bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection criteria in relation to pork carcasses quality
Authors: Vidovic Vitomir , Lukac Dragomir , Strbac Ljuba , Punos Desanka , Visnjic Vladislav , Stupar Milanko , Dokmanovic Marija
Published: August 2013

The paper presents the effect of various selection criteria (Landrace,
Yorkshire - productive dairy breed and Hampshire - terminal) on the carcasses
quality, as well as differences between sex in regard to distribution of
meat, fat and bones. The study included 210 randomly selected pig carcasses
at commercial farms, classified by breed and sex. Carcass dissection was
carried out according to the model of EU 1992. The percentage of meat in
fertile breeds carcasses was 2.04% lower (55.02%), compared to the terminal
breed (57.06%). Comparing the proportion of muscle tissue in carcasses of
male and female animals, there was determined a statistically significant
difference (P<0.05). Within the breeds there was no statistically significant
difference (P>0.05) in percentage of meat between two fertile breeds
(Landrace and Yorkshire). A statistically significant difference (P<0.05)
between fertile and terminal Hampshire breeds was determined. Sex and breed
had highly significant impact on the amount of meat in the carcasses. Also,
sex had a significantly influenced the amount of fat, while breed
significantly influenced the amount of bone in carcasses. The largest and
most important part of the carcass is a leg with a share of 29.17% in male
and 29.17% in female animals. Data collection on the slaughter line as well
as knowledge of slaughterhouses properties are basic conditions for work on
genetic improvement of pig carcass quality. Quality rating of pigs on the
slaughter line and price formation is a prerequisite for establishing trust
between farmers and slaughterhouses. Mutual interest lies also in profit, so
farmers will earn more carrying out meatiness selection while slaughterhouses
will buy cattle with more meat of optimal quality.
Community College Global Counterparts: Historical Contexts
Authors: Raby Rosalind Latiner , Valeau Edward J.
Published: August 2013

Since 1971, scholarship on community college global counterparts has documented the nuances of these institutions and charted their similarities to one another. The purpose of this article is to detail the first three decades of community college global-counterpart scholarship from 1971–2001. Within each decade there exists scholarship that corresponds to changing global communication patterns over the past 45 years. The discussion on scholarship in each decade is divided into two perspectives. The first depicts US consciousness of Others as the impetus for comparative discourse. The second examines perspectives of non-US scholars whose scholarship celebrates developments in their home countries. Combined scholarship during these years illustrates how variability of institutional type denotes economic, historical, political, and cultural patterns of educational borrowing.
The Community College: Bridge or Roadblock to Higher Education for US Adult Immigrant English-Language Learners?
Authors: Janis Thomas
Published: August 2013

While community colleges have been accessible for adult learners with an immigrant and an English Language Learning (ELL) background, there is a gap between preparation and academic success on the college level among these students. Within community colleges, older adult English as a Second Language (ESL) students have the lowest first-semester grade-point averages (GPAs), complete fewer semesters, and are four times less likely to graduate than their non-ESL counterparts. The purpose of this qualitative study is to better understand the background, needs, and goals of adult immigrant ELLs (above the age of 30) and how the community college institution mediates the needs of this diverse group within higher education. To achieve this, six qualitative interviews were conducted with adult immigrants who are currently studying ESL for credit at a community college and three with faculty and administrators of the community college. The study examines these issues through the theoretical lens of Lamphere's (1992) mediating institutions and Bourdieu's (1990) cultural-capital theory. These two theories are used in order to examine how the previous experiences of adult immigrant ELLs relate to the community college, and how the community college supports or inhibits these particular students in their life and academic goals. An examination of the cultural capital of the students provides insights on knowledge and social relations that immigrants possess, while the concept of mediating institutions examines how that knowledge relates to their student experience through their presence and social interactions on the community college. Family experiences as well the interactions with other students and teachers presented both mediating and non-mediating factors for students' adaptation to the community college.
Lessons from Elsewhere? The Evolution of the Labour Academy School Concept, 1997–2010
Authors: Fenwick-Sehl Laura
Published: August 2013

In the past 25 years, the English education system has experienced a substantial growth in alternative provision, that is, publicly funded schools that accept students from the general population without selection, but provide an educational setting different to the traditional, locally provided schools. Introduced in 2000 by the Labour Party, academies are the most significant example of current alternative-provision policy. Debates over the academies programme and subsequent reforms have invoked numerous references to foreign examples, most frequently citing Swedish friskolor and US charter schools. In an effort to answer the question ‘how did we get to where we are now?‘, this paper applies existing policy borrowing research in order to understand the role of the foreign example in these debates. Findings suggest that while it is often asserted that ideas are borrowed from Swedish and US examples, the resulting English policies are not identical to those in either foreign country. Thus rather than serving as a model for English policy development, foreign examples are used to legitimise policy decisions in the English context.
Are Postgraduate Students ‘Rational Choosers‘? An Investigation of Motivation for Graduate Study Amongst International Students in England
Authors: Mowjee Bisma
Published: August 2013

