bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired synaptic clustering of postsynaptic density proteins and altered signal transmission in hippocampal neurons, and disrupted learning behavior in PDZ1 and PDZ2 ligand binding-deficient PSD-95 knockin mice
Authors: Nagura Hitoshi , Ishikawa Yasuyuki , Kobayashi Katsunori , Takao Keizo , Tanaka Tomo , Nishikawa Kouki , Tamura Hideki , Shiosaka Sadao , Suzuki Hidenori , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Fujiyoshi Yoshinori , Doi Tomoko
Published: December 2012

Background

Postsynaptic density (PSD)-95-like membrane-associated guanylate kinases (PSD-MAGUKs) are scaffold proteins in PSDs that cluster signaling molecules near NMDA receptors. PSD-MAGUKs share a common domain structure, including three PDZ (PDZ1/2/3) domains in their N-terminus. While multiple domains enable the PSD-MAGUKs to bind various ligands, the contribution of each PDZ domain to synaptic organization and function is not fully understood. Here, we focused on the PDZ1/2 domains of PSD-95 that bind NMDA-type receptors, and studied the specific roles of the ligand binding of these domains in the assembly of PSD proteins, synaptic properties of hippocampal neurons, and behavior, using ligand binding-deficient PSD-95 cDNA knockin (KI) mice.

Results

The KI mice showed decreased accumulation of mutant PSD-95, PSD-93 and AMPA receptor subunits in the PSD fraction of the hippocampus. In the hippocampal CA1 region of young KI mice, basal synaptic efficacy was reduced and long-term potentiation (LTP) was enhanced with intact long-term depression. In adult KI mice, there was no significant change in the magnitude of LTP in CA1, but robustly enhanced LTP was induced at the medial perforant path-dentate gyrus synapses, suggesting that PSD-95 has an age- and subregion-dependent role. In a battery of behavioral tests, KI mice showed markedly abnormal anxiety-like behavior, impaired spatial reference and working memory, and impaired remote memory and pattern separation in fear conditioning test.

Conclusions

These findings reveal that PSD-95 including its ligand binding of the PDZ1/2 domains controls the synaptic clustering of PSD-MAGUKs and AMPA receptors, which may have an essential role in regulating hippocampal synaptic transmission, plasticity, and hippocampus-dependent behavior.
4-Aryl-4H-naphthopyrans derivatives: one-pot synthesis, evaluation of Src kinase inhibitory and anti-proliferative activities
Authors: Rafinejad Ali , Fallah-Tafti Asal , Tiwari Rakesh , Shirazi Amir Nasrolahi , Mandal Deendayal , Shafiee Abbas , Parang Keykavous , Foroumadi Alireza , Akbarzadeh Tahmineh
Published: December 2012

Background

A series of 2-amino-4-aryl-4H-benzo[h or f]chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of Src kinase and cell proliferation in breast carcinoma (BT-20) cell lines.

Methods

The one-pot, three-component reaction of α or β-naphthol, malonitrile and an aromatic aldehyde in the presence of diammonium hydrogen phosphate was afforded the corresponding 2-amino-4-aryl-4H-benzo[h or f]chromene-3-carbonitrile derivatives, All target compounds were evaluated for inhibition of Src kinase and cell proliferation in breast carcinoma (BT-20) cell lines.

Results

Among all tested compounds, unsubstituted 4-phenyl analog4ashowed Src kinas inhibitory effect with IC50value of 28.1 μM and was the most potent compound in this series. In general, the compounds were moderately active against BT-20. 3-Nitro-phenyl4eand 3-pyridinyl4hderivatives inhibited the cell proliferation of BT-20 cells by 33% and 31.5%, respectively, and found to be more potent compared to doxorubicin (25% inhibition of cell growth).

Conclusion

The data indicate that 4-aryl-4H-naphthopyrans scaffold has the potential to be optimized further for designing more potent Src kinase inhibitors and/or anticancer lead compounds.
Differential analysis of high-throughput quantitative genetic interaction data
Authors: Bean Gordon J , Ideker Trey
Published: December 2012

Synthetic genetic arrays have been very effective at measuring genetic interactions in yeast in a high-throughput manner and recently have been expanded to measure quantitative changes in interaction, termed 'differential interactions', across multiple conditions. Here, we present a strategy that leverages statistical information from the experimental design to produce a novel, quantitative differential interaction score, which performs favorably compared to previous differential scores. We also discuss the added utility of differential genetic-similarity in differential network analysis. Our approach is preferred for differential network analysis, and our implementation, written in MATLAB, can be found at http://chianti.ucsd.edu/~gbean/compute_differential_scores.m.
Quantification of Negative Aesthetic Ratings in Primary Unrepaired Unilateral Cleft Lip Infants by Modified Paired Comparison Method
Authors: Uchiyama Takeshi , Kitamura Nobutaka , Watanabe Akira , Suga Ken-Ichiro , Nakano Yoko , Hitoshi Ohhata , Takagiwa Mutsumi
Published: December 2012

Objective

To quantify negative aesthetic ratings in primary unrepaired cleft lip infants by further refining our previously reported paired comparison method.

