Scientific Insights in the Preparation and Characterisation of a Lead-based Naga Bhasma

PubMed Central

Nagarajan, S.; Krishnaswamy, S.; Pemiah, Brindha; Rajan, K. S.; Krishnan, Umamaheswari; Sethuraman, S.

2014-01-01

Naga bhasma is one of the herbo-metallic preparations used in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian System of Medicine. The preparation of Naga bhasma involves thermal treatment of ‘Naga’ (metallic lead) in a series of quenching liquids, followed by reaction with realgar and herbal constituents, before calcination to prepare a fine product. We have analysed the intermediates obtained during different stages of preparation to understand the relevance and importance of different steps involved in the preparation. Our results show that ‘Sodhana’ (purification process) removes heavy metals other than lead, apart from making it soft and amenable for trituration. The use of powders of tamarind bark and peepal bark maintains the oxidation state of lead in Jarita Naga (lead oxide) as Pb2+. The repeated calcination steps result in the formation of nano-crystalline lead sulphide, the main chemical species present in Naga bhasma. PMID:24799737

APOE, MTHFR, LDLR and ACE polymorphisms among Angami and Lotha Naga populations of Nagaland, India.

PubMed

Murry, Benrithung; Vakha, Neikethono; Achoubi, Nongthombam; Sachdeva, M P; Saraswathy, K N

2011-12-01

Several common polymorphisms in the ApoE, ACE, MTHFR and LDLR genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of common complex diseases across world populations. This study investigates the prevalence of five known and clinically important common polymorphisms in Angami and Lotha Naga populations. A total of 112 unrelated healthy volunteers (52 Lotha Nagas and 60 Angami Nagas) participated in the study. All the five genes were found to be polymorphic in the studied populations. The Lotha Nagas displayed higher mutant allele frequencies than the Angami Nagas except for the T allele frequency of the AvaII polymorphism of the LDLR gene, though chi square did not reveal any significant population differences by genotypes. In view of the relatively high mutant allele frequencies in both the populations, they are likely to be at a high risk of developing various complex diseases as they shift from an active and rigorous lifestyle to a more sedentary one.

Isolation, sequence identification and tissue expression profiles of 3 novel porcine genes: ASPA, NAGA, and HEXA.

PubMed

Shu, Xianghua; Liu, Yonggang; Yang, Liangyu; Song, Chunlian; Hou, Jiafa

2008-01-01

The complete coding sequences of 3 porcine genes - ASPA, NAGA, and HEXA - were amplified by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based on the conserved sequence information of the mouse or other mammals and referenced pig ESTs. These 3 novel porcine genes were then deposited in the NCBI database and assigned GeneIDs: 100142661, 100142664 and 100142667. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the porcine ASPA, NAGA, and HEXA all have closer genetic relationships with the ASPA, NAGA, and HEXA of cattle. Tissue expression profile analysis was also carried out and results revealed that swine ASPA, NAGA, and HEXA genes were differentially expressed in various organs, including skeletal muscle, the heart, liver, fat, kidney, lung, and small and large intestines. Our experiment is the first one to establish the foundation for further research on these 3 swine genes.

First report of Chilli veinal mottle virus in Naga chilli (Capsicum chinense) in Meghalaya, India.

PubMed

Banerjee, Amrita; Dutta, Ram; Roy, Somnath; Ngachan, S V

2014-01-01

The present study confirms the occurrence of Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) under the genus Potyvirus in Naga chilli (Capsicum chinense) in Meghalaya based on mechanical transmission assay, transmission electron microscopy, RT-PCR and sequence analysis. This is the first record of Chivmv in Naga chilli in North-East India.

Ethnomathematics study: uncovering units of length, area, and volume in Kampung Naga Society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Septianawati, T.; Turmudi; Puspita, E.

2017-02-01

During this time, mathematics is considered as something neutral and not associated with culture. It can be seen from mathematics learning in the school which adopt many of foreign mathematics learning are considered more advanced (western). In fact, Indonesia is a rich country in cultural diversity. In the cultural activities, there are mathematical ideas that were considered a important thing in the mathematics learning. A study that examines the idea or mathematical practices in a variety of cultural activities are known as ethnomathematics. In Indonesia, there are some ethnic maintain their ancestral traditions, one of them is Kampung Naga. Therefore, this study was conducted in Kampung Naga. This study aims to uncover units of length, area, and volume used by Kampung Naga society. This study used a qualitative approach and ethnography methods. In this research, data collection is done through the principles of ethnography such as observation, interviews, documentation, and field notes. The results of this study are units of length, area, and volume used by Kampung Naga society and its conversion into standard units. This research is expected to give information to the public that mathematics has a relationship with culture and become recommendation to mathematics curriculum in Indonesia.

Structural and functional determination of homologs of the Mycobacterium tuberculosisN-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase (NagA).

PubMed

Ahangar, Mohd Syed; Furze, Christopher M; Guy, Collette S; Cooper, Charlotte; Maskew, Kathryn S; Graham, Ben; Cameron, Alexander D; Fullam, Elizabeth

2018-05-04

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) pathogen encodes an N -acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase enzyme, NagA (Rv3332), that belongs to the amidohydrolase superfamily. NagA enzymes catalyze the deacetylation of N -acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcNAc6P) to glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P). NagA is a potential anti-tubercular drug target because it represents the key enzymatic step in the generation of essential amino-sugar precursors required for Mtb cell wall biosynthesis and also influences recycling of cell wall peptidoglycan fragments. Here, we report the structural and functional characterization of NagA from Mycobacterium smegmatis (MSNagA) and Mycobacterium marinum (MMNagA), close relatives of Mtb Using a combination of X-ray crystallography, site-directed mutagenesis, and biochemical and biophysical assays, we show that these mycobacterial NagA enzymes are selective for GlcNAc6P. Site-directed mutagenesis studies revealed crucial roles of conserved residues in the active site that underpin stereo-selective recognition, binding, and catalysis of substrates. Moreover, we report the crystal structure of MSNagA in both ligand-free form and in complex with the GlcNAc6P substrate at 2.6 Å and 2.0 Å resolutions, respectively. The GlcNAc6P-complex structure disclosed the precise mode of GlcNAc6P binding and the structural framework of the active site, including two divalent metals located in the α/β binuclear site. Furthermore, we observed a cysteine residue located on a flexible loop region that occludes the active site. This cysteine is unique to mycobacteria and may represent a unique subsite for targeting mycobacterial NagA enzymes. Our results provide critical insights into the structural and mechanistic properties of mycobacterial NagA enzymes having an essential role in amino-sugar and nucleotide metabolism in mycobacteria. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Exploration of Structural and Functional Variations Owing to Point Mutations in α-NAGA.

PubMed

Meshach Paul, D; Rajasekaran, R

2018-03-01

Schindler disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused due to deficiency or defective activity of alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (α-NAGA). Mutations in gene encoding α-NAGA cause wide range of diseases, characterized with mild to severe clinical features. Molecular effects of these mutations are yet to be explored in detail. Therefore, this study was focused on four missense mutations of α-NAGA namely, S160C, E325K, R329Q and R329W. Native and mutant structures of α-NAGA were analysed to determine geometrical deviations such as the contours of root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, percentage of residues in allowed regions of Ramachandran plot and solvent accessible surface area, using conformational sampling technique. Additionally, global energy-minimized structures of native and mutants were further analysed to compute their intra-molecular interactions, hydrogen bond dilution and distribution of secondary structure. In addition, docking studies were also performed to determine variations in binding energies between native and mutants. The deleterious effects of mutants were evident due to variations in their active site residues pertaining to spatial conformation and flexibility, comparatively. Hence, variations exhibited by mutants, namely S160C, E325K, R329Q and R329W to that of native, consequently, lead to the detrimental effects causing Schindler disease. This study computationally explains the underlying reasons for the pathogenesis of the disease, thereby aiding future researchers in drug development and disease management.

N-acetylglucosamine 6-Phosphate Deacetylase (nagA) Is Required for N-acetyl Glucosamine Assimilation in Gluconacetobacter xylinus

PubMed Central

Yadav, Vikas; Panilaitis, Bruce; Shi, Hai; Numuta, Keiji; Lee, Kyongbum; Kaplan, David L.

2011-01-01

Metabolic pathways for amino sugars (N-acetylglucosamine; GlcNAc and glucosamine; Gln) are essential and remain largely conserved in all three kingdoms of life, i.e., microbes, plants and animals. Upon uptake, in the cytoplasm these amino sugars undergo phosphorylation by phosphokinases and subsequently deacetylation by the enzyme N-acetylglucosamine 6-phosphate deacetylase (nagA) to yield glucosamine-6-phosphate and acetate, the first committed step for both GlcNAc assimilation and amino-sugar-nucleotides biosynthesis. Here we report the cloning of a DNA fragment encoding a partial nagA gene and its implications with regard to amino sugar metabolism in the cellulose producing bacterium Glucoacetobacter xylinus (formally known as Acetobacter xylinum). For this purpose, nagA was disrupted by inserting tetracycline resistant gene (nagA::tetr; named as ΔnagA) via homologous recombination. When compared to glucose fed conditions, the UDP-GlcNAc synthesis and bacterial growth (due to lack of GlcNAc utilization) was completely inhibited in nagA mutants. Interestingly, that inhibition occured without compromising cellulose production efficiency and its molecular composition under GlcNAc fed conditions. We conclude that nagA plays an essential role for GlcNAc assimilation by G. xylinus thus is required for the growth and survival for the bacterium in presence of GlcNAc as carbon source. Additionally, G. xylinus appears to possess the same molecular machinery for UDP-GlcNAc biosynthesis from GlcNAc precursors as other related bacterial species. PMID:21655093

N-acetylglucosamine 6-phosphate deacetylase (nagA) is required for N-acetyl glucosamine assimilation in Gluconacetobacter xylinus.

PubMed

Yadav, Vikas; Panilaitis, Bruce; Shi, Hai; Numuta, Keiji; Lee, Kyongbum; Kaplan, David L

2011-01-01

Metabolic pathways for amino sugars (N-acetylglucosamine; GlcNAc and glucosamine; Gln) are essential and remain largely conserved in all three kingdoms of life, i.e., microbes, plants and animals. Upon uptake, in the cytoplasm these amino sugars undergo phosphorylation by phosphokinases and subsequently deacetylation by the enzyme N-acetylglucosamine 6-phosphate deacetylase (nagA) to yield glucosamine-6-phosphate and acetate, the first committed step for both GlcNAc assimilation and amino-sugar-nucleotides biosynthesis. Here we report the cloning of a DNA fragment encoding a partial nagA gene and its implications with regard to amino sugar metabolism in the cellulose producing bacterium Glucoacetobacter xylinus (formally known as Acetobacter xylinum). For this purpose, nagA was disrupted by inserting tetracycline resistant gene (nagA::tet(r); named as ΔnagA) via homologous recombination. When compared to glucose fed conditions, the UDP-GlcNAc synthesis and bacterial growth (due to lack of GlcNAc utilization) was completely inhibited in nagA mutants. Interestingly, that inhibition occured without compromising cellulose production efficiency and its molecular composition under GlcNAc fed conditions. We conclude that nagA plays an essential role for GlcNAc assimilation by G. xylinus thus is required for the growth and survival for the bacterium in presence of GlcNAc as carbon source. Additionally, G. xylinus appears to possess the same molecular machinery for UDP-GlcNAc biosynthesis from GlcNAc precursors as other related bacterial species.

Cloning and characterization of the nagA gene that encodes beta-n-acetylglucosaminidase from Aspergillus nidulans and its expression in Aspergillus oryzae.

PubMed

Kim, Sunhwa; Matsuo, Ichiro; Ajisaka, Katsumi; Nakajima, Harushi; Kitamoto, Katsuhiko

2002-10-01

We isolated a beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase encoding gene and its cDNA from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, and designated it nagA. The nagA gene contained no intron and encoded a polypeptide of 603 amino acids with a putative 19-amino acid signal sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence was very similar to the sequence of Candida albicans Hex1 and Trichoderma harzianum Nag1. Yeast cells containing the nagA cDNA under the control of the GAL1 promoter expressed beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity. The chromosomal nagA gene of A. nidulans was disrupted by replacement with the argB marker gene. The disruptant strains expressed low levels of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity and showed poor growth on a medium containing chitobiose as a carbon source. Aspergillus oryzae strain carrying the nagA gene under the control of the improved glaA promoter produced large amounts of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in a wheat bran solid culture.

Molecular cloning, sequence identification and tissue expression profile of three novel sheep (Ovis aries) genes - BCKDHA, NAGA and HEXA.

PubMed

Liu, G Y; Gao, S Z

2009-01-01

The complete coding sequences of three sheep genes- BCKDHA, NAGA and HEXA were amplified using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), based on the conserved sequence information of the mouse or other mammals. The nucleotide sequences of these three genes revealed that the sheep BCKDHA gene encodes a protein of 313 amino acids which has high homology with the BCKDHA gene that encodes a protein of 447 amino acids that has high homology with the Branched chain keto acid dehydrogenase El, alpha polypeptide (BCKDHA) of five species chimpanzee (93%), human (96%), crab-eating macaque (93%), bovine (98%) and mouse (91%). The sheep NAGA gene encodes a protein of 411 amino acids that has high homology with the alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (NAGA) of five species human (85%), bovine (94%), mouse (91%), rat (83%) and chicken (74%). The sheep HEXA gene encodes a protein of 529 amino acids that has high homology with the hexosaminidase A(HEXA) of five species bovine (98%), human (84%), Bornean orangután (84%), rat (80%) and mouse (81%). Finally these three novel sheep genes were assigned to GenelDs: 100145857, 100145858 and 100145856. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the sheep BCKDHA, NAGA, and HEXA all have closer genetic relationships to the BCKDHA, NAGA, and HEXA of bovine. Tissue expression profile analysis was also carried out and results revealed that sheep BCKDHA, NAGA and HEXA genes were differentially expressed in tissues including muscle, heart, liver, fat, kidney, lung, small and large intestine. Our experiment is the first to establish the primary foundation for further research on these three sheep genes.

Chaetognatha of the Namibian Upwelling Region: Taxonomy, Distribution and Trophic Position

PubMed Central

Bohata, Karolina; Koppelmann, Rolf

2013-01-01

In October 2010, the vertical distribution, biodiversity and maturity stages of Chaetognatha species were investigated at four stations located off Walvis Bay, Namibia. Seventeen species were detected and classified as pelagic, shallow-mesopelagic, deep-mesopelagic and bathypelagic species based upon the weighted mean depth derived from their average vertical distribution. High abundances of Chaetognatha were found in the upper 100 m at all stations of the Walvis Bay transect with a maximum value of 20837 ind. 1000 m−3 at the outer shelf station near the surface. The community was dominated by species of the Serratodentata group. Furthermore, the distribution of Chaetognatha did not seem to be influenced by low oxygen concentrations. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in Chaetognatha were determined for seven different areas located off northern Namibia. The values of δ15N ranged from 6.05 ‰ to 11.39 ‰, while the δ13C values varied between −23.89 ‰ and −17.03 ‰. The highest values for δ15N were observed at the Walvis Bay shelf break station. The lowest δ13C values were found at the Rocky Point offshore station, which was statistically different from all other areas. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were determined for four taxa (Sagitta minima, Planctonis group, Sagitta enflata, Sagitta decipiens). In this case, the δ15N values ranged from 6.17 ‰ to 10.38 ‰, whereas the δ13C values varied from −22.70 ‰ to −21.56 ‰. The lowest δ15N values were found for S. minima. The C- and N-content revealed maximum C-values for S. decipiens and maximum N-values for the Planctonis group. The C:N ratio of Chaetognatha ranged between 5.25 and 6.20. Overall, Chaetognatha are a diverse group in the pelagic food web of the Benguela Upwelling System and act as competitors of fish larvae and jelly fish by preying on copepods. PMID:23342016

Genetic diversity and molecular evolution of Naga King Chili inferred from internal transcribed spacer sequence of nuclear ribosomal DNA.

PubMed

Kehie, Mechuselie; Kumaria, Suman; Devi, Khumuckcham Sangeeta; Tandon, Pramod

2016-02-01

Sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNAs were explored to study the genetic diversity and molecular evolution of Naga King Chili. Our study indicated the occurrence of nucleotide polymorphism and haplotypic diversity in the ITS regions. The present study demonstrated that the variability of ITS1 with respect to nucleotide diversity and sequence polymorphism exceeded that of ITS2. Sequence analysis of 5.8S gene revealed a much conserved region in all the accessions of Naga King Chili. However, strong phylogenetic information of this species is the distinct 13 bp deletion in the 5.8S gene which discriminated Naga King Chili from the rest of the Capsicum sp. Neutrality test results implied a neutral variation, and population seems to be evolving at drift-mutation equilibrium and free from directed selection pressure. Furthermore, mismatch analysis showed multimodal curve indicating a demographic equilibrium. Phylogenetic relationships revealed by Median Joining Network (MJN) analysis denoted a clear discrimination of Naga King Chili from its closest sister species (Capsicum chinense and Capsicum frutescens). The absence of star-like network of haplotypes suggested an ancient population expansion of this chili.

The sagitta and lens thickness: the exact solution and a matrix approximation for lenses with toric, spherical, and cylindrical surfaces.

PubMed

Harris, W F

1989-03-01

The exact equation for sagitta of spherical surfaces is generalized to toric surfaces which include spherical and cylindrical surfaces as special cases. Lens thickness, therefore, can be calculated accurately anywhere on a lens even in cases of extreme spherical and cylindrical powers and large diameters. The sagittae of tire- and barrel-form toric surfaces differ off the principal meridians, as is shown by a numerical example. The same holds for pulley- and capstan-form toric surfaces. A general expression is given for thickness at an arbitrary point on a toric lens. Approximate expressions are derived and re-expressed in terms of matrices. The matrix provides an elegant means of generalizing equations for spherical surfaces and lenses to toric surfaces and lenses.

Temporal fluctuation and reproduction of Thermocyclops decipiens (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) in an eutrophic lake of central Brazil.

PubMed

Padovesi-Fonseca, Claudia; de Mendonça-Galvão, Luciana; Rocha, Diogo Libânio Pereira

2002-03-01

Lake Paranoá is an eutrophic reservoir situated in the urban region of Brasília. This study was carried out in a fixed collection station located in the Riacho Fundo branch of the reservoir. Zooplankton samples were collected at intervals of 3-5 d at 9:00 a.m. during two months in the dry and rainy seasons for two years (dry-1996, rainy-1997, dry-1997 and rainy-1998), using a 64 microns-mesh plankton net. The most predominant species was Thermocyclops decipiens (about 50% of the total zooplankton community), which during the whole period had a high reproductive rate. The highest densities were found in the dry-1996 season (1700 ind/l for nauplii), and also fluctuated widely overtime. Nauplii stages dominated during the four periods, comprising 50-75% of the total population density. Ovigerous females peaked in the dry-1996 and rainy-1997 seasons, with 20-30% of the total females. The largest peak in egg production occurred during the dry-1996 season, and the total egg production was 2.0 x 10(3) eggs/l. Mesocyclops longisetus is a first record for Lake Paranoá. The ecological factors that determine the success of T. decipiens in eutrophic systems are related to omnivorous feeding habits and prey-predator interactions.

[Parasitologic significance of the alteration of the causative Anisakidae worm and of the Pseudoterranova decipiens female immature adult worm, casting off the cuticles, and excreted from human in Kanazawa City].

PubMed

Ishikura, H; Kikuchi, K; Akao, N; Doutei, M; Yagi, K; Takahashi, S; Sato, N

1995-09-01

We have been studying Anisakidae larvae, their intermediate hosts and their final hosts in the northern Japan Sea area. These larvae cause anisakidosis. According to the investigation, the recent burst of pseudoterranovosis in this area can be attributed to the increased presence of sea lions, which proliferate in the Arctic region, then migrate to the northern Japan Sea and eat the intermediate host fish. In a stomach of a male sea lion that was captured in February 1995, we found more than 4,500 Pseudoterranova decipiens. Although there is no known circumstance in which a human would consume an adult worm of Anisakis nematode, an astonishing case of this was found in Kanazawa; a female young adult Pseudoterranova decipiens undergoing the final metamorphosis was emitted from a patient. This indicates that the Anisakis larva can mature into the adult worm in humans. It is postulated that the Pseudoterranova decipiens larva is in the process of adapting to use humans as the final host.

Distribution of siphonophores, chaetognaths, euphausiids and oceanographic conditions in the fjords and channels of southern Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palma, Sergio; Silva, Nelson

2004-03-01

Interior waters of the fjords and channels of southern Chile (41.5°S-56°S) receive inputs of Subantarctic Water, Equatorial Subsuperficial Water and Western Pacific Subsurface Water from the adjacent Pacific Ocean by means of numerous connecting channels that lead inward from the ocean margin. These waters become mixed in the interior zone with freshwater from precipitation, river flow, and meltwater from cordilleran glaciers. A two-layered positive estuarine circulation becomes established, with a superficial layer having a net movement towards the adjacent ocean, and a deep layer with net movement towards the fjords. The biomass of the interior waters is composed principally of planktonic crustaceans (copepods and euphausiids), chaetognaths, and gelatinous carnivores. In a southerly direction, decreases are observed in biomass, in relative abundance, and in species diversity of siphonophores, chaetognaths, and euphausiids. Only a few species have been able to adapt successfully to the extreme oceanographic conditions typical of the region, reflected in dominant monospecific populations such as Muggiaea atlantica, Sagitta tasmanica, and Euphausia vallentini. The zooplankton fauna of interior waters, characterized by its low degree of specific richness, is made up of a mixture of species typical of Subantarctic Water (Sagitta tasmanica, S. decipiens, Euphausia lucens, Nematoscelis megalops, Thysanoessa gregaria), antarctic water (Pyrosthephos vanhoeffeni, Dimophyes arctica, Sagitta marri, S. gazellae, Eukrohnia hamata, E. bathyantarctica, Euphausia vallentini), temperate and warm epipelagic waters (Eudoxoides spiralis, Lensia conoidea, Chelophyes appendiculata, Muggiaea atlantica, Sphaeronectes gracilis, S. fragilis, Abylopsis tetragona, Sagitta enflata), and mesopelagic water (Physophora hydrostatica, Stylocheiron maximum, Vogtia pentacantha, V. serrata).

Short-term starvation effects on nitrogen and phosphorus excretion by the chaetognath Sagitta enflata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szyper, James P.

1981-12-01

Freshly captured Sagitta enflata exhibited specific excretion rates of ammonium and phosphate (expressed as percentage body content of N or P per hour) that were not significantly related to the size of individual animals. The degree of crowding in experimental vessels was positively correlated with specific excretion rates of ammonium. Excretion rates, under conditions that precluded feeding, decreased sharply during the first several hours' incubation time, approaching the rates exhibited by animals starved overnight. The practice of holding freshly captured zooplankton for a time before determining excretion rates may seriously affect those rates, if the animals are unable to feed. Animals captured during the day in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, having no food items in their guts, had mean specific excretion rates (± S.D.) of 0·81±0·51% body content of N h -1 for ammonium, and 1·29±1·24% body content of P h -1 for phosphate. Minimal estimates of natural excretion rates, made from the first hour of incubation in further experiments, were 1·19±0·47% h -1 for nitrogen and 3·8±3·95% h -1 for phosphorus. Sagitta is not a large contributor to nutrient regeneration in Kaneohe Bay.

Jonckheere Double Star Photometry – Part IX: Sagitta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knapp, Wilfried

2018-01-01

If any double star discoverer is in urgent need of photometry then it is Jonckheere. There are over 3000 Jonckheere objects listed in the WDS catalog and a good part with magnitudes obviously far too bright. This report covers a part of the Jonckheere objects in the constellation Sagitta including a check if physical by means of UCAC5 proper motion data. In most cases only one image per object is taken for differential photometry as even a single image based measurement is better than the currently often given mere estimation. As by-product a new CPM candidate pair was discovered and as appendix the UCAC5 proper motion data quality was counter-checked with GAIA DR1 (TGAS).

Tectonics of the ophiolite belt from Naga Hills and Andaman Islands, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharyya, S. K.; Ray, K. K.; Sengupta, S.

1990-06-01

The ophiolitic rocks of Naga Hills-Andaman belt occur as rootless slices, gently dipping over the Paleogene flyschoid sediments, the presence of blue-schists in ophiolite melange indicates an involvement of the subduction process. Subduction was initiated prior to mid-Eocene as proved by the contemporaneous lower age limit of ophiolite-derived cover sediment as against the accreted ophiolites and olistostromal trench sediment. During the late Oligocene terminal collision between the Indian and Sino-Burmese blocks, basement slivers from the Sino-Burmese block, accreted ophiolites and trench sediments from the subduction zone were thrust westward as nappe and emplaced over the down-going Indian plate. The geometry of the ophiolites and the presence of a narrow negative gravity anomaly flanking their map extent, run counter to the conventional view that the Naga-Andaman belt marks the location of the suture. The root-zone of the ophiolite nappe representing the suture is marked by a partially-exposed eastern ophiolite belt of the same age and gravity-high zone, passing through central Burma-Sumatra-Java. The ophiolites of the Andaman and Naga Hills are also conventionally linked with the subduction activity, west of Andaman islands. This activity began only in late Miocene, much later than onland emplacement of the ophiolites; it further developed west of the suture in its southern part. Post-collisional northward movement of the Indian plate subparallel to the suture, also developed leaky dextral transcurrent faults close to the suture and caused Neogene-Quatemary volcanism in central Burma and elsewhere.

Molecular identification, morphological characterization and new insights into the ecology of larval Pseudoterranova cattani in fishes from the Argentine coast with its differentiation from the Antarctic species, P. decipiens sp. E (Nematoda: Anisakidae).

PubMed

Timi, Juan T; Paoletti, Michela; Cimmaruta, Roberta; Lanfranchi, Ana L; Alarcos, Ana J; Garbin, Lucas; George-Nascimento, Mario; Rodríguez, Diego H; Giardino, Gisela V; Mattiucci, Simonetta

2014-01-17

Larvae of the genus Pseudoterranova constitute a risk for human health when ingested through raw or undercooked fish. They can provoke pseudoterranovosis in humans, a fish-borne zoonotic disease whose pathogenicity varies with the species involved, making their correct specific identification a necessary step in the knowledge of this zoonosis. Larvae of Pseudoterranova decipiens s.l. have been reported in several fish species from off the Argentine coasts; however, there are no studies dealing with their specific identification in this region. Here, a genetic identification and morphological characterization of larval Pseudoterranova spp. from three fish species sampled from Argentine waters and from Notothenia coriiceps from Antarctic waters was carried out. Larvae were sequenced for their genetic/molecular identification, including the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (mtDNA cox2), the first (ITS-1) and the second (ITS-2) internal transcribed spacers of the nuclear ribosomal DNA, and compared with all species of the P. decipiens (sensu lato) species complex (sequences available in GenBank). Further, adults of Pseudoterranova spp. from the definitive host, the southern sea lion, Otaria flavescens, from Argentine and Chilean coasts were sequenced at the same genes. The sequences obtained at the ITS-1 and ITS-2 genes from all the larvae examined from fish of Argentine waters, as well as the adult worms, matched 100% the sequences for the species P. cattani. The sequences obtained at mtDNA cox2 gene for Antarctic larvae matched 99% those available in GenBank for the sibling P. decipiens sp. E. Both MP and BI phylogenetic trees strongly supported P. cattani and P. decipiens sp. E as two distinct phylogenetic lineages and depicted the species P. decipiens sp. E as sister taxon to the remaining taxa of the P. decipiens complex. Larval morphometry was similar between specimens of P. cattani from Argentina, but significantly different from those of P

Synthesis, characterization and histopathological study of a lead-based Indian traditional drug: naga bhasma.

PubMed

Singh, S K; Gautam, D N S; Kumar, M; Rai, S B

2010-01-01

The aim of the present study is to prepare and characterize Naga bhasma on structural and elemental basis to address the role of the raw materials used during the preparation, compound form of the lead bhasma, nature (crystalline/amorphous) and crystallite/particle size of the drug. The study also covers the toxicological effect of the drug on albino rats. It was found that drug contains lead in nano-crystalline (~60 nm) lead sulfide form (Pb(2+)) associated with the organic contents and different nutrient elements coming from the herbs used during the preparation. Naga bhasma prepared was found to be totally safe in histopathology study on rats at a dose of 6 mg/100 g/day. The different characterization techniques used present a role model for the quality control and standardization of such kinds of herbo-metallic medicines.

Cloning and overexpression of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase encoding gene nagA from Aspergillus oryzae and enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of human milk oligosaccharide.

PubMed

Matsuo, Ichiro; Kim, Sunhwa; Yamamoto, Yuichi; Ajisaka, Katsumi; Maruyama, Jun-ich; Nakajima, Harushi; Kitamoto, Katsuhiko

2003-03-01

We isolated a beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase encoding gene from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae, and designated it nagA. The nagA gene encoded a polypeptide of 600 amino acids with significant similarity to glucosaminidases and hexosaminidases of various eukaryotes. A. oryzae strain carrying the nagA gene under the control of the improved glaA promoter produced large amounts of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in a wheat bran solid culture. The beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase was purified from crude extracts of the solid culture by column chromatographies on Q-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-200. This enzyme was used for synthesis of lacto-N-triose II, which is contained in human milk. By reverse hydrolysis reaction, lacto-N-triose II and its positional isomer were synthesized from lactose and D-N-acetylglucosamine in 0.21% and 0.15% yield, respectively.

Capsaicinoids, amino acid and fatty acid profiles in different fruit components of the world hottest Naga king chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq).

PubMed

Ananthan, R; Subhash, K; Longvah, T

2018-01-01

The world hottest Naga king chilli is cultivated and consumed in Northeast India. Capsaicinoids, amino acids and fatty acids were studied in fruit and fruit components of Naga king chilli. Capsaicinoid content was increased in each ripening stage and maximum level was observed at red color fruits. Total protein and fat content of placenta was 19.41 and 20.36% respectively. Capsaicinoids of placenta (7.35±2.241%) was higher followed by seed (3.83±1.358%) and pericarp (2.91±0.667%). Similarly, essential amino acid content was also higher in placenta compared to other components. Amino acid score ranged from 37 to 38 with cystine and methionine as limiting amino acid. Low level of palmitic, stearic and α-linolenic acid and very high level of linoleic acid were found in seeds. Total polyunsaturates of seeds were higher followed by whole fruit. Naga king chilli is unique due to its high capsaicinoid content and it offers potential crop for the future exploitation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Early puberty in local Naga boar of India: assessment through epididymal spermiogram and in vivo pregnancy.

PubMed

Karunakaran, M; Mondal, Mohan; Rajarajan, K; Karmakar, H D; Bhat, B P; Das, Jitumoni; Bora, Bhaskar; Baruah, K K; Rajkhowa, C

2009-03-01

Male Naga pig of India, a miniature breed is known for its meat quality and early puberty. No scientific efforts were made to verify the farmers' view that this breed reaches puberty at around 2 months of age. A preliminary study was, therefore, conducted with the objectives: (a) to find out the age at puberty based on mature spermiogram and in vivo pregnancy and (b) to record the sperm morphology in different parts of the epididymis. Animals were selected from two different age groups: group I aged 53 days and 2.4 kg and group II of 85 days and 3.0 kg. Semen samples collected from different sections of epididymis were analyzed for sperm motility, live spermatozoa, and morphological abnormalities. Motility increased (P<0.01) and live spermatozoa and total morphological abnormalities decreased (P<0.001) from caput through cauda epididymis in both the groups. Sperm motility, live spermatozoa and morphologically normal spermatozoa in each section of the epididymis were higher (P<0.01) in group II than I. Boars with >60% progressive motility, >70% live spermatozoa, <15% total morphological abnormalities and <10% abnormal acrosomes in cauda epididymal spermatozoa were considered mature spermiogram. As per this definition, pigs of group II had only mature spermiogram. In vivo pregnancy confirmation indicated that Naga boar could impregnate female as early as 90 days of age. In conclusion, Naga boar attained puberty by not later than 3 months with 3.0 kg, which is the lowest body weight at puberty in this species reported so far, as reflected by mature epididymal spermiogram and in vivo pregnancy confirmation.

Naga chilli: a potential source of capsaicinoids with broad-spectrum ethnopharmacological applications.

PubMed

Meghvansi, M K; Siddiqui, S; Khan, Md Haneef; Gupta, V K; Vairale, M G; Gogoi, H K; Singh, Lokendra

2010-10-28

Capsicum species are not only cultivated as vegetable and condiment crops but are also incorporated into a number of medicinal preparations in the ancient literature around the world. 'Naga chilli' or 'Bhoot Jolokia' (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is a chilli variety indigenous to the northeast region of India and has been recognized as the hottest chilli in the world. It has also been used conventionally in treating various human ailments since time immemorial by the indigenous people of the northeast India. Despite being an important crop of the northeast India, the information on the biology and cultivation of Naga chilli is very scanty and scattered. The present article reviews the scientific literature on above aspects with particular emphasis on identifying the key regional issues which need to be addressed urgently by the policy makers in order to harness its potential as an important source of capsaicinoids. Further, an attempt has been made to collate the potential of capsaicinoids in various ethnopharmacological applications such as pain therapy, body temperature regulation, anti-obesity treatments, anticancer therapy and as antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. We anticipate that this literature analysis of traditional medicinal uses and experimental trials of Capsicum using modern scientific approaches shall provide a basis for suggesting important areas where sincere research efforts are warranted to bridge the gap between traditional medicinal knowledge and modern biomedical knowledge. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heavy Rainfalls in a Desert(ed) City - a climate-archaeological case study from Naga, Sudan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berking, J.

2013-12-01

In the semi-arid region along the fringe of the north-eastern Sahel and the south-eastern Sahara desert, the remains of a city, called Naga, are located. The ruins of this Meroitic city are situated about 150 km north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum and 40 km south of the Nile river. During its heydays the city has been a highly developed central place, with a high population and an economic culmination from about 300 BCE to 300 CE. Archaeological excavations at Naga take place since several decades and were since 2008 supported by geoscientific investigations. The present day climate of the region is governed by the seasonal northward shift of the ITCZ low pressure zone leading to approximately 100mm precipitation p.a. which leads subsequently to ephemeral discharge events in the main wadi. This means that at least today no rain-fed agriculture is possible and water is a very scarce resource, since the groundwater table is >70m below surface. One goal of the project was herein to answer the questions: How was the water supply of this city organised? Was there a higher water availability in ancient times due to a different climatic setting in the region - or were the inhabitants able to compensated the water deficit by using sophisticated water harvesting and storage techniques? To answer these questions hydrological and climatological methods, coupled with geophysical- and high precision terrain data, were applied. The results were coupled with data from a down-scaled global climate model. The analysis of sedimentary records and the setup of a chronostratigraphy revealed new insights into the environmental-evolution since late-Holocene. This chronology enables for a contextualization of the archaeological targets with the climate deterioration since Mid-Holocene Optimum. We show, that the abandonment of Naga coincides with the gradual decline of effective precipitation and hence a more and more unreliable water availability, indicated by the coupled hydro

Active Fault Mapping of Naga-Disang Thrust (Belt of Schuppen) for Assessing Future Earthquake Hazards in NE India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, A.

2014-12-01

We observe the geodynamic appraisal of Naga-Disang Thrust North East India. The Disang thrust extends NE-SW over a length of 480 km and it defines the eastern margin of Neogene basin. It branches out from Haflong-Naga thrust and in the NE at Bulbulia in the right bank of Noa Dihing River, it is terminated by Mishmi thrust, which extends into Myanmar as 'Sagaing fault,which dip generally towards SE. It extends between Dauki fault in the SW and Mishmi thrust in the NE. When the SW end of 'Belt of Schuppen' moved upwards and towards east along the Dauki fault, the NE end moved downwards and towards west along the Mishmi thrust, causing its 'S' shaped bending. The SRTM generated DEM is used to map the topographic expression of the schuppen belt, where these thrusts are significantly marked by topographic break. Satellite imagery map also shows presence lineaments supporting the post tectonic activities along Naga-Disang Thrusts. The southern part of 'Belt of Schuppen' extends along the sheared western limb of southerly plunging Kohima synform, a part of Indo Burma Ranges (IBR) and it is seismically active.The crustal velocity at SE of Schuppen is 39.90 mm/yr with a azimuth of 70.780 at Lumami, 38.84 mm/yr (Azimuth 54.09) at Senapati and 36.85 mm/yr (Azimuth 54.09) at Imphal. The crustal velocity at NW of Schuppen belt is 52.67 mm/yr (Azimuth 57.66) near Dhauki Fault in Meghalaya. It becomes 43.60 mm/yr (Azimuth76.50) - 44.25 (Azimuth 73.27) at Tiding and Kamlang Nagar around Mishmi thrust. The presence of Schuppen is marked by a change in high crustal velocity from Indian plate to low crustal velocity in Mishmi Suture as well as Indo Burma Ranges. The difference in crustal velocities results in building up of strain along the Schuppen which may trigger a large earthquake in the NE India in future. The belt of schuppean seems to be seismically active, however, the enough number of large earthquakes are not recorded. These observations are significant on Naga

Detection of carbonaceous material in naga bhasma.

PubMed

Singh, S K; Rai, S B

2012-03-01

Traditional medicines have maintained their popularity in all regions of the developing world and are being adopted increasingly by people worldwide. Indian traditional system of medicine Ayurveda make use of unique metallic-herbal preparations (called Bhasma) which involves different processing steps including repeated steps of calcination of metal in the presence of natural precursor (herbal juices, decoctions, and powders, etc). It has been recently established that Bhasma contains nano/sub-micron size particles and different nutrient elements. However, the role and the end product of the raw materials, especially the herbal parts, used during the synthesis of the drug (Bhasma) is one of the important but unanswered problems in such medicinal preparations. Present work on Naga Bhasma is an attempt to understand the role of natural precursors in detail. Our results on infrared, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy along with thermal measurements identify the presence of carbonaceous material (hydrogenated amorphous carbon) in the drug along with other compounds. In addition, this work also suggests the science and mechanism behind such complex preparations which could help in standardization of such medicines.

N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase (NagA) of Listeria monocytogenes EGD, an essential enzyme for the metabolism and recycling of amino sugars.

PubMed

Popowska, Magdalena; Osińska, Magdalena; Rzeczkowska, Magdalena

2012-04-01

The main aim of our study was to determine the physiological function of NagA enzyme in the Listeria monocytogenes cell. The primary structure of the murein of L. monocytogenes is very similar to that of Escherichia coli, the main differences being amidation of diaminopimelic acid and partial de-N-acetylation of glucosamine residues. NagA is needed for the deacetylation of N-acetyl-glucosamine-6 phosphate to glucosamine-6 phosphate and acetate. Analysis of the L. monocytogenes genome reveals the presence of two proteins with NagA domain, Lmo0956 and Lmo2108, which are cytoplasmic putative proteins. We introduced independent mutations into the structural genes for the two proteins. In-depth characterization of one of these mutants, MN1, deficient in protein Lmo0956 revealed strikingly altered cell morphology, strongly reduced cell wall murein content and decreased sensitivity to cell wall hydrolase, mutanolysin and peptide antibiotic, colistin. The gene products of operon 150, consisting of three genes: lmo0956, lmo0957, and lmo0958, are necessary for the cytosolic steps of the amino-sugar-recycling pathway. The cytoplasmic de-N-acetylase Lmo0956 of L. monocytogenes is required for cell wall peptidoglycan and teichoic acid biosynthesis and is also essential for bacterial cell growth, cell division, and sensitivity to cell wall hydrolases and peptide antibiotics.

Biotechnological enhancement of capsaicin biosynthesis in cell suspension cultures of Naga King Chili (Capsicum chinense Jacq.).

PubMed

Kehie, Mechuselie; Kumaria, Suman; Tandon, Pramod

2016-01-01

Cell suspension cultures were initiated from hypocotyl derived callus to induce capsaicin biosynthesis in suspension cultures of Naga King Chili (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). Efficient capsaicin production with high growth index (GI) was obtained by exposing cells to salicylic acid (SA) and calcium channel modulators in suspension cultures. The time course of capsaicin formation is related to the cell growth profile in a batch culture. Cells cultivated in the standard medium (SM) initially showed low level of capsaicin yield during active growth. When the cells approached stationary phase, cell growth and cell viability decreased whereas capsaicin production increased continuously. In the fed-batch cultures, the highest capsaicin yield (567.4 ± 8.1 μgg(1) fresh weight) (f.wt) was obtained by feeding the cells with 1 mM SA. However, SA feeding during cultivation repressed the cell growth. Enhanced cell growth (3.1 ± 0.1 GI/culture) and capsaicin yield (534 ± 7.8 μgg(-1)f.wt) were obtained when the cells were fed with calcium ionophore A23187 (0.5 mM) on day 25 as compared to the control. Addition of the calcium channel blocker verapamil hydrochloride (100 mM) inhibited cell growth and capsaicin production in Naga King Chili suspension cell cultures.

The roles of geography and founder effects in promoting host-associated differentiation in the generalist bogus yucca moth Prodoxus decipiens.

PubMed

Darwell, C T; Fox, K A; Althoff, D M

2014-12-01

There is ample evidence that host shifts in plant-feeding insects have been instrumental in generating the enormous diversity of insects. Changes in host use can cause host-associated differentiation (HAD) among populations that may lead to reproductive isolation and eventual speciation. The importance of geography in facilitating this process remains controversial. We examined the geographic context of HAD in the wide-ranging generalist yucca moth Prodoxus decipiens. Previous work demonstrated HAD among sympatric moth populations feeding on two different Yucca species occurring on the barrier islands of North Carolina, USA. We assessed the genetic structure of P. decipiens across its entire geographic and host range to determine whether HAD is widespread in this generalist herbivore. Population genetic analyses of microsatellite and mtDNA sequence data across the entire range showed genetic structuring with respect to host use and geography. In particular, genetic differentiation was relatively strong between mainland populations and those on the barrier islands of North Carolina. Finer scale analyses, however, among sympatric populations using different host plant species only showed significant clustering based on host use for populations on the barrier islands. Mainland populations did not form population clusters based on host plant use. Reduced genetic diversity in the barrier island populations, especially on the derived host, suggests that founder effects may have been instrumental in facilitating HAD. In general, results suggest that the interplay of local adaptation, geography and demography can determine the tempo of HAD. We argue that future studies should include comprehensive surveys across a wide range of environmental and geographic conditions to elucidate the contribution of various processes to HAD. © 2014 European Society For Evolutionary Biology. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2014 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.

Comparative studies of differential expression of chitinolytic enzymes encoded by chiA, chiB, chiC and nagA genes in Aspergillus nidulans.

PubMed

Pusztahelyi, T; Molnár, Z; Emri, T; Klement, E; Miskei, M; Kerékgyárto, J; Balla, J; Pócsi, I

2006-01-01

N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine, chito-oligomers and carbon starvation regulated chiA, chiB, and nagA gene expressions in Aspergillus nidulans cultures. The gene expression patterns of the main extracellular endochitinase ChiB and the N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase NagA were similar, and the ChiB-NagA enzyme system may play a morphological and/or nutritional role during autolysis. Alterations in the levels of reactive oxygen species or in the glutathione-glutathione disulfide redox balance, characteristic physiological changes developing in ageing and autolyzing fungal cultures, did not affect the regulation of either the growth-related chiA or the autolysis-coupled chiB genes although both of them were down-regulated under diamide stress. The transcription of the chiC gene with unknown physiological function was repressed by increased intracellular superoxide concentration.

Predicting morphological changes DS New Naga-Hammadi Barrage for extreme Nile flood flows: A Monte Carlo analysis.

PubMed

Sattar, Ahmed M A; Raslan, Yasser M

2014-01-01

While construction of the Aswan High Dam (AHD) has stopped concurrent flooding events, River Nile is still subject to low intensity flood waves resulting from controlled release of water from the dam reservoir. Analysis of flow released from New Naga-Hammadi Barrage, which is located at 3460 km downstream AHD indicated an increase in magnitude of flood released from the barrage in the past 10 years. A 2D numerical mobile bed model is utilized to investigate the possible morphological changes in the downstream of Naga-Hammadi Barrage from possible higher flood releases. Monte Carlo simulation analyses (MCS) is applied to the deterministic results of the 2D model to account for and assess the uncertainty of sediment parameters and formulations in addition to sacristy of field measurements. Results showed that the predicted volume of erosion yielded the highest uncertainty and variation from deterministic run, while navigation velocity yielded the least uncertainty. Furthermore, the error budget method is used to rank various sediment parameters for their contribution in the total prediction uncertainty. It is found that the suspended sediment contributed to output uncertainty more than other sediment parameters followed by bed load with 10% less order of magnitude.

Predicting morphological changes DS New Naga-Hammadi Barrage for extreme Nile flood flows: A Monte Carlo analysis

PubMed Central

Sattar, Ahmed M.A.; Raslan, Yasser M.

2013-01-01

While construction of the Aswan High Dam (AHD) has stopped concurrent flooding events, River Nile is still subject to low intensity flood waves resulting from controlled release of water from the dam reservoir. Analysis of flow released from New Naga-Hammadi Barrage, which is located at 3460 km downstream AHD indicated an increase in magnitude of flood released from the barrage in the past 10 years. A 2D numerical mobile bed model is utilized to investigate the possible morphological changes in the downstream of Naga-Hammadi Barrage from possible higher flood releases. Monte Carlo simulation analyses (MCS) is applied to the deterministic results of the 2D model to account for and assess the uncertainty of sediment parameters and formulations in addition to sacristy of field measurements. Results showed that the predicted volume of erosion yielded the highest uncertainty and variation from deterministic run, while navigation velocity yielded the least uncertainty. Furthermore, the error budget method is used to rank various sediment parameters for their contribution in the total prediction uncertainty. It is found that the suspended sediment contributed to output uncertainty more than other sediment parameters followed by bed load with 10% less order of magnitude. PMID:25685476

Optical spectroscopy of bulk GaN crystals grown from a Na-Ga melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skromme, B. J.; Palle, K. C.; Poweleit, C. D.; Yamane, H.; Aoki, M.; DiSalvo, F. J.

2002-11-01

Colorless transparent platelet and prismatic GaN crystals up to 3-4 mm, grown from a Na-Ga melt (0.6-0.7 mol fraction of Na) at temperatures of 700-800 °C in a modest (5 MPa) pressure of N2, are characterized using Raman scattering, room and low temperature photoluminescence, and reflectance. They exhibit sharp free and bound exciton luminescence features (down to 0.22 meV full width at half maximum), including multiple excited states. Residual Mg and Zn acceptors and a 33.6 meV donor (possibly ON) are identified. Raman spectra suggest free carrier concentrations down to the low to mid 1016 cm-3 range.

Using Zircon Geochronology to Unravel the History of the Naga Hills Ophiolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roeder, T.; Aitchison, J. C.; Clarke, G. L.; Ireland, T. R.; Ao, A.; Bhowmik, S. K.

2014-12-01

Outcrops of the Naga Hills Ophiolite (NHO), a possible eastern extension of the ophiolitic belt running along the India-Asia suture, in Northeast India include a full suite of ophiolitic rocks. The ophiolite has been dated Upper Jurassic based on radiolarian studies of the unit (Baxter et al., 2011) but details of its emplacement onto the Indian margin have not been the subject of detailed investigation. Conglomerates of the Phokphur Formation unconformably overlie an eroded surface on top of dismembered ophiolite fragments and include sediments sourced from both the ophiolite and the margin of the Indian subcontinent. Notably no Asian margin-derived detritus is recognised (similar to the Liuqu conglomerates of Tibet (Davis et al., 2002)). Thus, a detailed study of the Phokphur sediments can produce valuable details of the NHO history, including constraining the timing of ophiolite emplacement. Studies of detrital sandstone petrography confirm a recycled orogen provenance for the Phokphur Formation and thus serve as validation of the methods of Dickinson and Suczek (1979) and Garzanti et al. (2007). Detrital zircon data provides further insight as to the age of source rocks of Phokphur sediments and help to further constrain the timing of ophiolite emplacement. We present results of sedimentary and detrital zircon geochronology analyses of Phokphur sediments from outcrops near the villages of Salumi and Wazeho as a contribution to furthering research on aspects of the India-Asia collision. Baxter, A.T., et al. 2011. Upper Jurassic radiolarians from the Naga Ophiolite, Nagaland, northeast India. Gondwana Research, 20: 638-644. Davis, A.M., et al. 2002. Paleogene island arc collision-related conglomerates, Yarlung-Tsangpo suture zone, Tibet. Sedimentary Geology, 150: 247-273. Dickinson, W.R. and Suczek, C.A., 1979. Plate tectonics and sandstone compositions. Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull., 63, 2164-2182, (1979). Garzanti, E., et al., 2007. Orogenic belts and orogenic

[Effects of temperature increase on zooplankton size spectra in thermal discharge seawaters near a power plant, China].

PubMed

Yu, Jing; Zhu, Yi Feng; Dai, Mei Xia; Lin, Xia; Mao, Shuo Qian

2017-05-18

Utilizing the plankton 1 (505 Μm), 2 (160 Μm), 3 (77 Μm) nets to seasonally collect zooplankton samples at 10 stations and the corresponding abundance data was obtained. Based on individual zooplankton biovolume, size groups were classified to test the changes in spatiotemporal characteristics of both Sheldon and normalized biovolume size spectra in thermal discharge seawaters near the Guohua Power Plant, so as to explore the effects of temperature increase on zooplankton size spectra in the seawaters. The results showed that the individual biovolume of zooplankton ranged from 0.00012 to 127.0 mm 3 ·ind -1 , which could be divided into 21 size groups, and corresponding logarithmic ranges were from -13.06 to 6.99. According to Sheldon size spectra, the predominant species to form main peaks of the size spectrum in different months were Copepodite larvae, Centropages mcmurrichi, Calanus sinicus, fish larvae, Sagitta bedoti, Sagitta nagae and Pleurobrachia globosa, and minor peaks mostly consisted of individuals with smaller larvae, Cyclops and Paracalanus aculeatus. In different warming sections, Copepodite larvae, fish eggs and Cyclops were mostly unaffected by the temperature increase, while the macrozooplankton such as S. bedoti, S. nagae, P. globosa, C. sinicus and Beroe cucumis had an obvious tendency to avoid the outfall of the power plant. Based on the results of normalized size spectra, the intercepts from low to high occurred in November, February, May and August, respectively. At the same time, the minimum slope was found in February, and similarly bigger slopes were observed in May and August. These results indicated that the proportion of small zooplankton was highest in February, while the proportions of the meso- and macro-zooplankton were relatively high in May and August. Among different sections, the slope in the 0.2 km section was minimum, which increased with the increase of section distance to the outfall. The result obviously demonstrated

A Refined Radial Velocity Curve for the L Dwarf Donor of WZ Sagittae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, Thomas E.

2017-12-01

We have obtained a radial velocity curve for the L dwarf donor in WZ Sagittae using phase-resolved J-band spectra obtained with GNIRS on Gemini-north. We find a radial velocity semi-amplitude of {K}2=525+/- 11 {km} {{{s}}}-1. This result reduces the error bar by a factor of three over previous attempts. A relatively strong, unidentified emission line centered near 1.177 μm, corrupts the blue K i doublet in these data. While an H i emission feature near 1.2527 μm distorts the depth of the red K i doublet. In addition, a weak H i emission line at 1.1969 μm falls in the middle of the strongest FeH feature in these spectra. The combination of these contaminants prevents us from precisely constraining the spectral type of the donor. The strength of the absorption features remains consistent with an early L spectral type. Based on observations obtained at the Gemini Observatory, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under a cooperative agreement with the NSF on behalf of the Gemini partnership: the National Science Foundation (United States), the National Research Council (Canada), CONICYT (Chile), Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Productiva (Argentina), and Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brazil).

Socioeconomic changes as covariates of overweight and obesity among Tangkhul Naga tribal women of Manipur, north-east India.

PubMed

Mungreiphy, N K; Kapoor, Satwanti

2010-05-01

The prevalence of overweight/obesity is increasing worldwide. Although countries like India are typically thought of as having a high prevalence of undernutrition, significant proportions of overweight/obese now co-exist with the undernourished. This study aims to find the prevalence of overweight/obesity, and its association with socioeconomic change, among Tangkhul women in India. The cross-sectional study was carried out among 346 Tangkhul women aged 20-70 years, who were divided into five 10-year age groups. Mean BMI was found to be lowest among the youngest age group, and it increased with age until the age of 59 and then declined. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 27.1%, as assessed from the Asian cut-off point. Although the prevalence of obesity (2.0%) was low when compared with Indian non-tribal female populations, the prevalence of overweight (25.1%) was not far behind. Overweight and obesity were found to be associated with age, marital status, physical activity level, lifestyle and improvement in socioeconomic status, especially occupation and income. When compared with urban non-tribal Indian females, who have a higher socioeconomic status, the prevalence of overweight/obesity among Tangkhul females is lower, indicating its association with socioeconomic status. Tangkhul Naga is a population where the majority are believed to be thin traditionally owing to the difficult hilly terrain and their physically active lifestyle. With urbanization and economic development, nutritional transition, improved socioeconomic status and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle have been observed, which have contributed to the increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity among Tangkhul Naga women.

