results of the separation experiments revealed that actinides and lanthanides could be separated from the bulk of other fission products by extraction chromatography using TODGA and TBP as the stationary phases.
Dissolution and electrochemical properties of molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) in basic solutions
Authors: Maslennikov A. , Cannes C. , Fourest B. , Boudanova N. , Vivier V. , Moisy Philippe
Published: June 2007

The dissolution and electrochemical properties of molybdenum carbide were investigated using a number of electrochemical techniques, including general corrosion tests (GCT), linear voltammetry (LV), potential controlled electrolysis (PCE) and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM), in basic media (0.5−4 M NaOH and 1 M NaHCO3/Na2CO3, pH 9.1–11.3). It was shown that the Mo2C corrosion potential (Ecorr) shifted towards negative values from -0.39 to -0.96 V/SCE with an increase of the OH-concentration and did not depend on the CO32-concentration in the electrolyte. LV measurements in carbonate buffer (pH 9.2), evidenced three potential regions: passivation fromEcorrto -0.2 V/SCE, pseudopassivation from -0.25 to 0 V/SCE and anodic dissolution (transpassivation) atE> 0.1 V/SCE. The potentials delimiting the mentioned regions decreased with the increase of the OH-concentration, becoming undistinguished in 2 M NaOH. The Mo2C dissolution rate (kdiss) in the transpassive state was estimated using LV data. In 4 M NaOH at -0.1 V/SCE,kdissreached 430 mg cm-2h-1and decreased with the decrease of the OH-concentration and the electrolysis potential. The Mo2C dissolution current efficiency varied between 12 and 13 F mol-1Mo2C, proving the formation of the intermediate products of a carbon oxidative degradation during PCE. The presence of C2O42-and non-identified aromatic compounds in the electrolytes after Mo2C dissolution was ascertained, using capillary zone electrophoresis. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) confirmed the formation of a pseudopassive film and demonstrated the increase of its thickness with the increase of the applied potential. The effect of the presence of Mo2C on the irradiated UC fuel dissolution rate and the mechanisms involved are discussed.
A talaj és az éghajlat közötti kapcsolat modellezése
Authors: Ács Ferenc , Breuer Hajnalka , Tarczay Klára , Drucza Miklós
Published: June 2007

E tanulmányban a talaj és az éghajlat közötti
kapcsolatot elemeztük. Az elemzést egy Thornthwaite-típusú biogeokémiai modell
alapján végeztük, amelyet Thornthwaite(1948)
biofizikai modellje és egy empirikus talajlégzés modell (Peng et al., 1998) alkotja. A modell
feltételezi az éghajlat, a növényzet és a talaj közötti egyensúlyt, ebből
eredően az éghajlat, a növényzet és a talaj időbeli változatlanságát.
Számításainkat globális (egy az egész Földre vonatkozó adatbázis) és lokális
(egy hazai adatbázis) léptékű éghajlati adatokkal végeztük. Vizsgálatainkban
részletesen elemeztük az éghajlat, a tényleges párolgás és a talajlégzés évi és
szezonális karakterisztikáinak egymás közötti kapcsolatát. Eredményeink közül a
legfontosabbak a következők: - Az éghajlat, a tényleges párolgás és a
talajlégzés évi karakterisztikáinak területi mintázatai között egyértelmű
kapcsolat fedezhető fel mind globális, mind lokális léptékben. - A tényleges
párolgás (100-1000 kg H
2
O·m
-2
·év
-1
) átlagban
három nagyságrenddel nagyobb, mint a hozzátartozó talajlégzés (100-1000 g C·m
-2
·év
-1
).
A tényleges párolgás értékek összemérhetőek a talajban tárolt vízmennyiséggel.
Ezzel szemben a talajlégzés értékek nem mérhetőek össze a talajban tárolt
szénmennyiség értékekkel. - A talajlégzés szezonális változásait döntően
meghatározza az adott éghajlathoz tartozó évi hő- és vízellátottság. Mivel
Magyarországon az évi hő- és vízellátottság értékek között nincsenek nagy
különbségek, a talajlégzés különböző klímatípusokhoz tartozó szezonális
változásai között az eltérések szintén kicsik. Elemzéseinkben azt is
megmutattuk, hogy a hasznos vízkészlet alapvető fontosságú talajparaméter.
Változásai módosítják nemcsak a talajból kibocsátott vízgőz- és
szén-dioxid-áramokat, hanem az éghajlatot is mind globális, mind lokális
léptékben. Ezek alapján nyilvánvaló, hogy az éghajlat modellezésében a talaj
hasznos vízkészletének számításba vétele nélkülözhetetlen. Elemzéseinkben
kizárólag a tényleges párolgásra és a talajlégzésre összpontosítottunk, ugyanis
a talaj és az éghajlat szempontjából e két anyagáram a legfontosabb. A talaj
szempontjából azért, mert a víz és a szén-dioxid, valamint a vele kapcsolatos
szén meghatározza a talaj fizikai, kémiai és biológiai tulajdonságait; az
éghajlat szempontjából pedig azért, mert a vízgőz és a szén-dioxid a légkör két
legfontosabb üvegházhatású gáza.
A parlagfű (Ambrosia elatior L .) kadmium-, réz-, nikkel- és cinktartalma ruderáliákon
Authors: D. Tóth Márta , Sz. Puskás Gabriella , Rohr Rene , Balázsy Sándor
Published: June 2007