In England, since the 1980s, neo-liberalism has dominated political discourse, and its effects have been extending into the higher-education landscape, challenging traditional conceptions of the university as serving the public good and driving them towards becoming corporate entities selling private commodities. This change has created an underlying tension within the public realm, as policies are being reduced to economic calculation. Currently, the system assumes the student to function as ‘rational economic man’, that is, as a self-interested, rational, economically driven optimiser and the university to operationalise as an anthropomorphised corporation, each having vested economic interests in the other. This study aims to delve into this ‘friction’ in the context of postgraduate, international students by exploring whether their motivations diverge from policy goals, therefore possibly reflecting the purported conflict of interests running through public debates. The findings indicate that students' decision-making processes are multi-faceted and complex, far more than policies take into consideration. Whilst students are driven by ‘rational’ motives, these are most often combined with ‘non-rational’ factors, therefore calling into question the current trajectory that higher education in England is lending itself towards, namely a neo-liberal agenda.
A Mouse Model of Human Hyperinsulinism Produced by the E1506K Mutation in the Sulphonylurea Receptor SUR1
Authors: Shimomura Kenju , Tusa Maija , Iberl Michaela , Brereton Melissa F. , Kaizik Stephan , Proks Peter , Lahmann Carolina , Yaluri Nagendra , Modi Shalem , Huopio Hanna , Ustinov Jarkko , Otonkoski Timo , Laakso Markku , Ashcroft Frances M.
Published: August 2013

Loss-of-function mutations in the KATP channel genes KCNJ11 and ABCC8 cause neonatal hyperinsulinism in humans. Dominantly inherited mutations cause less severe disease, which may progress to glucose intolerance and diabetes in later life (e.g., SUR1-E1506K). We generated a mouse expressing SUR1-E1506K in place of SUR1. KATP channel inhibition by MgATP was enhanced in both homozygous (homE1506K) and heterozygous (hetE1506K) mutant mice, due to impaired channel activation by MgADP. As a consequence, mutant β-cells showed less on-cell KATP channel activity and fired action potentials in glucose-free solution. HomE1506K mice exhibited enhanced insulin secretion and lower fasting blood glucose within 8 weeks of birth, but reduced insulin secretion and impaired glucose tolerance at 6 months of age. These changes correlated with a lower insulin content; unlike wild-type or hetE1506K mice, insulin content did not increase with age in homE1506K mice. There was no difference in the number and size of islets or β-cells in the three types of mice, or evidence of β-cell proliferation. We conclude that the gradual development of glucose intolerance in patients with the SUR1-E1506K mutation might, as in the mouse model, result from impaired insulin secretion due a failure of insulin content to increase with age.
Calculation of peak intensity for Yb3+:YAG short pulse from a ring cavity including spectral information
Authors: Huang Zhiyun
Published: August 2013

On the basis of the spectral information, a theoretical model is developed to calculate the peak intensity of the short pulse from an active continuous wave injected ring cavity with Yb3+:YAG amplifier. Starting from rate equation, the formula describing the short pulse is obtained. As a computable model, it takes into account the pump absorption saturation and the laser reabsorption. By this model, the peak intensities of the short pulse under different cases are analyzed.
Analysis of Yb:YAG thin disk laser resonator considering thermal lens effects: Experimentally and by Laser Cavity Analysis and Design
Authors: Asl Dehghan M. , Daemi M. H. , Seyed Zamani S. S. , Shayganmanesh M.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, a precise calculation of thermal lensing effects of a face-pumped Yb:YAG thin disk is presented. First, in a V-shaped resonator, the spatial profiles of pump power on disk active medium at different pump powers were recorded. Then the results were used to examine the three dimensional changes of refractive index and their effects on output power and beam quality through Laser Cavity Analysis and Design software. Finally, the experimental results of M2 and output power measurements were compared with theoretical simulations.
Laser glass cutting techniques—A review
Authors: Nisar Salman , Li Lin , Sheikh M. A.
Published: August 2013

With the advancement of glass technology in recent times, glass has become one of the most important engineering materials in architectural, medical, automotive, flat panel display, and electronics applications. Desired shape and size of the glass can only be achieved through accurate and precise cutting technique. Laser technology has an advantage over traditional cutting processes for glass due to good quality, surface finish, and high speed of operation. This paper provides a review of all the laser glass cutting techniques discovered in recent work and forms a comparison framework, in particular, their limitations and their current status which would facilitate prospective research and future development.
Frequency of Occurrence of Physical Defects in Turkey Poults / Częstotliwość występowania wad budowy piskląt indyczych
Authors: Mróz Emilia , Stępińska Monika , Orłowska Aneta , Michalak Katarzyna
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to determine poult quality in the first breeding season of turkeys. The study was conducted over a 24-week laying season of white broad-breasted Big 6 turkeys. Starting from the first week of laying, at three-week intervals, 504 eggs laid on the same day were weighed and the percentages of eggs weighing 70 to 100 g and more than 100 g were calculated. Results from the 21st week of laying season were not used due to failure of ventilation equipment. Each egg was visually inspected to determine the percentages of eggs with normal shell structure, rough-shelled eggs and eggs without shell pigmentation. Nine incubation cycles were carried out. Egg fertilization rates and hatch rates were determined. At the end of each incubation cycle, poults were weighed individually and divided into morphologically normal and morphologically defective. The latter were further subdivided into weak poults with poor motor skills, poults with abnormal feathers, eyes, legs and umbilicus, and poults with unabsorbed yolk sacs. Eggs with weight exceeding 100 g accounted for 17.9% and 46.6% of the analysed eggs at 12 and 24 weeks of the laying season, respectively. In week 12, eggs without shell pigmentation accounted for 8.3%. In week 24, the percentage of rough-shelled eggs was 6.7%. Most poults with physical defects hatched in weeks 1 and 3 of the laying period (65.67% and 76.84%, respectively). Weak poults with poor motor skills accounted for 0.2-2.5% of the examined birds. Wet feathers were noted in 0.9% to 4.1% of poults over the laying season. Leg abnormalities were observed in 6.5% to 7.8% of poults. Eye defects were encountered least frequently. In 41-70% of poults long black scabs were visible on their navels, and umbilical vessels were long. Unabsorbed yolk sacs were noted in 0.5% to 3.2% of poults.
Infrared Thermography as a Method for Evaluating the Welfare of Animals Subjected to Invasive Procedures – A Review / Termografia jako metoda oceny dobrostanu zwierząt poddanych inwazyjnym zabiegom – artykuł przeglądowy
Authors: Godyń Dorota , Herbut Eugeniusz , Walczak Jacek
Published: August 2013

