Interaction of plant amine oxidases with diaminoethers

Polyamines are ubiquitous compounds, which are involved in crucial physiological events including cell growth and differentiation. The catabolic oxidative degradation of polyamines is catalyzed by quinoprotein copper-containing amine oxidases (CAOs) and flavoprotein polyamine oxidases (PAOs). Various synthetic polyamine analogs and polyamine derivatives have been reported, which represent important tools (substrates or inhibitors) in the study of catalytic properties of the enzymes. In this work, two related compounds were studied in the reactions with plant amine oxidases: 1,8-diamino-3,6-dioxaoctane (DADO) and 1,10-bis(2- pyridinylmethyl)-4,7-dioxa-1,10-diazadecane (BPDD). Based on activity and stoichiometry assays together with spectrophotometric measurements, DADO can be considered a good substrate for grass pea, lentil and E. characias CAOs with Km values in the range 10-4 – 10-3 M. Its oxidative degradation produces the corresponding aminoaldehyde 8-amino-3,6-dioxaoctanal, which does not undergo spontaneous cyclization (as it is known for the oxidation products of natural substrates putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine) or polymerization in the reaction mixture. Conversely, oat PAO does not oxidize DADO and is only weakly inhibited by the compound (Ki = 1.6 mM towards putrescine). BPDD was found to be a competitive inhibitor of both CAOs and PAOs with Ki values of 10-4 M. DADO could be suggested as a potential affinity ligand for CAOs

Understanding the consequences of diversification on financial stability

In this paper, we study the consequences of diversification on financial stability and social welfare using an agent based model that couples the real economy and a financial system. We validate the model against its ability to reproduce several stylized facts reported in real economies. We find that the risk of an isolated bank failure (i.e. idiosyncratic risk) is decreasing with diversification. In contrast, the probability of joint failures (i.e. systemic risk) is increasing with diversification which results in more downturns in the real sector. Additionally, we find that the system displays a “robust yet fragile” behaviour particularly for low diversification. Moreover, we study the impact of introducing preferential attachment into the lending relationships between banks and firms. Finally, we show that a regulatory policy that promotes bank–firm credit transactions that reduce similarity between banks can improve financial stability whilst permitting diversification

Conifer-feeding aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae) of India, Bhutan and Nepal with descriptions of three new species of the genus Cinara

Here, we present a review of the conifer-feeding aphids of India, Bhutan and Nepal, which includes 30 species. Three new species, viz., Cinara (Cinara) bhutanica sp. nov., associated with Pinus wallichiana in Eastern Himalaya (Bhutan), Cinara (Cupressobium) asishghoshi sp. nov., which infest Juniperus squamata and Cinara (Cupressobium) himalayaensis sp. nov., which are associated with Taxus baccata in Northwest Himalaya (India) respectively, are described and illustrated. A hitherto unknown oviparous female of Cinara lachnirostris Hille Ris Lambers is also described and illustrated. Cinara (Cinara) takahashii nom. nov. is proposed here as a replacement name for Cinara (Cinara) orientalis (Takahashi, 1925), which is a junior secondary homonym of Cinara (Schizolachnus) orientalis (Takahashi, 1924). Cinara indica Verma syn. nov. is proposed as new junior synonym of Cinara confinis (Koch). Cinara maculipes and Cinara takahashii nom nov. from Bhutan and C. tenuipes from Nepal are reported for the first time. Taxonomical and biological information about the presented species are given along with their distribution. A key to identifying the conifer-feeding aphids of India, Bhutan and Nepal is also provided

Demographic Decline, Population Ageing and Modern Financial Approaches to Urban Policy

This article discusses the interaction between demographic aging, population decline, and various aspects of the local development challenges facing public authorities. In particular, this article examines some of the financial issues arising from population aging and decline and the ways in which new approaches to public finance are being used in support of European Union regional and urban policy. In this context, it is argued that a comprehensive portfolio investment approach has the potential to significantly improve policy effectiveness