Identification of polymorphism in promoter region of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene and its association with milk related traits in Holstein cows

It is widely accepted that hormones, growth factors and other agents exert their biological effects on target tissues by binding to specific receptors on the plasma membrane. The variability in constituent sequences of growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene is very important because of its major role in mammary gland development. The aim of the present study is to detect polymorphism in promoter region of GHR gene and its association with milk related traits in Holstein cows. Blood samples were randomly collected from 93 Holstein cows, transported to the laboratory and stored at -20°C for further analysis. DNA was extracted using modified salting-out method and a fragment of 836 base pair from promoter region of GHR gene was amplified by a specific primer pairs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were digested by AluI restriction enzyme and electrophoresed on 2% agarose gel. Result of enzyme digestion for GHR gene, showed allele AluI(-) with the fragment sizes of 14, 75 and 747, and allele AluI(+) with the fragment sizes of 14, 75, 145 and 602 base pairs. Frequency estimation of AluI(-) and AluI(+) alleles were 56 and 44%, respectively, and mean of heterozygosity was 0.49. Statistical analysis showed that cows with AluI(+) allele had significantly higher milk protein and fat percentage at first lactation compared with cows with AluI(-/-), while there was no significant relation between different genotypes and other traits.Keywords: Growth hormone receptor, polymorphism, milk, HolsteinAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 9(33), pp. 5460-5464, 16 August, 201

Ecological classification of southern intertidal zones of Qeshm Island, based on CMECS model

The “Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS)”, a new approach to ecological classification, was applied to 122 km of the southern intertidal zone of Qeshm Island located the Hormouz Strait - the Persian Gulf. Two components of this model, Surface Geology (SGC) and Biotic Cover (BCC) were used. Considering the extent and geomorphological alternations of the covered area, 12 sampling sites within 5 sub-regions were designated using by GPS. In total, 60 habitats (biotopes) with 47 codes were determined; this variety of biotopes is directly related to the diverse surface geology (substrate) of the covered area. Most of the biotopes and codes were recorded in the mid-eastern coastal zone, due to heterogeneity in substrate structure associated with numerous ecological niches in rocky shores. Crustacean species such as Eriphia smithi, Thalamita prymna, Molluscan species such as Clypeomorous bifisciatus, Cerithium caeruleum and echinoderm species such as Echinometra mathaei and Ophiactis sp. were characteristic of rocky shores, while Crustacea groups including Ocypode rotundata and Dotilla sp., and Umbonium vestiarium (Mollusca) were characteristic of sandy shores. Although the highest number of codes was recorded in Zeitun Park site (Eastern coast), it did not possess the expected specific species (such as Diadema setosum, Linckia multiflora and Ophiocoma scolopendrina), that were encountered in sites with similar surface geology. This could have been caused by tourist traffic at the Zeitun Park site

Quantitative Analysis of Cardiomyocyte Dynamics with Optical Coherence Phase Microscopy

Spectral domain optical coherence microscopy (OCM) is an interferometric imaging technique for three-dimensional reconstruction of biological samples. Phase sensitive implementation of OCM has generally been in common path interferometer configuration to obtain high phase stability, wh ich limits the numerical aperture of the imaging optics and the transverse resolution. Here, we describe the implemen tation of optical coherence phase microscope in asymmetric Linnik interferometer configuration, which provides phase stability of 0.5 milliradians along with high spatial resolution. Three-dimensional structural images and dynamic displacement images ob tained from spontaneously active cardiomyocytes demonstrate that the phase information could potentially be used for quantitative analysis of contraction dynamics, spatially resolved to sub-cellular structures

Simulation Analysis of a Power System Protection using Artificial Neural Network

There has been significant development in the area of neural network based power system protection in the previous decade. Neural network technology has been applied for various protective relaying functions including distance protection. The aim of this Paper is to develop a software module acting as a protective relay using neural network techniques. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) software developed module employs the back-propagation method to recognize the waveform patterns of impedance in a transmission line. The input waveforms are generated using PSCAD. The generated waveforms then are used as training and testing data for the ANN software. The ANN software is simulated using the Neural Network Toolbox. The design has been tested for different fault conditions including different fault resistances and fault inception angles. The test results show that the relay is able to detect faults in lesser time as compared to conventional relay algorithms.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v3i1.193

Mirror Dark Matter and Core Density of Galaxies

We present a particle physics realization of a recent suggestion by Spergel and Steinhardt that collisional but dissipationless dark matter may resolve the core density problem in dark matter-dominated galaxies such as the dwarf galaxies. The realization is the asymmetric mirror universe model introduced to explain the neutrino puzzles and the microlensing anomaly. The mirror baryons are the dark matter particles with the desired properties. The time scales are right for resolution of the core density problem and formation of mirror stars (MACHOs observed in microlensing experiments). The mass of the region homogenized by Silk damping is between a dwarf and a large galaxy.Comment: 9 pages, LaTex. The present version shows that atomic scattering inherent in the mirror model can solve the core density problem without the need for an extra U(1) discussed in the original version; all conclusions are unchanged. This version is accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Synergistic Effect of Azotobacter nigricans and Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Fertilizer on Agronomic and Yieldtraits of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Peer reviewe

Emerging Views on the CTD Code

The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) consists of conserved heptapeptide repeats that function as a binding platform for different protein complexes involved in transcription, RNA processing, export, and chromatin remodeling. The CTD repeats are subject to sequential waves of posttranslational modifications during specific stages of the transcription cycle. These patterned modifications have led to the postulation of the “CTD code” hypothesis, where stage-specific patterns define a spatiotemporal code that is recognized by the appropriate interacting partners. Here, we highlight the role of CTD modifications in directing transcription initiation, elongation, and termination. We examine the major readers, writers, and erasers of the CTD code and examine the relevance of describing patterns of posttranslational modifications as a “code.” Finally, we discuss major questions regarding the function of the newly discovered CTD modifications and the fundamental insights into transcription regulation that will necessarily emerge upon addressing those challenges

