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This case study explores how young adults (aged 18–24) taught and learned with and around technologies in a teen library space in Hartford, Connecticut. These young adults, called Legends by library staff, were technically not supposed to be present in the teens-only space. In this paper, I argue that Legends uniquely contributed to opportunities to learn for themselves and for teens using the space, in a way that complemented formal mentorship roles already in place. This research suggests that further attention should be given to creating spaces that are thoughtfully inclusive of models for near-peer mentorship and opportunities to learn and create with media and technology for young adults. Further, this research suggests positive youth development value in creating a continuum of opportunity and belonging in free public spaces such as libraries for young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article features an interview with British composer Paul Mottram, conducted by Toby Huelin as part of the 'Library Music in Audiovisual Media' conference (15–16 September 2022, University of Leeds). Mottram is a prolific composer of production music with a catalogue comprising over 700 tracks. He has a long-standing association with the music library Audio Network, having been closely involved in the company's founding in 2001. Mottram's production music has featured in high-profile series including The Great British Bake-Off (BBC/Channel 4), The Apprentice (BBC), Downton Abbey (ITV), and Panorama (BBC), and he has contributed title and incidental music to programmes such as Travel Man: 48 Hours In ... (Channel 4) and Upstart Crow (BBC). Mottram began his career as an orchestrator working on films including Chaplin, Shirley Valentine, and Rain Man, and soon moved into the world of advertising, writing music for brands including Pizza Hut, Tetley, and Hitachi. Mottram has also written concert music for ensembles including the Swingle Singers and the Dunedin Consort. This interview focuses on Mottram's musical training and route into the industry, the creative and technical processes involved in writing library music, and the reuse of the same tracks in multiple TV contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general trend in biomining (i.e., bioleaching and biooxidation) is the use of media with high concentrations of the nutrients (nitrogen as ammonium, phosphorous as phosphate, and K), which are considered to be essential for microbial growth. The depletion of any of the nutrients would affect negatively the bioleaching (and biooxidation) capacity of the microorganisms, so the formulation of the different media ensures that there is a surplus of nutrients. However, some of these nutrients (e.g., phosphate, K) may be already present in the ore and are made available to the microorganisms when the ore is exposed to the low-pH media used during bioleaching. The effect of phosphate addition (109 mg/L) and depletion on the bioleaching of low-grade sulfidic ore alongside the determination of ammonium (i.e., 25 mg/L, 50 mg/L, 109 mg/L, 409 mg/L, and 874 g/L) requirements were studied. The results of the experiments presented showed that the addition of phosphate did not have any effect on the bioleaching of the low-grade sulfidic ore while the addition of ammonium was necessary to obtain higher redox potentials (>650 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) and higher metal (Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn) dissolutions. Temperature was the factor that shaped the microbial communities, at 30°C, the microbial community at the end of all the experiments was dominated by Acidithiobacillus sp. as well as at 42°C, except when nutrients were not added and Sulfobacillus sp. was the dominant microorganism. At 55°C, DNA recovery was unsuccessful, and at 60°C, the microbial communities were dominated by Sulfolobus sp. In conclusion, the amount of nutrients in bioleaching could be reduced significantly to achieve the redox potentials and metal dissolution desired in bioleaching without affecting the microbial communities and bioleaching efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing world population, public awareness of animal welfare, environmental impacts and changes in meat consumption leads to the search for novel approaches to food production. Novel foods include products with a new or specifically modified molecular structure, foods made from microorganisms, fungi, algae or insects, as well as from animal cell or tissue cultures. The latter approach is known by various names: "clean meat", "in vitro meat" and "cell‐cultured" or "(cell‐)cultivated meat". Here, cells isolated from agronomically important species are expanded ex vivo to produce cell biomass used in unstructured meat or to grow and differentiate cells on scaffolds to produce structured meat analogues. Despite the fast‐growing field and high financial interest from investors and governments, cultivated meat production still faces challenges ranging from cell source choice, affordable expansion, use of cruelty‐free and food‐grade media, regulatory issues and consumer acceptance. This overview discusses the above challenges and possible solutions and strategies in the production of cultivated meat. The review integrates multifaceted historical, social, and technological insights of the field, and provides both an engaging comprehensive introduction for general interested and a robust perspective for experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Culturing of muscle precursor cells—satellite cells—is the basis for research on obtaining meat using in vitro techniques, which can become an alternative to traditional meat production. The available literature data do not give a clear answer as to the medium used at the proliferation stage of bovine satellite cells; therefore, there is a need to select the level of components of the growth medium. In our research, based on the fluorometric measurement of proliferating cell growth and qPCR analysis, we examined the effect of the three most common components: glucose, serum (bovine or horse), and bFGF—a mitogenic factor. The results show that the most critical component affecting the proliferation rate is the serum—the addition of bovine serum, followed by the addition of bFGF—at 10 ng/mL. In turn, the lower glucose content ensures the maintenance of cells at the early stage of myogenesis and, thus, the self-renewal