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Male sterility is an important trait and plays a key role for hybrid crop production in agricultural industry field. Different genes and enzymes are involved with male sterile traits. Dysfunction of these genes in any stage of male reproductive system often results in male sterility i.e., the inability to produce functional pollen. Functional male sterility can be utilized in the production of hybrid seed. During plant breeding for hybrid crop production, a lot of genetic diversities are created. Plant breeding is enhanced by the availability of molecular markers for rapid screening and selection in populations. Molecular markers are useful for a variety of purposes relevant to crop improvement. Functional markers that detect the functional mutations causing phenotypic changes offer a precise method for genetic identification. Various DNA markers are available now in plant breeding sectors. Among all of these markers, the new generation molecular markers called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are most abundant, robust and feasible because of its availability in whole genome and that they play a key role in the induction of phenotypic variations like male sterility. In this review, we described the classification and mechanism of male sterility in crops, the genes responsible for male sterility, and application of SNP markers for selection of male sterile plants.

A novel bacterial strain THG-PC4T was isolated from soil sample of rice field and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-negative, bright yellow colored, nonmotile and rod shaped. The strain was aerobic and catalase positive, optimum growth temperature, and pH were 28 °C and 7, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-PC4T belongs to the genus Lysobacter and is most closely related to Lysobacter fragariae KCTC 42236T, followed by Lysobacter oryzae KCTC 22249T, Lysobacter tyrosinelyticus KCTC 42235T, Lysobacter terrae KACC 17646T, Lysobacter yangpyeongensis KACC 11407T, Lysobacter rhizosphaerae KCTC 42237T and Lysobacter niabensis KACC 11587T. In DNA–DNA hybridization tests, the DNA relatedness between strain THG-PC4T and its closest phylogenetic neighbors was below 45 %. The DNA G + C content was 66.6 mol %, and the predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. Flexirubin-type pigments were found to be present. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C16:0, iso-C17:1 ω9c, iso-C17:0 and iso-C11:0 3OH. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The DNA–DNA hybridization, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain THG-PC4T represented a novel species within the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobcater humi is proposed. The type strain is THG-PC4T (=KACC 18284T = CCTCC AB 2015292T).

Immunogenicity of a pneumococcal 74 kDa surface protein in the rabbit model was investigated in this study. For this, Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 7F was collected and water extraction procedure was applied for the preparation of surface materials, which was used for further isolation of the 74 kDa surface protein. Rabbits were immunized with the sonicated nitrocellulose membrane containing the 74 kDa surface protein and the control group of rabbits was injected with same concentration of sonicated nitrocellulose membrane only. The antibody response against the 74 kDa surface protein was evaluated by both ELISA and immunoblot assay. Sera collected from the 74 kDa surface protein immunized rabbits were examined and the high titre (1:1600) ELISA values (OD490) indicated the production of adequate amounts of anti-74 kDa antibodies in the rabbits. In the immunoblot analysis, a single antigenic band was obtained on the nitrocellulose membrane treated with sera obtained from rabbits immunized with the 74 kDa surface protein. The high titre antibody production in the rabbits indicates the immunogenicity of the 74 kDa surface protein in rabbit model.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 31, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2014, pp 25-28

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is an abundant form of genetic variation within individuals of species. DNA polymorphism can arise throughout the whole genome at different frequencies in different species. SNP may cause phenotypic diversity among individuals, such as individuals with different color of plants or fruits, fruit size, ripening, flowering time adaptation, quality of crops, grain yields, or tolerance to various abiotic and biotic factors. SNP may result in changes in amino acids in the exon of a gene (asynonymous). SNP can also be silent (present in coding region but synonymous). It may simply occur in the noncoding regions without having any effect. SNP may influence the promoter activity for gene expression and finally produce functional protein through transcription. Therefore, the identification of functional SNP in genes and analysis of their effects on phenotype may lead to better understanding of their impact on gene function for varietal improvement. In this mini-review, we focused on evidences revealing the role of functional SNPs in genes and their phenotypic effects for the purpose of crop improvements.

