bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal shrinkage of compression wood in dependence on water content and cell wall structure
Authors: Włoch Wiesław
Published: May 2015

Compression wood from branches of Pinus silvestris L. was examined. Wide differences were noted in longitudinal shrinkage of the wood when dried from water saturated state. A relation was found between shrinkage and cell wall thickness, particularly of layer S2, and the degree of callose accumulation in the wall. No dependence could be revealed between the shrinkage and the fibril angle in S2.
Attempts at establishing the culture conditions for Lemna minor L.
Authors: Krzychowska M. , Zimna J. , Bytniewska K. , Macjejewska-Potapczyk W.
Published: May 2015

The influence of the concentration, composition and pH of the substrate as well as of light intensity on the growth and vegetative propagation of Lemna minor L. was investigated. The media of Hutner, Hoagland and Pirson and Seidel were used. At first the experiments were carried out under unsterile conditions. Later sterilized duckweed was cultured in aseptic conditions. The dry matter was determined. Surface area increment and an increase in the number of fronds were evaluated by the planimetric method. For total protein determination in Lemna minor L. from unsterile and sterile cultures Lowry's method was used.
Phosphatase activity of Poa pratensis seeds. II. Purification and characterization of acid phosphatase Ia2 and Ia3
Authors: Lorenc-Kubis I. , Morawiecka B. , Niezgódka M. , Hebrowska A.
Published: May 2015

Two acid phosphatases (Ia2, Ia3) have been isolated from Poa pratensis seeds and partially purified. Both enzymes showed maximal activity at pH 4,9. They exhibited high activity towards p-nitrophenyl phosphate, inorganic pyrophosphate and phenyl phosphate, much less activity towards glucose-6 phosphate, and mononucleotides. Phosphatases a2 and a3 differed in their activity towards ADP. Orthophosphate, fluoride and Zn2+ were effective inhibitors. EDTA, β-mercaptoethanol and Mg2+ activated phophatase a2 but had no effect on phosphatase a3. Zn2+ inhibited the activity of phosphatase a2 noncompetitively, whereas phosphatase a3 showed inhibition of mixed type. Trypsin, chymotrypsin and pronase had no effect on the enzyme activities of both molecular forms.
Flavonoids from the bird's foot trefoil seeds (Lotus corniculatus L.)
Authors: Górski Piotr M. , Jurzysta Marian , Rządkowska-Bodalska Halina
Published: May 2015

In the seeds of bird's foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) the presence of quercetin- and kaempferol heterosides was found. Eight crystalline compounds and one chromatographically homogeneous fraction were obtained from the flavonoid mixture using column chromatography on polyamide and cellulose. By means of TL-chromatography, elemental analysis and UV-spectrometry seven of the isolated compounds were identified to be quercetin, quercetin 3-arabopyranoside (guajaverin), quercetin 3-galactoside, quercetin 3-rhamnoside, kaempferol 3,7-diglucoside, kaempferol 3,7-dirhamnoside kaempferol 3-glucosyl-7-rhamnoside and two remaining ones were only partly characterized a snearer indefinite kaempferol heterosides.
Influence of hydroxyurea on nucleic acids content and 3H-uridine incorporation in callus and tumorous tobacco tissues cultured in vitro
Authors: Bielecka A.
Published: May 2015

In callus and tumor tissues of Nicotiana tabacum cultured for 39 days in media supplemented with various concentrations of hydroxyurea (1.3 x 10-4 M - 1.3 x 10-3 M) a decrease of DNA content (ca. 24 per cent in callus tissue and ca. 23 per cent in tumour tissue) and a decrease of RNA content (over 10 per cent and ca. 9 per cent in callus and tumour tissue, respectively) was observed. The autoradiographic method showed that a long-lasting action of this com-pound inhibits RNA synthesis. A stronger inhibitory influence of hydroxyurea upon incorporation of 3H-uridine from the incubation medium was revealed.
The influence of gibberellic acid and kinetin on the growth of Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb.
Authors: Buczek J. , Kubik-Dorosz G. , Tatkowska E.
Published: May 2015

The influence of gibberellic acid (GA3) and of kinetin (6-furfurylamino purine) on the increment of cell number increase in dry weight and upon protein level in Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Bréb. was studied. It was found that 10-7 M GA3 stimulates at the same time cell growth and dry weight increase of the algae. No influence of GA3 upon the protein content was observed. Kinetin of 10- M concentration stimulates in the initial growth phase cell multiplication and increases the protein level. This substance promotes the increment in dry weight however in the later phase of growth. Furthermore kinetin prolongs the viability of algae, extending the growth phase.
Cytoplasmic inclusions in yellowing parsley leaves
Authors: Młodzianowski Fortunat
Published: May 2015

Inclusions in cytoplasm of intact yellowing parsley leaves similar to those described in other plant species infected with viruses were observed.
The ultrastructure of proplastids in the leaves of five species of Orchids. II. Intraplastid inclusions and DNA-containing areas
Authors: Damsz Barbara
Published: May 2015

