Sensible heat fluxes during the active and break phases of the southwest monsoon over the Indian region

Based on the theory given by Saltzman and Ashe (1976), sensible heat fluxes are calculated for the active and break phases of the southwest monsoon over the Indian region. The conclusion drawn is that the sensible heat flux is generally larger during the break monsoon situation when compared with that for the active monsoon situation. The synoptic heat flux is negligible when compared with mean and diurnal heat fluxes over the Indian region even during the monsoon season.

Equine hyperinsulinemia: Investigation of the enteroinsular axis during insulin dysregulation

Compared to other species insulin dysregulation in equids is poorly understood. Hyperinsulinemia causes laminitis, a significant and often lethal disease affecting the pedal bone/hoof wall attachment site. Until recently, hyperinsulinemia has been considered a counter-regulatory response to insulin resistance (IR), but there is growing evidence to support a gastrointestinal etiology. Incretin hormones released from the proximal intestine, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, augment insulin secretion in several species, but require investigation in horses. This study investigated peripheral and gut-derived factors impacting insulin secretion by comparing the response to intravenous (IV) and oral D-glucose. Oral and IV tests were performed in 22 ponies previously shown to be insulin dysregulated, of which only 15 were classified as IR (IV test). In a more detailed study, nine different ponies received four treatments: D-glucose orally, D-glucose IV, oats and Workhorse-mix. Insulin, glucose and incretin concentrations were measured before and after each treatment. All nine ponies showed similar IV responses, but five were markedly hyper-responsive to oral D-glucose and four were not. Insulin responsiveness to oral D-glucose was strongly associated with blood glucose concentrations and oral glucose bioavailability, presumably driven by glucose absorption/distribution, as there was no difference in glucose clearance rates. Insulin was also positively associated with active GLP-1 following D-glucose and grain. This study has confirmed a functional enteroinsular axis in ponies which likely contributes to insulin dysregulation that may predispose them to laminitis. Further, IV tests for IR are not reliable predictors of the oral response to dietary non-structural carbohydrate.

Future learning landscapes for architectural education: Linking space, place, pedagogy, technology + context

Diversification and expansion of global higher education in the 21st century, has resulted in Learning Landscapes for architectural education that can no longer be sustained by the traditional model. Changes have resulted because of surging student numbers, extensions to traditional curricula, evolving competency standards and accreditation requirements, and modified geographical and pedagogical boundaries. The influx of available new technology has helped to democratise knowledge, transforming when, where and how learning takes place. Pressures on government funded higher education budgets highlight the need for a critical review of the current approach to the design and use of learning environments. Efficient design of physical space contributes significantly to savings in provision, management and use of facilities, while also potentially improving pedagogical quality. The purpose of this research is to identify emerging trends in the design of future Learning Landscapes for architectural education in Australasia; to understand where and how students of architecture are likely to learn, in the future context. It explores the important linkages between space, place, pedagogy, technology and context, using a multi methodological qualitative research approach. An Australasian context study will explore the Learning Landscapes of 23 Schools of Architecture across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The focus of this paper is on the methodology which is being employed to undertake dynamic data collection for the study. The research will be determined through mapping all forms of architectural learning environments, pedagogical approaches and contextual issues, to bridge the gap between academic theory, and architectural design practice. An initial understanding that pedagogy is an intrinsic component imbedded within the design of learning environments, will play an important role. Active learning environments which are exemplified by the architectural design studio, support dynamic project based and collaborative connected learning models. These have recently become a lot more common in disciplines outside of design and the arts. It is anticipated, therefore, that the implications for this research may well have a positive impact far beyond the confines of the architectural studio learning environment.

