bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of poplar wood sawdust for heavy metals removal from model solutions
Authors: Demcak Stefan , Balintova Magdalena , Hurakova Maria , Frontasyeva Marina V. , Zinicovscaia Inga , Yushin Nikita
Published: August 2017

Some kinds of natural organic materials have a potential for removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater. It is well known that cellulosic waste materials or by-products can be used as cheap adsorbents in chemical treatment process. In this paper, poplar wood sawdust were used for removal of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(II) ions from model solutions with using the static and dynamic adsorption experiments. Infrared spectrometry of poplar wood sawdust confirmed the presence of the functional groups which correspond with hemicelluloses, cellulose and lignin. At static adsorption was achieved approximately of 80 % efficiency for all treated model solutions. Similar efficiency of the adsorption processes was reached after 5 min at dynamic condition. The highest efficiency of Cu(II) removal (98 %) was observed after 30 min of dynamic adsorption. Changes of pH values confirmed a mechanism of ion exchange on the beginning of the adsorption process.
Imaging of photoassimilates transport in plant tissues by positron emission tomography
Authors: Partelová Denisa , Kuglerová Klára , Konotop Yevheniia , Horník Miroslav , Lesný Juraj , Gubišová Marcela , Gubiš Jozef , Kováč Peter , Matušíková Ildikó
Published: August 2017

The current findings show that positron emission tomography (PET), primarily developed for medical diagnostic imaging, can be applied in plant studies to analyze the transport and allocation of wide range of compounds labelled with positronemitting radioisotopes. This work is focused on PET analysis of the uptake and transport of 2-deoxy-2-fluoro[18F]-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG), as a model of photoassimilates, in tissues of giant reed (Arundo donax L. var. versicolor) as a potential energy crop. The absorption of 2-[18F]FDG and its subsequent transport in plant tissues were evaluated in both acropetal and basipetal direction as well. Visualization and quantification of the uptake and transport of 2-[18F]FDG in plants immersed with the root system into a 2-[18F]FDG solution revealed a significant accumulation of 18F radioactivity in the roots. The transport rate in plants was increased in the order of plant exposure through: stem > mechanically damaged root system > intact root system. PET analysis in basipetal direction, when the plant was immersed into the 2-[18F]FDG solution with the cut area of the leaf of whole plant, showed minimal translocation of 2-[18F]FDG into the other plant parts. The PET results were verified by measuring the accumulated radioactivity of18F by direct gamma-spectrometry.
Comparison of bioindicator eukaryotes of activated sludge biocenoses on two water-treatment plants: a case study
Authors: Achmadulina Farida Y. , Zakirov Rustem K. , Balymova Elena S. , Denisova Vera , Brovdyová Taťjána , Trögl Josef , Neruda Martin
Published: August 2017

Activated sludge biocenoses were compared on waste-water treatment plants in the city of Kazan, Russian Federation and the city of Teplice, Czech Republic. Based on Palia-Kovnatski index, Acanthamoeba in Kazan, Epistylis in Teplice, and Acanthamoeba and Centropyxis were dominant genera in both plants. The major subdominant generas identified were Arcella, Opercularia and Aspidisca. This indicates high nitrification ability, high water purification potential and matured activated sludge. Chemical composition of the waste-water was identified as the main factor determining the sludge biocenoses diversity. Higher sludge biodiversity (Shannon, Margalef, and Sorensen indexes) was found in Kazan corresponding to more concentrated inflow water.
Rutin in buckwheat grain meal determined by UV photoacoustic spectroscopy and HPLC
Authors: Dóka Ottó , Brunori Andrea , Schmidt Rezső , Bicanic Dane , Végvári György
Published: August 2017

A relatively novel approach for easy and quick determination of rutin in buckwheat grain is suggested. The rutin content of the grain in seven common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and six Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) varieties was investigated by means of UV photoacoustic spectroscopy and HPLC as reference method. The lowest content was found in ‘Botan’ and ‘Bamby’ varieties, while the highest values were obtained in the variety ‘Emka’. Rutin content in grain of all Tartary buckwheat varieties was two orders of magnitude higher than in the other varieties. Rutin content in F. esculentum ranges between 9 and 36 mg/100 g dry weight as compared to 921 to 2 132 mg/100 g dry weight in F. tataricum. The UV photoacoustic spectroscopy data show rather good correlations of R2=0.977 and R2=0.980 with values obtained by HPLC data for all measured samples. Therefore, UV photoacoustic spectroscopy can be a cheap and quick method for determining rutin content in buckwheat grain.
Water bird fauna in the Carpathian Basin from the beginnings through historical times
Authors: Kessler Jenő (Eugen)
Published: August 2017

This study aims to summarize the knowledge about the evolution and fossil remains of avian fauna near waterbodies, since ornithologists, who rarely come across or research the paleontology of birds, do not possess significantly detailed knowledge about the evolution and evidence of the current avian fauna.
Timing of Song Thrush Turdus philomelos on pre-nuptial migration in southern Italy
Authors: Scebba Sergio , Castillo Maria Oliveri Del
Published: August 2017