A sodium gallophosphate with an original tunnel structure: NaGa 2(OH)(PO 4) 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guesdon, A.; Monnin, Y.; Raveau, B.

2003-05-01

A new sodium gallophosphate, NaGa 2(OH)(PO 4) 2, has been obtained by hydrothermal synthesis under autogeneous pressure at 473 K. It crystallizes in the P2 1/ n space group with the cell parameters a=8.9675(8) Å, b=8.9732(5) Å, c=9.2855(7) Å, β=114.812(6)°, V=678.2 Å 3 ( Z=4). In its original three-dimensional framework, monophosphate groups share their apices with [Ga 4O 16(OH) 2] tetrameric units, which are built from two GaO 5(OH) octahedra and two GaO 4(OH) trigonal bipyramids. The sodium cations are located in tunnels running along a, whereas the tunnels running along b are empty.

Draft Genome Sequence of Cryophilic Basidiomycetous Yeast Mrakia blollopis SK-4, Isolated from an Algal Mat of Naga-ike Lake in the Skarvsnes Ice-Free Area, East Antarctica.

PubMed

Tsuji, Masaharu; Kudoh, Sakae; Hoshino, Tamotsu

2015-01-22

Mrakia blollopis strain SK-4 was isolated from an algal mat of Naga-ike, a lake in Skarvsnes, East Antarctica. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of M. blollopis SK-4. This is the first report on the genome sequence of any cold-adapted fungal species. Copyright © 2015 Tsuji et al.

Detrital zircon geochronology overlying the Naga Hills ophiolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roeder, T.; Aitchison, J.; Stojanovic, D.; Agarwal, A.; Ao, A.; Bhowmik, S.

2013-12-01

The Nagaland ophiolite in NE India represents the easternmost section of the ophiolitic belt running along the India-Asia suture. Outcrops near the border between Nagaland and Myanmar include not only a full suite of ophiolitic rocks but also high P/T blueschist rocks within a serpentinite-matrix mélange. Although Upper Jurassic radiolarians have been reported from the ophiolite itself (Baxter et al., 2011), few constraints have been placed on the timing of its emplacement onto India. Terrestrial sediments of the Phokphur Formation unconformably overlie the ophiolite. Similar to other sediments from along the ophiolite belt such as the Luiqu conglomerates in Tibet (Davis et al., 2002), they contain detritus derived from both the ophiolite and the continental margin onto which the ophiolite was emplaced. The clastic sediments of the Phokphur Formation potentially record not only the timing of ophiolite generation but also the ages of source terranes and can be used to place a minimum age constraint on the timing of ophiolite emplacement. As a contribution towards extending knowledge of the ophiolite belt and the India/Asia collision, we report preliminary results of an investigation into the sedimentology and detrital zircon geochronology of the Phokphur Formation in areas near Salumi and Zephu. Baxter, A.T., Aitchison, J.C., Zyabrev, S.V., Ali, J.R., 2011. Upper Jurassic radiolarians from the Naga Ophiolite, Nagaland, northeast India. Gondwana Research 20, 638-644. Davis, A.M., Aitchison, J.C., Badengzhu, Luo, H., Zyabrev, S., 2002. Paleogene island arc collision-related conglomerates, Yarlung-Tsangpo suture zone, Tibet. Sedimentary Geology 150, 247-273.

Evaluation of alternatives for lowering the groundwater table in a village in upper Egypt affected by the construction of the New Naga Hammadi barrage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mageed, Neveen B. Abd El; Ansary, Amgad S. El; Ghanem, Ashraf M.; Elsaeed, Gamal H.

2009-03-01

The Egyptian government is replacing the existing Naga Hammadi barrage, located across the Nile River some 450 km south of Cairo, with the New Naga Hammadi barrage (NNHB) to incorporate a hydropower plant and to improve conditions for river traffic. The new structure will lead to an increase in river water levels, both locally near the new barrage and upstream. The rise in river water levels will in turn result in changes in groundwater levels in the aquifer system up and downstream of the barrages. In this paper, an area is chosen, which is expected to suffer from a high groundwater table after the construction of the NNHB, to investigate the problem and propose alternatives for lowering the groundwater levels. The study area is a village called Bakhaness, with an area of 588 ha. It is located some 1.5 km upstream of the NNHB. A computer model (MicroFEM) has been used to simulate the groundwater conditions before and after construction of the NNHB. Alternatives for lowering the groundwater table are proposed, simulated and evaluated. The systems, which are assessed are a municipal sewer system, a system of perforated pipes in urban areas, and tile drainage with different values of efficiency in agricultural areas.

New application of two Antarctic macroalgae Palmaria decipiens and Desmarestia menziesii in the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Ballesteros, N.; González-Rodríguez, J. B.; Rodríguez-Argüelles, M. C.; Lastra, M.

2018-03-01

In this study, two Antarctic macroalgae (Rhodophyta Palmaria decipiens and Phaeophyta Desmarestia menziessi) were selected in order to report their use for the biosynthesis of nanomaterials. Two aqueous extracts of the macroalgae were prepared and their reducing activity, total phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity were determined, showing that brown seaweed has higher antioxidant activity than red seaweed. Aqueous extracts were used as an eco-friendly, one-pot synthetic route to obtain gold and silver nanoparticles acting both as reducing and stabilizing agents. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), demonstrating the formation of gold and silver nanoparticles with mean diameters of 36.8 ± 5.3 and 11.5 ± 3.3 nm for Au@PD and Au@DM and 7.0 ± 1.2 nm and 17.8 ± 2.6 nm in the case of Ag@PD and Ag@DM. Lastly, functional groups of the biomolecules present in the extracts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) prior to, and after, the synthesis of the nanoparticles, in order to obtain information about the biomolecules involved in the reducing and stabilization process.

2-D traveltime and waveform inversion for improved seismic imaging: Naga Thrust and Fold Belt, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaiswal, Priyank; Zelt, Colin A.; Bally, Albert W.; Dasgupta, Rahul

2008-05-01

Exploration along the Naga Thrust and Fold Belt in the Assam province of Northeast India encounters geological as well as logistic challenges. Drilling for hydrocarbons, traditionally guided by surface manifestations of the Naga thrust fault, faces additional challenges in the northeast where the thrust fault gradually deepens leaving subtle surface expressions. In such an area, multichannel 2-D seismic data were collected along a line perpendicular to the trend of the thrust belt. The data have a moderate signal-to-noise ratio and suffer from ground roll and other acquisition-related noise. In addition to data quality, the complex geology of the thrust belt limits the ability of conventional seismic processing to yield a reliable velocity model which in turn leads to poor subsurface image. In this paper, we demonstrate the application of traveltime and waveform inversion as supplements to conventional seismic imaging and interpretation processes. Both traveltime and waveform inversion utilize the first arrivals that are typically discarded during conventional seismic processing. As a first step, a smooth velocity model with long wavelength characteristics of the subsurface is estimated through inversion of the first-arrival traveltimes. This velocity model is then used to obtain a Kirchhoff pre-stack depth-migrated image which in turn is used for the interpretation of the fault. Waveform inversion is applied to the central part of the seismic line to a depth of ~1 km where the quality of the migrated image is poor. Waveform inversion is performed in the frequency domain over a series of iterations, proceeding from low to high frequency (11-19 Hz) using the velocity model from traveltime inversion as the starting model. In the end, the pre-stack depth-migrated image and the waveform inversion model are jointly interpreted. This study demonstrates that a combination of traveltime and waveform inversion with Kirchhoff pre-stack depth migration is a promising approach

The three-dimensional structure of the N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase, NagA, from Bacillus subtilis: a member of the urease superfamily.

PubMed

Vincent, Florence; Yates, David; Garman, Elspeth; Davies, Gideon J; Brannigan, James A

2004-01-23

The enzyme N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase, NagA, catalyzes the hydrolysis of the N-acetyl group of GlcNAc-6-P to yield glucosamine 6-phosphate and acetate, the first committed step in the biosynthetic pathway to amino-sugar-nucleotides. It is classified into carbohydrate esterase family CE-9 (see afmb.cnrs-mrs.fr/CAZY/). Here we report the cloning, expression, and three-dimensional structure (Protein Data Bank code 1un7) determination by x-ray crystallography of the Bacillus subtilis NagA at a resolution of 2.0 A. The structure presents two domains, a (beta/alpha)(8) barrel enclosing the active center and a small beta barrel domain. The structure is dimeric, and the substrate phosphate coordination at the active center is provided by an Arg/His pair contributed from the second molecule of the dimer. Both the overall structure and the active center bear a striking similarity to the urease superfamily with two metals involved in substrate binding and catalysis. PIXE (Proton-Induced x-ray Emission) data show that iron is the predominant metal in the purified protein. We propose a catalytic mechanism involving proton donation to the leaving group by aspartate, nucleophilic attack by an Fe-bridged hydroxide, and stabilization of the carbonyl oxygen by one of the two Fe atoms of the pair. We believe that this is the first sugar deacetylase to utilize this fold and catalytic mechanism.

Comparative physicochemical evaluation of a marketed herbomineral formulation: naga bhasma.

PubMed

Garg, M; Das, S; Singh, G

2012-11-01

In the practice of Ayurveda, where herbomineral formulations are said to be made biocompatible through specific processes like Shodhana and Marana, the western medical science on the contrary has raised the safety concerns of these formulations in the recent past. In the present study, comparative physico-chemical analysis of Naga bhasma, a herbo-mineral preparation having a reputation of miraculous drug commonly used to treat several health disorders, was carried out using five marketed formulations through analytical methods like differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray difraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and also subjected for particle size analysis and estimation of trace and heavy metals to access the safety of these formulation. The results revealed variable observations regarding particle size, metal form and content of lead. The presence of free lead in five different formulations indicated towards the possible risk of severe side effects to the consumer. Present findings certainly put doubt over the safety of this formulation but at the same time, variation in the results with all five formulations also indicated that these formulations were not prepared as per the mentioned Ayurvedic text. Hence, enforcement of strict regulatory guidelines is strongly warranted before launching into the market. Further, a series of biological studies need to be conducted before taking any final verdict on the safety of this formulation.

Engineering of N-acetylglucosamine metabolism for improved antibiotic production in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) and an unsuspected role of NagA in glucosamine metabolism.

PubMed

Świątek, Magdalena A; Urem, Mia; Tenconi, Elodie; Rigali, Sébastien; van Wezel, Gilles P

2012-01-01

N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), the monomer of chitin and constituent of bacterial peptidoglycan, is a preferred carbon and nitrogen source for streptomycetes. Recent studies have revealed new functions of GlcNAc in nutrient signaling of bacteria. Exposure to GlcNAc activates development and antibiotic production of Streptomyces coelicolor under poor growth conditions (famine) and blocks these processes under rich conditions (feast). Glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN-6P) is a key molecule in this signaling pathway and acts as an allosteric effector of a pleiotropic transcriptional repressor DasR, the regulon of which includes the GlcNAc metabolic enzymes N-actetylglucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcNAc-6P) deacetylase (NagA) and GlcN-6P deaminase (NagB). Intracellular accumulation of GlcNAc-6P and GlcN-6P enhanced production of the pigmented antibiotic actinorhodin. When the nagB mutant was challenged with GlcNAc or GlcN, spontaneous second-site mutations that relieved the toxicity of the accumulated sugar phosphates were obtained. Surprisingly, deletion of nagA also relieved toxicity of GlcN, indicating novel linkage between the GlcN and GlcNAc utilization pathways. The strongly enhanced antibiotic production observed for many suppressor mutants shows the potential of the modulation of GlcNAc and GlcN metabolism as a metabolic engineering tool toward the improvement of antibiotic productivity or even the discovery of novel compounds.

On the morphology of the compact dust shell in the symbiotic system HM Sagittae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacuto, S.; Chesneau, O.

2009-01-01

Context: The symbiotic system HM Sagittae consists of a Mira star and a secondary White Dwarf component. The dust content of the system was severely affected by the nova outburst in 1975, which is still ongoing. The capabilities of optical interferometry operating in the mid-IR allow us to investigate the current geometry of the dust envelope. Aims: We test our previous spectro-interferometric study of this system with new interferometric configurations, increasing the uv coverage and allowing us to ascertain the appearance of the source between 8 and 13 μm. Methods: We used the MIDI instrument of the VLTI with the unit telescopes (UTs) and auxiliary telescopes (ATs) providing baselines oriented from PA = 42° to 127°. The data are interpreted by means of an elliptical Gaussian model and the spherical radiative transfer code DUSTY. Results: We demonstrate that the data can be reproduced well by an optically thick dust shell of amorphous silicate, typical of those encountered around Mira stars, whose measured dimension increases from 8 to 13 μm. We confirm that the envelope is more extended in a direction perpendicular to the binary axis. The level of elongation increases with wavelength in contrast to our claim in a previous study. Conclusions: The wider uv coverage allows us to deepen our previous investigations of the close circumstellar structure of this object. Based on observations made with the Very Large Telescope Interferometer at Paranal Observatory under programs 075.D-0484, 077.D-0216, and 079.D-0213. Reduced visibilities and differential phases are available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/493/1043

The Naga Hills and Andaman ophiolite belt, their setting, nature and collisional emplacement history

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharyya, S. K.; Ray, K. K.; Sengupta, Subhasis

The Indo-Burmese Range and the Andaman-Nicobar Island Arc, form a continuous arcuate trend along which several ophiolite occurrences have been reported. In Naga Hills (NHO) and Andaman (ANO), these ophiolites are represented by dismembered mafic and ultramafic rocks with closely associated oceanic pelagic sediments. They occur as folded thrust slices occupying the highest tectonic levels and are brought to lie over distal shelf sediments of Eocene to Oligocene age. Ophiolites are unconformably overlain by ophiolite-derived clastics of Middle to Late Eocene age. The ophiolites preserved along this belt are remnants of a continuous, narrow, one or several intra-continental ocean basin(s) of broadly comparable age, created during the Late Mesozoic rifting of the Greater India Gondwana continent. Rifting and creation of oceanic crust date between Cretaceous and Early Eocene. In the initial stages, the ocean floor had been deeper than Carbonate Compensation Depth (CCD). Subsequently it had become uneven, when oceanic crust was being added through several seamounts or seamount chains and on top of which calcareous pelagic sediments were deposited. Both tholeiitic and alkaline volcanic rocks are present in these ophiolites. In NHO, the two groups of lavas have generated from different sources in different tectonic settings. The alkalic and some tholeiitic lavas in NHO are similar to off-axis seamount basalts. Tholeiitic lavas from ANO and some NHO resemble MORB or backarc basin basalts and on the basis of certain chemical characters these are suggested to have generated in marginal basin setting. Significant volume of acid differentiates are associated in ANO which also support the marginal basin character of the basalts. The suite of rocks in ANO indicates fractionation in a shallow level magma chamber. Closure of the small ocean basin(s) and emplacement of ophiolites took place in two stages. In the initial stage, the seamount chain brought to the subduction zone

Behaviour at high pressure of Rb7NaGa8Si12O40·3H2O (a zeolite with EDI topology): a combined experimental-computational study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gatta, G. D.; Tabacchi, G.; Fois, E.; Lee, Y.

2016-03-01

The high-pressure behaviour and the P-induced structural evolution of a synthetic zeolite Rb7NaGa8Si12O40·3H2O (with edingtonite-type structure) were investigated both by in situ synchrotron powder diffraction (with a diamond anvil cell and the methanol:ethanol:water = 16:3:1 mixture as pressure-transmitting fluid) up to 3.27 GPa and by ab initio first-principles computational modelling. No evidence of phase transition or penetration of P-fluid molecules was observed within the P-range investigated. The isothermal equation of state was determined; V 0 and K T0 refined with a second-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state are V 0 = 1311.3(2) Å3 and K T0 = 29.8(7) GPa. The main deformation mechanism (at the atomic scale) in response to the applied pressure is represented by the cooperative rotation of the secondary building units (SBU) about their chain axis (i.e. [001]). The direct consequence of SBU anti-rotation on the zeolitic channels parallel to [001] is the increase in pore ellipticity with pressure, in response to the extension of the major axis and to the contraction of the minor axis of the elliptical channel parallel to [001]. The effect of the applied pressure on the bonding configuration of the extra-framework content is only secondary. A comparison between the P-induced main deformation mechanisms observed in Rb7NaGa8Si12O40·3H2O and those previously found in natural fibrous zeolites is made.

Prediction and Characterization of NaGaS2, A High Thermal Conductivity Mid-Infrared Nonlinear Optical Material for High-Power Laser Frequency Conversion.

PubMed

Hou, Dianwei; Nissimagoudar, Arun S; Bian, Qiang; Wu, Kui; Pan, Shilie; Li, Wu; Yang, Zhihua

2018-06-15

Infrared nonlinear optical (IR NLO) crystals are the major materials to widen the output range of solid-state lasers to mid- or far-infrared regions. The IR NLO crystals used in the middle IR region are still inadequate for high-power laser applications because of deleterious thermal effects (lensing and expansion), low laser-induced damage threshold, and two-photon absorption. Herein, the unbiased global minimum search method was used for the first time to search for IR NLO optical materials and ultimately found a new IR NLO material NaGaS 2 . It meets the stringent demands for IR NLO materials pumped by high-power laser with the highest thermal conductivity among common IR NLO materials able to avoid two-photon absorption, a classic nonlinear coefficient, and wide infrared transparency.

[Effects of temperature and salinity on oxygen consumption rate and asphyxiation point of Sagitta crassa].

PubMed

Liu, Qing; Zhu, Hai-Yan; Liu, Fang; Ding, Zi-Yuan

2011-11-01

A laboratory test was conducted to study the effects of different temperature and salinity on the oxygen consumption rate and asphyxiation point of chaetognath Sagitta crassa. Both temperature and salinity had significant effects on the oxygen consumption rate (IO) and specific oxygen consumption rate (SO) of S. crassa. When the temperature raised from 5 degrees C to 25 degrees C, the IO and SO of S. crassa increased first, and then presented an obvious decreasing trend, with the regression function being y = 0.0058x3-0.2956x2 +4.415x-8.7816 (R2 = 0.99, P < 0.05) for IO and y = 0.0011x3-0.0546x2+0.8161x-1.6232 (R2 = 0.99, P < 0.05) for SO. The IO and SO at different temperature were in the ranges of 6.30-11.71 microg x ind(-1) x h(-1) and 1.22-2.16 microg x mg(-1) x h(-1), respectively, and the asphyxiation point was 4.18-6.87 mg x L(-1). When the salinity increased from 10 to 40, the IO and SO of S. crassa decreased gradually, with the regression function being y = -0.0068x2-0.1412x+21.702 (R2 = 0.89, P < 0.05) for IO and y = -0.0013x2 -0.0261x+ 4.0114 (R2 = 0.89, P < 0.05) for SO. The IO and SO at different salinity were in the ranges of 4.98-17.73 microg x ind(-1) x h(-1) and 0.92-3.56 microg x mg(-1) x h(-1), respectively, and the asphyxiation point was 4.02-6.24 mg x L(-1). Based on the differences in the oxygen consumption rate and asphyxiation point between S. crassa and other aquatic animals, it was concluded that S. crassa was a stenooxybiotic zooplankton species.

Geomorphology of Dra Abu el-Naga (Egypt): The basis of the funerary sacred landscape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bardají, T.; Martínez-Graña, A.; Sánchez-Moral, S.; Pethen, H.; García-González, D.; Cuezva, S.; Cañaveras, J. C.; Jiménez-Higueras, A.

2017-07-01

A geological and geomorphological analysis has been performed in the necropolis of Dra Abu el-Naga in order to understand the role played by these two factors in the development of the sacred landscape. The investigation focuses upon two aspects of the development of the necropolis, the selection criteria for tomb location and the reconstruction of the ancient funerary landscape. Around 50 tombs were surveyed, analysing the characteristics of their host rock and classifying them according to a modified Rock Mass Rating Index, in order to understand how rock quality affected tomb construction. This analysis resulted in the definition of five rock-quality classes (I to V) from very good to very poor rock. The geological study also resulted in a proposed geological-geomorphological model for the evolution of this zone of the Theban necropolis that complements previous works by other authors. Due to the lack of precise dating evidence this chronology is a relative one and is based on the chronology given by other authors for similar deposits and events. Two catastrophic events, represented by mega-landslides, have been identified, the first one predates the deposition of early Pleistocene fluvial deposits, and the second one possibly occurred during the middle-late Pleistocene. Two weathering surfaces developed under wetter than present climatic conditions and have been tentatively correlated to the mid-late Pleistocene humid period and the African-Humid Period (early-mid Holocene).

Fast analysis of capsaicinoids in Naga Jolokia extracts (Capsicum chinense) by high-performance liquid chromatography using fused core columns.

PubMed

Stipcovich, Tea; Barbero, Gerardo F; Ferreiro-González, Marta; Palma, Miguel; Barroso, Carmelo G

2018-01-15

A rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method with a C18 reverse-phase fused-core column has been developed for the determination and quantification of the main capsaicinoids (nornordihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin and homodihydrocapsaicin) present in Naga Jolokia peppers. A fused-core Kinetex™ C18 column (50×2.1mm i.d.; 2.6μm) was used for the analysis. The chromatographic separation was obtained with a gradient method in which the mobile phase was water (0.1% acetic acid) as solvent A and acetonitrile (0.1% acetic acid) as solvent B. The separation of all compounds was achieved in less than 3min with a total analysis time (sample-to-sample) of 10min. The robustness of the method was evaluated. The method showed excellent repeatability and intermediate precision expressed as coefficient of variance of less than 2%. The developed method was employed for the quantification of the major capsaicinoids present in different peppers and commercial products containing chilli peppers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vitro plantlet regeneration from nodal segments and shoot tips of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Naga King Chili.

PubMed

Kehie, Mechuselie; Kumaria, Suman; Tandon, Pramod

2012-03-01

An in vitro regeneration protocol was developed for Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Naga King Chili, a very pungent chili cultivar and an important horticultural crop of Nagaland (Northeast India). Maximum number of shoot (13 ± 0.70) was induced with bud-forming capacity (BFC) index of 10.8, by culturing nodal segments in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 18.16 μM Thidiazuron (TDZ) followed by 35.52 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Using shoot tips as explants, multiple shoot (10 ± 0.37) (BFC 8.3) was also induced in MS medium fortified with either 18.16 μM TDZ or 35.52 μM BAP. Elongated shoots were best rooted in MS medium containing 5.70 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Rooted plantlets thus developed were hardened in 2-3 weeks time in plastic cups containing potting mixture of a 1:1 mix of soil and cow dung manure and then subsequently transferred to earthen pots. The regenerated plants did not show any variation in the morphology and growth as compared to the parent plant.

Overexpression, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase from Thermotoga maritima encoded by the Tm0809 gene.

PubMed

Lee, Hyung Ho; Jung, Sang Taek

2013-02-01

β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NagA) protein hs a chitin-degrading activity and chitin is one of the most abundant polymers in nature. NagA contains a family 3 glycoside (GH3)-type N-terminal domain and a unique C-terminal domain. The structurally uncharacterized C-terminal domain of NagA may be involved in substrate specificity. To provide a structural basis for the substrate specificity of NagA, structural analysis of NagA from Thermotoga maritima encoded by the Tm0809 gene was initiated. NagA from T. maritima has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli and crystallized at 296 K using ammonium sulfate as a precipitant. Crystals of T. maritima NagA diffracted to 3.80 Å resolution and belonged to the monoclinic space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 231.15, b = 133.62, c = 140.88 Å, β = 89.97°. The crystallization of selenomethionyl-substituted protein is in progress to solve the crystal structure of T. maritima NagA.

Otolith morphology varies between populations, sexes and male alternative reproductive tactics in a vocal toadfish Porichthys notatus.

PubMed

Bose, A P H; Adragna, J B; Balshine, S

2017-01-01

In this study, the morphology of sagittal otoliths of the plainfin midshipman fish Porichthys notatus was compared between populations, sexes and male alternative reproductive phenotypes (known as 'type I males or guarders' and 'type II males or sneakers'). Sagitta size increased with P. notatus size and changes in shape were also detected with increasing body size. Porichthys notatus sagittae begin as simple rounded structures, but then elongate as they grow and take on a more triangular and complex shape with several prominent notches and indentations along the dorsal and caudal edges. Moreover, the sagittae of the two geographically and genetically distinct populations of P. notatus (northern and southern) differed in shape. Porichthys notatus from the north possessed taller sagittae with deeper caudal indentations compared to P. notatus from the south. Sagitta shape also differed between females and males of the conventional guarder tactic. Furthermore, guarder males had smaller sagittae for their body size than did sneaker males or females. These differences in sagittal otolith morphology are discussed in relation to ecological and life history differences between the sexes and male tactics of this species. This is the first study to investigate teleost otolith morphology from the perspective of alternative reproductive tactics. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase as a novel diagnostic marker.

PubMed

Choi, Chi-Won; An, Hee-Young; Lee, Yong Ju; Lee, Yeol Gyun; Yun, Sung Ho; Park, Edmond Changkyun; Hong, Yeonhee; Kim, Gun-Hwa; Park, Jae-Eun; Baek, Sun Jong; Kim, Hyun Sik; Kim, Seung Il

2013-10-01

The identification of novel diagnostic markers of pathogenic bacteria is essential for improving the accuracy of diagnoses and for developing targeted vaccines. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant human pathogenic bacterium that causes pneumonia. N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase (NagA) was identified in a protein mixture secreted by S. pneumoniae and its strong immunogenicity was confirmed in an immuno-proteomic assay against the anti-serum of the secreted protein mixture. In this study, recombinant S. pneumoniae NagA protein was expressed and purified to analyze its protein characteristics, immunospecificity, and immunogenicity, thereby facilitating its evaluation as a novel diagnostic marker for S. pneumoniae. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that S. pneumoniae NagA contains four internal disulfide bonds and that it does not undergo post-translational modification. S. pneumoniae NagA antibodies successfully detected NagA from different S. pneumoniae strains, whereas NagA from other pathogenic bacteria species was not detected. In addition, mice infected with S. pneumoniae generated NagA antibodies in an effective manner. These results suggest that NagA has potential as a novel diagnostic marker for S. pneumoniae because of its high immunogenicity and immunospecificity.

Morphologic-anthropological investigations in tomb K93.12 at Dra' Abu el-Naga (Western Thebes, Egypt).

PubMed

Lösch, Sandra; Moghaddam, Negahnaz; Paladin, Alice; Rummel, Ute; Hower-Tilmann, Estelle; Zink, Albert

2014-01-01

In this study we present the analysis of the human remains from tomb K93.12 in the Ancient Egyptian necropolis of Dra' Abu el-Naga, located opposite the modern city of Luxor in Upper Egypt on the western bank of the Nile. Archaeological findings indicate that the rock tomb was originally built in the early 18th dynasty. Remains of two tomb-temples of the 20th dynasty and the looted burial of the High Priest of Amun Amenhotep have been identified. After the New Kingdom the tomb was reused as a burial place until the 26th dynasty. The skeletal and mummified material of the different tomb areas underwent a detailed anthropological and paleopathological analysis. The human remains were mostly damaged and scattered due to extensive grave robberies. In total, 79 individuals could be partly reconstructed and investigated. The age and sex distribution revealed a male predominance and a high percentage of young children (< 6 years) and adults in the range of 20 to 40 years. The paleopathological analysis showed a high prevalence of stress markers such as cribra orbitalia in the younger individuals, and other pathological conditions such as dental diseases, degenerative diseases and a possible case of ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, 13 mummies of an intrusive waste pit could be attributed to three different groups belonging to earlier time periods based on their style of mummification and materials used. The study revealed important information on the age and sex distribution and diseases of the individuals buried in tomb K93.12.

Feeding behavior of the poecilostomatoid copepods Oncaea spp. on chaetognaths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Go, You-Bong; Oh, Bong-Cheol; Terazaki, Makoto

1998-06-01

Feeding behaviors of the poecilostomatoid copepods Oncaea venusta, O. mediterranea and O. conifera were examined in the coastal area of Cheju Island, south of the Korean Peninsula, from April 1993 to November 1995. Late copepodid stages (CV, adult female and male) showed a high frequency of association with larger zooplankton such as Sagitta spp. (Chaetognatha), Oikopleura spp. (Appendicularia), and Salpa spp. (Thaliacea) in a coastal upwelling zone and around the small Munsum Island. Attack behaviors on Sagitta observed under the microscope and in the field showed that Oncaea approached Sagitta using their swimming legs, and then crawled chiefly to the neck regions and caudal septum (around the tail) of Sagitta spp. using their second antennae. They pierced the body of Sagitta with their sharp maxillipeds, and moved their maxillae and mandibles repeatedly. Midgut contents of Oncaea spp. consisted mainly of unidentified fine particles, and the greater part of the gut was empty. Their mouthpart structure is remarkably different from other pelagic copepods. Such differences of the mouthpart structures and the feeding habits in the genus Oncaea around Cheju Island are discussed in terms of feeding behavior and ecology in this coastal upwelling area.

Epigenetic modification of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase enhances cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer

PubMed Central

Ha, Ye-Na; Sung, Hye Youn; Yang, San-Duk; Chae, Yun Ju

2018-01-01

Although cisplatin is one of the most effective antitumor drugs for ovarian cancer, the emergence of chemoresistance to cisplatin in over 80% of initially responsive patients is a major barrier to successful therapy. The precise mechanisms underlying the development of cisplatin resistance are not fully understood, but alteration of DNA methylation associated with aberrant gene silencing may play a role. To identify epigenetically regulated genes directly associated with ovarian cancer cisplatin resistance, we compared the expression and methylation profiles of cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant human ovarian cancer cell lines. We identified α-Nacetylgalactosaminidase (NAGA) as one of the key candidate genes for cisplatin drug response. Interestingly, in cisplatin-resistant cell lines, NAGA was significantly downregulated and hypermethylated at a promoter CpG site at position +251 relative to the transcriptional start site. Low NAGA expression in cisplatin-resistant cell lines was restored by treatment with a DNA demethylation agent, indicating transcriptional silencing by hyper-DNA methylation. Furthermore, overexpression of NAGA in cisplatin-resistant lines induced cytotoxicity in response to cisplatin, whereas depletion of NAGA expression increased cisplatin chemoresistance, suggesting an essential role of NAGA in sensitizing ovarian cells to cisplatin. These findings indicate that NAGA acts as a cisplatin sensitizer and its gene silencing by hypermethylation confers resistance to cisplatin in ovarian cancer. Therefore, we suggest NAGA may be a promising potential therapeutic target for improvement of sensitivity to cisplatin in ovarian cancer. PMID:29302211

Epigenetic modification of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase enhances cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Ha, Ye-Na; Sung, Hye Youn; Yang, San-Duk; Chae, Yun Ju; Ju, Woong; Ahn, Jung-Hyuck

2018-01-01

Although cisplatin is one of the most effective antitumor drugs for ovarian cancer, the emergence of chemoresistance to cisplatin in over 80% of initially responsive patients is a major barrier to successful therapy. The precise mechanisms underlying the development of cisplatin resistance are not fully understood, but alteration of DNA methylation associated with aberrant gene silencing may play a role. To identify epigenetically regulated genes directly associated with ovarian cancer cisplatin resistance, we compared the expression and methylation profiles of cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant human ovarian cancer cell lines. We identified α- N acetylgalactosaminidase ( NAGA ) as one of the key candidate genes for cisplatin drug response. Interestingly, in cisplatin-resistant cell lines, NAGA was significantly downregulated and hypermethylated at a promoter CpG site at position +251 relative to the transcriptional start site. Low NAGA expression in cisplatin-resistant cell lines was restored by treatment with a DNA demethylation agent, indicating transcriptional silencing by hyper-DNA methylation. Furthermore, overexpression of NAGA in cisplatin-resistant lines induced cytotoxicity in response to cisplatin, whereas depletion of NAGA expression increased cisplatin chemoresistance, suggesting an essential role of NAGA in sensitizing ovarian cells to cisplatin. These findings indicate that NAGA acts as a cisplatin sensitizer and its gene silencing by hypermethylation confers resistance to cisplatin in ovarian cancer. Therefore, we suggest NAGA may be a promising potential therapeutic target for improvement of sensitivity to cisplatin in ovarian cancer.

Description, microhabitat selection and infection patterns of sealworm larvae (Pseudoterranova decipiens species complex, nematoda: ascaridoidea) in fishes from Patagonia, Argentina.

PubMed

Hernández-Orts, Jesús S; Aznar, Francisco J; Blasco-Costa, Isabel; García, Néstor A; Víllora-Montero, María; Crespo, Enrique A; Raga, Juan A; Montero, Francisco E

2013-08-29

Third-stage larvae of the Pseudoterranova decipiens species complex (also known as sealworms) have been reported in at least 40 marine fish species belonging to 21 families and 10 orders along the South American coast. Sealworms are a cause for concern because they can infect humans who consume raw or undercooked fish. However, despite their economic and zoonotic importance, morphological and molecular characterization of species of Pseudoterranova in South America is still scarce. A total of 542 individual fish from 20 species from the Patagonian coast of Argentina were examined for sealworms. The body cavity, the muscles, internal organs, and the mesenteries were examined to detect nematodes. Sealworm larvae were removed from their capsules and fixed in 70% ethanol. For molecular identification, partial fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) were amplified for 10 isolates from 4 fish species. Morphological and morphometric data of sealworms were also obtained. A total of 635 larvae were collected from 12 fish species. The most infected fish was Prionotus nudigula, followed by Percophis brasiliensis, Acanthistius patachonicus, Paralichthys isosceles, and Pseudopercis semifasciata. Sequences obtained for the cox1 of sealworms from A. patachonicus, P. isosceles, P. brasiliensis and P. nudigula formed a reciprocally monophyletic lineage with published sequences of adult specimens of Pseudoterranova cattani from the South American sea lion Otaria flavescens, and distinct from the remaining 5 species of Pseudoterranova. A morphological description, including drawings and scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs of these larvae is provided. Sealworms collected from Argentinean fishes did not differ in their diagnostic traits from the previously described larvae of P. cattani. However a discriminant analysis suggests that specimens from P. nudigula were significantly larger than those from other fishes. Most of the sealworms were

Description, microhabitat selection and infection patterns of sealworm larvae (Pseudoterranova decipiens species complex, nematoda: ascaridoidea) in fishes from Patagonia, Argentina

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Third-stage larvae of the Pseudoterranova decipiens species complex (also known as sealworms) have been reported in at least 40 marine fish species belonging to 21 families and 10 orders along the South American coast. Sealworms are a cause for concern because they can infect humans who consume raw or undercooked fish. However, despite their economic and zoonotic importance, morphological and molecular characterization of species of Pseudoterranova in South America is still scarce. Methods A total of 542 individual fish from 20 species from the Patagonian coast of Argentina were examined for sealworms. The body cavity, the muscles, internal organs, and the mesenteries were examined to detect nematodes. Sealworm larvae were removed from their capsules and fixed in 70% ethanol. For molecular identification, partial fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) were amplified for 10 isolates from 4 fish species. Morphological and morphometric data of sealworms were also obtained. Results A total of 635 larvae were collected from 12 fish species. The most infected fish was Prionotus nudigula, followed by Percophis brasiliensis, Acanthistius patachonicus, Paralichthys isosceles, and Pseudopercis semifasciata. Sequences obtained for the cox1 of sealworms from A. patachonicus, P. isosceles, P. brasiliensis and P. nudigula formed a reciprocally monophyletic lineage with published sequences of adult specimens of Pseudoterranova cattani from the South American sea lion Otaria flavescens, and distinct from the remaining 5 species of Pseudoterranova. A morphological description, including drawings and scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs of these larvae is provided. Sealworms collected from Argentinean fishes did not differ in their diagnostic traits from the previously described larvae of P. cattani. However a discriminant analysis suggests that specimens from P. nudigula were significantly larger than those from other fishes

Hearing capacities and otolith size in two ophidiiform species (Ophidion rochei and Carapus acus).

PubMed

Kéver, Loïc; Colleye, Orphal; Herrel, Anthony; Romans, Pascal; Parmentier, Eric

2014-07-15

Numerous studies have highlighted the diversity of fish inner ear morphology. However, the function of the shape, size and orientation of the different structures remains poorly understood. The saccule (otolithic endorgan) is considered to be the principal hearing organ in fishes and it has been hypothesized that sagitta (saccular otolith) shape and size affect hearing capacities: large sagittae are thought to increase sensitivity. The sagittae of many ophidiids and carapids occupy a large volume inside the neurocranium. Hence they are a good structure with which to test the size hypothesis. The main aim of this study was to investigate hearing capacities and inner ear morphology in two ophidiiform species: Ophidion rochei and Carapus acus. We used a multidisciplinary approach that combines dissections, μCT-scan examinations and auditory evoked potential techniques. Carapus acus and O. rochei sagittae have similar maximal diameters; both species have larger otoliths than many non-ophidiiform species, especially compared with the intra-neurocranium volume. Both species are sensitive to sounds up to 2100 Hz. Relative to the skull, O. rochei has smaller sagittae than the carapid, but better hearing capacities from 300 to 900 Hz and similar sensitivities at 150 Hz and from 1200 to 2100 Hz. Results show that hearing capacities of a fish species cannot be predicted only based on sagitta size. Larger otoliths (in size relative to the skull) may have evolved mainly for performing vestibular functions in fishes, especially those species that need to execute precise and complex movements. © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Otolith development in larval and juvenile Schizothorax davidi: ontogeny and growth increment characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Taiming; Hu, Jiaxiang; Cai, Yueping; Xiong, Sen; Yang, Shiyong; Wang, Xiongyan; He, Zhi

2017-09-01

Laboratory-reared Schizothorax davidi larvae and juveniles were examined to assess the formation and characteristics of David's schizothoracin otoliths. Otolith development was observed and their formation period was verified by monitoring larvae and juveniles of known age. The results revealed that lapilli and sagittae developed before hatching, and the first otolith increment was identified at 2 days post hatching in both. The shape of lapilli was relatively stable during development compared with that of sagittae; however, growth of four sagittae and lapilli areas was consistent, but the posterior area grew faster than the anterior area and the ventral surface grew faster than the dorsal surface. Similarly, the sum length of the radius of the anterior and posterior areas on sagittae and lapilli were linearly and binomially related to total fish length, respectively. Moreover, daily deposition rates were validated by monitoring knownage larvae and juveniles. The increase in lapilli width was 1.88±0.080 0 μm at the ninth increment, which reached a maximum and the decreased gradually toward the otolith edge, whereas that of sagittae increased more slowly. These results illustrate the developmental biology of S. davidi, which will aid in population conservation and fish stock management.

Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine.

PubMed

Aliasgharlou, Lavin; Ghanbarzadeh, Saeed; Azimi, Hamideh; Zarrintan, Mohammad Hossein; Hamishehkar, Hamed

2016-12-01

Purpose: Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain spots on the skin and is one of the most challenging skin conditions to treat. Although it is usually harmless, for cosmetic reasons, it is dreadfully bothersome to those who undergo it. It was reported that N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAGA) prevents melanin synthesis and alters the expression of numerous genes related to pigmentation. In spite of these advantages, NAGA cannot be employed in topical formulations due to its extremely polar characteristics. Nanoparticles, especially lipid-based ones, have been introduced as an efficient carrier for dermal drug delivery. Methods: The aim of the present study was to load adequate hydrophilic NAGA to the lipophilic nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for potential dermal application. NAGA-loaded NLCs were formulated, using hot homogenization technique, and the characteristics of the optimized formulation were analyzed by laser light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy methods. Loading capacity percentage and in vitro release study were carried out by applying a validated HPLC method. The optimum formulation was utilized for the in vivo skin lightening evaluations in healthy volunteers. Results: NAGA-loaded NLCs demonstrated promising results (the size of 190 nm, narrow size distribution, loading capacity of 9%, and appropriate NAGA release profile) suitable for dermal delivery. XRD results exhibited a dramatic reduction in the crystalline structure of encapsulated NAGA. Dermoscopy images indicated a considerable decline in melanin distribution pattern in the majority of the cases treated with NAGA-loaded NLCs. Conclusion: Thus, this study has opened new horizons for the potential use of lipid based nanoparticles in the managing of hyperpigmentation.

Ontogenetic development of otoliths in Alligator Gar

USGS Publications Warehouse

Long, James M.; Snow, Richard A.

2016-01-01

The Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula is a species of conservation concern throughout its range, and better definition of otoliths during early development would aid understanding its life history and ecology. We conducted X-ray computed tomography scans, scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy to examine the three pairs of otoliths and how they developed over time in relation to fish size and age. The sagittae are the largest, possessing distinct dorsal and ventral lobes covered with small otoconia concentrated in the sulcul region. The sagittae exhibited allometric growth, increasing more rapidly in the ventral lobe than in the dorsal. The asterisci were smaller and also exhibited small otoconia on their surface, but much less than the sagittae. The lapilli were oriented laterally, in contrast to the sagittae and asterisci, which were oriented vertically, with a hump on the dorsum and very large otoconia on the lateral surface that appeared to fuse into the main otolith as the fish grew. Based on size measurements and ring counts in all three pairs of otoliths from 101 known-age Alligator Gar sampled weekly through 91 d after hatch, we developed regression models to examine otolith growth and predict age. All relationships were significant and highly explanatory, but the strongest relationships were between otolith and fish size (for measurements from sagittae) and for age predictions from the lapillus. Age prediction models all resulted in a slope near unity, indicating that ring deposition occurred approximately daily. The first ring in sagittae and lapilli corresponded to swim-up, whereas the first ring formed in asterisci approximately 8 d after swim-up. These results fill a gap in knowledge and can aid understanding of evolutionary processes as well as provide useful information for management and conservation.

Subtidal Dynamics of the Vietnamese Shelf: Ship- and Glider-Based Observations of Hydrographic Structure and Circulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-30

glider endurance line off Vietnam, repeating NAGA sections that have not been occupied since the early 1960s, operated by Vietnamese scientists...1959-1961 NAGA expedition, using AUV gliders. We propose train the Vietnamese scientists by inviting and supporting them to visit OSU for a 1-2...biogeochemistry of the Vietnamese East Sea, including changes since the NAGA Expeditions In addition to planning, we have also been successful in bringing

Subtidal Dynamics of the Vietnamese Shelf: Ship- and Glider-Based Observations of Hydrographic Structure and Circulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-30

repeating NAGA sections that have not been occupied since the early 1960s, operated by Vietnamese scientists trained at OSU. We propose to conduct...endurance line off Vietnam in collaboration with Vietnamese scientists. Specifically, we proposed to recreate the 1959-1961 NAGA expedition, using AUV...including changes since the NAGA Expeditions In addition to planning, we have also been successful in bringing the RV Revelle to Da Nang, Vietnam from

Constraints on the evolution of the Naga Hills: from disparate origins to tectonic amalgamation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aitchison, J. C.; Clarke, G. L.; Ireland, T. R.; Ao, A.; Bhowmik, S. K.; Kapesa, L.; Roeder, T.; Stojanovic, D.; Kachovich, S.

2016-12-01

Recent field expeditions supported by the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF07021) have allowed a collaborative team of Australian and Indian geologists to examine, in detail, regions along the border between Nagaland and Manipur in India and Myanmar. This area has previously been little explored and we present new field and laboratory observations. The Myanmar microplate has been dextrally translated over 480 km northwards along Sagaing Fault system during the Miocene. Clearly it did not originate where it presently lies but how far it has travelled remains uncertain. The Indo-Myanmar ranges include the Naga Hills that are dominated by Cenozoic sediments, which have been thrust westwards (in present-day coordinates). They structurally overlie an Indian passive-margin sequence that includes the Gondwana break-up rift-drift counterpart to parts of the NW Shelf of Australia. Near the Indo-Myanmar border this giant imbricate thrust stack also contains sheets of ophiolitic mélange. The ophiolite is heavily disrupted and subsequent to this dismemberment it has been overlain by a succession of Eocene shallow marine shelf sediments; the Phokphur Formation. Further east a succession of high-grade metamorphic units is also thrust westwards over the ophiolite. Well-preserved radiolarian microfossils and U/PB SHRIMP data provide important new age constraints. While superficially it appears that rocks in this area can be correlated with units known from the Himalaya in fact this is problematic. As oceans to the north and west of Australia have opened, grown and been recycled through subduction various continental fragments that originated as part of Gondwana have departed and, with time, transferred to Asia. They have not necessarily all followed the same tectonic pathways. The area lies to the east of the Namche Barwa syntaxis and tectonic reconstructions indicate it has not directly participated in continent-continent collision. Indeed, stratigraphic and

Molecular studies on larvae of Pseudoterranova parasite of Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus, 1758 and Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766) off Brazilian waters.

PubMed

Borges, Juliana N; Cunha, Luiz F G; Miranda, Daniele F; Monteiro-Neto, Cassiano; Santos, Cláudia P

2015-12-01

Pseudoterranova larvae parasitizing cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus and bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix from Southwest Atlantic coast of Brazil were studied in this work by morphological, ultrastructural and molecular approaches. The genetic analysis were performed for the ITS2 intergenic region specific for Pseudoterranova decipiens, the partial 28S (LSU) of ribosomal DNA and the mtDNA cox-1 region. We obtained results for the 28S region and mtDNA cox-1 that was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships between sequences of this study and sequences from the GenBank. The morphological profile indicated that all the nine specimens collected from both fish were L3 larvae of Pseudoterranova sp. The genetic profile confirmed the generic level but due to the absence of similar sequences for adult parasites on GenBank for the regions amplifyied, it was not possible to identify them to the species level. The sequences obtained presented 89% of similarity with Pseudoterranova decipiens (28S sequences) and Contracaecum osculatum B (mtDNA cox-1). The low similarity allied to the fact that the amplification with the specific primer for P. decipiens didn't occur, lead us to conclude that our sequences don't belong to P. decipiens complex.

NagA-dependent uptake of N-acetyl-glucosamine and N-acetyl-chitin oligosaccharides across the outer membrane of Caulobacter crescentus.

PubMed

Eisenbeis, Simone; Lohmiller, Stefanie; Valdebenito, Marianne; Leicht, Stefan; Braun, Volkmar

2008-08-01

Among the 67 predicted TonB-dependent outer membrane transporters of Caulobacter crescentus, NagA was found to be essential for growth on N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and larger chitin oligosaccharides. NagA (93 kDa) has a predicted typical domain structure of an outer membrane transport protein: a signal sequence, the TonB box EQVVIT, a hatch domain of 147 residues, and a beta-barrel composed of 22 antiparallel beta-strands linked by large surface loops and very short periplasmic turns. Mutations in tonB1 and exbBD, known to be required for maltose transport via MalA in C. crescentus, and in two additional predicted tonB genes (open reading frames cc2327 and cc3508) did not affect NagA-mediated GlcNAc uptake. nagA is located in a gene cluster that encodes a predicted PTS sugar transport system and two enzymes that convert GlcNAc-6-P to fructose-6-P. Since a nagA insertion mutant did not grow on and transport GlcNAc, diffusion of GlcNAc through unspecific porins in the outer membrane is excluded. Uptake of GlcNAc into tonB and exbBD mutants and reduction but not abolishment of GlcNAc transport by agents which dissipate the electrochemical potential of the cytoplasmic membrane (0.1 mM carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone and 1 mM 2,4-dinitrophenol) suggest diffusion of GlcNAc through a permanently open pore of NagA. Growth on (GlcNAc)(3) and (GlcNAc)(5) requires ExbB and ExbD, indicating energy-coupled transport by NagA. We propose that NagA forms a small pore through which GlcNAc specifically diffuses into the periplasm and functions as an energy-coupled transporter for the larger chitin oligosaccharides.

Verification of otolith identity used by fisheries scientists for aging channel catfish

USGS Publications Warehouse

Long, James M.; Stewart, David R.

2010-01-01

Previously published studies of the age estimation of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus based on otoliths have reported using the sagittae, whereas it is likely they were actually using the lapilli. This confusion may have resulted because in catfishes (ostariophyseans) the lapilli are the largest of the three otoliths, whereas in nonostariophysean fish the sagittae are the largest. Based on (1) scanning electron microscope microphotographs of channel catfish otoliths, (2) X-ray computed tomography scans of a channel catfish head, (3) descriptions of techniques used to removed otoliths from channel catfish reported in the literature, and (4) a sample of channel catfish otoliths received from fisheries biologists from around the country, it is clear that lapilli are most often used for channel catfish aging studies, not sagittae, as has been previously reported. Fisheries scientists who obtain otoliths from channel catfish can use the information in this paper to correctly identify otolith age.

The Gene YALI0E20207g from Yarrowia lipolytica Encodes an N-Acetylglucosamine Kinase Implicated in the Regulated Expression of the Genes from the N-Acetylglucosamine Assimilatory Pathway

PubMed Central

Flores, Carmen-Lisset; Gancedo, Carlos

2015-01-01

The non-conventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica possesses an ORF, YALI0E20207g, which encodes a protein with an amino acid sequence similar to hexokinases from different organisms. We have cloned that gene and determined several enzymatic properties of its encoded protein showing that it is an N-acetylglucosamine (NAGA) kinase. This conclusion was supported by the lack of growth in NAGA of a strain carrying a YALI0E20207g deletion. We named this gene YlNAG5. Expression of YlNAG5 as well as that of the genes encoding the enzymes of the NAGA catabolic pathway—identified by a BLAST search—was induced by this sugar. Deletion of YlNAG5 rendered that expression independent of the presence of NAGA in the medium and reintroduction of the gene restored the inducibility, indicating that YlNag5 participates in the transcriptional regulation of the NAGA assimilatory pathway genes. Expression of YlNAG5 was increased during sporulation and homozygous Ylnag5/Ylnag5 diploid strains sporulated very poorly as compared with a wild type isogenic control strain pointing to a participation of the protein in the process. Overexpression of YlNAG5 allowed growth in glucose of an Ylhxk1glk1 double mutant and produced, in a wild type background, aberrant morphologies in different media. Expression of the gene in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae hxk1 hxk2 glk1 triple mutant restored ability to grow in glucose. PMID:25816199

An Analysis of the Indian Army’s COIN Experience

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-10

72 Dinesh Kotwal, The Naga Insurgency: The Past And The Future, at www.idsa.org (accessed 12 December 2011). 73 Ibid. 74 Ibid...was totally unacceptable to India.83 The political 77 Ibid. 78 Dinesh Kotwal, The Naga...in India and Counterinsurgency: Lessons Learned, ed. Sumit Ganguly and David P. Fidler (New York: Routledge, 2009), 11. 80 Ibid. 81 Dinesh

Analysis of the Indian Army’s COIN experience.

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-10

72 Dinesh Kotwal, The Naga Insurgency: The Past And The Future, at www.idsa.org (accessed 12 December 2011). 73 Ibid. 74 Ibid...was totally unacceptable to India.83 The political 77 Ibid. 78 Dinesh Kotwal, The Naga...in India and Counterinsurgency: Lessons Learned, ed. Sumit Ganguly and David P. Fidler (New York: Routledge, 2009), 11. 80 Ibid. 81 Dinesh

Neural-network-assisted genetic algorithm applied to silicon clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marim, L. R.; Lemes, M. R.; dal Pino, A.

2003-03-01

Recently, a new optimization procedure that combines the power of artificial neural-networks with the versatility of the genetic algorithm (GA) was introduced. This method, called neural-network-assisted genetic algorithm (NAGA), uses a neural network to restrict the search space and it is expected to speed up the solution of global optimization problems if some previous information is available. In this paper, we have tested NAGA to determine the ground-state geometry of Sin (10⩽n⩽15) according to a tight-binding total-energy method. Our results indicate that NAGA was able to find the desired global minimum of the potential energy for all the test cases and it was at least ten times faster than pure genetic algorithm.