Tree-ring based hydroclimate reconstruction over northern Vietnam from Fokienia hodginsii: eighteenth century mega-drought and tropical Pacific influence

We present here the first statistically calibrated and verified tree-ring reconstruction of climate from continental Southeast Asia.The reconstructed variable is March-May (MAM) Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) based on ring widths from 22 trees (42 radial cores) of rare and long-lived conifer, Fokienia hodginsii (Po Mu as locally called) from northern Vietnam. This is the first published tree ring chronology from Vietnam as well as the first for this species. Spanning 535 years, this is the longest cross-dated tree-ring series yet produced from continental Southeast Asia. Response analysis revealed that the annual growth of Fokienia at this site was mostly governed by soil moisture in the pre-monsoon season. The reconstruction passed the calibration-verification tests commonly used in dendroclimatology, and revealed two prominent periods of drought in the mid-eighteenth and late-nineteenth enturies. The former lasted nearly 30 years and was concurrent with a similar drought over northwestern Thailand inferred from teak rings, suggesting a ``mega-drought'' extending across Indochina in the eighteenth century. Both of our reconstructed droughts are consistent with the periods of warm sea surface temperature (SST)anomalies in the tropical Pacific. Spatial correlation analyses with global SST indicated that ENSO-like anomalies might play a role in modulating droughts over the region, with El Nio (warm) phases resulting in reduced rainfall. However, significant correlation was also seen with SST over the Indian Ocean and the north Pacific,suggesting that ENSO is not the only factor affecting the climate of the area. Spectral analyses revealed significant peaks in the range of 53.9-78.8 years as well as in the ENSO-variability range of 2.0 to 3.2 years.

Long-term trends in fertility of soils under continuous cultivation and cereal cropping in southern Queensland. IX. Simulation of soil carbon and nitrogen pools using CENTURY model

Cultivation and cropping of soils results in a decline in soil organic carbon and soil nitrogen, and can lead to reduced crop yields. The CENTURY model was used to simulate the effects of continuous cultivation and cereal cropping on total soil organic matter (C and N), carbon pools, nitrogen mineralisation, and crop yield from 6 locations in southern Queensland. The model was calibrated for each replicate from the original datasets, allowing comparisons for each replicate rather than site averages. The CENTURY model was able to satisfactorily predict the impact of long-term cultivation and cereal cropping on total organic carbon, but was less successful in simulating the different fractions and nitrogen mineralisation. The model firstly over-predicted the initial (pre-cropping) soil carbon and nitrogen concentration of the sites. To account for the unique shrinking and swelling characteristics of the Vertosol soils, the default annual decomposition rates of the slow and passive carbon pools were doubled, and then the model accurately predicted initial conditions. The ability of the model to predict carbon pool fractions varied, demonstrating the difficulty inherent in predicting the size of these conceptual pools. The strength of the model lies in the ability to closely predict the starting soil organic matter conditions, and the ability to predict the impact of clearing, cultivation, fertiliser application, and continuous cropping on total soil carbon and nitrogen.

Eradication of invasive species: progress and emerging issues in the 21st century

At an international conference on the eradication of invasive species, held in 2001, Simberloff (2002) noted some past successes in eradication—from the global eradication of smallpox (Fenner et al. 1988) to the many successful eradications of populations (mostly mammals) from small islands (e.g. Veitch and Bell 1990; Burbidge and Morris 2002). However, he cautioned that we needed to be more ambitious and aim higher if we are to prevent and reverse the growing threat of the homogenization of global biodiversity. In this chapter we review how the management strategy of eradication—the permanent removal of entire discrete populations—has contributed to the stretch in goals advocated by Simberloff. We also discuss impediments to eradication success, and summarize how some of the lessons learnt during this process have contributed to the other strategies (prevention and sustained control) that are required to manage the wider threat posed by invasive alien species. We concentrate on terrestrial vertebrates and weeds (our areas of expertise), but touch on terrestrial invertebrates and marine and freshwater species in the discussion on emerging issues, to illustrate some of the different constraints these taxa and habitats impose on the feasibility of eradication.

