bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of FDI on Import Demand and Export Supply Functions of Pakistan: An Econometric Approach
Authors: Tabassum Uzma , Nazeer Munazah , Siddiqui Afaq Ahmed
Published: March 2012

FDI tends to increase the host country’s imports, because Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) often have a high tendency to import intermediate inputs, capital goods and services that are not readily available in the recipient countries as well as it also affect exports from the export supply side. We investigated the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and imports demand as well as between foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports supply of Pakistan for the time span of 37 years range from 1973 to 2009. Our analysis emphasized on the existence of long run equilibrium relationship between FDI and imports demand & exports supply of Pakistan using econometric techniques (Co-integration Analysis and Error correction mechanism). The co-integration analysis of import demand showed stable long run equilibrium relation-ship between real import and FDI results of export expressed that FDI has positive relation with real exports in the long run, but the coefficient is statistically insignificant. It suggested that the inflow of FDI has largely been directed toward import-substitution industries or production for the domestic market while little has gone toward export-oriented industries. That is long run policies will be fruitful to be implemented. While the short term dynamics as analyzed by the error correction mechanism (ECM) revealed that the short term discrepancies were significant enough to not to converge toward equilibrium and will require a longer time to adjust back in both model. Unilateral causality was detected between real imports (RIM) and FDI which was established both by theoretic
Effect of Chromium, Cadmium and Arsenic on Growth and Morphology of HeLa Cells
Authors: Ahmad Aftab , Muneer Bushra , Shakoor Abdul Rauf
Published: March 2012

Rapid industrialization and anthropogenic activities are main causes of environmental pollution and level of heavy metals is on the increase in biosphere. These heavy metals have deleterious effects on human health and cause many abnormalities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of arsenic, chromium and cadmium on the growth and morphology of HeLa cell. The total protein profile of control as well as treated cells was checked by SDS-PAGE. Chromium was used to induce the expression of metallothionein protein and expression of protein was detected by SDSPAGE. There was reduction in proliferation of cells in chromium, cadmium and arsenic containing medium. Cell necrosis was observed with the increase in the concentration of chromium and at 0.10 µg/mL concentration of chromium complete cell lysis was observed. There was change in morphology of cells with increase in concentration of cadmium and at 1.0 µg/ml cells became round. Arsenic also proved to be deleterious for the growth of HeLa cells and there was change in morphology of cells at 1.0 µg/ml but it was not as toxic as chromium and cadmium. There was no difference in protein profile of control and chromium treated cells except lower in concentration of protein due to less number of cells. Metallothionein were not observed in treated cells by SDS-PAGE. Heavy metal have very deleterious effects on human cells and with increase in metal concentration there was change in morphology of cells and also great reduction in proliferation
Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activity of Quercus persica
Authors: Akram Ebrahimi , Masoud Khayami , Vahid Nejati
Published: March 2012

Quercus persica is one of the four species oak that growing in the zagrossian region in Iran. This plant contains different components of therapeutic value. In this investigation, antibacterial and wound healing effects of methanolic extract of fruits of Quercus persica has been studied. Milled oak fruit that their hull was separated, was extracted with methanol in Soxhleťs apparatus .The effect of extract in three concentration (25,50,75mg/ml) were tested using agar diffusion method on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis RTCC 1898 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 and in form topical administration on excision wound in rats.Results showed that all of concentrations were effective on inhibition of bacteria, but this effect with 50 and 75 mg/ml concentration of extract was significant for bacteria. Also in comparison with tested antibiotics, the effect of 75 mg/ml concentration of extract was similar or higher than them. Also in the extract-treated wounds indicated that epithelialize faster, and the rate of wound contraction was significantly increased in comparison to control wounds. This results suggest that Quercus persica possesses compounds with antibacterial and wound healing properties
Medicinal Plants Used in Folk Recipes by the Inhabitants of Himalayan Region Poonch Valley Azad Kashmir (Pakistan)
Authors: Khan Muhammad Azam , Khan Mir Ajab , Hussain Mazhar
Published: March 2012

Plants with medicinal properties were held in the highest esteem in indigenous medicine systems all over the world. All indigenous remedies, whether traditional or modern, have originated directly or indirectly from folklore, rituals and folk medicinal knowledge. The objective of this study was to collect the information about how the local people used the plants of their area to cure a wide variety of ailments in human and livestock. Extensive surveys were carried out during the field work; interviews were conducted with the local inhabitants, the herbalists ‘Hakims’ (local physicians). About fifty informants were interviewed on random basis. The ethnobotanical data obtained was checked and compared with the existing literature and was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. In total 68 species of plants belonging to 44 families were recorded as used medicinally for preparations of folk recipes of 68 ailments. During the field study, it was found that the indigenous knowledge related to medicinal uses comes from women age between 30-50 years, whereas the folk medicinal use comes from men. This survey indicated that 72% source of indigenous knowledge related to the medicinal use of plants comes from people between age of 50 years, while 28% of it comes from people between age 30 and 50 years. The survey also indicated that men especially old one’s are more informative of folk knowledge of medicinal plants than women in the area. It was also indicated that about 60% of the homemade drugs were used by people above the age of 50 years, 30% by children below age of 15 years especially infants. While remaining 10% of the traditional medicines of plant origin were utilized by people between ages of 15-50 years.
Effect of Household Processing on the Removal of Pesticide Residues in Okra Vegetable
Authors: Sheikh Saghir A. , Nizamani Shafi M. , Jamali Asif A. , Mirani Beenish N. , Panhwar Aasia A. , Channa Mahvish J.
Published: March 2012

