bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear pre-mRNA 3′-end processing regulates synapse and axon development in C. elegans
Authors: Van Epps Heather , Dai Ya , Qi Yingchuan , Goncharov Alexandr , Jin Yishi
Published: June 2010

Nuclear pre-mRNA 3′-end processing is vital for the production of mature mRNA and the generation of the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). However, the roles and regulation of this event in cellular development remain poorly understood. Here, we report the function of a nuclear pre-mRNA 3′-end processing pathway in synapse and axon formation in C. elegans. In a genetic enhancer screen for synaptogenesis mutants, we identified a novel polyproline-rich protein, Synaptic defective enhancer-1 (SYDN-1). Loss of function of sydn-1 causes abnormal synapse and axon development, and displays striking synergistic interactions with several genes that regulate specific aspects of synapses. SYDN-1 is required in neurons and localizes to distinct regions of the nucleus. Through a genetic suppressor screen, we found that the neuronal defects of sydn-1 mutants are suppressed by loss of function in Polyadenylation factor subunit-2 (PFS-2), a conserved WD40-repeat protein that interacts with multiple subcomplexes of the pre-mRNA 3′-end processing machinery. PFS-2 partially colocalizes with SYDN-1, and SYDN-1 influences the nuclear abundance of PFS-2. Inactivation of several members of the nuclear 3′-end processing complex suppresses sydn-1 mutants. Furthermore, lack of sydn-1 can increase the activity of 3′-end processing. Our studies provide in vivo evidence for pre-mRNA 3′-end processing in synapse and axon development and identify SYDN-1 as a negative regulator of this cellular event in neurons.
Room Temperature Liquid Porphyrins
Authors: Maruyama Sumio , Sato Kenta , Iwahashi Hiroyuki
Published: June 2010

The syntheses of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,4,5-trialkoxyphenyl)porphyrins, which exhibit fluid state behavior at room temperature, are reported. The thermal and rheological measurements indicate that they behave like liquid at 25 °C (298 K).
Microwave-assisted Synthesis of Diaryl Selenides. Elucidation of Cu(I)-catalyzed Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Beletskaya Irina P , Sigeev Alexander S , Peregudov Alexander S , Petrovskii Pavel V , Khrustalev Victor N
Published: June 2010

A novel microwave-assisted cross-coupling of trialkyltin arylselenides 1 with arylbromides using [(phen)CuI]2 afforded unsymmetrical diarylselenides 3 in high to excellent yields. A plausible catalytic cycle for Cu(I)-catalysed cross-coupling has been proposed. A key intermediate in this catalytic cycle was synthesized and its structure was determined by X-ray diffractometry.
Direct Synthesis of Acyl Azides from Carboxylic Acids Using 2-Azido-1,3-dimethylimidazolinium Chloride
Authors: Kitamura Mitsuru , Tashiro Norifumi , Takamoto Yusuke , Okauchi Tatsuo
Published: June 2010

Acyl azides were directly synthesized from carboxylic acids by the treatment with 2-azido-1,3-dimethylimidazolinium chloride (ADMC, 1) and amine. This procedure resulted in acyl azides in good yields and was applied to the amidation of amino acid derivatives without racemization of the products.
Theoretical Studies of the Mechanism of Proton Transfer at the Surface of Zirconium Phosphate
Authors: Ogawa Takaya , Ushiyama Hiroshi , Yamashita Koichi , Lee Ju-Myeung , Yamaguchi Takeo
Published: June 2010

The mechanism of proton transfer on the surface of zirconium phosphate monohydrate, α-Zr(HPO4)2·H2O (ZrP), has been first investigated by quantum chemistry calculation. The reaction paths and the activation energies along the paths are examined, and the effects of ZrP surface and phosphate groups on the proton conductivity are discussed.
A New Ring-opening Chromene Molecule: Colorimetric Detection of Cyanide Anion
Authors: Huo Fang-Jun , Su Jing , Sun Yuan-Qiang , Yin Cai-Xia , Chao Jian-Bin
Published: June 2010

A new cyanide anion colorimetric probe was developed using a chromene derivative, 7-nitro-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]chromen-1-one (1). The molecule exhibited much higher selectivity and sensitivity for detecting cyanide anion compared with other anions, F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, SCN−, AcO−, NO3−, ClO4−, SO42−, PO43−, SO32−, CO32−, and C2O42−, in aqueous media through a visual color change from colorless to yellow. The mechanism was proposed to be a novel chromene ring-opening, resulting from a nucleophilic attack on the probe 1 by CN− anion.
Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Thermochemistry of the Peroxyacetate Anion
Authors: Villano Stephanie M. , Eyet Nicole , Wren Scott W. , Ellison G. Barney , Bierbaum Veronica M. , Lineberger W. Carl
Published: June 2010

