bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Phytate, Phytate‐Mineralizing Bacteria, and Beta‐Propeller Phytase Genes along a Coastal Tributary to the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Stout Lisa M. , Nguyen Thanh T. , Jaisi Deb P.
Published: December 2015

Core Ideas

Positive correlation between phytate P, inorganic P, and PMB along the creek.

Bacteria with BPP genes about four orders of magnitude higher in water than sediment.

High inorganic P in the creek most likely derived partly from phytate degradation.

Phytate is often the most common and recalcitrant form of organic P in soils. Given that extracellular phytase activities are attributed to soil microorganisms, the distribution and characterization of phytate‐mineralizing bacteria (PMB) and quantification of phytate genes across an environmental gradient can address questions related to the degree of relative recalcitrancy of phytate P and microbial response to phytate loading. In this study, we analyzed paired sediment and water samples from different sites along a stretch of East Creek, a coastal tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, for the abundance of PMB as well as β‐propeller phytase (BPP) genes, a gene for the most common of the phytase enzymes, using culture‐dependent and ‐independent methods. We found that a larger proportion of isolates from sites near the headwaters were PMB than at the mouth of the creek. Our quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results show that the total number of bacteria (both with and without BPP genes) in water and sediment samples was highest at the agricultural headwaters but decreased significantly at wetland sites. Similarly, 16S rRNA‐normalized BPP copies show that the abundance of bacteria capable of phytate degradation was about four orders of magnitude higher in water than in sediment. These results probably indicate that the presence of phytate promotes the proliferation of phytate‐degrading microorganisms with a potentially higher rate of phytate degradation in water than in sediments. Overall, these results provide important insights into phytate loading and PMB abundance in a coastal tributary and P export to the Chesapeake Bay.
Method Comparison for Forest Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Estimates in the Delaware River Basin
Authors: Xu B. , Pan Y. , Johnson A.H. , Plante A.F.
Published: December 2015

Core Ideas

Soil cores and quantitative pits each have their limitations in forest soils.

Bulk density, coarse fragment, and C concentration variations are method dependent.

Compensating errors may mask uncertainty in regional estimates of soil C and N.

The accuracy of forest soil C and N estimates is hampered by forest soils that are rocky, inaccessible, and spatially heterogeneous. A composite coring technique is the standard method used in Forest Inventory and Analysis, but its accuracy has been questioned. Quantitative soil pits provide direct measurement of rock content and soil mass from a larger, more representative volume. In this study, the two sampling methods were used to estimate soil C and N stocks in forested plots in the Delaware River Basin. Mean stocks in the whole soil profile (organic and mineral layers, 0–40 cm, using pits) were 76.6 Mg C ha−1 and 4.45 Mg N ha−1. In the surface mineral layer (0–20 cm), lower bulk density (BD), lower coarse fragment content (CF), and greater C concentration (%C) were measured using the core method compared with the pit method. However, because the three variables are not independent and can be counterbalancing, soil C stocks did not differ between sampling methods. Spatial variation in C stocks was mainly driven by the variance of %C and BD in both methods, while the relative contribution of CF was greater in the soil pit method. Our results suggest that the physical problems associated with the core method and the ability of the core method to capture spatial variation in soil C and N stocks are questionable compared with quantitative soil pits. While variability and covariance among the contributing variables resulted in similar stock estimates from both sampling methods, they might accumulate greater uncertainty in spatial extrapolation to regional estimates of forest soil C and N stocks.
A Self‐Adaptive Model for the Prediction of Soil Organic Matter Using Mid‐Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Fei , Du Changwen , Zhou Jianmin
Published: December 2015

Core Ideas

This self‐adaptive model can be used for soil properties prediction.

Photoacoustic spectroscopy can be used for soil sensing.

The combination is a fast and cheap method for modern agriculture.

Fast quantification of soil organic matter (SOM) is important in crop production and soil fertility evaluation. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been widely utilized for rapid, cost‐effective, and nondestructive SOM determination. However, the lack of accuracy has limited the application of FTIR spectroscopy to quantitative SOM prediction because the models are built from a typical database, resulting in large errors in new independent samples. In this study, using 933 paddy soil samples collected in Lishui, China, a “self‐adaptive” model was designed for predicting SOM content, in conjunction with Fourier‐transform mid‐infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR‐PAS). The resulting FTIR‐PAS spectra afforded abundant soil information, reflected in O–H, N–H, and C–H vibrations (4000–2800 cm−1), C=O and C–H vibrations (2500–1200 cm−1), and the fingerprint region (1200–500 cm−1). The self‐adaptive model was established by: (i) identification of soil samples, selected by Euclidean distance, with soil spectra to similar the target (unknown) soil sample and ranking of the Euclidean distance values in ascending order; (ii) selection of the optimal parameters to build a partial least squares (PLS) model based on an optimal calibration sample subset; and (iii) prediction and validation of the unknown soil sample. The predictive capabilities of the self‐adaptive model and conventional PLS model were compared; the self‐adaptive and conventional PLS models had R2 values of 0.9293 and 0.5796, root mean square errors of prediction of 1.65 and 3.26 g kg−1, and ratios of percentage deviation (RPD) of 3.18 and 1.62, respectively. Therefore, the self‐adaptive model showed greater potential for application, having significantly enhanced applicability while improving the accuracy of prediction.
The application of a drought reconstruction in water resource management
Authors: Lennard A. T. , Macdonald N. , Clark S. , Hooke J. M.
Published: December 2015

