Supplementation of Aspergillus glaucus with gfdB gene encoding a glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase in Aspergillus nidulans

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Defensive alliances in spatial models of cyclical population interactions

As a generalization of the 3-strategy Rock-Scissors-Paper game dynamics in space, cyclical interaction models of six mutating species are studied on a square lattice, in which each species is supposed to have two dominant, two subordinated and a neutral interacting partner. Depending on their interaction topologies, these systems can be classified into four (isomorphic) groups exhibiting significantly different behaviors as a function of mutation rate. On three out of four cases three (or four) species form defensive alliances which maintain themselves in a self-organizing polydomain structure via cyclic invasions. Varying the mutation rate this mechanism results in an ordering phenomenon analogous to that of magnetic Ising model.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Phase transition in a spatial Lotka-Volterra model

Spatial evolution is investigated in a simulated system of nine competing and mutating bacterium strains, which mimics the biochemical war among bacteria capable of producing two different bacteriocins (toxins) at most. Random sequential dynamics on a square lattice is governed by very symmetrical transition rules for neighborhood invasion of sensitive strains by killers, killers by resistants, and resistants by by sensitives. The community of the nine possible toxicity/resistance types undergoes a critical phase transition as the uniform transmutation rates between the types decreases below a critical value $P_c$ above which all the nine types of strain coexist with equal frequencies. Passing the critical mutation rate from above, the system collapses into one of the three topologically identical states, each consisting of three strain types. Of the three final states each accrues with equal probability and all three maintain themselves in a self-organizing polydomain structure via cyclic invasions. Our Monte Carlo simulations support that this symmetry breaking transition belongs to the universality class of the three-state Potts model.Comment: 4 page

Effects of inosine on reperfusion injury after cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective: Inosine, a break-down product of adenosine has been recently shown to exert inodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore inosine might be a key substrate of pharmacological post-conditioning. In the present pre-clinical study, we investigated the effects of inosine on cardiac function during reperfusion in an experimental model of cardioplegic arrest and extracorporal circulation. Methods: Twelve anesthetized dogs underwent hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. After 60 minutes of hypothermic cardiac arrest, reperfusion was started after application of either saline vehicle (control, n = 6), or inosine (100 mg/kg, n = 6). Left ventricular end-systolic pressure volume relationship (ESPVR) was measured by a combined pressure-volume-conductance catheter at baseline and after 60 minutes of reperfusion. Left anterior descendent coronary blood flow (CBF), endothelium-dependent vasodilatation to acetylcholine (ACh) and endothelium-independent vasodilatation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were also determined. Results: The administration of inosine led to a significantly better recovery (given as percent of baseline) of ESPVR 90 ± 9% vs. 46 ± 6%, p &lt; 0.05. CBF and was also significantly higher in the inosine group (56 ± 8 vs. 23 ± 4, ml/min, p < 0.05). While the vasodilatatory response to SNP was similar in both groups, ACh resulted in a significantly higher increase in CBF (58 ± 6% vs. 25 ± 5%, p < 0.05) in the inosine group. Conclusions: Application of inosine improves myocardial and endothelial function after cardiopulmonary bypass with hypothermic cardiac arrest

Applicability of 3D laser scanning in precision horticulture

Due to the technological development, remote sensing instruments and methods have become widespread in all segments of life (from precision agriculture through architecture to medicine). Among the innovative development of remote sensing instruments the 3D laser scanner is of outstanding importance. Horticultural applicability of terrestrial laser scanning technique is a new innovation in the precision agriculture. The structure of trees and branches, the canopy extension, the fruit yield, which can help to recognize some biophysical parameters, can be determined. The examination was carried out with Leica ScanStation C10 terrestrial laser scanner in the Study and Regional Research Farm of the University of Debrecen near Pallag. In this article the measuring principle, the parameters and horticulture applicability of the terrestrial laser scanner are presented