A ruderáliák
talajaiban és növényeiben a feldúsult nehézfémek a környezetet szennyezik, és
egyes növények - többek között a parlagfű (
Ambrosiaelatior
L
.
)
-képesek szerveikben az élettani igényeiknél nagyobb mennyiségben felhalmozni.
Vizsgálatainkban tanulmányoztuk három − fajösszetételében, fémtartalmában
és kialakulásában − eltérő terület talajának, valamint az ott tenyésző
parlagfüvek gyökér, levél és virágzat „összes" kadmium-, réz-, nikkel- és
cinktartalmát. A vizsgálati helyek távolsága légvonalban nem haladja meg a 20
km-t, az átlaghőmérséklet mindhárom vizsgálati évben (2000, 2001 és 2002)
hasonló volt, a lehullott csapadékmennyiségek eltértek. A nem ruderália talaja
átlagosan (0,42 mg Cd/kg; 2,32 mg Cu/kg; 5,25 mg Ni/kg; 40 mg Zn/kg), a
kommunális hulladéklerakó (0,83 mg Cd/kg; 10,6 mg Cu/kg; 11,8 mg Ni/kg; 73 mg
Zn/kg), az ipari galvániszap-tároló (3,33 mg Cd/kg; 159 mg Cu/kg; 457 mg Ni/kg;
3377 mg Zn/kg) fémeket tartalmazott, és a mennyiségek között - a kadmium
kivételével - szignifikáns különbségek vannak. A talaj fémterhelésével
növekszik a növények fémtartalma is. A parlagfű leginkább a gyökerekben
halmozta a vizsgált fémeket. A nem ruderálián a gyökér (0,35 mg Cd/kg; 11,0 mg
Cu/kg; 3,67 mg Ni/kg; 30,5 mg Zn/kg), a kommunális hulladéklerakón a gyökér
(0,34 mg Cd/kg; 17,2 mg Cu/kg; 10,1 mg Ni/kg; 118 mg Zn/kg) fémeket
tartalmazott. Az ipari galvániszap-tárolón (III.) tenyésző parlagfüvek
gyökerében 0,97 mg/kg Cd-, 6,52 mg/kg Cu-, 17,9 mg/kg Ni- és 250 mg/kg
Zn-tartalmat mértünk. A vizsgált fémmel nem szennyezett ruderálián (II.) a
kontrollnak tekintett tölgytelepítéssel szemben (nem ruderália) nagyobb
kadmium- (1,06 mg/kg), nikkel- (1,34 mg/kg) és cinktartalmat (73,3 mg/kg)
mértünk a levelekben. Ugyanitt a virágzatban nagyobb a réz- (8,96 mg/kg) és cinktartalom
(71,70 mg/kg). A fémmel szennyezett ipari ruderálián (III.) mind a levelekben
(1,49 mg Cd/kg; 11,7 mg Cu/kg; 2,23 mg Ni/kg és 304 mg Zn/kg), mind a
virágzatban (0,36 mg Cd/kg; 10,3 mg Cu/kg; 7,57 mg Ni/kg és 124 mg Zn/kg) több
a fém, mint a nem ruderálián (I.). A talaj növekvő fémtartalma és a parlagfű
kadmium-, nikkel és cinktartalma között erős pozitív korrelációkat mértünk. A
parlagfű gyökerének, valamint levele és virágzata elemkoncentrációi közötti
összefüggéseinek vizsgálatakor - a réz kivételével - erős korrelációkat kaptunk
az iparterületen (III.). Az ipari galvániszap-tárolón a levél és virágzat
Cd-felvételére vonatkozó korrelációs koefficiens értékei azt mutatják, hogy -
eltérően az I. és II. vizsgálati hely adataitól - a kadmium és a többi fém
közötti kapcsolat erősödik.
Mikrobaszám és enzimaktivitás változása szárazbabfajták (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) rizoszférájában sóterhelés hatására
Authors: Khalif A. Abdoussalam , Abdorhim Hamed , Bayoumi Hamuda Hosam E. A. F. , Oldal Bálint , Kecskés Mihály
Published: June 2007

