bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Was ist ein religiöser Markt? Zum Wandel der religiösen Konkurrenz in den USA
Authors: Kern Thomas , Pruisken Insa
Published: March 2018

Der vorliegende Beitrag befasst sich aus soziologischer Perspektive kritisch mit dem Marktbegriff der Religionsökonomie. Anhand einer historischen Analyse des Protestantismus in den USA werden im Anschluss an Weber vier Formen der religiösen Konfliktbewältigung herausgearbeitet: gewaltsame Konflikte, ungeregelte (gewaltlose) Konkurrenz, geregelte Konkurrenz und Märkte. Letztere beruhen auf einer Kombination von zwei Interaktionsformen: geregelte Konkurrenz und Tausch. Märkte bilden sich nicht „spontan“, wie die Religionsökonomie behauptet, sondern sind das Ergebnis voraussetzungsvoller Institutionalisierungsprozesse. Wie im Verlauf der Studie deutlich wird, hing die Entstehung eines religiösen Marktes innerhalb des US-amerikanischen Protestantismus ab von der Durchsetzung des Pluralismus als kultureller Leitidee, der Annäherung zwischen den protestantischen Denominationen und der zunehmenden Verlagerung der religiösen Konkurrenz von den Denominationen auf die Gemeinden als primären Trägern religiöser Identifikation.
Functional Organization of the Temporal–Parietal Junction for Theory of Mind in Preverbal Infants: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Hyde Daniel C. , Simon Charline E. , Ting Fransisca , Nikolaeva Julia I.
Published: March 2018

Successful human social life requires imagining what others believe or think to understand and predict behavior. This ability, often referred to as theory of mind (ToM), reliably engages a specialized network of temporal and prefrontal brain regions in older children and adults, including selective recruitment of the temporal–parietal junction (TPJ). To date, how and when this specialized brain organization for ToM arises is unknown due to limitations in functional neuroimaging at younger ages. Here, we used the emerging technique of functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure the functional brain response across parietal, temporal, and prefrontal regions in 7-month-old male and female infants as they viewed different video scenarios of a person searching for a hidden object. Over different conditions, we manipulated whether the person held an accurate (true) or inaccurate (false) belief about the location of the hidden object in the videos. In two separate experiments, we observed that activity from the TPJ, but not other temporal and prefrontal regions, spontaneously tracked with the beliefs of the other person, responding more during scenarios when the other person's belief regarding the location of the object was false compared with scenarios when her belief was true. These results mirror those obtained with adults to show that the TPJ already shows some functional organization relevant to high-level social cognition by around 7 months of age. Furthermore, these results suggest that infants may draw on similar core mechanisms to implicitly track beliefs, as adults do when reasoning explicitly about them.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHumans selectively engage a network of brain regions, including the temporal–parietal junction (TPJ), to track what others think, an ability referred to as theory of mind. How and when this specialized brain organization for high-level social cognition arises is unknown. Using the emerging technique of near-infrared spectroscopy with 7-month-old infants, we observed that activity of the TPJ, but not other temporal and frontal regions, distinguished between scenarios when another person's belief about the location of the object was false compared with scenarios when the belief was true. These results suggest that a basic neural architecture to understand and predict the actions of others based on their beliefs may be present from the first year of life.
Low-Dimensional and Monotonic Preparatory Activity in Mouse Anterior Lateral Motor Cortex
Authors: Inagaki Hidehiko K. , Inagaki Miho , Romani Sandro , Svoboda Karel
Published: March 2018

Neurons in multiple brain regions fire trains of action potentials anticipating specific movements, but this “preparatory activity” has not been systematically compared across behavioral tasks. We compared preparatory activity in auditory and tactile delayed-response tasks in male mice. Skilled, directional licking was the motor output. The anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) is necessary for motor planning in both tasks. Multiple features of ALM preparatory activity during the delay epoch were similar across tasks. First, most neurons showed direction-selective activity and spatially intermingled neurons were selective for either movement direction. Second, many cells showed mixed coding of sensory stimulus and licking direction, with a bias toward licking direction. Third, delay activity was monotonic and low-dimensional. Fourth, pairs of neurons with similar direction selectivity showed high spike-count correlations. Our study forms the foundation to analyze the neural circuit mechanisms underlying preparatory activity in a genetically tractable model organism.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTShort-term memories link events separated in time. Neurons in the frontal cortex fire trains of action potentials anticipating specific movements, often seconds before the movement. This “preparatory activity” has been observed in multiple brain regions, but has rarely been compared systematically across behavioral tasks in the same brain region. To identify common features of preparatory activity, we developed and compared preparatory activity in auditory and tactile delayed-response tasks in mice. The same cortical area is necessary for both tasks. Multiple features of preparatory activity, measured with high-density silicon probes, were similar across tasks. We find that preparatory activity is low-dimensional and monotonic. Our study forms a foundation for analyzing the circuit mechanisms underlying preparatory activity in a genetically tractable model organism.
The Sense and Reference of Sound; or, Walter Pater’s Kinky Literalism
Authors: Coombs David Sweeney
Published: March 2018