This study uses extended (1880s–2012) rainfall series to examine the implications of historical droughts on water supply yield calculations used in water resource management and drought planning across the English Midlands and Central Wales. UK guidance to water companies is to use climate data from the 1920s to present where possible in modelling to inform water resource management and drought plans; but this period excludes several significant droughts of the late 19th century. This study uses the standardised precipitation index and hydrological modelling (HYSIM and AQUATOR) to investigate the implications of pre-1920s droughts on water resource management. Although drought characterisation identifies two significant droughts in the pre-1920 period, the impact of these events on reservoir storage is less severe than droughts identified in the post-1920 period, indicating that the use of long climate series in water resource modelling is a valuable tool in assessing the robustness of current water resource modelling used in the water resource sector.
Desalination leaders in the global market – current trends and future perspectives
Authors: Ziolkowska Jadwiga R.
Published: December 2015

Since the world's first land-based desalination plant was established in Australia in 1903, brackish groundwater and seawater desalination became a common water supply technology in many countries around the world. Desalination has proven as a reliable technology in times of drought and/or water scarcity, while in some countries it is an indispensable water supply source on a regular basis. This paper compares and evaluates major desalination leaders in the world (USA, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Australia, and China) with the aim of pointing out similarities and differences that made each of them successful. It also depicts a comprehensive picture of developments, trends and experiences in desalination at the global scale. Establishing desalination plants and ensuring their successful operation is a complex and multifaceted process dependent on capital and operational costs, production capacity, water salinity, geographical location, socio-economic and environmental conditions, and many other factors. The country specific comparison presented in this paper emphasizes the importance of regional planning for successful and sustainable desalination processes in the long term.
Characterization of recombinant norovirus virus-like particles and evaluation of their applicability to the investigation of norovirus removal performance in membrane filtration processes
Authors: Shirasaki N. , Matsushita T. , Matsui Y. , Ohno K.
Published: December 2015

Noroviruses (NVs) are one of the leading causes of epidemic gastroenteritis around the world. Water treatment technologies using membrane filtration for virus removal are becoming increasingly important. However, experiments to test removal of NVs from water have been hampered because NVs do not grow in cell culture or in small-animal models and therefore cannot be easily artificially propagated. Expression of the NV genome in a baculovirus-silkworm expression system has produced recombinant NV virus-like particles (rNV-VLPs) that are morphologically and antigenically similar to native NV. Here, we characterized these rNV-VLPs and evaluated their potential use in assessing NV removal. Electron microscopic analysis and peptide mass fingerprinting showed that the rNV-VLPs were morphologically identical to native NV. In addition, surface charge and particle size distribution, which are important factors for explaining virus particle behavior during membrane filtration, were successfully evaluated by using rNV-VLPs. The rNV-VLPs were easy to quantify with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, they remained stable for several days at 4 °C after dilution in river water, and they were easy to concentrate with the ultrafiltration entrapment method used. Thus, rNV-VLPs can be used to facilitate our understanding of the behavior of NVs during membrane filtration processes.
Effect of Food Simulating Agents on the Hardness and Bond Strength of a Silicone Soft Liner to a Denture Base Acrylic Resin
Authors: Khaledi A.A.R. , Bahrani M. , Shirzadi S.
Published: December 2015

Statement of the Problem:

Bonding failure between acrylic resin and soft liner material and also gradual loss of soft liner resiliency over time are two impending challenges frequently recognized with a denture base embraced with a resilient liner. Since patients drink various beverages, it is crucial to assess the influences of these beverages on physical characteristics of soft liners.

Purpose:

This in vitro study envisioned to assess the influence of food simulating agents (FSA) on the hardness of a silicone soft liner by employing a Shore A durometer test and also evaluate its bond strength to a denture base resin by using tensile bond strength test.

Materials and Methods:

To test the hardness of samples, 50 rectangular samples (40 mm × 10 mm × 3 mm) were prepared from a heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (Meliodent). Mollosil, a commercially available silicone resilient liner, was provided and applied on the specimens following the manufacturer’s directions. In order to test tensile bond strength, 100 cylindrical specimens (30 mm × 10 mm) were fabricated. The liners were added between specimens with the thicknesses of 3 mm. The specimens were divided into 5 groups (n=10) and immersed in distilled water, heptane, citric acid, and 50% ethanol. For each test, we used 10 specimens as a baseline measurement; control group. All specimens were kept in dispersed containers at 37ºC for 12 days and all solutions were changed every day. The hardness was verified using a Shore A durometer and the tensile bond strength was examined by an Instron testing machine at a cross-head speed of 5 mm/min. The records were analyzed employing one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, and LSD tests.

