Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A pSET152 derivative vector marked with thiostrepton resistance gene for introducing DNA into Streptomyces

Objective) In the PCR-targeting system of Streptomyces, apramycin is the most widely used selection marker. However, using apramycin as selection marker at disruption stage precludes, during subsequent genetic complementation, the use of some very useful and widely used vectors with the same marker, such as pSET152. This often caused unwanted in- convenience, especially in the situation that the physiological function of interested gene is sensitive to gene dosage, such as regulatory genes. The current study aims to provide an inte- grative plasmid with selection marker rather than apramycin. (Methods) Fusion-PCR and λ Red recombination were adapted to construct the new vector. (Results) The bla gene from pCR2.1 and the tsr gene from pHZ1358 were fused in the tsr-bla order. This fused fragment replaced the aac(3)-IV gene on pSET152 to generate pGIM6626. This new vector was vali- dated by successfully restoring granaticin production of a granaticin-deficient S. vietnamensis mutant by re-introducing the deleted minimal polyketide synthase genes. (Conclusion) We constructed a new pSET152 derivative vector, pGIM6626, which contains ampicillin and thio- strepton resistance genes for selection in E. coli and Streptomyces, respectively. pGIM6626 and pSET152 have similar uses, but the former is more compatible with the PCR-targeting system because of no conflict of selection marker.
EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION WITH SALICYLIC ACID AND VITAMIN E ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF TOMATO ( Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.) PLANT.

Two field experiments wee conducted to study the effect of foliar application with 50 & 100 ppm of salicylic acid (SA) and 100 & 200 ppm of vitamin E (VE) and their combination on some growth aspects, photosynthetic pigments, minerals, endogenous phytohormones, flowering, fruiting and fruit quality of tomato cv. Super strain B during 2006 and 2007 seasons. Plants were sprayed two times at 30 and 45 days after transplanting. Results indicated that, different applied treatments significantly increased all studied growth parameters as number of branches and leaves per plant, leaf area per plant and leaves dry weight as well. Besides, the two concentrations of each applied salicylic acid or vitamin E obviously increased photosynthetic pigments, NPK, Fe, Zn, Mn, total carbohydrates and crude protein concentrations in leaves of treated plants as compared with those of untreated ones. Also, all treatments increased gibberellins and cytokinins level in tomato shoots whereas Auxins and abscisic acid were decreased. Furthermore, the highest early and total yields were obtained with salicylic acid 50ppm + vitamin E 200ppm followed by SA 100 + VE 200ppm, respectively. In addition, chemical composition of minerals and some bioconstituents such as carbohydrates, vitamin C, total soluble solids in tomato fruits were also increased at the same treatments. Therefore, the present study strongly admit the use of salicylic acid and vitamin E as foliar application not only increased early and total yields but also getting a good fruit quality as well.
FIRST REPORT OF SWEET POTATO LEAF SPOT CAUSED BY NEOPESTALOTIOPSIS ELLIPSOSPORA IN GUIZHOU PROVINCE, CHINA

