bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Enhanced Method of Tracking Divot Recovery in Turfgrass
Authors: Williams Bradley T. , Kruse Jason K. , Unruh J. Bryan , Sartain Jerry B.
Published: August 2011

Divot recovery research has shown to have a great deal of resulting variability making it difficult to draw any solid conclusions about responses to differences among species, cultivars, or cultural practices. Standard divot analysis of the white divot (SDA) uses photos of a divot over time and digital image analysis (DIA) software to calculate percent recovery based on the number of green pixels in the photo. This method, however, neglects to take into account any nongreen pixels outside of the divoted area that result from external factors. A new method of analysis was developed using pink colored sand to fill divots and altering the macro to determine the percentage of pink pixels in the photo. Two divots were created per plot in bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. One divot was backfilled with United States Golf Association spec white topdressing sand and analyzed using the SDA method. The other divot was backfilled with pink colored sand and analyzed using both the standard divot analysis of the pink divot (SDAP) method as well as the pink sand analysis (PSA) method. Each divot was also visually analyzed for percent recovery. Results indicated that the PSA method increased precision when compared with standard methods. At the time when divots were visually determined to be fully recovered, SDA and SDAP reported 60 to 70% recovery, whereas PSA reported recovery above 99%. Pink sand analysis reduced variability, as validated by a reduction in standard errors and increased R2 values, and increased the speed of analysis.
Combining Ability Analysis of Resistance in White Clover to Southern Root‐Knot Nematode
Authors: Acharya Ananta R. , Wofford David S. , Kenworthy Kevin , Quesenberry Kenneth H.
Published: August 2011

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is an important forage crop worldwide and also in the southeastern United States. Root‐knot nematodes (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) can be a major factor limiting white clover production and persistence. This study was conducted to determine the genetic basis of resistance to M. incognita race 4 in white clover. Eight parents composed of three resistant, two intermediate, and three susceptible clones were crossed in a partial diallel design, and progeny of those 28 crosses were evaluated for egg mass score, gall score, eggs per gram of dry root weight, eggs per plant, shoot weight, and root weight. Progeny were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications each consisting of 14 individual plants. Two weeks after germination, plants were inoculated with approximately 500 M. incognita race 4 eggs. To serve as a noninoculated control, cross progeny were arranged in another randomized complete block design with three replications each consisting of seven plants. The analysis of egg mass score, gall score, eggs per gram dry root weight, and eggs per plant showed that both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were significant in the expression of those variables. The GCA effects were related with previously classified resistance reaction to the southern RKN.
Genetic Gain in Yield and Agronomic Characteristics of Cowpea Cultivars Developed in the Sudan Savannas of Nigeria over the Past Three Decades
Authors: Kamara A. Y. , Tefera H. , Ewansiha S. U. , Ajeigbe H. A. , Okechukwu R. , Boukar O. , Omoigui L. O.
Published: August 2011

A field study was conducted to determine the rate of genetic improvement in grain and fodder yields and associated agronomic and physiological changes of determinate and semideterminate cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes developed in the Nigerian Sudan savannas in 1974 to 2004. Results showed that grain yield of determinate cowpea ranged from 796 kg ha−1 for cultivars released in the 1970s to 1485 kg ha−1 for cultivars released in the 2000s with a corresponding genetic gain of 2.93% per year. Mean grain yield of semideterminate cowpea ranged from 638 to 1547 kg ha−1 with relative annual gain of 4.4%, suggesting that more progress was made in breeding semideterminate cowpea cultivars for high grain yield. Fodder yield of determinate cowpea ranged from 1493 kg ha−1 for cultivars released in the 1970s to 2332 kg ha−1 for those released in 2000s, an average 1.74% genetic gain per year. For semideterminate cowpea, fodder yield increased from 1698 kg ha−1 for older cultivars to 2612 kg ha−1 for modern cultivars with relative annual gain of 2.15%. The general gain in fodder yield for both cowpea types indicated that selection for dual‐purpose cowpea cultivars with increased fodder as well as grain yields has been successful. This study also revealed that genetic gains were made in the improvement of yield related traits such as pods per plant, 100‐seed weight, total dry matter, and harvest index (HI) for both plant types. A remarkable progress has been made in increasing the total dry matter over the three decades period. This trait was significantly associated with grain yield (r = 0.60 for determinate cowpea and r = 0.53 for semideterminate cowpea). Other traits that were significantly correlated with grain yield were fodder yield, number of pods per plant, and HI for determinate cowpea and fodder yield, HI, and 100‐seed weight for semideterminate cowpea. The strong relationship between grain and fodder yields showed the success made in selecting for dual‐purpose cowpea cultivars.
Hybridization of Indian Landraces and African Elite Composites of Pearl Millet Results in Biomass and Stover Yield Improvement under Arid Zone Conditions
Authors: Yadav O. P. , Rai K. N.
Published: August 2011

