bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of boars and sows on meat quality and calorific values in the progeny
Authors: Jukna V. , Jukna C. , Peciulaitienė N. , Kausilienė Meskinytė
Published: September 2009

In this article analysis data about boars and sows influence on progeny meat quality and calorific value are represented. In order to assess boar and sow influence on meat quality of their offspring, 144 animals were selected and investigated. For assay Large White, Yorkshire, Landrace and Lithuanian White pigs were selected. Six boars of each breed were selected. For analysis of each boar offspring of 3 sows was used. For each sow litter were evaluated by 2 offspring. The samples were taken from the musculus longissimus dorsi between twelve and last rib. For samples 500 - 550 g size of muscle was taken. The meat quality was evaluated 48 hours after slaughtering. The chemical composition, physical and technological properties of meat were estimated by using common accepted methods. Caloric value of meat was counted according Watt, Mersil (1975) formula. Experiments have shown that in offspring from analyzed pig breeds the highest correlation coefficients determined between calorific value of meat and dry matter, and protein content (p<0001). Between calorific value of meat and meat intramuscular fat content strong significant positive link was established only in the Landrace breed offspring (r = 0.56, p<0001). Dispersive analysis (ANOVA) showed, that the sows and boars had a major influence on offspring meat quality. The biggest statistically significant influence of boar estimated for offspring meat intramuscular fat percentage - 52.1 percentage (p ? 0001), and of sow for offspring meat redness (a *) - 37.7 percentage (p<0.05). And from all genetic factors only boar statistically significant influenced meat calorific value 21.9 percentage (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the offspring sex statistically significant had influence on the meat shear force kg/cm2 (p<0001), drip loss percentage 2.2 percentage (p<0.05) and water holding capacity 1.6 percentage (p<0.05). It is important to clarify the best combinations of boars and sows, because these combinations can ensure increase of high-quality pork in the country. .
Quality indicators: Carcass side and meat quality of pigs of different genotypes
Authors: Kosovac O. , Zivkovic B. , Radovic Cedomir , Smiljakovic T.
Published: September 2009

In the paper, lean meat and quality of meat from pigs of 5 different genotypes were investigated: pure Landrace breed (L), genotype A; two hybrid combinations (Large Yorkshire x Landrace) x Duroc (LY x L) x D, genotype B; (Large Yorkshire x Landrace) x Pietrain (LY x L) x P, genotype C; and tow recurrent mating combinations: (Large Yorkshire x Landrace) x Large Yorkshire (F1x LY, genotype D) and (Large Yorkshire x Landrace) x Landrace (F1 x L, genotype E). Relevant indicators of lean meat were analyzed early post mortem and by method of partial dissection on cooled left carcass sides according to recommendation of EU. By analysis of obtained results it was established that the best indicator of lean meat of pig carcass sides mass of muscle tissue in four main parts. This conclusion derives from the fact that fatteners (genotype C) which had the greatest mass of muscle tissue in four main parts (15,33kg) also had the highest lean meat share in leg, shoulder, back-loin part (BLP) and belly-rib part (BRP) (69,67%, 57,71%, 54,42% and 44,99%) and highest share of muscle tissue in carcass sides when any of the mentioned investigation methods was applied (51,23 and 60,73%) compared to fatteners of other investigated genotypes. The quality of meat was investigated by determination of its technological quality and chemical composition of the MLD. Technological quality and chemical composition of MLD meat exhibited significant (*p<0,05) differences in WBC and pigment content between genotypes B and C, as well as B and E. Average values for content of ashes and share of pigments corresponds with average values characterizing muscles of normal properties. By analysis of obtained results we can conclude that fatteners of genotype E had the highest meat yield in carcass sides, but of slightly lower quality, which indicates the need for further work on improvement of meat quality. .
The effect of different fixed factors on pig carcass quality and meat traits
Authors: Radovic Cedomir , Petrovic M. , Kosovac O. , Stanisic N. , Radojkovic D. , Mijatovic M.
Published: September 2009

Objective of the paper was to investigate the effect of the sire breed (Swedish landrace and Large Yorkshire) and sex (female animals and male castrates) on quality of carcass and pig meat. Established fat thickenss was the highest at withers (33,21 mm) and the thinnest at rump in the center of m. gluteusa medius (18,48 mm). Sire breed had influence (p<0,01) on back fat thickness in the central part, whereas sex influenced (p<0,05) backfat thickenss at withers. Lean meat of Swedish Landrace progeny established by partial dissection EU was 52,91 % and according to current Regulation 42,89 % and it was higher compared to progeny (SLxLY) whose sires were Large Yorkshire breed. Established difference in share of meat between sire breeds by application of these two methods was 10,02 and 8,83 %. Higher share of meat (EU 53,20 %) was established in female progeny by 2,27 % in comparison to male progeny (p<0,05). Also, sire breed influenced (p<0,05 and p<0,01) pH, water binding capacity, softness and thickenss of muscle fibre, whereas the sex influenced (p<0,01) colour of musculus longissimus. Sire breed and sex had no influence on investigated chemical traits of m. longissimus (p>0,05). .
Antimicrobial activity of porcine ovarian follicular fluid on Bacillus cereus and coliform bacteria in vitro
Authors: Kojic M. , Stojanovic Lj. , Smiljakovic T.
Published: September 2009

