Genome of Wild Olive and the Evolution of Oil Biosynthesis

Here we present the genome sequence and annotation of the wild olive tree (Olea europaea var. sylvestris), called oleaster, which is considered an ancestor of cultivated olive trees. More than 50,000 protein-coding genes were predicted, a majority of which could be anchored to 23 pseudochromosomes obtained through a newly constructed genetic map. The oleaster genome contains signatures of two Oleaceae lineage-specific paleopolyploidy events, dated at similar to 28 and similar to 59 Mya. These events contributed to the expansion and neo-functionalization of genes and gene families that play important roles in oil biosynthesis. The functional divergence of oil biosynthesis pathway genes, such as FAD2, SACPD, EAR, and ACPTE, following duplication, has been responsible for the differential accumulation of oleic and linoleic acids produced in olive compared with sesame, a closely related oil crop. Duplicated oleaster FAD2 genes are regulated by an siRNA derived from a transposable element-rich region, leading to suppressed levels of FAD2 gene expression. Additionally, neofunctionalization of members of the SACPD gene family has led to increased expression of SACPD2,3, 5, and 7, consequently resulting in an increased desaturation of steric acid. Taken together, decreased FAD2 expression and increased SACPD expression likely explain the accumulation of exceptionally high levels of oleic acid in olive. The oleaster genome thus provides important insights into the evolution of oil biosynthesis and will be a valuable resource for oil crop genomics

Üç Devir Bir Fakülte / Three Eras One Faculty

The name Dârülfünûn was given to the university with a system similar to that of European models that was to be founded in the Ottoman Empire. This idea was introduced for the first time at the beginning of the Tanzimat, a period that can be considered the impetus for Ottoman modernization. In 1846, Board of General Education (Meclis-i Maarif-i Umûmiye) made the decision to set up a university, with Gaspare Trajano Fossati, a prominent architect of the time, being asked to design a massive building akin to European universities. The 1846 decision could not be implemented until 1863, and the first attempt at Dârülfünûn ended after two and a half years of free courses (serbest dersler). Afterward, the university building was allotted to the Ministry of Finance. The second attempt took place between 1869 and 1872 in the building that is now known as the Press Museum in Istanbul’s Çemberlitaş District, which had been built especially for Dârülfünûn. This second attempt also did not last long. However, the implementation of the General Education Regulations (Maarif-i Umûmiye Nizâmnâmesi) for the first time and the structuring of primary and secondary education in the following years in accordance with the aims of this regulation are included among the successful features of the second attempt. In fact, the fruits of this second attempt would be realized during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II (r. 1876-1909). In 1874- 1875, the third attempt occurred to found a university, this time under the name Dârülfünûn-ı Sultanî. For the first time, students at this new university, which included the Faculties of Law, Engineering, and Literature, were entitled to write a PhD dissertation in their field. Political instability generated by the period’s economic and social realities, as well as international pressure on the state, prevented this third attempt from producing the desired results. Nonetheless, while the expected outcome was yet to be realized, this third attempt paved the way for the establishment of independent educational institutions (i.e., modern schools). In 1900 and coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II’s accession to the throne, the idea of establishing a university again came to the agenda, and the first university of the Ottoman Empire, Dârülfünûn-ı Şâhâne, finally began its uninterrupted education and training with five faculties: the Faculties of Literature, Science, and Ulûm-ı Âliye-i Dîniyye [Theology] and the previously established Faculties of Medicine and Law.PublishedElinizdeki bu çalışma, kaynaklarının tespitinden, veri dökümlerinin hazırlanması, bunların işlenmesi, planlanması, yazıya dökülmesi ve nihayet iki kapak arasına alınmasına kadar yaklaşık beş yıllık bir emeğin ürünüdür. Çalışmaya konu olan Dârülfünûn İlahiyat Fakültesi’nin akademik kadrosuna ve bunlarla ilintili çeşitli meselelere dair bugüne kadar bazı kıymetli araştırmalar hazırlanmışsa da, Fakülte’nin kuruluşundan kapanışına kadar gerek devlet gerekse hususî arşivindeki kayıtları esas alan kapsamlı bir eser ortaya konulamamıştır. Haliyle Fakülte’nin üniversite içindeki konumu ve medrese geleneğiyle bağlantıları, öğrencilerinin kimlikleri, idarî-ilmî oluşumu, maddî kaynaklarının niteliği, öğretim programı, etrafında yaşanan tartışmalar ve gelişmeler gibi pek çok mesele ilim âlemi için büyük oranda bilinmezliğini korumuştur. Mezkûr saiklerle yola çıkan bu çalışma, 1900- 14 ve 1924-33 yılları arasında Dârülfünûn bünyesinde yüksek düzeyde eğitim-öğretim veren hem Osmanlı hem de Cumhuriyet tarihinin ilk yüksek dereceli İslâmî eğitim kurumu olan Ulûm-ı Âliye-i Dîniyye/Şeriyye Şubesi ve nihayet İlahiyat Fakültesi isimleriyle anılan bir müesseseyi konu edinmektedir

