bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reed Parrotbill nest predation by tidal mudflat crabs: Evidence for an ecological trap?
Authors: Li Donglai , Sun Xinghai , Lloyd Huw , Que Pinjia , Liu Yang , Wan Dongmei , Zhang Zhengwang
Published: January 2015

Understanding the relationships between nesting habitat quality and predation risk is essential for developing appropriate conservation management for threatened species. This is particularly relevant where anthropogenic pressures could decouple the environmental cues used by birds to assess nesting habitat quality from increased predation risk. In this study, we conducted a series of surveys and nest experiments to examine the nest predation rates of Reed Parrotbill (Paradoxornis heudei) a passerine bird between inland and tidal reed‐bed wetland habitats, at Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, Eastern China during 2008, and 2010–2012. We found significant differences in the habitat structural characteristics between the two adjacent wetland habitats that are critical for Reed Parrotbill nest‐site selection. Experimental trials using recently constructed and abandoned Reed Parrotbill nests as ‘artificial nests, quail eggs and predator‐exclusion measures, revealed that tidal mudflat crab (Helice tientsinensis) was the primary cause of Reed Parrotbill egg predation in tidal reed‐bed habitat. Annual predation rates of real nests from inland reed‐bed habitat varied from 35% to 68%, and predation rates of artificial nests were much lower than those from real nests. Pitfall sampling revealed that the abundance of tidal mudflat crabs was significantly higher in tidal reed‐bed habitat. Our data suggested that Reed Parrotbills breeding in tidal reed‐bed habitats may be highly vulnerable due to extremely high rates of nest predation (up to 100%), caused primarily by the high density of tidal mudflat crabs. The incongruence between nest‐site habitat preference and nest survival indicated an ecological trap scenario, which requires further studies on its proximate and ultimate causes as well as the development of effective conservation management for the Reed Parrotbill.
Assessing antibiotic resistance of microorganisms in sanitary sewage
Authors: Kaeseberg Thomas , Blumensaat Frank , Zhang Jin , Krebs Peter
Published: January 2015

The release of antimicrobial substances into surface waters is of growing concern due to direct toxic effects on all trophic levels and the promotion of antibiotic resistance through sub-inhibitory concentration levels. This study showcases (1) the variation of antibiotics in sanitary sewage depending on different timescales and (2) a method to assess the antibiotic resistance based on an inhibition test. The test is based on the measurement of the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) in wastewater samples with increasing concentrations of the selected antibiotic agents. The following antibiotics were analysed in the present study: clarithromycin (CLA) was selected due to its high toxicity to many microorganisms (low EC50), ciprofloxacin (CIP) which is used to generally fight all bacteria concerning interstitial infections and doxycyclin (DOX) having a broad spectrum efficacy. Results show that CLA inhibited the OUR by approximately 50% at a concentration of about 10 mg L−1, because Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli are resistant, whereas CIP inhibited about 90% of the OUR at a concentration equal to or greater than 10 mg L−1. In the case of DOX, a moderate inhibition of about 38% at a concentration of 10 mg L−1 was identified, indicating a significant antibiotic resistance. The results are consistent with the corresponding findings from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Thus, the presented inhibition test provides a simple but robust alternative method to assess antibiotic resistance in biofilms instead of more complex clinical tests.
Smart SUDS: recognising the multiple-benefit potential of sustainable surface water management systems
Authors: Jose Roshni , Wade Rebecca , Jefferies Chris
Published: January 2015

How can we make sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) smart? SUDS help us to manage surface water runoff from urban environments but they are capable of delivering much more. This paper looks beyond the water quantity and quality improvement functions of SUDS and investigates the multiple benefits that can be gained by implementing smart SUDS solutions. This work provides a new perspective, using methodologies not normally associated with SUDS research, to determine multiple benefits. The outputs of the work can potentially assist decision-makers, designer and planners in recognising the potential for multiple benefits that can be delivered by SUDS. The ecosystem services (ES) associated with a large redevelopment in Dundee, Scotland, UK, are identified and a public perception study together with public participatory geographical information system (PPGIS) methods was used to confirm the goods and benefits of the SUDS. The paper presents findings on the public perception of SUDS as they provide cultural benefits such as recreation, aesthetics and biodiversity. The results show that greenspace is important when choosing a location, and willingness to pay for greenspace is high in this area. This paper concludes that SUDS provide multi-functional benefits in relation to the ES, thereby justifying the cachet of being termed Smart SUDS.
Sludge reduction at low ozone doses: predictive effects and full-scale study
Authors: Romero P. , Coello M. D. , Aragón C. A. , Eusebi A. L.
Published: January 2015

