bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weather‐Related Indices of Autumn– Winter Dabbling Duck Abundance in Middle North America
Authors: SCHUMMER MICHAEL L. , KAMINSKI RICHARD M. , RAEDEKE ANDREW H. , GRABER DAVID A.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT  Research on effects of key weather stimuli influencing waterfowl migration during autumn and winter is limited. We investigated relationships between changes in relative abundances of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and other dabbling ducks (Anas spp.) and weather variables at midlatitude locations in North America. We used waterfowl survey data from Missouri Conservation Areas and temperature and snow cover data from the Historical Climatology Network to evaluate competing models to explain changes in relative abundance of ducks in Missouri, USA, during autumn‐winter, 1995–2005. We found that a cumulative weather severity index model (CumulativeWSI; calculated as mean daily temp ‐ degrees C + no. of consecutive days with mean temp ≤ 0° C + snow depth + no. of consecutive days with snow cover) had the greatest weight of evidence in explaining changes in relative abundance of ducks. We concluded the CumulativeWSI reflected current and cumulative effects of ambient temperatures on energy expenditure by ducks, and snow cover and wetland icing, on food availability for ducks. The CumulativeWSI may be useful in determining potential changes in autumn‐winter distributions of North American waterfowl given different climate change projections and associated changes in habitat conservation needs. Future investigations should address interactions between CumulativeWSI and landscape habitat quality, regional waterfowl populations, hunter harvest, and other anthropogenic influences to increase understanding of waterfowl migration during autumn‐winter.
Effect of Approaching Boats on Nesting Black Skimmers: Using Response Distances to Establish Protective Buffer Zones
Authors: BURGER J. , GOCHFELD M. , JENKINS C. D. , LESSER F.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT  Understanding how birds respond to the activities of people is an important component of conserving wildlife. We measured responses of nesting black skimmers (Rynchops niger) to an approaching boat in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, USA, by examining distance to first respond, distance to flush, and time to return to the colony. Our objective was to determine if response distances of skimmers changed as a function of year, reproductive stage, direction of approach (direct or tangential), or number of birds nesting in the colony. Generally, reproductive stage had the greatest effect on all responses, followed by direction of approach, number of adults present at the colony, number of nests, and year, which also explained variation in behavioral responses. The distance at which skimmers first flew when a boat approached decreased from the pre‐egg‐laying period to hatching, and then increased slightly later in the season. Time (x̄± SE) for skimmers to return to the nesting colony varied seasonally, with birds taking longer to return during the pre‐egg period (9.5 ± min) than during hatching (0.7 ± 0.1 min). The decision process for determining set‐back distances to protect nesting skimmers should involve selecting 1) behavioral response of highest concern, 2) reproductive stage of highest concern, and 3) an appropriate level of response at which to establish the buffer area. We recommend that managers use a set‐back distance of ± 118 m from the perimeter of the colony for black skimmers, which is the 95% percentile of the distance that skimmers first flew in response to approaching boats. Managers can use these data to set buffer distances for skimmers and other colonial birds.
Survival of Juvenile Pygmy Rabbits
Authors: PRICE AMANDA J. , ESTES‐ZUMPF WENDY , RACHLOW JANET
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT Until recently, natal behavior of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) was largely unknown, and no information on survival of free‐ranging juveniles was available. We evaluated survival of radiotagged juvenile pygmy rabbits at 2 sites in east‐central Idaho, USA, during 2004 and 2005. We captured juveniles (n58) shortly after they emerged from natal burrows. Mortality rates were high and variable, ranging from 27% for females during 2004 to 63% for males during 2005. Approximately 69% of mortalities were attributed to predation. We evaluated variables influencing juvenile survival through 18 weeks old using known‐fate models in Program MARK. We expected survival to decline around the age of natal dispersal and to be lower for young born later in the season. We evaluated 14 candidate models that included sex, year, study area, and relative date of birth within each year. Model selection results did not indicate strong support for any single combination of variables, and 8 competing models all included effects of relative date of birth, year, and study area. These results revealed substantial variability in survival of juveniles across multiple factors, and we documented similar patterns for adult pygmy rabbits. Such high variability in survival over relatively small spatial and temporal scales might contribute to marked fluctuations in populations of pygmy rabbits and, hence, managers interested in monitoring this species might consider monitoring multiple populations across broader geographic areas to assess regional trends in numbers.
Traditional and New Cable Restraint Systems to Capture Fox in Central Spain
Authors: MUÑOZ‐IGUALADA JAIME , SHIVIK JOHN A. , DOMÍNGUEZ FRANCISCO G. , GONZÁLEZ LUIS MARIANO , MORENO ANTONIO ARANDA , OLALLA MARIANA FERNÁNDEZ , GARCÍA CELINA ALVES
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT  Capturing animals is an essential tool of wildlife management, but the use of capture devices is being affected by public pressures on an international scale. In Europe, and particularly Spain, foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are often captured using traditional methods such as nonlocking Spanish Snares (SS) set in an ad hoc fence line known as an alar, but these traditional European methods are rarely compared to modernly described restraints such as the Wisconsin Cable Restraint (WR). We evaluated rates of efficiency, selectivity, injury, and impacts to foxes and nontarget species when using SS (as traditionally set in an alar) or WR within alars or on trails in Castilla‐La Mancha, Spain. During 40,372 trap‐nights from summer to winter of 2007, we captured 64 foxes, and 8 of 23 potential nontarget species. Our results indicated that WR set in trails were more efficient (0.28 capture rate) for capturing red foxes than SS set in an alar (0.11 capture rate). Relative to injury, foxes captured with the WR in the alar (95.4%), and WR in trails (90.5%), and the SS (90.9%) showed no indicators of poor welfare, and injury score analysis indicated that injuries were of similar magnitude for all capture devices. Overall, the WR set in trails may have performed the best, but all 3 methods are likely sufficient for capturing foxes with minimal injury, acceptable efficiency, and acceptable impact to foxes and sympatric nontarget species. Thus, wildlife managers in Spain and elsewhere can apply our findings to optimize capture and management of foxes.
Demographic Parameters of Rural and Urban Adult Resident Canada Geese in Georgia
Authors: BALKCOM GREGORY D.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT  In many urban metropolitan areas, resident Canada goose (Branta canadensis) populations have grown to nuisance levels in spite of increasing harvest opportunity. To document differences in demographic parameters between urban and rural geese, I estimated probabilities of survival, recapture, recovery, and fidelity for adult resident Canada geese between 2001 and 2006 using banding, live recapture, and dead recovery data from 2 distinct banding locations in Georgia, USA. Adult survival rates were higher for urban geese (0.958, SE = 0.020) than for rural geese (0.682, SE = 0.049). Using estimated recovery probabilities of 0.505 (SE = 0.107) for urban and 0.463 (SE = 0.045) for rural geese, along with current estimates of crippling loss and reporting rate, the estimated mean harvest rate for urban geese was 0.029 (SE = 0.006) and for rural geese was 0.202 (SE = 0.020). Fidelity rates were similar between urban (0.730, SE = 0.033) and rural geese (0.713, SE = 0.069). This information suggests that urban segments of the Canada goose population have substantially higher survival than rural geese and are harvested at a very low rate, and that liberalizing hunting regulations may have little impact on Georgia's urban goose population. Wildlife managers may need to consider options other than sport hunting to control nuisance goose populations in urban areas.
Effects of Large‐Scale Predator Reduction on Nest Success of Upland Nesting Ducks
Authors: PIERON MATTHEW R. , ROHWER FRANK C.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT  Population growth for mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and presumably other upland nesting ducks, in the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States and Canada is most sensitive to nest success, and nest success is most strongly influenced by predation. We evaluated the efficacy of reducing predator populations to improve nest success of upland nesting ducks on township‐sized (93.2 km2) management units in eastern North Dakota, USA, during 2005–2007. We monitored 7,489 nests on 7 trapped and 5 nontrapped sites. Trappers annually removed an average of 245 predators per trapped site, and we found nest success to be 1.4–1.9 times greater on trapped sites than nontrapped sites, depending on year. Nest success was greater on both trapped and nontrapped sites when compared with a study conducted in the same areas in the mid‐1990s, likely because of changes in red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and coyote (Canis latrans) population dynamics. Nests initiated midseason had higher daily survival rates (DSR) than those initiated earlier or later in the season. Daily survival rates for nests in the middle of the nesting cycle were higher than for nests that were early in laying or late in incubation. Nests near the periphery of trapped sites had slightly higher DSRs than nests in the center of trapped sites. Predator reduction at the township scale provides managers with an effective tool to improve nest success at large spatial scales.
Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate from Glycerol, a By-Product of Biodiesel Production
Authors: Herseczki Zsanett , Varga Tamás , Marton Gyula
Published: December 2009

