Statistical method for testing the neutral mutation hypothesis by DNA polymorphism.

Soil Chemical Analysis

We redescribe the only previously known species of Myrsidea from bulbuls, M. pycnonoti Eichler. Sixteen new species are described; they and their type hosts are: M. phillipsi ex Pycnonotus goiavier goiavier (Scopoli), M. gieferi ex P. goiavier suluensis Mearns, M. kulpai ex P. flavescens Blyth, M. finlaysoni ex P. finlaysoni Strickland, M. kathleenae ex P. cafer (L.), M. warwicki ex Ixos philippinus (J. R. Forster), M. mcclurei ex Microscelis amaurotis (Temminck), M. zeylanici ex P. zeylanicus (Gmelin), M. plumosi ex P. plumosus Blyth, M. eutiloti ex P. eutilotus (Jardine and Selby), M. adamsae ex P. urostictus (Salvadori), M. ochracei ex Criniger ochraceus F. Moore, M. borbonici ex Hypsipetes borbonicus (J. R. Forster), M. johnsoni ex P. atriceps (Temminck), M. palmai ex C. ochraceus, and M. claytoni ex P. eutilotus. A key is provided for the identification of these 17 species.

A new species

: The unpolarized absorption and circular dichroism spectra of the fundamental vibrational transitions of the chiral molecule, 4-methyl-2-oxetanone, are calculated ab initio. Harmonic force fields are obtained using Density Functional Theory (DFT), MP2, and SCF methodologies and a 5S4P2D/3S2P (TZ2P) basis set. DFT calculations use the Local Spin Density Approximation (LSDA), BLYP, and Becke3LYP (B3LYP) density functionals. Mid-IR spectra predicted using LSDA, BLYP, and B3LYP force fields are of significantly different quality, the B3LYP force field yielding spectra in clearly superior, and overall excellent, agreement with experiment. The MP2 force field yields spectra in slightly worse agreement with experiment than the B3LYP force field. The SCF force field yields spectra in poor agreement with experiment.The basis set dependence of B3LYP force fields is also explored: the 6-31G* and TZ2P basis sets give very similar results while the 3-21G basis set yields spectra in substantially worse agreements with experiment. jg

Ab initio calculation of vibrational absorption and circular dichroism spectra using density functional force fields

Fusarium species, particularly Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum, are the main cause of trichothecene type B contamination in cereals. Data on the distribution of Fusarium trichothecene genotypes in cereals in Europe are scattered in time and space. Furthermore, a common core set of related variables (sampling method, host cultivar, previous crop, etc.) that would allow more effective analysis of factors influencing the spatial and temporal population distribution, is lacking. Consequently, based on the available data, it is difficult to identify factors influencing chemotype distribution and spread at the European level. Here we describe the results of a collaborative integrated work which aims (1) to characterize the trichothecene genotypes of strains from three Fusarium species, collected over the period 2000–2013 and (2) to enhance the standardization of epidemiological data collection. Information on host plant, country of origin, sampling location, year of sampling and previous crop of 1147 F. graminearum, 479 F. culmorum, and 3 F. cortaderiae strains obtained from 17 European countries was compiled and a map of trichothecene type B genotype distribution was plotted for each species. All information on the strains was collected in a freely accessible and updatable database (www.catalogueeu.luxmcc.lu), which will serve as a starting point for epidemiological analysis of potential spatial and temporal trichothecene genotype shifts in Europe. The analysis of the currently available European dataset showed that in F. graminearum, the predominant genotype was 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) (82.9%), followed by 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON) (13.6%), and nivalenol (NIV) (3.5%). In F. culmorum, the prevalent genotype was 3-ADON (59.9%), while the NIV genotype accounted for the remaining 40.1%. Both, geographical and temporal patterns of trichothecene genotypes distribution were identified.