The activated sludge process is the most widely used wastewater treatment. The main drawback of this technology is the excess sludge production (ESP). The ozonation of sludge of the recirculation line is used to reduce the ESP. In this study, ozonation was applied on a fraction of sludge of the recirculation line in a full-scale plant (50,000 population equivalent) at a lower–specific ozone dose (SOD) compared to previous studies. The results of batch tests to predict the main effect of the technology on the biomass activities are reported. Specifically, tests at 0.7–5 g O3/kg MLVSS (mixed liquor volatile suspended solids) doses were made to evaluate the changes of the nitrification and denitrification rates, the population of phosphate-accumulating organisms and the gravitational properties. A certain reduction of the impact of ozonation on the kinetic parameters of sludge for values of SOD over 2 g O3/kg MLVSS was found. The present study highlights also the use of the ratio of ozonated biomass to total biomass as an important operative parameter for ozonation in full-scale plants. Reduction in ESP in the wastewater treatment plant was equal to 10% as dry solids applying a SOD from 1.03 to 1.63 g O3/kg MLVSS. An analysis of the economic cost of the technique is also reported.
Sensitivity analysis of the CLARA Simplified Planning Tool using the Morris screening method
Authors: Ketema Atekelt Abebe , Langergraber Guenter
Published: January 2015

The Morris screening sensitivity analysis (SA) has been used to assess how the uncertainty of input parameters influences the output of the CLARA Simplified Planning Tool (CLARA-SPT). To assess the sensitivity of the tool, four hypothetical waste collection and treatment alternatives, which planned to serve 10,000 people, have been proposed and analysed. These alternatives are (A1) dry sanitation with urine diversion dry toilets (UDDTs), (A2) water-aided sanitation with decentralised treatment units, (A3) water-aided sanitation with central technical treatment and (A4) water-aided sanitation with cesspits. The SA was used to identify the influence of two global and 29 technological input parameters on lifetime costs and residual values of sanitation alternatives. The top two important parameters identified for each alternative are: ‘type of urine transport’ and ‘persons using one UDDT’ for alternative A1, ‘persons served per septic tank’ and ‘required surface area for vertical flow constructed wetland’ for alternative A2, ‘daily diesel generator working hours’ and ‘expected annual growth’ for alternative A3 and ‘cesspit volume’ and ‘expected annual growth’ for alternative A4. Additionally, the Morris SA identified non-linearity and/or parameter interaction response. The SA of the specified alternatives shows that from the 29 technological parameters investigated, a subset of 14 important parameters need estimates that are more accurate, whereas a subset of 15 non-influential parameters can be fixed to a certain value. In particular, two parameters (i.e. cesspit volume and persons using one UDDT) that have been internally fixed in the SPT were found to be important and thus should be made available as input parameters to the user. Overall, the study provides guidance for further modification and simplification of the CLARA-SPT.
Global implementation of two shared socioeconomic pathways for future sanitation and wastewater flows
Authors: van Puijenbroek P. J. T. M. , Bouwman A. F. , Beusen A. H. W. , Lucas P. L.
Published: January 2015

Households are an important source of nutrient loading to surface water. Sewage systems without or with only primary wastewater treatment are major polluters of surface water. Future emission levels will depend on population growth, urbanisation, increases in income and investments in sanitation, sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants. This study presents the results for two possible shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). SSP1 is a scenario that includes improvement of wastewater treatment and SSP3 does not include such improvement, with fewer investments and a higher population growth. The main drivers for the nutrient emission model are population growth, income growth and urbanisation. Under the SSP1 scenario, 5.7 billion people will be connected to a sewage system and for SSP3 this is 5 billion. Nitrogen and phosphorus emissions increase by about 70% under both SSP scenarios, with the largest increase in SSP1. South Asia and Africa have the largest emission increases, in the developed countries decrease the nutrient emissions. The higher emission level poses a risk to ecosystem services.
Distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in surface water, soil, and groundwater within a chemical industry park in Eastern China
Authors: Liu Benhua , Chen Liang , Huang Linxian , Wang Yongseng , Li Yuehua
Published: January 2015

This paper focuses on the distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the surface water, soil, and groundwater within a chemical industry park in Eastern China. At least one VOC was detected in each of the 20 sampling sites, and the maximum number of VOCs detected in the surface water, groundwater, and soil were 13, 16, and 14, respectively. Two of the 10 VOCs with elevated concentrations detected in surface water, groundwater, and soil were chloroform and 1,2-dichloroethane. The characteristics of VOCs, which include volatility, boiling point, and solubility, could significantly affect their distribution in surface water, soil, and groundwater. However, due to the direct discharging of chemical industry wastewater into surface water, higher concentrations of VOCs (except chloroform) were detected in surface water than in soil and groundwater. Fortunately, the higher volatility of VOCs prevents the VOCs from impacting groundwater, which helps to maintain a lower concentration of VOCs in the groundwater than in both surface water and soil. This is because pollutants with relatively higher boiling points and lower solubilities have higher detection frequencies in soil, and contaminants with relatively lower boiling points and higher solubilities have higher detection frequencies in water, notably in surface water.
The effects of land use change and precipitation change on direct runoff in Wei River watershed, China
Authors: Dong Leihua , Xiong Lihua , Lall Upmanu , Wang Jiwu
Published: January 2015

The principles and degrees to which land use change and climate change affect direct runoff generation are distinctive. In this paper, based on the MODIS data of land use in 1992 and 2003, the impacts of land use and climate change are explored using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method under two defined scenarios. In the first scenario, the precipitation is assumed to be constant, and thus the consequence of land use change could be evaluated. In the second scenario, the condition of land use is assumed to be constant, so the influence only induced by climate change could be assessed. Combining the conclusions of two scenarios, the effects of land use and climate change on direct runoff volume can be separated. At last, it is concluded: for the study basin, the land use types which have the greatest effect on direct runoff generation are agricultural land and water body. For the big sub basins, the effect of land use change is generally larger than that of climate change; for middle and small sub basins, most of them suffer more from land use change than from climate change.
Dental Bleaching Techniques; Hydrogen-carbamide Peroxides and Light Sources for Activation, an Update. Mini Review Article
Authors: Féliz-Matos Leandro , Hernández Luis Miguel , Abreu Ninoska
Published: January 2015

Hydrogen and carbamide peroxides have been successfully used for many years; in the past century the dental bleaching technique suffered several changes and almost 10 years before new millennium the technique was finally recognized by the international agencies of regulation.