Üvegházi körülmények
között, a Gödöllői-dombságból származó Ramann-féle barna erdőtalajon
(Dystri-Chromic Cambisol; WRB, 1998) nevelt étkezési szárazbab
(Phaseolus
vulgaris
L.) növény három, Magyarország eltérő ökológiai adottságú
területein is biztonsággal termeszthető, azonos tenyészidejű fajtája (Diana,
Albamax és Perle) rizoszférájának NaCl-kezelés hatására bekövetkező változását
követtük nyomon. Megvizsgáltuk a különböző sókoncentrációknak (0, 0,2, 0,4, 0,6
és 0,8 tömegszázalék) a baktériumnépesség összetételére és a különböző
talajenzimek aktivitására gyakorolt hatását. Megállapítottuk, hogy a talaj
sótartalma közvetlenül befolyásolta a rizoszférában található fluoreszkáló
Pseudomonas
ok
csíraszámát. A legsűrűbb populáció a 0,2% NaCl-ot tartalmazó talajban jött
létre, ahol a fluoreszkáló
Pseudomonas
ok között a
Pseudomonas putida

és a
P. fluorescens
fordultak elő a legnagyobb számban. A
Pseudomonas
ok
ily módon jól tolerálják a nagy NaCl-koncentrációt a talajban, tehát
gyökérkolonizáló tevékenységet képesek kifejteni erősen sós talajban is. A
talaj sóval történt kezelésének hatására szignifikánsan megváltozott mind a hat
vizsgált enzim aktivitása, ennek mértéke ugyanakkor nem azonos módon nyilvánult
meg. A sókoncentráció növelésével kezdetben (a 0,2-0,4%-os tartományban)
jelentősen növekedett a dehidrogenáz, kataláz, és ureáz enzimek aktivitása a
barnabab rizoszférájában, míg a többi fajtáéban nem. A proteáz enzimek
aktivitásának maximuma a 0,1-0,2% NaCl-koncentráció tartományba esett mindhárom
vizsgált fajta esetében. A 0,4%-nál magasabb koncentrációkban a kontrollhoz
hasonló mértékűre csökkent mind a dehidrogenáz és a kataláz aktivitása (a többi
enzimé szignifikánsan még kisebb volt), és a baktériumok száma is. A foszfatáz-
és a b-glükozidáz-aktivitás viszont már
a legkisebb NaCl-adag következtében jelentősen csökkent a kontrollhoz
viszonyítva, illetve, annál mindvégig szignifikánsan kisebb volt.
Feltételezésünk szerint az enzimaktivitások változását is a mikrobióta
összetételének a sókezelés hatására bekövetkező változása okozta.
Ökotoxikológiai vizsgálatok televényférgekkel (Annelida: Enchytraeidae)
Authors: Somogyi Zoltán , Bakonyi Gábor , Kiss István
Published: June 2007