of their population. In conclusion, a higher proliferation rate of bovine satellite cells is ensured under the conditions of bovine serum and a mitogenic factor at 10 ng/mL. It is predicted that already in 2040, 35% of requirements for meat will be provided by in vitro production. Recreating the course of myogenesis in vitro, and thus resembling a structure of muscle tissue, is the basis for research focusing on obtaining cultured meat and requires providing relevant factors supporting the proliferation of satellite cells—being precursors of skeletal muscles. The present work aimed to develop the composition of the medium that would most effectively stimulate the proliferation of bovine satellite cells (BSCs). The modeling and optimization methods included the measurements of the synergistic, co-stimulatory effect of three medium components: the amount of glucose, the type of serum (bovine or horse), and the amount of mitogenic factor—bFGF. Additionally, the qPCR analyses determined the expression of genes involved in myogenesis, such as Pax7 and Myogenic Regulatory Factors, depending on the level of the tested factor. The results showed significant positive effects of serum type (bovine serum) and mitogenic factor (addition of 10 ng/mL bFGF) on the proliferation rate. In turn, qPCR analysis displayed no significant differences in the relative expression level of Pax7 genes and MRF factors for both factors. However, a statistically higher Pax7 and Myf5 gene expression level was revealed when a low glucose medium was used (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the components of the medium, such as bovine serum and the addition of a mitogenic factor at the level of 10 ng/mL, ensure a higher proliferation rate of BSCs and lower glucose content ensured the expression of crucial genes in the self-renewal of the satellite cell population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is causing a decline in the availability of crucial resources such as water and fertile soil, leading to a detrimental impact on crop yields. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), an annual aromatic plant used worldwide for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes, is especially at risk due to its high water demand and specific growing requirements typical of the Mediterranean climate. In Italy, basil is an essential part of any herb garden and is also commonly found in households as a potted plant. Nowadays, the conventional practice of growing basil in pots with peat as the primary medium is not environmentally sustainable, which underscores the need for alternative and sustainable cultivation techniques to ensure the continued growth of this majestic king of herbs. A greenhouse factorial experiment was conducted to study the impact of peat replacement and reduced water supply on the growth and biochemical traits of basil plants. The study included two cultivars ('Genovese' and 'Valentino'), three substrate mixes with phytoremediated dredged sediment (TS) at varying volume percentages (0%, 12.5%, and 25%), and three levels of water irrigation (normal, reduced by 25%, and reduced by 37.8%). Increasing the TS percentage resulted in higher germination rates and greater biomass production in both cultivars compared with the control. 'Valentino' potted plants produced a higher yield than those of 'Genovese', while the latter had higher pigment contents due to its genetic characteristics. All combinations of substrates mixed with the highest water amounts of irrigation positively impacted seed germination and biomass-based outputs, while control peat with reduced water availability led to lower plant yields and germination capacity. Substrates with TS had suitable physicochemical characteristics for plant development. Our findings suggest that using peat–TS mixtures can produce quality results comparable to or even better than conventional soilless culture using only peat. Thus, replacing peat with moderate percentages of TS can be an effective and sustainable practice for recycling phytoremediated sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theragnostics is a promising approach that integrates diagnostics and therapeutics into a single personalized strategy. To conduct effective theragnostic studies, it is essential to create an in vitro environment that accurately reflects the in vivo conditions. In this review, we discuss the importance of redox homeostasis and mitochondrial function in the context of personalized theragnostic approaches. Cells have several ways to respond to metabolic stress, including changes in protein localization, density, and degradation, which can promote cell survival. However, disruption of redox homeostasis can lead to oxidative stress and cellular damage, which are implicated in various diseases. Models of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction should be developed in metabolically conditioned cells to explore the underlying mechanisms of diseases and develop new therapies. By choosing an appropriate cellular model, adjusting cell culture conditions and validating the cellular model, it is possible to identify the most promising therapeutic options and tailor treatments to individual patients. Overall, we highlight the importance of precise and individualized approaches in theragnostics and the need to develop accurate in vitro models that reflect the in vivo conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae, particularly Chlorella species, are versatile microorganisms with significant scientific potential in various domains, including recombinant protein production, wastewater treatment, biofuel production, bio-fertilizers, food source, pharmaceuticals, and carbon capture. However, conventional growth media have often been the default choice for Chlorella cultivation. This study utilizes Biolog phenotype array plates to explore the growth responses of Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella variabilis to a broad spectrum of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur sources. The growth dynamics were captured by integrating the area under the OD-time curve. The results revealed growth preferences for both Chlorella species, emphasizing their unique nutrient source requirements and illuminated some unexpected growth behaviors. C. vulgaris exhibited equal preference for trehalose as glucose, and C. variabilis was unable to metabolize nitrate or sucrose, two staples of modified BBM media most commonly used for its cultivation. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the metabolic capacities of C. vulgaris and C. variabilis , informing potentially more efficient and tailored microalgal cultivation practices across diverse applications. • Chlorella spp. grow in wide range of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur sources. • Growth can be easily monitored in Biology phenotype arrays using absorbance at 680 nm. • C. vulgaris was found to grow equally well on trehalose and glucose. • C. variabilis was unable to grow using nitrate or sucrose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the production of prebiotic xylooligosaccharide (XOS) from cassava pulp waste and its effectiveness for the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). We successfully produced and characterized XOS from cassava pulp xylan using a Bacillus sp. endo-β-1,4-D-xylanase. The XOS was added to modify the MRS medium (MRSm) in various concentrations (0, 1, 3 and 5%) in which the L. acidophilus was inoculated. The growth of L. acidophilus was observed every 12 h for 2 days, and the fermentation products were analyzed for pH, sugar content, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in terms of types and amount. The study showed that L. acidophilus grew well in MRSm. The optimum XOS concentration in MRSm was 5%, indicated by the highest growth of L. acidophilus (8.61 log CFU mL−1). The profile of SCFA products is 14.42 mM acetic acid, 0.25 mM propionic acid, 0.13 mM isobutyric acid, 0.41 mM n-butyric acid, 0.02 mM n-valeric acid, 0.25 mM isovaleric acid, and 25.08 mM lactic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was performed to improve the technique used for fermenting the mushroom growth medium. Taxonomic analysis of 16S rDNA sequence from the predominant Bacillus strain CY-24 isolated during the fermentation phase of the rice straw medium identified it as Bacillus licheniformis. In addition, the growth environment of B. licheniformis was also examined in this study, which revealed the optimal growth temperature and pH to be 30 ℃ and 6.0, respectively. This study also revealed that carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) and polygalacturonase (PGase) enzymes isolated from B. licheniformis achieved their maximal activities at 50 ℃ and 60 ℃ respectively. Furthermore, the study confirmed that the two enzymes, i.e., CMCase and PGase in B. licheniformis are stable at temperatures above 60 ℃. The present study thus demonstrates that B. licheniformis CY-24 possesses excellent enzymatic properties. It also reveals that the action of enzymes during the production of growth mediums used for the cultivation of mushrooms is closely associated with the promotion of fermentation and softening of the rice straw. Overall, this study provides elementary information regarding the role of B. licheniformis enzymes during growth medium fermentation for Agaricus bisporus cultivation.

Microalgal cultivation influences the bioaccumulation of high-value compounds such as omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids and carotenoid pigments. Therefore, cultivation optimisation is essential to upregulate high-value compound yields. The present study investigated the effects of trophic mode (autotrophy, heterotrophy and mixotrophy) and media composition on the biochemical make-up, pigment signature, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant capacity of the marine chlorophyte, Tetraselmis chuii (CCAP 66/21 B). The 13 conditions significantly affected the biochemical profile of T. chuii (CCAP 66/21 B) with high variation in carbohydrates (78.5–151.7 mg glucose eq g−1dw), lipids (208.3–475.1 mg g−1dw) and soluble proteins (47.3–373.9 mg BSA eq g−1dw). Trophic mode influenced the yields of high-value nutraceutical carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) with the highest returns observed in photoautotrophic conditions (e.g., 2.51 ± 0.11 mg β-car g−1dw and 1.96 ± 0.14 mg lut g−1dw for K medium). Organic supplementation also induced significant shifts in the proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). Here, heterotrophy and mixotrophy significantly upregulated MUFA content (33.2 ± 4.0%) and SFA content (31.29 ± 0.9%), respectively. Moreover, mixotrophy significantly enhanced biomass yield (6.3-fold), soluble protein content (3.9-fold) and the antioxidant capacity (5.2-fold) of T. chuii (CCAP 66/21 B) compared to obligate photoautotrophy and heterotrophy. As such, trophic mode is a principal growth parameter that can modulate the content of T. chuii (CCAP 66/21 B) for potential downstream applications such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, nutracurticals or aquaculture probiotics. [Display omitted] • Modulation of the medium composition and trophic mode induces shifts in the biochemical makeup of T. chuii (CCAP 66/21 B). • Heterotrophy and mixotrophy significantly upregulate MUFA content (33.2 ± 4.0%) and SFA content (31.29 ± 0.9%). • Mixotrophy enhances productivity (6.3-fold), soluble protein content (3.9-fold) and antioxidant capacity (5.2-fold). • Photoautotrophy enhances the biosynthesis of nutraceutical carotenoids and omega ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theragnostics is a promising approach that integrates diagnostics and therapeutics into a single personalized strategy. To conduct effective theragnostic studies, it is essential to create an in vitro environment that accurately reflects the in vivo conditions. In this review, we discuss the importance of redox homeostasis and mitochondrial function in the context of personalized theragnostic approaches. Cells have several ways to respond to metabolic stress, including changes in protein localization, density, and degradation, which can promote cell survival. However, disruption of redox homeostasis can lead to oxidative stress and cellular damage, which are implicated in various diseases. Models of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction should be developed in metabolically conditioned cells to explore the underlying mechanisms of diseases and develop new therapies. By choosing an appropriate cellular model, adjusting cell culture conditions and validating the cellular model, it is possible to identify the most promising therapeutic options and tailor treatments to individual patients. Overall, we highlight the importance of precise and individualized approaches in theragnostics and the need to develop accurate in vitro models that reflect the in vivo conditions.

