bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Soybean Meal Substitution on the Growth and Survival of Clarias jaensis (Boulenger, 1909) Juveniles Using Chromolaena odorata Leaves Powder
Authors: Paul Zango , Melvin Mutlen , Thomas Efole Ewoukem , Blaise Ngnango Jean , Kukuru Miranda Keng , Minette Tomedi Eyango
Published: January 2024

Aims: The aim was to contribute to the improvement of Clarias jaensis productivity through the evaluation of the effect of the substitution level of soybean meal by Chromolaena odorata leaves powder on the survival rate and growth characteristics of Clarias jaensis juveniles.

Place and Duration of the Study: From April to June 2019 at TAWON (LN: 5°10' - 5°20' and LE: 10°20' - 10°21'). Sudano-Guinean altitude zone of West Cameroon.

Study Design: Two hundred and twenty-five Clarias jaensis juveniles (12.44 ± 0.15g) were divided into five treatments corresponding to 0; 10; 15; 20 and 25% of substitution level of soybean meal by Chromolaena odorata leaves powder.

Methodology: They were fed twice a day (8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.) at 5% of ichthyobiomass, total length, live body weight and physicochemical parameters were measured every tree week for 84 days.

Results: At the 15% substitution level of soybean meal, the survival rate was the highest (100%). Mean Final Weight and Mean Daily Weight Gain were significantly (P≤0.05) higher at 15% (45.73 ± 7.45g and 0.56 ± 0.31g/d). Specific Growth Rate and Condition factor K were higher at 25% (1.41 ± 0.68%/d and 1.08 ± 0.22%g/cm3), however, no significant differences were recorded. The cost of feed to produce one kg of C. jaensis was lower at 15% (609.61 Fcfa).

Conclusion:  Soybean meal can be substituted by C. odorata leaves powder at 15% in feed for C. jaensis juveniles.
Common Moths and Their Ecological Importance in Bisra Range, Rourkela Forest Division, Odisha, India
Authors: Pradhan Ilarani , Sethi Jashabanta , Rout Subhalakshmi , Kumar Sanjeet
Published: January 2024

Rourkela Forest Division presents a sub-tropical climatic condition with high humidity and rainfall after the onset of the monsoon. Lepidopterans are a group of insects that are potent pollinators and protectors of different terrestrial ecosystems. Among all the Lepidopterans, moths are cosmopolitan and very important. Moths are mostly nocturnal pollinators and play a vital role in the pollination of different plant species and their seed production. Besides that, they play the important role of both prey and predator in a food chain. They are less known and have always been given less importance, unlike bees and butterflies, because very few studies have been done about moths and their importance in ecosystems. A field survey was done for the documentation of some common moths’ diversity in Bisra Range, Rourkela Forest Division, Odisha, India, during 2022–2023. About 20 species of common moths were reported from the study area. This study depicts the ecological importance of moths, how they are inevitable members of the food chain in different types of terrestrial ecosystems, and their interactions with other plant and animal species in the division. Macrobrochis gigas and Phocoderma velutina larvae are abundant and major defoliators of Shorea robusta during the rainy season; Lymantria mathura is a major defoliator of Mangifera indica, Shorea robusta, Terminalia, Mitragyna, and Eugenia spp.; Xyleutes strix and Xyleutes persona are stem borers; and Phocoderma velutina shows a relationship with a parasitic fungus.
Epidemiological Study of Anthracnose Disease of Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Caused by Colletotrichum capsici under South Gujarat Condition, India
Authors: Jehani M. D. , Patel P. R. , Desai K. D.
Published: January 2024

The field-grown cultivar NAUDA-1 showed associations with a number of meteorological characteristics based on weekly assessments of anthracnose intensity. Significant positive connections were found in the correlation matrix between sunshine hours (0.5286) and maximum temperature (0.0094). On the other hand, there were notable negative connections found with wind speed (-0.8334), rainfall (-0.4883), relative humidity (-0.8108), and minimum temperature (-0.9339). The development of anthracnose was significantly influenced by the combination of these meteorological conditions. The variables that showed the greatest influence in positively influencing the intensity of anthracnose were the maximum temperature and the number of sunshine hours. Furthermore, in comparison to other metrics, the maximum temperature, relative humidity, and number of sunshine hours were found to be significant factors in the development of disease. This emphasises how intricately meteorological patterns interact to affect the anthracnose development in cv. NAUDA-1.
Assessment of Classification and Accuracy of Land Use/Land Cover in Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh, India: An Analysis by Remote Sensing and GIS Application
Authors: Lohare Jyoti , Nair Reena , Pandey S. K. , Sharma S. K. , Ramakrishnan R. Shiv
Published: January 2024

