bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Estimates of Mutation Rates and Spectrum inSchizosaccharomyces pombeIndicate CpG Sites are Highly Mutagenic Despite the Absence of DNA Methylation
Authors: Behringer Megan G , Hall David W
Published: December 2015

We accumulated mutations for 1952 generations in 79 initially identical, haploid lines of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and then performed whole-genome sequencing to determine the mutation rates and spectrum. We captured 696 spontaneous mutations across the 79 mutation accumulation (MA) lines. We compared the mutation spectrum and rate to a recently published equivalent experiment on the same species, and to another model ascomycetous yeast, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. While the two species are approximately 600 million years diverged from each other, they share similar life histories, genome size and genomic G/C content. We found that Sc. pombe and S. cerevisiae have similar mutation rates, but Sc. pombe exhibits a stronger insertion bias. Intriguingly, we observed an increased mutation rate at cytosine nucleotides, specifically CpG nucleotides, which is also seen in S. cerevisiae. However, the absence of methylation in Sc. pombe and the pattern of mutation at these sites, primarily C → A as opposed to C → T, strongly suggest that the increased mutation rate is not caused by deamination of methylated cytosines. This result implies that the high mutability of CpG dinucleotides in other species may be caused in part by a methylation-independent mechanism. Many of our findings mirror those seen in the recent study, despite the use of different passaging conditions, indicating that MA is a reliable method for estimating mutation rates and spectra.
Identification of a Novel Nematotoxic Protein by Challenging the Model Mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea with a Fungivorous Nematode
Authors: Plaza David Fernando , Schmieder Stefanie Sofia , Lipzen Anna , Lindquist Erika , Künzler Markus
Published: December 2015

The dung of herbivores, the natural habitat of the model mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea, is a nutrient-rich but also very competitive environment for a saprophytic fungus. We showed previously that C. cinerea expresses constitutive, tissue-specific armories against antagonists such as animal predators and bacterial competitors. In order to dissect the inducible armories against such antagonists, we sequenced the poly(A)-positive transcriptome of C. cinerea vegetative mycelium upon challenge with fungivorous and bacterivorous nematodes, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and mechanical damage. As a response to the fungivorous nematode Aphelenchus avenae, C. cinerea was found to specifically induce the transcription of several genes encoding previously characterized nematotoxic lectins. In addition, a previously not characterized gene encoding a cytoplasmic protein with several predicted Ricin B-fold domains, was found to be strongly upregulated under this condition. Functional analysis of the recombinant protein revealed a high toxicity toward the bacterivorous nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Challenge of the mycelium with A. avenae also lead to the induction of several genes encoding putative antibacterial proteins. Some of these genes were also induced upon challenge of the mycelium with the bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. These results suggest that fungi have the ability to induce specific innate defense responses similar to plants and animals.
On the Consequences of Purging and Linkage on Fitness and Genetic Diversity
Authors: Bersabé Diego , Caballero Armando , Pérez-Figueroa Andrés , García-Dorado Aurora
Published: December 2015

Using computer simulation we explore the consequences of linkage on the inbreeding load of an equilibrium population, and on the efficiency of purging and the loss of genetic diversity after a reduction in population size. We find that linkage tends to cause increased inbreeding load due to the build up of coupling groups of (partially) recessive deleterious alleles. It also induces associative overdominance at neutral sites but rarely causes increased neutral genetic diversity in equilibrium populations. After a reduction in population size, linkage can cause some delay both for the expression of the inbreeding load and the corresponding purging. However, reasonable predictions can be obtained for the evolution of fitness under inbreeding and purging by using empirical estimates of the inbreeding depression rate. Purging selection against homozygotes for deleterious alleles affects the population’s pedigree. Furthermore, it can slow the loss of genetic diversity compared to that expected from the variance of gametic contributions to the breeding group and even from pedigree inbreeding. Under some conditions, this can lead to a smaller loss of genetic diversity, even below that expected from population size in the absence of selection.
Genomic Analysis of ATP Efflux in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Peters Theodore W , Miller Aaron W , Tourette Cendrine , Agren Hannah , Hubbard Alan , Hughes Robert E
Published: December 2015

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays an important role as a primary molecule for the transfer of chemical energy to drive biological processes. ATP also functions as an extracellular signaling molecule in a diverse array of eukaryotic taxa in a conserved process known as purinergic signaling. Given the important roles of extracellular ATP in cell signaling, we sought to comprehensively elucidate the pathways and mechanisms governing ATP efflux from eukaryotic cells. Here, we present results of a genomic analysis of ATP efflux from Saccharomyces cerevisiae by measuring extracellular ATP levels in cultures of 4609 deletion mutants. This screen revealed key cellular processes that regulate extracellular ATP levels, including mitochondrial translation and vesicle sorting in the late endosome, indicating that ATP production and transport through vesicles are required for efflux. We also observed evidence for altered ATP efflux in strains deleted for genes involved in amino acid signaling, and mitochondrial retrograde signaling. Based on these results, we propose a model in which the retrograde signaling pathway potentiates amino acid signaling to promote mitochondrial respiration. This study advances our understanding of the mechanism of ATP secretion in eukaryotes and implicates TOR complex 1 (TORC1) and nutrient signaling pathways in the regulation of ATP efflux. These results will facilitate analysis of ATP efflux mechanisms in higher eukaryotes.
Identification of a Classical Mutant in the Industrial HostAspergillus nigerby Systems Genetics: LaeA Is Required for Citric Acid Production and Regulates the Formation of Some Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Niu Jing , Arentshorst Mark , Nair P Deepa S , Dai Ziyu , Baker Scott E , Frisvad Jens C , Nielsen Kristian F , Punt Peter J , Ram Arthur F J
Published: December 2015

