Biochemical characterization for determination of genetic distances among different indigenous chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. ) varieties of North-West Pakistan / Caracterização bioquímica para determinação de distâncias genéticas entre diferentes variedades indígenas de grão-de-bico (Cicer arietinum L. ) do noroeste do Paquistão

Abstract Genetic distances among different chickpea varieties and evaluation of their free amino acid profiles were determined on the basis of Sodium dodecyle sulphate polyacrylamide gels electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Total soluble proteins were resolved on 10% SDS Polyacrylamide gel. Low variability in tested varieties was observed. Dendogram based on electrophoretic data clustered the genotypes into 2 groups. The results showed that the average protein content of all the varieties was 26.01% within the range 22.8% for Thal-2006 to 34.06% Sheenghar-2000 of dry seed weight. On the basis of total protein content Bittal-98, Dasht and Sheen Ghar-2000, Karak-3 and CM-98, Paidar -91 and Fakhr-e-Thal, C-44, Balaksar and KK-1showed similar concentrations for protein contents among each other but showed variation from the rest of the varieties. Different proteins were separated on the basis of changes in their molecular weights by means of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Dasht, CM-98, and Sheen Ghar showed 100% similarity. Balaksar and Fakhr-e- Thal, KK-2 and Chattan and KC-98, KK-1 and Lawaghar were 100% similar among each other but showed variation from the rest of the accessions. The overall dendrogram showed high and low level of variation among the accessions. The concentration of free amino acids varied among the 16 chickpea varieties. A significant difference of both essential and non-essential amino acids was found among the chickpea cultivars. The total concentration of essential amino acid was recorded 40.81 g/100 g protein while non-essential was recorded 59.18343 g/100 g protein in the given cultivars. The highest concentration of essential amino acids was found in C-44 followed by KK-2, KK-1 and Fakhr E Tal while the lowest concentration was recorded in Cm-98, Paidar-91 and Sheen Ghar-2000 respectively. Cultivars TAL-2006, Chattan and Karak-3 showed maximum concentration of both essential and endogenous amino acids. In conclusion; for broadening the genetic pools in breeding programs or to search for exotic characters, for instance new disease resistance alleles, accession with low similarity coefficients (Lawaghar and Battal-98) may be utilized. Furthermore the information acquired from this study could be used to device a proficient breeding approach intended at improving nutritional as well as broadening the genetic base of this essential food crop of Pakistan.

Resumo As distâncias genéticas entre as diferentes variedades de grão-de-bico e a avaliação de seus perfis de aminoácidos livres foram determinadas com base na eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida com dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). As proteínas solúveis totais foram resolvidas em SDS-PAGE a 10%. Foi observada baixa variabilidade nas variedades testadas. O dendrograma fundamentado em dados eletroforéticos agrupou os genótipos em dois grupos. Os resultados mostraram que o teor médio de proteínas de todas as variedades foi de 26,01%, na faixa de 22,8% para Thal-2006 a 34,06% para Sheenghar-2000 do peso de sementes secas. Com base no conteúdo total de proteínas, Bittal-98, Dasht, Sheen Ghar-2000, Karak-3, CM-98, Paidar-91, Fakhr-e-Thal, C-44, Balaksar e KK-1 apresentaram concentrações semelhantes para o conteúdo de proteínas entre si, mas tiveram variação quanto ao restante das variedades. Diferentes proteínas foram separadas com base nas alterações de seus pesos moleculares por meio de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida com dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). Dasht, CM-98 e Sheen Ghar mostraram 100% de similaridade. Balaksar, Fakhr-e-Thal, KK-2, Chattan e KC-98, KK-1 e Lawaghar foram 100% semelhantes entre si, mas apresentaram variação em relação ao restante dos acessos. O dendrograma geral mostrou alto e baixo nível de variação entre os acessos. A concentração de aminoácidos livres variou entre as 16 variedades de grão-de-bico. Foi encontrada uma diferença significativa entre os aminoácidos essenciais e não essenciais nas cultivares de grão-de-bico. A concentração total de aminoácidos essenciais foi registrada em 40,81 g / 100 g de proteína, enquanto a não essencial foi registrada em 59,18343 g / 100 g de proteína nas cultivares. A maior concentração de aminoácidos essenciais foi encontrada em C-44, seguida de KK-2, KK-1 e Fakhr-e-Thal, enquanto a menor concentração foi registrada em CM-98, Paidar-91 e Sheen Ghar-2000. As cultivares TAL-2006, Chattan e Karak-3 apresentaram concentração máxima de aminoácidos essenciais e endógenos. Em conclusão, para ampliar os pools genéticos em programas de melhoramento ou procurar caracteres exóticos, por exemplo, novos alelos de resistência a doenças, pode ser utilizada a adesão com baixos coeficientes de similaridade (Lawaghar e Battal-98). Além disso, as informações adquiridas neste estudo poderiam ser usadas para criar uma abordagem de criação eficiente, com o objetivo de melhorar a nutrição e ampliar a base genética dessa cultura alimentar essencial do Paquistão.