The main purpose of remote sensing is to prepare land use/ land cover (LULC) thematic maps through satellite image classification. So many researchers worked on various image classification techniques and accuracy assessment. LUCC change is posing a serious problem to earth’s ecosystems. One estimate puts the safe upper boundary for global cropland area to 15% of the total terrestrial area, a level that is only about three percentage point higher than current cropland area, which account for 12% of global land area (Anonymus, 2012).  Objective of this study is to use remote sensing and GIS to prepare LULC map for the year 2016 in the Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh and to assess the accuracy of classified image. A multivariate rule is applied to carry out supervised classification. Five classes of LULC has been chosen to prepare the LULC map and areas coming under these classes are agriculture (59.26%), forest (18.28%) open/barren/wasteland (18.08%), waterbodies (2.68%) and built-up (1.70%). Overall classification accuracy of satellite image obtained in present study was 88.52 percent and kappa coefficient 0.80.
Resistant Gene Analogue Marker(S) Screening against Yellow Mosaic Disease in Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Kalaria Rishee K. , Bhabhor Jigar , Modha K. G.
Published: January 2024

During Rabi 2021–2022, 100 genotypes of mungbean were tested for resistance to yellow mosaic disease in the field using the disease grading system. Out of the 100 mungbean genotypes, 49 were resistant to the yellow mosaic disease, 22 as Moderately resistant, 11 as Moderately susceptible, 3 as susceptible, and 15 were highly susceptible. The sequenced virus shares 98.94% similarity with the whole coding sequence of the MYMIV-Mb02 coat protein (AV1) gene from the mungbean yellow mosaic India virus strain, accession number GQ387502.1., as per the results of the BLAST program. As a result, the variation was designated mungbean yellow mosaic India virus isolates NAU-RJ coat protein gene segment and assigned the accession number ON622515.1. The current study examined Six resistant (40 C, NMS-21-01, NMS-21-06, NMS-21-22, NMS-21-49, NMS-21-95) and six highly susceptible (GM 4, NMS-21-23, NMS-21-24, NMS-21-40, NMS-21-68, NMS-21-69). In order to identify the six susceptible and six resistant mungbean genotypes, nine pairs of RGA primers were employed. Five pairs of RGA primers were successfully amplified in all resistant genotypes as a consequence, but not in all highly susceptible genotypes. The results of this study suggest that five pairs of RGA markers can effectively distinguish between the genotypes of mungbean that are highly susceptible and resistant. The long-lasting YMV resistance of these RGA markers makes them useful for mapping resistance genes and marker validation studies.
Knowledge and Perception of Feeding Stimulators among Nursing Mothers with Infants and Toddlers Aged 6 to 24 Months in Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Balogun Olanike O. , Bodunde Ifeoluwa O. , Okeya Morenike O.
Published: January 2024

Aims: This study assessed the knowledge and perception of feeding stimulators to enhance feeding among nursing mothers in Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Study Design: This study employed a cross-sectional design.

Place and Duration of Study: Primary Health Centres in Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State between October and December, 2020.

Methodology: We included 400 mother-child (6-24 months) dyads selected using a two-stage sampling process from eight Primary Health Centers. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on mothers' knowledge and perception of feeding stimulators. Knowledge of feeding stimulators was scored in percentages (≥50%=good knowledge and <50%=fair knowledge). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and correlation analysis (α0.05).

Results: The average age of nursing mothers was 30.0±5.6 yearswith mainly secondary level of education (56.0%) and infants mean age of11.7±4.9. Notably, 75.5% of them were unfamiliar with the concept of feeding stimulants. Those who knew, did through self-discovery (13.5%), health workers (5.8%), family/friends (3.7%), or media (1.5%). Less than half (43.2%) of the respondents had good knowledge while 56.8% had a fair knowledge of feeding stimulators for complementary feeding. More than half of the nursing mothers agreed that feeding stimulation at a young age improved mental scores and long-term cognitive ability (58.8%), and the use of feeding stimulators such as toys, video games, and colours could assist children in acquiring valuable skills needed for academic achievement (57.1%). A very strong positive correlation (r=+0.962) was observed between mothers’ knowledge and children’s food intake.

Conclusion: There is a pressing need to raise awareness among mothers regarding the benefits of using feeding stimulators to improve children’s intake of complementary foods, especially from health workers.
Prevalence of Multi Drug Resistance Escherichia coli Bacteriuria among Antenatal Women in a Tertiary Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Okoani Blessing Amarachi , Ogbuabor̽ Alphonsus Ogbonna , Anoh Vivian Nonye
Published: January 2024

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common health problem among women. Pregnant women are at increased risk due to the physiological changes associated with pregnancy. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of E. coli UTI and its antibiotic susceptibility pattern among pregnant women at the antenatal clinic of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on a total of 200 pregnant women with and without symptoms of UTI. Mid-stream urine samples were collected and inoculated into Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) and MacConkay. Colony counts > 102 cfu/ml of urine were regarded as significant bacteriuria. Pure isolates of bacterial pathogen were characterized by colony morphology, gram-stain and standard biochemical procedures. The method of agar disc diffusion susceptibility testing was used to determine the antibiotic resistance and sensitivity of the isolates.

Results: The overall prevalence of UTI was 15.4% while 48.5% were symptomatic cases and 5.0% asymptomatic cases. E,Coli was the most frequently isolated organism with a prevalence of 53.4% (111 samples) while other pathogens accounted for 46.6% (89 samples). E. coli showed the highest resistance to the antibiotic Ampicillin 100%, 78% to Tetracycline and 70% to Rocephine but a low resistance of 16.7% against Nitrofurantoin and Ceftriazone respectively.