Design

The Thurstone paired comparison method was used to quantify negative aesthetic ratings of plaster facial models selected and ordered according to a table of paired random numbers.

Patients, Participants

A total of 30 facial models of unrepaired incomplete unilateral cleft lip infants were used in this study. Raters comprised 20 oral surgeons and anesthesiologists.

Results

Quantification of aesthetic ratings for the 30 face models of unrepaired incomplete unilateral cleft lip infants was obtained. The ratings ranged from 0 to 5.08.

Conclusion

Quantification of the aesthetic ratings for the 30 face models will be used as objective variables in a multivariate analysis in the third stage of this ongoing study.
“Trophic overyielding”: Phytoplankton diversity promotes zooplankton productivity
Authors: Striebel Maren , Singer Gabriel , Stibor Herwig , Andersen Tom
Published: December 2012

Diversity–productivity relationships at the primary producer level have been extensively studied, especially for terrestrial systems. Here, we explore whether the diversity of aquatic primary producers (phytoplankton) has effects on higher trophic levels (zooplankton). We investigated the effect of phytoplankton diversity on an artificial zooplankton community in a laboratory experiment where phytoplankton biomass and elemental composition (carbon‐to‐phosphorus ratio) were kept constant. Phytoplankton diversity increased the means of both zooplankton growth rate and abundance while suppressing their variability, and sustained higher zooplankton diversity. Likely explanations include resource complementarity effects among phytoplankton species as food entities, as well as niche complementarity effects among Daphnia species as competitors. By affecting the productivity as well as the variability of the next trophic level, biodiversity of primary producers may have far‐reaching consequences in aquatic food webs.
Predators determine how weather affects the spatial niche of lizard prey: exploring niche dynamics at a fine scale
Authors: Lopez-Darias Marta , Schoener Thomas W. , Spiller David A. , Losos Jonathan B.
Published: December 2012

Although abiotic and biotic factors can interact to shape the spatial niche of a species, studies that explore the interactive effects of both at a local scale are rare. We demonstrate that one of the main axes (perch height) characterizing the spatial niche of a common lizard, Anolis sagrei, varies according to the interactive effects of weather and the activity of a larger predatory lizard, Leiocephalus carinatus. Results were completely consistent: no matter how favorable the weather conditions for using the ground (mainly characterized by temperature, humidity, wind speed, rain), A. sagrei did not do so if the predator was present. Hence, great behavioral plasticity enabled A. sagrei to adjust its use of space very quickly. To the best of our knowledge, these results constitute the first field demonstration for anoles (and possibly for other animals as well) of how time‐varying environmental conditions and predator presence interact to produce short‐term changes in utilization along a major niche axis.
An efficient and facile synthesis of flavanones catalyzed by N-methylimidazole
Authors: Wang Peng , Yang Jiabin , Cai Jin , Sun Chunlong , Li Lushen , Ji Min
Published: December 2012

N-Methylimidazole used as an efficient catalyst for the cyclization of 2?-
hydroxychalcones to the corresponding flavanones in DMSO was investigated.
The scope of this process has been studied and various flavanones were
obtained exclusively in good yields.
The influence of chemical and thermal treatment on the point of zero charge of hydrous zirconium oxide
Authors: Stankovic Jovan , Milonjic Slobodan , Zec Slavica
Published: December 2012

Two zirconia samples were prepared by precipitation from aqueous zirconium
oxychloride and zirconil sulphate solutions with potassium hydroxide. The
prepared zirconia samples were amorphous. The pHpzc values of zirconia
samples, determined from NaCl and NaNO3 solutions, were 6.6 ? 0.1 and 6.9 ?
0.1, respectively. After prolonged hydration of zirconia in doubly distilled
water, pHpzc decreased to 4.7 ? 0.3. Crystallization into tetragonal
(metastable) + monoclinic zirconia appeared at 691 K. Above 873 K, tetragonal
metastable phase changes to monoclinic one. It was shown that crystallite
sizes of zirconia treated at 673 - 1273 K increased from 9.5 nm to 40.5 nm,
respectively. The increase in temperature from 385 K to 1070 K increased the
pHpzc of zirconia samples from 6.6 to 9.0, respectively.
The results of thermoluminescence dating in the Halych IIC (Ukraine) profile as the expression of the conditions of mineral material deposition
Authors: Łanczont Maria , Bogucki Andrij , Kusiak Jarosław , Sytnyk Oleksandr
Published: December 2012

Many studies conducted in the last few years in Poland indicate that the results of thermoluminescence dating of loess are reliable and correspond well to their geological ages. They can form the basis for determination of the chronology of changes of palaeoenvironmental conditions. In this paper we report dating results from the Halych IIC profile (Halych Prydnistrov’ja region, Ukraine). Thermoluminescence dating of this profile gives new information about the influence of local conditions on the results of TL analysis. As much as 75% of the obtained results are distinctly overestimated, even by several hundred per cent, that is untypical of regional loess profiles. However, in the Halych Prydnistrov’ja region it is the second loess site in which such incompatibility of the expected age and thermoluminescence age is found. This fact indicates how this region is unique among the loess areas of SE Poland and NW Ukraine in respect of the conditions of mineral material transport and deposition. Further investigations are necessary to identify the reasons for regular overestimating of the TL results obtained for loess deposits of the Halych Prydnistrov’ja region.
Progress in the holocene chrono-climatostratigraphy of Polish territory
Authors: Starkel Leszek , Michczyńska Danuta , Krąpiec Marek , Margielewski Włodzimierz , Nalepka Dorota , Pazdur Anna
Published: December 2012