An in vitro regeneration protocol of Adhatoda vasica has been developed using excised nodal segments and juvenile leaves for multiple shoots regeneration directly or through callus induction. Explants were cultured on MS medium with different concentrations of IAA, NAA, BAP, GA3 and Kn singly or in combinations. MS medium supplemented with BAP (10.0 mg/l) was found best for multiple shoot formation, in which 93.33% explants produced multiple shoots. After two months, maximum number of multiple shoots were 10.6 ± 1.82, highest length of plantlets was 5.2 ± 2.20 cm. 100% calli formation were observed on MS medium supplemented with IAA (0.05 mg/l) + NAA (0.05 mg/l) + BAP (1.0 mg/l). Callus initiation started after 14 days and gave light green colored callus. Best callus mediated shoot regeneration was found on MS+10.0 mg/l BAP medium. Root induction of in vitro raised shoots was best on ½ MS + IBA (1.0 mg/l). Well rooted plantlets were transferred to plastic pots containing garden soil and compost in a ratio of 2:1 for hardening. The ultimate survival rate under natural condition was about 80%.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 51(1), 75-80, 2016

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped novel bacterial strain, designated as MAH-5T, was isolated from a road-side soil sample and was characterised by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The colonies were observed to be yellowish orange in colour, smooth, circular and 0.3–0.7 mm in diameter when grown on nutrient agar for 2 days. Strain MAH-5T was found to be able to grow at 15–35 °C and at pH 4.0–8.0. The strain was observed to be positive for both the catalase and oxidase tests. Cells were found to be able to hydrolyse aesculin, gelatin and starch. By 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, the isolate was identified as a member of the genus Mucilaginibacter and to be closely related to Mucilaginibacter panaciglaebae BXN5-31T (98.35%), Mucilaginibacter soyangensis HME6664T (97.82%), Mucilaginibacter antarcticus S14-88T (97.49%) and Mucilaginibacter ximonensis XM-003T (97.06%). In DNA–DNA hybridization tests, the DNA relatedness values between strain MAH-5T and its close phylogenetic neighbors were below 45.0%. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain MAH-5T was determined to be 41.5 mol% and the predominant isoprenoid quinine was identified as MK-7. The major fatty acids were identified as C15:0 iso and summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c). The genetic characteristics, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, demonstrated that the isolated strain MAH-5T represents a novel species within the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter formosus sp. nov. is proposed, with MAH-5T as the type strain (= KACC 19291T = CGMCC1.16489T).

A novel bacterial strain THG-SL1(T) was isolated from a soil sample of Cucurbita maxima garden and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-reaction-positive, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was aerobic, catalase positive and weakly positive for oxidase. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis but it shared highest similarity with Microbacterium ginsengisoli KCTC 19189(T) (96.6 %), indicating that strain THG-SL1(T) belongs to the genus Microbacterium. The DNA G + C content of the isolate was 68.9 mol %. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15: 0 (39.7 %), anteiso-C17: 0 (24.4 %) and iso-C16: 0 (18.5 %). The major polar lipids of strain THG-SL1(T) were phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and an unidentified glycolipid (GL). The predominant respiratory isoprenoid quinones were menaquinone-11 and menaquinone-12. The diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ornithine. Based on the results of polyphasic characterization, strain THG-SL1(T) represented a novel species within the genus Microbacterium, for which the name Microbacterium horti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-SL1(T) (=KACC 18286(T)=CCTCC AB 2015117(T)).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped strain, THG-DN7.3T, was isolated from a waterfall. Strain THG-DN7.3T grew well at 18–28 °C and at pH 6.0–7.5 on Reasoner's 2A agar. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG-DN7.3T was most closely related to Undibacterium jejuense JS4-4T (97.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Undibacterium seohonense SHS5-24T (96.5 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 57.4 mol%. The mean DNA–DNA relatedness of strain THG-DN7.3T with U. jejuense KACC 12607T was 40 ± 1 % (reciprocal 50 ± 2.1 %). The major cellular fatty acids of strain THG-DN7.3T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) (47.4 %), C16 : 0 (30.4 %), summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c) (6.8 %) and C12 : 0 (6.2 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The results of the DNA–DNA hybridization and genotypic analysis, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, demonstrated that strain THG-DN7.3T represents a novel species of the genus Undibacterium, for which the name Undibacterium aquatile sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-DN7.3T ( = KCTC 42243T = CCTCC AB 2015119T).

