bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved water vapour spectroscopy in the 4174–4300 cm−1 region and its impact on SCIAMACHY HDO/H2O measurements
Authors: Scheepmaker R. A. , Frankenberg C. , Galli A. , Butz A. , Schrijver H. , Deutscher N. M. , Wunch D. , Warneke T. , Fally S. , Aben I.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The relative abundance of the heavy water isotopologue HDO provides a deeper insight into the atmospheric hydrological cycle. The SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CartograpHY (SCIAMACHY) allows for global retrievals of the ratio HDO/H2O in the 2.3 micron wavelength range. However, the spectroscopy of water lines in this region remains a large source of uncertainty for these retrievals. We therefore evaluate and improve the water spectroscopy in the range 4174–4300 cm−1 and test if this reduces systematic uncertainties in the SCIAMACHY retrievals of HDO/H2O. We use a laboratory spectrum of water vapour to fit line intensity, air broadening and wavelength shift parameters. The improved spectroscopy is tested on a series of ground-based high resolution FTS spectra as well as on SCIAMACHY retrievals of H2O and the ratio HDO/H2O. We find that the improved spectroscopy leads to lower residuals in the FTS spectra compared to HITRAN 2008 and Jenouvrier et al. (2007) spectroscopy, and the retrievals become more robust against changes in the retrieval window. For both the FTS and SCIAMACHY measurements, the retrieved total H2O columns decrease by 2–4% and we find a negative shift of the HDO/H2O ratio, which for SCIAMACHY is partly compensated by changes in the retrieval setup and calibration software. The updated SCIAMACHY HDO/H2O product shows somewhat steeper latitudinal and temporal gradients and a steeper Rayleigh distillation curve, strengthening previous conclusions that current isotope-enabled general circulation models underestimate the variability in the near-surface HDO/H2O ratio.
Short wavelength undulatory extinction in quartz recording coseismic deformation in the middle crust – an experimental study
Authors: Trepmann C. A. , Stöckhert B.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Deformation experiments are carried out on natural vein quartz in a modified Griggs-type solid medium apparatus to explore the preservation potential of microfabrics created by crystal-plastic deformation at high stress, overprinted during subsequent creep at lower stress. a corresponding stress history is expected for the upper plastosphere, where fault slip during an earthquake causes quasi-instantaneous loading to high stress, followed by stress relaxation. The question is whether evidence of crystal-plastic deformation at high stress, hence an indicator of past seismic activity, can still be identified in the microstructure after overprint by creep at lower stresses. Firstly, quartz samples are deformed at a temperature of 400 °C and constant strain rate of 10−4 s−1 ("kick"), and then held at 900 to 1000 °C at residual stress ("creep"). In quartz exclusively subject to high-stress deformation, lamellar domains of slightly differing crystallographic orientation (misorientation angle <2°) and a few tens of micrometers wide occur. In transmission electron microscope (TEM), these areas show a high density of tangled dislocations and cellular structures. After "kick and creep" experiments, pronounced short-wavelength undulatory extinction (SWUE) is observed in the optical microscope. The wavelength of SWUE is up to 10 μm, with oscillatory misorientation of up to a few degrees. TEM inspection reveals domains with high density of dislocations and differing diffraction contrast bound by poorly-ordered dislocation walls. Only zones with exceptional damage generated during high-stress deformation are replaced by small new grains with a diameter of about 10 to 20 μm, forming strings of recrystallized grains. For large original grains showing SWUE, the Schmid factor for basal ⟨a⟩ glide is found to be high. SWUE is taken to reflect high-stress crystal-plastic deformation, the modified microstructure being sufficiently stable to be recognized after subsequent creep as an indicator of past seismic activity.
A Comparative Elastohydrostatic Analysis of CFV- and Capillary-Compensated Multirecess Hydrostatic/Hybrid Journal Bearing Operating with Micropolar Lubricant
Authors: Verma Suresh , Kumar Vijay , Gupta K. D.
Published: April 2013

A comparative study on the performance characteristics of the flexible multirecess hydrostatic journal bearing system with constant flow valve and capillary restrictors has been presented considering the effect of micropolar parameters. The modified Reynolds equation for the flow of micropolar lubricant through the bearing has been solved using finite element method, and the resulting elastic deformation in the bearing shell has been determined iteratively. The results indicate that the micropolar parameters of the lubricant affect the performance of the flexible multirecess hydrostatic journal bearing system quite significantly.
Practice Trends in the Surgical Management of Renal Tumors in an Academic Medical Center in the Past Decade
Authors: Tannus Matheus , Sepúlveda Fábio , Pinheiro Thomé , Andreoni Cássio
Published: April 2013