Conclusion: UTI due to E. coli in pregnant women in Enugu is relatively high and shows high resistance to routine antibiotics. It is therefore, strongly recommended to undertake a routine culture as part of the antenatal care for pregnant women.
Assessment of Airborne Microbial Composition and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles in Dumpsite Environments within Rivers State University
Authors: Owhonka Aleruchi, , Robinson, Victor K.  , Okpokiri, Meka  , Egedeye-Fubara, Ibifuro Victoria
Published: January 2024

The study was aimed at determining the microbial air quality and antimicrobial susceptibility of dumpsites within Rivers State University. The samples were collected from 5 different dumpsites and 10 meters away using the plate sedimentation method. Petri dishes containing culture media were used as sampling surfaces. The sampled media were incubated at 37oC and 30oC for bacteria and fungi respectively. The isolates from the culture were subcultured and identified by biochemical test methods. The multidrug resistance sensitivity of the isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index was determined. The total heterotrophic bacterial count of the dumpsites ranged from 1.43×103CFU/m3 to 5.8×104CFU/m3. The total heterotrophic fungal count of the dumpsites ranged from 1.06×103CFU/m3 to 2.3×103CFU/m3. The different bacteria identified were Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Serratia sp, Staphylococcus sp. The fungi, Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces sp, Fusarium sp, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albican, Penicillium sp and Mucor sp, Rhodotorula sp, A. fumigatus were identified. The antibiotic sensitivity study showed that 100% of the Gram-positive isolates were resistant to Augmentin, cefuroxime, 66.6% were resistant to cefotaxime, 50% were resistant to ceftriaxone, sulbatam, 33.3% were resistant to cefexime and erythromycin while 16.66 of the Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to, levofloxacin, gentamycin, ofloxacin, imipenem and cefotaxime. For the Gram-negative bacteria, 83.3 were resistant to ampiclox, cefuroxime, levofloxacin, 66.6% were resistant to cefexime, 50% were resistant to augmentin, cefotaxime, 33.3% were resistant to imipenem, gentamycin, nitrofurantoin, 16% were resistant to ceftraxime and all (100%) the bacterial isolates were sensitive to nalidixic acid. The study revealed that the dumpsite had impact on both the microbial load and quality of the environment. The microorganisms identified could contain pathogenic sp and impact on human health especially the immune-compromised. Also, the microbial load of the air around the dumpsites decreased with increase in distance from the dump sites.  The presence of multidrug resistant isolates could be of public health concerns.
Impact of Salt-affected Soil on the Growth and Yield of Thompson Seedless Grapes
Authors: Bhagwat S. R. , Kalbhor J. N.
Published: January 2024

In two separate locations within Maharashtra's grape-growing region, the study was carried out on soils damaged by salt. The purpose of the study was to find out how well grapevines performed in terms of growth indices on sodic soils in Maharashtra under various climate conditions. Five distinct locations were used to select the variety Thompson seedless grafted on dog ridge rootstocks. The grapevines were trained on the Y system and planted with a spacing of 3.3 × 1.6 m. Two of the five places were in the Sangli district, two were in the Solapur district, and one was in Pune (no sodic soil). The vines growing under MRDBS site (no sodic soil) exhibited the highest vegetative growth, as measured by shoot length (cm), intermodal distance (mm), cane thickness (mm), leaf area (m2), and total chlorophyll contents.

The sodicity of the soil affected the growth at other locations, however for yield observations, the grape bunches were picked when they reached harvestable maturity, which was defined as total soluble solids of 17.50° Brix. The available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrient findings on soil were substantially lower than the control. According to the study, grapevine growth, yield, gas exchange parameters, and nutrient status were all negatively impacted by the highly sodic soil.
Reciprocal raft–receptor interactions and the assembly of adhesion complexes
Authors: Harris Tony J.C. , Siu Chi‐Hung
Published: October 2002

Cell adhesion complexes are critical for the physical coordination of cell–cell interactions and the morphogenesis of tissues and organs. Many adhesion receptors are anchored to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) moiety and are thereby partitioned into membrane rafts. In this review, we focus on reciprocal interactions between rafts and adhesion molecules, leading to receptor clustering and raft expansion and stability. A model for a three‐stage adhesion complex assembly process is also proposed. First, GPI‐anchored adhesion molecules are recruited into rafts, which in turn promote receptor cis‐oligomerization and thereby produce precursory complexes primed for avid trans‐interactions. Second, trans‐interactions of the receptors cross‐link and stabilize large amalgams of rafts at sites of adhesion complex assembly. Finally, the enlarged and stabilized rafts acquire enhanced abilities to recruit the cytoskeleton and induce signaling. This process exemplifies how the domain structure of the plasma membrane can impact the function of its receptors. BioEssays 24:996–1003, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
Pax6; A pleiotropic player in development
Authors: Simpson T. Ian , Price David J.
Published: October 2002

