bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional inhibition after irradiation occurs preferentially at highly expressed genes in a manner dependent on cell cycle progression
Authors: Chen Zulong , Wang Xin , Gao Xinlei , Arslanovic Nina , Chen Kaifu , Tyler Jessica
Published: February 2024

In response to DNA double strand damage, ongoing transcription is inhibited to facilitate accurate DNA repair while transcriptional recovery occurs after DNA repair is complete. However, the mechanisms at play and identity of the transcripts being regulated in this manner are unclear. In contrast to the situation following UV damage, we found that transcriptional recovery after ionizing radiation (IR) occurs in a manner independent of the HIRA histone chaperone. Sequencing of the nascent transcripts identified a programmed transcriptional response, where certain transcripts and pathways are rapidly downregulated after IR, while other transcripts and pathways are upregulated. Specifically, most of the loss of nascent transcripts occurring after IR is due to inhibition of transcriptional initiation of the highly transcribed histone genes and the rDNA. To identify factors responsible for transcriptional inhibition after IR in an unbiased manner, we performed a whole genome gRNA library CRISPR / Cas9 screen. Many of the top hits in our screen were factors required for protein neddylation. However, at short times after inhibition of neddylation, transcriptional inhibition still occurred after IR, even though neddylation was effectively inhibited. Persistent inhibition of neddylation blocked transcriptional inhibition after IR, and it also leads to cell cycle arrest. Indeed, we uncovered that many inhibitors and conditions that lead to cell cycle arrest in G
1
or G
2
phase also prevent transcriptional inhibition after IR. As such, it appears that transcriptional inhibition after IR occurs preferentially at highly expressed genes in cycling cells.
A scale-invariant log-normal droplet size distribution below the critical concentration for protein phase separation
Authors: Amico Tommaso , Dada Samuel Toluwanimi , Lazzari Andrea , Brezinova Michaela , Trovato Antonio , Vendruscolo Michele , Fuxreiter Monika , Maritan Amos
Published: February 2024

Many proteins have been recently shown to undergo a process of phase separation that leads to the formation of biomolecular condensates. Intriguingly, it has been observed that some of these proteins form dense droplets of sizeable dimensions already below the critical concentration, which is the concentration at which phase separation occurs. To understand this phenomenon, which is not readily compatible with classical nucleation theory, we investigated the properties of the droplet size distributions as a function of protein concentration. We found that these distributions can be described by a scale-invariant log-normal function with an average that increases progressively as the concentration approaches the critical concentration from below. The results of this scaling analysis suggest the existence of a universal behaviour independent of the sequences and structures of the proteins undergoing phase separation. While we refrain from proposing a theoretical model here, we suggest that any model of protein phase separation should predict the scaling exponents that we reported here from the fitting of experimental measurements of droplet size distributions. Furthermore, based on these observations, we show that it is possible to use the scale invariance to estimate the critical concentration for protein phase separation.
Association with TFIIIC limits MYCN localization in hubs of active promoters and chromatin accumulation of non-phosphorylated RNA Polymerase II
Authors: Vidal Raphael , Leen Eoin , Herold Steffi , Müller Mareike , Fleischhauer Daniel , Schülein-Völk Christina , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Röschert Isabelle , Uhl Leonie , Ade Carsten P. , Gallant Peter , Bayliss Richard , Eilers Martin , Büchel Gabriele
Published: February 2024

MYC family oncoproteins regulate the expression of a large number of genes and broadly stimulate elongation by RNA polymerase II. While the factors that control the chromatin association of MYC proteins are well understood, much less is known about how interacting proteins mediate MYC’s effects on transcription. Here we show that TFIIIC, an architectural protein complex that controls the three-dimensional chromatin organization at its target sites, binds directly to the amino-terminal transcriptional regulatory domain of MYCN. Surprisingly, TFIIIC has no discernible role in MYCN-dependent gene expression and transcription elongation. Instead, MYCN and TFIIIC preferentially bind to promoters with paused RNAPII and globally limit the accumulation of non-phosphorylated RNAPII at promoters. Consistent with its ubiquitous role in transcription, MYCN broadly participates in hubs of active promoters. Depletion of TFIIIC further increases MYCN localization to these hubs. This increase correlates with a failure of the nuclear exosome and BRCA1, both of which are involved in nascent RNA degradation, to localize to active promoters. Our data suggest that MYCN and TFIIIC exert an censoring function in early transcription that limits promoter accumulation of inactive RNAPII and facilitates promoter-proximal degradation of nascent RNA.
Future movement plans interact in sequential arm movements
Authors: Kashefi Mehrdad , Reschechtko Sasha , Ariani Giacomo , Shahbazi Mahdiyar , Tan Alice , Diedrichsen Jörn , Pruszynski J. Andrew
Published: February 2024