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is an important cereal crop of arid and drier semiarid regions of south Asia and Africa valued for both grain and stover. Drought is the most common production constraint in these regions. Drought‐resilient landraces are widely grown but their cultivation results in a yield penalty under favorable conditions. Both high productivity and adaptation to drought stress are essential for cultivars targeted for arid regions. This study was conducted to assess whether crosses between Indian pearl millet landraces and African elite composites offer any advantage over landraces. Twenty‐five crosses produced by hybridizing five Indian landraces with five African elite composites were evaluated for three seasons (2006–2008) at Jodhpur, India. Improvement in crosses was quantified by measuring midparent heterosis and differences between crosses and their parental populations. On an average, crosses had significantly higher biomass and stover yield than both landraces and composites but had grain yield similar to the parental populations. There was differential magnitude and direction of midparent heterosis for various traits: heterosis was positive for biomass (10%) and stover yield (12%) but negative for harvest index (–7%). Although there was little overall heterosis for grain yield, a few individual crosses had significant grain yield heterosis up to +33%. More than one‐third of the crosses had greater grain and stover yields than their landrace parent, resulting in a mean advantage of 18% in their total crop value over landraces. These results indicate that hybridization of Indian landraces with elite composites based on African germplasm is an attractive and useful strategy to enhance biomass, stover, and grain productivity under drought‐prone conditions.
Identification and Evaluation of Chickpea Germplasm for Tolerance to Heat Stress
Authors: Upadhyaya Hari D. , Dronavalli N. , Gowda C. L. L. , Singh Sube
Published: August 2011

Global warming and extreme temperatures are predicted in the future, hence identification of appropriate varieties that could adapt to such changes is imperative for sustaining crop productivity. Thirty‐five early maturing chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germplasm accessions were evaluated for their tolerance to heat stress. Plant traits such as plant width, flowering duration, days to maturity, pod number, seed weight, grain yield and per‐day productivity were affected under heat stress. Genotypes differed in their sensitivity to heat stress, and the yield loss among genotypes varied from 10 to 15% of potential yield for every degree increase in temperature beyond the optimum temperature range. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the plant trait expression can be predicted accurately for the assumed change in climate on the basis of mean temperature, daylength, duration of bright sunshine, incident solar radiation, relative humidity, wind velocity, and potential evaporation. Mitigation of heat stress by irrigation and application of additional nitrogen to the crop resulted in sustaining the potential yield (up to 80%). ICC 14346 showed high tolerance to heat stress and could be used as a parent in crop improvement research. ICC 5597, ICC 5829, ICC 6121, ICC 7410, ICC 11916, ICC 13124, ICC 14284, ICC 14368, and ICC 14653 were heat stress tolerant, responsive to irrigation and nitrogen management, and consistently high yielding (>1400 kg ha−1) compared with the control ICCV 92944 (1333 kg ha−1).
Circadian Patterns of the Major Nitrogen Metabolism–Related Enzymes and Metabolites in Creeping Bentgrass and the Influence of Cytokinin and Nitrate
Authors: Wang Kehua , Okumoto Sakiko , Zhang Xunzhong , Ervin Erik
Published: August 2011

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) is a major low‐cut turfgrass species worldwide. Information is limited on the diurnal variation in its N metabolism, particularly the impacts of cytokinin (CK) and nitrate (NO3−). To gain insight into the diurnal fluctuation of N metabolism and the effects of CK and nitrate, the transcript abundance of the major N metabolism enzymes in shoots, including nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase, chloroplastic glutamine synthetase (GS2), ferredoxin‐dependent glutamate synthase (Fd‐GOGAT), and glutamate dehydrogenase, were studied during the day/night cycle (14/10 h). All measured parameters exhibited clear diurnal changes with some differences among treatments (control, CK at 50 μM, and nitrate at 7.5 kg N ha−1), except GS2 expression and total protein. Both NR expression and nitrate content showed a peak at 0430 h (8.5 h in dark). Nitrate nutrition increased diurnal change of nitrate content, showing an over two‐fold diurnal difference compared to 63 and 81% differences for the control and CK treatment, respectively. Simultaneously, CK shifted the diurnal in vivo NR activity pattern. In addition, creeping bentgrass appears to be able to maintain N assimilation at night comparable to that during the day, demonstrated by either similar or even higher levels of measured parameters between certain phases of light and dark periods. This study provides further information for understanding how CK and nitrate regulate N metabolism in creeping bentgrass.
A Growing Degree Day Model to Schedule Trinexapac‐ethyl Applications on Agrostis stolonifera Golf Putting Greens
Authors: Kreuser William C. , Soldat Douglas J.
Published: August 2011

Trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) is a widely used growth regulator in the turfgrass industry. Poor summer efficacy has been related to more rapid metabolism in the plant. The purpose of this study was to determine if a growing degree day (GDD) model could be used to identify the optimum TE reapplication interval for putting greens. This objective was accomplished through model development and validation. Model development was conducted on a creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) golf putting green in Madison, WI, during 2008. The treatments consisted of five TE reapplication intervals (100, 200, 400, 800 GDD, and 4 wk) and a control. Growing degree days were calculated in degrees C with a base temperature of 0°C. Trinexapac‐ethyl was applied at the rate of 0.05 kg a.i. ha−1. Clippings were collected daily. The 100‐ and 200‐GDD reapplication intervals provided consistent 20 and 12% yield suppression, respectively. Other reapplication intervals had alternating periods of yield reduction followed by yield enhancement. Model validation occurred on a different creeping bentgrass green in 2009 and 2010. The experiment was a 3 × 2 factorial CRD with three TE rates (0.00, 0.05, and 0.10 kg a.i. ha−1) and two reapplication frequencies (200 GDD and 4 wk). The 200‐GDD interval consistently suppressed clipping yield. Application rate had no effect on the duration of suppression. Reapplying TE every 200 GDD provides more consistent growth regulation than a calendar‐based application schedule.
Freezing Tolerance of Winter Canola Cultivars is Best Revealed by a Prolonged Freeze Test
Authors: Waalen Wendy M. , Tanino Karen K. , Olsen Jorunn E. , Eltun Ragnar , Rognli Odd Arne , Gusta Lawrence V.
Published: August 2011

Small but important differences in winter survival are known to exist between winter canola cultivars. The objective of this study was to compare a short‐term (lethal temperature for 50% plant kill [LT50]) and a prolonged (lethal duration time for 50% plant kill [LD50]) freeze test to identify differences in freezing tolerance of winter canola (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera Metzg. and Brassica rapa L. var. oleifera Sink.) species and cultivars. Viability following each freeze test was determined by electrolyte leakage, plant survival, biomass of shoot regrowth, and root regeneration. Plant survival from the LT50 (cooling rate 3°C h−1) and LD50 (−8°C isothermal for up to 24 d) tests were poorly correlated, and only the LD50 test was able to identify cultivar differences in freezing tolerance. Electrolyte leakage did not correlate with actual survival measurements in both freeze tests. Shoot regrowth was a more sensitive viability test than plant survival. Brassica rapa plants subjected to the LT50 test showed greater shoot regrowth than B. napus plants, yet no cultivar differences were found within each species. In the LD50 freeze test, no difference in shoot regrowth was detected between the species; however, cultivar differences were found within both species. Tolerance to prolonged freezing is critical for winter survival, and the LD50 freeze test may allow more accurate screening for species and cultivars with improved freezing tolerance than the LT50 freeze test.
Does Shape Constancy Relate to Drawing Ability? Two Failures to Replicate
Authors: McManus I. C. , Loo Phik-Wern , Chamberlain Rebecca , Riley Howard , Brunswick Nicola
Published: August 2011

People vary in their ability to make accurate representational drawings. Cohen and Jones (2008) have suggested that individuals who draw poorly have problems in the perception of objects, so that the extent of shape constancy (phenomenal regression) correlates with drawing ability, there being a “robust negative relation between perceptual errors resulting from shape constancy and drawing accuracy.” The present article describes two attempts to replicate that finding, with 30 non-art students in Study 1 and with 106 art students in Study 2. Study 1 found a correlation that was statistically significant, but in the opposite direction to that reported by Cohen and Jones, and in Study 2 the correlation was very close to zero. Combining these results with those of Cohen and Jones using a random-effects meta-analysis finds a non-significant correlation overall. Taken together, these findings throw doubt on the Cohen and Jones' hypothesis that those with less phenomenal regression have better representational drawing ability.
Scaling Professional Critics: Men and Women Rate Films
Authors: Wanderer Jules J.
Published: August 2011

Film critic research typically attends to the impact of critics' ratings and reviews on box office receipts. With few exceptions, critics are treated as a homogeneous group. Taking a different approach, this article explores similarities and differences among critics. First, in a test of potential differential influences of the objectification of women harbored in the “Male Gaze,” no significant difference between male and female critics' median ratings was found. Second, differences and similarities among critics did appear in their rankings along a “kindness” dimension. Specifically, produced by a Correspondence Analysis which used the complete rating “profiles” of 25 professional film critics who contributed 6389 ratings to Film Comment, it was possible to rank critics from most to least kind. Third, differences in kindness ratings between two subsets (male and female critics) set the stage for another examination of the continuing influence of the Male Gaze: while males were distributed across the entire kindness scale, female critics clustered around the central (or average) kindness profile. The observed similarities and differences among critics are discussed in terms of the divergent influences of professional canons and ideological issues, such as the Male Gaze.
Manipulating Mindfulness Benefits Creative Elaboration at High Levels of Neuroticism
Authors: Zabelina Darya L. , Robinson Michael D. , Ostafin Brian D. , Council James R.
Published: August 2011

Trait and state influences on creative performance have primarily focused on the trait of openness to experience and on states hypothesized to facilitate intrinsic task motivation. The present investigation ( N = 81) sought to broaden our understanding of such influences. Neuroticism was hypothesized to predict lesser creative elaboration, whereas trait-level variations in mindfulness were hypothesized to predict greater creative elaboration. Both hypotheses were supported. In addition, the state of mindfulness was manipulated and hypothesized to result in higher levels of creative elaboration, particularly among neurotic individuals. An interaction of this type was found. Results are discussed in terms of a broadened perspective of creative performance, the distinction between creative elaboration and originality, and a model of the prefrontal cortex contrasting self-conscious versus task-oriented processing modes. Implications for understanding neuroticism are also discussed.
Measurement of Flavor Absorption from Soft Drinks into PET Bottle by Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography
Authors: Farhoodi Mehdi , Salami Maryam , Emam-Djomeh Zahra , Mousavi SM Mohammad , Rezaei Karamatollah
Published: August 2011