Results:

The mean tensile bond strength ± standard deviation (SD) for Mollosil was as follows for each group: 3.1 ± 0.4 (water), 1.8 ± 0.4 (citric acid), 3.0 ± 0.4 (heptane), 1.2 ± 0.3 (50% ethanol), and 3.8 ± 0.4 (control). The hardness values for each group were: 28.7 ± 2.11 (water), 33.2 ± 2.82 (citric acid), 39.2 ± 4.8 (heptane), 32.3 ± 3.56 (50% ethanol) and 22.2 ± 2.08 (control). Mean values for hardness indicated that all of the food simulating agents significantly increased hardness of the Mollosil soft liner compared to the control group (p<0.05). The results of tensile bond strength depicted that water and FSA decreased the bond strength of the soft liner -denture base resin compared to the control group and it was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The food simulating agents could influence the mechanical properties of silicone soft liners; hence, clinicians should inform their patients concerning their possible adverse effects and complications.
Sinus Lift Augmentation by Using Calcium Sulphate. A Retrospective 12 Months Radiographic Evaluation Over 25 Treated Italian Patients
Authors: Laino L. , Troiano G. , Giannatempo G. , Graziani U. , Ciavarella D. , Dioguardi M. , Lo Muzio L. , Lauritano F. , Cicciù M.
Published: December 2015

Purpose
: The aim of this investigation was to assess
bone healing of sinus lift procedure in which the augmentation has been
performed by using calcium sulphate like bone substitutes. The methods of this
investigation how the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) may be a valid
instrument to support reconstructive surgery of the jaws. Patients and
Methodology: 25 Patients presented large bone defects
after tooth extractions located in the upper jaw posterior area. Vertical bone
volume was assessed by CBCT examinations before and about six months after sinus
lift surgery. Results: Examined defects treated with sinus lift
surgery and evaluated by CBCT showed a strong increasing on the bone volume at 6
months follow up control. Conclusion: Calcium sulphate application
in sinus lift surgery represent a safe and predictable option in the place of
autologous bone. Therefore the application of CBCT investigation may give the
clinicians the opportunity of evaluating with high precision value, the
consistence of the bone defects before the surgery.
From a Static to a Dynamic Perspective in Handball Match Analysis: a Systematic Review
Authors: Prieto Jaime , Gómez Miguel-Ángel , Sampaio Jaime
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the scientific literature on handball match analysis
and to identify potential research areas for future work. Data were collected from Web of Science, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus,
Scopus, EBSCO, and ProQuest databases. The initial search found 148 journal articles. Only the papers focused
on handball match analysis regarding tactical and technical aspects were considered, for a final list of 25 publications. The
complexity approach under which each considered publication was conducted was taken into account (i.e., static vs. dynamic).
Therein, authors, main analysis, number of performance indicators under study, considered situational variables,
statistics and/or analysis methods, type of competition, number of matches, and sex of participants were distinguished for
classification purposes. Research on handball match analysis has evolved over the years, mainly due to the great technological
advances. Studies conducted under the classical static complexity approach are the most extended. Studies performed
under the relatively new dynamic complexity approach are growing. The present review identified the following
main guidelines for future work on handball match analysis: conducting more studies focused on the defensive profile;
analyzing handball national leagues and international club competitions; performing more studies in female handball; including
game situational variables into the analysis (i.e., game type, match status, game location, quality of opposition,
game period); incorporating critical events of the game into the analysis (e.g., team timeouts, exclusions); and, conducting
further research from the promising dynamic complexity perspective.
An Essential Role of NRF2 in Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Long Min , Rojo de la Vega Montserrat , Wen Qing , Bharara Manish , Jiang Tao , Zhang Rui , Zhou Shiwen , Wong Pak K. , Wondrak Georg T. , Zheng Hongting , Zhang Donna D.
Published: December 2015

The high mortality and disability of diabetic nonhealing skin ulcers create an urgent need for the development of more efficacious strategies targeting diabetic wound healing. In the current study, using human clinical specimens, we show that perilesional skin tissues from patients with diabetes are under more severe oxidative stress and display higher activation of the nuclear factor-E2–related factor 2 (NRF2)–mediated antioxidant response than perilesional skin tissues from normoglycemic patients. In a streptozotocin-induced diabetes mouse model, Nrf2−/− mice have delayed wound closure rates compared with Nrf2+/+ mice, which is, at least partially, due to greater oxidative DNA damage, low transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and high matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression, and increased apoptosis. More importantly, pharmacological activation of the NRF2 pathway significantly improves diabetic wound healing. In vitro experiments in human immortalized keratinocyte cells confirm that NRF2 contributes to wound healing by alleviating oxidative stress, increasing proliferation and migration, decreasing apoptosis, and increasing the expression of TGF-β1 and lowering MMP9 under high-glucose conditions. This study indicates an essential role for NRF2 in diabetic wound healing and the therapeutic benefits of activating NRF2 in this disease, laying the foundation for future clinical trials using NRF2 activators in treating diabetic skin ulcers.
Predictors of Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: The SEARCH CVD Study
Authors: Shah Amy S. , Dabelea Dana , Fino Nora F. , Dolan Lawrence M. , Wadwa R. Paul , D’Agostino Ralph , Hamman Richard , Marcovina Santica , Daniels Stephen R. , Urbina Elaine M.
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVE

