bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Economic Analysis of Market Acceptance and Performance of Rice Varieties Grown in Northern Telangana Zone
Authors: Devi D. A. Rajini , Naik P. Gonya , Gayathri P. , Srinivas B. , Prasanna B. Laxmi , Madhukar P.
Published: June 2024

This study aims to conduct an economic analysis of market acceptance and performance of rice varieties grown in the Northern Telangana Zone, where diverse rice cultivars face cultivation and marketing challenges. The objectives are to identify and document rice cultivars released by PJTSAU, study technological attributes preferred by stakeholders, and document constraints faced by stakeholders. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 90 farmers, 30 traders, and 30 consumers, totaling 150 participants. Data were collected using well-developed schedules and analyzed using tabular analysis, Rice Preference Index (RPI), Garrett ranking technique, and other suitable methods. The results showed that Telangana Sona (RNR 15048) is highly favored for its long grain size, high head rice recovery, and strong market demand, despite its susceptibility to stem borer and higher fertilizer requirements. Pranahitha (JGL 11727) is appreciated for its good rice quality but faces significant challenges, including high susceptibility to lodging, pests, and diseases, and lower germination rates. Kunaram Rice-1 (KNM 733) showed acceptable profitability but struggled with low market demand, poor grain quality, and higher water requirements. The study concludes that while Telangana Sona excels in market appeal and profitability, Pranahitha and Kunaram Rice-1 need targeted interventions to overcome their specific constraints. Enhancing pest resistance, improving grain quality, and reducing input requirements are essential for optimizing the potential of these varieties. Addressing these challenges through improved management practices and technology adoption can significantly benefit farmers and boost the marketability of these paddy varieties.
Trajectories for Sustainable Motorized Pilling in Sub-Saharan Africa: Advantages and Disadvantages
Authors: Agbasse Wilfried , Boko Christelle Sandra Ayina. , Zimonse Amagbégnon Edna , Bagan Gontrand Comlan.
Published: June 2024

Four trajectories for motorized plowing were compared on sandy loamy soil in the Benin plateau in order to identify the most effective. We have: Flat plowing (LP), Backing board plowing (LPA), Splitting board plowing (LPR) and alternating superimposed plowing (LAS). A randomized complete block design with three repetitions was experimented with a 60 HP tractor coupled to a 1 m three-share plow at a speed of 6 km/h. Fifteen plots of 300 m² each divided into 3 blocks of 5 named plots (S0: control, S1: LP, S2: LPA, S3: LPR and S4: LAS) were used to execute the trajectories. The agroeconomic parameters considered are: soil texture, wheel slip, fuel consumption, effective-lost-total plowing time, time efficiency and field capacity. The results indicate that the LAS trajectory is advantageous in the case where plowing is carried out with a reversible plow or with a hiller because it has an average consumption of 5845.17 g/ha, an average plowing time of 284 s with an efficiency average of 58.34%. With the simple plow, simultaneously the LPA trajectory (6246.04 g/ha, 270 s and 56.3%) is more economical than the LPR trajectory (6593.81 g/ha, 306 s and 54.17%). This work will help tractor operators and producers perform economical motorized plowing.
Preparation of Genomic DNA from Mammalian Sperm
Authors: Weyrich Alexandra
Published: April 2012

Semen consists of spermatozoa and the seminal fluid, also called seminal plasma. This fluid is important for the survival of the spermatozoa, but may decrease the purity and thus quality of the DNA due to its fructose and protein content. In this protocol, spermatozoa are washed with ethanol to remove the fluid. The spermatozoa themselves are protected by a membrane rich in disulfide bonds, which impede cell lysis and thus hamper DNA isolation. To break disulfide bonds a strong antioxidant, such as dithiothreitol (DDT), is necessary. Similar to other protocols for DNA isolation from other mammalian tissues, proteinase K and SDS are included in the lysis reaction. After lysis of the sperm cells, the DNA is precipitated using ethanol and then redissolved in TE‐buffer or ddH2O. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 98:2.13.1‐2.13.3. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Native Elongating Transcript Sequencing (NET‐seq)
Authors: Churchman L. Stirling , Weissman Jonathan S.
Published: April 2012

Advances in sequencing technology have led to the development of many high‐resolution methodologies that observe genomic activity and gene expression. This unit describes such an approach, native elongating transcript sequencing (NET‐seq), which reveals the density of RNA polymerase across the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome with single‐nucleotide resolution. A procedure for capturing nascent RNA transcripts directly from live cells through their association with the DNA‐RNA‐RNAP ternary complex is described. A protocol to create DNA libraries from the nascent RNA, allowing the identity and abundance of the 3′ end of purified transcripts to be revealed by next generation sequencing, is also provided. By deep sequencing this DNA library, a quantitative measure of RNAP density with single‐nucleotide precision is obtained. The quantitative nature of the NET‐seq dataset relies on the high efficiency of many steps in the protocol. The steps that are most critical are described with suggestions for monitoring their success. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 98:14.4.1‐14.4.17. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Target‐Induced Natural Killer Cell Loss as a Measure of NK Cell Responses
Authors: Warren Hilary
Published: April 2012