Microalgae are a source material in food, pharmacy, and cosmetics industries for producing various products including high-protein nutritional supplements, synthetic pharmaceuticals, and natural colors. A promising algal source for such productions is Chlorella vulgaris which contains a considerable protein content. Similar to other microalgae, its desirability is minimal nutrient requirements since they are unicellular, photosynthetic, and fast-growing microorganisms. Another propitious option to be produced by C. vulgaris is biodiesel, since it is rich in oil too. Besides, algal well thriving in presence of increased amount of carbon dioxide makes them a practicable alternative biofuel resource without some problems of the traditional ones. At the same time, C. vulgaris is also a promising source for nutraceuticals such as amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. This review aims to discuss the conditions need to be observed for achieving a favorable growth efficiency of the C. vulgaris, as well as targeted productions such as biomass, antioxidant, and biofuel. Additionally, different approaches to induce any specific production are also considered comprehensively.

This study explores the production of prebiotic xylooligosaccharide (XOS) from cassava pulp waste and its effectiveness for the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). We successfully produced and characterized XOS from cassava pulp xylan using a Bacillus sp. endo-β-1,4-D-xylanase. The XOS was added to modify the MRS medium (MRSm) in various concentrations (0, 1, 3 and 5%) in which the L. acidophilus was inoculated. The growth of L. acidophilus was observed every 12 h for 2 days, and the fermentation products were analyzed for pH, sugar content, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in terms of types and amount. The study showed that L. acidophilus grew well in MRSm. The optimum XOS concentration in MRSm was 5%, indicated by the highest growth of L. acidophilus (8.61 log CFU mL−1). The profile of SCFA products is 14.42 mM acetic acid, 0.25 mM propionic acid, 0.13 mM isobutyric acid, 0.41 mM n-butyric acid, 0.02 mM n-valeric acid, 0.25 mM isovaleric acid, and 25.08 mM lactic acid.

Human induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC) models are a valuable new tool for research into neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is now recognized as a key process in neurodegenerative disease and aging, and microglia are central players in this. A plethora of hiPSC-derived microglial models have been published recently to explore neuroinflammation, ranging from monoculture through to xenotransplantation. However, combining physiological relevance, reproducibility, and scalability into one model is still a challenge. We examine key features of the in vitro microglial environment, especially media composition, extracellular matrix, and co-culture, to identify areas for improvement in current hiPSC-microglia models.

Human induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC) models are a valuable new tool for research into neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is now recognized as a key process in neurodegenerative disease and aging, and microglia are central players in this. A plethora of hiPSC-derived microglial models have been published recently to explore neuroinflammation, ranging from monoculture through to xenotransplantation. However, combining physiological relevance, reproducibility, and scalability into one model is still a challenge. We examine key features of the in vitro microglial environment, especially media composition, extracellular matrix, and co-culture, to identify areas for improvement in current hiPSC-microglia models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are a source material in food, pharmacy, and cosmetics industries for producing various products including high-protein nutritional supplements, synthetic pharmaceuticals, and natural colors. A promising algal source for such productions is Chlorella vulgaris which contains a considerable protein content. Similar to other microalgae, its desirability is minimal nutrient requirements since they are unicellular, photosynthetic, and fast-growing microorganisms. Another propitious option to be produced by C. vulgaris is biodiesel, since it is rich in oil too. Besides, algal well thriving in presence of increased amount of carbon dioxide makes them a practicable alternative biofuel resource without some problems of the traditional ones. At the same time, C. vulgaris is also a promising source for nutraceuticals such as amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. This review aims to discuss the conditions need to be observed for achieving a favorable growth efficiency of the C. vulgaris , as well as targeted productions such as biomass, antioxidant, and biofuel. Additionally, different approaches to induce any specific production are also considered comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis relationship of Spirulina sp medium with chemical composition has been conducted. Chemical analysis was performed using X-Ray Fluorescence analysis. Furthermore, potention of Spirulina sp as adsorbent of metal ions was analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed that metals such as Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, Cu, and Mo were mainly metals in Spirulina sp. These metals were not correlated with cultivated medium of Spirulina sp. Analysis of potention Spirulina sp as metal ions adsorbent showed that Spirulina sp has functional groups –C=O and –OH as ligand. Intercation of metal ions Cu(II) and Cr(III) with Spirulina sp indicated that metal ions bond to –C=O functional group.