Potential antimicrobial activity of follicular fluid and its selectivity remains open questions in field of human and animal reproduction. In our work we examine antimicrobial activity of porcine follicular fluid on coliform bacteria, as Gram-negative, and B. cereus, as Gram-positive, by incubation of different dilatations of bacteria with follicular fluid in cultivation medium and microbiological analysis followed by. According to our results, growth of coliform bacteria is stimulated by porcine follicular fluid and has an inhibitor effect on B. cereus, the most probably caused by lysozyme activity. Further study of the antimicrobial effect of follicular fluid against other strains and biochemical analysis in order to define its mechanism, are necessary. .
Effect of environmental and paragenetic factors on birth mass variability of Mis sheep populations
Authors: Petrovic M.P. , Muslic Ruzic , Maksimovic N. , Memisi N.
Published: September 2009

The aim of the study was to determine effect of environmental and paragenetic factors on body mass of lambs at birth. Investigation was realized on experimental sheep farm of Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade-Zemun. Animal included in this research were representatives of Mis sheep population. The results of the research confirm that values of the birth mass range from 4.43 kg to 4,58 kg observed by years and 4.48 kg to 4.55 kg depending on the lambing season. Statistical analysis showed that the existing differences still significant on the level (P <0.05). Variations of body mass in lambs depending on the mother's age range in the interval from 4.29 kg to 4.52 kg and statistically very significant(P<0.01). Type of birth has also expressed a significant effect on the body mass of lambs at birth and variations range from 4.31 kg (twins) to 4.59 kg (single). Existing differences was statistically very significant (P<0.01). Average body mass in lambs depending on sex of lamb were almost the same, 4.54 kg male and 4.52 kg female, and the difference is not statistically significant (P> 0.05).
Effect of antimicrobial agents on some chemical and microbiological characteristics of vacuum: Packaged ground buffalo meat stored under refregerated condition
Authors: Kenawi M.A. , Salam Abdel , Kenawi M.N.
Published: September 2009

The chemical characteristics and microbiological examination of vacuum packaged ground buffalo meat during cold storage for 24 days were determined in order to evaluate two different antimicrobial agents sodium lactate, sodium chloride and their mixture. The results indicated that the use of sodium lactate with or without sodium chloride delayed the proliferation of aerobic plate count, psychotropic count, and lactic acid bacterial count, and extended the shelf life up to more than 24 and 21 days respectively, compared to 8 days for the control samples. The TBA values for the samples treated by sodium chloride was not affected, while at the end of storage period the TBA values of samples treated by sodium lactate were significantly reduce the oxidation changes. Therefore, the use of sodium lactate with or without sodium chloride could be used to extend the shelf life of ground buffalo meat during refrigerated storage by reducing both chemical and microbiological changes. .
Production and quality of meadow associations in forest hunting grounds in Serbia
Authors: Tomic Z. , Nesic Z. , Vilotic D. , Gacic D. , Zujovic M.
Published: September 2009

Determination of meadow associations was done on three locations: enclosed section of the hunting ground 'Posavsko loviste Karakusa' (Forest holding Sremska Mitrovica), enclosed breeding ground i.e. area 'Miloseva voda' (Sokolovica) and enclosed breeding ground 'Lomnicka reka' (Veliki Jastrebac). Phytocenological records were used to determine number and cover, and in samples the presence of plant species was determined and based on this analysis to which plant associations they belong. In determined associations the share in percentages of grass and leguminous species of high, medium and poor quality was determined, as well as species of other families, conditionally useful, bad, worthless, harmful and slightly poisonous. On the first location the following associations were established: Agrostio-Juncetum effusi Cinc. 1959., Trifolio-Agrostietum stoloniferae LJ. Mark. 1973., Agrostietum vulgaris Z. Pavl. 1955. sensu lato. On the second location, on both meadows, the association Festuco-Agrostietum Horv. (1952) 1982. em Trinajest. 1972. was established, whereas on the third location, association Agrostio-Festucetum vallesiacae Gajic 1961 was established. In investigated associations, the production of green mass and dry matter was established, as well as main parameters of the quality of grass mass (crude proteins, crude fibre, crude lipids, NFE and mineral matters). .
Effect of flufenzine on population growth of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Marcic Dejan
Published: September 2009

Effect of flufenzine on different parameters of Tetranychus urticae Koch population growth was investigated. The parameters were computed based on the life tables of female survivors of treatment at different development stages (egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph) with acaricide concentrations that had caused >90% mortality. The intrinsic rates of increase acquired by the so-called jackknife procedure (rj) from female treatment survovors at egg (rj = 0.237) and larva (rj = 0.220) stages had no significant statistical difference from the corresponding values in control (rj = 0.230). Female survovors of treatment at protonymph or deutonymph stages had 2.1 and 4.5 times lower net reproductive rate (R0) against the control while the corresponding rj values in treatment (0.204 and 0.171) were statistically significantly lower than the control (0.255). Treatment with flufenzine at protonymph and deutonymph stages significantly disturbed the age structure of the surviving part of population. The article discusses the significance of sublethal effects of flufenzine in advancement of the acaricide's application strategy in controlling T. urticae.
Efficacy of some herbicides in wheat crop
Authors: Radivojevic Ljiljana , Stankovic-Kalezic Radmila , Budimir M.
Published: September 2009