In the stroma of leaves proplastids of all investigated species of orchids: Paphiopedilum, Stanhopea, Cymbium, Coleogyne and Orchis occur starch grains of different shape, size and electron density. The number of starch grains vary from one to several. The proplasitids from cells of the vascular bundle sheath are completely filled with numerous starch grains and the stroma is strongly reduced. The formation of protein crystaloids was observed only in the proplastids of Paphiopedilum. In the stroma of proplastids in investigated species the DNA-containing areas are present. A tendency of their peripheral situation and of the formation of contacts between DNA fibirils and the inner surrounding membrane or with rare thylakoid's membranes was observed. In these areas in priopastids of Stanhopea, Cymbidium, Coelogyne and Orchis starch grains of different size, shape and electron density occur.
Growth activity of fusiform initials in storeyed cambium
Authors: Zagórska-Marek B.
Published: May 2015

The intrusive growth of fusiform initials was studied in Entandrophragma, This growth makes possible a change in the position of the cell ends of one storey in respect to those in the neighbouring storey, and this is 'turn leads to changes in the orientation of cambial initials. The growth activities of the oppositely directed ends of the same initial are not the same. Not all cell ends are simultaneously actiye. There are groups of ends distributed alternately in a storey which are active or inactive, so that a pattern of growth activity appears in the cambium. The activity of a particular cell end changes in successive time periods. Owing to this, the rate of creeping of one end past. those of the adjoining storey varies. This phenomenon of changes in the activity of cell ends in time may be referred to the phenomenon of the appearance of the growth activity pattern on the cambium surface under the hypothesis of transverse shifting of the elements of this pattern ("active" and. "inactive" groups) in relation to the cambial initials.
Aberrant types of leaf of Quassia amara Linn. and the question of validity of unifoliate compound leaf
Authors: Gupta Dilip , Banerjee Prenad K.
Published: May 2015

The aberrant types of leaf of Quassia amera Ldnn. were studied. It is concluded that the aberrant unfoliate form arises by reduction of lateral leaflets and the question of the unfoliate compound leaves is discussed.
Rape embryogenesis I. The proembryo development
Authors: Tykarska Teresa
Published: May 2015

The development of the proembryo of rape Brassica napus L. from the zygote to the young embryo proper is described. A number of regularities were found in the direction, succession, and distribution of segmental and differentiating divisions of the proembryo. The direction of the divisions seems to foe determined by the direction of growth and the shape of the cells. The termyoung embryo proper is proposed to denote the globular embryo which already possesses separate plerome and periblem mother-cells and mother-cells of the iec layer and of clumella. The body of the embryo proper is derived from the apical cell ca which arose from the first division of the zygote and from the hypophysis - the only suspensor cell which closes the spheroid of the embryo. The development of the Brassica napus L. proembryo follows the sub-archetype Capsella bursa-pastoris in the IV megarchetype of Soueges.
Influence of histones and calcium and magnesium ions on the ultrastructure of chromatin in isolated nuclei of Pinus silvestris L. root meristem
Authors: Michniewicz Halina
Published: May 2015

The width of chromatin fibrils in nuclei fixed in situ is about 10 nm. In nuclei isolated in the presence of Ca+2 and Mg+2 ions the fibrils coalesce, and thus their width secondarily increases, whereas in nuclei isolated without the presence of the cations the diameter of fibrils increases somewhat as compared with that in nuclei in situ, probably owing to absorption of nonchromatin nuclear proteins. Lysine histone extraction caused dispersion of condensed chromatin, and reintroduction of these proteins - its reconstruction. On the other hand, extraction and reintroduction of the arginine histone did not cause chromatin dispersion, but rather coalescence of the chromatin mass. Lysine histone extraction from material isolated in the presence of Ca+2 and Mg+2 ions caused the appearance of a large number of 10-nm fibrils, only sporadically seen in the control material, and disappearance of the 30-nm forms. Reintroduction of the lysine histone reduced the number of single fibrils and enhanced the appearance of coalescent form with 30 nm diameter. Removal of arginine histones did not produce disappearance of single fibrils, but reduced their diameter. Reintroduction of this fraction caused coalescence of chromatin threads, owing to which 90 per cent of the population consisted of fibrils with diameter around 30 nm.
Method for isolation and identification of potato virus M, S, X, Y
Authors: Czupryn M. , Błaszczyk M. , Skrzeczkowska S.
Published: May 2015

The common procedure for isolation of potato virus M, S, X, Y, based on precipitation with PEG (final concentration of 6%) and purification by gel filtration on the Sepharose 2B is decribed. Identification of individual viruses is performed on the basis of electrophoretic analysis of viral coat protein, extracted from purified virus fraction. In electrophoresis coat proteins give single bands with the relative mobility of 1.0, 0.97, 0.94, and 0.80 for PVY, PVS, PVM and PVX respectively. Determination of protein or RNA content in virus fraction after chromatography allows the quantitative estimation of virus in plant material.
Changes in the structure and function of plant cell protoplast due to energy deficit
Authors: Podbielkowska Maria , Kupidłowska Ewa
Published: May 2015

The influence of glycolysis inhibitors and of the respiratory chain inhibitors on the structure and function of protoplast were investigated in Allium cepa and Tradescantia bracteata meristematic cells. Hypertrophy of rough ER and modification of active transport were found, which was expressed by changes in the permeability of the plasmalemma and tonoplast and by depressed level of active ATP-ase. It is supposed that the formation of the characteristic rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) configurations plays a significant role in bioenergetic processes by increasing the surface area active in glycolysis and in the respiratory chain connected with ER membranes.
Effects of ionizing radiation on changes in the level of gibberellin-like substances during Scotch pine seeds germination
Authors: Michalski Leszek
Published: May 2015