David Sweeney Coombs, “The Sense and Reference of Sound; or, Walter Pater’s Kinky Literalism” (pp. 487–514)

This essay explores the erotic possibilities of literal reading by strategically fetishizing the recurring figure of harmony in Walter Pater’s essay “The School of Giorgione” (1877) and his other post-Renaissance writings. I read Pater’s invocations of harmony literally with help from the scientific acoustics of the German physicist Hermann von Helmholtz, which achieved immense popularity in Britain at just the moment that Pater made his famous declaration that all art aspires to the conditions of music. Both Pater and Helmholtz understood perception as an act of reading bodily sensations in which reference—our attention to the objects we infer to be present in the world around us—constantly threatens to overwhelm our awareness of the sensations themselves. In his work on acoustics, however, Helmholtz singled out musical harmony as an experience uniquely susceptible to the mental effort to distinguish discrete sensations during the act of perception. Oscillating between sense and reference, harmony exemplifies the rhetorical logic of what Pater calls literal metaphors—figures whose figurative significance can be fully accessed only by taking them literally. The most emblematic of Pater’s literal metaphors is the Paterian figure itself, at once human form and trope. To take Paterian figures literally, this essay suggests, is to reimagine literal reading as a form of kink—a fetishizing of the sensory forces through which a figure affects and dominates us.
Henry James’s Black Dresses
Authors: Goldberg Shari
Published: March 2018

Shari Goldberg, “Henry James’s Black Dresses: Mourning without Grief” (pp. 515–538)

While scholars have carefully discerned how nineteenth-century modes of mourning differ from Sigmund Freud’s later model, the distinction between mourning and grief, in texts of the period and beyond, tends to be collapsed. This essay argues that Henry James disentangles the two terms by insisting on mourning’s association with ritualistic, social behavior, most iconically the wearing of a black dress. In James’s writing, to be “in mourning” generally means to be physically within such a dress, without reference to one’s emotional state. His use of the phrase, particularly in “The Altar of the Dead” (1895) and “Maud-Evelyn” (1900), thus offers ways of thinking through responses to death apart from grief. One is that the black dress can obscure, rather than advertise, the wearer’s feelings. Another is that such garments may facilitate ongoing relationships with persons now dead. Such processes of mourning without grief are nearly impossible to recognize after the advent of psychoanalysis, yet this essay concludes by finding evidence of their circulation in today’s political resistance.
The Role of Agency and Institutional Theory in the Planning and Realization for Capital Expenditures
Authors: Hifni Syaiful
Published: March 2018

The capital expenditures are part of direct expenditure in the regional budget. The other elements of capital expenditures are: personnel expenditure, and spending on goods and services. Planning and realization for capital expenditure in the regional budget for each Government Regional Work Units is a part of policy regional financial management in fiscal decentralization policy which need be increased to achieve value significantly over time. Increasing in planning and realization of capital expenditures is directly related to the amount of capital expenditure element that strengthens physical infrastructure which would strengthen economic growth for social welfare, regional competitiveness for facilitation and liberalization a single market and production base in AEC era. This study examines the role of agency theory and institutional theory in relation with planning and realization of capital expenditures of 82 (Eighty Two) Government Work Units of 3 (Three) regional government, namely Banjarmasin City, Banjar District, and Tanah Laut District in South Kalimantan Province. This study contributes to the accounting literature to assess role of conceptual framework with agency theory and institutional theory. The result of study showed: there are differences in the implementation of capital expenditure to meet AEC pillars and social welfare purposes by increasing capital expenditure through the role of the agency theory, and institutional theory. Relationship of agency theory and institutional theory with social welfare and AEC with the amount of C Contingency coefficient 0,313 and Cramer Coefficient of Association 0.191 indicates there are Moderate correlation: substantial relationship and Small correlation; Lower relationship association.
Revenue Budget Variance and Capital Expenditure Realization Emperical Evidence from Indonesian Local Goverments
Authors: Fahlevi Heru
Published: March 2018

This study aims to examine the effect of local revenue variance, variance of fund balances and budget account surplus (SILPA) for capital expenditure realization. The population in this study were all districts / cities in Indonesia, with observations taken from 2010 to 2014 amounting to 508 districts / cities from 34 provinces. Based on the Slovin formula, obtained a sample of 345 districts / cities as observation data. Data obtained from local government budget and budget realization report 2010-2014). Multiple regression analysis applied to data analysis. Empirical results indicate that the variance of local revenue is related to the realization of capital expenditure. The results also reported the relationship between variance of equilibrium funds and capital expenditure realization as well as the relationship between budget account surplus and capital expenditure realization. The results are also related simultaneously between the variance of local revenue, variance of fund balance, and budget account surplus (SILPA) for capital expenditure realization. The conclusions of this study are the variance of local revenue, the variance of fund balance, and the remaining budget have a positive effect on capital expenditure. Thus, local governments can be said to have changed the variance of Regional Income, balance funds and SiLPA to capital expenditures. The consequence is the emergence of new capital expenditure programs that may not be realized.
Analysis of Economic Performance of Manufacturing Companies in Indonesia
Authors: Fernando Nadim , Fachrurrozie Fachrurrozie
Published: March 2018