The increased interest in photosynthetic microorganisms for wastewater treatment processes has led to the demand for new biomass harvesting strategies. Biofilm systems have emerged as a good alternative to planktonic photosynthetic cultures. However, knowledge on the environmental aspects influencing microalgal/cyanobacterial biofilm formation is required. This study reports the influence of: (i) surface physicochemical properties of selected microorganisms (Chlorella vulgaris, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Synechocystis salina, and Microcystis aeruginosa) and materials (copper—Cu; glass—G; poly(methyl methacrylate)—PMMA; polystyrene—PS; polyvinyl chloride—PVC; and AISI316 stainless steel—SS) and (ii) culture media composition (glucose-deficient and glucose-enriched media) on biofilm formation (up to 7 days), with constant temperature, light irradiation, and shaking conditions. Adhesion was assessed through thermodynamic prediction of adhesion and by in vitro adhesion assays on microtiter plates. In general, higher biofilm densities were observed after 7 days of experiment, and followed the order: SS > PS > G > PVC > PMMA> Cu. M. aeruginosa was the highest biofilm-former microorganism (2.1 × 106 CFU cm−2), while P. subcapitata has shown lack of ability to adhere. Moreover, the higher biofilm formation ability was observed when glucose-deficient medium was used. Furthermore, the present results pointed out that the thermodynamic approach failed to predict the stochasticity of microalgal/cyanobacterial adhesion. In light of these findings, others factors must be considered when using predictive tools. Therefore, fine-tuning on photosynthetic biofilm formation can be obtained by optimizing the bulk fluid composition and the type of surface. In conclusion, the results show the potential of the selected microalgae/cyanobacteria for biofilm-based technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of some culture media on the vegetative and reproductive growth of Alternaria brassicicola and Bipolaris sorokiniana. Twenty one (21) treatment combinations each with three replications were employed. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was used as the basic growth medium in this study. Supplementation with different plant extracts with this medium produced differential growth and sporulation of the tested fungi. PDA media supplemented with mustard leaf extract showed significantly highest vegetative growth (7.8 cm) and PDA with the combination of mustard leaf, tomato fruit, carrot fruit and cabbage leaf extracts showed the highest sporulation (11x105 spores/ml) of A. brassicicola. In case of B. sorokiniana, the highest vegetative growth (7.4 cm) and highest sporulation (45x104 spores/ ml) were obtained by the supplementation of mustard and wheat leaf extracts respectively. Plant extract supplementation proved better than PDA as growth medium of A. brassicicola and B. sorokiniana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate the effect of some factors affecting on in vitro propagation of six canola genotypes (Serw-6, Pactol, Wan-you 25, RG-4514, Serw-4 and AD-201/Gi/ 51). During establishment stage, different medium types (MS and B5) and cytokinin types (BA, Kin and 2ip) were investigated. MS medium supplemented with BA at 1.0 mgl-1 proved to be the best treatment for all tested genotypes during this stage. Also, different explant types (shoot tip, internode and hypocotyl), BA concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 mg l-1) were examined during multiplication stage. Results indicated that while explant type had no effect on shoot induction and growth, BA proved to be the best cytokinin especially at 1.0 mgl-1 since it produced the maximum number of shoots/ explant for the most tested genotypes. During rooting stage, effects of MS medium strength (full and half) and auxin type (IAA, IBA and NAA) at the concentration of 1.0 mgl-1 were evaluated. Generally, using of full MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mgl-1 IBA stated to be the most suitable treatment for root induction and growth of the most investigated genotypes. Obtained plantlets were successfully acclimatized (60-80% survivability) in peat moss and sand (1:1, V/V) medium in the greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the growth and yield performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. variety of Dewata) planted in polybag with various populations and media compositions, had been conducted in Faculty of Agriculture Satya Wacana Christian University field research, located at Salaran – Kopeng village, Semarang district, from April 2012 to August 2012. Location of the study lies at an altitude of 900 meters above the sea level. Purpose of this study were to determine the appearance of both the growth and yield of wheat grown in polybag with a various population densities and media composition, as well as to determine the combination of treatments that producing the highest yield of wheat. Factorial design used that was consisted of two factors, i.e: (1) growing gedia composition with four different volume ratio of sand, soil and manure (1:1:1), (1:1:0), (1:0:1) and (0:1:1), and (2) population densities consisted of four: 1 seeds per polybag; 2 seeds per polybag; 3 seeds per polybag and 4 seeds per polybag, so that there were 16 combinations of treatments. Each combination was repeated three times. Basic design of the experiments used Randomized Block Design. Experimental data were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and high significant difference (HSD) test at 95% level of confidence. The conclusion of this study were: (1) Combination of treatment of population densities and composition of growing media influence on plant height, number of plants per cluster, panicle length, seed weight per panicle, seed weight per cluster and seed weight per polybag and (2) the highest seed weight per polybag was resulted in the density of population of 4 seeds per polybag and planting on mixed media of sand, soil and manure in the volume ratio of 1:1:1.