The level of gibberellin-like substances in pine seeds exposed to ionizing radiation was investigated using extraction, fractionation, acid hydrolysis, partitioning on chromatographic columns and biological tests. It was found that the level of free and bound gibberellin-like substances is dependent on the applied gamma radiation dose. It is assumed that ionizing radiation may re-lease bound gibberellins into free ones.
Cytokinin-induced decrease in ribonuclease activity and initiation of gametophore buds in the protonema of mosses
Authors: Spychała Michał , Kocz-Zajchert Irena , Szwejkowska Alicja
Published: May 2015

As early as after 4 hours of kinetin treatment a decrease in RNase activity was found in the moss protonema and it was maintained to at least 10 hours. It was shown that this decrease was correlated with the morphogenetic effect of kinetin (bud induction). No allosteric inhibition of RNase toy kinetin could be found. The decrease in enzyme activity was more pronounced When additionally inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis were used. It is concluded that kinetin affects the RNase rather by an inhibition of de novo synthesis of the enzyme than by an increase of its decomposition by proteases.
The activity of deaza- and aza-purine analogues ol cytokinins in gametophore induction in protonema cultures of Funaria hygrometrica
Authors: Rogozińska J. H. , Maciejewski T. , Prusińska U. , Szwejkowska A.
Published: May 2015

Cytokinin activities of the 1-deaza-, 3-deaza-, l-deaza-8-aza- and of 3-deaza-8-aza-purine analogues of kinetin and of 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino) purine were determined in gametophore induction in protonema cultures of Funaria hygrometrica and compared with those of the parent compounds. A relatively high activity of the 1-deaza-anaiogues and very low activity of the 3-deaza-analogues were found. The results confirm the suggestion that the nitrogen in the 3-position of the purine ring is more important with regard to the cytokinin activity of a compound than the nitrogen in the 1-position.
Effects of water soluble oncostatic fraction from Rheum officinale Baill. rhizomes on Allium cepa root meristem. I. The mitotic activity
Authors: Dawidowicz-Grzegorzewska A.
Published: May 2015

The effects of the oncostatic extracts from Rheum officinale rhizomes on the activity of meristematic cells from Allium cepa roots were investigated. A statistically significant decrease of the IM value was noted as well as of the total number of mitoses during incubation. The disturbances in the course of mitosis and cytokinesis are described and discussed. The kind of disturbances during postincubation points to damage of the S and G2 phases of the interphase nuclei. Cytochemical and autoradiographic studies demonstrated a diminished intensity of staining of DNA and RNA and inhibition of DNA synthesis during incubation, this leading in tum to a lower intensity of protein staining in postincubation. Disturbances in mitosis and cytokinesis after treatment wth 2,6-dihydroxyantraquinone, supposed to be the antimitotically active compound of the extract, are the same as those produced by the total water soluble fraction.
Effects of water soluble oncostatic fraction from Rheum officinale Baill. rhizomes on Allium cepa root meristem. II. Meristem length and mitotic activity distribution
Authors: Dawidowicz-Grzegorzewska A.
Published: May 2015

Incubation in 5 and 12.5 per cent extract from Rheum officinale rhizomes causes disturbance of the dynamic equilibrium between the number of dividing cells and the number of those passing to the elongation zone. The zone of meristematic cells is shortened to 2/3 and the zone of mitoses to 1/2 after 24-h incubation in 5 per cent extract. 12-h incubation in 12.5 per cent extract does not reduce the zone of meristematic cells, although it shortens the mitosis zone to 1/5. This suggests that a high concentration of the inhibitor arrests elongation. growth. Mitotic activation of the meristem in the beginning of postincubation period occurs on a wide area since the last mitotic cycle runs in the cells of the basal part of the meristem. During further postincubation (48 and 72 h after 5% and 72 h after 12.5% extract) the meristematic zone is greatly shortened and the zone of highest mitosis frequency shifts in apical direction. The mitotic activity in the apical sector much higher than in the control suggests, that the quiscent centre takes part in the reconstruction of the meristem.
Effect of gibberellic acid on α-amylase and ribonuclease activities in rye endosperm after various periods of grain storage
Authors: Mierzwińska T.
Published: May 2015

α-Amylase and ribonuclease activities were determined in embryoless rye half-seeds exhibiting different viaibility after various times of storage (2, 5 and 8 years). The half-seeds were incubated for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h with and without GA3. α-Amylase activity in the endosperm of rye grain stored for 2 and 5 years and incubated without the hormone increased considerably, whereas in 8-year grain, practically incapable of germination, it remained almost unchanged. GA3caused a considerable increase of α-amylase activity in all the tested samples. In grain stored for 2 and 5 years the enzyme activity reached its peak under the influence of the hormone earlier than in the control samples. The differences in ribonuclease activity between the particular samples were less pronounced, and the reaction to the hormone much weaker. The results indicate that the reaction of rye endosperm to GA3depends on the physiological properties of the grain.
Nitrogen and protein contents in some aquatic plant species
Authors: Bytniewska Krystyna
Published: May 2015

