Muhannad I. Massadeh

Synergism of cellulase enzymes in mixed culture solid substrate fermentation

Sugar cane bagasse was subjected to a mixed culture, solid substrate fermentation with Trichoderma reesei QM9414 and Aspergillus terreus SUK-1 to produce cellulase and reducing sugars. The highest cellulase activity and reducing sugar amount were obtained in mixed culture. The percentage of substrate degradation achieved employing mixed culture was 26% compared to 50% using separate cultures of the two molds. This suggests that the synergism of enzymes in mixed culture solid substrate fermentation have lower synergism than in pure culture.

Production and characterization of lipase from Bacillus stearothermophilus

Leptin is a 16 kDa protein synthesized by white adipose tissue and involved in regulation of feed intake, energy balance, fertility and immune function. In order to evaluate the leptin gene receptor polymorphism, we used a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Blood samples were collected from 100 randomly chosen Mazandaran native fowls. Genomic DNA was extracted using modified salting-out method and amplified polymerase chain reaction technique. Exon and intron 9-11 of the fowl leptin gene receptor was amplified to produce a 382 bp fragment. The PCR products were electrophoresed on 1% agarose gel and stained by etidium bromide. Then, amplicons with Tsp509I were digested and revealed two alleles, A and B. Data were analysed using PopGene 32 package. In this population, AA, AB, BB genotype have been identified with the 69.14, 30.16 and 0.7% frequencies. A and B alleles frequencies were 0.84 and 0.16, respectively. χ 2 test did not show Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in this population (p<0.05). Further association analysis is required to clarify the effects of these marker genotypes on production traits in this breeder flock. Key words: Leptin gene receptor, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP),polymorphism, breeder hen.

Identifying Selection Signatures Related to Domestication Process in Barley ( Hordeum Vulgare L. ) Landraces of Jordan Using Microsatellite Markers

Domestication process and the subsequent breeding may result in a genetic mutation and selection pressures that possibly contributed to the emergence of two phenotypes of barley spikelets, namely six-row and two-row barley. The present study used microsatellite genetic markers to investigate the population genetics of a selected set of accessions of domesticated barley representing different populations of Jordan, to identify a signature of selection resulted from domestication process. Genomic and statistical approaches, such as the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and the so-called hierarchical “outlier” tests, were utilized to identify signatures of selection. Generally, there was a high level of polymorphisms in all the studied populations, which ranged from 19.23 for Ramtha to 69.23 (%) for Zarga, with an average of 53.61 (%). The average number of allele per locus for the entire sample set was of 9.346 and it ranged 2 occurring at [(Bmag0136), (EBmac0970_a), (EBmac0970_c) loci], to 27 at (Bmac0040) locus. The results of AMOVA showed that the main portion (~72%) of total diversity was attributed to differentiations within populations. Other portions of diversity (11.040%) were explained by the diversity among populations. As revealed by the hierarchical outlier tests and AMOVA results, 9 microsatellites were identified to be under possible selection pressures, possibly indicates that these loci were important in the past improvement of barley by early cultivators. In conclusion, the present study shows that barley landraces of Jordan possess high levels of genetic diversity and allelic richness that could be utilized in barley improvement and breeding program.

Utilization of lipase enzyme produced by Bacillus sp. as a biocatalyst in the production of biodiesel

Due to the importance of controlling the X- ray (package) beam in the diagnostic field, and the high prices of the control kids and devices for both engineer and the medical physicist, and due to the importance of recognizing the presence or absence of an X-ray beam, the researcher found it necessary to search for tools not to measure but to work as indications of the presence of X-ray beam and to know whether or not the X-ray tube has generated the X-ray. The designed device was very simple in its construction. It is composed of a wooden box lined from inside with phosphoric plates in all sides except two sides which are lined with two plane mirrors, in order to increase reflection of light inside the wooden box. The light emitted from the phosphoric plates affects a photo resistance, which works as an electric switch, and can be in connection state when there is light or in disconnection state when there is no light (Dark). This photo cell is connected to an electronic warning circuit which makes a sound when there is light from the phosphoric plate, which indicates the presence of X-ray beam,The design unit called CMRS. .A new approach to plant nutrition has been discovered at Cambridge, United Kingdom. Research, over more than a decade, has resulted in the development of a biological fertilizer that enables plants to be grown on highly contaminated and marginal land. The material comprises a mixture of natural zeolitic rock and organic waste. Trials have shown that crops suitable for use as bio-fuel can be sustained on industrial waste sites that have remained barren of vegetation for many decades. The enhanced size of the plants is extraordinary and appears generalized over a large range of plant species. This effect is also found in plants grown on farm land low in nutrients. Trials in the coastal region of South East Spain revealed that the bio-fertilizer is also effective in semi-arid lands. The current hypothesis put forward to explain this behavior concerns the capture of ammonium ions, liberated from the decomposition of the organic waste, which are oxidized by micro-organisms when the mixture is applied to a soil. As a consequence, the natural process of nitrification is highly sponsored and the ensuing enzyme reactions, by releasing protons which are highly reactive, dissociate cations from the substrate. Thus, both nitrate and beneficial trace elements are available for uptake. Phosphorus is provided from the organic waste and the other major plant nutrient, potassium, is present in the organically enriched soil. Water, always found in natural zeolites, is adsorbed and desorbed according to ambient temperature and aids in the soil microbial functions.W surveyed the occurrence of Rice stripe virus (RSV) disease in 860 fields from 27 rice representative areas in July 2014 as nationwide survey for RSV occurrence since 2008. We confirmed occurrence of virus disease in 12 areas, in west coast region including Seosan, Gimje, Buan and Cheorwon. RSV incidence rate of plant in Gimpo and Dangjin was less than 0.01% and 1%, respectively showing similar with the nationwide survey carried out in 2013 whereas incidence rate of field decreased from 12.8% in 2013 to 4.5% in 2014. RSV diagnosis was confirmed by RSV, RDV, RBSDV multiplex diagnostic kits. Mixed infection of these three viruses was not confirmed. Earlier, RSV occurred largely across the southern region. In 2001, incidences of RSV were found in Gangwha and Gyeonggi-do in northern region. In 2007, RSV appeared in west coasts; Buan in Jeollabuk-do region and Seocheon in Choongnam region. After migration of small brown plant hopper from China in 2009, RSV is becoming a pandemic. A nationwide survey was conducted in June and July 2012-2013 in 30 Korean provinces to confirm the RSV sequence variation. A sequence analysis of the nucleocapsid protein (NCP) gene and the intergenic region (IR) of RSV RNA3 was performed. A phylogenetic analysis of the NCP gene and the IR demonstrated that the 33 isolates were closely related to earlier reported isolates from Japan and China, but the secondary IR structure showed geographic preponderance. The results will provide information on the relationships among epidemiology of rice virus disease, climate changes, and insect migration.