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A European Database of Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum Trichothecene Genotypes

Highly functionalized spirocyclic ketals were synthesized through asymmetric oxidative spirocyclization via carbanion-induced ring transformation of 2H-pyran-2-ones with 1,4-cyclohexandione monoethyleneketal under alkaline conditions. Further acidic-hydrolysis of obtained spirocyclic ketals yields highly substituted 2-tetralone in good yield. Computational analysis based on the DFT calculations and MD simulations has been performed in order to predict and understand global and local reactivity properties of newly synthesized derivatives. DFT calculations covered fundamental reactivity descriptors such as molecular electrostatic potential and average local ionization energies. Nitrogen atom and benzene rings have been recognized as the most important molecular sites from these aspects. Additionally, to predict whether studied compounds are stable towards the autoxidation mechanism, we have also studied the bond dissociation energies for hydrogen abstraction and identified the derivative which might form potentially genotoxic impurities. Interactions with water, including both global and local aspects, have been covered thanks to the MD simulations and calculations of interaction energies with water, counting of formed hydrogen interactions, and radial distribution functions. MD simulations were also used to identify which excipient could be used together with these compounds, and it has been established that the polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer could be highly compatible with these compounds, from the aspect of calculated solubility parameters.

Investigation of Pharmaceutical Importance of 2H-Pyran-2-One Analogues via Computational Approaches

Utilization of low-cost substrates for the production of high biomass, lipid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) using local native strain Aurantiochytrium sp. YB-05

Groundwater is the main water source for many areas in saudi Arabia and the only source of water in some areas. Many local studies have reported that high nitrate concentrations in some wells of groundwater. to provide safe drinking water, the excess amounts of nitrate have to be removed by bio-denitrification process. This study aims to develop a denitrifying biological filter using denitrifying bacteria immobilized on microbial cellulose for the removal of nitrates from water contaminated with nitrate. Denitrifying bacteria that can form biofilter on microbial cellulose were isolated from different regions in saudi Arabia and were characterized by molecular techniques. they were evaluated for their ability to analyze nitrates and to develop biofilter to remove nitrates from contaminated water. In the results of this project, an optimal microbial cellulose production was achieved by Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 23768 in the lab, which had facilitated the use of biofilter with the immobilized nitratereducing bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The reduction rate of nitrate was reached 1.9mg/L from the starting concentration of 100 mg/L after 18h. Promising results of nitrate removal rate on MC immobilized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa on biofilter at optimized lab conditions of pH, and proper carbon source were achieved. the results suggest that water contaminated with nitrate can be removed by the bio-denitrification process effectively.

/pdf/biological-removal-of-nitrates-from-groundwater-resources-in-4hlh5roiw1.pdf

Biological Removal of Nitrates from Groundwater Resources in Saudi Arabia

Daruvedia bacillata, the type species of the monotypic genus Daruvedia, has rarely been collected or reported, but has been placed in many unrelated genera. This paper gives a description of the fungus based on studies of the type specimen, a collection by R.W.G. Dennis, and freshly collected material. The taxon is epitypified and a discussion on its systematic placement is provided.

Revisiting the taxonomy of Daruvedia bacillata

Sclerotinia rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a serious threat to green beans production in Egypt. The pathogenicity of this pathogen to 11 different cultivars was measured by survival plants % in the genotypes. Significant differences were observed between different cultivars (P0.05). Results indicate that, Amy and Giza cultivars were more susceptible to infection with S. sclerotiorum that produced 16% survival plants in both cultivars after 60 days. While, Duel cultivar was less sensitive to infection with the pathogen that giving 40% living plants at 60 days.

Ali H. Bahkali

Papers

Investigation of Pharmaceutical Importance of 2H-Pyran-2-One Analogues via Computational Approaches

Utilization of low-cost substrates for the production of high biomass, lipid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) using local native strain Aurantiochytrium sp. YB-05

Biological Removal of Nitrates from Groundwater Resources in Saudi Arabia

Revisiting the taxonomy of Daruvedia bacillata

Pathogenicity of Scleritinia sclerotiorum to Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) Cultivars