bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance Factors for Drilled Shafts in Weak Rock Based on O-Cell Test Data
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Han Jie , Parsons Robert L. , Henthorne Robert W.
Published: September 2008

Load and resistance factor design (LRFD) has been mandatory for all FHWA-funded bridges since October 2007. The resistance factors included in the current AASHTO specifications for foundation design are not all calibrated by using field data. A calibration of resistance factors for side resistance of drilled shafts in weak rock is based on the statistical data collected from 19 O-cell tests in the midwestern United States. The field test data were used to determine the measured resistance, and the in situ rock properties and the dimensions of drilled shafts were used to calculate the predicted resistance by using the FHWA method. The Monte Carlo method was selected to perform the calibration. On the basis of the normally distributed loads and log normal distributed resistance from the test data, side resistance factors were determined at a target reliability index of 3.0. The calibrated resistance factors were compared with those in the current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
Evaluation of Long-Term Performance of Pavement Drainage Layers on I-469 in Indiana
Authors: White Thomas D. , Noureldin A. Samy , Harris Dwayne , Haddock John E.
Published: September 2008

Subsurface drainage is important for long-term pavement performance. Rational procedures to analyze and evaluate the design, reliability, and effectiveness of subsurface drainage systems are needed in order for their use to be recommended with confidence. Three pavement subdrainage test sections were constructed in 1995 on the eastbound driving lane of I-469 in Indiana, at the northern junction with I-69, between Stations 150+05 and 173+40. Presented are the original laboratory characterization and mechanistic evaluation for permanent deformation and stability of the test sections employing finite element analysis. Triaxial tests were conducted on all pavement layers of the sections. Falling weight deflectome-ter evaluations in 1995 and 1998 are also presented. Such measurements are not available after 1998 because compliance with Indiana Department of Transportation safety regulations is required at that location. Finite element analyses were conducted by using laboratory-measured material properties to predict pavement response to falling weight deflec-tometer loads, compare predicted and measured deflections, examine layer shear stability for shear stress and strength, and predict rutting. Long-term pavement performance indicators up until 2007 (including international roughness index and ground penetration radar), after 12 years of heavy truck traffic, are also presented. Finite element analysis predicted very well the deflections measured by the falling weight deflectometer and accumulated rutting of the three test sections. Comparisons of shear stresses and strengths indicated that the sections were stable. All long-term evaluations indicated that all drainage layers in the study sections have performed their function adequately and protected the subgrade.
Geogrid in Flexible Pavements
Authors: Al-Qadi Imad L. , Dessouky Samer H. , Kwon Jayhyun , Tutumluer Erol
Published: September 2008

Full-scale accelerated testing was used to provide new insight into quantifying the effectiveness of geogrids on low-volume flexible pavement performance. Although several previous studies report that geogrids improve pavement performance by enhancing structural capacity and reducing distress potential, the new study addresses how to maximize the benefits and cost-effectiveness of geogrid. To perform full-scale testing, three cells of flexible pavements, each having three pavement sections, were constructed. The granular base and hot-mix asphalt (HMA) layer thicknesses varied, and each cell had at least one control and one geogrid-reinforced pavement section. Instruments were embedded during construction to measure stress, strain, deflection, moisture, pore-water pressure, and temperature and were used to monitor pavement response to moving load. A moving dual-tire at 8 km/h and 44 kN was used to apply accelerated traffic loading. The performance of the various pavement sections when exposed to accelerated loading is presented. On the basis of pavement measured response as well as visual observation of the pavement cross section after excavation, the study showed that geogrid is very effective in reducing the horizontal shear deformation of the aggregate layer, especially in the traffic direction. Hence, the effectiveness of geogrid is clear for aggregate base layers with thicknesses ranging from 203 to 457 mm, and geogrid is expected to show similar effectiveness for greater base thickness given that thin HMA layer is used. The study also found that the optimal geogrid location in a thin aggregate layer is at the unbound aggregate-subgrade interface. For a thicker base layer, it is optimal to install a single geogrid at the upper third of the layer; the addition of another geogrid at the subgrade-base layer interface may be needed for stability.
Decision-Making Procedure for Assessing Performance Measures of Freeway Operations
Authors: Upayokin Auttawit , Mattingly Stephen P. , Lugo-Serrato Sergio A.
Published: September 2008

Performance measurement is a method to quantify project success based on project and policy outputs and outcomes assessment. In the United States, transportation-related performance measures have become popular since authorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act in 1991. Performance measures have been applied in many areas, including freeway operations. This paper improves on earlier techniques and presents an innovative approach for using a multicriteria decision framework to select freeway operational performance measures. The proposed selection performance measure methodology includes establishing a statement of purpose, identifying alternatives, establishing criteria, and using a screening approach to eliminate unsatisfactory performance measures by means of qualitative and quantitative criteria. Once the screening approach is used to reduce the set of candidate alternatives to a set of feasible alternatives, the methodology uses a multicriteria decision model, such as simple additive weighting and ELECTRE III, to combine the commensurate criteria and generate a rank order of the acceptable alternatives for final decision making. A sample application of the proposed methodology is presented.
Bridging the Gap between Agencies and Citizens
Authors: Bremmer Daniela , Bryan James H.
Published: September 2008

