bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seamount physiography and biology in the north-east Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Morato T. , Kvile K. Ø. , Taranto G. H. , Tempera F. , Narayanaswamy B. E. , Hebbeln D. , Menezes G. M. , Wienberg C. , Santos R. S. , Pitcher T. J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This work aims at characterising the seamount physiography and biology in the OSPAR Convention limits (north-east Atlantic Ocean) and Mediterranean Sea. We first inferred potential abundance, location and morphological characteristics of seamounts, and secondly, summarized the existing biological, geological and oceanographic in situ research, identifying examples of well-studied seamounts. Our study showed that the seamount population in the OSPAR area (north-east Atlantic) and in the Mediterranean Sea is large with around 557 and 101 seamount-like features, respectively. Similarly, seamounts occupy large areas of about 616 000 km2 in the OSPAR region and of about 89 500 km2 in the Mediterranean Sea. The presence of seamounts in the north-east Atlantic has been known since the late 19th century, but overall knowledge regarding seamount ecology and geology is still relatively poor. Only 37 seamounts in the OSPAR area (3.5% of all seamounts in the region), 22 in the Mediterranean Sea (9.2% of all seamounts in the region) and 25 in the north-east Atlantic south of the OSPAR area have in situ information. Seamounts mapped in both areas are in general very heterogeneous, showing diverse geophysical characteristics. These differences will likely affect the biological diversity and production of resident and associated organisms.
Seasonal variations of virus- and nanoflagellate-mediated mortality of heterotrophic bacteria in the coastal ecosystem of subtropical western Pacific
Authors: Tsai A. Y. , Gong G.-C. , Hung J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Since viral lysis and nanoflagellate grazing differ in their impact on the aquatic food web, it is important to assess the relative importance of both bacterial mortality factors. In this study, an adapted version of the modified dilution method was applied to simultaneously estimate the impact of both virus and nanoflagellate grazing on the mortality of heterotrophic bacteria. A series of experiments was conducted monthly from April to December 2011 and April to October 2012. The growth rates of bacteria we measured ranged from 0.078 h−1 (April 2011) to 0.42 h−1 (September 2011), indicating that temperature can be important in controlling the seasonal variations of bacterial growth. Furthermore, it appeared that seasonal changes in nanoflagellate grazing and viral lysis could account for 34% to 68% and 13% to 138% of the daily removal of bacterial production, respectively. We suggest that nanoflagellate grazing might play a key role in controlling bacterial biomass and might exceed the impact of viral lysis during the summer period (July to August) because of the higher abundance of nanoflagellates at that time. Viral lysis, on the other hand, was identified as the main cause of bacterial mortality between September and December. Based on these findings in this study, the seasonal variations in bacterial abundance we observed can be explained by a scenario in which both growth rates and loss rates (grazing + viral lysis) influence the dynamics of the bacteria community.
Late Holocene summer temperatures in the central Andes reconstructed from the sediments of high-elevation Laguna Chepical, Chile (32° S)
Authors: de Jong R. , von Gunten L. , Maldonado A. , Grosjean M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. High-resolution reconstructions of climate variability that cover the past millennia are necessary to improve the understanding of natural and anthropogenic climate change across the globe. Although numerous records are available for the mid- and high-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, global assessments are still compromised by the scarcity of data from the Southern Hemisphere. This is particularly the case for the tropical and subtropical areas. In addition, high elevation sites in the South American Andes may provide insight into the vertical structure of climate change in the mid-troposphere. This study presents a 3000 yr long austral summer (November to February) temperature reconstruction derived from the 210Pb and 14C dated organic sediments of Laguna Chepical (32°16' S/70°30' W, 3050 m a.s.l.), a high-elevation glacial lake in the subtropical Andes of central Chile. Scanning reflectance spectroscopy in the visible light range provided the spectral index R570/R630, which reflects the clay mineral content in lake sediments. For the calibration period (AD 1901–2006), the R570/R630 data were regressed against monthly meteorological reanalysis data, showing that this proxy was strongly and significantly correlated with mean summer (NDJF) temperatures (R3yr = −0.63, padj = 0.01). This calibration model was used to make a quantitative temperature reconstruction back to 1000 BC. The reconstruction (with a model error RMSEPboot of 0.33 °C) shows that the warmest decades of the past 3000 yr occurred during the calibration period. The 19th century (end of the Little Ice Age (LIA)) was cool. The prominent warmth reconstructed for the 18th century, which was also observed in other records from this area, seems systematic for subtropical and southern South America but remains difficult to explain. Except for this warm period, the LIA was generally characterized by cool summers. Back to AD 1400, the results from this study compare remarkably well to low altitude records from the Chilean Central Valley and Southern South America. However, the reconstruction from Laguna Chepical does not show a warm Medieval Climate Anomaly during the 12–13th century, which is consistent with records from tropical South America. The Chepical record also indicates substantial cooling prior to 800 BC. This coincides with well-known regional as well as global glacier advances which have been attributed to a grand solar minimum. This study thus provides insight into the climatic drivers and temperature patterns in a region for which currently very few data are available. It also shows that since ca AD 1400, long term temperature patterns were generally similar at low and high altitudes in central Chile.
WEB-GIS SOLUTIONS DEVELOPMENT FOR CITIZENS AND WATER COMPANIES
Authors: Şercăianu M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This paper describes the development of a web-GIS solution in which urban residents, from Buzau City, could be involved in decision-support process of water companies, in order to reduce water losses, by collecting information directly from citizens. In recent years, reducing material and economic losses, recorded in the entire municipal networks management process has become the main focus of public companies in Romania. Due to problems complexity that arise in collecting information from citizens and issues identified in urban areas, more analyzes were required related to web-GIS solutions used in areas such as local government, public utilities, environmental protection or financial management. Another important problem is the poor infrastructure development of spatial databases founded in public companies, and connection to web platforms. Developing the entire communication process between residents and municipal companies has required the use of concept "citizen-sensor" in the entire reporting process. Reported problems are related to water distribution networks with the possibility of covering the entire public utilities infrastructure.
ADVANCING ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE POLLUTION ANALYSIS IN URBAN AREAS BY CONSIDERING THE VARIATION OF POPULATION EXPOSURE IN SPACE AND TIME
Authors: Freire S. , Gomes N.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Ambient noise is a subtle form of pollution in large urban areas, degrading human health and well-being. In Europe, directives require that urban environmental noise be measured and mapped for the main periods of the daily cycle. Subsequent analyses of human exposure to noise in those periods is usually conducted using resident (i.e., nighttime) population from the census and assuming constant densities within the enumeration units. However, population distribution and densities vary considerably from night to day in metropolitan areas, and disregard for that process results in gross misestimation of exposure to ambient noise in the daytime period. This study considers the spatio-temporal variation of population distribution in assessing exposure to ambient noise in a major urban area, the city of Lisbon, Portugal. Detailed and compatible day- and nighttime population distribution maps were used, developed by means of "intelligent dasymetric mapping". After categorizing noise levels in existing maps in each period, classified according to current legislation, human exposure to ambient noise was assessed with temporally matching population surfaces. Population exposure to noise in 2000 and 2009 was compared and further analyzed in regards to main source of noise, i.e. road traffic vs. aircraft.. Results show that human exposure to noise shifts substantially in time and space, with a significant increase in exposed population from the nighttime to daytime period, especially in the higher noise levels. This is due to the combined effects of the daily variation of noise patterns and population distribution.
