Life Sciences Commons^™

Mcnamara 2011 Mpmicro - Multi-Probe Microscopy (10/31/2011), George Mcnamara

George McNamara

Multi-Probe Microscopy is an ~1500 page Word document summarizing what I know and/or found interesting in light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and digital image analysis, from 1995-2005. Very little has been updated since 2005.

Lectin-Functionalized Carboxymethylated Kappa-Carrageenan Microparticles For Oral Insulin, Kok Hoong Leong

Kok Hoong Leong

We hypothesized that pH-responsive carboxymethylated kappa-carrageenan microparticles could protect entrapped oral insulin from acidic and proteolytic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize insulin entrapped in lectin-functionalized carboxymethylated kappa-carrageenan microparticles and to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The encapsulation of insulin was performed using an ionic gelation technique and was optimized to give an encapsulation efficiency of 94.2 ± 2.6% and a drug-loading capacity of 13.5 ± 0.4%. The microparticles were further surface-lectin-functionalized for improved intestinal mucoadhesiveness. The oral administration of insulin entrapped in the microparticles led …

Comparison Of Human Optimized Bacterial Luciferase, Firefly Luciferase, And Green Fluorescent Protein For Continuous Imaging Of Cell Culture And Animal Models, Dan M. Close, Ruth E. Hahn, Stacey S. Patterson, Seung J. Baek, Steven Ripp, Gary S. Sayler

Steven Ripp

Bioluminescent and fluorescent reporter systems have enabled the rapid and continued growth of the optical imaging field over the last two decades. Of particular interest has been noninvasive signal detection from mammalian tissues under both cell culture and whole animal settings. Here we report on the advantages and limitations of imaging using a recently introduced bacterial luciferase (lux) reporter system engineered for increased bioluminescent expression in the mammalian cellular environment. Comparison with the bioluminescent firefly luciferase (Luc) system and green fluorescent protein system under cell culture conditions demonstrated a reduced average radiance, but maintained a more constant level of bioluminescent …

Narcissus At The Gene Pool, Ruth C. Stern

Ruth C Stern

In the new eugenics, the end of our species as we know it is eagerly anticipated. We are fast approaching an evolutionary dead end and only the miracles of genetic engineering will save us from extinction. But while the new eugenicists approach these innovations with joy and optimism, many others look to them with dread and repugnance. This essay examines reprogenetics from the viewpoints of its most ardent advocates and its most damning critics. The kind of future we envision says much about who we are today, and whether we will embrace or condemn these new possibilities. . Further, if …

Optimal Control Of Switched Autonomous Systems In Microbial Fed-Batch Cultures, Chongyang Liu, Enmin Feng

Chongyang Liu

A switched autonomous system is proposed to formulate the fed-batch culture process by taking the switching instants between the feed and batch processes as control variables. To maximize the concentration of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) at the terminal time, an optimal control model subject to our proposed switched autonomous system and continuous state inequality constraints is then presented.Acomputational approach is developed to find the optimal switching instants in two aspects. On the one hand, the constraint transcription and smoothing techniques are applied to dealing with the continuous state inequality constraints; on the other hand, the first and the second derivatives of the …

Funding Stem Cell Research: The Convergence Of Science, Religion & Politics In The Formation Of Public Health Policy, Edward A. Fallone

Edward A Fallone

The controversy over the funding of stem cell research by the federal government is used as a case study for examining how policy choices are made in the field of public bioethics. This article examines the manner in which the decision to fund stem cell research has been influenced by the convergence of evolving scientific knowledge, conflicting religious values, and the role of elected officials in a representative democracy. The article begins by reviewing the current state of scientific knowledge concerning adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and the process of direct cell re-programming. Because each …

Application Of Girdling For Improved Fruit Retention, Yield And Fruit Quality In Syzygium Samarangense Under Field Conditions, Amru Bin Nasrulhaq Boyce

Amru Bin Nasrulhaq Boyce

The study was undertaken to investigate the effects of different girdling techniques on the yield and quality of wax jambu fruits (Syzygium samarangense). Physiological and biochemical parameters were monitored at one week intervals during the three successive growth period from January, 2009 to May, 2010, using I-25%, C, V shaped, I-50% and 100% girdling. Girdling was applied three weeks before flowering every season. It was observed that the C-shaped girdling technique significantly enhanced the inflorescence development and produced the best results with regard to the fruit retention, fruit size, leaf chlorophyll and drymatter in comparison to the control and the …