The asexual filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is an important industrial cell factory for citric acid production. In this study, we genetically characterized a UV-generated A. niger mutant that was originally isolated as a nonacidifying mutant, which is a desirable trait for industrial enzyme production. Physiological analysis showed that this mutant did not secrete large amounts of citric acid and oxalic acid, thus explaining the nonacidifying phenotype. As traditional complementation approaches to characterize the mutant genotype were unsuccessful, we used bulk segregant analysis in combination with high-throughput genome sequencing to identify the mutation responsible for the nonacidifying phenotype. Since A. niger has no sexual cycle, parasexual genetics was used to generate haploid segregants derived from diploids by loss of whole chromosomes. We found that the nonacidifying phenotype was caused by a point mutation in the laeA gene. LaeA encodes a putative methyltransferase-domain protein, which we show here to be required for citric acid production in an A. niger lab strain (N402) and in other citric acid production strains. The unexpected link between LaeA and citric acid production could provide new insights into the transcriptional control mechanisms related to citric acid production in A. niger. Interestingly, the secondary metabolite profile of a ΔlaeA strain differed from the wild-type strain, showing both decreased and increased metabolite levels, indicating that LaeA is also involved in regulating the production of secondary metabolites. Finally, we show that our systems genetics approach is a powerful tool to identify trait mutations.
Chromoanasynthetic Genomic Rearrangement Identified in a N-Ethyl-N-Nitrosourea (ENU) Mutagenesis Screen in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Itani Omar A , Flibotte Stephane , Dumas Kathleen J , Moerman Donald G , Hu Patrick J
Published: December 2015

Chromoanasynthesis is a recently discovered phenomenon in humans with congenital diseases that is characterized by complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs) resulting from aberrant repair of catastrophic chromosomal damage. How these CGRs are induced is not known. Here, we describe the structure and function of dpDp667, a causative CGR that emerged from a Caenorhabditis elegans dauer suppressor screen in which animals were treated with the point mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). dpDp667 comprises nearly 3 Mb of sequence on the right arm of the X chromosome, contains three duplications and one triplication, and is devoid of deletions. Sequences from three out of the four breakpoint junctions in dpDp667 reveal microhomologies that are hallmarks of chromoanasynthetic CGRs. Our findings suggest that environmental insults and physiological processes that cause point mutations may give rise to chromoanasynthetic rearrangements associated with congenital disease. The relatively subtle phenotype of animals harboring dpDp667 suggests that the prevalence of CGRs in the genomes of mutant and/or phenotypically unremarkable animals may be grossly underestimated.
Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis of Six Catfish Species from an Altitude Gradient Reveals Adaptive Evolution in Tibetan Fishes
Authors: Ma Xiuhui , Dai Wei , Kang Jingliang , Yang Liandong , He Shunping
Published: December 2015

Glyptosternoid fishes (Siluriformes), one of the three broad fish lineages (the two other are schizothoracines and Triplophysa), have a limited distribution in the rivers in the Tibetan Plateau and peripheral regions. To investigate the genetic mechanisms underlying adaptation to the Tibetan Plateau in several fish species from gradient altitudes, a total of 20,659,183–37,166,756 sequence reads from six species of catfish were generated by Illumina sequencing, resulting in six assemblies. Analysis of the 1,656 orthologs among the six assembled catfish unigene sets provided consistent evidence for genome-wide accelerated evolution in the three glyptosternoid lineages living at high altitudes. A large number of genes refer to functional categories related to hypoxia and energy metabolism exhibited rapid evolution in the glyptosternoid lineages relative to yellowhead catfish living in plains areas. Genes showing signatures of rapid evolution and positive selection in the glyptosternoid lineages were also enriched in functions associated with energy metabolism and hypoxia. Our analyses provide novel insights into highland adaptation in fishes and can serve as a foundation for future studies aiming to identify candidate genes underlying the genetic basis of adaptation in Tibetan fishes.
The Erotic as a Liberating and Empowering Force in Two Costa Rican Female Poets: Julieta Dobles and Ana Istarú
Authors: Barquero Vargas Ana Patricia
Published: December 2015

 Este artículo explora la poesía erótica de dos escritoras costarricenses, Julieta Dobles y Ana Istarú, como una fuerza liberadora y de empoderamiento. Propone que estas poetas transgreden el discurso hegemónico patriarcal por medio del erotismo, haciendo así posible no solamente su liberación y empoderamiento, sino también el de muchas mujeres quienes se ven reflejadas en su poesía. Su poesía corporal abre una perspectiva donde ellas puedan empezar a escudriñar sus deseos sexuales y sus cuerpos, al tomar su sexo literalmente en sus propias manos.
La ilustración de los cuentos de Perrault: tantas Caperucitas como lobos
Authors: Murillo Chinchilla Verónica
Published: December 2015

