Immune Potential of a Novel Multiple-epitope Vaccine to FMDV Type Asia 1 in Guinea Pigs and Sheep

To develop a safe and efficient recombinant subunit vaccine to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) type Asia 1 in sheep, a tandem repeated multiple-epitope gene consisting of residues 137-160 and 197-211 of the VP1 gene of FMDV was designed and artificially synthesized. The biologically functional molecule, the ovine IgG heavy constant region (oIgG) as a protein carrier was introduced for design of the multiple-epitope recombinant vaccine and recombinant expression plasmids pET-30a-RE and pET-30a-RE-oIgG were successfully constructed. The recombinant proteins, RE and RE-oIgG, were expressed as a formation of inclusion bodies in E. coli. The immune potential of this vaccine regime in guinea pigs and sheep was evaluated. The results showed that IgG could significantly enhance the immune potential of antigenic epitopes. The recombinant protein RE-oIgG could not only elicit the high levels of neutralizing antibodies and lymphocytes proliferation responses in the vaccinated guinea pigs, but confer complete protection in guinea pigs against virus challenge. Although the recombinant protein RE could not confer protection in the vaccinated animals, it could delay the appearance of the clinical signs and reduce the severity of disease. Inspiringly, the titers of anti-FMDV neutralizing antibodies elicited in sheep vaccinated with RE-oIgG was significantly higher than that for the RE vaccination. Therefore, we speculated that this vaccine formulation may be a promising strategy for designing a novel vaccine against FMDV in the future.

Determination of the Current System on Isopycnal Surface Between Mindanao and New Guinea from GDEM

In this study, we used the Navy’s Generalized Digital Environmental Model (GDEM) climatological temperature and salinity data on a 0.5°×0.5° grid to investigate the seasonal variabilities of the southwest Philippines Sea (0.5°–9°N, 123.5°–136.5°) thermohaline structure and circulation. The GDEM for the area was built up on historical (1930–1997) temperature and salinity profiles. A three-dimensional estimate of the absolute geostrophic velocity field on isopycnal surface was obtained from the GDEM temperature and salinity fields using the P-vector method. The seasonal variabilities of the thermohaline structure and currents (obtained from the inverse method) such as the Mindanao Current, Mindanao Undercurrent, North Equatorial Counter Current, New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent, and dual-eddies (cyclinic Mindanao Eddy and anticyclonic Halmahera Eddy) are identified.

Probabilistic Remote Preparation of a Tripartite High-Dimensional Equatorial Entangled State

We present a scheme for probabilistic remote preparation of a tripartite qutrit entangled state with a partial tripartite qutrit entangled state and a partial bipartite qutrit entangled state as the quantum channel. It is found that a bipartite qutrit orthogonal projective measurement, an auxiliary qutrit particle, and the corresponding unitary transformation are required. A scheme for probabilistic remote preparation of a tripartite qudit equatorial entangled state by using a partial tripartite qudit entangled state and a partial bipartite qudit entangled state as the quantum channel is also proposed. We calculate the successful total probability and the total classical communication cost required in the RSP process, respectively.

Gastrointestinal migrating motor complex during early stage of cholesterol gallstone formation in guinea pigs

Objective： To determine the changes of gastrointestinal migrating motor complex （MMC） during the early stage of cholesterol gallstone formation. Methods：Totally 45 healthy adult guinea pigs were randomly and equally divided into 3 groups, that is, normal control, group B （1% cholesterol diet for 2 weeks） and group C （1% cholesterol diet for 4 weeks）. Three pairs of silver electrodes were inserted into the gastric antrum, duodenum and jejunum of every animal respectively. Record of gastrointestinal MMC of these guinea pigs were recorded and analyzed. Gallbladder bile was taken to detect the formation of cholesterol gallstone. Results： There were only 29 guinea pigs living. The MMC cycle time and the duration of phase Ⅱ were prolonged significantly and gradually compared with the control group （P〈0.01）, but the duration of phase Ⅲ became significantly and gradually shorter. Conclusion： During the early stage of cholesterol gallstone formation, the MMC cycle time and the duration of phase Ⅱ are prolonged and the duration of phase Ⅲ is shortened.

