GyrI: a counter-defensive strategy against proteinaceous inhibitors of DNA gyrase

DNA gyrase is the target of two plasmid-encoded toxins CcdB and microcin B17, which ensure plasmid maintenance. These proteins stabilize gyrase-DNA covalent complexes leading to double-strand breaks in the genome. In contrast, the physiological role of chromosomally encoded inhibitor of DNA gyrase (Gyrl) in Escherichia coli is unclear and its mechanism of inhibition has not been established. We demonstrate that the mode of inhibition of GyrI is distinct from all other gyrase inhibitors. It inhibits DNA gyrase prior to, or at the step of, binding of DNA by the enzyme. Gyrl reduces intrinsic as well as toxin-stabilized gyrase-DNA covalent complexes. Furthermore, Gyri reduces microcin B17-mediated double-strand breaks in vivo, imparting protection to the cells against the toxin, substantiating the in vitro results. Thus, Gyrl is an antidote to DNA gyrase-specific proteinaceous poisons encoded by plasmid addiction systems.

Electrochemical Properties of Li3N Dissolved in Molten LiCl at 900 K

Thermodynamic properties of Li3N dissolved in the molten LiCl salt at 900 K were explored using electrochemical methods. It was difficult to determine precisely the decomposition voltage of Li3N dissolved in the molten salt by cyclic voltammetry. The oxidation wave of N3– ion could not be located with high accuracy. However, the lithium activity of the Pb-Li alloy in equilibrium with the molten salt containing dissolved Li3N under nitrogen atmosphere could be measured electrochemically with high accuracy using the Li/Li + reference electrode. Under the conditions used in this study, the potential of the Li-Pb electrode is equal to the decomposition voltage of Li3N. The activity of Li3N in molten LiCl was determined for anionic fractions of N3– ranging from xN3– = 10–4 to 0.028. The nitride ion concentration in the salt was determined by chemical titration. The activity coefficient of the Li3N at high dilution was found to be very low, around 10–4. The activity coefficient increases sharply with composition and has a value of 0.25 at xN3– = 0.028. ©2001 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.

Measurement of Stress-Strain Response of A Rammed Earth Prism In Compression Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

A comparative study of strain response and mechanical properties of rammed earth prisms, has been made using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors (optical) and clip-on extensometer (electro-mechanical). The aim of this study is to address the merits and demerits of traditional extensometer vis-à-vis FBG sensor; a uni-axial compression test has been performed on a rammed earth prism to validate its structural properties from the stress - strain curves obtained by two different methods of measurement. An array of FBG sensors on a single fiber with varying Bragg wavelengths (..B), has been used to spatially resolve the strains along the height of the specimen. It is interesting to note from the obtained stress-strain curves that the initial tangent modulus obtained using the FBG sensor is lower compared to that obtained using clip-on extensometer. The results also indicate that the strains measured by both FBG and extensometer sensor follow the same trend and both the sensors register the maximum strain value at the same time.

A constant factor approximation algorithm for boxicity of circular arc graphs

Boxicity of a graph G(V, E) is the minimum integer k such that G can be represented as the intersection graph of k-dimensional axis parallel boxes in Rk. Equivalently, it is the minimum number of interval graphs on the vertex set V such that the intersection of their edge sets is E. It is known that boxicity cannot be approximated even for graph classes like bipartite, co-bipartite and split graphs below O(n0.5-ε)-factor, for any ε > 0 in polynomial time unless NP = ZPP. Till date, there is no well known graph class of unbounded boxicity for which even an nε-factor approximation algorithm for computing boxicity is known, for any ε < 1. In this paper, we study the boxicity problem on Circular Arc graphs - intersection graphs of arcs of a circle. We give a (2+ 1/k)-factor polynomial time approximation algorithm for computing the boxicity of any circular arc graph along with a corresponding box representation, where k ≥ 1 is its boxicity. For Normal Circular Arc(NCA) graphs, with an NCA model given, this can be improved to an additive 2-factor approximation algorithm. The time complexity of the algorithms to approximately compute the boxicity is O(mn+n2) in both these cases and in O(mn+kn2) which is at most O(n3) time we also get their corresponding box representations, where n is the number of vertices of the graph and m is its number of edges. The additive 2-factor algorithm directly works for any Proper Circular Arc graph, since computing an NCA model for it can be done in polynomial time.