El presente artículo propone un recorrido cronológico por las diferentes ilustraciones del cuento de Charles Perrault Caperucita Roja, así como de su posterior versión modificada por los hermanos Grimm. Mediante el estudio de dibujos y grabados desde la primera edición en 1695 hasta la de 1965, se analizan las diferentes implicaciones estéticas y culturales identificables en las distintas propuestas artísticas.
El léxico en las mujeres y los hombres: restricciones inconscientes o culturales
Authors: Pizarro Chacón Ginneth
Published: December 2015

Definir el léxico de un individuo dependiendo de su género es algo común en la sociedad. Cada hablante ha adquirido un léxico que lo identificará como parte de un género específico y este será utilizado durante toda su vida. Esta forma tan delimitada en el uso de la palabra ha motivado a los estudiosos a investigarlo; por lo tanto, la presente investigación se enfocará en recolectar, analizar y presentar aspectos representativos sobre el uso de la palabra asociada con el género- masculino y femenino- y cómo muchas palabras consideradas tabúes son restringidas a un género específico. Además, se evidenciarán las restricciones psicológicas a que son sometidos los hablantes por parte de la sociedad y cómo muchas de estas normas sociales impuestas están siendo violentadas y cambiadas gradualmente por parte de los hablantes jóvenes. Como parte de esta investigación, se realizó un estudio exhaustivo sobre el tema en cuestión así como un instrumento para la recolección de datos. Este último constó de preguntas cerradas, semiabiertas y abiertas que fueron respondidas por un total de 59 informantes, todos estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica de entre 20 y 30 años. Entre los resultados más relevantes se enfatiza la visión estereotipada de que los hombres utilizan más palabras vulgares o tabúes que las mujeres. Por lo tanto, las mujeres son asociadas a palabras que enfaticen su feminidad y delicada naturaleza impuestas culturalmente. Otro aspecto relevante es el cambio gradual que ha sufrido la restricción en el uso de ciertas palabras por parte de hombres y mujeres en la sociedad y cómo los hablantes, independientemente de su género, están siendo poco a poco visualizados en igualdad de condiciones lingüísticas. Además, se reafirma que el condicionamiento en el uso de ciertas palabras continúa siendo una imposición cultural inconsciente en el que la familia tiene un papel protagónico. Finalmente, se evidenció que se está dando una revolución léxica gradual entre los hablantes jóvenes debido a un cambio de visión del género.
Assertiveness in public administration officials of Montería, Colombia/Asertividad en funcionarios de la administración pública del municipio de Montería, Colombia
Authors: Ruiz Arias Viviana María , Nobles Montoya Diana Victoria , Ruiz Otero Carlos Eduardo
Published: December 2015

En el presente artículo de investigación se muestran los resultados del estudio “Grado de asertividad de los funcionarios de atención al cliente de la administración pública del municipio de Montería”, Colombia. El objetivo fue evaluar el estilo de asertividad que los funcionarios emplean para enfrentar las diversas situaciones sociales, responder a la crítica y resolver problemas. La población estuvo constituida por quince (15) funcionarios entre los 30 y 55 años de edad quienes laboran en las dependencias de recursos humanos, Secretaria de hacienda y Sisben. El diseño metodológico fue descriptivo, transversal con un enfoque cuantitativo. El instrumento de evaluación que se utilizó fue la Escala multidimensional de asertividad. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian un déficit en  conductas asertivas en  los funcionarios
The importance of the news in press. Comparative analysis of the YPF’s media treatment between the main Argentinia/La relevancia noticiosa en la prensa gráfica. Análisis comparativo del caso de YPF entre los principales periódicos argentinos y españoles
Authors: Zunino Esteban , Aruguete Natalia
Published: December 2015

El objetivo del presente trabajo de investigación es comparar la cobertura mediática del proceso de estatización de YPF en la prensa gráfica argentina y en la española. Concretamente, se procura establecer: 1) la frecuencia informativa de la estatización de YPF; 2) la jerarquía noticiosa del issue; 3) las variables asociadas a la importancia que el tema adquirió en los diarios. Para tal fin, se aplica la metodología del análisis de contenido en el estudio de las noticias publicadas en las portadas de los diarios argentinos Clarín, La Nación y Página/12 y los españoles ABC, El Mundo y El País sobre este caso. Además de contabilizar la cantidad de artículos, se analizan las variables “tamaño del titular”, “tipo de titular”, “acompañamiento gráfico”, “presencia de bajada” y “valencia”. Los resultados del trabajo empírico arrojan un comportamiento similar por parte de los seis periódicos respecto de los picos de mayor cobertura informativa, aunque se hallan diferencias sustanciales en términos de jerarquía. Finalmente, mientras que la valoración de la noticia resulta predominantemente negativa en la prensa española, los diarios argentinos muestran diferencias importantes entre sí. Se concluye que el tratamiento noticioso se vio afectado por los contextos nacionales en los que se desenvuelven los medios. El estudio se inscribe en la perspectiva teórica de la Agenda Setting.
Creation of a learning community: an experience of inclusive education in Colombia/Creación de una comunidad de aprendizaje: una experiencia de educación inclusiva en Colombia
Authors: Beltrán Villamizar Yolima Ivonne , Martínez Fuentes Yexica Lizeth , Torrado Duarte Omar Elías
Published: December 2015