Responses of Phytolith in Guinea Grass(Leymus chinensis) Leaves to Simulated Warming,Nitrogen Deposition and Elevated CO_2 Concentration in Songnen Grassland,Northeast China

Deposited in plant cells and their intercellular space,phytoliths,a special form of silica,could be used to determine information on plant structure and physiology especially their size and content.With the hypothesis that phytolith in plant would change under variable climate and environment,the dominant plant species in Songnen grassland,guinea grass(Leymus chinensis),was treated by an open-top chamber(OTC) to elevate CO2 concentration,infrared heaters,and artificial nitrogen(N) addition for three years from 2006–2008.Phytoliths were extracted by wet-ashing method and analyzed by variance analysis and so on.We found that the responses to elevated CO2 are complicated,and warming is positive while N addition is negative to the deposition of phytoliths in L.chinensis leaves.Especially,warming could reduce the negative impact of N addition on phytolith in L.chinensis.The short cell's taxonomic in graminea is significant because of no disappearance with simulated environmental changes.The phytolith originated in the long cell and plant intercellular space are more sensitive to elevated CO2 concentration,warming,and N addition,and could become some new indicators for environmental changes.In conclusion,different phytolith types have various responses to simulated warming,N addition and elevated CO2 concentration.

Use of Horton Infiltration Model in Estimating Infiltration Characteristics of an Alfisol in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Field infiltration measurement is often a tedious task thus can be easily estimated from proposed infiltration models. The Horton equation is one of the popular models used in the characterization of field infiltration. In this study, the least square curve firing technique was employed to estimate the model parameters from fifteen field measured data and gave resultant mean regression coefficients （R2） value of 0.811. Furthermore, plotting the measured against the calculated infiltration rate for the first six （6） measurement points yielded R2 values close to unity in the regression curve indicating a marked relationship between the two. This indicates that the Horton infiltration model can be applied to estimate infiltration characteristics of soils in Samaru, Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria.

EFFECT OF FK224 ON THE BRONCHOCONSTRIC TIONINDUCED BY ISOCAPNIC HYPERPNEA IN GUINEA PIGS

Objective To evaluate effect of Neurokinin receptor antagonist on the prevention from hyper-pnea-induced bronchoconstriction using a dual Neurokinin receptor antagonist FK224. Methods 12 pathogen-free Hartley guinea pigs were divided into two groups randomly-. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control group (n =6)and FK224 group (n =6). Guinea pigs were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. A cervical tracheostomy wasperformed and a polyethylene tube was inserted into the trachea. After measuring baseline value of the lung resist-ance (RL) and dynamic compliance of respiratory system (Cdyn), DMSO (0.3 ml/kg) and FK224 (1mg/kg) wereadministered by injection through jugular vein respectively. A rodent respirator with dry 5% CO2-95% O2 mixture atroom temperature provided mechanical ventilation ( VT 8ml/animal, 100breaths/min) for 5min. RL and Cdyn of 2groups were measured after isocapnic hyperpnea challenge. Results In DMSO control group, isocapnic hyper-pnea of dry gas elicited a marked increase in RL and decrease in Cdyn. RL and Cdyn of FK224 group did not changesignificantly. Conclusion FK224 can inhibit the increase in RL and decrease in Cdyn caused by isocapnic hy-perpnea in guinea pigs. And antagonists of tachykinins receptors might have effect on prophylaxis and treatment inexercise-induced asthma.

Remote Preparation of Multipartite Equatorial Entangled States in High Dimensions with Three Parties

A scheme for probabilistic remotely preparing N-particle d-dimensional equatorial entangled states via entangled swapping with three parties is presented. The quantum channel is composed of N - 1 pairs of bipartite d-dimensional non-maximally entangled states and a tripartite d-dimension non-maximally entangled state. It is shown that the sender can help either of the two receivers to remotely prepare the original state, and the N-particle projective measurement and the generalized Hadamard transformation are needed in this scheme. The total success probability and classical communication cost are calculated.

Scheme for Implementing Assisted Cloning of an Unknown d-Dimension Equatorial Quantum State by Remote State Preparation

In this paper, we propose a protocol that can produce perfect copy of an unknown d-dimensional equatorial quantum state with assistance from a state preparer. In this protocol, the maximally and non-maximally entangled bipartite d-dimensional of states are used as the quantum channels, respectively. The first stage of the protocol requires usual teleportation. In the second stage of the protocol, with the assistance of the preparer, the perfect copy of an original unknown state can be produced.