Effect of land-use types on the ecomorphological structure of fish assemblage in distinct mesohabitats of neotropical streams / Efeito dos tipos de uso do solo na estrutura ecomorfológica da assembleia de peixes em distintos mesohábitats de riachos neotropicais

Abstract The use and occupation of land by human population substantially influence environmental variables and fish assemblage in streams. However, there is little knowledge on how these changes affect the ecomorphological structure of fish assemblage in mesohabitats. Therefore, we aim to assess whether the land-use types affect the ecomorphological structure of fish assemblage in distinct mesohabitats. Environmental and ichthyofaunistic data were collected in three mesohabitats (rifles, runs, and pools) of five rural and five urban streams. Twenty-one ecomorphological indices were obtained from the mean of linear morphological measurements and areas of the fishes. Subsequently, the Euclidean distance was calculated, based on the ecomorphological indices, between each pair of species, to measure the ecomorphological distances for the mesohabitats of the rural and urban streams. The results show that the urban environment is more harmful to streams than the rural one, due to changes in the environmental variables and decrease in species richness. The main environmental changes found in urban streams were the decrease in canopy cover by riparian vegetation and dissolved oxygen, and the increase in electrical conductivity and bed silting. Also, there was a significant decrease in the morphological similarity between fish species in the mesohabitats of urban streams compared to rural ones. Therefore, we can conclude that the urban environment leads to the loss of morphologically similar fish species in the mesohabitats, with only a few functionally distinct species remaining.

Resumo O uso e ocupação do solo pela população humana influencia substancialmente as variáveis ambientais e a assembleia de peixes em riachos. No entanto, há pouco conhecimento de como estas alterações afeta a estrutura ecomorfológica da assembleia de peixes em mesohábitats. Portanto, objetiva-se avaliar se o tipo do uso do solo afeta a estrutura ecomorfológica da assembleia de peixes nos distintos mesohábitats. Dados ambientais e ictiofaunísticos foram coletados em três mesohabitats (corredeiras, rápidos e remansos) de cinco riachos rurais e cinco urbanos. Vinte e um índices ecomorfológicos foram obtidos a partir das médias das medidas morfológicas lineares e áreas dos peixes. Posteriormente, a distância Euclidiana foi calculada, baseada nos índices ecomorfológicos, entre cada par de espécies, afim de mensurar as distâncias ecomorfológicas para os mesohábitats dos riachos rurais e urbanos. Os resultados mostram que o ambiente urbano é mais danoso aos riachos do que o rural, devido a diminuição da riqueza de espécies e as alterações nas variáveis ambientais. As principais mudanças ambientais encontradas em riachos urbanos foram a diminuição da cobertura do dossel pela vegetação ripária e do oxigênio dissolvido e o aumento da condutividade elétrica e do assoreamento do leito. Além disso, houve uma diminuição significativa da similaridade morfológica entre as espécies de peixes nos mesohábitats de riachos urbanos em comparação com os rurais. Portanto, podemos concluir que o ambiente urbano leva à perda de espécies de peixes morfologicamente similares nos mesohábitats, restando apenas algumas espécies funcionalmente distintas.