Youth with type 1 diabetes have worse cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and higher carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) than their peers without diabetes. Whether the burden of CV risk factors over time is associated with carotid IMT at follow-up in youth with type 1 diabetes is not known.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Two hundred ninety-eight youth with type 1 diabetes (mean age 13.3 ± 2.9 years, 87.6% non-Hispanic white, 53.7% male) had two study visits 5 years apart. CV risk factors, including BMI, lipids, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and smoking status, were assessed at both visits, and carotid IMT was measured at follow-up using B-mode ultrasonography. Linear regression models with an area under the curve measurement that incorporated the baseline and follow-up CV risk factors were used to evaluate the relationship with carotid IMT at follow-up.

RESULTS

All CV risk factors worsened significantly over time (except LDL cholesterol) (P < 0.05). From baseline to follow-up, the number of abnormal CV risk factors also increased (P < 0.05). Predictors of carotid IMT were older age, male sex, and higher BMI z score area under the curve (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The CV risk factor burden increases over time in youth with type 1 diabetes. BMI z score was the only modifiable CV risk factor that predicted carotid IMT. This study highlights the critical need to better understand the risk factors that influence carotid IMT early in the course of type 1 diabetes.
Evaluation of coagulation and fibrinolysis in horses with atrial fibrillation
Authors: de Solís Cristobal Navas , Reef Virginia B. , Slack JoAnn , Jose-Cunilleras Eduard
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVE To evaluate horses with atrial fibrillation for hypercoagulability; plasma D-dimer concentrations, as a marker of a procoagulant state; and a relationship between coagulation profile results and duration of atrial fibrillation or presence of structural heart disease.

DESIGN Case-control study.

ANIMALS Plasma samples from 42 horses (25 with atrial fibrillation and 17 without cardiovascular or systemic disease [control group]).

PROCEDURES Results of hematologic tests (ie, plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations, prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times, and antithrombin activity) in horses were recorded to assess coagulation and fibrinolysis. Historical and clinical variables, as associated with a hypercoagulable state in other species, were also recorded.

RESULTS Horses with atrial fibrillation and control horses lacked clinical signs of hypercoagulation or thromboembolism. Compared with control horses, horses with atrial fibrillation had significantly lower antithrombin activity. No significant differences in plasma fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations and prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times existed between horse groups. In horses with atrial fibrillation versus control horses, a significantly larger proportion had an abnormal plasma D-dimer concentration (10/25 vs 2/17), test results indicative of subclinical activated coagulation (18/25 vs 6/17), or abnormal coagulation test results (25/121 vs 7/85), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Horses with atrial fibrillation did not have clinical evidence of a hypercoagulable state, but a higher proportion of horses with atrial fibrillation, compared with control horses, did have subclinical activated coagulation on the basis of standard coagulation test results.
Resource Use Efficiency of Mustard Production in Chitwan District of Nepal
Authors: Dhakal S.C. , Regmi P.P. , Thapa R.B. , Sah S.K. , Khatri-Chhetri D.B.
Published: December 2015

The study was conducted to determine the profitability and resource use efficiency of mustard production in Chitwan. The study used 159 mustard growers from 300 farmers adopting different pollinator friendly practices. Descriptive and statistical tools including Cobb-Douglas production function were used to analyze data which were collected from structured interview schedule. The benefit cost ratio (1.43) indicates that mustard production was profitable with productivity of 0.81 ton per ha. The magnitude of regression coefficients of mustard implied that use of human labor, tractor, nutrient and irrigation and pesticides costs had significant positive effect on gross return with estimated increasing return to scale (1.03). According to estimated allocative efficiency indices, it is suggested to increase use of tractor labor, seed, nutrient and irrigation plus pesticides cost by about 47%, 82%, 84% and 94%, respectively. Extension of modern technologies with adjustment on resource use is to be encouraged for increase in productivity and profit from mustard production which indirectly promotes and ensure forage for pollinators.  Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 604-608
Effect of Planting Dates on the Yield of Mustard Seed
Authors: Alam M.J. , Ahmed K.S. , Mollah M.R.A. , Tareq M.Z. , Alam J.
Published: December 2015

The experiment was conducted at Shibganj upazila under Bogra district during October, 2014 to January, 2015 to observe the effect of planting dates on the yield of mustard seed. There were five planting dates viz. 25 October, 30 October, 05 November, 10 November and 15 November. Significant variations due to different planting dates were observed in plant height, number of leaves plant-1, number of siliqua plant-1, number of seed siliqua-1, 1000 weight plot-1, yield plot-1and yield ha-1of mustard. Results showed that the highest seed yield was1.50 t ha-1 obtained from 30 October. The lowest seed yield was 1.0 t ha-1 from 15 November. From the results, the best planting date of mustard is on 30 October in the northern parts of Bangladesh.  Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 651-654
Ascorbic Acid and/or 24-Epibrassinolide Trigger Physiological and Biochemical Responses for the Salt Stress Mitigation in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Upadhyaya Chandrama Prakash , Bagri Deepak Singh , Upadhyay Devanshi Chandel
Published: December 2015