Nitrogen and protein contents in higher aquatic plants deriving from a natural habitat were determined. The following plants were examined: Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleid., Elodea canadensis Rich., Riccia fluitans L. Total nitrogen and nitrogen of respective fractions were determined by the Kjeldahl method. Nitrogen compounds were fractionated according to Thimann et al. Protein was extracted after Fletcher and Osborne and fractionated after Osborne. It was found, that total protein content in the plants under examination constitutes 18 to 25%o of dry matter. Albumins and glutelins are the most abundant protein fractions.
Ecological differentiation of Lemna minor L. and Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleiden populations
Authors: Wożakowska-Natkaniec Hanna
Published: May 2015

The subject of thep resent study are 19 natural, ecological populations of Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrrhiza coming from sixteen habitats in Lower Silesia. The study showed the essential differences between ecological populations of both species, conditioned on chemistry (pH, level N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Fe) and the natural water radioactivity. It was shown experimentally that these populations, in nature, establish a set of ecotypes or ecophene variability. Ecotypic differentiation of populations of Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrrhiza is based upon individual features and population characteristics such as: shape and size of plants, plant frequency of two, three, and four fronds, the ratio of right- to left-handed plants, and the dynamics of growth and biomass production.
Nitrogen assimilation and nitrate reductase activity in tomato seedlings. I. Comparative studies on the influence of the Ca:Mg ratio on nitrogen metabolism in relation to absorption of nitrates or ammonium salts
Authors: Suder-Moraw A. , Buczek J.
Published: May 2015

A change in the Ca:Mg ratio in the nutrient solution from the value optimal for tomato growth (3:1) to an unsuitable value (3:30) increases several times Mg2+ accumulation with simultaneous reduction of Ca2+ accumulation independently from the absorption of mineral nitrogen from, viz. NO3 - or NH4,- ions. Tomato seedlings receiving nitrogen in the form of NH4 show a complete tolerance to the unsuitable Ca:Mg ratio in the nutrient solution, whereas those supplied with NO3 react by growth inhibition, reduced dry weight increment and protein weight and inhibition of nitrogen reductase (NR) activity. It is suggested that the reaction of plants to an excess of Mg2+ in the nutrient solution in relation to Ca2+ depends above all on the form in which nitrogen is supplied to the plants. It was found that the reduction of dry weight increment and protein synthesis preceded in time NR activity inhibition. Accumulation of excess Mg2+ and decreased Ca2+ accumulation occur rather rapidly. It is, therefore, supposed that the excess of accumulated Mg2+ induces a physiological deficit of Ca2+ in the tissue of plants taking up NO3 nitrogen. This calcium deficit leads to inhibtion of nitrate assimilation.
The role of plant growth substances in the regulation of the cell cycle in antheridial filaments of Chara vulgaris L. I. Effect of gibberellic acid on some, processes in the course of the cell cycle
Authors: Godlewski Mirosław
Published: May 2015

The effect of gibberellic acid (10-4 M) on the incorporation of 8-14C adenine, 3H phenylalanine, the dimensions of mitotic cells and the durations of particular stages in the cell cycle were studied in synchronously dividing cells of the antheridial filaments in Chara vulgaris L. during succesive periods of growth and differentiation. GA3 strongly stimulates the uptake of both labeled precursors in the course of a whole interphase and in all generations of the antheridial filaments; approximatively in proportion to the intensity of the process in the control. The gibberellin causes a slight increment in cell dimensions and strongly reduces the cell cycle durations: the S, G2, and M to a similar degree. The earlier is the generation of the antheridial filament, the more pronounced is the influence of the plant growth substance. Since the gibberellin stimulated the course of all examined processes, the present study did not reveal any stage of interphase to be especially sensitive to GA3. The results suggest to interpret the effect of GA3 as an unspecific stimulator of metabolism in cells of the antheridial filaments of Chara vulgaris L.
Influence of mineral medium components - calcium, phosphorus and potasium - on carotenoid biosynthesis in the alga Scenedesmus acuminatus
Authors: Sykuta Anna
Published: May 2015

From the alga Scenedesmus acuminatus 10 carotenoids were isolated: α-carotene, β-carotene, neo-β-carotene, lutein, lutein-5,6-epoxide, violaxanthine, loroxanthine, neoxanthine, antheraxanthine and from old algae - echinenone. Algae cultured on calcium-free medium contained about 60 (per cent cartoenoids less than those from medium with Ca(NO3)2.
Changes in light absorption by the chloroplast, related to its structural transformations
Authors: Zurzycki J. , Gabryś H.
Published: May 2015

The changes in light absorption of single chloroplasts and one layer of chloroplasts related to their structural transformations were considered. Theoretical calculations of light absorption (EA) and transmission (ET) as well as for the mean intensity of absorption (IA) for the ellipsoid of revolution were given by the formulas 3,2 and l respectively. It was shown that the true shape of Funaria chloroplasts can be considered as ellipsoid of revolution. From the four conformational states of chloroplasts the most flattened one (corresponding to the low intensity of illumination) absorbs maximal amount of light energy. For the one layer of chloroplasts the changes in light absorption connected with structural transformations were estimated as ca. 4%.
Proposal of new syntaxonomic classification of Myriophyllo-Nupharetum W. Koch 1926 phytocenoses and their distribution
Authors: Tomaszewicz H.
Published: May 2015