El objetivo del trabajo fue articular el esfuerzo de profesores, estudiantes, padres de familia y otros miembros de la comunidad alrededor de actividades de mejoramiento de la calidad educativa en una institución educativa colombiana, situada en un entorno social y cultural que dificulta la prestación del servicio educativo. Teóricamente se asumió el concepto de “comunidades de aprendizaje” entendidas como  proyectos de transformación social y cultural de un centro educativo y de su entorno, basados en el aprendizaje dialógico, con la finalidad de vincular a toda la comunidad al proceso educativo en espacios concretos, incluyendo el aula de clases. Metodológicamente se procedió a través de la investigación acción siguiendo las siete fases metodológicas para la transformación de centros educativos a “comunidades de aprendizaje-CA, a saber: sensibilización, toma de decisiones, sueño, análisis contextual y selección de prioridades, planificación de aspectos a transformar, formación de familiares y grupos interactivos. Los resultados muestran que las estrategias utilizadas permitieron identificar las principales necesidades en la institución, propiciar un proceso participativo de la comunidad educativa, y fortalecer la relación entre el saber cultural de toda la comunidad y el saber académico.
Public policies on citizen coexistence: Challenges and opportunities/Políticas públicas en materia de convivencia ciudadana: Retos y posibilidades
Authors: Rujano Roque Raima , Salas Johel Jesús
Published: December 2015

El artículo de investigación, resultado de un estudio realizado en dos comunidades ubicadas al norte del municipio Maracaibo: Santa Rosa de Agua y Monte Bello. Ambas socioeconómicamente diferenciadas, diserta sobre los retos y las posibilidades que tienen las instancias gubernamentales para el diseño e implementación de políticas públicas para el desarrollo de una convivencia ciudadana participativa.  Se investigó bajo la modalidad empírica-inductiva en su fase descriptiva. Se aplicó un procedimiento muestral de tipo probabilístico. Entre los resultados destaca que existe un alto nivel de disposición compartida por parte de los habitantes de ambas comunidades para trabajar por el bienestar colectivo. Sin embargo, existe una notable diferencia en las formas en las que los vecinos desean participar. Estas formas diversas constituyen un elemento que fortalece la convivencia ciudadana y a la vez es un elemento que podría facilitar el diseño de estrategias que la promuevan. Como actores clave para trabajar en el fortalecimiento, se mencionan: los consejos comunales y los cuerpos policiales. Como estrategias, se señalan las actividades deportivas, culturales y el asistir a las personas en situaciones de vulnerabilidad. Finalmente, suscriben que dichas estrategias deben implementarse en los espacios públicos, instituciones educativas y religiosas presentes en ambos sectores.
Analysis of communication plans in environmental protection of the national parks of Colombia/Análisis de los planes de comunicación en la protección ambiental de los Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia
Authors: Cuesta M. Oscar Julián
Published: December 2015

El presente artículo, resultado del proyecto de investigación, expone los resultados de una indagación que tuvo el objetivo de caracterizar el aporte de los planes de comunicación en las dinámicas de protección ambiental de los Parques Nacionales Naturales (PNN) de Colombia. Para ello, se analizó el Plan de Acción Nacional, los Planes de Manejo particulares a cada área protegida y otros documentos institucionales de esta entidad estatal. Además, se efectuaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a los funcionarios encargados de la formulación de los lineamientos educativos y comunicativos en dichos planes. La investigación pudo determinar que en las estrategias de protección de PNN existe un vínculo entre la educación ambiental y la comunicación comunitaria. Esta relación intrínseca entre comunicación y educación ambiental se basa en la interacción personal entre funcionarios y las comunidades que habitan los parques, relegando a los medios a estrategias secundarias subsumidas a los acuerdos interpersonales. Se concluye que el papel de la comunicación en la protección de los PNN puede trascender la búsqueda de comportamientos favorables al ambiente y podría buscar la formación de una conciencia ambiental más compleja.
Terceirização, quarteirização e primarização logística
Authors: Vivaldini Mauro
Published: December 2015

A prestação de serviços logísticos vem evoluindo e passando por mudanças, principalmente na decisão de como contrata-la segundo os conceitos de terceirização, quarteirização, ou primarização. A terceirização de serviços logísticos é uma modalidade de negócios consolidada, a quarteirização é uma opção de gestão dos terceirizados e já vem sendo adotada por algumas organizações, e a primarização sugere o retorno destas atividades às empresas, e ainda é um tema pouco explorado na literatura logística. Analisando estes temas na literatura o estudo atualiza a visão dos modelos adotados e propõe uma estrutura conceitual que classifica as possibilidades de contratação de serviços logísticos, apresentando as diferentes opções que podem ser adotadas pela empresa na escolha da melhor opção para seus serviços logísticos.
Seis Sigma: dificuldades, limitações, fatores críticos de sucesso e perspectivas futuras
Authors: Pohlmann Paulo Mazieiro , Ferreira Marco Antônio
Published: December 2015