In 2001 and 2002 field trials were carried out to evaluate efficacy of eight herbicides, alone or in the combinations, in winter wheat crop, in the Juzni Banat region. The next herbicides were examined: 2,4-D, Fluroksypyr Tribenuronmethyl, 2,4-D+Florasulam, Bentazon+Dicamba, Triasulfuron+Dicamba lodosulphuron-methylodium+Amidosulphuron Herbicides were applied after tillering of wheat was over. More frequent weed species were: Anthemis arvensis, Chenopodium album, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis Delphinium consolida, Fumaria officinalis, Galium aparine, Lamium purpureum Polygonum convolvulus, Ranunculus arvensis, Sinapis arvensis, Stellaria media, Veronica polita i Viola tricolor. The most sensitive weed species to all herbicides were S. arvensis and Ch. album. The most tolerant was G. aparine (exept to fluroxipyr). The other species were less sensitive and herbicides eficacy were good or satisfactory, exept to V. polita and D. consolida. These results sugest that all applied herbicides could be successful in broad leaves weed control in the winter wheat crop in the Juzni Banat region.
Biochemical and histopathological effects of carbendazim to rat male reproduction
Authors: Barlas Nurhayat , Selmanoglu Güldeniz , Songür Sibel , Koçkaya Azru , Erdemli Esra
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of carbendazim (methyl 2-benzimidazole carbamate) on the some hormone levels and on testis tissue. Carbendazim in the doses of 0, 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day were administered (by gavage) to male rats, daily for 15 weeks. At the end of the experiment serum total testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels were analyzed and testis tissues were taken for light and electron microscopic examinations. A statistically significant decrease in total serum testosterone level in rats exposed to carbendazim (dose: 300 and 600 mg/kg/day), compared to the control, was observed. Also, dihydrotestosterone level was significantly decreased in all experimental groups. Histopathologically, carbendazim caused detrimental effects in testis tissues. These effects were vacuolization, disorganization and necrosis in germinal epithelium. In addition, multinucleated giant cells were observed in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. These pathological findings were supported by electron microscopic examinations. These results suggest that carbendazim, in subchronic exposure, affects testis tissue and androgenic hormone levels.
Pesticide residues in honeybees and some honeybee products in turkey
Authors: Kolankaya D. , Erkmen B. , Sorkun K. , Koçak O.
Published: September 2009

In this study, residues of organochlorine (??) and organophosphate (OP) insecticides such as malathion, coumaphos and amitraz (used for the control of varroa) were analyzed on honey and pollen. Also, the residues of carbosulfan and carbaryl (that are used for the control of hazelnut's pest) were determined on honey bee. Honey and pollen samples were taken from beehives, and dead honeybees were collected from Akcakoca/Sakarya Region were insecticides for control of haselnut pests were used. Extracts obtained for ?? insecticides were analysed for 13 compound residues including a and -BHC, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, DDT and its derivatives (pp'DDT op'DDD, op'DDT, op'DDE and pp'DDE), heptachlor, and heptachlorepoxide by gas chromatography, using electron capture detector (ECD). OP insecticides in honey, pollen and propolis, and carbosulfan and carbaryl in honeybees were analysed by gas chromatography, using phosphate ionisation detector (FID). Residues of DDT and its derivatives, as well as the residues of aldrin endrin and dieldrin were detected in 6 of the 16 honey samples, and in 2 of the 8 pollen samples, in honey and pollen samples 10 of 13 ? pesticides were found at detectable levels, but the same pesticides were not detectable in propolis samples Detected residues were in ppb's and below the level of toxicity. According to the data obtained, one pollen sample was found to have more kinds of pesticides than the honey. This indicates that the ?? pesticides, before use during the blooming season of the areas where the honeybees wander about, had contaminated pollens and plants; and as a result, these pesticides and their metabolites are still present in honey and pollen due to their persistence, although they have not been used recently. Malathion, coumaphos and amitraz residues were detected at very low levels (0.007, 0.001 and 0.003 ppb, respectively) in one of the 16 pollen samples. Malathion, coumaphos and amitraz residues were not detected in any of the honey or propolis samples. Carbosulfan and carbaryl were detected in dead honeybees, which had been collected from 7 different stations in Akcakoca/Sakarya region.
Malathion and Deltamethrin efficacy in controlling Acanthoscelides obtectus say weevil during long storage of beans
Authors: Kljajic Petar , Milosevski Nada , Peric Ilija
Published: September 2009

Efficacy of Malathion and Deltamethrin contact insecticides in controlling Acanthoscelides obtectus Say bean weevil over a period of 12 months following treatment in laboratory conditions (simulating storage conditions) was investigated. Using appropriate methods (EPPO and other), beans were treated with recommended amounts of Malathion - and Deltamethrin-based insecticide powders. Over a period of 12 months, bioassay was used to determine A. obtectus adult mortality after 2, 7 and 14 days of contact with treated material. Additionally, potential occurrence of F1 generation progeny was monitored over the 14 days of contact with insecticides. The results show that, regardless of the age of Malathion and Deltamethrin deposits, two and seven days of contact with treated beans was insufficient to achieve full mortality of bean weevils, while their mortality was total (100%) after 14 days of contact, the only exception being a Malathion deposit aged 240 days and Deltamethrin deposit aged 90 and 360 days. After 14 days of contact with all Malathion and Deltamethrin deposits on beans and additional 7 days of recovery on untreated material, the mortality of bean weevil adults was total. Weevil adults of F1 generation were found only on Malathion deposits aged 240 and 360 days, while no progeny was registered on Deltamethrin deposits. The tested contact insecticides, applied as powder formulas, can provide full protection of beans from weevils over a 12-month storage period.
HPLC-DAD determination of imidacloprid in onion
Authors: Mandic Aljosa , Lazic Sanja , Indjic Dusanka
Published: September 2009