The author gives a new syntaxonomic classification of the phytocenoses included in the association Myriophyllo-Nupharetum described by W. Koch (1926) without any documentation material. After analysing 1554 phytosociological records from the territory of Poland, in which species considered as characteristic for Myriophyllo-Nupharetum (Nuphar luteum, Nymphaea alba, N. candida and Myriophyllum verticillatum) were the forming species (in this case also the dominating ones), it was considered necessary to classify these phytocenoses to three separate associations: Nuphareto-Nymphaeetum albae, Nymphaeetum candidae and Myriophylletum verticillati. A table representing the association Nuphareto-Nymphaeetum albae, 3 synthetic tables and maps of distribution of the so far recorded sites or groups of sites of the above
Chromatographic study of marmesin and visnagin occurrence in Ammi visnaga Lam. suspension tissue cultures
Authors: Supniewska Jadwiga H. , Dohnal Barbara
Published: May 2015

Chromatographic examination of tissue from suspension cultures of A. visnaga proved their ability to biosynthesis of furanochromone-visnagin and furanocoumarin-marmesin. The occurrence of these two compounds depends on the composition of medium which also influences culture growth and embryogenesis, after subculture for at least l year
Tradescantia bracteata pollen in vitro: pollen tubes development and mitosis
Authors: Lewandowska E. , Charzyńska M.
Published: May 2015

About 90 per cent of Tradescantia bracteata pollen germinates in vitro after 15 min. Mitosis starts in the pollen tube after about 3 h. The mitotic trans-formations of chromosomes within the generative nucleus are not synchronized. They involve succesively the linearly arranged chromosomes in the elongated generative nucleus. In metaphase the chromosomes are arranged tandem-like linearly along the pollen tube. The chromatides translocate in anaphase from various distances to the poles in a plane parallel to the metaphase plate. This suggests that chromosomes have individual mitotic spindles and that coordination of the chromosome transformations in the generative cell is much less strict than in a typical somatic mitosis. Starch is the storage material of pollen grains. In the vegetative cytoplasm of mature pollen grains minute reddish-orange vesicular structures are visible after staining with neutral red. They do not fuse with the vacuoles proper arising in germinating pollen grains to form the vacuolar system of the pollen tube.
Pattern of growth and 14C-assimilates distributions in relation to photosynthesis in radish plants treated with growth substances
Authors: Starck Z. , Stadowska M.
Published: May 2015

In a series of radish plants, with very thin hypocotyl and with a normal storage organ, the rates of photosynthesis, photorespiration and dark respiration did not differ. Therefore, the conclusion may be advanced, that translocation to the swollen hypocotyl is not determinated by the photosynthetic productivity, but rather the by storage capacity. To check it this is connected with an unbalanced hormonal content, plants were treated with lanoline paste, with IAA, GA3, zeatin and all three in mixture or with injections of GA3-water solution into the swollen hypocotyl. In young radish plants, with high rate of growth of aerial parts, treatment with the above mentioned substances stimulated 14CO2-assimilation and increased retention of assimilates in 14C-donors, probably owing to retardation of their senescence. It increased the competition for photosynthates between shoot and storage organ. In older plants, in the stage of accumulation of nutrients in the swollen hypocotyl, IAA +GA3+zeatin did not affect 14CO2-assimilation, but in plants treated with growth regulators separately, assimilation decreased; IAA and GA3 stimulated transport and accumulation of labelled substances in the swollen hypocotyl. On the basis of experimental data the conclusion may be advanced that responsiveness of the particular organs and processes to growth regulators depends on the stage of plant development. Phytohormone did not changed quantitatively the pattern of 14C-assimilates distribution. They stimulated processes with preference for particular stages of development.
Micrasterias jenneri Ralfs var. simplex W. West - developmental stage of M. jenneri Ralfs var. jenneri
Authors: Tomaszewicz Grażyna H.
Published: May 2015

After careful observations performed on a Micrasterias jenneri Ralfs population the author reached the conclusion that the M. jenneri Ralfs var. simplex W. West taxon is a developmental stage of M. jenneri Ralfs var. jenneri.
Periderm in Ophioglossaceae
Authors: Khandelwal Sharda , Goswami H. K.
Published: May 2015