Real world actions often comprise of a series of movements that cannot be entirely planned before initiation. When these actions are executed rapidly, the planning of multiple future movements needs to occur simultaneously with the ongoing action. How the brain solves this task remains unknown. Here we address this question with a new sequential arm reaching paradigm that manipulates how many future reaches are available for planning while controlling execution of the ongoing reach. We show that participants plan at least two future reaches simultaneously with an ongoing reach and that the planning processes of the two future reaches are not independent of one another. Evidence for such interactions is two-fold. First, correcting for a visual perturbation of the ongoing reach target is slower when more future reaches are planned. Second, the curvature of the current reach is modified based on the next reach only when their planning processes temporally overlap. These interactions between future planning processes may enable smooth production of sequential actions by linking individual segments of a long sequence at the level of motor planning.
O processo de outsourcing nas empresas portuguesas: vantagens e riscos
Authors: Pacheco Rosselyn Thayset Francisco , Dias Henrique Amaral , Matos Fátima Regina Ney , Almeida Vasco
Published: February 2024

A escolha de externalizar algumas atividades da empresa é vista como uma opção estratégicaválida implementada por muitas organizações em todo o mundo. O paradigma de que a organização precisava ser verticalmente integrada e autossuficiente deu lugar a uma nova realidade, com a implementação do outsourcing, ou seja, a busca por melhorias em áreas críticas de desempenho. Assim, o objetivo foi identificar os fatores considerados relevantes no processo de outsourcing, em empresas portuguesas, com o recurso à Visão Baseada nos Recursos e na Teoria dos Custos de Transação. Além dessas duas perspetivas, o referencial teórico apresentou o conceito de outsourcing, as características do contrato e as vantagens e riscos associados ao processo de outsourcing. Os resultados mostraram que os fatores associados à Resource-Based View (RBV), como investir nas atividades principais do seu negócio para a manter competitiva dentro do mercado em que a mesma se insere, obrigam a que as decisões de outsourcing estejam alinhadas com as características de cada atividade desenvolvida para alcançar a eficiência de custos. A flexibilidade nos contratos e nos serviços de outsourcing apresenta-se como uma característica que condiciona o sucesso. Em relação à Teoria dos Custos de Transação, observou-se que o custo é um fator importante na decisão de externalizar, embora não seja a principal preocupação das organizações. Pode-se concluir que aspetos da Visão Baseada em Recursos e da Teoria de Custos de Transação influenciam na decisão de optar, ou não, pelo outsourcing.
Potencial alelopático de jambú (Acmella brachyglossa Cass.) na germinação e desenvolvimento de plântulas de alface
Authors: De Andrade Renata Farias , Martins Jefferson dos Santos , Gonçalves Marcos Augusto de Souza , Santos Helane Cristina Aguiar , Ribeiro Rafael Coelho , Parreira Mariana Casari
Published: February 2024