It is important that Dentists handle the peroxides with the essential knowledge, because it is demonstrated that satisfactory final results of this technique depend on the correct diagnosis of stains, management of the substrates (enamel and dentin) and as well sensitivity.

Dentists are exposed to several dental bleaching techniques, products and brands, and in the last 2 decades the devices for light activation of the peroxides have become an extensive catalog. Today, the technique is also suffering changes based on the effectiveness of the different light sources for peroxide activation and its relation to satisfactory final results of the technique.

The purpose of this literature review is to explain the determinant factors that influence satisfactory final results of the techniques and provide a general overview, in order to achieve a treatment decision based on evidence.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling of the Water Quality Index Using Land Use Areas as Predictors
Authors: Gazzaz Nabeel M. , Yusoff Mohd Kamil , Ramli Mohammad Firuz , Juahir Hafizan , Aris Ahmad Zaharin
Published: January 2015

This paper describes the design of an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the water quality index (WQI) using land use areas as predictors. Ten‐year records of land use statistics and water quality data for Kinta River (Malaysia) were employed in the modeling process. The most accurate WQI predictions were obtained with the network architecture 7‐23‐1; the back propagation training algorithm; and a learning rate of 0.02. The WQI forecasts of this model had significant (p < 0.01), positive, very high correlation (ρS = 0.882) with the measured WQI values. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the relative importance of the land use classes to WQI predictions followed the order: mining > rubber > forest > logging > urban areas > agriculture > oil palm. These findings show that the ANNs are highly reliable means of relating water quality to land use, thus integrating land use development with river water quality management.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Prediction of Photocatalytic Reactor
Authors: Delnavaz Mohammad
Published: January 2015

In this paper, forecasting of kinetic constant and efficiency of photocatalytic process of TiO2 nano powder immobilized on light expanded clay aggregates (LECA) was investigated. Synthetic phenolic wastewater, which is toxic and not easily biodegradable, was selected as the pollutant. The efficiency of the process in various operation conditions, including initial phenol concentration, pH, TiO2 concentration, retention time, and UV lamp intensity, was then measured. The TiO2 nano powder was immobilized on LECA using slurry and sol‐gel methods. Kinetics of photocatalytic reactions has been proposed to follow the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model in different initial phenol concentration and pH. Several steps of training and testing of the models were used to determine the appropriate architecture of the artificial neural network models (ANNs). The ANN‐based models were found to provide an efficient and robust tool in predicting photocatalytic reactor efficiency and kinetic constant for treating phenolic compounds.
Induction of micronuclei by cadmium chloride in AO rats depends on age and sex
Authors: Popovic-Bubujuk Slavica , Muster Adrian , Djelic Ninoslav , Kataranovski Dragan , Andjelkovic Marko
Published: January 2015

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic industrial and metal in the environment
which may cause severe genotoxic effects. The aim of the work was an
evaluation of genotoxic effects of CdCl2 in genetically pure Albino Oxford
(AO) rats, depending on sex, age and dosage. Experimental animals were
treated intraperitoneally with three different concentrations of CdCl2: 0.5,
1, and 2 mg/kg of CdCl2, while the control animals received equal volume of
sterile phosphate buffered saline. The individuals of both sexes were treated
at the age of 3, 6 and 12 month. Frequency of micronuclei formation was
evaluated in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), 24h hours after the
treatment. The results showed that CdCl2 caused a concentration-dependent
increase of micronucleus frequency. The most significant differences were
found between ages of 3/12 and 6/12 months at 0.5 and 1.0 mg CdCl2
concentrations. Namely, 3 month old males had higher frequency of MNi in
comparison to 12 month old males, whereas in females it was the opposite.
Likewise, 6 months old males exbibited greater sensistivity to CdCl2 in
comparison to 12 month old rats, and in the females it was the opposite. Sex
differences were further confirmed as slightly stronger genotoxic effects in
12 months old females treated with 0.5 and 1 mg/kg of CdCl2. Therefore, the
genotoxic effects of cadmium in AO rats depend on concentration, age and sex.
A microarray gene expression data classification using hybrid back propagation neural network
Authors: Vimaladevi M. , Kalaavathi B.
Published: January 2015