This research aimed to analyze the influence of Environmental Performance, Profit Margin, and Environmental Disclosure on the Economic Performance partially, and the influence of the Environmental Performance onEconomic Performance through the Environmental Disclosure as an intervening variable.The research sample included the manufacturing companies that listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2012-2014 and joined the PROPER program by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE),which were composed of 39 companies from the total 141 companies.This research used secondary data from the annual reports of each company obtained from the website of the Stock Exchange (www.idx.co.id) and PROPER report by KLH (www.menlh.go.id). Hypothesis testing in this study used path analysis, t test, and Sobel test. The results of this research indicated that the Environmental Performance and Profit Margin partially has significant influence on the Economic Performance, while the Environmental Disclosure does not have a significant influence toward the Economic Performance, and Environmental Performance has no significant influence on the Economic Performance through the Environmental Disclosure as an intervening variable.
The Effect of Internal Financial Indicators on the Tendency of Accounting Fraud
Authors: Iswati Dana , Nindito Marsellisa , Zakaria Adam
Published: March 2018

This research is carried out to prove factors of tendency of accounting fraud in companies empirically. Variable used in predicting the tendency of accounting fraud is profitability level, capital turnover, financial leverage, assets composition, and firm size tendency of accounting fraud. The population is companies registered in Indonesia Stock Exchange that are suspected to fraud the accounting during observation year 2013 2015. Samples are taken by using purposive sampling, there are 12 companies are proven to be done fraud accounting and 12 companies are not. Data is analysed by using logistic regression analysis and Hosmer and Lemeshow test to measure the model. The result shows that capital turnover and assets composition has significant influence on tendency of accounting fraud. Besides, profitability, financial leverage, and firm size has insignificant influence on tendency of accounting fraud variable. This research concluded that capital turnover and assets composition can be used as predictor of tendency of accounting fraud in a company.
The Effect of Accrual-GAS on the Financial Reporting Reliability With HR Capacity as Mediating Variables
Authors: Aryani Mega Kusuma , Kiswanto Kiswanto
Published: March 2018

This research aimed to gets empirical evidence of the influence of human resource capacity with relation accrual-based government accounting standards on the reliability of financial reporting. This Research is a population research with the number of respondents 52 State Civil Apparatus who officiate as treasurer in each SKPD and employees in the accounting field in BPPKAD Kudus. Analysis method for hypothesis in this research used path analysis. The results of this research indicate that accrual basis government accounting standards and the capacity of human resources has a positive influence to the reliability of financial reporting, while accrual based government accounting standards have a positive effect on the capacity of human resource, but the capacity of human resources is not mediate the influence between accrual based government accounting standards to reliability of financial reporting. Conclusion of this study says that implementation of accrual based in Kudus District can support reliability of financial reporting and the capacity of State Civil Apparatus who officiate as treasurer in each SKPD and employees in the accounting field in BPPKAD Kudus also supports the created of financial reporting reliability.
New-onset insulin-dependent diabetes due to nivolumab
Authors: Zaied Ali A , Akturk Halis K , Joseph Richard W , Lee Augustine S
Published: March 2018

Nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death-1 receptor, is increasingly used in advanced cancers. While nivolumab use enhances cancer therapy, it is associated with increased immune-related adverse events. We describe an elderly man who presented in ketoacidosis after receiving nivolumab for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. On presentation, he was hyperpneic and laboratory analyses showed hyperglycemia and anion-gapped metabolic acidosis consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis. No other precipitating factors, besides nivolumab, were identified. Pre-nivolumab blood glucose levels were normal. The patient responded to treatment with intravenous fluids, insulin and electrolyte replacement. He was diagnosed with insulin-dependent autoimmune diabetes mellitus secondary to nivolumab. Although nivolumab was stopped, he continued to require multiple insulin injection therapy till his last follow-up 7 months after presentation. Clinicians need to be alerted to the development of diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis in patients receiving nivolumab.

Learning points:

Diabetic ketoacidosis should be considered in the differential of patients presenting with metabolic acidosis following treatment with antibodies to programmed cell death-1 receptor (anti-PD-1).

Autoimmune islet cell damage is the presumed mechanism for how insulin requiring diabetes mellitus can develop de novo following administration of anti-PD-1.

Because anti-PD-1 works by the activation of T-cells and reduction of ‘self-tolerance’, other autoimmune disorders are likely to be increasingly recognized with increased use of these agents.
Concurrent primary hyperparathyroidism and pheochromocytoma in a Chinese lady with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Wong Cheuk-Lik , Fok Chun-Kit , Tam Vicki Ho-Kee
Published: March 2018

We report a case of elderly Chinese lady with neurofibromatosis type-1 presenting with longstanding palpitation, paroxysmal hypertension and osteoporosis. Biochemical testing showed mild hypercalcaemia with non-suppressed parathyroid hormone level suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism, and mildly elevated urinary fractionated normetanephrine and plasma-free normetanephrine pointing to a catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Further scintigraphic investigation revealed evidence of a solitary parathyroid adenoma causing primary hyperparathyroidism and a left pheochromocytoma. Resection of the parathyroid adenoma and pheochromocytoma resulted in normalization of biochemical abnormalities and hypertension. The rare concurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism and pheochromocytoma in neurofibromatosis type-1 is discussed.

