bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Target Strength Measurements of Juvenile Blueback Herring from the Mohawk River, New York
Authors: Gurshin Christopher W. D.
Published: April 2012

Target strength (TS) was estimated from in situ and ex situ measurements of juvenile blueback herring Alosa aestivalis during their fall downriver migration at the Crescent Hydroelectric Project in the Mohawk River, New York. The blueback herring is an ecologically important anadromous species that must transit fish passage facilities at hydroelectric dams. Measurements of TS are necessary to distinguish juvenile blueback herring from other fishes as well as to scale echo integration results to numerical fish densities during hydroacoustic studies. This study presents the first measurements of TS for juvenile blueback herring. The TS measurements were collected from an echosounder operating at 420 kHz with two split-beam transducers (one down-looking and one side-looking). Single echo detections associated with tracked fish echoes and the echoes at the periphery of schools in the headrace of the powerhouse were used in estimating in situ TS. Mean total length (TL) of 192 individuals captured by cast net was 75 mm. A single dead fish (70 mm TL) was tethered and suspended by monofilament line in both transducer beams, each orientated down; the mean TS of this fish was −52.3 decibels (dB) for the 15° beam and −52.8 dB for the 6° beam. The mean in situ TS was −46.0 dB in the down-looking beam and −48.6 dB in the side-looking beam. The in situ TS estimates were similar to those reported for similar-sized fish from published TS–TL relationships. The mean in situ TS for the down-looking beam was 0.1–0.5 dB higher than the predicted TS for similar-sized alewives A. pseudoharengus measured at 70 kHz in two studies. Results indicate that blueback herring and alewives have similar TSs and emphasize the importance of swim bladder condition and body orientation in influencing TS estimates for scaling acoustically derived fish density estimates.

Received July 17, 2011; accepted December 30, 2011
Sources of individual differences in the speed of naming objects and actions: The contribution of executive control
Authors: Shao Zeshu , Roelofs Ardi , Meyer Antje S.
Published: April 2012

We examined the contribution of executive control to individual differences in response time (RT) for naming objects and actions. Following Miyake et al., executive control was assumed to include updating, shifting, and inhibiting abilities, which were assessed using operation span, task-switching, and stop-signal tasks, respectively. Experiment 1 showed that updating ability was significantly correlated with the mean RT of action naming, but not of object naming. This finding was replicated in Experiment 2 using a larger stimulus set. Inhibiting ability was significantly correlated with the mean RT of both action and object naming, whereas shifting ability was not correlated with the mean naming RTs. Ex-Gaussian analyses of the RT distributions revealed that updating ability was correlated with the distribution tail of both action and object naming, whereas inhibiting ability was correlated with the leading edge of the distribution for action naming and the tail for object naming. Shifting ability provided no independent contribution. These results indicate that the executive control abilities of updating and inhibiting contribute to the speed of naming objects and actions, although there are differences in the way and extent these abilities are involved.
Parallel Processing of Whole Words and Morphemes in Visual Word Recognition
Authors: Beyersmann Elisabeth , Coltheart Max , Castles Anne
Published: April 2012

Models of morphological processing make different predictions about whether morphologically complex written words are initially decomposed and recognized on the basis of their morphemic subunits or whether they can directly be accessed as whole words and at what point semantics begin to influence morphological processing. In this study, we used unprimed and masked primed lexical decision to compare truly suffixed ( darkest) and pseudosuffixed words ( glossary) with within-boundary ( d ra kest/g ol ssary) to across-boundary ( dar ek st/glos as ry) letter transpositions. Significant transposed-letter similarity effects were found independently of the morphological position of the letter transposition, demonstrating that, in English, morphologically complex whole-word representations can be directly accessed at initial word processing stages. In a third masked primed lexical decision experiment, the same materials were used in the context of stem target priming, and it was found that truly suffixed primes facilitate the recognition of their stem-target ( darkest–DARK) to the same extent as pseudosuffixed primes ( glossary–GLOSS), which is consistent with theories of early morpho-orthographic decomposition. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for both whole-word access and morphological decomposition at initial stages of visual word recognition and are discussed in the context of a hybrid account.
Infrared shifts of the water dimer from the fully flexible
ab initio
HBB2 potential
Authors: Leforestier Claude
Published: April 2012

We report calculations of the infrared shifts for the water dimer, as obtained from the recent
ab initio
fully flexible HBB2 potential of Bowman and co-workers. The rovibrational calculations, which formally are 12-dimensional plus overall rotation, were performed within the [6+6]
d
adiabatic separation which decouples the ‘fast’ intramolecular modes from the ‘slow’ intermolecular ones. Apart from this decoupling, each set of modes is treated in a fully variational approach. The intramolecular motion was described in terms of Radau coordinates, using the
f
-embedding formulation of Wei & Carrington, and neglecting the rovibrational Coriolis coupling terms. Within this adiabatic approximation, the intermolecular motion is handled in a similar way as for rigid monomers, except for the rotational constants
B
's, averaged over intramolecular modes that depend now on the intermolecular geometry. Comparison with experimental data shows an excellent overall agreement.
Spectroscopic measurement of the vapour pressure of ice
Authors: Bielska K. , Havey D. K. , Scace G. E. , Lisak D. , Hodges J. T.
Published: April 2012