Pax6 is a transcription factor essential for the development of tissues including the eyes, central nervous system and endocrine glands of vertebrates and invertebrates. It regulates the expression of a broad range of molecules, including transcription factors, cell adhesion and short‐range cell–cell signalling molecules, hormones and structural proteins. It has been implicated in a number of key biological processes including cell proliferation, migration, adhesion and signalling both in normal development and in oncogenesis. The mechanisms by which Pax6 regulates its downstream targets likely involve the use of different splice variants and interactions with multiple proteins, allowing it to generate different effects in different cells. Extrapolation to developmental transcription factors in general suggests that variation in the nature of individual factors is likely to contribute to the emergence of differences between tissues. BioEssays 24:1041–1051, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
E4BP4/NFIL3, a PAR‐related bZIP factor with many roles
Authors: Cowell Ian G.
Published: October 2002

E4BP4, a mammalian basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, was first identified through its ability to bind and repress viral promoter sequences. Subsequently, E4BP4 and homologues in other species have been implicated in a diverse range of processes including commitment to cell survival versus apoptosis, the anti‐inflammatory response and, most recently, in the mammalian circadian oscillatory mechanism. In some of these cases at least, E4BP4 appears to act antagonistically with members of the related PAR family of transcription factors with which it shares DNA‐binding specificity. This diversity of function is mirrored by the regulatory pathways impinging on E4BP4, which include regulation by ras via the lymphokine IL‐3 in murine B‐cells, by thyroid hormone during Xenopus tail resorption, by glucocorticoids in murine fibroblasts and by calcium in rat smooth muscle cells. This article will cover the unfolding role/s of and regulation of E4BP4, E4BP4‐like proteins and PAR factors in species as diverse as mouse and C. elegans. BioEssays 24:1023–1029, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
Bone microstructure and developmental plasticity in birds and other dinosaurs
Authors: Starck J. Matthias , Chinsamy Anusuya
Published: October 2002

Patterns of bone microstructure have frequently been used to deduce dynamics and processes of growth in extant and fossil tetrapods. Often, the various types of primary bone tissue have been associated with different bone deposition rates and more recently such deductions have extended to patterns observed in dinosaur bone microstructure. These previous studies are challenged by the findings of the current research, which integrates an experimental neontological approach and a paleontological comparison. We use tetracycline labeling and morphometry to study the variability of bone deposition rates in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) growing under different experimental conditions. We compare resulting patterns in bone microstructure with those found in fossil birds and other dinosaurs. We found that a single type of primary bone varies significantly in rates of growth in response to environmental conditions. Ranging between 10–50 μm per day, rates of growth overlap with the full range of bone deposition rates that were previously associated with different patterns of bone histology. Bone formation rate was significantly affected by environmental/experimental conditions, skeletal element, and age. In the quail, the experimental conditions did not result in formation of lines of arrested growth (LAGs). Because of the observed variation of bone deposition rates in response to variation in environmental conditions, we conclude that bone deposition rates measured in extant birds cannot simply be extrapolated to their fossil relatives. Additionally, we observe the variable incidence of LAGs and annuli among several dinosaur species, including fossil birds, extant sauropsids, as well as nonmammalian synapsids, and some extant mammals. This suggests that the ancestral condition of the response of bone to environmental conditions was variable. We propose that such developmental plasticity in modern birds may be reduced in association with the shortened developmental time during the later evolution of the ornithurine birds. J. Morphol. 254:232–246, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Value of contrast ultrasonography in the detection of significant prostate cancer: Correlation with radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors: Sedelaar J.P.M. , van Leenders G.J.L.H. , Goossen T.E.B. , Hulsbergen‐van der Kaa C.A. , van Adrichem N.P. , Wijkstra H. , de la Rosette J.J.M.C.H.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

The presented study has investigated a possible improvement of imaging prostate cancer: three‐dimensional contrast‐enhanced power Doppler ultrasonography (3D‐CE‐PDU).

METHODS

Seventy patients with biopsy proven prostate cancer and scheduled for radical retropubic prostatectomy received a 3D‐CE‐PDU investigation before surgery. Two experts analyzed the ultrasound images. The ultrasound images were correlated to the whole‐mount sections of the prostate specimen. The correlation protocol consisted of three evaluation steps.

RESULTS

In total, 153 prostate tumors were found in the 70 prostate specimens: 61 tumors <5 mm, 93 tumors ≥5 mm. The diagnosis of clinical significant and insignificant prostate cancer was made in 85 and 88% of the patients for expert I and II, respectively. Diagnosis by imaging improved from 61% (43 of 70 of the prostate cancers) for standard detection tools to an average 86% (60 of 70 prostate cancers) for 3D‐CE‐PDU.

CONCLUSION

3D‐CE‐PDU improves the detection of prostate cancer in this group of prostate cancer patients. The use of 3D‐CE‐PDU in the clinic is questionable as indications are still unclear. Prostate 53: 246–253, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening with low PSA cutoff values results in low rates of positive surgical margins in radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors: Berger Andreas P. , Volgger Hubert , Rogatsch Hermann , Strohmeyer Dagmar , Steiner Hannes , Klocker Helmut , Bartsch Georg , Horninger Wolfgang
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

In the literature, positive margins in radical prostatectomy specimens, the rate of which ranges between 7% and 46%, are associated with adverse patient survival. The aim of the present study was to determine the predictive value of preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) values for the rate of positive margins in radical retropubic prostatectomy.

