bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Some Mutant Genes on Certain Agronomically Important Traits in Sunflower
Authors: Vedmedeva K. V. , Soroka A. I. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDuring two growing seasons there were studied 11 sunflower breeding lines and their 30 analogues obtained via backcrossing, chemical mutagenesis and selected as natural mutants. The variability of such agronomic traits as crop yield, seed oil content, 1,000 seed weight, plant height, leaf and petiole size, number of leaves and branches, and head diameter was investigated. The traits of crop yield, leaf size, number of branches were the most variable, whereas the most stable were 1,000 seed weight, seed oil content, plant height, and the number of leaves. The influence of mutant genes which control ray flower color and shape, leaf color and shape, dwarfness, number of leaves and ray flowers, and shape of bracts on the manifestation of important agronomic traits was estimated. No negative impact of the genes of ray flower color and shape and leaf color was noticed. The gene of fringed leaf margin reduced plant height while the gene of erect petiole increased development of that trait. The genes of dwarfness can negatively influence seed oil content and 1,000 seed weight.
Inhibition of endopeptidase and exopeptidase activity of cathepsin B impairs extracellular matrix degradation and tumour invasion
Authors: Mitrović Ana , Mirković Bojana , Sosič Izidor , Gobec Stanislav , Kos Janko 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Cathepsin B is a lysosomal cysteine protease that is implicated in a number of physiological processes, including protein turnover in lysosomes. Changes in its expression are associated with a variety of pathological processes, including cancer. Due to the structural feature, termed the occluding loop, cathepsin B differs from other cysteine proteases in possessing both, endopeptidase and exopeptidase activity. Here we investigated the impact of both cathepsin B activities on intracellular and extracellular collagen IV degradation and tumour cell invasion using new selective synthetic inhibitors, 2-{[(8-hydroxy-5-nitroquinoline-7-yl)methyl]amino}-acetonitrile (1), 8-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-5-nitroquinoline (2) and 7-[(4-methylpiperidin-1yl)methyl]-5-nitroquinolin-8-ol (3). All three compounds (5 μm) reduced extracellular degradation of collagen IV by MCF-10A neoT cells by 45–70% as determined by spectrofluorimetry and they (50 μm) attenuated intracellular collagen IV degradation by 40-60% as measured with flow cytometry. Furthermore, all three compounds (5 μm) impaired MCF-10A neoT cell invasion by 40–80% as assessed by measuring electrical impedance in real time. Compounds 1 and 3 (5 μm), but not compound 2, significantly reduced the growth of MMTV-PyMT multicellular tumour spheroids. Collectively, these data suggest that the efficient strategy to impair harmful cathepsin B activity in tumour progression may include simultaneous and potent inhibition of cathepsin B endopeptidase and exopeptidase activities.
Auditory and visual reaction times in school going adolescents: effect of structured and unstructured physical training – a randomized control trial
Authors: Sharma Vivek Kumar , Subramanian Senthil Kumar , Arunachalam Vinayathan , Radhakrishnan Krishnakumar , Ramamurthy Sarah , Ravindran Balasubramanian Sulur 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Background:
Cognitive development of adolescents is influenced by their physical activity status. Exercises requiring greater cognitive engagement are likely to have a stronger effect on their executive cognitive functions than simpler exercises.

Materials and methods:
In our randomized, single blinded, parallel group, active controlled trial (CTRI/ 2013/08/003897) the recruited healthy student volunteers, aged 12–17 years (n=439), were allocated into structured physical activity (SPA) and unstructured physical activity (USPA) groups by age and gender stratified block randomization. Physical training for the respective groups was administered by physical education instructors for 2 h per day, 6 times per week, continuously for 6 months. SPA was designed as recommended by the WHO physical activity guidelines for children and young people, while USPA included any indoor or outdoor recreational activity of the participant’s choice. This paper describes a part of our findings: comparison of auditory and visual reaction times (ART and VRT), recorded pre- and post-intervention. Data analysis was done by an investigator blinded to the allocation sequence using paired and unpaired t-test for inter- and intra-group comparisons, respectively, by following per-protocol analysis [SPA (n=172) and USPA (n=175)].

