bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colocalization of QTL for Gibberella Ear Rot Resistance and Low Mycotoxin Contamination in Early European Maize
Authors: Martin M. , Miedaner T. , Dhillon B. S. , Ufermann U. , Kessel B. , Ouzunova M. , Schipprack W. , Melchinger A. E.
Published: August 2011

Gibberella ear rot (GER) of maize (Zea mays L.) caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe is a major disease in Europe that reduces grain yield and leads to contamination with deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA), two important mycotoxins. The objectives of our study were to (i) estimate quantitative‐genetic parameters for GER severity and DON and ZEA contaminations, (ii) map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for GER resistance and low DON and ZEA contaminations, and (iii) examine the prospects of marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for these traits. The materials comprised 150 doubled haploid lines from a cross of two maize inbreds that were evaluated in four environments under artificial inoculation with F. graminearum. On the basis of entry means across environments, heritabilities were moderately high (0.65–0.77), and QTL analyses identified four to six QTL for these traits. Colocalization of QTL in bins 1.11 and 2.04, which had large effects and together explained 29 to 35% of the total genotypic variance, suggested the presence of pleiotropic QTL. This was supported by strong genotypic correlations among these traits (0.89–0.95). In view of the lower costs of genotyping compared with field trials and mycotoxin determinations, our study showed that in breeding for GER resistance and low DON and ZEA contaminations, MAS should be conducted in off‐season nurseries and MAS in combination with phenotypic selection in the crop season.
Near‐Infrared Analysis of Sweet Sorghum Bagasse
Authors: Roberts C. A. , Houx J. H. , Fritschi F. B.
Published: August 2011

Sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] bagasse is the byproduct of stem juice extraction for ethanol production that should be evaluated as a bioenergy feedstock or livestock feed. This study was conducted to determine if near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy could accurately analyze sweet sorghum bagasse for gross calorific value (GCV), in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), and crude protein (CP). Sweet sorghum bagasse was scanned in the NIR region then analyzed for GCV, IVTD, and CP. Laboratory data were regressed against NIR spectra to develop spectral prediction equations. All analytes were quantified successfully by NIR spectroscopy; squared correlation coefficients exceeded 0.90 for all analytes, and coefficients of variation were low.
Identification of a Seed Phospholipase D Null Allele in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Development of SNP Markers for Phospholipase D Deficiency
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro , Takeuchi Yoshinobu , Shirasawa Kenta
Published: August 2011

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) bran usage is severely limited by the rapid degradation of rice bran oil and rapid development of hydrolytic rancidity. Because phospholipase D (PLD) disintegrates phospholipid membranes of oil bodies to deteriorate bran quality, we isolated a PLD‐null rice mutant, ‘03‐s108’, whose PLD‐null phenotype is inherited as a single recessive trait. To develop a convenient DNA marker‐assisted selection method for the PLD‐null trait, we first performed a linkage analysis between the PLD‐null phenotype and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers by using F2 progeny from 03‐s108 × ‘Koshihikari’ crosses, and we mapped the PLD‐null genotype to chromosome 1 near a putative PLD gene sequence, PLDα1. DNA sequencing of the 03‐s108 allele of PLDα1 revealed a transition mutation (G to A) in the third exon. This change resulted in a stop codon, indicating the presence of a nonsense mutation in the 03‐s108 allele. Using this DNA sequence information, we then developed methods of cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) and dot‐blot single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection for this mutation, and we confirmed that the sequence polymorphism was predictive of the presence or absence of the seed PLD‐null phenotype. These CAPS and dot‐blot‐SNP methods are easy and cost‐effective means for identifying seed PLD‐null strains, to enable screening and breeding of PLD‐null rice varieties.
Accuracy of Genomic Selection Prediction in Barley Breeding Programs: A Simulation Study Based On the Real Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Data of Barley Breeding Lines
Authors: Iwata Hiroyoshi , Jannink Jean‐Luc
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of genomic selection (i.e., selection based on genome‐wide markers) to phenotypic selection through simulations based on real barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data (1325 SNPs by 863 breeding lines). We simulated 100 quantitative trait loci (QTL) at randomly picked SNPs, which were dropped from the marker data. The sum of heritability of all the QTL was set as 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6. We generated 100 datasets for each simulation condition. A dataset was then separated into training (N = 200, 400, or 600) and validation sets. Bayesian methods, multivariate regression methods (partial least square and ridge regression), and machine learning methods (random forest and support vector machine) were used for building prediction models. The prediction accuracy was high for the Bayesian methods and ridge regression. Under medium and high heritability (h2 = 0.4 and 0.6), the mean of predictions from all methods was more accurate than predictions based on any single method, suggesting that different methods captured different aspects of genotype–phenotype associations. The advantage of genomic over phenotypic selection was larger under lower heritability and a larger training dataset. The difference in prediction accuracy between polygenic and oligogenic traits was small. The models were also useful in increasing the accuracy of predictions on breeding lines with phenotypic records. The results indicate that genomic selection can be efficiently used in barley breeding programs.
Intake and Digestibility among Caucasian Bluestem, Big Bluestem, and Switchgrass Compared with Bermudagrass
Authors: Burns J. C.
Published: August 2011