We studied the presence and movements of Song Thrush along the southern Tyrrhenian coast line in the region of Campania, from 2013 to 2016, in order to establish the timing of northward migration. We captured and ringed 150 birds with standardised mist-netting. There was little evidence of migration from the second 10-day period of January, when the trapping began, until the first 10-day period of February. There were no peaks due to the arrival of migrant birds though an increase in captures was recorded during the second 10-day period of February with a very considerable peak during the second 10-day period of March. The mean body mass showed significant increases from the third 10-day period of February, with the highest values recorded in March, also reflected in the accumulation of subcutaneous fat; 91% of subjects with fat scores 3 and 4 were concentrated between the third 10-day period of February and the third 10-day period of March, while the first birds with fat appeared only in the first 10-day period of February. Analysis of several recoveries of thrushes ringed in Campania, in other Italian regions and in other countries, confirms the presence of these birds in Campania in the period between the third 10-day period of January and the third 10-day period of March. The data gathered during the four years of this investigation provide a fairly clear, though not conclusive, picture of the temporal trend of pre-nuptial migration of Song Thrush, which never began before the second 10-day period of February, although it is possible that some birds on migration may be present in the previous 10-day period.
Exploratory analyses ofmigration timing andmorphometrics of the Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Authors: Csörgő Tibor , Fehérvári Péter , Karcza Zsolt , Harnos Andrea
Published: August 2017

Ornithological studies often rely on long-term bird ringing data sets as sources of information. However, basic descriptive statistics of raw data are rarely provided. In order to fill this gap, here we present the fourth item of a series of exploratory analyses of migration timing and body size measurements of the most frequent Passerine species at a ringing station located in Central Hungary (1984-2016). First, we give a concise description of foreign ring recoveries of the Common Blackbird in relation to Hungary. We then shift focus to data of 6849 ringed individuals and 6081 recaptures derived from the ringing station, where birds have been trapped, handled and ringed with standardized methodology since 1984. Timing is described through annual and daily capture and recapture frequencies and their descriptive statistics. We show annual mean arrival dates within the study period and present the cumulative distributions of first captures with stopover durations. We present the distributions of wing, third primary, tail length and body mass, and the annual means of these variables. Furthermore, we show the distributions of individual fat and muscle scores, and the distributions of body mass within each fat score category. We distinguish the spring and autumn migratory periods, breeding and wintering seasons, ages (i.e. juveniles and adults) and the two sexes. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the analysed variables. However, we do not aim to interpret the obtained results, merely to draw attention to interesting patterns that may be worth exploring in detail. Data used here are available upon request for further analyses.
The New Approach of Using Image and Range Based Methods for Quality Control of Dimension Stone
Authors: Levytskyi Volodymyr
Published: August 2017

The basis for the quality control of commodity dimension stone blocks for mining industry is the study of fracturing. The identification of fracturing in rock masses is one of the most important aspects in rock mass modelling. Traditional methods for determination properties of fracturing are difficult and hazardous. This paper describes a new approach of fracturing identification, based on image and range data, which realized by image processing and special software. In this article describes a method using new computer algorithms that allow for automated identification and calculation of fracturing parameters. Different digital filters for image processing and mathematical dependences are analyzed. The digital imaging technique has the potential for being used in real time applications. The purpose of this paper is the accurate and fast mapping of fracturing in some walls of the Bukinsky gabbro deposit.
Accuracy Investigation of Creating Orthophotomaps Based on Images Obtained by Applying Trimble-UX5 UAV
Authors: Hlotov Volodymyr , Hunina Alla , Siejka Zbigniew
Published: August 2017

The main purpose of this work is to confirm the possibility of making largescale orthophotomaps applying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Trimble- UX5. A planned altitude reference of the studying territory was carried out before to the aerial surveying. The studying territory has been marked with distinctive checkpoints in the form of triangles (0.5 × 0.5 × 0.2 m). The checkpoints used to precise the accuracy of orthophotomap have been marked with similar triangles. To determine marked reference point coordinates and check-points method of GNSS in real-time kinematics (RTK) measuring has been applied. Projecting of aerial surveying has been done with the help of installed Trimble Access Aerial Imaging, having been used to run out the UX5. Aerial survey out of the Trimble UX5 UAV has been done with the help of the digital camera SONY NEX-5R from 200m and 300 m altitude. These aerial surveying data have been calculated applying special photogrammetric software Pix 4D. The orthophotomap of the surveying objects has been made with its help. To determine the precise accuracy of the got results of aerial surveying the checkpoint coordinates according to the orthophotomap have been set. The average square error has been calculated according to the set coordinates applying GNSS measurements. A-priori accuracy estimation of spatial coordinates of the studying territory using the aerial surveying data have been calculated: mx=0.11 m, my=0.15 m, mz=0.23 m in the village of Remeniv and mx=0.26 m, my=0.38 m, mz=0.43 m in the town of Vynnyky. The accuracy of determining checkpoint coordinates has been investigated using images obtained out of UAV and the average square error of the reference points. Based on comparative analysis of the got results of the accuracy estimation of the made orthophotomap it can be concluded that the value the average square error does not exceed a-priori accuracy estimation. The possibility of applying Trimble UX5 UAV for making large-scale orthophotomaps has been investigated. The aerial surveying output data using UAV can be applied for monitoring potentially dangerous for people objects, the state border controlling, checking out the plots of settlements. Thus, it is important to control the accuracy the got results. Having based on the done analysis and experimental researches it can be concluded that applying UAV gives the possibility to find data more efficiently in comparison with the land surveying methods. As the result, the Trimble UX5 UAV gives the possibility to survey built-up territories with the required accuracy for making orthophotomaps with the following scales 1: 2000, 1: 1000, 1: 500.
Investigation of Changes of the Kinematic Parameters of Antarctic Tectonic Plate Using Data Observations of Permanent GNSS Stations
Authors: Tretyak Kornylii , Forat Al-Alusi , Holubinka Yurii
Published: August 2017