Spectroscopy studies, crystal structure and DFT calculations of 4-4{E-[(2-Fluorophenyl)imino]methyl}-2-methoxyphenol

SOYLU, SERKAN M/0000-0002-8440-1260; Unver, Huseyin/0000-0003-3968-4385; Alasalvar, Can/0000-0002-4983-962XWOS: 000348309000012The title compound 4{E-[(2-fluorophenyl)imino]methyl}-2-methoxyphenol has been synthesized and characterized by using FTIR, H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopic, and X-ray crystallographic techniques experimentally and using B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) method theoretically. The structure of the compound is stabilized by four intermolecular non-classical hydrogen bonds and an intramolecular interaction. As a result of all intermolecular interaction, non-classical hydrogen bonds that give rise to 2D network structures on the (100) plane. The crystal packing shows a tubular channel running parallel to the c axis. The solvent accessible void occupies a volume of 77.9 (3). The molecular geometry, vibration frequencies, and gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO) H-1 and C-13 chemical shift values of the title compound in the ground state have been calculated using the density functional (B3LYP) with the 6-31G (d, p) basis set. The calculated results show that the optimized geometry parameters, the theoretical vibration frequencies, and chemical shift values show good agreement with experimental values. In addition, HOMO-LUMO energy gap, molecular electrostatic potential map, thermodynamic properties for the compound were performed at B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) level of theory

DFT calculation, biological activity, anion sensing studies and crystal structure of (E)-4-chloro-2-[(pyridin-2-ylimino)-methyl]phenol

Demir, Neslihan/0000-0002-2347-8344; Unver, Huseyin/0000-0003-3968-4385; Boyacioglu, Bahadir/0000-0003-3757-3622WOS: 000437822100004(E)-4-Chloro-2-[(pyridin-2-ylimino)methyl]phenol was synthesized in the reaction of 2-aminopyridine with 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde. The structure of compound was investigated by FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H-NMR, C-13-NMR and X-ray data. In addition, characterization of the compound was realized using theoretical quantum mechanical calculations and experimental spectroscopic methods. The molecular structure of the compound was confirmed using X-ray single-crystal data, NMR, FTIR and UV-Vis, which were in good agreement with the structure predicted by the theoretical calculations using the density functional theory (DFT). Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the compound was investigated against some bacteria and yeast cultures by the broth microdilution test. UV-Vis spectroscopy studies of the interactions between the Schiff base and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) showed that the compound interacts with CT-DNA via electrostatic binding. The colorimetric response of the compound receptors was investigated before and after the addition of an equivalent amount of each anion to evaluate anion recognition properties.Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [TUBITAK 115F253]The authors are grateful to the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) for the financial support of this work, Grant No. TUBITAK 115F253