Warm‐season perennial grasses, mainly bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], have been a major source of hay for ruminant systems across the upper southern United States. This study compares the quality of Caucasian bluestem [Bothriochloa caucasica (Trin.) C.E. Hubbard ‘Caucasian’] (CBS) with ‘Kanlow’ switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) (SG), and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi Vitman) (BBS), relative to ‘Coastal’ and ‘Tifton 44’ bermudagrasses, as forages for the upper south. Four intake and digestion experiments, with associated diet characteristics, were conducted using steers. In experiment (Exp.) 1, CBS regrowth (45 d) compared with initial growth had greater (P = 0.01) daily dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) [2.33 vs. 1.91 kg 100−1 kg body weight (BW)] and apparent DM digestibility (DMD) (664 vs. 617 g kg−1). Initial growth bermudagrass had greater (P < 0.01) DMI than CBS (2.61 vs. 1.91 kg 100 kg−1 BW) and similar DMD (mean = 619 g kg−1). In Exp. 2, initial and regrowth (45 d) CBS, compared with SG, had greater (P < 0.01) DMI (2.06 vs. 1.23 kg 100−1 kg BW). In Exp. 3, regrowth CBS and BBS had similar DMI (mean = 1.83 kg 100−1 kg BW) and DMD (mean = 637 g kg−1). In Exp. 4, initial and regrowth (53 d) CBS and regrowth (57 d) BBS had similar DMI (mean = 2.29 kg 100−1 kg BW), but CBS had greater (P = 0.01) DMD (602 vs. 566 g kg−1). The DMI and DMD of all hays in all experiments (n = 15) were correlated (r = 0.66, P < 0.01). In general all hays can contribute to ruminant production systems.
Classification of Genotypes of the Target Leaf Spot‐Resistant Gene (ds1) in a Sorghum Collection
Authors: Kawahigashi Hiroyuki , Kasuga Shigemitsu , Okuizumi Hisato , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Ando Tsuyu , Matsumoto Takashi
Published: August 2011

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is the fifth most important cereal grown worldwide and is especially important in the semiarid tropics because of its tolerance of hot and dry environments. In addition, it has recently been used in biomass production due to its rapid summer growth in temperate zones. One sorghum disease called target leaf spot is caused by the necrotrophic fungus Bipolaris sorghicola (Lefebvre & Sherwin) Alcorn. Resistance to target leaf spot is controlled by a recently identified single recessive resistant gene (ds1). We studied the susceptibility of sorghum to target leaf spot and the polymorphism of ds1 and the geographic distribution of its alleles using selected specimens from a sorghum core collection. Among 86 lines in the National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS) Genebank, 34 (39.6%) were susceptible to target leaf spot, each characterized by one of three alleles (S1, S2, and S3 types). The remaining 52 (60.4%) were resistant, with each characterized by one of four alleles (R1, R2, R3, and R4 types). Two new alleles of ds1, namely, the S3 type and the R4 type, were found in this study. The new alleles of ds1 both encoded mature protein. Both lines had an insertion in a promoter region, with one susceptible to target leaf spot and the other resistant, according to the assumption that the insertion altered transcriptional activity. Geographically, both susceptible and resistant alleles were found in African and South Asian lines. Only resistant alleles were found in the lines from East Asia, suggesting either a bottleneck effect or strong selective pressure by target leaf spot in East Asia. With these DNA markers, the susceptibility of sorghum to target leaf spot can be easily classified.
Preference Judgment for Dynamic Symmetry
Authors: Ferg Theresa M. , Kaplan Peter S. , Coussons-Read Mary E. , Briggs William L.
Published: August 2011

In the manner of Fechner, this study employed a novel psychophysics methodology and a novel geometric construction task to verify the results of preference judgments for dynamic symmetry (i.e., the golden ratio). The participants were instructed to visually discriminate by forced-choice preference between images with dynamic symmetry and their counterparts with alternate ratios involving horizontal and vertical distortions. The participants reported a reliable preference for images with dynamic symmetry. A Chi-square goodness-of-fit test demonstrated a correlation between participants' preferences (an aesthetic appeal) and the dynamic symmetry of images. This study expands the mathematical knowledge of dynamic symmetry, and contributes to current research on the perception of symmetry.
Numerical Simulation of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in a Counter-Current Reactor System for Nanomaterial Production
Authors: Ma Cai Y , Mahmud Tariq , Wang Xue Z. , Tighe Chris J , Gruar Robert I , Darr Jawwad A
Published: August 2011

Continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis (CHFS) systems can provide high quality fine nanoparticles. However, optimisation of the CHFS system including the reactor and heat exchanger design, and their scaling-up for commercial applications have not been studied and cannot be achieved only through laboratory and pilot plant experiments. CFD modelling techniques are being widely used to simulate fluid field, heat and mass transfer in a lot of industrial process equipment. However, the application of CFD to model CHFS systems is still rare. This paper employs CFD methodology to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer in a counter-current reactor and a tubular heat exchanger of a laboratory-scale CHFS system for the production of TiO2 nanoparticles. The distributions of flow and heat transfer variables such as velocity and temperature in both units are obtained using ANSYS Fluent package. The tracer concentration profile is also simulated via solving the species equations to investigate the mixing behaviour in the counter-current reactor. Temperature distributions at different locations in a counter-current reactor and a tubular heat exchanger of a CHFS system were obtained experimentally. The simulated temperatures in both the reactor and the heat exchanger are compared with the available experimental data, which reveals that a good level of agreement is achieved.
Light and electron microscopic studies on Myxobolus egyptica sp. nov. (Myxozoa, Myxosporea), infecting the hornlip mullet Oedalechilus labiosus from the Red Sea
Authors: Abdel-Baki Abdel-Azeem
Published: August 2011