Objectives. To evaluate the trends of surgical treatment of the renal tumor in an academic medical center. Methods. Between 2001 and 2010, 505 were treated surgically at the Federal University of Sao Paulo for renal tumors. The following variables were observed and analyzed according to their evolution through time: frequency and types of surgeries performed, operative time, hospital stay, and warm ischemia time for partial nephrectomy. Results. An increase in the frequency of laparoscopic radical nephrectomies, open partial nephrectomies, and laparoscopic partial nephrectomies was observed when comparing the periods from 2001 to 2005 (4.3%, 2.6%, and 12.6%, resp.) and from 2006 to 2010 (13.2%, 18.6%, and 20.2%, resp.; ). The average of operative time, hospital stay, and tumor size diminished (from 211.7 to 177.17 minutes, from 5.52 to 4.22 days, and from 6.72 to 5.29 cm, resp.) when compared to the periods from 2001 to 2005 and from 2006 to 2010 (, , resp.). Conclusion. As time goes by, there has been a significant reduction in the hospital stay time, surgery time, and size of renal tumor in patients treated surgically. The frequencies of minimally invasive and nephron-sparing surgeries have increased over the last years.
Animals and Moral Agency: The Recent Debate and Its Implications
Authors: Clement Grace
Published: April 2013

In the last 25 years, several philosophers and scientists have challenged the historical consensus that nonhuman animals cannot be moral agents. In this article, I examine this challenge and the debate it has provoked. Advocates of animal moral agency have supported their claims by appealing to non-rationalist accounts of morality and to observations of animal behavior. Critics have focused on the dangers of anthropomorphism and have argued that we cannot know animals’ states of mind with any certainty. Despite the strengths of the arguments for animal moral agency, the critics’ skeptical counter-challenges seem to bring this debate to a stalemate. However, I suggest that recent philosophical work focusing on personal experiences with animals may reveal a way to dissolve skeptical concerns and offer new insights about the role of animals in morality.
Evidence and the health policy process: from traditional evidence hierarchy to inclusive and multi-source methodology
Authors: Celletti Francesca , Wright Anna , Buch Eric , Samb Badara
Published: April 2013

Calls for evidence-based health policy have gathered force as an extension of the movement for evidence-based medicine. In clinical medicine, major investment has been made in efforts to systematize the collection and analysis of data and distinguish effective interventions from those that are less likely to work. In contrast, there is little consensus on what data are needed and what research methods are suitable and acceptable to produce a robust evidence base for social policy in the health sector. Evidence gathering for health policy must synthesise diverse sources, recognise the extent to which context influences policy outcomes, accommodate potentially conflicting interests and be flexible enough to respond to the time and resources pressures that are at play. Despite the challenges, there is scope for the development of a methodology that can draw on a wide range of evidence sources while retaining sufficient scientific rigour. These sources should extend from data generated using causal methods (randomized controlled trials) to information that can shed light on the many contextual and political issues that are also pertinent to health policy decision making.
Effect of cost awareness on the utilization of laryngeal mask airway among anesthesiology residents
Authors: Green Michael Stuart , Gomes Sheldon B. , Machovec Kelly A. , Green Parmis
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Knowledge of cost perception is the primary step towards determining the role cost plays in decision making. We examined perception of cost and utilization. We tried to determine reasons for choosing pieces of equipment and tested the effect of cost awareness. We hypothesized altered utilization patterns in favor of a less expensive product. Methods: We conducted a single blind prospective study examining the perceptions of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) cost among residents. The study tested whether cost awareness would alter utilization. The price was altered without residents’ knowledge to ensure recognition of a price difference. Utilization before and after price labeling was compared. Results: The survey results showed when asked specifically ‘does cost influence your choice of LMA?’ 56% of the residents answered ‘No’. Only 2 out of 23 resident responses to the question ‘how much does an LMA cost’ fell within a 50% range of its approximate cost of $8. When asked ‘if two products are equivalent, would you choose the cheaper one?’ all residents answered ‘Yes’. Prior to price labeling, LMA selection 8.25% GREEN and 91.75% CLEAR. After price labeling, selection of LMA’s was 24.27% GREEN and 75.73% CLEAR LMA’s. There was a significant difference between the utilization of GREEN and CLEAR LMA’s before and after price labeling. Conclusion: This prospective single blind study on how cost awareness effects LMA selection showed altered selection following price labeling towards lower cost products. Focusing on cost awareness may have an impact on the future utilization and health care expenses.
Development and Application of a RT-NestPCR Assay for Differential Detection of C-Strain and Wild-Type Viruses of Classical Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Wang Haiguang , Ning Yibao , Ying Cong , Liu Can , Wei Ruirui , Gong Wenzhi
Published: April 2013

Due to the urgent need of differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals in control and eradication of classical swine fever (CSF) and the shortcomings of current differential diagnostic tools, this study is aiming to establish a RT-nestPCR assay for differential detection of wild-type viruses and lapinized Chinese vaccine strain (C-strain) of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) of high sensitivity. Two pairs of CSFV-specific primers were designed in the conservative regions of NS5B (a non-structural protein encoded by the CSFV genome, which performs the RNA dependent RNA polymerase activity) and 3? un-translated regions (3?-UTR) to encompass the T-rich insertion uniquely existing in the 3?-UTR of C-strain genome. Thus the amplification fragment of C-strain is longer than that of the wild-type viruses for it contains the T-rich insertion region. Two pairs of primers were used in combination and the wild-type viruses and C-strain of CSFV could be detected and accurately distinguished with a high sensitivity through super fine resolution (SFR) argarose gel electrophoresis that displays the different lengths of the amplicons. The detection limit of the C-strain and Shimen strain were respectively 4.5×10-2 pg and 3.2×10-2 pg of viral RNA. The results of the specificity test showed that this method can detect different strains of CSFV without amplifying other non-CSFV pathogens. The results of the detection of 400 clinical samples indicated that 16 samples were CSFV positive in total; in which 4 samples were C-Strain positive and 12 were wild-type CSFV positive. The total CSFV positive rate was 4%. The detection results of the 14 batches of C-Strain vaccines showed that all samples displayed bands of C-Strain amplicons in the SFR argarose gel electrophoresis and all vaccines were free of wild-type virus contamination. In conclusion, the RT-nestPCR assay established in the present study could supply a sensitive and specific test method for distinguishing wild-type CSFV infected animals from those vaccinated with C-strain vaccines in the field.
Effect of sulphite ions on the proline and polyamine content in the bean Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Karolewski Piotr , Shevyakowa Nina I.
Published: April 2013