The study has been designed to determine the extent of pesticide residues removal from okra through household processing. For this, okra crop was grown on university farm and application of pesticides were carried out at recommended dosage. After 24 hours, the okra was harvested, labeled and brought to the laboratory of Institute of Food Sciences and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam for their analyses and further processing such as washing, detergent washing, sun-drying and cooking, etc. being practiced at various households. Pesticide residues were extracted from okra by solvent partitioning and cleaned by C18 cartridges/activated charcoal by using acetonitrile for elution and then cleaned up residues were analyzed through HPLC-UV. The analysis of data revealed that imidacloprid is highly effective against pests at low dosages and its residues in processed as well as unprocessed okra samples were within MRLs (0.5ppm). Imidacloprid residues 0.31 ppm in unwashed okra was reduced to 0.082 ppm by detergent washing (73% removal). Emamectin benzoate residues were high in unwashed okra (0.51 ppm as against MRLs of 0.2ppm), however, its residues were reduced to MRLs by detergent washing and subsequent processing by frying, thermal dehydration or sun-drying of detergent washed okra.
Removal of Pesticide Residues from Okra Vegetable through Traditional Processing
Authors: Sheikh Saghir A. , Nizamani Shafi M. , Jamali Asif A. , Panhwar Aasia A. , Channa Mahvish J. , Mirani Beenish N.
Published: March 2012

Demand for vegetables in Pakistan is constantly increasing to feed growing population. Pakistan is the second largest producer of okra and in Sindh okra is produced throughout the year. Okra crop is attacked by variety of insect pests and commercial okra production relies heavily on the pesticides belonging to organochlorine, organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethroid and neo-nicotinoid groups for pest control. Moreover, growers do not observe safety interval for okra harvest. Hence the okra sold in Pakistani markets is highly contaminated with pesticide residues. Aim of this research study was to determine the extent of pesticide residue decontamination in okra vegetable through traditional processing. Okra crop was sprayed with bifenthrin, profenofos and endosulfan, and different processing were applied on okra such as washing, detergent washing, sun-drying and cooking, etc. Bifenthrin, profenofos and endosulfan pesticide residues were extracted from okra by solvent partitioning and cleaned up through Florisil column using organic solvents for elusion as described by EPA and FDA procedures. Cleaned up residues were analyzed through GC-µECD. The results revealed that endosulfan levels were reduced to MRL by detergent washing (from 2.01 ppm in unwashed samples to 1.03ppm). Profenofos residues (3.21ppm) were reduced to MRL (2.0ppm) by detergent washing and by combination of plain water washing and frying. Bifenthrin MRL is very low (0.04ppm) and only combination of detergent washing and frying reduced residues from 0.311 ppm to 0.042 ppm.
Effect of Royal Jelly on the Fertilizing Ability of Buffalo Spermatozoa In Vitro
Authors: Abd-Allah Saber Mohamed
Published: March 2012

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of addition of Royal jelly in presence of heparin on buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) sperm motility, acrosome reaction and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of buffalo oocytes. Frozen buffalo spermatozoa from five bulls were thawed and motile fraction was obtained by swim up technique. The spermatozoa were washed, treated with100 µg/ml heparin, and then exposed to 0.4% Royal Jelly (RJ) for 3 h. Sperm motility, acrosomal integrity and fertilization rate of matured oocytes were assessed at 1, 2 and 3 h. The percentages of sperm motility, intact acrosome and fertilization rate of matured oocytes were higher (P<0.05) in 0.4% RJ compared to that in the control. After 2 h of incubation the percentage of motility, intact acrosome of spermatozoa and fertilization rate of matured oocytes, respectively, were 93.6 %, 77.6% and 72.6% in 0.4% RJ. These results suggest that treating buffalo sperm with 0.4% RJ in combination with heparin is effective not only to induce sperm acrosome reaction but also is effective for in vitro fertilizing capacity of the cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa.
Population Dynamic, Anthelmintic Treatments and the Influence of Helminth Infections on Weight Gain in Water Buffalo Calves (Bubalus Bubalis)
Authors: Bastianetto E. , Costa J. O. , Guimarães M.P. , Frei C.M.V.
Published: March 2012