Learning points:

All NF-1 patients who have symptoms suggestive of a pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL), even remotely, should undergo biochemical testing.

The initial biochemical tests of choice for PPGL in NF-1 are either plasma-free metanephrines or urinary fractionated metanephrines. Any elevations of metanephrines should be carefully evaluated for the presence of PPGLs in NF-1 patients.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is described in subjects with NF-1. Due to the lack of epidemiological and functional studies, their association is yet to be substantiated. Meanwhile, PHPT may further exacerbate the metabolic bone defect in these patients and should be treated when present according to published guidelines.

Coexistence of PPGL and PHPT can occur in subjects with NF-1, mimicking multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).
A rare challenging case of co-existent craniopharyngioma, acromegaly and squamous cell lung cancer
Authors: Fountas Athanasios , Chai Shu Teng , Ayuk John , Gittoes Neil , Chavda Swarupsinh , Karavitaki Niki
Published: March 2018

Co-existence of craniopharyngioma and acromegaly has been very rarely reported. A 65-year-old man presented with visual deterioration, fatigue and frontal headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a suprasellar heterogeneous, mainly cystic, 1.9 × 2 × 1.9 cm mass compressing the optic chiasm and expanding to the third ventricle; the findings were consistent with a craniopharyngioma. Pituitary hormone profile showed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, mildly elevated prolactin, increased insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and normal thyroid function and cortisol reserve. The patient had transsphenoidal surgery and pathology of the specimen was diagnostic of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Post-operatively, he had diabetes insipidus, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and adrenocorticotropic hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency. Despite the hypopituitarism, his IGF-1 levels remained elevated and subsequent oral glucose tolerance test did not show complete growth hormone (GH) suppression. Further review of the pre-operative imaging revealed a 12 × 4 mm pituitary adenoma close to the right carotid artery and no signs of pituitary hyperplasia. At that time, he was also diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the left upper lung lobe finally managed with radical radiotherapy. Treatment with long-acting somatostatin analogue was initiated leading to biochemical control of the acromegaly. Latest imaging has shown no evidence of craniopharyngioma regrowth and stable adenoma. This is a unique case report of co-existence of craniopharyngioma, acromegaly and squamous lung cell carcinoma that highlights diagnostic and management challenges. Potential effects of the GH hypersecretion on the co-existent tumours of this patient are also briefly discussed.

Learning points:

Although an extremely rare clinical scenario, craniopharyngioma and acromegaly can co-exist; aetiopathogenic link between these two conditions is unlikely.

Meticulous review of unexpected biochemical findings is vital for correct diagnosis of dual pituitary pathology.

The potential adverse impact of GH excess due to acromegaly in a patient with craniopharyngioma (and other neoplasm) mandates adequate biochemical control of the GH hypersecretion.
Modelos de relacionamiento en política exterior. Una propuesta para el análisis de las relaciones sinosuramericanas
Authors: Sotomayor Luis Alejandro
Published: March 2018

Este artículo presenta tres modelos de relacionamiento entre un Estado débil y otro poderoso para explicar qué tipo de vínculos en política exterior existen entre ambos. Los modelos diseñados fueron inspirados por los de Russell y Tokatlian (2009, pp. 229-233), de “acoplamiento, acomodamiento, oposición limitada, desafío y aislamiento”. Los modelos presentados en este trabajo son el modelo de apertura, el de contención y el de alianza estratégica, mismos que fueron pensados para un análisis multinivel (niveles: sistémico, estatal e individual) del relacionamiento en política exterior entre un país de Suramérica y China. El caso de estudio empleado para esta aplicación modélica, fue el relacionamiento en política económica exterior entre Ecuador y China en el periodo 2007 – 2016, concebidos “por idealización racional” en términos de Waltz (2001, p. 22) en lo que respecta al interés nacional del Estado más débil entre ellos, en condiciones que oscilan entre poco favorables y muy favorables. El artículo sugiere en base al caso de estudio referido, que existen tres posibles escenarios que explican el relacionamiento entre cualquier país de Suramérica y China, acorde a una serie de elementos de orden teórico-empíricos, dando pistas de cómo podrían llevarse a cabo las relaciones Sino-Suramericanas en los próximos años.
WEAR RESISTANCE OF ELECTRODEPOSITED Fe-W ALLOY COATINGS UNDER DRY CONDITIONS AND IN THE PRESENCE OF RAPESEED OIL
Authors: Nicolenco A. , Tsyntsaru N. , Matijošius T. , Asadauskas S. , Cesiulis H.
Published: March 2018

