Circadian input kinases and their homologs in cyanobacteria: Evolutionary constraints versus architectural diversification

The circadian input kinase A (cikA) gene encodes a protein relaying environmental signal to the central circadian oscillator in cyanobacteria. The CikA protein has a variable architecture and usually consists of four tandemly arrayed domains: GAF, histidine kinase (HisKA), histidine kinase-like ATPase (HATPase-c), and a pseudo-receiver (REC). Among them, HisKA and HATPase-c are the least polymorphic, and REC is not present in heterocystic filamentous cyanobacteria. CikA contains several conserved motifs that are likely important for circadian function. There are at least three types of circadian systems, each of which possesses a different set of circadian genes. The originally described circadian system (kaiABC system) possesses both cikA and kaiA, while the others lack either only cikA (kaiABC Δ) or both (kaiBC). The results we obtained allowed us to approximate the time of the cikA origin to be about 2600-2200 MYA and the time of its loss in the species with the kaiABC Δ or kaiBC system between 1100 and 600 MYA. Circadian specialization of CikA, as opposed to its non-circadian homologs, is a result of several factors, including the unique conserved domain architecture and high evolutionary constraints of some domains and regions, which were previously identified as critical for the circadian function of the gene. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.postprin

Proizvodnja pektinaza, aktivnih pri niskim temperaturama, pomoću psihrotolerantnih mikroorganizama

In winemaking, low temperatures are favourable for the production and retention of flavour and colour components, requiring the use of cold-active enzymes. For this reason, \u27psychrotolerant\u27 microorganisms have been isolated and selected based on their ability to produce pectinolytic enzymes with satisfactory activity at low temperatures. Different mature grape varieties with designation of origin were sampled from the region of San Rafael (Mendoza, Argentina), and pectinolytic bacterial, fungal and yeast strains were isolated. The pectinolytic activity was measured by cup-plate assay, quantification of released reducing sugars and viscosity reduction of pectin solution. Two bacteria (Bacillus sp. SC-G and SC-H) and two yeast strains were selected for their good pectinase activity at low temperatures. Among them, the strain with the highest activity, Bacillus sp. SC-H, was selected. According to their 16S rRNA profiles, Bacillus sp. SC-G and SC-H can be classified as members of Bacillus subtilis. Among the assayed techniques, the rotary evaporation was found to be the most appropriate to obtain enzymatic extracts with highest activity. The optimal conditions for the enzymatic activity were 30 °C and pH=5.0 for the concentrated extract, and 45 °C and pH=6.0 for the filtered supernatant. The concentrated extract presented good activity at 3 °C, confirming that it was a cold-active enzyme. Natural extraction and enzymatic preparation were used to extract pigments and polyphenols from Malbec grapes. Better results were obtained for the enzymatic extract with regard to index, shade, CIELab coordinates, CIELab colour differences and polyphenols (measured using Folin-Ciocalteu).Da bi se dobili što boji okus i boja vina, u vinarstvu se primjenjuju enzimi aktivni pri niskim temperaturama. Izolirani su psihrotolerantni mikroorganizmi sposobni da sintetiziraju pektinolitičke enzime aktivne pri niskim temperaturama. Zrelo grožđe različitih sorata s oznakom podrijetla prikupljeno je s područja San Rafael (Mendoz, Argentina), pa su izolirani pektinolitički sojevi bakterija, kvasaca i plijesni. Njihova je učinkovitost ispitana utvrđivanjem aktivnosti pektinaze na agaru (tzv. „cup-plate assay“), određivanjem udjela reducirajućih šećera što nastaju djelovanjem enzima i praćenjem smanjenja viskoznosti otopine pektina. Odabrana su dva soja bakterija (Bacillus sp. SC-G i SC-H) i dva soja kvasaca što luče pektinaze aktivne pri niskim temperaturama. Najveću aktivnost imao je soj Bacillus sp. SC-H. Određivanjem profila 16S rRNA utvrđeno je da su obje bakterije sojevi Bacillus subtilis. Najučinkovitiji enzimski ekstrakti dobiveni su u rotacijskom isparivaču. Optimalni uvjeti za aktivnost enzima bili su: 30 ºC i pH=5,0 za koncentrirani ekstrakt, te 45 ºC i pH=6,0 za filtrirani supernatant. Koncentrirani je ekstrakt imao dobru aktivnost i pri 3 °C, što potvrđuje njegovu učinkovitost pri niskim temperaturama. Prirodnom i enzimskom ekstrakcijom iz grožđa sorte Malbec izdvojeni su pigmenti i polifenoli. Enzimska je ekstrakcija bila učinkovitija, što potvrđuju indeks boje, CIELab koordinate, razlika boje prema CIELab sustavu i udjel polifenola određen Folin-Ciocalteu metodom