Methyl esters of fatty acids (also known as biodiesel) made from transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats with methanol, have shown a lot of promise as alternative diesel fuels. Glycerol is the inevitable byproduct of transesterification process. While there are existing markets for glycerol, a significant increase in availability of glycerol, resulting from the expanded use of vegetable oils and animal fats, would destabilize the glycerol market. In this study, the synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol and dimethyl carbonate was investigated. Glycerol carbonate is a key multifunctional compound employed as a solvent, additive, monomer and chemical intermediate. The resulting glycerol carbonate was obtained in almost quantitative yield. According to measured data a well-elaborated mathematical model of the reactor was used for experiments can be adequate to assign parameters of kinetic equations of the assumed reaction mechanism. Component mass balances were built into the reactor model and order of reactions was fixed.
R&D Delegation in a Duopoly with Spillovers
Authors: Versaevel Bruno , Vencatachellum Désiré
Published: December 2009

There is evidence that competing firms outsource R&D to the same independent for-profit laboratory. We draw on this stylized fact to construct a model where two firms in the same industry offer transfer payments in exchange for user-specific R&D services from a common laboratory. Inter-firm and within-laboratory externalities affect the intensity of competition among delegating firms on the intermediate market for technology. Whether competition is relatively soft or tight is reflected by each firm's monetary offers to the laboratory. These offers determine the R&D outcomes, the laboratory's capacity to earn benefits, the profits for the delegating firms, as well as social welfare. We identify the situations in which the laboratory finds it profitable to deliver services to only one firm, or to both of them. In the latter case we compare the delegated R&D game to two other ones where firms conduct in-house R&D, either cooperatively or non-cooperatively. The delegated R&D game Pareto dominates the other two games, and the laboratory earns positive benefits, if and only if R&D services are complementary inside the laboratory, but only limitedly so, and inter-firm spillovers are sufficiently low. The firms' privately-profitable decision to delegate R&D, when the laboratory participates, always benefits consumers.
Glycosylation and pH stability of penicillin G acylase from providencia rettgeri produced in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Senerovic Lidija , Stankovic Nad , Ljubijankic G. , Vasiljevic Branka
Published: December 2009