In the present study, we examined the role of ascorbic acid (AsA, vitamin C) and/or 24-epibrassinolide (EBL, an active BR) in mitigation of salt-induced stress in potato (Solanum tuberousum L). The 10-d-old plants were exposed to 150 mM NaCl and they were subsequently treated by ASA and/or EBL. The salt stress reduced significantly the plant growth, tuber yield, total chlorophyll and increased proline content and electrolyte leakage in the leaves. Toxic effects induced by salt stress were completely overcome by the combined exogenous application of AsA and EBL. The AsA and/or EBL treatments improved the growth parameters of the salt treated plants, such as shoot length, tuber number and size, fresh and dry mass and other physiological parameters. Our data also indicated that applications of AsA and EBL up-regulated the stress regulating plant hormone such as IAA, IBA and activities of the antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and under salt stress. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 655-667
A Role of Calcium Signaling Genes in Heterokaryon Incompatibility in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Gedela Ravi , Tamuli Ranjan
Published: December 2015

We have studied the Ca2+-signaling knockout mutants for their role in mating-type-associated heterokaryon incompatibility in Neurospora crassa.  The found results showed on heterokaryons homokaryosis for DNCU05225, DNCU06366, DNCU06650, DNCU07075, and ∆NCU07966 Ca2+-signaling knockout mutants (Neurospora crassa unit number, NCU) displayed heterokaryon het compatibility; however heterokaryons heterokaryosis for DNCU05225, DNCU063665, DNCU06650, DNCU07075, and ∆NCU07966 mutants displayed het incompatibility like the wild-type control.  In addition to that Two Ca2+-signaling knockout mutants DNCU02283, and DNCU09655 were tested for mating-type-associated heterokaryon incompatibility; these results showed, heterokaryons homokaryosis and heterokaryons heterokaryosis for DNCU02283, DNCU09655 mutants displayed het incompatibility.  Cell death and hyphal compartmentation due to mating type associated incompatibility were confirmed by uptake of vital dye Evan’s blue.  Thus, these results of NCU05225, NCU06366, NCU06650, NCU07075, and NCU07966 Ca2+-signaling gene products could play a role in mating-type-associated heterokaryon incompatibility in N. crassa.  In this article, we are reporting initially screened Ca2+-signaling gene deletion mutants of these five acts as recessive suppressors of mating type associated vegetative incompatibility in N. crassa.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 668-679
Utilization of Dairy Wastewater for Pollutants Removal and High Lipid Biomass Production by a Newly Isolated Microalgal Strains Chloromonas playfairii and Desmodesmus opoliensis
Authors: Guruvaiah Mahendraperumal , Narra Madhuri , Shah Ekta , James Jisha , Kurchania Anil
Published: December 2015

Two new unicellular microalgal species from milk processing unit situated at Anand, India were screened and tested for their growth rate and nutrient removal capability under dairy wastewater at outdoor conditions in a simple column aeration photobioreactor. Results of 18s rRNA sequence analysis indicated that these strains have a close relationship with Chloromonas playfairii and Desmodesmus opoliensis named as SBC 2 and SBC 3, respectively. Both the strains removed more than 92% of ammonical nitrogen and 99% of total phosphorus, whereas COD and BOD reductions were found to be more than 95%. Maximum biomass production was 1.7 and 1.2 g L-1 and lipid content was 15 and 12%, respectively from SBC 2 and SBC 3 after 15 d cultivation. This study demonstrates the potential of algae based biofuel production by coupling wastewater treatment with microalgae cultivation for high lipid containing biomass production using Chloromonas playfairii and Desmodesmus opoliensis.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 699-707
Monitoring and Varietal Screening Cucurbit Fruit Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Cucumber in Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Maharjan Ranju , Regmi Rajendra , Poudel Kapil
Published: December 2015

Monitoring of cucurbit fruit fly by using four different types of traps was conducted in Sipadole VDC of Bhaktapur district during 2012 to observe the population dynamics. Three different types of fruit flies were recorded, in which the number of B. cucurbitae dominated to other species. Only B. cucurbitae damaged the cucumber, which was trapped 92.68%, 87.05%, 90.61%, and 69.38% in cue-lure, banana pulp bait, sticky traps and fly catcher, respectively. The highest number of fruit flies (167.5 male fruit flies/3traps) was recorded in cue-lure trap during the first week of September, which coincided with 85.45% RH and 21.67°C and 25.04°C minimum and maximum temperature, respectively. Positive relation of temperature, relative humidity and fruit fly catches was observed. Thus, cue-lure was the most effective traps for monitoring of fruit fly population. In varietal screening, among the six different varieties of cucumber, i.e. Kathmandu local, Kusle, Kamini, Malini, Kasinda and Mahyco Green Long, they were highly significant difference in yield. Kamini gave the highest marketable fruit 26.66 mt/ha yield and the lowest by Kusle (5.05 mt/ha). All the varieties were affected by cucurbit fruit fly. The highest number of unmarketable fruit set was observed in Kamini (22.29 fruits/plant). Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 714-720
Effect of lyophilization on infectivity and viral load of Adenovirus
Authors: Jha Bimlesh Kumar , Gupta Birendra Prasad , Maharjan Prashanna , Kakshapati Somila , Munankarmi Nabin Narayan
Published: December 2015