A new myxosporean, Myxobolus egyptica sp. nov., was described from the gills of the hornlip mullet Oedalechilus labiosus, collected from the Red Sea at Al-Quseir city, Egypt. The prevalence of infection was 12/72 (16.66%). Myxobolus egyptica was identified on the basis of spore morphometry, histology and transmission electron microscopy. It was distinguished from all previously reported Myxobolus spp. by its shape, dimensions of the mature spore 10.0 ± 0.6 (9.5–10.5) μm in length, 8.5 ± 0.4 (8.0–9.0) μm in width and 8.7 ± 0.5 (8.4–9.2) μm in thickness, polar capsules, locality and host. The parasite formed intrafilamental cyst-like plasmodia. These plasmodia caused curling and atrophy of the gill lamellae. The ultrastructural analysis revealed a double-unit plasmodial membrane which was in direct contact with the host cells and had numerous vesicles. Some mitochondria were found below this membrane. The disporic pansporoblast was earliest recognizable stage of sporogenesis. Advanced developmental stages of spores and mature spores were reported.
A new species of Kritskyia (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) parasitic in the urinary bladder of Salminus brasiliensis (Characiformes) from the Pantanal wetlands, Brazil
Authors: Cepeda Patrícia , Ceccarelli Paulo , Luque José
Published: August 2011

A new species of Kritskyia Kohn, 1990 (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae, Ancyrocephalinae) is described from the urinary bladder of Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816) (Characiformes, Characidae) from the Cuiabá River, the Pantanal wetlands, Brazil. The male copulatory apparatus of the new species differs from those of other species of the genus by the presence of a bipartite accessory piece (distally and proximally linked), one part grooved, serving as guide for distal portion of the MCO. Moreover, the vagina of the new species differs from those of congeners by possessing distal digitiform processes.
Redescription of Monocotyle myliobatis (Monogenea, Monocotylidae) from the type host Myliobatis aquila (Elasmobranchii, Myliobatidae) off the Algerian coast
Authors: Tazerouti Fadila , Neifar Lassad , Euzet Louis
Published: August 2011

Monocotyle was proposed by Taschenberg (1878) to accommodate M. myliobatis Taschenberg, 1878 from the gills of Myliobatis aquila (Linnaeus) caught at the Aquarium of the Zoological Station of Naples (Italy). There have been three descriptions of this species: the original one by Taschenberg (1878) and two which are incomplete by Perugia and Parona (1890) and Palombi (1942). Illustrations by these authors are poor and sometimes conflicting. We have rediscovered M. myliobatis on the gills of the type host Myliobatis aquila caught near Algiers, Tamentfoust (36°47′N, 3°12′E) (Algeria). We provide new illustrations of this monogenean, based on new specimens. We also redescribe the anatomy, with special attention to the male and female reproductive systems, and we provide additional data regarding the morphology, the number and arrangement of the septal sclerites of the haptor and the haptoral marginal papillae. We indicate the similarity between Monocotyle myliobatis and Monocotyle sp. Euzet et Maillard, 1967 collected from Pteromyleus bovinus, Geoffroy Saint Hillaire (Elasmobranchii, Myliobatidae) by J. Cadenat off Dakar (Senegal).
Polylabris bengalensis sp. nov. (Monogenea, Microcotylidae) from siganid fishes of the Visakhapatnam coast, Bay of Bengal, India
Authors: Sailaja Bade , Madhavi Rokkam
Published: August 2011

A new species Polylabris bengalensis (Monogenea, Microcotylidae) is described from the gills of the siganid fishes, Siganus javus and S. oramin from the coast of Visakhapatnam, Bay of Bengal, India. It most closely resembles P. mamaevi but differs in having unequal caeca terminating at different levels in the haptor, in the follicular testis forming a compact mass, in the presence of a thick layer of concentric muscles surrounding the genital atrium and in the terminal part of the male copulatory organ not recurved. The validity of various species of Polylabris recorded from siganids from different geographical regions is discussed.
Description of Neolepidapedoides subantarcticus sp. nov. (Digenea, Lepocreadiidae) from sub-Antarctic notothenioid fishes
Authors: Jeżewski Witold , Zdzitowiecki Krzysztof , Laskowski Zdzisław
Published: August 2011