A espécie Acmella brachyglossa Cass. (jambú), pertencente à família Asteraceae é uma espécie composta por diversos constituintes como os flavonóides, taninos, alcalóides e compostos fenólicos. Essas substâncias podem interferir no crescimento e desenvolvimento de outros vegetais, ação característica de alelopatia. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o potencial alelopático do jambú sobre o crescimento inicial de plântulas de alface. Para isso, foram testados 12 tratamentos, mais a testemunha (água destilada), sendo eles: T1 (caule [25%]), T2 (caule [50%]), T3 (caule [75%]), T4 (caule [100%]), T5 (folha [25%]), T6 (folha [50%]), T7 (folha [75%]), T8 (folha [100%]), T9 (raiz [25%]), T10 (raiz [50%]), T11 (raiz [75%]) e T12 (raiz [100%]). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 4 + 1, com 4 repetições, as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 1% e 5% de probabilidade, quando significativas. Ao final do experimento, foram determinados a porcentagem de germinação (G%), índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), além do comprimento do sistema radicular (CR) (cm), comprimento da parte aérea (CPA) (cm), peso da parte aérea (PPA) (g) e peso das raiz (PR) (g). De acordo com a análise de variância, no comprimento da parte aérea (CPA), observou-se os decréscimos do comprimento aéreo das plântulas com o aumento das concentrações dos extratos de caule e folha em concentração máxima em relação a testemunha. Contudo, o tratamento constituído pelo extrato de raiz em concentração de 75% com 3,37 cm, promoveu em 39% o crescimento da parte aérea das plântulas de alface em relação ao tratamento controle. Perante a isso, concluiu-se que o extrato aquoso de folha em concentração de 100% tem efeito desfavorável no comprimento da parte aérea, comprimento e peso de raízes de plântulas, e no índice de velocidade de germinação de sementes de alface.
Morphological and Topographical Anatomy of the Nutrient Foramen in the Clavicle: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Fatima Kaneez , Bhat Ghulam Mohammad , Saify Insha
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The clavicle is the first bone to ossify during the fifth to sixth week of gestation and the last to complete the process. It develops from intramembranous ossification. Opinions vary regarding the significance of the nutrient foramen in the clavicle. Aim: To comprehensively understand the topographic anatomy of the nutrient foramen in adult human clavicles and its clinical importance. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 clavicles at the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College Srinagar, from September 2023 to December 2023. The nutrient foramina were macroscopically observed using a magnifying lens to determine their number, location, direction, and patency. Vernier calipers were used to measure various foraminal dimensions, and the Foramen Index (FI) was calculated using the Hughes formula. The data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: The study included 20 right-sided clavicles and 30 left-sided clavicles (total 50). Approximately 47 (94%) clavicles had a single nutrient foramen, while 3 (6%) clavicles had double nutrient foramina. All right-sided clavicles (100%) had a single nutrient foramen. Among the left-sided clavicles, 27 (90%) had a single foramen, and three clavicles (10%) had double foramina. Nutrient foramina were patent in 20 (100%) right-sided clavicles and 9 (30%) left-sided clavicles, meaning they were non-patent in 21 (70%) left-sided clavicles. Most clavicles had the nutrient foramen located on the posterior surface (42, 84%), while 8 (4%) had the nutrient foramen on the inferior surface. The nutrient foramen was noted in the middle third of the clavicle in about 35 (70%) clavicles, on the medial third in 10 (20%) clavicles, and on the lateral third in 5 (10%) clavicles. Conclusion: Nutrient foramina are predominantly located in the middle one-third region and on the posterior surface of the clavicle. As microvascular bone graft transfer is gaining popularity, surgeons must be familiar with the topography of the nutrient foramina of the clavicle to ensure successful bone grafting.
Cord Blood Vitamin D Status and Its Anthropometric Correlation in Term, Appropriate-for-Gestational-Age Newborns: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tiwari Ved Pratap , Kulkarni Kedar Pramod , Jain Anvita
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent worldwide, including in India. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can also lead to deficiency in the foetus. This deficiency can have a negative impact on foetal growth, as vitamin D is essential for calcium and bone homeostasis, as well as skeletal growth. Aim: To determine the cord blood vitamin D status and evaluate the correlation between cord blood vitamin D levels and neonatal anthropometric measurements in term, appropriate- for-gestational-age newborns at birth. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care centre. Two hundred term, appropriate-for- gestational-age newborns were included in the study. Cord blood 25(OH)D levels and anthropometric measurements were taken at birth. The data were analysed statistically, and significance was determined using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test. Results: Vitamin D levels were deficient (<12 ng/dL) in 80 (40%) samples, insufficient (<20 ng/dL) in 93 (46.5%) samples, and sufficient in 27 (13.5%) samples of cord blood. No significant relationship was found between cord blood vitamin D concentrations and neonatal weight, length, and head circumference at birth (p>0.05). Conclusion: A very high level of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was observed in cord blood samples. There was no association between maternal vitamin D concentrations and neonatal anthropometric measurements in the infants.