A novel bacterial strain THG-MM13(T) was isolated from rhizospheric soil sample and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, and optimum growth temperature and pH were 28 °C and 7.0, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-MM13(T) (KM598260) belongs to the genus Pseudoxanthomonas and is most closely related to Pseudoxanthomonas wuyuanensis KCTC 23877(T) (97.4 %) (JN247803), followed by Pseudoxanthomonas koreensis KCTC 12208(T) (96.7 %) (AY550263) and Pseudoxanthomonas yeongjuensis KACC 11580(T) (96.7 %) (DQ438977). The DNA G + C content was 63.7 mol%, and the predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0 (31.3 %) and iso-C16:0 (19.3 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain THG-MM13(T) and P. wuyuanensis KCTC 23877(T) was below 50 %. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and results of the genotypic analysis in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain THG-MM13(T) represented a novel species within the genus Pseudoxanthomonas, for which the name Pseudoxanthomonas humi is proposed. The type strain is THG-MM13(T) (=KACC 18280(T) = CCTCC AB 2015122(T)).

A novel bacterial strain, designated THG-PC7T, was isolated from fallow farmland soil in Yongin, South Korea. Cells of strain THG-PC7Twere Gram-stain-negative, dark yellow, aerobic, rod-shaped and had gliding motility. Strain THG-PC7Tgrew optimally at 25–35 °C, at pH 7 and in the absence of NaCl. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis identified strain THG-PC7Tas belonging to the genusLysobacter, exhibiting highest sequence similarity withLysobacter ximonensisKCTC 22336T(98.7 %) followed byLysobacter niastensisKACC 11588T(95.7 %). In DNA–DNA hybridization tests, DNA relatedness between strain THG-PC7Tand its closest phylogenetic neighbourL. ximonensiswas below 25 %. The DNA G+C content of the novel isolate was determined to be 62.5 mol%. Flexirubin-type pigments were found to be present. The major cellular fatty acids were determined to be iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0and iso-C17 : 1ω9c. The major respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquonone-8 (Q8). The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified aminophospolipid. On the basis of results from DNA–DNA hybridization and the polyphasic data, strain THG-PC7Trepresents a novel species of the genusLysobacter, for which the nameLysobacter novalissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-PC7T( = KACC 18276T = CCTCC AB 2014319T).

A novel bacterial strain, THG-sc1(T), was isolated from a soil sample of a cucumber garden and was characterised by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were observed to be Gram-stain negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was found to be aerobic, catalase and oxidase positive, esculin and starch negative, and to have an optimum growth temperature and pH of 28 °C and 7.5, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-sc1(T) was found to belong to the genus Sphingosinicella and to be closely related to Sphingosinicella vermicomposti KCTC 22446(T), followed by Sphingosinicella xenopeptidilytica DSM 17130(T) and Sphingosinicella microcystinivorans KCTC 12019(T). The DNA G+C content was determined to be 60.8 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquinone-10. The major polyamine was found to be sym-homospermidine. The major polar lipids were identified as sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were identified as C(18:1)ω7c, C(16:0) and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH, as defined by MIDI). The results of the genotypic analysis, in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data, demonstrated that strain THG-sc1(T) represents a novel species within the genus Sphingosinicella, for which the name Sphingosinicella cucumeris is proposed. The type strain is THG-sc1(T) (=KACC 18279(T) = CCTCC AB 2015120(T)).