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in animal welfare. Consumers of animal products are paying more attention to maintaining good husbandry conditions on the farms, but also to some of the procedures entailing pain and suffering. The most invasive procedures are castration and dehorning (disbudding), which are often performed without anaesthesia. Pain associated with tissue damage causes behavioural and physiological changes. Observation of behaviour combined with measurements of autonomic nervous system activation, and hormones of the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis, is the main method for assessing the emotional state of an animal. Immobilization and blood collection may themselves be a source of stress for these animals. There is a strong prerequisite for the development of non-invasive methods of assessing the level of animal welfare. One of them is infrared thermography. The study of eye temperature changes in cattle, measured with an infrared thermography camera, confirmed the activation of the autonomic nervous system in response to pain.
Relationship Between Glycolytic Potential and Meat Quality of Duroc Pigs with Consideration of Carcass Chilling System / Związek potencjału glikolitycznego z cechami jakości mięsa tuczników rasy Duroc, z uwzględnieniem systemu chłodzenia tusz
Authors: Zybert Andrzej , Sieczkowska Halina , Antosik Katarzyna , Krzęcio-Nieczyporuk Elżbieta , Adamczyk Grzegorz , Koćwin-Podsiadła Maria
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to determine phenotypic relations between glycolytic potential (GP) measured 45 min postmortem and meat quality traits of stress-resistant fatteners, with consideration of carcass chilling system. The investigations involved 35 Duroc fattening pigs whose left halfcarcasses were chilled conventionally (4ºC for 24 h) and right half-carcasses were rapidly chilled in a three-phase chilling tunnel (-10ºC for 15 min, -15ºC for 25 min and -5ºC for 40 min with air velocity of 3 m/s). In this study we showed that rapid chilling significantly slows the rate of pH fall from 2 to 96 h after slaughter. The negative relationship between glycolytic potential and pH (especially 24 h postmortem) was stronger for conventionally chilled carcasses but the regression coefficient (b) does not suggest increased rate of pH fall in meat of conventionally chilled carcasses (especially compared to rapid chilling) at the later stages of conversion of muscle to meat (from 24 to 144 h after slaughter). In this investigation GP was positively correlated to drip loss at 48 h postmortem, and a stronger correlation was noted for rapidly chilled carcasses. Moreover, the regression coefficient indicates that rapid chilling to 48 h postmortem can cause a slightly higher drip loss from meat than when the carcasses are chilled conventionally (0.55 vs. 0.46 percentage points per 10 μmol/g GP). At the later stages of conversion of muscle to meat (96 and 144 h postmortem) the correlation and regression coefficients were the same regardless of the chilling system.
Bacteriocins In Poultry Nutrition – A Review / Bakteriocyny w żywieniu drobiu – artykuł przeglądowy
Authors: Józefiak Damian , Sip Anna
Published: August 2013

In recent years, a number of studies have shown a close relationship between broiler performance, health and the gastrointestinal microbiota. However, taking the complexity and biodiversity of the micro-ecosystem into consideration, a manipulation of the microbiota in a way that is profitable both for the host bird and for the farmer seems a difficult goal to achieve. Bacteriocins are extracellular proteinaceous compounds, synthesized by many bacterial species. Due to their different bacteriostatic effects, they have been used in human nutrition for decades. However, limited information is available regarding their effects in poultry, even though that similar mode of action as in other animals is possible. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to discuss present bacteriocin classification, mode of action and their potential role in poultry nutrition.
The Effectiveness of Maize DDGS in Rabbit Diets / Efektywność zastosowania suszonego wywaru kukurydzianego w dietach dla królików
Authors: Chełmińska Agnieszka , Kowalska Dorota
Published: August 2013