A dynamic topology management in a hybrid wireless superstore network

with the development of large scale wireless networks, there has been short comings and limitations in traditional network topology management systems. In this paper, an adaptive algorithm is proposed to maintain topology of hybrid wireless superstore network by considering the transactions and individual network load. The adaptations include to choose the best network connection for the response, and to perform network Connection switching when network situation changes. At the same time, in terms of the design for topology management systems, aiming at intelligence, real-time, the study makes a step-by-step argument and research on the overall topology management scheme. Architecture for the adaptive topology management of hybrid wireless networking resources is available to user’s mobile device. Simulation results describes that the new scheme has outperformed the original topology management and it is simpler than the original rate borrowing scheme.

Topological analysis of electron density and the electrostatic properties of isoniazid: an experimental and theoretical study

Isoniazid (isonicotinohydrazide) is an important first-line antitubercular drug that targets the InhA enzyme which synthesizes the critical component of the mycobacterial cell wall. An experimental charge-density analysis of isoniazid has been performed to understand its structural and electronic properties in the solid state. A high-resolution single-crystal X-ray intensity data has been collected at 90 K. An aspherical multipole refinement was carried out to explore the topological and electrostatic properties of the isoniazid molecule. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical charge-density calculations performed using CRYSTAL09 with the B3LYP/6-31G** method. A topological analysis of the electron density reveals that the Laplacian of electron density of the N-N bond is significantly less negative, which indicates that the charges at the b.c.p. (bond-critical point) of the bond are least accumulated, and so the bond is considered to be weak. As expected, a strong negative electrostatic potential region is present in the vicinity of the O1, N1 and N3 atoms, which are the reactive locations of the molecule. The C-H center dot center dot center dot N, C-H center dot center dot center dot O and N-H center dot center dot center dot N types of intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions stabilize the crystal structure. The topological analysis of the electron density on hydrogen bonding shows the strength of intermolecular interactions.

Intermolecular interactions, charge-density distribution and the electrostatic properties of pyrazinamide anti-TB drug molecule: an experimental and theoretical charge-density study

An experimental charge-density analysis of pyrazinamide (a first line antitubercular drug) was performed using high-resolution X-ray diffraction data (sin theta/lambda)(max) = 1.1 angstrom(-1)] measured at 100 (2) K. The structure was solved by direct methods using SHELXS97 and refined by SHELXL97. The total electron density of the pyrazinamide molecule was modeled using the Hansen-Coppens multipole formalism implemented in the XD software. The topological properties of electron density determined from the experiment were compared with the theoretical results obtained from CRYSTAL09 at the B3LYP/6-31G** level of theory. The crystal structure was stabilized by N-H center dot center dot center dot N and N-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bonds, in which the N3-H3B center dot center dot center dot N1 and N3-H3A center dot center dot center dot O1 interactions form two types of dimers in the crystal. Hirshfeld surface analysis was carried out to analyze the intermolecular interactions. The fingerprint plot reveals that the N center dot center dot center dot H and O center dot center dot center dot H hydrogen-bonding interactions contribute 26.1 and 18.4%, respectively, of the total Hirshfeld surface. The lattice energy of the molecule was calculated using density functional theory (B3LYP) methods with the 6-31G** basis set. The molecular electrostatic potential of the pyrazinamide molecule exhibits extended electronegative regions around O1, N1 and N2. The existence of a negative electrostatic potential (ESP) region just above the upper and lower surfaces of the pyrazine ring confirm the pi-electron cloud.

Synthesis and crystal structure of copper (II) uracil ternary polymeric complex with 1,10-phenanthroline along with the Hirshfeld surface analysis of the metal binding sites for the uracil ligand

The study of models for ``metal-enzyme-substrate'' interaction has been a proactive area of research owing to its biological and pharmacological importance. In this regard the ternary copper uracil complex with 1,10-phenanthroline represents metal-enzyme-substrate system for DNA binding enzymes. The synthesis of the complex, followed by slow evaporation of the reaction mixture forms two concomitant solvatomorph crystals viz., {Cu(phen)(mu-ura)(H2O)](n)center dot H2O (1a)} and {Cu(phen)(mu-ura)(H2O)](n)center dot CH3OH (1b)}. Both complexes are structurally characterized, while elemental analysis, IR and EPR spectra were recorded for 1b (major product). In both complexes, uracil coordinates uniquely via N1 and N3 nitrogen atom acting as a bidentate bridging ligand forming a 1-D polymer. The two solvatomorphs were quantitatively analyzed for the differences with the aid of Hirshfeld surface analysis. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efecto de diferentes métodos de almacenamiento sobre la viabilidad de la semilla de soya (Glycine Max (L) Merr), variedad "cristalina"

