Heterogeneity in Ty1-copia group of retroelements in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genome

Retrotransposons constitute a major fraction of plant genomes and these elements may have played a significant role in evolution and sequence organization of genomes. In order to access the diversity of Ty1-copia group of retroelements, reverse transcriptase (RT) sequences were amplified from chickpea genome, using the primers derived from two conserved domains of RT region. Thirty-six RT regions from independent amplicons were cloned and sequenced. On the basis of homology of deduced amino acids, the RT sequences could be grouped into three major families. The intra-family divergence at amino acid level ranges from 2 to 19%. Though intra-family RT sequences were conserved but no two sequences were identical. The results indicate a high degree of heterogeneity among the Ty1-copia group of retroelements from chickpea. It was possible to isolate RT specific sequences from RNA isolated from stressed seedlings, indicating that some of the retroelements may be functional under certain stress conditions

On Differential Effects of the Shock Wave in Conducting Fluid

The differential effects of the shock wave in conducting fluid have been discussed purely a vector technique. While discussing the vorticity and current density generated behind shock wave, it has been observed that the vorticity depends on the thermodynamical behaviour of the fluid

GNSS in Precision Agricultural Operations

Today, there are two Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) that are fully operational and commercially available to provide all-weather guidance virtually 24 h a day anywhere on the surface of the earth. GNSS are the collection of localization systems that use satellites to know the location of a user receiver in a global (Earth-centered) coordinate system and this has become the positioning system of choice for precision agriculture technologies. At present North American Positioning System known as Navigation by Satellite Timing and Ranging Global Position System (NAVSTAR GPS or simply GPS) and Russian Positioning System known as Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema or Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) both qualify as GNSS. Two other satellite localization systems, Galileo (European Union) and Compass (Chinese), are expected to achieve full global coverage capability by 2020. Detailed information on GNSS technology is plentiful, and there are many books that provide a complete description of these navigation systems [9- 11]. But the focus of this chapter is on the applications of GPS in agricultural operations. These applications include positioning of operating machines, soil sampling, variable rate application and vehicle guidance.Comisión Europea FP7/2007-201

The limits of filopodium stability

Filopodia are long, finger-like membrane tubes supported by cytoskeletal filaments. Their shape is determined by the stiffness of the actin filament bundles found inside them and by the interplay between the surface tension and bending rigidity of the membrane. Although one might expect the Euler buckling instability to limit the length of filopodia, we show through simple energetic considerations that this is in general not the case. By further analyzing the statics of filaments inside membrane tubes, and through computer simulations that capture membrane and filament fluctuations, we show under which conditions filopodia of arbitrary lengths are stable. We discuss several in vitro experiments where this kind of stability has already been observed. Furthermore, we predict that the filaments in long, stable filopodia adopt a helical shape

Pharmaceutical evaluation of Madhutailika Basti formulation prepared by Classical and Modified Methods

Madhutailika Basti’, is a type of ‘Aasthapana Basti’ also termed as ‘Niruha Basti’. The formulation of Madhutailika Basti comprises of Madhu, Lavana, Taila, Kalka and Kwatha. These ingredients are not easily miscible with each other. But to get the optimum therapeutic action from the formulation homogenious mixture of ingredients is necessary.Homogeneity of final mixture is assessed with certain features like, non- spreading, not-staying as a lump, not retaining its markings when it is placed on the palm.As this process needs creation of vigorous shear force within the mass material usage of sophisticated equipment for mixing may make the preparation processing easier and convenient, especially in large scale work.Hence it is planned to conduct the study on Madhutailika Basti formulation prepared by classical and modified methods. An effort is been put to know the reason behind serial order of mixing and difference between classical and modified methods of mixing Madhutailika Basti formulation

Validation of a laboratory method for evaluating dynamic properties of reconstructed equine racetrack surfaces.