We present a laser absorption technique to measure the saturation vapour pressure of hexagonal ice. This method is referenced to the triple-point state of water and uses frequency-stabilized cavity ring-down spectroscopy to probe four rotation–vibration transitions of

at wavenumbers near 7180 cm
−1
. Laser measurements are made at the output of a temperature-regulated standard humidity generator, which contains ice. The dynamic range of the technique is extended by measuring the relative intensities of three weak/strong transition pairs at fixed ice temperature and humidity concentration. Our results agree with a widely used thermodynamically derived ice vapour pressure correlation over the temperature range 0
°
C to −70
°
C to within 0.35 per cent.
H
2
O−N
2
collision-induced absorption band intensity in the region of the N
2
fundamental:
ab initio
investigation of its temperature dependence and comparison with laboratory data
Authors: Baranov Yu. I. , Buryak I. A. , Lokshtanov S. E. , Lukyanchenko V. A. , Vigasin A. A.
Published: April 2012

The present paper aims at
ab initio
and laboratory evaluation of the N
2
collision-induced absorption band intensity arising from interactions between N
2
and H
2
O molecules at wavelengths of around 4 μm. Quantum chemical calculations were performed in the space of five intermolecular coordinates and varying N−N bond length using Møller–Plesset perturbation and CCSD(T) methods with extrapolation of the electronic energy to the complete basis set. This made it possible to construct the intermolecular potential energy surface and to define the surface of the N−N dipole derivative with respect to internal coordinate. The intensity of the nitrogen fundamental was then calculated as a function of temperature using classical integration. Experimental spectra were recorded with a BOMEM DA3-002 FTIR spectrometer and 2 m base-length multipass White cell. Measurements were conducted at temperatures of 326, 339, 352 and 363 K. The retrieved water–nitrogen continuum significantly deviates from the MT_CKD model because the relatively strong nitrogen absorption induced by H
2
O was not included in this model. Substantial uncertainties in the measurements of the H
2
O−N
2
continuum meant that quantification of any temperature dependence was not possible. The comparison of the integrated N
2
fundamental band intensity with our theoretical estimates shows reasonably good agreement. Theory indicates that the intensity as a function of temperature has a minimum at approximately 500 K.
Development and recent evaluation of the MT_CKD model of continuum absorption
Authors: Mlawer Eli J. , Payne Vivienne H. , Moncet Jean-Luc , Delamere Jennifer S. , Alvarado Matthew J. , Tobin David C.
Published: April 2012

Water vapour continuum absorption is an important contributor to the Earth's radiative cooling and energy balance. Here, we describe the development and status of the MT_CKD (MlawerTobinCloughKneizysDavies) water vapour continuum absorption model. The perspective adopted in developing the MT_CKD model has been to constrain the model so that it is consistent with quality analyses of spectral atmospheric and laboratory measurements of the foreign and self continuum. For field measurements, only cases for which the characterization of the atmospheric state has been highly scrutinized have been used. Continuum coefficients in spectral regions that have not been subject to compelling analyses are determined by a mathematical formulation of the spectral shape associated with each water vapour monomer line. This formulation, which is based on continuum values in spectral regions in which the coefficients are well constrained by measurements, is applied consistently to all water vapour monomer lines from the microwave to the visible. The results are summed-up (separately for the foreign and self) to obtain continuum coefficients from 0 to 20 000 cm
−1
. For each water vapour line, the MT_CKD line shape formulation consists of two components: exponentially decaying far wings of the line plus a contribution from a water vapour molecule undergoing a weak interaction with a second molecule. In the MT_CKD model, the first component is the primary agent for the continuum between water vapour bands, while the second component is responsible for the majority of the continuum within water vapour bands. The MT_CKD model should be regarded as a semi-empirical model with strong constraints provided by the known physics. Keeping the MT_CKD continuum consistent with current observational studies necessitates periodic updates to the water vapour continuum coefficients. In addition to providing details on the MT_CKD line shape formulation, we describe the most recent update to the model, MT_CKD_2.5, which is based on an analysis of satellite- and ground-based observations from 2385 to 2600 cm
−1
(approx. 4 μm).
A ChineseChan-Based Mind-Body Intervention Improves Sleep on Patients with Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chan Agnes S. , Wong Queenie Y. , Sze Sophia L. , Kwong Patrick P. K. , Han Yvonne M. Y. , Cheung Mei-chun
Published: April 2012

Sleep disturbance is a common problem associated with depression, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more common behavioral intervention for sleep problems. The present study compares the effect of a newly developed ChineseChan-based intervention, namelyDejianmind-body intervention (DMBI), with the CBT on improving sleep problems of patients with depression. Seventy-five participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to receive 10 weekly sessions of CBT or DMBI, or placed on a waitlist. Measurements included ratings by psychiatrists who were blinded to the experimental design, and a standardized questionnaire on sleep quantity and quality was obtained before and after the 10-week intervention. Results indicated that both the CBT and DMBI groups demonstrated significantly reduced sleep onset latency and wake time after sleep onset (effect size range=0.46–1.0,P≤0.05) as compared to nonsignificant changes in the waitlist group (P>0.1). Furthermore, the DMBI group, but not the CBT or waitlist groups, demonstrated significantly reduced psychiatrist ratings on overall sleep problems (effect size=1.0,P=0.00) and improved total sleep time (effect size=0.8,P=0.05) after treatment. The present findings suggest that a ChineseChan-based mind-body intervention has positive effects on improving sleep in individuals with depression.
Molecular Markers of Dental Pulp Tissue during Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Pilot Study
Authors: Abdul Wahab Rohaya Megat , Zainal Ariffin Shahrul Hisham , Yeen Wong Woan , Ahmad Nurul Atikah , Senafi Sahidan
Published: April 2012