Classification of cancer establishes appropriate treatment and helps to
decide the diagnosis. Cancer expands progressively from an alteration in a
cell's genetic structure. This change (mutation) results in cells with
uncontrolled growth patterns. In cancer classification, the approach, Back
propagation is sufficient and also it is a universal technique of training
artificial neural networks. It is also called supervised learning method. It
needs many dataset for input and output for making up the training set. The
back propagation method may execute the function of collaborate multiple
parties. In existing method, collaborative learning is limited and it
considers only two parties. The proposed collaborative function can perform
well and problems can be solved by utilizing the power of cloud computing.
This technical note applies hybrid models of Back Propagation Neural networks
(BPN) and fast Genetic Algorithms (GA) to estimate the feature selection in
gene expression data. The proposed research work examines many feature
selection algorithms which are ?fragile?; that is, the superiority of their
results varies broadly over data sets. By this research, it is suggested that
this is due to higherorder interactions between features causing restricted
minima in search space in which the algorithm becomes attentive. GAs may
escape from such minima by chance, because works are highly stochastic. A
neural net classifier with a genetic algorithm, using the GA to select
features for classification by the neural net and incorporating the net as
part of the objective function of the GA.
Genetic analysis of chlorophyll content in maize by mixed major and polygene models
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Sun Jia-Xing , Liu Yanbin , Li Xue , Yang Shuang
Published: January 2015

Chlorophyll is an important factor which also affects the yield in maize. In
this study, genetic analysis of chlorophyll content was conducted by joint
segregation analysis of four generations P1, P2, F1 and F2:4 from the cross
Shen3336?Shen3265 using the mixed major genes and polygenes inheritance
models. Genetics of chlorophyll revealed that chlorophyll ?a? was controlled
by two main gene having additive-dominanceepistasis effects. The heritability
of these genes were 56.3%. Chlorophyll ?b? was controlled by two pairs of
codominant major gene plus additive-dominance polygene. The heritability of
these major genes and polygenes were 1.12% and 93.26% respectively.
Chlorophyll ?a+b? was controlled by two pairs of additive-dominance-
epistatic major genes plus additive-dominance polygene having heritability of
56.2% and 5.2% respectively.
Microsatellites in the analysis of wheat genetic diversity
Authors: Kondic-Spika Ankica , Nicic Milica , Brbaklic Ljiljana , Trkulja Dragana , Miladinovic Dragana , Jocic Sinisa , Brdar Milka , Hristov Nikola
Published: January 2015

Microsatellite markers (SSR) were used to study wheat genetic diversity. A
set of 87 wheat genotypes was analysed with four SSR markers. Primers used
for the amplification of adequate microsatellite loci (Xgwm) are according to
R?DER et al. (2002). Results were obtained using Applied Biosystems 3130
genetic analyser. Total of 28 alleles were determined, i.e. average of 7
alleles per marker. Number of alleles for individual markers ranged from six
(Xgwm3) to eight (Xgwm18). The presence of two null alleles for Xgwm18 and
Xgwm155 was found. There were five rare alleles (frequency <2%). Polymorphism
information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.52 for Xgwm408 to 0.80 for
Xgwm18. Mean PIC value was 0.69 for all markers, which signifies a high level
of the detected polymorphism. According to the data collected through the
analysis of four markers, most genotypes can be grouped in clusters. The
results show usefulness of microsatellite markers in detecting polymorphism,
identifying genotypes and assessing genetic diversity.
Influence of glutathione-s-transferase (GSTT1 and GSTM1) polymorphism on baseline micronuclei frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Stosic Ivana , Grujicic Darko , Arsenijevic Slobodan , Milosevic-Djordjevic Olivera
Published: January 2015

We have analyzed impact of polymorphism in GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes on the
micronuclei (MN) frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). A total
134 women from central Serbia were enrolled in the study. Polymorphisms of
GST genes were genotyped by performing a multiplex polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) and cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) test was used to assess MN
frequency. GSTT1 null and GSTM1 null genotype carriers had higher MN
frequencies as compared to positive counterparts but without statistical
significance. Carriers of dual GSTT1/GSTM1 null genotypes had significantly
higher MN frequency than positive/positive, positive/null and null/positive.
Smokers and women >45 years old with GSTT1 null genotype and
GSTT1null/GSTM1null genotypes have statistically higher MN frequency than
positive counterparts. Results suggest possible influence of dual null
genotypes of GSTT1/GSTM1 on the baseline MN frequency, as well influence on
the level of MN in smokers and in women age >45 years. GSTT1 null genotype
may have the potential to influence the baseline MN frequency in PBLs of
smokers, as well as in women age >45 years.
Class B trichothecene chemotyping in Fusarium species by PCR assay
Authors: Yörük Emre , Gazdağli Aylin , Albayrak Gülruh
Published: January 2015