The dynamics of gastrointestinal helminthiasis was studied in buffalo calves naturally exposed to helminth infection at two farms in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The effect of helminthiasis was evaluated with respect to weight gain of naturally infected untreated calves versus those which received anthelmintic treatment either with fenbendazole or ivermectin. The treated animals had significantly (p≤0.05) higher weight gain. Strongyloides papillosus was diagnosed from 30 to 60 days after birth, and Toxocara vitulorum from 60 to 90 days. During spring, there was a rise in the eggs per gram (EPG) count of Trichostrongylidae. Severe infection of Paracooperia nodulosa was detected in few 9-month-old buffalo calves.The results of this study indicate efficacy of fenbendazole and ivermectin in different age group calves for better health and reduced probability of helminth resistance. This study also indicates the necessity for good nutritional management of buffalo calves to improve the efficacy of parasite control.
Estimation of Body Weight and Body Surface Area in Swamp Buffaloes using Visual Image Analysis
Authors: Buranakarl Chollada , Indramangala Jintana , Koobkaew Kitti , Sanghuayphrai Nikorn , Sanpote Jureeratn , Tanprasert Chularat , Phatrapornnant Teera , Sukhumavasi Woraporn , Nampimoon Petcharat
Published: March 2012

The three dimensional computerized visual image analysis was performed to evaluate the body weight (BW) and body surface area (BSA) in swamp buffaloes. Nineteen swamp buffaloes were measured the conformation by linear measurement compared to 3D body scanner at different points : body height (A), heart girth (B), shoulder width (C), iliac width (D), ischial tuberosity width (E), the length between shoulder and ileac wing (F, G), the length between ileal wing to ischial tuberosity (H, I) and the length between shoulder to ischial tuberosity (J1, J2). The significant correlation was found between these two methods. The 3D body scanner was then performed in 28 males and 39 females for BW and 68 males and 74 non-pregnant and 31 pregnant females for BSA estimation. The appropriate models to estimate BW in buffaloes were BW = - 1174.07 + 4.31 (B) + 7.75 (FG) (R2 = 0.76, P<0.001), BW (male) = -1265.99 + 4.94(B) + 14.41(D) (R2 = 0.81; P<0.001) and BW (female) = -563.66 + 7.94 (C) + 14.77 (E) (R2 = 0.86; P<0.001). For BSA, the appropriate equations were BSA = -4.31 + 0.034(A) + 0.036 (J1J2) (R2 = 0.82, P<0.001), BSA (male) = -4.01 + 0.032 (A) + 0.037 (J1J2) (R2 = 0.816, P<0.001) and BSA (female) = -3.50 + 0.013(A) + 0.012 (B) + 0.040 (E) + 0.015 (J1J2) (R2 = 0.916, P<0.001). In conclusion, the 3D body scanner can be used to estimate BW and BSA in buffaloes with different models among males and females.
Effect of Herbal Formulation AV/DAC-16 Supplementation on Rumen Profiles in Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Singh Digvijay , Bhatia H.
Published: March 2012

12 healthy buffalo calves with BW range 100-150 kg were fistulated and divided into two groups of 6 animals each. Control group animals were fed on conventional diet comprising of wheat straw (2 kg), green fodder (8 kg), concentrate (1.0 kg) and mineral mixture (0.050kg). The animals of the treatment group were kept on diet similar to the control group along with feeding of herbally formulated drug AV/DAC-16@ 15 gm/day for 21 days. Each animal was sampled for three consecutive days at 0 hr i.e., immediately before feeding and subsequent samples were taken at 2, 4 and 6 h intervals after feeding. There was a significant fall in pH at 2 and 4 h post-prandial and in MBRT during the entire observation period. TVFA concentration increased significantly in the treatment group. Though oral administration of AV/DAC-16 did not have any prominent effect on the protozoal count, the bacterial count increased significantly in comparison to control group. Total nitrogen concentrations fell significantly while a significant increase was observed in the ammonia nitrogen content in the supplemented group at 6 hours after feeding. The animals of supplemented group showed a significant increase in body weights.
Prediction of Body Weight from Linear Body Measurements in Nili-Ravi Buffalo Calves
Authors: Paul Shyam Sundar , Das Kalyan Sundar
Published: March 2012

Using 24 Nili-Ravi male buffalo calves, an experiment was carried out to find out the correlation of body weight with linear body measurements and to test the accuracy and precision of regression equations to estimate body weight from linear body measurements. All the linear body measurements during 6 - 24 months of age were positively and significantly correlated with body weight (P< 0.01). The coefficient values were decreased gradually with the increase of age of calves. The body weight of 6-12, 12-18 and 18-24 month calves can be predicted on the basis of linear body measurements with very low standard error of estimates and the developed models explained 83.21, 82.23 and 66.66% of variation in body weight, respectively.
In Vitro Embryo Production in Buffalo: Basic Concepts
Authors: Kumar D. , Anand T.
Published: March 2012

In vitro embryo production involves a combination of the techniques of in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF) and culture (IVC) of oocytes. The in vitro matured oocytes are incubated with suitably processed spermatozoa for an appropriate period of time for carrying out IVF. The presumptive zygotes are then cultured in vitro up to the blastocyst stage at which these could either be transferred to synchronized recipients for producing live offspring or cryopreserved for future use. The IVM, IVF and IVC are also integral parts of a number of other reproductive technologies like embryo or somatic cell cloning, production of transgenic animals or production of embryonic stem cells etc., which are expected to bring about a quantum jump in the population of superior genetic merit buffaloes or be useful to mankind in other ways.
Characterization of Seasonal Variations in Responsiveness of Pituitary Gland to Different Doses of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone in Buffalo Cows
Authors: RUDRAIAH MEDHAMURTHY , Jyotsna U.R. , Kunal B.S. , Killivalavan A. , Sudeshna T. , Ravindra J.P.
Published: March 2012