Dialogisuus ja kohtaaminen : Tutkimus kristillisten koulujen toimintakulttuurista kasvatussuhteen näkökulmasta

The main focus of this research was to describe the educational purpose of Christian schools within their operation culture. The Christian schools founded in Finland can be seen as part of a greater movement in Europe. In this research the dialogue and encounter in the educational scheme of Finnish Christian schools were examined by asking three research questions: 1. What is the nature of the dialogue in education in Finnish Christian schools? 2. How do the teachers describe themselves as educators? 3. What are the special characteristics in the operation culture of a Christian school? The educational relationship was regarded as fundamental and in the background reflected the absolute value of each student. Communication skills were viewed as essential in the building of relationships, which also included emotion communication skills as a broader view. The teachers expressed their comprehension of the meaning of the dialogue in the building of a relationship with practical examples. Students learned to understand one another's experiences by discussion and listening to one another. The values that created a connection were mutual appreciation, honesty, taking the other one into account, and the ability for empathy. Caring was regarded as a relationship between people, as well as a genuine mutual encounter, in which all parties would listen to one another and be heard by others. The respondents thought that individual attention and time were the keys to reaching well-being and an encounter. Students' commitment to the community was supported by mutual agreements, identifying with the common world, and encounters. The appearance of Christian love agape was named as the basis for an educational relationship. The answers emphasised shared everyday life at school. According to the teachers, the willingness for personal growth enabled encounters, although growth as such was often regarded as difficult. Cognitive emphasising and emotional experiencing from a dynamic perspective, were the means by which students' ethical understanding was comprehended. The teachers named three key factors to create a confidential relationship: a respectful attitude, courage, and genuineness. Within the school operational environment, a sense of community was emphasised, in which each student was taken into account individually. The active role of parents was an essential part of the school culture. The administration of the schools appeared committed. The additional pressure in school work came from efforts to ensure the official status of the school, as well as the large amount of administrative work involved in a private school. According to the research data, there was no evidence to support any elitism that is often associated with private schools.

Autographed portrait of Martin Buber Portraits; Men

Handwritten dedication: Robert Weltsch in herzlicher Gesinnung MB

Cholesterol-Esterifying Enzymes in Developing Rat Brain

A cholesterol-esterifying enzyme which incorporates exogenous fatty acids into cholesterol esters in the presence of ATP and coenzyme A was demonstrated in 15-day-old rat brain. This enzyme was maximally active at pH 7.4 and distinct from the cholesterol-esterifying enzyme reported earlier (Eto and Suzuki, 1971), which has a pH optimum at 5.2 and does not require cofactors. Properties of the two enzymes have been compared. Both the enzymes showed negligible esterification with acetate and were maximally active with oleic acid. The pH 5.2 enzyme esterified desmosterol, lanosterol and cholesterol at about the same rate, while the pH 7.4 enzyme was only 50% as active ith lanosterol as it was with cholesterol and desmosterol. Phosphatidyl serine stimulated the pH 5.2 enzyme but not the pH 7.4 enzyme. Phosphatidyl choline and sodium taurocholate showed no effect on either of the enzymes. Both the enzymes were associated with particulate fractions, but the pH 7.4 enzyme was localized more in the microsomes. Purified myelin showed 2.6-fold and 1.5-fold higher specific activities of pH 5.2 and 7.4 enzymes respectively, when compared with homogenate. About 7-10% of total activity of both the enzymes was associated with purified myelin. Brain stem and spinal cord showed higher specific activity of pH 5.2 enzyme than cerebral cortex and cerebellum, while pH 7.4 enzyme specific activity was higher in cerebellum and brain stem than in cerebral cortex and spinal cord. Microsomal pH 7.4 activity showed progressive increase prior to the active period of myelination, reaching a maximum on the 15th day after birth and declined to 20% of the peak activity by 30 days. In contrast, pH 5.2 enzyme reached maximum activity about the 6th day after birth and remained at this level well into adulthood. In 15-day-old rat brain, pH 7.4 enzyme had five to six times higher specific activity than pH 5.2 enzyme, while in adults the activities were equal. The pH 7.4 enzyme showed a threefold higher specific activity than pH 5.2 enzyme in myelin from 15-day-old rats, but in adults the reverse was true. Key Words: Cholesterol esterifying enzymes-Developing rat brain-Myelination. Jagannatha H. M. and Sastry P. S. Cholesterol-esterifying enzymes in developing rat brain. J. Neurochem. 36, 1352- 1360 (1981).

