bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The telomere-associated homeobox-containing protein TAH1 participates in telomere maintenance in ALT Cells
Authors: Feng Xuyang , Luo Zhenhua , Jiang Shuai , Li Feng , Han Xin , Hu Yang , Wang Dan , Zhao Yong , Ma Wenbin , Liu Dan , Huang Junjiu , Songyang Zhou
Published: August 2013

The majority of cancer cells rely on elevated telomerase expression and activity for rapid growth and proliferation. Telomerase-negative cancer cells, on the other hand, often employ the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway to maintain telomeres. ALT cells are characterized by long and dynamic telomeres and the presence of ALT-associated promyelocytic leukemia (PML) bodies (APBs). Previous work has shown the importance of APBs to the ALT pathway, but their formation and precise role remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that a homeobox-containing protein previously known as HMBOX1 can directly bind telomeric double-stranded DNA and associate with PML nuclear bodies. We named it TAH1 for telomere-associated homeobox-containing protein 1. TAH1 knockdown significantly reduced the number of APBs and led to an increase in DNA damage response signals at telomeres. Importantly, TAH1 inhibition also notably reduced the presence of telomere C-circles, indicating altereded ALT activity. Our findings point to TAH1 as a novel link between pathways that regulate DNA damage responses, PML nuclear bodies, and telomere homeostasis in ALT cells, and provide insight into how ALT cells may achieve sustained growth and proliferation independent of the telomerase.
Sex-specific trade-offs and compensatory mechanisms: bite force and sprint speed pose conflicting demands on the design of geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus)
Authors: Cameron Skye F. , Wynn Melissa L. , Wilson Robbie S.
Published: August 2013

One of the more intuitive viability costs that can result from the possession of exaggerated sexually selected traits is increased predation pressure due to reduced locomotor capacity. Despite mixed empirical support for such locomotor costs, recent studies suggest such costs may be masked by compensatory traits that effectively offset any detrimental effects. In this study, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the locomotor costs associated with improved male-male competitive ability by simultaneously testing for locomotor trade-offs and potential compensatory mechanisms in territorial male and non-territorial female geckos. Fighting capacity and escape performance of male Asian house geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) are likely to pose conflicting demands on the optimum phenotype for each task. Highly territorial and aggressive males may require greater investment in head size/strength but such an enhancement may affect overall escape performance. Among male geckos, we found that greater biting capacity due to larger head size was associated with reduced sprint performance; this trade-off was further exacerbated when sprinting on an incline. Females, however, showed no evidence of this trade-off on either flat or inclined surfaces. The sex specificity of this trade-off suggests that the sexes differ in their optimal strategies for dealing with the conflicting requirements of bite force and sprint speed. Unlike males, female H. frenatus had a positive association between hind-limb lengths and head size, suggesting that they have utilised a compensatory mechanism to alleviate for the possible locomotor costs of larger head sizes. It appears that there is greater selection on traits that improve fighting ability (bite force) for males but it is viability traits (sprint speed) that appear to be of greater importance for females. Our results emphasise that only by examining both functional trade-offs and potential compensatory mechanisms is it possible to discover the varied mechanisms affecting the morphological design of a species.
Experimental infection dynamics: using immunosuppression andin vivoparasite tracking to understand host resistance in an amphibian-trematode system
Authors: LaFonte Bryan E. , Johnson Pieter T. J.
Published: August 2013

While naturally occurring hosts often exhibit pronounced differences in infection and pathology, the relative importance of factors associated with host life history and immunity in explaining such patterns often remains speculative. Research in eco-immunology highlights the trade-offs between host physiology and immunity, for which natural variations in disease susceptibility offer a valuable platform to test predictions within this framework. Here, we combined use of a novel, in vivo assay for tracking parasite fate and an experimental manipulation of host immune function (via chronic corticosterone exposure) to assess the role of host immunity in regulating susceptibility of amphibian hosts to three larval trematodes: Ribeiroia ondatrae, Echinostoma trivolvis, and Alaria sp. 2. Results from the in vivo parasite tracking assay revealed marked differences in initial parasite penetration and subsequent host clearance. Relative to infections in a highly susceptible species (Pseudacris regilla), the virulent trematode R. ondatrae was ~25% less successful at penetrating larvae of three hylid frog species and was cleared >45× faster, such that all parasites were rapidly cleared from hylid hosts over 72 hours following a Weibull distribution. Immune suppression of Hyla versicolor sharply reduced this resistance and increased infection of all three trematodes by 67 to 190%, with particularly strong increases for Ribeiroia. Diminished resistance correlated with a 62% decrease in circulating eosinophils. Correspondingly, ten days after corticosterone exposures ended, infections declined dramatically while eosinophil levels returned to normal. In light of ongoing declines and deformities in amphibian populations, these findings have application potential for mitigating disease-driven effects.
A toxic diet: transfer of contaminants to offspring through a parental care mechanism
Authors: Maunder Richard J. , Buckley Jonathan , Val Adalberto L. , Sloman Katherine A.
Published: August 2013