The influence of sulphite (0.0125-0.2%) on changes in the levels of free proline, protein bound proline and hydroxyproline and of free polyamines in the roots and leaves of two cultivars of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) differing in sensitivity to these ions was investigated. It was found that both cultivars reacted similarily, the response of the seedlings of the more sensitive cultivar occuring at lower concentrations of sulphite.The observed changes in the content of imino acids and polyamines are discussed.
The logistic function - its application to the description and prognosis of plant growth
Authors: Gregorczyk Andrzej
Published: April 2013

A logistic function in the form of y=A/(1 +be-rt) was used in this paper to analyse the growth of plants. The first, second and third derivatives of the above equation served as the basis for constructing growth, growth rate and growth acceleration curves. Characteristic points showing the main phases of plant growth were also found on these curves. Very good results were obtained by using the logistic function to describe the accumulation of dry matter by a plant using experimental data from literature. An attempt was also made to forecast growth based on three initial measurements of dry matter. A transcendental equation, solvable by numerical methods, was derived from the three logistic equations. This method was not found to be useful in predicting the final growth due to the large degree of error between the experimental and estimated value.
The morphology of hairs in species of Plantago L. Sections: Novorbis Decne and Mesembrynia Decne
Authors: Andrzejewska-Golec Emilia
Published: April 2013

This paper is a continuation of the investigation of hairs in representatives of various sections of the genus Plantago L.(Andrzejewska-Golec and Świętosławski 1987, 1988, 1989 a, b, 1991, in press 2). It deals with the species of the related sections: Novorbis Decne (3 species) and Mesembrynia Decne (5 species). The investigated taxa of both sections have one type of headed hair (typical of the representatives of the genus Plantago) as well as three types of headless hairs: 1) 1-3-celled-bristle-shaped, 2) consisting of several cells, and 3) multicellular-web-like. Only slight differences between the hairs of the investigated taxa of sections Novorbis and Mesembrynia were noticed. The hairs of the representatives of these sections are also similar to the hairs of representatives of another section, related to those mentioned above, viz. Lamprosantha Decne (Andrzejewska-Golec and Świętosławski 1991).
Chemical processing of raw florets of dyer's saffron and successful extraction of a resulting product (carthamin): an approach to improve conventional methods
Authors: Saito Koshi , Katsukura Masatoshi
Published: April 2013

Efficacy of KMnO4 on processing red florets of dyer's saffron was examined in the presence of micromolar concentrations of the metal salts. Apparent value for KMnO4 determined by double-reciprocal plots was 126 µM, whose value corresponds to a 1/154-fold of dried florets. Successful extraction of red carthamin was performed by using the processed matters with various solvent systems. HCl/NaOH, acetic acid/ammonia water and pyridine/methanol were found to be effective. For purification of carthamin, the cellulose adsorption technique was very promising. The data are assessed to standarize the new technique.
Changes in typological and spatial boundaries between neighbouring communities of Potentitlo albae-Quercetum and Tilio-Carpinetum
Authors: Kwiatkowska Anna Justyna , Solińska-Górnicka Barbara
Published: April 2013

The sample area of 2.8 ha, divided into 100 m2 square quadrats, comprised two, distinguishable by traditional methods, oak forest patches and a fragment of a neighbouring mixed oak-hornbeam forest. The classification of quadrats was conducted by association analysis. Their identification and interpretation were performed on the basis of the systematic value and fraction of species of the characteristic oak forest combination in each distinguished quadrat group, as well as the range of distinguished communities. It appeared that due to the hornbeam invasion into the oak forest habitat, species forming the characteristic oak forest combination receded and the community area decreased. The data enabled reconstruction of the phases of oak forest recession. They corresponded to the successive phases of the encroachment of hornbeam undergrowth in the analysed area.
Expansion of Tussilago farfara L. in disturbed environments. II. Population reaction to simulated cultivation
Authors: Namura-Ochalska Anna
Published: April 2013

The effects of systematic cutting, fragmentation and burying on weeded and renewing fallow plots on the density and morphological properties of vegetative and generative Tussilago farfara shoots were studied. As the presence of other species increased on fallow plots, the T. farfara population regressed. Under such conditions, fragmentation and burying ensured the renewal and expansion of individuals and persistence of the population. On weeded plots, however, additional cultivation reduced the population density and mean values of the analyzed shoot parameters. These results show that systematic cultivation is a prerequisite for persistence of T. farfara populations. Its favourable effect is exerted through eliminating potential competitors.
Phytochemical investigation of the tomatillo fruit (Physalis ixocarpa Brot., Solanaceae)
Authors: Drost-Karbowska K. , Ellnain-Wojtaszek M. , Gawron-Gzella A. , Kowalewski Z. , Jankiewicz L. S. , Matławska I. , Sikorska M. , Szaufer-Hajdrych M. , Walkowiak A.
Published: April 2013