Morphological reconstruction of Roman arrowheads from Iulia Concordia: Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salvemini, Filomena; Grazzi, Francesco; Angelini, Ivana; Vontobel, Peter; Vigoni, Alberto; Artioli, Gilberto; Zoppi, Marco

2014-06-01

Iulia Concordia is an important Roman settlement especially known for the production of weapons during the Roman Empire. Excavations of the area revealed the evidence of metal-working activities and a huge number of well preserved arrowheads (sagittae) were found. In order to investigate the conservation state of the finds and to shed light about the production processes used by Roman for the manufacturing of sagittae, a neutron tomography analysis was performed on NEUTRA beam line at the Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland. Here, we present results from our investigation conducted on 18 samples, disclosing, in a non-invasive way, the morphological characteristic related to the ancient Roman working techniques.

Possible Climatic Signal Recorded by Alkenone Distributions in Sediments from Freshwater and Saline Lakes on the Skarvsnes and Skallen Areas, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawada, K.; Takeda, M.; Takano, Y.

2014-12-01

The distribution of long-chain (C37 - C39) alkenones in marine sediment has been well documented to record paleo-sea surface temperatures. The alkenones were also found in sediments of terrestrial saline lakes, and recently the calibrations of alkenone unsaturation indices - temperature have been established in continental areas. Furthermore, these biomarkers have been identified in lacustrine sediments on high-latitudinal terrestrial areas such as Greenland and Antarctica. In the present study, the alkenones were identified in the lacustrine sediment cores in freshwater (Lake Naga-ike) and saline lakes (Lake Suribati and Lake Funazoko) on the Skarvsnes, and a saline lake (Lake Skallen Oh-ike) on the Skallen, Antarctica. Here, we report that the alkenone distribution in the Antarctic lakes was examined as paleotemperature proxy. C37-C38 Tetra- and tri-unsaturated alkenones and C37 tetra- and tri-unsaturated alkenoates are identified in all sediment samples. The C37 di-unsaturated (C37:2) alkenones can be identified in sediments of surface layers (0-15 cm) of Lake Naga-ike and layers of 160-190 cm depth, in which age is ca. 3000 years BP by 14C dating, in Lake Skallen Ohike, and alkenone unsaturation index (UK37) is analyzed from these sediments. By using a calibration obtained from a culture strain Chrysotila lamellosa as reported by Nakamura et al. (2014), paleotemperatures are calculated to be 9.2-15ºC in surface sediments of Lake Naga-ike and 6.8-8.6ºC in Lake Skallen Oh-ike, respectively. The estimated temperatures are concordant with summer temperature of lake waters observed in Lake Naga-ike. Also, the highest concentrations of the alkenones and alkenoates are observed in deeper (older) sediment layers from Lake Naga-ikes, which has not been connected the ocean and intruded sea water. This implies that the alkenones are originated from indigenous biological organism(s) in Antarctic lake water. The class distributions (unsaturation ratios) of alkenones

Redescriptions of three trachelocercid ciliates (Protista, Ciliophora, Karyorelictea), with notes on their phylogeny based on small subunit rRNA gene sequences.

PubMed

Yan, Ying; Xu, Yuan; Yi, Zhenzhen; Warren, Alan

2013-09-01

Three trachelocercid ciliates, Kovalevaia sulcata (Kovaleva, 1966) Foissner, 1997, Trachelocerca sagitta (Müller, 1786) Ehrenberg, 1840 and Trachelocerca ditis (Wright, 1982) Foissner, 1996, isolated from two coastal habitats at Qingdao, China, were investigated using live observation and silver impregnation methods. Data on their infraciliature and morphology are supplied. The small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) genes of K. sulcata and Trachelocerca sagitta were sequenced for the first time. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene sequence data indicate that both organisms, and the previously sequenced Trachelocerca ditis, are located within the trachelocercid assemblage and that K. sulcata is sister to an unidentified taxon forming a clade that is basal to the core trachelocercids.

Generation of buckle folds in Naga fold thrust belt, north-east India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, B.; Dietl, C.

2009-04-01

Naga fold thrust belt (NFTB), India, formed as a result of northward migration of the Indian plate initiated in Eocene and its subsequent collision with the Burmese plate during Oligocene. The NW-SE oriented compression generated a spectrum of structures; among them, we intend to focus on the folds- varying from gentle to tight asymmetric in geometry. Large recumbent folds are often associated with thrusting. Buckle folds forming under shallow crustal conditions are frequently reported from NFTB. Buckle folding occurs mainly within sandstones with intercalated shale layers which are in the study area typical for the Barail, Surma and Tipam Groups. We have tried to explain the controlling factors behind the variation of the buckle fold shapes and their varying wavelengths throughout the fold thrust belt with the aid of analogue (sand box) modelling. It is undoubted that competence contrast along with the layer parallel compressive stress are the major influencing factors in generation of buckle folds. Schmalholz and Podladchikov (1999) and Jeng et al. (2002) have shown that when low strain rate and low temperature are applicable, not only the viscosity contrast, but also the elasticity contrast govern the geometry of the developing buckle folds. Rocks deforming under high temperature and high pressure deform in pure viscous manner, whereas, rocks undergoing less confining stress and less temperature, are subjected to pure elastic deformation. However, they are the end members, and most of the deformations are a combination of these two end members, i.e. of viscoelastic nature. Our models are made up of sieved sand (0.5 mm grain size) and mica layers (1-5 mm) This interlayering imparts a mechanical anisotropy in the model. Mica is not a pure viscous material, rather it displays more elastic behaviour. The mica layers in the model produce bedding parallel slip during shortening through internal reorganization of the individual mica crystals leading to the thickening

Validation of daily increments periodicity in otoliths of spotted gar

USGS Publications Warehouse

Snow, Richard A.; Long, James M.; Frenette, Bryan D.

2017-01-01

Accurate age and growth information is essential in successful management of fish populations and for understanding early life history. We validated daily increment deposition, including the timing of first ring formation, for spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) through 127 days post hatch. Fry were produced from hatchery-spawned specimens, and up to 10 individuals per week were sacrificed and their otoliths (sagitta, lapillus, and asteriscus) removed for daily age estimation. Daily age estimates for all three otolith pairs were significantly related to known age. The strongest relationships existed for measurements from the sagitta (r2 = 0.98) and the lapillus (r2 = 0.99) with asteriscus (r2 = 0.95) the lowest. All age prediction models resulted in a slope near unity, indicating that ring deposition occurred approximately daily. Initiation of ring formation varied among otolith types, with deposition beginning 3, 7, and 9 days for the sagitta, lapillus, and asteriscus, respectively. Results of this study suggested that otoliths are useful to estimate daily age of spotted gar juveniles; these data may be used to back calculate hatch dates, estimate early growth rates, and correlate with environmental factor that influence spawning in wild populations. is early life history information will be valuable in better understanding the ecology of this species. 

Chaetognatha in the Bahía Magdalena lagoon complex, Baja California Sur, México: species composition and assemblages.

PubMed

Cota Meza, M S

2011-07-01

The chaetognaths from 187 zooplankton samples collected from the Bahia Magdalena lagoon complex, Baja California Sur, Mexico during March, June, July, August, September, November, and December 1982 were studied. Twelve species belonging to two genera were identified. Sagitta euneritica and S. enflata were the most abundant and most frequent species with maximum abundance in July (40,000 org/100 m(3) and 6100 org/100 m(3) respectively). Sagitta pacifica, S. regularis and S. pseudoserratodentata were stenothermic (21 to 25 degrees C), whereas the rest of the species were eurythermic (15.5 to 29.5 degrees C). Sagitta euneritica contributed considerably to the zooplanktonic biomass, increasing the density in particular in BahíaAlmejas. The analysis of the species assemblages (Morisita index) showed that S. pacifica and S. regularis interact more frequently in August when there is a change of the water masses that converge in this zone during summer, when the California Countercurrent predominates. The composition of taxa during winter is characterized by the dominance of S. euneritica. Entering the warm period, an abrupt change occurs in taxa composition of the three zones studied: channels, Bahía Magdalena, and BahíaAlmejas. The amplitude and distribution of S. peruviana was influenced possibility by the oceanographic conditions of ENSO 1982.

U-Pb dating and isotopic signature of the alkaline ring complexes of Bou Naga (Mauritania): its bearing on late proterozoic plate tectonics around the West African craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanc, A.; Bernard-Griffiths, J.; Caby, R.; Caruba, C.; Caruba, R.; Dars, R.; Fourcade, S.; Peucat, J. J.

1992-04-01

In the West African fold belt of Mauritania, high-grade metamorphic series, similar to those of Amsaga (Reguibat shield-West African Craton), are exposed in a window. At Bou Naga-Mauritania (19° N, 13° 15' W) in the South of this window, an alkaline ring complex has intruded the metamorphic country rocks. This complex consists of two geological formations: the Eastern formation is mainly composed of red rhyolite sills, whereas the Western formation is made up of several kinds of alkaline rocks both saturated and under-saturated which cross cut the earlier saturated units. Three U-Pb zircon age measurements have been made on the alkaline complex, and one on an orthogneiss from the metamorphic country rocks. The syenite and the alkaline granite of the Western block are 676 ± 8 and 687 ± 5 Ma old. The orthogneiss is Archaean with an age of 2709 ± 136 Ma, but the lower intercept of discordia on concordia, shows an age of 756 ± 25 Ma linked with the genesis of the alkaline complex. A major crustal contribution is recorded by Nd and O isotopes in the SiO 2-saturated rocks. These results provide evidence for the correlation of the metamorphic country rocks with the Reguibat Archaean basement and for an early Pan-African continental rifting phase in this area before the tectonometamorphic events in the Mauritanide belt. Furthermore, with regards with previous geodynamic works of the West African Craton, our results leads us to suggest a significant diachronism between late Proterozoic crustal evolution to the West and to the East of the West African Craton. This is a further evidence for modern-type plate tectonics at this time.

78 FR 12703 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Amendment to the Corals and Reef...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-25

.... The Coral FMP currently includes four individual species of seagrasses: turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum), manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme), shoal grass (Halodule wrightii), widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima), and one group of species, the sea vines (Halophila spp., including H. decipiens, H. baillonis, H...

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased early growth of two nontimber forest product species Dyera polyphylla and Aquilaria filaria under greenhouse conditions.

PubMed

Turjaman, Maman; Tamai, Yutaka; Santoso, Erdy; Osaki, Mitsuru; Tawaraya, Keitaro

2006-10-01

Nontimber forest products (NTFPs) represent an important source of income to millions of people in tropical forest regions, but some NTFP species have decreased in number and become endangered due to overexploitation. There is increasing concern that the planting stocks of Dyera polyphylla and Aquilaria filaria are not sufficient to sustain the yield of NTFPs and promote forest conservation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, Glomus clarum and Gigaspora decipiens, on the early growth of two NTFP species, D. polyphylla and A. filaria, under greenhouse conditions. The seedlings of both species were inoculated with G. clarum or G. decipiens, or uninoculated (control) under greenhouse conditions. Percentage of AM colonization, plant growth, survival rate, and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were measured after 180 days of growth. The percentage of AM colonization of D. polyphylla and A. filaria ranged from 87 to 93% and from 22 to 39%, respectively. Colonization by G. clarum and G. decipiens increased plant height, diameter, and shoot and root dry weights. Shoot N and P concentrations of the seedlings were increased by AM colonization by as much as 70-153% and 135-360%, respectively. Survival rates were higher in the AM-colonized seedlings at 180 days after transplantation than in the control seedlings. The results suggest that AM fungi can accelerate the establishment of the planting stocks of D. polyphylla and A. filaria, thereby promoting their conservation ecologically and sustaining the production of these NTFPs economically.

78 FR 14503 - Amendment 4 to the Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates Fishery Management Plan of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-06

... established to end overfishing and prevent overfishing from occurring. Annual catch limits are levels of... species, the sea vines (Halophila spp., including H. decipiens, H. baillonis, H. engelmannii, and H... Stylaster roseus, Rose lace corals B. Anthozoans--Class Anthozoa 1. Soft corals--Order Alcyonacea Family...

Winds and accretion in delta Sagittae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eaton, Joel A.; Hartkopf, William I.; Mcalister, Harold A.; Mason, Brian D.

1995-01-01

The ten-year binary delta Sge (M2 Ib-II+B9.5 V) is a zeta Aur binary containing an abnormally cool component. Combining our analysis of the system as a visual binary with Batten's radial-velocity solution leads to the following properties: i = 40 deg, a = 51 mas = 8.83 A.U. = 1893 solar radius, hence d = 173 pc; M(sub B) = 2.9 solar mass and M(sub M) = 3.8 solar mass; and R(sub B) = 2.6 solar radius and R(sub M) = 152 solar radius. This interpretation of the orbit places the M supergiant on the asymptotic giant branch. We have collected ultraviolet spectra throughout the star's 1980-90 orbit, concentrated around the conjuction of 1990. The wind of the M giant appears in these as narrow shell lines of singly ionized metals, chiefly Fe II, with P-Cyg profiles at many phases, which show the slow variation in strength expected for the orbit but no pronounced atmospheric eclipse. The terminal velocity of the wind is 16-18 km/s, and its excitation temperature is approximately 10,000 K. Most of the broadening of the wind lines is caused by differential expansion of the atmosphere, with (unmeasurably) low turbulent velocities. Nontheless, the mass loss rate (1.1 +/- 0.4 X 10 (exp -8) solar mas/yr) is almost the same as found previously by Reimers and Schroder for very different assumptions about the velocity structure. Also seen in the spectrum throughout the orbit are the effects of a variable, high-speed wind as well as evidence for accretion onto the B9.5 star. This high-speed wind absorbs in species of all ionization stages observed, e. g., C II, Mg II, Al III, SI IV, C IV, and has a terminaal velocity in the range 200-450 km/s. We presume this wind originates at the B dwarf, not the M supergiant, and speculate that it comes from an accretion disk, as suggested by recent models of magnetically moderated accretion. Evidence for accretion is redshifted absorption in the same transitions formed in the high-speed wind, as well as broad emission lines of singly ionized metals. This emission seems to be scattered out of the continuum of the B star. Finally, we discuss Auger ionization by accretion luminosity as the cause of the high ionization in these high-speed flows as well as the source of the extended circumstellar clouds of Si(3+) and C(3+) ions in zeta Aur binaries.

Pyridoindole antioxidant-induced preservation of rat hippocampal pyramidal cell number linked with reduction of oxidative stress yet without influence on cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer-like neurodegeneration.

PubMed

Gasparova, Zdenka; Stara, Veronika; Janega, Pavol; Navarova, Jana; Sedlackova, Natalia; Mach, Mojmir; Ujhazy, Eduard

2014-01-01

The idea of antioxidant therapy attenuating Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathology starts to be attractive. Animal models are often used in these studies. An AD-like model of trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neurodegeneration, targeting the hippocampus, involves neuronal cell death and cognitive impairment. Effect of the pyridoindole SMe1EC2 (3×50 mg/kg) and vitamin C (3×50mg/kg) was analyzed in the model of TMT-induced (8 mg/kg) neurodegeneration. The study was focused on the effect of the antioxidants tested on learning performance in the Morris water maze (MWM) on days 21-25 after TMT administration, on biochemical variables - malondyaldehyde (MDA) and lysosomal enzyme NAGA in brain cortex and blood serum, and on pyramidal cell number in the CA1 area of the hippocampus on day 31 after TMT administration in adult male Wistar rats (n=32). Critical deterioration of learning performance was observed due to the TMT administration in the MWM. Further, apparent reduction of pyramidal cell number to 21% in the CA1 area of the hippocampus, increased MDA and NAGA activity in serum and increased NAGA activity in the cortex were determined contrary to controls. In serum, an increase of MDA level was prevented by both antioxidants tested without any effect on NAGA activity. SMe1EC2 apparently preserved pyramidal cell viability in the CA1 area. Both substances tested failed to ameliorate the detrimental effect of TMT on spatial memory. The biochemical and morphometrical findings suggest that reduction of oxidative stress may play a role in AD-like neurodegeneration. Different doses and timing of SMe1EC2 administration might bring improvement in next learning performance.

Differences in Hydration Structure Around Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Model Peptides Probed by THz Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wirtz, Hanna; Schäfer, Sarah; Hoberg, Claudius; Havenith, Martina

2018-03-01

We have recorded the THz spectra of the peptides NALA and NAGA as well as the amino acid leucine as model systems for hydrophobic and hydrophilic hydration. The spectra were recorded as a function of temperature and concentration and were analyzed in terms of a principal component analysis approach. NAGA shows positive absorptions with an increasing effective absorption coefficient for increasing concentrations. We conclude that NAGA due to its polar and hydrophilic structure does not have a significant influence on the surrounding water network, but is instead integrated into the water network forming a supramolecular complex. In contrast, for NALA, one hydrogen atom is substituted by a hydrophobic iso-butyl chain. We observe for NALA a decrease in absorption below 1.5 THz and a nonlinearity with a turning point around 0.75 M. Our measurements indicate that the first hydration shell of NALA is still intact at 0.75 M (corresponding to 65 water molecules per NALA). However, for larger concentrations the hydration shells can overlap, which explains the nonlinearity. For leucine, the changes in the spectrum occur at smaller concentrations. This might indicate that leucine exhibits a long-range effect on the solvating water network.

Depositional facies, environments and sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the Middle Triassic-Lower Cretaceous (pre-Late Albian) succession in Arif El-Naga anticline, northeast Sinai, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Azabi, M. H.; El-Araby, A.

2005-01-01

The Middle Triassic-Lower Cretaceous (pre-Late Albian) succession of Arif El-Naga anticline comprises various distinctive facies and environments that are connected with eustatic relative sea-level changes, local/regional tectonism, variable sediment influx and base-level changes. It displays six unconformity-bounded depositional sequences. The Triassic deposits are divided into a lower clastic facies (early Middle Triassic sequence) and an upper carbonate unit (late Middle- and latest Middle/early Late Triassic sequences). The early Middle Triassic sequence consists of sandstone with shale/mudstone interbeds that formed under variable regimes, ranging from braided fluvial, lower shoreface to beach foreshore. The marine part of this sequence marks retrogradational and progradational parasequences of transgressive- and highstand systems tract deposits respectively. Deposition has taken place under warm semi-arid climate and a steady supply of clastics. The late Middle- and latest Middle/early Late Triassic sequences are carbonate facies developed on an extensive shallow marine shelf under dry-warm climate. The late Middle Triassic sequence includes retrogradational shallow subtidal oyster rudstone and progradational lower intertidal lime-mudstone parasequences that define the transgressive- and highstand systems tracts respectively. It terminates with upper intertidal oncolitic packstone with bored upper surface. The next latest Middle/early Late Triassic sequence is marked by lime-mudstone, packstone/grainstone and algal stromatolitic bindstone with minor shale/mudstone. These lower intertidal/shallow subtidal deposits of a transgressive-systems tract are followed upward by progradational highstand lower intertidal lime-mudstone deposits. The overlying Jurassic deposits encompass two different sequences. The Lower Jurassic sequence is made up of intercalating lower intertidal lime-mudstone and wave-dominated beach foreshore sandstone which formed during a short

Validation of daily increments in otoliths of northern squawfish larvae

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wertheimer, R.H.; Barfoot, C.A.

1998-01-01

Otoliths from laboratory-reared northern squawfish, Ptychocheilus oregonensis, larvae were examined to determine the periodicity of increment deposition. Increment deposition began in both sagittae and lapilli after hatching. Reader counts indicated that increment formation was daily in sagittae of 1-29-day-old larvae. However, increment counts from lapilli were significantly less than the known ages of northern squawfish larvae, possibly because some increments were not detectable. Otolith readability and age agreement among readers were greatest for young (<11 days) northern squawfish larvae. This was primarily because a transitional zone of low-contrast material began forming in otoliths of 8-11-day-old larvae and persisted until approximately 20 days after hatching. Formation of the transition zone appeared to coincide with the onset of exogenous feeding and continued through yolk sac absorption. Our results indicate that aging wild-caught northern squawfish larvae using daily otolith increment counts is possible.

Otoliths reveal a diverse age structure for humper lake trout in Lake Superior

USGS Publications Warehouse

Burnham-Curtis, Mary K.; Bronte, Charles R.

1996-01-01

Humpers are one of at least three morphological variants of wild lake trout Salvelinus namaycush that maintain self-sustaining populations in Lake Superior. In an early study, bumpers from Isle Royale were shown to have a sharply truncated age distribution that was attributed to high mortality after age 11, but we suspected that these fish were underaged. In August of 1989 and 1992 we collected spawning humper lake trout from the same area and estimated their ages using both scales and sagittal otoliths. Humpers in our sample ranged from 5 to 13 years, based on scale annuli, but counts of sagitta annuli revealed ages of 8 to 28 years. Individual discrepancies between ages from scales and sagittae varied from –2 to 20 years, but differences between scale and otolith ages did not increase with individual age. We applied the von Bertalanffy growth model to the humper length-at-age data to indirectly assess the accuracy of aging estimates. The model significantly overestimated mean asymptotic length when scale ages were used, but the mean asymptotic length estimate was more similar to observed lengths when sagitta ages were used. Our results corroborate evidence that bumpers in Lake Superior grow more slowly and mature at a smaller size than lean lake trout; however, the age composition of bumpers is more diverse than previously thought. This particular population experiences little or no exploitation; the presence of older fish provides one standard by which the success of lake trout rehabilitation programs can be evaluated and emphasizes the need for accurate aging techniques.

Correlation study of sodium-atom chemisorption on the GaAs(110) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, K. M.; Khan, D. C.; Ray, A. K.

1994-01-01

Different possible adsorption sites of sodium atoms on a gallium arsenide surface have been investigated using ab initio self-consistent unrestricted Hartree-Fock total-energy cluster calculations with Hay-Wadt effective core potentials. The effects of electron correlation have been included by invoking the concepts of many-body perturbation theory and are found to be highly significant. We find that the Na-atom adsorption at a site modeled with an NaGa5As4H12 cluster is most favored energetically followed by Na adsorption at the site modeled with the NaGa4As5H12 cluster. The effects of charge transfer from Na to the GaAs surface as also possibilities of metallization are also analyzed and discussed.

On Stellar Winds as a Source of Mass: Applying Bondi-Hoyle-Lyttleton Accretion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Detweiler, L. G.; Yates, K.; Siem, E.

2017-12-01

The interaction between planets orbiting stars and the stellar wind that stars emit is investigated and explored. The main goal of this research is to devise a method of calculating the amount of mass accumulated by an arbitrary planet from the stellar wind of its parent star via accretion processes. To achieve this goal, the Bondi-Hoyle-Lyttleton (BHL) mass accretion rate equation and model is employed. In order to use the BHL equation, various parameters of the stellar wind is required to be known, including the velocity, density, and speed of sound of the wind. In order to create a method that is applicable to arbitrary planets orbiting arbitrary stars, Eugene Parker's isothermal stellar wind model is used to calculate these stellar wind parameters. In an isothermal wind, the speed of sound is simple to compute, however the velocity and density equations are transcendental and so the solutions must be approximated using a numerical approximation method. By combining Eugene Parker's isothermal stellar wind model with the BHL accretion equation, a method for computing planetary accretion rates inside a star's stellar wind is realized. This method is then applied to a variety of scenarios. First, this method is used to calculate the amount of mass that our solar system's planets will accrete from the solar wind throughout our Sun's lifetime. Then, some theoretical situations are considered. We consider the amount of mass various brown dwarfs would accrete from the solar wind of our Sun throughout its lifetime if they were orbiting the Sun at Jupiter's distance. For very high mass brown dwarfs, a significant amount of mass is accreted. In the case of the brown dwarf 15 Sagittae B, it actually accretes enough mass to surpass the mass limit for hydrogen fusion. Since 15 Sagittae B is orbiting a star that is very similar to our Sun, this encouraged making calculations for 15 Sagittae B orbiting our Sun at its true distance from its star, 15 Sagittae. It was found that

Heterospecific aggression bias towards a rarer colour morph.

PubMed

Lehtonen, Topi K; Sowersby, Will; Wong, Bob B M

2015-09-22

Colour polymorphisms are a striking example of phenotypic diversity, yet the sources of selection that allow different morphs to persist within populations remain poorly understood. In particular, despite the importance of aggression in mediating social dominance, few studies have considered how heterospecific aggression might contribute to the maintenance or divergence of different colour morphs. To redress this gap, we carried out a field-based study in a Nicaraguan crater lake to investigate patterns of heterospecific aggression directed by the cichlid fish, Hypsophrys nicaraguensis, towards colour polymorphic cichlids in the genus Amphilophus. We found that H. nicaraguensis was the most frequent territorial neighbour of the colour polymorphic A. sagittae. Furthermore, when manipulating territorial intrusions using models, H. nicaraguensis were more aggressive towards the gold than dark colour morph of the sympatric Amphilophus species, including A. sagittae. Such a pattern of heterospecific aggression should be costly to the gold colour morph, potentially accounting for its lower than expected frequency and, more generally, highlighting the importance of considering heterospecific aggression in the context of morph frequencies and coexistence in the wild. © 2015 The Author(s).

Trace elements in organisms of different trophic groups in the White Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budko, D. F.; Demina, L. L.; Martynova, D. M.; Gorshkova, O. M.

2015-09-01

Concentrations of trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, As, Co, and Se) have been studied in different trophic groups of organisms: primary producers (seston, presented mostly by phytoplankton), primary consumers (mesozooplankton, macrozooplankton, and bivalves), secondary consumers (predatory macrozooplankton and starfish), and consumers of higher trophic levels (fish species), inhabiting the coastal zone of Kandalaksha Bay and the White Sea (Cape Kartesh). The concentrations of elements differ significantly for the size groups of Sagitta elegans (zooplankton) and blue mussel Mytilus edulis, as well as for the bone and muscle tissues of studied fish species, Atlantic cod Gadus morhua marisalbi and Atlantic wolffish Anarhichas lupus. The concentrations of all the studied elements were lower among the primary consumers and producers, but increased again at higher trophic levels, from secondary consumers to tertiary consumers ("mesozooplankton → macrozooplankton Sagitta elegans" and "mussels → starfish"). Ni and Pb tended to decline through the food chains seston→…→cod and mesozooplankton→…→stickleback. Only the concentrations of Fe increased in all the trophic chains along with the increase of the trophic level.

Functional Analysis of the N-Acetylglucosamine Metabolic Genes of Streptomyces coelicolor and Role in Control of Development and Antibiotic Production

PubMed Central

Świątek, Magdalena A.; Tenconi, Elodie; Rigali, Sébastien

2012-01-01

N-Acetylglucosamine, the monomer of chitin, is a favored carbon and nitrogen source for streptomycetes. Its intracellular catabolism requires the combined actions of the N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcNAc-6P) deacetylase NagA and the glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN-6P) deaminase/isomerase NagB. GlcNAc acts as a signaling molecule in the DasR-mediated nutrient sensing system, activating development and antibiotic production under poor growth conditions (famine) and blocking these processes under rich conditions (feast). In order to understand how a single nutrient can deliver opposite information according to the nutritional context, we carried out a mutational analysis of the nag metabolic genes nagA, nagB, and nagK. Here we show that the nag genes are part of the DasR regulon in Streptomyces coelicolor, which explains their transcriptional induction by GlcNAc. Most likely as the result of the intracellular accumulation of GlcN-6P, nagB deletion mutants fail to grow in the presence of GlcNAc. This toxicity can be alleviated by the additional deletion of nagA. We recently showed that in S. coelicolor, GlcNAc is internalized as GlcNAc-6P via the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS). Considering the relevance of GlcNAc for the control of antibiotic production, improved insight into GlcNAc metabolism in Streptomyces may provide new leads toward biotechnological applications. PMID:22194457

NaGa3Te5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villars, P.; Cenzual, K.; Daams, J.; Gladyshevskii, R.; Shcherban, O.; Dubenskyy, V.; Kuprysyuk, V.; Savysyuk, I.

This document is part of Subvolume A8 `Structure Types. Part 8: Space Groups (156) P3m1 - (148) R-3' of Volume 43 `Crystal Structures of Inorganic Compounds' of Landolt-Börnstein - Group III `Condensed Matter'.

Genetic analysis of the roles of agaA, agaI, and agaS genes in the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and D-galactosamine catabolic pathways in Escherichia coli strains O157:H7 and C

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The catabolic pathways of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (Aga) and D-galactosamine (Gam) in E. coli were proposed from bioinformatic analysis of the aga/gam regulon in E. coli K-12 and later from studies using E. coli C. Of the thirteen genes in this cluster, the roles of agaA, agaI, and agaS predicted to code for Aga-6-P-deacetylase, Gam-6-P deaminase/isomerase, and ketose-aldolase isomerase, respectively, have not been experimentally tested. Here we study their roles in Aga and Gam utilization in E. coli O157:H7 and in E. coli C. Results Knockout mutants in agaA, agaI, and agaS were constructed to test their roles in Aga and Gam utilization. Knockout mutants in the N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) pathway genes nagA and nagB coding for GlcNAc-6-P deacetylase and glucosamine-6-P deaminase/isomerase, respectively, and double knockout mutants ΔagaA ΔnagA and ∆agaI ∆nagB were also constructed to investigate if there is any interplay of these enzymes between the Aga/Gam and the GlcNAc pathways. It is shown that Aga utilization was unaffected in ΔagaA mutants but ΔagaA ΔnagA mutants were blocked in Aga and GlcNAc utilization. E. coli C ΔnagA could not grow on GlcNAc but could grow when the aga/gam regulon was constitutively expressed. Complementation of ΔagaA ΔnagA mutants with either agaA or nagA resulted in growth on both Aga and GlcNAc. It was also found that ΔagaI, ΔnagB, and ∆agaI ΔnagB mutants were unaffected in utilization of Aga and Gam. Importantly, ΔagaS mutants were blocked in Aga and Gam utilization. Expression analysis of relevant genes in these strains with different genetic backgrounds by real time RT-PCR supported these observations. Conclusions Aga utilization was not affected in ΔagaA mutants because nagA was expressed and substituted for agaA. Complementation of ΔagaA ΔnagA mutants with either agaA or nagA also showed that both agaA and nagA can substitute for each other. The ∆agaI, ∆nagB, and ∆agaI ∆nagB mutants were

Imaging of 2-D multichannel land seismic data using an iterative inversion-migration scheme, Naga Thrust and Fold Belt, Assam, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaiswal, Priyank; Dasgupta, Rahul

2010-05-01

seismic data from the Naga Thrust and Fold Belt (NTFB), India, were several exploratory wells in the last decade targeting sub-thrust leads in the footwall have failed. This failure is speculatively due to incorrect depth images which are in turn attributed to incorrect velocity models that are developed using conventional methods. The 2-D seismic data in this study is acquired perpendicular to the trend of the NTFB where the outcropping hanging wall has a topographic culmination. The acquisition style is split-spread with 30 m shot and receiver spacing and a nominal fold of 90. The data are recorded with a sample interval of 2 ms. Overall the data have a moderate signal-to-noise ratio and a broad frequency bandwidth of 8-80 Hz. The seismic line contains the failed exploratory well in the central part. The final results from unified imaging (both the depth image and the corresponding velocity model) suggest presence of a triangle zone, which was previously undiscovered. Conventional imaging had falsely portrayed the triangle zone as structural high which was interpreted as an anticline. As a result, the exploratory well, meant to target the anticline, met with pressure changes which were neither expected nor explained. The unified imaging results not only explain the observations in the well but also reveal new leads in the region. The velocity model from unified imaging was also found to be adequate for frequency-domain full-waveform imaging of the hanging wall. Results from waveform inversion are further corroborated by the geological interpretation of the exploratory well.

Studies on stoneflies (Plecoptera) of Colorado with eastern faunal affinities, including a new state record of the midwestern salmonfly, Pteronarcys pictetii hagen (Plecoptera: Pteronarcyidae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zuellig, R.E.; Kondratieff, B.C.; Hood, R.W.

2006-01-01

Pteronarcys pictetii Hagen nymphs were collected and reared from the South Platte River at Julesburg in eastern Colorado. Including P. pictetii, eight species are now known from Colorado that exhibit eastern North American affinities, Paracapnia angulata Hanson, Taeniopteryx burksi Ricker and Ross, Taeniopteryx parvula Banks, Acroneuria abnormis (Newman), Perlesta decipiens (Walsh), Isoperla bilineata (Say), and Isoperla marlynia (Needham and Claassen). A brief discussion of the dispersal of these species into Colorado is presented.

Comparative History as World History: Religious Conversion in Modern India.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eaton, Richard M.

1997-01-01

Explores the reasons for the extraordinary conversion to Christianity among the Naga peoples of northeastern India. Almost the entire population has converted within the last 100 years. Tests the usefulness of models of religious change generated from fieldwork on conversion in Africa, specifically Robin Horton's "intellectualist"…

Apple ring rot-responsive putative microRNAs revealed by high-throughput sequencing in Malus × domestica Borkh.

PubMed

Yu, Xin-Yi; Du, Bei-Bei; Gao, Zhi-Hong; Zhang, Shi-Jie; Tu, Xu-Tong; Chen, Xiao-Yun; Zhang, Zhen; Qu, Shen-Chun

2014-08-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, which silence target mRNA via cleavage or translational inhibition to function in regulating gene expression. MiRNAs act as important regulators of plant development and stress response. For understanding the role of miRNAs responsive to apple ring rot stress, we identified disease-responsive miRNAs using high-throughput sequencing in Malus × domestica Borkh.. Four small RNA libraries were constructed from two control strains in M. domestica, crabapple (CKHu) and Fuji Naga-fu No. 6 (CKFu), and two disease stress strains, crabapple (DSHu) and Fuji Naga-fu No. 6 (DSFu). A total of 59 miRNA families were identified and five miRNAs might be responsive to apple ring rot infection and validated via qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we predicted 76 target genes which were regulated by conserved miRNAs potentially. Our study demonstrated that miRNAs was responsive to apple ring rot infection and may have important implications on apple disease resistance.

On the motion of a body whose dynamical structure is variable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolbut, V. R.

1982-02-01

Abul'naga and Barkin (1980) have considered the problem of the particular solutions for the translational-rotational motion of two rigid bodies, taking into account the third harmonics in the force function of their Newtonian interaction. Attention is given to the Hamiltonian of the problem, the distinctive motion of a body whose dynamical structure is variable, and the introduction of a known function of an independent variable. The solutions may be written in the form of a series. In the stationary case the solutions are the same as those provided by Abul'naga and Barkin. The variation in the dynamical structure of a constant-mass body may occur either because of changes in the density asymmetry or through redistribution of mass within the body. This last case is relevant to the analysis of effects arising from deformation of the body. One instance of a small distortion of this kind would be the tidal deformation of the earth.

Mineral potential for incompatible element deposits hosted in pegmatites, alkaline rocks, and carbonatites in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (phase V, deliverable 87): Chapter Q in Second projet de renforcement institutionnel du secteur minier de la République Islamique de Mauritanie (PRISM-II)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Taylor, Cliff D.; Giles, Stuart A.

2015-01-01

USGS review of PRISM-I data suggests that there is abundant documentation of the Bou Naga alkaline complex and to a lesser degree, the Guelb er Richat carbonatite complex, but that all other occurrences of U, Th, REE, and associated elements are poorly described, and poorly understood (Taylor, 2007)

Aquila

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murdin, P.

2000-11-01

(the Eagle; abbrev. Aql, gen. Aquilae; area 652 sq. deg.) An equatorial constellation that lies between Sagitta and Sagittarius, and culminates at midnight in mid-July. Its origin dates back to Babylonian times and it is said to represent the eagle of Zeus in Greek mythology, which carried the thunderbolts that Zeus hurled at his enemies and which snatched up Ganymede to become cup-bearer to the g...

The Principles Used in Selecting, Editing and Transferring Materials for an Archival Videodisc.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Macfarlane, Alan; Gienke, Martin

1989-01-01

Explains the methods used in selecting and transferring materials for the Cambridge Experimental Videodisc Project on the Nagas of Assam, India. The selection and editing of black and white photographs, moving film, photographs of objects, paintings, maps, and sound is described, and ways in which materials were transferred to videotape are…

A non-toxigenic but morphologically and phylogenetically distinct new species of Pseudo-nitzschia, P. sabit sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae).

PubMed

Teng, Sing Tung; Lim, Po Teen; Lim, Hong Chang; Rivera-Vilarelle, María; Quijano-Scheggia, Sonia; Takata, Yoshinobu; Quilliam, Michael A; Wolf, Matthias; Bates, Stephen S; Leaw, Chui Pin

2015-08-01

A new species of Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) is described from plankton samples collected from Port Dickson (Malacca Strait, Malaysia) and Manzanillo Bay (Colima, Mexico). The species possesses a distinctive falcate cell valve, from which they form sickle-like colonies in both environmental samples and cultured strains. Detailed observation of frustules under TEM revealed ultrastructure that closely resembles P. decipiens, yet the new species differs by the valve shape and greater ranges of striae and poroid densities. The species is readily distinguished from the curve-shaped P. subcurvata by the presence of a central interspace. The morphological distinction is further supported by phylogenetic discrimination. We sequenced and analyzed the nuclear ribosomal RNA genes in the LSU and the second internal transcribed spacer, including its secondary structure, to infer the phylogenetic relationship of the new species with its closest relatives. The results revealed a distinct lineage of the new species, forming a sister cluster with its related species, P. decipiens and P. galaxiae, but not with P. subcurvata. We examined the domoic acid (DA) production of five cultured strains from Malaysia by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), but they showed no detectable DA. Here, we present the taxonomic description of the vegetative cells, document the sexual reproduction, and detail the molecular phylogenetics of Pseudo-nitzschia sabit sp. nov. © 2015 Phycological Society of America.

Effects of the Leeuwin Current on the Distribution of Carnivorous Macrozooplankton in the Shelf Waters off Southern Western Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaughan, D. J.; Fletcher, W. J.

1997-07-01

Plankton samples were collected using 500-μm nets in the surface waters (up to a depth of 70 m) of the continental shelf in three regions (Albany, Bremer Bay and Esperance) off southern Western Australia in July 1992 (winter) and January 1993 (summer). The carnivorous zooplankton of these samples were characterized by low species richness and high variability in abundance. Abundances of most of the major taxa collected differed significantly between seasons and many also differed between regions. Siphonophores and chaetognaths dominated the carnivorous plankton, with lower abundances of hydromedusae and raptorial copepods. The most abundant siphonophores were Chelophyes appendiculataand Eudoxoides spiralisin summer and winter, respectively. The most abundant chaetognaths were Sagitta minimain summer, with Pterosagitta dracoand Sagitta enflatadominant during winter. Overall, the numbers of species of both siphonophores and chaetognaths were highest during winter. At this time, there was also a trend for decreasing numbers of species in an easterly direction between Albany and Esperance, which was probably due to the presence of subtropical species entrained within the warm Leeuwin Current, which was flowing east along the continental shelf during winter. During summer, when the current was not present in this region, there was an even spread of fewer species along the coast.

Effects of the Leeuwin Current on the Distribution of Carnivorous Macrozooplankton in the Shelf Waters off Southern Western Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaughan, D. J.; Fletcher, W. J.

1997-07-01

Plankton samples were collected using 500-μm nets in the surface waters (up to a depth of 70 m) of the continental shelf in three regions (Albany, Bremer Bay and Esperance) off southern Western Australia in July 1992 (winter) and January 1993 (summer). The carnivorous zooplankton of these samples were characterized by low species richness and high variability in abundance. Abundances of most of the major taxa collected differed significantly between seasons and many also differed between regions. Siphonophores and chaetognaths dominated the carnivorous plankton, with lower abundances of hydromedusae and raptorial copepods. The most abundant siphonophores wereChelophyes appendiculataandEudoxoides spiralisin summer and winter, respectively. The most abundant chaetognaths wereSagitta minimain summer, withPterosagitta dracoandSagitta enflatadominant during winter. Overall, the numbers of species of both siphonophores and chaetognaths were highest during winter. At this time, there was also a trend for decreasing numbers of species in an easterly direction between Albany and Esperance, which was probably due to the presence of subtropical species entrained within the warm Leeuwin Current, which was flowing east along the continental shelf during winter. During summer, when the current was not present in this region, there was an even spread of fewer species along the coast.

Delft University at the TREC 2009 Entity Track: Ranking Wikipedia Entities

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-01

2http://www.mpi-inf.mpg.de/ yago -naga/ 3http://dbpedia.org/ontology/ 4.4.2 Using infoboxes, Yago and Wordnet Since only a limited number of Wikipedia...sources: properties specified in the infobox of al- most every article (around 1,750,000), and Wordnet classes assigned by Yago to almost every second

Application of artificial intelligence to search ground-state geometry of clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemes, Maurício Ruv; Marim, L. R.; dal Pino, A.

2002-08-01

We introduce a global optimization procedure, the neural-assisted genetic algorithm (NAGA). It combines the power of an artificial neural network (ANN) with the versatility of the genetic algorithm. This method is suitable to solve optimization problems that depend on some kind of heuristics to limit the search space. If a reasonable amount of data is available, the ANN can ``understand'' the problem and provide the genetic algorithm with a selected population of elements that will speed up the search for the optimum solution. We tested the method in a search for the ground-state geometry of silicon clusters. We trained the ANN with information about the geometry and energetics of small silicon clusters. Next, the ANN learned how to restrict the configurational space for larger silicon clusters. For Si10 and Si20, we noticed that the NAGA is at least three times faster than the ``pure'' genetic algorithm. As the size of the cluster increases, it is expected that the gain in terms of time will increase as well.

Entropy of mixing calculations for compound forming liquid alloys in the hard sphere system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, P.; Khanna, K. N.

1984-06-01

It is shown that the semi-empirical model proposed in a previous paper for the evaluation of the entropy of mixing of simple liquid metals alloys leads to accurate results for compound forming liquid alloys. The procedure is similar to that described for a regular solution. Numerical applications are made to NaGa, KPb and KT1 alloys.

STANDARD BIKOL.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

EPSTEIN, JON

THE DIALECT OF BIKOL SPOKEN IN NAGA CITY, THE PHILIPPINES, IS DESCRIBED IN THIS SHORT ANALYSIS OF THE MOST BASIC BIKOL STRUCTURAL PATTERNS. IT IS ASSUMED THAT THE READER HAS LINGUISTIC TRAINING OR IS A STUDENT OF BIKOL (SEE ALSO AL 000 502, "BIKOL LESSONS"). PHONOLOGY AND DIALECT DIFFERENCES ARE VERY BRIEFLY DISCUSSED. EXAMPLES ARE GIVEN FOR EACH…

Living at the margins - The response of deep-water seagrasses to light and temperature renders them susceptible to acute impacts.

PubMed

Chartrand, Kathryn M; Szabó, Milán; Sinutok, Sutinee; Rasheed, Michael A; Ralph, Peter J

2018-05-01

Seagrasses inhabit environments where light varies at different timescales, nonetheless are acutely sensitive to reductions in light beyond some conditional bounds. Two tropical deep-water seagrasses, Halophila decipiens and Halophila spinulosa, from the Great Barrier Reef were tested for their response to defined light and temperature regimes to identify their growth requirements and potential thresholds of mortality. Species were exposed to two light intensities, saturating (75 μmol photons m -2 s -1 ) and limiting (25 μmol photons m -2 s -1 ) light and two temperature treatments (26 °C and 30 °C) over a four-week period. Wavelength-specific parameters of PSII photochemistry were evaluated for seagrass leaves, as well as shoot density, gas exchange, and pigment content. Both species were sustained under saturating light levels (3.2 mol photons m -2 d -1 ) while limiting light led to decreased shoot density for H. decipiens and H. spinulosa after two and four weeks, respectively. Wavelength-specific photochemistry was also affected under light-limiting treatments for both species while the functional absorption cross section was highly conserved. Photoacclimation and physiological adjustments by either species was not adequate to compensate for reduced irradiance suggesting these plants reside at the margins of their functional limits. As such, relatively short periods of light attenuating events, like dredging or flood plumes, may be detrimental to deep-water seagrass populations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Anisakidosis a marine parasitic zoonosis: unknown or emerging in Peru?].

PubMed

Cabrera, Rufino; Del Pilar, María; Altamirano, Trillo

2004-01-01

The purpose of this review is to show the experimental studies carried out on the biological cycle, culture, pathogenicity of the anisakidae nematode larvae and to disseminate the information regarding current epidemy and the probable emergence of anisakidosis in Peru, and in addition, to propose measures of prevention and control, as well as the perspective and need for investigation. The studies of experimental pathogenicity in cats, dos, and hamsters are incomplete. Eight cases of acute human anisakidosis have been reported (5 confirmed and 3 unconfirmed). It is probable that it emerges during the "El Niño" Weather Phenomenon; however, during normal conditions it is probably due to the increase of raw fish consumption and other factors. In the coast of Peru, five and four fishes of direct human consumption are parasited by the Anisakis simplex and Anisakis physeteris larva, respectively, and two fishes are parasited by the Pseudoterranova decipiens. The main host for the Anisakis simplex is the dolphin (Delphinus delphia), but the Contracaecum osculatum is hosted by the sea lion: Otaria byronia and Arctocephalus australis, P. decipiens parasita a O. byronia. Eviscerating the fish would be most adequate prevention method to lessen the risk of human infection. There is evidence that anisakidosis is an underestimated zoonosis in Peru, and that it is probably and emerging disease. Therefore, its presence is to be suspected in patients with the prototype clinical syndrome.

Fish Otolith Growth in 1g and 3g Depends on the Gravity Vector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anken, R. H.; Werner, K.; Breuer, J.; Rahmann, H.

Size and asymmetry (size difference between the left and the right side) as well as calcium (Ca) content of inner ear otoliths of larval cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus were determined after a long-term stay at hypergravity conditions (3g; centrifuge). Both utricular and saccular otoliths (lapilli and sagittae, respectively) were significantly smaller after hyper-g exposure as compared to parallely raised 1g-control specimens and the absolute amount of otolith-Ca was diminished. The asymmetry of sagittae was significantly increased in the experimental animals, whereas the respective asymmetry concerning lapilli was markedly decreased. In the course of another experiment, larvae were raised in aquarium hatch baskets, from which one was placed directly above aeration equipment, which resulted in random water circulation shifting the fish around (``shifted'' specimens). The lapillar asymmetry of the ``stationary'' specimens showed a highly significant increase during early development when larvae were forced to lay on their sides due to their prominent yolk-sacs. In later developmental stages, when they began to swim freely, a dramatic decrease in lapillar asymmetry was apparent. Taken together with own previous findings according to which otolith growth stops after vestibular nerve transection, the results presented here suggest that the growth and the development of bilateral asymmetry of otoliths is guided by the environmental gravity vector, obviously involving a feedback loop between the brain and the inner ear

Effects of CO2-driven ocean acidification on early life stages of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, J.; Jin, F.; Wang, J.; Zheng, N.; Cong, Y.

2015-01-01

The potential effects of elevated CO2 level and reduced carbonate saturation state in marine environment on fishes and other non-calcified organisms are still poorly known. In present study, we investigated the effects of ocean acidification on embryogenesis and organogenesis of newly hatched larvae of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) after 21 d exposure of eggs to different artificially acidified seawater (pH 7.6 and 7.2, respectively), and compared with those in control group (pH 8.2). Results showed that CO2-driven seawater acidification (pH 7.6 and 7.2) had no detectable effect on hatching time, hatching rate, and heart rate of embryos. However, the deformity rate of larvae in pH 7.2 treatment was significantly higher than that in control treatment. The left and right sagitta areas did not differ significantly from each other in each treatment. However, the mean sagitta area of larvae in pH 7.6 treatment was significantly smaller than that in the control (p = 0.024). These results suggest that although marine medaka might be more tolerant of elevated CO2 than some other fishes, the effect of elevated CO2 level on the calcification of otolith is likely to be the most susceptibly physiological process of pH regulation in early life stage of marine medaka.

A compact dust shell in the symbiotic system HM Sagittae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacuto, S.; Chesneau, O.; Vannier, M.; Cruzalèbes, P.

2007-04-01

Aims:We present high spatial resolution observations of the mid-infrared core of the dusty symbiotic system HM Sge. Methods: The MIDI interferometer was used with the VLT Unit Telescopes and Auxiliary Telescopes providing baselines oriented from PA = 42° to 105°. The MIDI visibilities are compared with the ones predicted in the frame of various spherical dust shells published in the literature involving single or double dusty shells intended to account for the influence of the hot White Dwarf. Results: The mid-IR environment is unresolved by a 8 m telescope (resolution ~ 300 mas) and the MIDI spectrum exhibits a level similar to the ISO spectra recorded 10 yr ago. The estimated Gaussian Half Width at Half Maximum of the shell of 7.8±1.3 mas (12 AU, assuming a distance of 1.5 kpc) in the 8-9 μm range, and 11.9±1.3 mas (18 AU) in the 11-12 μm range, are much smaller than the angular separation between the Mira and the White Dwarf of 40 mas (60 AU). The discrepancies between the HWHM at different angle orientations suggest an increasing level of asymmetry from 13 to 8 μm. The observations are surprisingly well fitted by the densest (optically thick in the N band) and smallest spherical model published in the literature based on the ISO data, although such a model does not account for the variations of near-IR photometry due to the Mira pulsation cycle suggesting a much smaller optical thickness. These observations also discard the two shells models, developed in an attempt to take into account the effect of the White Dwarf illumination onto the dusty wind of the Mira. These models are too extended, and lead to a level of asymmetry of the dusty environment tightly constrained by the MIDI visibilities. These observations show that a high rate of dust formation is occurring in the vicinity of the Mira which seems to be not highly perturbed by the hot companion. Based on observations made with the Very Large Telescope Interferometer at Paranal Observatory under programs 075.D-0484 and 077.D-0216. Visibility ans differential phase data are only available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/465/469 Appendices are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

Shifting Geo politics in the Greater South Asia Region

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

border with Iran. Finally, India and Bangladesh have connections with Southeast Asia as a result of their land borders with Myanmar (which the...Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which offshore territory is located significantly closer to Myanmar and Thailand than to India. Shifting Geo-politics in the...minority in Bhutan. In northeastern India, Nagas and other tribals are ethnically similar to people living in Myanmar . Conversely, hardline

Simulating Scenario Floods for Hazard Assessment on the Lower Bicol Floodplain, the Philippines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usamah, Muhibuddin Bin; Alkema, Dinand

This paper describes the first results from a study to the behavior of floods in the lower Bicol area, the Philippines. A 1D2D dynamic hydraulic model was applied to simulate a set of scenario floods through the complex topography of the city Naga and surrounding area. The simulation results are integrated into a multi-parameter hazard zonation for the five scenario floods.

Factors Affecting Japanese Defense Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

nuclear option is proposed in varying scenarios ranging from the domestic production, control and deployment to that of following the West German...society discouraging increased defense spending, basing its position mostly upon the fear of resurgence of the militarism which led to the disaster of...Chiyoda-Ka Tokyo, 102 10. Mr. Kuzuo Tanikawa No. 708 Daiichi Giinkaikan Naga-Chao, Chiyoda-Ka Tokyo, Japan 11. Professor Yasuto Fukushima Takayuma

Handling Massive Models: Representation, Real-Time Display and Interaction

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-16

Published, K. Ward, N. Galoppo, and M. Lin, "Interactive Virtual Hair Salon ", Presence, p. , vol. , (2007). Published, K. Ward, F. Bertails, T.-Y...Detection for Deformable Models using Representative-Triangles", Symposium on Interactive 3D Graphics and Games , p. , vol. , (2008). Published...Interactive 3D Graphics and Games (I3D), p. , vol. , (2008). Published, Brandon Lloyd, Naga K. Govindaraju, Cory Quammen, Steven E. Molnar, Dinesh

Age and growth of the brick soldierfish, Myripristis amaena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dee, Anderson J.; Radtke, Richard L.

1989-09-01

Otoliths (sagittae) of the coral reef fish, Myripristis amaena, the brick solderfish were examined internally by Scanning Electron Microscope methods to observe microincrements. The daily nature of increment deposition was validated through tetracycline and acetazolamide marking experiments. Utilization of multivariant mathematical models relating age to otolith size and fish size demonstrated that age could be reliably determined from body measurements and otolith weight measurements. Consequently, M. amaena grows slowly, maturing at about 6 years of age, lives at least 14 years and reaches at least 215 mm SL.

Polysaccharides of Aloe vera induce MMP-3 and TIMP-2 gene expression during the skin wound repair of rat.

