Potential herblayer production and grazing effects in anthropogenic savanna-grasslands in the moist tropical forests of the Western Ghats of India

The moist tropical forests of the Western Ghats of India are pockmarked with savanna-grasslands created and managed by local agricultural communities. A sample of such savanna-grasslands with differing growing conditions was studied in terms of peak above-ground biomass, monthly growth, and cumulative production under different clipping treatments. The herblayer was found to be dominated by perennial C4 grasses, with Eulalia trispicata, Arundinella metzii and Themeda triandra being common to all sites. Peak biomass ranged between 3.3-5.9 t/ha at sites most favourable for grass production. Across these sites, peak biomass was found to be inversely related to the number of rainy days during the growing season, suggesting that growth may be light-limited. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that growth is most rapid immediately after the easing of the monsoon. Single clips early in the growing season had no negative or a slightly positive effect on production, but mid-season single clips or continuous frequent clipping reduced production by as much as 40%. The results suggest that, while indiscriminate grazing may certainly be deleterious, it is possible to obtain sustained high yields from forest lands managed for grass production without totally excluding grazing.

Prediction of the senses of helical amphiphilic assemblies from effective intermolecular pair potential: Studies on chiral monolayers and bilayers

It is well-known that the senses (or the handedness) of the helical assemblies formed from compressed monolayers and bilayers of chiral amphiphiles are highly specific about the chirality of the monomers concerned. We present here a molecular approach that can successfully predict the senses of such helical morphologies. The present approach is based on a reduced tractable description in terms of an effective pair potential (EPP) which depends on the distance of separation and the relative orientations of the two amphiphiles. This approach explicitly considers the pairwise intermolecular interactions between the groups attached to the chiral centers of the two neighboring amphiphiles. It is found that for a pair of the same kind of enantiomers the minimum energy configuration favors a twist angle between molecules and that this twist from neighbor to neighbor gives rise to the helicity of the aggregate. From the known twist angles at the minimum energy configuration the successive arrangement of an array of molecules can be predicted. Therefore, the sense of the helicity can be predicted from the molecular interactions. The predicted senses of the helical structures are in complete agreement with all known experimental results.

An Efficient Robust Algorithm for the Surface-Potential Calculation of Independent DG MOSFET

Although the recently proposed single-implicit-equation-based input voltage equations (IVEs) for the independent double-gate (IDG) MOSFET promise faster computation time than the earlier proposed coupled-equations-based IVEs, it is not clear how those equations could be solved inside a circuit simulator as the conventional Newton-Raphson (NR)-based root finding method will not always converge due to the presence of discontinuity at the G-zero point (GZP) and nonremovable singularities in the trigonometric IVE. In this paper, we propose a unique algorithm to solve those IVEs, which combines the Ridders algorithm with the NR-based technique in order to provide assured convergence for any bias conditions. Studying the IDG MOSFET operation carefully, we apply an optimized initial guess to the NR component and a minimized solution space to the Ridders component in order to achieve rapid convergence, which is very important for circuit simulation. To reduce the computation budget further, we propose a new closed-form solution of the IVEs in the near vicinity of the GZP. The proposed algorithm is tested with different device parameters in the extended range of bias conditions and successfully implemented in a commercial circuit simulator through its Verilog-A interface.

Isomerization dynamics in viscous liquids: Microscopic investigation of the coupling and decoupling of the rate to and from solvent viscosity and dependence on the intermolecular potential