The 351.1 nm photoelectron spectrum of the peroxyacetate anion, (CH3C(O)OO−) was measured. Analysis of the spectrum shows that the observed spectral features arise almost exclusively from transitions between the trans-conformer of the anion and the X˜22A″ and Ã2A′ states of the corresponding radical. The electron affinity of trans-CH3C(O)OO is 2.381 ± 0.007 eV and the term energy splitting of the Ã2A′ state is 0.691 ± 0.009 eV, in excellent agreement with two prior values [Zalyubovsky et al. J. Phys. Chem. A 107, 7704 (2003); Hu et al. J. Phys. Chem. 124, 114305/1 (2006); Hu et al. J. Phys. Chem. 110, 2629 (2006)]. The gas-phase acidity of trans-peroxyacetic acid was bracketed between the acidity of acetic acid and tert-butylthiol at Δa G298( trans-CH3C(O)OOH) = 1439 ± 14 kJ mol−1 and Δa H298( trans-CH3C(O) OOH) = 1467 ± 14 kJ mol−1. The acidity of cis-CH3C(O)OOH was found by adding a calculated energy correction to the acidity of the trans-conformer; Δa G298[ cis-CH3C(O)OOH] = 1461 ± 14 kJ mol−1 and Δa H298[ cis-CH3C(O)OOH] = 1490 ± 14 kJ mol−1. The O–H bond dissociation energies for both conformers were determined using a negative ion thermodynamic cycle to be D0[ trans-CH3C(O)OOH] = 381 ± 14 kJ mol−1 and D0[ cis-CH3C(O)OOH] = 403±14 kJ mol−1. The atmospheric implications of these results and relations to the thermochemistry of peroxyacetyl nitrate are discussed briefly.
High-Accuracy Mass Spectrometry for Fundamental Studies
Authors: Kluge H.-Jürgen
Published: June 2010

Mass spectrometry for fundamental studies in metrology and atomic, nuclear and particle physics requires extreme sensitivity and efficiency as well as ultimate resolving power and accuracy. An overview will be given on the global status of high-accuracy mass spectrometry for fundamental physics and metrology. Three quite different examples of modern mass spectrometric experiments in physics are presented: (i) the retardation spectrometer KATRIN at the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, employing electrostatic filtering in combination with magnetic–adiabatic collimation—the biggest mass spectrometer for determining the smallest mass, i.e. the mass of the electron anti-neutrino, (ii) the Experimental Cooler-Storage Ring at GSI—a mass spectrometer of medium size, relative to other accelerators, for determining medium–heavy masses and (iii) the Penning trap facility, SHIPTRAP, at GSI—the smallest mass spectrometer for determining the heaviest masses, those of super-heavy elements. Finally, a short view into the future will address the GSI project HITRAP at GSI for fundamental studies with highly-charged ions.
Time-of-Flights and Traps: From the Histone Code to Mars
Authors: Cotter Robert J. , Swatkoski Stephen , Becker Luann , Evans-Nguyen Theresa
Published: June 2010

Two very different analytical instruments are featured in this perspective paper on mass spectrometer design and development. The first instrument, based upon the curved-field reflectron developed in the Johns Hopkins Middle Atlantic Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, is a tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer whose performance and practicality are illustrated by applications to a series of research projects addressing the acetylation, deacetylation and ADP-ribosylation of histone proteins. The chemical derivatization of lysine-rich, hyperacetylated histones as their deuteroacetylated analogs enables one to obtain an accurate quantitative assessment of the extent of acetylation at each site. Chemical acetylation of histone mixtures is also used to determine the lysine targets of sirtuins, an important class of histone deacetylases (HDACs), by replacing the deacetylated residues with biotin. Histone deacetylation by sirtuins requires the co-factor NAD+, as does the attachment of ADP-ribose. The second instrument, a low voltage and low power ion trap mass spectrometer known as the Mars Organic Mass Analyzer (MOMA), is a prototype for an instrument expected to be launched in 2018. Like the tandem mass spectrometer, it is also expected to have applicability to environmental and biological analyses and, ultimately, to clinical care.
Characterization of Oxidized Phosphatidylethanolamine Derived from RAW 264.7 Cells Using 4-(Dimethylamino) Benzoic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Berry Karin A. Zemski , Turner William W. , VanNieuwenhze Michael S. , Murphy Robert C.
Published: June 2010

Recently, a derivative of PE, namely the 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid derivative has been developed with various isotope labeled variants that provided a universal precursor ion scan for diacyl, ether and plasmalogen PE lipids that can not be accomplished otherwise. This derivative was further investigated as a means to facilitate characterization of various oxidized phosphatidylethanolamine lipids by collision activation. Phospholipids derived from RAW 264.7 cells were treated with a free radical generating system to generate a complex mixture of oxidized and non-oxidized lipids that were separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and detected using a precursors of m/z 191 scan for the d0-DMABA-labeled control sample and a precursor of m/z 197 scan for the d6-DMABA-labeled oxidized sample. Collisional activation of the corresponding [M – H]− ions permitted the identification of several chain shortened ω-aldehydes, as well as direct oxygen addition products including isoprostane PE and monohydroxy PE oxidized phospholipids that were not easily detected without the use of the DMABA derivatives. The stable isotope labeled derivatives permitted assessment of relative quantitative changes in oxidized lipids based upon ion abundance.
The Sports Business as a Labor Market Laboratory
Authors: Kahn Lawrence M
Published: June 2010

With superior data on compensation and productivity, as well as the occurrence of abrupt, dramatic market structure and player allocation rules changes, sports labor markets offer an excellent setting in which to test economic hypotheses. This paper reviews evidence from sports in four areas: employer monopsony, discrimination, the Coase Theorem, and incentive contracts, supervision and performance. There is considerable evidence of monopsony as well as for the existence of some forms of discrimination against minority athletes. Incentive contracts have strong effects on player performance and behavior, and there is mixed evidence on the predictions of the Coase Theorem.
Synthesis of axially chiral bipyridine N,N'-dioxides and enantioselective allylation of aldehydes
Authors: Kotora Martin
Published: June 2010