Natural killer (NK) cells are an important effector cell of innate immunity. Their interaction with susceptible target cells triggers NK cell cytotoxicity and the release of cytokines. Immunofluorescence flow cytometry–based assays are now the preferred methods for measuring NK cell responses. For these assays, assessment is made on NK cells (CD3–CD56+ CD16+) within the viable lymphocyte gate, defined by the parameters of size (FSC) and granularity (SSC). Accordingly, NK cells that have not dissociated from target cells at the time of measurement, or that have undergone target cell–induced apoptosis, are excluded from the viable lymphocyte gate and therefore from analysis. This unit describes a protocol for assessing NK cell function in response to target cells (both natural killing and antibody‐dependent cell cytotoxicity) based on the loss of NK cells from the lymphocyte gate. This target‐induced NK loss (TINKL) should provide a sensitive measure of NK cell responses in a clinical laboratory setting. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 97:14.29.1‐14.29.15. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Differentiation of Mast Cells from Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Kovarova Martina , Koller Beverly
Published: April 2012

In this unit, we describe a simple coculture‐free method for obtaining mast cells from mouse and human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Much of our knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which mast cells are activated comes from studies of mouse bone marrow–derived mast cells. Studies of human mast cells have been hampered by the limited sources from which they can be cultured, the difficulty in introducing specific genetic changes into these cells, and differences between established cultures that reflect the unique genetic makeup of the tissue donor. Derivation of mast cells from embryonic stem cells addresses these limitations. ES‐derived mast cells can be generated in numbers sufficient for studies of the pathways involved in mast cell effector functions. These ES cell–derived mast cells respond to antigens and other stimuli by releasing histamine, cytokines, lipids, and other bioactive mediators. The derivation of human mast cells from ES cells carrying mutations introduced by homologous recombination should provide a novel means of testing the function of genes in both the development and the effector functions of mast cells. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 97:22F.10.1‐22F.10.16. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella susceptibility among health science students in a University in India
Authors: Arunkumar G. , Vandana K.E. , Sathiakumar Nalini
Published: April 2012

Background

Health science students (HSS) are at increased risk of contracting and transmitting viral diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of susceptibility of HSS to these infections.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, 790 HSS of Manipal University, Manipal, India, answered a questionnaire and provided a blood sample which was tested for specific IgG antibodies to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella by ELISA (Enzygnost®).

Results

The study group was comprised of medical (53.9%), nursing (16.6%), and allied health (29.5%) students. Among the overall group (n = 790), the prevalence of serological susceptibility to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella were 9.5%, 32.0%, 16.6%, and 25.8%, respectively. Among the subgroup of vaccinated subjects, susceptibility to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella were 7.9%, 34.7%, 10.7%, and 35.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

HSS susceptible to measles, mumps, rubella, and/or varicella are at risk of acquiring these diseases during their training period. In addition, they may be a potential source for nosocomial transmission posing a risk to immunocompromised patients. Hence, in the Indian setting, HSS should be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella at the time of joining the medical school. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:58–64, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of CRHR1 and CRHR2 with major depressive disorder and panic disorder in a Japanese population
Authors: Ishitobi Yoshinobu , Nakayama Shinya , Yamaguchi Kana , Kanehisa Masayuki , Higuma Haruka , Maruyama Yoshihiro , Ninomiya Taiga , Okamoto Shizuko , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Tsuru Jusen , Hanada Hiroaki , Isogawa Koichi , Akiyoshi Jotaro
Published: April 2012

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and panic disorder (PD) are common and disabling medical disorders with stress and genetic components. Dysregulation of the stress response of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, including the corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) signaling via primary receptors (CRHR1 and CRHR2), is considered to play a major role for onset and recurrence in MDD and PD. To confirm the association of CRHR1 and CRHR2 with MDD and PD, we investigated 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4076452, rs7209436, rs110402, rs242924, rs242940, and rs173365 for CRHR1 and rs4722999, rs3779250, rs2267710, rs1076292, rs2284217, and rs226771 for CRHR2) in MDD patients (n = 173), PD patients (n = 180), and healthy controls (n = 285). The SNP rs110402 and rs242924 in the CRHR1 gene and the rs3779250 in the CRHR2 gene were associated with MDD. The SNP rs242924 in the CRHR1 gene was also associated with PD. The T‐A‐T‐G‐G haplotype consisting of rs7209436 and rs173365 in CRHR1 was positively associated with MDD. The T‐A haplotype consisting of rs7209436 and rs110402 in CRHR1 was positively associated with MDD. The C‐C haplotype consisting of rs4722999 and rs37790 in CRHR1 was associated with PD. These results provide support for an association of CRHR1 and CRHR2 with MDD and PD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laryngeal support device enhances the learning of laryngeal anatomy and voice physiology
Authors: Curcio Daniella Franco , Behlau Mara , Barros Mirna Duarte , Smith Ricardo Luiz
Published: April 2012