The occurence of alkaloids, witanolides, saponosides and flavonoids was investigated in the fruits of tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) cv. Bujna and Rendidora. The tomatillo is commonly cultivated in Mexico and has been introduced on a small scale in Poland. The chromatographic analysis of alkaloids showed only trace amounts of compounds reacting with the Dragendorff reagent. In the fraction of quaternary alkaloids soluble in water, only choline was found. Witanolides were not detected in tomatillo fruits. The saponosides were found only in trace amounts and their hemolytic indexes as well as saponification numbers were very low. Flavonoids were represented by the derivatives of quercetine differring with their sugar moieties attached to the hydroxyl group at C-3. It is concluded that the toxic compounds which would be harmful to human health were not found in tomatillo fruits. The presence of choline in them, as well as of flavonoids belonging to the vitamin P group is advantageous for health.
Mineral content in Sphagnum mosses from ombrotrophic bogs of southwestern Poland: pattern in species and elements
Authors: Wojtuń Bronisław
Published: April 2013

Major elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe) were analyzed in 11 Sphagnum species from ombrotrophic bogs in southwestern Poland. The material included species from wet to dry microsites. The highest levels of elements were recorded for S. lindbergii, whereas S. balticum and S. cuspidatum were poorest in elements. The microhabitat gradient from hummock to hollow species is clearly reflected by decreasing concentrations of Ca and Mg, and increasing concentration of Na. Phosphorus, K and N were much more enriched into moss tissues than the remaining elements. These three nutrients were also accumulated in the upper green parts of mosses, while the concentrations of Na and Fe were higher in the bottom brown parts. There were no differences in Ca and Mg between the green and brown segments.
Acid phosphatases in seeds and developing of squash (Cucurbita ficifolia)
Authors: Lorenc-Kubis Irena
Published: April 2013

Changes in protein content and acid phosphatase activity were followed during germination (imbition through seedlings development) in extracts from cotyledons of squash (Cucurbita ficifolia). It has been shown that the activity of acid phosphatase was initially low and than increased to a maximum after 6 days of imbition. Acid phosphates were isolated from cotyledons of seeds and from 6-, 10- and 22-days old seedlings by extraction the proteins with 0.1 M acetate buffer pH 5.1, precipitation with ethanol and by affinity chromatography on con A-Sepharose. Two glycoprotein enzymes AcPase Ba and AcPase Bb which differ in their affinity to immobilized con A were obtained. Both acid phosphatates retained the enzyme activity after binding to free con A. Rocket affinity electrophoresis of AcPase Ba and AcPase Bb, isolated from cotyledons of seeds and seedlings, revealed differences in their ability to bind to con A during seeds germination and seedling develop-ment indicating changes in their sugar component. Con A was found to activate both enzymes. The enzymes cross-reacted with monospecific antibodies raised against grass seed acid phosphatate Ba indicating an antigenic relationship between squash and grass acid phosphatases.
Water stress-induced changes in morphology and anatomy of flag leaf of spring wheat
Authors: Zagdańska Barbara , Kozdój Janusz
Published: April 2013

Flag leaves of wheat (drought hardened and non-hardened) were examined by light microscopy to determine whether the differences in leaf anatomy could be related to the known differences in dehydration tolerance. Plants exposure to water stress during tissue differentiation of flag leaves resulted in an irreversible reduction of leaf area and thickness, increased frequencies of stomata and higher number of bulliform cells with simultaneous decrease in number of intermediate veins and an increase in the share of the cell walls in total cell volume. The smaller leaf thickness was due to a diminished number of mesophyll layers and a decreased size of mesophyll cells. Such altered leaf anatomy indicated development of leaf xerophily. It was found that the irreversible changes in anatomy of wheat flag leaves play a decisive role in acquiring drought tolerance during wheat acclimation to drought.
Protease-producing microorganisms inhabiting salted fish (Moloha) with special reference to protease activity of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Abd-Alla M. H. , Omar S. A. , El-Nagdy M. A.
Published: April 2013

The investigation was designed to isolate and identify the proteolytic microorganisms inhabiting salted fish. Bacillus subtilis was chosen as the most promising protease producer. Some properties of the crude protease are presented, the effect of metal ions on protease production has been studied. It was shown that Ca2+ and Mg2+ stimulated, while Co2+ , Zn2+ and Cu2+ inhibited the enzyme production. The effect of temperature and pH and salt tolerance have also been studied. Protease activity was stable in 25% NaCl. The favourable characteristics of the enzyme might have extensive application in laundry detergents and in tanning industry.
Comparative studies on the soluble and plasma membrane associated nitrate reductase from Cucumis sativus L.
Authors: Kłobus Grażyna , Marciniak Jolanta , Buczek Józef
Published: April 2013