Results and Conclusion:
Both ART and VRT significantly improved in either group but the effect size was more in SPA group vs. USPA group (VRT: 0.87 vs. 0.76; ART: 0.79 vs. 0.65). Thus structuring the physical training in a cognitively engaging manner leads to greater improvements in the perceptual, executive cognitive response phenomenon of growing adolescents.
Bioterrorism and Local Agency Preparedness: Results from an Experimental Study in Risk Communication
Authors: Malet David , Korbitz Mark 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
This article examines data collected from a panel of 43 local, state, and Federal emergency response professionals and public officials in Pueblo, Colorado who participated in a 6-month risk communication experiment simulating the remediation of simultaneous bioterrorist attacks involving anthrax and Foot and Mouth Disease. Participant responses to the scenario presented in real-time indicated that local and state government agency personnel with responsibility for public health emergency management are not necessarily familiar with best practices developed from major incidents. Findings also indicate that information related to bioterrorism response should be provided to agencies that do not normally work in public health but that would be involved in responding to a biological agent event.
Comparative Study of Triple-Clad Dispersion-Shifted, Dispersion-Flattened and Dispersion-Compensated Fiber for Broadband Optical Network Application
Authors: Palodiya Vikram , Raghuwanshi Sanjeev Kumar 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this paper, comprehensive analyses of triple-clad fibers are presented. The geometry of multiple-clad fibers has been considered as a four-layer cylindrical structure. The geometry consists of a core and three claddings. We have analyzed and compared different types of triple-clad refractive index profiles on the basis of dispersion, mode distribution and propagation constant. To enhance the optical characteristics of these three fibers, we have developed a combined formulation which is applicable for single-clad, double clad and triple-clad optical fibers. In optical fibers, two or more claddings are required for dispersion shifting, dispersion flattening and other specialized applications. Thus, an analysis of design dispersion-shifted, dispersion-flattened and dispersion-compensated fibers is presented. We have used a boundary match method for evaluating propagation wave vectors and guided modes.
Bone maturation along the spectrum from normal weight to obesity: a complex interplay of sex, growth factors and weight gain
Authors: Klein Karen Oerter , Newfield Ron S. , Hassink Sandra G. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe aim of the study was to define the prevalence and degree of advanced bone age (ABA) in normal vs. excessive weight children, and identify variables affecting ABA.We studied 167 children (3–18 years) with normal weight (28 F, 28 M), overweight (8 F, 12 M), and obesity (OB) (63 F, 28 M) at AI duPont Hospital for Children. We assessed bone age (BA), insulin, leptin, estradiol (E2), DHEAS, and IGF-1 levels.Almost 25% of OB children have ABA>2 SDS, 33% >2 years (range 2–6.5 years advanced). ABA correlated with leptin, DHEAS and BMI z-score in girls, and with IGF-1 z-score and BMI z-score in boys (p<0.01). Girls with ABA had higher BMI z-score (p<0.001), insulin levels (p=0.02), and rates of weight gain (p=0.03). Boys with ABA had greater BMI z-score (p<0.001), but rate of weight gain did not differ. The greatest degree of ABA was found combining variables by tertiles. The top tertile of BA/CA had the highest insulin and IGF-1 z-scores. The top combined tertiles of DHEAS and BMI z-score or DHEAS and leptin in girls had the highest BA/CA. In boys, the top tertiles of BMI z-score and IGF-1 z-score produced the highest BA/CA. The lowest combined tertiles of any variables related to the lowest BA/CA.Multiple factors influence skeletal maturation. Almost 25% of children with OB have ABA, associated with BMI z-score, and one or more of the following: insulin, leptin, DHEAS, IGF-1, and rate of weight gain. This report delineates the prevalence and degree of ABA by sex, in children with normal versus excessive weight.
Pattern of teen menstruation among secondary school girls in south east Nigeria
Authors: Nwokocha Ada R.C. , Chinawa Josephat M. , Ubesie Agozie C. , Onukwuli Vivian I. , Manyike Pius C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMenstruation in the teenage age has assumed variable trends which is been influenced by several variables. This study is aimed at determining the pattern and trend of menstruation among teens attending secondary school in south east Nigeria and associated factors.Menstruation patterns were investigated using a stratified random sampling method of teens from junior secondary schools in Enugu, south east Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and data analyzed using SPSS version 19.A total of 897 female teenagers aged 9–18 years completed the questionnaire with a mean age of 13.9±1.9 years. The mean age (SD) at onset of menarche was 