Freeze drying (Lyophilization) performed at temperature and pressure below the triple point is being practiced for the preservation of virus stocks for longer periods. The present study is aimed to lyophilize adenovirus strain to study its effects on infectivity and viral load. In-house adenovirus reference strain (stock virus) was propagated in Hep-2 cell line in 25cm2 cell culture flasks. In 24-well plates the serial dilutions of stock virus from 10-1 to 10-7 (100μl inoculum) was inoculated in each well with Hep-2 cells for TCID50 titer and viral DNA was extracted separately to determine viral load by Taqman Real Time PCR. Stock virus was lyophilized in 3 lots and stored at RT (25±2°C) and 4°C separately for 1, 4 and 6 months and subjected to TCID50 (for viral infectivity) and viral load assay (for total viral genome copies). Following lyophilisation and storage of adenoviral strains at RT and 4°C separately did not affect significantly on the viral stability, infectivity as well as viral copy number till 4 months. However, storage at RT for 6 months resulted in 1 log reduction in viral copy number. Thus, storage of even lyophilized virus stock would necessitate a temperature of at least 4°C for prolonged periods. The present study could successfully lyophilize adenovirus and retain its infectivity over a period of 6 months when stored at RT and 4°C. No significant difference in the infectivity or TCID50 titer was observed in the lyophilized virus as compared to the stock virus. However, the viral load was observed to increase with lyophilization of the virus over 6 months when stored at 4°C which possibly is due to the concentration of the virus on freeze-drying.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 15-21
Molecular Markers for Septoria Leaf Spot (Septoria lycopersicii Speg.) Resistance in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Joshi Bal K , Louws Frank J , Yenco G Craig , Sosinski Byron R , Arellano Consuelo , Panthee Dilip R
Published: December 2015

Marker assisted selection (MAS) has not been initiated in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for septoria leaf spot (SLS) resistance caused by Septoria lycopersici Speg due to lack of molecular markers. We studied the inheritance of SLS resistance and identified molecular markers linked to SLS resistance using bulked segregant analysis (BSA) in a segregating F2 population. Tomato inbred lines, NC 85L-1W (2007), susceptible to SLS and NC 839-2(2007)-1, resistant to SLS were used to develop the segregating population. A total of 250 F2 plants, and 10 plants each of P1, P2 and F1 were grown at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC), Mills River NC in the summer of 2009. Disease severity was scored using a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 = no disease and 5 = complete development of disease. DNA was extracted from 2-3 week old plants and parental lines were screened with a total of 197 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers, of which 34 were polymorphic. Two DNA bulks, called resistant bulk (RB) and susceptible bulk (SB) were prepared from the F2 individuals. The RB and SB consisted of 8 individuals each with disease scores of 0, and 4.0 or 4.5, respectively. The segregation ratio of resistant and susceptible plants in F2 generation fit the expected Mendelian ratio of 3:1 for a single dominant gene. Five RAPD markers were linked to the SLS disease reaction, of which two were linked to susceptibility and three to the resistance. Subject to verification in independent populations, these markers may be useful for MAS of SLS resistance in tomato.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 40-47
Conservation Priorities of NTFP Species in Dry Deciduous Forests of Adilabad District, Telangana, India
Authors: Kanneboyena Omkar , Suthari Sateesh , Ragan A. , Raju Vatsavaya S.
Published: December 2015

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) have been used by ethnic and non-ethnic people for their food, shelter, medicine and commerce in Adilabad district of Northern Telangana. Over exploitation of the products has reduced the economic plant taxa and led to the loss of plant species which are essential for ecosystem diversity. The availability and distribution of the 16 NTFP species studied are not uniform in the district as per the phytosociological study. They are prioritized into three categories on the basis of score attained in the devised scale. Among these, Firmiana simplex, Givotia mulaccana, and Aegle marmelos shall receive the highest conservation priority, followed by Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia, Dendrocalamus strictus at moderate level while Terminalia bellerica, Syzygium cumini and Tamarindus indica are of low category which do not require much conservation attempt.Our Nature (2015), 13(1): 1-7
Osteology of Hyrcanian crested loach, Paracobitis hircanica (Pisces, Nemacheilidae)
Authors: Azimi H. , Mousavi-Sabet H. , Eagderi S.
Published: December 2015

This study was carried out to describe of osteological structure of the newly described crested loach, Paracobitis hircanica Mousavi-Sabet et al., 2015. For this purpose, ten specimens were collected from the Zaringol River, in the southeastern Caspian Sea basin. After clearing and staining, osteologicl characteristics were examined. The obtained results showed that the P. hircanica is osteologicaly characterized by plate-like protrusion in epibranchial-4, no sesamoid ossifications, five hypurals, free and long epural, no connection between retroarcticulare and dental, loss of preethmoideum-I and basibranciale-4, alveolar bony capsule and presence of the manubrium.Our Nature (2015), 13(1): 8-18
Taxonomical Studies of Three Species of an Epiphytic Alga Coleochaete Bréb. with Ecological Notes in West Bengal, India
Authors: Halder Nilu
Published: December 2015