Three specific orthodontic tooth movement genes, that is,FCRL1,HSPG2, andLAMB2were detected at upper first premolar (with appliance) dental pulp tissue by using GeneFishing technique as compared to lower first premolar (without appliance). These three differentially expressed genes have the potential as molecular markers during orthodontic tooth movement by looking at molecular changes of pulp tissue.
Role of Hemoglobin and Serum Iron in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Clinical Study
Authors: Karthik Hegde , Nair Preeti , Gharote Harshkant P. , Agarwal Kavita , Ramamurthy Bhat Guruprasad , Kalyanpur Rajaram Divyashree
Published: April 2012

Background. Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic, insidious oral mucosal condition affecting the most parts of the oral cavity with high malignant transformation rate triggered by areca nut chewing, nutritional deficiencies, immunologic processes, and genetic predisposition. OSF causes significant hematological abnormalities resulting in anemia and a decrease in serum iron levels.Aim. The aim of this study was to estimate the hemoglobin and serum iron levels among patients with oral submucous fibrosis and to compare the values with healthy subjects.Materials and Methods. In this hospital-based study 30 diagnosed patients of OSMF and 15 healthy individuals were included, and the values of hemoglobin and serum iron levels were estimated using Sahli’s and Ferrene methods.Results. OSMF patients showed significantly lower levels of hemoglobin and serum iron when compared with the healthy subjects.Conclusion. The findings of the study emphasizes on the assessment of hemoglobin and serum iron for patients with oral submucous fibrosis. Also iron therapy should be instituted concomitantly with the initial diagnosis which helps to cease the further progression of the condition. Further extensive studies are indicated to understand the correlation between OSMF and iron deficiency.
Microbial Transformations of 7-Hydroxyflavanone
Authors: Kostrzewa-Susłow Edyta , Janeczko Tomasz
Published: April 2012

Microbial transformations of racemic 7-hydroxyflavanone using strains of genusAspergillus (A. niger KB, A. niger 13/5, A. ochraceus 456)and the speciesPenicillium chermesinum 113were studied. The products ofO-methylation,O-methylation along with hydroxylation at C-3′ and C-4′, reduction of the carbonyl group, reduction of the carbonyl group along with hydroxylation at C-5, and dehydrogenation of C-2 and C-3 were obtained. Most of the products (with the exception of theO-methylation one) have stronger antioxidant properties than the initial substrate.
Brain Perfusion MRI Findings in Patients with Behcet’s Disease
Authors: Alkan Alpay , Goktan Asli , Karincaoglu Yelda , Kamisli Suat , Dogan Metin , Oztanir Namik , Turan Nergiz , Kocakoc Ercan
Published: April 2012

Objective. To search brain perfusion MRI (pMRI) changes in Behcet’s disease (BD) with or without neurological involvement.Materials and Method. The pMRI were performed in 34 patients with BD and 16 healthy controls. Based on neurologic examination and post-contrast MRI, 12 patients were classified as Neuro-Behcet (group 1, NBD) and 22 patients as BD without neurological involvement (group 2). Mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP), relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were obtained and compared to those of healthy control group (group 3).Results. There was a significant difference in the MTT and rCBF within the pons and parietal cortex in groups 1 and 2. rCBV increased in cerebral pedicle in group 1 compared with groups 2 and 3. In the temporal lobe white matter, prolonged MTT and decreased rCBF were found in groups 1 and 2. In the corpus striatum, internal capsule, and periventricular white matter, rCBF increased in group 1 compared with group 3 and decreased in groups 1 and 2.Conclusion. Brain pMRI is a very sensitive method to detect brain involvement in patients with BD and aids the clinical diagnosis of NBD, especially in patients with negative MRI findings.
Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiparasitic, and Cytotoxic Activities ofLaennecia confusa
Authors: Martínez Ruiz María G. , Richard-Greenblatt Melissa , Juárez Zaida N. , Av-Gay Yossef , Bach Horacio , Hernández Luis R.
Published: April 2012

The current paper investigated the potential benefit of the traditional Mexican medicinal plantLaennecia confusa(Cronquist) G. L. Nesom (Asteraceae). Fractions from the hexane, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts were analyzed for antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic activities. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts and fractions was assessed on bacterial and fungal strains, in addition to the protozoaLeishmania donovani, using a microdilution assay. The propensity of the plant's compounds to produce adverse effects on human health was also evaluated using propidium iodine to identify damage to human macrophages. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts and fractions was investigated by measuring the secretion of interleukin-6. Chemical analyses demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, cyanogenic and cardiotonic glycosides, saponins, sesquiterpene lactones, and triterpenes in the chloroform extract. A number of extracts and fractions show antibacterial activity. Of particular interest is antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureusand its relative methicillin-resistant strain, MRSA. Hexanic and chloroformic fractions also exhibit antifungal activity and two extracts and the fraction CE 2 antiparasitic activity againstLeishmania donovani. All bioactive extracts and fractions assayed were also found to be cytotoxic to macrophages. In addition, the hexane and methane extracts show anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the secretion of interleukine-6.
In VitroAntibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Salicylanilide Benzoates
Authors: Krátký Martin , Vinšová Jarmila , Buchta Vladimír
Published: April 2012