Web-based Survey on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated College Students in Puducherry, India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Priyadharshini Karthika U , Jayamala AK , Soundirarajan Subhashri
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Coronaviruses (CoVs) encompass a large group of viruses known to infect the upper respiratory tract in humans. The devastating impact of the virus has led to widespread infections among millions of individuals. Widespread disregard for ‘Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Appropriate Behaviour’ (CAB) by the public has significantly strained the Indian healthcare system. Despite efforts to educate the public on CAB through social media since 2020, only a minority have incorporated these practices into their daily lives. Notably, some vaccinated individuals have been hesitant to adhere to CAB despite repeated awareness efforts. This study aims to understand adherence to CAB among vaccinated and unvaccinated students not associated with the healthcare system. Aim: To evaluate the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of CAB among vaccinated and unvaccinated college students. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Puducherry, India among various engineering and arts college students of Puducherry, India from December 2021 to February 2022. A web-based data collection tool was designed using Google Forms. Data was collected through invitation letters and questionnaires distributed via WhatsApp groups and Instagram. The study included a total of 360 responses, with the questionnaire comprising 40 questions related to KAP, consisting of 17, 7, and 16 questions, respectively. The results were expressed in percentages. Results: Among the vaccinated participants, 263 (89.7%) identified social media as the primary source of COVID-19 related information. Knowledge and attitude towards COVID19 vaccination revealed that over 50% were aware of the safety and efficacy of vaccines and the necessity of receiving two doses as advised by the government. While knowledge and attitude were similar across vaccinated and unvaccinated college students, there was a slightly higher percentage among the vaccinated group. However, there was an increased percentage of practice among unvaccinated students, indicating greater awareness of infection prevention. Conclusion: The study found that the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of college students, particularly those not in medical fields, were satisfactory, likely due to the widespread availability of information on social media. These findings can be valuable for public health departments to adopt a peoplecentered approach to raise awareness among the public and reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Impacts of the Surya Namaskar on Body Composition and Physiological Parameters among Yoga and Non Yoga Professionals: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Pal Rameswar , Rao Sobika , Deo Guru , Basavaraddi Ishwar V , Sharma Neetu , Madaan Lalit
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Surya Namaskar (SN) (also known as Sun Salutation) in the Bihar School of Yoga tradition comprises eight different postures completed in twelve steps sequentially. There are different views and schools of SN according to various traditions. Several studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effects of SN on the physiological, physical, and mental aspects of practitioners; however, its comparative effect on Yoga professionals and Non Yoga professionals has not been extensively explored. Aim: To determine the impacts of SN on body composition and physical and physiological variables among Yoga and Non Yoga professionals. Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted at Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi, India from March 2021 to May 2021. The study involved three groups with 10 subjects each: the Non Yoga Professional Control group (NYPC), the Non Yoga Professional Surya Namaskar group (NYPS), and the Yoga Professional Surya Namaskar group (YPS). The NYPS and YPS groups practiced 12 rounds of SN, totaling 24 minutes daily for 5 days a week over 6 weeks. Height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Breathe Holding Time (BHT), Right Hand Grip Strength (RHGS), Left Hand Grip Strength (LHGS), Flexibility, Muscle mass, Percentage Body Fat (PBF%), total Body Fat (BF), Bone Mass (BM), Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR), and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) were recorded on the first day and after six weeks. GraphPad Instat Windows-based software, version 3.0, was used to complete the statistical analysis. Intergroup comparison was performed using Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Pre- and post-comparisons were made using t-tests. The level of significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: A significant reduction was observed in HR (p≤0.05), SBP (p≤0.01), Pulse Pressure (PP) (p≤0.05), Double Product (DoP) (p≤0.05), and Rate Pressure Product (RPP) (p≤0.05) following SN in the NYPS group. A significant reduction was observed in SBP (p≤0.01), DBP (p≤0.05), and MBP (p≤0.01) following Surya Namaskar practice in the YPS group. BHT (p≤0.05), RHGS (p≤0.05), LHGS (p≤0.05), and flexibility (p≤0.01) significantly increased following SN in the NYPS group. Flexibility was significantly increased (p≤0.05) following SN in the YPS group. PBF and BF decreased significantly (p≤0.001) following SN in the NYPS group. Conclusion: The SN has demonstrated effects on the physical, physiological, and therapeutic aspects of practitioners. The present study established that the practice of SN improves body composition and cardiovascular function with increased efficiency, potentially aiding in the prevention of lifestyle-related cardiovascular diseases.
An Economic Analysis of Production of Cowpea in Bilaspur District of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Singroul Chandra Kumar , Tegar Ajay , Choudhery V. K.
Published: February 2024