A Gram-reaction-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as THG-DN3.6(T), was isolated from an ancient tree trunk from Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain THG-DN3.6(T) was shown to belong to the genus Chryseobacterium and the highest similarity to Chryseobacterium indoltheticum LMG 4025(T) (97.2%) and the closest phylogenetic relatives were Chryseobacterium scophthalmum (96.8%), Chryseobacterium piscium (96.7%) and Chryseobacterium balustinum KCTC 2903(T) (96.3%). The DNA G + C content of the isolate was 33.2 mol%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-6. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω7t and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH), iso-C17:1 ω9c and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The major polar lipids of strain THG-DN3.6(T) were phosphatidylethanolamine. The mean DNA-DNA relatedness of strain THG-DN3.6(T) to C. indoltheticum LMG 4025(T) was 52 ± 0.5%. Based on the results of polyphasic characterization, strain THG-DN3.6(T) represented a novel species within the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium formosus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-DN3.6(T) (=KCTC 42606 = CCTCC AB 2015118). The NCBI GenBank accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain THG-DN3.6(T) is KM035938.

A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, yellow-pigmented, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as THG-SM1(T), was isolated from field soil collected from Suwon, South Korea. The strain was found to grow optimally at 28 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the absence of NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain THG-SM1(T) belongs to the genus Flavobacterium and is most closely related to Flavobacterium terrae KACC 11731(T), followed by Flavobacterium columnare KACC 11683(T) and Flavobacterium enshiense KCTC 23775(T). The DNA G+C content of the novel isolate was determined to be 38.5 mol%. In DNA-DNA hybridization tests, the DNA relatedness between strain THG-SM1(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbour F. terrae was below 50 %. Flexirubin-type pigments were found to be present. The major polar lipid and isoprenoid quinone were phosphatidylethanolamine and menaquinone 6 (MK-6), respectively. The main cellular fatty acids were identified as iso-C15:1G, iso-C15:0 3OH, iso-C16:0 and iso-C15:0. The DNA-DNA hybridization result and differentiating chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics showed that strain THG-SM1(T) represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium vireti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-SM1(T) (=KACC 18371(T) = CCTCC AB2014312(T)).

A protocol was developed to produce large amount of callus in short a period of time from leaf explants of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. The highest amount of white callus was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/l 2, 4-D and 0.5 mg/l BAP after 3 weeks of inoculating leaf segments. On the other hand, 0.5 mg/l BAP and 1.0 mg/l Kn exhibits poor performance towards callus formation while after using 1.0 mg/l Kn alone did not develop any callus. In this experiment, highest amount of green callus was obtained when MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/l NAA and 10% coconut water was used. An improved analytical method HPLC was applied to analyze stevioside extracted from the leaf and callus of Stevia rebaudiana. The stevioside in each sample were analyzed by comparing their retention times with those of the standards. The retention time (RT) of stevioside for leaves were found 14.96 and for callus 13.81 mins. The percentage of stevioside content from leaves and callus was 12.19% and 12.62% respectively DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i4.22621 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(4), 199-204, 2014

Lutembacher syndrome is a rare combination of congenital Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and acquired Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis (MS).It is usually treated by surgical repair with potential risk of cardiopulmonary bypass. With the advancement of interventional methods of treatment it is amenable to nonsurgical transcatheter management. We are reporting a case of Lutembacher syndrome that was successfully treated with percutaneouos Inoue balloon mitral valvuloplasty and device closure of atrial septal defect. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v7i2.22267 Cardiovasc. j. 2015; 7(2): 162-165