The development of biofuel production in the European Union is expected to increase the production of distillers grains, which can be a good feed material after concentration, centrifugation and drying. Research shows that dried distillers grains that meet microbiological and toxicological standards can be a nutritious feed for different species of animals. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of adding different levels (5 or 10%) of maize dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to complete feeds on rearing performance and meat quality of young rabbits. The study was carried out with New Zealand White rabbits from weaning at 35 days to 90 days of age. The results obtained showed that the introduction of 5% DDGS to rabbit diets had no negative effect on rearing performance of rabbits from 35 to 90 days of age and on the quality of their meat. Despite using a detoxifier, the 10% level was hazardous to rabbits due to the high level of mycotoxins in the purchased DDGS and markedly decreased the quality of their meat. Therefore it appears necessary to analyse the distillers grains fed to this group of animals for mycotoxins, in particular to determine their safe levels for rabbits.
Labelling the Behaviour of Piglets and Activity Monitoring from Video as a Tool of Assessing Interest in Different Environmental Enrichments / Oznaczanie zachowania i monitorowanie aktywności prosiąt na podstawie zapisu wideo jako narzędzie oceny ich zainteresowania różnymi elementami wzbogacającymi środowisko
Authors: Ismayilova Gunel , Costa Annamaria , Fontana Ilaria , Berckmans Daniel , Guarino Marcella
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to explore the preference and the duration of interest of weaned pigs to two different types of environmental enrichments using labelling techniques and activity monitoring. Two pens each housing 14 Dalland piglets were monitored using a video camera. The videos were labelled during the weaning phase from 30 to 60 days of age. During this time, the video recording software continuously calculated the activity index of the pigs. To detect pig exploratory and playing behaviour, a wooden block and chain enrichment were introduced into each pen for 30 days. Each video frame was manually labelled during the Day 1, 5 and 30 (24 hours a day) for each pen using the Labelling Tool software. To identify the duration and frequency of interactive episodes with environmental enrichments, pig behaviour was labelled as either: no activity, interacting with chain or interacting with the wooden block. The mean duration of interactive episodes for the chain was greater than for the wooden block (P<0.001), while the frequency of interactive episodes was 28.8% higher for the wooden block than for the chain. By day 5, the mean duration of interaction episodes decreased in both pens and by day 30, only a few interaction episodes were observed. The number of interactive episodes were strictly related to the activity index and depended on the time of the day. The peaks of the mean number of interactive episodes calculated for all days of observations corresponded to the peaks of the mean activity index.
Validation of Pedigree Relationships Using a Multiplex Microsatellite Marker Assay in Iranian Holstein Cattle / Walidacja rodowodów irańskiego bydła holsztyńskiego przy użyciu analizy multipleks markerów mikrosatelitarnych
Authors: Hashemi Mona , Amirinia Cyrus , Harkinezhad Mohammad Taher , Banabazi Mohammad Hossein , Javanmard Arash , Amiri Fateme
Published: August 2013

In the present study, the pedigree and genotype data of 94 individuals were examined for accuracy of parentage allocations and identity test using 12 fluorescent-labelled microsatellite markers in a highly sensitive and accurate ABI system. The panel of 12 markers showed mean PIC value of 0.71 and Shannon index of 1.65 and 7.58 alleles per locus, which suggests that these markers are highly polymorphic and could be useful for parentage control. Based on scoring allele sizes, a total of 91 alleles were observed within the studied population. The highest and lowest number of alleles was observed for TGLA227 locus and TGLA126 and BM1818 loci, respectively. The pedigree was considered incorrect in seven (35%) out of all the evaluated progeny, as their genotype did not match their parents. Combined EP value obtained for all loci in both parentage and identification analysis was 0.99, which indicates the high efficiency of the studied marker set and the accuracy of genotyping in ABI systems. Finally, the present findings confirmed the importance of surveying the pedigree structure and efficiency of 12 fluorescent-labelled microsatellite markers in a single multiplex PCR for parentage testing in the sampled Holstein cattle population.
The effect of shoot training on yield, fruit quality and leaf chemical composition of eggplant in greenhouse cultivation
Authors: Ambroszczyk Anna Magdalena , Cebula Stanisław , Sękara Agnieszka
Published: August 2013

The aim of the investigations was to determine the best method of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) pruning in greenhouse production. The investigations were carried out in 1999 - 2001 in the experimental greenhouse of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland. The ‘Tania F1’ hybrid was used in the early spring-summer production in a heated greenhouse. Plants were pruned to one or two shoots. In the case of two-shoot plants, the second shoot was led out from the first, third, sixth and ninth node. The intense pruning positively affected the PAR conditions in the plant profile. The most effective fruit setting was observed in the intensely pruned plants. The greatest number of fruits was set at the lowest nodes. Pruning affected the total but not marketable yield of fruits. Two-shoot plants with the second shoot led out from the sixth node produced the greatest fruits, both in early and total yield. A high level of reducing sugar was found in the fruits of moderately pruned plants. Fruits of two-shoot plants with the second shoot led out from the sixth node and pruned to one shoot contained the greatest level of L-ascorbic acid. The greatest levels of reducing sugar and starch were found in the leaves of moderately pruned plants, having the best PAR conditions. The method of pruning slightly affected the level of pigments in the eggplant leaves.
Estimation of growth and yielding of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivated on soil developed from weakly loamy sand
Authors: Wach Dariusz
Published: August 2013