The paper describes a modified algorithm of determination of the Euler pole coordinates and angular velocity of the tectonic plate, considering the continuous and uneven distribution of daily measurements of GNSS permanent stations. Using developed algorithm were determined the mean position of Euler pole and angular velocity of Antarctic tectonic plate and their annual changes. As the input data, we used the results of observations, collected on 28 permanent stations of the Antarctic region, within the period from 1996 to 2014.
Difficulties in the surgical management of head and neck cancer patient
Authors: Sarafoleanu Codrut , Vuzitas Alexis , Manea Claudiu
Published: August 2017

Malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract are high morbidity bearing and life-threatening diseases, which require thorough care from diagnostic suspicion and confirmation to surgical and/or oncologic treatment and rehabilitation. Difficulties in managing head and neck cancers arise from delays in diagnosis and treatment caused by either patient-related factors or healthcare system-related factors. Tumor origin and stage determine whether surgical excision is feasible, the approach required for safe excision, the extent of functional and aesthetic sacrifice required to attain oncologic safety and the need for reconstructive surgery. A thorough and systematic preoperative risk versus benefits assessment to select potential surgical candidates and give realistic outcomes is important from both a medical and a legal point of view. Because tumors in the head and neck region frequently involve more than one system and sensory organ, potential loss of function from either the disease course, surgical or nonsurgical treatment should be taken into account form a quality of life perspective. Effective management of head and neck cancer patients requires the cooperation and combined effort of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians and other workers over a long period of time which, in the absence of a specialised head and neck cancer centre and guidelines, can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, and patient dissatisfaction.
Laboratory diagnosis and follow-up of Romanian Gaucher disease patients
Authors: Drugan Cristina , Drugan Tudor , Caillaud Catherine , Grigorescu-Sido Paula , Nistor Tiberiu , Crăciun Alexandra M.
Published: August 2017

Background: Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by a recessively inherited deficiency of glucocerebrosidase which is encoded by the GBA gene in which nearly 450 mutations have been described. However, only a few genotype- phenotype correlations have been clearly established. The aim of this study was to investigate molecular features of GD in Romanian patients and to evaluate their impact on treatment response. Material and methods: 69 patients, diagnosed between 1997 and 2014 at our national referral laboratory, were included in this study. Frequent point mutations (N370S, L444P, 84GG, R463C) were detected by amplification and restriction enzyme digestion. Recombinant alleles (recTL, recNciI, recA456P) were screened by DNA sequencing. Plasma chitotriosidase served as a biomarker of disease severity throughout the follow-up period. Results: 66 patients had the non-neuronopathic (type 1) form of GD and 3 had the chronic neuronopathic (type 3) phenotype. We identified 79% of the mutant alleles, among which the most frequent mutations were N370S (54%) and L444P (18%). We found a statistically significant (p<0.001) and moderate to good correlation between the total therapeutic dose and the residual chitotriosidase activity (R = 0.621). After two years of treatment, we noticed statistically significant variations in chitotriosidase activity corresponding to the most frequent genotypes (N370S/ unknown allele, N370S/L444P, N370S/N370S and N370S/R463Q). Conclusions: Allele distribution displayed specific features in Romanian GD patients, such as the high prevalence of the N370S allele. Chitotriosidase activity measurement allowed the investigation of genotype influence on treatment outcome.
Association of ischemia-modified albumin with oxidative stress status and insulin resistance in obese patients
Authors: Yigitbasi Turkan , Baskin Yasemin , Akgol Evren , Kocal Gizem Calibasi , Ellidokuz Hulya
Published: August 2017