The resistance to antimicrobial agents brings a need of novel antimicrobial agents. We have synthesized and found thein vitroantibacterial activity of salicylanilide esters with benzoic acid (2-(phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl benzoates) in micromolar range. They were evaluatedin vitrofor the activity against eight fungal and eight bacterial species. All derivatives showed a significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations ≥0.98 μmol/L including methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusstrain. The most active compounds were 5-chloro-2-(3,4-dichlorophenylcarbamoyl)phenyl benzoate and 4-chloro-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl benzoate. The antifungal activity is significantly lower.
Electrochemically Pretreated Carbon Microfiber Electrodes as Sensitive HPLC-EC Detectors
Authors: Bartosova Zdenka , Riman Daniel , Jakubec Petr , Halouzka Vladimir , Hrbac Jan , Jirovsky David
Published: April 2012

The paper focuses on the analysis and detection of electroactive compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with electrochemical detection (EC). The fabrication and utilization of electrochemically treated carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMs) as highly sensitive amperometric detectors in HPLC are described. The applied pretreatment procedure is beneficial for analytical characteristics of the sensor as demonstrated by analysis of the model set of phenolic acids. The combination of CFM with separation power of HPLC technique allows for improved detection limits due to unique electrochemical properties of carbon fibers. The CFM proved to be a promising tool for amperometric detection in liquid chromatography.
Shesher and Welala Floodplain Wetlands (Lake Tana, Ethiopia): Are They Important Breeding Habitats forClarias gariepinusand the MigratoryLabeobarbusFish Species?
Authors: Anteneh Wassie , Dejen Eshete , Getahun Abebe
Published: April 2012

This study aims at investigating the spawning migration of the endemicLabeobarbusspecies andC. gariepinusfrom Lake Tana, through Ribb River, to Welala and Shesher wetlands. The study was conducted during peak spawning months (July to October, 2010). Fish were collected through overnight gillnet settings. A total of 1725 specimens of the genusLabeobarbus(13 species) and 506 specimens ofC. gariepinuswere collected. Six species ofLabeobarbusformed prespawning aggregation at Ribb River mouth. However, noLabeobarbusspecies was found to spawn in the two wetlands. More than 90% of the catch in Welala and Shesher wetlands was contributed byC. gariepinus. This implies that these wetlands are ideal spawning and nursery habitats forC. gariepinusbut not for the endemicLabeobarbusspecies. ExceptL. intermedius, all the sixLabeobarbusspecies (aggregated at Ribb River mouth) andC. gariepinus(spawning at Shesher and Welala wetlands) were temporally segregated.
Combined Effect of Subchondral Drilling and Hyaluronic Acid with/without Diacerein in Full-Thickness Articular Cartilage Lesion in Rabbits
Authors: Suwannaloet Wanwisa , Laupattarakasem Wiroon , Sukon Peerapol , Ong-Chai Siriwan , Laupattarakasem Pisamai
Published: April 2012

The osteochondral healing potential of hyaluronic acid (HA) plus diacerein was evaluated in subchondral-drilling- (SCD-) induced fibrocartilage generation in rabbits. A full-thickness chondral defect was created along the patellar groove of both knees and then SCD was subsequently performed only in the left knee. A week later, the rabbits were allocated into 3 groups to receive weekly intra-articular (IA) injection for 5 weeks with normal saline solution (NSS) (group 1) or with HA (group 2 and group 3). Starting at the first IA injection, rabbits were also gavaged daily for 9 weeks with NSS (group 1 and group 2) or with diacerein (group 3). The animals were then sacrificed for evaluation. The newly formed tissue in SCD lesions showed significantly better histological grading scale and had higher content of type II collagen in HA-treated group compared to NSS control. In addition, adding oral diacerein to HA injection enhanced healing potential of HA.
LDL-Apheresis: Technical and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Bambauer Rolf , Bambauer Carolin , Lehmann Boris , Latza Reinhard , Schiel Ralf
Published: April 2012