Postharvest Physico-Chemical And Mechanical Changes In Jambu Air (Syzygium Aqueum Alston) Fruits, Amru Bin Nasrulhaq Boyce

Amru Bin Nasrulhaq Boyce

Little data is available in the scientific literature on postharvest changes taking place in Syzygium aqueum fruits, an increasingly popular fruit in the Asian region. In this study the postharvest physico-chemical and mechanical properties, namely, fruit color, weight loss, pulp firmness, total soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity were determined during the postharvest storage period under ambient conditions of Syzygium aqueum fruits. It was observed that weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS) and pH of the jambu air fruits increased with time whilst pulp firmness and the color index of the fruits decreased. Analysis of the antioxidant activity, determined in …

Optimization Of Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Protocols For Boesenbergia Rotunda In Vitro Suspension Culture, Norzulaani Khalid

Norzulaani Khalid

Boesenbergia rotunda belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is abundant in the Southeast Asia. It is widely used as food ingredient and traditional medicine. Biologically, the plant extract contains pharmaceutically important bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-HIV protease, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant activities. Proteomics approaches to study the proteins and/or enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds are challenging due to the complexity of plant samples and the presence of interfering substances. Here, we describe the development a highly robust and reproducible two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) protocols for resolving the proteome of B. rotunda suspension cultures.

Effect Of Benzylaminopurine (Bap) Pulsing On In Vitro Shoot Multiplication Of Musa Acuminata (Banana) Cv. Berangan, Norzulaani Khalid

Norzulaani Khalid

MS (Murashige and Skoog) media supplemented with benzylaminopurine (BAP) showed that the number of bud formation in shoot cultures of Musa acuminata cv.Berangan during the initiation stage increased proportionately with the concentrations used (11, 22 and 33 μM). However, the highest concentration of BAP (33 μM) simultaneously increased the formation of abnormal shoots. After the first apical bud appeared, explants were transferred to MS medium with lower concentrations of BAP either with or without indole acetic acid (IAA). Proliferation media supplemented with IAA showed enhanced shoot multiplication and elongation but did not help to reduce the abnormality index that occurred

Rapid Micropropagation Of Boesenbergia Rotunda (L.) Mansf. Kulturpfl. (A Valuable Medicinal Plant) From Shoot Bud Explants, Norzulaani Khalid

Norzulaani Khalid

A successful protocol was developed for mass propagation of Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. Kulturpfl., an important medicinal plant. Numerous shoots were induced from young shoot bud of B. rotunda mature rhizome on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with 30.0 g/l sucrose, 2.0 g/l gelrite, different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and α-naphtaleneacetic acid (NAA). Plant medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP alone or with NAA produced varying degree of multiple shoots. A supplementation of 2.0 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA gave the best result. Ninety percent of the explants induced multiple shoots within 10 to 14 days of …

Determining The Optimal Concentration Of Mannose As An Effective Selection Agent For Transformed Oil Palm Cells Using The Phosphomannose Isomerase (Pmi) Gene As A Positive Selectable Marker, Norzulaani Khalid

Norzulaani Khalid

The elimination of antibiotic or herbicide resistance gene usage in genetically modified plants is being encouraged due to public concern. In response to this, alternative selection systems for the recovery of transgenic oil palm were developed using positive selectable markers. To establish a selection system that utilises the phosphomannose isomerase (pmi) gene for oil palm transformation, we first determined the optimal mannose concentration for selecting the transformed cells. Non-transformed embryogenic calli were cultured on media containing various combinations and concentrations of mannose and a usable source of carbon, i.e. sucrose, ranging in content from 0 to 30 g litre . …

Different Chemically Substituted Chitooligosaccharides Inhibit Beta-Secretase Activity, Rosna Binti Mat Taha

Rosna Binti Mat Taha

Chitooligosaccharide or COS is a kind of oligosaccharide that is an integral part of the nervous system. COS is synthesized by chemical substitution and derived AE-COS, DEAE-COS and DMAE-COS that are being shown on IC(50) value. AE-COS and DMAE-COS exhibited four fold less inhibition than DEAE-COS. In addition, non-competitive inhibitor was identified via a Dixon plot and the Ki inhibition constant (100 mu g/mL). We declared, chemical substitution of COS is a water soluble human safe BACE-1 inhibitor.