N-oxides possessing the pyridine framework are strong Lewis bases that can activate the C–Si bond of allylhalosilanes to such an extent that they catalyze reactions with aldehydes. N-oxides embedded in chiral scaffolds are usually capable of highly selective chirality transfer to the derived products. Our goal was to develop a general synthetic method allowing the preparation of structurally varied N,N'-dioxides suitable for enantioselective organocatalysis. The underlying synthetic strategy was based on [2 + 2 + 2]-cyclotrimerization of suitably substituted diynes with nitriles catalyzed by Co-complexes to generate the desired bipyridines, their further oxidation and resolution of which furnished the corresponding chiral N,N'-dioxides. The prepared compounds were used in catalytic allylation of aromatic aldehydes to homoallyl alcohols with high enantioselectivity (up to 96 % ee). Enantioselectivity, enantiodiscrimination, and the reaction mechanism are controlled by the choice of solvent.
Physiognomics in Imperial Latin Biography
Authors: Rohrbacher David
Published: June 2010

A distinctive feature of the biographies of Suetonius is his methodical and detailed description of the physical appearances of the emperors. This feature was adopted by two fourth-century Latin writers, Ammianus Marcellinus and the anonymous author of the Historia Augusta. This study will explore how ancient theories of the relationship between appearance and character intersect with the physical descriptions of emperors the authors provide. These authors reveal themselves to be engaged with contemporary approaches to the question without being bound by any one theory, and thus presuppose a readership for whom physiognomic questions were both interesting and debatable. The approaches of the authors to this minor feature in their work also offer broader insight into their biographical style and purpose.
La conjetura (στοχασμόϛ) en Hermógenes de Tarso y sus comentaristas
Authors: Fernández-Garrido Regla
Published: June 2010

This article offers a thorough analysis of the issue of conjecture (στοχασμόϛ) as described in Hermogenes of Tarsus' On Issues. The rhetorician's theory is completed with the explanations from its most important exegeses: Syrianus, Sopater (Rhetores Graeci 5 Walz), Sopater-Syrianus-Marcellinus (Rhetores Graeci 4 Walz), fundamentally, and the Anonymous Commentary (Rhetores Graeci 7 Walz). Scholia are essential because they help us to understand the Hermogenic text, pointing out its strengths and weaknesses. They also contribute to tracing the whole of the rhetorical tradition previous to, contemporary with, and after Hermogenes.
Techniques of Bold Speaking, Safely, in Bossuet's “Sermon sur la prédication évangélique” (1662)
Authors: Carlos Claudia
Published: June 2010

In seventeenth-century France, the one context in which it was possible to publicly criticize the monarch was the pulpit. Yet, in delivering criticism, the court preacher had to avoid sounding too harsh not only for fear of giving offense but for fear the sovereign might cease listening altogether. This paper examines the rhetorical techniques by which the preacher could indirectly—and hence “safely”—criticize the king. As we see from Bossuet's “Sermon sur la prédication évangélique” (1662), far from being a simple means of cajoling, these techniques attempted to provide the preacher with the most effective means for delivering bold criticism.
Family Life Course Statuses and Transitions: Relationships with Health Limitations
Authors: Teachman Jay
Published: June 2010

In this study, the author uses 25 years of data taken from the 1979 National Longitudinal Study of Youth to examine the relationship between family life course statuses and transitions and work-related health limitations. The author uses a detailed set of statuses and transitions that include marriage, divorce, cohabitation, and parenthood. The measures of health used tap health limitations in the kind and amount of work that can be performed. Using a fixed-effects estimator for dichotomous outcomes, the author finds that marriage is positively related to the health of men but negatively related to the health of women. The author also finds that parenthood is not related to the health of men but is positively related to the health of women. The results also indicate that statuses are more important for determining health limitations than are transitions.
Relationship Status, Health, and Health Behavior: An Examination of Cohabiters and Commuters
Authors: Fuller Theodore D. , Tech Virginia
Published: June 2010

A large amount of literature on relationship status, health, and health behavior indicates that marriage conveys health benefits. This literature, however, devotes relatively little attention to two theoretically interesting groups: unmarried cohabiters and married people who do not live with their spouse (“commuters”). The author hypothesizes that the health and health behaviors of these two groups will be intermediate between those of married people and unattached single individuals. Selective support is found for the hypothesis that the health behaviors of commuters are intermediate between those of married people and single people, but no support is found for the hypothesis that the health status of commuters is intermediate between that of married people and single people. Contrary to expectation, cohabiting persons tend to have poorer health status and health behavior than both their married and single counterparts. Also, while much previous research indicates that the health benefits of marriage are greater for men than women, the author finds that lacking a live-in partner (i.e., commuting or being single) appears to be more detrimental for women than men.
A Twentieth Century Indian Sufi Views Hinduism: The Case of Khwaja Hasan Nizami (1879-1955)
Authors: Hermansen Marcia
Published: June 2010

This article explores how an early twentieth century Indian Sufi Muslim, Khwaja Hasan Nizami (1879-1955), treated various aspects of Hinduism in multiple Urdu publications. During the 1920s Nizami was identified as a primary activist in a “tabligh” campaign to counter Arya Samaj efforts to draw neo-Muslim populations back into the Hindu fold. Despite these politically charged activities, Nizami’s engagement with devotional and spiritual aspects of Hinduism suggests a willingness to continue the Hindu-Muslim cooperation of the Khilafat movement period (1919-1924) in order to embrace a national Indian identity based on mutual religious respect and tolerance.
The Question of Authority: Deracinating Race, Repositioning Religion, and Regenerating Gender in the History of African American Islam
Authors: Hicks Rosemary
Published: June 2010

A review essay devoted to Islam and the Blackamerican: Looking Toward the Third Resurrection by

Sherman A. Jackson. Oxford University Press, 2005. 256 pages. Hb.