The prognosis of patients suffering from severe hyperlipidemia, sometimes combined with elevated lipoprotein (a) levels, and coronary heart disease refractory to diet and lipid-lowering drugs is poor. For such patients, regular treatment with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis is the therapeutic option. Today, there are five different LDL-apheresis systems available: cascade filtration or lipid filtration, immunoadsorption, heparin-induced LDL precipitation, dextran sulfate LDL adsorption, and the LDL hemoperfusion. There is a strong correlation between hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Besides the elimination of other risk factors, in severe hyperlipidemia therapeutic strategies should focus on a drastic reduction of serum lipoproteins. Despite maximum conventional therapy with a combination of different kinds of lipid-lowering drugs, sometimes the goal of therapy cannot be reached. Hence, in such patients, treatment with LDL-apheresis is indicated. Technical and clinical aspects of these five different LDL-apheresis methods are shown here. There were no significant differences with respect to or concerning all cholesterols, or triglycerides observed. With respect to elevated lipoprotein (a) levels, however, the immunoadsorption method seems to be most effective. The different published data clearly demonstrate that treatment with LDL-apheresis in patients suffering from severe hyperlipidemia refractory to maximum conservative therapy is effective and safe in long-term application.
Usefulness of Organic Acid Produced byExiguobacterium sp.12/1 on Neutralization of Alkaline Wastewater
Authors: Kulshreshtha Niha Mohan , Kumar Anil , Bisht Gopal , Pasha Santosh , Kumar Rita
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of organic acids produced byExiguobacterium sp.strain 12/1 (DSM 21148) in neutralization of alkaline wastewater emanated from beverage industry. This bacterium is known to be able to grow in medium of pH as high as pH 12.0 and to neutralize alkaline industrial wastewater from pH 12.0 to pH 7.5. The initial investigation on the type of functional groups present in medium, carried out using FT-IR spectroscopy, revealed the presence of peaks corresponding to carbonyl group and hydroxyl group, suggesting the release of carboxylic acid or related metabolic product(s). The identification of specific carboxylic group, carried out using RP-HPLC, revealed the presence of a single peak in the culture supernatant with retention time most similar to formic acid. The concentration of acid produced on different carbon sources was studied as a function of time. Although acid was present in same final concentration, the rate of acid production was highest in case of medium supplemented with sucrose followed by fructose and glucose. The knowledge of metabolic products of the bacterium can be considered as a first step towards realization of its potential for large-scale bioremediation of alkaline wastewater from beverage industry.
Removal of Cd(II) from Aquatic System UsingOscillatoriasp. Biosorbent
Authors: Azizi Seyed Naser , Hosseinzadeh Colagar Abasalt , Hafeziyan Seyede Maryam
Published: April 2012

Biosorption of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions by native and driedOscillatoriasp. Cyanobacterium biomass was investigated in the batch mode. TheOscillatoriasp. was prepared from Molecular and Cell Laboratory of University of Mazandaran and grown in BG-11 medium. A comparison of Cd(II) adsorption properties of dried with nativeOscillatoriasp. biomass was made, the dried one showed a higher biosorption capacity and faster kinetic. The influence of solution pH, contact time, biomass concentration, initial metal ion concentration, and presence of coions using driedOscillatoriasp. biomass as well as pretreatment on the biosorption capacity of the biomass were studied. Various pretreatments ofOscillatoriasp. increased biosorption of Cd(II) at pH 7 in comparison with native biomass. However, heating at 100°C in a water bath showed significant improvement in Cd(II) biosorption capacity. The experimental biosorption data was well fitted to the Freundlich model compared to the Langmuir model, and the amount of Cd(II) removed from solution increased with increasing Cd(II) concentration. In addition, the dried biomass was investigated for Cd(II) removal from the simulated real sample containing about 14 mg/l Cd(II) at pH 7, under the same experimental condition.
Assessment of Tools for Marker-Assisted Selection in a Marine Commercial Species: Significant Association between MSTN-1 Gene Polymorphism and Growth Traits
Authors: Sánchez-Ramos Irma , Cross Ismael , Mácha Jaroslav , Martínez-Rodríguez Gonzalo , Krylov Vladimir , Rebordinos Laureana
Published: April 2012

Growth is a priority trait from the point of view of genetic improvement. Molecular markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been regarded as useful for marker-assisted selection in complex traits as growth. Polymorphisms have been studied in five candidate genes influencing growth in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata): the growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), myostatin (MSTN-1), prolactin (PRL), and somatolactin (SL) genes. Specimens evaluated were from a commercial broodstock comprising 131 breeders (from which 36 males and 44 females contributed to the progeny). In all samples eleven gene fragments, covering more than 13,000 bp, generated by PCR-RFLP, were analyzed; tests were made for significant associations between these markers and growth traits. ANOVA results showed a significant association betweenMSTN-1gene polymorphism and growth traits. Pairwise tests revealed several RFLPs in theMSTN-1gene with significant heterogeneity of genotypes among size groups.PRLandMSTN-1genes presented linkage disequilibrium. TheMSTN-1gene was mapped in the centromeric region of a medium-size acrocentric chromosome pair.
Atomic Mineral Characteristics of Indonesian Osteoporosis by High-Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Noor Zairin , Sumitro Sutiman Bambang , Hidayat Mohammad , Rahim Agus Hadian , Sabarudin Akhmad , Umemura Tomonari
Published: April 2012