Az Enchytraeidae
(Oligochaeta, Annelida) családba tartozó kistestű televényférgek, fontos
szerepet töltenek be sok ökoszisztémában. Rendkívül érzékenyek az antropogén
stresszfaktorokra, mégis sokáig elhanyagolták őket, mint tesztállatokat. Az
Enchytraeus Reprodukciós Teszt (ERT) különböző kémiai anyagok
hatásvizsgálatára, valamint talajminőség megállapításához fejlesztették ki. A
kidolgozott új módszer révén lehetőség nyílt a korábbi, különböző tesztek
eredményeiben megfigyelhető nagy változatosság csökkentésére, valamint
tanulmányozhatóvá vált a televényférgek különböző antropo­gén stressz­faktorokkal
szemben mutatott érzékenysége. Az ERT alapján dolgoztak ki és fogadtak el több
szabványosított teszteljárást (ASTM E 1676-97; ISO 16387; OECD 220). Mindezek
mellett folyamatban van új eljárások kidolgozása is, melyek egyrészt a
televényférgek magatartás vizsgálatán, másrészt a bioakkumulációs hatásokon
alapulnak. A számos különböző kísérlet, a már elfogadott és a még folyamatban
lévő nemzetközi szabványok mind-mind megerősítik, hogy ez az állatcsoport
(Enchytraeidae) és ezen belül is alapvetően három faj (
E. albidus, E.
crypticus
és
E. luxuriosus
) különösen alkalmas talajokon végzett
ökotoxikológiai tesztekre.
Tiszántúli öntözetlen szikes és réti talajú gyepek produkciónövelése talajjavítással
Authors: Nagy Jenő
Published: June 2007

Az újratelepítés előtt hagyományosan - a talaj
felszínére - adott javítóanyagok hatásának vizsgálatára három tenyészedényes
modellkísérletet állítottam be a Debreceni Agrártudományi Egyetem Karcagi
Kutatóintézetében. Megállapításaimat minden esetben három növedék adataiból
vontam le. A kutatás során vizsgáltam, hogy az újratelepítésnél a gyepalkotó
fűfajok többsége hogyan reagált a teljes adagú javítóanyag mennyiségére
műtrágyázás nélkül és műtrágyázva, ill. van-e a javítóanyag mennyiségének
csökkentésére lehetőség, és az milyen mértékű terméseltéréseket okoz egyes
fűfajok esetében A különböző szikes talajokon - kérges és közepes réti
szolonyec, szoloncsák szolonyec - a modellkísérletek segítségével
megállapítottuk, hogy műtrágyázás nélkül és műtrágyázva milyen mértékű az
eltérő mennyiségben (100, 50, 25%) felszínre juttatott javítóanyagok
gyeptermésre gyakorolt hatása. Megállapítottuk,
hogy az 1. és 2. modellkísérletekben javítóanyagok használata esetén jelentősen
javult a fűfajok kelése (29-109%-kal), nagyobb lett a tőszám (48-74%-kal). -
A talajvizsgálatok alapján (K
A
, y
1
) számított
javítóanyagok hatása az egyes fűfajoknál jelentős, de nem minden fűfaj
reakciója hasonló. A legjobban a magyar rozsnok, a nádképű csenkesz és az angol
perje szerepelt. A fűmagkeverékek összeállításánál javítóanyagok használata
esetén e gyepalkotókkal érdemes számolni.
Phosphorus Supply of Typical Hungarian Soils
Authors: Füleky György
Published: June 2007

The new hot water percolation (HWP) method was
introduced to determine the phosphorus supply of soils from the Soil Bank of 36
Hungarian soils. The present work aimed to explain the availability of
phosphorus by determining the inorganic phosphate fractions and using ryegrass
test plants. Four inorganic phosphate fractions were distinguished: Fraction I,
the sorbed phosphates; Fraction II, the easily soluble Ca phosphates and the Al
bound phosphates; Fraction III, the Fe phosphates; and Fraction IV, the hardly soluble
Ca phosphates. Fraction II, in which the easily soluble Ca phosphates and Al
phosphates accumulate, was the main phosphorus source for the test plants on
both calcareous and non-calcareous soils. Fraction III (the iron phosphates)
plays a greater role in non-calcareous soils, while Fraction IV (the hardly
soluble Ca phosphates) in calcareous soils. Both fractions are closely
connected with soil development, and with soil properties such as pH and CaCO
3

content. The hot water percolation method reflects
the phosphorus supply of soil as well as that measured with ryegrass plants and
with the AL method. This new HWP method is in good correlation with the
main source of phosphate, with fraction II. For routine purposes the first
collected HWP fraction can possibly be used to determine the phosphorus supply
of soil correlating well with the phosphorus uptake of test plants.
Evaluation of 0.01 M CaCl 2 Extractable Nitrogen Forms in a Long-term Experiment
Authors: Lazányi János , Loch J.
Published: June 2007