A yellow pigmented, Gram-staining negative, motile and rod-shaped novel bacterial strain, designated MAH-14T was isolated from rhizospheric soil and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The isolated strain was aerobic, oxidase and catalase were positive, optimum growth temperature and pH were 28–30 °C and 6.5, respectively. The novel strain is able to hydrolyze casein, starch, esculin, gelatin, l-tyrosine, DNA, tween 80, tween 20, l-arginine and 4-nitrophenyl-BD-galactopyranoside. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain MAH-14T belongs to the genus Luteibacter and is most closely related to Luteibacter yeojuensis R2A16-10T (98.5%), Luteibacter anthropi CCUG 25036T (98.4%) and Luteibacter rhizovicinus LJ96T (98.3%). In DNA–DNA hybridization experiments, the DNA relatedness between strain MAH-14T and its closest phylogenetic neighbor was below 45.0%. The predominant respiratory quinone and the DNA G + C content of the novel strain were ubiquinone-8 and 63.5 mol%, respectively. The novel strain MAH-14T is able to produce flexirubin-type pigments. The major cellular fatty acids were C15:0 iso, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 9 (C17:1 iso ω9c and/or C16:0 10-methyl). The DNA–DNA hybridization results and results of the genotypic analysis in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data revealed that strain MAH-14T represented a novel species within the genus Luteibacter, for which the name Luteibacter pinisoli, is proposed. The type strain is MAH-14T (= KACC 19298T = CGMCC 1.16227T).

A novel bacterial strain MAH-10T was isolated from soil sample of a Chinese cabbage garden, Republic of Korea and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-staining negative, rod-shaped, yellowish orange colored, and motile. The strain was aerobic, catalase and oxidase are positive, and optimum growth temperature and pH were 28 °C and 6.5, respectively. Flexirubin-type pigments were found to be present. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain MAH-10T belongs to the genus Flavobacterium and is most closely related to Flavobacterium tyrosinilyticum KCTC 42726T (98.7%). On the basis of phylogenetic tree, other closely related species are Flavobacterium banpakuense KACC 14225T (98.3%) and Flavobacterium chungbukense KACC 15048T (97.6%). In DNA–DNA hybridization tests, the DNA relatedness between strain MAH-10T and its closest phylogenetic neighbor was below 45.0%. The DNA G+C content was 37.2 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The major cellular fatty acids were C15:0 iso, C16:0, and summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c). On the basis of DNA–DNA hybridization results and genotypic, chemotaxonomic, and physiological data analysis, it is demonstrated that strain MAH-10T represented a novel species within the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium chungangensis is proposed. The type strain is MAH-10T (=KACC 19296T=CGMCC 1.16226T). The NCBI GenBank accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MAH-10T is KY964277 and the digital protologue database (DPD) Taxon Number of strain MAH-10T is TA00296.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the methanolic extract of Piper betle leaves (MPBL) and its organic fractions with regard to antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice and to confirm their antioxidant activities. At 24 h post-intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor cells into mice, extracts were administered at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight for nine consecutive days. The antitumor effects of the extracts were then assessed according to tumor volume, packed cell count, viable and non-viable tumor cell count, median survival time and increase in life span of EAC-bearing mice. Next, hematological profiles and serum biochemical parameters were calculated, and antioxidant properties were assessed by estimating lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels. MPBL and the ethylacetate fraction (EPBL) at a dose of 100 mg/kg induced a significant decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and increased the life span of the EAC-bearing mice (P

Clonal multiplication of Aegle marmelos was achieved through in vitro culture. Cotyledonary nodes from one month old in-vitro grown seedlings of Aegle marmelos were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP, Kn, and IBA either alone or in combination. The highest regenerative response was observed on medium containing 2.5 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L Kn from node and shoot tip within 8-10 days. When regenerated shoots were subcultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L BAP and 0.02 mg/L Kn, maximum number of multiple shoots were observed after third phase of subculture. Poor response was found using MS medium supplemented with Kn only. In vitro induced shoots were transferred into root induction medium consisting of half-strength MS supplemented with auxins, IAA, IBA or NAA. Rooting was best in medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA. Rooted plantlets were acclimatized and transferred to the soil with 96% survival rate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i1.15408 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(1) , 13-18, 2013