Effect of body composition on fitness performance in young male football players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric measurements and athletic performance in young football players. Total seventeen male football players (age: 17.0 years; height: 180.9±5.99 cm and weight; 71.36±6.30 kg) agreed to participate to this study, on voluntary basis. Body composition measurements including body mass, fat mass, bone mineral content, lean mass were made by using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In order for the participant to be evaluated athletic performance, countermovement jump (CMJTT), squat jump (SJTT), T-agility test, 30m sprint test and 6 x 40m repeated sprint test were performed respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to relationship between body composition and athletic performance parameters. As a result, negatively significant correlation was found between sprint times and body mass (p<0.05). There was also negative correlation between repeated sprint performance (measured in time) and lean Mass (LM), lean mass index (LMI), appendicular LM and appendicular LMI (p<0.05). There were also negatively significant correlation among T-agility test, body mass and LM was (p<0.05). Non-significant correlation was seen among CMJT, SJT and body mass index and other anthropometric variables. In conclusion, for football players, changes in body composition are of great importance in athletic performance, especially sprint and agility

Quantifying structural and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of thermoplastic polyurethane-carbon nanofiber/magnetite nanocomposites

In this study, mixed-structure carbon-magnetite nanocomposites were prepared by decorating of carbon nanofiber (CNF) surfaces with magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles synthesized via reflux method and characterized. The compositions of CNF-Fe3O4 nanocomposites were varied using different amounts of CNF into the Fe3O4 synthesis medium as 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25 (w/w). These nanocomposites were then used as functional fillers to prepare flexible, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composites by solution mixing method. Structural features of fillers, morphological, and electromagnetic properties of flexible composites were studied. It was found that the magnetite nanoparticles with the average size of 8-10 nm were formed and successfully covered the oxidized CNF surfaces. It was also found that the resulting CNF-Fe3O4 nanocomposites exhibited sufficiently high saturation magnetization (M-s) values compared to Fe3O4. These CNF-Fe3O4 nanocomposites were embedded into TPU phase by employing the weight percent of 20 wt%. The flexible TPU-CNF-Fe3O4 nanocomposite having the composition of 80-5-15 wt% showed the reflection loss (RL) value of -32 dB which signified that the composite material could absorb the 97 % of an incident electromagnetic wave at around 12.14 GHz

Probing the effect of arm length and inter- and intramolecular interactions in the formation of Cu(II) complexes of Schiff base ligands derived from some unsymmetrical tripodal amines

WOS: 000360650900092The syntheses of two previously known, 2-((2-aminoethyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) amino) ethanol (1) and 2-((3-aminopropyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) amino) ethanol (2), and four new unsymmetrical N-capped tripodal amines, 2-((4-aminobutyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) amino) ethanol (3), 3-((2-aminoethyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)-propan-1-ol (4), 3-((3-aminopropyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) amino) propan-1-ol (5) and 3-((4-aminobutyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) amino) propan-1-ol (6), are reported. The ligands (3-4) feature a longer arm, 3-hydroxypropyl or butylamino, than in the analogues previously employed (2-hydroxyethyl arm, ethylamino-arm or propylamino-arm in 1 and 2). All six tripodal amines, 1-6, are equipped with a 2-methylpyridyl-arm and either an ethylamino-arm (1 and 4), propylamino-arm (2 and 5) or butylamino-arm (3 and 6). The new amines, 3-6, have been employed in one pot condensation reactions with 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde and salicylaldehyde (and its derivatives) in the presence of Cu(II) metal ions to generate a series of new mononuclear complexes, [(MLaldi)-L-parallel to](ClO4) as well as new dinuclear complexes [(CuLaldi)-L-parallel to](2)(ClO4)(2) of new ligands L-aldi. Four monomeric complexes and one dimeric complex have been characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing a distorted square-pyramidal copper(II) ion. A general comparison between these structures shows that the number and types of chelate ring sequences around the metal ions are important in the formation of structures. Theoretical studies show that the 3-hydroxypropyl arm in these complexes is a weak coordinating group and it can readily be removed from the coordination sphere of metal ions, resulting in a dimerised four coordinate complex. Calculations show that the interaction between the two monomeric fragments is very weak.Faculty of Chemistry of Bu-Ali Sina University; Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Iran; University of Otago; MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and NanotechnologyWe are grateful to the Faculty of Chemistry of Bu-Ali Sina University, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Iran, the University of Otago and the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology for financial support (PhD scholarship for SD), and Professor Sally Brooker for hosting MS for a 6-month research visit