Imidacloprid is an insecticide most commonly used on vegetables, potato sugar beet, fruit, cereal, maize and rice. Imidacloprid residue has been determined in spiked onion and in onion samples. Sample preparation consisted of dichlormethane extraction of imidacloprid from onion, followed by purification of the obtained extract on a LC-Florisil disposable cartridge. The HPLC-DAD method bas been developed on reversed-phase for separation of imidacloprid with a mixture of 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH = 3.15): acetonitrile. Recovery of imidacloprid, repeatability, linearity limit of detection and limit of quantifi-cation have been determined.
Effects of Metribuzin on the abundance and activity of some groups of soil microorganisms
Authors: Radivojevic Ljiljana , Santric Ljiljana , Stankovic-Kalezic Radmila , Brkic Dragica , Janjic Vaskrsija
Published: September 2009

Effects of the metribuzin herbicide on soil microorganisms were investigated Trials were set up on a chernozem soil in laboratory environment. Metribuzin application rates were 0.3, 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 mg a.i./500g air-dry soil at 10?C, 20?C and 30?C. Soil respiration (amount of released CO2) and abundance of total microflora, fungi, actinomycetes, cellulolytics, ammonifiers nitrifiers, aerobic nitrogen fixiers (Azotobacter) and anaerobic nitrogen fixiers (Clostridium) were studied. Metribuzin was found to inhibit soil respiration, causing statistically highly significant changes of that area of microbiological activity in almost all trial variants. The effect of metribuzin on microorganism abundance varied. It caused a decrease in total microflora, fungi, cellulolytics, nitrifiers, and aerobic and anaerobic nitrogen fixiers (Azotobacter and Clostridium) at all temperatures, and reduced the abundance of actinomycetes at 10?C and 30?C. No effect on ammonifiers was recorded.
Efficiency of more recent fungicides in control of apple scab and powdery mildew
Authors: Balaz Jelica , Knezevic Tatjana
Published: September 2009

Apple scab (V. inaequalis) and powdery mildew (P. leucotricha) are most economicaly important diseases of apple. Chemical measures are of the highest importance in controlling these diseases. There is great number of fungicides on the market. Fungicide choice and time of application depend upon mechanism of their action. Experiments on controlling apple scab and powdery mildew are carried out in 1998/99 and 2002. in different locations in Vojvodina. According to the obtained results the highest efficacy in the control of apple scab and powdery mildew have performed pesticides from strobilurin group (Stroby-kresoxim-methyl and Zato 50 WG-trifloxystrobin)as well as fungicides belonging to the new group of fungicides (Clarinet). In the disease control of the apple high efficacy have also performed DMI fungicides such as Score 250-EC (in control of apple scab). Topas-lOOE and Webeton (in control of powder) mildew). Lower efficacy have performed fungicides with preventive activity such as combination of Venturin S-50+Cosan. Unpublished data from previous studies (1995-1997) of the fungicide Chorus (cyprodinil) biological efficacy also suggested that this new generation fungicide from anylopyrimidin group showed better efficacy than fungicides belonging to former DMI fungicides, as well as contact ones.
Absorption, translocation and metabolism of the sulfonylurea herbicides in plants
Authors: Elezovic Ibrahim , Bozic Dragana , Vrbnicanin Sava
Published: September 2009

Absorption, translocation and metabolism are processes affecting the efficacy of sulfonylurea herbicides. These processes contribute significantly to selectivity but are also known to effect the development of plant resistance to this group of herbicides. Sulfonylureas may be absorbed by both ground and above ground plant parts. The level of absorption depends on numerous factors such as: development stage of the plant, ambient temperature, soil humidity, fertilizers added to herbicides, application in combination with other herbicides, sufactants, plant cultivars, mode of herbicide application, various additives. Having been absorbed, the herbicide moves to the place of action whereby the direction of translocation depends on the mode of absorption. Foliary absorbed sulfonylureas are primarily basipetally translocated. Acropetal translocation is correlated to root absorption. In addition, some herbicides belonging to this group are translocated in both directions. The level and rate of translocation depend on: soil humidity, antagonistic effect of other herbicides (in case of application of herbicide combinations), additives, fertilizers etc. Sulfonylureas in plants are subjected to different metabolic changes which mostly contribute to the inactivation. These transformations are considered to be catalyzed by the cytochrom P-450 monooxigenase enzymic system. Eventually, this process is also known to be affected by numerous factors such as: temperature, soil humidity, plant cultivars, mixtures with other pesticides etc.
Sex Hormones and Cognitive Functioning of Women
Authors: Šimić Nataša , Gregov Ljiljana
Published: September 2009

Spolni hormoni i kognitivno funkcioniranje žena

U radu se raspravlja o organizirajućim i aktivirajućim učincima spolnih hormona te o njihovu utjecaju na kognitivno funkcioniranje. Dosadašnja su istraživanja pokazala spolne razlike u nekim specifičnim kognitivnim sposobnostima. Žene su u prosjeku bolje u verbalnoj fluentnosti, perceptivnoj brzini i točnosti, kao i finijoj motorici, dok su muškarci u prosjeku bolji u prostornim i matematičkim sposobnostima. Ove razlike u kognitivnom funkcioniranju dovode se u vezu s izlaganjem mozga fetusa različitim razinama spolnih hormona tijekom prenatalnog života. Studije na skupinama rođenim s genskim poremećajima, kao što su sindrom neosjetljivosti na androgene, kongenitalna adrenalna hiperplazija i Turnerov sindrom također upućuju na organizirajuće učinke spolnih hormona na kognitivno funkcioniranje.

