Exact Results on the Inadmissibility of the Feasible Generalized Least Squares Estimator in Regression Models with Non‐Spherical Disturbances

In various guises, feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) estimation has occupied an important place in regression analysis for more than 35 years. Past studies on the characteristics of the FGLS estimators are largely based on large sample evaluations, and the important issue of admissibility remains unexplored in the case of the FGLS estimator. In this paper, an exact sufficient condition for the dominance of a Stein‐type shrinkage estimator over the FGLS estimator in finite samples based on squared error loss is given. In deriving the condition, we assume that the model's disturbance covariance matrix is unknown except for a scalar multiple. Further, for models with AR(1) disturbances, it is observed that the dominance condition reduces to one that involves no unknown parameter. In other words, in the case of AR(1) disturbances and where the condition for risk dominance is met, the FGLS estimator is rendered inadmissible under squared error loss.     

Transgenic indica Rice cv IR-50 Over-expressing Vigna aconitifolia Δ1-Pyrroline -5- Carboxylate Synthetase cDNA Shows Tolerance to High Salt

Oryza sativa subspecies indica cultivar IR-50 was transformed with Vigna aconitifolia P5CS cDNA under the control of Ubiquitin (Ub) promoter and nos terminator using PDS 1000 He particle bombardment system. Integration of transgene was confirmed by Southern analysis. Transgene expressed itself making mRNA and protein as evidenced by Northern and Western analysis of T₂ plants. Active nature of protein made was substantiated by over-accumulation of proline in transgenic plants as compared to control. Transgene followed a 3:1 Mendelian ratio of inheritance. Marker free plants could be obtained due to segregation between marker gene and gene of interest in T₂ generation. The transgenic plants showed better root growth and biomass development when grown in 200 mM NaCl, while control plants died within 20 days of salt stress. In one of the transgenic line with single copy transgene, plasmid rescue and the sequence analysis of the genomic region suggests that the P5CS transgene has got integrated into a region of chromosome 3.     

Conservation and divergence of ADAM family proteins in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xenopus</Emphasis> genome

Background  

Members of the disintegrin metalloproteinase (ADAM) family play important roles in cellular and developmental processes through their functions as proteases and/or binding partners for other proteins. The amphibian Xenopus has long been used as a model for early vertebrate development, but genome-wide analyses for large gene families were not possible until the recent completion of the X. tropicalis genome sequence and the availability of large scale expression sequence tag (EST) databases. In this study we carried out a systematic analysis of the X. tropicalis genome and uncovered several interesting features of ADAM genes in this species.     

Functional differences in mesenchymal stromal cells from human dental pulp and periodontal ligament

Clinically reported reparative benefits of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are majorly attributed to strong immune‐modulatory abilities not exactly shared by fibroblasts. However, MSCs remain heterogeneous populations, with unique tissue‐specific subsets, and lack of clear‐cut assays defining therapeutic stromal subsets adds further ambiguity to the field. In this context, in‐depth evaluation of cellular characteristics of MSCs from proximal oro‐facial tissues: dental pulp (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament (PDLSCs) from identical donors provides an opportunity to evaluate exclusive niche‐specific influences on multipotency and immune‐modulation. Exhaustive cell surface profiling of DPSCs and PDLSCs indicated key differences in expression of mesenchymal (CD105) and pluripotent/multipotent stem cell–associated cell surface antigens: SSEA4, CD117, CD123 and CD29. DPSCs and PDLSCs exhibited strong chondrogenic potential, but only DPSCs exhibited adipogenic and osteogenic propensities. PDLSCs expressed immuno‐stimulatory/immune‐adhesive ligands like HLA‐DR and CD50, upon priming with IFNγ, unlike DPSCs, indicating differential response patterns to pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Both DPSCs and PDLSCs were hypo‐immunogenic and did not elicit robust allogeneic responses despite exposure to IFNγ or TNFα. Interestingly, only DPSCs attenuated mitogen‐induced lympho‐proliferative responses and priming with either IFNγ or TNFα enhanced immuno‐modulation capacity. In contrast, primed or unprimed PDLSCs lacked the ability to suppress polyclonal T cell blast responses. This study indicates that stromal cells from even topographically related tissues do not necessarily share identical MSC properties and emphasizes the need for a thorough functional testing of MSCs from diverse sources with respect to multipotency, immune parameters and response to pro‐inflammatory cytokines before translational usage.     

Interactive effects of vegetation and water table depth on belowground C and N mobilization and greenhouse gas emissions in a restored peatland

Plant and Soil - Through agriculture and industry, humans are increasing the deposition and availability of nitrogen (N) in ecosystems worldwide. Carbon (C) isotope tracers provide useful insights...     

Cholesterol ester transfer protein and apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms in hyperlipidemic Asian Indians in North India

We determined the distribution of the polymorphic variants of CETP TaqIB and ApoE genes and their association with lipid and anthropometric parameters in hyperlipidemic and normolipidemic Asian Indians in North India. CETP TaqIB and ApoE polymorphism were assayed by PCR-RFLP in hyperlipidemic (n = 220) and normolipidemic (n = 367) subjects. Plasma lipids levels were estimated using commercially available kits from Randox (USA). The distribution of CETP TaqIB genotypes and alleles did not differ between the two groups. The frequency of ApoE ε4 allele was significantly higher in hyperlipidemic than normolipidemic subjects. Serum lipid levels were comparable between subjects with the different CETP TaqIB and ApoE genotypes in the two groups. Multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, WHR, and total skinfold thickness showed that subjects with the Ε3Ε4 genotype and ε4 allele carriers were at significantly higher odds to develop hyperlipidemia [2.07 (1.29-3.30) and 2.05 (1.30-3.24), respectively] as compared to the other genotypes. ApoE ε4 allele and E3E4 genotype emerged as important genetic markers for hyperlipidemia in this study population.     

Vermicomposting--An effective tool for the management of invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus

This study reports the results of vermicomposting with Eisenia fetida of Parthenium hysterophorus mixed with cow dung in different ratios (25%, 50% and 75%) in a 18 weeks experiment. In all the treatments, a decrease in pH, OC_total and C:N ratio, but increase in EC, N_total, P_aval, Ca_total, K_total and heavy metals was recorded. The cocoons production and growth rate (biomass gain worm⁻¹ day⁻¹) were maximum in 100% cow dung. The results indicated that parthenium can be a raw material for vermicomposting if mix with cow dung in appropriate quantity.