The transfer of maternal contaminants to offspring during oogenesis and gestation is documented in many animals and in mammals contaminants may pass from mother to offspring during lactation. Although other non-mammalian vertebrates provide parental care in the form of nutritive secretions for offspring to feed from, the potential for toxicant transfer during non-mammalian parental care is rarely considered. The discus fish, Symphysodon sp., employs an unusual parental care strategy where fry feed on parental epidermal mucus for several weeks after hatch. This strategy has the potential to act as a method of contaminant transfer. In discus adults, both waterborne and dietary toxicants are sequestered and secreted into their epidermal mucus, the food on which fry depend. To determine whether parents could channel these contaminants directly to offspring, we exposed parents to aqueous cadmium and recorded the subsequent feeding behaviour and cadmium content of fry. Fry continued to feed normally from contaminated mucus and accumulated significant tissue concentrations of cadmium. In conclusion, this parental care mechanism of the discus fish can expose offspring to harmful contaminants during the sensitive early stages of life and highlights that parent to offspring contaminant transfer after birth may be more widespread than previously thought.
A comparative study of metal oxide nanoparticles embryotoxicity using the embryonic stem cell test
Authors: Vecchione Lucia , Massimiani Micol , Camaioni Antonella , Sifrani Luna , Magrini Andrea , Pietroiusti Antonio , Campagnolo Luisa
Published: August 2013

Many in vitro studies demonstrated that metal oxide nanoparticles like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are versatile platforms for industrial and biomedical applications. In this paper, investigation of the embryotoxic potential of these nanoparticles using the Embryonic stem Cells Test (EST) was evaluated. The EST is a validated in vitro toxicity test used to predict embryotoxicity of soluble chemical compounds, which only recently has been applied to nanoparticles, demonstrating its suitability also in nanotoxicology. Through such test, we were able to classify zinc oxide nanoparticles as not embryotoxic, while titanium dioxide nanoparticles appeared to be weakly embryotoxic.
The Use Context of Digital Archival Collections: Mapping with Historical Research Topics and the Content of Digital Archival Collections
Authors: Sinn Donghee
Published: August 2013

Digital archives have been used extensively in historical research. While many user studies regarding digital collections have focused on their users and information behaviors, there is not much research on how digital archives have contributed to historical scholarship and why historians use them. Understanding which digital collections are useful for topical coverage in historical studies will provide important information in the development and assessment of digital preservation projects. This study examines the topical coverage of historical articles that cite digital archival collections, and also the content of digital archival collections that appear in these articles. By mapping the contents of the articles and digital archival collections, this study aims to understand historians’ use context for their historical research and to relate the association of digital projects to the scholarship of history
Value Articulation: A Framework for the Strategic Management of Intellectual Property
Authors: Conley James G. , Bican Peter M. , Ernst Holger
Published: August 2013

This article introduces a framework that helps to assimilate intellectual property management activities with the practices of marketing and strategy. With the framework, the management of IP rights is explained within marketing constructs such as the unique selling proposition. The article presents case studies that explore the applicability of the framework in a diversity of industry contexts and firm sizes.
IP Models to Orchestrate Innovation Ecosystems: IMEC, a Public Research Institute in Nano-Electronics
Authors: Leten Bart , Vanhaverbeke Wim , Roijakkers Nadine , Clerix André , Van Helleputte Johan
Published: August 2013

Companies increasingly organize innovation activities within innovation ecosystems. This study illustrates the central role of the IP-model that an orchestrator develops for the innovation ecosystem partners. The governance of IP is instrumental for the success of innovation ecosystems as it determines the value appropriation potential for the ecosystem partners and positively influences the success of innovation ecosystems. The insights are based on a case study of IMEC, a public research institute in nano-electronics. IMEC has an IP-based orchestration model for innovation ecosystems through multi-party research collaborations between public and private firms.
Environmental context influences both the intensity of seed predation and plant demographic sensitivity to attack
Authors: von Euler Tove , Ågren Jon , Ehrlén Johan
Published: August 2013

Variation in mutualistic and antagonistic interactions are important sources of variation in population dynamics and natural selection. Environmental heterogeneity can influence the outcome of interactions by affecting the intensity of interactions, but also by affecting the demography of the populations involved. However, little is known about the relative importance of environmental effects on interaction intensities and demographic sensitivity for variation in population growth rates. We investigated how soil depth, soil moisture, soil nutrient composition, and vegetation height influenced the intensity of seed predation as well as host plant demography and sensitivity to seed predation in the perennial herbPrimula farinosa. Intensity of seed predation ranged from 0% to 80% of seeds damaged among the 24 study populations and was related to soil moisture in two of four years. The effect of seed predation on plant population growth rate (λ) ranged from negligible to a reduction in λ by 0.70. Sensitivity of population growth rate to predation explained as much of the variation in the reductions in population growth rate due to seed predation as did predation intensity. Plant population growth rate in the absence of seed predation and sensitivity to predation were negatively related to soil depth and soil moisture. Both intensity of predation and sensitivity to predation were positively correlated with potential population growth rate and, as a result, there was no significant relationship between predation intensity and realized population growth rate. We conclude that in our study system environmental context influences the effects of seed predation on plant fitness and population dynamics in two important ways: through variation in interaction intensity and through sensitivity to the effects of this interaction. Moreover, our results show that a given abiotic factor can influence population growth rate in different directions through effects on potential growth rate, intensity of biotic interactions, and the sensitivity of population growth rate to interactions.
Lethal Outcomes in Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
Authors: Karunamurthy Arivarasan , Pantanowitz Liron , Lepe Jorge Guzman , Reyes-Múgica Miguel
Published: August 2013