THE LASER SCAN DATA AS A KEY ELEMENT IN THE HYDRAULIC FLOOD MODELLING IN URBAN AREAS
Authors: Sole A. , Giosa L. , Albano R. , Cantisani A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This paper is intended to highlight the need to use data at high spatial resolution, such as those obtained through the use of Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) techniques, to support hydraulic models for the assessment of flood hazards in urban territory. In fact, the significant structural features (houses, walls, roads, etc.) in the city are important in relation to both the volume of the floodplain that can be occupied by the flow and the direction that the flow takes across the floodplain. ALS data can range up to several terabytes in size and is a function of the geographic scale of the mission. Also, this data is typically irregular with uneven point density. Therefore, a quick method is described to ride out the difficulties to handle the large datasets with uneven point densities and to improve the extracting of feature information for further use in Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis. Finally, a comparison is made between the maximum inundated area obtained from ALS data and that one calculated using a traditional topographic map. The results show that the high-resolution data obtained from airborne remote sensing can increase the opportunities for representation of small-scale structural elements in complex systems using two-dimensional models of flood inundation.
URBAN GEOCACHING: WHAT HAPPENED IN LISBON DURING THE LAST DECADE?
Authors: Nogueira Mendes R. , Rodrigues T. , Rodrigues A. M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Created in 2000 in the United States of America, Geocaching has become a major phenomenon all around the world, counting actually with millions of Geocaches (or caches) that work as a recreational motivation for millions of users, called Geocachers. During the last 30 days over 5,000,000 new logs have been submitted worldwide, disseminating individual experiences, motivations, emotions and photos through the official Geocaching website (www.geocaching.com), and several official or informal national web forums. The activity itself can be compared with modern treasure hunting that uses handheld GPS, Smartphones or Tablets, WEB 2.0, wiki features and technologies to keep Geocachers engaged with their activity, in a strong social-network. All these characteristics make Geocaching an activity with a strong geographic component that deals closely with the surrounding environment where each cache has been hidden. From previous work, significance correlation has been found regarding hides and natural/rural environments, but metropolitan and urban areas like Lisbon municipality (that holds 3.23% of the total 27534 Portuguese caches), still registers the higher density of Geocaches, and logs numbers. Lacking "natural/rural" environment, Geocaching in cities tend to happen in symbolic areas, like public parks and places, sightseeing spots and historical neighborhoods. The present study looks to Geocaching within the city of Lisbon, in order to understand how it works, and if this activity reflects the city itself, promoting its image and cultural heritage. From a freely available dataset that includes all Geocaches that have been placed in Lisbon since February 2001, spatial analysis has been conducted, showing the informal preferences of this activity. Results show a non-random distribution of caches within the study area, similar to the land use distribution. Preferable locations tend to be in iconic places of the city, usually close to the Tagus River, that concentrates 25% of the total caches. Since most of these places are known to be touristic destinations, the TOP15 logged Caches were also analyzed regarding their description and logs in order to understand if Geocaching reflects tourism and if it works as a tourist promotion tool within urban environments. Final results also reflect the Geocaching performance and major trends within urban environments providing new insights regarding this activity impacts and implications.
HOW TO ACHIEVE SMART CITIES THROUGH SMART COMMUNICATION AND REPRESENTATION OF URBAN DATA
Authors: Donolo R. M. , Donolo M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Urban environment is developing in different, complex and rapid ways. The challenge of the moment is to face this issue within the model and the philosophy of the "smart city". The biggest obstacles to the implementation of a smart city model can be probably found in the structure of urban areas and in the stratification of old urban infrastructures that make difficult the setting of new technological infrastructures. Moreover it is difficult to implement the smart city model also in the new urban areas, because these areas are often the result of recent urban sprawl and shapeless urbanization, and it is difficult to set the new technological infrastructures. But in this paper we would like to highlight that in addition to these problems, there is another obstacle in the implementation of the smart city model: the difficulties encountered by the authorities in the information of citizens about the problems and the resources of a city. We think that a smart information and communication system, with the support of web-GIS and smart visualization, will surely help the implementation of smart city models and smart grid models and the inclusion of citizens in the management of cities and countries.
A UNIFIED APPROACH FOR 3D GENERALIZATION OF BUILDING MODELS IN CITYGML
Authors: Baig S. U. , Rahman A. A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Task-specific applications demand abstractions (generalized) 3D scenes of 3D models to be used for visualization and analysis purposes. Therefore, lower LoDs (level-of-details) from higher LoDs need to be made available to these applications. A unified generalization framework is proposed to derive multiple LoDs (LoD3-LoD1) taking both semantics and geometric aspects of 3D buildings modelled in CityGML (City Geography Markup Language) into account. For this purpose, interior structures of 3D objects at LoD4 are removed to derive LoD3 and openings (door, windows) are removed from LoD3 to derive LoD2. Remaining parts such as outer installations and walls are projected onto the ground and simplified based on CityGML generalization specifications. Algorithms for simplification with the aim to derive LoD1 from LoD2 are implemented and tested on a number of buildings of Putrajaya city, Malaysia.The experiments shows that elimination of important part (s) or merging could be avoided by applying semantic-based removal of objects at different LoDs.
High resolution 900 yr volcanic and climatic record from the Vostok area, East Antarctica
Authors: Osipov E. Yu. , Khodzher T. V. , Golobokova L. P. , Onischuk N. A. , Lipenkov V. Ya. , Ekaykin A. A. , Osipova O. P.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Detailed volcanic record of the last 900 yr (1093–2010 AD) has been received using high resolution (2–3 samples per accumulation year) sulfate measurements in four snow/firn cores from the Vostok station area, East Antarctica. Totally, 33 volcanic events have been identified in the record, including well-known low latitude eruption signals found in many polar ice cores (e.g., Pinatubo 1991, Agung 1963, Krakatoa 1883, Tambora 1815, Huanaputina 1600, Kuwae 1452), however in comparison with other Antarctic sites the record has more events covering the last 900 yr. The strongest volcanic signals occurred during mid-13th, mid-15th and 18th centuries. The largest volcanic signal of Vostok (both in sulfate concentration and flux) is the 1452 AD Kuwae eruption. Average snow accumulation rate calculated for the period 1093–2010 AD is 21.3 ± 2.3 mm H2O. Accumulation record demonstrates a slight positive trend, however sharply increased accumulation rate during the periods from 1600 to 1815 AD (by 11% from long-term mean) and from 1963 to 2010 AD (by 15%) are typical features of the site. Na+ record shows strong decadal-scale variability probably connected with coupled changes in atmospheric transport patterns over Antarctica (meridional circulation change) and local glaciology. The obtained high resolution climatic records suggest a high sensitivity of the Vostok location to environmental changes in Southern Hemisphere.
General practitioners’ knowledge gaps regarding age related macular degeneration and effectiveness of their e-learning training
Authors: Coco-Martin Rosa Maria , Sanabria Maria Rosa , Fernandez Itziar , Sala Anna , Valverde Carmen , Perez Raixa
Published: May 2013

