Identification and Functional Characterization of Long Noncoding RNAs Involved in Endosperm Development of Arabidopsis thaliana

Elucidating the molecular events underlying endosperm and embryo development in angiosperms are important both in terms of understanding plant development and developing new methods to enhance crop productivity. Seeds arguably undergo one of the most complex developmental programs of any plant organ, and are therefore subject to many gene regulatory mechanisms. In recent years, it has become clear that various classes of noncoding ribonucleic acid (ncRNA) and covalent histone modifications have important roles in gene regulation. Of these ncRNAs, small RNAs (20 to 25 nucleotides) are beginning to be understood; however, less is known about the role and complexity of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Here, we detail the methodology for purifying specific cell types, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic annotation of lncRNAs and investigation of biological function, using the reference plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We also detail methodology for highly reproducible bisulfite treatment of RNA, efficient locus-specific PCR amplification, detection of 5-methycytosine that includes sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform and bioinformatic calling of converted and non-converted cytosines. Next, we investigated the contribution of transposable elements (TEs) to long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) during plant development and abiotic stress tolerance. Using deep Illumina sequencing, we identified 47, 611 and 398 TE-associated lincRNAs (TE-lincRNAs) from Arabidopsis, rice and maize, respectively. We demonstrated that some of these TE-lincRNAs were tissue specifically transcribed and others were expressed after salt, abscisic acid (ABA) or cold treatments. After identification and characterization of about 50 TE-lincRNA mutants, the mutant TE-linc11195 was identified as having less sensitivity to ABA. The TE-linc11195 mutant had longer roots and higher shoot mass when compared with wildtype in the presence of ABA. Our data suggest that TE-lincRNAs might be a promising reservoir to adapt to changing environmental conditions. We also explored the potential roles of lncRNAs in regulating epigenetic modifications deposited by the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) complex. We immunoprecipitated PRC2-associated lncRNAs and sequenced the bound RNAs by Illumina sequencing. We validated the expression of these PRC2-associated lncRNAs by strand-specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and computationally predicted their functions in seed development by association with H3K27me3-targeted (PRC2) genes. Interestingly, the data also showed that G-tract motifs (G2L1-4) are significantly enriched among PRC2-binding transcripts. This dataset provides an initial insight into PRC2-associated RNAs and may contribute towards understanding PRC2 function. Further, we identified 615 lncRNAs from Arabidopsis thaliana one day after pollination (DAP) of siliques using high-throughput Illumina sequencing. Next, we showed that some of these lncRNAs could be transcribed in an organ-specific manner or more broadly transcribed in root, flower and silique organs. Among the broadly transcribed lncRNAs, some were differentially abundant, while others were similarly abundant across all three tissue types. We also investigated the function of 42 lncRNAs by using either artificial microRNAs or RNAi to knockdown the targets. Of these, the knockdown plants of lnc1246 were observed to have smaller cells and organs in all tested tissues: roots, cotyledons and seeds. We also demonstrated with open reading frame analysis that LNCRNA_1246 was unlikely to encode for a functional protein. Functional analysis using a recessive lnc1246 mutant allele and reciprocal crosses demonstrated that LNCRNA_1246 acted maternally to reduce seed size. This could be a result of smaller cells within the outer integument layer and a smaller integument. Together, our results demonstrate that lncRNAs are broadly transcribed and at least one plays an important role in seed size. Overall, this thesis focuses on the genome-wide identification and characterization of lncRNAs from A. thaliana 1DAP silique and the possible functions of lncRNAs in plant development by interacting with their partners, such as TEs and FIS2–PRC2 complexes. It also illustrates the potential effects of lncRNAs on diverse biological processes during plant evolution.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Biological Sciences, 201

Design a cryptosystem using elliptic curves cryptography and Vigenère symmetry key

In this paper describes the basic idea of elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) as well as Vigenère symmetry key. Elliptic curve arithmetic can be used to develop elliptic curve coding schemes, including key exchange, encryption, and digital signature. The main attraction of elliptic curve cryptography compared to Rivest, Shamir, Adleman (RSA) is that it provides equivalent security for a smaller key size, which reduces processing costs. From the theorical basic, we proposed a cryptosystem using elliptic curves and Vigenère cryptography. We proposed and implemented our encryption algorithm in an integrated development environment named visual studio 2019 to design a safe, secure, and effective cryptosystem