Performance measurement is an evolving field that has gained momentum, particularly with the call for enhanced accountability that many transportation organizations are facing. The measures that public agencies use to evaluate their performance have evolved into sophisticated tools for agency management. Although these tools have been refined, the methods for effectively communicating results to audiences outside the agencies have not. There is a large gap in the performance measurement and reporting literature concerning the effective communication of performance information. Ineffective communication does little to build credibility, leads to information asymmetry, and can increase public dissatisfaction, reflected as antitax sentiments and growing funding shortages. The Washington State Department of Transportation (Washington State DOT) has been using its performance journalism approach to communicate performance measures and results to a diverse audience including the public, the media, and policy makers. This well-tested approach has proved effective; it helped support two gas tax increases and helped defeat an antitax initiative. Washington State DOT developed performance journalism on the basis of experience gained during 6 years of reporting comprehensive transportation system performance information in its quarterly performance report, Measures, Markers and Mileposts, also referred to as the Gray Notebook. Effective communication of performance information is more than just publishing data and text. It requires an agency to tell its story and apply analytical and journalistic methods. These requirements are embodied in Washington State DOT's performance journalism principles. This paper offers a viable method for effective performance communication that can be used by any public agency and practitioner.
Reassessing On-Street Parking
Authors: Marshall Wesley E. , Garrick Norman W. , Hansen Gilbert
Published: September 2008

The ongoing debate about the merits and drawbacks of on-street parking offers few definitive answers because comprehensive research in this area has been lacking. The goal is to develop a better understanding of the gamut of issues related to on-street parking, ranging from parking demand and the pedestrian environment to less researched topics such as the efficiency of land use. In addition, the basic question of safety is addressed in a more precise way than previously by taking into account actual vehicle speeds and crash severity levels. The investigation points to on-street parking as crucial in benefiting activity centers on numerous levels. Users of the downtowns consistently valued these land-efficient on-street parking spaces over and above off-street surface lots and garages. Low-speed streets with on-street parking also had the lowest fatal and severe crash rates of any road category in the study of 250 Connecticut roadway segments. Part of the reason is that the presence of parking had a measurable effect on vehicle speeds. On-street parking is not purely a device to be used in the right environment; rather, it is a tool to help create that right environment. On-street parking should be more commonly used but especially in situations in which the road is part of the destination and the intent is to cause drivers to slow down. Results suggest that these places are safer, are more walkable, require less parking, and have more vitality.
Employee Transportation Benefits in High Transit Mode Share Areas
Authors: Block-Schachter David , Attanucci John
Published: September 2008

Employers large and small in urban areas are beset by steadily increasing costs of providing heavily subsidized parking for their employees. Motivated by this problem and by creating a more sustainable policy for their institution, a group of graduate students and faculty participated in a special studies course during the spring 2007 semester at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The resulting proposal is currently under consideration by MIT's administration to help control costs for the university and increase the use of public transportation to campus. This paper first reviews previous research into group transit purchase programs. In these programs employers become the purchasing agent for transit passes for all their employees. Rather than paying the full cost of a pass for each employee, they pay on the basis of current transit usage at the work site. Traditionally, these programs have been implemented in low transit mode share areas. In higher transit mode share contexts, the motivations for employees and employers to participate are substantially altered. Different variations on these programs are explored before arriving at what is being called a mobility pass, which combines the parking and transit benefits programs offered by many employers into a single program. The class proposed that a mobility pass be implemented for MIT. It is predicted that this will result in significant reduction in single-occupancy vehicle mode share and a more sound financial footing for the university with respect to its growing transportation benefit subsidy. It is concluded that a program with a phased design would help control the university's costs in the long run and reduce the cost of more than 80% of students’ and employees’ commutes. The type of phasing that is required to implement these programs is also examined. Although these issues are explored in a university context, it is believed that the conclusions reached apply broadly to other organizations and their employees.
Shifting Urban Priorities?
Authors: Napolitan Francesca , Zegras P. Christopher
Published: September 2008

Much of the original Interstate infrastructure built in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States is approaching or has already reached the end of its useful life, and now requires large investments for rehabilitation. At the same time the freeway revolt has evolved into a more widespread movement, underlined by values such as sustainability. The vigorous debate about the future of urban highways and mobility continues with the development of a fairly recent phenomenon: urban freeway removal. This paper works toward a theory of highway removal by examining three different cases in which urban freeway removal was a seriously considered option—two in which the freeway was removed and replaced with a lower-capacity at-grade boulevard and one in which the freeway ultimately was not removed. The analysis suggests that freeway removal will take place only when (a) the freeway's condition raises concerns about its integrity and safety; (b) a window of opportunity exists, some event that enables a freeway removal alternative to gain serious consideration; (c) the value of mobility is lower than other objectives such as economic development; and (d) those in power value other benefits more than they value the benefits associated with freeway infrastructure.
Designing and Assessing a Teaching Laboratory for an Integrated Land Use and Transportation Course
Authors: King David , Krizek Kevin J. , Levinson David
Published: September 2008