PubMed

Tabandeh, Mohammad Reza; Oryan, Ahmad; Mohammadalipour, Adel

2014-04-01

Polysaccharides are the main macromolecules of Aloe vera gel but no data about their effect on extracellular matrix (ECM) elements are available. Here, mannose rich Aloe vera polysaccharides (AVP) with molecular weight between 50 and 250 kDa were isolated and characterized. Open cutaneous wounds on the back of 45 rats (control and treated) were daily treated with 25mg (n=15) and 50 mg (n=15) AVP for 30 days. The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-2 gene expression were analyzed using real time PCR. The levels of n-acetyl glucosamine (NAGA), n-acetyl galactosamine (NAGLA) and collagen contents were also measured using standard biochemical methods. Faster wound closure was observed at day 15 post wounding in AVP treated animals in comparison with untreated group. At day 10 post wounding, AVP inhibited MMP-3 gene expression, while afterwards MMP-3 gene expression was upregulated. AVP enhanced TIMP-2 gene expression, collagen, NAGLA and NAGA synthesis in relation to untreated wounds. Our results suggest that AVP has positive effects on the regulation of ECM factor synthesis, which open up new perspectives for the wound repair activity of Aloe vera polysaccharide at molecular level. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Politics, Society and Cosmology in India's North East

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brara, Vijalakshmi N.

Perched on the north eastern border of India, Manipur has evolved from a collection of heterogeneous principalities into a homogeneous society with a well-developed state structure. The author uses Clifford Geertz's concept of the theatre state to help analyse contemporary politics and ethnic relations in this region. The Meiteis, who are mainly Hindus, inhabit the Manipur Valley, whilst various Naga and Kuki tribes, who are predominantly Christians, live in the surrounding hills.

Impact of diatom growth on trace metal dynamics (Mn, Mo, V, U)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osterholz, Helena; Simon, Heike; Beck, Melanie; Maerz, Joeran; Rackebrandt, Siri; Brumsack, Hans-Jürgen; Feudel, Ulrike; Simon, Meinhard

2014-03-01

In order to examine the specific role of diatoms in cycling of the trace metals manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), and uranium (U) Thalassiosira rotula, Skeletonema marinoi, Chaetoceros decipiens, and Rhizosolenia setigera were grown in batch cultures axenically and inoculated with three different bacterial strains isolated from the North Sea. Algal and bacterial growth, concentrations of trace metals and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were monitored over time and showed that Mn and V were removed from the dissolved phase whereas Mo and U were not. R. setigera and T. rotula exhibited lowest growth and lowest removal whereas S. marinoi grew best and removed highest fractions of Mn and V. The high potential of Mn removal by S. marinoi was also evident from its 7 × higher Mn/P elemental ratio relative to T. rotula. The presence of bacteria modified the timing of the growth of S. marinoi but not directly trace metal removal whereas bacteria enhanced trace metal removal in the cultures of T. rotula and C. decipiens. Modeling of phytoplankton growth, concentrations of Mn and DOC fraction in axenic T. rotula cultures indicated that processes of binding and desorption of Mn to excreted organic components are important to explain the varying proportions of dissolved Mn and thus must be considered as an active component in Mn cycling. The results show distinct differences in the potential of the diatoms in the removal of Mn and V and that bacteria can play an active role in this context. S. marinoi presumably is an important player in Mn and V dynamics in coastal marine systems.

Seasonal variation in chaetognath and parasite species assemblages along the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

PubMed

Lozano-Cobo, Horacio; Prado-Rosas, María Del Carmen Gómez Del; Sánchez-Velasco, Laura; Gómez-Gutiérrez, Jaime

2017-03-30

Chaetognaths are abundant carnivores with broad distributions that are intermediate hosts of trophically transmitted parasites. Monthly variations in chaetognath and parasite species distributions, abundance, prevalence, and intensity related to seasonal environmental changes were recorded in 2004 and 2005 in Laguna Nichupté, a coral reef, and the adjoining continental shelf of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Of 12 chaetognath species plus Sagitta spp., only 5 (Ferosagitta hispida, Flaccisagitta enflata, Sagitta spp., Serratosagitta serratodentata, and Pterosagitta draco) were parasitized. These species were parasitized with 33 types of flatworms and unidentified cysts (likely protozoan ciliates), having an overall mean prevalence of 6%. Digenean metacercaria larvae numerically dominated the parasite assemblages. Cluster analysis defined 2 chaetognath species assemblages. One included 7 species inside Laguna Nichupté, where F. hispida was numerically dominant (98.9%); the other contained 13 chaetognath species in the continental shelf-coral reef region, where F. enflata was abundant (53%). Canonical correspondence analysis showed that Laguna Nichupté had highly variable and hostile conditions (relatively low salinity and high temperature) for chaetognath species except for F. hispida. The higher density of F. hispida promoted greater parasite diversity (23 types), dominated by Brachyphallus sp. metacercariae. F. enflata prevailed in the continental shelf-coral reef area, which had stable high salinity and relatively low temperature. Monilicaecum and unidentified digenean 'type g' infected 5 chaetognath species on the continental shelf. Distinct primary hosts (mollusks and copepods) and contrasting environmental conditions (salinity, dissolved oxygen concentration, and temperature) between Laguna Nichupté and the continental shelf promoted distinct chaetognath species assemblages, resulting in distinct parasite diversity and prevalence patterns.

Fish Inner Ear Otolith Growth Under Real Microgravity (Spaceflight) and Clinorotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anken, Ralf; Brungs, Sonja; Grimm, Dennis; Knie, Miriam; Hilbig, Reinhard

2016-06-01

Using late larval stages of cichlid fish ( Oreochromis mossambicus) we have shown earlier that the biomineralization of otoliths is adjusted towards gravity by means of a neurally guided feedback loop. Centrifuge experiments, e.g., revealed that increased gravity slows down otolith growth. Microgravity thus should yield an opposite effect, i.e., larger than normal otoliths. Consequently, late larval cichlids (stage 14, vestibular system operational) were subjected to real microgravity during the 12 days FOTON-M3 spaceflight mission (OMEGAHAB-hardware). Controls were kept at 1 g on ground within an identical hardware. Animals of another batch were subsequently clinorotated within a submersed fast-rotating clinostat with one axis of rotation (2d-clinostat), a device regarded to simulate microgravity. Temperature and light conditions were provided in analogy to the spaceflight experiment. Controls were maintained at 1 g within the same aquarium. After all experiments, animals had reached late stage 21 (fish can swim freely). Maintenance under real microgravity during spaceflight resulted in significantly larger than normal otoliths (both lapilli and sagittae, involved in sensing gravity and the hearing process, respectively). This result is fully in line with an earlier spaceflight study in the course of which otoliths from late-staged swordtails Xiphophorus helleri were analyzed. Clinorotation resulted in larger than 1 g sagittae. However, no effect on lapilli was obtained. Possibly, an effect was present but too light to be measurable. Overall, spaceflight obviously induces an adaptation of otolith growth, whereas clinorotation does not fully mimic conditions of microgravity regarding late larval cichlids.

Languages for Software-Defined Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

1 Languages for Software-Defined Networks Nate Foster∗, Michael J. Freedman†, Arjun Guha∗, Rob Harrison‡, Naga Praveen Katta†, Christopher Monsanto ...2012. [12] “The Frenetic project.” http://www.frenetic-lang.org/, Sept. 2012. [13] N. Foster, R. Harrison, M. J. Freedman, C. Monsanto , J. Rexford...performance networks,” in ACM SIGCOMM, pp. 254–265, Aug. 2011. [15] C. Monsanto , N. Foster, R. Harrison, and D. Walker, “A compiler and run-time system for

Single Charged Particle Identification in Nuclear Emulsion Using Multiple Coulomb Scattering Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tint, Khin T.; Endo, Yoko; Hoshino, Kaoru; Ito, Hiroki; Itonaga, Kazunori; Kinbara, Shinji; Kobayashi, Hidetaka; Mishina, Akihiro; Soe, Myint K.; Yoshida, Junya; Nakazawa, Kazuma

Development of particle identification technique for single charged particles such as Ξ- hyperon, proton, K- and π- mesons is on-going by measuring multiple Coulomb scattering in nuclear emulsion. We generated several thousands of tracks of the single charged particles in nuclear emulsion stacks with GEANT 4 simulation and obtained second difference in constant Sagitta Method. We found that recognition of Ξ- hyperon from π- mesons is well satisfied, although that from K- and proton are a little difficult. On the other hand, the consistency of second difference of real Ξ- hyperon and pi meson tracks and simulation results were also confirmed.

Estimates of dispersive effects in a bent NLC Main Linac

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michael Syphers and Leo Michelotti

2000-10-31

An alternative being considered for the Next Linear Collider (NLC) is not to tunnel in a straight line but to bend the Main Linac into an arc so as to follow a gravitational equipotential. The authors begin here an examination of the effects that this would have on vertical dispersion, with its attendant consequences on synchrotron radiation and emittance growth by looking at two scenarios: a gentle continuous bending of the beam to follow an equipotential surface, and an introduction of sharp bends at a few sites in the linac so as to reduce the maximum sagitta produced.

Evolved osmotolerant Escherichia coli mutants frequently exhibit defective N-acetylglucosamine catabolism and point mutations in cell shape-regulating protein MreB.

PubMed

Winkler, James D; Garcia, Carlos; Olson, Michelle; Callaway, Emily; Kao, Katy C

2014-06-01

Biocatalyst robustness toward stresses imposed during fermentation is important for efficient bio-based production. Osmotic stress, imposed by high osmolyte concentrations or dense populations, can significantly impact growth and productivity. In order to better understand the osmotic stress tolerance phenotype, we evolved sexual (capable of in situ DNA exchange) and asexual Escherichia coli strains under sodium chloride (NaCl) stress. All isolates had significantly improved growth under selection and could grow in up to 0.80 M (47 g/liter) NaCl, a concentration that completely inhibits the growth of the unevolved parental strains. Whole genome resequencing revealed frequent mutations in genes controlling N-acetylglucosamine catabolism (nagC, nagA), cell shape (mrdA, mreB), osmoprotectant uptake (proV), and motility (fimA). Possible epistatic interactions between nagC, nagA, fimA, and proV deletions were also detected when reconstructed as defined mutations. Biofilm formation under osmotic stress was found to be decreased in most mutant isolates, coupled with perturbations in indole secretion. Transcriptional analysis also revealed significant changes in ompACGL porin expression and increased transcription of sulfonate uptake systems in the evolved mutants. These findings expand our current knowledge of the osmotic stress phenotype and will be useful for the rational engineering of osmotic tolerance into industrial strains in the future. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Structure Of The Elevated Precambrian Terranes Rising Above The Brahmaputra Plains In Northeastern India.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaur, V. K.; Hazarika, N. K.; Mitra, S.; Priestley, K.

2007-12-01

We present new evidence for a thinner crust beneath most of the Shillong plateau as well as its northeast extension in Mikir Hills of northeastern India.Both these Precambrian terranes rise above the Brahmaputra plains whose crust is thicker in comparison by atleast 4~km. Although Bouger gravity over the Mikir Hills still remains to be determined, its near zero value over the ~1 km high plateau and the near normal upper mantle beneath the region, require that these elevated terranes must have been uplifted between reversed faults and continue to be supported by them under compression. The southern edge of the Shillong plateau is indeed marked by the prominent Dauki fault which swerves northeastward at the south eastern margin of the plateau to merge with the Naga thrusts that bound the Mikir Hills on the east. A similar fault bounding the plateau on the north as hypothesized by Bilham et al (2000) -the Oldham fault- is therfore required to swerve northeastward near the northeastern margin of the plateau to demarcate the Mikir Hills from the thicker crust Brahmaputra plains to its north and west. This could be explained by a strike slip offset of the Oldham fault caused by the as yet obsure but active tectonics of the NNW trending Kopili lineament that ensues from the inflexion in the Dauki-Naga thrust fault system.

Extensive variation, but not local adaptation in an Australian alpine daisy.

PubMed

Hirst, Megan J; Sexton, Jason P; Hoffmann, Ary A

2016-08-01

Alpine plants often occupy diverse habitats within a similar elevation range, but most research on local adaptation in these plants has focused on elevation gradients. In testing for habitat-related local adaptation, local effects on seed quality and initial plant growth should be considered in designs that encompass multiple populations and habitats. We tested for local adaptation across alpine habitats in a morphologically variable daisy species, Brachyscome decipiens, in the Bogong High Plains in Victoria, Australia. We collected seed from different habitats, controlled for maternal effects through initial seed size estimates, and characterized seedling survival and growth in a field transplant experiment. We found little evidence for local adaptation for survival or plant size, based on three adaptation measures: Home versus Away, Local versus Foreign, and Sympatric versus Allopatric (SA). The SA measure controlled for planting site and population (site-of-origin) effects. There were significant differences due to site-of-origin and planting site effects. An important confounding factor was the size of plants directly after transplantation of seedlings, which had a large impact on subsequent seedling survival and growth. Initial differences in plant width and height influenced subsequent survival across the growing season but in opposing directions: wide plants had higher survival, but tall plants had lower survival. In an additional controlled garden experiment at Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, site-of-origin effects detected in the field experiments disappeared under more benign homogeneous conditions. Although B. decipiens from different source areas varied significantly when grown across a range of alpine habitats, these differences did not translate into a local or habitat-related fitness advantage. This lack of local advantage may signal weak past selection, and/or weak adaptive transgeneration (plasticity) effects.

Anisakidae in beluga whales Delphinapterus leucas from Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait.

PubMed

Najda, Katarzyna; Simard, Manon; Osewska, Julia; Dziekońska-Rynko, Janina; Dzido, Joanna; Rokicki, Jerzy

2015-06-29

A total of 190 nematodes was isolated from the stomachs of 13 beluga whales Delphinapterus leucas from the Arctic part of Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait. Infection intensity ranged from 1 to 57 specimens and prevalence was 84.62%. Morphological examination of the nematodes revealed the presence of 3 species: Pseudoterranova decipiens sensu lato, Contracaecum osculatum s.l., and Anisakis simplex s.l. Molecular analysis by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) resulted in the identification of 4 species: Pseudoterranova bulbosa, Contracaecum osculatum A and C, and Anisakis simplex sensu stricto. The nematodes were present in 3 developmental stages: L3 (159 specimens), L4 (16 larvae), and adults (15 worms: 11 males and 4 females).

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Radial velocities of δ Sagittae (Pugh+, 2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pugh, T.; Gray, D. F.; Griffin, R. F.

2018-01-01

28 spectra were obtained by Gray and Pugh between 2008 July and 2010 October (MJD 2454674-2455479) with the high-resolution (R~100000) coude spectrograph of the Elginfield Observatory of Western University (Gray 2009ApJ...697.1032G). The signal-to-noise ratios in the continuum, estimated from the photon counts, ranged from 152 to 314 with a mean of 220. The spectrograph has a dispersion of ~0.013 Å/mm and can reach a radial-velocity precision of 25 m/s by reference to water vapour lines inside the spectrograph (Gray & Brown 2006PASP..118.1112G). In the current case our measurement errors (based on exposures taken within a few nights of one another) range from 27 to 160 m/s, with a mean value of 90 m/s. The radial velocities were determined by measuring the positions of the spectral lines at 85 per cent of the line depth for 15 neutral metal lines in the λ6250-Å region. (1 data file).

A broad diversity of volatile carboxylic acids, released by a bacterial aminoacylase from axilla secretions, as candidate molecules for the determination of human-body odor type.

PubMed

Natsch, Andreas; Derrer, Samuel; Flachsmann, Felix; Schmid, Joachim

2006-01-01

Human body odor is to a large part determined by secretions of glands in the axillary regions. Two key odoriferous principles, 3-methylhex-2-enoic acid (3MH2; 4/5) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid (HMHA; 6) have been shown to be released from glutamine conjugates secreted in the axilla by a specific N(alpha)-acyl-glutamine aminoacylase (N-AGA) obtained from axilla isolates of Corynebacteria sp. However, the low number of different odorants reported in humans stands in contrast to the observed high inter-individual variability in body odors. Axilla secretions of individual donors were, therefore, analyzed in detail. The secretions were treated with N-AGA, analyzed by GC/MS, and compared to undigested controls. Over 28 different carboxylic acids were released by this enzyme from odorless axilla secretions (Table 1). Many of these body odorants have not been reported before from a natural source, and they include several aliphatic 3-hydroxy acids with 4-Me branches, 3,4-unsaturated, 4-Et-branched aliphatic acids, and a variety of degradation products of amino acids. The odor threshold of some of the acids was found to be in the range of 1 ng. Most of these compounds were present in all donors tested, but in highly variable relative amounts, and they are, thus, candidate molecules as key components of a 'compound odor' determining the individual types of human body odor.

Strain Accumulation and Release of the Gorkha, Nepal, Earthquake (M w 7.8, 25 April 2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morsut, Federico; Pivetta, Tommaso; Braitenberg, Carla; Poretti, Giorgio

2017-08-01

The near-fault GNSS records of strong-ground movement are the most sensitive for defining the fault rupture. Here, two unpublished GNSS records are studied, a near-fault-strong-motion station (NAGA) and a distant station in a poorly covered area (PYRA). The station NAGA, located above the Gorkha fault, sensed a southward displacement of almost 1.7 m. The PYRA station that is positioned at a distance of about 150 km from the fault, near the Pyramid station in the Everest, showed static displacements in the order of some millimeters. The observed displacements were compared with the calculated displacements of a finite fault model in an elastic halfspace. We evaluated two slips on fault models derived from seismological and geodetic studies: the comparison of the observed and modelled fields reveals that our displacements are in better accordance with the geodetic derived fault model than the seismologic one. Finally, we evaluate the yearly strain rate of four GNSS stations in the area that were recording continuously the deformation field for at least 5 years. The strain rate is then compared with the strain released by the Gorkha earthquake, leading to an interval of 235 years to store a comparable amount of elastic energy. The three near-fault GNSS stations require a slightly wider fault than published, in the case of an equivalent homogeneous rupture, with an average uniform slip of 3.5 m occurring on an area of 150 km × 60 km.

Prevalence of Red-Green Color Vision Defects among Muslim Males and Females of Manipur, India

PubMed Central

SHAH, Ahsana; HUSSAIN, Ruqaiya; FAREED, Mohd; AFZAL, Mohammad

2013-01-01

Background: Color blindness is a common X-linked genetic disorder. However, most of color blinds remain undetected due to absence of proper screening. Our study was to determine the prevalence of red-green color vision defects among Manipuri Muslim males and females. The study could help in decreasing birth of children with this disorder as Muslims commonly perform consanguineous marriage among themselves. Methods: Unrelated individuals of both sexes (Male-1352, Female-1302) belonging to six different populations were randomly selected and screened for red-green color vision defects using the Ishihara (pseudo-isochromatic plates) test from the area of Imphal East and Imphal west districts of Manipur, which is a small hilly state, situated in the north eastern extreme corner of India sharing an international boundary with Myanmar (Burma). Results: About 8.73% of males and 1.69% of females were found to be color blind. Among six different populations studied the males of Meitei population shows the highest frequency i.e. 14.93% while Naga population shows the least frequency of 3.75%. Among females, Meitei population again shows the highest frequency of 2.5% and least frequency is shown by Mughal and Naga populations 0.00% as not a single female color blind was found. Conclusion: Present study shows higher prevalence rate of color blindness as compared to other reported rates of India. Deuteranomaly cases occur in higher percentage than other types of color blindness. The higher prevalence rate observed in Muslims may be due to the hidden effect of consanguineous marriages. PMID:23515069

Prevalence of Red-Green Color Vision Defects among Muslim Males and Females of Manipur, India.

PubMed

Shah, Ahsana; Hussain, Ruqaiya; Fareed, Mohd; Afzal, Mohammad

2013-01-01

Color blindness is a common X-linked genetic disorder. However, most of color blinds remain undetected due to absence of proper screening. Our study was to determine the prevalence of red-green color vision defects among Manipuri Muslim males and females. The study could help in decreasing birth of children with this disorder as Muslims commonly perform consanguineous marriage among themselves. Unrelated individuals of both sexes (Male-1352, Female-1302) belonging to six different populations were randomly selected and screened for red-green color vision defects using the Ishihara (pseudo-isochromatic plates) test from the area of Imphal East and Imphal west districts of Manipur, which is a small hilly state, situated in the north eastern extreme corner of India sharing an international boundary with Myanmar (Burma). About 8.73% of males and 1.69% of females were found to be color blind. Among six different populations studied the males of Meitei population shows the highest frequency i.e. 14.93% while Naga population shows the least frequency of 3.75%. Among females, Meitei population again shows the highest frequency of 2.5% and least frequency is shown by Mughal and Naga populations 0.00% as not a single female color blind was found. Present study shows higher prevalence rate of color blindness as compared to other reported rates of India. Deuteranomaly cases occur in higher percentage than other types of color blindness. The higher prevalence rate observed in Muslims may be due to the hidden effect of consanguineous marriages.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Baade's variables in Sagitta and Cygnus (Skiff, 1997)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skiff, B. A.

2002-10-01

The tables below show identifications and precise positions for a group of variables found by Walter Baade (1928AN....232...65B) during his Bergedorfer days. The stars reported in this survey are of some historical interest because it was as a result of this work that Baade conceived ideas that led to his later recognition of the two stellar populations among Galactic stars (cf. Osterbrock, 1995, Journ. Hist. Astron., 26, 1). (3 data files).

Host size-dependent anisakid infection in Baltic cod Gadus morhua associated with differential food preferences.

PubMed

Zuo, Shaozhi; Huwer, Bastian; Bahlool, Qusay; Al-Jubury, Azmi; Daugbjerg Christensen, Nanna; Korbut, Rozalia; Kania, Per; Buchmann, Kurt

2016-06-15

A significant increase in the infection level of Baltic cod Gadus morhua with the anisakid nematode larvae Contracaecum osculatum and Pseudoterranova decipiens has been recorded during recent years due to the expanding local population of grey seals Halichoerus grypus, which act as final hosts for these parasites. Here, we report from an investigation of 368 cod (total length [TL] 6-49 cm; caught in ICES Subdivision 25) that the infection level of juvenile cod (TL 6-30 cm) with larvae of C. osculatum and P. decipiens is absent or very low, whereas it increases drastically in larger cod (TL 31-48 cm). A third nematode Hysterothylacium aduncum was rarely found. The study indicates that the prey animals for large cod act as transport hosts for the parasite larvae. Analyses of stomach contents of cod caught in the same area (2007-2014) showed that small benthic organisms (including polychaetes Harmothoë sarsi) are preferred food items by small cod, the isopod Saduria entomon is taken by all size classes, and sprat Sprattus sprattus are common prey items for cod larger than 30 cm. Parasitological investigations (microscopic and molecular analyses) of H. sarsi (100 specimens) and S. entomon (40 specimens) did not reveal infection in these invertebrates, but 11.6% of sprat (265 specimens examined) was shown to be infected with 1-8 C. osculatum third stage larvae per fish. Analyses of sprat stomach contents confirmed that copepods and cladocerans are the main food items of sprat. These observations suggest that the C. osculatum life cycle in the Baltic Sea includes grey seals as final hosts, sprat as the first transport host and cod as second transport host. It may be speculated that sprat obtain infection by feeding on copepods and/or cladocerans, which could serve as the first intermediate hosts. One cannot exclude the possibility that the size-dependent C. osculatum infection of cod may contribute (indirectly or directly) to the differential mortality of larger cod

Experimental Permeability Measurements on a Strut-Supported Transpiration-Cooled Turbine Blade with Stainless-Steel Shell made by the Federal-Mogul Corporation under Bureau of Aeronautics Contract N0as 51613-C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, Hadley T.

1954-01-01

A turbine blade with a porous stainless-steel shell sintered to a supporting steel strut has been fabricated for tests at the NACA by Federal-Mogul Corporation under contract from the Bureau of Aeronautics, Department of the Navy. The apparent permeability of this blade, on the average, more nearly approaches the values specified by the NAGA than did two strut-supported bronze blades in a previous investigation. Random variations of permeability in the present blade are substantialy greater than those of the bronze blades, but projected improvements in certain phases of the fabrication process are expected to reduce these variations.

Calibration and optimization of an x-ray bendable mirror using displacement-measuring sensors.

PubMed

Vannoni, Maurizio; Martín, Idoia Freijo; Music, Valerija; Sinn, Harald

2016-07-25

We propose a method to control and to adjust in a closed-loop a bendable x-ray mirror using displacement-measuring devices. For this purpose, the usage of capacitive and interferometric sensors is investigated and compared. We installed the sensors in a bender setup and used them to continuously measure the position and shape of the mirror in the lab. The sensors are vacuum-compatible such that the same concept can also be applied in final conditions. The measurement is used to keep the calibration of the system and to create a closed-loop control compensating for external influences: in a demonstration measurement, using a 950 mm long bendable mirror, the mirror sagitta is kept stable inside a range of 10 nm Peak-To-Valley (P-V).

Socio-Economic, Demographic and Lifestyle Determinants of Overweight and Obesity among Adults of Northeast India.

PubMed

Rengma, Melody Seb; Sen, Jaydip; Mondal, Nitish

2015-07-01

Overweight and obesity are the accumulation of high body adiposity, which can have detrimental health effects and contribute to the development of numerous preventable non-communicable diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effect of socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults belonging to the Rengma-Naga population of North-east India. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 826 Rengma-Naga individuals (males: 422; females: 404) aged 20-49 years from the Karbi Anglong District of Assam, using a two-stage stratified random sampling. The socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle variables were recorded using structured schedules. Height and weight were recorded and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using standard procedures and equation. The WHO (2000) cut-off points were utilized to assess the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥23.00-24.99 kg/m(2)) and obesity (BMI ≥25.00 kg/m(2)). The data were analysed using ANOVA, chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression analysis using SPSS (version 17.0). The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 32.57% (males: 39.34%; females: 25.50%) and 10.77% (males: 9.95%; females: 11.63%), respectively. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that age groups (e.g., 40-49 years), education (≥9(th) standard), part-time occupation and monthly income (≥Rs.10000) were significantly associated with overweight and obesity (p<0.05). Age, education occupation and income appear to have higher associations with overweight and obesity among adults. Suitable healthcare strategies and intervention programmes are needed for combating such prevalence in population.

Na8Au9.8(4)Ga7.2 and Na17Au5.87(2)Ga46.63: The diversity of pseudo 5-fold symmetries in the Na-Au-Ga system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smetana, Volodymyr; Corbett, John D.; Miller, Gordon J.

2013-11-01

The Na-rich part (~30% Na) of the Na-Au-Ga system between NaAu2, NaGa4, and Na22Ga39 has been found to contain the ternary phases Na8Au9.8(4)Ga7.2 (I) and Na17Au5.87(2)Ga46.63 (II), according to the results of single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. I is orthorhombic, Cmcm, a=5.3040(1), b=24.519(5), c=14.573(3) Å, and contains a network of clusters with local 5-fold symmetry along the a-axis. Such clusters are frequent building units in decagonal quasicrystals and their approximants. II is rhombohedral, R3¯m, a=16.325(2), c=35.242(7) Å, and contains building blocks that are structurally identical to the Bergman-type clusters as well as fused icosahedral units known with active metals, triels and late transition elements. II also contains a polycationic network with elements of the clathrate V type structure. Tight-binding electronic structure calculations using linear muffin-tin-orbital (LMTO) methods on idealized models of I and II indicate that both compounds are metallic with evident pseudogaps at the corresponding Fermi levels. The overall Hamilton bond populations are generally dominated by Au-Ga and Au-Au bonds in I and by Ga-Ga bonds in II; moreover, the Na-Au and Na-Ga contributions in I are unexpectedly large, ~20% of the total. A similar involvement of sodium in covalent bonding has also been found in the electron-richer i-Na13Au12Ga15 quasicrystal approximant.

Differential Roles of the ChiB Chitinase in Autolysis and Cell Death of Aspergillus nidulans▿

PubMed Central

Shin, Kwang-Soo; Kwon, Nak-Jung; Kim, Young Hwan; Park, Hee-Soo; Kwon, Gi-Seok; Yu, Jae-Hyuk

2009-01-01

Autolysis is a natural event that occurs in most filamentous fungi. Such self-degradation of fungal cells becomes a predominant phenomenon in the absence of the regulator of G protein signaling FlbA in Aspergillus nidulans. Among a number of potential hydrolytic enzymes in the A. nidulans genome, the secreted endochitinase ChiB was shown to play a major role in autolysis. In this report, we investigate the roles of ChiB in fungal autolysis and cell death processes through genetic, biochemical, and cellular analyses using a set of critical mutants. Determination of mycelial mass revealed that, while the flbA deletion (ΔflbA) mutant autolyzed completely after a 3-day incubation, the ΔflbA ΔchiB double mutant escaped from hyphal disintegration. These results indicate that ChiB is necessary for the ΔflbA-induced autolysis. However, importantly, both ΔflbA and ΔflbA ΔchiB strains displayed dramatically reduced cell viability compared to the wild type. These imply that ChiB is dispensable for cell death and that autolysis and cell death are separate processes. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses of the proteins that accumulate at high levels in the ΔflbA and ΔflbA ΔchiB mutants identify chitinase (ChiB), dipeptidyl peptidase V (DppV), O-glycosyl compound hydrolase, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NagA), and myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (InoB). Functional characterization of these four genes reveals that the deletion of nagA results in reduced cell death. A working model bridging G protein signaling and players in autolysis/cell death is proposed. PMID:19286987

Dominancy of Trichodesmium sp. in the Biawak Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prihadi, D. J.

2018-03-01

The Biawak Island is one of the small islands in West Java Province with an abundance of marine biological resources. This research was conducted to collect the primary producer zooplankton and water quality parameters. Direct observation is done by field surveys and measurement in situ for plankton and environmental parameters such as temperature, water transparency, water current, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Trichodesmium sp. was found dominance in where some other types of zooplankton were found in the area, like Scenedesmus sp., Sagitta sp., Acartia sp. also occurred. Further, the most abundance of Trichodesmium sp. was found in southern of Biawak Island where mangroves, coral and seagrass ecosystem provide nutrients which indirectly support the abundance of planktons. Trichodesmium sp. is plankton that can survive in water with minimum nutrient.

Amino Sugars Enhance the Competitiveness of Beneficial Commensals with Streptococcus mutans through Multiple Mechanisms

PubMed Central

Farivar, Tanaz; Burne, Robert A.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Biochemical and genetic aspects of the metabolism of the amino sugars N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and glucosamine (GlcN) by commensal oral streptococci and the effects of these sugars on interspecies competition with the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans were explored. Multiple S. mutans wild-type isolates displayed long lag phases when transferred from glucose-containing medium to medium with GlcNAc as the primary carbohydrate source, but commensal streptococci did not. Competition in liquid coculture or dual-species biofilms between S. mutans and Streptococcus gordonii showed that S. gordonii was particularly dominant when the primary carbohydrate was GlcN or GlcNAc. Transcriptional and enzymatic assays showed that the catabolic pathway for GlcNAc was less highly induced in S. mutans than in S. gordonii. Exposure to H2O2, which is produced by S. gordonii and antagonizes the growth of S. mutans, led to reduced mRNA levels of nagA and nagB in S. mutans. When the gene for the transcriptional regulatory NagR was deleted in S. gordonii, the strain produced constitutively high levels of nagA (GlcNAc-6-P deacetylase), nagB (GlcN-6-P deaminase), and glmS (GlcN-6-P synthase) mRNA. Similar to NagR of S. mutans (NagRSm), the S. gordonii NagR protein (NagRSg) could bind to consensus binding sites (dre) in the nagA, nagB, and glmS promoter regions of S. gordonii. Notably, NagRSg binding was inhibited by GlcN-6-P, but G-6-P had no effect, unlike for NagRSm. This study expands the understanding of amino sugar metabolism and NagR-dependent gene regulation in streptococci and highlights the potential for therapeutic applications of amino sugars to prevent dental caries. IMPORTANCE Amino sugars are abundant in the biosphere, so the relative efficiency of particular bacteria in a given microbiota to metabolize these sources of carbon and nitrogen might have a profound impact on the ecology of the community. Our investigation reveals that several oral commensal

Amino Sugars Enhance the Competitiveness of Beneficial Commensals with Streptococcus mutans through Multiple Mechanisms.

PubMed

Zeng, Lin; Farivar, Tanaz; Burne, Robert A

2016-06-15

Biochemical and genetic aspects of the metabolism of the amino sugars N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and glucosamine (GlcN) by commensal oral streptococci and the effects of these sugars on interspecies competition with the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans were explored. Multiple S. mutans wild-type isolates displayed long lag phases when transferred from glucose-containing medium to medium with GlcNAc as the primary carbohydrate source, but commensal streptococci did not. Competition in liquid coculture or dual-species biofilms between S. mutans and Streptococcus gordonii showed that S. gordonii was particularly dominant when the primary carbohydrate was GlcN or GlcNAc. Transcriptional and enzymatic assays showed that the catabolic pathway for GlcNAc was less highly induced in S. mutans than in S. gordonii Exposure to H2O2, which is produced by S. gordonii and antagonizes the growth of S. mutans, led to reduced mRNA levels of nagA and nagB in S. mutans When the gene for the transcriptional regulatory NagR was deleted in S. gordonii, the strain produced constitutively high levels of nagA (GlcNAc-6-P deacetylase), nagB (GlcN-6-P deaminase), and glmS (GlcN-6-P synthase) mRNA. Similar to NagR of S. mutans (NagRSm), the S. gordonii NagR protein (NagRSg) could bind to consensus binding sites (dre) in the nagA, nagB, and glmS promoter regions of S. gordonii Notably, NagRSg binding was inhibited by GlcN-6-P, but G-6-P had no effect, unlike for NagRSm This study expands the understanding of amino sugar metabolism and NagR-dependent gene regulation in streptococci and highlights the potential for therapeutic applications of amino sugars to prevent dental caries. Amino sugars are abundant in the biosphere, so the relative efficiency of particular bacteria in a given microbiota to metabolize these sources of carbon and nitrogen might have a profound impact on the ecology of the community. Our investigation reveals that several oral commensal bacteria have a much

A genome-wide survey of CD4+ lymphocyte regulatory genetic variants identifies novel asthma genes

PubMed Central

Sharma, Sunita; Zhou, Xiaobo; Thibault, Derek M.; Himes, Blanca E.; Liu, Andy; Szefler, Stanley J.; Strunk, Robert; Castro, Mario; Hansel, Nadia N.; Diette, Gregory B.; Vonakis, Becky M.; Adkinson, N. Franklin; Avila, Lydiana; Soto-Quiros, Manuel; Barraza-Villareal, Albino; Lemanske, Robert F.; Solway, Julian; Krishnan, Jerry; White, Steven R.; Cheadle, Chris; Berger, Alan E.; Fan, Jinshui; Boorgula, Meher Preethi; Nicolae, Dan; Gilliland, Frank; Barnes, Kathleen; London, Stephanie J.; Martinez, Fernando; Ober, Carole; Celedón, Juan C.; Carey, Vincent J.; Weiss, Scott T.; Raby, Benjamin A.

2014-01-01

Background Genome-wide association studies have yet to identify the majority of genetic variants involved in asthma. We hypothesized that expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping can identify novel asthma genes by enabling prioritization of putative functional variants for association testing. Objective We evaluated 6,706 cis-acting expression-associated variants (eSNP) identified through a genome-wide eQTL survey of CD4+ lymphocytes for association with asthma. Methods eSNP were tested for association with asthma in 359 asthma cases and 846 controls from the Childhood Asthma Management Program, with verification using family-based testing. Significant associations were tested for replication in 579 parent-child trios with asthma from Costa Rica. Further functional validation was performed by Formaldehyde Assisted Isolation of Regulatory Elements (FAIRE)-qPCR and Chromatin-Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR in lung derived epithelial cell lines (Beas-2B and A549) and Jurkat cells, a leukemia cell line derived from T lymphocytes. Results Cis-acting eSNP demonstrated associations with asthma in both cohorts. We confirmed the previously-reported association of ORMDL3/GSDMB variants with asthma (combined p=2.9 × 108). Reproducible associations were also observed for eSNP in three additional genes: FADS2 (p=0.002), NAGA (p=0.0002), and F13A1 (p=0.0001). We subsequently demonstrated that FADS2 mRNA is increased in CD4+ lymphocytes in asthmatics, and that the associated eSNPs reside within DNA segments with histone modifications that denote open chromatin status and confer enhancer activity. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the utility of eQTL mapping in the identification of novel asthma genes, and provide evidence for the importance of FADS2, NAGA, and F13A1 in the pathogenesis of asthma. PMID:24934276

Effect of decollement rheology and deformation rate on the structural development of fold thrust belts in sand box models and their implications for the Naga fold thrust belt (NE India)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, B.; Dietl, C.

2009-04-01

Previous studies on decollement kinematics have shed light on the differing structures of fold thrust belt forming above lithologically different decollements, such as shales, carbonates and evaporites. Factors, affecting the decollement kinematics most are (1) rock rheology and (2) deformation rate. This study is intended to explain the deformation style of the Naga fold thrust belt (NFTB, NE India) with the aid of sand box modelling performed at a basal temperature of 50C and deformed at varying strain rates from 3*10-6 s-1 to 4*10-3 s-1. The models are made up (from bottom to top) of a 0.25 cm thick layer of temperature-sensitive PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), overlain by 1.75 cm of alternating black and yellow sand. The basal PDMS layer simulates a shale decollement. Decollements in the NFTB are generally developed in the Barail Shale of Oligocene age at 50C (the depth of the Barail Shale is about 2 km and the prevailing geothermal gradient is 25C/km). The sand layers simulate the brittlely behaving sandstones which prevail in the NFTB. All of the models were subjected to 35% compression, as the NFTB experienced similar shortening. The varying deformation velocities were chosen to model differing decollement rheologies. PDMS simulates shale decollement, which is mobile when overpressured and undergoes compression. The rheology of PDMS changes considerably with the applied temperature and strain rate. PDMS, although generally regarded as Newtonian, does behave non-Newtonian at strain rates of 10-3 s-1. The relation between decollement pore fluid overpressure with that of model strain rate, the material rheology, scaled body forces, density of the decollement in nature can be expressed as: λ = 1- [ V ηmodel / f Hmodel ρnatureg Hnature σ*] where λ = coeifficient of pore fluid overpressure in the decollement, V = the deformation velocity with which the models are deforming, ηmodel= viscosity of the decollement material, f = the co efficient of overpressure, and

Seismicity and deep structure of the Indo-Burman plate margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaněk, J.; Hanuš, V.; Sitaram, M. V. D.

Two differently inclined segments of the Wadati-Benioff zone beneath the Chin Hills and Naga Hills segments of the Indo-Burman Ranges were verified on the basis of the geometrical analysis of distribution of 566 earthquakes. The Wadati-Benioff zone and young calc-alkaline volcanism point to the existence of a Mio-Pliocene subduction with the trench at the western boundary of the Oligocene Indo-Burman orogenic belt. A system of ten seismically active fracture zones was delineated in the adjacent Indian and Burman plates, the tectonic pattern of which represents the eastern manifestation of the continental collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The position of historical disastrous earthquakes confirms the reality of this pattern.

The design, status and performance of the ZEUS central tracking detector electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cussans, D. G.; Fawcett, H. F.; Foster, B.; Gilmore, R. S.; Heath, G. P.; Llewellyn, T. J.; Malos, J.; Morgado, C. J. S.; Tapper, R. J.; Gingrich, D. M.; Harnew, N.; Hallam-Baker, P.; Nash, J.; Khatri, T.; Shield, P. D.; McArthur, I.; Topp-Jorgensen, S.; Wilson, F. F.; Allen, D.; Baird, S. A.; Carter, R.; Galagardera, S.; Gibson, M. D.; Hatley, R. S.; Jeffs, M.; Milborrow, R.; Morissey, M.; Quinton, S. P. H.; White, D. J.; Lane, J.; Nixon, G.; Postranecky, M.; Jamdagni, A. K.; Marcou, C.; Miller, D. B.; Toudup, L.

1992-05-01

The readout system developed for the ZEUS central trackign detector (CDT) is described. The CTD is required to provide an accurate measurement of the sagitta and energy loss of charged particles as well as provide fast trigger information. This must be carried out in the HERA environment in which beams cross every 96 ns. The first two aims are achieved by digitizing chamber pulses using a pipelined 104 MHz FADC system. The trigger uses a fast determination of the difference in the arrival times of a pulse at each end of the CTD. It processes this data and gives information to the ZEUS global first level trigger. The modules are housed in custom-built racks and crates and read out using a DAQ system based on Transputer readout controllers. These also monitor data quality and produce data for the ZEUS second level Trigger.

Assisted stellar suicide in V617 Sagittarii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steiner, J. E.; Oliveira, A. S.; Cieslinski, D.; Ricci, T. V.

2006-02-01

Context: .V617 Sgr is a V Sagittae star - a group of binaries thought to be the galactic counterparts of the Compact Binary Supersoft X-ray Sources - CBSS. Aims: .To check this hypothesis, we measured the time derivative of its orbital period. Methods: .Observed timings of eclipse minima spanning over 30 000 orbital cycles are presented. Results: .We found that the orbital period evolves quite rapidly: P/dot{P} = 1.1×106 years. This is consistent with the idea that V617 Sgr is a wind driven accretion supersoft source. As the binary system evolves with a time-scale of about one million years, which is extremely short for a low mass evolved binary, it is likely that the system will soon end either by having its secondary completely evaporated or by the primary exploding as a supernova of type Ia. Conclusions: .

Species-specific cell mobility of bacteria-feeding myxamoebae in plasmodial slime molds.

PubMed

Hoppe, Thomas; Kutschera, Ulrich

2015-01-01

On decaying wood or litter in forests, plasmodial slime molds (myxomycetes) represent a large fraction of eukaryotic protists that feed on bacteria. In his seminal book Experimental Physiology of Plants (1865), Julius Sachs referred to the multinucleate plasmodium of myxomycetes, which were considered at that time as primitive plants (or fungi). Today it is well established that myxomycetes are members of the Amoebozoa (Protista). In this study we compare the mobility of myxamoebae of 3 European species, Lycogala epidendrum (order Liceales), Tubulifera arachnoidea, and Trichia decipiens (order Trichiales). Using agar plates, on which 3 separate bacterial species were cultivated as prey organisms (Methylobacterium mesophilicum, Escherichia coli, Agrobacterium tumefaciens), we document large differences in cell motility between the myxomycetes investigated. In addition, we show that the 3 species of myxamoebae can be distinguished based on their average cell size. These data shed light on the mode of co-occurrence via differential substrate utilization in these members of the Amoebozoa.

Species-specific cell mobility of bacteria-feeding myxamoebae in plasmodial slime molds

PubMed Central

Hoppe, Thomas; Kutschera, Ulrich

2015-01-01

On decaying wood or litter in forests, plasmodial slime molds (myxomycetes) represent a large fraction of eukaryotic protists that feed on bacteria. In his seminal book Experimental Physiology of Plants (1865), Julius Sachs referred to the multinucleate plasmodium of myxomycetes, which were considered at that time as primitive plants (or fungi). Today it is well established that myxomycetes are members of the Amoebozoa (Protista). In this study we compare the mobility of myxamoebae of 3 European species, Lycogala epidendrum (order Liceales), Tubulifera arachnoidea, and Trichia decipiens (order Trichiales). Using agar plates, on which 3 separate bacterial species were cultivated as prey organisms (Methylobacterium mesophilicum, Escherichia coli, Agrobacterium tumefaciens), we document large differences in cell motility between the myxomycetes investigated. In addition, we show that the 3 species of myxamoebae can be distinguished based on their average cell size. These data shed light on the mode of co-occurrence via differential substrate utilization in these members of the Amoebozoa. PMID:26357877

Cyclopidae (Crustacea, Copepoda) from the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil.

PubMed

Lansac-Tôha, F A; Velho, L F M; Higuti, J; Takahashi, E M

2002-02-01

Cyclopid copepods from samples of fauna associated with aquatic macrophytes and plancton obtained in lotic and lentic environments were obtained from the upper Paraná River floodplain (in the states of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil). Macrophytes were collected in homogeneous stands and washed. Plankton samples, taken from the water column surface and bottom, were obtained using a motor pump, with a 70 microns mesh plankton net for filtration. Twelve taxa of Cyclopidae were identified. Among them, Macrocyclops albidus albidus, Paracyclops chiltoni, Ectocyclops rubescens, Homocyclops ater, Eucyclops solitarius, Mesocyclops longisetus curvatus, Mesocyclops ogunnus, and Microcyclops finitimus were new finds for this floodplain. Eight species were recorded exclusively in aquatic macrophyte samples. Among these species, M. albidus albidus and M. finitimus presented greatest abundances. Only four species were recorded in plankton samples, and Thermocyclops minutus and Thermocyclops decipiens are limited to this type of habitat. Among these four species, T. minutus is the most abundant, especially in lentic habitats.

Three new country records from the genus Limnephilus Leach, 1815 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from the Republic of Kosovo

PubMed Central

Ibrahimi, Halil; Bilalli, Astrit; Musliu, Milaim; Grapci Kotori, Linda; Zhushi Etemi, Ferdije

2014-01-01

Abstract New faunistic data on Trichoptera from Kosovo based on sampling carried out during the autumn of 2013 and first half of 2014 are presented. Limnephilus bipunctatus was found in a small stream in Kaqandoll village located in northern Kosovo and in Shtuticë village located in central Kosovo. Two male specimens of Limnephilus decipiens  were found at Gurrat e Hasan Agës Springs and Bistrica e Lloqanit River, an alpine area in the Lloqan mountains, which belong to the Bjeshkët e Nemuna mountains. A single male specimen of Limnephilus stigma was found in Klinë, located in central Kosovo. All three species are rare in Kosovo. A preliminary checklist of eight species of Limnephilus from Kosovo is provided along with biogeographical and ecological notes. This paper is a further contribution to the faunistic list of Trichoptera of Kosovo, one of the least explored countries in Europe. PMID:25535484

Otolith patterns of rockfishes from the northeastern Pacific.

PubMed

Tuset, Victor M; Imondi, Ralph; Aguado, Guillermo; Otero-Ferrer, José L; Santschi, Linda; Lombarte, Antoni; Love, Milton

2015-04-01

Sagitta otolith shape was analysed in twenty sympatric rockfishes off the southern California coast (Northeastern Pacific). The variation in shape was quantified using canonical variate analysis based on fifth wavelet function decomposition of otolith contour. We selected wavelets because this representation allow the identifications of zones or single morphological points along the contour. The entire otoliths along with four subsections (anterior, ventral, posterodorsal, and anterodorsal) with morphological meaning were examined. Multivariate analyses (MANOVA) showed significant differences in the contours of whole otolith morphology and corresponding subsection among rockfishes. Four patterns were found: fusiform, oblong, and two types of elliptic. A redundancy analysis indicated that anterior and anterodorsal subsections contribute most to define the entire otolith shape. Complementarily, the eco-morphological study indicated that the depth distribution and strategies for capture prey were correlated to otolith shape, especially with the anterodorsal zone. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of V Sagittae in high, intermediate and low states from HST and IUE satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanad, M. R.

2015-11-01

We present the first phase resolved ultraviolet spectroscopic study of V Sge in high, intermediate and low states observed with the Hubble Space Telescope High Resolution Spectrograph (HST HRS) and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) during the period 1978-1996 to diagnose the ultraviolet fluxes of C IV 1550 Å and He II 1640 Å emission lines originating in the accretion disk during different orbital phases. Different spectra showing the variations in line fluxes at different orbital phases are presented. The reddening of V Sge is determined from the 2200 Å feature. We concentrated on calculating the line fluxes of C IV & He II emission lines. From HST and IUE data, we derived an accretion luminosity and an accretion rate for V Sge. The average temperature of the outer rim of the accretion disk {˜}10000 K. Our results show that there are variations in line fluxes, accretion luminosities and accretion rates with time for V Sge. These variations are attributed to the variations of both density and temperature as a result of a changing rate of mass transfer from the secondary star to the white dwarf. These results from the HST and IUE observations are consistent with the binary model consisting of a white dwarf, a disk around the white dwarf, and a lobe-filling main-sequence companion (Hachisu & Kato, Astrophys. J. 598:527H, 2003).

Discrimination among spawning concentrations of Lake Superior lake herring based on trace element profiles in sagittae

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bronte, Charles R.; Hesselberg, Robert J.; Shoesmith, John A.; Hoff, Michael H.

1996-01-01

Little is known about the stock structure of lake herring Coregonus artedi in Lake Superior, and recent increases in harvestable stock sizes has led to expanded exploitation in some areas. Research on marine teleosts has demonstrated that chemical differences in sagittal otoliths can be used for identification of fish stocks. We used plasma emission spectrophotometry to measure the concentrations of 10 trace elements in the sagittal otoliths from lake herring captured at eight spawning sites in Lake Superior and from Little Star Lake, an inland lake outside the Lake Superior basin. Discriminant function analysis indicated that elemental concentrations provided site-specific information but that considerable overlap existed among some locations, especially those in western Lake Superior. Correct classification rates varied from 12.0% to 86.1% and were generally higher for spawning locations from embayments in eastern Lake Superior and for the outgroup population from Little Star Lake. The results presented here demonstrate the potential usefulness of this technique for strictly freshwater species, especially those that live in highly oligotrophic waters such as Lake Superior.

Sylhet-Kopili/Barail-Tipam Composite Total Petroleum System, Assam Geologic Province, India

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wandrey, Craig J.

2004-01-01

The Sylhet-Kopili/Barail-Tipam Composite total petroleum system (TPS) (803401) is located in the Assam Province in northeasternmost India and includes the Assam Shelf south of the Brahmaputra River. The area is primarily a southeast-dipping shelf overthrust by the Naga Hills on the southeast and the Himalaya Mountain range to the north. The rocks that compose this TPS are those of the Sylhet-Kopili/Barail-Tipam composite petroleum system. These rocks are those of the Eocene-Oligocene Jaintia Group Sylhet and Kopili Formations, the Oligocene Barail Group, the Oligocene-Miocene Surma and Tipam Groups. These groups include platform carbonates, shallow marine shales and sandstones, and the sandstones, siltstones, shales, and coals of deltaic and lagoonal facies. Source rocks include the Sylhet and Kopili Formation shales, Barail Group coals and shales, and in the south the Surma Group shales. Total organic content is generally low, averaging from 0.5 to 1.8 percent; it is as high as 9 percent in the Barail Coal Shales. Maturities are generally low, from Ro 0.45 to 0.7 percent where sampled. Maturity increases to the southeast near the Naga thrust fault and can be expected to be higher in the subthrust. Generation began in early Pliocene. Migration is primarily updip to the northwest (< 5 to 15 kilometers) along the northeast-trending slope of the Assam Shelf, and vertical migration occurs through reactivated basement-rooted faults associated with the plate collisions. Reservoir rocks are carbonates of the Sylhet Formation, interbedded sandstones of the Kopili Formation and sandstones of the Barail, Surma, and Tipam Groups. Permeability ranges from less than 8 mD (millidarcies) to as high as 800 mD in the Tipam Group. Porosity ranges from less than 7 percent to 30 percent. Traps are primarily anticlines and faulted anticlines with a few subtle stratigraphic traps. There is also a likelihood of anticlinal traps in the subthrust. Seals include interbedded Oligocene and

Hubble's Necklace

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

Image released 11 Aug 2011. The "Necklace Nebula" is located 15,000 light-years away in the constellation Sagitta (the Arrow). In this composite image, taken on July 2, 2011, Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 captured the glow of hydrogen (blue), oxygen (green), and nitrogen (red). The object, aptly named the Necklace Nebula, is a recently discovered planetary nebula, the glowing remains of an ordinary, Sun-like star. The nebula consists of a bright ring, measuring 12 trillion miles wide, dotted with dense, bright knots of gas that resemble diamonds in a necklace. Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Individual Behavioral Adaptability to Diminished G-Forces and Calcium Uptake of Inner ear Otoliths in Fish. A Sounding Rocket Experiment (TX 48)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knie, Miriam; Shcherbakov, Denis; Hilbig, Reinhard

2013-02-01

In the course of the TEXUS 45 experiment we were able to show that the time-course of a habituation to diminished gravity depends on the respective G-level HQM (high quality microgravity, 10-4g) vs. LQM (low quality microgravity, 10-2g) and on the symmetric morphology of the gravity sensing components of the inner ear. An individually different regulation of inner ear otolith calcification plays a role in this process. With this study, the results of the TEXUS 45 flight were validated for another g-level (9x10-4g). In the course of the behavioural investigations we were able to show that most fish could adapt to these μg condition. Fish experiencing permanently 9x10-4g during the whole flight exhibit less kinetotic movements and from this we conclude, that they might use this minimal g-force for orientation. Furthermore these behavioural data were correlated with the morphology of otoliths (Lapilli and Sagittae).

Compounds of parasitic roundworm absorbing in the visible region: target molecules for detection of roundworm in Atlantic cod.