Objectives: Obesity is associated with oxidative stress due to the overproduction of free radicals in some accompanying states, such as hyperglycemia, elevated lipid levels and chronic inflammation. Free radical accumulation may modify the structure of human serum albumin, generating ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), and increased serum levels of IMA have been linked to obesity-related diseases and oxidative damage. The association of IMA levels with oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) has not been evaluated in the context of obesity. The aim of this study is to determine IMA levels in the context of obesity and their relationship with oxidative status and insulin resistance. Methods: Sixty-one adult obese cases with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 were evaluated, with 30 healthy adults with 18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.9 included in the control group. IMA, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL-cholesterols were determined. Results: IMA, TAS, TOS, OSI, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were not different between the control and obese groups (P-value >0.05), while triglyceride levels were determined to be higher and HDL-cholesterol levels were determined to be lower in the obese group (P-value <0.05). When IMA, TAS, TOS, OSI levels were compared between the control/IR(-), obese/IR(+) and obese/IR(-) groups, no statistically significant differences were detected (P-value >0.05), but the fasting blood glucose level was determined to be higher in the obese/IR(+) group than in the control group. Conclusions: We concluded that obesity and insulin resistance had no effect on IMA levels in the obese group, who showed no impairment in their oxidative balance
OCA Indexes and Convergence Process in Europe
Authors: Frydrych Jakub , Burian Stanislav
Published: August 2017

This paper evaluates the European monetary convergence for period 2001 and 2013. The main purpose of this contribution is the estimation of the so-called OCA index, which indicates the proximity of two economic areas. The paper is theoretically based mainly on the research of Bayoumi and Eichengreen (1997), and Horváth and Komárek (2003). Selection and calculation of variables precedes the econometric analysis, and those variables correspond to the basic characteristics of an optimum currency area. Although the estimated model fulfills the conditions of economic and econometric verifications, its explanatory capabilities are significantly reduced due to the limited set of input data. Results of the analysis point to relatively stable values of indices in the period, but their further examination of the development in time reveals a steady deterioration in the case of almost all economies. That means that the convergence process was not proven because a decrease in OCA indexes values over the time was not observed. According to the results of comparison, methodological approach of the OCA indexes cannot be considered reliable because minor differences in calculation give different outputs.
Impact of Telework On the Perceived Work Environment of Older Workers
Authors: Arvola René , Tint Piia , Kristjuhan Ülo , Siirak Virve
Published: August 2017

Telework has become a natural part of regular work life of employees who use the information communication technology (ICT). Telework has a potential to support postponing retirement for mental workers. The objective of this research was to find out interaction between senior employees′ teleworking and well-being. The main research question was - can telework improve elderly employees′ well-being? Over 100 respondents from different areas in mental work were involved in a quantitative survey. The results of a conducted survey showed that telework is exaggerated to some extent as teleworkers’ well-being (M = 7.79; SD = 1.28) does not diverge from non-teleworkers′ wellbeing (M = 7.75; SD = 1.40). However, telework can be neither underestimated nor taken as interchangeable with traditional work. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to telework as a different way of working with its specialties. Systematic approach to telework enables companies to employ elderly by providing diversity of work forms.
Chloroplast DNA variation in planted and natural regenerated stands of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)
Authors: Liesebach H. , Schneck V.
Published: August 2017

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), native in mountainous regions in USA, is increasing in importance for forestry in many countries as a „multi-purpose tree“ associated with breeding efforts at the family and clonal levels. A few population genetic studies exist with nuclear, codominantly inherited markers. Here we present an additional marker type, the maternally inherited chloroplast haplotypes. The studied material included samples from the natural range and from artificial stands from three European countries as well as samples from a clone collection. Eleven haplotypes belonging to two clearly separated groups of related haplotypes were found using the PCR-RFLP method. The variation pattern of chloroplast haplotypes in artificial stands is strongly influenced by the local silvicultural management.
Influence of altitude on seed and seedling characteristics in Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus. ex. Bahadur
Authors: Saklani K. P. , Singh Bhupendra , Bhatt B. P.
Published: August 2017

The present investigation was conducted to record variation of seed and seedling morphological characteristics and germination among eighteen provenances of Quercus leucotrichophora. These traits are important for improving the planting stock material in hand. Significant variations (p<0.05) were recorded for different morphological parameters of seed and seedling among the different provenances. Seed weight was the most variable character among morphological characteristics. Shoot/root ratio and root growth were more variable characters among the seedling traits. Altitude had significant positive relationship with seed weight, seed length and germination per cent. Soil pH was positively correlated with seed weight and germination. These parameters could be used as important criteria for seed source selection. Broad-sense heritability (h2) calculated for different seed and seedling traits showed a considerable portion of genetic variation suggesting the possibility of rapid genetic improvement of these traits. Furthermore, this variability appeared to be geographically structured and would be mainly genetically controlled. Thus the results of present study should be helpful for growing planting material of this potential tree species in afforestation of subtropical to temperate region of Garhwal Himalaya, India.
Early genetic evaluation of morphology and some wood properties of Tectona grandis L. clones
Authors: Naranjo S. Solórzano , Moya R. , Chauhan S.
Published: August 2017