A detailed investigation of viscosity dependence of the isomerization rate is carried out for continuous potentials by using a fully microscopic, self-consistent mode-coupling theory calculation of both the friction on the reactant and the viscosity of the medium. In this calculation we avoid approximating the short time response by the Enskog limit, which overestimates the friction at high frequencies. The isomerization rate is obtained by using the Grote-Hynes formula. The viscosity dependence of the rate has been investigated for a large number of thermodynamic state points. Since the activated barrier crossing dynamics probes the high-frequency frictional response of the liquid, the barrier crossing rate is found to be sensitive to the nature of the reactant-solvent interaction potential. When the solute-solvent interaction is modeled by a 6-12 Lennard-Jones potential, we find that over a large variation of viscosity (eta), the rate (k) can indeed be fitted very well to a fractional viscosity dependence: (k similar to eta(-alpha)), with the exponent alpha in the range 1 greater than or equal to alpha >0. The calculated values of the exponent appear to be in very good agreement with many experimental results. In particular, the theory, for the first time, explains the experimentally observed high value of alpha even at the barrier frequency, omega(b). similar or equal to 9 X 10(12) s(-1) for the isomerization reaction of 2-(2'-propenyl)anthracene in liquid eta-alkanes. The present study can also explain the reason for the very low value of vb observed in another study for the isomerization reaction of trans-stilbene in liquid n-alkanes. For omega(b) greater than or equal to 2.0 X 10(13) s(-1), we obtain alpha similar or equal to 0, which implies that the barrier crossing rate becomes identical to the transition-state theory predictions. A careful analysis of isomerization reaction dynamics involving large amplitude motion suggests that the barrier crossing dynamics itself may become irrelevant in highly viscous liquids and the rate might again be coupled directly to the viscosity. This crossover is predicted to be strongly temperature dependent and could be studied by changing the solvent viscosity by the application of pressure. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(9950514-X].

Land availability and biomass production potential in India

In this paper we have assessed the availability of land and the potential for biomass production in India to meet various demands for biomass, including modern bioenergy. This is estimated by considering the various demands on land and its suitability. The biomass production potential of energy plantations is assessed for different agroecological zones. The total woody biomass production is estimated to be 321 Mt, based on biomass productivity in the range 2 to 17 t/ha/yr for the different agro-ecological zones and considering the conservative estimate of 43 Mha land availability for biomass production. A surplus of 231 Mt of biomass (after meeting the increased demand for fuelwood and timber by the year 2010) is estimated to be available for energy, which has an electricity generation potential of 231 TWh. As a first step, only the feasible physical potential of biomass production is assessed, along with an analysis of barriers. The potential costs and benefits of biomass production strategy are not analysed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Levitation effect and its relationship with the underlying potential energy landscape

Positions of potential energy minima for spherical monatomic sorbates in zeolite NaY have been identified for different sizes of the sorbate. It is found that for small sorbates (sigma less than or equal to 4.96 Angstrom) there are only six adsorption sites per alpha-cage, which are located close to the inner surface of the alpha-cage. For larger sorbates, additional sites of comparable energies appear close to the 12-ring window which forms the bottleneck for intercage diffusion. Minimum energy paths between these sites have been computed. These suggest that the barriers for both intracage and intercage site-to-site migrations are comparable and decrease with increase in sorbate size. Earlier simulation studies on the diffusion of monatomic sorbates in zeolites indicated that there is a dramatic change in the nature of dependence of D on sorbate size around 4.96 Angstrom, for zeolite NaY. Therefore, the present results suggest that the dependence of D on sorbate size and the changes in the potential energy landscape are correlated. The sorbate-zeolite system is characterized by a flatter potential energy landscape when the sorbate size is large. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(99)51110-0].

Cytochrome P4504f, a potential therapeutic target limiting neuroinflammation

Inflammatory processes are involved in the pathogenesis and/or progression of acute central nervous system (CNS) infection, traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders among others indicating the need for novel strategies to limit neuroinflammation. Eicosanoids including leukotrienes, particularly leukotriene B-4 (LTB4) are principle mediator(s) of inflammatory response, initiating and amplifying the generation of cytokines and chemokines. Cytochrome P450 (Cyp), a family of heme proteins mediate metabolism of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds, such as eicosanoids and leukotrienes. Cytochrome P4504F (Cyp4f) subfamily includes five functional enzymes in mouse. We cloned and expressed the mouse Cyp4f enzymes, assayed their relative expression in brain and examined their ability to hydroxylate the inflammatory cascade prompt LTB4 to its inactive 20-hydroxylated product. We then examined the role of Cyp4fs in regulating inflammatory response in vitro, in microglial cells and in vivo, in mouse brain using lipopolysacharide (LPS), as a model compound to generate inflammatory response. We demonstrate that mouse brain Cyp4fs are expressed ubiquitously in several cell types in the brain, including neurons and microglia, and modulate inflammatory response triggered by LPS, in vivo and in microglial cells, in vitro through metabolism of LTB4 to the inactive 20-hydroxy LTB4. Chemical inhibitor or shRNA to Cyp4fs enhance and inducer of Cyp4fs attenuates inflammatory response. Further, induction of Cyp4f expression lowers LTB4 levels and affords neuroprotection in microglial cells or mice exposed to LPS. Thus, catalytic activity of Cyp4fs is a novel target for modulating neuroinflammation through hydroxylation of LTB4. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Catalytic oxidative polymerization of 1,1-diphenylethylene at ambient temperature and potential application of peroxide macroinitiator