O Seis Sigma é uma metodologia baseada na tomada de decisão objetiva e na resolução de problemas, visando alcançar, maximizar e manter o sucesso comercial por meio da compreensão e do atendimento das necessidades dos clientes. A visualização desta metodologia como uma poderosa ferramenta na redução da variabilidade e na melhoria da qualidade desperta o interesse da realização deste estudo bibliográfico, cuja finalidade foi avaliar os fatores críticos de sucesso e as perspectivas futuras desta. Foi realizado um levantamento visando verificar quais os principais fatores críticos de sucesso da implantação da metodologia nas organizações, dentre os quais destacaram-se a seleção adequada dos projetos, a ligação do projeto com a estratégia de negócio, o foco no cliente, os recursos financeitos, humanos e de infra-estrutura, o envolvimento da alta gerência, a capacitação dos profissionais e a mudança cultural.
Reseña del libro: No hay dos iguales. Individualidad humana y naturaleza humana || Review of the book: No two alike. Human Nature and Human Individuality
Authors: López-Larrosa Silvia
Published: December 2015

Reseña de: Harris. J.R. (2015). No hay dos iguales. Individualidad humana y naturaleza humana. Madrid: Funambulista. 482 pp. ISBN: 978-84-943026-6-4. Depósito legal: M -36933-2041. [Original: No Two Alike. Human Nature and Human Individuality (2006).]El libro “No hay dos iguales” de Judith Rich Harris trata de responder a una pregunta difícil: por qué somos como somos, por qué incluso los hermanos, habiendo recibido una educación similar y compartiendo una dotación genética similar, son diferentes entre sí. Si alguien se había hecho antes esta pregunta, la autora, tras un recorrido casi detectivesco, le dará algunas respuestas basadas en nuestras dotaciones genéticas, en nuestras únicas interacciones con los demás y en la elaboración que como humanos hacemos de la información que nos proporcionan los que nos rodean.
Prueba de cribado de expresión escrita en gallego para escolares de segundo de Enseñanza Primaria || Test of written expression in Galician for students of second grade
Authors: Outón Paula
Published: December 2015

En este trabajo presentamos una prueba para detectar las dificultades en expresión escrita en gallego para escolares de segundo de Educación Primaria (EXEGA2), atendiendo tanto al contenido como a algunos aspectos superficiales. Dicha prueba forma parte de una batería de instrumentos más amplia, en castellano y gallego, que tiene como objetivo evaluar el rendimiento en lectura y escritura al inicio de ese curso académico. Se describe el marco teórico de partida, el proceso seguido para la elaboración de la misma, sus principales características y algunos resultados obtenidos. La aplicación de EXEGA2 puede ofrecer datos útiles de cara a la intervención.
Combining ability and heterosis for yield and water use efficiency traits in grounndut -A review
Authors: John K. , Reddy P. Raghava
Published: December 2015

Hybridization followed by selection in segregating generations is the main mode of varietal development in self-pollinated crops like groundnut. Before making crosses, it is important to know which of the parents are going to nick well and yield desirable segregants in terms of yield and other desirable attributes aimed at. There are different mating designs to identify the parents to be included in hybridization programmes. One of the widely used and most informative one is diallel mating design. After identification of parents more suitable to be involved in breeding programme, it is necessary to know the mode of inheritance of the traits to be improved to make wise choice of selection approaches to be followed in segregating generations. Therefore the breeder is constantly needing to determine the potential of additional germplasm as parents, Earlier studies suggest the importance of additive general combining ability (GCA) and non additive (specific combining ability and heterosis) genetic effects in evaluating hybrid performance among parental groundnut lines. The prominent effects on crop plants are reduction in plant growth and changes in various physiological processes. Moisture stress can also adversely influence yield attributes like number of mature pods per plant, 100-pod weight, 100-kernel weight, shelling per cent and harvest index.
Bovine lactoferrin and its functions in animals -A review
Authors: Sharma Rajan , Chakraborty Dibyendu , Gupta Parul
Published: December 2015

Lactoferrin (Lf) was discovered in 1939 as “red protein from milk whey”. Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) gene is located on Bos taurus autosome, long arm of chromosome no.22 (BTA 22q24) in cattle. Its size varies from 23-35kbp among different species. The lactoferrin gene consists of 17 exons and 16 introns ranging from 82bp (exon-1) to 225bp (exon-17). The presence of multiple regulatory elements within lactoferrin promoter contributes differential gene expression and variable content of lactoferrin in milk. The concentration of lactoferrin in normal bovine milk is about 0.02-0.2 mg/ml. The primary function of Lf lies in its role in iron metabolism including iron transport, storage and chelation. Lf exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria (gram-positive & negative), fungi, yeasts, viruses and parasites. Lf exerts bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity. Its main contribution to antiviral defence consists in its binding to the cell membrane glycosaminoglycan, thus lactoferrin prevents viruses from entering cells and infection is stopped at an early age. More than 140 SNPs in this gene have been identiûed. Such a high variability in Lactoferrin gene implies that it may be used as candidate gene for screening animals also a marker of milk yield.
Acute Phase Proteins: How they portray Mastitis – A review
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Sheikh Aasif Ahmad , Parkunan Thulasiraman , Dar Mohammad Rayees , Priyadarshini Lakshmi , Preedaa Manju G , Baghel Gunjan , Singh Sohan Vir
Published: December 2015