Neolepidapedoides subantarcticus sp. nov. (Digenea, Lepocreadiidae) is reported from the intestine, mainly the jejunum, of fishes in the eastern mouth of the Beagle Channel and in the harbour of Ushuaia in the Beagle Channel (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) at a depth 7–30 m. The typical host is Patagonotothen longipes, other hosts are P. tessellata, P. brevicauda and Champsocephalus esox. The male terminal genitalia indicates that the new species belongs to the genus Neolepidapedoides (Lepocreadiidae, Lepocreadiinae). The most important taxonomic features are the presence of eye-spots, the spined tegument, the “Opechona-type” cirrus-sac, the external seminal vesicle free in the parenchyma, the gonads arranged in tandem, the vitelline follicles extending from the level of the oesophagus in the forebody to the posterior end of the body and an I-shaped excretory vesicle reaching to the intestinal bifurcation and the absence of a pseudoesophagus. Ten previously described species differ from the N. subantarcticus sp. nov. mainly in the extent of the vitelline fields and length of the excretory vesicle which reaches into forebody.
A new species of Hysterothylacium (Ascaridoidea, Anisakidae) parasitic in Zenopsis conchifer (Zeiformes, Zeidae) from Argentinean waters
Authors: Rossin María , Datri Luciana , Incorvaia Inés , Timi Juan
Published: August 2011

A new species of parasitic nematode, Hysterothylacium spirale sp. nov. (Ascaridoidea, Anisakidae), is described based on specimens collected from the intestine and pyloric caeca of the silvery john dory Zenopsis conchifer (Lowe) (Zeiformes, Zeidae), from the Argentinean Shelf (35°05′–40°46′S, 53°03′–58°07′W). Among the 66 valid species described so far in the genus, the new species most closely resembles H. zenis (Baylis, 1929). Both species, apparently specific for fishes of the family Zeidae, share the shape of the dorsal lip, the long expanded lateral alae originating from subventral interlabia and the ornamentation of the tail tip, as well as general morphometry. The combination of these shared features distinguishes both species from all congeners so far known. However, the new species is distinguishable from H. zenis by having shorter interlabia, and consequently the lateral alae originating more posteriorly, shorter spicules, a smaller number of postcloacal papillae and the presence of two pairs of double postcloacal papillae.
Notes on quill mites (Acariformes, Syringophilidae) from aquatic birds in North America
Authors: Skoracki Maciej , Bochkov Andre , OConnor Barry
Published: August 2011

A new monobasic genus of parasitic mites, Phalarophilus fulicarius gen. nov., sp. nov. (Acariformes, Syringophilidae) is described from feather quills of Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus) (Charadriiformes, Scolopacidae) from USA. Females of the new genus differs from those of the genus Bochkovia Skoracki et OConnor, by having the rounded posteriorly stylophore, edentate movable cheliceral digits, propodonotal setae arranged 2-1-1-2, thin and smooth dorsal setae of the idiosoma, smooth dorsal setae of legs I and II, and by the presence of setae vsI; males are distinguished by the presence of the propodonotal setae arranged 2-1-1-1-1. Additionally, two new syringophilid species recorded from aquatic birds in North America and three new host associations of these mites are recovered.
Effects of Sodium Octanoate, Acylated Ghrelin, and Desacylated Ghrelin on the Growth of Genetically Engineered Escherichia Coli
Authors: Aydin Suleyman , Erenler Sebnem , Kendir Yalcin
Published: August 2011

Effects of Sodium Octanoate, Acylated Ghrelin, and Desacylated Ghrelin on the Growth of Genetically EngineeredEscherichia Coli

Acylated ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide hormone bearing a fatty acid group based on octanoic acid (caprylic acid) at the serine which is located at position 3 and at the N-terminus. If this fatty acid is cleaved from acylated ghrelin, the remaining peptide is referred to as desacylated ghrelin. Free fatty acids (FFAs) can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. The purpose of this study was to test this ability using acylated ghrelin, desacylated ghrelin, and sodium octanoate (caprylic acid) as carbon sources for the genetically engineeredEscherichia colistrains MK79 and MK57. For this experimental work, minimal medium was modified by replacing glucose with equal concentrations of acylated ghrelin, desacylated ghrelin, or sodium octanoate. Bacterial optical density, viability, alpha-amylase production, plasmid stability and pH of the growth medium were measured during these experiments. The media that allowed most growth, based on viable cell counts and the OD600of MK79, was minimal medium, followed by the medium containing desacylated ghrelin or acylated ghrelin, and finally the medium containing sodium octanoate. The same order was observed for MK57. Neither of the strains lost plasmids during the entire course of each experiment. There was also little change in the pH of any of the media used for both strains. These results suggest that sodium octanoate, acylated ghrelin, and desacylated ghrelin, when compared with minimal medium, inhibitEscherichia coligrowth. Proliferation was lowest when sodium octanoate was used as the carbon source, followed by acylated ghrelin and desacylated ghrelin. Therefore, the acylated ghrelin found previously in human saliva might help to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms, and acylated ghrelin levels below a critical concentration in saliva could result in an increased risk of oral infection.
Expressions of IL-17, IL-21 and IL-23 in the Serum of Allergic Rhinitis Patients
Authors: Huang Xuekun , Yang Qintai , Chen Yulian , Li Peng , Zhang Gehua , Li Yuan
Published: August 2011