$29.95/£22.50, ISBN-13: 9780195180817.
You Say You Want a Reformation? Parsing the Ubiquitous Rhetoric of an “Islamic Reformation”
Authors: Powers Paul R.
Published: June 2010

The ideas of an “Islamic Reformation” and a “Muslim Luther” have been much discussed, especially since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This “Reformation” rhetoric, however, displays little consistency, encompassing moderate, liberalizing trends as well as their putative opposite, Islamist “fundamentalism.” The rhetoric and the diverse phenomena to which it refers have provoked both enthusiastic endorsement and vigorous rejection. After briefly surveying the history of “Islamic Reformation” rhetoric, the present article argues for a four-part typology to account for most recent instances of such rhetoric. The analysis reveals that few who employ the terminology of an “Islamic Reformation” consider the specific details of its implicit analogy to the Protestant Reformation, but rather use this language to add emotional weight to various prescriptive agendas. However, some examples demonstrate the potential power of the analogy to illuminate important aspects of religious, social, and political change in the modern Islamic world.
Nanopore‐based Sensing of Individual Nucleic Acid Complexes
Authors: Singer Alon , Meller Amit
Published: June 2010

Nanopores have emerged as a prominent single‐molecule analytic tool, holding particular promise both for genomic applications and for the fundamental biophysical characterization of biopolymers. The interest in single‐molecule analysis has spurred the development of numerous approaches to solid‐state nanopore fabrication, which offer exceptional robustness to both physical and chemical stresses, as well as control over pore size/shape/location and facilitates parallel detection with nanopore arrays. Nanopores in the 1–5 nm diameter range represent an important size regime for studying nucleic acids, as these pores can translocate nucleic acid molecules only in a linear orunfoldedfashion, enabling readout of local nucleic acid structural alterations. In this review, we focus on the fundamental aspects of nanopore‐based nucleic acid analysis, namely the DNA capture process and the subsequent translocation process. We compile here a multi‐parametric study of DNA molecules spanning a large length scale, and discuss the influence of electrolyte concentrations on the capture and translocation processes. We further discuss the ability of nanopores to identify structural changes in the DNA due to non‐specific binding of small molecules or specific hybridization with peptide nucleic acids probes. Through our continuing efforts at understanding the underlying processes which govern the capture and translocation process, we will be better positioned to harness the inherent abilities of nanopores to interrogate the internal structure of nucleic acids, enabling improved sensing applications at the single‐molecule level.
Água aquecida e radiação UV-C no controle pós-colheita de Cryptosporiopsis perennans em maçãs
Authors: Bartnicki Vinícius Adão , Valdebenito-Sanhueza Rosa Maria , Amarante Cassandro Vidal Talamini do , Castro Luis Antônio Suita de , Rizzatti Mara Regina , Souza João Antônio Vargas de
Published: June 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a colonização de Cryptosporiopsis perennans na epiderme de maçãs e a eficiência da aplicação de água aquecida e radiação UV-C no controle desse patógeno. Em maçãs submetidas à inoculação de C. perennans, a colonização de lenticelas e das áreas adjacentes pelo patógeno foi avaliada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A sensibilidade dos conídios de C. perennans aos tratamentos foi avaliada em suspensão aquosa, às temperaturas de 28, 45, 50 e 55ºC, por 15 e 30 s, e às doses de radiação UV-C de 0,018, 0,037, 0,075, 0,150, 0,375, 0,750, 1,500 e 3,000 kJ m-2. Em maçãs submetidas à inoculação de C. perennans, foram avaliados os efeitos de 0,375, 0,750 e 1,500 kJ m-2 de radiação UV-C e da aspersão de água aquecida à 50ºC, por 15 e 30 s no controle do patógeno. O fungo produziu abundante micélio e conídios nas lenticelas e nas áreas adjacentes, na epiderme das maçãs. A água aquecida a 50ºC por 15 s e à dose de radiação de UV-C de 0,750 kJ m-2 reduzem em mais de 99% a sobrevivência de conídios. A aspersão de água aquecida a 50ºC por 15 s e à dose de radiação de UV-C de 0,375 kJ m-2, controlam C. perennans em maçãs.
Análise de trilha de componentes de produção primários e secundários em tomateiro do grupo Salada
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriel Belfort , Marim Bruno Garcia , Silva Derly José Henriques da , Mattedi André Pugnal , Almeida Victor de Souza
Published: June 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as correlações genotípicas e seus desdobramentos em efeitos diretos e indiretos de componentes de produção primários e secundários sobre a produtividade de frutos em acessos de tomateiro, pela análise de trilha. Foram utilizados dados de 20 características, avaliadas em 132 acessos de tomateiro do grupo Salada, do Banco de Germoplasma de Hortaliças da Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Após o diagnóstico de multicolinearidade, oito características foram descartadas, e a análise de trilha foi realizada com: variável principal (produção total de frutos); variáveis primárias (peso médio e número total de frutos); e variáveis secundárias (frutos não comercializáveis, índice de precocidade, comprimento da folha, espessura do pecíolo principal, comprimento e diâmetro do entrenó, número de lóculos, acidez total e sólidos solúveis totais dos frutos). O comprimento da folha, o índice de precocidade e o diâmetro do entrenó apresentaram maior correlação genotípica com a produção total de frutos (0,69; -0,54 e 0,5, respectivamente). A análise de trilha com um único diagrama causal mostrou igual importância das variáveis primárias na determinação da produção. A análise de trilha com dois diagramas causais mostrou que a seleção simultânea do comprimento da folha e do diâmetro do entrenó pode ser uma boa alternativa para a obtenção de ganhos na produção total de frutos.
Divergence and genetic variability among superior rubber tree genotypes
Authors: Gouvêa Lígia Regina Lima , Chiorato Alisson Fernando , Gonçalves Paulo de Souza
Published: June 2010

