118,386 research outputs found
Click chemistry on self-assembled monolayer of zeolite L crystals by microcontact printing - Applications in nanobiotechnology
No full textSelf assembled monolayers (SAMs) of zeolite L crystals were functionalized with fluorescent dye molecules or bioactive carbohydrate using microcontact printing (mCP). Fluorescent molecules such as lissamine rhodamine (LRA) and sugars such as α-d-mannoside (α-d-Man) functionalized with a terminal acetylene spacer were immobilized by "click" reaction on the top side of an azide functionalized zeolite L monolayer. Patterned and non-patterned SAMs of α-d-Man functionalized zeolite were used for cell adhesion and cellular patterning
Doutta Galla, County of Bourke [cartographic material] /
No full textIn upper right corner: L.5184; "26.7.27".; Also available in an electronic version via the Internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.map-rm2741-91. Cadastral map showing parish boundaries and land ownership.Parish of Doutta Galla, County of Bourk
Cell adhesion behavior on enantiomerically functionalized zeolite L monolayers
No full textZeolite L nanocrystals can be enantioselectively functionalized and their enantiomorphous SAMs prepared. The adhesion behavior of different cells with these new biomaterials was studied according to the respective surface chirality. This concept was demonstrated for cell separation of primary cells and cell lines (see picture)
Effect of Galla chinensis on the in vitro remineralization of advanced enamel lesions
No full textAim: The effect of Galla chinensis on de-/re-mineralization of advanced enamel lesions was investigated by using micro-CT in a prolonged in vitro experiment. Methodology: Baseline mineral contents of sound enamels were first analyzed. Then lesions were produced in an acidic buffer solution (2.2 mmol⋅L-1 Ca(NO3)2, 2.2 mmol⋅L-1 KH2PO4, and pH=4.5) for 21 days, with thrice daily three-minute treatments, divided into four groups: Group A, 4 000 ppm crude aqueous extract of Galla chinensis (GCE); Group B, 4 000 ppm gallic acid; Group C, 1 000 ppm F aq. (as NaF, positive control); Group D, deionized water (negative control). Next, the blocks were immersed in a remineralization solution (1.5 mmol⋅L-1 CaCl2, 0.9 mmol⋅L-1 KH2PO4, 0.1 ppm F, and pH=7.0) for 200 days. Mineral loss (ML) in each region of interest (ROI) and integrated mineral loss (IML) of the lesions were calculated (comparing with baseline mineral content of sound enamel) at different time points. Results: After 21 days demineralization, fluoride treatment showed a statistically significant demineralization-inhibiting effect among the four groups, and after 200 days of remineralization, mineral content recovery was ordered (lowest to highest) as A=C<B<D. Conclusion: GCE could slow down the remineralization of enamel in the surface layer and thereby facilitate ion transport into the lesion body. The mechanism of Galla chinensis in enhancing the remineralization of dental caries is different from fluoride
Cell adhesion and cellular patterning on a self-assem bled monolayer of zeolite L crystals
No full textChemically functionalized self-assembled monolayers made by disk-shaped zeolite L nanocrystals are used as models for biocompatible surfaces to study cell-adhesion behavior. Different chemical groups lead to different cellular behavior and fluorescent-molecule-loaded zeolites allow the position of the cells to be determined. Furthermore, a patterned monolayer of asymmetrically functionalized zeolite L obtained by microcontact chemistry is used to grow cells. A spatial recognition of the cells, which proliferate only on the bioactivemolecule-functionalized stripes, is possible.
Genomic identification of two hare species (Lepus timidus, L. europaeus) and their hybrids using a novel panel of genomic loci: MIPs (Multi-locus Intron Polymorphisms)
No full textThe mountain hare (Lepus timidus) is an arctic-alpine species, with relictual populations in the Alps threatened by climate and anthropic changes that result in snow cover reduction and habitat loss, as well as resource competition and hybridization with the European brown hare (L. europaeus). The latter is a typical species of open habitats in agricultural landscapes, often restocked for hunting and with an Alpine distribution currently shifting into areas once dominated by the mountain hare, due to an increase in mean winter temperatures. For conservation and management purposes, we developed a new panel of Multi-locus Intron Polymorphisms ('MIPs') for mammalian genomic surveys, species and individual identification, and monitoring of interspecific hybridization, with a specific subset for L. timidus, L. europaeus and their hybrids. To generate the mammalian panel, a total of 121 genomes were aligned to identify the most conserved intronic regions and 192 introns randomly distributed across the genomes were then selected. Primer pairs suitable for multiplex PCR amplifications followed by Illumina amplicon sequencing were designed on conserved exonic flanking regions. The MIPs panel was tested on tissue samples from 260 mountain and 70 brown hares bagged in the Province of Sondrio (Italy), from three hunting areas with different intensities of L. europaeus restocking; in addition, two altitudinal ranges (below and above 2000m a.s.l.) and two collection periods (2001-2008 and 2016-2023) were considered as proxies for climate change scenarios. Amplicon sequencing data were analysed with dedicated bioinformatic pipelines to assess inter- and intraspecific genetic diversity and level of hybridization of the populations under study. Our work highlights the impact of L. europaeus restocking and climate on L. timidus genomic diversity, and we discuss the usefulness of MIPs for guiding conservation strategie
Annotation and Expression of IDN2-like and FDM-like genes in sexual and aposporous hypericum perforatum L. Accessions
