Enhancing resistance against African weevils through development of transgenic sweetpotato cultivars (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) expressing cry7Aa1, cry3Ca1 and ET33-34 genes.

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is one of the most important food crops in tropical and subtropical countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, sweetpotato is mainly produced for consumption and as a source of income by resource-poor farmers. However, their production is limited by severe damage caused by pests and diseases. The African weevils Cylas puncticollis and C. brunneus are the main biological constraints that may cause losses between 50 and 100%. Biotechnological approaches to control weevils include the introduction of genes encoding Cry proteins found to be active against these pests. To that end, several protocols for sweetpotato regeneration and transformation by organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis have been developed but their efficiency remains largely genotype-dependent and time-consuming. In this study, 31 African sweetpotato cultivars from CIP genebank were screened for regeneration and transformation efficiencies by organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. Additionally, “Jewel” and “Jonathan” cultivars were used as organogenic and embryogenic controls, respectively. Regeneration by organogenesis was conducted using a two-step protocol including 2,4-D then thidiazuron, zeatin or kinetin while regeneration by embryogenesis was performed using a three-step protocol, each one using a different hormone (2,4,5-T, ABA and AG3). Higher than 40% regeneration efficiencies were obtained for 8 cultivars (Jewel, Imby, Kawogo, Luapula, Mafutha, CIP440163, Zambezi and Ukerewe) with an organogenesis protocol and 8 cultivars (Jonathan, Imby, K51/3251, Bwanjule, CIP440163, SPK004, New Kawogo and KSP 11) with an embryogenesis protocol. Genetic transformation of sweetpotato with Jewel by organogenesis and Imby, CIP440163 and Jonathan by somatic embryogenesis has been achieved using chimerical genes coding for three of the most active proteins (Cry7Aa1, ET33-34, and Cry3Ca1) against African weevils. Transgenic events have been confirmed by kanamycin resistant calli test, PCR and Southern blot. Transcriptional activity and Cry protein accumulation are being tested in leaves and storage roots by Real time PCR and DAS-ELISA respectively

Multiwave Mixing in Complex Molecular Media and Dynamic Modes of Light-Wave Transformation

The mechanism of multiwave mixing realized in solutions of complex organic compounds (dyes), in conditions when higher-order nonlinearities are exhibited along with the cubic one, has been analyzed theoretically and tested experimentally. Nonlinear recording of dynamic holograms enables signifcant improvement of the potentialities of holographic methods used for image conversion due to switching from phase conjugation to smoothing and amplification of the wavefront spatial structure. It has been demonstrated that a nonstationary energy exchange between the interacting waves is the cause for transition from the optical bistability mode to the mode of intensity self-oscillations

Índices zoométricos del ovino criollo en el Centro Experimental Chuquibambilla, Puno, Perú

The aim of his study was to determine the zoometric indexes of the Creole sheep of the Chuquibambilla Experimental Centre, in Puno, Peru. The study was carried out on a population of 380 female creole sheep older than two years. Various indices were calculated, including ethnological: cephalic index (CI), thoracic index (IT), body index (ICO), pelvic index (IP); milk capacity indices: thoracic metacarpal index (IDT), costal metacarpal index (IDC); meat capacity indexes: relative proportionality index of the thorax (IPRT), transverse pelvic index (IPT), longitudinal pelvic index (IPL), as well as the relative cane thickness (ERC). The results show that the Creole sheep presents characteristics of mesocephalic, brevilinear, convexylline and eumometric animals, with aptitude to develop muscular tissue, easy of calving and adaptation.El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar los índices zoométricos del ovino criollo del Centro Experimental Chuquibambilla, en Puno, Perú. El estudio se realizó en una población de 380 ovinos criollos hembras mayores de dos años. Se calcularon índices etnológicos: índice cefálico (IC), índice torácico (IT), índice corporal (ICO), índice pelviano (IP); índices de capacidad lechera: índice metacarpo torácico (IDT), índice metacarpo costal (IDC); índices de capacidad cárnica: índice de proporcionalidad relativa del tórax (IPRT), índice pelviano transversal (IPT), índice pelviano longitudinal (IPL), así como el espesor relativo de la caña (ERC). Los resultados muestran que el ovino criollo presenta características de animales mesocefálicos, brevilíneos, convexilíneos y eumétricos, con aptitud para desarrollar tejido muscular, facilidad de parto y adaptación

Nonlinear formation of dynamic holograms and multiwave mixing in resonant media

The schemes of light beam transformations by volume dynamic holograms in resonant media revealing the fifth- or higher-order nonlinearities have been theoretically analyzed. N-wave mixing has been realized by changing of the propagation direction or frequency of the read-out wave in the solution of Rhodamine 6G and polymethine 3274U dyes. It has been demonstrated that the experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical data obtained for a three-level medium model with due regard to absorption from the excited singlet level

Water Cherenkov Detectors response to a Gamma Ray Burst in the Large Aperture GRB Observatory

In order to characterise the behaviour of Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCD) under a sudden increase of 1 GeV - 1 TeV background photons from a Gamma Ray Burst (GRB), simulations were conducted and compared to data acquired by the WCD of the Large Aperture GRB Observatory (LAGO). The LAGO operates arrays of WCD at high altitude to detect GRBs using the single particle technique. The LAGO sensitivity to GRBs is derived from the reported simulations of the gamma initiated particle showers in the atmosphere and the WCD response to secondaries.Comment: 5 pages, proceeding of the 31st ICRC 200

Pulse-Echo Quantitative US Biomarkers for Liver Steatosis: Toward Technical Standardization

Excessive liver fat (steatosis) is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is an independent risk factor for cirrhosis and associated complications. Accurate and clinically useful diagnosis, risk stratification, prognostication, and therapy monitoring require accurate and reliable biomarker measurement at acceptable cost. This article describes a joint effort by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and the RSNA Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA) to develop standards for clinical and technical validation of quantitative biomarkers for liver steatosis. The AIUM Liver Fat Quantification Task Force provides clinical guidance, while the RSNA QIBA Pulse-Echo Quantitative Ultrasound Biomarker Committee develops methods to measure biomarkers and reduce biomarker variability. In this article, the authors present the clinical need for quantitative imaging biomarkers of liver steatosis, review the current state of various imaging modalities, and describe the technical state of the art for three key liver steatosis pulse-echo quantitative US biomarkers: attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, and speed of sound. Lastly, a perspective on current challenges and recommendations for clinical translation for each biomarker is offered