The biochemical comparison between two forms of nitrate reductase from cucumber roots: the soluble enzyme and the plasma membrane-associated one was made. Soluble nitrate reductase was purified on the blue-Sepharose 4B. The nitrate reductase bound with plasma membranes was isolated from cucumber roots by partition of microsomes in the 6.5% dextran-PEG two phase system. The molecular weight of native enzyme estimated with HPLC was 240 kDa and 114 kDa for the soluble and membrane bounded enzyme, respectively. Temperature induced phase separation in Triton X-114 indicated a huge difference in hydrophobicity of the plasma membrane associated nitrate reductase and soluble form of enzyme. Small differences were observed in partial activities of plasma membrane nitrate reductase and soluble nitrate reductase. Also experiments with polyclonal antiserum raised against the native nitrate reductase showed some differences in the immunological properties of both forms of the nitrate reductase. The above results indicated that in cucumber roots two different forms of the nitrate reductase are present.
Hairy root culture of Lactuca virosa L.
Authors: Stojakowska Anna , Malarz Janusz , Kisiel Wanda , Kohlmünzer Stanisław
Published: April 2013

A hairy root culture of Lactuca virosa L. (Asteraceae) was initiated by infection of the leaf explants of the aseptic plants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes - strain LBA 9402. One of the obtained clones which showed the most favourable growth rate was used for further investigation. An influence of different nutrient media and sucrose concentrations on the biomass accumulation was studied. The most advantageous for the biomass increment were media: MS and MS containing macronutrients reduced to half concentration, supplemented with 5% sucrose. A preliminary chromatographic analysis of the tissue extract revealed the presence of sesquiterpene lactones characteristic of the roots of the intact plant.
Effect of an IAA overproducer mutant of the fungus hebeloma Cylindrosporum romagnesi on the early stages of ectomycorrhizal infection and carbohydrate content in seedlings of Pinus pinaster (ait.) SOL.
Authors: Rudawska Maria , Gay Gilles
Published: April 2013

Ectomycorrhizal and control seedlings of Pinus pinaster were cultured on a synthetic Melin-Norkrans medium in Petri dishes. Seedlings were inoculated with a mycelial slurry of an indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) overproducer Hebeloma cylindrosporum mutant 331. The wild strain H. cylindrosporum hl was used as a reference. Medium was supplemented or not with glucose. The mycelial slurry appeared to be very effective for mycorrhizal inoculation even on the medium without glucose. In such culture conditions ectomycorrhizal ability of the IAA overproducer mutant 331 was significantly higher than of the comparable wild type. The highest content of soluble sugars was found in stems and roots of plants mycorrhizal with the mutant followed by mycorrhizal plants with the wild type and then by the uninoculated control. Sucrose practically disappeared from roots of mycorrhizal plants. Starch content in roots of mycorrhizal plants with the IAA overproducer mutant was lower as compared with other treatments. Fungal auxin in mycorrhizal symbiosis seems to be responsible for maintaining the source-sink relationship. This is revealed by higher sugar level in the host's photosynthetic tissue (source) and the rise of soluble sugar content in roots (sink) due to enhanced translocation of sugars to the roots and auxin stimulated conversion of carbohydrates (sucrose, starch) of the host.
Flora and vegetation on dumps of uranium mining in the southern part of the former GDR
Authors: Sänger Hartmut
Published: April 2013

From 1946 to 1990 an intensive uranium mining had been carried out with underground mining and also with opencast mining by the Wismut enterprise in the southern part of the former GDR. The mining activity lead also in the surroundings of Ronneburg to a permanent growth of devastated areas, among others in the form of dumps and tailings. These areas form by reason of mining-specific contaminations, extrem biotops which demand high claims on the pioneer organisms during the phase of natural first settlement. From 1990 to 1992 vegetation mappings were carried out on 15 dumps of the Thuringia mining area according to Braun-Blanquet (1964). The utilization of the computer programm Flora _D (Frank and Klotz 1990) enabled the ecological characterisation of the dumps. On the 15 investigated dumps found were 498 higher plants, belonging to 65 families. One hundred species are species with a high dominance. The number of species per dump fluctuates between 1 I and 282. Pioneer plants occur on the berms mostly in the second year after stoppage of the dumping, on the slopes after five to ten years. After nearly ten years the first step of settlement seems to be finished. Among the mechanisms of spreading dominate wind- and burdock spread. According to the form of life forms the dump species are predominantly hemicryptophytes, further therophytes, geophytes and phanerophytes.
Testing of megagametophytes of some conifer species for defense reactions to the fungus Phaeolus schweinitzii
Authors: Hřib J. , Vooková B.
Published: April 2013

The megametophytes of Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus mugo and Larix decidua were cultured on modified solid agar MS medium with 5 mg.l-1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid and 0.1 mg.l-1 6-benzylaminopurine and exposed to a tester, the basidio-mycete Phaeolus schweinitzii. The megagametophytes of all tested species showed defense reactions manifested by inhibition of mycelial growth. The weakest defense reactions were shown by the megagametophytes of Picea abies and Larix decidua. The strongest defense reactions were found in Pinus sylvestris and Pinus mugo megagametophytes.
Influence of growth regulators (IBA, BA) on anatomical and morphological changes in bromeliads in in vitro culture
Authors: Galek Renata , Kukułczanka Krystyna
Published: April 2013