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is an uncommon congenital angiodysplasia that manifests in infancy and is characterized by venous and lymphatic malformations of the skin, soft tissue, and bone causing limb hypertrophy. We report 2 patients with long-term KTS who developed lethal complications from uncommon and unusual manifestations. The 1st patient was a female with KTS who at 2 years of age underwent a below-the-knee amputation for a massively hypertrophied and malformed left foot. Two years later she required additional surgical removal of vascular malformations involving her left calf with extension to the groin, pubis, and ipsilateral abdomen. Fifteen years later she underwent splenectomy (400 g) revealing multifocal, cystically dilated vascular channels distorting the splenic architecture and died suddenly of massive intra-abdominal hemorrhage on the 2nd postoperative day. The 2nd patient was a 72-year-old male with long-standing KTS who presented with debilitating chronic penile and scrotal edema. Surgical excision of his lymphedematous scrotal and penile skin revealed a low-grade angiosarcoma arising in the setting of chronic lymphedema. The patient died shortly after surgery from massive hemorrhage due to traumatic rupture of malformed leg vessels. KTS may lead to significant morbidity and mortality, and pathologic consequences from long-term KTS have been rarely reported. These cases illustrate the risk of lethal hemorrhage, organomegaly from protracted vascular malformation, and development of vascular neoplasia associated with chronic lymphedema in KTS.
Differential sandwich theorems of p−valent analytic functions involving a linear operator
Authors: Aouf M. K. , Seoudy T. M.
Published: August 2013

In this paper we derive some subordination and superordination results for certain p-valent analytic functions in the open unit disc, which are acted upon by a class of a linear operator. Some of our results improve and generalize previously known results.
General actions of hyperstructures and some applications
Authors: Chvalina Jan , Hošková-Mayerová Šárka , Nezhad A. D.
Published: August 2013

The aim of this paper is to investigate useful generalizations of the classical concept of a quasi-automaton without outputs or a discrete dynamical system, which are also called actions of semigroups or groups on given phase sets. The paper contains also certain applications of presented concepts and examples from various areas of mathematics.
Model for implementing a reengineering solution of the production process in a printing house
Authors: Epure Dănuţ-Tiberius , Micu Adrian , Susanu Irina , Micu Angela-Eliza
Published: August 2013

The main objective of the present paper is to highlight the importance and impact of the concept of reengineering, both by identifying certain opportunities to improve the performance of Romanian printing companies and some strategies of total redesign of the production process based on highlighting some of their effective combinations as well as the integration of some proper mathematical models. First of all, this study will focus on achieving results that are based on identifying some specific problems that companies have faced at a certain point and on concrete problem solving solutions. Second, there should be emphasized that reengineering works in almost any situation related to a big or small company or the production area or NGOs. Specific objectives: designing and testing a mathematical model that can be adapted to the specific activities of the printing organization, providing the best solution of variable allocation to increase performance.
Commutativity of near-rings with (σ;τ)-derivations
Authors: Kamal Ahmed A. M. , Al-Shaalan Khalid H.
Published: August 2013

In this paper we study some conditions under which a near-ring R admitting a (multiplicative) (σ; τ )-derivation d must be a commutative ring with constrained-suitable conditions on d, σ and τ. Consequently, we obtain some results which generalize some recent theorems in the literature.
Hereditary right Jacobson radicals of type-1(e) and 2(e) for right near-rings
Authors: Rao Ravi Srinivasa , Prasad K. Siva
Published: August 2013

Near-rings considered are right near-rings. In this paper two more radicals, the right Jacobson radicals of type-1(e) and 2(e), are introduced for near-rings. It is shown that they are Kurosh-Amitsur radicals (KAradicals) in the class of all near-rings and are ideal-hereditary radicals in the class of all zero-symmetric near-rings. Different kinds of examples are also presented.
Strong convergence theorems for a sequence of nonexpansive mappings with gauge functions
Authors: Cholamjiak Prasit , Je Cho Yeol , Suantai Suthep
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we first prove a path convergence theorem for a nonexpansive mapping in a reflexive and strictly convex Banach space which has a uniformly Gˆateaux differentiable norm and admits the duality mapping jφ, where φ is a gauge function on [0,∞). Using this result, strong convergence theorems for common fixed points of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings are established.
A characterization of the quaternion group
Authors: Tărnăuceanu Marius
Published: August 2013

The goal of this note is to give an elementary characterization of the well-known quaternion group Q8 by using its subgroup lattice.
Rad-⊕-Supplemented Modules
Authors: Türkmen Ergül
Published: August 2013