The Holocene delivers a unique possibility to establish climatic stratigraphic boundaries based on detailed chronostratigraphy reflected in various facies of continental sediments, in their lithological parameters and organic remains. These sediments are dated by the 14C method in the case of organic remains, by counting annual laminations in lacustrine facies, and by dendrochronological method in the case of fluvial sediments.

The existence of well dated profiles enables to reconstruct various climatic parameters like amplitudes of seasonal temperatures, types and frequency of extreme rainfalls and floods and, finally, to distinguish rare rapid changes and most frequent gradual ones. This reconstruction is based on the analogous effects of various types of present-day rainfalls.

The current authors present a critical review of existing chronostratigraphic divisions starting from simple millennial division by Mangerud based on Scandinavian palynological stratigraphy of peat-bogs and Starkel’s concept based on fluctuations in rainfall and runoff regime reflected in fluvial and other facies of continental deposits.

In the last decades, the calibration of 14C dates allowed a new approach to be used for the construction of the probability distribution function of these dates in various facies or types of sediments, which formed a background for distinguishing and correlating climatic phases and defining boundaries between them. These approaches have been creating new opportunities for revision of the existing chronostratigraphy.

The aim of this paper is to present a revised version of chronostratigraphic division based on climatic fluctuations reflected in various facies of sediments on the territory of Poland and discuss their correlation with other European regions and global climatic changes.
Peculiarities of sedimentation conditions in the oxbow lakes of Dubysa River (Lithuania)
Authors: Gaigalas Algirdas , Pazdur Anna , Michczynski Adam , Pawlyta Jacek , Kleišmantas Arūnas , Melešytė Monika , Rudnickaitė Eugenija , Kazakauskas Vaidotas , Vainorius Julius
Published: December 2012

Abundant wood remains and buried trees have been found in the western part of Lithuania near Zakeliškiai and Lyduvėnai on Dubysa River (a tributary of Nemunas River) where deposits are rich in organic remnants and buried soils. In Zakeliškiai and Skiručiai sections of Dubysa River oxbow sediments were investigated by various methods (dendrochronological, carbonate, granulometric, pollen and mollusc fauna analysis). In addition, these sections were dated using the radiocarbon method. Samples were collected from deposits of Dubysa River outcrops. The studied oxbow lakes have existed for more than 5 thousand years (from ca. 4300 BC to 1000 AD). During this period organic rich deposits with trees and branches were formed in the oxbow lake. This indicates that at the end of Atlantic, during Subboreal and in the early Subatlantic periods there was a forest growing that contained mainly oaks which were falling down into an oxbow lake and later were covered by sandy and silty deposits. The granulometry of alluvial deposits, as well as the mixture of medium-grained sand and silt show different stages of Dubysa River palaeochannel formation: riverbed and oxbow lakes. Three climate warming cycles were revealed according to carbonate analysis data in all investigated sections. The rheophile thermophilous Holocene age molluscs species Bithynia tentaculata L., Unio cf. crassus Philipsson, Pisidium amnicum (Müller), Theodoxus fluviatilis (Linnaeus) have been found. The pollen composition and sequences have been divided into five local pollen assemblage zones (LPAZ) and described according to pollen spectra in each zone. In this way it is possible restore palaeoclimatic coherent evolution, trends and cyclical change.
Marker-assisted Foreground Selection for Identification of Salt Tolerant Rice Genotypes
Authors: Alam MS , Begum SN , Islam MM , Moniruzzaman M , Patwary MAK
Published: December 2012

ErratumIn the paper entitled Marker-assisted Foreground Selection for Identification of Salt Tolerant Rice Genotypes published in The Agriculturists 10(2): 1-8 (December 2012), the authors should be read as M. S. Alam, S. N. Begum, M. M. Islam, M. Moniruzzaman and M. A. K. Patwary instead of M. S. Alam, M. Salim, M. Moniruzzaman, J. A. Rashid and M. M. Islam (Authors changed on the online version on 13th June 2013).Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) technique was used to develop salt tolerant rice genotypes using molecular markers during June 2009 to November 2010 in the experimental field and Biotechnology Laboratory of Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh. FL-378 was identified as donor or male parent for saltol QTL and Binadhan-7 as recurrent or recipient parent which had high yield with short life cycle. Crossing was done between them and 10 F1 seeds were produced. PCR bands from all the 10F1 plants were scored as H represented heterozygous alleles for donor and recipient parent. Backcrossing was done to produce 105 BC1F1 seedlings. Foreground selection was performed with 72 BC1F1plants with a tightly linked salt tolerance marker RM21. Out of 72 plants, 33 plants were selected for RM21 showing H scores. The selected segregants were subjected to further recombinant and background selections at BC1F1 generation. These selected genotypess could be used for further foreground, recombinant and background selections with appropriate markers upto BC3 generation for the development of salt tolerant rice genotypes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13128 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 1-8
A Stochastic Frontier Approach to Model Technical Efficiency of Rice Farmers in Bangladesh: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Rahman KMM , Mia MIA , Bhuiyan MKJ
Published: December 2012