An in vitro multiple shoot regeneration protocol has been developed for Centella asiatica L. Urban from the nodal and shoot tips explants using MS medium with different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators. Multiple shoot regeneration was observed from both the explants on MS containing either BAP alone or in combination with IAA, NAA and Kn. Of the two explants, nodal segment showed comparatively better response towards multiple shoot regeneration. Maximum multiple shoots were found on MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.4 mg/L NAA. For root induction, well-developed shoots were excised and cultured on both MS and half strength of MS with various concentrations of IBA, IAA and NAA. Profuse healthy rooting was obtained on MS medium containing 0.2 mg/L IBA. The well rooted plantlets were successfully transplanted to the garden soil and their survival rate under natural condition was 90-95 %. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13058 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 269-272, 2012

An efficient protocol was developed for plant regeneration, multiplication and rooting under in vitro condition in pointed gourd. Highest percent of shoot regeneration was 91.66%, when nodal explants were cultured on MS+1.0 mg/1 BAP. The maximum number of shoots (4.8) per explant was observed in MS + 1.0 mg/1 BAP + 0.2 mg/1 NAA from nodal segment. Among the two explants, nodal segment was found better for shoot regeneration and multiplication. The best response towards root induction was achieved on half MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mg/1 NAA. The regenerated healthy rooted plantlets were transferred to small plastic pot containing garden soil and compost in a ratio of 2:1. Immediately after transplantation the plantlets were covered with polythene bag to prevent desiccation. After acclimatization the plantlets were successfully transferred to the garden soil and the percentage of survivability in such condition was 90%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11457 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 217-222, 2012

The establishment of a micro-propagation protocol for banana (Musa sp.) cv. Sabri, was carried out using meristematic stem cuttings explant. MS medium supplemented with BAP singly or in combination with auxin, IAA and coconut water was used for this purpose. Highest percentage of shoot regeneration (90%) and maximum number of shoots (10) per explant were observed when cultured on MS + 4.0 mg/1 BAP + 2.0 mg/1 IAA + 13% (v/v) coconut water. Best response towards root induction was achieved on half MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/1 IBA. The regenerated healthy rooted plantlets were transferred to small plastic pot containing garden soil and compost in a ratio of 2:1. Through this method, complete micro-propagated plantlets were obtained within three months. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11444 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 143-146, 2012

Computational methods inspired by natural phenomenon have gain much interest in the recent years. Among the developed algorithms, particle swarm optimization (PSO), mimicking behavior of bird flocking or fish schooling, seems the most famous method due to its simplicity as well as performance. A variant number of PSO based methods was developed for traveling salesman problem (TSP), the most popular combinatorial problem. The aim of the study is to make a comparative study of several prominent PSO based methods in solving TSP. The study is important because different PSO based methods have been developed by different researchers and tested on different sets of problems. Therefore, the description of the prominent PSO based methods in a similar fashion reveals distinct features of individuals. Moreover, experimental results on a common benchmark TSP data set will reveal performance of each method. In this study, the methods have been tested on a large number of benchmark TSPs and outcomes compared among themselves as well as ant colony optimization (ACO), the prominent method to solve TSP. Experimental results revealed that enhanced self-tentative PSO (ESTPSO) and velocity tentative PSO (VTPSO) outperformed ACO; and self-tentative PSO (STPSO) is competitive to ACO. On the other hand, experimental analysis revealed that ESTPSO is computationally heavier than others and VTPSO took least time to solve a benchmark problem. The reasons behind performance and time requirement of each individual method are explained and VTPSO is found most effective PSO based method to solve TSP.

A bacterial isolate, designated strain THG-MM1T, was isolated from soil in Yongin region, Republic of Korea. Strain THG-MM1T was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG-MM1T was most closely related to Devosia insulae DS-56T (96.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), followed by Devosia yakushimensis Yak96BT (95.7 %) and Devosia albogilva IPL15T (95.2 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 63.7 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) and C18 : 0. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified lipid. The combined phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data showed that strain THG-MM1T represents a novel species of the genus Devosia, for which the name Devosia humi sp. nov. is proposed, with strain THG-MM1T ( = KACC 18281T = CCTCC AB 2015121T) as the type strain.