Amorphous Fe-W alloys with 25 at.% of W were electrodeposited under direct and pulse modes from glycolate-citrate bath with and without addition of polyethylene glycol. The tribological behavior of the coatings was studied at 1, 2 and 5 N loads under dry friction and in the presence of rapeseed oil films of 0.2-5.0 m thickness. The tribological behavior of obtained coatings at dry friction reveals their severe tribo-oxidation resulting in a high wear depth and coefficient of friction. Observed groove like surface with well-adhered particles inside the wear track point out on abrasive-adhesive wear mechanism of Fe-W alloys. In the presence of rapeseed oil films the wear mechanism changes, and values of coefficient of friction decrease up to 10 times compared to dry friction conditions. The optimum thickness of rapeseed oil film was 1 μm. This film has the satisfactory adhesion and uniform distribution on the surface, and could withstand up to 2 000 cycles.
Small talk as work talk: Enacting the patient-centered approach in nurse-practitioner-patient visits
Authors: Defibaugh Staci
Published: March 2018

Small talk in medical visits has received ample attention; however, small talk that occurs at the close of a medical visit has not been explored. Small talk, with its focus on relational work, is an important aspect of medical care, particularly so considering the current focus in the US on the patient-centered approach and the desire to construct positive provider– patient relationships, which have been shown to contribute to higher patient satisfaction and better health outcomes. Therefore, even small talk that is unrelated to the transactional aspect of the medical visit in fact serves an important function. In this article, I analyze small talk exchanges between nurse practitioners (NPs) and their patients which occur after the transactional work of the visit is completed. I focus on two exchanges which highlight different interactional goals. I argue that these examples illustrate a willingness on the part of all participants to extend the visit solely for the purpose of constructing positive provider–patient relationships. Furthermore, because exchanges occur after the ‘work’ of the visit has been completed, they have the potential to construct positive relationships that extend beyond the individual visit.
Developing a new empathy-specific admissions test for applicants to medical schools: A discourse-pragmatic approach
Authors: Pounds Gabrina , Salter Charlotte , Platt Mary Jane , Bryant Pauline
Published: March 2018

The ability to empathise with patients is an important professional skill for doctors. Medical students practise this skill as part of their medical education, and are tested on their use of empathy within their final examination. Evidence shows that appropriate training makes a difference but that natural aptitude also plays a role. Most medical schools, therefore, probe applicants’ basic understanding of empathy at admissions interviews. The purpose of the project presented in this paper was to apply existing understanding of how empathy may be communicated in a clinical context (building on a literature review by Pounds [2011]) to develop a new empathy-specific medical admissions interview station, probing applicants’ empathic communicative performance (not just theoretical knowledge) and fitting the widely used Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. The paper outlines how this tool was developed, trialled and implemented by: (1) conceptualising empathic communication in discourse-pragmatic terms – that is, as a set of specific but context-dependant empathic speech acts; and (2) formulating and trialling a written and two oral versions of a situational test, capable of probing the applicants’ ability to communicate empathically in everyday conversation and suitable for use at Norwich Medical School and other similar educational institutions.
HPLC Fingerprint of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Viscum album from Different Host Trees
Authors: VICAŞ Simona Ioana , RUGINA Olivia Dumitrita , LEOPOLD Loredana , PINTEA Adela , SOCACIU Carmen
Published: March 2018

Viscum album L. is a medicinal plants used for many years as a remedy in the traditional medicine and in complementary cancer therapies. We investigated the influence of some host trees: Acer campestre (VAA), Fraxinus excelsior (VAF), Populus nigra (VAP), Malus domestica (VAM), and Robinia pseudoacacia (VAR), on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of leaves and stems from V. album, as well the influence of the solvent (water and ethanol) used for extraction on biological activity. HPLC with photodiode array detector analysis of bioactive compounds from leaves and stems of mistletoes (V. album) hosted by five differents trees was performed. Antioxidant activities, determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), (Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) methods were compared with the quantification of total phenolics using the Folin -Ciocalteu reagent. V. album hosted by Fraxinus excelsior (VAF), recorded the highest level of total phenolic acids (108.64 μg/g dry matter) while the mistletoe hosted by Malus domestica (VAM) had the lowest level of total polyphenols (39.37 μg/g dry matter). In general, higher antioxidant activity was detected in the alcoholic than in the aqueous extracts. The values obtained for total phenolics in both, aqueous and ethanol extracts, decreased in the order: VAR > VAF > VAP > VAA > VAM. The mistletoe stem extracts contained lower levels of phenolics, as compared to leaves, in both solvents. Our results suggest that mistletoe extracts possess significant antioxidant activities that may be due to their bioactive compounds content, suggesting that this plant may be an important source of natural products with chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities.
Interaction of Different Water Amounts and Phosphorus and Magnesium Doses and Their Effects on Water-Yield Relations of Soybean (Glycine max L.) in Arid Conditions
Authors: DELIBORAN Aise , SAKIN Erdal , ASLAN Hasan , MERMUT Ahmet
Published: March 2018

