Chloroplastic glutamine synthetase from normal and water stressed safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) leaves

The chloroplastic isoform of glutamine synthetase (GS(2), EC 6.3.1.2) from normal and water stressed safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L. cv.A-300) leaves has been purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity by a procedure involving anion-exchange, hydrophobic and size-exclusion chromatography followed by electroelution of the protein from preparative polyacrylamide gels. The observed molecular weight of the native protein varied from 305-330 kDa depending on the sizing column employed. The native protein is composed of 44 kDa subunits. Under conditions of saturating ammonium and at ATP levels of 0.1-10 mM, double-reciprocal plots with respect to glutamate are biphasic and concave downward at high concentrations of the varied substrate for normal enzyme but are linear for enzyme from water-stressed plants. Under subsaturating ATP levels, K-Glu is over 18-fold lower for enzyme from stressed leaves. The K-m, (ATP) varies with Mg2+ levels in the assay mixture. Double-reciprocal plots of initial velocity with respect to ATP at changing fixed levels of NH4+ are linear for normal enzyme but are curved upwards for enzyme from stressed leaves. Initial velocity data of 1/v vs. 1/ammonium for the enzyme from both the sources are non-linear (curved upwards) when ATP is saturating. At subsaturating ATP levels, the data are linear for normal enzyme but are still non-linear for the enzyme from stressed leaves. The results obtained suggest positively cooperative binding of NH4+ A V-max(/2) value of 3.6 mM for Mg2+ was obtained at 5 mM ATP. The isoelectric point of the native protein from normal and stressed leaves was determined to be, respectively, 5.6 and 6.1. The mixed competitive and competitive inhibitors, methionine sulfoximine and ADP and K-i values of 0.086 mM (0.017 for the enzyme from stressed leaves) and 2.15 mM (1.70 for the enzyme from stressed leaves), respectively. Enzyme from stressed leaves is not inhibited by 5 mM proline. The observed kinetic constants of GS(2) from normal and water stressed safflower seedlings are discussed in relation to the known water-stress tolerance of this crop plant.

Conformation and orientation of alkyl chains in the layered organic-inorganic hybrids: (CnH2n+1NH3)(2)PbI4 (n=12,16,18)

Layered organic inorganic hybrids based on perovskite-derived alkylammonium lead halides have been demonstrated as important new materials in the construction of molecular electronic devices. Typical of this class of materials are the single-perovskite slab lead iodides of the general formula (CnH2n+1NH3)(2)PbI4. While for small n, these compounds are amenable to single-crystal structure determination, the increasing degree of disorder in the long chain (n = 12,14...) compounds makes such an analysis difficult. In this study, we use powder X-ray diffraction, and vibrational and C-13 NMR spectroscopies to establish the conformation, orientation and organization of hydrocarbon chains in the series of layered alkylammonium lead iodides (CnH2n+1NH3)(2)PbI4 (n = 12,16,18). We find that the alkyl chains adopt a tilted bilayer arrangement, while the structure of the inorganic layer remains invariant with respect to the value of n. Conformation-sensitive methylene stretching modes in the infrared and Raman spectra, as well as the C-13 NMR spectra indicate that bonds in the methylene chain are in trans configuration. The skeletal modes of the alkyl chain in the Raman spectra establish that there is a high degree of all-trans conformational registry for the values of n studied here. From the orientation dependence of the infrared spectra of crystals of (CnH2n+1NH3)(2)PbI4 ( n = 12,16), we find that the molecular axis of the all-trans alkyl chains are tilted away from the interlayer normal by an angle of 55degrees. This value of this tilt angle is consistent with the dependence of the c lattice expansion as a function of n, as determined from powder X-ray diffraction.

Phase transitions in the anchored organic bilayers of long-chain alkylammonium lead iodides (CnH2n+1NH3)(2)PbI4; n=12, 16, 18

The single perovskite slab alkylammonium lead iodides (CnH2n+1NH3)(2)PbI4, n = 12, 16, 18, display two phase transitions, just above room temperature, associated with changes in the alkylammonium chains. We have followed these two phase transitions using scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and IR and Raman spectroscopies. We find the first phase transition to be associated with symmetry changes arising from a dynamic rotational disordering of the ammonium headgroup of the chain whereas the second transition, the melting of the chains in two dimensions, is characterized by an increased conformational disorder of the methylene units of the alkyl chains. We examine these phase transitions in light of the interesting optical properties of these materials, as well as the relevance of these systems as models for phase transitions in lipid bilayers.

The 18 September 2011, North Sikkim earthquake

The 18 September 2011, magnitude Mw 6.9 earthquake close to the Nepal-Sikkim border caused significant damage due to ground shaking and caused several landslides. Observations from the post-earthquake surveys in the affected areas within Sikkim suggest that the poorly engineered, multistoried structures were relatively more impacted. Those located on alluvial terraces were also affected. The morphology of the region is prone to landslides and the possibility for their increased intensity during the forthcoming monsoon need to be considered seriously. From the seismotectonic perspective, the mid-crustal focal depth of the North Sikkim earthquake reflects the ongoing deformation of the subducting Indian plate.