Objective: To assess the General Practitioners (GPs) knowledge regarding Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) in order to better design a specific training program, then to evaluate the achievement of their clinical competences in the care of ARMD after taking a specific training program. Methods: The first part of the study was a postal questionnaire survey sent to all GPs in Castilla & León. An interactive e-learning program with virtual tutorials was specifically designed for them to cover the identified gaps. Results: 725 GPs out of 2365 answered the survey, and 44% of them recognized they did not know the best screening test (Amsler grid). Around 30% did not know about the bilateralism, prevalence, risk factors, prevention or treatment of ARMD. Younger physicians knew more about ARMD. A specifically designed course was offered to 205 GPs and 164 completed it. We found a higher number of female and younger doctors doing the course compared with the group answering the previous survey. The answer “I do not know” almost disappeared after the course. The probability of suspecting a typical case of ARMD was higher after the course. Conclusions: The specific interactive online training program focused on covering the identified GPs´ gaps led to an effective learning.
The biology of flowering and structure of selected elements of Cornus alba L. flowers
Authors: Konarska Agata
Published: May 2013

The biology of flowering and the micromorphology of Cornus alba flowers were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The flowering of white dogwood in 2008 lasted 35 days, and the lifespan of a single flower was 3 days. The number of flowers per inflorescence was variable (on the average, it was 89). The largest group of insects visiting the flowers of C. alba comprised Hymenoptera (mainly bees and andrenids), then ants, dipterans and beetles. They foraged the dogwood flowers most intensively between 11.00 and 15.00. The inconspicuous four-petalled flowers of C. alba were characterised by the occurrence of T-shaped, two-armed non-glandular trichomes covering the receptacle as well as observed on the petals of the corolla, the style of the pistil and the anthers in a smaller number. The trichomes were covered by a thick cuticle with characteristic outgrowths. They contained a living protoplast, and plastids were observed in the cytoplasm of the trichome cells. In addition, anomocytic stomata were found in the epidermis of the receptacle and in the epidermis of the corolla petals. The stigma of the pistil and the adaxial epidermis of the petals were composed of very numerous conical papillae.
The structure of floral elements of Anchusa officinalis L. creating attractants for insects
Authors: Chwil Mirosława , Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta
Published: May 2013

