Pattern Of Color Change Research Articles

Anti-proliferative activities of Carthamidin mediated gold nanoparticles against breast cancer: An in-vitro approach

Natural pigments have unique commercial properties and are a versatile resource. Additionally, these pigments have potent therapeutic qualities that could be developed into a medication. With this rationale, a simple one-pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was achieved using Carthamidin (CT). The synthesis of gold nanoparticles was visually confirmed by the change of color pattern from yellow to dark purple color. The CTAuNPs exhibit Surface Plasmon Resonance at 537 nm in Ultra-Violet Visible Spectroscopy analysis (UV-Vis). The face-centered cubic crystalline nature of CTAuNPs was determined by the X-ray diffraction spectrum. The spherical, polydispersed, stable nanoparticles with an average size of 35 nm are depicted by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and CTAuNPs were stable as determined by zeta potential. The CTAuNPs were evaluated as a cytotoxic agent in the MCF 7 cells using the (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) method. The assay inhibits the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 76.32 µg/mL. Additionally, we used the Reactive Oxygen Species assay, Lactate Dehydrogenase assay, and Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide Staining to annotate the apoptosis pattern. These comprehensive assays validate that the MCF 7 cancer cells treated with CTAuNPs underwent apoptosis-mediated cell death. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that the CTAuNPs stop the cell cycle at the GO/G1 phase in the MCF 7 cells. It is clear from the analyses that CTAuNPs induce apoptosis in MCF 7 cells. As a result, the development of novel pigment-based gold nanoparticles will enhance the nanoparticles as a theranostic agent as a new paradigm to combat breast cancer and resistance.

The color stability of artificial white spot lesions treated with resin infiltration after exposure to staining beverages

BackgroundTo evaluate the effect of staining beverages on the color-changing of resin-infiltrated artificial white spot lesions (WSLs).MethodsThirty-five artificial WSLs were created by pH cycling on flat bovine teeth specimens. The WSLs were treated with resin infiltration and were divided into five groups based on staining beverages: artificial saliva, coffee, wine, green tea, and Coca-Cola. These specimens were subjected to a 28-day exposure to the respective beverages. Color stability was assessed using a spectrophotometer at different time points: baseline, after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of exposure, and repolishing. The color difference (∆E) between each time point and the baseline was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way measures ANOVA with a significance level of p = 0.05.ResultsAll resin-infiltrated specimens exposed to staining beverages for 7 days exhibited more significant color changes than those exposed to artificial saliva. The color change patterns varied based on the type of beverage. The color alterations intensified with extended immersion in the wine and Coca-Cola groups, while there were no significant differences in the color of specimens after 28 days of immersion in the coffee and green tea groups. However, after cleaning with pumice powder, all specimens showed significantly reduced color changes compared to those observed after 28 days of immersion, except those immersed in coffee.ConclusionsExposure of resin-infiltrated bovine tooth specimens to staining beverages resulted in a significant color alteration as the immersion time increased. However, the staining effect could be minimized by cleaning with pumice powder, except for the coffee group.Clinical relevanceAfter resin infiltration treatment, patients should be advised to minimize the consumption of colored beverages to prevent staining that could impact esthetic appearance.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from Andean blackberry and their use as an indicator in sustainable smart biofilms developed with cocoa bean shells as natural fiber-filled PLA composite materials