The research entitled “An Economic Analysis of Production of Cowpea in Bilaspur District of Chhattisgarh, India” was done with the specific objectives to work out the cost and returns of cowpea in the study area, The survey for specified objective was conducted in Takhatpur and Bilha blocks of Bilapur district of Chhattisgarh. Data were collected from 75 cowpea growers from the 10 villages (5 villages from each block). Data related to marketing was collected from 5 village traders, 6 wholesalers and 8 retailers. The primary data were collected from the cowpea growers through personal interview method with the help of well-prepared questionnaire for the production and marketing in the year 2022-23. The collected data were analysed by using average, mean, percentage and other tools to present in tabular form and for cost and cost concept were used. The study reveal that the overall cost of cultivation per hectare of cowpea wascalculatedRs.1,00,057.00. The cost of cultivation per hectare showed rising trend with the rise in farm size. The overall input-output ratio of cowpea was found to be 1:1.6on the sample farms.
Zootechnical Performance of Cyprinus carpio Fry in Unfertilized Ponds Fed a Local Feed Formulated with Musca domestica Larvae Flour
Authors: Ruben Ngouana Tadjong , Paul Zango , Gabriel Asseng , Raphaël Kana Jean
Published: February 2024

Objective: this study on the effect of the level of incorporation of Musca domestica maggot flour on some zootechnical performances of Cyprinus carpio fry in unfertilized ponds.
Study design: The study took place at the Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Fisheries Resources (LADRHa) in the Yabassi District, Nkam department, coastal region-Cameroon and duration 2 months.
Methodology: 375 Cyprinus carpio fry with an average weight of 1.73±0.13g were used. After reception and acclimatization for two days. Five food rations were formulated T0+ (coppens), T0- without maggot flour and three other food rations T25, T30 and T35 were formulated from the basic ration T0- by incorporating 25%, 30%, 35% maggot flour. The fry were distributed in 15 circular basins of 40L each and a diameter of 395mm in a completely redomized device and repeated three times, installed in an unfertilized pond of 200m2 fed by a water retention dam. Each happa contained 25 fry. The fry were fed manually, 02 times per day at 10% of their ichthyo biomass until the end of the experiment. Control fishing was carried out every fourteen days.
Results: The survival rate was significantly higher (p˂0.05) with the T0- treatment and low with the T35 treatment. The highest average weight was recorded with the T0+ treatment (coppens) and the lowest with the treatment containing 35% maggot meal. Daily weight gain was high with the T0+ (coppens) treatment and lower with T35. The specific growth rate was higher with the T0+ (coppens) treatment and lower with the T30 treatment. The consumption index was lower with the T0+ treatment (coppens) and higher with the T35 treatment.
Conclusion: It emerges from this study that the fry of Cyprinus carpio nouris fed feed containing 25% of Musca domestica maggot meal recorded higher zootechnical performances compared to those fed feed containing 30 and 35%.
Climate Change Impacts on Aquaculture Systems in Key Producing Nations: Assessing Vulnerability and Proposing a Novel Adaptation Measure
Authors: Awotunde Mathew
Published: February 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to the aquaculture industry, impacting both the productivity and sustainability of this vital sector. This study focuses on the vulnerability of the top aquaculture producing nations to climate change and explores potential novel adaptation strategy. The vulnerability assessment considered various factors, including the exposure of aquaculture systems to climate change, Productivity of the industry, climate change initiators and the GDP of each nation surveyed. The study identifies the United Kingdom (UK) aquaculture as the most vulnerable and at risk of climate change impacts followed by the United States of America (USA) and Nigeria’s aquaculture. In terms of continents, Europe, Oceania, and Africa are identified as the most vulnerable regions, while America and Asia are considered the least vulnerable. The UK, with its extensive aquaculture operations and geographical exposure to climate change risks, faces significant challenges in adapting to changing conditions especially with the exit from European Union (Brexit). The USA, another major aquaculture producer, also faces vulnerability due to its diverse range of climatic conditions and coastal aquaculture operations. Nigeria, a prominent aquaculture producer in Africa, is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its dependence on freshwater aquaculture systems leading to low water usage in aquaculture despite vast marine water resource. Strict measures including novel adaptation measure such as the NanoSolar technique must be put in place in these countries in other to ensure that aquaculture production doesn’t decline and also to ensure that global food security is not put under pressure with the growing world population size.
Deciphering the Importance of Underutilized Millet Crop towards Sustainable Feed and Food Sources
Authors: Iqbal Sadaf , Bhat Muhammad Anwar , Sheikh Tahir Ahmad , Baba Zahoor Ahmad
Published: February 2024

The challenges posed by diminishing agricultural land, rapid urbanization, climate change, and the competition for resources between the food and feed industries have significantly constrained the availability of cultivable plant food sources. This scarcity is particularly acute in developing tropical countries, where resources often fall short in providing sufficient proteins for both human and animal consumption. However, there is substantial potential in the underutilized plant-derived materials, specifically millet crops, which are known for their protein richness and hold cultural significance, especially among tribal communities. The identification, assessment, and introduction of these underexploited millet crops offer a sustainable, long-term solution to ensure a steady supply of food and feed materials. The gluten-free millet grain family, with its tiny, spherical seeds, shows promise as a useful and plentiful food source. The name "millet" comes from the French word "mille," which means "a thousand," highlighting the possibility that a handful of grains may contain up to a thousand. With a 10,000-year history originating in Northern China, millets offer low fat, dietary energy, and glycemic index values along with nutritional advantages and resistance to pests and drought. These hardy crops include amino acids, dietary fibres, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B, and other essential elements. Notably, pearl millet's exceptional nutritional characteristics led the Indian government to classify it as a nutri-cereal in 2018 due to its remarkable nutritious qualities. The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2023 to be the "International Year of Millets," adding to the significance of millets. The Indian government declared 2018 to be the "Year of Millets." By highlighting the benefits of millets' nutrition, encouraging their growth, and incorporating them into regular meals, these programs want to raise awareness of the world's food and nutrition issues.
Estimation of Genetic Variability Parameters for Various Yield Attributing Traits in Germplasm Collection of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sao Abhinav , Singh Guman , Nair S. K. , Harish G. D.
Published: February 2024

Genetic variability parameters were studied in 2879 germplasm accessions of rice for 11 quantitative traits. Moderate value of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient variation (PCV) was observed for the traits, 100 seed weight, seedling height, L:B ratio, plant height, and number of effective tillers, whereas rest of the traits had low GCV and PCV values. High heritability was observed for all the traits except leaf length, leaf width and grain yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for 100 seed weight, seedling height and L:B ratio. High heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for days to 50% flowering and plant height. The presence of high heritability and high genetic advance as percent of the mean indicated the presence of additive gene effects for controlling aforesaid traits, hence selection in later generations will be rewarding in a breeding programme.
Study the Effect of Packaging Material and Storage Duration on Qualities of Multigrain Mixes from Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) Malt, Moth Bean (Vigna aconitifolia) Malt and Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Powder
Authors: Bagmare P. A. , Wanjari B. S. , Chandewar K. B. , Swami S. B. , Waghamare K. G.
Published: February 2024