In the years 1996 - 1999 an estimation of the growth and yielding of highbush blueberry cultivated on soil developed from weakly loamy sand was carried out. The study covered the initial years of fruit bearing (3-6 years after planting) of six cultivars of highbush blueberry: ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Blueray’, ‘Darrow’, ‘Ivanhoe’, ‘Northland’ and ‘Spartan’. The strongest vegetative growth was characteristic for bushes of ‘Northland’ and ‘Bluecrop’ cultivars, while the weakest was found in ‘Darrow’ and ‘Spartan’. ‘Northland’ proved to be the best yielding cultivar, although its fruits were the smallest. Berries of the ‘Darrow’ cultivar were the largest. In the study, the highest ranking was awarded to ‘Bluecrop’ (for growth, yielding, fruit size) and ‘Northland’ (for growth and yielding).
The effect of nitrogen fertilizer form and foliar application on the concentrations of twenty-five elements in carrot
Authors: Smoleń Sylwester , Sady Włodzimierz
Published: August 2013

Among all elements taken into consideration in this research (Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti and V), only the concentration of Na in the ‘Kazan F1’ carrot was affected by the interaction of foliar application and nitrogen fertilization. In the case of plants fertilized by Ca(NO3)2, foliar application significantly raised Na concentration in storage roots. Compared to the control, all applied nitrogen fertilizers (results analysed independently from the foliar application factor) increased concentrations of Mg and Se in carrot. Fertilization with (NH4)2SO4 resulted in a decrease of Ba and Mo concentrations and an increase of Mn concentration, while fertilization with Ca(NO3)2 raised the contents of Sr and Be in carrot. Foliar application (analysed independently from nitrogen fertilization) considerably increased Bi and Be concentrations, yet it did not affect the contents of other elements in storage roots.
The effect of temperature and crown size on asparagus yielding
Authors: Gąsecka Monika , Krzesińsk Włodzimierz , Stachowiak Jerzy , Knaflewski Mikołaj
Published: August 2013

In order to determine the effect of temperature on asparagus yielding in the case of different crown sizes, asparagus plants were planted in growth chambers, in an aeroponic system with recirculation. The results show that asparagus yield was dependent on air temperature and crown size; however, crown size had a greater influence on the yield. The diameter and weight of the asparagus spears were also dependent on crown size. Higher dry weight content, degrees Brix, fructan and total carbohydrate content in storage roots were documented in large crown asparagus plants before and after harvest. Large sized crowns were also shown to build thicker and higher ferns.
The effect of placement and light conditions during foliar application of Insol U fertilizer on gas exchange, yield and the quality of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
Authors: Borowski Edward , Michałek Sławomir
Published: August 2013

Pot experiments conducted in a growth chamber studied the effectiveness of foliar fertilization of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) with macro- and microelements in the form of a 1% water solution of Insol U fertilizer applied with fluorescent light of the PAR intensity of 200 μmol m-2 s-1 and with dispersed daylight of the intensity of 600 μmol m-2 s-1. Insol U was applied three times, supplied on the upper, lower or both sides of the leaf blades. The control consisted of plants sprayed with distilled water. The obtained results pointed out that foliar fertilization of spinach with Insol U significantly increased the leaf gas exchange, the yield of the fresh leaf mass, the content of vitamin C, chlorophyll, carotenoids, as well as potassium and phosphorus in the leaves. The application of the fertilizer onto the upper and the lower side of the leaf blade had the most positive effect on the analysed property of the leaves. Independently of the side leaf, the application of the fertilizer at a higher light intensity had a significantly better consecutive effect on all the analysed properties of the leaves.
Parasitic wasps of the Pimplinae, Poemeniinae and Diacritinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) subfamilies at Kórnik Arboretum
Authors: Piekarska-Boniecka Hanna , Ratajczak Justyna , Dolańska-Niedbała Ewa
Published: August 2013

The research was carried out in 2005 − 2007 in the area of the Kórnik Arboretum and covered parasitoids of the Pimplinae, Poemeniinae and Diacritinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) subfamilies, which control a number of plantdamaging phytophages. The quality and quantity composition of the parasitoids was defined, and the characterization of Pimplinae communities was carried out on the basis of the following biocenotic indices: Shannon’s diversity index H’, Pielou’s evenness index J’ and Simpson’s diversity index d. The Pimplinae communities were compared in terms of quality using the method of the Marczewski-Steinhaus MS index. Thirty-one species of Pimplinae were found; they account for 23.3% of the national fauna and 43.0% of species reported for Wielkopolska. Three species of Poemeniinae and one species of Diacritinae were also found. Among Pimplinae the prevailing species were those which decrease the number of pests belonging to exo- and endophytophages of Micro- and Macrolepidoptera. The dominants were: Pimpla contemplator (Muelle.) − 24.9%, Pimpla flavicoxis Thoms. − 12.3%, Pimpla insignatoria (Grav.) − 9.1%, Itoplectis maculator (F.) − 6.3% and I. alternans (Grav.) − 5.9%. Poemeniinae included Poemenia brachyura Holmgr. and P. herctica (Grav.), belonging to parasitoids of xylophages. Diacritinae were represented by Diacritus aciculatus (Voll.), whose trophic links are not yet known.
Evaluation of the infectivity of selected turnip mosaic virus isolates towards white cabbage cultivars
Authors: Gładysz Karol , Hanus-Fajerska Ewa
Published: August 2013