Soil nitrogen undergoes a series of chemical and
biological transformations, which influence their availability to plants and
the leaching losses. Methods for measuring various forms of nitrogen in soil
are important in order to improve N management and to minimize losses of
essential nutrients in soils.  In the
present study 0.01
M
CaCl
2
extraction was used to
determine the concentrations of ammonium, nitrate and N-organic forms, as these
are closely related to the N mineralization potential of the soil and play a
major role in nitrogen availability to plants. Improving the precision of
nitrogen requirement estimation is essential for increasing the efficiency and
minimizing potential losses of nitrogen in agricultural production. A better
knowledge of the plant-availability of nitrogen may help improve the efficient
use of fertilizers and organic manure. In the present study the amounts of N-NO
3
,
N-NH
4
and N organic were studied in Westsik's crop rotation
experiment. The crop rotation experiment was established in 1929, and is the
best known and most remarkable example of continuous production in Hungary,
enabling the study of the long-term effects of organic manure treatment, the
development of models and the prediction of the probable influences of
different cropping systems on soil properties and crop yields in the Nyírség
(sandy soil) region of Hungary.  The
study aimed the optimization of the fertilizer recommendation system by
considering the soil N-organic content as a measurement of site-specific
mineralization potential. The 0.01
M
CaCl
2
extraction
method measures soluble organic N compounds that are related to the
mineralization of organic nitrogen in the soil. 
The introduction of this concept can possibly result in a more
environment-friendly nitrogen fertilization, without negative effects on the
yield or the quality of produced crops. Taking practicability and costs into
consideration, the 0.01
M
CaCl
2
extraction method is
suitable for the routine analysis of measuring easily available organic nitrogen.
Soil Degradation Processes and Extreme Soil Moisture Regime as Environmental Problems in the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Várallyay György
Published: June 2007

Sustainable land use
and rational soil management, including an up-to-date soil moisture control
requires continuous actions. This permanent control may prevent, eliminate or
at least reduce undesirable soil processes and their harmful
economical/ecological/environmental/social consequences; utilizing the unique
soil characteristic, resilience, may satisfy the conditions for the “quality
maintenance” of this “conditionally renewable” natural resource. Control can be
efficient only on the basis of comprehensive risk assessment, impact analysis
and exact prognosis. These have to be the main research priorities! The
successful prevention, elimination or moderation of undesirable soil
degradation processes and extreme moisture regimes can be efficient only in a
well-coordinated multidisciplinary international cooperation in the Carpathian
Basin. The realization of the sustainability concept in the rational land use
and soil management gives reality for a better life: healthy, good quality
food, clean water and pleasant environment.
The Effect of Phosphate Rocks on Spring Barley Shoot Yield in a Pot Trial
Authors: Csathó Péter , Osztoics E. , Csillag J. , Lengyel T. , Gonda L. , Radimszky L. , Baczó G. , Magyar M. , R. Végh K. , Karátsonyi M. , Takács T. , Lukács A. , Németh T.
Published: June 2007

Depending on their origin, sedimentary phosphate
rocks (PRs) may differ in their P solubility, and, as a consequence, in their
agronomic effectiveness. The effect of six phosphate rocks (PR) - originating
from Algeria (ALG), North Florida (FLO), North Carolina (NCA), Senegal (SEN)
Morocco (MOR) and Hyperphosphate (HYP) with various P solubility (evaluated by
2% formic acid, 2% citric acid, and neutral ammonium citrate) - as well as
single superphosphate (SSP) and superphosphate + lime (SSP + Ca) (each P source
on 4 P levels, with doses of 0, 100, 400 and 1600 mg P
2
O
5
·kg
-1