In tropical countries such as India, it has been observed that a number of buffalo cows experience seasonal anestrous during summer months. This might be due to seasonal changes in responsiveness of pituitary gland to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and/or decreased hypothalamic GnRH release. Attempts were made to characterize the responsiveness of pituitary gland to a range of doses (0.1, 1, 3, 10 and 33 µg) of GnRH in terms of LH and progesterone (P4) secretions during summer (April-May) and rainy (September-November) months. As a part of these studies, a radioimmunoassay method for estimation of circulating LH in buffalo cows was standardized. During summer months, it was observed that in the presence of low circulating P4 levels the minimum dose of GnRH required for eliciting a significant increase in circulating LH levels was 10 μg/animal that corresponded to a dose of ~28 ng/kg BW. However, during rainy months, administration of the same dose of GnRH failed to elicit a response suggesting that the pituitary gland is not responsive to low doses of exogenous GnRH. On the other hand, buffalo cows receiving a dose of 100 µg of GnRH during rainy months elicited a surge-like increase in circulating LH that peaked at 2 h and the increase in LH concentrations lasted for nearly 6 h post GnRH treatment. The results appear to suggest that during summer months the pituitary gland function is not affected, but there may be lowered hypothalamic GnRH input to the pituitary gland.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Detected and In Silico Analysis of the 5’ Flanking Sequence and Exon 1 in the Bubalus bubalis Leptin Gene
Authors: Scatà M.C. , Grandoni F. , Antonelli S. , De Matteis G. , Napolitano Francesco
Published: March 2012

The leptin plays a critical role in the regulation of reproductive and immune function in humans, it is at the centre of the complex networks that coordinate changes in nutritional state with many diverse aspects of mammalian biology. In this study, we have sequenced the 5’ flanking region and exon 1 of the leptin gene in buffalo, and have detected eight single nucleotide polymorphisms; we have made evidence, through in silico analysis that many of them fall within putative binding sites for transcription factors. Starting from the bovine whole genome shotgun sequence, that encodes the complete sequence of the leptin gene, we had designed primers to amplify two amplicons, so to cover the 5’ flanking and exon 1 of the leptin gene of 41 non related buffaloes. The newly sequenced buffalo fragment was submitted to profile search for transcription factor binding sites, using the MATCHTM program, focusing on the areas where the single nucleotide polymorphisms had been detected. Our analysis shows that the majority of the identified single nucleotide polymorphisms fall into the core sequence of transcription factor binding sites that regulate the expression of target genes in many physiological processes within mammalian tissues. Because the leptin gene plays an important role in influencing economic traits in cattle, the novel detected single nucleotide polymorphisms might be used in association studies to assess their potential of being genetic markers for selection.
Morphological survival and subsequent in vitro maturation of denuded and cumulus compact Bubaline oocytes cryopreserved by ultra rapid cooling
Authors: Purohit Govind Narayan , Meena Vinoj , Solanki Kanika
Published: March 2012

Culturable grade oocytes (n=380) recovered by aspiration of surface follicles from buffalo ovaries (n=97) were either mechanically denuded (DN) or kept cumulus compact (CC) and were vitrified in Dulbecco’s phosphate buffered saline + 0.4% sucrose, 0.4% bovine serum albumin and 6 M concentrations of either ethylene glycol (EG) or propylene glycol (PG). Oocytes were randomly allocated to four groups of vitrification (EGCC, EGDN, PGCC and PGDN) and cryostorage for 7-10 days in liquid nitrogen. They were then warmed to record morphological survival and morphologically normal oocytes were matured in vitro along with fresh oocytes (control) for 24 h in TCM-199 containing hormones (LH + FSH + estradiol) at 38.5 0C and 5% CO2 in humidified air in a CO2 incubator. The arcsine transformed data of the proportion of morphologic survival of oocytes and in vitro maturation of oocytes was compared by DNMR-test. The morphologically normal oocytes were significantly higher (P<0.05) for cumulus compact oocytes compared with denuded oocytes for both cryoprotectants EG and PG. The in vitro maturation was significantly higher (P<0.05) for non-vitrified oocytes (control) compared to vitrified oocytes. Significantly higher (P<0.05) proportion of cumulus compact oocytes matured in vitro compared to denuded oocytes for both cryoprotectants EG and PG. The differences between the cryoprotectants were non-significant. It was concluded that cryo-damage to the oocytes during vitrification can be minimized by the presence of cumulus cells with the oocyte, whereas the two cryoprotectants EG and PG are equally effective in preventing cryodamage to oocytes.
Evaluation of Genetic Merit of Buffaloes by Direct Sequencing
Authors: Gangaraj Darshan Raj
Published: March 2012

Sequencing the genome of the buffaloes enables scientists to more accurately identify the genetic markers that are responsible for economically important traits such as milk yield, milk fat and protein. Producers can use that information to breed healthier dairy animals that produce more and higher quality milk as well as beef animals. Consumers will benefit from more cost-effective and healthier products on store shelves. Understanding what genes contribute to specific buffalo animal traits will also have spinoff applications related to other fields like human health and disease. The animals used in the genome project have had a high impact on the breeding and commercial sectors in dairy and beef.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity of Indian Buffalo Breeds by DNA Markers
Authors: Sangwan M.L.
Published: March 2012