In this paper we provide various properties of Rad-⊕-supplemented modules. In particular, we prove that a projective module M is Rad- ⊕-supplemented if and only if M is ⊕-supplemented, and then we show that a commutative ring R is an artinian serial ring if and only if every left R-module is Rad-⊕-supplemented. Moreover, every left R-module has the property (P*) if and only if R is an artinian serial ring and J2 = 0, where J is the Jacobson radical of R. Finally, we show that every Rad-supplemented module is Rad-⊕-supplemented over dedekind domains.
Some properties of multivalent analytic functions associated with an integral operator
Authors: Xu Yi-Hui , Yan Cai-Mei
Published: August 2013

Let A(p) denote the class of functions of the form f(z) = zp Σ∞k=1+p akzk (p ∈ N = {1, 2, 3,...}) which are analytic in the open unit disk U = {z : z ∈ C and |z| < 1} By making use of the Noor integral operator, we obtain some interesting properties of multivalent analytic functions.
If I want to perform better, then how should I feel?
Authors: Lane Andrew M.
Published: August 2013

Research indicates that emotions are predictive of sports performance. The application of emotion research to practice is that intervention strategies can be used to change emotions to enhance performance. The present study examined emotional profiles associated with successful performance. A review of studies indicate that there are general trends, that is, high activation emotions such as excitement and vigor tend to associate with good performance and low activation unpleasant emotions such as depression and dejection tend to associate with poor performance. Studies show mixed results for high activation unpleasant emotions (anger and anxiety). Athletes like to feel emotions that can be functional, and so some athletes will seek to increase or sustain relatively high levels of anger or anxiety if they believe they are helpful for performance. It is proposed that practitioners identify individual emotion-performance relationships and examine underlying beliefs associated with each emotion.
Emotional intelligence as a moderator in the relationship between negative emotions and emotional exhaustion among employees in service sector occupations
Authors: Szczygieł Dorota , Bazińska Róża
Published: August 2013

Traditionally, most of the research on occupational burnout has focused on organizational stressors, such as workload and time pressure, and has overlooked the emotional nature of customer service work and its effect on burnout. This study was designed to examine the effects of individuals’ affective traits (i.e., dispositional affectivity and emotional intelligence) and affective states (i.e., emotions experienced at work) on burnout. The main hypothesis of this study was that emotional intelligence acts as a moderator in the relationship between negative emotions felt by employees during their interactions with clients and emotional exhaustion. A total of 137 service sector employees rated the extent to which they felt four positive emotions (i.e., contentment, enthusiasm, joy, and liking) and four negative emotions (i.e., irritation, annoyance, antipathy, and anger) while interacting with clients. The results indicated that negative affectivity was significantly associated with higher levels of emotional exhaustion, whereas high positive affectivity showed the reverse pattern. It was also observed that employees who declared greater intensity of negative emotions reported more symptoms of emotional exhaustion. However, as predicted, this effect was observed only among employees who were low in the trait of emotional intelligence. Negative emotions and emotional exhaustion were unrelated among employees who were high in trait emotional intelligence.
Personality Traits and Subjective Health in Retirement Age – The Role of Personal Resources
Authors: Finogenow Maria
Published: August 2013

The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between five-factor personality traits and subjective health in retirement age, including the mediating role of personal resources. The sample comprised of 240 older adults approaching or of retirement age; aged 55-70 (M = 60.1 years). Subjective health was negatively associated with neuroticism and positively associated with extraversion and openness to experiences. Multiple mediation analyses indicated that personal resources (especially the sense of meaningfulness) mediated most of the analyzed associations between personality and subjective health. For conscientiousness suppressive effects were found
Recognition of facial expressions of emotions in schizophrenia
Authors: Łosiak Władysław , Siedlecka Joanna
Published: August 2013

Deficits in recognition of facial expressions of emotions are considered to be an important factor explaining impairments in social functioning and affective reactions of schizophrenic patients. Many studies confirmed such deficits while controversies remained concerning the emotion valence and modality. The aim of the study was to explore the process of recognizing facial expressions of emotion in the group of schizophrenic patients by analyzing the role of emotion valence, modality and gender of the model. Results of the group of 35 patients and 35 matched controls indicate that while schizophrenic patients show general impairment in recognizing facial expressions of both positive and the majority of negative emotions, there are differences in deficits for particular emotions. Expressions also appeared to be more ambiguous for the patients while variables connected with gender were found less significant.
Recovering Genetic Resources of Some Legume Species of Latvian Origin by Plant Tissue Culture
Authors: Grauda Dace , Lapiņa Lita , Jansone Biruta , Jansons Aldis , Rashal Isaak
Published: August 2013