Total Phenolic Contents, Antioxidant And Antimicrobial Activities Of Bruguiera Gymnorrhiza, Rosna Binti Mat Taha

Rosna Binti Mat Taha

In the present work, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanolic, ethanolic and chloroform crude extract of leaves and barks of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza were investigated. The antioxidant activity of the crude extracts were evaluated using the enzymatic and non enzymatic methods namely superoxide dismutase determination, reducing power assay and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil free radical scavenging assays. Folin-ciocalteu reagent method was used to estimate the amount of total phenolic compounds of the extracts. Ethanol extract of barks showed the best result in all antioxidant assays which was positively co-related with the total phenolic contents. There was no significant difference between the IC(50) …

Effect Of Picloram, Additives And Plant Growth Regulators On Somatic Embryogenesis Of Phyla Nodiflora (L.) Greene, Rosna Binti Mat Taha

Rosna Binti Mat Taha

The present study describes the plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in suspension culture derived from the leaf and stem explants of Phyla nodiflora. The medium type, plant growth regulators, complex extract (coconut milk and malt extract) and anti-oxidant (activated charcoal, ascorbic acid, Polyvinylpyrrolidone and citric acid) markedly influenced the embryo regeneration of P. nodiflora. MS with 2,4-D and activated charcoal (10 mg/L) gave the highest stimulation of embryogenic callus growth. Optimized callus was transfered into suspension culture, which showed the globular, heart shaped embryos in MS with 2,4-D + BA + picloram (0.1 mg/L), coconut milk (10 ml/L), citric acid …

Capsular Serotyping Of Pasteurella Multocida From Various Animal Hosts - A Comparison Of Phenotypic And Genotypic Methods, Thong Kwai Lin

Thong Kwai Lin

One hundred and fourteen strains of Pasteurella multocida were isolated from different domestic animals species (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, rabbit, dog, cat), avian species (chicken, duck, turkey) and wild animals (deer, tiger, orang utan, marmoset). The serogroups of P multocida were determined by both conventional capsular serotyping and a multiplex PCR assay targeting specific capsular genes. Based on the conventional serotyping method, the 114 strains of P multocida were subtyped into 55 species-specific (untypeable strains) P. multocida, 15 serogroup A, 23 serogroup B and 21 serogroup D. Based on the multiplex PCR assay on the specific capsular genes associated …

A Quantitative Method For Fungal Ligninolytic Enzyme, Teck Nam Ang Dr., Gek Cheng Ngoh Dr, Adeline Seak May Chua Dr

Teck Nam Ang Dr.

Screening is conducted to select a fungus with desired characteristics intended for various applications, e.g. bioremediation and enzyme production. A qualitative method was used in this study for screening of fungal ligninolytic enzymes activities. The fungal ligninolytic activity was correlated with its growth from the screenings to identify a suitable fungus for solid substrate fermentation. Four strains of fungi, namely Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Phlebia radiata and Pleurotus sajor-caju, were screened for their ligninolytic enzymes activities using guaiacol and Remazol Brilliant Blue-R (RBB-R) as screening reagents. The screenings were conducted at both the optimal growth temperature of each fungus and …

Responses Of Sulfur, Nitrogen And Irrigation Water On Zea Mays Growth And Nutrients Uptake, Mohd Sofian Bin Azirun

Mohd Sofian Bin Azirun

Availability of both native and applied nutrients is one of the major constrains for plants growth in sandy calcareous soils. Elemental sulfur (S 0) is often applied to acidify calcareous soil which increases the availability of nutrients in soils. The present study was sought to examine the effect of S 0 combined with or without N under acidified (pH 6.5) and normal (pH >7.5) irrigation water on growth, apparent N-use efficiency (NUE) and uptake availability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) by corn plants grown in calcareous soils. Elemental S at rates …

Effects Of Elemental Sulfur, Phosphorus, Micronutrients And Paracoccus Versutus On Nutrient Availability Of Calcareous Soils, Mohd Sofian Bin Azirun

Mohd Sofian Bin Azirun

This study was carried out in the laboratory to investigate the effects of elemental sulfur (S-0), Paracoccus versutus (Pv), phosphorus (P) and micronutrients (DTPA extractable Fe+Mn+Zn) both singly and combined on nutrient availability of calcareous soils. Soils were collected from Al Semaih, Al Dhahrah and Melaiha in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and all soils were incubated at 40 +/- 2(0)C for 32, 64, 96 and 128 days. Soil pH dropped and S concentration increased significantly with the addition of S-0 alone or in combination with Pv, P and micronutrients in all types of soils. Elemental S application considerably increased the …

Method For Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer In Zebrafish, Kannika Siripattarapravat, Jose Cibelli

Jose Cibelli

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been a well-known technique for decades and widely applied to generate identical animals, including ones with genetic alterations. The system has been demonstrated successfully in zebrafish. The elaborated requirements of SCNT, however, limit reproducibility of the established model to a few groups in zebrafish research community. In this chapter, we meticulously outline each step of the published protocol as well as preparations of equipments and reagents used in zebrafish SCNT.