Role of water contamination within the GC column of a GasBench II peripheral on the reproducibility of O-18/O-16 ratios in water samples

The GasBench II peripheral along with MAT 253 combination provides a more sensitive platform for the determination of water isotope ratios. Here, we examined the role of adsorbed moisture within the gas chromatography (GC) column of the GasBench II on measurement uncertainties. The uncertainty in O-18/O-16 ratio measurements is determined by several factors, including the presence of water in the GC. The contamination of GC with water originating from samples as water vapour over a longer timeframe is a critical factor in determining the reproducibility of O-18/O-16 ratios in water samples. The shift in isotope ratios observed in the experiment under dry and wet conditions correlates strongly with the retention time of analyte CO2, indicating the effect of accumulated moisture. Two possible methods to circumvent or minimise the effect of adsorbed water on isotope ratios are presented here. The proposed methodology includes either the regular baking of the GC column at a higher temperature (120 degrees C) after analysis of a batch of 32 sample entries or conducting the experiment at a low GC column temperature (22.5 degrees C). The effects of water contamination on long-term reproducibility of reference water, with and without baking protocol, have been described.

Mechanism of Fragility at BCL2 Gene Minor Breakpoint Cluster Region during t(14;18) Chromosomal Translocation

The t(14;18) translocation in follicular lymphoma is one of the most common chromosomal translocations. Breaks in chromosome 18 are localized at the 3'-UTR of BCL2 gene or downstream and are mainly clustered in either the major breakpoint region or the minor breakpoint cluster region (mcr). The recombination activating gene (RAG) complex induces breaks at IgH locus of chromosome 14, whereas the mechanism of fragility at BCL2 mcr remains unclear. Here, for the first time, we show that RAGs can nick mcr; however, the mechanism is unique. Three independent nicks of equal efficiency are generated, when both Mg2+ and Mn2+ are present, unlike a single nick during V(D)J recombination. Further, we demonstrate that RAG binding and nicking at the mcr are independent of nonamer, whereas a CCACCTCT motif plays a critical role in its fragility, as shown by sequential mutagenesis. More importantly, we recapitulate the BCL2 mcr translocation and find that mcr can undergo synapsis with a standard recombination signal sequence within the cells, in a RAG-dependent manner. Further, mutation to the CCACCTCT motif abolishes recombination within the cells, indicating its vital role. Hence, our data suggest a novel, physiologically relevant, nonamer-independent mechanism of RAG nicking at mcr, which may be important for generation of chromosomal translocations in humans.

Synthesis and spectral characterization of cyclotriphosphazene based 18-membered macrocycles

New 18-membered cyclotriphosphazene-containing macrocycles 7-10 were obtained by 1 + 1 condensation reaction of dispiro-N3P3(C12H8O2)(2)((N(Me)N=CH)(2) N4C20H26)] (2) with N,N'-dimethyl-ethylenediamine-1,4-diyldimethylenebis(4-methyl-2-formylph enol) (3), N,N'-dimethyl-ethylenediamine-1,4-diyldimethylenebis(4,5-dimethyl-2-form ylphenol) (4), N,N'-dimethyl-ethylenediamine-1,4-diyldimethylenebis(5-chloro-2-formylph enol) (5) and N,N'-dimethyl-ethylenediamine-1,4-diyldimethylenebis(5-bromo-2-formylphe nol) (6), respectively. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of the upwelling events on the delta C-13 and delta O-18 of the benthic bivalve shells of the South Western Continental Margin of India

In this study, the influence of the spatial and temporal variability of upwelling intensity and the associated biological productivity observed during different phases of summer monsoon along the southwestern continental margin of India (SWCMI) on the delta C-13 and delta O-18 of the inorganic biogenic carbonate shells was investigated. Multispecies benthic bivalve shells (1-5 mm) separated from ten surface sediment samples of SWCMI (off 12 degrees N, 10 degrees N and 9 degrees N) collected during the onset (OSM) and peak (PSM) phase of the summer monsoon of 2009 were analysed for delta C-13 and delta O-18. Sea surface temperature along the study region indicates prominent upwelling in PSM than in OSM. A comparison of analytical and predicted values for delta O-18 in the bivalve shells confirmed their in situ origin during both the sampling periods. During PSM, the delta C-13 values in the benthic bivalve shells were more depleted in C-13 than during OSM which recorded lower values of delta C-13 in dissolved inorganic carbon of bottom waters expected in the study region in PSM due to the upwelled waters, high surface productivity and the associated high degradation of the organic matter in the subsurface and bottom waters. However, this depletion of delta C-13 was not observed in benthic bivalve shells obtained from 10 degrees N, since it is influenced by high export fluxes of carbon from the Cochin estuary since early monsoon months.