The present study involved the measurement of size and the micromorphology of the floral elements of Anchusa officinalis L. which are attractants for insects. The structure of the epidermis on the surface of the calyx, petals, throat scales, pistil and nectary were analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For light microscopy observations, semi-permanent slides were prepared, which were treated with Lugol's iodine solution, Sudan III and fluoroglucine. The dark violet lobes of the corolla of Anchusa officinalis, with a velvety surface, and the throat scales, contrasting with them, belong to the most important optical attractants which lure insects from large distances. The dark pink colouring of the sepals additionally increases the attractiveness of the flowers. The epidermis covering the calyx formed different-sized non-glandular trichomes as well as glandular trichomes. The glandular trichomes were composed of a uni - or bicellular leg and a unicellular head. The colour of the corolla petals was determined by anthocyanins accumulated in the epidermal cells and in the more deeply situated parenchyma. The velvety surface was formed by the conical papillae, densely growing from the adaxial epidermis. The pink-violet throat scales with white hairs, covering the inlet to the tube of the corolla, were found at the inlet to the corolla throat. The longest trichomes on the surface of the scales were located in their lower and middle parts, whereas the shortest ones at their tips. The epidermis of the central part of the throat scales formed small papillae. The trichomes had thin cell walls, large vacuoles, numerous plastids and lipid droplets. The two-parted stigma of the pistil was covered by characteristic expanded outgrowths with wavy edges which performed the functions of structures facilitating the capture of pollen grains. As a result of the present study it was found that the structures affecting the attractiveness of the flowers, through various light effects within the corolla of Anchusa officinalis, include the papillae on the corolla surface, trichomes of the throat scales and the epidermal cells of the style. The trichomes of the scales can also be responsible for protecting pollen and nectar against rainfall.
Differentiation and genetic structure of Sclerophoma pythiophila (Corda) v. hoehn. strains associated with various damage and disease symptoms on Pinus sylvestris L.
Authors: Kraj Wojciech , Kowalski Tadeusz , Zarek Marcin
Published: May 2013

Eighty-three strains of Sclerophoma pythiophila were isolated in the period between 1996 and 2006 from needles and shoots of Pinus sylvestris displaying various types of disease symptoms or damages caused by Contarinia baeri or Thecodiplosis brachyntera. On the basis of fifty-six RAMS markers, very high genetic variability of examined strains was ascertained (mean value of Jaccard's coefficient 0.58). The highest genetic similarity was shown by strains related with needles damaged by Contarinia baeri (0.65), whereas the lowest by those derived from dead shoot tips (0.53). No monomorphic markers were found for individual groups of strains, yet on the basis of Nei's genetic distance matrix, it was possible to determine a group of closely related fungus populations which was connected with the damaging of the needles by C. baeri or T. brachyntera (Nei's coefficient ranging from 0.035 to 0.059) and populations related with the occurrence of necrosis on shoots or decay of their tips (Nei's coefficient - 0.066). The PCA confirmed genetic similarity of strains related with damaging of the needles by insects and strains isolated from local necroses on shoots and withered shoot tips. A high level of genetic variability between populations was shown by AMOVA analysis. A high level (14.9%) and statistically significant (P=0.001) share of between-population genetic variability were ascertained.
Factors determining the diurnal dynamics of blooming of chosen plant species
Authors: Denisow Bożena
Published: May 2013