Expressions of IL-17, IL-21 and IL-23 in the Serum of Allergic Rhinitis Patients

The present study aimed to investigate the expressions of interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-21 and IL-23 in the serum of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients and to explore their relationship with special IgE (sFgE) in the serum. AR patients (n=24) and healthy subjects (n=12) were recruited and serum samples were collected. The serum level of IgE specific for inhalant allergens was determined using the automatic quantitative immunofluorescence analysis system, and the contents of IL-17, IL-21 and IL-23 in the serum were detected using ELISA. The level of serum IgE in the healthy individuals was categorized as grade 0 and that in the AR patients as grade 2-6. The mean contents of IL-17, IL-21 and IL-23 were 164.71 ±39.37 pg/mL, 199±97.86 pg/mL and 78.94±26.33 pg/mL, respectively, in the AR patients, and 67.75±18.24 pg/mL, 7.58±5.49 pg/mL and 13.58± 3.93 pg/mL, respectively, in the healthy subjects. Statistical analysis showed the serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in the AR patients were markedly higher than those in the healthy subjects, however, no significant difference was noted in the content of IL-21. Furthermore, the IL-17 level was positively related to the levels of IL-23 and IgE and the IL-23 level was positively related to the IgE level among AR patients, but no relations were observed between the IL-21 level and levels of IL-17, IL-23 and IgE. Our study indicates IL-17 and IL-23 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AR and maybe IL-21 is not involved in the occurrence of AR.
Morphofunctional Characteristics of Pituitary Adrenocorticotropes in An Animal Model of Heat Stress
Authors: Perčinić-Popovska Florina , Ajdžanović Vladimir , Dinevska-Kofkarovska Suzana , Jordanova Maja , Trifunović Svetlana , Šošić-Jurjević Branka , Milošević Verica
Published: August 2011

Morphofunctional Characteristics of Pituitary Adrenocorticotropes in An Animal Model of Heat Stress

As a result of the global warming, the average ambient temperature during summertime has increased in regions with moderate continental cli mate. The effects of 24 h exposure to heat stress (35±1 °C) on the morphology and function of pituitary adrenocorticotropes were examined in adult male Wistar rats. Significant changes in the morphofunctional features of adrenocorticotropes were found after the heat stress, with no differences noted in the cell shape or localization, compared to controls. The adrenocorticotropes cell volume, as well as the volume density, were significantly decreased (p<0.05) by 12.3% and 26.7%, respectively, in comparison with controls. The concentration of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and serum corticosterone in the heat stressed group were significantly decreased (p<0.05) by 21.9% and 27.2%, respectively, compared to controls. These findings suggest that 24 h exposure of adult male rats to heat stress has an inhibitory effect on the morphofunctional characteristics of adrenocorticotropes.
Boar variability affects sperm metabolism activity in liquid stored semen at 5°C
Authors: Dziekońska A. , Strzeżek J.
Published: August 2011

Boar variability affects sperm metabolism activity in liquid stored semen at 5°C

Metabolic activity of boar spermatozoa, liquid stored for three days at 5°C, was measured using bioluminescence for ATP content, fluorescent assay (JC fluorochrome) of mitochondrial activity and oxygen consumption. Sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were simultaneously analyzed. Apart from the statistically significant effect (P < 0.001) of semen storage time, the importance of the individual source of the ejaculate for the analyzed parameters of metabolic efficiency of spermatozoa was shown. This phenomenon was manifested in the interaction of the individual source of the ejaculate with spermatozoa motility, integrity of their membranes and metabolic activity with the passing time of semen preservation. Recorded results indicate that the individual factor may have a significant influence on the technological usefulness of boar spermatozoa for liquid storage. Quality analyses conducted on boar semen stored at 5°C may be used for pre-selection of boars producing sperm with an enhanced tolerance to cold shock.
Effect of sperm concentration in an ejaculate on morphometric traits of spermatozoa in Duroc boars
Authors: Kondracki S. , Wysokińska A. , Iwanina M. , Banaszewska D. , Sitarz D.
Published: August 2011

Effect of sperm concentration in an ejaculate on morphometric traits of spermatozoa in Duroc boars

The experimental material consisted of 75 ejaculates collected form 8 Duroc boars. The ejaculates were divided into three groups according to sperm concentration in an ejaculate. An ejaculate was obtained from each boar monthly and it was used to make microscopic preparations to examine spermatozoa morphology. In each preparation morphometric measurements were taken of fifteen randomly selected spermatozoa characterized by normal morphology. The following measurements of spermatozoa were taken: length and width of the spermatozoa head, head area, length of the flagellum, perimeter of the spermatozoon head and total spermatozoon length. The results were used to calculate indicators of spermatozoa morphology. Moreover, assessments were made of frequency of morphological defects to isolate spermatozoa with primary and secondary abnormalities following the Blom classification system. It was found that the concentration of spermatozoa in the ejaculate influenced the morphometric characteristics of spermatozoa. Ejaculates with low sperm concentrations are characterized by larger spermatozoa as compared to ejaculates with high sperm concentrations. However, sperm concentration in the ejaculate does not much influence the shape of spermatozoa.
Gestational length in Carthusian broodmares: effects of breeding season, foal gender, age of mare, year of parturition, parity and sire
Authors: Satué K. , Felipe M. , Mota J. , Muñoz A.
Published: August 2011