During May to September 2015, sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. ] plants with leaf spot symptoms were observed in Guizhou Province, China, at 25°12'06.8"N 107°57'25.3"E with about 15% incidence. The disease first appeared as small, round, yellow specks on leaves. Successively, the affected areas became necrotic and gradually enlarged to 3-9 mm in diameter. The fungal species present on the sample was isolated onto PDA using a single spore culture technique as described in Chomnunti et al. (2014). Colonies on PDA attained 30–40 mm in diameter after 7 days at 25°C, producing a dense aerial mycelium on the surface. Conidia were ellipsoid, 4-septate, 20.0–26.0 × 5.0–7.5 μm. Apical and basal cells were hyaline, whereas the three median cells were versicolored. Each apical cell had 3 tubular apical appendages, 7–24 μm long. The conidial dimensions of these isolates correspond to Pestalotiopsis ellipsospora Maharachchikumbura & K.D. Hyde (Maharachchikumbura et al., 2012). Sequence data for the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), Beta tubulin (TUB) and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) of three N. ellipsospora isolates were deposited in GenBank under the accession Nos. KU500017 to KU500019 (ITS), KU500010 to KU500012 (TUB) and KU500013 to KU500015 (TEF). A BLAST search showed 100% similarity with N. ellipsospora isolate (CBS 115113) sequences deposited in GenBank. The disease was reproduced on sweet potato healthy leaves inoculated using either 3-day-old mycelial discs or inoculum (1× 106 conidia/ml) prepared by scraping conidia from 10-day-old cultures on PDA plates. To our knowledge this is the first report of Neopestalotiopsis causing leaf spot on sweet potatoes in the world.
Rapid Detection and Identification of Lactobacillus spp. in Dairy Products by Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Species-specific primers for use in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were designed to differentially amplify DNA from the common dairy lactobacillus species Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus delbrueckii , Lactobacillus helveticus , and Lactobacillus acidophilus . A method for rapid extraction of bacterial DNA from dairy products was developed. The sensitivity of bacterial DNA extraction from food and subsequent amplification by PCR was 100 cells total. Lactobacillus DNA was extracted and identified from commercial yoghurts, acidophilus milk, and cheeses. The methodology allows the presumptive identification of dairy lactobacilli in less than 6 hours.
Biochemical Composition of Gilthead Bream Sparus aurata L. from Lake Bardawil (Egypt)

Protein, lipids, moisture and ash contents of the edible mus- cles of gilthead bream Sparus aurata L. were estimated for fish of different sizes, and sexes, andin different months. On fresh weight basis, percentage crude protein ranged from 17.6-22.5%, lipids from 1.6-4.9%, moisture 71.2-78.8%, and ash from 1.1-1.6%. Moisture and ash contents showed limited degree of variability, whereas lipids content showed the highest particularly for females. Both protein and lipid percents increased with the increase in fish size. Highest values of these two components, were obtained in summer (July to September) and lowest values in winter (October to December) which coincided with the spawning season. Male and female fish have almost the sa~e composition. Highly significant inverse relationship was established between moisture and lipids contents of the species. The regression equations representing this relation were arrived at. Estimates of percentage lipids could be deri- ven by using the easily obtainable moisture percent.
Genetic Diversity of Endangered Sheep Breed of Valley Swat, Pakistan, Based on Microsatellite Analysis

Morphologically, Kutta breed is black coat color sheep, with short tail and having thick wool fiber diameter. Weight differences in Kutta sheep exists as animals found in plain areas are slightly heavier and bigger than those found in hilly and remote areas of upper Kalam and Malamjaba of valley Swat with an average body weight of 23.2 ±0.34 kg. Aim of the study is to provide information on the genetic structure of the Kutta breed. A set of 31 FAO recommended microsatellite (SSR) markers was used to access the genetic variability in 21 DNA samples extracted. The breed showed high level of genetic diversity. Out of the total 31 FAO recommended markers, 23 were fully amplified during Polymerase Chain reactions (PCR), having a total of 151 different alleles obtained, with an effective allele of (6.57) per locus. Similarly high level of average heterozygosity (0.77) and gene diversity (0.80) was observed. The within breed estimate (FIS) in breed was found extremely low (0.002). Shannon information Index (I) was found (1.65). The mean Chi-square value for the Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium (0.10) indicates that the population has lost its equilibrium on the overall basis. Majority of the markers were found neutral when test on Evens-Watterson, which suggest that decreases in heterozygosity in the population was not due to selection. Test for mutation drift equilibrium in the population showed that the population had preserved its effective size and has not experienced genetic bottleneck at least in the recent past.
Effects of Temperature on Radicle Growth of Lolium multiflorum, Bouteloua curtipendula, and Lespedeza stipulacea

Seedlings of Lolium multiflorum Lam. , Lespedeza stipulacea Maxim. , and Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr. were grown at 5°C increments between 12° and 37°, 47°, and at alternating temperature regimes of 17°/10°, 25°/18°, 30°/24°, 37°/30°, or 43°/36°. Radicle growth for all species was inhibited at 12° or 17°, and under all alternating temperature cycles. Maximum growth for Lo. multiflorum occurred at 22°, and at 32° for Le. stipulacea and B. curtipendula. No species grew at 47°.
Large-scale Production of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in BioBLU ® 5c Single-use Vessels