The intersection of land use and transportation policy is an important focus for all urban planners. This focus challenges the academic community to design effective courses that teach the concepts and professional skills required for professional experience. Integrated land use and transportation courses should help students develop interdisciplinary skills while becoming familiar with, for example, travel behavior and zoning policies. Laboratory courses as part of graduate curricula provide platforms to emphasize requisite planning skills. The associated pedagogy problem is devising laboratory assignments that are integrative, cumulative, practical, and interesting for students. This paper evaluates the success of laboratory segments of a land use–transportation course at the University of Minnesota in teaching concepts and skills that are central to planning practice. The lab design and student projects for a 4-year period are described; then a survey of former students is used to ask how central the concepts and skills from the course and lab are to the students’ planning careers. The laboratory projects had students propose new development using air rights above existing (and sunken) urban freeways in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. The projects encouraged problem-based learning through reflexive planning processes, and the final projects were evaluated by practitioners and community leaders. Through analyses of the completed projects and survey responses, the authors demonstrate how these laboratory components serve multiple pedagogical goals.
Men and Gender Mainstreaming: Prospects and Pitfalls of a European Strategy
Authors: Scambor Christian , Scambor Elli
Published: September 2008

Today, what is called “Gender Mainstreaming” is the main strategy of the European Union to work toward gender equality. The definitions of Gender Mainstreaming explicitly include men, and there have been first efforts to integrate a men's perspective into this strategy. Referring approaches are outlined in this paper, and the respective chances and problems are addressed. Relevant aspects of the discussion in the German speaking countries and some practical experiences within Gender Mainstreaming projects are highlighted, with a focus on Austria. At the moment, an important stream of the discussion refers to the reallocation of paid labor and unpaid caring work among men and women. Thus, this thematic focus is maintained throughout the paper, as an example for a two-edged topic between emancipation and hetero-normativity. Inputs from Northern Europe as the model region concerning gender equality and important international sources from critical men's studies and queer theory are used as reference points.
Flow through a helical pipe with rectangular cross-section
Authors: Alam Md Mahmud , Begum Delowara , Yamamoto K
Published: September 2008

The effects of torsion, aspect ratio and curvature on the flow in a helical pipe of rectangular cross- section are studied by introducing a non-orthogonal helical coordinate system. Spectral method is applied as main tool for numerical approach where Chebyshev polynomial is used. The numerical calculations are obtained by the iterative method. The calculations are carried out for 0â¤ Î´ â¤0.02, 1â¤ Î» â¤ 2.85, 1â¤ Î³ â¤2.4, at Dn = 50 & 100 respectively, where d is the non-dimensional curvature, l the torsion parameter, g the aspect ratio andÂ  Dn the pressure driven parameter (Dean number).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v4i2.991Â Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Vol.4(2) 2007 p.99-110
Alkaloid Production in Tissue Cultures of Papaver somniferum L. cv. Office-95
Authors: Oluk Esin AkÃ§am
Published: September 2008

The capacity of alkaloid synthesis was examined in embryogenic callus tissues of Turkish opium poppy, Papaver somniferum L cv. office-95. Eight months old cultures grown in hormone-free MS were examined for alkaloid content. They were found to produce codeine at a level of 1.2 x 10-2, the baine 2.5 x 10-3, noscapine 2.2 x 10-3, morphine 1.6 x 10-3 and papaverine 5.2 x 10-4 % FW.Key words: Papaver somniferum, Embryogenic callus, AlkaloidsDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i1.1098Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(1): 1-4, 2006 (June)
Micropropagation of Salvia broussonetii Benth. - A Medicinal Plant Species
Authors: Mederos-Molina S
Published: September 2008

The purpose of this study was to establish culture medium requirements for micropropagation of Salvia broussonetii Benth., an important medicinal plant. Cultures were initiated from axillary shoots collected from mature plants. Most satisfactory results were achieved using a MS.2 medium supplemented with 1 mM ascorbic acid, 1.44 ÂµM GA3 and 1.11 ÂµM BAP. Axillary nodes were used for in vitro regeneration of multiple shoots and best results were achieved with MS.2 medium plus 1.44 ÂµM GA3, 2.66 ÂµM BAP and 1.14 ÂµM IAA. Shoots rooted without symptoms of chlorosis or necrosis in half-strength MS.2 medium plus 1.44 ÂµM GA3 and 2.28 ÂµM IAA.Key words: Axillary shoots, Micropropagation, Medicinal plant, Salvia broussonetiiDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i1.1101Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(1): 19-23, 2006 (June)
Comparative Studies on Field Performance of Micropropagated and Conventionally Propagated Sugarcane Plants
Authors: Sood Neeru , Gupta Piyush Kumar , Srivastava RK , Gosal SS
Published: September 2008