PubMed

Stormo, Svein K; Ernstsen, Arild; Nilsen, Heidi; Heia, Karsten; Sivertsen, Agnar H; Elvevoll, Edel

2004-07-01

The objective of this study was to contribute to the development of technology that will be able to replace manual operations in processing of fish fillets. Removal of parasites, black lining, remnants of skin, and bloodstains are costly and time-consuming operations to the fish processing industry. The presence of parasites in fish products tends to spoil consumers' appetites. Recent reports questioning the safety of eating cod infected with parasites might lower consumer acceptance of seafood. Presently, parasites are detected and removed manually. An average efficiency of about 75% under commercial conditions has been reported. In this study, we focused on biochemical differences between cod muscle and the prevalent anisakine nematode species (Anisakis simplex and Pseudoterranova decipiens) infecting Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a photodiode array detector, substances absorbing in the range 300 to 600 nm were identified in extracts from parasite material. These substances were not detected in extracts from cod tissue. Significant biochemical differences between cod muscle and parasite material have thus been demonstrated.

Two new hyaline-ascospored species of Trichoderma and their phylogenetic positions.

PubMed

Qin, W T; Zhuang, W Y

2016-01-01

Collections of hypocrealean fungi found on decaying wood in subtropical regions of China were examined. Two new species, Trichoderma confluens and T. hubeiense, were discovered and are described. Trichoderma confluens is characterized by its widely effuse to rarely pulvinate, yellow stromata with densely disposed yellowish brown ostioles, simple acremonium- to verticillium-like conidiophores, hyaline conidia and multiform chlamydospores. Trichoderma hubeiense has pulvinate, grayish yellow stromata with brownish ostioles, trichoderma- to verticillium-like conidiophores and hyaline conidia. The phylogenetic positions of the two fungi were investigated based on sequence analyses of RNA polymerase II subunit b and translation elongation factor 1-α genes. The results indicate that T. confluens belongs to the Hypocreanum clade and is associated with but clearly separated from T. applanatum and T. decipiens. Trichoderma hubeiense belongs to the Polysporum clade and related to T. bavaricum but obviously differs from other members of the clade in sequence data. Morphological distinctions between the new species and their close relatives are noted and discussed. © 2016 by The Mycological Society of America.

Three new species of Trichoderma with hyaline ascospores from China.

PubMed

Zhu, Z X; Zhuang, W Y

2015-01-01

Collections of Trichoderma having hyaline ascospores from different areas of China were examined. Using combined analyses of morphological data, culture characters and phylogenetic information based on rDNA sequences of partial nuc translation elongation factor 1-α encoding gene (TEF1-α) and the gene encoding the second largest nuc RNA polymerase subunit (RPB2), three new species, Trichoderma applanatum, T. oligosporum and T. sinoluteum, were discovered and are described. Trichoderma applanatum produces continuous flat to pulvinate, white to cream stromata with dense orange or pale brown ostioles, and simple acremonium-like to verticillium-like conidiophores, belongs to the Hypocreanum clade and is closely related to T. decipiens. Trichoderma oligosporum forms reddish brown stromata with a downy surface, hyaline conidia and gliocladium-like conidiophores, and is closely related to but distinct from T. crystalligenum in the Psychrophila clade. Trichoderma sinoluteum, as a member of the Polysporum clade, is characterized by pale yellow stromata, white pustulate conidiomata, pachybasium-like conidiophores, and hyaline conidia. Differences between the new species and their close relatives are discussed. © 2015 by The Mycological Society of America.

Coordination of Fe, Ga and Ge in high pressure glasses by Moessbauer, Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and geological implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleet, M. E.; Henderson, G. S.; Herzberg, C. T.; Crozier, E. D.; Osborne, M. D.; Scarfe, C. M.

1984-01-01

For some time, it has been recognized that the structure of silicate liquids has a great bearing on such magma properties as viscosity, diffusivity, and thermal expansion and on the extrapolation of thermodynamic quantities outside of the experimentally measurable range. In this connection it is vital to know if pressure imposes changes in melt structure similar to the pressure-induced reconstructive transformations in crystals. In the present study on 1 bar and high pressure glasses, an investigation is conducted regarding the coordination of Fe(3+) in Fe silicate glasses by Moessbauer spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is employed to explore the coordinations of Ge(4+) in GeO2 glasses and of Ga(3+) in NaGa silicate glasses, while the coordination of Ga(3+) in NaGaSiO4 glasses is studied with the aid of methods of X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

Coordination of Fe, Ga and Ge in high pressure glasses by Moessbauer, Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and geological implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleet, M. E.; Herzberg, C. T.; Henderson, G. S.; Crozier, E. D.; Osborne, M. D.; Scarfe, C. M.

1984-07-01

For some time, it has been recognized that the structure of silicate liquids has a great bearing on such magma properties as viscosity, diffusivity, and thermal expansion and on the extrapolation of thermodynamic quantities outside of the experimentally measurable range. In this connection it is vital to know if pressure imposes changes in melt structure similar to the pressure-induced reconstructive transformations in crystals. In the present study on 1 bar and high pressure glasses, an investigation is conducted regarding the coordination of Fe(3+) in Fe silicate glasses by Moessbauer spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is employed to explore the coordinations of Ge(4+) in GeO2 glasses and of Ga(3+) in NaGa silicate glasses, while the coordination of Ga(3+) in NaGaSiO4 glasses is studied with the aid of methods of X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

Early Cretaceous wedge extrusion in the Indo-Burma Range accretionary complex: implications for the Mesozoic subduction of Neotethys in SE Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ji'en; Xiao, Wenjiao; Windley, Brian F.; Cai, Fulong; Sein, Kyaing; Naing, Soe

2017-06-01

The Indo-Burma Range (IBR) of Myanmar, the eastern extension of the Yarlung-Tsangpo Neotethyan belt of Tibet in China, contains mélanges with serpentinite, greenschist facies basalt, chert, sericite schist, silty slate and unmetamorphosed Triassic sandstone, mudstone and siltstone interbedded with chert in the east, and farther north high-pressure blueschist and eclogite blocks in the Naga Hills mélange. Our detailed mapping of the Mindat and Magwe sections in the middle IBR revealed a major 18 km antiformal isocline in a mélange in which greenschist facies rocks in the core decrease in grade eastwards and westwards symmetrically `outwards' to lower grade sericite schist and silty slate, and at the margins to unmetamorphosed sediments, and these metamorphic rocks are structurally repeated in small-scale imbricated thrust stacks. In the Mindat section the lower western boundary of the isoclinal mélange is a thrust on which the metamorphic rocks have been transported over unmetamorphosed sediments of the Triassic Pane Chaung Group, and the upper eastern boundary is a normal fault. These relations demonstrate that the IBR metamorphic rocks were exhumed by wedge extrusion in a subduction-generated accretionary complex. Along strike to the north in the Naga Hills is a comparable isoclinal mélange in which central eclogite lenses are succeeded `outwards' by layers of glaucophane schist and glaucophanite, and to lower grade greenschist facies sericite schist and slate towards the margins. In the Natchaung area (from west to east) unmetamorphosed Triassic sediments overlie quartzites, sericite schists, actinolite schists and meta-volcanic amphibolites derived from MORB-type basalt, which are in fault contact with peridotite. Olivine in the peridotite has undulatory extinction suggesting deformation at 600-700 °C, similar to the peak temperature of the amphibolite; these relations suggest generation in a metamorphic sole. The amphibolites have U/Pb zircon ages of 119

Coda Q and its Frequency Dependence in the Eastern Himalayan and Indo-Burman Plate Boundary Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitra, S.; Kumar, A.

2015-12-01

We use broadband waveform data for 305 local earthquakes from the Eastern Himalayan and Indo-Burman plate boundary systems, to model the seismic attenuation in NE India. We measure the decay in amplitude of coda waves at discreet frequencies (between 1 and 12Hz) to evaluate the quality factor (Qc) as a function of frequency. We combine these measurements to evaluate the frequency dependence of Qc of the form Qc(f)=Qof η, where Qo is the quality factor at 1Hz and η is the frequency dependence. Computed Qo values range from 80-360 and η ranges from 0.85-1.45. To study the lateral variation in Qo and η, we regionalise the Qc by combining all source-receiver measurements using a back-projection algorithm. For a single back scatter model, the coda waves sample an elliptical area with the epicenter and receiver at the two foci. We parameterize the region using square grids. The algorithm calculates the overlap in area and distributes Qc in the sampled grids using the average Qc as the boundary value. This is done in an iterative manner, by minimising the misfit between the observed and computed Qc within each grid. This process is repeated for all frequencies and η is computed for each grid by combining Qc for all frequencies. Our results reveal strong variation in Qo and η across NE India. The highest Qo are in the Bengal Basin (210-280) and the Indo-Burman subduction zone (300-360). The Shillong Plateau and Mikir Hills have intermediate Qo (~160) and the lowest Qo (~80) is observed in the Naga fold thrust belt. This variation in Qo demarcates the boundary between the continental crust beneath the Shillong Plateau and Mikir Hills and the transitional to oceanic crust beneath the Bengal Basin and Indo-Burman subduction zone. Thick pile of sedimentary strata in the Naga fold thrust belt results in the low Qo. Frequency dependence (η) of Qc across NE India is observed to be very high, with regions of high Qo being associated with relatively higher η.

Using MOEA with Redistribution and Consensus Branches to Infer Phylogenies.

PubMed

Min, Xiaoping; Zhang, Mouzhao; Yuan, Sisi; Ge, Shengxiang; Liu, Xiangrong; Zeng, Xiangxiang; Xia, Ningshao

2017-12-26

In recent years, to infer phylogenies, which are NP-hard problems, more and more research has focused on using metaheuristics. Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood are two effective ways to conduct inference. Based on these methods, which can also be considered as the optimal criteria for phylogenies, various kinds of multi-objective metaheuristics have been used to reconstruct phylogenies. However, combining these two time-consuming methods results in those multi-objective metaheuristics being slower than a single objective. Therefore, we propose a novel, multi-objective optimization algorithm, MOEA-RC, to accelerate the processes of rebuilding phylogenies using structural information of elites in current populations. We compare MOEA-RC with two representative multi-objective algorithms, MOEA/D and NAGA-II, and a non-consensus version of MOEA-RC on three real-world datasets. The result is, within a given number of iterations, MOEA-RC achieves better solutions than the other algorithms.

Clinorotation Increases the Growth of Utricular Otoliths of Developing Cichlid Fish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anken, Ralf H.; Baur, Ulrich; Hilbig, Reinhard

2010-04-01

It has been shown earlier that hypergravity slows down inner ear otolith growth in developing fish as an adaptation towards increased environmental gravity. Suggesting that otolith growth is regulated by the central nervous system, thus adjusting otolithic weight to produce a test mass, applying functional weightlessness should yield an opposite effect, i.e. larger than normal otoliths. Therefore, larval siblings of cichlid fish ( Oreochromis mossambicus) were housed for 7 days in a submersed, two-dimensional clinostat, which provided a residual gravity of approximately 0.007g. After the experiment, otoliths were dissected and their size (area grown during the experiment) was determined. Maintenance in the clinostat resulted in significantly larger utricular otoliths (lapilli, involved in graviperception). There were no statistical significant differences regarding saccular otoliths obtained (sagittae, involved in transmitting linear acceleration and, especially, in the hearing process). These results indicated, that the animals had in fact received functional weightlessness. In line and contrasting results on the otoliths of other teleost species kept at actual microgravity (spaceflight) or within rotating wall vessels are discussed.

Otolith marking of juvenile shortnose gar by immersion in oxytetracycline

USGS Publications Warehouse

Snow, Richard A.; Long, James M.

2017-01-01

Oxytetracycline (OTC) has been used to mark a variety of fish species at multiple developmental stages; however, there is little information on batch-marking Lepisosteidae. Juvenile Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus (53 ± 3 mm TL) were seined from an Oklahoma State University research pond and transported to the Oklahoma Fishery Research Lab. Juvenile Shortnose Gar were exposed to a range of OTC concentrations—0, 500, 600, and 700 mg/L—for 4, 5, or 6 h. Lapillus and sagitta otoliths were examined 14 d postexposure for mark presence and evaluation using fluorescent microscopy. Overall, 93.3% of otoliths exposed to OTC exhibited a mark. Concentration of OTC affected the mean mark quality, whereas duration and otolith type examined did not. However, as concentration increased, so did mortality, suggesting a balance is needed to achieve marking goals. Based on our findings, batch marking of Shortnose Gar can be successful at OTC concentrations from 500 to 700 mg/L for 4–6 h, although mark quality may vary and mortality rates increase at the higher concentrations and longer durations.

Parasites in harbour seals ( Phoca vitulina) from the German Wadden Sea between two Phocine Distemper Virus epidemics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehnert, K.; Raga, J. A.; Siebert, U.

2007-12-01

Parasites were collected from 107 harbour seals ( Phoca vitulina) found on the coasts of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, between 1997 and 2000. The prevalence of the parasites and their associated pathology were investigated. Eight species of parasites, primarily nematodes, were identified from the examined organs: two anisakid nematodes ( Pseudoterranova decipiens (sensu lato) , Contracaecum osculatum (sensu lato)) from the stomach, Otostrongylus circumlitus (Crenosomatidae) and Parafilaroides gymnurus (Filaroididae) from the respiratory tract, one filarioid nematode ( Acanthocheilonema spirocauda) from the heart, two acanthocephalans, Corynosoma strumosum and C. semerme (Polymorphidae), from the intestine and an ectoparasite, Echinophthirius horridus (Anoplura, Insecta). Lungworm infection was the most prominent parasitological finding and secondary bacterial bronchopneumonia the most pathogenic lesion correlated with the parasites. Heavy nematode burdens in the respiratory tract were highly age-related and more frequent in young seals. A positive correlation was observed between high levels of pulmonary infection and severity of bronchopneumonia. The prevalence of lungworms in this study was higher than in seals that died during the 1988/1989 Phocine Distemper Virus epidemic, and the prevalence of acanthocephalans and heartworms had decreased compared to findings from the first die-off.

Biodiversity of seagrass bed in Balanan Resort - Baluran National Park

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soedarti, T.; Hariyanto, S.; Wedayanti, A.; Rahmawati, A. D.; Safitri, D. P.; Alificia, R. I.; Suwono

2017-09-01

Seagrass beds are flowering plants that live on the seabed. Seagrass provides a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, spawning ground, nursery ground, raising ground, and feeding ground. Balanan Resort - Baluran National Park has many beaches, such as Kajang Beach, Si Banjir Beach, Kakapa Beach, and Serondo Beach. This study was aimed to determine species composition, seagrass dominated, and the diversity index of seagrass and substrate in Resort Balanan - Baluran National Park. This research was carried out in Kajang Beach, Sibanjir Beach, Kakapa Beach, and Sirondo Beach from August to September 2015 using belt transect method, each transect consists of 15 plots (19 transects = 285 plots) and using the frame of 1x1 m. This research found seven genera and ten species : Cymodoce (C rotundata and C. serrulata), Syringodium (S. isoelifolium), Thallassodendron (T. ciliatum), Enhalus (E. acoroides) , Halodule (H. univernis and H. pinifolia), Halophila (H. ovalis and H. decipiens), and Thalassia (T. hemprichii). The diversity index of seagrass bed was moderate [H'=1.90] in Balanan Resort. The substrate of seagrass bed was mud, gravel, sand, clay sand and rubble in Balanan Resort. The dominance index was near zero [C = 0.194], that means no dominant species.

Survey of Leafhopper Species in Almond Orchards Infected with Almond Witches'-Broom Phytoplasma in Lebanon

PubMed Central

Hammad, Efat Abou-Fakhr; El-Mohtar, Choaa; Abou-Jawdah, Yusuf

2011-01-01

Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) account for more than 80% of all “Auchenorrhynchous” vectors that transmit phytoplasmas. The leafhopper populations in two almond witches'-broom phytoplasma (AlmWB) infected sites: Tanboureet (south of Lebanon) and Bourj El Yahoudieh (north of Lebanon) were surveyed using yellow sticky traps. The survey revealed that the most abundant species was Asymmetrasca decedens, which represented 82.4% of all the leafhoppers sampled. Potential phytoplasma vectors in members of the subfamilies Aphrodinae, Deltocephalinae, and Megophthalminae were present in very low numbers including: Aphrodes makarovi, Cicadulina bipunctella, Euscelidius mundus, Fieberiella macchiae, Allygus theryi, Circulifer haematoceps, Neoaliturus transversalis, and Megophthalmus scabripennis. Allygus theryi (Horváth) (Deltocephalinae) was reported for the first time in Lebanon. Nested PCR analysis and sequencing showed that Asymmetrasca decedens, Empoasca decipiens, Fieberiella macchiae, Euscelidius mundus, Thamnottetix seclusis, Balclutha sp., Lylatina inexpectata, Allygus sp., and Annoplotettix danutae were nine potential carriers of AlmWB phytoplasma. Although the detection of phytoplasmas in an insect does not prove a definite vector relationship, the technique is useful in narrowing the search for potential vectors. The importance of this information for management of AlmWB is discussed. PMID:21864154

Status and distribution of the West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus, in Colombia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Montoya-Ospina, R. A.; Caicedo-Herrera, D.; Millan-Sanchez, S. L.; Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A.; Lefebvre, L.W.

2001-01-01

Historical and recent information on the status and distribution of West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus, in Colombia was reviewed. Opportunistic and systematic interviews were also conducted. Historical information suggested that the distribution of manatees had been reduced in the Caribbean basin. Manatees can be found in the Atrato, Sinu??, San Jorge, Cauca, Cesar and Magdalena rivers and the Cie??naga Grande de Santa Marta marsh in the Caribbean basin, and in the Meta River in the Orinoco basin. The Magdalena riparian system provides the largest area of suitable habitat, which also has the highest frequency of captures. Most animals (81.20%) were killed for sale or to share meat in a subsistence base. Hunting is apparently increasing but capture with nets still represents the species' major direct threat. Habitat destruction occurs in all areas. International and national laws protect the species, however, funding is inadequate for effective enforcement of present laws. ?? 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Active tectonics and earthquake potential of the Myanmar region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yu; Sieh, Kerry; Tun, Soe Thura; Lai, Kuang-Yin; Myint, Than

2014-04-01

This paper describes geomorphologic evidence for the principal neotectonic features of Myanmar and its immediate surroundings. We combine this evidence with published structural, geodetic, and seismic data to present an overview of the active tectonic architecture of the region and its seismic potential. Three tectonic systems accommodate oblique collision of the Indian plate with Southeast Asia and extrusion of Asian territory around the eastern syntaxis of the Himalayan mountain range. Subduction and collision associated with the Sunda megathrust beneath and within the Indoburman range and Naga Hills accommodate most of the shortening across the transpressional plate boundary. The Sagaing fault system is the predominant locus of dextral motion associated with the northward translation of India. Left-lateral faults of the northern Shan Plateau, northern Laos, Thailand, and southern China facilitate extrusion of rocks around the eastern syntaxis of the Himalaya. All of these systems have produced major earthquakes within recorded history and continue to present major seismic hazards in the region.

Interannual variations in the hatching pattern, larval growth and otolith size of a sand-dwelling fish from central Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Valentino, Camilo; Landaeta, Mauricio F.; Castillo-Hidalgo, Gissella; Bustos, Claudia A.; Plaza, Guido; Ojeda, F. Patricio

2015-09-01

The interannual variation (2010-2013) of larval abundance, growth and hatching patterns of the Chilean sand stargazer Sindoscopus australis (Pisces: Dactyloscopidae) was investigated through otolith microstructure analysis from samples collected nearshore (<500 m from shore) during austral late winter-early spring off El Quisco bay, central Chile. In the studied period, the abundance of larval stages in the plankton samples varied from 2.2 to 259.3 ind. 1000 m-3; larval abundance was similar between 2010 and 2011, and between 2012 and 2013, but increased significantly from 2011 to 2012. The estimated growth rates increased twice, from 0.09 to 0.21 mm day-1, between 2011 and 2013. Additionally, otolith size (radius, perimeter and area), related to body length of larvae, significantly decreased from 2010 to 2012, but increases significantly in 2013. Although the mean values of microincrement widths of sagitta otoliths were similar between 2010 and 2011 (around 0.6-0.7 μm), the interindividual variability increases in 2011 and 2013, suggesting large environmental variability experienced by larvae during these years. Finally, the hatching pattern of S. australis changed significantly from semi-lunar to lunar cycle after 2012.

Cool neutral hydrogen in the direction of an anonymous OB association

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bania, T.M.

1983-08-01

H I self-absorption is seen in the direction l = 55./sup 0/6 probably physically associated with an anonymous OB association which has the Cepheid GY Sagittae as a member. The cool H I is in two clouds at least 15 pc in diameter located 3.25 kpc from the Sun. If their temperature is approx. =50 K, the cloud masses are approx. =10/sup 3/ M/sub sun/. The neutral atomic hydrogen clouds are probably warm envelopes surrounding cold molecular cloud cores because CO observations in this region show two molecular clouds nearly coincident with the absorbing H i gas. Since the OBmore » association is only approx. =10/sup 7/ years old, these clouds are likely to be part of the original cloud complex from which the stellar cluster formed. The H i clouds are part of the larger Arecibo survey of self-absorption which suggests that many of the Arecibo clouds are associated with heretofore unidentified star clusters. Even if this is generally not the case, the Arecibo objects have accurate kinematic distances and thus provide a new sample of cool H I clouds whose thermodynamic properties can be studied.« less

Micromirror arrays using KOH:H2O micromachining of silicon for lens templates, geodesic lenses, and other applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendall, Don L.; Eaton, William P.; Manginell, Ronald P.; Digges, Thomas G.

1994-11-01

Micromirrors having diameters from a few micrometers to several millimeters have been produced on (100) silicon by wet-chemical etching in KOH:H2O. The f/#'s range from about 2.5 to at least 10. The microroughness of an etched mirror with diameter 550 micrometers and 9.6-micrometers sagitta is less than 5 nm and its surface figure is within 0.5 micrometers of a perfect sphere. Data over a wide range of diameters are presented and a semiempirical model is developed to explain the behavior. The concordance of the normalized etched profiles for all diameter mirrors demonstrates that the etching is dominated by surface reaction rather than diffusion limitation. Design and fabrication schemes are presented for making a wide range of mirror diameters and focal lengths, for both single micromirrors and arrays. The etched depressions can be used as templates for microlenses and as substrates for geodesic waveguide lenses and arrays. Chem-mechanical polishing on the etched structures reduces the edge curvature and produces oblate spheroidal surfaces, both of which should improve geodesic lens behavior. The etched structures can also be used as variable crystal orientation substrates for epitaxial nucleation and various surface analysis studies.

Long distance biotic dispersal of tropical seagrass seeds by marine mega-herbivores.

PubMed

Tol, Samantha J; Jarvis, Jessie C; York, Paul H; Grech, Alana; Congdon, Bradley C; Coles, Robert G

2017-06-30

Terrestrial plants use an array of animals as vectors for dispersal, however little is known of biotic dispersal of marine angiosperms such as seagrasses. Our study in the Great Barrier Reef confirms for the first time that dugongs (Dugong dugon) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) assist seagrass dispersal. We demonstrate that these marine mega-herbivores consume and pass in faecal matter viable seeds for at least three seagrass species (Zostera muelleri, Halodule uninervis and Halophila decipiens). One to two seagrass seeds per g DW of faecal matter were found during the peak of the seagrass reproductive season (September to December), with viability on excretion of 9.13% ± 4.61% (SE). Using population estimates for these mega-herbivores, and data on digestion time (hrs), average daily movement (km h) and numbers of viable seagrass seeds excreted (per g DW), we calculated potential seagrass seed dispersal distances. Dugongs and green sea turtle populations within this region can disperse >500,000 viable seagrass seeds daily, with a maximum dispersal distance of approximately 650 km. Biotic dispersal of tropical seagrass seeds by dugongs and green sea turtles provides a large-scale mechanism that enhances connectivity among seagrass meadows, and aids in resilience and recovery of these coastal habitats.

A Novel Method for Predicting Anisakid Nematode Infection of Atlantic Cod Using Rough Set Theory.

PubMed

Wąsikowska, Barbara; Sobecka, Ewa; Bielat, Iwona; Legierko, Monika; Więcaszek, Beata

2018-03-01

Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua L.) is one of the most important fish species in the fisheries industries of many countries; however, these fish are often infected with parasites. The detection of pathogenic larval nematodes is usually performed in fish processing facilities by visual examination using candling or by digesting muscles in artificial digestive juices, but these methods are both time and labor intensive. This article presents an innovative approach to the analysis of cod parasites from both the Atlantic and Baltic Sea areas through the application of rough set theory, one of the methods of artificial intelligence, for the prediction of food safety in a food production chain. The parasitological examinations were performed focusing on nematode larvae pathogenic to humans, e.g., Anisakis simplex, Contracaecum osculatum, and Pseudoterranova decipiens. The analysis allowed identification of protocols with which it is possible to make preliminary estimates of the quantity and quality of parasites found in cod catches before detailed analyses are performed. The results indicate that the method used can be an effective analytical tool for these types of data. To achieve this goal, a database is needed that contains the patterns intensity of parasite infections and the conditions of commercial fish species in different localities in their distributions.

Status and threats on seagrass beds using GIS in Vietnam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luong, Cao Van; Thao, Nguyen Van; Komatsu, Teruhisa; Ve, Nguyen Dac; Tien, Dam Duc

2012-10-01

Seagrasses, marine flowering plants, are widely distributed along temperate and tropical coastlines of the world. Seagrasses have key ecological roles in coastal ecosystems and can form extensive meadows supporting high biodiversity. Till now, fourteen seagrass species belonging to four families were found in Vietnam: Halophila beccarii, H. decipiens, H. ovalis, H. minor, Thalassia hemprichii, Enhalus acoroides, Ruppia maritima, Halodule pinifolia, H. uninervis, Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymadocea rotundata, C. serrulata and Thalassodendron ciliatum. A total area of seagrass beds in Vietnam is estimated to be approximately 17000 ha by satellite images and GIS technology. In recent years, the distribution areas and densities of seagrass beds in Vietnam have been serious decreased compared with those 10-15 years ago. The decline level depended on the impacts by the natural process, the economical activities and the conservation awareness of local people. Thus, it is different at each coastal area. Generally speaking, the distribution areas and densities of seagrass beds were decreased by more than 50%. Seagrasses on tidal flats in some areas such as Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Phu Quoc seem to be nearly lost. The distribution areas of seagrass beds in 2009 at Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon and Cua Dai estuary was decreased by 50-70% of those in early 1990s.

Effects of simulated weightlessness on fish otolith growth: Clinostat versus Rotating-Wall Vessel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brungs, Sonja; Hauslage, Jens; Hilbig, Reinhard; Hemmersbach, Ruth; Anken, Ralf

2011-09-01

Stimulus dependence is a general feature of developing sensory systems. It has been shown earlier that the growth of inner ear heavy stones (otoliths) of late-stage Cichlid fish ( Oreochromis mossambicus) and Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) is slowed down by hypergravity, whereas microgravity during space flight yields an opposite effect, i.e. larger than 1 g otoliths, in Swordtail ( Xiphophorus helleri) and in Cichlid fish late-stage embryos. These and related studies proposed that otolith growth is actively adjusted via a feedback mechanism to produce a test mass of the appropriate physical capacity. Using ground-based techniques to apply simulated weightlessness, long-term clinorotation (CR; exposure on a fast-rotating Clinostat with one axis of rotation) led to larger than 1 g otoliths in late-stage Cichlid fish. Larger than normal otoliths were also found in early-staged Zebrafish embryos after short-term Wall Vessel Rotation (WVR; also regarded as a method to simulate weightlessness). These results are basically in line with the results obtained on Swordtails from space flight. Thus, the growth of fish inner ear otoliths seems to be an appropriate parameter to assess the quality of "simulated weightlessness" provided by a particular simulation device. Since CR and WVR are in worldwide use to simulate weightlessness conditions on ground using small-sized specimens, we were prompted to directly compare the effects of CR and WVR on otolith growth using developing Cichlids as model organism. Animals were simultaneously subjected to CR and WVR from a point of time when otolith primordia had begun to calcify both within the utricle (gravity perception) and the saccule (hearing); the respective otoliths are the lapilli and the sagittae. Three such runs were subsequently carried out, using three different batches of fish. The runs were discontinued when the animals began to hatch. In the course of all three runs performed, CR led to larger than normal lapilli, whereas WVR

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-05

... multi-day charters for up to 6 passengers with particular emphasis on bird watching, natural history and... may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD... of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or a business that uses U.S...

Collisional emplacement history of the Naga-Andaman ophiolites and the position of the eastern Indian suture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharyya, S. K.

2007-02-01

Dismembered late Mesozoic ophiolites occur in two parallel belts along the eastern margin of the Indian Plate. The Eastern Belt, closely following the magmatic arc of the Central Burma Basin, coincides with a zone of high gravity. It is considered to mark a zone of steeply dipping mafic-ultramafic rocks and continental metamorphic rocks, which are the locus of two closely juxtaposed sutures. In contrast, the Western Belt, which follows the eastern margin of the Indo-Burma Range and the Andaman outer-island-arc, broadly follows a zone of negative gravity anomalies. Here the ophiolites occur mainly as rootless subhorizontal bodies overlying Eocene-Oligocene flyschoid sediments. Two sets of ophiolites that were accreted during the Early Cretaceous and mid-Eocene are juxtaposed in this belt. These are inferred to be westward propagated nappes from the Eastern Belt, emplaced during the late Oligocene collision between the Burmese and Indo-Burma-Andaman microcontinents. Ophiolite occurrences in the Andaman Islands belong to the Western Belt and are generally interpreted as upthrust oceanic crust, accreted due to prolonged subduction activity to the west of the island arc. This phase of subduction began only in the late Miocene and thus could not have produced the ophiolitic rocks, which were accreted in the late Early Eocene.

Grape and wine amino acid composition from Carignan noir grapevines growing under rainfed conditions in the Maule Valley, Chile: Effects of location and rootstock.

PubMed

Gutiérrez-Gamboa, G; Carrasco-Quiroz, M; Martínez-Gil, A M; Pérez-Álvarez, E P; Garde-Cerdán, T; Moreno-Simunovic, Y

2018-03-01

Nitrogen compounds play a key role on grape and wine quality. Their composition in grapes depends mainly on variety, viticultural management, and terroir, and affects fermentation kinetics and the volatile compound formation. The aim of this work was to study grape and wine amino acid composition of ungrafted or grafted onto cv. País Carignan grapevines growing under rainfed conditions in ten sites of the Maule Valley (Chile). The results showed that proline was the most abundant amino acid in grapes and wines. In general, Carignan noir grapevines grafted over País showed lower grape amino acid content respect to ungrafted vines. Cool night index (CI) was inversely correlated to several amino acids, showing that their plant synthesis or accumulation increased with lower minimum temperatures during the last month before harvest. Truquilemu (Tru) and Ciénaga de Name (Cdn) sites showed the highest concentration for several amino acids and total amino acid content in grapes, which led to a faster alcoholic fermentation. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Hypertriglyceridemic rats fed high fat diet as a model of metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Kaprinay, B; Lipták, B; Slovák, L; Švík, K; Knezl, V; Sotníková, R; Gáspárová, Z

2016-12-21

People with metabolic syndrome have higher risk of cardiovascular diseases then those without. The aim of the work was to investigate whether high fat diet administered to Prague hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) rats can induce signs of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our results showed that HTG rats fed high fat diet (HTGch) had disturbed glucose metabolism and also lipid metabolism - increased serum triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (Ch), low-density lipoprotein-Ch (LDL-Ch), and decreased high-density lipoprotein-Ch (HDL-Ch). Their livers proved markers of developing steatosis. Moreover, HTGch had increased blood pressure, yet the vascular endothelium was not significantly damaged. All these changes were accompanied with oxidative stress and tissue damage identified as increased liver concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and activity of the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAGA). We assume that the model used may be suitable for the study of MetS with no evidence of obesity. Prolongation of the high fat diet duration might have a major impact on all parameters tested, especially on vascular endothelial function.

Pelopscreadium aegyptense n. gen., n. sp. and Pelopscreadium spongiosum (Bray & Cribb, 1998) n. comb., (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae), each from disjunct populations of the Yellow boxfish, Ostracion cubicus Linnaeus (Ostraciidae).

PubMed

Dronen, Norman O; Blend, Charles K; Khalifa, Refaat M A; Mohamadain, Hoda S; Karar, Yasser F M

2016-06-24

Bianium spongiosum Bray & Cribb, 1998 (Lepocreadiidae), described from the yellow boxfish, Ostracion cubicus Linnaeus (Ostraciidae), off Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia, possesses a combination of the following three morphological features which distinguishes it from all the other species currently assigned to the genus: (1) large internal patches of large cells forming sponge-like pads we have termed "pelops"("pelop" sing.) laterally in the forebody extending from near the anterior extremity to about the level of the intestinal bifurcation rather than possessing a scoop; (2) ceca that reach to near the posterior extremity where they end blindly without ani; and (3) a vitellarium which is present laterally but not dorsal to the ceca. Based on this we propose the erection of Pelopscreadium n. gen. (Lepocreadiidae) with the assignment of B. spongiosum to this new genus as the type-species, Pelopscreadium spongiosum (Bray & Cribb, 1998) n. comb. Pelopscreadium aegyptense n. sp., also from the yellow boxfish but from the Red Sea off Sharm El-Naga, Egypt, is described as the second member of the new genus because it shares these three characteristics with P. spongiosum.

Effects of extreme habitat conditions on otolith morphology: a case study on extremophile live bearing fishes (Poecilia mexicana, P. sulphuraria).

PubMed

Schulz-Mirbach, Tanja; Riesch, Rüdiger; García de León, Francisco J; Plath, Martin

2011-12-01

Our study was designed to evaluate if, and to what extent, restrictive environmental conditions affect otolith morphology. As a model, we chose two extremophile livebearing fishes: (i) Poecilia mexicana, a widespread species in various Mexican freshwater habitats, with locally adapted populations thriving in habitats characterized by the presence of one (or both) of the natural stressors hydrogen sulphide and darkness, and (ii) the closely related Poecilia sulphuraria living in a highly sulphidic habitat (Baños del Azufre). All three otolith types (lapilli, sagittae, and asterisci) of P. mexicana showed a decrease in size ranging from the non-sulphidic cave habitat (Cueva Luna Azufre), to non-sulphidic surface habitats, to the sulphidic cave (Cueva del Azufre), to sulphidic surface habitats (El Azufre), to P. sulphuraria. Although we found a distinct differentiation between ecotypes with respect to their otolith morphology, no clear-cut pattern of trait evolution along the two ecological gradients was discernible. Otoliths from extremophiles captured in the wild revealed only slight similarities to aberrant otoliths found in captive-bred fish. We therefore hypothesize that extremophile fishes have developed coping mechanisms enabling them to avoid aberrant otolith growth - an otherwise common phenomenon in fishes reared under stressful conditions. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Micromirror arrays using KOH:H[sub 2]O micromachining of silicon for lens templates, geodesic lenses, and other applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kendall, D.L.; Eaton, W.P.; Manginell, R.

Micromirrors having diameters from a few micrometers to several millimeters have been produced on (100) silicon by wet-chemical etching in KOH:H[sub 2]O. The f/[number sign]'s range from about 2.5 to at least 10. The microroughness of an etched mirror with diameter 550 [mu]m and 9.6-[mu]m sagitta is less than 5 nm and its surface figure is within 0.5 [mu]m of a perfect sphere. Data over a wide range of diameters are presented and a semiempirical model is developed to explain the behavior. The concordance of the normalized etched profiles for all diameter mirrors demonstrates that the etching is dominated bymore » surface reaction rather than diffusion limitation. Design and fabrication schemes are presented for making a wide range of mirror diameters and focal lengths, for both single micromirrors and arrays. The etched depressions can be used as templates for microlenses and as substrates for geodesic waveguide lenses and arrays. Chem-mechanical polishing on the etched structures reduces the edge curvature and produces oblate spheroidal surfaces, both of which should improve geodesic lens behavior. The etched structures can also be used as variable crystal orientation substrates for epitaxial nucleation and various surface analysis studies.« less

Study for Nuclear Structures of 22-35Na Isotopes via Measurements of Reaction Cross Sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Shinji

2014-09-01

T. Ohtsubo, M. Nagashima, T. Ogura, Y. Shimbara (Grad. Sch. of Sc., Niigata Univ.), M.Takechi, H. Geissel, M. Winkler (GSI), D. Nishimura, T. Sumikama (Dept. of Phys., Tokyo Univ. of Sc.), M. Fukuda, M. Mihara, H. Uenishi (Dept. of Phys., Osaka Univ.), T. Kuboki, T. Suzuki, T. Yamaguchi, H. Furuki, C. S. Lee, K. Sato (Dept. of Phys., Saitama Univ.), A. Ozawa, H. Ohnishi, T. Moriguchi, S. Fukuda, Y. Ishibashi, D. Nagae, R. Nishikiori, T. Niwa (Inst. of Phys., Univ. of Tsukuba), N. Aoi (RCNP), Rui-Jiu Chen, N. Inabe, D. Kameda, T. Kubo, M. Lantz, T. Ohnishi, K. Okumura, H. Sakurai, H. Suzuki, H. Takeda, S. Takeuchi, K. Tanaka, Y. Yanagisawa (RIKEN), De-Qing Fang, Yu-Gang Ma (SINAP), T. Izumikawa (RI Ctr., Niigata Univ.), and S. Momota (Fac. of Engn., Kochi Univ. of Tech.) Reaction cross sections (σR) for 22-35Na isotopes have been measured at around 240 MeV/nucleon. The σR for 22-35Na were measured for the first time. Enhancement in cross sections is clearly observed from the systematics for stable nuclei, for isotopes with large mass numbers. These enhancement can be mainly ascribed to the nuclear deformation. We will discuss the nuclear structure (neutron skin, nuclear shell structure) for neutron-excess Na isotopes. T. Ohtsubo, M. Nagashima, T. Ogura, Y. Shimbara (Grad. Sch. of Sc., Niigata Univ.), M.Takechi, H. Geissel, M. Winkler (GSI), D. Nishimura, T. Sumikama (Dept. of Phys., Tokyo Univ. of Sc.), M. Fukuda, M. Mihara, H. Uenishi (Dept. of Phys., Osaka Univ.), T. Kuboki, T. Suzuki, T. Yamaguchi, H. Furuki, C. S. Lee, K. Sato (Dept. of Phys., Saitama Univ.), A. Ozawa, H. Ohnishi, T. Moriguchi, S. Fukuda, Y. Ishibashi, D. Nagae, R. Nishikiori, T. Niwa (Inst. of Phys., Univ. of Tsukuba), N. Aoi (RCNP), Rui-Jiu Chen, N. Inabe, D. Kameda, T. Kubo, M. Lantz, T. Ohnishi, K. Okumura, H. Sakurai, H. Suzuki, H. Takeda, S. Takeuchi, K. Tanaka, Y. Yanagisawa (RIKEN), De-Qing Fang, Yu-Gang Ma (SINAP), T. Izumikawa (RI Ctr., Niigata Univ.), and S. Momota (Fac. of Engn

Star-Hopping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garfinkle, Robert A.

1997-07-01

Introduction; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. How to use this book and what you are going to see; 2. How the sky works, determining your field of view, observing tips and how to navigate in the night sky; 3. January - Taurus and Orion: the bull and hunter; 4. February - Canis Minor, Canis Major, and Puppis: dog days in February and Jason's Argo; 5. March - Cancer, Leo, and Corvus: a crab, the king of the beasts, and a crow; 6. April - Ursa Major: a dipper round tripper; 7. May - Coma Berenices and Virgo: the sparkling hair of Berenice and the wheat maiden and her bushel of galaxies; 8. June - Libra and Lupus: the balance scales and the wolf; 9. July - Scorpius, Sagittarius, and Scutum: the scorpion, archer, and shield of John Sobieski; 10. August - Draco: following the trail of the dragon; 11. September - Cygnus, Lyra, Vulpecula, and Sagitta: the swan, lyre, fox, and arrow; 12. October - Andromeda and Perseus: the chained lady and her rescuer; 13. November - Cepheus and Cassiopeia: the king and queen of Joppa; 14. December - Pisces, Triangulum, and Aries: of fishes, a triangle, and a ram; 15. Messier Marathon, a sundown to sunup hop across the skies; Appendix A: Classification tables; Appendix B: The constellations; Appendix C: The Greek alphabet; Appendix D: Decimalization of the day; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

Bowhead whales feed on plankton concentrated by estuarine and tidal currents in Academy Bay, Sea of Okhotsk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogachev, Konstantin A.; Carmack, Eddy C.; Foreman, Michael G. G.

2008-08-01

Academy Bay in the Sea of Okhotsk is an important summertime feeding ground for pelagic-feeding Bowhead whales ( Balaena mysticetus) in the western subarctic North Pacific. The present work combines satellite observations with physical (CTD, currents, tides) and biological (zooplankton sampling) measurements. Data obtained aboard the RV Lugovoe in August-September 2003 and July-August 2004 show dense populations of zooplankton (such as copepods Calanus glacialis, Pseudocalanus sp., pteropods Limacina helicina, and chaetognaths Sagitta sp.) that are concentrated by physical mechanisms within this critically important ecosystem. We show that near-bottom, cold water intrusions from the northern Sea of Okhotsk associated with the estuarine circulation advect arctic herbivorous calanoids ( Calanus glacialis) and mollusks Limacina helicina into the region. Satellite and in situ observations that include conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) data and measurements of tidal currents are used to study the nature of the estuarine circulation. Results show an anticyclonic circulation, associated with the effect of earth's rotation. An analytical model shows horizontally convergent flows in the lower layer toward the western coast of the bay that push water upward along the steep slope. This together with zooplankton vertical migration leads to aggregation. Thus the combination of the residual eddy formation and swimming behavior act to concentrate zooplankton near the cape and to provide the necessary densities of planktonic food supply for Bowhead whales.

Conversion of radius of curvature to power (and vice versa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wickenhagen, Sven; Endo, Kazumasa; Fuchs, Ulrike; Youngworth, Richard N.; Kiontke, Sven R.

2015-09-01

Manufacturing optical components relies on good measurements and specifications. One of the most precise measurements routinely required is the form accuracy. In practice, form deviation from the ideal surface is effectively low frequency errors, where the form error most often accounts for no more than a few undulations across a surface. These types of errors are measured in a variety of ways including interferometry and tactile methods like profilometry, with the latter often being employed for aspheres and general surface shapes such as freeforms. This paper provides a basis for a correct description of power and radius of curvature tolerances, including best practices and calculating the power value with respect to the radius deviation (and vice versa) of the surface form. A consistent definition of the sagitta is presented, along with different cases in manufacturing that are of interest to fabricators and designers. The results make clear how the definitions and results should be documented, for all measurement setups. Relationships between power and radius of curvature are shown that allow specifying the preferred metric based on final accuracy and measurement method. Results shown include all necessary equations for conversion to give optical designers and manufacturers a consistent and robust basis for decision-making. The paper also gives guidance on preferred methods for different scenarios for surface types, accuracy required, and metrology methods employed.

Relationship between spatial distribution of chaetognaths and hydrographic conditions around seamounts and islands of the tropical southwestern Atlantic.

PubMed

Souza, Christiane S de; Luz, Joana A G; Mafalda, Paulo O

2014-09-01

Relationship between spatial distribution of chaetognaths and hydrographic conditions around seamounts and islands off Northeastern Brazil were analyzed from 133 oceanographic stations during the months of January - April of 1997 and April - July of 1998. Oblique zooplankton tows, using 50 cm diameter Bongo nets with 500µm mesh with a flowmeter to determine the filtered volume, were carried out to a maximum of 200m depth. The Superficial Equatorial Water, which had a salinity > 36 PSU and temperature > 20°C, occupied the top 80 to 200m depth. Below this water mass was the South Atlantic Central Water with salinity ranging from 34.5 to 36 PSU and temperature from 6 to 20°C. The community of chaetognaths showed six species: Pterosagitta draco, Flaccisagitta enflata, Flaccisagitta hexaptera, Pseudosagitta lyra, Serratosagitta serratodentata, and Sagitta helenae. Of these species, F. enflata was the most abundant (32.05% in 1997 and 42.18% in 1998) and the most frequent (87.88% in 1997 and 95% in 1998) during both periods. A mesopelagic specie was identified (P. lyra). This specie was more abundant in 1997 (3.42%), when the upwelling was more intense. P. lyra occurred in 22% of the samples during 1997. The abundance of F. enflata, an epiplanktonic species, increased, associated with greater water-column stability.

Differences in pollination success between local and foreign flower color phenotypes: a translocation experiment with Gentiana lutea (Gentianaceae).

PubMed

Guitián, Javier A; Sobral, Mar; Veiga, Tania; Losada, María; Guitián, Pablo; Guitián, José M

2017-01-01

The adaptive maintenance of flower color variation is frequently attributed to pollinators partly because they preferentially visit certain flower phenotypes. We tested whether Gentiana lutea -which shows a flower color variation (from orange to yellow) in the Cantabrian Mountains range (north of Spain)-is locally adapted to the pollinator community. We transplanted orange-flowering individuals to a population with yellow-flowering individuals and vice versa, in order to assess whether there is a pollination advantage in the local morph by comparing its visitation rate with the foreign morph. Our reciprocal transplant experiment did not show clear local morph advantage in overall visitation rate: local orange flowers received more visits than foreign yellow flowers in the orange population, while both local and foreign flowers received the same visits in the yellow population; thus, there is no evidence of local adaptation in Gentiana lutea to the pollinator assemblage. However, some floral visitor groups (such as Bombus pratorum , B. soroensis ancaricus and B. lapidarius decipiens ) consistently preferred the local morph to the foreign morph whereas others (such as Bombus terrestris ) consistently preferred the foreign morph. We concluded that there is no evidence of local adaptation to the pollinator community in each of the two G. lutea populations studied. The consequences for local adaptation to pollinator on G. lutea flower color would depend on the variation along the Cantabrian Mountains range in morph frequency and pollinator community composition.

Differences in pollination success between local and foreign flower color phenotypes: a translocation experiment with Gentiana lutea (Gentianaceae)

PubMed Central

Sobral, Mar; Veiga, Tania; Guitián, Pablo; Guitián, José M.

2017-01-01

Background The adaptive maintenance of flower color variation is frequently attributed to pollinators partly because they preferentially visit certain flower phenotypes. We tested whether Gentiana lutea—which shows a flower color variation (from orange to yellow) in the Cantabrian Mountains range (north of Spain)—is locally adapted to the pollinator community. Methods We transplanted orange-flowering individuals to a population with yellow-flowering individuals and vice versa, in order to assess whether there is a pollination advantage in the local morph by comparing its visitation rate with the foreign morph. Results Our reciprocal transplant experiment did not show clear local morph advantage in overall visitation rate: local orange flowers received more visits than foreign yellow flowers in the orange population, while both local and foreign flowers received the same visits in the yellow population; thus, there is no evidence of local adaptation in Gentiana lutea to the pollinator assemblage. However, some floral visitor groups (such as Bombus pratorum, B. soroensis ancaricus and B. lapidarius decipiens) consistently preferred the local morph to the foreign morph whereas others (such as Bombus terrestris) consistently preferred the foreign morph. Discussion We concluded that there is no evidence of local adaptation to the pollinator community in each of the two G. lutea populations studied. The consequences for local adaptation to pollinator on G. lutea flower color would depend on the variation along the Cantabrian Mountains range in morph frequency and pollinator community composition. PMID:28194308

Water quality, isoscapes and stoichioscapes of seagrasses indicate general P limitation and unique N cycling in shallow water benthos of Bermuda

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fourqurean, J. W.; Manuel, S. A.; Coates, K. A.; Kenworthy, W. J.; Boyer, J. N.

2015-07-01

Striking spatial patterns in stable isotope ratios (isoscapes) and elemental ratios (stoichioscapes) of seagrass leaves and the water column nutrients indicate general P-limitation of both water column and benthic primary productivity on the Bermuda Platform, and they highlight the role of the Bermuda Islands as a source of N and P. We found consistent differences among the four seagrass species (Syringodium filiforme, Thalassia testudinum, Halodule sp. and Halophila decipiens) in the N, P, δ13C and δ15N of leaf tissues. The δ15N of seagrass leaves was especially variable, with values from -10.1 to 8.8‰, greatly expanding the reported range of values for all seagrass species globally. Spatial patterns from both the water column and the seagrass leaves indicated that P availability was higher near shore, and δ15N values suggest this was likely a result of human waste disposal. Spatially-contiguous areas of extremely depleted seagrass δ15N suggest unique N sources and cycling compared to other seagrass-dominated environments. Seagrass N : P values were not as far from the stoichiometric balance between N and P availability as in the water column, and there were no strong relationships between the water column N : P and the seagrass N : P. Such isoscapes and stoichioscapes provide valuable ecogeochemical tools to infer ecosystem processes as well as provide information that can inform food web and animal movement studies.

Water quality, isoscapes and stoichioscapes of seagrasses indicate general P limitation and unique N cycling in shallow water benthos of Bermuda

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fourqurean, J. W.; Manuel, S. A.; Coates, K. A.; Kenworthy, W. J.; Boyer, J. N.

2015-10-01

Striking spatial patterns in stable isotope ratios (isoscapes) and elemental ratios (stoichioscapes) of seagrass leaves and the water column nutrients indicate general P-limitation of both water column and benthic primary productivity on the Bermuda Platform, and they highlight the role of the Bermuda Islands as a source of N and P. We found consistent differences among the four seagrass species (Syringodium filiforme, Thalassia testudinum, Halodule sp. and Halophila decipiens) in the N, P, δ13C and δ15N of leaf tissues. The δ15N of seagrass leaves was especially variable, with values from -10.1 to 8.8 ‰, greatly expanding the reported range of values for all seagrass species globally. Spatial patterns from both the water column and the seagrass leaves indicated that P availability was higher near shore, and δ15N values suggest this was likely a result of human waste disposal. Spatially contiguous areas of extremely depleted seagrass 15N suggest unique N sources and cycling compared to other seagrass-dominated environments. Seagrass N : P values were not as far from the stoichiometric balance between N and P availability as in the water column, and there were no strong relationships between the water column N : P and the seagrass N : P. Such isoscapes and stoichioscapes provide valuable ecogeochemical tools to infer ecosystem processes as well as provide information that can inform food web and animal movement studies.

Mapping spatial resources with GPS animal telemetry: foraging manatees locate seagrass beds in the Ten Thousand Islands, Florida, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Slone, Daniel H.; Reid, James P.; Kenworthy, W. Judson

2013-01-01

Turbid water conditions make the delineation and characterization of benthic habitats difficult by traditional in situ and remote sensing methods. Here, we develop and validate modeling and sampling methodology for detecting and characterizing seagrass beds by analyzing GPS telemetry records from radio-tagged manatees. Between October 2002 and October 2005, 14 manatees were tracked in the Ten Thousand Islands (TTI) in southwest Florida (USA) using Global Positioning System (GPS) tags. High density manatee use areas were found to occur off each island facing the open, nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We implemented a spatially stratified random sampling plan and used a camera-based sampling technique to observe and record bottom observations of seagrass and macroalgae presence and abundance. Five species of seagrass were identified in our study area: Halodule wrightii, Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme, Halophila engelmannii, and Halophila decipiens. A Bayesian model was developed to choose and parameterize a spatial process function that would describe the observed patterns of seagrass and macroalgae. The seagrasses were found in depths <2 m and in the higher manatee use strata, whereas macroalgae was found at moderate densities at all sampled depths and manatee use strata. The manatee spatial data showed a strong association with seagrass beds, a relationship that increased seagrass sampling efficiency. Our camera-based field sampling proved to be effective for assessing seagrass density and spatial coverage under turbid water conditions, and would be an effective monitoring tool to detect changes in seagrass beds.