The Co(II)TPP(Py) complex was used as an efficient dioxygen carrier for the radical polymerization of 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE), which has a low ceiling temperature, at ambient temperature and low oxygen pressure. The mechanism of polymerization is discussed' on the basis of kinetic data, W-vis, ESR, and H-1 NMR studies. The rate of polymerization (RP) and number-average molecular weights (M) of poly(1,1-diphenylethylene peroxide) (PDPEP) are higher and the polydispersity is lower than in 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) initiated polymerization. PDPEP was further. used as a macroinitiator for the polymerization of MMA. The polymerization obeys classical kinetics. The K-2 value of the PDPEP has been determined from the slope of R-P(2) VS [M](2)[I], which reveals that it can also be used at higher temperature for the polymerization. An "active" PMMA was also synthesized, containing initiating segments in the polymer backbone.

DNA topoisomerase I from mycobacteria - A potential drug target

DNA topoisomerases are ubiquitous group of enzymes altering the topology of DNA by concerted breakage and rejoining of the phosphodiester backbone of DNA. The enzymes are classified based on the pattern of DNA cleavage. Type IA enzymes found in all bacteria nick the DNA and attach themselves covalently to the 5' side of the nick during the first transesterification reaction. Most of the information on this group of enzymes comes from studies with E. coli topoisomerase I and III. Members of type IA group are single subunit Zn++ metalloenzymes recognizing single stranded DNA without high degree of sequence specificity during relaxation reaction of negatively super coiled DNA. So far no inhibitors are known for this group of enzymes inspite of their important role in maintaining homeostasis of DNA topology. Molecular characterization of DNA topoisomerase I from mycobacteria has revealed some of the important features of type IA enzymes hitherto unknown and provide scope for identifying novel inhibitors. The present review describes the recent developments in the area summarizing the distinctive features of mycobacterial topoisomerase I. The enzyme has several properties not shared by either type IA or 113 enzymes with respect to DNA binding, recognition, sequence specificity and interaction pattern. The physiological basis of the unusual features is discussed. The unique properties described would aid in developing the enzyme as a target molecule in pharmaceutical design. In addition, the findings lead to address some fundamental questions on the intracellular role of topoisomerase I in the biology of mycobacteria which are one of the most formidable group of pathogenic organisms.

Expression of the receptor guanylyl cyclase C and its ligands in reproductive tissues of the rat: A potential role for a novel signaling pathway in the epididymis

Guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C) is a membrane-associated form of guanylyl cyclase and serves as the receptor for the heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) peptide and endogenous ligands guanylin, uroguanylin, and lymphoguanylin. The major site of expression of GC-C is the intestinal epithelial cell, although GC-C is also expressed in extraintestinal tissue such as the kidney, airway epithelium, perinatal liver, stomach, brain, and adrenal glands. Binding of ligands to GC-C leads to accumulation of intracellular cGMP, the activation of protein kinases G and A, and phosphorylation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel that regulates salt and water secretion. We examined the expression of GC-C and its ligands in various tissues of the reproductive tract of the rat. Using reverse transcriptase and the polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrated the presence of GC-C, uroguanylin, and guanylin mRNA in both male and female reproductive organs. Western blot analysis using a monoclonal antibody to GC-C revealed the presence of differentially glycosylated forms of GC-C in the caput and cauda epididymis. Exogenous addition of uroguanylin to minced epididymal tissue resulted in cGMP accumulation, suggesting an autocrine or endocrine activation of GC-C in this tissue. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated expression of GC-C in the tubular epithelial cells of both the caput epididymis and cauda epididymis. Our results suggest that the GC-C signaling pathway could converge on CFTR in the epididymis and perhaps control fluid and ion balance for optimal sperm maturation and storage in this tissue.