The tissue culture derived sugarcane var. CoJ 64 plants attained better height, millable cane height and a greater number of live buds to conventionally raised plants. Further, the plants raised in vitro showed 13.2% increase in cane yield and 11.03% sugar recovery as compared to conventionally propagated sugarcane under parallel agronomic practices in the field, advocating suitability of seed cane programmed through tissue culture.Key words: Comparative studies, Field performance, Sugarcane, MicropropagationDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i1.1102Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(1): 25-29, 2006 (June)
Multiple Shoot Formation in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Sarker RH , Yesmin Sabina , Hoque MI
Published: September 2008

Among the in vitro derived different explants such as cotyledonary leaf, hypocotyl, shoot tip and root of two local varieties, namely Singhnath and Kazla (BARI Begun-4) of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cotyledonary leaf was found to be the best for multiple shoot regeneration. High frequency direct organo-genesis of shoots was achieved from cotyledonary leaf in MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP and 1.0 mg/l Kn. Anatomical studies using freezing microtome supported the formation of shoots through organogenesis. Proliferation and elongation of such shoots were obtained in hormone free MS. Moreover, the regenerated shoots produced healthy roots when they were cultured on MS without hormonal supplements. Following the formation of roots the in vitro raised plantlets were successfully established in soil. Viable seeds were obtained from the in vitro raised mature plants.Key words: Regeneration, Multiple shoot, EggplantDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i1.1106Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(1): 53-61, 2006 (June)
Three Different Methods of Expression Profile Analysis in Plants
Authors: Salmi Mari L , Bushart Thomas J , Clark Greg B
Published: September 2008

In the last 15 years many advances have been made in techniques available to molecular biologists. In the field of gene expression in particular, several new methods have become common use for determining changes in gene expression over the course of plant development, changes induced by external stimulus, and differences in the various tissue types of a plant. Here we describe the theory, general methods, and some applications for three of these new techniques in the broad field of plant biology DNA microarray, quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, and serial analysis of gene expression.DOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i1.1107Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(1): 63-76, 2006 (June)
A Valued Medicinal Plant - Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica Linn.) : Successful Plant Regeneration Through Various Explants and Field Performance
Authors: Chaplot Binita B , Dave Ashok M , Jasrai Yogesh T
Published: September 2008

Protocols for plant propagation through axillary bud proliferation and organo-genesis were established for Chitrak - Plumbago zeylanica Linn. (Plumbaginaceae). MS medium with 4.4 mg/l BA and 1.4 mg/l IAA elicited the maximum number of shoots (12 multiple shoots) from nodal explants. Leaf based callus differentiated into more than 30 shoots on MS with 160 mg/l adenine sulphate. The regenerated shoots were rooted on MS with 1.2 mg/l IBA within ten days. Almost, 96% of the rooted shoots survived hardening when transferred to the field. The regenerated plants did not show any morphological change and variation in levels of secondary metabolite when compared with the mother stock.Key words: Medicinal plant, Regeneration, Field performanceDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i2.1108Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(2): 77-84, 2006 (December)
Micropropagation of Vanasushava pedata - An Endangered Medicinal Plant of South India
Authors: Karuppusamy S , Kiranmai C , Aruna V , Pullaiah T
Published: September 2008

An efficient in vitro propagation of an endangered medicinal plant Vanasushava pedata (Apiaceae) by axillary shoot proliferation from nodal segments of mature plants was designed. The medium type and growth regulators markedly influenced in vitro regeneration of V. pedata. An in vitro plantlet production system has been investigated on MS with the synergistic combination of BA (5.0 mg/l), IAA (0.1 mg/l) and 3 % sucrose which promoted the maximum number of shoots (8.6) as well as enhanced shoot lengths. Subculturing of nodal segments from in vitro derived shoots on a similar medium enabled continuous production of healthy shoots with a similar frequency. Rooting was highest (100%) on half strength MS containing IAA (2.0 mg/l). Micropropagated plants established in garden soil and forest humus (1 : 1) were uniform and identical to the donor plants with respect of growth characteristics as well as floral features. These in vitro-raised plants grew normally in greenhouse and natural habitat without showing any morphological variation. Â Key words: Vanasushava pedata, Medicinal plant, Nodal explants, Micropropagation, Successful acclimationDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i2.1109Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(2): 85-94, 2006 (December)
Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) from a Jute (Corchorus olitorius) cDNA Library
Authors: Taliaferro J Matthew , Islam Ahmad S , Sathasivan Kanagasabapathi
Published: September 2008

Analysis of the genome of jute (Corchorus olitorius) was done by creating a new cDNA library of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in pBluescript as the previous libraries reported earlier in this journal yielded only small DNA fragments from chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA. This report discusses results from a cDNA library constructed using poly A+ mRNA purified from 7-day old etiolated jute seedlings. Out of 700 recombinant plasmids obtained, 250 were analyzed using WU-BLAST (www.arabidopsis.org) for similar EST sequences in Arabidopsis thaliana and other higher plants. So far the analysis of the library has yielded several significant sequences, including the complete open reading frame of the 60S acidic ribosomal protein P3 and a partial cDNA of Class I chitinase. These results and future EST sequences from this library will be made available in Genbank and the sequence information will be used to clone full length DNA through PCR. Â DOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i2.1110Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(2): 95-104, 2006 (December)
Effects of Twin Scale Size and Hormones on In vitro Propagation of Hippeastrum (Hippeastrum hybridum)
Authors: Siddique MNA , Sultana N , Haque MA , Hossain MM , Ahmed JU
Published: September 2008