METHODS

The study included a cohort of 845 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between October of 1993 and December of 1999. All patients were stratified in groups on the basis of their preoperative PSA values: PSA group I, 0–1.99 ng/ml; PSA group II, 2–3.99 ng/ml; PSA group III, 4–5.99 ng/ml; PSA group IV, 6–7.99 ng/ml; PSA group V, 8–9.99 ng/ml; and PSA group VI, >10 ng/ml. For each group, the pathologic stage, Gleason score, and the incidence of positive margins were analyzed. For statistical analysis, the Mann Whitney U‐test was used.

RESULTS

Our data show a significantly higher rate of organ‐confined prostate cancers and a significantly lower rate of positive surgical margins in patients with preoperative total PSA values of less than 4 ng/ml compared with patients with higher preoperative total PSA levels.

CONCLUSION

As tumor stage and surgical margin status after radical prostatectomy are important predictors of the likelihood of PSA recurrence, which necessitates additional therapy, these findings support the concept of PSA screening by using low PSA cutoff levels. Prostate 53: 241–245, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human Exposures to N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide Insect Repellents Reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers 1993–1997
Authors: Bell John W. , Veltri Joseph C. , Page Brent C.
Published: October 2002

This study analyzed 20,764 exposures involving insect repellants containing N, N-diethyl- m-toluamide (DEET) that were reported to poison control centers from 1993 to 1997. Nearly 70% of the cases reported no symptoms related to the exposure. The occurrence of symptoms was related to the route of exposure, with the highest rates associated with ocular exposures, followed by inhalation, multiple exposure routes, dermal, andingestion. Two deaths were reported, one in a 26-year-old male and one in a 34-year-old female, both following a dermal exposure. Twenty-six subjects experienced major effects. The greatest number of reported exposures involved infants and children, but this group experienced lower rates of adverse effects than teens or adults. There was no clear relationship between DEET concentration and presence or severity of clinical effects. For the cases reported to poison control centers and included in this analysis, the risk of serious medical effects for labeled use of insect repellants containing N, N-diethyl- m-toluamide appears to be low.
RNA Polymerase III in Cajal Bodies and Lampbrush Chromosomes of theXenopusOocyte Nucleus
Authors: Murphy Christine , Wang Zhengxin , Roeder Robert G. , Gall Joseph G.
Published: October 2002

We used immunofluorescence to study the distribution and targeting of RNA polymerase (pol) III subunits and pol III transcription factors in the Xenopus laevis oocyte nucleus. Antibodies against several of these proteins stained Cajal bodies and ∼90 specific sites on the lampbrush chromosomes. Some of the chromosomal sites had been identified previously by in situ hybridization as the genes for 5S rRNA. The remaining sites presumably encode tRNAs and other pol III transcripts. Pol III sites were often resolvable as loops similar to the much more abundant pol II loops, but without a matrix detectable by phase contrast or differential interference contrast. This morphology is consistent with the transcription of short repeated sequences. Hemagglutinin-tagged transcripts encoding core subunits and transcription factors were injected into the oocyte cytoplasm, and the distribution of newly translated proteins inside the nucleus was monitored by immunostaining. Cajal bodies were preferentially targeted by these proteins, and in some cases the chromosomal sites were also weakly stained. The existence of pol III subunits and pol III transcription factors in Cajal bodies and their targeting to these organelles are consistent with a model of Cajal bodies as sites for preassembly of the nuclear transcription machinery.
Determinants of Swe1p Degradation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: McMillan John N. , Theesfeld Chandra L. , Harrison Jacob C. , Bardes Elaine S. G. , Lew Daniel J.
Published: October 2002

Swe1p, the sole Wee1-family kinase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is synthesized during late G1 and is then degraded as cells proceed through the cell cycle. However, Swe1p degradation is halted by the morphogenesis checkpoint, which responds to insults that perturb bud formation. The Swe1p stabilization promotes cell cycle arrest through Swe1p-mediated inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdc28p until the cells can recover from the perturbation and resume bud formation. Swe1p degradation involves the relocalization of Swe1p from the nucleus to the mother-bud neck, and neck targeting requires the Swe1p-interacting protein Hsl7p. In addition, Swe1p degradation is stimulated by its substrate, cyclin/Cdc28p, and Swe1p is thought to be a target of the ubiquitin ligase SCFMet30acting with the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Cdc34p. The basis for regulation of Swe1p degradation by the morphogenesis checkpoint remains unclear, and in order to elucidate that regulation we have dissected the Swe1p degradation pathway in more detail, yielding several novel findings. First, we show here that Met30p (and by implication SCFMet30) is not, in fact, required for Swe1p degradation. Second, cyclin/Cdc28p does not influence Swe1p neck targeting, but can directly phosphorylate Swe1p, suggesting that it acts downstream of neck targeting in the Swe1p degradation pathway. Third, a screen for functional but nondegradable mutants of SWE1 identified two small regions of Swe1p that are key to its degradation. One of these regions mediates interaction of Swe1p with Hsl7p, showing that the Swe1p-Hsl7p interaction is critical for Swe1p neck targeting and degradation. The other region did not appear to affect interactions with known Swe1p regulators, suggesting that other as-yet-unknown regulators exist.
NUCLEAR DEVICES AND BASIC NEUTRINO-OSCILLATION RESEARCH
Authors: PANIGRAHI PRASANTA K. , SARKAR UTPAL
Published: October 2002