The subject of study were Tillandsia coronata and Guzmania monostachya. The material has been obtained by means of in vitro propagation. The plants were grown for 18 weeks on various kinds of media. Morphological changes were recorded in both species subjected to action of growth regulators. The changes in plant habit were linked with anatomic build. The effect of cytokinin BA upon growth of the stem pith was found, transversely to its axis, through development of numerous meristematic centres and growth and development of adventitious shoots. Leaves of plant grown on media containing cyto-kinin BA were build of a higher number of cell layers of assimilation parenchyma. In plants grown on media with addition of cytokinin the size of stomatal cells was smaller and was accompanied by analogous changes in size of epidermis cells proper. The bushy type of the plants, caused by presence of cytokinin in medium, resulted from the increase of thickness and breadth of leaves and growth of the stem pith, with simultaneous inhibition of cells' elongation. Auxin IBA did not favour the growth of the existing axillary shoots, but stimulated elongation of the stem pith. The stomata of plants of both species grown on media with addition of auxin were bigger. As result of the applied growth regulators a higher frequency of appearance of binucleate cells was found in parenchyma cells of the stem and leaves in both the species studied.
Anatomy and surface micromorphology of tomatillo fruit (Physalis ixocrpa Brot.)
Authors: Dyki Barbara , Jankiewicz Leszek S. , Staniaszek Mirosława
Published: April 2013

The fruit structure of tomatillo, a new vegetable crop in Poland, has not been yet investigated. The surface of the fruit as seen in SEM shows amorphous and cristalline wax-like deposits. Almost every fourth or fifth epidermal cell has a small appendix covered with cuticle and wax-like substance. No trichomes were found. The anatomical structure of the fruit is similar to that of several other Solanaceae species. The epidermis shows polygonal, tabular cells with a large nucleus. Subepidermis is composed of 1-4 layers of collenchyma-like cells, sometimes very flattened and compressed. The pericarp contains thin-walled round cells increasing in size toward the center. The cells originating from placentae are very large and elongated radially, frequently irregular. The vessels are situated centrally in the vascular boundle and are surrounded by parenchyma with the phloem strands at the periphery of it. Some fruits show microcracks extending from the epidermis throughout collenchyma-like layer.
Size-variation in the antheridia and oogonia of Chara vulgaris under different experimental conditions
Authors: Kwiatkowska Maria , Pala Agnieszka , Maszewski Janusz
Published: April 2013

Changes in sizes and shapes of sex organs - antheridia and oogonia - were studied in wild populations of Chara vulgaris collected during summer, autumn, and from samples cultured in the laboratory under varying L:D and temperature conditions. Morphometric measurements indicate that the size variations refer mainly to male sex organs, while those evidenced for oogonia are much lower. Our observations are discussed in terms of changing morphogenetic preferences for antheridia and oogonia within the life-span of a plant.
Organospecific reactions of yellow lupin seedlings to lead
Authors: Gzyl Jarosław , Przymusiński Roman , Woźny Adam
Published: April 2013

Changes caused by lead, supplied in the form of Pb(NO3)2, in roots and hypocotyls of 4 day old yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L. cv. ventus) seedlings have been analyzed using a transmission electron microscope and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The cells of all examined parts of the roots growing in the presence of Pb2+ contained many lead deposits (mainly in the cell walls and vacuoles) and the increased amount of polypeptides of molecular weight close to 16 kDa have been observed. Similar changes were detected in the area of hypocotyl adjoining the root. However, in upper regions of the hypocotyl only a slight amount of lead deposits was visible and the 16 kDa polypeptide content was comparable to the control cells. The obtained results indicate a relationship between the presence of lead deposits in cells and accumulation of polypeptides of - 16 kDa. The results seem also to indicate that in the analyzed parts of the seedlings, both the amount of accumulated polypeptides of MW - 16 kDa and the amount of lead decreased from root tip to hypocotyl.
Regeneration of Pharbitis nil from immature embryos by somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Trejgell Alina , Tretyn Andrzej
Published: April 2013

Immature embryos of Pharbitis nil Chois. were used for the study. They were isolated from previously sterilized fruits and afterwards transferred to Murashige and Skoog (MS) growth medium with 0.8% agar. Immature embryos were cut across their axis. After 6-8 weeks of cultivation in the injury place (hypocotyl-root region) somatic embryos were formed. These embryos were isolated and each of them was transferred into a separate tube containing MS supplemented with naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; in concentration 0.1 mg•dm-3 ) and gibberellic acid (GA3; in concentration 0.5 mg•dm-3). Under these conditions about 26% of somatic embryos regenerated into complete plants. Two-three weeks after the photoperiodic induction flowers appeared on these plants. A few weeks after pollination normal seeds were developed from these flowers.
Laticifer systems in Mandevilla illustris and M. velutina apocynaceae
Authors: Appezzato-Da-Gloria Beatriz , Maranhão Estelita Maria E.
Published: April 2013