A Theory of Magnets with Competing Double Exchange and Superexchange Interactions

We study the competition between ferromagnetic double exchange (DE) and nearest-neighbour antiferromagnetic exchange in CMR materials. Towards this end, a single site mean field theory is proposed which emphasizes the hopping-mediated nature of the DE contribution. We find that the competition between these two exchange interactions leads to ferro- or antiferromagnetic order with incomplete saturation of the (sub)lattice magnetization. This conclusion is in contrast to previous results in the literature which find a canted spin arrangement under similar circumstances. We attribute this difference to the highly anisotropic exchange interactions used elsewhere. The associated experimental implications are discussed.Comment: 4 pages, Latex-Revtex, 3 PostScript figures. Please see report cond-mat/980523

Sortimentul viticol – component al securităţii şi siguranţei alimentare

The degree of viticulture contribution in ensuring the food security and safety is considerably determined by the potential of genetic diversity of assortment. In the paper is presented the evolution of grapevine assortment in Republic of Moldova in terms of ecological-geographic origin of varieties, some agrobiologic characteristics. To ensure the branch sustainability in conditions of northern extremity of industrial viticulture, the concept of genetic improvement of assortment is oriented at creation of varieties, inclusive seedless with multiple biological resistance. In conditions of climatic and socio- economic challenges, in order to ensuring food security, we note as necessary the development and implementation of programs for exploration, conservation and evaluation of genetic resources diversity - a basis for increasing the competitiveness and resistance of varieties. Through the intelligent correlation of classical breeding methods with the molecular biology, but also on new methodological and instrumental basis under development, we see an opportunity of grapevine genome fructification

Magnon Damping by magnon-phonon coupling in Manganese Perovskites

Inelastic neutron scattering was used to systematically investigate the spin-wave excitations (magnons) in ferromagnetic manganese perovskites. In spite of the large differences in the Curie temperatures ($T_C$s) of different manganites, their low-temperature spin waves were found to have very similar dispersions with the zone boundary magnon softening. From the wavevector dependence of the magnon lifetime effects and its correlation with the dispersions of the optical phonon modes, we argue that a strong magneto-elastic coupling is responsible for the observed low temperature anomalous spin dynamical behavior of the manganites.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure

Spin Wave Theory of Double Exchange Ferromagnets

We construct the 1/S spin-wave expansion for double exchange ferromagnets at T=0. It is assumed that the value of Hund's rule coupling, J_H, is sufficiently large, resulting in a fully saturated, ferromagnetic half-metallic ground state. We evaluate corrections to the magnon dispersion law, and we also find that, in contrast to earlier statements in the literature, magnon-electron scattering does give rise to spin wave damping. We analyse the momentum dependence of these quantities and discuss the experimental implications for colossal magnetoresistance compounds.Comment: 4 pages, Latex-Revtex, 2 PostScript figures. Minor revisions, references added. See also cond-mat/990921

Theory of anomalous magnon softening in ferromagnetic manganites

In metallic manganites with low Curie temperatures, a peculiar softening of the magnon spectrum close to the magnetic zone boundary has experimentally been observed. Here we present a theory of the renormalization of the magnetic excitation spectrum in colossal magnetoresistance compounds. The theory is based on the modulation of magnetic exchange bonds by the orbital degree of freedom of double-degenerate e_g electrons. The model considered is an orbitally degenerate double-exchange system coupled to Jahn-Teller active phonons which we treat in the limit of strong onsite repulsions. Charge and coupled orbital-lattice fluctuations are identified as the main origin of the unusual softening of the magnetic spectrum

Surgical management of enchondroma with joint transfer: a case report

The enchondromas are the most common benign bone tumor in the hands, mainly in young patients and its treatment is surgical in most cases due to its possible complications avoided through different procedures such as joint transfer, which allows to maintain a good quality of life for the patient. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman who came to the clinic for blunt trauma in the right hand where she was incidentally diagnosed with enchondroma on the third finger of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the right hand. Articular transfer of the proximal interphalangeal joint was performed. Second toe on the right, at 6 weeks corroborates correct evolution with bone consolidation of the articular transfer grade III and donor zone grade II, without infection complications, the correct recovery of the extensor movement range of this joint improving so their state of life should be the main objective of these procedures