Efecto de diferentes dosis de fertilizantes de la fórmula 18-46-0 y densidades de siembra sobre el crecimiento y rendimiento del frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris) y la dinámica de las malezas

El presente experimento fue realizado en la Estación Experimental La Compañía, San Marcos, departamento de Carazo, durante la época de postrera del año 1991 con el fin de evaluar el efecto de diferentes dosis de fertilizante y densidades de siembra sobre la cenosis de las malezas, el crecimiento y rendimiento del frijol común. Los tratamientos, consistieron en combinar tres dosis de fertilizante de la fórmula 1846-0 (Testigo, 1 y 2 qq/mz de fertilizante) con tres densidades de siembra (15, 30 y 45 semillas/m2). Los resultados obtenidos en este trabajó muestran que bajo las condiciones en las que fue realizado el experimento, la aplicación de 2 qq/mz del fertilizante y una densidad de siembra de 45 semillas/m2, produjo la menor abundancia y cobertura de malezas. A dosis de 1 qq/mz y densidad de 30 semillas/m2 se obtuvo el menor peso seco de malezas. Durante el ciclo del cultivo la mayor diversidad de especies se registró en la clase monocotiledónea. En cuanto al cultivo, aun cuando se observó una ligera tendencia a disminuir el rendimiento a medida que aumentó la dosis de fertilizante aplicada no hubo diferencias. En el caso de las densidades, se obtuvo el mayor número de ramas y vainas con 15 semillas/m2 y el mayor número de plantas, peso de mil granos y rendimiento con 45 semillas/m2, aunque en todos los casos las diferencias fueron mínimas.

Evaluación de dos variedades de brocoli (Pirata y Green F. Sprouting Calabrense) y tres dosis de fertilización (18-46-0) en la comarca Mombachito, Camoapa (Boaco)

Nuestros pequeños productores han practicado por mucho tiempo el monocultivo, esto por factores como: falta de material vegetativo, conocimiento técnico entre otros. El brócoli (Brassica oleracea var.itálica), es uno de las hortalizas que aporta un número de elementos esenciales a la dieta alimenticia, esta planta puede ser utilizada como alternativa de diversificación en las unidades productivas de la región central de Nicaragua que poseen las condiciones adecuadas para su desarrollo. Con este estudio se pretendió conocer el comportamiento de dos variedades de brócoli, así como también la influencia de tres dosis de fertilización 18-46-0. El experimento se estableció en la comarca Mombachito, Camoapa departamento de Boaco, predominando precipitaciones anuales de 1,200–1,600mm, temperatura de 15–23°C y una altura de 700 m.s.n.m. El diseño experimental fue bifactorial en arreglo de bloques completo al azar (B.C.A), con tres repeticiones, evaluando seis tratamientos. A las variables a medir se le realizó un análisis de varianza (ANDEVA) con una Pr<.0.05, utilizando el programa sistema de análisis estadístico (SAS), las variables con diferencias significativas se le aplicó separación de media según Duncan además de realizar un análisis económicos para determinar la rentabilidad de los tratamientos. Los resultados obtenidos fueron: en la etapa de semillero no se encontró diferencias significativas entre las variedades. En el ANDEVA realizado se encontró que solo para el factor variedad existió diferencias significativas con Pr<0.02, realizando las comparaciones de media. En la variable altura de la planta se encontró diferencias a partir de los 27 días después del transplante (ddt), siendo superior para el factor variedad (Green) con CV de 5.50–26.46%; la variable ancho de la hoja no tuvo diferencias entre los tratamientos, el largo de la hoja presento diferencias a partir de los 54 ddt con CV de 3.89%, para el factor variedad siendo esta Green. La variable grosor del tallo presento diferencias desde los 27 ddt en la variedad pirata siendo la única que produjo frutos comerciables. En las variables de rendimiento no se encontró diferencias significativas, obteniendo la mayor rentabilidad la variedad pirata con 260kg/ha de fertilización.

第18届国际理论与应用力学大会(ICTAM-18)

<正> 由国际理论与应用力学联合会(IUTAM)召开的4年一次的第18届国际理论与应用力学大会(ICTAM-18),于1992年8月22—28日在以色列海法市的以色列工业学院举行。大会选定的3个主题是:固体与结构力学中的不稳定性;海面力学与海气相互作用;生物力学。设置主题分会的目的是对力学中的某些重要领域做综合介绍,以强调这领域的重要性,或对新领域起提倡作用。

[Discurso do Deputado Manoel de Almeida : Sessão da Câmara dos Deputados de 18 de março de 1964]

Condena os que se declaram favoráveis ao retorno da capital do país para o Rio de Janeiro.

[Discurso do Deputado Daso Coimbra : Sessão da Câmara dos Deputados de 18 de setembro de 1978]

Apoia o movimento em favor da representação política para o Distrito Federal, frisando que a primeira manifestação a esse respeito, na Câmara dos Deputados, foi de sua autoria.