During taxonomical study of Coleochaete Bréb., an epiphytic alga, three species viz. Coleochaete nitellarum Jost, Coleochaete pulvinata A. Br. ex Kütz., Coleochaete soluta (Bréb.) Pringsh. belonging to the order Chaetophorales under the class Chlorophyceae  were recorded in the winter season from three sites of Hooghly district in West Bengal, India. The thallus of C. nitellarum grew diffusely on the submerged angiospermic plants and consists of irregularly branched prostrate filaments. In C. soluta, the erect filaments were freely branched while, upper cells of erect filaments were cylindrical and thallus was hemispherical in C. pulvinata.  The most important finding of the limnological work was the higher concentration of DO in the lentic aquatic ecosystems where they occurred that might be due to higher rate of photosynthetic activities and lower temperature of water. This study also exhibited somewhat, lower nutrient status in respect of NO3-N: PO43-: K ratios. The review of literatures revealed that C. pulvinata was the second time report and other two taxa were reported third timely from this state.Our Nature (2015), 13(1): 19-25
Effects of Prolonged Starvation on Cholesterol Content of Gonads in Clarias batrachus
Authors: Prasad Nayan Kumar
Published: December 2015

Starvation is experienced in most species of fish during certain periods of every year largely due to environmental conditions and it affects different organs in different ways. The present paper deals with the impact of starvation on cholesterol content of gonadal tissues of a fresh water catfish, Clarias batrachus. The level of cholesterol in the gonads has been found higher in female than in male under both the normal and starved conditions. Both the male and female gonads showed non-significant depletion up to 20 days of starvation but thereafter, it was sharp. After 40 days of starvation, the cholesterol depleted about 84% in male and 79% in female of their normal values.Our Nature (2015), 13(1): 26-30
Systematics of Nepalese Termitomyces
Authors: Aryal Hari Prasad , Budathoki Usha
Published: December 2015

The genus Termitomyces is obligate symbiont fungus with the termite, which grows on termatoria. This paper highlights new records of Termitomyces aurantiacus (R. Heim) R. Heim, T. badius Otieno, T. le-testui (Pat.) R. Heim, T. microcarpus f. santalensis Heim and T. schimperi (Pat.) R. Heim reported for the first time from Nepal. The collection area lies 26°44'08"-29°06'32"N latitude and 80°18'02"-88°08'27"E longitude within an altitudinal range of 60-3000 msl. The collection during 2010-2012 from reserve forest and the specimens have been deposited in the Natural History Museum (NHM), Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.Our Nature (2015), 13(1): 31-44
Productivity of Maize Genotypes under Different Planting Dates
Authors: Bahadur B.K. Santa , Karki Tika Bahadur , Shrestha Jiban , Adhikari Parbati
Published: December 2015

Genotypic yield potential of maize genotypes is greatly affected by planting dates. This study was conducted to determine optimum planting dates of maize genotypes in 2013/14 at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. Four genotypes namely RML-4/RML-17, RML-32/RML-17, ACROSS-9944/ACROSS-9942 and S99TLYQ-B were planted at every week from April  to March.  The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications . The result of experiment showed that the highest production (5565 kg/ha) was obtained in August followed by February (5266 kg/ha), June (4475 kg/ha) and July (4255 kg/ha) respectively. The lowest yield (2572 kg/ha) was obtained in the month of November and December planting (3019 kg/ha). The highest grain yield was obtained in RML-4/RML-17 (7392 kg/ha) and RML-32/RML17 (6606 kg/ha), ACROSS- 9944/ACROSS-9942 (5004 kg/ha) during August planting and higher yield of QPM variety S99TLYQ-B was obtained in the month February planting. Winter maize has higher production potential than the rainy season maize. Based on this experiment RML-4/RML-17, RML-32/RML17 and ACROSS- 9944/ACROSS-9942 should be planting in August (winter season) and S99TLYQ-B in February (spring season) for higher grain yield production.Our Nature (2015), 13(1): 45-49
Water Quality Parameters for the Culture of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) in the Raceways of Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Bhagat Rakesh Prasad , Barat Sudip
Published: December 2015

