Dissecting key biomass traits through traditional QTL mapping, exploring novel functional genomics approaches, and investigating self-incompatibility in Miscanthus

It has long been recognized that relience on fossil fuels for the world’s energy needs is unsustainable, yet few attractive alternatives have been developed. Establishing an alternative energy source for the transportation sector has been particularly challenging as the vast majority of the current alternative energy technologies result in production of electricity as opposed to liquid fuel. The one major exception to this is biofuels. While corn ethanol has grown rapidly over the last decade, the dedication of such a high percentage of corn production to fuel has put a strain on food prices. For this reason, dedicated lignocellulosic crops and the technology to efficiently produce ethanol from lignocellulosic feedstocks have moved into focus. Miscanthus, a genus of perennial grasses that can produce high yields in temperate environments, has been identified as a potential substrate for ethanol production. Until recently, most of the effort put into Miscanthus breeding over the last century has focused on developing it as an ornamental crop. As breeding goals shift to increasing yield and adapting Miscanthus to local environments, breeders are in need of information regarding the genetic architecture of the traits integral to yield and adaptability. To address this, a four year quantitative trait locus (QTL) study was conducted on a full-sib, F1 mapping population of M. sinensis segregating for flowering time, height, leaf width, and yield using a genetic map consisting of 846 segregating SNP and SSR markers. In total, 78 QTLs with LOD scores above the genome-wide, permuted threshold equivalent to a P-value of 0.05 were identified across 13 traits. Forty of the 78 QTLs were detected in multiple years, and the power to detect QTLs appeared to peak in the third year of growth. Both the use of spring emergence and vigor rating as a covariate to account for variation related to differences in establishment increased the power to detect QTLs in the two year establishment period. Finally, a dry period in the middle of the 2012 growing season suggested that yield declines may be due to a decrease in tiller diameter. Despite the rapid expansion of genetic information pertaining to the Miscanthus genus over the last decade, a rapid, highly efficient functional genomics tool remains elusive. Limited success has been achieved with traditional bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, but the low efficiencies of these protocols in combination with the genotype specificity and lengthy time requirements make these techniques imperfect. Virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) may present an ideal alternative. This technique is rapid and robust to polyploidy, but it is untested in Miscanthus. Here we attempted to adapt an existing VIGS vector with a large monocotyledonous host range for use in Miscanthus. Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) has been reported to infect over 240 species within the Poaceae family. This vector was previously modified to include a ligation independent cloning (LIC) site to aid in cloning small plant gene fragments into the virus. In theory, during viral replication, double-stranded RNA will trigger the post-transcriptional gene silencing response, resulting in down regulation of viral transcripts and the cloned plant gene. In order for this process to work, the virus must be able to infect Miscanthus. Five Miscanthus, two maize, and two sorghum genotypes were screened for susceptibility to BSMV to no prevail. Simultaneously, a number of gene fragments were attempted to clone into the LIC site. After extensive trouble shooting, it was determined that a deletion in the original LIC BSMV clone was preventing successful integration of gene fragments. Two strategies are weighed moving forward: test additional genotypes of Miscanthus or acquire one or more additional VIGS vectors to screen Miscanthus for susceptibility. Neither method is guaranteed to work. The decision comes down to the amount of resources and effort available to dedicate towards developing a VIGS system for Miscanthus. Screening additional genotypes with the current BSMV VIGS vector will require the fewest resources but may have a smaller chance of success. Beyond the need for a functional genomics tool, the adoption of Miscanthus as a dedicated bioenergy crop is impeded by, among other things, the necessity to establish fields via clonal propagation. Plants grown from seed segregate widely, resulting in a decrease in plot yield. Further, seed established plots increase the invasive potential of this non-native genus of grasses. Both of these concerns could be alleviated by developing hybrid seed from inbred lines. In order to accomplish this goal, the strong self-incompatibility (SI) mechanism acting in Miscanthus would need to be manipulated. To better understand this mechanism, SI relationships between full siblings of two biparental populations were utilized to map the locus/loci responsible for self-recognition. A single locus was found to be segregating in both mapping populations, and conserved synteny among the grasses does not suggest that this locus corresponds to the S- or Z-loci found to operate in self-recognition of the Pooideae subfamily of Poaceae. Using rice and sorghum as bridge species, this region appears to be homologous to the T-locus, previously believed to only have two alleles: a functional allele and a non-functional allele. Increasing evidence suggests that sorghum has a deletion in the region homologous to the mapped SI locus in Miscanthus, explaining its lack of SI. Despite only detecting a single locus in each mapping population, an investigation of pollen tube growth in a more diverse set of crosses revealed two separate crosses in which 75% of the pollen was compatible. This can only occur in a two locus SI system, suggesting that at least one more locus is responsible for SI in Miscanthus. In light of these new revelations, the model in which the common ancestor of all grasses had a four locus SI system is supported. After the split of the Pooideae and Panicoideae subfamilies, these four SI loci underwent distinct evolutionary pathways, resulting in two related but distinct SI systems