The objective of this work was to estimate the genetic variability and divergence among 22 superior rubber tree (Hevea sp.) genotypes of the IAC 400 series. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using eight quantitative traits (descriptors), including yield. In the univariate analyses, the estimated parameters were: genetic and environmental variances; genetic and environmental coefficients of variation; and the variation index. The Mahalanobis generalized distance, the Tocher agglomerative method and canonical variables were used for the multivariate analyses. In the univariate analyses, variability was verified among the genotypes for all the variables evaluated. The Tocher method grouped the genotypes into 11 clusters of dissimilarity. The first four canonical variables explained 87.93% of the cumulative variation. The highest genetic variability was found in rubber yield-related traits, which contributed the most to the genetic divergence. The most divergent pairs of genotypes are suggested for crossbreeding. The genotypes evaluated are suitable for breeding and may be used to continue the IAC rubber tree breeding program.
Articulação entre as aprendizagens individual, grupal e organizacional: um estudo no ambiente industrial
Authors: Bido Diógenes de Souza , Godoy Arilda Schmidt , Araujo Bruno Felix Von Borell de , Louback Jones Carlos
Published: June 2010

Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal verificar e analisar empiricamente a articulação entre os níveis individual, grupal e organizacional da aprendizagem. Os dados foram coletados em uma indústria de plásticos brasileira, contando com 46 respondentes de um total de 88 funcionários (52%). A análise dos dados se deu pela modelagem em equações estruturais com estimação por mínimos quadrados parciais (Partial Least Squares - Path Modeling), na qual os construtos foram mensurados como variáveis latentes (VL) de segunda ordem. Os resultados foram comparados com aqueles obtidos em outros contextos, a saber: hospital (CHAN, 2003) e instituição bancária (BIDO et al., 2008). Como principal resultado, observou-se que os três construtos se correlacionam, mas a correlação entre a aprendizagem grupal (AG) e a organizacional (AO) foi a maior nos três estudos. Pode-se explicar esse resultado pela percepção dos respondentes de que o comportamento da equipe, realmente, seja o "portão de entrada" para a AO. Ao final do trabalho, são apontadas as suas limitações e sugeridas algumas direções para continuidade da pesquisa.
Usage of agents in document management
Authors: Pesovic Dragoslav , Vidakovic Milan , Ivanovic Mirjana , Budimac Zoran , Vidakovic Jovana
Published: June 2010

EXtensible Java-based Agent Framework (XJAF) is a pluggable architecture of the hierarchical intelligent agents system with communication based on KQML. Workers, Inc. is a workflow management system implemented using mobile agents. It is especially suited for highly distributed and heterogeneous environments. The application of the above-mentioned systems will be considered in the area of Document Management Systems.
A layered rule-based architecture for approximate knowledge fusion?
Authors: Dunin-Kęplicz Barbara , Nguyen Anh , Szałas Andrzej
Published: June 2010

In this paper we present a framework for fusing approximate knowledge obtained from various distributed, heterogenous knowledge sources. This issue is substantial in modeling multi-agent systems, where a group of loosely coupled heterogeneous agents cooperate in achieving a common goal. In paper [5] we have focused on defining general mechanism for knowledge fusion. Next, the techniques ensuring tractability of fusing knowledge expressed as a Horn subset of propositional dynamic logic were developed in [13,16]. Propositional logics may seem too weak to be useful in real-world applications. On the other hand, propositional languages may be viewed as sublanguages of first-order logics which serve as a natural tool to define concepts in the spirit of description logics [2]. These notions may be further used to define various ontologies, like e.g. those applicable in the Semantic Web. Taking this step, we propose a framework, in which our Horn subset of dynamic logic is combined with deductive database technology. This synthesis is formally implemented in the framework of HSPDL architecture. The resulting knowledge fusion rules are naturally applicable to real-world data.
Synthesis and characterization of a tetraaza macrocyclic ligand and its Cobalt(II), Nickel(II) and Copper(II) complexes
Authors: Chandra Sulekh , Tyagi Monika , Agarwal Swati
Published: June 2010

Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with a tetradentate nitrogen donor [N4] macrocyclic ligand, viz 1,5,8,13-tetraaza-2,9-dimethyl-4,11- diphenylcyclotetradeca-2,4,4,11-tetraene were synthesized. Their structures were determined based on elemental analyses; molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements; and IR, 1H-NMR (ligand), and electronic spectral studies. Based on analytical and molar conductance data, the complexes may be formulated as [M(L)Cl2] and [M?(L)]Cl2 [where M = Co(II) and Cu(II), and M? = Ni(II)] due to their non-electrolytic and 1:2 electrolytic nature. Based on spectral studies, an octahedral geometry was assigned for the Co(II) complex, whereas square-planar and tetragonal geometry were proposed for the Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, respectively. The synthesized ligand and its complexes were screened for fungicidal activity against two pathogenic fungi (i.e., Fusarium. moniliformae and Rhizoctonia solani) to assess their growth inhibiting potential.
Determination of natural colorants in plant extracts by high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Gevrenova Reneta
Published: June 2010

The determination of the colouring compounds apigenin (1), lawsone (2), juglone (3) and indigotin (4) in plant extracts using HPLC - UV/VIS methods is reported. The methods were applied to the analysis of 1-4 in ethanolic and propylene glycolic extracts originating, respectively, from chamomile (Chamomilla recutita [L] Rauschert, Asteraceae), henna (Lawsonia inermis L., Lythraceae), walnut (Juglans regia L., Juglandaceae) and natural indigo (Indigofera sp., Fabaceae). In the case of the indigo extracts, an optimized acid hydrolysis was applied. HPLC separations were performed on a Hypersil ODS RP18 column using linear gradient elution programs. The detection limits for 1-4 were 0.11, 0.6, 0.10, 0.089 ?g mL-1, respectively. The procedure did not involve any sample ?clean -up? methods. The amounts of the colouring compounds ranged from 0.006 mg mL-1 (3) to 0.13 mg mL-1 (4) in the ethanolic extracts and from 0.22 mg mL-1 (2) to 1.44 mg mL-1 (4) in propylene glycolic extracts. The proposed HPLC methods are advantageous in terms of sample preparation and the selective separation of the compounds. The plant dye extracts are commonly used in hair colouring formulations. The results indicate that the methods developed may serve for the quantitative control of dying plants and cosmetic products.
Thermoluminescence of quartz from Shihu gold deposit, western Hebei province, China: some implications for gold exploration
Authors: Cao Ye , Li Shengrong , Yao Meijuan , Zhang Huafeng
Published: June 2010

Thermoluminescence (TL) of monomineralic separates have been widely used in various geosciences fields in order to trace the thermal history and aid in prospecting for gold deposits. Quartz is a ubiquitous mineral in the Shihu gold deposit, which is situated in the northern part of the Taihang orogenic belt in the North China craton (NCC). The deposit is hosted by ductile-brittle faults within an Archean metamorphic core complex of the Fuping Group. This deposit is characterized by gold-bearing quartz-polymetallic sulfides and quartz veins. New TL results have been obtained for quartz, in which four type-TL glow curves were identified. The gold-bearing quartz present type III glow curves that consist of two peak glow curves at the middle and high peak temperatures with the similar TL intensity. In addition, the cross-sections of peak temperatures and TL intensity highlight the valuable area where the Au-bearing quartz present weak TL intensity and low-middle peak temperatures. Our results significantly enhance the usefulness of quartz in metallogenic studies of the North China craton and as an indicator mineral in mineral exploration of the Taihang Mountain region.
Sustainable Development in Poland – why it is not workable?
Authors: Piasecki Ryszard , Kostrzewa Karina
Published: June 2010

The sustainable development principle was introduced into the Polish legal system when the New Constitution was adopted in Poland in 1997. Paradoxically, in Poland – one of the few countries which have introduced the concedpt of SD at the level of the Constitution, it is difficult to find a reference to it in the political debate. The national sustainable development strategy Poland 2025 has met no response among society and today it seems to be hardly remembered by anybody. An average citizen does not know the concept of SD. or has a vague notion of it, often identifying it exclusively with environmental protection.
The Coase theorem and idea of transaction costs – their significance for the development of economics
Authors: Godłów-Legiędź Janina
Published: June 2010

Ronald Coase drew the attention of main stream economists to the significance of social coordination in the economic system. The key role was played here by much-disputed political conclusions drawn from Coase’s idea as well as by his famous theorem and the zero transaction costs theory. The study focuses on the division of labor as a starting point for analysis of zero transaction costs. From this vantage point, the best example of the world of zero transaction costs is Robinson Crusoe’s island. However, very often the concept of zero transaction costs is associated with the assumption of perfect information. If we stretch this assumption to its logical limits, then there is no market mechanism and all impediments related to the central planning system disappear. This interpretation is in line with the Hayekian interpretation of the market as a mechanism for acquiring knowledge.
Evolution of the Polish Innovation Policy
Authors: Dworak Edyta
Published: June 2010

The knowledge and technology sector is underinvested in Poland, and, furthermore, its innovation position is far worse than in the majority of most European Union countries. The technological gap between Poland and European leading countries is quite significant. One has to adopt a proper innovativenss development strategy which would then constitute the basis for implementation of the adequate innovation policy. The innovation policy realized at present in Poland seems to be convergent with the assumptions of the EU- documents and OECD- reports. Nevertheless, numerous problems still require a solution. A key question that remains is the acknowledgement of a clear priority in the economic policy to R&D expenditure, financed both from the government’s budget and the private sector. It also seems necessary to adjust the tax system and the credit policy to the needs of the innovative economy. More importantly is developing a policy of an actual support of intellectual entrepreneurship that should aim towards creating advantageous development conditions for enterprises conducting research and producing high-tech products (particularly venture capital). These activities should also contribute to increase innovativeness of the Polish economy and affect the quality and rate of future economic growth.
Deformations of Transverse Calabi–Yau Structures on Foliated Manifolds
Authors: Moriyama Takayuki
Published: June 2010