Nadalje, dosadašnja istraživanja pokazuju da povišene razine ženskih spolnih hormona u kasnoj folikularnoj i/ili lutealnoj fazi menstrualnog ciklusa potenciraju tipičan ženski kognitivni obrazac funkcioniranja, koji karakterizira veća učinkovitost u zadacima koje u prosjeku bolje rješavaju žene. Niske pak razine ovih hormona, koje karakteriziraju menstrualnu fazu ciklusa, potenciraju tipičan muški obrazac funkcioniranja, koji uključuje bolju učinkovitost u zadacima koje u prosjeku bolje rješavaju muškarci.

U radu se također raspravlja o metodološkim razlikama u dosadašnjim istraživanjima organizirajućih i aktivirajućih učinaka spolnih hormona na kognitivno funkcioniranje, kao i o smjernicama za buduća istraživanja.
Chemical Profile of Plomin Bay Sediments
Authors: Oreščanin Višnja , Nađ Karlo , Bartolinčić Anamarija , Valković Vladivoj
Published: September 2009

Chemical Profile of Plomin Bay Sediments

Granulometric, chemical, and leaching properties of sediments dredged in the Plomin Bay (Northern Adriatic Sea, Croatia) were investigated in order to asses the risk of remobilisation of heavy metals into the water column. In total 65 samples from 65 sampling sites were taken from different sediment depths within the bay. Analysis of variance confirmed the homogeneity of granulometric and elemental composition of the investigated sediment throughout its volume. Granulometric analysis showed that all samples corresponded to a pelitic fraction (<0.063 mm). Bulk elemental mass fractions in the sediments were similar to literature data on relatively unpolluted areas of the Adriatic Sea. High sedimentation rate caused by constant inflow of material from the Boljunčica River drainage may be responsible for low levels of heavy metals and negligible influence of fly and bottom ash from a nearby disposal site on the chemical composition of the sediments. In contact with sea water only 0.29 mg kg-1 of V, 0.04 mg kg-1 of Cr, 0.07 mg kg-1 of Ni, 0.33 mg kg-1 of Cu, 0.67 mg kg-1 of Zn and 0.06 mg kg-1 of Pb could be remobilised from sediment material into the water column. However, these values increased three to ten times in case of leaching with organic acids.
Effects of Passive Smoking at Work on Respiratory Symptoms, Lung Function, and Bronchial Responsiveness in Never-Smoking Office Cleaning Women
Authors: Minov Jordan , Karadžinska-Bislimovska Jovanka , Vasilevska Kristin , Risteska-Kuc Snežana , Stoleski Sašo
Published: September 2009

Effects of Passive Smoking at Work on Respiratory Symptoms, Lung Function, and Bronchial Responsiveness in Never-Smoking Office Cleaning Women

This cross-sectional study compares respiratory symptoms, lung function, and bronchial responsiveness between 27 office cleaning women exposed to environmental tobacco smoke at work and 57 unexposed controls. The age range of both groups was 24 to 56 years, and none of the women had ever smoked. Information on respiratory symptoms, cleaning work history, and passive smoking in the workplace were obtained with a questionnaire. The subjects also took a skin prick test to common inhalant allergens, a lung function test, and a histamine challenge. Despite smoking restriction in indoor environments, we found a high prevalence of passive smokers in the workplace (32.1 %). In these subjects we found a significantly higher prevalence of wheezing with breathlessness (25.9 % vs. 8.8 %; P=0.036), wheezing without cold (25.9 % vs. 7.0 %; P=0.016), and breathlessness after effort (29.6 % vs. 8.8 %; P=0.014) than in control subjects. Objective measurements showed a significantly lower MEF25 (53.6 % vs. 63.7 %; P=0.001) and a significantly higher prevalence of borderline bronchial hyperresponsiveness (22.2 % vs. 7.0 %; P=0.044) in the passive smokers in the workplace. This study provides evidence of adverse respiratory effects in office cleaning women associated with passive smoking in the workplace. Our findings support a stricter implementation of the current national law to protect respiratory health of all workers.
Radiative decays of scalar mesons σ(600), f
0(980) and a
0(980) in the local Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model
Authors: Volkov Mikhail , Kuraev Eduard , Bystritskiy Yury
Published: September 2009

The two-photon decay widths of scalar mesons σ(600), f
0(980) and a
0(980) as well a
0 → ju(ω)γ and f
0 → ju(ω)γ are calculated in the framework of the local Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model. The contributions of the quark loops (Hartree-Fock approximation) and the meson loops (next 1/N
c-approximation where N
c is the number of colors) are taken into account. The values of these contributions, as we show, are of the same order of magnitude. For the f
0 decay the K-loop contribution plays the dominant role. The results for two-gamma decays are in satisfactory agreement with modern experimental data. The predictions for a
0 → ju(ω)γ and f
0 → ju(ω)γ widths are given.
New analytical independent-particle model potential for atoms
Authors: Yu Fei , Sun Jiu-Xun
Published: September 2009