In Colombia, about 34% of the food available in the country is lost or discarded. Recent studies reveal that one of the main reasons why Colombians discard food is because they do not have enough information about the current state of the product. Developing smart packaging with indicator agents can help to reduce food waste by providing consumers with accurate information about food conditions. Anthocyanins (AA) are ideal pH-sensitive indicator pigments for this application. In addition, new packaging should prioritize the use of biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) and natural fibers. These fibers can be obtained from agro-industrial waste, such as those generated in cocoa processing, which reach up to 80% of the total production. This study aimed to evaluate the ultrasound-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from Andean blackberry and its use as a natural indicator in a sustainable smart biofilm developed with cocoa beans shell (CBS) fiber-filled PLA composite material. For the ultrasound-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from blackberries, a 3² factorial experimental design was proposed to assess the effect of biomass: solvent ratio and extraction time on the extraction yield (%) and Monomeric Anthocyanin Content (MAC). The assays were conducted using a power of 110 W and a frequency of 40 kHz. The solvent employed was ethanol (80% v/v) acidified with 0.1% (v/v) hydrochloric acid. The results showed a maximum anthocyanins extraction of 161.66 mg/L, achieved with an extraction time of 15 min and a biomass-solvent ratio of 1:10 g/mL. The successful integration of anthocyanins into the biofilm was demonstrated by FTIR. However, it was found that they affect the thermal, mechanical, and physical properties of the biofilm. In PLA_AA biofilms, the total color difference (ΔE) increased with the pH after pH8, while in PLA_CBS_AA, there were higher ΔE values observed across the tested pH values, with the highest value presented in the intermediate range (pH 7). There was not a clear pattern of color change between pH 4 and pH 6. The potential use of these films in smart packaging applications was proved by significant color changes from pink (pH 2) to brown (pH 12). Overall, this study highlights the potential of utilizing anthocyanins as a natural indicator in sustainable smart packaging.

From the mud to the tree: phylogeny ofAustrolebiaskillifishes, new generic structure and description of a new species (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)

AbstractKillifishes (Cyprinodontiformes) are a group of fish that include a high proportion of small-bodied species living in seasonal aquatic habitats, with narrow geographical distributions and high human impact. They are among the most vulnerable vertebrates in the Neotropical region, with nearly half of the species in threat categories. Herein, we propose a new phylogenetic hypothesis of the Rivulidae genus Austrolebias, based on 10 genes (six nuclear and four mitochondrial) and 191 morphological characters, including 90% of the total valid species of this genus. An updated definition and diagnosis of the existing subgenera of Austrolebias is provided, and these are erected to genera. Also, four new genera are erected to accommodate the taxonomy of the group to the current phylogenetic hypothesis. Additionally, we describe Argolebias guarani sp. nov., from a seasonal pond in the Middle Paraná River basin, which is diagnosed by a unique colour pattern. This addition reinforces this area as a biodiversity hotspot of endemicity and highlights the importance of this region for conservation. Data on the ontogenetic changes in colour pattern, chorion ornamentation of the egg and ecology of this species are also provided.

Influence of Different Temperatures and Sexes on the Survival and Stress Responses of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)

This study was conducted to assess the influence of different water temperature ranges and sexes on the stress response of Nile tilapia. Sixteen proactive males and sixteen proactive female fish were used in the study. There were eight combinations of factors, and each combination was replicated four times. Changes in eye color pattern (ECP), ventilation rate (VR), and skin color of the fish were monitored after reaching the treatment temperature of the environment. Mortality of fish was also monitored. Results showed that the ECP of fish was significantly (P<0.01) affected by water temperature and sex of fish. Similarly, VR of fish was also significantly (P<0.01) affected by water temperature and sex of fish. Decreased dissolved oxygen (DO) was observed in increasing water temperature which may have also contributed to the stress response of Nile tilapia besides the increasing water temperature. Two out of four fish in T4M died after 6-12 hours of exposure while in T4F three out of four fish died after 2-4 hours. There was a decrease in the final weight of fish in all combinations of factors. On body color, both male and female fish exposed to increasing water temperatures exhibited an intense body color (presence of vertical stripes). From the results of this study, male fish had significantly lower (P<0.01) ECP scores and VR values than female fish when exposed to different ranges of water temperature. Likewise, male fish exposed to high temperatures (39-40°C) survived longer than female fish. Therefore, it can be concluded that male fish are more tolerant to increasing water temperature up to 37°C than female fish since males can easily cope with stress.

Colorimetric Sensor Array for Identification of Proteins and Classification of Metabolic Profiles under Various Osmolyte Conditions.

Rapid and efficient detection and identification of proteins hold great promise in medical diagnostics, treatment of different diseases, and proteomics. Here, we present a simple colorimetric sensor array for the differentiation of proteins in various osmolyte solutions. Osmolytes have different influences on the conformation of proteins, which have differential binding to silver nanoparticles, resulting in color changes. The sensor array shows unique color change patterns for each of the 19 proteins, allowing unambiguous identification. Very interestingly, the differentiation of 19 proteins is related to their molecular weight. Moreover, the sensor array can be used to identify protein mixtures, thermal denaturized proteins, and unknown protein samples. Finally, the sensor array can also analyze the plasma or liver samples of the four groups of salt-sensitive rats fed with different diets, indicating that it has the potential for the classification of metabolic profiles.