This field experiment examined the effects of magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers, which were given in different doses to soybean grown in different water levels, on plant water consumption, water-yield relations and grain yield factors. The experiment used a random blocks designed with three consecutive and was conducted over two years 2006 and 2007. Four different P doses (0-4-8-12 kg P da-1) and three different Mg doses (0-4-8 kg Mg da-1) were applied with three different water levels (I1, I2, I3). Cumulative pan values obtained from Class A Pan evaporation pool were applied as irrigation (I) 33% for I1, 67% for I2, 100% for I3. At the end of experiment were determined plant water consumption, water-yield relations and grain yield. At the start of irrigation, 548.00 mm, 786.00 mm and 1 017.00 mm of water were given to I1, I2 and I3 plots, respectively in the first year, and 457.98 mm, 698.02 mm and 931.00 mm irrigation water was given in the second year. Plant water consumption values (ETa) were determined as 648.00 mm, 903.00 mm and 1164.00 mm for I1, I2 and I3 parts in the first year, and 567.00 mm, 825.00 mm and 1070.00 mm in the second year. Moreover, according to experiment plots, irrigation water treatment efficiency (IWTE) varied between 0.14 and 0.53 kg m-3 in the first year and between 0.16 and 0.59 kg m-3 in the second year.
In vitro Flowering of Shoots Regenerated from Cultured Nodal Explants
Authors: KANCHANAPOOM Kantamaht , JINGJIT Suttinee , KANCHANAPOOM Kamnoon
Published: March 2018

A protocol for the regeneration of Gypsophila paniculata L. using nodal explants from 2-month-old field grown plants was established. The induction of multiple shoots was best obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 13.3 Î¼M BA. Callus growth was observed on MS medium containing 44.3 Î¼M BA. Calluses were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (4.5, 13.5, 22.6 Î¼M), NAA (5.3, 16.1, 26.8 Î¼M) or BA (4.4, 13.3, 22.1 Î¼M) for 2 months to induce shoot formation. After 6 weeks of initial culture, multiple shoots were regenerated from calluses cultured on MS medium supplemented with 13.3 Î¼M BA. All regenerated shoots produced roots on 16.1 Î¼M NAA containing MS medium within 4 weeks. Rooted plantlets were hardened and established in pots at 100% survival. For induction of in vitro flowering, regenerated shoots could be induced to flower efficiently when cultured on MS medium containing 13.3 Î¼M BA and 50 g/l sucrose.
Effect of Different Fertilizing Systems on Seed Yield and Phosphorus Uptake in Annual Medics under Dryland Farming Conditions
Authors: SHABANI Ghobad , ARDAKANI Mohammad Reza , CHAICHI Mohammd Reza , FRIEDEL Juergen , KHAVAZI Kazem , ESHGHIZADEH Hamid Reza
Published: March 2018

The effect of different fertilizing systems on the seed yield and phosphorus uptake in annual medic (Medicago scutellata cv. Robinson) was examined at two locations under dry farming conditions in Kermanshah province, Iran, in 2009. Experiments were conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications; the treatments consisted of control (no fertilizer), chemical fertilizer, biological fertilizer and different combinations of chemical and biological fertilizing systems. The results showed that application of different fertilizing systems had a highly significant effect on the number of pods per plant. The highest values were obtained in the treatment using the urea chemical fertilizer + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria + mycorrhiza. The highest soil seed bank was recorded in the nitrogen-fixing bacteria + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria treatment; it increased the number of seeds by approximately 50 percent compared to the control (only 134 pod containing seeds). The highest pod yield was obtained after applying nitrogen-fixing bacteria + mycorrhiza (445 kg/ha), the lowest yield in the control treatment (266 kg/ha). In general, under the conditions of this experiment, the seed yield of annual medic var. Robinson receiving nitrogen-fixing + phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria out-yielded other fertilizing treatments. This indicates a synergistic interaction between these groups of bacteria that increases seed yield, the soil seed bank as well as the seed phosphorus uptake of this plant species under dry farming conditions.
The Effect of Different Stratification Conditions on the Germination of Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. and F. ornus L. Seeds
Authors: DRAGHICI Cristina , ABRUDAN Ioan Vasile
Published: March 2018

The aim of the paper was to assess the impact of different stratification treatments recommended by the literature on the shortening of manna ash (F. ornus L.) and narrow-leaved ash (F. angustifolia Vahl.) seed germination in order to identify a suitable pre-germination treatment for seedling production. Seeds of three Southern Romanian origins for both species were exposed to four stratification treatments (cold (3oC) and warm (20oC), with and without sand-peat medium). The highest percentage of germination (up to 87% for Fraxinus ornus and up to 71% for F. angustifolia) was recorded in the case of the stratified seeds with cold medium (3oC) and relatively constant seed moisture (between 45% and 65%) throughout the treatment.
Influence of NaCl Salinity and Different Substracts on Plant Growth, Mineral Nutrient Assimilation and Fruit Yield of Strawberry
Authors: RAHIMI Asghar , BIGLARIFARD Ali
Published: March 2018