Morphological and molecular differences between the Amphiamerican populations of Antillesoma (Sipuncula: Antillesomatidae), with the description of a new species

Introduction: The sipunculans are a group of marine invertebrates that have been little studied in the tropical eastern Pacific (TEP). Antillesoma antillarum is a species belonging to the monospecific family Antillesomatidae, considered widely distributed in tropical and subtropical localities across the globe. Objective: The main objective of this work was to examine the morphological and molecular differences between specimens from both coasts of tropical America to clarify the taxonomy of this species. Methods: We examined the morphology with material from the Mexican Caribbean and southern Mexican Pacific. To perform molecular analyses, two sequences of the COI molecular marker were obtained from specimens collected in Panteón Beach, Oaxaca, southern Mexican Pacific, and compared with four sequences identified as A. antillarum in GenBank, all of them from different localities. A phylogenetic reconstruction was performed with the maximum likelihood method and genetic distances were calculated with the Kimura 2P model and compared to reference values. Results: The phylogenetic analysis revealed three different lineages of Antillesoma that are well supported by bootstrap values: Antillesoma antillarum sensu stricto from the Caribbean Sea and Florida; a sister group to the one represented by our samples from the Mexican Pacific; and a third group from Thailand. Conclusion: Based on morphological traits and molecular data, Antillesoma mexicanum sp. nov. is described from the Mexican Pacific, differing from A. antillarum in the trunk papillae, color patterns and, additionally, the specimens from the Caribbean attain significantly bigger trunk sizes than the ones Pacific.

Introducción: Los sipúnculos son un grupo de gusanos marinos sin segmentación poco estudiados en el Pacífico oriental tropical (POT). Antillesoma antillarum es una especie perteneciente a la familia monoespecífica Antillesomatidae la cual se consideraba que se distribuía ampliamente en distintas localidades tropicales y subtropicales del mundo. Objetivo: El objetivo principal del trabajo fue examinar las diferencias morfológicas y moleculares entre ejemplares de ambas costas de América. Métodos: Para el análisis morfológico se revisó material del Caribe mexicano y del Pacífico sur de México. Para los análisis moleculares se obtuvieron secuencias del marcador mitocondrial COI de ejemplares de A. mexicanum sp. nov. de la playa de Panteón en Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca del Pacífico sur de México; también se incluyeron cuatro secuencias de GenBank de A. antillarum de diferentes localidades para la comparación filogenética con el método de Máxima Verosimilitud. Se calcularon las distancias genéticas con el modelo Kimura 2P y fueron comparadas con valores de referencia. Resultados: El análisis filogenético evidenció tres linajes diferentes: Antillesoma antillarum sensu stricto del Mar Caribe y Florida, el grupo hermano representado por nuestra recolecta en el Pacífico mexicano y un tercer grupo de Tailandia. Conclusión: Basados en datos morfológicos y moleculares, Antillesoma mexicanum sp. nov. fue descrita para el Pacífico mexicano, que difiere de A. antillarum en las papilas del tronco, el patrón de coloración y, adicionalmente, los ejemplares del Caribe fueron significativamente más grandes que los del Pacífico mexicano.

Prueba de interacción en el análisis molecular de varianza / Test of interaction in the analysis of molecular variance

La diversidad genómica, expresada en las diferencias entre haplotipos moleculares de un conjunto de individuos, puede dividirse en componentes de variabilidad entre y dentro de algún factor de clasificación de los individuos. Para tal partición de varianzas, se usa análisis molecular de la varianza (AMOVA), el cual se construye a partir de las distancias multivariadas entre pares de haplotipos. El AMOVA clásico permite evaluar la significancia estadística de dos o más factores jerárquicos y consecuentemente no existe prueba de interacción entre factores. Sin embargo, existen situaciones donde los factores que clasifican a los individuos están cruzados y no anidados, es decir todos los niveles de un factor se encuentran representados en cada nivel del otro factor. Este trabajo propone una prueba estadística para evaluar la interacción entre factores cruzados en un AMOVA No-Jerárquico. La hipótesis nula de interacción establece que las diferencias moleculares entre individuos de distintos niveles de un factor son las mismas para todos los niveles del otro factor que los clasifica. La propuesta de análisis de interacción de factores a partir de distancias en un AMOVA No-Jerárquico comprende: cálculo de la matriz de distancia y partición de la misma en bloques, posterior cálculo de residuos y análisis de varianza no-paramétrico sobre los residuos. Su implementación es ilustrada en escenarios simulados y real. Los resultados sugieren que la prueba de interacción propuesta para el AMOVA No- Jerárquico presenta alta potencia.