Se sometió a prueba de almacenamiento semilla de soya variedad “cristalina” en bodegas con distinto ambiente, embaladas en diferentes empaques con los objetivos de determinar las posibles causas que deterioran la semilla de soya en condiciones de almacenamiento natural y artificial existentes en nuestro país, comparar tres ambientes de bodegas y tres empaques en la conservación de la viabilidad de la semilla y determinar el periodo de almacenamiento que permita mantener la semilla agronómicamente aceptable durante el periodo de almacenamiento se registraron los factores ambientales y se realizaron análisis de semilla en el laboratorio. Se determinó que las condiciones ambientales de alta temperatura en la bodega Nº3 /EMPROSEM) con promedio de 32.5ºC y alta humedad relativa en bodega Nº1 (ESTELI) con promedio de 77% y la lata humedad inicial de la semilla en todas las bodegas , (13.9%) fueron los factores que provocaron el rápido deterioro de la semilla por ataque principalmente de hongos de almacén además se logró determinar Nº2 (EMPROSEN) con ambiente artificial que la semilla se conserva por encima del 80% de germinación por más tiempo (pero no lo que se necesita de un ciclo a otro). También se observó que el empaque de papel kraff asfaltado conserva mejor la calidad de la semilla por otra parte se comprobó que esta semilla es susceptible al deterioro en almacenamiento natural, de aquí que se sugiere continuar los estudios sobre este tema.

Las crónicas de Sancho IV: un indicio de la producción cronística durante los “oscuros” años posteriores a la muerte de Alfonso X

Resumen: La muerte de Alfonso X no significó el cese total de la actividad historiográfica castellana, sino más bien su continuación en una diversidad mayor de centros de producción, no necesariamente impulsados por una figura regia. Si bien hoy no existen testimonios de trabajos cronísticos del período que va desde 1284 hasta mediados del siglo XIII en donde se haga referencia a los reinados de Alfonso X, Sancho IV y Fernando IV, tenemos al menos cuatro crónicas distintas que refieren los hechos ocurridos en esos años, cuyas fuentes deberían haberse redactado en el lapso de tiempo mencionado: la Crónica de tres reyes, la Crónica de los reyes de Castilla de Jofré de Loaysa, la *Historia hasta 1288 dialogada, y la versión que transmite el manuscrito 1342 de la Biblioteca Nacional de Madrid (N3) que Catalán llama Historia en décadas. La enorme diferencia que existe entre estas obras vuelve discutible cualquier aseveración que pretenda establecer una relación genealógica entre unas y otras, lo cual nos obliga a pensar en la existencia de una abundante documentación preexistente en la que los autores se habrían basado para redactar textos que ostensiblemente develan, en un trabajo comparativo que el presente trabajo pretende realizar, orientaciones políticas diversas

Efecto de períodos críticos de infestación por chicharrita del maíz Dalbulus maidis (Del y W.) (Homoptera: cicadellidae) sobre el rendimiento y la incidencia del achaparramiento en maíz

Con el objetivo de conocer el efecto de periodo de infestación de la chicharrita del maíz dalbulus maldis sobre la incidencia del achaparramiento y el rendimiento de grano en maíz n3-100 de postrera, se realizó este ensayo en la estación experimental del valle de sebaco “Raúl Gonzales” se establecieron 5 periodo de infestación de dalbulus maidis (0-10,10-20,30-40 dds) y un periodo sin infestación entre 0 y 40 dds. Se usaron jaulas finas para la protección de las plantas del vector dalbulus maidis. Durante los periodos la infestación de las plantas por la chicharrita del maíz dalbulus maidis consistía en quitar las jaulas de las plantas y dejarlas con infestación natural hasta el periodo determinado. El rendimiento tiende a ser más bajo cuando la infestación es mas tarde. El periodo de infestación, 0-40 dds obtuvo el más bajo rendimiento y mayor grado de síntomas de las enfermedades, lo que nos indica que existe un efecto de la cantidad de inoculo ya que este periodo la planta huésped estuvo más tiempo expuesta a la transmisión del inoculo, mientras que los otros periodo de infestación (0-10,10-20,20-30 y 30-40 dds) indican que existe un efecto del momento en que ocurrió la transmisión del inoculo por el vector dalbulus maidis. El rendimiento más alto lo obtuvo el periodo sin infestación en el cual no se presentaron síntomas de la enfermedad. Los rendimiento bajaron en 68-538 en el periodo de infestación, 0-10 dds con respecto al periodo sin infestación. La relación entre grado de síntoma y peso de grano fue determinada. El grado de síntoma de la enfermedad a los 50,60 y 70 dds explicaron aproximadamente el 27,42 y 636 de la varianza en el rendimiento de grano respectivamente y más eficaz. Las estrategias de control del vector dalbulus maidis debe enfocarse con mayor énfasis en los primeros periodo de infestación,, donde una medida de control nos saldría más rentable y más eficaz.