Two Apocynaceae species from savanna (Cerrado) area of Sao Paulo State, Brazil were studied. In both Mandevilla species examined, the laticifer systems are of non-articulated branched type, characteristic of the family. In vegetative organs reported was the occurrence of a primary laticifer system of which the cells were differentiated in the embryo. However, additional laticifer cells were always produced during the growth of the shoot apex. A secondary laticiferous system produced by the cells of vascular cambium was identified in the tuberous root and in the stem. A proposed discussion on this apparently unique record in Apocynaceae was arisen to evaluate the main distinction between articulated and non-articulated laticifers.
IAA-glucopyranoside stimulation of corn coleoptiles elongation
Authors: Szmidt-Jaworska Adriana , Kęsy Jacek , Kopcewicz Jan
Published: April 2013

It has been previously suggested that 1-O-IAGIuc growth stimulation occurs as the effect of its hydrolysis into a free IAA. In present experiments castanospermine, a known β-glucosidase inhibitor, was included. 1-O-IAGluc in the presence of castanospermine stimulated growth of corn coleoptiles segments even stronger then free IAA. So, it seems that 1-O-IAGluc itself, is responsible for the observed stimulation of corn coleoptile segments elongation.
Rhodiola rosea in vitro culture - phytochemical analysis and antioxidant action
Authors: Furmanowa Mirosława , Skopińska-Rozewska Ewa , Rogala Ewa , Hartwich Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

Various Rhodiola rosea organs and tissues from in vitro culture were studied in two areas: searching for the biological active four phenolic compounds and measurement of antioxidant activity of dry residues of EtOH-extracts soluble in PBS using chemiluminescence method. For phytochemical investigation HPLC method was used. Salidroside was typical for organs of intact plant, rosavin for roots of different origin and shoots of intact plants, triandrin was more typical for tissue cultured in vitro, but it was found in all studied samples. Caffeic acid was detected mainly in green and yellow lines of callus, less in other Rhodiola rosea plant material. The highest antioxidant activity showed the extract from 1,5-years-old callus of green and yellow line, which contained caffeic acid and triandrin. Further observations are in progress.
Aluminium tolerance of different Paxillus involutus Fr. strains originating from polluted and nonpolluted sites
Authors: Rudawska Maria , Leski Tomasz
Published: April 2013

The caps of the sporocarps of P. involutus originating from the polluted site (Luboń) and from the control site in Kórnik and Puszcza Nadnotecka accumulated high amounts of aluminium and revealed symptoms of bioconcentration. However in caps of the sporocarps from the control sites a lower amount of Al was accumulated than in caps from the polluted site (Luboń). A significantly lower concentration of Al was found in stems of sporocarps originating from the special control site in Puszcza Nadnotecka. Mycelia of 11 strains isolated from sporocarps collected at the polluted and control sites were cultivated on a liquid medium containing 100 mg L-1 Al. All strains showed high bioconcentration of Al despite of the place of origin. In a subsequent experiment 10 strains of P. involutus originating from polluted soil and 8 strains derived from the control sites were grown in agar media containing 10, 100, 500 and 1000 mg/L-1 of Al. The radial growth rates during culture, the final colony dry weight and the metal tolerance indices calculated on the basis of measured parameters were determined. P. involutus strains appeared to be very tolerant to the presence of Al in the medium and were able to grow even at the highest Al concentration. Increasing aluminium level in the medium to different extent influenced growth of tested strains, however the site of the origin did not influence the response of P. involutus to aluminium: among 18 strains tested, the most tolerant were selected both from the polluted and from the unpolluted sites. The results are discussed with reference to the high intraspecific variability of different physiological features of the ectomycorrhizal fungus P. involutus.
Regeneration of Paeonia mlokosewitschii Lom. and P. tenuifolia L. in vitro from different explants
Authors: Orlikowska Teresa , Marasek Agnieszka , Kucharska Danuta
Published: April 2013

The pattern of regeneration from tissues of Paeonia mlokosewitschii and P. tenuifolia cultured in vitro in the same chemical conditions depended on the initial explant. Direct shoot regeneration was obtained from the bases of petioles and petals, and leaf veins. Vegetative initial buds and regenerated in vitro shoots produced on their bases slowly growing nodular callus which was very productive in repetitive shoot regeneration. The tops of stems, flower bases, sepals, petals and ovary walls produced small callus which regenerated white and red spherical structures within 1.5 years. After that time also from those cultures arised nodular, shoot regenerating callus developed.
Ethylene in the control of photoperiodic flower induction in Pharbitis nil Chois.
Authors: Kulikowska-Gulewska Halina , Kopcewicz Jan
Published: April 2013

The content of endogenous ethylene in the seedlings of Pharbitis nil subjected to 16-hour long inductive night is low during the first half of a dark period, then it increases considerably in the second half of the night. Ethrel, the compound releasing ethylene, applied to the cotyledons of the seedlings, increases the amount of endogenous ethylene in them and at the same time inhibits the flowering, especially when ethrel was applied during the first half of an inductive night, when the content of endogenous ethylene in the seedlings is low. The auxin, inhibiting the flowering of Pharbitis, causes at the same time the increase in the production of endogenous ethylene. PCIB, an inhibitor of auxin action reverses the inhibiting influence of ethrel on flowering. On the other hand the combined application of ethrel and TIBA, the inhibitor of auxin polar transport, causes the increase of the flowering inhibition. CoCl2, the inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis, and AgNO3, the inhibitor of ethylene action, reverse partly the inhibiting influence of auxin. It suggests that ethylene could take part in auxininhibition of flowering. The all obtained results seem to suggest the participation of ethylene in the control of the flower photoperiodic induction.
Ontogenetic variation of phyllotaxis and apex geometry in vegetative shoots of Sedum maximum (L.) Hoffm.
Authors: Kwiatkowska Dorota , Florek-Marwitz Joanna
Published: April 2013

