Physically Based, Hydrologic Model Results Based on Three Precipitation Products

The main objective of the study is to examine the accuracy of and differences among simulated streamflows driven by rainfall estimates from a network of 22 rain gauges spread over a 2,170 km2 watershed, NEXRAD Stage III radar data, and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42 satellite data. The Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA), a physically based, distributed parameter, grid-structured, hydrologic model, was used to simulate the June-2002 flooding event in the Upper Guadalupe River watershed in south central Texas. There were significant differences between the rainfall fields estimated by the three types of measurement technologies. These differences resulted in even larger differences in the simulated hydrologic response of the watershed. In general, simulations driven by radar rainfall yielded better results than those driven by satellite or rain-gauge estimates. This study also presents an overview of effects of land cover changes on runoff and stream discharge. The results demonstrate that, for major rainfall events similar to the 2002 event, the effect of urbanization on the watershed in the past two decades would not have made any significant effect on the hydrologic response. The effect of urbanization on the hydrologic response increases as the size of the rainfall event decreases.

An approach toward the synthesis of PPAP natural product garsubellin A: construction of the tricyclic core

In a study directed toward the bioactive natural product garsubellin A, an expedient route to the bicyclo 3.3.1]nonan-9-one bearing tricyclic core, with a bridgehead anchored tetrahydrofuran ring, is delineated. The approach emanating from commercially available dimedone involved a DIBAL-H mediated retro aldol/re-aldol cyclization cascade and a PCC mediated oxidative cyclization as the key steps. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fish inspired biomimetic ionic polymer metal composite pectoral fins using labriform propulsion

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC) are a new class of smart materials that have attractive characteristics such as muscle like softness, low voltage and power consumption, and good performance in aqueous environments. Thus, IPMC’s provide promising application for biomimetic fish like propulsion systems. In this paper, we design and analyze IPMC underwater propulsor inspired from swimming of Labriform fishes. Different fish species in nature are source of inspiration for different biomimetic flapping IPMC fin design. Here, three fish species with high performance flapping pectoral fin locomotion is chosen and performance analysis of each fin design is done to discover the better configurations for engineering applications. In order to describe the behavior of an active IPMC fin actuator in water, a complex hydrodynamic function is used and structural model of the IPMC fin is obtained by modifying the classical dynamic equation for a slender beam. A quasi-steady blade element model that accounts for unsteady phenomena such as added mass effects, dynamic stall, and the cumulative Wagner effect is used to estimate the hydrodynamic performance of the flapping rectangular shape fin. Dynamic characteristics of IPMC actuated flapping fins having the same size as the actual fins of three different fish species, Gomphosus varius, Scarus frenatus and Sthethojulis trilineata, are analyzed with numerical simulations. Finally, a comparative study is performed to analyze the performance of three different biomimetic IPMC flapping pectoral fins.

Effect of lipopolysaccharide on alteration of phospholipids and their fatty acid composition in spleen and thymus by in vitro metabolic labeling

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin, a potent stimulator of immune response and induction of LPS leads to acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a life-threatening disease worldwide with a high mortality rate. The immunological effect of LPS with spleen and thymus is well documented; however the impact on membrane phospholipid during endotoxemia has not yet been studied. Hence we aimed to investigate the influence of LPS on spleen and thymus phospholipid and fatty acid composition by 32P]orthophosphate labeling in rats. The in vitro labeling was carried out with phosphate-free medium (saline). Time course, LPS concentration-dependent, pre- and post-labeling with LPS and fatty acid analysis of phospholipid were performed. Labeling studies showed that 50 mu g LPS specifically altered the major phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol in spleen and phosphatidylcholine in thymus. Fatty acid analysis showed a marked alteration of unsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids in spleen and thymus leading to immune impairment via the fatty acid remodeling pathway. Our present in vitro lipid metabolic labeling study could open up new vistas for exploring LPS-induced immune impairment in spleen and thymus, as well as the underlying mechanism.