BackgroundRacetrack surface is a risk factor for racehorse injuries and fatalities. Current research indicates that race surface mechanical properties may be influenced by material composition, moisture content, temperature, and maintenance. Race surface mechanical testing in a controlled laboratory setting would allow for objective evaluation of dynamic properties of surface and factors that affect surface behavior.ObjectiveTo develop a method for reconstruction of race surfaces in the laboratory and validate the method by comparison with racetrack measurements of dynamic surface properties.MethodsTrack-testing device (TTD) impact tests were conducted to simulate equine hoof impact on dirt and synthetic race surfaces; tests were performed both in situ (racetrack) and using laboratory reconstructions of harvested surface materials. Clegg Hammer in situ measurements were used to guide surface reconstruction in the laboratory. Dynamic surface properties were compared between in situ and laboratory settings. Relationships between racetrack TTD and Clegg Hammer measurements were analyzed using stepwise multiple linear regression.ResultsMost dynamic surface property setting differences (racetrack-laboratory) were small relative to surface material type differences (dirt-synthetic). Clegg Hammer measurements were more strongly correlated with TTD measurements on the synthetic surface than the dirt surface. On the dirt surface, Clegg Hammer decelerations were negatively correlated with TTD forces.ConclusionsLaboratory reconstruction of racetrack surfaces guided by Clegg Hammer measurements yielded TTD impact measurements similar to in situ values. The negative correlation between TTD and Clegg Hammer measurements confirms the importance of instrument mass when drawing conclusions from testing results. Lighter impact devices may be less appropriate for assessing dynamic surface properties compared to testing equipment designed to simulate hoof impact (TTD).Potential relevanceDynamic impact properties of race surfaces can be evaluated in a laboratory setting, allowing for further study of factors affecting surface behavior under controlled conditions

Investigation of complete and incomplete fusion in 7^{7}Li+124^{124}Sn reaction around Coulomb barrier energies

The complete and incomplete fusion cross sections for $^{7}$Li+$^{124}$Sn reaction were measured using online and offline characteristic $\gamma$-ray detection techniques. The complete fusion (CF) cross sections at energies above the Coulomb barrier were found to be suppressed by $\sim$ 26 \% compared to the coupled channel calculations. This suppression observed in complete fusion cross sections is found to be commensurate with the measured total incomplete fusion (ICF) cross sections. There is a distinct feature observed in the ICF cross sections, i.e., $\textit{t}$-capture is found to be dominant than $\alpha$-capture at all the measured energies. A simultaneous explanation of complete, incomplete and total fusion (TF) data was also obtained from the calculations based on Continuum Discretized Coupled Channel method with short range imaginary potentials. The cross section ratios of CF/TF and ICF/TF obtained from the data as well as the calculations showed the dominance of ICF at below barrier energies and CF at above barrier energies.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figure

Plant species composition and product utility pattern of Garo homegardens in Meghalaya, India

Home garden is a traditional landuse system practiced by many rural households in the tropical region. The composition and management practices within homegardens are largely driven by cultural setup and ecological conditions. The present study characterized the plant species composition, utility patterns and management of  Garo homegardens in Dadenggre block, West Garo Hill district of Meghalaya, India. Fifty households from 5 villages were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The homegardens size ranged between 0.07 and 1.29ha, harbouring 132 plant species, out of which 74 species were trees, 19 shrubs and 39 herbs. Among the perennials, Areca catechu (areca nut) was the most common contributor to household earnings. When species were grouped into 9 utility classes (timber, medicinal, fruit, fuelwood, fodder, vegetables, ornamental, spice, and others), highest number was for fuelwood, followed by vegetables and fruits. The average household income was Rs. 318/100m2, the highest contribution from the sale of vegetables. Various home garden management activities were conducted, engaging family members and generating employment for others. Animal rearing is common in many households and the application of animal manure and household waste has helped maintain soil fertility of homegardens’ soils. Homegardens are integral to the Garo society, contributing significantly to household needs and activities.