No full textThe protein IDN2, together with the highly similar interactors FDM1 and FDM2, is required for RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) and siRNA production. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is required to restrict cell fate determination in A. thaliana ovules. Recently, three transcripts sharing high similarity with the A. thaliana IDN2 and FDM1-2 were found to be differentially expressed in ovules of apomictic Hypericum perforatum L. accessions. To gain further insight into the expression and regulation of these genes in the context of apomixis, we investigated genomic, transcriptional and functional aspects of the gene family in this species. The H. perforatum genome encodes for two IDN2-like and 7 FDM-like genes. Differential and heterochronic expression of FDM4-like genes was found in H. perforatum pistils. The involvement of these genes in reproduction and seed development is consistent with the observed reduction of the seed set and high variability in seed size in A. thaliana IDN2 and FDM-like knockout lines. Differential expression of IDN2-like and FDM-like genes in H. perforatum was predicted to affect the network of potential interactions between these proteins. Furthermore, pistil transcript levels are modulated by cytokinin and auxin but the effect operated by the two hormones depends on the reproductive phenotype
Surface-Mediated Stimuli Responsive Delivery of Organic Molecules from Porous Carriers to Adhered Cells
No full textThe alternating layer-by-layer deposition of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes on fluorescence-dye-(Hst)-loaded zeolites L ((Hst) Zeo-PSS/PLL) is described. The arrays and nanocomposite (NC) hydrogels of (Hst) Zeo-PSS/PLL are prepared. The subsequent cell experiments show the potential application of arrays and NC hydrogels of (Hst) Zeo-PSS/PLL as alternative 2D- and 3D-surfaces, respectively, for 2D- and 3D-surface-mediated controlled organic molecules delivery applications
Impact of hybridization on Lepus timidus and L. Europaeus gut microbiota in the Italian Alps
No full textThe mountain hare (Lepus timidus) is a boreal mammalian species, with relict populations in the Alps threatened by climate change due to snow cover reduction and by habitat loss. An additional risk factor is hybridization with the European brown hare (L. europaeus), which is shifting its range to higher altitudes, once dominated by the mountain hare. Despite the recorded presence of hybrids between the two hare species in their Alpine ranges, there is a lack of information about the extent, altitudinal distribution and impact of hybridization. Since gut microbiota is known to affect mammalian health, but is also species- specific, depending on diet, physiology and evolutionary history, hybridization between the two hare species could affect microbiota composition and function, and thus species adaptability and survival. Using non-invasive (faecal pellet) samples, we investigated the altitudinal distribution of L. timidus, L. europaeus and their hybrids to evaluate the current extent of overlap of the two species in an LTSER site in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen – South Tyrol, Italy. Using a subset of these samples, we then investigated bacterial and fungal microbiota to understand whether its diversity and composition are influenced by species and/or altitude, and how hybrid’s gut microbial communities compare to that of the two species. Fresh faecal pellets were collected in the field in 2019 and 2020 at Val di Mazia/Matschertal, Italy at four different altitudes (1,000, 1,500, 2,000 and 2,500 m). A fragment of the mtDNA (D-loop) and 10 STR loci were used for individual genotyping, and the results were combined to identify species and hybrids. Gut microbiota richness and composition were investigated using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS2 regions and meta-taxonomic bioinformatics. L. timidus was more common at 2,000–2,500 m, but L. europaeus ranged across the study site, with hybrids found between 1,500–2,500 m. Gut microbiota analysis showed that bacterial alpha diversity did not differ between the two species, but there was a significant difference in fungal richness. We found a clear distinction between bacterial community composition of the two species, while both species and elevation influenced fungal composition. Interestingly, hybrid microbiota clustered more closely with that of L. timidus, while fungal composition did not show a clear clustering with either species. The possible impact of these results on mountain hare conservation are discussed
The Development of Oromo Writing System
No full textThe development and use of languages for official, education, religion, etc. purposes have been a major political issue in many developing multilingual countries. A number of these countries, including China and India, have recognised the issues and developed language policies that have provided some ethnic groups with the right to develop their languages and cultures by using writing systems based on scripts suitable for these purposes. On the other hand, other countries, such as Ethiopia (a multilingual African state) had, for a long time, preferred a policy of one language and one script in the belief that this would help the assimilation of various ethnic groups create a homogenous population with one language and culture. Rather than realizing that aim, the policy became a significant source of conflict and demands for political independence among disfavoured groups.
This thesis addresses the development of a writing system for Oromo, a language spoken by approximately 40 percent of the total population of Ethiopia, which remained officially unwritten until the early 1990s. It begins by reviewing the early history of Oromo writing and discusses the Ethiopian language policies, analysing materials written in various scripts and certain writers starting from the 19th century. The adoption of Roman script for Oromo writing and the debates that followed are explored, with an examination of some phonological aspects of the Oromo language and the implications of representing them using the Roman alphabet.
This thesis argues that the Oromo language has thrived during the past few years having implemented a Roman-based alphabetical script. There have been and continue to be, however, internal and external challenges confronting the development of the Oromo writing system which need to be carefully considered and addressed by stakeholders, primarily by the Oromo people and the Ethiopian government, in order for the Oromo language to establish itself as a fully codified language in the modern nation-state
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