Experiments were carried out to evaluate the reaction of cabbage cultivars to mechanical inoculation with selected isolates of the turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). Simultaneously we aimed for the assessment of TuMV pathogenicity towards cultivars chosen to be transformed in order to obtain the resistance trait. The TuMV-CAR37A and TuMV-CAR39 isolates from horseradish proved to be infective towards ‘Amager’ and ‘Langedijker’ B. oleracea subsp. capitata f. alba. The course of symptom expression was assessed and the results of virus detection in symptomless leaves, using DAS-ELISA, were documented. Both tested cultivars showed a similar level of susceptibility. TuMV-CAR37A and TuMV-CAR39 can be useful in the selection of cabbage lines with resistance to the turnip mosaic virus.
Heterogeneity of carrot seeds depending on their position on the mother plant
Authors: Panayotov Nikolay
Published: August 2013

The period of vegetation and flowering of carrot usually is very long, and the flowers are formed in different parts of the mother plants. This leads to the formation of seeds with different qualities. Often heterogeneity is of a maternal type, which depends on the position of the umbels on the mother plants. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the quality differences in carrot seeds from different parts of the mother plant. The seedstalks from ‘Nantski’, a typical Bulgarian cultivar, were grown by the conventional method for seed production technology. In botanical maturity the seeds from the primary, secondary and tertiary umbels were extracted separately. The seed yield from umbels, dry weight of the seeds, seed size, length, width and thickness, weight per seed, 1000 seed weight, germination energy (first count), germination capacity (final count), mean germination time, uniformity of germination, fresh weight of seedlings, length of radicle, length of hypocotyls and vigour indexes were investigated. The contents of raw protein, sugar, lipids and the basic calorific values were also analysed. The germination was the highest for the seeds from primary umbels, followed by the ones from secondary umbels and lowest for those from the tertiary umbels. The difference between the highest and the lowest value was 6.30%. These results suggest that it is better to harvest the carrot seeds depending on their position on the plant and divide them into separate lots with different qualities.
Effects of polyethylene film covering the greenhouse, nitrogen fertiliser form, and foliar nutrition on the yield and quality of lettuce
Authors: Kowalska Iwona , Sady Włodzimierz
Published: August 2013

This study investigates the effects of two types of polyethylene films covering the greenhouse, differing in PAR transmittance, as well as two forms of nitrogen fertiliser (100% N-NO3 vs. 57% N-NO3+ 43% N-NH4), and the use of foliar nutrition on the quality and yield of lettuce grown in the spring and summer-autumn seasons. Lettuce was grown on rockwool in a film greenhouse divided into two parts, each covered with one type of film. Three times per season the plants were sprayed with a solution of molybdenum, benzyladenine, urea with molybdenum, urea with benzyladenine, and the three substances combined. The yields were examined for dry matter, nitrates, ammonia nitrogen, protein nitrogen, soluble sugars, vitamin C, and macronutrients (phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium). In both seasons, lettuce cultivated in the greenhouse covered with film having a higher PAR transmittance resulted in heavier heads and contained significantly lower levels of nitrates, NH4
+, P and Mg. The effect of plot (type of film) on vitamin C content depended on the season. The form of nitrogen fertiliser influenced dry matter, vitamin C, protein nitrogen, P and Mg contents; in the summer-autumn season it also affected head weight. The plants grown on a nitrate medium produced a higher single head mass and accumulated a larger amount of nitrates than those cultivated on a nitrate-ammonia medium. No effects were observed of foliar nutrition with salt solutions on the yield and quality of lettuce in either season.
Evaluation of the yield and some components in the fruit of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea var. edulis Turcz. Freyn.)
Authors: Małodobry Monika , Bieniasz Monika , Dziedzic Ewa
Published: August 2013

The experiment was carried out in the Garlica Murowana Experimental Station of University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland, between 2005 and 2008. Fruit yield, mass of 100 berries, content of total soluble solids, vitamin C, anthocyanins and titratable acidity were estimated. It was shown that ‘Atut’ honeysuckle started vegetation, flowering and cropping periods earlier than ‘Duet’. However, greater marketable yield and mass of 100 berries were obtained for ‘Duet’. ‘Atut’ fruit revealed a significantly higher content of anthocyanins. The studied honeysuckle cultivars did not differ if estimated on the basis of total soluble solids and vitamin C content in the fruit.
The secondary effect of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) catch crop in sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharata) cultivation
Authors: Rosa Robert , Zaniewicz-Bajkowska Anna , Kosterna Edyta , Franczuk Jolanta
Published: August 2013