Absorption of flavors into packaging is of great importance in the food industry because of the final quality needs of the product. In the present study one-sided exposure of D-limone, ?-Pinene and myrcene from three types of carbonated drinks into PET bottles was studied at different test temperatures (4, 25 and 40°C). Headspace solid-phase microexraction was used as a technique for extracting the absorbed flavors from PET and the analysis performed by gas chromatography coupled with FID detector. The results showed that the absorption level of flavors is dependent on the structure and initial concentration of the flavors, media type and storage temperature. The flavors stored at 4°C showed higher consistency in the media, but the absorption rate of flavors enhanced with increasing temperature.
Application of High-Voltage Electrostatic Equipment to Ethylene Removal
Authors: Weiqing Li , Jie Wang , Jianfeng Sun , Weishuo Li
Published: August 2011

Ethylene is hazardous to the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. To extend shelf life, the accumulation of ethylene should be prevented. High-voltage electrostatic fields have been found to contribute to the removal of ethylene. To develop high-voltage electrostatic equipment for a storage room, the effects of electrode shape, initial ethylene concentration (IEC), and electrode voltage (EV) on high-voltage electrostatic equipment performance were studied. The ethylene removal rate of the needleneedle electrode was significantly higher than that of the needleplate electrode. When the EV was -17 KV and the IEC was 200 ppm, ethylene in the gases of the exit-tube could not be detected after 35 s. A mathematical model for the removal efficiency, IEC, and EV was established. The results can contribute to the development of an ethylene cleaner for storage rooms for fresh fruits and vegetables in commercial establishments.
Two new Isospora species from the saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola in Brazil
Authors: Coelho Cleide , Berto Bruno , Neves Daniel , Oliveira Vinícius , Flausino Walter , Lopes Carlos
Published: August 2011

Two new coccidian species (Protozoa, Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) are reported from the saffron finch Sicalis flaveola Linnaeus, 1766, a very common species in South America. Isospora cetasiensis sp. nov. oocysts are subspherical to ellipsoidal, 23.1 × 21.6 μm, with smooth, bilayered wall, ∼1.0 μm. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 15.1 × 10.9 μm. Stieda body is knob-like and substieda body is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is composed of many scattered granules and spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with one refractile body and a nucleus. Isospora sicalisi sp. nov. oocysts are subspherical to ellipsoidal, 27.5 × 25.2 μm, with a smooth, bilayered wall, ∼1.1 μm. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 17.2 × 11.7 μm. Stieda body is knob-like and substieda body is trapezoidal. Sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered granules and spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with one refractile body and a nucleus.
Pathological and immunological findings in placentas from pregnant BALB/c mice infected with Neospora caninum at early and late stages of gestation
Authors: López-Pérez Inmaculada , Collantes-Fernández Esther , Rojo-Montejo Silvia , Navarro-Lozano Vanesa , Risco-Castillo Verónica , Pérez-Pérez Valentín , Pereira-Bueno Juana , Ortega-Mora Luis
Published: August 2011

Neospora caninum is transmitted from a cow to its foetus by vertical transmission and the timing of infection in gestation is an important factor in determining the disease outcome. Few studies have explored the role of the placenta in the outcome of N. caninum infection during pregnancy. Here, we described the N. caninum presence, parasite load, local immune response, and histopathological lesions at the materno-foetal interface after infection of BALB/c mice at early and late stages of gestation. In mice infected at early gestation, N. caninum DNA was detected in foetoplacentary units 7 days post-infection (PI) and in the placenta, but not in viable foetuses on day 14 PI, indicating that the parasite was multiplying primarily in the placental tissues without reaching the foetus. Moreover, parasite DNA was detected in resorptions, suggesting that foetal death could be a consequence of infection. An increase in IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 expression was observed in N. caninum PCR-positive placentas, which could favour N. caninum foetal transmission and be harmful to both the placenta and the foetus. Histopathological analysis revealed necrosis affecting both the maternal and foetal sides of the placenta. At late gestation, transmission occurred rapidly following infection (day 3 PI), but parasite were rarely found. In addition, an increase in cytokine expression was observed in spleen and placental tissues from infected animals, while a downregulation in IL-4 expression was only observed in the spleen. Finally, necrosis in the placenta was limited to the maternal side, suggesting that the parasite is mainly multiplying in the placental tissue at this stage. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that the placenta may be actively involved in N. caninum pathogenesis.
Amendment of Pseudoleptobothrium Young, 1967 (Monogenea, Microbothriidae) with the description of Pseudoleptobothrium christisoni sp. nov. from the dermal denticles of Rhinobatos annulatus (Rhinobatidae) off the southern tip of Africa
Authors: Vaughan David , Chisholm Leslie
Published: August 2011