Accessions with no germinating seeds are a common problem in plant gene banks and research institutions. Our goal was to elaborate and apply an in vitro method of germination and multiplication of old aged seeds of red and alsike clover and alfalfa. Eighteen clover and five alfalfa accessions were used for germination in vitro. Most of the accessions had produced seeds more than 20 years ago and the seeds did not germinate in soil. Seed pre-treatment with different concentrations of potassium permanganate, as well as addition of phytohormones, AgNO3 and activated carbon to germinating media were tested. Plantlets for all germinated accessions were obtained, even in the case when seeds were 44-year-old (alfalfa). Germination rate in vitro not always correlated with seed age and ranged from 2 to 72%. Pre-treatment with potassium permanganate was effective both for seeds sterilisation and germination stimulation. Most germinated seeds formed phenotypically normal seedlings with all organs. In vitro multiplication of obtained clover plants was performed. Best results were achieved by micropropagation of stem segments approximately 2 mm in length. Number of finally obtained plants depended not only on seed germination ability, but also on micropropagation ability in relation to genotype, and on acclimatization success in soil after in vitro cultivation
Cereal Breeding for Organic Farming: Crop Traits Related with Competitiveness Against Weeds
Authors: Piliksere Dace , Strazdiņa Vija , Vīcupe Zaiga , Jansone Zaiga , Legzdiņa Linda , Beinaroviča Indra , Kronberga Arta
Published: August 2013

The objectives of the investigation were to identify competitive traits in cereal species in order to contribute to development of a methodology for evaluation of cereal genotypes for their competitive capacity against weeds, which is important for organic breeding aims. The investigation was carried out with spring barley, spring oat, winter triticale and winter wheat genotypes in organic crop rotations in two different locations. Relations between crop traits and weed dry weight were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficients. The results stressed the significance of some crop traits for cereal competitiveness against weeds for organic breeding purposes: (i) growth habit, canopy height, and crop development rate for spring barley; (ii) crop development rate for spring oats; (iii) winter hardiness and the coefficient of tillering for winter triticale, and (iv) winterhardiness, the coefficient of tillering, the number of productive stems, crop canopy and plant height for winter wheat. It coud be useful to include measurements of crop ground cover for estimating competitiveness of cereal species against weeds
The Assessment of Agrostis Capillaris Wild Populations for Use in Turf Grass Breeding
Authors: Stukonis Vaclovas , Slepetys Jonas
Published: August 2013

Seed accessions were collected in Lithuania, Latvia and North West Ukraine. A total of 100 wild populations of Agrostis capillaris were investigated and compared under the same conditions at the Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, during the period 2006-2012. The populations were assessed for the following traits: 1000 seed weight, seed weight per plant, plant height, panicle length, spikelet length, vegetative leaf length, leaf width, and beginning of inflorescence emergence. The coefficient of variation of individual traits (beginning of inflorescence emergence, spikelet length) was not high. The variation of other traits (1000 seed weight, plant height, panicle length, leaf width) was moderate. The variation of seed weight per plant was the highest, the variation coefficient of this trait ranged from 43.3% for the Lithuanian populations to 71.6 % for the Ukrainian populations. However, the averaged values of the tested traits did not significantly differ between the countries, except for the inflorescence emergence date. As a result, it is not expedient to discriminate the genetic resources of Agrostis capillaris according to geographic criterion. It can be inferred that because of the rather high variation of individual traits, wild populations of Agrostis capillaris can be successfully used in turf grass breeding.
Morphological and Anatomical Traits of Short-Lived Ryegrass
Authors: Kemešytė Vilma , Lemežienė Nijolė , Stukonis Vaclovas , Kanapeckas Juozas
Published: August 2013

The ryegrass species are visually similar, and therefore, correct identification of short-lived species is very important in breeding work. The aim of the current study was to identify short-lived ryegrass species and subspecies using anatomical and morphological characteristics. The study was carried out at the Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (during 2007-2010). The assessment of morphological and anatomical traits showed that average values for species diverged, but values for individual plants often overlapped between species. One of the most characteristic traits of Lolium. x hybridum was darker leaf colour (6.7 score). Awns are characteristic for both Lolium multiflorum subspecies, while perennial ryegrass plants are awn-less. Lolium x hybridum has a short awn or no awn, depending on which parental (Lolium perenne or Lolium multiflorum) species trait was stronger. As a result, identification of short-lived species according to this trait is difficult, and sometimes impossible. Analysis of leaf cross-section of short-lived ryegrass species indicated that a characteristic of Lolium multiflorum subsp. multiflorum was conjugation of sclerenchyma fibres not only in the central but also in lateral bundles, in contrast with Lolium multiflorum subsp. italicum and Lolium x hybridum. Lolium multiflorum subsp. multiflorum. This difference occurs only at the inflorescence emergence stage
Leucas zeylanica (L.) R. Br. protects ethanol and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress on hepatic tissue of rats
Authors: Hossain Shahdat , Rahman Mijanur , Fatima Nusrat , Haque Mozammel , Islam Jahirul
Published: August 2013