Microalgal biomass seems to be one of the potential alternative feedstocks for the production of various types of biofuel. In the present study, first of all, suitable growth media and harvesting time were determined for the freshwater chlorophyte microalga Acutodesmus dimorphus. Cultivation of A. dimorphus in BG-11 medium for 15 days resulted in the highest biomass productivity with 24.60 % lipid and 22.78 % carbohydrate contents. Further, thermotolerance property of A. dimorphus was evaluated by heat stressing the cells at 45 °C and 50 °C up to 24 h and determining the cell mortality and pigment composition along with lipid and carbohydrate contents. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of cells significantly increased after heat stress at 45 °C. Increasing the heat stress from 8 to 24 h increased the dead cells by 3-4 % at both temperatures, which shows the thermotolerance of A. dimorphus. Lipid content of 27 % and carbohydrate content of 26-28 % even after 24 h of heat stress at 45 and 50 °C suggest A. dimorphus as a potential feedstock for biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red ginger ( Zingiber officinale. Rosc .) is an annual herbaceous plant of high economic value, with a harvest of 10-12 months. The export demand of red ginger rhizome has increased up to 20-22% for the last five years and it has not been able to be sufficed by the red ginger producers in Indonesia. This situation happens because of the very limited amount of red ginger production area, a still very conventional method of red ginger cultivation and the low quantity of organic substances in the soil. Other than that the use of expensive inorganic fertilizers often increases the production cost of red ginger, besides from being unsafe to both the environment and also the health of humans. Various technological breakthrough innovations have been done in order to meet the needs of red ginger export, one of which is the use of the polybag cultivation system which utilizes the organic waste as a media composition. The combination of organic substances with the application of liquid organic fertilizers was expected to increase and improve the growth and yield of red ginger rhizome. The research was conducted at Agrotechnopark experimental field Jember University from January 2013 until June 2014. The aim of field experiment was to find out the effect of media compositions and organic fertilizer concentrations on growth and yield of red ginger rhizome ( Zingiber officinale. Rosc .). The field experiment factorials (3x4) used in randomized block designs with three replications. The first factor is the media compositions (bokashi: charcoal husk: coco peat) consisting of three levels: M1 (40%: 30%: 30%), M2 (50%:25%: 25%), and M3 (60%: 20%: 20%) and the second factor being the organic fertilizer concentration consisting of four levels: P1 (0 cc/l), P2(1.5 cc/l), P3 (3 cc/l), and P3 (4.5 cc/l). The results of this study concluded that a single factor of various composition media (M) was not significantly influence on all the parameters of growth and yield of red ginger rhizome. The single factor of concentrations of liquid organic fertilizer (P) and the interaction of two factors treatments (MP) was significantly influence on all parameters of the growth and yield of red ginger rhizome. The combination of treatments (M3P3) gave the best response to all parameters: plant height (58.8 cm), number of leaves (25.2), number of buds (35.6), rhizome fresh weight per plant (2329.64 g), total biomass (258.14 g), zingeron level (1.88%) and oleoresin level (1.57%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sansevieria is an ornamental plant commonly known as mother-in-law's tongue, devil's tongue, and snake tongue. It has many functions e.g. uses as medicine, its fiber for the textile industry, and as indoor air pollutants absorber. However, the growth of Sansevieria is slow. Therefore the supply of it seeds in large quantities in the short time was difficult. The use of Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) was one solution to accelerate the propagation of Sansevieria leaf cuttings. This study aimed to determine the concentration of IBA and the composition of media to increase the leaf cuttings propagation of Sansevieria cylindrica var. patula. The method was randomized block design with factorials. Factor I was the IBA concentrations comprised of K0 at 0 ppm, K1 at 50 ppm, K2 at 100 ppm, K3 at 150 ppm, and K4 at 200 ppm. Factor II was the ratio of manure:sand:rice-husk-ash as the growth media, comprised of M1 with 1:1:1 ratio, M2 with 1:2:1 ratio, and M3 with 1:1:2 ratio respectively. Each with three replicates overall was 45 experimental units. The parameters observed were a percentage of propagated cuttings, the number of roots, the longest length of roots, the number of shoots. The results showed the IBA could not increase the growth of cuttings in all media composition; however media compositions could enhance the number of shoots. The effective media composition propagated the cuttings was the M1 a 1:1:1 ratio of manure:sand:rice-husk-ash.

Excessive fertilization may induce physiological drought and/or ion toxicity, which can reduce growth or cause mortality in cultured plants. Although nursery subirrigation produces stock of forest trees of equal or better quality to conventional overhead irrigation, detailed analyses of fertilization responses specific to these systems are lacking. We evaluated the effects of fertility applied as a 15N-9P-12K controlled-release fertilizer at rates equivalent to 0,1.2, 1.8, 2.4, 3.0, or 3.6 g nitrogen (N) per plant on media properties and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedling development grown with subirrigation. Aboveground plant grow th and nutrient content of seedlings increased up to 1.8 gN/plant but declined at higher rates and total mortality occurred for treatments of 2.4 to 3.6 g N/plant by the end of cultivation. Root biomass generally declined with increasing fertilization. Media electrical conductivity' (EC) increased with increasing fertility, particularly in the upper media layers, where values exceeded 3.0 dS⋅m-1 at the highest rates. Fertilization had little effect on media pH. Predawn leaf water potential and osmotic potential (ψs) were reduced at high nutrient applications. Thus, increasing fertility beyond ≈1.8 g N/plant in this subirrigation system apparently resulted in accumulation of excessive fertilizer salts in media and/or ion toxicity, which caused plant mortality. Because subirrigation systems are prone to persistence of residual fertilizer salts in the medium and holding tanks, fertilization prescriptions must be carefully tailored to species and cultural systems to prevent potential for plant damage associated with overfertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Media composition, light intensity and photoperiod significantly affect the algal growth and productivity and their optimization