Development of an efficient regeneration system for bombarded calli from immature embryos of Moroccan durum wheat varieties

ArticleOne of the biggest obstacles limiting genetic transformation of durum wheat is the lack of an efficient regeneration system for bombarded tissues. Our study aims to optimize culture conditions for regenerating bombarded calli from immature embryos of four durum wheat varieties ‘Amria’, ‘Chaoui’, ‘Isly’ and ‘Marouane’, through comparing the effects of phytohormones (IAA, zeatin and their interaction) and nitrogen amount and sources on callus induction and plant regeneration. Both tested induction media induced approximately the same rate of induced calli for all the tested varieties. However, the interaction of the induction and the regeneration media showed a highly significant effect on plantlet regeneration for all tested varieties. After bombardment, IM1/RM2 combination proved to be the favourable medium with up to 200% and 120% plantlets regenerated for ‘Chaoui’ and ‘Isly’ varieties respectively. Encouraging results obtained in this study will help to promote the research in genetic transformation and its improvement

Thermally stable solution processed vanadium oxide as a hole extraction layer in organic solar cells

Low-temperature solution-processable vanadium oxide (V2Ox) thin films have been employed as hole extraction layers (HELs) in polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells. V2Ox films were fabricated in air by spin-coating vanadium(V) oxytriisopropoxide (s-V2Ox) at room temperature without the need for further thermal annealing. The deposited vanadium(V) oxytriisopropoxide film undergoes hydrolysis in air, converting to V2Ox with optical and electronic properties comparable to vacuum-deposited V2O5. When s-V2Ox thin films were annealed in air at temperatures of 100 °C and 200 °C, OPV devices showed similar results with good thermal stability and better light transparency. Annealing at 300 °C and 400 °C resulted in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5% with a decrement approximately 15% lower than that of unannealed films; this is due to the relative decrease in the shunt resistance (Rsh) and an increase in the series resistance (Rs) related to changes in the oxidation state of vanadium

Mapping genetic determinants of host susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in mice.

Background: P. aeruginosa is one of the top three causes of opportunistic human bacterial infections. The remarkable variability in the clinical outcomes of this infection is thought to be associated with genetic predisposition. However, the genes underlying host susceptibility to P. aeruginosa infection are still largely unknown. Results: As a step towards mapping these genes, we applied a genome wide linkage analysis approach to a mouse model. A large F2 intercross population, obtained by mating P. aeruginosa-resistant C3H/HeOuJ, and susceptible A/J mice, was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. The F2 progenies were challenged with a P. aeruginosa clinical strain and monitored for the survival time up to 7 days post-infection, as a disease phenotype associated trait. Selected phenotypic extremes of the F2 distribution were genotyped with high-density single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers, and subsequently QTL analysis was performed. A significant locus was mapped on chromosome 6 and was named P. aeruginosa infection resistance locus 1 (Pairl1). The most promising candidate genes, including Dok1, Tacr1, Cd207, Clec4f, Gp9, Gata2, Foxp1, are related to pathogen sensing, neutrophils and macrophages recruitment and inflammatory processes. Conclusions: We propose a set of genes involved in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infection that may be explored to complement human studie

Chasing the genes that control resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes

The host-protective immune response to infection with gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes involves a range of interacting processes that begin with recognition of the parasite’s antigens and culminate in an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal mucosa. Precisely which immune effectors are responsible for the loss of specific worms is still not known although many candidate effectors have beenproposed. However, it is now clear that many different genes regulate the response and that differences between hosts (fast or strong versus slow or weak responses) can be explained by allelic variation in crucial genes associated with the gene cascade that accompanies the immune response and/or genes encoding constitutively expressed receptor/signalling molecules. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes have been recognized for some time as decisive in controlling immunity, and evidence that non-MHC genes are equally, if not more important in this respect has also been available for two decades. Nevertheless, whilst the former have been mapped in mice, only two candidate loci have been proposed for non-MHC genes and relatively little is known about their roles. Now, with the availability of microsatellite markers, it is possible to exploit linkage mapping techniques to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for resistance to GI nematodes. Four QTL for resistance to Heligmosomoides polygyrus, and additional QTL affecting faecal egg production by the worms and the accompanying immune responses, have been identified. Fine mapping and eventually the identification of the genes (and their alleles) underlying QTL for resistance/susceptibility will permit informed searches for homologues in domestic animals, and human beings, through comparative genomic maps. This information in turn will facilitate targeted breeding to improve resistance in domestic animals and, in human beings, focused application of treatment and control strategies for GI nematodes