Clinical research indicates that negative calcium balance is associated with low bone mass, rapid bone loss, and high fracture rates. However, some studies revealed that not only calcium is involved in bone strengthening as risk factor of fracture osteoporosis. Thus, in this report, the difference of metallic and nonmetallic elements in osteoporosis and normal bones was studied by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). The influence of these elements on bone metabolic processes is also discussed. Inclusion criteria of bone samples consist of postmenopausal woman, trabecular bone fracture, normal and osteoporosis BMD value, and no history of previous disease. The results showed that the concentration of B, Al, S, V, Co, Mo, Te, Ba, La, Ni, As, and Ca/P ratio is higher in osteoporosis than normal. These atomic minerals have negative role to imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation activity. Conversely, concentrations of Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Cr, Pd, Ag, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Pb, and Se are lower in osteoporosis than in normal bones. Among these atoms, known to have important roles in bone structure, we found involvement of atomic mineral and calcium which are considerable to contribute to osteoporotic phenomena.
Dual Inoculation with Mycorrhizal and Saprotrophic Fungi Applicable in Sustainable Cultivation Improves the Yield and Nutritive Value of Onion
Authors: Albrechtova Jana , Latr Ales , Nedorost Ludovit , Pokluda Robert , Posta Katalin , Vosatka Miroslav
Published: April 2012

The aim of this paper was to test the use of dual microbial inoculation with mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi in onion cultivation to enhance yield while maintaining or improving the nutritional quality of onion bulbs. Treatments were two-factorial: (1) arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF): the mix corresponding to fungal part of commercial product Symbivit (Glomus etunicatum, G. microaggregatum, G. intraradices, G. claroideum, G. mosseae, and G. geosporum) (M1) or the single-fungus inoculum ofG. intraradicesBEG140 (M2) and (2) bark chips preinoculated with saprotrophic fungi (mix ofGymnopilussp.,Agrocybe praecox, andMarasmius androsaceus) (S). The growth response of onion was the highest for the M1 mix treatment, reaching nearly 100% increase in bulb fresh weight. The effectiveness of dual inoculation was proved by more than 50% increase. We observed a strong correlation (r=0.83) between the growth response of onion bulbs and AM colonization. All inoculation treatments but the single-fungus one enhanced significantly the total antioxidant capacity of bulb biomass, was the highest values being found for M1,S+M1, andS+M2. We observed some induced enhancement of the contents of mineral elements in bulb tissue (Mg and K contents for the M2 and M2, S, andS+M2treatments, resp.).
Antioxidant Effect of MnTE-2-PyP on Lung in Asthma Mice Model
Authors: Terziev Lyudmil , Dancheva Violeta , Shopova Veneta , Stavreva Galya
Published: April 2012

Aim. To investigate the effects of MnTE-2-PyP on some markers of antioxidant defence system in asthma mice model.Material and Methods. The animals were divided into four groups: group 1, controls; group 2, injected with ovalbumin, group 3, treated with MnTE-2-PyP, and group 4, treated with ovalbumin and MnTE-2-PyP. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and nonprotein sulfhydryl groups content (NPSH) were determined in lung homogenate.Results. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in group 2 decreased significantly as compared to control group. The decrease of the same enzymes in group 4 was lower and significant as compared to group 2. Changes in the glutathione peroxidase activity showed a similar dynamics. The NPSH groups content decreased in group 2. In group 4 this decrease was relatively lower as compared to group 2.Conclusions. The application of MnTE-2-PyP mitigated the effects of oxidative stress in asthma mice model.
Wind Tunnel Measurement of Turbulent and Advective Scalar Fluxes: A Case Study on Intersection Ventilation
Authors: Kukačka Libor , Nosek Štĕpán , Kellnerová Radka , Jurčáková Klára , Jaňour Zbyněk
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study is to determine processes of pollution ventilation in the X-shaped street intersection in an idealized symmetric urban area for the changing approach flow direction. A unique experimental setup for simultaneous wind tunnel measurement of the flow velocity and the tracer gas concentration in a high temporal resolution is assembled. Advective horizontal and vertical scalar fluxes are computed from averaged measured velocity and concentration data within the street intersection. Vertical advective and turbulent scalar fluxes are computed from synchronized velocity and concentration signals measured in the plane above the intersection. All the results are obtained for five approach flow directions. The influence of the approach flow on the advective and turbulent fluxes is determined. The contribution of the advective and turbulent flux to the ventilation is discussed. Wind direction with the best dispersive conditions in the area is found. The quadrant analysis is applied to the synchronized signals of velocity and concentration fluctuation to determine events with the dominant contribution to the momentum flux and turbulent scalar flux.
Morphofunctional Traits and Pollination Mechanisms ofCoronilla emerusL. Flowers (Fabaceae)
Authors: Aronne Giovanna , Giovanetti Manuela , De Micco Veronica
Published: April 2012

It is accepted that the papilionaceous corolla of the Fabaceae evolved under the selective pressure of bee pollinators. Morphology and function of different parts ofCoronilla emerusL. flowers were related to their role in the pollination mechanism. The corolla has a vexillum with red nectar lines, a keel hiding stamens and pistil, and two wing petals fasten to the keel with two notched folds. Pollinators land on the complex of keel and wings, trigger the protrusion of pollen and finally of the stigma from the keel tip. Data on pollen viability and stigma receptivity prove that flowers are proterandrous. The results of hand-pollination experiments confirmed that insects are fundamental to set seed. Interaction with pollinators allows not only the transport of pollen but also the rupture of the stigmatic cuticle, necessary to achieve both allogamy and autogamy. Field observations showed that Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera visited the flowers. Only some of the Hymenoptera landed on the flowers from the front and elicited pollination mechanisms. Most of the insects sucked the nectar from the back without any pollen transfer. Finally, morphological and functional characteristics ofC. emerusflowers are discussed in terms of floral larceny and reduction in pollination efficiency.
Altered Expression of Cellular Bcl-2 in the Progression of Hamster Cholangiocarcinogenesis
Authors: Jeon Byung-suk , Yoon Byung-IL
Published: April 2012