Buffalo is an important species contributing significantly to Indian economy. There is urgent need to study genetic diversity between and within breeds using appropriate set of microsatellite markers which can be further supplemented by using Genome sequencing data, phonemics and high density arrays. Animal resources are valuable assets of a country. Present buffalo breeds have gene pools of wide representation and valuable combination of genes. Genetic variability also provides the opportunity for tracing the history of populations, species, and their ancestors through DNA based markers. For the overall breed improvement and to meet future challenges there is an urgent need to characterize buffalo breeds. It is our responsibility to conserve, preserve and maintain the animal genetic diversity.
Milk Yield and Quality to Estimate Genetic Parameters in Buffalo Cows
Authors: Sarubbi Fiorella , Auriemma Giuseppe , Baculo Rodolfo , Palomba Raffaele
Published: March 2012

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for daily milk yield, fat and protein milk contents and their relationship with "mozzarella" cheese production using the classic instruments of the quantitative genetics. A total of 5130 daily milk yields records, belonging to 6 herds in South Italy were analyzed. The traits studied were: accumulated 270-day milk yield, milk fat and protein percentages, milk yield/day and mozzarella production. Descriptive statistics of the variables studied have been obtained with the procedure MEANS and FREQ, while the variation sources have been investigated using GLM procedure. With the objective to characterize the effects of greater impact on the production of milk (kg/days), fat and protein content (%) and "mozzarella" production (kg/days), has been used analysis of variance (ANOVA).
On average, buffalo cow’s milk production during lactation was 9.21±2.79 kg/d with 8.73% of fat and 4.98% of protein. Heritability estimates were low. The genetic correlation estimates between milk yield and % of fat and % of protein were low.
These results showed that the genes affecting milk yield have an antagonistic effect on % of fat and % of protein traits. Its suggests that selection to increase milk yield, would in the long term probably cause a reduction in milk constituents
Ultrasound-Guided Paravertebral Regional Anesthesia in Water Buffalo
Authors: Shokry Mohammed Mostafa
Published: March 2012

Adequate flank regional anaesthesia was achieved using ultrasound-guided nerve block of the 13th thoracic, 1st and 2nd lumbar spinal nerves after their exits from their intervertebral foraminae with only 5 ml of lidocaine 2%. Twelve successful trials were conducted on 4 buffaloes without any complications.
Mortality Pattern of Nili-Ravi Buffaloes under Organised Herd in India
Authors: Das Kalyan Sundar , Singh Ghansham , Singh Jitendra Kumar , Paul Shyam Sundar
Published: March 2012

The objective of the study was to find out the mortality pattern of Nili-Ravi buffaloes under organised herd in tropical climate. An investigation was carried out on post mortem findings of 318 Nili-Ravi buffaloes maintained at Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Regional Station-Bir Dosanjh, Nabha, Patiala, Punjab over a period of 16 years (1994-95 to 2009-10). Each year was divided into three seasons i.e. hot-dry (March-June), hot-humid (July-October) and cold (November to February). Sex of animals was divided into male and female group. The age of animals were grouped into eight categories viz. up-to 30 days (d), 31-60 d, 61-90 d, 91-180 d, 181-365 d, 366-1095 d, 1096-3650 d and more than 3651 d. The causes of mortality, based on post-mortem findings, were classified into twelve classes e.g. major respiratory diseases (MARD), minor respiratory diseases (MIRD), major digestive disorders (MADD), minor digestive disorders (MIDD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), parasitic diseases (PAD), infectious diseases (ID), musculoskeletal diseases (MSD), urogenital/reproductive diseases (UGD/RD), neurological disorders (ND), nutritional/metabolic/production diseases (NMD) and miscellaneous disorders (MD). Majority of the buffaloes died in the months of July to October. About two third of the buffalo deaths occurred before one year of their age. MARD followed by MAAD and CVD were the predominant causes of buffalo death under organised herd. This information will be beneficial in reducing buffalo mortality through adopting proper herd health programme of organized buffalo herd.
Male Gender Bias in Autism and Pediatric Autoimmunity
Authors: Becker Kevin G.
Published: March 2012

Male bias in both autism and pediatric autoimmune disease is thought to involve hormonal perturbations in pregnancy or early childhood in the context of genetic control. These early molecular events, at a time of rapid development, are intimately linked to concurrent development in the brain and immune system. It is suggested here that these early regulatory events may overlap between autism and autoimmunity in determining male sex bias and may provide evidence of an etiological link among autism, immune dysregulation, and autoimmune disease. Autism Res 2012,••:••–••. Published 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.†
Recovery of duckweed from time-varying exposure to atrazine
Authors: Brain Richard A. , Hosmer Alan J. , Desjardins Debbie , Kendall Timothy Z. , Krueger Henry O. , Wall Steven B.
Published: March 2012