Gestational length in Carthusian broodmares: effects of breeding season, foal gender, age of mare, year of parturition, parity and sire

The length of gestation in Carthusian broodmares was calculated on the basis of 339 spontaneous full-term deliveries taking place in the 8-year period 1998-2005 from 158 broodmares and 29 stallions in a major farm of Spanish horses of Carthusian strain in southern Spain. Ultrasonography was used to determine follicular dehiscence, 1stday of pregnancy and to confirm conception in mares. Mean GL was 332.4 ± 12.1 days, and a normal interval of 297-358 days was established for this breed. GL records were grouped on the basis of foal sex (colts or fillies), mating month (between November and January; February and April; May and July), age of the mare (4 to 7 years; 8 to 12 years; 13 to 17 years), breeding year, stallion and parity (primiparous vs. multiparous). GLs were 12.9 days shorter in mares mated between May and July than those mated between November and January and 15.3 days in mares mated between February and April (p<0.001). Mares aged between 8-12 years had 5.3 days shorter GLs than those aged between 13-17 years (p<0.05). Pregnancy was significantly 5.7 days longer when the mare gave birth to colts than fillies (p<0.05). GL was 14.5 days longer in primiparous than in multiparous mares (p<0.001). No statistical differences in GL were found between the studied years. This study shows the influence of certain stallion on GL.
The effect of diets supplemented with fish broth and fish oil on the health of weaners
Authors: Bakuła T. , Lis Ł. , Iwaniuk Z. , Ordyński Z.
Published: August 2011

The effect of diets supplemented with fish broth and fish oil on the health of weaners

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fish-based feed materials, as a source of readily available protein contained in fish broth and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in fish oil, on the health of piglets and rearing results. The experiment was conducted on a commercial pig fattening farm. The study involved a total of 80 weaners with an approximate body weight of 15 kg. The experiment was carried out over a period of 40 days. Feed samples were subjected to laboratory analyses. Blood samples were collected from experimental group animals to determine serum biochemical and immunological parameters. The body weight gains of weaners, mortality rates and average feed intake per animal were calculated for the entire experimental period. The addition of fish broth and fish oil significantly improved the n3:n6 fatty acid ratio in diets. The presence of EPA and DHA in the experimental diet could have had a positive health effect on piglets, comparable with that exerted by therapeutic doses of zinc often administered to pigs of this age group. During the experiment, feed conversion ratio (FCR) gain was considerably reduced in the experimental group, with similar daily gains in the control and experimental group.
Relationship between receptors for insulin-like growth factor - I, steroid hormones and apoptosis-associated proteins in canine mammary tumors
Authors: Dolka I. , Motyl T. , Malicka E. , Sapierzyński R. , Fabisiak M.
Published: August 2011

Relationship between receptors for insulin-like growth factor - I, steroid hormones and apoptosis-associated proteins in canine mammary tumors

In the veterinary literature there are few data concerning the expression of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-IR) in the canine mammary gland tumors. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of IGF-IR expression and its correlation to the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR), proteins: Bcl-2, Bax, p53 in canine mammary gland tumors, and also a correlation with other features: bitch's age, tumor diameter, histologic type of tumor, degree of histologic malignancy, proliferate activity. The study was done on 112 epithelial neoplasms: 21 (19%) were adenoma, 38 (34%) complex carcinoma (adenocarcinoma), 47 (42%) simple carcinoma (adenocarcinoma) and 6 (5%) solid carcinoma. Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry methods were employed. It was shown that more common and/or higher IGF-IR expression in cells of canine mammary gland tumors was related to the histologic type of cancer of worse prognostic (solid and simple carcinoma), high histologic degree of malignancy (III°) but the statistical analysis did not reveal any significant differences. We observed the high degree of IGF-IR expression in tumors which displayed the high ERα and PR expression. These results suggest the involvement of IGF-IR in the development of hormonosensitive canine mammary tumors. Additionally, the significant positive correlation between expression of IGF-IR and p53, Bax was found. Our study provides some evidence that interactions exist between the IGF-IR and these apoptosis-associated proteins may contribute to the development and progression of canine mammary gland tumors. These results require further investigations.
Heterogeneity of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains isolated from diseased dogs
Authors: Garbacz K. , Piechowicz L. , Żarnowska S. , Haras K. , Dąbrowska-Szponar M.
Published: August 2011

Heterogeneity of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains isolated from diseased dogs

Thirty nine canine S. pseudintermedius strains were examined for antibiotic susceptibility and genetic polymorphisms. All strains were methicillin-sensitive S. pseudintermedius (MSSP). Resistance to penicillin was most prevalent (66.6%), followed by resistance to neomycin (56.4%), erythromycin (53.8%), clindamycin (48.7%), chloramphenicol (48.7%), and tetracycline (46.2%). Pulsed-field electrophoresis (PFGE) showed a high genetic polymorphism in the investigated strains.
Bluetongue vaccines in Europe
Authors: Niedbalski W.
Published: August 2011