Stem cell-based regenerative medicine has great potential to revolutionize human disease treatments. Among the various stem cell platforms, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent one of the highest potentials. Although successful expansion of MSCs in vitro has been well established, the large-scale production of MSCs remains a bottleneck. In this study, we demonstrate a successful large-scale bioprocess application of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) in an industrial singleuse vessel at 3.75 liter (L) scale (working volume). The vessel offers a precision controlled environment for the ideal growth of stem cells under simulated physiological conditions. Stem cells and culture media were monitored, analyzed, and controlled, thus allowing us to produce AdMSCs in large-scale quantities while maintaining healthy stem cell properties as evidenced by stem cell marker assays and differentiation assays performed at the end of the culture. Furthermore, every cell culture step from T-flask to shake flask to bioreactor vessel was conducted strictly using single-use consumables.
Tissue Culture Strategies In Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum L.)

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) has wide range of economic importance due to its major and by-products. Seed multiplication of newly released varieties of sugarcane is one of the major constraints. Once a desired clone is identified, it usually takes 6-7 years to produce sufficient quality of improved seed material. This long duration causes a major bottleneck in breeding programmes. For this reason, micropropagation offers a practical and fast method for mass propagation of clonal material. Limitations and time consuming conventional methods promoted the need of plant tissue culture and genetic engineering in sugarcane molecular breeding programmes. Plant tissue culture techniques have become a powerful tool for studying and solving basic and applied problems in plant biotechnology. Sugarcane is a suitable candidate for plant biotechnology and genetic engineering tool due to its complex genomic structure, poly-auenploidy, rare flowering, and poor fertility. Successful protocols for shoot tip culture, callus culture, embryo culture, virus free plant production, somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation have been already established. Thus following technique can be used to enhance mass production of sugarcane crop economically with the present trend of demand of sugarcane in the region.
EVALUATION OF EXON 17 OF INSULIN RECEPTOR (INSR) GENE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH DIABETES TYPE 2 IN AN IRANIAN POPULATION

Mutations in insulin receptor gene cause the inherited insulin resistant syndrome, especially diabetic diseases. Here were optimized the conditions for sequencing of a partial fragment of INSR gene, exon 17. We sequenced fourteen fragments from a diabetic sample and a control group chosen from an Iranian population. In this study we analyzed eleven sequences of diabetic’s patients by DNAMAN program (DEMO 8.0), deposited in Genbank with accession numbers LC055416, LC055417, LC055419, LC055421, LC055423, LC055424, LC055425, LC055426, LC055496, LC055497, and LC055498. From our control group, three sequences were deposited in Genbank with accession numbers of LC055418, LC055420, and LC055422. Results showed that there were variation between the sequences of exon 17 of INSR gene in diabetics and control group. Variations were observed in fragments at the beginning and the end of exon 17 among diabetics population. Moreover we found subjected SNPs between diabetic’s patients that haven’t been reported by other researchers. In this study we concluded that mutations in exon 17 of INSR gene contributed in diabetic diseases. Keyword: Insulin receptor gene, Exon 17, Diabetes, Sequencing, Control group
A novel avalanche photodiode array

A novel APD array is proposed. In this array, the p-type pixels are isolated from each other by an n-type implantation. With this method for pixel isolation, problems that exist in other APD arrays, namely a large dead zone between the pixels or a large dark current, are avoided. The gain at the pixel edges is influenced by the voltage on the n-type isolation implantation. By proper adjustment of this voltage, the gain at the edges can be made equal to the gain at the center. The region between the pixels, the pixel isolation region, can be very small and it is not insensitive for optical excitation, although its sensitivity is not as good as that of the pixels. <<ETX>>
Integrative taxonomy of Meriones persicus (Rodentia, Gerbillinae) in Iran