A study was conducted in the year 2008-2009 to estimate the farm-size-specific productivity and technical efficiency of all rice crops. Farm-size- specific technical efficiency scores were estimated using stochastic production frontiers. There were wide of variations of productivity among farms, where large farms exhibited the highest productivity. Gross return was the highest for small farms and net return was the highest for marginal farms. The lowest net return or the highest cost of production was accrued from both the highest wage rate and highest amount of labour used in medium farms. The marginal farms experienced the highest benefit-cost ratio (BCR) followed by small and medium farms. Average technical efficiency for large, medium, small, marginal and all farms were respectively 0.88, 0.92, 0.94, 0.75 and 0.88. There were significant technical inefficiency effects in the production of rice for marginal farms only. In this case, production cannot be increased by increasing efficiency with the existing technology except in marginal farms. The application of efficient management system would be able to increase production in the marginal farms. For other farms, increased managerial capacity is not enough for increased production, rather new investment and advanced technology are needed to increase production in these farms. On an average, farmers could increase 12 percent output with existing inputs and production technology. Fertiliser, manure, irrigation cost, insecticide cost, area under production and experience were important factors to increase production. In the technical inefficiency effect, age, education and family size had positive impact on efficiency effect, whereas land under household had negative impact on efficiency effect. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13132 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 9-19
Studies on the Processing and Preservation of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus) Jelly
Authors: Islam MZ , Khan MTH , Hoque MM , Rahman MM
Published: December 2012

The aim of the study was to analyze the proximate composition of Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) and to develop dragon fruit jelly to assess its prospect in marketability. The proximate analysis showed moisture 87.90±0.03%, ash 87.90±0.03%, reducing sugar 4.50±0.04%, non-reducing sugar 3.50±0.01%, total sugar 8.00±0.01%, total soluble solid 11±0.13%, pH 4.20±0.02%, acidity 0.45±0.01% and vitamin-C 9.90±0.04%. Then the dragon fruit jelly was prepared with standard formulation (0.05%, 0.1% and 1.5% of pectin) was analyzed for its nutritional composition with standard method. The three samples contained more or less similar nutritional compositions. The products were stored at ambient temperature (27 0C to 34 0C) for a period of 6 months and quality parameters were assessed. During storage the changes in color, flavor, odor, TSS and pH was observed. No special change of ingredients was found during first 4 months of storage and a little change of pH was observed after 4th months. A taste panel consisting of 10 panelists adjudged the acceptability of the samples. The consumer preferences were measured by statistical analysis. Among the samples jelly containing 1.5% pectin secured the highest score for color, flavor, turbidity and overall acceptability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13139 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 29-35
Effects of Nitrogen and Boron on the Yield and Hollow Stem Disorder of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Authors: Hussain MJ , Karim AJM Sirajul , Solaiman ARM , Haque MM
Published: December 2012

A field experiment was conducted at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh during winter season, 2007 - 2008 to determine the effects of N and B on the yield and hollow stem disorder of broccoli. Four levels of N as 0, 60, 120, 180 kg ha-1 and four levels of B as 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg ha-1 constituting sixteen treatments were applied in a split plot design with three replications. Applied N and B had significant impact on the yield and hollow stem disorder of broccoli. The highest curd yield of 15.14 t ha-1 was obtained by 180 kg N ha-1. The incidence of hollow stem disorder was increased by increasing rate of N application and the highest value of hollow stem index of 1.38 was found with 180 kg N ha-1. The curd yield of broccoli was significantly increased with boron application up to 1.0 kg ha-1. This rate thus showed a remarkable impact on reduction of hollow stem disorder. A moderately high amount of B application (1.0 kg ha-1) led to minimum incidence of hollow stem disorder, attaining considerably lowest value of hollow stem index of 1.0 as against the maximum value of 1.16 under no application of B. The interaction effect of N and B on yield and quality of broccoli was significant and the highest yield (16.68 t ha-1) was recorded under 180 kg N and 1.0 kg B ha-1, which might be recommended for farmers practice in the Shallow-Red-Brown Terrace Soil of Madhupur Tract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13140 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 36-45
Detection of Plant Viruses in Some Ornamental Plants That Act as Alternate Hosts
Authors: Ara MR , Masud MMH , Akanda AM
Published: December 2012