Penicillin G acylase (PAC) is one of the most widely used enzymes in industrial synthesis of semi-synthetic antibiotics. The Providencia rettgeri pac gene was expressed to a level of 2.7 U/ml using the Pichia pastoris expression system. The recombinant enzyme was purified and its glycosylation status was determined. It was found that both subunits (? and ?) of the enzyme were N-glycosylated, while the ?-subunit also contained O-glycans. It was also observed that rPACP.rett. was stable in a wide range of pH, which, in addition to the previously proved high thermostability, makes it an attractive biocatalyst from an industrial point of view.
Molecular characterization of the honeybee Apis mellifera carnica in Serbia
Authors: Nedic N. , Stanisavljevic L. , Mladenovic M. , Stanisavljevic Jelena
Published: December 2009

The sequences COI-COII of the mitochondrial DNA region in honeybee from four geographically distant regions in Serbia (Vrsac, Knjazevac, Kraljevo, and Vranje) are analyzed. The research was conducted on eight different, previously selected honeybee lines preserved (linear selection) in the four reprocenters for queen bees. All four studied honeybee lines differ in morphological and productive traits, each being specific for the corresponding region. In addition to analysis of the mtDNA sequences in Serbian honeybee, a comparative analysis of the phylogenetic group of so far known C2 haplotypes was also performed. The results revealed two novel polymorphic positions in the COI-COII mtDNA region, viz., h2 at position 3474 and l2 at position 3534 (a T nucleotide deletion in both cases) in honeybees from the regions of Vranje and Knjazevac, respectively. Two novel mtDNA haplotypes in the honeybee C2 phylogenetic group, together with C2I (the new polymorphic position l2 and G-A transition at position 3587) and C2J (the new polymorphic position h2), are described. Also, comparative analysis performed on sequences from GenBank data showed a high degree of similarity (similarity index = 99.4%) between the novel C2I mtDNA haplotype and an A. m. cypria haplotype originating from Turkey. Certain domestic Kranjska honeybee populations from Serbia represent an autochthonous gene pool that can be of great importance for further presentation of honeybee biodiversity. The present paper contributes to characterization of mtDNA in honeybee of Serbia.
In HCMV-exposed HUVEC, P52/RelB regulatory factors mediate activation of the human PAR1 gene promoter
Authors: Popovic M. , Paskas Svetlana , Zivkovic Maja , Djuric-Delic Tamara , Stankovic Aleksandra , Burysek L.
Published: December 2009

We studied the effect of HCMV (AD-169) on the regulation of PAR1 reporter activity in HUVEC. In HUVEC, HCMV significantly induced activation of PAR1 reporter constructs carrying AP-2-like and two complexes of AP-2/Sp1-binding elements. Shorter constructs with no AP-2-like binding elements had lower activity upon virus inoculation. Moreover, activity of the shortest construct without binding elements was not significantly increased in virus-exposed cells. Furthermore, in HCMV-exposed cells, activity of the PAR1 reporter was significantly augmented upon p52/RelB transfection. Taken together, the data indicate that activity of the PAR1 promoter is highly dependent on AP-2/Sp1 bind?ing elements and mediated by p52/RelB regulatory factors. Key words: HCMV, PAR1 gene reporter, HUVEC.
Analysis of K-ras gene codon 12 mutation in pancreatic tissue of patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Nikolic Aleksandra , Knezevic S. , Krsmanovic Mila , Micev M. , Ristanovic M. , Radojkovic Dragica
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to analyze K-ras codon 12 mutation in the pancreatic tissue of Serbian patients with pancreatic cancer and assess whether the given mutation can be used as a molecular marker for this disease. The study was performed on pancreatic tissue samples obtained from 40 patients with clinical diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The presence of K-ras codon 12 mutation was analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Our study showed that K-ras mutation is present with a high frequency (66%) in the pancreatic tissue of patients with pancretic cancer.
RAPD analysis of genetic diversity and qualitative assessment of hydrolytic activities in a collection of Bacillus sp. isolate
Authors: Beric Tanja , Urdaci Maria , Stankovic S. , Knezevic-Vukcevic Jelena
Published: December 2009

Genetic diversity and production of hydrolytic enzymes of 205 Bacillus isolates from different geographical and ecological niches in Serbia were studied. Combining RAPD analysis and 16S DNA sequencing, we determined 13 different groups of RAPD profiles within four (five) species: B. subtilis, B. cereus/B. thuringiensis, B. pumilus, and B. firmus. Screening for production of hydrolytic enzymes showed that there was no correlation of enzyme production with species. Most of the isolates from all habitats produced amylase, protease, lipase, mannanase, and xylanase to some extent at 25?C and 37?C. The number of isolates that retained enzyme production ability at 55?C is considerably lower and they predominantly came from manure.
Distribution of B chromosomes in age categories of the yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis (Mammalia, Rodentia)
Authors: Vujosevic M. , Blagojevic Jelena , Jojic-Sipetic Vida , Bugarski-Stanojevic Vanja , Adnadjevic Tanja , Stamenkovic Andgorana
Published: December 2009