12.5±1.2 years. Teenage girls with higher BMI achieved menarche earlier at age 8 and 9 when compared with their counterparts with lower BMI and this is statistically significant. F=7.60, df=8, p<0.001. Teens with a 14-day cycle had a higher BMI when compared with teens with longer cycle but this is not statistically significant. F=1.05, df=4, p=0.381. There is a statistical significance difference between teens duration of menstrual flow and BMI. Those with higher BMI had longer duration(4–5 days) compared with those with lower BMI. F=3.329, df=4, p=0.01This study revealed that the mean age at onset of menarche was 12.5±1.2 years showing a continuing decreasing trend. Teens with higher BMI attain menarche earlier and had longer days of periods when compared with their counterpart with lower BMI.
Direct sequencing of FAH gene in Pakistani tyrosinemia type 1 families reveals a novel mutation
Authors: Ijaz Sadaqat , Zahoor Muhammad Yasir , Imran Muhammad , Afzal Sibtain , Bhinder Munir A. , Ullah Ihsan , Cheema Huma Arshad , Ramzan Khushnooda , Shehzad Wasim 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is a rare inborn error of tyrosine catabolism with a worldwide prevalence of one out of 100,000 live births. HT1 is clinically characterized by hepatic and renal dysfunction resulting from the deficiency of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) enzyme, caused by recessive mutations in theThree Pakistani families, each having one child affected with HT1, were enrolled over a period of 1.5 years. Two of the affected children had died as they were presented late with acute form. All regions of theThree differentMost of the HT1 patients die before they present to hospitals in Pakistan, as is indicated by enrollment of only three families in 1.5 years. Most of those with late clinical presentation do not survive due to delayed diagnosis followed by untimely treatment. This tragic condition advocates the establishment of expanded newborn screening program for HT1 within Pakistan.
Commonsense Morality and the Ethics of Killing in War: An Experimental Survey of the Israeli Population
Authors: Benbaji Yitzhak , Falk Amir , Feldman Yuval 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
The morality of killing in war, which has been the subject of debate among philosophers and legal scholars, focuses on two main approaches: the “traditional” and the “revisionist.” The traditional approach argues for symmetry: soldiers of both sides are liable to be killed, whether or not the war they fight is just; civilians are immune from being harmed whether or not they are responsible for the evil against which the just side fights. Recently this approach has been challenged by a revisionist viewpoint, which derives the morality of killing in war from facts concerning the responsibility of individuals for wrongful threats. Killing soldiers, who fight a just war, is morally impermissible, whereas in certain cases killing civilians who are involved in an unjust aggression is permissible. The present study uses an experimental survey to examine whether moral attitudes toward targeting individuals in war are shaped by the factors underlying this debate: the cause of the war, the status of the targeted individuals as soldiers or civilians, and their involvement in the war effort. Respondents comprised a representative sample of the Jewish population in Israel. Our findings reveal a complex interplay between the factors, demonstrating the relevance of each factor to moral judgments. Notably, participants did not consider decisions on the battlefield to be independent of the justification of the war, a result which is consistent with the revisionist approach. We discuss the potential consequences of our findings on the understanding of commonsense morality and on the law. We also suggest that concepts derived from the social-psychological literature concerning moral self-regulation may help explain some of our findings.
Enhanced production of lactic acid from liquefied sorghum starch by Rhizopus oryzae mutants / Laktik asit üretimini sıvılaştırılmış sorgum nişastası kullanılarak arttırmak için Rhizopus oryzae mutantlarının seçimi
Authors: Nemali Sailaja , Mannepula Sreedharamurthy , Obulam Vijaya Sarathi Reddy 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Objective: Our aim was to find out Rhizopus oryzae mutants that are able to ferment a cost-effective substrate such as sorghum starch for enhanced lactic acid production.
Methods: The fungal spores were either exposed to UV treatment at 254 nm, for 1 h at a distance of 20 cm from the source or 0.01 mol/l of diethyl sulfate from 0.2 to 1 ml in 20 ml sterile potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) at 30°C for 0-40 min. Samples were withdrawn in 10 min intervals and inoculated on the single colony isolation medium, after 36 h of incubation the colonies were singled out and subjected to fermentation tests.