Phyllotaxis of vegetative shoots of Sedum maximum (L.) Hoffm. is variable and unstable. Phyllotactic transitions proceeding either between two whorled, two spiral or a whorled and a spiral pattern occur during shoot ontogeny. A general rule is that in the course of these transitions numbers of contact parastichies increase or much less often diminish. During most common transitions only a single parastichy is added to or subtracted from the already existing contact parastichy pattern. This applies both to the transitions between a spiral and a whorled and to those between two spiral patterns. More parastichies appear only when phyllotaxis changes from one whorled pattern to another. These transitions, however, are the least common in S. maximum. Parameters of apex geometry differ significantly in shoots exhibiting different contact parastichy numbers. The sequence of phyllotactic patterns arranged according to an increasing apical dome area or area ratio, as well as decreasing plastochron ratio (both as defined by Richards) is the same as their sequence based on increasing numbers of contact parastichies. This in turn is the sequence of patterns as they appear during shoot ontogeny. The only parameter which remains relatively constant is the area of the youngest leaf primordium. This implies that during phyllotactic transitions in S. maximum the area ratio changes mainly due to the increase of the apical dome. It seems that in S. maximum this ontogenetic increase of the apical dome, which on the other hand is typical for many plants, somehow differs from these cases where such a change alters only contact parastichy numbers within the same phyllotactic series.
Patterns of flower microstructural variation within the genus Bromus
Authors: Kosina Romuald
Published: April 2013

Twenty five species from four sections of the genus Bromus were evaluated by means of numerical analyses of characters of flower microstructures (lodicule, lemma, palea). Special development of lodicules (lobe and hairiness) and both glumellae (lemma and palea) similar in grasses evolutionarily close (Bromeae, Brachypodieae, Triticeae) was discovered. For most of the characters the original interspecific and intersectional relations were observed in a space of minimum spanning tree (MST). The evolutionary old section Pnigma occupies the largest space. Species of Pnigma having small chromosomes can be distinguished from those having large ones. The section Ceratochloa is scattered through the smallest space. The above points to the endemic evolution of high polyploids of the section. The sections Bromus and Genea are evolutionarily close and they distinctly overlap each other in the MST space. Bromus sterilis, B. catharticus and B. riparius are extremes in their own sections.
Antifungal activity of some metabolites of higher fungi (Basidiomycetes) - an overview
Authors: Florianowicz Teresa
Published: April 2013

A series of compounds of different chemical structures showing antifungal activity were isolated from higher fungi (Basidiomycetes) fruit bodies. Among the microflora against which the examined metabolites showed effective activity, there are pathogenic organisms for people as well as for animals: Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Rhodotorula rubra, Aspergillus fumigatus and pathogens attacking plants: Penicillium chrysogenum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria solani, Fusarium culmorum, Trichoderma lignorum and Verticillium dahlae. Searching for fungal metabolites having antifungal activity creates possibilities of using them against a range of fungal pathogens of clinical, agronomic and environmental significance.
Isoenzymatic variability in progeny of Pinus mugo Turra x Pinus sylvestris L. hybrids from Bór na Czerwonem, in experimental culture
Authors: Bobowicz Maria A. , Danielewicz Władysław
Published: April 2013

The article describes the genetic structure of 12-year old seedlings. They were grown in an experimental culture representing the progeny of natural hybrids of Pinus mugo Turra and Pinus sylvestris L. from the peatbog Bór na Czerwonem. The studies were carried out on seedlings, employing electrophoresis of enzymatic proteins from winter buds. Parallel isoenzymatic analyses were also conducted for trees of P. mugo Turra from Tatra Mountains and for P. sylvestris L. trees from Białowieża in order to determine similarities of the hybrids to the 'pure' species, thought to represent parental forms, and for natural hybrids from Bór na Czerwonem. The obtained electrophoretic patterns made the determination of genetic structure of the population possible, namely of the observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, Wright's fixation index and coefficients of similarity according to Nei and Hedrick. Genetic distances between the populations were also estimated. The variability of 11 enzymatic loci demonstrated the highest level of variability in the population of hybrids. Coefficients of genetic differentiation (GST) and of gene flow, (Nm) suggested a close relationship of the hybrids to P. mugo which may indicate an introgressive type of the hybrid swarm, from which the studied trees originated. The analysis of genetic similarity coefficients, according to Nei and Hedrick, demonstrated also an extensive similarity of the two hybrid groups to P. mugo. However, upon analysis of individual enzymatic loci, some of them highly resembled P. mugo while others were similar to P. sylvestris. The closest genetic similarity was demonstrated for the group of hybrids from the peatbog and the respective of hybrides group from culture. The variable gene expression as well as asymmetric inheritance of isoenzymes provided additional evidence of the introgressive character of the studied trees from the hybrid population.