Socioeconomic Characteristics And Perceptions Of Cattle Keepers And Constraints To Cattle Production In Western Kenya, Joshua O. Amimo, S Thumbi, B O. Inyangala, J O. Junga, R O. Mosi

Joshua O Amimo

No abstract provided.

Factors Influencing Reproductive Performance Of Cows From Different Nguni Ecotypes In Southern Mozambique, S Maciel, O Mwai, Joshua O. Amimo, S Moyo, M Scholtz, F Neser, M Martins

Joshua O Amimo

No abstract provided.

In Vivo Bioluminescent Imaging (Bli): Noninvasive Visualization And Interrogation Of Biological Processes In Living Animals, Dan M. Close, Tingting Xu, Gary S. Sayler, Steven Ripp

Steven Ripp

In vivo bioluminescent imaging (BLI) is increasingly being utilized as a method for modern biological research. This process, which involves the noninvasive interrogation of living animals using light emitted from luciferase-expressing bioreporter cells, has been applied to study a wide range of biomolecular functions such as gene function, drug discovery and development, cellular trafficking, protein-protein interactions, and especially tumorigenesis, cancer treatment, and disease progression. This article will review the various bioreporter/biosensor integrations of BLI and discuss how BLI is being applied towards a new visual understanding of biological processes within the living organism.

doi:10.3390/s110100180

Chemical Characterization And In Vitro Fermentation Of Brassica Straw Treated With The Aerobic Fungus, Trametes Versicolor, J. E. Ramirez-Bribiesca, Y. Wang, L. Jin, Thomas Canam, J. R. Town, A. Tsang, T. J. Dumonceaux, T. A. Mcallister

Thomas Canam

Brassica napus straw (BNS) was either not treated or was treated with two strains of Trametes versicolor; 52J (wild type) or m4D (a cellobiose dehydrogenase-deficient mutant) with four treatments. Glucose was provided to encourage growth of the mutant strain. All treatments with T. versicolor decreased (P<0.05) neutral-detergent fibre and increased (P<0.05) protein and the concentration of lignin degradation products in straw. Ergosterol was highest (P<0.05) in straw treated with B-52J, suggesting it generated the most fungal biomass. Insoluble lignin was reduced (P<0.05) in straw treated with B-52J and B-m4D, but not with B-m4Dg. Mannose and xylose concentration were generally higher (P<0.05) in straw treated with fungi, whereas glucose and galactose were lower as compared with C-BNS. The four treatments above were subsequently assessed in rumen in vitro fermentations, along with BNS treated with 5 N NaOH. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acids after 24 and 48h were lower (P<0.05) in incubations that contained BNS treated with T. versicolor as compared with C-BNSor NaOH-treated BNS. Compared with C-BNS, in vitrodry matter disappearance and gas production were increased (P<0.05) by NaOH, but not by treatment with either strain of T. versicolor. Although treatment with T. versicolor did release more lignin degradation products, it did not appear to provide more degradable carbohydrate to in vitro rumen microbial populations, even when a mutant strain with compromised carbohydrate metabolism was utilized. Production of secondary compounds by the aerobic fungi may inhibit rumen microbial fermentation.

Quantitative Analysis Of Lignocellulosic Components Of Non-Treated And Steam Exploded Barley, Canola, Oat And Wheat Straw Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, P. K. Adapa, L. G. Schonenau, Thomas Canam, T. Dumonceaux

Thomas Canam

Rapid and cost effective quantification of lignocellulosic components (cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin) of agricultural biomass (barley, canola, oat and wheat) is essential to determine the effect of various pre-treatments (such as steam explosion) on biomass used as feedstock for the biofuel industry. Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was considered as an option to achieve this objective. Regression equations having R2 values of 0.89, 0.99 and 0.98 were developed to predict the cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin compounds of biomass, respectively. The average absolute difference in predicted and measured cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in agricultural biomass was 7.5%, 2.5%, and 3.8%, respectively.