Synthesis, characterization, biological activity and theoretical studies of a 2-amino-6-methoxybenzothiazole-based fluorescent Schiff base

Boyacioglu, Bahadir/0000-0003-3757-3622; Demir, Neslihan/0000-0002-2347-8344; Unver, Huseyin/0000-0003-3968-4385; YAPAR, GONUL/0000-0001-5644-3300WOS: 000457660300020A new Schiff base, (E)-3,5-dimethoxy-2-((6-methoxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl)- phenol, was prepared from the reaction of 2-amino-6-methoxybenzothiazole and 2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxybenzaldehyde and characterized with elemental analysis, FTIR, UV-VIS, NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Frontier molecular orbitals, molecular electrostatic potential, and chemical reactivity descriptors of the synthesized compound were studied using molecular modeling methods. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the Schiff base were studied for its minimum inhibitory concentration. The compound showed a higher effect on yeast than against bacteria. The interactions of the compound with DNA were studied with the ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectra and gel electrophoresis method. The experimental results indicated that the 2-amino-6-methoxybenzothiazole-based Schiff base could bind to DNA via an intercalative mode and showed that it cleaved DNA without the need for external agents. Additionally, the Schiff base showed colorimetric sensor properties for fluoride and cyanide anions in dimethyl sulfoxide.Scientific Research Commission [FBA-2018-2516]; Ankara University Grants CommissionAnkara University [18H0504001]The authors are grateful to Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, The Scientific Research Commission (FBA-2018-2516), and Ankara University Grants Commission for a Research Grant (Project No.: 18H0504001)

Cross-reactivity of adrenal steroids with aldosterone may prevent the accurate diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

WOS: 000353793000034PubMed ID: 25503463During the first weeks of life, salt-wasting crisis, hyperkalemia, acidosis, hypoglycemia, and shock are the main findings of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1) is a rare disease of mineralocorticoid resistance, which is characterized with high aldosterone levels, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia without clinical findings of glucocorticoid deficiency. Patients with PHA1 are often initially diagnosed with CAH; however, it is unusual that a CAH patient is misdiagnosed as PHA1. In this report, we describe two cases with severe salt-losing crisis, hyperkalemia, and mild acidosis, which were initially diagnosed with PHA1, due to the high aldosterone levels along with normal adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels. However, subsequent investigation and genetic analysis led to the diagnosis of CAH with a homozygous I2 splice mutation in both alleles of the CYP21 gene. With this report, we emphasize that high blood levels of adrenal steroid precursors may cross-react with aldosterone and lead to confusing laboratory results that prevent making the accurate differential diagnosis between CAH and PHA1

A Severe Congenital Neutropenia Type 4 Case (G6PC3 Mutation) Presented With Large Platelets in the Peripheral Smear

WOS: 000375145200016PubMed ID: 26808373Severe congenital neutropenia type 4 is a disorder of the hematopoietic system associated with mutations in the glucose-6-phosphatase catabolic 3 (G6PC3) gene. This disorder is characterized by neutropenia, congenital heart defects, urogenital malformations, and prominent superficial veins. To our knowledge, although intermittent thrombocytopenia is observed in this mutation, the coexistence of large thrombocytes is rarely seen. Here we present a case of severe congenital neutropenia type 4 with G6PC3 mutation and large platelets in the peripheral smear