Pseudoleptobothrium christisoni sp. nov. is described from the dermal denticles of the dorsal skin surface of a single female Rhinobatos annulatus collected off Cape Agulhas, South Africa and destined for public exhibition at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. This new species differs from the only other species in the genus, P. aptychotremae Young, 1967, primarily by the morphology of the male copulatory tract. The distal portion of the male copulatory tract is wide and bears muscular papillae internally and externally. In addition, the area of ventral tegument near the vaginal pore has several parallel ridges which appear to serve as the initial attachment site for a bipartite spermatophore. The formation of the spermatophore in P. christisoni is discussed. The generic diagnosis of Pseudoleptobothrium is revised to accommodate P. christisoni and a partial redescription of P. aptychotremae is provided to include characters originally not described or described incorrectly.
Hypocreadium caputvadum sp. nov. (Digenea, Lepocreadiidae), an intestinal parasite of the grey triggerfish, Balistes capriscus (Teleostei, Balistidae) from the Gulf of Gabès, Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Kacem Hichem , Derbel Hela , Neifar Lassâd
Published: August 2011

Hypocreadium caputvadum sp. nov. (Digenea, Lepocreadiidae) is described from the intestine of Balistes capriscus Gmelin collected from the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia) in the southern Mediterranean Sea. This new species can be distinguished by a combination of characteristics shared by no other described species of Hypocreadium Ozaki, 1936. These characteristics include the presence of a distinct anterior notch, the follicular vitellarium confluent in the forebody, the presence of a muscular sphincter at the level of the anterior third of the metraterm and the size and the position of the cirrus-sac.
New host and geographical records and morphological details for Echinuria skrjabiniensis (Nematoda, Acuariidae) from shorebirds in Argentina
Authors: Diaz Julia , Panisse Guillermo , Escudero Graciela , Kinsella John
Published: August 2011

The acuarioid nematode Echinuria skrjabiniensis Efimov in Skryabin, Sobolev et Ivashkin, 1965 was found in Calidris bairdii and C. fuscicollis (Aves, Scolopacidae) examined from several locations from Patagonia, Argentina. These constitute new host records as well as the first record of this parasite species in South America. Using both light and scanning electron microscopies, new morphological details are provided, including the description of the left spicule and the number and the arrangement of male caudal papillae. The taxonomic history of the species is summarized, corroborating its correct spelling and valid name.
Cadmium and lead concentrations in Moniliformis moniliformis (Acanthocephala) and Rodentolepis microstoma (Cestoda), and in their definitive hosts, Rattus rattus and Mus domesticus in El Hierro (Canary Archipelago, Spain)
Authors: Torres Jordi , Eira Catarina , Miquel Jordi , Foronda Pilar , Feliu Carlos
Published: August 2011

Information on parasites of vertebrates living in terrestrial ecosystems as monitoring tools for heavy metal environmental pollution is scarce. The present study evaluates the potential suitability of the models Rattus rattus/Moniliformis moniliformis and Mus domesticus/Rodentolepis microstoma as promising bioindicator systems for cadmium and lead pollutions under natural conditions. The highest level of cadmium was found in one specimen of M. moniliformis (335.2 ng g−1 wet weight) and the average concentration of Cd in the acanthocephalan was significantly higher than values found in R. rattus liver and kidney tissues. The maximum concentration of lead occurred in one specimen of R. microstoma (567.4 ng g−1 wet weight) and the average concentration of Pb in the cestode was significantly higher than values found in M. domesticus liver, kidney and muscle tissues. The present results allow proposing both models as promising biomonitoring systems to evaluate environmental cadmium pollution (mainly R. rattus/M. moniliformis) and lead contamination (especially M. domesticus/R. microstoma) in terrestrial nonurban habitats.
Nuclear progesterone receptor isoforms and their functions in the female reproductive tract
Authors: Rękawiecki R. , Kowalik M. , Kotwica J.
Published: August 2011

Nuclear progesterone receptor isoforms and their functions in the female reproductive tract

Progesterone (P4), which is produced by the corpus luteum (CL), creates proper conditions for the embryo implantation, its development, and ensures proper conditions for the duration of pregnancy. Besides the non-genomic activity of P4 on target cells, its main physiological effect is caused through genomic action by the progesterone nuclear receptor (PGR). This nuclear progesterone receptor occurs in two specific isoforms, PGRA and PGRB. PGRA isoform acts as an inhibitor of transcriptional action of PGRB. The inactive receptor is connected with chaperone proteins and attachment of P4 causes disconnection of chaperones and unveiling of DNA binding domain (DBD). After receptor dimerization in the cells' nucleus and interaction with hormone response element (HRE), the receptor coactivators are connected and transcription is initiated. The ratio of these isoforms changes during the estrous cycle and reflects the different levels of P4 effect on the reproductive system. Both isoforms, PGRA and PGRB, also show a different response to the P4 receptor antagonist activity. Connection of the antagonist to PGRA can block PGRB, but acting through the PGRB isoform, P4 receptor antagonist may undergo conversion to a strongly receptor agonist. A third isoform, PGRC, has also been revealed. This isoform is the shortest and does not have transcriptional activity. Alternative splicing and insertion of additional exons may lead to the formation of different PGR isoforms. This paper summarizes the available data on the progesterone receptor isoforms and its regulatory action within the female reproductive system.
The influence of botulinum toxin type A (BTX) on the immunohistochemical characteristics of noradrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibers supplying the porcine urinary bladder wall
Authors: Lepiarczyk E. , Bossowska A. , Kaleczyc J. , Majewski M.
Published: August 2011