Rational design of diphenyl-λ5σ4-phosphinine based fluorescent probe for the selective detection of Hg2+ ions: Real application in cell imaging and paper strips

Due to its great toxicity to the bio-aquatic environment, developing highly selective and sensitive probes for the detection of mercury ions in solutions as well as in living cells is a major problem. To detect Hg2+ ions in organic semi-aqueous solutions, we created a fluorescent probe called 4-(1, 3-dithian-2-yl)-1,1-diphenyl- λ5-phosphinine-2,6-dicarbonitrile (DDPD) with optical behaviour. Through the Hg2+-promoted deprotection process of thioacetals, which was followed by considerable changes in fluorescence colour and spectral pattern, the probe DDPD selectively detected Hg2+ ions in a broad pH range with a detection limit of 56 nM. Specifically, DDPD can be used to qualitatively identify Hg2+ ions using test strips made of Whatman filter paper and also in HeLa cells it can identify Hg2+ ions and image them using fluorescent microscopy.

Current Developments on Chemical Compositions, Biosynthesis, Color Properties and Health Benefits of Black Goji Anthocyanins: An Updated Review

Lycium ruthenicum is a therapeutic plant and its fruits (black goji) are commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine. This review comprehensively discusses the recent research developments of black goji anthocyanins (BGAs), including chemical compositions, biosynthesis, color properties and health benefits. Among the 39 identified BGAs, most are 3,5-diglycoside derivatives of petunidin (>95%) with an individual anthocyanin [petunidin 3-O-rutinoside (trans-p-coumaroyl)-5-O-glucoside], accounting for 80% of the total BGAs. Due to their unique anthocyanin profile, BGAs possess various health benefits, including antioxidant activities, α-glucosidase inhibiting activity, alleviating insulin resistance, improving mitochondrial function, anti-inflammatory effects, etc., and therefore have the potential to treat a range of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, memory disorders, stroke, colitis, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In addition, BGAs exhibit a pH-dependent “red-purple-blue” pattern of color change and thus could be used as natural colorants and to prepare smart food packaging materials. This review is valuable for broad applications of BGAs as promising natural colorants, functional foods and potential herbal medicines.

Geometrical and Electronic Structure of Cation Radical Species of Tetraarylanthraquinodimethane: An Intermediate for Unique Electrochromic Behavior.

Two tetraarylanthraquinodimethane (Ar4 AQD) derivatives having two different aryl groups (aminophenyl and methoxyphenyl) were prepared by sequential dibromomethylation and Suzuki-coupling reactions. X-ray analyses showed that they adopt a folded structure in the neutral state whereas the corresponding dications have a planar anthracene ring, to which diarylmethylium units are perpendicularly attached. Different from Ar4 AQD having the same substituents that undergoes facile two-electron transfer during interconversion with the dicationic state, the intermediary cation radical becomes long-lived in the newly prepared unsymmetric derivatives. The geometric and electronic structures of the open-shell intermediates were elucidated through electrochemical and theoretical investigation, with revealing that the cation radicals adopt the twisted geometry like dications. Upon electrolyses of the dications, the twisted cation radicals were involved in the electrochromism whereas their steady-state concentration is negligible in the oxidation process, thus realizing unique tricolor electrochromic behavior with a hysteretic pattern of color change (colorless -> purple -> blue -> colorless).