A field experiment was carried out in central-eastern Poland (52°06’N, 22°55’E) to investigate the effect of a sunflower catch crop used as green manure sown on three different dates (21st July, 4th and 18th August) on sweet corn yield and growth. The ‘Challenger F1’ and ‘Sweet Wonder F1’ corn cultivars were cultivated in the first year following organic fertilization. Sunflower was plowed in the third week of October. The effect of the catch crop’s green manure was compared to farmyard manure applied at a dose of 40 t ha-1 as well as a control without organic manuring. The biomass quantity and the amount of macroelements absorbed with the sunflower catch crop sown on the 21st of July was similar to the quantity absorbed with farmyard manure applied at a rate of 40 t ha-1. The quantity of organic mass and macroelements absorbed with the sunflower sown on the 4th of August was smaller by 20%, and by 50% for the 18th of August set, compared with the corn treated with farmyard manure. The effects of farmyard manure and sunflower catch crop sown on the 21st of July on the yield were similar. The marketable yield of cobs of corn plants cultivated following farmyard manure treatment and catch crop sown on the 21st of July amounted to 12.6 and 12.4 t ha-1, respectively. An application of sunflower sown as a green manure on the 2nd and 3rd date prior to corn cultivation decreased marketable cob yields by 8% and 25% as compared to the farmyard manure. The corn cobs cultivated following the sunflower sown on the 21st of July and treated with farmyard manure had the greatest mass. The corn cobs cultivated with farmyard manure were characterized by the highest biological productivity (72.1%); similar was the cob production of corn cultivated with catch crops sown on the 21st of July and the 4th of August. The ‘Challenger F1’ and ‘Sweet Wonder F1’ yields were similar. ‘Challenger F1’ produced cobs with higher mass whereas ‘Sweet Wonder F1’ produced cobs characterized by greater biological productivity.
Phytoremediation efficiency of crop plants in removing cadmium, lead and zinc from soil
Authors: Poniedziałek Małgorzata , Sękara Agnieszka , Jędrszczyk Elżbieta , Ciura Jarosław
Published: August 2013

The experiment was carried out in 1999-2001 at the University of Agriculture in Krakow (Poland) to study the capacity of nine crops (red beet, field pumpkin, chicory, bean, barley, white cabbage, maize, alfalfa, and parsnip) to remove cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) from different soil horizons (0-20, 20-40, 40-60 cm). The content of exchangeable Cd, Pb, and Zn decreased along with the depth in the soil profile. Red beet cultivation reduced the exchangeable Cd content in the soil by 10.3% and by 8.6% in field pumpkin, barley and maize cultivation in the 0-20 cm horizon. White cabbage and maize decreased Cd in the 20-40 cm horizon by 40.0 and 28.8%, respectively. White cabbage was found to be the most effective in removing Pb from the soil profile. Common bean, maize, and alfalfa reduced exchangeable Pb in two upper horizons of the soil: 0-20 and 20-40 cm. After field pumpkin cultivation, the decrease in Pb contamination in the 0-20 cm horizon was 7.4%. White cabbage and chicory reduced exchangeable Zn content in the surface horizon by 21.5 and 14.1%, respectively. According to their efficiency in metal reduction, maize and red beet may be indicated as potential removers of Cd, cabbage and field pumpkin, of Pb, and cabbage, of Zn.
Effect of soil and plant covering and sowing time on the yield of fennel bulbs grown from sowing directly in the field
Authors: Błażewicz-Woźniak Marzena
Published: August 2013

A field experiment on fennel growing (Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum Mill.) was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, on a grey-brown podzolic soil. The experiment included the following factors: three kinds of covers - soil covering with black polyethylene film (PE 0.05 mm), soil covering with black polypropylene non-woven fabric (PP 50 g m-2) and flat covering of plants with white polypropylene non-woven fabric (PP 17 g m-2); three sowing terms - April, May, June; two fennel cultivars - ‘Rudy F1’ and ‘Zefa Fino’. Soil mulching with PP50 and, to a slightly lesser degree, black PE, caused an increase in the total and marketable yield of fennel bulbs and had a favourable effect on the yield structure. The lowest yield, with the highest share of non-marketable bulbs, was obtained following plant covering with PP17. The bulbs were the largest in the experimental treatments with PP50 mulching. The smallest bulbs were harvested following PP17 plant covering. For fennel growing, the most favourable sowing time was April. The lowest yield was obtained from the June sowings. The cultivars studied did not vary in terms of yield level and structure. The bulbs of the ‘Zefa Fino’ cultivar were longer and more slender than those of the ‘Rudy F1’ cultivar
Long-term melatonin administration improves glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance state in high-fat-diet fed rats
Authors: Wan Xue-Dong , Li San-Qiang , Xi Shou-Min , Wang Jian-Fei , Guo Yan-Chun , Wang Xi-Ming
Published: August 2013

Emerging evidence support an important role of reactive oxygen species in various forms of insulin resistance. It is identified that melatonin has antioxidant properties and prevents toxic effects of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we sought to assess the involvement of melatonin in the progression of insulin resistance in response to a high-fat diet (HFD) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Male rats were fed with a control diet, a high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet supplemented with melatonin (5 mg kg−1, i.p.) for 10 weeks. Glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, antioxidative potency, and metabolic profiles in the rats were evaluated. Our results showed that a HFD led to increasing body mass, adipose tissue weight, plasma insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), and decreased HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in rats. There was also a significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, oxidative stress markers both in the plasma and liver. An enhanced hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy-kinase (PEPCK) activity and RNA expression were observed. Impaired insulin signaling was evidenced by reducing insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) tyrosine phosphorylation and protein kinase B (PKB) serine phosphorylation in response to insulin. Overactivation of stress-activated protein kinases JNK was also observed in the liver of HFD rats. However, simultaneous administration of melatonin to HFD rats significantly reduced oxidative stress in the system and liver, markedly improved impaired glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, antioxidative potency, metabolic profiles and all the aforesaid adverse changes in HFD rats. Our results demonstrated that anti-oxidative property of melatonin is sufficient to ameliorate the insulin resistance condition, leading to the improvement of glucose homeostasis and the restoration of hepatic insulin signaling in a rat model of HFD-induced insulin resistance.
Cryopreservation of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in vitro shoot tips
Authors: Marković Zvjezdana , Chatelet Philippe , Sylvestre Isabelle , Kontić Jasminka , Engelmann Florent
Published: August 2013