This paper describes the occurrence of periderm in three genera, Botrychium Swartz., Helminthostachys Kaulfuss, and Ophioglossum Linn. under field conditions. Not all plants of an area belonging to the same or different species possess it. Based on population survey it is suggested that production of functional cork cambium (phellogen), a feature unlike Fillicenae may be an inherited trait.
Epidemiology of Asthma in Poland in Urban and Rural Areas, Based on Provided Health Care Services
Authors: Śliwczyński Andrzej , Brzozowska Melania , Iltchew Petre , Czeleko Tomasz , Kucharczyk Aleksandra , Jędrzejczyk Tadeusz , Jahnz-Różyk Karina , Marczak Michał
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Asthma is a serious health and social problem, also in Poland. The epidemiological data indicate that the problem of asthma concerns approximately 4 million people in Poland, whereas almost approximately 70% of them have no diagnosis and are not aware of their illness, and on the other hand in 39% of persons who declared the diagnosis of asthma in a survey the diagnosis was negatively verified (overdiagnosis of asthma). So far, no detailed comparative studies for asthma incidence rate in urban and rural areas were conducted in Poland. The aim of the study was to analyze patients with asthma in Poland in the years 2008−2012, with regard to province and type of commune (rural/urban). Material and Methods: The study used data from National Health Fund (NFZ) — reported by health care providers regarding the patients diagnosed with asthma. Using structured query language (SQL) a set of patients was selected and created, for whom at the same time ICD-10 code: J45.X-bronchial asthma was reported. In order to estimate the number of patients with asthma we used the PESEL social security number as a unique identifier of the patient. Code of the patient’s commune of residence in conjunction with the Central Statistical Office data formed the basis for the division of municipalities into urban and rural areas. The analysis of asthma incidence trends in Poland was performed on the basis of health services provided to patients. The analysis was performed by using the Statistica 10 software using a negative binomial regression model. Results: In 2009 a significant increase in the number of patients with asthma was observed compared with the previous year, whereas after 2009 the number of patients diagnosed with asthma remained relatively constant. A significant increase of predominance of women among asthma patients in recent years can be noticed: from 107% in 2008 to almost 115% in 2012 (F:M ratio). Regardless of the analyzed year and the diagnosis the incidence rate remained constant: approximately 55−57% for urban areas and about 43−45% in rural areas. Conclusions: The average prevalence rate for rural areas is significantly lower than for urban areas. The use of adjusted incidence rate leads to the conclusion that the number of sufferers in urban areas is higher (about 10%) of the number of sufferers in the rural areas. The results of the analysis are consistent with information from previous studies in Poland and in the world.
Bird Fancier’s Lung—Comment on: Kumar R., Singh M. “Bird Fancier’s Lung: Clinical-Radiological Presentation in 15 Cases”
Authors: Zielonka Tadeusz
Published: May 2015

Recently, in Polish Pneumology and Allergology an interesting paper from India presenting 15 cases of pigeon fancier’s lung was published [...]
Influence of Food Matrix on Sterol and Stanol Activity
Authors: Clifton Peter
Published: May 2015

The format and matrix in which functional food ingredients are delivered may influence their bioactivity in vivo. Therefore, this paper will review studies which have examined plant sterols and stanols being consumed in varying formats and matrices, i.e., fat-containing foods versus low or non-fat foods, solid foods versus liquid foods, capsules or tables versus foods. Furthermore, this paper will examine the issue of providing plant sterols and stanols in either free or esterified form. Finally, a discussion on the importance of microemulsion stability of the sterols and stanols is elaborated. Based on the reviewed information, it would seem that plant sterols and stanols are effective in all food and capsule/tablet formats, and in both free and esterified form. Some failures in clinical trials may be due to unstable microemulsion of sterols.
Mechanisms Underlying the Health Benefits of Plant Sterol and Stanol Ester Consumption
Authors: Plat Jogchum , Baumgartner Sabine , Mensink Ronald P
Published: May 2015

The recent IMPROVE-IT trial clearly showed that lowering serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations via inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption through ezetimibe effectively lowered the number of new cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. This supports the use of other (dietary) interventions that lower serum LDL-C concentrations via comparable mechanisms such as described for plant sterol and stanol ester enriched functional foods. Therefore it is tempting to suggest that these compounds may have the same effects on CVD outcome, as described for ezetimibe in the IMPROVE-IT trial. This has however not been proven so far. A possible advantage of plant sterol and stanol ester enriched foods over ezetimibe—a typical single-target drug—is that these dietary compounds act on multiple targets, since they not only lower serum LDL-C concentrations, but also lower serum triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations in subjects with elevated serum TAG concentrations. In addition, they might influence the functioning of our immune system via a changed activity of the regulatory T-cells. This combination of effects makes these compounds highly attractive to decrease CVD risk.
Role of Phytosterols in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Ramprasath Vanu Ramkumar , Awad Atif B
Published: May 2015

Plant sterols or phytosterols have been shown to be effective in improving blood lipid profile and thereby protective against cardiovascular disease. In addition to their cardioprotective effects, phytosterols have gained more insight for their protective effect against various forms of cancer. Phytosterols have been reported to alleviate cancers of breast, prostate, lung, liver, stomach and ovary. Reductions in growth of various cancer cells including liver, prostate and breast by phytosterols treatment have been demonstrated. Although exact mechanisms of phytosterols for their anticancer effects are not very well delineated, there have been several mechanisms proposed such as inhibition of carcinogen production, cancer cell growth and multiplication, invasion and metastasis and induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Other mechanisms including reduction of angiogenesis, invasion and adhesion of cancer cells and production of reactive oxygen species have also been suggested. However, cancer therapy using phytosterol formulations have yet to be designed, largely due to the gap in the literature with regards to mode of action. Furthermore, most of the studies on anticancer effects of phytosterols were conducted in vitro and animal studies and need to be confirmed in humans.
Use of Animal Models in Plant Sterol and Stanol Research
Authors: Solati Zahra , Moghadasian Mohammed H
Published: May 2015

Cholesterol-lowering properties of plant sterols were reported approximately six decades ago. However, over the past couple of decades we have learnt more about other cardiovascular benefits of regular consumption of plant sterols and/or plant stanols. In particular a series of animal studies has consistently reported that dietary plant sterols and/or plant stanols or their fatty acid esters can reduce atherogenesis to a different extent in different animal models. Such effects may be mediated not only through reductions in LDL cholesterol levels, but also through other mechanisms including anti-inflammatory effects. In this manuscript, various animal models including mice, rabbits, hamsters, and others which have been used to establish cardiovascular benefits of plant sterols are discussed.
A Tale of Two Stock Markets
Authors: Armstrong Michelle Hine , Piercey Victor I. , Greene-Hunley Stephanie
Published: May 2015

