Crystal structure of 2′-hydroxyaceto-phenone 4-methylthiosemicarbazide

Support for this project came from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) under their Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS No. 9419400), Malaysian Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS No. 5524425) and the ScienceFund (Science Fund No. 5450726). We also thank Siti Khadijah Densabali for collecting the X-ray data. JJ wishes to acknowledge the Malaysian Government for sponsorship under the SGRA Scheme.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Genetic identification of four Malaysian mackerel species off Coast of Peninsular Malaysia based on molecular marker

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and cytochrome b (Cyt-b) gene sequences were utilized to fingerprint and construct phylogenetic relationships among four species of mackerel commonly found in the Straits of Malacca namely Rastrelliger kanagurta, R. brachysoma, Decapterus maruadsi and D. russelli. The UPGMA dendogram and genetic distance clearly showed that the individuals clustered into their own genus and species except for the Decapterus. These results were also supported by partial mtDNA cytochrome b gene sequences (279 bp) which found monotypic sequence for all Decapterus studied. Cytochrome b sequence phylogeny generated through Neighbor Joining (NJ) method was congruent with RAPD data. Results showed clear discrimination between both genera with average nucleotide divergence about 25.43%. This marker also demonstrated R. brachysoma and R. kanagurta as distinct species separated with average nucleotide divergence about 2.76%. However, based on BLAST analysis, this study indicated that the fish initially identified as D. maruadsi was actually D. russelli. The results highlighted the importance of genetic analysis for taxonomic validation, in addition to morphological traits

The impact of Filipino muslim ethnic migration into Sabah on ASEAN integration

Migration among ASEAN countries is not new and Sabah is one of the states in Malaysia that faces this phenomenon. Even prior to independence, Sabah had already been receiving immigrants from ASEAN countries. This study aims at analysing Muslim ethnic migration from the Philippines into Sabah and its impact onto ASEAN integration. This study was qualitatively conducted using content analysis instrument and found that the migration has created a multi-ethnic Muslim community in Sabah, making Sabah as an exemplary multi-ethnic state where the different ethnics can live in harmony. Indirectly, Sabah can become a model to other ASEAN countries which have a multiracial population. This is in line with the desirable declaration to form the ASEAN Community. Simultaneously, Sabah can become a link or medium that foster ASEAN inter-member relations, especially between the Philippines and Malaysia in line with the ASEAN community integration agenda

Keragaman Baru pada Daerah Ujung Gen Hormon Pertumbuhan Sapi Pesisir Ternak Lokal Sumatera Barat

Dari 210 sampel sapi pesisisir umur 1,5 tahun, dipilih 60 sample berdasarkan berat badan yaitu 30 sampel dengan berat tinggi (125±9,02 kg) dan 30 sampel dengan berat badan rendah (65±6,09 kg). Sampel darah 60 ekor sapi diisolasi dan produk PCR dari fragmen gen GH (455 bp) disekuensing forward dan reserve. Dua dilesi ditemukan pada posisi 2731 dan 2732 dengan fekuensi allel 0.06, dan 0.19. Delapan mutasi ditemukan pada posisi 2537, 2567, 2639, 2647, 2706, 2713, 2732, dan 2813 dengan genotipe G → T, G → T, C → G, T → C, A → G, C → T, C → T, C → A dengan frekuensi allel berturut-turut 0,66; 0,97; 1,00; 0,54; 0,37; 0,62; 0,77 dan 1,00. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan gen GH pada sapi pesisir mempunyai keragaman yang tinggi, sehingga perlu dilakukan penelitian lanjut untuk mengetahui apakah keragaman ini berhubungan dengaan sifat-sifat produksi

BAC-derived diagnostic markers for sex determination in asparagus

A HindIII BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) library of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) was established from a single male plant homozygous for the male flowering gene (MM). The library represents approximately 5.5 haploid genome equivalents with an average insert size of 82 kb. A subset of the library (2.6 haploid genome equivalents) was arranged into DNA pools. Using nine sex-linked amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and two sequence-tagged site (STS) markers, 13 different BAC clones were identified from this part of the library. The BACs were arranged into a first-generation physical map around the sex locus. Four PCR-derived markers were developed from the BAC ends, one of which could be scored in a co-dominant way. Using a mapping population of 802 plants we mapped the BAC-derived markers to the same position close to the M gene as the corresponding AFLP and STS markers. The markers are useful for further chromosome walking studies and as diagnos tic markers for selecting male plants homozygous for the M gene

Astrolabe as portal to the universe, inventions across civilizations

This article overviews the history of astrolabe invention from early Greek astronomy until the peak of the golden age of Islamic astronomy (al-falaq). It also highlights the importance of the astrolabe as the key to learning about the universe, an instrument which outlasted civilisations, both Islamic and non-Islamic, as the key to learning about the Universe. The research method used is qualitative and involved document analysis and observations of works on astrolabes done by numerous scholars in order to obtain data on use of this device in astronomy. History and Islamic astronomy sources were referenced to understand the significant use of this device. The astrolabe is a perpetuity analogue device for astronomical calculation and observation. The concept behind the astrolabe became a foundation for development of the latest digital astronomical devices and it became a symbol of the inventiveness of Islamic civilization scholars since the Muslims used it the longest. Thus, knowledge of the astrolabe's evolution should be documented as one of the glorious achievements of the Islamic civilisation in efforts to galvanize and intensify related fields such as the development of Islamic astronomy in Malaysia

Flexibility of takharuj principle in solving the inheritance issues

The flexibility contained in Islamic inheritance law through the takharuj principle is less publicized as a significant approach in facing problems in Muslim inheritance distribution, specifically in Malaysia. The impact from not understanding the takharuj principle in Islamic inheritance law is the society's over-dependence on faraid which is exposed to constraints besetting distribution, at once inhibiting the smooth management for solutions. This situation contributes to an immense accumulated value of unclaimed inheritance property from year to year. Accordingly, the principle of takharuj in inheritance law needs to be implemented wisely and prudently in order that the goal of maintaining benefit and eliminating harm or loss may be accomplished. Research results show that the application of takharuj in solving distribution issues of Muslim inheritance is permissible in Shariah and enables dealing with various problems related to distribution, among them, the difficulty of physical division of property due to sharing by a large number of heirs, existing statutory constraints, increase in cost due to double registration and delay in settling of distribution due to negative attitude of beneficiries leading to munasakhat (complex calculations in layered deaths) cases. Essentially, the principle of takharuj allows the rightful heirs the option and leeway to distribute property in the best manner consistent with Shariah and inheritance laws