Development of a PCR assay for the detection of nifH and nifD genes in indigenous photosynthetic bacteria.

Molybdenum (Mo) nitrogenases consist of two components: dinitrogenase reductase (encoded by nifH) and the dinitrogenase or MoFe protein (encoded by nifDK). Nitrogenase enzyme of photosynthetic bacteria is responsible for hydrogen production. Therefore, primers were designed for the nitrogenase gene only. In this study, two primers (ND and NH) were designed after comparative genomic analysis of nifH and nifD gene sequences from public databases. The designed primers were used for the amplification of nifH and nifD genes to detect nitrogenase genes in photosynthetic bacteria. Initial detection was done using a monoplex Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCRs) followed by optimization of the PCR protocols. Subsequently, a duplex PCR was designed for amplification and detection of nifH and nifD genes in indigenous photosynthetic bacteria. Evaluation of the duplex PCR on six samples isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) showed that only four isolates contained both the nifH and nifD genes, indicating that these isolates were potential hydrogen-producing bacteria. PCR detection provides a rapid and efficient pre-identification of potential photosynthetic bacterial hydrogen producers

Rapamycin synergizes cisplatin sensitivity in basal-like breast cancer cells through up-regulation of p73.

Recent gene expression profiling studies have identified five breast cancer subtypes, of which the basal-like subtype is the most aggressive. Basal-like breast cancer poses serious clinical challenges as there are currently no targeted therapies available to treat it. Although there is increasing evidence that these tumors possess specific sensitivity to cisplatin, its success is often compromised due to its dose-limiting nephrotoxicity and the development of drug resistance. To overcome this limitation, our goal was to maximize the benefits associated with cisplatin therapy through drug combination strategies. Using a validated kinase inhibitor library, we showed that inhibition of the mTOR, TGFβRI, NFκB, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK pathways sensitized basal-like MDA-MB-468 cells to cisplatin treatment. Further analysis demonstrated that the combination of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and cisplatin generated significant drug synergism in basal-like MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, and HCC1937 cells but not in luminal-like T47D or MCF-7 cells. We further showed that the synergistic effect of rapamycin plus cisplatin on basal-like breast cancer cells was mediated through the induction of p73. Depletion of endogenous p73 in basal-like cells abolished these synergistic effects. In conclusion, combination therapy with mTOR inhibitors and cisplatin may be a useful therapeutic strategy in the treatment of basal-like breast cancers

Flow visualization studies over a UCAV 1303 model

This study is a qualitative documentation of the main flow features that affect the aerodynamic performance under steady and unsteady maneuver conditions. The relevant fluid flow physics is not available presently and, hence, this thesis concentrated on generating those critical details. Towards this goal, model studies were conducted on the United States Air Force (USAF) geometry, described as same UCAV 1303, which is essentially a flying wing in the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) water tunnel using dye-flow visualization technique. This study adapted the UCAV model 1303 for the NPS water tunnel by incorporating multiple ports for dye injection and was manufactured using rapid prototyping techniques. To obtain conditionally sampled flow images, especially for unsteady flow conditions, special phase locking circuitry was designed, fabricated and integrated with high resolution digital cameras and tunnel flow monitoring software. Flow visualization images at various Reynolds numbers, model attitudes and pitch rates were obtained. Strong vortical flow was observed as expected for a 47 degree delta-wing. The shallow sweep angle and tail-less geometry seemed to present some unusual aerodynamic characteristics in regard to vortex bursting.http://archive.org/details/flowvisualizatio109454757Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Maritime Interdiction Operations in Logistically Barren Environments

Includes supplementary materialThis report contains analysis that shows that existing technology exists to improve Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) by approximately 30%. Furthermore, analysis contained herein will aid MIO planning for future operations. Since MIOs are an inherently dangerous, but necessary activity with far reaching implications to theater political and economic dynamics, this improvement is of great interest. MIO is a Naval solution to the problems of smuggling weapons, explosives, people and narcotics. MIO, when employed correctly has the potential to save lives and limit economic/political damage.N

Mapping genomic loci implicates genes and synaptic biology in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia has a heritability of 60-80%1, much of which is attributable to common risk alleles. Here, in a two-stage genome-wide association study of up to 76,755 individuals with schizophrenia and 243,649 control individuals, we report common variant associations at 287 distinct genomic loci. Associations were concentrated in genes that are expressed in excitatory and inhibitory neurons of the central nervous system, but not in other tissues or cell types. Using fine-mapping and functional genomic data, we identify 120 genes (106 protein-coding) that are likely to underpin associations at some of these loci, including 16 genes with credible causal non-synonymous or untranslated region variation. We also implicate fundamental processes related to neuronal function, including synaptic organization, differentiation and transmission. Fine-mapped candidates were enriched for genes associated with rare disruptive coding variants in people with schizophrenia, including the glutamate receptor subunit GRIN2A and transcription factor SP4, and were also enriched for genes implicated by such variants in neurodevelopmental disorders. We identify biological processes relevant to schizophrenia pathophysiology; show convergence of common and rare variant associations in schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders; and provide a resource of prioritized genes and variants to advance mechanistic studies.11Nsciescopu

Mapping genomic loci implicates genes and synaptic biology in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia has a heritability of 60–80%1, much of which is attributable to common risk alleles. Here, in a two-stage genome-wide association study of up to 76,755 individuals with schizophrenia and 243,649 control individuals, we report common variant associations at 287 distinct genomic loci. Associations were concentrated in genes that are expressed in excitatory and inhibitory neurons of the central nervous system, but not in other tissues or cell types. Using fine-mapping and functional genomic data, we identify 120 genes (106 protein-coding) that are likely to underpin associations at some of these loci, including 16 genes with credible causal non-synonymous or untranslated region variation. We also implicate fundamental processes related to neuronal function, including synaptic organization, differentiation and transmission. Fine-mapped candidates were enriched for genes associated with rare disruptive coding variants in people with schizophrenia, including the glutamate receptor subunit GRIN2A and transcription factor SP4, and were also enriched for genes implicated by such variants in neurodevelopmental disorders. We identify biological processes relevant to schizophrenia pathophysiology; show convergence of common and rare variant associations in schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders; and provide a resource of prioritized genes and variants to advance mechanistic studies