Bluetongue vaccines in Europe

The article reviews the history, present status and the future of BT vaccines in Europe. So far, an attenuated (modified live viruses, MLV) and inactivated virus vaccines against BT were developed and used in the field. Moreover, the virus-like particles (VLPs) produced from recombinant baculovirus, and live recombinant vaccinia or canarypox virus-vectored vaccines were tested in the laboratory. The main aims of BT vaccination strategy are: to prevent clinical disease, to reduce the spread of the BTV in the environment and to protect movement of susceptible animals between affected and free zones. Actually, all of the most recent European BT vaccination campaigns have used exclusively inactivated vaccines. The use of inactivated vaccines avoid risk associated with the use of live-attenuated vaccines, such as reversion to virulence, reassortment of genes with field strain, teratogenicity and insufficient attenuation leading to clinical disease. The mass vaccinations of all susceptible animals are the most efficient veterinary method to fight against BT and successful control of disease. The vaccination of livestock has had a major role in reducing BTV circulation and even in eradicating the virus from most areas of Europe.
Behavioural Economics and Qualitative Research – A Marriage Made in Heaven?
Authors: Gordon Wendy
Published: August 2011

Behavioural economics draws on many different academic disciplines from cognitive psychology and social theory through to the newer disciplines of (social) neuroscience, evolutionary anthropology and genetics. Marketing and communications practitioners are now embracing it because it puts human behaviour centre stage rather than attitudes, beliefs and opinions. Contemporary qualitative research also draws on many of the same disciplines, and also others such as semiotics, linguistics and epidemiology. However, it has always been more comfortable describing motivations, attitudes, beliefs and opinions rather than behaviour itself. Many of the principles described in behavioural economics (BE) challenge the very nature of qualitative thinking and practice. This paper examines the relationship between the two models of thinking and how each can benefit from a greater understanding of the other.
In Vitro and in Vivo Antioxidant Properties of the Plant-Based Supplement Greens+
Authors: Rao Venket , Balachandran Bashyam , Shen Honglei , Logan Alan , Rao Leticia
Published: August 2011

Dietary antioxidants play an important role against oxidation, an underlying mechanism in the incidence of chronic diseases. Greens+ is a commercially available preparation containing a variety of plant-derived ingredients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract of greens+ powder using in vitro and in vivo techniques. In vitro studies were conducted using a liposome model system to simulate biological cell membranes. Total antioxidant potential and polyphenol content of the herbal preparation was measured. For in vivo analysis, 10 healthy human subjects consumed either three or six teaspoons of greens+ per day for four weeks. Blood samples were analyzed at baseline and at the conclusion of the treatment period for total antioxidant capacity, polyphenol content, protein, lipid and LDL oxidation, and the level of glutathione peroxidase. Results showed that greens+ supplementation was well tolerated and increased serum antioxidant potential at higher levels of intake in a dose-dependent manner. HPLC analysis showed the presence of quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol and luteolin in the supplement. Plasma analysis indicated the presence of kaempferol only. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in protein and lipid oxidation was observed. Based on its antioxidant properties, the results suggest that greens+ might play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases involving a burden of oxidative damage.
Exploring Phylogeographic Congruence in a Continental Island System
Authors: Goldberg Julia , Trewick Steven A.
Published: August 2011

A prediction in phylogeographic studies is that patterns of lineage diversity and timing will be similar within the same landscape under the assumption that these lineages have responded to past environmental changes in comparable ways. Eight invertebrate taxa from four different orders were included in this study of mainland New Zealand and Chatham Islands lineages to explore outcomes of island colonization. These comprised two orthopteran genera, one an endemic forest-dwelling genus of cave weta (Rhaphidophoridae, Talitropsis) and the other a grasshopper (Acrididae, Phaulacridum) that inhabits open grassland; four genera of Coleoptera including carabid beetles (Mecodema), stag beetles (Geodorcus), weevils (Hadramphus) and clickbeetles (Amychus); the widespread earwig genus Anisolabis (Dermaptera) that is common on beaches in New Zealand and the Chatham Islands, and an endemic and widespread cockroach genus Celatoblatta (Blattodea). Mitochondrial DNA data were used to reconstruct phylogeographic hypotheses to compare among these taxa. Strikingly, despite a maximum age of the Chathams of ~4 million years there is no concordance among these taxa, in the extent of genetic divergence and partitioning between Chatham and Mainland populations. Some Chatham lineages are represented by insular endemics and others by haplotypes shared with mainland populations. These diverse patterns suggest that combinations of intrinsic (taxon ecology) and extrinsic (extinction and dispersal) factors can result in apparently very different biogeographic outcomes.
Inhibitory Effect and Possible Mechanism of Action of Patchouli Alcohol against Influenza A (H2N2) Virus
Authors: Wu Huaxing , Li Beili , Wang Xue , Jin Mingyuan , Wang Guonian
Published: August 2011