Zn-nicotinate complex - a precursor for ZnO nanoparticles

A zinc-nicotinate complex has been prepared by direct reaction of zinc acetate and nicotinic acid in the presence of template tetramethylethylenediamine and is characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, and TGA/DTA. The Zn complex was a precursor for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. A correlation of the thermal and spectral properties of the precursor complex with its structure has been discussed. Thermolysis under air was studied by thermogravimetry, and the resulting ZnO product was characterized by XRD and TEM, showing compact particles with a diameter of about 1750nm.

A multi-level multi-scale approach to study essential genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Background: The set of indispensable genes that are required by an organism to grow and sustain life are termed as essential genes. There is a strong interest in identification of the set of essential genes, particularly in pathogens, not only for a better understanding of the pathogen biology, but also for identifying drug targets and the minimal gene set for the organism. Essentiality is inherently a systems property and requires consideration of the system as a whole for their identification. The available experimental approaches capture some aspects but each method comes with its own limitations. Moreover, they do not explain the basis for essentiality in most cases. A powerful prediction method to recognize this gene pool including rationalization of the known essential genes in a given organism would be very useful. Here we describe a multi-level multi-scale approach to identify the essential gene pool in a deadly pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results: The multi-level workflow analyses the bacterial cell by studying (a) genome-wide gene expression profiles to identify the set of genes which show consistent and significant levels of expression in multiple samples of the same condition, (b) indispensability for growth by using gene expression integrated flux balance analysis of a genome-scale metabolic model, (c) importance for maintaining the integrity and flow in a protein-protein interaction network and (d) evolutionary conservation in a set of genomes of the same ecological niche. In the gene pool identified, the functional basis for essentiality has been addressed by studying residue level conservation and the sub-structure at the ligand binding pockets, from which essential amino acid residues in that pocket have also been identified. 283 genes were identified as essential genes with high-confidence. An agreement of about 73.5% is observed with that obtained from the experimental transposon mutagenesis technique. A large proportion of the identified genes belong to the class of intermediary metabolism and respiration. Conclusions: The multi-scale, multi-level approach described can be generally applied to other pathogens as well. The essential gene pool identified form a basis for designing experiments to probe their finer functional roles and also serve as a ready shortlist for identifying drug targets.

Tailoring the interface of an immiscible polymer blend by a mutually miscible homopolymer grafted onto graphene oxide: outstanding mechanical properties

A unique strategy was adopted here to improve the compatibility between the components of an immiscible polymer blend and strengthen the interface. PMMA, a mutually miscible polymer to both PVDF and ABS, improved the compatibility between the phases by localizing at the blends interface. This was supported by the core-shell formation with PMMA as the shell and ABS as the core as observed from the SEM micrographs. This phenomenon was strongly contingent on the concentration of PMMA in the blends. This strategy was further extended to localize graphene oxide (GO) sheets at the blends interface by chemically coupling it to PMMA (PMMA-g-GO). A dramatic increment of ca. 84% in the Young's modulus and ca. 124% in the yield strength was observed in the presence of PMMA-g-GO with respect to the neat blends. A simultaneous increment in both the strength and the modulus was observed in the presence of PMMA-g-GO whereas, only addition of GO resulted in a moderate improvement in the yield strength. This study reveals that a mutually miscible polymer can render compatibility between the immiscible pair and can improve the stress transfer at the interface.

Analysis of the hierarchical structure of the B. subtilis transcriptional regulatory network

The transcriptional regulation of gene expression is orchestrated by complex networks of interacting genes. Increasing evidence indicates that these `transcriptional regulatory networks' (TRNs) in bacteria have an inherently hierarchical architecture, although the design principles and the specific advantages offered by this type of organization have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we focussed on the hierarchical structure of the TRN of the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis and performed a comparative analysis with the TRN of the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. Using a graph-theoretic approach, we organized the transcription factors (TFs) and sigma-factors in the TRNs of B. subtilis and E. coli into three hierarchical levels (Top, Middle and Bottom) and studied several structural and functional properties across them. In addition to many similarities, we found also specific differences, explaining the majority of them with variations in the distribution of s-factors across the hierarchical levels in the two organisms. We then investigated the control of target metabolic genes by transcriptional regulators to characterize the differential regulation of three distinct metabolic subsystems (catabolism, anabolism and central energy metabolism). These results suggest that the hierarchical architecture that we observed in B. subtilis represents an effective organization of its TRN to achieve flexibility in response to a wide range of diverse stimuli.