is important for the commercialization of microalgae based biofuels. In the present study, effects of different culture medium, light intensity and photoperiod were studied on growth, biomass productivity, and biochemical composition of a fresh water microalgae Ankistrodesmus falcatus in batch culture. The results revealed that A. falcatus could yield more than 35% of total lipid (containing around 65.74% neutral lipid) along with optimal growth (0.20 μ) and biomass productivity (7.9 mg/L/day) in the BG-11 medium under a light intensity of 60 μmol m −2 s −1 and 12:12 (Light: Dark) cycle. The highest total lipid yield of 67.2% (containing 72.68% of neutral lipid) was observed in Zarrouk’s medium grown culture but with altered cell morphology and ultra-structural changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protocols for haploid induction in cucurbits are based on pollination with irradiated pollen, but the induction frequency is low and the majority of obtained embryos are zygotic. The longevity of Cucurbita pepo L. pollen is short even under natural conditions; following irradiation, germinability is decreased even further. This study was initiated to develop an optimal in vitro germination medium for styrian oil pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L. subsp. pepo var. styriaca Greb.) pollen, which would enable accurate germination testing. Different pH values and the addition of sucrose, mannitol, and polyethylene glycol to the Brewbaker and Kwack germination medium were tested. The optimum medium condition was pH 9 and 12.5% (w/v) sucrose, while other tested components were not efficient. Using the optimized medium, X-ray-irradiated (100-700 Gy) pollen germinability was assessed under 2 air humidity conditions. Germinability of pollen irradiated at room humidity (RH) was generally lower than that of pollen irradiated at high humidity (HH). A major variability in pollen size (diameters ranged from 79.2 to 196.5 μm) and 2 subgroups were found in the pollen population. Following irradiation, HH conditions allowed germination of larger pollen grains than those of the nonirradiated control and RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the effect of media composition and agroindustrial residues on bovicin HC5 production by Streptococcus bovis HC5. Methods and Results: Batch cultures of S. bovis HC5 were grown in basal medium containing different carbon and nitrogen sources. The activity of cell-free and cell-associated bovicin HC5 was determined in culture supernatants and acidic extracts obtained from cell pellets, respectively. Streptococcus bovis HC5 produced bovicin using a variety of carbon and nitrogen sources. The highest specific activity was obtained in media containing 16 g l−1 of glucose, after 16 h of incubation. The peak in cell-free and cell-associated bovicin HC5 activity was detected when S. bovis HC5 cultures reached stationary phase. The bovicin HC5 specific activity and bacterial cell mass increased approximately 3-fold when yeast extract and trypticase (0·5 and 1·0 g l−1, respectively) were added together to the basal medium. Streptococcus bovis HC5 cultures produced bovicin HC5 in cheese whey and sugar cane juice and maximal volumetric productivity was obtained after 12 h of incubation. Conclusions: Streptococcus bovis HC5 is a versatile lactic acid bacterium that can utilize several carbon and nitrogen sources for bovicin HC5 production. This bacterium could be a useful model to study bacteriocin production in the rumen ecosystem. Significance and Impact of the Study: The use of agroindustrial residues as carbon sources could have an economical impact on bovicin HC5 production. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show the use of sugar cane juice for bacteriocin production by lactic acid bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Container seedling production systems for forest tree nurseries are challenged by the need for judicious water consumption. Subirrigation systems may provide an alternative to overhead systems by mitigating water use, yet remain relatively untested for propagation of forest tree seedlings. We evaluated effects of overhead versus subirrigation under varying media (40:60, 60:40, and 80:20 peat:perlite) and fertilization (0 or 1.2 g nitrogen/plant) regimes on nursery development and first-year field performance of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings. Fertilization increased aboveground biomass production and nutrient content, but decreased root dry weight. Relative to overhead-irrigated seedlings, subirrigation increased red oak seedling aboveground biomass production as well as above- and belowground nitrogen content under fertilized conditions. Media had no effect on plant response. Subirrigation increased electrical conductivity (5 dS·m-1 greater) and decreased pH in the upper media zone (0 to 5 cm from top), whereas the opposite effect was found in the lower zone. Nursery fertilization was associated with reduced field survival and growth, which may have been the result of transplant stress resulting from higher shoot:root. Subirrigated seedlings had greater field diameter growth. Our results suggest that subirrigation could serve as a viable alternative to overhead systems in container propagation of hardwood seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

pET expression systems (Novagen) are the strongest tool available for production of recombinant proteins in bacteria E. coli and have been widely used for many years. It is relatively difficult to control them due to their efficiency enabling formation of large amounts of recombinant proteins. Our work was focused on the influence of the media composition on the behavior of the pET3a expression system and we tried to select appropriate medium for inoculum preparation as well as appropriate production medium. We found out that media without glucose trigger unexpectedly high activity of lacUV5 promoter. Accumulation level of 15% of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (hG-CSF) in total cellular proteins was obtained in LBP medium (modified Luria-Bertani) without addition of IPTG inducer. Glucose addition into medium for inoculum preparation successfully represses expression of recombinant protein during inoculum preparation phase. Optimal optical density for high quality of inoculum is around OD600nm = 4,0, when culture is in the middle of exponential growth phase. Presence of glucose is required also in production medium. GYSP medium containing glucose, enables by 25% higher recombinant protein accumulation level than LBP medium without glucose. In contrast to LBP medium it enables comparably high recombinant protein accumulation level also without addition of antibiotic into the production medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viable cells of a halotolerant Brevibacterium sp. JCM 6894 grown in a liquid medium with pH 7.1 were enumerated as the colony-forming cells on