Studies on the major seed proteins of some grain crops

The general properties, classification and distribution of plant proteins are discussed within an agricultural context and the protein content and composition of several grain crops are tabulated. The major proteins of legume seeds are salt soluble proteins (i.e. globulins) and the methodology for their extraction, separation and characterisation is reviewed. The structure, location and distribution of legume globulins are described and the properties of various purified legume globulins are compared. The major seed proteins of Pisum sativum are legumin and vicilin and seed globulins with properties similar to those of legumin and vicilin have been extracted from other legumes. The isolation and partial characterisation of vicilin-like proteins from seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna vinguiaulata and of legumin-like proteins from these two species and Phaseolus aureus is described. The potential usefulness of the examination of seed proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to taxonomic problems in Phaseolus and Vigna is investigated and the data obtained are discussed in relation to recent re-classifications of the species. Procedures for the extraction and partial characterisation of proteins from an archaeological sample of maize grains are described and the proteins from this sample are compared with the proteins from a modern variety of maize. It is suggested that protein data from archaeological samples could be useful in studies of crop plant origins and in cultural studies, and that the procedures employed may be applicable to archaeological samples of other grains. Nutritional aspects of plant proteins are discussed briefly. A possible strategy for the improvement of the sulphur amino acid content of legumes with a relatively low legumin content is suggested and it is demonstrated that polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis may provide a basis for a screening procedure for protein quality in legume breeding programmes

The bathymetry of Lake St Clair, western central Tasmania

A bathymetrical survey of Lake SL Clair, conducted in January 1965, is described, together with the method of construction of a bathymetric chart. The relationship of the morphology of the lake-bed to lithology, structure and the form of the Pleistocene St Clair glacier are discussed. A series of retreat stages of this glacier is deduced

Firm growth and the illusion of randomness

This paper shows that randomness can be an artefact of the methods used to examine firm performance. It questions the recent equating of entrepreneurship with gambling based on the assumption of random firm performance. It shows that complexity science provides a useful alternative perspective on randomness in relation to firm performance

Understanding the failure to understand New Product Development failures: mitigating the uncertainty associated with innovating new products by combining scenario planning and forecasting

In this paper we show that New Product Development (NPD) is subject to fundamental uncertainty that is both epistemic and ontic in nature. We argue that this uncertainty cannot be mitigated using forecasting techniques exclusively, because these are most useful in circumstances characteristic of probabilistic risk, as distinct from non-probabilistic uncertainty. We show that the mitigation of uncertainty in relation to NPD requires techniques able to take account of the socio-economic factors that can combine to cause present assumptions about future demand conditions to be incorrect. This can be achieved through an Intuitive Logics (IL) scenario planning process designed specifically to mitigate uncertainty associated with NPD by incorporating insights from both quantitative modelling alongside consideration of political, social, technological and legal factors, as-well-as stakeholder motivations that are central to successful NPD. In this paper we therefore achieve three objectives: 1) identify the aspects of the current IL process salient to mitigating the uncertainty of NPD 2) show how advances in diffusion modelling can be used to identify the social-network and contagion effects that lead to a product’s full diffusion 3) show how the IL process can be further enhanced to facilitate detailed consideration of the factors enabling and inhibiting initial market-acceptance, and then the forecasted full diffusion of a considered new product. We provide a step-by-step guide to the implementation of this adapted IL scenario planning process designed specifically to mitigate uncertainty in relation to NPD. Keywords: new product development; fundamental uncertainty; scenario planning; forecastin

Enhancing Horizon Scanning by utilizing pre-developed scenarios: analysis of current practice and specification of a process improvement to aid the identification of important 'weak signals'

This paper documents the Intuitive Logics scenario planning process and its relationship with horizon scanning activity in order to evaluate the separate and joint usefulness of these methods for anticipating the future. The specific objectives of this paper are to: (i) identify and differentiate scenario planning and horizon scanning methodologies (ii) discuss & evaluate their analytic underpinnings, and (iii) critically appraise their separate and combined value and effectiveness in relation to enhancing organizational preparedness for the future. Our analysis culminates with specifications to (iv) enhance the identification of ’weak signals’ in Horizon Scanning by utilizing a systematically broadened range of both negatively-valenced and positively-valenced scenario storylines

Compulsive sexual behavior: A review of the literature

Background and aims Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a common disorder featuring repetitive, intrusive and distressing sexual thoughts, urges and behaviors that negatively affect many aspects of an individual’s life. This article reviews the clinical characteristics of CSB, cognitive aspects of the behaviors, and treatment options. Methods We reviewed the literature regarding the clinical aspects of CSB and treatment approaches. Results The literature review of the clinical aspects of CSB demonstrates that there is likely a substantial heterogeneity within the disorder. In addition, the treatment literature lacks sufficient evidence-based approaches to develop a clear treatment algorithm. Conclusions Although discussed in the psychological literature for years, CSB continues to defy easy categorization within mental health. Further research needs to be completed to understand where CSB falls within the psychiatric nosology

Neurocognitive findings in compulsive sexual behavior: A preliminary study

Background and aims Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a common behavior affecting 3–6% of the population, characterized by repetitive and intrusive sexual urges or behaviors that typically cause negative social and emotional consequences. Methods For this small pilot study on neurological data, we compared 13 individuals with CSB and gender- matched healthy controls on diagnostic assessments and computerized neurocognitive testing. Results No significant differences were found between the groups. Conclusions These data contradict a common hypothesis that CSB is cognitively different from those without psychiatric comorbidities as well as previous research on impulse control disorders and alcohol dependence. Further research is needed to better understand and classify CSB based on these findings

The British Dietetic Association Ltd

Abstract Background For women, delayed conception and recurrent pregnant loss are just a few of the health implications associated with a caffeine-rich diet (Mol. Hum. Reprod., 11, 357). At present there is a deficit of prospective research measuring current habitual intakes of caffeine in UK women. The purpose of the current study was to collect up-to-date baseline data to assess caffeine intake and knowledge in a group of women (aged 16-45 years)