The influence of botulinum toxin type A (BTX) on the immunohistochemical characteristics of noradrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibers supplying the porcine urinary bladder wall

Botulinum toxin (BTX) belongs to a family of neurotoxins which strongly influence the function of autonomic neurons supplying the urinary bladder. Accordingly, BTX has been used as an effective drug in experimental therapies of a range of neurogenic bladder disorders. However, there is no detailed information dealing with the influence of BTX on the morphological and chemical properties of nerve fibres supplying the urinary bladder wall. Therefore, the present study investigated, using double-labeling immunohistochemistry, the distribution, relative frequency and chemical coding of cholinergic and noradrenergic nerve fibers supplying the wall of the urinary bladder in normal female pigs (n=6) and in the pigs (n=6) after intravesical BTX injections. In the pigs injected with BTX, the number of adrenergic (DβH-positive) nerve fibers distributed in the bladder wall (urothelium, submucosa and muscle coat) was distinctly higher while the number of cholinergic (VAChT-positive) nerve terminals was lower than that found in the control animals. Moreover, the injections of BTX resulted in some changes dealing with the chemical coding of the adrenergic nerve fibers. In contrast to the normal pigs, in BTX injected animals the number of DβH/NPY- or DβH/CGRP-positive axons was higher in the muscle coat, and some fibres distributed in the urothelium and submucosa expressed immunoreactivity to CGRP. The results obtained suggest that the therapeutic effects of BTX on the urinary bladder might be dependent on changes in the distribution and chemical coding of nerve fibers supplying this organ.
Antibiotic resistance of canine Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) - practical implications
Authors: Chrobak D. , Kizerwetter-Świda M. , Rzewuska M. , Binek M.
Published: August 2011

Antibiotic resistance of canineStaphylococcus intermediusgroup (SIG) - practical implications

A total of 221 SIG strains were isolated from clinical samples of canine origin submitted to the Diagnostic Laboratory of the Division of Bacteriology and Molecular Biology at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Warsaw during the period 2006-2010. The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of prevalence of methicillin-resistant SIG strains and to determine the MIC values of cephalotin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, mupirocin for a collection of randomly selected 79 strains belonging toStaphylococcus intermediusgroup (SIG), including 23mecA-positive and 56mecA-negative strains. All isolates were identified as belonging to SIG based on their phenotypic properties and PCR amplification ofS. intermedius-specific fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. ThemecAgene was detected in 26 (12%) of 221 SIG strains. All testedmecA-negative SIG strains were susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cephalotin. One of the 56mecA-negative SIG strains was resistant to ciprofloxacin, six (11%) to gentamicin. It was found that sixteen (29%) of 56mecA-negative SIG strains were resistant to clindamycin. Most of themecA-positive SIG strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin (96%), clindamycin (96%), and gentamicin (96%). Only one MRSIG strain was resistant to chloramphenicol. All examinedmecA-positive SIG strains were found to be susceptible to mupirocin. Our results imply that staphylococcal multidrug resistance has become more prevalent, which could lead to difficulties in effective treatment. With some resistant strains the only therapeutic possibility are antimicrobial agents important in human medicine. New regulations for veterinary medicine concerning appropriate therapy of infections caused by multidrug-resistat staphylococci are needed.
Molecular typing of Staphylococcus aureus based on PCR-RFLP of coa gene and RAPD analysis
Authors: Karakulska J. , Pobucewicz A. , Nawrotek P. , Muszyńska M. , Furowicz A. , Czernomysy-Furowicz D.
Published: August 2011

Molecular typing ofStaphylococcus aureusbased on PCR-RFLP ofcoagene and RAPD analysis

The aim of this study was molecular identification ofS. aureusstrains isolated from mastitic milk samples and establishing the genetic relationship between strains isolated from cows belonging to the same herd. In all 43 isolated strains thegapgene (930 bp) was amplified, which enabled their affiliation to theStaphylococcusgenus to be established. PCR-RFLP withAluI endonuclease of thegapgene as well asnuc(450 bp) andcoa(1130 bp) gene amplification allowed preciseS. aureusspecies identification. One hundred percent of the genetic relationship between strains was establishedviaRAPD-PCR and coa-typing.
Associative Networks: A New Approach to Market Segmentation
Authors: Brandt Caroline , De Mortanges Charles Pahud , Bluemelhuber Christian , Van Riel Allard C.R.
Published: August 2011