This study examined the effective size of twin scale and suitable combination of NAA, BAP with sucrose for in vitro propagation of Hippeastrum. For finding out the optimum size of twin scale, six different sizes were cultured on MS supple-mented by 0.5 mg/l NAA and 1.0 mg/l BAP with 30g/l. Twin scales size of 1.0 cm in width and 2.5 cm in height (TS4) performed best for regeneration and plantlets formation. Four different combinations of NAA and BAP (H1 = 0.5 mg/l NAA and 1.0 mg/l BAP; H2= 0.1 mg/l NAA and 0.5 mg/l BAP; H3= 1.0 mg/l NAA and 2.0 mg/l BAP; H4 = 2.0 mg/l NAA and 4.0 mg/l BAP) were tested with three levels of sucrose (30, 40 and 50 g/l). The twin scales showed a high multiplication rate at 0.5 mg/l NAA and 1.0 mg/l BAP with 40 g/l sucrose.Key words: Propagation, Plantlets, Twin scales, HippeastrumPlant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(2): 105-110, 2006 (December)
In vitro Plant Regeneration of Withania somnifera
Authors: Supe Ujjwala , Dhote Fanisha , Roymon MG
Published: September 2008

Key words: Seed explants, Withania somnifera, MicropropagationDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i2.1112Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(2): 111-115, 2006 (December)
Fungus Resistant Transgenic Plants: Strategies, Progress and Lessons Learnt
Authors: Islam Aparna
Published: September 2008

Considerable progress has been made in identification and cloning of genes involved in plant defense responses. With the aid of plant molecular biology and biotechnology, a large number of antifungal proteins and peptides have been isolated and assessed through in vitro bioassays. Genes and gene products that are involved in signaling pathways have also been predicted. Strategies like enhancement of plant structural defense, neutralization of fungal toxins and exploitation of antifungal genes from non-plant sources have been used to produce transgenic plants. Exploitation of these approaches has shown significant reduction of fungal diseases in many cases. Moreover, using the knowledge gathered from characteristics of these transgenic plants, it has been possible to obtain better resistance. Co-expression of multiple genes rather than single, use of inducible promoters instead of constitutive ones have been shown to give superior performance of transgenic plants. Further improvement in above strategies are however still necessary because all the above approaches have only resulted in varying degree of resistance, not complete fungus tolerance.Key words: Antifungal proteins, Antimicrobial peptide, Induced expression, Phytopathogen, Genetic engineeringDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i2.1113Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(2): 117-138, 2006 (December)
Transgenic plants: Risks, Concerns and Effects on Ecosystem and Human Health
Authors: Islam Ahmad S , Miah Siddique Ali
Published: September 2008

The review portrays the current status of transgenic crops in the backdrop of sharply divided opinion of anti-GM group vis-Ã -vis those who advocate that genetically engineered crops do not pose any threat to human or animal health nor does it disrupt the environment through introduction of superweeds. While acknowledging the concern of anti-GM activists, the article supports the view of NE Borlaug who sees no difference between the birth of a genetically complex crop such as hexaploid bread wheat and a bioengineered crop except that the former occurs in mother nature and the latter in the laboratory through genetic manipulation by molecular breeders. The article brings into focus that the methods now being employed to bring about genetic change in crops are safer as the use of antibiotic markers have been replaced by biolistic mode of gene delivery or use of chemicals such as mannose 6-phosphate marker. The article also points out that the chances of birth of âsuperweeds' destroying the environment will be minimized, if genetic transformation is brought about using chloroplasts. Another important role of biotechnology that is expected to be realized soon is its use in commercial production of oral vaccines for both humans and animals. The article mentions of some of the recent gene discovery such as genes for submergence tolerance in rice or genes that minimizes allergenicity in peanuts. Production of rice varieties capable of withstanding flood will dramatically increase rice yield in flood-prone countries and peanut lines with minimum or no allergen will be welcome in the consumer market where a sizeable portion of people suffer from peanut allergy. The article emphasizes the fact that every GM crop must be subject to rigorous scrutiny to ensure that it is free from any allergen, or hazardous toxic substance and that it is environmentally safe. The article supports the idea that in Europe GM crops with built-in terminator gene and traditional crops may coexist; i.e., may be planted in the same area as the European farmers buy their seeds every year unlike their counterparts in Asia and Africa. Finally the article recommends that the selected GM crops should be grown in the developing countries where the option before the resource-poor population lies between going without food or fall prey to the misinformation of anti-GM activists.Key words: GM Crops, Anti-GM activists, Coexistence, Superweed, Chloroplast Transformation, Oral vaccines, Golden rice, Biosafety, Food securityDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v16i2.1114Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(2): 139-164, 2006 (December)
In vitro Regeneration in Three Varieties of White jute (Corchorus capsularis L.)
Authors: Sarker RH , Al-Amin GM , Hoque MI
Published: September 2008