Integrated Remote Sensing, Structural and Petroleum Systems Modeling of the Iraqi‐Kurdish Fold Belt

An integrated two‐dimensional remote sensing, structural and petroleum systems modeling study was carried out for the Iraqi‐Kurdish Fold Belt to analyze potential trap structures as well as the driving mechanisms of petroleum generation, migration and accumulation in the structural complex thrust belt area. Processing of Landsat‐7 ETM data has been used to create false color images, highlighting lithological differences, from which geological maps can be generated. Analysis of lineaments in these images is used to generate fault and fracture maps, producing a suite of geological surface maps. In addition, analysis of drainage patterns and erosional features is used to understand the relative age of the structures. Key regions were selected for ground‐truthing. Lastly, these maps were combined with published and proprietary subsurface data to create a structural cross‐section of the Qara Chauq to Bina Bawi transect of the Kurdish Folded Belt. The cross‐section indicates that a minimum of 20% shortening has occurred across this region. Twelve paleo‐sections, including pre‐ and post erosion geometries, were used for the model building process. The model features both, basement faults and surface folds as well as thrust geometries that accommodate the structural framework and its development. The strata were modeled as an alternating limestone and shale sequence. The Sargelu and the Kurra Chine Fm were considered as source rock intervals. The reservoir rocks include the Shiranish, Aqra‐Bekhme and the Sargelu Fm. The Gercus Fm acts as a regional seal horizon. Special focus was laid on the N‐S trending basement faults and their evolution through time since these faults appear to divide the petroleum system into areas of differing maturity. The influence of fault permeability evolution upon petroleum migration has been evaluated to unfold the charge history of the region. Temperature and vitrinite reflectance data derived from key wells and literature have been used for thermal calibration. The model results and a detailed petroleum systems analysis show the differential maturation and generation behavior of the source rock compartments and reveal the major influence of timing and fault migration for the oil & gas charge over time

Safety and on-treatment efficacy of telaprevir: the early access programme for patients with advanced hepatitis C

Background and aim Severe adverse events (AEs) compromise the outcome of direct antiviral agent-based treatment in patients with advanced liver fibrosis due to HCV infection. HEP3002 is an ongoing multinational programme to evaluate safety and efficacy of telaprevir (TVR) plus pegylated-interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN alpha) and ribavirin (RBV) in patients with advanced liver fibrosis caused by HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1).Methods 1782 patients with HCV-1 and bridging fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis were prospectively recruited from 16 countries worldwide, and treated with 12 weeks of TVR plus PEG-IFN/RBV, followed by 12 or 36 weeks of PEG-IFN and RBV (PR) alone dependent on virological response to treatment and previous response type.Results 1587 patients completed 12 weeks of triple therapy and 4 weeks of PR tail (53% cirrhosis, 22% HCV-1a). By week 12, HCV RNA was undetectable in 85% of naives, 88% of relapsers, 80% of partial responders and 72% of null responders. Overall, 931 patients (59%) developed grade 1-4 anaemia (grade 3/4 in 31%), 630 (40%) dose reduced RBV, 332 (21%) received erythropoietin and 157 (10%) were transfused. Age and female gender were the strongest predictors of anaemia. 64 patients (4%) developed a grade 3/4 rash. Discontinuation of TVR due to AEs was necessary in 193 patients (12%). Seven patients died (0.4%, six had cirrhosis).Conclusions in compensated patients with advanced fibrosis due to HCV-1, triple therapy with TVR led to satisfactory rates of safety, tolerability and on-treatment virological response with adequate managements of AEs.Janssen PharmaceuticsUniv Milan, Div Gastroenterol, Dept Med, Fdn IRCCS Ca Granda Osped Maggiore Policlin, Milan, ItalyHosp Univ 12 Octubre, Secc Aparato Digest, Madrid, SpainIM Sechenov First Moscow State Med Univ, EM Tareev Clin Nephrol Internal & Occupat Med, Moscow, RussiaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Viral Hepatitis Div Infect Dis, Outpatient Clin HIV, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hosp, AW Morrow Gastroenterol & Liver Ctr, Sydney, NSW 2006, AustraliaCharles Univ Prague, Fac Med 1, Dept Internal Med, Prague, Czech RepublicCent Mil Hosp Prague, Prague, Czech RepublicUniv Libre Brussels, Dept Gastroenterol Hepatopancreatol & Digest Onco, Erasme Univ Hosp, Liver Unit, Brussels, BelgiumCarol Davila Univ Med & Pharm, Natl Inst Infect Dis, Bucharest, RomaniaJanssen Pharmaceut, B-2340 Beerse, BelgiumJanssen Pharmaceut, Paris, FranceJanssen Res & Dev, Titusville, NJ USAJanssen Res & Dev, High Wycombe, Bucks, EnglandJanssen Cilag AG, Zug, SwitzerlandHannover Med Sch, D-30623 Hannover, GermanyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Viral Hepatitis Div Infect Dis, Outpatient Clin HIV, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Molecular Engineering of Conjugated Polymers for Efficient Hole Transport and Defect Passivation in Perovskite Solar Cells