Abstract An early genetic evaluation of morphology and wood properties of Tectona grandis L. (teak) used two 4-yr-old trials with 36 clones x 3 blocks x 1 ramet (216 trees). Morphologic traits (breast height (DBH), heartwood (HWP), tree height) and some easily measured wood properties (specify gravity, tangential, radial and volumetric shrinkage; growth strain, and dynamic elastic modulus measured in standing tree, in logs, in green lumber and in dried lumber) were evaluated to establish clonal variations and their heritabilities. The broadsense heritability (Ĥ2 is greater than 0.3 for DBH, radial and volume shrinkage, growth strain and dynamic elastic modulus of standing trees and logs. DBH and tree height were not genetically correlated with any wood properties, although DBH was genetically correlated with tree height and the dynamic elastic modulus in dried-lumber. According with above results, the evaluation of heritability and genetic control of wood properties is limited when it is evaluated in the juvenile stage of T. grandis clones. However morphology (DBH and tree height), and two wood properties (radial and tangential shrinkage) and the dynamic elastic modulus of dried-lumber present opportunities in the heritability or genetic control values in juvenile and they can be introduced in the genetic program.
Diallel Crossing in Pinus cembra: V. Age Trends in Genetic Parameters and Genetic Gain for Height
Authors: Blada I. , Popescu F.
Published: August 2017

A full diallel mating design (10 parents) was carried out in a Swiss stone pine panmictic population from the Carpathian Mountains. At age six, after nursery testing, the progenies were field planted to one site, using a completely randomized block design with 100 families, four replicates and a 15 tree row-plot per replication, spaced 2.5 × 2.5 m. Total and annual height of all individuals of this test was assessed at successive ages, between ages eight and 16. In addition, weight of 100 seeds and cotyledon number were considered in correlation analyses. Significant differences occurred in total height for general and specific combining ability effects. Variance components, heritabilities, genetic correlations and genetic gains on growth traits and survival at age 16 were estimated. Across the field testing period, GCA3)variance increased with time, accounting for 65% of plot mean phenotypic variance by age 16. In contrast, SCA variance declined as the progeny test aged accounting for only 9% by age 16. The time trend of the four heritability estimates for total height increased with age across the testing period reaching their highest level between age 14 and 16. Genetic correlations over time for total height rose from 0.85 at age two to 0.94 at age six and then leveled off across the field test indicating that if the goal is to improve 16-year height, early selection can be considered at age six. By selecting the best 10%, 15% and 20% of individuals within the best fullsib families, a genetic gain in total height of 12.4 %, 11.0% and 9.9% respectively, could be achieved at age 16. A higher gain can be obtained if the best general combiner parents are selected and intermated.
High temperature-induced triploid production during embryo sac development in Populus
Authors: Wang J. , Kang X. Y. , Li D. L.
Published: August 2017

Triploid breeding plays an important role in cultivar improvement in the genus Populus L. A novel approach for triploid production with colchicine during embryo sac development was reported recently by Wang et al. (2010). In the present investigation, female catkins of Populus pseudo-simonii × P. nigra ‘Zheyin3#’ during embryo sac development were exposed to high temperature to assess the effectiveness of high temperature for induction of triploid production. In the progeny, 45 triploids were determined by both flow cytometric analysis and somatic chromosome counting. The period 66-72 h after pollination was the most suitable for high temperature-induced triploid production during embryo sac development in the ‘Zheyin3#’. Cytological analysis showed that the frequency of eight-nucleate embryo sacs rose at an increased rate during 66-78 h after pollination, which suggested that the third mitosis during embryo sac development could be the optimal stage for high temperature-induced triploid production. The highest frequency of triploid production was 40%, which was obtained in the 44°C for 2 h treatment 72 h after pollination. In view of both triploid number and production efficiency, treatments with 41°C for 4-6 h or with 44°C for 2 h during 66-72 h after pollination were both effective for triploid induction in ‘Zheyin3#’. Statistical analysis showed that the growth of triploids and diploids was not significantly different. However, highly significant differences were observed for all leaf characteristics. Finally, the significance of high temperature treatment in Populus triploid breeding programs is discussed.
Reconstructing explicit mating schemes in poplar hybrids – a case study in the Populus nigra L. – Populus × canadensis Moench complex
Authors: Bialozyt R. , Rathmacher G. , Niggemann M. , Ziegenhagen B.
Published: August 2017

In the plant kingdom, a large percentage of taxa are known to interbreed. If these hybrids are fertile, introgressive gene flow may foster the development of hybrid swarms or even promote gene swamping. Our study focuses on the Eurasian black poplar (Populus nigra L.) which may be threatened by hybridization with the cultivated fertile Euramerican hybrid. Using a combination of taxa specific DNA markers from the chloroplast and the nuclear genome we set up a straightforward and cost efficient method for identification of all possible mating scenarios in the hybrid complex of P. nigra and its cultivar Populus × canadensis Moench. Within a mixed population, we analyzed seed collections from individual trees of both taxa as well as juveniles from natural regeneration for proportions of second-generation hybrids (F2 hybrids) and first generation backcrosses. While F2 hybrids were detected in the seeds only, first generation backcrosses occurred in seeds as well as in juveniles. Due to the meiotic segregation of alleles, a certain amount of such progeny may remain undetected. Based on Mendelian rules, we developed a scheme to adjust the observed proportion of hybrid progeny for these undetected cases. Moreover, the scheme can be used to iteratively add loci necessary to detect poplar hybrids beyond the second hybrid and first generation backcrosses. We questioned whether there is a risk of hybrid swarm formation or swamping of the P. nigra gene pool. We discuss the likelihood of such a scenario and draw conclusions for conservation issues while poplar plantations are increasingly appreciated as renewable resources.
Performance Evaluation of Shrub Willow Clones of North America and Yugoslavia Origins in Jilin, China
Authors: Meng Q. F. , Gao W. T. , Pang J. Y , Weng Y. H.
Published: August 2017