The genomic diversity, expressed in the differences between molecular haplotypes of a group of individuals, can be divided into components of variability between and within some factor of classification of the individuals. For such variance partitioning, molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA) is used, which is constructed from the multivariate distances between pairs of haplotypes. The classical AMOVA allows the evaluation of the statistical significance of two or more hierarchical factors and consequently there is no interaction test between factors. However, there are situations where the factors that classify individuals are crossed rather than nested, that is, all the levels of a factor are represented in each level of the other one. This paper proposes a statistical test to evaluate the interaction between crossed factors in a Non-Hierarchical AMOVA. The null hypothesis of interaction establishes that the molecular differences between individuals of different levels of a factor are the same for all the levels of the other factor that classifies them. The proposed analysis of interaction in a Non- Hierarchical AMOVA includes: calculation of the distance matrix and partition of it into blocks, subsequent calculation of residuals and analysis of non-parametric variance on the residuals. Its implementation is illustrated in simulated and real scenarios. The results suggest that the proposed interaction test for the Non-Hierarchical AMOVA presents high power.

Genetic diversity of natural Gardenia jasminoides populations based on EST-SSR analysis / 中草药

Objective The genetic diversity of the natural populations of Gardenia jasminoides were investigated to provide scientific basis for its resources protection and rational utilization. Methods Fourteen pairs of EST-SSR primers were screened in 19 natural populations of 573 individuals to calculate the genetic parameters of G. jasminoides, and further cluster analysis was then carried out. Results Fourteen pairs of EST-SSR primers generated 75 loci, which showed high genetic diversity maintained in natural populations of G. jasminoides (He = 0.703). Mean population gene diversity (Nei) within populations was 0.603, the Shannon’s diversity index (I) was 1.10. Moderate genetic differentiation (Fst= 0.141) and high gene flow (Nm = 1.523) among populations have been showed too. AMOVA analysis revealed that genetic variation within populations was the main sources of total variation. The Mantle test showed there was no significant correlation between genetic distances and geographic distances. Moreover, significant bottlenecks effects in two-phased model of mutation (TPM) test in 73.7% populations were detected in recent history. Conclusion The results in this study indicated that high level genetic diversity were existed in the natural G. jasminoides populations.

Relación médico paciente y distancias afectivas en pacientes con psoriasis / Doctor patient relationship and affective distances in psoriatic patients

La psoriasis es una enfermedad crónica inflamatoria de la piel que afecta la calidad de vida y las relaciones interpersonales. Frecuentemente, las personas con psoriasis no están satisfechas con los médicos tratantes y muestran poca adherencia a los tratamientos. El malestar subjetivo podría asociarse a mecanismos inconscientes que están en juego en dicha relación. En una muestra de 161 pacientes con psoriasis (48.1% femenino; edad: M= 38.88; DE= 15.14) y 161 controles (52.8% femenino; edad: M= 34.57; DE= 14.36) se evaluó la relación médico-paciente con el test de las distancias afectivas. Las personas con psoriasis ubican significativamente más cerca las figuras del médico y el paciente entre sí, en comparación con los controles, pero la relación entre la distancia afectiva expresada por los pacientes y sus asociaciones discursivas evidencian motivaciones y fantasías conscientes e inconscientes que intervienen en la relación médico-paciente dificultando una interacción estable y de confianza mutua.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Usually patients with psoriasis are no satisfied with their treating physicians and therefore show poor adherence to their treatments. Patients´ subjective distress are linked with unconscious mechanisms involving this relationship. 161 psoriatic patients (48.1% female; age: M= 38.88; DE= 15.14) and 161 controls (52.8% female; age: M= 34.57; DE= 14.36) answered the affective distances test to assess physician-patient relationship. Psoriatic patients locates physician and patient figures significantly closer than controls. The relationship between the affective distance expressed by the patients and their discursive associations show the conditioning of motivations and conscious and unconscious fantasies that intervene in the physician-patient relationship making it difficult to establish a stable interaction of mutual trust.

