Sexual reproduction of yellow ecotype of Neurospora intermedia in nature

The vegetative stage of yellow ecotype of Neurospora intermedia occurs on various substrates but there has been no evidence of its telomorphic stage in nature. This paper presents evidence for the sexual reproduction of this ecotype in nature on maize cobs

Stability factor and heterosis for yield and yield determinants over environments in Indian rapeseed, Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson

Forty-four yellow sarson hybrids developed by line x testers mating design (3 pistillate lines x 9 male parents) were studied along with parents and a standard check for heterosis of yield determinant characters in two environments [Genetics and Plant Breeding Farm (E1), Kumarganj and CRS, Masodha (E2)]. Significant desired heterobeltiosis ranged from 4.52 to 44.86 per cent in E1 and 13.42 to 62.07 per cent in E2 while, standard heterosis ranged from -6.64 to 23.01 per cent in E1 and -6.30 to 21.85 per cent for seed yield plant-1 . Other characters also showed considerable heterosis over better parent and standard check. The crosses L2 x T1 and L3 x T1 were identified as potential for commercial exploitation of heterosis both for seed yield plant-1 and oil content. High heterotic hybrids in both the environments viz., L8 x T1 and L9 x T1 showed stability in performance for nine characters including seed yield plant-1 where as among parent NDYS-141 showed near unity ratio of stability factor for five characters. L9 x T1 followed by L8 x T1 could be identified as most promising crosses on the basis of stability, per se performance, standard heterosis, high GCA and significant SCA effects

Population dynamics of mycorrhizal fungi in rhizosphere of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

Soil samples collected from the rhizosphere of Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] to evaluate the population dynamics of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM). Root colonization by native VAM fungi was recorded minimum in early stages of plant growth which significantly increased with the age of plants and became highest at maturity. Maximum VAM colonization in different blocks of the district ranged between 71-86% during both the years. Spore population was recorded maximum in soil samples collected at early stage of plant growth which significantly decreased of VAM fungi belonging 4 genera (Glomus sclerocystis, Acaulospora endogen) were identified. Among these Glomus mosseae and Sclerocystis rubiformis were found most dominating and widely distributed in all the blocks followed by Acaulospora longula  and Sclerocystis clavispora  which were distributed only in 12 blocks of the district. Acaulospora spinosa and Glomus diaphanum were recorded only from two blocks and their prevalence were least. Colonization per cent have negative correlation with spore density at different crop growth stages

Parallel software tools at Langley Research Center

This document gives a brief overview of parallel software tools available on the Intel iPSC/860 parallel computer at Langley Research Center. It is intended to provide a source of information that is somewhat more concise than vendor-supplied material on the purpose and use of various tools. Each of the chapters on tools is organized in a similar manner covering an overview of the functionality, access information, how to effectively use the tool, observations about the tool and how it compares to similar software, known problems or shortfalls with the software, and reference documentation. It is primarily intended for users of the iPSC/860 at Langley Research Center and is appropriate for both the experienced and novice user

Turning the co-production corner: methodological reflections from an action research project to promote LGBT inclusion in care homes for older people

Background: Older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) residents are often invisible in long-term care settings. This article presents findings from a community-based action research project, which attempted to address this invisibility through co-produced research with LGBT community members. Particular Question: What conditions enable co-produced research to emerge in long-term residential care settings for older people? Aims of Project: To analyse outcomes and challenges of action-oriented, co-produced research in the given context. In particular, we explore how co-production as a collaborative approach to action-orientated research can emerge during the research/fieldwork process; and reflect critically on the ethics and effectiveness of this approach in advancing inclusion in context. Methods: The project was implemented across six residential care homes in England. Reflections are based on qualitative evaluation data gathered pre- and postproject, which includes 37 interviews with care home staff, managers and community advisors (two of whom are co-authors). Results and Conclusions: We discuss how the co-production turn emerged during research and evaluate how the politics of this approach helped advance inclusion—itself crucial to well-being. We argue for the value of co-produced research in instigating organizational change in older people’s care environments and of non-didactic storytelling in LGBT awareness raising amongst staff

Mycorrhizal population of Indian mustard at different location of district Baharaich, Uttar Pradesh

Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)Czern & Coss.] to evaluate the population dynamics of VA mycorrhizae. Root colonization in this crop varied from 27.53% to 43.53% at different places of district Baharaich of Uttar Pradesh, while spore population ranged between 100 to 380 per 100 g soil in different samples. Maximum colonization and spore population were observed in block Shivpur followed by Mihinpurwa and Huzurpur but these were at par. Sixteen species of VAM fungi belonging to 4 different genera were identified. Among these Glomus mosseae and Glomus fasciculatum were found most dominating and distributed in 10 blocks followed by Acaulospora longula and Sclerocystis rubiformis which were distributed only in 7 blocks of the district. VAM fungi  Acaulospora elegans and Acaulospora sporocarpa were found only in block Nanpara. Colonization per cent has significant and positive correlation with spore density. Physico-chemical properties of the soil specially pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium influence the population dynamics and colonization of VA mycorrhiza in mustard crops

Using a treatment partner and text messaging to improve adherence to psychotropic medication: A qualitative formative study of service users and caregivers in Cape Town, South Africa

Objective: Poor adherence to medications, including psychotropic medications contributes to the burden of disease. Mental health service users (MHSU) may also not attend follow-up appointments at their health care facilities where they could discuss adherence with their health care provider. This paper reports on preliminary qualitative research preceding a randomised controlled trial that aims to improve adherence to psychotropic medication and to follow up treatment visits. The intervention will entail the support of individuals with serious mental disorder by a treatment partner and short message service (SMS) text messaging. Methods: The preliminary research reported in this paper aimed to extract views about the intervention from both mental health service users (MHSU) and caregivers through focus group discussions and individual interviews. Data were analysed using ATLAS TI qualitative software.Results: The caregivers interviewed were all mothers of MHSU who took measures to encourage adherence. They held mixed opinions on whether the treatment partner should be a family member. Most participants expressed the view that due to living conditions, family members were natural treatment partners, but others stated that they would prefer a treatment partner who was not a family member. Similarly, while most MHSU supported the idea of a treatment partner, a minority were concerned that a treatment partner may potentially be too controlling and compromise their autonomy. The vast majority of participants supported SMS text messaging as a means of reminding MHSU to take their medication and attend followup appointments. One participant mentioned the importance of broader social inclusion issues that should be  incorporated in the intervention.Conclusion: Qualitative research may provide useful insights for the design of interventions of this nature related to social inclusion randomised control trials with its focus on adherence.Keywords: Mental illness; Treatment partner; Social inclusion; Community care; Mobile phone