Multidisciplinary cooperation in health care requires a solid knowledge in the basic sciences for a common ground of communication. In speech pathology, these fundamentals improve the accuracy of descriptive diagnoses and support the development of new therapeutic techniques and strategies. The aim of this study is to briefly discuss the benefits of hands‐on education on laryngeal anatomy and voice physiology in Brazilian graduate programs in speech pathology, as well as to describe a simple prototype that can be used as a useful educational tool for this purpose. The laryngeal anatomic support device was designed to provide a vertical frame to hold human or mammalian larynges with no preservation treatment, with the goal of allowing good visualization of the vocal folds during artificial phonation. The device was designed to provide the user the ability to manipulate the soft and cartilaginous structures of the larynx with near‐natural biomechanical properties. The description of the project is detailed to allow the reproduction of this simple and inexpensive device. It may be used as an experimental feature in a variety of settings, from high‐school programs to experimental research methods, and may suit a wide array of different educational models. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
A study of color differences in women's ready‐to‐wear collections from world fashion cities: Intensive study of the Fall/Winter 2010 collections from New York, London, Milan, and Paris
Authors: Koh Youngrim , Lee Joohyeon
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study is to analyze the color differences in the four fashion collections from New York, London, Milan, and Paris while focusing on 2010 Fall and Winter women's ready‐to‐wear collections. The colors of the fashion collections were collected from American Vogue's website www.style.com and analyzed by using the ISCC –NBS color system which is made up of 10 basic hues of pink, red, orange, brown, yellow, olive, yellow green, green, blue, and purple, and three neutral categories of white, gray, and black. In addition to these 13 categories, yellowish pink, gold, and silver categories were classified. For analysis, one‐way ANOVA, the Scheffe test and the t‐test were adopted. The result of analysis showed that there was a statistical difference in purple compared with the other colors examined. The London collection showed the highest ratio of use in purple, whereas the Milan collection contrarily showed the lowest ratio of use in purple. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 38, 463–468, 2013
Automatic detection of melanoma progression by histological analysis of secondary sites
Authors: Orlov Nikita V. , Weeraratna Ashani T. , Hewitt Stephen M. , Coletta Christopher E. , Delaney John D. , Mark Eckley D. , Shamir Lior , Goldberg Ilya G.
Published: April 2012

We present results from machine classification of melanoma biopsies sectioned and stained with hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) on tissue microarrays (TMA). The four stages of melanoma progression were represented by seven tissue types, including benign nevus, primary tumors with radial and vertical growth patterns (stage I) and four secondary metastatic tumors: subcutaneous (stage II), lymph node (stage III), gastrointestinal and soft tissue (stage IV). Our experiment setup comprised 14,208 image samples based on 164 TMA cores. In our experiments, we constructed an HE color space by digitally deconvolving the RGB images into separate H (hematoxylin) and E (eosin) channels. We also compared three different classifiers: Weighted Neighbor Distance (WND), Radial Basis Functions (RBF), and k‐Nearest Neighbors (kNN). We found that the HE color space consistently outperformed other color spaces with all three classifiers, while the different classifiers did not have as large of an effect on accuracy. This showed that a more physiologically relevant representation of color can have a larger effect on correct image interpretation than downstream processing steps. We were able to correctly classify individual fields of view with an average of 96% accuracy when randomly splitting the dataset into training and test fields. We also obtained a classification accuracy of 100% when testing entire cores that were not previously used in training (four random trials with one test core for each of 7 classes, 28 tests total). Because each core corresponded to a different patient, this test more closely mimics a clinically relevant setting where new patients are evaluated based on training with previous cases. The analysis method used in this study contains no parameters or adjustments that are specific to melanoma morphology, suggesting it can be used for analyzing other tissues and phenotypes, as well as potentially different image modalities and contrast techniques. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The correlation between pain‐related behaviour and spinal microgliosis in four distinct models of peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Blackbeard J. , Wallace V.C.J. , O'Dea K.P. , Hasnie F. , Segerdahl A. , Pheby T. , Field M.J. , Takata M. , Rice A.S.C.
Published: April 2012

Background

Peripheral nerve injury is associated with a spinal microglial response that has been correlated with the development of behaviours reflective of neuropathic pain.

Methods

To examine whether this phenomenon is generalizable to neuropathic pain of non‐traumatic aetiology, this study investigated the association between spinal microgliosis and behavioural measures of neuropathic hypersensitivity and pain‐related anxiety behaviour in four distinct rat models of peripheral neuropathic pain. These were traumatic neuropathy [L5 spinal nerve transection (SNT)], HIV‐related neuropathies (either treatment with the antiretroviral drug Zalcitabine (ddC) or combination of perineural exposure to the HIV‐gp120 protein and ddC treatment) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection.

Results and Conclusion

Persistent mechanical hypersensitivity developed in all ‘neuropathic’ rats. However, spinal microgliosis, as measured by increased CD11b/c immunohistochemical staining and increased numbers of cells expressing CD11b measured by flow cytometry, was evident in the SNT and to a lesser extent in the HIV neuropathy models but not the VZV model. These results suggest that behavioural hypersensitivity and thigmotaxis can only be linked to a microglial response in certain models of neuropathy.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and the risk of hip fracture in Alzheimer's disease patients: A case-control study
Authors: Tamimi Iskandar , Ojea Tomas , Sanchez-Siles Juan Manuel , Rojas Facundo , Martin Ignacio , Gormaz Irene , Perez Almudena , Dawid-Milner Marc Stefan , Mendez Luis , Tamimi Faleh
Published: April 2012