Colorimetric nanozyme sensor array for the pattern recognition of monoamine neurotransmitters using dendritic mesoporous silica embedded with metal nanoparticles

There is a pressing demand for developing effective methods for the detection of monoamine neurotransmitters because of their similar structures, low concentrations, and easy oxidation properties. Herein, a colorimetric nanozyme sensor array was developed and fabricated for the pattern recognition of six monoamine neurotransmitters in biological samples. To this aim, three metal nanoparticles were grown in situ within dendritic mesoporous silica spheres, and they acted as nanozymes to catalyze the reaction of 3, 3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine dihydrochloride (TMB) and H2O2. The catalytic efficiencies of the nanozymes were inhibited to varying degrees in the presence of different monoamine neurotransmitters, which resulted in various color change patterns of the catalytic reaction. These color change patterns provided a fingerprint response for the monoamine neurotransmitters, which could be accurately discriminated using linear discriminant analysis. Also, the proposed sensor array could successfully discriminate between monoamine neurotransmitters as low as 800 nM, and quantification of the monoamine neurotransmitters at different concentration ratios was realized. Moreover, the detection limits of the sensor array for the monoamine neurotransmitters were calculated by the total Euclidean distances, and they ranged from 0.03 to 0.38 μM. Overall, the proposed colorimetric nanozyme sensor array showed great potential in practical application by discriminating between different concentrations of monoamine neurotransmitters in human serum.

Identification of Microorganisms Using an EWOD System.

Among the advantages of an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) chip are its uncomplicated fabrication and low cost; one of its greatest strengths that might be applied in the field of biomedical technology is that it can accurately control volume and reduces the amount of samples and reagents. We present an EWOD for the biochemical identification of microorganisms, which is required to confirm the source of microbial contamination or quality inspection of product-added bacteria, etc. The traditional kit we used existed in the market; the detection results are judged by the pattern of color change after incubation. After a preliminary study, we confirmed that an image-processing tool (ImageJ) provides a suitable method of analysis, and that, when the concentration of the sugar reagent is 38 µg/µL, the best operating parameters for the EWOD chip in silicone oil are 40 V and 1.5 kHz. Additionally, we completed the biochemical identification of five bacterial species on the EWOD chip at the required concentration of the kit. Next, we found a decreased duration of reaction and that the least number of bacteria that were identifiable on the chip lies between 100 and 1000 CFU per droplet. Because the number of bacteria required on the chip is much smaller than for the kit, we tested whether a single colony can be used for identification, which provided a positive result. Finally, we designed an experimental flow to simulate an actual sample in an unclean environment, in which we divided the various processed samples into four groups to conduct experiments on the chip.

Synthesis and characterization of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Clitoria ternatea flower extract: Photocatalytic dye degradation under sunlight and antibacterial activity applications

The present study is aimed to synthesize nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) by using medicinal flower extract of Clitoria ternatea and examine its antibacterial and photocatalytic dye degradation activities. The synthesized NPs were investigated using UV–visible spectroscopy wherein they exhibited a color change pattern and confirmed their maximum absorption peak at 280 nm, which is distinct for NiO NPs. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of various functional groups in the flower extract as well as on the NiO NPs. XRD studies revealed the high crystalline nature of NiO NPs with 9.6 nm average size. The TEM micrograph shows hexagonal shape of the NPs that are non-agglomerated with a particle size of 13 nm. The composition of nickel and oxygen elements was confirmed through EDX studies. Using the well diffusion method, the antibacterial activity of NiO NPs was tested against both gram positive and gram-negative bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, photocatalytic degradation of Fast Green (FG) and Rose Bengal (RB) dye molecules were performed by using NiO NPs. Based on the obtained results, we confirmed that NiO NPs degrade FG by 89 % and RB by 77 % in the presence of sun light.

Aphidophagous ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and climate change: a review

Abstract I here review the potential effects of climate change on aphidophagous ladybirds and their future diversity. Aphidophagous ladybirds face challenges arising directly from climatic change and indirect challenges due to the effect of climate on their aphid prey and other organisms with which they interact. Ladybirds show at least some potential to respond to changes of climate through genetic change or phenotypic plasticity, notably through changes in colour pattern, dormancy and voltinism but also through thermal physiology and microhabitat or habitat plasticity. Phenological changes will likely occur in many aphidophagous species arising from relations with their prey. Changes in aphid abundance may lead to changes in ladybird prey associations over the season. The tendency to prey on multiple aphid species will insulate many ladybird predators from decline resulting from changes in the abundance of particular aphids. Like other insects, the geographic ranges of aphidophagous ladybird species will change as they track the climate. This is evidenced by the fossil record of ladybirds and by recent changes in ladybird biogeography. Such changes may be accompanied by a degree of thermal or phenological adaptation. It is likely that cold‐adapted ladybirds and some island species will go extinct. Specialised species may also be threatened. A problem in assessing the threat to the latter is the minimal amount of research carried out on specialised species. In summary, aphidophagous ladybirds exhibit some potential resilience against climate change, but future climatic effects on their overall biodiversity are not fully clear.