Five subspecies of the Persian Jird, Meriones persicus, were reported from Iran. These subspecies were described based on morphological characters and coat colors of few specimens. The question of the validity of these subspecies and their geographic distribution is raised. In this study, we combined genetic markers (Cox1, Cytb and IRBP genes), morphometric (external and skull measurments), morphologic (coloration), and karyotypic data to study intraspecific variation in M. persicus in the Iranian Plateau. Three distinct genetic lineages can be recognized in Iran (I, IIA, IIB), and these genetic lineages are separated by natural geographic barriers (Abarkooh, Central and Lut deserts). Our morphometric results also show significant differences between these three lineages, and emphasized morphometric variability within clade IIA, where two subgroups could be recognized. However one of these subgroup was represented by only two individuals in our analyses, and additional morphometric data are needed to confirm this result. Fur coloration vary greatly among Iranian specimens and does not seems to be a reliable taxonomic character. Variation in FNa and morphology of the sex chromosomes was observed between populations, but the determinants of this variation and its significance for taxonomy needs to be investigated. To conclude, this study suggest that three to four subspecies should probably be recognized in Iran, but additional data with more specimens are needed to confirm this result.
Reproductive ethogram and mate selection in captive wild Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis)

Senegalese sole ( Solea senegalensis ) have a high potential for aquaculture that is hampered by reproductive behavioural problems. These problems result in limited breeder participation in spawning. The present study provided an ethogram and described mate selection and spawning of captive wild Senegalese sole. Two tanks of breeders were studied that had 29 and 25 breeders (mean weight = 1.6 ± 0.1 kg). The behaviour was studied during 20 periods of 24 hours: 10 periods where spawning events were recorded and 10 control periods without spawning events. Periods where spawning occurred had three times more locomotor activity than periods without spawning. Two distinct behaviours, termed the “following” behaviour and the “coupled swim”, were only observed during periods with spawning. The courtship sequence (n=12) began with males predominantly involved in “following” behaviours, whilst females remained mainly stationary on the bottom of the tank. Males rested on the females and encouraged the females to begin swimming. When the female began to swim the male swam under the female and the pair made a “coupled swim” to the surface to release gametes. Gamete release was strictly in pairs of one male with one female. Failed “coupled swims” without gamete release were 5.6 times more frequent than successful “coupled swims”. Mate selection was evident as the sole engaged in: paired spawning, males displayed to females, males encouraged females to spawn and females accepted or rejected the male’s advances. The mate selection process provided the opportunity for fish to dominate the spawning and also demonstrated how fish were excluded from spawning.
In vitro clonal propagation of mature eucalyptus F1 hybrid (Eucalyptus tereticornis SM. x E. grandis Hill ex. Maiden)

Axillary shoot bud multiplication has been achieved in Eucalyptus hybrid FRI-6 (Eucalyptus tereticornis SM. x Eucalyptus grandis HILL ex. MAIDEN) by using explants from a 30-year-old, mature tree. Cultures were established on MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.0 mg/l) along with NAA (1.0 mg/l) and regular subculturing was carried out in BAP (1.0 mg/l). Proper elongation of shoots was achieved in 1/2 MS medium devoid of plant growth regulators. Best rooting (75%) was observed in 1/2 MS supplemented with IBA (1.0 mg/l). The method of in vitro clonal propagation of F 1 hybrid FRI-6 reported in this paper will be helpful in clonal multiplication of the F1 hybrids for testing them under different climatic and edaphic conditions. This interspecific hybrid is of interest as it involves two parent species viz. E. grandis and E. tereticornis, the former shows faster rate of growth, good stem form, best quality of pulp and prefers high rain fed areas while the latter is drought tolerant and it is very likely that F 1 hybrid may be suited for intermediary zones (Hybrid habitat).
Comparison of the Nucleic Acid Amplification System NASBA® and Agar Isolation for Detection of Pathogenic Campylobacters in Naturally Contaminated Poultry.