The paper attempts to synthesize the determinants which may influence the diurnal rhythm of blooming. Additionally, I tried to explore and bring together topics that concern blooming and have always been considered separately because of their origin in different disciplines. The following species were included: Hydrangea arborescens L. subsp. discolor (Raf.), H. paniculata Sieb., Viburnum opulus L., Chaenomeles japonica Lindl., Knautia arvensis L., Adonis vernalis L., Aster saggitifolius Willd., Taraxacum officinale L. Chelidonium majus L. The taxons were observed in Lublin (51008' - 51018' N and 21027' - 21041' E) in the years 2001-2007. The blooming of species was determined at least for two vegetation seasons. During observations all flowers developed in one-hour intervals were counted. The diurnal dynamics of blooming differs among species and is modified by different endogenous and exogenous factors. The endogenous determinants of diurnal dynamics of blooming are morphological diversity of flowers (fertility or sterility) within species or heterostyly. The different pattern of blooming succour different mechanisms which prevent self-pollination (Chaenomeles japonica Lindl., Knautia arvensis L.). The abiotic factors, such as day length and temperature during the vegetation season, influence the change in the process of diurnal dynamics of blooming (e. g. Taraxacum officinale, Chelidonium majus).
Downy willow (Salix lapponum L.) as a component of different phytocoenoses in Polesie National Park
Authors: Pogorzelec Magdalena
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to make an evaluation of the current stands of a relict species, Salix lapponum, within the area of the Polesie National Park, to determine the population size and condition of downy willow as well as to analyse biocenotic conditions in its stands. The study, conducted in the years 2001-2003, allowed to establish that the number of S. lapponum stands had decreased significantly and that its population size in the confirmed stands in the Polesie National Park was substantially lower than 50 years ago. Salix lapponum was a component of different phytocoenoses, but its highest population size and a high degree of development were noted at the sites with the Betulo-Salicetum repentis and Thelypteridi-Phragmitetum communities. The character of the phytocoenoses in which Salix lapponum occurred in greatest numbers may evidence the wide range of tolerance of downy willow with respect to habitat conditions. There is a probability that not only the changes in its habitat conditions, which were noted over the last half-century, had a significant effect on the reduction in the number of stands and in the population size of this species. An essential problem appears to be the fact of the absence of flowering in individuals in many of the studied populations, which may result in an insufficient degree of adaptation of S. lapponum to changing habitat conditions.
Plant communities in arable fields of the Skierbieszów Landscape Park
Authors: Ziemińska-Smyk Marta
Published: May 2013

Floristic research on segetal communities was carried out in 2000 on arable fields in the Skierbieszów Landscape Park and its protected zone. Three communities of segetal weeds in cereal crops, and two communities of segetal weeds in root crops were separated in the arable fields of the Skierbieszów Landscape Park. The community Vicietum tetraspermae typicum commonly occurred in cereal crops on brown soils developed from loess soils. The community Echinochloo-Setarietum, which belongs to root crops, was noted in the same habitat. The greatest richness of species was found in Consolido-Brometum and Lamio Veronicetum politae, with the average of 25 species in one record. Both communities were abundant in rare segetal species which are considered to be endangered in our country: Adonis aestivalis, Euphorbia exigua, Lathyrus tuberosus, Muscari comosum, Thlaspi perfoliatum, Veronica polita, Agrostemma githago.
Segetal communities of cereal crops of the Mazowiecki Landscape Park
Authors: Skrajna Teresa , Skrzyczyńska Janina , Ługowska Maria
Published: May 2013

The characteristics of communities developing in cereal crops of the Mazowiecki Landscape Park are presented in the paper. The traditional methods of cultivation, a mosaic of fields, meadows and forests as well as a specific microclimate affect the occurrence of species-rich, syntaxonomically differentiated agrophytocenoses. The occurrence of 4 associations and 2 communities in the area of the Park was noted. On the poorest soils, the association Arnoserido-Scleranthetum was the most widespread and internally differentiated, whereas in more fertile habitats the association Vicietum tetraspermae was the commonest. The above mentioned associations were noted more frequently in winter crops than in spring cereals. Plots of the association Papaveretum argemones and intermediate communities, between Arnoserido- Scleranthetum and Papaveretum argemones, were seldom observed in the studied area. Plots with domination of species diagnostic for the order Polygono-Chenopodietalia occurred rarely in spring cereals, mainly in the protection zone of the Landscape Park. Single, impoverished plots of Aphano-Matricarietum were recorded in the south-eastern part of the Park.
The structure of septal nectaries and nectar presentation in the flowers of Allium aflatunense B. Fedtsch.
Authors: Żuraw Beata , Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta , Laskowska Halina , Pogroszewska Elżbieta
Published: May 2013