In present study the multigrain mixes prepared from finger millet malt, moth bean malt and drumstick leaf powder stored in packaging material i.e., polythene pouch and aluminium laminated pouches. The stored multigrain mixes were observed during each day from 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days. Nutritional analysis indicated that both multigrain mixes packed packaging material and during storage period moisture content increases from 7.0 to 8.745%, protein content decreases from 14.97 to 12.85%, fat decreases 2.15 to 1.23%, fiber content decreases from 0.95 to 0.31%, ash content decreases from 2.24 to 1.67% carbohydrate increases from 70.13 to 72.159 %, whiteness index decreases from 24.19 to 21.187. Storage in plastic pouch is less than 90 days, based on the growth of yeast and mold.
Economic Analysis and Feasibility of Self-propelled Rotor Power Weeder
Authors: Rahaman S. , Ramana C. , Rao A. Srinivasa , Reddy B. Ravindra
Published: February 2024

The manual weeding process is laborious, requires significant effort, and is a costly operation. Farmers typically allocate 30 to 40 percent of their total crop production expenses to the weeding process. The research was carried out by development and economic feasibility of self-propelled weeder for small category farmers. Economic analysis and feasibility of developed mechanical weeder was evaluated by considering cost of operation, breakeven point and payback period. The utilization of a self-propelled weeder for mechanical weeding can result in cost savings of up to 45% compared to the manual weeding method. The estimated break-even point (BEP), calculated based on time and area, indicates potential savings of 209.6 hours and 13.63 ha. The payback period, assessed on a time basis for the rotary power weeder, was determined to be 1.02 years. The total development cost for the self-propelled power weeder was recorded as 8050 Rupees. By adopting self-propelled power weeder, farmer saving 1856 ₹/ha directly over manual method.
Optical Sensors Based on Hybrid DNA/Conjugated Polymer Complexes
Authors: Ho Hoang‐Anh , Béra‐Abérem Maïté , Leclerc Mario
Published: November 2004

Single‐stranded DNA (ss‐DNA) can specifically bind to various targets, including a complementary ss‐DNA, ions, proteins, drugs, and so forth. When binding takes place, the oligonucleotide probe often undergoes a conformational transition. This conformational change of the negatively charged ss‐DNA can be detected by using a water‐soluble, cationic polythiophene derivative, which transduces the complex formation into an optical (colorimetric or fluorometric) signal without any labeling of the probe or the target. This simple and rapid methodology has enabled the specific and sensitive detection of nucleic acids and human thrombin. This new biophotonic tool can easily be applied to the detection of various other biomolecules and is also useful in the high‐throughput screening of new drugs.
Three Bits Eight States Photochromic Recording and Nondestructive Readout by Using IR Light
Authors: Uchida Kingo , Saito Masaaki , Murakami Akinori , Kobayashi Takao , Nakamura Shinichiro , Irie Masahiro
Published: November 2004

A photochromic polymer film containing three different diarylethene derivatives, that is, 1,2‐bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (1), 1,2‐bis(2,5‐dimethyl‐3‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (2), and 1,2‐bis(2‐methyl‐5‐phenyl‐3‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (3) was prepared. Upon UV irradiation, the three derivatives changed to their closed‐ring isomers having different colors, yellow, red, and blue. They showed different spectra not only in UV/Vis region but also in the IR spectral region. Upon irradiation with visible light of appropriate wavelengths, each closed‐ring isomer was selectively bleached, and three bits eight states recording was performed. The eight states could be read out nondestructively by using IR light of appropriate wavenumbers.
Coordination of Iron(III) Cations to β‐Keto Esters as Studied by Electrospray Mass Spectrometry: Implications for Iron‐Catalyzed Michael Addition Reactions
Authors: Trage Claudia , Schröder Detlef , Schwarz Helmut
Published: November 2004

Solutions of FeIII salts and β‐keto esters have been investigated by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The complexes formed in such solutions have been considered previously as active intermediates in FeIII‐catalyzed Michael additions. By using different FeIII salts with a set of β‐keto esters, cation and anion mass spectra were analyzed and the effects of ester concentration, the role of the counterion, and the structure of the ester employed are discussed. Depending on the basicity of the ester, an increase of its concentration may lead to a decrease in the concentration of iron complexes observed in the mass spectra. Counterions with strong binding affinities to iron are found to capture the metal as ferrates, thereby removing the metal from the catalytic cycle.
Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of a Bow‐Shaped Molecule Bearing Self‐Complementary Hydrogen Bonding Sites into Extended Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Ikeda Masato , Nobori Tadahito , Schmutz Marc , Lehn Jean‐Marie
Published: November 2004

The bow‐shaped molecule 1 bearing a self‐complementary DAAD–ADDA (D=donor A=acceptor) hydrogen‐bonding array generates, in hydrocarbon solvents, highly ordered supramolecular sheet aggregates that subsequently give rise to gels by formation of an entangled network. The process of hierarchical self‐assembly of compound 1 was investigated by the concentration and temperature dependence of UV‐visible and 1H NMR spectra, fluorescence spectra, and electron microscopy data. The temperature dependence of the UV‐visible spectra indicates a highly cooperative process for the self‐assembly of compound 1 in decaline. The electron micrograph of the decaline solution of compound 1 (1.0 mM) revealed supramolecular sheet aggregates forming an entangled network. The selected area electronic diffraction patterns of the supramolecular sheet aggregates were typical for single crystals, indicative of a highly ordered assembly. The results exemplify the generation, by hierarchical self‐assembly, of highly organized supramolecular materials presenting novel collective properties at each level of organization.
Sea level characteristics in the Bay of Fundy/Gulf of Maine
Authors: Smith Bruce
Published: November 2004