An appropriately placed array of new generation neutrino detectors, in conjunction with the use of nuclear devices as a source of intense flux of neutrinos, can serve as a powerful precision probe of neutrino–oscillation parameters. If such detectors are made mobile by placing them on a criss-crossing grid of railway tracks, one may under certain hostile circumstances use them to locate nuclear powered vehicles like submarines, aircraft carriers and any other strong neutrino sources. Since neutrinos cannot be shielded, it may not be possible to escape detection.
COMPUTATIONAL COMPLEXITY OF GENERATORS AND NONGENERATORS IN ALGEBRA
Authors: BERGMAN CLIFFORD , SLUTZKI GIORA
Published: October 2002

We discuss the computational complexity of several problems concerning subsets of an algebraic structure that generate the structure. We show that the problem of determining whether a given subset X generates an algebra A is P-complete, while determining the size of the smallest generating set is NP-complete. We also consider several questions related to the Frattini subuniverse, Φ(A), of an algebra A. We show that the membership problem for Φ(A) is co-NP-complete, while the membership problems for Φ(Φ(A)), Φ(Φ(Φ(A))),… all lie in the class P‖(NP).
CK2 Phosphorylates the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Regulates Its Retention in the Endothelial Cell Plasma Membrane
Authors: Kohlstedt Karin , Shoghi Firouzeh , Müller-Esterl Werner , Busse Rudi , Fleming Ingrid
Published: October 2002

Soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is derived from the membrane-bound form by proteolytic cleavage of its C-terminal domain. Because intracellular events might be involved in the regulation of the cleavage process, we determined whether the cytoplasmic tail of ACE is phosphorylated and whether this process regulates secretion. Immunoprecipitation of ACE (180 kDa) from
32
P-labeled endothelial cells revealed that ACE is phosphorylated. Phosphorylation was not observed in endothelial cells overexpressing a mutant form of ACE (ACEΔS, all five cytoplasmic serine residues replaced by alanine). CK2 coprecipitated with ACE from endothelial cells, and CK2 phosphorylated both ACE and a peptide corresponding to the cytoplasmic tail. Mutation of serine
1270
within the CK2 consensus sequence almost abolished ACE phosphorylation. In ACE-overexpressing endothelial cells, ACE was mostly localized to the plasma membrane. However, no ACE was detected in the plasma membrane of ACEΔS-overexpressing cells, although a precursor ACE (170 kDa) was prominent in the endoplasmic reticulum and the cell supernatant contained substantial amounts of the soluble protein (175 kDa). A correlation between ACE-phosphorylation and secretion was confirmed in endothelial cells treated with the CK2-inhibitor, 5,6-dichloro-1-β-
d
-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole, which time-dependently decreased the phosphorylation of ACE and increased its shedding. These results indicate that the CK2-mediated phosphorylation of ACE regulates its retention in the plasma membrane and may determine plasma ACE levels.
How one becomes many: Blastoderm cellularization in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mazumdar Aveek , Mazumdar Manjari
Published: October 2002

Embryonic development in Drosophila melanogaster begins with a rapid series of mitotic nuclear divisions, unaccompanied by cytokinesis, to produce a multi‐nucleated single cell embryo, the syncytial blastoderm. The syncytium then undergoes a process of cell formation, in which the individual nuclei become enclosed in individual cells. This process of cellularization involves integrating mechanisms of cell polarity, cell–cell adhesion and a specialized form of cytokinesis. The detailed molecular mechanism, however, is highly complex and, despite extensive analysis, remains poorly understood. Nevertheless, new insights are emerging from recent studies on aspects of membrane polarization and insertion, which show that membrane components from intracellular organelles are involved. In addition, actin and actin‐associated proteins have been heavily implicated while new evidence shows that microtubule cytoskeletal elements are mechanistically involved in all aspects of cellularization. This review will draw on both the traditional models and the new data to provide a current perspective on the nature of cellular blastoderm formation in Drosophila melanogaster. BioEssays 24:1012–1022, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
Primary prevention of risk factors for eating disorders in adolescent girls: Learning from practice
Authors: Steiner‐Adair Catherine , Sjostrom Lisa , Franko Debra L. , Pai Seeta , Tucker Rochelle , Becker Anne E. , Herzog David B.
Published: October 2002

Objective

This study evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of a primary prevention program for risk factors for eating disorders in adolescent girls.

Method

Nearly 500 seventh‐grade girls participated in “Full of Ourselves: Advancing Girl Power, Health, and Leadership,” and were assessed at baseline, immediately after program completion, and 6 months later on several self‐report measures of knowledge, body image, and eating and weight‐related behaviors.