The location and structure of the septal nectaries in the flowers of Allium aflatunense B. Fedtsch. were studied. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used for examination. It has been shown that the septal nectaries are located in the lower part of the ovary and in the gynophore on which the ovary is borne. Nectar is secreted through the single-layered epidermis surrounding three nectary slits and nectar release occurs through three openings located at the base of the gynophore, which are the outlets of the ducts connected to the nectary slits. The expanded and fused bases of the stamen filaments and the tepals participate in secondary nectar presentation. In the flowers of Allium aflatunense, numerous purple elements: tepals, filaments, style and pedicle, perform the role of a colour attractant. On the intensely green ovary, there occur glistening conical outgrowths of epidermal cells, which may also function as signal attractants.
Meteorological factors and pollen season dynamics of selected herbaceous plants in Szczecin, 2004-2008
Authors: Puc Małgorzata
Published: May 2013

The pollen of mugwort, plantain, sorrel, nettle and pigweed is an important airborne allergen source worldwide. The occurrence of pollen grains in the air is a seasonal phenomenon and estimation of seasonal variability in the pollen count permits evaluation of the threat posed by allergens over a given area. The aim of the study was to analyse the dynamics of Artemisia, Plantago, Rumex, Urticaceae and Chenopodiaceae pollen season in Szczecin (western Poland) in 2004-2008 and to establish a relationship between the meteorological parameters versus the pollen count of the taxa studied. Measurements were performed by the Hirst volumetric trap (model Lanzoni VPPS 2000). Consecutive phases during the pollen season were defined for each taxon (1, 5, 25, 50, 75, 95, 99% of annual total) and duration of the season was determined using the 98% method. On the basis of this analysis, temporary differences in the dynamics of the seasons were most evident for Artemisia. Correlation analysis with weather parameters demonstrated that the maximum wind speed, mean and maximum air temperature, relative humidity and dew point are the main factors influencing the average daily pollen concentrations in the atmosphere.
The occurrence of cladosporium spores in the air and their relationships with meteorological parameters
Authors: Grinn-Gofroń Agnieszka
Published: May 2013

Together with Alternaria, Cladosporium spores are known to be potent aeroallergens and its concentrations in the air are strongly dependent on meteorological factors. There are many articles from different parts of the world about relationships between Cladosporium spore count and weather parameters. The aim of the study was to review all available publications about Cladosporium spores in the air and compare the results in a short, useful form.
The effect of mineral fertilization on fungi colonizing potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers after harvest and after storage
Authors: Cwalina-Ambroziak Bożena , Bogucka Bożena
Published: May 2013

The paper presents the results of a three-year exact experiment conducted in Bałcyny, in which a late potato cultivar, Jasia, was grown. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of different levels of mineral fertilization: A (N 80 kg × ha-1 P 80 kg × ha-1 K120 kg × ha-1) and B (N 120 kg × ha-1 P 144 kg × ha-1 K156 kg × ha-1), and foliar fertilization (Basfoliar 12-4-6, ADOB Mn and Solubor DF) on the quantitative and qualitative composition of fungal populations colonizing potato tubers. Fungi were isolated immediately after harvest and after a five-month storage period. After seven days of incubation, fungal colonies were transferred onto agar slants for microscopic identification. Over the entire experimental period, more pathogenic fungi were obtained from potato tubers analyzed after storage (62.9% of the total fungal population after storage) than from those analyzed immediately after harvest (39.1%), and the greatest number of fungi was reported in 2004. Rhizoctonia solani was isolated most frequently, followed by Colletotrichum coccodes and Alternaria alternata. Pathogens of the genus Fusarium and the species Helminthosporium solani were not numerous. In the treatment A with soil mineral fertilization with lower NPK rates, larger numbers of pathogenic fungi were noted in 2004 after harvest and after five-month storage, and in 2005 after harvest. At the remaining dates of analysis, pathogens were more frequently isolated from potato tubers in experimental variant B with higher NPK rates. Immediately after harvest, the highest number of pathogenic fungi was isolated in the treatment with foliar application of ADOB Mn and Basfoliar 12-4-6. After five-month storage, pathogens most often colonized potato tubers in experimental variant B with foliar application of Solubor DF, Solubor DF and ADOB Mn, and in experimental variant A with a combination of fertilizers. In the other fertilization variants, including in the control treatment, the population size of pathogenic agents remained at a similar level.
Response to chilling in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants treated with triacontanol and Asahi SL.
Authors: Borowski Edward
Published: May 2013