Recent studies have reported the presence of acetylcholine (ACh) receptor subtypes in bone tissue, and have demonstrated that inhibition of the ACh receptors has negative effects on bone mass and fracture healing capacity. However, little is known about the potential clinical effects that increased ACh signaling might have on bone. Accordingly, this study was designed to determine whether the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), a group of drugs that stimulate ACh receptors and are used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), is associated with a decreased risk of hip fracture in AD patients. To accomplish this objective, a case-control analysis was performed using the AD population, aged above 75 years, based in the local health area of the Carlos Haya Hospital, in Malaga, Spain. The cases were 80 AD patients that suffered a hip fracture between January 2004 and December 2008. The controls were 2178 AD patients without hip fracture followed at our health care area during the same period of time. Compared with patients who did not use AChEIs, the hip fracture adjusted odds ratio (OR) for users of AChEIs was 0.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–0.72), for users of rivastigmine was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.10–0.45), and for users of donepezil was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.19–0.76). Data were adjusted for the following parameters: body mass index, fall risk, smoking habits, cognition, dependence, degree of AD, comorbidity score, treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, age, and gender. Our data suggests that use of AChEIs donepezil and rivastigmine is associated with a reduced risk of fractures in AD patients. Many elderly patients with AD disease who are at risk of developing osteoporosis may potentially benefit from therapy with the AChEIs donepezil and rivastigmine. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
miR-93/Sp7 function loop mediates osteoblast mineralization
Authors: Yang Li , Cheng Peng , Chen Chao , He Hong-Bo , Xie Gen-Qing , Zhou Hou-De , Xie Hui , Wu Xian-Ping , Luo Xiang-Hang
Published: April 2012

microRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in osteoblast differentiation. However, the mechanisms of miRNAs regulating osteoblast mineralization still need further investigation. Here, we performed miRNA profiling and identified that miR-93 was the most significantly downregulated miRNA during osteoblast mineralization. Overexpression of miR-93 in cultured primary mouse osteoblasts attenuated osteoblast mineralization. Expression of the Sp7 transcription factor 7 (Sp7, Osterix), a zinc finger transcription factor and critical regulator of osteoblast mineralization, was found to be inversely correlated with miR-93. Then Sp7 was confirmed to be a target of miR-93. Overexpression of miR-93 in cultured osteoblasts reduced Sp7 protein expression without affecting its mRNA level. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-93 directly targeted Sp7 by specifically binding to the target coding sequence region (CDS) of Sp7. Experiments such as electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and promoter luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Sp7 bound to the promoter of miR-93. Furthermore, overexpression of Sp7 reduced miR-93 transcription, whereas blocking the expression of Sp7 promoted miR-93 transcription. Our study showed that miR-93 was an important regulator in osteoblast mineralization and miR-93 carried out its function through a novel miR-93/Sp7 regulatory feedback loop. Our findings provide new insights into the roles of miRNAs in osteoblast mineralization. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Glucuronoxylomannan facilitates generation of chondrocytes from bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells
Authors: Zhou Aiguo , An Hong , Jiang Dianming , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2012

Chondrocyte generation is an important process in cartilage and bone repair. Factors facilitating the induction of chondrocyte need to be further investigated. The present study aims to investigate the role of glucuronoxylomannan (Gxm) in the generation of chondrocytes. Human bone marrow cells were prepared using to generate the chondrocytes in the presence of Gxm. The results showed that Gxm has the capacity to facilitate the generation of chondrocytes in which transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β played a critical role. The Bmmc‐derived CD14+ cells were the major source of TGF‐β in the culture. The present study indicates that Gxm is a potential drug candidate to be used in the generation of chondrocyte. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1690–1694, 2012
Influence of cooling speed on the solidification of a hyper‐eutectic CuSn alloy
Authors: Mardare Cezarina Cela , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: April 2012

CuSn alloys with a hyper‐eutectic composition (97.53 at% Sn, 2.42 at% Cu and 0.05 at% impurities) were melted in a Bridgman‐type furnace and cooled at different velocities ranging from free fall to 13 µm/s. The formation of the intermetallic phase along the alloys, as well as the size, distribution and microstructure were observed as a function of cooling speed, showing different particle morphologies and growth. The intermetallic phase formed was Cu6Sn5 as confirmed by chemical analysis and X‐ray measurements. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) measurements indicate that the η′‐monoclinic phase of the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic was formed on all samples, together with the β‐Sn.

magnified image

SEM images both transversal and longitudinal cross‐sections of alloys cooled at different velocities.
Comparative performance analysis of silicon nanowire tunnel FETs and MOSFETs on plastic substrates in flexible logic circuit applications
Authors: Lee Myeongwon , Jeon Youngin , Sik Son Kyung , Hyung Shim Joon , Kim Sangsig
Published: April 2012

We report on the fabrication and electrical comparison between flexible tunnel field‐effect transistors (TFETs) and metal–oxide–semiconductor FETs (MOSFETs) on plastic substrates from device to circuit performance by use of fully CMOS‐compatible silicon nanowires (SiNWs) as the channel material. The SiNW TFETs exhibit ION/IOFF ratio of ∼105, which is about an order of magnitude lower than that of their MOSFET counterparts, viz. ∼106, mainly due to their high turn‐on voltage and low band‐to‐band tunneling (BTBT) efficiency. The SiNW complementary TFET (c‐TFET) inverter shows ultralow DC power consumption (at VDD = 3 V, Ppeak = 11.4 nW and Pstby = 26.8 pW, respectively), which are about three to four orders of magnitude lower than those of the SiNW CMOS inverter, viz. 17.4 µW and 0.39 µW, respectively. Due to the different pros and cons for each of these devices, our top–down approach should open up the opportunity to integrate SiNW TFETs with SiNW MOSFETs on one plastic substrate for flexible hybrid SiNW TFET‐MOSFET integrated circuits, where both high‐performance and low‐power functionality are required.
A mirror of two faces: Lin28 as a master regulator of both miRNA and mRNA
Authors: Huang Yingqun
Published: April 2012