We develop a deformation theory of transverse structures given by calibrations on foliated manifolds, including transverse Calabi–Yau, hyperkähler, G2 and Spin(7) structures. We a show that the deformation space of the transverse structures is smooth under a cohomological assumption. As an application, we obtain unobstructed deformations of transverse Calabi–Yau structures on foliated manifolds. We also prove a Moser type stability result for transverse structures, which implies Moser’s stability theorem for presymplectic forms.
Hecke–Clifford Superalgebras and Crystals of Type $D_l^{(2)}$
Authors: Tsuchioka Shunsuke
Published: June 2010

In [BK], Brundan and Kleshchev showed that some parts of the representation theory of the affine Hecke–Clifford superalgebras and its ﬁnite-dimensional “cyclotomic” quotients are controlled by the Lie theory of type

A_{2l}^{(2)}

when the quantum parameter

q

is a primitive

(2l + 1)

-th root of unity. We show that similar theorems hold when

q

is a primitive

4l

-th root of unity by replacing the Lie theory of type

A_{2l}^{(2)}

with that of

D_l^{(2)}

.
Long Term Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Rice under Rice-Wheat Cropping Sequence
Authors: Khadka Yagya Gajadhar , Rai Suresh Kumar , Raut Sambhu
Published: June 2010

A long term field experiment was started in 1989 on alluvial soil of Inceptisol at Agronomy Research Farm, Khumaltar, Lalitpur to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil properties and yields of rice under ricewheat cropping sequence. Rice yield was monitored from 1998 to 2003. Chianung-242 rice variety was used as a test crop for all of the five years of experimentation. All the treatments manifested significant increase in rice yield over control. Results showed highest significant grain yield of 7.9 tons ha-1 from the sole application of farmyard manure (FYM) @ 10 tons ha-1. The long-term experiment exhibited that the balanced application of chemical fertilizers alone did not sustain soil productivity under continuous cropping system. Application of 100 kg N ha-1 alone produced the yield up to 7.2 tons ha-1 whereas phosphorus and potassium did not affect the yields in most of the years. None of the soil properties, soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium were affected by application of balanced fertilizers while with the application of 10 tons FYM ha-1, the total nitrogen, available phosphorus and organic carbon contents in the soil were improved as compared to other treatments. The efficiency of fertilizers and manure was influenced by the amount of rainfall received as reflected by the higher grain yield during the higher rainfall years. Key words: rice, alluvial soil, organic manure, inorganic fertilizers, rice-wheat system DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3156 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 7-13
Impact of Weed Management Practices on Biomass and Grain Yield of Two Varieties of Paddy in Lowland Area of Far-Western Nepal
Authors: Bhatt M. D. , Pant S. R. , Singh S. P.
Published: June 2010

Experiments were conducted in two varieties of transplanted paddy (cv. Radha-4 and Neemai) during the rainy season of 2004-2005 in the Far-Western Terai region of Nepal to assess the effect of weed management practice. Four experiments were conducted in randomized block design with three replications viz. unweeded (T0), weed free (TT), manured plus twice hand-weeded after 25 and 50 days of transplanting (T1), and chemical fertilizer plus butachlor (weedicide) application (1.5 kg ha-1) (T2). A total of 48 weed species were identified with densities of 208 ind. m-2 in Radha-4 and 196 ind. m-2 in Neemai. The mean maximum biomass of paddy in weed-free plots were 3553.6 and 3588.4 g m-2 in Radha-4 and Neemai respectively. This biomass was more or less similar to twice hand-weeded plots and herbicide treated plots being 1.3% lowering in both the varieties, compared to weed-free plots. Compared to weed-free plots, the biomass reduction in unweeded plots was recorded 26.1% lower in Radha-4 and 26.3% in Neemai. The weed biomass was recorded highest in unweeded plots (296.9 and 236.2 g m-2) and lowest 155.7 and 109.1 g m-2 in twice hand-weeded plots. The trend of grain yield in both the varieties were: weed free (TT) > manured plus twice hand-weeded after 25 and 50 days of transplanting (T1) > chemical fertilizer plus butachlor application (1.5 kg/ha) (T2) > unweeded (T0).Key words: Rice; Weeds control; Western Terai; BiomassDOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3157Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 15-20
Effect of Rice Bran and Leucaena Supplementation on the Growth Performance of Goats Fed with Urea Treated Rice Straw
Authors: Upreti Chet Raj , Orden Edgar A.
Published: June 2010

