bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of mental rotation on changes in plasma testosterone and cortisol levels
Authors: Durdiaková Jaroslava , Hodosy Július , Kubranská Aneta , Ostatníková Daniela , Celec Peter 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Testosterone level has an influence on cognitive functions, especially spatial abilities. The relationship is, however, bidirectional and brain activity also affects testosterone levels. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of an intensive 3D mental rotation task on testosterone levels in young healthy men and women. In the mental rotation task, men reached a higher top score (P=0.027) and total score (P=0.004) compared to women. In 8 out of 9 women (P=0.008) but not in men (P=0.129) testosterone levels decreased after one hour of mental rotation testing. A significant gender difference was shown (P<0.0001). In all women, plasma cortisol levels was significantly lower after testing (P=0.004). In men cortisol levels decreased in 7 out of 9 subjects (P=0.039). A significant gender difference was not found (P=0.19). No association was found in women between baseline testosterone levels and mental rotation total score (P=0.810). In men there was a positive correlation between baseline testosterone and mental rotation total score (P=0.015). A significant difference gender difference was seen in the association between testosterone and mental rotation score (P<0.05). Mental rotation stimuli caused significant changes in hormonal levels of testosterone and cortisol. A gender-specific response was detected in testosterone fluctuation.
Antimicrobial activity of Thymus longicaulis C. Presl essential oil against respiratory pathogens
Authors: Vladimir-Knežević Sanda , Kosalec Ivan , Babac Marija , Petrović Marinko , Ralić Jovica , Matica Biserka , Blažeković Biljana 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Thymus longicaulis C. Presl is a small aromatic perennial herb used as a traditional remedy for cold, flu and cough. Composition of the essential oil of T. longicaulis from Croatia and its in vitro antimicrobial activity against the most common respiratory pathogens were evaluated. The yield of essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from aerial plant parts was 1.2%. According to the GC-MS analysis, a total of forty one compounds (99%) were identified. Thymol (46.3%), γ-terpinene (16.2%), thymyl methyl ether (11.4%), and p-cymene (9.4%) were the main components. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil against six clinically isolated bacterial and yeast strains was determined using standard disc agar diffusion method and microdilution broth assay. The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity towards all tested respiratory pathogens. The most sensitive strains were Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae(MIC=0.78 mg/mL), while Staphylococcus aureus was the most resistant (MIC>25.00 mg/mL). Our results indicate that T. longicaulis essential oil could be effective against clinically relevant respiratory pathogens which have the ability to develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs.
Activators of protein kinase A and oxytocin affect rabbit reproduction
Authors: Balazi Andrej , Sirotkin Alexander , Chrenek Peter 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of activators of protein kinase A — 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (IBMX) and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) — and of oxytocin (OT) on rabbit female reproductive function. We used equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) to improve follicular development and rabbit estrous synchronization and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce ovulation. In the experimental group, the females were stimulated using gonadotropins together with either IBMX, dbcAMP or OT. In the animals kept until parturition, the conception rate, parturition rate, and numbers of stillborn and weaned pups were recorded. In the animals euthanized 18–19 hours after insemination, the eggs were flushed from the oviducts and cultured up to the blastocyst cell stage. Numbers of corpora lutea, zygotes, morulas and blastocysts were determined. Both dbcAMP and OT, but not IBMX, decreased conception and parturition rate. Both IBMX and OT, but not dbcAMP, decreased pup mortality rate. All three tested substances increased the weaning rate. Both IBMX and dbcAMP, but not OT, increased the numbers of corpora lutea, zygotes, and embryos at morula and hatching blastocyst stages. These observations confirm the stimulatory role of the protein kinase A-dependent signaling pathway activated by IBMX and dbcAMP in rabbit reproduction. OT may decrease pups mortality.