Diversity and bioprospecting of fungal communities associated with endemic and cold-adapted macroalgae in Antarctica

PubMed Central

Godinho, Valéria M; Furbino, Laura E; Santiago, Iara F; Pellizzari, Franciane M; Yokoya, Nair S; Pupo, Diclá; Alves, Tânia MA; S Junior, Policarpo A; Romanha, Alvaro J; Zani, Carlos L; Cantrell, Charles L; Rosa, Carlos A; Rosa, Luiz H

2013-01-01

We surveyed the distribution and diversity of fungi associated with eight macroalgae from Antarctica and their capability to produce bioactive compounds. The collections yielded 148 fungal isolates, which were identified using molecular methods as belonging to 21 genera and 50 taxa. The most frequent taxa were Geomyces species (sp.), Penicillium sp. and Metschnikowia australis. Seven fungal isolates associated with the endemic Antarctic macroalgae Monostroma hariotii (Chlorophyte) displayed high internal transcribed spacer sequences similarities with the psychrophilic pathogenic fungus Geomyces destructans. Thirty-three fungal singletons (66%) were identified, representing rare components of the fungal communities. The fungal communities displayed high diversity, richness and dominance indices; however, rarefaction curves indicated that not all of the fungal diversity present was recovered. Penicillium sp. UFMGCB 6034 and Penicillium sp. UFMGCB 6120, recovered from the endemic species Palmaria decipiens (Rhodophyte) and M. hariotii, respectively, yielded extracts with high and selective antifungal and/or trypanocidal activities, in which a preliminary spectral analysis using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy indicated the presence of highly functionalised aromatic compounds. These results suggest that the endemic and cold-adapted macroalgae of Antarctica shelter a rich, diversity and complex fungal communities consisting of a few dominant indigenous or mesophilic cold-adapted species, and a large number of rare and/or endemic taxa, which may provide an interesting model of algal–fungal interactions under extreme conditions as well as a potential source of bioactive compounds. PMID:23702515

Tropical species at the northern limit of their range: composition and distribution in Bermuda's benthic habitats in relation to depth and light availability.

PubMed

Manuel, Sarah A; Coates, Kathryn A; Kenworthy, W Judson; Fourqurean, James W

2013-08-01

Surveys were undertaken on the shallow Bermuda marine platform between 2006 and 2008 to provide a baseline of the distribution, condition and environmental characteristics of benthic communities. Bermuda is located in temperate latitudes but coral reefs, tropical seagrasses and calcareous green algae are common in the shallow waters of the platform. The dominant organisms of these communities are all living at or near their northern latitudinal range limits in the Atlantic Ocean. Among the major benthic autotrophs surveyed, seagrasses were most restricted by light availability. We found that the relatively slow-growing and long-lived seagrass Thalassia testudinum is restricted to habitats with much higher light availability than in the tropical locations where this species is commonly found. In contrast, the faster growing tropical seagrasses in Bermuda, Syringodium filiforme, Halodule sp. and Halophila decipiens, had similar ecological compensation depths (ECD) as in tropical locations. Increasing sea surface temperatures, concomitant with global climate change, may either drive or allow the poleward extensions of the ranges of such tropical species. However, due to latitudinal light limitations at least one abundant and common tropical autotroph, T. testudinum, is able to occupy only shallower depths at the more temperate latitudes of Bermuda. We hypothesize that the poleward shift of seagrass species ranges would be accompanied by restrictions to even shallower depths of T. testudinum and by very different seagrass community structures than in tropical locations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Scleractinian corals from the upper Berriasian of central Europe and comparison with contemporaneous coral assemblages.

PubMed

Baron-Szabo, Rosemarie Christine

2018-02-22

Scleractinian coral faunas from the upper Berriasian part of the Oehrli Formation of western Austria (Vorarlberg) and eastern Switzerland (Canton of Appenzell) are taxonomically described for the first time. Furthermore, scleractinian corals of the upper Berriasian part of the Oehrli Formation of the Swiss Cantons of Nidwalden and Uri are revised based on the study of type material. Lectotypes are designated for the species Dimorphocoeniopsis alpina (Koby, 1896) and Pleurophyllia tobleri (Koby, 1896). Sixty-one species belonging to 43 genera and 18 families were identified, making the coral fauna of the upper Oehrli Formation by far the most diverse among the Berriasian assemblages: Actinastrea pseudominima (Koby), A. sp., Adelocoenia bulgarica (Toula)(new combination), A. hexaphyllia (d'Orbigny)(new combination), A. radisensis (d'Orbigny)(new combination), Allocoeniopsis luciensis (d'Orbigny), Amphiaulastrea sp., Astraeofungia cf. decipiens (Michelin), Cladophyllia conybearei Milne Edwards Haime, Columnocoenia ksiazkiewiczi Morycowa, Comoseris jireceki Toula, Complexastrea seriata Turnšek, C. lobata Geyer, Cycloria mariscali (Felix)(new combination), Dermosmilia capitata (Koby), D. simplex Koby, Dimorphastrea excavata d'Orbigny, D. explanata De Fromentel, Dimorphocoeniopsis alpina (Koby), Ellipsocoenia lorioli (Koby), Enallhelia compressa (Münster), E. rathieri d'Orbigny, Epistreptophyllum cf. densum Roniewicz, Fungiastraea moeschi (Koby), Heliocoenia corallina Koby, H. humberti Étallon, H. minima Sikharulidze, Heterocoenia cf. inflexa (Eichwald), Latiphyllia neocomiensis De Fromentel, Latiastrea mucronata Sikharulidze, Latomeandra sp., Meandrastrea rudis (De Fromentel)(new combination), M. cf. lamberti (Bataller), Meandrophyllia corrugata (Michelin), Microsolena major (Ferry), M. cf. subexcavata Eguchi, Mitrodendron cf. modicum Eliášová, Mixastraea polyseptata Morycowa, Montlivaltia arcuata Beauvais, M. kaufmanni Koby, M. truncata (Defrance, 1817

Gravity field and nature of continent-continent collision along the Himalaya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, R. K.

Gravity field (Bouguer) in the Himalaya is characterised by large negative-values ranging from nearly -180 mGal to over -450 mGal in Naga-Parbat/Haramosh massif which go up to -550 mGal in the Karakoram region. The observed Bouguer anomaly in NW Himalaya has been interpreted along a profile passing from Gujranwala (located at the edge of the Indian shield) to the Haramosh massif in terms of Moho depth and density contrast between the crust and the mantle. The Moho depth is interpreted to increase from nearly 35 km near the edge of Indian shield to 75 km (below sea level) underneath the Haramosh massif. A similar model is applicable to a profile passing to the west of Nanga Parbat massif, from Gujranwala to Ghizar, through the Kohistan region. However, along this profile high density lower crustal rocks appear to have been emplaced in the upper part along the Main Mantle thrust. The gravityanomalies in the Nepal-Tibet region hasbeen interpreted in terms of a northward sloping Moho which down faulted by about 15 km to attain a depth of 65 km around Tingri which corresponds to explosion seismology data. The nature of isostatic compensation prevailing underneath the Himalaya has been discussed.

A transmission and scanning electron microscopic study of the saccule in five species of catfishes.

PubMed

Jenkins, D B

1979-01-01

The sacculi of five species of catfishes were studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. In four species, the sagitta exhibited a multifluted anterior part and a tapered posterior part; in Corydoras aeneus, however, the fluted part was absent, and a vertical component extended dorsally to terminate near the opening of the transverse canal. In all species, the otoliths had a laminar structure. An otolithic membrane was present, and hair cell bundles projected into cavities on the macular surface of the membrane. Attachments of the otolithic membrane to the neuroepithelium included short extensions of the membrane to the tallest components of the hair cell bundles of the peripheral cells and more delicate connections to the kinocilium and taller stereocilia of central cells; in addition, attachments to the microvilli of supporting cells were present. In both hair cells and supporting cells single microtubules and bundles of microtubules were present; the bundles had an orderly arrangement and were associated with cytoplasmic densities surrounding the desmosomes. The hair cells were innervated by both afferent and efferent nerve endings. Studies of the polarization of the hair cells in all species (except C. aeneus) showed that there was a single longitudinal axis that divided dorsally polarized cells from those oriented ventrally. In Doras spinosissimus and Bunocephalus bicolor, an additional line of polarization was evident in a small area in the anterior part of the macula; therefore, in these forms there was a double bipolar orientation.

On the influence of altered gravity on the growth of fish inner ear otoliths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beier, Marion

1999-09-01

Inner ear stones (otoliths) of developing cichlid fish ( Oreochromis mossambicus) were marked with the calcium tracer alizarin-complexone (AC) at 1g-earth gravity before and after a long-term (20 days) stay of the animals at moderate hypergravity conditions (3g; centrifuge). AC deposition at the otoliths resulted in two fluorescence bands, which enclosed the area grown during exposure to altered gravity. This area was measured with regard to size and asymmetry (size difference between the left and the right stones). Both utricular and saccular otoliths (lapilli and sagittae, respectively) were significantly smaller after hyper-g exposure as compared to parallely raised 1g-control specimens. The asymmetry concerning the lapilli was pronouncedly decreased in comparison to the 1g-controls. These findings suggest, that the growth and the development of bilateral asymmetry of otoliths is guided by the environmental gravity vector. Some of the hyper-g animals revealed a kinetotic behaviour at the transfer from hyper-g to normal 1g-earth gravity conditions, which was qualitatively similar to the behaviour observed in previous experiments at the transfer from 1g to microgravity in the course of parabolic aircraft flights. The lapillar asymmetry of kinetotic samples was found to be significantly higher than that of normally behaving experimental specimens. This result supports an earlier theoretical concept, according to which human static space sickness might be based on asymmetric utricular otoliths.

Interaction between the Dauki and the Indo-Burman convergence boundaries from teleseismic and locally recorded earthquake data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howe, M.; Moulik, P.; Seeber, L.; Kim, W.; Steckler, M. S.

2012-12-01

The Himalayan and the Burma Arcs converge onto the Indian plate from opposite sides near their syntaxial juncture and have reduced it to a sliver. Both geology and seismicity point to recent internal deformation and high seismogenic potential within this sliver. Large historical earthquakes, including the Great Indian earthquake of 1897 (Mw ~8.1), along with the recent seismicity, suggest that the cratonic blocks in the region are bounded by active faults. The most prominent is the E-W trending Dauki Fault, a deeply-rooted, north-dipping thrust fault, situated between the Shillong massif to the north and the Sylhet Basin to the south. Along the Burma Arc, the subducted seismogenic slab of the Indian plate is continuous north to the syntaxis. Yet the Naga and Tripura segments of the accretionary fold belt, respectively north and south of the easterly extrapolation of the Dauki fault, are distinct. Accretion has advanced far westward into the foredeep of the Dauki structure along the front of the Tripura segment, while it has remained stunted facing the uplifted Shillong massif along the Naga segment. Moreover, the Dauki topographic front can be traced eastwards across the Burma Arc separating the two segments. Recent earthquakes support the hypothesis that the Dauki convergence structure continues below the Burma accretionary belt. Using teleseismic and regional data from the deployment of a local network, we explore the interaction of the Dauki thrust fault with the Burma Arc subduction zone. Preliminary observations include: While seismicity is concentrated in the slab at the eastward extrapolation of the Dauki fault, shallow seismicity is diffuse and does not illuminate the Dauki fault itself. P-axes in moment-tensor solutions of earthquakes within the Indian plate tend to be directed N-S and are locally parallel to the India-Burma boundary, particularly in the slab. T-axes tend to be oriented E-W with a strong tendency to follow the slab down dip. This pattern

Contrasting impacts of light reduction on sediment biogeochemistry in deep- and shallow-water tropical seagrass assemblages (Green Island, Great Barrier Reef).

PubMed

Schrameyer, Verena; York, Paul H; Chartrand, Kathryn; Ralph, Peter J; Kühl, Michael; Brodersen, Kasper Elgetti; Rasheed, Michael A

2018-05-01

Seagrass meadows increasingly face reduced light availability as a consequence of coastal development, eutrophication, and climate-driven increases in rainfall leading to turbidity plumes. We examined the impact of reduced light on above-ground seagrass biomass and sediment biogeochemistry in tropical shallow- (∼2 m) and deep-water (∼17 m) seagrass meadows (Green Island, Australia). Artificial shading (transmitting ∼10-25% of incident solar irradiance) was applied to the shallow- and deep-water sites for up to two weeks. While above-ground biomass was unchanged, higher diffusive O 2 uptake (DOU) rates, lower O 2 penetration depths, and higher volume-specific O 2 consumption (R) rates were found in seagrass-vegetated sediments as compared to adjacent bare sand (control) areas at the shallow-water sites. In contrast, deep-water sediment characteristics did not differ between bare sand and vegetated sites. At the vegetated shallow-water site, shading resulted in significantly lower hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S) levels in the sediment. No shading effects were found on sediment biogeochemistry at the deep-water site. Overall, our results show that the sediment biogeochemistry of shallow-water (Halodule uninervis, Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea rotundata and C. serrulata) and deep-water (Halophila decipiens) seagrass meadows with different species differ in response to reduced light. The light-driven dynamics of the sediment biogeochemistry at the shallow-water site could suggest the presence of a microbial consortium, which might be stimulated by photosynthetically produced exudates from the seagrass, which becomes limited due to lower seagrass photosynthesis under shaded conditions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Molecular and Ecological Evidence for Species Specificity and Coevolution in a Group of Marine Algal-Bacterial Symbioses

PubMed Central

Ashen, Jon B.; Goff, Lynda J.

2000-01-01

The phylogenetic relationships of bacterial symbionts from three gall-bearing species in the marine red algal genus Prionitis (Rhodophyta) were inferred from 16S rDNA sequence analysis and compared to host phylogeny also inferred from sequence comparisons (nuclear ribosomal internal-transcribed-spacer region). Gall formation has been described previously on two species of Prionitis, P. lanceolata (from central California) and P. decipiens (from Peru). This investigation reports gall formation on a third related host, Prionitis filiformis. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequence comparisons place the bacteria as a single lineage within the Roseobacter grouping of the α subclass of the division Proteobacteria (99.4 to 98.25% sequence identity among phylotypes). Comparison of symbiont and host molecular phylogenies confirms the presence of three gall-bearing algal lineages and is consistent with the hypothesis that these red seaweeds and their bacterial symbionts are coevolving. The species specificity of these associations was investigated in nature by whole-cell hybridization of gall bacteria and in the laboratory by using cross-inoculation trials. Whole-cell in situ hybridization confirmed that a single bacterial symbiont phylotype is present in galls on each host. In laboratory trials, bacterial symbionts were incapable of inducing galls on alternate hosts (including two non-gall-bearing species). Symbiont-host specificity in Prionitis gall formation indicates an effective ecological separation between these closely related symbiont phylotypes and provides an example of a biological context in which to consider the organismic significance of 16S rDNA sequence variation. PMID:10877801

Anisakis haemoglobin is a main antigen inducing strong and prolonged immunoreactions in rats.

PubMed

Abe, Niichiro; Teramoto, Isao

2017-07-01

Anisakis simplex larvae are well known to cause gastrointestinal and allergic manifestations after ingestion of parasitized raw or undercooked seafood. The antibody recognition dynamics against the components of Anisakis larval antigen after primary and re-infection with Anisakis live larvae remain unclear. For this study, immunoblot analyses of serum IgG, IgE, and IgM against Anisakis larval somatic extract were performed in rats that had been orally inoculated with A. simplex live larvae. Multiple antigen fractions were recognized after primary infection. Their reaction was enhanced after re-infection. Antibody recognition was observed for 12 weeks after re-infection. The fraction of approximately 35 kDa contained a main antigen that induced strong and prolonged immunoreactions in IgG and IgE. The antibody reaction to this fraction appeared to be enhanced after inoculation of larval homogenates. This fraction was heat tolerant with boiling for 30 min. The fraction was spotted by immunoblotting after two-dimensional electrophoresis and was identified as Anisakis haemoglobin (Ani s 13) using mass spectrometry analysis. The amino acid sequences of haemoglobin mRNAs from two A. simplex sensu stricto and one Anisakis pegreffii were identified by RACE-PCR. They differed from those of two isolates of Pseudoterranova decipiens and A. pegreffii. Results of this study show that Anisakis haemoglobin, which is known to be a major allergen of A. simplex, induces strong and prolonged immunoreaction in rats. This report is the first to show the amino acid sequence variation of Anisakis haemoglobin mRNA between A. simplex sensu stricto and A. pegreffii.

Importance of carbon isotopic data of the Permian-Triassic boundary layers in the Verkhoyansk region for the global correlation of the basal Triassic layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharov, Yu. D.; Biakov, A. S.; Richoz, S.; Horacek, M.

2015-01-01

This paper is dedicated to a global correlation of marine Permian-Triassic boundary layers on the basis of partially published and original data on the δ13Corg and δ13Ccarb values of the Suol section (Setorym River, South Verkhoyansk region). The section consists of six carbon isotopic intervals, which are easily distinguishable in the carbon isotopic curves for a series of Permian-Triassic reference sections of Eurasia and Northern America, including paleontologically described sections of Central Iran, Kashmir, and Southern China. This suggests that the Permian-Triassic boundary in the Suol section is close to the carbon isotopic minimum of interval IV. In light of new data, we suggest considering the upper part of the Late Permian Changhsingian Stage and the lower substage of the Early Triassic Induan Stage of Siberia in the volumes of the rank Otoceras concavum zone and the Tompophiceras pascoei and Wordieoceras decipiens zones, respectively. The O. concavum zone of the Verkhoyansk region probably corresponds to the Late Changhsingian Hypophiceras triviale zone of Greenland. The carbon isotopic intervals II, III, IV, and V in the Permian-Triassic boundary layers of the Verkhoyansk region traced in a series of the reference sections of Eurasia correspond, most likely, to intensification of volcanic activity at the end of the Late Changhsingian and to the first massive eruptions of Siberian traps at the end of the Changhsingian and the beginning of the Induan Stages. New data indicate the possible survival of ammonoids of the Otoceratoidea superfamily at the species level after mass extinction of organisms at the end of the Permian.

Ship traffic and the introduction of diatoms and dinoflagellates via ballast water in the port of Annaba, Algeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheniti, Radhia; Rochon, André; Frihi, Hocine

2018-03-01

We present here the first study on the role of ship traffic in the introduction of potentially harmful and/or non-indigenous species in the port of Annaba (Algeria). A total of 25 ships of two different types (general cargo and bulk carriers) were sampled and separated into two categories: oceanic and Mediterranean ships. We estimated propagule pressure of high-risk coastal phytoplankton delivered in ballast water to the port of Annaba. We identified 40 diatom and 38 dinoflagellate taxa, among which, 11 harmful/toxic taxa: Pseudo-nitzschia spp., Alexandrium tamarense, Alexandrium sp., Dinophysis acuminata, Dinophysis rotundata, Dinophysis sp., Gonyaulax spinifera, Gymnodinium catenatum, Lingulodinium polyedrum, Protoceratium reticulatum and cyst of Alexandrium sp. In addition, 8 taxa (5 diatoms, 1 dinoflagellate and 2 dinoflagellate cysts) never observed in the Annaba region were considered as potentially non-indigenous: Actinoptychus splendens, Coscinodiscus asteromphalus, Coscinodiscus lineatus, Odentella granulata, Thalassiosira cf. decipiens, Prorocentrum scutellum, cyst of Polykrikos kofoidii and Islandinium minutum. Several factors were examined, including ship routes, ballast water age and the volume of ballast water discharged. Our analyses revealed that diatom and dinoflagellate abundances decreased with ballast water age, possibly as a result of mortality of species due to voyage length and lack of light in ballast tanks. Estimates of actual propagule pressure, diatoms and dinoflagellates abundances varied from 1 to 4 × 108 cells/ship. The results of this study could serve as the baseline for the development and implementation of monitoring and ballast water management programs in ports of Algeria.

Diatom Evidence for Climatic Changes Associated With the Slowdown of the Meridional Overturning Circulation in the Last 50 Years in the Mexican Tropical Pacific.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machain-Castillo, M. L.; Almaraz-Ruiz, L.; Esparza-Alvarez, M. A.; Ruiz-Fernandez, A. C.; Sanchez-Cabeza, J. A.; Hernandez-Becerril, D. U.

2016-12-01

Laminated sediments from the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexican Tropical Pacific, reveal climatic variability during the last 50 years. The Gulf of Tehuantepec is characterized by strong upwelling during the autumn-winter season due to intense northern winds. Upwelling supplies high nutrient concentrations and cold water to the ocean surface, resulting in high biological productivity, including diatom blooms. The rest of the year winds are relatively calm and currents predominantly flow to the Northeast. A box core collected in the area beneath the wind axes (750m water depth) showed sub-millimeter to millimeter scale laminated sediments. Laminae were separated and analyzed for diatoms. Chronology was obtained by 210Pb dating. Three diatom associations were recognized in the sediments studied: a cold water association dominated by Thalasionema nitzschioides, T. nitzchioides var. parva, Lioloma pacificum and Chaetoceros spores; an association dominated by Fragilariopsis doliolus, T. bacillare and Thalassiosira oestrupii, more characteristic of temperate waters, and an association of warm waters characterized by Neodelphineis pelagica, T. pseudonitzschioides, Actinocyclus ellipticus, Cyclotella litoralis and Thalassiosira decipiens. Abundance of diatoms is higher (up to 344 106 valves g-1) in the coldest association and lowest (83 106 valves g-1) in the warmer one. Although upwelling species are present throughout the core, we observed a decrease in diatom abundance and an increase in temperate and warm water taxa from the 1960's-1970's. This trend is coincident with the climatic changes produced by the slowdown of the meridional overturning circulation proposed for the past century and global warming.

Word-wide meta-analysis of Quercus forests ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity reveals southwestern Mexico as a hotspot.

PubMed

García-Guzmán, Olimpia Mariana; Garibay-Orijel, Roberto; Hernández, Edith; Arellano-Torres, Elsa; Oyama, Ken

2017-11-01

Quercus is the most diverse genus of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) host plants; it is distributed in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, from temperate to tropical regions. However, their ECM communities have been scarcely studied in comparison to those of conifers. The objectives of this study were to determine the richness of ECM fungi associated with oak forests in the Cuitzeo basin in southwestern Mexico; and to determine the level of richness, potential endemism and species similarity among ECM fungal communities associated with natural oak forests worldwide through a meta-analysis. The ITS DNA sequences of ECM root tips from 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In total, 1065 species of ECM fungi have been documented worldwide; however, 812 species have been only found at one site. Oak forests in Europe contain 416 species, Mexico 307, USA 285, and China 151. Species with wider distributions are Sebacinaceae sp. SH197130, Amanita subjunquillea, Cenococcum geophilum, Cortinarius decipiens, Russula hortensis, R. risigallina, R. subrubescens, Sebacinaceae sp. SH214607, Tomentella ferruginea, and T. lapida. The meta-analysis revealed (1) that Mexico is not only a hotspot for oak species but also for their ECM mycobionts. (2) There is a particularly high diversity of ECM Pezizales in oak seasonal forests from western USA to southwestern Mexico. (3) The oak forests in southwestern Mexico have the largest number of potential endemic species. (4) Globally, there is a high turnover of ECM fungal species associated with oaks, which indicates high levels of alpha and beta diversity in these communities.

Clockwise rotation of the Brahmaputra Valley relative to India: Tectonic convergence in the eastern Himalaya, Naga Hills, and Shillong Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vernant, P.; Bilham, R.; Szeliga, W.; Drupka, D.; Kalita, S.; Bhattacharyya, A. K.; Gaur, V. K.; Pelgay, P.; Cattin, R.; Berthet, T.

2014-08-01

GPS data reveal that the Brahmaputra Valley has broken from the Indian Plate and rotates clockwise relative to India about a point a few hundred kilometers west of the Shillong Plateau. The GPS velocity vectors define two distinct blocks separated by the Kopili fault upon which 2-3 mm/yr of dextral slip is observed: the Shillong block between longitudes 89 and 93°E rotating clockwise at 1.15°/Myr and the Assam block from 93.5°E to 97°E rotating at ≈1.13°/Myr. These two blocks are more than 120 km wide in a north-south sense, but they extend locally a similar distance beneath the Himalaya and Tibet. A result of these rotations is that convergence across the Himalaya east of Sikkim decreases in velocity eastward from 18 to ≈12 mm/yr and convergence between the Shillong Plateau and Bangladesh across the Dauki fault increases from 3 mm/yr in the west to >8 mm/yr in the east. This fast convergence rate is inconsistent with inferred geological uplift rates on the plateau (if a 45°N dip is assumed for the Dauki fault) unless clockwise rotation of the Shillong block has increased substantially in the past 4-8 Myr. Such acceleration is consistent with the reported recent slowing in the convergence rate across the Bhutan Himalaya. The current slip potential near Bhutan, based on present-day convergence rates and assuming no great earthquake since 1713 A.D., is now ~5.4 m, similar to the slip reported from alluvial terraces that offsets across the Main Himalayan Thrust and sufficient to sustain a Mw ≥ 8.0 earthquake in this area.

Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Novel Screening Strategy for Improving Women's Health in Vulnerable Populations.

PubMed

Frati, Elena R; Fasoli, Ester; Martinelli, Marianna; Colzani, Daniela; Bianchi, Silvia; Carnelli, Luciana; Amendola, Antonella; Olivani, Pierfranco; Tanzi, Elisabetta

2017-06-20

Migrant women are one of the most vulnerable population to health problems and well-being. This study aimed at implementing a counseling and preventive strategy for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in undocumented migrant women in Milan, Italy. Women (ages 18-65) were enrolled at the NAGA Centre (2012-2013) and asked for a urine sample in order to carry out molecular detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis ( Ct ), Trichomonas vaginalis ( Tv ), Neisseria gonorrhoeae ( Ng )-DNA. Socio-demographic and sexual behavior information were collected. All HPV/ Ct + women were offered Pap tests and/or were prescribed antibiotic treatment. 537/757 women participated in the study (acceptability rate: 70.9%). Most of the women were from Latin America (45.6%) and Eastern Europe (30.7%); >60% of them had stable partners, did not use contraception and had had at least one pregnancy. The prevalence rates of HPV, Ct , Tv and Ng infections were 24.2%, 7.8%, 4.8% and 0%, respectively. In all, 43.2% of the positive women agreed to undergo a gynecological examination and accepted suitable treatment. This study shows an overall high prevalence of STIs in undocumented migrant women in Milan. The screening strategy based on counseling and urine testing contributed to the successfully high acceptability rate. More appropriate health services that adequately address all aspects of women's health are required.

The Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis-tomato interactome reveals the perception of pathogen by the host and suggests mechanisms of infection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Savidor, Alon; Teper,; Gartemann, KH

2012-01-01

The Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) causes wilt and canker disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Mechanisms of Cmm pathogenicity and tomato response to Cmm infection are not well understood. To explore the interaction between Cmm and tomato, multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT) and tandem mass spectrometry were used to analyze in vitro and in planta generated samples. The results show that during infection Cmm senses the plant environment, transmits signals, induces, and then secretes multiple hydrolytic enzymes, including serine proteases of the Pat-1, Ppa, and Sbt familes, the CelA, XysA, and NagA glycosyl hydrolases, and other cell wall-degradingmore » enzymes. Tomato induction of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, LOX1, and other defense-related proteins during infection indicates that the plant senses the invading bacterium and mounts a basal defense response, although partial with some suppressed components including class III peroxidases and a secreted serine peptidase. The tomato ethylene-synthesizing enzyme ACC-oxidase was induced during infection with the wild-type Cmm but not during infection with an endophytic Cmm strain, identifying Cmm-triggered host synthesis of ethylene as an important factor in disease symptom development. The proteomic data were also used to improve Cmm genome annotation, and thousands of Cmm gene models were confirmed or expanded.« less

Morphotectonic study of the Brahmaputra basin using geoinformatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nath Sarma, Jogendra; Acharjee, Shukla; murgante, Beniamino

2013-04-01

The Brahmaputra River basin occupies an area of 580,000 km2 lying in Tibet (China), Bhutan, India and Bangladesh. It is bounded on the north by the Nyen-Chen-Tanghla mountains, on the east by the Salween River basin and Patkari range of hills, on the south by Nepal Himalayas and the Naga Hills and on the west by the Ganga sub-basin. Brahmaputra river originates at an elevation of about 5150 m in south-west Tibet and flows for about 2900 km through Tibet (China), India and Bangladesh to join the Ganga.. The Brahmaputra River basin is investigated to examine the influence of active structures by applying an integrated study on geomorphology, morphotectonics, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) using topographic map, satellite data, SRTM, and seismic data. The indices for morphotectonic analysis, viz. basin elongation ratio (Re) indicated tectonically active, transverse topographic symmetry (T = 0.018-0.664) indicated asymmetric nature, asymmetric factor (AF=33) suggested tilt, valley floor width to valley height ratio (Vf = 0.0013-2.945) indicated active incision and mountain-front sinuosity (Smf = 1.11-1.68) values indicated active tectonics in the area. A great or major earthquake in the modern times, in this region may create havoc with huge loss of life and property due to high population density and rapidly developing infrastructure. Keywords: .Morphotectonic, Brahmaputra river, earthquake

Anticestodal activity of Houttuynia cordata leaf extract against Hymenolepis diminuta in experimentally infected rats.

PubMed

Yadav, Arun K; Temjenmongla

2011-10-01

The leaves of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) are considered to have anthelmintic properties in the traditional medicine of Naga tribes in Northeast India and, therefore, are used by the natives to treat the intestinal worm infections. In the present study, the anticestodal activity of H. cordata leaf extract was investigated against Hymenolepis diminuta, a zoonotic cestode, in experimentally infected albino rats. For the assessment of anticestodal efficacy, the eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces counts and worm loads of animals were monitored following treatment with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg p.o. doses of leaf extract to different groups of rats harbouring larval, immature and mature H. diminuta infections. The efficacy of the extract was found to be dose-dependent (P < 0.05). Further, the extract showed its maximum efficacy against the mature Hymenolepis worms. In this case, the 800 mg/kg dose of extract significantly reduced (P < 0.001) the EPG counts of animals by 57.09% and worm load by 75.00%, at post-treatment. In comparison, the reference drug praziquantel at 5 mg/kg showed a reduction in the EPG counts and worm load of experimental animals by 80.37 and 87.50%, respectively. These findings indicate that leaves of H. cordata possess significant anticestodal property and provide a rationale for their use in traditional medicine as an anthelmintic.

Otolith shape lends support to the sensory drive hypothesis in rockfishes.

PubMed

Tuset, V M; Otero-Ferrer, J L; Gómez-Zurita, J; Venerus, L A; Stransky, C; Imondi, R; Orlov, A M; Ye, Z; Santschi, L; Afanasiev, P K; Zhuang, L; Farré, M; Love, M S; Lombarte, A

2016-10-01

The sensory drive hypothesis proposes that environmental factors affect both signalling dynamics and the evolution of signals and receivers. Sound detection and equilibrium in marine fishes are senses dependent on the sagittae otoliths, whose morphological variability appears intrinsically linked to the environment. The aim of this study was to understand if and which environmental factors could be conditioning the evolution of this sensory structure, therefore lending support to the sensory drive hypothesis. Thus, we analysed the otolith shape of 42 rockfish species (Sebastes spp.) to test the potential associations with the phylogeny, biological (age), ecological (feeding habit and depth distribution) and biogeographical factors. The results showed strong differences in the otolith shapes of some species, noticeably influenced by ecological and biogeographical factors. Moreover, otolith shape was clearly conditioned by phylogeny, but with a strong environmental effect, cautioning about the use of this structure for the systematics of rockfishes or other marine fishes. However, our most relevant finding is that the data supported the sensory drive hypothesis as a force promoting the radiation of the genus Sebastes. This hypothesis holds that adaptive divergence in communication has significant influence relative to other life history traits. It has already been established in Sebastes for visual characters and organs; our results showed that it applies to otolith transformations as well (despite the clear influence of feeding and depth), expanding the scope of the hypothesis to other sensory structures. © 2016 European Society For Evolutionary Biology. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2016 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.

Resilience and disaster risk reduction: an etymological journey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, D. E.

2013-04-01

This paper examines the development over historical time of the meaning and uses of the term resilience. The objective is to deepen our understanding of how the term came to be adopted in disaster risk reduction and resolve some of the conflicts and controversies that have arisen when it has been used. The paper traces the development of resilience through the sciences, humanities, and legal and political spheres. It considers how mechanics passed the word to ecology and psychology, and how from there it was adopted by social research and sustainability science. As other authors have noted, as a concept, resilience involves some potentially serious conflicts or contradictions, for example between stability and dynamism, or between dynamic equilibrium (homeostasis) and evolution. Moreover, although the resilience concept works quite well within the confines of General Systems Theory, in situations in which a systems formulation inhibits rather than fosters explanation, a different interpretation of the term is warranted. This may be the case for disaster risk reduction, which involves transformation rather than preservation of the ''state of the system''. The article concludes that the modern conception of resilience derives benefit from a rich history of meanings and applications, but that it is dangerous - or at least potentially disappointing - to read to much into the term as a model and a paradigm. Sagitta in lapidem numquam figitur, interdum resiliens percutit dirigentem. ("An arrow never lodges in a stone: often it recoils upon its sender.") St. John Chrysostom (c. 347-407), Archbishop of Constantinople.

Anisakids (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from stomachs of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) on St. Paul Island, Alaska: parasitological and pathological analysis.

PubMed

Kuzmina, T A; Lyons, E T; Spraker, T R

2014-12-01

Anisakid nematodes parasitize the alimentary tracts of aquatic vertebrates, including northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) (NFS). The main purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence, intensity, and species composition of anisakids in NFSs on St. Paul Island, Alaska, and to analyze changes in NFS infection with these nematodes during the last decades. The study was carried out on St. Paul Island, Alaska, in July-August 2011-2013. Stomachs of 443 humanely harvested NFS males were collected from five separate haul-out areas. A total of 4,460 anisakid specimens were collected and identified by morphological criteria. Gross and histological examinations of stomachs were also performed. The overall prevalence of NFS infection was 91.2%; overall mean intensity 10.9, and overall median intensity 6. Five species, Anisakis simplex s. l., Contracaecum osculatum s. l., Pseudoterranova decipiens s. l., P. azarazi and Phocascaris cystophorae, were found. The prevalence of Anisakis was 46.5%, its intensity 7.5. The prevalence and intensity of Contracaecum, Pseudoterranova, and Phocascaris were 33.6% and 3.5, 81.9% and 6.5, and 5.2% and 1.7, respectively. Significant differences in the prevalence of NFS infection were observed between separate haul-outs. Comparison of the present data with the results of studies performed in the North Pacific in the 1960s, showed a significant decrease in the intensity of NFS infection with anisakids during the last decades. The prevalence of mucosal lesions in NFS stomachs caused by anisakids also decreased from 92 to 20.9%. Possible reasons for the changes in NFS infection with anisakids are discussed.

Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Novel Screening Strategy for Improving Women’s Health in Vulnerable Populations

PubMed Central

Frati, Elena R.; Fasoli, Ester; Martinelli, Marianna; Colzani, Daniela; Bianchi, Silvia; Carnelli, Luciana; Amendola, Antonella; Olivani, Pierfranco; Tanzi, Elisabetta

2017-01-01

Background: Migrant women are one of the most vulnerable population to health problems and well-being. This study aimed at implementing a counseling and preventive strategy for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in undocumented migrant women in Milan, Italy. Methods: Women (ages 18–65) were enrolled at the NAGA Centre (2012–2013) and asked for a urine sample in order to carry out molecular detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng)-DNA. Socio-demographic and sexual behavior information were collected. All HPV/Ct+ women were offered Pap tests and/or were prescribed antibiotic treatment. Results: 537/757 women participated in the study (acceptability rate: 70.9%). Most of the women were from Latin America (45.6%) and Eastern Europe (30.7%); >60% of them had stable partners, did not use contraception and had had at least one pregnancy. The prevalence rates of HPV, Ct, Tv and Ng infections were 24.2%, 7.8%, 4.8% and 0%, respectively. In all, 43.2% of the positive women agreed to undergo a gynecological examination and accepted suitable treatment. Conclusions: This study shows an overall high prevalence of STIs in undocumented migrant women in Milan. The screening strategy based on counseling and urine testing contributed to the successfully high acceptability rate. More appropriate health services that adequately address all aspects of women’s health are required. PMID:28632191

High-P metamorphic rocks from the Himalaya and their tectonic implication ? a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jan, M. Qasim

The suture zones bordering the Indian subcontinent on the E, N and W are characterized in several places by the occurrence of ophiolitic complexes and tectonic melanges. High-P metamorphic rocks have recently been discovered in the melanges in Burma, Naga Hills, southern Tibet, eastern and western Ladakh, Kohistan (Jijal, Allai, Shangla) and Khost (Afghanistan). The development of these rocks has an important bearing on the plate tectonics of the Himalaya. The High-P metamorphic rocks belong to prehnite-pumpellyite, blueschist and high-P greenschist facies but extensive garnet-granulites have developed at 35 km depth in Jijal. In the Indus-Zangbo suture zone (IZS) the high-P metamorphism is complemented to the N by low- or medium-P metamorphism and calc-alkaline magmatism in Tibet, Ladakh as well as Kohistan. High-P metamorphism in Jijal has been dated at 104 Ma, in Shangla at 70-100 Ma and in western Ladakh during mid-Cretaceous. Elsewhere, the timing of the high-P metamorphism is not known but a Cretaceous age is inferred. Since collision along the IZS occurred during Eocene, the high-P metamorphism is therefore related to the northwards subduction of the neo-Tethyan lithosphere under Tibet or late Mesozoic magmatic arcs. The timing of high-P metamorphism coincides with the breakup of India from Gondwanaland and its rapid northwards movement, whereas the tectonic melanges may principally have formed during Eocene collision and obduction.

Assessment of Water Sustainability Index Using Reliability-Resilience-Vulnerability Criteria Considering Climatic Variation over India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lakshmi, V.; Mondal, A.; Kundu, S.

2016-12-01

Abstract:Precipitation can be considered as a key factor in Water Resources Sustainability (WRS). In India, WRS varies with widely varying distribution of precipitation. The economy of the India is based on agricultural production which mainly depends on rainfall. The main focus of the paper is assessment of Water Sustainability based on Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) method for evaluating drought and non-drought conditionsin India using a precipitation data of a long time period (1871-2014). The study area has been divided into thirty sub-regions on the basis homogeneity pattern of rainfall distribution. The performance criteria such as, Reliability, Resilience, Vulnerability and Relative Vulnerability (RV) have been applied in this study. The ranges of water sustainably (WS), vulnerability, relative vulnerability and drought resilience are 0.26 to 0.67, 0.52 to 1.06, 0.22 to 0.61 and 0.72 to 1 respectively. Specifically, WS of Gangetic West Bengal, Naga-Mani-Mizo-trip, Konkan-Goa, Chattisgarh and Kerala are less (0.26, 0.31, 0.35, 0.38 and 0.38 respectively) while Punjab, Marathwada, West Rajasthan and Vidarbha are more (0.57, 0.60, 0.67 and 0.57 respectively).Finally, WS and RV have shown negative correlation (R2=0.86) while WS and drought resilience have shown positive correlation (R2=0.60). The results have clearly illustrated a scenario of entire India, which can be helpful in agricultural management in future. Key Words: Sustainability, SPI, Reliability, Resilience, Vulnerability

Tectonic controls on the morphodynamics of the Brahmaputra River system in the upper Assam valley, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lahiri, Siddhartha K.; Sinha, Rajiv

2012-10-01

The Brahmaputra is one of the largest tropical rivers of the world and is located in an area of high structural instability as evidenced from the presence of a large number of earthquakes in the Himalayan catchment through which it flows. Syntectonic evidence of changes in the morphodynamics is difficult to identify for the large rivers. Nevertheless, we note that the Brahmaputra River has become astonishingly large in planform in a historical timescale. Reconstruction of planform changes over a period of 90 years in the upper reaches of the Assam valley shows that the 240-km-long channel belt is widening all along its course in the region. From the average width of 9.74 km in 1915, the channel belt has widened to the average width of 14.03 km in 2005 (44% widening), and in certain reaches the average widening is as high as 250%. However, the bank line shift is not symmetric along both banks. Further, the planform characteristics of the Brahmaputra River reveal significant spatial and temporal variability from upstream to downstream reaches, and we attribute this variability to tectonogeomorphic zonation of the river based on subsurface configuration and channel slope. Further, the tributaries joining the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra differ remarkably in terms of river dynamics, and this is attributed to the differences in tectonic regimes of the Himalaya in the north and the Naga Patkai hills in the south.

Geological mapping of the Schuppen belt of north-east India using geospatial technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Tanaya; Basu, Surajit; Hazra, Sugata

2014-01-01

A revised geologic map of the Schuppen belt of northeast India has been prepared based on interpretation of digitally enhanced satellite images. The satellite image interpretation is supported by limited field work and existing geologic maps. Available geological maps of this fold thrust belt are discontinuous and multi-scaled. The authors are of multiple opinions regarding the trajectory of formation boundaries and fault contacts. Digital image processing of satellite images and limited field surveys have been used to reinterpret and modify the existing geological maps of this fold thrust belt. Optical data of Landsat Thematic Mapper, Enhanced Thematic Mapper and elevation data of ASTER have been used to prepare this revised geological map. The study area extends from Hajadisa in south to Digboi oilfield in north, bounded by Naga thrust in the west and Disang thrust in the east. PCA, Image fusion, Linear Contrast stretch, Histogram Equalization and Painted relief algorithms have been used for the delineation of major geological lineaments like lithological boundary, thrust and strike slip faults. Digital elevation maps have enabled in the discrimination between thrust contacts and lithological boundaries, with the former being located mostly in the valleys. Textural enhancements of PCA, colour composites and Painted relief algorithm have been used to discriminate between different rock types. Few geological concepts about the terrain have been revisited and modified. It is assumed that this revised map should be of practical use as this terrain promises unexploited hydrocarbon reserves.

Review of Pennella Oken, 1816 (Copepoda: Pennellidae) with a description of Pennella benzi sp. nov., a parasite of Escolar, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum (Pisces) in the northwest Atlantic Ocean.

PubMed

Hogans, W E

2017-03-17

The genus Pennella Oken, 1816, mesoparasitic copepods from marine fish and mammals, is reviewed with the objective of determining the validity of members of the genus. Details of the external morphological structures of the adult female are presented. Pennella species are differentiated based on a combination of characters: the type of host parasitized, overall length of the parasite, shape, size and configuration of cephalothoracic papillae, segmentation of the first and second antenna, holdfast horn number, shape and configuration, and structure of the abdominal plumes. A new species of Pennella, Pennella benzi sp. nov., is described from the escolar, Lepidocybium flavobrunneum in the northwest Atlantic. Pennella balaenoptera Koren & Danielssen, 1877 is reported from the harbor porpoise (Phocaena phocaena) in the Bay of Fundy, a new locality record. The validity of 44 species is assessed; nine species (P. balaenoptera Koren & Danielssen, 1877, P. benzi sp. nov., P. diodontis Oken, 1816, P. exocoeti (Holten, 1802), P. filosa Linnaeus, 1758, P. hawaiiensis Kazachenko & Kurochkin, 1974, P. instructa Wilson, 1917, P. makaira Hogans, 1988 and P. sagitta Linnaeus, 1758) are considered substantiated and valid; six species (P. elegans Gnanamuthu, 1957, P. longicauda Gnanamuthu, 1957, P. platycephalus Gnanamuthu, 1957, P. remorae Murray, 1856, P. robusta Gnanamuthu, 1957, and P. selaris Kirtisinghe, 1964) exhibit unique characteristics, but are based on descriptions of single specimens, have not been found since the original reports and are considered as species inquirendae; the remaining species are unsubstantiated and invalid based on inadequate or missing original descriptions, or are designated as synonyms of valid species. A key to the valid species of the genus is provided.

Water relations and gas exchange in poplar and willow under water stress and elevated atmospheric CO2.

PubMed

Johnson, Jon D; Tognetti, Roberto; Paris, Piero

2002-05-01

Predictions of shifts in rainfall patterns as atmospheric [CO2] increases could impact the growth of fast growing trees such as Populus spp. and Salix spp. and the interaction between elevated CO2 and water stress in these species is unknown. The objectives of this study were to characterize the responses to elevated CO2 and water stress in these two species, and to determine if elevated CO2 mitigated drought stress effects. Gas exchange, water potential components, whole plant transpiration and growth response to soil drying and recovery were assessed in hybrid poplar (clone 53-246) and willow (Salix sagitta) rooted cuttings growing in either ambient (350 &mgr;mol mol-1) or elevated (700 &mgr;mol mol-1) atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]). Predawn water potential decreased with increasing water stress while midday water potentials remained unchanged (isohydric response). Turgor potentials at both predawn and midday increased in elevated [CO2], indicative of osmotic adjustment. Gas exchange was reduced by water stress while elevated [CO2] increased photosynthetic rates, reduced leaf conductance and nearly doubled instantaneous transpiration efficiency in both species. Dark respiration decreased in elevated [CO2] and water stress reduced Rd in the trees growing in ambient [CO2]. Willow had 56% lower whole plant hydraulic conductivity than poplar, and showed a 14% increase in elevated [CO2] while poplar was unresponsive. The physiological responses exhibited by poplar and willow to elevated [CO2] and water stress, singly, suggest that these species respond like other tree species. The interaction of [CO2] and water stress suggests that elevated [CO2] did mitigate the effects of water stress in willow, but not in poplar.

Manipulation of culture strategies to enhance capsaicin biosynthesis in suspension and immobilized cell cultures of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv. Naga King Chili.

PubMed

Kehie, Mechuselie; Kumaria, Suman; Tandon, Pramod

2014-06-01

Manipulation of culture strategies was adopted to study the influence of nutrient stress, pH stress and precursor feeding on the biosynthesis of capsaicin in suspension and immobilized cell cultures of C. chinense. Cells cultured in the absence of one of the four nutrients (ammonium and potassium nitrate for nitrate and potassium stress, potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate for phosphorus stress, and sucrose for sugar stress) influenced the accumulation of capsaicin. Among the stress factors studied, nitrate stress showed maximal capsaicin production on day 20 (505.9 ± 2.8 μg g(-1) f.wt) in immobilized cell, whereas in suspension cultures the maximum accumulation (345.5 ± 2.9 μg g(-1) f.wt) was obtained on day 10. Different pH affected capsaicin accumulation; enhanced accumulation of capsaicin (261.6 ± 3.4 μg g(-1) f.wt) was observed in suspension cultures at pH 6 on day 15, whereas in case of immobilized cultures the highest capsaicin content (433.3 ± 3.3 μg g(-1) f.wt) was obtained at pH 5 on day 10. Addition of capsaicin precursors and intermediates significantly enhanced the biosynthesis of capsaicin, incorporation of vanillin at 100 μM in both suspension and immobilized cell cultures resulted in maximum capsaicin content with 499.1 ± 5.5 μg g(-1) f.wt on day 20 and 1,315.3 ± 10 μg g(-1) f.wt on day 10, respectively. Among the different culture strategies adopted to enhance capsaicin biosynthesis in cell cultures of C. chinense, cells fed with vanillin resulted in the maximum capsaicin accumulation. The rate of capsaicin production was significantly higher in immobilized cells as compared to freely suspended cells.

Contracaecum osculatum and other anisakid nematodes in grey seals and cod in the Baltic Sea: molecular and ecological links.

PubMed

Zuo, S; Kania, P W; Mehrdana, F; Marana, M H; Buchmann, K

2018-01-01

Populations of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), sprats (Sprattus sprattus) and cod (Gadus morhua) in the Baltic Sea are relatively stationary. The present work, applying classical and molecular helminthological techniques, documents that seals and cod also share a common parasite, the anisakid nematode Contracaecum osculatum, which uses seals as the final host and fish as transport hosts. Sequencing mitochondrial genes (COX1 and COX2) in adult worms from seals and third-stage larvae from livers of Baltic fish (sprats and cod), showed that all gene variants occur in both seals and fish. Other anisakid nematodes Pseudoterranova decipiens and Anisakis simplex are also found in both seals and cod in the Baltic Sea, but at much lower rates. The Baltic grey seal population was left at a critically low level (comprising a few hundred individuals) during the latter part of the 20th century, but since the year 2000 a marked increase in the population has been observed, reaching more than 40,000 individuals at present. Ecological consequences of the increased seal abundance may result from increased predation on fish stocks, but recent evidence also points to the influence of elevated parasitism on fish performance. Contracaecum osculatum larvae preferentially infect the liver of Baltic cod, considered a vital organ of the host. Whereas low prevalences and intensities in cod were reported during the 1980s and 1990s, the present study documents 100% prevalence and a mean intensity of above 80 worms per fish. Recent studies have also indicated the zoonotic potential of C. osculatum larvae in fish, following the consumption of raw or under-cooked fish. Therefore the present work discusses the impact of parasitism on the cod stock and the increasing risk for consumer health, and lists possible solutions for control.

A Cross-Reactive Monoclonal Antibody to Nematode Haemoglobin Enhances Protective Immune Responses to Nippostrongylus brasiliensis

PubMed Central

Nieuwenhuizen, Natalie E.; Meter, Jeanne M.; Horsnell, William G.; Hoving, J. Claire; Fick, Lizette; Sharp, Michael F.; Darby, Matthew G.; Parihar, Suraj P.; Brombacher, Frank; Lopata, Andreas L.

2013-01-01

Background Nematode secreted haemoglobins have unusually high affinity for oxygen and possess nitric oxide deoxygenase, and catalase activity thought to be important in protection against host immune responses to infection. In this study, we generated a monoclonal antibody (48Eg) against haemoglobin of the nematode Anisakis pegreffii, and aimed to characterize cross-reactivity of 4E8g against haemoglobins of different nematodes and its potential to mediate protective immunity against a murine hookworm infection. Methodology/Principal Findings Immunoprecipitation was used to isolate the 4E8g-binding antigen in Anisakis and Ascaris extracts, which were identified as haemoglobins by peptide mass fingerprinting and MS/MS. Immunological cross-reactivity was also demonstrated with haemoglobin of the rodent hookworm N. brasiliensis. Immunogenicity of nematode haemoglobin in mice and humans was tested by immunoblotting. Anisakis haemoglobin was recognized by IgG and IgE antibodies of Anisakis-infected mice, while Ascaris haemoglobin was recognized by IgG but not IgE antibodies in mouse and human sera. Sequencing of Anisakis haemoglobin revealed high similarity to haemoglobin of a related marine nematode, Psuedoterranova decipiens, which lacks the four –HKEE repeats of Ascaris haemoglobin important in octamer assembly. The localization of haemoglobin in the different parasites was examined by immunohistochemistry and associated with the excretory-secretary ducts in Anisakis, Ascaris and N. brasiliensis. Anisakis haemoglobin was strongly expressed in the L3 stage, unlike Ascaris haemoglobin, which is reportedly mainly expressed in adult worms. Passive immunization of mice with 4E8g prior to infection with N. brasiliensis enhanced protective Th2 immunity and led to a significant decrease in worm burdens. Conclusion The monoclonal antibody 4E8g targets haemoglobin in broadly equivalent anatomical locations in parasitic nematodes and enhances host immunity to a hookworm

A cross-reactive monoclonal antibody to nematode haemoglobin enhances protective immune responses to Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

PubMed

Nieuwenhuizen, Natalie E; Meter, Jeanne M; Horsnell, William G; Hoving, J Claire; Fick, Lizette; Sharp, Michael F; Darby, Matthew G; Parihar, Suraj P; Brombacher, Frank; Lopata, Andreas L

2013-01-01

Nematode secreted haemoglobins have unusually high affinity for oxygen and possess nitric oxide deoxygenase, and catalase activity thought to be important in protection against host immune responses to infection. In this study, we generated a monoclonal antibody (48Eg) against haemoglobin of the nematode Anisakis pegreffii, and aimed to characterize cross-reactivity of 4E8g against haemoglobins of different nematodes and its potential to mediate protective immunity against a murine hookworm infection. Immunoprecipitation was used to isolate the 4E8g-binding antigen in Anisakis and Ascaris extracts, which were identified as haemoglobins by peptide mass fingerprinting and MS/MS. Immunological cross-reactivity was also demonstrated with haemoglobin of the rodent hookworm N. brasiliensis. Immunogenicity of nematode haemoglobin in mice and humans was tested by immunoblotting. Anisakis haemoglobin was recognized by IgG and IgE antibodies of Anisakis-infected mice, while Ascaris haemoglobin was recognized by IgG but not IgE antibodies in mouse and human sera. Sequencing of Anisakis haemoglobin revealed high similarity to haemoglobin of a related marine nematode, Psuedoterranova decipiens, which lacks the four -HKEE repeats of Ascaris haemoglobin important in octamer assembly. The localization of haemoglobin in the different parasites was examined by immunohistochemistry and associated with the excretory-secretary ducts in Anisakis, Ascaris and N. brasiliensis. Anisakis haemoglobin was strongly expressed in the L3 stage, unlike Ascaris haemoglobin, which is reportedly mainly expressed in adult worms. Passive immunization of mice with 4E8g prior to infection with N. brasiliensis enhanced protective Th2 immunity and led to a significant decrease in worm burdens. The monoclonal antibody 4E8g targets haemoglobin in broadly equivalent anatomical locations in parasitic nematodes and enhances host immunity to a hookworm infection.

Nereididae (Annelida: Phyllodocida) of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, including description of two new species and 11 new records.