Lin28 is an evolutionarily conserved RNA‐binding protein that plays important roles in development, pluripotency, tumorigenesis, and metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests that the pleiotropic roles of Lin28 in the diverse physiological and pathological processes are mechanistically linked to its ability to modulate not only the biogenesis of miRNAs, particularly the let‐7 family miRNAs, but also the translation of mRNAs important for cell growth and metabolism. Let‐7 negatively regulates the translation of oncogenes, cell cycle regulators, and metabolic pathway components. Lin28 relieves this repression by blocking the production of mature let‐7. Lin28 binds to the terminal loops of let‐7 precursors, leading to inhibition of processing and the induction of uridylation and precursor degradation. Lin28 also is a direct translational regulator: it selectively binds to a cohort of mRNAs and stimulates their translation. Recent advances in our understanding of Lin28‐mediated mechanisms of posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression reveal important roles of this protein in the fields of development, stem cells, metabolic diseases, and cancer. WIREs RNA 2012, 3:483–494. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1112

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

Translation > Translation Regulation

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Isopropylammonium Layered Uranyl Chromates: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of [(CH3)2CHNH3]3[(UO2)3(CrO4)2O(OH)3] and[(CH3)2CHNH3]2[(UO2)2(CrO4)3(H2O)]
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: April 2012

Two novel isopropylamine‐templated uranyl chromates, [(CH3)2CHNH3]3[(UO2)3(CrO4)2O(OH)3] (1) and [(CH3)2CHNH3]2[(UO2)2(CrO4)3(H2O)] (2) were prepared by hydrothermal method at 100 °C. The compounds were characterized by electron microprobe analysis and X‐ray diffraction crystal structure analysis [1: trigonal, P31m, a = 9.646(4), c = 8.469(4) Å, V = 682.4(5) Å3; 2: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 11.309(3), b = 11.465(3), c = 17.055(5) Å, β = 99.150(6)°, V = 2183.2(11) Å3]. The structure of 1 is based upon trimers of uranyl bipyramids interlinked by CrO4 tetrahedra to form [(UO2)3(CrO4)2O(OH)3]3– layers, whereas, in the structure of 2, UO7 and UO6(H2O) pentagonal bipyramids are linked through CrO4 tetrahedra into the [(UO2)2(CrO4)3(H2O)]2– layers. The structures show many similarities to related uranyl selenate compounds, thus providing additional data on similarities and differences between uranyl sulfates, chromates, selenates, and molybdates.
Highly Kinked Uranyl Chromate Nitrate Layers in the Crystal Structures of A[(UO2)(CrO4)(NO3)] (A = K, Rb)
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: April 2012

Two first uranyl chromate nitrates, K[(UO2)(CrO4)(NO3)] (1) and Rb[(UO2)(CrO4)(NO3)] (2), were prepared by solid‐state reactions and characterized by electron microprobe analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds are isotypic [1: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 9.881(5), b = 7.215(4), c = 14.226(6) Å, β = 124.85(3)°, V = 832.3(7) Å3; 2: monoclinic, P21/c, a = 9.804(1), b = 7.359(1), c = 14.269(1) Å, β = 122.048(4), V = 872.6(1) Å3]. The structures of 1 and 2 are based upon the complex [(UO2)(CrO4)(NO3)]– layers with unprecedented structural topology, which consist of the UrO3NO3 units linked through CrO4 tetrahedra. The resulted kinked layer can be divided into chains arranged in the ladder fashion. The layers are parallel to (100) and are linked by A+ (A = K, Rb) cations located between the layers.
Factors promoting maternal trophic egg provisioning in non‐eusocial animals
Authors: Noriyuki Suzuki , Kawatsu Kazutaka , Osawa Naoya
Published: April 2012

The adaptive function of trophic egg‐laying is generally regarded as extended parental investment to the offspring. However, the evolutionary factors promoting trophic egg‐laying are still unclear, because the amount of maternal investment per offspring should be ideally equal between smaller offspring with trophic eggs and larger offspring without any additional investment. Several authors have suggested that trophic egg‐laying should evolve only when egg size is constrained, but this hypothesis has not been evaluated. We investigated the evolutionary mechanisms of trophic egg‐laying by two different approaches. First, we evaluated morphological constraints on egg size in two sibling ladybird species,Harmonia axyridis, which is known to produce trophic eggs, andH. yedoensis. Second, we theoretically predicted the optimal proportion of trophic eggs to total eggs and egg size in relation to environmental heterogeneity, predictability of environmental quality, and investment efficiency of trophic egg consumption. The intra‐ and interspecific morphological comparisons suggest that morphological constraints on the evolutionary determination of egg size are weak at best in the two ladybird species. Moreover, we theoretically showed that small egg size and trophic egg‐laying are favoured in heterogeneous environments when mothers cannot adjust egg size plastically. We also showed that even a small reduction in investment efficiency makes a trophic egg strategy unlikely, despite relatively high environmental predictability. We conclude that trophic egg provisioning may be a flexible maternal adaptation to a highly heterogeneous environment rather than a response to a morphological constraint on egg size.
Variation in the demographics of a rare central Oregon endemic,Astragalus peckiiPiper (Fabaceae), with fluctuating levels of herbivory
Authors: Martin Elizabeth F. , Meinke Robert J.
Published: April 2012