Freezing of classical fluids in a quenched random potential

The phase diagram of a hard-sphere fluid in the presence of a random pinning potential is studied analytically and numerically. In the analytic work, replicas are introduced for averaging over the quenched disorder, and the hypernetted chain approximation is used to calculate density correlations in the replicated liquid. The freezing transition of the liquid into a nearly crystalline state is studied using a density-functional approach, and the liquid to glass transition is studied using a phenomenological replica symmetry breaking approach. In the numerical work, local minima of a discretized version of the Ramakrishnan-Yussouff free-energy functional are located and the phase diagram in the density-disorder plane is obtained from an analysis of the relative stability of these minima. Both approaches lead to similar results for the phase diagram. The first-order liquid to crystalline solid transition is found to change to a continuous liquid to glass transition as the strength of the disorder is increased above a threshold value.

The design and synthesis of redox core-alpha amino acid composites based on thiol-disulfide exchange mechanism and a comparative study of their zinc abstraction potential from [CCXX] boxes in proteins

The design and synthesis of agents that can abstract zinc from their [CCXX] (C=cysteine; X=cysteine/histidine) boxes by thioldisulfide exchange-having as control, the redox parities of the core sulfur ligands of the reagent and the enzyme, has been illustrated, and their efficiency demonstrated by monitoring the inhibition of the transcription of calf thymus DNA by E. coli RNA polymerase, which harbors two zinc atoms in their [CCXX] boxes of which one is exchangeable. Maximum inhibition possible with removal of the exchangeable zinc was seen with redox-sulfanilamide-glutamate composite. In sharp contrast, normal chelating agents (EDTA, phenanthroline) even in a thousand fold excess showed only marginal inhibition, thus supporting an exchange mechanism for the metal removal. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Kinetic decomposition of Ni2SiO4 in oxygen potential gradients

Nickel orthosilicate (Ni2SiO4) has been found to decompose into its component binary oxides in oxygen potential gradients at 1373 K. Nickel oxide was formed at the high oxygen potential boundary, while silica was detected at the low oxygen potential side. Significant porosity and fissures were observed near the Ni2SiO4/SiO2 interface and the SiO2 layer. The critical oxygen partial pressure ratio required for decomposition varied from 1.63 to 2.15 as the oxygen pressures were altered from 1.01 ⊠ 105 to 2.7X 10−4 Pa, well above the dissociation pressure of Ni2SiO4. Platinum markers placed at the boundaries of the Ni2SiO4 sample indicated growth of NiO at the higher oxygen potential boundary, without any apparent transport of material to the low oxygen potential side. However, significant movement of the bulk Ni2SiO4 crystal with respect to the marker was not observed. The decomposition of the silicate occurs due to the unequal rates of transport of Ni and Si. The critical oxygen partial pressure ratio required for decomposition is related both to the thermodynamic stability of Ni2SiO4 with respect to component oxides and the ratio of diffusivities of nickel and silicon. Kinetic decomposition of multicomponent oxides, first discovered by Schmalzried, Laqua, and co-workers [H. Schmalzried, W. Laqua, and P. L. Lin, Z. Natur Forsch. Teil A 34, 192 (1979); H. Schmalzried and W. Laqua, Oxid. Met. 15, 339 (1981); W. Laqua and H. Schmalzried, Chemical Metallurgy—A Tribute to Carl Wagner (Metallurgical Society of the AIME, New York, 1981), p. 29] has important consequences for their use at high temperatures and in geochemistry.

Efficient syntheses of benzothiazepines as antagonists for the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger: Potential therapeutics for type II diabetes

Type II diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that can lead to serious cardiovascular, renal, neurologic, and retinal complications. While several drugs are currently prescribed to treat type II diabetes, their efficacy is limited by mechanism-related side effects (weight gain, hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal distress), inadequate efficacy for use as monotherapy, and the development of tolerance to the agents. Consequently, combination therapies are frequently employed to effectively regulate blood glucose levels. We have focused on the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger (mNCE) as a novel target for diabetes drug discovery. We have proposed that inhibition of the mNCE can be used to regulate calcium flux across the mitochondrial membrane, thereby enhancing mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, which in turn enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in the pancreatic beta-cell. In this paper, we report the facile synthesis of benzothiazepines and derivatives by S-alkylation using 2-aminobenzhydrols. The syntheses of other bicyclic analogues based on benzothiazepine, benzothiazecine, benzodiazecine, and benzodiazepine templates are also described. These compounds have been evaluated for their inhibition of mNCE activity, and the results from the structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies are discussed.