A hydroponic culture was carried out with strawberry cv. Camarosa to investigate the effects of four salinity levels and four different substrates on plant growth, mineral nutrient assimilation and fruit yield of strawberry. Total dry weight accumulation of plants was not inhibited at low salinities, but it was significantly inhibited at 60 mM NaCl. Dry mass (DM) partitioning in NaCl-stressed plants was in favor of crown and petioles and at the expense of root, stem and leaf, whereas leaf, stem and root DM progressively declined with an increase in salinity. Specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf area ratio (LAR) significantly decreased in cv. Camarosa at 60 and 90 mM. Results also showed that the presence of NaCl in the root medium induced an increase in total Na+ content of the plants in the shoot and root. Despite Na+ and K+, the increase in total inorganic ions resulted from increasing salinity, with Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations decreasing in shoot and increasing in roots with an increase in salinity. For all micro- and macroelements however, significant concentration changes related to different substrates were not detected in the present experiments. Results also showed a significant decline of Fe content of 40% and 49% in shoot and root, respectively.
Polymorphism in Random Amplified and Nuclear rDNA Sequences Assessed in Certain Apple (Malus Ã— domestica Borkh.) Cultivars
Authors: SMOLIK Milosz , MALINOWSKA Katarzyna , SMOLIK Beata , PACEWICZ Krzysztof
Published: March 2018

Eigth apple (Malus Ã— domestica Borkh.) cultivars: â€˜Delikatesâ€™, â€˜Cortlandâ€™, â€˜James Grieveâ€™, â€˜Liredâ€™, â€˜Jonathanâ€™, â€˜Golden Deliciousâ€™, â€˜Jonagoldâ€™ and â€˜Idaredâ€™ were characterized by two different molecular tools. These included analysis of the distribution of RAPD markers and length variability of the SSU, 5.8S, LSU and ITS region of the nuclear rRNA genes assessed in PCR reactions with different combinations of â€˜universalâ€™ primers. RAPD analysis was performed with 17 out of 24 RAPD primers tested. Those amplified a total of 183 loci (872 amplicons) out of which 34 (18.5%) were monomorphic, 128 (69.5%) were polymorphic and 22 (12%) cultivar-specific. Cultivar-specific RAPD products were detected for each apple cultivar. Amplification of the rDNA sequences showed variability. Fifty-four amplicons were generated in the experiment including 14 monomorphic, 26 polymorphic, and 14 cultivar-specific products. Altogether 232 amplicons were generated, whose length ranged from 220 to 940 bp. The analysis of dendrograms constructed on the basis of the analysis of RAPD genetic profiles and profiles amplified on rDNA matrices showed their significant correlation (Mantel test: r(AB) = 0.430; p-value (Two-tailed) = 0.024), which proves that the used methods correctly presented variability within the examined cultivars, and the molecular markers identified in the study can be considered appropriate.
Sodium Chloride Stress Induced Changes in Leaf Osmotic Adjustment of Trifoliate Orange (Poncirus trifoliata) Seedlings Inoculated with Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: ZOU Ying-Ning , WU Qiang-Sheng
Published: March 2018

Citrus plants are sensitive to salinity, and thus employing new approaches to alleviate salt damage are necessary. The present study evaluated the effect of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Glomus mosseae and G. versiforme, on leaf osmotic adjustment of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedings exposed to 100 mM NaCl. Salinity significantly inhibited mycorrhizal colonization, plant biomass and leaf relative water content, whereas the reduce of plant biomass was notably alleviated by the mycorrhizal colonization. Mycorrhizal seedlings exhibited significantly lower Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations, whilst also recorded higher K+ concentration and K+/Na+, Ca2+/Na+ and Mg2+/Na+ ratios at both salinity levels. Under salinity stress, mycorrhizal symbiosis markedly decreased sucrose concentrations of leaves and also increased glucose, fructose and proline concentrations of leaves. The results suggest that arbuscular mycorrhizas improved leaf osmotic adjustment responses of the seedlings to salt stress, thus enhancing salt tolerance of mycorrhizal plants.
Screening of Biotechnological Parameters for Fructofuranosidases Production by a Newly Isolated Fungal Strain Using Plackett-Burman Design
Authors: NEAGU BONCIU Camelia , CONSTANTIN Oana , BAHRIM Gabriela Elena
Published: March 2018

Previously some fungal strains with good inulinase potential biosynthesis were screening and the most performing strain is the newly fungal strain, Rhizoctonia spp. coded I-PN4. In this study, the Plackett Burman design was used to identify the effect of process parameters upon fructofuranosidases (inulinase and invertase) production with new selected fungal strain. The agitation rate, yeast extract, buckwheat flour and K2HPO4 concentration from fermentative medium composition, were determined as the most influential variables that have positive effects on fructofuranosidases biosynthesis. Temperature has a negative effect on both invertase and inulinase biosynthesis yield. In optimal established fermentative conditions, the maximum yields for extracellular inulinase was 6.2198 UI and 4.7664 UI for invertase respectively. The linear model fits well for variable screening and is globally significant, as R2 is 88.36% for inulinase production and 84.24% for invertase production respectively.
Sclerotinia-Induced Accumulation of Protein in the Basal Stem of Resistant and Susceptible Lines of Sunflower
Authors: DAVAR Robab , DARVISHZADEH Reza , MAJD Ahmad
Published: March 2018

Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. is a major oilseed crop widely cultivated across the globe. White mold, caused by the necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is a common and widespread pathogen of sunflower. Changes in a partially resistant and a susceptible sunflower line infected with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were studied 12, 24 and 48 h after inoculation. Electrophoretic patterns and quantitative changes in soluble proteins were determined in the basal stem region. Soluble proteins were accumulated post infection in the partially resistant line. A rapid accumulation of stress-related, low molecular weight proteins was induced in both lines by different pathways. By 12 and 24 h post inoculation, stress proteins with molecular masses of 27 kDa had accumulated in infected stems of the partially resistant line. SDS-PAGE results showed the accumulation of proteins with a molecular mass of 55 kDa in the susceptible line and the absence of this band in the resistant line. This relatively faster response to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum invasion could be partially responsible for the resistance or susceptibility to this pathogen. The differences between lines may also indicate further avenues worth exploring in host-pathogen relations which could ultimately lead to selection and production of new lines with higher levels of resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
The Influence of Extraction Method on the Apparent Content of Bioactive Compounds in Romanian Allium spp. Leaves
Authors: GITIN Liliana , DINICA Rodica , PARNAVEL Raluca
Published: March 2018

In order to characterize the composition of bioactive compounds in Allium spp., an important source of traditional foods, analysesof their physicochemical properties, total phenols, and flavonoid content were carried out using three of the most popular Romanian leafvarieties (Allium cepa var. â€˜Diamantâ€™, â€˜Rubiniuâ€™, and Allium ursinum L.). The highest levels of bioactive compounds were detected in theleaves of Allium ursinum L., 7.2730 mg QE/ kg fresh plant and 27.8884 g GAE/100 g dry basis, respectively. This study suggests potentialgood uses of the fresh leaves of Romanian Allium spp. as condiments, ingredients or preservatives in the food industry.
Relationships between Grain Yield and Yield Components in Bread Wheat under Different Water Availability (Dryland and Supplemental Irrigation Conditions)
Authors: MOHAMMADI Mohtasham , SHARIFI Peyman , KARIMIZADEH Rahmatollah , SHEFAZADEH Mohammad Kazem
Published: March 2018

Path and correlation analysis were executed to investigate the relationships between grain yield and other important yield components in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes during two years (2009-2011) under supplemental irrigation and dryland conditions. Field experiments were performed in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Grain yield showed positive correlation with plant height and test weight under supplemental irrigation condition. The similar results were also revealed between grain yield and plant height, spike length, days to maturity, agronomic score and test weight in dryland environment. The grain yield of bread wheat in dryland condition depended on the effect of plant height, days to maturity, agronomic score and 1000 kernel weight, whereas in supplemental irrigation was mainly related to plant height, spike length, 1000 kernel weight and test weight. The influence of 1000 kernel weight on grain yield in both environments seems to cause from the fact that grain yield in wheat is frequently the sink limited, and for this reason, the 1000 kernel weight has been reported as a promising trait for increasing grain yield in wheat under different conditions. The nearly equal value of correlation and path coefficients of plant height and grain yield showed plant height had positive and direct effect on grain yield, in both conditions and suggesting a criteria trait for improving of grain yield. The results showed that genotype 12 (CS/TH.SC//3*PVN/3/MIRLO/BUC/4/MILAN/5/ TILHI) is a high yielding potential genotype in moisture limited conditions.
Studies on Activation of Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) by Heterocyclic Compounds Having Azole Groups in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek.
Authors: RAVI Indu , VARSHNEY Shipra , SHARMA Gunjan , DWIVEDI Vandana , BEHERA Kambaska Kumar
Published: March 2018

Heterocyclic compounds are known to activate the defense response or resistance in plants. In order to study their effect as activatorsof systemic acquired resistance (SAR), two series of heterocyclic compounds having azole group were used for the present study i.e.,substituted triazolothiadiazoles and thiazolidine thioureas to obtain new compounds with improved biological activities in mung beans(Vigna radiata (L.)Wilczek, is an important pulse crop of India. These compounds could be used as a solution to chemically mediateddisease control both at the farm level as well as chemical fungicides. For this polyphenol content, flavonoid content, PAL activity,peroxidase activity and protein content were determined in control and after chemical treatment in mung beans var. â€˜RMG-344â€™. Theresults indicated significant changes and a distinct role of polyphenols, flavonoids, PAL, peroxidase and proteins in the defense responseof mung beans after treatment with these chemicals.
Interactive Effects of Sowing Date and Planting Density on Dry Matter Accumulation and Partitioning of Chicory
Authors: MADANI Hamid , DORDAS Christos , MADANI Ahad , MOTASHAREI Mohammad-Ali , FARRI Shima
Published: March 2018

Chicory is considered one of the alternatives crops that can be used in crop rotation and contains many phytochemicals that can be used in medicine. In addition, lengthening the growing season by early sowing may increase root chicory yield potential, and thus increase its competitiveness with traditional crops. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether early sowing date risks can be decreased by higher sowing density and also to study the effect of sowing date and sowing density on dry matter accumulation and partitioning of chicory. Growing season did not affect any of the characteristics that were studied. Also plant density affected the flowers biomass, root biomass per plant and the respective yield together with the plant height and essence yield and total yield. The sowing date affected the leaf, flower and stem biomass on a plant basis. However, the interaction between plant density and sowing date affected the total biomass per plant, the flower biomass per plant, the root biomass per plant, the flower yield, the root yield and the essence yield. These results indicate that for higher production it is important to determine the right plant density and sowing date which can affect growth, dry matter accumulation and essence yield.