Studies on Genetic Variability and Heritability in Bulb Onion (Allium cepa L.) in North-Western Plains of India

A study on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance was carried out in bulb onion for 13 traits using 43 accessions. The range of variation was highest for bolting (0 to 51.30%), followed by days to maturity (110 to 155 days) and bulb weight (44 to 87.03g). Values for phenotypic coefficient of variation were higher than corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters studied. Higher heritability estimates were obtained for plant height, leaf length, days to maturity, number of scales per bulb, polar diameter, equatorial diameter and TSS. Bolting, bulb weight, neck-to-bulb ratio and the lachrymatory factor showed moderate heritability, while, lowest values were observed for leaf girth and number of leaves per plant. Genetic advance varied from 0.06 to 21.82 for leaf girth and bolting, respectively

Insight into Two ABC Transporter Families Involved in Lantibiotic Resistance

Antimicrobial peptides, which contain (methyl)-lanthionine-rings are called lantibiotics. They are produced by several Gram-positive bacteria and are mainly active against these bacteria. Although these are highly potent antimicrobials, some human pathogenic bacteria express specific ABC transporters that confer resistance and counteract their antimicrobial activity. Two distinct ABC transporter families are known to be involved in this process. These are the Cpr- and Bce-type ABC transporter families, named after their involvement in cationic peptide resistance in Clostridium difficile, and bacitracin efflux in Bacillus subtilis, respectively. Both resistance systems differentiate to each other in terms of the proteins involved. Here, we summarize the current knowledge and describe the divergence as well as the common features present in both the systems to confer lantibiotic resistance

Two neutrino positron double beta decay of 106^{106}Cd for 0+→0+0^+ \to 0^+ transition

The two neutrino positron double beta decay of $^{106}$Cd for 0$^{+} \to$ 0$^{+}$ transition has been studied in the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov model in conjunction with the summation method. In the first step, the reliability of the intrinsic wave functions of $^{106}$Cd and $^{106}$Pd nuclei has been tested by comparing the theoretically calculated results for yrast spectra, reduced $B(E2$:$0^{+}\to 2^{+})$ transition probabilities, quadrupole moments $Q(2^{+})$ and gyromagnetic factors $g(2^{+})$ with the available experimental data. In the second step, the nuclear transition matrix element $M_{2\nu}$ and the half-life $T_{1/2}^{2\nu}$ for 0$^{+}\to$ 0$^{+}$ transition have been calculated with these wave functions. Moreover, we have studied the effect of deformation on nuclear transition matrix element M$_{2\nu}.$Comment: 20 page

The effect of prey identity and substrate type on the functional response of a globally invasive crayfish

Biological invasions threaten biodiversity on a global scale, therefore, developing predictive methods to understand variation in ecological change conferred is essential. Trophic interaction strength underpins community dynamics, however, these interactions can be profoundly affected by abiotic context, such as substrate type. The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) has successfully invaded a number of freshwater ecosystems. We experimentally derive the Functional Response (FR) (density dependent predation) of the red swamp crayfish preying upon both a benthic prey; chironomid larvae, and a pelagic prey; Daphnia magna, on a no substrate control, sand, and gravel substrates to determine whether (1) there is a higher impact on prey that are benthic, and (2) whether the presence of different substrate types can dampen the interaction strength. We apply and demonstrate the utility of the Functional Response Ratio (FRR) metric in unravelling differences in ecological impact not obvious from traditional FR curves. Procambarus clarkii is capable of constantly utilising high numbers of both benthic and pelagic prey items, showing a Type II functional response under all scenarios. The presence of gravel and sand substrate each independently decreased the magnitude FR upon D. magna. Though, with regards to chironomid larvae the FR curves showed no difference in magnitude FR, the FRR reveals that the highest impact is conferred when foraging on sand substrate. This reinforces the need for impact assessments to be contextually relevant

Geography : the state of the discipline in South Africa (2000 - 2001)

The research team presents the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the status and role of Geography as an academic discipline in South Africa. The paper begins by placing the discipline in historical and epistemological context. Extensive and intensive interviews were conducted with geographers at all South African universities and, on a smaller scale, in the workplace. Information was also gleaned from an array of documents. Comments on the characteristics of university departments, general school education, the geography research environment the geographer in the workplace are given. Emerging trends, many of which relate to recent socio-political change, show that contemporary emphasis is on applied geography, specific fields of specialisation, the accommodation of Environmental Science and Environmental Management, skills training and on curriculum development with a marked vocational orientation. As geographers continue addressing national and international environmental and social issues in their professional endeavours, they are alerted to critical concerns voiced with conviction by practising geographers. In the final analysis a positive conclusion is reached and the academic merit and status of the discipline is confirmed