Results

Significant differences were found between participants and controls on measures of knowledge and weight‐related body esteem, which were maintained at 6‐month follow‐up. Eating related behaviors, including skipping meals and dieting, appeared unaffected by program participation.

Discussion

The program was feasible, safe, and resulted in positive and maintained changes in knowledge and weight satisfaction for adolescent girls. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 32: 401–411, 2002.
Fertilization, syngamy, and early embryonic development in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus (de geer)
Authors: Sato Motoaki , Tanaka‐Sato Hikaru
Published: October 2002

Fertilization and early embryonic mitoses of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus were examined by fluorescence staining of whole‐mount as well as squash preparations. Egg meiosis occurs near the ventral surface of the egg, while sperm transforms into a sperm pronucleus in the cytoplasmic island on the dorsal side. After meiosis, the egg pronucleus moves across the egg toward the sperm pronucleus in the island, where union of these nuclei occurs. The first cleavage mitosis is gonomeric, as in insects such as Pyrrhocoris, Drosophila, and Bombyx. After the third cleavage the synchrony of nuclear division is lost and the dividing nuclei are distributed all over the egg by 12 h after deposition. J. Morphol. 254:266–271, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of silibinin in rat prostate cancer cells
Authors: Tyagi Alpana , Bhatia Neehar , Condon Mark S. , Bosland Maarten C. , Agarwal Chapla , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

The tremendous impact of prostate cancer (PCA) on the US male population has led to an increased attention on its prevention and on therapeutic intervention. Short‐term models are needed to quickly screen the efficacy of promising agents against PCA. We have established recently several rat PCA cell lines from primary PCA in rats induced by a MNU‐testosterone protocol, but their usefulness as a model for screening PCA preventive and therapeutic agents remains to be established. With the rationale that agents found effective in these cells could be promising for efficacy testing in long‐term in vivo experiments, e.g., with MNU‐testosterone–induced PCA in rats, the major goal of our study was to assess the antiproliferative and apoptotic efficacy in rat PCA cell lines of silibinin, a major active flavonoid component of silymarin, which consists of a group of flavonoid antioxidants occurring in milk thistle (Silybum marianum).

METHODS

Three rat PCA cell lines, namely H‐7, I‐8, and I‐26, were treated with silibinin or silymarin, a crude silibinin‐containing preparation, at various doses for varying lengths of time. Cell growth and viability studies were carried out by using hemocytometer and Trypan blue dye exclusion methods. Cell cycle distribution studies were conducted by using PI staining and flow cytometry analysis, and DNA synthesis was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Apoptotic cell death was assessed as DNA damage by using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method and by annexin V and PI staining followed by flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS

Silibinin resulted in a significant growth inhibition and reduction in cell viability in each cell line studied in both a dose‐ and a time‐dependent manner. Silibinin treatment of H‐7 and I‐8 cells at 100 μM dose for 12 and 24 hr resulted in a G1 arrest but caused S phase arrest after a 48‐hr treatment period in each cell line studied. Similar silibinin treatment of I‐26 cells resulted in a slight S phase arrest at all time points studied. Consistent with these findings, silibinin showed a strong inhibition of DNA synthesis. Silibinin also induced a substantial apoptotic death in each cell line studied. Similar to silibinin, silymarin induced growth inhibition and reduced viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that silibinin as well as silymarin induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in rat PCA cells. These results form a strong rationale for PCA prevention and therapeutic intervention studies with silibinin and silymarin in animal models, such as the MNU‐testosterone rat PCA model, to establish their efficacy and to further define their mechanisms of action under in vivo conditions. Prostate 53: 211–217, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determinants of Urban Migration: Evidence from Chinese Cities
Authors: Chen Aimin , Coulson N. Edward
Published: October 2002

This study seeks the causes of variation in the amount of migration to Chinese cities over the period of 1995-99. We use a city fixed-effect model with lagged values of 'pull' factors for each city. While wage income shows no significant influence on migration, per capita gross city income does, suggesting that migrants seek returns above and beyond mere wages. Our regression results show that cities with high ratios of the manufacturing and service sectors grow most rapidly. We find that the developmental environment and the job-creation potential of the private sector, indicated by the number of proprietors per capita, make a significant difference in attracting migrants. Except for government fiscal expenditures, we find the attributes of the quality of urban life, such as housing-market conditions and transport, have little explanatory power.
The Determinants of Temporary Rural-to-Urban Migration in China
Authors: Li Haizheng , Zahniser Steven
Published: October 2002

This paper evaluates the impact of various explanatory factors on temporary rural-to-urban migration in China using a series of probit models of the migration decision. The empirical basis of this work is a sample of 11 924 individuals, age 16-35 years, drawn from the 1995 data of the Chinese Household Income Project (CHIP). We find that the profiles for migration-age and migration-education are both quadratic, with the least-educated and most-educated members of rural society being less likely to migrate. In addition, the marginal effect of education tends to be higher for men than for women. An increase in farming income reduces the probability of migration, while the amount of land controlled by a household does not have a significant effect on migration in most provinces.
Urban Air Quality and Health in China
Authors: Peng Chaoyang , Wu Xiaodong , Liu Gordon , Johnson Todd , Shah Jitendra , Guttikunda Sarath
Published: October 2002