Biochemical characterization for determination of genetic distances among different indigenous chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties of North-West Pakistan

Abstract Genetic distances among different chickpea varieties and evaluation of their free amino acid profiles were determined on the basis of Sodium dodecyle sulphate polyacrylamide gels electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Total soluble proteins were resolved on 10% SDS Polyacrylamide gel. Low variability in tested varieties was observed. Dendogram based on electrophoretic data clustered the genotypes into 2 groups. The results showed that the average protein content of all the varieties was 26.01% within the range 22.8% for Thal-2006 to 34.06% Sheenghar-2000 of dry seed weight. On the basis of total protein content Bittal-98, Dasht and Sheen Ghar-2000, Karak-3 and CM-98, Paidar -91 and Fakhr-e-Thal, C-44, Balaksar and KK-1showed similar concentrations for protein contents among each other but showed variation from the rest of the varieties. Different proteins were separated on the basis of changes in their molecular weights by means of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Dasht, CM-98, and Sheen Ghar showed 100% similarity. Balaksar and Fakhr-e- Thal, KK-2 and Chattan and KC-98, KK-1 and Lawaghar were 100% similar among each other but showed variation from the rest of the accessions. The overall dendrogram showed high and low level of variation among the accessions. The concentration of free amino acids varied among the 16 chickpea varieties. A significant difference of both essential and non-essential amino acids was found among the chickpea cultivars. The total concentration of essential amino acid was recorded 40.81 g/100 g protein while non-essential was recorded 59.18343 g/100 g protein in the given cultivars. The highest concentration of essential amino acids was found in C-44 followed by KK-2, KK-1 and Fakhr E Tal while the lowest concentration was recorded in Cm-98, Paidar-91 and Sheen Ghar-2000 respectively. Cultivars TAL-2006, Chattan and Karak-3 showed maximum concentration of both essential and endogenous amino acids. In conclusion; for broadening the genetic pools in breeding programs or to search for exotic characters, for instance new disease resistance alleles, accession with low similarity coefficients (Lawaghar and Battal-98) may be utilized. Furthermore the information acquired from this study could be used to device a proficient breeding approach intended at improving nutritional as well as broadening the genetic base of this essential food crop of Pakistan.

Resumo As distâncias genéticas entre as diferentes variedades de grão-de-bico e a avaliação de seus perfis de aminoácidos livres foram determinadas com base na eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida com dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). As proteínas solúveis totais foram resolvidas em SDS-PAGE a 10%. Foi observada baixa variabilidade nas variedades testadas. O dendrograma fundamentado em dados eletroforéticos agrupou os genótipos em dois grupos. Os resultados mostraram que o teor médio de proteínas de todas as variedades foi de 26,01%, na faixa de 22,8% para Thal-2006 a 34,06% para Sheenghar-2000 do peso de sementes secas. Com base no conteúdo total de proteínas, Bittal-98, Dasht, Sheen Ghar-2000, Karak-3, CM-98, Paidar-91, Fakhr-e-Thal, C-44, Balaksar e KK-1 apresentaram concentrações semelhantes para o conteúdo de proteínas entre si, mas tiveram variação quanto ao restante das variedades. Diferentes proteínas foram separadas com base nas alterações de seus pesos moleculares por meio de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida com dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). Dasht, CM-98 e Sheen Ghar mostraram 100% de similaridade. Balaksar, Fakhr-e-Thal, KK-2, Chattan e KC-98, KK-1 e Lawaghar foram 100% semelhantes entre si, mas apresentaram variação em relação ao restante dos acessos. O dendrograma geral mostrou alto e baixo nível de variação entre os acessos. A concentração de aminoácidos livres variou entre as 16 variedades de grão-de-bico. Foi encontrada uma diferença significativa entre os aminoácidos essenciais e não essenciais nas cultivares de grão-de-bico. A concentração total de aminoácidos essenciais foi registrada em 40,81 g / 100 g de proteína, enquanto a não essencial foi registrada em 59,18343 g / 100 g de proteína nas cultivares. A maior concentração de aminoácidos essenciais foi encontrada em C-44, seguida de KK-2, KK-1 e Fakhr-e-Thal, enquanto a menor concentração foi registrada em CM-98, Paidar-91 e Sheen Ghar-2000. As cultivares TAL-2006, Chattan e Karak-3 apresentaram concentração máxima de aminoácidos essenciais e endógenos. Em conclusão, para ampliar os pools genéticos em programas de melhoramento ou procurar caracteres exóticos, por exemplo, novos alelos de resistência a doenças, pode ser utilizada a adesão com baixos coeficientes de similaridade (Lawaghar e Battal-98). Além disso, as informações adquiridas neste estudo poderiam ser usadas para criar uma abordagem de criação eficiente, com o objetivo de melhorar a nutrição e ampliar a base genética dessa cultura alimentar essencial do Paquistão.