Real-world data bring economics to life by combining mathematics and language arts and promoting financial literacy.
Bridging STEM in a Real-World Problem
Authors: English Lyn D. , Mousoulides Nicholas G.
Published: May 2015

A sixth-grade engineering-based modeling activity asks students to select the best possible design for a reconstructed bridge.
How Do They Grow?
Authors: Chan Helen Hsu
Published: May 2015

Pattern blocks are the seeds of growing patterns that encourage students to make conjectures about rates of change and y-intercepts in linear functions.
It's a Girl! Random Numbers, Simulations, and the Law of Large Numbers
Authors: Goodwin Chris , Ortiz Enrique
Published: May 2015

Modeling using mathematics and making inferences about mathematical situations are becoming more and more prevalent in most fields of study. When we want to generalize about a population or make predictions of what could occur, we cannot use descriptive statistics. Instead, we turn to inference. Simulation and sampling are essential in building a foundation for statistical inference.
Creating Passwords
Authors: Dillon Fred , Dykema Kevin
Published: May 2015

Passwords are required for many computer programs and websites. A password should be tough to crack (that is, someone should not be able to figure it out easily), but should be easy to remember.
Working with Wheels
Authors: Simpson Amber
Published: May 2015

How many items can you name that have wheels? Wheels help us get from one place to another. Imagine having to walk to school every morning or to your favorite ice cream shop for a treat. How much time would this take?
The Language of Mathematics
Authors: Bruun Faye , Diaz Joan M. , Dykes Valerie J.
Published: May 2015

Students may excel in computation, but their ability to apply their skills will suffer if they do not understand the math vocabulary used in instructions and story problems. This action research project examined two methods for strengthening student ability to communicate mathematically.
Mapping the Way to Content Knowledge
Authors: Poling Lisa L. , Goodson-Espy Tracy , Dean Chrystal , Lynch-Davis Kathleen , Quickenton Art
Published: May 2015

An exploration and development cycle emphasizing the use of concept maps for subtraction can expand preservice teachers' understanding.
Three Steps to Mastering Multiplication Facts
Authors: Kling Gina , Bay-Williams Jennifer M.
Published: May 2015

First understand what fluency is, then use these games and a sequence of strategies to help your students develop facility and confidence.
What is the point of pseudokinases?
Authors: Raju Saravanan , Shaw Andrey S
Published: May 2015

The interaction between an active kinase and an ‘inactive’ pseudokinase provides clues about how these enzymes were regulated in the past, and how this regulation has evolved.
Main controlling factors of phase evolution and charging pattern of hydrocarbons in northern Dongpu Sag
Authors: Tan Yuming , Jiang Youlu , Zhao Lijie , Mu Xiaoshui , Xu Tianwu
Published: May 2015

Base on statistics of gas oil ratios in reservoirs, thermal-pressure simulation experiments, and analysis of oil/gas accmulation conditions, the distribution and controlling factors of hydrocarbon phases in the northern Dongpu Sag were analyzed. From shallow to deep formations in the study area, liquid hydrocarbon, gaseous hydrocarbon containing gas condensate, and gaseous hydrocarbon were found in turn. The vertical distribution and dipartite degree of hydrocarbon phase varied among different regions, and the charging characteristics during different periods were distinctive. The evolution of hydrocarbon phase was controlled by the type of organic matter in the source rock, the thermal evolution degree of the source rock, and temperature-pressure environment of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. In the deep formations, gases generated mainly form crude oil cracking. The majority of middle and shallow gas were evaporated from oils. There were three types of oil and gas source, including “single sag and single source”, “single sag and multiple sources”, and “multiple sags and multiple sources”, and the corresponding phase evolution patterns were defined as “early oil phase and late gas phase”, “early mixed phase and late oil phase”, and “horizontal oil phase in multiple stages”, “verticaloil phase in multiple stages”. These contributed to various oil and gas charging patterns in different sags.
Interhemispheric differences in ionospheric convection: Cluster EDI observations revisited
Authors: Förster M. , Haaland S.
Published: May 2015

The interaction between the interplanetary magnetic field and the geomagnetic field sets up a large‐scale circulation in the magnetosphere. This circulation is also reflected in the magnetically connected ionosphere. In this paper, we present a study of ionospheric convection based on Cluster Electron Drift Instrument (EDI) satellite measurements covering both hemispheres and obtained over a full solar cycle. The results from this study show that average flow patterns and polar cap potentials for a given orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field can be very different in the two hemispheres. In particular during southward directed interplanetary magnetic field conditions, and thus enhanced energy input from the solar wind, the measurements show that the southern polar cap has a higher cross polar cap potential. There are persistent north‐south asymmetries, which cannot easily be explained by the influence of external drivers. These persistent asymmetries are primarily a result of the significant differences in the strength and configuration of the geomagnetic field between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Since the ionosphere is magnetically connected to the magnetosphere, this difference will also be reflected in the magnetosphere in the form of different feedback from the two hemispheres. Consequently, local ionospheric conditions and the geomagnetic field configuration are important for north‐south asymmetries in large regions of geospace.
Generalization of the H‐κ stacking method to anisotropic media
Authors: Kaviani Ayoub , Rümpker Georg
Published: May 2015