Urban air pollution is one of the most visible environmental problems in China. In this paper, we use emission inventory data to assess the air quality and health effects in the Chinese city of Shijiazhuang. A spatial model is developed to identify the sources of emissions and to estimate population exposure to high ambient concentrations. Dose-response functions are used to quantify the impact on human health. Our results show significant health costs associated with Shijiazhuang's high concentration of sulphate, a fine particulate matter originating mainly from coal consumption. Policy implications are explored by evaluating alternative pollution control options. The use of cleaner coal is found to be the most cost effective in improving urban air quality and reducing human exposure.
Can Nutrition Affect Chemical Toxicity
Authors: Furst A.
Published: October 2002

Universally, the general population is exposed to a variety of “toxic” substances. Some of these are from manufactured goods and some from air and water pollution. Toxins are also normally found in many foods; however, unless the exposure is overwhelming, we are many times (even unknowingly) protected by the foods we eat. A judicious choice of food will counteract noxious agents. Therefore, the diet can be a major factor in determining who does and who does not show toxic symptoms following exposure. This review will cover three aspects. The first will be on protectors against metal toxicity. For example, whereas humans can consume fish that have absorbed mercury from contaminated bay water, selenium can act as a natural antagonist for mercury poisoning. (Naturally, too much selenium itself can be detrimental!) Some vegetables can accumulate cadmium from contaminated soil, and zinc from a variety of nuts is an antagonist of cadmium toxicity. Nitrites in preserved meats can be converted into nitroamines by saliva or mild stomach acid. Vitamin C found in oranges and bell peppers can inhibit that conversion. In addition, calcium antagonizes both lead and aluminum toxicity. The second aspect is on oxidants and antioxidants. Oxidative stress can lead to some cancers, atherosclerosis, and adverse effects of aging. Antioxidants are the best protectors of the damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The most effective antioxidants are found in highly colored fruits and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, and berries, called carotenoids. Flavonoids (polyphenols), another class of effective antioxidants that negate ROS, may or may not be colored. The third aspect is on gaps in current knowledge. Many foods naturally contain chemicals that are, in larger concentrations, quite toxic or carcinogenic. Biotransformations (detoxification mechanisms) involving type I and type II enzymes are known. Some foods do modify these enzymes either positively or negatively. Grapefruit contains a substance that inhibits an isoform of P450, making some cardiac drugs, as substrates, more toxic. There is inadequate information on what specific components are in a variety of foods that are associated with cancer prevention. The experimental carcinogenic compound (and suspected as a human carcinogen) found in overcooked, burnt, and fried meats and fish, namely IQ (2-amino-3-methyl-3H-imidazo[4,5f]quinoline, will be used as a prototype for what needs to be known about foods that will affect toxins.
Identification of a Chromogranin A Domain That Mediates Binding to Secretogranin III and Targeting to Secretory Granules in Pituitary Cells and Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Hosaka Masahiro , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Sakai Yuko , Uchiyama Yasuo , Takeuchi Toshiyuki
Published: October 2002

Chromogranin A (CgA) is transported restrictedly to secretory granules in neuroendocrine cells. In addition to pH- and Ca2+-dependent aggregation, CgA is known to bind to a number of vesicle matrix proteins. Because the binding-prone property of CgA with secretory proteins may be essential for its targeting to secretory granules, we screened its binding partner proteins using a yeast two-hybrid system. We found that CgA bound to secretogranin III (SgIII) by specific interaction both in vitro and in endocrine cells. Localization analysis showed that CgA and SgIII were coexpressed in pituitary and pancreatic endocrine cell lines, whereas SgIII was not expressed in the adrenal glands and PC12 cells. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that CgA and SgIII were specifically colocalized in large secretory granules in male rat gonadotropes, which possess large-type and small-type granules. An immunocytochemical analysis revealed that deletion of the binding domain (CgA 48–111) for SgIII missorted CgA to the constitutive pathway, whereas deletion of the binding domain (SgIII 214–373) for CgA did not affect the sorting of SgIII to the secretory granules in AtT-20 cells. These findings suggest that CgA localizes with SgIII by specific binding in secretory granules in SgIII-expressing pituitary and pancreatic endocrine cells, whereas other mechanisms are likely to be responsible for CgA localization in secretory granules of SgIII-lacking adrenal chromaffin cells and PC12 cells.
The Microwave Drill
Authors: Jerby E. , Dikhtyar V. , Aktushev O. , Grosglick U.
Published: October 2002

We present a drilling method that is based on the phenomenon of local hot spot generation by near-field microwave radiation. The microwave drill is implemented by a coaxial near-field radiator fed by a conventional microwave source. The near-field radiator induces the microwave energy into a small volume in the drilled material under its surface, and a hot spot evolves in a rapid thermal-runaway process. The center electrode of the coaxial radiator itself is then inserted into the softened material to form the hole. The method is applicable for drilling a variety of nonconductive materials. It does not require fast rotating parts, and its operation makes no dust or noise.