Healthy multiple shoot regeneration was observed from petiole-attached cotyledon (PC) explants of CVL-1 on MS containing 0.2 mg/l BAP and 1.0 mg/l IAA. On the other hand, the best response for multiple shoot regeneration in CVE-3 was obtained when the same explants were cultured on MS with 2.5 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA. However, the same explant of D-154 was found to show less responsive compared to other two varieties to produce multiple shoots. Cotyledonary nodal explants of all the three varieties were found to produce maximum number of multiple shoots on MS supplemented with 0.2 mg/l BAP and 1.0 mg/l IAA. Best root induction was observed at the base of the in vitro regenerated shoots on half the strength of MS supplemented with 0.3 mg/l IBA. The in vitro grown plantlets were successfully transplanted into soil. They grew up to maturity, flowered and fruited like the control plants.Key words: Regeneration, White jute, Corchorus capsularisDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v17i1.1116Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(1): 11-18, 2007 (June)
Effects of NaCl Stress on Callus Proliferation and Plant Regeneration from Mature Embryos of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars Mahon Demias and Hidhab
Authors: Benderradji L , Bouzerzou H , Djekoun A , Benmahammed A
Published: September 2008

An in vitro experiment with two cultivars, Mahon Demias and Hidhab of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) exhibited appreciable callus induction but differed significantly in the capacity of calli proliferation and regeneration under salinity stress; even though Mahon Demias appeared relatively more tolerant than Hidhab. The results indicated the need to optimize a robust protocol for callus induction, maintenance and regeneration before selection process for tolerance to salinity is embarked upon.Key words: Bread wheat, Salinity stress, Callus proliferation, Mature embryoDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v17i1.1117Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(1): 19-27, 2007 (June)
Somatic Embryogenesis Induction in Narcissus papyraceus cv. Shirazi
Authors: Anbari Saghi , Tohidfar Mosoud , Hosseini Ramin , Haddad Rahim
Published: September 2008

Explants from bulb scales of Narcissus papyraceus cv. Shirazi cultured in MS and Nitsch media containing different concentrations of BAP, 2,4-D, GA3, Kn, IBA and NAA produced highest number of regenerated bulblets in Nitsch medium containing BAP (2.2 mg/l) and 1.1 mg/l 2,4-D. The highest number of direct somatic embryos were observed in MS containing 0.5 mg/l GA3, 1.6 mg/l BAP and 1.6 mg/l 2,4-D. Induced somatic embryos were multiplied by transferring them to hormone free MS.Key words: Narcissus, Somatic embryogenesis, RegenerationDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v17i1.1119Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(1): 37-46, 2007 (June)
Modification of Recombination-based GATEWAYTM Binary Destination Vector with Novel Promoter for Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation of Rice
Authors: Islam Md Rakibul , Malo Richard , Tammi Rumana S , Jahan Sharmin , Parvin Lisa , Seraj Zeba I
Published: September 2008

The GATEWAYTM Binary Destination Vector pH7WG2 is available for easy insertion of genes for transformation into plants. The gene of interest integrates downstream of the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus Promoter CaMV 35S by recombination. The CaMV 35S promoter is however not suitable for transformation and expression of genes in monocots like rice. We isolated and cloned a ~1100 bp upstream region from two rice (Pokkali and IR64) Na/H antiporter genes into the GATEWAYTM promoter cloning vector pHGWFS7. The Pokkali promoter expressed the Ã¢-glucuronidase or GUS gene ~25-fold more efficiently than the CaMV 35S promoter in rice calli, while that of IR64 was 7-fold more. The IR64 promoter however showed efficient expression in transgenic rice leaves. The promoter from Pokkali Na/H antiporter was used to replace the CaMV 35S sequence in pH7WG2. The CaMV 35S region was cut out and the linear vector fragment blunted and T-tailed. After amplification of the promoter from Pokkali rice DNA, it was A-tailed and ligated to the modified T-vector. The resultant vector, named pH7WG3, following the nomenclature at the gateway site, www.plantgenetics.rug.ac.be/gateway, can now be used for recombination of any genes for efficient rice transformation.Key words: Recombination, Binary vector, Promoter, Transformation, RiceDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v17i1.1120Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(1): 47-58, 2007 (June)
In vitro Propagation of Abrus precatorius L. - A Rare Medicinal Plant of Chittagong Hill Tracts
Authors: Biswas Animesh , Roy Mohashweta , Miah MA Bari , Bhadra SK
Published: September 2008

An efficient protocol was developed for in vitro propagation of Abrus precatorius L. through induction of indirect organogenesis in nodal segment derived callus tissue. Yellowish-green nodular callus was induced at the cut surface of the nodal segments cultured on MS fortified with 5.0 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA. The callus differentiated into adventitious shoots when it was subcultured on to MS supplemented with 3.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l Kn + 0.5 mg/l NAA. On an average 6.87 Â± 0.26 shoots/culture developed. These microshoots were rooted in half-strength MS containing 1.0 mg/l IBA and the rooted plantlets were transferred to soil after proper acclimatization.Key words: Abrus precatorius, Medicinal plant, Callus culture, PropagationDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v17i1.1121Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(1): 59-64, 2007 (June)
Effect of Nitrogen and Potassium on In vitro Tuberization of Potato
Authors: Zakaria M , Hossain MM , Mian MA Khaleque , Hossain T , Sultana N
Published: September 2008