Fusarium isolates are divided into three chemotypes according to produce of
class B trichothecenes; 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3ADON)
15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15ADON) and nivalenol (NIV) and 4-
acetyldeoxynivalenol (NIV) chemotypes. In this study, chemotyping of
seventeen isolates from Turkey and Iran belonging to F. graminearum, F.
culmorum, F. poae and F. pseudograminearum species were carried out by
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. While all F. culmorum and F. poae
isolates determined as 3ADON, remaining F. graminearum and F.
pseudograminearum isolates were either 3ADON or 15ADON chemotypes. A common
band of 583 bp long DNA fragment was amplified in all of F. culmorum and F.
poae, one F. pseudograminearum (21F) and four F. graminearum (14F, sh14,
sh15, sh7) isolates with 3ADON chemotype. However, remaining two F.
pseudograminearum and four F. graminearum isolates with 15ADON chemotype,
yielded amplicons that of 863 bp. It was shown that 3ADON was more
predominant chemotype from other class B trichothecenes. This is the first
report on chemotyping of F. poae and F. pseudograminearum isolates and also
to show presence of 3ADON chemotype in F. graminearum isolate from Turkey.
Effective pollination period in "Oblacinska" sour cherry clones
Authors: Fotiric-Aksic Milica , Rakonjac Vera , Nikolic Dragan , Colic Slavica , Milatovic Dragan , Licina Vlado , Rahovic Dragan
Published: January 2015

To obtain high yields there should be high flower density and fruit set in
sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) production. Furthermore, in order to ensure
successful fertilization, there should be satisfactory stigma receptivity,
rapid pollen tube growth along the style, as well as adequate ovule
longevity. This manuscript presents the study of the effective pollination
period (EPP) of four ?Oblacinska? sour cherry clones (II/2, III/9, XI/3 and
XIII/1) that differs in pollen germination, fruit set and yields. In order to
estimate EPP, pollination was conducted in six different stages of flower
development: balloon stage, 2 d before anthesis (-2), at anthesis (0), and 2,
4, 6 and 8 d after anth?sis (DAA). The initial (IFS) and final fruit set
(FFS) were recorded under the field conditions. Alongside with this, the rate
of pollen tubes growth in the style was observed with fluorescent microscopy.
The experimental design was completely randomized, a two-factorial analysis
of variance was carried out and individual testing was performed using LSD
test (p ? 0.05; p ? 0.01). The experiment was set in triplicates. Regarding
FFS, clones II/2 and III/9 showed the best results (p ? 0.01) in 4 and 6 DAA.
The number of pollen tubes in the style of the pistil decreased with
subsequent terms of pollination, while its number in the ovule increased up
to sixth day after pollination, followed by a decline. Clones II/2 and III/9
showed EPP which lasted from 6 to 8 d, while EPP found in clone XI/3, lasted
only 2 d. It is concluded that only clone having long EPP should be used as
parents for creating new sour cherry cultivars.
Life-history variation of drosophila subobscura under lead pollution depends on population history
Authors: Kenig Bojan , Patenkovic Aleksandra , Andjelkovic Marko , Stamenkovic-Rada Marina
Published: January 2015

Contamination represents environmental stress that can affect genetic
variability of populations, thus influencing the evolutionary processes. In
this study, we evaluate the relationship between heavy metal contamination
(Pb) and phenotypic variation, assessed by coefficients of variation (CV) of
life-history traits. To investigate the consequences of population origin on
variation of life history traits in Drosophila subobscura in response to
different laboratory conditions we compared populations from relatively
polluted and unpolluted environments. Prior to experiment, flies from natural
populations were reared for two generations in standard Drosophila laboratory
conditions. Afterwards, all flies were cultured on three different media: one
medium without lead as the control, and the other two with different
concentrations of lead. Coefficients of variation (CV) of life- history
traits (fecundity, egg-to-adult viability and developmental time) were
analyzed on flies sampled in generations F2, F5 and F8 from these three
groups. In later generations samples from both polluted and unpolluted
environments showed the increased fecundity variation on media with lead.
This increase is expressed more in population from unpolluted environment. On
contrary, population from unpolluted environment had increased variation of
developmental time in earlier, F2 generation, compared to the population from
polluted environment. Our results showed that the response to heavy metal
contamination depends on the evolutionary history of the populations
regarding habitat pollution.
Parametric stability analyses of multi-environment yield trials in Triticale (xTriticosecale wittmack)
Authors: Kaya Yuksel , Ozer Emel
Published: January 2015

One of the main goals of Triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmack) Breeding Program
of Turkey is to improve high yielding and stable genotypes across
environments. In this study, 16 parametric stability methods were used to
evaluate the genotype x environment interaction (GEI) in 9 (4 officially
registered varieties and 5 advanced lines) triticale (xTriticosecale
Wittmack) genotypes. The genotypes were evaluated for grain yield at 4
different locations for 3 years in rain-fed areas of Turkey. The testing
locations have different climatic and edaphic conditions providing the
conditions necessary for the assessment of stability. A combined analysis of
variance, parametric stability statistics and rank correlations among them
were determined. Significant differences were detected between genotypes and
their GEIs. Different parametric stability statistics were used to determine
stability of the studied genotypes. The level of association among the
statistics was assessed using Spearman?s rank correlation. Rank-correlation
coefficients between yield and some parametric stability statistics were
highly significant. Genotypes mean yield was significantly correlated to the
parametric stability statistics Pi (r = 0.95**), PCA1 (r = 0.87**) and Di (r
= 0.98**). A principal component analysis based on rank correlation matrix
was performed for grouping the different parametric stability statistics
studied. In conclusion, based on most parametric stability statistics, the
genotype G8 was found to be the most stable and high yielding. This genotype
is, therefore, recommended for release as a cultivar for rain-fed areas of
Turkey.
Molecular tools for utilization of mitochondrial diversity in faba bean (Vicia faba)
Authors: Aleksic Jelena , Miljus-Djukic Jovanka , Jovanovic Zivko , Tomic Branko , Banovic Bojana
Published: January 2015