On tracking control problem for polysolenoid motor model predictive approach

The Polysolenoid Linear Motor (PLM) have been playing a crucial role in many industrial aspects due to its functions, in which a straight motion is provided directly without mediate mechanical actuators. Recently, with several commons on mathematic model, some control methods for PLM based on Rotational Motor have been applied, but position, velocity and current constraints which are important in real systems have been ignored. In this paper, position tracking control problem for PLM was considered under state-independent disturbances via min-max model predictive control. The proposed controller forces tracking position errors converge to small region of origin and satisfies state including position, velocity and currents constraints. Further, a numerical simulation was implemented to validate the performance of the proposed controller

A holistic approach to recycling of CRT glass and PCBs in Vietnam: Policy paper

Rapidly growing quantities of e-waste (WEEE) demand the increasing attention of environmental policy all over the world. Developing countries are particularly affected by recycling and disposal activities, which are deemed harmful to health and environment. Holistic or integrated approaches to WEEE policy are required. The paper discusses first recycling technologies for glass from cathode ray tubes (CRT) and printed circuit boards (PCBs) in Vietnam. Thereafter the German approach to WEEE policy is adjusted to allow for an integrated policy. This is then adapted to allow for the recycling of used monitors and computers.Sự gia tăng một cách nhanh chóng số lượng các chất thải từ các thiết bị điện, điện tử (WEEE) đòi hỏi sự tăng cường chú ý tới các chính sách môi trường toàn cầu. Các nước đang phát triển bị tác động đặc biệt bởi các hoạt động tái chế, do nó ảnh hưởng xấu tới sức khỏe và môi trường. Các phương pháp tổ hợp và toàn diện đối với các chính sách quản lý chất thải điện tử (WEEE) là đòi hỏi cấp thiết. Trong bài báo này, trước hết phân tích đánh giá các công nghệ tái chế thủy tinh đèn hình (thủy tinh CRT) và bản mạch in điện tử (PCBs) ở Việt Nam. Tiếp theo là phương pháp tiếp cận các chính sách quản lý chất thải điện tử của Cộng hòa liên bang Đức được sử dụng để điều chỉnh cho thích hợp nhằm đưa ra giải pháp tổ hợp có thể thích ứng cho việc tái chế màn hình Tivi và máy tính hỏng, hết hạn sử dụng và thải bỏ ở Việt Nam

Preconcentration of Arsenic Species in Environmental Waters by Solid Phase Extraction Using Metal-loaded Chelating Resins

Joint Research on Environmental Science and Technology for the Earth『Annual Report of FY 2002, The Core University Program between Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and National Centre for Natural Science and Technology (NCST)』pp.20-23, Core University Program Office, Fujita Laboratory, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, Osaka University, 200

A holistic approach to recycling of CRT glass and PCBs in Vietnam: Policy paper

Rapidly growing quantities of e-waste (WEEE) demand the increasing attention of environmental policy all over the world. Developing countries are particularly affected by recycling and disposal activities, which are deemed harmful to health and environment. Holistic or integrated approaches to WEEE policy are required. The paper discusses first recycling technologies for glass from cathode ray tubes (CRT) and printed circuit boards (PCBs) in Vietnam. Thereafter the German approach to WEEE policy is adjusted to allow for an integrated policy. This is then adapted to allow for the recycling of used monitors and computers.Sự gia tăng một cách nhanh chóng số lượng các chất thải từ các thiết bị điện, điện tử (WEEE) đòi hỏi sự tăng cường chú ý tới các chính sách môi trường toàn cầu. Các nước đang phát triển bị tác động đặc biệt bởi các hoạt động tái chế, do nó ảnh hưởng xấu tới sức khỏe và môi trường. Các phương pháp tổ hợp và toàn diện đối với các chính sách quản lý chất thải điện tử (WEEE) là đòi hỏi cấp thiết. Trong bài báo này, trước hết phân tích đánh giá các công nghệ tái chế thủy tinh đèn hình (thủy tinh CRT) và bản mạch in điện tử (PCBs) ở Việt Nam. Tiếp theo là phương pháp tiếp cận các chính sách quản lý chất thải điện tử của Cộng hòa liên bang Đức được sử dụng để điều chỉnh cho thích hợp nhằm đưa ra giải pháp tổ hợp có thể thích ứng cho việc tái chế màn hình Tivi và máy tính hỏng, hết hạn sử dụng và thải bỏ ở Việt Nam

A cross-sectional study of the antibiotic resistant prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Vietnam