Results: Isolated mutants UV-40 and DES-30 were selected by following colour-zone method. They varied morphologically from the wild type R. oryzae; and single colony isolation of the mutants was carried out by using sodium deoxycholate. The UV-40 mutant produced (76.42%) more lactic acid than the DES-30 mutant (74.08%) and the wild type (23.8%) in 150 g/l of substrate concentration. UV-40 and DES-30 mutants yielded more lactic acid as 0.96 g/g substrate, with a productivity of 1.59 g/l/h than the wild type, which yielded only 0.39 g/g of substrate, with a productivity of 0.6 g/l/h at 150 g/l of substrate. Fermentation results of the both mutants at 200 g/l of the substrate were not encouraging, since more residual substrate was left over in the medium.
Conclusion: From results it was evident that UV mutant was producing consistently more lactic acid in 150 g/l of liquefied sorghum starch medium with a pH of 4.0. The mutants obtained in this study were also stable lactic acid producers up to 15 generations.
QSAR modeling of benzimidazole derivatives as potent inhibitors of trichomoniasis / QSAR modellemesi ile Benzimidazole türevlerinin trikomoniasis için etkili inhibitörler olarak kullanılması
Authors: Ghasemi Ghasem , Nemati-Rashtehroodi Alireza 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Objective: Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. It can cause genital inflammation that can increase the likelihood of infection with HIV or passing HIV on to a sex partner. The present study used QSAR modeling to study benzimidazole derivatives as potent inhibitors of trichomonicidal activity. A set of 10 compounds was randomly removed from the dataset to be used as the prediction set (PSET). The remaining 60 compounds were utilized as the training set (TSET).
Methods: Genetic algorithms, artificial neural networks (ANN), multiple linear regression (MLR), partial least squares (PLS), principal component regression (PCR) and a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to create the QSAR models. Geometry optimization of compounds was carried out using the B3LYP method employing a 6-31G (2d) basis set. HyperChem, Gaussian 03W and Dragon (version 5.5) software were used for geometric optimization of the molecules and calculation of the quantum chemical descriptors. Unscrambler was used for analysis of data.
Results: The MLR method obtained a root mean square error (RMSE) for calibration of 0.0803 and R2 of 0.99. The R2 and RMSE of calibration using PCR were 0.58 and 0.5236, respectively.
Conclusion: The results found that the ANN and MLR models were the most favorable of the methods tested and are suitable for use in QSAR models.
Chemical components and biological activities of two freshwater green algae from Ordu, Turkey / Türkiye’nin Ordu ilinden iki tatlı su yeşil alglerinin kimyasal bileşenleri ve biyolojik aktiviteleri
Authors: Taş Beyhan , Ertürk Ömer , Yılmaz Özlem , Çol Ayvaz Melek , Ertürk Emine Yurdakul 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Objective: Scientists are looking for new resources which have biological activities. The present study was planned to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of ethanol and acetone extracts, as well as the volatile compounds of two freshwater green algal species Spirogyra spp. and Zygnema stellinum (Vaucher) C. Agardh belonging to Zygnemaphyceae (Conjugatophyceae) obtained from Ordu University Campus wetlands.
Methods: The extracts were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial effects using disc diffusion method. Total phenolic content and the antioxidative activity according to FRAP and DPPH methods of the extracts were also determined. The secondary metabolites from the investigated extracts were identified using GC-MS.
Results: The extracts dramatically inhibited almost all tested microorganisms. The antimicrobial activity of the acetone extract of the Zygnema against C. albicans was found as more higher than positive control Nystatin. In accordance with antimicrobial activity, the highest total phenolic content was also determined in the presence of the acetone extract of the Zygnema. Furthermore the highest FRAP value and the lowest EC50 (mg/mL) value were calculated for the same extract. The main components of the all consisted of dimethyl and diethyl ester of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. However, the abundance of these metabolites in the extracts was not associated with antimicrobial or antioxidant activity. Biological activities of these algal species could be attributed to chemicals such as 1-Pentadecene and 1-Tetradecene which were present in smaller amounts.
Conclusion: Investigated algal species can be evaluated to use in biotechnological applications such as food industry and medicine.
Density of the p2gg-4c1 packing of ellipses (II)
Authors: Tanemura Masaharu , Matsumoto Takeo 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
As the second paper of the series, the first of which was published in 1997 (M. Tanemura, T. Matsumoto, Density of the p2gg-4c1 packing of ellipses (I). Z. Kristallogr.
1997, 212, 637), the p2gg-4c1(b) packing of identical ellipses where four ellipses are included in the rectangular unit cell and where every ellipse has six contacting neighbors, is discussed. It is shown here that the p2gg-4c1(b) packing of ellipses does not exceed the maximum density