Effects of Intercropping Systems of Castor Bean, Maize and Common Bean on Their Growth and Seed Yield in the Soudano Guinea Zone of Cameroon

Field trial was carried out in the Soudano-Guinean zone of Cameroon to investigate the effect of intercropping systems of castor bean with common bean and maize on their growth and yield. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used and five treatments： castor bean in monoculture or in association with common beans or maize, common bean in monoculture and in association with castor bean, maize in monoculture and in association with castor bean. The growth parameters and seed yield were evaluated. Castor beans associated with either maize or common bean grew faster compared to the monoculture system. In addition common bean exhibited fast growth and high seed yield when associated to castor bean, while, no significant difference was observed for maize. In conclusion, the culture of castor bean in association with common bean or maize is advantageous for the peasants in the Adamawa Cameroon region.

Aroma Properties of Selected Local Spices of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria

Some famous local spices were selected to determine their potentials in terms of their aroma and utilization. They included Tea Bush （Ocimum basilicum）, Guinea Black Pepper （Piper guineense）, African Pepper （Xylopia aethiopica）, Alden Tree （Tetrapleura tetraptera） and the African Meg Nut or Onion Tree （Blighia unijugata）. Essential oils were extracted from the samples and used for aroma absorption test in a uv-visible spectrometer V2.03. The intensity of aroma was indicated at some peak values of absorption at particular wavelengths. The compounds responsible for the aroma at this peak values were identified by matching their wavelengths with those of known compounds at similar wavelengths of absorption. Thus, a compound such as Quinoline that has hot strong aroma and little bleaching effect was proved to be present in Guinea black pepper ;at the wavelength of 313.0 nm. Benzene with hot strong aroma and flammable effect was also indicated in this spice at the wavelength of 253.0 rim. Proximate analysis carried out showed that these spices have high nutritive values. Some of them such as Guinea black pepper, African Nutmeg and Ethiopian （African） pepper had high ether extract of 20.01, 25.97 and 31.25 respectively, and could be regarded as oil seeds, they contain much of essential oils.

Elevative Deixis in Wano Exploring Human Social Cognition in Grammar

Wano, spoken by about 7,000 native speakers, is a Papuan language of Trans-New Guinea Phylum, Dani-Kwerba Stock, which is found in the interior of Papua of the regency of Puncak Jaya. The language is closely related to Dani, Walak, and Nggem. It is an SOV language typology that has a complex morphological system. Four spatial dimensions are morphosyntactically coded in elevative deixis, which are steepness/non-steepness distinction, proximity/distality distinction, adverbial/attributive expressions, and vertical/horizontal plane. This paper discusses the grammatical operation of a set of two-term system： ei ＂up＂ and ou ＂down＂ that serves as the basic forms for the elevational deixis in Wano.

Intimate Partner Violence in Papua New Guinea

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, consequences and preventive measures oflPV （intimate partner violence） within the selected population in Goroka, Papua New Guinea. Questions derived from the prevalidated scales were used to measure the IPV. Questionnaires were distributed to both men and women aged from 18 to 60. The participants were staff and students of University of Goroka, staff of the Goroka Secondary school and North Goroka Primary school, Teachers in-charges of the elementary schools in the Eastern Highlands Province and the villagers from Asaroufa and Kotuni villages. Of the 95 respondents, 78.95% were victims of IPV. Among the victims 37.33% were males and 62.67% females. The physical, sexual and psychological abuses were experienced by both men and women. The significant risk factors found to be associated with violence were young age, low education, low socioeconomic status, marital conflicts, history of abuse during childhood, and male patriarchal values. The interpersonal relationship tends to be an important factor for prevailing violence free environment within the intimate partners. Intimate partner violence is prevalent in PNG. The strongest independent predictors were the excessive drinking of alcohol and marital conflict. Preventive measures such as compulsory and free technical education for all children less than 14 years old and life skills training and violence awareness campaign for both men and women must be provided to reduce the intimate partner violence.