A study was conducted at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Salna, Gazipur to detect virus infecting ornamental plants. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) and symptomalogy were used for detection. Five viruses namely TPVV (Tomato Purple Vein Virus), CMV-Y (Cucumber Mosaic Virus-Y), OYVCMV (Okra Yellow Vein clearing Mosaic Virus), MYMV (Mung bean Yellow Mosaic Virus), TYLCV (Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus) were detected on Tagetes erecta (Marigold), Salvia splendens (Salvia), Dahlia hybrida (Dahlia), Helichrysum bracteatum (Straw flower), Impatiens balsamina (Garden balsam). CMV-Y caused mosaic of Dahlia and Leaf Curl of Marigold. MYMV caused Yellow Mosaic of Dahlia hybrid, while TYLCV caused mosaic of Helichrysum bracteatum. OYVCMV produced leaf chlorosis on Salvia splendens, and chlorotic spots on Impatiens balsamina. TPVV caused purple leaf on Tagetes erecta DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13141 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 46-54
Use of Soybean as Partial Substitute of Fish Meal in the Diets of Rohu, Labeo rohita (Ham.) fry
Authors: Jahan DA , Hussain L , Islam MA , Khan MM , Nima A
Published: December 2012

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted in a static indoor rearing system in 12 glass aquaria to investigate the possibility of using soybean meal protein in lieu of fishmeal as dietary protein source for Labeo rohita fry. Four iso-nitrogenous (30% protein) and iso-caloric (19 kJ/g GE) experimental diets were prepared as: diet 1 (100% fishmeal protein), diet 2 (75% fishmeal protein + 25% soybean meal protein), diet 3 (50% fishmeal protein + 50% soybean meal protein) and diet 4 (25% fishmeal protein + 75% soybean meal protein) and were fed to triplicate groups of 10 fish (per aquarium). Fish were fed two times daily at a rate of 5% of their body weight during the entire experimental period. The feeding ration was adjusted every 10th day through sampling of fish. Growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in fish fed with diet 2, but those were similar to the diets 1 and 3. Analysis of proximate composition of the whole fish fed with different diets did not show any significant difference (P>0.05). The growth rates, FCR and PER as obtained from the different treatments indicate that fishmeal protein could be replaced up to 50% by soybean meal protein in the diet of L. rohita fry without supplementation of amino acids. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13143 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 68-76
Economics of Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) Production in a Selected Upazila of Bangladesh
Authors: Barmon Basanta K , Sharmin Imrana , Abbasi Parvez K , Mamun Al
Published: December 2012

A study was conducted during 2011 to estimate profit, benefit cost ratio (BCR) and household income of mushroom production and also to explore the problems of producing mushroom and its marketing channels in Bangladesh. Thirty samples were randomly selected and information on mushroom production was collected using comprehensive questionnaire from Savar Upazila in Dhaka district. Mushroom was found to be a profitable agricultural enterprise (22,888 taka per farm). The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was 1.55. The average family household income was about Tk. 43,731. Usually, three intermediaries (mushroom office, wholesalers and retailers) are involved in the marketing channels of mushroom. The marketing margin of mushroom for farm-gate to wholesalers and wholesalers to retailers were taka 50 and 70 per kg, respectively. It was revealed that rich and middle income group people were the main mushroom customers. Even though mushroom is a profitable enterprise, the producers faced numerous problems regarding mushroom production and marketing. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13144 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 77-89
Economics of Aus Rice (Oryza sativa) and Jute (Corchorus olitorius) Cultivation in Some Selected Areas of Narsingdi District of Bangladesh
Authors: Afroz Sadia , Islam M Serajul
Published: December 2012

The present study was conducted to estimate the relative profitability of growing aus rice and jute and to determine the resource use efficiency in the production of these crops in three selected village of Raipura upazila in Narsingdi. A total of 60 farmers were interviewed to collect primary data of which 30 farmers were produced aus rice and another 30 farmers were produced jute. Total costs for producing jute and aus rice were Tk 50254 and 44970 per hectare, respectively. The equivalent gross returns were Tk 83717 and Tk 55762, respectively. Accordingly, net return for jute was Tk 33463, which was about 3 times higher than that for aus rice (Tk. 10792/hectare). Moreover, BCR of producing jute was about 30% higher (1.7) than that of aus rice (1.3). Cobb-Douglas production function was used to estimate specific effects of individual inputs on production of jute and aus rice. Resource use efficiency analysis showed that neither jute nor aus rice farmers was efficient enough to use various inputs. Therefore, it seems that efficient and judicious use of various resources would enable both jute and aus rice farmers to earn more profit. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13145 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 90-97
Impact of Trichoderma-enriched Biofertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica rapa L.) and Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill.)
Authors: Haque Md Manjurul , Ilias GNM , Molla AH
Published: December 2012

Biofertilizer plays a significant role in crop cultivation with reduced the chemical fertilizer use. Three Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizers were evaluated in mustard and tomato cultivation at field condition. Sole application of biofertilizers didnt show remarkable contribution but all Trichodermaenriched biofertilizers when supplemented with N fertilizer significantly boosted up the growth and yield of mustard and tomato. Application of 50% N fertilizer along with 50% Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizers augmented 108 and 203% yields over control both in mustard and tomato, respectively which were 81.90 and 61.82% in mustard and tomato at standard doses of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium fertilizers. The present results suggest that Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer could save at least 50% N fertilizer uses for mustard and tomato and could reduce excessive uses of NPK for crop cultivation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13148 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 109-119
System Productivity of Rabi Vegetables and Aman Rice varieties in Rabi Vegetables-Mungbean-Aman Rice Cropping Pattern
Authors: Mondal S , Mollah MIU , Rashid MH , Pramanik S , Dewan MR
Published: December 2012