An evaluation of the current extent and potential spread of Black Bass invasions in South Africa

Black Bass, a collective name for members of the centrarchid genus Micropterus, are native to North America, but have been introduced globally to enhance recreational angling. This study assessed the distribution of Micropterus salmoides, M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus in South Africa using both formal (survey-based) and informal (tournament data and social media) information sources. Analysis of the distribution data showed habitat bias between the data sources. Survey data from formal information sources were dominated by locality records in riverine environments while those derived from informal information sources focused more on lacustrine habitats. Presence data were used to develop niche models to identify suitable areas for their establishment. The predicted distribution range of M. salmoides revealed a broad suitability over most of South Africa, however, the Cape Fold Ecoregion and all coastal regions were most suitable for the establishment for both M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus. Flow accumulation and precipitation of coldest quarter were the most important environmental variables associated with the presence of all Black Bass species in South Africa. In addition, anthropogenic disturbance such as agricultural activities were associated with the presence of both Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass. An extensive area-based invasion debt was observed for all Micropterus spp. The potential for further spread of Black Bass in South Africa is of ecological concern because of their impact on native biota

Electrical characterization of high k-dielectrics for 4H-SiC MIS devices

We report promising results regarding the possible use of AlN or Al 2 O 3 as a gate dielectric in 4H-SiC MISFETs. The crystalline AlN films are grown by hot wall metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at 1100 \ub0C. The amorphous Al 2 O 3 films are grown by repeated deposition and subsequent low temperature (200 \ub0C) oxidation of thin Al layers using a hot plate. Our investigation shows a very low density of interface traps at the AlN/4H-SiC and the Al 2 O 3 /4H-SiC interface estimated from capacitance-voltage (CV) analysis of MIS capacitors. Current-voltage (IV) analysis shows that the breakdown electric field across the AlN or Al 2 O 3 is ∼ 3 MV/cm or ∼ 5 MV/cm respectively. By depositing an additional SiO 2 layer by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition at 300 \ub0C on top of the AlN or Al 2 O 3 layers, it is possible to increase the breakdown voltage of the MIS capacitors significantly without having pronounced impact on the quality of the AlN/SiC or Al 2 O 3 /SiC interfaces

Nuclear deformation and the two neutrino double-\beta decay in ^{124,126}Xe,^{128,130}Te, ^{130,132}Ba and ^{150}Nd isotopes

The two neutrino double beta decay of $^{124,126}$Xe,$^{128,130}$Te, $^{130,132}$Ba and $^{150}$Nd isotopes is studied in the Projected Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (PHFB) model. Theoretical 2$\nu$ $\beta^{-}\beta ^{-}$ half-lives of $^{128,130}$Te, and $^{150}$Nd isotopes, and 2$\nu \beta^{+}\beta^{+}$, 2$\nu$ $\beta^{+}EC$ and 2$\nu$ $ECEC$ for $^{124,126}$Xe and $^{130,132}$Ba nuclei are presented. Calculated quadrupolar transition probabilities B(E2: $0^+\to 2^+$), static quadrupole moments and $g$ factors in the parent and daughter nuclei reproduce the experimental information, validating the reliability of the model wave functions. The anticorrelation between nuclear deformation and the nuclear transition matrix element $M_{2\nu}$ is confirmed.Comment: 19 page

Profile: Agincourt health and socio-demographic surveillance system.

The Agincourt health and socio-demographic surveillance system (HDSS), located in rural northeast South Africa close to the Mozambique border, was established in 1992 to support district health systems development led by the post-apartheid ministry of health. The HDSS (90 000 people), based on an annual update of resident status and vital events, now supports multiple investigations into the causes and consequences of complex health, population and social transitions. Observational work includes cohorts focusing on different stages along the life course, evaluation of national policy at population, household and individual levels and examination of household responses to shocks and stresses and the resulting pathways influencing health and well-being. Trials target children and adolescents, including promoting psycho-social well-being, preventing HIV transmission and reducing metabolic disease risk. Efforts to enhance the research platform include using automated measurement techniques to estimate cause of death by verbal autopsy, full 'reconciliation' of in- and out-migrations, follow-up of migrants departing the study area, recording of extra-household social connections and linkage of individual HDSS records with those from sub-district clinics. Fostering effective collaborations (including INDEPTH multi-centre work in adult health and ageing and migration and urbanization), ensuring cross-site compatibility of common variables and optimizing public access to HDSS data are priorities