Physical, Chemical, and Mineralogical Controls on Retardation of Anatoxin-a Migration by Sorption to Natural Soils with Implications for Groundwater Protection

Increasing prevalence of cyanotoxins in surface water bodies worldwide threatens groundwater quality when contaminated water recharges an aquifer through natural or artificial means. The subsurface fate of anatoxin-a (ATX) is not well studied. Laboratory batch experiments were performed to expand the current knowledge of ATX sorption affinities to geologic media, with a focus on natural soil (Vertisol, Ultisol, Alfisol, and Inceptisol) and physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics. For a range of aqueous ATX concentrations (0.3–14 μg/L), linear, Freundlich, and Langmuir isotherms fit observed data well (r2 = 0.92–1.00, RMSE = 0.4–6.3 μg/kg). Distribution coefficient (Kd) and retardation factor (Rf) values were computed for the linear isotherm, giving Kd of 22.3–77.1 L/kg and Rf of 62–256. Average percent removals were 85.0–92.2%. The strongest predictors of Kd were kaolinite and smectite group mineral abundances and for Rf were smectite group and silt and clay abundances. Results indicate that loamy, silty, or clayey soils—particularly Vertisols—tend to substantially slow migration of ATX through natural soil systems. Where implemented as a functionalized amendment in an engineered pollution control media, such soils may enhance natural ATX attenuation processes, thereby supporting the protection of in situ and extracted groundwater during irrigation, natural and managed aquifer recharge, or riverbank filtration

Populism and its impact on young people

This document explores the phenomenon of populism in Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of North Macedonia, focusing on its manifestations, implications, and impact on education. ​ It discusses the characteristics of populism, its historical context, and the challenges faced by educators in addressing it. ​ The document emphasizes the importance of understanding and responding to populism in order to protect democratic values, promote inclusive education, and counter the spread of populist messages through social media. ​ It also presents a teacher training program that integrates the findings of a research report on populism and provides pedagogical strategies for addressing it. ​ The program includes sessions on teacher professional development, curriculum re-evaluation, and defending democratic norms. ​ Overall, the document highlights the need for critical thinking, historical context teaching, global perspectives exploration, and civil society involvement to address the challenges posed by populism in education.

Genetic variation in \u3ci\u3eMiscanthus\u3c/i\u3e X \u3ci\u3egiganteus\u3c/i\u3e and the importance of estimating genetic distance thresholds for differentiating clones

Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) is an important bioenergy feedstock crop, however, genetic diversity among legacy cultivars may be severely constrained. Only one introduction from Japan to Denmark of this sterile, triploid, vegetatively propagated crop was recorded in the 1930s. We sought to determine if the Mxg cultivars in North America were all synonyms, and if they were derived from the European introduction. We used 64 nuclear and five chloroplast simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to estimate genetic similarity for 27 Mxg accessions from North America, and compared them with six accessions from Europe, including the species’ type-specimen. A subset of accessions was also evaluated by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). In addition, we assessed the potential of new crosses to increase Mxg genetic diversity by comparing eight new triploid Mxg progeny grown from seed, along with samples of the parental species M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis. Estimates of genotyping error rates were essential for distinguishing between experimental error and true genotypic differences among accessions. Given differences in estimated error rates and costs per marker for SSRs and RAD-seq, the former is currently more cost-effective for determining if two accessions are genetically identical. We concluded that all of the Mxg legacy cultivars were derived via vegetative propagation from a single genet. In contrast with the Mxg legacy cultivars, genetic similarity to the type-specimen of eight new triploid Mxg progeny ranged from 0.46 to 0.56. Though genetic diversity among the Mxg legacy cultivars is critically low, new crosses can provide much-needed variation to growers

Longitudinally Jointed Edge-wise Compression Honeycomb Composite Sandwich Coupon Testing and FE Analysis: Three Methods of Strain Measurement, and Comparison

Three means (i.e., typical foil strain gages, fiber optic sensors, and a digital image correlation (DIC) system) were implemented to measure strains on the back and front surfaces of a longitudinally jointed curved test article subjected to edge-wise compression testing, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, according to ASTM C364. The Pre-test finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to assess ultimate failure load and predict strain distribution pattern throughout the test coupon. The predicted strain pattern contours were then utilized as guidelines for installing the strain measurement instrumentations. The strain gages and fiber optic sensors were bonded on the specimen at locations with nearly the same strain values, as close as possible to each other, so that, comparisons between the measured strains by strain gages and fiber optic sensors, as well as the DIC system are justified. The test article was loaded to failure (at approximately 38 kips), at the strain value of approximately 10,000mu epsilon As a part of this study, the validity of the measured strains by fiber optic sensors is examined against the strain gage and DIC data, and also will be compared with FEA predictions