Demand for planting elite shrub willows as a resource for industrial use such as bioenergy and pulp has been increasing in Jilin province in northeast China. Toward this end, 12 elite willow clones, representing various species and origins, were imported from New York, USA, and planted at Lushui River, Jilin province. Two indigenous species were included in the test as the controls for comparison. This study was an evaluation of their performance in adaptation, growth potential, and wood traits after one rotation (three growing seasons). Results indicated that (1) all clones, but one, showed a parallel phenology to the control, had excellent survival (> 86%) and displayed good frost resistance; (2) compared to the control, most imported clones were comparable in main stem growth (height and diameter), but developed more stems and main roots; and (3) most imported clones had similar lignin, but higher cellulose content relative to the control. These results imply that some of the imported clones should be considered for further evaluation as good sources for both bioenergy and pulping. Based on cluster analysis, six clones were recommended for the upcoming scale-up site-clone trials for yield evaluation.
Gene flow in an overexploited population of Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae) in the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Sebbenn A. M. , Licona J. C. , Mostacedo B. , Degen B.
Published: August 2017

Pollen and seed movement among and within populations connect individuals and populations, and therefore are among the most important evolutionary processes determining the genetic structure of populations. Seven microsatellite loci were used to investigate the realized pollen dispersal and intra-population spatial genetic structure (SGS) in four permanent plots located in an overexploited big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) population in the Bolivian Amazon. All adult trees found in the plots were mapped, sampled and genotyped. Seedlings were sampled below the canopy of reproductive trees. Private alleles in the sub-population of the adults and the seedlings were observed. The observed heterozygosity was significantly lower and fixation index was significantly higher for the seedlings (Ho=0.697, F=0.068) compared to the adults (Ho=0.761, F=-0.023). In one plot, seed immigration was observed (18%). Realized pollen immigration ranged among the plots from zero to 41% and selfing ranged from zero to 5.8%. We observed an average pollen dispersal distance from 75 to 255 m, with the maximum reaching 576 m. We found a significant SGS up to 150 m, showing that near neighbour individuals are relatives. The observed data on pollen- and seed dispersal provides important information for the sustainable management of the endangered mahogany species.
Flowering phenology and germination ability of pollens for Acacia mangium and A. auriculiformis
Authors: Kato K. , Yamaguchi S. , Chigira O. , Osaka N.
Published: August 2017

A four-year investigation was conducted on the flowering phenology and germination ability of pollens from A. mangium and A. auriculiformis ramets to determine whether the flowering phenology and germination ability of pollens differed among clones or seed sources. The number of A. mangium and A. auriculiformis clones used was 19 and 23, collected from 17 and 8 seed sources, respectively. The flowering of each ramet was visually observed every three or four days for three seasons, with one season being from April to the following March, and the germination ability of pollens collected from the flowers was investigated at 1 day, 6 months, and 12 months after being stored at -18°C. The mean percentage of flowering per clone which was calculated by dividing the number of flowering ramets by the number of ramets used was low on A. mangium for each season, whereas it was more than 60% on A. auriculiformis for each season, with no significant variations among the seasons. The flowering initiation and flowering period also showed non-significant variations or differences among the seasons and among most of the clones within the seed sources. On the other hand, the percentage of flowering per clone, the flowering initiation, and the flowering period on A. auriculiformis showed significant variations and differences among the seed sources although those were similar on some seed sources. On both tree species, the germination rate of pollens per clone showed significant variations among clones, regardless of the seasons and number of days stored, and also among clones within seed sources for about half the cases. These results suggest that the flowering phenology is in some degree determined by a genetic factor such as the seed source, whereas the germination ability of pollens is mainly determined by a genetic factor in each clone.
Selection and validation of reference genes for real-time qRT-PCR normalization in different tissues of Eucalyptus tereticornis
Authors: Sundari B. Karpaga Raja , Dasgupta M. Ghosh
Published: August 2017