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) is increasing. Accurate evaluation of antibiotic resistance rates in various categories of bacteria assists medical physicians in recommending suitable indications for their medical problems, improving treatment efficiency, and minimizing dangers for patients. As a result, we undertook this research to assess the prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae as well as the rate of antibiotic resistance in ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2716 patients at the An Giang Central General Hospital from June 2020 to June 2021. Data collection was based on interviews and used SPSS 18.0 and GraphPad Prism 9 for data analysis and presentation. Samples included urine, blood, sputum, and pus. Samples were treated with the Phoenix 100 automated machine to separate and identify samples. Results: The highest rate was 64.8% for Escherichia coli, followed by 30.2% for Klebsiella pneumoniae. Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella oxytoca were found in 4.5% and 0.6% of the samples, respectively. Ampicillin resistance was greatest in E. coli (96.5%), K. pneumonia (92.4%), and K oxytoca (83.3%). The frequency of resistance to the other antibiotics was likewise extremely high, approaching 60%. Tobramycin, Amoxicillin/Clavulanate, Cefoxitin, and Nitrofurantoin were totally resistant to K. oxytoca in the ESBL-producing group. E. coli and K. pneumoniae with ESBL-producing genes also have a high antibiotic resistance rate of more than 50%. Conclusion: E. coli was the most common pathogenic bacteria. Most of the species of bacteria resisted Ampicillin

Biocontrol of Alternaria alternata YZU, a causal of stem end rot disease on pitaya, with soil phosphate solubilizing bacteria

Stem end rot is the most destructive disease caused by Alternaria alternata YZU in pitaya-growing regions of Vietnam. This study was conducted to characterize antagonistic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from rhizosphere soil for their biocontrol activities against A. alternata YZU and evaluate the effect of temperature, pH, and water activity on that antagonism. Among seven PSB isolated from 45 rhizosphere soil samples, PSB31 (identified as Bacillus sp. strain IMAU61039, Accession number: MF803700.1) exhibited the highest antagonistic activity against A. alternata YZU with an average inhibition diameter of 0.65 ± 0.05 cm. The results also show that the strain PSB31 controlled the mycelial growth of A. alternata YZU by secreting antifungal metabolites. The most potent inhibitory activity was identified under in vitro conditions of 25 °C, pH 7, and aw 1. The isolated PSB31 could be a potential biological control agent against A. alternata YZU

The Photocatalytic Activity of the Bi2O3-B2O3-ZnO-TiO2 Glass Coating

Due to the low melting temperature, the glazes based on the Bi2O3-B2O3-ZnO system are used as coatings on the surface of industrial glass substrates. Moreover, the composition of these coatings does not contain PbO, meeting the optical and environmental properties requirements. In this study, TiO2 was used in the Bi2O3-B2O3-ZnO glaze system to improve its photocatalytic ability. This can be considered a four – component glass system Bi2O3-B2O3-ZnO-TiO2. The heating microscopy results show that the melting temperature of the glaze system is 606 °C. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results show that the TiO2 polyhedra are located independently in the structure without participating in forming a glass network. Thanks to that, the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 are maintained. The X-ray diffraction patterns results show that the formed TiO2 nanocrystals are rutile and anatase crystals. The results of determining the band gap energy using UV-Vis show that the band gap energy of the base glaze system increases with the addition of TiO2. The methylene blue decomposition results also showed that the ability to decompose organic increased when TiO2 was added to the glaze coating. The characteristics such as melting temperature, microstructure, and photocatalytic capacity of Bi2O3-B2O3-ZnO-TiO2 white glazes (5 and 10 % weight of TiO2) also were indicated in this paper

Sero-epidemiological status and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Northern Vietnam

Background: In Vietnam, few studies have determined the epidemiological status of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and no routine prenatal screening is in place. This study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of this zoonotic parasitic infection in pregnant women in Northern Vietnam and to assess the association with awareness, risk factors and congenital toxoplasmosis. Methods: Approximately 800 pregnant women were included in the study from two hospitals, one in Hanoi and one in Thai Binh province, which is known to have a dense cat population. Serological immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) detection was performed to estimate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and sero-incidence of maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis. In addition, a survey was conducted about awareness, clinical history, presentation of signs and symptoms relating to toxoplasmosis and to detect biologically plausible and socio-demographic risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis. Associations with seroprevalence were assessed using univariable and multivariable analysis. Results: The mean IgG seroprevalence after the full diagnostic process was 4.5% (95% confidence interval(CI): 2.7–7.0) and 5.8% (95% CI: 3.7–8.6) in Hanoi and Thai Binh hospital, respectively, and included one seroconversion diagnosed in Thai Binh hospital. Only 2.0% of the pregnant women in Hanoi hospital and 3.3% in Thai Binh hospital had heard about toxoplasmosis before this study. Conclusion: Since the percentage of seronegative, and thus susceptible, pregnant women was high and the awareness was low, we suggest to distribute information about toxoplasmosis and its prevention among women of child bearing age. Furthermore, future studies are recommended to investigate why such a low seroprevalence was seen in pregnant women in Northern Vietnam compared to other countries in South East Asia and globally