PubMed

Bonyadi-Naeini, Alieh; Rastegar-Pouyani, Nasrullah; Rastegar-Pouyani, Eskandar; Glasby, Christopher J; Rahimian, Hassan

2017-03-17

Currently, only 31 nereidid species are known from the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The present study was carried out in order to investigate the poorly known diversity of nereidid polychaetes from seas of the southern coasts of Iran. Specimens were collected from 23 locations along the intertidal zones of the two water bodies. Among the 26 species found: two are new, and are described here, including Simplisetia qeshmensis sp. nov. and Neanthes biparagnatha sp. nov.; 11 are new geographical records. Neanthes biparagnatha sp. nov. is most similar to N. deplanata (Mohammed, 1971), which is also found in the Persian Gulf, but can be most easily distinguished from it by the presence of bars in addition to cones in Area IV of the pharynx. Simplisetia qeshmensis sp. nov. may be distinguished from its closest congener, S. erythraeensis (Fauvel, 1918), also reported from the Persian Gulf, by having a greater number of paragnaths in Area I of the pharynx, an additional type of chaeta (homogomph spinigers) in the ventral neuropodial fascicle and having a reduced notopodial lobe in posterior chaetigers. The list of new records includes: one species from both areas, Neanthes glandicincta (Southern, 1921); eight species from the Persian Gulf, Leonnates decipiens Fauvel, 1929, Neanthes acuminata (Ehlers, 1868), Neanthes sp., Neanthes sp. cf. N. acuminata, Nereis sp. cf. N. pelagica Linnaeus, 1758, Perinereis cultrifera (Grube, 1840) species complex., Pseudonereis trimaculata (Horst, 1924), Pseudonereis sp. cf. P. variegata (Grube, 1857) and two from the Gulf of Oman, Leonnates persicus Wesenberg-Lund, 1949 and Perinereis kuwaitensis Mohammed, 1970. The present study brings to 40 the number of nereidid species currently known from the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. A taxonomic key to nereidid species from the intertidal zones of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman is presented to facilitate future investigations.

The Dauki Thrust Fault and the Shillong Anticline: An incipient plate boundary in NE India?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, E. K.; Seeber, L.; Steckler, M. S.; Akhter, S. H.; Mondal, D.; Lenhart, A.

2012-12-01

Dapsi Fault, the Dauki Fault continues westward as the erosion-deposition boundary combined with a belt of N-S shortening. The Dapsi thrust fault strikes WNW across the Shillong massif and dips NNE. It is mostly blind below a topographically expressed fold involving basement and passive-margin cover. Recent fieldwork has shown that the fault is better exposed in the west, where eventually Archean basement juxtaposes folded and steeply dipping fluvial sediment. Both Dauki and Dapsi faults probably continue beyond the Brahmaputra River, where extreme fluvial processes mask them. The area between the two faults is a gentle southward monocline with little or no shortening. Thus uplift of this area stems from slip on the Dauki thrust fault, not from pervasive shortening. The Burma foldbelt overrides the Shillong Plateau and is warped but continuous across the eastern segment of the Dauki fault. The Haflong-Naga thrust front north of the Dauki merges with the fold-thrust belt in the Sylhet basin to the south, despite >150km of differential advance due to much greater advance of the accretionary prism in the basin. Where the Dauki and Haflong-Naga thrusts cross, the thrust fronts are nearly parallel and opposite vergence. We trace a Dauki-related topographic front eastward across the Burma Range. This and other evidence suggest that the Dauki Fault continues below the foldbelt.

Patterns of genetic diversity at the nine forensically approved STR loci in the Indian populations.

PubMed

Dutta, Ranjan; Reddy, B Mohan; Chattopadhyay, P; Kashyap, V K; Sun, Guangyun; Deka, Ranjan

2002-02-01

Genetic diversity at the nine short tandem repeat (STR) loci, which are universally approved and widely used for forensic investigations, has been studied among nine Indian populations with diverse ethnic, linguistic, and geographic backgrounds. The nine STR loci were profiled on 902 individuals using fluorescent detection methods on an ABI377 System, with the aid of an Amp-F1 Profiler Plus Kit. The studied populations include two upper castes, Brahmin and Kayastha; a tribe, Garo, from West Bengal; a Hindu caste, Meitei, with historical links to Bengal Brahmins; a migrant group of Muslims; three tribal groups, Naga, Kuki and Hmar, from Manipur in northeast India; and a middle-ranking caste, Golla, who are seminomadic herders from Andhra Pradesh. Gene diversity analysis suggests that the average heterozygosity is uniformly high (>0.8) in the studied populations, with the coefficient of gene differentiation at 0.050 +/- 0.0054. Both neighbor-joining (NJ) and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) trees based on DA distances bring out distinct clusters that are consistent with ethnic, linguistic, and/or geographic backgrounds of the populations. The fit of the Harpending and Ward model of regression of average heterozygosity on the gene frequency centroid is found to be good, and the observed outliers are consistent with the population structure and history of the studied populations. Our study suggests that the nine STR loci, used so far mostly for forensic investigations, can be used fruitfully for microevolutionary studies as well, and for reconstructing the phylogenetic history of human populations, at least at the local level.

Characterization of 12 Capsicum varieties by evaluation of their carotenoid profile and pungency determination.

PubMed

Giuffrida, Daniele; Dugo, Paola; Torre, Germana; Bignardi, Chiara; Cavazza, Antonella; Corradini, Claudio; Dugo, Giacomo

2013-10-15

In this research 12 different varieties of Capsicum cultivars belonging to three species (Capsicum chinense, Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens) and of various colour, shape, and dimension have been characterised by their carotenoids and capsaicinoids content. The berries were cultivated in the region Emilia-Romagna, in Northern Italy. The native carotenoid composition was directly investigated by an HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS methodology, for the first time. In total, 52 carotenoids have been identified and considerable variation in carotenoid composition was observed among the various cultivars investigated. Among the cultivars with red colour, some Habanero, Naga morich and Sinpezon showed an high β-carotene content, whereas Serrano, Tabasco and Jalapeno showed an high capsanthin content and the absence of β-carotene. Habanero golden and Scotch Bonnet showed a high lutein, α-carotene and β-carotene amounts, and Habanero orange was rich in antheraxanthin, capsanthin and zeaxanthin. Cis-cryptocapsin was present in high amount in Habanero chocolate. The qualitative and quantitative determination of the capsaicinoids, alkaloids responsible for the pungency level, has also been estimated by a validated chromatographic procedure (HPLC-DAD) after a preliminary drying step and an opportune extraction procedure. Results have also been expressed in Scoville units. Dry matter and water activity have also been established on the fresh berries. The dried peppers of each variety were then submitted to the evaluation of the total nitrogen content, measured by a Dumas system, permitting to provide information on the protein content that was found to be in the range between 7 and 16%. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydrologic modeling of Guinale River Basin using HEC-HMS and synthetic aperture radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bien, Ferdinand E.; Plopenio, Joanaviva C.

2017-09-01

This paper presents the methods and results of hydrologic modeling of Guinale river basin through the use of HEC-HMS software and Synthetic Aperture Radar Digital Elevation Model (SAR DEM). Guinale River Basin is located in the province of Albay, Philippines which is one of the river basins covered by the Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) Phil-LiDAR 1. This research project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD). Its objectives are to simulate the hydrologic model of Guinale River basin using HEC-HMS software and SAR DEM. Its basin covers an area of 165.395 sq.km. and the hydrologic model was calibrated using the storm event typhoon Nona (international name Melor). Its parameter had undergone a series of optimization processes of HEC-HMS software in order to produce an acceptable level of model efficiency. The Nash-Sutcliffe (E), Percent Bias and Standard Deviation Ratio were used to measure the model efficiency, giving values of 0.880, 0.260 and 0.346 respectively which resulted to a "very good" performance rating of the model. The flood inundation model was simulated using Legazpi Rainfall Intensity Duration Frequency Curves (RIDF) and HEC-RAS software developed by the US Army corps of Engineers (USACE). This hydrologic model will provide the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), Local Government units (LGUs) and the community a tool for the prediction of runoff in the area.

Basin evolution during Cretaceous-Oligocene changes in sediment routing in the Eastern Precordillera, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reat, Ellen J.; Fosdick, Julie C.

2018-07-01

The response of sedimentary basins to earliest onset of Andean contraction and lithospheric flexure in the southern Central Andes is debated and not well-resolved. The Upper Cretaceous to Oligocene strata of the Cuesta de Huaco anticline in the Argentine Precordillera record sedimentation, regional deformation, and climate patterns prior to the highly studied Oligocene-Miocene foreland basin phase. These deposits have recently been recognized as Cretaceous and Paleogene in age, prompting a re-evaluation of this depocenter as part of the early Andean system, prior to deposition of the aeolian foredeep sediments of the Oligocene Vallecito Formation. This work presents new data from the Argentine Precordillera fold-and-thrust belt at 30°S that sheds light on new reinterpretations of the timing of sedimentation for an important interval in Andean retroarc foreland basin history. We report the first Paleocene detrital radiometric ages from the Cuesta de Huaco 'red strata' of the pre-Oligocene Bermejo Basin. Detailed sedimentology and provenance data from the Cenomanian-Turonian Ciénaga del Río Huaco and Danian-Priabonian Puesto La Flecha formations reveal a Cenomanian-Turonian braided stream system that transitioned into a shallow freshwater lacustrine depocenter in Paleocene-Eocene time. During Late Cretaceous time, sediment in the braided river system was derived primarily from northeastern cratonic sources; during the Paleocene-Eocene, uplift and unroofing of the Andean arc and Frontal Cordillera resulted in an influx of western-derived sediment. We therefore suggest a revised timing of sedimentation for the transition to Andean retroarc foreland basin deposition.

Transports and tidal current estimates in the Taiwan Strait from shipboard ADCP observations (1999-2001)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y. H.; Jan, S.; Wang, D. P.

2003-05-01

Tidal and mean flows in the Taiwan Strait are obtained from analysis of 2.5 years (1999-2001) of shipboard ADCP data using a spatial least-squares technique. The average tidal current amplitude is 0.46 ms -1, the maximum amplitude is 0.80 ms -1 at the northeast and southeast entrances and the minimum amplitude is 0.20 ms -1 in the middle of the Strait. The tidal current ellipses derived from the shipboard ADCP data compare well with the predictions of a high-resolution regional tidal model. For the mean currents, the average velocity is about 0.40 ms -1. The mean transport through the Strait is northward (into the East China Sea) at 1.8 Sv. The transport is related to the along Strait wind by a simple regression, transport (Sv)=2.42+0.12×wind (ms -1). Using this empirical formula, the maximum seasonal transport is in summer, about 2.7 Sv, the minimum transport is in winter, at 0.9 Sv, and the mean transport is 1.8 Sv. For comparison, this result indicates that the seasonal amplitude is almost identical to the classical estimate by Wyrtki (Physical oceanography of the southeast Asian waters, scientific results of marine investigations of the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand, 1959-1961. Naga Report 2, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, 195 pp.) based on the mass balance in the South China Sea, while the mean is close to the recent estimate by Isobe [Continental Shelf Research 19 (1999) 195] based on the mass balance in the East China Sea.

First-principles study on alkali-metal effect of Li, Na, and K in CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, Tsuyoshi; Kawabata, Atsuhito; Wada, Takahiro

2015-08-01

The substitution energies and migration energies of the alkali metal atoms of Li, Na, and K in CuInSe2 (CIS) and CuGaSe2 (CGS) were investigated by first-principles calculations. The substitution energies of Li, Na, and K atoms in CIS and CGS were calculated for two different cationic atom positions of Cu and In/Ga in the chalcopyrite unit cell. In CIS and CGS, the substitution energies of NaCu are much lower than those of NaIn and NaGa. The substitution energies of the LiCu atoms in CIS and CGS are lower than those of NaCu, while the substitution energies of KCu atoms in CIS and CGS are much higher than those of NaCu. Therefore, it is difficult to form KCu in CIS and CGS. The migration energies of Li, Na, and K atoms in CIS and CGS are obtained by a combination of the linear and quadratic synchronous transit (LST/QST) methods and the nudged elastic band (NEB) method. The theoretical migration energies of a Na atom at the Cu site to the nearest Cu vacancy (NaCu → VCu) in CIS and CGS are much lower than those of (CuCu → VCu) in CIS and CGS. The mechanism underlying the alkali metal effect of Li, Na, and K in the CIGS film during the post-deposition treatment of LiF, NaF, and KF is discussed on the basis of the calculated substitution and migration energies.

Indo-Burma Range: a belt of accreted microcontinents, ophiolites and Mesozoic-Paleogene flyschoid sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharyya, S. K.

2015-07-01

This study provides an insight into the lithotectonic evolution of the N-S trending Indo-Burma Range (IBR), constituting the southern flank of the Himalayan syntaxis. Paleogene flyschoid sediments (Disang-Barail) that represent a shallow marine to deltaic environment mainly comprise the west-central sector of IBR, possibly resting upon a continental base. On the east, these sequences are tectonically flanked by the Eocene olistostromal facies of the Disang, which developed through accretion of trench sediments during the subduction. The shelf and trench facies sequences of the Disang underwent overthrusting from the east, giving rise to two ophiolite suites ( Naga Hills Lower Ophiolite ( NHLO) and Victoria Hills Upper Ophiolite ( VHUO), but with different accretion history. The ophiolite and ophiolite cover rock package were subsequently overthrusted by the Proterozoic metamorphic sequence, originated from the Burmese continent. The NHLO suite of Late Jurassic to Early Eocene age is unconformably overlain by mid-Eocene shallow marine ophiolite-derived clastics. On the south, the VHUO of Mesozoic age is structurally underlain by continental metamorphic rocks. The entire package in Victoria Hills is unconformably overlain by shallow marine Late Albian sediments. Both the ophiolite suites and the sandwiched continental metamorphic rocks are thrust westward over the Paleogene shelf sediments. These dismembered ophiolites and continental metamorphic rocks suggest thin-skinned tectonic detachment processes in IBR, as reflected from the presence of klippe of continental metamorphic rocks over the NHLO and the flyschoid Disang floor sediments and half windows exposing the Disang beneath the NHLO.

Frequency Domain Full-Waveform Inversion in Imaging Thrust Related Features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaiswal, P.; Zelt, C. A.

2010-12-01

Seismic acquisition in rough terrain such as mountain belts suffers from problems related to near-surface conditions such as statics, inconsistent energy penetration, rapid decay of signal, and imperfect receiver coupling. Moreover in the presence of weakly compacted soil, strong ground roll may obscure the reflection arrivals at near offsets further diminishing the scope of estimating a reliable near surface image though conventional processing. Traveltime and waveform inversion not only overcome the simplistic assumptions inherent in conventional processing such as hyperbolic moveout and convolution model, but also use parts of the seismic coda, such as the direct arrival and refractions, that are discarded in the latter. Traveltime and waveform inversion are model-based methods that honour the physics of wave propagation. Given the right set of preconditioned data and starting model, waveform inversion in particular has been realized as a powerful tool for velocity model building. This paper examines two case studies on waveform inversion using real data from the Naga Thrust Belt in the Northeast India. Waveform inversion in this paper is performed in the frequency domain and is multiscale in nature i.e., the inversion progressively ascends from the lower to the higher end of the frequency spectra increasing the wavenumber content of the recovered model. Since the real data are band limited, the success of waveform inversion depends on how well the starting model can account for the missing low wavenumbers. In this paper it is observed that the required starting model can be prepared using the regularized inversion of direct and reflected arrival times.

Computing retinal contour from optical biometry.

PubMed

Faria-Ribeiro, Miguel; López-Gil, Norberto; Navarro, Rafael; Lopes-Ferreira, Daniela; Jorge, Jorge; González-Méijome, Jose Manuel

2014-04-01

To describe a new methodology that derives horizontal posterior retinal contours from partial coherence interferometry (PCI) and ray tracing using the corneal topography. Corneal topography and PCI for seven horizontal visual field eccentricities correspondent to the central 60 degrees of the posterior pole were obtained in 55 myopic eyes. A semicustomized eye model based on the subject's corneal topography and the Navarro eye model was generated using Zemax-EE software. The model was used to compute the optical path length in the seven directions where PCI measurements were obtained. Vitreous chamber depth was computed using the PCI values obtained at each of those directions. Matlab software was developed to fit the best conic curve to the set of points previously obtained. We tested the limit in the accuracy of the methodology when the actual cornea of the subject is not used and for two different lens geometries. A standard eye model can induce an error in the retina sagitta estimation of the order of hundreds of micrometers in comparison with the semicustomized eye model. However, the use of a different lens model leads to an error of the order of tens of micrometers. The apical radius and conic constant of the average fit were -11.91 mm and -0.15, respectively. In general, a nasal-temporal asymmetry in the retina contour was found, showing mean larger values of vitreous chamber depth in the nasal side of the eye. The use of a semicustomized eye model, together with optical path length measured by PCI for different angles, can be used to predict the retinal contour within tenths of micrometers. This methodology can be useful in studies trying to understand the effect of peripheral retinal location on myopia progression as well as modeling the optics of the human eye for a wide field.

Phylogenetic Reassessment of Antarctic Tetillidae (Demospongiae, Tetractinellida) Reveals New Genera and Genetic Similarity among Morphologically Distinct Species

PubMed Central

Carella, Mirco; Agell, Gemma; Cárdenas, Paco; Uriz, Maria J.

2016-01-01

Species of Tetillidae are distributed worldwide. However, some genera are unresolved and only a few genera and species of this family have been described from the Antarctic. The incorporation of 25 new COI and 18S sequences of Antarctic Tetillidae to those used recently for assessing the genera phylogeny, has allowed us to improve the resolution of some poorly resolved nodes and to confirm the monophyly of previously identified clades. Classical genera such as Craniella recovered their traditional diagnosis by moving the Antarctic Tetilla from Craniella, where they were placed in the previous family phylogeny, to Antarctotetilla gen. nov. The morphological re-examination of specimens used in the previous phylogeny and their comparison to the type material revealed misidentifications. The proposed monotypic new genus Levantinella had uncertain phylogenetic relationships depending on the gene partition used. Two more clades would require the inclusion of additional species to be formally established as new genera. The parsimony tree based on morphological characters and the secondary structure of the 18S (V4 region) almost completely matched the COI M1-M6 and the COI+18S concatenated phylogenies. Morphological synapomorphies have been identified for the genera proposed. New 15 28S (D3-D5) and 11 COI I3-M11 partitions were exclusively sequenced for the Antarctic species subset. Remarkably, species within the Antarctic genera Cinachyra (C. barbata and C. antarctica) and Antarctotetilla (A. leptoderma, A. grandis, and A. sagitta), which are clearly distinguishable morphologically, were not genetically differentiated with any of the markers assayed. Thus, as it has been reported for other Antarctic sponges, both the mitochondrial and nuclear partitions used did not differentiate species that were well characterized morphologically. Antarctic Tetillidae offers a rare example of genetically cryptic (with the traditional markers used for sponges), morphologically distinct

Effects of a growth check on daily age estimates of age-0 alligator gar

USGS Publications Warehouse

Snow, Richard A.; Long, James M.

2016-01-01

Accurate age and growth information is essential for a complete knowledge of life history, growth rates, age at sexual maturity, and average life span in fishes. Alligator gar are becoming increasingly managed throughout their range and because this species spawns in backwater flooded areas, their offspring are prone to stranding in areas with limited prey, potentially affecting their growth. Because fish growth is tightly linked with otolith growth and annulus formation, the ability to discern marks not indicative of annuli (age checks) in alligator gar would give managers some insight when estimating ages. Previous studies have suggested that checks are often present prior to the first annulus in otoliths of alligator gar, affecting age estimates. We investigated check formation in otoliths of alligator gar in relation to growth and food availability. Sixteen age-0 alligator gar were marked with oxytetracycline (OTC) to give a reference point and divided equitably into two groups: a control group with abundant prey and an experimental group with limited prey. The experimental group was given 2 g of food per week for 20 days and then given the same prey availability as the control group for the next 20 days. After 40 days, the gar were measured, sacrificed, and their sagittae removed to determine if checks were present. Checks were visible on 14 of the 16 otoliths in the experimental group, associated with low growth during the first 20 days when prey was limited and accelerated growth after prey availability was increased. No checks were observed on otoliths of the control group, where growth and prey availability were consistent. Age estimates of fish in the control group were more accurate than those in the experimental group, showing that fish growth as a function of prey availability likely induced the checks by compressing daily ring formation.

[Sociodemographic and health conditions of the Romá population in Milan].

PubMed

Colombo, Cinzia; Galli, Andrea; Pero, Margherita; Giani, Riccardo; Jucker, Simonetta; Oreste, Pierluigi; Giommarini, Claudia; Aiolfi, Ernestina; Judica, Elda

2011-01-01

To analyze the socioeconomic and health status of rom a people mainly living in not authorized settlements in Milan. Evaluation of socioeconomic and healthcare data collected by the mobile unit of Naga, a voluntary association based in Milan, during two years of activity (2009-2010). Healthcare data have been classified using an operational classification. Settlements located in Milan where rom a people live. 1 142 rom a people living in 14 settlements of Milan (only one authorized) were visited.Mean schooling years were 4.9. The mean number of children per family was 2.8. Of 803 people older than 13 years, 129 had an occupation (16%). 56%of subjetcs older than 12 years were smokers (53% females vs. 59%males); among smokers, 17%were heavy smokers (12%females vs 22% males). The most frequently reported diseases were: respiratory diseases (21%of total diagnoses), disorders of the orthopedic-rheumatologic-traumatology area (13%), gastroenterological diseases (10%) and dental problems (8%). Most residents had no healthcare coverage (94%). Almost all settlements (except the authorized one) had no sanitary facilities, no garbage collection system and were definitely overcrowded. Mild diseases were the most commonly found pathologies, with few chronic diseases reported probably due to difficulties in investigating more complex diseases in the study setting,and to the impossibility to follow the patients over time. Furthermore, the access to healthcare services for diagnostic tests and specialist visits is very very difficult for these patients. Poor living conditions, low educational level, low employment rate, barriers in the access to healthcare services are all risks factors for the health status of rom a people.

Sialic Acid Catabolism Confers a Competitive Advantage to Pathogenic Vibrio cholerae in the Mouse Intestine▿

PubMed Central

Almagro-Moreno, Salvador; Boyd, E. Fidelma

2009-01-01

Sialic acids comprise a family of nine-carbon ketosugars that are ubiquitous on mammalian mucous membranes. However, sialic acids have a limited distribution among Bacteria and are confined mainly to pathogenic and commensal species. Vibrio pathogenicity island 2 (VPI-2), a 57-kb region found exclusively among pathogenic strains of Vibrio cholerae, contains a cluster of genes (nan-nag) putatively involved in the scavenging (nanH), transport (dctPQM), and catabolism (nanA, nanE, nanK, and nagA) of sialic acid. The capacity to utilize sialic acid as a carbon and energy source might confer an advantage to V. cholerae in the mucus-rich environment of the gut, where sialic acid availability is extensive. In this study, we show that V. cholerae can utilize sialic acid as a sole carbon source. We demonstrate that the genes involved in the utilization of sialic acid are located within the nan-nag region of VPI-2 by complementation of Escherichia coli mutants and gene knockouts in V. cholerae N16961. We show that nanH, dctP, nanA, and nanK are highly expressed in V. cholerae grown on sialic acid. By using the infant mouse model of infection, we show that V. cholerae ΔnanA strain SAM1776 is defective in early intestinal colonization stages. In addition, SAM1776 shows a decrease in the competitive index in colonization-competition assays comparing the mutant strain with both O1 El Tor and classical strains. Our data indicate an important relationship between the catabolism of sialic acid and bacterial pathogenesis, stressing the relevance of the utilization of the resources found in the host's environment. PMID:19564383

Predicting impact of SLR on coastal flooding in Banda Aceh coastal defences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al'ala, Musa; Syamsidik, Kato, Shigeru

2017-10-01

Banda Aceh is a low-lying city located at the northern tip of Sumatra Island and situated at the conjuncture of Malacca Strait and the Andaman Sea. A Sea Level Rise (SLR) rate at 7 mm/year has been observed around this region. In the next 50 years, this city will face a serious challenge to encounter impacts of the sea level rise, such as frequent coastal floodings. This study is aimed at estimating impacts of the sea level rise induced coastal floodings on several types of coastal structures and city drainage system. Numerical simulations of Delft3D were applied to investigate the influence of the gradual sea level rise in 50 years. The hydrodynamic process of coastal flooding and sediment transport were simulated by Delft3D-Flow. Topography and bathymetry data were collected from GEBCO and updated with the available nautical chart (DISHIDROS, JICA, and field measurements). Hydrodynamic process gains the flow process revealing the level of the sea water intrusion also observed in the model. Main rivers (Krueng Aceh, Krueng Neng, and Alue Naga Flood Canal) and the drainage system were observed to see the tides effects on coastal structures and drainage system. The impact on coastal community focusing on affected area, shoreline retreat, the rate of sea intrusion was analyzed with spatial tools. New coastal line, coastal flooding vulnerable area, and the community susceptibility properties map influenced by 50 years sea level rise is produced. This research found that the city needs to address strategies to anticipate the exacerbating impacts of the sea level rise by managing its coastal spatial planning and modify its drainage system, especially at the drainage outlets.

Compositional data supports decentralized model of production and circulation of artifacts in the pre-Columbian south-central Andes.

PubMed

Lazzari, Marisa; Pereyra Domingorena, Lucas; Stoner, Wesley D; Scattolin, María Cristina; Korstanje, María Alejandra; Glascock, Michael D

2017-05-16

The circulation and exchange of goods and resources at various scales have long been considered central to the understanding of complex societies, and the Andes have provided a fertile ground for investigating this process. However, long-standing archaeological emphasis on typological analysis, although helpful to hypothesize the direction of contacts, has left important aspects of ancient exchange open to speculation. To improve understanding of ancient exchange practices and their potential role in structuring alliances, we examine material exchanges in northwest Argentina (part of the south-central Andes) during 400 BC to AD 1000 (part of the regional Formative Period), with a multianalytical approach (petrography, instrumental neutron activation analysis, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) to artifacts previously studied separately. We assess the standard centralized model of interaction vs. a decentralized model through the largest provenance database available to date in the region. The results show: ( i ) intervalley heterogeneity of clays and fabrics for ordinary wares; ( ii ) intervalley homogeneity of clays and fabrics for a wide range of decorated wares (e.g., painted Ciénaga); ( iii ) selective circulation of two distinct polychrome wares (Vaquerías and Condorhuasi); ( iv ) generalized access to obsidian from one major source and various minor sources; and ( v ) selective circulation of volcanic rock tools from a single source. These trends reflect the multiple and conflicting demands experienced by people in small-scale societies, which may be difficult to capitalize by aspiring elites. The study undermines centralized narratives of exchange for this period, offering a new platform for understanding ancient exchange based on actual material transfers, both in the Andes and beyond.

Sialic acid catabolism confers a competitive advantage to pathogenic vibrio cholerae in the mouse intestine.

PubMed

Almagro-Moreno, Salvador; Boyd, E Fidelma

2009-09-01

Sialic acids comprise a family of nine-carbon ketosugars that are ubiquitous on mammalian mucous membranes. However, sialic acids have a limited distribution among Bacteria and are confined mainly to pathogenic and commensal species. Vibrio pathogenicity island 2 (VPI-2), a 57-kb region found exclusively among pathogenic strains of Vibrio cholerae, contains a cluster of genes (nan-nag) putatively involved in the scavenging (nanH), transport (dctPQM), and catabolism (nanA, nanE, nanK, and nagA) of sialic acid. The capacity to utilize sialic acid as a carbon and energy source might confer an advantage to V. cholerae in the mucus-rich environment of the gut, where sialic acid availability is extensive. In this study, we show that V. cholerae can utilize sialic acid as a sole carbon source. We demonstrate that the genes involved in the utilization of sialic acid are located within the nan-nag region of VPI-2 by complementation of Escherichia coli mutants and gene knockouts in V. cholerae N16961. We show that nanH, dctP, nanA, and nanK are highly expressed in V. cholerae grown on sialic acid. By using the infant mouse model of infection, we show that V. cholerae DeltananA strain SAM1776 is defective in early intestinal colonization stages. In addition, SAM1776 shows a decrease in the competitive index in colonization-competition assays comparing the mutant strain with both O1 El Tor and classical strains. Our data indicate an important relationship between the catabolism of sialic acid and bacterial pathogenesis, stressing the relevance of the utilization of the resources found in the host's environment.

Compositional data supports decentralized model of production and circulation of artifacts in the pre-Columbian south-central Andes

PubMed Central

Pereyra Domingorena, Lucas; Stoner, Wesley D.; Scattolin, María Cristina; Korstanje, María Alejandra; Glascock, Michael D.

2017-01-01

The circulation and exchange of goods and resources at various scales have long been considered central to the understanding of complex societies, and the Andes have provided a fertile ground for investigating this process. However, long-standing archaeological emphasis on typological analysis, although helpful to hypothesize the direction of contacts, has left important aspects of ancient exchange open to speculation. To improve understanding of ancient exchange practices and their potential role in structuring alliances, we examine material exchanges in northwest Argentina (part of the south-central Andes) during 400 BC to AD 1000 (part of the regional Formative Period), with a multianalytical approach (petrography, instrumental neutron activation analysis, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) to artifacts previously studied separately. We assess the standard centralized model of interaction vs. a decentralized model through the largest provenance database available to date in the region. The results show: (i) intervalley heterogeneity of clays and fabrics for ordinary wares; (ii) intervalley homogeneity of clays and fabrics for a wide range of decorated wares (e.g., painted Ciénaga); (iii) selective circulation of two distinct polychrome wares (Vaquerías and Condorhuasi); (iv) generalized access to obsidian from one major source and various minor sources; and (v) selective circulation of volcanic rock tools from a single source. These trends reflect the multiple and conflicting demands experienced by people in small-scale societies, which may be difficult to capitalize by aspiring elites. The study undermines centralized narratives of exchange for this period, offering a new platform for understanding ancient exchange based on actual material transfers, both in the Andes and beyond. PMID:28461485

Provenance, tectonic setting and age of the sediments of the Upper Disang Formation in the Phek District, Nagaland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imchen, Watitemsu; Thong, Glenn T.; Pongen, Temjenrenla

2014-07-01

Integrated petrographic and geochemical studies of sandstones, and geochemical studies of shales of turbidites from the Upper Disang Formation, Phek district, Nagaland have been carried out to determine their provenance, weathering conditions and tectonic setting. Paleomagnetic studies were carried out for magnetostratigraphic purposes. Studies indicate that most of these sediments were derived from felsic and mafic sources with minor contribution from low to medium grade metamorphic rocks. Most of the felsic components have been transported from distant sources as evidenced from extensive reworking of grains. The most likely source rocks are the granite/granite gneiss of the Karbi Anglong crystalline complex to the west of the study area. However, the bulk of the sediments have been contributed from nearby basic and ultrabasic sources. This would correspond to the fast rising Naga Ophiolite, which probably emerged above sea level during the Mid-Eocene. Prevailing high temperatures and humid climate caused intense chemical weathering of the source rocks. The sediments from the west were transported great distances by turbidity currents into an easterly deepening basin. Sediments from the nearby east were rapidly dumped on the seafloor causing rapid mixing, leading to textural and chemical immaturity. Paleomagnetic studies endorse published paleontological evidence to indicate that most of the sediments of the Upper Disang Formation were deposited during the Late Eocene. Deposition took place in a westward-migrating accretionary-prism complex in an active-margin setting at the convergence of the Indian and Burma plates. This was a rapidly-closing basin where anoxic conditions prevailed. Towards the end of the Eocene this basin closed completely with the destruction of the Tethyan Ocean.

Relationship between phytoplankton community succession and environmental parameters in Qinhuangdao coastal areas, China: A region with recurrent brown tide outbreaks.

PubMed

Cui, Lei; Lu, Xinxin; Dong, Yuelei; Cen, Jingyi; Cao, Rongbo; Pan, Lin; Lu, Songhui; Ou, Linjian

2018-05-03

The picoplanktonic pelagophyte Aureococcus anophagefferens could trigger harmful algal blooms (HABs) to discolor water in brown, known as brown tide. Since 2009, large-scale brown tides, caused by A. anophagefferens, had been occurred in early summer for three consecutive years in the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao, China and resulted considerable deleterious effects on the scallop mariculture industry. The causes for the occurrence of brown tides were not fully understood. Therefore, we conducted a one-year survey from June 2013 to May 2014 to study the seasonal succession of the phytoplankton community, including A. anophagefferens and its relationship with environmental variables in the area. The results revealed that the population dynamics of the phytoplankton community were significant variation with seasonal succession, in which A. anophagefferens played an important role during the entire year. The trend of the whole diversity index indicated that the community structure became more stable in winter. The results of principle component analysis (PCA) applied to the environmental factors indicated four major seasonal groups in the environmental variables. The water temperature, silicate and total nitrogen were contributed to the environment in summer, autumn and spring, respectively. In addition, a few another environmental factors commonly contributed to the winter waterbody, indicated that the aquatic environment is more complex in the cold season. The result revealed that the phytoplankton community structure and its variation were mainly affected by the hydrological factors, by using the redundancy analysis (RDA) for the relationship between dominant species and the environment. Furthermore, we inferred Chaetoceros decipiens as a potential species for the breakout of harmful algae blooms (HABs) by RDA ordination. We concluded that the key factor for the seasonal variations in the dynamics of phytoplankton community could be the hydrological parameters in

Seagrass distribution and abundance in Eastern Gulf of Mexico coastal waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iverson, Richard L.; Bittaker, Henry F.

1986-05-01

The marine angiosperms Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme, and Halodule wrightii form two of the largest reported seagrass beds along the northwest and southern coasts of Florida where they cover about 3000 square km in the Big Bend area and about 5500 square km in Florida Bay, respectively. Most of the leaf biomass in the Big Bend area and outer Florida Bay was composed of Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme which were distributed throughout the beds but which were more abundant in shallow depths. A short-leaved form of Halodule wrightii grew in monotypic stands in shallow water near the inner edges of the beds, while Halophila decipiens and a longer-leaved variety of H. wrightii grew scattered throughout the beds, in monotypic stands near the outer edges of the beds, and in deeper water outside the beds. Halophila engelmanni was observed scattered at various depths throughout the seagrass beds and in monospecific patches in deep water outside the northern bed. Ruppia maritima grew primarily in brackish water around river mouths. The cross-shelf limits of the two major seagrass beds are controlled nearshore by increased water turbidity and lower salinity around river mouths and off-shore by light penetration to depths which receive 10% or more of sea surface photosynthetically active radiation. Seagrasses form large beds only along low energy reaches of the coast. The Florida Bay seagrass bed contained about twice the short-shoot density of both Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme, for data averaged over all depths, and about four times the average short-shoot density of both species in shallow water compared with the Big Bend seagrass bed. The differences in average seagrass abundance between Florida Bay and the Big Bend area may be a consequence of the effects of greater seasonal solar radiation and water temperature fluctuations experienced by plants in the northern bed, which lies at the northern distribution limit for American

Time series monitoring of water quality and microalgal diversity in a tropical bay under intense anthropogenic interference (SW coast of the Bay of Bengal, India)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shaik, Aziz ur Rahman; Biswas, Haimanti, E-mail: haimanti.biswas@nio.org; Reddy, N.P.C.

In recent decades, material fluxes to coastal waters from various land based anthropogenic activities have significantly been enhanced around the globe which can considerably impact the coastal water quality and ecosystem health. Hence, there is a critical need to understand the links between anthropogenic activities in watersheds and its health. Kakinada Bay is situated at the SW part of the Bay of Bengal, near to the second largest mangrove cover in India with several fertilizer industries along its bank and could be highly vulnerable to different types of pollutants. However, virtually, no data is available so far reporting its physicochemicalmore » status and microalgal diversity at this bay. In order to fill this gap, we conducted three time series observations at a fixed station during January, December and June 2012, at this bay measuring more than 15 physical, chemical and biological parameters in every 3 h over a period of 36 h in both surface (0 m) and subsurface (4.5 m) waters. Our results clearly depict a strong seasonality between three sampling months; however, any abnormal values of nutrients, biological oxygen demand or dissolved oxygen level was not observed. A Skeletonema costatum bloom was observed in December which was probably influenced by low saline, high turbid and high Si input through the river discharge. Otherwise, smaller diatoms like Thalassiosira decipiens, Thalassiothrix frauenfeldii, and Thalassionema nitzschioides dominated the bay. It is likely that the material loading can be high at the point sources due to intense anthropogenic activities, however, gets diluted with biological, chemical and physical processes in the offshore waters. - Highlights: • No signature of enormous nutrient loading was observed over the diel cycle • Dissolved oxygen and BOD concentrations did not show any exceptional trend • Diatoms dominated more than 90% of the total phytoplankton communities • A Skeletonema Costatum (a centric diatom) bloom

Life between tides: Spatial and temporal variations of an intertidal macroalgal community at Potter Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcías, María Laura; Deregibus, Dolores; Saravia, Leonardo Ariel; Campana, Gabriela Laura; Quartino, María Liliana

2017-03-01

tolerance that grow in warmer conditions, like Palmaria decipiens, could benefit, while other species will be discriminated. More detailed studies are necessary to predict future changes in Antarctic intertidal communities.

Determination of trace elements of Egyptian cane sugar (Naga Hammady factories) by neutron activation, atomic absorption spectrophotometric and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometric analyses.

PubMed

Awadallah, R M; Sherif, M K; Mohamed, A E; Grass, F

1984-01-01

INAA, AAS and ICP-AES techniques are applied to the determination of trace amounts of Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Eu, Fe, Ga, Hf, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Nb, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Th, Ti, U, V, W and Zn in the stalks of sugar cane plant after extracting juice, raw juice principal (mixed) juice, juice withdrawn from the successive stages of sugar industry, sirup, deposits from evaporators, molasse, A-? and B-sugar and in the soil samples (collected from the field supplying the factories by cane plants) taken from the immediate vicinity of the plant roots at surface, 30 and 60 cm depth. The results obtained are in a good agreement of the safety baselines of using juice as beverage, molasse derivatives (honey, sweets, ...) as diet for common people in the developed countries and in industry (methanol, ethanol, acetone & acetic acid, ...) and sugar sweeting for many purposes (in beverages, desserts, ...). Differences of trace elements concentrations in soil samples may be reasoned to geochemical and biogeochemical fractionation while those in juice may be due to the changes in the environmental conditions, chemical composition and botanic structures. Variations in trace element contents in the products formed during the successive stages of sugar industry may be a result of evaporation, filtration processes, chemical treatments or corrosion of vessels, containers or engines. Trace elements are very important where they are responsible for enzymatic and biochemical reactions, matabolism, health and diseases.

Comparative Effectiveness of Insecticides for Use Against the House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae): Determination of Resistance Levels on a Malaysian Poultry Farm.

PubMed

Ong, Song-Quan; Ahmad, Hamdan; Jaal, Zairi; Rus, Adanan Che

2016-02-01

In this study, the toxicology of two commercial larvicides--cyromazine (Neporex 50SP) and ChCy (combination of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin, Naga 505)--and five commercial adulticides--thiamethoxam (Agita 10WG), cyfluthrin (Responsar WP), lambda-cyhalothrin (Icon 2.8EC), fipronil (Regent 50SC), and imidacloprid (Toxilat 10WP)--was examined against the WHO/VCRU (World Health Organization/ Vector Control Research Unit) susceptible strain and the AYTW (Ayer Tawar) field strain of house fly, Musca domestica L. These pesticides were administered topically, in the diet, or as a dry residue treatment on plywood. Probit analysis using at least five concentrations and the concentration that was lethal to 50% (LC(50)) of the organisms was applied to compare the toxicology and resistance levels of the AYTW population to different insecticides. In the larvicide laboratory study, ChCy was more effective than cyromazine, with a significantly lower LC(50) value when administered topically or in the diet, although the AYTW population was susceptible to both larvicides with a resistance ratio (RR) <10. For the adulticide laboratory study, cyfluthrin and fipronil exhibited the lowest LC50 values of the adulticides, indicating that they are both effective at controlling adult flies, although lambda-cyhalothrin showed moderate resistance (RR = 11.60 by topical application; 12.41 by plywood treatment). Further investigation of ChCy, cyromazine, cyfluthrin, and fipronil under field conditions confirmed that ChCy and cyromazine strikingly reduced larval density, and surprisingly, ChCy also exhibited adulticidal activity, which significantly reduced adult fly numbers compared with the control group. Cyfluthrin and fipronil were also confirmed to be effective, with a significant reduction in adult fly numbers compared with the control group. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions

Linking fishery management and conservation in a tropical estuarine lagoon: biological and physical effects of an artisanal fishing gear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rueda, M.; Defeo, O.

2003-04-01

Information coming from fishery monitoring, surveys and experimental fishing with participation of fishers was employed to determine the impact of an artisanal gear, 'boliche', on the biodiversity of the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM), an estuarine lagoon on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Fishery monitoring (catch data) included landings before (1968 and 1978) and after (1994-1996) the introduction of the boliche in the CGSM (1985), whereas surveys were conducted seasonally during 1993-1994. Fishing experiments involved evaluating different mesh sizes and the short-term effect of physical disturbance by the boliche. Monitoring suggested potential trophic effects of this fishing gear: the catch of large, long-lived, carnivorous species declined after the introduction of the boliche in the CGSM, whereas catch rates of smaller, shorter-lived, and lower trophic level species increased. Surveys revealed that the boliche retained 41 species. The by-catch made up 62% of the total catch and the remaining 38% involved the three target species Eugerres plumieri, Mugil incilis and Cathorops spixii. Selectivity experiments showed that 2.5 in. stretched mesh size gill nets caught more species than the 3.0-in. mesh. The smaller mesh also increased the risk of a critical reduction in the spawning stock of target species (notably E. plumieri); a situation that could affect the fish community if mesh sizes lower than 2.5 in. were intensively used. Suspended particulate matter significantly increased after fishing activity, with higher resuspension on mud-shells and mud substrata, whereas dissolved oxygen showed no appreciable changes after fishing operations. Notwithstanding, the activity of the boliche would generate sediment resuspension between 382 and 470 t day -1, which could lead to potential cascade impacts on water quality. We propose a framework of redundancy in management measures in order to simultaneously reach management and conservation goals.

Estimates of interseismic deformation in Northeast India from GPS measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jade, Sridevi; Mukul, Malay; Bhattacharyya, Anjan Kumar; Vijayan, M. S. M.; Jaganathan, Saigeetha; Kumar, Ashok; Tiwari, R. P.; Kumar, Arun; Kalita, S.; Sahu, S. C.; Krishna, A. P.; Gupta, S. S.; Murthy, M. V. R. L.; Gaur, V. K.

2007-11-01

Estimates of interseismic deformation in northeastern India based on GPS measurements at eight permanent stations (2003-2006) and six campaign sites (1997-2006) are presented here. The Euler pole of rotation of Indian tectonic plate in ITRF2000 determined from the present data set is located at 51.7 ± 0.5 °N, - 15.1 ± 1.5 °E with angular velocity of 0.469 ± 0.01 Myr - 1 . The results show that there is a statistically insignificant present-day active deformation within the Shillong Plateau and in the foreland spur north of the plateau in the Brahmaputra valley. Convergence rate of the northeastern GPS sites with respect to the IGS station Lhasa along baselines that are normal to the Himalayan arc in this region is 16 ± 0.5 mm/yr. This represents the arc-normal Indo-Eurasian convergence rate across the northeastern boundary, similar to arc-normal convergence rates determined in central Nepal along the Himalayan arc. However, unlike central Nepal, in the Arunachal Himalaya the 16 mm/yr shortening is distributed between the Lesser as well as Higher and Tethyan Himalayas. Baselines between sites on the Indo-Burmese Fold and Thrust Belt (IBFTB) and Shillong Plateau indicate variations in the shortening rate from 1.5 mm/yr on the Tripura-Mizoram salient (TRS) south of the plateau, to 6 mm/yr in the Imphal Recess (IR) to the east and 8 mm/yr in Naga salient (NS) to the northeast. This suggests that the deformation in the IBFTB is segmented into N-S blocks along E-W transverse zones exhibiting dextral slip between NS-IR and sinistral slip between IR and TRS. Baselines between the IBFTB sites also show 10 ± 0.6 mm/yr convergence pointing to the existence of an active transverse zone between Aizawl and Imphal.

Groundwater solute chemistry and arsenic fate in aquifer of Brahmaputra river basin, India: Controls of geology and tectonic setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, S.; Mukherjee, A.; Mahanta, C.

2015-12-01

Elevated arsenic (As) concentrations in groundwater of the river Brahmaputra basin of India has been largely undocumented, and unexplored. Hydrogeochemical investigations in three different tectono-geomorphic settings of the basin i.e. the northwestern and northern part (located along foothills of the Eastern Himalayas) and southern part (in vicinity of Naga-thrust belt) demonstrate regional variability of groundwater chemistry and redox conditions with geology. Shallow alluvial aquifers of southern part, which are mainly composed of black/dark grey clay and fine sands are affected by high arsenic concentration whereas groundwater from sandy aquifer in the northwestern and northern part have comparatively lower As concentrations. Stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) in groundwater indicate suggest that some evaporation may have taken place through recharging water in the study areas. The major-ion composition shows that groundwater of northwestern and northern part are dominated by Ca2+-HCO3-, Ca2+-Na+-HCO3 while southern part is dominated by Na+-Ca2+-HCO3- hydrochemical facies. Molar ratios suggested that most groundwater solutes of northwestern and northern parts were derived from both silicate weathering and carbonate dissolution and have not been affected by cation exchange, while silicate weathering process dominates in aquifers of southern where cation exchange probably has little influence on water chemistry. Thermodynamic calculations show that most of samples fall along the equilibrium line between kaolinite and smectite. While, positive correlations of As with Fe, Mn and HCO3 were observed in northwestern and northern parts aquifers, no consistent correlation of As with any parameter was observed in the aquifers of southern part. Therefore, the results of the study clearly indicate geological control (i.e. change in lithofacies, tectonic set-up) on groundwater chemistry and distribution of redox-sensitive solutes such as As.

Assessing Freshwater Ecosystem Service Risk over Ecological, Socioeconomic, and Cultural Gradients: Problem Space Characterization and Methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harmon, T. C.; Villamizar, S. R.; Conde, D.; Rusak, J.; Reid, B.; Astorga, A.; Perillo, G. M.; Piccolo, M. C.; Zilio, M.; London, S.; Velez, M.; Hoyos, N.; Escobar, J.

2014-12-01

Freshwater ecosystems and the services they provide are under increasing anthropogenic pressure at local (e.g., irrigation diversions, wastewater discharge) and global scales (e.g., climate change, global trading). The impact depends on an ecosystem's sensitivity, which is determined by its geophysical and ecological settings, and the population and activities in its surrounding watershed. Given the importance of ecosystem services, it is critical that we improve our ability to identify and understand changes in aquatic ecosystems, and translate them to risk of service loss. Furthermore, to inspire changes in human behavior, it is equally critical that we learn to communicate risk, and pose risk mitigation strategies, in a manner acceptable to a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Quantifying the nature and timing of the risk is difficult because (1) we often fail to understand the connection between anthropogenic pressures and the timing and extent of ecosystem changes; and (2) the concept of risk is inherently coupled to human perception, which generally differs with cultural and socio-economic conditions. In this study, we endeavor to assess aquatic ecosystem risks across an international array of six study sites. The challenge is to construct a methodology capable of capturing the marked biogeographical, socioeconomic, and cultural differences among the sites, which include: (1) Muskoka River watershed in humid continental Ontario, Canada; (2) Lower San Joaquin River, an impounded snow-fed river in semi-arid Central California; (3) Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, a tropical coastal lagoon in Colombia; (4) Senguer River basin in the semi-arid part of Argentina; (5) Laguna de Rocha watershed in humid subtropical Uruguay; and (6) Palomas Lake complex in oceanic Chilean Patagonia. Results will include a characterization of the experimental gradient over the six sites, an overview of the risk assessment methodology, and preliminary findings for several of the sites.

Effects of red pitaya juice supplementation on cardiovascular and hepatic changes in high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome rats.

PubMed

Ramli, Nurul Shazini; Brown, Lindsay; Ismail, Patimah; Rahmat, Asmah

2014-06-12

The fruit of Hylocereus polyrhizus, also known as red pitaya, and buah naga in Malay, is one of the tropical fruits of the cactus family, Cactaceae. Red pitaya has been shown to protect aorta from oxidative damage and improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats probably due to phytochemicals content including phenolics and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in cardiac stiffness, hepatic and renal function in high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-induced obese rats following supplementation of red pitaya juice. Total 48 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: corn-starch group (CS), corn-starch+red pitaya juice group (CRP), high-carbohydrate, high fat group (HCHF) and high-carbohydrate, high fat+red pitaya juice (HRP). The intervention with 5% red pitaya juice was started for 8 weeks after 8 weeks initiation of the diet. Heart function was determined ex vivo with Langendorff hearts while plasma liver enzymes, uric acid and urea were measured using commercial kits. Total fat mass was determined with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Glucose uptake was measured with Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Liver and cardiac structures were defined by histology. Supplementation of red pitaya juice for 8 weeks increased energy intake and abdominal circumference but no change in body fat and lean mass respectively. Also, there were a trend of uric acid and glucose normalization for HRP as compared to H-fed rats. Red pitaya juice treatment reduced ALP and ALT but caused significant increment in AST. Diastolic stiffness of the heart was reduced after supplementation of red pitaya juice in corn starch fed rats. However, the reduction was not significant in HRP rats in comparison with H rats. The present study concluded that red pitaya juice may serve as a complimentary therapy for attenuating some signs of metabolic syndrome.

Zoo-heleoplankton structure in three artificial ponds of North-eastern Argentina.

PubMed

Frutos, S M; Carnevali, R

2008-09-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the abundance and species richness of zoo-heleoplankton bigger than 53 microm in an annual cycle under similar climate conditions in three artificial ponds, in order to observe the changes during an annual cycle. Samples were taken monthly from June 1993 to July 1994 in Corrientes, Argentina. The first pond (A) was covered an 80% by Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.), the second one (B) with bloom of Microcystis aeruginosa (Kurtzing) and the last one (C) with organic matter deposited in the bottom. The water was more acidic at pond A, and the water at pond B contained more dissolved oxygen concentration than the water at the other two ponds. The zoo-heleoplankton densities varied between 20-1728 ind.l(-1) at pond A, 42-4082 ind.l(-1) at pond B and 148-2447 ind.l(-1) at pond C. The maximum zoo-heleoplankton abundance was found in the pond with cyanobacteria bloom during Autumn 1994 and the minimum abundance was found in the one with a predominance of E. crassipes. The rank of species richness was pond A > pond B > pond C. Rotifera was the most abundant group in pond A whereas the larval stages of Copepoda were abundant in the other two ponds. Anuraeopsis navicula Rousselt 1910 was the dominant population in the pond with macrophytes prevalence. Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas 1776 and larval stage of Copepoda had variable proportions in the pond with cyanobacteria bloom. Thermocyclops decipiens (Kiefer 1929) was present during the annual cycle only in the pond with organic matter deposited in the bottom. The succession of taxa was observed in the pond with coverage of aquatic macrophytes and with cyanobacteria bloom. Differences in species richness and low similarity in zoo-heleoplankton between ponds were determined by differences in the quality of the water in relation to the presence of macrophytes, cyanobacteria, organic matter deposited in the bottom and fish predation. Multiple regression analysis (stepwise) revealed that

Zooplankton species composition, abundance and biomass on the eastern Bering Sea shelf during summer: The potential role of water-column stability and nutrients in structuring the zooplankton community

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coyle, Kenneth O.; Pinchuk, Alexei I.; Eisner, Lisa B.; Napp, Jeffrey M.