Understanding variation in plant vital rates (survival, growth, and reproduction) and population demographic parameters for rare plant taxa facilitates effective management for long‐term persistence. We evaluated demographics of the rare plantAstragalus peckii(Fabaceae), a state‐listed Threatened plant in Oregon, USA, with particular emphasis on how a microlepidopteran herbivore,Sparganothis tunicana, impacted vital rates and population growth. Stage‐based transition matrix models were used to compute population growth rate (λ) and elasticity from 2006 to 2009 at two populations: Bull Flat, which was located in the main population center; and Chiloquin, a naturally isolated population. Population growth at Bull Flat was stable to slightly declining (λ= 0.96, 95 % CI 0.91–1.00) whereas at Chiloquin, the isolated population, population growth was increasing (λ= 1.20, 95 % CI 1.15–1.24). Microlepidopteran herbivory was associated with different plant responses in each population. At Bull Flat, plant survival was lower with greater herbivore presence. At Chiloquin, reproduction was reduced in plants when herbivores were active earlier in the growing season. Despite these effects on plant vital rates, we found lower population growth only during one transition period at Bull Flat when we compared matrices with and without herbivory. In addition to herbivory, we also address the potential role precipitation plays as a contributor to site differences and temporal variation within sites. Overall, we illustrate how two populations can have different responses to the same disturbance factor and highlight implications for management of different populations across the landscape.
Prenatal Genetic Testing: An Investigation of Determining Factors Affecting the Decision‐Making Process
Authors: Pivetti Monica , Melotti Giannino
Published: April 2012

Despite the increase in popularity of prenatal genetic testing, relatively little is known about the role psychological factors play in the decision‐making process. In this analogue study, a sample of Italian female university students was used to investigate determining factors that predict the intention of undergoing prenatal genetic testing. Structural Equation Modelling was used to describe the dynamic interplay between knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and health‐related behaviour such as prenatal genetic testing. Following the Theory of Reasoned Action, three dimensions predicted the intention to undergo prenatal genetic testing: the need for more scientific information, a positive attitude towards genetic testing, and the inclination to terminate pregnancy after receiving a positive test result. Results showed that less religious women tended to be more in favour of prenatal tests and in undertaking such tests. This preliminary study provides genetic counsellors and policy makers with a clearer picture of their clients’ motives and attitudes behind the decision‐making process of prenatal genetic testing, contributing to improving both the communication process between counsellors and their clients and the organization of genetic services.
Studies on Mango (Mangifera indica, L.) Kernel Fat of Some Kenyan Varieties in Meru
Authors: Muchiri Daniel R. , Mahungu Symon M. , Gituanja Simon N.
Published: April 2012

Four varieties (Boribo, Dodo, Kagege, and Kent) of ripe mango (Mangifera indica, L.) fruits were collected directly from the farmers in Meru County (Kenya), peeled, depulped and the stones deshelled. The mango kernels obtained were crushed, sun‐dried, and extracted using petroleum ether (b.p. 40–60 °C). The fat content of the mango kernels varied from 8.5 to 10.4 % depending on the variety. The mango seed kernels constituted about (4.76–6.70 %) crude protein (Nx6.25), (1.74–2.26 %) crude ash, (71.90–76.28 %) crude carbohydrate, (1743–1782 kJ) gross energy, (1547–1576 kJ) available energy, and mean protein:energy ratios of (2.63–3.76 mg/kJ) all on a moisture free basis. The moisture content of fresh mango seed kernels varied from 42.1 to 67.6 % depending on the variety. The fat had a melting point of 25–33 °C, an iodine value of 51.08–56.79, an acid value of 4.49–7.48, free fatty acid (as oleic) of 2.26–3.76, a saponification number of 188.8–195.9, unsaponifiable matter of 2.26–2.74 %, a peroxide value of 0.40–0.75, a refractive index(40 °C) of 1.4562–1.4597 and a specific gravity of 0.9017–0.9087. Investigation of the fatty acid composition revealed(GLC) nine fatty acids: tetradecanoic acid (trace‐0.05 %), pentadecanoic acid (trace–0.09 %), hexadecanoic acid (4.87–10.57 %), heptadecanoic acid (trace‐O.10 %), octadecanoic acid (24.22–32.80 %), 9‐(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (46.37–58.59 %), 9‐(Z), 12‐(Z)‐octadecadienoic acid (6.73–10.35 %), 9‐(Z), 12‐(Z), 15‐(Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid (0.601–1.8 %), and eicosanoic acid (0.62–1.64 %). The fat had the typical characteristics of a vegetable butter.
Microbial Conversion of Arachidonic Acid to Arachidonyl Alcohol by a New Acinetobacter Species
Authors: Nagao Toshihiro , Watanabe Yomi , Tanaka Shigemitsu , Shizuma Motohiro , Shimada Yuji
Published: April 2012