The presence of B chromosomes (Bs) is frequently found in populations of yellow-necked mouse, Apodemus flavicollis. Differences in frequencies of Bs in age categories were analyzed in 717 animals in order to clarify the mechanisms of their maintenance in populations of A. flavicollis. The absence of statistically significant differences in the frequency of Bs between six age categories indicates that the maintenance of Bs in populations can be explained by in terms of their contribution to overall genetic diversity of the species rather than by parasitic behavior.
Relationship between Aldose reductase and superoxide dismutase inhibition capacities of indole-based analogs of melatonin derivatives
Authors: Daş-Evcimen N. , Yildirim Ö. , Suzen S.
Published: December 2009

Aldose reductase (AR) has been implicated in the etiology of diabetic complications. Under diabetic conditions, the elevated vascular glucose level causes an increased flux through the polyol pathway, which induces functional and morphological changes associated with secondary diabetic complications such as cataract, neuropathy, and nephrop?athy. Oxidative stress, antioxidants, and the polyol pathway have recently been found to be linked in pathological states. A large number of structurally different compounds have been studied as potent in vitro AR inhibitors (ARIs). However, with few exceptions, these compounds did not show clinical benefit, and some even produced serious side effects. In view of the ARI activity of certain indole derivative compounds and antioxidant properties of melatonin, we investigated some indole-based analogs of melatonin derivatives. Antioxidant and ARI activity tests were applied to nine indole derivatives that are substituted at the third and fifth positions. Also, the relationship between ARI and antioxidant enzyme activity is discussed.
Characterization of antibodies directed against the Ankrd2 human muscle protein
Authors: Kojic Snezana , Medeot Elisa , Faulkner Georgine
Published: December 2009

In order to study the function of the Ankrd2 protein, for which commercial antibodies are not available, we report the production and analysis of polyclonal antibodies to full-length Ankrd2 and its C-terminal and N-terminal regions, as well as a monoclonal antibody to the C-terminus of the protein. Epitope mapping making use of recombinant deletion mutants showed that an epitope located in region 323-333 aa of Ankrd2 is detected by the monoclonal antibody. The high specificity of all four anti-Ankrd2 antibodies for recombinant and endogenous Ankrd2 protein is also demon?strated.
Activity of oxidative stress biomarkers in the white muscle of red mullet (Mullus barbatus L.) from the Adriatic sea
Authors: Pavlovic S.Z. , Borkovic-Mitic Slavica , Radovanovic Tijana , Perendija Branka , Despotovic Svetlana , Gavric Jelena , Saicic Zorica
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of oxidative stress biomarkers (total superoxide dismutase - Tot SOD; and copper and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase - CuZn SOD; manganese-containing superoxide dismutase - Mn SOD; catalase - CAT; glutathione peroxidase - GSH-Px; and glutathione reductase - GR), as well as the biotransformation phase II enzyme glutathione-S-transferase (GST), in the white muscle of red mullet (Mullus barbatus L.) at Platamuni (PL) and Valdanos (VAL) in the Adriatic Sea during the winter and spring seasons. The obtained results show both site and seasonal influences on the investigated parameters, with lower enzyme activities at VAL than at PL and in spring than in winter.
Neural differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells by indirect co-culture with Schwann cells
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Liao Dapeng , Gong Ping , Yuan Quan , Tan Zhen
Published: December 2009

To investigate whether adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) could be subject to neural differentiation induced only by Schwann cell (SC) factors, we co-cultured ADSCs and SCs in transwell culture dishes. Immunoassaying, Western blot analysis, and RT-PCR were performed (1, 3, 7, 14 d) and the co-cultured ADSCs showed gene and protein expression of S-100, Nestin, and GFAP. Further, qRT-PCR disclosed relative quantitative differences in the above three gene expressions. We think ADSCs can undergo induced neural differentiation by being co-cultured with SCs, and such differentia?tions begin 1 day after co-culture, become apparent after 7 days, and thereafter remain stable till the 14th day.
The genus enochrus thomson (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) from Turkey, checklist and new records
Authors: Darilmaz M.C. , Kiyak S.
Published: December 2009

A review of the Enochrus species recorded from Turkey is provided. Twelve species of the genus recorded by previous authors are summarized, Enochrus halophilus (Bedel) and Enochrus politus (Kuster) are recorded for the first time to the Turkish fauna and additional some records are provided from the country. Diagnostic characters of some species as well as the photographs of their aedeagophores are provided. Several species known previously from only a few localities in Turkey have been shown to have much wider distributions in the country.
Distribution and habitats of the water spider Argyroneta aquatica (Clerck, 1757) (Araneae, Cybaeidae) in Turkey
Authors: Seyyar O. , Demir H.
Published: December 2009