Water Filterable and Particulate Metals and Their Bioaccumulation in Prawns along Veifa Village, Central Province, Papua New Guinea

Toxic metals are released into the river systems from both anthropogenic activities and natural sources. These metals are present in water as filterable and particulate metals. These metals were found to bioaccumulate in prawn samples along Veifa stretch of the Angabanga River. The analytical results showed that As as particulate metal was high in concentration at 86 μg·g^-1 and Pb as filterable metal was high in concentration at 12 μg·g^-1. The metals Pb and As also accumulated in prawns along the Veifa stretch but were within recommended toxic metal standards.

Magnetic Signature of the Kusi Mineral Prospect, Papua New Guinea

A ground magnetic survey was conducted on the Kusi mineral prospect, Papua New Guinea, to provide insights into the magnetic properties of the mineralisation and help define drill targets for an exploration programme. The results of the survey suggest three distinct magnetic zones： （1） a magnetic high zone covering the northern portion of the survey area; （2） a northeast-southwest trending magnetic low zone occupying the southern portion and （3） a possible buried intrusive body separating the magnetic high from the low magnetic zone. The results of the survey suggest that drilling is concentrated on the zone of low magnetic response, and the periphery of the interpreted intrusion is adjacent to the contact to the limestone defining the mineralisation style of the two zones. A further ground magnetic survey is required to determine the western limits of the low magnetic zone.

Integrating Social Mapping with Geographic Information Systems： Community Network Analysis in Sharing Sweetpotato Innovations in Papua New Guinea

This research drew from social learning and international development literature. The purpose of this community research was to trace the spread and impact of sweetpotato flour in two rural communities in Papua New Guinea. Research strategy was participatory learning and action utilizing participatory mapping. The paper mapping process was documented using a video recorder and field notes. Geographic Information Systems technology was then used to incorporate local spatial knowledge on scale maps to show spread of knowledge. The main finding was the identification of social networks through tracking of sweetpotato knowledge： identifying who used the knowledge and whether there were any modifications, the location of those who used the knowledge and whether this was shared and with whom. Most significant was the enabling factors that strengthened existing and potential future networks. Community leadership styles determine success of development projects. Rural communities are diverse needing participatory multi-layered methodologies that are people oriented for agricultural technologies to be learnt and utilized for improved livelihood.

Particle Size and Concentrations of the Harmattan Dust Near the Gulf of Guinea

The seasonal transport of the Saharan dust to the West African region, near the Gulf of Guinea, during northem winter has been studied over 12 years. Using an optical particle counter, the dust aerosols in the diameter range 0.5-25 μm have been sampled at Kumasi （6040＇ N, l°34＇ W） in Ghana during the winter months of January-February from 1997 to 2009. The settling atmospheric dust particles observed during the peak Harmattan and the background Harmattan periods are analysed for the mean particle size, number and mass concentrations as well as the particle size-frequency. It is shown that the average daily particle diameter, number and mass concentrations obtained in the peak Harmattan periods are 1.57 ± 0.54 μm, 50 ± 25 particles/cm3 and 1,130 ± 994 μg/m3, respectively, while for the background Harmattan these values are correspondingly, 1.31 ±0.31 μm, 32 ±12 particles/cm3 and 576 ±429 μg/m3, respectively. These experimental results will be useful for the design of ambient air-filters and for understanding the West African climate change.

GC-MS Spectrums and Their Close Match Methyl Esters from Mushrooms of Papua New Guinea

The GC-MS spectrums of a sample from Amanitaceae family and Mycenaceae family were matched with their close match GC-MS spectrums from the spectrum library. The samples from Amanitaceae family （KMsp027） and Mycenaceae family （KMsp039） were found to contain fatty acid methyl esters （methyl palmitate and methyl linoleate）. It is proposed that the presence of methyl linoleate and methyl palmitate in the samples may show antibacterial activities if tested against different bacterial strains.

China and Papua New Guinea Benefit from Energy Cooperation

A rise in Chinese investment is leading to development of the resource-rich country–Papua New Guinea.With more than 60 percent of the landmass in Papua New Guinea still to be explored,particularly in the oil and gas sector,it is not surprising that the country is attracting so much international interest.