A new analytical, independent-particle model potential with four shell-independent parameters is proposed, which is suitable for high, medium, and low Z atoms. The four parameters are determined for 101 atoms from Li to Lr by fitting the results of the X
a method found in the literature. The average fitting error 0.675% of the new potential for the 101 atoms is far better than 3.92% of the widely used Green’s potential. The radial Schrödinger equation with the new potential is solved by using Numerov’s numerical method for 7 typical atoms: Ne, Ca, Zn, Zr, Sn, Yb, and Th. The energy eigenvalues, radial wave functions, and atomic ground-state energy are in good agreement with the results of the X
a method. The new potential here shows greater flexibility and better accuracy compared with the Green’s potential.
A new marine fish leech species of the genus Oceanobdella (Clitellata, Piscicolidae) from coastal waters of Sakhalin Island
Authors: Utevsky Serge
Published: September 2009

A new species of marine fish leeches is described and compared with its congeners. Oceanobdella sakhalinica possesses a unique combination of characters: the anterior sucker is small; one of posterior transverse bands on the urosome is very dark; a wedge-shaped patch is located on the posterior sucker; posterior crop caeca are separate for their entire length; accessory glands on the atrium are lacking; five pairs of testisacs are present; the copulatory area and the conductive tissue are lacking. Hosts include a sculpin Myoxocephalus sp. and the blackline prickleback Acantholumpenus mackayi. The leeches were collected in Aniva Bay, southern Sakhalin.
Allopodocotyle tunisiensis sp. nov. (Digenea, Opecoelidae), a parasite of Solea aegyptiaca (Teleostei, Soleidae) off Tunisia
Authors: Derbel Hela , Neifar Lassad
Published: September 2009

Allopodocotyle tunisiensis sp. nov. is described from the intestine of Solea aegyptiaca Chabanaud collected from the Gulf of Gabès in the Mediterranean Sea off Tunisia. The new species belongs to the group C of Allopodocotyle Pritchard, 1966 species (sensu Bray 1987). It differs from its congeners in this group by the shape of the seminal vesicle and the anterior extend of the vitellarium which varies between just posterior to the ventral sucker and anterior margin. A key to the Allopodocotyle species of group C is presented. The status of the genera Allopodocotyle and Macvicaria (Gibson and Bray 1982) are briefly discussed.
Redescription of Myxidium sphaericum Thélohan, 1895 and Ceratomyxa beloneae Lubat et al., 1989 from the gall bladder of the garpike, Belone belone in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Mladineo Ivona , Šegvić Tanja , Bočina Ivana , Grubišić Leon
Published: September 2009

The garpike Belone belone (L.) is an epipelagic fish abundant in the Mediterranean, parasitized by two coelozoic myxosporidians in the gall bladder — Myxidium sphaericum Thélohan, 1895 and Ceratomyxa beloneae Lubat, Radujković, Marques et Bouix, 1989. In order to redescribe these intriguing and taxonomically complex species, whose original descriptions are limited only to line drawings based on light microscopy, we studied the morphology and ultrastructure of their vegetative and sporogenic stages. M. sphaericum has an oval to sigmoid or mild crescent shape in the frontal view, large conical polar capsules, opening at the spore end, in opposite direction of the spore length, with 8–9 coils of polar filament. C. beloneae has elongated and slightly arched valves; symmetrical and smooth, with the posterior surface almost straight and anterior surface mildly inclinated, having 5 coils of the polar filament.
First record of the nematode Aviculariella alcedonis (Yamaguti et Mitunaga, 1943) (Spirurida, Acuariidae) in Europe, with SEM observations and comments on its taxonomic position
Authors: Mutafchiev Yasen , Zehtindjiev Pavel , Georgiev Boyko
Published: September 2009

Aviculariella alcedonis (Spirurida, Acuariidae) is recorded from Alcedo atthis (Coraciiformes, Alcedinidae) from Bulgaria (new geographical record). A description of female specimens based on light-microscopy and SEM studies is presented. On the basis of the observations of the cephalic end, the position of the genus is considered to be in the subfamily Acuariinae, not in the Seuratiinae where it was previously placed. The host range of Aviculariella spp. is recognised as restricted to birds of the family Alcedinidae. A new morphological peculiarity described in A. alcedonis is the presence of a pair of sublateral ribs at the anterior end of each pseudolabium.
Mathematics Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis of Instructional Components
Authors: Gersten Russell , Chard David J. , Jayanthi Madhavi , Baker Scott K. , Morphy Paul , Flojo Jonathan
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to synthesize findings from 42 interventions (randomized control trials and quasi-experimental studies) on instructional approaches that enhance the mathematics proficiency of students with learning disabilities. We examined the impact of four categories of instructional components: (a) approaches to instruction and/or curriculum design, (b) formative assessment data and feedback to teachers on students' mathematics performance, (c) formative data and feedback to students with LD on their performance, and (d) peer-assisted mathematics instruction. All instructional components except for student feedback with goal-setting and peer-assisted learning within a class resulted in significant mean effects ranging from 0.21 to 1.56. We also examined the effectiveness of these components conditionally, using hierarchical multiple regressions. Two instructional components provided practically and statistically important increases in effect size–teaching students to use heuristics and explicit instruction. Limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and applications for improvement of current practice are discussed.
What Is an Elite Boarding School?
Authors: Gaztambide-Fernández Rubén
Published: September 2009