The Vehicle, Spring 2010

Table of Contents ForgettingRashelle McNairpage 34 MuseMary Lieskepage 35 My CompulsionAshton Tembypage 38 MemoryKate Vandermeerpage 41 Killmercialize MeGreg Petersonpage 42 PenJake Smithpage 46 GrassKate Vandermeerpage 48 Character CreationMary Lieskepage 52 Ring Around TheKim Hunter-Perkinspage 54 The Great Cursive ScareJake Smithpage 55 OpiateDoug Urbanskipage 61 What Happens to Little Girls...Jennifer O\u27Neilpage 63 Poetry Sunny DaysRyan Poolpage 2 AtlantisDoug Urbanskipage 4 Garbage CityKate Vandermeerpage 6 Fat Girl ThongsKim Hunter-Perkinspage 7 MercilessRosalia Pecorapage 19 ChemistryMary Lieskepage 20 He-Who-Stopped-TalkingJustin Sudkamppage 22 In Which Iris Contemplates a Barren EarthSean Slatterypage 24 At the Bottom of the WorldNick Canadaypage 27 Dogma: Mush!Scott Maypage 28 ThiefMary Lieskepage 29 Prose Coming HomeDoug Urbanskipage 8 DodoDan Davispage 31 The Poet in the PedestrianScott Maypage 37 Toxic RainJacob Swansonpage 40 What\u27s Your Greatest Fear?Justine Fittonpage 43 Soul VoiceHolly Thomaspage 49 Conversations with a SniperKim Hunter-Perkinspage 56 LettersDaniel Paquinpage 65 Art San Marcos, MexicoKate Vandermeercover Contemplation of the World\u27s EndNicholas Giffordpage 18 Little Lady SitsSarah Hadwigerpage 26 MoodAlycia Rockeypage 30 Four Ducks in a RowMegan Mathypage 36 The Daily EasternBen Tillerypage 39 BirdsAlycia Rockeypage 45 March of the BugsMegan Mathypage 47 Mexico Work ExperienceKate Vandermeerpage 53 Feather and JewelsAlycia Rockeypage 60 The ForgottenMegan Mathypage 64 Special Features Fall 2009-Spring 2010 Vehicle Award Winnerspage 1 James K. Johnson Creative Writing Awardpage 74 Kim Hunter-PerkinsWinning Entries (Poetry)page 75 Clint WalkerWinning Entry (Fiction)page 86 Faculty Spotlight: Professor Jason Brownpage 99 About the Contributorspage 106 About the Editorspage 110https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1093/thumbnail.jp

Contemporary Africa through the theory of Louis Dumont

Abstract This article responds to a trend in recent anthropological scholarship in Africa that has overemphasized a lack of social organization following the advancement of neoliberal reforms across the continent. Using a theoretical framework informed by the theory of Louis Dumont, I show that social organization remains an important analytical topic in times of crisis, and that this is best apprehended through an analysis of values. The ethnographic focus of this article is Pentecostal Christianity as it is practiced on the Zambian Copperbelt. In this particular African context, Pentecostalism is animated by an overarching value that I call "moving," which is in turn made up to two sub-values: charisma and prosperity. By exploring how Pentecostal believers navigate the hierarchical relationship between these two sub-values, we are given a clear picture of the social world that Pentecostal adherence makes possible

Genome biology of the paleotetraploid perennial biomass crop Miscanthus

Miscanthus is a perennial wild grass that is of global importance for paper production, roofing, horticultural plantings, and an emerging highly productive temperate biomass crop. We report a chromosome-scale assembly of the paleotetraploid M. sinensis genome, providing a resource for Miscanthus that links its chromosomes to the related diploid Sorghum and complex polyploid sugarcanes. The asymmetric distribution of transposons across the two homoeologous subgenomes proves Miscanthus paleo-allotetraploidy and identifies several balanced reciprocal homoeologous exchanges. Analysis of M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus populations demonstrates extensive interspecific admixture and hybridization, and documents the origin of the highly productive triploid bioenergy crop M. x giganteus. Transcriptional profiling of leaves, stem, and rhizomes over growing seasons provides insight into rhizome development and nutrient recycling, processes critical for sustainable biomass accumulation in a perennial temperate grass. The Miscanthus genome expands the power of comparative genomics to understand traits of importance to Andropogoneae grasses

Recent developments in genetics and medically assisted reproduction : from research to clinical applications

Two leading European professional societies, the European Society of Human Genetics and the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology, have worked together since 2004 to evaluate the impact of fast research advances at the interface of assisted reproduction and genetics, including their application into clinical practice. In September 2016, the expert panel met for the third time. The topics discussed highlighted important issues covering the impacts of expanded carrier screening, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, voiding of the presumed anonymity of gamete donors by advanced genetic testing, advances in the research of genetic causes underlying male and female infertility, utilisation of massively parallel sequencing in preimplantation genetic testing and non-invasive prenatal screening, mitochondrial replacement in human oocytes, and additionally, issues related to cross-generational epigenetic inheritance following IVF and germline genome editing. The resulting paper represents a consensus of both professional societies involved.Peer reviewe