Environmental effects on species richness of macrophytes in Slovak streams
Authors: Hrivnák Richard , Oťheľová Helena , Gömöry Dušan , Valachovič Milan , Paľove-Balang Peter 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The effect of 19 environmental variables on species richness of macrophytes was studied in 39 Slovak streams. The studied streams were poor in species; in total, 88 macrophyte taxa were found and the average number of macrophytes per sampling site was 4, ranging from 0 to15. The most frequently occurring macrophytes were filamentous algae (occurrence at 38.6% of sampling sites), followed by Rhynchostegium riparioides (28.4%) and Phalaris arundinacea (19.3%). The strongest environmental gradient in the sampling site detected by factor analysis (factor 1 explains more than 32% variability) is related to the portion of artificial banks, shading by woody vegetation along banks, flexuosity of stream course and the portion of natural land cover in the contact zone of the stream, and can be interpreted as a natural-anthropogenic gradient. The following variables had the highest correlations with species richness of macrophytes: shading by woody vegetation (r=−0.507), portions of artificial bank (r=0.488), flexuosity (r=−0.457) and distance from stream source (r=0.388).
Foliar and root treatments of cucumber with potassium naphthenate: Antioxidative responses
Authors: Kevrešan Slavko , Maksimović Ivana , Popović Boris , Štajner Dubravka , Putnik-Delić Marina , Borković Boško , Pavlović Ksenija , Grbović Ljubica , Ćirin-Novta Vera 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
This work presents a study of the effect of foliar and root application of low concentrations (0.1–10 µM) of potassium naphthenate on the antioxidative status of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), assessed for both local and systemic organs. Changes in the contents of proline and glutathione indicate that the treatment of plants with potassium naphthenate can be characterized as a mild abiotic stress. The antioxidative system of cucumber plants is sensitive to such treatment, since organs directly exposed to the chemical showed a decrease in total antioxidant activities and an increase in peroxidation. In the organs that were not directly treated, an increase in the total antioxidative activity was observed only at the lowest naphthenate concentration while at higher concentrations this activity tended to decrease. As far as the activities of antioxidant enzymes (guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase) are concerned, the responses observed differed between enzymes for a given treatment, but showed similar trends within treated local and untreated systemic organs.
Total phenolic content, flavonoid concentration, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts from three Seseli L. taxa
Authors: Matejić Jelena , Džamić Ana , Mihajilov-Krstev Tatjana , Ranđelović Vladimir , Krivošej Zoran , Marin Petar 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The present study describes the total phenolic content, concentrations of flavonoids and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts from Seseli pallasii Besser, S. libanotis (L.) Koch ssp. libanotis and S. libanotis (L.) Koch ssp. intermedium (Rupr.) P. W. Ball, growing wild in Serbia. The total phenolic content in the extracts was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and their amounts ranged between 84.04 to 87.52 mg GA (gallic acid)/g. The concentrations of flavonoids in the extracts varied from 4.75 to 19.37 mg Qu (quercetin)/g. Antioxidant activity was analyzed using DPPH reagent. Antioxidant activity ranged from 0.46 to 4.63 IC50 (mg/ml) and from 1.98 to 2.19 mg VitC (vitamin C)/g when tested with the DPPH and ABTS reagents, respectively, using BHA and VitC as controls. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was investigated using a micro-well dilution assay for the most common human gastrointestinal pathogenic bacterial strains: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC15313, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. This finding suggests that Seseli species may be considered as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.
Productivity of a doubled haploid winter wheat population under heat stress
Authors: Balla Krisztina , Karsai Ildikó , Kiss Tibor , Bencze Szilvia , Bedő Zoltán , Veisz Ottó 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Breeding of new winter wheat cultivars with good heat tolerance requires better understanding of the genetic background of heat tolerance. In the present work the effect of heat stress on the 6th day after heading was investigated in a doubled haploid (DH) population arising from a cross between heat-sensitive (Plainsman V) and heat-tolerant (Mv Magma) cultivars. Averaged over the population, heat stress was found to result in a significant reduction in biomass, grain yield and grain number per plant, and in thousand-kernel weight (TKW) and harvest index. High temperature had the greatest effect on the grain yield, with a drop of 36.2% compared with the control. This could be attributed jointly to significant reductions in the TKW of the main ear and in the grain number of the side tillers. The relationship between the yield parameters was confirmed by the positive correlations obtained for the lines in the population. The diverse levels of heat tolerance in the different lines were confirmed by the significant differences in the reduction in the chlorophyll content (SPAD index) of the flag-leaves and in yield parameters. The changes in yield components in stress condition, however, can be still the most effective tools for heat stress evaluation.