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Leucas zeylanica against oxidative stress on hepatic tissue. Oxidative stress was induced by exposing hepatic tissue to ethanol and Fentons reagent (H2O2+FeSO4). The effect of oxidative stress on liver also was evaluated by the determination of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the levels of lipid peroxide (LPO). The antioxidative activity of L. zeylanica was determined by estimating it ability to inhibit the hepatic levels of lipid peroxide (LPO), as indicator of oxidative stress. Concomitantly, the antioxidant phytochemicals such as polyphenols and flavonoids were assessed against pyrogallol and quercetin standards. The ALT and AST activities and the levels of LPO of hepatic tissue were significantly increased by oxidative stress. L. zeylanica pretreatment, however, significantly repressed the oxidative stress on hepatic tissue, as indicated by the decreased activities of ALT and AST enzymes and levels of LPO. Analyses of the phytochemicals revealed that the extract of L. zeylanica contained substantial amounts of polyphenols (74.32 ± 4.6 µg of pyrogallol equivalent/mg) and flavonoids (15.69 ± 2.2 µg quercetin equivalent/mg of extract). Finally, the results of the present study demonstrated the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals, including polyphenols and flavonoids in L. zeylanica and henceforth conferred protection against ethanol and H2O2-induced oxidative stress on hepatic tissue.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i9.16076 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, August 2013, 2(9): 148-151
Constraints And Opportunities For Cultivation Of Moringa oleifera In The Zimbabwean Smallholder Growers
Authors: Mudyiwa SM , Gadzirayi CT , Mupangwa JF , Gotosa J , Nyamugure T
Published: August 2013

The study sought to establish the constraints to Moringa agronomic practices and marketing in the smallholder farming sector of Zimbabwe. Purposive sampling selected 96 respondents across four study districts in Zimbabwe who were interviewed using an open-ended questionnaire. Eight focus group discussions disaggregated by gender were carried out to supplement primary data. Growers asserted Moringa oleifera production problems of livestock damage, theft, seed supply, inefficient cultivation practices resulting in inherent low productivity and poor marketing. The growers coped through intensive monoculture of M. oleifera, enhanced local seed supply from establishing their own seed orchards, product value addition and organized associations. Moringa can be used to promote climate change resilient agricultural systems and will be a solution to environmental problems. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 3 (1): 12-19, June, 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v3i1.16044
Evaluation of Rice Germplasm under Salt Stress at the Seedling Stage through SSR Markers
Authors: Al-Amin M , Islam MM , Begum SN , Alam MS , Moniruzzaman M , Patwary MAK
Published: August 2013

Twenty eight rice germplasms were used for identification of salt tolerant rice genotypes at the seedling stage at the experimental farm and Biotechnology laboratory of the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh during February 2009 to October 2009. Phenotyping for salinity screening of the rice genotypes was done using salinized (EC level 12 dS m-1) nutrient solution in hydroponic system. Genotypes were evaluated for salinity tolerance on 1-9 scale based on seedling growth parameters following modified Standard Evaluation Scoring (SES) of IRRI. Phenotypically, on the basis of SES and % total dry matter (TDM) reduction of the genotypes viz. PBSAL-614, PBSAL-613, PBSAL-730, Horkuch, S-478/3 Pokkali and PBSAL (STL)-15 were found to be salt tolerant; on the other hand Iratom-24, S-653/32, S-612/32, S-604/32, S-633/32, Charnock (DA6), BINA Dhan-6 and S-608/32 were identified as salt susceptible. For genotyping, ten SSR markers were used for polymorphism, where 3 primers (RM127, RM443 and RM140) were selected for evaluation of salt tolerance. In respect of Primer RM127, 7 lines were found salt tolerant and 11 lines were moderately tolerant and 10 lines were susceptible. Nine tolerant, 9 moderately tolerant and 10 susceptible lines were found when the primer RM140 was used and primer RM443 identified 8 lines as tolerant, 9 lines as moderately tolerant and 11 lines as susceptible. Thus, the salt tolerant lines can be used in further evaluation for salinity tolerance and the SSR markers used in this study are proving valuable for identifying salt tolerant genes in marker assisted breeding. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 3 (1): 52-59, June, 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v3i1.16093
Bioefficacy of Plant Extracts to Control Cercospora Leaf Spot of Mungbean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Uddin MN , Bakr MA , Islam MR , Hossain MI , Hossain A
Published: August 2013

The experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute farm, Joydebpur, Gazipur during March to July 2007 to evaluate the bioefficacy of some plant extracts in controlling Cercospora leaf spot of mungbean. Six indigenous plant species i.e. Neem leaves extract (1:4 w/v), Garlic cloves extract (1:5 w/v), Biskatali leaves extract (1:4 w/v), Alamanda leaves extract (1:6 w/v), Arjun leaves extract (1:4 w/v) and Debdaru leaves extract (1:5 w/v) were used in this experiment. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with seven treatments and four replications. Data on disease incidence, severity, yield contributing characters and yield of mungbean were recorded. Naturally, infection of the disease was considered in this experiment. The lowest disease incidence (7.33%) at 60 DAS was found in T1. Lowest and similar disease severity (PDI= 4.55) was found in T2 and T3 at the same DAS. Neem extract treated plots gave better response in yield (1.26 t ha-1) and all the yield contributing parameters like inflorescences plant-1 (13.45), tallest plant (51.44 cm), the maximum number of pods plant-1 (26.81), length of pod (8.56 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (12.64) and 1000 seeds weight (27.33 g) followed by T2 and T3. The highest disease incidence (26.50%) and disease index (13.65%) were recorded in treatment T7 at 60 DAS. Yield and all yield contributing factors were lowest in same treatment. The results of the experiment suggested that the use of neem leaves extracts are effective for minimizing Cercospora leaf spot incidence, severity and increasing yield of mungbean. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 3 (1): 60-65, June, 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v3i1.16094
Insect Pests Of Soybean (Glycine Max L.), Their Nature Of Damage And Succession With The Crop Stages
Authors: Biswas GC
Published: August 2013