This article brings attention to the rarefied world of elite boarding schools. Despite their reputation for excellence, these unique educational institutions remain largely outside the gaze of educational researchers and the scope of public debates about education. One reason for this absence is a lack of knowledge about what exactly defines an elite boarding school and the characteristics that stand them apart from other schools in significant ways. Drawing on a review of the relevant literature, the article outlines five criteria by which elite boarding schools can be identified: typologically elite, scholastically elite, historically elite, geographically elite, and demographically elite. Although the “elite” status of any given school in any of these criteria may be open to debate, it is the particular combination of these five dimensions that defines an elite boarding school. After a discussion of these five characteristics, the article outlines some implications for future research that considers elite boarding schools as an integral part of the educational system in the United States and presents some of the challenges facing the study of privilege.
The Masculinized Female Athlete in Weimar Germany
Authors: Sutton Katie
Published: September 2009

Commentators in the popular media of Weimar Germany paid great attention to questions of women's sport, athleticism, and physicality. Their concerns were not restricted to women's reproductive capacities—rather, women's physical emancipation was increasingly interpreted within the framework of larger cultural discourses surrounding the "masculinization" and political emancipation of the modern woman. This article examines such representations of the "masculinized" female athlete, arguing that female athleticism provided an important focus for broader concerns about changing gender relations, female sexuality, and acceptable female life trajectories at this period. Although the perceived threat to traditional male dominance symbolized by the female athlete prompted some commentators to denounce women's physical activity and emphasize traditional gender roles, the article also examines less conventional contemporary responses to women's athleticism, in particular, how a female body "steeled by sport" was reclaimed as an aesthetic ideal within the female homosexual subculture of interwar Berlin.
Modified fenestration with restorative spinoplasty for lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Matsudaira Ko , Yamazaki Takashi , Seichi Atsushi , Hoshi Kazuto , Hara Nobuhiro , Ogiwara Satoshi , Terayama Sei , Chikuda Hirotaka , Takeshita Katsushi , Nakamura Kozo
Published: September 2009

The authors developed an original procedure, modified fenestration with restorative spinoplasty (MFRS) for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. The first step is to cut the spinous process in an L-shape, which is caudally reflected. This procedure allows easy access to the spinal canal, including lateral recesses, and makes it easy to perform a trumpet-style decompression of the nerve roots without violating the facet joints. After the decompression of neural tissues, the spinous process is anatomically restored (spinoplasty). The clinical outcomes at 2 years were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale and patients' satisfaction. Radiological follow-up included radiographs and CT.

Between January 2000 and December 2002, 109 patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication with or without mild spondylolisthesis underwent MFRS. Of these, 101 were followed up for at least 2 years (follow-up rate 93%). The average score on the self-administered JOA scale in 89 patients without comorbidity causing gait disturbance improved from 13.3 preoperatively to 22.9 at 2 years' follow-up. Neurogenic intermittent claudication disappeared in all cases. The patients' assessment of treatment satisfaction was “satisfied” in 74 cases, “slightly satisfied” in 12, “slightly dissatisfied” in 2, and “dissatisfied” in 1 case. In 16 cases (18%), a minimum progression of slippage occurred, but no symptomatic instability or recurrent stenosis was observed. Computed tomography showed that the lateral part of the facet joints was well preserved, and the mean residual ratio was 80%. The MFRS technique produces an adequate and safe decompression of the spinal canal, even in patients with narrow and steep facet joints in whom conventional fenestration is technically demanding.
Minimally invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion followed by percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation in elderly patients
Authors: Park Sung Hun , Park Woo Min , Park Cheul Woong , Kang Kwan Soo , Lee Young Keun , Lim Sang Rak
Published: September 2009

Object

The purpose of this study was to determine whether anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) followed by percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation is effective in elderly patients with degenerative spinal disease.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients > 60 years old who underwent ALIF with percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation from January to June 2004 were studied. The radiological and clinical data of these patients were collected and analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 14.6 months (range 12–17 months).

Results

The mean preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 6- and 12-month postoperative posterior disc heights were 7.1, 11.6, 9.8, and 9.8 mm, respectively. Subsidences of posterior disc height > 20% developed in 9 patients (30%). The significant risk factor for subsidence was found to be 2-level operations (p = 0.023). The mean preoperative Oswestry Disability Index score and visual analog scale scores for the back and leg were 24.4, 6.6, and 7.5, respectively, and improved postoperatively to 14.2, 1.5, and 1.8, respectively.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive ALIF followed by percutaneous translaminar facet screw fixation was performed as a minimally invasive surgical technique in elderly patients. However, in certain circumstances such as multilevel operations or in patients with severe osteoporosis, significant cage subsidence can develop.
Conservative treatment of upper cervical spine injuries with the halo vest: an appropriate option for all patients independent of their age?
Authors: Daentzer Dorothea , Flörkemeier Thilo
Published: September 2009

Object

Most upper cervical spine injuries are able to heal conservatively by halo vest application. The acceptance of the halo is different among patients due to the weight of the apparatus and the limited mobility it causes. Additionally, the fracture healing rate in older patients seems to be inferior to that in younger patients, which would make an operative stabilization procedure more appropriate for the elderly. Furthermore, the risk of complications is assumed to be higher in older people. The purpose of this retrospective study was to find out if there are differences in the clinical and radiological results and in complication rates between 2 patient groups with upper cervical spine injuries and halo vest treatment with special interest of their age group.