Bcl-2 is an intracytoplasmic and membrane-associated apoptosis suppressor, and its overexpression is closely associated with survival of malignant tumors, in particular their aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. The role of Bcl-2 is, however, still controversial in cholangiocarcinogenesis because of the discrepancies in the expression of the protein. In the present study, alteration in the expression of Bcl-2 in cholangiocarcinogenesis was investigated by studying the immunoreactivities of this protein in normal, hyperplastic bile ducts with or without dysplastic changes, and neoplastic bile duct cells from a hamster cholangiocarcinoma (ChC) model. Cytoplasmic staining, which reflects high-Bcl-2 immunoreactivity, was negative to very weak in normal and hyperplastic bile ducts without dysplastic changes, while hyperplastic bile ducts with dysplasia indicated heterogeneously strong expression. On the other hand, most of the neoplastic cells of invasive cholangiocarcinomas were negative to weak as much as the level of normal bile ducts. The results suggest that the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2 plays a limited role in the survival of highly proliferative, potentially dysplastic bile duct cells. However, the role of Bcl-2 in biliary cancer cells was not significant.
Electrochemical Behavior and Determination of Rutin on Modified Carbon Paste Electrodes
Authors: Macikova Pavla , Halouzka Vladimir , Hrbac Jan , Bartak Petr , Skopalova Jana
Published: April 2012

The performances of ionic liquid (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, IL/CPE) and iron phthalocyanine (IP/CPE) modified carbon paste electrodes in electroanalytical determinations of rutin were evaluated and compared to the performance of unmodified carbon paste electrode (CPE). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV), and amperometry were used for rutin analysis. The best current responses of rutin were obtained at pH 4.0 for all tested techniques. IL/CPE electrode was found to perform best with DPAdSV technique, where a detection limit (LOD) as low as 5 nmol L-1of rutin was found. On the other hand, IP/CPE showed itself to be an optimum choice for DPV technique, where LOD of 80 nmol L-1was obtained. Analytical applicability of newly prepared electrodes was demonstrated on determination of rutin in the model samples and the extracts of buckwheat seeds. To find an optimum method for buckwheat seeds extraction, a boiling water extraction (BWE), Soxhlet extraction (SE), pressurized solvent extraction (PSE), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were tested.
Modelling the Effects of Ageing Time of Starch on the Enzymatic Activity of Three Amylolytic Enzymes
Authors: Guerra Nelson P. , Pastrana Castro Lorenzo
Published: April 2012

The effect of increasing ageing time (t) of starch on the activity of three amylolytic enzymes (Termamyl, San Super, and BAN) was investigated. Although all the enzymatic reactions follow michaelian kinetics,vmaxdecreased significantly (P<0.05) andKMincreased (although not always significantly) with the increase int. The conformational changes produced in the starch chains as a consequence of the ageing seemed to affect negatively the diffusivity of the starch to the active site of the enzymes and the release of the reaction products to the medium. A similar effect was observed when the enzymatic reactions were carried out with unaged starches supplemented with different concentrations of gelatine [G]. The inhibition in the amylolytic activities was best mathematically described by using three modified forms of the Michaelis-Menten model, which included a term to consider, respectively, the linear, exponential, and hyperbolic inhibitory effects oftand [G].
Electrochemical Behavior of Quinoxalin-2-one Derivatives at Mercury Electrodes and Its Analytical Use
Authors: Zimpl Milan , Skopalova Jana , Jirovsky David , Bartak Petr , Navratil Tomas , Sedonikova Jana , Kotoucek Milan
Published: April 2012

Derivatives of quinoxalin-2-one are interesting compounds with potential pharmacological activity. From this point of view, understanding of their electrochemical behavior is of great importance. In the present paper, a mechanism of electrochemical reduction of quinoxalin-2-one derivatives at mercury dropping electrode was proposed. Pyrazine ring was found to be the main electroactive center undergoing a pH-dependent two-electron reduction process. The molecule protonization of nitrogen in the position 4 precedes the electron acceptance forming a semiquinone radical intermediate which is relatively stable in acidic solutions. Its further reduction is manifested by separated current signal. A positive mesomeric effect of the nonprotonized amino group in the position 7 of the derivative III accelerates the semiquinone reduction yielding a single current wave. The suggested reaction mechanism was verified by means of direct current polarography, differential pulse, cyclic and elimination voltammetry, and coulometry with subsequent GC/MS analysis. The understanding of the mechanism was applied in developing of analytical method for the determination of the studied compounds.
Genetic Diversity of Upland Rice Germplasm in Malaysia Based on Quantitative Traits
Authors: Sohrabi M. , Rafii M. Y. , Hanafi M. M. , Siti Nor Akmar A. , Latif M. A.
Published: April 2012