Acute Phase Proteins are blood proteins primarily synthesized by hepatocytes as part of the acute phase response (APR). APR to disease is accompanied by an increase in the circulating concentration of a number of plasma proteins which are collectively known as the Acute Phase Proteins. According to the concentration, APPs are classified in positive APP, if they increase or negative APP, if they decrease. During mastitis, APPs move from the systemic circulation to mammary gland or there could be de-novo synthesis of the APP within mammary gland tissues. Among the APPs, Serum Amyloid A (SAA), Haptoglobin (Hp), Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and Lipopolysaccharide binding protein play a major role during mastitis in cattle and their concentration will increase with the severity of the infection, inflammation or trauma. SAA is involved in defense against Gram positive and Gram negative pathogens. SAA acts by modulating innate immune system and by acting as an opsonin. Among the SAA isoforms, mammary associated SAA3 (m-SAA3) is important. The blood concentration of SAA and Hp increases dramatically after LPS infusion, with SAA (acute and middle phase of APR) appearing before Hp (Late phase of APR). The herd level APP might be useful for determining the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections indicated by the high serum concentration of selected APP and by serving as the prognostic tool. APPs, used as markers of animal health may possibly be influenced by environmental factors, handling procedures and other types of stress in the absence of disease.
Genotyping of -Lactoglobulin (-Lg) gene by PCR-RFLP in indigenous cattle of Assam, India
Authors: Jebin Irin , Das Bula , Borah P. , Kalita D. J. , Roy T. C. , Zaman G. U. , Hussain Md. Iftikar
Published: December 2015

The study was conducted to investigate the polymorphism in ?-Lactoglobulin (?-Lg) gene in indigenous cattle of Assam. Genomic DNA from 53 indigenous cattle was extracted and used to study the polymorphism in ?-Lg gene using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Genetic improvement by selective breeding provides enormous potential to enhance the performance of animals. But, it is a time-consuming exercise as generation interval of cattle is longer. Besides, milk production being a sex limited trait, it is not possible to select male animal on the basis of its own performance. To minimize these problems, selection based on markers can play an important role to carry out genetic improvement of animals before expressing actual target traits. A PCR product of 262 bp obtained upon amplification was subsequently digested with restriction endonuclease BSuRI and yielded three types of restriction pattern, two fragments (153 and 109 bp) for AA genotype, three fragments (109, 79 and 74 bp) for BB genotype and, four fragments (153, 109, 79 and 74 bp) for AB genotype. The frequencies of alleles A and B were found to be 0.2547 and 0.7453 and those of AA, AB and BB genotypes were 0.0943, 0.3207 and 0.5849, respectively. From the present study it could be concluded that the ?-Lg B variant was predominant in the indigenous cattle with the highest frequency of BB homozygote followed by AB heterozygote (BB>AB>AA) and Chi-square (x2) test revealed that the population under study was in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium.
Genetic studies on growth traits of Mehsana goat of Gujarat, India
Authors: Gupta Jay Prakash , Pandey D. P. , Shah R. R.
Published: December 2015

Data from Mehsana kids born during the period of 2006 to 2012, maintained at Sheep and Goat Research Station (SGRS), Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Gujarat, India, were used to evaluate the effect of various non-genetic factors on the different growth traits. The least squares means of body weights at birth, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months of age were 2.75 ± 0.03, 10.33 ± 0.16, 13.83 ± 0.23, 16.98 ± 0.35 and 20.44 ± 0.31 kg, respectively. The pre-weaning and post-weaning average daily weight gains were 84.75±1.82, and 35.58±0.92 g, respectively. Although year of birth was having highly significant
Prediction of body weights of Nellore sheep under field condition
Authors: Rani M. , Ekambaram B. , Kumari B. Punya
Published: December 2015

Data on 1350 Nellore sheep of 2, 4, 6 and 8-teeth age, reared under field conditions in 12 mandals of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh were utilized for development of prediction equations and study the phenotypic association among body measurements and body weights. The coefficients of correlation between body weight with the height at withers, chest girth, paunch girth, hip width and body length were positive and high in magnitude in both males and females in majority of the age groups studied. Step-down regression equations were fitted to predict the body weight based on biometrical measurements at different ages. The height at withers, chest girth, paunch girth, hip width and body length have contributed significantly to the expression of body weights at the majority of the ages studied. High coefficient of determination (R2) value was observed in males at 6 and 8-teeth age as 88 per cent, while in females 50 per cent at 2-teeth age.
Histological studies on the tonsil of soft palate in goats
Authors: Indu V. R. , Lucy K. M.
Published: December 2015

Histological studies were conducted on the tonsil of soft palate in six month-old male crossbred goats. The tonsil was located on the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate. The tonsillar surface epithelium presented small folds and was lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium in the rostral half and stratified squamous epithelium in the caudal part. The epithelium mounting over the lymphoid accumulation or follicle associated epithelium was modified into a lympho-epithelium and was disrupted and heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes. Distinct crypts were not seen. In the lamina propria, lymphoid tissue constituted only a small portion of the tonsil and only two to three nodules were seen per low power microscopic field. Most of the lymphoid nodules had germinal centers. The average diameter of the nodules was 131.97±8.03 μm. Loose irregular connective tissue, lymphoid tissue and glands comprised the propria submucosa. The tonsil of soft palate was not encapsulated.
Genetic analysis of glycosylation sites, TM 8 and consensus transport motif of buffalo SLC11A1 gene
Authors: Ganguly Indrajit , Sharma Arjava , Mitra Abhijit , Ganguly Anita , Kumar Nishant
Published: December 2015