soil) on the shoot yield of tillering stage spring barley, soil available
P (i.e. H
2
O, Olsen, Bray1, Lakanen-Erviö (LE) and ammonium lactate
(AL) extractable P contents) were studied in pot experiments set up with acidic
sandy soil (Nyírlugos, Hungary) and acidic clay loam soil (Ragály, Hungary),
both with low P supplies.  The average
spring barley shoot yield at the beginning of shooting was 95% higher on the
colloid-rich acidic (pH
KCl
: 4.5) clay loam soil than on the
colloid-poor acidic (pH
KCl
: 3.8) sandy soil. The differences in the
solubility of phosphate rocks showed close correlation to the differences in P
responses. On both soils, the correlation between total PR-P added and P
responses in spring barley shoot yield was much weaker than that between
neutral ammonium citrate soluble PR-P added and P responses in spring barley
shoot yield. When phosphate rocks were applied as P sources, the comparison of
soil test P methods showed a different picture on the two soils. In the case of
the acidic sandy soil (Nyírlugos), the strongly acid LE-P (r² = 0.83) and
AL-P (r² =0.74) tests gave the highest correlation coefficients with
spring barley responses to P, while on the acidic clay loam soil (Ragály) these
were achieved by the Olsen-P (r² = 0.88) and Bray1-P (r² =0.88)
methods.
Trace Metal Concentrations in the Liquid Phase of Phosphate Rock-Treated Soils
Authors: Csillag Julianna , Lukács A. , Osztoics E. , Csathó P. , Baczó Gy.
Published: June 2007

Concentrations of
potentially toxic elements were determined in the soil solution of two soils
(acidic sandy and slightly acidic clay loam) treated with phosphate rocks
having high Cd content in a pot experiment. Relative concentrations
characterizing the mobility of metals (expressed as soil solution
concentrations in percentage of their “total” amounts in the phosphate
rock-treated soil) decreased with increasing phosphate rock rates in the sandy
soil. Mn@Sr>Cd@Co were the most, while Pb and Cr the least mobile
elements. The relative concentrations in the clay loam soil were much lower
than in the sandy soil and they practically remained constant with increasing
phosphate rock rates. It was concluded that in the experimental time frame the
environmental risk did not increase with the increase of phosphate rock
rate.
Inter- and Intraspecific Variability in Infectivity and Effectiveness of Five Glomus sp . Strains and Growth Response of Tomato Host
Authors: Takács Tünde , Biró I. , Anton A. , Chaoxing He
Published: June 2007

Arbuscular mycorrhizal
(AM) fungi are obligatory biotrophic symbionts living in the roots of most
terrestrial plants. AM fungi (AMF) have a positive effect on plant growth and
plant nutrition, especially under stress conditions.  The aim of the present study was to observe
the relationship between the mycorrhizal dependency and nutrient uptake of host
plants and the rate of AMF colonization in a pot experiment. The degree of host
growth responses to AMF colonization is expressed as mycorrhizal dependency
(MD).  The pot trial was set up with a
sterilized calcareous chernozem soil from Nagyhörcsök (Hungary) in a growth
chamber under controlled climatic conditions. Tomato
(Lycopersicon
esculentum
L.) plants were inoculated with
Glomus claroideum
(BEG23)
,
Glomus fasciculatum
(BEG53),
Glomus geosporum
(BEG11),
Glomus
mosseae
(BEG12) strains and a
Glomus mosseae
AMF culture produced by
authors. The dry biomass production, the micro- and macronutrient
concentrations of the shoots and the parameters of the mycorrhizal infection
were determined. Each AM fungi species or isolate caused different and
distinct changes in host plant growth and nutrient uptake. The biomass
production of tomato increased significantly in the presence of AM symbiosis.
The mean values of MD, calculated from shoot dry matter, varied between 36% and
55%. Mycorrhizal inoculation improved the P, N and K uptake of tomato. The
highest values for root colonization, frequency of infection or arbuscular
richness were found in the root of tomato inoculated with the two
Glomus
mosseae
strains. The highest MD and nutrient contents appeared in the shoot
of tomato treated withour
Glomus mosseae
strain, which may
indicate a stronger affinity (compatibility) between the symbiotic partners.
The results confirmed that the selected AMF strains are applicable in
sustainable horticulture.
Quantitative Rheological Indicators for Soil Physical Degradation
Authors: Szegi Tamás , Tombácz E. , Czibulya Zs. , Akagi J. , Zsolnay A.
Published: June 2007