Effects of nitrogen @ 20, 40, 60 and 80 meq in combination with potassium @ 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 meq on in vitro tuberization of potato were evaluated to find out the optimum concentration of nitrogen and potassium for developing a standard protocol for in vitro tuberization of a popular variety Diamant. Microtuberization was delayed with increasing rate of nitrogen. Number of microtubers were reduced with an increase in total nitrogen but the average weight of microtubers increased with an increase in nitrogen level up to 60 meq. The number and size of microtubers increased with an increase in potassium up to 40 meq. Concentration of nitrogen at 60 meq and potassium at 40 meq in MS medium gave rise to microtubers of large sizeKey words: In vitro, Tuberization, PotatoDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v17i1.1124Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(1): 79-85, 2007 (June)
Assessing the Changes in Bacterial diversity in Rhizosphere and Phyllosphere of Transgenic and Non-transgenic Potato Plant
Authors: Saha N , Ulrich A , Becker R , Wirth S
Published: September 2008

The present communication deals with the study of changes in bacterial community structure in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere under the influence of transgenic and non-transgenic potato plant. The transgenic potato plants used in this experiment synthesize fructan-soluble carbohydrate in the tuber and gives better nutritive value of different biological importance. To assess the changes in bacterial diversity, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP)-a fingerprint technique, based on terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism between distinct small-subunit rDNA gene sequence, was used. Three lines of genetically modified (GM) potato (modified from variety-Desiree), one genetically unmodified control (GUM, variety-Desiree) and one traditional potato variety (Linda), were used and sampling was done at full growth stage of potato. Total microbial DNA from rhizosphere and phyllosphere samples was isolated, amplified the 16S rDNA gene for bacterial community with fluoresecence tag primer pair and digested with restriction enzyme HhaI. The digested products were run along with DNA-length standard 100 ROX in an automated genescaner. The T-RFLP analysis resulted in very complex and highly reproducible community fingerprints patterns and showed no clear difference in the bacterial diversity among the rhizosphere of GM, GUM and traditional potato variety. On the other hand, phyllosphere bacterial diversity gave different trend between transgenic and non-transgenic plants. However, the T-RFLP patterns of phyllosphere bacterial community of three GM potato varieties were similar. The same was completely different between GUM and traditional potato varieties.Key words: Assement, Bacterial diversity, Rhizosphere, Transgenic, PotatoDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v17i1.1125Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(1): 87-95, 2007 (June)
Transient GUS Expression in Decapitated Lentil Embryos
Authors: Hassan Fathi , Hoque M Imdadul , Kiesecker Heiko , Jacobsen Hans-Jorg
Published: September 2008

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important protein- and carbohydrate-rich food for many developing countries and is also popular in developed countries where they are perceived as a healthy component of the diet. Lentil seeds contain about 24.2% high quality protein, 60% carbohydrates and 2.4 - 4.2% mineral matter (Hulse 1994). Although lentil is one of the oldest cultivated crop plants, its agronomic performance is not better than a semi-domesticated species. The main constraints for lentil breeding and production are poor yield stability and high susceptibility to fungal diseases. Due to the rather narrow genetic base and lack of resistance genes against major fungal diseases in lentil conventional breeding methods cannot be applied for addressing these objectives. In this context the genetic transformation could be used to develop disease resistant plants.Key words: Transient, GUS expression, Lentil embryosDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v17i1.1126Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(1): 97-102, 2007 (June)
Detection of Maize Intrinsic and Recombinant Cry1Ab Gene Fragment in Genetically Modified Maize
Authors: Rahman T , Chowdhury EH , Mondol AC , Hoque MM , Nasiruddin KM
Published: September 2008

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed to detect and identify the genetically modified maize (Bt11). Primer pair Bt11 1-5Â´ and Cry1Ab 1-3Â´ detected the region of the insect resistant Cry1Ab gene sequence inserted in GM Bt11 maize and a primer pair ZE01-ZE02 were used to detect the maize intrinsic zein (Ze1) gene in maize DNA. The presence of the corresponding DNA segments was specifically detected in GM maize by the designed primers. It was concluded that this method is useful for fast and easy screening of Bt gene in the food products and GM Bt crops.Key words: Detection, Cry1Ab gene, Maize intrinsic gene, GM maizeDOI = 10.3329/ptcb.v17i1.1127Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 17(1): 103-108, 2007 (June)
Abstract Data Types
Authors: Cowan Donald , Alencar P.S.C.
Published: September 2008