This article reports on the analysis of sea level records from the Bay of Fundy/Gulf of Maine. Descriptive statistical methods are used to illustrate the increase in mean sea level, seasonal variance and nodal variation. Frequency domain time series methods are used to model increasing tidal amplitude, and to characterize features of sea level spectra. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualization of correlation‐based environmental data
Authors: Dzemyda Gintautas
Published: November 2004

A method for the visualization of environmental data via the analysis of correlations has been proposed. As an example, the data in correlation matrices of environmental parameters that describe air pollution in Vilnius city (10 parameters) as well as the development of coastal dunes and their vegetation in Finland (16 parameters) are visualized. These applied problems are very urgent because of their ecological nature: a visual presentation of data stored in the correlation matrices makes it possible for ecologists to discover additional knowledge hidden in the matrices and to make proper decisions. The method consists of two stages: building of a system of vectors based on the correlation matrix and its visualization. Sammon's mapping and the self‐organizing map (two its realizations having different features for visualization) were applied in the visualization. The advantage of the method lies in the possibility to restore the system of multidimensional vectors describing variables from the correlation matrix—one vector for one variable. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound (US) guided central venous catheterization of internal jugular vein on over 65‐year‐old patients versus blind technique
Authors: Cajozzo Massimo , Cocchiara Gerlando , Greco Geo , Vaglica Roberto , Bartolotta Tommaso , Platia Lina , Modica Giuseppe
Published: November 2004

Background and Objectives

Performing a central venous catheterization (CVC) on older patients for long‐term central intravenous therapy could be a very important procedure. It could be associated with a high incidence of related complications, especially on over 65‐year‐old, high risk, selected patients.

Methods

The authors analyzed the results of 72 central venous CVC of internal jugular vein performed on over 65‐year‐old patients with ultrasound (US) guide from January 1998 to April 2003.

Results

The average performing time was 4 min, with 98.7% of success, 0% of major complications, and 4.1% of minor complications (one mild vagal hypotension and two catheter dislocation).

Conclusions

The US guided technique is a safer procedure especially in older patients; it affords an easier and more rapid cannulation of a central vein, drastically reducing major and minor complications. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;88:267–268. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hierarchies inφ‐spaces and applications
Authors: Selivanov Victor L.
Published: November 2004

We establish some results on the Borel and difference hierarchies inφ‐spaces. Such spaces are the topological counterpart of the algebraic directed‐complete partial orderings. E.g., we prove analogs of the Hausdorff Theorem relating the difference and Borel hierarchies and of the Lavrentyev Theorem on the non‐collapse of the difference hierarchy. Some of our results generalize results of A. Tang for the spacePω. We also sketch some older applications of these hierarchies and present a new application to the question of characterizing theω‐ary Boolean operations generating a given level of the Wadge hierarchy from the open sets. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bounded iteration and unary functions
Authors: Mazzanti Stefano
Published: November 2004

The set of unary functions of complexity classes defined by using bounded primitive recursion is inductively characterized by means of bounded iteration. Elementary unary functions, linear space computable unary functions and polynomial space computable unary functions are then inductively characterized using only composition and bounded iteration. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A note on a subvariety of linear tense algebras
Authors: Zander Marta A.
Published: November 2004

In [1], Bull gave completeness proofs for three axiom systems with respect to tense logic with time linear and rational, real and integral. The associated varieties, Dens, Cont and Disc, are generated by algebras with frames {ℚ, <, >}, {ℝ, <, >} and {ℤ, <, >}, respectively. In this paper we consider the subvariety 𝒱 generated by the finite members of Disc. We prove that V is locally finite and we determine its lattice of subvarieties. We also prove that 𝒱 = Disc ∩ Dens = Disc ∩ Cont. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Current–voltage curve translation by bilinear interpolation
Authors: Marion B. , Rummel S. , Anderberg A.
Published: November 2004

By means of bilinear interpolation and four reference current–voltage (I–V) curves, anI–Vcurve of a photovoltaic (PV) module is translated to desired conditions of irradiance and PV module temperature. The four referenceI–Vcurves are measured at two irradiance and two PV module temperature levels and contain all the essential PV module characteristic information for performing the bilinear interpolation. The interpolation is performed first with respect to open‐circuit voltage to account for PV module temperature, and second with respect to short‐circuit current to account for irradiance. The translation results over a wide range of irradiances and PV module temperatures agree closely with measured values for a group of PV modules representing seven different technologies. Root‐mean‐square errors were 1·5% or less for theI–Vcurve parameters of maximum power, voltage at maximum power, current at maximum power, short‐circuit current, and open‐circuit voltage. The translation is applicable for determining the performance of a PV module for a specified test condition, or for PV system performance modeling. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification of polystyrene biochip for biotin‐labelled protein/streptavidin or neutravidin coupling used in fluorescence assay
Authors: Gao Xin , Mathieu Hans Jörg , Schawaller Manfred
Published: November 2004