Field experiments were conducted during 2007-2010 to evaluate the agro-economic productivity of BRRI Aman rice varieties and Rabi vegetables at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in silty clay loam soil. Five Aman rice varieties having different growth durations and three winter vegetables viz., tomato, red amaranth and bush bean were evaluated in split plot design with three replications. Mungbean was grown in Kharif-I season. Rice varieties did not differ significantly in terms of grain yield (t ha-1). Among the three vegetables, the yields of tomato, red amaranth and bush bean were 35.02, 7.53 and 4.33 t ha-1, respectively. Average yield of Mungbean was 0.89 t ha-1. In case of rice equivalent yield (REY), Tomato-Mungbean-BRRI dhan33 cropping pattern produced comparatively high average REY (29.95 t ha-1) followed by Tomato-Mungbean-BRRI dhan39 (27.33 t ha-1) cropping pattern. Among the tested cropping patterns, Tomato-Mungbean-BRRI dhan33 and Tomato-Mungbean-BRRI dhan39 were more profitable than other patterns. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13149 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 120-126
Estimates of Genetic Components for Yield and Related Traits in Cocoyam
Authors: Paul KK , Bari MA
Published: December 2012

In the present investigation attempts were made to estimate genetic parameters for yield and its components in 315 genotypes of cocoyam collected from thirteen aroid growing districts. Plant height, petiole length, petiole breadth, leaf number, leaf length, leaf breadth, LAI, Inflorescence length, peduncle length, spathe length, spathe breadth, corm length, corm breadth, cormel number, cormel length, cormel breadth, corm weight, cormel weight, total fresh weight, total dry weight, yield per plant were taken in this study. Presence of significant differences together with wide ranges of variation indicates wide range of variability existed among the genotypes of cocoyam. Genotypic variances and coefficient of variation for most of the characters were remarkably higher than their corresponding environmental variances, which also indicate the existence of variation in genotypic level. Plant height, petiole length, leaf length, leaf breadth for cocoyam expressed high heritability with moderate to high genetic advance signalled heritable in nature. High heritability with high genetic advance in percentage of mean was also observed for plant height, petiole length, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i2.13150 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(2) 127-132
Morphology of ovule, seed and pollen grain of Rafflesia R. Br. (Rafflesiaceae)
Authors: Sofiyanti Nery , Yen Choong Chee
Published: December 2012

The ovules, seeds and pollen grains of 24 Rafflesia specimens from nine species were examined. The ovules and seeds of all specimens showed similar shapes and structures. Rafflesia ovules are J-shaped and incompletely anatropous, while the seeds are chestnut-shaped. The pollen grains are small (10-25 ?m in diameter), prolate-spheroidal and subprolate, monoporate, with a smooth surface and no ornamentation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13124 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 109-117, 2012 (December)
Nineteen new combinations and a new name in Breynia J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) from Indian subcontinent
Authors: Chakrabarty T. , Balakrishnan N. P.
Published: December 2012

Nineteen new combinations and one new name are proposed in Breynia for taxa previously treated in Sauropus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13125 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 119-122, 2012 (December)
Pollen morphology of Kalmia L. (Phyllodoceae, Ericaceae) and its taxonomic significance
Authors: Sarwar A.K.M. Golam , Takahashi Hideki
Published: December 2012

Pollen morphology of seven taxa of Kalmia was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy (LM and SEM, respectively), or SEM alone, in search of new characters that might contribute to infrageneric classification of the genus. The Kalmia species are stenopalynous and characterized by 3-colpor(oid)ate, medium, oblate pollen united in tetrahedral tetrads with rugulate exine sculpture. However, a continuous and serial variation in all the quantitative characters and exine sculpture was revealed within the genus. Kalmia buxifolia is characterized by having the smallest pollen tetrads, largest aperture, largest 2f/D ratio and septum thicker than apocolpial exine. On the other hand, K. latifolia produces the largest pollen tetrads with smallest aperture and smallest 2f/D ratio. An evolutionary trend from rugulate to psilate has also been observed in apocolpial exine sculpture of the genus Kalmia. On the basis of acetolysed pollen characteristics, a dichotomous key for Kalmia was prepared. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13126 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 123-133, 2012 (December)
A taxonomic revision of Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne. Sect. Conophallus (Schott) Engl. (Araceae) in India
Authors: Jaleel V. Abdul , Sivadasan M. , Alfarhan Ahmed H. , Thomas Jacob , Alatar A. A.
Published: December 2012