The present study aimed to explore polymorphisms at exon X-XI, encompassing two potential N-linked Glycosylation sites (GLY, GLY), complete transmembrane domain 8 (TM8) and one conserved ‘Consensus Transport Motif’ (CTM) of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) SLC11A1 (formerly NRAMP1) gene by PCR-RFLP and automated DNA sequencing. PCR–RFLP genotyping of animals (n=150) from three Indian buffalo breeds viz., Murrah, Surti, and Mehsana by Alu I, Taq I, Hae III, Rsa I, Pst I and Mva I reveals monomorphic pattern. Sequence comparisons demonstrate no change at nucleotide level among the buffalo breeds. However, results of this study show three nucleotide changes in buffaloes as compared to that of B taurus (NM_174652): one transition (C?T at amino acid position 349) and two transversion (C?A at amino acid position 321 and C?G at amino acid position 356). Transversion C?A and C?G, resulting in deduced amino acid exchange Asp321 –Glu321 and Pro356 – Ala356, respectively has been identified. The non-synonymous single nucleotide variation (nsSNV) (C?A at amino acid position 321), observed in all the three buffalo breeds under study, leads to the loss of a potential N-glycosylation motif of SLC11A1 gene and therefore may alter the property of the protein. A comprehensive study of this N-glycosylation motif of SLC11A1 gene in different species followed by structural analysis of the protein is required to better understand the functional impact of nsSNV.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zeolite Y From Bagasse Ash with Hydrothermal Temperatures Variations Using The Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Ali Soifi , Amalia Suci , Fasya Ahmad Ghanaim
Published: December 2015

Zeolite Synthesis Y is done using sol-gel method on the molar composition of 10Na2O: 15 SiO2: x Al2O3: 300 H2O with Si/Al on ratio of 2,43 and hydrothermal temperatures variations of 60, 80 and 100 °C. Characterization includes XRD to discover crystallinity and the purity of zeolite, FTIR for the analysis of functional groups and of the surface width with the adsorption of methylene blue. XRD result shows that the formed zeolites Y is still mixed with zeolite P, the best result in synthesis with hydrothermal temperatures of 80 °C. FTIR analysis showsthat all zeolite synthesis contain a common functionO-Si-O/O-Al-O and double ring. The surface area of zeolite Y at 60, 80 and 100 °C is 22,5522; 23,0603 and22,9898m2/gram.

 

Keywords: Bagasse, sol-gel, temperature hydrothermal, zeolite Y
Utilization of NaCl Solution of Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract as Natural Coagulant at Liquid Waste at PT. Cheil Jedang Indonesia – Jombang
Authors: Rizqi Wadziatir , Yulianti Eny , Jannah Akyunul
Published: December 2015

In this study, the coagulant from Moringa seeds extracted using NaCl solution. Early stages, Moringa seed powder was extracted using 1M NaCl solution. Variations in sample pH (pH 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and variations in coagulant dose (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 mL / L) was conducted to determine the effectiveness of each coagulant at pH test parameters, Total Suspended Solids and Chemical Oxygen Demand-Permanganate method. Characterization of Moringa seed extract solutions include levels of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and amino acids. Characterization results, the carbohydrate content of Moringa seeds extracted with NaCl solution at 909 ppm, the protein 3348 ppm, fat content 800 ppm and it contains 14 kinds of amino acids. Concentration of most amino acids are lysine, which is 0.196%. Coagulant of Moringa seed extract solution of NaCl with an optimum pH of 10 can decreased levels of TSS by 82.3% at a dose of 80 mL / L. Coagulant solution of NaCl extract of Moringa seeds can not reduce levels of COD-Mn.
Keywords: Chemical Oxygen Demand-Permanganate, Coagulant, Moringa oleifera, Total Suspended Solids
Analysis of Metal Copper Concentration at Candy using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS)
Authors: Rahmawati Eny , Dewi Diana Candra , Fasya Ahmad Ghanaim , Fauziyah Begum
Published: December 2015

Candy sold in the market could be containing a heavy metals like copper. In this study, candy was destructed with HNO3, HNO3/H2SO4 (3:1) dan HNO3/H2SO4/H2O2 (6:2:1) to know the best matter oxidixer for copper. Then, evaluated the levels of copper using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The one way anove result with F test showed that the best oxidizer for copper in candy is HNO3/H2SO4. The average concentration of Copper in candy coded A, B, C, D, and E were 1. 72 mg/Kg; 1.69 mg/Kg; 1.57 mg/Kg; 1.71 mg/Kg; and 1.69 mg/Kg respectively. The content of copper in candies were the under daily dietary recommended limit based on SNI regulation.