Arachidonyl alcohol rarely occurs in natural oils. It can be used as a substrate for production of several ether lipids possessing beneficial functions. Although arachidonyl alcohol has been produced on a laboratory scale by the chemical reduction of arachidonic acid, it will be difficult to scale up this process for industrial application. The aim of this study was to develop a new bioprocess for converting arachidonic acid to arachidonyl alcohol. Screening was conducted using 11 wax ester‐ (esters of fatty acids and fatty alcohols) producing strains reported in our previous study, and a single‐cell oil containing arachidonic acid. A new strain, Acinetobacter species N‐476‐2, most effectively converted arachidonic acid to arachidonyl alcohol, which accumulated inside the cells as a wax ester. GC–MS, FT–IR, and NMR analyses showed that this strain reduced the carboxyl group of 5‐cis,8‐cis,11‐cis,14‐cis‐arachidonic acid to a hydroxyl group without altering the position or configuration of the double bonds; the product was identified as 5‐cis,8‐cis,11‐cis,14‐cis‐arachidonyl alcohol. A time‐course study of cultivation showed that the amount of arachidonyl alcohol produced by the strain after 4 days was 2.2 mg/mL culture. The bioprocess using Acinetobacter sp. N‐476‐2 can be applied to the large‐scale production of arachidonyl alcohol.
Friendship 2.0: Adolescents' experiences of belonging and self‐disclosure online
Authors: Davis Katie
Published: April 2012

This study explores the role that digital media technologies play in adolescents' experiences of friendship and identity. The author draws on findings from in‐depth interviews with 32 adolescents (15 girls, 17 boys) ages 13–18 (M = 15.5 years) attending one of seven secondary schools in Bermuda. The adolescents were asked to describe the nature of their online exchanges with friends and the value they ascribe to these conversations. A thematic analysis of their responses revealed that online peer communications promote adolescents' sense of belonging and self‐disclosure, two important peer processes that support identity development during adolescence. At the same time, the unique features of computer‐mediated communication shape adolescents' experiences of these processes in distinct ways. Gender and age differences show that adolescents' online peer communications are not uniform; the characteristics that distinguish adolescents offline also shape their online activities.
Postprandial expression of growth-related genes in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) juveniles fasted for 1 week and fed a single meal to satiation
Authors: Valente Luísa M. P. , Bower Neil I. , Johnston Ian A.
Published: April 2012

We investigated postprandial changes in transcript abundance following a single satiating meal in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) (about 70 g body mass) following fasting for 1 week at 12°C. The expression of twenty-three growth-related genes was determined in fast myotomal muscle using quantitative real-time PCR at the following postprandial time points: − 12, 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h. The gut was fullest 1–6 h after feeding and emptied within 48–96 h. IGF-I, MyoD1c, MRF4 and myf5 transcripts were sharply up-regulated within 1 h of refeeding and are promising candidate genes involved in a fast-response signalling system that regulates fish myotomal muscle growth. These genes clustered together with MyoD1b and suggest a coordinated regulation to favour resumption of myogenesis as an early response to feeding. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II and the ubiquitin ligase MAFbx/atrogin-1 were initially down-regulated but restored to initial values after 12 h. It is also suggested that local production of IGF-I within the muscle might suppress catabolic pathways depressing MAFbx/atrogin-1.
Blood lead level modifies the association between dietary antioxidants and oxidative stress in an urban adult population
Authors: Hong Yun-Chul , Oh Se-Young , Kwon Sung-Ok , Park Min-Seon , Kim Ho , Leem Jong-Han , Ha Eun-Hee
Published: April 2012

Oxidative stress may be affected by lead exposure as well as antioxidants, yet little is known about the interaction between dietary antioxidants and blood lead levels (BLL) on oxidative stress level. We investigated the interaction between dietary antioxidants and BLL on oxidative stress level. As part of the Biomarker Monitoring for Environmental Health conducted in Seoul and Incheon, Korea, between April and December 2005, we analysed data from 683 adults (female = 47·4 %, mean age 51·4 (sd 8·4) years) who had complete measures on BLL, dietary intakes and oxidative stress marker (urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)). Dietary intakes were assessed by a validated semi-quantitative FFQ, BLL was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and 8-OHdG by ELISA. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the influence of BLL on the association between dietary antioxidants and 8-OHdG. Geometric means of BLL and 8-OHdG concentrations were 4·1 (sd 1·5) μg/dl and 5·4 (sd 1·9) μg/g creatinine, respectively. Increases of vitamins C and E were significantly associated with the decrease of log10 8-OHdG in the adults from the lowest quartile of the BLL group ( ≤ 3·18 μg/dl, geometric mean = 2·36 μg/dl) than those of the highest quartile BLL group (>5·36 μg/dl, geometric mean = 6·78 μg/dl). Regarding antioxidant-related foods, vegetables excluding kimchi showed a higher inverse relationship with 8-OHdG in the lowest quartile BLL group than the highest group. These findings suggest a rationale for lowering the BLL and increasing the intake of dietary antioxidants in the urban population in Korea.
YIELD RESPONSE TO APPLIED NUTRIENTS AND ESTIMATES OF N2 FIXATION IN 33-YEAR-OLD SOYBEAN–WHEAT EXPERIMENT ON A VERTISOL
Authors: SINGH MUNESHWAR , WANJARI R. H. , DWIVEDI ANIL , DALAL RAM
Published: April 2012