In pot experiments on cucumber cv. Śremski F1, the effect of short-term chilling on plants earlier treated with triacontanol (TRIA) and Asahi SL was investigated. These plants were grown in a phytotron at an air temperature of 27/22°C (day/night), using fluorescent light with far flux density of 220 µmol × m-2 × s-1, with a photoperiod 16/8. At the 4th true leaf stage, the respective experimental series were sprayed with: 1) H2O - control, 2) TRIA 0.01, 3) TRIA 0.1, 4) TRIA 1.0 mg × dm-3, 5) Asahi SL 0.2, 6) Asahi SL 0.3%. After 24 hours one half of the plants from each experimental series was treated for a period of 3 days at a temperature of 12/6°C, with all the other growth conditions unchanged. The obtained results have shown that short-term chilling stress caused a significant increase in electrolyte leakage, free proline content and in the activity of guaiacol peroxidase in leaves, but a decrease in chlorophyll a+b content, stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosynthesis, leaf area and in the activity of catalase in leaves. The application of TRIA or ASAHI SL on leaves in the pre-stress period reduced the values of the traits which had been increased as a result of chilling and increased those which had reduced. Generally, TRIA was most effective at a concentration of 0.1 mg × dm-3, and Asahi SL at a concentration of 0.3%.
The influence of soil tillage systems and weed control methods on weed infestation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Zarzecka Krystyna , Baranowska Alicja , Gugała Marek
Published: May 2013

A field experiment was conducted in the years 2002- 2004 at the Zawady Agricultural Experimental Station (52o06' N; 22o06' E), belonging to the University of Podlasie in Siedlce, Poland. The investigated factors were two soil tillage systems (traditional and reduced) and seven methods of weed control in potato canopies with herbicide application. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of tillage systems and weed control methods on the weed species composition and weed density. Tillage systems, weed control methods and atmospheric conditions prevailing in the study years significantly varied weed infestation of potato canopies at the beginning of vegetation and before tuber harvest. The lowest number of weeds, compared to the control treatment, was recorded in the treatments in which chemical and mechanical weed control had been applied. The treatments with the traditional tillage system also showed lower weed infestation than those in which simplifications had been applied.
Using a water quality index to determine and compare creek water quality
Authors: Berlemann Annie
Published: May 2013

Creek water quality is difficult to characterize and understand. To address this, a water quality index (WQI) has been used to determine a measurable level for water quality. The purpose of the WQI is to provide a means to conduct a site‐to‐site comparison and create a baseline of water quality within a watershed. The WQI is a unitless number ranging from 1 to 100. The higher the number, the better the quality of water; generally, scoring 90–100 is excellent, 70–90 is good, 50–70 is fair, 25–50 is poor, and so on. The WQI is determined by calculating nine weighted water quality parameters. This method was used in a portion of Fountain Creek in Colorado—10 sample sites were analyzed once per month during an 18‐month period to establish seasonal variation and a baseline of water quality and to conduct a site‐to‐site comparison.
Antagonistic Effect of the Lactic Bacteria Isolated from the Camel Milk on Staphylococcus aureus in Yoghourt Manufacturing
Authors: Belkis  , Arezki Bitam
Published: May 2013

This paper deals with the lactic bacteria found in the raw camel milk producing antibacterial substances. Samples of milk were obtained from female camels of herds from nomads living in the south of Algeria. The antibacterial activity of the bacteria was tested on Staphylococcus aureus strains and to highlight this activity in a yoghourt for therapeutic purpose.Among the seven (07) strains of lactic bacteria which were isolated from camel milk Lb. fermentum (Lc17) presented the highest antagonistic effect on S. aureus. After incorporation in the yoghourt ,It was verified that there was no interaction between the lactic ferments of yoghourt and Lb. fermentum and no modification of the acidity. However the realization of a yoghourt containing Lb. fermentum with shown a total inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus to a load 5,87 log UFC compared to that of yoghourt made up exclusively of lactic leavens, after 4 hours of incubation in mixed culture.
Single Dose of Dietary Supplement Nutrex Lipo-6 Black® Limits the Post Exercise Hypotension Induced by Aerobic Exercise in Young Adults
Authors: Leonardo Medeiros Magalhães  , Caio Victor Coutinho de Oliveira  , Maria da Conceição Rodrigues Gonçalves  , Alesandra Araújo de Souza  , Alexandre Sérgio Silva
Published: May 2013

Objective: to evaluate the blood pressure (BP) behavior and sympathetic activity in response to an aerobic exercise session after taking a dose of Nutrex Lipo-6 Black®.
Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled study utilized seventeen subjects, divided in supplementation (n=10, 26.5±5.3 years) and placebo groups (n=7, 22.4±2.8 years). They ingested a dose of Nutrex Lipo-6 Black® (containing synephrine, caffeine, yohimbine and diiodine) or placebo and underwent a session of 40min of aerobic exercise of moderate intensity. Heart rate (HR), BP and cardiac autonomic balance (measured by heart rate variability) (CANA) were monitored at baseline, 30min after supplementation, at the end of the exercise and every 10min during a recovery period of 30min.
Results: After 30min of intake, Nutrex Lipo-6 Black® and placebo groups exhibited HR, BP and CANA similar to each other and in relation to the pre-supplementation moment. At the end of the exercise all variables showed a rise in relation to rest, but without statistical difference between groups (p>0,05). Moreover, at 30min of recovery, the Nutrex Lipo-6 Black® group presented with diastolic hypertensive response (increase of 4.2 mmHg) and a discrete post-exercise hypotension only to systolic pressure (-0.2 mmHg) relative to the pre-supplementation, while the placebo group showed evident both systolic and diastolic hypotension (-6.3 and -0.5 mmHg, respectively). HR and CANA were similar to pre-supplementation at this time.
Conclusion: single dose of Nutrex Lipo-6 Black® is able to limit the benefits of an exercise session in reducing BP, even without affecting the resting conditions of BP and CANA.
Quality Attributes of Therapeutic Tea from Indian Herbs Sweetened with Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
Authors: Akhilesh Verma  , Alpana Singh
Published: May 2013