A lot of attention is
being paid to the understanding of the influence of soil degradation on human
life at the beginning of the 21
st
century. Among the many types of
degradation processes, structural degradation is widespread on huge areas in
Europe. For better control, it is needed to get familiar with all the driving
forces, the main reasons that lead to soil degradation (Várallyay, 2003; ESB, 2002). In addition to unfavourable
natural conditions, inappropriate land use has an important impact on
micro-aggregate stability and the rate of tolerance to deformation forces, such
as cultivation and erosion.  Rheological
measurements provide new quantitative information on particle-particle
interaction, the colloidal stability and structure of concentrated suspensions
in general. Field samples from loess derived agricultural soils were
investigated. In addition to general laboratory analyses (soil organic matter
content, CaCO
3
content, CEC), conventional, simple aggregate
stability, and water retention measurements and rheology were applied for
investigating the micro-aggregate stability of the samples. The evaluation of
pseudoplastic flow curves indicated close relationships between the strength
and stability of the physical network and the composition of the suspensions.
These soil properties have strong, well-defined connection with tolerating
cultivation and capability for erosion.
Large-scale Soil Maps Improved by Digital Soil Mapping and GIS-based Soil Status Assessment
Authors: Pásztor László , Szabó J. , Bakacsi Zs. , László P. , Dombos M.
Published: June 2007

A key issue of the applicability of both traditional
soil maps and soil information systems (SSISs) is their accuracy. Essentially,
the main practical aim of soil surveys/mapping and spatial soil information is
prediction. A traditional tool of this information extension is the classical
(crisp) soil map (using soil mapping units), which generally constitute the
geometric basis of SSISs, too. Numerous novel methods have been developed for
producing more accurate soil maps, however traditional crisp soil maps are
still extensively applied, as they offer the most easily interpretable results
for the majority of users. On the other hand, accuracy of this kind of soil
maps can be increased in several ways: with the refinement of soil contours;
with the subdivision of mapping units taking into consideration smaller, within
patch inhomogeneities; and with the refinement of attribute information (more
recent data, more precise measurement, up-to-date methodology, more appropriate
classification etc.). The GIS
adaptation of soil information originating from the 1:25,000 scale practical
soil mapping of Hungary is under construction. Compilation of the Kreybig
Digital Soil Information System (KDSIS) involves both its integration within
appropriate spatial data infrastructure and updating with efficient field
correlation, which make an inherent refinement and upgrading of the system
possible. The first attempts for the field-based updating of KDSIS have been
done, using field GIS technology. Processes of desktop and field reambulation
of the detailed, complex, national spatial soil information system are
presented in this paper.
Unifying theory of aging
Authors: Semsei Imre
Published: June 2007

Az eddigi öregedési elméletek mind azt tűzték ki célul, hogy megtalálják az öregedés végső okát, idáig azonban egyetlenegynek sem sikerült megválaszolni azt a kérdést, hogy miért is öregszünk. Az öregedés folyamata meglehetősen komplex, az elméletek azonban csak egy vagy csak kevés elemére koncentráltak. Az „Öregedés egyesített elméletének” célja az, hogy ezeket az elméleteket szerves egységgé olvassza össze.Összes eddigi várakozásunk ellenére úgy tűnik, hogy az öregedés elkerülhetetlen, az emberi szervezet információs szintje csak az egyed időbeli korlátozott létét teszi lehetővé. Az öregedés alatt a szervezet fokozatosan elsodródik az egyedfejlődés során kialakított differenciált állapottól, s ez végül is oda vezet, hogy az ember lépésről lépésre elveszíti azt a képességét, hogy a környezetkárosító entrópia erőivel sikeresen megbirkózzon. Azonban még ennek ellenére is lehetséges manapság az emberi átlagéletkor emelése, bár a szervezet jelenlegi információs szintjének megváltoztatása nélkül az öregedés továbbra is megmarad gyógyíthatatlan betegségnek.