This paper aims to expand the domain of brand image perception measurement by providing a method for eliciting brand associative networks and comparing it with traditional brand image measurement methods. This paper then argues that these networks may differ from one individual to another, depending on the cultural background and/or the experience with the brand. Accordingly, the authors introduce a methodology of clustering consumers with similar perceptions into distinct segments, which can be targeted differently. Using picture analysis and metaphor-based elicitation techniques, Lipton's Ice Tea brand associations are extracted and utilised as an input for the creation of 160 individual associative networks. These networks are first aggregated to measure the brand reputation and subsequently clustered into six segments. This paper provides clear arguments for using associative networks as the preferred method to capture the complete brand image. The paper discusses implications of perceptual segmentation for image management, brand positioning, perceptual competition analysis and brand communication.
Latent Class Analysis for Marketing Scale Development
Authors: Bassi Francesca
Published: August 2011

Measurement scales are a crucial instrument in marketing research for measuring unobservable variables such as attitudes, opinions and beliefs. In using, evaluating or developing multi-item scales, a number of guidelines and procedures are recommended, to ensure that the measure applied is psychometrically robust. These procedures have been outlined in the psychometric literature since the late 1970s and are composed of steps that refer to construct and domain definition, scale validity, reliability, dimensionality and generalisability. Various statistical instruments are used in the scale-developing process, almost always referring to metric variables (interval or ratio scales). Instead, items forming scales are rarely measured metrically; items are frequently ordinal and, in some rare cases, nominal. In this paper, it is shown how the implementation of latent class analysis may improve the process of measurement scale development, since it explicitly considers that items generate ordinal or even nominal variables. Specifically, applying appropriate latent class models allows us to assess scale validity and reliability more soundly than traditionally used methods.
Developing a Trichotomy Model to Measure Socially Responsible Behaviour in China
Authors: Yan Jun , She Qiuling
Published: August 2011

Since the Chinese government advocated a Harmonious Society, socially responsible consumption has increased and companies are responding to the trend. However, our understanding of the attitude and behaviour of 1.3 billion Chinese consumers on socially responsible consumption is almost blank. The primary objective of the present study is to develop a scale to measure socially responsible consumer behaviour (SRCB) in China's Taoist context. The secondary objective is to identify whether Chinese consumers share the same ecological and social concerns with their western counterparts as previous research suggests. This paper starts with a new definition of SRCB based on a literature review, then identifies the dimensions of SRCB in China on the basis of in-depth interviews and previous findings. Finally, a nine-factor, 34-item scale is developed through a widely used scale-building process. Differences with findings from the US and France are discussed and marketing implications are elaborated.
The Langmuir-Blodgett Technique as a Tool for Homeotropic Alignment of Fluorinated Liquid Crystals Mixed with Arachidic Acid
Authors: Modlińska Anna , Bauman Danuta
Published: August 2011

Some fluoro-substituted liquid crystals mixed with arachidic acid in monolayers formed at air-liquid (Langmuir films) and air-solid substrate (Langmuir-Blodgett films) interfaces were investigated. Molecular organization in Langmuir films was determined on the basis of the analysis of the shape of the surface pressure-mean molecular area isotherm and observations made by means of a Brewster angle microscope. It was found that in the compression process the liquid crystal molecules are pushed out towards the top of the first monolayer being in direct contact with the subphase. Langmuir films were transferred onto the quartz substrates at various surface pressures and mono- and multilayered Langmuir-Blodgett films were obtained. The films were characterized using electronic absorption measurements. The conditions for obtaining the homeotropic orientation of the liquid crystal molecules were determined.
Low Expression of TBX4 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Stage II Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zong Meijuan , Meng Meng , Li Liang
Published: August 2011

This study was designed to investigate the expression of the T-box transcription factor 4 (TBX4), a tumor biomarker that was previously identified by proteomics, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and evaluate its clinical utility as a potential prognostic biomarkers for PDAC. The expression of TBX4 was detected in 77 stage II PDAC tumors by immunohistochemistry, and the results were analyzed with regard to clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival. Moreover, Tbx4 promoter methylation status in primary PDAC tumors and normal adjacent pancreas tissues was measured by bisulfite sequencing. Among 77 stage II PDAC tumors, 48 cases (62.3%) expressed TBX4 at a high level. No significant correlation between TBX4 expression and other clinicopathological parameters, except tumor grade and liver metastasis recurrence, was found. The survival of patients with TBX4-high expression was significantly longer than those with TBX4-low expression (P = 0.010). In multivariate analysis, low TBX4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with stage II PDAC. TBX4 promoter methylation status was frequently observed in both PDAC and normal adjacent pancreas. We conclude that a low level of TBX4 expression suggests a worse prognosis for patients with stage II PDAC. Down-regulation of the TBX4 gene in pancreas is less likely to be regulated by DNA methylation.
Phenylacetonitrile from the Giant Knotweed, Fallopia sachalinensis, Infested by the Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica, Is Induced by Exogenous Methyl Jasmonate
Authors: Noge Koji , Abe Makoto , Tamogami Shigeru
Published: August 2011

Phenylacetonitrile, (E)-b-ocimene, linalool, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene and (E,E)-a-farnesene were identified as Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, feeding-induced volatiles from the leaves of the giant knotweed, Fallopia sachalinensis, but not by mechanical damage. Volatile emission was also induced by treatment with a cellular signaling molecule, methyl jasmonate. These results suggest that volatiles will be synthesized de novo by a biotic elicitor from P. japonica oral secretion.
Italie – Une analyse du discours sur le développement durable
Authors: Leconte Arnaud , Lallemand Xavier
Published: August 2011