Histopatological effects of bleaching and disease on the coral Siderastrea stellata from coastal reefs of Brazil

ABSTRACT Histological analysis of bleached samples of Siderastrea stellata Verrill, 1868, with white plague disease and with alteration in the color pattern, revealed drastic tissue and cellular disturbances, such as lysis of the external epithelium, hyperplasia of gastrodermis, apoptosis of epithelial cells and zooxanthellae, and degradation of mesenteric filaments and reproductive cells. Fungal hyphae, diatoms, and cyanobacteria were present in diseased samples and colonies with alteration in the color pattern. Furthermore, bleached and diseased samples showed significant reductions in the number of zooxanthellae per 100 µm2 of gastrodermis and significant reductions in the diameters and volumes of stage V oocytes. We found that bleaching events, diseases, and colonies with alteration in the color pattern promoted degradation of reproductive cells, resulting in the consequent interruption of the reproduction of the coral S. stellata, which is one of the most common Brazilian coral species. The implications of these indirect effects of bleaching, disease, and changes in coral color patterns in the population dynamics of Brazilian reefs are discussed.

Arylalkalamine N-acetyltransferase-1 functions on cuticle pigmentation in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aaNAT) catalyzes the acetylation of dopamine, 5-hydroxy-tryptamine, tryptamine, octopamine, norepinephrine and other arylalkylamines to form respective N-acetyl-arylalkylamines. Depending on the products formed, aaNATs are involved in a variety of physiological functions. In the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, a number of aaNATs and aaNAT-like proteins have been reported. However, the primary function of each individual aaNAT is yet to be identified. In this study we investigated the function of Ae. aegypti aaNAT1 (Ae-aaNAT1) in cuticle pigmentation and development of morphology. Ae-aaNAT1 transcripts were detected at all stages of development with highest expressions after pupation and right before adult eclosion. Ae-aaNAT1 mutant mosquitoes generated using clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) - CRISPR-associated protein 9 had no obvious effect on larval and pupal development. However, the mutant mosquitoes exhibited a roughened exoskeletal surface, darker cuticles, and color pattern changes suggesting that Ae-aaNAT1 plays a role in development of the morphology and pigmentation of Ae. aegypti adult cuticles. The mutant also showed less blood feeding efficiency and lower fecundity when compared with the wild-type. The mutation of Ae-aaNAT1 influenced expression of genes involved in cuticle formation. In summary, Ae-aaNAT1 mainly functions on cuticular pigmentation and also affects blood feeding efficiency and fecundity.

VOCkit: A low-cost IoT sensing platform for volatile organic compound classification

Improvements in small sized sensors allow the easy detection of the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the air using easy-to-deploy Internet of Things (IoT) devices. However, classifying what VOC exists in the environment still remains as a complex task. Knowing what VOCs are in the air can help us remove the main cause that vents VOC materials as a way to maintain clean air quality. In this work, we present VOCkit, an IoT sensor kit for non-chemical experts to easily detect and classify different types of VOCs. VOCkit combines miniature chemically-designed fluorometric sensors for recognizing VOCs with an embedded imaging system for classification. Exposing the fluorometric sensors with various VOCs, result in the photophysical property change of fluorescent compounds, which composes the sensors, and the synergistic combination of the changes create unique individual fluorescent color patterns respectively to the VOC material. The fluorescent color change pattern is captured using an embedded camera and the images are processed with machine learning algorithms on the embedded platform for VOC classification. Using 500 fluorometric sensor images collected for five different commonly contactable VOCs, we show the feasibility of VOC classification on small-sized IoT devices. For the VOC types of our interest, our results show a classification accuracy of 97%, implying the potential applicability of VOCkit for real-world usage.

Ontogeny of an arlequin: morphological and colour pattern changes from juvenile to adult in Gnathophyllum elegans (Risso, 1816) (Decapoda: Palaemonidae), traced through citizen science and social media data mining.