Cellular responses of two Latin-American cultivars of Lotus corniculatus to low pH and Al stress
Authors: Paľove-Balang Peter , Čiamporová Milada , Zelinová Veronika , Pavlovkin Ján , Gurinová Erika , Mistrík Igor 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Toxic effects of acidic root medium and aluminium were evaluated in two forage cultivars of Lotus corniculatus differing in their tolerance to Al stress. The structural response of most of the root cells exposed to low pH without Al3+ differed markedly from that induced by the combined stress. Conspicuous alteration of the nucleus was present only at low pH 4.0 and disintegration of the cytoplasmic components was more drastic than in the roots exposed to acidic solution containing Al3+. Cells exposed to low pH without Al, did not produce wall thickenings. Severely damaged cytoplasm and localized death in some cortical cells or groups of cells contrasting with almost intact cells exposed to Al3+ stress were found. In this respect, a strong correlation between the occurrence of cell wall thickenings and a better preserved structure of the cytoplasm was observed. The frequency of cell damage in the more tolerant cultivar UFRGS was generally lower, significantly more cortical cells capable of maintaining their resting membrane potential were present than in the sensitive INIA Draco. The difference in their tolerance is related rather to the exudation of citrate and oxalate that was higher in UFRGS than to the accumulation of tannins, which increased after Al treatment in both cultivars.
Removal of Al, Fe and Mn by Pistia stratiotes L. and its stress response
Authors: Veselý Tomáš , Trakal Lukáš , Neuberg Marek , Száková Jiřina , Drábek Ondřej , Tejnecký Václav , Balíková Miluše , Tlustoš Pavel 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The influence of different chelates applied in the soil primary on Al and secondary on Fe and Mn mobilization and their removal from solution was investigated. The work compared the efficiency of 10 mM tartaric acid and 3 mM EDTA in soil washing process and accumulation potential of Pistia stratiotes in rhizofiltration process. The plant response on the toxic element Al and other elements Fe and Mn was determined through the nitrogen and free amino acids content in plants. The efficiency of chelates decreased in order 10 mM tartaric acid > deionized water > 3 mM EDTA for all studied elements. P. stratiotes was able to remove up to 90% of elements during the 15 days period. Higher content of toxic element Al and potential toxic elements Fe and Mn were observed in the roots than in the leaves with the increased time. The trend of Al accumulation correlated with Fe accumulation (R2=0.89). Toxicity impact of high level of Al was observed by increased free amino acids (AA) level. Proline, histidine, glutamic acid and glycine were the most synthesised free AA in leaves. Total AA content in leaves was significantly higher under chelates addition compared to control.
Constitutive protein content of procaspases in murine tissue
Authors: Dirks-Naylor Amie , Kouzi Samir 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Caspases are proteases most notably involved in apoptosis and inflammation. Although mRNA content is better described, the constitutive protein content of procaspases between tissue types is not well documented. Since mRNA and protein content do not necessarily correlate, we aimed to discern protein content differences between various tissues. Protein content of procaspase-1, -8, -9, and -12 was assessed in gastrocnemius, heart, liver, and kidney. Since highly expressed in skeletal muscle, content of procaspase-12 was also analyzed in muscles with different fiber type compositions to discern any fiber type differences. Furthermore, Western analysis for procaspase-12 revealed prominent bands of ∼40 kDa and ∼30 kDa under basal conditions, in addition to the 50 kDa band corresponding to the full-length procaspase. Therefore, the content of these caspase-12 related species in the tissue and muscle types is also described. Results show protein content of procaspase-1,-8, -9, and -12 and caspase-12 related species differs between tissue types and do not necessarily correlate with mRNA content reported in the published literature. Procaspase-12 content in skeletal muscle may be fiber-type dependent with higher expression in more oxidative fibers. Furthermore, the 40 kDa species of caspase-12 was the dominant form of the protein in most tissues analyzed.