ρ

=

π
/

12

$\rho \; = \;\pi /\sqrt {12} $

through numerical computations and series expansions. It is also shown that the p2gg-2a2 packing of ellipses has the similar properties and that it is considered as a special case of p2gg-4c1(b) packing. The method of computing the density for every parameter values of aspect ratio and tilt angle is given.
Genomic Analyses of Sperm Fate Regulator Targets Reveal a Common Set of Oogenic mRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Noble Daniel C , Aoki Scott T , Ortiz Marco A , Kim Kyung Won , Verheyden Jamie M , Kimble Judith 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Germ cell specification as sperm or oocyte is an ancient cell fate decision, but its molecular regulation is poorly understood. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the FOG-1 and FOG-3 proteins behave genetically as terminal regulators of sperm fate specification. Both are homologous to well-established RNA regulators, suggesting that FOG-1 and FOG-3 specify the sperm fate post-transcriptionally. We predicted that FOG-1 and FOG-3, as terminal regulators of the sperm fate, might regulate a battery of gamete-specific differentiation genes. Here we test that prediction by exploring on a genomic scale the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) associated with FOG-1 and FOG-3. Immunoprecipitation of the proteins and their associated mRNAs from spermatogenic germlines identifies 81 FOG-1 and 722 FOG-3 putative targets. Importantly, almost all FOG-1 targets are also FOG-3 targets, and these common targets are strongly biased for oogenic mRNAs. The discovery of common target mRNAs suggested that FOG-1 and FOG-3 work together. Consistent with that idea, we find that FOG-1 and FOG-3 proteins co-immunoprecipitate from both intact nematodes and mammalian tissue culture cells and that they colocalize in germ cells. Taking our results together, we propose a model in which FOG-1 and FOG-3 work in a complex to repress oogenic transcripts and thereby promote the sperm fate.
DISTRIBUCIÓN ESPACIAL DE Vatiga spp. (HEMIPTERA: TINGIDAE) EN EL CULTIVO DE YUCA
Authors: De Souza Silva Antonio 
Published: November 2015

<p class="p1"> <strong>RESUMEN</strong></p><p class="p3">El objetivo de este trabajo fue generar informacion acerca de cuál es el modelo de disposición espacial de Vatiga spp. en el cultivo de la yuca. Se realizaron muestreos en dos áreas comerciales de 2500 m<span class="s1">2</span>, divididas en 100 parcelas. Se contaron adultos y de ninfas de Vatiga spp. en las hojas basales y medias de la planta. En total, se realizaron doce muestreos quincenalmente, desde febrero hasta abril de 2014, época de mayor incidencia de esta plaga. De forma general, a través de los índices de dispersión (varianza/media, índice de Morisita y exponente K) y las distribuciones de frecuencia, se observa que la distribución espacial de Vatiga spp. es agregada, es decir, el padrón de distribución Binomial Negativa fue el que resultó de mejor ajuste a los datos obtenidos a campo, con el conteo de los individuos.</p><p class="p1"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p class="p2">The aim of this study was to generate information about which is the model of spatial distribution of Vatiga spp. in the cassava culture. Sampling was conducted in two commercial areas of 2,500 m<span class="s1">2</span>, divided into 100 plots. Adults and nymphs of Vatiga spp. were counted in the basal and medium plant leaves. In all, twelve samples were taken fortnightly from February to April 2014, when occurs the highest incidence of this pest. Based in the indices of dispersion (variance/mean, Morisita index and K exponent) and the frequency distributions, it was observed that the spatial distribution of Vatiga spp. is aggregate, it means that the standard Negative Binomial distribution was the best fit to the field data obtained, with the counting direction of individuals.</p>