The spotted bumblebee shrimp Gnathophyllum elegans (Risso, 1816) is a caridean species of the family Palaemonidae Rafinesque, 1815 widely distributed in the eastern Atlantic and the entire Mediterranean Sea (Zariquiey Alvarez 1968; d'Udekem d'Acoz 1999; De Grave et al. 2015). It is a solitary sciaphilous taxon that grows up to 40 mm of total length, and at daytime hides under stones, in crevices or amidst Posidonia oceanica (Linnaeus) Delile rhizomes from the intertidal to about 30 m depth, with some authors even considering it as preferring coralligenous environments (Pérès Picard 1964; Ledoyer 1968; d'Udekem d'Acoz 1999). Such a cryptic behavior makes the detection of G. elegans often difficult in the field, although the species is easily distinguishable by the other eastern Atlantic-Mediterranean shrimp species due to its colourful appearance and mostly due to its dark purple-brown body entirely covered by yellow-orange dots (Zariquiey Alvarez 1968; Falciai Minervini 1992).

The roles of wing color pattern and geography in the evolution of Neotropical Preponini butterflies.

Diversification rates and evolutionary trajectories are known to be influenced by phenotypic traits and the geographic history of the landscapes that organisms inhabit. One of the most conspicuous traits in butterflies is their wing color pattern, which has been shown to be important in speciation. The evolution of many taxa in the Neotropics has also been influenced by major geological events. Using a dated, species‐level molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for Preponini, a colorful Neotropical butterfly tribe, we evaluated whether diversification rates were constant or varied through time, and how they were influenced by color pattern evolution and biogeographical events. We found that Preponini originated approximately 28 million years ago and that diversification has increased through time consistent with major periods of Andean uplift. Even though some clades show evolutionarily rapid transitions in coloration, contrary to our expectations, these shifts were not correlated with shifts in diversification. Involvement in mimicry with other butterfly groups might explain the rapid changes in dorsal color patterns in this tribe, but such changes have not increased species diversification in this group. However, we found evidence for an influence of major Miocene and Pliocene geological events on the tribe's evolution. Preponini apparently originated within South America, and range evolution has since been dynamic, congruent with Andean geologic activity, closure of the Panama Isthmus, and Miocene climate variability.

Morphological, cytological and molecular marker analyses of \u2018Tapestry\u2019 caladium variants reveal diverse genetic changes and enable association of leaf coloration pattern loci with molecular markers

Somaclonal variation and induced mutation are highly valuable sources of genetic variation for genetic improvement and research in horticultural crops; cellular and molecular characterization can greatly facilitate their uses in these areas. In the present study, 20 caladium variants were identified among ‘Tapestry’ plants that were regenerated from leaf cultures treated with or without colchicine. These variants showed changes in leaf main vein color and coloration pattern and were separated into ten groups based on leaf morphological changes. Five variants contained 3.3–9.7% more nuclear DNA than the wildtype and gained one, two or three chromosomes, while four variants contained 3.0–4.8% less nuclear DNA and lost one chromosome. Five, out of 22, simple sequence repeat-based molecular markers detected DNA banding pattern changes in 13 of the 20 variants. Two molecular markers (CaM24 and CaM62) detected DNA banding pattern changes in the same four variants, suggesting that these two markers may be located in the same chromosomal segment. Strong association between leaf characteristics (leaf blotching and main vein color) and molecular banding pattern changes with molecular marker CaM42 were observed in six variants, indicating that CaM42 may be associated with gene loci controlling leaf blotching and leaf main vein color in caladium.

FluentDNA: Nucleotide Visualization of Whole Genomes, Annotations, and Alignments.

Researchers seldom look at naked genome assemblies: instead the attributes of DNA sequences are mediated through statistics, annotations and high level summaries. Here we present software that visualizes the bare sequences of whole genome assemblies in a zoomable interface. This can assist in detection of chromosome architecture and contamination by the naked eye through changes in color patterns, in the absence of any other annotation. When available, annotations can be visualized alongside or on top of the naked sequence. Genome alignments can also be visualized, laying two genomes side by side in an alignment and highlighting their differences at nucleotide resolution. FluentDNA gives researchers direct visualization of whole genome assemblies, annotations and alignments, for quality control, hypothesis generation, and communicating results.