Reference genes are generally used as endogenous normalization factor for relative quantification of target genes in quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The present work aimed at identifying suitable reference genes for normalization of qRT-PCR data in tissues of Eucalyptus tereticornis. The expression levels of housekeeping genes like Actin (EtAct2), Isocitrate dehy - drogenase (EtIDH), ribosomal RNA (Et18s rRNA), SAND family protein (EtSAND), Histone protein (EtH2B), α-Tubulin (EtTUB), and eukaryotic initiation factor (EteIF4B) were studied to characterize their normalization stability in different tissues including young leaves, internodes, developing and mature xylem. The expression level of these genes was analyzed using different algorithms like geNorm, NormFinder and Best- Keeper. Among the seven reference genes analyzed, EtAct2 was expressed with less variance and was found to be the most stable reference gene across different tissues using all the three programs, while the least stable gene identified was EtH2B. Further, the normalization efficiency of the reference genes were assessed to predict the expression levels of three primary cell wall specific cellulose synthase transcripts (EtCesAs) in E. tereticornis tissues. The relative expression of EtCesA4, EtCesA5 and EtCesA6 was determined to be 3-19 fold higher in leaf and internode tissues when compared to developing and mature xylem tissues. This study will allow accurate normalization of qRT-PCR experiments across different tissues in E. tereticornis for future genomic research in this tropical eucalypt species.
Insights in the chestnut genetic diversity in Canton Ticino (Southern Switzerland)
Authors: Beccaro G. L. , Torello-Marinoni D. , Binelli G. , Donno D. , Boccacci P. , Botta R. , Cerutti A. K. , Conedera M.
Published: August 2017

Castanea sativa Miller displays a high variability of morphological and ecological traits, vegetative and reproductive habits, nut morphology, wood characteristics, adaptability, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The present range of distribution of the species has been strongly influenced by human migrations and it is thought that Romans played a crucial role in the spread of the cultivation in Europe, although in some areas there is also evidence of local domestication and spontaneous spread of the tree after the last glacial period. In Switzerland chestnut stands are found mostly in the South (Canton Ticino), a region where the debate about the origin of the local germplasm, whether derived from the survival or spontaneous migration of C. sativa on the territory or due to the introduction of the tree during the Roman colonisation, is still open. This study aims contributing to depict the chestnut genetic situation of the species in Canton Ticino as a contribution to the debate about the native character of the species. The study area is located in Switzerland, on the southern slopes of the Alps, where 3 C. sativa populations were sampled and analysed at 9 SSR loci. Populations showed a high degree of diversity, as it is observed in most natural population of tree species: all nine SSR loci were polymorphic (no fixed alleles were detected), and genetic diversity, measured by expected heterozygosity, was high ranging in the populations between 0.647 and 0.721, on average. Results suggest that three homogeneous gene pools contributed to the formation of the 3 populations sampled. The genetic germplasm structuring of the analysed chestnut stands is very mild as confirmed by the relatively low level of genetic differentiation and divergence observed among sites.
The Use of a Unipore Diffusion Model to Describe the Kinetics of Methane Release from Coal Spoil in the Longwall Environment
Authors: Wierzbicki Mirosław , Skoczylas Norbert , Kudasik Mateusz
Published: August 2017

The unipore methane diffusion model based on the solution of the second Fick’s law describes effectively the kinetics of methane release from coal grains. The knowledge of the model describing the kinetics of methane release from coal, the coalbed methane content, the sorption isotherm, the effective diffusion coefficient and the coal particle size distribution, enables the calculation of the volume of methane which is released from the coal spoil as a function of time. These assumptions became the basis for building the software that enables the analysis of methane emissions from coal during the longwall mining. Simulations were performed to determine the temporal and spatial methane inflow to the longwall. The share of methane emission from coal grains (taking into account both the emission kinetics and mass participation) of various classes has been analyzed. The results of the analysis showed that the methane from the small grains, in particular less than 0.1 mm in size, prevails. The mass fraction of these grains in the total weight does not exceed 5%. For the typical parameters determining the mining, geological and technological conditions of methane emissions at different moments of time and position of the longwall were determined.
Application and Design of Multi-Impingement Cooling Channel in Turbine Blade Trail Edge
Authors: Wang Longfei , Wen Fengbo , Wang Songtao , Zhou Xun , Wang Zhongqi
Published: August 2017

The numerical simulations are used to conduct the comparative study of pin-fins cooling channel and multi-impingement cooling channel on the heat transfer and flow, and to design the multi-impingement channel through the parameters of impinging distance and impingement-jet-plate thickness. The Reynolds number ranges from 1e4 to 6e4. The dimensionless impinging distance is 0.60, 1.68, 2.76, respectively, and the dimensionless impinging-jet-thickness is 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, respectively. The endwall surface, pin-fins surface, impinging-jet-plate surface are the three object surfaces to investigate the channel heat transfer performance. The heat transfer coefficient

h

$h$

and augmentation factor

N
u

/

N

u
0

$Nu/N{u_0}$

are selected to measure the surface heat transfer, and the friction coefficient

f

$f$

is chosen to evaluate the channel flow characteristics. The impinging-jet-plate surface owns higher heat transfer coefficient and larger area than pin-fins surface, which are the main reasons to improve the heat transfer performance of multi-impingement cooling channel. Reducing the impinging distance can improve the endwall surface heat transfer obviously and enhance impingement plate surface heat transfer to some extent, decreasing the thickness of impinging-jet-plate can significantly increase its own heat transfer coefficient, which both all increase the cooling air flow loss.
Speed and Agility Training for Baseball/Softball
Authors: Magrini Mitchel , Dawes J. Jay , Spaniol Frank J. , Roberts Adam
Published: August 2017