Dermatofitosis en caninos procedentes de dos barrios de Managua, atendidos en la clínica Emergencia Veterinaria, agosto – septiembre 2014

El presente estudio de caso, se realizó para la valoración de la presencia de la dermatofitosis en especies caninas, siendo las especies más comunes Microsporum y Trichopyton. El estudio se realizó en la Clínica “Emergencias Veterinarias” ubicada en el casco urbano de Managua” para obtener un diagnóstico definitivo se realizó el diagnóstico clínico tomando en cuenta el historial de los pacientes, sintomatología y lesiones: pústula, pápula, eritema, descamación, costra, alopecia, pelo quebradizo, foliculítis así como factores predisponente: factores ambientales, humedad, ph, edad, raza, sexo, individuo, realizando el diagnóstico por laboratorio en tres pacientes. Las muestras fueron remitidas al laboratorio veterinario con los siguientes estudios clínicos ; Raspado de piel por KoH al 10% Y 20%, determinaron la presencia de estructuras micóticas asociadas a hifas y levaduras en el caso N°1, estructuras asociadas a artrosporas e hifas en el caso N°2, y estructuras asociadas a hifas y levaduras en el caso N°3, además se realizó un control de crecimiento de contaminantes en agar Sabouraud con glucosa al 2%, donde se observó por caracterización macroscópica el crecimiento de contaminantes en mayor abundancia en el caso N°3. Una vez obtenidos los resultados se procesaron las muestras en Dermatofitos Test Medium (Urano Test Dermatofitos) donde se observó que el caso N°1 y caso N°3 dieron negativo a DTM, el caso N°2 resulto ser positivo y se prosiguió a la caracterización microscópica del agente por tinción de contraste, donde se identificó al Microsporum gypseum como el agente causal de la lesión y como factores predisponentes se verificaron los ambientales y la edad del paciente, la aplicación de tratamiento fue de forma tópico y sistémico a través de fungicida o fungistático , baño con clorhexidina y miconazol 1 vez a la semana por 6 semanas , ketoconazol en tableta a una dosis de 10 mg /kg/día por 30 días , dándola en la comida para conseguir un ph gástrico acido, regulador del sistema inmune (caseína) 1 tableta al día por 30 días, vitamina ADɜE intramuscular . Palabras claves: Canino; Dermatofitos; Microsporum; Trichophyton; Raspado de piel; Cultivo micotico.

Artisanal and inshore fisheries development in Nigeria: Status paper on the FAO/UNDP Project NIR/77/001

The UNDP/FAO supported Federal Fisheries Project for the Development of Artisanal and Inshore Fisheries in Nigeria has the specific objective of increasing fish production through an integrated approach aimed at upgrading the rural coastal fishermen and improving their living conditions. The project has an operating life-span of three years and envisages a total outlay of nearly N3 million in terms of personnel and services. This paper attempts to review the activities of the project during the first two years of the operational phase and highlight some of its specific achievements.

Improving aquaculture through increased fisheries extension research

The present study was conducted, as an attempt to disabuse minds of practicing fish farmers and also encourage prospective farmers who are of the opinion that fish culture is not as profitable as it is widely reported. The study was carried out in an abandoned concrete water fountain tank (20m super(2)) made primarily for recreational purposes. The tank was stocked initially with 125 post fingerlings (Heterobtranchus bidorsalis) bought at rate of N30 each. Cost of feeding was N3, 149.85. Gross and net profits for the passive 2- year culture stood at N27, 149.85 and N20, 000.00 respectively. The longest fish (L sub(max)) was 64.0 com TL while the smallest 41.5cm TL (64.8%L sub(max)) and weight 1.9kg (W sub(max)) and 0.5kg 26.3%W sub(max)). Weight and length data generated from the study were examined

长周期光纤光栅气敏薄膜传感器结构优化

基于三包层长周期光纤光栅模型，研究了包层表面涂覆-层溶胶-凝胶气敏薄膜的长周期光纤光栅化学传感器的灵敏度Sn与薄膜光学参量（折射��n3和厚度h3）和光纤光栅结构参量（光栅周期、折变量和光栅长度）之间的关系。采用最优化数值方法，找到了获得高灵敏度所需的最佳膜层光学参量和光栅结构参量。理论计算表明，该类型传感器对膜层折射率的测量分辨率高达10^-8。实验上制作了对乙醇气体敏感的传感器，并证实了传感器结构优化的必要性。