A yellowish colored, Gram-staining negative, strictly aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated THG-SQE7T, was isolated from reed pond water in Shangqiu, PR China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain THG-SQE7T is most closely related to Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava ATCC 33668T (98.4 %), followed by Hydrogenophaga bisanensis K102T (97.6 %) and Hydrogenophaga flava CCUG 1658T (97.6 %). DNA–DNA hybridization showed 53.5, 36.0 and 22.5 % DNA re-association with H. pseudoflava KCTC 2348T, H. bisanensis KCTC 12980T and H. flava KCTC 1648T, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain THG-SQE7T possesses ubiquinone-8 as the only isoprenoid quinone, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), C16:0 and C18:1 ω7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 63.7 mol%. These data corroborated the affiliation of strain THG-SQE7T to the genus Hydrogenophaga. Thus, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Hydrogenophaga luteola sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-SQE7T as the type strain (=KCTC 42501T = CCTCC AB 2014314T = JCM 30433T).

A bacterial strain, designated as THG-SKA3(T), was isolated from field soil of Kyung Hee University, South Korea. Cells of the isolate were observed to be Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and motile by gliding. The strain was found to grow optimally at 28 °C, at pH 7 and in absence of NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG-SKA3(T) shared highest sequence similarity with Lysobacter niastensis KACC 11588(T) followed by Lysobacter panacisoli KACC 17502(T), Lysobacter enzymogenes LMG 8762(T) and Lysobacter oryzae KCTC 22249(T). The G+C content of THG-SKA3(T) was determined to be 68.9 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain THG-SKA3(T) and its closest phylogenetic neighbors were below 25.0 %.The major polar lipids of strain THG-SKA3(T) were determined to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). The major cellular fatty acids were identified as branched chain iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and unsaturated iso-C17:1 ω9c. On the basis of polyphasic data presented, it is evident that strain THG-SKA3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter agri sp. nov. (type strain THG-SKA3(T) = KACC 18283(T) = CSCTCC AB 2015126(T)) is proposed.

A yellow-colored, Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated THG-MM5(T), was isolated from road soil in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain THG-MM5(T) was moderately related to Sphingomonas sediminicola KACC 15039(T) (96.1%), Sphingomonas ginsengisoli KACC 16858(T) (96.1%) and Sphingomonas jaspsi KACC 13230(T) (96.0%). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain THG-MM5(T) possesses ubiquinone-10 as the only respiratory quinone, sym-homospermidine as the major polyamine and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), C18:1 ω7c and C16:0 as the major fatty acids. The polar lipid profile included sphingoglycolipid. The DNA G + C content was 60.7 mol%. These data, together with phenotypic characterization, corroborated the affiliation of strain THG-MM5(T) to the genus Sphingomonas. Thus, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingomonas flavus sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-MM5(T) as the type strain (=KACC 18277(T) = CCTCC AB 2014320(T)).

The karyotypes of 3 varieties in Cicer arietinum L. viz. BS-6, BS-7 and BS-8 were compared after differential staining with orcein, CMA and DAPI. The total chromatin length of BS-6 and BS-8 were 66.20 μm and 61.30 μm whereas 86.00 μm had in BS-7. The centromeric formulae of BS-6 was 12m+4sm, that of BS-7 was 14m+2sm and in BS-8 was 11m+5sm. Six CMA-positive bands were found in BS-6. Variety BS-7 and BS-8 possessed 4 CMA-positive bands in each. 20% GC- rich repeats was found in BS-6. Both BS-7 and BS-8 had 11.70% of GC-rich repeats. One CMA-negative band was found in BS-8 only. Three DAPI- negative bands were found in BS-6 at the same location where the CMA positive bands were present. Reversible banding indicates the presence of GC-rich repeats at those positions. These 3 chromosomes of BS-6 could easily be identified with reversible banding properties. No DAPI-negative band was found in BS-7 and BS-8. One DAPI-positive band was found in 2 chromosomes of BS-8. These chromosomes may consider as DAPI-positive marker. Two satellited chromosomes were found in BS-7 whereas 1 satellited chromosome was found in each BS-6 and BS-8. The satellite of BS-6 showed CMA-positive and DAPI-negative features. The satellites of BS-7 were CMA-positive and slightly DAPI-negative. The satellite of BS-8 showed CMA- and DAPI-positive nature. The different features of the satellites seem to characterize these 3 varieties.

