Molecular and functional characterization of a c-type lysozyme from the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis

Some lepidopteran lysozymes have been reported to display activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, in contrast to most lysozymes that are active only against Gram-positive bacteria. OstrinLysC, a c-type lysozyme, was purified from the As

Genome 10K: A Proposal to Obtain Whole-Genome Sequence for 10 000 Vertebrate Species

The human genome project has been recently complemented by whole-genome assessment sequence of 32 mammals and 24 nonmammalian vertebrate species suitable for comparative genomic analyses. Here we anticipate a precipitous drop in costs and increase in sequ

Improvement in quality and shelf-life of whole dried prawns

A simple and effective method is suggested to improve the quality and shelf-life of commercial whole dried thelly prawns (Metapenaeus dobsoni). Treatment of whole prawns in 10% brine containing 0.1% citric acid for 20 min followed by drying in sun yield a product having good physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics. Retardation of fungal incidence, reduction in total volatile nitrogen (TVBN) and improvement in flavour are some of the advantages of the treatment. The treated product has a shelf-life around 30 weeks compared to 20 weeks for untreated control and 7 weeks for commercial sample.

Relaxation of yeast mitochondrial functions after whole-genome duplication

Mitochondria are essential for cellular energy production in most eukaryotic organisms. However, when glucose is abundant, yeast species that underwent whole-genome duplication (WGD) mostly conduct fermentation even under aerobic conditions, and most can

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent long-term potentiation in CA1 region affects synaptic expression of glutamate receptor subunits and associated proteins in the whole hippocampus

Long term potentiation in hippocampus, evoked by high-frequency stimulation, is mediated by two major glutamate receptor subtypes, alpha-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate receptors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Receptor subunit compos

A decoupled whole-building simulation engine for rapid exhaustive search of low-carbon and low-energy building refurbishment options

This paper presents the development of a new building physics and energy supply systems simulation platform. It has been adapted from both existing commercial models and empirical works, but designed to provide expedient exhaustive simulation of all salient types of energy- and carbon-reducing retrofit options. These options may include any combination of behavioural measures, building fabric and equipment upgrades, improved HVAC control strategies, or novel low-carbon energy supply technologies. We provide a methodological description of the proposed model, followed by two illustrative case studies of the tool when used to investigate retrofit options of a mixed-use office building and primary school in the UK. It is not the intention of this paper, nor would it be feasible, to provide a complete engineering decomposition of the proposed model, describing all calculation processes in detail. Instead, this paper concentrates on presenting the particular engineering aspects of the model which steer away from conventional practise. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Exploring the process of whole system design

This paper explores the adoption of a whole system approach to a more sustainable and innovative design. A case study methodology was utilised to gain improved understanding of whole system design and those factors that substantially influence its success. The paper presents a framework of those factors including the requirement for trans-disciplinary skills, the dynamics of a flattened hierarchy and the need to identify relationships between parts of the system to ultimately optimise the whole. Knowing the factors that influence the process of whole system design provides designers with the knowledge necessary to more effectively work within, manage and facilitate that process. This paper uses anecdotes taken from operational cases, across design contexts, to demonstrate those factors. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A whole-life value based assessment and optimisation model for high-performance glazed facades'

Façade design is a complex and multi-disciplinary process. One major barrier to devising optimal façade solutions is the lack of a systematic way of evaluating the true social, economic and environmental impacts of a design. Another barrier is the lack of automated design aids to assist decision-making. In this paper, we present our on-going study in developing a whole-life value based multi-objective optimisation model for high-performance façades. The principal outcome of this paper is a multi-objective optimisation model for early-stage façade design. The optimisation technique coupled with other 3rd party software and/or specially developed scripts provide façade designers with an integrated design tool of wide applicability.

Effect of high dietary starch levels on the growth performance, blood chemistry and body composition of gibel carp (Carassius auratus var. gibelio)

An 8-week growth trial was carried out in a semi-recirculation system to investigate the effect of high dietary starch levels on the growth performance, blood chemistry, starch utilization and body composition of gibel carp (Carassius auratus var. gibelio). Five isonitrogenous and isocarloric experimental diets were formulated to contain different starch levels (24%, 28%, 32%, 36% and 40% respectively). Triplicate groups of fish (24 fish per tank with an average body weight, of 8.5 g) were assigned to each diet. The results showed that dietary carbohydrate levels significantly affected the growth performance, hepatopancreatic lipid content, pyruvate kinase (PK) activity and whole-body lipid content. Growth performance, body crude lipid and plasma glucose concentrations showed a decreasing trend with an increase in dietary starch from 24% to 40%. Pyruvate kinase activities and hepatopancreatic lipid content showed an increasing trend with the dietary starch increasing from 24% to 32%, and then a decreasing trend with the dietary starch increasing from 32% to 40%. No significant difference in the hepatopancreatic hexokinase (HK) activity, plasma triglyceride contents, body crude protein, ash and calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) contents was observed between different treatments. In conclusion, higher dietary starch levels (32-40%) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the growth of gibel carp in the present study.

Whole-body amino acid pattern of F-4 human growth hormone gene-transgenic red common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed diets with different protein levels

F-4 generation of human growth hormone (hGH) gene-transgenic red common carp, and the non-transgenic controls were fed for 8 weeks on purified diets with 20%, 30% or 40% protein. Analysis of whole-body amino acids showed that the proportions of lysine, leucine, phenylalanine, valine and alanine, as percentages of body protein, increased significantly, while those of arginine, glutamic acid and tyrosine decreased, with increases in dietary protein level in at least one strain of fish. Proportions of the other amino acids were unaffected by the diets. The proportions of lysine and arginine were significantly higher, while those of leucine and alanine were lower in the transgenics than in the controls in at least one diet group. Proportions of the other amino acids were unaffected by strain. The results suggest that the whole-body amino acid profile of transgenic carp, when expressed as proportions of body protein, was in general, similar to that of the non-transgenic controls. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.