We performed in silico PCR analyses utilizing complete mitochondrial (mtDNA)
genome sequences of faba bean (Vicia faba) and two related species, Vigna
angularis and Vigna radiata, currently available in GenBank, to infer whether
15 published universal primer pairs for amplification of all 14 cis-spliced
introns in genes of NADH subunits (nad genes) are suitable for V. faba and
related species. Then, we tested via PCR reactions whether seven out of 15
primer pairs would generate PCR products suitable for further manipulation in
16 genotypes of V. faba representing all botanical varieties of this species
(major, minor, equina and subsp. paucijuga) of various levels of improvement
(traditional and improved cultivars) originating from Europe, Africa, Asia
and south America. We provide new PCR primers for amplification of nad1
intron 2/3 in V. faba, and demonstrate intraspecific variability in primary
nucleotide sequences at this locus. Based on outcomes of both in silico
predictions and PCR amplification, we report a set of PCR primers for
amplification of five introns in nad genes that are promising molecular tools
for future phylogeographic and other studies in this species for which
unambiguous data on wild ancestors, centre of origin and domestication are
lacking.
Genetic diversity of wheat grain quality and determination the best clustering technique and data type for diversity assessment
Authors: Khodadadi Mostafa , Dehghani Hamid , Fotokian Mohammad
Published: January 2015

Wheat is an important staple in human nutrition and improvement of its grain
quality characters will have high impact on population's health. The
objectives of this study were assessing variation of some grain quality
characteristics in the Iranian wheat genotypes and identify the best type of
data and clustering method for grouping genotypes. In this study 30 spring
wheat genotypes were cultivated through randomized complete block design with
three replications in 2009 and 2010 years. High significant difference among
genotypes for all traits except for Sulfate, K, Br and Cl content, also
deference among two years mean for all traits were no significant. Meanwhile
there were significant interaction between year and genotype for all traits
except Sulfate and F content. Mean values for crude protein, Zn, Fe and Ca in
Mahdavi, Falat, Star, Sistan genotypes were the highest. The Ca and Br
content showed the highest and the lowest broadcast heritability
respectively. In this study indicated that the Root Mean Square Standard
Deviation is efficient than R Squared and R Squared efficient than Semi
Partial R Squared criteria for determining the best clustering technique.
Also Ward method and canonical scores identified as the best clustering
method and data type for grouping genotypes, respectively. Genotypes were
grouped into six completely separate clusters and Roshan, Niknejad and Star
genotypes from the fourth, fifth and sixth clusters had high grain quality
characters in overall.
Estimation of drought tolerance among maize landraces from mini-core collection
Authors: Andjelkovic Violeta , Kravic Natalija , Babic Vojka , Ignjatovic-Micic Dragana , Dumanovic Zoran , Vancetovic Jelena
Published: January 2015

Global climate change, its impact on stable food production in the future and
possibilities to overcome the problem are the major priorities for research.
Breeding varieties with increase adaptability to changing environments,
together with better tolerance/resistance to abiotic stress, pest and
diseases are possible solution. Maize is one of the most important crops,
with high grain yield reduction induced by drought stress. In the present
study twenty-six maize landraces from drought tolerant mini-core collection
were tested under optimal, drought, and a combination of drought and high
density stresses in the field. Morphological traits, plant height, total
number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, anthesis-silking interval and
grain yield were recorded for each entry in two replications in three
experiments. Besides, drought tolerant indices were evaluated to test the
ability to separate more drought tolerant accessions from those with less
stress tolerance. Five stress tolerance indices, including stress tolerance
index (STI), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP),
stress susceptibility (SSI), and stress tolerance (TOL) were calculated. Data
analyses revealed that STI, MP and GMP had positive and significant
correlations with grain yield under all conditions. Three-dimensional
diagrams displayed assignment of landraces L25, L1, L14, L3, L26, L15 and L16
to group A, based on the stress tolerance index and achieved grain yield
under optimal, drought stress, and a combination of drought and high density
stress. A biplot analysis efficiently separated groups of landraces with
different level of drought tolerance and grain yield. Based on all obtained
results, maize landraces L25, L14, L1 and L3, as the most valuable source of
drought tolerance, could be recommended for further use in breeding programs.
Heterosis and antioxidant compounds of sweet corn breeding lines and their F1 hybrid
Authors: Kraptchev Boris , Vassilevska-Ivanova Roumiana , Shtereva Lydia
Published: January 2015

In this research, the mid-parent heterosis and the levels of phenolic,
flavonoids compounds and antioxidants activity among two selected sweet corn
parental lines and their F1 hybrid Zaharina were evaluated. Substantial
positive mid-parent heterosis (MPH) was found for parent-hybrid triplet for
ear weight and for plant height. Among all other traits, insertion height had
the greatest heterosis and ear diameter had the lowest. Negative mid-parent
heterosis exhibited only the trait 1000-kernel weight. Data analysis
indicated significant differences in the contents of total phenolic content,
total flavonoids content, water-soluble antioxidant capacity, lipid-soluble
antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant activity among parent-hybrid triplet.
The results suggest that F1 hybrid Zaharina can be considered as good source
of natural antioxidants since it extracts were found to possess high
antioxidant activity.
Genetic variability and association of yield attributing traits with grain yield in upland rice
Authors: Jambhulkar Nitiprasad , Bose Lotan
Published: January 2015