Eating healthy food is vital for wellness and prevention of disease. Teas are aqueous extractions of crude herbs and one of the most commonly used delivery system for natural health products. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a sweet herb having sweetness 200 to 300 times more than sugar with zero calorific value. Therapeutically stevia is antibacterial, antifungal, anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiyeast, prevents cavities, cardio tonic, diuretic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive tonic and vasodilator. Hence, sensorily acceptable therapeutic tea sweetened with stevia was formulated, optimized and assessed for various quality parameters. Therapeutic tea was optimized at 10.25% stevia leaves, 7.28% nutmeg, 32.06% arjuna bark, 5.55% licorice and 6.41% of each of ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, fennel, nagarmotha and cardamom. It is recommended that 2.34 g of tea formulation is appropriate to make 100 ml of tea infusion. Herbal tea formulations contained 8.22-9.32% protein, 18.66-18.70% ash, 42.0-45.28% carbohydrates, 72.07-82.25 mg P, 268.25-271.62 mg Ca, 80.30-83.87 mg Mg, 12.8-13.65 mg Fe, 1.82-2.60 mg Cu, 1.37-1.57 mg Zn, 3.28-3.76 mg Mn and 15.84-19.80 mg ascorbic acid per 100 g of tea mix. Bright, sparkling and clear infusion of brown colour with pleasant aroma and taste was obtained from optimized therapeutic tea formulation which would be an alternative medicine for different therapeutic purposes with minimal calories. Microbial quality of the product packed in aluminium foil bag was well up to 3 months storage at ambient temperature.
Virtually justifiable homicide: The effects of prosocial contexts on the link between violent video games, aggression, and prosocial and hostile cognition
Authors: Gitter Seth A. , Ewell Patrick J. , Guadagno Rosanna E. , Stillman Tyler F. , Baumeister Roy F.
Published: May 2013

Previous work has shown that playing violent video games can stimulate aggression toward others. The current research has identified a potential exception. Participants who played a violent game in which the violence had an explicitly prosocial motive (i.e., protecting a friend and furthering his nonviolent goals) were found to show lower short‐term aggression (Study 1) and show higher levels of prosocial cognition (Study 2) than individuals who played a violent game in which the violence was motivated by more morally ambiguous motives. Thus, violent video games that are framed in an explicitly prosocial context may evoke more prosocial sentiments and thereby mitigate some of the short‐term effects on aggression observed in previous research. While these findings are promising regarding the potential aggression‐reducing effects of prosocial context, caution is still warranted as a small effect size difference (d = .2–.3), although nonsignificant, was still observed between those who played the explicitly prosocial violent game and those who played a nonviolent game; indicating that aggressive behavior was not completely eliminated by the inclusion of a prosocial context for the violence. Aggr. Behav. 39:346–354, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exciplex‐Forming Co‐host for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Ultimate Efficiency
Authors: Park Young‐Seo , Lee Sunghun , Kim Kwon‐Hyeon , Kim Sei‐Yong , Lee Jeong‐Hwan , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: May 2013

Phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with ultimate efficiency in terms of the external quantum efficiency (EQE), driving voltage, and efficiency roll‐off are reported, making use of an exciplex‐forming co‐host. This exciplex‐forming co‐host system enables efficient singlet and triplet energy transfers from the host exciplex to the phosphorescent dopant because the singlet and triplet energies of the exciplex are almost identical. In addition, the system has low probability of direct trapping of charges at the dopant molecules and no charge‐injection barrier from the charge‐transport layers to the emitting layer. By combining all these factors, the OLEDs achieve a low turn‐on voltage of 2.4 V, a very high EQE of 29.1% and a very high power efficiency of 124 lm W−1. In addition, the OLEDs achieve an extremely low efficiency roll‐off. The EQE of the optimized OLED is maintained at more than 27.8%, up to 10 000 cd m−2.
Elements of morphology: Standard terminology for the external genitalia
Authors: Hennekam Raoul C.M. , Allanson Judith E. , Biesecker Leslie G. , Carey John C. , Opitz John M. , Vilain Eric
Published: May 2013

An international group of clinicians working in the field of dysmorphology has initiated the standardization of terms used to describe human morphology. The goals are to standardize these terms and reach consensus regarding their definitions. In this way, we will increase the utility of descriptions of the human phenotype and facilitate reliable comparisons of findings among patients. Discussions with other workers in dysmorphology and related fields, such as developmental biology and molecular genetics, will become more precise. Here we introduce the anatomy of the male and female genitalia, and define and illustrate the terms that describe the major characteristics of these body regions. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.