Grazed Pannonian grassland beta-diversity changes due to C4 yellow bluestem
Authors: Szentes Szilárd , Sutyinszki Zsuzsanna , Szabó Gábor , Zimmermann Zita , Házi Judit , Wichmann Barnabás , Hufnágel Levente , Penksza Károly , Bartha Sándor 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
This study investigates how yellow bluestem affects biodiversity in a typical Pannonian grassland. Beta diversity (i.e. the finescale spatial variability of species compositions), was estimated by the realized number of species combinations sampled at various scales. Sampling was performed by a standard protocol. Presences of plant species were recorded along 52.2 m long belt transect of 1044 units of 0.05x0.05 m contiguous microquadrats. According to the results the massive presence of tested C4 grass significantly reduced species richness of the grassland. Beta diversity assessment revealed that 90% of species combinations were lost due to yellow bluestem invasion. Fine-scale spatial pattern analyses showed complete local extinctions of other species from microsites dominated by yellow bluestem. This local extinction is enhanced by the specific clonal architecture of this species and by the accumulation of litter. Other dominant grasses had no effect on fine scale diversity, i.e. they could coexist well with other elements of the local flora. This study presents currently developed microhabitat types, forecasts and also draws attention to the danger that climate warming will probably enhance the spread of this detrimental C4 species.
Quantitative analysis of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in four Daphne L. species
Authors: Grubešić Renata , Kremer Dario , Končić Marijana , Rodríguez Jadranka , Randić Marko 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The content of biologically active phenolic compounds (total polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids) were determined using spectrophotometry in four wild Croatian species of Daphne L. in the family Thymelaeaceae (Daphne alpina, D. cneorum, D. laureola, and D. mezereum). The concentration of total flavonoids (TF) was highest in the leaves of these Daphne species (0.12–0.51% dry herb weight, DW) whereas the content of other phenolic compounds analyzed were highest in the roots, including total polyphenols (TP; 2.71–19.03% DW), tannins (T; 1.14–7.39% DW), and total phenolic acids (TPA; 0.12–0.87% DW). D. alpina contained the highest amount of polyphenols, with the exception of flavonoids, where maximum concentrations were found in D. laureola. We also examined the antioxidant activity of leaf, stem, and root extracts. All extracts analyzed demonstrated high free radical scavenging activity with the highest concentration in the leaf extracts of D. alpina. Leaf extracts of D. cneorum showed the highest antioxidant activity in a β-carotene bleaching assay.
Tacrine-induced tachyphylaxis in gastric smooth muscles
Authors: Prissadova Natalia , Kristev Athanas , Getova Daminka , Argirova Mariana , Turiiski Valentin , Ardasheva Raina 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Tacrine is a medication applied in cases of mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease. By blocking acetylcholinesterase activity the drug increases the concentration of acetylcholine, whose effects influence the functions of different organs and systems of the body. The effect of tacrine on smooth muscle preparations isolated from rat stomach was studied by isometric registration of muscle contractility. Our investigations found a specific significant systematic decrease in the strength of consecutive tacrine-induced contractions of smooth muscle preparations, a phenomenon known as tachyphylaxis. The tacrineinduced tachyphylaxis was significantly inhibited by SQ22536 (inhibitor of adenylate cyclase activity), by blockers of nitric oxide synthase and KT5823 (inhibitor of protein kinase G). The process was not influenced by cyclopiazonic acid (specific blocker of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase,) and atropine (blocker of M-cholinergic receptors). We hypothesize that the overlapping and different time-development of the two opposing processes: smooth muscle contraction caused by acetylcholinesterase inhibition and tacrine-induced relaxation influenced by synthesis of nitric oxide, results in tachyphylaxis.
Realizing cohomology classes as Euler classes
Authors: Naolekar Aniruddha 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
For a space X, let E
k(X), E
ks(X) and E
k○ (X) denote respectively the set of Euler classes of oriented k-plane bundles over X, the set of Euler classes of stably trivial k-plane bundles over X and the spherical classes in H
k(X; ℤ). We prove some general facts about the sets E
k(X), E
ks(X) and E
k○ (X). We also compute these sets in the cases where X is a projective space, the Dold manifold P(m, 1) and obtain partial computations in the case that X is a product of spheres.