Thirty nine species of insect pests were found to infest soybean crop at their different growth stages in Noakhali region of Bangladesh during January to May, 2010 and 2011. Among the recorded pest species, six species namely, hairy caterpillar, Spilarctia obliqua (Walker); leaf roller, Lamprosema indicata F; common cutworm, Spodoptera litura F; pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner); stem fly, Ophiomyia phaseoli (Tryon) and white fly; Bemisia tabaci Genn. were considered as the major pests while the rests were of minor importance on the basis of population densities per plant, nature and extent of damages, and yield reductions. Most of the major and minor pests appeared in the crop during vegetative to flowering stages (30-50 Days after sowing) and the maximum insect population and their infestation occurred during flowering and pod formation stages of the crop throughout the study period. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 1-8, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16027
Bioinformatics Analysis Of Novel Non-Coding Motifs In Pathogenic Bacterial Genome
Authors: Shayala Nishat , Rashid Ishtiaque
Published: August 2013

Antibiotic resistance of MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) has been evolved through the rapid and diversified changes in the genetic structure of the bacterial strains. The onset of new resistant strains makes the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and control process more difficult. The study was started with MRSA252, the most diverse strain of S. aureus and then elaborated to 14 other strains. By screening out the complete genome sequences of MRSA, 274 regions of 362,792bp non-coding unique sequences were found. Among those, sequences of less than 500bp length are mostly important to use in diagnostic purposes. Functional analysis and comparison with few other pathogens were done to find correlations. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 9-20, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16028
Effect Of Herbicides On The Growth, Yield Components And Yield Of BR11 Paddy
Authors: Hossain AB Ziauddin , Rahman Md. Azizur
Published: August 2013

Eleven treatments with three herbicides were applied on BR11 paddy field to control weeds and also to study the growth, yield components and yield. The effect of herbicides was found to be positive in controlling the weed species and in increasing the yield components and yield. The maximum number and length of tillers, length of panicle, area of flag leaves, number and percentage of filled grains, grain and straw yield per hectare were found at T3 when normal dose of Rifit 500 EC was applied. Different doses of Machete 5G were also found effective in controlling weeds and increasing in yield. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 21-26, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16029
In Vitro Control Of Five Pathogenic Fungi Isolated From Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.)
Authors: Sharmin Shaila , Shamsi Shamim
Published: August 2013

Efficacy of five plant extracts namely, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica, Tagetes patula and Zingiber officinale was evaluated against five pathogenic species of fungi isolated from groundnut in vitro. These were Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum dematium, Colletotrichum orbiculare, Colletotrichum sp. and Fusarium semitectum. Colony growth of C. dematium was completely checked with Allium sativum at all the concentrations used (5, 10 and 20 %). Similarly A. cepa, A. sativum and A. indica completely inhibited the colony growth of C. orbiculare at the same concentrations used. T. patula and Z. officinale also showed appreciable inhibition in colony growth of five species of fungi at 10 and 20% concentrations. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 27-33, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16030
Optimization Of Culture Conditions For The Production Of Xylanase By Two Thermophilic Fungi Under Solid State Fermentation
Authors: Azad Kumkum , Halim Md. Abdul , Hossain Feroza
Published: August 2013

Two thermophilic fungi, Thermomyces lanuginosus BPJ-10 and Rhizomucor pusillus BPJ-2 were studied under solid state fermentation (SSF) using wheat bran for the production of thermostable xylanase. The optimum time required for the production of xylanase was found to be 4 days and 7 days for R. pusillus BPJ-2 and T. lanuginosus BPJ-10 respectively. The optimum temperatures for the production of xylanase by R. pusillus BPJ-2 and T. lanuginosus BPJ-10 were 45°C and 50°C respectively. The maximum activity of xylanase (1.685 IU/ml and 0.075 IU/ml) was exhibited by T. lanuginosus BPJ-10 and R. pusillus BPJ-2 at pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 respectively. The optimum moisture content for maximum xylanase production was 90% for both fungi. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 43-51, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16032
Physico-Chemical Characterization Of Silt Prepared From Bijoypur Soil
Authors: Islam TSA , Zaker Y , Hossain MA , Islam MS
Published: August 2013