A study was undertaken to find out the genetic variability and correlation
between yield and other yield attributing characters of rice genotypes in
upland ecology. The experiment was conducted with twenty two upland genotypes
grown during Wet season under direct seeded condition in a randomized block
design. Analysis of variance shows significance in all the traits indicating
the presence of considerable amount of genetic variation among the genotypes.
The traits like plant height, ear bearing tiller and yield has high genotypic
coefficient of variance, phenotypic coefficient of variance and genetic
advance. Plant height, ear bearing tiller, panicle length, panicle weight and
length were positively and significantly correlated with yield. Plant height
and grain per panicle, 50% flowering, thousand grain weight and ear bearing
tiller has high direct effect on yield. Therefore, selection based on plant
height, 50% flowering, thousand grain weight and ear bearing tiller could be
more effective in upland rice.
Genetic relatedness of soybean genotypes based on agromorphological traits and RAPD markers
Authors: Peric Vesna , Nikolic Ana , Babic Vojka , Sudaric Aleksanda , Srebric Mirjana , Djordjevic Vuk , Mladenovic-Drinic Snezana
Published: January 2015

Modern agriculture, breeding procedures, as well as competition among
breeding institutions contribute to further reduction of already narrowed
diversity of soybean commercial varieties. The objective of the study was to
characterize eighteen soybean cultivars from three different breeding
programs for agro-morphological traits and to reveal genetic diversity using
molecular markers. Morphological description was performed with 13
qualitative and 9 quantitative traits. The genetic relationships were
estimated using 21 RAPD markers. PIC was calculated for RAPD data, while the
diversity of qualitative traits was described by Shannon genetic diversity
index. Cluster analysis based on qualitative morphological characters showed
clear separation of genotypes on the basis of their plant growth type. PC
analysis performed for quantitative traits divided genotypes according to
their maturity group. Grouping pattern based on molecular marker data was in
agreement with pedigree of cultivars. A great similarity was found, primarily
between the varieties under the same institution, and then among all examined
varieties. Comparison of three methods in the assessment of diversity
indicated that morphological markers might provide useful information in
breeding process and allow classification by pedigree to some extent, but
RAPD markers were found to be superior in assessing differences among
genetically very similar genotypes.
Standardization and reproducibility of random marker based analysis of micropropagated crimson beebalm
Authors: Ziarovská Jana , Bezo Milan , Hrdlicková Michaela , Fernandéz Eloy
Published: January 2015

Genetic analysis of the stability in micropropagated plant material are
required to be perform by effective and reproducible techniques. When no
specific DNA based markers are available for certain species, such as for
crimson beebalm, standardized and optimized protocols can be used even for
random based markers. Here we report for the first time the optimization of
PCR conditions for RAPD analysis for the purposes of the establishment of
fast, reliable and reproducible method for screening of genetic stability in
Monarda dydima, L. micropropagated cultures. RAPD protocol was optimized
based on the use of 50 or 100 ng of template DNA and annealing temperature of
36?C, resulted optimal amplification. Setting the standardized PCR
conditions, primers used in experiments generated reproducible and
distinguishable fingerprinting patterns for micropropagated cultures of
crimson beebalm and is suitable for further analysis of studying genetic
variation of this medicinal plant.
Analysis of genetic structure in Slovak Pinzgau cattle using five candidate genes related to milk production traits
Authors: Miluchova Martina , Gabor Michal , Trakovicka Anna
Published: January 2015

The goal of the paper was to identify genetic structure of five candidate
genes for milk production in Slovak Pinzgau breed. A total of 86 mothers of
bulls of Slovak Pinzgau cattle were use in this study. To genotype of cows
for candidate genes we used PCR methods (PCR-RFLP, ARMS-PCR, multiplex
PCR-RFLP). On the basis of PCR analyses we established genotype structure of
cattle population and calculated allelic frequencies. Effectiveness of allele
incidence and genetic diversity was evaluated with following parameters:
theoretical heterozygosity (He exp), experimental heterozygosity (He obs),
polymorphism information content (PIC), expected homozygosity (E), effective
number of alleles (ENA), level of possible variability realization (V%).
Slovak Pinzgau cattle exhibit the high values of heterozygosity, polymorphism
information content, effective number of alleles and level of possible
variability realization for genes CSN2, CSN3 and LALBA. In opposite, for
genes CSN1S1 and LGB show high values of homozygosity.
The “potato road” and biogeographic history of potato cyst nematode populations from different continents
Authors: Or Violeta , Nikolic Bogdan , Josic Dragana
Published: January 2015