three kinds of agar media with different pH values. Unexpectedly they were lower at neutral pH rather than acidic or alkaline pH. This tendency was invariable regardless of the changes in the concentrations of nutrients in the agar medium as well as in the growth phases of the cells. From the comparison of cell growth between liquid and solid media with different pHs, we notified the importance of the pH changes in liquid medium accompanied with growth. Effects of salts and pH of the liquid medium on protonmotive force (Δp) was estimated from membrane potentials (ΔΨ) and proton gradients (ΔpH) of the strain JCM 6894. In the absence of salts, Δp of the strain JCM 6894 was the largest at neutral pH, which was conflicting with the result of cell viability. The addition of NaCl led to the reduction of Δp at acidic pH, mainly due to the dissipation of ΔΨ, which seems to be consistent with the lower numbers of colony formed at acidic pH in the presence of NaCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An organic solvent-tolerant bacterium designated as 146 capable of producing an organic solvent-stable alkaline protease was isolated from contaminated soil of a wood factory. The strain was a Gram-positive, spore-forming, nitrate-positive, rod-shaped organism capable of hydrolysing gelatine, starch, skim milk and identified as Bacillus cereus. Activity of the protease was drastically increased in the presence of 1–decanol, isooctane, n-dodecane and n-tetradecane, but reduced in the presence of ethyl acetate, benzene, toluene, 1-heptanol, ethylbenzene and hexane. The bacterium was shown to require lactose as a carbon source and peptone as a nitrogen source. The optimum fermentation condition for the production of alkaline protease was in the presence of beef and yeast extract. Optimum pH was determined to be at 10.0 at incubation temperature of 37 °C for 48 h. Results from the studies suggest that 146 is a new strain of Bacillus cereus capable of producing organic solvent-tolerant alkaline protease with potential use in industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient protocol was developed to regenerate entire plants from immature embryos of elite genotypes of rye as a prerequisite to plant transformation. Three winter genotypes and one spring genotype were tested using both immature and mature embryos as explants. Four types of callus initiation media and five kinds of regeneration media were tested in all possible combinations. Immature embryos gave much higher levels of plant regeneration than mature embryos, but mature embryos could be induced to regenerate plants for all genotypes and media tested, although at low levels. A minimum stage of embryo development must be reached before embryos can be cultured successfully. Genotypic effects were less pronounced than those reported for inbred cereal species such as wheat and barley, but there was an effect of genotype on percentage of callus formation. There was a significant interaction between genotype and initiation media. Composition of the initiation media affected both the percentage of callus formation from embryos and subsequent frequencies of plant regeneration. Composition of the regeneration media had no effect on level of plant regeneration. Immature embryos of all genotypes tested could be induced to produce 90–100% callus on appropriate initiation media and all regenerated shoots from approximately one-half to three-quarters of the calluses produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proliferation of axillary shoots from nodal segments of saucer magnolia ( Magnolia x soulangiana Soul.-Bod.) was achieved on modified Standardi and Catalano (S medium) and Lloyd and McCown (WPM) media containing 1.33 µmol·dm−3 BA and 0.54 µmol·dm−3 NAA. The greatest number of axillary shoots was produced on S-medium with full strength macronutrients. Statistically significant were the differences in biomass of axillary shoots cultured in vessels sealed with plastic closures. Rooting of the shoots was achieved on half strength S medium supplemented with 4.9, 9.8, 14.7 and 19.6 µmol·dm−3 IBA. Rooted plantlets were able to resume independent growth after a short period of acclimatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit by HeLa cells and its induction by sodium butyrate are dependent on the choice of culture medium. Under identical growth conditions it was found that subunit synthesis in the presence of butyrate was highest in RPMI 1640, lowest in Medium 199 (M199), and intermediate in minimum essential medium (MEM) and Waymouth's MB 752/1. Cell growth was similar in all media examined and was retarded in the presence of butyrate. Alkaline phosphatase activity was also lower in M199 than in RPMI 1640, although, in general, the magnitude of this difference was less than that for the hormone subunit. Incorporation of [1-C]butyrate by HeLa cells was simimar in both M199 and RPMI 1640, indicating that uptake and metabolism of the fatty acid were not significantly different under these conditions. In the presence of 3 m M butyrate, mixtures of RPMI 1640 and M199 gave intermediate levels of α-subunit and alkaline phosphatase compared to each medium alone. Intracellular levels of α-subunit as well as that of the culture medium were reduced in M199 compared to RPMI 1640 indicating that synthesis rather than secretion was altered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological and biochemical changes along with lutein content of an under examined strain Chlorella variabilis was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. In this study, four different media including diluted dairy wastewater prepared artificially was utilized for optimizing its growth, biomass productivity and lutein content. The isolate of Chlorella variabilis was exposed to a continuous light intensity of 40 ± 3 μmol−1 m2s−1, temperature of 24 ± 2 °C and agitated on an orbital shaker at 90 rpm. The growth performance was evaluated in terms of optical density, chlorophyll content and cell count for a period of fourteen days and the pH was monitored regularly. In addition, the nutritional value, dry mass (carbohydrate, protein and lipid) and lutein content was evaluated at the end of sixteen days. The results showed that the Modified N8 medium as well as diluted synthetic dairy wastewater were the most productive culture that supported the growth of the microalga Chlorella variabilis with enhanced biomass productivity, nutritional value and lutein content when compared to other media thereby making it a potential candidate for use in poultry and aquaculture (∼74 % of protein) as well as for producing value added products specifically lutein. Furthermore, the study holds high importance as it reveals for the first time that the algal strain Chlorella variabilis could produce significant amount of lutein of 9.6 mg/g (9.6 g/kg) and could be the microalgal source of commercial lutein in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]