The water spider Argyroneta aquatica has been found in different parts of Turkey, and its distribution is presented with a list of new localities. Observations on the ecology of the species are provided, and its habitats are photographed from the collection sites. The data indicate that A. aquatica was usually found in eutrophic ponds, marshes, and small lakes in Turkey.
Aquatic macroinvertebrates of the Jablanica river, Serbia
Authors: Stefanovic Katarina , Nikolic Vera , Tubic Bojana , Tomovic Jelena , Atanackovic Ana , Simic V.M. , Paunovic M.M.
Published: December 2009

Research on the community of aquatic macroinvertebrates was carried out during 2005 and 2006 at four sampling sites along the Jablanica River, a right-hand tributary of the Kolubara River. Fifty-seven taxa were recorded in the course of the investigation. The most diverse group was Ephemeroptera, followed by Trichoptera and Plecoptera. Members of the Rhitrogena semicolorata group were the most abundant. Our results could be the basis for evaluation of the influence of damming of the Jablanica River on the status of its water and can serve as a model for studying the influ?ence of hydromorphological degradation of aquatic ecosystems.
Contents of the heavy metals nickel and lead in leaves of Paulownia elongata S.Y. Hu and Paulownia fortunei Hems. in Serbia
Authors: Stankovic Dragica , Igic Ruzica , Sijacic-Nikolic Mirjana , Vilotic Dragica , Pajevic Slobodanka
Published: December 2009

A comparative study was carried out on the capabilities of the two species Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu and Paulownia fortunei Hems. as biomonitors of atmospheric (and soil) heavy-metal pollution. Research on content of the heavy metals nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) in leaves of the species Paulownia elongata growing under urban and suburban conditions with the comparison to the concentration of these elements in leaves of the species Paulownia elongata and Paulownia fortunei on an experimental plot in Bela Crkva showed average nickel concentrations of 2.7 ?g/g on the experimental plot in Bela Crkva, Serbia, twice as low as the concentrations measured under extreme urban conditions (6.62 ?g/g, or 4.54 ?g/g in the immediate vicinity of suburban traffic lines). Inasmuch as Paulownia elongata endures urban conditions well, it can be recommended for cultivation in parks, tree alleys, and wind-protection zones along urban and regional traffic lines.
Diversity among Pseudomonas syringae strains originating from fruit trees in Serbia
Authors: Ivanovic Zarko , Zivkovic Svetlana , Starovic Mira , Josic Dragana , Stankovic S. , Gavrilovic Veljko
Published: December 2009

Pseudomonas syringae is a widespread and economically important plant pathogen, one found on a number of hosts, including fruit trees, field crops, vegetables, and ornamental plants. This bacterium has been experimentally identified as a parasite of pear, apple, apricot, peach, cherry, sour cherry, plum, and raspberry. The present study was designed to establish differences between strains isolated from fruit trees in Serbia. The pathogenic and biochemical characteristics of isolates were studied. The BOX-PCR method was used to generate genomic fingerprints of Pseudomonas syringae isolates and to identify strains that were previously not distinguishable by other classification methods. Different Bacillus sp. strains were tested for in vitro inhibitory activity against Pseudononas syringae isolates. Bacillus sp. strains show inhibitory activity only against P. syringae isolates that originated from peach. The obtained results demonstrate that the population of the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae from the fruit trees in Serbia is very diverse.
The presence of Alternaria spp. on the seed of Apiaceae plants and their influence on seed emergence
Authors: Bulajic Aleksandra , Djekic Ivana , Lakic Nada , Krstic Branka
Published: December 2009

Considerable damping-off of the seedlings of several commercial Apiaceae plant species was observed in Serbia. The infection of a total of 48 seed samples of nine vegetable and spice plants with phytopathogenic Alternaria spp. was established using the deep-freeze-blotter method. Identification of Alternaria species was performed using both conventional methods and PCR. Four different plant-pathogenic Alternaria species were detected in Serbia: A. dauci, A. radicina, A. petroselini, and A. alternata, all of which caused reduction of carrot, parsley, parsnip, and celery seed emergence. Alternaria dauci, A. radicina, and A. petroselini were relatively more aggressive compared to A. alternata. Substantial seed infection levels and strong influence of Alternaria spp. on seed emergence indicated that production of Apiaceae seed needs to be improved in order to obtain pathogen-free seed.
Synthesis and biological activities of some indoline derivatives
Authors: Rode Milind , Rindhe Sahebrao , Karale Bhausaheb
Published: December 2009

The reaction of indoline with a substituted benzoyl chloride in the presence of K2CO3 in THF gave compound 4. Compound 4 was subjected to chlorosulphonation to obtain compound 5. Condensation of aromatic amines with compound 5 led to the synthesis of indoline derivatives 6(a-f). Similarly, 5-nitroindoline was treated with a substituted benzoyl chloride to obtain the nitro compound 9, which was reduced using stannous chloride and reacted further with aromatic sulphonyl chloride to obtain the indoline derivatives 11(a-e). These compounds were tested for antibacterial, anti-tuberculosis and antifungal activity. Some of them showed very good activity against some gram-positive and gram negative bacteria, fungal strains and also Mycobacterium tuberculosis. All of the synthesized compounds were subjected to antioxidant activity testing using the in vitro DPPH assay and most of them showed very good activity.
Flavonoids from mango leaves with antibacterial activity
Authors: Kanwal Qudsia , Hussain Ishtiaq , Siddiqui Latif , Javaid Arshad
Published: December 2009