Evaluation of Plant Growth-Promoting and Salinity Ameliorating Potential of Halophilic Bacteria Isolated From Saline Soil

Among the biotic and abiotic stress affecting the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, salinity is a major threat that leads to the desertification of cultivable land throughout the world. The existence of diverse and versatile microbial populations inhabiting the nutrient-rich soil and varied soil conditions affects the soil dynamism. A normal soil constitutes 600 million bacteria belonging to about 20,000 species, which is reduced to 1 million with 5,000-8,000 species in stress conditions. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are in symbiotic association with the plant system, which helps in combating the abiotic stress and increases the overall productivity and yield. These microorganisms are actively associated with varied cellular communication processes through quorum sensing and secondary metabolites such as the production of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), exopolysaccharide (EPS) siderophore, ammonia, ACC deaminase, and solubilization of phosphate. The present study focused on the isolation, identification, and characterization of the microorganisms isolated from the seacoast of Dandi, Navsari. Twelve isolates exhibited PGP traits at a high salt concentration of 15-20%. AD9 isolate identified as Bacillus halotolerans showed a higher ammonia production (88 +/- 1.73 mu g/mL) and phosphate solubilization (86 +/- 3.06 mu g/mL) at 15% salt concentration, while AD32* (Bacillus sp. clone ADCNO) gave 42.67 +/- 1.20 mu g/mL IAA production at 20% salt concentration. AD2 (Streptomyces sp. clone ADCNB) and AD26 (Achromobacter sp. clone ADCNI) showed ACC deaminase activity of 0.61 +/- 0.12 and 0.60 +/- 0.04 nM alpha-ketobutyrate/mg protein/h, respectively. AD32 (Bacillus sp. clone ADCNL) gave a high siderophore activity of 65.40 +/- 1.65%. These isolates produced salinity ameliorating traits, total antioxidant activities, and antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione oxidase (GSH), and catalase (CAT). Inoculation of the multipotent isolate that produced PGP traits and salinity ameliorating metabolites promoted the plant growth and development in rice under salinity stress conditions. These results in 50% more root length, 25.00% more plant dry weight, and 41% more tillers compared to its control.Peer reviewe

Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibits quorum-sensing mechanisms of soft rot pathogen Lelliottia amnigena RCE to regulate its virulence factors and biofilm formation

The quorum-sensing (QS) cascade is responsible for the colonization and phenotypic behavior of the pathogenic organism and the regulation of diverse signal molecules. The disruption of the quorum-sensing system is an effective strategy to overcome the possibility of antibiotic resistance development in the pathogen. The quorum quenching does not kill the microbes. Instead, it hinders the expression of pathogenic traits. In the present experiment, Pseudomonas aeruginosa RKC1 was used to extract the metabolites responsible for quorum-sensing inhibition in soft rot pathogen Lelliottia amnigena RCE. During the initial screening, P. aeruginosa RKC1 was found to be most promising and inhibits violacein of Chromobacterium violaceum MTCC2656 pyocyanin, swarming-swimming motility of P. aeruginosa MTCC2297. The characterization of metabolites produced by the microbes which are responsible for quorum-sensing inhibition through GC-MS is very scarce in scientific literature. The ethyl acetate extract of P. aeruginosa RKC1 inhibits biofilm formation of L. amnigena RCE while inhibiting growth at higher concentrations. The GC-MS analysis suggested that Cyclic dipeptides (CDPs) such as Cyclo (L-prolyl-L-valine), Cyclo (Pro-Leu), and Cyclo(D-phenylalanyl-L-prolyl) were predominantly found in the ethyl acetate extract of the P. aeruginosa RKC1 (93.72%). This diketopiperazine (DKPs) exhibited quorum-sensing inhibition against the pathogen in liquid media during the active growth phase and regulated diverse metabolites of the pathogen. Moreover, the metabolites data from the clear zone around wells showed a higher concentration of DKSs (9.66%) compared to other metabolites. So far, very few reports indicate the role of DKPs or CDPs in inhibiting the quorum-sensing system in plant pathogenic bacteria. This is one such report that exploits metabolites of P. aeruginosa RKC1. The present investigation provided evidence to use quorum-sensing inhibitor metabolites, to suppress microbes' pathogenesis and thus develop an innovative strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance.Peer reviewe

Callus Induction from Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Seedlings and Leaves of Mature Tree

Callus induction was successfully carried out from several explants of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.). Callogenesis from the apex was tested on three different media containing Woody Plant Medium (WPM), Murashige and Skoog (MS) or Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) macronutrients supplemented with two different hormonal solutions: benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 4.44 µM alone, or 2.22 µM of BAP plus 5 µM of 2-naphthalineacetic acid (NAA). Primary callus formation was obtained on a medium containing 88% WPM macronutrients. Callus formation from other parts of the plant was as follows: − Cotyledon embryos extracted from immature seeds (85% success rate on WPM medium, containing 4.44 µM BAP and 5 µM NAA); − Cotyledon leaves taken from 7-day-old seedlings, obtained from in vitro germination of seeds (62% success rate on WPM medium, containing 4.44 µM BAP and 5 µM NAA); − Hypocotyls taken from 7-day-old seedlings (55% success rate on WPM containing 2.22 µM BAP and 5 µM NAA); − Differentiated leaves taken from mature tree (84% success rate on WPM medium, containing 4.44 µM of BA and 2.26 µM of NAA). In general, production of primary calli and their growth after transplantation was better on WPM medium supplemented with 2.5 µM NAA and 2.22 µM BAP