Modeling and Simulation of Liquid Pulsed Particulate Fluidized Beds

Pulsed fluidization is of considerable interest in process engineering for improving fluidization quality. Quantitative understanding of the pulsed two-phase flow behaviors is very important for proper design and optimum operation of such contactors. The

Influencia de períodos de control de malezas sobre el crecimiento y rendimiento del cultivo de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) var DOR 364

El presente trabajo se realizó en época de postrera de 1997 (septiembre- diciembre) en la estación experimental La Compañía, ubicada en el municipio de San Marcos, Carazo. El trabajo se realizó en un suelo de origen volcánico de la serie Masatepe (MS), con el propósito de determinar la influencia de períodos de control de malezas sobre la dinámica de las malezas y el crecimiento y rendimiento del cultivo de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Para el estudio se utilizó un diseño de bloques al azar (BCA) con cuatro replicas y siete tratamientos. Los tratamientos evaluados fueron períodos de control de malezas durante 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 días después de la siembra. Un tratamiento estuvo enmalezado totalmente durante todo el ciclo del cultivo. Las variables evaluadas fueron diversidad, abundancia y cobertura de malezas, altura de planta de frijol común, componentes del rendimiento y el rendimiento como tal. Los resultados pueden resumirse de la siguiente forma: se encontraron trece especies de malezas en el ensayo compitiendo con el cultivo, cinco pertenecen a las monocotiledóneas y ocho a las dicotiledóneas. Los períodos de control de malezas no muestran efectos sobre las variables abundancia y cobertura de malezas. La altura de planta en el cultivo de frijol común se incrementan (31, 50, y 59 cm) a medida que aumenta el período de competencia con las malezas. Los mejores rendimientos de grano (1310 kg/ha y 1257 kg/ha) se obtuvieron con períodos de control de malezas de 35 y 28 días después de la siembra, sin embargo estos tratamiento no difieren estadísticamente del tratamiento con control de malezas durante 21 días después de la siembra. La mejor tasa de retomo marginal (460%) se obtuvo con el tratamiento con control durante 21 días después de la siembra, corroborando la importancia de mantener libre de malezas el cultivo de frijol hasta dicho momento.

New tools for self-organised pattern formation

Position-dependent gene expression is a critical aspect of the development and behaviour of multicellular organisms. It requires a complex series of interactions to occur between different cell types in addition to intracellular signalling cascades. We used Escherichia coli to study the properties of an artificial signalling system at the interface between two expanding cell populations. We genetically engineered one population to produce a diffusible acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signal, and another population to respond to it. Our experiments demonstrate how such a signal can be used to reproducibly generate simple visible patterns with high accuracy in swimming agar. The producing and responding cassettes of two such signalling systems can be linked to produce a symmetric interface for bidirectional communication that can be used to visualise molecular logic. Intracellular feedback between these two cassettes would then create a framework for self-organised patterning of higher complexity. Adapting the experiments of Basu et al. (Basu et al., 2005) using cell motility, rather than a differential response to AHL concentrations as a way to define zones of response, we noted how the interaction of sender and receiver cell populations on a swimming plate could lead to complex pattern formation. Equipping highly motile strains such as E. coli MC1000 with AHL-mediated auto-inducing systems based on Vibrio fischeri luxI/luxR and Pseudomonas aeruginosa lasI/lasR cassettes would allow the amplification of a response to an AHL signal and its propagation. We designed and synthesised codon-optimised auto-inducing luxI/R and lasI/R cassettes as optimal gene expression is crucial for the generation of robust patterns. We still have to complete and test the entire genetic circuitry, although by modelling the system we were able to demonstrate its feasibility. © 2007 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Período de conservación de la semilla de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) bajo diferentes condiciones de almacenamiento