In this work, we compared the efficiency of encapsulation-dehydration and droplet-vitrification techniques for cryopreserving grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Portan shoot tips. Recovery of cryopreserved samples was achieved with both techniques; however, droplet-vitrification, which was used for the first time with grapevine shoot tips, produced higher regrowth. With encapsulationdehydration, encapsulated shoot tips were precultured in liquid medium with progressively increasing sucrose concentrations over a 2-day period (12 h in medium with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 M sucrose), then dehydrated to 22.28% moisture content (fresh weight). After liquid nitrogen exposure 37.1% regrowth was achieved using 1 mm-long shoot tips and only 16.0% with 2 mm-long shoot tips. With droplet-vitrification, 50% regrowth was obtained following treatment of shoot tips with a loading solution containing 2 M glycerol + 0.4 M sucrose for 20 min, dehydration with half-strength PVS2 vitrification solution (30% (w/v) glycerol, 15% (w/v) ethylene glycol, 15% dimethylsulfoxide and 0.4 M sucrose in basal medium) at room temperature, then with full strength PVS2 solution at 0°C for 50 min before direct immersion in liquid nitrogen. No regrowth was achieved after cryopreservation when shoot tips were dehydrated with PVS3 vitrification solution (50% (w/v) glycerol and 50% (w/v) sucrose in basal medium).
Editorial
Authors: Mom Gijs , Clarsen Georgine , Millward Liz , Müller Dorit , Sheller Mimi , Weber Heike
Published: August 2013

The fluidity of modernity has surely reached the outskirts of the earth when even the new Pope Franciscus admonishes his cardinals that “our life is a journey and when we stop there is something wrong. […] If one does not walk, one gets stuck.” The current economic crisis has enhanced the fear of congestion and the interruption of flows: the circulation of capital in the first instance, but also of people and stuff, and of ideas and knowledge. It is time to rethink mobility.
Nerve root anomalies: implications for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery and a review of the Neidre and Macnab classification system
Authors: Burke Shane M. , Safain Mina G. , Kryzanski James , Riesenburger Ron I.
Published: August 2013

Lumbar nerve root anomalies are uncommon phenomena that must be recognized to avoid neural injury during surgery. The authors describe 2 cases of nerve root anomalies encountered during mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery. One anomaly was a confluent variant not previously classified; the authors suggest that this variant be reflected in an amendment to the Neidre and Macnab classification system. They also propose strategies for identifying these anomalies and avoiding injury to anomalous nerve roots during TLIF surgery. Case 1 involved a 68-year-old woman with a 2-year history of neurogenic claudication. An MR image demonstrated L4–5 stenosis and spondylolisthesis and an L-4 nerve root that appeared unusually low in the neural foramen. During a mini-open TLIF procedure, a nerve root anomaly was seen. Six months after surgery this patient was free of neurogenic claudication. Case 2 involved a 60-year-old woman with a 1-year history of left L-4 radicular pain. Both MR and CT images demonstrated severe left L-4 foraminal stenosis and focal scoliosis. Before surgery, a nerve root anomaly was not detected, but during a unilateral mini-open TLIF procedure, a confluent nerve root was identified. Two years after surgery, this patient was free of radicular pain.
Incidence of heterotopic ossification after implantation of interspinous process devices
Authors: Tian Nai-Feng , Wu Ai-Min , Wu Li-Jun , Wu Xin-Lei , Wu Yao-Sen , Zhang Xiao-Lei , Xu Hua-Zi , Chi Yong-Long
Published: August 2013

Object

This study aimed to investigate the incidence rate of heterotopic ossification (HO) after implantation of Coflex interspinous devices. Possible risk factors associated with HO were evaluated.

Methods

The authors retrospectively analyzed patients who had undergone single-level (L4–5) implantation of a Coflex device for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Patient data recorded were age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, smoking habits, and surgical time. Heterotopic ossification was identified through lumbar anteroposterior and lateral view radiographs. The authors developed a simple classification for defining HO and compared HO-positive and HO-negative cases to identify possible risk factors.

Results

Among 32 patients with follow-up times of 24–57 months, HO was detectable in 26 (81.2%). Among these 26 patients, HO was in the lateral space of the spinous process but not in the interspinous space in 8, HO was in the interspinous space but did not bridge the adjacent spinous process in 16, and interspinous fusion occurred at the level of the device in 2. Occurrence of HO was not associated with patient age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, smoking habits, or surgical time.

Conclusions

A high incidence of HO has been detected after implantation of Coflex devices. Clinicians should be aware of this possible outcome, and more studies should be conducted to clarify the clinical effects of HO.