Dual-energy CT-based Assessment of the Trabecular Bone in Vertebrae
Authors: Kirschner M. , Becker M. , Erdt M. , Kafchitsas K. , Khan M. F. , Wesarg S. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackground: Osteoporosis can cause severe fractures of bone structures. One important indicator for pathology is a lowered bone mineral density (BMD) – conventionally assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Dual-energy CT (DECT) – being an alternative that is increasingly used in the clinics – allows the computation of the spatial BMD distribution.Objectives: Using DECT, the trabecular bone of vertebrae is examined. Several analysis methods for revealing the bone density distribution as well as appropriate visualization methods for detecting regions of lowered BMD are needed for computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) of osteoporosis. The hypothesis that DECT is better suited than DXA for the computation of local BMD is investigated.Methods: Building on a model of the interaction of X-rays with bone tissue, novel methods for assessing the spatial structure of the trabecular bone are presented. CAD of DECT image data is facilitated by segmenting the regions of interest interactively and with an Active Shape Model, respectively. The barycentric space of fractional volumes is introduced as a novel means for analyzing bone constitution. For 29 cadaver specimens, DECT as well as DXA has been examined. BMD values derived from both modalities are compared to local force measurements. In addition, clinical data from two patients who underwent DECT scanning for a different reason is analyzed retrospectively.Results: A novel automated delineation method for vertebrae has been successfully applied to DECT data sets. It is shown that localized BMD measurements based on DECT show a stronger linear correlation (R2 = 0.8242, linear regression) to local force measurements than density values derived from DXA (R2 = 0.4815).Conclusions: DECT based BMD assessment is a method to extend the usage of increasingly acquired DECT image data. The developed DECT based analysis methods in conjunction with the visualization provide more detailed information for both, the radiologist and the orthopedist, compared to standard DXA based analysis.
L’affaire de Berne. Immaculée Conception et apparitions de la Vierge
Authors: Barnay Sylvie 
Published: October 2012

En janvier 1507, les « apparitions de la Vierge » dans le couvent dominicain de Berne commencent à défrayer la chronique. L’affaire des visions de Jean Jetzer se déroule sur fond de querelle immaculiste entre dominicains et franciscains. Les dominicains du couvent de Berne ont eu l’idée de créer des apparitions de la Vierge de toutes pièces au moyen de déguisement et de machineries de théâtre pour faire croire à la conception maculée de Marie contre leurs détracteurs franciscains. Leur chef de file est le prieur du couvent, Johannes Vatter, assisté de trois autres accolytes, le sous-prieur, Franz Ueltschi, le maître en théologie et lecteur Stephan Boltzhurst, l’administrateur Heirich Steinegger. La machination qu’ils orchestrent érige de la sorte en visionnaire patenté un novice à la crédulité éprouvée, Jean Jetzer, victime de leur complot. L’affaire défie la chronique et provoque la rumeur. La ville de Berne où elle se déroule est toute proche de la Bâle du Concile (1431-1449) qui a déclaré l’Immaculée Conception « doctrine pieuse et conforme au culte de l’Église » (session du 17 septembre 1439) comme de la Bâle du Formicarius – somme démonologique de répression de la sorcellerie – composée en 1435-1437 par le prieur des dominicains, Jean Nider, sur la base des conclusions de l'inquisiteur Pierre de Berne. La « fiction » de Berne témoigne des stratégies théologiques à l’égard des révélations et des miracles dans la controverse de l’Immaculée Conception. Si elle relève ici de l’affabulation volontaire, elle montre aussi l’usage qui pouvait être fait du discours visionnaire et de son nécessaire discernement à la toute fin du Moyen Âge. L’ensemble de ce dossier exceptionnel permet dès lors de saisir l’instrumentalisation des révélations qui ont pris une importance nouvelle dans les querelles théologiques de l’Immaculée Conception à la fin du Moyen Âge.