Soybean–wheat systems are the major grain production systems on vertisols in Madhya Pradesh, India. A study on yield response to nutrients (N, P, K, S and Zn) and estimation of N2 fixation by soybean under different nutrient combinations was studied in a 33-year-old, long-term experiment on soybean–wheat–maize system. For estimation of N2 fixation, annual input–output N balance technique was used. The experiment was initiated in June 1972, comprising eight treatments, viz. control (no fertiliser and no manure), 100% N, 100% NP, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK + 15 t farmyard manure (FYM), 100% NPK + Zn and 100% NPK – S with four replications arranged in a randomised block design. The amount of N applied (100%) to each crop of soybean, wheat and maize was 20, 120 and 80 kg ha−1, P (100%) 35, 35 and 26 kg ha−1 and K (100%) 16, 32 and 16 kg ha−1, respectively. FYM was applied one week before the onset of monsoons. Both soybean and wheat yields responded to applied N and P during all these years. The yield response to K was observed after 10 years. The estimated amount of N2 fixed by soybean annually varied from 62.8 to 161.1 kg ha−1; however, the net gain of N in soil after offsetting the N derived by soybean from soil varied from 24.2 to 66.5 kg ha−1 annually. Maximum N gain was recorded on application of P. There was a linear relationship between the amount of harvestable biomass N and residual biomass N, whereas quantity of N added to soil has a curvilinear relationship with the harvestable biomass N. The highest percentage of N derived from the atmosphere (% Ndfa) was recorded in the control treatment, but the highest amount of N2 fixed was found in the 100% NPK treatment. Balanced use of nutrient is the best option to harness the N2 fixation potential of soybean.
Furongian (Cambrian) agnostoids of Scandinavia and their implications for intercontinental correlation
Authors: AHLBERG PER , TERFELT FREDRIK
Published: April 2012

Out of the 14 agnostoid species/subspecies so far recorded from the Furongian of Scandinavia, seven are excellent biostratigraphical indices and important for correlation between Baltica and other palaeocontinents.Glyptagnostus reticulatus,Aspidagnostus lunulosusandAgnostus(Homagnostus)obesusfirst appear at the base of theG.reticulatusZone, allowing a precise correlation of the base of the Paibian Stage into Scandinavia.Tomagnostella orientalisandPseudagnostus cyclopygeappear near the base of theParabolina brevispinaZone, suggesting a correlation with the uppermost Paibian through the lowermost Jiangshanian stages.Lotagnostus americanus andPseudagnostus rugosushave an intercontinental distribution and their first appearance in Scandinavia allows for a correlation with one of the most favourable levels for defining the base of Cambrian provisional Stage 10. In the Furongian of Scandinavia, agnostoids are conspicuously assembled in three different intervals: the lowerGlyptagnostus reticulatusZone, the lowerPseudagnostus cyclopygeZone and theLotagnostusamericanusthrough lowerTrilobagnostus holmizones. The agnostoid-barren and largely unfossiliferous succession separating the lower and middle agnostoid-bearing intervals can be explained by means of subsequent dissolution of the calcareous fauna and/or a hostile environment. The middle agnostoid-bearing interval is succeeded by an anomalous succession dominated by the orthide brachiopodOrusia lenticularis, reflecting a regressive event coupled with increasing levels of oxygen at the sediment/water interface. This shallowing evidently resulted in unfavourable conditions for agnostoids.
Molecular screening of nematodes in lacertid lizards from the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands using 18S rRNA sequences
Authors: Perera A. , Maia J.P.M.C. , Jorge F. , Harris D.J.
Published: April 2012

The development of molecular methods is becoming a promising field in the analysis of parasite fauna in wildlife species. This is especially useful in the case of parasite species where developmental larval stages are difficult to assess using standard methods. In this study we screened for the presence of parasitic nematodes infecting lacertid lizards from the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic islands using nematode-specific 18S ribosomal RNA gene primers on host tissue samples. Sequencing of positive samples revealed the presence of different genera of nematodes. The detection of Strongyloides, a monoxenous genus reported for the first time in Podarcis lilfordi is probably the result of the amplification of larval stages present in the host circulatory system. Two spirurid nematodes, Synhimantus and a new unidentified clade, were also found, suggesting that reptiles might be paratenic hosts of several spirurid species. This study demonstrates the benefits of using specific molecular markers on tissue samples to identify infecting larval stages of nematodes, otherwise difficult to assess using traditional screening methods.
Round and round we go: an ‘action’ ride on the rehearsing and performing cycle
Authors: Pulman Mark
Published: April 2012

This article discusses the use of action research cycles on a course involving groupwork rehearsing and performance. The aim was to explore various pedagogic aspects of the activities and improve tutor practice. This account of four action research spirals, taking place over a 10-year period of rehearsing and performing, considers their management and operation including activities, interventions, data collection, reflection and re-planning. Conducting action research spirals of this length can raise issues about combining the roles of tutor and researcher, balancing action and reflection, and managing an extensive and varied data corpus. Employing several cycles in an action research inquiry however, allows the retracing of previous interventions, and a fine-tuning of the process. A spiral of cycles, incorporating interventions, together with informal and structured reflection, can be effective in improving practice and adding strength and depth to the inquiry. This study also offers a contribution towards filling the gap in the literature on lengthy cyclical action research studies.