A total of 160 poultry products were examined for the presence of pathogenic campylobacters using the traditional agar isolation method and the nucleic acid amplification system NASBA®, both after a 24-h selective enrichment. Pathogenic campylobacters could be isolated from 92 of 160 (57.5%) samples using agar isolation, among which 79 (49.37%) were identified as Campylobacter jejuni , six (3.75%) as C. coli , five (3.12%) as C. lari , and two (1.25%) as unclassified. The NASBA® assay provides a specific and sensitive method for detection of these campylobacters. A total of 149 samples (93.12%) gave similar results for both the traditional isolation procedure on modified Campylobacter charcoal desoxycholate agar and the NASBA® enzyme-linked gel assay detection system. Two false-negative results were obtained with the agar isolation procedure. Nine false-positive results were reported when the NASBA® system was used. However, the high sensitivity of the NASBA® method and indications that in some cases the traditional isolation procedure failed (abundance of a contaminating noncampylobacter bacteria which grew on the Campylobacter selective media) raises doubt about the true nature of these false-positive results. The NASBA® detection assay offers a rapid and useful analytical method when screening for the presence of pathogenic campylobacters. The complete procedure, including 24 h of selective enrichment, required 32 h.
Estimativa da precipitação máxima diária anual e equação de chuvas intensas para o município de Formiga, MG, Brasil

Knowledge of the probabilistic behavior of rainfall is extremely important to the design of drainage systems, dam spillways, and other hydraulic projects. This study therefore examined statistical models to predict annual daily maximum rainfall as well as models of heavy rain for the city of Formiga - MG. To do this, annual maximum daily rainfall data were ranked in decreasing order that best describes the statistical distribution by exceedance probability. Daily rainfall disaggregation methodology was used for the intense rain model studies and adjusted with Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) and Exponential models. The study found that the Gumbel model better adhered to the data regarding observed frequency as indicated by the Chi-squared test, and that the exponential model best conforms to the observed data to predict intense rains.
Soil Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Promotes the Growth of Boreal Plant Communities in Gold Mine Overburden

The importance of mycorrhizal partnerships to plant health is well documented. Mycorrhizae are considered drivers of ecosystem processes in boreal forests, which represent some of the most taxon rich arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM) habitats in the world. Methods of inoculating gold mine overburden with AM were evaluated in this study during a 17-week greenhouse trial. Soil inoculation with a commercial strain of Rhizophagus irregularis and the indigenous AM community, isolated from re-vegetated mine rock spoil piles on the mine property, each resulted in increased root colonization and biomass in C. canadensis, E. macrophylla, and F. virginiana. There was no significant difference in the increase in plant biomass between the commercial product and indigenous AM community. When examining the plant community, the commercial AM had greater average hyphal (p = 0.006) and vesicular (p = 0.001) root colonization than the indigenous AM treatment. However, there was no significant variation in arbuscule colonization (p > 0.05) in the plant community following applications of commercial and indigenous AM. The findings suggest that the growth and survival of boreal plant species in mine overburden appears to benefit from AM associations, as the non-AM treatments had very little growth. To our knowledge, this is the first study to date that has contrasted the application of a commercial and indigenous AM community for the restoration of a boreal understory plant community. The results of this study serve as a practical indication that soil inoculation with AM can benefit boreal understory plant growth when applied as an amendment to boreal mine overburden.
Protein-protein interaction network analysis of obesity

Obesity is a multifactorial disease that its molecular bases are very complex. Due to its complexity, there is no efficient medication for obesity. In this paper, protein analysis based on protein–protein interaction (PPI) network is illustrated and discussed in details to better understand obesity-underlying mechanism. The number of 45 proteins that their expressions are changed in obesity is interacted by Cytoscape Software and the hub and bottleneck proteins are introduced. The findings showed that UBC, AKT1, and T53 are hub-bottlenecks in the obesity network as their centrality are the highest. The enrichment analysis identified biological processes that possibly are important in obesity. It can be concluded that central elements of the network may play important role in obesity mechanism; however, further researches are required.
A review of the genus Xotidium Löbl, 1992 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scaphidiinae), with descriptions of five new species

In the present study, we have reviewed all species of the genus Xotidium Löbl, 1992, as well as five new species from Borneo, Malaysia, and Sulawesi, Indonesia, namely, Xotidium flagellum sp. n. , X. heissi sp. n. , X. meridionale sp. n. , X. smetanai sp. n. , X. tarantulatum sp. n. A key to all Xotidium species is provided. The female genitalic characters of Xotidium are illustrated and described for the first time.