An experiment was conducted for 90 days to determine the effect of energy level using different levels of RB on the UTRS as a basal diet supplemented with fixed level of Leucaena on growing goats. Experimental diets included four levels of rice bran: 0% rice bran (RB), 10% RB, 20% RB, and 30% RB in basal diets. A total of 20 growing female goats of 5 to 6 months age were randomly allocated into four different dietary groups. Findings showed that inclusion of 20% rice bran significantly (P<0.05) improved in total DMI than the other levels. A 30% RB inclusion was not able to improve further the total DMI, which might be due to the negative effect of higher level of anti-nutritional factor in rice bran. In-situ degradation of D3 and D4 recorded the higher estimated solid outflow rate indicating on the improvement on digestion of feedstuffs. The 20 and 30% RB inclusion resulted to significantly (p<0.05) higher OM digestibility of UTRS-based diet with Leucaena supplementation. ADG (41.1g), FCE (10.96) and benefit over feed cost Philippino Peso 238.2) was significantly higher in diet groups with 20% RB inclusion. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the supplementation of rice bran at 20% level is economic net income (US$ .040 /goat) in feeding goats with UTRS based diet and supplemented with 20% of Leucaena. Key words: goat; urea treated rice straw; rice bran; digestibility; growth performance DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3161Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 29-36
Effect of Herbal Liver Stimulants on the Performance of Hy-line Commercial Layer
Authors: Neupane Damodar , Karki Mukesh , Upreti C. R. , Dhaubhadel Tribhuveneshor
Published: June 2010

An investigation was undertaken on 180 day-old Hy-line layer chicks to assess the effect of herbal products on feed consumption, egg production and profitability. The experimental chicks were randomly divided in three groups with three replicates in each and were housed in identical management and environmental conditions. Dietary treatments were prepared by addition of herbal liver stimulants such as Livoliv 250 @500 g/ton (D2) and Superliv @500g/ton (D3) in the basal diet (D1). Feed intake, egg production and mortality were recorded throughout the observation period of 50 weeks. Feed per unit of egg production, hen day percentage, additional income of supplemented diet over the basal diet were calculated. Average daily intake (g) of the diets per bird were observed as 59.19±1.05 g, 58.31±0.337 g and 57.67±0.163 g up to 20 weeks and 108.94±0.06 g, 109.01±0.05 g and 108.26±0.41 g during the laying period fed with D3, D1 and D2 diets respectively. Similarly, higher hen day egg % (76.9%) was recorded in the birds fed with Superliv supplemented diet (D3), followed by Livoliv supplemented diet (D2) (73.4%) and Basal diet (D1) (72.1%) with feed intake per unit egg production of 179.3 g, 178.1 g and 193.0 g, respectively. Total egg production was found higher with D3 (161.49 egg), followed by D2 (154.15 egg) and basal diet (151.45 egg) with layer house cumulative mortality only in D3 (3.75%). Additional profits of Rs. 35.18 and Rs. 12.86 in terms of egg selling over feed cost per layer were calculated for the bird fed with Superliv supplemented diet (D3) and Liveloliv supplemented diet (D2) than that of the basal diet. Key words: layer; herbal products; liver stimulant; feed efficiency; profit DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3162 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 37-40
Streptomycin – Like Antibiotic from Streptomyces spp. Isolated from Mount Everest Base Camp
Authors: Yadav Jyotish , Shrestha Upendra Thapa , Tiwari Kiran Babu , Sahukhal Gyan Sundar , Agrawal Vishwanath Prasad
Published: June 2010

Streptomyces spp. (Lob18.2b), isolated from soil sample from Everest Base Camp, was obtained from Research Laboratory for Biotechnology and Biochemistry (RLABB). The isolate was found to inhibit Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Shigella sonnei, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus on primary screening. Secondary screening was done using fermented starch casein broth of the streptomycete to its stationary phase culture. The antibacterial agent was highly effective against all susceptible Gram negative bacteria except Proteus spp. Gram positive bacteria were relatively lesser sensitive. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was resistant to the agent. Antibacterial activity of aqueous fraction obtained from fermented broth of streptomycete culture was more effective than that of organic fraction of same extract. Thin layer chromatography revealed that the test compound was relatively nonpolar compared to the known antibiotics. Among the tested standard antibiotics, the chemical characteristic of the antibacterial agent was comparable to streptomycin. Key words: aminoglycoside; antibacterial agent; fermentation; secondary screening; thin layer chromatography DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3168 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 73-77
Plant Growth Promotional Effect of Azotobacter chroococcum, Piriformospora indica and Vermicompost on Rice Plant
Authors: Prajapati Kamil , Yami K. D. , Singh A.
Published: June 2010

The activities of rhizospheric organisms have been well recognized in non-leguminous plants such as tropical grasses, rice and maize. Such activities include nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and mineralization that are beneficial for the overall growth and development of the plant. An experiment was carried out to study the growth promotion of rice (Oryza sativa L.) due to dual inoculation of Azotobacter chroococcum and Piriformospora indica along with vermicompost. The effects on shoot length, root length, fresh shoot and root weight, dry shoot and root weight, and panicle number on 45th day and 90th day were investigated. In both the stages these parameters of all the treated plants were significantly (P<0.05) greater than the uninoculated control. Dual inoculated plants in presence of vermicompost gave better positive effects on both 45th day and 90th day, in comparison to single inoculation of A. chroococcum, P. indica and vermicompost. However, A. chroococcum treated plants showed significant decrease in dry root weight as compared to control plants on 90th day observation. This suggested that dual inoculation of A. chroococcum and P. indica had beneficiary response on growth of rice plant. Key words: rice; Azotobacter chroococcum; Piriformospora indica; vermicompost; mycorrhizae nitrogen fixation DOI: 10.3126/njst.v9i0.3170 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 9 (2008) 85-90