Eighteen water quality parameters (5 physical, 9 chemical, 2 climatic and 2 geographical) were investigated for the water quality assessment so as to know whether water in the raceways from spring-fed torrential stream at a high altitude was feasible and suitable for the culture of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) or not. Results indicated colourless, odourless, and crystal-clear water throughout the year with air temperature ranging from 11.4-26.9 (20.3±1.1oC), water temperature 8.4-21.5 (16±1.1oC), water velocity 1.5-3.5 (2.5±0.11m sec-1), water discharge 37-92 (56±2.87L sec-1), turbidity 3-19 (11± 1.04NTU), pH 6.5-8.2 (7.44±0.11), electrical conductivity 35-204 (112.13±11.2µS cm-1), dissolved oxygen 5.9-10.5 (8.2±0.3mg L-1), free carbon dioxide 1.4-5.1 (3.6±0.2mg L-1), total alkalinity 17-97 (55.1±5.32mg L-1), total hardness 11-90 (47±5.06mg L-1), phosphate-P 0.01-0.50 (0.14±0.02mg L-1), ammonium-N 0.09-0.91 (0.28 ±0.04mg L-1), nitrate-N 0.01-0.83 (0.17±0.04mg L-1), relative humidity 62.4-88.7 (75.01±1.59%), rainfall 0.0-503.4 (132.44±32.83mm), altitude 1550msl, and water resource stream-fed torrential stream. Correlation analyses of the parameters showed strongest correlation at the significance level of 0.01. All parameters were positively correlated except pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, and total hardness which were negatively correlated with rest. Parameters of the first year were slightly higher than second due to fluctuation in temperature, velocity and discharge, relative humidity, and rainfall influenced by climatic factors, geography, seasons, and environment of the origin and occurrence of the water resource, thus affecting rest of the parameters. Water velocity and water discharge could be maintained as per requirement of the culture. These parameters were within permissible limits being feasible and suitable for rainbow trout culture.Our Nature (2015), 13(1): 50-57
Prevalence of Extra-Cardiac Malformations with Congenital Heart Disease among Hospital Admitted Children- A Study in a Tertiary Level Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Md Ferdousur Rahman , Sadique Zahir , Begum Nurun Nahar Fatema , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: December 2015

Introduction: Congenital anomalies are a major cause of stillbirths and infant mortality. In this post genomic era, congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are still the most common and lethal of all birth defects in children. Although most of the CHD occur as a sporadic event many of them have a well-defined genetic basis. This genetic basis is expressed in the form of concomitant occurrence of extra-cardiac malformations (ECM) which may occur alone or as a part of a syndrome.Objective: The present study was designed to find out the burden of CHDs in the hospital admitted children and to find out the prevalence of occurrence of clinically recognizable ECM associated with CHDs.Methods: This is a cross-sectional hospital based study. Total patients admitted during the study period were 5264. Of these 335 patients were found suffering from different types of congenital heart diseases. This gives the hospital admission rate for CHD, as 63.6 per 1000 admission (6.36%). Out of total 335 cases of CHD, 273 (81.5%) were acyanotic and 62 (18.5%) were cyanotic. Among the CHD patients 68 (20.3%) had a significant ECM. Out of the 68 patients with a significant ECM 53 (77.9%) had a clinically recognizable genetic syndrome, whereas 15 cases (22.1%) had a major ECM which was not a part of a syndrome.Conclusion: A high rate of hospital admission is found for CHDs in the pediatric setting, signifying the need for improvement of pediatric cardiology infrastructure in Bangladesh, which should help in providing better medical and surgical care for the patients with CHD. A significant proportion of patients with CHD have associated ECM, implicating a genetic background for the etiology of CHD. It also emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation of patient with CHD for ECM.Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(2) 2014
Effect of Losartan and Atenolol on Lung Function Status in Newly Diagnosed Essential Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Nahar Mst Nasrin , Begum Shelina , Ferdousi Sultana , Sultana Sharmeen , Parveen Zinia
Published: December 2015

Introduction: Essential hypertension is associated with altered pulmonary function. Antihypertensive medication and lung function are also associated. Losartan (angiotensin II receptor blocker) and atenolol (beta blocker) are commonly used antihypertensive drugs.Objective: To evaluate the effects of antihypertensive drugs on lung function status in patients with essential hypertension.Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Physiology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka, from July 2012 to June 2013 on 100 newly diagnosed essential hypertensive patients who had not received any antihypertensive medications. They were selected from the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Cardiology unit, BSMMU, Dhaka. The study sbujects of age between 30-55 were allocated in group B. Based on prescribed treatment, these study subjects were divided into two groups - B1 and B2. B1 included 50 patients who received losartan 50mg daily and B2 included 50 patients who received atenolol 50mg daily. Again basing on duration of treatment group B1 was divided into B1a (newly diagnosed hypertensive patients before treatment), B1b (after 3 months of medication with losartan) and B1c (after 6 months medication with losartan). Similarly group B2 was divided into B2a, B2b, and B2c. For assessing lung function status, FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were measured with acomputer based Spirometer. Age, sex and BMI matched 50 apparently healthy normotensive subjects were also studied as control (group A). Data were compared among subjects of different groups. For statistical analysis independent sample t test and paired sample t test were performed.Results: Mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher and mean FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were significantly lower in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients in comparison with that of healthy normotensive subjects. Mean FVC and FEV1 were found significantly higher in the group taking losartan for 6 months when compared to newly diagnosed hypertensive patients but lower than those of controls. In addition, mean FVC and FEV1 were found significantly lower in the group taking atenolol for 6 months when compared to newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and those of controls.Conclusion: Reduced lung function occurs in newly diagnosed essential hypertensive patients which improves by treatment with losartan but decreases after treatment with atenolol.Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(2) 2014