Silt obtained from fractionated Bijoypur soil based on particle size (53~140?m) was characterized by SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), LIBS (Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy), XRD (X-Ray diffraction) and FT-IR (Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy). pHzpc (Zero point charge pH) of silt was also determined by titrimetric method. The scanning electron micrograph of silt was taken in two different magnifications. Micrographs show that the surface of silt is slightly homogenic in nature and the particle size varied between 50 and 100 ?m. Elemental analysis of silt was performed by LIBS. According to this Fe, Si, Ti, Cu, Zn and Na are present in silt. XRD analysis indicates that silt fraction of Bijoypur soil is closely similar to kaolinite but it contains significant proportion of quartz. FT-IR analysis shows the presence of Zn=O, OH, Al-O-Si, Fe-O, Al-OH and Si-O bonds. The pHzpc value of silt was obtained as 6.39 ± 0.02 indicating neutrality of the surface. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 53-60, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16033
Status And Prospects Of Aquaculture Practices In Barura Upazila, Comilla, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MI , Das NG
Published: August 2013

The present study was carried out in Barura upazila under Comilla district to assess the aquacultures status in 2008 and its future prospects. The upazila has no river but one Jolmohal (Carzon khal) occupying 700 ha, 7494 deghi and pukur (1836.77 ha), 6 khal (490 ha), 625 commercial and khas pukur (428.07 ha), 56 fish farms (92.57 ha) and paddy-cum fish culture (777.62 ha) which altogether formed vast fishery resources. In addition, 16 hatcheries with production capacity of 5350 kg and 56 nurseries with production capacity of 271.15 metric ton support necessary stocking fries and fingerlings for the above resources. In total 35% people are involved with aquaculture in the upazila. Thai Pangus (Pangasiadon hypopthalmus) and carp (rui, katla, mrigal etc.) are dominated cultured species in the study area. Semi-intensive culture systems are mostly used in this area. The upazila fulfills its own demand and the surplus fishes are sold to the neighboring districts. Only the Thai Koi ( Anabas testudineus) was found to be trading overseas. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 69-76, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16035
Pesticide Residues In Some Selected Pond Water Samples Of Meherpur Region Of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin M Amin , Saha Minakshi , Chowdhury MAZ , Rahman MA
Published: August 2013

Water samples collected from some selected ponds of Meherpur region were studied for the presence of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticide residues. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was used to determine the concentration levels of those residues. The results obtained indicate slight contamination of some of the water samples with residues of diazinon, chlorpyriphos (organophosphorus insecticide) and carbofuran (carbamate insecticide). The residues level of diazinon and chlorpyriphos ranged from 0.033 to 0.079 ppm and 0.010 to 0.471 ppm respectively. Among carbamate pesticides, carbofuran identified in two samples ranged from 0.0143 to 0.0387 ppm, and carbaryl was not detected in any of the samples. Limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01 ppm. However, the residue level was also within the acceptable ranges according to the WHO guideline value of water quality. But, the presence of such residues is indicative of weak regulatory control which is required to be in place for safety of the environment and to stop further aggravation of the situation. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 77-82, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16036
Diversity Of Fruit And Timber Tree Species In The Coastal Homesteads Of Southern Bangladesh
Authors: Islam SK. Ahiul , Miah Md. Abdul Quddus , Habib Md. Ahsan
Published: August 2013

In a study conducted in three southern districts (Bhola, Borguna and Patuakhali) of Bangladesh, a total of 69 tree species was recorded from the homegardens, of which 32 were fruit tree and 37 were timber tree species. Among the fruit tree species, coconut, betel nut, mango, jackfruit, guava, velvety apple were found in more than 80% households. The stocking of fruit trees per homestead was found highest for betel nut (265) followed by velvety apple (212), mango (38) coconut (25), jackfruit (20) and guava (9). Among the timber tree species, rain tree, mehogoni, raj koroi were most prevalent and found in more than 65% homesteads. The stocking of timber trees/ homestead was found highest for mehogoni (79) and then for rain tree (57), raj koroi (29) and katbadam (6). J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 83-94, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16037
Mineralogical Composition Of Soils From Urir Char ? A Tiny Offshore Island Of Bangladesh
Authors: Hussain MS , Khan ZH , Ibrahim M
Published: August 2013

Mineralogical composition of three surface soils from Urir Char ? an environmentally vulnerable small offshore island of Bangladesh ? was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. In the bulk soils layer silicates and quartz were the dominant minerals while the quantity of feldspars was around ten percent. Quantity of weatherable minerals was very high in the soils. Illite was the dominant mineral in the clay fraction of the soils. The second dominant clay mineral was smectite which comprised around one-fourth of the clay fraction closely followed by chlorite with a small quantity of kaolinite mineral. Soil vermiculite and mixed layer minerals were absent in these soils. These soils had a mixed mineralogical composition with a high cation exchange capacity and percent base saturation. Texturally the soils were silty loam. Exchangeable Ca++/ Mg++ ratio was less than unity. Magnesium solonization was considered as the dominant pedogenic process along with gleization. There was problem of salinity as the elevation of land was around one meter above the mean sea level. Natural calamities like tropical cyclones and tidal surges were highly devastating as the island was completely washed with sea water. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 95-104, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16038