The diagnostic characters of Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne. sect. Conophallus (Schott) Engl. is amended based on detailed studies of characteristics of the constituent species. In India the section is represented by six species, viz. A. bognerianus Sivad. et Jaleel, A. bulbifer (Sims) Blume, A. carnosus Engl., A. commutatus (Schott) Engl., A. nicolsonianus Sivad. and A. oncophyllus Prain ex Hook. f. The species A. commutatus forms a complex with three varieties, viz. var. commutatus, var. anmodensis Sivad. et Jaleel, and var. wayanadensis Sivad. et Jaleel. Keys to the species and varieties have been provided to facilitate easy identification. Amorphophallus carnosus has been rediscovered after more than 100 years of its first discovery and collection. Amorphophallus bulbifer has comparatively wider distribution in India with extended distribution in Bangladesh and Myanmar. The species A. bognerianus, A. carnosus, A. commutatus, A. nicolsonianus and A. oncophyllus are exclusive endemics of India. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13127 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 135-153, 2012 (December)
Floral morphology resolves the taxonomy of Camellia L. (Theaceae) Sect. Oleifera and Sect. Paracamellia
Authors: Jiang W. , Nitin M. , Jiang B. , Zheng Y. P. , Hong S. S. , Lu H. F.
Published: December 2012

Numerical taxonomy and cladistic analysis of 19 species of Camellia L. were performed using floral morphology containing continuous and discrete units. The current study mostly supports the classifications of 19 species as proposed in previous works. In addition, it also agrees with combining the following species together: C. oleifera and C. vietnamensis; C. sasanqua and C. hiemalis; C. brevistyla and C. puniceiflora; and C. grijsii and C. shensiensis. Further, we propose that C. maliflora be recognized as a variety of C. sasanqua, and C. phaeoclada is best placed in sect. Paracamellia. Moreover, we conclude that these species can be combined: C. tenii and C. miyagii; and C. confusa and C. fluviatilis. Our study indicates that the numerical taxonomy and cladistic analysis based on morphological characters of floral organ is useful in species classification, and this technique appreciated in sect. Oleifera and sect. Paracamellia can be used for identification and classification of other taxa. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13130 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 155-165, 2012 (December)
Primulina purpurea F. Wen, B. Zhao & Y.G Wei (Gesneriaceae), a new species from China
Authors: Wen Fang , Li Wenlan , Zhao Bo , Liang Gui-You , Wei Yi-Gang
Published: December 2012

Primulina purpurea F. Wen, B. Zhao & Y.G Wei, a new species from East Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species resembles P. medica (D. Fang) Y. Z. Wang, but differs from the latter by having broadly ovate to elliptic, left-right slightly asymmetry leaf blade, brightly purple to fuchsia corolla, broadly lanceolate to narrowly ovate bracts with villous hairs outside and pubescent hairs inner, pistil 23.526.8 mm long, staminodes 3, capsule 4.5-5.0 cm long. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13131 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 167-172, 2012 (December)
Updated nomenclature and taxonomic status of the plants of Bangladesh included in Hook. f., the Flora of British India: Volume-II
Authors: Rashid M. Enamur , Rahman M. Atiqur
Published: December 2012

Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker in his second volume of the Flora of British India included a total of 2328 species in 416 genera under 28 natural orders (= families) of which 201 species in 104 genera under 20 natural orders are determined to have been recorded from the area now in Bangladesh. These taxa are listed with their updated nomenclature and taxonomic status as per ICBN following Cronquists system of plant classification. The current nomenclatural treatment revealed a total of 200 species in 109 genera under 25 families to be recognized from the area of Bangladesh. The recorded area and the name of specimens collector, as in the protologue of the Flora of British India, are also provided. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13133 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 173-190, 2012 (December)
Pollen morphology of Begonia L. (Begoniaceae) in Nepal
Authors: Rajbhandary Sangeeta , Hughes Mark , Shrestha Krishna K.
Published: December 2012

The pollen morphology of 28 Begonia species of Nepal has been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparative pollen analysis was made based on size, shape in polar and equatorial views, P/E ratio, aperture, and exine ornamentation. In this study, four types of pollen ornamentation morphology have been identified. Among Nepalese Begonia, B. roxburghii (section Sphenanthera) has the smallest pollen (11.2- 12.8 × 6.4-7.0 ?m) and B. flagellaris (section Diploclinium) has the largest pollen (24.3- 30.6 × 11.4-12.0 ?m). Presence of margo in the pollen ornamentation is a distinguishing character that separates Begonia section Platycentrum from all other sections of Nepalese Begonia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13134 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 191-200, 2012 (December)
A new Amorphophallus species (Araceae) from Vietnam
Authors: Gong Xun , Li Heng
Published: December 2012

No AbstractDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13136 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 201-203, 2012 (December)
Cucumis hystrix Chakrav. (Cucurbitaceae) - A new angiospermic record for Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Sarder Nasir , Khan Bushra , Mirza Momtaz Mohal
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13137 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 205-207, 2012 (December)
Seed germination of two medicinal plants: Desmodium pulchellum (L.) Benth. and D. Triflorum (L.) DC.
Authors: Rahman Md. Zahidur , Rahman M. Oliur , Hassan Md. Abul
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i2.13138 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(2): 209-212, 2012 (December)
An Assessment of Food Safety Risk at Fairs and Festivals: A Comparison of Health Inspection Violations Between Fairs and Festivals and Restaurants
Authors: Choi Jin-Kyung , Almanza Barbara
Published: December 2012