Five flavonoids, viz. (-)-epicatechin-3-O-?-glucopyranoside (1), 5-hydroxy- 3-(4-hydroxylphenyl)pyrano[3,2-g]chromene-4(8H)-one (2), 6-(p-hydroxybenzyl) taxifolin-7-O-?-D-glucoside (tricuspid) (3), quercetin-3-O-?-glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-?-glucopyranoside (4) and (-)-epicatechin(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)- 3,4-dihydro-2H-chromene-3,5,7-triol) (5), were isolated from the leaves of mango (Mangifera indica L.). The antibacterial activity of different concentrations of these flavonoids (100, 300, 500, 700, 900 and 1000 ppm) was evaluated against four bacterial species, namely Lactobacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Azospirillium lipoferum and Bacillus sp. All the tested concentrations of the five flavonoids significantly reduced the growth of all the five tested bacterial species. However, differences in the antibacterial activity of the flavonoids were evident. Compound 1 exhibited the lowest antibacterial activity, resulting in a 7-75 % reduction in the growth of the different bacterial species. Compound 5 showed the greatest antibacterial activity and the different concentrations reduced the bacterial growth by 45-99.9%. A. lipoferum and Bacillus sp. showed the highest susceptibility to this compound. Compounds 2-4 also depicted pronounced antibacterial activity. Different concentrations of these compounds decreased bacterial growth by 52-96 %. From the present study, it can be concluded that compound 5 is the most effective of the tested flavonoids against A. lipoferum and Bacillus sp.
A rapid spectrophotometric determination of imidacloprid in selected commercial formulations in the presence of 6-chloronicotinic acid
Authors: Guzsvány Valéria , Papp Zsigmond , Lazic Sanja , Gaál Ferenc , Bjelica Luka , Abramovic Biljana
Published: December 2009

A simple first-order derivative spectrophotometric method was developed for the simultaneous determination of imidacloprid and 6-chloronicotinic acid (6-CNA). By using the zero-crossing approach, imidacloprid was determined at 249 nm and 6-CNA at 236 nm with detection limits of 0.32 and 0.17 ?g mL-1, respectively, and relative standard deviations not exceeding 1.2 % in the case of model systems. The proposed method was applied for the determination of imidacloprid and 6-CNA in commercial formulations. A conventional spectrophotometric method (at 270 nm) was also employed for the determination of the content of imidacloprid in the same commercial formulations. The results of the developed spectrophotometric methods were in good agreement with those obtained by the high-performance liquid chromatographic method.
A research note on the estimated incapability index
Authors: Lin Gu-Hong
Published: December 2009

Process incapability index, which provides an uncontaminated separation between information concerning the process accuracy and the process precision, has been proposed to the manufacturing industry for measuring process performance. Contributions concerning the estimated incapability index have focused on single normal process in existing quality and statistical literature. However, the contaminated model is more appropriate for real-world cases with multiple manufacturing processes where the raw material, or the equipment may not be identical for each manufacturing process. Investigations based on contaminated normal processes are considered. Sampling distributions and r-th moments of the estimated index are derived. The proposed model will facilitate quality engineers on process monitor and performance assessment.
An enumerative algorithm for non-linear multi-level integer programming problem
Authors: Narang Ritu , Arora S.R.
Published: December 2009

In this paper a multilevel programming problem, that is, three level programming problem is considered. It involves three optimization problems where the constraint region of the first level problem is implicitly determined by two other optimization problems. The objective function of the first level is indefinite quadratic, the second one is linear and the third one is linear fractional. The feasible region is a convex polyhedron. Considering the relationship between feasible solutions to the problem and bases of the coefficient sub-matrix associated to the variables of the third level, an enumerative algorithm is proposed, which finds an optimum solution to the given problem. It is illustrated with the help of an example. .
Maintenance viewpoint of product-service bundle supportability
Authors: Vasiljevic Dragan
Published: December 2009

The maintenance system can be analyzed in differrentiated manners. It can be considered as a part of enterprise information infrastructure, too. This paper attempts to summarize some of the most important principles of maintenance data management in the field of supportability analysis. Supportability analysis has been viewed as the process of recognizing support requirements for a new system with the purpose to ensure that the technical system will perform as intended. The paper is also directed toward exploring what the maintenance data are to a logistician. It includes additional considerations relating to elements such as product-service bundle database and logistics information system. In short, the paper describes maintenance aspect of the concept of through life information management.
Ranking of banks in Serbia
Authors: Mihailovic Nevena , Bulajic Milica , Savic Gordana
Published: December 2009