2008-08-01

The southeastern Bering Sea sustains one of the largest fisheries in the United States, as well as wildlife resources that support valuable tourist and subsistence economies. The fish and wildlife populations in turn are sustained by a food web linking primary producers to apex predators through the zooplankton community. Recent shifts in climate toward warmer conditions may threaten these resources by altering productivity and trophic relationships in the ecosystem on the southeastern Bering Sea shelf. We examined the zooplankton community near the Pribilof Islands and on the middle shelf of the southeastern Bering Sea in summer of 1999 and 2004 to document differences and similarities in species composition, abundance and biomass by region and year. Between August 1999 and August 2004, the summer zooplankton community of the middle shelf shifted from large to small species. Significant declines were observed in the biomass of large scyphozoans ( Chrysaora melanaster), large copepods ( Calanus marshallae), arrow worms ( Sagitta elegans) and euphausiids ( Thysanoessa raschii, T. inermis) between 1999 and 2004. In contrast, significantly higher densities of the small copepods ( Pseudocalanus spp., Oithona similis) and small hydromedusae ( Euphysa flammea) were observed in 2004 relative to 1999. Stomach analyses of young-of-the-year (age 0) pollock ( Theragra chalcogramma) from the middle shelf indicated a dietary shift from large to small copepods in 2004 relative to 1999. The shift in the zooplankton community was accompanied by a 3-fold increase in water-column stability in 2004 relative to 1999, primarily due to warmer water above the thermocline, with a mean temperature of 7.3 °C in 1999 and 12.6 °C in 2004. The elevated water-column stability and warmer conditions may have influenced the zooplankton composition by lowering summer primary production and selecting for species more tolerant of a warm, oligotrophic environment. A time series of temperature from

Community structure of mesozooplankton in coastal waters of Sundarban mangrove wetland, India: A multivariate approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, Bhaskar Deb; Hwang, Jiang-Shiou; Sarkar, Santosh Kumar; Rakhsit, Dibyendu; Murugan, K.; Tseng, Li-Chun

2015-01-01

Spatial and temporal distribution of community structure and seasonal distribution of mesozooplankton (MZ; 20-200 μm) in the context of environmental parameters were studied in the coastal waters of Indian Sundarban wetland formed at the confluence of Hugli (Ganges) River estuary, India. The work has been aimed for better understanding of its ecological characteristics in terms of the most dominant mesozooplankton group in a tropical mesomacrotidal setting. Samples were collected from four sampling sites of different hydrodynamic set up using a ring trawl net (Hydro-Bios No. 438 700, mesh size 200 μm) equipped with a calibrated flowmeter and both water and plankton samples were analyzed by standard methods. Distribution of MZ showed bimodality with two peak periods, primary peak during April coinciding with maximum number of copepod species (974 ind. m- 3) and the secondary one during August. Copepod was the most dominant taxon where the calanoids formed bulk of the biomass representing 33 species of 7 genera, while cyclopoids formed the next dominant group comprising 4 species of 3 genera followed by 4 monogeneric harpacticoid species. Results of correlation matrix revealed that two copepod families Acartiidae and Pseudodiaptomidae maintain negative relationship with other six families indicating that they form a group by themselves. Results of multiple regression analysis reveal that salinity, chlorophyll-a and transparency are the potential hydrological factors in the distribution and existence of the dominant copepods and total chaetognaths. An overall high diversity index values (max. 3.21) was associated with high richness index (4.39) and high evenness index (0.96) at the site of the mouth of the estuary. In terms of feeding guild, the herbivore copepods were dominant followed by omnivores. Cluster analysis confirmed an overall dominance of the calanoid copepod Bestiolina similis as a solitary group for all the sites. The chaetognath Sagitta bedoti was

Seismotectonics of the Eastern Himalayan System and Indo-Burman Convergence Zone Using Seismic Waveform Inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, A.; Mitra, S.; Suresh, G.

2014-12-01

The Eastern Himalayan System (east of 88°E) is distinct from the rest of the India-Eurasia continental collision, due to a wider zone of distributed deformation, oblique convergence across two orthogonal plate boundaries and near absence of foreland basin sedimentary strata. To understand the seismotectonics of this region we study the spatial distribution and source mechanism of earthquakes originating within Eastern Himalaya, northeast India and Indo-Burman Convergence Zone (IBCZ). We compute focal mechanism of 32 moderate-to-large earthquakes (mb >=5.4) by modeling teleseismic P- and SH-waveforms, from GDSN stations, using least-squares inversion algorithm; and 7 small-to-moderate earthquakes (3.5<= mb <5.4) by modeling local P- and S-waveforms, from the NorthEast India Telemetered Network, using non-linear grid search algorithm. We also include source mechanisms from previous studies, either computed by waveform inversion or by first motion polarity from analog data. Depth distribution of modeled earthquakes reveal that the seismogenic layer beneath northeast India is ~45km thick. From source mechanisms we observe that moderate earthquakes in northeast India are spatially clustered in five zones with distinct mechanisms: (a) thrust earthquakes within the Eastern Himalayan wedge, on north dipping low angle faults; (b) thrust earthquakes along the northern edge of Shillong Plateau, on high angle south dipping fault; (c) dextral strike-slip earthquakes along Kopili fault zone, between Shillong Plateau and Mikir Hills, extending southeast beneath Naga Fold belts; (d) dextral strike-slip earthquakes within Bengal Basin, immediately south of Shillong Plateau; and (e) deep focus (>50 km) thrust earthquakes within IBCZ. Combining with GPS geodetic observations, it is evident that the N20E convergence between India and Tibet is accommodated as elastic strain both within eastern Himalaya and regions surrounding the Shillong Plateau. We hypothesize that the strike

Red pitaya juice supplementation ameliorates energy balance homeostasis by modulating obesity-related genes in high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome rats.

PubMed

Ramli, Nurul Shazini; Ismail, Patimah; Rahmat, Asmah

2016-07-26

Red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) or known as buah naga merah in Malay belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. Red pitaya has been shown to give protection against liver damage and may reduce the stiffness of the heart. Besides, the beneficial effects of red pitaya against obesity have been reported; however, the mechanism of this protection is not clear. Therefore, in the present study, we have investigated the red pitaya-targeted genes in obesity using high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome rat model. A total of four groups were tested: corn-starch (CS), corn-starch + red pitaya juice (CRP), high-carbohydrate, high-fat (HCHF) and high-carbohydrate, high-fat + red pitaya juice (HRP). The intervention with 5 % red pitaya juice was continued for 8 weeks after 8 weeks initiation of the diet. Retroperitoneal, epididymal and omental fat pads were collected and weighed. Plasma concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured using commercial kits. Gene expression analysis was conducted using RNA extracted from liver samples. A total of eighty-four genes related to obesity were analyzed using PCR array. The rats fed HCHF-diet for 16 weeks increased body weight, developed excess abdominal fat deposition and down-regulated the expression level of IL-1α, IL-1r1, and Cntfr as compared to the control group. Supplementation of red pitaya juice for 8 weeks increased omental and epididymal fat but no change in retroperitoneal fat was observed. Red pitaya juice reversed the changes in energy balance homeostasis in liver tissues by regulation of the expression levels of Pomc and Insr. The increased protein expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in HCHF group and red pitaya treated rats confirmed the results of gene expression. Collectively, this study revealed the usefulness of this diet-induced rat model and the beneficial effects of red pitaya on energy balance homeostasis by modulating the anorectic, orexigenic and energy expenditure related

Effects of red pitaya juice supplementation on cardiovascular and hepatic changes in high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome rats

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The fruit of Hylocereus polyrhizus, also known as red pitaya, and buah naga in Malay, is one of the tropical fruits of the cactus family, Cactaceae. Red pitaya has been shown to protect aorta from oxidative damage and improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats probably due to phytochemicals content including phenolics and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in cardiac stiffness, hepatic and renal function in high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-induced obese rats following supplementation of red pitaya juice. Methods Total 48 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: corn-starch group (CS), corn-starch + red pitaya juice group (CRP), high-carbohydrate, high fat group (HCHF) and high-carbohydrate, high fat + red pitaya juice (HRP). The intervention with 5% red pitaya juice was started for 8 weeks after 8 weeks initiation of the diet. Heart function was determined ex vivo with Langendorff hearts while plasma liver enzymes, uric acid and urea were measured using commercial kits. Total fat mass was determined with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Glucose uptake was measured with Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Liver and cardiac structures were defined by histology. Results Supplementation of red pitaya juice for 8 weeks increased energy intake and abdominal circumference but no change in body fat and lean mass respectively. Also, there were a trend of uric acid and glucose normalization for HRP as compared to H-fed rats. Red pitaya juice treatment reduced ALP and ALT but caused significant increment in AST. Diastolic stiffness of the heart was reduced after supplementation of red pitaya juice in corn starch fed rats. However, the reduction was not significant in HRP rats in comparison with H rats. Conclusion The present study concluded that red pitaya juice may serve as a complimentary therapy for attenuating some signs of metabolic syndrome. PMID:24919841

Revision of the family Chalcididae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) from Vietnam, with the description of 13 new species

PubMed Central

Narendran, T. C.; van Achterberg, Cornelis

2016-01-01

Abstract A total of 16 genera and 68 species of Chalcididae of Vietnam are taxonomically treated. Thirteen new species are described; the remaining 55 species are keyed, redescribed or provided with a diagnosis. Among these 37 species and eleven genera are recorded for the first time from Vietnam. The thirteen new species are: Antrocephalus neogalleriae Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n.; Brachymeria neowiebesina Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., Brachymeria semirusula Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., Dirhinus neoclaviger Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., Epitranus narendrani van Achterberg, sp. n., Epitranus neonigriceps Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., Heydoniella vietnamensis Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., Megachalcis vietnamicus Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., Notaspidium vietnamicum Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., Oxycoryphe neotenax Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., Sthulapada neopadata Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., Sthulapada vietnamensis Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n., and Tanycoryphus masii Narendran & van Achterberg, sp. n. The newly recorded genera are: Antrocephalus Kirby, 1883; Haltichella Spinola, 1811; Heydoniella Narendran, 2003; Hockeria Walker, 1834; Kriechbaumerella Dalla Torre, 1894; Notaspidium Dalla Torre, 1897; Oxycoryphe Kriechbaumer, 1894; Psilochalcis Kieffer, 1904; Sthulapada Narendran, 1989; Tanycorphus Cameron, 1905, and Trigonura Sichel, 1865. The following known species are recorded for the first time from Vietnam: Antrocephalus decipiens (Masi, 1929); Antrocephalus lugubris (Masi, 1932); Antrocephalus maculipennis (Cameron, 1905); Antrocephalus nasutus (Holmgren, 1869); Antrocephalus sepyra (Walker, 1846); Antrocephalus validicornis (Holmgren, 1868); Brachymeria alternipes (Walker, 1871); Brachymeria aurea (Girault, 1915); Brachymeria coxodentata Joseph, Narendran & Joy, 1972; Brachymeria euploeae (Westwood, 1837); Brachymeria hime Habu, 1960; Brachymeria jambolana Gahan, 1942; Brachymeria kamijoi

Seal dynamics on the Swedish west coast: Scenarios of competition as Baltic grey seal intrude on harbour seal territory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svensson, Carl Johan

2012-07-01

populations very long time-series of population size estimates are necessary to determine interaction strength. From a management perspective, a more permanent grey seal population in Kattegat-Skagerrak is likely to increase the predation pressure on overfished regional cod populations, and also lead to higher prevalence of the cod parasite Pseudoterranova decipiens, which uses grey seal as end host. From a population ecology perspective, abundant Baltic grey seal in this region would facilitate the mixing of grey seals from the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea, with unknown implications for the genetically divergent Baltic population.

Late-summer zooplankton community structure, abundance, and distribution in the Hudson Bay system (Canada) and their relationships with environmental conditions, 2003-2006

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Estrada, Rafael; Harvey, Michel; Gosselin, Michel; Starr, Michel; Galbraith, Peter S.; Straneo, Fiammetta

2012-08-01

Zooplankton communities were examined for the first time in three different hydrographic regions of the Hudson Bay system (HBS) in early August to early September from 2003 to 2006. Sampling was conducted at 50 stations distributed along different transects located in Hudson Bay (HB), Hudson Strait (HS), and Foxe Basin (FB). Variations in zooplankton biomass, abundance, taxonomic composition, and diversity in relation to environmental variables were studied using multivariate techniques. During all sampling years, the total zooplankton biomass was on average four times lower in HB than in HS and FB. Clustering samples by their relative species compositions revealed no interannual variation in zooplankton community but showed a marked interregional variability between the three regions. Water column stratification explained the greatest proportion (25%) of this spatial variability. According to redundancy analysis (RDA), the zooplankton taxa that contribute most to the separation of the three regions are Microcalanus spp., Oithona similis, Oncaea borealis, Aeginopsis laurentii, Sagitta elegans, Fritillaria sp., and larvae of cnidaria, chaetognatha, and pteropoda in HB; hyperiid amphipods in FB; and Pseudocalanus spp. CI-CV, Calanus glacialis CI-CVI, Calanus finmarchicus CI-CVI, Calanus hyperboreus CV-CVI, Acartia longiremis CI-CV, Metridia longa N3-N6 CI-CIII CVIf, Eukrohnia hamata, larvae of echinodermata, mollusca, cirripedia, appendicularia, and polychaeta in the northwestern and southeastern HS transects. For the HB transect, the RDA analyzed allowed us to distinguish three regions (HB west, central, and east) with different environmental gradients and zooplankton assemblages, in particular higher concentration of Pseudocalanus spp. nauplii and CI-CVI, as well as benthic macrozooplankton and meroplankton larvae in western HB. In HS, Calanoid species (mainly C. finmarchicus and C. glacialis) were mostly observed at the north shore stations associated with the

Multisite Semiautomated Clinical Data Repository for Duplication 15q Syndrome: Study Protocol and Early Uses.

PubMed

Ajayi, Oluwaseun Jessica; Smith, Ebony Jeannae; Viangteeravat, Teeradache; Huang, Eunice Y; Nagisetty, Naga Satya V Rao; Urraca, Nora; Lusk, Laina; Finucane, Brenda; Arkilo, Dimitrios; Young, Jennifer; Jeste, Shafali; Thibert, Ronald; Reiter, Lawrence T

2017-10-18

, Eunice Y Huang, Naga Satya V Rao Nagisetty, Nora Urraca, Laina Lusk, Brenda Finucane, Dimitrios Arkilo, Jennifer Young, Shafali Jeste, Ronald Thibert, The Dup15q Alliance, Lawrence T Reiter. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 18.10.2017.

Leveraging Social Networking Sites for an Autoimmune Hepatitis Genetic Repository: Pilot Study to Evaluate Feasibility.

PubMed

Comerford, Megan; Fogel, Rachel; Bailey, James Robert; Chilukuri, Prianka; Chalasani, Naga; Lammert, Craig Steven

2018-01-18

patients. Facebook can be an effective ancillary tool for facilitating patient-oriented research in rare diseases. A social media-based approach transcends established limitations in rare disease research and can further develop research communities. ©Megan Comerford, Rachel Fogel, James Robert Bailey, Prianka Chilukuri, Naga Chalasani, Craig Steven Lammert. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 18.01.2018.

Epilachnini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)—A Revision of the World Genera

PubMed Central

Tomaszewska, Wioletta; Szawaryn, Karol

2016-01-01

Based on the recent revised generic classification of the tribe Epilachnini (Szawaryn et al. 2015), all 27 genera are re-described, diagnosed, illustrated, and included in an identification key. The following nomenclatural changes are made: Epilachna (Hypsa) Mulsant 1850, Epilachna (Cleta) Mulsant 1850, Solanophila Weise 1898, Epilachna (Aparodentata) Wang and Cao 1993, and Epilachna (Uniparodentata) Wang and Cao 1993 are removed from synonymy of Epilachna Chervolat 1837. The subgenus Cleta of Epilachna is raised to the genus level, as Cleta Mulsant 1850 stat. nov.; the subgenus Uniparodentata of Epilachna is raised to the genus level, as Uniparodentata Wang and Cao 1993 stat. nov. Chazeauiana Tomaszewska and Szawaryn 2015 (type species, Epilachna sahlbergi Mulsant 1850), and Epilachna (Hypsa) Mulsant 1850 (type species, Epilachna nigrolimbata Thomson 1875) are synonymized here under the name Cleta Mulsant 1850 (type species, Epilachna eckloni Mulsant 1850)—new synonyms; Fuerschia Tomaszewska and Szawaryn 2015 (type species, Coccinella canina Fabricius 1781) is synonymized with Solanophila Weise 1898 (type species, Epilachna gibbosa Crotch 1874)—new synonym; Ryszardia Tomaszewska and Szawaryn 2015 (type species, Epilachna decipiens Crotch 1874) and Epilachna (Aparodentata) Wang and Cao, 1993 (type species, Epilachna yongshanensis Cao and Xiao 1984) are synonymized under the name Uniparodentata Wang and Cao 1993 (type species, Epilachna paramagna Pang and Mao 1979)—new synonyms. Henosepilachna (Elateria) Fürsch 1964 (type species: Coccinella elaterii Rossi 1794) is removed from synomyms of Henosepilachna Li 1961 [type species, Coccinella sparsa Herbst 1786 (=Coccinella vigintioctopunctata Fabricius 1775)] and is synonymized here with Chnootriba Chevrolat 1837 (type species: Coccinella similis Thunberg 1781)—new synonym. Coccinella flavofasciata Laporte 1840, Epilachna aequatorialis Gordon 1975, E. bizonata Crotch 1874, E. convergens Crotch 1874, E. cruciata

Occurrence of Terranova larval types (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in Australian marine fish with comments on their specific identities

PubMed Central

Suthar, Jaydipbhai

2016-01-01

Pseudoterranovosis is a well-known human disease caused by anisakid larvae belonging to the genus Pseudoterranova. Human infection occurs after consuming infected fish. Hence the presence of Pseudoterranova larvae in the flesh of the fish can cause serious losses and problems for the seafood, fishing and fisheries industries. The accurate identification of Pseudoterranova larvae in fish is important, but challenging because the larval stages of a number of different genera, including Pseudoterranova, Terranova and Pulchrascaris, look similar and cannot be differentiated from each other using morphological criteria, hence they are all referred to as Terranova larval type. Given that Terranova larval types in seafood are not necessarily Pseudoterranova and may not be dangerous, the aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Terranova larval types in Australian marine fish and to determine their specific identity. A total of 137 fish belonging to 45 species were examined. Terranova larval types were found in 13 species, some of which were popular edible fish in Australia. The sequences of the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2 respectively) of the Terranova larvae in the present study showed a high degree of similarity suggesting that they all belong to the same species. Due to the lack of a comparable sequence data of a well identified adult in the GenBank database the specific identity of Terranova larval type in the present study remains unknown. The sequence of the ITS regions of the Terranova larval type in the present study and those of Pseudoterranova spp. available in GenBank are significantly different, suggesting that larvae found in the present study do not belong to the genus Pseudoterranova, which is zoonotic. This study does not rule out the presence of Pseudoterranova larvae in Australian fish as Pseudoterranova decipiens E has been reported in adult form from seals in Antarctica and it is known that they

[Experimental study of acute brain swelling under acute intracranial hypertension (author's transl)].

PubMed

Shigemori, M; Watanabe, M; Kuramoto, S

1976-12-01

blood volume with increase of blood volume in the superior sagitta sinus during cerebral vasoparesis under intracranial hypertension is presumed. It is suggested from the superior sagittal sinus pressure in various experimental groups that the site, reactivity and disturbed degree of the cerebral venous system are changed by the difference of respiratory or ventrilatory state and the cerebral venous circulatory disturbance has also reference to the occurrence of acute brain swelling. 3) During cerebral vasopareris under acute intracranial hypertension, remarkable supression of respiration, increased central venous pressure and increased common carotid blood flow were observed. It is concluded that the reaction of systemic hemodynamics following respiratory change effects on cerebral circulation markedly and they are being important factors to occurrence of acute brain swelling.

Comparative studies on the influence of "simulated weigthlessness" on fish otolith growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brungs, Sonja; Hendrik Anken, Ralf; Li, Xiao-Yan; Hauslage, Jens; Wang, Gaohong; Liu, Yongding; Hilbig, Reinhard; Hemmersbach, Ruth

Stimulus dependence is a general feature of all developing sensory systems. Concerning the vestibular organ of fish, it has been shown earlier that the growth of inner ear otoliths of developing Cichlid fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) and Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is slowed down by increased gravity (hypergravity) as an adaptation. Several studies proposed that otolith growth actively is adjusted via a feedback mechanism to produce a test mass of the appropriate physical capacity. Applying diminished gravity such as microgravity during spaceflight yielded an opposite effect, i.e., larger than normal otoliths in swordtails Xiphophorus helleri. Since there are no data on spaceflown early larval stages of the Cichlid fish and the Zebrafish available, these model organisms were subjected to simulated weightlessness using a submersed clinostat with one axis of rotation (O. mossambicus) and rotating-wall vessels (RWVs; O. mossambicus was maintained within a submersed RWV, which was recently developed at DLR, whereas D. rerio was kept within a modified RWV, developed by NASA). Developmental stages were subjected to clinorotation (60 rpm) and wall vessel rotation (Cichlid fish: 44 rpm; Zebrafish: 12.5 rpm; at these speeds, the larvae did neither sediment nor were they centrifuged away from the center of the RWVs) at a point of time when inner ear otolith mineralisation began. The experimental runs were discontinued when the animals hatched (O. mossambicus, stage 12, reached after 2-3 days at 22° C) or when they began to actively move within the devices (D. rerio, after 6 days at 28° C). After clinostat exposure, both utricular and saccular otoliths (Lapilli and Sagittae, respectively) of the Cichlids were significantly larger as compared to otoliths from the 1g controls. A similar result was obtained after wall vessel rotation for 3 and 6 days of the Zebrafish. These results support the idea that a feedback mechanism correlates the gravity level with the physical capacity

The seasonal cycle of the Lazarev Sea macrozooplankton community and a potential shift to top-down trophic control in winter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunt, B. P. V.; Pakhomov, E. A.; Siegel, V.; Strass, V.; Cisewski, B.; Bathmann, U.

2011-07-01

Between 2004 and 2008, during the German Southern Ocean GLOBEC programme, four large scale bio-oceanographic surveys were conducted in the Lazarev Sea for the Lazarev Sea Krill Survey (LAKRIS). These surveys were completed in Autumn (April-May) 2004, Summer (December-January) 2005/06, Winter (July-August) 2006, and Summer (December-January) 2007/08. On each occasion macrozooplankton communities were sampled by RMT-8 in the upper 200 m of the water column. Chlorophyll a biomass averaged ˜1.5 mg m -3 (max=8.2 mg m -3) in Summer 05/06, 0.88 mg m -3 (max=2.77 mg m -3) in Summer 07/08, 0.24 mg m -3 (max=0.73 mg m -3) in Autumn 04, and 0.042 mg m -3 (max=0.1 mg m -3) in Winter 06. Macrozooplankton densities did not differ significantly between seasons and were 53, 68, 59, and 48 ind. 1000 m -3 in Summer 05/06, Summer 07/08, Autumn, and Winter, respectively. Total macrozooplankton biomass, however, increased significantly from summer (0.88 and 0.97 g dry weight 1000 m -3 in Summer 05/06 and Summer 07/08, respectively) to Autumn 04 (2.66 g dry weight 1000 m -3) and Winter 06 levels (1.75 g dry weight 1000 m -3). This biomass increase was due to both an increased occurrence of Euphausia superba and fish and a shift to a larger size structure in the latter group. Siphonophores (predominantly Diphyes antarctica), chaetognaths (predominantly Eukrohnia hamata and Sagitta gazellae) and euphausiids (predominantly Thysanoessa macrura and E. superba) contributed >80% to total densities in all four surveys. However, a strong and distinctive change in assemblage structure was observed between seasons. Key amongst these was a shift within the euphausiids from a dominance of T. macrura in summer to that of E. superba in autumn and winter; a winter decrease in E. hamata; an autumn and winter decrease in Tomopteris sp.; and a winter increase in the abundance of the grazers Clio pyramidata sulcata and Ihlea racovitzai, hyperiids, and the myctophid fish Electrona antarctica. Carnivorous

Paleogeography and Depositional Systems of Cretaceous-Oligocene Strata: Eastern Precordillera, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reat, Ellen J.; Fosdick, Julie C.

2016-04-01

New data from the Argentine Precordillera in the southern Central Andes document changes in depositional environment and sediment accumulation rates during Upper Cretaceous through Oligocene basin evolution, prior to the onset Miocene foredeep sedimentation. This work presents new sedimentology, detrital geochronology, and geologic mapping from a series of continental strata within this interval to resolve the timing of sedimentation, nature of depositional environments, and basin paleogeography at the nascent phase of Andean orogenic events, prior to the uplift and deformation of the Precordillera to the west. Five stratigraphic sections were measured across both limbs of the Huaco Anticline, detailing sedimentology of the terrestrial siliciclastic upper Patquía, Ciénaga del Río Huaco (CRH), Puesto la Flecha, Vallecito, and lower Cerro Morado formations. Paleocurrent data indicate a flow direction change from predominantly NE-SW in the upper Patquía and the lower CRH to SW-NE directed flow in the upper CRH, consistent with a large meandering river system and a potential rise in topography towards the west. This interpretation is further supported by pebble lag intervals and 1-3 meter scale trough cross-bedding in the CRH. The thinly laminated gypsum deposits and siltstones of the younger Puesto la Flecha Formation indicate an upsection transition into overbank and lacustrine sedimentation during semi-arid climatic conditions, before the onset of aeolian dune formation. New maximum depositional age results from detrital zircon U-Pb analysis indicate that the Puesto la Flecha Formation spans ~57 Myr (~92 to ~35 Ma) across a ~48 m thick interval without evidence for major erosion, indicating very low sedimentation rates. This time interval may represent distal foredeep or forebulge migration resultant from western lithospheric loading due to the onset of Andean deformation at this latitude. Detrital zircon U-Pb age spectra also indicate shifts in sediment routing

Molecular beam epitaxially grown copper indium diselenide and copper gallium diselenide films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Seokhyun

2005-12-01

To eliminate the influence of grain boundaries, CuInSe2 (CIS) and CuGaSe2 (CGS) films were grown on (100) GaAs wafers. The effects of Cu to III metal ratio and dosing with Na on the growth mode and defect properties were studied at two growth temperatures. The impact of post-annealing in Se on the defect structure of CGS film was also studied. Two-dimensional simulations were used to better understand the role of grain boundary on cell performance. For growth at 360°C, the In-rich CIS films were polycrystalline, whereas the Cu-rich CIS films were epitaxial exhibiting a Stranski-Krastanov (S-K) growth mode. It is proposed that a Cu-Se secondary phase enhances the mobility of adatoms, allowing epitaxial growth to a critical thickness, at which point segregation at the nucleation sites became faster the rate of growth. Island structures, embedded in a matrix region, were oriented along the [01-1] directed edges with surface undulations apparent on the matrix surface with dominant {112} crystal planes. At the higher growth temperature of 464°C, the CIS films grew epitaxially without the need of a Cu-Se phase. Both CIS films grown at low and high temperatures were nearly relaxed. The segregation of epitaxial Cu1.5Se was also observed in the Cu-rich, Na-dosed CIS film, which is attributed to a surfactant effect of Na. At a growth temperature of 438°C, CGS films showed a S-K growth mode and nearly pseudomorphic growth. Hemispherical islands with twins were observed in the Ga-rich CGS films and epitaxial Cu1.5Se phase were identified in the top region of the island structure. From the PL analysis of Cu-rich, Na-dosed CGS film after Se-annealing, a new defect level located 20 meV above the valence band edge was identified as NaGa acceptor state. Two-dimensional simulation of the impact of grain boundaries on device performance showed that the short circuit current decreases sharply along with the other device parameters below a critical grain size due to the complete

[Epidemics and risk factors of plague in Junggar Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 2007-2016].

PubMed

Zhang, Y J; Wang, C; Luo, T; Guo, R; Meng, W W

2017-10-10

Objective: To explore the epidemic situation of animal plague in Junggar Basin natural plague foci. Methods: Data on epidemics of plague and on population involved, as well as results on antibodies and pathogens, were analyzed. Samples on animals and vectors were collected from 18 counties in Junggar Basin plague natural foci between 2007 and 2016. Results: The density of Rhombomys (R.) opimus was temporally fluctuant, from 2.1/hm(2) to 22.6/hm(2) respectively. However, the spatial distribution appeared asymmetrical, with the highest seen in Kelamayi and Wumuqi-midong counties, as 14.2/hm(2) and 13.0/hm(2) respectively. Rates of capture on nocturnal rodents were from 4.2 % to 10.1 % , with the highest rate as 10.1 % in 2014. Meriones meridianus appeared the dominant species in the nocturnal community of rodents, which accounted for 81.9 % . Regarding the spatial and temporal distributions, rates of R. opimus with fleas appeared fluctuant, with an average rate as 90.7 % and the average total flea index was 10.44. In flea community of R. opimus , Xenopsylla (X.) skrjabini was found the dominant species, popular in distribution and accounted for 47.8 % . The average rate of nocturnal rodents with flea was 20.2 % , with total flea index as 1.20 and the dominant fleas were X. conformis conformis and Nosopsyllus laeviceps . A total of 13 species with 9 087 serum samples from rodents were detected as having Y. pestis antibody by IHA, with 617 positive samples. Of them, the positive rate of having R. opimus appeared the highest (9.4 % ), followed by D. sagitta (1.1 % ). Spatially, two clustered areas were found, with one in the eastern Junggar Basin from Changji to Mulei county, with the antibody positive rates of R. opimus as 14.3 % . The other one was in the central area of Junggar Basin, including Kelamayi, Shawan and Wusu counties, with the antibody positive rate as 13.6 % . The prevalence of plague on R. opimus was fluctuant, with the lowest seen in 2008, with the

Crystal Chemical Controls on Equation of State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, R. M.; McCarthy, A. C.; Downs, R. T.

2007-12-01

Minerals are known to compress through a number of mechanisms, ranging from polyhedral distortion to electronic transitions. Two mechanisms which can produce significant volume decreases are angle-bending and bond compression. The crystal chemical effects of these two mechanisms have been studied and documented for years. With more recent advances in theory and software enabling the accurate determination of bonding topologies, M-O bonding to bridging oxygens has been shown to modify compressibility by changing angle-bending force constants. Minerals that compress mainly through angle-bending tend be soft. Good examples are quartz and cristobalite, minerals composed solely of corner-sharing silicate tetrahedra with bulk moduli of 37 and 12 GPa, respectively. Rock salt structured oxides must compress strictly by bond compression, and are much stiffer - lime and periclase have bulk moduli of 111 and 156 GPa, respectively. Feldspars have bulk moduli intermediate to the above examples. Based solely on the presence of Al-O-Si angles, theoretically softer than Si-O-Si angles, feldspars should be softer than quartz or cristobalite, but the T-O-T angles are stiffened by bonds to interstitial cations. The number and nature of these bonds affects compressibility sufficiently to create exceptions to Bridgman's law, which correlates bulk modulus with ambient unit cell volume in isostructural materials. In this paper, we present new high-pressure refinements of the crystal structures of jadeite, aegirine, and NaGa- clinopyroxene. Bulk moduli of these pyroxenes and all other end-member clinopyroxenes we could find in the literature (19 total) are plotted vs. unit cell volumes to test Bridgman's law. The data fall along two trends, each of which is separately consistent with Bridgman's law. Pyroxenes in one trend are dramatically stiffer than those in the other trend, with bulk moduli that differ by approximately 40 GPa. The only difference between the topologies of the

The Brahmaputra delta and its merger into an accretion wedge in advance of the progressive suturing between India and Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seeber, L.; Ferguson, E. K.; Akhter, S. H.; Steckler, M. S.; Mondal, D. R.; Gale, J.; McHugh, C. M.; Paola, C.; Goodbred, S. L.

2013-12-01

The Tsangpo-Brahmaputra River is coupled with the progressive suturing of continental India with continental Asia. Since the Eocene onset of this ongoing collision, the delta of this river has advanced along the Indian margin in front of the suture. As the collision lifts the suture above sea level, progradation has kept the delta ahead of it, at sea level. The delta itself is confined between the still passive Indian continental margin and the advancing subduction boundary. Within this transition zone, the accretion prismof the active margin advanced progressively onto the delta and transformed it from a subsiding sediment sink to a rising and folding sediment source. The faster the accretionary prism grows, the faster the delta progrades to find new accommodation space; on the other hand, the prism advances faster upstream of the delta front where it finds more sediment to accrete. The strong mutual dependency of these processes represents a delicately balanced feedback between tectonics and sedimentation. The shape of the margin of India before and after the birth of the Dauki-Shillong structure modulates this interaction. We highlight this coupling between tectonics and sedimentation by examining structure and stratigraphy in the active foldbelt close to the current delta in Bangladesh and eastern India using field and published subsurface data. Insights include: 1) The shift of the Dauki boundary from a passive margin to a south-verging blind-thrust front is marked by a Quaternary foredeep. Foredeep growth buried along its axis formerly breached and eroded anticlines. Progressive growth of the buried Dauki fault has exposed this unconformity along the northern flank of the foredeep. 2) The rise and northward tilt of the Shillong/Dauki thrust-anticline during Quaternary is probably the cause of the Brahmaputra River avulsing from east of the massif to north and west of it. The Naga collision and the differential growth of the foldbelt south of the Dauki Fault

Microalgal diversity in relation to the physicochemical parameters of some Industrial sites in Mangalore, South India.

PubMed

Miranda, Jyothi; Krishnakumar, G

2015-11-01

dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, conductivity, temperature, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and the sulphates and the negative correlation with the dissolved oxygen (DO) and Pb2+. The second principal component showed the positive correlation with the pH, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrates and phosphates, and the negative correlation with the TDS, salinity, conductivity, temperature and BOD. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that there were significant (p<0.05) positive and negative relationships between some of the physicochemical parameters and the microalgal species at these sites. The results showed that Calonies bacillum and Pseudanabaena amphigranulata were in close positive association with the pH, DO, COD, chlorides, nitrates and Cu+2 at the third and the fifth sites; the Navicula sphaerophora, Stigonema minutum and Chlamydomonas sphagnicola were in close positive association with the phosphates and the lead at the first, second and the fifth sites; the Anabaena spiroides, Anabaena constricta, Oscillatoria curviceps, Oscillatoria princeps, Spirogyra pratensis, Spirogyra crassa, Aulosira laxa and Micrasterias foliacea were in close positive association with the conductivity and the BOD levels at the fourth site, while the Phormidium acutum, Oedogonium decipiens, Oscillatoria trichoides and Parapediastrum biradiatum were in close positive association with the TDS, salinity, temperature, sulphate and Cr+6 levels at the first and the second sites. Therefore, the variations in the physicochemical parameters in the waters of these habitats are attributed to be the reasons for the differences in the diversity and the distribution of the species. Further, the significant correlations observed between the microalgal species and the physicochemical parameters studied here suggest that the type of pollution can be predicted, based on the structure of the microalgal community.

Hydrobiological characteristics of Shark River estuary, Everglades National Park, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

McPherson, B.F.

1970-01-01

Water quality in the Shark River estuary was strongly influenced by seasonal patterns of rainfall, water level and temperature. During the rainy season (summer and early fall) the salinity in the 20-mile long estuary ranged from that of fresh water to half that of sea water while concentrations of dissolved oxygen were low, 2-5 milligrams per liter (mg/l) presumably because, among other factors, microbial activity and respiration were accelerated by high temperatures (30-33 degrees C). During the dry season (late fall through spring) the salinity ranged from 18 grams per liter (g/l) in the headwaters to 36 g/l at the Gulf during a dry year such as 1967 and from 1 to 25 g/l during a wet year such as 1969. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen increased from 2-3 mg/l in the summer of 1967 to 4-7 mg/l in the winter of 1968, and temperature decreased from an average of about 30 degrees C in summer to 20 degrees C in winter. Water level declined 5 to 10 decimeters in the headwaters during the dry season, and salinity and tidal action increased. Large amounts of submerged vegetation died in some headwater creeks at the end of the dry season, presumably killed by salinities above 3 g/l. The decaying organic matter and the decrease in photosynthesis resulted in low dissolved oxygen (1-2 mg/l). Fish died at this time probably as a result of the low dissolved oxygen. Trace elements, heavy metals and insecticides occurred in the waters of the estuary in concentrations below those indicated as harmful for aquatic life by current standards established by the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration (1968). The insecticides detected were concentrated in sediment and in various organisms. The patterns of distribution of planktonic and small nektonic animals in the estuary were related to salinity. Copepods (Arcatia tonsa, Labidocera aestiva, Pseudodiaptomus coronatus), cumaceans (Cyclaspis sp.), chaetognaths (Sagitta hispida), bay anchovies (Anchoa mitchilli), and scaled

The pre-conceptual design of the nuclear island of ASTRID

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saez, M.; Menou, S.; Uzu, B.

, Intermediate Heat Exchangers, and Decay Heat Exchangers are now under consideration. Under normal conditions, power release is achieved using the steam/water plant (in case of Rankine steam cycle) or the gas plant (in case of Brayton gas cycle). The diverse design and operating modes of Decay Heat Removal systems provide protection against common cause failures. A Decay Heat Removal system through the reactor vault is in particular studied with the objective to complement Direct Reactor Cooling systems. At this stage of the studies, the secondary system comprises four independent sodium loops (two and three sodium loops configurations are also investigated). Each loop includes one mechanical pump (or a large capacity Annular Linear Induction Electromagnetic Pump), and three modular Steam Generator Units characterized by once through straight tube units with a ferritic tube bundle; nevertheless, helical coil steam generator with tubes made of Alloy 800, and inverted type steam generator with a ferritic tube bundle are also investigated. The limited power of each modular Steam Generator Unit allows the whole secondary loop to withstand a large water/sodium reaction consecutive to the postulated simultaneous rupture of all the heat exchange tubes of one module. The arrangement of the components is based on the 'Regain' concept, in which the secondary pump is situated at a low level in the circuit; conventional arrangement, as SUPERPHENIX type, is a back-up option. Alternative arrangements based on gas cycles are also studied together with Na-gas heat exchanger design. This paper presents a status of the ASTRID pre-conceptual design. The most promising options are highlighted as well as less risky and back-up options. (authors)« less

Influence of geology on groundwater-sediment interactions in arsenic enriched tectono-morphic aquifers of the Himalayan Brahmaputra river basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Swati; Mukherjee, Abhijit; Mahanta, Chandan; Choudhury, Runti; Mitra, Kaushik

2016-09-01

The present study interprets the groundwater solute chemistry, hydrogeochemical evolution, arsenic (As) enrichment and aquifer characterization in Brahmaputra River Basin (BRB) involving three geologically and tectono-morphically distinct regions located in northeastern India. These study regions consist of the northwestern (NW) and the northern (N) region, both located along the western and eastern parts of Eastern Himalayas and the southern (S) region (near Indo-Burmese Range and Naga hills) of the Brahmaputra basin which show distinct tectonic settings and sediment provenances in the Himalayan orogenic belt. Stable isotopic composition (δ2H and δ18O) in groundwater suggests that some evaporation may have taken place through recharging of ground water in the study areas. The major-ion composition shows that groundwater composition of the NW and N parts are between Casbnd HCO3 and Casbnd Nasbnd HCO3 while the S-region is dominated by Nasbnd Casbnd HCO3 hydrochemical facies. The major mineralogical composition of aquifer sediments indicates the dominant presence of iron(Fe)-oxide and oxyhydroxides, mica (muscovite and biotite), feldspar, pyroxene, amphibole, abundance of quartz and clay minerals whereas clay is predominantly present in sediments of S-aquifers. These mafic minerals, aluminosilicates and clay minerals might offer available reactive surface for As-adsorption and co-precipitatation with amorphous Fe. These associated adsorbed and co-precipitated As might be released due to reductive dissolution of Fe-oxide and oxyhydroxides in groundwater. These minerals are assumed to be possible sources of As in groundwater. The stability diagrams of groundwater data suggest that solute might have been introduced into groundwater from weathering of K-feldspar, plagioclase, pyroxene of Himalayan rocks, the Siwalik Group and Eastern Syntaxes in NW and N-regions. However, basic cations might be derived from weathering of K-feldspar, plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine

Seismotectonics and rates of active crustal deformation in the Burmese arc and adjacent regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radha Krishna, M.; Sanu, T. D.

2000-11-01

The close vicinity of the Burmese subduction zone to the Himalayan collision zone across northeast India produces complex tectonics giving rise to a high level of seismicity. Using the hypocentral data of shallow earthquakes ( h≤70 km) for the period 1897-1995, a large number of focal mechanism solutions and other geophysical data in correlation with major morphotectonic features in the Burmese arc and the adjoining areas, we identified 12 broad seismogenic zones of relatively homogeneous deformation. Crustal deformation rates have been determined for each one of these sources based on summation of moment tensors. The results indicate that along the Kopili-Bomdila fault zone in eastern Himalaya, the deformation is taken up as a compression of 0.12±0.01 mm/yr along N16° and an extension of 0.05±0.004 mm/yr along N104° direction. The deformation velocities show a NS compression of 18.9±2.5 mm/yr and an EW extension of 17.1±2.2 mm/yr in the Shillong Plateau region, while a compression of 5.4±2.8 mm/yr along N33° is observed in the Tripura fold belt and the Bengal basin region. The vertical component in the Shillong Plateau shows crustal thickening of 2.4±0.3 mm/yr. The deformation velocities in Indo-Burman ranges show a compression of 0.19±0.02 mm/yr along N11° and an extension of 0.17±0.01 mm/yr along N101° in the Naga hills region, a compression of 3.3±0.4 mm/yr along N20° and an extension of 3.1±0.36 mm/yr along N110° in the Chin hills region and a compression of 0.21±0.3 mm/yr in N20° and an extension of 0.18±0.03 mm/yr along N110° in the Arakan-Yoma region. The dominance of strike-slip motions with the P axis oriented on an average along N17° indicate that the Burma platelet may be getting dragged along with the Indian plate and the motion of these two together is accommodated along the Sagaing fault. The velocities estimated along Sagaing transform fault in the back-arc region suggest that the deformation is taken up as an extension of 29

Puerto Rico, humedales [Puerto Rico, wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Adams, D. Briane; Hefner, John M.; Dopazo, Teresa

1999-01-01

descanso y la alimentación de cientos de aves migratorias en ruta entre Norte y Suramérica. Antes del drenaje de los humedales costeros para propósitos agrícolas, pantanos de agua dulce como los de la Laguna Cartagena, Laguna Guánica y Ciénaga El Anegado proveían hábitat a más de 1 00 especies de aves residentes y migratorias . Los humedales de las tierras altas del área central son el último refugio de la cotorra puertorriqueña, una especie en peligro de extinción. Aún los humedales del área metropolitana de San Juan (Laguna La Torrecilla, Torrecilla Baja, Laguna de Piñones hasta Punta Vacía Talega) proveen un hábitat excelente para la vida silvestre, mantienen criaderos de peces de alto valor económico y proveen recreación y oportunidades educativas a la población urbana.Treintiocho especies de vertebrados, moluscos y crustáceos, y 46 especies de aves, algunos raros o en peligro de extinción como la mariquita, el alcatraz, el pato dominicano, el pato silbón y la paloma cabeciblanca han sido observados en el área . También las playas asociadas con estos humedales urbanos proveen sitios de anidaje para las tortugas carey de concha y tinglar, ambas en peligro de extinción (Del Llano y otros, 1986).

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma as a paradigm of cancer genetics

PubMed Central

Simons, Malcolm J.

2011-01-01

The unusual incidence patterns for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in China, Northeast India, Arctic Inuit, Peninsular and island Southeast Asia, Polynesian Islanders, and North Africans indicate a role for NPC risk genes in Chinese, Chinese-related, and not-obviously Chinese-related populations. Renewed interest in NPC genetic risk has been stimulated by a hypothesis that NPC population patterns originated in Bai-Yue / pre-Austronesian–speaking aborigines and were dispersed during the last glacial maximum by Sundaland submersion. Five articles in this issue of the Chinese Journal of Cancer, first presented at a meeting on genetic aspects of NPC [National Cancer Center of Singapore (NCCS), February 20–21, 2010], are directed towards incidence patterns, to early detection of affected individuals within risk populations, and to the application of genetic technology advances to understanding the nature of high risk. Turnbull presents a general framework for understanding population migrations that underlie NPC and similar complex diseases, including other viral cancers. Trejaut et al. apply genetic markers to detail migration from East Asia through Taiwan to the populating of Island Polynesia. Migration dispersal in a westward direction took mongoloid peoples to modern day Northeast India adjacent to Western China (Xinjiang). NPC incidence in mongoloid Nagas ranks amongst the highest in the world, whereas elsewhere in India NPC is uncommon. Cao et al. detail incidence patterns in Southeast China that have occurred over recent decades. Finally, Ji et al. describe the utility of Epstein-Barr virus serostatus in early NPC detection. While genetic risk factors still remain largely unknown, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes have been a focus of attention since the discovery of an HLA association with NPC in 1973 and, two years later, that NPC susceptibility in highest-risk Cantonese involved the co-occurrence of multi-HLA locus combinations of HLA genes as chromosome

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma as a paradigm of cancer genetics.

PubMed

Simons, Malcolm J

2011-02-01

The unusual incidence patterns for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in China, Northeast India, Arctic Inuit, Peninsular and island Southeast Asia, Polynesian Islanders, and North Africans indicate a role for NPC risk genes in Chinese, Chinese-related, and not-obviously Chinese-related populations. Renewed interest in NPC genetic risk has been stimulated by a hypothesis that NPC population patterns originated in Bai-Yue / pre-Austronesian-speaking aborigines and were dispersed during the last glacial maximum by Sundaland submersion. Five articles in this issue of the Chinese Journal of Cancer, first presented at a meeting on genetic aspects of NPC [National Cancer Center of Singapore (NCCS), February 20-21, 2010], are directed towards incidence patterns, to early detection of affected individuals within risk populations, and to the application of genetic technology advances to understanding the nature of high risk. Turnbull presents a general framework for understanding population migrations that underlie NPC and similar complex diseases, including other viral cancers. Trejaut et al. apply genetic markers to detail migration from East Asia through Taiwan to the populating of Island Polynesia. Migration dispersal in a westward direction took mongoloid peoples to modern day Northeast India adjacent to Western China (Xinjiang). NPC incidence in mongoloid Nagas ranks amongst the highest in the world, whereas elsewhere in India NPC is uncommon. Cao et al. detail incidence patterns in Southeast China that have occurred over recent decades. Finally, Ji et al. describe the utility of Epstein-Barr virus serostatus in early NPC detection. While genetic risk factors still remain largely unknown, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes have been a focus of attention since the discovery of an HLA association with NPC in 1973 and, two years later, that NPC susceptibility in highest-risk Cantonese involved the co-occurrence of multi-HLA locus combinations of HLA genes as chromosome

A revision of the Axylus group of Agraeciini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae) and of some other species formerly included in Nicsara or Anthracites Revision of the Indo-Australian Conocephalinae, Part 3.

PubMed

Ingrisch, Sigfrid

2015-11-23

. and E. ornata (Brunner, 1898) comb. nov. (from Axylus); Heminicsara excisa (Karny, 1926) comb. nov., H. insulana (Willemse, 1966) comb. nov., H. schlaginhaufeni (Karny, 1912) comb. nov., and H. viridipes (Karny, 1912) comb. nov. (from Nicsara); Heminicsara castaneipictus (Willemse, 1966) comb. nov., H. insularis (Willemse, 1942) comb. nov., and H. palauensis (Vickery & Kevan, 1999) comb. nov. (from Spinisternum); Heminicsara decipiens (Karny, 1926) comb. nov. and H. griffinii (Karny, 1911) comb. nov. (from Gonatacanthus); Heminicsara novaeguineae (Willemse, 1966) comb. nov. (from Eucoptaspis); Sulasara aethiops (Karny, 1931) comb. nov., S. karnyi (Willemse, 1932) comb. nov., and Sulasara sarasini (Karny, 1931) comb. nov. (from Nicsara); Papuacites nigrifrons (Karny, 1912) comb. nov. and P. nakanaiensis (Naskrecki & Rentz, 2010) comb. nov. (from Anthracites); Paramacroxiphus multispinosa (Bolivar, 1898) comb. nov. (from Nicsara); Palaeoagraecia globiceratus Vickery & Kevan, 1999 comb. nov. (from Macroxiphus). Odontocoryphus pullus Karny, 1907 becomes a new synonym of Macroxiphus sumatranus sumatranus (Haan, 1842). 87 species are described as new: nine species in Axylus: A. brachypterus sp. nov., A. dulang sp. nov., A. furcatus sp. nov., A. mengkoka sp. nov., A. montanus sp. nov., A. negros sp. nov. , A. superior sp. nov., A. totop sp. nov. , A. unicolor sp. nov.; six species in Anthracites: A. bilineatus sp. nov., A. flagellatus sp. nov., A. pyramidalis sp. nov., A. romblon sp. nov., A. sinuatus sp. nov., A. unispinus sp. nov.; four species in Euanthracites: E. bispinus sp. nov., E. eboreus sp. nov., E. ile sp. nov., E. uru sp. nov.; six species in Eucoptaspis: E. adonara sp. nov., E. hexamaculatus sp. nov., E. remotus sp. nov., E. stylatus sp. nov., E. trapezoides sp. nov., E. wawo sp. nov.; eight species in Eulobaspis: E. bacan C.Willemse & Ingrisch sp. nov., E. baduri sp. nov., E. buruensis sp. nov., E. ceramica C.Willemse & Ingrisch sp. nov., E. morotai sp. nov., E

Structures, bonding, and reaction chemistry of the neutral organogallium(I) compounds (GaAr)n(n = 1 or 2) (Ar = terphenyl or related ligand): an experimental investigation of Ga-Ga multiple bonding.

PubMed

Hardman, Ned J; Wright, Robert J; Phillips, Andrew D; Power, Philip P

2003-03-05

with sodium readily gave Na(2)[Ar*GaGaAr*] (13) and Na(2)(Ar'GaGaAr') (14). The former species 13 had been synthesized previously by reduction of GaAr*Cl(2) with sodium and was described as having a Ga-Ga triple bond because of the short Ga-Ga distance and the electronic relationship between [Ar*GaGaAr*](2-) and the corresponding neutral group 14 alkyne analogues. Compound 14 has a similar structure featuring a trans-bent CGaGaC core, bridged by sodiums which were also coordinated to the flanking aryl rings of the Ar' ligands. The Ga-Ga bond length was found to be 2.347(1) A, which is slightly (ca. 0.02 A) longer than that reported for 13. Reaction of Ga[N(Dipp)C(Me)](2)CH, 15 (i.e., GaN(wedge)NDipp(2)), which is sterically related to 1, 4, and 6, with Fe(CO)(5) yielded Dipp(2)N(wedge)NGaFe(CO)(4) (16), whose Ga-Fe bond is slightly longer than that observed in 11. Reaction of the less bulky LiAr"(Ar"= C(6)H(3)-2,6-Mes(2)) with "GaI" afforded the new paramagnetic cluster Ga(11)Ar(4)" (17). The ready dissociation of 1, 4, and 6 in solution, the long Ga-Ga distance in 6, and the chemistry of these compounds showed that the Ga-Ga bonds are significantly weaker than single bonds. The reduction of 1 and 6 with sodium to give 13 and 14 supplies two electrons to the di-gallium unit to generate a single bond (in addition to the weak interaction in the neutral precursor) with retention of the trans-bent geometry. It was concluded that the stability of 13 and 14 depends on the matching size of the sodium ion, and the presence of Na-Ga and Na-Ar interactions that stabilize their Na(2)Ga(2) core structures.

Fourth Light at Paranal!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2000-09-01

VLT YEPUN Joins ANTU, KUEYEN and MELIPAL It was a historical moment last night (September 3 - 4, 2000) in the VLT Control Room at the Paranal Observatory , after nearly 15 years of hard work. Finally, four teams of astronomers and engineers were sitting at the terminals - and each team with access to an 8.2-m telescope! From now on, the powerful "Paranal Quartet" will be observing night after night, with a combined mirror surface of more than 210 m 2. And beginning next year, some of them will be linked to form part of the unique VLT Interferometer with unparalleled sensitivity and image sharpness. YEPUN "First Light" Early in the evening, the fourth 8.2-m Unit Telescope, YEPUN , was pointed to the sky for the first time and successfully achieved "First Light". Following a few technical exposures, a series of "first light" photos was made of several astronomical objects with the VLT Test Camera. This instrument was also used for the three previous "First Light" events for ANTU ( May 1998 ), KUEYEN ( March 1999 ) and MELIPAL ( January 2000 ). These images served to evaluate provisionally the performance of the new telescope, mainly in terms of mechanical and optical quality. The ESO staff were very pleased with the results and pronounced YEPUN fit for the subsequent commissioning phase. When the name YEPUN was first given to the fourth VLT Unit Telescope, it was supposed to mean "Sirius" in the Mapuche language. However, doubts have since arisen about this translation and a detailed investigation now indicates that the correct meaning is "Venus" (as the Evening Star). For a detailed explanation, please consult the essay On the Meaning of "YEPUN" , now available at the ESO website. The first images At 21:39 hrs local time (01:39 UT), YEPUN was turned to point in the direction of a dense Milky Way field, near the border between the constellations Sagitta (The Arrow) and Aquila (The Eagle). A guide star was acquired and the active optics system quickly optimized the