Solving surface structures from normal incidence X-ray standing wave data

A program is provided to determine structural parameters of atoms in or adsorbed on surfaces by refinement of atomistic models towards experimentally determined data generated by the normal incidence X-ray standing wave (NIXSW) technique. The method employs a combination of Differential Evolution Genetic Algorithms and Steepest Descent Line Minimisations to provide a fast, reliable and user friendly tool for experimentalists to interpret complex multidimensional NIXSW data sets

Deduced Primary Structure of the β Subunit of Brain Type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase Determined by Molecular Cloning

cDNA clones coding for the β subunit of rat brain type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase were isolated and sequenced. The clones, including one containing the entire coding region, hybridize at high stringency to a single band of poly(A)+ RNA of length 4.8 kilobases. The subunit coded for by the clones was identified by in vitro transcription of the cDNA followed by translation of the resulting RNA. The DNA sequence of the clones contains a single long open reading frame (1626 nucleotides) coding for a protein of 542 amino acids with a molecular weight of 60,333, the amino-terminal half of which is homologous to several other protein kinases. Potential ATP- and calmodulin-binding domains were identified. Two independent clones contain an identical 45-nucleotide deletion, relative to the clones described above, resulting in a shorter open reading frame coding for a protein of molecular weight 58,000. This suggests that the minor, 58-kDa β' subunit of the type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase may be synthesized on a separate message

Valuing New South Wales rivers for use in benefit transfer

The results from seven choice modelling applications designed to value improved river health in New South Wales are reported. These applications were designed to provide value estimates that could be used, through benefit transfer, to value improvements in the health of other rivers within the state. Because of limitations on the number of rivers that could be valued and populations sampled, a pooled model for use in benefit transfer was also estimated. The results indicate that both use and non‐use values were found to exist for all catchments. In addition, value estimates were found to differ across catchments when populations resident within catchments were sampled. However, when populations resident outside catchments were sampled for two of these catchments, value estimates were found to be statistically similar. This indicates the importance of valuing improved river health in specific catchments by sampling populations within catchments. Yet, it also indicates that it is less critical to conduct multiple surveys of residents outside catchments to value improved river health.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Purification and characterization of a calmodulin-dependent protein kinase that is highly concentrated in brain

A calcium and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase has been purified from rat brain. It was monitored during the purification by its ability to phosphorylate the synaptic vesicle-associated protein, synapsin I. A 300-fold purification was sufficient to produce kinase that is 90-95% pure as determined by scans of stained sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels and has a specific activity of 2.9 mumol of 32P transferred per min/mg of protein. Thus, the kinase is a relatively abundant brain enzyme, perhaps comprising as much as 0.3% of the total brain protein. The Stokes radius (95 A) and sedimentation coefficient (16.4 S) of the kinase indicate a holoenzyme molecular weight of approximately 650,000. The holoenzyme is composed of three subunits as judged by their co-migration with kinase activity during the purification steps and co-precipitation with kinase activity by a specific anti-kinase monoclonal antibody. The three subunits have molecular weights of 50,000, 58,000, and 60,000, and have been termed alpha, beta', and beta, respectively. The alpha- and beta-subunits are distinct peptides, however, beta' may have been generated from beta by proteolysis. All three of these subunits bind calmodulin in the presence of calcium and are autophosphorylated under conditions in which the kinase is active. The subunits are present in a ratio of about 3 alpha-subunits to 1 beta/beta'-subunit. We therefore postulate that the 650,000-Da holoenzyme consists of approximately 9 alpha-subunits and 3 beta/beta'-subunits. The abundance of this calmodulin-dependent protein kinase indicates that its activation is likely to be an important biochemical response to increases in calcium ion concentration in neuronal tissue

Harvey v Beveridge: Common Intention Constructive Trusts in New Zealand?

This article discusses the reasoning of the High Court and Court of Appeal in Harvey v Beveridge in respect of the existence of "common intention constructive trusts" in New Zealand law. It analyses the development of constructive trusts doctrine in New Zealand, and argues that a different approach was taken to the application of this doctrine in relationship property disputes compared with the equivalent English doctrine. This difference was not recognised in Harvey v Beveridge, and it is argued that an adequate understanding of this difference requires us to grapple with the underlying foundations of the New Zealand law, which were left open during the Court of Appeal's development of the doctrine