In the present study, the anti-influenza A (H2N2) virus activity of patchouli alcohol was studied in vitro, in vivo and in silico. The CC50 of patchouli alcohol was above 20 µM. Patchouli alcohol could inhibit influenza virus with an IC50 of 4.03 ± 0.23 µM. MTT assay showed that the inhibition by patchouli alcohol appears strongly after penetration of the virus into the cell. In the influenza mouse model, patchouli alcohol showed obvious protection against the viral infection at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day. Flexible docking and molecular dynamic simulations indicated that patchouli alcohol was bound to the neuraminidase protein of influenza virus, with an interaction energy of –40.38 kcal mol–1. The invariant key active-site residues Asp151, Arg152, Glu119, Glu276 and Tyr406 played important roles during the binding process. Based on spatial and energetic criteria, patchouli alcohol interfered with the NA functions. Results presented here suggest that patchouli alcohol possesses anti-influenza A (H2N2) virus properties, and therefore is a potential source of anti-influenza agents for the pharmaceutical industry.
Evaluation of Sub-Pixel Cloud Noises on MODIS Daily Spectral Indices Based on in situ Measurements
Authors: Motohka Takeshi , Nasahara Kenlo Nishida , Murakami Kazutaka , Nagai Shin
Published: August 2011

Cloud contamination is one of the severest problems for the time-series analysis of optical remote sensing data such as vegetation phenology detection. Sub-pixel clouds are especially difficult to identify and remove. It is important for accuracy improvement in various terrestrial remote sensing applications to clarify the influence of these residual clouds on spectral vegetation indices. This study investigated the noises caused by residual sub-pixel clouds on several frequently-used spectral indices (NDVI, EVI, EVI2, NDWI, and NDII) by using in situ spectral data and sky photographs at the satellite overpass time. We conducted in situ continuous observation at a Japanese deciduous forest for over a year and compared the MODIS spectral indices with the cloud-free in situ spectral indices. Our results revealed that residual sub-pixel clouds potentially contaminated about 40% of the MODIS data after cloud screening by the state flag of MOD09 product. These residual clouds significantly decreased NDVI values during the leaf growing season. However, such noises did not appear in the other indices. This result was thought to be caused by the different combination of wavelengths among spectral indices. Our results suggested that the noises by residual sub-pixel clouds can be reduced by using EVI, NDWI, or NDII in place of NDVI.
Japan Tsunami Current Flows Observed by HF Radars on Two Continents
Authors: Lipa Belinda , Barrick Donald , Saitoh Sei-Ichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Awaji Toshiyuki , Largier John , Garfield Newell
Published: August 2011

Quantitative real-time observations of a tsunami have been limited to deep-water, pressure-sensor observations of changes in the sea surface elevation and observations of sea level fluctuations at the coast, which are essentially point measurements. Constrained by these data, models have been used for predictions and warning of the arrival of a tsunami, but to date no detailed verification of flow patterns nor area measurements have been possible. Here we present unique HF-radar area observations of the tsunami signal seen in current velocities as the wave train approaches the coast. Networks of coastal HF-radars are now routinely observing surface currents in many countries and we report clear results from five HF radar sites spanning a distance of 8,200 km on two continents following the magnitude 9.0 earthquake off Sendai, Japan, on 11 March 2011. We confirm the tsunami signal with three different methodologies and compare the currents observed with coastal sea level fluctuations at tide gauges. The distance offshore at which the tsunami can be detected, and hence the warning time provided, depends on the bathymetry: the wider the shallow continental shelf, the greater this time. Data from these and other radars around the Pacific rim can be used to further develop radar as an important tool to aid in tsunami observation and warning as well as post-processing comparisons between observation and model predictions.
Development of a Mass Sensitive Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)-Based DNA Biosensor Using a 50 MHz Electronic Oscillator Circuit
Authors: García-Martinez Gonzalo , Bustabad Enrique Alonso , Perrot Hubert , Gabrielli Claude , Bucur Bogdan , Lazerges Mathieu , Rose Daniel , Rodriguez-Pardo Loreto , Fariña Jose , Compère Chantal , Vives Antonio Arnau
Published: August 2011

This work deals with the design of a high sensitivity DNA sequence detector using a 50 MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electronic oscillator circuit. The oscillator circuitry is based on Miller topology, which is able to work in damping media. Calibration and experimental study of frequency noise are carried out, finding that the designed sensor has a resolution of 7.1 ng/cm2 in dynamic conditions (with circulation of liquid). Then the oscillator is proved as DNA biosensor. Results show that the system is able to detect the presence of complementary target DNAs in a solution with high selectivity and sensitivity. DNA target concentrations higher of 50 ng/mL can be detected.
Approaches to Sustainable Development in Poland
Authors: Kostrzewa Karina , Piasecki Ryszard
Published: August 2011

Résumé Le principe du développement durable fut introduit dans le système légal polonais quand fut adoptée la constitution de la république polonaise en 1997. Paradoxalement, en Pologne – dans un des rares pays ayant introduit le concept de développement durable au niveau constitutionnel – il est difficile d’y trouver une référence dans le débat politique. La Stratégie nationale de développement durable de Pologne 2025, n’a pas trouvé de réponse dans la société, et ne semble plus en mémoire pour personne. Le citoyen moyen ne connaît pas le concept de développement durable, ou n’a qu’une vague notion de celui-ci, ne l’identifiant qu’exclusivement avec la protection de l’environnement. La solution aux problèmes sociaux (le marché du travail, l’éducation, la santé, l’égalité des sexes, etc.) n’est de toute façon pas associée au développement durable, et il n’existe aucun engagement à réaliser les objectifs à une échelle globale.