IN THE SPORTS OF BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL, POWER, SPEED, AND AGILITY ARE ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUCCESS. PLAYERS WHO POSSESS THESE CHARACTERISTICS MAY BE ABLE TO COVER A LARGER PORTION OF THE FIELD AND REACT TO SPECIFIC SITUATIONS WHILE RUNNING ON THE BASE PATHS. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE COACH OR STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT DRILLS THAT ARE SPORTS-SPECIFIC TO THE GAME OF BASEBALL OR SOFTBALL. THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE DISCUSSES THE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PLAYERS' NEEDS AND PROVIDES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POTENTIAL SPORT-SPECIFIC DRILLS THAT CAN BE COMPLETED IN AN INDOOR FACILITY OR ON THE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL FIELD.
Anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training in adipose tissue do not require FGF21
Authors: Porter Jay W , Rowles Joe L , Fletcher Justin A , Zidon Terese M , Winn Nathan C , McCabe Leighton T , Park Young-Min , Perfield James W , Thyfault John P , Rector R Scott , Padilla Jaume , Vieira-Potter Victoria J
Published: August 2017

Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity; it also improves adipocyte metabolism and reduces adipose tissue inflammation through poorly defined mechanisms. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a pleiotropic hormone-like protein whose insulin-sensitizing properties are predominantly mediated via receptor signaling in adipose tissue (AT). Recently, FGF21 has also been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, an association between exercise and increased circulating FGF21 levels has been reported in some, but not all studies. Thus, the role that FGF21 plays in mediating the positive metabolic effects of exercise in AT are unclear. In this study, FGF21-knockout (KO) mice were used to directly assess the role of FGF21 in mediating the metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects of exercise on white AT (WAT) and brown AT (BAT). Male FGF21KO and wild-type mice were provided running wheels or remained sedentary for 8 weeks (n = 9–15/group) and compared for adiposity, insulin sensitivity (i.e., HOMA-IR, Adipo-IR) and AT inflammation and metabolic function (e.g., mitochondrial enzyme activity, subunit content). Adiposity and Adipo-IR were increased in FGF21KO mice and decreased by EX. The BAT of FGF21KO animals had reduced mitochondrial content and decreased relative mass, both normalized by EX. WAT and BAT inflammation was elevated in FGF21KO mice, reduced in both genotypes by EX. EX increased WAT Pgc1alpha gene expression, citrate synthase activity, COX I content and total AMPK content in WT but not FGF21KO mice. Collectively, these findings reveal a previously unappreciated anti-inflammatory role for FGF21 in WAT and BAT, but do not support that FGF21 is necessary for EX-mediated anti-inflammatory effects.
Efficiency of Financing in Sharia Cooperatives
Authors: Badranaya Djaka
Published: August 2017

Efficiency is one of the performance’s indicator in sharia cooperatives. This study uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to measure the efficiency of financing sharia cooperatives. DEA is one method of measuring efficiency using frontier analysis that has proven its use. Samples to be used are KJKS Kota Bambu Utara (KBU) and Kota Bambu Selatan (KBS). On average, KJKS KBU has a value high enough efficiency reached 98.7%. Meanwhile, KJKS KBS achieve 100% efficiency. This research has an important role in optimizing the efficiency of sharia cooperative, so that its presence can provide great benefits to society.DOI: 10.15408/etk.v16i2.5437
Septic Episodes in a Premature Infant After In Utero Exposure to Rituximab
Authors: Hay Susanne , Burchett Sandra , Odejide Oreofe , Cataltepe Sule
Published: August 2017

Rituximab is an increasingly used immunotherapeutic agent for women of reproductive age for treatment of autoimmune diseases, leukemias, and lymphomas. Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets B-cell surface antigen CD20 and can cross the placenta. Current evidence of the impact of this medication on the developing fetus is limited, but there is little to suggest that fetal exposure to this medication places an infant at increased risk of immunosuppression and subsequent infection. Here we report a case of in utero rituximab exposure that was associated with 2 severe septic episodes with Enterococcus faecalis, in a premature infant of 29 weeks’ gestational age with a birth weight of 820 g. The patient had a critically depressed B-lymphocyte subset of 10% and undetectable immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, and IgA levels at 37 weeks’ postmenstrual age. Interestingly, both episodes of sepsis coincided with transition from donor human milk to formula feeds. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, antibiotics, and donor human milk. We postulate that placental transfer of rituximab, prematurity, and the low levels of protective maternal antibodies increased the susceptibility of this patient to sepsis by E faecalis, a resident of the normal gut flora, whereas the secretory IgA in donor human milk may have played a protective role.