Herramienta alternativa para la clasificación de células cervicales utilizando solo rasgos del núcleo / Alternative tool for classification of cervical cells using only features of the nucleus

El cáncer de cérvix uterino representa una de las mayores amenazas de muerte por cáncer entre las mujeres. Con el avance continuo en la medicina y la tecnología, las muertes por esta enfermedad han disminuido significativamente. Las investigaciones referentes a este tema han podido determinar síntomas claves que permiten detectar a tiempo esta enfermedad para darle un tratamiento oportuno. La citología convencional es una de las técnicas más utilizadas, siendo ampliamente aceptada, de bajo costo, y con mecanismos de control. Con el objetivo de aliviar la carga de trabajo a los especialistas, algunos investigadores han propuesto el desarrollo de herramientas de visión computacional para detectar y clasificar las transformaciones en las células de la región del cuello uterino. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo proveer a los investigadores de una herramienta de clasificación automática, aplicable a las condiciones existentes en los centros médicos y de investigación del país. Esta herramienta debe ser capaz de clasificar las células del cuello del útero, basándose solamente en las características extraídas de la región del núcleo y sin utilizar las características del citoplasma, de manera que se reduzca la tasa de falsos negativos en la prueba de Papanicolaou. A partir del estudio realizado, se obtuvo una herramienta haciendo uso de la técnica k-vecinos más cercanos con la distancia manhattan, el cual mostró un alto desempeño manteniendo valores de AUC superiores al 91 por ciento y llegando hasta un 97.1 por ciento con respecto a los clasificadores SVM y RBF Network, los que también fueron analizados(AU)

Cervix cancer is one of the biggest threats of cancer death among women. With continued advances in medicine and technology, deaths from the disease have fallen significantly. The investigations concerning this issue have determined key symptoms to detect the disease in time to give timely treatment. Conventional cytology is one of the most widely used techniques, being widely accepted, inexpensive, and with control mechanisms. In order to alleviate the workload of specialists, some researchers have proposed the development of computer vision tools to detect and classify the changes in the cells of the cervical region. This research aims to provide a tool for automatic classification, applicable to medical conditions and research centers of the country. This tool should be able to classify the cells of the cervix, based solely on the features extracted from the core region without using the characteristics of the cytoplasm, so that the rate of false negative Pap test is reduced. From the study, a tool is obtained using the k nearest-neighbors manhattan distance technique, which showed a high performance maintaining AUC values greater than 91 percent and reaching 97.1 percent over classifiers SVM and RBF Network, which were also analyzed(AU)

Studies on genetic diversity for grain yield and physiological parameters in maize (Zea mays L.).

The D2 statistics is useful tool to assess genetic diversity among genotypes. It also provides qualitative measures of association between geographical and genetic diversity based on generalized distances. In the present study data on forty nine genotypes were subjected to D2 analysis, which revealed the presence of substantial amount of genetic variability among them. The pattern of distribution of genotypes into various clusters was random, suggesting that geographical and genetic diversity were not related. The experimental material was partitioned into eight clusters. Flag leaf area per plant contributed maximum towards genetic diversity followed by days to 50 per cent tasseling.