A polystyrene biosensing chip to be used as a medical diagnostic tool has been developed. Its surface functionalization is optimized to bind the bioanalytes with high efficiency. Coatings of allyldextran monolayers were carried out on polystyrene chips activated with γ‐irradiation. The effect of the concentration of allyldextran solution on the coating efficiency was studied by surface‐sensitive x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact‐angle measurements. In a second step, sodium periodate chemistry was applied to functionalize the dextran layer, followed by coupling with streptavidin or neutravidin. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A framework for efficient resource management in IEEE 802.11 WLANs
Authors: Zhang Liqiang , Zeadally Sherali
Published: November 2004

Currently deployed IEEE 802.11 WLANs work mostly with distributed coordination function (DCF) mode at the media access control (MAC) layer, which does not provide quality of service (QoS) support. The upcoming IEEE standard 802.11e achieves service differentiation by assigning different channel access parameters (CAPs) to different traffic classes at the MAC layer. However, such relative differentiation does not yield QoS guarantee. In practice, appropriately selecting CAPs a priori is difficult. Time‐varying traffic loads also make the use of fixed CAPs, inefficient for both QoS support and channel utilization. In this work, we propose a novel architecture called HARMONICA, in which the access point (AP) dynamically selects the best CAPs for each traffic class to optimally match their QoS requirements. We present and discuss a simple admission control (AC) mechanism used by HARMONICA to avoid congestion. Our simulation results demonstrate that under an interference‐free environment, HARMONICA can guarantee the QoS for all traffic classes while simultaneously achieving quasi‐optimal channel utilization. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance evaluation of an adaptive backoff scheme for WLAN
Authors: Pang Qixiang , Liew Soung C. , Lee Jack Y. B. , Leung Victor C. M.
Published: November 2004

In this paper, a simple self‐adaptive contention window adjustment algorithm for 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLAN) is proposed and analyzed. Numerical results show that the new algorithm outperforms the standard 802.11 window adjustment algorithm. Compared with the standard and previously proposed enhancement algorithms, a salient feature of our algorithm is that it performs well in both heavy and light contention cases regardless of the packet sizes and physical versions. Moreover, the adaptive window adjustment algorithm is simpler than previously proposed schemes in that no live measurement of the WLAN traffic activity is needed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive polling MAC schemes for IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs supporting voice‐over‐IP (VoIP) services
Authors: Kim Young‐Jae , Suh Young‐Joo
Published: November 2004

The IEEE 802.11 standard specifies the point coordination function (PCF) in the media access control (MAC) sublayer for the transfer of real‐time traffic, such as voice. The transfer of real‐time traffic over wireless LANs is rapidly gaining acceptance, but little work has been done concerning the efficient use of IEEE 802.11 PCF mode to support voice‐over‐IP (VoIP) services. In this paper, we propose adaptive polling MAC schemes for IEEE 802.11 MAC. The proposed schemes achieve bandwidth efficiency by reducing the number of polls required for the uplink voice packet transmissions using a talkspurt detection algorithm. We analyze the applicability of the proposed schemes to IEEE 802.11 WLANs and compare them with other related works. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The hybrid boundary element method in structural acoustics
Authors: Wagner M. , Gaul L. , Dumont N.A.
Published: November 2004

This paper presents a new symmetric formulation for structural acoustics in the frequency domain. Usually, the structural domain is discretized with the Finite‐Element Method (FEM), whereas the Boundary Element Method (BEM) is used for the treatment of the infinite acoustic domain. Coupling formulations generally suffer from the dense and unsymmetric equation system of the BEM. To circumvent this drawback, the acoustic domain is discretized here with the Hybrid Stress Boundary Element Method (HSBEM), which is based on a variational principle. The discretized formulation consists of a symmetric stiffness‐type equation based on a dynamic flexibility matrix in frequency domain. The HSBEM is thus easily coupled with other symmetric discretization methods, combining the advantages of a boundary formulation and a symmetric approach. An issue of the method is the evaluation of the flexibility matrix. This contribution extends former publications of the authors by a detailed analysis of the implementation of this matrix, leading to a new clustering scheme for an efficient treatment, based on the special structure of the integral kernel. Moreover, the treatment of hyper‐singular integral kernels without integration, based on orthogonality properties for interior and exterior domains is outlined. Examples show the consistency of this approach. Finally, a coupled formulation for structural acoustics employing the HSBEM for the structure and the acoustic domain is introduced. Several numerical tests elucidate the applicability of the method and the proposed improvements.