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the recovery of duckweed (Lemna gibba L. G3) after being removed from multiple duration exposures to the herbicide atrazine. Consequently, L. gibba were exposed under various scenarios to atrazine at nominal concentrations ranging from 5 to 160 µg/L and durations of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 14 d under static-renewal test conditions. Exposures were followed by a recovery phase in untreated media for either 7 or 14 d. The 3-, 5-, 7-, 9-, and 14-d median effective concentration (EC50) values were >137, >137, 124, >77, and >75 µg/L, respectively, based on mean growth rate. No clear effect trends were apparent between exposure duration and the magnitude of effective concentrations (EC50s or EC10s). No phytocidal effects of chlorosis or necrosis were identified for any treatment scenario. Nearly all L. gibba plants transferred from treatment groups of different exposure scenarios to media without atrazine during the recovery phase had growth rates that demonstrated immediate recovery, indicating effects were phytostatic in nature and reversible. Only the 1- and 5-d exposure scenarios had growth rates indicating marginally prolonged recovery at the higher concentrations (160 µg/L; additionally, at 40 µg/L for the 5-d exposure). Time to recovery, therefore, was found to be largely independent of exposure duration except at the highest concentrations assessed. Based on growth rate by interval, all treatments demonstrated recovery by the final assessment interval (days 5–7), indicating complete recovery in all exposure scenarios by 7 d, consistent with the mode of action of atrazine. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1121–1128. © 2012 SETAC
Persistent organic pollutants in coastal sediment off South China in relation to the importance of anthropogenic inputs
Authors: Liu Liang-Ying , Wang Ji-Zhong , Qiu Jian-Wen , Liang Yan , Zeng Eddy Y.
Published: March 2012

Surface sediments collected from the coastal region off South China were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The concentrations of BDE-209, Σ12PBDE, Σ15PAH, Σ7PAH, and Σ11OCP were 0.22 to 26.3, 0.01 to 0.77, 13.9 to 271, 6 to 133, and 0.9 to 104 ng/g, respectively. The spatial distribution patterns of PBDEs and PAHs suggested that the eastern coastal region was slightly more contaminated than the western coast. In addition, the concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDXs) were highly variable, with the highest level found at a site in Zhanjiang Bay, which might have been reflective of the impact of antifouling paints mainly used in boat maintenance in harbor areas. The predominance of BDE-209 in the study region was consistent with the usage pattern of penta-, octa-, and deca-BDEs in China, whereas sediment PAHs appeared to have been derived largely from coal or wood and petroleum combustion. Preliminary assessments indicated that terrestrial inputs, such as atmospheric transport and riverine runoff, may have been the major input pathways for PBDEs and PAHs, respectively, to accumulate in coastal sediment off South China. Conversely, residues of DDT-containing antifouling paints associated with shipping activities and boat maintenance accounted for most of the accumulated sediment DDTs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:1194–1201. © 2012 SETAC
Nebulizing conditions of pneumatic electrospray ionization significantly influence electrolyte effects on compound measurement
Authors: Niu Wei , Zhu Xiaohong , Yu Ke , Li Li , Sun Yan , Li Chuan
Published: March 2012

Composition of mobile phase can greatly influence the success of electrospray ionization (ESI)‐interfaced liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. To investigate the relationship between formic‐acid‐based modification of mobile phase and ESI nebulizing conditions, an API 4000 ESI source and a TSQ Quantum one were compared under the same chromatographic conditions. Ginkgo terpene lactones and flavonols were measured in plasma, which involved using ascorbic acid to circumvent cross‐interference between the analytes. ESI responses to using formic acid included changes in signal intensity, matrix effect, and upper limit of quantification. Significant disparities in the responses were observed between the two ESI sources, suggesting that the use of electrolyte modifier in liquid chromatography mobile phase and the pneumatic nebulization for ESI should be properly balanced to accomplish optimal ESI‐based analysis. The distribution of unpaired ions toward the surface of the initial droplet was assumed to be an important step in the pneumatic ESI process. When using the electrolyte in mobile phase, a too fast droplet reduction by rapid‐heating‐assisted pneumatic nebulization could negatively decrease the time available for the unpaired ions to migrate from droplet interior to its surface. Ascorbic acid was identified as a major interfering substance for the bioanalytical assay; the interference mechanism might be associated with hindering the unpaired analyte ions from distributing toward the droplet surface rather than outcompeting the analyte ions for the limited excess charge on droplets surface. The current work extends the knowledge base of pneumatic ESI, which has implication for optimal use of the ESI‐interfaced liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry technique. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitation of melatonin and n‐acetylserotonin in human plasma by nanoflow LC‐MS/MS and electrospray LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Carter Melissa D. , Wade Calcutt M. , Malow Beth A. , Rose Kristie L. , Hachey David L.
Published: March 2012