Methods

A total of 29 patients with upper cervical spine injuries were treated by halo vest application. The clinical and radiological results and the complication and revision surgery rates were identified. Patients were divided into 2 groups (18 patients were < 65 years and 11 were > 65 years), and the results were evaluated to examine whether there were any differences.

Results

The clinical and radiological results and the complication rate were not statistically significantly different between the 2 patient groups; however, there was a tendency for a longer time interval for fracture healing and more complications in the elderly people.

Conclusions

If the conditions for conservative treatment of upper cervical spine injuries with halo fixation are right, the clinical and radiological results are good and almost similar in patients regardless of their age, although there is a tendency for more complications in older people.
The regenerative capacity of the notochordal cell: tissue constructs generated in vitro under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Erwin W. Mark , Heras Facundo Las , Islam Diana , Fehlings Michael G. , Inman Robert D.
Published: September 2009

Object

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a highly avascular structure that is occupied by highly specialized cells (nucleus pulposus [NP] cells) that have adapted to survive within an O2 concentration of 2–5%. The object of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term hypoxic and normoxic tissue cultures of nonchondrodystrophic canine notochordal cells—cells that appear to protect the disc NP from degenerative change.

Methods

The authors obtained notochordal cells from nonchondrodystrophic canines according to their established methods and placed them into monolayer and 3D culture using sodium alginate globules under either hypoxic (3.5% O2) or normoxic (21% O2) conditions. Histological, immunohistochemical, scanning electron microscopy, and histomorphometric methods were used to evaluate the cells within the globules after 5 months in culture.

Results

Notochordal cells under in vitro hypoxic tissue culture conditions produced a highly complex, organized, 3D cellular construct that was strikingly similar to that observed in vivo. In contrast, traditional normoxic tissue culture conditions resulted in notochordal cells that failed to produce an organized matrix. Hypoxia resulted in a matrix rich in aggrecan and collagen II, whereas normoxic cultured cells did not produce any observable aggrecan or collagen II after 5 months of culture.

Conclusions

Hypoxia induces notochordal cells to organize a complex 3D cellular/extracellular matrix without an external scaffold other than suspension within sodium alginate. These cells produce an extracellular matrix and large construct that shares exactly the same characteristics as the in vivo condition—robust aggrecan, and type II collagen production. Normoxic tissue culture conditions, however, lead to a failure of these cells to thrive and a lack of extracellular matrix production and significantly smaller cells. The authors suggest that future studies of NP cells and, in particular, notochordal cells should utilize hypoxic tissue culture conditions to derive meaningful, biologically relevant conclusions concerning possible biological/molecular interventions.
Biomechanical, biochemical, and histological characterization of canine lumbar facet joint cartilage
Authors: Elder Benjamin D. , Vigneswaran Krishanthan , Athanasiou Kyriacos A. , Kim Daniel H.
Published: September 2009

Object

Tissue engineering appears to be a promising strategy for articular cartilage regeneration as a treatment for facet joint arthritis. Prior to the commencement of tissue engineering approaches, design criteria must be established to determine the required functional properties of the replacement tissue. As characterization of the functional properties of facet joint cartilage has not been performed previously, the objective of this study was to determine the biomechanical, biochemical, and histological properties of facet joint cartilage.

Methods

The in vitro testing was conducted using 4 lumbar spinal segments obtained from skeletally mature canines. In each specimen, articular cartilage was obtained from the superior surface of the L3–4 and L4–5 facet joints. Creep indentation was used to determine the compressive biomechanical properties, while uniaxial tensile testing yielded the Young modulus and ultimate tensile strength of the tissue. Additionally, biochemical assessments included determinations of cellularity, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and collagen content, as well as enzymelinked immunosorbent assays for collagen I and II production. Finally, histological characterization included H & E staining, as well as staining for collagen and GAG distributions.

Results

The means ± standard deviation values were determined. There were no differences between the 2 spinal levels for any of the assessed properties. Averaged over both levels, the thickness was 0.49 ± 0.10 mm and the hydration was 74.7 ± 1.7%. Additionally, the cells/wet weight (WW) ratio was 6.26 ± 2.66 × 104 cells/mg and the cells/dry weight (DW) ratio was 2.51 ± 1.21 × 105 cells/mg. The GAG/WW was 0.038 ± 0.013 and the GAG/ DW was 0.149 ± 0.049 mg/mg, while the collagen/WW was 0.168 ± 0.026 and collagen/DW was 0.681 ± 0.154 mg/ mg. Finally, the aggregate modulus was 554 ± 133 kPa, the Young modulus was 10.08 ± 8.07 MPa, and the ultimate tensile strength was 4.44 ± 2.40 MPa.

Conclusions

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to provide a functional characterization of facet joint articular cartilage, thus providing design criteria for future tissue engineering studies.