Genetic diversity is prerequisite for any crop improvement program as it helps in the development of superior recombinants. Fifty Malaysian upland rice accessions were evaluated for 12 growth traits, yield and yield components. All of the traits were significant and highly significant among the accessions. The higher magnitudes of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for flag leaf length-to-width ratio, spikelet fertility, and days to flowering. High heritability along with high genetic advance was registered for yield of plant, days to flowering, and flag leaf length-to-width ratio suggesting preponderance of additive gene action in the gene expression of these characters. Plant height showed highly significant positive correlation with most of the traits. According to UPGMA cluster analysis all accessions were clustered into six groups. Twelve morphological traits provided around 77% of total variation among the accessions.
The Comet Assay for the Evaluation of Genotoxic Potential of Landfill Leachate
Authors: Widziewicz Kamila , Kalka Joanna , Skonieczna Magdalena , Madej Paweł
Published: April 2012

Genotoxic assessment of landfill leachate before and after biological treatment was conducted with two human cell lines (Me45 and NHDF) andDaphnia magnasomatic cells. The alkali version of comet assay was used to examine genotoxicity of leachate by DNA strand breaks analysis and its repair dynamics. The leachate samples were collected from Zabrze landfill, situated in the Upper Silesian Industrial District, Poland. Statistically significant differences (Kruskal-Wallice ANOVA rank model) were observed between DNA strand breaks in cells incubated with leachate before and after treatment (P<0.001). Nonparametric Friedman ANOVA confirmed time-reliable and concentration-reliable cells response to leachate concentration. Examinations of chemical properties showed a marked decrease in leachate parameters after treatment which correlate to reduced genotoxicity towards tested cells. Obtained results demonstrate that biological cotreatment of leachate together with municipal wastewater is an efficient method for its genotoxic potential reduction; however, treated leachate still possessed genotoxic character.
Prevalence of Avian PathogenicEscherichia coli(APEC) Clone HarboringsfaGene in Brazil
Authors: Knöbl Terezinha , Micke Moreno Andrea , Paixão Renata , Gomes Tânia Aparecida Tardelli , Vieira Mônica Aparecida Midolli , da Silva Leite Domingos , Blanco Jesus E. , Ferreira Antônio José Piantino
Published: April 2012

Escherichia coli sfa+ strains isolated from poultry were serotyped and characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Isolates collected from 12 Brazilian poultry farms mostly belonged to serogroup O6, followed by serogroups O2, O8, O21, O46, O78, O88, O106, O111, and O143. Virulence genes associated were:iuc90%,fim86%neuS60%,hly34%,tsh28%,crl/csg26%,iss26%,pap18%, and 14%cnf. Strains from the same farm presented more than one genotypic pattern belonging to different profiles in AFLP. AFLP showed a clonal relation betweenEscherichia coli sfa+ serogroup O6. The virulence genes found in these strains reveal some similarity with extraintestinalE. coli(ExPEC), thus alerting for potential zoonotic risk.
Stabilizing Agents for Calibration in the Determination of Mercury Using Solid Sampling Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Zelinková Hana , Červenka Rostislav , Komárek Josef
Published: April 2012

Tetramethylene dithiocarbamate (TMDTC), diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDTC), and thiourea were investigated as stabilizing agents for calibration purposes in the determination of mercury using solid sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-ETAAS). These agents were used for complexation of mercury in calibration solutions and its thermal stabilization in a solid sampling platform. The calibration solutions had the form of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) extracts or MIBK-methanol solutions with the TMDTC and DEDTC chelates and aqueous solutions with thiourea complexes. The best results were obtained for MIBK-methanol solutions in the presence of2.5 g L-1TMDTC. The surface of graphite platforms for solid sampling was modified with palladium or rhenium by using electrodeposition from a drop of solutions. The Re modifier is preferable due to a higher lifetime of platform coating. A new SS-ETAAS procedure using the direct sampling of solid samples into a platform with an Re modified graphite surface and the calibration against MIBK-methanol solutions in the presence of TMDTC is proposed for the determination of mercury content in solid environmental samples, such as soil and plants.
Seroprevalence Survey of American Trypanosomiasis in Central Valley of Toluca
Authors: Quijano-Hernández Israel A. , Castro-Barcena Alejandro , Barbabosa-Pliego Alberto , Ochoa-García Laucel , Del Ángel-Caraza Javier , Vázquez-Chagoyán Juan C.
Published: April 2012

American trypanosomiasis is a growing health issue in the Americas. México is an endemic country, where some locations such as in the State of México are considered highly prevalent. In the valley of Toluca city, the capital of the State of Mexico, there exists an apparent high prevalence in dogs. The absence of triatomine vectors suggests that dogs may not be infected. Therefore, we conducted a directed survey to domiciliated and nondomiciliated dogs to reassess dogs’T. cruziseroprevalence status. HAI and ELISA serologic tests were applied to 124 and 167 serums of domiciliated and nondomiciliated dogs in the target city. Risk factors were estimated, but the results did not show any evidence to assess them. No domiciliated dogs tested positive to both tests, whereas only one non-domiciliated dog resulted positive. This animal may have acquired the infection in an endemic area and then migrated to Toluca. Research results indicate thatT. cruziinfection is not actively transmitted among dogs, and it is pointed out that dogs are the main sentinel animal population to evaluate a possible expansion of the territory affected by Chagas’ disease.