This article contains a description of the concepts related to abstract data types (ADTs). Specifically, the presentation contains a explanation of the syntax and semantics of ADTs and uses algebraic semantics to describe the properties of the operations on the data types: stack, queue, set, and bag. A program for a stack ADT in the language C is presented to illustrate a practical implementation. Two different versions of the program use an array and a linked list as the underlying data structures to implement the stack ADT without any effect on its interface and hence the program that uses the stack.
Analog‐to‐Digital Conversion in the Early Twenty‐First Century
Authors: Walden R. H.
Published: September 2008

Analog‐to‐digital converters (ADCs) continue to be important components of signal‐processing systems, such as those for mobile communications, software radio, radar, satellite communications, and others. This article revisits the state‐of‐the‐art of ADCs and includes recent data on experimental converters and commercially available parts. Converter performances have improved significantly since previous surveys were published (1999–2005). Specifically, aperture uncertainty (jitter) and power dissipation have both decreased substantially during the early 2000s. The lowest jitter value has fallen from approximately 1 picosecond in 1999 to < 100 femtoseconds for the very best of current ADCs. In addition, the lowest values for the IEEE Figure of Merit (which is proportional to the product of jitter and power dissipation) have also decreased by an order of magnitude. For converters that operate at multi‐GSPS rates, the speed of the fastest ADC IC device technologies e.g., InP, GaAs, is the main limitation to performance; as measured by device transit‐time frequency, f
T
, has roughly tripled since 1999. ADC architectures used in high‐performance broadband circuits include pipelined (successive approximation, multistage flash) and parallel (time‐interleaved, filter‐bank) with the former leading to lower power operation and the latter being applied to high‐sample rate converters. Bandpass ADCs based on delta‐sigma modulation are being applied to narrow band applications with ever increasing center frequencies. CMOS has become a mainstream ADC IC technology because

it enables designs with low power dissipation and

it allows for significant amounts of digital signal‐processing to be included on‐chip. DSP enables correction of conversion errors, improved channel matching in parallel structures, and provides filtering required for delta‐sigma converters. Finally, a performance projection based on a trend in aperture jitter predicts 25 fs in approximately 10 years, which would imply performance of 12 ENOB at nearly 1‐GHz bandwidth.
Answer Set Programming
Authors: Faber Wolfgang , Leone Nicola , Ricca Francesco
Published: September 2008

Answer set programming (ASP) evolved from logic programming, deductive databases, knowledge representation, and nonmonotonic reasoning, and it serves as a flexible language for solving problems in a declarative way. The user does not need to provide an algorithm for solving the problem; rather, it is sufficient that (s)he specifies the properties of the desired solution for its computation. ASP is highly expressive and allows us to solve problems even beyond the complexity class NP. The main representation feature of ASP are rules, which are interpreted according to common sense principles. In ASP, one writes a program, that is, a collection of rules, which represent a problem to be solved. This program, together with some input, usually expressed using factual rules, possesses a collection of models (possibly also no model), called answer sets, which correspond to the solutions of the modeled problem. Efficient systems for computing answer sets are available and have stimulated the development of applications relying on ASP, in both academia and, business. The field of ASP is growing, and several extensions of the basic language have been proposed and used in applications.
Vienna Development Method
Authors: Fitzgerald John S. , Larsen Peter Gorm , Verhoef Marcel
Published: September 2008

The Vienna Development Method (VDM) is one of the longest establishedmodel‐oriented formal methodsfor the development of computer‐based systems and software. It consists of a group of mathematically well‐founded languages and tools for expressing and analyzing system models during early design stages, before expensive implementation commitments are made. The construction and analysis of the model help to identify areas of incompleteness or ambiguity in informal system specifications, and to provide some level of confidence that a valid implementation will have key properties, especially those of safety or security. VDM has a strong record of industrial application, in many cases by practitioners who are not specialists in the underlying formalism or logic. Experience with the method suggests that the effort expended on formal modeling and analysis can be recovered in reduced rework costs that develop from design errors.
Entity‐Relationship Model
Authors: Ling Tok Wang , Lee Mong Li
Published: September 2008

Data modeling is an important phase in the development of a database system. The Entity‐Relationship (ER) model was introduced by Peter Chen in 1977. This model has been widely used for conceptual data modeling and has become a tool for communication between database designers and end users at the analysis phase of database development. This article presents the main constructs of the ER model, namely, entities and relationships and their associated attributes, as well as some of its extensions. We also discuss how conceptual database design can be carried out using the ER model, the normal form ER diagram and the translation of ER diagrams to the relational model.
Data Classification
Authors: Juhola Martti
Published: September 2008

Classification is one of the most essential data‐analysis tasks independent of the data to be considered. Numerous classification problems and methods to solve them have been introduced in computer science literature are the past 50 years. These methods are presented in artificial intelligence, pattern recognition, and machine learning. In classification, the main aim is to group different instances according to their properties into different classes. This article describes from the applied viewpoint how an actual dataset is prepared for classification and how it is classified with different methods.
Queueing Networks
Authors: Denning Peter J.
Published: September 2008

Queueing networks model workflow in distributed computing systems and networks. They predict throughput, queue length, response time, and bottlenecks with simple, fast algorithms.