We investigate the effect of anisotropy on estimates of crustal thickness H and average bulk VP/VS‐ratio κ. Here we extend the stacking approach of Zhu and Kanamori (2000) to include all 20 P‐to‐S converted waves and their crustal reverberations that are generated in the anisotropic case—instead of only five phases in the isotropic case. The ray‐based algorithm of Frederiksen and Bostock (2000) is used to calculate the amplitude and arrival time of each phase. Synthetic tests are performed to investigate the feasibility and robustness of the stacking approach. For simplicity, we assume hexagonal symmetry and a horizontal symmetry axis, but more general anisotropy may be considered. The tests reveal that the estimates of H and κ can be significantly affected by the presence of crustal anisotropy. We verify the feasibility of the stacking approach for real data by applying the method to examples from three different tectonic regions. The results show that the anisotropic stacking scheme presented here can provide a much better constraint on the estimation of H and κ than is achieved using isotropic stacking. Anisotropic stacking can also help resolve the ambiguity in determination of H and κ that arises when several maxima from stacking amplitudes of receiver functions occur in the case of complex crustal structure.
CLUBB as a unified cloud parameterization: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Guo H. , Golaz J.‐C. , Donner L. J. , Wyman B. , Zhao M. , Ginoux P.
Published: May 2015

CLUBB (Cloud Layers Unified by Binormals) is a higher‐order closure (HOC) method with an assumed joint probability density function (PDF) for the subgrid variations in vertical velocity, temperature, and moisture. CLUBB has been implemented in the atmospheric component (AM3) of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory general circulation model AM3‐CLUBB and successfully unifies the treatment of shallow convection, resolved clouds, and planetary boundary layer (PBL). In this study, we further explore the possibility for CLUBB to unify the deep convection in a new configuration referred as AM3‐CLUBB+. AM3‐CLUBB+ simulations with prescribed sea surface temperature are discussed. Cloud, radiation, and precipitation fields compare favorably with observations and reanalyses. AM3‐CLUBB+ successfully captures the transition from stratocumulus to deep convection and the modulated response of liquid water path to aerosols. Simulations of tropical variability and the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) are also improved. Deficiencies include excessive tropical water vapor and insufficient ice clouds in the midlatitudes.
Overriding plate thickness control on subducting plate curvature
Authors: Holt Adam F. , Buffett Bruce A. , Becker Thorsten W.
Published: May 2015

Subducting plate (SP) curvature exerts a key control on the amount of bending dissipation associated with subduction, and the magnitude of the subduction‐resisting bending force. However, the factors controlling the development of SP curvature are not well understood. We use numerical models to quantify the role of SP rheology on the minimum radius of curvature, Rmin. We find that Rmin depends strongly on the SP thickness when the rheology is viscous. This dependence is substantially reduced when the SP behaves plastically, in line with the lack of correlation between Rmin and SP thickness on Earth. In contrast, plasticity leads to a strong positive correlation between Rmin and the overriding plate (OP) thickness. Using an analysis of Rmin versus OP thickness, we show that such a positive correlation exists on Earth. This suggests that OP structure, in conjunction with SP plasticity, is crucial in generating slab curvature systematics on Earth.
Coupling surface and mantle dynamics: A novel experimental approach
Authors: Kiraly Agnes , Faccenna Claudio , Funiciello Francesca , Sembroni Andrea
Published: May 2015

Recent modeling shows that surface processes, such as erosion and deposition, may drive the deformation of the Earth's surface, interfering with deeper crustal and mantle signals. To investigate the coupling between the surface and deep process, we designed a three‐dimensional laboratory apparatus, to analyze the role of erosion and sedimentation, triggered by deep mantle instability. The setup is constituted and scaled down to natural gravity field using a thin viscous sheet model, with mantle and lithosphere simulated by Newtonian viscous glucose syrup and silicon putty, respectively. The surface process is simulated assuming a simple erosion law producing the downhill flow of a thin viscous material away from high topography. The deep mantle upwelling is triggered by the rise of a buoyant sphere. The results of these models along with the parametric analysis show how surface processes influence uplift velocity and topography signals.
Latitudinal dependence of static mesospheric E fields above thunderstorms
Authors: Kabirzadeh R. , Lehtinen N. G. , Inan U. S.
Published: May 2015

Electrostatic fields generated by thunderclouds can significantly heat and modify the lower ionospheric electrons at altitudes of 70–80 km. These fields can map to higher altitudes along the geomagnetic field lines and have been proposed as the mechanism for generation of whistler ducts. Previous 2‐D modeling of these fields have been limited to azimuthally symmetric cases which requires a vertical magnetic field. We have developed a 3‐D model of the electrostatic thundercloud fields which allows the consideration of effects of the geomagnetic field dip angle on the mapping of the fields to high altitudes. The results show stronger electric fields at altitudes of 70–110 km with an equatorward and eastward shift of tens of kilometers at lower geomagnetic latitudes. These stronger fields are mapped into the magnetosphere and may therefore be important for whistler duct generation. The fields also indicate a more significant contribution of the quiescent heating on VLF early/fast events.