 

Key Words: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, candy, matter oxidizer, time stability, wet destruction

 
Identifikasi Senyawa Flavonoid dan Efek Terapi Ekstrak Etanol 70 % Umbi Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) Terhadap Kadar Glukosa Darah dan Aktifitas SOD (Superoksida dismutase) Jantung Tikus yang Diinduksi Aloksan
Authors: Andrieyani Andrieyani , Hanapi Ahmad , Fasya Ahmad Ghanaim , Hasanah Hafidatul
Published: December 2015

The  aims  of  this  research was to identify the flavonoid content in binahong tuber and determine the effect of 70 % ethanol extract of binahong tuber on blood glucose level and SOD activity in rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced alloxan. The extract was maceration and then used to test the classes of its compound content using phytochemical test, the flavonoid compound contained in the extract was separated by analytic thin layer chromatography (TLC) and antidiabetic effect against rats induced alloxan with dose of alloxan was 32 mg / 200 g BW. The results showed that the 70 % ethanol extract of binahong tuber contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and terpenoids. Butanol: acetic acid: water (4: 1: 5) was the best eluent for separation of flavonoid compound in extract and binahong tuber extracts treatment with variation of extract dose, 25, 60 and 75 mg/kg BW, reduced the blood glucose levels and increased the SOD (Superoxide dismutase) activity of rat, that are 5,511 ; 5,217 and 4,942 u/mL respectively.

 

Keywords: alloxan, antidiabetic, flavonoids, binahong tubers, SOD
Economics Of Steam Generation For Thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Chaar Marwan , Venetos Milton , Dargin Justin , Palmer Daniel
Published: December 2015

The thermal-enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) steam-generation projects in Persian Gulf oil fields are on such a large scale that they affect an entire country's economic position. As such, the policies related to oilfield steam generation should be decided at the national level by use of the cost of the marginal fuel. This paper calculates the steam cost for three methods: once-through steam generator, once-through heat-recovery steam generator, and solar steam generator. Detailed performance and economic models of the steam-generation methods were created and used to calculate the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the fuel break-even (FBE) price. The environmental and economic burdens on the cost of steam generation are explored. The effect of fuel price on the cost of steam is also analyzed, with a focus on the marginal fuel price. Finally, the limitation of cogeneration in an isolated oil field, where the energy demand necessitates electricity-matched cogeneration, was analyzed. This limitation, along with the steam cost at the marginal fuel price, provides the decision maker with a steam-supply curve.

For the case analyzed in this paper, the cost of solar steam is lower than that of cogeneration or a simple boiler for fuel prices greater than USD 5/million Btu.
Sources of Soybean Aphid Resistance in Early‐Maturing Soybean Germplasm
Authors: Hanson Anthony A. , Orf James H. , Koch Robert L.
Published: December 2015

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a non‐native and damaging pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the north central United States. We screened 78 soybean lines (maturity groups 000 to I) for resistance to soybean aphid and categorized resistance (i.e., antibiosis or antixenosis) in lines that showed putative resistance. Selected lines were also included in field trials at Rosemount and St. Paul, MN, in 2014. We detected antibiosis in PI 639534A, PI 639537, and PI 605765B and antixenosis in PI 507713. PI 605765B and PI 639537 performed better than susceptible varieties in both field trials with natural infestations of soybean aphid. We also documented antixenosis within IA3027, a line previously assumed to be susceptible to soybean aphid, which underscores the importance of including multiple susceptible and resistant controls for comparison in resistance screening studies. These additional sources of resistance may provide soybean breeders more options for incorporating resistance into early‐maturing soybean varieties and allow different types of host plant resistance to be pyramided into varieties for growers.
Automated feature recognition in CFPD analyses of DMA or supply area flow data
Authors: van Thienen Peter , Vertommen Ina
Published: December 2015

The recently introduced comparison of flow pattern distributions (CFPD) method for the identification, quantification and interpretation of anomalies in district metered areas (DMAs) or supply area flow time series relies, for practical applications, on visual identification and interpretation of features in CFPD block diagrams. This paper presents an algorithm for automated feature recognition in CFPD analyses of DMA or supply area flow data, called CuBOid, which is useful for objective selection and analysis of features and automated (pre-)screening of data. As such, it can contribute to rapid identification of new leakages, unregistered changes in valve status or network configuration, etc., in DMAs and supply areas. The method is tested on synthetic and real flow data. The obtained results show that the method performs well in synthetic tests and allows an objective identification of most anomalies in flow patterns in a real life dataset.
A hybrid cuckoo–harmony search algorithm for optimal design of water distribution systems
Authors: Sheikholeslami Razi , Zecchin Aaron C. , Zheng Feifei , Talatahari Siamak
Published: December 2015

Meta-heuristic algorithms have been broadly used to deal with a range of water resources optimization problems over the past decades. One issue that exists in the use of these algorithms is the requirement of large computational resources, especially when handling real-world problems. To overcome this challenge, this paper develops a hybrid optimization method, the so-called CSHS, in which a cuckoo search (CS) algorithm is combined with a harmony search (HS) scheme. Within this hybrid framework, the CS is employed to find the promising regions of the search space within the initial explorative stages of the search, followed by a thorough exploitation phase using the combined CS and HS algorithms. The utility of the proposed CSHS is demonstrated using four water distribution system design problems with increased scales and complexity. The obtained results reveal that the CSHS method outperforms the standard CS, as well as the majority of other meta-heuristics that have previously been applied to the case studies investigated, in terms of efficiently seeking optimal solutions. Furthermore, the CSHS has two control parameters that need to be fine-tuned compared to many other algorithms, which is appealing for its practical application as an extensive parameter-calibration process is typically computationally very demanding.