Numerical analysis on drug deposition from drug eluting stents in curved artery / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the influence of the location of drug release and the stent spacing on drug deposition in curved artery walls. Method 2D curved artery and strut models were employed to carry out a numerical investigation on drug deposition under different drug release surfaces or stent spacing ( 1 strut length, 3 strut lengths, 7 strut lengths ). The results were compared with those in a straight artery. Results The drug depositions produced by four different surfaces of a single strut were quite different. Compared with the curved artery, the superiority of drug release from the top surface of the straight artery was reduced, while the weakness of drug release from proximal surface was substantially increased. There was no significant change for drug release from the distal surface. The average drug concentration increased with interstrut spacing increasing, but the percentage increase was less than that in the straight artery. Concentration differences were observed between the inside and outside of the curved artery, which on the outside showed much lower. Conclusions The local flow alteration, the drug release location and the stent spacing have significant effects on drug deposition in a curved artery and the result is obviously different from that in a straight artery.

Buenas prácticas de aplicación en cultivos planos extensivos. Distancias a zonas urbanas. Criterios y soluciones / Good practices of application on extensive flat crops. Distances to urban areas. Criterions and solutions

El presente trabajo engloba todos los conocimientos actuales y disponibles técnico científicos con respecto a las aplicaciones de agroquímicos en proximidad a las zonas periurbanas y urbanas, considerando los diversos factores que contribuyen a un eficiente y eficaz trabajo agrícola, sugiriendo prácticas y estableciendo distancias a favor de la seguridad de la población y de las Buenas Prácticas Agrícolas. Concluyendo en un cuadro de sugerencias basado en la toxicidad aguda de los agroquímicos.

The present document includes the whole current and available scientific technical knowledge regarding to the agrochemical applications next to the rural-urban and urban zones, considering the several factors that contribute to an efficient and effective agricultural work, suggesting practices and establishing distances in favour of the population’s security and of the Good Agricultural Practices. Concluding in a picture of suggestions based on the acute toxicity of the agrochemicals.

Multiple Mantel tests and isolation-by-distance, taking into account long-term historical divergence

Mantel tests of matrix correspondence have been widely used in population genetics to examine microevolutionary processes, such as isolation-by-distance (IBD). We used partial and multiple Mantel tests to simultaneously test long-term historical effects and current divergence and equilibrium processes, such as IBD. We used these procedures to calculate genetic divergence among Eugenia dysenterica (Myrtaceae) populations in Central Brazil. The Nei's genetic distances between pairs of local populations were strongly correlated with geographic distances, suggesting an IBD process, but field observations and the geographic distribution of the samples suggest that populations may have been subjected to more complex evolutionary processes of genetic divergence. Partial Mantel regression was used to partition the effects of geographic structure and long-term divergence associated with a possible historical barrier. The R(2) of the model with both effects was 73.3%, and after the partition 21.9% of the variation in the genetic distances could be attributed to long-term historical divergence alone, whereas only 1.5% of the variation in genetic distances could be attributed to IBD. As expected, there was a large overlap between these processes when explaining genetic divergence, so it was not possible to entirely partition divergence between historical and contemporary processes.

Pairwise MtDNA-HVRII sequence differences and geographic maternal distances among Korku, an Austro-Asiatic tribe in Central India.

Ethno-linguistic and recent molecular evidences were equivocal that tribes belonging to Austro-Asiatic linguistic group were the earliest 'out of Africa' migrants in the Indian sub-continent dating back to approximately 60,000 YBP. They comprise of few endogamous groups and were settled in eastern and central India. In the present study it is found among Korku, an endogamous Austro-Asiatic tribe settled in central India, that oldest females pairwise, maternal geographical distances were inversely related with mtDNA-HVRll control region sequence differences, mismatch distribution was unimodal and the most common haplotype had wide geographical distribution. The empirical findings lead to 1) the possibility of an explanation that the Korku, though showed demographic expansion, the place of expansion may not be the area of their present habitation 2) the scope of combining information on maternal distances and mtDNA sequence diversity in deriving demographic history of populations.