Characterization of the mitochondrial active-site serine protein LACTB: filaments in the mitochondrial intermembrane space

Mitochondria have evolved from endosymbiotic alpha-proteobacteria. During the endosymbiotic process early eukaryotes dumped the major component of the bacterial cell wall, the peptidoglycan layer. Peptidoglycan is synthesized and maintained by active-site serine enzymes belonging to the penicillin-binding protein and the β-lactamase superfamily. Mammals harbor a protein named LACTB that shares sequence similarity with bacterial penicillin-binding proteins and β-lactamases. Since eukaryotes lack the synthesis machinery for peptidoglycan, the physiological role of LACTB is intriguing. Recently, LACTB has been validated in vivo to be causative for obesity, suggesting that LACTB is implicated in metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the phylogeny, structure, biochemistry and cell biology of LACTB in order to elucidate its physiological function. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LACTB has evolved from penicillin binding-proteins present in the bacterial periplasmic space. A structural model of LACTB indicates that LACTB shares characteristic features common to all penicillin-binding proteins and β-lactamases. Recombinat LACTB protein expressed in E. coli was recovered in significant quantities. Biochemical and cell biology studies showed that LACTB is a soluble protein localized in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Further analysis showed that LACTB preprotein underwent proteolytic processing disclosing an N-terminal tetrapeptide motif also found in a set of cell death-inducing proteins. Electron microscopy structural studies revealed that LACTB can polymerize to form stable filaments with lengths ranging from twenty to several hundred nanometers. These data suggest that LACTB filaments define a distinct microdomain in the intermembrane space. A possible role of LACTB filaments is proposed in the intramitochondrial membrane organization and microcompartmentation. The implications of these findings offer novel insight into the evolution of mitochondria. Further studies of the LACTB function might provide a tool to treat mitochondria-related metabolic diseases.

Molecular structure of Boc-Aib-Aib-Phe-Met-NH2·DMSO. A fragment of a biologically active enkephalin analogue

The tetrapeptide t-butyloxycarbonyl--aminoisobutyryl--aminoisobutyryl-L- phenylalanyl-L-methionyl amide crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 with a= 9.096, b= 18.067, c= 21.701 Å and Z= 4. The crystals contain one molecule of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) associated with each peptide. The structure has been solved by direct methods and refined to an R value of 0.103 for 2 672 observed reflections. The peptide adopts a distorted 310 helical structure stabilized by two intramolecular 4 1 hydrogen bonds between the Boc CO and Aib(1) CO groups and the NH groups of Phe(3) and Met(4), respectively. A long hydrogen bond (N O = 3.35 Å) is also observed between Aib(2) CO and one of the terminal amide hydrogens. The DMSO molecule is strongly hydrogen bonded to the Aib(1) NH group. The solid-state conformation agrees well with proposals made on the basis of n.m.r. studies in solution.

Where the action isn't, that's where it is

Contribution to ARI Remix. ARI remix is a three-year digital humanities, artist interviews and oral history project collecting and presenting memories of Australian Artist-run culture in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory between 1980 and 2000. Its focus is fleshing out and illuminating the ephemeral and neglected histories of the many lively and socially engaged artistic scenes along the east coast of Australia during the last two decades of the 20th century.

Mirror-backed photograph frame containing portrait of Martin Wasserzug Portraits Men

Digital Image

Wedding portrait of Martin and Lotte Lewin Portraits Couples

Handwritten thank you note under photograph signed by Lotte Lewin dated February 6, 1935