It is often very difficult to rank entities characterized by more than one indicator. In the case of banking sector, especially in transition countries, it would be important to determine the relationship among the banks, regarding their efficiency and relevant characteristics. The results obtained in two different ranking processes are presented, discussed and compared in this paper. The first procedure is based on Data Envelopment Analysis, mathematical programming technique that can be applied to assessing the efficiency of a variety of entities, using variety of data. The second procedure is based on I-distance, a multivariate statistical method for ranking entities. Both methods allow the use of several criteria, and they both give one single index which can be considered as a rank. The complementary use of the two methods provides more realistic picture of the tendencies in the banking sector and the combination of the results obtained in two processes provides a useful background for more comprehensive evaluation of the banks efficiency.
Client Importance, Institutional Improvements, and Audit Quality in China: An Office and Individual Auditor Level Analysis
Authors: Chen Shimin , Sun Sunny Y. J. , Wu Donghui
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: This study examines how the legal and regulatory changes in China affect the relationship between client economic importance and audit quality. At the individual auditor level, we find that the propensity to issue modified audit opinions (MAOs) is negatively correlated with client importance from 1995 to 2000. However, from 2001 to 2004, when the institutional environment became more investor-friendly, the propensity to issue MAOs is positively associated with client importance. These findings are corroborated by an analysis of regulatory sanctions. Although client importance measured at the office level is also negatively related to the propensity for MAOs from 1995 to 2000 without controlling for the auditor-level client importance, this result is sensitive to model specification and sample composition. Our results suggest that (1) institutional improvements prompt auditors to prioritize the costs of compromising quality over the economic benefits gained from important clients; and (2) the impact of client importance on audit decisions appears to be different at the individual auditor and office levels.
Accounting Irregularities and Executive Turnover in Founder-Managed Firms
Authors: Leone Andrew J. , Liu Michelle
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: This study tests the hypothesis that founder CEOs are less likely to be fired than non-founder CEOs when accounting irregularities are disclosed. We also examine whether CFOs are more likely to shoulder the blame when the CEO is a founder. Using a sample of 96 newly public firms with accounting irregularities, and a control sample of similar newly public firms, we document that the probability of CEO (CFO) turnover in the wake of an accounting irregularity is lower (higher) when the firm's CEO is also a founder. The difference in CEO turnover rates is dramatic, with nonfounder CEOs turning over at a rate of 49 percent, as compared to only 29 percent for founder CEOs. Our overall findings are consistent with the notion that the board's response to irregularities differs when the CEO is a founder.
Market Reaction to the Adoption of IFRS in Europe
Authors: Armstrong Christopher S. , Barth Mary E. , Jagolinzer Alan D. , Riedl Edward J.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: This study examines European stock market reactions to 16 events associated with the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Europe. European IFRS adoption represented a major milestone toward financial reporting convergence yet spurred controversy reaching the highest levels of government. We find an incrementally positive reaction for firms with lower quality pre-adoption information, which is more pronounced for banks, and with higher pre-adoption information asymmetry, consistent with investors expecting net information quality benefits from IFRS adoption. We find an incrementally negative reaction for firms domiciled in code law countries, consistent with investors' concerns over enforcement of IFRS in those countries. Finally, we find a positive reaction to IFRS adoption events for firms with high-quality pre-adoption information, consistent with investors expecting net convergence benefits from IFRS adoption.
Comprehensive Income: Who's Afraid of Performance Reporting?
Authors: Bamber Linda Smith , Jiang John (Xuefeng) , Petroni Kathy R. , Wang Isabel Yanyan
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: Firms can report comprehensive income in either an income-statement-like performance statement or the statement of equity. Traditional theories of contracting incentives cannot explain this reporting location choice that only affects where comprehensive income data appear, because the contractible values of net income, other comprehensive income items, and comprehensive income are exactly the same regardless of the location where the firm reports comprehensive income. Drawing on theory, analysis of comment letters, and results of survey-based and behavioral research, we identify two factors—equity-based incentives and concerns over job security—that help explain why most firms do not follow policymakers' preference to report comprehensive income in a performance statement. Our empirical evidence on a broad cross-section of firms shows that managers with stronger equity-based incentives and less job security are significantly less likely to use performance reporting. Overall, our study suggests that even though the reporting location choice is inconsequential in a traditional rational markets view, managers act as if they believe that comprehensive income reporting location matters.
Inhibition of PTP1B Restores IRS1-Mediated Hepatic Insulin Signaling in IRS2-Deficient Mice
Authors: González-Rodríguez Águeda , Gutierrez Jose A. Mas , Sanz-González Silvia , Ros Manuel , Burks Deborah J. , Valverde Ángela M.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

Mice with complete deletion of insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) develop hyperglycemia, impaired hepatic insulin signaling, and elevated gluconeogenesis, whereas mice deficient for protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)1B display an opposing hepatic phenotype characterized by increased sensitivity to insulin. To define the relationship between these two signaling pathways in the regulation of liver metabolism, we used genetic and pharmacological approaches to study the effects of inhibiting PTP1B on hepatic insulin signaling and expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in IRS2−/− mice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling in liver and isolated hepatocytes from IRS2−/− and IRS2−/−/PTP1B−/− mice. Additionally, hepatic insulin signaling was assessed in control and IRS2−/− mice treated with resveratrol, an antioxidant present in red wine.