Melatonin (MEL) and its chemical precursor N‐acetylserotonin (NAS) are believed to be potential biomarkers for sleep‐related disorders. Measurement of these compounds, however, has proven to be difficult due to their low circulating levels, especially that of NAS. Few methods offer the sensitivity, specificity and dynamic range needed to monitor MEL and its precursors and metabolites in small blood samples, such as those obtained from pediatric patients. In support of our ongoing study to determine the safety, tolerability and PK dosing strategies for MEL in treating insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder, two highly sensitive LC‐MS/MS assays were developed for the quantitation of MEL and precursor NAS at pg/mL levels in small volumes of human plasma. A validated electrospray ionization (ESI) method was used to quantitate high levels of MEL in PK studies, and a validated nanospray (nESI) method was developed for quantitation of MEL and NAS at endogenous levels. In both assays, plasma samples were processed by centrifugal membrane dialysis after addition of stable isotopic internal standards, and the components were separated by either conventional LC using a Waters SymmetryShield RP18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 3.5 µm) or on a polyimide‐coated, fused‐silica capillary self‐packed with 17 cm AquaC18 (3 µm, 125 Å). Quantitation was done using the SRM transitions m/z 233 → 174 and m/z 219 → 160 for MEL and NAS, respectively. The analytical response ratio versus concentration curves were linear for MEL (nanoflow LC: 11.7–1165 pg/mL, LC: 1165–116500 pg/mL) and for NAS (nanoflow LC: 11.0–1095 pg/mL). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Future perspective of nanoparticle interaction‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for rapid, simple, direct and sensitive detection of microorganisms
Authors: Wu Hui‐Fen , Gopal Judy , Manikandan Muthu
Published: March 2012

The introduction of nanoparticles into mass spectrometric research greatly influenced the applicability of this technique into various omics. Surface‐modified or functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) have recently extended the use of mass spectrometry into microorganism research. We survey the application of unmodified NPs, for microorganism research, on the basis of our expertise in this area within the recent years in this decade. The use of unmodified NPs in mass spectrometry, especially with respect to microorganisms, is an untreaded research area, which we have ventured to probe and have been fruitful. On the basis of our experience, we provide an insight into the principle behind the use of unmodified NPs and provide guidelines to be followed to obtain significant results. We also brief the current scenario of nanoparticle interaction‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (NPILDI‐MS) for rapid, simple, direct and sensitive detection of microorganisms on the basis of our past and present reports, quoting examples of successful application of this technique. Finally, we address the future of the NPILDI‐MS technique and the tools needed to reach those visions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of dammar resin with MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS and APCI‐FT‐ICR‐MS
Authors: Vahur Signe , Teearu Anu , Haljasorg Tõiv , Burk Piia , Leito Ivo , Kaljurand Ivari
Published: March 2012

Comprehensive analysis of high‐resolution mass spectra of aged natural dammar resin obtained with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT‐ICR‐MS) using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) is presented. Dammar resin is one of the most important components of painting varnishes. Dammar resin is a terpenoid resin (dominated by triterpenoids) with intrinsically very complex composition. This complexity further increases with aging.

Ten different solvents and two‐component solvent mixtures were tested for sample preparation. The most suitable solvent mixtures for the MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS analysis were dichloromethane‐acetone and dichloromethane‐ethanol. The obtained MALDI‐FTMS mass spectrum contains nine clusters of peaks in the m/z range of 420–2200, and the obtained APCI‐FTMS mass spectrum contains three clusters of peaks in the m/z range of 380–910. The peaks in the clusters correspond to the oxygenated derivatives of terpenoids differing by the number of C15H24units. The clusters, in turn, are composed of subclusters differing by the number of oxygen atoms in the molecules.

Thorough analysis and identification of the components (or groups of components) by their accurate m/z ratios was carried out, and molecular formulas (elemental compositions) of all major peaks in the MALDI‐FTMS and APCI‐FTMS spectra were identified (and groups of possible isomeric compounds were proposed). In the MALDI‐FTMS and APCI‐FTMS mass spectrum, besides the oxidized C30, triterpenoids also peaks corresponding to C29and C31derivatives of triterpenoids (demethylated and methylated, correspondingly) were detected.

MALDI and APCI are complementary ionization sources for the analysis of natural dammar resin. In the MALDI source, preferably polar (extensively oxidized) components of the resin are ionized (mostly as Na+adducts), whereas in the APCI source, preferably nonpolar (hydrocarbon and slightly oxidized) compounds are ionized (by protonation). Either of the two ionization methods, when used alone, gives an incomplete picture of the dammar resin composition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A symmetric method for weakly imposing Dirichlet boundary conditions in embedded finite element meshes
Authors: Baiges Joan , Codina Ramon , Henke Florian , Shahmiri Shadan , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we propose a way to weakly prescribe Dirichlet boundary conditions in embedded finite element meshes. The key feature of the method is that the algorithmic parameter of the formulation which allows to ensure stability is independent of the numerical approximation, relatively small, and can be fixeda priori. Moreover, the formulation is symmetric for symmetric problems. An additional element‐discontinuous stress field is used to enforce the boundary conditions in the Poisson problem. Additional terms are required in order to guarantee stability in the convection–diffusion equation and the Stokes problem. The proposed method is then easily extended to the transient Navier–Stokes equations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN RIVER DISCHARGE AND ABUNDANCE OF AGE 0 REDHORSES (MOXOSTOMA SPP.) IN THE OCONEE RIVER, GEORGIA, USA, WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR ROBUST REDHORSE
Authors: Peterson Rebecca Cull , Jennings Cecil A. , Peterson James T.
Published: March 2012

Robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) and notchlip redhorse (M. collapsum) are two species of redhorses that reside in the lower Oconee River, Georgia. Robust redhorse is listed as a state endangered species in Georgia and North Carolina, and attempts to investigate factors affecting its reproductive success have met with limited success. Therefore, catch of robust redhorse young were combined with catch of notchlip redhorse to increase sample size. These congeners with similar spawning repertoire were assumed to respond similarly to environmental conditions. River discharge during spawning and rearing seasons may affect abundance of both redhorses in the lower Oconee River. An information‐theoretic approach was used to evaluate the relative support of models relating abundance of age 0 redhorses to monthly discharge statistics that represented magnitude, timing, duration, variability and frequency of river discharge events for April through June 1995–2006. The best‐approximating model indicated a negative relationship between the abundance of redhorses and mean maximum river discharge and the number of high pulses during June as well as a positive relationship with intermediate duration of low flows during April–June. This model is 9.6 times more plausible than the next best‐fitting model, which revealed a negative relationship between the abundance of redhorses and mean maximum river discharge during May and the number of high pulses during June as well as a positive relationship between abundance and intermediate duration of low flows during April–June. Management implications from the results indicate low‐stable flows for at least a 2‐week period during spawning and rearing may increase reproductive success of robust and notchlip redhorses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards formally specifying and verifying transactional memory
Authors: Doherty Simon , Groves Lindsay , Luchangco Victor , Moir Mark
Published: March 2012

Over the last decade, great progress has been made in developing practical transactional memory (TM) implementations, but relatively little attention has been paid to precisely specifying what it means for them to be correct, or formally proving that they are. In this paper, we present TMS1 (Transactional Memory Specification 1), a precise specification of correct behaviour of a TM runtime library. TMS1 targets TM runtimes used to implement transactional features in an unmanaged programming language such as C or C++. In such contexts, even transactions that ultimately abort must observe consistent states of memory; otherwise, unrecoverable errors such as divide-by-zero may occur before a transaction aborts, even in a correct program in which the error would not be possible if transactions were executed atomically. We specify TMS1 precisely using an I/O automaton (IOA). This approach enables us to also model TM implementations using IOAs and to construct fully formal and machine-checked correctness proofs for them using well established proof techniques and tools. We outline key requirements for a TM system. To avoid precluding any implementation that satisfies these requirements, we specify TMS1 to be as general as we can, consistent with these requirements. The cost of such generality is that the condition does not map closely to intuition about common TM implementation techniques, and thus it is difficult to prove that such implementations satisfy the condition. To address this concern, we present TMS2, a more restrictive condition that more closely reflects intuition about common TM implementation techniques. We present a simulation proof that TMS2 implements TMS1, thus showing that to prove that an implementation satisfies TMS1, it suffices to prove that it satisfies TMS2. We have formalised and verified this proof using the PVS specification and verification system.
Quantitative Analysis of Lard in Cosmetic Lotion Formulation Using FTIR Spectroscopy and Partial Least Square Calibration
Authors: Lukitaningsih Endang , Sa’adah Miftahus , Purwanto  , Rohman Abdul
Published: March 2012

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics of partial least squares (PLS) has been optimized for rapid determination of lard in a binary mixture with palm oil in a cosmetic lotion formulation. Lard, palm oil, and a binary mixture were extracted from matrix samples using liquid–liquid extraction, evaporated with a vacuum rotary evaporator, and the fat/oil yielded was further subjected to FTIR spectrometric measurement using attenuated total reflectance (ATR) as a sampling handling technique. The level of lard in the mixture with palm oil in the lotion formulation was quantified at frequency region of 1,200–1,000 cm−1. The PLS calibration model reveals good correlation between the actual value of lard (x‐axis) and the FTIR predicted value (y‐axis) with a coefficient of determination (R2) of >0.99. Furthermore, the classification between lotions with and without lard in their formulation was performed using principal component analysis using the same frequency region used for quantification. The developed method was subsequently used for analysis of cosmetic lotions commercially available in the market. All samples analyzed did not contain lard in their formulations.
The Impact of Online and Offline Information Sources on Automobile Choice Behavior
Authors: Kulkarni Gauri , Ratchford Brian T. , Kannan P.K.
Published: March 2012

The Internet has significantly impacted the information search behavior of consumers. Many consumers regularly consult Internet sources for information on product categories, brands, manufacturers, and retailers, particularly when making a purchase decision about major durable goods. Automobiles are one example of such goods. The Internet has become a major source for information on automobile brands, attributes, and dealers. While much research has been done on the impact of the Internet on automobile information search behavior and search costs, there is limited work on the relationship between Internet use and the ultimate automobile choice. This type of relationship may have interesting managerial implications for both manufacturers of automobiles and firms that provide information on automobiles. This paper attempts to address this gap. It examines whether Internet use is associated with different choice patterns for automobiles. Using discrete choice analysis on automobile choice data, we explore whether there will be differences in the salience of specific information types for online versus offline consumers. We find that Internet users rely more on ratings while non-Internet users rely more on recommendations when making automobile choices. Our findings have several useful managerial implications for information provision, both online and offline.