Involvement of Schizosaccharomyces pombe rrp1+ and rrp2+ in the Srs2- and Swi5/Sfr1-dependent pathway in response to DNA damage and replication inhibition

Previously we identified Rrp1 and Rrp2 as two proteins required for the Sfr1/Swi5-dependent branch of homologous recombination (HR) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Here we use a yeast two-hybrid approach to demonstrate that Rrp1 and Rrp2 can interact with each other and with Swi5, an HR mediator protein. Rrp1 and Rrp2 form co-localizing methyl methanesulphonate–induced foci in nuclei, further suggesting they function as a complex. To place the Rrp1/2 proteins more accurately within HR sub-pathways, we carried out extensive epistasis analysis between mutants defining Rrp1/2, Rad51 (recombinase), Swi5 and Rad57 (HR-mediators) plus the anti-recombinogenic helicases Srs2 and Rqh1. We confirm that Rrp1 and Rrp2 act together with Srs2 and Swi5 and independently of Rad57 and show that Rqh1 also acts independently of Rrp1/2. Mutants devoid of Srs2 are characterized by elevated recombination frequency with a concomitant increase in the percentage of conversion-type recombinants. Strains devoid of Rrp1 or Rrp2 did not show a change in HR frequency, but the number of conversion-type recombinants was increased, suggesting a possible function for Rrp1/2 with Srs2 in counteracting Rad51 activity. Our data allow us to propose a model placing Rrp1 and Rrp2 functioning together with Swi5 and Srs2 in a synthesis-dependent strand annealing HR repair pathway

Anthocyanins, phenols, and antioxidant activity in blackberry juice with plant extracts addition during heating

In this work the influence of addition of different plant extracts (olive leaf, green tea, pine bark PE 95%, pine bark PE 5:1, red wine PE 30%, red wine PE 4:1, and bioflavonoids) to blackberry juice during heating (at 30, 50, 70 and 90 °C) on the anthocyanin and phenol contents, polymeric colour, and antioxidant activity was investigated. Also, reaction rate constant, half-lives of degradation, and activation energy were calculated. Control sample was juice without addition of extracts. The highest anthocyanin content at 30 °C was in samples with the addition of olive leaf and green tea. At 90 °C the highest anthocyanin content was measured in samples with the addition of extract of red wine and bioflavonoides. Samples supplemented with the extracts had much higher antioxidant activity in comparison to the control sample. Results showed that at 90 °C the sample with green tea supplementation had the lowest reaction rate constant and the highest half-life. Activation energy ranged from 29 to 44 kJ mol−1

Spectroscopy of HD 86222 – a quintuple system with an eclipsing component

We present spectroscopic and photometric analysis of the quintuple star HD 86222 with an eclipsing component. Until now three visual components A, B, and C of this multiple star were known. Four components in the A/B pair were detected during the examination of the cross correlation functions obtained from the spectra. We noticed that the visual components A and B, separated by , are in fact two binary stars – one eclipsing pair and one spectroscopic system. The pair with higher radial velocity amplitude corresponds to the eclipsing period. Photometric and spectroscopic observations of the eclipsing binary enable us to obtain the Wilson-Devinney model. The masses of this pair are M1 = 1.29 ± 0.09 M⊙ and M2 = 1.33 ± 0.09 M⊙, respectively. The radii, slightly higher than for the main sequence stars, are R1 = 1.35 ± 0.01 R⊙ and R2 = 1.36 ± 0.01 R⊙, respectively. The main parameters of the spectroscopic binary are also estimated, but they must be confirmed by future observations because of the uncertainty of the period. The farthest star named C, is 15 arc seconds from the main A and B components. Assuming that this object is gravitationally connected with the A and B binary pairs, HD 86222 has at least five components

Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits

Anthocyanins are colored water-soluble pigments belonging to the phenolic group. The pigments are in glycosylated forms. Anthocyanins responsible for the colors, red, purple, and blue, are in fruits and vegetables. Berries, currants, grapes, and some tropical fruits have high anthocyanins content. Red to purplish blue-colored leafy vegetables, grains, roots, and tubers are the edible vegetables that contain a high level of anthocyanins. Among the anthocyanin pigments, cyanidin-3-glucoside is the major anthocyanin found in most of the plants. The colored anthocyanin pigments have been traditionally used as a natural food colorant. The color and stability of these pigments are influenced by pH, light, temperature, and structure. In acidic condition, anthocyanins appear as red but turn blue when the pH increases. Chromatography has been largely applied in extraction, separation, and quantification of anthocyanins. Besides the use of anthocyanidins and anthocyanins as natural dyes, these colored pigments are potential pharmaceutical ingredients that give various beneficial health effects. Scientific studies, such as cell culture studies, animal models, and human clinical trials, show that anthocyanidins and anthocyanins possess antioxidative and antimicrobial activities, improve visual and neurological health, and protect against various non-communicable diseases. These studies confer the health effects of anthocyanidins and anthocyanins, which are due to their potent antioxidant properties. Different mechanisms and pathways are involved in the protective effects, including free-radical scavenging pathway, cyclooxygenase pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and inflammatory cytokines signaling. Therefore, this review focuses on the role of anthocyanidins and anthocyanins as natural food colorants and their nutraceutical properties for health. Abbreviations: CVD: Cardiovascular disease VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor

Murals of California

The paper draws an outline of the phenomenon of the Mural Movement in California (US). grunted experiences of Mexican mural and a giant mural program run in the 1930s on the 20th century within limits of New deal plan had big influence on its development. Murals themes often touches social issues, but also ranges to landscapes, fauna and flora themes, image of illusions of elevation decorations and widely considered history of the place. Portraits and group scenes, symbols of popular culture, loosely composed quotations from historical painting appear there. Various artistic currents such as: realism, op-art, hyperrealism, expressionism, cubism pop-art geometrical abstractionism and graffiti motives have their reflection in mural art. For many murals the leading motive is an element of humour and graphical humour. Murals are inseparable element of a landscape of Californian cities - both huge agglomerations and provincial settlements. Many places promote their mural as touristic attraction. the fact that many murals, especially those which are commonly acknowledged, is regularly restored and renewed proves that statement

Pictures in city landscape - murals

Called "the cover of poverty" or "anti-decoration" by some and "artistic decoration" by others, murals have been inscribed in the landscape of almost all huge urban agglomerations of both Americas and Western Europe. The period of most dynamic development of various forms and techniques of murals occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. The fact that they can fulfill many substantial functions, such as informational, commercial, educational or become expressions of rebellion or identification of the inhabitants with the city, add to their impetuous development. Because of their scale, colour, symbolic and in many cases also artistic values, murals become distinctive landmarks in urban landscape. The article presents in an outline some aspects concerning context, form and function of modern murals

Colour and Architecture - Colour Perception, Details of Colour Composition

Visual perception of architecture and town-planning is achieved by light and colour. On the other hand - light and colour are a vital formal medium in architectonical and townplanning design. What is more, light and colour can create the specific atmosphere and climate of the place (genius loci) in design, indicate the purpose of the place, its character or style. The article presents the elements of colour theory, problems of colouristic compositions and practical use. Such problems as: colour perception, emotional influence, symbols of colours and colour contrasts have been elaborated in the article. A supplement to the article is rich in illustration with commentaries

Growth and development of selected plant species in the phytoremediation of diesel oil contaminated soil

Effect of soil contamination with diesel oil on the growth of two plant species – faba bean (Vicia faba ssp. minor) and rape (Brassica napus var. napus) was assessed. It was demonstrated that the presence of diesel oil initially reduced the number of germinating seeds and then limited their development. Negative effect of the contamination was visible also in relation to the length of the roots and above-ground plant parts. The plants stimulated the process of degradation of diesel oil, however, it occurred only in the initial incubation period