Résumé Ce papier analyse le discours de l’Italie sur le développement durable. Le discours politique dominant, respectueux du cadre européen, soutient officiellement une ligne intégrative des dimensions sociales, économiques et environnementales. En pratique, l’Italie est le pays le plus irrespectueux des directives environnementales européennes, récemment illustré par la gestion scandaleuse des déchets dans la région de Naples. Face à la crise économique, le discours dominant est contesté par un discours environnementaliste conduit par les ONGs, un discours socio-religieux donnant priorité à l’homme sur l’environnement, et un discours « alternatif » fondé sur la contestation du système capitalist
Integration in a Time of Scepticism: The Role of Informality and Institutions
Authors: Annett Iona
Published: August 2011

Résumé On peut rester perplexe en étudiant la décennie des années 1970, à la fois parce qu’on n’y trouve pas la croissance formelle des institutions des quinze années précédentes, et parce que cette décennie ne semblait pas pouvoir mener à l’achèvement des objectifs du marché commun. Cependant, de façon assez surprenante, cette décennie est très intéressante en raison du développement informel des institutions, car à la fois les États membres et les institutions de la Communauté cherchèrent à maximiser leurs capacités à agir, ainsi que leur influence sur la forme et la vitesse de l’intégration. Du point de vue de la fédéralisation, il est fondamental de comprendre ce qui est arrivé et pourquoi. Le compromis de Luxembourg, les décisions de la Cour de justice, l’opportunisme politique de la commission et du Parlement, et les activités extra-institutionnelles des États membres, constituent un jeu complexe d’actions donnant lieu des interprétations divergentes sur les intentions et l’extension de l’intégration européenne. La Communauté s’est fédéralisée, comme conséquence volontaire ou involontaire des décisions et des actions des États membres et des institutions.
La naissance d'une Ostpolitik de l'Europe de l'Ouest au début des années 1970 comme résultat d'une nouvelle solidarité européenne
Authors: Tavani Sara
Published: August 2011

Résumé Dans les années cinquante, de nombreux problèmes de sécurité restaient irrésolus en Europe et empêchaient l’évolution des relations diplomatiques. Seulement la normalisation des relations en Europe centrale et le nouveau climat de conﬁance des années 1970 permirent ﬁnalement la reprise du dialogue entre l’Est et l’Ouest. Cela augmenta entre autre l’inﬂuence occidentale sur les Sociétés de l’Europe orientale et aboutit à la naissance du projet d’une Europe post-Yalta plus crédible. Les gouvernements européens occidentaux dépassèrent graduellement leurs controverses nationales et inaugurèrent une nouvelle phase de coopération politique en vue d’un objectif commun d’ouverture à l’Est. La crise économique des années 1970 et la méﬁance provoquée par le dialogue grandissant entre États-Unis et Union soviétique déterminèrent une plus étroite collaboration des pays de l’Europe occidentale, notamment entre le ministre des ﬁnances allemand Helmut Schmidt et le ministre français Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. La crise et la méﬁance déterminèrent une transformation générale des relations internes à l’Alliance atlantique et une diminution des préjugés liés au renouvellement de la puissance allemande, marquant ainsi le début d’une réﬂexion européenne commune sur les modalités de participation active à la détente bipolaire. On peut situer à cette période la naissance d’une multiplicité d’Ostpolitiks aux différents caractères nationaux, mais avec une volonté analogue de recherche de relations directes et plus rentables avec les pays de l’Est et avec l’Union soviétique. Cette étude trace les grandes lignes du développement de cette nouvelle entente en Europe et met l’accent sur le succès progressif du procès de réconciliation franco-allemand, commencé avec le traité de l’Élysée de 1963 et lié au lancement de la première Ostpolitik du gouvernement Erhard. Ce moment marque aussi le début d’une nouvelle conﬁance française pour la politique étrangère allemande et un plus grand sentiment de sécurité des pays de l’Est face à la puissance allemande. L’élection de Willy Brandt en tant que chancelier et le traité de Varsovie furent des éléments de propulsion pour l’Ostpolitik occidentale qui atteignit ses plus grands résultats au début des années 1970 et auxquels ﬁt suite le succès graduel des conférences paneuropéennes et de la CEE, qui établit ses premiers rapports directs avec les pays de l’Europe orientale, malgré la fermeture de Moscou. En conclusion, dans cette étude on observe que la capacité allemande et française de maintenir active la coopération politique au début des années quatre-vingt, face au nouveau déﬁ de la crise polonaise et au réarmement de l’OTAN, fut un élément essentiel pour la relance des activités diplomatiques entre l’Est et l’Ouest de 1983. Cela donna aussi un nouvel élan au procès d’integration européen, comme démontra le premier projet de traité pour l’institution de l’Union européenne présenté en 1983 par l’europarlementaire fédéraliste Altiero Spinelli.