RESULTS

In livers of hyperglycemic IRS2−/− mice, the expression levels of PTP1B and its association with the insulin receptor (IR) were increased. The absence of PTP1B in the double-mutant mice restored hepatic IRS1-mediated phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/Akt/Foxo1 signaling. Moreover, resveratrol treatment of hyperglycemic IRS2−/− mice decreased hepatic PTP1B mRNA and inhibited PTP1B activity, thereby restoring IRS1-mediated PI 3-kinase/Akt/Foxo1 signaling and peripheral insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

By regulating the phosphorylation state of IR, PTB1B determines sensitivity to insulin in liver and exerts a unique role in the interplay between IRS1 and IRS2 in the modulation of hepatic insulin action.
Detailed Investigation of the Role of Common and Low-Frequency WFS1 Variants in Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Authors: Fawcett Katherine A. , Wheeler Eleanor , Morris Andrew P. , Ricketts Sally L. , Hallmans Göran , Rolandsson Olov , Daly Allan , Wasson Jon , Permutt Alan , Hattersley Andrew T. , Glaser Benjamin , Franks Paul W. , McCarthy Mark I. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Sandhu Manjinder S. , Barroso Inês
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with risk of type 2 diabetes. In this study we aimed to refine this association and investigate the role of low-frequency WFS1 variants in type 2 diabetes risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

For fine-mapping, we sequenced WFS1 exons, splice junctions, and conserved noncoding sequences in samples from 24 type 2 diabetic case and 68 control subjects, selected tagging SNPs, and genotyped these in 959 U.K. type 2 diabetic case and 1,386 control subjects. The same genomic regions were sequenced in samples from 1,235 type 2 diabetic case and 1,668 control subjects to compare the frequency of rarer variants between case and control subjects.

RESULTS

Of 31 tagging SNPs, the strongest associated was the previously untested 3′ untranslated region rs1046320 (P = 0.008); odds ratio 0.84 and P = 6.59 × 10−7 on further replication in 3,753 case and 4,198 control subjects. High correlation between rs1046320 and the original strongest SNP (rs10010131) (r2 = 0.92) meant that we could not differentiate between their effects in our samples. There was no difference in the cumulative frequency of 82 rare (minor allele frequency [MAF] <0.01) nonsynonymous variants between type 2 diabetic case and control subjects (P = 0.79). Two intermediate frequency (MAF 0.01–0.05) nonsynonymous changes also showed no statistical association with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified six highly correlated SNPs that show strong and comparable associations with risk of type 2 diabetes, but further refinement of these associations will require large sample sizes (>100,000) or studies in ethnically diverse populations. Low frequency variants in WFS1 are unlikely to have a large impact on type 2 diabetes risk in white U.K. populations, highlighting the complexities of undertaking association studies with low-frequency variants identified by resequencing.
Lack of Lipotoxicity Effect on β-Cell Dysfunction in Ketosis-Prone Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Smiley Dawn , Robalino Gonzalo , Peng Limin , Gosmanov Aidar R. , Kitabchi Abbas E.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

Over half of newly diagnosed obese African Americans with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) discontinue insulin therapy and go through a period of near-normoglycemia remission. This subtype of diabetes is known as ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes (KPDM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To investigate the role of lipotoxicity on β-cell function, eight obese African Americans with KPDM, eight obese subjects with type 2 diabetes with severe hyperglycemia without ketosis (ketosis-resistant type 2 diabetes), and nine nondiabetic obese control subjects underwent intravenous infusion of 20% intralipid at 40 ml/h for 48 h. β-Cell function was assessed by changes in insulin and C-peptide concentration during infusions and by changes in acute insulin response to arginine stimulation (AIRarg) before and after lipid infusion.

RESULTS

The mean time to discontinue insulin therapy was 11.0 ± 8.0 weeks in KPDM and 9.6 ± 2.2 weeks in ketosis-resistant type 2 diabetes (P = NS). At remission, KPDM and ketosis-resistant type 2 diabetes had similar glucose (94 ± 14 vs. 109 ± 20 mg/dl), A1C (5.7 ± 0.4 vs. 6.3 ± 1.1%), and baseline AIRarg response (34.8 ± 30 vs. 64 ± 69 μU/ml). P = NS despite a fourfold increase in free fatty acid (FFA) levels (0.4 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 1.1 mmol/l, P < 0.01) during the 48-h intralipid infusion; the response to AIRarg stimulation, as well as changes in insulin and C-peptide levels, were similar among obese patients with KPDM, patients with ketosis-resistant type 2 diabetes, and nondiabetic control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Near-normoglycemia remission in obese African American patients with KPDM and ketosis-resistant type 2 diabetes is associated with a remarkable recovery in basal and stimulated insulin secretion. A high FFA level by intralipid infusion for 48 h was not associated with β-cell decompensation (lipotoxicity) in KPDM patients.
Producing Multimodal Picture Books and Dramatic Performances in a Core French Classroom: An Exploratory Case Study
Authors: Early Margaret , Yeung Cindy
Published: December 2009

In a Grade 9 core French class, the teacher designed a multi-stage project in which students composed original children's stories in French; illustrated their stories to produce picture books; then, in groups, adapted one group member's story into a play script; and, finally, dramatized the scripts for children from the local French immersion school. The teacher's assertion was that by investing in multiple literacy tasks for authentic and interesting purposes, students would increase their French language awareness and proficiency, including their literacy skills. This article is an exploratory study of that claim: it reports on the context of the classroom project; the tasks designed; the data-collection and analysis procedures; and the themes and implications that emerged with respect to written, visual, and dramatic modes, and with respect to student investment in learning.