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a population based optimization technique on metaphor of social behavior of flocks of birds or schools of fishes and has found popularity in solving difficult optimization problems. A number of PSO based methods have been investigated for solving Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), the popular combinatorial problem. The velocity for solving TSP is the Swap Sequence (SS) with several Swap Operators (SOs) and all SOs of a SS are applied maintaining order on a particle and gives a new tour i.e., a particle having new solution in the PSO. This study investigates a new PSO based method, called Velocity Tentative PSO (VTPSO), for solving TSP where calculated velocity SS is considered as tentative velocity. VTPSO evaluates a number of tentative tours applying SOs one after another sequentially and the final tour is considered as the best tentative tour. VTPSO is shown to produce optimal solution within a minimal time when compared with traditional PSO based methods in solving benchmark TSPs. The reason behind the less time requirement is revealed from the experimental analysis is that VTPSO converge faster due to intermediate tour evaluation.

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is population based optimization technique on metaphor of social behavior of flocks of birds and/or schools of fishes. For better solution, at every step each particle changes its velocity based on its current velocity with respect to its previous best position and position of the current best particle in the population. PSO has found as an efficient method for solving function optimization problems, and recently it also studied to solve combinatorial problems such as Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). Existing method introduced the idea of Swap Operator (SO) and Swap Sequence (SS) in PSO to handle TSP. For TSP, each particle represents a complete tour and velocity is measured as a SS consisting with several SOs. A SO indicates two positions in the tour that might be swap. In the existing method, a new tour is considered after applying a complete SS with all its SOs. Whereas, every SO implantation on a particle (i.e., a solution or a tour) gives a new solution and there might be a chance to get a better tour with some of SOs instead of all the SOs. The objective of the study is to achieve better result introducing using such partial search option for solving TSP. The proposed PSO with Partial Search (PSOPS) algorithm is shown to produce optimal solution within a less number of generation than standard PSO, Genetic Algorithm in solving benchmark TSP.

An efficient mass propagation method for Feronia limonia was developed from excised shoot tips and nodal explants of in vitro grown seedlings. Explants were cultured on MS medium with different conc. of NAA, Kn, IAA and BAP singly or in combinations. Highest number of micro shoots and better plant growth were obtained from these two explants on MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/l BAP alone. The regenerated shoots were successfully rooted on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA. The in vitro raised plantlets were successfully established in soil following the formation of roots with 100% survivability under ex vitro condition. Key words: Feronia limonia ; Mass propagation; Node; Shoot tips; Multiple shoot DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i1.5186 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(1) , 75-78, 2010

Five species of marine a1gae were collected from Saint Martin’s island, identified and biochemical analyses were carried out in BCSIR Laboratories, Chittagong. Biochemical composition were analysed to evaluate its food value and also to find out variation in composition during the period of investigation. The protein content of Sargassum coriifolium was 16.07%, whereas in Padina ltenuis that was estimated at 8.32%. The percentage of fat in Sargassuni coriitolium along with the other sea weeds was 0.5%. It was found that major of the biochemical parameters of these sea weeds were higher except the protein contents than that of Spirulina . The carbohydrate content in Dictyota dichotoma (38.94%) was lower among these sea weeds, but more than that of Spirulina . Carbohydrate contents were higher (56.29%) in Hypnea musciformis . Mineral contents as well as other parameters, especially carbohydrate contents were higher in these algae than that of Spirulina . Key Words: Collection; identification; biochemical analyses; sea weeds. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i1.5754 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(1) : 59-65, March 2009