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells represent an exceptional candidate for nextgeneration photovoltaic technology. However, the presence of surface defects in perovskite crystals limits the performance as well as the stability of perovskite solar cells. We have employed a series of carbazole and benzothiadiazole (BT) based donor-acceptor copolymers, which have different lengths of alkoxy side-chains grafted on the BT unit, as the dopant-free hole transport materials (HTMs) for perovskite solar cells. We demonstrate that although these side-chains can reduce the π−π stacking structural order of these copolymers to affect the hole transport properties, the methoxy unit introduces a desired defect passivation effect. Compared to the Spiro-OMeTAD-based device, the copolymer with methoxy side-chains on the BT unit (namely PCDTBT1) as the HTM achieved superior power conversion efficiency and stability due to efficient hole transport and the suppression of trap-induced degradation, whilst the copolymer with octyloxy side-chains on the BT unit (namely PCDTBT8) as the HTM lead to poor performance and stability

Achieving over 11% power conversion efficiency in PffBT4T-2OD-based ternary polymer solar cells with enhanced open-circuit-voltage and suppressed charge recombination

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd Fabricating ternary solar cells (TSCs) is a promising strategy to improve the power conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaics without introducing sophisticated processing procedures. We report in this work high efficiency TSCs with the maximum PCE over 11% by introducing a medium band gap conjugated polymer PCDTBT8 into the PffBT4T-2OD:PC 71 BM binary photovoltaic system. Morphological investigation shows that the third component PCDTBT8 locates at the interface between PffBT4T-2OD and PC 71 BM without disrupting the crystallization of PffBT4T-2OD to maintain decent charge mobility, and loosens the fullerene aggregation networks to facilitate exciton dissociation. The efficient Förster energy transfer from PCDTBT8 to PffBT4T-2OD enables the ternary devices to retain a high short-circuit current density despite the slightly decreased light absorption. Device physics studies suggest that the addition of PCDTBT8 can enhance the built-in voltage, prolong the carrier lifetime, reduce the defect density and suppress the trap-assisted charge recombination, leading to an improved FF and V OC to enhance the efficiency of ternary devices

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of mature embryo tissues of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes

Although significant progress has been made on Agrobacterium-mediated wheat transformation, current methodologies using immature embryos as recipient tissues are labor intensive, time consuming and expensive. The use of mature embryos as explants is increasingly being recognized as an optimal method for developing regenerable cell lines during wheat transformation. Therefore, we have developed an Agrobacterium-based transformation protocol using mature embryos while adjusting several factors that influence genetic transformation efficiency. In this study, we focussed on acetosyringone concentrations, genotypes and different types of mature embryos (intact or longitudinally halved-embryos or fragmented into four latitudinal pieces) used as a source of explants for the genetic transformation. A. tumefaciens strain EHA101 harboring the plasmid vector pTF101.1 carrying the barley HVA1 gene and bar-selectable marker gene were used. Mature intact-embryos and longitudinally halved-embryos yielded the highest number of putative transgenic plantlets on the selection medium. However, no plantlets were obtained from latitudinal fragmented mature embryos. ‘Amal’ and ‘Rajae’ genotypes regenerated the highest number of putative transgenic plants and 200 μM acetosyringone was found to be the optimal concentration for their transformation. A total of 47 transgenic plants were selected with 11 plantlets showing resistance to leaf painting. Molecular analysis revealed that 1% and 0.66% of T0 regenerated plantlets were successfully transformed and carried the HVA1 gene for the ‘Amal’ and ‘Rajae’ genotypes, respectively. Additional analysis shows the transgene is stably inherited in the T1 generation. Based on the results, we conclude that among the influencing factors tested, genotypes, mature embryo explant types and acetosyringone concentration contribute significantly to the success of bread wheat transformation

Moving Beyond Christianity: Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Mental Health

To date the literature on religion and mental health has focused upon Christianity. We cannot assume that these findings can be transposed onto other faith groups. In this paper I focus upon Islam, Judaism and Hinduism and discuss understandings of mental illness and the relationships between central beliefs and mental health. I discuss implications for clinical work and psychotherapy