Radiographic spinal measurements among Filipino

The radiologic interpediculate distance as well as the cervical and lumbar sagital distances have been measured in 500 x-ray films of adult Filipinos. It has been noted that the overall measurements among Filipino female is 0.6 mm. smaller than the average Filipino male. As compared to foreign studies our measurement is smaller. Compared to other local studies there is not much difference. It is hoped that these normal radiographic measurement may become an aid in the diagnosis of spinal stenosis and spinal tumors in the future. (Summary)

Evaluation of the genetic diversity among maize lines (Zea mays L.) by DNA fingerprinting analysis / Avaliação de diversidade genética entre linhagens de milho (Zea mays L.) por analisis de "DNA fingerprinting

Informativo DNA fingerprint profiles of eight homozygotic maize lines were obtained by the electrophoretic separation of DNA restriction fragments and the ir hybridization with the minisatellite probe R18.1. The analysis of the bandsharing frequencies allowed to identify all the lines and to estimate the genetic distances between them. The relationship obtained by DNA fingerprinting analysis of the eight inbreed lines was highly consistem with the ir genetical origin.

Perfis altamente informativos de oito linhagens homozigotas de milho foram obtidos através de análise de DNA fingerprinting, hibridizando-se os fragmentos de restrição com a sonda minisatélite R18,1. A análise de bandas coincidentes permitiu identificar todas as linhagens e estimar as distâncias genéticas entre elas. A relação entre as linhagens obtidas por esta análise é consistente com a origem genética das mesmas.

Refined procedures for accurate determination of solution structures of nucleic acids by two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

New procedures have been described for accurate determination of solution structures of nucleic acids. These are two fold; new two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance techniques and better approaches for interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance data for structure determination purposes. The significant development in two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance techniques for this purpose are ω1 -scaling and recording of pure phase spectra. Use of ω1-scaled correlated and nuclear Overhauser effect spectra for estimation of interproton distances and 1H-1H coupling constants has been described. Computer simulation procedures for exact determination of structure have been described. Experimental spectra demonstrating the application of new procedures have been presented.

Comparison of interproton distances in DNA models with nuclear Overhauser enhancement data.

The conformational flexibility inherent in the polynucleotide chain plays an important role in deciding its three-dimensonal structure and enables it to undergo structural transitions in order to fulfil all its functions. Following certain stereochemical guidelines, both right and left handed double-helical models have been built in our laboratory and they are in reasonably good agreement with the fibre patterns for various polymorphous forms of DNA. Recently, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has become an important technique for studying the solution conformation and polymorphism of nucleic acids. Several workers have used 1H nuclear magnetic resonance nuclear Overhauser enhancement measurements to estimate the interproton distances for the various DNA oligomers and compared them with the-interproton distances for particular models of A and Β form DNA. In some cases the solution conformation does not seem to fit either of these models. We have been studying various models for DNA with a view to exploring the full conformational space allowed for nucleic acid polymers. In this paper, the interproton distances calculated for the different stereochemically feasible models of DNA are presented and they are compared and correlated against those obtained from 1Η nuclear magnetic resonance nuclear Overhauser enhancement measurements of various nucleic acid oligomers.

Quantitative internuclear distances via two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectra: A test case and a DNA octamer duplex.

Two-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance nuclear Overhauser effect experiments have been performed at a series of mixing times on proflavine and on a DNA octamer duplex [d-(GGAATTCC)]2 in solution. Using the complete matrix approach recently explored theoretically (Keepers and James, 1984), proton-proton internuclear distances were determined quantitatively for proflavine from the two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect results. Since proflavine is a rigid molecule with X-ray crystal structure determined, interproton distances obtained from the two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect experiments in solution can be compared with those for the crystalline compound agreement is better than 10 %. Experimental two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectral data for [d-(GGAATTCC)]2 were analyzed by comparison with theoretical twodimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectra at each mixing time calculated using the complete 70 × 70 relaxation matrix. The theoretical spectra were calculated using two structures: a standard B-form DNA structure and an energy-minimized structure based on similarity of the octamer's six internal residues with those of [d-(CGCGAATTCGCG)]2, for which the crystal structure has been determined. Neither the standard B-DNA nor the energyminimized structure yield theoretical two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectra which accurately reproduce all experimental peak intensities. But many aspects of the experimental spectra can be represented by both the B-DNA and the energy-minimized structure. In general, the energy-minimized structure yields theoretical two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectra which mimic many, if not all, features of the experimental, spectra including structural characteristics at the purine-pyrimidine junction.