The general opinion about the introduction of potato in Europe is the one
regarding the direction from South America to Spain and subsequent
distribution to other continents. Some historical data point out an
alternative road. The potato spread from its place of origin to other
continents in the light of parasite-host relationship, relying on nematode
molecular data, is discussed in the present work. Biogeographic history of
potato cyst nematode populations from different continents is in congruence
with historical records.
Pollen germination and pollen tube growth in ZP maize lines
Authors: Cerovic Radosav , Pajic Zorica , Filipovic Milomir , Fotiric-Aksic Milica , Radicevic Sanja , Nikolic Dragan , Djordjevic Milena
Published: January 2015

The study was conducted on the in vitro pollen germination at 26?, 28?, 32?
and 35?C for 24h of male parental lines, pollen tube growth in vivo in cross
pollination of female and male parental lines that make couples in four
hybrids: ZP 504 su (? ZPPL 51 ? ? ZPPL 67); ZP 677 (? ZPPL 17 ? ? ZPPL 201);
ZP 704 (? ZPPL 109 ? ? ZPPL 79), ZP 611 k (? ZPPL 126 ? ? ZPPL 105), and the
open pollination of female parental lines of the above mentioned hybrids.
Pollen germination in vitro and pollen tube growth dynamics in vivo showed
different genotypic specificities with the tests applied. The obtained
results were discussed in the context of reproductive biology of ZP maize
lines and aimed to create the preconditions for successful management and
direction of the process in practice - seed production in certain
environmental conditions.
Genetic structure of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) population in the area of Great War Island
Authors: Maksimovic Zoran , Cortan Dijana , Ivetic Vladan , Drinic Mladenovic , Sijacic-Nikolic Mirjana
Published: January 2015

The genetic structure of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) populations in the
area of Great War Island (GWI) was studied at the level of 30 genotypes,
based on microsatellite molecular markers (SSR). Eleven polymorphic SSR loci
were used for analysis of intarpopulation genetic variability. Observed and
expected heterozygosity in studied population were high (0.70 and 0.82). The
fixation index calculated for single locus ranged from -0.055 (PMGC_14) up to
0.424 (PMGC_2607), while the mean value was 0.143. Deviation from
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) differed between single loci. Stabile
genetic structure and satisfactory level of genetic variability that have
been determined at the population level represent a good starting point for
conservation and sustainable use of the available gene pool and further
breeding of this species.
Molecular evaluations of thirty one clones of poplar based on RAPD and SSR molecular markers
Authors: Singh M.K. , Singh N.B. , Thakur S. , Naik P.K.
Published: January 2015

Poplar is an important tree species valued all over the world for its wood
importance. Despite limited knowledge of the levels of genetic diversity and
relatedness, their cultivation as a source of plywood is widespread. In order
to facilitate reasoned scientific decisions on its management and
conservation and prepare for selective breeding programme, genetic analysis
of 31 genotypes was performed using RAPD and SSR molecular markers. Twenty
six RAPD primers and 14 SSR primers amplified a total of 236 and 85 scoreable
bands of which 86.44% and 86.02% were polymorphic. The mean coefficient of
gene differentiation (Gst) was 0.388 and 0.341 indicating that 61.2% and
65.9% of the genetic variation resided within the populations. Analysis of
molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that majority of genetic variation
(94.6% using RAPD and 89% using SSR) occurred among genotypes, while the
variation between the three groups (categorized as tall, medium and small
plants height) was 5.4% (using RAPD and 11% (using SSR). The dendrogram
obtained from NJ and STRUCTURE analysis revealed splitting of genotypes into
four clusters with clear distinction between short, medium and tall height
genotypes, indicated that genetic differentiations measure with respect to
RAPD and SSR. However, both the markers were equally useful in providing some
understanding about the genetic relationship of different genotypes of poplar
that are important in the conservation and exploitation of poplar genetic
resources.
Cu(II) immobilization onto a one-step synthesized poly(4-vinylpyridine-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) resin: Kinetics and XPS analysis
Authors: Maksin Danijela , Nastasovic Aleksandra , Maksin Tatjana , Sandic Zvjezdana , Loos Katja , Ekmescic Bojana , Onjia Antonije
Published: January 2015

Synthesis of an unconventional resin based on 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) and its
Cu(II) sorption behavior were studied. Three samples of macroporous
crosslinked poly(4-vinylpyridine-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) [P4VPE]
with different porosity parameters were prepared by suspension
copolymerization by varying the n-heptane amount in the inert component. The
samples were characterized by mercury porosimetry, elemental analysis and
x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The sorption of P4VPE for Cu(II)
ions, determined under non-competitive conditions, was relatively rapid, i.e.
the maximum capacity was reached within 30 min. The maximum experimental
sorption capacity for the sample with the highest values of pore diameter and
specific pore volume (Sample 3, Qeq = 89 mg g-1) was 17.5 times higher than
for the sample with the lowest values of pore diameter and specific pore
volume (Sample 1, Qeq = 5.1 mg g-1). Since the values for pyridine content in
all P4VPE samples were almost the same, it was concluded that the porosity
parameters have predominant influence on Cu(II) sorption rates on P4VPE. The
sorption behavior and the rate-controlling mechanisms were analyzed using six
kinetic models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich,
intraparticle diffusion, Bangham and Boyd models). XPS study clarified the
nature of the formed P4VPE-Cu(II) species.