El presente trabajo se realizó con semilla de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) De 12 agricultores de igual número de localidades del territorio nicaragüense, con los objetivos de determinar el período de almacenamiento de la semilla en las condiciones de los agricultores, determinar el mejor envase para almacenamiento en las mismas condiciones y determinar la calidad inicial de la semilla a través de la medición de las variables contenido de humedad, vigor, germinación y sanidad. La semilla de cada productor se tomó como un lote, el cual se dividió en dos partes: una para almacenarse en condiciones naturales en la finca del agricultor y otra en condiciones controladas en el Programa de Recursos Genéticos Nicaragüenses (REGEN), adscrito a la Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA). Tanto en las condiciones naturales como en las controladas, cada sub-lote se dividió en tres partes para almacenarse cada una en silo metálico, bolsa plástica y saco de polipropileno trenzado. De esta manera se estudiaron tres factores (modelo trifactorial): productor, localidad y envase, arreglados en un Diseño Completamente al Azar, con el fin de evaluar el efecto del manejo de la semilla de cada productor, las condiciones de almacenamiento y el tipo de envase sobre las variables vigor y germinación de la semilla. Se hizo el monitoreo de la calidad de la semilla a los O, 90, 180 y 270 días a través de la evaluación del vigor y la germinación, haciendo 4 réplicas de 50 Semillas cada una. Para el análisis de los resultados de calidad inicial de la semilla se utilizaron rangos promedios, exceptuando las variables vigor y germinación cuyo datos provenientes de un experimento bifactorial (factor A = zona y factor B = productores dentro de zonas) arreglados en un diseño completamente al azar, fueron sometidas al análisis de varianza. De igual manera se realizó el análisis de componentes de varianza a fin de determinar el efecto de cada uno de los factores bajo estudio sobre la respuesta de la variables antes mencionada. Los datos de vigor y germinación provenientes del monitoreo de la calidad de la semilla fueron sometidos a análisis multivariado de varianza. De acuerdo al análisis de varianza, los efectos de zona y productores dentro de zona resultaron altamente significativos para el variable vigor. Para el caso de la germinación solamente el efecto productor dentro de zona resultó altamente significativo. La semilla de la zona B-5 (Jinotega y Matagalpa) mostró el vigor inicial más alto con un valor de 85.6 %, seguido de la zona A-2 (Masaya, Carazo y Granada) 76.5 %; sin embargo, la semilla del productor Edgar Huete (Madriz) mostró el vigor inicial más elevado con 88.5 %. Respecto a la germinación inicial el valor más alta lo mostró la semilla de los productores Armando Guerrero (Estelí) con 100 %, Eusebio García (Matagalpa) con 99 % y René Navas (Carazo ) con 98.5 %. No obstante, todos los resultados fueron superiores al 90 % al inicio del estudio. Los resultados de las zonas fueron muy similares. El análisis de sanidad reveló que la semilla de frijol sometida a estudio posee buenas características sanitarias. Los resultados del análisis multivariado de varianza mostraron que los variables vigor y germinación resultaron significativamente influenciadas por los factores productores, ambiente de almacén, envase y sus interacciones, más el efecto del factor tiempo. El 82 % de las muestras almacenadas en ambas condiciones (controladas y naturales) mantuvieron la germinación superior al 80 % hasta los nueve meses. El mejor envase para preservar la calidad de la semilla fue el silo metálico, seguido de la bolsa plástica y el saco, respectivamente.

Sapientia, 1970, Vol. XXV, nº 96 (número completo)

Contenido: La declinación del espíritu y de la cultura / Octavio N. Derisi – Escalas y sistemas de la naturaleza / Olsen A. Ghirardi – La inversión de la perspectiva filosófica y sus consecuencias / Michele F. Sciacca – Positivismo y dialéctica / Norbert Lechner – Notas y comentarios -- Bibliografía