Food safety practices have always been a sensitive topic for food service providers and consumers. Consumers want to know if the food they consume has been prepared safely. Food service establishment inspections by health inspectors are considered a reflection of restaurant cleanliness
and presumably represent the "safety" of the establishment when eating out. Food services at temporary events, such as fairs, festivals, and farmers' markets are inspected differently from restaurants, however, and in some cases may not required to be inspected at all according to some state
food codes if they are "not-for-profit." The purpose of this study, therefore, was to investigate the differences in health inspection violations between temporary food services (those found at fairs, festivals, and farmers' markets) and restaurants. The study provides event planners with
insight into the most common violations at these locations to help guide them to hold events successfully without occurrence of food-borne illnesses outbreaks at fairs, festivals, and farmers' markets. In fact, results of this study showed that more violations were found in restaurants than
in temporary food services. Results of the study suggested that training for food handler and inspection guidelines for temporary food services should differ from those of permanent food service establishments.
Decision-Making Factors in Selecting Virtual Worlds for Events: Advocacy, Computer Efficacy, Perceived Risks, and Collaborative Benefits
Authors: Flowers Arhlene A. , Gregson Kimberly
Published: December 2012

Virtual worlds present more options on how people can "meet," attracting corporations, nonprofits, and government entities to navigate these new worlds that demand computer skills yet offer benefits in reduced travel time, expenditures, and carbon footprints. This study utilized qualitative
interviews with experienced hosts of social virtual-world events representing a variety of industries. Questions were designed to elicit responses about the decision-making process in selecting virtual worlds for meetings and events for business applications, as well as to discover opportunities
and challenges in in-world collaborations. The research extends the technology acceptance model by examining use of technology beyond the individual's intention to the decision making of choosing technology—specifically virtual worlds—on behalf of an organization for attendees
to use. Responses raised practical implications on the unique attributes and sense of presence in a 3D virtual world. This includes fantastic environments evoking fun, playfulness, and creativity, to limitations of the technological learning curve and risk factors, such as loss of control,
privacy, and security. This study can be used as a basis for future research on Second life and other virtual worlds for business-to-business and business-to-consumer collaboration, particularly for the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. Findings also provide
real-world considerations that are beneficial for meeting and event planners exploring virtual-world events or hybrid events.
Effect of Identification on Attendance at Team Sporting Events
Authors: Mohan Leon J. , Thomas Lionel
Published: December 2012

This study examines the relationship between identification and attendance at team sporting events. Based on Daniel Wann's Spectator Sport Team Identification Index attributes were selected to measure the relationship between identification and decision to attend road games of the Carolina
Hurricanes. The study was conducted at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina during a weekday home game and a weekend home game. Fans of differing levels of ticket purchasing behavior were surveyed. The different levels ranged from season ticket holders to mini plan purchasers to game
day purchasers. The results of the study indicated that team identification is a predictor of attendance at road games. Index items, in particular, that were stronger relationships include: "how closely the fan followed the team," "how strongly the fan's friend deemed them as a fan of the
team," and "how important is being a fan of the team to them." The results show that the relationship between team identification and attendance at road games is unaffected by the type of ticket the fan purchased or whether they attend a weekend or weekday game. Professionals in the area of
sport management can utilize the results in order to increase as well as cultivate their fan base. Currently, attendance figures for the National Hockey League are relatively low in comparison to other professional sports leagues in America. Therefore, offering trips to road games provides
teams the opportunity to strengthen current relationships with fans and develop new relationships.
Understanding Segmented Spectator Markets of a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Team
Authors: Lee Cindy , Won Doyeon
Published: December 2012

This study aimed to examine different segments of spectators at minor league baseball games in motivation, external factors, and their consumption behaviors. Using spectator identification, a combined scale of fan identification and sport identification, spectators were grouped into
four clusters using K-means cluster analysis. Multivariate analysis of variance and chi-square tests were conducted to determine group differences. The results showed significant mean differences in the dimensions of motivation and external factors by clusters. In addition, different
behavioral patterns were found in their game attendance and ticket purchase. The implications of acknowledging segmented spectator markets of the minor league baseball were discussed.
Will They Stay or Will They Go? A Study of Volunteer Retention at Film/Music Festivals in the Southwest United States
Authors: Love George W. , Sherman Kenneth , Olding Rob
Published: December 2012

Events, such as festivals, which often provide significant economic benefits to local communities, generally require the efforts of both new and experienced volunteers to operate successfully. The purpose of this research was to develop a theoretical model of intent to continue to volunteer
building upon a study done with festival volunteers in Europe and expanded to include additional theories of volunteer commitment. This study was carried out using survey results from 261 volunteers at film and music festivals in the Southwest US. Results supported some findings from the prior
study of factors related to both motivations to volunteer and how the experience of being a volunteer explained volunteer continuance commitment. However, results of this study showed that fulfillment of the volunteer psychological contract and role identity as a volunteer were also significant
but not years as a volunteer, the most significant influence on volunteer continuance commitment in the prior study. Close to 40% of volunteers are shown to have considered quitting and reasons for possibly quitting are provided.